Archbishop
M ELLER The Magazine for Archbishop Moeller Alumni, Parents and Friends
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
FINDING PURPOSE IN PERU 1 • ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE
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This year Moeller welcomed the Class of 2020 and current students to the inaugural Legacy Night on April 28. Marshall Hyzdu ‘96, school president, gave a warm Moeller Family welcome to the incoming Class of 2020 and welcomed back alumni who were present. “It is you, our alumni and friends, who provide the possibility for our students not only to receive a Marianist education, but also to experience life-changing opportunities surrounded by the Moeller Family,” said Hyzdu.
1 Meet the President 2 Principal’s Message 3 Welcome to the Class of 2020 10 Student Reflection 14 Retreats 18 Athletic News 16 Development Update 20 Alumni Spotlight 21 Alumni Notes On the cover: Will Gilliland stands dwarfed by the Peruvian highlands.
Archbishop
John Kilgore ‘93. Aidan ‘20, Noah ‘17, Dan Huston ‘65
Gerry Faust, former Moeller coach also celebrated alumni who have chosen to send their sons and/or grandsons to Moeller.
Editor Walt Schaefer
Moeller Family
Art Director Teresa Meyer, director of marketing and communications
As part of a Marianist education, one of the five characteristics is to provide an integral, quality education. Alumni who choose to send their sons to Moeller have experienced this, and the other characteristics, first hand.
Copy Editor Cindy Neuhaus
“At Moeller, we know our boys will continue their faith walk with Christ and experience challenging, rigorous academic instruction. Both will prepare them to impact the world through their vocations,” said John Kilgore ‘93. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and parents know and deeply value the importance of building a quality and faithful family-spirited relationship to last a lifetime. “My wife and I chose to move our family from Chicago back to Cincinnati so our boys could attend Moeller. I wanted them to have the same experience I had and Moeller is my family. So it was an easy decision to come back home for our sons’ high school years,” said Derek LaVonn Berry ‘85.
Contributors Marshall Hyzdu ‘96, Blane Collison, Mary Fischer, Eric Cameron ‘ 06, Jeff Gaier, Charlie Lytle, Teresa Meyer, Louise Hoelker, Betsy Morgan, Bill Hunt, Mike Cameron, Jacquelyn Sommers, Linda Zins-Adams, Dave Campbell, Anthony Corder, Issac Andrews ‘16, Will Gilliland ‘16, Thomas Gray ‘16, Dan Shannon, Britt Raymond, Rob Ebel, Steve Joebgen, John Hough, Jim Elfers, Max Hensler ‘16, Logan Nelson ‘16 Advisors Marshall Hyzdu ‘96, president Blane Collison, principal Teresa Meyer, director of marketing and communications Mary Fischer, director of alumni engagement Charlie Lytle, director of admission and enrollment management Mike Asbeck, athletic director Jeff Gaier, director of information technology
Archbishop Moeller High School Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, patrons, benefactors and supporters of Archbishop Moeller High School. Comments should be directed to Communictions@ Moeller.org; alumni news or comments to Ms. Mary Fischer at Mfischer@ Moeller.org, change address or other changes to the mailing list to Eric Cameron at Ecameron@Moeller.org or call 513-791-1680 ext 1300.
The Berry Family photo archive with Coach Faust from 2010 - 2016. Photographed (l to r) in left photo: Derek Ethan Berry ‘20, Gerry Faust, Derek La Vonn Berry ‘ 85 and Julian LaVonn Berry ‘ 19.
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Archbishop Moeller is an all-male, college preparatory school internationally known for our House System, pastoral ministry retreats, exchange program, cutting edge technology, academic prowess and athletic success. We focus on evangelizing the Roman Catholic faith and developing leadership in young men.
IN THIS ISSUE
The Legacy Continues; Moeller Family Grows
To connect with Moeller Magazine readers, Marshall Hyzdu, newly appointed president, answered a series of questions posed by magazine editor Walt Schaefer: Q: Tell us a little about what you have been doing professionally since graduating from Dartmouth? A: It hasn’t been your typical path to high school president, but it has been a great experience nonetheless. I worked on Wall Street for three years and received my MBA from the University of Michigan. I worked in Brand Management for Kraft Foods, Valvoline and Bridgestone. To return to Moeller has been an honor and a privilege. Q: As a Moeller alumnus, how has the school influenced your life? A: The Moeller family played a major role with laying the foundation for me as a Christian man and a loving husband and father. The teachers and coaches taught me several life lessons including the value of hard work and respect that have influenced my life decisions.
PRESIDENT’S Connection
Meet the President
Q: Moeller is seen as one of the preeminent Catholic schools in southwest Ohio. What is it doing right to maintain its high level of success? A: Not only is Moeller a preeminent Catholic school in southwest Ohio, it is the best high school in the country. Moeller has the best teachers, coaches and combination of academics, arts, athletics and service. Moeller’s strength has and always will be it’s Moeller Family. Q: Although you have only been at the helm a short time, do you perceive any immediate needs or short-term goals? A: Engage alumni. While Moeller has the most passionate alumni in the country, many have felt disengaged, alienated and forgotten. My job is to reunite the Moeller Family and welcome those who haven’t remained involved with Moeller. I have also vowed to secure the school and ensure every student and faculty/staff member are in a safe and secure learning environment. Q: Do you have a long term vision for the school? What is it? A: My vision is to continue offering the most complete high school education in the country. In order to do this, we need to demand excellence from our students, our teachers, and in everything we do Q: Are there other aspects of the school you would like to emphasize? A. Absolutely, the Characteristics of the Marianist education are critical to our approach: * Faith Formation: Our mission is the formation of young Christian men in the Catholic faith. * Quality Education: Fifty-six years of continuous education, and Moeller is a top tier academic institution. * Family Spirit: Moeller family is what genuinely differentiates Moeller from every other school in Cincinnati. * Service: We are all called to be doers of the world. Moeller students complete over 28,000 hours of service every year. * Adaptation: First to introduce laptops to every student and the first high school to have a House System in the tristate area.
Marshall Hyzdu ‘96 President
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PRINCIPAL’S Message
Preparing for Next Year: Like Changing A Tire at 50 MPH As we begin to move toward the close of the 2015-2016 academic year, much planning for next year has already begun. One of the unique aspects of working in an educational environment is that you plan for next year while you’re in the midst of a current academic calendar with all of the daily “busy-ness” that accompanies such an endeavor. Needless to say, the pace of the final semester is one that seems to gain velocity the closer the school year comes to an end. I often liken this planning process to “trying to change a tire going 50 miles an hour.” Preparing next year’s curriculum is an exciting task as we work to improve upon and create new courses to build students’ knowledge, ensuring that the academic offerings students engage in provide a rigorous preparation for the demands of college. While Moeller’s core curriculum remains strong, creating more variety in elective courses is a top priority. Electives are being designed to enhance the educational experience by allowing for increased opportunities to explore areas of high interest to our students while preparing them for their future endeavors in college and careers. Namely: * Moeller’s Engineering program continues to be a curriculum of high interest to many of our students, particularly those who have an affinity for mathematics and science. Course offerings will be expanded to provide for an additional track of electives for Engineering 2 and MathLab 2 courses for our senior class. * The Information Technology electives will be enhanced by allowing students to engage in classes designed for computer programming, database management and web design. * Additions to our Business program curriculum include business law, managerial accounting and an introduction to microeconomics. * Plans in our Science program curriculum will soon feature a “pre-med” track of classes to enhance the preparation of students who would like to potentially pursue medicine as a college major. One of the key characteristics of a Marianist education is to “educate for adaptation and change” in meeting our academic goals. To quote Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (Founder of the Society of Mary): “We must continue to adapt and change to the signs of the times in order to provide for our students’ inherent needs.” As we complete this semester and prepare for next year, Chaminade’s urging to us to be effective educators through integrating new methods and course offerings is a worthy goal and mission. We all commit to work toward providing the very best Catholic, Marianist education available to each of our families and students. “May the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.” Yours in service,
Blane M. Collison Principal
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Our Student Development Team poses with our Admissions Team during our Class of 2020 registration day.
WELCOME TO THE
CLASS OF 2020
The Class of 2020 numbers 240 young men. The class represents: • 63 students who have or had a brother attend or graduate from Moeller. • 52 students with a father who graduated from Moeller. • 7 students with a grandfather who graduated from Moeller. • 58 grade schools. • 153 students from parochial grade schools. • 81 students from private or public schools. • Top ten schools sending new Men of Moeller are: St. Margaret of York, Deerfield Township; St. Columban, Loveland; All Saints, Montgomery; St. Michael, Sharonville; St. Susanna, Mason; Loveland Junior High School; St. Veronica, Mount Carmel; St. Andrew-Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Milford/Miami Township; Nagel Middle School, Anderson Township and St. Vincent Ferrer, Sycamore Township.
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2020: Clear Vision: Moeller’s AP Program By Linda Zins-Adams In the 2016-17 school year, Moeller will offer 20 advanced placement (AP) courses. Beginning in ninth grade, a student has access to an AP course and may take several through his time at Moeller. AP courses not only give students credit, but prepare them for a taste of university expectations. Should a student take the following courses and attend a university in Ohio, he may earn enough college credit to significantly reduce his time as an undergraduate student. Grade 9: Human Geography -- 3 college credits Grade 10: US History -- 6 college credits: Environmental Science -- 3 college credits Studio Art 2D -- 3 college credits Grade 11: Chemistry -- 3 to 10 college credits: Psychology -- 4 college credits; English Literature and Composition -- 3 to 6 college credits; World History -- 6 college credits Grade 12: World Language and Culture -- 8 to 14 college credits (Moeller offers AP courses in German, Latin, and Spanish); Physics -- 4 college credits; Statistics -- 4 college credits; Studio Art Drawing -- 3 college credits; Art History-- 3 to 6 college credits; Calculus BC -- 9 college credits; English Language and Composition -- 3 to 6 college credits; Biology -- 4 college credits; US Government and Politics -- 3 college credits. Coming in the 2016-2017 school year, the course Calculus AB will be added. A passing score grants 5 college credits. In 2017-2018, Computer Science A will be added -- 3 to 6 college credits.
To help determine the school with the best opportunities in specific disciplines search: www. apstudent. collegeboard. org. For the most up-to-date AP crediting policy information, refer to the institution’s website. There is a fee of $92 for college exams set by the College Board. Students from low-income families who qualify pay the lower rate of $15 next year. The rate fluctuates yearly. The College Board follows the economic-need guidelines created by the federal government. Most states provide additional fee reductions for students in financial need. The AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through AP courses and exams with the AP Scholar Awards. Each award-winning student receives a certificate, and the award is acknowledged on any AP score report sent to colleges. Last year, Moeller had 44 AP Scholars, 12 AP Scholars with Honor, nine AP Scholars with Distinction, and one National AP Scholar. For additional information contact: Linda Zins-Adams, The AP curriculum director at Lzins-adams@Moeller.org or Brian Gilronan, the AP coordinator at Bgilronan@Moeller.org.
TEST PREP CAMP 9 July 25-2 5 August r1Week ions Pe
Two Sess
Archbishop
Choose One Camp Session: 8:30am or 10:30am start times Moeller’s HSPT Prep Camp helps 8th grade boys prepare for the exam that is administered by all Archdiocesan high schools. Prep camp sessions are designed to: • Strengthen a student’s test-taking skills • Master time-management strategies • Motivate and build a student’s self-confidence • Show a student exactly what to expect on test day • Meet Moeller students and learn more about why you should be a future Man of Moeller!
COST: $132 Two sessions per week: 8:30 – 11:00 AM & 10:30 AM – 1 PM Test Prep Camp includes a November review session.
HIGH SCHOOL
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REGISTER TODAY! Visit www.Moeller.org
FACULTY Spotlight
Dan Shannon, Biology and Environmental Sciences Dan Shannon has taught at Moeller since 1984. He and his wife, Lily, have two sons who are Moeller alums Dan ‘98, and Michael ‘00. Shannon is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio. He and students in his advanced placement environmental science class have initiated a sustainability project in aquaponics. He discusses the project with Editor Walt Schaefer: Q: Can you explain, in layman’s terms, the sustainability project? A. Basically, we are experimenting with a project on aquaponics. That is growing food without soil. We have a grow bed where plants feed nutrients from an aquarium below it. Fish in the aquarium produce ammonia -- a nitrogen compound -- and the plants require nitrogen. We pump water into the bottom of the grow bed. The plants root out into the liquid. The plants extract the nitrogen and they recycle clean water back to the fish. The only input we have is adding light so the plants grow. And, we feed the fish.
Q. What happens when you move from leafy plants to, say, tomatoes? A: For us to grow tomatoes, we would give them some nitrogen at the beginning and get them bushy. Then we would want to cut back the nitrogen. We are not doing that yet, but we are in the planning process. Right now we have a 10 gallon aquarium which has five to eight fish in it.
Q: What type of plants are you growing? A: Leafy plants require a lot of nitrogen. Typically you start out with lettuce, spinach, things like that. You can get a good crop going because these plants love nitrogen. If you want a plant with a lot of leaves you give them nitrogen. If you want them to flower you take the nitrogen away. It’s a signal for the plant to flower and reproduce. The big game is how to run this project and get things growing that we want. What we have now is a setup that is just growing greens.
Dan Shannon
Q: All of this sounds very advanced, especially in a high school setting. Why is this important today? A: Biology has changed dramatically since I started teaching it. Then, if it didn’t move, we dissected it. People then thought biology was all about cutting stuff open and looking inside. It drove people out of the science. Biology, since the molecular biology revolution of the 1990s, now involves biochemistry, genetics, cell biology. It’s also environmental. With this “new biology”, in order to keep up, we have adapted. Q: It sounds as if students today need a well-grounded, diversified foundation to pursue the “new” biology. Yes? A: A lot of different courses feed into Advanced Placement biology. It’s among our ‘Cadillac’ courses. To take that class you need physics and chemistry, and a lot of guys take organic chemistry. We have an anatomy and physiology course and then we teach an environmental science course. We are preparing these men for futures in biology and related sciences. Q: So, where does this sustainability project fit into all of this? A: The sustainability project is the AP environmental class science project. We hope the project expands as we try to build it to get more students involved. The ‘cool’ thing about the project is once we can grow lettuce, then we want to start monitoring the water and see what happens when we introduce variables --playing around with the variables in an experiment. To get students up to speed and turn them loose, that requires a level of trust of course, but the future is the reason why this is a fascinating project. Q: It’s all so interesting, but what are the pragmatic uses of aquaponics? A: Right here in Cincinnati, there are aquaponics companies providing greens for some sophisticated restaurants downtown. I don’t think people know that. There’s a reason. It’s cheaper and it’s more uniform. You harvest it all at once in a small closed area rather than a greenhouse. As soil becomes increasingly difficult to work with, why would you want to work with it? Why not use this kind of setup and just recycle your water? Using the water twice is a fundamental principle of sustainability.
Alex Flagg ‘ 18 is currently working on a sustainability project in Shannon’s class.
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Moeller Senior Ben Treinen Takes First Honors in National Drive for Design Contest The FCA US Drive for Design contest challenged United States high school students in grades 10 through 12 to design a Dodge SRT Hellcat for the year 2025. FCA US is formerly Chrysler Group. This year four student winners were announced in January. The first place honors went to Ben Treinen ‘16. Ben, with the three other winning students, were recognized and awarded prizes in February at the 64th annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama at Cobo Center, Detroit. Ben’s winning sketch was displayed in the Mopar booth at the Detroit Autorama. Prizes included Apple products, a three-week summer course at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, three passes to the Detroit Autorama, a three-day/two-night stay in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and dinner with members of the FCA US Design team.
“
About Drive for Design
produced -- so not any sort of
The FCA US Product Design team created its Drive for Design contest as a creative way to educate young artists about careers in automotive design. Starting locally in Detroit, Drive for Design has grown to become a national contest awarding talented students with prizes and rare opportunities to help further develop design skills.
crazy design engineers couldn’t
I had a pretty good idea
of what they were looking for… aesthetically good looking, but also (a design that) could be
make into an actual product, but something that was realistic for
”
2025. - Ben Treinen
Art/Photography Department Awarded Record $3.08 Million in Scholarships The Art and Design Department have been awarded $3.08 million in total collective scholarship offers for 2016. His little wonder as the department’s success in securing scholarships has been significant for more than a decade. “Archbishop Moeller High School Art/Photography Department since 2002 has enabled students on average to earn more than $2.5 million in scholarships annually. Graduates are accepted into top ranked art and design programs across the country,” said Jacquelyn Sommer, department chair. “The Art/Photography and Design Department has the ability to work one on one with students continually crafting and developing a program that positions them to go into any creative field. Current faculty have received multiple honors and awards in design and education,” she said. Department faculty hold board positions with the Art Academy of Cincinnati (Jacquelyn Sommer) and the Ohio Art Education Association (Greg Stanforth). There are 10 students in the 2016 Advanced Placement Studio Art and Design 4 class. Students achieve a commitment in art/photo skill sets by the following: * Drawing: The foundation of any program of excellence in the visual arts. 8 • ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Back row l to r: Hunter Elmore, Roger Chanin, Max Adarve Front row l to r: Daniel Hopkins, Brandon Lutts; Jack Buehler , Joseph Burns, Benjamin Treinen, Nicholas Schaffer Not photographed: Walter (Trey) McBride
* Sketchbook: The most important tool of the visual artist -the student’s visual diary. * The Elements of Art and the Principles of Design: The alphabet and grammar – the structure of the visual arts. * Verbal Communication: Students become conversant about their own and the visual art of others. They will learn specific language common to the arts community in order to carry on an intelligent and relevant conversation with an art professional. * Work Ethic: Students become disciplined artists creating works of art that clearly reflect their thoughts, feelings and intentions. “The advanced placement studio art and design course for seniors is designed for those who have completed all previous studio art and design courses and intend to pursue careers in the field of art and design,” Stanforth said.
Moeller Students Help Inner City Youth Understand Value of Peaceful Behavior
2015-16 members of Teens Acting for Peace.
Some inner city children -- even those attending Catholic Schools -- are more likely to encounter violence in their lives. Such encounters can instill violence in the youngsters who see it and the problem passes generation to generation. To counter this spiral, Moeller and Purcell Marian high schools -- brother and sister of the Marianist community -- have come together to teach and demonstrate peaceful behavior. Once a month, students from the two schools prepare lesson plans and go to St. Francis De Sales Elementary School in Walnut Hills to teach. Each elementary grade has its own theme --respecting the environment, respecting themselves, or respecting others. The effort is part of a long-standing program called TAP -- Teens Acting for Peace. It was created after the violence inflicted on the community during the racial tensions and riots of 2001. Seeing this throughout Cincinnati caused major concern that youths from St. Francis De Sales -- who, in one way or another, may have a direct linkage with violence in their lives -- would become what they were seeing.
spending time with the kids. Being part of TAP is a wonderful experience I will never forget. Giving underprivileged youth an opportunity to live peaceful lives is amazing,” said Isaac Andrews ‘16. “The effect it has on a person is life changing. As a teen teacher, I better examined myself, my actions, the lives of my teachers, how the education system works, and what it means to be a role model. Often times people see a role model as some celebrity. It’s quite the opposite. A role model often may be an ordinary person who is conscious enough to know that by doing the right thing they can significantly impact a person.” “The best part of TAP,” Andrews said, “is the fun, grace, and appreciation I have for these kids in my life. For me, it was seeing a hopeful future in their lives. I could not have asked for a better opportunity, or a better way to spend my time than with kids with whom I have bonded over the past three years.”
“I have been part of TAP for three years, and each year I enjoy
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Moeller Students Connect in Appalachia, El Salvador
Photos by: Dave Campbell
By Walt Schaefer Editor The traditional concept of teaching about religion and Scripture in classrooms where lessons were expected to motivate students to service -- to go out and do good things -- has become outdated. Dave Campbell, a junior and senior religion teacher and coordinator of service projects said most of us would expect religious instruction to light the fire, “but young people today are just the opposite. Now, we see that once they experience the face of God -- see someone who is Christ-like to them -- they want to learn more about religion. They are struck more by action. It makes religion concrete...and they want to do more service.”
“We go out and do service work at St. Vincent’s Mission, or Saint Luke (Catholic) Church, or visit homes and families. The Christian Appalachian Program comes in to help educate our students. Kentuckians for the Commonwealth educates students about why things are the way they are,” Campbell said. “It’s because the people don’t care to change the way things are. The biggest thing right now is that the Appalachian region is lacking resources. The resources have been taken out of the region by companies no longer centered there. The resources and the wealth left the area. Mining natural gas and coal are being exploited,” Campbell said
The Appalachian Retreat Program takes about 14 students along with four adults, including Campbell and fellow teacher, Eric Eble, to Salyersville in Magoffin County in southeastern Kentucky -- about an hour from Red River Gorge.
“We live in Christian community. The students are responsible for chores -- cooking, cleaning the house. There is limited electricity. It has no running water and so we live simply, yet I think the kids really grow in appreciation for the blessings they have and are constantly challenged by people who have so little and who can be so joyful. We have so much, yet we complain and moan about it. It strikes our students that in a place where people have holes in their trailers and their floors are caving in; where there is very little money and resources, these people receive us. They offer us whatever food or drink they have. They are so welcoming.”
“Eric and I were students at the University of Dayton and UD has a house in Salyersville they allow us to use,” Campbell said.
“It really challenges the students to take time to come to a greater awareness of why things are the way they are and then to
At Moeller, the concept of service to fellow man is greatly instilled in service projects ranging from community service projects in the Greater Cincinnati community to service trips to Appalachia and an immersion journey to El Salvador.
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ask about how God is calling them to respond,” Campbell said. The concept holds true worldwide -- whether it be in Appalachia, Cincinnati or a Third World country. The students discover ways to determine what God is calling them to do in later life -- for mission work, for writing a million dollar check, for pro bono work as a lawyer, for being a teacher, a preacher. They are being called.” One need only ask the students to discover how the Appalachian Retreat Program experience has affected their lives: * “A great experience! You make new friends. You learn about yourself -- the best experience in my life.” -- Dan Funk ‘15 * “Keep an open mind and it will change your life.” -- Thomas Gray ‘16 * “The best part of the experience is the relationships with children in Appalachia. I absolutely loved getting to know the children... I would like to explain to anyone thinking about going how meaningful it is in your life and how it changed my outlook on many things.” -- Nate Georgeton ‘16 * “It’s a great way to experience a different way of life -- great fun, and a great way to grow closer to God. I wish there was a way to make it longer.” -- Sam Hansen ‘06
Besides Appalachia, Moeller sponsors an annual student journey to El Salvador, Campbell said. Eleven to 15 students are invited. “It’s a different experience -not service-oriented -- but (through) a group called CRISPAZ (Christians for Peace in El Salvador) -- it is an immersion and awareness program. Latin America has had struggles for centuries, but it’s arrogant for us to think that we’re going to go down in one week and change people. It’s those of us who go down there who are changed.” The trip offers the experience of “being open to having our hearts changed. Our work in service starts when we return home and we ask the question: ‘What am I going to do with what I learned?” “We meet with human rights organizations and governmental organizations. We visit educational institutions and orphanages and have a powerful experience hearing people’s stories. Again, we ask the question, ‘How is God calling us to respond?,’ Campbell said. “We are trying to figure out the best way to integrate the experience into our schooling. Students who experience the trip... (find) it’s something they carry with them -- an experience to carry with them for a lifetime.”
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A Reflection: Breaking Out of
By Will Gilliland ‘16
purpose.
I was in Peru and out of my comfort zone. I was in a field playing with a slingshot I bought in the city. I was teaching little kids how to use it and they thought it was great.
Observing this way of life made me wonder what my sense of purpose was in this world. I am given everything and more. Could I find happiness in letting other people experience what I have?
A man came up to me and started asking questions in Spanish. I couldn’t understand. One of the Peruvian high school students who partnered with us translated. The man was asking me if he could have my slingshot to use as a hunting weapon. He thought he could kill birds and small game with rocks.
As my mind began to reestablish a notion of purpose, my life changed so much from middle school to high school. I forgot where my original sense of happiness originated. I lost the simplicity of life, being caught up in the obsession of what other people thought of me.
His purpose in life was to hunt and provide food for his family. Something as simple as a slingshot could save this man’s family. He probably didn’t realize it, but he changed my life forever. I handed over the slingshot and walked off alone to think about myself in ways I had never before.
Through my spiritual development and experiences, I have come to see things from a changed perspective. Through my travels in Peru and my own intellectual curiosity, I have started to notice faults in my generation.
The stranger helped me realize how much we take for granted. My generation doesn’t understand what it is to struggle. I couldn’t just experience something like this and go back to my life of luxury and wealth. Yet, this man and his Peruvian people are happy. They find happiness with each other -- waking up each day with a sense of
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Books often seem irrelevant to us. Technology has taken their place. I was one of those who became obsessed with trying to fit in -- to focus on what I considered “cool.” I was in a cultural bubble created by our American society. My knowledge didn’t extend past video games and social media. I felt I was on an assembly line as I transitioned into high school. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and didn’t really care about anything except how many likes I got on my Instagram
a Bubble
Photos by: Will Gilliland ‘16
photos. I put off my homework -- especially reading. That was not important. I rarely read any required books. I was someone who went through the motions. I didn’t have high expectations of myself. All of that would change sophomore year. I made a life changing decision with the wrong intentions. Going into sophomore year, I had no service hours and no intention of doing any real service work. I decided to go on the mission trip to Peru because it would be an easy way for me to complete my hours without doing a lot of work. I didn’t want to dedicate my time to helping others. I never understood my potential. The trip broke my bubble. It opened me up to the rest of the world in ways I could not imagine. It showed me how small and insignificant we are in this world and it only made me want to break away from insignificance. I watched and observed children who never had a TV, an iPhone, vanilla ice cream, even a toilet and sink. Yet, they were happy and living each day.
happiness is achieved and how the world can truly work. We don’t need luxuries and attention from people, but relationships with those who love us. We become better people because of them. We achieve happiness through self achievement and satisfaction with what we have done in our lives; not by obsessing over what others think of us. When I was in the village in Peru, the toilet was a hole in the ground and toilet paper dirty old newspaper. Imagine every bath you take being outside in a plastic tub and using a hole in the ground. This was daily life and I only lived it a short time. Yet, something like a toilet is taken for granted here. When I returned, I could not forget the people I met and built relationships with and I could only dream of living a life so simple yet so purposeful. I couldn’t resume my old way of traveling along the assembly line. Every time I got into bed, I wondered if the villagers would remember me if I came back years from now. What did they think of me? Did I earn their respect?
This experience forced me out of my comfort zone. It made me The family I stayed with let me into their home and shared their understand how things like Twitter and Netflix are not so necessary food when they probably made less money each year than my parents when looking at my life, my goals, and my happiness. It made me put pay for me to go to high school. This led to understanding how all distractions aside and devote the precious commodity of time to
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Villagers playing soccer after a long day of hard work.
more important things like my future. I want to make the most of my limited amount of time in this world, to experience everything it has to offer. I have noticed a big change in my everyday life. You can even see a transformation on my social media pages. I used to follow accounts like WorldstarHipHop, now I follow accounts like The Economist and Business Insider. I find myself reading more and more about the world -- different cultures, and how everything is connected. I decided to quit football which now seems like a symbol of me letting go of my former self. The experience in Peru transformed my perspective on reading and writing from something I need to get out of the way to something needed to help expand my mind. Words pack power. I believe in reading as a tool and as an experience. I can fantasize about traveling to new places Villagers building a cement block for breaks in only this time they the piping. are real rather than the magical realms where Jack and Annie traveled to in the Magic Tree House Series.
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I no longer fantasized about winning a sports championship but traveling around the world and taking advantage of every opportunity I get. With this new ideology, I have found a new sense of purpose and work ethic. My hope now is to keep the drive and passion I have developed. It is easy to have the ambition of success in your mind, but it is much harder to go out and make ideas reality. As my maturity has progressed, the foundation of how books can influence still remains -- to fantasize about traveling and experiencing everything the world has to offer. Books help me learn about what I want to do in life and increase my knowledge of the world and its people. I want to write in the future -- write about my travels and adventures. I want to share with others the wonders of the world, and maybe help people break out of their bubbles.
Photos by: Anthony Corder
Service Trip Teaches about Life on the “Rez” Editor’s note: In the essay below, Anthony Corder, Moeller religion teacher, reflects on the school’s commitment to the people of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and offers an observation on the plight facing Native Americans in the Southwest.
More than a decade ago, I was cornered in a restroom by an intimidating man with the apt surname: Braided-Hair. I was spending a week with a friend in the Franciscans, seeing what life was like in the Northern Cheyenne Nation near Busby, Mont. While touring the Tribal Council Chambers, I found myself between this man with gritted teeth and clenched fists and the door to the main hallway. He asked if I was with the “oil company” or “with the evangelicals.” I said, “No” to both queries. “Then what are you doing here?” he asked. It didn’t take much explanation before Braided-Hair relaxed and we talked more. I wanted to know why he felt threatened by oil companies and evangelical churches. He told me the “Rez” shrinks every year due to oil companies buying up land for drilling, and how he feared the nation would dissolve with no place the Northern Cheyenne could claim as theirs. The churches, he explained, frequently come uninvited and do poorly executed ‘extreme makeovers’ on homes while residents aren’t there, and how these good intentions often left families feeling degraded, as though their home wasn’t good enough. I have carried this insight into all of my service or mission work, whether in Latin America, Eastern Africa, or our own inner city. For the past couple of years, I have been running Moeller’s mission trip based out of the St. Bonaventure Mission in Thoreau, N.M. on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Reservation is the oldest and largest reservation in the country with more than 27,000 square miles and a population of more than 180,000. Job opportunities are scarce, leading to 42 percent unemployment. The St.
Bonaventure Mission began as a school to address the lack of educational opportunities; they have 200 students, 90 percent of them living in poverty. Only half of the Navajo graduate high school; only seven percent are college educated. The suicide rate is twice the national average. Each June, I take another teacher and 12 students to see reservation life; to learn the history of the Navajo people, and to complete service projects funded largely with money we donate to the St. Bonaventure Mission. Mostly, we spend time living in solidarity with the Navajo. The young men and teachers who participate probably gain more than we could ever contribute to the people we are there to serve. Playing basketball or helping a kid learn to swing a baseball bat may be the most important work we do. It’s work that witnesses to our Catholic faith and teaches us solidarity that we are all in this together, responsible to each other. The Navajo we spend time with know we see them as equals, and are shown the dignity our common Father gives to all human life. I’ll never forget what I learned from Braided-Hair in that brief encounter. Our indigenous peoples and cultures are not only dealing with issues of poverty. They are threatened and vulnerable in ways we may never fully understand. Our best intentions to ‘save the poor Indians’ are often perceived as full of hubris and have the potential to take away struggling families’ dignity. “We can’t solve all the issues facing our brothers and sisters of the reservation. We go to learn Navajo culture and be one with the people, which is a priceless experience,” said Gus Haffner, a junior who visited in 2015. As our eyes sweep the landscape of the American Southwest -- its mesas, buttes and valleys -- we hear an echo of the ancient Navajo prayer: “Walk with beauty; walk with beauty; walk with beauty.” A traditional Navajo potter said she learned her craft from her parents and lives on land that has been in her family for generations. I said, “It’s beautiful.” She gazed into the distance and replied: “I guess it is…I’m just so used to it.” I pray our love and witness helps the families we interact with remember not only the beauty in their land, but also in their being. 15 • ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Retreats: An Integral Part of the Moeller Experience By Walt Schaefer Every year, the Men of Moeller retreat -- each class, overnight. The retreat program “is the best opportunity we have to build our spiritual selves,” said Steve Joebgen, Moeller’s director of retreats and liturgies. “What we provide at Moeller is a whole-person education and that includes a spiritual aspect. “What we are aiming for in all of our retreat ministries is that students develop a capacity for J.O.Y. (Jesus, others and yourself ). By that I mean a capacity to better understand Jesus, others, and themselves. If you have all three of those elements, you are fostering true joy for our students.” The program also veers from some traditional approaches to retreats and religious education. “Sure, this program gets into sin but in a way that is approachable for students,” Joebgen said. “The legacy of the Church focused specifically on what not to do, rather than why do the things we ought to do. In our retreat program, we focus on good things and discuss the things that get in the way of what we should be doing.” Joebgen said Moeller is the only Greater Cincinnati Catholic high school to offer overnight retreats each year. “For four years, every year, you know a retreat is coming and it becomes a continuing process. It peaks in senior year with the (three day) Kairos retreat. But, every retreat we do provides bonding experiences and activities,” Joebgen said.
“Sophomore retreat takes some great steps into the questions of: ‘Who am I? What kind of man do I want to be? Where does God fit into my life?’ “The Junior retreat has a strong focus on deepening the spiritual brotherhood to which we belong. ‘What does it mean to be part of a Marianist community? How does that impact how I interact with others and how I invite God into my daily life? “All retreats point toward Kairos -- the pinnacle of the retreat program and what many students refer to as their favorite moment at Moeller High School. Kairos emphasizes an incarnational approach to faith…seeing God in all whom you encounter, and treating them accordingly.” Joebgen said the retreat program links directly to the Marianist philosophy. “When Chaminade founded the Marianists ... it started as a sodality which essentially means a small group of lay people. That’s what we’re doing. We are bringing young people together to reflect on the messages of Jesus and then bring that to bear on their daily lives to better understand how to be young men of faith. That is exactly what Father Chaminade did. He brought people together. They had Mass. They talked about what was going on in their lives, and they better understood how they could be Christian. Community prayer and scripture are integral parts of each retreat.
The current retreat program was created by Joebgen’s predecessor, Jim Elfers.
“It fascinates me that students often focus on the amazing things that have happened and find it’s often difficult to see how those things were facilitated to happen in the first place,” Joebgen said.
Elfers noted: “Freshman retreat focuses on community building, which is ideal as our students come from more than 50 area middle schools.”
“So, we have a Scripture passage -- ‘This is what I command you; to love one another as I love you.’ Maybe they remember that or maybe they don’t; but what they do remember is how it was
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perceived among the people who were on the retreat. The retreat experience is an experience of authentic Christian community and I mean that because our students are acting out and participating in the scriptural stories -- the stories of the Gospel and the message, whether they realize it or not. The Mass that starts the freshman retreat points them in that direction for the rest of the retreat.
Logan noted: “There are some things you may not even want to talk to your parents about, but you will share with fellow students.”
Senior Max Hensler ‘16 explained that throughout the retreat program “you share some deeper parts of your life with friends -maybe something you never shared before.
“We encourage these new guys to become Men of Moeller and we spell out what that means -- a man of service to his community and a man of faith. In a way, it’s Retreat 101.... led by seniors.”
The retreat program is progressive. Each year prepares participants for the next -- culminating in the senior Kairos retreat.
“First year, you get Moeller students, some of whom at first may be reluctant to to know your class. You consider retreat an opportunity to enjoy and anticipate, soon learn it begin to meet all of the is a place where bonding occurs and lasting friendships are formed. guys and begin bonding with them and that is a “The value of the retreat program is building strong relationships major point. You have among your friends and brothers here at Moeller,” said Logan all of these freshmen Nelson ‘16, school captain. “It is a continual process over four years coming here from maybe ... It keeps getting to a deeper and deeper level and a more spiritual 50 different elementary level each year. The Kairos retreat senior year is the most heartfelt schools throughout the and deep bonding experience you have.” area,” Nelson said.
The retreat sessions -- almost totally group meetings -- are directed by the students; often upper classmen working with freshmen and sophomores. While teachers, counselors and other adults are available, they do not sit in. “We share things we don’t normally talk about,” Hensler said. “We might talk about family issues, Maybe you have been bullied in the past; maybe you suffered from depression.” Nelson added: “Everyone is on the same playing field so people not only reveal things about themselves but the person sitting across from you will, too. You come down to the same level.” All retreats are led by student-facilitators. “We do tackle things like social issues and social problems,” Hensler said. “Then, for a lot of people, it could be discussing something they individually struggle with. We share about these daily -- maybe how someone got through it or how they’re trying to get through it. Maybe they’re in the middle of an issue and the guys will offer to help. We’re here for you, and that’s part of small groups.” Joebgen said it is critical to maintain a safe environment for students. “Anytime we understand, or learn about a student who is in genuine need of assistance, we immediately contact counselors. It’s too much for any student leader, so we have very specific policies in place for our student leaders to be on the watch for certain issues to come up such as self harm or serious substance abuse. “If there appears to be any indication of abuse, then immediately the student comes and talks to us -- the faculty. We pass the information onto a counselor,” Joebgen said “But, it is also critical to their sharing that adults are not in the room because we are still teachers to them. No matter what setting we are in with some students, it would certainly be easier for them to talk to their peers instead of with us.”
The small group concept carries over from year to year. “Every year, we break out into small groups,” Hensler said. “It is also important to go on retreat with different guys every year.” Retreats are held at Camp Higher Group in West Harrison Indiana. For freshmen; The Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood for sophomores; and the Bergamo Center near Dayton, for juniors and seniors. Joebgen explained freshman retreat involves the whole class at the same time. Sophomore retreat is by the House system so each of the six Houses has their retreat at a different time during second semester. These are mandatory for freshmen and sophomores while the junior retreat and senior Kairos programs are optional. “We have 90 to 95 percent participation. Men of Moeller look forward to the retreat experience. It is that highly regarded,” Joebgen said.
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DEVELOPMENT Update
Making an Impact on Moeller’s Legacy Several ways to extend your support to what you value. By Bill Hunt Director of Planned Giving Moeller’s tradition is a very strong one. Whether it’s through faith formation, academic excellence, the arts, or athletics, we work hard to inspire young men to put their passion into action and to develop true responsibility for the man next to them.
Planned Giving As we tirelessly strive to move Moeller forward in the years ahead, another emphasis will be planned giving. Planned gifts make a lasting impact while likely providing tax deduction incentives and other benefits. A sustainable process allowing more people to realize the benefits of a planned gift will contribute to the longterm augmentation of our endowment and focus primarily on specifically structured, non-cash gifting strategies.
Men of Moeller forge a true fraternal connection and a tradition of honor, values and excellence. They carry that forward into their world. It’s commonly known as the Moeller Family.
Your gifts will help in the lives of the Men of Moeller. That we promise. We invite you to invest in this work as God has called us all to do. Quoting the Gospel of Luke: “Much is required from those to whom much is given.”
The connection between enrollment, excellent academics, quality faith formation and financial support could not be more pronounced. All of the good work at Moeller every single day simply can’t and won’t happen without your support. The level of this support must be addressed now. We must continue to stress our never-ending efforts to garner the financial support of those who value our mission so future young men can become Men of Moeller.
Please, come and join us in supporting this ministry we call Moeller High School. We need you.
Annual Fund Unfortunately, many families and young men want a Moeller education but simply cannot make it happen. With our current tuition level at $12,600, the gap between what it costs to educate a young man at Moeller and tuition is approximately $3,000 per student. Our current ability to help families afford a Moeller education is limited and it factors greatly into many families’ decisions. Your support of our Moeller Annual Fund efforts is critical. Yearly support of our Moeller Annual Fund makes a significant difference in the efforts to close the gap. If you are already a supporter of our 2015-16 Moeller Annual Fund, thank you. If you’re not, I’m asking you to become one before June 30.
“
Named Scholarships The Moeller Named Scholarship Program complements our annual fund efforts to provide financial aid to families who demonstrate need. This program uniquely provides a donor the opportunity to follow a young man through his years at Moeller. As we prepare our young men to be tomorrow’s leaders, we are very aware of the role our scholarship providers play in our school. In just the past six and a half years, we have moved from a handful of named scholarships to a current roster of approximately 70. We can’t thank these donors enough! This is a gift that truly changes a life. It is only through the generosity of donors such as these alumni, parents, past parents and friends of Moeller who continue to give that it all remains possible.
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If you have made provisions for Archbishop Moeller High School in your estate plans or would like to know more about giving opportunities, contact Director of Planned Giving Bill Hunt at (513) 791-1680 ext. 1305 or e-mail Bhunt@Moeller.org or www. moelller.org. All information you share will be held in confidence.
We all have a desire to leave the world a better place. Estate planning is the financial piece of that aspiration. It is where we provide for our families and, if our financial situation allows, provide for others. A gift to Moeller High School is a wonderful way to ensure that young men in the future will experience the brotherhood and family that is Moeller High School. Please consider joining me as a member of the Our Lady of Moeller Society and make a gift to Moeller in
”
your will or trust. - Jim Grau ‘69
Main Event: Mission Accomplished by Louise Hoelker Director of Special Events Since 1960, Moeller High School has inspired boys to become “Men of Moeller.” Every spring since 1986, the Moeller family has gathered together to see that our school continues to inspire and fulfill the mission of a Marianist education for young men. After this year’s 30th anniversary of the Main Event, even more students will have the chance to enter the school each morning showing confidence and smiles. Those smiles are the result of our caring and supportive Main Event donors, parent volunteers, and the many others who supported the year-long effort of the Main Event Auction Gala in April: Making a Difference for our Crusaders! Just before Christmas, over dinner with the Main Event founding chairs, Barry and Ruth Bucher and Dan Ledford, former Moeller principal and development director, the stage was set to bring back the many Moeller past parents who made the Main Event the huge success it is today. Not long after, Sylvia Steltenpohl, the 1990 Main Event chair, saw her Moeller friends at a New Year’s Eve party and worked her magic to get them interested in attending the celebration. “I received the invitation with Barry and Ruth’s picture on it, and I told everyone: ‘They are the nicest people in the world, let’s go support them and Moeller.’ It had been a long time since we all attended the Main Event, but we had so much fun. I knew we could all do it again,” said Steltenpohl. Decked in our beloved blue and gold, the gymnasium was hardly recognizable as guests, volunteers and students streamed in to start bidding on ultimate silent auction items, enter raffles and catch up with their Moeller friends. Many highlights of the evening will be memorable, but Archie, our mini-Aussiedoodle auction dog finding his “fur-ever” home, will surely be one of them. For several weeks Archie walked the halls of Moeller. Between classes Archie could be seen sniffing around the courtyard or just warming up to every student who crossed his path. He was even summoned
over the public address system several times when his foster families needed to take him home at the end of the school day. April 9 arrived and Archie pranced around the gym in hopes of finding his new family. The bidding raged for Archie as young men paraded him between bidders before the auctioneer’s gavel hit and Archie met his “fur-ever” family -- the Capanos. “I’m not sure what made me do it, but Archie is a terrific addition to our home,” said Cyndi Capano, mom to Tommy ‘18. “He’s got a lot of energy and our 11-year-old chocolate lab just enjoys being with him. We couldn’t be happier with Archie.” The Main Event has come so far in the past couple of years thanks to several angel donors who continue to support the auction with tremendous Fund-A-Need gifts. This year was no exception. As the Fund-A-Need video ended (produced by Geoff Torbeck ‘07), $200,000 in angel gifts were announced. This helped inspire our guests to pull together an additional $143,000. Overall the Main Event raised more than $490,000 for the Men of Moeller. The paddle action didn’t go unnoticed. There were more than 120 volunteers on hand, many giving their time and talent because of the financial assistance they themselves receive. A few days after the auction, the school received a note from one of the volunteers: “My husband and I worked the Main Event Saturday evening and we were moved by the generosity of so many people. I had goose bumps during the entire Fund-A-Need part of the evening. We were truly blown away by all of the help and donations that were given in one evening. It is such a gift from God that our son, Will ‘19, is able to attend this wonderful school. He absolutely loves it. I know the Lord wanted him at Moeller and thanks to your help his dream has come true. Thank you so much. God bless.” -- Glenn and Beth Riesenberg
Mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 1, 2017, for the 2017 Main Event Auction Gala - no foolin’! 19 • ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE
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Moeller Athletics
Looking Back at Good Seasons and Forward to a Promising Baseball Year
Athletic photos: Rob Ebel, ESP Media
As the school year comes to a close, the athletic year also ends. It’s no surprise that Moeller athletic teams achieved success. Soccer: The “Sauce Squad” enjoyed its best season in team history, reaching the elite eight in what would end up being Coach Randy Hurley’s final season as head coach. The team set By Thomas Gray ‘16 the school record for most ties in a season. They ended the season on a roll and one goal shy of defeating powerhouse Mason to reach the final four. “We were doubted the whole tournament, and that fueled us to keep winning and make the school proud,” said senior goalkeeper Sam Frohman. Frohman, along with seniors Trevor Beckham, Evan Cusmano, and Jonathan Orkwis, made All‐GCL, while senior Mick Hamilton led the team with six goals on the season. Basketball: The “Crusade to Columbus” fell short -- just a few bounces away from joining the Elite Eight.
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After losing senior point guard Nate Georgeton to a knee injury, the team rallied to reach the Sweet 16 in the state tournament. Sophomore guard Isaiah “Sleepy” Payton shined in Georgeton’s absence, leaving the team in good hands for next season. Payton scored a team high 12 points in the final game against Wilmington. Starters Keegan McDowell and Riley Voss will also return next year. Golf: In Coach Rick Bohne’s final season as head coach, the golf team was unable to repeat and reach state as they did last season. However, senior Jake Fox, who has committed to the University of Cincinnati, performed very well, finishing second
in the state after posting a score of 148 over 36 holes.
state, the team finished 15th out of 74 schools.
Fox enjoyed all of his senior year, but not just because of his finish at state. “This year was great because of how I finished individually, but I will never forget Coach Bohne walking by my side each shot of the tournament. Being the last golfer he coached is really special,” Fox said. Wrestling: This year, several wrestlers finished their careers at Moeller with a solid final campaign.
Baseball: A talented baseball team looks to defend yet another state title this season. Senior Nick Bennett, committed to the University of Louisville; and Cameron Junker, who is headed to the University of Notre Dame, give the team strong pitching.
Seniors Jacoby Ward, Jack Meyer, and Joe Hensley earned All‐GCL First Team. Meyer finished third in the state. Ward battled through an ankle injury from sectionals to place fifth at state. “The injury was painful, but I knew I had a chance at placing at state for a fourth straight year, and that just kept me going,” said Ward. In addition, Ward was named “Wrestler of the Year” in the GCL. At
The team competed in a tournament in the Louisville Slugger Classic in Atlanta in late March, where the Crusaders won three of their four games against tough competition. Expectations are high as usual. “We are young but we expect to win. Everyone will throw their best at us but we will be ready for it,” said senior infielder Kyle Butz.
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ALUMNI Spotlight
Playing Dinosaurs with Steven Spielberg Stars Wars toy designer Mark Boudreaux ’73 believes everything is a balance between dark and light. Mark Boudreaux has designed every toy version of Han Solo’s spaceship. He has used his imagination to create the George Lucas version of outer space. In a recent article from Bloomberg, it was reported Boudreaux dined with C-3PO and counts the bounty hunter Boba Fett as a personal friend. On a recent visit to Moeller, he said he has played “dinosaurs” with Stephen Spielberg and never gets tired of playing with the Millennium Falcon -- probably his most well-known project. Boudreaux is a toy designer and not just any toy designer. As many good Men of Moeller can say, he has become the best at his craft. Although his official title at Hasbro is senior principal designer, he has been making Star Wars toys since the first film came out in 1977. “I love doing toys. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Boudreaux said. Boudreaux has been crafting Star Wars merchandise since he was a young novice and working as an intern in industrial design as a student at the University of Cincinnati. He landed a paid internship at what was then Kenner Products in Cincinnati and the rest is history. A recent visit to Moeller brought back memories and excited staff and faculty. In the weeks leading up to Boudreaux’s visit, it was difficult for Teresa Meyer, school communications director, and Mary Fischer, alumni director, to contain themselves. “We were in the alumni department office sharing the anticipation of meeting Boudreaux -- ‘the famous Star Wars toy designer.’ What a huge day this was going to be,” Meyer said. “I reminisced about childhood hours spent fighting the dark side while sprawled out on my living room floor with my little brother playing with our Star Wars toys. “Little did I know that one day I would return to my younger years -- meeting the artist behind the toys that provided such joy and wonderful memories.” When Boudreaux arrived at Moeller to visit, Fischer said she “was filled with excitement over one of our famous alumni coming home.” Fischer said she was “in awe of meeting Mark -- the man who helped
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create an iconic piece of history. Mark was a rock star,” Fischer said. “We walked the hallways that cold wintery day with Mark and his wife, Judy, as they reminisced and shared their Moeller stories.” Boudreaux ’73 reflected on his success in business and in life. He said he realized going to Moeller was a really big deal. “The teachers were very caring of the students at Moeller,” said Boudreaux. “You never felt left out,” he said. This has carried him through a lifetime of experiences and motivation for his work. Hasbro bought Kenner in 1991, and Boudreaux moved to Rhode Island in 2001 after Hasbro closed the Cincinnati offices. He enjoys traveling back to Cincinnati for family and to check in with his alma mater. It made such an impact. “Moeller taught me so much,” said Boudreaux. “For me, talent isn’t everything, although it plays an important role. It is about teamwork. It is how you get along with others and how to pull your own weight. It is also about finding the balance between dark and light in your day to day work.” Boudreaux has great relationships and has a great team. Four other Moeller alumni make up that team at Hasbro. Those relationships have opened many opportunities for both Boudreaux and Lucas Films. “It starts from the top. Leadership allows everyone else to be strong. I learned that at Moeller. “Moeller and my Dad allowed me to proceed on my personal path which has led me to where I am now,” said Boudreaux. “We can all learn a lot from Boudreaux. Who knows, one day ‘the geeks just might inherit the world’ -- or, at least, Boudreaux said he hopes they do,” Meyer said. “Until then, all must find the balance of dark and light in our world and strive to continue all of the great things we do day to day. Mark has proven good can prevail.” “He brought a large amount of light into the hearts of so many,” said Meyer. “It began with those kids laying on their parents’ floor playing and living out their dreams through his creations.”
1971. They have three children and two grandsons. Denny owns his own video production company and has served as a Sycamore Township Trustee since 2011. Jerome Mouch ’66 has been retired since 2012, much to the delight of his three children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys traveling and golf. Jerome underwent a quadruple by-pass in late November of last year.
Tom Backhus ’66 lives in Paona, a small, rural town in far western Colorado. He is a real estate broker, sometimes developer, and organizes a summer football camp for kids in the mountains. He has been married to his wife, Tess, for more than 40 years. They have three daughters and four grandsons. Frank Wise ’66 played on Gerry Faust’s first undefeated team. Shown in the picture is Frank’s father wearing the newly made sweatshirt to honor the team’s achievement. Frank’s father recently turned 88. The family follows Moeller football from their homes in Vermont. Gary Rieder ’66 lives in West Chester Frank Wise ‘66 and is working as a consultant to Sogeti in support of General Electric Aviation’s database management. He has been performing contract work for GE for 49 years. Gary has four children and two grandchildren with another due in June. Brother Bernard Ploeger ’66 was selected Chaminade University’s (Honolulu) ninth president in March 2009. As president, he reports to the school’s board of regents and is responsible for the overall leadership of Chaminade in achieving its mission and reaching the goals set forth in the university’s strategic plan.
1970s Dr. Steven Mueller ’70 is working at the University of Dayton.
With wife, Cindy, he is enjoying being the grandparent of seven grandchildren.
Tom Adkins ’71 proudly announces they have become a “three generation” Moeller family with the enrollment of his grandson, Dominick Heverin, in the Class of 2019. Tom’s sons, Randy ’95, Dan ’02 and Bill ’04 are all Moeller graduates. Douglas Wisman ’76 resides in the Kenwood area. In October 2007, he began D & G Dealer Services. LLC, a family owned
Tom Huiet ‘76 lives in Middletown where he has been building/ electrical inspector and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) project manager for 17 years. He has seven children and four grandchildren. Bill Oeters ’76 has been married to wife, Sue, for 36 years. They have three children – Steve ‘04, Laura (Ursuline ‘07), and Mike ‘09. Bill is chief operating officer of KOST USA, Inc., a chemical company in Bond Hill. He enjoys golf. Terry Reilly ’76 has been married to wife, Kathy, for 31 years and lives in Mason. He and Kathy have two children, Jason ’06 and Janna (MND ’11). Terry is employed as a senior sales engineer with the Emerson organization.
Jim Snell ’66 has been retired since 2004 after giving 36 years of service to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). He recently traveled for four years in an RV visiting every state, Canada and Mexico. Jim has been married 43 years to Pam Martin (MND ‘66). They have one daughter, Erin, and two grandchildren: Cooper, six, and Reagan four. The couple currently resides in Gainesville, Georgia.
company specializing in RV financing. He has eight full-time employees, two of whom graduated from Moeller in 2006: David Frietch and Matt Kurtz.
ALUMNI Notes
1960s Denny Connor ’66 has been married to Marguarite (Seta) since
Mark Schweitzer ’78 has been married to Peggy Borgert for 27 years. They have three children, Lauren, 26; Matthew, 23, and Michael, 18. Mark works for McCormick Equipment along with a number of fellow Moeller graduates. He was excited to receive a call from Tony Hunter ’79 about contributing to the Moeller Annual Fund.
1980s Tim Bonn ’80 reports his youngest daughter is a doctor at Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
Jim Wahl ’80, of Jim Wahl Marketing Communications, photographed a recent “staff meeting” of his business-to-business public relations firm. Several Moeller alumni write for Wahl Marketing on a project basis, juggling stories about oil shear brakes and carwash tokens with their varying academic schedules. Shown (left to right) are: Michael Pilipovich ‘13, a junior marketing major at Miami of Ohio University; Harry Wahl ’13 a junior marketing and entrepreneurship major at the University of Dayton; James Wahl, ’17; Jim Wahl ’80; and Francis Ittenbach ’12, a senior English major at the University of Alabama. Inset photo is of Eric Werner ’09, who lives in Seattle where he is a member of the theater scene as an actor, director, and playwright. Todd Lyon ’86 lives in Montgomery with his wife, Gina, and three children, Nolan, Zach and Victoria. He works as a CFP with Wealth Planning Corporation, Symmes Township. Nolan will be attending Moeller next year. His daughter attends Mount Notre Dame High School and Zach is a sixth grader at All Saints Catholic Elementary School. Richard Eck ’86 lives in Mason with his wife and three-yearold son, Charlie. Richard has been working for the United States Department of Treasury as a bank examiner for 21 years.
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Mike Hossenlopp ’86 currently lives in the Loveland area. He has worked 23 years for GlaxoSmithKline, currently as Regional Health Systems Account Manager. He and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for 18 years. They have two sons, Sam, who will be attending Moeller next year as a freshman, and Will, seven. Tim Koetter ’86 lives in Evendale with his wife of 18 years, Lori. They have three children, Alex, 13; Ellie 11, and Sarah, nine. He is a parishioner at St. Michael, Sharonville. Tim received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and is employed by Guerbet Medical. Charlie Eckert ’86 has been working with Health Information Associates (HIA) in Pawley’s Island, S.C., for the past dozen years as director of marketing. He and his wife, Whitney, have three children: Ellie, 21, who will graduate in May from the University of South Carolina, and twins David and Maddie, 19, who are college freshmen. David attends Ohio State University and Maddie, the University of Alabama. Todd Neiert ’86 has lived in Naples, Fla. for 20 years. He and his wife, Kristin, have one daughter, Taylor Nicole, 21. His wife is commercial lines account executive for Lutgert Companies. Todd recently quit traveling the continental United States and Canada for Oracle as manager of large hotel implementations. He now works for Avow as director of information technology.
1990s Michael Currin, son of the late
Brad Libis ’05 is an adjunct instructor at Northern Kentucky University and at The Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati. He teaches video production, editing, and a theory-based course on film. Matt Tennant ‘05 relocated to Cincinnati three years ago with his wife and is studying for his master’s degree in business administration at Xavier University. He has a one-year-old daughter. Tom Kemme ‘05 moved to Chicago after receiving his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Tom works in product management for a Chicago-area company manufacturing instrumentation products for the oil and gas, power, and chemical markets. He and his wife, Lea, have been married for three years. Adam Adler ’05 is employed by Paycor as a time analyst. Adam and his fiancé plan to marry in May.
Joe Currin ’90 is becoming a member of the Class of 2020.
Gordon Maciulewicz ’05 has been hired by an engineering firm in Fairfield specializing in gas turbine packaging. He was married in June 2010 to his wife, Katie. They met while at the University of Dayton.
Doug Tereba ’96 lives in West Chester where he works in sales for Metal Resource Solutions, Inc. He is married with three children. Ryan Todd Greer ’96 has been married to Alisa for 17 years. They met in Italy while serving in the Air Force. The Greers have a daughter Marissa, 16, and two boys, Payton 10, and Zachary, eight. The family lives in Houston Texas, where they are franchise owners of PRI. Mark Hauser ’98 is married to Kristi Hauser (Yaeger). They have two children: Maxx, four, and Evie, two. Mark runs and owns Riley’s Pools and Spas, specializing in in-ground pool construction. The Hausers live in Blue Ash.
2000s Tony Capurro ’04 married Sarah Reynolds in May 2015. Tony is assistant soccer coach at Northern Kentucky University. He is also a local artist and was featured in a recent Cincinnati Bell TV and print campaign.
Ryan Trainor ’04 and Jamie Kiefaber announce their engagement. The wedding will take place this summer at St. Christopher’s Church in Grandview Heights. Ryan is an accountant with Rockbridge Capital.
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Luke Beuerlein ’05 and his wife have been living in Dillonvale since the summer of 2012. They got married on October 5, 2013, and are about to have a daughter late April/early May of this year. Luke works as a multimedia and graphic designer for DeanHouston, Inc. in Cincinnati.
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Chris Walter ’05 works for Butler Tech teaching English and CBI (Career Based Intervention) for at-risk high school students. CBI helps with employability and provides workforce skills to help students find jobs and keep them after high school. Chris DeNicola ’06 works for UBS Financial Services, Kenwood as a certified financial planner. He is married to Kathryn. They have a daughter, Charlotte, two, and live in Mount Lookout. Tim Buckley ’06 married Sarah Howley of Youngstown in 2010. They are University of Dayton graduates. The Buckleys have two children, Colin, five; and Sloane, two. They live in Deer Park. Tim works as an administrator for McCormick Equipment Company Inc. Greg Robinson ’06 graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in political science and history. After graduation in 2010, he moved to Nashville, Tenn. where he completed law school, receiving his juris doctor from Vanderbilt University. He has passed the Ohio bar exam and moved to Washington, DC, where he works on Capitol Hill. Greg began working for House Speaker John Boehner and then for Boehner’s successor, Paul Ryan. At the beginning of the year, Greg started a
new position as counsel for the House Committee on Small Business, chaired by Representative Steve Chabot (R-Westwood). Phil Schneider ’06 graduated from Otterbein University in 2010 with a major in business and minor in psychology. He has worked for five years in sales for Modern Office Methods (MOM). He lives in Oakley with his two English Goldendoodles - Walter and Clyde. Jeremy Monahan ’06 recently became engaged. He is working as a recruiting and retention non-commissioned officer with the Indiana Army National Guard. Jonathan Hogan ’07 lives in Evansville, Ind. He has worked as a musical instrument repair technician at a local music store for the past five years. Jonathan also plays saxophone, flute, and clarinet in various groups including a band named After Hours. Jonathan Meyers ’07 graduated from Kenyon College in 2011 and Brooklyn Law School in 2015. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and works in New York City.
working for Amazon as an operations team leader. Michael Mullen ’11 graduated from the University of Dayton in 2015. He is head project manager of Stellar Home Systems, Cincinnati -- an automation company creating solutions using “Control4” to automate homes and businesses in one simple ecosystem. Dan O’Bryan ’11 graduated from Miami University with degrees in finance and East Asian language and cultures. After working for Cisco in sales and operations planning (supply chain) division, he is now a demand planner in Atlanta. Cody Elias ’12 is in his final semester at Johns Hopkins University, where he is studying cognitive science. Next year he will be working for Booz Allen Hamilton as a healthcare analyst in Washington, D.C. Tim Valentine ’12 is a senior at Butler University and will be graduating in May. He is studying digital media production and marketing. In October 2015, Tim started his own LLC -- Train 918 -- with a partner. They work on projects for companies and organizations based in Indianapolis. Tim plans to run Train 918 after college.
2010s Troy Suter ’10 graduated from the University of Notre Dame
Alex McCluskey ’14 is attending West Virginia University as a sophomore pursuing a degree in energy land management. Alex lives in Loveland when on break and works as manager at the Loveland greenhouse. He plans to pursue a career in his degree field after graduation.
David Schneider ’10 graduated with a degree in professional sales from Ball State University, where he met his wife, Olivia. They married in June 2015. David began a job with Modern Office Methods in June 2014. He made President’s Club his first year with the company.
Daniel Funk ’15 attends Mount St. Joseph University. He has changed majors from sports management to history education, with hopes of becoming a teacher. He is a founding father at the first fraternity -- Delta Tau Delta -- on campus.
in 2014 with a degree in film and television and psychology. Since graduating, he has worked for Epic Systems, Madison, Wisc., as an implementation consultant.
Connor White ’11 graduated cum laude from Ohio State University in December 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. He moved to Baltimore, MD, and is
Logan Sheets ’15 attends Ohio State University as a pre-nursing major, and is considering a minor in business. He plans to go into pharmaceutical sales.
In Memoriam Mr. Daniel Arlinghaus ’66 Mr. Harold Beyer, super volunteer of 20 years Mr. Todd Jacob Biehle ’98 Mr. Donald William Cameron Past Parent Mr. Daniel E. Foley, Past Parent Mr. Theodore J. Froncek, Past Parent Mrs. Kathy Gatio, Past Parent Mr. W. Douglas Henderson ’85 Mr. Thomas J. Horner ’66 Ms. Regina Ann Hunter (Sister of Tony Hunter ’79) Mr. John A. Kravec ’72
Mr. Dennis Ladrigan ’64 Mr. James Laub, Past Parent Mr. Thomas Mueller ‘72 Mr. Keith Ollier ’76 Mr. Jeffrey Poulin ’70 Mr. James J. Poto ’70 Mr. Donald H. Richter, Past Parent Mr. Robert P. Schildmeyer Past Parent Mrs. Alice Schnedl, Past Parent Mr. John Kim Stephenson ’72 Mr. Patrick Robert Vogt ’06
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Coaching Ken Griffey, Jr. by Coach Mike Cameron I had never seen Ken Griffey, Jr. play baseball before he arrived on Moeller’s campus in 1983. The stories about what he could do on the baseball field were legendary, so I was excited to see him play. I was not disappointed. I have coached many great ball players at Moeller, including another Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin. Still, “Junior” was in a class all by himself. He was not only the best to come out of Moeller, but the best in the city, state, and arguably, the nation. He was a natural on the field with his mastery of offensive and defensive skills. His swing was poetry in motion. The ball would rocket off his bat soaring over fences. By his senior year, Ken was pegged as a future major leaguer. Scouts were out in full force, as were the local and national media, to watch the best high school player in the nation. Besides Kenny’s Hall of Fame skills, I will forever remember his infectious smile, his love of the game, and how much he enjoyed being around his teammates and coaches. Even though he was the center of attention his senior year, he never allowed the attention to get to him. He just enjoyed the moment. I recall a conversation I had with Kenny during the winter of his senior year. I asked him what he wanted to do in life. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Coach, I was born to play baseball.” He was right. I was crazy, and he was born to play baseball.
Pictured from (l to r): Jon Borman ‘88, Ken Griffey, Jr. ‘87, Steve D’Orazio ‘87
TELL US YOUR STORY New job? Got married? We want to hear from you! Share your personal and professional accomplishments with the entire Moeller Family in the upcoming Fall/Winter Moeller Magazine. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH US We always want to keep you informed of the latest news and events at Moeller.
VISIT US AT www.Moeller.org and click the Alumni section
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Your IMPACT makes a difference! Our students rely on your involvement. It is the key to their success! The strength of our Moeller family relies on a high level of participation from our community, donors, families and friends of Moeller. We would like to thank all of you for taking part in Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday Update 2014 total amount – $93,287 2015 total amount - $131,682 Amount increased - $38,395 40% increase 2014 $63,287 (without $30,000 match) 2015 $81,682 (without $50,000 match) 30% increase 2014 total number of donors - 230 2015 total number of donors - 250 2015 number of new donors – 27
Colin Thurman ‘18
27 • ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE Save the Date November 29, 2016 for #MOEGive Tuesday
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PAID
Moeller Golf Classic
AUGUST 11-12 17 25 26
Freshmen Orientation School Begins Fall Raffle Begins Moeller Cross Country Primetime Invitational
SEPTEMBER 23 MOEGate (St. X Game) 29 Named Scholarship Breakfast OCTOBER 1 MOECarlo 7-8 Reunion Weekend/Homecoming NOVEMBER 6 Open House 11 Veterans Day Assembly 17 Moeller Moms’ Club Fashion Show 23-25 Thanksgiving Break www.Moeller.org #MoellerFamily #MOEmentumForLife
IRELAND: TRADITIONS OF THE EMERALD ISLE
Join Brother Ron Luksic for a trip of a lifetime! This 11-day tour of Ireland in early October 2017 offers the best of small group travel. All adults are welcome. For more information please contact Brother Ron at Rluksic@Moeller.org
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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
JULY 15
9001 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Last Day of School Moeller Class of ’68 Marshall University Memorial Golf Outing
Archbishop
JUNE 3 18
Cincinnati, Ohio Permit No. 9931
MAY 26 Graduation
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
CALENDAR OF EVENTS