PRIORY
saint louis priory school
FALL 2010 issue
Serving
the
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AcknowledgementS Editor Michael Turco Designer Jamalyn Moeller Director of Development Julie Lohr Contributors Marty Combs, Bobby Donnelly, Jake Drysdale, Joe Gleich, Julie Lohr, Karin McElwain, John Mohrman, Kevin O’Connell, Charlie Rosebrough, John Russell Headmaster Father Michael Brunner, OSB Associate Headmaster Joseph Gleich Alumni President Philip Willman ’71 Priory Magazine is published three times a year by the Office of Development and Public Relations for alumni, parents, students and friends of Saint Louis Priory School. We welcome reader contributions and encourage submissions. Questions or comments may be addressed to Michael Turco at mturco@priory.org. Address Changes and Correspondence: Development Office Saint Louis Priory School 500 South Mason Road St. Louis, MO 63141 Telephone: 314.434.3690 ext. 326 E-mail: development@priory.org
Letter from the Headmaster Servus!—Upon my return from a trip to Germany to attend the International Conference of Benedictine Educators and a quick visit to my German relatives this fall, that unusual German greeting was on my mind. It’s an unusual German greeting because, as you surely noticed, it is actually a Latin word for servant or slave. In southern Germany and Austria it is understood to mean “at your service” and is used for hello and goodbye. You won’t hear “Servus” up north in Prussia. Southern Germany and Austria are the Catholic areas of Germany, and this greeting makes the point that service is an integral part of our faith. So it is not surprising that service is an integral part of the Priory experience, and is in fact a requirement. It’s different from other requirements, such as Latin. Unlike my teenage cousin in Germany, who with his classmates burned their Latin textbooks after completing their three year Latin requirement. Priory students thrive on service, and do more than is required. And this was true even before the gift in the high school atrium of the beautiful roundel which reads “Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required.” Saint Augustine’s Soup Kitchen, the Wellston Center, the poor in Appalachia, Mexico, Belize, and even far off Chile (where we have built mediagua houses for the homeless) witness the efforts of Priory students, faculty and even parents to serve the basic needs of the least of our brothers and sisters. It often gets overlooked on Awards Day because distributing them is so chaotic, but over two-thirds of our Form V and VI students earn the Presidential Service Award, which requires 100 hours of community service, far more than the 40 hours we require. Moreover, the Forms III and IV consistently give their time and energy in the Community Service Club. Even the Junior School students learn to give service in activities directed by Mrs. Hartnett and the faculty. Christmas is coming, and so our Advisory Groups will compete to do the most they can the help the poor during the holiday season. It is true that at Priory, service comes from the heart. Our students recognize the many blessings they have been given and so they require much of themselves. Some have gone on to live whole lives of service in medicine, the military, teaching and many other careers. I have read countless essays by our students in which they recount their experiences in service work in which they have discovered both God and their better selves. I know of at least two of our Form VI students who have started service projects of their own, totally apart from the school, and enlisted their families and friends to assist. Laus Tibi Domine. This is but one of the reasons I know I am blest to be here at Priory. I am humbled by the service freely given by our students, and I know that the future will be safe in their hands.
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Servus!
table of contents
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20
11 | Who is My Neighbor:
16 | Aim High:
Serving the Community at Home and Abroad
An Interview with Joey Wagner ’09
20 | Alumni Profiles: Continuing Service
Discover how our students put their faith in action in this survey of the Community Service Program.
Learn about our ongoing partnership with Aim High and the bonds it forges in this special guest article.
Join members of our Alumni Community to reflect on philanthropic experiences after graduation.
DEPARTMENTS: Priory Pulse
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Junior School News 9
Rebel Spirit
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How it Works
Fall Season Summary
How We Give Back to the Community
Dress Down Days
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THEODORE A. KIENSTRA, JR. RECEIVES THE LUKE RIGBY AWARD Theodore Kienstra received the Luke Rigby Award at the Abbey Society Dinner on Saturday, November 13, 2010. He is a member of the very first class of the Priory School, the Class of 1960. After the Priory School, Ted took his undergraduate degree at Saint Louis University and then started full time at Kienstra Supply Company, Inc. Kienstra Enterprises, Inc., which was formed in 1986, is involved with the management of numerous ready mix companies in Missouri and Illinois. From 1996 to 2004, Ted was an owner and managing member of Continental Cement Company. Currently, he holds the position of Chairman of Kienstra Enterprises. During these years of his professional career, Ted has served as a member or officer of numerous boards, associations and agencies, including the boards of several banks, the Saint Louis County Industrial Development Authority, and the Missouri Concrete Association, of which
International Visitors This fall, bonds that have been forged with our Chilean Benedictine kin were strengthened and the budding relationship between Priory and LuHe International School in China got another boost when Priory welcomed some delightfully friendly and enthusiastic visitors from both countries. María Isabel Baeza of San Benito School and Jaime Lira of San Anselmo School in Santiago, Chile, are members of a thriving lay Benedictine community called the Manquehue Apostolic Movement. In recent years small groups of teachers and students have trekked to St. Louis to immerse themselves in Benedictine education Priory style. In turn, our boys have been going to their schools to learn about Tutoria and to get spoiled by Chile’s renowned hospitality. The Chileans’ visit overlapped a bit with that of two teachers from the LuHe International School in Beijing. Nana Gu and Fangfang Wang threw themselves wholeheartedly into Priory life. They attended many math and science classes, cheered on the Rebel football and soccer teams, participated in assemblies, asked and answered hundreds of questions, and visited Priory families. The visits were certainly enriching experiences for one and all.
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he has been Chairman. Ted and his wife Kit were blessed with four daughters, Josie, Chris, Kathy and Kim, and they are now blessed with 14 grandchildren. Ted’s oldest grandsons, Cory and Ryan Lenz, both attended Priory, graduating in 2006 and 2009, with Cory being the first grandson of an alumnus to graduate from the School. Now two more of Ted’s grandsons, Colin Bruns ’11 and Sam Bruns ’13, attend Priory. Ted and Kit, as members of Saint Anselm Parish, have always been closely associated with the monastic community. Ted was serving on the Alumni Association Board when his grandsons entered the School and since then he has been closely associated with the Abbey and School in their activities and works, in 2004 becoming a member of the Saint Louis Abbey Society Board of Directors, and also a member of the Saint Louis Priory School Advisory Group, in the latter capacity serving as a member of the Advisors’ Facilities Committee and for a time as Chair of the Nominating Committee. It was during these years that the Abbey embarked on the large-scale School facilities projects of the expansion of the Junior School Building and of the renovation of existing athletic facilities and the construction of new ones up to state-of-the-art standards. Ted’s expertise in both construction and finance have been invaluable to us in executing these projects and in working out the ways to finance them in a difficult economic period, while
PRIORY PULSE
National Merit Semi-Finalists Congratulations to our Form VI National Merit Semi-Finalists. These student’s scores represent the top 1% of PSAT totals in Missouri. We look forward to their competition for a Finalist position in 2011. Front Row: Henry Cordova, Yale Thomas, Richard Mazuski, Michael Reardon. Back Row: Jacob Martin, Samuel Sagartz, Stephen Kleinheider, Jonathan Gower Not Pictured: Joshua Hartke
We are saddened by the deaths of two lifelong friends of the Abbey Family, Charles M. Dattilo and J. Brian Barry. Charles M. Dattilo
Also, congratulations to our Form VI National Merit Commended Students. Their scores were recognized for being in the top 2/3 of all PSAT totals in Missouri. We wish them well as they continue their excellent work.
Mr. Dattilo, known affectionately to generations of Priory students and alumni as Chuck, was a long time food service manager at Saint Louis Priory School and Saint Louis Abbey. He is well remembered by alumni, many of affectionately share their memories of him during reunions and alumni events. For his service to the school, Chuck was the first Honorary Alumnus so honored by the Alumni Board of Directors. His home-style approach to meals made an otherwise typical lunch into a family-like experience. He died on Sunday October 17, 2010. The funeral Mass was celebrated on October 20, 2010 at the Saint Louis Abbey Church. Donations can be made to Saint Louis Abbey in his honor.
Front Row: Andrew Schwartz, Kyle Hill, Anthony Cribbin. Back Row: Charles Rosebrough, Alexander Willman, Scott Telthorst. Not Pictured: Zachary Weiss.
J. Brian Barry
Commended Students
Mr. Barry, a beloved teacher and staff member of Saint Louis Priory School and Saint Louis Abbey, died on November 5, 2010. He taught Physics at Priory, and quickly established himself as Priory’s technology guru. One of the unique stories that many alumni have shared was his lifelong pursuit to desalinate water via electromagnetism, a notion taken from classical antiquity. His love of science and technology and his impact on students led him to be honored as an Honorary Alumnus by the Alumni Board of Directors. A memorial Mass was celebrated on November 11, 2010, and was followed by a celebration of his life by friends and family in the Switzer House. He donated his body to science through Saint Louis University. Please pray for our faithful departed and their families. [priory] magazine
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Development Office
Thank you to all of our parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends who generously contributed $475,000 to last year’s Annual Fund. Your gifts are extremely important during this financially challenging time. Like most independent schools, Saint Louis Priory School relies on Annual Fund contributions, proceeds from special events, and withdrawals from the Endowment Fund to bridge the gap between tuition income and the cost to educate a Priory student. The Annual Fund provides the continuing support for Priory’s outstanding faculty, rigorous curriculum, technological resources, and exceptional arts and athletics. For Priory students this means more personal attention, increased intellectual stimulation, and a more rigorous curriculum. The Benedictine educational opportunity that our students
enjoy requires the continued support of everyone in the Abbey family. For this reason, the Annual Fund is the most important gift that you can make each year. Please consider making a gift to the 2010-11 Annual Fund. You may make your gift online at www.stlprioryschool.org or mail your check to the Development Office, 500 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. Thank you for your interest in supporting Saint Louis Priory School. As always, you can reach the Development Office at development@priory.org or by calling 314.434.3690, ext. 310.
Priory Crowns Athletic Complex with New Stadium Prior to the Homecoming football game, Father Michael Brunner surprised visitors with news of a significant contribution, which will allow the School to build a new grandstand at Busch Field. Upon completion, this stadium will mark the end of the Building on the Promise Capital Campaign, which began in May 2008. The grandstand plans include storage areas, a concession stand and restroom facilities. Seating capacity is expected to accommodate up to 500 Priory fans at the main structure, with additional satellite seating for
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visiting fans across the field. A paved walking path will provide access to the stadium from the gymnasium parking lot, and handicapped-accessible parking will be located near the grandstand. Priory is offering our friends an opportunity to participate in this exciting project through the purchase of engraved bricks, which will be used in the construction of a special brick patio at the entrance to the new stadium. More information will be available soon.
Finance Office
Summary Saint Louis Priory School 2009-2010 Operating Revenues
Tuition
$7,260,506
Net Tuition
$6,151,726
79%
Other Operating Income
$274,979
4%
Annual Fund & Fundraising Events
$819,729
11%
Support From Endowment
$502,137
6%
(Less Financial Aid)
Total
($1,108,780)
$7,748,571
100%
Faculty & Staff Salaries
$4,049,887
52%
Faculty & Staff Benefits
$1,199,763
15%
$432,471
6%
$1,162,134
15%
Utilities
$362,178
5%
Administrative, Debt Service & Other Operating Expenses
$542,138
7%
Operating Revenues
Operating Expenses
Percent of Total
Other Instructional Expenses Maintenance
(*Not including depreciation expense)
Total Operating Expenses
$7,748,571
100%
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Varsity runners formed a 28 second pack. We continued our packing at our own Invitational in early October where we took second to St. Dominic on both the Varsity and JV levels. The Borgia meet presented us with the opportunity to divide our squad, allowing Form III to run by themselves. They did not disappoint as they finished second to SLUH with the five top— Charlie Lohmann, Andrew Cammon, Tim Avery, Danny Martin and Derrick Swaney—all running varsity times. Our Varsity patterned Cross Country State qualifiers: Front Row: Zachary LaVallee (352), Nick D’Orazio (317), Doug Brooking (308), Kyle Hill (345) Ryan Donlin their effort after Form III (321) Back Row: Spencer King and John Cole and packed four runners within 17 seconds, narrowly CROSS CROUNTRY By: Joe Gleich missing first place by three points. Confident going into League, Priory dominated both the Varsity When life hands you a lemon, the best thing to do is make lemonade! and the JV races to fulfill our battle cry of “Do it again in 2010.” John, We learned the first week of the season that our number one returning Spencer, Doug and Kyle all earned All-League distinction at the Varsity runner had qualified for a regional hockey team and would no longer level while our JV pushed across 13 runners in the top 16 spots, winning run with the team. This news was balanced against the fact that Doug with a low score of 23 points. Brooking ’11 had expressed an interest in trying to compete in both soccer and cross country. Mr. Mohrmann and I worked out the logistics, and Our League success gave us confidence heading into our District Doug committed to running in four meets. race even though we knew we were going head-to-head with Ladue and The season started with a two-mile race at Quail Ridge Park on a steamy August afternoon. Here we learned the value of our pack as 38 seconds separated our top four runners. We took this knowledge into the Lutheran South race on a rugged course. While losing to large school Oakville, we were able to nose out for second both DeSoto and MICDS. Our Junior Varsity team showed their dominance as our top five finished in the top 12 to garner first place. At the huge Forest Park Invitational, our JV earned its second trophy with a third place finish, while the Varsity slogged through the quagmire to nose out large schools Jackson and Oak Ridge for second place, packing our top four within 28 seconds. Using what we had learned from racing to tailor our practices, the team was ready for Spanish Lake. Running under control, the team gained momentum during the second mile and, by the time we hit the tape, we had Form VI runners Kyle Hill, John Cole and Spencer King in third, fourth and fifth, with Ryan Donlin ’13 and Nick D’Orazio ’11 in the top 15. With a low score of 36, we bested the field by 61 points. Thirty Priory runners medaled. Our next two races allowed us to see very tough competition. At Hancock, Doug was able to run with us, and our top four
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Westminster. Even though four of our top seven ran faster than they had ever run before, and the other three runners were a collective 12 seconds off of their personal bests, the one, three punch of Westminster’s Everett twins proved too much for us. We finished third as a team. John and Spencer, finishing seventh and ninth, earned a trip to State, but Kyle was nosed out for the 15th spot by three seconds. 2010 was a great season in which several young Form IV and III runners emerged as future contenders. Doug was an integral part of our success, but the leadership of Kyle Hill and John Cole is what made it all happen. Spencer King running in the State Meet at Jefferson City on November 6, 2010.
Rebel Spirit | Fall 2010
SOCCER By: John Mohrmann The varsity soccer team began the season 4-0, which included wins over large-school soccer powers Fort Zumwalt West and Wentzville Timberland, before losing to Eureka in the Championship game of the St. Dominic Tournament. By midseason, the Rebels established themselves as one of the elite teams in the area, playing balanced, skilled, and entertaining, team soccer. Led by Form VI co-captains Doug Brooking, Liam Ware, and Jack Wegmann, the 2010 ABC League Champions finished with a league record of 9-1 and final a record of 18-4. Anchored by Form V goalies Kevin Ludwig and Jack Schwartz, Form V defenders Andy Kopfensteiner, Kyle Martin, Nico Stillman and Kevin Hess ’11, the Rebels earned 13 shutouts. Jack Wegmann ’11 and Andrew Rhodes ’12 led the team in scoring. Although the season ended in disappointment with an unexpected loss in the District Tournament, the team was proud to spend much of the season ranked number one in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Small-School Poll and number one in the State Class 2 Coaches’ Poll. Form V players Martin, Rhodes, and Jacob Mohrmann and Form VI’s Brooking earned First Team All-League honors. In addition, Form V’s Kopfensteiner and Stillman, Form VI’s Wegmann and Brendan Kelly, and Form IV’s Jeffrey Hopson earned Honorable Mention.
FOOTBALL
By: Marty Combs
The 2010 Priory Rebel Varsity Football team earned a MSHSAA State Playoffs berth for a record third consecutive year. Our regular season record was 8-2, recording four shutouts and averaging 29 points per game. Thirteen players earned All-League recognition. The following players had game or season performances that placed them in the All-Time Top Ten lists: Form VI players Colin Bruns, McCarthy Grewe and David Taiclet; Form V players Tommy Yoon, Mark Mannino and notably Jack Taiclet, who made the longest kickoff return in Priory history for 99 yards. Our success this season can be attributed to a Form VI class that took care of business both on and off the field. Having graduated many starters on both sides of the ball meant that we would need this year’s Form VI and V students to become true varsity players in a hurry, and they did just that.
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The 2010 Rebels always gave their all and never left the field with any regrets knowing they did their best.
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Associate Headmaster
Community Service and Philanthropy I vividly recall my surprise when Ms. Tumminia asked me if I would accompany her on a community service trip to Belize over spring break. Kate and I are very different people, but I had been a year behind her brother, Kevin, in the seminary and when she mentioned that he was stationed in Belmopan I thought, “Why not?” Guys from SLUH had worked with Kevin the prior year, so we invited them out for a chat. One thing led to another and soon we had tangible interest from nine boys from the classes of ’02 and ’03. I had chaperoned many spring break trips in my earlier years at Priory, but never one quite like this. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I trusted that if Ms. Tumminia had the courage to ask me, and my spouse had the courage to let me go, then I had better say “Yes!” to the opportunity. It didn’t hurt that three of the boys on the trip were Eagle Scouts, or that we were going to build a church and teach in a local school. It certainly wasn’t going to be a vacation, but Ms. Tumminia was smart enough to build a “fun quotient” into the trip. Once we arrived it was clear that we were not in Oz anymore. I was transporting boys down a mountainside in the bed of a pick up truck they had nicknamed “Bill” and driving the same truck through a river every morning on the way to Monsignor Romero School in the Valley of Peace. The excitement of the adventure was tempered with afternoons spent in sweltering heat digging trenches, pouring concrete and building walls.
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While the morning tutoring sessions and afternoon building efforts provided a rhythm, it was what wasn’t planned that gave all of us the greatest sense of accomplishment. Planning and building a library for the school, and designing and producing architectural drawings of a high school in Belmopan, gave the boys not only a sense of accomplishment but also the real conviction that they were making a difference. The thank you notes that the children presented to us tugged at our heartstrings. That spring was one of those rare occasions when spring and Easter breaks elided, so we were able to include mass and prayer services in our time together. We began our first day with Father Kevin celebrating a special Mass for us, and we ended on Easter Sunday with a parish Mass where we were welcomed with open arms. In between, we had a mystical experience on Holy Thursday, when bioluminescent organisms put on a display under a starry sky while we prayed on the dock. Yes, we chased tarantulas, withstood a torrential rainstorm under a tarpaulin, consumed chicken cooked seven different ways, and weathered cold showers every day. But, we made a difference! The boys knew that they were changed by the trip, and they returned home with the desire to make service into a thread running through their lives.
Community JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
How We Give Back To The
By: Jake Drysdale ‘16 and John Russell ‘16 Are you a community service participant? Priory students are! There are many opportunities to give to the community. Clubs like Random Acts of Kindness and Community Service Clubs are an example, and to prove this, we decided to interview Random Acts of Kindness and Community Service Club participants to tell us about their endeavors.
“Random acts of kindness help us to incorporate the Gospel message of love in everything we do by committing ourselves more earnestly and sincerely to those around us,” he mentioned. “The Priory Junior School Motto is ‘See Christ, Be Christ,’ and this is what we aim to live.” Brother Dunstan also remarked that “we can show Christ our love for him by loving our neighbor. One does not always know what another might be going through, and sometimes all it takes is a little random act of kindness to remind that person of God’s love and to brighten up his day. Random acts of kindness are given freely from the love we have received freely from Christ and seek nothing in return.” “I really enjoy being in the club,” said Adam Ezzelgot, a From I student we interviewed. “We all get to help other people, and it really makes us feel good.” We also interviewed Form II student Bobby Onder, who said, “It feels good because we’re helping the school community.” And the club definitely proves it. Random Acts of Kindness is setting up a food drive for soldiers in Afghanistan and has made packets of assorted candy for Junior School teachers. Plus, they baked muffins and made 300 cookies as well as writing monikers to invite people to the recent Open House.
“We began the Random Acts of Kindness Club to help teach those involved what it means to be disciples of Christ,” said Brother Dunstan, who moderates the club with the equally-as-helpful Ms. Riefle. “We can make a difference in lives of others by performing little acts with great love every day.”
Random Acts of Kindness and Community Service clubs inspire all different types of helpfulness and caring. These people have given back to the community in numerous ways. How have you?
By: Bobby Donnelly ‘15
to the hungry. The club also participates in other projects, such as a Special Olympics Bocce Ball tournament and neighborhood beautification.
At Priory, many people are involved in community service. Whether it is in the Community Service Club, or just helping out in general, Priory students are devoted to the community. In an interview with the Community Service Club and its moderator, Mr. Kyle Oberle, the true purpose and devotion of the club really showed. They are constantly pitching [service] ideas to both their peers and Mr. Oberle. With all of the priorities of homework, chores, and studying, you really do wonder why someone would volunteer their own time to give back to the community When asked this exact question, Form III student Michael Clark responded, “I enjoy helping others, and [volunteering is] a good outlet for me to do that. For me, anyone who is better off than someone else has an obligation to help that person.” Throughout the year, the Community Service Club visits the Saint Augustine Soup Kitchen on the last Tuesday of every month, to serve food
The club has also hosted some service trips outside St. Louis. While they cost more money, all members of the club agree that they are helpful to the community in a global sense, and in the words of the club members, “They’re fun – do them!” Mr. Oberle, recalled an experience he had while on a service trip in his sophomore year at Priory. “We did a winter service trip to Chile. We helped build and install a playground. It was really nice seeing [the people’s] reactions!”
“I enjoy helping others...”
Priory students and faculty are committed to helping others. As Michael Clark stated, we do have an obligation to help someone who is not as well off as we are. With that in mind, the Priory community will continue to help on a local and global scale. [priory] magazine
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STUDENT PROFILE
We hope you enjoy reading a brief excerpt from Charlie’s thesis, which asked the question: Do Catholics have a moral obligation to help the poor?
Charlie Rosebrough ‘11 The virtuous life is a Catholic’s goal, and, since it stands as an absolute goal regardless of one’s religion, it is the goal for everyone. Sadly, in a society centered on the individual, in a nation that holds personal freedom so high, Catholics have begun to lose sight of the communion of souls and have started to see Salvation on only a personal level. Many have begun to question whether or not Catholics must help the poor. One often hears that the poor should help themselves, that one is only responsible for one’s own soul, and that Salvation doesn’t cost a dime to attain. These arguments, and many more, are too easily accepted. Ignoring a problem or placing the blame conveniently on someone other than the self has always been the quicker and simpler path, but these approaches disregard the truth. Virtue is life’s most important aspect and in the end the aspect on which a person will be judged. Since virtue is so crucial, the question of whether or not a Catholic is morally obligated to help the poor must be explored to the core of the truth behind it. Catholics are morally obligated to help the poor… “Human Dignity can be realized and protected only in community” (National Conference of Catholic Bishops). The Church teaches that helping the poor is an objective good, because helping the poor is an action oriented towards God. Subjectively, helping the poor can only be good if the person doing the action is in normal circumstance and has his will aligned with the goodness of God he is striving for. It is not acceptable to neglect the poor because of the choices they have made. No matter what anyone has done that person will always have his dignity, which entitles him to God’s justice. Also, it is incorrect to deny help to the poor on the basis that they do not need it because they choose Salvation and happiness. One needs both personally chosen faith in God and material possessions to be happy. Nor should one refuse to help the poor out of fear of no consequence or bad consequences. God does not judge one’s action on the consequences. Rather the solution to poverty lies in community. In the words of the great Jose Manuel “We need community. We are all weak. We cannot make it alone. We need to belong to the ‘ranks of brothers’ (RB1,5) who can correct us, teach us and be available for us. We need the support of others.” Community is the reason a Catholic is morally obligated to help the poor, and it is the goal of any Catholic wishing to remove poverty.
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“The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” (Saint Gregory)
Feature
Community service is an essential component of the Priory experience, which becomes a requirement as students grow in wisdom and mature in faith. Come explore a few of the past and current projects that continue to shape our students as they help make a difference in the world.
Who Is My Neighbor
The Community Service Requirement at Priory
T
he community service requirement directs students to spend 40 hours in personal service to those in need, in order to expose and encourage them to address the problems faced by others in the world. This requirement is designed to expand their awareness of social concerns and deepens the faith of the student through a practice of loving their neighbors, whoever that might be. Through various agencies, service trips, and new opportunities, Saint Louis Priory students find ways to give of themselves. The result is a community of givers, who will hopefully continue to give to their ever growing communities as alumni. Father Gregory Mohrman shared that “developing a practice of community service is part of what we envision a mature Christian life to be.” After all, one of the school’s goals includes “serving others in fraternal love and fostering a spirit of family and community among those with whom they live and work.” If that is the case, then students must participate as much in the human family as the Priory family. Making that habitual practice accessible to students is one reason the requirement starts in Form V. Many volunteer organizations have a minimum age requirement, which can range anywhere from 14–18 years old. Students are also expected to provide or coordinate their own transportation. As underclassmen would be challenged to accommodate all these conditions, the requirement begins when students are best able to take advantage of their growing freedoms. Education and maturity play a large role. In Form V, there is a unit of the Fundamentals of Catholic Theology class which covers Social Morality,
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and in Form VI, there is an elective titled The Church and the Poor in St. Louis. “We have religious education here and Catholic moral instruction… and guidance on issues of social justice that we then need to live out outside the school,” remarked Kyle Oberle ’01, the Community Service Coordinator and Community Service Club Moderator. “It’s great to [read about] it in books and you certainly need those academic elements, but you also have to practice it…that’s what community service lets us do.” Students are in charge of their requirement from the start, and are the sole responsible party. Mr. Oberle also shared his thoughts on the guidelines he distributes. “It’s not a checklist,” he mentioned, “We are not trying to overload them with a checklist of do this, this, and this.” Instead, it is a challenge for students to put into practice love of others, time management, and all the various skills they have learned while at Priory. The Community Service Club — A Simple Idea That Worked One important element that makes service accessible to all students is the Community Service Club. Started in 1998 by Edward Rasp ’00 and Stephen Merjavy ’00, it introduced students to a new way of looking at their free time. “Ed and I started up the Community Service Club to provide more opportunities for younger students to be engaged in community projects. Certainly service
Serving Community the
At Home And
to the community has been a part of the curriculum at Priory for a long time; we just thought setting up a club that organized community activities would make it easier for people to get involved,” said Stephen. “It was a simple idea that worked. Priory guys are generally interested in lending a hand in the community, and we had great support from Mr. Cavanaugh, Mr. Mohan and other faculty.”
Today, the club hosts about 15 core members and is led by Form VI Co-Presidents Charlie Rosebrough and Andrew Erker. The weekly agenda includes updates to upcoming events or discussions, delegating tasks, and brainstorming new possibilities for service. Currently, there is talk of a fundraiser centered on a dodgeball game, which demonstrates the creativity in their planning. The organization is, to quote Mr. Oberle, “Really driven by the students.” This seems to be one of the core features of the club. Former moderator Michael Mohan mentioned that “You could see the connection that students had in putting their faith into action.” He also said, “It was very inspirational [to me] as a moderator.” The most enduring legacy of the club has been its connection to Saint Augustine’s Soup Kitchen in Hamilton Heights. On the last Tuesday of the month, the Community Service Club collects food with help from the Mothers’ Club and gathers supplies to prepare and serve the food along-side other volunteers. Crowds can range from a few dozen to groups upwards of 200, depending on the season. This places students in direct service to many people at once.
Abroad
Jake Wenger, who often accompanies the boys, noted “They actually serve the people. The people don’t come up and get in a line or anything like that.” Instead, the patrons remain seated at their table, while students prepare and run food and beverages to each individual. The emphasis is on direct access and assistance. This year, the club would like to take an entrepreneurial role. Instead of working for another entity, the students want to develop and manage a homegrown project. They’ve even started collecting funds to get it up and running. Although still in its infancy, the club is taking the first steps towards what could be an exciting new chapter in their history. Costa Rica and Ecology — A Different Kind of Exposure The Environmental Club, moderated by Mr. Wenger, has also extended efforts to help the community. One of the exciting projects on the horizon is the start of a sustained community garden. The crops tended by students would be delivered to an agency that distributes produce to those in poverty. Although attempts the past year were hindered by conflict, the combined approach of biology and hands on work offers students a foretaste of how science can be used to benefit others in need. During the spring, Mr. Wenger led a trip to Costa Rica that also incorporated science and service. The students helped replant parts of forests, one in a botanical garden, and the second on private property. In both places, the boys learned the importance of these natural resources, which are habitat to many different species of wildlife, and provide an [priory] magazine
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“Very often,” related Father Gregory, “people were extremely grateful and expressed appreciation for what the boys did.” important component in the overall health of the planet. “The trip provided a different kind of exposure,” he shared, especially through its home-stay component, where students lived with residents of the area. The privately owned property was in a process of transformation into a “greenway” flyover for the Scarlet Macaw. This otherwise common bird has been threatened by hunting, poaching and deforestation in Costa Rica, significantly reducing their populations on the island. The boys’ hard work played an important part in the recovery of this species, and provided erosion prevention for the land. In both areas, the trees were tagged as special thanks to the boys’ assistance and as a reminder to the future to aid in the health of the planet. Serving Hispanic Communities — See and Be Exposed When alumni parent Stephen Ruzycki (father of Philip ’04, and Michael ’06) approached then-Community Service Coordinator Bernard Kilcullen with the idea of a community service trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, Spanish teacher Cristina Cazabonne quickly volunteered to lead the trip with him. Ms. Cazabonne said her goal was a little selfish: “I wanted to expose students to the Hispanic community…what better situation than to spend time with the people and work with them?” And for three years, Priory students did just that. “We alleviated their situation. Just being with them, [even] one day, their kids got to play and have fun,” she said. “One of the things we did when we went to Mexico was to bring a lot of books, a lot of toys. We just alleviated things a little bit.”
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The boys worked under the guidance of Marylou Bennett, a Maryknoll sister. For the trips, they collected used shoes from Priory students, which would be sold cheaply to the residents. In addition, they also collected donated supplies, such as medicines, bandages and vitamins, which were distributed by the missionaries. Steve’s help was crucial, as his ability to connect and investigate different opportunities made these trips possible, due to his excellent contacts. Students were asked to listen and experience life as it is lived in Oaxaca. That practice of listening, which is so familiar to the Benedictine way of life, opened students to the lives of others. It gave them opportunities to see and be Christ to others through solidarity. Ms. Cazabonne said it allowed students to “see and be exposed,” to help them comprehend the differences and similarities between cultures, regions and economic groups. This past year, Steve also coordinated a trip to Belize. There, students worked with a priest by the name of Father Dick Pearl, S.J., from the Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church and School in Punta Gorda. They traveled into the rainforest to serve an indigenous community and to assist them as they laid the foundations of a church. However, this process was cut short by a land dispute, ultimately ending that part of the trip early, but one that taught students the unseen challenges of the region. The forest was owned by a man who allowed the people to live there, but did not want any structures go up. While the students poured concrete, the landowner and his associates arrived with machetes and an ultimatum: stop the construction. The incident was resolved peacefully, but it was unnerving for some. Doubtless, it exposed the boys to an experience far
removed from their lives at Priory, but allowed them to experience the hardships faced by that community. The Appalachian Service Trips — Poverty Does Not Always Appear In The Same Way It started as the brainchild of alumni parents Stephen Bradbury and Elizabeth Hawk (parents of Cole ’04) who wanted to create an alternative Spring Break trip focused on service. After ten years of logistical support and leading the trip, they finally “retired” this year (six years after their son’s graduation), which led to this popular trip’s end this past spring. But because of what they started, the school continues to investigate similar opportunities, so that future generations of students can benefit from this type of experience. The trip centered on a region in eastern Kentucky served by a community of Benedictine sisters, who were a wonderful contact for the students. About a week beforehand, Steve would scout out projects, while Elizabeth would coordinate transport and provisioning with students and their families. Upon arrival, every aspect, from the purchase of supplies to project management, was overseen by the couple. It was their efforts that ultimately allowed the boys to benefit from the trip. Students invested about $600 dollars, which paid for all their needs and left a small portion for donation. Father Gregory shared that each year, they tended to build access ramps to trailers where some of the Appalachian residents lived. As the population aged, he explained, it tended to become more immobile, making it hard for the people to even leave their own homes. Fortunately, the boys were eager to take up these tasks.
The projects “involved a certain amount of moderately technical construction, and the kids loved that because it was a lot of sawing, and pounding, and cutting, and digging, so it was very good” said Father Gregory. By the end, students could look at their completed projects and appreciate what they had accomplished for the Appalachian community. “Very often,” related Father Gregory, “people were extremely grateful and expressed tremendous appreciation for what the boys did.” Although there were some families a little more reticent to interact with the crews, the sisters always conveyed the thanks that they had received after the boys departed. “One challenge was just seeing that poverty does not always appear the same way,” noted Father Gregory, as he shared some of the students’ impressions. Sometimes, the discovery of a satellite TV connection or large screen television in a decaying trailer led to confusion and surprise. Father Gregory commented, “The sisters were very good helping the kids understand the difference between what they called situational poverty and institutional poverty or systematic poverty.” This led to discussions about how these situations arise, and why it was so difficult to change course. For Priory students, he noted, “It’s pretty natural to think that well, if you’re in a bad situation, if you just apply your initiative, and your skills and your talents, you should be able to improve your life [but, they learned] there are often things about a person’s life…that makes improving their lot difficult or impossible.” Ultimately, students gave people a sense of hope, and earned their gratitude, an experience they can carry with them today.
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AIM HIGH The following is a guest article from our friends at Aim High, who interviewed members of our Priory Community about the Aim High experience. “Community service is not just something you do to put on a resume or fulfill a quota that someone else has established,” said Joey Wagner ’09. “It’s about making a difference and becoming a better citizen of the world.” Joey’s beliefs regarding community service have been largely shaped by an organization called Aim High St. Louis. Through a unique partnership, Priory students have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants (TAs) for the academically-focused summer program. In return, Priory allows Aim High, whose middle school students primarily come from the St. Louis Public School District, to use its facilities. “The Monastery and School Administration make a statement by welcoming and supporting the Aim High program and providing the space on our campus,” said Father Michael Brunner, Headmaster of Priory. “It is a witness to our institutional commitment and anchors our membership in the wider community of St. Louis.” This commitment to service drove Joey to complete four years with Aim High, including two summers after he graduated high school. Joey has volunteered more than 400 hours of service to Aim High. It has also provided him with the opportunity to evolve his roles and advance his responsibilities. After displaying leadership in the classroom, he was asked to serve as the “Head TA,” who is responsible for directing and supporting the entire TA population, as well as managing logistical operations, such as attendance and bus routes. His favorite part of the day, however, was “Physical Fun,” when students and TAs are able to partake in physical activity and healthy competition.
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“It is great to watch the students and TAs interact in an athletic environment, allowing everyone to build relationships outside the classroom,” he said. In general, Joey cited the relationships that are formed between the TAs and students as the most special component of Aim High. According to him, it was clear from the very first day how much the students look up to the TAs, and how much the TAs enjoyed spending time with the students. “In Aim High, [students] are able to work with children not too far from their own age,” remarked Father Michael. “There is something special about the critical mass of young people working together that gives them a real sense of hope for a more constructive future.” One memory in particular stands out in Joey’s mind that emphasized the impact that Aim High made. In the past, one of the students had struggled with bad behavior, a poor attitude and limited understanding of course content. By his eighth grade year, however, he had improved dramatically. Unfortunately, he confided to Joey, it didn’t seem like anyone noticed. Joey reassured him that this wasn’t true, but the student wasn’t convinced. Later that week, though, he was chosen as “Student of the Week.” Seeing him on stage, holding his award, clutching his proof that people had indeed noticed his improvement, was an experience that Joey said he will never forget. “As anyone who has ever been associated with Aim High can attest, the students who attend the program are intelligent, fun and happy kids with great potential,” Joey said. “By providing these students with access to
a better education and learning environment, we open up many doors, yet there is so much more that must be done.” It turns out, though, that the students’ lives aren’t the only ones that are changed by the program. Throughout the last four years, Aim High impacted Joey in more ways than he ever could have expected. First, it helped him earn the Presidential Service Award two years in a row during his time at Priory. It has also provided him with extremely “marketable” experiences, including volunteerism, teaching, project management, team leadership, event planning and more. These skills are highly sought after by colleges, organizations and employers and helped Joey gain acceptance into one of the top universities in the country, Vanderbilt. Aim High is much more than a resume builder, though. Through Aim High, Father Michael said students learn “a sense of solidarity with those who are different, loss of the fear of diversity, joy in service and a loss of any sense of entitlement.” Joey echoes these sentiments. He said Aim High has taught him to appreciate his own privileges and to never take anything for granted. It has also exposed him to the need for improved levels of education in our country. Most importantly, though, Aim High taught him the importance of community service. “Aim High has helped to teach me, simply being aware is not enough. In order to make a difference, people need to take action. Thanks in part to Aim High, community service remains and will remain an important part of my life.” As part of this commitment, he began volunteering for a program near his university called Maplewood Mentorship. There, he serves as a tutor and mentor to freshman students in east Nashville, an impoverished and gang-ridden neighborhood. According to Father Michael, this is not unusual for Priory graduates. “Being of service is an integral part of our faith. Jesus told us to love our neighbor and the parable of the good Samaritan makes clear our neighbor is anyone who needs help.” As next summer approaches, staff and students at Aim High look forward to their 20th year in service. Joey looks forward to Winter Break when he will be able to reconnect with the Aim High community at one of their monthly Saturday sessions. These friendships, which have defied the divisions of age, race, socio-economic class and county lines, are the reason that Aim High is not just a program — it’s a family. “At Aim High, you won’t just be fulfilling service hours,” Joey said. “You will be changing kids’ lives, and by the end, yours will be changed as well.”
Aim High St. Louis is a tuition-free academic enrichment program for fifththrough
eighth-grade
students
from
low-income neighborhoods who have demonstrated potential. Once
accepted
into
the
program,
students will participate for four years, enabling them to take full advantage of a comprehensive curriculum, which has been shown to have significantly positive impacts
on
graduation
and
college
enrollment rates. 2011 Programming will run from June 11 - July 16. If you are interested in becoming a teaching assistant, (eligible for consideration after completion of Form III), contact Carrie Riefle in the Junior School. If you are interested in joining the Aim High faculty or want to learn more about the program, contact Julie Angelica at Aim High St. Louis, (314) 432-9500 or jangelica@aimhighstl.org.
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Teach ForAmerica Ian Hillis ’03
A
s Priory students and alumni, we have been blessed with a top of the line college preparatory experience; one that sets its students up for success in the short and long term in the diverse range of endeavors that we choose to take on. The reality though, is that the Priory experience is not the norm across this country, and the U.S. is working with a broken educational system. The norm of 50% high school and 10% college graduation rates within low-income communities has a lot of far reaching implications for our country and impact our economy, health care systems, and international competitiveness on a daily basis. Teach For America was the chance for me to experience/tackle these issues first hand. Without a doubt, my two years in the classroom on the west side of Chicago was the most challenging thing I have ever done, but at the same time, it has been the most rewarding and has informed my outlook on everything going forward.
Patrick Erker ’03
I
learned a tremendous amount as a Teach For America corps member. My discoveries included revelations about the harsh reality of America’s failing public schools, and also quite a bit about the human condition. If there’s one major takeaway from my experience as a fifth-grade teacher on Chicago’s South Side, it’s that there is untapped potential in every corner of our great country. During my second year of teaching, only one student in my class of 29 tested above the 90th percentile in reading in the fall term. A year of strategic goal-setting, planning, and execution
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later, seven kids topped the 90th percentile. Four of those kids were at the 99th percentile. I would call it remarkable, except that I knew that my students could and should perform at this level, and my job was simply to facilitate their achievement. When I look back at my time at Priory, I recall how high teachers set the bar for us. Although Priory’s education is infused with religion throughout, it shares with successful public school classrooms some fundamental values such as high expectations, strict accountability for students, and family involvement. Priory students can excel as teachers and should highly consider the profession.
HOW IT WORKS
dRESS dOWN dAYS
a
hOW iT wORKS:
bout two Thursdays each month, you might notice a more relaxed look on campus. The students are invited to dress casually, in exchange for making a small donation to a charitable organization or institution. Typically, the donation is $2.00, but students are known to donate more for larger projects or needs. Although it is such a simple thing to turn over a few dollars for the privilege of wearing something more comfortable, the donations add up. Dr. Bernard Kilcullen mentioned that each single event raises about $700.00. That’s an annual sum to the tune of $12,600. And while some students borrow money from their parents, the hope is that each boy finds some way to give of his own resources. Small sacrifices, such as these charitable gifts, teach the students to be “givers.” If prayer and fasting are encouraged during the weekly program, it makes sense that there should be an opportunity for charitable giving in the school, as well. While not quite the same as the Advent or Lenten giving of alms, these Dress Down Days can provide the first taste of what it means to be a lifelong giver-of-self, a fundamental of the Catholic faith. Connected to this is a public announcement, usually during an assembly that describes what the sponsored organization does. Some of these organizations include Backstoppers, Doorways, Jamestown
New Horizons, and Gateway to Hope. Thus, students are not just giving blindly, but know what the institution does and how it serves the greater community. The Dress Down Days work so well because of three factors: First, the students get to dress down (which eventually should become a superficial bonus). Second, they understand that their contribution will be going to a cause that is worthy of their attention. Third, and perhaps most importantly, they see others giving and together make a larger difference than each of them would singley. In addition to giving away, it is a community building exercise. By working together, everyone contributes more. The educational and communal aspects of this process make it more than just a pay-your-way to get out of the dress requirement. Sometimes, due to the contribution, representatives of these organizations come and speak to the students, to share how the funds help their clients and to share their gratitude. After experiences such as these, students know they have altered the lives on of others with a simple gift. So, if you’re a parent or a student, the next time you hear about a Dress Down Day, talk to one another about the organization, and discuss why you think it’s a good cause. You might be pleasantly surprised, and learn something about how to be better givers together.
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Continuing Service Rob Muchany ‘83 I don’t remember wanting to grow up to be a fundraiser. In fact, I’m quite confident that I never sat in the back of Latin class and wondered whether it was smarter to remember a charity in your will with a set dollar amount or percentage of your estate. It’s certainly not the most direct career path – from Priory to philanthropy – but it does come highly recommended. First, working in the fundraising industry is a wonderful opportunity to develop a broad range of skills. There’s public speaking, marketing choices, donor research, staff management, and a bit of salesmanship. As the Vice President for Development and Marketing at Youth In Need, I’m responsible for the charitable revenue and the public relations of a social service agency serving more than 11,000 children and families annually in the greater St. Louis area. Every day is different. One day, I am working on the details for our upcoming annual dinner and auction; the next day, trustees from a private foundation are making a site visit to consider funding our street
outreach program for homeless youth. Of course, there is plenty of asking for support, too, sitting down for lunch, over a cup of coffee, or walking through a formal proposal. Hearing that “yes” for your organization is still quite a thrill. Second, some of the best people in the world are involved in every area of the non-profit world. There are the exceptional non-profit employees – teachers, social workers, musicians and scientists to name just a few – who are the heart and soul of every non-profit. Just as important, there are also the extraordinary donors and volunteers who have made the decision that their hard-earned time, talent and treasure should be given in trust to help an organization achieve one thing, its mission. Third, for anyone venturing into the fundraising profession, I can guarantee that you will have the chance to leave a lasting impact on the issues most important to you. My passion has always been children’s charities, and today my involvement with Youth In Need means I am a part of an agency that helps children from pre-birth to 21 years of age. Youth In Need has residential programs, homeless outreach, family and individual counseling, and early education and I get to be part of all those lives touched, all those lives changed.
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To quote Henry Rosso, the founding director of The Fund Raising School at Indiana University, “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” And the first requirement for succeeding in that art is having that joy yourself. I’ve loved giving my career to this profession. I’ve helped raise millions of dollars for charities that will have a positive effect on the lives of tens of thousands of children and families, and I’ve had the profound privilege of working with tremendous people who have taken to heart the fact that love of humankind is indeed what makes philanthropy so powerful.
ALUMNI PROFILE
I think for most Priory Alumni, community service comes as a near-automatic response to the good fortune we have enjoyed. It is rooted in our shared experiences as students and the example provided daily by the Monks.
Tom Mulvihill ‘80 I remember well, for instance,
the Senior project my class adopted, that of rehabbing the pond, trimming decades of brush from its banks, and generally cleaning up the area. We skipped the customary prank and pulled-off this project over the course of three weekends instead. It was the least we could do for the School for tolerating us for six full years. As I’ve gotten older, looking for opportunities to help others is natural outgrowth of my Catholic faith, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back as a Deacon in the very active Parish of Mary Queen of Peace and as Priory’s Director of Admission. But when my wife, Molly, and I lost our eldest son, Oliver, to Neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, in 1993, it was a conscious effort to busy myself in the work of helping other victims of pediatric illnesses that caused me to pair up with two close friends. Together, we founded a charity golf tournament called the Scramble For Kids, which was unofficially dedicated to the memory of my son, with proceeds to benefit Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The tournament has been held each year at the Country Club of St. Albans, one of the most prestigious golfing venues in St. Louis. Participation has grown from just 70 people at the inaugural event to over 300 at recent tournaments. Through the enthusiastic commitment
of hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, donors and players, the Scramble For Kids has DONATED over $1.4 million in 16 years to St. Louis’ two outstanding pediatric hospitals, earning national awards and accolades. There is nothing spectacular about what I’ve done. I was, frankly, at the low-end of my class here at Priory and there are surely alumni who are making a far bigger philanthropic footprint than I. But, I think that Priory breeds givers—caring men who make a habit of looking at the world around them, often in their own backyard, to see how they can make an impact, how ever small. I’m proud to have continued that legacy in whatever miniscule way.
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ALUMNI PROFILE
(left) Chris Rehm (PHC) with child at respite home in Cap-Haitien (right) Chris Rehm, Sacha Simon, and Ben Floor at UN Headquarters in Haiti.
Chris Rehm ’88 and Sacha Simon ‘88 On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake struck the Southern provinces of Haiti. It is estimated that up to 250,000 people died. Over 300,000 serious injuries were recorded and a million people were internally displaced. Haiti was already known to be the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Country wide there is 75% unemployment, less than 40% of the population has any access to healthcare, and hurricane season regularly destroys much of the feeble infrastructure. Rehm and Dr. Simon were very moved by the stories of heroism that local Haitians faced with what seem like insurmountable challenges. Chris is Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Healthcare Group, a healthcare provider with experience in the development and management of both wholly owned and those owned hospital systems throughout the United States. Sacha is a family practitioner, based in England, who is also the Medical Director of Arden Primary Care. This healthcare consultancy has a background of success with humanitarian efforts including a $175 million Afghanistan project to design and implement a comprehensive integrated healthcare delivery program. In September 2010, together with a lifelong friend Ben Floor, we decided to travel to Haiti to see if there was some way we could contribute to the international effort to help the Haitians recover from this desperate situation. Despite most of the team having previous experience in post disaster situations, it was hard to believe the level of destruction and lack of basic amenities that the people lived through. Even in places not directly affected by the earthquake, there were children playing in trash, poor to nonexistent roads, and limited access
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to clean drinking water. Despite these circumstances, we saw countless examples of individuals, many inspired by faith, who were improving significantly the circumstance of their respective communities. We were fortunate enough on this trip to meet with many nongovernmental organizations, committed to helping the local population long before the recent earthquake. We have obtained the provisional agreement from them to work together to provide an integrated healthcare solution for the one million inhabitants of the Nord Department (region). The plan is focused on options that can be implemented quickly and to yield defined benefits and improve the population health indices of CapHatien, the country’s second largest city, within the next three years. The primary objectives of this plan are common themes found in delivering primary healthcare in developing countries: 1. Strengthening the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP to improve its coordinating and health sector regulatory role 2. Developing Haitian led human resources for health services 3. Ensuring a sustainable financial structure for healthcare delivery 4. Decentralizing the delivery of care 5. Improving access to the Basic Package of Healthcare Services (BPHS) We know we have limited means and the task to help the Haitian on the road to full recovery is beyond even the most established international humanitarian organizations. However, we have made a commitment to use our God given talents to do what we can. We would very much appreciate the Priory community keeping the Haitian’s plight in their prayers.
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Check out the m ost recent Alumni N ews and Events onlin e at:
w w w.stlprior yal
u m n i . o rg
Tim McKay ’96
important. She is a 50-year old woman who had been homeless and had never lived independently.
When I drive past the former Pruitt-Igoe housing project, I look out the window knowing that I would not be there if it weren’t for Father Finbarr Dowling’s class. His class exposed us to areas of St. Louis I had never seen, which made it feel like I was in a different world. But, with my 15 year reunion in sight, I can say I now spend most of my professional life in a place that had seemed foreign to me as a Priory student.
Two years ago, she chose to stop using drugs and has been sober ever since. One of her goals was to learn how to cook for herself, and I work with her weekly on cooking tasks. She lives in her own house and keeps her house clean and organized. She repeatedly comments about the work Community Alternatives does with her and is amazed at how her life has changed in the past two years.
I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) and work for a non-profit agency in St. Louis City called Community Alternatives. The mission of Community Alternatives is “To provide innovative and comprehensive services to those with mental health issues in our community who are most in need.”
This is just one example of what I do and what our agency does with our clients. In the past, I have worked with clients who were too paranoid to ride the bus, but who are now able to ride independently to the grocery store or to their job.
One of the values that guide our work at Community Alternatives is to utilize a recovery oriented approach that helps people achieve their fullest potential as they live within their community. We also utilize a personcentered approach which meets people where they are and treats them with respect and dignity while giving them hope through individually tailored services. These same values are also key principles that guide my work as an OT.
I feel very lucky I have the opportunity to work at Community Alternatives and be a part of these clients’ lives. It’s amazing to know that I have helped a client reach a goal and then work with that client as they continue to develop other goals. It is challenging work, but rewarding beyond belief. It’s great to wake-up every morning excited about what they day has in store for me.
Occupational Therapy is a broad field, and you will find OTs in a variety of settings. As part of the OT program at Maryville University, I had the opportunity to participate in fieldwork experiences at two nonprofit agencies. After the first day at one of these agencies, I walked out knowing I wanted to work in a community-practice setting. I listened to stories of men who had been homeless, but were now attempting to live independently and struggling to perform tasks like paying bills or cleaning their apartment because they were used to living in shelters or on the street. I wanted the chance to work with these people and help them function to the best of their abilities while living in the community. I have been working at Community Alternatives for over two years and have worked with a variety of clients in that time. One client I work with on a weekly basis symbolizes why I feel this work is so [priory] magazine
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Alumni Events
Career Day was held on Friday, October 22. This year’s presenters included two fathers, in addition to six alumni, all of whom spent the afternoon sharing their life experiences and wisdom with Forms V and VI. Continuing on a trend that started last year, the event divides the two Forms into four breakout groups, and rotates the presenters amongst them for roughly 25 minutes. After that, they continue on to the next group. The idea is to allow the students a more personal setting in which to ask questions and engage with the presenters. The alumni this year included Brandon Bates ’04, Nik Jendrisak ’05, John Peckham ’85, Fred Sauer ’89, Dan Simpson ’97, and Corge Umlauf ’89, with Fathers’ Club Board Members Chris McKee and Paul Reitz rounding out the group. Paul commented that he “especially enjoyed the idea of teaming two presenters with similar interests,” which was facilitated by having a few overlapping areas. This year’s presenters had a blend of humor and seriousness when talking about Career paths. The pairing could not have been better, and
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really highlighted the diversity amongst out alumni. One example stands out in particular. Dan Simpson shared his thoughts on entering Law School, and asked students to be prepared to do the work if that’s what they wanted. John Peckham, in contrast, shared the anecdotes of what happens when one does not do the work, which prompted a chorus of laughter from all the students. We look forward to next year, and hope to continue a tradition that has grown into something special for our students. This year’s Homecoming was special. First, it was marked by a change in the location from the West side of the Gym to the North. Alumni volunteers Tom Plunkert ’70, Steve Nangle ’67, and Mark Bahn ’67 cooked up hamburgers and hotdogs, while Past Alumni Board President Iggy Yuan ’74, along with Director of Development Julie Lohr and Director of Finance (and Alumni Mother) Dawn Szatkowski served a bustling crowd prior to the football game.
Alumni Events
Although a little warm for an October 9 game, it thankfully did not suffer the same downpour that delayed last year’s kick-off. It was great to see alumni and their families sitting down with the monks and members of the community, to simply enjoy a beautiful day on the Priory campus. Priory extends a special thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible to serve so many. The big news came just before kick-off, as the Headmaster, Father Michael Brunner, announced to fans and visitors alike that the Priory grandstand (see page 4 for the full story), the as-of-yet incomplete portion of the Capital Campaign, had received funding and a green light for construction. After a 40-0 win over The Principia, Rebel students and fans alike had an afternoon full of excitement and fun, and went home knowing that the Priory Rebels would have a home of their own for years to come.
event, and featured the HoneyVox band. The event’s proceeds were used to benefit student tuition assistance, which helps qualified students afford the cost of Priory’s tuition. Co-Chaired by Andy Busch ’81 and Dan Croghan ’81, the event was carefully revamped over the period of a year by the Alumni Board of Directors, who dedicated to increasing attendance. With a little luck and a lot of enthusiasm, the event came together wonderfully, culminating in an evening of fun, friends, and reunion classes coming together. This year’s alumni reunion classes included 1970, 1975, 1985, 1990, and 2000. In addition, many Form I parents joined us, some as new members, and some as old friends, in addition to alumni parents, friends of the school, faculty, monks, and staff. All in all, we were pleased to host so many people for a celebration of the Priory family. Laus Tibi Domine!
The Grant’s Farm Party hosted around 450 guests in a resurgence of a hugely popular Alumni event. The evening was the 22nd hosting of the
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Saint Louis Priory School
500 South Mason Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8500
Save the Date! Xanadu Auction The Rebel 350...Race to the Finish! Saturday, February 5, 2011 Alumni Trivia Night Friday, March 4, 2011 A formal invitation will follow for each event
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit NO. 2618