Summit Magazine Spring 2024

Girls’ Soccer Wins State Again

EDITOR

Nancy Berlier

ART DIRECTOR/ DESIGNER

Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93 PHOTOGRAPHY

Ron Alvey, Emily Fernback, Glady Hill ’25, Tami McMann, Elizabeth (Walter) Maringer ’89, Xavier Mellon, Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93, Audrey Shisler ’25, Joe Simon, Leigh Taylor and Tony Tribble CONTRIBUTORS

Lauren (Brinkmeyer) Goebel ’96, Assistant Head of School, Advancement and Community Engagement; Nancy Berlier, Brendan Connelly, Emily Fernback, Kevin Johnson Jr. ’13, Tracy Law ’85 , Ph.D. and Xavier Mellon SPECIAL THANKS

Laura Wulker, Paula Kistner

Features

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Schiff Family Science Research Institute has given dozens of students an advantage in landing research positions in college and the workforce. The two-year-old Homan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is well on its way to giving business students head starts in their careers.

A decade of high-level results on Advanced Placement exams indicates The Summit’s rigorous curriculum and faculty have prepped students for success.

International families tell us they were attracted to The Summit’s “whole child” approach to education and found the dedication of the teachers to each of their children helped the children make connections, adjust to the curriculum and feel welcomed into the community.

Now that the Rev. Terry Hamilton has joined Rev. Phil Seher on campus, Father Terry answers five questions about his impressions of The Summit.

Summit’s new Development Director Bailey Bundy has a personal appreciation for people who give others a helping hand. She was able to attend Gettysburg College thanks to a lacrosse scholarship. Now, she hopes to pay it forward.

The road to another girls’ soccer state championship is a story of dedication, perseverance and, more than ever before, teamwork. It wasn’t all smooth sailing. When key players were sidelined with injuries, the girls’ soccer team had to dig deep as younger players stepped up.

This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees include Dr. Ashley Hite ’09, girls’ basketball all-time point leader, and Hugh McManus ’07, an athletic stalwart who has worked behind-the-scenes at every home game for the past 17 years. This year, three new awards for benefactors who have made an impact on Summit athletics go to Laura Haas, Tim Jedding and Mike Bergeron.

Holistic Education, Mission-Centered Curriculum, Five-Pillar Mission

“Teach them what they need to know for life.”

– St. Julie Billiart

Although we live in a complex and ever-changing world, certain things remain true at The Summit. One of those truths is the value of a holistic education. Grounded in the Hallmarks of our founders, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, The Summit provides a mission centered curriculum that develops intellectual and cultural competence. We commit to this holistic approach and missioncentered curriculum by educating our students across the five pillars: spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically.

As I reflect on this current academic year, I am struck by the power of how this mission-centered curriculum is being delivered by our administrative team, faculty and staff, and how it impacts the experience for our students from the ages of 18 months to 18 years. Students come to The Summit at various stages of their educational journey and are able to take advantage of the many opportunities offered at each stage, preparing them to take their place in a rapidly changing world.

Our Montessori students are given opportunities and are encouraged to use their innate curiosity about the world through inquiry and exploration in their peaceful and joyful classroom environments. Our Lower School students are immersed in diverse learning experiences designed to capture their hearts and minds, instilling a love for learning as they prepare for their next step. Through character and leadership capstone projects, coursework and advisements, our Middle School students are gaining confidence, developing intellectual curiosity and learning to respect their peers. Our Upper School students are embracing

more complex challenges, solving problems, taking risks and learning about their unique talents through access to The Summit’s extraordinary resources.

As you read this issue of the magazine, you will learn how two Centers of Excellence, The Schiff Family Science Research Institute and the Homan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, are delivering on this holistic education by providing students distinctive, experiential, learning opportunities in science and business. Discover how the Schiff Family Science Research Institute, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is allowing our Upper School students to combine their love of science with rigorous academic research to solve regional, national and global problems. Explore the excellence of our faculty and their professional development training experiences in literature, art, math, history, character education, STEMM, technology and more.

Beyond the classroom, you will enjoy learning about the powerhouse girls’ soccer team, the highly skilled coaching staff and their road to a fourth state title since 2011. Throughout this publication you will read numerous examples about the impact of our holistic and mission centered curriculum across the five pillars. I am certain these stories will surprise and delight you as a Silver Knight.

In a complex and ever-changing world, I am grateful for the constants of The Summit. I am blessed that my role gives me the opportunity to see the growth and transformation that happens with our students, day after day, year after year. I am grateful that our students are supported along every

step of their educational journey by highly trained, dedicated faculty and staff to become the best versions of themselves in a warm, inclusive culture where each child is known, God-given talents are valued and relationships flourish.

Research exploring educational systems around the world supports holistic education and student development in the 21st century. At The Summit, we have been practicing this approach for 133 years. As we progress with strategic planning and think about how we best prepare our students for the future, we will continue to teach students what they need to know for life, focus on real-world problem-solving skills, experiential learning, collaboration and environments that encourage critical thinking. In addition, we will continue to amplify our Leaders of Character programming where we focus our students on growing self, serving God and building community.

Grow in Grace and Wisdom,

Kelley Schiess HEAD OF SCHOOL

The Schiff Family Science Research Institute Generates a Decade of Lasting Impact

By Tracy Law ’85, Ph.D.

Recruited a decade ago to head the newly created Schiff Family Science Research Institute (SRI), Dr. Jessica Sakash Replogle, Ph.D. designed a program to provide intensive exposure to scientific methods, professional mentors, active research and a capstone colloquium experience.

“It has been amazing to bring my love of science and research to high school students, learn what they are passionate about, see the growth in these students as they make connections between their pockets of knowledge, to see growth from overcoming setbacks and failures and to see their growth in confidence,” she reflects.

of respondents majored in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medical (STEMM) field and 51 percent have gone on to post-graduate studies, while an overwhelming 98 percent stated that the program was either “extremely valuable” or “very valuable” to them post-Summit.

While SRI provides an initial immersion in the world of research, a deeper dive into the personal stories of SRI alumni shows that the program’s impact goes far beyond the research projects.

SCHIFF FAMILY SCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

To date, 119 seniors have finished the SRI program. Ten current seniors participated in the 10th annual colloquium in January. A recent survey of SRI alums found that 80 percent

Emily Walton ’15 is currently a medical student at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She says that one of the most valuable outcomes of her SRI participation was “the confidence it instilled to pursue research opportunities early on during my undergraduate studies. I entered the lab confident in my ability to

Dr. Jessica Replogle, Ph.D. watches Haley Potter ’24 and Maddie Sumnar ’24 set up a gel electrophoresis chamber in the Science Research Institute lab.

research and read academic papers and with an advanced understanding of college-level research methods.” Currently working with the Department of Cardiology, along with her sister Caroline ’17 (also an SRI alum), Emily is investigating cardiac biomarkers in predicting the survival of patients with heart failure. She has been involved in a variety of different projects in the last decade and says “the SRI program pushed me to jump in and accept that successful research usually involves a string of failures until an experiment (hopefully) works. That confidence has been invaluable.”

At The University of Michigan, Emily Warden ’20 echoes these feelings. While her high school research experience was crucial to her collegiate success in a clinical benchwork-based lab looking at ovarian cancer, in her last year of undergraduate work she believes she gained much more. “In the moment, I thought it was all about the research, but now I see it’s more about skills. SRI was my best chance to learn about scientific language. It helped me understand science literature, especially the type of research I’m doing with the Department of Pathology. In my first month in the lab reading literature, it would have been daunting if I hadn’t already had the experience with SRI.” Beyond that, Emily adds “it’s also about taking initiative with my mentor. It can be daunting advocating for yourself; it gave me confidence in dealing with the power dynamic and it made me better able to be a good lab member.”

As a Health Science (pre-med) major at the University of Cincinnati, Aubrey Jones ’22 cites SRI as the factor that “ignited my interest in research. Being a part of SRI showed me an area of science that I never knew I would enjoy.” As a participant in the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital SURF Program, Aubrey created a poster and presentation of her research. The colloquium experience made this “very easy for me. I scored in the top 15 percent too which was really cool!”

“Today, I am a first-year medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and SRI helped me get there,” says Joseph Delamerced ’18. “Not only was I able to work in a professional laboratory setting, but the SRI research honed my critical thinking skills and the importance of attention to detail. Moreover, engaging in scientific inquiry challenged me to think beyond assignments and classes, fostering a deeper and more dynamic understanding of the scientific process.” But what Joseph most valued may surprise some: “I was able to share this experience with my friends and we could share our triumphs as well as our learning moments.”

An enthusiastic proponent of the SRI program, Ellie Adam ’21 sees it as a highlight of her high school career. A junior at Wake Forest University, Ellie has been actively involved in research since her

Emily Warden ’20 presents a research poster on her University of Michigan cancer biology research project at the University of Michigan.

Joseph Delamerced ’18 is all smiles at his Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University white coat ceremony.

SRI project at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She has been a fellow in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program at CCHMC for three summers, attended conferences and published research as first author. Today she is working in the neurology department at Atrium Health/Wake Forest School of Medicine on research in the Comprehensive Headache Program. “I firmly believe that SRI had a direct impact on my love for conducting research and wanting to pursue a career in medicine,” Ellie says. Like other Summit SRI alums, she also highly values skills she acquired like “being able to eloquently speak about how and why I conduct the research. Further, I know how to assess a scientific article critically which has made me a more knowledgeable citizen.”

But what about the SRI alumni who have not pursued a research track? They too report tremendous value in having participated in the program.

Still in the healthcare field, although not in research, both Reagan Sutton ’22 and Maya Purdie ’17 continue to use lessons learned in SRI. In her final year of a doctoral program in Occupational Therapy at Washington University, Maya says, “I know where to look to see what the research says before I talk with people, and I see the

value in evidence-based practice.” Reagan is pursuing a B.S. in Global Health with a minor in Management Consulting at the University of Southern California. A summer internship with Medpace, Inc. saw her evaluating clinical research documents later sent to the FDA for clinical trial approval; currently she is working in a healthcare consulting group where “I get to use my background to solve business problems for healthcare companies.”

Kathryn Adam ’18 graduated from Wake Forest as a Politics and International Affairs major. While recognizing that science research was not for her, she zeroed in on her passion for interaction with people and this drove her towards a different kind of research. Currently she works with Ernst & Young in their Government and Public Sector as a Business Transformational Consultant. Federal clients have included the Defense Health Agency, Naval Special Warfare (the SEALs) as well as development work in the child welfare space. The communication aspect of SRI has been particularly valuable for her. “The colloquium was one of my first big presentations. Some of the techniques and strategies I used for that I still use today when presenting to admirals and other Navy leadership. Taking SRI classes and engaging with

Cole Hiller ’24 pilots the infrared video camera-force plate-virtual reality set up to collect participant postural sway data to investigate fall risk at the Chagdes Laboratory at Miami University.

complex literature in the lab enabled me to digest information and write memos more effectively than my peers.”

Michael Warden ’18 graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in economics. Now working in the field of data analytics he says, “SRI broadened my horizons to recognize the scientific process in so many other fields. It helped me understand how a specific pathway and system fits into the broader context of a subject to answer questions.”

Even the professionals who have served as mentors for Summit students have found value in the experience. Dr. Dean Beebe of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center served as Ellie Adam’s mentor. “Historically, I have had undergraduates, graduate students or post-doctoral fellows working in my research lab. The Science Research Institute has opened my eyes to the joys of working with talented high school students as well. The students sent my way through the institute have been a joy to work with and I welcome any referrals from them.”

Dr. Replogle encourages SRI students to integrate research, writing, math, statistics and science knowledge and techniques plus presentation skills honed during their high school courses with the new knowledge and skills acquired in their research project. The more they apply their knowledge, the more they will remember and develop a deeper understanding of the connectivity between all their courses over the years.

After a decade, the Schiff Family Science Research Institute has become one of The Summit’s signature programs. As over one hundred participants can attest to, it is not just about completing a research project. It is about learning to communicate and to collaborate, to understand success and failure, to apply critical thinking skills learned in one arena to another and to see the connections between spheres of experience.

The Schiff Family Science Research Institute was endowed by the Robert C. & Adele R. Schiff Family Foundation through Dawn and Dr. Robert C. Schiff Jr. The program is led by Jessica B. Sakash Replogle, Ph.D. Summit is seeking mentors in clinical, government, industries and other research facilities who will guide a high school student through a research project. For more information or to become a mentor, please go to www.summitcds.org/SRI or email replogle_j@summitcds.org.

Ellie Adam ’21 presents a research poster on her headache study at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

Iris Katz ’24 prepares protein samples for her experiments at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Kovall Laboratory.

Homan Center Internships Help Business Students Clarify Career Goals

By Tami McMann

Owen McNeil ’25 dreams of being an attorney, and thanks to a unique business curriculum at The Summit, he had an opportunity over the summer to learn whether his career goal is achievable.

At the law office of defense attorney Laurence Haas Jr., Owen sat in on client calls where he learned about criminal cases and defense strategies. He studied client files and watched security camera and body camera footage so he could make recommendations to Mr. Haas about the cases.

That’s not what you’d expect a teenager to do on his summer break.

Owen is a student in The Summit’s Homan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The center, just two years old, is already making an impact on students. Through courses in subjects like business, leadership and entrepreneurship, students prepare for a relevant summer internship where they have the chance to interact with professionals in real businesses. The

experience gives them a head start in college and careers by helping them zero in early on their passions and interests and expanding the skills they need to become effective entrepreneurs and business leaders.

“The internships provide students with a memorable business experience,” says Bob Jablonski, head of the center. “It is a new world for them. During our reflections, I have heard their insights defining the skills they need for successful careers.”

Owen called his summer internship “an amazing learning experience.”

“I wanted to get a jump start on seeing what a career as an attorney is like,” he says. “It helped deepen my interest in the law field and showed me what I would be getting into.”

One of the key skills he learned was the importance of communication. Another was attention to detail. “Reviewing files was sometimes tedious,” Owen admits, “but it was important to be thorough especially with injury cases.”

Robert Jablonski shares a moment with Ava Kulesza ’25, Owen McNeil ’25, Jack Lain ’25 in his Entrepreneurial Leadership class.

Owen went above expectations by researching medical terminology to better understand the cases and adding diagrams to his notes. “It was very rewarding when Mr. Haas said he could use my notes to help someone,” Owen says.

Besides getting hands-on, relevant experience with criminal cases, Owen also learned about the business side of running a law office. “Mr. Haas taught me about how they market themselves and how he gets paid for different types of cases,” he shares. Most importantly, Owen says, “I learned to be more resilient and to ask questions when I need to understand better. I was able to experience being part of a professional team and how to appreciate the value each person brings to the team.”

A Look at Small Business Operations

Wes Brokamp ‘24 had a different, but equally valuable, summer experience with the chief executive officer of JET Investment Holdings, Johnathan E. Taylor.

Throughout his internship with Seasons Best Landscaping, a subsidiary of JET, Wes got a close look at management, sales and accounting, topics that interest him greatly as he considers a career in finance. “I learned that the most important part of a business is every part,” Wes says. “Every department is vital – sales, operations, all of it.”

Wes worked with employees in different areas of the company. He learned new software programs and contributed to sales leads. He also volunteered to produce aerial site maps of properties to ensure landscaping and snow removal estimates are more accurate.

“One of the first things I was assigned to do was to take notes during an operations meeting,” Wes recalls. “It was helpful to see how the concepts we discussed in class are applied and how they function in the real world.” The internship experience revealed areas where Wes would still like to gain skills, such as Excel, accounts payable and receivables.

In a note to Wes at the end of summer, Mr. Taylor expressed his appreciation: “Thank you again for your wonderful contributions to the team this summer. You always brought a positive, can-do attitude to situations, with a laser focus towards the task at hand. I look forward to maintaining a relationship with you and seeing all of your successes to come.”

“I had an incredible mentor,” Wes says. “Mr. Taylor is such a role model in how he motivates and treats his staff. I have a lot of respect for him.”

“The internship provides students with a memorable business experience. It is a new world for them.”

-Bob Jablonski, Homan Center for Entrepreneurship Head

Learning Company Culture

Madeline Mescher ’25 spent her summer internship with Ashley Burke, a principal with Burke & Pecquet, LLC, who specializes in elder and special needs law.

Before the internship, Madeline anticipated a serious, strict culture at the law firm. However, her experience proved otherwise. She enjoyed a friendly and productive working environment that was demonstrated by both colleague and client relations. “I attended client meetings and saw a patient and understanding approach” Madeline says.

At the job site, she also observed the need for clear and accurate communications. Learning new vocabulary, terms and concepts in elder law was part of the challenge. “I now understand the importance of accuracy when composing client emails,” she says.

A positive company culture, a commitment to accurate communications and caring client interactions were hallmarks of her internship. Thanks to the experience she got through the Homan Center, Madeline saw professionalism in a new context and identified areas for skill development that will make her more successful in her future career.

The Homan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership was endowed by the Homan Foundation through Chip Homan SBS ’66. The program is led by Robert Jablonski, a business professional with a strong background in product development, manufacturing, payment processing, information technology, e-commerce and marketing in high-tech and leading-edge business technology. Summit is seeking 2024 internship sites that will be matched with Summit students in the Homan program. For more information about the center or to become a mentor, go to www.summitcds.org/HomanCenter or email Bob Jablonski at jablonski_b@summitcds.org.

Summit’s AP Performance Earns Distinction

By Nancy Berlier

Among 87 students recognized in the fall of 2023 for their performance on Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the College Board gave 39 of them their highest rank, AP Scholar with Distinction.

That ranking means the students received an average score of 3.5 on a 5-point scale on every AP exam taken and scores of 3-plus on five or more of exams taken.

Those are pretty good numbers for a school as small as The Summit. “The number of students who take AP classes and the number of students who excel in them is remarkable,” says Upper School Director Kelly Cronin. “Over the last decade, 95-99 percent of each graduating class took AP courses before graduating,” she says. “Every year, around 35 percent or more of our junior and seniors who take the AP exams have received AP Scholar with Distinction.”

Several factors have contributed to Summit’s success in AP:

Rigorous Cu rriculum

Probably the biggest ingredient in the “secret sauce” is that Summit students are prepared and motivated. While the AP classes are challenging, Summit students already are engaged in academically rigorous coursework through Summit's curriculum, and they are willing to put in the time and effort needed to succeed in the AP classes.

“While exploring all five pillars of our program –spiritual, academic, physical, social and artistic – Upper School students are especially known for their academic excellence,” says Ms. Cronin. “They consistently demonstrate the value of a Catholic education and the rigorous education provided by Summit’s faculty. These students are well-prepared for college-level c oursework.”

TJ LaMacchia ’24 works with third graders on a heritage map project as a collaborative exercise in Advanced Placement Human Geography.

Variety of AP Classes

Other schools as small as The Summit only offer a few AP classes, while Summit offers 24 in a variety of academic areas. This ensures students can undertake college-level study in topics they like and in which they can excel. Summit offers AP classes in social studies, English, science, math, computer science, world language, music and art. Four of the classes have no prerequisites, which means any student can take them. Additionally, several students who wanted to take AP classes that were not offered at Summit have been able to take them as independent studies.

Experienced Faculty

The Summit’s Upper School faculty is highly experienced and gives students the kind of personalized attention that helps them do their best. Some 68 percent of the Upper School faculty have master’s or doctorate degrees. Summit’s robust professiona l development progra m train s and updates teachers in best practices in education. (See related story on page 25.) And some teachers work for the College Board as Advanced Placement readers.

“We have a dedicated faculty willing to attend workshops and even serve as graders for the national exam,” says Ms. Cronin. “This means that our teachers know what the graders expect and are able to effectively cover the curriculum to prepare students.”

AP classes factor in college admission and a student’s class placement. Admissions officers see good performance on the exams as an indication that a student is prepared for the rigors of university-level studies. Most U.S. colleges and universities award credit hours, advanced placement or both for students who score three or higher on an AP exam. Advancing a student in the college curriculum can reduce tuition, allow the student to dive into a major earlier or provide more time for extracurriculars.

For the past six years, Summit’s Upper School has been named the best Catholic high school in Ohio by Niche, an organization which ranks schools, colleges, graduate schools and places to live. Among the reviews posted on the Niche site, many people cite preparation for college, rigor and course offerings as Summit’s strengths.

Megan Marburger ’25, a student in AP Biology, is learning how to calculate genotypic/phenotypic ratios and construct models of chromosomal exchange using fruit flies. By analyzing patterns and trends in the data, Megan can draw conclusions and devise solutions to problems in biological systems.

Senior Drew Hinton ’24 works with Dr. Tracy Law, Ph.D. ’85, on the school’s Anatomage Table in a lesson on brain biology for Advanced Placement Psychology.

Scholarship

By Nancy Berlier

Since the early 1980s, when the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur turned The Summit over to an independent board of trustees, the school has been growing its endowment. Some of the endowed funds, established by parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of The Summit, are dedicated to scholarships that will give generations of talented students opportunities they might not find, or afford, anywhere else.

Consider this. The west wing, the part of the campus that opened in the 19th century, now houses 21st century medical research equipment that rivals major universities and hospitals. A competitive athletics program lets anyone who wants to play a sport try it and still sees multiple students sign for college teams every year. Despite its small size, the Upper School faculty is experienced enough to offer 24 college-level Advanced Placement courses. Ethical leadership is woven into every aspect of the Summit experience.

“I’m not surprised that our Upper School was ranked Ohio’s No. 1 Catholic high school for the sixth consecutive year or that we had many extraordinary

applicants,” says Development Director Bailey Bundy. “This year, we have already awarded 27 endowed scholarships to students that we believe have the potential to realize our mission.”

Celebrated in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 27 endowed scholarships were awarded in March to rising stars in the Class of 2028. In total, The Summit has awarded 68 endowed scholarships this year to qualified Summit students.

• Mary Foss Brinkmeyer ’67 Scholarship. Alexandra “Alex” Gardner, Bridgetown Junior High School.

• Constance (Alf) Castleberry ’20 Memorial Scholarship. Bennett Fager, Summit Middle School; Alexander “Alex” Johnson, St. Ignatius; and Francesca Loeb, Saint Antoninus.

• Susan S. Castleberry Scholarship. Max Stevens, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Meredith “Mere” Walker, St. Columban.

• Patricia and Joseph H. Clasgens II SBS ’37 Scholarship. Alexandra “Alex” Steiner, St. Louis Catholic School.

Endowed and merit scholarship winners gather at the end of the awards ceremony.

• A.J. Cohen ’97 Memorial Scholarship. Dillon Minton, St. Columban.

• Marc Gerald Fragge ’83 Scholarship. Forrest Cloran, Kyan Gatewood and Landen Richter, Summit.

• Amelia Hamberg Foss ’24 Scholarship. Griffin Charville, Summit.

• Robert T. Hertzel ’81 Memorial Scholarship. Dixon Hern, Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori.

• Frank X. Homan Scholarship. Joseph “Joe” Seale, St. Ursula Villa.

• Margo S. Homan Scholarship. Stella Ocariz, Summit.

• Kohlhepp Family Scholarship. Cora Edwards, St. Margaret of York.

• The Carolyn and John LaBar Family Scholarship. Samuel “Sam” Viltro, Our Lady of Visitation.

• Pat and Joe Perin Scholarship Fund. Alyssa Phillabaum, Plains Junior School.

• Amy and Ben Russert Family Scholarship. Emily Pickup, Cardinal Pacelli.

• Marge and Charles J. Schott Scholarship. Kara Rader, Reading Middle School, and Kailyn Scott, Miami Valley Christian Academy.

• Seltman Family Fund. William “Liam” Kenney, Summit.

• Summit Family Fund Scholarship. Sebastien Cox, Summit.

• Arthur and Irma Theobald Scholarship. Kourtney Boggs, Bethany School; Elliott “EJ” Holmes, St. Gabriel Consolidated School; and Isaiah Rodgers, Mason Middle School.

• Thomas E. Wood, Sr. and Thomas E. Wood Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Tiffani Boatman, Bethany School.

Endowment Giving

Naming an endowed scholarship preserves a benefactor’s interest in The Summit and can honor or memorialize a loved one, friend, classmate or business. If you would like to create an endowed scholarship or contribute to an existing one, go to www.summitcds.org/giving/ endowment or contact Lauren (Brinkmeyer)

Goebel ’96, Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Community Engagement at (513)871-4700 x 208 or goebel_l@summitcds.org.

Summit Awards Merit Scholarships at Spring Celebration

In addition to endowed scholarships, 45 merit scholarships were awarded in March based on high academic achievement, testing, character references, teacher recommendations, an individual interview and an essay. The Notre Dame Scholarship is The Summit’s top merit scholarship. Additional merit scholarships include Presidential, Honor and Billiart.

Merit scholarship recipients included Lillian “Lily” Ammer (Presidential), Our Lady of Visitation ; Jillian Bryant (Honor), Savannah Edwards (Billiart) and Natalie Pater (Billiart), St. Margaret of York; Amelia “Mia” Hunting (Billiart), Dillon Minton (Billiart), Daniella “Dani” Santamarina (Billiart) and Meredith “Mere” Walker (Billiart), St. Columban; Livia Butcher (Presidential), St. Ursula Villa; Madelyn “Maddy” Amend (Billiart), Saint Susanna Parish School; Alexandra “Alex” Gardner (Billiart), Bridgetown Junior High; Dixon Hern (Billiart), Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori; John Hutchinson (Billiart), Guardian Angels; Alexander “Alex” Johnson (Billiart), St. Ignatius; Francesca Loeb (Honor), Saint Antoninus; Emily Pickup (Billiart), Cardinal Pacelli; Jordyn Scott (Honor), Immaculate Heart of Mary; Max Stevens (Billiart), St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Adelynn Woodward (Notre Dame), St. Gertrude School.

Summit eighth graders receiving merit scholarships were: Jack Baker (Billiart), Beckett Brinkman (Presidential), Christian Basler (Presidential), William “Liam” Buckius (Billiart), Manuel Cantillo (Billiart), Griffin Charville (Billiart), Kiersten Diaz (Notre Dame), Michael “Iggy” Dwyer (Billiart), Bennett Fager (Billiart), Lily Fecher (Billiart), William “Will” Fox (Honor), Kyan Gatewood (Notre Dame), Grace Golden (Billiart), Blake Johnson (Billiart), Samuel “Baer” Huttenbauer (Honor), Colin Lavelle (Billiart), Mallory Kaeppner (Honor), Collin McGuire (Honor), Landon Miller (Presidential), Avery Northern (Presidential), Stella Ocariz (Honor), Landen Richter (Billiart), Alexandra “Alex” Simmons (Billiart), John Trokan (Presidential), Anna Wiltshire (Presidential) and Molly Workman (Billiart).

ExPats Choose The Summit for Community, Holistic Approach, Rigorous Academics

By Tanya Bricking Leach

When Nicola Donini’s job took him from Italy to Cincinnati, he knew he wanted a school where his kids could find academic excellence and a nurturing environment.

He and his wife, Lucia, also knew it might be a tough transition. Their son, Gabri, in Montessori 3-6, and their daughter, Ginny, in second grade, didn’t speak much English.

But Nicola had heard The Summit was known for welcoming diverse cultures and perspectives. In fact, The Summit has attracted first- and second-generation families from 18 countries. And Nicola liked the fact that it was private, Catholic and a place with values that have international appeal.

The reception the Donini family received when they arrived in 2023 exceeded Nicola’s expectations. Despite

initial concerns about how they would be welcomed, he says they were met with open arms. Nicola fondly recalls how Ginny’s teacher used Google Translate to communicate with her, helping her feel included and part of the class.

“I really liked the approach and the level of teacher engagement and involvement,” Nicola says.

The move was a significant shift for the family, particularly in terms of their lifestyle. In Italy, school didn’t take center stage in their lives. However, The Summit presented a different picture.

“In The Summit, we saw that the school is the center of family life,” Nicola says.

From International Schools to Ohio

Like the Doninis, life and school for the Norng family was completely different before moving to Cincinnati.

Summit has become the center of family life for the Donini family, from left, Gabri, Lucia, Nicola and Ginny.

considering schools, they found a lot to like at The Summit.

“What I value most is the ‘whole child’ concept,” Adrianna says. “I appreciate how they teach the children to understand all subjects and apply what they learn to the real world.”

With their children doing well academically, her fifth grader has been able to pursue his passion for soccer and just got invited to the FC Cincinnati Discovery Program for elite player development.

Reflecting on their international experiences, Adrianna says it’s made her children adaptable and resilient. She says she likes the fact that The Summit is so welcoming of international communities.

“Our school is very similar to international schools,” she says, because it focuses on “the wellroundedness a child needs to be successful in life.”

A Story of Transition and Adaptation

International families who choose to send their children to The Summit share a theme of making it work through a process of transition and adaptation.

After spending nine years in Shanghai, the Yang family returned to Mason, where Jay and her husband, Aaron, had worked before. Their daughters, Belle and Jenny, were born here. They’re now in the fifth and fourth grades.

“We’ve been overseas for seven years,” says Adrianna Norng, an American who is part of a military family. An Air Force veteran herself, Adrianna is married to Videt Norng, an Air Force officer whose job at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) took the family overseas to Vilnius, Lithuania. They’ve also lived in Seoul, South Korea.

With Videt close to retirement, Adrianna took a job in Ohio when they decided to settle in Mason. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is in the eighth grade, and son, Alex, is in fifth grade at The Summit. Videt is stationed in Washington, D.C., until he retires next year. But they wanted to plant roots in Ohio. When they were

“They receive very good attention from the teachers, and the classmates are very welcoming,” Jay says. “So far, we actually have been enjoying the school.”

The warm reception they received on their first day was heartwarming. Each classmate had prepared a handmade welcome card for them, and the teachers were attentive, sending emails about the girl’s daily activities and how they were feeling. This level of care and attention reassured Jay and her husband that they had made the right choice.

What drew the Yang family to The Summit was its holistic approach to education, an aspect Jay

Jay and Aaron Yang say they appreciated The Summit’s holistic approach to education for their daughters, Belle and Jenny.

describes as “quite balanced” with its five pillars of faith, scholarship, artistry, athletics and leadership.

The family plans to stay in Cincinnati for a few years, and Jay is optimistic about this chapter in their lives.

“They’re very happy every day, making good friends and enjoying their sports,” Jay says. “I think it was pretty good transition.”

Seasoned Global Nomads

Rakesh Kumar and his wife, Navnit Kaur, and their two children are seasoned global nomads who have had a similar experience.

Since their 13-year-old, Panika, was born, “we were already working as expats,” Rakesh says. “We lived five

years in Italy. Then we moved back to India for two years. And then we moved to Shanghai for six years.”

During the Covid pandemic, they moved back to India. Then, in the summer of 2023, they settled in Cincinnati for Rakesh’s job as head of engineering at Perfetti Van Melle, an international confectionery and chewing gum company.

Rakesh and Navnit chose to send Panika to The Summit because the school stood out for its scholarly rigor.

“The environment in the school is more oriented for academics, which is what I was wanting for my elder daughter in middle school and high school,” Rakesh says.

Panika is in seventh grade and loves math and science. She also has grown fond of extracurriculars, like football and basketball.

“She’s very happy and also making so many friends.” Rakesh says. He says he’s proud of the fact that their globetrotting lifestyle has made their children so adaptable.

From Uncertainty to Assurance at The Summit

Simon Pearce, his wife Nicki, and their three children — Alex and Ben, two boys in the fifth and third grades, and Heidi, a kindergarten daughter — recently moved back to Cincinnati after living abroad. Simon works for Procter & Gamble.

“We didn’t know a huge amount about the U.S. schooling system,” Simon says. The family had lived in Cincinnati previously for two years, so they had some friends in the area who offered insights and advice. Eventually, they narrowed down their options to private schools, leading them to The Summit. What stood out to the Pearces about The Summit was the practical focus of its curriculum. During an open house, they observed a class project where students designed their own party, creating posters,

Alex, Heidi and Ben Pearce show off their spirit wear. Their parents Simon and Nicki Pearce moved back to Cincinnati after living abroad.

presentations and even calculating ticket sales and finances.

“We like that kind of practical application of subjects into real life,” Simon says.

The school’s “Leaders of Character” program also resonated with the family. This program promotes the idea that leadership is a skill that can be developed, not just an innate trait.

Their experience since joining The Summit has been overwhelmingly positive. Simon appreciates the dedication of the teachers and staff, noting how it comes across that they genuinely love their jobs and care about the children. The personal approach, including unexpected emails from teachers sharing a child’s progress or achievements, has made the transition smoother.

To further ease the transition, the school arranged a buddy system for each child six weeks before the term started. This allowed the children to make connections and start building friendships before school even began.

The two boys have also taken up basketball, a sport they hadn’t even heard of before joining The Summit. Meanwhile, Nicki appreciates the school’s Spirit Days, saying, “It’s a good way of building friendships and that sense of team.”

Before moving back to Cincinnati, Simon says school for their kids was one of their biggest concerns. But now, it’s the one thing they worry about the least and “one of the things we love the most,” he says.

Rakesh Kumar and his wife, Navnit Kaur, shown here enjoying the zoo, lived in Italy, India and Shanghai before settling in Cincinnati. They chose Summit for their 13-year-old, Panika, because of its academic rigor.

Student Spotlight

A collective effort from a group of Summit Chinese II language students has garnered national recognition. Their work was selected for inclusion in the American Academy of International Culture and Education 2023 National Chinese EXPO of student works. The project involves students providing Chinese voices for Lego characters on a stage they crafted. The collaborative work features six middle schoolers, Lilly Yarnell ’28, Blake Johnson ’28, Brian Sullivan ’28, Mackenzie O’Dwyer ’28, Beckett Brinkman ’28 and Bennett Fager ’28, as well as eight Upper Schoolers, Ama Karikari ’27, Sophie Cheng ’26, Tessa Dennemann ’27, Aliviah McCarter ’27, Skye Cutter ’27, TJ Yarnell ’27, Katie Buckius ’26 and Lexi Cutter ’26. The video also won second place in the middle school category and third place in the high school category in the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS) 2024 National Chinese Talent Contest.

The works of six students were selected for the 44th Annual Youth Art Month and Young People’s Art Exhibition sponsored by the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA). The works of Lily and Anna have been selected by the Ohio Department of Education to hang in the organization’s building until the beginning of April, and Anna’s work was also featured at the art showing opening on Feb. 25 at the Blue Ash Recreation Center. This year’s show includes 115 student artworks statewide. Works by Summit artists include: Drew Wilmot ’33, “Untitled,” 2D drawing/painting; Emma Boyer ’32, “Untitled,” 3D fiber weaving; Lily Fecher ’28, “Oxford,” 2D watercolor; Elise Goebel ’30, “Circle of Life,” 2D mixed media; Mia Warden ’28, “101,” 2D colored pencil drawing and Anna Wiltshire ’28, “Runaway Bay,” 2D watercolor.

Alex McDulin ’24 was selected by a statewide organization to help develop and implement campaigns and strategies that positively impact the community and environment. The Conservation Teen Advisory Council is supervised by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Alejandro Sharp ’29 earned the Industrial Award and was a state finalist in the Ohio Invention League.

An artwork by Addie Johnson ’24 advanced to the State Level competition of the Ohio Governor’s Art Exhibition. Addie also won first place in the 2023 High School Plein Air Art Competition sponsored by Cincinnati Art Club. Daisy Doran ’25 received the Artists Choice Award.

A Summit team won “Tournament Runner-up” in the Greater Cincinnati Regional High School Ethics Bowl. It was the first time Summit has participated in the event, sponsored by the Cincinnati Ethics Center and University of Cincinnati (UC), and it was only the second year for the event. The Ethics Bowl was held Jan. 20 at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business on the UC Campus. Summit religion and leadership teacher Kurtis Smith took two teams to the bowl. Both teams advanced to the final 16-bracket round. Reed Tebeau ’24, Delaney Kintner ’25, Catie Workman ’24 and Kori McLane ’25 were defeated in a tie breaker by the other Summit team in the sweet sixteen. Grace Tounge ’25, Eden Benavides Orta ’24 and Charlie Rahner ’25 advanced to the finals and finished as the Tournament Runner-Up. Katy O’Neill ’24 and Kelly Qiu ’24 were also members of the runner-up team for the morning sessions but were unavailable for the afternoon rounds.

Three Summit musicians from the Summit Middle School band, Mabel Hartmann ’29, Kyan Gatewood ’28, and Ben Hofmann ’28, earned positions in the Ohio Music Education Association District 14 Honor Band. The Honor Band comprises the top students across all Hamilton County area schools who are specifically chosen through a live audition process. In the eighth grade Honor Band, Ben was awarded the first chair for percussion.

A group of Summit band students earned outstanding scores at the Ohio Music Education Association District 14 Solo and Ensemble. Tarek Hasan ’24, Mason Moyle ’25, Beatrice Nery ’27, Shriyan Masineni ’27 and Kat Shuey ’27 delivered solo performances accompanied by piano and demonstrating memorized scales for evaluation by a judge at Anderson High School.

Kyle Lauckner ’24 was selected for the Cincinnati Youth Environmental Council and is currently working closely with City Hall leaders on environmental initiatives related to urban planning, climate science and social activism.

Upper School Mock Trial teams advanced to regional competition. Securing six “best” awards at district were Caden Charville ’24, Kori McLane ’25, Delaney Kitner ’25 and Grace Tounge ’25 received accolades for Best Attorneys, while Kori McLane ’25 and Cole Hiller ’24 were recognized as Best Witnesses. Other students in the event included seniors Iris Katz ’24 and Grace Sabath ’24 and juniors Olivia Bolan ’25, Alina Butcher ’25, Addison Golden ’25, Kwadwo Karikari ’25, Owen McNeil ’25 and Maggie Razzano ’25. Students have been preparing for this competition since late September and competed in the invitational Miami University MockHawk in December. At Miami, four individual awards went to Delaney, Kori and Grace for outstanding attorneys, and Alina as an exceptional witness.

Nine middle school students were accepted into the Cincinnati Catholic Honor Band: Summit Middle School Band members that were accepted are: Will Fox ’28, Collin McGuire ’28, Manuel Cantillo ’28, Alejandro Sharp ’29, Marguerite Jackson ’29, Samuel Krulcik ’29, Mabel Hartmann ’29, Parker Adams ’29, Ari Symonds ’29 and Izze Montaque ’30. The Honor Band is an event at which the best players from all the Catholic grade schools and high schools from the Greater Cincinnati area come together to form an All-Star group to perform higher level music. These students performed at The Honor Band event at St. Xavier High School.

The yearbook staff at The Summit won the 2023 Regional Award in the Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence competition. For yearbook cover design, The Summit was also honored for this in 2019 and 2017. Criteria includes creating a book that is meaningful for all students, putting a copy in every student’s hands and effective project management that values student coverage, meets deadlines and hits goals. Co-editors both last year and this year are juniors Audrey Shisler, Jordyn Lauckner, Jocelyn Lauckner and Caitlyn Frodge. This year’s yearbook staff is pictured, front row from left, Dr. Tracy Law ’85, Audrey Shisler ’25, Kelly Qiu ’24, Maddie Mescher ’25 and Jordyn Lauckner ’25. Back row: Jocelyn Lauckner ’25, Glady Hill ’25, Caitlyn Frodge ’25, Abigail Replogle ’24, Anneliese Brouwer ’25, Nate Borman ’24 and Teresa Longano ’24. Not pictured: Grace Sabath ’24, Vanessa Carrington ’24 Carolyn Federle ’26, Lucy Hayes ’26 and Cammy Lorentz ’27.

Five Questions with Father Terry

The Rev. Terry Hamilton joined The Summit in August of 2023, just two months after celebrating 50 years in the priesthood. Here, Father Terry answers questions from Communications Specialist Emily Fernback about his experience.

Your vocational journeY has spanned over 50 Years. can You walk me through life before the summit?

My first appointment was as an associate pastor at St. John’s in Deer Park. I then moved to Springfield to serve as Chaplain at Mercy Medical Center and Campus Minister for the Catholic students at Wittenberg University. When I returned to Cincinnati, I was a Staff Chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital for two years. Then, Archbishop Bernardin asked me to be Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, which I was for 12 years. In 1993, I began full-time parish ministry and was pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish for 13 years and St. Martin of Tours for 18 years. I served as a Senior Parochial Vicar for a year before retiring in June 30, 2023. During that month, I celebrated 50 wonderful years of priesthood, just two months before joining the chaplain staff at The Summit.

what drew You to the summit?

Being an only child added a distinct perspective to my vocational journey. I have always looked for a wellrooted, active community to find a sense of belonging. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a wide variety of assignments. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the ways God has blessed me. Those blessings are continuing here at The Summit. I received a personal invitation from Fr. Phil Seher to join The Summit community. I’ve known Phil for many years, and I’ve always been inspired by his dedication and the way he works with people. I consistently found and continue to draw inspiration in nurturing young minds. It is life-giving to work with young people.

what has Your experience at the summit been like so far?

First of all, I am very grateful for the warm welcome that I have received from the faculty, staff and students alike. The Summit is held in high regard, and being part of this institution is an opportunity I never imagined I’d have. What sets The Summit apart is the talent of the students and of the faculty and staff. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication, passion and creativity here. It’s a privilege to work alongside such great minds, and I am constantly amazed by the commitment to excellence that defines The Summit community.

what part of mass do You find particularlY heartening?

The liturgical music of the Catholic church has always held a special place in my heart throughout my vocational journey. For me, the core of my ministry as a priest chaplain are the Masses that we celebrate for each of our school divisions. So many of our students serve as liturgical ministers and show their musical talents. A special blessing comes from our younger students as they sing with such enthusiasm that you are caught up in their innocence and love for the Lord. I also find it very inspiring to be part of an All School Mass as the entire Summit [community] comes together in prayer.

manY of us have been astonished walking into our 19th centurY gothic revival chapel for the first time. what is it like for You to work in the immaculate heart of marY chapel?

Each time I have the privilege of celebrating a Mass, a prayer service or one of the sacraments in the chapel, I am drawn in by its beauty and its history. The spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur along with the multitude of students who over the years have prayed there and have been blessed by God’s grace in that sacred place are very present there.

Seventh graders prepare for Mass with Father Terry. From left, Griffin Charville, Parker Adams, Henry Ahouse, Ari Symonds and Father Terry Hamilton.

Meet Development Director Bailey Bundy

By Emily Fernback

Bailey Bundy, The Summit’s new Development Director, grew up in Baltimore with her parents and two sisters. Active in their community and church, she and her sisters played lacrosse in high school. She was fortunate to get a lacrosse scholarship at Gettysburg College.

She studied fashion merchandising and had a job lined up after graduation, but in her senior year decided it wasn’t the right path for her and received a master’s degree in higher education administration at West Virginia University.

She began working as a nanny and, while it may seem like an unexpected segue from her original career aspiration, Bailey says her experiences were positive and her mentors advocated for her to grow into the person she wanted to be. When the family for whom she worked as a nanny moved to Cincinnati, she moved with them with the intention of keeping the job for a year and then moving on. “I’ve been told throughout my life that I’m a Midwesterner at heart,” she says. That proved to be true. Bailey fell in love with Cincinnati and even met and fell in love with Tyler, her husband, here. Leaving her job as a nanny, she made the move into advancement, working five years at St. Ursula Academy, Thomas More University and NPH USA before joining The Summit.

Now, Bailey and Tyler are raising their two children, Rowan ’37 who is in The Summit’s Montessori School,

and Harvey ’39, who will enter the Montessori this fall. As she settles into her fundraising role at The Summit, Mrs. Bundy has expressed her enthusiasm for The Summit’s Five Pillars, academic, spiritual, physical, social and artistic. “What a gift it is to be part of a community where students have the opportunity to grow in each of these areas,” she says.

She sees her job as an opportunity to pay forward the generosity she received when she was given a college scholarship. “This is an opportunity to help students like me who need funds to attend a school. If it weren’t for donors or a development office in my past, I would not have had the opportunities I’ve had.”

The Summit offers many opportunities for students, she says. For example, a wide variety of Advanced Placement classes, the Schiff Family Science Research Institute and Homan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership give students a competitive advantage when they get to college. “Students are blessed with having a collegiate experience without having set foot on a college campus,” she says. “This differentiates The Summit from other schools.”

She also enjoys the atmosphere of working in a school. “Being around kids is energizing,” she says. “Working in education is unique because we have the opportunity to sit in the front row and see the minds of our students learn, grow and evolve. If I get to have a small piece of that, I’m grateful.”

Development Director Bailey Bundy

LEADERS OF CHARACTER

Faculty Spotlight

Ceil Johnson, first grade teacher, was awarded the Local 12 WKRC-TV Educator of the Week in November of 2023

years of dedicated teaching.

Carrie Barnett, Upper School art teacher, was elected member of the Board of Directors of Ohio Alliance of Arts Education. In this role, she will aid in the innovation and inspiration of the value of arts education to all audiences, with the mission to ensure that the arts are an integral part of the education of every Ohioan.

Ed Escudero, retired Upper School chemistry and materials science teacher and current substitute teacher, bowling coach and volunteer, was selected for induction to the 2023 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes the vital role older adults play in their communities, state and the nation. It is presented on behalf of Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Aging.

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 - 10

To volunteer email Beth Bissmeyer at bissmeyer_b@summitcds.org

for 38

Retired Upper School teacher Ed Escudero was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

First grade teacher Ceil Johnson receives applause.

Faculty Hones Art of Teaching through Professional Development

By Nancy Berlier

Every year, The Summit offers faculty and staff a number of learning opportunities through professional development (PD). This year, teachers have been able to broaden their knowledge on campus and at professional conferences. A few of them presented what they are doing at The Summit to their peers at other schools.

“The Summit’s commitment to professional development is one of the many ways we deliver on our mission to help grow the adult members of the community and allow them to develop and share their God-given talents,” says Dr. Kirstin Pesola McEachern, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs.

An increased number of teachers took advantage of the continuing education this year, because several of the major conferences were held within driving distance of Cincinnati. Among the advantages of these educational conferences is that they gather leading experts on a diverse array of trending topics. Teachers are able to

“The Summit’s commitment to professional development is one of the many ways we deliver on our mission to help grow the adult members of the community and allow them to develop and share their God-given talents.”

– Dr. Kirstin Pesola McEachern, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs.

Upper School geometry teachers Lynette Grypp and Brooke Thomas, shown here at The Summit, prepared a community-classroom collaborative project which was presented at the national Excellence in Teaching Conference.

select topics that are most relevant to them, at whatever level of experience they have. They can choose seminars on their particular educational specialty or delve into broader topics on the art of teaching. And they get ideas from other teachers that they can implement in their own classrooms.

Upper School geometry teachers Brooke Thomas and Lynette Grypp prepared “Networking with Local Experts to Develop Rich Math Experiences” for the national Excellence in Teaching Conference March 8-10 at the University of Notre Dame. The conference is sponsored by the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI).

Their presentation was based on a Zoo Habitat project they developed at The Summit. Geometry students get advice from experts at the Cincinnati Zoo and Biological Gardens about how to design and build an animal habitat. Students do research at the zoo and work in small groups in their classrooms on design components of a habitat. In the process, they use concepts they have learned about area, volume, trigonometry, perimeter, parallel lines, circles, the golden ratio and topography. “The goal of the presentation was to help other math teachers brainstorm and develop their own projects in which they collaborate with experts in their communities,” says Ms. Grypp. “Hopefully, other teachers will develop projects for their students that allow them to apply mathematical thinking in unique application-based ways that capitalize on the curiosity and creativity of their students.”

Summit biology teachers Karen Suder and Dr. Jessica Replogle co-presented an interactive workshop at the Tri-State STEM+ Conference on MAPS (Modeling a Protein Story) Teams on Nov. 14. They offered ideas

on how other teachers could incorporate many of their protein structure/function activities into biology or biotechnology course curriculum. They also shared information about an area extracurricular club they run with Archbishop Moeller High School teacher Dan Shannon in hopes other schools would start MAPS Teams. MAPS Team is part of a national group called SMART (Students Modeling a Research Topic) supported by 3D Molecular Designs. Students in the club research a protein, use a molecular modeling program, print 3D models, create scientific posters and work with local scientists. Summit Middle School teachers Joy Parker, Michael DiPaola and Mary Kate Newton were among the teachers attending.

The national conference of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) was held Nov. 2 and 3 in Columbus. “Since ISACS was in Columbus, we were able to close school and send our entire Lower, Middle and Upper faculty,” says Dr. McEachern. “Having colleagues to share the PD experience better allows the learning and conference conversations to return back with us to The Summit.” They were able to select from 160 sessions and 170 speakers on wide-ranging topics that included innovative teaching practices, real-world project-based learning, mentoring resilient and kind kids, contemporary social justice issues, understanding data to leverage student development and trends with students, technology and social media.

Nearby conferences also take advantage of the regional talent pool. At ISACS, Middle School teachers Laura Dennemann and Brendan McEachern presented a session called “Student Capstones in Middle School: Turning Personal into Possible.” Montessori School Director Lauren Guip presented “Navigating Change Management in Independent Schools.”

“Being able to take time away together as a staff offered a true separation of our day-to-day duties and time focus on areas to reflect and grow,” says Kristin Baker ’96, Lower School math and religion teacher. She attended sessions on math instruction and technology in the classroom. “This has already impacted my classroom in my daily white board work instruction,” she says. “It is such a different world from when we grew up and hearing anecdotes about students

Summit biology teachers Karen Suder and Dr. Jessica Replogle, Ph.D., co-present at a tristate workshop on MAPS (Modeling a Protein Story) Teams.

and technology helps a teacher think through using technology in a very purposeful way.”

The Upper School English department attended National Council of Teachers of English annual convention from Nov. 16 to 19 in Columbus. Teachers chose from 600 sessions presented by experts from around the country. Alice O’Dell ’85 says she had a great birthday present and was able to give the school new books. “Hearing Tom Hanks speak at the conference was the best part of my birthday,” she says. “My sister got me his collection of stories for Christmas, because they ran out of copies in Columbus. Because I stayed through the last session, I was able to bring back books (from publishers who would rather not carry them home) to Summit children of all ages.”

Susan Barbee also enjoyed the Tom Hanks session and attended sessions on ChatGPT and poetry, multimodal learning. “Since ChatGPT is a major conversation in our department meetings, I attended two sessions,” she says. “One focused on ways ChatGPT could be implemented in the classroom. The other did so, as well, but it also addressed how teachers can use it to create rubrics.”

Social Studies teacher Jerry Hilton ’91 represented The Summit at the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference Dec. 1-3 in Nashville. The conference helped teachers develop strategies for delivering instruction that engages students and connected educators with network of colleagues they could call on for support.

“This conference not only provided primary resources to focus on the individuals of history, but also helped me regain energy to keep experimenting in the classroom to make the student experience better,” says Mr. Hilton.

Not all the professional development this year was done off campus. In September, seven teachers from across all divisions gathered in the Exploratarium to engage with the maker space and the philosophy that drives it. “We began the day with a hands-on challenge,” says organizer Mary Kate Newton, Middle School Librarian and Exploratarium

Coordinator. “We reviewed the basics of electricity and components of a circuit and practiced building circuits. Then, teachers were asked to hack a flashlight out of minimal electronic components.” The introductory activity allowed the participants to work through the engineering design process to identify a problem, define the constraints, brainstorm, plan a solution, create a prototype to test and iterate if needed and communicate their solutions. “This is the process we work through with students when they visit the space,” Ms. Newton says. “It’s about learning how to approach and work through a problem.”

Teachers also worked on the nuts and bolts of incorporating hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) into curriculum, had training in 3D printing and-laser cutting, investigated a variety of other hand tools and creative materials the maker space and built a new lesson for their students.

The Montessori faculty had a full day of professional development in November. One of their topics was using a framework of “love languages” to manage and navigate toddler conflicts and challenges. Literacy Coach Alexis Weaver presented on the scope of literacy education. Linda Campbell, Director of Cincinnati Occupational Therapy, presented on Sensory Processing Disorder. Teachers had time at the end of the day to work in teams in classrooms.

Art teachers Carrie Barnett, Samantha England and Hilary Carvitti.

Aesthetic Transformation Brings Unity to Look and Feel of Campus

By Nancy Berlier

If you haven’t visited The Summit for a while, you may be in for a surprise at the transformation that has taken place in campus aesthetics.

Building on a branding update that was completed during the last Strategic Plan, everywhere you go on campus now you will see new iconography that visually represents key messages of The Summit mission and its Notre Dame de Namur heritage. Summit blue and silver are the school colors. The fleur-de-lis references the birthplace of the sisters who founded our school. The shield, which became our logo, was pulled from the school’s seal. And the Notre Dame prayer, now a mural on the wall of every school division and both gyms, reminds us to stay true to the values of the sisters.

Head of School Kelley Schiess turned to Raymond Ulrich, Senior Operations Director, to head the campus beautification project. Mr. Ulrich turned to Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93, who provides much of the graphic design for the school, for creative inspiration.

“Every summer, we spend time catching up on maintenance of the campus while school is out, but the summer of 2023 was a summer of huge change,” says Mr. Ulrich. “We were more purposeful about the updates, making sure the messages for our families and visitors are consistent wherever you go on campus. It may be subtle, but the branding creates a sense of unity and differentiates us. It gives us identity. It shows our heritage. It makes The Summit experience more memorable. We’re not just any color of blue, we’re Summit Blue. We’re not just knights, we’re the Silver Knights. We’re not just Catholic; we’re a Notre Dame de Namur educational community.”

A highlight of the changes was how the school celebrates alumni and alumni athletes. The Athletic Hall of Fame and Upper School Composites were digitized. Two new interactive display screens in the main school building, across from the elevator off the lobby and in the Flannery Gym lobby, allow visitors to explore The Summit’s Athletic Hall of Fame and senior class composites.

Elements of The Summit brand, now apparent in the cafeteria with the blue and silver school colors and use of the shield, provide a unifying feel to the campus. Graduation year composites offer a sense of community and history. Milestone years and reunion years rotate on the wall.

Previously, the Hall of Famers were celebrated on individual plaques dating back to 1984. They were aging and difficult to read. And there were so many, the lobby was running out of room for more.

Now, students and visitors can easily take inspiration from 126 stories about Summit Hall of Famers and special recognitions. The legendary Summit Boys School Head Henry Werner is there. He formed football, baseball, basketball and boxing teams that became dominant in CYO Sports leagues. The stories of Dexter Bailey ’80, Wes Homan ’02 and Austin Berry ’07, who went pro respectively in basketball, golf and soccer, are remembered. So is Tiara Turner ’07, a star of the girls’ basketball program who went on to play in college. And Molly (Price) Cahill ’97, a basketball and softball standout, became a captain in the Marine Corps and was invited to throw the first pitch at a Reds game.

“Not only are the alumni recognitions and graduation composites easier to see on campus, but they’re also accessible to alumni who live all over the country,” says Kevin Johnson Jr. ’13, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer. Communications Specialist Xavier Mellon is uploading the information into a website hosted by Rocket Alumni Solutions. The contents are still a work in progress and Mr. Johnson invites Hall of Famers to provide old and new photos of themselves.

The senior year composite photos dating back to the early 1880s had been displayed in the cafeteria and its hallways. The pictures were fading, and the displays were large. They have also been digitized on the new Rocket Alumni website.

“The alumni are part of the school’s tradition and legacy,” says Mrs. Penote. “It is fun to see how things have changed through the years. Just look at the hairstyles! I love showing my children the senior photos of my friends from high school and now some of their teachers. This project was a huge undertaking, but I think it will be something special that will benefit The Summit community for years to come.”

The largescale printed senior composites are now on a rolling cart. While their home is now in the lobby just outside the chapel, they are so portable that they can be taken to other places on campus for reunions or alumni events.

Throughout the school and in the Athletic Complex, visitors now see simpler stylistic displays of Summit icons like the logo, the fleur-de-lis and Silver Knight. Walls have been adorned with Summit brand colors in wallpaper, paint and decals throughout the buildings and at the Athletic Complex.

The five pillars of the school’s mission statement were added to the hallway in the Upper School cafeteria wing.

A new St. Gregory Hall focal wall carries out the new aesthetic of the school.

The Ragland Family Alumni Parlor also benefitted from a makeover. Branded wallpaper line the shelves where Campus Historian Tracy Law ’85 , Ph.D. is curating displays of items from the school’s past.

For example, in the hallway connecting the chapel to the Middle School, branded film was installed on the glass of the Gothic Revival pointed arch windows. In the Middle School, shield wallpaper covers one wall logo and affixed to a large silver background on another wall are the words “The Summit Middle School.”

Holmes Gym had a major update. In the lobby, a lighted Silver Knight sign and other imagery greets visitors. The red brick side walls of Holmes Gym were painted white and blue with a silver stripe separating them. A large banner that dominates one wall of lets every visitor know this is the “Home of the Silver Knights.” The opposite wall displays the Notre Dame prayer.

The cafeteria, which had hosted the senior class composites, had a major shift. Walls were painted. Decals of the five pillars of The Summit’s mission statement were added. Signage on rooms was reenvisioned in branded color schemes. A nod to alumni reunions says “celebrating our history.”

Next door to the cafeteria is a classroom for the preschool “Ignite: Music and Movement Class” where newcomers to The Summit are introduced to the school’s distinct iconography. And across the hall, the faculty lounge was re-dubbed the “Sunflower Faculty/ Staff Room.” It was spruced up with new paint, decals,

cheerful sunflower artwork, relocated furniture and the old chandelier from the alumni parlor.

In Flannery Gym, visitors know where they are when they walk in on branded rugs to see a large light-up Silver Knight sign. Where Hall of Fame plaques once hung, a long wall displays the main traits of the school’s Leaders of Character focus. Across from the gym, Kyte Theater was treated to a new marquee and re-usable frames for student performance posters. Here, even doors get branded treatment. Downstairs in the locker rooms, visiting teams are given the sense of what The Summit is with the brand colors, the Notre Dame prayer and a large display wall that says “Family.”

“The changes are ongoing,” says Mr. Ulrich. “It’s a balancing act with the strategic plan and master plan. We’re being mindful that we aren’t wasteful by creating formats that grow with us in the future.” Some of the finishing touches that began last summer are still to be done and there are plans to improve messaging and signage in the Lower School and the hallways between the schools.

“I think visitors who haven’t been to the school in a while are going to be pretty surprised by how thoroughly our brand has been incorporated in big ways and in the detail,” Mrs. Penote says.

Teams visiting the locker rooms in Flannery Gym get a sense of place and understand the wide range of opportunities offered by The Summit’s Athletics Department.

Among the updates to Holmes Gym is a blue and silver feature wall declaring it the “Home of the Silver Knights.”

The entrance wall of Kyte Theater now sports photos of theatrical productions it has hosted. Lighted Silver Knight signs were added to both Flannery and Holmes Gyms.

The Notre Dame prayer now can be found in several locations on campus, including a cafeteria wall.

State championship posters adorn the fence along Williams Field.

Clockwise from top left: Senior members of the girls’ soccer team, L to R, Meg Witzeman, Iris Katz, Sammy Vibberts, Elizabeth Fager, Maggie McDowell, Bella Desmond and Avery Smythe. (Not shown, Lily Martin.) Abigayle Penote ’27 starts a run. Mia Stevens ’26 shows off her fancy footwork. Coach Mike Fee and Athletic Director Greg Dennis with the state trophy.

State Champions: Collective Talent Brings Home Title

By Brendan Connelly

After The Summit Country Day girls’ soccer team defeated Badin in the 2023 regional semifinal, sophomore Carolyn Federle described the team’s style of play as “relentless.” An adjective that stemmed from one postseason result was part of the reason the Silver Knights finished the season with 15 shutouts, 17 multi-goal games, a 20-1-3 record and their first state championship since 2017.

But the team used a different phrase throughout the season, one that was coined by senior Maggie McDowell in the preseason. They were “playing for each other.”

Everyone on the team knew the collective talent was good enough to win a state championship. After graduating starting goalkeeper Kelsey Bello and AllAmerican forward Madison Sievering, they needed to build a team culture that kept them together in good times and bad.

“I think we kind of knew that we had something special going into this year,” Maggie says.

It started with the seniors. They experienced identical 1-0 losses to Indian Hill in 2020 and 2021 and a regional final loss to Waynesville in 2022. The rest of the team knew the Silver Knights hadn’t won a state championship in six years and didn’t want to graduate another class of seniors without bringing home a trophy.

The team gathered multiple times over the summer, meetings that proved to be invaluable. Before the official start of preseason on July 31, head coach Mike Fee scheduled 10 mandatory conditioning days throughout the summer. By his estimation, the girls coordinated an additional 15-20 days of training on their own. The team would spend three or four days each week preparing to avenge the 2022 season. It wasn’t always smooth sailing. When Maggie noticed that not everyone was at the training sessions, she wanted to hold them accountable. Coach Fee reassured her that they would come around in due time.

“I think I texted Coach Fee ‘These people aren’t coming, the freshmen aren’t coming. What should we do?’ and he was like, ‘You just gotta give it time. They’ll start coming.’ Once they did, we really started meshing as a team,” Maggie says.

By the time the regular season started, each girl wasn’t just playing for her 10 teammates on the field, but for those on the sideline who couldn’t play. Seniors Lily Martin and Sammy Vibberts suffered injuries in the preseason. By the time Lily Martin returned, junior Lilly Sievering was injured. The back line was a rotating cast of characters, but two constants were junior keeper Maddie Mescher and freshman Linde Harris.

Linde, a natural center back, was forced to move to the wing and learn a new position as the season unfolded. While playing all 24 games, she received guidance from Lily, Maddie, Lilly and sophomore Bree Reder throughout the season.

“They really did help me and built my confidence to the point where I could play in the state game with all that pressure, and I knew that they would always have my back,” Linde says.

Lily Martin ’24 stays in control of the ball.

Maddie also had her moments. She had an acrobatic triple save in the final minutes of the regional semifinal to preserve a 3-1 win. She stopped Waynesville’s Samantha Erbach, one of the state’s best goal-scorers, in a one-on-one scenario. Maddie only allowed nine goals all season and saved 90.4 percent of the shots she faced. Her teammates trusted her just as much as she trusted them.

“We’re very close to each other and I feel like we have so much trust in each other,” Maddie says. The lone blemish this season was a 1-0 loss to St. Ursula on Sept. 16. Summit was coming off an emotional win over Cincinnati Country Day and were humbled by the experience.

“We really had to learn how to pick ourselves up, what we need to do at practice. We need to get back in and just play our game to win the next one,” Bree Reder says.

Maddie saw a silver lining in the loss. It taught the team what it felt like to be trailing during a game, and how it felt to lose. They were feelings they never wanted to feel again.

Last year, the Silver Knights endured two consecutive losses to Cincinnati Country Day and Chestnut Hill. They learned from that stretch and applied it to the 2023 season to close on a 14-match unbeaten streak. The streak started with a tie at Waynesville on Sept. 21, a result that served as a major confidence boost after Summit lost 3-0 to the Spartans in 2022.

The Silver Knights beat Waynesville, 3-1, in the regional final. All three goals were scored by freshman Abigayle Penote. It was just another sign that this team relied on every member of the roster.

While Maddie Mescher filled the shoes of Kelsey Bello, the offense received a collective effort to make up for the gap Madison Sievering had left. Sophomore Mia Stevens co-led the team with 15 goals, Carolyn Federle hit the back of the net 11 times and freshmen Abigayle Penote and Cammy Lorentz combined for 15 goals.

Graduate Madison Sievering’s talent is what helped Bree become an All-American defender. Bree was one of just three sophomores to be honored by the United Soccer Coaches. Perhaps her best performance of the season was in the state championship game, where she marked Rocky River forward Sophia Sindelar and held the 59-goal scorer without a goal for just the second time all season.

“Maddie (Sievering) definitely pushed me to become better and learn how to defend players like that a lot better,” Bree says.

SILVER KNIGHT ATHLETICS

Goalkeeper Maddie Mescher ’25 takes a kick.

Zoe Jackson ’26 celebrates her header.

Fans in the stands have paint on their faces.

“That award is really nice, that we got recognized with that, but it’s kind of just the expectation. That’s what you do here. Do things that are right and good things will come back to us. It did this season,” Coach Fee says.

The community atmosphere and the pride the school takes in its athletics are why Cammy Lorentz came back to the school. She left The Summit to go to school in Florida, but returned before her freshman year. Her decision was rewarded as she took the field alongside her teammates against Rocky River at the state championship on Nov. 10.

“I think for all of us, actually, it was just a little bit surreal,” Cammy says. “A lot of us as well, we play club, so we’ve been in big matches. I know some of us have been in national championships, some big showcases and stuff like that. But I think just being on the level for state and the camaraderie we had as a team, I don’t even want to admit it, but I was getting teary-eyed walking in there.”

Along with Bree’s honor, assistant coach Eric Unwin was the Division II assistant coach of the year. The team received the Pinnacle Award, given to schools that “achieved a high level of fair play, educational excellence and success on the pitch.”

Boys were loyal fans at the girls’ soccer games, showing their spirit and singing “Ohhhhhhhhh, SCD.”

All-American Bree Reder ’26 gets a header.

Zoe Jackson’s header in the 39th minute proved to be the game winner as the Silver Knights secured their fourth state championship. Maggie McDowell, who scored 15 goals during the season but missed the final five games with an injury, had the honor of accepting the trophy.

“It was really special to still be honored as part of the team, and even though I didn’t play, to receive the trophy, it was special,” Maggie McDowell says.

This team wasn’t defined by statistics or awards. There were no individual superstars. It received contributions from every player and grade, but they didn’t think of each other as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors.

“There was no, ‘I want to be the top goal-scorer. I want to be this; I want to be that.’” Cammy Lorentz says. “We weren’t trying to go for titles or records. We were just trying to play for each other.”

From the outset, the seniors worked to foster a family environment for their younger counterparts who hadn’t been on the team as long as they had. The bond this team shared is one of Maggie’s favorite memories from the season.

“I love these girls like they’re my sisters, honestly. Especially the freshman. I see them as my little sisters. It’s the team aspect that I’ll remember,” Maggie says.

Linde Harris described the moment as an experience she’ll never forget. The atmosphere was enhanced by the school’s student section, which was so loud that the coaching staff had to send substitutes in to relay tactical changes. Thankfully, Lily Martin and senior midfielder Avery Smythe displayed the leadership to guide the Silver Knights as they defended their goal in the second half.

Brendan Connelly covers high school sports for the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Lilly Sievering ’25 evades her opponent.

Players in the class of 2027, from left: Linde Harris, Annie Witzeman, Cammy Lorentz, Abigayle Penote, Emma Gibson and Muna Anusionwu.

Athletic Spotlight

Bree Reder ’26, shown hugging Lily Martin ‘24 at the state championship game earned a place on the United Soccer Coaches 2023 Fall High School Girls All-America Team. Bree’s on-field achievements placed her among a select group of 55 high school girls nationwide chosen for the AllAmerica Team. She is one of only five defenders and one of just three sophomores to receive this honor, emphasizing the rarity and significance of her accomplishment. Also, Bree was named this year’s Ohio Division II Girls’ Player of the Year.

In a signing ceremony attended by family, friends and teammates on Nov. 8, six seniors officially committed to collegiate teams across the Midwest and East Coast. Back row from left: Graham Hodge has made a commitment to play football for Johns Hopkins University, a Division III school in Baltimore, MD. Lacrosse player Nate Borman is set to join the Division II Cavaliers at Walsh University in North Canton. Thomas DeRoussel will pursue Division I soccer at George Mason University in Fairfax County, VA. Front row from left, Sammy Vibberts will pursue Division I soccer at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Soccer player Maggie McDowell is slated to join the Division III team at Trine University in Angola, IN. Lily Mitchell will join the swim team at the College of the Holy Cross, a Division I school in Worcester, MA.

Carolyn Federle ’26 moves the ball toward the goal.

Southwest Ohio District II and All-Ohio Assistant Coach of the Year Eric Unwin watches from the sidelines.

Goalie Coach Scott Mays ’10 gets his turn holding the trophy.

Dr. Ashley Hite ’09 and Hugh McManus ’07 Are Recognized

By Nancy Berlier

Dr. Ashley Hite ’09 Still Holds All-time Scoring Record

Like a lot of high-performing athletes, Dr. Ashley Hite, M.D., still remembers that one thrilling, impossible shot. Hers happened during a particularly close game with rival Cincinnati Country Day. At some point in the game, she took an elbow to the mouth and chipped a front tooth. But she kept playing and, with three seconds left in the game, she was at the top of the three-point line when her point guard (and best friend) brought the ball down the court and passed it to her. “I remember the ball leaving my hands, going through the hoop and all of our team just losing it,” she says. “The crowd. My parents. For me, that was the most memorable experience, because I didn’t think I was going to make that shot. But I did.”

Her dad recorded the moment, and they still watch it every now and then. “That was a really big experience for me,” she says.

Dr. Hite remains Summit’s all-time leading scorer, with 1261 points, among female Silver Knight basketball

players. She also finished with 771 rebounds, ranking her third of all time. And despite the years that have passed, she still has the basketball all her teammates signed when she became all-time leading scorer. On Feb. 10, she was inaugurated into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Ashley Hite has made her mark on Summit basketball for years to come,” says Beth Simmons, her former coach and Assistant Athletic Director. “Her ability to dominate the game was eye-opening, not only to Summit spectators, but to all basketball fans throughout Cincinnati. There wasn’t one person who didn’t know who Ashley was and made time to watch her play. She was a strong competitor, who brought a high level of athleticism and leadership to the gym every single day.”

Dr. Hite was recruited as starter for the Washington University’s women’s basketball team, but she gave it up after a few months to pursue the rigors of studying medicine. She did continue playing basketball with Wash U’s traveling club and intramural team. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience and philosophy from Washington

Gathered at the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, from left, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer Kevin Johnson Jr. ’13, Dr. Ashley Hite ’09, Athletic Director Greg Dennis, Hugh McManus ’07 and Head of School Kelley Schiess.

University in St. Louis. Then, she became a tutor, coach and teacher at Great Oaks Tutor Corps in Newark, N.J., which inspired her to go back to college to study psychiatric medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Chicago and is now a secondyear psychiatry resident at the University of California in Los Angeles.In addition to playing basketball at The Summit, she placed seventh at state in the 4x100-meter dash and played volleyball. She says she is grateful that her parents supported her in youth athletics and sent her to Summit in the ninth grade. “I loved the game, the competition, my teammates and most of all my coach, Beth Simmons.”

Being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and passion for the sport. “This honor is not just a recognition of my individual achievements on the court but also recognition of the collected efforts, sacrifices and support from my teammates, coaches, mentors and most importantly my parents and God who were instruments in my journey.”

The recognition also acknowledges her contributions to Summit’s basketball legacy. She hopes it inspires and motivates other girls.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame highlights the values of discipline, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship that are integral to the athletic experience,” she says. “It’s not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the positive impact that sports can have on an individual’s character, work ethic and overall development.”

Hugh McManus ’07 Demonstrated Dedication

If you have been to a home game on Summit’s main campus in the past 17 years, you have probably seen Hugh McManus.

Maybe you don’t know him by name, but when you see him later at the grocery store, you remember seeing him at Flannery Gym running the scoreboard. Or at Williams Field taking admission or helping with concessions.

Hugh has assisted The Summit’s athletic department at nearly every home game on the main campus since his junior year in high school. To recognize his dedication to the Summit Athletics programs, he was inducted into Summit’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Feb. 10. The Hall of Fame Awards recognize outstanding athletic accomplishments by alumni during their years as Summit students.

A Silver Knight golfer and lacrosse player, Hugh’s greatest contribution was as an integral part of the Athletics Office. Starting in his junior year, he began to volunteer at home games. “I got to really experience more of the athletic journey of Summit than most students, because I was involved with a lot of sports just from being there for attendance or being there for the press box,” Hugh says. While at Xavier University, since it was so close to Summit’s campus he continued to work at home games. He has continued this passion project after graduating in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. By the way, his day job is vice president of sales at Super Optical International.

Of all the great competitions Hugh witnessed over the years, the images that stick with him the most were watching a progression of state champion team posters go on the wall in Flannery Gym. “I came to Summit as a fourth grader, and I very vividly remember all-

From left: Christian Hite, Alicia Hite, Karen Hite (mom), Dr. Ashley Hite ‘09, Robert Hite and Malanious Granberry-Dupuy.

Hugh McManus ’07 is joined by his family at the award ceremony.

school masses in Flannery. All we had at the time was a baseball championship.” That was 1995. Then Boys’ Soccer won state in 1999. And Boys’ Lacrosse in 2006. “After Girls’ Soccer won state in 2011, it seemed like the floodgate opened,” he says.

Hugh credits Athletic Director Greg Dennis, Assistant Athletic Director Beth Simmons and the coaching staff for developing an athletic mindset which emphasizes the importance of developing every player’s abilities and not depending solely on high performers. “I think the way that I see Summit impacting the future is by making sure that there’s a cohesive group mentality. That is, to me, character. It’s ‘Let’s work as a team.’ You never know when, in the season, something’s going to happen, and less experienced players have to step up. So, it’s about starting early with that mentality that we can’t wait for adversity to hit and then try to overcome it. You need to be ready for it.”

And he says you can’t overlook the role parents play in athletic successes. Parents work at games, host celebrations and sometimes sacrifice vacations in favor of their children honoring commitments to play with their teams.

“What I’ve seen, since really my sophomore year on, is the growth and development of the athletic department into double digit state championships,” he says. “It just didn’t seem like a high school that was ever going to produce state championships and to see them happen over the years has been awesome. Now that gym is wallpapered with those posters, and they’ve had to change the size of the images to fit. Nice problem to have.”

The Summit’s Athletic and Alumni offices launched three special awards this year to recognize people who have had a major impact on athletics at The Summit.

The Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award honors a community member who played a significant role in the advancement, development and success of female athletics at The Summit. Sister Rose Ann, a former head of the school, is now Special Assistant to EMSS and Athletics/Co-Faculty Athletics Representative at Xavier University.

The Farrell Ackley Award celebrates a former teacher and coach who was a key figure in developing competitive athletics for boys when the school became coeducational in 1972. The award honors an individual who has been an outstanding model of athletic success, while consistently exemplifying the values of honesty, character, discipline and loyalty that the late Farrell Ackley found to be so important.

The Silver Knights Victory Award honors a Summit athletics benefactor who has supported the efforts of the Silver Knights athletes through the spirit of service, loyalty, time and resources.

The first recipients of the awards were celebrated at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Feb. 10.

“We started these awards because we wanted to recognize benefactors that make an impact on our athletic program,” says Kevin Johnson, Jr. ‘13, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer. “You typically think the coaches and boosters are the only ones making an impact, but there are individuals who provide their time, resources and leadership to help push our athletes and athletic programs to new heights. We want to make sure that we identify those people for their hard work and leadership.”

Hall of Fame

In Memoriam

Margaret “Peggy” Brueggemann died on May 21, 2023, at the age of 87. She taught and coached at The Summit from 1970 to 2015. She was given the Schilderink Chair award in 2002-03 and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.

Robert C. Juenke died Oct. 27, 2023, at the age of 88. He taught and coached at The Summit from 1961 to 2010. He was inducted to the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

New Awards Recognize Impact on Summit Athletics

Empowering Female Athletes

Laura Haas, Leadership and Student Activities Coordinator at The Summit, received the Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50 Award. Ms. Haas teaches Upper School Health and the junior level Leadership class. She cofacilitates the school’s Leaders of Character Program and oversees the formation of clubs. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University.

In her years in Summit athletics, she has coached girls’ volleyball, soccer, basketball, track, softball and field hockey.She graduated from Highlands High School in 1979 where she played basketball and track. At Division III DePauw, she played basketball, field hockey and softball. At The Summit, she encouraged female athletes to train in the offseason and attend sports camps. She brought discipline to the programs she coached.

Ms. Haas came to The Summit at a pivotal time in America when the culture of female athletics changed. That was when Title IX required schools and universities to fund athletics equally for girls. “I was in the mix of something that was already under way,” she says. “I was running into all the right role models. The high school coaches were good role models. My college coaches were good role models. DePauw was investing itself in women’s athletics. I didn’t realize how much had changed in such a short period of time. I just was like the recipient of it. I was very lucky, particularly in basketball and track, because we had coaches for the

male teams who were very encouraging and respectful and assisted with us with training. That really left an impression on me, and I think that made a difference when I got to Summit with what I was trying to do with girls’ athletics. Before, girls’ teams tended to be more social. I think I brought a discipline to the programs with expectations that exceeded some of what had been expected of them before that. I would take somebody that wanted to play on a team and couldn’t do anything. I didn’t just put them on the bench. I taught them skills they could be proud of so they could feel like they were a part of the team and that mattered.”

She became a leader among coaches at the conference, district and state levels and brought wider recognition to The Summit as a female athletic powerhouse. Because of her, many girls pursued athletics in college. This isn’t the first time Summit has honored Ms. Haas. She was the 2012 recipient of the Summit Way Award

From left, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer Kevin Johnson Jr. ’13, Bobbie Ackley, award winner Tim Jedding, Athletic Director Greg Dennis, award winner Laura Haas and Head of School Kelley Schiess gather for a keepsake photo.

Left to right, Caroline (Conners) Lewis ’99, award winner Laura Haas and Katie (Bunch) Shoreman ’01.

and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Other coaches recognized her as well. In 1999 and again in 2001, she received Ohio High School Athletic Association awards for sportsmanship, ethics and integrity in both field hockey and softball.

Promoting Integrity and Discipline

Summit social studies teacher Tim Jedding is the first recipient of the Farrell Ackley Award. Mr. Jedding has a master’s degree from Xavier University and a bachelor’s degree from Thomas More University.

He played junior varsity basketball and varsity baseball at LaSalle High School and varsity baseball at Thomas More. He was named a district Academic All-American and once held the school record for saves as a relief pitcher.

Starting in 2008, Mr. Jedding was Summit’s head golf coach for 11 years. Under his mentorship, the golf team made state appearances three times – 2008, 2010 and 2017 while individual golfers went to state in 2009, 2013 and 2018. His teams went to the district tournament every year and the Southwest Ohio District Title in 2010 and 2017. They set the school record in 2017 coming in fourth at state.

A key to those successes were players who were committed to improving their game. “You can’t just come out for golf in sophomore year and be really successful,” he says. “You have had to have put in a lot of time before you go to the varsity golf team. You have to be confident and have composure, because you’re going to make a lot of bad shots out on that golf course.”

As junior class leadership teacher, Mr. Jedding says golf is a great teacher of leadership. “First of all, you know, there’s not the kind of refereeing that you have at a basketball game or umpiring at a football game,” he says. “You call fouls on yourself. You have to have honesty and integrity in keeping your score and following the rules. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Summit brings those values to the athletic field.”

Of his years coaching, it was a celebration at the end of the 2017 season that is his most memorable experience. The celebration was hosted by a team mom and included JV and varsity players and their parents. “It was the nicest night, in terms of conversation, handing out awards, telling stories about what had happened during the year. When I came to school the next day, somebody asked me how that went, and I said it was the nicest night that I’ve ever experienced as a coach. You had that sense of community there, no doubt.”

Mr. Jedding also has memories of working with the late Farrell Ackley. “What he brought to the players was

a passion,” he says. “As a coach, he held himself to a high standard. I never heard him say a curse word, not even amongst just the adults. He was a role model for coaches.”

“If I could be half the person that Farrell actually was, I’d view myself as a success.”

The Quintessential Summit Fan

Mike Bergeron is the first recipient of the Silver Knights Victory Award.

Around the school, he is known for his positive attitude about everything involving Summit athletics. Mr. Bergeron is co-founder and managing partner of Strength Capital. He has an MBA from Harvard University. He served on The Summit’s Board of Trustees for six years and chaired it from 2012 to 2014. Alongside his wife, Annie, he co-chaired the school’s last two fundraising campaigns.

Sending their three children to The Summit, Mr. Bergeron gave a decade of service to the school’s K-6, parent-run youth athletic program, in which he coached boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’ and girls’ basketball and boys’ lacrosse.

There’s no doubt that he’s a fun guy. So, here are some fun facts about him:

• He is widely regarded as the winningest coach in Summit’s youth athletics. “The winningest stat is more urban legend than anything that has been confirmed,” he says. But it is widely accepted.

• He is the longest tenured member of Summit football’s chain gain.

• He has been present for every state championship game at The Summit in his time here.

• On Feb. 13, 2022, he gave an impromptu pre-game fire up speech to the Bengals offensive line before Super Bowl LVI (that proved to only be effective for 30 minutes of game time).

Tim Jedding’s family joined him at the ceremony. From left, Zach Jedding, Greg Jedding, Karen Jedding, Nate Jedding and Tim Jedding.

• In addition to cheering for The Summit, he is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ohio State football, America, helping young people learn about the capital markets and listening before talking.

“I believe we have the best athletic director in the country by far. Greg Dennis is genuine, wise, passionate and he wins,” Mr. Bergeron says. “And we have the best coaches.” He rattles off their names but singles out Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Coaches Scott Sievering and Mike Fee in a typical fandom way. “We could beat Argentina in boys’ or girls’ soccer,” he says.

Having once overseen the Board of Trustees, Mr. Bergeron credits the coaching staff for bringing value to The Summit experience that stays true to the school’s values.

“The Coaches are a huge part of the educational mission of the school,” he says. “So many great lessons come from sports, and our coaches understand the five pillars and their role in helping deliver on them. I find that our coaches love the kids and have the kid’s longterm development in mind when they are coaching them. The coaches have perspective and are in the job for the right reasons.”

Hall of Fame Nominations

If you would like to nominate an alumnus for the Athletic Hall of Fame, go to www.summitcds.org/HallofFame

College Athletes Recognized

Head of School Kelley Schiess recognized two collegiate athletes at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Graham Nicholson ’21 was given the Lou Groza Award, an annual accolade presented by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to the top kicker in college football. The announcement came during an ESPN broadcast on Dec. 9. Currently a junior at Miami University, Nicholson is the first RedHawk to earn a national award, marking a significant milestone in the university’s athletic history. Xavier Johnson ’18 played football for Summit and had many college offers, but he turned them down in hopes of getting a walk-on position at Ohio State. This year, Ohio State gave Xavier, who is participating in the draft, the block O jersey because he demonstrated toughness, accountability and the highest of character.

Award winner Mike Bergeron.

Graham Nicholson’21 and Head of School Kelley Schiess at the Hall of Fame event.

Xavier Johnson ’18 holds the block O jersey.

Upcoming Dates

Oct. 4

SPA Fall Festival and Homecoming game.

Summit v. Roger Bacon at 7 p.m.

Oct. 4-5

Athletic Hall of Fame. Inductees will be announced at halftime during the Oct. 4 football game and honored at a ceremony Oct. 5 from noon to 2 p.m. in St. Cecilia Hall.

Reunions for this year are the class years ending in 4 and 9. The reunion weekend will be Oct. 5. All alumni are invited.

If you are interested in planning your reunion for 2024, contact your class rep and Kevin Johnson Jr. ’13, Alumni Engagement and Gifts officer, at johnson_k@summitcds.org.

Oct. 6

Campus tour at noon. Memorial Service for Alumni and The Summit Community at 1 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel.

Oct. 23

Legacy Photo, Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel

Alumni Contact

Kevin Johnson ’13

Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer

513.871.4700 ext. 240  johnson_k@summitcds.org

Reunions 2023

Class Notes

Alumni class notes are now published in the quarterly alumni e-newsletter. Please submit your updates on job promotions, marriages, babies, awards and other notable events online at www.summitcds.org/submityournews

The Class of 1971, shown here, celebrated their 5oth reunion in June.

The Class of 1983, shown here, and the classes of 1988, 1998, 2013 and 2018 attended the reception at Igby’s Bar hosted by the Alumni Office. Dinner was catered by Crown Republic.

Legacy Photo 2023

Paul Kiley orchestrated a 30-year reunion for the Class of 1993 at Hammers & Nails on June 10.

Mary (Foss) Brinkmeyer led the Class of 1967 reunion, shown here at the Cincinnati Country Club. The classes of 1967 and 1968 held a joint reunion.

The Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th reunion June 7, shown here at Karen (Wilton) Crane’s house. Sister Rose Ann Fleming ’50, center front, joined them.

Alane (Schloemer) Shoemaker gathered the Class of 1968. Here, a group of 1968 alumnae hold a monthly get-together at Element Eatery.

Every year we welcome parents and grandparents of our legacy students to campus for a group picture. More than 200 children and adults gathered for this Hallmark Moment on Oct. 25.

One Night All Knights Party for The Summit Fund

Parents joined Summit faculty and staff to party for The Summit Fund on March 2 in a community event to support Giving Day. The Summit’s Athletic Complex was decked out for the evening event which included entertainment, dancing and live music from 12 South Band, food, a silent auction and split the pot. The event benefitted The Summit Fund which directly supports every student, faculty and staff member by covering expenses that aren’t fully met by tuition.

Co-chairs Jennifer (Williams) Dakers SMS ‘04 and Molly Vollmer pose with party committee members Kelley Schiess, Abby Workman, Lauren (Brinkmeyer) Goebel ’96, Kristen Ellsworth, Kendall Lallathin, Kristin Bohlke, Michaela (Frisbie) Facchinei ‘05, and Alison Masters

Development Director Bailey Bundy, Chief Financial Officer Bernadette Lottman; Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Kirstin McEachern and Head of School Kelley Schiess.

Matt Burns, Heather (McAndrews) Richard GMS ’92, Stephen Richard and Wes Goebel.

Amanda Arlington, Molly Vollmer, Courtney Ragland, Amber Sprengard and Jill Moore.

Paula Ammann Bassler, Krista Gatewood and Lisa Cox.

Lower School parents get close together for a photo that they can all remember. Jim Price ’95, Jenny Price, Drew Wilmot, Katie Wilmot and Dana Griffin Rice ‘98.

African-American Heritage Soirée

St. Cecilia Hall was a grand site on Feb. 9 when the Village hosted their second annual African-American Heritage Soirée. Attendees dressed up in their finery for the formal event. Co-chairs Patrice Tolble and Chérie Montgomery made sure everyone was treated to entertainment, food from the diaspora, dancing and a silent auction of art, jewelry and other precious items. Proceeds from this event benefit Summit’s Angel Donor Fund, which supports those in our community in need of financial assistance.

Extended Day Lead Teacher Betty Woodard, K-6 Athletics Coordinator Chris Woodard and Hasani and Kamilah Gillespie.

From left, Patrice Tolble, Athletic Director Greg Dennis, Chérie and Robert Montgomery.

Joseph Bissmeyer, Head of School Kelley Schiess, Erica Pope, Assistant Upper School Director Cliff Pope.

Elise (Malone) Graveley (attd) and Nicole Patrice Callery (attd), Erica Pope.Kevin Lavelle, Director of Enrollment Management; Tom Neyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Campus Chaplain The Rev. Phil Seher.

The Bi-Okoto African Dance Company performs.

Stephanie and Guyton Mathews.

Left: The Rev. Phil Seher, Derrick Williams, Tomeka Williams and Kristian and Krista Gatewood.

May 30 - August 2

Our Summer Camp programs are packed full of fun for children from all over the tri-state area. We offer classes for ages 3 to high school students.

Scan the QR code for details and to register.