Vianneyb&g spr13

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School

Spring 2013

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School

Spring 2013

Inside National Champs!....................................................................................5 Vianney Chess team wins 2nd National Title in three years

17 Strong ...................................................................................................6

Volleyball wraps up 17th State Volleyball Title in 25 years with huge win over Westminster in the Class 3 Volleyball Championship

Top 50......................................................................................................13

Cardinal Newman Society Bestows National Honors on Vianney for Excellence in Academics ALUMNI PROFILE

Mike Check ............................................................................................14 KMOV’s Mike Colombo Building Name, Reputation in Hometown News

Duty, Honor, Country ...........................................................................16 Vianney Continues Tradition of Sending Graduates to Service Academies The Black and Gold Magazine is a product of St. John Vianney High School, 1311 South Kirkwood Road, in Kirkwood, Mo. To submit items for the Black and Gold, contact the editor, Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications, at rstaggenborg@ vianney.com or call (314) 965-4853 ext. 270.

President Mike Loyet ‘77

COVER STORY

All in the Family ....................................................................................18 Families of Loved Ones Honor their Legacies with Memorial Scholarships FACULTY PROFILE

Mr. Charlie Eisele ..................................................................................22 Vianney’s Iron Man of 51 Years Closes Out Exemplary Career

Principal Dr. Tim Dilg Assistant Principal – Academics Dennis Matreci Assistant Principal – Student Affairs Scott Brown ‘84 Director of Athletics Terry Cochran

Stay in touch at www.vianney.com

Director of Finance and Facilities Wendell DePhillips ‘71 Director of Advancement Peter Cerone ‘93 Director of Admissions Tom Mulvihill ‘04 Director of Constituent Relations Molly Walsh Director of Events Mark Schuermann ‘03 Editor, Black and Gold Director of Communications Rob Staggenborg Design Lopez Needleman Graphic Design, Inc.

For Vianney updates and other features, follow Vianney online at www.vianney.com or follow us on Twitter @vianneygriffins

BLACK & GOLD

School News

Jerry Stevison acknowldges the crowd at the Jim Farrell track meet in May. Stevison is retiring from Vianney after 39 years of service.

“Football was the sport I always enjoyed coaching. Track was excellent too, but football was a different type of sport. But both were enjoyable.”

In 2004, Stevison was inducted into the Missouri Football Hall of Fame. He plans on taking time to travel with his wife during his retirement. They’ve visited all 50 states and many of the Canadian provinces.

“We are going to travel some more,” he said. “We are going to drive and stop in a number of places. I’m looking forward to it very much.”

Coach Stevison Honored Ryan Murphy named for Service to the 2013 Missouri Mr. Jerry Stevison who has taught at Vianney 100 Scholars for 39 years, was honored by the Vianney Track and Field program at the annual Jim Farrell Invitational Meet at Vianney.

Mr. Stevison retired from Vianney at the end of the school year. During his time at Vianney, he served as a teacher and coach.

His teaching career spanned 45 years in all, which included stints at CBC and Priory as well. He returned to Vianney in 1978 and has been here since.

“The thing that I found very appealing here was the faculty,” he said. “The lay faculty, like the majority of coaches, all were wonderful people. And the Brothers were just terrific.

I enjoyed coming to school each day and working with them. They run a great, disciplined classroom environment. The kids were nice, good kids, and the parents were very supportive. That was what stuck with me.”

Mr. Stevison coached football for 45 years, wrestling about 15 years and track for more than 40 years.

Senior Ryan Murphy was selected for the 2013 Missouri Scholars 100, a statewide program that honors 100 of Missouri’s top academic students in the graduating class of 2013.

Students were recognized Ryan Murphy at a luncheon in Columbia, Missouri, in April.

Schools across Missouri nominated candidates for this statewide recognition. The selection was based on a number of factors, including grade point average, standardized test scores, school involvement, citizenship, and performance in academically rigorous courses.

Jim L. King, Executive Director of the Missouri Associate of Secondary School Principals, which sponsored the award program, described the honor: “Students

Jack Lyons Receives Distinguished Achievement for Excellence in Science Award Junior Jack Lyons has received the Distinguished Achievement for Excellence in Science Award from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

This award recognizes the most outstanding junior level science students enrolled in the St. Louis metro area.

Jack is ranked at the top of his class and has completed five science courses at St. John Vianney High School. Jack plans to take two more science courses his senior year and study Mechanical Engineering in college.

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Jack Lyons

who were selected for this program have taken a rigorous course of study and have maintained the highest academic standards.

The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals celebrates the achievement and success of these students and their schools.”

Matt Brown Wins Rising Star Award Congratulations go out to senior Matt Brown who was named the winner of the 2013 Rising Star Award presented by the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall-of-Fame.

Brown was presented the award on April 18 at the Hall-of-Fame Banquet held at the Westport Sheraton Chalet Hotel.

Brown was announced as one of the finalists for the award in December. He was named as the winner over a select group of players from the St. Louis Metro Area.

Matt set career marks at Vianney as one of the most prolific hitters in school history in total bases, home runs and several other key offensive categories.

Vianney Shows Support for Kenyan School Through their charitable generosity and dedication to service Vianney students just finished a project supporting the Marianist Missions in Africa.

The Golden Griffins will send $2,547 to Our Lady of Nazareth, which will ensure that 20 Kenyan students receive food and an education next year. Special thanks to Griffin LIFE and Mr. Matt Dailey for spearheading this project.

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Vianney Chess Team Wins National Championship Title is school’s 2nd Chess Title in 3 Years

Vianney’s Chess Team won its second National Chess Championship in the K-12 Division in the Super-National Chess Tournament in Nashville, TN in April. The title was Vianney’s second in three years, having won the 2011 Chess Championship as well.

Vianney was led by a team of Tim Ellebracht with 6 wins and 1 draw, Alex Moellering who went 5 wins, no losses and two draws. Jack Lyons with two wins, a draw and a loss, and Andrew Krekeler and Jordan Hoover posted four points each. The Varsity Chess Team was led by coaches Ed Baur and David Petersen.

Baur taught and coached the chess team at Vianney from 1991 through 2007. He has continued his involvement with Vianney’s chess team after retirement. He’s been a member of the Missouri Chess Association’s Board of Directors for 14 years, and served as president for six of those. He is the author of an instructional chess book, “Griffin Chess,” and he also taught at the St. Louis Community College. Chess, put simply, is in Baur’s blood.

Vianney ended up winning by just one point. The second place through the fourth place teams ended up in a tie.

Crossroads School from St. Louis was one of the schools that tied for second place.

“It was a matter of making the right moves The chess team was honored at an at the right time,” said David Peterson. all-school assembly.

“We’re definitely excited that the stars aligned and luck was with us and all the work paid off.”

Two years ago when Vianney won, the tables were turned, Mr. Baur explained in an article in the St. Louis Review about the championship. “We had a wonderful first round. We were leading the whole tournament and almost drove off the cliff the last round. This time was just the opposite. I was uneasy about it. At the end of the sixth round, we pulled a half point ahead. Then we had a good last round and ended up winning by a full point, which is very unusual.”

The varsity team was made up of seniors Tim Ellebracht, Jordan Hoover, Nicky Hart, Al Faust, Tim Booth and Christian Duvall. Juniors on the team were Alex Moellering, Jack Lyons, Nikita Thompson, Trevor Vogan and Aaron Reynolds.

The school’s JV team also had a great showing with a 7th place finish in a very competitive division. Matt Kleine, Dan Owensby, Nathan Mittenzwey, and Nick Kreitner headed their effort.

Vianney’s Varsity Chess team with the National Trophy.

The chess team in action.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

AP Biology Students Welcome Noted Expert and Author A selected group of juniors and seniors in the AP Biology class had a chance to meet Professor Jerry Cox, a noted expert, entrepreneur and author in the area of biomechanical

Professor Jerry Cox meets with students.

research and a retired professor with Washington University in St. Louis.

Professor Cox is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world regarding the field of biomechanical research, Bill Alexander, biology teacher, noted. He is highly published and holds several patents on biomechanical

and bionic apparatus. He holds three degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Professor Cox is a giant in the field of biomedical research and is amazingly humble about the contributions he has made to the world,” Alexander said.

According to his official Washington University biography, Professor Cox has been at Washington University since 1955. In the 1960s, he founded the Biomedical Computing Laboratory, which pioneered the application of computers to applications in medicine. In the 1970s, he became the founding chairman of the Department of Computer Science, and guided the department’s development and growth for more than 15 years, the biography notes.

Professor Cox is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) as well as the American College of Medical Informatics (AMIA). He is also a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, NAS, and ACM. Washington University has awarded him with multiple honors, including the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Eliot Society Search Award. The theme of Professor Cox’s research has been applications of advanced technology to practical biomedical problems.

Vianney Volleyball Captures Record 17th State Title Congratulations to St. John Vianney’s Griffin volleyball team, which captured its record 17th Missouri State Class 3 Volleyball Championship in St. Louis, MO in May. Vianney has set the standard for boys’ volleyball in St. Louis and across Missouri by winning 17 state titles in just 25 years of fielding a boys’ volleyball team. Coach Jeff Gabbert led the Griffins to a 26-7-1 record and a win over Westminster Christian Academy of Town and Country, Mo. in the finals.

The first game of the final was a nip-and-tuck affair, with WCA and Vianney trading points.

Vianney would end up winning the first game in the best-of-three set 27-25. In the second game, the Griffins controlled the tempo and using an 8-3 run early in the match, took the second game by a score of 25-20.

Vianney closed its season by winning 12 games in a row.

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Brother Wally Celebrates 70 Years as a Marianist Congratulations to Vianney’s own Brother Walter Ebbesmeyer, who is celebrating 70 years of professed life.

Brother Wally was Brother Walter honored at a special Ebbesmeyer, SM Jubilee Mass by the Society of Mary on April 27, 2013 at Our Lady of the Pillar Church.

Brother Wally, as he’s known around Vianney, taught students from 1945 through 1988 at the grade school, high school and university levels in St. Louis, Texas, Milwaukee and Illinois.

He was featured as one of the Marianists’ special Jubilarians in the electronic communication, Family Online, a national publication.

Earlier this year, Brother Wally was invited to speak to the student body during a special assembly.

“A long time ago, I saw a movie that I liked very much. It was called Stand and Deliver.

I like that title very much because I think all of my life, that has been my motto. I have always felt that when you see that there is something to be done, then do it! Don’t put it off until tomorrow. Do it today,” he said.

“It makes me proud to be here at Vianney because this school reflects so well what it means to be a Marianist school,” he added.

Old Towne Fenton Honors 2 Seniors Vianney Seniors Nicholas Allen and Patrick Noble were recently honored by the Old Towne Fenton Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The Olde Towne Fenton DAR honored five high school seniors in all at its April 6 Scholarship and Awards Presentation.

Allen was presented with a Good Citizens Award, and Noble was honored with the Olde Towne Fenton Chapter, Missouri State Society DAR Scholarship Entrant award.

Each year the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor a Good Nicholas Allen

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Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.

Each Good Citizens Award recipient was presented with a certificate, a pin, a wallet Patrick Noble card, an Amazon gift card, and a monetary contribution to help defray college expenses. Nicholas Allen was also presented with a $300 Chapter scholarship and the opportunity to compete for additional recognition at the state level.

Principal Pens Article for National Catholic Magazine Vianney Principal Dr. Tim Dilg’s article on school leadership was recently published in the National Catholic Education Association’s Momentum magazine.

You can access a PDF of the article in the News section of the Vianney website — vianney.com — for Dr. Tim Dilg April.

The article, entitled “Leading for Excellence” focuses on traits Catholic school leaders need to embrace to build excellent communities. “To create an excellent Catholic school, the leaders must be excellent themselves. They must not only believe in, but manifest in their actions, a passion for the school’s mission, its vision and its values,” Dr. Dilg wrote.

Dr. Dilg has been Vianney’s principal for two years. In 2009, he received a doctorate of education with an emphasis in educational leadership from St. Louis University.

School excellence, he wrote, “requires a commitment to a strong Catholic mission to educate students for spiritual, academic and personal excellence. It also requires hiring exceptional staff with high standards and immersing the school community with daily examples of excellence. Then, the overwhelming pride from being part of something great comes. Your heart will pound with excitement when you realize that your school community is working to the beat of one heart and one mission to lead your school to excellence.”

Vianney’s New Director of Communications Vianney recently welcomed Mr. Rob Staggenborg, APR as the new Director of Communications in Apri1 2013.

“Rob comes to Vianney with a wealth of PR and communications experience,” said Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement at Vianney.

Rob has served as a PR practitioner, media producer, business journalist, non-profit development and communications consultant, and most recently the Director of Communications for CBC High School, a position he helped create nearly 15 years ago.

“I am quite excited to join a truly professional learning community like Vianney. From my view, this school has so many tremendous things Mr. Rob Staggenborg going. These include being nationally recognized for academics; sending kids to the service academies and having nearly 100 percent of their seniors go on to college.

That is impressive and not a record many schools in St. Louis can stand behind. I’ve enjoyed working with the local media to communicate all of the great things happening at St. John Vianney High School. I’m especially grateful to the number of students, families, alumni, faculty and staff members and the Marianist community for making my transition here so smooth.”

Rob’s professional background is in journalism, public relations, media relations, photojournalism, design and social media. He spent the first portion of his professional career as a business journalist and news reporter for the European Stars and Stripes, the Suburban Journals, and the St. Louis Business Journal. Additionally, Rob is a native St. Louisan who is professionally accredited (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He has served on numerous non-profit boards, including PRSA-St. Louis and the Community Services Public Relations Council. He served as well as a task force member on the national PRSA Accreditation marketing committee, and most recently as an Assembly Delegate for the International PRSA Conference.

2013 Night of the Griffin Auction Recap More than $296,000 was raised at the annual event.

The toasts were well-deserved following a hugely successful Night of the Griffin Auction in February.

More than $296,000 was raised at the annual fund-raising event. One of the most significant turns of the evening came during the Fund-aNeed portion. Vianney donors stepped up in a huge way, raising $112,000 for student scholarships. That set a school record for the Fund-a-Need, said Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement.

A special thanks goes to Auction Chairs Debbie McGuire and Kim Tackes for their wonderful work in organizing this year’s event. Vianney President Mike Loyet During the oral auction portion of the event, a trip to Chicago netted $13,000 as the top bid. The trip, donated by Doug Zinser ’92 and his wife, Andrea, was no ordinary Chicago trip, however. The winning bidder got a private jet for 8 to the Windy City to see the Cardinals take on the rival Cubs. Once the jet touched ground, the package included a limo from the Pal-Waukee Airport near Chicago to the Hyatt downtown for a two-night stay and tickets to the game, said Mark Schuermann ’03, Director of Events.

Vianney is already making plans for next year’s Night of the Griffin Auction on February 15, 2014. If you would like to volunteer to help plan the event, or if you would like to donate an item, contact mschuermann@vianney.com or call him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Paul Day Named Vianney’s Football Coach Vianney is proud to announce that Paul Day is the new Head Football Coach of the Golden Griffins.

Day has 20 years of head coaching experience and has spent the last 15 years as the Head Coach of Fort Zumwalt West. During his tenure at Fort Zumwalt West, Day has won: • Seven Conference Championships (2001/2 002/2005/2006/2007/2008/2011) • Six District Championships (2001/2002/2003/2007/2010/2011) • Been to the State Quarterfinals 4 times (2007/2008/2010/2011) • Was a State Semifinalist in 2010 Coach Paul Day • In addition he has been named: • St. Louis Coaches Association- Coach of the Year (2010) • St. Louis National Football Foundation Coach of the Year/ Program of the Year (2010) • Conference Coach of Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) • District Coach of Year (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011) He’s helped 51 student-athletes qualify for college scholarships and helped produce 328 Academic All-Conference Players.

“Our vision and mission are winning conference championships and advancing to the postseason on a regular basis and we feel like Paul Day brings the experience and skills to help us achieve our goals. When you look at the success that Paul has enjoyed and you pair that with his qualities as a man, we feel like he is the perfect fit to be our head football coach,” said Terry Cochran, Director of Athletics.

“Coach Day is dedicated to the success of our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the football field,” added Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal. “It became very clear to me early in the interview process that Paul was a great leader of men. Our student-athletes deserve the opportunity to work with a leader of his quality. Paul will enrich their lives and establish a culture of success on the field.”

Day joined Fort Zumwalt West in 1998 after spending five years as head coach of Owensville High School where he won: • Two Conference Championships (1994, 1997) • Two District Championships (1994, 1997) Day has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for 25 years and is a man of strong Catholic faith. They have three children: Jessica, Joe and Tanner. Day has a masters in administration from Lindenwood University and a bachelors of science in physical education.

Junior Matt Mueller Wins State Golf Title Congratulations to Vianney Junior Matt Mueller who is a Co-State Golf Champion in Class 4. The state tournament was played at very windy Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield.

Matt posted scores of 72 in the first round and a 74 in the second round for a total score of 146. Matt tied with Rockhurst High School’s Patrick Byrne for tops in the state. Byrne also finished with a 146.

This is a huge honor for Matt and the golf program at Vianney.

Congratulations on a GREAT tournament and being a State Champion.

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Marianist Awards Celebrate Characteristics of Marianist Education Students and faculty were recognized at the annual Marianist Awards assembly for their accomplishments, dedication, attitude and above all, how they live the Characteristics of a Marianist Education.

As Dr. Tim Dilg remarked, it also doubled as the “Swim Banquet,” with seven of the ten students receiving the prestigious Marianist Award being members of the swim team.

Regardless of the activities they were involved in, however, each student honored made a distinct impression on the Vianney community as a whole, he said.

Two faculty members took home the award as well: Janet Cochran in the Business Office for her role in working with families, contributing service and proudly sending four sons through Vianney (number five starts next year); Pat Wheadon was also honored for his work in the religion department, furthering the mission of our school in the community and being a shining example of a faith-filled adult life.

Many other awards were handed out during the assembly, including the Order of the Griffin. This is the second highest Marianist honor bestowed to students, and the highest a freshman can receive. Twenty-six students took home this award, including seven freshmen. Also recognized were faculty members reaching milestones of service to the school.

One of the major highlights were standing ovations given to three of our longest-serving members of the faculty: Colleen Judge and Jerry Stevison, both having worked tirelessly for more than 35 years, and Judy O’Connell, who has dedicated 40 years to Vianney.

President Mike Loyet was also presented with a Marianist Award for his work in leading the school and placing an emphasis on the Characteristics of Marianist Education in all aspects of Vianney.

Marianist Award Winners: (Students) Seniors: Chris Roseman, Kevin Ogle, Sam Reynolds, Brendan Keller Juniors: Jack Lyons, Matt Rath, Ben Dombrowski, Kyle Williams, Zach Roseman Sophomore: Dominic Biffignani Marianist Award Winners: (Faculty and Staff) Janet Cochran, Pat Wheadon

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2013 Honors Convocation Awards Valedictorian - Drake Cantu - Grade Point Average of 4.339 Salutatorian - Christopher Roseman - Grade Point Average of 4.286 Griffin of the Year - Sam Reynolds

the Marianist Martyrs. They all performed a minimum of 150 hours of Christian Service while they were students here at Vianney.

They are: Ray Ablan, Nick Allen, Robert Bradley, Tim Ellebracht, Jake Hayden, Brendan Keller, Connor O’Leary and Brad Woodson.

Special Award for Community Service: Mercy Health Center, the Mercy Blood Donor Program and our Campus Ministry wish to recognize Nick Allen and Kyle Barnes for their outstanding commitment to and service during blood donor drives here this year.

Principal’s Leadership Award is presented through the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This goes to an individual who displays leadership traits as well as academic excellence throughout his high school years. This year’s award went to Joe Somogye.

Dr. Tim Dilg and Griffin of the Year, Sam Reynolds

The Black Circle Award is the one of highest awards a student can earn for participation in school activities. It is awarded to those seniors who have accumulated 400 activity points by the end of their senior year. These awards went to: Allen Bitzer, Alan Foley, Jr., Alec Schroff, Nick Hart, Jim Brady, Daren Hembrador, Connor Peth, Chris Roseman.

Gold Circle Awards are given for participation in the program of activities. These are awarded to those seniors who acquire a minimum of 300 activity points by the end of their junior year. This is the highest award that a person can receive from Vianney. The following seniors earned awards: Michael Allen, Nick Allen, Matt Brown, Drake Cantu, Matt Dreyer, Brendan Keller, Shane Knox, Kevin Ogle, Sam Oldani, Bryan O’Leary, Connor O’Leary, Sam Reynolds, Joe Somogye, Michael Witwer, and Brad Woodson.

Vianney Service Awards: The Campus Ministry Program has created a series of awards to recognize students who perform Christian Service above and beyond the expected minimums of the program. The young men who received Vianney Service Awards, named in honor of Blessed Father Chaminade and

St. Mary’s University Scholarship Presentations: Representatives from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio came to Vianney to present scholarships to two of our graduating seniors — Tim Ellebracht and Joe Somogye.

Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award: Brendan Keller was previously honored at an all-city ceremony.

Bro. Joseph Lanfer Award: Awarded annually by the Vianney coaching staff, this year’s award went to Matt Dreyer.

US Army Scholar Athlete: The United States Army Reserve Scholar-Athlete award is presented annually to a graduating senior who has consistently demonstrated the very highest of academic achievement in his course work and has exhibited exceptional athletic talent and contribution to his team.

This year’s recipient was Brad Woodson.

George Washington Carver Award for the top 10% of the class is given by the State Department of Education. These are the top 14 students in the senior class this year. They are: Drake Cantu, Chris Roseman, Nick Allen, Brendan Keller, Branson Kellen, Kevin Ogle, Matt Dreyer, Ryan Murphy, Vince Riggio, Connor O’Leary, Alec Schroff, Mi-

chael Witwer, Austin Hanse, Patrick Noble and Connor Peth.

Archbishop John May Service Award: The Archdiocese of St. Louis has instituted the Archbishop John May Service Award. This award is presented to the student chosen by the school who has extraordinary achievement in service. This award is presented in a separate city-wide awards ceremony. Sam Reynolds was Vianney’s recipient.

The Archdiocesan Commission on Human Rights honors students who perform an outstanding amount of community service with an award named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January each year around the time of Dr. King’s birthday. This year’s recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award was Brendan Keller.

Perfect Attendance: This award literally took four years to earn. It is the type of recognition which we as a school take special delight in giving. It is not given every year. According to the school records, Shane Knox has not missed a single day or been tardy to school in four years.

Chris J. Fiala Memorial Award for the student who showed great academic improvement, service and school spirit this year was awarded to Matt Brown.

Faculty Honors: Vianney recognized several faculty and staff members who are retiring this year and thanked them for their many years of dedicated service to St. John Vianney.

They are: Mr. Jerry Stevison (39 years); Ms. Judy O’Connell (40 years); Mr. Charlie Eisele (51 years).

Judy O’Connell

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Alumni News

Orlando City, a pro soccer club in Florida, announced it had re-signed defender Erik Ustruck, a 2003 Vianney graduate.

Ustruck continues to solidify Orlando’s defense heading into the 2013 season.

“We’re delighted that we brought Erik (Ustruck) back to the club,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.

Orlando City shored up its backline by bringing back a familiar face in Ustruck. Ustruck played his college soccer at Santa Clara University, making seven appearances for the Under-20 National Team during his time in school.

He then began his professional career after being drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft . The defender was eventually loaned to the Austin Aztex, connecting with Erik Ustruck ‘03 (left) works against a Sporting Kansas City defender.

PHOTO: NICK SMITH

Vianney Soccer Alum Erik Ustruck ‘03 signs with Orlando City the team and Head Coach Adrian Heath before signing with F.C. Tampa Bay in the 2010 offseason.

After a short tenure with F.C.T.B., he rejoined Heath in Orlando, becoming a regular on the 2011 and 2012 USL PRO Championship squads. Last season, Ustruck appeared in 17 matches for the Lions, logging seven assists in 907 minutes played.

The USL Professional Division, commonly known as USL Pro, is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States that began its inaugural season in 2011. USL Pro is sanctioned as a Division III Professional League by United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer), placing it under Major League Soccer (Division I) and the North American Soccer League (Division II) in the hierarchy.

Vianney Alums Make 2013 Career Day a Success Vianney hosted a Career Day with opportunities for students to learn more about the career paths of their teachers, participate in a Catholic College Fair, and hear special presentations from local career, college, and religious vocation advisors. The highlight of the event was in the afternoon when Griffin alumni, along with other Vianney family, came back home to share their stories with current students. Speakers from the 2013 Career Day included: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Pharmacist - David Rau ‘82 Landscapers - John Van der Pluym ‘08 and Billy Feicht ‘06 Production Coordinator - Sean Book ‘08 Newspaper Reporter - Joe Holleman ‘76 Electrical Engineer/Geospatial Engineering - Keith Short ‘90 Recreational Therapist - Mike Mantia ‘92 Sport’s Trainer - Ted Yemm ‘93 Chemical Engineer - Mike Johnson ‘01 Private Banker - David Ringwald ‘86 Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist - Dan Nobel ‘69 Graphic Arts Manager - Tim McVey ‘76 Police Detective - Jim Whyte Physical Therapy - Greg Nicholas ‘93 Artist - Dan Belcher ‘86 Special Agent - Dan Allgeyer ‘03 Physician - Dr Jim Cahalin ‘77 Attorney - Tom Lang ‘64 President of St.Mary’s High School - Fr. Mitch Doyen ‘79

Visit us online! www.vianney.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

President-Ronald McDonald House - Dan Harbaugh ‘78 Private Banker - Bill Deckelman ‘89 Musician - Jeff Nations ‘03 Firefighter/Paramedic - Kevin Smith ‘91 Assistant Airport Director - Gerald Beckmann ‘83 Network Engineer - Doug O’Donnell ‘07 Health Systems Administrator/Pilot - Harry Schmidt ‘83 Sport’s Reporting/ Broadcasting - Mike Colombo ‘04 Attorney - Chris Geldmacher ‘91 Mechanical Engineer - Steve Wendl ‘86 Radio Broadcaster - Mark Klose ‘71 Director of Sales - Rick Davis ‘79 Firefighter - Kevin Reis ‘82 Radio Producer/Sports Reporter - Willie Springer ‘04 Veterinarian - Dr. Mark Lux ‘75 Aerospace Engineer - Joe Wolf ‘79 Restaurant Owner - John Armengol ‘88 Public Accountant - Tim Crawford ‘01

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Tom Dapron’s family is praying for his daughter, Abby, who has been on a Mission trip that will take her to Honduras, Thailand and South Africa.

Please keep Tom’s daughter in your prayers.

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Bob Hanneken won the amateur division of the 54th Publinx Golf Tournament Open at Forest Park with a four-under-par 66. According to an article on stltoday.com, Hanneken did not pick up golf until around age 30. “I played a lot of soccer (at Vianney and the University of Missouri-Rolla) when I was younger,’’ he explained. “I picked up golf because that’s what most of the guys at work were doing, and really ended up enjoying it.’’

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Congratulations to Anthony Bayers and his wife Stephanie Becnel Bayers, who are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Sophia René Bayers, born March 23, 2013 in New Orleans, LA. Sophia weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz., and was 20 ¼ inches long.

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Congratulations to Pete Cerone and his wife, Jennifer, who are the proud parents of a baby boy, Crosby, born March 18, 2013. Crosby weighed in at 5 lbs, 8 oz, and was 19 inches long.

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The University of Missouri announced that former Michigan assistant coach and Vianney graduate, Shannon Welker, has accepted the position of Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach at Mizzou. Welker is the third head coach in Mizzou gymnastics history, and brings a wealth of experience to Columbia after spending five years as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan and nine years as the head coach and program director at the St. Louis Gymnastic Center. Welker has coached five gymnasts to 12 All-American honors while at Michigan including the 2013 NCAA National Floor Champion, Joanna Sampson. He also produced three NCAA Regional Championship floor title winners and back-to-back NCAA Regional Champions on vault. Four of his gymnasts won event titles at the Big Ten Championships, and Welker assisted the Wolverines to three NCAA National Championships.

GRIFFIN GROOMSMEN

When 2006 grad Joe Muenster got married in March, his wedding took on a Vianney flair. Five of his groomsmen were Vianney grads. to his hometown to watch championship events at the Missouri Athletic Club and at Vetta Sports-Concord, to watch the 26th National High school racquetball Championships in late February. Czarnecki penned an article for USA Racquetball Magazine about his experience. “Being at the Championship brought back great memories, including my first exposure to USAR back in 1992.”

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The Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce honored its 2012 Chamber Award Winners, including the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award winner Brian Kohlberg. Brian is a past President of the Vianney Alumni Association and has chaired alumni events such as homecoming gatherings, Alumni Golf Tournaments, Trivia Nights and Vianney’s Spring Picnic. Brian is Co-Founder and Director of Sales and Marketing for Manufacturers’ Inventory.

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Bradley Peters recently married Jennifer Harp on March 9, 2013 in New Town in Saint Charles.

Bradley currently works for the State of Missouri’s Department of Mental Health as a case manager. The wedding party included Dan Flynn ’04 as the best man, Shawn Peters ’01 as a groomsman, and Matt Slama ’04 who was an usher.

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Ryan Kleffner recently graduated with two degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Computer Science with an emphasis in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Mathematics. Ryan started working at Edward Jones in its Information Systems division as a programmer analyst four years ago and is now nearing Senior Programmer Analyst status.

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Capt. Andrew Hendel is currently stationed at Moody Air Force Base, GA, where he is assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron. Andrew is a Combat Rescue Officer, having been deployed to Kuwait. Andrew’s wife, Chelsea, is also on active duty and is stationed at Moody AFB.

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First Lt. Alex Hendel is currently deployed with his Army unit from Fort Stewart, GA to Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. Alex is both an infantry officer and an Army Ranger and will be deployed until December 2013. Alex’s wife, Beverly, is also on active duty and is stationed at Fort Stewart as well.

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Steve Czarnecki, the Executive Director of USA Racquetball, was thrilled to come back

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James Gladstone has joined Vianney as Media and Literacy Coordinator and as a Freshman Leadership teacher. James will be working in the Media Center developing curriculum for digital literacy and digital citizenship. In this position, James will develop lessons to help our students effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies. He will help students explore a wide variety of topics, including how people find, use, summarize, evaluate, create, and communicate information while using digital technologies.

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John Hogan was featured in a news story on Fox 2 in St. Louis about post-concussion symptoms. John played collegiate baseball for Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.

His promising collegiate career was cut short after a collision during a game. The news story focused on John’s long road to recovery from the concussion and his hope of keeping his baseball dreams alive.

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Tyler Parks was named to the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) roster for the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, which was held in February in Troy, MI. Tyler played goaltender for the Minot (ND) Minotauros. He committed to play NCAA D-1 Hockey for the St. Lawrence Saints, becoming the first player from the Minotauros to commit to a Division 1 program.

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John Schenk was featured in the April 8-14, 2013 edition of the St. Louis Review for his work in starting Teens 2 Teens. The group, which he founded, is a faith-based, peer-topeer mentoring ministry that serves teens facing hardships. To date, more than 16 local Catholic high schools in St. Louis have signed on to participate in the ministry. The work, according to the Review article, is guided by an adult-based board of directors with backgrounds in accounting, law, mental health care, education, clergy, youth ministry and a teen board.

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Alumni Association Hosts Local Brewmaster The Vianney Alumni Association hosted a special night with a local brewmaster for more than 50 people in mid-May. The event was coordinated by Jeff Welker ’87, Retail Sales Director for AB-InBev and a third generation employee of the brewery. Welker brought Mike Amad, a certified brewmaster who had been with AB-InBev for more than 30 years. Amad, pictured, led the discussion, which centered around the brewing process, the science of beer glasses, ingredients and variations used to make specific types of beer. Welker talked about various brands of beer AB-InBev has recently brought to market.

Earlier this year, the Alumni Association sponsored an evening with Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin as part of its ongoing speakers series. Look for details on the next event on Facebook, Twitter and the Vianney E-Griffin.

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COLLEGE ATHLETIC SIGNINGS: Vianney baseball seniors Alex Hoffman, Jim Brady and Ryan Wood, signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate baseball.

Alex will be attending Truman State University and Ryan will be attending University of Indianapolis. Jim will be attending Lindenwood University. Vianney baseball’s Jack Klages earlier signed an NLI to play at Mizzou, and Matt Brown previously signed an NLI to play at Arkansas. Brad Woodson and Sean O’Brien of Vianney’s Final Four Basketball team, signed NLIs to play at the University of Central Missouri. Alex Burton, a Vianney football player, signed an NLI to play at St. Ambrose University.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

If you want to stay connected to Vianney with regular updates on news, events and other great online features, be sure to follow us on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook, join us on LinkedIn, watch us on YouTube and catch us online.

Twitter Follow us @Vianneygriffins - our Main school account Follow us @GriffinsAD - our Vianney Athletics account Follow us @Vianney_CM - our Campus Ministry account Follow us @VianneyGuidance - our Guidance Department feed Follow us @dgsoccer4 - Vianney Soccer account Follow us @VHSHockey - Vianney Hockey account Follow us @Vianneybaseball - our official Vianney baseball account Follow us @VhighVolleyball - our official Vianney Volleyball account Follow us @VianneyFootball - Vianney Football account Follow Coach Kevin Walsh @coachkwalsh Follow Principal Dr. Tim Dilg @tdilg Facebook Facebook.com/vianneygriffins Linkedin Search for St. John Vianney High School in the companies tab YouTube Vianney’s Channel is youtube.com/ VianneySTL

Mike Amad, a brewmaster with 31 years of experience, leads the dicussion.

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SPRING 2013

Vianney Makes the National Honor Roll for Academics The 2012-2013 school year has been a year of “tops,” to say the least.

Vianney’s Chess Team was “tops” in the nation, winning a national championship.

Senior Ryan Murphy was named one of the top 100 Missouri Scholars. The Class of 2013’s “top” student, valedictorian Drake Cantu, earned an appointment to West Point. Our golfer, junior Matt Mueller, was “tops” in the state tournament, becoming co-State Champion.

Soccer, football, swimming, baseball, racquetball, volleyball, track , wrestling, and basketball all vied for “top” rankings in their respective sports.

But one of the more significant “top” stories came in September, when the Cardinal Newman Society named St. John Vianney to its Catholic High School Honor Roll. This honor is significant in that it recognized Vianney as one of the Top 50 schools in the nation for academics.

“It’s no secret that we as a school have been working for many years to always improve our academic profile, so to achieve this award helps validate the great work our teachers and students have been doing in that regard,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s Principal. As principal of Springfield (Mo.) Catholic High School, Dr. Dilg helped this school earn honorable mention recognition in 2008 for Academics and then as a Top 50 school in 2010.

According to the Cardinal Newman Society, there are 1,205 Catholic high schools in the U.S. The Catholic High School Honor Roll program looks at three areas of the school: academics, civic education and Catholic identity. Schools named to the top 50 Catholic High School Honor Roll are recognized for their overall excellence in all three categories.

Other schools, like Vianney, receive special recognition in a particular category by placing in the top 50 in that individual classification — in this case, for academics.

Vianney is the only Catholic boys’ school in the St. Louis area to be recognized in this competition. One other school from Missouri made the list — Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. Like Vianney, Rosati-Kain received special recognition.

“This is a significant honor for Vianney, and we are grateful to our faculty and staff,

and to our parents, alumni and other donors,” Dr. Dilg said. “They have all made possible Vianney’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.”

The Top 50 Catholic Schools Honor Roll was created by the Cardinal Newman Society in 2004 as a way to help parents evaluate the quality of Catholic high schools. It also serves to inspire these schools to pursue ever-higher levels of excellence through constructive competition, Dr. Dilg added.

“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “The Honor Roll schools are a reminder that Catholic education is

getting better every day — not only academically, but in the renewal of Catholic identity — and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year.”

This year seven Catholic schools around the nation were recognized for excellence in Catholic identity. In addition, six schools, including Vianney, were recognized for academics; five schools were recognized for civic education programs, and five additional schools were recognized for excellence in two of the three categories.

“From the point of view of the Cardinal Newman Society, we want to recognize outstanding Catholic high schools through the Honor Roll program,” said Bob Laird of the Cardinal Newman Society. “In 2012, we recognized 72 of them — 50 of those schools received the Top 50 honor and 22 of them received recognition for excellence in one or more of the three categories (academic excellence, civics education and Catholic identity.”

The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) was founded by Catholic college alumni to promote and defend faithful Catholic education, following upon Pope John Paul II’s 1990 release of the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic higher education, Ex corde Ecclesiae.

Founded in 1993, the mission of The Cardinal Newman Society is to promote and defend faithful Catholic education. The Society seeks to fulfill its mission in numerous ways, including supporting education that is faithful to the teaching and tradition of the Catholic Church; producing and disseminating research and publications on developments and best practices in Catholic education; and keeping Catholic leaders and families informed.

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Alumni Profile

Mike Check

KMOV Reporter and 2004 Vianney Alum Mike Colombo Building Career in His Hometown

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rom self-described class clown to being one of the most promising, young TV news reporters in our town, Mike Colombo has come a long way. A very long way.

Colombo came to Vianney as a precocious kid from Dogtown’s St. James the Greater parish. He loved to joke, but one day the jokes went too far.

He and some classmates found themselves before a disciplinary board fighting to stay in school.

His fate as a Griffin came down to convincing the group why Vianney should give him a second chance. Colombo did so, and a year later he went from being on the verge of expulsion to Student Council President.

“My freshman and sophomore years, I was trying to fit in, trying to find myself. I wasn’t as much of a troublemaker as I was a class clown,” said Colombo over a lunch in his native Dogtown. “From where I was, to how I ended my Vianney career, was a pretty big turnaround for me.”

He credits his family, friends, coaches, teachers, and administrators at Vianney for “making it click” and helping him make the most of his second chance.

Mike was a four-year member of Vianney’s basketball and soccer programs. “I played ‘a little’ basketball, and by ‘a little’ I mean I only really saw the court a little bit,” he joked. Soccer success landed Mike athletic and academic scholarships at Quincy University.

At Quincy, Mike started on his broadcasting path.

He began working on a sports talk radio program at WQUB, Quincy University’s radio station. That led him to an

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internship in the sports department at Quincy’s NBC affiliate station WGEM-TV. “I covered whatever they didn’t want to, or couldn’t get to,” he said. “As an intern, I learned it all. I got to shoot, write, edit, practice anchor, everything. I would drive those long, dark roads covering local basketball and getting back to the station in enough time to cut highlights and get them on air.”

The internship led to a full-time job after graduation at WGEM and a year and half later, Mike was ready to make the jump to a larger market. He took a job at WHAS 11-TV, the ABC affiliate in Louisville, KY. “That was a huge jump. I went from Media Market No. 171 to Media Market 48 in Louisville.

With that came more live reporting, more hard news, a more competitive reporting environment, more pressure to get exclusives — all while trying to learn how to live in an unfamiliar place.”

As a general assignment reporter there, he covered it all — crime, politics, weather, sports. One of his favorite memories in Louisville was getting to cover the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky’s basketball teams. In Kentucky, that sports rivalry carries every bit of heat as does the Yankees/Red Sox, Cubs/Cardinals, Giants/ Cowboys, and others. In his two years there, he covered Kentucky’s road to the 2012

SPRING 2013

National Championship, two Breeders Cups, the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR, and high schools sports.

For his work in Louisville, Mike was the recipient of a 2012 NATAS Ohio Valley Regional EMMY for his Feature/Human Interest Reporting.

Now, back home in St. Louis, Colombo’s achieved a goal he set for himself early in his career, and looks forward to accomplishing more.

“I wanted to get back to St. Louis and I told myself it would happen. I knew I needed to be patient, and put myself in a position to take advantage of my chance when it came.

That chance came when the Good Friday storms rocked North St. Louis County. He was sent from Louisville to help sister-station KMOV with its coverage.

Tom Mulvihill, a 2004 Vianney graduate who is the school’s Director of Admissions, grew up with Colombo in Dogtown. They played with and against each other in grade school, and developed a friendship. Colombo served as a groomsman in Mulvihill’s wedding. He describes his friend as “someone with an engaging personality that other people are drawn to. His sheer work ethic and infectious personality make him a perfect fit as a reporter,” Mulvihill said.

A year later he was offered a job at Vianney Alum Mike Colombo gets ready for a live shot at Lambert-St. Louis Airport.

Channel 4 and the chance to come home.

“I saw my work during the storm through many changes in recent years and the station ownership has coverage as a three-day audition. I felt fortunate for the opportunity developed a clear, focused plan for the future. As a station we’re and honored to cover something that impacted so many people’s lives.” positioning ourselves in so many ways - things like social media, providing Using the power of his social media Twitter account (@Mike_ content on multiple platforms, bringing in great talent, and knowing Colombo), he has become one of the go-to guys for the facts of the the community. This is an ever-changing business, and as a station we day’s hottest headline and on breaking news stories. are changing with the times.”

“I learned my work ethic from my parents. It was fostered by the In the tumultuous world of TV news, Mike’s concentrating on coaches and teachers at Vianney. You’ve probably heard the saying hitting the pavement and doing good work that matters to people that the harder you work, the luckier you get. I firmly believe that,” day in and day out. As far as his personal life, he talks of having a he said. wife and kids someday.

Coming home offered significant opportunities. Bolstering its “The hours and working conditions of my job aren’t always conducive investigative team, News 4 introduced “Call Colombo” segments to family life, and that’s a focus of mine in the future. For now, I’m on News 4 at five, where Mike advocates for consumers who’ve working hard every day, I’m doing challenging stories and I’m connectbeen scammed or ripped off. ing with great people, and doing all of that in my hometown. The best Confronting the bad guys can make for some tense moments. part of working in St. Louis is knowing I’m doing it for people who, “The confrontations you see are always last ditch attempts. We like me, really love this city.” call, e-mail, and sometimes send letters trying to bring resolution.

When they don’t respond or acknowledge our efforts, it’s our job There aren’t many news reporters in town who have embraced to hold them accountable,” he said.

Twitter like Mike Colombo has. Each morning, he tweets Working at News 4 is a blessing, and the long-standing tradition information about the major news of the day, and the stories he’s pursuing. Toss in a few colorful commentaries about local of quality news coverage the local CBS affiliate provides is something sports and celebrities, and it makes for an entertaining follow. to be respected.

You can access the feed on Twitter @Mike_Colombo.

“St. Louisans are loyal to their news stations. KMOV has gone

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Duty,

Honor, Country Vianney Sends Two Seniors to Highly Competitive, Highly Selective Service Academies

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or Vianney’s Drake Cantu, a life in the military is something he’d dreamt about since he was a young grade school student. Now, after four years at Vianney, he’s ready to move into military life, and in a big way. Cantu was one of a select few American high school seniors who received appointment to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Army’s select officer training school offers a challenging academic and physical environment, but that does not rattle Cantu.

His father was in the ROTC and Drake had been impressed “During Drake’s time at by military veterans who visited Vianney it became more his school every year when he was a kid. and more evident that “I remember a group of he was born to do someveterans coming to my grade thing exceptional.” school when I was younger and - Dr. Tim Dilg one of the men had part of his jaw blown off in combat. He was dressed up and although he couldn’t talk, you could just tell how proud he was to wear that uniform,” said Cantu. “I knew then that I wanted to go into the military.”

Cantu will get to spend part of his summer enjoying life, but come July 1st, he’ll ship off to West Point with a determination to make it through four years of rigorous study and duty. His appointment and scholarship to West Point carries a value of more than $300,000.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Drake as he will join a

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prestigious group of Americans who have also trained at West Point, including, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and George Patton,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s principal. “During Drake’s time at Vianney it became more and more evident that he was born to do something exceptional, and an appointment to West Point recognizes Drake’s strong record of community service, excellence in academics and Drake Cantu sports, and leadership among his peers.

Vianney could not be more proud of Drake. He is truly preparing himself to be a leader for our nation.”

Another senior in Vianney’s graduating class received appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy next year. Michael Witwer, like Cantu, was presented with his official appointment papers at the Vianney Honors Convocation in early May. A representative of the Air Force Academy’s admissions office came to St. Louis to make the presentation. An appointment and scholarship to the Air Force Academy carries a value of $500,000, she said.

Being appointed to a service academy is no simple feat. Statistically only the best of the best among graduating seniors are even considered for appointments, and only a fraction of those applicants gain acceptance into the service academies. Vianney has enjoyed great

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success in placing students in the service academies. Currently, there are three Vianney alumni who attend West Point.

What does it take to gain an appointment? Knowing people in high places helps — letters from U.S. senators play a role, but the applicant’s high school record in academics, leadership, and involvement in activities are often the most significant determining factors.

U.S. Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is a challenging environment by design. “We pursue our mission by inspiring and encouraging excellence in our applicants. Competition for an appointment to the Academy is fierce,” the academy’s admissions site notes.

In assessing the “whole person” the academy assesses a candidate’s academic, athletic, character and leadership potential as demonstrated by his or her life experiences and achievements.

To earn an appointment to the Air Force Academy, generally, candidates must rank in the top 40 percent of their high school class.

However, the average of the most recent classes entering the academy is the top 3 percent. Adjustments are made to the prior academic records for students attending unusually competitive schools with a rigorous college prep curriculum or where honors and Advanced Placement courses are NOT weighted in the school’s calculation of class rank or grade point averages.

For the admissions Class of 2016, the Air Force Academy received 12,274 applications, accepting just over 1,000 cadets. Of those who were accepted, 87 percent had received athletic letters; 66 percent of them were members of their schools’ National Honor Societies; 23 percent were involved with Scouting; 19 percent of them were class presidents or vice presidents in their high schools and 12 percent were named valedictorians and salutatorians of their graduating high school classes.

The Academy attracts top students from across the nation. To be competiMichael Witwer tive for appointment, applicants must strive to achieve the highest grade point average possible. Academically, of those accepted, 10 percent were ranked first in their class in high school, and 55 percent were ranked in the top 10th percentile of their graduating classes.

West Point

At the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the mission is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.”

The 4,400 members of the Corps of Cadets represent every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries. About 1,200 new Cadets enter the Academy on Reception Day each year (about July 1st), according to the service academy’s admissions site.

“Upon graduation, cadets are awarded Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions in the U.S. Army. They serve on active duty for a

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minimum of five years. West Point graduates have served the country in a variety of capacities for more than 200 years, as military leaders, engineers, explorers on land and in space, and as leaders in business and government.”

Since it was founded more than two centuries ago, West Point has worked to develop cadets in four critical areas: intellectual, physical, military, and moral-ethical. It is a four-year process called the Academically, of those “West Point Experience.” Specific accepted, 10 percent developmental goals are addressed were ranked first in their through several fully coordinated class in high school, and and integrated programs.

55 percent were ranked West Point’s challenging academic program offers 37 in the top 10th percentile educational majors that provide of their graduating classes. a balanced education in the arts and sciences.

The Physical Program at West Point includes both physical education classes and competitive athletics. Every cadet participates in an intercollegiate, club or intramural level sport each semester.

This rigorous physical program contributes to the mental and physical fitness that is required for service as an officer in the Army.

West Point’s Cadets learn basic military skills, including leadership, through a demanding military program which begins on their first day. Most military training takes place during the summer, with new cadets undergoing Cadet Basic Training the first year, followed by Cadet Field Training at nearby Camp Buckner the second year.

Cadets spend their third and fourth summers serving in active Army units around the world; attending advanced training courses such as airborne, air assault or northern warfare; or training the first and second year cadets as members of the leadership cadre. Military training is combined with military science instruction to provide a solid military foundation for officership.

Moral-ethical development occurs throughout the formal programs as well as a host of activities and experiences available at the military academy. These include formal instruction in the important values of the military profession, voluntary religious programs, interaction with staff and faculty role models, and a vigorous guest speaker program.

The foundation of the ethical code at West Point is found in the Academy’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”

From the day of its founding on March 16, 1802, West Point has grown in its size and stature, but it remains committed to the task of producing commissioned leaders of character for America’s Army.

Today, the Academy graduates more than 900 new officers annually, which represents approximately 20 percent of the new lieutenants required by the Army each year. The student body, or Corps of Cadets, numbers 4,400, of whom approximately 15 percent are women.

A favorite expression at West Point is that “much-of the history we teach was made by people we taught.” Great leaders such as Generals Grant and Lee, Pershing and MacArthur, Eisenhower and Patton, Westmoreland and Schwarzkopf are among the more than 60,000 graduates of the Military Academy. Countless others have served society in the fields of medicine, law, business, politics, and science following their careers in uniform,” the academy’s admission site boasts.

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All

Family

in the

Family Scholarships Honor the Memories and Legacies of Loved Ones.

By Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications

There are no words that can heal one’s heart from the loss of a loved one.

Lt. Dan Riordan, a 2001 Vianney graduate, was lost in battle. Clayton Pfeiffer, a 2011 Vianney graduate, was lost in a sudden, tragic car accident. Tom Cella, a 1992 graduate, passed in January 2005.

For the families of these men, the healing process has been difficult, to say the least. But to honor their loved ones, these men’s family and friends, have banded together to provide a lasting legacy. This legacy provides a Vianney education to a new generation of Griffins. Named Scholarships exist to help provide for those deserving students who may not otherwise be able to afford to go here.

Named Scholarships can be established in honor or in memory of a specific person. Scholarships can be established at St. John Vianney High School with a principal of at least $25,000. The principal remains in the scholarship endowment with the interest funding the scholarship.

This assures the fund will last in perpetuity, and is a common practice in fundraising. Each year across the U.S., thousands of memorial scholarships are created at schools, colleges and universities.

At Vianney, donors are given the option of determining for how the scholarship will be awarded. Next school year, for example, the first graduating senior to benefit from the Lt. Dan Riordan scholarship will walk across the stage. His need and accompanying information was reviewed by the family and he was selected to receive the scholarship funds. When that senior graduates, it will not only be a proud moment for his family, but for the Riordan Family as well.

The Lt. Daniel P. Riordan Scholarship was established in 2007. The scholarship recognizes students who show financial need and exhibit the qualities of faith, honor and service. This scholarship is endowed in part by donations and supplemented annually through events like a trivia night and golf tournament.

“The Vianney family was a group that touched my brother’s heart deeply,” said Nick Riordan, Lt. Dan Riordan’s twin brother, who is a driving force behind the scholarship. “Even when he had more pressing things ahead of him in the military, he still found time to keep in close touch with some of the faculty members. He sent e-mails to his old teachers. Vianney had such a profound impact on Dan.” At Vianney, Dan was involved. He earned a place in the Gold Circle, and was a Marianist Award winner his senior year. He was involved in the Letterman’s Club, the Photo Club, track, football, plays and musicals. He became very close to his teachers, coaches and friends.

He went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, and took up Air Force ROTC. Later, he’d switch ‘from blue to green” and earn a commission in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. In 2006, he

Above: The late Lt. Dan Riordan.

Left: Jeanine Rainey and her son, Nick Riordan.

was deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq. Lt. Dan and his unit fought in many key campaigns during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. On June 23, 2007, a massive IED explosion ended his life. Lt. Dan and four of his brave troops were killed instantly.

Shortly after his death, the normal flowers and contributions came in, Nick recalled. There were efforts to direct donations to the Wounded Warrior project —“a wonderful organization,” Nick said. But the family wanted to find a way to really make Lt. Dan’s legacy be felt.

“We didn’t want his legacy to end there,” Nick said.

“Because of the positive experience Dan had at Vianney, and for all that Vianney did for him, we thought that creating a scholarship for other young men to benefit, would be a fitting tribute,’ he said.

“Originally, we thought the donation to his scholarship might just be a one-time thing,” said Nick and Dan’s mother, Jeanine. “Because of Nick’s inspiration to do something larger, it didn’t end there. Establishing the scholarship has been part of our family’s healing process.

This was a way for us to really make sure Dan’s name, his sacrifices, would never be forgotten.”

“We’ve been astounded by the response of people who have been touched by Dan and his service,” Nick said. “As is common, we expected the support to die off a bit, but that hasn’t really been the case.”

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One of the most joyous moments for Nick, his sister Suzanne, and his mother is the opportunity to review the applications from Vianney students vying for the Riordan Scholarship.

Each student submits an essay, which make for wonderful reads.

Jeanine recalls many that have detailed Lt. Dan’s story and what the words Faith, Honor, Service mean to them.

“Many of the families who have been helped by Dan’s scholarship volunteer at our events and tell us how they have been touched by Dan’s story,” Nick said. “We’ve developed a nice relationship with these families.”

Tom Cella Memorial Scholarship

Kim Cella said Vianney has long been a Cella family tradition. It is a tradition that began before her brother Tom entered as a freshman in the late 1980s. Their father, Tim Cella, graduated in 1965 and her uncles, Mark ’72 and Tom Cella ’68. Her other brother, Christopher, is a 1996 Vianney grad as well. Tom loved his time at Vianney.

“Vianney was the best four years of his life,” said Kim, Tom’s sister.

“He excelled in everything he did at Vianney. He was a great student, played volleyball all four years and won state three times, and he was very involved in Student Council and other activities. He excelled from an education standpoint, from an athletic standpoint and from a social standpoint.”

The Cella family with Dan McLaughlin at the Tom Cella Trivia Night event in 2010.

Tim Cella added that many of Tom’s friends at Vianney are key organizers behind the Tom Cella Trivia Night and scholarship effort.

The Tom Cella Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 by the family and friends like Dan McLaughlin, a classmate of Tom’s. This scholarship recognizes students who show financial need, are involved in athletics and strive for excellence in the classroom. This scholarship is endowed in part by donations and supplemented annually through the Tom Cella Trivia Night hosted by McLaughlin.

Tom Cella suffered a serious injury just six months after graduating which left him paralyzed for 13 years. He was away at college, just months removed from his days at Vianney. Tim remembers the call he received that day. “It’s that phone call that every parent dreads,” Tim Cella recalled.

Tom Cella was undeterred by paralysis and lived life to the fullest.

His friends regularly visited him, and he served as an inspiration to

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everyone he knew, Tim Cella said.

“People would go to see him in the hospital and came to me to say Tom was making jokes, having fun. He inspired them!”

In 2005, Tom suffered a fall that proved to be fatal. It was a life cut too short, too soon.

Tim Cella recalls the day McLaughlin approached the family soon after they put their son to rest. His idea was to host an event to raise money for a scholarship at Vianney in Tom’s name.

They decided on a trivia night event, Vianney is part of the Cella and Dan would emcee. The event, now family tradition. Here, 5-year old in its eighth year, has been a huge suc- Samuel Chier, Tom’s nephew, cess. Each year, more than 500 people sports his future school colors. attend the event.

“Tom graduated from Vianney in 1992, and his passing was years later so the further we got away for those dates, we thought attendance and interest would wane a bit, but that hasn’t been the case,” Tim Cella said. Kim added, “I give Dan a lot of the credit for keeping it going.”

The Cellas have set criteria for the scholarship, but they let the school’s Advancement Office handle many of the details. Many of those students who have benefited work at the trivia night events.

Many of them are just like Tom when he was at Vianney, Tim said, smiling. Their scholarship goes to a student who is involved in activities, is a hard worker like Tom Cella was, and has a need. “He doesn’t have to be an A+ student, but someone who works hard for his grades, he said.

Discussion soon turned to Griffin volleyball, one of Tom’s passions when he was at Vianney. Just this May, the team captured its 17th state championship. Tom was part of three of those titles, Tim Cella said proudly.

“The state game was on graduation day that year, and I remember after they won that year how Tom and his friends just couldn’t wait to get to the graduation event to tell everyone they’d just won state. That was a great memory for us. … And six months later, his life changed dramatically after the accident. It was a wide swing of emotions for us – from winning the state championship to the time of his accident.”

Clay Pfeiffer Memorial Scholarship

Like the Cellas and Riordans, Clay’s father, Dan Chinnici ’92, and Clay’s mother, Heather Pfeiffer, are still coming to grips with the loss of their son in February 2012. And, like, the Riordans, they too knew how much Vianney meant to their son. Clay Pfeiffer was a member of the baseball team, playing second base and serving as one of the loudest cheerleaders on the team. He was a master motivator, said Vianney Coach Scott Brown.

“Even when he wasn’t starting, he had reason to sulk and mope, but he didn’t. He made sure the other guys were ready to go, ready to play, ready to do what it took to win. His death hit many of us very hard,” Brown said.

Even this year, as Vianney made its run deep into the state playoffs, Brown, his son, Matt, and catcher Jack Klages visited Clay’s grave often.

They delivered game balls, and many silent prayers.

SPRING 2013

His enthusiasm and hard work earned him a chance to play for Missouri Baptist University, where he enrolled in college. Clay wanted to major in education so that he could realize his dream to be a teacher and baseball coach one day.

“For the most part, Clayton was a quiet, blue-collar kid. Things like sports and school never came easy for him,” Chinnici said. “He always had to work harder, and put more time in than others that had more natural ability.”

“One thing about Clayton was that he never backed down from a challenge, and he was not afraid to set high goals for himself — most of which he was able to reach. He was very committed and loyal to the things he truly loved: friends and baseball. His dream from the time he was in 3rd grade was to go to Vianney and play baseball there, so that dream was fulfilled. He always had a very quiet hunger about him, and was always very motivated for success.”

“Clay loved working with kids, and volunteered a lot of his time coaching them and passing along his knowledge.

Clay was a leader, not because of what he would say or how he would say it, but by the example he set in the way that he carried himself.

To help fund a Other Family Scholarships scholarship in Clay’s at Vianney name at Vianney, the family is organizing its Robert Wm. Bosslet Jr. Scholarship 2nd Annual Clayton Kathleen A. Gau Memorial Scholarship Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Jack Glaser Memorial Scholarship Tournament at Pevely Brian Gruender Memorial Scholarship Farms on August 3rd.

Daniel L. Ringwald Scholarship A full 100 percent of the Patrick & Peggy Sly Scholarship Tom Valenti Memorial Scholarship proceeds go to Vianney.

Last year’s tournament sold out very quickly, and organizers were forced to turn away many people that were interested in participating. In addition to golfers, tournament organizers are in need of sponsors, donations for prizes, and items for the auction.

“Last year’s tournament was a huge success, as we were able to raise enough money to establish the scholarship at Vianney. Now we have to keep it going,” Dan said, adding sponsorship was their largest source of revenue.

“Those that did sponsor last year, we are hoping they will renew their sponsorship for this year,” Dan said.

Learn more about Vianney’s Scholarship programs by calling Pete Cerone ’93 at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 or e-mail him at pcerone@ vianney.com

Want to Start Your Own Memorial Scholarship at Vianney?

The success of any family scholarship lies behind the work family and friends are willing to put into it, said Nick Riordan. To maximize the effectiveness and longevity of a family scholarship fund at Vianney, Nick offers these hints: 1. Be well organized. Donors will support your effort if they see events as being well-run, well organized and professional.

“If you are having a trivia night, for example, you have to give people a reason to come back year after year. If the event is organized poorly, they may not come back.”

2. Have a clearly defined, clearly stated goal. This is probably the most important rule. If your event is to raise money for a scholarship that makes a Vianney education accessible, for example, state that clearly.

If money raised goes to Vianney and another organization, be sure to make that clear as well.

3. Use the resources of Vianney’s Advancement Team. The school has a fully staffed Advancement Office that is a wealth of information. The team has access to alumni class lists, parent lists and more.

“Use those resources,” Nick said.

4. Be transparent. Keep tight records so you as an organizer know where every

dollar coming in is going and what it is being used for.

5. Communicate and brand it. Use free and paid services to help get the word out.

Social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are free and easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Some families may opt to create websites to give contributors a place to go for event information, registration forms and other important communications. The Riordans developed a Lt. Daniel Riordan Scholarship logo that is used on all communications — printed and digital. The branding helps people identify with the campaign easier and makes the family scholarship appear to a professionally run organization. Logos can be developed at home, or there are paid services on the Internet to help develop artwork. Some graphic designers may be willing to do the work pro bono if you sell them on your cause.

6. Enlist others. Too many times a family member feels the need to take it all on, and that the success or failure of an event or campaign is solely up to that person. Don’t do it. Look for friends with backgrounds in accounting, or perhaps communications, or event planning. Ask

them to handle those details. Know your limits and be prepared to share duties with others who have natural talents in those areas. “And once you give them those jobs and duties, back off them and let them do what they are good at,” Nick said.

7. Thank people. Whether they are first-time volunteers or people who show up every year to pitch in, make sure you as the family member organizer show them your appreciation. And for donors and sponsors, be sure to write thank you letters soon after the event and let them know how much their assistance means to you and your family.

8. Protect your list. In some cases, other organizations may contact you with a request to share your e-mail communication lists with them so they may send out information. That is not a good idea, said Nick Riordan. “You never want to trivialize your communications to your donors or confuse them. If they see something come across their e-mail, they could delete you and then that donor is lost forever. Always be sure to respect your e-mail list and never pass it out or along to others.”

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Faculty Profile

Charlie Eisele Hanging It Up After 51 Years at Vianney

L

ife was different in 1962. The average cost of new house was about $12,500. Today that cost is upwards of $100,000.

The average income was about $5,556 annually. Eggs cost just 32 cents per dozen, and a gallon of gas set you back 28 cents. The Cuban Missile Crisis dominated headlines, as did the untimely death of screen icon Marilyn Monroe.

America’s first K-Mart store opened in Michigan, and the Beatles came out with a song — on vinyl no less — called, “Love Me Do.” It was NOT available via iTunes download.

It was 1962 when a young man from Jennings bummed a ride to St. John Vianney High School to sign his first teaching contract right out of college. Later, he could buy his own car to make the 60-minute ride from North County to his new job. Charlie Eisele first stepped into Vianney in 1962, and never left. He had opportunities as teachers do, to move on and teach in other schools. He loved Vianney, and as hundreds of alumni agree, Vianney loved Charlie Eisele.

“They say, ‘How do you get the elephant out of the theater?’ and the answer is, “You can’t; it’s in his blood,’” Eisele said, reflecting back on his 51 years at Vianney, 35 years in the classroom. “I use the same analogy to talk about teaching. Teaching and schools are in my blood.

So, I’m not sure how difficult it will be for me. I don’t know if it will hit me right away or when it will hit me. It will be tough, I do know that.”

In January 2014, Eisele will fill his time by traveling — something he loves to do. He can rattle off the places he’s been — South Africa, China, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, El Salvador, Gibralter, Greece, the United Kingdom, Italy, France. Upcoming adventures will have him off to Vietnam and Cambodia. He’s been a lifelong bachelor and a man of incredible faith. His travels reflect his faith.

“I’ve always liked to travel to places that have been in the news or that hold some special significance,” he said. “I’ve been to China and Tiananmen Square; Portugal and the Shrine of Fatima; I’ve been to the Shrine at Lourdes in France. The trip to Vietnam and Cambodia will allow me to see the effects of the Vietnam war. The war occupied a big part of my life as an adult, so I have a natural curiosity for places like the “Killing Fields” and other landmarks from the Vietnam War.” At Vianney, Eisele has been the jack of all trades or sorts. He’s been a classroom teacher, and admin assistant, a theater director, a speech teacher, a school administrator, a development manager and an academic consultant. He’s served Vianney for the past 16 years in that role. Many Griffins will remember Eisele as the teacher who stands by the soda fountains in the Griffin Cafe to keep a watchful eye on the lunchroom. Some have joked that Vianney will make a life-sized

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Mr. Charlie Eisele

cutout of Mr. Eisele to perch next to the soda fountains next school year.

Mike Loyet, a 1977 Vianney graduate who now serves as school president said Eisele’s popularity with alumni is evident.

“Mr. Eisele is best known for his ability to bring out the best in his students and for his professional demeanor at all time,” Loyet said. “He is an excellent role model for our students to try and emulate. His dedication to Vianney as evidenced by 51 years of service is incredible.

He will be missed in the years to come. Mr. Eisele is probably the most often asked about teacher from our alums. They love him.”

The last two years, Eisele said, “have been my most productive, I feel.”

Pressed for why that is, he proudly points to his contributions in helping to create criteria for the Griffin of the Year award given to the most deserving senior student, and the Marianist Awards given to faculty and staff and students each year. As a consultant, he gets to work with teachers one-on-one to develop teaching strategies. In this role, he also conducts teacher performance reviews as well. In 2004, he was honored with election into the Vianney Hall of Fame. In the 1997-98 school year, Eisele worked as co-chair with Rev. Robert Osborne, S.M., as well as three current faculty members, on the committee that

SPRING 2013

SAVE THE DATES! Clayton Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament developed the application and nomination for the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award that year.

In 1997-98, the Kirkwood Rotary named him as its Teacher of the Year.

He was awarded a Master Teacher Award by Vianney’s administration.

This award is given to the teacher who best exemplifies the characteristics of a Marianist Education.

Vianney, like every other school in St. Louis and beyond, has seen its share of changes of the years. When the number of years equals 51, you can bet Eisele has experienced his fair share of change. He’s worked under eight different principals and four presidents during his time.

He said he doesn’t allow himself to get too wrapped up in personnel changes. He said he’s met many great teachers, built many great friends among the faculty and staff over the years, but his focus has always been on the students. He had chances to move on, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Vianney.

“I’m a creature of habit. I’ve always felt comfortable here at Vianney.

So I stayed.”

Loyet noted that Eisele was well-liked because he was always a down-to-earth teacher who championed the cause of students who wanted to work hard to achieve academic goals. Eisele, he said, is unique in many other ways too.

“One unique thing about Mr Eisele is the fact that he has worked in a Catholic high school for 51 years, at Six Flags for many years and most recently at a funeral home as a greeter. How many men do you know that work in a high school, an amusement park and a mortuary all at the same time?” Loyet said.

“I’ve told other teachers and staff to try to stay focused and concentrate on the positive impact they are making with our students,” Eisele said.

“The kids are the most important thing in a school. We are here for the kids. I was glad to have stayed as long as they were willing to keep me.

My goal was 50 years and with a little bit of luck, I was able to get to 51 years.”

Over his time at Vianney, he’s seen — and lived through — the generational differences and similarities of students. He’s always found students who were willing to be taught and who wanted to obtain knowledge. Those are values and qualities that transcend times. Technology has had a tremendous impact on students and how they learn. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the advent of the Internet allowed students to access news and knowledge quickly. The danger, he noted, was that students believed everything on the Internet and lost the ability to analyze information with a critical eye.

“Now with social media, the technology and access to information at a moment’s notice is even more profound.”

If you would like to make a donation to Vianney in Mr. Eisele’s name, send it to Pete Cerone ‘93, Director of Advancement. You can call Pete at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 if you have any questions.

If an alumnus, past colleague or parent who would like to drop Mr. Charlie Eisele a note, he can do so by sending it to his personal account at eisc10@sbcglobal.net

The Clayton Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on August 3rd. Course. The second annual Clayton Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 at Pevely Farms Golf Club.

The entry fee for the tournament is $100 per golfer or $400 per team.

The entry fee includes lunch, dinner, contests, auction, prizes, and golf at Pevely Farms Golf Club.

Please register by Saturday, July 13, 2013 to and send payment to: Clayton Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament, c/o Dan Chinnici, 5030 Kennelwood Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63129. Please make all checks payable to St. John Vianney High School (Clayton Pfeiffer Scholarship Fund).

Alumni Association Golf Classic

Alumni Association Golf Classic will be held on August 24th at Tapawingo. Register at goGriffin.org. Make plans to join the Vianney Alumni Association on August 24th at Tapawingo National Golf Club for the Vianney Alumni Classic.

Registration starts at Noon, with an 1 p.m. shotgun start. Entry fee is $125 per golfer (or just $100 if registered and paid BEFORE August 9th). Your registration includes lunch by P’sghetti’s, beer and soft drinks, contests, prizes and dinner at the Tapawingo Club House.

Vianney Homecoming 2013

Vianney’s 2013 Homecoming Events will be on Friday, September 20th with a Tailgate BBQ; a bounce house for kids, and a reception afterwards for alumni and friends of Vianney.

Varsity football will be in action at home on the Don Heeb Field with a 7 p.m. kickoff against SLUH.

Grandparents Mass & Brunch

The annual Vianney Grandparents Mass & Brunch will be held September 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. Following Mass, there will be a free breakfast provided by Vianney’s Food Service Department. There will also be a FREE photo booth for grandparents to take photos with their Griffin grandson(s).

Parent Fall B Que

The annual “Fall B Que” event will be held on Thursday, October 17th beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Vianney. This is a FREE event, and adult beverages and food are provided. The Fall B Que event is a great chance to learn about volunteer opportunities at Vianney and meet other parents. All current parents are encouraged to attend, meet new people and get involved.

2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Vianney’s 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Look for additional information in upcoming editions of the Black and Gold, on Vianney’s Facebook page (facebook.com/vianneygriffins) and online at vianney.com.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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Freeze Frame

Junior Alex Reyes places a weight on top of his bridge structure in Mr. Sean Scanlon’s Engineering Drawing class as James Sly keeps a watchful eye in the background. This year’s bridge builder competition saw a top weight load of 55 lbs. The all-time Vianney record is 85 lbs.