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ways to cover the expense continues to grow. “It’s a unique way to help address a growing issue for the school,” said Tony Schad (’81), director of development services. “There are a lot of people out there who would love to help. The Loyola Club gives our benefactors the opportunity to make an incredible gift of paying all or part of a student’s tuition for his four years. It is just like a fully funded endowment for the short term. “From the benefactors’ end, they get the relationship with the student they sponsor and see immediately where their money is going to work. The students, on the other hand, not only get to know the people who sponsor them, but they also have the chance to get a St. X education that may not otherwise have been available to them.”
The Recipients
Williams grew up in Colerain Township and was a product of public schools, attending Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy downtown prior to arrival at St. X. “(Coming here) was just a good chance to get a good education and get started on a good career,” he said. “And I liked the colors. I always liked blue.” Koesterman grew up in Montgomery, attending St. Gertrude in Madeira. He was familiar with St. X but his shadow day as an eighth grader cemented his interest in attending. “My shadow experience was a great experience, seeing how things were run and the everyday life of St. X,” he said. “I love it here. St. X probably is way higher than even my expectations were. The environment that it creates around us is amazing. The teachers are very connected to the students. The students are
really welcoming. It’s a fun, special environment.” Durso grew up in Western Hills and attended Our Lady of Lourdes. Anthony wanted to be part of the Long Blue Line like his father, John Durso (’77). “Pretty much every guy from my grade school went to Elder and I just wanted to follow a different path,” he said. “When I shadowed here, every kid was really welcoming. I love it here. I couldn’t imagine going to any other high school.” All three boys were teammates in football the past two years. Koesterman also plays basketball and baseball, while Durso also is a pitcher and catcher in the baseball program. Williams said the academic adjustment to St. X was a challenge. “It was harder than I expected, but I got used to it” he said. “I’m used to it now and I actually kind of like it.
The LoyoLa Club This school year 31 percent of St. Xavier High School students receive need-based tuition assistance, 493 young men in total. Among them, 30 receive full tuition, 29 have 90 to 99 percent assistance, 55 get 70 to 89 percent assistance, 41 receive 60 to 69 percent assistance, 48 have 50 to 59 percent assistance and 290 get up to 49 percent. Total tuition aid distributed this year was more than $2.7 million. How you can help? Join the Loyola Club and directly sponsor a student. • $11,395 sponsors a St. X student receiving 100 percent tuition assistance. • $5,700 sponsors a student receiving 50 percent tuition assistance. • $2,850 sponsors a student receiving 25 percent tuition assistance. • $2,000 bridges the gap between what tuition costs and what is charged in tuition. For more information on how to get involved in the Loyola Club, please contact Tony Schad at tschad@stxavier.org or by calling 513-761-7815, ext. 140. 16
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My favorite classes are English and chemistry.” Durso also cited chemistry as a favorite class, along with faith and sacraments in the religious education department. Koesterman has enjoyed his social studies courses most and is currently taking modern world history with Gil Wendling as an instructor. “It’s challenging and you have to keep up with your work,” he said. “But it’s worth it. I’m learning a lot.” Not just in the classroom, either. All three participated in the record-setting Canned Food Drive, and Koesterman is part of the can club that assists Freestore Foodbank all year. Durso hopes to become part of Big Buddies—starting in the second semester of this year if possible—to mentor younger boys. “(The Sedlers’ gift) gives me an opportunity that God blessed me with and I can’t let