BLACK
GOLD
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL | SUMMER 2015
Building Boom
Vianney sets course for the future with three exciting projects
national honors PAGE 4
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the most influential american? PAGE 12
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meet coach o PAGE 20
St. John Vianney High School is dedicated to forming young men for spiritual, academic and personal excellence in the Catholic, Marianist tradition.
summer 2015
BLACK
GOLD
President Mike Loyet ’77
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Principal Dr. Tim Dilg
Class of 2015: Retrospective...........................................................2
Assistant Principal – Curriculum & Instruction Kim Mohr Assistant Principal – Student Development Scott Brown ’84 Director of Athletics Terry Cochran Director of Finance and Facilities Wendell DePhillips ’71 Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Tim Kenney, S.M. Director of Advancement Peter Cerone ’93 Director of Admissions Tom Mulvihill ’04 Director of Constituent Relations Molly Walsh Director of Events Mark Schuermann ’03
GOING NATIONAL Faculty make presentation at NCEA, Staff presents at Advancement Seminar....................................
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COVER STORY PAID IN FULL: Donations fuel Vianney’s Expansion.............................................................................
8-9
Alumni News.......................................................................................... 10 Alums pack Career Day - ’14 Grad in South Bend Soccer Alums reunite - Scott Brown’s 400th
The Most Influential American?............................................... 12 ALUMNI PROFILE Alex Donley ’04: Gioia’s Deli.............................................................
13
STEM FOCUS: Vianney’s Math Program....................... 15
Marianist Moment........................................................................ 18 Senior Jeff Boelter on the closing of Cure of Ars
Editor, Black & Gold Director of Communications Rob Staggenborg, APR
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14-15
20
CLASS OF 2015
AT A GLANCE
ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL
VALEDICTORIAN Michael Babb SALUTATORIAN Joshua Brocksmith GRIFFIN OF THE YEAR Dominic Biffignani ARCHBISHOP MAY SERVICE AWARD Joshua Estes
CLASS ACTS •
More than two-thirds (68%) of the graduating class of 2015 received merit and/or talent-based scholarships
•
There were 16 seniors who received Bright Flight Scholar status by achieving a 31 or higher on the ACT
•
There were 11 seniors who received our Campus Ministry Award for achieving a minimum of 150 hours of Christian Service beyond their required 100 hours
•
The Class of 2015 has received over $9 million in scholarship offers
•
There are 21 seniors (14%) who will attend a Catholic college or university
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MODEL OF JUSTICE AWARD Brady Dickison CHRIS FIALA AWARD Jeff Boelter POST-DISPATCH SCHOLAR ATHLETE Nolan Snyder
99% heading to college!
BR. JOSEPH LANFER AWARD Kyle Markway NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Commended Student Emil Banaszak ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP Benjamin Wilson ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLAR Brian Belaska MISSOURI TOP 100 HONORABLE MENTION Michael Babb US ARMY SCHOLAR ATHLETE Brandon Ochterbeck BOYS’ STATE Brady Dickison Gregory Prante PERFECT ATTENDANCE Gregory Prante
The Places They’ll Go….. Farthest Distance: Average Distance: Farthest North: Farthest South: Farthest East: Farthest West:
1,543 Miles to San Diego State University 144 Miles (21,857 total miles/152 Students) Macalaster College St. Mary’s University of San Antonio University of South Carolina San Diego State University
Michael Babb from Our Lady of Sorrows parish earned distinction as the Class of 2015’s valedictorian.
Dominic Biffignani reacts to his selection as the coveted Griffin of the Year as Dr. Tim Dilg offers congratulations.
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>
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NEWS
VIANNEY CONTINGENT PRESENTS AT NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION conference A group of Vianney educators put the school in a national limelight during the National Catholic Education Association’s conference in April in Orlando. The team was made up of the principal, Dr. Tim Dilg, Director of Technology Drew McAllister, and teachers Wes Hilliard, Brandon Lewis and Adam Hamilton. Vianney’s session was on how technology helped form the culture at St. John Vianney High School through innnovative, teacher-deployed technology. The session, entitled, “Vianney 2.0, Learning 2.0 - Real Teachers, Real Stories,” shared how Vianney implemented a self-paced professional development experience focused on collaboration, exploration, and discovery— changing its classrooms. Dr. Dilg was also honored at the convention. Earlier in 2015, he was selected by the Secondary Schools Department and the Executive
From left: Wes Hilliard, Drew McAllister, Dr. Tim Dilg, Brandon Lewis, Adam Hamilton.
Committee of the National Catholic Educators Association as a recipient of the NCEA Catholic Educational Excellence Award. The award recognizes Dr. Dilg’s involvement, achievement and vision in a variety of roles including leadership in administration, staff development, curriculum.
VIANNEY’S Advancement STAFF presents at summer advancement conference Vianney’s Advancement team stood front and center at a recent conference of St. Louis-area Catholic school administrators, alumni directors, communications specialists, fundraisers and school presidents. The Summer Advancement Conference was attended by more than 75 people and 17 Catholic high schools represented. It was held at beautiful St. Joseph’s Academy, where Vianney served as cohost of the daylong event. Presenting on behalf of Vianney were: •
Pete Cerone, Director of Advancement, presented on Major Gift Solicitation.
•
Molly Walsh, Director of Constituent Relations, presented on young alumni giving, the class captain program, and the Student Foundation.
•
Mark Schuermann, Director of Events, presented on the process of developing lifelong givers.
•
Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications, presented on ways Vianney is using social media to amplify its branding efforts.
4 | Visit us online! www.vianney.com
MR. BRANDON LEWIS HONORED Vianney social studies teacher Brandon Lewis has been selected as one of ten recipients for Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt’s first ever Education Excellence Award for private and parochial schools. This new award is designed to recognize outstanding educators in private and parochial schools who go above and beyond, finding innovative ways to improve student achievement.
“I am truly honored to be nominated and granted this award,” Lewis said. “I give all the credit to my Vianney family and my students for allowing me to try new things every day. I am blessed.”
NEWS
Save the Date Calendar ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL
AUGUST 2015
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Clayton Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament Saturday, August 1, 2015
2015
Pevely Farms Golf Course
GOLF CLASSIC
www.claytonpfeiffer.com
SEPTEMBER 2015
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2015
Admissions - Shadow Visits
> NEW VENUE: Crescent Farms in Eureka
Starting in September All alumni are encouraged to have their sons make a Shadow Visit to Vianney in their 8th grade year. Schedule a visit at vianney.com
The St. John Vianney Alumni Association is hosting its annual Golf Classic event on Saturday, August 22, 2015, at Crescent Farms in Eureka. Please note the new venue.
OCTOBER 2015 COST is $125.00 per person if registered by August 7, 2015. Cost is $150.00 per person after August 7th.
2015 Homecoming Game Friday, October 2, 2015 DeSmet Spartans at Vianney Kickoff is 7 p.m.
student-athletes flexing muscle in classroom Congratulations to our Winter & Spring Student-Athletes who successfully balanced school and extracurriculars.
If you have questions or would like to know more about volunteering or opportunities to donate, please contact Molly Walsh, Director of Constituent Relations, or by sending her an e-mail to mwalsh@vianney.com or calling her at (314) 965-4853 ext. 166. Shotgun start at noon Check-in at 11 a.m.
Average GPA: 3.41 Freshman Volleyball Sophomore Volleyball Sophomore Baseball Varsity Baseball Tennis Track and Field Freshman Basketball Freshmen Wrestling Sophomore Basketball Freshman Baseball Golf JV & Varsity Wrestling Varsity Volleyball Varsity Basketball
10 12 22 25 12 33 15 12 13 31 23 15 13 12
3.825 3.631 3.564 3.503 3.464 3.451 3.416 3.416 3.353 3.31 3.307 3.216 3.295 3.142
AUGUST 22, 20 15 Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins | 5
PICTURE PERFECT
THE SCHOOL YEAR IN IMAGES
Bob Prost tutors a group of students during Encore.
Mr. Jim Neyer conducts the Vianney band at graduation. He retired after 30 years as Vianney’s band director.
The Griffin greets a Special Olympian across the finish line. Vianney’s Friday Night Lights.
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Rev. Tim Kenney celebrates Baccalaureate Mass in May.
Dr. Tim Dilg is greeted by members of the student body after being named the St. Louis-area High School Principal of the Year.
Andrew Hessi in his moment. Joey Delbert nets a game winner.
Thanks to all of these staff, alumni and parent photographers who shot photos for Vianney this year!
Tim Burke Michael Paradoski ’99 Rob Staggenborg The Talon Yearbook
Anthony Granda ’01 David Rigwald ’86 Joe Tapella The Griffin Newspaper
Br. Roy McLaughlin, S.M., leads seniors in prayer during a KAIROS retreat at the Marianist Retreat Center.
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stadium improvements - summer 2014
$1 million stem lab renovations
Athletic cOmplex with Baseball field
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COVER STORY: PAID IN FULL
DONORS STEP UP TO SUPPORT THREE MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO ENHANCE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77 stood before the faculty and staff in late May and unveiled details of an exciting new construction project that came to fruition seemingly overnight. Plans called for a major overhaul of the north fields, with a turfed infield and outfield, lights, concession stands and restrooms, yes, restrooms, to be built. Loyet paused for a moment in his excitement, caught his breath momentarily, and sighed. “... And it’s all paid for,” he said, slowly. Such have been the recent fortunes of Vianney. Donors have showed their support and loyalty to Vianney in a big way. Recently, donors stepped up to raise nearly $1 million to make the north field renovation project a reality.
return to school. Vianney has contracted with ATG Sports to construct the complex. When completed, Vianney will be the only high school in the St. Louis area to have a fully turfed, fully lit baseball field. “These improvements will enhance space for the baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse programs. It will allow Vianney the opportunity to add a fourth soccer team and baseball team as well as provide the much-needed space for games and practices throughout the year,” Loyet added. three projects
“Each of these on its own is impressive, but to link all three to the incredible momentum and support alumni and donors have for Vianney, it is inspiring.”
Vianney will look to build partnerships with community groups and youth organizations to host events, games, and tournaments on our campus, Loyet said.
Less than a year ago Peggy David Woods ’92, a member and Pat Sly ’68 made their of the Board of Directors and historic $1 million gift to - David Woods ‘92 | Board Member Chair of Vianney’s Facilities Vianney to renovate and Committee, lauded the refurbish the science, role donors have played in technology, engineering propelling Vianney’s campus and mathematics (STEM) expansion plans forward. labs. And in August 2014, Vianney dedicated its newly rehabbed Don Heeb “Our donors want to provide the very best possible Stadium Field. That project, too, came together as a facilities for our students. They really have stepped result of a handful of donors pooling their resources up to the plate for Vianney,” Woods said. to make these projects move forward. The important The improvements to the athletic complex and the thing to note, Loyet said, is that these projects were other projects are geared toward improving the made reality without Vianney taking on any debt or academic experience of Vianney’s students, said Dr. staging a capital campaign. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s Principal. Last year, 99 percent of “Vianney is blessed at this time with donors who Vianney graduates went on to college and 68 percent are loyal and eager to show their support,” he said. of them received scholarships that were valued at “We are also blessed to be operating from a strong more than $8 million. financial position.” “The co-curriculars at Vianney complement the total The latest project, the athletic complex, will include academic experience for our students,” said Dr. Dilg, a fully turfed baseball field with 200 permanent the St. Louis-area High School Principal of the Year. seats behind home plate, an area for fans to gather, a concession stand, lights and restrooms. The new complex will be completed by August when students
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ALUMNI NEWS
VIANNEY WELCOMES GRADS BACK FOR CAREER DAY EVENT
Tony Sebben ’71
A group of Vianney alumni came back to
Tony Grillo ’97
campus this Spring to participate in the
Tom Lang ’64
school’s annual Career Day event. Several current parents were also invited to
Brian May Luke Bader ’94
Ryan Wetzel ’05
participate in the event.
Bill Fechter ’75
Thanks to the following for their
Greg Poniewaz
assistance:
Joe Puff ’69
Sharon Book
Dan Harbaugh ’78
Eileen Caffey
Dave Ringwald ’86
Bob Ramsey
Jim Book ’84
Kevin Smith ’91
Rick Bumb ’71
Tom Gargiula
Randy Abernathy
Mike Colombo ’04
Tim Young ’87
Nina McVey
Dan Kelley
John Reddick
Dr. Jeff Yenzer ’93
Matt Giegling
Tim McCarthy
Mark Naeger ’98
Steve Wendl ’86
Kyle Amelung ’06
Jim Alferman ’64
Matt Giegling talks to Vianney students about careers with the FBI.
Luke Bader ’94 talks to students about careers in real estate and real estate investing.
2014 GRAD ADJUSTING TO COLLEGE LIFE IN SOUTH BEND When 2014 graduate Kyle Williams arrived at Notre Dame University last fall, it marked the culimination of a four-year dream. Now that he is there, he is adjusting well and diving into his studies. Vianney was great preparation for the academic rigor of a school like Notre Dame, Williams said. “I had taken some of the AP classes at Vianney and those helped me a lot at Notre Dame. Of course it was collegiate level material, so it was tough.” Notre Dame has “challenged me but I do not feel overwhelmed.” Kyle Williams ‘14: Former StuCo president now a sophomore at Notre Dame University.
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His advice to Griffins hoping to land at Notre Dame or any other prestigious, highly selective university is to start the process early. “Challenge yourself academically. Vianney has all the tools you need with a caring faculty and the college credit classes. That is what will pay off in college.” Life at Notre Dame is dominated by his studies, but he’s also enjoyed tailgates, the Fightin’ Irish football games and the social scene in and around the sprawling campus. “It’s a special place.”
SEND US YOUR ALUMNI UPDATES! E-mail them to alumni@vianney.com or submit them through our website - vianney.com
Vianney soccer Alums reunite at IMG ACADEMY Vianney soccer alumni Connor Sparrow ’13 and Drew Hackett ’13 had a reunion of sorts at IMG Sports Academy in Bradenton, FL., where they both played for a brief time this summer. IMG Academy is a sports training facility that focuses on player improvement in areas like strength, speed, leadership, nutrition and more.
dr. joe ojile ‘77 Congratulations to Dr. Joe Ojile ’77, who was named the St. Louis Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year. “Participating in EO is hugely rewarding,” Dr. Ojile said. “I learn so much, both professionally and personally, from my forum members especially. I’m very grateful for this recognition and for every wonderful benefit I enjoy as an EO member.”
CLASS CAPTAIN PROGRAM
Connor Sparrow (left) with Drew Hackett at IMG in Bradenton, FL.
BASEBALL HONORS STACK up FOR COACH SCOTT BROWN ’84 Congratulations to Vianney baseball coach Scott Brown ’84 on being named the Metro Catholic Conference’s 2015 Baseball Coach of the Year. Earlier this year, he was named to the Missouri Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Scott was also honored in May as he won his 400th game as a high school baseball coach during his career at Vianney and at CBC.
doctorate degree Congratulations to Dr. Dennis Krieg ’71, who finished his second doctorate degree, this one in Applied Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Krieg previously earned his Ph.D. from St. Louis University in Social Psychology.
Want to get more involved in Vianney alumni activities? Have limited amount of time to do so? Consider becoming a Class Captain. The role is simple: we dissemintate key event and alumni information to class captains. In turn, we ask that they send the information to their classmates. It is a pivotal role in our alumni relations program as it connects our classes to what is going on at Vianney each month. To sign up, contact:
Molly Walsh Director, Constituent Relations (314) 965-4853 ext. 166
E-Mail: mwalsh@vianney.com
2016 REUNION DATES ANNOUNCED FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016 Classes of 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 Classes of 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 *Class of 2010 Reunion at Oct. 2 Homecoming
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around the halls
Has Vianney Determined The Most Influential American? Kevin Walsh takes a different tact when trying to teach his students about the roles of historic figures and their influence on American society.
In another Presidential stunner in the bracket, Woodrow Wilson, a #6 seed, knocked out backto-back Final Four participant Teddy Roosevelt.
There are scores of textbooks, articles, videos, blogs and much more out there that detail the trials and tribulations many of our most influential people endured on their road to success.
Wild cards in his bracket include Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, Lewis and Clark (“never even got out of the boat before the rout was on”), Alexander Hamilton and Albert Einstein.
To bring these figures to life, Walsh has created a unique NCAA basketball-like “bracket” that is divided into “regions “ or “categories” in which students pit one against the other until a Final Four, and ultimately, a winner is selected. Along the way, students are producing videos and blog content that describes the lives and successes of these influential Americans. These videos can be accessed via the Vianney website and are creatively produced by Walsh’s students. The bracket is divided into the following categories: • • • •
Presidents Social Activists Innovators “Wild card” entry
For example, in the Presidents category, Franklin Roosevelt (assigned a #5 seed before the tournament) edged out #4 seed Thomas Jefferson. This eliminated Jefferson and launched FDR into the next round.
Innovators included Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Alexander Graham Bell and Abraham Lincoln. The social acvitists bracket inclluded Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, labor activist Eugene Debs, baseball’s Jackie Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The tournament is a fun and engaging way to teach students about the impact so many have made on our nation. Walsh said the exercise, which unfolds over several weeks, has gained national attention. The bracket concept has been presented at national educational technology conferences and workshops, and met with high praise. His updates via Twitter are shared and routinely retweeted. Each year, the students change and some of the entries into the bracket may differ, however, each year brings heated competition. “It’s always an ultra-competitive tournament.” _____________________________________
See who won it all, check out the blog at mostinfluentialamerican.blogspot.com
“Jefferson had not suffered a defeat this bad since the Barbary Wars,” Walsh blogged.
“Jefferson had not suffered a defeat this bad since the Barbary Wars.” 12 | Visit us online! www.vianney.com
Alumni Profile: ALEX DONLEY ‘04 “THE HOT SALAMI GUY” Alex Donley wants to corner the market on hot salami. Donley is ambitious for a young entrepreneur, especially in the topsy-turvy world of family-owned restaurants. He’s even had his business cards emblazoned with the title, “the Hot Salami Guy.”
A valuable lesson he learned since being in business came from his Vianney mentors. He continues to hold Kevin Walsh and Charlie Walsh, among others, as teachers who served as role models for him. “I learned back then that you can’t please everyone. At Gioia’s we are what we are. When you complicate things, you detract from your core mission,” he said.
Donley, a 2004 graduate of Vianney, has come a long way in his life and in his career from his days as a teen going to Vianney. He played football and was heavily involved in many school activities, including StuCo.
Gioia’s is a full family affair for Alex. His mom, Cathy, works there, and he’s enlisted other help as well. His wife, Amanda, was a lawyer by trade. “The business grew so fast, I told her I could pay her what she was making as an attorney to come work for me,” Alex said.
“I would never call anyone at Vianney a jock - we were way too complex for that one tag. We were that and so much more though.”
There is nothing more important than family, and again, that is a lesson that took root at home and at Vianney for Donley.
At Vianney, he learned life lessons that helped fuel his entrepreneurial spirit. Today, he is the co-owner of Gioia’s Deli on St. Louis’ famed Hill neighborhood near Berra Park at Macklind and Daggett. The deli has been a St. Louis mainstay for 97 years. It was a grocery store for many years.
“At Vianney, they teach you what is really important in life ... that is where character comes in,” he said.
Alex Donley ‘04 Co-owner, Gioia’s Deli
Vianney was a tremendous influence on him. It remains to him one of his best personal and professional networks. “I am constantly using my contacts from Vianney in our business.”
Donley is not a Gioia, but he’s breathed new life into the business that has it thriving and growing. His family purchased the deli in 1980. The main asset was its Hot Salami sandwich, with the salami homemade at the deli. The recipe is the deli’s signature dish.
A key life lesson for Alex that came from his time at Vianney was the concept of setting high goals and living your life the right way.
Today, Gioia’s is planning to open a new location in downtown St. Louis in the business district. Catering has grown the business, but nothing vaulted the business forward more than its Gioia’s food truck.
“As a Vianney grad, you expect to live your life to a higher standard. From the time we were freshmen, we were told we would some day lead the school and it was a responsibility we took seriously,” he said.
“As a Vianney grad, you expect to live your life to a higher standard.”
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DONOR PROFILE
FOCUS ON: STEM mathematics - a four-year journEY
Part 4 of our series on STEM education at Vianney. This edition we examine Vianney’s Math program.
Vianney’s Customized Program With a focus on STEM education, Vianney has taken steps to bolster its Mathematics program. Vianney students are able to customize the curriculum to best meet their individual learning needs and goals. As a benefit of our college-style schedule, a student can choose to study math for 85
minutes every school day, the entire school year for four years. This can help both a slower learner who needs more instruction to master his math skills or an advanced learner who wants to challenge himself to the highest level.
Our Two-Semester, College-Style Schedule Our two-semester, college-style schedule
course, the student has the option to slow
models that of a university where students
down, speed up or stay the course based
complete an entire course in one semester.
upon his mastery, comfort level and ultimate
As a result, prerequisites can be met within a
learning goals.
shorter period of time. Therefore, more courses can be completed within a four-year high
A student is never locked into a rigid path of
school math curriculum.
study. He must earn a minimum of four credits to graduate and has the option to earn up to
Students customize a path of study from 16
eight credits (two per year, one per semester).
different courses. The student - along with
Four of these courses are college credit
his teachers, counselor and parents - decides
courses. The choice remains in control of the
which courses to take and how many courses
student and his parents.
to take over four years. After completing a
MATH: A FOUR-YEAR JOURNEY
FRESHMAN SEMESTER 1 INTRO TO ALGEBRA ALGEBRA I ---
9
---
HONORS ALGEBRA I
SEMESTER 2 ALGEBRA I --ALGEBRA I HONORS GEOMETRY ---
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SOPHOMORE SEMESTER 1 INTRO TO GEOMETRY
SEMESTER 2 GEOMETRY
GEOMETRY
10
---
GEOMETRY ALGEBRA II HONORS ALGEBRA II
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
HONORS GEOMETRY
HONORS ANALYSIS
Other Features of Our Math Program •
An online math review is available prior to starting freshman year. This includes two weeks of free tutoring on campus.
•
Tutoring is available after school from certified math instructors (free).
•
All math instructors are made available daily to assist students during Encore Period (all instructors have a MASTERS degree or higher).
•
•
Students can complete six mathematics courses before taking the ACT in the spring of junior year and earn eight credits in math before graduation. This includes college credit courses in College Algebra, Statistics, Calculus and Independent Study. Each student is assessed at the end of each math course and recommendations are made by the Math Department for the next best course to enroll. This provides a constant adjustment to meet the student’s needs.
•
An ACT skills assessment is given to all students in first semester of junior year.
•
An ACT is given to juniors on the Vianney campus, during a normal school day in the spring semester.
Customized Math Curriculum Students of all ability levels are able to customize and adjust their math curriculum over their four years at Vianney. A student can earn the required four credits in Mathematics or choose to earn up to eight credits (two per year, one per semester). Students can follow any of the these sample paths listed in the infographic below.
Or, he can create his own path to best meet his needs and goals. No other high school in St. Louis can customize a student’s math studies like Vianney’s program.
No other high school in St. Louis can customize a student’s math studies like Vianney’s program.
SENIOR
JUNIOR SEMESTER 1 ALGEBRA II
SEMESTER 2 ---
ALGEBRA II TRIGONOMETRY
11
COLLEGE ALGEBRA II
TRIGONOMETRY
HONORS ANALYSIS
HONORS STATISTICS
HONORS ANALYSIS
COLLEGE ALGEBRA *
SEMESTER 1 COLLEGE ALGEBRA ANALYSIS
12
SEMESTER 2 --- HONORS STATISTICS *
ANALYSIS CALCULUS * HONORS CALCULUS *
INDEPENDENT STUDY *
HONORS CALCULUS *
INDEPENDENT STUDY * * ADVANCED COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
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HIGHLIGHT REEL It was a great year for Vianney in 2014-15. National recognition of our efforts, exemplary ratings during our accreditation review, and building men of character and accomplushment became the school’s rallying cry. Here’s a look at the best of 2014-15 - Vianney’s hihglight reel, if you will.
GOING NATIONAL: Vianney was recognized nationally as a School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society for a combination of our academic program, emphasis on civic responsibility and our Catholic identity. AdvancEd REVIEW: Vianney received a five year renewal on our school’s accreditation from AdvancEd. In the process, we scored at the Exemplary Level in all five standards.
BRANDING CAMPAIGN: Vianney introduced a new school motto: Men of Character & Accomplishment CHRISTMAS CHEER: Vianney students raised more than $8,000 for the Toys for Tots Christmas Drive in one week. MARCH FOR LIFE: In January, over 40 Vianney students attended the Pro Life March in Washington, D.C. CHRISTIAN SERVICE: Our students gave over 15,000 hours of service to the community including hosting the Special Olympics on campus for the 15th consecutive year. ESTEEMED FACULTY: A full 81% of Vianney’s faculty now have a Master’s degree or higher. CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS: Vianney added two new courses this year: Computer Science and Video Production. COLLEGE CREDIT: Vianney advanced two other courses to college credit status: Leadership and Architectural Drawing. CHESS CHAMPS: Vianney’s Chess team placed 7th in the nation in April. ACT PREP: Vianney adopted a new program this year with the ACT. Every junior took a practice ACT and a scored ACT during school hours on campus.
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LOOKING BACK AT THE YEAR THAT WAS AT VIANNEY: A YEAR FILLED WITH TREMENDOUS BLESSINGS! SPORTS BEAT: Vianney Soccer ranked in the Top 10 most of the season and won the district championship
We’re not done yet! Coming up …
Vianney Football advanced to district finals and had impressive victories over MCC rivals Chaminade and DeSmet. Vianney Swimmer Nick Alexander won state titles in both the 100 backstroke and 200 IM. Vianney Basketball Coach Kevin Walsh won his 250th basketball game as a coach, as well as leading the Griffins to a District Championship. Vianney Volleyball was ranked #1 locally most of the season and also ranked nationally.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Vianney’s Board announced a new strategic plan will be developed to guide the school into the future. STEM LABS: Four science labs are currently being renovated into state of the art STEM labs MAC LAB COMING: The installation of a new Macintosh computer lab COMPUTER SCIENCE: Now requiring a Computer Science course for all sophomores beginning this fall.
Vianney Baseball won the MCC championship for the second straight year.
ADVANCEMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS MILLION DOLLAR GIFT: Vianney’s first $1 million dollar donation from Peggy and Pat Sly ‘68 to be used for academic enhancements. SCHOLARSHIP dollars continued to increase with the generosity and fund raising efforts of the named Scholarships.
AUCTION: The Night of the Griffin Auction was record breaking. Under the leadership of Beth Freund, Kim Tackus, Diane Johnson, Sue Dombeck and Jackie Pleimann, Vianney set records for attendance, gross revenues, net revenues and Fund A Need
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marianist moment
Written by Jeff Boelter, Class of 2015
'
Special to the Black & Gold
Closing of Cure of Ars marks end of an era This May, the Class of 2015 walked off the stage with their diplomas to join 54 other classes that have graduated from Vianney. As always, there will be a new group of Griffins taking the place of those graduating, but one Vianney icon will not be there in August when classes resume. The Marianist Brothers’ residence, the Cure of Ars, will be torn down this summer. The three-story building stood as a constant reminder of the Marianist presence on campus, but had fallen into disrepair in recent years. With the number of Marianist Brothers and Priests living on campus decreasing dramatically, the decision was made in the Spring of 2014 for the remaining professed faculty and staff members to either retire or move to a home nearby. This decision was expedited by the condition of the residence itself. When Vianney administration met with the Marianists, who still owned the residence, it was determined that the cost to bring the building up to code would far outweigh the cost to demolish the building, said Vianney’s President, Mr. Mike Loyet.
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Reactions have been mixed around Vianney, but many see this as an opportunity to further advance the learning environment for future Griffins. Rev. Tim Kenney, S.M., stated, “It was a very sad day for me when we made a decision to close the Cure of Ars community house. With dwindling numbers and the large expense for utilities it became a justice issue.” However, Fr. Tim also expressed his enthusiasm for the remaining Marianists’ living situation, and his appreciation of the time he spent living on campus. Brother Roy McLoughlin, S.M., echoed Fr. Tim’s remarks on their experience. He holds fond memories of the many conversations and stories that took place over dinner, and the holidays shared in the residence. Despite moving off campus, both Fr. Tim and Bro. Roy as well as Fr. Joe Uvietta, S.M., remain active on campus with teaching and ministry work, despite the new living arrangements. Bro. Roy said that the morning and afternoon drives are “therapeutic” to him, and it requires a disconnect between work and home life.
DID YOU KNOW VIANNEY IS BORN
The Marianist traditions and beliefs are entrenched in everything done at Vianney, and even without the reminder connected to the side of school, the Marianist ideals will live on as strong as ever. Mr. Loyet sees the challenge of the school’s Marianist presence not as a search for identity, but one of “articulating and living the Marianist identity.” As the professed Marianists shift their presence oncampus, the Marianist faith and ideals are made more visible inside and outside the classroom. Mr. Loyet cited the faculty and staff wearing the Marianist medallion on a daily basis, and the daily Angelus prayer as two of the best ways Vianney has embraced their Marianist identity as a mostly lay community. Despite the major changes coming to Vianney, it will still be a school with a dedicated staff of both laity and professed, and a focus on the Characteristics of Marianist Education. Marianist tradition runs deep at Vianney, and that will carry on whether the buildings are there or not. Bro. Roy emphasized that “the people make a home, not the building.” Mr. Loyet echoed that remark, and included his gratitude for the successful partnership with the Marianists: “Above all, we would like to thank the Marianists for all their support.”
By the late 1950s, the first wave of Baby Boom babies was starting to crowd Eugene Coyle High School in Kirkwood. It was clear that Coyle High, founded in 1939 as the parish school of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, would soon outgrow its facilities. In addition, the migration of families to South County was increasing demand for more educational options for the area’s many Catholics. And so St. Louis Archbishop Joseph Ritter (pictured) proposed a new private, Catholic high school for boys in south St. Louis County. (With Ursuline Academy just a few miles to the east, there was already a logical alternative for girls.) At the request of the Archbishop, the Society of Mary, an order of priests and brothers known as Marianists, agreed to sponsor the school. The new Vianney would rise on the grounds of Maryhurst, the Marianist’s novitiate on South Kirkwood Road. Construction on Vianney began with the laying of the cornerstone by Archbishop Ritter on a cold day in January 1960. Classes began that fall with 19 seniors, 35 juniors, 35 sophomores, 215 freshmen and a faculty made up of 13 Marianists and two lay teachers. - from vianney.com
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Coach O | Don Owens 1. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? Strangest foods would be rattlesnake and alligator, and yeah they taste like a tough piece of chicken! 2. Top 3 books you’ve read: My Top 3 books: 1.) All Quiet on the Western Front, 2.) Shogun, 3.) Run to Daylight 3. As a history teacher, who is the person living or dead who interests you most and why? I have to say Alexander the Great. He never lost a battle, he was a general at 18, a king at 20, a master of the known world at 30 and dead at 32! 4. Who in your opinion was the greatest American ever? Another tough question but I would have to say George Washington, without him there is “NO” United States of America! 5. What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to learn to play guitar, I love all kinds of music but Jimi Hendrix is my hero! 6. If you could travel anywhere in the word, where would you go? I want to see the Great Pyramid at Giza but I could really hang out at the beach at Tahiti! 7. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were a kid? I really wanted to go to West Point and become a general in the United States Army. As a kid I was really into the American Civil War! 8. What is your favorite memory or memories while teaching at Vianney? It has to be the relationships and friendships I’ve made with the students I’ve taught, the
athletes I’ve coached, the colleagues and administrators I’ve taught with and learned to love and respect, and the many other people who make Vianney the FAMILY it is today! But a BIG SHOUT OUT to my friend Gene Gladstone who helped me get my chance to teach and coach at Vianney!!
9. What teacher/coach/individual in your life made the most impact on you? I would have to say my father, Don Owens, had the greatest impact in my life, I am who I am today because of him! Next would be my football coach at Mizzou, John Kadlec. He got me interested in wanting to coach football and become a teacher. 10. If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be? If I could witness in the future the day ALL men realize they are brothers underneath the skin. As Rodney King said, “Why can’t we ALL just get along?” That will be a GREAT DAY for ALL mankind! 11. Why are you passionate about teaching & coaching? I always loved history even as a kid. I was seven when the Civil War Centennial was celebrated and I read everything and anything on the Civil War. From there it just grew into almost anything relating to history! I believe that we cannot know anything about ourselves if we don’t study and understand the past. Coaching is an extension of my life; my father was a professional football player and he taught my brothers and I the love of competition and teamwork. For me it’s the development of your students and players from freshmen to college to manhood. My greatest moments are watching them do something awesome on the playing field, then graduating and going on to college and continuing to do more awesome things with their lives. Just knowing I have had some part in helping this happen is truly amazing!
12. You are well respected by the faculty and students. Talk a little bit about your teaching/coaching style and philosophy of life. My coaching/teaching style is a combination of my father, my coaches, my teachers, all who helped me make something out of myself. It’s three things: 1.) I have a high expectation of myself and ALL my students and athletes. 2.) I hold myself and ALL my students and athletes accountable for their actions. 3.) Life is tough and you have to be able to overcome obstacles along the way or you just won’t make it. You have to be challenged and become tough both mentally and physically for the future. BE PREPARED: “TRAINED or UNTRAINED?”
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griffin fund 2014-15 participation report PARTICIPATION! 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
MATCH MAKER
835 Donors 868 Donors 1,123 Donors 1,271 Donors
This represents a
12% increase in participation over last year!
Every time you invest in Vianney, it makes a meaningful difference for all of our students!
FUND A NEED PARTICIPATION
2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
64 Donors 84 Donors 120 Donors 155 Donors
AMOUNT RAISED during 2014-15 Griffin Fund
2015 Night of the Griffin
Auction revenue
$655,041
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS:
$501,488
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! You can donate securely online at: www.vianney.com/donate-now.html
Two is better than one, especially when it comes to philanthropy. Many companies encourage their employees to be charitable by maintaining a Matching Gift program. These companies will match the gifts, typically at a 1:1 ratio, their employees make to non-profit organizations such as St. John Vianney High School. This is a tremendous benefit provided by your employer which enables you to double the dollar amount of your gift. Below is a list of companies who made a matching gift to Vianney last year: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Anheuser-Busch Foundation The Boeing Company Laclede Gas Company Bank of America Principal Financial Group US Bancorp Callaway Golf Company ITW Land O’Lakes, Inc. Foundation Wells Fargo AT&T United Way Travelers Community Connections Emerson Electric Company Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Quest Diagnostics Regions Western Construction Group, Inc. BNSF Foundation Union Pacific Corporation Monsanto Fund Home Team Marketing Microsoft Meredith Corporation Peabody Energy Matching Gifts Program Express Scripts Bunge North America Foundation IBM Protective Life Corporation United Way
For more information, speak with your Human Resource Department or contact Pete Cerone at (314) 965-4853 Ext. 118 or pcerone@vianney.com.
Your support this year proves your commitment to helping St. John Vianney High School create
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