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HOBAN MAGAZINE
knights reunite A YEAR LIKE LIKE A YEAR NO OTHER. OTHER TO THE WORLD WE ARE JUST A SCHOOL, TO EACH OTHER WE ARE FAMILY.
AA publication forfor alumni, parents and friends ofof Archbishop Hoban High School publication alumni, parents and friends Archbishop Hoban High School
HOLY CROSS VALUES + MISSION We are a Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition. DIVINE PROVIDENCE EXCELLENCE We celebrate our diversity, value each person, and welcome one EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS another with the hospitality of Christ. INCLUSIVENESS As a family of learners, anchored in gospel values, we empower DISCIPLINE each other to grow spiritually, develop intellectually and reach out in service to others. OPTION FOR THE POOR HOPE Within an innovative and orderly learning environment we are FAMILY committed to challenging each student in both heart and mind to be a compassionate individual, a lifelong learner, and a responsible ZEAL steward of God’s creation. INTEGRITY
SHHHH! Of all the Hoban traditions, one stands out from all the rest. This year, the Mum Day tradition continued despite the many obstacles. Many thanks to our senior class for leading us in an unforgettable, nontraditional Mum Day. Stay safe, Knights!
ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-21 CHAIR William A. Scala ’71 President, Kenmore Construction
HOBAN
inside this issue
Magazine
President's Message 2
VICE CHAIR Arthur P. Sunday Vice President of Sales, The House of LaRose, Inc.
A Year in Review Cover Story
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SECRETARY Steven A. Dimengo ’79 Managing Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
Student Success
14
The Holy Cross Educator
22
TREASURER T. Mark Yakubowski Chief Financial Officer, The House of LaRose, Inc.
Athletic News
24
Alumni Knight Life
30
In Memoriam
32
Planned Giving
35
PRESIDENT Thomas J. Curry, Ph.D. Archbishop Hoban High School
VP of Diversity and Inclusion at St. Edward High School James Knight speaks to Hoban educators about implementing Cultural Humility in the classroom.
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Rev. Michael Ausperk Parochial Vicar, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Medina
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Extravaganza 36
James Burns Owner, Summit Machine Joseph Congeni, M.D. Director, Sports Medicine; Clinical Co-Director, Akron Children’s Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
ON THE COVER Students socially distance at Dowed Field for the Mum Day assembly.
Richard C. Fedorovich ’70 CEO and Managing Partner, Bober Markey Fedorovich Jake Frego Senior Vice President, Bank of America Brother Kenneth Haders, C.S.C. Provincial Superior, Midwest Province, Brothers of Holy Cross
Hoban says goodbye to the Class of 2020. Thank you for your leadership, friendship and tenacity.
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Hoban athletics finish a successful fall season – Boys golf and football state champions and many other accomplishments
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Stephen Hammersmith Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Richard May, M.D. ’79 Physician, NEONA, Inc. James D. McCool ’77 Retired, Charles Schwab Derrick B. Owens ’89 Vice President of Government Affairs, WTA– Advocates for Rural Broadband Kathleen Piker-King, Ph.D. Professor Emerita, Sociology, University of Mount Union Jeffrey Salamon President, Lumis Group Joseph P. Siegferth ’70 Policy Consultant, NEOLA, Inc. Ted Stitzel President, Reidy Medical Supply, Inc. Patricia (Bralek ’77) Wartko Office Administrator/Controller, Don Wartko Construction DIRECTORS EMERITI William H. Considine ’65 President and CEO, Akron Children’s Hospital Alice (Maher ’76) Luse Community Health Director, American Heart Association Philip H. Maynard ’60 Chairman and CEO of A.S.W. Properties LTD
The Hoban Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Advancement for alumni, parents and friends.
Dr. Thomas J. Curry, President Dr. Emily J. Ramos, Principal Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Melanie White, Director of Communications Photography by: Scott Dudek, Micah Kraus, Andy Pfaff–Lyons Photography, Melanie White and Vicki Zingale
Rev. Paul J. Rosing Pastor, Holy Family Parish David Showers ’64 President, Strausser Development ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL | 1 HOLY CROSS BLVD., AKRON, OH 44306 | 330.773.6658
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Teacher and Chair of the Social Studies Department Jason Anderson and his Archaeology class Zoomed with Archaeologist and Author Eric Cline. The class uses Cline's book Three Stones Make a Wall.
Dear Hoban Family, First and foremost, I hope you are healthy and safe and want you to know that we hold you – members of the worldwide Hoban family – in prayer each day. United by our Holy Cross values and strong spiritual bond, this year we have needed to come together more than ever, relying on one another through isolation and fatigue, financial trials, sickness and loss. On March 13, our entire school community began the mandatory quarantine, challenging us to create a completely remote school essentially overnight. In April, as the economic fallout engulfed many families, we made a promise that no student would be asked to leave Hoban for financial reasons related to COVID-19. The “Stronger Together” relief fund generated more than $200,000 to ease the burden on affected families. As spring approached, the realization that we would not be able to celebrate our graduating seniors in traditional ways gave rise to several creative alternatives: commemorative yard signs, handwritten letters, a socially-distanced “drive-thru” and individual graduation ceremonies helped us celebrate the Class of 2020 and their accomplishments. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Holy Cross educators, Hoban’s Black Student Union and additional students began conversations about the school’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity. We determined that “cultural humility” will be Hoban’s strategic approach to evaluate if we consistently live out the Holy Cross core values of inclusiveness, integrity and hope. In the pages that follow you will find a review of the past year and a look ahead. For instance, Hoban is now the only high school in Ohio with a freestanding golf training facility. Construction has commenced on the much anticipated CREATE Studios Visual Arts Center. And, we are finalizing plans and beginning fundraising to resurface two of the lower practice fields with synthetic turf, which will provide a quality and safe resource for Hoban's student-athletes and youth leagues in our neighborhood. As a tumultuous 2020 ends in the hopes of a more peaceable 2021, let us take courage in the unfailing strength of this family. We will weather this storm and any challenges that lie ahead. Sustained and united in our Holy Cross values, Hoban will continue the mission to educate hearts and minds to have the competence to see and the courage to act for decades to come. In Christ and Holy Cross,
Thomas J. Curry, Ph.D. President 2 \
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SUSTAINED AND UNITED IN OUR HOLY CROSS VALUES, HOBAN WILL CONTINUE THE MISSION TO EDUCATE HEARTS AND MINDS TO HAVE THE COMPETENCE TO SEE AND THE COURAGE TO ACT FOR DECADES TO COME.
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A YEAR IN REVIEW: 2019-20 During the tumultuous 2019-20 academic year, Hoban was not able to release a Hoban Magazine, but would be remiss if we neglected to share and celebrate the many successes students achieved. The following few pages are a brief summary of the exciting things that happened, beginning with the arrival of a new President Dr. Thomas Curry.
Much of the spring was spent planning the celebrations and congratulating the Class of 2020. This class is a group of leaders. Throughout the entire year, they made Hoban proud and their mark will be forever ingrained on Hoban. Class of 2020, Hoban thanks you for your resiliency and your lasting legacy. HOBAN.ORG/CAMPUS-LIFE/CLASS-OF-2020
Former Chair of the Board of Directors Ted Stitzel hands Tom Curry the newly blessed Ceremonial Academic Mace as Hoban's 11th president.
Kevin Hillery, retired associate principal of student services, received the Brother James Spooner Holy Cross Heart and Mind Award and served as the 2019-20 Commencement Grand Marshal.
MEET DR. TOM CURRY, 11TH PRESIDENT OF HOBAN Dr. Thomas Curry was officially installed as Hoban's 11th president on Jan. 21, 2020. Ted Stitzel, former chair of the board of directors, and Brother Kenneth Haders, board member and Provincial Superior of the Brothers of Holy Cross Midwest Province, inducted Curry at an all-school Mass and Investiture Ceremony. Curry arrived at Hoban in July of 2019. The Mass and Investiture of Curry kicked-off the beginning of Holy Cross Celebration, Hoban's two-week celebration of the school's Catholic and Holy Cross identity. Rev. Matt Jordan ’08 celebrated the Mass, the memorial of Blessed Basil Moreau. Visiting priests and deacons concelebrated with Jordan, including Rev. John Blazek, campus minister at Gilmour Academy; Rev. Michael McCandless ’98, director of vocations at the Diocese of Cleveland; Rev. Emmanuel Kallarackal, visiting Holy Cross priest and principal of a Holy Cross school in India; Dc. Ray DiMascio, religious studies teacher at Hoban and Dc. Raymond Herrick ’68 of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
KEVIN HILLERY RECEIVES BROTHER SPOONER HEART AND MIND AWARD During the Investiture, two new traditions were introduced. A committee helped design the Hoban Ceremonial Academic Mace and Presidential Chain of Office. These sacramentals are to remind everyone of the legacy of the Brothers of Holy Cross and their spiritual
foundation of the Hoban community. The mace and chain of office will be used for formal academic events, such as award ceremonies and Commencement. For the third year, the Brother James Spooner Holy Cross Heart and Mind Award was given to a deserving Holy Cross educator. The 2019-20 recipient, retired Associate Principal of Student Services Kevin Hillery, was announced and recognized at the Investiture Ceremony. Hillery retired at the end of the academic year after 30 years of service. The recipients are nominated and selected by peers. In the nomination, Hillery was described as a consistent example of excellence and professionalism, leading in the Holy Cross charism and embodying in his ministry the school's core values. He has served in many important capacities, including history teacher, dean of students, associate principal of student services and moderator of mock trial, for which he has led Hoban to three state championships. Hillery retired at the end of the 2019-20 academic year. Beginning last May, the Brother James Spooner Heart and Mind Award recipient will also serve as Grand Marshal of the Commencement Exercises, carrying the mace and leading the academic procession of Hoban faculty and graduates into the venue.
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2019-20 REVIEW
FOUR STUDENTS EARN PERFECT SCORES ON ACT IN TWO YEARS Class of 2020 classmates Michael Bowling and Ayaka Coffman each earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. It’s estimated that one out of 735 students earns a perfect ACT score.
Hoban's Blue Team won first at the Regional Mock Trial competition in January 2020.
HOBAN MOCK TRIAL – A TRADITION OF WINNING Hoban Mock Trial is well-known across the state. Year-after-year, the Hoban teams are competitive and successful. In 2019-20, Hoban's Blue and Gold teams took first and second place at the regional competitions, respectively. Both teams were prepped to appear at the state competition in March, when the coronavirus shut everything down.
Remarkably, Coffman took the test twice - once in the spring her junior year and again in the fall of her senior year and scored 36 twice. Coffman took the test as a junior and she opted out of the optional writing section. She took it again when she realized several of her choice colleges required the writing portion. Coffman is now attending Duke University and Bowling is now a freshman at Kent State University. This year, seven Hoban seniors earned a score of 34 or higher last spring, including two seniors – Thomas Crowe and Owen Kovalik – who also earned a perfect 36.
During their preparation for state, team member Eva Klockner ’20 was optimistic of the team's chance to win at state. "We are a mock trial school," Klockner said. "Going to state in 2019 was a great experience. We lost by one point, so I am using that as motivation to work harder and hopefully win this year. It's really cool to be a part of something that runs so deep in the school." Mock trial participants volunteer to do what most are terrified to do: public speaking under pressure. Klockner is interested in pursuing a degree in canon law. Mock trial has provided invaluable experience to her and teammate Connor Grandon ’20.
Michael Bowling ’20
Ayaka Coffman ’20
Thomas Crowe ’21
Owen Kovalik ’21
"Mock trial is a lot of pressure," Grandon said. "I feel my heart pounding before and well after the trial, but it has given me a lot more confidence and helped me be better at communication." Grandon serves as a witness. In this role, he memorizes lines but has to be prepped to respond quickly, accurately and effectively during the cross-examination. Participants look to their coaches for guidance. Former Associate Principal of Student Services Kevin Hillery has been moderator of mock trial for 30 years. He coaches the freshman team while attorneys Carol Tran and Chris Parker coach the varsity teams with help from Assistant Police Chief Mike Capers. "Our coaches make everything happen," Klockner said. "From the first day of practice, they help us prepare for our case - everything from opening statements to what we should wear. We would not be nearly as good as we are without them." 4 \
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HOBAN STUDENTS, EDUCATORS SERVE IN HONDURAS Seventeen Hoban students traveled to Honduras in January for the 15th Holy Family Parish Medical Mission Trip. The students, chaperoned by Hoban teachers Pachy Bell and Jason Dzik, joined Father Mike Ausperk, a Hoban board member and parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina, and 48 medical professionals. As Honors Spanish students, they served as translators between the volunteer medical professionals and patients. The medical professionals included dentists, eye doctors, nurses and pharmacists. The group stayed outside the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Each day they visited a different village to set up a clinic for the day. They departed from Cleveland on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and returned on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
AWARD-WINNING STUDENT ARTWORK Each year, Hoban students are recognized locally and nationally for their artistic talent. These accolades are a testament to their hard work and the skill of the Fine Arts Department teaching staff. Kaliyah Smith ’20 had three of her art pieces accepted into the Summit Artspace Gallery's show entitled “Embracing Heritage,” a juried visual and literary art exhibition to honor and embrace the impact that African-Americans and African-American culture have had in shaping our community, nation and world. Smith received an honorable mention in the exhibition for a colored pencil piece entitled "Venomous." Senior Clara Krohn was announced the winner of the prestigious 2020 Congressional Art Competition in June for her piece "Shades of Charlotte." Her art teacher, Jill Fortman, said that it is very rare for a student to win this award. "It was my first student ever to do so in 25 years."
Krohn's piece is displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and received praise from U.S. Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, “Congratulations to Clara on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition!" Gonzalez said. "It was a pleasure to see so many talented artists submit their work this year despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and school closures." The Akron-Summit Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education awarded junior Grace Kostko second place in April in the Visual Art Division II (9th-12th grades) for her mixed media drawing entitled "Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes." The theme of the Art and Writing Contest was Lessons of the Holocaust: Then and Now–Stories of Refugees and Upstanders. Kostko's piece positions a contemporary immigrant woman with her child juxtaposed in front of newspaper clippings taken from the early 20th century.
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CULTURAL HUMILITY Even in the increasingly complex world in which he lived, Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, knew that education is the key to equality. That was true in 1837 when leading people back to the church in post-Revolutionary France. It is still true today in our country's polarized climate. Moreau charged the Brothers of Holy Cross to be educators in the faith – educating the hearts and minds of students. Aligned with Moreau's vision, Hoban's Holy Cross educators are continuing to learn what it means to instill cultural humility in the classroom and how to assume a "posture of learning" from James Knight, vice president of diversity and inclusion at St. Edward High School. St. Ed's, a Holy Cross school in Lakewood, Oh., implemented the cultural humility initiative with Knight in the lead. Cultural humility is described as a humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other cultures that pushes one to challenge personal biases and strive to learn about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process. Cultural humility is about accepting that one person cannot possibly know everything about other cultures. Cultural humility was developed by two African American medical doctors in 1998 in response to the limitations of cultural competence. The doctors witnessed a pattern with some professionals, such as social workers, medical professionals and educators, who thought of themselves to be culturally competent after learning vague generalizations of a particular culture. Those generalizations further instilled harmful, stereotypical thinking. Cultural humility encourages intentional learning about others' cultural experiences. "We are not experts in another person's experience, especially when we haven't grown up in their culture," Knight said during a presentation to all Hoban educators on Sept. 28. "We cannot be arrogant in our thoughts about those we serve." 6 \
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VP of Diversity and Inclusion at St. Edward High School speaks to Hoban educators about implementing Cultural Humility in the classroom.
Knight shared his personal, cultural experience growing up in South Chicago while attending predominantly white schools. "I was a good student, and I still remember my AP history teacher not having the same amount of patience with me as my white counterparts," Knight said. "When everyone in the classroom was talking before class, I was told to be quiet as soon as I spoke. It was frustrating." Knight's perspective and delivery resonates. Recognizing and understanding innate personal biases is a major first step. Cultural humility and self-awareness empowers us to protect the dignity of every student and mitigate prejudice. "Hoban is blessed to have a diverse community of students," Principal Dr. Emily Ramos said. "From listening sessions with many of our African American students over the summer, Dr. Curry and I learned more about the Black experience at Hoban. There are some difficult conversations that need to be had at Hoban. James has been a valuable resource, helping the adults in the building better serve our students as a whole." Knight also calls attention to the "power imbalance" that is often present in the classroom. Just as the founders of cultural humility saw in the doctor's office, it is natural for teachers to be the authority in the classroom. Knight challenges educators to acknowledge these power imbalances and to look for ways to mitigate them. This is not to be misinterpreted with lowering academic or behavioral expectations. "Students of color do not want to be treated differently," Knight said. "They don't want a free pass because they know that won't help them later in life. Teachers should be intentional about knowing their students and their individual perspectives, skills, experiences and ideas that they bring to class."
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL As a school, we are learning. As a principal and as educators, we are learning. Our Holy Cross core value of inclusiveness has always called us to be a welcoming community for all. Living up to all our values is a constant work in progress – an aspirational goal. There is always more work and more learning to be done. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and countless other senseless crimes against the Black community, Hoban has a responsibility to our students and families to internalize those tragedies. It was clear in our conversations with several Black students that there is work to be done at Hoban to make meaningful improvements for our students. During these listening sessions, students bravely voiced their opinions and experiences, and Dr. Curry and I listened.
heard classroom dialogue, hallway conversations and have been approached by many educators who want to be part of the change. These are just the first of many such conversations and schoolwide discussions to ensure all members of the Hoban family regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion and sexual orientation are welcomed with the hospitality of Christ.
As a school, we chose cultural humility to help us with this work. Cultural humility is not a program. It is not a plan or initiative. It is a lifestyle. James Knight has helped St. Ed's make great improvements to be a more culturally humble environment. Hoban is beginning the same work. Knight has sparked an excitement around campus. I have
The generation of students walking our halls will be the one to change our world. I am inspired by the candor and honesty they have demonstrated as we begin the work of becoming a school who lives cultural humility.
Cultural humility, ultimately, builds trust and creates a safe environment in the classroom for all students.
This is not an easy or quick process, but we are committed to putting in the work and resources to create change."
"Starting on the first day of the semester, teachers can build culturally-safe environments by setting clear expectations in the classroom for respectful and inclusive interactions," Knight said. "This small step can go a long way in boosting students' confidence who might otherwise have not participated."
Cultural humility is not a White/Black binary. It is advocacy for all. While it can be challenging and uncomfortable to explore personal biases, it is essential for growth in enhancing cultural responsiveness. Knight quoted Friedrich Otto Hertz, a British-Austrian sociologist, economist and historian, "At the heart of racism is the religious assertion that God made a creative mistake when He brought some people into being."
WHAT'S NEXT? In addition to offering training to Hoban's educators, Knight has had conversations with the Hoban board of directors and several groups of Black students to learn about their experience at Hoban. A plan of action has started to take shape, beginning with a survey to all Hoban students and continued professional development for teachers and staff. "In addition to our current students, we plan to connect with our alumni," President Tom Curry said. "It's our responsibility to take a hard and honest look as to whether we live up to our core value of inclusiveness.
—Emily J. Ramos, Ed.D.
"When you bring God into it, it changes the whole game," Knight said. "We have to get past our fears, accept that we all have biases, commit to being uncomfortable in our journey to understand and dismantle those biases, and take action when we are witness to injustice." This is what Moreau called the Congregation of Holy Cross to be – educators in the faith who have the competence to see and the courage to act. HOBAN.ORG/EQUITY-AND-INCLUSION
"HUMILITY IS NOT THINKING LESS OF YOURSELF, IT'S THINKING OF YOURSELF LESS." - C.S. LEWIS
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HOBAN WELCOMES CLASS OF 2024, HOLY CROSS EDUCATORS There are many new faces on Hoban's campus. Beginning with the Class of 2024, Hoban welcomed a total of 232 freshmen and an additional 22 transfer students in the fall. The class represents more than 60 elementary schools and five counties. Starting their Hoban academic journey in the midst of a health pandemic is a first in history, and they quickly became accustomed, along with the rest of the school, to new protocols and procedures.
CHURYL CROONE, ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR Churyl Croone was named the director of admissions in early March. She joins the Hoban family from Cleveland State University (CSU). Croone has significant experience in higher education admissions, with a focus on international recruitment. She brings expertise in enrollment management, a commitment to helping students transition successfully and a love of teaching and learning. A Cleveland native and alumna of Beaumont School, Croone has more than 15 years of admissions experience with proven success in cultivating a student-centric admissions process and experience. She has worked in enrollment management, international recruitment and financial assistance at Baldwin Wallace University, Case Western Reserve University and Notre Dame College. "I am looking forward to making contributions that move Hoban toward growth and sustainability," Croone said. "Hoban has a strong sense of community, and I want to continue building bridges that foster leadership, compassion, integrity and inner strength."
Croone holds a master’s in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s in linguistics, Spanish and education from CSU. She also has extensive experience as a teacher of English as a Second Language.
LAURA JO (MARCINKOSKI ’83) HAWK, VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk joined the leadership team as vice president of institutional advancement on July 7. In her role, Hawk will lead the advancement office and all development and fundraising efforts, including endowment growth, the Hoban Fund, capital campaigns and Extravaganza. She will also oversee marketing, branding and communications. Hawk is a veteran nonprofit fundraising professional with nearly two decades of experience leading the philanthropic efforts of several major northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations, including Coleman Professional Services, the Akron General Foundation, the Mercy Medical Center Development Foundation and the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation. She comes to Hoban from Coleman Professional Services, where she served as Chief Officer of Resource Development and Marketing. At Coleman, she led the fundraising and communications strategies to drive business referrals, recruit employees and volunteers and helped raise more than $7 million in private philanthropic and government funding. Hawk holds a master’s degree in business management from Walsh University, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and has achieved certification in fundraising management from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy.
WELCOME, CLASS OF 2024 BY THE NUMBERS 65
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
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232
TOTAL STUDENTS
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LEGACY STUDENTS
107
FEMALE STUDENTS
125
MALE STUDENTS
5
COUNTIES
40%
ETHNIC DIVERSITY
4
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
A native of Uniontown, Ohio, Hawk is one of six Marcinkoski siblings to have graduated from Hoban. Her father, the late Paul R. Marcinkoski, served on the Hoban board and helped steward much of the recent campus building efforts including the iconic dome main entrance, renovation of the brothers' residence, the chapel, Alumni Gymnasium and football stadium. Hawk looks forward to continuing her family’s legacy and service to Hoban in this new role. “I feel I’ve been preparing for this opportunity my entire life," Hawk said. "I look forward to using my experiences as a nonprofit fundraising executive to help others discover the joy of philanthropic giving while furthering the Catholic, Holy Cross mission of Hoban.”
JENNIFER MATTES, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF STUDENT SERVICES Jennifer Mattes is the associate principal of student services. She comes to Hoban from Lawrence School, where, for 13 years, she served as the director of college and career planning. During her time at Lawrence, she built and operated the College and Career Planning Center from the ground up. She also prepared students for the transition from high school to postsecondary life and built individualized and comprehensive opportunities to help students become self-advocates. Mattes holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Akron. Before working at Lawrence, she served as the district educational manager for all of the Sylvan Learning Centers in Akron and Cleveland. Mattes's goal is to combine her experience to teach, ignite and inspire the students at Hoban.
KATELYN SELISKAR, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF ACADEMICS Katelyn Seliskar has been named associate principal of academics, a new position at Hoban. Seliskar comes to Hoban from Gilmour Academy, a Holy Cross school. At Gilmour, she served as a science teacher in the middle and upper schools, as well as the coordinator for the International Council Advancing Independent School accreditation process. Prior to Gilmour, Seliskar taught science in Nashville, Tenn. She has a passion for the power of Catholic education and leads with a service attitude and personal mission of “how she can help.” She earned her Bachelor of Science in ecology and evolutionary biology and a minor in English literature from the University of Rochester, a Master of Science in adolescence education from the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester. She is currently working on her Ph.D. from Concordia University of Chicago with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. "I believe Catholic education is an excellent catalyst for making our world a better place by enriching the hearts and minds of students," Seliskar said. Hoban is also excited to welcome several new teachers to the team of Holy Cross educators. They bring with them many talents and experiences that will help further advance Hoban academics. • JULIA ARNOLD, Substitute Teacher • ERIN BENNETT, Fine Arts and English Departments • DEMARCO HAYNES, Substitute Teacher • MICHELE JACKSON, Substitute Teacher • JOHN LAUBACHER, Science Department • VINCENZO MARINUCCI, Science Department • BRIAN MOTIL ’06, Mathematics Department
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COVER STORY
CLOSING OF OHIO'S SCHOOL CAMPUSES On March 12, the governor of Ohio ordered teachers and students to be sent home with school books and electronic devices. The general expectation was that school would be back in session in a couple of days – a week at the most. No one knew it at the time, but that day was the last day of the 2019-20 school year from inside the building. The fourth quarter was managed from home, and together students and teachers learned a whole new world of virtual learning. "The impacts of the pandemic on the educational field are complex and not entirely known yet, but one thing is certain – education as we knew it is changed forever," said Dr. Emily Ramos, principal. "When our campus closed, we all transitioned to working from home. The innovation and support that was displayed among our teachers and students was nothing short of amazing." Even though everyone was not physically together, teachers took advantage of virtual learning applications, programs and experiences to connect with students. While difficult, even frustrating at times, Hoban students continued to thrive academically. Teachers quickly pivoted to online instruction, continuing as normally as possible. Diane Cook, teacher and chair of the science department, focused on maintaining classroom routine and organization. “Much like when we were present at school, I scheduled a lab once a week,” Cook said. “Using virtual simulations, I recorded myself collecting lab data that the students could use to complete the lab. When I reviewed notes, the format was about the same as in class. I used screen recording on the iPad and uploaded videos of me solving problems and reviewing concepts. I also scheduled check-ins on Zoom once a week.”
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At the end of May, classes came to a close. In a typical year, the month of June brings much-needed relief. This year, for Hoban teachers and administrative teams, it meant a ramping up for a summer of preparation for the 2020-21 academic year. PLANNING IN AN EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT Over the summer months, each administrative office and academic department was tasked with creating new plans to prepare for students' safe return in the fall. That task was made incredibly complicated by constant changes in state mandates, delays in decisions and daily changes in the nation's healthcare industry. Hoban leadership was revitalized to carry out the Hoban mission – a calling that had never been more important as students needed to return to school for academic, social, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. Despite many unforeseen obstacles, Hoban's Holy Cross educators formed the Knights Reunite plan with the needs of Hoban students and the health of our Hoban community at the forefront. "Schools were charged with hitting a rapidly moving target," Dr. Tom Curry, president, said. "As challenging as the summer planning was, I am proud that we were able to create a plan that was flexible, rooted in the best data available to us at the time and, above all else, one that put the needs and health of students and employees first." Following the guidance and recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and Summit County Public Health, Hoban announced the academic year would begin in a hybrid learning model. Of the students who opted to return to school, the hybrid model allowed half the student body to attend on altering days and offered students the opportunity to become more comfortable with remote learning in case Hoban was forced to close campus again.
“IT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR MISSION THAT WE STRIVE TO ABIDE SO ATTENTIVELY TOGETHER THAT PEOPLE WILL OBSERVE: ‘SEE HOW THEY LOVE ONE ANOTHER.’ WE WILL THEN BE A SIGN IN AN ALIENATED WORLD: MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE, FOR LOVE OF THEIR LORD, BECOME CLOSEST NEIGHBORS, TRUSTWORTHY FRIENDS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS.” - HOLY CROSS CONSTITUTIONS
"It was generally assumed and agreed upon that back-to-school season would inevitably trigger new waves of coronavirus infections that would spread to the broader community," Ramos said. "Based on that assumption, we had to make major decisions for the start of school.”
council has been wonderful to help plan meaningful events that students want to attend. We hosted weekly watch parties for the football playoff games, held virtual assemblies, organized virtual college visits and are planning events for each grade level.”
Ramos, along with her academic administrative team, including Associate Principal of Academics Katelyn Seliskar, Associate Principal Brother James Spooner, Associate Principal and Dean of Students Tim Lucey ’97 and Associate Principal of Student Services Jennifer Mattes, worked tirelessly to create plans with several back-up plans for each scenario. Some of those decisions included the delay to the start of school until after Labor Day to witness and learn from other schools' openings, creating teacher professional development and changing Hoban’s class schedule to a block schedule design.
KNIGHTS REUNITE – WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS After months of planning and preparing, teachers returned to the school building on Aug. 18 for two weeks of training. Administrators and teachers developed in-services to help teachers successfully manage their classrooms, both in person and virtually. The purpose was to support teacher success, so they may help students achieve success.
"We began meeting multiple times a week, beginning in May through the end of the summer months," Seliskar said. "Block scheduling with longer class periods has three major benefits. It reduces the traffic in the hallways throughout the day, it is far easier as a remote learner to log into four virtual classrooms rather than eight or nine, and it gives teachers more time to interact with students. It was a big shift but has been a positive one, given the climate of this year." The new block schedule also allows for a new enrichment period. Enrichment is used for Round Table – Hoban’s student advisory program – grade-level meetings, virtual college visits, club meetings, activities and study halls. This creates a natural opportunity for students to catch up on work, consult one-on-one with teachers and stay involved through cocurriculars. “The challenge is to continue to offer the same student life experiences we would under typical circumstances,” Lucey said. “At times, we have to limit or modify activities due to social distancing protocols. Student
On Monday, Aug. 31, freshmen and transfer students were welcomed back in the building for a day of student orientation. The rest of the week was organized to welcome each grade level to campus, beginning with the senior class. This schedule allowed classes to be reunited in small numbers, transfer students to meet new classmates and everyone to learn the new schedule, protocols and rules. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, classes resumed and Hoban was officially back to school – in a hybrid learning model. Religion teacher Hank Kappel embraced the school year with an empathetic approach, understanding the challenges his students face while learning in a hybrid model. "One strategy that I have found to be helpful in navigating this new challenge is imagining that I am one of the students at home," Kappel said. "I think about what it might be like if the teacher were to become overly focused on those in the classroom. I can imagine the many distractions students have in their home that would easily divert from the lesson. Doing this helps me remember to consistently alternate my attention from one group to the other, to ask different students questions
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HOBAN IMPLEMENTS NEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, ADAPTED FROM THE VISOR BY: ALEXANDRIA DILLON
As always, Hoban's goal is to provide the best educational experience while maintaining a healthy environment for students and employees. A hybrid learning model has helped greatly in accomplishing this goal, with minimal spread among students and educators.
Senior Alex Dillon, editor-in-chief of The Visor student newspaper, listed several pros and cons of many of the newly established safety protocols at Hoban. Her list, while not exhaustive of new safety measures, gives a student's perspective of the good and bad reactions to the necessary changes. The One-Way Hallway Pros: I'm getting a lot more exercise walking to my classes. Maybe by the end of this year I won't get winded after going up one set of stairs. It makes me actually think about where I'm going. Cons: It takes way longer to get to every class. Can be very frustrating when your classes are right next to each other but getting there involves walking down two hallways and a lot of stairs. Carrying Backpacks/No Lockers in Between Classes Pros: I don't have to worry about carrying piles of books from class to class. Everything is all together so it's a lot harder to lose things. I no longer have to go out of my way to go to my locker. Overall more convenient. Cons: Can get heavy. "I left it in my locker" excuse will not work anymore. Hybrid School Pros: We can sleep in on virtual days. We don't have to drive to Hoban every day, which saves on gas money. Cons: The schedule is very confusing. It's harder to learn virtually. Split Alphabet Students with last names A-K and L-Z attend class on Hoban's campus on different days while in a hybrid learning model. Pros: There's fewer people at school, which makes the halls less crowded. Lunch lines are shorter. We have room to spread out in class, giving more space for stuff and lessens the probability of a COVID outbreak. Cons: You don't get to see most of your friends at school. Feels more lonely because less than half the school is present. Carpooling becomes increasingly difficult. As you can see, there are a lot of pros and cons throughout this whole process, but the best we can do is to look on the bright side and enjoy what we do have. Please wear your masks and attempt to social distance. We want to stay in school, and everyone is trying their best to have a normal school year. HOBANVISOR.NEWS 12 \
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that engage them and hopefully keep them focused on the task at hand."
"We are diligent in tracking cases among our community as our primary indicator in determining next steps," Ramos said. "We regularly communicate our numbers so that each family can make an informed decision that is best for them. It has been a difficult year to navigate, but we are in it together. Our success is directly connected to the support from the Hoban family – educators, parents and most importantly students." Beyond classroom instruction, many other offices have developed new strategies to have a successful return to school and continue to provide students a genuine Hoban experience. SANITIZING 76-ACRES OF CAMPUS Mike Considine ’77, director of school facilities, and his team have always played a major role in the success of the school. When school was closed in March, his team went to work, and by the end of April had completed the regular, deep cleaning that takes place every summer. "The maintenance team started sanitizing everything in the building in March," Considine said. "Student work-study was suspended over the spring and summer months due to COVID but a few employees from the cafeteria staff joined us. It's a big job every year but this year was especially busy." Beyond cleaning, the maintenance team was also responsible for modifying classroom configurations, creating one-way hallway traffic patterns and building and installing barriers in classrooms and offices. "We clean around the clock," Considine said. "The teachers are helping a lot by cleaning desks, doorknobs and light switches between each class. It's a big job to keep things sanitized."
CAMPUS MINISTRY Campus Minister Kelsey (Ott ’07) Sees and her team made plans over the summer months to offer an alternative, at-home JAM experience (more on page 18), make changes to class retreats, service experiences, prayer opportunities and Spes Unica retreat, one of students’ most cherished opportunities at Hoban. "We know that now more than ever before, pray, service and connections with others is needed for our students," Sees said. "Planning those activities and events is challenging and requires us to make many contingency plans to be prepared to change direction quickly. We have had to be creative but in some situations have found ways that may work even better than before." Class retreats that have always been offered over a two-day period are now offered to small groups over four days. While the purpose was to be able to accommodate safe social distancing, the experience has been improved in other significant ways. "It's not always easy to facilitate a group activity with 100 students," Sees said. "Now, we are dividing into groups of 20, focusing on small activities and having meaningful conversations and experiences." Spes Unica is a student-led weekend retreat, traditionally offered three times a year. It was uncertain if Hoban would be able to host any Spes Unica retreats this year but the campus ministry team have modified it to continue to offer it. "Our first Spes Unica will be held in January," Sees said. "So much of the traditional retreat depends on human connection and interaction, and we are finding ways to deliver a meaningful and faith-filled experience." ATHLETIC RESTART Following the cancellation of spring sports, the athletic office, led by Athletic Director Tim Tyrrell, worked diligently to restart. Over the summer, Hoban is a busy place – open gyms, strength and conditioning and team practices are scheduled five days a week. Tyrrell knew that a safe summer was crucial to moving forward with a successful fall.
"Our ability to safely and responsibly return to our summer athletic training activities was almost completely dependent on the willingness of the student-athletes, families and coaches' to adhere to the rules," Tyrrell said. "We knew that failure to follow safety protocols would directly impact our ability to participate in fall sports. We needed everyone's support, and are very proud of how everyone responded to make our return a success." Athletic contests started in early August for many of the fall sports. The student-athletes' compliance with rules is a testament to their dedication and desire to play. They forged ahead regardless of the strict spectator limitations that drastically changed the dynamics of the game. "Playing this year is definitely different without the energy from the student section," said Michaella Cloonan, girls volleyball senior captain. "As a team, we have to create our own energy in the gym by being louder and more energetic. But we are making the most of it, playing as hard as we can and being really careful to make sure we have a season." Hoban follows guidelines from the OHSAA, restricting the number of spectators at athletic events based on facility size. Student-athlete family members and the community who are not able to attend have been able to watch many athletic events via the Hoban livestream. "Overall, Hoban's fall teams have done exceptionally well in terms of COVID-19 precautions and spread prevention," Tyrrell said. "Planning for winter sports is under way with coaches, and we're hopeful of continuing our students' success." In these uncertain times, one thing is certain – Hoban has faced difficulties in the past and our community is stronger because of those experiences. Students, families and educators are facing these challenges with the same resiliency, and together, will be stronger than before. Spes Unica, the Cross, our only hope.
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STUDENT SUCCESS
CLASS OF 2020 L I K E N O OT H E R
The 64th commencement exercises were held in May, and it was anything but a traditional Hoban experience as the pandemic precluded a full-class commencement. An even 200 graduates joined ranks of more than 11,000 Hoban alumni worldwide in the spring. The Class of 2020 included one international student from China and, as a class, they now attend approximately 50 colleges and universities in 15 states. For the first time in school history – and hopefully the only time – Hoban offered private, individual graduation ceremonies to each member of the Class of 2020. Over four days and a total of 36 hours, graduates who opted to participate were filmed receiving their diplomas from President Tom Curry in Holy Cross Chapel. The individual ceremonies were edited together along with speeches from Valedictorian Tanner Guld, Salutatorian Ayaka Coffman and Commencement Speaker the Honorable Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State. While it was not a traditional spring, Hoban's community made sure to celebrate and congratulate the Class of 2020 as only the Hoban family can. Here's an overview of the activities of the senior class: APRIL – JULY | SENIOR PROFILES AND YARD SIGNS Beginning in mid-April, Hoban featured members of the Class of 2020 on social media. The profiles included their plans for next year and a favorite memory. Hoban ordered yard signs for each senior that were delivered to their homes by dozens of Holy Cross educators. MAY 13 | SENIOR LETTERS On the seniors' last day of Hoban classes, May 13, Holy Cross educators sent hand-written letters to every senior. Students and educators form strong relationships over four years' time at Hoban. The letters were physical representations that each student made an impact on the Hoban family. 14 \
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MAY 20 | HOBAN LETTER PAINTING More than 40 seniors took turns in shifts to paint the HOBAN letters on the hillside. Cam Mizer ’20 created a way for the class to paint 20 in blue by adding boards to the H in Hoban. MAY 22 | CLASS OF 2020 BILLBOARDS On the weekend the Class of 2020 would have been celebrating their graduation at Akron Civic Theatre, Hoban displayed billboard messages to focus on all their accomplishments, contributions, growth and bright futures. MAY 24 | MASS + PARADE + VIDEO MESSAGES On Sunday, May 24, Hoban broadcast the Baccalaureate Mass from Holy Cross Chapel. Afterward, Holy Cross educators lined the parking lots, made signs, brought noisemakers and waved good-bye to our graduates. Former teacher Ben Rossi, who completed his novitiate year and made first vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross on Aug. 1, even participated virtually via Zoom on Katie (Haubert ’86) Surface's iPad. Graduates also received a video message from many of their teachers, coaches and staff wishing them good luck and saying good-bye. JUNE 6 | VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT VIDEO The 64th Commencement video was shared with the Hoban community on Saturday, June 6, so that families could host small, safe watch parties for their graduate. 2019-20 was a year cut too short for everyone, especially for the seniors, with unraveled plans, canceled events and altered traditions. Yet the Hoban student body, with the Class of 2020 in the lead, found the silver lining and created many unique memories that no one has ever had. Hoban could not be more proud of all the students. Class of 2020, thank you for the last four years. It has been an honor to have been part of your much larger journey. Many prayers and blessings to each of you.
SENIOR AWARDS Seniors Josh Bisesi and Evelyn Thoman received the 2020 Monsignor Richard A. Dowed School Spirit Award and the Brother André Heart of Holy Cross Award, respectively. The awards were announced at the Academic Awards Celebration, which was held virtually on May 18. Other 2019-20 Dowed Award winners are junior Luke Monteleone, sophomore Jackson Alexander and freshman Dominic Henry. Given to one student in each grade who has made outstanding contributions to the Hoban community, the Dowed Award is the highest honor awarded to Hoban students. Faculty select students who have best exemplified the ideals of Christian service, leadership and spirit. The award dates back to 1957, and is named after the late Msgr. Richard A. Dowed, who was responsible for convincing Archbishop Edward Hoban of the need for a new Catholic high school for boys in Akron and acquired the land that was to become its campus.
Josh Bisesi ’20
Evelyn Thoman ’20
The Brother André Heart of Holy Cross Award is given to a senior who has taken the Holy Cross mission to heart and follows the example of Brother André Bessette, the first saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Each student, teacher, administrator or friend of Hoban who meets this award winner is shown the hospitality of Christ.
DIVINE PROVIDENCE
Hoban focuses on one Holy Cross value each academic year. Reliance on Divine Providence was the theme for the 2019-20 school year. As it turned out, Reliance on Divine Providence could not have been a more appropriate core value for the year. It was a year of change and adaptation and required a tremendous amount of faith and trust in God's will. Through Divine Providence, we accept God’s grace and action in our life. We remain faithful to God’s will. Very simply, in our heritage, providence represents the presence and activity of God among us. In his manuscript on Christian Education, Blessed Basil Moreau said, “Let us not forget that the development of the work entrusted to us depends upon our acceptance of the inspirations of grace and our fidelity in seconding the designs of Divine Providence.” HOBAN MAGAZINE
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CLASS OF 2020: TOP 20 GPA RANKING TANNER GULD AYAKA COFFMAN REBECCA KUBICK ALLISON EWALD JOSHUA BISESI AUDREY RUSCAK ALAINA BACHMANN EVELYN THOMAN VERONICA MCDOWELL ISABELLE KOLLETH
GRACE ROSSI SLADE BROOKS SHELLEY BRADSHAW SAMANTHA HUTH THOMAS RADABAUGH MADELYN FERREE MADISON MCNULTY ALYSSA MCCARTHY AARON KORNAKER THOMAS KESIC
200 GRADUATES
VALEDICTORIAN TANNER GULD
183
GRADUATES ENROLLED IN 4-YEAR COLLEGE
467
OPTIMIST CLUB OF AKRON, YOUTH APPRECIATION AWARD CAMDEN MIZER AND REBECCA KUBICK
95
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GRADUATES RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
63
SENIORS IN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
2
GRADUATES TO SERVE IN MILITARY
5
SALUTATORIAN AYAKA COFFMAN
GRADUATES ENROLLED IN 2-YEAR COLLEGE
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD AWARD AARON KORNAKER AND BRIDGETT MARTIN
HONOR FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ALAINA BACHMANN JOSHUA BISESI MICHAEL BOWLING SLADE BROOKS AYAKA COFFMAN DAVID DURYEA ALLISON EWALD TANNER GULD
CATHRYN KNAPP ISABELLE KOLLETH REBECCA KUBICK VERONICA MCDOWELL GRACE ROSSI AUDREY RUSCAK CHRISTINA WORCESTER
Students must attend Hoban for four years, maintain a 3.8 GPA and score in the 98th percentile on the ACT or SAT.
THE CLASS OF 2020 EARNED
$18,425,387 IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION HOBAN MAGAZINE
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VIRTUAL JAM FOCUSES ON FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, COMMUNITY As with many 2020 events, Hoban's campus ministry office came to realize that it would not be possible to conduct JAM 2020 (Justice Akron Ministry), Hoban's signature Christian service program, as typically planned. Campus Minister Kelsey (Ott ’07) Sees and religion teachers Chris Fahey and Amie Mancine adapted the traditional, three-day JAM program into a three-week, at-home service experience. The COVID-19 pandemic created many new obstacles. First, there was a severe limitation for students to volunteer in person at traditional service sites. There were also many safety issues associated with transporting students to and from service sites and the traditional evening programming that was held at Hoban. "Chris, Amie and I love JAM and being able to plan and run the program each summer," Sees said. "It is amazing to be a part of this program and to see our Hoban students, families and partnering organizations come together to learn, be of service to others and gain a greater appreciation for those working tirelessly to make Akron better. We were not ready to give up on planning a service experience for the students who signed up for JAM 2020." Their adaptations to the JAM experience allowed 110 freshmen, sophomores and juniors to participate in the "at-home JAM" program. Over the course of three weeks, students served their families, neighbors and communities. They also participated in a
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virtual meeting for reflection and group activities. Service projects included work around the house such as mulching, picking up trash in the community, planning a 50th wedding anniversary party, writing letters to senior citizens, making masks and donating food to local organizations. In addition, 45 of the JAM senior leaders participated in more traditional service at various sites in the Akron area from July 25 to 27. A small number of service organizations accepted a limited number of volunteers. "With COVID-19 safety protocols in place, students worked incredibly hard mulching, planting, painting, cooking meals, organizing and cleaning, just to name a few tasks," Sees said. "They worked with positive attitudes and were excellent representatives of our Holy Cross core values." Thank you to Hoban's partner organizations – Camp Christopher, Emmanuel Christian Academy, Family & Community Services Center of Hope, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, Hartville Migrant Ministry, Haven of Rest, Legacies of Success, OPEN M, South Street Ministries, St. Mary School in Akron and St. Anthony of Padua School – for providing safe volunteer opportunities for our students while also helping them learn about the work that each organization does.
NINE STUDENTS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nine Hoban seniors have been recognized in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition – more than any other high school in Summit County. In early September, seniors Thomas Crowe, Isabelle Hahn and Alaina Lah were announced as National Merit Semifinalists. Students who take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and score in the top one percent achieve the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist. Approximately 1.6 million students take the PSAT. As such, Crowe, Hahn and Lah are among the top one percent of students nationwide to receive this recognition. All three are eligible to be named Finalists in the spring and may win scholarship money for college, a designation only 0.9% of students receive. Six additional seniors were designated as National Merit Commended Students based on their scores on the PSAT they took as juniors. Joshua Fenn, Samuel Fess, Jacob Juvan, Owen Kovalik, Jonathan Popa and Grace Wyszynski were recognized for their exceptional academic promise. "Hoban is proud to have a rich tradition of naming many students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program," Dr. Emily Ramos, principal, said. "In the last five years, 62 students have been recognized." Being recognized, at any level, in the National Merit Scholarship Program is a high achievement for the student, their family and their teachers. Recognition is a testament to their hard work. They represent the top performing students in the nation. HOBAN.ORG/NATIONAL-RECOGNITION
2020-21 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION INSTALLED After training from the Diocese of Cleveland, 19 seniors were installed as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at a Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Catholic high school students can apply in the spring of their junior year to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during their senior year. Students are chosen by the campus ministry office based on faculty and parish priest recommendations. Upon installation at their home parishes, they may minister there as well.
Students commissioned at Hoban by the Rev. Michael Ausperk were Sara Cassady, Stephanie Conley, Alexandra Dillon, Ava Dobbins, Clare Esposito, Abigail Hardesty, Alaina Lah, Luke Minick, Simon Monsour, Luke Monteleone, Mariana Rocco, Maggie Rumler, MaryClaire Smith, Alex Stankard, Sophie Stephens, Sophia Tylicki, Natalie Vrobel, Maeve Wilson and Nina Zaynor.
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GOLF – AN ALL-SEASON SPORT WITH NOLAN LEARNING CENTER With a generous contribution from an alumnus benefactor, Hoban has completed construction of the Terry Nolan ’65 Golf Learning Center. For more than 40 years, Nolan's generous spirit has impacted Hoban. His latest gift to the school will primarily benefit the Hoban boys and girls golf teams, and is one of his many gifts. "I learned how to give from the older guys," Nolan said. "Alumni like Phil Maynard ’60, Dave Showers ’64 and Bill Scala ’71 taught me to give. They, along with the Brothers of Holy Cross – the men who helped raise me – are examples of personal self-sacrifice who set the standard for how to make a difference." Nolan approached former Vice President of Advancement and Planning Michael Del Medico ’73 with an idea to donate a golf simulator to the school, but it became apparent there was not adequate space in the existing buildings. Plans to construct a new facility dedicated to housing a golf practice complex started to become a reality. The result is a beautiful addition to Hoban's campus. "When we started talking it seemed like a small project, then things got a little out of hand," Nolan said. "We have done it right, but this building would not exist without the leadership and efforts of Mike Del Medico. It is a premier space for both girls and boys golf teams to learn, develop and advance in the game of golf, which in my opinion is also a huge character builder. In every other sport you have a referee or umpire deciding your result. In golf it's all on you." The 2,400 square-foot building houses two Trackman golf simulators and a putting and chipping area, and stands as a perfect complement to the Didado Family Health and Fitness Center. The new facility offers several benefits to the golf teams: they can practice year-round, 20 \
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Trackman provides detailed performance analysis, access to tour players' videos as instructional tools and also allows for the students to play many outstanding virtual courses. "I personally do not know of another high school in the state of Ohio that owns a facility like the one Mr. Nolan has provided," Athletic Director Tim Tyrrell said. "We are thrilled to offer this state-of-theart center to our students-athletes. The boys and girls golf programs are so grateful for the opportunity." Although he was not a member of the Hoban golf team as a student, Nolan has been a player and student of the game since he was 10 years old. "I had to work after school," Nolan said. "I paid my way through Hoban and at the University of Akron." Nolan served as Hoban's treasurer on the board of directors for 10 years under Brothers Paul Kelly and Ken Haders's presidencies. His love for his alma mater is evident through his gifts around campus, including the iconic golden dome – symbolic of Hoban's bond with the University of Notre Dame through a shared Holy Cross mission. "I know I came out of Hoban with a great education," Nolan said. "My first year in college was easier than my senior year at Hoban. Teachers like Brother John Benesch, my math teacher, taught me skills that were especially helpful in my business career. I have to imagine that many others must have had the same experience as I did because of the hundreds, if not thousands, of alumni who give back so generously to this school." A dedication and blessing of the Terry Nolan ’65 Golf Learning Center will be planned in the spring.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT CHAIR SPEARHEADS STATUE OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO GENERAL WOOSTER A seven-foot bronze statue of Revolutionary War General David Wooster will be installed in front of the Wayne County Public Library in downtown Wooster, Oh., on Dec. 23, thanks to the efforts of Hoban’s Jason Anderson, chair of the social studies department. Anderson, who lives in the city named after the general, enlisted the talents of sculptor Alan Cottrill and raised $71,000 for the project. “Wooster was a lifelong soldier and was 65 years old when the Revolutionary War began, making him the oldest general officer in the war," Anderson said in an interview with the Wooster Daily Record. "Despite his age, Wooster was a true patriot and felt it was his duty to continue fighting for liberty and equality." Anderson became interested in Wooster during Wooster's Bicentennial. He made General Wooster the focus of his research for his second master’s degree in American history and government at Ashland University. Prior to Anderson's research, very little was known about the life of Gen. Wooster. Based on primary source letters, Anderson wrote “Undivided Loyalty and Unwavering Leadership,” a biography on Gen. Wooster. Since its original publication, the document has nearly doubled in size. The
final version has been copyrighted with the Library of Congress. Gen. Wooster was involved in many different aspects of colonial life. He was not a slave owner and actually helped Phillis Wheatley publish her first book of poetry in 1773. Wheatley was an enslaved African who had gained her freedom in 1773 and became a famous American poet. She wrote a eulogy poem in Wooster's honor after his death in 1778. "Through years of research, Wooster's story is finally pieced together, told from his letters, saved by those with whom he corresponded," Anderson said. "Over 400 letters, maps and documents help to retell the story of a great American hero. Each letter and document only adds to the richness of this man's American experience."
READ JASON ANDERSON'S "UNDIVIDED LOYALTY & UNWAVERING LEADERSHIP" AT bit.ly/generalwooster
JOHNSON NAMED 2020 YOUTH OF THE YEAR Senior Abrianna Johnson was named the 2020 Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and received a $1,000 college scholarship. She is planning a career in nuclear physics and hopes to attend Ohio State University. A nine-year club member, Johnson was first named the Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Reserve before advancing to being named for Northeast Ohio, which includes clubs in Akron, Cleveland, Lorain County and Sandusky. Johnson won the title of 2019 Youth of the Year for the Western Reserve Club also. Recognition at any level is a great honor and accomplishment. "I have entered the competition three years now and have improved every time," Johnson said. "My first year I didn't win, the second year I won at the local level and this year I won in Northeast Ohio. Next year is my last chance and I'm going to win state."
The Youth of the Year competition is one of the club’s signature programs and is open to all members ages 14–18 who meet academic standards and are involved in community and club activities. Johnson is a member of the Hoban girls golf and track and field teams. She is a member of Model U.N. and student council and is a student ambassador. "I was shy when I first came to Boys and Girls Club," Johnson said. "I started to get to know the counselors and they encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. Boys and Girls Club has helped me so much to build my character." In addition to her planning a career in nuclear physics, Johnson is also considering minoring in computer coding. She chose to take Hoban's computer science course taught by Zach Tocchi last year to learn more about information security. "Abrianna is wonderful and a pleasure to have in class," Tocchi said. "She always has a huge smile on her face and brightens up the classroom every day. She is incredibly kind and sweet and has an impeccable work ethic, always striving to put forward her best effort." HOBAN MAGAZINE / 21
HOLY CROSS EDUCATORS
JOHN ’67 AND PHIL ’99 WHITE Maintenance Team
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John White ’67 and his son Phil White ’99 are two beloved members of Hoban's maintenance team and two alumni with family connections to Hoban's founding. John, the son of a U.S. Postal Service employee, decided to attend Hoban in the summer of his freshman year. Most people in his family, including his mother, five aunts, an uncle and many cousins attended St. Vincent High School. John decided to break tradition and paid his own tuition to become a Hoban Knight. "I had a paper route and was a bag boy at A&P grocery store," John said. While John's father was married to a St. V alumna, he was instrumental in helping Monsignor Dowed find the property on which Hoban was built. As a mail carrier, his knowledge of East Akron properties was second to none. He was active in the Catholic community as president of the Holy Name Society and an active member of the parish then called Annunciation (now Visitation of Mary). When Dowed was searching for property for a Holy Cross school, John's father took him to see the property. Several decades later, Phil and his sister Sarah (White ’05) Shephard both became Hoban students. While Phil did not have to pay his own tuition, he did help by working on Hoban's work-study program as a member of the custodial team. Working alongside Director of School Facilities Michael Considine ’77 and former employee
WHY IS HOBAN SPECIAL? John – "The family atmosphere and all the renovations. This place looks so much different than when I was a student." Phil – "Hoban feels like a family and has taught me a lot about life. It is a pleasure to work with the people I work with, and I feel blessed that Mike Considine and Brother Ken gave me the chance to work here. I have made many friends, met my girlfriend and get to work with my dad." WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WORKING AT HOBAN? John – "My favorite space at Hoban is our Holy Cross Chapel. I love cleaning and maintaining the chapel. It's a good time to reflect on life and what's important in life." WHICH HOLY CROSS VALUES RESONATE MOST FOR YOU? Phil – "Excellence and integrity – I think you need to do the best and be the best you can at what you are doing."
Chuck Lattimer, Phil credits his experience in the work-study program for his work ethic and skill development. "I basically never left Hoban after graduation," Phil said. "I enjoyed working with Mike and the others on staff and decided to become a full-time employee." John did not join Hoban's maintenance team until after he retired in 2012. An Army veteran, John was self-employed for most of his career. After health complications, he decided to sell his business and take a less stressful position, working part-time at Hoban under his son's supervision. "Phil gets to tell me what to do now," John said. "Outside of Hoban, our relationship is a bit different." Currently, four Hoban alumni – John, Phil, Considine and Erik Calet ’12 – work on the maintenance team. They and the other members of the Hoban maintenance team work tirelessly to keep Hoban's building and property in pristine condition. Many are unaware that there are only three days in the year that this team is not working: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. "Hoban is a busy place with all the events and athletic activities," Considine said. "It takes a large team of dedicated, helpful and supportive people to keep things moving smoothly. Phil are John are hard-working, conscientious team members, and if I could clone them, I would."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER CURRENT AND FUTURE EDUCATORS ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE HOBAN FAMILY? John – "Whatever you do in your life, give 100 percent effort and always be respectful of others." ABOUT JOHN AND PHIL John and his wife Carolyn enjoy their three grandkids, ages 5, 3 and 2, and are often taking care of them. While home, he enjoys gardening and yard work. Phil enjoys bowling, disc golf, biking, hiking and being outside (when it's nice).
"Phil and John are hard working, conscientious team members, and if I could clone them, I would." – Mike Considine ’77, Director of School Facilities
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HOBAN HIGHLIGHT REEL
BOYS GOLF 2020 DIVISION I STATE CHAMPS Hoban’s boys golf team captured the OHSAA Div. I state championship on Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course Oct. 22-23. The Knights shot a 38-over-par 606, breaking the existing Div. I team record by one stroke. The team also set a new school record for the lowest overall team score of 272 earlier in the season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Quinn Parker and Assistant Coach Bob Wilson, the team is composed of senior Josh Wright, junior Solomon Petrie, sophomores Anthony Gore, Nolan Haynes and Jake Ryan and freshman Jack Vojtko. "We had a great season," Parker said. "They put in a lot of hard work. We had a goal to win state this year. I'm so happy for the kids to have achieved the goal we set at the beginning of the season." The team was named Div. I State Runner-Up last year. During this year's state appearance, the Knights improved their two-day tournament score by 13 strokes. Wright, Petrie, Haynes and Ryan were members of last year's state runner-up team. They all returned to State a year older, wiser, calmer and more confident. "Making it to state last year and winning second place was obviously a fun experience," Wright said. "We thought we were good and had a good chance to win. This year, we went into state knowing that we were the team to beat. We knew that if we played well we would win, and that was a great feeling. We were definitely more prepared for the pressure this year and that allowed us to take the lead early and keep going for the entire round." Prior to leaving for Columbus on Thursday, Oct. 21, Parker told the team they were going to go down and have fun, but this was going to be a business trip to win a state championship. 24 \
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"It was a cool experience, especially being my first year," Vojtko said. "The team is really close, even before high school from playing in junior golf leagues." This year, St. Ignatius held the Day 1 lead with a score of 302. The Knights' Saturday score of 307 left the Wildcats three shots behind. Hoban was led by Vojtko’s 72 on Saturday. Vojtko tied for third in the individual tournament with a two-day score of 147. Petrie was fifth with a two-day score of 150. Both earned All-Ohio first-team honors. "Josh had a big day for us," Parker said. "He had a great season, finishing second overall in the district tournament. His last hole, which he birdied, clinched the title for us. As a senior, it was a very special moment for him. The competition was steep. Every shot was important." Wright, who is committed to play golf at Wittenberg University next year, was a paramount player in the team's success, including breaking a Hoban school record. The school's team record of 272 was shot at Portage Country Club. According to Parker, who sits on the Ohio Coach's Association, this also beat the unofficial team record for the state of Ohio. "OHSAA doesn't record individual schools' scores in the regular season, but the coach who held the unofficial state record told me we beat it. Even though it doesn't get published, it's still pretty remarkable. The team has played consistently all year. Whenever one person was having a down day, another player stepped up." With the newly constructed Terry Nolan ’65 Golf Learning Center, the team will be able to train year-round. The future of both boys and girls golf is looking promising.
READ MORE FROM SENIOR LUKE MONTELEONE hobanvisor.news/my-top-5-hoban-football-games/
FIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SIX YEARS In a 35-6 win over Massillon Washington, the Knights secured the fifth football state title in six years. Head Coach and Athletic Director Tim Tyrrell and 22 seniors helped lead the team in an 11-0 season, ending the seniors’ near-perfect high school career with three state title rings. “This team is not like any other I have coached at Hoban,” Tyrrell said. “They have reset the standard of what is expected of Hoban football. And they set the standard higher during a difficult year. Collectively, they are a very focused, humble and driven group – tunnel vision is the only term I know to describe them.” The team’s tunnel vision served them well throughout a season of unprecedented distractions. With only five regular-season games and only one of those played at the Knights’ Dowed Field, the team often didn’t know who they were playing from week to week. The team handled each challenge in its own way. “It took the coaches, myself included, a while to understand this team,” Tyrrell said. “Most football games are about excitement and hype; you can feel the team’s energy. This team prepared differently. At the beginning of the season, I would yell and scream and tell them to get pumped up. They didn’t need it. They were focused. And when the game started, that’s when they exploded.” That explosion was often ignited by one of seven senior captains, Luke Bauer, Kharion Davis, Damon Ollison II, Luke Petit, Daryl Peterson, Shane Hamm and Alvin Stallworth. As captains, they set the tone for the younger student-athletes. Beginning in March, when they were forced to weather the off-season alone with at-home workouts created by Director of Strength and Conditioning Mike Winkler, they shared the responsibility to keep everyone accountable. “Coach Winkler and his staff contribute a lot to the team’s togetherness and focus,” Hamm said. “Being separated in the
spring, not lifting as a team, fewer fans in the bleachers – it all added up to a different, more focused approach. Our mentality was that we don’t need to talk or be hype – our actions speak for us.” In the 11th hour, the location of the OHSAA state football championship games was changed to Paul Brown Stadium, Massillon’s home field. Playing Massillon at Massillon for the state title is enough to rattle any cage. Yet, the team prepared in absolute silence. Walked onto the field amid thousands of fans in silence. Stood united for the national anthem in silence. Only at the first snap of the game were the Knights heard and more importantly – they were felt. “It’s really special to finish high school with this win,” senior Luke Bauer said. “It’s everyone’s goal to play for a state title, and I’m so happy to be a part of this culture and legacy.” During an unfamiliar time, a familiar face returned to Hoban football. Ralph Orsini, social studies teacher and former Hoban head football coach, returned to coach the Knights’ tight ends and offensive line. Orsini coached at Hoban for 19 seasons from 1994 to 2012. Many alumni are proof of Orsini’s signature discipline, pride and tradition he instills in his student-athletes. “Most of us have had Coach Orsini in class,” Hamm said. “He is relatable. We can talk to him about school or football or anything else. It’s cool to know that younger classes will sit in his class and see our state title banner hanging with all his other football plaques.” Orsini symbolizes a merger between Hoban past and present. Now that the season is done, everyone is sure to be wondering about the Knights' future. "I am often asked how will we be able to replace all these graduating seniors," Tyrrell said. "The truth of it is, the same way we replaced all the great student-athletes before them. They reached their goal and they are each bound for their next journey. I am proud of what they accomplished, not only for themselves but in teaching and modeling excellence for the younger students." HOBAN MAGAZINE
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GIRLS SOCCER 2020 DIVISION I DISTRICT CHAMPIONS Girls soccer won the OHSAA Div. I district championship, and was one point from competing in the state championship game. A 2-3 loss to Strongsville, who later won the state title, knocked the Knights out of the title running. Coach Patrick Dobbins led the Knights in an incredible 17-2 season, and attributes much of the team's success to the leadership of the seven seniors. "This is an amazing group of seniors," Dobbins said. "It was a challenging season but they set the right tone. It was refreshing. They were never about individual stats. They set goals as a team and went further than any other Hoban girls soccer team in this division." Senior captains Gabby Woodburn and Miriam Szijarto helped set the tone for the team along with classmates Annabelle Brink, Mia Scott, Alexis Zupsansky, Clara Krohn and Rennick Mellon. "Starting off, we weren't expecting to have much of a season because of the pandemic," Woodburn said. "Our goal was to win district, and when we accomplished that we set our goal to make it to state. Every practice was a new day to get better. All of the seniors helped hold the team accountable and were leaders on the team." Leading up to the Knights first regional final appearance since the school's 2015 championship, the team racked up three shutouts in their last five games to get to the round of eight. They are one of only two teams to score twice on Strongsville this season and likely gave the Mustangs their best game of the season.
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"We are the smallest school in the division," Dobbins said. "I am very pleased with how we played. Strongsville was the better team, but we didn't leave any meat on the bone. They gave it everything." The team was almost an equal split between upper and underclassmen. Ten freshman and sophomore student-athletes played on the varsity team this year, leaving everyone curious about next year. Time will tell if the young team can build on the experience of this season and their seniors' success. "There are a lot of talented younger players," Woodburn said. "I know they will do well next year. Players like Lauren Tonsing, who as a sophomore, is one of the best leaders on the team. They are all determined and hard working."
FRESHMAN TWOSPORT FALL STUDENT-ATHLETE In her first semester as a Knight, freshman Lauren Mahoney qualified for the Division II state cross country meet and helped Hoban win the Div. I girls soccer district championship, scoring 28 goals during the season. At the state cross country tournament, Mahoney finished 94th out of 177 runners. Later that same day, she started for the girls soccer team and played the entire game vs. Strongsville, which ended the girls' season in a 3-2 defeat. Strongsville went on to win the Div. I state title.
DANCE TEAM WINS 2020 OASSA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Hoban’s dance team won its first Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators state title in the Jazz Small Group Division on Feb. 29. The team took first out of 13 teams to compete in the division. The team is coached by Erin Smith and assistant coaches Destiney Vaughn and Brook Smith. The team includes: Sophie Stephens, Sarah Leyden, Lilly Molder, Claire Botos, Peyton Kolasky, Hannah Justice, Emma Advent, Kiley Holland and Julia Martin.
ATHLETIC STAFF ACCOLADES MICHAEL WINKLER Director of Strength and Conditioning Mike Winkler has been elected regional director of the National High School Strength Coaches Association. He represents Region 7, which includes Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Hoban's weight room was named fourth in the country by MaxPreps. CONNIE GARDNER Connie Gardner, head cross country coach, received the Phil Dietrich Senior Athlete Award at the induction ceremony for the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 1, 2019. The hall also inducted eight new members. Gardner is an 11-time USA Track and Field National Champion. TIM TYRRELL Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Tim Tyrrell achieved his 150th win on Friday, Oct. 30, against Benedictine. The team presented Tyrrell with an award following the game. Tyrrell's overall record is 15366. Hoban was named the 2020 MaxPreps Champion for the state of Ohio.
GIRLS AND BOYS TENNIS PROGRAMS ON THE RISE Master of Tennis certified professional Gary Innes was named the girls and boys tennis coach. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Innes competed as a top junior before coming to the United States to play for Walsh University. In his first year, Innes led the Hoban girls team in an 11-4 season with plans to build and grow the program. "Of all the fall sports, girls tennis had the most successful year in terms of growth and improvement," Athletic Director Tim Tyrrell said. "Coach Innes is a talented and accomplished athlete and coach, and we're excited to have him at Hoban." Innes's coached on the East Coast for eight years at private clubs and academies, where he helped juniors learn to love the game and achieve high levels of tennis success. He now directs the tennis program at Portage Country Club.
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AT H L E T I C PH OTOS CAPTURED BY SCOTT DUDEK
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73%
OF ALL STUDENT ATHLETES WERE ON THE HONOR ROLL IN 2019-20
75%
OF STUDENTS PLAYED A SPORT DURING 2019-20
THE RIVALRY GAME LIVES ON HOBAN VS. STVM PLAY AT CANAL PARK
After months of canceled game after canceled game, the Akron RubberDucks hosted the 2020 rivalry game between Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary on July 11 at Canal Park. For many, it was the most normal social event attended since the spring. The two rival schools did not disappoint – it was a back-and-forth battle the entire night. "The environment and fans who came out to support our seniors were incredible," Andrew Bonnette, head baseball coach, said. "It was a night we will never forget!" In a sold-out ballpark, 1,000 fans from both schools gathered to cheer on the student-athletes in a safe, socially-distanced arena. Hoban and STVM played nine innings as opposed to the traditional seven, and it ended in a tied ball game, 6-6. "The game meant the world to our seniors," Bonnette said. "It was a perfect way to send them off, considering they lost their season. Those seniors worked hard for Hoban for four years, and I am so happy that they were able to play one last game." Prior to the seniors' last high school game, they and their parents were announced – a privilege that was earned and owed to all five of the Hoban seniors and the STVM seniors. Class of 2020 baseball
student-athletes were Alec Haas, Sam Lefebvre, Joey Osmun, D.J. Henry and Dominic DiMascio. “Playing one final game for the blue and gold with my teammates and coaches in front of hundreds from the City of Akron is something I will cherish forever," D.J. Henry said. "I know we didn’t get to have the season we wanted, but going against our rivals with my fellow former seniors was honestly one of the best experiences I had during my time at Hoban.” The RubberDucks staff should also be commended for their efforts in making the game a safe, fun night for all. Their professionalism made it possible for parents to enjoy one game for the season. "Being able to watch (D.J.) enjoy playing this last game as a senior with some of his best friends, was truly special," Hoban parent Kim Henry said. "We didn't think we would get to see him play baseball ever again once the season was canceled, so that night was very memorable for all of us, especially with it being at Canal Park as well. They have been such good friends for the past four years and you could feel the excitement of being on the field together from each of them." HOBAN MAGAZINE
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ALUMNI KNIGHT LIFE Update your information and submit content to be published in the Hoban Magazine.
Visit hoban.org/AlumniUpdate to notify us of your recent changes and accomplishments (i.e., career and professional achievements, weddings, births, awards, etc.) to be included in the magazine. You can also email the editor of Hoban Magazine at whitem@hoban.org. Accompanying photographs can be submitted for publication in the magazine and will be used at the discretion of the magazine staff.
Matt Considine ’03 and Rebecca Mayors ’06 were married on Sept. 7 at St. Vincent Parish in Akron, Ohio.
Mario Mascio ’04 and Kate Santisteban were married on Friday, Jan. 24 at our Lady of Fatima Church in Lima, Peru. Rev. Mike Ausperk presided with family and friends attending from Ohio.
Becky Dawidziak ’15 and her father Mark Dawidziak published a book, featuring Becky's photography. As a senior majoring in photography at Kent State University, her photographs documented their stops along the Shawshank Trail. Anna Mascia ‘15 was a fellow in the Venture for America, Class of 2019. Venture of America is a fellowship program for recent college graduates who want to become startup leaders and entrepreneurs.
1950s Members of the Class of 1959 celebrated their 60th reunion in September 2019.
Erin (Horning ’07) and Chris Norris welcomed Harrison Joseph on Oct. 7. Erin and Chris recently relocated to Charlottsville, Va.
1960s William ’65 and Rebecca Considine were honored by Salvation Army Akron & Summit County in recognition of their ongoing, significant philanthropic work in the Akron area. The Considine's were recognized at a hybrid fundraiser, The Salvation Army’s 16th annual Community Medal Award and Red Kettle Kickoff drive-through event on Nov. 5.
Niece’ Russo '09 and Jonathan Burkley '08 were married on Dec. 12, 2019. Several Hoban graduates were in the bridal party, including Megan (Capitena '09) Schank, Andrew Antonucci '09 and Ray Herhold '91.
2010s 1980s Rev. David Misbrener ’84 celebrated 25 years as a priest. He currently is pastor of St. Jude Catholic Church in Columbiana, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church in East Palestine, Ohio. Myron Primes ’88 has guest stared in several TV shows such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Shameless.
2000s Sisters Katy (Alberti ’01) Osborn, and Jenny (Alberti ’04) Boehme and Andrea Alberti ’07 completed a feature-length documentary called Head to Head. It was streamed as part of the Heartland International Film Festival through Oct. 18, and at the Chi-Town Multicultural Festival beginning Nov. 1. Watch the trailer at headtoheadfilm.com.
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Ryan Spear '10 and Juliana Libertin '10 were married at St. Bernard Church on Nov. 14. Rev. Michael Ausperk presided at the wedding Mass. Kalie (Outwater ’11) and Tyler Gerwig ’11 were married July 6, 2019 with a number of alumni present. Max Duffy ’14 and Emma Burkholder ’14 were engaged on July 24. Max made arrangements with Hoban employees to propose in the Hoban chemistry class where the couple met.
Rachel Croyle ‘17 is a third-year cadet in ROTC and in her junior year at the University of Dayton where she majors in pre-medicine. She was honored as a Distinguished Graduate for being in the top 10 percent of the encampment of 500 members at the 2019 Air Force Field Training.
ASSOCIATES OF ST. JOSEPH If you have been to a Hoban ballgame, chances are you have seen and witnessed the dedication of the Associates of St. Joseph. The Associates began as a group for the parents of Holy Cross Brothers. It expanded to include parents of students. Today, most of its members are parents of graduates who choose to stay connected to Hoban. "It's a wonderful school," Sally Prease said. "I have nothing but praise for Hoban." The Associates have funded the construction of the school's academic trophy cases in the school's main hall, new band uniforms, portable bleachers in the athletic complex, trophy cases in the Nolan Concourse, the Hoban 2000 building campaign, Holy Cross missions in Ghana and the statue of St. Joseph on the promenade. Hoban is blessed to be able to count on the Associates of St. Joseph. If you are interested in learning more about their ministry and how to become involved, contact Brother James Spooner at 330.773.6658 or email spoonerj@hoban.org.
CREATE STUDIOS SCHEDULED TO OPEN SPRING 2021 Plans to renovate Hoban's fourth floor into CREATE Studios are moving forward and scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2021. The 7,400 square-foot creative learning environment is designed for collaboration between students, Holy Cross educators and the greater Summit County arts communities. The new facility will improve the way art educators guide students in the rigorous pursuit of artistic practice, skill development, conceptual engagement and creative problem solving. Construction on the space was originally scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2020. New windows were installed, but the rest of the project came to a halt due to unforeseen financial restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. A focused and ambitious construction schedule, which started the week of Nov. 30, will allow the space to be finished in May of 2021. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk is working to complete fundraising efforts. "Our goal is to create space for Hoban students to have authentic experiences as 21st century artists," Hawk said. "Construction will redesign and update the functional surroundings to enhance teacher practice, student learning and the unification of programs. The purposefully-designed instructional space, paired with highly-skilled Holy Cross educators, will place Hoban students at the forefront as creators, innovators and entrepreneurs." Elements such as sliding partition walls and art tables with wheels will make the space functional and flexible to transition as needed. The renovation will also allow all visual art courses and faculty to be located in one area of the building. Chair of the Fine Arts Department Micah Kraus remembers when the art department was moved to the fourth-floor in 2001, his first year teaching at Hoban. Moving to a larger space nearly 20 years ago allowed the department to expand and thrive. "After we expanded our physical space, we could think of new ideas and we could do them," Kraus said. "By simply providing the raw space, the department was able to expand. It's time to till the soil again." With 18 visual art courses offered, the department has again outgrown the fourth-floor space. Year after year, Hoban students produce outstanding works of art that are recognized locally and nationally. Their success has been in spite of the workspace. With about 70 percent of Hoban students taking at least one visual or design art course before graduating, CREATE Studios will benefit and make an impact on many students.
Art education has proven not only to impact those with artistic abilities, but all students. Crosscurricular in nature, students transfer skills learned to all other OF STUDENTS TAKE AT LEAST ONE subjects. VISUAL OR DIGITAL ART COURSE BEFORE GRADUATING “For students who enter art without a real background or interest, visual and performing art courses can be a hopeful experience for them to realize they can develop new skills and abilities.” Kraus said.
70%
Art students learn math proficiency when measuring and working with proportion and scale. They grow in language arts through written reports. They explore scientific and critical-thinking skills when creating concepts. They study history through the lens of artists' work. CREATE Studios will include work zones/ studios as well as instructional space to apply and demonstrate learned concepts. A fully-equipped Apple iMac lab will adjoin a multi-media room contiguous to classrooms, informal gathering space, shelves and surfaces for student artwork, display walls and storage areas, as well as gallery space. A kiln room and ceramics equipment storage space will complement the integration of traditional art and digital art. When completed, the CREATE Studios visual arts center will provide ample space for students to learn, work, collaborate and discover in a welcoming, inspiring, tech-infused environment. With plans to fund a visual arts endowed chair, Hoban will ensure the success and lasting impact of CREATE Studios. For the art department and invested benefactors, CREATE Studios is a realized dream. For the entire Hoban community, it illustrates forward movement, perseverance and the Hoban hallmark and Holy Cross value of excellence. To support this innovative space, please consider a gift to the CREATE Studios. For lasting support, consider remembering Hoban in your Will or estate plans. HOBAN.ORG/CREATE-STUDIO HOBAN MAGAZINE
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IN MEMORIAM ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE. AMEN. The following notices have been received Jan. 1, 2019, to Nov. 30, 2020. Please email advancement@hoban.org to notify us of a death within the Hoban community. 1950s Francis Dujanovic, Class of 1957 died June 4. Father of Frank ’80, James ’85, Mark ’86 and Maryann (Dujanovic ’82) Petrilla; Grandfather of Matthew Dujanovic ’16 and Olivia Dujanovic ’14 John Hockwalt, Class of 1957, died Nov. 27. Brother of Philip ’58 (deceased) and Alfred ’60 Hockwalt; Father of James ’87 and Robert ’90 Hockwalt. Leonard Breiding, Class of 1958 died July 20, 2019. Father of Eric ’84, Christian ’87, Damien ’88, Patrick ’08, Audrey ’82, and Johanna ’11; Father-in-law of Michelle (Garro ’84) Breiding; Grandfather of Andrew Renner ’16 and Daniel Renner ’12. Richard (Denny) Kearns, Class of 1958 died July 26, 2019. Brother of Thomas Kearns ’64. Harry Perella, Class of 1958 died June 1, 2019. Father of Althea (Perella ’93) Menough. Glenn Slick, Class of 1958 died Aug. 6, 2019. Brother of Jack Slick ’66. Ronald Tonkovich, Class of 1958 died Oct. 3. Father of Kelly (Tonkovich ’91) Brown. Andrew Doherty, Class of 1959 died April 13. John Gleason, Class of 1959 died Nov. 16, 2019. Donald Phillips, Class of 1959 died April 1. Brother-in-law of Jim Meech ’66; Grandfather of Jared ’19, Ian ’20 and Alexis ’22 Phillips. Michael Prexta, Class of 1959 died Sept. 29. Dennis Siwik, Class of 1959 died Aug. 11, 2019.
1960s Elmer Azar, Class of 1960 died Oct. 1, 2019.
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Dennis Babb, Class of 1960 died Dec. 17, 2019. Brother of Bernie ’61 and Tom ’63 Babb. Michael Hoynes Jr., Class of 1960 died Feb. 28. Brother of Dan Hoynes ’61 Louis Poda, Class of 1960 died Aug. 11. Harold Steinmetz, Class of 1960 died Oct. 27, 2019. Brother of Ed Steinmetz ’63; Father of Joseph Steinmetz ’90. Michael Weigand, Class of 1960 died Sept. 23. Brother of Fredrick Weigand ’57. Robert Paul Abel II, Class of 1961 died June 25. Robert Coffman, Class of 1961 died April 15. Father of Anne (Coffman ’82) Wright, Robert Coffman ’84 and Yvette (Coffman ’85) Naccari; Father-in-Law of Peter Wright ’83; Brother-in-law of William Richards ’68; Grandfather of Ayaka Coffman ’20, Aidan Herbert ’22. Rory O'Neil, Class of 1961 died Oct. 1. Brother of Hugh O'Neil ’63 (deceased) Frank Yurchiak, Class of 1961 died June 6. Daniel Conroy, Class of 1962 died Aug. 27, 2019. Brother of David ’61 and Bernard ’64 Conroy ’61. Thomas Hanley, Class of 1962 died July 14. Brother of Gary ’68 and Robert ’76 Hanley (Deceased). John Killian, Class of 1962 died June 29, 2019. Brother of Michael ’57 and Bruce Killian ’69; Father of Joseph Killian ’84 and Jennifer (Killian ’87) Moore. William Thomson, Class of 1962 died Oct. 12, 2019. Father of Nathaniel ’97 and Jacob ’02 Thomson. Emil Gallay, Class of 1963 died July 22, 2019. Lawrence Herman, Class of 1963 died Nov. 22, 2019. Ronald Orndorff, Class of 1963 died Oct. 30. Robert Hay, Class of 1964 died on Nov. 28, 2019. Brother-in-law of Gary Hanley ’68.
John Macak, Class of 1964 died Nov. 25, 2019. Brother of James Macak ’71. Lawrence McVan, Class of 1964 died Nov. 6, 2019. Brother of Charles McVan ’67. John Mueller, Class of 1964 died Aug. 15, 2019. Father of Pam ’87, Craig ’88 and Bryan ’89 Mueller. Albert Prough, Class of 1964 died July 20, 2019. Brother of John Prough ’68; Father of Christine (Prough ’87) Sovel and Denise (Prough ’89) Knight; Grandfather of Andrew Knight ’17. Frank Dorso, Class of 1965 died March 11. Thomas Spillane, Class of 1965 died June 16, 2019. Brother of Anthony Spillane ’67 (deceased). John Kelly, Class of 1966 died April 20. Brother of Thomas ’69 and James Kelly ’72. James Taylor, Class of 1966 died Feb. 7. Brother of Jeff Taylor ’66. James Geraci, Class of 1967 died Feb. 17. Brother of Tom ’62 and Dave ’72 Geraci. Timothy Hack, Class of 1967 died June 12. David Kelly, Class of 1967 died Aug. 24, 2019. Brother-in-law of David Boone ’67. Michael Cooley, Class of 1968 died Feb. 8. Carl Fiocca, Class of 1968 died Nov. 10, 2019. Gabriel Ritzert, Class of 1968 died Nov. 10, 2019. Brother of James ’65 and Joseph ’67 Ritzert. Richard Tipton, Class of 1969 died June 30.
1970s William Friedrichsen, Class of 1971 died April 17. Brother of Robert Friedrichsen ’66.
Vince Santoferraro, Class of 1971 died Sept. 27, 2019. Brother-in-law of David Berardi ’67 (deceased); Father of Jennifer (Santoferraro ’96) Trares and Amy Santoferraro ’98. Dennis Ashley, Class of 1972 died Nov. 4. Brother of Ronald Ashley ’68 Augustus Hall, Class of 1972 died Aug. 18, 2019. Father of Tony Hall ’97. Wayne Jones, Class of 1972 died Nov. 23, 2019. Brother of Harold ’70 and Kenneth Jones ’84. Mark Ostroski, Class of 1973 died June 1, 2019. Brother of Dennis Ostroski ’69 and John Ostroski ’71; Brother-in-law of Anthony Nasrallah ’67. Jim Riccardi, Class of 1973 died Nov. 25, 2019. Brother of Tom ’71 and Rick ’76 Riccardi; Brother-in-law of Michaeleen (Frederick ’76) Riccardi. Edward Davis, Class of 1974 died Sept. 21, 2019. Sharon MacBride, Class of 1974 died July 31. Sister of John "Patrick" ’65 (Deceased), Robert ’65, Donald ’70, Charles ’74 and Gloria ’80 (Deceased) MacBride. James Sovacool, Class of 1974 died July 25. Brother of Michael ’72, Peter ’75 (Deceased), Sara ’77, Jamie ’79 (Deceased), Joseph ’80, Edward ’82 (Deceased), Thomas ’83 and David Sovacool ’88. Joseph Armocida, Class of 1975 died Sept. 2, 2019. Brother of Michael Armocida ’78; Father of Claudia (Armocida ’02) Finley, Virginia (Armocida ’05) Johnson and Rudolph Armocida ’07. James Dickinson, Class of 1975 died Feb. 10. Brother of Lisa ( Dickinson ’79) Fisher. James Markel, Class of 1975 died Dec. 8, 2019. Brother of Bernard Markel ’71. Aleda Borden, Class of 1977 died Oct. 9, 2019. Sister of Richard ’78 (deceased), Jennifer ’80, Mary ’83 and Tim ’85 Borden.
Robert Mandala, Class of 1977 died Feb. 3. Father of Angela (Mandala ’07) Krieger, Olivia ’10 and Ava ’22 Mandala.
Richard Allen died Feb. 11. Grandfather of Ashley ’03, Jake ’10 and Haley ’12 Dawes.
Richard Borden Jr., Class of 1978 died July 16, 2019. Brother of Aleda ’77 (Deceased), Jennifer ’80, Mary ’83 and Tim Borden ’85.
Eileen Anfang died Dec. 20, 2019. Grandmother of Joseph ’09 and David ’11 Sorboro, Marie ’14, Daniel ’15 and Michael ’20 DiCola.
Joseph Gabel, Class of 1978 died Jan. 28. Brother of Clarence ’75, Mark ’77, Angelina (Gabel ’80) Samples, Christopher ’81(deceased) Gabel.
Joseph Bauer died Oct. 2. Brother of Tom ’62 and Robert ’66 Bauer.
Joseph Wojno, Class of 1979 died Nov. 13, 2019. Brother of James ’82 and John Wojno ’83.
Rose Beiting died July 25, 2019. Motherin-law of Mary Anne Beiting, former Hoban principal; grandmother of Melissa (Beiting ’97) Hirst, Tony ’99, Jacob ’02 and Stephen ’04 Beiting.
1980s Bradley Jacob, Class of 1980 died July 26. Brother of Lisa ’79 and Dave ’80 Jacob;
Leonora Bee died June 9. Mother of Daniel Bee, Hoban Spanish teacher.
Erin Beitko died Nov. 27. Mother of
Father of Lee ’06 and Maxwell ’08 Jacob.
Molly ’12, Brian ’19 and Patrick ’21 Beitko.
Dennis Menendez, Class of 1981 died May 13. Brother of Debbie (Menendez ’80) Gorbach, Diana (Menendez ’82) Vetter and Denise (Menendez’86) Bonniwell.
Elizabeth Belair died Jan. 7. Mother of Paul Belair ’80 and Ed ’81; Grandmother of Sarah ’10, Jacob ’11, Joseph ’15 and Anna ’16 Belair.
Mark Whitehurst, Class of 1984 died June 8. Brother of Harold ’68 (deceased), James ’70, Dave ’71, John ’73, Paul ’79 (deceased) Whitehurst. Michael Scupholm, Class of 1987 died Nov. 27, 2019. Spouse of Stacie (Rado ’87) Scupholm; Brother-in-law of Norman ’79 and Kim ’81 Rado. Kateri (Recker) Bain, Class of 1989 died April 20. Sister of LynnAnn (Recker ’86) Gisbrecht and Christopher Recker ’88. Anthony Stewart, Class of 1989 died Nov. 15.
1990s Beth Jones, Class of 1990 died July 23, 2019. Sister of Stephanie Jones ’85 and Lorelle (Jones ’87) Scibetta. Bret Grimm, Class of 1991 died Dec. 10, 2019. Son of Michael Grimm ’61. Ian Schwarber, Class of 1999 died Sept. 17, 2019.
2000s Bret Grund, Class of 2005 died March 18. Brother of Scarlett Grund ’04.
2010s Da'Viaun Pete, Class of 2018 died Nov. 1.
Friends of Hoban Marjorie Agosta died March 5. Mother of Salvatore Agosta ’72; Grandmother of Christine (Agosta ’00) Becker.
Elizabeth Bisheimer died Dec. 4, 2019. Mother of John ’82 and Jim ’83 Bisheimer; Grandmother of Chad ’03 and Elise ’06 Balaj. Brother James Bluma C.S.C. died June 11, 2019. Former Hoban assistant principal, 1966-’68. Kate Bowling died Aug. 7. Stepdaughter of Julie (Johnson ’97) Bowling. Steve Bralek died May 11. Father of Stephen ’65, John ’68, Thomas (Deceased) ’72, Paul ’76 Bralek & Patricia (Bralek ’77) Wartko; Father-in-law of Thomas Taras ’71 and David Wartko ’75; Grandfather of David Wartko ’05. Jamie Brown died May 12. Sister-inlaw of Mark Yakubowski, Hoban Board Member; Aunt of Katerine ’08, Amy ’10 Thomas ’12 and Ann ’14 Yakubowski. Sarah Burkley died Nov. 6. Mother of John Burkley ’66; Mother-in-Law of Jerry Antonucci ’72; Grandmother of Sarah (Antonucci ’04) Cleves, Anna (Edwards ’06) DeFago, Jonathan Burkley '08 & Laniece (Russo ’09) Burkley, Andrew Antonucci '09 and Benjamin Edwards '11. Guy Cecchini died Oct. 6. Father of Natalie Cecchini ’13 Jesse Clark Jr. died April 13. Grandfather of Grant Thompson ’23.
Gene Considine died Sept. 11, 2019. Mother of Bill ’65, Tom ’73, Mike ’77, and Chris ’78; Mother-in-law of Denise Considine, Hoban employee and Teresa (McGuinness ’78) Considine; Grandmother of Michael ’96, Cathryn (Considine ’98) O’Malley, Matthew ’03, Hilary ’09 and Colleen ’12 Considine.
Rosemary Francesconi died Jan. 7. Mother of David ’69 and Albert Francesconi ’70; Grandmother of Amy ’98, David ’06, Lindsay (Petrone ’06) Francesconi and Michael ’10 Francesconi. Peter Garvin died Oct. 29, 2019. Father of Tim Garvin ’06.
Roger Cooke died Jan. 5. Grandfather of Jerry ’17, Alex ’18 and Katie ’20 Reeves.
Emily Gifford died March 21. Daughter of Richard Rodgers ’76 and Kathy (Crookston) Rodgers ’76.
Robert Cookro died Sept. 13. Father of Christoper ’89 and Steven Cookro ’91 (Deceased).
Margaret Green died July 23. Grandmother of Morgan ’16 and Madison ’18 Stubbendieck.
James Crookston died Nov. 5, 2019. Father of Kathryn (Crookston ’76) Rodgers; Father-in-law of Rick Rodgers ’76.
Donald Gross died Sept. 2, 2019. Father of Vincent Gross, former Hoban coach; Grandfather of Katherine Gross ’09, Andrew ’14 and Alayna ’20 Smith.
George Dehney died Oct. 8. Brother-inlaw of Thomas Curry, Hoban president; Uncle of Ella Curry ’24.
Nick Gross died Jan. 27. Son of Vincent Gross, former Hoban coach; Brother of Katherine Gross ’09.
Jane Derda died Oct. 31, 2019. Grandmother-in-law of Hank Kappel, Hoban religion teacher.
Jerry Hart died Aug. 30, 2019. Hoban employee. Spouse of Mary Hart, retired Hoban employee; Stepfather of Ryan ’04 and Gary ’06 Rife.
Antoinette DiMauro died June 14, 2019. Former Hoban employee. Mother of Carla DiMauro ’78, Gina (DiMauro ’82) Dreibelbis, Paula (DiMauro ’91) Lytz and Dr. Michael DiMauro ’80; Grandmother of Halle ’15 and Jacob ’23 Dreibelbis. Elizabeth Drexler died May 27. Mother of Joseph Drexler ’74 (Deceased), Daniel Drexler '75, Linda (Drexler ’77) Benson and Laura (Drexler ’79) Kelley; Grandmother of Michael '99 and Krista Hanby '00. James Durkin died Sept. 24. Grandfather of Matthew ’16 and Michael Burrington ’18 and Joseph ’15, Elenor ’16, John ’17, Marissa ’17, Francis ’20 Charlie ’20 & Elaina ’22 Durkin. Kaitlyn Eckelberry died Feb. 22. Daughter of Lori (Drapcho ’86) Eckelberry. Helen Elefritz died Sept. 23, 2019. Sister of Alan Segedy ’61; Mother of James ’78 and Richard ’80 Elefritz . Nancy Cipolloni-Ervin died July 9, 2019. Sister of former Hoban employee Cynthia Frola. Pauline Farmer died Dec. 11, 2019. Mother-in-law of Diane Farmer, Hoban employee.
Brother Thomas Henning, C.S.C. died Aug. 29, former Hoban attendance director. Charles Hladio died Dec. 22, 2019. Father of Mitchell Hladio ’70. Josef Hoffmann died March 31. Grandfather of Kayla ’20 and Alana ’22 Zurowski. Jim Jones, Hoban employee, died April 7. Beatrice Jordan died Nov. 15, 2019. Mother of Janet Karson, former Hoban employee; Grandmother of Richard Karson ’80, Kristina Vance ’83, Michael Karson ’84 and Kim (Karson ’88) Cole. Donna Kandes died Nov. 28, 2019. Spouse of Robert Kandes ’68; Grandmother of Sam ’20, Sophia ’21 and Jack Stephens ’23. Kathleen Kirsch died on Sept. 29. Mother of Susan Miles, Hoban employee; Grandmother of Hall ’11, William ’12 and Jackson ’15 Miles. Thelma Kleinman died Aug. 22. Grandmother of Kaitlin ’16, Kailey ’18 and Michael ’20 Kleinman. Catherine Klingler died May 10. Mother of John ’70 and Tom ’72 Klingler.
Diane Fisher died April 17. Grandmother of Allyson ’17 and Reagan ’20 Waddell. HOBAN MAGAZINE
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Frank Nagy died Nov. 23, 2019. In-law of Jim Davies ’78; Grandfather of James Davies ’08 and Felicia (Franze ’14) Davies, Anna (Davies ’11) Nelson, Paul ’11, Sarah ’14 , Michael ’18 and Christina ’20 Davies.
Mary Ellen Reymann died Nov. 20. Mother of Keith ’90 and Jeffrey ’95 Reymann.
Genevieve Obarski died July 5, 2019. Mother of Jerome ’63, Stephen ’66 and David ’69 Obarski.
Annette Riess died June 9. Sister of Brother James Spooner, C.S.C., Hoban associate principal.
Joseph Lacey Sr. died Oct. 9, 2019. Father-in-law of Dan Turner ’87; Grandfather of Zoey Turner ’24.
Ashley Ott died Jan. 30. Spouse of Chris Ott ’06; Sister-in-law of Danielle (Ott ’02) Lykins.
Linda Riess died Oct. 16. Niece of Brother James Spooner, C.S.C., Hoban associate principal.
Barbara Laughlin died Feb. 25. Mother of Linda (Laughlin ’84) Williams, David ’86 and Patrick Laughlin ’87; Grandmother of Jessica ’11 and Caitlin ’13 Laughlin.
Laurence Outwater died Sept. 2. Grandfather of Kalie (Outwater ’11) Gerwig and Tyler Gerwig ’11 and Kevin Outwater ’14.
Russell Thompson died April 25. Grandfather Angela Thompson ’23.
Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland Diocese, died Oct. 29, 2019.
Anna Parado died March 1. Mother of Margaret (Parado ’90) Davis and Elizabeth Parado ’92.
Dominic Rizzo died March 20, and Viola Rizzo died April 4. Parents of Frank ’66, Vincent ’69, Dominic ’77 and Anthony ’83 Rizzo; Grandparents of Michael Rizzo ’02, Andrea (Rizzo ’05) Eastbourn and Scott Eastbourn ’05, Lauren (Rizzo ’05) Perlman, Monica (Rizzo ’08) Keenan, Maria (Rizzo ’11) Walker, Angela ’17 and Rocco ’23 Rizzo. Richard Rockich died Dec. 16, 2019. Father of Rick Rockich ’73.
Mary Varca died Jan. 23. Mother of Frank ’67, Joseph ’70 Varca and Marianne (Varca ’74) LaRose; Mother-in-law of Mark LaRose ’75; Grandmother of Brianna ’06 and Rocco ’11 LaRose.
Gerard Koerber died Feb. 14. Father of Joseph ’79, Cynthia (Koerber ’81) Hawkins and Christopher ’84 Koerber; Grandfather of Carolin Koerber ’20. Therese Kramer died Aug. 10. Wife of Kevin Kramer, former Board Member; Mother of Patrick ’09, Paul ’10, Riley ’11 and Anne ’14 Kramer.
Barbara Lewis, former Hoban employee, died Aug. 3. Theresa Livernois died Aug. 25, 2019. Mother of Brother Bob Livernois, C.S.C, former Hoban employee. Samuel Long died Sept. 19. Brother of Maxwell Long ’21. Theresa Long died Nov. 8. Mother of John Long ’68; Grandmother of John Long '00, Theresa (Long ’01) Gorbach; Grandmother-in-law of Matt Gorbach '02. Mary Louise Makey died Dec. 31, 2019. Mother-in-law of Jacob Frego, Hoban Board member; Grandmother of Jacob ’10, Mark ’11, Katherine ’14 and Claire ’17 Frego. Carole Merkl died Sept. 2. Grandmother of Taylor ’09, Kelly ’11, Adam ’13 and Lily ’19 Gray. Wade Meyer, former Hoban math tutor, died April 21. Murphy Montler died Aug. 30, 2019. Father of Nathan Montler ’10 (deceased). George Mueller died Dec. 7, 2019. Brother of John Mueller ’64 (Deceased); Father of Eric ’87 and James ’90 Mueller. Michael Murphy died July 20. Son of Dennis Murphy ’57; Brother of Patrick Murphy ’85.
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Raymond Patchen died Aug. 22. Grandfather of Joanathan ’14 and William ’16 Freeman. Joanne Payne died Nov. 15, 2019. Mother of Mark Payne ’78 and Nancy (Payne’77) Moushey; Mother-in-law of Timothy Moushey ’77. Anne Petit died Jan. 18. Grandmother of Abagail ’17, William ’17 and Ella ’23 Petit. Cecelia Petrasek died April 18. Mother of Michael ’70 and Gregory ’75 Petrasek. Mary LaVerne Polack died Oct. 6. Grandmother of Evan ’23 and Evelyn ’24 Polack. Pauline Prochaska died Jan. 15. Mother of Robert Milane ’71; Grandmother of Katy ’01 & Bryan ’05 Milane. Rosina Pugliese died Dec. 8, 2019. Mother-in-law of Michael Sullivan ’85; Grandmother of Allison ’12 and Emily ’14 Pugliese and Patrick Sullivan ’20. Gerald Reeves died Feb. 2. Grandfather of Jerry ’17, Alex ’18 and Katie ’20 Reeves. Mary Ann Repeta died Sept. 21, 2019. Grandmother of Nicole (Sokol ’05) Falbo, Joseph Sokol ’08, Hoban employee Kristine (Sokol ’10) Darling and Michael Sokol ’11.
Albert Rhoden died May 9. Father of Jibreel Scales ’90.
Edward Rodgers died July 16, 2019. Father of Richard ’76 and Joe ’78 Rodgers; Father-in-law of Kathy (Crookston ’76) Rodgers. Frances Sawaya died May 12. Mother of Albert ’76, Nadine ’77 and Corey ’79 Sawaya. Mary Saxon died March 27. Mother-inlaw of Dave Arbogast, Hoban employee; Grandmother of Michael ’00, Kevin ’04 Arbogast and Kathleen (Arbogast ’06) Reichert. Lilly Schismenos died Dec. 6, 2019. Spouse of Lee Schismenos ’61; Mother of Daniel Schismenos ’90; Sister-in-law of Joseph Schismenos ’69 and Joan Murman ’77. Alexander Scott died on July 5. Grandfather Andrew ’20 and Mia ’21 Scott. Steven Shankel died July 23, 2019. Father of Jacob Shankel ’20. Thomas Slocum died June 27. Father of Andrew Slocum ’95.
Mary Elizabeth Sobleskie died May 19. Sister of Larry ’70 and Tom ’73 Corall. E. Joseph Stanziano died Jan. 1. Grandfather of Natalie ’16, Isabella ’18 and Gabriella ’21 Stanziano. Dominic Stillo died Dec. 31, 2019. Father of Mary Hart, retired Hoban employee; Grandfather of Ryan ’04 and Logan ’06 Rife. Connie Sweda died Nov. 9. Mother of former Hoban president Todd Sweda.
Rosemary Tyrrell died July 20, 2019. Mother of Tim Tyrrell, Hoban employee. Donald Ungar, Sr. died Sept. 2, 2019. Former Hoban teacher. Dennis Ursetti died July 19. Father of Maria ’12 and Anthony ’17 Ursetti.
Ruth Vassel died Feb. 19. Sister of David Vassel ’74. Bruce Ward died Jan. 11. Father of Theresa (Ward ’78) Sauner. Randi White died Oct. 28. Sister-in-law of Melanie White, Hoban employee. Harold Whitehurst died April 1. Father of Harold ’68 (deceased), James ’70, Dave ’71, John ’73, Paul ’79(deceased) and Mark ’84 (deceased) Whitehurst. Sean Wilson died Feb. 28. Brother of Kevin Wison ’04. Emmy Mazzara Woolwine died July 25, 2019. Mother of Laura Siplivy, retired Hoban employee. Maralyn Yanko died July 10. Mother of Robert Yanko ’66, Hoban employee; Grandmother of Nathan ’00, Lauren ’07 and Lynette ’11 Yanko.
WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? Steve Reymann ’67 and his wife and family are making a difference in the lives of students.
STEVE ’67 AND ROSE REYMANN PLAYING A PART IN HOBAN'S LEGACY As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a Hoban Knight. Luckily, my parents were committed to Catholic education, and they were happy to send me there. Later, when Hoban went coed, three of my five sisters – Margaret (Reymann ’76) Skinner, Anna Marie Reymann ’78 and Jane (Reymann ’79) Still – were also given a Hoban education. My other sisters, Connie Roulett and Christine Kovesci, sent their children to Hoban. Hoban was like no place I had experienced. The academics were rigorous. Competition was intense, both in the classroom and on the playing field. Respect for every student was freely given. There was always a certain pride that was visible in everything we did. We felt we were special. Only later did we realize that our time at Hoban was transformational. When I left Hoban, I was prepared to compete at every level of life. I graduated from the University of Akron, ready to put my business degree to use, follow in my dad's footsteps and begin a career in sales. God has a sense of humor because during my first year after college he put me in a low-wage job working in a dirty warehouse. Yet, that job led to my first medical sales position. For more than 40 years, I worked for three Fortune 500 medical companies in sales and sales management, the last of which lasted 23 years with Edwards Lifesciences, where we made and sold hemodynamic monitoring devices. At 62, I retired from my position as director of sales and director of national accounts.
Despite relocating to Columbus, Ohio, in 1989, I have always felt close to Hoban. Many nieces and nephews have continued our family tradition at Hoban. Through them, I have seen the school flourish. I recently visited Hoban for a personal tour and was in awe of how the school has evolved. My siblings and I established the Clement and Margie Reymann Scholarship in 1994 to honor our parents, who had a strong belief in Catholic education. We're grateful that we can help students receive an excellent education in the Holy Cross tradition. Becoming a Heart of Hoban Society member reaffirmed my commitment to Hoban. By making a planned gift, my wife Rose and I are investing in the future of Hoban and its students. Indeed Hoban is unique. That’s a good reason to support it. But there is more to it than that. Hoban is more than a place, it is an idea – an idea rooted in my Catholic faith that embodies our Holy Cross values of excellence, inclusion, hope, integrity, service to the poor and family. When I am with my Hoban family, I’m home. Giving to Hoban ensures that this same family will be there for others for generations to come. I am proud to be a son of Akron. It is a privilege to play a part in Hoban’s legacy.
For more information on scholarships and gift planning, contact your financial adviser or LAURA JO HAWK ’83, Vice President of Institutional Advancement 330.773.8620 or hawklj@hoban.org. HOBAN MAGAZINE
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Save the Date
•
EXTRAVAGANZA 2021 •
We are hopeful to host this year's Extravaganza – Another Knight at the Disco – on Saturday, April 17. We are prepared to broadcast a virtual event as we did in the summer. Regardless of our format, Extravaganza will be the event of the year with live and silent auctions of unique experiences, Hoban memorabilia and must-have packages. It is sure to be an amazing and unforgettable night.
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If you would like to be a sponsor, advertiser or donate a gift, please contact Cathy (Keller ’80) Reeves at 330.606.2358 or email reevesc@hoban.org. Volunteers are always welcome! GET INVOLVED! Become a sponsor, donate a gift to the live or silent auctions and volunteer your time and talents.
FIRST-EVER EXTRAVAGANZA GOLF OUTING IS A SUCCESS Due to the health risks of indoor social gatherings, Hoban created a new event – the Extravaganza Golf Outing! Thank you to all who came out to support Hoban and our students. Held Friday, Oct. 23 at Fox Den Golf Course, 132 golfers, 31 hole sponsors, several main sponsors and many volunteers made it a stellar event. A special thank you goes to Bud and Heather Wentz and Wentz Financial Group for being the presenting sponsor. We hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather, prizes and 36 \
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fun with other Hoban alumni, parents and friends. Extravaganza is a year-round effort with several smaller events – Wine and Beer Tasting, Ladies Event and Men’s Night Out – culminating in a signature event each spring. Like these other events, proceeds from Extravaganza Golf supports Hoban students through financial assistance and scholarships, helps fund campus renovations and improvements and guarantees the Hoban experience that educates hearts and minds in the Holy Cross tradition. MICHAEL ’18, PETER ’14, ANNETTE AND PETER ’81 KRATCOSKI
Almost immediately following Ohio's stay-at-home order, Hoban administrators heard of the struggles many Hoban families were experiencing from lost or reduced income as a result of COVID-19. Knowing that the need far outweighed the resources Hoban had available, President Dr. Tom Curry and others began to rally others to help – and the response has been remarkable. "As a Holy Cross school with a commitment and core value of Option for the Poor, it is our duty to help ease families' burden to pay tuition when hardship occurs," Curry said. "We are so grateful for the many donors to date who have stepped up to make a difference for so many families, specifically those who initiated the Stronger Together Emergency Relief Fund." Spearheaded by Brian and Kathy Miller, parents of Scott Miller ’14, the Stronger Together Emergency Relief Fund was created with a goal to raise $150,000. Following the Miller's lead, Dave ’64 and Martha Showers and several others contributed meaningful gifts to the campaign. To date, $202,070 has been raised. From the generous donations to the campaign, Hoban has disbursed need-based financial assistance in three rounds since May. Priority was given to more than 60 families who are in most financial need. "The need of our community following COVID-19 continues to be substantial," said Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk, vice president of institutional advancement. "We continue to request donations to help those faced with having to choose between basic needs and a Hoban education – a decision no parent should be faced with." Realizing that many people continue to face similar challenges, those who have the means to give, please know that your gift will have a profound impact on the lives of Hoban students. H OB AN.ORG /ST RO N G E R -TO GE T H E R
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MESSAGES FROM RECIPIENTS We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the generous tuition relief that we have received from the Stronger Together Emergency Relief Fund. This will most certainly help us in these trying times. We are grateful that our daughter is part of the Hoban Family. My family cannot even begin to express our gratitude to Archbishop Hoban High School. My husband was a lifelong Hoban Knight and would always tease the kids that they could go anywhere for high school but he was only paying for one! We miss him so very much and cannot thank you enough for this generous gift! Gratitude and relief pour into my heart with all the support our Hoban community offers my family. Due to the generosity of donors throughout the years and more than ever this year with the "Stronger Together" fund, I have been able to secure a Catholic education surrounded by a community that cares. As a single parent with limited income, even with two jobs, Hoban was out-of-reach, the COVID-19 pandemic created financial challenges that none of us could imagine. This year I had to make the decision to leave Hoban, yet with the generosity, I was able to reconsider. Two of my children are graduates of Hoban and two more will attend this fall as a freshman and a junior due to the "Stronger Together" fund. The support offered is beyond appreciated by my family. Hoban is our home away from home, it is family. Blessings and gratitude to you.
ARCHBISHOP HOBaN HIGH SCHOOL One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44306-1531
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Central Office 330.773.6658 Advancement Office 330.773.8620 info@hoban.org hoban.org
WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER AT HOBAN? Come find out! Hoban alumni and friends know better than anyone what it means to be a Hoban Knight! Academic excellence, faith formation and intellectual curiosity are the hallmarks of a Hoban education. Share your Hoban experience with others and encourage them to schedule their visit. Hoban offers private family tours and virtual opportunities.
FUTURE KNIGHTS, TAKE THE FIRST STEP | hoban.org/BecomeAKnight ASK US ABOUT THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP | p. 330.849.2149 | e. admissions@hoban.org | hoban.org