Student Success

Three times a year, Hoban's campus ministry office organizes studentled Spes Unica retreats, formerly known as Kairos. Spes Unica, the motto of the Brothers of Holy Cross, is Latin for "our only hope." The academic year's final retreat held from April 29 - May 1 marked the school's 50th retreat. The milestone was a significant event for Chair of the Theology Department Mary (Duffy ’83) Bulgrin, who was present for the first retreat roughly 16 years ago and has rarely missed a Spes weekend.

"There are few opportunities that can facilitate community-building and reflection the way that Spes Unica retreats can," Bulgrin said. "Every retreat is unique in how the attendees and student-leaders work together, listen to each other, support one another and refocus their attention on God."

Former Hoban campus minister the Rev. Scott Kopp organized the first Kairos retreat in 2005 and was able to attend Spes Unica 50 to celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation with students. Kopp, who now serves as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Vienna, Ohio, worked at Hoban before entering the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Seminary.

Young people are required to navigate a complex world at an early age. This generation of students is more connected through online and social media tools and therefore more vulnerable to the traps of teenage life. Spes Unica retreats focus on becoming “real.” To do this, students give up their phones and devices before leaving Hoban for the weekend. Unplugging from calls, schedules, social media, text messages and other distractions is essential to their overall experience, and allows them to be present, evaluate their relationship with God, self and others, release stress and enjoy being a kid. Throughout the weekend, the student-leaders give witnesses, which they prepared and practiced for six weeks leading up to the retreat. Each testimonial builds on the weekend, focuses on Catholic and Holy Cross teachings and offers attendees an opportunity to reflect on their own life and experience to build a deeper relationship with God. Following testimonials, participants are given time to contemplate the witness, writing in journals they receive. They then meet in small groups with their student and adult leaders to share their reflections.

"Every retreat is different, but there have been occasions when students need support to help heal from any hurt and suffering they have experienced," Bulgrin said. "The adult leaders are there to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all students."

The retreat setting and structure allow students and educators to form a completely different type of relationship. Even for teachers who have students in class every day, Spes Unica retreats deliver a different and deeper bond with students. Within a busy classroom, students can succumb to routine. Spes Unica retreats are designed for small group discussions that foster positive relationship building and personal development.

"In my role at Hoban, there are few opportunities to interact with students on an ongoing basis," Melanie White, communications director, said. "Spes 50 was the first time I have been able to meet and form relationships with students in a meaningful way."

For many students who choose to attend Spes Unica retreats, it is one of the most validating and positive experiences in their high school careers. The goal is that they leave with renewed energy, clarity and focus on putting God first in their everyday lives.

Twelve Hoban students in Mrs. Reed’s International Politics class completed a semester-long College Credit Plus research project sponsored by Kent State University's Department of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Students worked with domestic research partners at Jackson High School and international research partners in Rwanda, Spain and Kazakhstan to analyze a variety of current issues related to global public health, education, the environment, politics and economics. On May 26, they completed the Capstone requirement by presenting their research to faculty at Kent State, Stark Campus.

PROJECTS: Roland Sturgill, The Psychological Effects of Social Media Use in Youth and Teens; Jake Hier and Clay Horning, Misinformation, Politics and Covid-19; Joe Conti, The Environmental Impact of Plastics on Wildlife and Global Habitats; Becca Reed and Ava Petrarca, A Comparative Analysis of Culture in Schools: United States, South Korea and Rwanda; Katie Elliott, Influences on Environmental Decision Making; Al Scales, Foster Care Systems in New Zealand, Russia and Zimbabwe; Sarah Brennan, Similarities and Differences in Covid-19 responses in the US and Rwanda; Alyssa Garfinkle, Child Healthcare in LowIncome Countries; Josh Greer, Fashion Trends and Economic Prosperity; Logan Adams, Cryptocurrency and International Economic Growth; and Ella Stimpson, How the Pandemic Has Impacted Climate Policy.

Hoban’s Academic Challenge team won first place over Normandy and Perry High Schools on Channel 5 on Saturday, April 9. Senior Rachael Rice, junior Ryan Yovichin and sophomore Annie Fuhrer represented the Knights with class and skill under the bright lights of TV.

Hoban student artwork was selected for the Door 2 Studios student art show. Door 2 Studios is associated with Christ Community Chapel in Hudson. Jenna Fioritto, Jacob Hier, Piper Kolasky, Collin McDermott and Anna Rutherford all had work exhibited in the art show. Fioritto received a 3rd place award and Hier and Kolasky both received 4th place awards. Several Hoban students attended the gallery exhibition in support of their classmates.

On Thursday, May 5, the senior cohort for the Center for Sustainability had their final field trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In its inaugural year, the Center for Sustainability had four participants, Kaleigh Reed, Megan Glinsky, Madeline Mlachak and Brianna Foster and was instructed by Science Teacher Candace Bates. Each student in the cohort presented the results of their year-long projects that connected their personal research to environmental science, bioethics and public health.

The 66th Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises were held on May 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre. The class is made up of 191 graduates who joined ranks with more than 12,000 Hoban alumni worldwide. The Class of 2022 included three international students from China and, as a class, they will attend nearly 59 colleges and universities in 14 states.

Brother James Spooner, in his final year of service at Hoban, delivered the commencement speech. Spooner has been in ministry at Hoban for 20 years. As associate principal, Spooner coordinated AP testing and reporting. He served as a constant representation and living example of Hoban's deep connection to the Congregation of Holy Cross. Most importantly, he embodied the spirit of Christ for students, families and educators.

To the Class of 2022, Spooner spoke of the many ways love has helped get them to this point, graduating from high school.

"You are here because of the love of your parents, grandparents, Holy Cross educators and many others who showed you love, and you responded to that love," Spooner said. "Love is not a Holy Cross core value but it is connected to every core value."

Spooner quoted St. Augustine's famous writing, "Pray as though everything depends on God. Work like everything depends on you." As many of the graduates continue their education in college and beyond, the message will serve them well to work hard and pray harder to deal with the obstacles they will eventually encounter.

Valedictorian Stephen Matko and salutatorian Sawyer Huckabee also addressed the graduates and families. Matko will matriculate at the University of Notre Dame and Huckabee will attend Columbia University in the fall.

2022 RECIPIENT

2021 RECIPIENT

2020 RECIPIENT

2019 RECIPIENT

Over the their four years at Hoban, seniors SaMya Bentley, Veronica Savitski, Jackson Alexander and Andrew Hardman were awarded the Monsignor Richard A. Dowed School Spirit Award. Given annually to one student in each grade, 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. Other 2021-22 Dowed Award winners are junior Lauren Tonsing, sophomore Charlie Hite and freshman Savannah Hamad.

Q&A WITH THE CLASS OF 2022 DOWED AWARD RECIPIENTS

What it means to be a Hoban Knight can best be defined by a lesson Deacon Ray teaches his students: we are called to be a community of love. I have seen Hoban Knights foster this community of love in many ways. Whether it’s by staying after class to help clean up, sharing snacks before a game, giving team/club mates rides to events or helping underclassmen find their classes, Hoban Knights find ways to help others and demonstrate love. –Veronica Savitski ’22

My favorite experiences at Hoban were Mum Day and Spes 49. I loved seeing the Hoban community in its fullest form on this day of silence. In my eyes, Mum Day always brings Hoban together as a family and helps us show our school spirit in many ways. At Spes 49, I saw that everybody has overcome so much adversity in their lives and never let their Hoban values waver. While participating in the many activities, I saw that everyone is unique in their own way and has different skills that help the Hoban community thrive. Through these experiences, I saw that no matter what obstacles came about, Hoban students always fought them with courage and unity. –Jackson Alexander ’22

I want the Class of 2022 to be remembered for their boldness and ironically being "COVID babies." Each Knight had their own personality that fed into our class. Whether it be at a sports event or on the stage, we were determined to stand up and step out. We were also the class that had the opportunity to experience a regular high school year and a not-so-regular year when COVID hit. Being in the class to experience such chaotic times definitely made a huge impact on our senior year. We were able to come back as a somewhat “normal” school and were able to have events that were taken away from the previous class; we wanted this year to be one to remember. –SaMya Bentley ’22

Winning the Dowed Award is an incredible honor. To be recognized as exemplifying what it means to be a Hoban Knight is an extremely rewarding experience and one that I will always remember. Dowed Award winners love Hoban, and help others learn to bleed blue and gold too! –Andrew Hardman ’22

OPTIMIST CLUB OF AKRON, YOUTH APPRECIATION AWARD

JACKSON ALEXANDER AND ELLIE HARDMAN

GRADUATES

GRADUATES ENROLLED IN 4-YEAR COLLEGE

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

GRADUATES RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS

SALUTATORIAN

SAWYER HUCKABEE 2021-22 BLESSED BASIL MOREAU CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD

GRANT WALLER AND MADDIE MLACHAK VALEDICTORIAN

STEPHEN MATKO

BROTHER ANDRÉ HEART OF HOLY CROSS AWARD

MADDIE MLACHAK

SENIORS IN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PRINCIPAL GRIT AWARD

ALEXIS KRAFT AND CAM'RION WINTERS

SENIORS WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A COLLEGIATE SPORT

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS TORCH BEARER AWARD

MIA GALLAGHER

GRADUATES ENROLLED IN 2-YEAR COLLEGE

ACADEMIC HALL OF HONOR

NOAH BATES MIA GALLAGHER ANDREW HARDMAN SAWYER HUCKABEE ABIGAIL JOYNER STEPHEN MATKO JACK NELSON MATTHEW SCHELL ADAM SLAWIENSKI PEYTON TARLE GRANT WALLER KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD AWARD

ANDREW HARDMAN AND NATALIE COOK

THE CLASS OF 2022 EARNED $25.5M+

IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION

The spring musical, Shrek The Musical, was presented to sold-out crowds on April 1-3. Under the direction of Erin Bennett, Hoban's theatre teacher, the spring musical was a monumental success and received regional recognition from the Dazzle Awards.

The Dazzle Awards are presented by Playhouse Square Theatre in Cleveland and recognize the most talented high school performers in Northeast Ohio. The awards ceremony was held May 21, and recognized outstanding musical theater productions and student performances.

"It was amazing to see all of these students come together and become one strong ensemble," Bennett said. "I was not surprised that our first Dazzle participation recognized this group for Best Ensemble! The countless hours these students devoted to learning lines, music and dance–both in rehearsals and out, was obvious with their stellar performances."

Hoban students brought the Dreamworks Animation movie of Shrek to life, telling the iconic story of a princess named Fiona who was enchanted to turn into an ogre after dusk. The curse could only be broken by true love's kiss. Fiona, played by freshman Molly Maltempi, is rescued by Shrek, played by senior Colton Burkhart, and his friend Donkey, played by junior Lukas Cinko. The production was as grand as the 32-member cast. The cast and crew received four Dazzle Award nominations for Best Execution of Choreography, Best Ensemble/Choreography, Best Supporting Actress (senior Julia Martin) and Technical Apprenticeship Recipient (sophomore Emma Boring).

"Cleveland Playhouse introduced a technical apprenticeship this year for students to work behind the scenes with professionals and with Broadway Director and Choreographer Connor Gallagher," Bennett said. "It was my honor to nominate sophomore Emma Boring for the position and needless to say, I was elated that she won the opportunity."

Of the nominations, Martin won the Best Supporting Actress award, where she opened the event with a spotlight solo. Senior Eden Nicholsen and Maltempi also joined Martin in the evening's stage performances.

"Attending the Dazzles was such a special night," Bennett said. "The energy of the performers and honorees was awe-inspiring, and seeing our students who came to surprise Julia, Eden, Molly and Emma outside of the theatre to cheer them on during the red carpet event filled my heart with joy. I really don't think I could have been more proud of our students than at that moment."

HOBAN CAST

Colton Burkhart ............... Shrek Molly Maltempi ............... Fiona Lukas Cinko ...................... Donkey Julia Martin ...................... Dragon & Sugar Plum Adam Slawienski ............ Lord Farquaad Parker Smith ................... Thelonius & Mad Hatter Luke Mowery ................... Guard, Greeter, & Bishop Will Schwing.................... Captain & Pig with Bricks Matthew Sandor ............. Pig with Straw Sean Listerman ............... Pig with Sticks John Lopez ....................... Papa Bear Madison Watson ............. Mama Bear Amelia Kay Plaspohl ....... Baby Bear Jude Yovichin .................. Papa Ogre Ava Branz ......................... Mama Ogre & Humpty Dumpty Colin Doss ........................ Grumpy, Jack Be Nimble, & Little Ogre Trever Behrend ................ King & Big Bad Wolf Kelly Brumbaugh ............ Queen & Tinker Bell Cortazhia Walker ............. Young Fiona & Blue Bird Eden Nichelson ................ Teen Fiona, Gingy, Goldilocks Elizabeth Savitski ............ Pinocchio Elena Plaspohl ................. Ugly Duckling Fiona Marlborough* ........ Lil Bo Peep Grace Kostko .................... Wicked Witch & Pied Piper Kate Cihlar ....................... Fairy Godmother Natalie Morton ................ Tweedledee Abby Chirdon................... Tweedledum Piper Kolasky ................... Peter Pan Regan Molder .................. Little Red Riding Hood Wynter Gibson ................ Shoe Maker Elf Zoey Turner...................... Tooth Fairy

THE SWAMP CREW

Logan Adams, Jonah Braz, Rachel Brewer, Hannah Bulgrin, Kennedi Davis, Grace Gallagher, Zoie Gilliam, Sammi Hessel, Jocelyn McAninch, Gracie McCaun, Madeline Mlachak, Reese Nichelson, Olivia Osmun, LeighAnna Robinson, Lydia Scherer, Kate Schimmoeller, Joelle Valdez, Ryan Yovichin and Rylee Zaucha Emma Boring .................. Stage Manager Fiona Marlborough and Regan Molder .................. Assistant Stage Managers Mrs. Erin Bennett ............. Director Mrs. Annie Alberts ........... Music Director