STATE RUNNER-UP: CHEERING FOR THE KNIGHTS WHO LIFT HOBAN UP
For the second year in a row, the Hoban cheer team earned the title of Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) Division III State runner-up! The Knights competed on Feb. 22 in the gameday category at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, OH, delivering an energetic and spirited performance. Their hard work, dedication and teamwork shined on the mat as they showcased their skill in cheers, chants and fight song execution.
This achievement is a testament to the team’s relentless commitment to excellence. With months of preparation and countless hours of practice, the Knights once again proved themselves among the best in the state.
HOLY CROSS VALUES + MISSION
DIVINE PROVIDENCE
EXCELLENCE
EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS
INCLUSIVENESS
DISCIPLINE
OPTION FOR THE POOR
HOPE
FAMILY
ZEAL INTEGRITY
We are a Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition.
We celebrate our diversity, value each person, and welcome one another with the hospitality of Christ.
As a family of learners, anchored in gospel values, we empower each other to grow spiritually, develop intellectually and reach out in service to others.
Within an innovative and orderly learning environment we are committed to challenging each student in both heart and mind to be a compassionate individual, a lifelong learner, and a responsible steward of God’s creation.
Staff Writers: Matthew Monter, Tara Pizer and Melanie White
Photography by: Scott Dudek, Elaina Karafilis, Tara Pizer, Alexander Sprungle ’07-Secret Creative Org., Melanie White and Vicki Zingale
Dear Hoban Family,
Greetings from the Castle! After a long, cold winter I am absolutely overjoyed seeing the rays of sunshine hitting my office desk as I sit to type this message. Yes, sunshine! It has been hard to come by this winter and is a welcome reminder that the renewal and rebirth of spring is right around the corner.
The dual themes of renewal and rebirth perfectly encapsulate current happenings here on the Hoban campus. As you will read in this issue of the Hoban Magazine, our home on the hill is undergoing quite a transformation. Thanks to the generous spirit of Hoban supporters near and far, our vision for the future is coming to life one brick at a time. The Every Knight, Every Day Capital Campaign is set to provide a transformative new footprint for Hoban students and will help to launch us to new horizons.
It has been such a pleasure fielding questions from excited Hoban students who stop me in the hallways to ask about the progress they see each day. These interactions usually end with a huge smile and an accompanying emphatic response, “This is going to be so awesome!” Seeing this elation helps to bring me back to why all of this started in the first place—to provide the best possible environment for our students to grow and thrive. To leave Hoban better than we found it.
As we turn our sights to the final academic quarter of the 2024-25 school year and the many rites of spring for our senior students and their families, I want to thank them for their countless contributions to Hoban these past four years. We are certainly proud of the excellence these young people exude each day and know that they graduate with endless opportunities in front of them. We also remind you, our graduating Class of 2025—once a Knight, always a Knight!
God bless and go, Knights!
Chris DiMauro ’99 President
THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SPIRIT OF HOBAN SUPPORTERS NEAR AND FAR, OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE IS COMING TO LIFE ONE BRICK AT A TIME. ”
A NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAM SERVING STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES HOLY CROSS PATHWAYS
Hoban is excited to introduce a new academic program that will open in the Fall of 2025. The Holy Cross Pathways program is designed to serve students with intellectual disabilities. Through a modified curriculum, students will receive individualized academic, social and personal support to ensure their learning needs are met.
The program emphasizes our Holy Cross core value of inclusiveness and educating hearts and minds. While some of the curriculum will be delivered in a resource room setting, students will participate in theology and elective classes with peers.
Hoban is currently seeking an intervention specialist and coordinator for the Holy Cross Pathways program. Additionally, we will hire an instructional aide. If you know someone who you believe would be a good fit to work at Hoban, please share the Hoban's employment opportunities with them.
More information regarding the program and the admissions process can be found on at hoban.org/pathways.
“It would be a serious mistake to open a school imagining that all the students will be alike in character and conduct. It will do little good, then, to use the same procedures in working with every student. You would be like a doctor who always gives the same remedy for every illness.”
BLESSED BASIL MOREAU, CSC Founder of the Congregation Of Holy Cross
PROFILE OF A STUDENT
• Entering freshman year of high school and at least 14 years old
• Have a current IEP, ETR and are eligible to enroll in the state of Ohio’s Jon Peterson Scholarship program
• Diagnosis of an intellectual disability or another diagnosis that indicates a need for specialized instruction in a special education, modified program
• Demonstrates levels of academic achievement in the 1st through 4th-grade range and indicates past success in learning environments
• Able to follow basic verbal and written instruction
• Demonstrates appropriate and safe behavior patterns that will meet the standards of a Hoban student
• Independent hygienic and travel skills
• The ability and willingness to interact socially and work in a group setting with minimal distraction to self and others
• The desire to grow spiritually through faith formation opportunities available at Hoban
JAMES FINLEY ’61
Dr. James Finley, Class of 1961, is a clinical psychologist, renowned spiritual teacher, and former student of the esteemed Trappist monk and mystic Thomas Merton. As a faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, Finley inspires audiences by exploring the transformative power of connecting to our Divine indwelling. His teachings guide individuals in transcending fear and shame to awaken to their True Self.
Finley is the acclaimed author of "Merton’s Palace of Nowhere" and "The Contemplative Heart," works that delve deeply into the contemplative path and the integration of spirituality into daily life. He also reaches a global audience of 70,000 listeners as the host of the Center for Action and Contemplation’s podcast "Turning to the Mystics," where he shares profound insights on contemplative practices and spiritual awakening. Through his compassionate approach, Finley continues to illuminate the journey of inner healing and divine connection for thousands worldwide.
Listen to "Turning to the Mystics" podcast at cac.org/podcast/turning-to-the-mystics/
Page 5 Photos:
1. Classmates and members of the Class of 1999, Brandon Roberts, Tona Boyd, Mara Flaherty and Chris DiMauro.
2. Tona Boyd with some of her former educators, Jeff Stetz ’70, T.K. Griffith ’89, Tona Boyd, Rose Zaucha, Helen Trares, Cheryl Simms, Mary Anne Beiting and Kevin Hillery.
3. Tona Boyd and a group of Hoban students who are active members of Hoban's Black Student Union.
TONA BOYD ’99
Tona Boyd, Class of 1999, is a renowned civil rights attorney whose remarkable career reflects a deep commitment to justice and equality. She has collaborated with some of the nation's most influential leaders, championing constitutional rights for all. Her advocacy extends far beyond the courtroom, inspiring hope and driving change through her work in civil rights and policy reform.
After graduating from Hoban, Boyd earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in peace studies. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to service and justice.
Boyd began her legal journey in the prestigious Honors Program at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she spent eight years litigating civil rights cases across the country. She also clerked for Judge Roger Gregory of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, gaining invaluable experience in appellate law.
Her career evolved further when she became Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to U.S. Senator Cory Booker on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In this role, she provided critical legal and policy guidance on pressing issues such as criminal justice reform. Notably, she played a key role in drafting and negotiating the Justice in Policing Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at increasing law enforcement accountability.
Boyd's expertise and leadership led her to serve as Special Counsel and Special Assistant to the President in the White House Counsel’s Office during the Biden-Harris Administration. There, she advanced pivotal initiatives on racial justice, equity, and judicial appointments, including contributing to the selection and confirmation of federal judges. Her work was instrumental in the historic appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Most recently, Boyd served as Associate Director-Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). In this capacity, she shaped the organization’s legal strategies, operations, and outreach. Among her many contributions was her leadership during the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, organizing a year-long celebration to honor the landmark case and educate the public on ongoing challenges in education equity.
Throughout her journey, Boyd has drawn strength and inspiration from those around her, starting with her family. Her parents and grandparents worked to build inclusive communities. Her grandmother broke barriers as the first Black captain in her regiment during the Korean War. Her younger sister, Rhea Boyd ’02, received this same award in 2022 for her contributions to the medical field.
At Hoban, Boyd was an engaged and driven student, participating in Mock Trial, campus ministry service trips, and track and field. In her classes and through these co-curricular opportunities, Boyd remembers the many teachers who inspired her continued curiosity, patiently invested in her education during challenging classes and provided an environment to grow in ability and selfconfidence.
Guided by the Holy Cross mission she encountered at Hoban and Notre Dame, Boyd has dedicated her career to serving others. Her work ensures that those without resources can access top-quality legal advocacy. She believes success lies in meeting people where they are and using one’s talents to uplift and empower.
It is with great pride that we recognize Tona Boyd, Class of 1999, an unwavering advocate for justice and equality.
CHARGE FORWARD
Guiding Hoban confidently into the future
This spring marks the third and final year of the Every Knight, Every Day capital campaign—the largest undertaking in Hoban’s history. First announced during Extravaganza 2022, the campaign is now in its final stages, and President Chris DiMauro ’99 is eager to see the multi-phased project come to completion.
“It is invigorating to see the hard work of so many finally materialize,” DiMauro said. “We have been fortunate from the beginning to have the support of many individuals who believed in this vision and who understood why the time was right for a transformative project at Hoban.”
If you've visited campus recently, you've likely noticed the exciting progress on Hoban’s future student center. A significant milestone in school history, the project officially broke ground on Friday, Oct. 11, with campaign donors, representatives from the City of Akron and key stakeholders in attendance.
Rendering of the student center's first floor, which will feature the school kitchen and cafeteria.
Chris DiMauro ’99, Jim Evans (project architect, Portal Associates), Chad Ferrara (project manager, Engelke Construction), Sally Scala, William Scala ’71, Tim Tyrrell, Cathy (Keller ’80) Reeves, Catherine Perrow and T.K. Griffith ’89 move the first piles of dirt to begin construction on the new student center during a ceremony on Oct. 11.
The two-story, 14,500-square-foot student center is intentionally designed as a vibrant hub for student life—before, during and after school. As the saying goes, "the kitchen is the heart of the home," and fittingly, this space will feature a new kitchen and modern cafeteria with lounge seating and spacious event and meeting areas.
“The student center is the crown jewel of the Every Knight, Every Day campaign," DiMauro said. "With our enrollment numbers projected to climb above 900 for the 2025-26 school year, this facility is crucial to the future of Hoban.”
DiMauro, alongside members of the Hoban administration and members of the Facilities Committee of the Board of Directors, is working closely with Engelke Construction, a Brunswick-based contractor who received the bid for the project. Since October, crews have been working diligently toward an August completion date.
"We’ve set an ambitious timeline to ensure minimal disruption to school," DiMauro said.
To accommodate potential delays due to weather or other unforeseen challenges, Hoban’s administrative team, led by Principal and Chief Academic Operations Officer Catherine Perrow, has adjusted the 2025-26 school calendar. The academic year will begin after Labor Day, with the first day of school set for Monday, Sept. 8.
More than just a response to enrollment growth, the new student center will centralize before and after-school activities, creating a safe and engaging space for students to connect and collaborate.
"The school day does not start at 7:55 a.m. and it does not end at 2:50 p.m. for most students," Perrow said. “Foley Commons has served as a gathering space, but it isn’t conveniently located near our athletic and fitness facilities or our chosen entry and exit points. The new student center is a more effective solution, which also improves campus security by housing all students in one space.”
Beyond the student center, the project will also bring much-needed electrical upgrades, allowing for the long-awaited installation of air conditioning throughout the school.
“The notion of air conditioning at Hoban comes with a bit of folklore,” DiMauro joked. “I think every Hoban graduate has a heat-related story to tell. We are happy to finally improve the learning environment so that Holy Cross educators and students can remain comfortable and concentrate on the tasks at hand.”
Rendering of the second floor of the new student center.
With the new kitchen and cafeteria relocating to the student center, the campaign’s latest focus has been the renovation of Foley Commons, the school’s existing kitchen and dining space.
"Foley Commons is original to the building, dating back to the early 1950s," DiMauro said. "Students are eating lunch in the same space I did as a Hoban student 25 years ago. Our alumni visitors from graduating classes in the 1960s remember their time in that space. It’s time for an upgrade. We have a plan to re-purpose this space efficiently for today’s students.”
Starting in May, and continuing through summer break, Foley Commons will be transformed into modern classroom spaces and will house the Academic Success Center and Office of Student Services.
The Academic Success Center provides academic support, tutoring and guided study halls for all students, while also serving as a resource for those needing accommodations or intervention services. By working closely with Holy Cross educators and administrators, the Center ensures that every student has access to the curriculum, regardless of their learning needs.
“Relocating the Academic Success Center and Student Services achieves two important goals,” DiMauro explained. “First, it places these essential resources at the heart of the school, reinforcing the importance of academic success and fortifying the vital connections to trusted adults. Second, it moves the Academic Success Center away from the steel drum band room—students working with educators and intervention specialists deserve a quiet, focused space.”
The completion of the Every Knight-Every Day capital campaign marks a transformative new chapter for Archbishop Hoban High School. As our community and students’ needs evolve, so must our campus. The campaign is not just about improving our facilities— it’s about making Hoban, and our students, more competitive for the future.
Rendering of the current Foley Commons renovation into learning and office space.
2025 BROTHER JAMES SPOONER, CSC HOLY CROSS HEART AND MIND AWARD RECIPIENTS JOHN ’67, PHIL ’99 AND SARAH WHITE
On Jan. 17, after an all-school Mass celebrating the feast day of Blessed Basil Moreau, Principal T.K. Griffith ’89 announced the 2025 Brother James Spooner Holy Cross Heart and Mind Award recipient. This year, three recipients, and family members, were selected—Sarah, Phil ’99 and John ’67 White. All three work in the Hoban maintenance team..
"The White's exude humility, tireless work ethic, calm grace and kindness," Griffith said. "They go above and beyond to ensure our school is well cared for. They work late hours, ensuring the school is ready for its students, Holy Cross educators and guests."
Created in 2018, the award honors Hoban employees who live Moreau's vision of inspiring students' hearts and minds. As members of the maintenance team, all three award recipients exemplify the Holy Cross core vales of discipline, family and integrity.
During
his remarks, John White ’67 shared that his father worked as a mail deliverer in East Akron and a friend of Monsignor Dowed. When Dowed was looking for property for a school, John's father showed him the land where Hoban was eventually built.
JUNIOR RAISES MONEY TO AID THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Junior Ava Turner raised money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of the Student Visionaries of the Year program. Turner was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age four and has been in remission for 11 years! During the sevenweek fundraising campaign, she worked to raise awareness and money to support people battling cancer.
"I am beyond grateful to say I am 11 years in remission," Turner said. "I was an honored hero for LLS when I was six, so it is an incredible opportunity to help the organization that was a light for my family and me. It is my mission to make sure no one has to go through the brutalities of cancer that I went through. The money raised will go to cancer patient advocacy, which is important to me because every patient’s voice should be heard. Even though I wouldn’t wish this terrible disease on anyone, I know that I am here for a reason. I want to be that voice for every cancer patient. I cannot wait to see where this campaign will go and the lives that it will change."
ABOUT STUDENT VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR
Student Visionaries of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development program for exemplary high school students. Highly motivated leaders embark on a journey of professional growth, fostering professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing and project management—all while working to raise as much as possible for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) mission.
COCURRICULARS ENRICH THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
MOCK TRIAL
Hoban’s mock trial program, led by Theology Teacher Jared Topp, competed at Regionals on Feb. 7 and advanced all three teams to compete in the state competition, which will be held March 6-8 at the Franklin County Courthouse in Columbus.
Hoban's Gold team secured the first place trophy, Hoban's Silver team won second place and the Blue team placed third. Hoban students won nine out of 12 individual awards:
• Outstanding Witnesses: Kayla Johnson, Sophia Burgoyne (x2) and Isabella Ralph
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Six members of the Hoban Model UN team and advisor Margaret Reed traveled to the Netherlands with St. Edward High School and Hathaway Brown School in late January to participate in the Hague International Model UN (THIMUN) Conference, one of the largest and most prestigious Model UN conferences in the world. Seniors Erica Leslie, Emma Shircliff and juniors Jenna Devine, Alex Haran, Izzy Ralph and Abby Kohrs competed with 3,500 delegates from around the globe. Although THIMUN does not present awards, the experience is invaluable and unforgettable. The group also toured London and Amsterdam during the trip.
CELEBRATING STRENGTH: THE LAUNCH OF GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL
Dear Hoban Family,
At Archbishop Hoban High School, we celebrate strength—strength of spirit, strength of mind and strength of body. Throughout my time at Hoban, I have often reflected on this core value. Whether setting new goals or honoring long-standing traditions, we consistently seek ways to reinforce our foundation of strength. So, when the opportunity arose to introduce a girls flag football team, the decision was an easy one.
It was a hot summer day in July 2024 when I attended a girls flag football camp hosted by the Cleveland Browns at a local high school. Among the participants, Hoban girls stood out—not just in numbers, but in determination. They embraced the challenge of learning a new sport, treated strangers with kindness and cheered each other on. Watching them in action, I was overwhelmed with pride, wishing every girl had the chance to experience the same sense of strength and camaraderie.
One of the first champions of this initiative is Maddie Diestel ’14, director of sports performance. Diestel worked tirelessly to bring the program to life, coordinating with the Browns, connecting with coaches and players across Northeast Ohio and rallying Hoban administrators to support this vision. In the fall, we hosted our first informational session, and more than 50 students attended to learn about the program. By December, we had hired our head coach, Hoban parent Nick Wren. Soon, our fields will welcome another team, and our girls will form a new sisterhood rooted in strength as they embark on their inaugural season.
Hoban has a proud history of creating opportunities for female students and celebrating their contributions. With more than 15 athletic teams for girls, we strive to provide every student with a place to grow, compete and feel united in a team. While Hoban was originally founded as a school for young men, our journey toward inclusivity has forged a lasting legacy—one where all students can find their place and celebrate one another.
Go Knights,
Catherine Perrow Principal and Chief Academic and School Operations Officer
STUDENTS' ACADEMIC SUCCESS RECOGNIZED
NATIONALLY
Six Hoban students earned national academic recognition by the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC) and the College Board National Recognition Programs.
Seniors Jonah Branz, Alexander Lin, Joseph Sanchez and Cassidy Wren have been named commended students in the 2025 NMSC for their exceptional academic promise. The four students join a long list of Hoban students who have been recognized by the NMSC.
Every October, approximately 1.6 million juniors across the country take the PSAT. About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their academic successes. Although they will not continue in the 2025 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Additionally, two students received academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. Seniors Melissa Mora Robles and Dan'Yai Roberts are among more than 62,000 students from across the country to be awarded with academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. More than 180,000 students were eligible to apply for the recognition. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP exams.
“We’re thrilled that these students have earned this distinguished recognition,” Principal Catherine Perrow said. “We are very proud of the way they represent the Hoban family in all they do in the classroom and in cocurriculars. This acknowledgment is a testament to their hard work and the support they receive from their parents, families and teachers.”
Jonah Branz
Alexander Lin
Joseph Sanchez
Cassidy Wren
Melissa Mora Robles
Dan'Yai Roberts
HOBAN PRESENTS THE LION KING JR
Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. Under the direction of Chad C. Kendall, the Hoban Theatre Department proudly presents Disney's The Lion King Jr.! It brings the African Savanna to life on the stage with Simba (Roman Delgado and Karsen Browning), Rafiki (Katherine Folk), Mufasa (Christian Kleinman), Scar (Denver Black), Nala (Cortazhia Walker and Liana Powers), Zazu (Maliya Templeton), Timon (Audrey Hodges), Pumbaa (Ava Turner), and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-ofage tale. Disney's The Lion King Jr. features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.”
HOBAN CAST AND CREW
Rafiki Katherine Folk
Mufasa Christian Kleinman
Scar Denver Black
Zazu Maliya Templeton
Shenzi
Olivia Pfander
Banzi Abigail Bechter
Ed Wilbur Chase
Timon/Ensemble.................
Audrey Hodges
Pumbaa/Ensemble ............ Ava Turner
Young Simba/Ensemble ..... Karsen Browning
Simba ................................... Roman Delgado
Stage Crew: Nicholas Folk, Samuel Crissman, Jalen Wright, Bah Ter Bah , Miles Byron, Landon Jacobs, Audrey Ater
Costume Head: Sandra Montes
Costumes Assistants: Serenity Lindsey, Paris White
Makeup/Prop Head: Kalira Pryer
Makeup Assistants: Addison Cook, Mariah Evans, Jay Hernandez, Kiely Peters
Prop Assistants: June Taray, Mikay Mon, Alana Spicher, Lauren Neloms
Hair Head: Elle Tibesar
Hair Assistant: Kamara Beecher
Front of House: Eric Rico, KaRayah Davis, Leonardo Kepler, Amiya Walker, Mike Pitts, Caleb Mancine, Maleeyah Frost, Dillon Dunigan, Brandon Billick, Reighan Brooks
Lighting Head & Operator: James Kline
Spotlight Operators: Lauryn Brown, Noah Willis
Soundboard & Effects Operator: Reagan Ahlstrom
Sound Crew: Lucie Kenst, Khloe Moore, Ryan Sims
Projections Operator: Emma Pomeroy
VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY HONORS THOSE WHO SERVE
On Nov. 8, Hoban observed Veterans Day with an all-school assembly in Barry Gym. Dr. Jason Anderson hosted local veterans, most of them related to current Hoban students, for lunch prior to the assembly. Hoban's Holy Cross educator Jared Topp, who served eight years in the Army as a 31B military police officer in Guantanamo Bay, delivered the keynote speech.
"One of the things that being a veteran means to me is that I was able to live a lifetime of experiences in a very small amount of time," Topp said. "The nature of military service guarantees that you experience the ups and downs and dramas of life in a compressed manner."
He thanked the veterans present, asking them to share their experience with their friends and family so they can learn from their experiences, and Topp asked students and Holy Cross educators for a favor.
2024-25 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF
HOLY
COMMUNION INSTALLED
After training with the Diocese of Cleveland, 31 seniors were installed as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at an all-school Mass celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Friday, Sept. 13. The Rev. Eric Garris was the celebrant. A reception was held in the Holy Cross Room for the seniors and their families.
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 were Lucy Beard, Daniel Bisesi, Lewis Brennan, Brian Bulgrin, Sophia Davis, Mateo Decola, Blake Dugan, Kevin Elliott, William Givens, James Holzapfel, Riley Jones, Finley Kennedy, Alexis Korwin, Samuel Kosko, Julia Lee, Erica Leslie, Carson Lindner, Claire Londa, Joshua Macinga, Kamryn Magaw, James McCarthy, Ava Norton, Gabrielee Obhof, Gabriella Peinkofer, Sky Richmond, Kara Riggle, Joseph Sanchez, Tyler Shadeed, Emma Shircliff and Elle Tibesar.
Jared Topp and Nick McCoy ’97 both served in the armed forces and now serve as Holy Cross educators at Hoban.
"When you get the chance to speak with a veteran, I ask that you do this. More important than thanking them, or offering some fake platitude of reverence…learn from them, because they have a lot to offer."
Thank you to all our veterans, especially those within our Hoban family.
CALLED TO SERVE,
ONE MEAL AT A TIME
Senior Annie Fuher, junior Erica Leslie, senior Fiona Marlborough and Margaret Reed, Hoban social studies teacher and Model UN advisor, travel abroad to compete in international competition in January.
For Uncle Bacon’s BBQ, a local family-run company, service has always been the heart of its mission. Since opening in 2019, the business has grown from a humble start to a well-known name in the local barbecue scene, driven by a commitment to community, growth and giving back. Founders Dave and Rene Wells are also parents of current Hoban students junior Leanne and freshman Cody. The Wells have always felt called to serve, so when Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in September 2024, it was no surprise that the Wells family and the entire Uncle Bacon’s team immediately sprang into action.
What began as a quiet Sunday morning for the Wells family quickly turned into a whirlwind of action after seeing the devastation caused by the storm in North Carolina. After reaching out to the disaster relief organization Cajun Navy 2016, Uncle Bacon’s made the decision to bring their smoker and supplies to the small town of Black Mountain, just outside of Asheville, to provide hot meals and much-needed relief to the community.
The initial plan was simple: cook pulled pork sandwiches and offer a smile. However, the response and support they received from local businesses quickly turned this into a multi-state operation. What started as a small, personal effort snowballed into a fullscale relief mission, with more than 10 vehicles, four trailers and hundreds of volunteers helping to gather and distribute supplies to those affected by the hurricane.
The generosity of the community was nothing short of inspiring. Local businesses and organizations stepped up in big ways, including:
• Redline Trucking in Richfield, donated 3, 26-foot box trucks to transport heavy goods
• Duma Meats, contributed more than 600 pounds of meat
• Johnny Lote’s, partnered with Szalay’s to provide more than 500 ears of corn
• Relief Canning, Inc., donated over 1,200 pounds of canned chicken and turkey
• ALCO, provided over 400 gallons of sanitizer
• Coventry Middle School, held a drive to collect supplies
• Thai It Up, donated goods
• Lerch’s Donuts, provided sweet treats for the volunteers and residents
Hoban students also pitched in, helping to sort and organize supplies for the mission.
Once on site in North Carolina, the severity of the situation became apparent. The roads were littered with fallen trees and parts of the town had been completely devastated. Power was out, and basic necessities like drinking water were scarce. Despite the challenges, the team at Cajun Navy 2016 welcomed Uncle Bacon’s with open arms, and relief efforts kicked into high gear.
The main focus was to provide hot meals to those who hadn’t had one in days. The team served meals to community members, the homeless, first responders, linemen and volunteers. While Uncle Bacon’s team cooked, others worked tirelessly to organize supply runs, deliver goods and assist with search-and-rescue missions.
The relief effort was so impactful that Dave, Rene and the Uncle Bacon’s team decided to return to North Carolina for Thanksgiving. This time, they delivered 200 ready-to-prepare meals to those with cooking facilities and served over 500 hot meals on Thanksgiving Day.
“Our trip to North Carolina reinforced the importance of service— not just in the good times, but especially in the difficult moments," Dave said. "The work we did in Black Mountain reminded us that sometimes, the smallest gesture like a hot meal or a kind word can make all the difference in the world.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the support of our community," Rene said. "Thanks to the efforts of countless businesses, volunteers and organizations, we were able to bring hope and relief to those who needed it most. This is only the beginning of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to give back and make a positive impact wherever we can. Together, we can make a difference - one meal at a time.”
Dave, Rene and their children continue to serve the community by working with local charitable organizations that support the homeless, donating excess food to Hoban’s Project HOPE, and partnering with A Bushel & A Peck Designs to benefit local animal rescues.
2025 SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING COMPETITION
Hoban students had considerable success at the 2025 Scholastic Art Competition. Hoban participated in the Northeast Central Ohio Art Region category this year. Of the more than 2,500 individual entries, 20 Hoban students received recognition for their artwork, including three Gold Key Awards (pictured to the left), seven Silver Keys and 17 Honorable Mentions in categories ranging from Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Photography, Digital Art and Comic Art.
The exhibition of all silver key, gold key, and gold key portfolios is on display from Jan. 13-29 in the Fine Arts Building at Kent State University, Stark Campus. Gold-key awarded artworks will be judged on the national level, with the possibility of being included in an exhibition in New York City. Congratulations to these students and good luck to the gold key awardees.
Senior Gabrielle Obhof won a total of seven awards for her written submissions. She received three Gold Key Awards, two Silver Key Awards, and two Honorable Mentions. Her three Gold Key award pieces will be judged at the national level in the spring. In addition to winning a gold key, "The Betrothal Banquet, Chapter 37" was also nominated for the American Voice Awards, for which only five pieces in each region can be nominated.
5TH ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBIT AT DOOR 2 ART STUDIO
Artworks from five seniors, Isabelle Gardner, Tatum Manby, Lyris Pickett, Emma Shircliff and Elle Tibesar, were selected for the 5th Annual Student Art Exhibit at Door 2 Art Studio, which will exhibit March 13-16. This year, the exhibit was open to local junior and senior high school students, and each student was permitted to submit two pieces for adjudication.
KATE RIBOVICH
CHAIR, OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES, COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELOR
WHICH HOLY CROSS CORE VALUE RESONATES MOST FOR YOU?
“Hope. Counseling is all about hope—helping students see the endless possibility of what they can achieve. We focus on looking forward and guiding students to set and work towards goals. As counselors, we provide the resources and support to help students feel confident and optimistic about their futures.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS WHO MAY WANT A CAREER IN COUNSELING?
“You have to be a beacon of hope. Be flexible. You never know what’s going to walk through your door, so you have to be able to adapt and adjust to whatever situation is placed in front of you. It’s also important to have support outside of your job. This career can be challenging and heavy at times, but the fulfillment of watching students succeed makes it all worthwhile.”
Upon entering Kate Ribovich’s office in Hoban’s Office of Student Services, students are greeted by a warm and inviting space, where the focus is on fostering hope and supporting the pursuit of their unique dreams for the future. Colorful pennants from colleges and universities across the country decorate the space, serving as a reminder that a student's biggest dreams are always within reach.
Ribovich, who serves as the Chair of Student Services and a College and Career Counselor, began her formal career in mental health counseling at a community center. However, her passion for helping others started long before then. Drawing from her own high school experience and observing the struggles of her friends, Ribovich recognized the need for compassionate individuals in the counseling field. After earning her clinical license, she transitioned to a school setting, where her experience in managing critical mental health situations has helped her better connect with and support students and families.
Her first five years as a school counselor were spent at a private Catholic school in Toledo. After relocating to Akron with her husband, she found herself at Hoban. This move proved to be a positive turning point both professionally and personally, as it turned out to be a perfect fit for her family. Now in her 10th year at Hoban, Ribovich continues to thrive in her role and cherishes each day working with students and families.
Ribovich’s work as a college and career counselor starts far before students reach their senior year. In order to build connections and understand their aspirations, she visits the classrooms of freshman and sophomore students to help them start thinking about their goals and passions.
“My primary role is to help students make future plans by assisting them in discerning their abilities and passions so they can leave Hoban with a clear path—whether that’s for a career or college,” Ribovich said. “This work starts as soon as they enter Hoban and continues through their crucial junior and senior years.”
During junior year, students and their families meet with one of the college and career counselors during the second semester to discuss the college application process and explore potential career paths. Sessions to help students understand and write compelling common application essays are held at Hoban in August prior to the start of the school year. Parents receive support as well through parent meetings that address everything from financial aid and college admissions processes to NCAA requirements.
“Seniors are supported through every step of the process—from completing their Common App to writing their essays and securing letters of recommendation,” Ribovich said. “They’re welcome to work in our office to complete their applications, and once they’re ready, we handle sending all their documents to the colleges.”
Led by Associate Principal of Student Services Jennifer Mattes, Hoban's student services is uniquely structured. Six school counselors focus on academic, personal and social/emotional support of the student body and two college and career counselors are dedicated to helping students and families plan for life beyond high school.
“We spent a significant amount of time researching the best way to structure our office," Ribovich said. "We decided as a team that the most effective approach to ensure that each student feels seen, heard and supported is to dedicate counselors to a specific task, so that they are a specialist in their field, whether it's with mental health or college and career decisions. That is not to say that these are not interconnected, but our counselors have the ability to work together to meet the needs of each and every student. So much positive work happens in our offices, and every member of the student services team plays an essential role in the individual success of each child.”
Mattes speaks highly of Ribovich and her contributions to the Hoban community.
“Kate brings years of knowledge and leadership to our exceptional student services team," Mattes said. "With her expertise in both school counseling and most recently, college and career counseling, she is a thoughtful leader and an asset to our team. She ensures students have the resources they need to be supported socially, emotionally and academically. Whether she’s assisting students through The Common Application process, mentoring a fellow counselor, reassuring a student about a situation or organizing events like the HBCU College Fair, Kate’s warmth and dedication shine through everything she does. We’re grateful to have her as part of our Hoban family.”
Outside of her work at Hoban, Ribovich maintains a healthy worklife balance by enjoying time on the golf course and hiking with her family. She also prioritizes traveling, having explored places like Canada, Colorado, Maine, Paris, Ireland and most recently, the Philippines on a two-week trip. These travels provide her with a refreshing perspective, especially on the more challenging days of her job, and offer valuable experiences and global views that she integrates into her professional life.
GOING LOW
HOBAN BOYS GOLF WINS SECOND DIV. I STATE TITLE, POLLAK SINKS INDIVIDUAL TITLE
The intersection of team and individual golf is a reality of every high school golf season, when players are striving for individual accomplishments while also competing for team championships.
Quinn Parker has seen plenty of both in his 13 seasons at the helm of the Hoban boys golf program. On October 15, he witnessed the Knights win their second Division I state golf championship, finishing 17 shots ahead of second place Olentangy Liberty. In addition, senior Chris Pollak became Hoban’s first individual state golf champion, taking home medalist honors with a two-day score of 71-71-142.
Pollak headlined a senior class that finished among the most decorated in Hoban golf history. 2024 marked the seventh consecutive year that the Knights qualified for the state tournament and it was the fifth time in the last six years that they finished either first or second.
Hoban’s other three seniors—Ray Dress (9th), Braden Herstich (11th) and Brett Bagatti (18th)—all finished in the top 20 of the state tournament. Despite their impressive individual showings, Parker and his seniors stressed that team success is always the most important thing.
“Team golf is different than individual golf,” Parker said. “Every team struggles with that. We’ve done a good job of making it a focus of our program the last 13 years.”
Parker relies on the senior leaders to instill the team culture and bond.
“We have been like a family and were always there for each other when we needed it,” Hersitch said. “You might be having a bad day or a bad round, but you still have to persevere and fight for the best score you can for the team.”
“We’ve lost tournaments by one shot, and when each person thinks back on the round and knows if you had just concentrated a little harder on one shot, that could make a difference,” Dress said. “It helps if you are having a bad day to know that you have the best players in the state picking you up.”
“The seniors felt a lot of pressure because of what we accomplished previously,” Parker added. “Those guys were irritated because others thought previous teams were more talented. They wanted to prove everyone wrong and they wanted to do it together. It was a thousand percent team before individual for those four.”
Parker designs Hoban’s regular season schedule to be as challenging as any in the state, and 2024 was no exception. The Knights competed in events at Muirfield Village, Inverness, and Scioto Country Club, to name just a few. Hoban finished first or second in 13 of the 16 tournaments they played during the regular season. In August, they also played a match against Division II state champion Kettering Alter at the NCR Country Club South Course, which hosted the Division I state tournament. When the postseason arrived, the Knights were prepared.
“We definitely have an edge because of the courses and teams we face during the year,” said Pollak, who shot 66 in that regular season match at NCR. “We felt very confident in our preparation. It was very important to play at NCR. We knew there would be different conditions at the state tournament because of the weather, but knowing the shape of each hole, knowing the greens, and knowing the yardages helped a lot.”
“We know how we stack up with the best teams in the state because that’s all we do during the regular season,” Herstich added. “We know where we stand and how well we’re going to have to play.”
After a sectional title and a runner-up finish at districts, the Knights arrived at the state tournament playing some of their best golf. After the first round, Hoban trailed Olentangy Liberty by three strokes but felt confident about where they stood.
“I knew we were going to win after the first round,” said Herstich. “We were going to stay super aggressive.”
The Knights dominated on the second day, finishing 15 strokes better than any other team in the field during the second round. Pollak posted the lowest round of the day as well, capping off a stellar career with two state titles on the same day.
“I was so focused on the team and I knew if I did my part the team would have success,” Pollak said. “A guy from another team told me, ‘I don’t want to jinx it but you guys are up by like 17 right now.’ At that point the individual title crossed my mind a little bit, but I stayed calm and stuck to my process, and it worked out.”
Things indeed worked out for Hoban’s four seniors, all of whom will play golf in college. Each of them spoke openly about the growth they have experienced on and off the course during their high school years, and how much being a Hoban student has shaped them.
“Coming to Hoban is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life, without question,” said Pollak, who will play golf at Florida Southern College. “I didn’t know anyone when I came here, but
the last four years have meant the world to me. I have matured a lot in all areas of my life.”
Herstich, a Toledo recruit, agreed. “Hoban has been a huge part of my life and shaped me into the person I am today,” he said. “People are always welcoming and it’s easy to make new friends around here.”
“It feels more like a family here, especially with academics and having to miss a lot of time for tournaments,” said Bagatti, who will play at Ohio Northern. “Coach Quinn made the team really close and we were really connected as one.”
“It’s unbelievable, the family atmosphere and people who will support you no matter what,” said Dress, who is headed to play at Ferris State. “I can’t even think of what I would be doing if I didn’t come to Hoban.”
Senior Chris Pollak is the first student-athlete in school history to earn the OHSAA Div. I individual state title. Pollak plans to attend Florida Southern College and continue golfing for the NCAA Div. II program.
2024
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS AWARDS
Five alumni and friends were recognized during the 2024 Come Home to Hoban alumni weekend. The award recipients were recognized during the St. Ignatius vs. Hoban football game and celebrated at the alumni and friends award ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 21.
KAREN (SCHUBERT ’74) AND HANK INMAN
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Divine Providence, a core Holy Cross value at Hoban, is central to the story of Hank and Karen Inman. Their paths first crossed by chance in 2001 at Dowed Field, and since then, God's plan has guided their journey with Hoban.
Karen’s connection to Hoban runs deep. Her father, Donald Schubert, began teaching at Hoban in 1959, and she grew up immersed in the school community. Karen was part of Hoban’s first coeducational graduating class in 1974. While her class had only 29 girls, Karen cherishes her Hoban education and her role in paving the way for future generations of female students. She went on to the University of Akron and worked in bookkeeping and accounting at Roadway Express until her retirement in 2011.
Hank, originally from Oklahoma, moved to Akron in 1978 to work in communications and public relations at Goodyear. His passion for writing began in college, where he worked in the sports information department to support his studies. After retiring from Goodyear in 2001, Hank started a consulting business and became a crucial part of Hoban’s athletic statistics and score keeping. He is also the author of “Rubber Mirror,” a book about the 100th anniversary of the rubber division of The American Chemical Society.
Divine Providence brought Karen and Hank together during a Hoban vs. St. Vincent-St. Mary football game in 2001 when Hank was at the game taking photos for the St. Vincent-St. Mary band. A little rivalry couldn’t keep them apart, and they married in 2002. Hank, after meeting Karen’s father, Don, soon found
himself involved in the Hoban football press box. This began a 20+ year legacy of score keeping and engagement with the Knight athletics. He pioneered electronic score keeping for football and started working on basketball statistics with T.K. Griffith in 2003, continuing his involvement ever since.
Karen and Hank’s commitment to Hoban extends beyond athletics. For over 20 years, they have been active with the Associates of St. Joseph, managing concession stands and raising funds for the school. Hank contributed to the Communications Committee, developed the new Hoban “H” logo, and created the first Hoban style guide for logos, phrases and colors. They also enjoy attending various Hoban events, including reverse raffles, reunions and Extravaganza.
The Inman family legacy at Hoban continues with their children and their grandchildren. When asked to describe Hoban in one word, they chose “hope,” reflecting the school’s prayer-driven atmosphere, sense of family and integrity. They value meeting others who share their love for Hoban, strengthening their connection to the community.
Outside of Hoban, Hank and Karen lead active lives filled with volunteer work, faith, and family. They volunteer at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit County Metroparks and are involved in St. Vincent De Paul parish as Eucharistic ministers, on the pastoral council, and on various commissions. Their nine grandchildren keep them engaged, and they savor the opportunity to support the causes and people they love.
It is no surprise that Hank and Karen are receiving the Friend of Hoban Award today, as they are true friends to so many in our community. Hoban would not be the same without their footprint on our school and we are so grateful to call them Friends of Hoban.
DOMINIC RIZZO JR. ’77
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Since 1963, the Rizzo family has been woven into the fabric of the Hoban community. The spirit of Hoban runs deep through three generations of Rizzo family members and Dominic Rizzo, Class of 1977, is no exception to the family tradition and legacy.
From a young age, Rizzo was a familiar face at Hoban’s athletic events and activities, thanks to his two older brothers, Frank (Class of 1966) and Vince (Class of 1969). Rizzo’s younger brother Anthony Rizzo continued the Hoban tradition, graduating in 1983. When it came time for Rizzo to choose a high school, Hoban was the clear choice. As a student, Rizzo participated in football and basketball until an injury cut short his senior year in sports. However, his passion for golf remained strong, and he was determined to excel in it despite his injury. When he learned that the golf program was facing suspension due to a lack of funding, Rizzo refused to accept this outcome. He channeled his entrepreneurial spirit by organizing the inaugural Rizzo Golf Outing the summer before his senior year. His efforts raised enough money to save the golf program, allowing him and his classmates to enjoy a successful senior season. This experience proved pivotal, teaching him resilience and problem-solving skills while setting the stage for his future career in business and sales.
Rizzo was deeply involved in Hoban’s theatre program, participating in numerous productions, and he actively engaged with Junior Achievement, an organization he continues to support. When reflecting on his time at Hoban, he names Brother LeBon, Dan Cody, and Brother Leonardo as his most significant influences. He also fondly recalls Don Schubert's impressive achievement of making 100 consecutive foul shots during a challenge.
Rizzo’s Hoban experience was shaped by two major milestones: his freshman year marked the introduction of coeducation, and his senior year was almost jeopardized by the potential closure of the school. Throughout these transformative years, he witnessed celebration, struggle, and triumph over adversity, experiences that, he says, equipped him with valuable skills for the real world.
After graduating from Hoban, Rizzo chose to stay local, attending the University of Akron where he earned an associates degree in sales and merchandising and a bachelor’s degree in marketing. His professional journey began with a fortuitous connection made through Hoban. In 1977, while receiving the Chrysler Youth Award, Rizzo was seated next to Fred Cusimano, then
general manager of WAKR, who was so impressed with him that he encouraged Rizzo to reach out upon his college graduation. A week later, when Rizzo received the Junior Achievement Award, he encountered Fred again, solidifying his belief that this was Divine Providence in action. Soon after graduating, Rizzo contacted Fred, marking the start of his lifelong career in radio.
Introduced to Nick Barry at WAKR, Rizzo found himself captivated by the radio industry, which had never been on his career radar before. He began his sales career at WAKR/WAEZ, owned by Summit Radio, from 1980-1988. In 1988, Rizzo played a key role in launching WQMX, owned by Rubber City Radio, as the General Sales Manager. In 1993, Rubber City Radio acquired Rizzo’s former stations (WAKR/WONE), and he was promoted to Vice President and General Sales Manager of WAKR/WONE in 2000. What started with a Hoban connection evolved into a 45year career in radio.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rizzo has been a member of the Akron Executives Association for over 40 years and founded the International Executives Association in 1996, where he also served as president. His extensive community involvement includes chairing various charitable fundraisers and serving on the boards of organizations such as the Catholic Social Services, Catholic Charities of Summit County, Fisher Institute at the University of Akron, International Soap Box Derby, Junior Achievement of Akron, Akron Civic Theatre, and The Village at St. Edwards.
This past fall, Rizzo retired from WAKR/WONE (Rubber City Radio) after more than 45 years of dedicated service. His “retirement” plan includes continuing his consulting business, DAR Consulting LLC, and continuing to work with local and statewide organizations to enhance their marketing and sales strategies. He also intends to remain active in the Akron and Hoban communities, leveraging his extensive experience to assist others. Rizzo’s connection to Hoban remains strong through his involvement in the early days of Phonathon, attendance at Hoban events, and significant contributions to securing donations for Extravaganza. He also enjoys reconnecting with classmates at reunions. Married to his wife Patricia for 44 years, Rizzo and Patricia have seven children, all of whom attended Hoban, and the first of his ten grandchildren is a sophomore at Hoban.
The spirit of Hoban shines through Rizzo as he embodies many of Hoban’s Holy Cross Values in all that he does. His contributions to Hoban and the Akron community at-large will forever leave a lasting legacy and impact.
DERRICK OWENS ’89
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Derrick Owens, Class of 1989, chose to become a Hoban Knight not because of a long family tradition or early exposure to the school In fact, until his uncle took him to a Hoban wrestling match in 1977, and other than seeing the HOBAN letters on the hillside on drives from west Akron to see family in Ravenna, Owens had barely heard of Hoban. His involvement in middle school basketball with his friends, Dan Heideman and Aaron McGee, who both had siblings at Hoban and knew they would soon follow in their footsteps, created a good opportunity at the perfect time of Owens’s life to visit and enroll.
While a student at Hoban, Owens was an exceptional student and student-athlete. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in basketball and football before transitioning to track and field after a football injury. Hoban’s supportive environment and dedicated teachers—like Jeff Stetz ’70, Dan Cody, Helen Trares, Rose Zaucha, Clem Caraboolad, Brother Ed Libbers, Br. Joe Fox, Sister Kathleen, Mr. Bell and basketball coaches Vince Gross and Jerry Sloan—played a crucial role in his development. Owens still remembers the invaluable lessons from summer work with Mike Considine ’77. He doesn’t recall one person who didn’t invite him to join or encourage him in some way. Those influential mentors, alongside the support from his family, helped motivate his drive for continued success.
After graduating from Hoban, Owens chose to attend Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he received his undergraduate degree in political science and was a four-year starter and letterman on the Men’s Basketball team. With his Hoban education and foundation, he was equipped to think critically and engage in class, possibly out of residual persuasion by Brother Ed’s water bottle. This groundwork helped him excel during college, where he made important connections through internships and independent studies, setting the stage for his future career.
A college summer internship with US Representative Tom Sawyer opened the door for his first job after graduation, where Owens moved from Meadville, PA to Washington, DC to work for Congressman Sawyer, who served eight terms, representing their mutual hometown of Akron. Owens progressed from staff assistant to senior policy advisor, covering a wide range of issues from telecommunications to civil rights. His career continued
with a role at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where he liaised with staff from the White House and various other government agencies. During his work at NTIA, Owens also continued his education and earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland.
In 2005, Owens joined WTA–Advocates for Rural Broadband, where he created the organization’s government affairs office and now serves as Senior Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs. In this role, he manages WTA’s Washington, DC office and advocates for rural broadband services, working with Congress, Executive Branch agencies, and other industry groups. His goal is to support rural communities, ensuring they can continue to develop and thrive.
Owens’s current position is a culmination of all of his previous work experiences on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch. His goal and favorite aspect of his job is serving and working with “salt-of-the-earth” people who have lived and worked in their communities for generations so that they can continue to develop and thrive.
Owens has been a dedicated member of Hoban’s Board of Directors since 2009 serving in various capacities and currently on the admissions and marketing committee. Throughout his years of service, he has witnessed a lot of transformation in the school and is an advocate of creative solutions that address the needs of students while maintaining Hoban’s mission to educate young people to be better citizens. For Owens, cultivating opportunity for students of all backgrounds to attend Hoban is critical to making Hoban a better place and making students better people by celebrating individual differences and diverse experiences.
Owens is also actively involved with Allegheny College. He is currently serving as a member of its Board of Trustees. He continues to be a strong supporter and advocate for the Athletics program, especially the Men’s Basketball program, and the political science department. Owens also served on Allegheny’s Alumni Council immediately upon graduation.
Being involved in the community is also important to Owens. Since 2015, he has served on the board of a local Marylandbased non-profit (Mid-County United Ministries (“MUM”)) which provides emergency assistance (food, eviction prevention and utility shut-off support) to those who are in need. Owens has served as president of that board since 2021, and prior to that he served as board vice president for five years.
Owens embodies the spirit of a Hoban Knight…a kid from Akron who embraced opportunity and growth, left home to make a difference and continues to return, either in person or through telecommunications, to give back and improve Hoban for the next kid to enter Hoban’s doors.
BRIAN SAUS ’90
HOBAN KNIGHT AWARD
Brian Saus, Class of 1990, epitomizes the idea that people come into your life for a reason, and he embraces each person as a gift. Beyond his parents and family, he credits numerous Hoban teachers, coworkers and mentors as part of a constant support system and thread weaving in his life that continues to expand and thrive. Few people can claim to have been a Hoban student, alumnus, volunteer, employee, parent, and now the spouse of a Hoban administrator. Over the years, he has come to realize and appreciate how holistically Hoban has impacted his life through the many relationships he has fostered. Through his love of sports, Saus maintains a strong connection to Hoban and eagerly gives back to students in ways he now recognizes as impactful moments in his life.
As a student in the late 80s and early 90s, Hoban’s Holy Cross core values had yet to be formally identified. At that time, Holy Cross Brothers were integral to every academic department and held numerous administrative roles. The school's Holy Cross connection was embodied in the Brothers who walked the halls, rather than displayed on the walls as it is today. Nevertheless, many of the Holy Cross core values resonate deeply with Saus— integrity, inclusiveness, excellence, and family are central to his personal guiding principles.
Growing up in Clinton, OH, Hoban wasn’t initially on young Saus’s radar. He knew little about the school and only visited in late spring of his eighth-grade year. During that visit, he fell in love with Hoban, feeling an immediate connection and a warm welcome from those he met. Saus credits several teachers and coaches for his early educational development. English teachers Brother Joe LeBon and Helen Trares challenged him both on The Visor staff and in class to “do and be better.” Even after high school, while attending Mount Union, he reached out to Ms. Trares during difficult times. Social studies teacher Jeff Stetz, Class of 1970, has been and remains a friend and mentor. Like many Hoban alumni, Saus views Clem Caraboolad, former teacher and football coach, as the ultimate model of a Hoban Knight. These individuals, among many others Saus encountered as a student, made a lasting impact and continue to serve as models for how he hopes to influence future generations of Hoban students and alumni.
Following high school, Saus enrolled at Mount Union College, now University. He played two years of football and earned an English degree. Soon after graduating from college, Saus returned to Hoban as an alumni phonathon volunteer, calling classmates
to support the school’s fundraising efforts. While a career of teaching and coaching would have been an obvious choice, Saus began working in healthcare sales where he has cultivated a successful career centered around relationship-building and service. He left sales for a quick three-year reunion tour working in Hoban’s advancement office as director of the Hoban Fund and alumni relations. During that time, Saus led fundraising efforts to support Hoban and students through endowed scholarships and the Hoban Fund. His goal was and continues to be to encourage as many alumni as possible to be involved with the school in some capacity.
His volunteerism and involvement at Hoban significantly increased around 2010 when Tom Goodall, Jeff Stetz, Mike Considine and Don Schubert encouraged him to be on Hoban’s Athletic Hall of Fame committee. Bridging the gap between his love of sports and Hoban, Saus agreed and continues to lead the committee today. Celebrated every other year, Saus leads efforts to identify Hoban alumni student-athletes and coaches who deserve recognition for their athletic contributions. As MC of the event, he researches and writes personalized, professional-level biographies for each recipient.
Saus is also the voice of the Hoban Knights, volunteering his time to announce football and boys basketball home games. Saus acknowledges his athletic involvement to teaching him how to be a good friend and teammate. He still has strong relationships with many of his Hoban football teammates. He helps organize the annual Hoban Football Alumni & Friends Golf Outing, and moderates the Hoban Football Alumni & Friends Facebook Group, which connects more than 700 former players, parents and supporters with news, articles, original content and information regarding the school’s football program. For Saus, athletics isn’t simply about competing, it’s about competing together. He understands each Hoban student-athlete has a lot in store for them beyond sports, and the lessons they learn through winning and losing are the important things not yet realized. It’s the memories and the friendships that are priceless and why he continues to be a part of Hoban athletics.
As a father of four, Saus has watched his children grow up at Hoban. The older three each followed in Saus’s footsteps–Jacob graduated from Hoban in 2018, Logann in 2020 and Luke is currently a senior. In 2019, Saus married Catherine Perrow, and he became the “bonus dad” of Violet. Catherine’s position of chief academic officer at Hoban has only deepened Saus’s involvement with the school’s mission. Catherine and Saus enjoy watching 9-year-old Violet as she grows up at Hoban in the same way the older kids have. Being close to Hoban as an alumnus, parent and jack-of-all-trades volunteer continues to energize Saus and the Hoban community is far better for it.
“Strong can look a lot of different ways,” Hoban graduate Maura (Bulgrin ’07) Lemon says as she walks furiously around her house looking for the left AirPod that she just can’t find as I interrupt her Wednesday afternoon with a Google Meet.
I had just taught my AP English class, attended a few meetings and connected with some local media members. Admittedly, I’m tired and feeling like I accomplished a decent day of work. Little do I know, I don’t know what work is compared to Lemon's days as a mom, chemistry teacher, wife and avid runner.
Lemon won the Akron Marathon in September, her third marathon victory [having won the Huntsville, Alabama Marathon and the Toledo Marathon.] Under the guidance of nationally-renowned running coach, James McKirdy, Lemon puts in 70 to 90-mile weeks during a marathon training cycle. A morning person by nature, Lemon starts most weekdays with a 4:15 a.m. run with a group of dedicated runners who are part of the Dayton Track Club and occasionally doubles up on another run after school. Weekends typically include a 18 to 22-mile run and lots of catching up on sleep. But for those of us who don’t run, you may wonder why she does this.
“I’m not good at anything else,” Lemon deadpans. “To be honest, it’s not something that feels OK to say, but my personality is that I 100% want to win all the time, and running gives me that outlet. If it wasn't this, I would just be driving my friend group crazy on game night! Running gives me something where I can entirely depend on myself, something that gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Plus my daughters are seeing me chase big dreams. They are seeing me cope with setbacks, make adjustments, push through discomfort and they see my passion for running teaching me new lessons each day. I hope someday they can find their own passions that do the same.”
It’s a family affair for Lemon, whose husband Matt shares a passion for running that originated when they met as student-athletes on the University of Dayton track and field team and continued to compete in local and national races after graduating.
“Running is a unique sport in that there is a ‘sub-elite’ category. There are few sports that have space for athletes who are still high level and who can compete at the front of large races while maintaining a day job.”
Lemon, who teaches chemistry at Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton, parallels the sense of accomplishment she gets from teaching to the one she gets from running. “Both pursuits fill me up in different ways," Lemon said. "Teaching is also about the performance—engaging and holding the students’ attention. When a kid comes up to me at the end of the year and says she wants to major in chemistry in college, it’s like another adrenaline shot.”
Between the two of them, Matt and Maura strike a balance and compromise so that each can be support systems for the other.
“It’s great having a partner who gets it," Lemon said. "He understands the time commitment and the drive. We are both committed to helping each other succeed. He’s not a morning person by nature, so I annoy the heck out of him when I get back from my early run and I’m trying to go over to-do lists and talk out my days... but he’s a trooper and I couldn’t do this without him and the girls supporting me.”
Lemon's daughters Maggie, Eliza and Kit can learn much from their mother’s persistence and drive for something competitive and hard. She has never fallen into the pitfalls of specialization as a youngster and worries about the current stress athletes place on themselves.
“When I see how smart watches, social media, comparisons and over training affect our young athletes today, I worry," Lemon said. "Peach and Joe, my Hoban coaches, never made it about comparisons…but they saw something in me and they asked for my best.”
Joe Lutz knew just the right buttons to push with Lemon. One day, when she slipped back from the pack and was lagging, Lutz yelled at her that “Hey Moe! Should we start the buses!? Are we done here?!” Lemon kicked it into gear and won the race.
“I’ve been lucky to have coaches who have been committed to bringing out the best in me, but also keeping me grounded," Lemon said. "After high school, my experience as a DI student-athlete was extremely positive and rewarding because of the girls on the team and a coach who was committed to helping us develop our talents. The team was full of goofballs who kept things fun, and Coach Ann Alyanak taught us to own both our successes and our failures."
But even under the best guidance, doubts have a way of creeping in to tell you you’re not good enough or that you don’t belong. Coming back from three pregnancies to continue training at a high level was one of the hardest things Lemon had to do.
“I have to constantly remind myself that there is not a certain way a female runner is supposed to look," Lemon said. "A fueled runner is going to be a fast runner; it’s not cutting things out that works, it’s eating more protein, adding things…there’s so many eating disorders and body image problems in sports. We need to check those thoughts when they creep up. Strong can look a lot of different ways and comparisons can be the thief of joy.”
Lemon wants to make one more push for an Olympic trial qualification and possibly a spot on the Olympic team. Even though the times are creeping under 6-minute-mile benchmarks, she thinks she can do it.
“I’m in my prime for probably two to three more years,” Lemon said. “But, if times keep dropping and it gets beyond reason, I’m perfectly happy adjusting my goals. I may dabble with a 50-mile ultra-marathon next year. I may do some track work. It will continue to look different as I get older…but I’ll always be running.”
A Hoban Athletic Hall of Famer, Lemon exudes the Hoban core values of zeal, excellence and discipline. She may be correct that strong can look a lot of different ways, but her strength is powerful and inspiring. Be proud, Maura (Bulgrin ’07) Lemon, champion of the 2024 Akron Marathon. No one had to start the bus until the crown was yours!
T.K. Griffith ’89 Principal, Vice President of Mission and Constituent Relations
KAREN AND JOHN ’71 BADER
Karen and John, Class of 1971, recently established an endowed scholarship at Hoban to provide tuition assistance to students who might otherwise struggle to afford a Hoban education. The Bader’s understand firsthand the power of a Hoban education. As an alumnus, John cherishes his time as a student, and Karen was a dedicated volunteer throughout the 16 years their five children attended Hoban.
“Hoban has given so much to students, and we feel it's important to give back in any way we can,” John said.
John, a 1967 graduate of St. Sebastian’s, had many friends heading to St. Vincent High School. However, his path took a different turn.
“My older brother, Jeff ’68, was entering his senior year at Hoban, and my parents didn’t want two kids at different high schools,” John explained. “If it had been up to me, I probably would have chosen St. Vincent High School, not knowing how much Hoban would impact my life.”
Although leaving his friends behind wasn’t John’s first choice, the new environment at Hoban pushed him out of his comfort zone and proved to be a blessing in disguise.
“The teachers, especially the Brothers of the Holy Cross, embodied the values of Hoban,” John said. “I remember many teachers, but one stands out—Brother Ed Libbers, who made chemistry fun. That’s remarkable when you think about it! You never knew what to expect in his class, which kept it interesting. And you definitely didn’t fall asleep unless you wanted the wrath of the chalked-up eraser!”
John met Karen the summer after his freshman year when his family moved to Fairlawn. One of four girls, Karen could often be found mowing on the tractor. John noticed and thought, “What a catch; she mows lawns!” A few years later, they began dating during Karen’s senior year of high school, while John was at the University of Akron. Their relationship continued through Karen’s two years at the University of Miami (Ohio), and they both graduated from Akron—John in accounting and Karen in finance.
When it came time to choose a high school for their children, Hoban was secretly John’s top choice. He remembers telling their eldest child, Chris, that he could choose any high school but John would pay the tuition at Hoban! And so, Hoban it was.
“The diversity of Hoban’s student body was a big advantage for us,” Karen said. “Our kids benefited from meeting and learning from peers who came from different backgrounds. We wanted them to experience an environment that was more reflective of the real world.”
After Chris, Class of 1996, enrolled at Hoban, the rest of their children followed: Jessica (Bader ’98) Trahey, Kevin ’02, Andrew ’06 and Matthew ’08. Each graduated from Hoban and went on to pursue degrees at the colleges of their choice.
“I had high hopes of seeing my kids attend the University of Akron,” John said. “But I told them all the same thing: they needed to choose a college based on what they wanted to do. Going away just for the ‘college experience’ wasn’t an option.”
While their children all chose colleges outside of Akron, they were well-prepared, and each had a solid career path in mind.
“Hoban prepared them for college,” John said. “I remember Jessica going to Eastern Michigan and telling me she didn’t need to go to Math class because she was doing so well. But she still went, because her professor took attendance. They learned at such a high level at Hoban that it afforded them successful head starts in college.”
The Bader family continues to blossom. Karen and John recently welcomed their 11th grandchild and are blessed all five of their children have stayed local.
In recent years, John’s love for golf has rekindled his connection with Hoban. Two of his golf partners are Hoban Holy Cross educators and alumni—Rob Yanko ’66 and Tim Lucey ’97.
“Hoban is here for the long run,” John said. “The school has given so much to its students, and it’s important for alumni to support its ongoing success in any way possible. Come visit Hoban, and you’ll see how it has continued to move forward.”
ALUMNI KNIGHT LIFE
1970s
Steven Dimengo ’79 has been recognized as a 2025 Ohio Super Lawyer and Rising Star, which highlights attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
2000s
Nick DeVitis ’02 has been appointed as the fourthgeneration leader of DeVitis Italian Market. The familyowned business has been a staple in the Akron community for more than 70 years.
Matt Sunday ’08 has been named a recipient of the 38 by 38 Award from Purdue University, College of Engineering, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 2012. Matt is the director and chief engineer of avionics engineering at The Boeing Company. He also recently graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence.
In its inaugural year, the Purdue Engineering 38 by 38 Award recognizes 38 young alumni who have rocketed through the ranks and left their mark by the time they are 38 years old. They will be honored at a ceremony on Oct. 17. Why 38? The award is inspired by the legacy of Purdue alumnus Neil Armstrong, who was 38 years old when he became the first person to set foot on the moon.
2010s
Danielle Cincurak ’12 married Greg Rosman on Sept. 21 in Gaiole in Chianti, Italy. Several Hoban alumni were present to celebrate the new couple, including Sam Raines ’16, John Raines ’15, Tom Radabaugh ’20, Adam Radabaugh ’15, Cindy (Boland ’81) Stull, Amy (Maynard ’89) Griffith, T.K. Griffith ’89, Maggie Cincurak ’15, Mark Pawlowski ’85, Andy Frick ’12, Kelsey Radabaugh ’11, Lauren Merle ’11 and Jim Merle ’79.
Nathan Fulmer ’12 has been recognized as a 2025 Ohio Super Lawyer Rising Star, which highlights attorneys who have achieved a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Cori Agnoni ’17 was admitted into the Ohio Bar to practice law in Ohio at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. She practices in FMG's Tort and Catastrophic Loss department, which represents corporations and insurance companies in all aspects of general liability, professional liability and insurance coverage issues. Cori is a graduate of Duquesne University (B.S.Ed.) and the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law (J.D.).
2020s
Sydney Wentz ’20 has been appointed producer for WBKO News in Bowling Green, KY. Sydney graduated from the Reed College of Media at West Virginia University.
Josh Greer ’24 and Massud Jennings ’24 are in their first year at the US Military Academy at West Point. During their first year, they are completing basic studies and Military Science and Military Training curriculum, and they will declare a major during their sophomore year.
ADVANCEMENT TEAM UPDATES
There have been some recent updates to the Hoban advancement team. Under the direction of Chief Advancement Officer Cathy (Keller ’80) Reeves, the Office of Advancement supports and strengthens the school's mission through philanthropic initiatives.
JEFF STETZ ’70, COORDINATOR OF PLANNED GIVING
Jeff Stetz, Class of 1970, is serving in a part-time capacity as the coordinator of planned giving. As a veteran Hoban Knight, Stetz is a familiar face for many. He taught social studies for about 10 years at Hoban early in his career. He then served in the advancement office for about 20 years in different capacities, including alumni relations, major and planned giving and more.
"At my age, and after almost five years of being retired, returning to work at Hoban is a passion project. I am eager to reengage with our Hoban family in this capacity and share my experience. Retirement is great...but PURPOSE is important at any age. I can think of no better purpose than helping cultivate the hearts and minds of young people." —Jeff Stetz ’70
T.K.
GRIFFITH ’89, PRINCIPAL AND VP OF MISSION AND CONSTITUENT RELATIONS
This academic year, T.K. Griffith transitioned to a new role and title. Part of Griffith's role as vice president of mission and constituent relations has been in support of the office of advancement efforts. In addition to his other responsibilities, he is now in a lead role to cultivate new endowed scholarships, which are essential in making a Hoban education accessible to families of all backgrounds.
"This new challenge connects well to Hoban's mission and to my lifelong dedication to Hoban. There isn't a better way to thank Hoban for its impact than endowing a scholarship for generations of students to come. Having worked my way through Hoban on the work crew and various odd jobs, my brothers and I benefited from the need-based scholarships and work crew grants that were available at the time. To be able to help a family send a child to Hoban is a golden opportunity to invest in something you believe in...and Hoban is something bigger than all of us that I continue to have faith in!"
—T.K. Griffith ’89
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 whitem@hoban.org Accompanying photographs can be submitted for publication in the magazine.
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.
1950s
Andy Carden, Class of 1957, died July 10.
Stephen Kalafat, Class of 1957, died April 29.
Robert Hermann, Class of 1958, died Oct. 28.
1960s
David "Louie" Khoury, Class of 1960, died Oct. 7. Uncle of Amy (Traina ’91) Brewer, Matthew Traina ’93 and great uncle of Rachel Brewer ’23.
Jesse Murray, Class of 1960, died Sept. 16. Brother of Jim ’63 and Andrew ’64 (d).
Thomas Weirath, Class of 1960, died July 31. Brother of William Weirath ’58.
Michael Ahern, Class of 1961, died Sept. 24. Brother of Kerry ’64 (d) and Stephen ’67.
Daniel Hoynes, Class of 1961, died Oct. 16. Brother of Michael ’60 (d); brotherin-law of Jack Slinger Jr. ’64, Dan Grill ’64 (d), Kim (Slinger ’74) Lammlein, Leonard Lammlein ’74; uncle of Jack Slinger III ’87 and Melissa Slinger ’90.
Joseph "Chuck" Sear, Class of 1961, died Oct. 25. Uncle of David DeShane ’85.
John Wierzbicki, Class of 1961, died Dec. 24.
William Wilson, Class of 1961, died Aug. 13. Brother of Mike Wilson ’71 (d).
James "Jim" Bedell, Class of 1962, died Aug. 7. Father of Bridget (Bedell ’87) Casenhiser; father-in-law of Michael ’86 Casenhiser.
John Demko, Class of 1962, died Oct. 27. Uncle of Michael ’82, Mark ’83 and Steven ’87 (d) Porpora, Ann (Porpora ’86) Nikirk; great uncle of Andrew Porpora ’23.
Dennis Kraus, Class of 1962, died Feb. 25. Brother-in-law of Jim Bedell ’62 (d); uncle of Bridget (Bedell ’87) Casenhiser.
John Sandrene, Class of 1964, died Dec. 9, 2022.
Richard Hankins, Class of 1965, died Dec. 16. Brother of Stephen Sitko ’62 (d), William Hankins ’63 (d), James Sitko ’73, Thomas Sitko ’74, Colette (Sitko ’78) Libertin and Maggi Sitko ’80; uncle of David Hankins ’88, Stephen Hankins ’92, Jacquelin (Sitko ’02) Junglas, Thomas Sitko ’03, Nick Libertin ’04, Juliana Libertin ’10, Christopher Libertin ’11 and Maria Libertin ’12; brother-in-law of former Hoban employee Diana Hankins.
James Vaughan, Class of 1965, died Sept. 28. Father of Eric Vaughan ’84, Wendy (Wilkins ’88) Dobbins and Heather (Vaughan ’88) Langenek; father-in-law of Arthur Dobbins ’86; grandfather of Artie ’13, Adam ’15, Anna ’19 Dobbins and Brady Bodine ’22; uncle of Patrick ’09, Sean ’12 and Kelly ’15 Robbins.
David Cavanaugh, Class of 1966, died Dec. 31.
William Daley, Class of 1967, died Dec. 22. Brother of Patrick Daley ’66.
David Giffin, Class of 1967, died Aug. 25. Brother of Paul ’66; uncle of Kelly (Giffin ’86) Ruby; brother-in-law of Harold Clark ’68.
Bernard Gnap, Class of 1967, died May 17. Brother-in-law of Robert Crookston ’57.
Michael Cenker, Class of 1969, died Nov. 28. Brother of William Cenker ’71 (d).
Daniel Oravec, Class of 1969, died Nov. 11. Brother of Michael ’65; uncle of Megan (Oravec ’99) Goyzueta.
1970s
Francis "Frank" Cleary, Class of 1970, died July 18. Brother of Tom Cleary ’71.
Michael DiNicola, Class of 1970, died Dec. 10. Father of Michael ’92 and Deanne DiNicola-Lutz ’93; brother of Ralph ’67 (d); brother-in-law of Tina (Spak ’77) Scofield, Robert ’76 Scofield, Danielle (Spak ’78) Snider, Terri Spak ’81 (d), Hope (Spak ’83) and Jeffrey ’83 Eckman; uncle of Nick DiNicola ’93, Laura DiNicola ’97, Nick Kusmik ’98, John DiNicola ’00, Brianna (Scofield ’00) Engler, Spencer Scofield ’10, Riley Scofield ’20, Taylor (Eckman ’12) Ball, Alyssa, Brandon & Daniel Eckman ’17; great-uncle of Colin DiNicola ’26 and Adriana Wilkerson ’28.
H. Howard Hollingsworth, Class of 1971, died Sept. 26.
Kenneth Wohlwend, Class of 1971, died Aug. 16. Brother of Charles Wohlwend ’83.
David Whitten, Class of 1972, died Nov. 23. Uncle of Brian Raber ’94.
James "Jamie" Mima, Class of 1975, died Nov. 13.
Steven "Stacy" Sinkhorn, Class of 1975, died July 23. Brother of Jim Sinkhorn ’69. Dan Pezzotti, Class of 1976, died July 7. Brother of Ralph Pezzotti Jr ’75 and Roseanne (Pezzotti ’79) Paridon; uncle of Ryan ’03, Anthony ’03, and Ralph ’07 Pezzotti, Katrina (Paridon ’09) Tutino and Anglea Paridon ’10.
William "Mike" Tucker, Class of 1976, died Oct. 3.
1980s
Valerie Gandy, Class of 1980, died Jan. 6, 2014. Sister of Randall ’75 and Selvyn ’83 Gandy.
Todd Brown, Class of 1982, died Oct. 16.
Christopher Derr, Class of 1982, died Aug. 19, 2022. Brother of David ’68 and Rich ’73 Derr.
Steven Evanicki, Class of 1982, died Oct. 23. Brother of John ’80; uncle of Stephanie (Brately ’98) Thornton and Joseph Brately ’02.
Francine Kusnir, Class of 1985, died Oct. 2. Sister of Greg ’72; aunt of Danielle (Kusnir ’02) Richards.
James Duffy, Jr., Class of 1988, died Sept. 25. Son of James Sr. ’67; brother of Jessica Duffy ’93; uncle of Gabby O’Neill ’14.
1990s
Christopher McKee, Class of 1997, died Feb. 24.
2020s
Keion DeGrate, Class of 2021, died Dec. 8.
Alexander Lin, Class of 2025, died Jan. 1.
Friends of Hoban
Kathy Backer died Sept. 11. Former Hoban employee, wife of Rudy ’58; sister of Tom Deluca ’59 (d), Bill Deluca ’62 (d); mother of Michael ’80, Dianne (Duckworth) ’81, Jeffrey ’83 and Peter ’84 Backer; mother-in-law of Mary (Gleisinger ’84) Backer, Stephanie (Fahey ’89) Backer, and Leann (Glinsky ’87) Backer; grandmother of Jenna ’12, Christian ’15 and Karlie ’18 Backer, Molly ’12, Ann ’15, David ’18 and Jacob ’20 Fahey.
Phyllis Ballou died April 18, 2023. Mother of Charles Ballou ’89 (d).
Geeji Balummel Padamadan died July 15. Grandmother of Joseph ’18 and Priya ’20 Soulsby and Faith ’19, Josh ’22, Sarah ’23, Lewis ’25 and Maria ’28 Brennan.
Joseph Carlucci died July 19. Former Hoban teacher and coach.
James Censky died Aug. 22. Father of Mark ’76, Michael ’77 Censky and Andrea (Censky ’78) Dietrich.
Anita Davis died Sept. 30. Sister of Greg ’72, Chris ’76, Tim ’77 and Mimi ’79; aunt of Lauren ’14 and Ryan ’18 Davis.
Eugene Federinko died Oct. 9, 2023. Father of former employee Kim Furlong; grandfather of Alex Furlong ’15.
Richard Fleming died Oct. 7. Brother of Donald ’57 (d); father of Deborah (Shine ’85) Wuest, Carol (Shine ’82) Cain; fatherin-law of Brian Cain ’82; grandfather of Ryan Michaels ’10, Kerrigan ’11, Aaron ’13 and Colleen ’16 Cain; grandfather-in-law of Serafina (Congeni ’11) Cain.
Sandra Freeman died Nov. 12. Mother of Jonathan ’14, Will ’16 and Sam ’26 Freeman.
Samuel Gandy died Nov. 25, 2014. Father of Randall ’75, Valerie ’80 (d) and Selvyn ’83 Gandy.
Eleaza Gandy died Dec. 25. Mother of Randall ’75, Valerie ’80 (d) and Selvyn ’83 Gandy.
Stacy Gilbert died Aug. 24. Daughter of former Hoban employee Karen Dyrlund.
Dennis Holodnak died Sept. 12. Former Hoban coach; father of Dennis Holodnak ’98.
Brother Joseph LeBon, CSC died Dec. 12. Former Hoban employee.
Brother Edward Libbers, CSC died Jan. 30. Former Hoban employee.
Deborah Martter died July 3. Mother of Ryan ’99 and David ’03 Martter.
Richard McKee died Nov. 14, 2021. Father of Chris ’97 McKee (d).
Mary Frances "Fran" Merda died Oct. 16. Mother of Paul ’88; sister of John Neidert ’64 and Bob Neidert ’67.
Louise Merle died Oct. 15. Mother of Michael ’68, Tom ’75, Peggy (Merle ’77) Galehouse, Jim ’79, Christine (Merle ’83) Kolva and Joe ’86 Merle; grandmother of Evan ’09, Lauren ’11, Sean ’13, Matthew ’15, Hannah ’18 and Emily ’19 Merle.
John Moran died July 8. Grandfather of James Evans ’05, Aubrey (Evans ’07) Kern, Chelsea (Evans ’11) Furey and Connor Evans ’14.
Cherlonda Murray-Green died Nov. 17. Mother of Kiren Green ’28.
Dale Nixon died Sept. 7. Father of Mark Nixon ’67 (d); grandfather of Joseph Waterman ’01.
Linda Palmeri died Oct. 19. Spouse of Jim Palmeri ’60.
Elizabeth Marie Reichert died Oct. 5. Daughter of Katie (Arbogast ’06) Reichert; granddaughter of Hoban employee Dave Arbogast; niece of Michael ’00 and Kevin ’04 Arbogast.
Carol Scheatzle died Oct. 27. Mother of John Jr ’82, Paul ’83, Mark ’85, Jeffrey ’88 and Susan (Scheatzle ’90) Payne; motherin-law of Kim (Harrigal ’88) Scheatzle.
Thomas Simko died May 19, 2022. Father of Joseph Simko ’01. Mary Jo Solinski died Jan. 1, 2021. Mother of Patrick Solinski ’00.
Judy Stock died Oct. 26. Grandmother of Claire ’17, Erin ’20 and Joe ’23 Stock.
Patricia Testa died Sept. 18. Spouse of Denny ’64; mother of Steve ’87 and Mike ’88 Testa.
Rita Vaughan died March 29. Mother of Jim ’65 (d); grandmother of Eric Vaughan ’84, Wendy (Wilkins ’88) Dobbins and Heather (Vaughan ’88) Langenek; grandmother-in-law of Arthur Dobbins ’86; great grandmother of Artie ’13, Adam ’15, Anna ’19 Dobbins and Brady Bodine ’22.
Bernice Veverka died June 17. Motherin-law of former Hoban employee Susan Veverka; grandmother of Andy ’10 and Will ’10 Veverka.
Daniel Walpole died March 3, 2019. Grandfather of Jessica (Walpole ’11) Giffey and Katelyn Walpole ’13.
Sandra Willliams died Sept. 15. Mother of Charles "Duke" ’77, Kevin ’82 and Robert ’89 Williams; mother-in-law of Theresa (Ross ’82) Williams; grandmother of Stephanie ’09, Bryan ’11, Brittany ’18, Ashley ’24 and Caylee ’26 Williams.
Maurice Wright died Oct. 8. Father of Jalen Wright ’27; uncle of D’Ashilae Wright ’18.
The published notices have been received July 1 to Dec. 31, 2024. Please email the office of advancement at advancement@hoban.org to notify us of a death within the Hoban community.
hoban.org/alumni/we-remember
MEN WITH HOPE TO BRING
Brother Joseph Patrick LeBon, CSC, 81, died on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Columba Hall, the University of Notre Dame. A member of the Midwest Province of Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was born the second of two sons on January 24, 1943 to Arthur F. and Alice (O’Rourke) LeBon in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. From 1949-1956, he attended Christ the King Elementary School in Indianapolis, and graduated as the valedictorian from Cathedral High School in 1960. He is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his brother Arthur.
While attending Cathedral, he was inspired to enter the Congregation by his math teacher Brother Pedro Haering who was famous for drawing the “perfect circle” on a blackboard–something Brother Joe became famous for too. He entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in June of 1960 taking final vows in August of 1964. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame on February 1, 1965 with a degree in the classics and was assigned to Archbishop Hoban High School. He was a life-long student, maintaining avid interest in a vast array of subjects. A walking resource manual for the MLA Handbook and Roberts’ Rules of Order, Brother Joe was careful and precise in speaking, writing and proofreading. He rarely missed watching Jeopardy, and would have been a formidable competitor if chosen as a contestant. He was presented with a gavel from the Midwest Province for being the moderator of the 1979, 1982 and 1985 Chapters.
For 56 of his 57 years as a high school teacher, he ministered at Hoban, where he taught Latin, French, religion, geometry, algebra, and computer programming (Pascal, C++ and Java). Along with being the moderator of the Academic Challenge team and yearbook, for many years, Brother Joe was the advisor for the school newspaper The Visor, which won many state and national awards for excellence during his tenure.
A legendary wordsmith, he assisted students, fellow teachers and administrators to use the proper words and usage to tell a story. In March of 2005, the Hoban Alumni Association honored Brother Joe as a Friend of Hoban. When he retired from classroom teaching in 2016, he began updating the Hoban website and maintained it through 2022.
Brother Joe was loved by his students because he was able to balance his brilliance as an academically-talented teacher with a wry sense of humor. He was witty yet urbane–a real delight in the classroom. Over his many years at Hoban, countless graduates wrote notes and testimonials to Joe thanking him for his attention to the details of more than teaching English, rhetoric, forensics and computer expertise: his own life was shaped by these disciplines and his students knew it. He was a brother to all who sought his advice and he was a formator of hearts.
Brother Edward William Libbers, CSC, 84, died on January 30, 2025, at Dujarié House Skilled Nursing, Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, IN. A member of the Midwest Province of the Brothers of Holy Cross, he was one of four children born to Herman Libbers and Lillian (Schrader) Libbers in Lafayette, IN.
Brother Edward attended both St. Boniface Elementary School, first through fifth grade, and St. Lawrence Elementary School sixth through eighth grade in Lafayette. He graduated as salutatorian, the second out of 29 students of the first graduating class of Central Catholic High School in Lafayette. After graduation, he attended Purdue University in West Lafayette for one year and joined the Congregation of Holy Cross after his freshman year. Brother Edward made perpetual profession in 1966. He studied at the University of Notre Dame majoring in chemistry and received a BS in 1963 and an MS in 1970. He spent a total of 53 years in high school classrooms: 45 at Hoban, and eight years in three other Holy Cross High Schools: St. Joseph, South Bend, IN, Holy Cross, River Grove, IL and Holy Cross, San Antonio, TX. He retired from teaching in 2016, and in 2017 began volunteer work at Regina Health Care Nursing Home in Richfield, OH. He fully retired in 2020 in Akron and in 2024 came to Dujarié House Skilled Nursing.
Brother Edward is preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Margaret (Wichorek) and his younger brother Thomas. He is survived by his sister-in-law Kim (Needham) Libbers and her three children: Kameron, Adam and Allyn and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother William and wife Sharon and their three children Billy, Marjorie and Jennifer and five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. On his mother’s side, he is survived by his cousins John, Kathy and Joe Schrader and Linda, Sandra, Mike and Anna Schrader.
BROTHER JOSEPH LEBON AND BROTHER EDWARD LIBBERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
A group of Hoban alumni and friends have spearheaded establishing a new scholarship in memory of Brother Joe and Brother Ed to honor their unwavering commitment and the combined 90 years they devoted to the Hoban community. Their friendship was a true brotherhood. Their legacy of kindness, mentorship and faithful service will continue to inspire future generations.
If you are interested in contributing to the Brother Joseph LeBon and Brother Edward Libbers Memorial Scholarship, please visit hoban.org/lebon-libbers or use the QR code.
THE THOMAS FAMILY LEGACY
Sometimes the best story comes when you just get out of the way and let the other guy talk. I’ve done this here and I hope it captures the essence of one of the finest men I have ever met.
—T.K.
Griffith ’89
Lawrence “Larry” Thomas, Class of 1958, knows about work ethic, family and integrity. The oldest living Black graduate of Hoban lays in his house in west Akron—it has been his home for over 30 years. He represents the heart and soul of who we are at Hoban—integrity-filled people, like Larry, make the Hoban story worth telling. A trailblazer and friend of Monsignor Dowed (yes, the man who Hoban’s stadium is named after).
“Dowed would leave the keys in the car and let me drive it without a license—he trusted me,” Thomas said.
Larry followed his older brother Anthony, who graduated a year before, to Hoban. Larry is the last living child of 10 siblings—six girls and four boys. Four of his sisters became Catholic nuns. All of his brothers died in their 50s.
His mother, Iva Mae Thomas, was Dowed’s trusted assistant and chef at Annunciation Parish [now Assumption of Mary]. Dowed left her in charge when he traveled.
“He’d put Mom in charge because she was straight as an arrow, a dedicated church-goer and faithful,” Thomas said. “My Mom got up every morning and walked from Bank Street to Annunciation for 7 a.m. Mass. I don’t think she ever missed. She sent us to Hoban, and she soon became the head of the Mother’s Club.”
Larry bleeds blue and gold, giving to the alumni phonathon over the years. He misses the days when he could get up and go to work as a plumber. Now 84 years old, he made his career as a business owner—Larry’s Plumbing Service.
He played trumpet for the Hoban marching band and swing band. He played with his brother, Anthony, who was a trombonist. It was the best time of his life, and he loved Brother Jerome Bennett, who led the band.
“Swing band was the best because it was inside,” Thomas said. “We didn’t have to fight the elements, and it was just fun. I played freshmen football but really didn’t love it. Steve Sitko coached me—and I made a game winning tackle in CYO against St. Martha. But my true love was the trumpet.”
Larry remembers the Brothers of Holy Cross as role models: disciplined and formative. They stressed balance, and his favorite class may have been his shop class where he learned to weld. He still remembers the halls of Hoban.
“You’d walk down that hallway leading out of Foley Commons in the basement… go down that hallway where it bends to the left…the shop room was down that hall in a door to the right,” Thomas said. “I could weave a great bead as a welder, and I used some of those skills in my plumbing business for more than 30 years.”
“Times were different, and society wasn’t as open to diversity… but I never had any problems at Hoban. Even at the dances, everyone really treated me well. I remember picking up my dates at their houses [girls from the Elms] and their parents never seemed against me. They would just say be careful and have fun. I would borrow my brother-in-law’s car. I never had my license, and we had to be home by 10:30 p.m. Some of those dances were in Foley Commons.”
“Not a lot of my classmates came with me from Annunciation, so I had to make a lot of new buddies. I think Hoban is still that way, isn’t it?”
Hoban taught him work ethic, and he never stopped working until 2020 when he turned 80 years old.
“You hear of Jack Horner’s restaurant? I washed floors there after school…my Dad worked third shift and didn’t get off work till noon so we couldn’t come home and bother him while sleeping… so I’d make $1.25 an hour washing floors over at Jack Horner’s.
He also worked at Bass Brothers Produce on Saturdays, catching a bus to work from 7 a.m.–noon.
“I always liked working,” Thomas said. “I went to General Tire till 1979. From 1978-2020 I was a plumber. I retired when I was 80. I enjoyed it. I’d give my Mom most of the money I made in high school. We’d go downtown and I’d buy shirts and ties for the school year at Hoban. Books were $65 for the year and tuition $125 a year and it never went up during my time. I didn’t mind wearing the shirt and tie—it felt good.”
“My family has passed, and I know my time may be limited,” Thomas said. “But I want kids to know that Hoban impacted my life…it taught me lessons. Study hard, be a hard, honest worker, have integrity, yes, yes…be prayerful. Ever since I was an altar boy I prayed every morning and every evening…Mom modeled that to us.”
