Esto Vir Magazine - Winter 2025

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mrs. Patty Boyd

Mr. A. John Buescher ’88

Mr. Jim Capps

Mr. Timothy Clark ’08

Mr. Joseph T. Eckelkamp (Chair)

Mrs. Jill Garlich

Mr. Benjamin Geis

Mrs. Theresa Gorin

Dr. Todd Guidry

Dr. Rollin F. Jackson, Sr.

Mr. Jason McClain ’06

Mr. Randy Medrano ’82

Mrs. Marian V. Mehan

Dr. Rachel C. Orscheln

Mr. Bernie P. Schweiss ’80

Mr. Michael F. Shanahan, Jr.

Mr. Jeffrey M. Todt

Mr. Kevin Travers

Fr. Oscar Vasquez, S.M.

Mr. Robert Webb

Rev. Patrick M. Wheadon

Mrs. Jackie Yoon

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Todd Guidry

Mr. Bob Schnur

Ms. Lisa Schaffer

Mr. Philip Rone

Mr. Jack Twellman

Dr. Brett Desnoyer

Ms. Beth Dunlap

Mr. Peter Vlahutin

Mr. Jim Chrismer ’85

Mr. Tom Fernandez

Dr. Heather Lawler

Mr. Lee Tilley

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

An independent, Catholic Day and Resident school, sponsored by the Marianist Province of the United States, is dedicated to developing the inherent spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical potential of young men in Sixth through Twelfth Grade so they are prepared for success in college and life and ultimately become the men the world needs them to be.

This is accomplished through emphasis on the FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF CATHOLIC MARIANIST EDUCATION:

• Educating for Formation in Faith

• Providing an Integral Quality Education

• Educating in Family Spirit

• Educating for Service, Justice, and the Integrity of Creation

• Education for Adaptation and Change

report. Submissions are encouraged. Articles and information may be edited and printed as space allows.

Managing Editor: Martin Winkler ’05

Marketing & Communications Manager

Contributing Editors: Julie Lohr, David Nolda, Kevin Becvar, Theresa Petry

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

It is good to pause in the midst of a busy school year and reflect on the recent happenings at Chaminade. We’re excited to share with you the extraordinary achievements, meaningful milestones, and promising new ventures that express the enduring spirit of the Chaminade community.

First, we highlight the remarkable accomplishments of two of our distinguished alumni. Matthew Tkachuk, whose resilience and leadership have elevated him to the pinnacle of professional hockey, continues to inspire us with his dedication and grit. Likewise, Jayson Tatum’s stellar performance on the basketball court has captured the hearts of fans around the world while exemplifying humility and hard work. We are proud to know that so many of our alums, much like Jayson and Matthew, are committed to developing their passions and achieving at a high level in the work they do.

We recently dedicated the statue honoring Fr. Ralph. His legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering faith stands as a guiding light for all who pass through our campus. May this monument serve as a lasting tribute to his profound impact on generations of students and families. Stop by to say hi to an old friend!

One of the great pleasures of doing this work is aligning a need of the school with the passion and interest of a donor. We are grateful for the opportunity to grow our learning support program with the support of a current grandparent. The learning needs of our students are being met in better ways because of it.

Over the summer, the Chaminade’s leadership team worked to develop a vision statement for the school. After many hours of discussion and discernment, we created a vision for Chaminade that will inspire us and give us direction for many years to come:

“Rooted in the Marianist charism and our Catholic faith, Chaminade will be a leading educational institution by providing innovative programming, state of the art facilities, and a global school community where students love to learn from teachers who love to teach.”

As we move forward, I invite each of you to stay engaged, share your stories, and support this important work. Together, we will continue to build on our proud legacy while striving to achieve our mission and this vision.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the impact of Chaminade. May this year be one of continued growth, success, and shared joy.

Esto Vir!

BEYOND BRAGGING RIGHTS

When Jayson Tatum ’16 won the 2024 NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics and Matthew Tkachuk ’16 won the 2024 Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers, it seemed everyone even slightly associated with Chaminade was swelling with pride. News outlets and social media were flooded with stories and pictures of the two, including the now-iconic school bus ride photo.

Coverage and mentions of Chaminade went well beyond local media outlets, garnering national and even international attention with mentions in Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, USA Today, ESPN, NHL, NBA, People magazine, Daily Mail, Calgary Sun, and so many more.

“The weeks leading up to both the NBA and NHL Finals, I was swamped with requests from different media outlets all over the country asking for pictures of Matthew and Jayson from when they were

students, for versions of our seal, and a translation of our motto, Esto Vir. When now-former ESPN anchor John Anderson said our motto to a national audience and explained its meaning, my jaw dropped,” recalled Marketing & Communications Manager Martin Winkler ’05.

It served as an opportunity to share with the world what our community already knows—Esto Vir isn’t just a motto or phrase; it permeates the campus and all who are a part of the Chaminade Family. It was a message that resonated loudly as Chaminade College Preparatory School organically hit #1 on Google during the championship games.

“It was absolutely surreal! For a brief moment, this school of less than 900 young men in the middle of the country was the most popular search term in the world. You can’t pay for that type of exposure,” stated Winkler.

(above) The now iconic photo of Matthew Tkachuk ’16 and Jayson Tatum ’16 on their way to Chicago in 7th grade was shared all over social media throughout the summer.
Photo c/o St. Louis Cardinals/Taka Yanagimoto

Other incredible stats since that time include:

• Web traffic to Chaminade-stl.org more than doubled, with 91,000 visitors in 2023 and 186,000 in 2024.

• Traffic from Google alone increased by 333% during the 24-hour period following Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

• The social media following is growing at a 45% faster rate than in 2023. The day after Tkachuk won the Stanley Cup, there was a jump of 100 followers just on Instagram alone.

• Admission applications have seen a 16% rise since 2023, and the shadow visit calendar is packed.

Henry Miedler ’29 experienced the impact firsthand this past summer as he and his family visited Sunriver, Oregon. While he was out repping some Chaminade gear, he was asked, “Isn’t that where Jayson Tatum went to school?”

“We have a history of strong athletic programs. Thankfully, our students are drawn to the same things that Jayson and Matthew were drawn to, which are great coaches and teammates. We are lucky to have mission-driven adults who know how to connect with students and get the most out of them,” said President Todd Guidry. He went on to add, “It served as a good reminder that thousands of Chaminade alums are representing us well in their adult lives. They are finding passions, setting goals, and fully committing to achieving them while staying grounded and true to who they are while putting faith and family first.”

Chaminade is family; we look out for each other, support each other, and cheer each other on. The bonds, family spirit, and Esto Vir attitude instilled in students at Chaminade don’t disappear upon graduation but rather radiate like a red wave throughout their lives—and now, throughout the country, too.

Matthew Tkachuk ’16 spent a portion of his day with the Stanley Cup at Chaminade.
The day after Matthew Tkachuk’s Stanley Cup victory, ESPN showed this graphic of notable Chaminade alums several times.
Following Matthew Tkachuk ’16’s Stanley Cup Victory, “Chaminade” briefly became the most popular search term on Google.

THE ADMIRERNOW ADMIRED

Stroll around the Chaminade campus, and you’ll find a new, yet familiar, face welcoming you just inside the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. There is no better place for the life-size statue of Father Ralph Siefert.

Fr. Ralph was a pillar of Chaminade, serving as president for 33 years until his earthly parting in 2021. He was known to be soft-spoken, except perhaps when it came to his voracious support of the arts. “I always admired Fr. Ralph’s vision. He had a dream of building the best center for the arts

in the St. Louis area, and he was adamant it should be for ALL types of art,” recalled John Eilermann ’82, who worked as a board member, vice chair, and board chairman with Fr. Ralph for 20 years.

Fr. Ralph helped secure a transformative donation to build what is fondly called “The Skip,” which opened in 2011. Among the 1,000-seat theater, classrooms, and art are photographs taken by him. He took thousands of photos of school events and activities to connect with students.

Making connections is why he accompanied Chaminade’s sixthgrade students on their annual Grand Tetons National Park trip. On one of those excursions, he discovered a sculpture of Mark Twain he admired so much – that he visited it yearly. When the Chaminade Parents’ Club got wind of that, members tracked down the artist, Gary Lee Price, to obtain the Mark Twain statue, which has graced the campus since 2012.

The statue is located just outside the Fr. Ralph Siefert Theatre, looking out onto the McBride Green.
Fr. Ralph is depicted wearing his “Esto Vir” stole.
Dr. Todd Guidry provided the opening remarks at the Fr. Ralph statue dedication.
Sculptor Gary Lee Price discussed the process of sculpting the Fr. Ralph Statue. Price is also the artist behind the Mark Twain statue on campus, one of Fr. Ralph’s favorites.

Who better than an artist Fr. Ralph admired to create a memorial statue in his honor? When John Eilermann ’82 and his family offered to gift the school a statue dedicated to Father’s memory, everyone agreed it was time to contact Gary Lee Price once more.

“It was absolutely imperative that I somehow capture the very essence of this kindhearted, loving, brilliant man,” exclaimed Price.

Price spent hours, days upon weeks, studying photographs, scrutinizing poses and features, and listening to stories to capture the essence of Fr. Ralph’s character. As the process progressed, Chaminade art teachers Mark and Julie Laury were asked to consult.

“We visited Gary’s studio and spent close to seven hours working with him on the finishing touches of the sculpture. We spent a lot of time talking about who Father Ralph was and his impact

on our school. We also spent a good amount of energy critiquing and making changes to the likeness of Father. The whole experience was pretty surreal –both chilling and honorable. Spending a full day with a life-sized likeness of a friend who has passed had an effect on us we weren’t prepared for,” relayed Mark Laury.

Those who have visited Fr. Ralph on campus, in his now statuesque form, can almost hear him softly saying, “Hey, Bud,” as his introspective pose engages you.

“It somehow captures what they remember about Father –whatever that might have meant to each person,” said Mark.

Price added, “My greatest hope is that when people see the gesture of the folded arms and his serene eyes, they’ll feel his heart and realize what

an asset he was to not only Chaminade and St. Louis but, indeed, to all the world as those whom he taught, will exude his love and character forever into the world!”

It’s why Eilermann felt it was important to commemorate his friend in a special way, saying, “Father’s charism and spirit live on and inspire us to be people of integrity, faith, and kindness.”

So come say hello to an old friend next time you’re on campus. He is positioned outside the theater that bears his name, looking out onto the McBride Green.

John Eilermann ’82 speaks at the statue dedication. Eilermann and his family provided the funds for the statue.
Gary Lee Price and his wife, Leesa Clark (left) pose with Julie & Mark Laury and Dr. Guidry (right). The Laurys spent time with Price putting the finishing touches on the statue.
The statue dedication was attended by many friends of Fr. Ralph, including faculty, staff, and alumni.
Fr. Sean Downing, S.M., with help from Marianist Brothers Chicago Schuller and Leno Ceballos, blesses the statue of Fr. Ralph.

PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

To the Chaminade Community,

Chaminade has been home to middle school students since its inception in 1910. For nearly all of our 115 years, we’ve had 6th graders and 12th graders walking side by side in our hallways. I’ve had the privilege of working in the middle school for all 12 of my years at Chaminade as a teacher, counselor, and now, for the past four years, as the Middle School Principal. Having seen our middle school from a variety of perspectives, I can say with confidence that it is a special place and one of the best educational experiences a middle school student can have.

There are many things that make our middle school unique and special. From our dedicated middle school faculty to the environment where our middle school boys can thrive, it’s an honor to have a front-row seat to the greatness that takes place.

At Chaminade, our middle school faculty have dedicated themselves to middle school education. They want to teach middle school boys and want to be a part of these transformative years for their students. Our faculty are masters not only in their content area, but also in building lasting and meaningful relationships with their students. They embrace the energy that comes from a 13-year-old boy and use it to fuel their classes. Whether it’s Mr. Pendleton’s 7th grade science class doing wall sits in the hallway as they learn about the heart rate or Mr. Mug’s 6th grade social studies class cooking different types of Greek food and bringing it in to share, our teachers understand the type of classroom environment that is needed in order for middle school boys to learn. Simply put, our teachers just get middle school boys.

Walking through our middle school hallways, there is no limit to what you may see. You may see a group of students laying on the floor studying together for a big test as another group of students are running by them on a scavenger hunt for Mrs. Galvan’s Spanish class. You may encounter a group of 6th graders filming a project on bullying for their 6th grade enrichment class. You’ll see kids cleaning out and organizing their locker with their counselor (something that could probably be done every day). If you’re lucky and catch us on a Friday morning before school, you’ll see us trying to make a 40 foot putt down the hall (slight right to left break) as the students line the halls in an environment more intimidating than an opening tee shot at Augusta. No matter what it is, I can guarantee you’ll see relationships being formed in an environment suited for middle school boys.

Our goal in the middle school is to create not only a fun and engaging learning environment for our students but, also an

environment where our students feel comfortable and valued as a member of our school. It’s our hope that when any of our students walk through the doors of Chaminade, they do so with confidence and a sense of belonging. Our Good Stuff program, where students can recognize each other for some of the “good stuff” they are doing around campus, is a way for them to show their appreciation for one another and build each other’s confidence up. My weekly Friday Game Balls, given to a deserving student who embodied Esto Vir for that week, are a way for me to show my gratitude to our students for the great work they are doing. Our teachers’ frequent positive emails home highlighting some great work they are seeing in their classroom is another way our students can see their value as students at Chaminade. Boys learn best when they have confidence and feel valued and cared for, and that is what we strive to do each and every day.

A great part about our school is that our middle and high school students interact with one another on a daily basis. Our House System of 20-plus years provides leadership opportunities for all students, but specifically, our seniors as they become Senior Leaders in their Mentor Group. Because of this, our middle school students get to be with a few seniors every day for 15 minutes in a Mentor Group and get to know them on a more personal level. Our seniors take an invested interest in our younger students and show up to their games, plays, concerts, or just stop by at their lunch table to say “hi.” It’s these simple actions that can have a lasting impact on our middle school students. At our Marianist Life Community (MLC) events, you’ll see 6th graders through 12th graders sharing their faith life with each other. In our plays or band concerts, you’ll see middle and high school students performing together on stage. We believe there are benefits to these constant interactions across grade levels. Obviously there are the benefits of the younger students learning from the older students. But arguably more important is the growth of the seniors as they take on an almost fatherly/big brother role to the younger students. At Chaminade, we want our students to become the men the world needs them to be, and it’s these experiences that will help get them there.

Chaminade is a special place. Having our students arrive to us as boys in 6th grade and then to see them walk across the stage at graduation as men makes this the greatest job in the world. And like I mentioned, I’m honored to have a front row seat to the greatness that takes place.

God bless the Chaminade community.

CHAMINADE ADMISSIONS TEAM: RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

The Chaminade Admissions Team has been hard at work adapting to an increasingly competitive landscape for middle school applicants. This year, we’ve taken bold steps to enhance our outreach efforts, ensuring prospective families experience the full depth and breadth of what it means to be a part of the Chaminade community.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the reimagined Shadow Visit program. Understanding the need to stand out, we’ve revamped the experience to offer prospective students and families a comprehensive look at life as a Red Devil. The new program includes visits to classrooms, a closer look at extracurricular activities, and a competitive STEM activity, “Escape from Chaminade,” which is a virtual escape room. This holistic approach allows families to see how Chaminade nurtures young men academically, socially, and spiritually.

We also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our alumni network. This year, many alums took the time to record short but impactful welcome messages that greet families at the start of their visits. These videos, showcasing alumni from various career paths and locations around the globe, paint a vivid picture of the boundless opportunities a Chaminade education provides. Hearing these voices inspires prospective families, showing them the lifelong value of joining our Red Devil family.

Current parents have also risen to the occasion, stepping into new roles as ambassadors for Chaminade. This year, we’ve asked more of them than ever before—requesting their help in spreading the word about our school to prospective families. They’ve answered the call with enthusiasm, serving as our most passionate advocates. Their energy and commitment create a welcoming, contagious culture that prospective families immediately feel and want to join.

Finally, our student ambassadors continue to be invaluable to the admissions process. These young men represent the heart and soul of Chaminade, giving prospective students a genuine and relatable perspective on what it means to thrive here. Their leadership, kindness, and pride in their school leave a lasting impression, often making them the highlight of the visit for many prospective students.

Thanks to these collective efforts, the Chaminade Admissions Team is more prepared than ever to showcase the extraordinary education and community we provide. Together, we are ensuring that the Red Devil legacy continues to grow, one prospective family at a time.

Our Esto Vir Ambassadors have done a great job showing off the life of a Chaminade student to prospective families this year.
Dr. Guidry makes a point to welcome all prospective students and families before they head out on their shadow visits and tours.
The animals in Mr. Kelly’s classroom continue to be a big draw for prospective middle school students.
Esto Vir Ambassadors have represented Chaminade at several school fairs and events throughout the year.
Both current and past parents have taken on a larger role this year in becoming ambassadors for Chaminade.

ATHLETICS RECAPS WINTER 2024 SPORTS FOOTBALL

The 2024 Chaminade Football team showed many improvements this season and finished with a 5-6 record. The Red Devils opened the season at home with a 27-0 shutout victory over McCluer North and won the season’s Marianist Cup, beating both Vianey and St. Mary’s on the road. Threeyear starting Running Back, Madden Irving ’25 led the team and conference in rushing yards (1,413) and touchdowns (20) during the regular season, highlighted by his seven touchdown performance against state runners-up, Hillsboro, setting a new Chaminade single game record. Quarterback Wynston Weiler ’26 rejuvenated the passing game, completing 55% of his passes for 1,398 yards and 9 touchdowns, while the defense improved under the leadership of All-State Defensive Back, Dekarai Weaver ’26. Chaminade will several returning starters for the 2025 season.

CROSS COUNTRY

Chaminade Cross Country wrapped up a great season with two individuals, Michael Hamer ’27 and Joe DiGuiseppe ’25, qualifying for the State Meet. The team placed sixth place overall at the District meet, narrowly missing the chance to qualify as a full team for the State Meet.

Notable accomplishments from this season include winning first place in the Varsity Division at Sioux Passage Park for the Paul Enke Invitational, with Michael Hamer ’27 taking 1st place overall. The season was dotted with many moments of individual athletes making big steps forward and setting new personal bests including four new runners breaking the 19-minute barrier. Congratulations on a successful season Chaminade Cross Country!

Football Post-Season ACCOLADES

ALL-MCC

FIRST TEAM

DeKarai Weaver ’26

Arondo Irving ’27

Madden Irving ’25

Andrew Howell ’25

ALL-MCC

ALL-MCC

HONORABLE MENTION

Christian Funches ’26

Jordan Wallace ’25

Lou Abounader ’25

Brendan Dolan ’25

Daito Watanabe ’25

Charlie Hyams ’25

Kaveon Mitchell ’26

SECOND TEAM

Will Marischen ’26

Steven Dyson II ’26

Cameron Falb ’26

Tylend Roberson ’25

ALL-STATE

FIRST TEAM

DeKarai Weaver ’26

ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM

Madden Irving ’25

ALL-DISTRICT

FIRST TEAM

Madden Irving ’25

DeKarai Weaver ’26

Andrew Howell ’25

ALL-DISTRICT SECOND TEAM

Tyler Robertson ’25

Cameron Falb ’26

Steven Dyson ’26

ACADEMIC ALL-STATE

Cameron Falb ’26

Will Strothmann ’26

Madden Irving ’25

Will Marischen ’26

Steven Dyson ’26

Will Eilermann ’25

Andrew Howell ’26

Brendan Sweeney ’26

Gus Kriegel ’27

Ryan Benedict ’26

Luca Daly ’26

Cole Lawrence ’27

Daito Watanabe ’25

SOCCER

The 2024 varsity soccer season came to a close with a hard-fought 3-1 loss to DeSmet in the district tournament. The team finished with a balanced record of 10-10-5, showcasing their resilience against what was once again rated the toughest schedule in the metro area.

Senior standouts Luke Ponciroli and Nolan Gladson earned well-deserved recognition by being named to the All-Region and All-State teams, a testament to their incredible skill and leadership on the field.

The Red Devils finished the season strong, securing exciting wins against DeSmet, Summit, and Marquette, along with impressive ties against Vianney and St. Dominic.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to our graduating seniors and eagerly look forward to an even brighter 2025 season!

SWIMMING & DIVING

Chaminade Swimming & Diving wrapped up an impressive season with a 10-3 dual meet record and a third-place finish at the Missouri Class 2 State Championships. Continuing a strong tradition, the team has placed in the top four at state for three consecutive years.

Highlights included six All-State individual honors and three All-State relay teams. Max Van Stone ’27 secured his second consecutive state diving title, while Spencer Kinsey ’26 claimed third place in both the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke, setting a new school record in the latter. The squad also broke the school record in the 400 Freestyle Relay, cementing their place in Chaminade history. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding season!

Swimming & Diving Post-Season

ACCOLADES

MISCA DIVER OF THE YEAR

Max Van Stone ’27

Soccer Post-Season ACCOLADES

ALL-REGION

Luke Ponciroli ’25

Nolan Gladson ’26

ALL-MCC FIRST TEAM

James Bowman ’25

Noland Gladson ’26

Patrick Scheller ’25

ALL-MCC SECOND TEAM

Caden Fernandez ’25

Mason Stowers ’25

ALL-MCC HONORABLE MENTION

Holden Radefeld ’26

Stephen Stobbs ’26

Lucas Williams ’27

ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM

Luke Ponciroli ’25

Noland Gladson ’26

UNITED SOCCER COACHES

ALL-CENTRAL REGION

Luke Ponciroli ’25

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AMAZING

CHAMINADE BASEBALL EARNS ALL-MCC HONORS

Congratulations to all members of Chaminade Baseball who received All-MCC Honors.

CHAMINADE SWIMMING PLACES THIRD AT STATE

Congratulations to Chaminade Swimming & Diving on an incredible season, finishing 3rd at State! Highlights include Max Van Stone ’27 and Michael Stumpf ’26 placing 1st and 3rd in diving, with Max earning Diver of the Year, and Spencer Kinsey ’26 setting a new school record in the 100 Breaststroke. Outstanding work, Gentlemen!

CHAMINADE WELL REPRESENTED ON ALL-METRO LACROSSE TEAM

Congratulations to Chaminade Lacrosse who had THREE members earn All-Metro Honors! John Nicpon ’24 was named 1st Team All-Metro while Shane Bollen ’25 and Andrew Hayden ’24 were named 3rd Team.

MADDEN IRVING ’25 SETS SINGLE GAME TOUCHDOWN RECORD

Congratulations to Madden Irving ’25 who rewrote the Chaminade history books by scoring a school record seven touchdowns in the football team’s victory over Hillsboro this year! Madden was named the Missouri High School Athlete of the Week for his performance.

CHAMINADE WATER POLO GOES TO JUNIOR OLYMPICS

Chaminade Water Polo was well-represented at the Junior Olympics in Dallas, TX this summer. Great job, Gentlemen!

TONY DISALVO EARNS MASTER’S DEGREE

Congratulations to our own Mr. Tony DiSalvo who recently earned his Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Kansas! Mr. DiSalvo is one of our high school learning consultants and also runs the Chaminade BBQ Club.

DANIEL KUNST ’24 MAKES NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM

Congratulations to Daniel Kunst ’24 who was named to the U19 Bermuda National Rugby Team!

CHAMINADE SUSTAINABILITY CLUB COLLECTS USED SPORTS EQUIPMENT

All semester, the Chaminade Sustainability Club partnered with Passback to collect used sports equipment for those less fortunate, or for it to be properly recycled. Thank you, Gentlemen for all of your hard work.

CHAMINADE PACKS NEARLY 100,000 MEALS FOR HAITI

Thank you to all of the students and family members who participated in the Chaminade Haiti Packathon in August. Together, with members of the general public, we packed nearly 100,000 meals to feed the hungry in Haiti!

LUCAS KOWALIK ’25 AND BEN WINKER ’25 SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

Congratulations to seniors Lucas Kowalik and Ben Winker on signing their letters of intent with their chosen colleges to continue their athletic careers. Lucas will play hockey for Maryville University and Ben will play basketball for Cal State Fullerton. Congrats, Gentlemen!

JACK ESTOPARE ’27 PERFORMS AT THE MUNY

Three cheers for Jack Estopare ’27 who performed as a member of the youth ensemble in The Muny’s production of “The Little Mermaid” over the summer.

MIKEY SKALE ’25 NAMED TO ALL-METRO WATER POLO TEAM

Congratulations to Mikey Skale ’25 of Chaminade Water Polo who was named to the All-Metro Team!

CHAMINADE PACE PROGRAM HONORED BY STATE OF MISSOURI

We are excited to announce that the state of Missouri has once again recognized Chaminade as having one of the best AP programs in the state! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Our PACE Program continues to be one of the best dual-credit programs in the nation, providing more college credit opportunities than any other school in the state.

CHAMINADE GOLF WINS STATE TITLE AND MULTIPLE POSTSEASON AWARDS

Congratulations to all members of Chaminade Golf who earned postseason accolades! Special congratulations to Bubba Chapman ’24, who was named the Metro Golfer of the Year! Fantastic job, Gentlemen!

AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AMY TRICAMO EARNS ED.D.

Congratulations to DOCTOR Amy Tricamo who recently earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Mizzou! Dr. Tricamo works as a high school personal and academic counselor for both the Meyer and O’Donnell House.

(CONTD.)

QUINN PISKOROWSKI ’25 ACHIEVES EAGLE SCOUT

Congratulations to Quinn Piskorowski ’25 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 21 in Clayton, MO! For his Eagle Project, Quinn, with help from Isaiah Valdeabella ’25 and Lucas Licker ’25, designed and built a hammock village for Sherwood Forest, which provides summer camps for underserved communities.

Great job, Quinn!

CADEN FERNANDEZ ’25 HONORED BY ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Congratulations to Caden Fernandez ’25 who was honored as an Outstanding Student Leader! Caden was nominated by his teachers to represent Chaminade, and was honored alongside seniors from each St. Louis County high school at a ceremony at Washington University.

INTERMEDIATE BAND EARNS SUPERIOR RATING

Congratulations to Chaminade’s Intermediate Band who received a Superior rating and were named the overall winner among middle school bands at the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags!

TWO STUDENTS WIN PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations to Patrick Scheller ’25 and Johnny Finnie ’27 who both earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award! Patrick won the Bronze Young Adult award for completing 130 hours of service in a year working with children, and Johnny the Bronze Teen award for completing 55 hours of service, primarily working with the elderly. Great job, Gentlemen!

DERIO GAMBARO ’03 WINS EMERSON EDUCATION AWARD

Congratulations to middle school history teacher, Derio Gambaro ’03 on winning the Emerson Excellence in Education Award! Dr. Brett Desnoyer presented the award following our Thanksgiving Mass, noting how Mr. Gambaro is a model of Esto Vir in both his professional and personal life.

TEN STUDENTS NAMED TO DISTRICT HONOR BAND

Congratulations to our talented musicians for earning spots in the District Band. With ten Chaminade Gentlemen selected across Middle School, High School, and Jazz, Chaminade Bands was well-represented. Way to go, Gentlemen!

NINE SENIORS EARN NATIONAL MERIT HONORS

Congratulations to seniors Nicholas Arns, Brandon Corry, Adam Giljum, and Alex Pantazopoloulos on being named National Merit Scholarships Semi-Finalists. Seniors Aidan Byrne, Intae Hwang, Will Pelligreen, Jacob Thomas, and Henry Wilson were also recognized as Commended Students. Congratulations, Gentlemen!

LOCHIE PARKER ’28 EARNS PILOT LICENSE

Lochie Parker ’28 spent his summer pursuing his pilot license. He was invited by the Commemorative AirForce to co-pilot an original P-51 Mustang that was flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. Awesome job, Lochie!

CARTER ROWLAND ’25 WINS HOUSE SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD

Congratulations to Carter Rowland ’25 who was honored with the House Servant Leadership Scholarship, which is awarded to a senior who best embodies the spirit and ideals of the House System. Carter is a middle school mentor for the Lamourous House, who has taken his role as a senior leader seriously, guiding middle schoolers on how to accept and appreciate one another, and is a true embodiment of Esto Vir.

JERICHO SANTO ’25 WINS GOLD MEDAL

Congratulations to Jericho Santos ’25 who took home the gold with the Philippines U18 National Team at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers over the summer.

SIXTH GRADE BUILDS NATIVE GARDEN ON CAMPUS

6th graders teamed up with Mr. John Kelly, Mr. Scott Kugler, and Mr. Tony DiSalvo to create a native garden just outside the atrium! Together, they learned about local perennial species and mastered planting techniques, bringing a sustainable vision to life with compost from our cafeteria. A special shoutout to National Forest Ranger Rosie Carey (sister of Isaac Carey ’22) for stopping by to share her expertise and lend a helping hand.

CHAMINADE VOLLEYBALL EARNS MULTIPLE POSTSEASON HONORS

Congratulations to all members of Chaminade Volleyball who earned multiple postseason honors.

A LETTER TO ALUMNI

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with laughter, togetherness, and a bit of time to reflect on the blessings in your life. At Chaminade, the halfway point of the academic year is a good time to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and look ahead with excitement for what’s to come.

This past semester afforded many great memories and opportunities for alumni and students alike. From the camaraderie of the Father Ralph Siefert Alumni Golf Classic, the energy of our Open House for prospective students, and the coming together of friends at class reunions, the Chaminade spirit has been alive and well. These moments remind us that being part of the Chaminade family is a lifelong bond, built on shared experiences and a commitment to making a difference.

It’s also a time to honor those who exemplify our values. The Alumni Board was pleased to select Ron Ruzicka ’69 as this year’s Alumnus of the Year and Theo Kayser ’08 as our Humanitarian Alumnus. Their achievements and dedication to serving others inspire us all, and we celebrated them at the Blessed Chaminade Mass on January 22.

Looking ahead, the 51st Esto Vir Auction is just around the corner on Saturday, February 8. This signature event is a chance to come together as a community and support the mission of Chaminade. Whether you attend in person or participate from afar, I encourage you to join us in making it another memorable evening.

As we embrace the possibilities of the year ahead, I invite you to reconnect with Chaminade in whatever way works best for you—attending an event, visiting campus, or simply reaching out to an old classmate. The doors are always open, and we’d love to welcome you back.

Thank you for your continued support and for all that you do in your own lives to share the spirit of Chaminade with others. It’s a privilege to serve as President of the Alumni Board, and I look forward to seeing what we’ll accomplish together in 2025.

Esto Vir!

Jack Benage ’08 President, Chaminade Alumni Board

ALUMNI NEWS

Tatum ’16 & Tkachuk ’16 Win Championships

Jayson Tatum ’16, of the Boston Celtics, and Matthew Tkachuk ’16, of the Florida Panthers, are both CHAMPIONS. Jayson’s Celtics eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals in five games, while Matthew’s Panthers needed seven games to hoist the Cup over the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals.

McCoy

’86

a Proud Grandparent

Congratulations to faculty member, Dave McCoy ’86, the proud grandfather of Charles O’Brien Meek, who was born on May 19 at 7lbs, 3oz and 20 inches.

Cook ’20 Lands Endorsement Deal with Sugarfire

Mizzou QB, Brady Cook ’20, landed an endorsement deal this season with Sugarfire BBQ.

Tatum

’16

Stars in Starting 5 on Netflix

Jayson Tatum ’16 stars in the Netflix series, Starting 5. This captivating sports series follows Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson throughout the 202324 NBA season.

Jayson also appeared on the standard edition of the NBA 2K25 game!

Tatum ’16 & Celtics Welcomed at the White House After Championship

Wright ’01 Authors Second Book

Lt. Col. John Wright ’01 published his second book, “Military Hegemony: the Search for Security through Conquest.” His first book was “Deep Space Warfare: Military Strategy Beyond Orbit.” They are both available on Amazon.

John is in the United States Air Force, currently stationed at Yokota AFB outside of Tokyo, Japan. As a pilot, he flew the C-17 Globemaster and flew several missions into Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries during the war. He then flew the Global Hawk, and commanded his squadron in Guam.

Tkachuk ’16 Brings Cup Home

Matthew Tkachuk ’16 came home to St. Louis for his day with the Stanley Cup and made a stop at Chaminade after hours.

Martin ’97 Named Great Preacher

Fr. Chris Martin ’97 received the Great Preacher Award from the Aquinas Institute of Theology! This honor has strong ties to Chaminade: Fr. Ralph received it in 2021, and this year’s other recipient, the St. Margaret of Scotland Music Ministry, is directed by Orin Johnson, who has shared his musical talents with Chaminade Campus Ministry and Drama for over a decade.

Heck ’72 Named Catholic Man of the Year

Mike Heck ’72 was named as the 2024 Catholic Man of the Year in St. Louis. In addition to his work as chair of the Annual Catholic Appeal, Mike serves as advisor to the Legatus Chapter, the Western Province of the Vincentians and the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri.

Sharpe ’83 Visits Glacier National Park

Taylor Sharpe ’83 proudly wore Chaminade spirit gear on the top of Logan’s pass at Glacier National Park for the 4th of July holiday week where it was much cooler (46F) than St. Louis.

Fr. Ralph Siefert Alumni Golf Classic a Success

We were once again blessed with an incredible day for the annual Fr. Ralph Siefert Golf Tournament! Thanks to all of our alumni and friends for spending such a gorgeous morning with us!

Lewis ’16 Named to Qatar Olympic Basketball Team

Mikey Lewis II ’16 was named to the Olympic Basketball team for the country of Qatar.

Bader ’15 Becomes Comms Director for Rep. Alford

David Bader ’15 is the Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04). In this role in Washington, D.C., David oversees a communications team of three and spearheads the Congressman’s communications strategy.

2024 Alums Serve in Nicaragua

Mikey Ganninger ’24 and Nick Cutler ’24 joined a group of Incarnate Word parishioners in Nicaragua in July to live, pray and work in the community, specifically the clean water project.

Bolster ’90 Promoted at NextEra Energy

Brian Bolster ’90 was appointed executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer (CFO), of NextEra Energy.

Brennan ’71 Celebrates 50 Years as Coach

Even though Kevin Brennan ’71 , or “KB” as he is more affectionately known, “retired” in 2018, he has continued to help coach Chaminade’s Swimming & Diving team. The 2024-25 school year marks KB’s 50th year of coaching at Chaminade, making him the longest serving coach in our history.

ALUMNI NEWS

Clohisy ’20 Drafted by Braves

Patrick Clohisy ’20 was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the MLB Draft! Patrick was a two-time all-conference center fielder with Chaminade Baseball.

Simpson ’90 to Retire at Year End

Webster Groves School District Superintendent, John Simpson ’90, will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Simpson has been in public education for nearly 30 years, with 20 of those years in the Webster Groves School District. He has led the district as superintendent since 2016.

2025 Alumni AwardsBlessed Chaminade Day

Chaminade’s Alumni Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards.

Alumnus of the Year Award

Ron Ruzicka ’69

Humanitarian Alumnus

Theo Kayser ’08

Martin ’20 Enters Benedictine Abbey

Johnson ’21 & Epps ’22 Face Off

The first Saturday of the college football season was particularly special for the Chaminade Family, as Cameron Epps ’22 & Amar Johnson ’21 faced off against one another on opposite sides of the ball as Oklahoma State took on South Dakota State. The Cowboys of OSU defeated the Jackrabbits of SD State, 44-20.

Allen ’95 Named Assistant at Indiana

Faculty members Bro. Jim Eppy, S.M. and Mr. Todd McMenamy visited Daniel Martin ’20 at Conception Abbey in northwest Missouri. After graduating this past May from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a B.S. in computer engineering, Daniel entered the Benedictine Abbey as a postulant in July and began his novitiate in mid-September. One of Daniel’s Chaminade classmates, Andrew Sellness, also visited with Daniel.

Meyer ’19 Named Asst. Basketball Coach at Spring Hill

John Meyer ’19 has been named Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball/ Head Coach JV Men’s Basketball at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL.

Fisher ’10 Presents to the Hilltop Investment Club

Tyler Fisher ’10 made the trip to Chaminade from Dallas, TX to present to the Hilltop Investment Club.

After eight seasons as the DePauw University head coach, Blake Allen ’95 joined the Indiana University baseball coaching staff.

Lee ’01 Delivers City SC Match Ball

David Lee ’01 delivered the match ball at CITYPARK, along with Larry Hughes, at a game this season.

’98 -

Col. Michael Hayek ’98 is the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commander NORAD-NORTHCOM, Peterson SFB, Colorado Springs, CO. He is responsible for the Deputy Commander’s schedule, engagements with the Joint Staff and coordination with all respective Combatant and Geographic Commands. He leads a front office team that supports all Military Services, Interagency partners, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense priorities for the defense and security of the Homeland.

Duncan ’18 Accepts Position at St. Norbert College

Nathaniel Duncan ’18 was named Assistant Director of Athletics Communications at St. Norbert College De Pere, WI. Duncan arrived after spending the 2023-24 academic year as the sports information director at Newman University, a private, Catholic NCAA Division II school in Wichita, Kan.

Wideman ’08 Retires from the NHL

Chris Wideman ’08 announced his retirement following six NHL seasons with the Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

Manion ’06 and Buback ’14KofC for CCP

Justin Manion ’06 and Tim Buback ’14 were recognized as top producers by NAFIC (the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors) at their annual conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. Justin and Tim both serve as Financial Advisors with the Knights of Columbus in the St. Louis area. They work with individuals and families to create holistic financial plans utilizing Catholic products, all in line with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ instructions on Catholic Investments.

Luechtefeld ’20 Graduates from Naval Academy

Braden Luechtefeld ’20 graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering and reported to flight school in Pensacola, FL in July.

Baczynski ’99 on Nigerian Radio

Mark Baczynski ’99 was on a recruiting trip in Africa and was interviewed on Nigerian radio discussing what sets Chaminade apart from other schools, and the advantages that studying in the Midwest has over other regions in the U.S. (Video c/o Eagles FM Abuja).

Zimmermann ’16 Has Successful Season with the Grizzlies

Peter Zimmermann ’16 is coming off of another great season with the Gateway Grizzlies. He finished with a .316 average, 23 HRs, 66 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

Corrigan ’04 Named to 40 Under 40 List

Ryan Corrigan ’04, President of Lyon Sheet Metal, Inc., was announced as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 List.

Eckelman ’92 & The Guardians Visit St. Louis

During the final Cardinals home stand of the 2024 season, the Cleveland Guardians came to town. Along with them, was Alex Eckelman ’92 (HOF ’15), who serves as the Vice President of Hitting for the team. Several Chaminade Family members visited Alex at Busch Stadium to catch up including faculty members, Tyler Schilly (left) and Mike Massa ’83 (right).

’67 Classmates Honored by Missouri Bar Association

Members of the Class of 1967, Jerry Carmody, Ed Dowd, Dave Kozney, Dick Mersmen and Rick Zerr, were honored as “Senior Counselors” at the 2024 Missouri Bar Association Annual Meeting in St. Louis. To receive the honor of “Senior Counselor,” a lawyer must reach the age of 75 or have been admitted to The Missouri Bar for 50 years.

Andrew Spilling ’09 was promoted to Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy in October 2023. He is stationed at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, FL as a weapons officer on the USS Mason. Pictured with his wife, Melissa, and 3 sons, Henry, Ralph, and Benjamin.

Tentative event plans: Golf, a Cardinals game, activities with spouses/guests, a visit to Chaminade’s campus and a party at Grant’s Farm!

More information to follow in the coming months.

Class of 1969 - 55th Reunion in Washington, MO

Class of 1974 - 50th ReunionSkip Viragh Center for the Arts

Class of 1979 - 45th Reunion at the Elks Club

Class of 2014 - 10th Reunion at Nick’s Pub

Class of 2019 - 5th Reunion at McGurk’s

1ST SEMESTER EVENTS

Mrs. Kori Wright led a group of Chaminade juniors and seniors at the Unite 4 Justice Conference in October.
Jayson Tatum ’16 stopped by to see his alma mater play in a tournament in Washington, D.C. in mid-December.
Chaminade Golf unveiled their 2024 State Champions banner on November 26.
Seniors Lucas Kowalik and Ben Winker signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college in front of family, friends, and teammates on November 19.
Students and faculty alike got in on the fun during Halloween.
Tyler Fisher ’10 of the Scalar Gauge Fund came to talk with the Investment Club on August 30.
Our student ambassadors welcomed prospective families and students during our Open House on November 3.
Students were all smiles for Picture Day on August 28.
Gray House tugged their way to victory during the Fall House Competition on October 28.
We had a great morning at the Middle School Father-Son Breakfast on September 13.
Seniors participated in team building activities during their Senior Leadership Day on September 25.
We held our All Saints Day Mass on November 1.
Chaminade Bands held their annual Winter Jazz Concert on December 3.
The Class of 2028 enjoyed some fishing during their trip to Nashville in September.

Middle

Our

The students in Mentor Group MS 17 held a diaper shower for Mrs. Laura Griese, who is expecting her second child, on December 12.
Chaminade Hockey took on Vianney for Hockey Fights Cancer Night on November 27.
school students in the Gray House enjoyed a game of shinny hockey during Mentor Group on September 10.
student and faculty entrepreneurs had the chance to showcase and sell their products at the Red Devil Market on December 5.
The Class of 2030 took a tour of Wrigley Field during their class trip to Chicago in September.
Artist Gary Lee Price, spoke to Chaminade art students about creating the statue of Fr. Ralph before unveiling the full statue on October 11.
Over 150 students came to campus early to attend the first MLC Mass of the year on August 30, 2024.
The Grinch made his annual visit to Chaminade on the last day of the first semester on December 20.
The Red Army celebrated Chaminade Soccer’s victory of Marquette in the district tournament on November 2.
Chaminade Drama performed the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” December 11-14.
We dedicated and blessed the statue of Fr. Ralph Siefert on October 11.
Chaminade Football was victorious over McCluer North in the first round of districts on November 1.
We had a packed house for Celebrate Chaminade on October 11.
The Class of 2025 helped welcome everyone back to school on August 22.

HEARTFELT GIFT EXPANDS STUDENTS’ POTENTIAL

Are you the type who sees IKEA assemblies as an adventure, reading the instruction manual cover to cover? Do you prefer pictures and diagrams? Perhaps you’re more of a wing it and wonder why there are extra pieces person? Maybe puzzles terrify you, and the thought makes you tremble. Or hey, look, squirrel! The point is – everyone is different in how they absorb, retain, and relay knowledge. The days of cookie-cutter classroom teaching are a thing of the past.

SIX STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING BOYS AT CHAMINADE

“When I was in school, the teacher taught everyone the same regardless of differences. If you didn’t take tests well, had dyslexia, or were a visual learner, it didn’t matter – you were labeled as dense, and you just didn’t succeed,” recounted Peggy Sly. Peggy spent decades teaching in both public and Catholic school and as a librarian; and as the years went on, the research into learning disabilities grew.

In 1963, the term “learning disabilities” was first introduced; today, the term used is “neurodivergent learners” because it’s not necessarily a disability or medical disorder, just differences. For example, research shows that the male and female brains process information differently. Boys tend to excel in a hands-on learning environment and thrive with competition, yet they may struggle with organizational skills and need scheduled homework time.

boys and is dedicated to creating an environment where all students can prosper. It’s why Anthony DiSalvo, a learning consultant, joined its teaching team more than 12 years ago. “The Learning Consultant Program has grown immensely since I first started. We are constantly researching, fine-tuning, and expanding as needed,” he said.

DiSalvo says the primary focus is to work with those who have diagnosed learning differences, which includes more than 200 students at Chaminade. However, his team also works with the entire student body and is part of the counseling staff. “There are learning teams in place that review students who aren’t succeeding as well as others, and sometimes teachers refer students who seem to be struggling. We assess the need, collaborate with parents and other faculty, and then facilitate a strategy to give students the confidence and skills to maximize their academic potential and achieve their goals,” explained DiSalvo.

Her hope is that others may be inspired to help sponsor the need going forward. It’s an ever-growing need as AI and technology expand, presenting support yet challenges. It’s a program with a proven success record; one DiSalvo witnesses daily on campus as well as from those who have long graduated. “I’ll have students, home on college break, visit to tell me how well they’re doing. I often get emails from parents; a mom reached out recently thanking me, excited that her son may graduate college early. It’s the most rewarding part of my job – knowing I can make a difference,” he said with a smile resonating in his voice. It’s why Peggy Sly is so vested in this endeavor; she knows what a difference it can make. VISUAL

Chaminade understands the nuances of teaching

Until this school year and the addition of Kristi Treml, DiSalvo’s team consisted of himself and Brian Groark. The need to expand was there; the funds, however, were tight. That’s where Peggy Sly, who has two grandsons currently attending Chaminade, generously stepped in. Having another grandson with severe learning difficulties and having a career focused on teaching, it was an effort dear to her heart. So, even well into her retirement years, this educator is still providing educational services. “Now that we know better, we need to do better,” she stated modestly when asked about her two-year, $150,000 commitment to the program.

Chaminade’s Learning Consultants Anthony DiSalvo, Kristi Treml, and Brian Groark

ROWDY RED RAFFLE SETS ANOTHER RECORD

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of this year’s Rowdy Red Raffle! Thanks to the amazing support of our Chaminade Family, we raised over $206,000—shattering the previous record by nearly $20,000. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a tremendous impact, and we cannot thank you enough.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of this year’s Rowdy Red Raffle Student Committee. A special thank you goes to our talented juniors: Alexander Barnes, Joey Giardina, Fredrick Tate, Ethan McDaniel, Benjamin Stanczyk, Stephen Stobbs, August Stromberg, Padraic Keller, Hunter Lewis, and Cooper Brown. Their creativity in promoting the raffle brought fresh energy to this project, motivating students to rally together and exceed all expectations.

The funds raised from this year’s raffle will go directly towards the construction of a new sports court, set to be built after the demolition of Canning Hall is complete. This exciting new space will provide students with an area to unwind, recharge, and enjoy some downtime after a full day of classes.

Thank you for making this year’s Rowdy Red Raffle a record-breaking success. Your support continues to strengthen our community and enrich the Chaminade experience for all students.

The 2024 Rowdy Red Raffle Committee

SENIOR REFLECTION

Caden Fernandez ’25

As a senior captain of the Gray House, my Chaminade journey has been a mosaic of challenges, growth, and gratitude. Seven years ago, I entered these halls as a wide-eyed sixthgrader, unaware of the profound impact this community would have on my life. Today, as I stand on the cusp of graduation, I reflect on the lessons learned and the values instilled, especially the essence of Esto Vir—to be a man.

Academics have been the cornerstone of my growth here. From the quiet afternoons in Mr. Gauvain’s sixth-grade English class, immersed in Hatchet and Where the Red Fern Grows, to the rigorous demands of AP Physics and History, Chaminade has challenged me to think critically and embrace curiosity. This year, Music Theory has sparked a new passion, deepening my love for guitar and pushing me into uncharted creative territory. It’s a testament to the diverse opportunities Chaminade offers, even as a senior.

Athletics have taught me lessons far beyond the scoreboard. Soccer has been my constant companion since sixth grade, culminating in a season where I stepped up as a senior starter. Scoring in the district game against Marquette will forever be etched in my memory, but the true reward has been the camaraderie—the bond formed through grueling practices and shared goals. These experiences have shaped me into a leader who values teamwork and perseverance.

Leadership has been another defining chapter of my journey. As a Gray House Captain, I’ve

embraced the responsibility of guiding younger students, just as my own captains once welcomed me. Serving as an ambassador for Admissions and Advancement has allowed me to share Chaminade’s story with prospective families and alumni, bridging the past and future of our community. Leading the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Club was perhaps my most personal endeavor. Inspired by my grandmother’s battle with cancer, my team and I raised $40,000 in seven weeks through creative fundraising. The experience taught me the power of collaboration and purpose.

At the heart of it all is Esto Vir. For me, it means being selfless, compassionate, and disciplined—a man of God committed to serving others. My involvement in the Marianist Life Community (MLC) has been a profound way to live out this calling. Whether organizing prayer services or leading retreats, the opportunity to grow in faith alongside my peers has been invaluable.

As my time at Chaminade draws to a close, I carry with me a deep gratitude for the generosity of those who make this journey possible. Your support has not only enriched my experience but has also empowered countless Red Devils to discover their own paths. Though my days as a student will end in May, the values of Esto Vir will guide me for a lifetime.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

REST IN PEACE

IN MEMORIAM – As of December 13, 2024

EVE MARIE ALEXANDRE, M.D.

August 31, 2024

Grandmother of Mason D. Alexandre ’25

ROBERT F. AMLONG (MCBRIDE ’48)

December 5, 2024

DOUGLAS ANDERSON

October 13, 2024

Grandfather of Mark Agnew, Jr. ’27

MYLES R. BACZYNSKI

October 4, 2024

Uncle of staff member, Mark E. Baczynski ’99

JOSEPH E. BARR ’64

November 14, 2024

Brother of James P. Barr ’64

JOHN R. BARRETT ’62

July 24, 2024

Brother of Thomas E. Barrett ’69

JEFFREY R. BAUER ’83

July 11, 2024

Brother of Mark G. Bauer ’80

Brother-in-law of Paul J. Roeder ’82

Uncle of Justin P. Roeder ’12, Adam J. Roeder ’14 & Kyle J. Allen ’19

JOSEPH C. BETZ (MCBRIDE ’47)

February 9, 2024

WILLIAM H. BLISS

December 2, 2024

Husband of former staff member, Kathryn Bliss

Father of William M. Bliss ’87, Robert M. Bliss ’90 & Timothy S. Bliss (attended 1987-90)

Father-in-law of Douglas P. Holler ’94

WENDELL T. BOLLINGER (MCBRIDE ’63)

October 23, 2024

FRANK J. BRADY ’57

January 1, 2023

Brother of the late Aloysius H. Brady ’56 & the late Stephen L. Brady ’58

ROBERT G. BRUNETTE

April 6, 2024

McBride Faculty 1955

FR. JOSEPH D. “DON” CAHILL, S.M.

June 18, 2024

Former Vianney and McBride faculty member

THOMAS J. CARRON (MCBRIDE ’70)

August 1, 2024

FR. PATRICK J. CHRISTOPHER

November 3, 2024

Chaminade Faculty (1984-1986)

KATHIE A. CONWAY

August 24, 2024

Mother of Ryan P. Conway ’10

MICHAEL D. DARDAS (ATTENDED 1955-1957)

August 9, 2024

Father of Steven M. Dardas (attended 1975-1979)

THOMAS F. DECLUE, JR. ’67

January 8, 2024

JOHN R. DENNEY (MCBRIDE ’65)

June 5, 2024

ROBERT E. DONNELLY, SR. (ATTENDED 1946-51)

May 30, 2024

Father of Robert E. Donnelly, Jr. ’77 & Steven M. Donnelly (attended 1974-77)

DAVID L. DURST (MCBRIDE ’66)

August 28, 2024

EARSELENE EASLEY

September 12, 2024

Grandmother of Jordan Wallace ’25

DELLA M. EBE

July 14, 2024

Wife of Hubert J. Ebe ’50

Sister-in-law of the late Conrad W. Ebe ’54

GILBERT A. EFFINGER ’56

July 9, 2024

CHARLES F. “CHUCK” EVANS, JR. (MCBRIDE ’66)

October 7, 2024

WILLIAM E. FISCHER ’66

July 26, 2024

ROBERT I. FLASPOHLER ’60

June 25, 2024

JOSEPH D. FLOOD

October 8, 2024

Father of Glennon J. Flood ’85

STEVEN N. FRANK

September 8, 2024

Father of Kevin S. Frank ’96 & Steven A. Frank ’00 Grandfather of Grady M. Bernath ’28 Great-uncle of Zachary T. Pogue ’15

DOROTHY GATES

September 2, 2024 Grandmother of staff member Libby Quinonez Great-grandmother of John A. Quinonez ’31

KATHLEEN GILBERT

June 15, 2024

Mother of J. David Gilbert ’07

EDWARD V. HAMILTON, JR. ’52

July 17, 2024

Father of Daniel E. Hamilton ’78 Grandfather of W. Tyler Sant ’03

CHRISTOPHER S. HANDY ’19

September 20, 2024 Son of John K. Handy ’81

PETER J. HAUPT

February 9, 2024

Brother of Paul G. Haupt ’80

ELLIOT M. HEAD ’08

August 22, 2023

DAN HILLBERRY

August 13, 2024

Chaminade Staff (2015-2021)

GREGORY D. HOFF (MCBRIDE ’69)

June 3, 2024

RONALD L. HOLLENBECK (MCBRIDE ’58)

August 5, 2023

HARVEY A. JOHNSON (MCBRIDE ’52)

November 16, 2023

PHILLIP LLOYD JONES

December 6, 2024

Father of current faculty member, Amelia-Colette Jones

RICHARD G. KLEINE (MCBRIDE ’52)

August 18, 2024

CHARLES J. KOHLER (MCBRIDE ’40)

July 6, 2024

Father of Keith G. Kohler ’80

JULIA M. LADNER

March 7, 2024

Grandmother of Aaron D. Cummins ’06, Nathan L. Cummins ’08 & Thomas C. Blackburn ’13

GIOVANNI LANDRO

June 11, 2024

Grandfather of Brian C. English ’03

LIBBY LOPORTO

October 17, 2024

School nurse 1991-2008

Mother of James T. LoPorto ’92, Matthew J. LoPorto ’95 & Nicholas J. LoPorto ’02

THOMAS A. LOTTMAN ’69

November 12, 2022

EDWARD J. LYNCH ’61

October 10, 2023

HARRY A. MAIER, JR. (MCBRIDE ’49)

August 26, 2024

THOMAS P. MASTERSON (MCBRIDE ’67)

October 1, 2024

CHRISTINA MCCOY

May 25, 2024

Stepmother of Mark A. McCoy ’82 & current faculty member, David L. McCoy ’86

Step grandmother of David W. McCoy (attended 2006-08), Jack H. McCoy ’18 & Joseph W. McCoy ’28

REST IN PEACE

IN MEMORIAM – As of December 13, 2024

RICHARD H. MIRIANI (MCBRIDE ’54)

August 28, 2024

ALLAN G. MUELLER (MCBRIDE ’60)

June 11, 2024

MICHAEL S. MUELLER

September 1, 2024

Father of Brendan A. Mueller ’20

Brother of Christopher E. Mueller ’06

JOHN A. MURA

May 21, 2024

Father of current parent, William B. Mura

Grandfather of Joseph W. Mura ’23, Henry J. Mura ’27 & Benjamin F. Mura ’29

PAUL T. MYDLER

August 29, 2024

Father-in-law of James R. O’Shea ’80

Grandfather of William J. O’Shea ’14

JOHN S. “JAKE” NAUGHTON ’73

December 1, 2024

DENNIS H. NETTLER (MCBRIDE ’48)

July 1, 2024

PATRICK J. NOLAN ’60

August 2, 2024

ROBERT M. NOONAN (MCBRIDE ’55)

August 28, 2024

Father of

Robert C. “Chris” Noonan ’79 & Michael P. Noonan ’87

Grandfather of Matthew C. Noonan ’21

GEORGE T. ORTIGUERO ’83

June 21, 2024

Brother of Leopoldo Ortiguero ’78 & the late Julius D. Ortiguero ’80

ROBERT J. OWENS (MCBRIDE ’54)

October 12, 2024

THOMAS E. PARDO, SR. (MCBRIDE ’56)

May 29, 2024

LANCE E. PAULSEN ’79

August 14, 2023

THOMAS EUGENE PECAUT

October 19, 2024

Brother-in-law of faculty member, Richard Wibbenmeyer

ROBERT R. PLACHT ’63

May 13, 2022

ELEANOR JEAN PONS

June 16, 2024

Mother of Charles A. Pons ’80

EDWARD J. PRENDERGAST ’65

November 13, 2024

JOSEPH C. RAVAS, JR. (MCBRIDE ’70)

June 11, 2024

BARBARA ANN REARDON

December 9, 2024

Mother of Grant Tosh Williams ’78

Grandmother of Daniel Andries Tosh Alberts ’28

HAROLD G. “SONNY” REHG (MCBRIDE ’60)

September 28, 2024

JOHN T. RIORDAN (MCBRIDE ’51)

July 25, 2024

JOHN K. ROEDEL, JR. ’55

July 8, 2024

Father of Kevin M. Roedel ’87

EDWARD J. ROESCH (MCBRIDE ’70)

June 18, 2024

RICHARD A. ROSENTHAL (MCBRIDE ’50)

June 11, 2024

CAROL ROTERT

August 18, 2024

Grandmother of William R. “Raph” Voges ’30

LAWRENCE J. ROY (MCBRIDE ’66)

November 22, 2024

BERNARD A. RUTHMEYER

July 8, 2024

Father of Bernard J. Ruthmeyer ’83

KENNETH C. SAPPINGTON (ATTENDED 1950-55)

June 18, 2024

ALICE A. SARTORI

September 18, 2024

Mother of Timothy Sartori ’98 Aunt of Michael A. Sartori ’83 & Jeffrey C. Sartori ’84 Grandmother of Matthew J. Sartori ’08, Robert L. Sartori ’20, Cooper L. Sartori ’28 & Cole T. Sartori ’31

LORENZ “LARRY” H. SARTORI

August 15, 2024

Father of Timothy Sartori ’98

Uncle of

Michael A. Sartori ’83 & Jeffrey C. Sartori ’84 Grandfather of Matthew J. Sartori ’08, Robert L. Sartori ’20, Cooper L. Sartori ’28 & Cole T. Sartori ’31

MICHAEL H. SCHMIZ (MCBRIDE ’52)

October 6, 2024

Grandfather of Ryan C. Hall ’11

ROBERT F. SCHWARZE ’67

September 4, 2024

Father of William J. Schwarze ’11 & Michael F. Schwarze ’14

Brother of the late

Martin W. Schwarze ’64 & Daniel J. Schwarze ’76

Uncle of

Martin J. Schwarze ’14 & John D. Schwarze ’16

ALBERT L. SCHWEITZER III ’61

July 8, 2024

Son of the late

Albert L. Schweitzer, Jr. ’40

NEIL E. SELLENRIEK

November 10, 2024

Father of Brad N. Sellenriek ’81 & Andrew R. Sellenriek ’83

LELAND C. SHANLE III ’04

August 20, 2024

Son of Leland C. Shanle, Jr. ’77

Nephew of

Gregory S. Shanle ’79

Brother of

William G. Shanle ’11

ROSEMARY E. SHAUGHNESSY

April 16, 2024

Grandmother of Thomas P. Martin ’14, Ian G. Shaughnessy ’16, Owen A. Shaughnessy ’16 & Frank W. Meyer III ’30

JOHN D. SHELTON (MCBRIDE ’60)

August 10, 2024

MARILYN SHOCKLEE

September 2, 2024

Mother of former staff member

Sue Rozier

Grandmother of Samuel C. Rozier ’12

DANIEL C. SIESS

October 19, 2024

Grandfather of Cole S. Kirkpatrick ’25

JAMES R. SIMPSON (MCBRIDE ’50)

April 20, 2024

WILLIAM F. SOMMER ’54

August 6, 2024

Brother of Gerald G. Sommer ’52 & Francis J. Sommer, Jr. ’59

Uncle of

Timothy F. Sommer ’93

ROBERT L. STADLER (MCBRIDE ’47)

August 18, 2024

LISA STARR

August 5, 2024

Sister of Chaminade staff member, Christy Starr

THOMAS E. STEWART, JR. (MCBRIDE ’68)

September 13, 2024

JOHN MANUEL SUAREZ

July 10, 2024

Father of

Tobe M. Suarez ’90

Grandfather of Javier Suarez ’28

BRO. GERARD A. SULLIVAN, S.M. ’49

August 3, 2024

BERNARD G. SZYNALSKI

November 11, 2024

Grandfather of Colin P. McNamee ’27

THOMAS L. TRACY

November 14, 2024

Uncle of Zachary C. Tracy ’26

REV. EUGENE E. UTRUP (MCBRIDE ’51)

August 29, 2024

SALVATORE J. VITALE

October 6, 2024

Father of Salvatore C. Vitale ’00 & Charles L. Vitale ’02

VICTOR VOLLAND

August 17, 2024

Grandfather of faculty member, Susie Lawrence

MICHAEL G. WAGNITZ (MCBRIDE ’70)

August 23, 2024

JAMES MICHAEL WATKINS

July 22, 2024

Brother of Chaminade staff member, Jodie Tieber

RONALD E. WEBER (MCBRIDE ’59)

September 15, 2024

BRIAN M. WEIBLE (ATTENDED 1993-96)

September 5, 2024

THERESA WHEELER

November 10, 2024

WAYNE THOMAS WIBBENMEYER, SR.

July 29, 2024

Brother of current faculty member, Rick Wibbenmeyer

JUSTIN ARCH WILLIAMSON III

September 4, 2024

Grandfather of Connor M. Williamson ’22 & Tyler S. Williamson ’26

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