Falcon Once a
Winter 2019
Divine Child High School
60
celebrates
years
Pictured: Msgr. Weier smiles for a photo with High School Principal Sister Mary Estelle, May 1958.
Falcon Once a
WINTER 2019 Editorial Marie Boyle '07 Colleen Johnson '00 Aubri McNamara '97 Design & Layout Marie Boyle '07 Mackenzie Brewis '12 Contributors Rev. James Bilot Eric Haley '98 Colleen Johnson '00 Aubri McNamara '97 Kathy Tar Bob Bush Eric Heiden Serge Danielson-Francois Matt Mooney Sara Calupina Marc Sierra Anna Leslie Printer NWC Print Once a Falcon magazine is published semiannually by the Divine Child Alumni Association for graduates and friends of Divine Child.
ON THE COVER 20 DC Celebrates 60+ Years HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES 08 Spiritually 10 Academically 11 Socially 12 Creatively 14 Athletics ALUMNI UPDATES 16 Meet the DCAA Board 24 Homecoming 2018 27 Divine Child Golf Classic Recap 28 Alumni Updates 30 Future Falcons 32 Falcon 5k Recap 33 Divine Child Hall of Fame Recap 35 Class Reunions
/DivineChildSchools @DivineChildSch @DivineChildFalcons Questions and feedback: Phone: 313-216-0891 Email: advancement@divinechild.org 2
Become Published! Share your stories and photos with us! Contact us on Facebook, Twitter or by email: amcnamara@divinechild.org. For inclusion in the next issue, please submit updates and articles no later than 5/31/19. All content submitted becomes Divine Child property and may be edited prior to publication.
Advancement Office Colleen (Beard) Johnson '00 Director of Advancement Marie (Stawasz) Boyle '07 Director of Marketing & Communications Matthew Saxer Director of Admissions Aubri (Marchetti) McNamara '97 Alumni Relations Coordinator Connie DiMarco Special Events Coordinator Mackenzie Brewis '12 Marketing Coordinator High School Leadership Eric Haley '98 Principal Jessica Spearman Assistant Principal J. Mike Courage '98 Assistant Principal Alumni Association The Alumni Association is built on a strong foundation of dedication and a belief in the motto Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon. The Association actively promotes the family tradition of continuing a Divine Child High School education.
Since 1950, the Church of the Divine Child has been a strong Catholic presence in Dearborn and today remains one of the largest and most vibrant Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Together, Divine Child Elementary School, founded in 1953, and Divine Child High School, founded in 1958, have grown to host one of the largest co-educational Catholic school enrollments in Michigan. With a heritage spanning 60 years, Divine Child High School has imparted “goodness with knowledge” to generations of students and continues to provide a Catholic education emphasizing spiritual, academic, social, and creative excellence. Over 11,000 alumni have gone forward to build success on these values. Today, over 875 Divine Child High School students enjoy the opportunity to study numerous academic disciplines, compete in various sports, and participate in many extracurricular activities, all built on a strong spiritual foundation.
A NOTE FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE
Greg Cibor '89 President Karen (Mulholland) Gessler '89 Vice President Mike Vecchioni ’72 Treasurer Katie Zakar '99 Secretary Sara (Grudzinski) Metzger ’94 Member at Large Cheryl (Oros) Nelson ’75 Member at Large Jennifer Topolski ’85 Member at Large
Aubri McNamara '97 Alumni Relations Coordinator 313-216-0891 ext. 232 amcnamara@divinechild.org
Everywhere I turn, I am reminded of the deep cultural history that makes DC such a unique place. It is a blessing for me to meet alumni and listen to them share memories that have helped shape DC in to the place so many of us call home. I've learned so much about DC's rich history. Our collective stories have created deep-rooted traditions. I welcome alumni to visit our campus this spring and witness first-hand how DC continues to grow and flourish. Please consider playing a larger role in the legacy of DC and becoming a part of creating new stories that deepen our traditions.
Class Agents Alumni volunteers serving as liaisons between their classmates and the DCAA.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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A Message from our PASTOR Dear Alumni, A graduate of Divine Child High School stopped by the Rectory Office unexpectedly to say hello and talk about life. It was an enjoyable and wonderful conversation to learn how he was doing and what he has accomplished since his graduation. He is very grateful for all he received from Divine Child. Education is a foundational principle in our lives. Without an education, life can become complicated and debilitating. We begin our education when our parents teach us how to speak and when they read to us at bedtime. A child begins their formal education in the Catholic faith when they are baptized. In the Rite of Baptism, parents are reminded that they are the first educators in the ways of the faith. A Catholic school holds a privileged and unique honor to teach children academics in a faith-based environment. For 65 years, Divine Child Elementary School has been providing thousands of children with a firm foundation to guide them through life. Divine Child High School has been building upon Catholic principles for 60 years! Will we ever know the great impact our faith-based education has had on all those who have passed through the halls or the impact their time in Divine Child Catholic Schools will have on the greater society? All we can do is trust that the education our students received here has helped to bear fruit and is bringing you and others closer to the Lord. Divine Child Parish and Schools has a mission. Our mission is to help our students to know Jesus Christ through faith, academics and service so that they will encounter the Lord in their lives and, thus, make Jesus known to others by their words and deeds. If we all do our part in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ -- current students, faculty and staff, and you, our alumni -- our school will continue to fulfill its mission of bringing Christ to a wayward world. My visit with the young man, now a college graduate, was a gift from the Lord. He shared his life, his accomplishments and, most importantly, his desire to grow closer to Jesus. I knew the Lord was present, and the mission entrusted to our care is unfolding in our midst! I ask that you continue to pray for all of us here at Divine Child Parish and Schools. We rely on your prayers so that we can respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord will continue to inspire us to make our institution a great place of learning -- academically and spiritually -- all for the glory of God. In Gratitude,
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Legacy
is an important concept at Divine Child.
After all, if we did not take it seriously, how could we stand by our motto: “Once A Falcon, Always a Falcon?” Every year we welcome hundreds, if not thousands, of alumni back to our community for Mass, social and athletic events, and of course to enroll their children (and grandchildren!) in our schools. Divine Child is our inheritance to pass on, whether to our own families, or by providing opportunities through scholarships and capital improvements for the next generation of Falcons. As we mark the 65th and 60th anniversaries of our elementary school and high school, we take time to reflect on the heritage of Divine Child and to recall those who helped form and cultivate these great institutions. Sure, we are not the oldest Catholic school in metro Detroit, but with an alumni base of over 11,000, a combined student body of 1,400 and a parish 2,500 families strong, we have made a significant mark on Dearborn, the archdiocese, metro Detroit and beyond. When you contribute to Divine Child, you continue the legacy of quality Catholic education and provide all students in our community with access to the superior academic, spiritual, creative and social experience. Here’s to another 65 years! Thank you!
DONATE TO DIVINE CHILD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TODAY To make a donation to Divine Child Catholic Schools, please visit www.givetodc.org or mail payment to the Divine Child Advancement Office, located at 1055 N. Silvery Lane, Dearborn, MI 48128. Please make checks payable to Divine Child High School.
• Bernardine Franciscan Society: • Virtus Society: • Benefactor's Circle: • Leadership Circle: • Pastor's Circle: • Principal's Club: • Falcon's Club: • Red and Grey Club: • Friends of Divine Child:
$100,000 and above $25,000 to $99,999 $10,000 to $24,999 $5,000 to $9,999 $2,500 to $4,999 $1,000 to $2,499 $500 to $999 $250 to $499 $100 to $249 WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG 5
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
Traveling Falcons 2019 For the past four years, alumni and teachers have been traveling to in-state university campuses to engage with our young alumni as they transition from high school to college. This is a fun networking event, and we love seeing all alumni. Plus, dinner is on us! Your attendance isn’t limited to one location, please attend an event that works best with your schedule. Grab your classmates and see you there! Any questions, please contact Aubri (Marchetti) McNamara `97 at amcnamara@divinechild.org Commuter and Metro Detroit Colleges Wednesday, March 27 Buddy’s Pizza, 33605 Plymouth Rd., Livonia 3:30 PM Commuter and Metro Detroit Colleges Thursday, March 28 Tony V’s Tavern, 5756 Cass Ave., Detroit 3:30 PM Grand Valley State University Wednesday, April 3 Peppino’s Sports Grille, 5065 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale 6 PM Western Michigan University/Kalamazoo University Thursday, April 4 University Roadhouse, 1332 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 6 PM Michigan State University Wednesday, April 10 Pizza House, 479 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing 6 PM University of Michigan/Eastern Michigan University Thursday, April 11 The Original Cottage Inn, 512 E. William St., Ann Arbor 6 PM *Commuter and metro Detroit schools, include (but are not limited to): Baker College, Eastern Michigan University, Henry Ford College, Madonna University, Oakland College, Oakland University, Schoolcraft College, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Detroit Mercy, and Wayne State University.
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A Message from our PRINCIPAL This year Rosalind Astourian and Jane Faletti will retire. They were both my teachers, and I owe much of what I learned as a Catholic student and a Catholic school administrator to what I have observed in the classrooms that they have led for over three decades each. In addition to setting a high bar for academic rigor, both women inspired their students to articulate what they actually understood about the state of the world and the power of the printed word. Successful teachers share knowledge and communicate an ethos, a way of being an honest person, a good person, a faithful person. Several months ago, I was asked by a 1994 graduate what our secret was at Divine Child and why, in the face of incredible odds, we have maintained a robust enrollment of over 800 students at the high school. I described the main ingredient of our “secret sauce” in very simple terms: we have been blessed to have great teachers guide our students for many generations. The teachers who have retired over the last few years taught the children, parents and in some cases grandparents of local parish families. We have been blessed with a tradition of academic excellence embodied by faithful men and women who have dedicated their lives to making 14- through 18- year-olds curious about the world and about their place in it. Every time we hire new staff members, I measure their potential against the proven professionalism of the men and women who taught me. As we celebrate 60 years of nurturing Falcons and inspiring lives of leadership and faith in action, we should remember the good and faithful servants who taught us to know, love and serve God, by example. Eric Haley '98 Principal
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
We’re pleased to announce the hire of new faculty and staff members: • Marlene Bodary - college & career counselor • Ben Cronin - student activities coordinator and assistant athletic director • Michael Figi - social studies instructor • Eric Heinz - science instructor • Jamesena Ingram - instructional support teacher • Tim Papich ‘11 - Greek instructor • Lauren Post- counselor • Paige Rutkowski - counselor • Garrett Simpson - athletic director
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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JUNIOR RING DAY The annual Ring Day traditions at Divine Child High School continued as juniors had their class rings blessed during a Mass presided by Fr. Jim Bilot on November 20, 2018.
PLEDGE: FAITH IN ACTION Divine Child High School launched a new fundraising campaign, Pledge: Faith in Action (PFIA), in 2013. Through this initiative, students raise “pledges” for their work in the community, much like raising donations for running in a race. The purpose is to encourage the students to live the Divine Child High School mission which states, in part: We are dedicated to developing youth who pursue lives of responsibility, leadership and faith in action. PFIA community service takes place all over metro Detroit with days of service for an entire grade level, joined by faculty and staff. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to charitable organizations chosen by each class. This year, each class donated over $10,000 to their charity of choice, with the Class of 2019 supporting Gleaner’s Food Bank, the Class of 2020 supporting The Lennon Center, the Class of 2021 supporting the Archdiocese of Fairbanks Alaska, and the Class of 2022 supporting St. Vincent de Paul.
RETREATS Service really is at the heart of what we do as a Catholic school. The campus ministry office organizes and supports various service opportunities throughout the year. We take students to feed the homeless in Detroit, work at Gleaners Food Bank, and support Meals on Wheels in Dearborn. All grade levels participate in annual spiritual retreats. It is important to get students out of the building and to give them dedicated time to improve their relationship with God. We are blessed to have such strong support from our Pastor Fr. Jim and Associate Pastor Fr. Matthew.
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SPIRITUALLY One Church, One Mission: The Call to Holiness To kick off the 2018-2019 school year, the Divine Child staff, comprised of 160 people from the school faculty, pastoral care, operations and administrative areas, hit the road in their annual staff retreat. The theme of the retreat was One Church, One Mission. Fr. Jim Bilot began the day in the high school cafeteria speaking about how our mission at Divine Child is in unity with the missionary nature of the Catholic Church. The staff visited three locations: St. Anne de Detroit, St. Joseph Oratory in Detroit, and finally Immaculate Conception in Hamtramck. At each location, they read and reflected on sections of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the call to holiness, and then toured these beautiful, historic churches.
Coaches Retreat: Sports Serve a Higher Purpose The second annual Coaches’ Retreat for Divine Child High School and CYO coaches was held on August 7, 2018. One hundred coaches gathered to refocus on the mission of athletics at Divine Child Catholic Schools. The Catholic Church views sports as contributing to both the physical and spiritual growth of the coach and athlete. In the school setting, coaches are entrusted with a unique responsibility to the student athletes. Therefore, the theme of the retreat was, Coaching is Ministry. The retreat talks were led by Pastor Fr. Jim Bilot and Associate Pastor Fr. Matthew Hood. Coaches were asked to include a weekly personal holy hour and they were asked to set aside time for one “spiritual practice” where the student athletes and coaches would gather in the school chapel to pray together. New this year, coaches were also given a preview of the first Captain’s Leadership Retreat. The student retreat led by Fr. Matthew Hood, gave over 30 of our DC high school sports student captains the chance to reflect on their mission to be a leader spiritually, socially and physically. Each captain discerned a vision for their team, a patron saint, an inspirational scripture verse and a spiritual challenge for the team. In addition to the battles that coaches and student-athletes face on the playing field, one of the most crucial battles is the spiritual battle that largely goes unnoticed. It is our hope that through these retreats, we can fix our focus on the Lord; making Him first in our lives and to become authentic followers of Jesus Christ in body, mind and spirit.
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ACADEMICALLY NEW SCIENCE WING
Students are enjoying the recently renovated science classrooms complete with new lab stations, work stations, equipment and more. Over the summer, a class competition was held among alumni classes to raise the most money for and earn naming rights of one of the science classrooms. Stay tuned for the winner!
NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST
Allan VanZandt '19 has been named a National Merit Semifinalist! Each year, roughly 1.6 million juniors nationwide apply for the National Merit Scholarship Program, and Allan is one of 16,000 students chosen to advance to the next level.
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FORENSICS TEAM BEGINS NEW SEASON
Our 2019 season has begun with elected senior cocaptains, Anne Cruz, Nathan Garay, and Colin Murtagh leading our team forward as we prepare to compete in a wide variety of 12 events: six in public address and six in literature interpretation. We are especially excited because we have 20 new team members this year! In addition, over a dozen DC Forensics Team Alums from the classes of 2003 through 2018 are returning to coach our current 2019 members. Please mark your calendars now to attend our “Annual Forensics Team Showcase” Wed. April 10 at 7:00 pm in the DCHS Auditorium. We are looking forward to seeing you then and at the 2019 MIFA State Finals Tournament May 3 and 4, at Oakland University where our DC Forensics Falcons “Intend to Defend!” - Kathy Tar, head coach
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The Instructional Support Program at DCHS is now in its seventh year! We currently have four instructional specialists who provide academic accommodations and interventions to over 80 students in the building. Our students have been working hard to create specific strategies that work for their individualized learning style and that help them reach their full learning potential." Anna Leslie, ISP teacher
SOCIALLY CYBERPATRIOTS
This year, the CyberPatriots students competed in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. Our team placed into the Gold tier and competed in the State Competition.
TECHNOLOGY AND ROBOTICS CLUB
ESPORTS
Every year, the Technology and Robotics Club competes in the Square One Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design competition. Students turn a PowerWheels Jeep into a self-driving car that must perform in several challenges. Students also often work on independent projects. One pair of students is very close to completing a device that will allow its user to locate where they are within a building.
New for the 2017-2018 school year, Divine Child started to shape the growth of esports in the state of Michigan. Esports is an organized, multiplayer competition-format video game played either online or in-person. What started as a small club in its inaugural year, has grown into a program on the leading edge of making esports a viable competitive activity for high school students. The program has been featured on ClickOnDetroit.com and State Champs, in addition to receiving sponsorship from local IT company Active Solutions Group and a national gaming brand. Last December, DC hosted one of the first in-person high school League of Legends tournaments, inviting three other teams to compete for a trophy and gaming peripherals. With hopes to host a second, larger tournament in the spring, 2019 is looking like another strong year for DC esports! - Matt Mooney, moderator
SOCIEDAD HONORARIA HISPĂ NICA
The Sociedad Honoraria HispĂĄnica (Spanish Honor Society) has been busy helping La Sed Senior Center with food distribution and fundraising activities. Additionally, our students visit, play dominos and make crafts with the senior citizens who speak primarily Spanish. We enjoy being of service to our neighbors while having the opportunity to use our language skills. - Sara Calupina, moderator
PAX ET BONUM
LATIN & GREEK CLUB
DEBATE SOCIETY
Latin and Greek Club takes two annual trips to the University of Michigan. The November trip is for junior and senior Latin students to spend a day in college classrooms, getting a sense for the various styles of college classes they'll experience in the future and to witness how Classics is taught at the next level. They actively participate in Latin classes, attend lectures by Classics professors, have the opportunity to talk with professors, and hopefully become inspired to continue with Classics as they go off into the next level of their education. Many students leave knowing that they are able to apply their Latin knowledge at the university level, and realize just how much they know about Latin and the Classics. It is a very eye-opening experience for them. - Eric Heiden, moderator
Debate Society had a great fall semester competing in the Big Questions Debate and hosting two intramural public forum debates. We traveled to Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown in October, hosted a community forum at a local coffee shop and participated in a book fair at our local Barnes and Noble. This spring a dozen debaters will represent DC at the Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament for the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate qualifier. We will host a semifinal of the Michigan American Legion Oratorical Contest. We are very proud of our Falcons and their investment in civic virtue - Serge Danielson-Francois, moderator
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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HIGH SCHOOL NEWS CREATIVELY
FALL MUSICAL: DISASTER! This November, Divine Child Theatre mixed things up by staging a Fall musical, which was a first for the theatre program. The high school students starred in Disaster!, a musical spoof of 1970’s disaster movies, with an unforgettable soundtrack of some of the best loved songs of the decade -- think shark attacks, earthquakes and infernos set to “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Knock on Wood!” With a cast and crew of over 60, many Divine Child students were able to find their passion for theatre by participating in this hilarious and challenging show. The cast and crew even received a personal shout-out from the show’s creator, Broadway star Seth Rudetsky. SAVE THE DATE: This spring, save the date for one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, 42nd Street! With a full dance ensemble, this show is sure to leave you tapping your feet to the memorable tunes! The show will run two weekends: March 29-31 and April 5-7.
ART GALA CELEBRATES DC TALENT, MAY 4 SAVE THE DATE: for the 1st Annual Art Show Gala on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the High School. Alumni and guests are invited to a celebration of Divine Child artists, as we kick off this year’s week-long art show which features artwork from the talented high school and elementary school students. The evening will include a first look at our students’ year-long projects, unveiling of best in show awards and light refreshments. Featured alumni, artists and guests will return to present scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing the arts. Stay tuned for more details!
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GREETINGS FROM THE MUSIC ROOM The DC bands are off to a great 52nd year of music, memories and fun! We had a great band camp and football season with 95 marchers this year. Not only did the band play at the pep rallies and home football games, they also competed at the MSBOA Marching Band Festival - where they received an excellent rating - and they performed at the Prep Bowl! We then had a sell out performance at our 20th annual Spooktakular Halloween Concert, where the students dressed up for the show. Next the Marching Band was invited to perform at "America's Thanksgiving Parade" in Detroit, along with the DC Pom team. They did a great job representing DC to the over 10 million people who watched in the cold or watched the NBC Local 4 Broadcast. A special thank you to Fr. Jim Bilot, who braved the cold and marched down Woodward Ave with the band! The band then welcomed the CHRISTmas season with our annual Christmas Concert featuring the DC Choirs, Jazz and Symphonic bands. The band traveled to Orlando, Florida in February and visited Disney World and Universal Studios. 91 students marched in the Magic Kingdom parade on Saturday, February 23. DCHS Band is proud to continue offering great concerts, performances and memories for our students and community. Combined, we have over 105 students and we look forward to grow through our Lord's gift, the gift of Music! See you at our next performance! - Bob Bush, band director
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TEAM UPDATES
DIVINE CHILD ATHLETICS
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY placed 2nd in the League Championship; 2nd in the Regional, qualified for states where they placed 4th; in the highest team placement in school history. - Head Coach Jack Benitez BOYS CROSS COUNTRY completed one of their most successful seasons in school history, winning 6 meets and finishing ten points away from a Catholic League championship. The team set new individual school records and awarded two boys All-State honors after placing in the top 6 at the state meet, where the team finished 11th overall. - Head Coach Randy Williams FOOTBALL persevered through a rough start (1-5) to finish 4-5. The seniors showed grit and leadership eventually earning their way into the Catholic League Championship game. At the Prep Bowl they avenged an early season loss to Detroit Loyola to win the Catholic League title for the 3rd straight year. - Head Varsity Coach John Filiatraut GIRLS GOLF was undefeated in their division this season, and finished runner-up at the Catholic League Championship. The girls also finished 3rd at Regionals and qualified for States, finishing 13th overall. - Head Coach Dan Berry
Meet Our New Athletic Director, Garrett Simpson Dearborn native Garrett Simpson recently joined the Divine Child High School team as athletic director. Garrett previously served as the district athletic coordinator for the Garden City Public Schools (2016-2018), district athletic director for the Hamtramck Public Schools (2016), and assistant athletic director at Walled Lake Northern and Bloomfield Hills High Schools (2014-2015). He also has experience coaching football, basketball, and boys/girls track at CranbrookKingswood and at his alma mater, Dearborn High School. Garrett graduated from Dearborn High School in 1998. Simpson holds a bachelor of art in psychology from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and a master’s degree in sports administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Garrett and his wife Carey reside in West Bloomfield with their two children Alex (5) and Aubrey (3).
GIRLS SWIMMING is only 2 years old at DC, yet placed 5th at the CHSL meet and qualified five girls for the State meet! - Head Coach Beth Assenmacher BOYS SOCCER played hard in every league game in a very talented Catholic League. Many young players obtained great experience against top competition that will pay dividends next season. Head Varsity Coach Dean Kowalski BOYS TENNIS improved greatly this season bringing back 10 of our 12 Varsity players, many who were first year players last season. The boys put together a 4-2-1 regular season record and finished 3rd in 2 of their 3 tournaments. They ended the season taking 4th at the Allen Park regional. - Head Coach Ryan Carlson
COMING SPRING 2019
VOLLEYBALL at all 3 levels had a great season this year. Highlights include the Freshmen team winning their last tournament, JV winning their first and last tournaments and Varsity bringing home the District Title! All the players demonstrated tremendous growth and determination and are looking forward to a promising season next year! - Head Coach Rocky Cameron
GIRLS LAX 2017-18 Championship Banner Unveiling
Eleven championship teams from the 2017-2018 school year were recognized during a special unveiling of updated championship banners in the high school gym on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. We were pleased to welcome back more than 50 alum along with their parents and coaches to celebrate the successes of our student athletes in the 2017-2018 school year. “Everyone was cheering the DC basketball team in action and connecting with old classmates and friends. It’s times like this that keep us connected and that make Divine Child a special place, where we truly experience, 'Once a falcon, always a falcon,'” Jeanine DeGuzman `87. “It was such a great turn out that we look forward to starting a new tradition at DCHS,” Garrett Simpson, DCHS athletic director.
Starting in the spring of 2019, the athletic department is proud to announce a new GIRLS LACROSSE PROGRAM! “We look forward to offering an additional opportunity for our female students to compete on the field,” Garrett Simpson, DCHS athletic director.
MEET THE DIVINE CHILD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Divine Child has over 11,000 alumni that have contributed to and maintained the strong traditions that make our school special to so many people. From football championships to theatre awards, from Freddy the Falcon to Mr. Falcon, we are lucky to have the memories Divine Child has given so many of us! The Divine Child Alumni Association board continues to serve all alumni and maintain a link between alumni and our current students. This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Divine Child High School, we asked the board members to tell us more about why they love Divine Child and why it is important to stay involved with the school as an alumnus. Here’s what they had to say! GREG CIBOR '89, PRESIDENT "Divine Child has had a direct influence on my current success with career, family, relationships and faith. It is imperative for all of us to reciprocate by having a meaningful presence on campus and providing a positive influence for the current students. In these interesting times, I firmly believe it is very important for our students to realize firsthand that their future is bright and opportunities are vast following their DC experience.”
During high school, Greg participated in football, student council and numerous other activities. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College in Biology, where he played football for 4 years and studied abroad in France. He graduated from Michigan State University School of Human Medicine. Greg currently serves as program director for sports medicine at Providence Park Hospital and team physician for Madonna University. Greg and his wife Anne have been happily married for 21 years and have three children, Courtney ’18, Brooke ’21 and Nick ’23.
KAREN (MULHOLLAND) GESSLER '89, VICE PRESIDENT “Divine Child High School is a very special place to be, and I am so thankful to be an active part of the Divine Child Alumni Association! I am more active in the school now than I have ever been! It has been so much fun to reconnect with old friends, as well as meet new people. I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping the school grow and flourish, and there are many great opportunities for alumni to be engaged. It is really special to be part of an organization that is near and dear to my heart!”
Karen earned a BA in elementary education from Central Michigan University and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in curriculum and instruction and an education specialist degree in education leadership. She currently is an educational specialist in the PharmD program at Wayne State University where she collaborates with the faculty and staff to create the best learning experience possible for students pursuing a professional degree in Pharmacy. Karen’s husband Paul graduated from Brother Rice High School.
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MICHAEL VECCHIONI '72, TREASURER “We can take for granted the positive impact Divine Child High School had on our lives. For me, it would be a tall tale to say that every moment at DC was a pleasure. Yet, I know that the totality of my DC experience was invaluable and helped shape me as a person. Just as importantly, DC connected me with many fellow Falcons who are long-time friends. I’ve also been blessed to have three sons follow in my footsteps and graduate from DC. I know they feel that DC was a great influence on their lives. I’m hopeful that Divine Child High School will continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of potential Falcons. Enabling this to happen will require the ongoing efforts of many dedicated people, including future members of the DCAA.”
Mike received a BBA with a major in accounting from Eastern Michigan University and then a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo. Mike went on to earn his CPA license and a Masters of Law (LLM) degree in taxation from Wayne State University. Mike served as a member of Ernst and Young’s Detroit Office Tax Practice for 36 years until he retired in early 2018. He recently joined the law firm Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook as a counselor, providing tax services for the firm’s many clients. Mike is married to Kim. They have three sons, Chris, Matt and Anthony, who all graduated from Divine Child High School.
KATIE (ZAKAR) JONES '99, SECRETARY “I joined the alumni board four years ago and enjoy reconnecting with old, familiar faces, developing new relationships, and being involved in the Divine Child Community again by attending DCAA events. I hope to help strengthen the alumni network and career and social opportunities for current and former students.”
Katie is an insurance agent at State Farm, where she helps clients manage their everyday risk. Katie and her husband Jason have two children Lincoln (3) and Liberty (1).
JENNIFER TOPOLSKI '85, MEMBER AT LARGE “I am thankful, every day, that my parents chose to send me to Divine Child. The faith-based education that I received provided me with a strong foundation of hard work, discipline and determination that carried me through college and beyond. As an alumna, I believe that giving back to the institution that developed me spiritually, academically and creatively is vital to the strong person that I have become. Being involved as an alumna means that I can continue to support Divine Child in providing the opportunity of a challenging curriculum and a strong Catholic foundation that guides us through the joys and tribulations of life.”
Jennifer graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor of arts from the school of fine and performing arts. She served as a manager at JCPenney for 10 years. She currently has 21 years at Trinity Health, where she worked 10 years at St. Mary Mercy hospital in the patient access department, and then moved to the corporate office where she has been ever since. She recently was promoted to an applications consultant working with computer software. Jennifer is a 28 year cancer survivor (Hodgkin's Disease) and an 18 year Polish dancer and choreographer.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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DCAAFEATURES BOARD ALUMNI
FALCONS GO PRO
Ed Hermann Parent CHERYL (OROS) NELSON '75, MEMBER AT LARGE
Award
“The DC alumni board works to keep the four pillars of our community strong and sturdy. Spiritually, academically, creatively and socially - there is something for everybody. It would be great to see you take part in some of our social or athletic events. Come see a game in our new athletic complex, see a show in our updated auditorium, and visit our classrooms and science wing. It is so great to see all of our alumni parents enrolling their second generation children in our high school. Help us support our enthusiastic student body in their Christian service projects and help us continue offering scholarships to our future Falcons. We only need a little bit of your time and a lot of your Falcon spirit.”
Cheryl is blessed to be celebrating 35 years of Catholic education teaching math at Divine Child. Both of her children, Bradley '08 and Annie '15, attended DCHS and her husband Paul also works at the school as the food services and cafeteria supervisor.
SARA (GRUDZINSKI) METZGER '94, MEMBER AT LARGE “I think it’s important to stay involved with DCHS as an alum because the positive relationships, learning experiences, and faith formation that were a part of my high school experience have been of great benefit to me, and I hope to share this with future students and families.”
Sara received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1998, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Madonna University in 2014. She has worked for Allen Park Public Schools for the past 20 years, both as a teacher, and currently, as the principal of Bennie Elementary School. Sara and her husband, Ty, have two children who are both DC Falcons. Edie graduated in 2017 and is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she is studying psychology. Jack is a senior, and will attend Michigan State in the fall with plans to major in mechanical engineering.
AUBRI (MARCHETTI) MCNAMARA '97, ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Divine Child community as a parent, parishioner, staff member and alumna. I have seen the school grow so much over the last 20 years. The tradition and legacy DC carries is one of a kind. I am honored to be the alumni coordinator to help educate, engage and promote the alumni association. It is my goal to create a stronger more involved alumni program. With your help, I am confident this can be done. Please feel free to contact me with new ideas. Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon!” Aubri earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Eastern Michigan University. Before attending EMU, she played softball at Henry Ford College and coached DCHS girls’ basketball for 5 years. Aubri worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for 7 years before she and her husband, Mike McNamara `96, welcomed their first child and she decided to be a stay at home mom. Their three kids, Braeden `25, Brody `27, and Brooklyn `31 all attend Divine Child Elementary School.
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GET INVOLVED! Become a class agent. Share your talents with the alumni association! We're looking for class agents to help us reach alumni. Class Agents serve as liaisons, help classmates stay connected, encourage support for the Divine Child Annual Fund, and inspire enthusiasm for giving back to Divine Child each year. This challenging effort is crucial to the future of Divine Child High School and cannot be accomplished by the DC staff members alone. Volunteers from each graduating class comprise the DCAA’s Class Agent program. As a class agent, you are an important liaison between your classmates and DC. You are among the dedicated team of alumni, committed to the goals, priorities, and mission of Divine Child High School. We rely on you to reach out to your classmates and reconnect them with their alma mater. As a class agent, you would: • Create a positive message to be posted on the alumni Facebook page • Create and help maintain a class Facebook page • Encourage your classmates to be part of the overall campus transformation by getting involved in the variety of campus events including Homecoming Weekend, special events and committees
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DRIVING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 60+ years of Divine Child
For over six decades, Divine Child Catholic Schools have provided
young men and women with an excellent Catholic education. It is our responsibility to nurture the growth of students spiritually, academically, creatively and socially. Countless members of the Divine Child community have made a lasting impact on our schools. If it were not for Msgr. Weier, Msgr. Kucyk, Fr. Bilot and the many members of the schools' leadership - including several alumni prinicipals - our institution would not be where it is today. Our story began in 1950 when the Archdiocese of Detroit founded our parish. Shortly thereafter, our community rallied to build an elementary school, and the rest is history. Join us for a look at more than 60 years of DC's storied past.suavitate delicatissimi ei pro.
1952 December 1
The parish began digging to prepare for the construction of the new elementary school. The bid was $256,300.
1953 August 22:
6 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters arrived from Pennsylvania to teach in the elementary school.
September 9:
1957 December 3
Construction on the high school began.
“Divine Child School” opened with 297 students in grades 1 through 4. Only 6 of 11 classrooms were occupied. The plan was to add one grade per year.
1958
Sr. Mary Estelle was named high school principal.
1959 February 15
Construction commenced on the addition of 11 rooms and a library to the elementary school.
August 29
The high school building was completed, except for the cafeteria.
1960 October
The cafeteria and kitchen opened, serving both high school and elementary school students. A “hot lunch plate” cost 35¢.
1961
The high school varsity football team won the State Championship, marking the first championship title for Divine Child Athletics. --The first issue of the high school newspaper was released.
1962 June 10
69 students made history as the first graduating class of Divine Child High School.
1967 June 1
A third addition to the high school was completed, including the auditorium of 707 seats, a faculty room and a faculty library. It cost $325,741.
1976
1969
The home economics room, art room and four science laboratories were added to the high school.
Msgr. Herman Kucyk was named pastor.
1979
1980
Msgr. Kucyk hired a construction team to build a football field and lay a rubber-based running track. --The Divine Child Alumni Association was established.
Classrooms were added to the northwest wing of the high school to accommodate the growing number of students and the extensive curriculum.
1982
Tuition for the high school was $500 per student and tuition for the elementary school was $350 for the first student.
1992 March 21
The first Divine Child Auction was held at the high school.
1996
Construction of the high school's center hallway was completed. This addition removed the courtyard and provided additional classrooms, including two large computer labs.
1997
December
The first December Dreaming raffle was conducted.
June 10
The Challenge 21 Capital Campaign began with campus-wide goals, including constructing an indoor athletic facility and gymnasium for the high school and renovating the elementary school cafeteria, kitchen and band room.
1998
Construction of the high school gymnasium and atrium space commenced.
1999 2000
High school tuition was $3,400. Elementary school tuition was $2,150.
April 25
The high school gymnasium was dedicated.
August
The elementary school small gymnasium was converted into the cafeteria.
2006
Peggy Knuth '72 was named high school principal.
2007
2013
The Investing in Excellence campaign began.
2015
Fr. Jim Bilot was named pastor.
2014
Damian Hermann '89 was named high school principal.
August
The high school auditorium renovation and elementary school locker rooms, coaches’ offices and multi-purpose space addition were completed.
2016 August 26
The Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex was dedicated. --Eric Haley '98 was named high school principal.
2018 September
The high school science laboratory addition and renovation was completed.
FALCONS GO PRO
FALCONS FIRE UP for Homecoming 2018 24
HOMECOMING 2018
Super heroes were everywhere during Spirit Week and Homecoming this year! Students participated in traditional dress-up days themed around “DC Comics.� Freshmen showed the most spirit on dress-up days, but overall the senior class won Spirit Week, while the juniors won the banner contest. An all-school Mass and pep rally also ended the week-long fun. After school, students participated in a parade through the neighborhood, complete with our marching band, cheerleaders, the homecoming court, future Falcons, and of course, Freddy the Falcon appropriately aboard the Batmobile. The Homecoming Football game was played in the new Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex, and at halftime, Alex Tucker and Bella Torres were crowned king and queen!
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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The Divine Child Alumni Association (DCAA) hosted an alumni tailgate catered by Park Place before the homecoming parade and game. Over 250 people attended the event, including alumni and their children -- “the future Falcons.” In honor of their 40th reunion, the class of 1978 kicked off a weekend of festivities at the tailgate as well. During halftime of the Homecoming football game, the DCAA honored five sports teams celebrating milestone anniversaries for their State Championship titles, including: the 1973 boys’ football team, the 1993 girls’ basketball team, the 2004 boys’ baseball team and 1968 and 1998 boys’ football Catholic League Champs.
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8th Annual Divine Child Golf Classic - Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018
This year’s scramble, hosted at the Links of Novi Singh Golf Course, was a huge success bringing together 28 foursomes and raising over $12,000 for the DCAA scholarship fund. A special thank you to our presenting sponsors, Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Specialist (Matt Hansen `93) and Autocatalyst (Ryan Swierlik `00 and Garrett Swierlik `04) for their dedication to and investment in Divine Child.
EVENT RECAP
Thank you to the 2018 sponsors! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
EDSI, Kevin Schneiders `90 Packaging and Design, Tom Barszczowski `97 State Farm, Katie Zakar `99 Detroit Barbers, Jami Buchanan `98 Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, Scott Boleski `02 and Todd Boleski `04 Sabre Steel Inc, Ray Shinney `64 Assurant Care LLC, Jeannie Fraser John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc. Bifano Eyecare, Chris Bifano `84 Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. Voran Funeral Home Rodan and Fields, Sarah `00 and Sam Leblanc `99 Commercial Lawnmower Inc, John Murphy `72 D & G Building Company, Nino DiDomenico `90 Giving Hands Catering, Pete Veach Samuel Adams, Jeff Bancroft `00 Real Estate One, Michael Moore `01 Rusted Crow, Andrew Starnes `02 Uncle Ray's, Jason Thomas Kirko Manix, Michael Moore `74 Century 21 Curran & Oberski, Bryan Beuckelaere `92 Landscape Consultants, LLC, Mike Opiela `72 and Brent Opiela Jack Demmer Ford, Jim Demmer `75
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ALUMNI NEWS
CATCH UP WITH CLASSMATES ALUMNI UPDATES
Falcons are everywhere! Read up on the latest from fellow Falcons.
60s
Janelle Cousino `68 organized issue campaigns for economic justice (banking, insurance, health care and energy costs), education support for low income students and voter rights campaigns in several states and some national initiatives in the US. She notably served as chief of party for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs for civic participation and political party strengthening work in Russia, 1997-2000. Garron Lukas ‘67 graduated from Michigan State University with high honors in 1971 and continued his education at the University of Florida where he received a medical degree in 1975. He did a surgical residency in San Francisco and proceeded to serve in the US Army's Delta Force for seven years. He later became a professor of surgery at and retired from the University of Illinois. Throughout his retirement, Garron has traveled to Haiti and performed over 1400 surgical procedures for the underprivileged. Michael Prais `68 holds a doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of California San Diego. In his first career, he helped university students understand chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as how to use personal computers to acquire and analyze their measurements of natural phenomena. During a second career, he analyzed and supported electronic information and communication technologies that members of university faculty could use while teaching. He currently helps individual college and high schools students as a STEM tutor.
70s
Mary Wegzyn `78 wrote the book, “Be A College Athlete” and has traveled across the U.S. giving presentations to student-athletes and their parents about the college athletic recruiting process. Nationally recognized as an expert,
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she has helped countless student-athletes with the college athletic recruiting process.
Dennis Guerriero ‘79 called upon God for strength before teeing off on the 13th hole of the 2018 Golf Channel Amateur Tour National Major Golf Tournament - The Myrtle Beach Classic. He won the championship in his senior division! Dennis went on to win another championship in his senior division in the 2018 Golf Channel Amateur Tour National Major Golf Championship - The Kiawah Island Championship! Read his full, compelling story on our website. Frank Corak `80 is a lifelong Divine Child parishioner and recently ended a three-year term on the parish council. He currently serves as the caretaker of the parish reliquaries, and is responsible for presenting on saints, reliquaries and their veneration for the parish. Frank coaches 5-6 grade baseball at DCES where his wife, Leann, teaches 7-8 grade science and their two sons Benjamin and Samuel are active in sports, choir and altar serving. In his spare time, Frank also serves as the conductor of the Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra.
90s
operate two barbershop locations - one in Ferndale and another in Corktown, Detroit - and opened a coffee shop on the second level of their Detroit store. Lucky Detroit Coffee & Espresso is a neighborhood favorite serving familiar and inventive coffee drinks, teas and more. They sell pastries made by students of the local nonprofit Rising Stars Academy and donate proceeds to support the program. She resides with her husband Chad and two adored English bulldogs in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Mary Beth (Trainor) Smith `01 opened Orangetheory Fitness Dearborn located at 22001 Michigan Avenue (Wagner Place) with her husband Chad. The couple married in November 2013 and have been very involved with the franchise since. They opened the first Michigan Orangetheory Fitness studio in April of 2014 in Canton. The two met at a sports training center. Chad was a world-class decathlete and bobsledder training at the Olympic Training Center and Mary Beth played college hockey and golf. They are expecting their first child in April and are extremely excited to bring the Nation's #1 workout to Dearborn! For more information, please visit: dearborn. orangetheoryfitness.com or call 313-9861000.
80s 00s
Jami (Prezkop) Buchanan `98 is the owner of Detroit Barbers and Lucky Detroit Coffee & Espresso. Jami and her husband Chad
courthouse lactation rooms for breastfeeding attorneys and other courthouse users. Beth also serves as the chairwoman of the DC Christian Service Commission.
Bethany G. Stawasz ’04 was promoted to senior attorney at Clark Hill PLC, where she serves the legal needs of a variety of business clients. In June 2018, she secondchaired a two-week jury trial, in which she obtained a $7.5 million verdict in favor of her client, the largest provider of F.H.A. housing in Michigan. Beth and her husband, Andrew Donovan, welcomed their first child, Joseph Donovan, in March 2017. Beth and Joseph were featured on the front page of the Detroit Legal News in April 2018 for her work with the Women Lawyers Association to establish
Frances (Kornacki) Toothman ‘07 pursued her passion for music and in 2013 graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in music education. That same summer, she married Mason Toothman, whom she met while participating in the Bronco Marching Band. They moved to the Grand Haven Area where she taught music in area schools. In August 2018, Franny landed her dream job as Band Director at Muskegon Catholic Central and West Shore Lutheran. She teaches beginning, middle and high school band and is excited to see the program grow! Ryan Neal `09 wrote, produced and recorded his debut EP, Up My Sleeve, to
be released on Feb. 4, 2019. The release is significant to Ryan not only because his music will become available to the public, but also because it’s the 21st anniversary of a life-saving surgery he had as a child. For Ryan, reflecting on his surgery is a daily reminder to reach his full potential. Keep an eye out for this Detroit artist that’s striving to merge the soul of Motown with the funk of the 70s and polish of modern production. Sarah Kawar `11 graduated from the University of Michigan in 2015 with a BA in the History of Art. Following undergrad, she attended Wayne State University earning a masters of science in basic medical sciences in 2018. She is currently a D1 student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and will graduate in the Class of 2022.
10s
WEDDING BELLS Joel Press `09 and Emily Drinan '11 were married at the Church of Divine Child on July 28, 2018. Their bridal party consisted of 22 family and friends, including 12 DC alumni. Emily and Joel met in history class in classroom 114. Bradley Mueller '12 and Kaitlin Daly were married during a beautiful mass at Church of the Holy Angels in Chagrin Falls, Ohio on August 4, 2018. Paul Mueller `14 stood as the best man. Brad and Kaitlin have moved to the Clemson, South Carolina area as Kaitlin pursues her PhD to become a professor of recreation therapy. Kenneth DeHart `07 married Sarah Kelly `08 on September 30, 2017 in Detroit.
Dr. Jodie Franzil ‘03 married Dr. Michael Kenes at the Church of the Divine Child on November 9, 2018. The wedding party included Jackie Franzil ‘02 and Emily Krisciunas ‘03. Cousins Trevor Renner ‘16 and Nicholas Renner ‘18 served as offertory gift bearers. Jodie and Michael honeymooned in Italy, where their marriage received a special papal blessing at the Vatican. The newly married Kenes family resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Jodie is a fellow in the Department of Cardiology and Michael is a pharmacist at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
Matt Marchetti `02 married Melissa Dobies on Friday, November 23, 2018. Matt and Melissa reside in Wixom, Michigan. Matt currently works at Ford Motor Company.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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FUTURE FALCONS
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Congratulations to these Falcons on the birth of their childen: 1. Laura (Moore) Shawver `98 and husband Paul welcomed their fourth child and first girl in February 2018. Alice Marie Shawver is well loved by her parents and three big brothers: Pauly (6), Lincoln (4) and Owen (2).
11. Ryan Swierlik `00 and wife Andrea welcomed their third child, Franklin Joseph, on August 19, 2018. Weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and measuring 20 ½ inches, he joins big sisters Hailey (6) and Amelia (3).
2. Abby (Hansen) Bernhardt ‘09 and her husband Patrick welcomed their son, Anthony Joseph, on April 17, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 11 oz and measuring 19 3/4 inches.
12. Matt Carpenter `98 and wife Lindsey Gallo, welcomed their second child, Henry Allen Carpenter, on August 22, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 13 oz and measuring 21 inches. Henry joins big brother Andrew (2).
3. Katherine (Ruth) Holloway ’99 and husband Mark, welcomed a baby girl, Sydney Ruth, on April 30, 2018, weighing 8 lbs 4 oz. Sydney joins big brother Luke (4).
13. Cristine (Brewis) Bandy `00 and husband Michael welcomed their fifth child, Irene Rose, on September 12, 2018. Weighing 8 lbs 6 oz and measuring 20 inches, Irene joins siblings Ashton (9), Eleanor (8), William (6) and Louise (4).
4. John Zwally `05 and wife Johanna (Sovinski) `05 were delighted to welcome their third child, John, to the family on June 6, 2018. Big brothers Sam and Mike are very excited for the new baby!
14. Lynsi (Morrone) Woods `04 and husband Scott, welcomed their first child, Lilly Ann, on September 21, 2018, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and measuring 21 inches.
5. Ryan Schreiber `02 and wife Amanda welcomed their first child, Luke Angelo (Class of 2036), on June 8, 2018. Luke’s grandma is Cindy Nemcok Schreiber `75. Three generations of Falcons - Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon!
15. Barb (Kolton) Ellstrom `00 and husband Rich welcomed twins boys on October 10, 2018. Owen Richard weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and measured 18.9 inches. Beckham Kolton weighed 6 lbs 5 oz and measured 19.3 inches.
6. Matt Moore `04 and wife Megan welcomed their second daughter Anna Elizabeth, on July 6, 2018. She weighed 6 lbs 3 oz measuring 19 inches. Anna joins big sister Emma (2).
16. Andrew Boyle ‘07 and his wife Marie (Stawasz) ‘07 welcomed their first child, Gabriella Ann, on October 14, 2018, weighing 8 lbs 2 oz and measuring 21 ¾ inches.
7. Dan Beard `04 and his wife Tiffany welcomed their first child, Seamus Kevin, on July 7, 2018, weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and measuring 21.75 inches.
17. Katie (Danak) Lents `00 and husband Matt welcomed their first child, Lincoln Matthew Lents, on October 15, 2018. They are overjoyed to be a family of three!
8. Colin Price `02 and Whitney (Walters) `02 welcomed their second child, Paxton Blair, on July 11, 2018. He weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and measured 21¾ inches. Paxton joins big brother Rhys.
18. Jon Brewis `03 and his wife Elizabeth welcomed their fifth baby boy on November 25, 2018. Daniel weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and measured 20 inches. Daniel joins siblings, Joseph (7), Raphael (6), Sebastian (3) and Jacob (20 months).
9. Jeff Harrison `97 and wife Jennifer welcomed their sixth child, Gwendolyn Elizabeth, on July 12, 2018. She weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and measured 21 inches. Gwendolyn joins siblings, Jeffery (16), Samantha (14), David (11), Charlotte (9) and Jonathan (2).
19. Jim Solak `91 and wife Carrie (Carpenter) `95 welcomed their second daughter, Sophia James, on December 5, 2018, weighing 6 lbs and measuring 20 inches. She joins big sister Cecelia (2).
10. Mike Mastroianni `02 and Ashley (Loftus) `03 welcomed their second daughter, Angelena Rose, on July 17, 2018. She weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and measured 20 inches. Angelena joins big sister Liliana (2).
20. Vanessa (Fayz) Meier `07 and husband Steve welcomed their first child, Eliza Eileen, on December 14, 2018 weighing 9 lbs 4 oz and measuring 21 inches.
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26TH ANNUAL FALCON 5K - SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 2018
The Falcon family came out in bounds to support the annual Falcon 5K presented by Jack Demmer Ford Automotive Group (Jim Demmer `75), CHOCTAW-KAUL Distribution Company (Tony Conniff `96) and Brooks Shoes. The event held in memory of former Divine Child Track Coach Mark Carpenter `68 benefits the Divine Child High School Girls’ Cross Country team and the Divine Child Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
EVENT RECAP
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DIVINE CHILD HALL OF FAME - SATURDAY, OCT. 6, 2018
The Divine Child Alumni Association and Falcon Athletic Club honored Dcn. C. Roger O’Donnell, Leo Tallieu and Tim Lee ‘78 for their years of service and dedication to Divine Child Catholic Schools during the 3rd Annual Hall of Fame. The event featured a “taste fest” strolling dinner made possible by more than 40 local restaurants as well as artisan cocktails, craft beer and wine courtesy of local breweries and distilleries. Proceeds from the event directly benefited the elementary and high school sports programs and the Divine Child Alumni Association.
EVENT RECAP
Thank you to the 2018 sponsors! • Absopure • Antonio's Cucina Italiana • Avalon International Breads • Bangkok 96 • Bartz Bakery • Biggby Coffee • Brome Modern Eatery • Cariera's Cucina Italiana • Culinary Innovations • Dearborn Brewing • Dearborn Italian Bakery • Downey Brewing Company • Greenland Market • Halina's Polish Catering • Hacienda Mexican Foods • Iversen's Bakery • Jet's Pizza • Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
• La Pita Restaurant • Leon's Family Dining • Loaf & A Pound • Mexican Fiesta • Mint 29 • Monroe Bakery • North Peak Brewing Co. • Park Place Caterers • Rex's Golden Grill • Rusted Crow Spirits • Samuel Adams • Senor Lopez Mexican Restaurant • Srodek's Quality Polish Food • Stefan's Banquet & Conference Center • Szegedi's Catering • Tuhama's • Uncle Ray's Place • The Whitney Detroit
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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BAPTIZED AT THE CHURCH OF THE DIVINE CHILD
Gabriella Ann Boyle, daughter of Andrew Boyle ‘07 and wife Marie (Stawasz) ‘07, was baptized on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. Her godparents are Bethany Stawasz ‘04 and Daniel Boyle ‘05.
Henry Allen Carpenter, son of Matt Carpenter `98 and wife Lindsey Gallo, was baptized on Oct. 28, 2018. His Godparents are Carrie (Carpenter) Solak `95 and Michael Carpenter `01.
Gwendolyn Elizabeth, daughter of Jeff Harrison `97 and wife Jennifer, was baptized on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018.
Luke Schreiber, son of Ryan Schreiber `02 and wife Amanda, was baptized on Oct. 14, 2018.
IN MEMORIAM The Divine Child Community joins in prayerful remembrance of those who have died. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families and friends of: Janice (Olsen) Messano `68 •Edward Puishes '68•George Harvilla `68 • Cindy (Modlinski) Bodziak `77 • Mike Starosciak `86 • Kevin Kramer `87 • Amy (Siekierzynski) Howe `89 • Robyn (Speare) Swindlehurst `00
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4
CLASS REUNIONS
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50 Years - The Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th class reunion at George’s Senate Coney Island. 70 people attended, 46 were classmates. People traveled from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Mexico, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Texas and Utah. “We had an amazing time, wonderful turnout and couldn't have asked for a better location. Loved seeing and catching up with old friends as we shared stories from the good old days,” Carol (Wojtowicz) Bimberg `68.
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40 Years - The Class of 1978 's weekend started with classmates attending Homecoming at Divine Child, meeting at Levagood for a fun tailgate, which later moved on to Miller's Bar! On Sept. 15, over 100 alumni attended the reunion at the TPC - we had so much fun, we had to be shooed out the door! The next morning, Fr. Kevin Embach concelebrated mass with Fr. Jim followed by a tour of the school. The committee had a great time putting together this event - Karen Hammelef, Eileen (Rouen) Wallace, Melynn (Donovan) Zylka, Dawn (Denton) Agosta, Vicki (Sansone) Neville, Mary Anne (Rivard) Tantillo, Jill (Canavan) Fenech, Kelly (Morgan) Sullivan, Mark Leonardo, Janice (McCarthy) Wellman, Patty (Campbell) Mitchell and Shelly (Cortez) Deven. "Can't wait for the next one!” Jill (Canavan ) Fenech `78
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35 Years - The Class of 1983 had a memorable time at the Post Bar for their 35th reunion. Ed Abate was even in the “house!” A great time was had by all. - Lisa (Rusinowski) Austgen `83.
UPCOMING REUNIONS 50 Years - Class of 1969 June 7-9, 2019 www.DivineChild1969.com Contacts: Greg Burek (734-751-8308) or Sue Kennedy (734-347-7685)
40 Years - Class of 1979 August 23-25, 2019 Cathy Jo Panzi (cathyjopanzi@gmail.com) or Bob Malinowski (drmal1@hotmail.com)
25 Years - Class of 1994 June 21-23, 2019 Check the Facebook event page! Contact: Theresa (Brosnan) Schuler (tcbrosnan@aol.com) or (414-315-2315)
CLASS REUNIONS
30 Years - The class of 1988 celebrated their 30th reunion at Uncle Ray’s. “Another great evening!” - Chris Boudreau `88
25 Years - The Class of 1993 celebrated their 25th class reunion at Tony V’s Tavern in Detroit with 54 people over Thanksgiving weekend. We had classmates from Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina come in for the reunion. It was a great night. Dawn (Barszczowski) Hansen `93
20 Years - The Class of 1998 had its 20 year class reunion at Cheli's in downtown Detroit. 20 years later and it was really great to get together with old classmates. We had a lot of laughs, and it was nice to catch up. - Laurie (Rabe) McNamara `98.
10 Years - The Class of 2008 gathered together on Dec. 28 at the Post Bar and Grill in Downtown Plymouth to celebrate their 10th reunion. There were about 40 alumni and guests in attendance and fun was had by all. Drinks, food, friends and live music made the night one to remember! - Meghan (O’Connell) Dolkowski `08
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON 36
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVINE CHILD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Welcome Natalie Clay Welcome Natalie Clay `09 Divine Child Elementary School counselor/social worker. Natalie attended all 12 years of school at Divine Child. She worked as a clinical social worker at a women’s hospital in Detroit and a hospice agency. Natalie graduated from Wayne State University with a master’s degree in social work. She enjoys volunteering her time with children, spending weekends at her family's cottage and walking her Labrador puppy, Olive.
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H E Y FA L C O N S I WA N T Y O U T O S AV E T H E D A T E ! ALUMNI EVENTS AT DIVINE CHILD SPRING MUSICAL ALUMNI NIGHT Saturday, March 30, 2019 TRAVELING FALCONS Saturday, March 27-April 11, 2019 See page 6 for details ART GALA & ART SHOW KICKOFF Saturday, May 4, 2019 DIVINE CHILD GOLF CLASSIC Saturday, June 22, 2019 @ Links of Novi Noon registration, shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner, open bar and prizes 27TH ANNUAL FALCON 5K Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 Free food, kids activities, raffles, prizes and more HOMECOMING 2019 Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 Alumni tailgate, parade and football game
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Divine Child High School Advancement Office 1055 N. Silvery Lane Dearborn, MI 48128
HELP US UPDATE OUR ALUMNI DATABASE
Have you moved, started a new job or prefer another form of communication? Update your contact information with the Divine Child Alumni Association. Visit www.divinechildhighschool. org/alumni/alumni-directory to update your contact info, or contact amcnamara@divinechild. org.
BECOME A PART OF DIVINE CHILD HISTORY
Leave your mark on the Divine Child campus while supporting the development and continued growth of our institution. DC is now offering three ways for Falcons to leave their legacy on the grounds and facilities. Visit www.divinechildhighschool.org/giving to order yours today! MEMORIAL PLAQUE
BRICK PAVER
AUDITORIUM SEAT
Preserve the memory of loved ones on the Wayne Doran Memorial Wall located within the Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex.
Set your name in stone by ordering a brick paver inside the Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex.
Leave your legacy or honor a loved one with a custom engraved silver auditorium seat nameplate in the newly refurbished Divine Child theatre.