Falcon Once a
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Rockies
Summer 2018
Falcons GO PRO
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Alumni who "made it" in collegiate & professional sports
Answering God's Call Alumni entering into religious vocations
Falcon Once a
SUMMER 2018 Editorial Colleen Johnson '00 Aubri McNamara '97 Design & Layout Marie Boyle '07 Contributors Rev. James Bilot Sr. Cecilia Bondy Maureen Butler '15 Walter Grysko '07 Eric Haley '98 Colleen Johnson '00 Aubri McNamara '97 Ann Marie Prevost '80 Matthew Saxer Kathy Tar
FEATURE ON THE COVER 14 Falcons Go Pro HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES 07 Spiritually 08 Academically 09 Socially
Printer Progressive Printing
10 Creatively
Once a Falcon magazine is published semiannually by the Divine Child Alumni Association for graduates and friends of Divine Child.
30 Admissions
12 Athletically
ALUMNI UPDATES 22 Catching up with Classmates 23 Religious Vocations 24 Future Falcons 25 Weddings and Birth Announcements
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26 Falcon Flashbacks 27 Legacy Falcons 32 Event Recaps
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Become Published!
@DivineChildFalcons
Questions and feedback:
Phone: 313-216-0891 Email: advancement@divinechild.org
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 11/1/18. 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 '10 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
Fall is a great time to be a Falcon!
Karen (Mulholland) Gessler '89 Vice President
You can feel the energy as the students arrive back on campus excited for what the new school year brings, for fall sports to begin and most importantly for DC’s annual homecoming events to reunite Falcons young and old.
Mike Vecchioni ʼ72 Treasurer Katie Zakar '99 Secretary Sara (Grudzinski) Metzger ʼ94 Member at Large Matt Moore ʼ04 Member at Large Cheryl (Oros) Nelson ʼ75 Member at Large Jennifer Topolski ʼ85 Member at Large Class Agents Alumni volunteers serving as liaisons between their classmates and the DCAA.
Aubri McNamara '97 Alumni Relations Coordinator 313-216-0891 ext. 232 amcnamara@divinechild.org
We hope you make time to join us in celebrating the exciting developments happening at DC, welcoming home our alumni and helping our students kick off the school year! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon!
A Message from our PASTOR Dear Alumni, “Once a Falcon, always a Falcon” resonates with our seniors who just graduated and are now alumni of the school. As Pastor, it is humbling and quite an honor to award the diplomas, with Mr. Haley, to our graduates. Throughout the Mass and Graduation my prayer is one of praise and thanksgiving to God for blessing Divine Child Parish and Schools. To shake hands with the 226 students as they walked into the sanctuary to receive their diploma is a phenomenal, grace-filled time. Our new alumni are heading out into the world with an explosion of gifts and talents, and I pray they use these blessings for the Glory and Honor of God. In this issue, we highlight some of our athletic accomplishments. And how appropriate. We just finished the second year using the Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex. It was a very busy year. Was the athletic complex ever quiet? Well … in the winter when it was covered with snow and at night when everyone was asleep! This summer, we are finishing the complex with the addition of our Field House. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the construction of our complex and now the Field House. We continue to move into the future, blessed with beautiful facilities to help create future athletic champions. In our faith life, we need determination, drive, ambition and hope to move us to a deeper relationship with the Lord. We use these same motivations, with the Grace of God, to become strong and humble athletes. Our goal in our spiritual life with Jesus is to win the crown of victory – our Salvation. Our goal in the athletic world is to use our God given gifts and talents to win the crown of victory in athleticism. Athletics does not make us a god. God gives us athletics to show the Lord our gratitude for what he has given to us in our magnificent bodies and to use them to build up our world with goodness and love. Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!
Fr. Jim Bilot Pastor
ADVANCEMENT UPDATES
A statue of Mary has graced the front of the high school since almost the school’s inception. The tradition of the football team, cheerleaders and other students praying to Mary before a game can be traced back to this 1963 picture. The current football team knows this tradition well, and when construction began to create a new shrine, some asked whether they could still pray there. I stop and smile to myself and wonder, “who do they think all this is for?” But it humbles me that they do not take it for granted. That they do not feel entitled. That stepping onto the new field gave them chills, just as it did for all of us alumni who dreamed about this athletic complex for decades. They are grateful, they are excited, they are thankful. And so am I. We are always cognizant of our duty to be good stewards of your donations. And we hope you know that these improvements are as much about your legacy as they are about resources for our current students. As we begin the final projects of the Investing in Excellence Capital Campaign, the construction of the Field House and the renovation of the original four high school science labs, we thank all of our generous donors who invested $4.1 million into these projects to-date. This campaign provided us with a mission: to ensure that our facilities reflected the rigor of our academics and the drive of our students. We have completely changed the landscape of our campus in five short years and confirmed the future of our schools and parish. And for that, we thank you. Leading up to Homecoming on September 14, 2018, we will be conducting a final Class Competition to raise funds for the equipment, technology and furniture necessary to complete the new Field House and science laboratories. This is the final opportunity to be part of this monumental campaign and to leave a lasting legacy for Future Falcons, including our own children and grandchildren. Please visit investinginexcellence.org and make a donation to this cause. All donors will be recognized on the final Donor Wall of Recognition in the Divine Child Alumni Athletic Complex. I hope to see many of you again this year for the homecoming festivities on September 14. Colleen (Beard) Johnson '00 Director of Advancement
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
Congratulations to the Class of 2018
$$ $
The Class of 2018 earned $21.6 million $21.6 million in scholarship in scholarshipsmoney graduates earned
98% of students are attending college
Our newest alumni celebrated graduation with a baccalaureate mass on Sunday, May 20 at the Church of the Divine Child. A very special group of young men and women, the Class of 2018 has performed very well academically earning $21.6 million in meritbased scholarship money. This group of 226 leaders has excelled in athletics and fine and performing arts, while performing thousands of community service hours and contributing to 30 clubs on campus.
80% of students
received merit-based scholarships
130 students
took an advanced placement exam
20 student athletes achieved athletic signings
A Message from our PRINCIPAL I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7 I have always been struck by this very subtle connection that Saint Paul makes between athletics and faith. As a high school athlete, I experienced this connection most vividly in our team attendance at mass, in the prayer before the games, and in the shared sacrifice during the game. Each of these contributed to victories on and off the field. In this issue of Once a Falcon, we are celebrating the Falcon student-athletes who so mastered their craft that they continue to witness in the amateur and professional ranks to the faith formation that they received during their time at Divine Child High School. While athletic skill is what the rest of the world may see on the surface, what I see is a group of alumni who have not forgotten what it means to live out the God-given talents that they have honed over a lifetime for the greater glory of God. Our rising generation of student athletes is keeping faith with this tradition of excellence. The 2017-18 academic year was particularly memorable not only because of the 20 athletic signings but also because team sports proved again to be steadfast strength for this community. Not only did our athletes excel on the field, but their peers cheered them on in record numbers as we made daily use of our state of the art facilities. The Boys' Hockey and Girls' Soccer teams also inaugurated a new tradition by having seniors honor the members of the staff who have inspired them most. As a member of the faculty, I was honored and humbled to wear Craig Sandie's jersey for a game and then watch our Falcons grit it out on the ice in a hard-fought match against Country Day. What impresses me most about our student-athletes is the sense of balance that they learn as they manage the time commitments that a rigorous academic schedule and an ambitious practice and game schedule require. Our football players, for instance, traveled to and from Benton Harbor for a game early last season. This required our students to complete their homework assignments a day ahead of their peers in order to board the bus, travel six hours back and forth and compete. Exhausted as they may have been on that Friday, our Falcons needed to regroup quickly for their next week's classes, composing essays, completing worksheets, and committing key concepts to memory. Saint Paul, I think, is right to turn to athletics as the metaphor for our journey in faith and our life in community. When our Falcons learn teamwork, they learn the gift of selflessness that is at the heart of the life of the Church. None of us alone achieves the victory. We are bound together through the memories in the wins and shared losses. The Falcons that we have sent forth into the world of professional sports testify to this uncompromising formation. For as Saint Paul so presciently taught, "an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." Eric Haley '98 Principal
OUR MISSION & VISION
OUR 4 PILLARS Divine Child High School is dedicated to developing youth who pursue lives of responsibility, leadership and faith in action. As alumni, you know Divine Child is rooted in a long-standing tradition of excellence and in an educational partnership with students, parents and the community. At DC, we are committed to providing opportunities that nurture each student’s growth spiritually, academically, creatively and socially.
DIVINE CHILD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ARE HERE TO STAY. Please consider making an investment in our schools. The Divine Child Annual Fund is the primary fundraising source for our elementary and high schools. Every contribution to the Divine Child Annual Fund directly benefits the schools and allows us to continue providing the excellent spiritual, academic, social and creative programs for which DC is synonymous. More importantly, it allows us to fulfill our mission of developing students who pursue “lives of leadership, responsibility and faith in action.” The fund supplements the annual operating budget for both institutions and allows Divine Child to maintain affordable tuition, provide educational scholarships for students, and accomplish infrastructure updates and improvements. Through your generosity, students have access to a superior Catholic education on a state-of-the-art campus. Contributions to the Annual Fund may be earmarked for specific academic and extracurricular programs at Divine Child Catholic Schools, or applied where it is most needed. From fine arts and Christian service to instructional support and scholarships, you can make a mark on the future of Falcon Country with your donation. To make a contribution, visit www.givetodc.org. Check out the following reasons to give according to DC students.
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SPIRITUALLY MAY CROWNING 2018 Every year, Divine Child High School honors the Blessed Mother at the annual May Crowning Liturgy. This year's celebration held on May 2 was a fitting liturgical ceremony for the seniors to complete their four years and a meaningful way for the entire student body to bear witness to our Catholic faith. The Seniors continued a new tradition as they paraded through the Elementary School. The young students celebrated the accomplishments of these fine young men and women as they cheered them while walking the halls in their caps and gowns!
CHRISTIAN SERVICE During the 2017-18 school year, our students volunteered 11,880 hours of their time to serve others out of Christian love. The senior class alone volunteered 4,259 hours!
2,417 hours 4,259 hours 2,470 hours
PLEDGE: FAITH IN ACTION
2,734 hours
Pledge: Faith in Action is a Divine Child High School initiative where students earn pledges from friends and family to go out into the community for a day of service. All of the pledges the students raise are then donated to a charitable organization. This year our students and school community donated $50,000 to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Students spent their respective service days working both at the Kitchen and ten other non-profits in the area! REASON #1 TO GIVE TO DC: HELP SHAPE FAITHFUL YOUNG PEOPLE
“One of the most important and influential aspects of my high school career was DC’s dedication to incorporating our Catholic faith into our education ... I have learned what it means to live like Jesus and use the talents and knowledge I have to serve the world." CLAUDIA STOOPS '18, daughter of Kevin '87 and Rosetta (Cimino) '87 Stoops
WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
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ACADEMICALLY 2018 VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN Congratulations to Valedictorian Katherine Walters (center) and Salutatorians Rachel Radwan (left) and Arianna Afonso (right). These young women have been model students achieving academically while remaining highly active in the arts, athletics, clubs and more. This fall, Walters will be attending Michigan State University; Radwan plans to attend Grand Valley State University; and Afonso will study at the University of Michigan.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR: MARY PAT O'MALLEY
Mary Pat O’Malley was named Teacher of the Year by her peers. She has taught at Divine Child High School for 7 years and is head of the Theology Department. Mary Pat is known for her incredible capacity for building positive and lasting relationships with students, making them feel safe, welcome and valued. She plays an active role in community organizing service trips for the students. She is a mother of 6 daughters and is always there for her co-workers. Congratulations Mary Pat.
CLASS OF 2018 ACADEMIC STATS
22
AP Scholars
10
AP Scholars with Distinction
19
AP Scholars with Honor
1
National Merit Scholar
REASON #2 TO GIVE TO DC: GIVE MORE STUDENTS ACCESS TO STRONG ACADEMICS “If someone had told me before entering Divine Child I would have access to academics that would allow my acceptance to Columbia University, I wouldnʼt understand -- I couldnʼt even imagine such a lofty goal." LUKE CIARELLI '18, son of James '86 and Traci Ciarelli
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SOCIALLY DC FORENSICS TEAM BRINGS HOME CHAMPIONSHIP DC Forensics attended MIFA Class B Schools Competition on Saturday, April 28. The team qualified for 24 State Finalist entries with 30 Falcons in 13 events, including Public Address and Oral Interpretation of Literature. The team brought back a Seven-Peat Class B Forensics State Championship and MIFA Class B trophy. Five team members also won the individual state championship in their event. Mrs. Kathy Tar, the Forensics Team head coach for 22 years, was inducted into the Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. [ MSCI ] Hall of Fame on May 19, in the Theater of The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Mrs. Tar received a “Lifetime Achievement” Award based on her coaching experience, her coaching success and her service to the Michigan Speech Community. Pictured with Mrs. Tar and her MSCI Award is her daughter, Emily (Tar) Davisson ’04, a forensics team alumni asst. coach.
REASON #3 TO GIVE TO DC: DEVELOP WELL-ROUNDED YOUNG PEOPLE "The opportunities I have had as a result of coming to Divine Child, like the freedom to take rigorous classes and participate in a myriad of activities ranging from debate and quiz bowl to color guard and cross country, have prepared me for college more than learning in any other environment could have. The amazing faculty and administrators I had the joy of learning from were dedicated to helping students and creating an environment for learning. The teachers I had guided me and taught me invaluable lessons for both my academic and professional future." FRIDA GALAVIZ ʻ18
FALCONS SHAKE TAIL FEATHERS AT 2018 PROM Divine Child’s upperclassmen dressed to the nines for the 2018 prom held on Saturday, May 12. The annual rite of passage was held at the Dearborn Inn where students danced all night, making memories with dear friends.
FACULTY REVIEW Students continued the longtime tradition of the Faculty Review, an event that brings students to the stage to imitate their favorite teachers. Mahmoud Hage '19 gave a very realistic impersonation of DC’s illustrious history teacher, Marco Monea.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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HIGH SCHOOL NEWS CREATIVELY
SPRING MUSICAL: BEAUTY & THE BEAST Divine Child Theatre capped off this year with a sold out crowd for their stunning production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The run of the show began with Brunch with Belle, a sneak peek for the community which included brunch, behind the scenes tours, pictures with the cast and a sing-a-long. The show ran from March 15-18, completely selling out the 598 seat auditorium for five of the six shows. The show was nominated for 11 Dearborn Area Theatre PAGE Awards, including nominations for Choreography, Orchestral Direction, Musical Direction, Set Design, Sound and Lighting. Director Elisa Noeske ’00 received a nomination for Best Director. Grace Bertucci ’18 and Nichole Gertsen ’18 received a nomination for Best Actress for their shared role of Belle. Parker DeMarco ’19 and Cameron Godin ’18 received a nomination for Best Actor for their shared role of Beast. John Biscaro ‘18 and Josh DePaulis ’19 took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for their portrayal of Lumiere and Maddy Woods ’21 and Natalie Duffy ’19 won the Award for Best Supporting Actress for their portrayal of Mrs. Potts. After the show wrapped, students from the cast visited three area hospitals to visit with and perform for young patients and staff.
WHEN THE FALCONS GO MARCHING IN More than 85 Divine Child musicians made their way down Michigan Avenue during the City of Dearborn's annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 28. DC has participated in the parade for nearly two decades, honoring our nation's veterans by playing a medley of patriotic songs and the Divine Child fight song. Nearly 12 percent of the student body participates in Divine Child's music program. In fact, the marching band will be an impressive 110 musicians strong this fall - including 35 incoming freshmen. The band has applied to march in America's Thanksgiving Parade this November and at Disney World's Magic Kingdom in February.
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2018 ART SHOW Divine Child's 2018 Art Show showcased more than 800 student projects. Highlighting "the best of the best," this year's show included everything from large sophisticated oil paintings to delicate yet whimsical ceramic pieces that impressed our own Divine Child community and the larger art community. We were honored to welcome professors from the College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University and Kendall College of Art and Design who viewed our show, praised our students, and commended our pastor and administration for valuing the fine arts in such a strong way. Many felt that the exiting seniors’ walls were as impressive and skillfully sound as graduating college students! This year we are proud to announce five graduates from the class of 2018 will be attending art school in the fall. Sean Peacock '18, Jolee Abernathy '18 and Natalie Aston '18 will go on to the College for Creative Studies to major in Illustration; Wanjing Su '18 will attend Maryland Institute College of Art to major in Painting with a concentration in Illustration; and Nick Gencarelli '18 will attend Michigan State University to major in Art History. We are very proud of these and all of our alumni who have contributed to the long standing legacy of our one of a kind Fine Arts Department. It is because of students like these and the foundation Mr. Mike Foye started for us in 1968 that we are able to grow and get stronger as the years go on. We thank all of you alumni who have been a part of our department in any way at DC, because all have helped us grow in teaching the next generation and mold them in the teachings of Christ. Submitted by Water Grysko '07
REASON #4 TO GIVE TO DC: Help students discover their creative passions, visions and talents "The DC community helped kindle my passion for art, not only by teaching me the necessary skills, but also by offering me opportunities to put those skills to practical use. I was given the freedom to develop my own style and voice and pursue projects that I was passionate about."
Sean Peacock ‘18
WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
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TEAM UPDATES
DIVINE CHILD ATHLETICS
BOYS BASEBALL Sergio Succurro '18 served as an All-League representive with a 2-out base hit that beat Brother Rice 5-4. Marc Bergeron '18 commanded a complete game victory vs. St. Mary's. All-Catholic representative Kyle Gurney '19 led the team with a .360 BA, 10 2B, and 17 RBI's, while Nate Raniszewski '20 led the pitching staff with 5 wins on the year. BOYS BASKETBALL finished the season with an overall record of 18-7. The team won the Catholic League AA Division with a 6-0 record, beating Loyola at home to clinch the Division Title. The boys dropped a game at the buzzer in the Catholic League Playoffs to Catholic Central, losing by 1, but then rebounded in the State Tournament winning both District and Regional Championships for the first time since 2011. Quinn Blair '18 set the school record for total points in a career (1,551 points) and was also named All-State in Class B. GIRLS BASKETBALL held a season record of 148. The team placed second in the Central Division and competed in the CHSL final at Calihan Hall. BOYS & GIRLS BOWLING saw great strides of improvement. Both JV and Varsity Girls won the Division and the Boys made it to the Catholic League Semi-Final. Our bowling program continues to be a wonderful teaching tool and place for our student-athletes to grow and flourish. COMPETITIVE CHEER Led by our six seniors, the Varsity Cheerleading Team won its 16th consecutive Catholic League Title! The team placed 4th at regional finals and qualified for state finals for the 10th consecutive year.
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: AIDAN HUTCHINSON Aidan Hutchinson '18 was named Michigan High School Athlete of the Year. Hutchinson not only was a defensive end and clutch tight end for the Falcons, but also had a commanding presence on the field during lacrosse season. Aside from a powerful athlete, Aidan is a fantastic student and very involved in community service. He has participated in Gleaners and Blight Busters where he helped clean up neighborhoods and communities and make them into something better. “This nomination means the world to me,” Hutchinson noted. “It truly embodies what a great athlete strives to be. Winning this award is truly amazing because it shows how dedicated I am on and off the field with community service.” Hutchinson, son of Melissa (Sinkevics) Hutchinson '90, will play football at the University of Michigan in the fall. Best of luck and congratulations!
20 Students from the Class of 2018 awarded athletic letters of intent: BOYS LACROSSE broke individual and team records in 2018. Led by 15 seniors, the young men beat their rival Fr. Gabriel Richard twice this season and won the Division II Catholic League Title. GIRLS SOCCER finished with a 16-7-2 record in all competitions. They finished third in the Catholic League's first division and qualified for the Catholic League playoffs. Upon defeating Melvindale High School and Ladywood High School in the quarter and semi-final rounds, the team advanced to and won the District 22 championship, defeating Garden City High School by a score of 1-0. This is the program's second district championship in the past three seasons. GIRLS SOFTBALL went on to win League, District, Regional and Quarter-final championships and made the final four for D2 in the State. They received an abundance of player awards for All-City, AllLeague, All-Catholic, All-District, All-Region and AllState, and the team was awarded the D2 All-State Academic Team for the second consecutive year. GIRLS TENNIS had a strong season, making it to States in Holland, as a whole team. It was a quick and fun-filled season. They had the honor of competing in local tournaments, as well as with Division 1 in the Catholic League. GIRLS TRACK won their 4th consecutive Catholic League Championship by winning the Golden Triangle Track Meet, outdistancing the runners-up, Mercy High School, by 150 points and Cranbrook by 66 points. The team won the regional meet with 15 girls qualifying for the MHSAA State Championships. The girls performed very well, losing narrowly to Zeeland East (MHSAA Champions). BOYS TRACK accomplished a longtime goal of winning the Catholic League Championship for the first time. The team filled with young talent - largely sophomore driven - also had 13 team members qualify for states. Anthony Hancock '20 broke the school record for the 2-Mile run, clocking in at 9:22.
Marc Bergeron Hillsdale - Baseball Quinn Blair William and Mary - Basketball Jian Carreon UD Mercy - Track Alaina Celski Madonna - Soccer Katie Connolly Adrian - Softball Theo Day MSU - Football Courtney Dolkowski Siena Heights - Softball Alexandra Filiatraut University of Miami-Ohio - Track Vincent Floro Madonna - Lacrosse Cameron Godin UM Dearborn- Lacrosse Aidan Hutchinson UM - Football Rosa Kormos Siena Heights - Bowling Allison Lentz Concordia - Soccer Evan Mazurek UD Mercy - Soccer Alexandra Mithen Alma - Competitive Dance Sean Pilon Findlay - Football Claudia Rae Schoolcraft - Softball Garrett Scalf Albion - Baseball
VARSITY HOCKEY had a successful season led by Coach Dominic Scala, finishing with a record of 1312-1 while playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. Ian Juszczyk '18 led the team with 42 points and became the all-time leading goal scorer in Divine Child Hockey history (54 goals over 4 season).
Cameron Smith Davenport - Football Daniel Sweikowski Albion - Football
ALUMNI FEATURES
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Chris Rusin '05 pitches for the Colorado Rockies The left handed pitcher from Canton, Chris Rusin `05 has been playing Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies since 2015. He was first drafted to the Chicago Cubs in 2009 out of the University of Kentucky, where he was named to the All-SEC first team. Playing any professional sport isn’t easy. Rusin admits his biggest struggle along the way was working on being positive. “It’s one of the hardest things to do, especially when making it in the big leagues means so much to you. I’ve always been hard on myself because I am so competitive, but struggling made me work harder and focus on improving at the things I needed to work on." Working his way through the minors was challenging. Rusin recalls, "A lot of people don’t know that you get paid less than minimum wage at certain levels, so you learn a lot about time and money management. But, it was still fun because I traveled to a bunch of cities and states to play the game that I love.”
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Falcons Go Pro
Alumni who "made it" in the collegiate & professional sports industry 14
When he got the call to pitch in his first professional game, Rusin said, “It was unbelievable. The lights were brighter, there were a lot more people at the game and obviously the stadium was much bigger. It was my dream to make it to the majors and to finally do it was an unreal experience.” Rusin's career at DC was remarkable. The team won three Catholic League championships and two state titles. “I learned alot from coach Tony DeMare and the rest of the coaching staff. They definitely helped me prepare for collegiate baseball at Kentucky. Coach DeMare had a huge influence on my baseball career as a player and as a student. He helped me through the process of being recruited by different colleges and was always there to help us practice whenever we needed or wanted to practice." Rusin noted it's important to focus on getting better no matter what. "I was never the hardest thrower or the biggest person, so I had to focus on the little things I was good at to try and get an advantage on other players in a different way. If there is something you are good at, practice at being the best. Never be satisfied, always strive to become better than you were the day before. "
FALCONS GO PRO
Jordan Oesterle '10 laces up skates for Chicago Blackhawks
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It all started with a boy determined to be like his cousins. Jordan Oesterle '10 laced up his first pair of skates at the age of 2. Oesterle's hockey career started with the Belle Tire Hockey Organization where he played throughout his childhood. In college Oesterle attended Western Michigan University where he played defense for the Broncos from 2011 to 2014. Upon graduation, he was signed as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers and in his rookie professional season, compiled 21 points in 49 games with Oilers affiliate the Oklahoma City Barons. He received his first NHL recall in February 2015 and the following day made his NHL debut with the Oilers. Two years later, Oesterle left the Oilers as a free agent and agreed to a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He soon scored his first NHL goal against former teammates from the Edmonton Oilers in December 2017.
Oesterle also had the opportunity to play in the World Cup representing team USA. “It was an honor to wear the red, white and blue USA letters.” Growing up in Dearborn Heights, his parents, Doug and Michelle, always kept family at the forefront. While attending Western Michigan University, Oesterle and his siblings, Nicole `07 and Kyle `09, who also went to WMU, made sure they had weekly dinners together. Oesterle recalls how awesome it was to go to college with his brother and sister, who later moved to the Windy City. When given the opportunity to follow his brother and sister again, it was a no brainer to play for the Chicago Blackhawks. He often has to pinch himself when he thinks about how lucky he is to still be playing what he considers a "kids game."
Oesterle advises young people to “have fun, enjoy being a kid, play all sports and play pick up hockey in the yard. It’s about being in the right place at the right time, catching someone's eye, having the right coaching and having the right components.” Oesterle credits his parents for sending him to Divine Child, a school that installed hard work and discipline. He remembers Damian Herman '89, dean of students, walking in the halls and his presence alone demanded respect, which kept him in line. Oesterle takes one day at a time, never taking for granted where he is and how he has gotten there. He considers himself a late bloomer and understands what he needs to do to stay playing at the NHL level.
“To see all kids wishing they could be in my shoes, drives me to be better every day. It's important that I stay in the moment and stay focused, so I can stay in the NHL.”
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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ALUMNI ALUMNI FEATURES FEATURES
FALCONS GO PRO
Ed Hermann Parent Award Maureen Butler '15 becomes NCAA Champ Practices were a little different from the Divine Child ones I was so used to. But luckily, I was used to a high level of intensity and a standard of excellence (and perfection), thanks to Coach Mary Laney. I am so blessed to have had such a great coach in her at DC and friend and supporter in her, beyond. Every day was something new. I was learning, and failing, and getting better with every practice. I was thrown right into the grind, and it wasn’t easy; it even seemed impossible at times. There were days my alarm would go off at 5:30 AM for practice, or I would be truly questioning my role on the team, or my ability to hang with this top 5 ranked program. Looking back on the season, it can be easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour that comes with a championship, but I try not to forget those days – some of the hardest, yet most formative of my life.
3 As my time at Divine Child was coming to a close in May of 2015, I thought my basketball career was ending too. I had humored thoughts of continuing to play in college, but when a letter in the mail came from the University of Notre Dame saying I was admitted, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming one of the Fighting Irish – I’d just have to do it watching from the sidelines. I loved my first two years under the Golden Dome, involving myself in dorm life, playing intramurals, and attending football and basketball games. I was also a religious fan of the women’s basketball team, a surprisingly uncommon claim among my fellow students, considering the program’s dominance, especially in the last couple decades. Nevertheless, my friends and I cheered on Muffet McGraw and her Irish, who were like celebrities to me. So, when I found an email at the beginning of my junior year saying that the team was offering walk-on tryouts for the first time since 2011, you can imagine my excitement, not to mention disbelief. I remember saying to my roommate “Can you imagine if I tried out?” almost jokingly. Her response was fervent: “Mo, you gotta do it.” All of a sudden, this far off dream of mine was becoming a reality. I emailed back, signaling my interest, and before I knew it, I was at the first tryout, then the second, and then the third and final, with Coach McGraw telling me, “Mo, we want to keep you.” I was ecstatic, and insanely nervous.
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As the season wore on, I was gaining a better sense of my role on the team, growing as a player, and bonding with my teammates and coaches. Everything was starting to make more and more sense. I’d get in some games during the garbage minutes when we were crushing a team, and even score on occasion. A Round of 64, 32, a Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and two insane buzzer beaters in the Final Four and Championship Game later, I found myself standing on the now hallowed hardwood, looking up at confetti raining down, surrounded by my celebrating teammates, a National Champion - a feeling I simply cannot describe that far transcends immense gratitude. I got to cut down the net, kiss the championship trophy, and partake in locker room celebrations. At the end of the day, being part of this National Championship winning Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team has taught (and continues to teach) me so much more than how to be a defensive threat, or the intricacies of the Princeton Offense – which believe me, it has. It teaches me the importance of the grind. And that although there will be times when it feels as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it’s nothing you can’t handle. It teaches me that a championship, or anything good in life, really, doesn’t just come from wishing it into existence. It teaches me to appreciate every moment, even the hard ones. It has taught me the immense importance of my Catholic faith and placing my trust in God. So, push through those times when life seems impossible, because you never know what’s waiting for you at the end. I bet it’s something better than you can even imagine.
Submitted by Maureen Butler '15
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Eric Haase '11 plays for the Columbus Clippers Eric Haase `11 currently plays AAA baseball as a catcher for the Columbus Clippers, which is part of the Cleveland Indians organization. According to Haase, the most difficult part of the job is all the traveling. He has spent the last seven years traveling to Goodyear, Arizona for spring training and then spending the summer at each of the minor league levels. He spends the off seasons back home in Michigan with his wife Maria (Paolini) '11, raising their two children Santino (3) and Francesca (1). “It’s been tough, but Maria has been absolutely amazing through all of it. They talk about the baseball season being a grind because of the travel and playing everyday, but attending to two kids by yourself, sometimes across the country is no easy feat and she’s been doing an amazing job the last couple years.”
Haase recalls his baseball years at Divine Child as amazing. “Looking back at just the baseball aspect of DC, I was extremely lucky to have coaches like Tony DeMare and Dan Deegan `97. They really showed me the definition of hard work and how it could pay off. Not only did it create a winning atmosphere (state championships in 2008 and 2010) but it led to a lot of success for not only myself, but a lot of other baseball players at DC.” Haase's favorite memory from high school, is winning the Baseball Class B State Championship in 2010. "That group of guys was extremely talented and we worked together so well. For every guy on that team to go on and play a college or pro sport was really special.” He credits DeMare and Deegan as having the most impact on his sports life, but it was teacher Gary Lesnau that he learned the most from. “He was the perfect balance between being understanding,
treating you with respect, and setting clear rules of what was expected of you in his classroom.” Playing athletics comes with many ups and downs. “The biggest struggle for me has been dealing with failure. Baseball can be extremely frustrating at times and very gratifying other times. To me, that carries over into life as well. I just try to stay positive and help as many people as possible.” “Take it one day at a time. Try not to get too wrapped up in bigger goals, but keep your head down and keep working each day on smaller goals. If you do that enough days in a row, you’ll look up and be where you want to be.”
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ALUMNI FEATURES
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After 12 years at Ladywood, Gorski was able to make her passion a full-time job when she accepted a job at Concordia University in Ann Arbor. She coached at Concordia for five seasons, turning the program around and winning three national championships, followed by three years at Southern Illinois University before heading back to Bradley in 2016. "Being at Bradley has been special,” Gorski said. "Bradley has always been able to offer exceptional academics and the athletics have been competitive. Recruiting is so much easier now. Since 1992, the facilities have improved tremendously. The core values haven't changed, but the facilities are top notch and are comparable to any other program.” Gorski says she never dreamed about coaching at Bradley, but her passion led her there. "I believe if you work hard and treat people the right way, it will all work out.”
5 Andrea Gorski '88 coaches basketball at Bradley University Basketball has been a part of Andrea (McAllister) Gorski's '88 life since she can remember. She played basketball for Divine Child and was part of the 1987 and 1988 state championship team. After graduating high school, she attended Bradley University on a basketball scholarship, where she studied advertising. Gorski began coaching AAU Basketball in 1994 and took on the role of head varsity basketball coach for Ladywood High School one year later. Gorski admits that at first it felt unnatural to coach in the Catholic League against her Alma Mater, but it was an amazing opportunity that couldn't be passed it up.
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Gorski’s goal is to win a Missouri Valley Championship. She believes they are in a great position to do that. “If you are passionate about what you do everyday then striving for a championship goes hand and hand.” In her 24 years of coaching, Gorski credits coaching at Ladywood in the competitive Catholic League against the likes of Diane Laffy from Regina, Mary Cicerone from Marian, and Mary Lou Jansen from Divine Child, for making her the coach she is today. “They were some of the best coaches I have ever faced. Night in and night out I had to be ready to compete, be on the top of my game and learn fast.” Looking back at her years at Divine Child, Gorski admits, “DC was really ahead of the game in female athletics. They encouraged girls to play more than one sport, and we did, compared to now, where most girls specialize in one sport.” She recalls that the friendships she made, the teams she played on, and the teachers that taught her were outstanding. They all make up such fond memories she had in her high school years. Gorski believes staying active in the sport you love is so important. “My advice to young female athletes is to not over schedule yourself so much that you lose the love of the game. Play pick up, play catch, do whatever, enjoy the game at the root level. Remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. Don’t worry about the accolades and what everyone is saying. Work hard and things will fall in place like they should. If your abilities don’t allow you to play at a high level, don’t give up on your love of the game. There is such a need for more female coaches at the high school and AAU level, as well as referees. Stay active in your sport!”
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INVESTING in
Ryan Nadeau '11 supports Chicago Bulls operations Ryan Nadeau `11 is living out his passion for basketball as an operations associate for the Chicago Bulls. As part of his job, Nadeau is responsible for reviewing game films and providing coaches with a critical evaluation of both the Chicago Bulls and their opponent's tendencies and game strategies. During college, Nadeau played two years of basketball for Calvin College. It was there, mixed with a dose of inspiration from his father, who coached basketball at Divine Child Elementary, and the coaches he had in high school, Andy Dold and Matt Lapshan `99, that he decided to switch gears into coaching. He transfered to Michigan State University where he worked for the basketball team as a student manager under Tom Izzo.
Nadeau worked with Coach Izzo for three years and ended up forming a really close bond with him. Because of that relationship, he caught the attention of Chicago Bulls Associate Head Coach Jim Boylen. Hoping not to sound cliche, Nadeau assures having passion, courage and the ability to build relationships are the ingredients for success. Others helped him get where he is today, and he would love to be in a position to help others get started too. “I get hit up every day by kids asking me to help them get into the NBA. I’m not in a position to hire anyone yet, but hopefully I will be there one day!” Nadeau plans to continue working towards his dream job of serving as a head coach, whether it’s at the college or NBA level.
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Ryan Kelley '95 coaches baseball at Wayne State University Ryan Kelley `95 has been coaching baseball at Wayne State University since 2003. He has served as head coach since 2009. Under his leadership, WSU has partnered with the Detroit Tigers to host summer and winter baseball camps that attract kids from across metro Detroit. The next camp will be held Dec. 8-9. “It has been a thrill to witness our next generation of baseball players meet and learn from their hometown Detroit Tigers heroes while being in a college environment and obtaining traits leading to academic success as potential student-athletes,” Kelley said.
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Being a part of a team can create life long relationships and Kelley believes those who put the team first have the ability to emerge as leaders. He recalls his Falcon coaches - Mark Falvo, Kevin Walters, Joe Charnley, and Bill Dyer - teaching the importance of embracing every opportunity and credits them for instilling strong values in him as a student-athlete that have shaped his coaching career. Kelley is thankful for the entire Divine Child community, and Detroit, a city that is always eager to give back while helping push the future resurgence.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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ALUMNI PROFILES
ALUMNI FEATURES
Pat Biondi '09 plays for the Vegas 51s Pat Biondi `09 currently plays baseball for the Vegas 51s, the AAA affiliate of the New York Mets. As if that isn't exciting enough, Biondi recently started his own company called The Elevate Movement, a clothing company with the mission to unify and create positive change. The goal of the company is to make a positive impact on our world by donating a portion of the profits to different charities and by actively engaging with the community. "We recognize the connection human beings share with each other and with the environment. We look to strengthen these
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connections every day," Biondi said. Biondi has a lot of fond memories of Divine Child. He recalled his "friendships have gone from the baseball field and basketball court to being part of wedding celebrations." His most memorable moments were having the opportunity to play at Comerica Park for the Catholic League championship and later that season winning a state championship in 2008. “I learned a lot about hard work and discipline - both on the field and in the classroom - during my time at Divine Child. It was a great atmosphere to prepare me for college and beyond."
Rosanna Reynolds '12 shoots hoops in Scotland
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Rosanna Reynolds '12 just completed her first year with the Caledonia Pride, a professional basketball team in Edinburgh, Scotland. She joined the team just months after completing a master's degree at UD Mercy, where she played basketball for four years, and was the first player in Titan history with 1500 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists. Finding American professional sports opportunties for women can be difficult, so Reynolds took her search across the pond. “You have to be one of the best known, top women to play in the WNBA and there’s not many leagues here in America. Fortunately, overseas
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there are tons of leagues looking for Americans.” An agent put Reynolds in contact with the newly established Caledonia Pride, Scotland’s first professional women’s basketball team. Reynolds cautions that it’s not all fun and games: “You can definitely dream it, but it takes hard work each and every day.” She says players make plenty of sacrifices in order to play, including limited free time, practicing under physically and emotionally draining circumstances, and being away from friends and family. But, Reynolds has no regrets.“What motivates
me to keep playing is just how fun the game is and the teammates that I get to play with. In the end, that’s what makes it all worthwhile to me.” She's also proud to serve as a successful role model for young girls in the UK and the US! As she grew up, Reynolds found basketball to be an excellent tool for building confidence and teaching the importance of hardwork. She learned that going out there, playing freely and not focusing on the outcome, but rather on what she could do in that moment to help the team, was the key to success.
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Matt Yoches '99 supports Miami University Football Matt Yoches `99 is currently the director of football operations at Miami University. Yoches started playing CYO football for DC in 5th grade playing through high school and into college for Grand Valley State. After college his desire for football never ended. He became the graduate assistant for the team's 2004 season and full-time coaching staff in 2006. In 2016, he left Grand Valley to take a role as director of football operations for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. As director of operations, Yoches handles the football team's day-to-day activities. Yoches admits he misses coaching and hasn't shut the door on it, but right now, he is enjoying the job and hopes to move in the direction of assistant athletic director.
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Yoches believes he is a product of the great coaching he had at Divine Child and in college. He can’t remember a time he didn't have a good team or coach to push him to be a better player or person. He got into coaching football because of the tremendous experience and great mentors he's had over the years. "My goal is to provide that same experience for others." Yoches resides in Allendale, Ohio with his wife Adrienne and their two children Samuel (10) and Danielle (8).
CONGRATULATIONS PAT SHURMUR '83 Shurmur will be leading the NY Giants in his ďŹ rst season as head coach this fall. We'll be watching! Good luck, Pat!
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ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI UPDATES CATCH UP WITH CLASSMATES
Falcons are everywhere! Read up on the latest from fellow Falcons. Anthony Paciero '07 graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in education and recently completed his Master’s degree in sports management at LaSalle University. He is currently employed as the athletic director, head varsity boys basketball coach and physical education teacher at Detroit Southeastern High School.
Jack Hoovers '16 recently competed at West Points Sandhurst competition as an ROTC Army officer at Michigan State. His team came in 6th place out of 64 teams from all over the world inlcuding some of the toughest, strongest military soldiers. The Sandhurst Military Skills competition is a diverse two-day, 30-mile multinational and joint service competition that attracts teams from across the globe to test physical fitness, military proficiency and leadership. Meagen Hudson '04 graduated from Wayne State University in December with two Master's degrees in Community Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. She is currently a certified therapist and school counselor. She recently started her dream job - working as an elementary counselor with 3rd and 4th grade kids in the Garden City School District.
Kevin Embach, SJ '78 was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 2018 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Elizabeth (Kluck) DiSanto '92 is running for 27th District Court Judge. The 27th District Court serves the communities of Wyandotte and Riverview. DiSanto has been a part-time Magistrate for the Court since 2009. She also has her own legal practice with a focus on Family Law and Mediation. Disanto and her husband Joe have three children and reside in Wyandotte. Please visit her website: lizdisantoforjudge.com.
Leticia Romero '02 has been coaching beginner and advanced level skaters at local and National level competitions for 18 years. She has been the Divine Child Varsity Figure Skating coach for 14 years. The team earned a state title, and has qualified for States every year under her training. In 1998, she was on the first high school figure skating team at Divine Child, and skated in the first Annual State Championships for Michigan High School Figure Skating.
P.T. Muldoon '80 was recently honored with recognition as a 2018 Distinguished Alumni of Eastern Michigan University, where he serves as a member of E-Club Letterwinners and the Champions Building Advisory Board. During his time at EMU, Muldoon had a successful career in athletics, receiving letters in both indoor and outdoor track, leading him to take a spot on the USA Weightlifting Team from 1987-1988. Following college and an athletic career, Muldoon went on to make an impact in the business world with 25 years of progressive product development and brand marketing experience. He currently serves as the vice president of operations and engineering for Electronics Remanufacturing Co., LLC, based in Walled Lake.
Past DC Basketball teammates and coaches gathered to catch up, talk about old times and share some laughs. Back row L-R: Andrew Kisabeth `98, Nikolai Vitti `95, Andy Dent `94, Tom Martin, Brad Wiggins `96, Rob Valentino `92, Jim Solak `91, John Filiatraut `87, Arnie Muscat `84 and Ryan Kelly `95; Front row L-R: Jack Furlong `81, Joe Charnley, Bill Dyer, Keith Rydzik and Joe Teed `95
ANSWERING GOD'S CALL FR. MARK LIVINGSTON FINDS HIS FAITH during his first job as a social worker. Livingston was working at DaVita Dialysis in Detroit when he encountered a patient named Wayman. Wayman and his mentally handicapped son lived in poverty and had a one room apartment with only a space heater to keep them warm. Despite his situation, Wayman always had a positive attitude and a sense of peace about him. For Mark Livingston '95, answering the call to his vocation was neither traditonal nor straightforward. But the journey is what has made his calling so powerful. Upon graduating from Divine Child, Livingston attended Wayne State University where he studied economics and took a job in corporate finance. “I had a great job and everything I could ever need. But after 5 years of sitting in a gray cubicle, I found myself yearning for something with more meaning." It’s not common for people to make such a drastic career change, but Livingston knew he wanted to either work with kids in Detroit – which is where he grew up – or work in healthcare. So, he started soul searching and decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work. In 2005, he enrolled in the University of Michigan to pursue this new profession. During that time, Livingston found the daily grind of work, the world and home life pulling him away from his faith. He had walked away from the Catholic Church. But luckily a turning point came
“I had no sense of religion at the time. I remember thinking to myself, ‘why is this man so happy and I am so unhappy? He has nothing and I have everything.’ But, Wayman kept talking about Jesus and how Jesus saved his life. That was my turning point … what was I missing?” Livingston began exploring his faith by attending synagogue, visiting Buddhist temple and participating in bible study at the Church of Christ. “I hadn’t really read the bible before that point. I remember thinking to myself how rich the text was and how all these other faiths paled in comparison to Jesus.” “Shortly after that, my brother invited me to attend mass with him on New Year’s Eve and I decided to go – I even cancelled a date! That was when I was really able to refocus and knew that I was home in the Catholic Church. God is truly what is important.” After much thought, Livingston enrolled in Sacred Heart Major Seminary and became Fr. Mark Livingston when he was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the Cathedral of the
Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. He began his ministry at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton this summer, and is excited to get to know the parish community and really help people grow in faith. “It’s important priests today make the effort to relate to their congregation. In the past, a lot of the Gospel’s truths haven’t been preached as well as they could have been. Consequently a lot of people have never heard God’s word. Now more than ever it’s critical for clergy to make everyone feel welcome and show people they can find comfort in the Lord.”
Fr. Livingston noted that his journey to finding faith is not unlike most. It’s something you have to work towards. “The Lord never asks for us to be absolutely flawless. Being perfect is His job. We should try to avoid sin, but what he calls us to do is to persevere to the end. Do not stop trying.” Looking back, Fr. Livingston knows there have always been signs of God’s love in his life. In fact one of those moments was when he came to DC in his junior year of high school. He admittedly remembers feeling uneasy on his first day at DC, but it all changed when he met with Sr. Mary Elena – the principal at the time. “I could feel this warm embrace from her and the entire Divine Child community. I knew they wanted me to succeed and truly cared. In retrospect, that was God speaking to me through Divine Child … and God was speaking to me through Wayman … I feel so blessed to have found my way.”
SR. RITA CLARE MAKES HER FINAL VOWS Sr. Rita Clare (Anne) Yoches `97, T.O.R., made her perpetual profession of vows on June 30 at Father of Mercy Chapel in Toronto, Ohio, at the motherhouse of her community, the Franciscan Sisters, Third Order Regular of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother. During the first part of the ceremony, she wore a white cape over her habit, symbolizing a wedding garment that also
serves as a reminder of her Baptism, and a bridal crown of red and white roses. Mother Mary Ann, the Reverend Mother of the community, gave her a ring during the ceremony as a sign that she is a bride of Christ. Read Sr. Rita Clare’s vocation story and learn more about the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R. on their website: www. franciscansisterstor.org.
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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FUTURE FALCONS
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WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to these Falcons on the birth of their childen:
Anthony Paciero ‘07 and Jory Brown were married at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville on September 16, 2017. Five members of the wedding party were graduates of Divine Child High School: Joseph Paciero ‘15, Rebecca Paciero ’09, Donovan Vettese ’09, Zachary Bruce ’07 and Craig Dombrowski ’07. In addition, many alumni from the class of 2007 celebrated with the newlyweds at Fox Hills Country Club in Plymouth.
1. Kristin (McClowry) Bazick ‘99 and husband Brian, welcomed a new baby boy, Bennett Dean, born on April 3, 2018, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz. Bennett joins big brothers Brandon (5) and Tyler (1). 2. Kellie (Broggi) Hanlon '05 and husband Justin, welcomed their 2nd child, Everleigh Ann, born July 31, 2017, weighing 8 lbs 4 oz, measuring 20.5 in. She joins big brother Ronan (18 months). 3. Shaun Harvey `96 and Samantha, welcomed their 1st child, Avery Michelle, born on April 18, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and measuring 20 ½ in. 4. Aaron White '00 and wife Lianne (Mifsud) `01, welcomed their 1st child, Liliana Kathryn, born on April 7, 2018, weighing 8 lbs 12 oz. 5. Katie (Zakar) Jones '99 and husband Jason, welcomed their second child, Liberty Rosa born January 26, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 5 oz. She joins big brother Lincoln (2). 6. Aaron Peacock `03 and wife Kathryn (Height) `03, welcomed their 4th child, Mara Claire, born December 2017, weighing 9 lbs 6 oz. Mara joins siblings, Everett (6), Eleanor (4), and Amelia (2). 7. Alex Hylenski '04 and wife Amy (Kapelanski) '04 welcomed their second child Ben on May 16, 2018, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and measuring 21 in.
Kay Murrell `04 married Brandon Gaiffe on September 4, 2016. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Education at Marygrove College. She will finish her program in August and graduate in December. She is currently an Elementary Art Teacher at Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights.
Dean Jarois '15 married Juliana Terjesen on May 19, 2018 in Juliana’s hometown of Peekskill, New York.
8. Meghan (Mitchell) Cushing `01 and husband Craig joyfully welcomed twins on March 6, 2018. Rudy Jon, weighed 6 lbs 11 oz, measured 19 ½ in and Violet May, weighted 6lbs 1 oz and measured 19 in. They join big sister, Adelynn (2). Addy is the best sister in town! 9. Bill Strachan `97 and wife Kim, welcomed their second child, Madeline Grace, born on March 17, 2018, weighing 8 lbs and measuring 19.5 in. Maddie joins big sister Abigail. 10. Steve Rademacher ‘03 and wife Jessica (Blazo) ’03 welcomed their first child, Elliana Marie, on March 26, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 7oz and meauring 19 inches long. 11. Darcie (Martin) Ruby '00 and husband Ben, welcomed their first child, Jacob Michael, born on April 4, 2018, weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and measuring 21.5 in. 12. Brian Leslie '07 and wife Anna, welcomed their first child, Lucy Catherine, born on May 31, 2018, weighing 6 lbs 4 oz.
WHAT'S NEW WITH YOU?
Email your updates to the alumni offi ce at amcnamara@divinechild.org to be included in the next issue of Once a Falcon. WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
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ALUMNI FALCONNEWS FLASHBACKS
- CLASS OF 1968
1968 was a formative year in American history. The war in Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement were in full swing. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. And, Nixon was elected as president. All these events drastically changed the landscape of American culture. But, here at Divine Child, a group of 138 seniors under the leadership of Monsignor Weier and Principal Sr. Mary Gerald were prepared to enter the world's changing climate with strong academics, culture and Christian faith. Congratulations to the Class of 1968, who is celebrating 50 years since graduation. A class reunion will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11 at George's Senate Restaurant at Bushwood Golf Course followed by mass at the Church of the Divine Child on Sunday, Aug. 12.
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Divine Child High School Legacy Falcons - 2018 Congratulations to the following 2018 Seniors and their Divine Child Alumni Parents!
Kennedy Bingham - daughter of Kevin Bingham `88 • Daniel Brey - son of Cheryl (Gruchala) Brey `91 • Luke M. Ciarelli - son of James Ciarelli `86 • Courtney E. Cibor - daughter of Greg Cibor `89 • Katherine Connolly - daughter of Maryann (Breault) Connolly `87 • Cayla J. Coury - daughter of Bob Coury `84 • Delano Dalfonsi - son of Cynthia (Kalita) Dalfonsi `90 • Noah De Guzman - son of Edwin `86 & Jeanine (Levy) De Guzman `86 • Anna DePaulis daughter of Todd `95 & Becky (Owens) DePaulis `94 • Hannah Dinnell - daughter of Rebecca (Marquette) Dinnell `92 • Courtney Dolkowski - daughter of James Dolkowski `81 • Sean Duffany - son of Brian Duffany `89 • Angela Dunn - daughter of Regina (Arcuri) Dunn `88 • Alexandra N. Filiatraut - daughter of John `87 & Janice (Canavan) Filiatraut `87 • Nicholas Gencarelli - son of Amy (Boudreau) Gencarelli `90 • Aidan J. Hutchinson - son of Melissa (Sinkevics) Hutchinson `90 • Alyssa E. Kuczajda - daughter of Chris `85 & Donna (Marchetti) Kuczajda `88 • Tara Kwilos - daughter of Mary (Taraskiewicz) Kwilos `90 • Caitlin Landwehr - daughter of Mary Jane (Fitzgerald) Landwehr `81 • Allison Lentz daughter of Michael `88 & Anne (Gallagher) Lentz `89 • Evan J. Mazurek - son of Allen `84 & Kendal (Philips) Mazurek `87 • Brennan McCusker - son of Marla (Decina) McCusker `88 • Kevin C. McParlan - son of Christopher McParlan `86 • Maren Morabito - daughter of James `89 & Melissa (Mcfee) Morabito `90 • Jake A. Pappas - son of Mark `90 & Julie (Marchetti) Pappas `90 • Lauren Pavlak - daughter of Patricia (Fitzgerald) Pavlak `88 • Isabella Racette - daughter of Marieanne (Micallef) Racette `86 • Rachel D. Radwan - daughter of Mark Radwan `80 • Shannon M. Ryan - daughter of James Ryan `85 • Garrett Scalf - son of Matt Scalf `89 • Nicholas J. Seurynck - son of Michael `85 & Kathleen (Peters) Seurynk `85 • Catherine C. Skidmore - daughter of Linda (Lewandowski) Skidmore `81 • Casey E. Springer - daughter of Laura (Hofner) Springer `82 • Claudia N. Stoops - daughter of Kevin `87 & Rosetta (Cimino) Stoops `87 • Nicole Surella - daughter of Carol (Wisniewski) Surella `83 • Joseph R. Tatro - son of Robert `86 & Diane (Ward) Tatro `86 • Erin L. Teevens - son of Lori (Teevens) Lim `84 • Nicoleta Uicker - daughter of Paula (Saliba) Uicker `85 • Dominic P. Veach - son of Anne (Thomas) Veach `82 • Kristina Waldenmeyer - daughter of Lisa (Abdallah) Waldenmeyer `87
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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THE FALCON LEGACY LIVES ON . . .
46 Divine Child Alumni Enroll their Children in Our Class of 2022! Our incoming freshman class of 233 students includes 45 students whose moms and/or dads were Divine Child students themselves! We are thrilled to highlight these graduates and their children: Luke and Sam Anders - children of Shane ’91 and Julie (Walters) Anders ‘92 • Anna Bidolli - daughter of Peter Bidolli ‘89 • Camille Bourdage - daughter of Gerald ’81 and Maureen (Beatty) Bourdage ‘83 • Andrew Brey - son of Cheryl (Gruchala) Brey ‘83 • Alistair Broekman - son of Mary Margaret Early ‘86 • Andrew Bustamante - son of Christopher Bustamante ‘86 • Jake Coury - son of Robert Coury ‘84 • Arlena Dalfonsi - daughter of Cynthia (Kalita) Dalfonsi ‘90 • Jack Diez - son of Suzanne (Wolski) Diez ‘92 • Nicholas Forrest - son of Timothy ’97 and Carolyn (Dziadzio) Forrest ‘92 • Carmen Foster daughter of Angela (Sultara) Foster ‘94 • Andrew, Jillian and Megan Gencarelli - children of Amy (Boudreau) Gencarelli ‘90 • Nicolas Gorsuch - son of Kimberly (Patrosso) Gorsuch ‘88 • Gabriella Greco - daughter of Carlo Greco ‘85 • Samantha Harrison - daughter of Jeffrey Harrison ‘97 • Cole Kalchick - son of Scott Kalchik ‘93 • William Lentz - son of Stephen Lentz ‘83 • John Levy - son of Lisa (Marker) Levy ‘89 • Emma Marchetti - daughter of Emily (Litynski) Marchetti ‘91 • Clare Marcyan - daughter of Paul Marcyan ‘86 • Dru and Payton Markavich - children of Aaron Markavich ‘92 • Avery and Reece McKelvey - children of Jason McKelvey ‘92 • Allison Meyers - daughter of Mark Meyers ‘89 • Luke Pappas - son of Mark ’90 and Julie (Marchetti) Pappas ‘90 • Nicholas Perischetti - son of Kelly (Zerilli) Perischetti ‘90 • Sophie Rockwell - daughter of Joanna Kalis ‘92 • Rachel Rudzinski - daughter of Michael Rudzinski ‘89 • Alessandra Senatore - daughter of Anthony Senatore ‘85 • Samantha Stevens - daughter of Charmaine (Drewniak) Stevens ‘82 • Mia Thomson - daughter of Monica (Galasso) Thomson ‘89 • Lucy Trapp - daughter of Kevin ’90 and Carol (Gerstner) Trapp ‘90 • Jake Uetz - son of Paul Uetz ‘81 • Thomas VanBuhler - son of Mary (Gallagher) VanBuhler ‘87 • Lorenzo Vitti - daughter of Nikolai Vitti ‘95 • Charles Wejroch - son of Eric ’89 and Susan (Dziadzio) Wejroch ‘89 • Clare White - daughter of Sheila (Gallagher) White ‘93 • Kathryn Williams - daughter of Valerie (Thibault) Halt-Williams ‘86 • Emily Witten - daughter of Kimberley (Tierney) Witten ‘94 • Mitchell Wysocki - son of Leon Wysocki ‘83 • Makenna Yost - daughter of Tricia (Segedi) Yost ‘90
CLASS OF 2022 FALCON LEGACY AWARDEES
Congratulations to Lucy Trapp of St. Michael Catholic School and Katie Williams of St. Edith Catholic School who were named the Class of 2022 Falcon Legacy Scholarship winners! These $12,000 scholarships are annually awarded to two children of DCHS alumni. Pictured L-R: Aubri McNamara '97, Valerie Halt-Williams '86, Katie Williams, Lucy Trapp, Carol Gerstner Trapp '90 and Kevin Trapp '90
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: Craig Gutowski '71, Joseph Prevost '07, Mike Rosso '73, Michael Stayton Jr. '94, Stephen Steffes `74, Kenneth Svihra '80, Tom Toth '88 and Tony Urso '79
Happy are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them. Revelations 14:13
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Divine Child Alumni Association presents The 8th Annual Divine Child Golf Classic to be held on
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018 Links of Novi 50395 W. 10 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48374 Enjoy 18 holes of golf with a cart, beer on the course, a reception and prizes. Proceeds from the event beneďŹ t the Divine Child Alumni Association and Divine Child High School Scholarship Fund.
THE 3RD ANNUAL DIVINE CHILD HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION & TASTE FEST RETURNS
SATURDAY, OCT. 6 at 6 P.M.
Honoring Dcn. C. Roger O'Donnell, Leo Tallieu and Tim Lee '78
WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
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ADMISSIONS UPDATES
EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A FALCON
ADMISSIONS EVENTS
DISCOVERY DAY
8th grade students participate in sample classes, mass, a pep rally and more
Thursday, October 18, 2018 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Prospective families tour the school, meet staff and learn about DCHS
Sunday, November 4, 2018 1-3:30 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST Saturday, November 17, 2018 8-11:45 a.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Prospective families tour the school, meet staff and learn about DCES
Sunday, January 27, 2019 1-3 p.m.
Divine Child Elementary School 25001 Herbert Weier Drive Dearborn, MI 48128 www.DivineChildElementarySchool.org
Divine Child High School 1001 North Silvery Lane Dearborn, MI 48128 www.DivineChildHighSchool.org
For additional information, contact Matt Saxer, Director of Admissions msaxer@divinechild.org • 313.216.0891 x268
Celebrating 60 years of Catholic Education 30
2018 Back to School 10.indd 1
7/18/18 11:00 AM
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sister Cecilia celebrates her 50th anniversary
Sister Cecilia Bondy celebrated 50 years of faithful dedication to Divine Child. Family, colleagues, and friends enjoyed a lovely dinner in the Gathering Room. Her years of service are truly a blessing. Thank You, Sister, for the faith and strength you have instilled in all who have crossed your path.
Sister re ects on her years of service to the Divine Child community Wow! Fifty years at Divine Child Parish! And what a blessing that has been for me! Yes, I have seen tremendous growth in buildings, high school and grade school curricula, number of employees, the face of the property, and in community impact. But what has impressed me most is the faith-filled relationship Divine Child parishioners, alumni, and employees have developed among one another. The recent opportunity to celebrate these past fifty years reinforced that fact. Former and current teachers, students, parents, and parishioners have offered congratulations to me for my presence and influence here - and yet, I feel that I am the one who had grown from my experiences at Divine Child. It has not been the jobs I have had, but the people surrounding me that have enriched my life. You truly have enabled me to develop my God-given gifts to serve you in His earthly Kingdom. I pray that my presence here has given witness to what Heaven is. Surely Divine Child has been for me a glimpse of Paradise! Thank you for your kindness to me over the past fifty years. In gratitude for His blessings, I remain, Sister Cecilia Bondy
ONCE A FALCON, ALWAYS A FALCON
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More than 500 people joined us for Divine Child's 27th Annual Gala and Auction held at The Henry, Autograph Collection in Dearborn. Thanks to all who attended, we raised $130,000 for our schools! These funds will be used for continuing technology upgrades in the elementary and high school, including Promethean boards in classrooms, televisions for the new computer science curriculum and a state-of-the-art lighting programming board for the Auditorium.
The 1st Annual DCAA sponsored Road Rally was a huge success. With 125 people and 23 teams, the event sold out. This year’s winning team was the Graf Gang (Ray Graf, Chris Graf `82, Paul Graf `08, Alyssa Graf, Becca Graf `11 and Marco Tonarelli). A special thanks to Jason and Denise Thomas at Uncle Ray's for providing such a great setup to end our rally. We can’t wait till next year! Keep a look out for the date in spring of 2019.
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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 26TH ANNUAL FALCON 5K Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018 Tot Trot, 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K, refreshments, raffles, prizes and more 8TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner, open bar and prizes HOMECOMING WEEKEND Tailgate, Parade & Football Game Friday, Sept. 14, 2018 Free food, kids activities, raffles, prizes and more Alumni Mass & School Tour Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 All families welcome to celebrate 12:30 p.m. mass followed by coffee, donuts and a tour of DCHS by former teachers HALL OF FAME Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 Honoring Dcn. Roger OʼDonnell, Leo Tallieu and Tim Lee ʻ78 Strolling dinner courtesy of more than 20 restaurants, silent auction and raffles AUCTION Saturday, Mar. 2, 2019 Our biggest fundraiser for our schools. Enjoy dinner, cocktails, live and silent auctions, raffles, dancing and more WWW.DIVINECHILDHIGHSCHOOL.ORG
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Divine Child High School Advancement OfďŹ ce 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 communicaiton? 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 auditoriam seat nameplate in the newly refurbished Divine Child theatre.