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Mercy McAuley students build a new mascot Jennie Key Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK
A Randy Kent, owner of Stagecraft and director of theater tech for McAuley High School, shows off the head of the new Mercy McAuley High School mascot.
Maddie Murphy. a sophomore at Mother of Mercy High School, outlines a piece of the mascot for the new school being formed at the closing of Mercy and McAuley High School this year.
new school calls for a new tradition. When Mother of Mercy High School and McAuley High School close, their respective mascots, the Bobcat and the Mohawk, will retire. And the Wolf, mascot of the new Mercy McAuley High School, will rise. Students from both schools had the unique opportunity to make their mascot come to life over the winter break, working at Stagecraft Inc. with head “mascoteer” Randy Kent to create the costume that will embody the spirit of the new school. The Wolf Pack is coming, and thanks to the work of the mascot team it has a face. McAuley junior Amber Hafele and Mercy sophomores Kelli Forman and Maddie Murphy helped cut the soft gray and white fur and the bright orange leather paw pads and sew the costume for the mascot, which is yet to be named. Hafele said she has worked on some shows at McAuley and hopes to get into the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music for
Amber Hafele, a junior at McAuley High School, and Mercy sophomores Kelli Fortman and Maddie Murphy work with Randy Kent, owner of Stagecraft and theater tech director at McAuley, to pin the pattern for the gray fur of the wolf mascot costume for their new school. Mercy and McAuley are closing, and the student bodies will merge into a new Mercy McAuley High School. PHOTOS BY THE ENQUIRER/JENNIE KEY
costume design and technology. Her favorite project was “All Shook Up” and its reversible skirts. Murphy said she’s been doing costumes at Mercy since her freshman year and
thought the work on the school’s production of the “Little Mermaid” was amazing. She was quick to volunteer for the chance to bring the school’s mascot to life. It’s a labor of love for Kent,
who in addition to creating mascots, serves as the theater tech director for McAuley High School. He’s a natural teacher and mentor. In the See MASCOT, Page 2A
Funeral: Elder teacher all about selflessness Forrest Sellers Cincinnati Enquirer USA TODAY NETWORK
CLIFTON – Service and selflessness were prevalent themes during the funeral for Elder High School teacher Mark Klusman. Friends and family gathered Jan. 3 at St. Monica-St. George Church to honor the life of Klusman, a beloved computer science teacher who died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident last month. Those attending, who ranged from family and friends to students inspired by Klusman, were encouraged to wear the school color. As such purple was
very much in evidence at the service. “It would be an understatement to say Mark was reliable,” said Roger Auer, a campus minister at Elder, during the ceremony. “My life, like others, had been enhanced by this kind, gentle man.” During one of the lighter moments the Rev. Al Hirt, pastor at St. Monica-St. George, said he once had spoken with someone concerned there might not be enough to say at his own remembrance. Hirt said that was far from the case with Klusman. “Mark Klusman has given good material,” Hirt said reflecting on Klusman’s numerous charita-
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ble acts. Hirt also described Klusman’s compassion for others. He said that while visiting Klusman in the hospital, Klusman had asked for forgiveness for the driver who had struck him. He was always thinking of others ahead of himself, Hirt said. Following the service, a number of acquaintances commented on Klusman’s generosity. “To be honest, he was one of the most influential coaches we had,” said 2017 Elder High School graduate Matthew Peterson, who had Klusman as See KLUSMAN, Page 2A
A program and card from the funeral of Elder High School teacher Mark Klusman. The service was on Jan. 3. THE ENQUIRER/FORREST SELLERS
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