2023 Summer Spirit

A Spirited Makover!

In August, the Cor Jesu Spirit Shop opened in its new and improved location! Previously housed in a small space in the locker bays, the Spirit Shop upgraded to its more visible location down the hall from the main office. The dedicated space makes it easier for shoppers to find, plus, it gives students the opportunity to pop in and see all of the new merchandise more regularly. There have been some amazing updates to merchandise, too, including the addition of studentdesigned apparel, much of which has sold out in just one day! Come visit us next year to check out the Shop!

“The new Spirit Shop location is great because it is more central to everyone – both students and visitors. Most students pass by the Spirit Shop every day and are now able to see all the new CJ merchandise daily. It’s especially fun when my designs are on display! I started designing for the Spirit Shop this year. I’ve loved it because it’s a great way to leave my mark at Cor Jesu and showcase a little part of me.

–ADDIE NORMILE ‘24

Special shoutout to alumna Kim Dobrynski McDaniel ‘92, owner and CEO of Across the Board, a family-owned and operated workshop specializing in high-quality, handcrafted, unique wooden board games. Across the Board has created a variety of custom Cor Jesu board games for our Spirit Shop!

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Keep in touch with us!

Cor Jesu Academy is constantly working to update our records. If your information has changed, please let us know. This includes:

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Scan the QR code to visit our website and provide your new info!

You may also visit this page from your desktop at www.corjesu.org/updates.

PRESIDENT

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D.

DEAN OF ACADEMICS

Dr. Meghan Bohac

DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

Ms. Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger '88

ABOUT:

SPIRIT is Cor Jesu Academy’s publication for alumnae, parents, friends and benefactors.

CONTACT:

SPIRIT

Cor Jesu Academy 10230 Gravois Road St. Louis, MO 63123 cweber@corjesu.org

EDITOR:

Colleen Barry Weber ‘11 Director of Marketing & Social Media

SUBMISSIONS:

We welcome your story ideas and submissions.

Please contact Colleen Barry Weber ’11 at cweber@corjesu.org.

THANK YOU

Thank you to CJA alumna Alex Smith Adams ’09, owner of Birdeye Media, for capturing many of the images of Cor Jesu’s special moments that appear in this publication. And thank you to Stephanie Klinker Howe, owner of Klink Creative, for creatively displaying life at Cor Jesu in this magazine. corjesu.org @corjesuacademy

President’s Letter

Dear Cor Jesu Community,

It feels like yesterday and forever ago that I arrived at CJA, in the summer of 2020 – during the heart of the pandemic. We’ve been through a lot together in these last three years, and over every hill and through every valley I have come to know many of you as friends.

I am leaving for a position back East. I cannot say part of me isn’t rejoicing at the opportunity to be closer to the family I was born into, as well as the family I was called to join, with the provincial headquarters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus just a train ride away from the Archdiocese of New York.

But three years ago, I could never have expected that returning to the East Coast would mean leaving part of my heart in the Midwest. I will miss this community. I will miss you. I will miss watching the seniors graduate with such pride, the freshmen enter with such nerves, and the sophomores and juniors participate in exp3, Junior Ring and all the activities Cor Jesu offers. I will miss seeing our students who Share the Love of the Heart of Christ so freely.

I have been asked many times over the last few months if I’m excited to move back home. That’s a complicated question for me to answer.

“Apostle” means one who is called. As Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are called to share our Charism at God’s will. I am honored at the opportunity before me, to serve in Catholic education in what many consider the preeminent Catholic school system in the nation (and for Cardinal Dolan, a native St. Louisan, no less!). I am also honored that God sent me here, and so grateful to have served Him in this special place.

Home is where our Charism is. For the last three years, Cor Jesu has been home. Thank you for making it such a welcoming place.

As I drove away from campus for the last time as president, I saw Cor Jesu grow smaller and disappear in my rearview mirror. Please know that Cor Jesu’s impression on my heart has only swelled. I will carry you with me in prayer and fond memory always.

©2023,

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D. Cor Jesu Academy President

Let Your Light Shine at CJA!

Middle schoolers are invited to join the Cor Jesu Chargers at a variety of Admissions events this school year! Shine your light and discover the many ways in which you are brilliant. We hope to see you soon!

Learn more at corjesu.org/visit.

#ShineBright

#BeBrilliant

Visit Opportunities:

High School Nights (Fall)

Cor Jesu Night (Fall)

8th Grade Shadow Days (Fall)

Open House (Fall)

Middle School Trivia Night (Winter)

7th Grade Preview Day (Spring)

7th Grade Social (Spring)

Cor Jesu Caravans (Spring)

6th Grade Backyard Bash (Spring)

Around the Halls

Let’s celebrate Charger accomplishments!

1 FALL 2022 NHS FOOD DRIVE

Collected 1,273 cans + $970 for Affton Christian Food Pantry

6 A PILGRIMAGE

MaKayla Lawrence ‘24, Annie Huynh ‘25, Marlene Garcia ‘25 and Summer Avila ‘25 participated in the Archdiocesan Civil Rights Sankofa Pilgrimage, traveling to Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama to visit the Civil Rights Museum, 16th Street Baptist Church, the Legacy Museum and join in fellowship conversations with youth from the Resurrection Catholic Church in Montgomery.

5 DANCE TO THE MUSIC!

Student Council planned a fun-filled “Corchella”- themed spirit week for the school featuring all genres of music and fun activities throughout the week. Congrats to the Class of 2023 for winning the Battle of the Classes for the second year in a row!

8 SUCCESSFUL SINGING!

15 Chargers auditioned for the District Honor Choir and all 15 were selected!

Sienna Barnidge ‘26

Maddie Brotherton ‘24

Lorel Dierker ‘24

Brianna Esswein ‘24

Abby Gansler ‘24

Abby Geldmacher ‘24

Cecilia Hellmuth ‘23

Rachel Herr ‘23

Bella Johnston ‘24

Allison Karcher ‘23

Meghan McLaughlin ‘24

Emily Moelm ‘23

Charlie Ramig ‘24

Abby Russell ‘24

Audrey Strohmeyer ‘26

3 We introduced a new Student Life logo, called the “Charger” logo + re-introduced CJA’s mascot, Bolt! (More to come in the Annual Report this fall!)

4 The senior class planned a “Cars” – themed Freshman Welcome Week for the newest members of the CJA family!

2 Greta Reitenbach ‘23 and Maura Toney ‘23 were named National Merit Finalists.

7 The Charger Tennis Team won 1st in districts and Lanie Davis ‘24 placed 6th overall in singles at the State Tournament!

9 The Charger Golf Team placed 7th in State and all four golfers placed in the top 50!

Paige Dolrenry ‘24

Claire Huether ‘23

Allison Karcher ‘23

Addison McGahan ‘24

10 SERVING TOGETHER

Cor Jesu dads and daughters served at the St. Louis Food Bank last fall, filling 500+ boxes of food to help provide over 12,000 meals for the hungry in more than 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois!

11

CJA FIELD HOCKEY COMPETED IN THE FINAL FOUR OF THE STATE TOURNAMENT!

12 Charger Cross Country finished 4th in STATE!

Individual medalists:

Mary McKenzie ‘26 – 7th place

Adie Luna ‘23 – 14th place

Maria Luna ‘24 – 22nd place

Special shoutout to Adie Luna ‘23 – the second 4-time all-state runner in school history!

14 A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THE CAST AND CREW OF CJA’S FALL PLAY, “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!”

13 SHOW ME STL Cor Jesu’s Chamber Choir made an appearance on Show Me St. Louis!

16 3 CHARGERS WERE SELECTED FOR THE 2023 MISSOURI ALL-STATE CHOIR!

Abby Geldmacher ‘24

Cecilia Hellmuth ‘23

Allison Karcher ‘23 *Abby Geldmacher won the State Sight-Singing Bee!

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12 CHARGER ATHLETES SIGNED TO CONTINUE THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS IN COLLEGE!

Ana DiMaria – Soccer at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Caroline Foltz – Swimming at Indiana University

Abigail McMaster – Soccer at Rockhurst University

Anna Loeffelman – Lacrosse at Rockhurst University

Adie Luna – Track & Cross Country at the University of Mississippi

Lily Moore – Soccer at Millikin University

“

Keira Smyser – Soccer at the University of Iowa

Anna Stirton – Track & Field at Hillsdale College

Kate Virtel – Soccer at Belmont University

Lili Work – Softball at Webster University

Cami Torres – Rowing at Seattle University

Alexa Swaller – Volleyball at the University of Dallas

God give me the grace to fulfill my glorious purpose.”

- BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI

15 KatieMarie Anderson ‘23 was selected for the 2022-23 Metro District 8 Honors Band.

AROUND THE HALLS

18 $143,312 RAISED FOR CJA’S ANNUAL FUND ON GIVING TUESDAY!

19 Santa and his reindeer made their way to Cor Jesu for the annual Breakfast with Santa event for the first time since December 2019!

25 CJA’s Chinese Club hosted a Lunar New Year Party!

21 200+ jars of peanut butter and jelly collected for the CARE PB&J Drive!

22 CELEBRATED OUR FIRST-EVER WINTER HOMECOMING WITH COLLEGE-AGED ALUMNAE!

23 A TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR FUNDERWEAR AND THE PANTS!

Funderwear returned to the Cor Jesu gym for the first time since January 2020! Together with St. Joseph’s Academy, CJA collected 41,602 pairs of socks, underwear and sports bras for St. Patrick Center. Plus, the Chargers were victorious in all three portions of the evening! CJA won the tug-of-war competition, the PANTS returned home, AND the basketball squad won the game. It was an incredible evening of school spirit!

24 13 Chargers attended the Missouri State Thespian Conference in Kansas City.

26 Sr. Mahilia and Sr. Clara made the most of their January snow day!

27 STATE OF THE UNION

While attending the Close Up trip in Washington, D.C., Campbell Kenney ‘24 and Maggie Hamel ‘24 were invited by Congresswoman Ann Wagner ‘80 to join her at the 2023 State of the Union Address!

28 The Charger Speech Team placed 2nd overall at the Speech Finals!

FIRST PLACE WINNERS INCLUDE:

Faith Rodriguez ‘24 – Original Oratory Lindsay Hazlip ‘24 – Storytelling Audrey Hanny ‘24 – Radio Speaking

29 Charger Swim & Dive placed 4th in the Class 2 State Championship! Caroline Foltz is the 2023 State Champ in the 100-yard breaststroke!

20 Archbishop Rozanski visited Cor Jesu to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

30 CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

To celebrate Black History Month, each homeroom decorated their door to honor an influential woman of color. Each grade level was assigned an individual to represent:

FRESHMEN – HARRIET TUBMAN

SOPHOMORES – SR. THEA BOWMAN

JUNIORS – COACH NIELE IVEY ‘96

SENIORS – MAYA ANGELOU

CJA RACQUETBALL PLACED 2ND IN NATIONALS!

PENNY QUEEN 2023

CJA raised $21,140.90 in just one week for the 2023 Penny Queen charities! It was an incredible week bringing our community together for some great causes!

PENNY QUEENS:

FRESHMEN: Ella Alexander, Kate Leiber, Lauren Maloney

SOPHOMORES: Elizabeth Flanagan, Annie Kelly, Caroline Pingel

JUNIORS: Maggie Hamel, Maggie Larrigan, Sophie Mikhail

SENIORS: Elizabeth Simon, Kate Virtel, Ellie Wobbe

BENEFITTING CHARITIES:

The Children’s Heart Foundation

St. Joseph Housing Initiative

The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Missions

Cor Jesu’s Appalachia Mission Trip Cor Jesu Endowment Fund

33 Brianna Esswein ‘24 had her artwork, Liquid Mirror, accepted into the 2023 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Regional High School Art Exhibition

34 HAIRCUTS FOR LOVE

140+ inches of hair donated by the CJA community at our Haircuts for Love event, benefitting Children With Hair Loss.

35 THE SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE VISITED CJA!

38 CJA’s Corde Players hosted the 2nd annual Playwriting Festival to celebrate Theatre in our Schools Month!

39 We are proud of our three Chargers who have chosen to serve our country as they continue their education next year.

KatieMarie Anderson ’23

United States Air Force Academy

Jenna Graham ‘23

United States Air Force Academy

Greta Reitenbach ‘23

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States Air Force ROTC

40 CJA HOSTED THE ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL LATIN CONVENTION. THREE CHARGERS WON AWARDS!

36

16 Chargers competed in the Missouri State Music Festival!

37

SCHOOL RECORD ALERTS –TRACK & FIELD

Olivia Carpenter ‘24 broke TWO school records:

DISCUS: 116 feet, 4 inches

JAVELIN: 104 feet, 10 inches Adie Luna ‘23, Maria Luna ‘24, Mary McKenzie ‘26 and Anna Stirton ’23 broke the school record in the 4x800 relay!

Rory Barnawell ‘24 – 1st place, dramatic interpretation

Amelia Schwartz ‘25 – 3rd place, dramatic interpretation

Kaitlyn Torack ‘24 – 3rd place, civilization test

Stay current as it all happens!

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By the way the Cor Jesu Academy Class of 2023 led the school as seniors, you would never know they hadn’t experienced a full “normal” school year until they were seniors. After navigating the pandemic the majority of high school, the Class of 2023 made senior year count – not only for themselves, but for the underclassmen, who were also experiencing their first typical year of high school. The Class of 2023 had only experienced many of the treasured Cor Jesu traditions once, some not at all, or in modified forms. But that didn’t stop them. Instead, they reinvigorated these traditions, showing the rest of the school what it means to be a Cor Jesu Charger.

“As Spirit Commissioner of Student Council, I was determined to get people excited about being a Charger and to bring back the spirit and energy that made this place so exciting to me as an 8th grader,” said Annabelle Liebrock ‘23, Student Council Spirit Commissioner. “Senior year was our chance to make up for lost time and we were thrilled to bring back traditions and make them our own. I’ll never forget the entire school in front of me at the Funderwear game, crammed in the bleachers singing our Alma Mater. It was overwhelming and perfectly sums up what I love so much about this school and the spirit I will carry with me after high school.”

Thank you, Class of 2023, and best of luck on your next adventure. We know you will continue to be brilliant!

CLASS OF 2023!

From spearheading epic Spirit Week competitions to a three-peat Funderwear victory (in Cor Jesu’s gym no less), the Class of 2023 shared their lights with our community. We are forever grateful for the return to normalcy at CJA, and for the students who led the way.

“One of the best things about our four years at Cor Jesu is that even though they weren’t always under normal circumstances, we still always came together and rallied as a class,” said Audrey Todt ‘23. “The thing I will miss most about Cor Jesu is the community because all the people I’ve been surrounded by these past four years – classmates, teachers and friends – have made the years so special!”

CONGRATS TO THE TOP 5

RANKING SENIORS IN THE CLASS OF 2023!

#1 (Valedictorian) – Keira Smyser

#2 (Salutatorian) – Maura Toney

#3 – Greta Reitenbach

#4 – Sophia Figliola

#5 – Melani Ly

Rooting Her On

In 2001, a group of Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus appeared on ESPN. Repeatedly.

They were squeezed together in a row at Enterprise Center (then the SAVVIS Center), cheering on a member of the Cor Jesu Academy Class of 1996.

Niele Ivey ‘96 was in her last year as a student athlete at the University of Notre Dame, part of the starting lineup for the women’s basketball team.

She had her sights set on the series in St. Louis from the beginning of the season.

“This was my fifth year,” Ivey remembered. “I looked at the schedule with the coaches, and I found out the Final Four was in St. Louis.”

The Final Four – the pinnacle of NCAA women’s basketball –was scheduled to take place in St. Louis, her hometown.

“That was my motivation, my goal. Everything I was doing was preparing to try and lead us there.”

In 2001, she led the team to St. Louis as a player. Then, in 2022, she led the Irish back as head coach.

“I remember receiving the call that Coach Ivey would be returning to St. Louis,” said Colleen Barry Weber ‘11, Director of Marketing and Social Media.

Colleen, who played basketball as a student at Cor Jesu, and later coached the Chargers, scribbled notes as the representative from Notre Dame laid out the plan.

Notre Dame would play at Enterprise Center on November 12, 2022. It would be the first NCAA women’s basketball game ever televised on NBC – a milestone for women’s sports. They’d play against the California Golden Bears, coached by fellow St. Louisan Charmin Smith. And then came the question:

Can Notre Dame practice at Cor Jesu the day before the game?

Then and Now: Niele Ivey ’96 poses in front of a memorabilia table, highlighting her accomplishments at CJA. UPPER RIGHT: Niele and Sr. Sheila O’Neill at the 2001 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in St. Louis.

“I knew I needed to run this by the administration to get it approved, but what an opportunity! I definitely said ‘yes’ without any authority,” she laughed.

The administration, of course, approved.

In interviews leading up to the event, Coach Ivey talked about what this trip meant to her.

“St. Louis is my foundation. It’s what made me,” she said. “My high school is a very special place. It reminds me of Notre Dame. It’s why I chose Notre Dame – because of that foundation at Cor Jesu, the values I learned by being a student there.”

By the time November rolled around, the school was ready with a red carpet.

“We didn’t know what to expect in terms of student reaction,” said Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger ‘88, Dean of Student Life. “But we really wanted them to feel the excitement of this moment –of Coach Ivey’s accomplishments, of what this game meant. And we wanted Coach Ivey to feel the love and support of her community.”

To that end, the school purchased 1,000 tickets to the November 12 game. Colleen worked with Sami Maurer ‘11 of Series Six Company to design a t-shirt specific to the event – one everyone in the school would receive, and one that would stand out in the crowd at the game: red with a green shamrock on the front; Ivey’s name and number on the back.

When the Notre Dame bus pulled up to the side door of the gym on November 11, the players filed in slowly.

“It still smells the same,” Niele murmured.

Before her team could get into the locker room, they caught sight of a table, carefully laid out with memorabilia from Ivey’s days as a Charger, including her prom picture.

“Coach! You were the prom queen!” one of her players called out.

On the balcony overlooking the court, Mary Kay Banks stood with her 8-month-old daughter (who happens to be named Ivy) in a baby carrier.

“I grew up playing for the same system in St. Louis as she did,” Mary Kay said. “I’d watch her

games at Mathews-Dickey and then at Cor Jesu.”

Now the coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team at Cor Jesu, Mary Kay was there when the first students began trickling into the stands to watch the Irish’s open portion of practice – every one of them in that red shirt with Niele’s name and number on their backs.

Freshman basketball standout, Lauren Ortwerth ‘26, wanted to make sure she had a front row seat.

Members of the Notre Dame band filled the gym, the notes of the school’s victory march revving up the crowd. Graduates from the Cor Jesu Class of 1996 – some now mothers of current Chargers – grabbed Niele for a quick hug and welcome home. By the time the Notre Dame Leprechaun ran across the gym floor, the bleachers were shaking with the noise of a cheering student body.

“I had goosebumps, honestly,” Mary Kay said.

Kathleen Pottinger had the pleasure of introducing Niele to the student body – not just as the Dean of Student Life, but as Niele’s former advisor.

“I was a music teacher here when Niele was a senior,” she said into the microphone. “And back then, we were each assigned a group of advisees. Niele was one of my students, and she came to me with all of these college choices before her. Needless to say, I felt a little out of my depth!”

Before handing the floor to Niele, though, Kathleen had a surprise for her.

“We have a gift we’d like to present you. Delivered by a very special courier … Sr. Sheila O’Neill!”

Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, was the principal at Cor Jesu when Niele was a student. The two women formed a close bond and have stayed connected ever since. Niele was wiping tears from her eyes as Sr. Sheila praised her accomplishments.

“Niele, we are so proud of you. You are an extraordinary example of a strong, Christian woman.”

Lauren Ortwerth may have been one of the few students with the foresight to stake out a front row seat, but by the end of the assembly, everyone was clamoring to get closer to the court.

NIELE IVEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Playing Career

1992 – 1996 Cor Jesu Academy

• State Champions (1995)

1996 – 2001 University of Notre Dame

• NCAA Champions (2001)

• Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award Recipient (2021)

2001 - 2004 Indiana Fever

2005 Phoenix Mercury

2005 Detroit Shock

Coaching Career

2005 – 2007 Xavier University (assistant)

2007 – 2015 Notre Dame (assistant)

2015 – 2019 Notre Dame (associate Head Coach)

• NCAA Champions (2018)

2019 – 2020 Memphis Grizzlies (assistant)

2020 –

Present Notre Dame Head Coach

• ACC regular season champions (2023)

• ACC Coach of the Year (2023)

As the gym reverberated with the chants of “Ivey! Ivey! Ivey!” Niele leaned back to snap a selfie with the sea of red. She had to run to the sidelines to avoid a rush of students charging the court.

That night, Lauren went home to tell her mom it had been the best day of her life.

Joyce Ortwerth shared her daughter’s enthusiasm, and the reason behind it, on social media.

According to Joyce, Lauren could see herself in Niele.

“Niele went to school here. Lauren could look at Niele and think, ‘I can go to school here and I can be smart and a good athlete, and go on to the next step.’ She saw that firsthand.”

The Notre Dame women’s basketball team carried the high of that assembly onto the court the next day.

“It was so awesome going to her high school and just seeing all the support and just how much impact she had on her community, that they love her so much here,” Notre Dame forward Kylee Watson told reporters a day later.

On November 12, over 4,000 people attended the game at Enterprise Center. Sideline reporters estimated one in five was wearing the signature Cor Jesu shirt (though fans in the arena thought it was closer to one in four).

“Seeing all the red shirts in the stands and whatnot, I was like ‘Dang, [Ivey’s] got a whole army here!’” Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles said, reflecting on the previous day’s practice and the game. “… It felt like a home trip for us, just the way they supported both her and Notre Dame.”

Among those fans in red shirts was one row also sporting black habits, a group of Apostles, many of whom were returning for the first time since March 2001.

They cheered the team onward to victory again, just like they had when they were playing for a national title in 2001. Though some of them might admit, they weren’t just cheering for an outcome. They were rooting for one of their own.

Quotes and descriptions events originally depicted in articles from The St. Louis Post Dispatch, thenexthoops.com and the University of Notre Dame are included in this article. We remain incredibly grateful for their support of this momentous event!

Fueling Hearts

If you asked Zach

Flynn

where he would be 15 years after graduating from

Bishop DuBourg High School, Cor Jesu Academy

probably wouldn’t have been his first answer…or

his second, or his third.

“Food is community, and community is food.”

–ZACH FLYNN, FLYNN'S FOODS

“I really didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school,” Zach said. “I was 18 and just needed a job, so I started washing dishes at The Scottish Arms, a restaurant in the Central West End.”

After three months peeling potatoes, washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms, a cook suddenly called off work. Zach was there, and the chef, Carl Hazel, told him to get on the line.

“I was the pinch hitter,” Zach said. “From that day forward, Carl took me under his wing and was the single largest influence and mentor I had in a kitchen.”

Carl taught Zach everything he knew. He took him to the farmers’ markets to select local, seasonal produce for the weekend specials. They went to the artisan cheese shop to taste various cheeses from around the world. Carl trained Zach’s palate. He trained Zach to identify nuanced flavors in highend cheese and trained his mind to understand price points.

“It was during this time that I truly fell in love with cooking,” Zach said.

The impermanence of it all (cooking) speaks to me. The ephemeral nature of preparing a meal for someone. Months and weeks for something to grow, days to be delivered, hours to be prepared, mere moments to be eaten. The absolute magic. The creation of a consumable experience that enters the body, nourishes the flesh, enriches the mind and spirit, enlivens the senses, and if good enough, can be remembered forever.

Carl eventually gifted Zach his first chef’s knife, a 7-inch Shun Santoku. Ally Nisbet, the owner of The Scottish Arms, gave Zach his first cookbook, Harold McGee’s, “On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen.” He read it cover to cover and ended his time at The Scottish Arms as sous-chef, before moving on to a new opportunity at Eclipse, a restaurant in the Moonrise Hotel.

“I was ready for some new challenges,” Zach said. “It was a fancy new hotel with lots of shiny equipment and all the cool, fun toys.”

He started as a line cook and worked his way up the brigade system. He observed, experimented, cooked and wrote recipes along the way – all while walking over an hour to and from work each day, diligently showing up one hour before his shifts.

“I was often in one of the common areas of the hotel, reading any cookbook I was allowed to borrow from the office or one I brought from home.”

And before long, just before his 26th birthday, Zach became head chef at Eclipse.

From there, he traveled to a few more kitchens – some new and some familiar. He worked at Eleven Eleven Mississippi, went back to Eclipse, then to The Shaved Duck and again to The Scottish Arms. Finally, in 2016, he found a small kitchen in Affton that, unbeknownst to him, would become home.

“Since I was 18, I never attended Thanksgiving or Christmas,” Zach said. “I was ready for a little more work-life balance than was possible in the restaurant industry. I was willing to make sacrifices for this. I was willing to be a lunch lady in a high school cafeteria if need be. I needed enough money to live and enough time to enjoy it.”

Zach entered the high school scene, not necessarily as a traditional “lunch lady,” but as a chef. He began working for The Hospitality Management Group (HMG), a company contracted mostly by schools to run their culinary operations. Cor Jesu Academy had a contract with HMG and there was an opening for someone to prepare the daily specials and possibly be trained for management. Zach was just the “lunch lady” for the job.

The company went through some changes, eventually becoming The Hospitality Group. Later, Cor Jesu awarded its contract to a different company, Ava Culinary. Zach stayed with each company and at Cor Jesu through the changes. Eventually, he was ready for something new, but not necessarily a new place.

“I began to think about the impact the Cor Jesu community had on my life,” Zach said. “The schedule really gave me back my life, and the community was so welcoming that I didn’t want to leave. But, still, I had an appetite for a change.”

Zach decided he was ready to be his own boss. He formed Flynn’s

ABOVE: Throughout his career, Zach has kept meticulous journals, both chronicling the course of journey as well as his musings on his craft.

RIGHT: The Flynn Foods Team (L to R) Michelle Shoults, Zach Flynn, Anna Keightley, Bruce McClain.

Foods, LLC in September 2021, bid on the Cor Jesu contract for the 2022-2023 school year – and got it. He was thrilled. Nervous. But thrilled. He was also determined, and got to work right away.

“I’m so grateful to the school for putting the faith in me and giving me my shot,” Zach said. “They welcomed me into their community and I was ready to do a good job for the school.”

Flynn’s Foods fired up the cooktops in August 2022 – and it was a hit.

Zach and his team added a breakfast menu. They made changes to sandwiches and revamped desserts. Sales skyrocketed. Each day of the first week of school, the cafeteria set a new sales record.

“I love Flynn’s Foods!” CJA student, Gaby Siedband ‘25 said. “They put so much hard work and effort to make sure that we get to enjoy delicious meals every day! My personal favorite is Zach’s bar-b-que chicken wings and the French fries. I know all Cor Jesu girls appreciate Zach and his team and we are so grateful for what they bring to our school.”

The faculty and staff also started to get word of the deliciousness of Flynn’s Foods.

“More adults in the building were coming down to the cafeteria for lunch,” Zach said. “Many also started enjoying breakfast when they didn’t have time to eat at home.”

The food was so good, teachers and staff members were asking Flynn’s Foods to help with more events inside the school. Flynn’s Foods began preparing lunches for administrative meetings or creating special menus to reflect something the students were learning in class. The company even started earning contracts for extra Cor Jesu events like Breakfast with Santa, Open House, Reunions, special liturgies with receptions, and more!

“It is a gift to have such a talented, kind-hearted chef in-house at CJA,” said Katie Sotiriou, Cor Jesu Special Events Coordinator. “Zach and his team

continue to make me look good at each event they cater. He is always up for a challenge and takes events on with a positive and professional attitude. I am blessed to work with Flynn’s Foods!”

“Food is community, and community is food,” Zach said. “When I bid the contract at CJ, I told them that I wanted to be as involved in the community as possible and wanted to be that inhouse person that they trusted to put together spectacular menus for events.”

To showcase his team’s food even further with the students, Zach started an Instagram page to share the weekly specials and new recipes. The students sometimes even comment and share ideas for menu items they would like to see. Rumor has it, girls at other area schools have also started to take notice!

After a long career in restaurants, being part of such a loving community has been the icing on the cake for Zach.

“The girls are so polite and there’s such a level of respect for our staff here,” he said. “We jokingly call a series of girls saying ‘thank you’ in the lunch line ‘thank you trains.’ One student will say it first, and it continues through the rest of the line. It feels good to be appreciated.”

The community so relishes Zach, his team and the food they prepare, that the Class of 2022 mentioned him in their graduation prayer. Class of 2023 valedictorian, Keira Smyser, called out Flynn Foods in her commencement address.

“I thought that was wild,” he said. “It just shows how welcoming Cor Jesu is. We feel blessed to be here.”

Ask Zach what his dream job is today, and his answer would probably surprise his 18-year-old self.

“If this isn’t my dream job, then I feel like I’m pretty close,” Zach said. “I always wanted to work for myself and Cor Jesu allows me a level of creativity that I don’t know if I’d find anywhere else. Here, I can cook from the heart.”

Seems fitting for a place fueling students to Share the Love of the Heart of Christ.

Ask and you shall receive…

“Mom, will you buy me this sweatshirt?”

At the height of the pandemic, Faith Rodriguez ‘24 asked her mom to buy her a particular sweatshirt. Her mom said no. So, with extra time on her hands due to lockdown, Faith decided she would design a similar sweatshirt and order it on her own. She found a website called Bonfire that helps people design merchandise and sell it, with an option to send the money to a nonprofit. Faith continued designing merchandise and sent all her profits to the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition.

“My family started fostering children in 2018,” Faith said. “Since then, I’ve learned more about the foster care system. I knew that I didn’t need the money from the merchandise, so I wanted to send it to the Coalition – a place that could use it.”

She named her online store Meraki, a Greek word meaning, “to do something with your whole heart and soul, or with creativity.”

“I enjoyed designing and sending donations to the Coalition, but my heart wanted something more,” Faith said. “I wanted to connect more with foster kids.”

“Maia, would you want to start a camp with me?”

Maia Mercurio ‘24 is Faith’s best friend. Because of their friendship, Maia has also learned a lot about foster care and has had the opportunity to meet and interact with Faith’s foster siblings over the years.

“I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who want to make a difference, like I do,” Maia said. “So when Faith presented the idea of helping foster

children, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.”

The two started small, offering a “Mom’s Day Out” for foster moms in May 2022 – the Saturday before Mother’s Day. They babysat 10 foster children at a park for the afternoon so each foster mom could have some time to herself.

“It was really simple,” Faith said. “We ordered pizza and just played and connected with the kids.”

“We had so much fun, that we wanted to do more,” Maia added.

They came up with the concept of Meraki Day Camp.

Faith and Maia quickly began planning for their day camp, which took place on July 23, 2022. They had a lot of questions.

Where will it be?

Who will volunteer?

How do we advertise?

At first, the two hesitated to ask for help, but they soon realized…

“Asking is the key!” Maia said. “We couldn’t have pulled this off without simply asking for what we needed.”

“And we found that most people are really willing to help!” Faith added.

They asked the pastor at St. Justin Martyr Parish if they could use the school’s gym for a location. He said yes.

They asked for volunteers.

“We sent an all-school email to Cor Jesu students, and also asked Maia’s gymnastics friends, and my friends from youth group,” Faith said.

Several of them were quick to say yes.

They asked for help spreading the word.

Faith’s mom, Michaela O’Keefe Rodriguez ‘01, helped advertise through a foster parent Facebook group, as well as a text group of parents she met

through foster care training.

From there, it was mainly word of mouth advertising. Before long, 20 campers and 20 volunteers had committed, allowing each camper a dedicated buddy for the day.

With the location, date, volunteers and campers secured, Faith and Maia moved on to day-of logistics.

They decided the camp would be free of charge, lasting from 1-5 p.m. They matched campers with their volunteer buddies and planned out the day’s activities.

“We did a lot without a lot of resources,” Faith said. “We asked volunteers to let us borrow games they had at home and did a lot of dollar store runs for toys.”

The girls were fully prepared and the afternoon was fully planned – or so they thought.

“Originally, we were going to have campers and buddies rotate to different activity stations,” Maia said with a laugh. “But the campers wanted to go from one thing to the next so fast. They were so excited to just play that we decided to let the chaos take over. It was their day to have fun!”

Did we make a difference?

“I think the first step to making a difference in your community is getting out of your comfort zone,” Maia said. “We didn’t know what we were doing at first when we decided to plan a camp. We didn’t know how the kids would react or how our volunteers would do connecting with these kids, but everyone, including us, took the leap to get out of our comfort zones, and because of that, I think we were able to make a difference in the lives of these kids, even if just for an afternoon.”

Faith and Maia quickly realized that for many foster children, it’s

hard to form relationships with people, because they don’t get to stay in one home for very long, and they may not get as much attention as they are craving. Meraki Day Camp gave these kids a break from that stress and a chance to be the center of attention.

“For part of the afternoon, my buddy just sat in my lap, and we simply talked,” Meraki Day Camp volunteer Addy Keller ‘24 said. “It was cool because I could see her start to open up and feel more comfortable just because I was there to listen and pay attention to her.”

By the end of the afternoon, the volunteers and the campers were exhausted from all the fun, and the parents were grateful.

“We received ‘thank you’ texts for days after from the parents,” Faith said. “It made us realize that you don’t have to be an adult or have a lot of resources to make a difference.”

Thank you so much!

It was a much needed break. My little one is precious but a challenge for me. You captured the sweetest picture of her too.

It was amazing for the kids! Faith and her team did a fantastic job. Changed lives forever! You should be proud!

What’s next?

The first Meraki Day Camp was so successful that Faith and Maia decided to host a spring camp, which took place on April 29, 2023, and they put two more summer sessions on the calendar.

In April, there were 28 campers and 31 volunteers – 12 of whom were Cor Jesu students. This time around, the campers were a bit older, so the group spent lots of time playing sports outside.

“The best part was how quickly the campers became comfortable with their buddies,” Faith said. “I credit this to the amazing volunteers we had. They stepped up in so many ways for these kids and it was incredible to witness.”

Faith is grateful to all her volunteers, especially Natalie Coriell ‘24.

“Natalie was a big part of organizing the April camp and also helped with Meraki’s new website launch and rebranding,” Faith said.

MERAKI-STL is the name of the rebranded company with two branches: MERAKI Day Camps and MERAKI Merch. Faith and her team are excited for the refresh and to continue making an impact.

“We feel called to do these camps, and God keeps intervening to make sure things run smoothly,” Maia said. “We are leaning on His support and hope to continue making them bigger and better every time!”

As far as what comes after high school, both Faith and Maia hope to continue to share Christ’s love and make a difference, but in unique ways.

“I think I want to go into law of some kind, so I can make changes in the foster care community in terms of law and policy,” Faith said.

Maia would love to work with children, either in healthcare as an occupational therapist or a speech pathologist; or she may pursue business and go into non-profit work.

Ask and you shall receive…

While we hear this Bible verse time and time again, how often do we pay attention to the second half of the call?

…and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)

Faith and Maia have found joy in Meraki Day Camp – joy born of the questions they were brave enough to ask.

“...you don't have to be an adult or have a lot of resources to make a difference.”

–FAITH RODRIGUEZ '24

LIFE-CHANGING

When she was in fifth grade, Samaria Galloway ‘26 wrote a lot of letters. But where most 5th grade girls might have started theirs with, “Dear Diary,” Samaria started, “Dear Christie.”

She was writing to Christie Phillips ‘20, as part of a pen pal program between Cor Jesu Academy and Marian Middle School, an allgirl, faith-based middle school in St. Louis.

“In her very first letter to me, she told me where she went to school,” Samaria said. “She said she went to Cor Jesu Academy, and that was the first time I had heard of the school.”

Samaria and Christie wrote back and forth

almost every month for the entire year.

“The days I received letters from Samaria were always good days,” Christie said.

They talked about lots of things, from their favorite snacks (both highly praising the Twix bar), to new babies entering their lives.

“My mom was pregnant with my baby brother at the time, and my pen pal was about to become an aunt,” Samaria said. “It was nice to have a big change happening in our lives in common and to be able to talk about it together.”

As they continued their relationship and Samaria learned more about what Christie was involved with in high school, she began to think about her own future.

“The way she would describe the school in her letters made it seem like so much fun,” Samaria said. “She shared how there were so many different activities to get involved in at Cor Jesu, and how each student was really supported in both schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. It sounded intriguing.”

So, she began to research.

Claire Hinkamper ’26 (left) and Samaria Galloway ’26 (right).

“It started with a Google search with my mom,” Samaria said. “We just looked around the website at the activities and all different parts about the school, and I remember really wanting to visit.”

She didn’t have to wait long.

At the end of the school year, her entire class came to Cor Jesu for a day to meet their pen pals in person. They toured the school and participated in different activities together.

“It was just a fun day away from school – kind of like a field trip,” Samaria said.

What struck Samaria the most was the design of the school.

“There was so much light and color around the school – I thought it was really cool.”

She kept her eyes open for additional opportunities to visit and learn more. By 8th grade, Samaria decided to apply to Cor Jesu, and,

I would tell her about everything!TellherhowI decidedtocometoCorJesu,and hopefullythatwouldmakeher happy.I’dcheckinabouther nieceandtellherhowmybaby brotherisdoing.AndI’dlether knowhowgladIamthatwe met,andthatIcametoCJA.The schoolhasareallygoodsupport team,andI’msohappyI’mhere.

Sincerely,

soon after, she received another letter from Gravois road – this one, an acceptance letter.

“It’s amazing to know that Samaria saw Cor Jesu in such a positive light from something as simple as letters from me,” Christie said. “I’m so glad she chose CJA!”

Now, Samaria has completed her freshman year and is looking forward to the next three. She is involved with many clubs and activities, including the Cultural Diversity Club, Photography Club, Anime Club, light crew for the spring musical and she served as the freshman basketball team manager.

“I like school and I like being involved,” she said. “My favorite activity is the Cultural Diversity Club because we learn about so many different cultures from around the world, and talk about how they are different and similar at the same time. It’s cool, because sometimes I bring what I learn in the club to world history class, too.”

World History happens to be one of her favorite classes, along with Literature.

“I love to read and write – so history and literature are definitely my favorites,” she said.

“Plus, my teachers, Ms. Hoerner (Literature) and Ms. Ahrens (World History) are so engaging. The way they teach makes every lesson interesting.”

Though she’s been really happy with her high school experience so far, Samaria says she feels like one thing is missing.

“Pen pals! If the Pen Pal Club started back at Cor Jesu, I would definitely join. I love to meet new people and make new friends. It’s a great way to tell younger girls about Cor Jesu, especially if they haven’t heard of it before – like how I hadn’t yet.”

And if Samaria could write one more letter to her original pen pal, Christie…

In March, the Class of 2024 participated in a beautiful Cor Jesu Academy Tradition: receiving their Junior Class Rings. Parents and family members joined the Class of 2024 at a special liturgy where they received their new pieces of jewelry, and the class celebrated together at the Junior Ring Dance that evening.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Ring

Over the years, the Cor Jesu class ring has come to symbolize the bonds and sisterhood that tie the Charger community together. To those who wear them, the rings are a cherished reminder of the joys that come with the Cor Jesu experience, which is why it’s devastating when a girl loses hers… especially when it’s lost in Europe.

After high school graduation, Bonnie Herron Santos ‘82 and her friend Jackie (a Rosati-Kain graduate), traveled to France and England. While on the beach on the French Riviera in Toulon, France, Bonnie suddenly realized her Cor Jesu ring was no longer on her finger.

“I was heartbroken!” Bonnie said. “I loved my ring and wore it every day, everyone in my class did. We looked everywhere but never found it and I had to face the fact that it was gone forever.”

The only consolation being, if Bonnie had to lose her beloved CJA ring, at least she lost it somewhere cool, like the French Riviera!

While she imagined her ring swimming with the fish in the Mediterranean Sea, she also hoped and prayed that someday someone would find it and contact her.

Fast forward 40 years.

“On September 4, 2022, I received a Facebook message asking if I had lost a piece of jewelry in France 40 years ago,” Bonnie said. “I answered, ‘YES, my class ring!’”

Before she knew it, the person on the other side of the message sent Bonnie a picture of her Cor Jesu class ring! The woman, Helen, said she found the ring 40 years ago in the sea in France.

“In 1982, she had no way to contact me, but she had always dreamed of returning it,” Bonnie said.

The ring had been with Helen while living in Paris, London and three homes in Leeds in the United Kingdom. In 2022, she went to get something out of her safe, saw it and realized, thanks to social media, she might have a chance at returning it. She posted it to Facebook, figured out it was from Cor Jesu Academy, found the CJA Class of 1982 Alumnae Facebook group, and finally connected with Bonnie. Helen mailed the ring to Bonnie right away.

“It was the nicest gift I have received in a long time,” Bonnie said. “I am so amazed and grateful to Helen. A complete stranger gave me so much more than a piece of jewelry, she gave me an important reminder of such an important time in my life – my years at Cor Jesu.”

TOP LEFT: Bonnie Herron Santos ’82 wearing her ring, then and now.

TOP RIGHT: The woman who found Bonnie’s ring, Helen, today, and a picture of Bonnie and her friend Jackie on the trip where she lost the treasured piece of jewelry.

BOTTOM LEFT: The Class of 2024 received their rings on March 24, 2023, celebrating the Liturgy with family and friends.

SENIOR

DATE:

April 21, 2023

LOCATION:

Windows on Washington

THEME:

Met Gala

PROM COMMITTEE:

Summer Fugate, Kiara Mathews and Bella Uxa

DESSERTS:

Chocolate covered strawberries, mini cheesecakes, gooey butter cakes

LATE NIGHT SNACK:

Gus’ Pretzel Bites

HIT SONGS:

Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2

NEW HIGHLIGHT:

The prom committee hired St. Louis Photo Party with a “roaming photographer” to act as the paparazzi for the Met Gala-themed evening. The senior stars posed for group photos, videos and boomerangs with the giant ring light. Photos were sent to each person via text with the special “Cor Jesu Prom ‘23” polaroid overlay. What fabulous memories!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 COR JESU ACADEMY PROM QUEEN!

Adie Luna ‘23

“Prom was so special because I got to make a few more amazing memories, dancing and singing with my classmates, before we walked across the stage at graduation to enter new chapters of our lives. Winning prom queen was so much fun! I felt so loved by our class, and I was just happy and proud of everyone for always being there for each other and celebrating each other.”

–ADIE LUNA '23, PROM QUEEN

“The best part about prom was seeing all of the prom committee’s visions and planning come to life! I absolutely loved the ‘photo roamer’ we had with STL Photo Party. It was definitely the hit of the night!”

–KIARA MATHEWS, PROM COMMITTEE

40 117

TOTAL STUDENTS

TOTAL ZIP CODES

2027

40% 2

NEW ZIP CODES TO COR JESU (compared to the last three years)

63034 – Florissant

63107 – St. Louis City

STUDENTS ARE THE ONLY ONE ATTENDING CJA FROM THEIR GRADE SCHOOL

27 OF STUDENTS HAVE AN ALUMNAE CONNECTION (mom, sister, aunt or cousin attended or is attending CJA)

Our Class of 2027 Chargers!

Serafina Abbate

Ava Adams

Delaney Aegerter

Miriam Agniel

Elizabeth Aiello

Phoebe Alcott

Margaret Anstey

Zoe Arvanitakis

Olivia Bath

Eden Batten

Neve Beller

Beau Belz

Madeline Bentrup

Bella Bettag

Charlotte Biermann

Anna Billingsley

Caroline Brandenburg

Stella Burcke

Elizabeth Buss

Samantha Carter

Kate Cerny

Emily Cline

Isidora Colvin

Sophia DeBoo

Addison Dedert

Ava Della Croce

Ava Diaz

Stephanie Dickmann

Alexandria Dilg

Madeline DiMaria

Roslyn Doherty

Marchesa Dolton

Grace Downen

Ellice Dunaway

Amelia Eickhoff

Emily Engelbart

Ashley Erard

Alice Farrell

Sofia Favazza

Millie Fitzgerald

Megan Flanagan

Elaine Floodman

Isabella Flores

Emmerson Frimml

Ella Fritz

Adriana Galli

Kylie Geiser

Luciana Genovese

Martha Goldkamp

Maeha Gopal

Aubrey Grimm

Emaline Guntli

Camilla Gutierrez

Shea Hadican

Shiloh Hannaford

Finley Heffington

Claire Henderson

Eleanor Hilton

Julia Hoeflinger

Cate Hogan

Maddy Howenstein

Broghan Hunkins

Natalie Hussey

Anna Judkins

Ava Kelley

Caroline Kelly

Gretchen Keutzer

Gracie Keyrouz

Marissa Kiley

Tamara Kioko

Eleanor Lang

Pamela Lara

Bethany Leight

Rebecca Leonard

Kaitlyn Loeffelman

Nora Maltzman

Emma Martinez

Rosalie Marvin

Molly McDonald

Eleanor McGuire

Bridgid McKendry

Katherine McMaster

Madeline Meyer

Lily Miller

Molly Minnigerode

Amanda Missey

Abigail Moore

McKenna Musick

Jeannette Neimeyer

Julia Niemann

Aoife O'Callaghan

Katelyn O'Connell

Macy Otto

Parku Par

Amelia Pozzo

Carolyn Randle

Claire Rooney

Sydney Roth

Juliette Satchell

Wendy Scheer

Lilly Schrader

Anna Schuler

Katherine Schuler

Katelyn Short

Mary Sotiriou

Olivia Steffens

Hannah Studer

Annabelle Swaykus

Elizabeth Villhard

Alice Vogel

Olivia Weckherlin

Alexandria Whitehead

Ava Wichmann

Adriana Wilson

Julia Witte

Lily Witzel

Cecilia Wynne

As of June 5, 2023

TRADITION Continues!

The Cor Jesu Theatre Department kept up its TRADITION of putting on a fantastic Spring Musical! This year, the production was "Fiddler on the Roof," a heartwarming story of Tevye, a poor milkman, who navigates the challenges of raising five daughters in a world that’s changing faster than he can keep up. This show had it all: beautiful singing, phenomenal dancing, moments of laughter and joy, as well as moments of sorrow and pain. Bravo to the cast and crew!

“Directing "Fiddler on the Roof" was an incredible experience. I was so impressed with how the students were so willing to learn about Jewish culture and customs. They handled serious topics with maturity and grace. There were so many moments that were awe-inspiring – Sabbath Prayer, The Dream, the wedding – each night I just got to sit and enjoy! They also formed a great community as cast and crew, and it was so fun to see them have a great time on and off stage. They did an incredible job, and I am so proud of the amazing work that they did.

”– JULIE SCHNEIER HUBBARD ‘12, MUSICAL DIRECTOR AND CJA FACULTY MEMBER

“"Fiddler on the Roof" was so special for me not only because it was my final show at Cor Jesu but also because it was so ensemble-based, meaning, we all had to rely on each other to truly tell the story. It was exciting to see all kinds of talent shine through all different corners of this show, which I think really brought us together. By the end, we were so sad to say goodbye! I can only attribute that to the hard work that everyone – cast, crew and creative team – put in to make this show great.

”– SARAH RICHARS ‘23, “GOLDE”

To hype the musical among the student body, the Cor Jesu Marketing and CJTV classes organized a special pep rally event: The Masked Singer, Charger Edition! Members of the "Fiddler on the Roof" cast, plus one staff member, performed songs from their own favorite musicals, in full costume, and the student body had to guess who each “masked singer” was. It was a fun and spirited event for all!

CJA’S MASKED SINGERS:

Mickey Mouse – Anna Meister ‘24

Minnie Mouse – Maggie Eilermann ‘23

Tigger – Abby Gansler ‘24

Cookie Monster – Brianna Esswein ‘24

Clifford – Laura Gantner ‘03, CJA Wellness Counselor

2008•2013•2018• 1963•1968•1973•1978•1983•1988

1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018•1963•1968•1973

1978•1983•1988•1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018

1963•1968•1973•1978•1983•1988•1993•1998•2003• 2008•2013•2018•1963•1968•1973•1978•1983•1988•

1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018• 1963•1968•1973

1978•1983•1988•1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018

1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018• 1963•1968•1973

1978•1983•1988•1993•1998•2003•2008•2013•2018 REUNIONS

We were so happy to welcome nearly 300 alumnae back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2023! Members of the classes ending in ‘3 and ‘8 celebrated everything from their 5th reunion (Class of 2018) to their 60th (Class of 1963). Live music from Mike Mattingly and a delicious dinner prepared by Flynn Foods followed a beautiful Liturgy celebrated in the gym. What a wonderful evening spent traveling down memory lane!

SAVE THE DATE

Classes ending in ‘4 and ‘9 are invited to celebrate their class reunions on June 1, 2024!

Alumnae Traces

1968 & 2024

Kathy Murphy ‘68 is a certified scuba diver. While on a dive in the Grand Cayman Islands, she was on the same boat with a father-daughter duo - there to take their open water test for their own certification. A St. Louis Cardinals hat prompted a conversation, and Kathy found that the daughter was current CJA student, Emily Leight ‘24. The bonds of CJA sisterhood run as deep as the ocean! Congrats to Emily and her dad on earning their scuba diving certifications!

2003

Kitty Landholt Fornkahl and her husband, Rob, welcomed their daughter, Samantha Alice Fornkahl, on Friday, May 13, 2022. She's the family’s lucky charm!

2006 & 2011

Sisters, Jenna Gaughan Niese ‘06 and Julianne Gaughan Carron ‘11 both welcomed their second daughters (and future Chargers) together in 2022! Rose Susan Niese and Isabella Susan Carron joined big sisters, Lilly Niese and Jayne Carron (both born in 2020). The Charger legacy runs deep with grandma, Susan Ceriotti Gaughan ‘78, and aunts: Mary Beth Niese Graninger ‘11 and Ann Carron Federico ‘13.

2007

Sarah Steiner Chik and her husband, Bob Chik, welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Libby) Chik, on January 10, 2023, weighing 6 pounds and 4 ounces.

2009

Bridget Waller Hall and her husband, Everett, welcomed their second daughter, Wren Louise Hall, on November 22, 2022. Wren weighed in at 8 pounds!

Kerry Hogan became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri, created her first business (Canary Counseling LLC), and got engaged — all in the month of May 2023!

2011

Colleen Barry Weber ’11, along with husband Brett and son John, welcomed daughter Grace Dolores on May 17, 2023. The future Charger weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces.

Abbey Hoppe Migdal married Joe Migdal on June 4, 2022, with three Cor Jesu bridesmaids by her side, including her sister Natalie Hoppe ‘16 as the maid of honor, and bridesmaids Olivia Simon Muchow ‘11 and Aubree Smith Campbell ‘11.

Grandparents’ Mass

Sunday, September 17

Cor Jesu Academy

Cor Jesu Golf Tournament

Monday, October 9

Sunset Country Club

Fall Play – “CLUE” (high school edition)

October 5-7

Cor Jesu Academy

Admissions Open House

Sunday, November 5

Cor Jesu Academy

Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 28

Deceased Alumnae Liturgy

Friday, December 1

Cor Jesu Academy

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 2

9 – 11: 30 a.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

Winter Instrumental Concert

Tuesday, December 5

7 p.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 10

Chaminade Skip Viragh Center

If you have exciting news to share about yourself or a fellow CJA alumna, please email Colleen Barry Weber ’11, Director of Marketing & Social Media, at cweber@corjesu.org.

ABOVE: Aubree Smith Campbell '11 (left), Abbey Hoppe Migdal (center), and Aubree Smith Campbell '11 (right).

ABOVE: Jenna Gaughan Niese '06 (left) and Julianne Gaughan Carron '11 (right) with their daughters.

In Memoriam

Cor Jesu mourns the loss of our alumnae:

Linda Hesser

Bohrer ‘72

Sister of Chris Hesser Brown ‘69

Janet Scherrer

Gasper ‘72

Sister of Dianne Scherrer ‘70 and Susan Scherrer Hicks ‘74

Jeanne

Haselhorst ‘63

Cathy Jeep ‘69

Aunt of Rachel Jeep ‘97 and Marie Jeep ‘05

Karen Kacich

McCarthy ‘81

Kate Peterson ‘18

Sister of Claire Peterson ‘13

Michael Agne

Brother of Tracy Agne Murpy ‘78

Uncle of Lynn Murphy ’07

James G. Balée, Jr.

Father of Michelle Balée Nosky ‘79, Margot Balée Hirlinger ‘80 and Marcie Balée Wanner ‘83

Grandfather of Lauren Wanner Lemmon ‘08, Katie Wanner Firestone ‘09 and Grace Wanner ‘14

Paul Bozdech

Father of Erin Bozdech ‘19

Eleanor Burns

Mother of Ainsley Burns ‘22

Sister-in-law of Karon Odenwald Burns ‘73

Aunt of Colleen Burns

Piel ‘95, Meaghan Burns

Sablich ‘01, Molly Burns

Arena ‘08 and Caroline Leary ‘12

Richard Cadice

Father of Mary Pat Cadice-Santel ‘77

Grandfather of Laura Santel Chenoweth ‘05 and Aly Cadice Smith ‘14

We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the families of the Cor Jesu community mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Alice Carpinello

Mother of Karen Kolkhorst Zarrilli ‘67, Kathy Kolkhorst Juranas ‘71 and Karol Kolkhorst Romano ‘76

Grandmother of Laura Zarrilli ‘02

Marilyn Casso

Mother of Susan Casso Harvath ’68, Pat Casso Richards ’72, Barb Casso Collins ’77 and Kathy Casso ‘84

Grandmother of Kris Richards ’95, Stacey Casso Starck ’96, Jaime Richards ’97, Alex Richards ’09 and Casey Richards ’15

Thom Digman

Husband of Jo-Ann Klebusch Digman ‘74

Father of Libby Digman ‘14

James C. Doerr

Grandfather of Amy Doerr Hummel ‘06, Melissa Doerr Graye ‘09, Allison Doerr ‘12 and Kelsey Doerr ‘16

Rob Dohack

Brother of Carol Dohack Templeton ‘84

Theodore Esswein

Father of Lisa Esswein Proctor ’80, Mary Beth Esswein Kapp ’81, Chris Esswein Wester ’85 and Michelle Esswein

Friedman ’87

Grandfather of Julia Esswein ’13, Katrina Esswein ’20 and Brianna Esswein ‘24

Charles Etling

Husband of Gloria DiMartino Etling ‘66

Dorothy Figueras

Mother of Ligaya

Figueras ‘90 and Delphine Figueras ‘94

Emmett “Mick”

Hahn, Jr.

Father of Ann Hahn

Buechner ‘84, Kate Hahn ‘89, Rachael Hahn

Krussel ‘90 and Lucy Hahn ‘92

Ruth Hanses

Mother of Mary Beth Hanses Thouvenot ‘85

Mary “Marge”

Heimburger

Mother of Marianne Camenzind Woods ‘80, Laura Camenzind ‘81 and Molly Camenzind Vitale ‘86

Paul Hicks

Husband of former CJA faculty member, Veronica Hicks

Christopher Hoey

Husband of Trudy Throm Hoey ‘66

Father of Dawn Hoey Florian ‘90

Patrick Hooper

Father of Katie Hooper DeWulf ‘07

Lois Kennedy

Mother of Sharon Kennedy Brown ‘76 and Jeannine Kennedy Organ ‘86

Grandmother of Allison Organ ‘19

Sharon King

Stepmother of Kathy King Pavlesic ‘86 and Karen King Langley ‘90

Lauren Kruczyk

Daughter of Kathy Schwaig Buritsch ‘72 Niece of Marianne Schwaig Boettger ‘75

Richard Lampen

Father of Jennifer Lampen Sansone ’89 and Jill Lampen Frantti ‘91

Daniel Lewis

Husband of Claire Kearney Lewis ‘81

Brother-in-law of Karen Kearney ‘78, Liz Kearney Golomski ‘79 and Kathryn Kearney Foy ‘91

Uncle of Reilly Foy ‘26

María Providencia

Calderón Llobet

Grandmother of Kristina Schmelter ‘16

David Lodike

Father of Chelsea Fischer-Lodike ‘07, Gretchen Fischer-Lodike Evans ‘09 and Annie Fischer-Lodike ‘10

Daniel H. May

Father of Shelley May Goeddel ‘78, Laura May Piontek ‘79 and Terri May ‘81

Grandfather of Kristen Piontek Broeder ‘07, Lauren Goeddel

Burnworth ‘07, Jessica Piontek Gruber ‘09, Jennifer Goeddel ‘12 and Abigail Piontek ‘21

Jeanne Moser

Mother of Liza Moser Skroska ‘87 and Beth Moser Dolejsi ‘90

Dan Mueller

Husband of Linda Tonsi Mueller ‘83

Father of Gretchen Mueller Kingma ‘08 and Katy Mueller Scherrer ‘12

Eugene “Gene” Mueth

Father of Linda Mueth Imhoff '74, Patricia Mueth Dickens '76, Nancy Mueth '77, Sharon Mueth Petersen '80, Rosanne Mueth Sampson '84

Grandfather of Deanne Petersen Winkelmann '09, Jennifer Petersen Fuhlbrugge '12

Greg Newhouse

Husband of CJA staff member, Cathy Lauer Newhouse ‘89

Father of Caitlyn Newhouse ‘19

Uncle of Megan Lauer ‘11

Hon. Thomas O’Shea

Father of Maureen O’Shea ‘89

Grandfather of Megan O’Shea ‘20, Lauren Taaffe ‘22 and Kristen O’Shea ‘23

George Paz

Husband of Melissa Oster Paz ‘88

Son-in-law of Marilyn Orzen Oster ‘62

Brother-in-law of Becky Oster Lane ‘84

George Reinarman

Father of Debbie Reinarman Boelling ‘90 and Jackie ReinarmanNeeley ‘91

Doris Schieber

Mother of Joelle Schieber Lowing ‘75, Anne Schieber Gross ‘77, Jeanne Schieber Heekin ‘78 and Sally Schieber Difani ‘84

Robert Schukai

Father of Johanna Schukai Schloss ‘83 and Jennifer Schukai Fletcher ‘89

Dennis Seyer

Husband of Ellen Gruber Seyer ‘74

Brother-in-law of Mary Gruber Nicoletti ‘70 and Jan Gruber Lange ‘77

Uncle of Jill Lange Kremmel ‘06 and Kim Lange ‘07

Scott Shoger

Father of Grace Shoger ‘24

Steven F. Stawizynski

Father of Sarah Stawizynski Peniston ‘99

David W. Steck, Sr. Father of Tina Steck ‘92

Rita Stritzel

Mother of Sue Stritzel Shaw ‘81 and Sharon Stritzel ‘85

Jim Syron

Father of Kristine Syron Forbes ‘97

Bonnie Toenjes

Mother of Tracy Toenjes Nuelle ‘83

Grandmother of Jennifer Nuelle ‘20

Louis Toenjes

Father of Tracy Toenjes Nuelle ‘83

Grandfather of Jennifer Nuelle ‘20