Academic News

Senior earns National Hispanic Recognition

Senior Tristan Lago has been recognized as a national Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, finishing among the top 2.5 percent of Hispanic and Latino students in the Midwest who took the College Board’s PSAT/NMSQT test last year. As with the National Merit Scholarship Program, NHRP uses the junior year PSAT/NMSQT as the qualifying test. Lago carries a 4.3 grade-point average and is ranked 13th in his class of 167 students. He scored a 1440 on the SAT and a 28 on the ACT. He is interested in attending the University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy, or Wayne State University. Tristan Lago

“Tristan Lago is an excellent student who has represented De La Salle and his family extremely well with his outstanding work ethic,” said De La Salle counselor Dominic Reid. “Tristan being recog nized as a scholar through the National Hispanic Program should come as no surprise to any of the faculty and staff at De La Salle. He is truly deserving of this honor.” Every year, 250,000 Hispanic/Latino students take the PSAT/NMSQT, and about 7,000 of those students are recognized and invited to apply for the national program. While the program doesn’t award scholarship money, being a part of the program is an academic honor that can help students get accepted to colleges. It can also help win prestigious scholarships. The NHRP helps identify outstanding Hispanic high school students. They share information about these students with subscribing colleges and universities.

Campbell will lead IB CAS

Andrew Campbell, who serves as the school psychologist, is taking on the coordinator posi tion for the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) piece of the International Baccalaureate program. New IB Coordinator Eric Wynn made the appointment in late August. “I am very grateful and excited to be a part of our IB program,” Campbell said. “The young men in the program are truly inspiring.” Campbell, now in his second year at De La Salle, will coordinate the creative, active, and service activities for all IB students through

Andrew Campbell

out the academic year. CAS is a component of the IB Diploma process. “Andrew has already distinguished himself as the CAS Coordinator,” Wynn said. “He is coordinating fall service opportunities, and chaperoned the September CAS trip to Montana and the De La Salle Blackfeet School. We are lucky to have him aboard.” The work complements Campbell’s school po sition where he also advises students, provides counseling, and coordinates support services.

New Student Council officers ready to lead

For the first time in school history, De La Salle Collegiate will have a senior class cabinet made up of all International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students. In April 2019, juniors Noah Cole, Ryan Drake, Joey Opolski, and Jarod Amparo were elected by their peers to head up the school’s 94th student council, as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively. Cole is the 103rd student council president in the school’s 94-year history. De La Salle has elected co-presidents nine times (1934, ’37, ’38, ’44, ’45, ’51, ’80, ’90, and ’94). “Our new officers, Noah Cole, Joe Opolski, Ryan Drake and Jarod Amparo, are going to do a phenomenal job supporting their classmates,” said Principal Nate Maus. “They are part of the most rigorous academic program at De La Salle. Their election is a testament to their dedication and hard work.” The new cabinet replaces the recently graduated Class of 2019, led by President Dino Bucci III.

The 2019-20 student council cabinet (L-R): juniors Joey Opolski, Ryan Drake, Noah Cole and Jarod Amparo. (Photo by Kevin Fitzhenry/De La Salle)

Brother Joe Reed returns to De La Salle

Brother Joe Reed, FSC, has returned to De La Salle Collegiate for the 2019-20 school year. In his new assignment, Brother Joe is teaching math and also works with students in the academic support area. Most recently, he taught at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. A theology, math and physics teacher during his time at De La Salle from 1991-2002, Brother Joe returned to Warren in February. He was on sabbatical for the semester, which included retreats to a Trappist monastery in western New York, as well as time in northern Wisconsin. In April, Brother Joe spent time in Rheims, France, the birthplace of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. His trip also included visiting other Lasallian sites in France, as well as a firsttime visit to the Brothers’ motherhouse in Rome. A high light of his trip was Mass with the Pope in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. “I am happy to hear Brother Joe is rejoining the staff,” said Dennis Koch ‘94, director of alumni relations. “He cares about students and their learning.” Koch had Brother Joe as an Algebra teacher. Born in Dewitt, Michigan, Brother Joe holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. During college, his roommate Dan Mason -- who is a De La Salle alumnus from Brother Joe Reed 1978 -- was part of the Brothers’ contact program; Brother Joe liked what he heard and be came a brother in 1984. He has had other teaching assignments at St. Raymond’s in the Bronx, Christian Brothers’ Academy in Syracuse, and Christian Brothers’ Academy in Albany. “I am very excited,” he said.

Joe Gerardi ‘86

Gerardi takes over tuition assistance, facilities, food service

De La Salle President John M. Knight recently added to Joe Gerardi’s duties as vice president of mission and ministry. Gerardi, a 1986 alumnus, will also oversee building operations and the tuition assistance program. As part of his new duties, Gerardi will work with facilities and food service, while also han dling tuition assistance. He is already responsible for all Lasallian Catholic formation at the school as well as directing campus ministry and service programs. The move was necessary when Nathan Maus ‘99, – who had been vice president of operations – became the 20th principal in school history on July 1.

De La Salle names diversity director

De La Salle Collegiate’s first Director of Diversity “My strong beliefs in God and Inclusion is no stranger to Catholic education. and love for children fuel A former science teacher at the University of Detroit my passion for understand Jesuit and Academy, Marta Rhea-Johnson has been ing and justice,” she said. appointed to De La Salle’s newly-formed position. “I have learned that love President John M. Knight made the appointment in is universal and it binds us late May. all together. When we are diligent and follow God’s “I am very happy to welcome Marta Rhea-Johnson plan we never fail. All my to experience, talents and con our community,” Knight said. “I know Marta to be nections will be used to ina person of deep faith who cares about all of God’s crease De La Salle’s awarechildren. Marta’s many gifts and talents will be a ness of diversity, inclusion blessing to our community.” and equity, its importance, “I love the mission of developing the intellectual minds and character of bright young men,” RheaA longtime educator, Marta RheaJohnson has been named De La Salle’s first director of diversity and advance its commitment to it.” Johnson said. “The UDJ mission is similar to De La Salle’s in many ways. While at UDJ, I also served as and inclusion. (Photo by Kevin Fitzhenry/De La Salle) Rhea-Johnson will report to the school president while the moderator of B.A.S.E., the black student organi being an important leader zation. I plan to bring this type of organization to De La in the De La Salle community. Acting as a resource and Salle to meet the needs of the minority population, as well partner, she will work individually and collectively with as support and showcase these young men. students, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents to nur “In this next chapter, I’d like to see De La Salle move ture and strengthen an inclusive and culturally responsive past mere racial tolerance and unconscious bias and begin environment. to build authentic relationships within its harmonious In short, she will seek to be a leader with the creativity, community.” courage, empathy, and wisdom to build on the very good Rhea-Johnson spent five years at UD-Jesuit before work already being done, envision what is possible, and taking the role as administrator and head of school at implement change at the institutional, interpersonal and Friends School in Detroit (2011-15). She also served as individual levels. an integrated science instructor at Detroit Public Schools “De La Salle has great potential for embracing diversity, (1995-2000). Rhea-Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from inclusion and equity,” she said. “This addition will make the Atlanta’s Spelman College, and a Master’s in Education school community more harmonious and empathetic to the from University of Detroit Mercy. needs and talents of its total community. Inclusion will allow Her experiences as a teacher and administrator have for the opportunity to understand and embrace the differenc allowed Rhea-Johnson to meet and work with a variety es among us and build authentic relationships. This forward of people from different racial and socioeconomic thinking in actions and policy will allow De La Salle to take backgrounds, the Detroit business community, and many its place as a leader among its counterparts in the educa fields of education. tional community.”

It’s a Wynn win for IB program

Eric Wynn, who has helped start up two the curriculum, using Theory of Knowledge International Baccalaureate programs in in instruction, and incorporating international Michigan, has brought his educational mindedness into the classroom. leadership to De La Salle Collegiate. A vet “An IB education stresses that a student must eran IB educator, Wynn was named the new be regarded as more than his grades,” Wynn International Baccalaureate Diploma Program said. “All of his qualities and actions – both Director last summer. inside and out of the classroom – are taken into Wynn spent the summer updating IB informa account when considering his candidacy for an tion, contacting students, parents and teachers, IB Diploma. ordering textbooks, and coordinating various “Similarly, an IB education insists on an service and outreach events, including a trip to Eric Wynn inquisitive, well-rounded experience of all Ecuador. subjects and a seeking of interdisciplinary He is the second to lead De La Salle’s rigorous connections between them. It’s these qualities, Diploma Program, which was first introduced to its stu coupled with De La Salle’s commitment to character and dents in 2014. De La Salle is one of three private schools in a principled education, that make IB an excellent framing Michigan recognized as an IB World School. curriculum and experience for students wishing to broaden “I’m very happy to welcome Eric into our community,” their academic and extra-curricular horizons, while also President John M. Knight said. “His gifts and talents are maintaining the Lasallian commitment to service and the many and we are very blessed to have him lead our IB helping of others.” program. The future is very bright.” As IB coordinator, Wynn helped grow Huron’s program. In Four years ago, Wynn helped Ann Arbor Huron High that time, approximately 19 percent of graduating seniors School develop its IB program. Before then he overwere full IB Diploma candidates, and more than 50 percent saw the successful implementation of the IB Program at of the senior classes participated in IB programming. Washtenaw International High School in Ypsilanti. Prior “Personally, I have always had a commitment to equity and to that, Wynn worked as an IB teacher in New Mexico access in the IB,” Wynn said, “I’m particularly interested (2004-11). in expanding access to the Diploma Program for as many De La Salle has comprehensive Diploma Program course students as possible, while providing the appropriate sup offerings in the seven different subject areas: English, ports at the same time.” Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Born and raised in Toronto, Wynn attended McGill Arts, and Business & Technology Applied Arts. University in Montreal, where he received a Bachelor’s of While travel is not a requirement of the IB Program, De La Arts in English Literature. His first teaching job was as Salle provides this opportunity for its IB students through a summer school faculty member at Salisbury School, an the creativity, action, service (CAS) activities. Each year, all-boys’, private college-preparatory boarding school in seniors travel to Montana (fall) and Louisiana (spring) on Connecticut. service projects. He concurrently completed two Master’s degrees: in At De La Salle, Wynn will lead professional development English Literature at the Breadloaf School of English at in implementing the Diploma Program, writing across Wynn, continues on page 25

New teachers at De La Salle

Thomas Van Thomme Carla Bartlett, an experienced Spanish teacher, joined the De La Salle Foreign Language Department this fall. Bartlett most recently taught at Brother Rice High School, and also has experience at Seton Catholic, in Hudson, Ohio, and at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Principal Nate Maus noted Bartlett’s “long history with Catholic boys’ education.” She earned her bachelor’s at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a master’s in teaching at Marygrove College.

Carla Bartlett

Thomas Van Thomme joins the Science Department, and is teaching Biology and Chemistry. In addi tion to teaching experience in Florida, Van Thomme has worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries biologist. Along with his wife Jacqueline, a veteran De La Salle Science Teacher, he will be co-moderating the Sportsmen’s Club Archery activities. “His varied experiences outside the classroom,’ Maus said, “will greatly enhance the educational experience of our students.”

Wynn continued from page 24 Middlebury College in Vermont and another in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. He also serves as an educational consultant for schools wishing to create globally-minded curricula. Since 2005, Wynn has trained in and taught Diploma Program Literature, History, and Theory of Knowledge. He also works for the International Baccalaureate Organization as an examiner for IB Literature’s World Literature Assignment, Papers 1 and 2, and the Theory of Knowledge essay. “During these years as an IB coordinator, I have led count less professional development initiatives and sessions, overseen course development and implementation at three schools, and coached teachers along the way in delivering the most impactful IB curriculum possible,” Wynn said. “I see De La Salle’s commitment to IB as a meaningful step forward in defining the school and enhancing its mission to prepare students to be successful, inquisitive, and empa thetic lifelong learners in the 21st century.” Wynn and his wife Amy live in Bloomfield Township, and are the parents of two sons, ages 8 and 10.

Widdows named assistant principal for student life

De La Salle Collegiate has hired a veteran educator with a Catholic schools background to become its newest Assistant Principal. Brent Widdows, who taught art and mathematics for the past 14 years at Sterling Heights High School, is De La Salle’s new Assistant Principal for Student Life. A 1995 alumnus of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory, Widdows is the primary point of contact for student discipline as well as De La Salle’s groundbreaking drug-testing pro gram. He will also be involved with student-sponsored groups and clubs. Widdows will work closely with Assistant Principal for Academics Christopher Dean. The pair will report to Principal Nate Maus. “I am grateful to be able to hire Brent to join our De La Salle community,” Maus said. “The passion and care he brings to the role is vital to the mission of the school. He has an innate ability to connect with those he meets which allows him to better serve the needs of everyone he comes in contact with.” Brent Widdows

While at Sterling Heights, Widdows also served as a varsity coach, heading the Stallions’ football team for the last 10 years, and the boys’ and girls’ track and field squads over 12 seasons. As its coach, he helped institute several fundraising and service initiatives for Sterling Heights student-athletes. He was instrumental in starting the Stallions’ annual cancer awareness game, which has raised nearly $90,000 since 2010. He created the school’s Culture of Community First – “Faith, Family, Heart” – and was named a top fundraiser by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in 2014. In 2015, Widdows was among four national honorees to earn the Dove Men+Care deodorant Caring Coach of the Year Award. In its press release, Dove said Widdows “creates opportunities for his team to engage with their community and make it a better place – including reading at elementary schools and local retirement centers. He has also created an annual ‘Cancer Game’ which has raised over $10,000 for cancer research and family support, and is now the biggest game of the year at Sterling Heights High School.” Widdows received a Bachelor of Arts in teaching from Adrian College, where he also played football for the Bulldogs. He earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Oakland University in 2010. Widdows is the nephew of De La Salle alumnus Gerald Zmyslo ’62 and cousin of Zach Kowalczyk ’10. Widdows and his wife, Laura, live in Shelby Township with their daughter Ella, and son Caleb.

1949 ‘mates celebrated milestone gathering

The Class of 1949 held its 70th reSurdacki, who still has one such union at the home of alumnus Richard dance card, married his high school Surdacki, in October. sweetheart, Jane, in 1953. Surdacki’s classmate Joe Moffatt “The Brothers instructed us as young enthusiastically contacted members of teens before date night to remember the class for their benchmark occa to treat the young lady respectfully as sion. He hoped to share and exchange you would have wished your mother memories of their high school days of to be treated,” he said. being taught by the Christian Brothers. Surdacki says his years at De La Salle, Moffatt quickly recalled some of his “molded me into who I am, and I must favorite De La Salle memories. say I’m pleased with the result.” “The words of wisdom of Brothers Arator and Patrick; the classroom Richard Surdacki and Joe Moffatt with their commemorative T-shirt The Christians Brothers especially had a strong influence on him. pranks and jokes pulled by Brother “Brother Arator took time out of Alfred, Latin teacher,” Moffatt said, “and last, but certainly several classes to teach us to properly set a dinner table, not least, I fondly recall that Irishman Brother Brendan stand proper table manners - still in effect today at my home,” ing in front of the class, chiding and admonishing us, in no said Surdacki, who wore No. 58 for the Pilots football uncertain terms…‘You’re rude, crude and boorish.’” team all four years. Moffatt recalled fellow ‘49 classmate, the late James Hartzell, “Christian Brother values knowingly or unknowingly who as a copywriter for Ross Roy, wrote the well-known line were infused into our bloodstream,” he said. “They - in iambic pentameter format - “Baseball, hot dogs, apple influenced me as a spouse, a father, an employer and all pie, and Chevrolet.” It was also at De La Salle that Moffatt my friendships. University taught me to earn a great liv remembers, perhaps not so coincidentally, learning about ing; De La Salle taught me how to live it.” iambic pentameter through one of their English teachers. After graduating from De La Salle, Moffatt joined the U.S. 80s, they stay busy. Moffatt can often be found using his Army and fought in the Korean War. computer. He was given his first computer in 2004, and “De La Salle has a tradition of instilling in its graduates a admitted to having to learn how to turn it on. system of values, a blueprint for the future, so to speak,” he “You’ve got to not be afraid,” said Moffatt, who also ush said. “This enables the school to live up to its motto, Builders ers at St. Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor. of Boys. Makers of Men. and indeed to surpass it: ‘Builders of Boys. Makers of Gentlemen!’ ” Surdacki retired in 1990, after selling his company. His Being a gentleman was exemplified at school events, to California to see his grandchildren. He credits DeLa including and especially at school dances, too, he said. Salle with his much of his success. Moffatt remembered dating the girls at nearby Detroit Denby High School and using dance cards where a young lady “What do I miss most from my years at De La Salle?” he would write her name inside a card if they were interested in asked. “My youth … those were happy years.” dancing with someone. Though both Moffatt and Surdacki are now in their late wife passed away in 1995, but he occasionally travels