The Collegiate - Fall 2021

Collegiate THE

Fall 2021

Charting a clear course into the future The Loepp Family Foundation Makes a $1 Million Commitment to De La Salle

REMEMBER WHEN GOD INITIALLY CALLED YOU TO RELIGIOUS LIFE?

WHEN WE FIND SOMETHING MISSING, WE OFTEN HEAR THE CALL AGAIN. THE exploring your vocation as a christian brother

As graduation from college approached, you thought about the call again—but you chose a different path. Law school. Banking. Engineering.

No matter the work, it just isn’t fulfilling. The tug at your heart to serve God and your neighbor is still there.

You’re hearing the call again.

Consider the Brothers Learn more at fscDENA.org Or contact Br. Edward Shields, FSC at shields@fscDENA.org

BROTHERS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU DISCERN YOUR VOCATION IN LIFE.

MOST FEEL GOD’S CALL TO SERVICE EARLY IN LIFE . . .

CONTENTS 02

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

ATHLETIC NEWS 30 Athletic News Briefs

SCHOOL NEWS 04 Loepp Donates $1 million to DLS 06 Athletic Hall of Fame Announced 08

Board of Trustees Adds New Members

12

School New Briefs

18

Congratulations, Class of 2021

ALUMNI NEWS 22

Alumni News Briefs

26

Alumni Take Cross-Country Bike Trip

31 Class of 2021 Awards Announced

33 IN MEMORIAM

If you would like to receive The Collegiate electronicially, please contact the ·ØÆÆ´ advancement@delasallehs.com

ON THE COVER BCBS of Michigan President and CEO Daniel Loepp ‘75 and his wife Amy commit $1 million to DLS Academic Support

THE COLLEGIATE - FALL 2021

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

DE LA SALLE COLLEGIATE 14600 Common Road | Warren, MI 48088 (586) 778-3356 www.delasallehs.com THE COLLEGIATE | FALL 2021 ˆŁ•¿˘¶·ØÆÆ´ State of Frequency: Three times per year

President | Larry Rancilio ‘86 Principal | Br. Ken Kalinowski, FSC ‘84 Assistant Principal | Christopher Dean ‘89 Director of Advancement | Greg Elser

Dear De La Salle Collegiate Family, We often use the term “It’s a great day to be a Pilot,” and on September 10th, it was certainly one of those days. The students, staff, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, guests, and Dan and Amy Loepp gathered for a Mass on St. John Baptist de La Salle Field for the start of an amazing weekend. As you will read, the Loepp Foundation made ÆÆÆÆŁ recent Hall of Fame class celebrated success on and off ¡…ŒÆªŒÆ will never forget.

In May, we said goodbye to our 2021 graduates with graduation in our stadium, and this fall, we started another school year with a strong freshmen class. The Class of 2025 are from many different schools and come from varying backgrounds. This follows along with one of ŁØ¿ÆªÆªÆ…ÆŁØ Community. Our promise of providing an educational experience driven by faith and supporting and observing our diversity is being experienced in our hallways with the Class of 2025 and all the other students. De La Salle conÆŁÆÆ•¡ Looking into the coming months, we continue to build on our traditions and commitment to a strong Lasallian education. While it is too early to know for sure how the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic will reshape our educational experiences, I am positive that we will welcome prospects for growth to achieve our unchanging mission. Our commitment to excellence in every aspect will not waiver. For nearly 100 years, De La Salle Collegiate has educated and prepared young men to serve the world. Equipped with this knowledge, I would ask that you remain supportive and optimistic as we venture into the academic year and keep the school in your prayers.

God Bless and Go Pilots!

Larry Rancilio ‘86 President, De La Salle Collegiate

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Director of Alumni Relations | Dennis Koch ‘94 Director of St. Joe’s Alumni Relations | Br. Patrick McNally, FSC, SJ ‘55 ¶„ÆÆ´•Ø Director of Operations | Joe Gerardi ‘86 Director of Diversity and Inclusion | Marta Rhea-Johnson Director of Admissions | Zack Issa ‘09 Director of Marketing & Communications | Kevin Fitzhenry ‘03 Managing Editor, The Collegiate | Vicki Granger Associate Advancement Director | Linda Fraschetti

CONNECT WITH US advancement@delasallehs.com

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De La Salle Collegiate High School

MISSION De La Salle Collegiate is dedicated to the Lasallian Catholic education of its diverse students, including the poor and disadvantaged.

We are a college-preparatory school inspired by the spirit and tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle, where learning takes place in the presence of God. Each student is encouraged to develop his faith, character, intellect, and morality. This mission is embodied in the school’s motto: Builders of Boys. Makers of Men. Derived from the Five Core Principles of Lasallian Schools (Quality Education, Inclusive Community, Concern for the Poor/Social Justice, Respect, Faith), these four terms, when used together, make up our DNA ªŁ

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DE LA SALLE COLLEGIATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair | Mr. Jack Brusewitz ‘77 Vice-Chair | Ms. Roma Heaney Secretary | Mr. Pat Cahill ‘00 Treasurer | Mr. William Edwards ‘86 DENA Rep | Mr. Greg Shea ‘83

Brother Michael Andrejko, FSC Mr. John Bernard ‘70 Brother Richard Galvin, FSC Mr. Darrell Goolsby ‘84 Mr. Michael Khoury Mr. John Moore ‘75 Brother Robert Wickman, FSC Mr. Joe Wyskiel ‘64

Our faith extends far beyond religion.

It’s rooted in one another and our commitment to excellence.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Charting a clear course into the future Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp Pledges $1 Million Gift to De La Salle for Academic Support Department De La Salle Collegiate announced Friday, September 10, that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp, alumnus from the Class of 1975, has pledged a gift of $1 million to De La Salle through the Loepp Family Foundation.

As part of the gift, De La Salle’s academic support center was dedicated as the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center in honor of Mr. Loepp and his wife Mrs. Amy Loepp.

The Loepp family and the De La Salle staff are committed to the principle that all students can learn at a high level. The college preparatory school’s academic support department and all its functions will be conducted in the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center.

“Attending De La Salle is a life changing opportunity that prepares students for success in high school, college and beyond. The Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center’s offerings are designed to provide extra support to students to ensure Salle education.”

- Daniel Loepp

Core programs in the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center will focus on providing freshmen with the tools to successfully start their academic careers and ensuring that all Pilots can access the support needed to ensure a strong college experience.

“These programs are intended to help students gain the necessary skills to drive success at De La Salle and then carry those skills forward in higher education.

We’re excited by the potential impact,” Loepp said.

The dedication of the academic center took place during an invitation-only ceremony at the school on Friday, Sept. 10. The day started with an all-school Mass, led by Bishop Robert Fisher, on St. John Baptist de La Salle Field, followed by the unveiling of the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center.

“The De La Salle community is blessed to have Mr. and Mrs. Loepp as part of the Pilot family and views September 10 as a monumental day in the school’s nearly 100-year history,” said De La Salle President Larry Rancilio, a 1986 graduate.

“De La Salle is thankful for the generosity of Dan and Pilot Center is a difference-maker. Countless young men will be impacted by the Loepp family’s gift.”

Dan Loepp addresses the students & guests after Mass.

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SCHOOL NEWS

•ÆÆ·¿ªª¶ÆªŒ•¿˘ˆÆ¿¯ÆˆÆª¡Æƌƥ£¥⁄˘ŁÆ¶ŁÆ´¡

Mr. Loepp has been President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan since 2006. He joined the ÆƪÆÆÆ¥£££¡·•¿˘Œ member of student council, the drama club, the spirit club, the school newspaper, and the prom committee.

Since graduating from De La Salle, Mr. Loepp has been dedicated to a life of serving others, and consequently, is a Pilot in every sense of the word.

For more information about the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center dedication ceremony, please contact De La Salle Advancement Director Greg Esler at gesler@delasallehs.com or 586-541-6254.

Dan and Amy Loepp with their family.

Dan and Amy Loepp

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SCHOOL NEWS

(Left to Right) Craig Wolanin, Mark Torzy, Vince Thomas, Dr. Charles Lucas

Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2021 After a 13-year hiatus, De La Salle Collegiate celebrated the achievements of past graduates and associates of the school with the induction of the 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame class.

“It is great to have the tradition of our Athletic Hall of Fame back,” said DLS President Larry Rancilio, ‘86. “The men who make up this Hall of Fame class, as well as those previously inducted, are Lasallians who exemplify what it means to be a Pilot. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments.”

The inductees were introduced as part of the initial All-School Mass on the St. John Baptist de La Salle Field, on „˘ª⁄£¥£¥⁄ÆÆŁÆÆ of family and friends during a ceremony in the school’s TARMAC on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

The 2021 class is the sixth Athletic Hall of Fame class in the 95-year history of the school. The inaugural class inducted in 2000, featured the likes of longtime athletic director and school administrator Br. George Synan, Super Bowl champion Chris Godfrey, ‘76, and the 1956 Catholic and city championship football team.

“I am truly excited to be honoring some of our greatest athletes and teams by inducting them into the 2021 Hall of Fame class at De La Salle,” DLS Athletic Director Dan Rohn said. “We need to make sure we are always remembering our past and celebrating the success of our alumni. After all, it is one of the reasons De La Salle is so great.”

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Class of 2021 Inductees Br. Robert Carnaghi, FSC, SJ ‘48

The iconic Br. Robert (Bob) Carnaghi spearheads the highly-decorated class. Br. Bob Carnaghi, who most notably served as DLS President from 2002-11, was a four-year basketball player at St. Joe’s. He represented Æتƪ played in 1947 at Olympia Stadium against Detroit-based Miller High School. The game was said to have attracted Ø⁄'£££Æ¡·ŁªÆ ·¶Æ¡»˘¡‰Ł‰ to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Brother Bob served three stints at De La Salle, beginning in 1987. He served in a variety of roles, ranging from teacher and guidance counselor to vice-principal and ƪơ·ÆÆŒ induction into the Detroit Catholic High School League Hall of Fame as an administrator in 2011. When DLS purchased the vacant Warren YMCA in 2010, the building was dedicated in his honor as the Brother Robert Activity Center (BRAC). Brother Bob passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021, at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft, NJ. The award was accepted by Br. Bob’s nephew Jay Carnaghi, and his niece Cathy Messina.

Dr. Charles Lucas, DLS ‘55

Dr. Lucas participated in two years each of varsity track, football, and basketball. He was also part of a junior varsity basketball city championship team. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit in 1959 and his doctor of medicine from Wayne State University in 1962. Presently, he’s a Professor of Surgery at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and has ÆÆŁŁÆ¡

SCHOOL NEWS Vince Thomas, DLS ‘96

Thomas achieved eight varsity letters -- three in football, three in baseball, and two in basketball. In 1995, he received All-League, All-Catholic, All-County, and All-State honors in football. Additionally, in 1996, he received All-League, All-Catholic, All-County, and All-State honors in baseball. He followed that up by being named to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Football All-Star Game in 1995 and the MHSAA Baseball All-Star Game in 1996. Additionally, he was named the ROTC Athlete of the Year in 1996. Upon graduating, he received a baseball scholarship to Eastern Michigan University and became a four-year varsity letter winner at the university.

Thomas was inducted into the Detroit Catholic High School League Hall of Fame in 2002.

Mark Torzy, DLS ‘75

Torzy earned All-League, All-Catholic, All-City, All-State, and All-American honors in football. He was a three-year, two-way starter at linebacker and tight end. Following graduation, he played football at the University of Michigan. He was part of three Big Ten championship teams (1976, 1977, and 1978), and participated in one Orange Bowl and three Rose Bowls. Torzy hails from a three-generation De La Salle family. His father Joseph, ‘39, and sons Shane, ‘07, and Kyle, ‘08, all attended and played football while at DLS.

Craig Wolanin, DLS ‘85

Wolanin played football and baseball as a Pilot. He played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kitchener ¯ÆÆ`¡ƒØÆ round of the 1985 NHL Draft, at only 17 years old, by the New Jersey Devils. He made his NHL debut, at just 18 years old, on October 10, 1985. He played 13 years in the National Hockey League, and logged time in nearly 700 total games, with New Jersey, the Quebec Nordiques/ Colorado Avalanche, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He holds the record for being the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a three-point game. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996. His professional hockey career also encompassed representing Team USA on four separate occasions -- in 1987 in Austria, in 1991 in both Finland and the Canada Cup, and in 1994 in Italy.

2000 State Championship Baseball Team

Led by head coach Brian Kelly, the 2000 De La Salle varsity ƃ£⁄§¡˙ˆ season just 18-13, but went 12-1 the rest of the way, en route to capturing the Division 1 state championship over Catholic League Central Division rival Detroit Catholic Central. The Pilots defeated the Shamrocks, 3-1. De La Salle hit .315 for the season, while opponents hit just .206.

Meanwhile, the pitching staff produced an impressive earned run average of 2.34, while the opposition posted a 6.40 ERA.

2000 State Championship Baseball Team

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SCHOOL NEWS

Board of Trustees adds members The De La Salle Collegiate Board of Trustees has added some additional members, including Greg Shea, ‘83, in the role of Brother representative.

Joining Shea on the board are John Bernard, ‘70, Darrell Goolsby, ‘84, and Dr. John Moore, ‘75, a past board chair; Bill Edwards, ‘86, joined the board earlier this year.

Brother Dennis Lee, FSC, the outgoing head of the District of Eastern North America (DENA) said, “DENA continues to have up to four representatives on the Board of Trustees. Historically, these representatives would have all been Brothers, but as the mission throughout the District is shared with deeply committed Lasallian partners, it is now typical for DENA ØÆÆƪÆØÆÆŁØÆƪơ”˘ partner to have this role at De La Salle Collegiate.”

Board Chair Jack Brusewitz, ‘77, is pleased with the board additions.

“I am extremely excited to have all of these individuals agree to join our DLS Board of Trustees,” Brusewitz said. “Each and ØÆÆÆØ•¿˘ÆÆŒÆªÆŁ which will provide more value to our board as we move forward. Our entire Board of Trustees is excited to have each of these distinguished alumni join the Board, and we look forward to their many outstanding contributions in the future.”

John Bernard ‘70

John Bernard returns to the board, after leaving in 2019 following a second three-year term. During his previous membership on the board, Bernard chaired the Investment Committee. Bernard agreed to return to the board because “a lot has transpired, and I want to ensure the stability of the school with checks and balances on the board.”

A standout basketball player at De La Salle, he went on to play for the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. At Michigan, he double-majored in History and Business. Bernard entered the money manÆÆ⁄‹«ƒÆÆ¥£⁄‹Æ˘Æ¡

Bill Edwards, Jr. ‘86

Edwards joined the Board in January 2021, and leads the Board’s Finance Committee, and serves as the Board’s Treasurer. Past Board member Russ Agosta, ‘64, encouraged Edwards to join the Finance Committee, and then encouraged him to join the Board.

“I’m interested in the school and doing what I can to make things happen,” Edwards said.

He attended the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and majored in Electrical Engineering. He spent his career working in Information Technology. His late father, Bill Edwards Sr., also served on the Board for several years.

Darrell Goolsby ‘84

Goolsby previously served on the board from 2007-2013. He has continued to be involved with the school since that time, and wants to be sure things are in place so “that all can succeed” and to “make sure we have all perspectives.” ”Ư¨ÆØ»ŁÆ˙¸ÆÆŁÆÆÆÆÆ¡» ÆÆŁÆºªÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ currently with the Trinity Health System. His son, Darrell Jr., graduated in 2009 and is an engineer.

“De La Salle totally prepared me for Rice, and changed my life,” Goolsby said. “I went to a Detroit school, Grant Junior High, and was valedictorian. My father knew the parents of others who had gone to De La Salle, and believed it would be a better opportunity for me.”

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SCHOOL NEWS Dr. John Moore ‘75

A past Board chair, Dr. Moore returns to the Board, although he has served on the Finance Committee for the past 20 years.

“I returned to the board because the world today certainly needs well-educated, solid young men, and De La Salle is certainly a shining light of an institution that delivers that,” Moore said. “In my mind, it is a privilege to bring whatever talents and time that I have to the table.”

He also serves on the Catholic Schools Council for the Archdiocese of Detroit. “People are starting to appreciate Catholic schools now,” he said.

Dr. Moore is currently chair of the Finance and Economics Department at Walsh College. His father Jerome Moore, was a member of the Class of 1950, and his son, Jason, graduated in 2002.

Greg Shea ‘83

Shea previously served on the Board through July 2018, and returned to the Board in January 2021.

Shea, along with Brothers Richard Galvin, Brother Michael Andrejko, and Brother Robert Wickman, represents the interests of DENA. “One example of what we do as DENA reps is to champion Lasallian formation for all board members, making sure we are aligned on Lasallian thinking and Lasallian points of view,” Shea said. “We’re not just a governing board for a school, but a Catholic, Lasallian school.”

In addition to serving the DLS Board of Trustees, Shea is also on the DENA Mission Council.

Shea attended the University of Michigan, and has worked for the Detroit Tigers and Northwestern ¨ÆØÆÆ¡»ÆŒ¶ª¶ªÆªŁÆ Æ⁄‹‹¤ÆÆƪÆƶ´ªÆ´¶´´¡

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SCHOOL NEWS

Annual Dinner Honors Buslepp, Graus Nearly 700 alumni and friends of De La Salle Collegiate gathered at the Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, MI on June 2, 2021, to celebrate the contributions of longtime faculty member Gary Buslepp, the 2020 honoree, and Steve Graus, ‘74, the 2021 honoree.

Canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, the dinner moved from Penna’s, an indoor facility, to the outdoor location to ensure that alumni and friends could gather safely. Despite rain, it was the fourth highest grossing dinner of all time!

More details about the 2022 Christian Brothers’ Dinner in a future issue.

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SCHOOL NEWS

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SCHOOL NEWS Senior Schena Spearheads Mass Series at Cathedral

Schena contacted Fr. J.J. Mech, rector of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on Woodward, in Detroit, and worked with the Cathedral’s pastoral team to create themed Masses in June, July, and August. After Mass, there were refreshments and activities on the Cathedral’s plaza.

Schena said participation has grown, and he is seeing “more youth than I am used to seeing at Masses.” ˚ÆƪÆÆÆÆ ˘ÆÆÆŁŒÆÆŁÆ 2022.

“It was a lot of fun,” Schena said. “I liked getting to know others, and people not part of the planning group. And it was a way to help restore community after so much isolation and disconnection during 2020.”

In the spring of 2021, when local parishes re-opened their doors to congregations for in-person worship, senior Anthony Schena, Jr., joined his family at Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Grosse Pointe Woods, for Sunday Mass.

Noticing that the number of young people in the pews was down from pre-COVID restrictions, Schena decided to come up with a plan to increase youth attendance and participation at Masses not only at Star, but throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Making a Difference 12

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Assisting Schena with the planning were current senior Christian Bueti, current junior Avery Spindler, and current sophomores Dominic Bueti, Luke Schena, and Joey Olejniczak. Recent graduate Stephen Lubera, now at Albion, was also part of the team.

“We have a good foundation for the future,” said Schena, who hopes to major in human biology or business in college.

Various companies and organizations sponsored the ŁØÆÆŁÆ˘Æ¯ÆŁÆ¶ Professionals, and the Star of the Sea Knights of Columbus.

RICE WEEK COLLECTION DLS Students collected over 5,500 lbs of rice during Rice Week. The rice was donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank, as well as food pantries at St. Faustina Catholic Church, St. Margaret’s, and St. Jude.

SCHOOL NEWS

LEFT TO RIGHT: Asst. Principal Chris Dean ‘89, Jaden Bell, Kadin Featherstone, Caleb Reese, Principal Br. Ken Kalinowski ‘84.

Three Seniors Receive National Recognition

The honor is based on their remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT test and/or any Advanced Placement tests.

Congratulations to seniors Jaden Bell, Kadin Featherstone, and Caleb Reese, designated as College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars.

The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT, recognizes academic excellence through National Recognition Programs. Selected students can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing to identify students from underrepresented groups.

Junior Performs in Polish Music Festival

Several of Gardey’s performances are available for viewing on his YouTube Channel.

George Gardey, a junior, has only been playing piano four years, but is already performing at national and international music festivals.

In late July, Gardey traveled to Poland, to participate in the International Piano Festival in Naleczow. Now in its twentieth year, the festival attracts high school and college students who perform with a chamber orchestra, as well as solo.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZGG89Sz8F3BAXqRyGLMdA

A member of the DLS National Honor Society, Gardey is currently taking six Advanced Placement courses. He also plays football, and participated in the DLS Mock Trial Team as a sophomore.

He is unsure of his college plans, but would like to minor in music.

After starting piano lessons four years ago, his then-teacher recommended that he seek out Professor Kazimierz Brzozowski, a piano instructor in the Department of Music at Wayne State University.

Brzozowski is the founder and director of the International Piano Festival.

Gardey travels to Commerce Township each week for private lessons with Brzowoski.

Gardey has also participated in national music festivals, most recently held virtually with participants uploading a video.

George Gardey at the Polish Musical Festival in Naleczow, Poland

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SCHOOL NEWS

Rigby Ready for Retirement

“Very soon after beginning at DLS, I found that I never wanted to work anywhere else,” Rigby said. “The teachers and counselors here give 100% to students. I am always impressed by the way that we band together to support and provide each student exactly what he needs to be successful. I have also felt very fortunate to work with such caring parents, as well. We are like a big family, taking care of our kids together.”

Rigby taught the traditional Biology courses - College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement, but also developed the Anatomy and Physiology course. .

“Multiple parents requested an Anatomy and Physiology class, and I was asked to create the class,” Rigby said. “I created the class from the ground up, and gave it a clinical focus. I felt my experience and special insights would be helpful to the boys. Teaching the course was incredibly rewarding. Landing here, and teaching this class, felt like what I was meant to be doing.”

Dr. Laura Rigby

De La Salle Collegiate science teacher Laura Rigby, selected as Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016 by her colleagues, retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

A full-time teacher of Biology since 2007, Rigby went to ªŁÆÆÆØÆƪ

by COVID-19’s impact on her.

“My husband Dennis also had COVID, and he lost a 58-year old brother to a brain aneurysm,” Rigby said. “We decided it’s time to retire and head back to the country.”

Laura Rigby’s path to teaching had some side trips.

After high school, at Utica Stevenson, Rigby went to Wayne State University, earning a degree in chemistry, followed by graduation from Wayne’s School of Medicine in 1993.

But Rigby decided, after those years of school and preparation, that becoming a doctor wasn’t what she wanted to do after all.

Rigby and her husband are currently building a house in Dryden, in Lapeer County.

“We’re heading back to the country where we started out in the 90s,” Rigby said. “We plan on traveling around, camping, and seeing the country.”

An animal lover - the Rigbys have two dogs - she plans to do some volunteer work with dogs, possibly with a dog rescue organization.

While excited about the future, Rigby is sad about leaving.

“I will miss interacting every day with students,” she said. …ŒªŁÆŁŒÆŁÆ ØÆÆÆÆ from the things I taught him.

“Commencements each year are bittersweet. It’s like becoming an empty nester on a yearly basis. You miss them but are so proud of them at the same time. I can’t think of any greater legacy than to have been a part of shaping the lives of young people.”

She married her husband, Dennis, in 1997, and they built a house in Attica, east of Flint, and began raising their family.

When her sons were ready to start school, the Rigbys decided to move back to the metro area.

“I didn’t want my children riding a bus an hour each way,” Rigby said.

They moved to Macomb Township, and in 2004, Laura returned to school, at Oakland University, earning a Master’s in Teaching. Her mentor there encouraged her to apply at De La Salle.

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Dr. Laura Rigby on “Pajama Day” during Spirit Week

SCHOOL NEWS

Hicks Takes on New Position: Full-Time Dad

Brother Ken Kalinowski praised Hicks. “I know that it sounds ŒŒŁØØŁ… understand that his family needs him right now,” Brother Ken said.

Brother Ken noted Hick’s work in the Bill Fox Gymnasium, and his creativity in working with students to create murals in the school hallways this year.

“John has been a blessing to De La Salle, putting the Pilot back on the walls and our Lasallian seal,” Brother Ken said.

“He is truly a genuine man of service. His passion was to build boys and to make men!”

John Hicks, visual arts instructor at De La Salle Collegiate High School, is spending the 2021-2022 school year in a new position: full-time Dad. Hicks taught virtually through the spring of 2020, while all schools went to remote learning. He was the stay-at-home dad, juggling lessons and laundry, homework and housework. His wife Jessy, whose family owns Miller’s Orchards in Sterling Heights, continued to work at the family business, providing a real service to the community with fresh produce and onsite produced baked goods. Pre-pandemic, the Hicks children - Lyanna, 5, and Braylon, 3 ½, stayed with their grandparents.

But with Lyanna starting kindergarten, Hicks and his wife decided that the logistics of sitters, latchkey, and commutes would become more than they wanted to handle.

A graduate of the Center for Creative Studies (CCS), Hicks began teaching at De La Salle in 2015, and expanded the Art offerings during his tenure.

He initiated the Media Production Class, which produced the weekly FCN - First Class News. One of his initial students, Troy Belko ‘18, is studying animation at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Former news anchor Christian Dean, ‘19, is in the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan.

While he enjoyed teaching, Hicks plans to use the “additional” time to work on his own art pieces. He has had showings at several Metro Detroit area galleries, including Detroit Artists Market, Liberty Street in Plymouth, and Gravity Art and Skateboarding Festival (Ferndale).

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SCHOOL NEWS

Campus Ministry Plans Retreats, Liturgies

Sophmores on retreat at St. Faustina’s.

Campus Minister John Berlin has planned a full year of activities, including liturgies, retreats, service opportunities, and activities.

In addition to monthly all-school liturgies, which began September 10, Berlin says that Fr. Joe Gembala, pastor at St. Malachy’s, is offering weekly Masses each Wednesday at 7:05 a.m. in the school Chapel.

Freshmen and sophomores experienced all-day retreats during September, utilizing the facilities at St. Faustina’s (formerly St. Edmund’s), within walking distance of DLS. The fall Kairos retreat, open to juniors and seniors, is planned for November at the Colombiere Retreat Center; a second retreat is offered during the second semester.

While DLS has no mandatory service requirements at this time, due to ongoing concerns regarding health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Berlin encourages students to get involved with service activities on their own.

Mr. Berlin addresses Freshmen before walking to St. Faustina’s.

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Berlin is planning some out-of-school activities for students in the coming weeks, including volleyball at a local park, weather permitting, and some bike trips on local trails.

Berlin encourages student involvement to whatever extent possible.

“We know DLS has outstanding academics to develop their academic skills and sports to develop their physical skills,” Berlin said. “As students grow older, they develop their emotional skills. Participation in Campus Ministry helps develop the spiritual component of their education.”

Berlin has been at DLS since 2016, and taught in the Theology Department. He retired from the Detroit Fire •ªÆÆÆ„ Department Commission, working closely with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Berlin is the father of alumnus ˆÆ£‹ŁÆÆŒ¨Æ States Border Patrol. Berlin and his wife Laura are members of St. Isaac Jogues Parish (St. Clair Shores); they have three grandchildren.

Sophmores play tug-o-war during retreat.

SCHOOL NEWS New Faculty Members Bring Strong Skills The De La Salle Collegiate faculty for the 2021-22 school year includes new teachers Kevin Schulz (Music) and Talan Wall (Art).

Both are excited to join the staff - and both look forward to joining the Faculty IM Basketball team.

A Detroit Catholic Central alumnus, Schulz attended Central Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

An accomplished musician, he plays a variety of instruments, including percussion and piano, tuba, trombone, saxophone, guitar, and bass. He says he is most comfortable with those instruments but also plays others. He also sings, and in college, participated in the CMU acappella group, in addition to the university’s marching and concert bands, Talon Wall the basketball pep band, and a percussion ensemble.

As a high schooler, Schulz was active in the Shamrocks’ marching, concert, and jazz bands, and also played in the school’s full orchestra. He credits his love of music to his high school experiences. Schulz plays keyboard in a band that plays a lot of 70s Æ«£ØŁÆ on drums, bass, and vocals.

A resident of Northville, where he did his student teaching, Schulz is pleased to join the DLS staff.

Kevin Schulz Talan Wall joins the De La Salle staff as the Visual Arts teacher. Wall attended high school at Waterford Kettering, and majored in K-12 Visual Arts Education at Eastern Michigan University Wall completed student teaching at an elementary school in the Huron Valley District, and at Rochester High School. He is currently living in Pontiac.

A college professor encouraged Wall to apply for the DLS position, noting it was a ªªŁÆÆ˚ talents.

Wall is teaching Intro to Art, Advanced Art, Studio Art, and Portfolio Art. He enjoys working in two-dimensional art, and specializes in portraiture. He also works on commissioned pieces on the weekend.

An active athlete, Wall participated in wrestling, baseball, basketball, and track in high school, while completing the Advanced Placement portfolio curriculum.

Like Schulz, he has played in community basketball leagues, usually as a point guard.

“Even though DLS and Catholic Central are Catholic league rivals, I am excited to be in this new environment, which is familiar at the same time.”

“The school has been very Welcoming,” Wall said. “Already, this feels like a second home.”

Schulz is teaching Concert Band, and hopes to grow the DLS Music program.

Schulz echoed Wall’s comments. “I agree. ˙Æ place to be.”

Experienced Teacher Joins Science Department Welcome to Mrs. Mary Balamucki, who brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the De La Salle Science Department. Her classes include Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Advanced Placement Biology.

Mrs. Balamucki received her college degrees from Oakland University, including a bachelor of arts in biology, her ÆÆÆ master of arts in teaching.

Her experience includes both middle and high school assignments. She was named Secondary Level Teacher of the Year for the Van Dyke Public Schools in 2019; At the time, she was teaching at Lincoln High School, her alma mater.

As a child, Mrs. Balamucki wanted to teach.

“The best thing we can do to bring the next generation forward is to give them the gift they need to be successful.”

She chose to pursue science. “Science is the way that I understand God,” she said. “I believe that the Father created everything, and science gives me an ability to understand how perfect it all really is.”

After teaching virtually for nearly all of the 20-21 school year, Mrs. Balamucki was looking for a new challenge when she decided to apply to De La Salle.

“I’m looking forward to being in class with students,” Schulz said. His entire student teaching experience was virtual.

“Everybody here is so kind and supportive,” she said. “”It’s a beautiful school.”

Schulz includes playing in community basketball leagues as his “non-music indulgence.” He has played center, as well as shooting guard and small forward in his community recreation leagues. “I’ve got quite a wing span,” he said. “And I am a decent rebounder!”

She enjoys gardening, and is proud of her research efforts to create a garden with plants that attract bees, hummingbirds, ÆŁ¡…ØÆŁ this summer I haven’t seen in a while,” she said.

Mrs. Balamucki and her husband have four adult sons; they live in Clinton Township.

Talon Wall

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Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Leo Adewusi M Brendan Michael Allis C Nathan James Arnold C Franz Joseph Baan S Alexander Vincenzo Badalamenti Mario Salvatore Badali C Daniel Julian Baranowski C Andrew Joseph Bartkiewicz C Joseph Allen Basha II Alek Joseph Beginin N S Clayton Prenge Beleshi Luke Ronald Serra Boldman N M William Michael Boulus III N S Nathan Frank Buchkowski Joseph Antonio Buffa Adam J. Burghardt S Zachary Ryan Burton

Joseph Ford S

Quayci M. Jackson S

Matthew Edward Bushon C

Mark Anthony Fratarcangeli N I S

Joseph Adam Janusch

Connor Randolph Fredricks-Stebbins

Brady Matthew Johnson N M

Brent Michael Charrette N M

Craig Donald Fritz Jr. N S

John Michael Kafoury Jr.

Jacob Tyler Cichoracki C

Teagan Thomas Fuqua C

Daniel Robert Kaiser N M

Ayden Lynn Cole C

Noah Raymond Gaw M

Paul N. Kelliker M

Jayden Robert Conklin S

Soren Dea Gaw M

Cameron Kyle Kessler Q N I S

Ryan David Cornwell N I S

Joseph Dean Gerdes

Kihun Kim N S

Aidan Charles Dankanics N S

Tyler Robert Gerling S

Blake Ronald Knack C

Leo Alexander DeLaRosa

Jack Anthony Gohlke Q M

Michael Richard Kolpasky N C

Matteo Franco DeMichele

Hayden William Graham C

Matthew Brendan Kostuch

Ethan Michael Desjardine C

Anthony Joseph Hayes I

Jacob Lawrence Krajenke C

Mark Tanot Duane Devereaux

Luc Steven Heiss

Evan David Krass C

Rafe Shannon Dewar

Ryan Edward Hensley Q N I S

Jadyn Kraydich

Juan David Dicosmo N M

Suheum Heo Q N S

Jacob M. Kroll N S

John Vincent Frank Domanski

Jonathan James Heppler

Thomas George Lanzi N M

McGuire Joseph Dorcey

Colin Wyatt Hertel

Spencer Donovan LeBeau

Reagan John Dufrane N I S

Joseph Michael Hertel

Timothy William Lertola M

Preston William Earl N S

Joshua Peter Hoenscheid Q N I S

Logan Seth Lewerenz N S

Anthony Elias N I M

Linden Joseph Holder

Seve Benedetto Litz

David Antonio Enghauser

Sean Paul Hollowaty N S

Stephen David Lubera

Nicholas Matthew England M

John Eugene Hunt

Jack Thomas Lubinski

Thomas Alan Fedorczyk II C

Nicholas George Iafrate C

Anthony Zef Lucaj N S

Andrew Timothy Fergan Q N I S

Patrick Michael Jaboro N I S

Gabriel Michael Lueck Q N S

Dominic Joseph Carnaghi

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M

C

Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Masen Martin Schaefer N M Ryan James Schaeffer N S Jeremy Scott Schelosky C Bryan Michael Schneider N S Jacob Connor Scicluna Q N S Alexander Nicholas Sekulski M Joshua A. Severson Seth Terry Shira C William Anthony Shuwayhat M Justin Lee Smith M Kamarion Smith Omarion Smith Christopher David Sobocinski S Tyler John Solomon C Matthew Lawrence Spica M Jamison Mark Spring Q M Anthony A. Lulaj

Daniel Charles O'Brien M

Brett Andrew Stanley C

Joseph J. Lulaj M

Edmond Joseph Olejniczak IV N I S

Kellan Bennett Stempin C

Grant James MacDonald N M

Landon William Olesky M

Jack Michael Tempest S

Lucas Michael Malinowski

Michael Charles Olind M

Jack Kenneth Thompson Q M

Daniel James Maluchnik

Xavier Aletor Omozokpia N I S

Anthony Toma

Salvatore Joseph Maniaci N S

Martin Stanley Pawlenko S

Ethan Truong-Lam Tran

Joseph Marable C

Nicholas James Pellerito C

Mark Rolan Azucena Tungul M

Thomas J. Marsh I M

Avery Petri I S

Cade Matthew Vallelunga

Maxwell James Martinello C

Thomas Peter Petruzzello N S

Francesco Ventimiglia C

James J. McCarthy II

Jaheim SanJuan Pickett

Evan James Verschaeve C

Anthony Thomas McCollom N S

Francesco Endi Pizzo S

Theodore Nicholas Vougiouklakis

Quinn Harper McIntyre N I S

Nicholas Christopher Praet Q N S

Seth Michael Waters

Devin John McLean

Connor Markham Pullen M

Dylan Thomas Weaver

Gavin Francis Milne

Dylan Joseph Quitter C

Michael Christian Wisniewski Q N I S

Jacob Lawrence Moceri N S

Matthew Michael Rafferty C

Nicholas Blaise Yee

Brett Steven Moomaw

Andrew Joseph Ramirez I S

Amelio David Zaya

C

Aidan James Morphew N C

Jacob Jonathan Ramlow C

Lorance Andrew Morrison M

Dominic Anthony Rea C

Vincent Louis Motowski N S

John Marco Reinoso S

Gavin Gilbert Mullica M

Andrew Frederick Renaud N S

Zachary A. Mullins

Reynard Jeremaine Robinson Jr.

Alexander S. Nazarian N S

Kenneth G. Ryder

Austin James Nielsen N I S

Luke Michael Sabados C

Aaron Matthew Nieman I S

Nicholas Vincent Scarpa Q S

˜Æ¶ªØ˘ªŁ N National Honor Society I International Baccalaureate Candidate C Cum Laude M Magna Cum Laude S Summa Cum Laude

Special Thanks to Mark Wisniewski ‘83 for being our ketynote speaker for graduation!

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MERIT AWARDS

Joshua Hoenscheid

Andrew Fergan

Ryan Schaeffer

Valedictorian.…………………….................……......……Joshua Hoenscheid Salutatorians ……….……………….......................………………..Andrew Fergan Ryan Schaeffer Business First in Merit ……………………….....................……..Vincent Motowski Second in Merit ……................................………….……Thomas Lanzi Drama Performance First in Merit .........................………………………………… Austin Nielsen Second in Merit ……………………………...................…. Leo DeLaRosa

Music Instrumental First in Merit ……….……..……..........…….….... Joshua Hoenscheid Second in Merit ….……………................…….………….. Daniel Kaiser Science Biology First in Merit ………………………..............…..….. Joshua Hoenscheid Second in Merit ……………………..............….….…… Jayden Conklin Chemistry First in Merit ………..…………….................…….…….. Nicholas Scarpa

Engineering First in Merit …………………….................……..….. Xavier Omozokpia Second in Merit …………................……….…….……. Brady Johnson

Physics First in Merit ................................................................ Suheum Heo Second in Merit ................................................ Andrew Renaud

English First in Merit ……………..............………..……….. Joshua Hoenscheid First in Merit ……………...................…………….....……. Ryan Schaeffer

Social Studies First in Merit …………….……..............………...… Joshua Hoenscheid Second in Merit .................................................. Ryan Schaeffer

Fine Arts First in Merit …………………..………......................….... Quinn McIntyre Second in Merit …………...............………………..…… Andrew Fergan Second in Merit ……….............………..….……........ Andrew Ramirez

Theology First in Merit …………………...................……….…....…. Ryan Schaeffer Second in Merit …………..............………..……………. Brady Johnson

Foreign Language French First in Merit ……………….……...................................…...Ryan Hensley Second in Merit ..........................................................Amelio Zaya Spanish First in Merit …………..............………..…….……. Joshua Hoenscheid Second in Merit ……….………….…................……….... Ryan Cornwell Journalism and Yearbook First in Merit ……………………..............................…...........Tyler Gerling Second in Merit ………………………………........................ Jack Gohlke Mathematics First in Merit ……………...................………..………...…. Ryan Schaeffer Second in Merit ..………………...............……………... Andrew Fergan

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ALUMNI NEWS Alumni Danna, Piwinski Inducted into CHSL Hall of Fame

Alumni Class Captains Meet, Start Networking

Left to Right: Brandon Piwinski, Mr. & Mrs. Danna

Congratulations to alumni Mike Danna and Brandon Piwinski, inducted on Monday, September 13, 2021, into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony, at Fern Hill Golf Club (Clinton Township), honored inductees from both 2020 and 2021.

Starting with the Class of 1950, 31 alumni from 25 different graduation years met June 21, 2021, at De La Salle Collegiate for the inaugural meeting of DLS Alumni Class Captains.

Danna, who is now playing professional football with the Kansas City Chiefs, was part of the 2020 group.

Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, saw the meeting as a step in the right direction for further expanding the school’s already strong alumni base.

A DLS alumnus from the Class of 2015, Danna captained the DLS 2014 State Championship football team, and played three seasons at Central Michigan University.

Danna played his fourth season as a graduate student at the University of Michigan, before being drafted by the Chiefs.

Danna’s parents accepted the award on his behalf.

Piwinski, DLS ‘15, was a multi-sport athlete at DLS, and won the High Jump at the state level in both 2014 and 2015. Piwinski also played soccer throughout high school, ÆŁØ¡»Œ member of the 2014 state championship football team.

At the University of Michigan, Piwinski competed in both indoor and outdoor events.

He is beginning chiropractic studies at Life University in Atlanta.

“Mike Danna and Brandon Piwinski are outstanding men,” said Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations. “They were also outstanding students as well as outstanding athletes. They will now be remembered as among the ÆŁÆÆŁ¡ª …Æ college achievements were recognized by the Catholic High School League.”

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“It was tremendous to get all of the class leaders in the Æ history,” Koch said. “I think we successfully laid the foundation for something that will become even bigger ÆØÆŒ¡…ÆÆŁ having these class captains, we will be able to expand our reach with our reunions and our major annual school events, including the Christian Brothers’ Dinner and the Christian Brothers’ Classic.”

The group will meet at least annually, and will be in constant communication throughout the year.

“Becoming part of the class captains is a way of getting more involved with the school, and the various events De La Salle has throughout the year, and helps them communicate directly with their classmates.”

To join De La Salle’s growing list of class captains, contact Dennis Koch today at dkoch@delasallehs.com or 586.541.6221.

ALUMNI NEWS Alumni Association Board Formed

Alumni Department Plans College Visits

The De La Salle Collegiate Alumni Association Board assists Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, in providing support for various school and alumni events, including Career Day, college visits, the Christian Brothers’ Dinner, and the Christian Brothers’ Classic.

The traditional fall visits with alumni at various universities ÆÆÆÆ˙¶ print.

Any alumnus from the Classes of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s who is interested in participating should contact Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, at dkoch@delasallehs.com or 586.541.6221.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dave Baumgart, ‘76 Paul Brillati, ‘90 Justin Browning, ‘12 Vito Chirco, ‘11 Rob Ciaramitaro, ‘08 Peter Cracchiolo, ‘03 Andrew Grauzer, ‘04 Darryl Jackson, ‘09 Dennis Koch, ‘94 Brenden Kudla, ‘11 Jake Lepore, ‘10 Jon Miko, ‘15 Joe Novak, ‘03 Jake O’Donnell, ‘14 Jeff Resmer, ‘94 Jeff Spicuzzi, ‘08 Mark St. Peter, ‘81

Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, said the itinerary includes • • • • • •

Michigan State University University of Michigan Western Michigan University Saginaw Valley State University Northwood University University of Detroit Mercy

“These college visits give us an opportunity to check in with our recent graduates,” Koch said. “We also invite alumni who live in those areas. The undergraduates are able to connect with a fellow Pilot, while enjoying a meal and possibly an athletic event. This is a very good way to stay in touch with our young alumni.”

Additionally, President Larry Rancilio, ‘86, and Greg Esler, Director of Advancement, will be meeting with alumni in the Chicago area, and on the west coast.

Dates, times, and locations, as well as RSVP information, will be posted on the school website and on the DLS Alumni Facebook page. The information will also be sent via email.

ALUMNI GOLF LEAGUE

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ALUMNI NEWS Pilot Professional Associations Each of the three current De La Salle Collegiate Professional Associations is in the process of scheduling their fall events as The Collegiate goes to print. With COVID-19 impacting face-to-face meetings and events for 18 months, each group is eager to pick up and continue the opportunities for networking as well as assisting DLS students who may be seeking professional Æ¡ Up-to-date information will be published on the website, on the Alumni Facebook page, and shared via email with alumni.

For information on any of these groups, please contact Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, at dkoch@ delasallehs.com or 586.541.6221.

Pilot Bar Association ´ÆŁ› • Joe DeLave ‘80 • Mark Vanneste ‘97 • Donovan Asmar ‘06 • Steve Pacynski, ‘02 • Jim Biernat, ‘87 • Jay LaBarge, ‘93 • Michael Kus ‘69 • Francesco Orlando, ‘02 • Tim Orlando, past parent Plans: • Currently planning the fall annual meeting.

• Will be mentoring current students and young alumni.

Pilot Medical Association ´ÆŁ› • Peter Cracchiolo ‘03 • Chris Fett ‘90 • Andrew Koczara ‘08 • Charlie Lucas ‘55 • Phil Nahirniak ‘08 • Frank Petruzello ‘87 • Brad Sabo ‘03 • Nick Schesnuk ‘09 • Pete Watson ‘90 • Julie Martel, Friend Plans: • Currently planning opportunities for students to pair/ shadow with established medical professionals.

• Members will be speaking with the students in the DLS Medical Club.

• Setting up and coordinating opportunities for students to volunteer at local hospitals.

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Pilot Business Association Plans: • ˙ŁªŒÆ¡ • Currently planning opportunities for student shadowing, as well as possible internships and employment.

• Members will be guest speakers for students in DLS Business classes, as well as the popular DLS Stock Market Club.

Career Day Planned for January 2022 Professional alumni are invited to participate in the Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Career Day at De La Salle.

The popular event, which gives students an opportunity to listen and learn from professional alumni in numerous professions, was cancelled in January 2021, due to COVID-19.

Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, said the opportunity for alumni to meet with students pays dividends for both sides.

“In past years, not only have students learned from our alumni, but alumni have actually connected with students and offered them internships and employment,” Koch said. “A great example of how important Career Days are with our students is when the late Ed Martel, ‘87, was the keynote speaker, and Kyle Suminski, ’11, was inspired to pursue physical therapy.” Suminski now ª»˜Łˆ˙ª DLS Brother Robert Activity Center. …ÆŁÆÆÆÆŁÆ Dennis Koch, Director of Alumni Relations, at dkoch@delasallehs.com or 586.541.6221.

Ben Aloia ‘90 speaks at Career Day in 2019.

ALUMNI NEWS Alumni Fund New 3D Printers Thanks to alumni Chris Fett and Tom Ensign, both from the Class of 1990, De La Salle has two new 3D printers for use in the school’s Engineering classes.

Barger teaches four classes, including Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design, and Digital Electronics. The Engineering classes follow the curriculum of Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a ÆƪÆÆŁÆÆ⁄‹‹“¡ˆ¿˙˚ŒÆ from a high school engineering program to offering comprehensive assistance in computer science and engineering to K-12 and universities.

Mr. Ron Barger, who teaches the various Engineering courses, said the new printer is a welcome addition.

“The old printer was nearly ten years old,” Barger said. “It didn’t always work well, and the software has changed.”

Barger uses the 3D printer in conjunction with other tools in creating real-life products.

“Students are more engaged in the hands’-on aspect of creating a product,” Barger said. “For example, we have created phone cases by using the 3D printer. Students ŁŁªŁªÆÆ then put those measurements on paper. Then they take those measurements and recreate them by using the CAD software. Then they submit it to the 3D printer for ÆŁ¡˙ÆŒÆÆŁ have completed the task correctly. “ Pictured Top: Chris Fett (Left), Tom Ensign (Right)

DLS Flag Flying at OLSOS Gregory M. DeMars, DLS ‘00, who attended Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSOS) Grade School in Grosse Pointe Woods, recently moved back to his old neighborhood near the school. He participated in the school’s 2020 online auction, and was the winning bidder on the ªªŁÆÆ ª¡

DeMars, whose 3-year-old is enrolled at Star’s pre-school this fall, invited family and friends to Star on Friday, August 27, 2021, for the Æ¡

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ALUMNI NEWS

Class of 2017 Alums Enjoy Three-Month Road Trip

Anderson said they traveled about 50 miles each day, ¡“£ŒŁŁŒ to stay when we got there.”

They described camping in a Nebraska town, in a city park (with police permission), and being awakened by sprinklers at 1:30 a.m. - their sleeping bags, clothing, and tent were soaked. “We spent the rest of the night on picnic tables under the pavilion,” Pelione said. ˙ƺºªÆ¡ “Those couple of days were the worst,” Anderson said.

They spent 17 days in Colorado, before heading to Utah and Arizona - always visiting national parks.

They cited Zion National Park in Utah as a highlight.

“That was probably our favorite site,” Pelione said. “We did a phenomenal hike to Angel’s Landing which has breathtaking views.”

Anderson’s older brother Kyle, ‘13, who lives in a Phoenix suburb, drove them to Los Angeles, so they could avoid the high temperatures of southern California.

Ryan Anderson and Vinnie Pelione, both from the Class of 2017, spent nearly three months, from May 22 to August 5, 2021, traveling 2,900 miles from Michigan to California.

Anderson, who attended Michigan State University, said he had been thinking about the trip since his freshman year of college; when he and Pelione, who was at Hope College got together, they’d talk about it.

“Realistically, we took about a month to plan the actual route,” Anderson said.

Their plans included visiting as many national parks as possible, and occasionally traveling with some family and friends by car.

But unlike most “road trips,” the two traveled by bicycle, carrying tents and sleeping bags, and camping in parks most of the time. They had a portable propane oven and a solar-powered phone charger.

Their initial days were in Michigan, traveling north and across the Mackinac Bridge to the upper peninsula. They journeyed on to Wisconsin and Minnesota, and then to Æƪ¡Æ¡ Rushmore as the hardest day of their entire trip, with the steepest incline.

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ALUMNI NEWS At times, friends and family members met them for a few days, and together they visited national parks.

At times, they took a wrong turn.

At times, they encountered wild dogs. Coyotes. Wild bison in South Dakota. They saw a black bear, and a grizzly, from a car window.

And they kept daily journals.

“It was actually good writing on paper,” Anderson said.

“We wanted to be able to look back in 20 years. We wouldn’t remember if we just had pictures.”

The trip cost them about $4,000 each, including food, beverages, camping fees, and occasional lodgings.

Anderson, a Finance major at MSU, and Pelione, a Kinesiology major at Hope, are already thinking about their next venture. ·ÆÆ˚ŒÆÆÆØ we’ll quit our jobs, and go somewhere. Who knows? South America? Europe?”

NOTE: Their trip was chronicled with pictures and updates on the De La Salle Collegiate Alumni Facebook page.

FIRST DAY

LAST DAY

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ALUMNI NEWS Third Generation of Wisniewskis Joins DPD

Alumni Meet at OU White Coat Ceremony

Left to Right: Louis Zingas ‘14 and Steve Staeb ‘16.

Ryan Wisniewski, '16, was sworn in as a member of the Detroit Police Department on August 20, 2021 at Campus Martius Park in Detroit. At the ceremony, Ryan received the MCOLES Award for outstanding performance.

Ryan represents the third generation of Wisniewskis to serve the citizens of Detroit, starting with his late grandfather Ronald Wisniewski, who served in the DPD's Mounted Division for over 30 years, and his father Chris (shown at right), DLS '82, who served in the DPD in the 5th Precinct on Jefferson and recently retired from the Sterling Heights police force.

Louis Zingas and Steven Staeb are both attending the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.

The two encountered each other on August 6, 2021, during the “White Coat Ceremony” for the Class of 2025 at Oakland, and realized they were both De La Salle Collegiate alumni.

Originally an Economics major, Zingas graduated from Brown University in 2018 with a degree in biology. He earned a master’s in 2020 in Medical Science from Boston University.

“The master’s program really helped me solidify my desire to go into medicine by providing a similar environment to what I’d expect to go through in medical school,” Zingas said.

At Brown, Zingas played varsity soccer all four years, and was team captain for his senior season. As a freshman, he earned Ivy League all-rookie honors (2014).

Staeb attended Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, and graduated from the MSU Honors Program summa cum laude, with a degree in human biology.

He was involved with numerous volunteer programs at Michigan State, including fundraising efforts for persons with disabilities. Staeb worked closely with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at Michigan State, with service on the executive board of Tower Guard, the student-run organization dedicated to serving the RCPD.

Keith Jablonski, ‘92, is shown here with his son, Luke, ‘25, after the St. Lawrence Mustangs won the CYO Baseball Championship in 2021.

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Staeb received the 2020 Board of Trustees award, given to students who maintain the highest cumulative GPA throughout their four years of college, as well as the Spartan Volunteer Service Award.

ALUMNI NEWS Military Honor Wall Dedication Set for November For several years, a bulletin board in the main hallway at De La Salle Collegiate was used to identify alumni who have served in the United States military.

The centerpiece of that Veterans’ Wall was a picture of Robert L. Poxon, Class of 1965, who died in Vietnam in 1969, and posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon in 1972. Lt. Poxon’s Medal of Honor citation was also displayed.

A new, more permanent display will be dedicated on Sunday, November 7, honoring Poxon, along with other alumni from De La Salle and St. Joe’s who have served honorably in the armed forces. The display will be on the east wall of the school’s Commons, near the front entrance. Alumni who have not yet registered for inclusion on the wall may do so by going to the school’s website and clicking on “Alumni/Military Veterans.”

Mike Jolly, who served in the U.S. Army for six years, including a year of active duty in South Korea during the Vietnam War, is spearheading the project.

“Secondly, we want to inspire our current students to service of any kind - not only military service but ÆØÆ¡ª Jolly expanded on the service aspect. “We are not a military academy and most of our kids come from civilian families. Few planned on the military as a career. Yet our alumni - going back to World War 2 and Korea and Vietnam - when called on, they answered the call.”

More than two years ago, Jolly and others created a committee to advise on the project. The group includes retired teacher Mike Karas, who saw service in Vietnam, along with several current staff members, past parents, coaches, and teachers with military service. Poxon’s sister Karen has also been part of the group.

An anonymous benefactor is funding the project.

Final details on the dedication ceremony are still in the planning stages. Details will be posted on the website, and shared with alumni via email.

US ARMY

Medal of Honor

US MARINES

LETTER ASDFASFDADF ADFADFADF ASDFADFADF

US AIR FORCE

A longtime teacher and coach at De La Salle, Jolly said the project has two purposes.

“First, we want to honor the service of our DLS and SJ alumni,” Jolly said.

Five alum on WSU Dean’s list Congratulations to the following alumni, named to the 2020-2021 Dean’s List of the Wayne State University College of Engineering.

The group includes

US NAVY

US SPACE FORCE

US COAST GUARD

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must either earn a GPA of 3.5 or above with at least 12 credit hours or a GPA of 4.0 with six to 11 credit hours.

The Dean of the College of Engineering, Farshad Fotouhi, notes that “This is no small feat in an academic area as challenging as engineering, complicated further by the adversity students faced adapting to a virtual learning environment during the pandemic.”

• Matthew Bussiere ‘13 • Zoran Chovich ‘18 • Jordan Colina ‘18 • Christopher Gumieny ‘18 • Brendan Madigan ‘18

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ATHLETIC NEWS Jolly Inducted into National Coaching Hall of Fame Congratulations to veteran football, basketball, and lacrosse coach Mike Jolly, inducted into the National Coaches Hall of Fame in a ceremony held July 28, 2021, in Lincoln, NE. Jolly, a former teacher and athletic director, as well as the “father of DLS lacrosse,” is no stranger to coaching honors. His seven Hall of Fame memberships include the CHSL and Macomb County, as well as distinguished service awards from both the coaching and athletic directors associations in Michigan. He’s been recognized as the U.S. Lacrosse National Man of the Year and received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) “Peter Kohn” Award.

Even Mt. Clemens High School, where Jolly spent only his senior year after a family move from Dearborn, is honoring him this fall. “I was a very average athlete at the time but had inspirational coaches who helped me become much better and later able to successfully compete at the collegiate (MSU) level,” Jolly said.

“I wanted to become like them.”

But Jolly said the ceremony in Nebraska was a very unusual experience, and he appreciated the moment.

He said, “It felt different. I felt peaceful and very comfortable. I wasn’t excited. After 52 years of coaching, I’ve reached a level of comfort in my work with kids.”

Jolly recalled the words of the author Kurt Vonnegut.

“Vonnegut wrote, ‘you have to stop and take time to say if this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is’.”

Jolly continues to be involved with De La Salle Collegiate, supporting the athletic programs, steering the Veterans’ Wall Committee, and working with students every Wednesday afternoon at a local gun club where students learn various clay target shooting techniques.

He is also a regular at all DLS events.

The 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree has been married for 48 years. He and his wife Gay are the parents of seven sons, grandparents of 16, and great-grandparents of 13.

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Golfers Take Fifth at 2021 State Tourney ˙ˆ»˘··•ØÆ⁄” Tournament June 11-12 at Michigan State University's Forest Akers West Course, with a two-day total of 617. Ann ·˘ÆŒ¤‹§¡ Ethan Tran, ‘21, tied for 13th. Rounding out the team were Adam Burghardt, who is continuing his golf career at Wayne State University, Nick Iafrate, Avery Petri, and Seth Waters.

"This is a group that loved to hang out together and play golf," said Doug McKay, head varsity golf coach. "Their love of the game led to their success." ˙ˆÆŒÆÆÆ¥£¥⁄ regional with a 295 team score, besting Romeo at 314, and Grosse Pointe South at 320.

Tran also topped the regional with a 3-under 69.

The regional win was a back-to-back win for the team, which had no season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A seventh straight Macomb County Championship at the Orchards, the DLS home course, was also part of the season's highlights.

"These were not 'country-club' kids," McKay said. "They practiced throughout the winter, utilizing the area's indoor golf simulators. They did yoga. They practiced their technique. And they had great team chemistry."

ATHLETIC NEWS

(left to Right) Tyler Gerling, Paul Kelliker, Brett Stanley, Joseph Basha, Linden Holder, Jayden Conklin

Seniors Earn Top Awards Congratulations to these members of the Class of 2021, winners of these Year-End Athletic Awards:

Brett Stanley Br. Kevin Gilhooly Athlete of the Year

Stanley earned 3 varsity letters in football, 4 varsity letters in wrestling, and 3 varsity letters in baseball. He is attending Kalamazoo College where he will play baseball.

Tyler Gerling Tony DeSantis Man of the Year

Gerling earned 3 varsity letters in football. He will attend Michigan State University.

Linden Holder DLS Distinguished Athlete

Holder earned 4 varsity letters in basketball. He will attend Northwood University on a basketball scholarship.

Joseph Basha DLS Distinguished Athlete

Basha earned 4 varsity swimming and diving varsity letters. He will attend the University of Cincinnati on a diving scholarship.

Paul Kelliker Br. Robert Carnaghi Lasallian Spirit Award

Kelliker earned 2 varsity letters in football. He will attend Oakland University.

Jayden Conklin DLS Scholar-Athlete Award

Conklin earned 2 varsity letters in football, and 1 varsity letter in baseball. He will attend Michigan State University.

Br. Kevin Gilhooly Athlete of the Year Award: Presented to a student-athlete who has excelled in one or more sports.

Tony DeSantis Man of the Year Award: Presented to a student-athlete who is an all-around student, and who has worked hard in and out of the classroom.

Br. Robert Carnaghi Lasallian Spirit Award: Presented to a student who is a dedicated supporter of his fellow Pilots.

DLS Scholar-Athlete Award Presented to a student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom and in his sport.

DLS Distinguished Athlete Award Presented to a student-athlete who has excelled in his sport.

How the award winners are selected: Coaches and staff members nominate young men for each award; a committee of administrators, staff, and coaches then review the nominations.

THE COLLEGIATE | FALL 2021

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ATHLETIC NEWS Weight Room gets makeover

Season Passes for Home Games Now Available

Among the projects at De La Salle Collegiate this summer, the weight rooms in the main school building and at the Brother Robert Activity Center (BRAC) were updated with new equipment.

De La Salle Collegiate is now selling an All-Sports Athletics pass for $50 per person. The 2021-22 pass is valid for home games of all fall, winter, and spring sports; the pass excludes CHSL playoffs and championships, as well as MHSAA tournaments and playoffs.

Director of Operations Joe Gerardi, ‘86, said it was “time for a refresh” at both facilities. …ÆƪÆÆÆÆÆÆŒˆŁ Brillati ‘90, created a refreshments counter in the school building weight room. New equipment replaced the old equipment.

At the BRAC, the existing weight room has almost all new equipment, replacing the old equipment left over when the facility was purchased in 2010. ˙»˜Łˆ˙ª BRAC, also uses the weight room for patients.

Each person entering a home athletic event needs a pass to enter, or a ticket purchased online, through the HomeTown Fan app, available for IOS and android.

By purchasing tickets online, fans will be able to present a ticket for scanning at the gate, similar to the pre-purchasing options available for all professional sports and other entertainment venues.

To buy passes, visit the Athletics Pass webpage at delasallehs.com Direct questions to Assistant Athletic Director Dennis Parks at dparks@delasallehs.com or 586-541-6230

DLS Provides FREE Streaming of Home Events!

DLS has partnered with LocalLive to create the DLS Livestream, a FREE streaming service for all home athletic games and school events.

Completed games will be available on demand, in case you miss the action!

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available.

Please conatct Dennis Koch for more information.

To watch a game, visit delasallehs.com/athletics-home/livestream

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THE COLLEGIATE | FALL 2021

IN MEMORIAM 1940s Sal Ciaravino, ‘46. August 11, 2021. Brother of the late William (Vito) Ciaravino, ‘50.

John Tosch, ‘62. July 13, 2021. Father of Jon Tosch, ‘94, Jim Tosch, ‘95, and Joe Tosch, ‘97. Grandfather of John Tosch, ‘25. Brother of Dan Tosch, ‘59.

Ed Higgins, '42. March 5, 2020. Uncle of Mark Gnaster, ‘71.

1980s

Dr. Arthur Molitor, '47. June 5, 2021. Father of Chip Molitor, ‘84.

William “Bill” Richards, 47. May 3, 2021.

Dr. Vincent Turcotte, '48. April 28, 2021. Brother of the late Dr. Jerry Turcotte, ‘50.

George D. McCabee, ‘43. July 14, 2021. Father of Michael McCabee, ‘77. Brother of Robert Nefske, ‘43.

1950s Dr. William M. Collins, '52. May 2, 2021. Brother of Terrence Collins, ‘54, and the late Ryan Collins, ‘40. Cousin of the late Bill Cromie, ‘35, the late Edmund Schulte, ‘36, the late Cy Schulte, ‘39, the late William Schulte, ‘47, William Collins, ‘87, Nino Landa, ‘07, and Joe Landa, ‘09.

Robert (Bob) Fields, ‘58. April 26, 2021.

Thomas Gamalski, '51. March 12, 2021. Brother of the late John Gamalski, ‘42, Joseph Gamalski, 44, and Gerald Gamalski, ‘46. All four brothers were military veterans.

Richard F. Loy, SJ ‘51. April 18, 2021.

Dr. Dennis DePalma, D.D.S., ‘57. December 1, 2020. DDS. Albert Schaller, ‘55. May 12, 2021. Brother of the late Justin C. Schaller, ‘53, and Roger Schaller ‘56. Uncle of Justin P. Schaller, ‘95, and David Schaller, ‘05. Al and his brothers were the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honorees in 1993.

Stanley Wegrzynowicz, ‘54. May 29, 2021. Father of Matthew Wegrzynowicz, ‘85, and Mark Wegrzynowicz, ‘88.

Stan was inducted into the DLS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Paul Bottini '89. November 15, 2020. Brother of Michael Bottini, ‘00. Uncle of Christopher Sobocinski, ‘21. Cousin of the late Ken Edwards ‘88, and Bill Edwards, ‘86.

Frank Dombrowski, ‘83. July 5, 2021. Frank was a Senior Fire Lieutenant with the Detroit Fire Department.

John Schulte, '80. May 20, 2021.

Anthony (Tony) Vitale, '87. May 15, 2021. Brother of the late John Vitale, ‘84.

Extended Family Bill Edwards, BFSC. June 29, 2021 Father of Bill Edwards, Jr., ‘86, and the late Ken Edwards, ‘88.

Larry Harte. August 27, 2021. Larry was a long-time assistant coach for the DLS Tennis Team Linda Jablonski. May 6, 2021. Wife of Dennis Jablonski, SJ ‘64. Mother of Douglas Jablonski, ‘90, Keith Jablonski, ‘92, and Michael Jablonski, ‘96. Grandmother of Luke Jablonski, ‘25.

Phyllis Linn. August 15, 2021. Grandmother of Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84.

Alice Poledink. June 3, 2021. Wife of Paul Poledink, ‘59.

Barbara Singelyn. May 24, 2021. Wife of the late Michael Singelyn, SJ ‘62. Mother of Michael Singelyn, Jr., ‘87, and Jim Singelyn, ‘90, DLS teacher and swim coach.

Diane Smith. November 18, 2020. Mother of Tim Smith, ‘90.

Wife of Frank Smith, a past DLS Dads’ Club President.

Fr. Robert (Bob) Witkowski, '53. May 10, 2021.

1960s Robert "Bob" Dael, '65. March 30, 2021. Son of the late Julius Dael, 45. Brother of Dennis Dael, ‘70. Nephew of the late George Dael, ‘47.

Dennis Lorence, '63. April 3, 2021.

George W. Smith, '66. March 23, 2021. Father of Brian Smith, ‘95.

THE COLLEGIATE | FALL 2021

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