Brother Bernard Service Award

Presented to Opolski, Garner

Recent graduates Jonathan Opolski and Luke Garner were presented with the Brother Bernard Guzewicz Service Award at the spring honors banquet in early March.

Named for the late Br. Bernard, who served as a Christian Brother at De La Salle for many years before his death in 1985, the award represents selfless service to others.

Faculty member Ben Westphal ‘16, moderator of the DLS National Honor Society, has high praise for both students.

"Jonathan is active in school and in the community,” Westphal said. “He has embraced any task he has been given, and has done it with grace and a smile. Jonathan is an active member of our Student Council, Link Crew, and National Honor Society. He also was a member of our Varsity Tennis Team. Jonathan has taken charge in coordinating school events, and is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever asked. Jonathan is a role model for all students and a prime example of who Br. Bernard was.”

Of Garner, Westphal said, “Luke is a student who has taken the initiative and drive to help those in the community and in the school. He has been an active member in our Student Council, Link Crew, and National Honor Society. Luke was also the Rector of Kairos 51, where he made a massive impact on those involved. He is a true Pilot who displays the core values of service and respect for others. He truly embodies what is a strong representation of Br. Bernard."

Sam and Nada Simon Foundation Benefits DLS Students

The Sam and Nada Simon Foundation, co-founded by philanthropists Sam and Nada Simon, paved the path for recent graduate Michael Perry during his time at De La Salle.

The Simons have played an integral role in his development, both inside and outside the classroom. And, because of their generosity, Perry is now ready to further his education at Tuskegee University, located in Tuskegee, AL.

In early May, Perry met Nada Simon in person for the first time, and offered high praise for the impact she has made on him.

“She helped provide stepping stones for me to get through my time at De La Salle,” Perry said. “She gave me my ‘Yellow Brick Road’ for success.”

Although Sam and Nada Simon had no ties to De La Salle until a few years ago, they embody the Lasallian spirit, and have lived a life of giving back and serving others.

Advancement Director Greg Esler believes the impact that Nada has had on Perry will extend beyond his four years as a Pilot.

“I’m so thankful for the fact that the Simons have become a part of the De La Salle family,” Esler said. “They are tremendous people, and truly exemplify the Lasallian way. It’s one of the many reasons why I believe the relationship between Michael Perry and Nada Simon will last forever.”

De La Salle is forever grateful to the Simons for their support of Michael and the students of De La Salle.

Local Group Donates to DLS Sportsmen’s Club

On behalf of De La Salle, Sportsmen’s Club moderator Mr. Mike Jolly accepted a check for $550 from the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

Jolly said the funds will be used to support the clay target program, helping to offset entrance fees for competitions.

Several years ago, the local group, known as the “Beards and Spurs” chapter of the NWTF, partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help fund the “Archery in the Schools” program, an effort to get students interested in outdoor activities.

The group’s initial donation of $3,000 during the 2005-2006 school year was used to purchase full sets of archery equipment.

In addition to Archery and the Clay Target program, the Sportsmen’s Club also offers students opportunities to participate in other outdoor activities. Currently, faculty member John Berlin moderates the Kayak/Canoe group.

“Depending on student interest - and having moderators, we have offered fishing, paintball, fencing, rowing, and sailing,” Jolly said.

He noted that alumni have earned college scholarships in fencing and rowing, and says the University of Michigan has a competitive fishing team.

Students Present at Annual Art Showcase

Approximately 75 students submitted at least one piece of artwork to the 2023 Annual Art and Music Showcase held at DLS in late April.

The Art students were enrolled in a variety of classes, including semester courses (Introduction to Art, Digital Video, and Computer Graphics) and year-long courses (Studio, Advanced Studio, and Portfolio).