Odyssey
SUMMER 2021
THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
The Big Picture Focusing on what matters most at De Smet Jesuit
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3 MORE STATE CHAMPS • REUNION REBOOT • CONGRATS TO CLASS OF 2021
Odyssey THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
VOL.21 NO.2 SUMMER 2021
In this issue ON THE COVER Take away the crowds and work within the restrictions, and what’s left shows us what’s most important: students overcoming stressors, ordinary and extraordinary, to make the most of their high school experience — however redefined it may be. Digital media students like Henry Anyimadu ’23 (holding camera at right and on cover) collaborated on recruitment videos, event coverage, and this issue’s cover photo, reminding us all to keep our eyes on the big picture. PHOTO BY EVAN SCANLON ’23
DEPARTMENTS
14
1 A Message
From Daniel Zepp
Look Forward and Wonder
NEWS & NOTES
2 Headliners
Celebrating the Class of 2021 with graduation on the turf DEBBIE HIGGINS
10
School-wide news and events
4 Gratitude
ALUMNI CONNECT
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
16 Class Notes
21 The Big Picture:
Latest news from alumni and event highlights
20 Milestones
Brotherhood
Spartan lacrosse breaks MICDS’ 99-game winning streak
Births, marriages, and in memoriam listings
Advancement news and gifts at work
6 Spartan Country
Athletic news, season recaps, and school spirit
10 Magis
Student experiences that extend beyond the classroom
11 Showcase
Noteworthy student achievements
12 Academics
Highlights from the classroom
4
KIM BRUNTS
SPOTLIGHT
CARRIE BECHER
6
KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
KNEELING IN COVER PHOTO: PATRICK MCFADDEN ’23
ODYSSEY MAGAZINE
A Message From Daniel Zepp
EDITOR
Debbie Higgins ASSISTANT EDITOR
Carrie Becher DESIGN
Toucan Design ODYSSEY MAGAZINE is published two times per year. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission with appropriate credit to Odyssey Magazine, De Smet Jesuit High School.
Dear Friends
CORRESPONDENCE
De Smet Jesuit High School 233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141 314.567.3500 / Fax 314.567.1519 www.desmet.org
DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
When I arrived at De Smet Jesuit in March, my highest priority was to gain an understanding of the “big picture” landscape of this school community. I sought the perspective of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and community leaders. I wanted to know their hopes and aspirations for De Smet Jesuit, and their reasons for choosing to study, work, and give back here. Many common themes emerged from those discussions, but by far the number one takeaway was that De Smet Jesuit is a community that loves fiercely and cares deeply. The past school year, impacted in so many ways by the pandemic, necessitated focusing on the things that mattered most. This issue of Odyssey recaps our winter and spring in the context of some memorable moments, some “big pictures” that capture the essence of what we prioritized at De Smet Jesuit in 2021: faith, family, brotherhood, growth, generosity, and time for reflection.
PRESIDENT
Daniel A. Zepp, Ph.D. PRINCIPAL
Kevin Poelker ’98 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Debbie Higgins
Resilience was also a necessity this year, and no one modeled it better than our students, faculty, and staff. They responded to often unpredictable circumstances with creativity, humor, and grace. Our Class of 2021 deserves a special shoutout, as well as our gratitude, for their legacy of leadership, service, and brotherhood. Please join me in welcoming them as the newest members of our alumni community, more than 10,000 strong.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Jeff Cernicek ’92
MISSION De Smet Jesuit inspires and prepares men for and with others to transform the world, ad majorem Dei gloriam.
KEVIN BERNS ’87
As you read through this issue, I hope you share the pride I feel for our great school. The new school year is filled with promise, and we are eager to begin again.
LATEST NEWS FROM SPARTAN COUNTRY VISIT THE NEWS HUB desmet.org/about/newshub
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK De Smet Jesuit High School De Smet Jesuit Alumni FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @DeSmetJesuitHS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @DeSmetJesuitHS WATCH US ON YOUTUBE @DeSmetJesuitHS CATCH EVENTS ON DSN (De Smet Student Network) desmet.org/dsn
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The new school year is filled with promise…
Thank you, as always, for partnering with us on our journey. We will keep you, your families, and the entire De Smet Jesuit community in our prayers. Blessings, Daniel A. Zepp, Ph.D. PRESIDENT
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2” tall Spartan Helmet for grey pant
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Mission, Accomplished DE SMET JESUIT EARNS COGNIA RE-ACCREDITATION The relationships between students and adults at De Smet Jesuit are strong enough to shine through the barrier of computer screens and impress a virtual accreditation committee. In April, De Smet Jesuit successfully completed a virtual re-accreditation process in partnership with Cognia (formerly AdvancEd), an organization that has supported educational institutions for 125 years. De Smet Jesuit undergoes re-accreditation every five years “to ensure we are doing everything we can to serve students well,” said Robert Hutchison, English Department Chair and chair of the accreditation team. The re-accreditation process required eight months of preparation and creative planning during a school year altered by the global pandemic. Mr. Hutchison and his faculty team, Bridget Bowers, Drae Cox, Kelsey Grimm, Alex Hall, Pete Musso, and Tony Plein, guided professional development days to evaluate De Smet Jesuit’s programs in the context of Cognia standards. Cognia representatives conducted virtual conversations with students, teachers, parents, trustees, and community partners focused on three domains: learning, resources, and leadership. 2
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COMMENDATIONS INCLUDED: n A strong Ignatian identity; we are successfully integrating the Jesuits’ Graduate at Graduation principles into our programs. n Outstanding relationships exist between students and the faculty, coaches, and staff. n The school provides students and faculty with experiences that cultivate and improve leadership effectiveness.
An identified area for growth is the need to implement more consistent data collection and analysis procedures to measure how students learn. “The process was a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our successes and learn how we can best leverage improvements to help our students and our school,” said Mr. Hutchison. Dr. Cox catches up with Joe Barringhaus ’24 after biology class.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT MAHONEY
DEBBIE HIGGINS
The process was a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our successes and learn how we can best leverage improvements to help our students and our school.
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Hall of Famers
C ongratulatory messages from alumni, parents, and students flooded De Smet Jesuit’s social media channels when the news was announced.
DISTINGUISHED HONORS FOR RETIRED FACULTY MIKE KARPOWICZ Metro District 8 Music Teachers’ Hall of Fame
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Mike Karpowicz, who retired from De Smet Jesuit in August 2020 following a 35-year tenure as Band Director and instrumental music teacher, was inducted into the Metro District 8 Hall of Fame in February. Congratulatory messages from alumni, parents, and students flooded De Smet Jesuit’s social media channels when the news was announced. “He was the best teacher I ever had,” said Lonnie Weishaar Jr. ’97. “He taught me so much about music and about life.”
COLIN DONOVAN ’18
Mr. Karpowicz addresses the audience at a band concert, circa 2018.
PAT MAHONEY St. Louis Football Coaches’ Hall of Fame Pat Mahoney, who retired from De Smet Jesuit in 2017 after a 15-year tenure as Head Football Coach and P.E. teacher, was inducted into the St. Louis Football Coaches’ Hall of Fame in May. Coach Mahoney is the winningest football coach in school history with a record of 98-69. Under his leadership, the Spartans won seven district titles, five MCC titles, one state championship (2005), and four trips to the Final Four. Coach Mahoney works with his players in 2012.
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Gratitude
No Excuse Not To RSVP
PATRICK GAFFNEY ’97
CONNOR POHL ’21
CONNOR POHL ’21
ROOM FOR ALL AT REVAMPED EVENTS
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For one of the trivia questions we had 300 texts come in just a few minutes. There was a definite buzz.”
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On backyard patios, in basement pubs, and even from comfy couches, more than 1,000 Spartans from around the world joined the virtual “Lights! Camera! Auction!” with almost 800 devices on March 6, raising more than $525,000. Auctioneer Graham Crowe (at left) emceed via livestream, organizing live item bids and keeping the at-home audience up-to-date on totals. Behind the scenes, Kevin Quigley ’71 and his team from Switch executed the hybrid event with a smooth blend of live components and pre-recorded videos, while the Advancement Team hustled to track incoming bids and manage trivia game winners. “Our phones were blowing up in the studio,” said Jeff Cernicek ’92, Director of Development. “For one of the trivia questions we had 300 texts come in just a few minutes. There was a definite buzz.” Special thanks go to Auction Chair Eileen Curl, Honorary Co-Chairs Chrissy Nardini and Jenny Walbert, and the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the event possible and successful beyond just the Central Standard Time zone. Other traditional fundraisers that went virtual for 2021 included the trivia night in April where 130 participants and 10 alumni sponsors raised $5,000 for the Alumni Association, and March Madness that raised $12,800 from 242 donors. The winning class (for the third year in a row!) was 1990, reaching 55% giving — breaking their own record from last year. Online gifts are always welcome at www.desmet.org/ giving/give where the “Make A Difference” fund provides tuition assistance so young men can benefit from a De Smet Jesuit education based upon their ability to learn and not upon their ability to pay. At bottom, right: Alumni and current families gathered for small in-home auction parties, such as the pub party with (from left) Patrick Gaffney ’97, Daniel Zepp, Rob Goga, Beth O’Leary, John O’Leary ’95, and (in front, from left) Sarah Gaffney and Kay Goga.
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GENEROSITY
GRATITUDE Witness here the giving of time, talent, testimony, and tribute to De Smet Jesuit as Spartans collaborate to ignite the generosity of our community in pre-recorded cameos for the first-ever virtual auction. Cameraman Dan Duffy ’90 captures legacy Colin Brunts ’22 while alumnus-turned-fundraiser Jeff Cernicek ’92 and Jacob Curl ’22 watch. Carefully planned and genuinely executed, videos such as these brought life and spirit to the virtual event. PHOTO: DEBBIE HIGGINS
Spartan Country
Spartan
Competitors, Spartan
Champions
DEBBIE HIGGINS
OVERCOMING SHORTER SEASONS, SMALLER CROWDS, AND QUARANTINES
BRENDAN GILJUM
Head Coach: Aedryan Cox, @DeSmetWrestling Wrestling finished its season with five state qualifiers, three state placers, and back-to-back State Champion Jacobi Jackson ’21 — who is also the first three-time state finalist in Spartan history and the All-Metro wrestler of the year! Led by Jacobi and fellow seniors Tanner Jackson and Colton King, the team prevailed through a very difficult season. Despite many opportunities being cut short because of COVID-19, our wrestlers had several consistent team and individual showings, including a second place team finish at districts and a fifth place team finish at state.
STL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Wrestling
Basketball Head Coach: Kent Williams, @KentWilliams33, @DeSmetBBall Winning De Smet Jesuit’s 33rd basketball district championship — the first in eight years — the Spartans were a mainstay in the top five for STLToday.com’s Top 10 Area Large Schools in a COVID-shortened 22-game season. Winning the Circle 7 Showdown for the third straight year and competing in one of the state’s toughest schedules, the Spartans averaged just under 60 points per game while holding their opponents to 47 points per game. Notable accomplishments included Brian Taylor ’22, first All-State selection since 2013; Jeremiah Walker ’21, 17th player to join our 1,000-point club; Sekou Gassama ’21 setting school records (makes and attempts) scoring 24 points while shooting 17–20 from the free-throw line against Chaminade; and Justin Duff ’23 setting a school record with eight steals vs. Lafayette. 6 Odyssey
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Racquetball Head Coach: Brendan Giljum, @DeSmetRball The Spartan racquetball squad was young and hungry this year. Thankful to be able to play safely with the pandemic, the young men out-performed even their own expectations against a very tough MOHSRA schedule. Senior leadership set the tone of hard work, and the entire roster grew because of it. Joseph Hartrich ’21 made the 2nd Team All-State while teammates Chris Beason ’22, Cole Schelling ’21, and Drew Weber ’21 earned Honorable Mention All-State.
KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
WINTER
Head Coach: Dan Likos ’94, @DeSmetGolf Spartan golf brought home its fifth state championship this year, for the first time since 2003! Led by Drew Hollman ’21 and Blake Skornia ’22 (left), golf had an outstanding season, finishing third at the Bantle, second in Columbia, and first in the district. The team graduates three of its starters and seven of its players, but has players eager to fill the openings and looking to defend their title next year.
DAN WATKINS
DAN LIKOS ’94
Golf
Hockey Head Coach: Chris Durso, @desmethockeystl As the Municipal Division champions and the top seed heading into Mid States Hockey Playoffs, the Spartans advanced to the semifinals, ending their season with a record of 17-4-2. Nick Salthouse ’23 made 1st Team All-Metro and Vito Biondo ’22 (below) made 2nd Team All-Metro.
SPRING Baseball Head Coach: Dave Stewart, @DeSmet_Baseball Led by 16 seniors defending their state title, Spartan baseball came on strong at season’s end to make a run in districts, losing in the finals against CBC in extra innings. In MCC All Conference, Kevin Korte ’21 made 1st Team with Sam Cardwell ’23 and Justin Keuss ’21 on 2nd Team.
Head Coach: Conrad Deneault ’87, @DeSmetInline The inline program continues to grow, and all three teams had very successful 2021 campaigns! For starters, De Smet Jesuit fielded a team and took home the championship in the Missouri Inline Hockey Association pre-season tournament! A young varsity team finished the regular season 8-6-0-0 and lost an overtime heartbreaker in the playoff quarterfinals. JV had a tremendous regular season at 11-2-1-0, reaching the championship game with a banged-up team and losing an overtime thriller to finish second overall. The C team also had a very strong regular season at 10-3-0-1, losing a hard-fought semifinal playoff game 1-0. The future is bright with all of the returning players!
KYLE STOCKMANN ’21
DAN LIKOS ’94
Inline Hockey
7 SUMMER 2021
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JACOB LORIMIER ’22
CHARLIE MATHEWS ’21
Spartan Country
Track and Field
JACOB LORIMIER ’22 JACOB LORIMIER ’22
Head Coach: Joe Douglas, @DeSmetLacrosse On their run to the state championship, lacrosse finished 12-5, losing to just three opponents by only nine goals. A complete team with no glaring weaknesses, Spartans broke a state streak with their season victory over MICDS (see page 21) before falling to them at state. Seniors like Harry Nardini (above), and captains Nolan Ruder, Connor Clancy, and George Lane commanded the team with their leadership, along with All Conference seniors Jack McCook and Carter Edwards and juniors who stepped up coming off only having a freshman season in 2019. Congratulations to U.S. Lacrosse All-Americans Nolan Ruder ’21 (defense) and Gavin Bomstad ‘22 (attack).
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JACOB LORIMIER ’22
Lacrosse
Head Coaches: Michael Russo and Bryan Traughber ’97, @DeSmetTrackXC Returning to competition after a lost season in 2020, the track and field team boasted an exciting group of talented young athletes who turned in one of the most successful seasons in recent history. As one of the smallest schools in Class 5, De Smet Jesuit still finished third in districts (highest finish since 2012) and fifth in sectionals (highest finish in more than 20 years), and it qualified seven different events to the state meet (the most in at least 20 years as well). The team was led by Connor Pohl ’21 and Brendan Harter ’21 (ninth in state high jump), and juniors Curtis Mayes, Caleb Key, Khalid Stewart, and Peter Hentges. Athletes with notable individual state meet performances also include Christian Gray ’23 (10th in 200 m), Sherodd Tate ’23 (13th in discus), and Ray Cloud ’24 (13th in 400 m). Freshman Mike Phillips earned All-State honors by placing seventh in the shot put, and the 4x200 m relay team of Gray, Hentges, Key, and Elijah Thomas ’23, also earned All-State, placing eighth. More important than any of these accomplishments, however, is the culture of commitment and competition that these athletes brought each day to the team. We are excited to see what this young squad can accomplish in future years.
STEPHEN WEN
KEVIN BERNS ’87
Tennis Head Coach: Mike O’Brien, @DeSmetTennis Led by captain Dillon Trembath ’21 (above), the varsity tennis squad finished the regular season with a 5-5 record, with victories over CBC, Vianney, Francis Howell Central, Duchesne, and Principia. Every member of the MCC tournament line-up earned medals, and the team finished third overall at the conference tournament. The majority of the varsity line-up should return next spring, along with some promising underclassmen. Lastly, after 13 years of exceptional service to our players, JV Coach Gene Bender is stepping away from the program. Thank you for everything, Coach Bender!
STEPHEN WEN
Head Coach: Peter Lenzini, @ DeSmetUltimate Two years ago, Priory brought the De Smet ultimate Frisbee team’s 11-year run as state champs to an end. COVID deprived the Spartans a chance at redemption in 2020. This year, the team committed to bringing the hardware back to Spartan Country. After a dominating season with a 7–0 record, in the final match against Priory, Andrew Hermann ’21 (right) caught a 50-yard throw from Leo Fiordelisi ’21 to bring an end to a 6-2 run by the Ravens and change the game’s momentum. Playing a stifling man-to-man defense, Spartans went on a 7-1 run, then finished off the game 14-9. Special thanks to our 10 seniors: Brendan Butler, Rhys Costello, Leo Fiordelisi, Joe Hood, Andrew Hermann, Nick Hubert, Andrew Insco, Matt Kohm, Braden O’Shea, and Kyle O’Shea.
Volleyball Head Coach: Timothy Haffner, @DeSmetJesuitVB Led by Tyler Zippay ’24, James Zippay ’22 (left), Logan Irby ’21, and Cole Hemmen ’21, the Spartans finished third in the MCC and fifth in the state tournament, dropping a hard-fought, five set-battle in the state quarterfinal. Though the team graduates half its squad, there are several key returners and promise from the JV squad that will help the team next year.
Water Polo Head Coach: Taylor Swyers, @PoloDeSmet The Spartans ranked seventh in the Missouri Water Polo Coaches Poll after a tough start that ultimately led to a 4-8 overall record. Playing a reduced schedule because of COVID, the team lost five games by one goal but later found redemption by beating CBC and Parkway Central, two prior losses. Michael Dolan ’21 (right) and Caleb Dunbar ’22 were both named 2nd Team All-Conference and All-District.
ETHAN BECHER ’21
JACOB LORIMIER ’22
Ultimate Frisbee
9 SUMMER 2021
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PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
Magis
These Are Your Brothers JUNIOR RING CEREMONY COMMISSIONS CLASS OF 2022 AS LEADERS
At top: (from left) Jack Manuel, Jake Bush, Louis Beaudoin, Beau Richert, Seamus Flanagan, Ethan Knabe, and Colin Bloeser Above, left: Tommy Hashbarger with his parents, Mary and Mike
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Above, right: Alex Frank with his mother, Brenda
We W e have a responsibility to set an example for all the younger classes about what it means to be a Spartan.
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Juniors at De Smet Jesuit receive class rings or St. Ignatius medals to wear as symbols of belonging to their school and one another. The annual junior ring ceremony, held this year on May 15 on Suntrup Field, commemorates the beginning of the juniors’ time as De Smet Jesuit’s student leaders. Members of the Class of 2022 sat with their guests under umbrellas in pods of three to pray and reflect. Student speakers lauded the resilience of the class and reminded them of the importance of supporting one another during their final year at De Smet Jesuit. “We are thankful for this day as we celebrate a Bruegbig milestone in our lives,” said Pete Brueg gestrass ’22. “This year of interruption was brought to you by COVID-19, but we come out of it stronger as a class and as a school.” “Look around you. These are your brothers,” said Nick Abel ’22. “We have a responsibility to set an example for all the younger classes about what it means to be a Spartan,” Nick said. “It is up to us to show them why De Smet “May all who wear these rings, Lord, is a place to be proud of.” Dedicate themselves to a life of generous service,
The Blessing of the Rings
Living and working not for personal gain, But for your greater glory, And the good of all whose lives they touch.”
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REFLECTION
SHOWCASE Student-produced hype videos and smart phones enhanced this year’s Annual Student Art Show by inviting viewers to scan QR codes, watch or listen to a prompt, then respond with a personal reflection. After a season of remote learning and virtual events, art teachers Laurie Kohler and Emily Ledbetter remained inspired to continue incorporating technology into formerly traditional situations and to encourage student engagement with artwork by their peers. PHOTO: CARRIE BECHER
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3D Vision STUDENTS DESIGN MODELS OF CAMPUS LANDMARKS
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The only limit in the class was our creativity. When I was able to pull off an idea, it was really satisfying.
At top: Jacob Lorimier ’22 checks on the print status of his model of Suntrup Field. The project required troubleshooting how to keep old filament from clogging the printer and the finished project took nine hours to print.
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Above: The completed model of Suntrup Field.
“I didn’t have an outline, so I had to draw the curves of the track freehand,” said Jacob Lorimier ’22, explaining a challenge he faced while designing a model of Suntrup Field for Mr. Bender’s 3D Printing class. Determination, creative problem solving, and patience served students well as they learned to design and print three-dimensional objects. Using Autodesk Fusion 360, professional-grade software created for engineers and machinists, students built everything from a working door hinge to a helicopter and even Thor’s hammer. They began with simple design projects, including a six-sided die, to learn the basics of the software and practice skills, such as identifying which modifications were necessary to print projects successfully. “The only limit in the class was our creativity. When I was able to pull off an idea, it was really satisfying,” Jacob said. His model of Suntrup Field was complete with field markings, goal posts, and windows in the press box. Jacob’s turf replica was one of the class’s final assignments. It required students to create 3D models of campus landmarks using Google Maps and photos as reference points for architectural detail. In the last week of classes, students were tackling the challenge of designing chess pieces branded with De Smet Jesuit logos. This elective class, growing in popularity, provides “a fantastic creative outlet for students,” said Mr. Bender. “They enjoy the collaborative nature of the work.”
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
Below: A screenshot of Caleb’s design in Autodesk Fusion 360.
Above: Caleb Dunbar ’22’s model of Boian Chapel includes details like replications of the window structures.
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GROWTH
ACADEMICS Senior Insignis presentations, given every spring, are as unique as the journey of each Spartan. Thomas Schuster ’21, a DURT Robotics team captain, constructed robots with increasingly complex designs to symbolize his growth from freshman to senior year. “The design of the senior year robot was the most sophisticated to represent increasing confidence in my goals for the future,” he explained. PHOTO: DEBBIE HIGGINS
Spotlight
Celebrating the Class of 2021 with graduation on the turf
Forward
LOOK and
Wonder
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At top: Connor Niebruegge in the Class of 2021’s graduation procession. Above: President Daniel Zepp presents Jeremiah Walker’s diploma. Right: Liam Weishaar greets his mom, Cynthia, with a hug.
DEBBIE HIGGINS
This was a class who gathered on the baseball field as freshmen to witness a rare solar eclipse and, four years later, processed onto Suntrup Field to conclude a senior year that was dramatically altered by a global pandemic. In between their uniquely memorable beginning and ending, the 172 members of the Class of 2021 modeled leadership, resilience, and brotherhood. “Now we look forward and wonder about the beyond,” said Jack Jones, Class of 2021 valedictorian. “We try to fit the pieces together to join ourselves and service; our greatest joy meeting the world’s deepest need; what we are going to make of the life that is in front of us. It seems like a daunting challenge … but with this experience under our belt, I think we are equipped to handle anything.” Thank you, Class of 2021, for proving time and again your ability to rise above challenges and emerge even stronger as a class and as individuals.
KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES
Smiles, hugs, wind-blown National Honor Society hoods, a weather delay, and fireworks were all part of the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 on May 16, De Smet Jesuit’s 51st commencement exercises.
DEBBIE HIGGINS
KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES CARRIE BECHER
DEBBIE HIGGINS
KEVIN BERNS ’87
“The 172 members of the Class of 2021 modeled leadership, resilience, and brotherhood.”
Valedictorian Jack Jones (at left) and salutatorian Ben Mueller Charlie Mathews (at left) and Kevin Jeffries with their digital media teacher, Kevin Berns ’87 (From left) Ian Quinn, Matt Kohm, and Drew Inso (From left) Jonathan Fales, Deveion Griffin, Nicholas Zak, Michael Appel, Ethan Becher, and Deandra Smith
KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES
Clockwise, from top: Confetti and fireworks mark the conclusion of the Class of 2021’s graduation.
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Class Notes
19 70s “Rabbit Tracks,” a painting by Robert Dreyer ’76, was juried into the AFC (Artists for Conservation) 2021 International Live Exhibit of Nature in Art. This marks the 10th year of Robert’s selection into this international touring event. He joined AFC as a signature member in 2009. Congratulations, Robert!
After teaching science for 28 years, Rick Kron ’84 took on new position — dean of students at Soldan High School.
19 90s In June 2021, the University of Tennesee’s baseball team earned a trip to the College World Series under the leadership of head coach, Tony Vitello ’97.
20 10s
19 80s Jeff Leonard ’81 is senior vice president of marketing for Wells Fargo. He lives in Clayton, Mo., with his wife, Robin.
Adam Chkautovich ’10 and his wife, Carolyn, were married on May 22, 2021 in St. Louis, Mo. They reside in New Orleans, La., where Adam is an MES/ MOM and automation associate manager at Accenture Consulting. Andrew Laposha ’10 and his wife, Andrea, welcomed their first son, Isaac Oliver, on February 20, 2021. Isaac weighed one pound at birth and has
DEBBIE HIGGINS
The Class of 1971 and former faculty gathered at Circle 7 Ranch on June 2, 2021, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of De Smet Jesuit’s first graduation ceremony, held at the Loretto Hilton Center in St. Louis. The Class of 1971 has spent more than a year planning its 50th reunion celebration, slated for September. Look for more about our first 50th reunion class in future issues of Odyssey.
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DE SMET JESUIT ARCHIVES
ON THIS DAY IN SCHOOL HISTORY
spent his first months in the NICU at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. A July update from Andrew read, “Isaac is doing quite well following successful hernia surgery! We are hoping that he’ll get to go home in the very near future.” Joseph Detwiler ’11 was ordained to the priesthood by the Archdiocese of St. Louis on May 29, 2021. He is currently serving Queen of All Saints Parish in Oakville, Mo., as Associate Pastor. “The Lord has been so abundantly generous to me throughout my life, and He is continuing to do so in calling me to be one of His priests,” said Fr. Detwiler after the ordination ceremony. He is pictured at Ascension Parish, where he served as a transitional deacon during his final seminary year, after saying Mass on June 12. > CLASS OF 2021 ALUMNI LEGACIES (Front row, from left) Nicholas Zak ’21 and Brian Zak ’91; Mark Mersmann ’21 and Ken Mersmann ’83; Ben Davis ’21 with a photo of his father, the late James Davis ’91; Yaya Keita ’21, Jim Harter ’83, and Brendan Harter ’21; Rocco Erker ’77 and Rocco Erker Jr. ’21; (second row, from left) Robert Miromonti ’88 and Jack Miromonti ’21; Dave Stockmann ’88 and Kyle Stockmann ’21; Kevin Ruder ’93 and Nolan Ruder ’21; John Leimkuehler ’84 and Jack Leimkuehler ’21; Conrad Deneault ’87 and Tommy Deneault ’21; (third row, from left) Brad Rumping ’21, Joe Rumping ’85, and Bryan Rumping ’21; Steve Costello ’87 and Rhys Costello ’21; Patrick Orr ’91 and Michael Orr ’21; Jacobi Jackson ’21, Brian Jackson ’85, and Tanner Jackson ’21; (fourth row, from left) Steve Boveri ’81 and Phil Boveri ’21; Scott Rubis ’84 and Peter Rubis ’21; Scott Huber ’82 and Matthew Huber ’21; Eric Mundwiller ’83 and Max Mundwiller ’21; Con Lane ’84 and George Lane ’21; (back row, from left) Andrew Herrmann ’21 and Joe Herrmann ’83; Rocco Fiordelisi ’84 and Leo Fiordelisi ’21; Chris Redmond ’85 and Thomas Redmond ’21; Bill Mansfield ’80 and Will Mansfield ’21; Darren Hale ’93 and Nick Hale ’21 Not pictured: Stephen Butler ’89 and Brendan Butler ’21; Kevin Capellupo ’83 and Jacob Capellupo ’21; Brian Freund ’93 and Andrew Freund ’21; Carmelo Gabriele ’83 and Vincenzo Gabriele ’21; Vito LaFata III ’90 and Vito LaFata IV ’21; Corey Quinn ’90 and Ian Quinn ’21; Brian Schoemehl ’90 and Brendan Schoemehl ’21; Matthew Walters ’90 and Jack Walters ’21; Michael Weber ’86 and Thomas Weber ’21
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KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES
FAMILY
ALUMNI CONNECT It feels like a family. We hear it time and again about our school. It’s what draws people to us and it’s what motivates them to return. And year after year, it’s one of the many reasons why alumni choose to enroll their sons. All for the life-changing experience of being a Spartan. PHOTO: KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES
Class Notes
Reunion
THE TRADITION CONTINUES SAVE THE DATE
Reboot
All members of the De Smet Jesuit community are invited to participate in The Tradition Golf Tournament, slated for Friday, September 10, at Tapawingo National Golf Club. Watch your email for registration and sponsorship opportunities and visit desmet.org/ tradition for more information. Questions? Contact Patrick Morris ’06, pmorris@desmet.org.
ALUMNI ENJOY ON-CAMPUS CELEBRATION
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Reunion celebrations postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic took place at De Smet Jesuit on June 11. Alumni from classes ending in 0 and 5 marked milestone reunions, enjoyed catching up with classmates, and meeting De Smet’s new president, Daniel Zepp.
DE SMET JESUIT HALL OF FAME NEWS The Hall of Fame Committee — comprising faculty, staff, and alumni that span all six decades of De Smet Jesuit — has selected Brian Lavin ’72 and Larry Linkul ’71 as the 2021 De Smet Jesuit Hall of Fame inductees. For living lives as “Men for and With Others,”
Brian Lavin ’72 18 Odyssey
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Larry Linkul ’71
40th Reunion Class of 1980
they will join the ranks of other faculty, staff, and alumni Hall-of-Famers this fall. The formal induction, which will kick off Reunion Weekend, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 23, at De Smet Jesuit. The Class of 2020 Hall of Famers — Chris Higgins ’88, Scott Wirtz ’95 (posthumously), and retired faculty member/basketball coach Bob Steiner will also be inducted that evening. For all information and to purchase tickets, please visit desmet.org/giving/events/halloffame. 35th Reunion Class of 1985
45th Reunion Class of 1975
30th Reunion Class of 1990
25th Reunion Class of 1995
10th Reunion Class of 2010
1st Reunion Class of 2020 Because pandemic restrictions canceled the Alumni Association’s welcome event for the Class of 2020, these young alumni were invited to join the reunion festivities.
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
5th Reunion Class of 2015
20th Reunion Class of 2000
15th Reunion Class of 2005
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Milestones
MARRIAGES
LITTLE SPARTANS
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Andrew Laposha ’10 and Andrea: Isaac Oliver, February 20, 2021
CATHERINE GUIDRY
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Adam Chkautovich ’10 and Carolyn: May 22, 2021
IN MEMORIAM This listing includes notifications of the passing of De Smet Jesuit alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and immediate relatives through June 15, 2021. If we have missed someone, please notify the Alumni Office at alumni@desmet.org or 314-567-3500. Sheila Kern Alcorn, mother of the late Mark Alcorn ’77
Sally Guignon, mother of Michael ’74 and Scott Guignon ’88
Audrey Sullivan, grandmother of Andrew ’12 and Patrick Sullivan ’15
Ronald R. Barlow, father of the late Ronald Barlow Jr. ’84
Marion Haskell, mother of Timothy ’98 and Kevin Haskell ’01
Anthony E. Szczuka, father of Anthony Jr. ’80, Edward ’83, and William Szczuka ’87
Virginia Bira, mother of Michael ’76, Patrick ’77, and Robert Bira ’85
Stephen R. Hawkins ’06
James C. Tegethoff, father of James Tegethoff III ’85 and grandfather of James Tegethoff IV ’16
James D. Brady, father of J. Brian Brady ’84 Norma Fraser, mother-in-law of John Eisenbeis ’80, and grandmother of August Eisenbeis ’25 Marshall Frenchie ’10 Joseph D. Goode, father of Patrick Murphy ’87
GETTING MARRIED? EXPECTING? We’d like to help you celebrate, but we can’t print news about future weddings or babies. When your plans become reality, please let the Alumni Office know and we’ll be happy to print your news. Please consider sending photos too!
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William E. McKeon, father of William ’79, Mark ’84, and Matthew ’92, and grandfather of Patrick McKeon ’12 Anthony Monachello, father of Anthony Monachello ’78 June O’Meara, mother of Michael O’Meara ’90 Marian C. Schnettgoecke, grandmother of Michael ’99 and Brian Schnettgoecke ’06 Neil C. Schueler ’94
Joseph S. Vacca, ’73, brother of Matthew ’78, Daniel ’80, John ’85, and the late Mark Vacca ’74 Peggy L. Vollmer, mother of Raymond Jr. ’75 and Keith Vollmer ’77 Mary H. Walk, mother of Michael Walk ’71 Joseph M. Zeigler, father of Joseph III ’81 and Thomas Zeigler ’92, and grandfather of Joseph Zeigler ’23
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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BROTHERHOOD
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS Spartan lacrosse trampled the turf at MICDS on April 13 when De Smet Jesuit became the first Missouri team in seven years and 99 games to take down the Rams. Connor Clancy ’21 scored the game-winning goal moments after Kyle Granquist ’22 saved the penalty shot, leading to the 8-7 overtime victory and elevating the ferocious brotherhood that comes from perseverance, a total team effort, and everyone playing his part. PHOTO: KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
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Parents: If this issue of Odyssey is addressed to your son who has established a permanent address, please notify the Alumni Office of the new address: call 314-567-3500 or email alumni@desmet.org
KAIROS #119
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FAITH
WHAT REMAINS
Strip away the traditional schedule. Shorten the free time. Add the masks. And yet, what remained as powerful as ever in the spring 2021 Kairos retreats — the first since the pandemic — were student leaders still willing to put themselves out there. To be honest and vulnerable. To talk about God, faith, self, and how we grow and change, even as the world and traditions change around us. PHOTO: CARRIE BECHER