Warrior Connections Spring 2018

Warrior connections

WARRIOR CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2018

In this issue GRADUATES 8-9 OUR SCHOOLS 4-7 ALUMNI UPDATES 12-13 WORDS FROM OUR LEADERS 14-15

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Table of contents Featured stories Graduation Our Faith Briefs Auction Alumni Views Ron Richard

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Above: Junior Madison Childs donated blood during the second blood drive of the school year.

McAuley partnered with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Right:McAuley Catholic High School students competed in a national Power Lifting tournament held in Oklahoma City, Ok. (front row) Eric Staab, Cade Englert, Coach Nick Freitas, and Gavin Derganc (back row) Mary Pham, Aidan Lopez-Brown, John Tran, Connor Ramsey, James Zapletal, Hogan Wiseman, Ramiro Cantu Reyes, and Johnny Johnson

Recurring stories From the Editor School Updates Alumni Updates Tracey Welch Joanne Lown Georgiana McGriff

McAuley and St. Peter’s students volunteered at the Joplin Miracle League baseball games. Front row: Karissa Glover, Kelsi Glover, and Kendall Ramsey. Back Row: Kyle Glover, Claire Lowry, Emma Adams, Lily Black as Homer, Johanna Damaso, Korey Glover, and Thomas Black.

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Front cover: After four years of hard work, co-valedictorians Dorothy Ostmeyer (left) and Conalee Churchwell show off their joy before graduation.

WARRIOR CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2018

From the editor

O

ne of the most exciting days in anyone’s life is their high school graduation. For seventeen of McAuley’s students, that day was May 13, 2018. These students have participated in sports, scholar bowl, yearbook, journalism, FBLA, honor societies, academic competitions, and more. They have plans that range from doctor and lawyer to undecided majors, but what they have in common is a strong Catholic background and a longing to make their mark on the world. We wish them well in all they do.

Their pictures can be found on pages 8-9.

Alumni are looking to reinvigorate the alumni association. The committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 in the McAuley library. Also please be sure to include us in all of your life events @ alumni@jacss.org.

Without our alumni and their families, the schools could not continue. The Auction is our single largest fundraiser, and many of you helped to make it a great success.

That story can be found on page 11.

Finally, all of our JACS students have finished yet another event packed semester. Please enjoy the images and stories in these pages of our future alumni!

Kaari Schrader ‘90

Warrior Connections

Joplin Area Catholic Schools PUBLISHER McAuley Journalism Class EDITORIAL Editor: Kaara Schrader Phone: 417-624-9320 Fax: 417-626-8334 Email: kschrader@jacss.org CONTRIBUTORS Margie Black Emily Lone Georgianna McGriff Dorothy Ostmeyer Annette Taylor Tracey Welch

ADMINISTRATION System Director: Georgiana McGriff Phone: 417-624-9320 Email: gmcgriff@jacss.org McAuley/St. Peter’s Principal: Tracey Welch Phone: 417-624-9320 Fax: 417-626-8334 Email: twelch@jacss.org St. Mary’s Principal: Joanne Lown Phone: 417-623-1465 Fax: 417-623-4749 Email: jlown@jacss.org

PHOTOGRAPHY Ruth Atchley Margie Black Marjorie Comer Annette Taylor Tai Carrillo Annelise Pinjuv Mary Pham Kaara Schrader PRINT aprintis GENERAL ENQUIRIES McAuley Catholic High School 930 Pearl Joplin, Mo 64801 Phone: 417-624-9320 Website: www.jacss.org

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in Warrior Connections is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Warrior Connections takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text.

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St. Mary’s students took part in many springtime faith-filled activities

Top Left: St. Mary’s had several Voice for Life contest winners this school year.

Kindergartener Quin Gorman placed 2nd in Coloring.

5th grader Isabella Griffin received Honorable Mention in Posters.

Miley Dang, 5th grade, received 1st place in Poetry. Ann Hamlet, principal, is pictured with the students.

Above: Brendan Pankow and Sophia Jones took part in St. Mary’s annual cup stacking contest.

Students helped try to set a stacking record.

Above: In our service to God and others we are proud to say that during the 2017-2018 school year St. Mary’s collected items, shared hours of service, and raised over $14,000 for various needs and organizations. Here the Pre-School class presents a check to St. Rose School.

Right: St. Mary’s held their annual Field Day in May. Students competed in various competitions and enjoyed time outside with friends and volunteers who kept the day on track. McAuley students also helped volunteer that day. Here students of all ages share in the joy of the school year.

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St. Peter’s students led the way with service activities

Top: John, Anna, Audrey, and JoJo Wheeler showcased their musical skills in a performance for students at St. Mary’s.

Left: St. Peter’s 6-7-8th graders recently spent a service day in the Prayer Garden at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City. They planted tulip bulbs, raked leaves and cleared away debris. Fr. Rahab Isidor, pastor of Sacred Heart, talked with the students about Lent and heard confessions.

Students ended the work day with a Rosary in the Prayer Garden.

Right: The St. Peter’s 8th-grade class gathered for a final picture before graduation. The group also spent a day with their mentors visiting McAuley and attending classes.

McAuley looks forward to welcoming our St. Peter’s students at the high school.

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Unity, activity abound for McAuley students Top Right: Audiences of all ages enjoyed Isa Herrera, Briley Rogers, David Green, Caelen Johnson, and Molly Hunter in Hyronymous A. Frog May 3-5 under the direction of drama teacher Drew Fethers.

Below: McAuley girls prepared for the Rustic Romance Prom, held at the Civil War Ranch in Carthage, Mo. Pictured are (front) Taylor Schiefelbein, Carmen Colson, and Courtney Bates. (back) Mary Pham, Gliza Damaso, Bella Bertoncino, Becca Freitas, Sydney Martinez, Claire Lowry, Maddy Szell, and Johanna Damaso.

National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and National Honor Society held an induction night in April with dinner provided by Red Onion. Below, new SNHS members Tianna Carrillo, Indira Madrigal, and Madison Szell light the induction candle.

Below left: McAuley students held a May Crowning to honor our Blessed Mother. This was also the last school Mass for the Seniors.

Bottom right: On Monday, February 12, Senior Jake Doyle scored his 1500th point; on Tuesday, February 13, Coach Randy Robertson earned his 500th win; and on Thursday, February 15, Senior Abby Schiefelbein scored her 1000th point!

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Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29 - Feb. 2 reminds us Christ is the forefront of our lives

Top Left: Kindergarten teacher Annette Kastler Taylor, along with the McAuley liturgy choir, leads the singing.

Middle Left: Bishop Edward Rice gives a powerful homily about the importance of Catholic education.

Bottom Left: St.Peter’s students serve the Mass that was concelebrated by Bishop Rice, Fr. J Friedel, and Fr. Justin Monaghan.

Top: Spanish and PE teacher Margie Black receives teacher of the Year, while Mary Ann Turk receives the Benefactor Award. They are pictured with Bishop Rice.

Bottom: St. Mary’s students kneel in prayer before Mass begins.

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McAuley Catholic graduates 17 in ‘18

Nicholaus Atchley Undecided

Francis Bartholet MSSU

Domenick Blanchette NEO

Conalee Churchwell MSSU

Tygran Gilligan Undecided

Kyle Glover University of Oklahoma

Rachel Hardy Crowder College

Evan Metoyer NEO

Dorothy Ostmeyer University of Arkansas

Annelise Pinjuv Missouri State University

Olivia Powell MSSU

Abby Schiefelbein Pittsburg State University

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Carmen Colson University of Arkansas

Jake Doyle NEO

Henry Schaeffer NEO

Dakota Yellow Thunder Crowder College

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Briley Rogers Westmont University

“We made it!”

Contributions from Mary Pham

The time finally arrived for the JACS system to see the class of 2018 graduate from McAuley Catholic. Graduation was Sunday, May 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the McAuley gym.

Bishop Edward Rice offered students guidance about making decisions on their own in the adult world and reminded them of the gifts that they had been given Domenick Blanchette receives his through their Catholic education. diploma from Bishop Edward Rice.

Co-Valedictorians Dorothy Ostmeyer and Conalee Churchwell gave beautiful, heartwarming speeches about their time in McAuley and the changes they were about to go through. They reminisced about the class’s time together and offered advice about how to make the best of the future.

Tygran Gilligan and Annelise Pinjuv performed “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac as a surprise for the senior class. Gilligan and Pinjuv sang while Gilligan played the guitar.

Briley Rogers received the Quality of Mercy Award for being the senior with the most service hours.

Sister Angelene Schram also received a recognition award as she leaves our diocese to retire in Omaha, Nebraska.

After a brief video offering words of love from each senior’s family, the graduates tossed their caps in joy and made their way out of the gym one last time.

As the class of 2018 goes forward into the world, they join the ranks of McAuley alumni.

Front Row: Henry Schaeffer, Rachel Hardy, Claire Colson, Conalee Churchwell, and Tygran Gilligan Middle Row: Briley Rogers, Olivia Powell, Annelise Pinjuv, Abby Schiefelbein, and Dorothy Ostmeyer Back Row: Evan Metoyer, Domenick Blanchette, Dakota Yellow Thunder, Jake Doyle, Nicholaus Atchley, Kyle Glover, and Francis Bartholet

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We are gathering Sisters of Mercy memorabilia to create a wall/timeline in honor of Mother Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy who founded Joplin Catholic schools in 1885.

We are looking for PICTURES, MEMORIES, STORIES, AND FACTS ABOUT ANY/ALL SISTERS OF MERCY. Please send anything about the Sisters of Mercy to Marjorie Comer via email to mcomer@jacss. org, mail to McAuley Catholic High School, 930 Pearl, Joplin, MO 64801, or drop items off at the same address.

Mark your calendars for the Alumni Remembrance Mass Saturday, Nov. 3 – 5:15 p.m.

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 812 Pearl Ave, Joplin Left: Paula Kamler, alumnae, Gina Hartman, and Julie Pettyjohn retired from teaching this year. Kamler taught Math at McAuley and Success at St. Peters. Hartman was librarian, tech coordinator, and academic advisor at McAuley for over 20 years. Pettyjohn taught Language Arts at St. Peters. We wish all three well.

Upcoming Reunions The class of 1971 will be holding a reunion on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 6pm at the home of Ann Scheurich Stearnes. More information to follow. Please contact Ann, Karen Eck Drake, Nikki Elbert Straw, or Gene Koester if you plan to attend.

The class of 1978 is tentatively planning a reunion party coinciding with basketball homecoming, January 11, 2019. Details will be announced at a later date, but all alumni will be welcome. Contact Mark McGriff on Facebook or mmcgriff@gmail.com.

The class of 1988 is planning their 30th reunion for the weekend of October 5, 2018.

Please contact Rachel Wiseman Goodrich on Facebook for more information.

The class of 2008 is also planning a reunion for the weekend of September 9th. Check back for more details later or on Facebook.

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JACS Auction was astounding success

Contribution from Dorothy Ostmeyer Each year Joplin Area Catholic Schools host an auction to benefit the JACS system. The event, raising over $150,000, was held April 27 in the Silver Spoon Barn located on East Zora.

The theme for the auction was ‘Beach Bash at the Barn.’

Moe’s provided dinner, Club 609 donated appetizers, and the desserts were auctioned. Many volunteers worked during the auction under the leadership of Jennifer Longnecker, Auction Chair.

Items auctioned included class projects from St. Mary’s (the Kindergarten project went for $2,500), a Kansas City Royals’ game with a private flight, a trip to California, two dinners with Fr. J ($6,000), and an adoption from the Sisters of Mercy Shelby Kennedy Keefer helped sell beer and wine at the for a year of prayers.

JACS auction.

More than 300 people attended nd over $150,000 was raised for the school system. “We raised enough to pay for our pre-school playground equipment in our ‘Fund a Need!’” said Georgiana McGriff, JACS director.

Many thanks to the volunteers and attendees of the JACS Auction. We look forward to seeing you again next April!

Left: Mike Olmstead of Fox14 emceed the event while Jason Gaskill ‘82 was auctioneer.

Right: Drew Fethers ‘97, Jake Doss, Gina Hartman, and Twila Doss enjoyed dinner before the live auction began.

Below: Attendees enjoyed the weather outside the venue.

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McAuley alumni view their school through new eyes Joey Callari

1) How has McAuley changed since you graduated? More academic options. Larger facilities.

2) What has remained the same? The overall spirit, tone, atmosphere of school have stayed intact.

3) Has the faith aspect of the school changed in your opinion? Be sure to explain. I feel it is the same as when I was here.

4) What are two of your favorite memories from high school? The crowds’ excitement after winning BBall homecoming after 10+ years of losing. The principal donating his car to be smashed by students.

5) What is a favorite memory from your current time here? Graduation day 6) Why did you choose to return to McAuley? It was an opportunity to reconnect and be involved with the growth of the JACS system.

7) Where did you go to college, and what are your degrees? How did McAuley help prepare you for that? MSSU, Bachelor’s in Social Work/Psychology. Having a 70-100% grading scale (Higher standard of achievement) made the transition to higher education easier.

8) How have kids changed since your day? Aside from social media, kids are kids.

Drew Fethers

1) McAuley has changed in a number of ways, it has more programs to offer such as dual credit courses and Edgenuity. We also have a system director now and are looking at ways to increase enrollment and offer better education opportunities for our students.

2) The look and feel of McAuley has changed with the addition of the new wing and upgrades this past year, but the feel of McAuley is the same, the feeling of family and Christian unity.

3) I think faith at the school lies in the hands of the kids; if they have a strong faith it shows, if they don’t then that shows as well. We all go to weekly Mass and pray daily, but those that are interested in having faith be a part of their lives develop their faith daily.

4) Being a part of the drama program: it has been a major part of my life since high school and having a strong faith instilled in me.

5) Putting on 2 successful plays this year and having them be well received by the school and community.

6) I chose to come back this year because of the chance to teach English and theatre classes and get my feet wet teaching high school kids in the U.S. 7) I have a BA in Theatre from MSSU and an MA in Theatre from the University of Houston. I’m also earning a certification in teaching English. High school gave me an opportunity to be a part of a theatre program and that made me want to pursue that for my career.

8) Kids today are heavily influenced by social media, it’s good and bad in my opinion but it’s what’s happening now. I think kids today are also more aware of the decisions that they need to make for their future, as far as college and career choices go. Kids still need guidance and direction and I’m glad to be a teacher at McAuley where I can assist kids in their learning and hopefully help hem grow in their faith along the way.

Blake Zapletal

1) Most of the teachers have changed. The building itself (there is carpet on the floors!).

2) The atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit. There is still the nice home feeling, and everyone knows each other.

3) I think so. Sure we went to Mass every week and did community service, but now we do things like mission trips and take days to serve in the community.

4) All of my football memories! That was hands down my favorite part of high school. And I would probably have to say the day Mr. Boene said that a rhombus was a square that my friend sat on.

5) This year when the boys won the conference meet for track.

6) I honestly felt like I was being called back here. Through good and bad, this was always my second home and I really liked the idea of coming back.

7) I went to MSSU and got my BS in Math Education. McAuley really taught me a sound work ethic that made the transition to college easier.

8) The biggest change is that they are addicted to their phones! That wasn’t even a problem when I went here. Most of the kids are also harder workers than I was!

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McAuley Alumnus Retires from Missouri Senate

Ron Richard, a 1965 McAuley Catholic High School graduate, retired this spring from serving in the Missouri Congress.

Most recently, Richard has served the 32nd District in the Missouri Senate. He is finishing his second term. Prior to his time in the Senate, Richard served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives serving the 129th District.

Missouri has term limits, meaning Richard has completed his time in Congress.

Richard became the first in Missouri history to serve as both Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate. He is one of only five in the country to do so.

Richard began his career in politics serving on the Joplin City Council starting in 1990. From 1994 to 1997, he served as Joplin mayor. It was in 2002 that Richard chose to serve Southwest Missouri on a larger scale. He replaced long serving Chuck Surface.

Richard currently lives with his wife, Patty, in Joplin. McAuley is very proud to have had an alumn representing Joplin Area Catholic Schools so well on the state level.

Alumni Updates

Engagements

Shaun Steele ‘90 is engaged to Christy Zuroweste.

The Missouri Senate seat held by McAuley graduate Ron Richard is open.

Former McAuley teacher Bill White, running for the open seat, defeated St. Peter’s parishioner Rob O’Brian in the Republican primary August 7. White will represent the Republican party against Democrat Carolyn McGowan and Green Party Conon Gilllis in November.

White was volunteering his time teaching AP Government and Geography when he decided to run for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives for the 129th District. McAuley students were actively involved in his campaign. As term limits end his time in the House, White is now running for the seat vacated by Richard.

White is the father of McAuley alumni Jesse and Brandyn.

Ben Street ‘12 graduated from Missouri State University on May 19, 2018 with a Bachelor in Construction Management.

Robyn White Gillum ‘90 is engaged to Wes Endicott.

John Nguyen ‘13 graduated from Missouri Southern State University on May 12, 2018 with his Master of Accountancy.

Susannah Schrader ‘15 is engaged to Jared Brogan. They planned to be married in April of 2020.

Logan Allgood ‘14 graduated from Saint Louis University on May 19, 2018 with his Bachelor in Economics.

Weddings

Ashley Baumhover ‘14 married Taylor Hendricks at Amadeus Ranch on June 17, 2018.

Samantha Surgi ‘13 married Tyler Beall on May 19, 2018 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Joplin.

Graduations

Connor Wiseman ‘11 graduated from Missouri Southern State University on May 12, 2018 with his Bachelor of Science in Health Science-Respiratory Therapy.

Ashley Baumhover ‘14 graduated from Missouri Southern State University on May 12, 2018 with her Bachelor in Nursing.

Mary Street ‘14 graduated from Western Ilinois University on May 14, 2018 with her Bachelor in Biology.

Hannah McNutt ‘15 graduated from Missouri Southern State University on May 12, 2018 with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Susannah Schrader ‘15 graduated from Missouri Southern State University on May 12, 2018 with her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.

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Schools embrace change The 2017-2018 school year is over and it was wonderful in so many ways! We were blessed with donations to add new carpet, paint, and a new cross and window in the south stairwell.

This coming year, we will be adding Show Choir and we have partnered with Mercy Hospital to bring Project Lead the Way BioMedical Science program to our science curriculum!

-Tracey Welch St. Peter’s and McAuley Principal

St. Mary’s welcomes new principal JOPLIN, Mo. (May 22, 2018) ­– Joplin Area Catholic Schools and its school board hired Joanne Lown as the new principal of St, Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, located at 3025 S. City Central Road, for the 2018-2019 school year.

Effective July 1, Lown takes over the position from Ann Hamlet, who retires at the end of the school year after four years as principal of St. Mary’s.

“Joanne’s passion for her students’ education and her own faith shone through during the interview process,” said Georgiana L. McGriff, director of JACS. “We look forward to welcoming her into the JACS community.”

Lown most recently taught at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. Before her time at Thomas Jefferson, she taught social studies at Webb City High School.

“Being Catholic is one of the most important aspects of my own identity,” said Lown. “Christ is at the center of how I lead, how I treat others and how I fulfill my responsibilities and I’m eager to continue to shape the minds and faith of children enrolled at St. Mary’s.”

Lown received a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri State University in 2014, which complements her Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Arts in history. She was a Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Golden Apple Teacher of the Year winner in 2016, a finalist in 2015 and a nominee from 2011 through 2016.

Joanne Lown

Dear Friends of JACS---

WARRIOR CONNECTIONS SUMMER 2018

Instead of writing a lengthy piece for you to wish was shorter, I am going to mention some highlights from the past school year, and look ahead: •

• • • • • • • •

Our JACS Auction was the biggest ever--$166,000, netting $150,000! Thank you to Jennifer Longnecker, Auction chair, and her entire committee, and to all who supported the auction in any way.

Our Annual Appeal finished at $72,000 this year, similar to last year.

We are excited to partner with Mercy Health System in our bio-medicine program at McAuley! Thanks, Mercy!!!

We are rebuilding the grotto this summer.

Our 2018 seniors received $1,079,635 in scholarships!

We have received over $115,000 in grants over the past two years, and are hoping to receive one for pre-school playground equipment!

We welcome Mrs. Joanne Lown as our new St. Mary’s principal.

We will celebrate Mercy Day September 24.

We have a new marketing coordinator, Marjorie Comer, who has many great ideas!

-Georgiana McGriff System Director

We are looking for any alumni information. Please send graduations, marriages, births, new jobs, exciting updates, and deaths to alumni@jacss.org for publication in the JACS Newsletter. Please include year of graduation.

Having a reunion or already had one? Please send information, a couple of pictures with names, and we will include it in the next newsletter! We want you to be represented in these pages. Alumni are the backbone of JACS!

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Joplin Area Catholic Schools 930 Pearl Joplin, Mo 64801 (417) 624-9320

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit NO. 146 Joplin, Mo

Welcome to our newest McAuley Catholic alumni!

Joplin Area Catholic Schools Mission Statement

The Joplin Area Catholic School System provides students a strong academic and Catholic faith foundation. Our goal is to teach young people to integrate Christian values into all aspects of life.

We provide students with educational and social skills needed to be active, productive members of the community and Church. We endeavor to graduate young adults who are effective witnesses to the presence of Christ in the world.