
Totally Yours

Totally Yours
Diving in to Lansing Catholic's industrial arts program (page 8)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
• Mission Award Winners Cooper Rush and Abbie Starr (pages 6 & 7)
• A Cougar Commons Construction Update (page 13)
The Magazine of Lansing Catholic High School
Paula Wilcox
Director of Mission Advancement
EDITORIAL STAFF
Mary Gates C97
Editor
Therese Dion
Mary Gates C97
Steve Pohl
Stephanie Van Koevering
Paula Wilcox
Rita Zakhem
Contributing Writers
CONTACT US
Totus Tuus is a periodic publication of Lansing Catholic High School and its predecessors: St. Mary, Resurrection, Msgr. Gabriels and O’Rafferty high schools. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
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Stephanie Van Koevering Layout Design
Tom Dion C17
Andrew Jenkins
ON THE COVER
Mr. Greg Ingle, industrial arts teacher, works with a student to complete a very special project.
ON THESE PAGES
New graduates Aubrey Bruch, left, and Kaitlyn Kennedy joyfully enter the LCHS 2024 commencement ceremony.
“Building saints is a monumental task, especially in a culture that focuses on living for the moment rather than our eternal destiny."
- Dominic Iocco
Religion and theology classes are not enough to form saints. While those classes are essential and good, if children never encounter the person of Jesus Christ and don’t learn in their minds and hearts that they are beloved sons or daughters of God the Father, their faith will lack firm foundations.
This year, we revamped our retreats to focus on providing opportunities for students to encounter Christ, and the early results have been profound.
Here are just a few of the testimonies from our freshman retreat:
• “This retreat changed my life. Before going to this retreat, I knew God but I didn't KNOW God. After leaving this retreat I felt like a new Christian. From then on, I began to incorporate personal prayer into my life.”
• “I grew up in a good Catholic family, but I feel like I was always just going through the motions. When they brought out the piece of the true cross, it really hit me hard that I don't deserve that Jesus died for me. After adoration on Thursday night, I have felt really at peace, and I want to continue actually living like a Catholic.”
• “I’ve suffered from depression, anxiety, and SH for a while, and at the retreat I’ve never felt happier. I finally felt loved and people around me were so supportive. Half of my scars disappeared after my group prayed over me.”
• “During the retreat it was the first time I felt truly loved. I felt overwhelming gratitude for the school, my friends, and everything God has put in my life. I felt peace and calm for the first time in my life and was the happiest I've ever been.”
At Lansing Catholic, we're building saints moment by moment. Whether our students are at a retreat, in class, on the stage, or on an athletic field, they are being infused with the kind of faith foundation that will allow them to live fruitful lives in Christ.
And ultimately, inevitably, these gifts will transform the world.
Dominic Iocco President, Lansing Catholic High School
The primary mission of every Catholic school is to help all students enrolled there to become saints.
Not only is this a lofty goal, but it is a goal which is entirely dependent on God and the work of the Holy Spirit. The movements of grace, conversion, and discipleship are mysterious and, at times, imperceptible.
But humans are not merely spiritual beings. We are something utterly unique in creation—a fascinating mix of both physical and supernatural, both body and soul, temporal yet with an eternal destiny. In this combination of natural and supernatural, we humans share—albeit in a scaled-down version— in the profound and mysterious union of the Divine and human natures in the person of Jesus. Just as the grace of God works in and through the humanity of Jesus, so also God desires to work in and through us humans—weak, lowly, and sinful though we may be.
And this is precisely where our work comes in as teachers, administrators, coaches, kitchen staff, and everyone else who works behind the scenes to keep LCHS operating.
Every one of us, in different ways, is doing our part to provide a place where God can do his work of transforming hearts. Yes, conversion is God's work and a gift of grace, but grace builds on nature.
And so we pray before all our classes, we pray at the start and end of day announcements, we attend Mass, we have weekly adoration and confession, we go on retreats, we unpack the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition, we seek to fill open positions with men and women who are models of the Catholic faith.
All this is for the sake of the mission at Lansing Catholic to make saints—to invite our youth to accept the call to live the adventure of following Jesus.
In the holy sacrifice of the Mass, humble elements of bread and wine, our little human offerings, are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the greatest of all gifts—the true presence of Jesus Christ himself.
Our job is to do the best we can with our natural abilities to create as many touch points or avenues as possible for God's grace to transform hearts.
This great mystery at work in the Mass is an ongoing reminder of what our human offering can truly become by the grace of God. In a similar way, we constantly offer to God the lowly gift of our human labor at LCHS knowing that, by God's grace, our work can truly become an supernatural avenue of God's work in raising up saints in our youth today.
This year’s Lansing Catholic High School Mission Award winner for excellence is Cooper Rush. Cooper credits his parents, teachers and coaches for instilling in him a desire to do his very best in all things. “There’s a saying: strive for perfection, you’re never going to get there but you’ll get greatness and you’ll get excellence.”
A 2012 graduate of LCHS, Cooper led the Cougar football team to excellence as the team’s quarterback, a run that included a trip to the football state finals. After receiving the All-State, Associated Press' Michigan Division 5/6 Player of the Year and ESPN's Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors, Cooper attended Central Michigan University where he again excelled on and off the field, finishing his college career with 49 straight starts, 12,894 passing yards, and graduating with a 3.89 GPA in Actuarial Science. Cooper was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2017.
“I’ve been so blessed. In the NFL I get to see excellence every day, guys who are the best in the world at what they do. It’s pretty special, it’s in my face all the time, and it becomes part of who you are.” Long before he became a professional football player, Cooper was accustomed to high expectations. “My parents put that into me at a young age. Whatever you were doing, you had to do your best.”
Cooper’s time at Lansing Catholic allowed him the chance to grow as he further realized his potential.
“I got into football at an early age but Coach Ahern got to LCHS my sophomore year and that was a game changer. He taught me stuff that I use off the field and on the field
even today and he got the program rolling.” Describing his time at LCHS as “pivotal”, Cooper says his four years at the school were part of his foundation. “It was amazing. I got to play multiple sports, and could sense right away the sense of community and the closeness with teachers. There's a real connection that is very unique.” That connection, Cooper says, is in part the result of a shared and taught faith that he continues to practice today. “We have Mass here Saturday nights before games, there are a few of us, and coach is there all the time. It's cool to go outside of the Lansing community and go into the real world and find people who are also Catholic, who are also Christian, and experience that with them.”
Reflecting back on his time at LCHS and the impact his high school years had on his future, Cooper says he’d encourage current students to strive for excellence in all things big and small. “You’re writing your story, always. Even at a young age
you’re making decisions and making choices that are writing your story and writing your future. As you go forward in life, you’ll remember those times and you’ll feed off of them and make more decisions based on that foundation.”
Grateful for what was instilled in him, Cooper says being a part of the Lansing Catholic community helped him in his pursuit of excellence
“The LCHS community gives you a foundation and a value system, right from wrong to lean on, the religion base of it and the education base of it, that propels you forward. It gave me something to lean on at all times.”
The mission award for excellence recognizes an alumnus who continued as a student-athlete during his or her college career. Criteria to receive the award include participation in a minimum of two years in an intercollegiate athletic sport, an earned varsity letter in that sport, completion of a four-year college program, and an earned bachelor’s degree.
This year's Lansing Catholic High School Faith Award winner is Abbie Starr C16. As a student, Abbie's favorite memories were musicals, Kairos retreat, and Mission trips.
These experiences continue to enrich Abbie's life years after graduation.
How well did LCHS prepare you for the life you're living today?
I had so many opportunities for social or spiritual growth. I particularly enjoyed the spring break mission trip to Alabama my junior and senior years. I loved living out our Catholic faith by serving others in this way. The mission trips provided a lot of opportunities for personal growth. They gave me the opportunity to connect with the homeowners and my fellow students, many of whom I might not normally get the chance to interact with.
How did your faith grow/ develop at LCHS?
My faith grew tremendously in my time at LCHS. I had attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 8th grade, but I feel like LCHS is where I really took on personal ownership of my faith. Through the influence of a number of great teachers, who were also faithful disciples, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and given opportunities to grow in my faith. Some of these included retreats, conferences, mission trips, and times for adoration. However, just as important for me were personal conversations or discussions in my theology classes. These moments allowed me to consider my faith in a new way and view it as a personal relationship with God.
What were some challenges in living your faith in college and young adult life? And what has helped you persevere?
I think one of the biggest challenges of college and young adult life is trying to figure out who you’re meant to be. It’s really easy to fall into the lies of comparison or wanting to be like everyone else. One of the best things for my faith was surrounding myself with friends, who are also committed to living the faith. Also, teaching at Resurrection has truly been one of the best things I’ve done. Since being here, I have been so blessed by the community around me. I greatly admire the witness of colleagues, students, and families. Strong, faithful relationships have greatly strengthened my faith throughout my young adult life.
How do you practice your faith now?
My faith is a huge part of my daily life. I’m able to live out my faith each day at school alongside my students and colleagues. Attending Mass three times a week and adoration once a week have been such a blessing for me. I love the conversations I’m able to have with each of them too. It’s amazing the things my students are able to teach me.
I also regularly attend Mass on Sundays. It’s such a blessing to spend this time with the Resurrection community too. I’ve been seeking out opportunities to further grow in the faith with retreats, a women’s group, and serving others (looking into being a small group mentor for LCHS soon).
What would you tell your high school self now?
As I further reflect on some of the challenges of living the faith in college and young adult life, the most difficult part would be figuring out who God has called you to be. It’s definitely something that I’m still navigating, but I’ve learned a lot. I would say to not get caught up in comparison with others, which is so easy to do. However, our identity stems from being a special and unique child of God. In this, He has given us our own gifts and talents to share with the world, and He has a specific plan for each of us. When we use our gifts in a way that brings Him glory, we are one step closer to truly becoming who He’s called us to be and living out His plan for us.
The mission award for faith recognizes an alumnus who is dedicated to bringing Catholic education to his or her community and students as an employee of a Catholic school, church, or other religious organization.
By Stephanie Van Koevering
Virtual reality. Artificial intelligence. Digital currency.
In a world where so much of what we do is done on computers or through the cloud, there's a growing demand for the ability to have tools we can hold in our hands, for skilled trades, and for the kind of realworld, high-quality craftsmanship that lasts.
Here at Lansing Catholic, we’re known for helping students replace the temporal with the timeless. We seek to endow our learners with treasures that are kept forever, so it seems natural to gift them the tools and skills they need to work well with their hands.
The new LCHS craftsmanship program came about in the most unlikely of ways.
Newlywed Greg Ingle and his wife, Heather, began pursuing a consecration to Jesus through St. Joseph in 2020 and 2021. As a civil
engineer, Greg felt called to serve the church with his gifts, but he wasn’t sure how.
“Heather kept telling me to envision where God was calling me to be,” Greg says. “I had a passion for teaching shop, which was always my favorite class in high school. What came into my mind was the realization that in Catholic schools, there’s typically not an opportunity to experience shop class or profoundly work with their hands. I went to see Father Steve Mattson at Resurrection, and he helped me connect with Lansing Catholic. God brought us together at the right time to begin making this happen.”
Greg says the next step was to gauge students' interest levels.
“Our litmus test was to create a small Saturday morning craftsmanship club, and see if anybody would come,” Greg says. “We thought maybe five students might come, but we had 65 kids that first week. Every Saturday, we welcomed a consistent crowd of
“We'd like to grow into welding in a small engines automotive class," Greg says. "We’ll always be broadening that scope regarding what we can get students involved with, so we can build their skills.”
School leaders say these courses won’t be viewed as they were in stereotypical schools of the 1950s, where students who were struggling academically were trained to work with their hands as an alternative to classroom achievement.
“At Lansing Catholic, we’re going to create a thriving shop in which students can apply their academic skills in new and interesting ways,” Greg says. “We’re creating opportunities for students to discern a broader array of professions and have a new skill set they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy before.”
With projected growth of 10 percent by 2028, demand has consistently outpaced supply and shows no signs of slowing. It’s estimated that more than three million skilled trades jobs will remain unfilled by 2028.
But that’s not all.
As of January 2021, almost 23 percent of the labor force in the construction industry is above the age of 55, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Contrary to a common perception of the skilled trades, in May 2021, the annual median wage for all construction and extraction occupations was $48,210, which is higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations at $45,760.
creating about 296,300 new jobs.
“Without industrial arts education in school, many students won’t have the opportunity to discern if they are called to meet the growing demand and pursue skilled trades,” Greg says.
Many contractors reflect this fear; according to the Associated General Contractors of America, 70 percent of construction firms admit having difficulty filling hourly craft positions.
kids and parents, and they were all so thrilled that something like this was happening. From there, we recognized we needed to offer classes on campus so students could take them as elective offerings, much like I did at a public school.
“We’ve been building ever since.”
Greg worked with LCHS administrators and faculty on campus for more than a year to prepare a curriculum, arrange for equipment and shop space, and secure the necessary funding.
“We arranged for space in the basement, under the chapel,” Greg says. “The space was soundproofed to ensure the sacredness of our worship and prayer, and it included all the equipment we need to prepare students to work with their hands.”
With the initial work completed, craftsmanship courses at Lansing Catholic began in 2023 with five classes in woodworking, furniture design and construction trades.
More than 110 students signed up to participate in LCHS craftsmanship classes during the program's first year.
“We're already finding success with having so many students interested in such an organic way,” Greg says. “But for us, success looks like having a thriving shop where it just becomes a part of the usual student expectation, just as any elective class would be. Success also looks like students ultimately growing in their ability to discern the things they might not have ever had exposure to before.”
The economic power of craftsmanship
Of course, these skills also result in greater employability among LCHS students and alumni.
According to TradesNation, a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople exists in Michigan and nationally.
Despite the lack of skilled tradesmen and the threat of much of the industry nearing retirement, the industry continues to grow.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow by four percent between 2019-2029,
“Now more than ever, we need to give students the exposure to skills that may interest them in discerning a vocation as a skilled tradesman and help them to grow as faithful laborers for Christ,” Greg says. “The aim of skilled trades from our Catholic perspective is oriented towards the perfection of self, service of others, and the glorification of God.
“So, these three components: it's enriching, it’s a service that has a natural effect on others, and it’s something that's ultimately glorifying God. That's it. And it’s only the beginning.”
The entire Lansing Catholic Community came together to celebrate Cougar Nation on Sept. 27. After a week of Homecoming traditions, including dress-up days, a powderpuff game, pep assembly, dance, and rousing band music, even the 35-14 loss to archrival Portland couldn't bring down the high spirits emanating from each corner of the school.
Perhaps it was all this amazing Cougar support that helped propel the LCHS football team all the way to the state championship at Ford Field.
This page, top: Marching to the beat of Cougar pride! The band enters the Homecoming festivities in style, making their grand entrance through the purr-fect tunnel of school spirit. Center right: Future Cougar in the making! With a tattooed face and a heart full of school spirit, this young fan is already looking forward to his next Homecoming. Lower right: Talk about a showstopper! This ‘COUGARS’ sign steals the spotlight, with a balloon arrangement that’s as big and bold as our school spirit.
Facing page, top left: Students in the stands cheer their classmates on to victory during the annual Homecoming pep assembly. Top right: Cheerleaders with spirit and style! These Cougars are bringing the pep to the party, striking a pose in front of a backdrop that’s almost as colorful as their enthusiasm. Center right: Hulk fist bump of approval! Our school president, Mr. Iocco, shows off some serious power as he celebrates with a student after a winning spin on the prize wheel. Center left: Strumming up some school spirit! This talented musician brought the tunes to the CougarFest tailgate, proving that the best way to kick off Homecoming is with great music and even better vibes. Lower left: LCHS took care to honor its legacy of sports achievement, inducting new members into its athletic hall of fame. Bottom right: Victory never looked this good! After a fierce dodgeball showdown, these guys strike a pose to prove they’ve got game both on and off the court.
James and Mary Biergans have been steadfast supporters of Lansing Catholic High School, exemplifying a deep commitment to its mission and community. Their financial contributions have been instrumental in advancing the school's programs, enhancing opportunities for students, and fostering a vibrant educational environment. As proud parents and grandparents to several LCHS alumni, the Biergans family’s legacy reflects a heartfelt dedication to the values and traditions of Lansing Catholic. Their generosity continues to impact generations of students, underscoring their belief in the transformative power of faith-based education. Pictured Above (Top): Kevin Biergans C21, Owen Biergans C22, Nate Biergans C20, Matthew Biergans C93 (Below): Patrick Biergans C86, James Biergans, Mary Biergans, Shannon Biergans
What brought you and your family to LCHS?
We have always valued Catholic education because we wanted God included in our children’s school days. We thought our parental influences would likely lessen as our children became teenagers and we wanted trusted teachers to be in their lives.
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What do you think is the most unique/special/significant aspect of Lansing Catholic?
We feel that the Lansing Catholic staff truly cares about students as individuals and gives 100% to help them. The atmosphere at Lansing Catholic is friendly, peaceful, and conducive to learning.
Why do you feel it is important to give financially to Lansing Catholic?
We want Lansing Catholic to be available to high school students at this very important time in their lives. This takes funds to pay staff well and provide modern academic programs in a pleasant environment.
Initiated by staff members who desired an alternative space to engage their students, the Cougar Commons project began with the simple goal of building a functional and beautiful outdoor classroom.
Paula Wilcox, Director of Mission Advancement, explains how the project has since been expanded.
“It grew in scope as a more lasting addition to our campus thanks to the vision of Mike Barker, current parent and owner of Elevate Outdoor Living.”
Construction on the Cougar Commons is now well underway, with the end result anticipated to be an “innovative outdoor learning space that blends education, culture, and community.” Not only will the space provide a flexible learning environment outside of the school walls, “in its current design, Cougar Commons will also be a multipurpose community space that could be used for diocesan events, schools dances, homecoming activities, house
gatherings, functional retreat spaces, after school banquets and more,” Paula notes.
Funded completely through the generous support of donors, Paula is grateful for the response from the LCHS school community. “It has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve heard great feedback about how this project aligns with our mission of forming students spiritually, intellectually, and socially, as Cougar Commons will provide a new avenue to develop these aspects in a unique way.” With three phases to complete as funds become available, Paula says this project is yet another example of the generosity of many for the benefit of the current and future Lansing Catholic students.
“We have been blessed with a strong community that believes in the vision for this project and is committed to helping us bring it to life.”
For more information on the Cougar Commons, check out the QR codes below!
Check out our podcast episode!
Find out how to give online!
What would you say to encourage other parents and grandparents to give back?
At this time of our lives, it’s good to invest in future generations. It’s a joy to hear our three grandsons tell us how much they liked Lansing Catholic. That’s pretty rare for teenage boys and a solid endorsement.
What are you most proud of as a Cougar?
We’re so proud that LCHS is always working to improve the school. We want this good work to continue and we want Lansing Catholic always to be there for future generations! Go Cougars!
LCHS CLASS OF 1974 | Had their 50th reunion this year at Homecoming.
LCHS CLASS OF 1985 | Had their 39th reunion.
Upcoming:
Class of 2015 | 10 year | Oct. 4, 2025 | Nut House
Class of 1975 | 50 year
Is your class having a reunion this year?
Let us help you with class contact lists and get the word out! Contact alumni@lansingcatholic.org
MSU Police and Public Safety recently recognized its Student of the Year, Mary Cate Heberlein! Mary Cate worked at MSU Police and Public Safety during all four years of her college career. She started as a Desk Cadet in 2020, was promoted to Lead Cadet in 2023, and became an intern with the Special Victims Unit in the summer of 2023. This spring, she graduated with her B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. from Michigan State University.
Please join us in praying for Br. Aaron Kazmierski C18 as he has professed his first vows!
Congratulations Br. Aaron!
Congratulations, Katy Shannon C18, who has officially been named as the new GLCC Women’s Basketball Head Coach.
Congratulations Jesse Imarino C19 on your new role as a full time missionary! We are so proud of you and the amazing things you have accomplished. Know that you are in our prayers!
Trevor Bower C17 and Abrahm Leppanen C17 joined our LCHS Spring Break Mission Trip to Montgomery, AL as chaperones this year!
Wonderful that Trevor was able to join his sister, Morgan Bower C25 on this experience.
Keep us in the loop about the exciting things happening in your life! We'd love to celebrate your achievements as part of our alumni community. Or, if you just need to update your contact information, feel free to reach out. We're here to stay connected!
Gene D. Anderson R50
Michael Robert Ball Ph.D.
Dorothy Beachnau
Maureen Buda
Alexis Angel Chingman-Tijerina C04
Steven Robert Christie C98
Kevin Clinton
Billy H. Conn
Stephen Joseph Cook-Garmyn C74
Theresa Carol Cordes R51
Paul James Costello C73
Martin Edward Daly R62
Thomas B. DePottyondy R63
William Wallace Derengoski R60
Fred W. Diehl
Michael Doran
Joseph Patrick Droste C71
Sr. Mary Kay Drouin R59
Sue Ann Earley
Anthony William Fedewa
Angela Maureen Fischette
Craig "Gump" J. Garmyn C83
William D. Goulding R60
Gerald Robert Haeck R53
Shirley Ann Hanna R55
Shirlean Beth Hauser
Steven C. Hess G66
David L. Vander Hill
Louis N. Hufnagel M44
Karen Louise Hughey R61
Ann Marie Jasonowicz C07
Bonnie S. Jay C71
Margaret Johnson C72
Mary Jones-Torok
Joseph Anthony Joseph C87
Mark Elias Kamar
Anna Bertille Kreft
James Phillip Nicholas LaLone G64
Robert L. Lieder DDS
Raymond Lincolnhol R56
Louis Liscio
Rev. William Lugger
Davide Eugenio Magliocco C72
Douglas J. Maurer R57
Janet Catherine McBride R58
Terrie L. McCloy
Phyllis Meyers M51
Dixie Bell Miller
Constance Jean Moon C71
Taylor Dene Nageotte C00
Thomas E. Nitzsche R57
Philomena Christina Pioch
Ronald Milfred Pioch
Roxanne Renee Rice-Ende C74
Kenneth Walter Roberts
Robert Charles Robke Sr. G67
Todd Joseph Sambaer C85
Jake R. Schneider C21
Robert L. Scieszka C74
Phillip L. Sidoti
Judith Lucia Siegert M56
James R. Somerville R57
Andrew P. Spadafore R49
Ervin Emmett Starr
Kathryn M. Thelen O67
Elizabeth Ann Waichunas M62
Anne Magdalene Wald Minthorn C82
Porcha Patrice Williams C06
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Lansing Catholic High School annually presents four awards to alumni and other community members honoring our mission statement and representing our four cornerstones in their dedication and accomplishments.
MISSION AWARD | EXCELLENCE Forrmerly the Triple A+ Award
This award recognizes an alumnus who continued as a student-athlete during his or her college career. Criteria to receive the award include participation in a minimum of two years in an intercollegiate athletic sport, an earned varsity letter in that sport, completion of a four-year college program and an earned bachelor’s degree.
MISSION AWARD | FAITH
This award recognizes an alumnus who is dedicated to bringing Catholic education to his or her community and students as an employee of a Catholic school, church, or other religious organization.
MISSION AWARD | TRADITION
Formerly the Community Service Award Recipient
This honoree receives his or her award for recognition of a strong commitment to serving the community, whether at Lansing Catholic or elsewhere.
MISSION AWARD | SERVICE
The recipient of this award is dedicated to a life of service and committed to acting as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Active participation in service programs during high school and college is a requirement for this award.
HAVE AN ALUMNUS TO NOMINATE?