Aces

Gatton Academy

Incoming OCHS junior, Maria Pfeifer, was recently chosen to attend The Gatton Academy on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Students who attend The Gatton Academy finish their school careers while starting college. Conducting research with professors, studying abroad, and attending college classes are just a few of the opportunities students will explore during the two years they will spend with Gatton. In addition to this amazing opportunity, tuition, fees, room and board are paid for by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Maria is the daughter of Mark and Holly Pfeifer.

Murray State University’s Commonwealth Honors Academy

Javier Garcia was accepted to Murray State University’s Commonwealth Honors Academy. CHA is a challenging academic enrichment program for outstanding high school juniors. Javier will attend on-campus classes for 3 weeks this summer at Murray. Upon completion of CHA, he will receive six hours of university credit, have the opportunity to take six additional hours of tuition-free university courses at Murray State University during his senior year, and will be awarded a four-year, $2000-per-year housing scholarship to attend Murray State University.

Senior Awards

There are a few top senior honors awarded to outstanding seniors each year voted on by the faculty. The Tom Laswell award is based on involvement in school and extracurricular activity, good citizenship, academy standing, and service above self.

The Harold Mischel award is possibly the highest award given by our school. In honor of Mr. Mischel, this award recognizes the Owensboro Catholic High School student who best exemplifies his or her unfailing devotion to the school. Anyone who knew Mr. Mischel (father of OCHS Librarian Marilyn Pace), most notably known as A.D., knew of his dedication to Catholic High.

Graduates

90% College 5% Military 5% Workforce

West Point Academy

Clayton Lewis was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy West Point. Lewis received nomination letters from U.S. Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell and U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie, along with many others. Acceptance into West Point includes completing several tests including a medical exam, a fitness, assessment, essays, SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts. West Point Academy has only about a 7% acceptance rate! Clayton is the son of Carl and Kim Lewis.

35% Honors Diplomas Earned Scholarship Dollars Earned

9% Standard 55% College Prep

Million

By Katie Pagan and Maria Pfeifer

The 2020-2021 school year was somewhat of an untraditional school year. Masks, dividers, morning temperature checks, and social distancing were just some of the changes students and teachers experienced as they walked through the doors of OCHS. In theatre, so many stories are told through facial expressions and body language, and COVID made that very difficult. The Theatre class jokingly mentioned they should write their own play in September because they had such a difficult time finding something that would work with the CDC recommendations. Teacher Katie Pagan (class of 2002) suggested that the students pursue a traditional script for the fall play but consider writing their own play for the spring. After their parents-only show of “Horror Movie 101: Failing Can Be Deadly” in November, the class began researching and writing their own play. They collected stories and interviewed countless teachers and OC alumni. This would evolve into “Catholic High ‘Til I Die”.

The play focuses around three female students - senior Heather, her sophomore sister Lily, and their junior friend Abby - who explore what friendship and family mean through the lens of OCHS with the help of Snoopy. Snoopy takes the girls back in time to witness firsthand many Catholic High legends. The girls’ adventures take them to the founding of OCHS in 1950 where they meet the Medley family and Bishop Cotton; they meet Willis Combest and Coach Harold “A.D.” Mischel; they witness

Coach Bruce Embry setting up Heather’s and Lily’s parents for Snowball; they stumble upon Jimmy Rogers whose death rocked the Aces’ world in 1993; and they experience the 2002 flag run before coming back to 2018 where the play is set. Jimmy and Snoopy ultimately help the girls understand what it means to support each other and find your voice. And that we will always be part of Catholic High ... even after we die. ♠

Did you miss out on seeing “Catholic High ‘Til I Die” live?

Well, we have GREAT news!! You can purchase your very own copy for a small price that will support the Drama Club to help defray royalty costs for next year.

Digital Copy – $5.00

DVD – $10.00 (plus shipping)

Please reach out to Katie Pagan at katie.pagan@owensborocatholic.org