The Green and White | Summer 2022

A Gift to Serve

Future Generations

Dear Alumni and Friends –

In this edition of the Green and White, you will begin to see the fruits of much labor that occurred throughout the pandemic – not all the time during Covid was spent on the ever-changing protocols!

Organizations had an opportunity, nay, an obligation to look beyond the issues of the pandemic and set a course for what was to come. I am happy to relay to you that we did just that!

In this issue, you will see the construction of a state-of-the-art greenhouse, a first class Science lab, the beginning stages of a drainage/parking lot expansion that will allow us to have all of our students parking on our campus, instead of across Parrish Avenue, finalizing plans for a new chapel that will be moved within the building to give it a place of prominence and greater utilization by our students, and constructing a new entrance off of Dean Avenue that will bring you in to a new façade that will update the entire look of OCHS (this project is still in development).

I share all of this with you for a couple of reasons. One is to show you that there is more activity going on at OCHS in terms of improvements than there has been in many, many years. The other and more significant reason to share this with you is to let you know we are currently accomplishing these projects because of the generosity of YOU!

Your generous giving will allow for these and other projects to come to fruition, some of which are long overdue (have you driven in our parking lot the past few years!). We are especially grateful to all of you who have so generously said yes to our mission, vision, and plan.

We invite each of you to join in the momentum of the current enhancements by contacting Natalie Hayden (270.686.8896) to discuss ways in which you too can be a part of the transformation going on at Owensboro Catholic High School.

In Christ,

Keith Osborne Chief Administrative Officer Class of ’81

Cover photo provided by Charles Mahlinger

Pictured are Jill Chappell, OCHS Chemistry Teacher with a few of her students Elizabeth Hayden, Julia Marshall, and Major Pride.

An Enjoyable Ride

The 2022-2023 school year will be my last as Principal

In my 39 years in education, I have had to make some very tough decisions regarding career moves, partly because I enjoyed the positions I was in, and partly because I got so attached to where I was working. I think it would be safe to say most of those decisions turned out well, not only professionally to achieve some career goals, but also personally for family reasons.

One of the two most difficult decisions came 12 years ago when the principal’s job at OCHS was vacated by Harold Staples. Through some conversations with OCS and Diocesan leadership, I became very interested in the position, but I had some obstacles that kept me from being able to accept when it was offered. After that call when I couldn’t accept, I had some conflicting emotions, because I felt disappointed since I thought maybe it was time for a change, but I also felt somewhat relieved because I loved the students, staff, and school community where I was. I remember telling my wife when I hung up the phone, “It was exciting to think about OCHS but it’s not going to work out.” At the end of that call, I was told they were going to try to come up with another plan, but I didn’t think there was much of a chance for that to happen. However, I will never forget telling my wife, “If they can work something out to make another offer, then I know it is meant to be and I would take it.” Within a day, another call came and a plan that overcame the issues which prevented me from accepting the first time, was made. This time when I finished the call, I said to my wife, “You’re not going to believe this,” and the rest is history. While it was very difficult for me to make the decision to leave where I was, I not only knew it was time, but it was meant for me to be at OCHS.

When I started that first year at Catholic High, I really didn’t know what to expect and thought I might stay five or six years,

but I just finished my 11th year which I think says something about my feelings for OCHS. However, after 23 years as a principal, some things have changed in my life and while I still love what I do, I have been contemplating what has become the second most difficult career decision I have had to make: when to give up the OCHS Principal’s job. I wasn’t sure I was ready and didn’t know if it was the right time, but I wanted to make sure there was ample opportunity for OCHS to find the next principal because I care so much about the future of Catholic High.

After much discussion with OCS and Diocesan leadership which began at the start of 2022, we agreed I would stay one more school year in my current role not only to provide suitable search opportunities, but also to be available with any transitional needs or questions the new principal might have. This works very well for me as this decision has been so difficult and waiting also allows me to have one more year as the OCHS Principal.

It has been quite an enjoyable ride but there is a time when one has to know when to go and that time has come. Interestingly enough, my two toughest career decisions involved taking and giving up the principal position at OCHS.

So with a ton of mixed emotions, the 2022- 23 school year will be my last in certainly not the easiest, but by far, the best and most fulfilling job I have ever had; being the Principal at Owensboro Catholic High School.

I am so thankful, grateful, and blessed to have been on this journey for the last 11 years and am looking forward to transitioning to another role in OCS after next year! ♠

Gates Settle OCHS Principal

A Gift to Serve Future Generations

Dedicated to the memories of Doug Schaaf and Robert Schaaf

The Chemistry Lab at OCHS was recently renovated in memory of Doug Schaaf, a 1987 alumnus. His father, Robert Schaaf, who established a memorial fund at Doug’s passing, passed away himself in 2020.

By Natalie Hayden

From an archived OC Phoneline article, we know Robert Schaaf set up a memorial fund in his son Doug’s name as a way to memorialize him. “We moved to Kentucky once Doug had completed his freshman year in high school. Doug started at Owensboro Catholic at the start of his sophomore year, and everyone seemed to take him under their wing. He had three very happy years there. He was active in plays with Miss Mac (Ms. Mary Hilda McFarland, an English and Drama teacher) and even received an academic letter.” From Catholic High graduation in 1987, Doug went on to the University of Kentucky. His father was quoted as saying, “His freshman year there he did well because the foundation he had received at Catholic High was very good.” Tragically, however, in August 1988, Doug was killed in an automobile accident.

Mr. Schaaf experienced a lot of loss in his life. He not only lost Doug, but another son and his first wife. Maureen Schaaf, his surviving wife, said, “Doug’s attendance and association with OCHS was a significant and important part of his life. He obtained a quality education from OCHS. Bob would be elated to hear the funds that represented Doug’s life will benefit the students, teachers, and future generations of Owensboro Catholic.” Maureen also wanted to mention how very proud she is to have been Robert Schaaf’s wife.

Mr. Schaaf, who was in the insurance business, held insurance policies on all members of his family. With the insurance proceeds and money saved for Doug’s college, he decided

to establish a memorial fund at OC to benefit other young people. Mr. Schaaf knew there were students who didn’t get to attend Owensboro Catholic due to financial reasons. Mr. Schaaf then directed any surplus of his donation to be used to benefit teachers; he was always impressed with the dedication of OC teachers, knowing they did not receive the pay of public school teachers. The Schaaf memorial fund made possible improvements in the teachers’ lounge as well as the purchase of a new crucifix in the student-faculty chapel. Over the years, Mr. Schaaf continued contributing to the fund, trying to build it up. Mr. Schaaf was a strong voice for others to aid the school through a memorial fund or some other means. ♠

“Many people cannot afford to make a large lump-sum contribution, but they might be able to afford a few hundred to a thousand dollars a year for many years for a life insurance policy making Owensboro Catholic High School the beneficiary.”

Robert Schaaf

Experiencing Discernment

My name is Br. Adam Hayden. I am a religious brother with the Fathers of Mercy (Auburn, KY) currently studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH. God willing, I will be ordained to the priesthood in 2027.

The Fathers of Mercy are very special to me because of their charism of calling the prodigal children to return to the merciful heart of the Father within the Catholic Church. This call is intimately linked to the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion because it is by these means that we encounter the Lord’s forgiveness and life-giving graces. The exemplary expression of this charism is presented by our Lord in the parable of the Prodigal Son, who although squandering his inheritance, returns home with a spirit of repentance. Upon his return, the son is not only embraced with love and mercy but is restored to his dignity as son and reminded of his Father’s love for him in the celebration that follows. The Fathers of Mercy seek to model after the father in this story.

To help Catholics better realize the infinite value of the Sacrament of Confession and the life-giving effects of the faith as a whole, the Fathers of Mercy preach parish missions and retreats around the United States. These talks aim to catechize and teach people about God’s mercy as well as the universal call to holiness.

In my opinion, one of the most pivotal events that affected my discernment was the Catholic Youth Conference known as Youth 2000. This event helped me to truly learn to pray, encounter the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and experience the unity of the Catholic faith with others who love Jesus and His Church.

Another important experience I had during this period was the opportunity to serve at the Easter Triduum. Every year, these sacred days within the Church’s liturgical year continue to inflame my love for the priesthood and Christ’s bride, the Church.

Mrs. Julie Renshaw (8th grade) and the late Mr. Tony Kraus (11th grade) were very inspirational Owensboro Catholic religion teachers. My initial plan out of High School, prior to embracing my vocation to the priesthood, was to study pre-Med and become a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). I attended Brescia University

Brother Adam at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, with his family visiting.

in Owensboro, KY from 2015 to 2019 and Western Kentucky University DPT program in Bowling Green, KY from summer of 2019 to winter of 2019. It was during the summer of 2019 that I began going to Mass at the Fathers of Mercy and it was during the fall that I began to attend events at Western’s Catholic Newman Center.

Brescia University gave me the opportunity to work as a tutor. This was very influential in developing within me a love for helping others learn. As I have reflected on this, in regards to spiritual matters, I have come to appreciate this experience as a gift by which God was forming me to serve him better.

Additionally, one of the greatest relationships I had at Brescia was with a friend who, although not Catholic, challenged me to constantly seek to grow in my faith. He encouraged me to read the Bible and he continually inspired me, by his example, to stay faithful to talking to our Lord in prayer.

I entered the Fathers of Mercy as a Postulant on January 15, 2020 and took my first year of temporary Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience on the Eve of the Assumption of Our Lady (August 14, 2021). God willing, I will continue to be able to renew these vows for another two years and then be ready to profess permanent vows in the community. Please keep me and the Fathers of Mercy in your prayers and know that you, your family, and the Owensboro Catholic family will remain in ours. ♠

An Openness to God’s Call

By Fr. Daniel Dillard, OCHS Chaplain

In Adam Hayden, we have an OCHS alumnus who is actively pursuing his vocation to the priesthood, but I firmly believe we have many young men and women currently in the school or recent alumni who God is calling to be priests and religious. In the last 30 years of graduating classes, only two graduates of OCHS have become priests, both from the class of 1998. A few have entered seminary and then left, which is successful discernment. However, I believe that almost every year there should be a man entering seminary or a woman entering formation for a religious community who is a graduate of OCHS. That doesn’t mean all of them will become priests or religious, but if we are doing our job as a Catholic school there should be an openness to that call.

So, what can we do about it? It begins with prayer. Pray for the young men and women of OCS that they will hear God’s call and have the courage to answer it. What follows is seeing married men and women living out their marriages as vocations. If a young person does not consider marriage to be a vocation, and see that vocation lived out in a holy way, how will they ever discern a vocation to priesthood or religious life? Finally, be supportive of potential vocations when you see them. Whether they be your children and grandchildren or young men and women in your parish, if you see a potential for a vocation to priesthood or religious life in them, name what you see in them and be supportive in their process of discernment.

I believe God calls an abundance of men and women to follow him in a particular way, through service to His people. In the years to come I hope many more follow in Adam’s footsteps and take seriously the call to discern God’s will for their lives. I hope many more know the joy and peace that comes from following God’s call. ♠

Brother Adam, day of First Profession of Vows, August 14, 2021, Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, with Novice Master Fr. Andy Cravalho.

Outstanding

Aces

2022 Governor’s Scholars Program

The Governor’s Scholars Program strives to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. Established in 1983, the program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience. Students must complete an application and compete with others from across the state. Those selected attend the program free of charge. Traditionally, the program is a five-week, residential summer program for Kentucky’s most outstanding students as they complete their junior year of high school.

Senior Awards

The faculty votes on a few top honors awarded to outstanding seniors each year. The Tom Laswell award is based on involvement in school and extracurricular activity, good citizenship, academic 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.

Brooke Hamilton Daughter of Shannon and Mitchell Hamilton

Hadley Corley Daughter of Kimberly and Neil Corley

Tom Kurtz Son of Christine and John Kurtz

Daughters of the American Revolution and Lumen Christi Awards Carol Staples

Noon Optomist Award

Owensboro Rotary Tom Laswell Award Hadley Latham

Harold Mischel Award John Michael Frey

Senior Award Recipients

Jansen Tipmore Katelyn Mitchell

91% College 2% Military 7% Workforce OCHS Graduates

8% Standard

59% College Prep

33% Honors Diplomas Earned

Million

Scholarship Dollars Earned

Outstanding Senior in English

Emma Staples

Outstanding Senior in Art

Abbey Kyle

Liz Lukschu Award (Outstanding Female Athlete)

Olivia Hayden

Outstanding Senior in Foreign Language and Social Studies

Elijah Price

Father Robert Connor Award (Outstanding Male Athlete)

Braden Mundy

Outstanding Senior in Math

Luke Evans

Outstanding Senior in Science

Aaron Self

Lumen Christi Award

Lance Dickens

Outstanding Senior in Agriculture

Sara Green

Larry Hager Award

Konner Harl

Outstanding Senior in Business

Eli Thompson

$3.8

SeniorTraditions

Traditions

OCHS Renovation Projects Update

To enhance our campus and better serve the needs of our students and alumni, a number of capital projects are underway. Thank you for contributing the funds, living the mission, praying for our growth, and daring us to dream!

The Chapel

THE NEED

The chapel is not large enough to house a single class.

THE SOLUTION

Remove a wall to expand the chapel’s seating capacity to 100+ in an effort to better house an entire class and visiting class reunions for masses. This chapel will have exterior recognition on Parrish Ave. so that passersby can see that Christ is the reason for this school.

So much excitement surrounds this project. Christ is the reason for this school! In an attempt to put Christ in the center of the school and a true focal point, a new space has been identified as a wonderful place for our new chapel – the small gym. With the cathedral like ceilings already in tact, over half of the existing space will be transformed into a beautiful chapel that will seat up to 150 students, an entire class. Architectural images and a construction estimate have been developed for the renovation of the small gym space. Supported by the generosity of the Vince and Joan Frey family, well over half the cost of this transformation has been pledged. Work is set to begin in the summer of 2023 as long as the rest of the funds are raised and we are able to find a convenient, accessible, and permanent residence for practices for the OCHS band.

A new Faith Formation Director has also been hired to make sure the chapel is utilized to its full potential on a daily basis. This Faith Formation Director is responsible for enhancing the Catholic education students receive by integrating even more opportunities for experiential practice of faith. This position is tasked with scheduling chapel visits, days of reflection, adoration, prayer days, and retreat experiences. Additional components of this position will be the continued cultivation of relationships between our schools and the supporting pastors, parishes, youth ministers, and other parish personnel, and to develop opportunities for engaging families in the growing of their faith lives.

Soccer Field Project

THE NEED

The field currently has some hazardous areas, and the sprinkler system is faulty.

THE SOLUTION

A new, first-class playing surface of Bermuda sod and a new sprinkler system will be installed in Phase 1, and in Phase 2 a new concession stand and honor wall will be constructed.

THE UPDATE

The generosity of our soccer families and friends enabled Phase 1 to be completed in the Fall of 2021.

Greenhouse

THE NEED

The OCHS Greenhouse is in complete disrepair.

THE SOLUTION

The greenhouse will be taken down and plans are being made for a new fiberglass greenhouse. Plants and flowers will be grown from seeds and sold to support the future of the greenhouse and the OCHS FFA program.

THE UPDATE

Science Lab

In the winter of 2020, a newspaper article included a photo of the OCHS FFA dilapidated greenhouse with the request of raising the funds needed to construct a new fiberglass greenhouse. Linda Kamuf ’61 called and generously offered help for the project. With Linda’s love of flowers and gardening she immediately knew this was a project she wanted to support. Linda named the greenhouse with her grandchildren in mind. Many other constituents and community partners also stepped in to contribute to this important project – including Independence Bank and the KADF. Raised beds will be added at a later date.

The lab underwent a recent renovation in memory of Doug Schaaf ’87. Read the complete update on page 4.

Alumni Hall Enrichment Center & Life Science Room

THE NEED

We currently serve thousands of alumni, 450 students and faculty, and offer numerous clubs and committees. Currently there is not a meeting room to house these important events.

THE SOLUTION

To have a functioning, appealing meeting place for these events, the family science life skills lab will be transformed to a stateof-the-art meeting room with a fully equipped kitchen. The hall will provide a separate after hours entrance into the school, increasing building security.

Due to the generosity of Earl and Paula Fischer, class of 1957, the current life science lab (the original Home Ec room for those from that era) is being transformed into the new Alumni Hall Enrichment Center. Work began as soon as school let out for the summer. To facilitate development of the Alumni Hall, a new family science life skills lab is being constructed in an existing room on the 3rd floor with an open floor plan, brand new appliances, and fresh paint.

Alumni Corridor of Champions

THE NEED

The breezeway is one of the main entrances used for entering and exiting the school and gym. It is highly visible yet over the years has become dirty, dark, and dingy.

THE SOLUTION

This space will get a major clean up with fresh paint and new lighting. The corridor will host trophy cases and serve as a walk of fame for past and future alumni of our school.

THE UPDATE

This project will coincide with the new side entrance project due to the installation of a storm lateral to be installed through this hallway from the courtyard and connected to the new storm main under the parking lot. This will necessitate removal of the brick floor and excavation of the hallway. Funds are needed to give this breezeway the update it needs.

Baseball Hitting Facility

THE NEED

A year round practice facility is needed for the baseball team near their playing field at Chautauqua Park to facilitate on and off field skill development.

THE SOLUTION

Construction of an all season practice facility adjacent to the baseball field.

THE UPDATE

Independence Bank, Chris and Janet Reid, and OC baseball families have joined together to fund a baseball hitting facility at Chautauqua Park, where we play our home games. Construction is set to begin at the end of the current baseball season in August.

Additional Parking

THE NEED

We don’t have enough parking for our student drivers. Overflow parking is at the Sportscenter, a block away from the school. Students must cross the busy street, Parrish Avenue. Athletic events pose an issue for visitors wanting to park closely to the athletic venues.

THE SOLUTION

Two homes on the adjacent lots to OCHS were purchased and donated by the Kamuf family. These homes have been demolished to allow additional parking in our school lot for students and patrons. The current lot, along with the new acquired properties, will be completely blacktopped and restriped. A new school entrance will be added as well.

THE UPDATE

A master plan to renovate the existing and new lot has been developed. Development of the new east lot is underway. By the end of August 2022, a new entrance into the parking lot will be accessible from Dean Ave., 90 parking spaces added, and a first coat of black top and striping will be completed.

New Side Entrance Canopy

THE NEED

The side steps need to be brought up to code and a canopy is needed to provide protection from the outside elements.

THE SOLUTION

Rework the steps leading to the entrance of OCHS and add an attractive canopy to make this entrance to the school more welcoming to students, staff, and all visitors.

THE

This project is still being developed. Handrails have been added to bring the steps to code. The intention is for the steps to be replaced but for now, durability issues are being handled with limited reconstruction.

Auxiliary Gym

THE NEED

It’s no surprise to anyone that an additional gym is something needed for OCS. A new gym would cost roughly $4 million.

THE SOLUTION

With your help, we can raise enough dollars to make this need a reality.

Funds are still needed to initiate this much needed project.

AcesFaces

The Aces spirit is comprised of the OCHS student body, along with our community of alumni and friends. It is all of us who define the character and personality of the school. We want to continue to share in the joys and successes of our alumni. Please take a moment and submit some news to us on how you are doing. New marriage, baby, job, move? Let us hear from you. All correspondence, along with photos may be emailed to Jenny Glenn at jenny.glenn@owensborocatholic.org.

How I Got from OCHS to the Vatican Observatory

Chris Graney ’84

I am an astronomer and historian of science with the Vatican’s astronomical observatory in Rome and Tucson, AZ. I am also “press officer” for its Tucson wing, which means that I write, do interviews, etc. to help people know what the Vatican Observatory (VO) is doing.

OCHS is part of how I got here, especially my OCHS physics, English, and Latin classes (with Mr. DiPietro, Ms. Riney, and Fr. Lauzon, respectively). I had always liked astronomy—I blame my mother, Kathleen Graney (she taught at OCHS in the early 1980s), who was always doing things like waking me up to see lunar eclipses. But those OCHS classes laid an important foundation in language, writing, and rigorous understanding of the physics behind astronomy.

I was a professor of physics and astronomy for thirty years at Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville. Perceptive student questions prompted me to study science’s history—especially the “Copernican Revolution”. Science communication in that era was in Latin (thank you, Fr. Lauzon). My research caught the attention of the VO. I started working with them around 2016. That work grew. I retired from JCTC in 2020, the VO work continued to grow, and have been in my current role there since 2021.

This photo was taken in Bologna Italy. It is my wife, Christina, and I, munching pizza as we take a break from visiting sites where Fr. Giovanni Battista Riccioli, S.J. did the first precision measurements of gravity by dropping clay balls from church towers in Bologna in the 17th century. And just this year Frs. Gabriele Gionti and Matteo Galaverni of the Vatican Observatory made news for their research into gravity in the early universe!

Owensboro Native Has Reason to Celebrate

Printed

By Jacqueline Jordan Russell, November 9, 2021 in Lifestyle

With an Instagram following of nearly 100,000 people, a popular book and another on the way, Brittany Young is touching lives around the world by sharing realistic, affordable ideas for making memories and building connections.

It all started when she was an undergraduate, sharing her love for decorating her porch and celebrating those around her on social media. “People started showing up,” she said. “It was just me sharing my life on social media and videos that started everything.”

Her first book, Celebrate With Sprinkles, focuses on big holidays and how to make them extra special. “We want to help you make your family feel a little extra loved, in ways that they’re talking about it months down the road,” she said. The book offers easy recipes and décor, and its beautiful photos offer lots of inspiration. It’s available through Amazon and Target, and her second book will be coming soon.

Young said the brand’s success comes from making projects simple and relatable. “Something may look over the top when you see it, but it has smaller pieces you can pick and choose from and make your own.” For instance, followers may not be up for creating a whole room of themed décor, but they can pick one or two items from the idea and make it work for them.

While 2020-21 has been a curveball, she hopes to get back in front of an audience soon, hosting annual events in 2022. Each event will be a chance to experience a party that’s a chapter from her new book. She also plans to launch a product line of goods that will help families celebrate.

But celebrating is as much about relationships as it is decorations and parties.

“Our mission is creating memories and deepening relationships,” she said. “Intentional celebration is looking for little things in everyday to throw confetti about. It’s about sharing love with people and building relationships.

Having lunch with a friend you haven’t seen. You don’t have to throw a party, just do what you’re comfortable with and connect realistically.”

Young and her team of eight use Instagram stories to reach and inspire followers. She also has a monthly digital magazine with printable items to use, as well as a private Facebook group for sharing ideas.

“We’re just obsessed with our content and our followers,” she said.

The 2006 Owensboro Catholic High School graduate may live in Nashville now, but she has fond memories of home. “I think about my high school memories and being on the dance team a lot. I loved it,” she said. “I’m in Nashville now, but I love where I come from.” ♠

2022 Goal

$210,000

Current Total $141,659.38

Phonathon 2022

We are having another great Phonathon. Thank you for giving to this important appeal. Donations received by October 1 will be listed on the OCHS Proof List published in November. Make your gift today with the envelope provided in this publication or online at www.owensborocatholic.org/support-ocs/

Look who’s on top! Current Phonathon Top Ten Classes

We have the most amazing alumni and your commitment to OCHS is obvious in your support and donations. Who will help get your class on top this year?

The top ten giving classes for the 2022 Phonathon will have their class year posted on our Giving Classes Wall of Fame. Friends of OCHS make up a class of their very own.

Planned Gifts

Owensboro Catholic High School alumni have the opportunity to sustain the tradition of excellence through a planned gift. One of the simplest ways to make a meaningful planned gift is through a bequest in your will. If you have already included OCHS in your will or other long-range plan, please let us know! It would be our pleasure to include you as a member of our Legacy Society.

Matching gifts from companies and corporations double or triple gifts to Owensboro Catholic Schools.

Owensboro Catholic is a 501(c) (3) charitable nonprofit organization. Your generous monetary gift is tax deductible.

Memorial Gifts that Last Forever

Names on Tree of Life in OCHS main office

Jeff Hedges

Healey

William (Bill) J. Hein

Jim and Millie Ivey

David Jarboe Horse Johnson

Keith Johnson

Wanda Jones

Edward J. Kaelin

Joseph H. Kurre, Sr.

Robert Luckett

Sarah Davidson Marshall

Mary Carmel Blandford

Matteson

Hank & Sharon McCain

Norbert McCarty

Mary Hilda McFarland

Anita Reisz McNulty

James Medley

Dorothy B. Millay

Harold Mischel

Anna O’Bryan Monarch

Chelsey Renee Mudd

Jeffrey Mudd

Joe B. Mudd

Patrick Mudd

Billy Murphy

Frank Murphy

Angie Norcia

Fr. Henry P. O’Bryan Henry B. Payne

Jason O’Bryan

Michael J. O’Malley

Robert Z. Opiola

Ramona Osborne

Rosemary McNulty Payne

Harry J. Pedley, Jr.

Bonnie Potts

Steve Quinn

George Randolph, Jr.

Judith Mischel Rector

David K. Rhinerson

Helen Jean Rhinerson

Jonell Blanford Richeson

Tony Rinaldo

Bettye Riney

Don Roberts

Frank H. Roberts

Janet Roberts

Wallace Roberts

Kathleen H. Rocco

Jimmy “Rog” Rogers

Christopher Rutledge

Judy Mudd Rutledge

Tom Scales

Doug Schaaf J. Patrick Schmitt

William R. Schrecker

Charles Settles

W.C. Simmons

Mary Stepp

Carolyn M. Stevenson

Marcia Strehl

Mary Neel “Cissy” Sullivan

Patty Bellew Sweeney

Mary Katlyn Taliaferro

John Kenneth Thomas

Rita Beth Thomas

Barbara Ann Thompson

Henry E. Thompson

Holly Thompson

John “Chick” Thompson

Roy Thompson

Dolores Thomson

Greg Waninger

Nola Waninger

Paul Waninger

Francis Watrous

Dorothy Wethington

Ruth Wethington

John Wilkerson

Glenn Woodward

Glenn Wright

This brass tree was purchased by the Doug Schaaf family – not only to memorialize Doug but also to give others opportunities to memorialize loved ones and use that vehicle to help increase the long-term viability of Owensboro Catholic High School for generations to come. The tree holds an engraved leaf in memory of each of those friends of the school for whom memorials have been established. These funds become part of the school’s endowment. Income from the endowment is used for tuition assistance and capital projects not covered by the budget.

Remembering OCS Superintendent Jim Mattingly

By Gates Settle, OCHS Principal

Twelve years ago, the opportunity to become the principal at Catholic High became available. I remember a lot of discussion with several people, formal and informal interviews and lots of sleepless nights trying to decide if this was the right decision for me. One of the things I will remember the most are the conversations that I had with Jim Mattingly, who was the Superintendent of the Owensboro Diocese at the time.

I had known of Jim since he had been a public school principal with OPS, just as I had been in the DCPS system, but I really didn’t know him on a personal level. When these discussions started, I really didn’t know what to make of him. Not only was he very reserved and seemed very guarded with his words, but he didn’t come across as all that interested in pushing me very hard to take the job. However, the more we talked, or should I say, the more I talked, the more I learned about Jim and his faith and his passion for Catholic Schools.

Those of us of a certain age will remember a commercial about E.F. Hutton and the line in those commercials where something busy or hectic was always going on was, when EF Hutton spoke, (and everything in the commercial would stop) everyone would stop to listen. This

commercial always sort of reminded me of Jim since his words always carried significance.

He was not a real talkative person but the more we talked, the more I started picking up something about his demeanor and personality. One of those things was that when he did talk, he was one who was very much to the point, but also very thoughtful with his words. As the meetings continued, I kept coming up with questions to ask about all kinds of things because I was so unsure about making such a big change at that point in my career.

However, looking back and knowing what Jim knew about OCS, I was probably starting to get on his nerves. But I very plainly remember during one sequence where there was a pause, and this will always stick with me; he said in a typical dry wit that was pure Jim, “Gates, this is a no brainer.” And from that point on, it was like a light came on for me and the rest is history. The best professional decision I ever made was to come to OCHS, and a huge part of it was due to Jim Mattingly. His faith, patience, intellect, and ability to help me understand made what started out as a very tough decision, a very easy one and for that, I will always be thankful and grateful to Jim Mattingly.