Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
I was recently at a conference where one of the speakers reflected on this passage, mentioning a common failing of English translations of the scriptures. In Greek, the language in which the New Testament was written, there are numerous words with very different meanings that are simply translated as “love” in English. This is not a mistranslation; we simply do not have the same variations in English. All these different Greek words are rendered as “love” in English. This causes us to miss some of the nuances in the scriptures. This is one of those cases. The word translated here as love in Greek carries the meaning of longing for something in the depths of one’s heart. It is much more intense than just love. So God, in the depths of His heart, longs for us not to be just generous but to give of ourselves cheerfully.
Frequently we feel resentful when asked to give to one more thing. There is always one more project, one more person in need, one more event that we need to support. This is not how we are to be. No one can meet all the needs, and no one should be expected to; but when we are able, we should give with a cheerful heart. If we can find it within us to do so then we will reap bountifully for our sacrifice.
To all who choose to support OCS a deep and heartfelt thank you. May you always reap much more than what you have sown.
By Natalie Hayden ’88, OCS Director of Advancement
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is witnessing the generosity that flows through our community. It’s incredible to see how many people contribute to ensure that every student has access to a faith-filled education, whether they’re parents who were once helped by others, alumni who understand the value of the sacrifices made for their own education, or individuals who simply see the good in supporting our mission. However, some of the most powerful and heartfelt donations come from families who, even in the midst of their own grief, create memorial funds in honor of loved ones. These gestures are not just about giving—they’re about carrying forward a legacy of love and care for others.
The OCHS Memorial fund was valued at over $407,000 at the end of September 2024. 5% of a three-year rolling average of this account is distributed to OCHS each year for tuition assistance to families who have completed
Memorial Gifts Create Endless Generosity:
Kim Dominick
the application process to determine need. This income along with funds from our supporting parishes, the OC Connect Appeal, alumni, and friends, create the total tuition assistance fund that makes a real difference in keeping Catholic education accessible for all. During the current school year, 95 OCHS students have received approximately $408,000 in aid with the Memorial Fund being a major contributing factor in our ability to fund this need.
One of the things that makes my job so meaningful is the chance to work with some of the most generous people in our community. We have a dedicated group of parents and benefactors who guide us in financial matters, and our goal is always to maximize the potential of these gifts to ensure they benefit the students who need it most.
These memorial funds make an enduring impact! The five percent distribution of the invested dollars ensures these gifts continue giving indefinitely, preserving the generosity that started them. We’re also working on expanding a Legacy Society, encouraging supporters to consider leaving gifts to our schools in their wills, trusts, or other
COVER STORY
beneficiary designations. We have a number of alumni who are attorneys or financial advisors ready to assist anyone interested in discussing the various options.
It’s always amazing to see what inspires someone to give. Our advancement team works hard to understand every donor’s story, passion, and goals so we can honor their intentions. And we work hard to make sure families receiving aid know just how much others have sacrificed to help them provide a Catholic education for their children.
One touching example is the story of Kimberly June Dominick, a 1989 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School. Kim was a person who lit up every room she entered—her smile was infectious, and she made it a point to notice people others might overlook. She was a champion for the underdog, a friend to all, and someone who lived life to the fullest.
Kim was studying Elementary Education at the University of Kentucky when, tragically, her life was cut short in a boating accident in 1992. Her family wanted to honor her memory in a way that reflected the vibrant, compassionate person she was. They established a memorial fund in her name. Kim’s fund was set up for students who embody Kim’s spirit—someone who loved life, cared deeply for others, and had a passion for the arts and music.
It’s stories like Kim’s that remind us of the lasting impact one life can have. These memorial funds allow us to continue supporting students in ways that go beyond financial assistance—they help us preserve the values and memories of those who inspire us every day.
Natalie Hayden ’88
OCS
Director of Advancement
270-686-8896
natalie.hayden@owensborocatholic.org
Senior Day of Recollection
Kim getting settled in her dorm room at UK
Memorial Gifts that Last Forever
Names on the Tree of Life are in the OCHS main office
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 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. Memorial funds are pooled and distributed for tuition assistance and emergency educational needs. The Memorial Funds can be established in the name of a loved one or family member for a minimum of $500, which also warrants a leaf on the Memorial Giving Tree.
Marvin
“Cabby”
Jody
Generosity is an Expression of Faith and Gratitude
2024 Goal $210,000
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of Owensboro Catholic throughout the year. Your generosity has been instrumental in shaping the lives of our students and sustaining the mission of our school.
Thanks to YOU, we are gearing up for a banner appeal year! We’ve hit our goal, now let’s go beyond and exceed it! I encourage you to consider making a thoughtful contribution to help us continue our work. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our Catholic community.
For guidance on your year end gift, please contact Natalie Hayden, OCS Director of Advancement at 270.686.8896 or Natalie.hayden@owensborocatholic.org
Owensboro Catholic Schools is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Your generous monetary gift is tax deductible.
and corporations double or triple gifts
What class will finish on top? The top ten giving classes for the 2024 Phonathon will have their class year mounted on our Giving Classes Wall of Fame. Friends of OCHS make up a class of their very own.
Financial Generosity Can Take on Many Forms
While the most common form of financial generosity is the outright gift, there are many additional ways to make financial donations, both during your lifetime and upon your passing. These other ways often allow individuals to donate larger gifts than they thought were possible. So, while outright unrestricted gifts are always deeply appreciated, these types of donations may help you achieve other planning objectives at the same time.
Will Bequests – A Will provides instructions to the Court and your loved ones as to how your remaining assets should be distributed. By leaving a dollar amount or percentage of your remaining estate to support the schools, churches, and ministries that were important to you, you leave a lasting legacy and can inspire others to do the same.
Beneficiary – Life insurance policies and many types of financial accounts ask you to identify a primary beneficiary and a secondary beneficiary. Consider listing Owensboro Catholic Schools as one of your beneficiaries.
Qualified Distributions – Once you turn 70½, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a qualified non-profit (up to $100,000 annually). A QCD can also satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) obligation that begins at age 73. The amount donated is excluded from your taxable income.
Charitable Gift Annuity – Put simply, this is a contract between a donor and a qualified charity. As an example, a 73-year-old can make a gift of $10,000 and receive 5.4% on that gift in income each year for life. There are tax benefits as well, including a partial charitable deduction and a break on income tax.
If you’d like to learn more, please call Natalie Hayden at 270.686.8896, and she can arrange for you to meet with a qualified legal or financial professional.
OC CONNECT
Phonathon 2024 Donors to Date
At this time of year, we like to send a proof list to our alumni and friends so you can check to see if you have made your annual Phonathon gift, and if so, is your name listed correctly? Please keep in mind, this list was compiled on October 30, 2024, so our list may have been submitted for publication before we received your contribution. Unrestricted gifts from alumni are a powerful vote of confidence in the future of Owensboro Catholic High School. Alumni who contribute are making a strong statement about the education they received and are ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. The Owensboro Catholic High School community is grateful to the following who have donated so far this year. A final list of donors who have contributed to special restricted projects will be listed in the next Green and White. Thank you!
1948
Jack and Doris Mills
Joe Mudd Family
Mary Riney Mudd
In Memory of Rita Beth Thomas 1950-1951
Joan Marrett Englert
Dr Carroll and Margie Howard
Bill and Patty Johnson
Marjorie Reisz Reid
Francis Thomson
1952
Joann Castlen Galloway
Daniel and Shirley Kurz Hagman
Mary Elizabeth Tipmore Handy
William P. Hayden Jr in Memory of Martha Clark Hayden
In Memory of Barbara Reisz Brown
Jane Coomes Rowland
Bob Slack
Margaret Hayden Velotta
1953 $2,302.50
John and Nan Roby Filburn
In Memory of Gene Frey
Bob and Mildred Slack Gilles
Barbara Frey Hagman
Anna Jean Hardesty
James F. Marrett
Ann Roby Oberg
Ignatius Payne
John and Margie Clark Wathen
1954 $915.00
Bob and Roberta Berry
In Memory of Commander John M. Gilles
Joseph Cooper Hayden
Pat O’Malley McCarthy
Cora Ellen Medley McKinley
Patsy Downs Whitmer
Joann Johnson Williams
1955 $795.00
Mary Bryant Booth
In Memory of Barbara Gilles Clark
Vince and Joan Frey
Sue Clark Howell
Bill Payne
George and Barbara A. Powers
Bettye Rouse
1956 $6,258.56
Don Blandford
Mary Ann Head Clouse
Joan Riddle Collins
Douglas and Cheryl Hayden
Nancy D. Hendricks
John and Mary Medley
Joann Schartung Millay
Jackie Kamuf Murray
Bob and Theresa Payne Pedley
Lula “Lou” Hamilton Royal
Barbara F. Stallings
Cloa Johnson Thompson
Mike Weaver
1957 $579.12
Margie Hamilton Ashworth
Col Michael and Kathleen Boldrick
Bob and Betty Crowe
Earl and Paula Fischer
Gertie Sims Frey
Margaret Grant Frey
Joanna Vowels Hatcher
Carl and Marty Hayden
Charlie and Linda Kamuf
In Honor of Charles Kamuf
Bonnie Mittelstadt
Charles and Lois Payne
Mary Etta Schrecker
Mary Foster Whitis
1958 $14,980.78
Anonymous
Harry and Peggy Bellew
Bob and Roberta Berry
Lee and Frances Bidwell
Imogene Knott Blakeley
Alice Boarman
Lillian Roberts Bowlds
Annette Smith Bryant
Linnie Murphy Clary
Bob and Betty Crowe
Bob and Marian Davis
Donald and Ruth Dickens
Thomas Fogle
In Memory of James David (Red, Sonny, Smokey) Gilles
Henry and Bernadette Hayden
Carl and Marty Hayden
Otis and Judy Hicks
Bob and Francil Higdon
James R. and Beverly Knott
Larry and Polly Warren McCubbins
In Memory of Mary Hilda McFarland
Ronald and Connie Byrne McKay
Joseph Newton
Robert W. Nix
In Loving Memory of Rosemary Payne
Marie Gatton Priar
Joe and Cissy Dieterle Raibert
Jim Schartung
Gene and Jane Strehl
Richard and Dorothy McKay Thomas
1959 $4,820.00
Joyce Roberts Bickett
Bill and Suzanne Blandford
William Blandford
Col Michael and Kathleen Boldrick
Philomena Bollinger
Frankie and Ritz Devins Cecil
Joe and Mary Jane Russell Clark
In Memory of George Collignon
Doug and Nancy Dunn
John and Liz Froehlich
Bonnie Russell Hawkins
Geri Hart Martinez
Rebecca Millay
Rebecca Kiefer Millay
Charles and Lois Payne
Ed and Allethaire Price
Marie Saunders
Dorothy Payne Tipmore
Wayne C Tipton, Jr
Don and Mary Weaver
Judy Wright
1960 $395.00
Lee and Frances Bidwell
Larry and Susan Cashen
Guy and Linda Simmons Connor
In Memory of William Allen (Goggles) Gilles
John F. and Theresa Jones Jr
Steve Meyer
1961 $6,162.50
John and Mary Nell Bouvier
Don and Janet Bowlds
Patricia Roberts Cecil
Bob and Marian Davis
Mike and Linda Drury
Thomas Dunbar
Paula K. Fisher
Paul Fisher
Hadley Roberts Harrington
Rich and Kathy Hayden
Gerald and Judy Higdon
Charlie and Linda Kamuf
Bernard and Marilyn Boone Lally
Larry and Gene Lyon
Bob and Linda Marrett
Larry and Willodean McMahan
Margaret Beaven Moorman
Michael and Kari Morton
Burley and Beverly Phelan
In Memory of Timothy Sims
Ron and Mary Helen Strehl
Buzz and Patsy Collignon Van Meter
Don and Mary Weaver
Doug Wood
1962 $3,435.00
Mick and Janet Baseheart
Harry and Peggy Bellew
Joe and Beverly Carrico
Larry and Dottie Elder
Harry Glenn
Robert and Cynthia Hawley
Dennis and Sharon Elliott Hayden
Gene Keelin
Tom and Vicki Luckett
Libby Hayden Mattingly
Tony and Celia Roberts Roach
Carol Thornberry Sims
Michael and Patsy Snyder
Agnes Kamuf Stallings and late Edward B. Stallings
1963 $1,905.00
Gene and Carolyn Abel
Mick and Janet Baseheart
Fred and Sharon Bittel Coomes
Jim Goetz
Ronnie and Mereda Hicks
Becky Welsh Jesop
Joe and Paula Knott
Mary Ann (Tom) Kurz
Charlotte Feldpausch McAlevey
Ken and Edie McKay
Martha Gilles Payne
Ronnie and Judy Frey Peach
Donald and Carol Ralph
Victoria Roberts
Joseph E. and Barbara Russell
Mary Alice Wethington
1964 $3,332.64
Pat Black
John and Esther Blandford
Anita Hayden Garrison
Tom and Mary Beth Goetz
Elaine Stephen Grant
Jim and Janet Hagan
Josie Hagan
Mike and Michelle Hagan
David and Paula Hayden
Larry and Brenda Hayden
Ron and Karen Matthis
Paula McIntyre
Charles and Mary Ann Medley
Greg and Patti Biscopink Merimee
James and Sharon Bell Murphy
Steve P. Oelze
Randy and Carolyn Porter
Joe and Beverly Bellew Rudy
William C. Schrecker
Mary R. Lyon Shepler
Steve Sims
1965 $4,015.00
David and Nancy Akers
Paula Cilia Annin
Bill and Sally Buford
In Honor of Sharon Knox-Tucker
Gary and Phyllis Edwards
Linda Rhinerson Falloway
Carol S. Goetz
Mike and Michelle Hagan
Jerry and Virginia Harper
Deacon Joe and Sherry Hartz
Don Hayden
Maureen Hardesty Jackson
Kirk and Loretta Fay Barr Kinley
Barney and Sharon Knox-Tucker
Mitchell and Martha Long
Linda L. Luebcke
Danny and Anna Ruth McNulty Lyon
Bob and Linda Marrett
Al and Judith Mattingly
Ed and Mary Riney
John F. Tewell Jr
William and Rosemary Riney Thompson
Bobby L. Timbrook
Judith Tramontin
Chip and Mary Katherine Van Meter
Jim and Linda Warren
Joseph and Connie Weikel
Dennis and Peggy Welsh
Joyce Bittel yeiser
1966 $1,090.00
Ben and Stanette Blair
Pat Daugherty
Martine Edge
Eddie and Peggy Grant
Larry and Becky Marrett Horsman
Susan Mary Jones
Bill and Sheila Kyle
Mitchell and Martha Long
Greg and Patti Biscopink Merimee
Tom and Carol Payne
Bobby and Kelley Simmons
Todd and Pat Stelmach
Glenn and Sheila Stewart
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro
Joyce Young
1967 $1,517.50
Larry and Sheila Abel
Agnes Bickwermert Allen
Linda Hagan Avery
Don and Vicki Cecil
Fred and Sharon Bittel Coomes
Doug and Nancy Dunn
Tom and Janet Ebelhar
Gary and Beverly Estes
Susan D. Garwood
Paul and Chris Gill
Denny and Sarona Murphy Grant
Sharon Cecil Hart
Thomas E. and Millie Ward Hines
Shirley Ebelhar Kent
Paul and Benita Martin
Mike and Bennie McNulty
Tommy R. Osborne
Phil and Brenda Drury Phelps
Tom Shively
Larry and Jean Sims
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro
Dukie Wirth Tabor
Steve Thornberry
1968
$3,236.03
Joseph and Brenda Goetz Bean
George and Judy Blandford
Russell B. Brooks
Jeff and Marcia Carpenter
Joe Carr
Dennis and Monica Connelly
Tom and Janice Jenkins Conrey
Don and Jeri Cundiff
Philip and Frankie Denton
Steve and Linda Dixon
Tom and Janet Ebelhar
Jim and Debbie Edelen
Shirley Barker Hughes
Don and Sandy Kelley
Mike and Donna Koger
Jim and Kathy Likens
Mike and Karen Mischel
Hank O’Bryan
Ann Hufnagel Payne
Tom and Carol Payne
Rachel Grant Roth
Larry and Jean Sims
OC CONNECT
Bill and Marilyn Strong
Gary and Donna Thompson
Paul Warren
1969 $32,160.38
Greg and Deborah Clouse Arnold
Steve and Gloria Haynes Baker
Joseph T. and Jeanne Bouvier
Thomas E. Buford
Tom and Ann Castlen
Don and Charlotte Cecil
Jim Tony Fulkerson
Carl and Molly Greenwell
Marsha P. Hardesty
Mary Sheila Howard
Roger and Marian Jones
John and Martha McNulty Mancinelli
Jerry and Remonda Reed Maynard
Gary and Stephanie Millay
Michael and Elaine Mills
Donna Head Montgomery
Richard and Donna Murphy
Sam and Cindy Hall Murphy
Dr William and Sherry O’Bryan
Pat and Marilyn Mischel Pace
Steve and Donna Rivette
Terry and Mary Lee Posey Roark
Jr and Donna Stogsdill Roby
Beth Rone Royster
Deborah Hayden Sheperis
Robert E. Smith
Bruce and Lynn Snyder
Randahl and Millie Stephen
Genny Jones Stevens
Charlotte M. Stofer
Gene and Jane Strehl
Pat and Marnita Strehl
Bonnie Stuart
Margaret Stuart
Anne Lauzon Swinford
In Memory of Michael Murphy Taliaferro
In Memory of Angie Goetz Thompson
Dr Shelby and Mary Ann Thompson
Kelly and Becky Ward
1970 $3,652.86
Ronald and Kay Biscopink
Thomas A. and Janie Blair
Tom and Ann Castlen
Rose Castlen Garant
Bruce and Jane Early
Jeff and Margie Walker Ebelhar
Wayne and Laura Edge
Mike and Cynthia Fiorella
Rose Castlen and Mike Garant
Joe Hagan
Mike and Alice Franey Hays
Wally and Julie Klee Johnson
Dean and Tina Jones
Jim and Kathy Likens
Mike and Jan Martin
Gene and Mary Meyer
David and Vickie Osborne
Phil and Natalie Roberts
Vickie Snyder
1971 $6,795.00
Thomas and Patricia Rittmeyer Anderson
Hugh and Lisa Bittel
Donnie and Connie Clark
Dr and Mrs M Wayne and Annetta Ebelhar
Ron and Carol Ebelhar
Paulette Schrecker Eison
Pat and Lori Elder
Parvin and Anna Kay Ellis
Mike and Cynthia Fiorella
Van Franey
Bob and Debbie Fulkerson
Steve and Peggy Gardner
Donna M. Goetz
Gary and Nelda Grant
Joe and Ellen Haire
Martha Kurre House
Tony and Christa Hundley
Thomas and Ann Knox
Greg and Cynthia McCarty
John and Carolyn McCarty
Mark and Karen McCarty
Patrick Mulligan
Drs William E. and Marie Petrites Murphy
Larry and Rosemary Sims O’Brien
Ken and Mary Jo Plas
Mary Bickwermert Salmon
Mike and Janice Scherm
Mark and Martha Sims
Tim and Rhonda Haynes Troutman
George and Joanie Wathen
Michael and Janet Wathen
William and Mary Lou Boarman Whitt
1972 $2,925.00
Mark and Mary Beth Barr
William and Martha Beyke
Judy Carrico Bielefeld
Karen Cavin-Brown
Charles and Barbara Barr Daugherty
Jeff and Margie Walker Ebelhar
Mark Ebelhar - In Memory of Grace Medley Ebelhar
Vince and Teresa Sims Edwards
Thomas and Rosemary Young Foster
Michael L. Goetz
Eddie and Peggy Grant
Denny and Sarona Murphy Grant
Jerry Hardesty
Roger and Marian Jones
Mark and Mickey Keller
Allen and Gina King
Robert Dell Mattingly
David and Debbie McBride
Paul and Judith Clark Nevergoll
John and Mary Pickrell
Pat and Marnita Strehl
Gary and Donna Thompson
Jay and Andrea Wethington
1973 $5,030.55
Nelda Martin Best
Greg Blandford
John and Patty Bolger
Marty and Janice Bumm
Steve and Judy Blincoe Carrico
Karen Dueker
Robbie and Lana Englert
Bill Franey
Gary Gant
Trip and Carole Guthrie
Kathy M. Hardesty
James and Rebecca Hatfield
Sherri Smith Hayden
Steve Haynes
Bruce Hill
Dr John and Barbie Howard
David and Margie McNulty Jackson
Wally and Julie Klee Johnson
Bill and Theresa Jones
Stephen and Lucy Kaelin
Allen and Gina King
Joey and Marianne Knott
Larry and Patty Marr
Wayne and Doris Mattingly
Steve and Cynthia Murphy
Gregory L. Riney
Harold and Suzanne Roberts
Annie Kate Roberts
John G. Vessels
Wayne and Susan Zoglmann
1974 $11,994.23
Scott and Martha Beyke
Tony and Paul Pedley Bittel
Marty and Janice Bumm
Bob and Paulette Davis
Chris Dunn
Keith and Cathy Franey
Janice Danhauer Greene
Bill and Becky Hardy
Frank and Karen Hein
David and Karen Hayden Jarboe
Mary Helen Castlen Johnson
Bill and Linda Kerchusky
Charles Knott
Jeff and Janice McCarthy
David and Cheryl Mills
Sam and Cindy Hall Murphy
David A. Murphy
Aces and Uriah Heep Fan
Patty Mills Reynolds
Annette Thomas Roberts
Jane Roberts
George and Karen Schauman
Steve and Lisa Sims
Brenda Zoglmann Thomas
Richard and Connie Trogden
Delores Sims Turnage
Stephen and Nancy Velotta
Kennetha Waninger
Patrick H. Warren
Jerry and Alicia Simon Wells
Rob and Trish Whitaker
1975 $2,608.41
Dave and Jean Cantu
Alan J. Cecil
Joe and Vicky Connor
Sr Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ
In Memory of Matt Lawrence
Byron and Jan Durbin
Mike and Anne Marie Taylor Falk
Lee Franey
John and Karen Gildehaus
David and Ginny Hagan
Tony Hamilton
Bill and Becky Hardy
Phil and Cheri Hayden
Charlotte Kaelin Hedges
John Anthony Hein
Phil and Diane Higdon
Stephen and Diane Howard Hoffman
Martha Luckett
Laura Howard Mattingly
Greg and Cynthia McCarty
Sandy Merritt
Steve and Cathy Newby
Gary Newcom
Steve and Sherry Orth
Bill and Dottie Riney
Charles and Jill Rivette
George Schrecker
Elaine Thomas
Wayne and Pauline Warren
Fr. David Wathen
George and Joanie Wathen
Dennis and Gayla Whitehouse
Anonymous
Bert Barker
Joey Barr
Jake and Diane Barr
Greg Barton
Hugh and Lisa Bittel
Donnie and Mary Ann Blanford
Denny and Jill Campbell
Danny and Gail Campbell
Thomas and Terri Carrico
Joe and Barbara Weafer Cecil
Dennis Cecil
Ruth Clark
Steve and Stacey Conkright
John and Helen Cornell
George Elder
Barbara Fischer
J. Carlin Gregory
Randall and Kim Hardesty
Scott and Tina Hardesty Hardy
Pamela B. Hartz
George and Belinda Hayden
Thomas and Katherine Hayden
Phil and Diane Higdon
Stephen and Diane Howard Hoffman
Celeste Medley-Hood
Joseph E. Isbill
Chris and Paula Kavolus
John Lattin
Wanda P. May
David and Renee Clark McNulty
Celeste Medley-Hood
Dr John and Cindy Mulligan
Jim and Laura O’Bryan
Carol Wirth Parker
Perry L. Payne
Tim and Becky Mayfield Pedley
Tony and Donna Powers
Chris and Janet Reid
David and Julie Payne Renshaw
Neil and Vicky Rudy
Perry and Debbie Stiff
Mike and Janice Sweeney
Chuck Thompson
John and Colleen Walker
Doug and Tammy Wathen
Tim and Donna Brown West
Rob and Trish Whitaker
Doug and Laurie Hayden Wood
1977 $2,734.54
Charles Berry
Tim and Debbie Blandford
Harvey and Cathy Clark Bowlds
Danny and Gail Campbell
Denny and Jill Campbell
Sandy Ebelhar Clark
Tony and Julie Ebelhar
Joe and Winnie Medley Foster
Les and Neva Hayden
Rick and Kimberly Coomes Hayden
Fr Tony Jones
Charles Killian
Jacinta Merimee
Paul and Colette Osborne
Tony and Lisa Raley
George and Pam Frey Randolph
Robert and Cynthia Roby
Steve and Lisa Sims
Vickie Hayden Sipes
Ron and Karen Bertke Thomas
Dr David Thompson and Dr Vicki Frey
Rick and Lizann Thompson
Tom and Maryann Thompson
Michael Ward
Sharon Thomas Wathen
OC CONNECT
1978 $3,425.65
Tim and Lynette Bender
John T Chandler
Martin and Sandy Durbin
Pat and Lori Elder
Denny and Diane Fulkerson
Tom and Mary Kay Gardner
James and Sandy Guinn
Phil and Kim Haire
Phil and Cheri Hayden
Rick and Kimberly Coomes Hayden
John and Susan Jones
Kenneth and Mary Wathen Keller
Steven and Michelle McClellan
Lisa Pedley Millay
David and Diane Mountain
Jay and Claudia Schmidt Nolan
James and Stephanie Orton
George and Pam Frey Randolph
Dan and Kim Riney
Warren and Ellen Roberts
Robert and Cynthia Roby
Scott and Mary Ann Rudy Shoopman
Ron and Karen Bertke Thomas
Myles and Ruth Ann Thomas
Dwayne and Kathleen White
1979 $1,930.78
Anonymous
Kenneth and Wendi Bickett
Tom and Diane Cecil Bowers
Steve and Trisha Frey
Dr David Thompson and Dr Vicki Frey
Helen Hagan
J Jolly and Mary Michael Hayden
Monica Hayden
William and Penny Higdon
Randall and Nancy Knott
Kevin and Mary Szemethy Lasley
Bob and Connie McCarthy
Scott and Leanne Ward Murphy
Gordon and Deborah Powers
Ken and Cheryl Rieves
Jeff and Shelly Riney
John and Janie Aud Riney
Dan and Kim Riney
Andy Roby
Randy and Robin Roby
Michael R. Thomas
Kenneth B. Tinsley 1980 $1,564.43
Anonymous
Gary and Dolores Aull
William and Lynne Payne Bell
Martin L. Bickwermert
Tony and Paul Pedley Bittel
Gary and Mary Kay King Calery
Scott and Anne Coomes
Bernie and Lisa Dotsey
George and Sandy Fleming
Steve and Trisha Frey
Curtis and Cindy Thomas Hamilton
Russ and Vicki Hayden
Stephen Hein
Todd and Kathleen Connor Johnson
Mary Jo Jones
Stephen and Lucy Kaelin
Malcolm and Tammy Smith Neel
Robin and Cynthia Owens
Karen E. Pence
John and Janie Aud Riney
Ron and Kelly Stallings
Eddie and Peggy Wilson Tichenor
Mai Vu-Ha
Billy and Sara Smith Wilson
John and Kathy Wright
1981 $1,157.50
J Michael Boarman
Stephen and Sharon Clark
Dennis and Peggy Corley
Carl and Tammy Glahn
Tim and Cathy Goetz
Curtis and Cindy Thomas Hamilton
Russ and Vicki Hayden
Todd and Kathleen Connor Johnson
Ben and Becky Bickett Marks
Scott and Leanne Ward Murphy
Phil and Natalie Roberts
Chris and Karen Thompson
Keith and Sharon Tipmore
1982 $3,276.17
Chris and Karen Baer
Joe and Tammy Calhoun
Ron and Cathy Frey-Ramsey
Jerry and Amy Glahn
Mary Gresham
Scott and Lori Hamilton
Garrick and Maria Hart
Richard and Kim Higdon
John and Rhnea Hill
Kevin Howard
Bill and Debbie James
Lisa Stallings Moseley
James and Stephanie Orton
Greg and Laurie Payne
David F. Powers
Alan and Monica Riney
Brian and Shannon Scheidegger Stephens
Joe Szemethy
Thomas and Catherine Vessels
Richard and Lori Whitehouse
1983 $1,723.24
John and Yvonne Barker
Greg and Betsy Bickett
Carl and Linda Boarman
Vince and Reenee Fogle
Ricky and Carla Hagan
Jeff and Stephanie Higdon
Texas Gas Matching Gift - Jeff and Stephanie Higdon
Richard and Kim Higdon
Scott and Cindy McCain
Michael and Tollie Medley
Greg and Kim Mullican
Ron and Kelly Stallings
Thomas and Catherine Vessels
1984 $1,130.00
Don and Jenny Bittel
Ruth Drury Charles
Stephen and Sharon Clark
Barry and Stephanie Frey
Chris Graney
Jamie and Angie Klump
Bob and Connie McCarthy
Richard and Jenny Medley
Greg and Laurie Payne
Jill Steen
Mike and Lisa Sullivan
Chip and Melanie Walsh
1985 $1,530.00
Brian and Dr Carol Collins-Carriveau
Stephanie Sims Doom
David and Janette Ford
Denny and Diane Fulkerson
Joe and Carol Gorley
James and Susan Coomes Howard
Shawn and Beth Hunter
Matching Gift - Shawn and Beth Hunter
Robert Mayfield
Kevin and Shannon Robbins
Gene Schadler
Joe and Chris Schepers
Tony and Kim Thomas
Check and Jennifer Wilson
Tim and Debra Wright
1986 $2,101.84
Leonard and Joni Howard Barnett
Carl and Linda Boarman
Vince and Reenee Fogle
Jeff and Julie Garvin
Tim and Cathy Goetz
Ricky and Carla Hagan
Jody and Karen Head
Catherine Pedley
David and Trisha Phelps
Tony and Kim Thomas
Geary and Rhonda Thompson
Jeff and Molly Wolfe
1987 $1,503.26
Shannon Coomes
Scott and Lori Hamilton
Scott and Jennifer Higdon
Chris Kamuf
Keith and Sherry Krampe
Kevin and Debbie Kurz
Kathy Boarman Murphy
In Memory of Billy Murphy
Kathleen Overton
Stephen and Cynthia Riney
Jennifer Rumage
Check and Jennifer Wilson
Tim and Debra Wright
1988 $4,483.99
Jeff and Rhonda Arnold
Joe Paul and Kim Bickett
Jennifer Roach Bishop
Nick and Candance Brake
Bart and Cheryl Bruner
John Buford
Bill and Vania Campbell
Barry and Stephanie Frey
Jane M. Fulkerson
Richard and Natalie Hayden
Jody and Karen Head
David and Sara Hemingway
Scott and Margaret Higdon
Capt (Ret) Tim and Lara Hill
Charlie and Allison Johnson
John and Michelle Lyon
Richard and Patty Missi
Tim and Bridgette Roberts Molnar
Laura Morgan
Bobby and Amy Payne
Charlie and Jennifer Payne
Jeff and Debbie Presser
David and Brenda Rasco
Jason Ray
Dr Sean and Bree Simone
Barry and Laurna Strehl
Brian and Tina Wright
1989 $264.89
Christopher Allen
Ralph and Michele Blair
Keith and Rachel Evans
Paul and Dana Hardesty
John and Michelle Lyon
Vincent and Misti McCarty
Holly Payne McGuire
1990 $269.97
Brent and Shawnte’ Bacher
Matt and Ashley Frey
John and Julie Moore
Barry and Laurna Strehl
1991 $1,100.00
Colby and Heather Blair
Richard and Jennifer Hayden
Chip and Amy Pride
Rob Rector
Madison and Amy Strehl Silvert
1992 $1,425.00
Ralph and Michele Blair
Brad and Courtney Boehm
Gary and Christy Buford Browning
Matt and Brandi Hayden
Scott and Jennifer Higdon
Tim and Bridgette Roberts Molnar
Matt and Jenny Likens Richeson
Darren and Annie Riney
Michael and Christa Roberts
Cynthia Schadler
Kent and Juli Wurth Stewart
1993-1994 $1,020.52
Clint Burcham
Drs Matheis and Amy Carrico
Keith and Rachel Evans
Jeremy Eades
Matt and Ashley Frey
Matt and Brandi Hayden
Matt and Christy Hayden
Chris and Mara Mischel
Kurt and Stephanie Tucker Oller
Darren and Annie Riney
Matthew and Rachel Taliaferro
1995 $1,865.17
Murray and Tricia Adams
Jonathan Constant
Brian and Laura Grant
Jeremy and Renee Guinn
Dr John and Julie Hammen
Thomas and Beth Hutchison
Matthew and Heather Naas
Todd and Casey Ray
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Sean and Rachel Taylor
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Texas Gas Matching Gift - J. Michael and Shanon Thomson
Michael and Shanon Thomson
Scott and Melanie Wallace
1996 $1,344.96
Dr Aaron and Jill Clark
Robynn J. Clark
Jared and Destiny Daugherty
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Tommy and Christie Hayden
Ben and Sara Murphy
OC CONNECT
1997 $3,260.00
Aaron and Margie Benton
Dr Aaron and Jill Clark
Paul and Kristin Hayden
Sarah Howard
Thomas and Beth Hutchison
Camron and Nikki Knott
Jared and Jaime Martin
Ben and Sara Murphy
Ty and Lindsey Petway
1998 $940.00
William and Holly Bodne
B. J. and Haley Buford
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Andy and Laura Hennessey
Adam S. Johnston
Jason and Jennie Parker
George and Amanda Hayden Powell
Adam and Courtney McNulty Shewmaker
1999 $487.50
Seth and Brandi Baker
Jesse and Leigh Buford
Scott Grant
Paul and Kristin Hayden
Jacob and Bridget Reid
Matthew C. and Holly R. Tierney
Will and Mary Katherine Wathen 2000 $461.96
Ryan and Beth Coyne
Stacey Coomes Kosters
Jarrod and Sarah Lilly Malone
Nathan and Beth McNulty
Mike and Mary O’Herron
Lance and Sarah Osborne
Sarah Allen
Dustin and Kendra Brooks
Helen Ann Hays
Dan and Keri Duncan
David and Lisa Jarboe Higdon
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Nick and Stephanie Orth
Lance and Sarah Osborne
Jonathon and Lauren Reid Patton
Dustin Warren 2003 $685.00
Travis and Laurie Castlen
David and Ginny Coomes
Dr Aaron and Melissa Flaherty
Ashley Hancock
Mike and Tressie Lilly Mallory
Aaron and Leslie McNulty
Patrick and Jennifer Stiff
Craig and Sarah Jarboe Thomas
2004 $1,555.00
Ben and Kathleen Norcia Arnold
Derek and Rachel Blair
Dr Aaron and Melissa Flaherty
Michael and Christie Wall Hagan
Dustin and Katie Jones
Jesse Martin
Lee and Jessica Martin
Sarah Clark Thomas
Craig and Sarah Jarboe Thomas
Matthew J. Thompson
Matthew and Holly Tierney
$141.71
Cody and Chanda Bender
Dirk Dooper
Dustin and Katie Jones
Matt and Michelle Valego
Elizabeth Wathen
2006 $337.54
Cody and Chanda Bender
Jonathan and Amy Brand
In Honor of Danielle Hayden Grae
Lloyd and Katie Wright Harris
Jay and Anna Ivey - 2006 Challenge
Kirk McCarty
Ryan and Veronica McCauley
Mark and Erin Ebelhar
Chad and Lorna Thompson
2007-2008 $247.61
Ryan and Kristen Bumm
Sarah Ebelhar
Ashley Barna Garrett
Ben and Jasey Hartz
Chris and Lyndsey Hein
2009 $3,893.62
Josh Goetz
Matching Gift - Josh Goetz
In Memory of Katlyn Taliaferro
Kristen Wathen
2011-2015 $417.27
Darcy James
Nick Krampe
Matt and Kaylee Kuhlman
Sam and Kate Lilly
Andrea McBride
Dillin and Meagan Millay Melton
Dylan Payne
Luke Riney
Drs Sam and Whitney Thompson
2017-2020 $263.99
Alyssa Beyke
Nolan and Clare Clark
In Memory of Emily Foreman
Weston Jacob
Wes James
Will and Laurne Eyre James
Noah Todd
2024 $102.20
Mallary Bailey
Ethan Daugherty
Katie Evans
Meredith Fischer
Luke Frey
Daniela Guido
Spencer Harris
Elizabeth Hayden
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Conleigh Osborne
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Friend $33,879.29
Anonymous
Gary and Beth Abshier
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Wayne Allen
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DCN Bill and Joy Bach
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Rose Cecil
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Phil and Betty Cissell
Walter and Gail Clancy
John and Patsy Clayton
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp
Gerald and Judy Coomes
Russell Corley
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Sieband and Wanda Dooper
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Envision Contractors LLC
Dennis and Barb Evans
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Linda Fentress
Billy and Patricia Folk
Neel and Sarah Ford
Scott and Teresa Gardner
Chris and Jenny Glaser
Joyce C. Greenwell
Roger and Jeanie Grimsley
Michael Gross
Richard and Joyce Gruenewald
Gulfstream Commercial Services
Hagan’s Saw Shop
Frank and Connie Hagan
Branden and Rebecca Haines
Marge Harper
Eddie and May Haynes
Josh and Emily Heistand
Rose Hodgkins
Dr Jeff and Lynn Hofer
The Michael E Horn Family Foundation
Dr Carroll and Margie Howard
Mel and Bev Howard
Richard A. Howard
Jeff and Pat Huebel
Dr Phil and Mary Beth Hurley
Independence Foundation Inc
Bobby and Peggy Jackson
Gary and Karen Jarboe
Robert and Vicki Johnson-Poynter
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Joy Keller
Donna Kessler
David and Helen Kirkman
Teresa Korn
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Kurtz Auction and Realty
John and Chrissy Kurtz
William B. Kurtz
Bonnie Boarman Lanham
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Rick Lebecka
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Fr John Paul Mang
Mabel Martin
Paul J Martin Enterprise, LLC
Jerry and Ginger McBride
Peggy McCarthy
Doris McCrary
David L. McJoynt
Altaf and Ashley Merchant
Tom and Ann Meyer
Mick-Murf Construction, Inc
Charlotte Mischel
Rob and April Mitchell
Norma Moss
Millie Mullican
Kenneth Murphy
OC CONNECT
Mike and Mickeye Murphy
In Memory of Ed Jackson and Pat Mountain
Joe and Maggie O’Bryan
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Owensboro Grain - A Cargill Company
Dr Patrick and Suzanne Padgett
Paul J. Martin Enterprise, LLC
Jane Pfeifer
Davon Pinkston
Bob and Lynne Pope
Dorothy Powers
Murray and Sara Pride
Ed and Dr Amy Ray
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Fr Jerry Riney
W. Bruce Riney
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Les and Helen Schaick
Gates and Angela Settle
Fr Anthony Shonis
Harold and Rhonda Staples
Mark and Kathy Sterling
John W. Stevenson
Pamelia Storms Barrett
Robin Swift
Carolyn Taylor
Fr John Thomas
In Memory of Ken Thomas
Mike and Karen Thompson
Richard and Jeanette Turner
Gary and Linda Wahl
Minda Ward
James and Elizabeth Warnock
Bill and Brenda Wathen
Ethel Watrous
Otis Webb
Dr Justin and Madison Wedding
Micky and Barbara Wells
Carl and Mary Jo Westerfield
John and Dee Dee Wethington
Tyrrell Whitaker
Thomas Whitsett
Ken and Sarah Emberger Wilhelm
Lorinda Wilson
Allen Wood
Michael and Suzanne Wurth
It is incredibly easy to give online!
1. Visit owensborocatholic.org
2. Click the blue Support OCS tab for the dropdown menu
3. Click on OCHS
Phonathon-OC Connect
4. Click the blue GIVE NOW button
Remembering Angie Norcia ’83
Our sister Angie loved OCHS and her classmates in the Catholic High family. Her passion was cheerleading where she excelled through years of practice and loved being part of a team that strived to get better by competing and making it to the 1983 Nationals in Dallas, Texas. She loved the tumbling part of cheering; back handsprings were like skipping for her. Angie began cheering in third grade; so needless to say with all those years cheering for teams, she loved sports as well, especially coming from a family that loves football!
She knew the hard work, dedication and perseverance it took to excel in sports as well as her studies. She appreciated her Catholic education and the great moral foundation laid by her parents and the Catholic schools.
it!
She considered herself so lucky to be part of the Catholic High family where everyone was made to feel loved and special. Memories of Angie laughing, having fun, building strong friendships with her classmates are cherished. As a side note, she was a good role model for everyone she was around-especially her siblings. Before turning in at night, she would kneel beside her bed to pray and give thanks. It was such an inspiration to see her dedicated in so many areas of her life and we know that OCHS was and is such a special place for all who go there.
The Norcia family remembers Angie each year with contributions to the OC Connect fund as well as the OC cheerleaders.
If you would like to share your story of your loved one on the tree of life, please contact Natalie Hayden at 270.686.8896 or Natalie.hayden@owensborocatholic.org
We’ll update our Chapel progress in the next edition of The Green and White!
For your year-end contribution considerations, OC Chapel fundraising is ongoing!
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF Volleyball
“The volleyball program was started in the fall of 1994 under the direction of Principal Harold Staples and Athletic Director Russ Coomes. Jamie Ford and I were the first coaches. Jamie knew volleyball, I did not! At that time there were only two schools west of Louisville that played volleyball, OCHS and a small Christian School in Benton. That meant a lot of trips back and forth to Louisville. We were placed into a Louisville Region and at that time, the tournament was double elimination. We would drive to Louisville as soon as school was out, play in the tournament, drive home, go to school the next day, then drive back for the next round of the Regional Tournament. After a few years, the other schools in Owensboro finally started their programs and, in the fall of 2000, the Owensboro Schools were placed into what is now known as the 3rd Region.”
Kurt Osborne ’88
“Some
of my best memories are from my years playing at OCHS and I believe it helped form the person I am today. This program allowed me to form great relationships and friendships through the years and gave me some of my closest friends today.”
“OC volleyball gave me some of the best high school memories. Since we were the first team in our region in 1994, we did a lot of traveling to play! Bus rides were the best, with a range of singing ‘We Will Rock You’ or Alanis Morissette at the top of our lungs, to doing homework, and sleeping because we were getting back late from Louisville on a school night. Coach Kurt Osborne and Coach Jamie Ford helped to lay the foundation for OCath volleyball winning tradition! I am most proud that my daughter Kennedy has also been a part of this tradition now!”
“I loved playing in that gym; it was such an electric environment getting to use our God given talents and be cheered on by family, fans, and even teachers. I have been lucky enough to walk out of high school with some of my teammates/best friends that are still by my side today.”
Jaimie Thompson ’16
Sara Murphy ’97
Photo by Servant Cody
“Playing volleyball at OCHS was such a positive and proud experience. During my 4 years of playing, we won many dis- trict and regional titles and we also went to state all 4 years. The best part of playing at OCHS was the friendships I made, many of whom I am still close friends with today.”
Rachel Howard ’04
“Words cannot express how much I truly loved playing volleyball at OCHS. Vol- leyball allowed me to gain confi- dence in myself, build friendships, and create memories that I will keep close to my heart forever.”
Rachel Krampe ’13
“OCHS volleyball gave me a great foundation of discipline and long-lasting friendships. It was always fun, yet it also taught healthy competition, as well as positive team culture!”
Hannah Aull Tyson ’14
“Volleyball was a core piece of my experience throughout high school that brought me some of my best friends. It taught me hard work and commitment and I am forever grateful for those years!”
Taylor Deveaux ’10
“I loved being a part of the OCHS volleyball team for 4 years. I’m still great friends with several of my teammates, and we have our own children playing sports together in the Ow- ensboro Catholic System.”
Krystal Flowers ’04
Photo by Servant Cody
Photo by Tucker Ray
Photo by Tucker Ray
ReunionsMilestone
Come Home!
In the historic Dogwood Azalea neighborhood of Griffith Avenue in Owensboro, OCHS is a special place where you spent several milestone years of your life. Maybe you moved on to raise your own family or pursued your dream career here or in another state. We invite you to come home!
Class reunions are the perfect time to get together with classmates and relive old memories. Plan a fun-filled weekend that allows you plenty of opportunities to catch up.
CLASS OF 1975
Sat., Oct. 4, 2025
CLASS OF 1980
Sat., July 12, 2025
CLASS OF 1985
Sat., Sept. 6, 2025
If your class year ends in 0 or 5, it’s your upcoming reunion year!
OCS central office staff are happy to provide you with a current class list and help promote your event. School tours and Masses may be scheduled by calling Jenny Glenn at 270-686-8896.
Thank You!
Classes of 1973, 1974, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2014
Thank you to our alumni who took advantage of the benefits we offer at OCHS for reunions. It was great to have so many alumni roaming the halls this summer during a tour hosted by OCHS! The stories shared during the tours, the memories relived, and the excitement after seeing improvements we’ve made get us excited about being part of your next milestone reunion!
Trip Guthrie & Bill Franey visited Owensboro Catholic on the day the Aces were set to play the Red Devils. They toured the school and were able to wish Coach Morris good luck in the big game. The pep talk must have worked because the Aces beat the Devils for the 3rd year in row with a final score of 43 To 31.
Class of 2014
Class of 1999
Class of 1989
Class of 1988
Class of 1994
Class of 1973
Antique Aces seat cushion circa 1969, OCHS.
Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship!
To the Class of 1974:
Our 50th Reunion Weekend was a huge success, and it is all because of you. Yes, our committee puts it together, but without your attendance, there would be no reunion. Thank you. Putting these events on is an act of love. Love, for that special teacher, who helped us get through those difficult teen years and our studies. Love for a school, that for so many years, was our home away from home. Love for the groups, clubs, and sports that helped mold us into the adults that we are today. And most of all, for those friends who have stayed connected to our lives in one way or another. These are the memories that we hold dear. And for these reasons our committee will continue to keep on keeping on. Also, thank you to these hard working, devoted people who make up our committee. You are the best.
I leave you with this one note. Our class motto will always be embedded in our hearts. “We Our One” The OCHS Class of 1974.
Always your friends and classmates, Paulette Clouse Davis and Your Reunion Committee
AcesFaces
We want to share in the joys and successes of our alumni. Please take a moment and submit your news. New marriage, baby, job, move? Let us hear from you. All correspondence, along with photos, may be emailed to Clare Clark at clare.clark@owensborocatholic.org.
Sharon Pfeifer ’84
After graduating from OCHS, Sharon attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN receiving her B.S. in Mathematics in 1988 and her Master of Arts for Teachers (M.A.T.) degree in Mathematics in 1990. She has spent the last 32 years working for ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) which is a Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation that is a technology leader in electrification and automation. Her career with ABB took her to St. Louis, MO; Allentown, PA; Lake Mary, FL; and Coral Springs, FL. Outside of work, Sharon is an active parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Coral Springs, FL. She has been in the Adult Choir for 14 years where she has sung both Alto and Soprano parts. Sharon loves this Ministry as they sing year around and have already started preparing for their annual Christmas concert. She has also been a Sacristan for about 10 years and is active in the Women’s Emmaus Ministry. This year she will participate as an Emmaus Team member for their Fall Retreat, which allows women to step away from everyday life for a weekend to focus on their relationship with God, family, and friends. Sharon is also the Secretary for the Magnificat Broward County Florida Chapter. Magnificat is a Ministry that helps Catholic women to open more to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Sharon is thankful to Owensboro Catholic High School for providing her with a strong education and growth in her faith that helped prepare her for her future.
Emily Marshall Chalk ’16
Emily recently graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Kentucky’s Physician Assistant Program. She credits Mr. Corley’s anatomy class at OCHS for piquing her interest in science and healthcare! During her time at UK, she met the love of her life, Matthew “Bear” Chalk. The two were married on August 3, 2024 at St. Stephen Cathedral by Father Mike Clark. They now live in Nashville, TN where Bear is a CPA and works as an Audit Manager for LBMC. Emily is excited to begin her new position as a Neurology ICU PA-C at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
ACES FACES
Tyler Grant ’12
Tyler Grant, an engineer with the Owensboro Fire Department, recently had an unforgettable experience during the air show when he was selected for a VIP ride-along with the Blue Angels as part of their Key Influencer Program. This initiative recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to their communities. Tyler, known for his selflessness, gained attention earlier this year when he donated a kidney to his sister-in-law. After her successful surgery, he returned to his duties at the fire department, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving others. The Blue Angels praised him for his dedication, highlighting his role in mentoring fellow firefighters and his involvement with the Special Operations Team in disaster-stricken areas. Tyler said he has felt very blessed by Catholicism and the special OC community. The friendships he formed at Catholic High last a lifetime and have made him into the man he is today.
Hannah (McKay) Ballard ’20
Hannah (McKay) Ballard graduated from Catholic High in 2020, where she found a deeper religious faith and her passion for basketball. She attended Murray State University on a basketball scholarship and became involved with the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
In May 2024, Hannah graduated from college and married her high school sweetheart, Bailey Ballard, who graduated from OCHS in 2018. They tied the knot on May 25, 2024, with Father Tony Jones officiating, and now live in Utica, KY, where they are members of St. Martin’s Parish.
Stefan and Chelsea (Hagan) Swift ’13
Stefan and Chelsea (Hagan) Swift are both graduates of the class of 2013. They were married in 2017 and have three children, Lincoln (5), Hudson (3) and Margaret (8 months). Lincoln is in kindergarten at the K-3 Campus in Mrs. Hayden’s class. Chelsea graduated with a degree in elementary education and taught at the 4-6 Campus as a fifth-grade teacher for almost three years, but she is now a stay-at-home mom. Stefan graduated from UofL as a nurse practitioner. He is now the owner of Optimize U Owensboro. They are active members of Immaculate Parish. Chelsea and Stefan cherish their memories from their days in the OCS school system and they are excited for their children to be part of this community too!
Hannah works at Tamarack Elementary, helping children with special needs, and is considering coaching basketball in the future. Her husband, Bailey, is a construction operator for RA Alexander and Sons. Hannah looks back on her time at Catholic High with gratitude for the faith and friendships that continue to shape her life.
ACES FACES
Sharon W. Knox Tucker ’65
Sharon fondly recalls her time at OCHS, where the relationships she formed with teachers, staff, and lifelong friends had a lasting impact. She believes her Catholic education not only prepared her for the challenges of family and faith, but also laid the foundation for a successful business career.
After raising her two sons, Sharon began her professional journey with Xerox Corporation in sales and marketing. She went on to hold executive leadership roles in commercial interiors with Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Invista Corporation. Alongside her career, Sharon has been deeply committed to volunteerism, supporting organizations like the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity. Notably, she co-chaired a fundraising initiative during her 40th and 50th class reunions, which resulted in the first-ever Memorial Fund for tuition assistance.
Sharon has also served on the Board of Directors for multiple not-for-profit organizations, including the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association, where she contributed to various community fundraising efforts.
Now residing in Georgia with her husband Barney, Sharon remains committed to OCHS, encouraging other alumni to reflect on the positive experiences they had and to give generously. She believes contributing to the school helps ensure future students receive the same strong, faith-based education that was instrumental in her own life. Sharon and her former classmates creatively honor one another by making donations for birthdays and special occasions keeping their bonds alive while supporting the school’s mission and continuing the legacy of the class of 1965.
20th Reunion for the class of 1965
Planning for 50th Reunion, Girlfriends: Friends Forever
50th Reunion for the class of 1965
ACES FACES
Mason Robertson ’14
An Alumni Story
As an alumnus of Owensboro Catholic High School (OCHS), my journey in faith was profoundly shaped by the supportive and nurturing environment provided by the Catholic school system from kindergarten through 12th grade. The investment Catholic High made in my spiritual formation has been instrumental in shaping my path and purpose, particularly in my current role as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).
and earnestly displaying it can inspire those around you. This lesson has been integral to my mission with FOCUS, where our aim is simple yet profound: to know Christ and to make Christ known.
OCHS instilled in me the core values of faith, community, and service. These principles guided me through my years at the University of Kentucky, where I had the privilege of forming a close friendship with Ryan Clark, a fellow OCHS alum. Initially, our friendship started off on rocky ground—passing each other in the hallways at Catholic High and sharing car rides to basketball practice didn’t quite make us fast friends. However, our bond blossomed during Bible study at university, demonstrating the lasting impact Catholic High had on us even after graduation. Our friendship grew so deeply that we stood as groomsmen in each other’s weddings. It’s remarkable how our shared faith turned a tenuous start into a lifelong friendship, helping us to see Christ in each other’s actions and deepening our relationship with Him.
One of the most impactful aspects of my education at Catholic High was the theology classes, particularly those taught by Mr. Tony Kraus. His devout faith and passion for teaching truly brought my faith alive. Mr. Kraus, with his deep commitment to faith and his students, ignited a fire for Jesus in my heart. Though he has passed away, his legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired. He taught me that taking one’s faith seriously
Catholic High’s dedication to fostering a reverent and faith-filled environment was evident in their efforts to transform a gym into a chapel for weekly student Mass. The reverence and effort put into these Masses were extraordinary, and I am overjoyed about the ongoing efforts to build a new chapel for the current students. This new chapel will provide students with the opportunity to attend daily Mass before school, fostering a greater closeness to the sacraments and, consequently, to God. The administration’s push for this chapel demonstrates their commitment to nurturing the students’ faith, which is crucial for their spiritual growth.
The dedication of the teachers at OCHS to their faith serves as a prime example for students to invest in their own faith. Seeing teachers being reverent in Mass and attending daily liturgies helped me understand the gravity of my faith and my decision to live it out. Teachers such as Tony Kraus, Neil Corley, Jill Risse, Bill Hagan, and Lisa Higdon are prime examples of educators who wear their faith on their sleeves. They are first Catholic and then teachers, showing us how to integrate faith into every aspect of life.
Ryan Clark and my friendship is highlighted by the consistent actions that brought us closer to Christ. We always willed the best for each other, calling each other higher in our faith journeys. There were times one of us wanted to skip Bible study or student Mass at the University of Kentucky, but we always encouraged each other to stay committed. Our friendship was marked by authentici-
ACES FACES
ty—we could be ourselves around each other, sharing our faith while also enjoying activities like playing pickup basketball or going to the bar. We lived our faith authentically, balancing being in the world but not of the world. This balance is crucial for college students, who can enjoy life while keeping Christ at the center of it.
The late Mr. Tony Kraus didn’t see class as just something to check off a list. He was more invested in who we became than what we did. He wanted us to explore, fully comprehend, and truly believe in what he was teaching and living out. His commitment to faith made him an extraordinary teacher, a trait shared by other dedicated educators at OCHS.
When the Owensboro Catholic school system says “faith in education,” they truly mean it. The community of mothers and fathers, along with the faculty and staff, greatly impacted me. The whole school system is a family, and I am delighted whenever I meet a fellow alum. My wife, Ellie Robertson, whose mother Sharron Marcum is an OCHS alumna, and I recently experienced this sense of family when we traveled to Omaha, NE for the College World Series. We met fellow alums Barry and Stephanie Frey and immediately connected, showcasing the strong bond within the Owensboro Catholic family.
Several OCHS alumni, including Madeleine Rafferty, John Thomas Hayden, and Simon Sutton, have also gone on to become FOCUS missionaries. This speaks volumes about the lasting impact of OCHS on its students, inspiring them to continue their faith journeys and lead others to Christ.
Beyond prayers, financial support, and references, I urge the OCHS community to seek out FOCUS missionaries on their children’s college campuses. We are doing extraordinary work, striving to bring students’ faith to the forefront of their lives. Our mission is to help them fall so deeply in love with Christ that the world cannot ignore
the truth of our faith— that our existence is because God wants to love us deeply.
The crux of our mission is to share the simple yet profound truth of the Gospel: God loved us so much that He breathed us into existence, not out of necessity but out of a desire for us to share in His infinite being and love. Though we turned away from God, His immediate reaction was to send His Son, Jesus, so that we could join Him in heaven. Jesus came to carry the full burden of our sins and to invite us to transform ourselves to be like Him. This truth is what I strive to teach and display to college students, especially considering that 80% of them leave the faith when they get to college.
Currently, I am in my fourth year with FOCUS. I spent two years as a missionary at the University of Louisville, and now I am serving as a Team Director at the College of Charleston, where I am in my second year. My mission is to help students navigate their faith journey during their college years, a critical period where many young adults drift away from their religious roots.
Owensboro Catholic High School’s investment in my faith has not only shaped my personal journey but also allowed me to contribute to the spiritual growth of others. Through FOCUS, I am able to continue the legacy of faith and service that Catholic High has instilled in me, impacting the lives of countless students as they embark on their college journeys.
If you feel called to support my mission, I welcome your prayers, contributions, and references. Your support can help ignite a fire for Jesus in the hearts of students, just as it did in mine, and make a lasting impact on their faith journeys. Please feel free to reach out to me at mason. robertson@focus.org.
With heartfelt gratitude, Mason Robertson
ACES FACES
Annabel (Moore) Hartig ’16
Annabel recently began her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Kentucky, marking an exciting new chapter in her life. Just a month before starting her residency, she married her husband, Colton, on June 8th at Saint Stephen Cathedral. Colton is currently in his fourth year of medical school and plans to apply to Internal Medicine residency programs for the following year. Reflecting on her time at OCHS, Annabel feels immense gratitude for the experiences she gained there. She appreciates the exceptional teachers, supportive sports teams, and lifelong friendships that shaped her journey. Above all, OCHS gave her a strong foundation for her faith, which she values greatly.
Michael Englert ’13
In the last year, Michael Englert has moved back to Owensboro and started a new career in industrial maintenance and electrical technologies. He married his best friend Courtney on September 14, 2024 at Saint Stephen Cathedral. They look forward to starting their new life together back in his hometown surrounded by friends and family! Michael and Courtney have loved seeing their nieces and nephews start on their own journey at OCS, and they hope to one day add their own to the Aces community!
Jason Potts ’92
Wes James ’17
After graduating from OC, Wes James earned his Marketing degree from Murray State University in 2021. He launched his career at Green River Distillery, initially leading tours and absorbing the company’s history. He has since advanced to the role of Single Barrel Coordinator, where he selects barrels from the Rick house, takes samples, and arranges tasting events for clients all over the nation. He reflects on his time at OCHS saying “Catholic helped me in many ways…starting with the dedicated teachers and staff that instilled a strong work ethic and always put an emphasis on academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, always having a strong community helped me build lifelong friendships and a network of relationships I still use today.”
Jason Potts, CPA, was recently humbled and honored to have been voted by his valued clients the Platinum award winner in the Accountant/Investment Broker category of the Messenger-Inquirer’s 2024 Reader’s Choice awards. Jason operates a sole-practitioner CPA firm in Maceo, KY. His firm specializes in tax planning, tax return preparation, accounting, and consulting for small businesses, estates, trusts, not-for-profits, and individuals. At Owensboro Catholic, Jason learned to see Christ in each person and to treat them as well as he would want to be treated, and he applies this approach to each client he is privileged to serve.
A Fall Semester Update from Our CEO
We are off to another amazing school year with an enrollment of 1307 students K-12! We welcomed 186 new students, and our kindergarten class is the largest since 2011. Thirty students are taking Dual Credit classes at OCHS through Brescia University. These classes are taught by our faculty. Twenty students are taking Dual Credit classes online through Murray State’s Racer Academy. We have 25 students getting credit through OCTC, either through the technical program or online classes. Our student retention rate is at 96% and we continue to attract students from Daviess and surrounding counties. Every one of our students is valued and is a major gift to OCS.
Faculty and staff were excited to kick off the new year at our OCS Day of Recollection. This year’s theme “Who do you say that I am?”
– Matthew 16:15 calls each of us to reflect on who Jesus is in our lives, shaping how we pray, live, and face challenges. Jesus knew the disciples’ understanding of Him would guide their lives, and the same is true for us.
This year, our goal for our faculty and students is a deeper encounter with the Lord. We encourage students to choose a word that describes who Jesus is to them, reflecting their personal faith journey throughout the year. We are excited to dive into this system-wide theme. To keep this theme present, we have incorporated it in our Faith in Education shirts this year.
Last year much time was spent developing and mentoring our leadership. This year we will focus on teacher development with the emphasis on curriculum alignment. Our first academic focus will be on Math. K-12 math teachers will research and do in-depth reviews of math standards and use them to design lessons. We will dive deeply into these documents and make vertical connections between grade levels. Through these professional development experiences, teachers will develop a deeper understanding of the progression of learning by exploring concepts across K-12. This will be a multi-year process and we hope our math classrooms will transform into engaging learning environments that challenge our students to think, which will ultimately increase our proficiency with assessment results.
I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to bringing our teachers together to share expertise, resources, and ideas. Together we can build an even better academic education for our students at OCS.
Tracy S. Conkright OCS Chief Education Officer
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Owensboro Catholic High School
1524
This edition is dedicated in memory of Georgia Claire Powell
Aces family, please be in prayer for OCHS principal George Powell and his family, whose beautiful seven year old daughter is now in the arms of the Lord.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
A leaf will be placed in Georgia’s memory on the Tree of Life.
