With grateful hearts, we celebrate 75 years of faith, learning, and service through Owensboro Catholic Schools. Thank You for the students, families, educators, and parishes who have shaped this legacy.
You have been our strength and our light. In every classroom and every prayer, You have formed hearts to know, love, and serve You.
As we honor the past, help us embrace the future with faith. May our schools continue to be places where Christ is known, excellence is pursued, and students are prepared to serve their families, Church, and community.
Through the intercession of Mary and all the saints, bless our mission for years to come.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Celebrating
75 YEARS of Owensboro Catholic High School
1951-2026
This year, Owensboro Catholic High School celebrates a remarkable milestone—75 years of excellence in Catholic education. However, the story of Catholic education in Owensboro dates back even further, to 1848, when the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth established Saint Frances Academy. Housed in a modest frame building, formerly a hotel at 3rd and Allen Streets, Saint Frances Academy was the city’s first dedicated school for Catholic students. From that humble beginning, a legacy of faith, learning, and community was born—a legacy that continues to flourish today.
For 40 years, Saint Frances Academy nurtured generations of students, instilling in them the values of discipline, faith, and service. As the years passed, increasing enrollment and the strong desire of families to provide their children with a Catholic education prompted the Sisters to move the school to a newly constructed building at 5th and Allen Streets. The commitment to meet the needs of the community reflected a core belief: Catholic education is not only about academics—it is about forming hearts, minds, and character.
Yet even this new facility could not contain the growing number of students. At the same time, the Ursuline Sisters of Maple Mount Kentucky faced challenges at St. Joseph High School, struggling to provide sufficient space and faculty. Recognizing a shared mission, the superiors of both orders welcomed the Diocese of Owensboro’s purchase of property on Parrish Avenue to establish a diocesan high school for all of Daviess County.
In September 1951, the equipment and resources of Saint Frances Academy were moved to this new home—Owensboro Catholic High School officially opened its doors. From that moment, the school became a unifying force for Catholic families across the county, offering students an environment where faith and learning could thrive together. In 1989, Owensboro-Daviess County parochial schools were consolidated, creating the Owensboro Catholic K-12 Schools system as it exists today. Now, students from every local parish have the opportunity to carry forward the mission of excellence, faith, and community.
So why is this 75th anniversary so significant? It is not simply a celebration of a number or a building—it is a celebration of community, continuity, and impact. For seventy-five years, Owensboro Catholic has prepared students not only to succeed academically but to live lives of purpose and faith. Graduates have gone on to lead, serve, and inspire in every corner of the world, yet they remain connected to the values and memories of their alma mater.
This milestone reminds us that the foundation laid by the Sisters of Charity and the Ursuline Sisters has created ripples extending far beyond the school’s walls—ripples felt in families, workplaces, parishes, and the broader community.
Many traditions that define life at OCHS have endured for generations, connecting students across decades and creating lasting memories. From the early days in 1951, students experienced the excitement of homecoming celebrations, the camaraderie of class activities, and the pride of cheering at athletic competitions and pep rallies. Spiritual growth and reflection were fostered through All-School Masses and Days of Recollection, while service and leadership opportunities, such as Phonathon and the magazine drive, taught students the value of giving back.
Though the world around them has changed—classrooms evolving from chalkboards to interactive whiteboards—student publications have grown and adapted as well, capturing the voice of each generation. From Kick Magazine to The Peddler, then Parentlines, and today’s Green and White Magazine, these publications have chronicled the humor, achievements, and milestones that define life at OCHS.
From the first graduating class of 1952 walking the halls of a brand-new building, to students across the decades engaging in traditions, service, and school spirit, to today’s Aces competing on the field, leading in the classroom, and growing in faith, life at OCHS has always been about growth, connection, and purpose. Each generation shares in the same experiences that shape character, build community, and carry forward the enduring legacy of faith, tradition, and service that defines Owensboro Catholic Schools.
The voices of the first graduates, the Class of 1952, capture the heart of this legacy. In their reflections published in their Green and Gold Nugget Magazine, they wrote:
“For the past four years, we have laughed and sung; we have worked and prayed together. This final year in our new home at Owensboro Catholic High School will remain forever in our hearts. We are the first graduates to go forth from OCHS and are humbly thankful for this privilege. We love this new school even more because it was made possible by the sacrifices of our families and friends. Our school symbolizes so much to the world about us, and it is part of our heritage we hope to cherish always.”
Their words remind us Catholic education is about more than classrooms or textbooks—it is about forming character, instilling values, and creating a community that nurtures every student. Every generation of Aces that has walked these halls, from 1951 to today, carries forward the same mission: to lead with faith, learn with purpose, and serve with compassion.
As we celebrate 75 years of Owensboro Catholic Schools, we honor the countless students, families, faculty, and religious leaders who have contributed to this enduring legacy. This anniversary is both a reflection on the past and a celebration of the future—a reminder that the mission of Owensboro Catholic is timeless, shaping generations of leaders, achievers, and believers.
Here’s to 75 years of excellence, faith, and community—and to the generations yet to come! ♠
“I still remember stepping into the brand-new Catholic High as a senior — full of excitement and possibility. Sister Ann Marium was my favorite teacher, and Enza Marie Porter was my greatest friend — my partner in crime. The friendships I formed at Owensboro Catholic remain among the greatest gifts of my life. The lessons I learned there helped shape me into the person I am today. Owensboro Catholic has always been part of my family’s story. As the oldest of seven, I hoped to set an example for my brothers and sisters, and I’m proud to continue giving back to the school that gave so much to us.”
Mary Elizabeth Tipmore Handy ’52
“I really enjoyed going to Catholic High—it was such a special place to go to school. The nuns made it feel like home and helped everyone adjust to the changes. I’m proud that the tradition has continued in my family. All four of my children graduated from Catholic High, many of my grandchildren did too, and now my great-grandchildren are part of the same school system. It’s amazing to see the legacy live on.”
Rose Oberst Clark ’52
“Congrats on reaching such a wonderful milestone 75 years. I’m so proud to have been part of this school history. The time I spent there truly shaped who I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for the teachers, friends and experiences that made it such a special place. It’s amazing to see how the school continues to grow while still holding onto the same spirit and values that made it great from the start. Wishing everyone many more years of success, learning and community.”
Jane Coomes Rowland ’52
LET’S MAKE THE 75TH
YEAR
the Best Year Yet!
Natalie Hayden
’88
OCS Director of Advancement
270-686-8896
natalie.hayden@owensborocatholic.org
2025 Goal
Current Total $177,411.29 $210,000
For seventy-five years, our school has stood as a place where faith and learning walk hand in hand. A community built on prayer, generosity, hard work, and a shared commitment to forming young hearts and minds in Christ. Every step of the way, your prayers and support have made our mission possible.
Through our OC Connect Annual Appeal, we’ve seen firsthand how God works through the generosity of His people. Each gift, no matter the size, helps strengthen our classrooms, support our teachers, and open doors of opportunity for our students. Because of you and our parish support, we’ve made wonderful progress toward our goal this year. But as we look to the finish line, there’s still work to be done.
This season of Thanksgiving invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks to God for the countless blessings He’s poured out on our school community. It’s also a time to give back, to respond to His goodness with joyful hearts and generous spirits. We ask you to continue lifting our students, faculty, and mission in your prayers, and, if you are able, to make a gift that helps us finish this year strong.
Together, through faith, prayer, and generosity, we can make this 75th year truly our best yet. Thank you for believing in Catholic education, for standing with us in our mission, and for ensuring that the light of Christ continues to shine brightly through our school for future generations.
Let’s give thanks for all that God has done and all that He will continue to do through our shared faith and support.
Financial generosity can take on many forms and provide significant tax benefits.
Call Natalie Hayden today at 270.686.8896 and learn all the ways to make your gift count: outright gift of cash or check, gifts of stock, will bequests, beneficiary, QCDs, Charitable Gift Annuity, DAFs.
Matching gifts from companies and corporations double or triple gifts to Owensboro Catholic High School.
Owensboro Catholic Schools is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. Your generous monetary gift is tax deductible.
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.
Chapel and Practice Facility Update! Update!
No worthy remodel project happens without a setback. And, we at Owensboro Catholic are no exception. We recently experienced a significant setback on the chapel progress in relation to the flooring. During renovation, cracks in the original floor caused concern for proceeding with the new tile our contractor was planning to install. We worked through several scenarios and conducted our due diligence with conversation and testing to ensure the flooring we selected would stand the test of time. Our decision was to move forward with a new flooring plan. The new plan incorporates a beautiful, engineered wood floor with tile portions on the altar and center aisle. This project continues to make progress, and we are looking forward to a December finish and blessing ceremony.
The practice facility is cruising forward and has made tremendous progress as you can see in the photos provided. Our band and other school extracurriculars are looking forward to utilizing this spacious new practice space.
May God continue to bless these important projects.
Thank you, donors and prayer warriors!
ADVANCEMENT
REMEMBERING OUR LITTLEST
Aces
Lost to Stillbirth and Miscarriage
In a past edition of The Green and White magazine was a heartfelt article written by two married Owensboro Catholic graduates who started a memorial fund at Owensboro Catholic High School to give parents the opportunity to have their lost babies recognized.
A new plaque will be placed next to The Tree of Life and will hold a special place to remember babies lost to stillbirth and miscarriage. With a contribution, The Garden of the Unborn plaque will include the name of your baby or family’s name on a plaque.
Current Names on the Garden of the Unborn Plaque
Zack and Courtney Clark ’06
Anna Claire Clark
Vince and Joan Frey ’55
Stephen Michael Frey
Mitchell ’97 and Stephanie Sims
Cecilia Markayla Sims
Bill ’65 and Sally Buford Buford Babies
Allen ’61 and Sandra
Grant Westerfield ’62
Florence Elizabeth Westerfield
Rod ’73 and Kathryn Crowe Owen Becket Crowe
Kris and Lindsey Hughes ’98
Samuel James Hughes
Chris and Patricia Murphy Gutierrez ’99
Rosario, Clara, Teresa, Elias, Damian and Juan
Diego
Alan ’96 and Beth ’00 Hancock
Baby Hancock
Justin and Rachel Lanham Taylor ’10
Taylor Twin Girls
ADVANCEMENT
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”
Paula
Jerry Blandford
Joseph “Jody” Michael Blandford
J.R.
Deceased Classmates of
Classmates of
OC CONNECT
Phonathon 2025 Donors to Date
At this time of year, we like to send a proof list to our alumni and friends so you can double check to see if you have made your annual gift to Owensboro Catholic High School, and if so, is your name listed correctly? Please keep in mind this list was compiled on October 30, 2025, so our list may have been submitted to the printer for publishing before we received your contribution. 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 all restricted and unrestricted projects will be listed in the next edition of The Green and White.
Each year we have two appeals. One for OCS K-8 and one for 9-12 OC Connect. This list contains the names of the donors to the high school only.
1948 $910.00
Archie Clark
Mary R. Mudd In Memory of Rita Beth Thomas
1950-51 $650.00
Joseph N. Coomes
Joan Marrett Englert
Marjorie Reisz Reid
Francis Thomson
1952 $260.00
Anonymous Donor
Joann Castlen Galloway
Jane Coomes Rowland
Bob Slack
Margaret Hayden Velotta
1953 $1,300.00
John and Nan Roby Filburn
In Memory of George Frey
Bob and Mildred Gilles
Bob and Mildred Gilles - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Susie Mischel Iglehart
Ann Roby Oberg
Ignatius Payne
John and Margie Wathen
1954
$1,010.00
Charles and Michiko Clark
In Memory of Charles Collins
Joan Riddle Collins - In Memory of Charles Collins
Joseph Cooper Hayden
Pat O’Malley McCarthy
Patsy Downs Whitmer
Ralph Williams - In Memory of Joann
Johnson Williams
1955 $1,755.00
Bennie and Claudine Blandford
Donna Boldrick - In Memory of Thomas Boldrick
Mary Bryan Medley Booth - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Mary Bryan Medley Booth
James and Lenna Elder
Vince and Joan Frey
Bob and Mildred Gilles
Sue Clark Howell
George A. and Barbara A. Powers
In Memory of Judy Rector
1956 $7,931.84
Don Blandford
Mary Ann Head Clouse
Joan Riddle Collins
Douglas and Cheryl Hayden
Nancy D. Hendricks
In Memory of Marty McNulty
John and Mary Medley
Joann Schartung Millay
Jackie Kamuf Murray
Barbara Fischer Stallings
Cloa Johnson Thompson
1957 $1,820.00
In Memory of Col. Michael Boldrick and teammates
Earl and Paul Fischer
Gertie Sims Frey
Margaret Grant Frey
Margaret Grant Frey - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Billy Ray and Joanna Vowels Hatcher
Carl and Marty Hayden
Corky and Elaine Norcia
Charles and Lois Payne
Bill Thomas
1958 $5,505.78
In Memory of Mary Hilda McFarland
Donnie Bittel
Thomas and Janie Blair - In Memory of John T. Blair
Alice Boarman
Annette Bryant
Martha Fitts Clark
Bob and Marian McPherson Davis
Donald and Ruth Dickens
Mickey and Mary Hagan
Patricia Bean Hamilton
Carl and Marty Hayden
Henry and Bernadette Hayden
Otis and Judith Hicks
Bob and Francil Higdon
Shirley Barker Hughes
Natalie Vance Jones
James and Beverly Knott
Polly Warren McCubbins
Ronald and Connie Byrne Mckay
Marie Gatton Priar
Joe and Cissy Dieterle Raibert
Jim and Patty Settles
Gene and Margaret Jane Strehl
Richard and Dorothy McKay Thomas
1959 $6,295.00
Anonymous Donor
Joyce Roberts Bickett
Bill and Suzanne Blandford
Rita Devins Cecil
Joe and Mary Jane Russell Clark
John and Theresa Clark
John and Liz Froehlich
Kathleen Henning
Geri Martinez
Rebecca Millay
Charles and Lois Payne
Martha Hartz Payne
Phillip and Marie Saunders
Mary Helen and Ron Strehl
Virginia Zoglman
1960 $440.00
Larry and Susan Cashen
Guy and Linda Simmons Connor
Charles J. Krampe
In Memory of Dan McNulty
Steve and Linda Meyer
Mary Ann Pardon Mitchell
1961 $3,535.00
Ralph and Judy O’Bryan Basham
John and Mary Bouvier
Don and Janet Bowlds
Patricia Roberts Cecil
John and Theresa Clark
Bob and Marian McPherson Davis
Mike and Linda Drury
Tommy Dunbar
Paula Kerrick Fisher
Hadley Harrington
Rich and Kathy Hayden
Gerald and Judy Higdon
Linda Kamuf
Linda Kamuf - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Larry and Gene Lyon
Bob and Linda Marrett
Michael R. Morton
Allen and Sandra Grant Westerfield
Doug Wood
1962 $900.00
Mick and Janet Baseheart
Joe and Beverly Carrico
Larry and Dottie Elder
John H. Hartz, Jr.
Dennis and Sharon Elliott Hayden
Gene Keelin
Libby Hayden Mattingly
Allen and Sandra Grant Westerfield
1963 $2,155.00
Gene and Carolyn Abel
Mick and Janet Baseheart
Sharon Bittel Coomes - In Memory of Fred Coomes
Jim Goetz
Ronnie and Mereda Hicks
Joe and Paula Knott
Larry and Becky Krampe
Mary Ann (Tom) Kurz
Martha Gilles Payne
Judy Frey Peach
Donald and Carol Ralph
Vicki Roberts
Joseph E and Barbara Russell
Rita Ward
Mary Alice Wethington
1964 $2,877.64
Pat Black
Carolyn S. Denton
Anita Hayden Garrison
Tom and Mary Beth Goetz
Jim and Janet Hagan
Mike and Michelle Hagan
Larry and Brenda Hayden
Dennis and Sharon Elliott Hayden
Charles and Mary Ann Medley
Greg and Patti Biscopink Merimee
James and Sharon Bell Murphy
Steve Oelze
William C. Schrecker
Mary R. Shepler
1965 $2,737.50
David and Nancy Akers
Anonymous Donor
Bill and Sally Buford
Tony Clayton
Donald Coomes
Judy Denton - In Honor of Sharon Knox Tucker
Judy Denton
Phyllis and Gary Edwards
Mike and Michelle Hagan
Jerry and Virginia Harper
Don Hayden
Leon and Rachel McNulty Higdon
Wayne Howard
Maureen Hardesty Jackson
Mark and Joanne Johnson
David Keller
Mitchell and Martha Long
Anna Ruth McNulty Lyon
Anna Ruth Lyon - In Memory of Danny Lyon
Bob and Linda Marrett
Bobby L. Timbrook
Jim and Linda Warren
Joyce Bittel Yeiser
1966 $1,982.50
Julia Moseley Arnold
Benn and Stanette Blair
Pat Daugherty
Eddie and Peggy Ebelhar Grant
Ed and Ellen Higdon
Larry and Becky Marrett Horsman
Gary and Susie Lauzon Imel
Bill and Sheila Kyle
Mitchell and Martha Long
Greg and Patti Biscopink Merimee
Ron and JoAnn Mueller
Tom and Carol Payne
Michael Wayne Roberts
Todd and Pat Stelmach
Glen and Sheila Isbill Stewart
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Joyce Gilles Young
1967 $1,620.00
Larry and Sheila Abel
Leslie and Agnes Bickwermert Allen
Linda Hagan Avery
Bill and Carrie Barr
Don and Vicki Cecil
Sharon Bittel Coomes
Tom and Janet Ebelhar
Denny and Sarona Murphy Grant
Thomas and Millie Ward Hines
Shirley Ebelhar Kent
Larry and Becky Krampe
Paul and Benita Martin
Paul and Benita Martin - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Mike and Bennie McNulty
Philip and Brenda Drury Phelps
Tom Shively
Michael and Helen McNulty Shull
Larry and Jean Sims
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro
Ernie and Shirley Taliaferro - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Steve Thornberry
1968 $4,770.56
Carl and Diane Badstibner
Joseph and Brenda Goetz Bean
Eddie and Judy Blandford
Dennis E. Boarman “1968”
Russell Brooks
In Memory of Brenda Clark
Jeff and Marcia Carpenter
Joe Carr
Dennis and Monica Connelly
Janice Conrey
Don and Jeri Cundiff
Steve and Linda Dixon
Tom and Janet Ebelhar
Jim and Debbie Edelen
Rose Kamuf Hayden
Don and Sandy Kelley
Jim and Kathy Likens
Jerry and Brenda Tooley Maren
Hank O’Bryan
Ann Hufnagel Payne
Tom and Carol Payne
Mary Helen McCarty Raley
Rachel Grant Roth
Denise Gill Sanders
Larry and Jean Sims
Bill and Marilyn Strong
Gary and Donna Thompson
Joyce Castlen Warren
Paul A Warren
James Wathen
1969 $7,480.69
Bob and Mary Ann Alvey
Greg and Deborah Arnold
Steve and Gloria Haynes Baker
Greg and Marion Bates
Joe and Jeanne Bouvier
Richard and Cathy Campbell
Don and Charlotte Cecil
Karen Hardesty Cole
Jim Tony Fulkerson
Jim Tony Fulkerson - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Carl and Molly Greenwell
Marsha Hardesty
Sheila Howard
Roger and Marian Jones
John and Martha McNulty Mancinelli
OC CONNECT
Michael and Elaine Mills
Richard and Donna Murphy
Sam and Cindy Hall Murphy
David and Janice Neumann
Dr. William and Sherry O’Bryan
Pat and Marilyn Pace
Lynn Payne
Terry and Mary Lee Posey Roark
JR and Donna Stogsdill Roby
Beth Rone Royster
Randahl and Mollie Stephen
Genny Jones Stevens
Gene and Margaret Jane Strehl
Anne Lauzon Swinford
In Memory of Angie Goetz Thompson
Shelby and MaryAnn Thompson
Jimmy and Vanessa Tong
Kelly and Becky Ward
Gayle Welsh
1970 $2,732.34
Carl and Diane Badstibner
Ronald and Kay Biscopink
Thomas A. and Janie Blair
Richard and Cathy Campbell
Jeff and Margie Walker Ebelhar
Wayne and Laura Edge
Mike and Cindy Fiorella
Joe Hagan
Joe Hagan - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Leon and Rachel McNulty Higdon
Wally and Julie Johnson
Dean and Tina Jones
Jim and Kathy Likens
Mike and Jan Martin
Gene and Mary J. Meyer
Marty and Becky Mitchell
David and Vickie Osborne
Phil and Natalie Fogle Roberts
Vickie Snyder
Charles and Denise Thompson
Jeanie Weedman
1971 $3,754.97
Thomas and Patricia Anderson
Donnie and Connie Clark
Dr. M. Wayne and Annetta Ebelhar
Parvin & Kay Ellis
Mike and Cindy Fiorella
Steve and Peggy Gardner
Donna Goetz
Gary and Nelda Grant
Diane Murphy Head
Martha Kurre House
Tony and Christa Hundley
John and Carolyn McCarty
Gregory and Cynthia McCarty
Mark and Karen McCarty
Joy Ling Miller
Jimmy Mills
Patrick Mulligan
Drs. William and Marie Murphy
Larry and Rosemary Sims O’Brien
Ken and Mary Jo Plas
Mary Bickwermert Salmon
Mike and Janice Scherm
Mark and Martha Sims
George and Joanie Wathen
Betty Whitehouse
1972 $4,702.97
Judy Carrico Bielefeld - In Memory of
Charles and Mary Virginia Carrico
Ray and Dot Biscopink
Karen Cavin-Brown
Charles and Barbara Barr Daugherty
Jeff and Margie Walker Ebelhar
Mark A. Ebelhar
Vince and Teresa Sims Edwards
Rosemary Young Foster
Denny and Sarona Murphy Grant
Eddie and Peggy Ebelhar Grant
Roger and Marian Jones
Mark and Mickey Keller
James A. Mischel
Paul and Judith Clark Nevergoll
Bill and Vicki Payne
John and Mary Pickrell
Andrew Reynolds, Jr.
Tony Reynolds
James and Shelly Rode
Gary and Donna Thompson
Dennis and Pam Weafer
Barbara Head Weikel
Jay and Andrea Wethington
1973 $7,943.05
Greg Blandford
John and Patty Bolger
Steve and Judy Carrico
Rick and Isa Ebelhar
Robbie and Lana Englert
Bill Franey
Gary L. Gant
Chris and Kathy Murphy Hardesty
Bruce and Michele Hill
Dr. John and Barbie Howard
David and Margie McNulty Jackson
Wally and Julie Johnson
Bill and Theresa Jones
Stephen and Lucy Kaelin
Don and Mary Lou Rogers Kincaid
Patty Osborne Marr
Diane Black Miller
Marty and Becky Mitchell
Steve and Cindy Murphy
Greg Riney
Harold and Suzanne Roberts
Mark and Lisa Schmidt - In Memory of
Corky Norcia
Rebecca Swoyer
John G. Vessels
Dennis and Pam Weafer
Wayne and Susan Zoglmann
1974 $1,476.48
Scott and Martha Beyke
Paula Pedley Bittel
Mark Ebelhar - In Memory of Grace Medley Ebelhar
Keith and Cathy Franey
Janice Danhauer Greene
Frank and Karen Hein
David and Karen Hayden Jarboe
Mary Helen Castlen Johnson
Charles I. Knott
Jeff and Janice McCarthy
David and Cheryl Mills
David A. Murphy
Sam and Cindy Hall Murphy
Patty Mills Reynolds
Annette Thomas Roberts
Connie and Janie Roberts
Steve and Lisa Sims
Vicky Kay Tilley
Stephen and Nancy Velotta
Jerry and Alicia Simon Wells
1975 $2,431.69
Alan and Karen Cecil
Sr. Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ
David and Karen Danhauer
Anne (Taylor) Falk and Mike Falk
Karen and John Gildehaus
Tom and May May Gipe
Tom Hamilton
Charlotte Kaelin Hedges
John Anthony Hein
Phil and Diane Higdon
Stephen and Diane Howard Hoffman
Martha J. Luckett
Laura Howard Mattingly
Gregory and Cynthia McCarty
Gary Newcom - In Honor of Pat Mountain and Ed Jackson
Gary and Teresita Newcom
Steve and Sherry Orth
Bill and Dottie Riney
Charles and Jill Rivette
Elaine Thomas
Mary Thomas
Fr. David Wathen
George and Joanie Wathen
Dennis and Gayla Whitehouse
1976 $17,828.60
Bert Barker
Bert Barker - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Joey Barr
Jake and Diane Barr
Greg Barton
Steve and Bonnie Bittel
Donnie and Mary Ann Blanford
Denny and Jill Campbell
Thomas and Terri Carrico
Barbara Cecil
Dennis Cecil
John and Helen Cornell
Terry and Sabrina Ebelhar
Terry Edge
George Elder
Barbara Fischer
Jimmy and Marty Gaw
J. Carlin Gregory
Scott Hardy and Tina Hardesty Hardy
Rich and Susie Harris
Pamela B Hartz
George and Belinda Hayden
Tom and Katherine Hayden
Phil and Diane Higdon
Stephen and Diane Howard Hoffman
Celeste Medley Hood
Joseph E. Isbill, Jr.
Roger and Susan Kamuf
Chris and Paula Kavolus
Ron and Diane Elder Kolb
John Lattin
Edwin and Lily Scherm McDivitt
Eddy McFarland
David and Renee Clark McNulty
Joe and Vicki Mills - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Jim and Laura O’Bryan
Carol Parker
Perry Payne
Tim and Becky Mayfield Pedley
Chris and Janet Reid
David and Julie Payne Renshaw
Neil and Vicky Rudy
Mike and Janice Sweeney
Chuck Thompson
John B. Walker
Donna Walsh
Doug and Tammy Wathen
Donna Brown West and Tim West
Doug and Laurie Hayden Wood
1977 $1,789.97
Theresa Ashworth
Charles Berry
Denny and Jill Campbell
Sandra Ebelhar Clark
Tony and Julie Ebelhar
Rick and Kimberly Coomes Hayden
Fr. Tony Jones
Paul and Colette Osborne
George and Pam Frey Randolph
Julie Riney Richardson
Steve and Lisa Sims
Vickie Hayden Sipes
Michael Ward
Sharon Thomas Wathen
Ricky and Mary Lou Wooldridge
1978 $1,771.12
Denny and Diane Fulkerson
Tom and Mary Kay Gardner
James and Sandy Guinn
Phil and Kim Haire
Rick and Kimberly Coomes Hayden
John and Susan Jones
Robert and Pam May
Lisa Pedley Millay
David and Diane Mountain
Jim Orton
George and Pam Frey Randolph
Dan and Kim Riney
Steve Riney
Warren and Ellen Roberts
Janie Settles
Dwayne and Kathleen White
Tony and Andrea Cecil White
Kathy Aud Wilson
1979 $1,317.10
Anonymous Donor
Kenneth and Wendi Bickett
Tom and Diane Bowers
Steve and Trisha Frey
Monica Hayden
Randall Knott
Kevin and Mary Szemethy Lasley
Bob and Connie McCarthy
Robbie and Joyce McCarty
Scott and Leanne Ward Murphy
Darrell and Janet Clark Nix
Gordon and Debbie Powers
Dan and Kim Riney
Jeff and Shelly Riney
Randy and Robin Roby
James A. Smith, Jr.
Kenneth B Tinsley
Jimmy and Vanessa Tong
1980 $1,809.40
Gary and Dolores Aull
Martin Bickwermert
Gary and Mary Kay King Calery
Allen and Ann Corley
Bernie and Lisa Thompson Dotsey
Steve and Trisha Frey
Curtis and Cindy Thomas Hamilton
Russ and Vicki Hayden
Stephen Hein
Todd and Kathleen Connor Johnson
Stephen and Lucy Kaelin
Chris and Susie Thompson Mattingly
William and Diana McNulty
Karen Pence
Ron and Kelly Stallings
Louis Szemethy
Chris and Mary Todd
Mai Vu-Ha
Billy and Sara Smith Wilson
John and Kathy Wright
1981 $1,157.50
J Michael Boarman
OC CONNECT
Dennis and Peggy Corley
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
Jan Riney Reiley
Phil and Natalie Fogle Roberts
Chris and Karen Thompson
Keith Tipmore and Sharon Frey Tipmore
1982 $5,371.75
Ricky and Teresa Aull
Joe and Tammy Calhoun
Allen and Ann Corley
Jerry and Amy Glahn
Mary Gresham
Mike and Susan Hagan
Richard and Kim Higdon
John and Rhnea Hill
Bill and Debbie James
Craig and Stacy Coomes Jones
Charles T. Merimee
Stephanie Orton
Oz and Connie Osborne
David Powers
Ron and Cathy Frey-Ramsey
Ron and Cathy Frey-Ramsey - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Alan and Monica Riney
John and Pam Steele
Joseph G. Szemethy
Joe Szemethy
Tommy and Cathy Vessels
Richard and Lori Whitehouse
1983 $3,545.40
Ricky and Teresa Aull
John and Yvonne Barker
Greg and Betsy Bickett
Vicent and Reenee Fogle
Ricky and Carla Hagan
Jeff and Stephanie Higdon
Texas Gas Matching Gift - Jeff and Stephanie Higdon
Richard and Kim Higdon
Michael and Tollie Medley
Richard Mountain
Greg and Kim Mullican
Ron and Kelly Stallings
Robin Swift - In Memory of Mark Swift
Tommy and Cathy Vessels
1984 $1,266.06
Don and Jenny Bittel
Alex and Virginia McCarty Chaney
Ruth Drury Charles
Mary Celeste Clary
David and Lisa Coomes Englert
David and Lisa Coomes EnglertSouthern Star Matching Gift
Barry and Stephanie Frey
Chris and Chistina Graney
Leo and Sonya Howard
Jamie and Angie Klump
Bob and Connie McCarthy
Dr. Richard and Jenny Medley
Marianna Schadler Romero
1985 $2,990.49
Gary and Beth Moser Abshier
Anonymous Donor
Brian Overstreet and Karen Byrne Booth
Carol Collins-Carriveau
Joelle Dill
Denny and Diane Fulkerson
Joe and Carol Gorley
Don and Susan Coomes Howard
Shawn and Beth Blandford Hunter
Shawn and Beth Blandford Hunter - Eli Lilly and Co. Matching Gift
Robert Mayfield
Edmund and Brenda Guinn Pozniak
Gene and Beckie Schadler
Tony and Kim Thomas
1986 $2,537.89
Leonard and Joni Howard Barnett
Vicent and Reenee Fogle
Jeff and Julie Garvin
Tim and Cathy Goetz
Ricky and Carla Hagan
Ronald and Lisa Paul
Cathy Pedley
Rodney and Priscilla Schwartz
Diana Smith Selby
Bob and Kimberly Szemethy
Tony and Kim Thomas
Geary and Rhonda Thompson
Louis Wilkerson
Blaise Wilson
1987 $1,152.91
Ronnie and Melanie Brooks In Memory of Ricky Brooks
Shannon Coomes
Chris Kamuf
Kevin and Debbie Kurz
Barry Mayfield
Kathleen Overton
Jennifer Rumage
1988 $4,261.06
Joe Paul and Kim Howard Bickett
Ronnie and Melanie Brooks
Cheryl and Bart Bruner
John Buford
Eric and Jessica Bumm
Class of 1988 - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Barry and Stephanie Frey
Tim and Lara Hill
John and Michelle Lyon
Devon Pinkston
Richard and Natalie Hayden
Dr. Sean and Bree Simone
Barry and Laurna Strehl
1989 $275.00
Christopher Allen
Jarrod and Leslie Abel Bradshaw
Keith and Rachel Evans
Paul and Dana Froehlich Hardesty
John and Michelle Lyon
Phil and Jennifer Hayden Riney
1990 $417.47
Rob and Elizabeth Burnett - In Memory of Coach Bruce and Janie Embry
Rob and Elizabeth Burnett - In Memory of Coach Bruce Embry
Matt and Ashley Frey
Gary and Holly Payne Houchens
John and Julie Moore
Barry and Laurna Strehl
1991 $915.77
Colby and Heather Blair
Richard and Jennifer Hayden
Chip and Amy Pride
Madison and Amy Silvert
1992 $828.30
Gary and Christy Buford Browning
Matthew D. and Brandi N. Hayden
Neil and Shannon Sims O’Bryan
Darren & Annie Riney
Michael and Christa Roberts
Cynthia Schadler
1993 $843.56
Matt and Ashley Frey
Matthew D. and Brandi N. Hayden
Chris and Mara Mischel
Neil and Shannon Sims O’Bryan
Darren & Annie Riney
Clint Burcham
Jeremy Eades
Matt and Christy Hayden
$178.05
Jerry and Remonda Reed Maynard
$1,219.82
Dr. John and Julie Hammen
Nick and Shauna Horsman
Thomas and Beth Hutchison
Jeremy and Karissa Riter
Sean and Amanda Terrell
Michael and Shanon Thomson
Texas Gas Matching Gift - Michael and Shanon Thomson
1996 $1,854.81
Robinn J. Clark
Tommy and Christie Hayden
Nick and Shauna Horsman
1997 $3,265.00
Thomas and Beth Hutchison
Camron and Nikki Knott
Ty and Lindsey Roach Petway
$479.97
Shaun and Shelly Blandford
BJ and Haley Buford
Steve and Tammy Gardner
Brandon and Jenny Glenn
Andy and Laura Hennesey
George and Amanda Hayden Powell 1999 $910.00
Shaun and Shelly Blandford
Jesse and Leigh Buford
Scott Grant
Jacob and Bridget Reid
2000 $661.96
Adam and Daile Hancock
Stacey Coomes Kosters
Nathan and Beth McNulty 2001-02 $1,052.04
Anonymous Donor
Jason and Lacey Harville
David and Lisa Higdon
Katherine Higdon
JR and Mary Kenny
Jonathan and Lauren Patton
2003 $1,581.29
Travis and Laurie Castlen
Justin and Natalie Clatterbuck
Dr. Aaron and Melissa Flaherty
Mike and Tressie Lilly Mallory
Kyle McGraw
Jerrod Moore
2004 $564.04
Derek and Rachel Blair - In Honor of Chelsey Renee Mudd
Dr. Aaron and Melissa Flaherty
Adam and Krystal Smith Flowers
Michael and Christie Wall Hagan
Lee and Jessica Martin
Stephanie Morris
2005-06
Corey and Brittney Owens Ballard
Dirk Dooper
Rocky and Madison Ebelhar
Ryan Higdon
Bryan and Laura Klump
Matt and Michelle Valego
Elizabeth Wathen
2007-08
Tyler and Sarah Frey
Ben and Brittany Thompson
Tim and Cessilee Blair
Kevin Brown
Brittni Owen Forte
Matt and Ashley Barna Garrett
Katelyn Kamuf Gipe
Brian Howard
Trevor and Natalie Lopez
2009-10, 2012 $309.10
Daniel and Julie Best
Josh Goetz
Nick Krampe
Trevor and Natalie Lopez
Megan Thompson
Kristen Wathen
2013-14, 2016
Daniel and Julie Best
Jonathan Garner
Colton and Annabel Moore Hartig
Lukas and Rebecca Pate
Luke Riney
Megan Thompson - In Memory of William Hayden Thompson, Jr.
Abbie Tignor
Chris and Hannah Aull Tyson
Harper Dotsey
Clay Glenn
Keiontre Green
Charles Hall
Michael Hampel
OC CONNECT
Weston and Payton Hite Jacob
Wes James
Will and Lauren James
Jacob Johnson
Max Maloney
Will Marshall
Megan McCarthy
Judd McElroy
Regan Neal
Lauren Nonweiler
Micah Norcia
Peyton Ross
Rose Schreiner - In Memory of Fr. Ed
Bradley
Nate and Katelin Taylor
Jacob Thompson
Hannah Wetzel
Brooklynn Williams
Trendon Byrne
Nolan and Clare Clark
Will and Lauren James
Genarose Jones
Mackenzie Keelin
Jace Kessler
Griffin Rudy
Jake and Sarah Englert Schienther
Noah Todd
Joann Anderson
Kurt Anderson - In Memory of Corky
Norcia
Anonymous Donor
Mark and Monica Augustine
In Memory of Ken Thomas
In Memory of Ann O’Bryan Bresler
DCN Bill and Joy Bach
Pamelia Storms Barrett
Charlene Baumgarten
Jeanne Beaudette
Julie Wood Bell
June Bell
Ralph and Rose Bemboom
Rick and Lisa Bivens
Sr. Vivian Bowles OSU
Penelope Brauer
Carol Braun
Howard and Louise Brown
Tom Calhoun
Don and Judy Calitri
Ronald and Phyllis Calvert
Helena G. Carrico
Ed and Gloria Cecil
Rose Cecil
Phil and Betty Cissell
Walter and Gail Clancy
John and Patsy Clayton
Gerald and Judy Coomes
Russell Corley
Jerry and Erica Crabtree
Kathryn Crowe
Scott and Ginny Danner
Joe and Tracy Danzer
Larry Dominick
Siebrand and Wanda Dooper
Sue Draper - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Jimmy Duncan
Mary Ann Cecil Ebelhar
The EMK Family Charitable Fund
Envision Contractors LLC
Dennis and Barbara Evans
Clara Evrard - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Allan Eyre
Todd and Taunya Eyre
Linda Fentress
Billy and Patricia Folk
Neel and Sarah Ford
Teresa and Scott Gardner
Clara Gilles
Chris and Jenny Glaser
Sue Gough
Michael and Karen Gross
Gulfstream Commercial Services
Frank and Connie Hagan
Joe and Marie Hancock - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Marge Harper
Ruth Ann Harris
Eddie and Mary Haynes
Dr. Jacob and Jaclyn Hodskins
Jeff and Lynn Hofer - In Memory of Corky Norcia
The Michael E. Horn Family Foundation Inc.
Michael E. Horn
Jeff and Pat Huebel
Independence Foundation, Inc.
Gary and Karen Jarboe
Jones Insurance Agency
Mike and Debbie Jones
Gary and Linda Kabalen
Gary and Linda Kabalen - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Kevin and Margaret Kenny
David and Brandi Kessler
Donna Kessler
Robert and Linda Knight - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Margaret Knott
Karl and Carol Koster
Kurtz Auction and Realty Co.
Bill Kurtz
John and Chrissy Kurtz
John and Chrissy Kurtz - In Honor of Fr. Jerry Riney 50th Anniversary
William B. Kurtz
George and WaNell Lanham
Nu Neh and Mo Leing
Tom and LaNell Lilly
Chris and Jane Lovecamp
Alexander and Alina Malave
Paul J. Martin Enterprise, LLC
Jerry and Ginger McBride
Doris McCrary
Jim McCrary
David L. McJoynt
Charles T. Merimee
Mick-Murph Construction
Charlotte Mischel
Robert E. and April M. Mitchell
Don Moore Automotive
Don Moore Automotive - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Millie Mullican
Kenneth Murphy - In Memory of Dianne A. Murphy
Joe and Maggie O’Bryan
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Owensboro Grain - A Cargill Company
Pat and Suzanne Padgett
Jane Pfeifer
Joe and Felicity Polio
Bob and Lynne Pope
Dorothy Powers
Robert and Vicki Johnson-Poynter
Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds
Byron and Lucy Rhoades
Bruce Riney
Don and Riney & Family
Gary and Bonnie Roberts
Ronald and Lanita Robertson
Frank Scalcucci
Robin and Teresa Scott - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Fr. Anthony Shonis
Brad and Lisa Stanley
Mark and Kathy Sterling
Don and Shirley Story
James and Sue Tacker - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Fr. John Thomas
Alan and Ruth Ann Thompson
Mike and Karen Thompson
Frances Tichenor
Richard and Jeanette Turner
Dorothy Devins Wathen
Otis Webb
Justin and Madison Wedding
Elaine Wesnofske - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Carl and Mary Jo Westerfield
Western KY Regional Blood Center Inc
John and Dee Dee Wethington - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Tom Whitsett
William Wright - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Gloria Zinobile - In Memory of Corky Norcia
Celebrating
1951-2026 75 YEARS of Owensboro Catholic High School
Three Generations of Aces From the First Class to the 75th
The 2025–2026 school year marks a milestone for Owensboro Catholic Schools — 75 years of Faith in Education. It’s a celebration of academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community, all rooted in generations of families who have made OCS their home. Among those families is the Galloway-Volk family — three generations whose story mirrors the life of OCS itself: strong, resilient, and faith-filled.
By Clare Clark, Digital Marketing Coordinator
1951: A New Beginning
When Joann Castlen Galloway graduated in 1952, she was part of the very first class of Owensboro Catholic High School. The school had just transitioned from St. Frances Academy to its new building on Parrish Avenue, and excitement filled the air.
Joann
Galloway ’52
“It was exciting! I felt a little lost at first,” Joanne said.
That first class set the tone for decades to come — a community built on faith, learning, and tradition.
1996: Building on the Foundation
Joann’s daughter, Karen, continued that legacy when she graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1996. While the heart of Catholic education remained the same, Karen witnessed firsthand how the school continued to grow and evolve.
“Overall, it felt very much the same — that same sense of faith and community — but there was definitely an increase in technology. The biggest change now is the construction of the new chapel, which is such a beautiful addition to campus,” she shared.
Karen fondly remembers the many traditions that continue today — uniforms, weekly Mass, Catholic Schools Week, and daily prayer — all of which strengthened the sense of connection among students.
“Each year, our class grew closer through weekly Mass, class events, and days of recollection.”
KAREN GALLOWAY-VOLK ’96
“I was a member of several clubs — Pep Club, Right to Life, and the annual Junior/Senior Powderpuff game. Each year, our class grew closer through weekly Mass, class events, and days of recollection. By senior year, it truly felt special to be part of the Class of 1996.”
Her faith foundation and her mother’s example as a strong spiritual leader deeply influenced her own journey and the decision to continue the Catholic education tradition for her daughter, Briley.
“My husband and I wanted a faith-filled education for Briley — one centered on daily prayer and guidance. We value the educational opportunities given to each student and the traditions that will carry on into the future.”
Castlen
Karen Galloway-Volk ’96
Briley Volk ’26
COVER STORY
2026: Carrying the Torch
Now, Briley Volk — Joann’s granddaughter and Karen’s daughter — is set to graduate with the 75th class of Owensboro Catholic High School. She walks the same halls her mother and grandmother once did, though much has changed: modern classrooms, new electives, expanded faith formation programs, and even a new chapel underway as part of the 75th anniversary celebration.
“It feels special and exciting to be part of such a big milestone as the 75th graduating class,” Briley shares.
Briley especially appreciates the balance between progress and tradition. “I love that the school continues to grow and modernize, yet still holds onto the same traditions that connect me to my mom and grandmother’s time here. My mom and I have even shared some of the same teachers — that’s been such a unique connection. Owensboro Catholic has always felt like home.”
Three generations — Joann, Karen, and Briley — embody the living legacy of Owensboro Catholic Schools. As we celebrate 75 years, their story reminds us that faith and education are not just traditions to preserve, but gifts to pass on.
From the first graduating class in 1952 to the 75th in 2026, the mission remains the same: to form hearts, minds, and lives grounded in Christ. And as the story continues, may many more families find their place in the ever-growing tapestry of Owensboro Catholic Schools. ♠
“It feels special and exciting to be part of such a big milestone as the 75th graduating class.”
BRILEY VOLK ’26
Saints Who Show Us the Way
Fr. Daniel Dillard, OCHS Chaplain
The saints give us a model of the Christian life—an inspiration in their holiness and a reminder of hope in their humanity. Throughout history, the Church has recognized over 10,000 saints, though only about 1,600 have gone through the formal canonization process.
Prior to 1600, saints were typically declared by the devotion they inspired in others, or if they were martyred for their faith. The idea was simple: if someone led others to Christ or shared in Christ’s passion for the sake of the faith, they were considered a Saint. Today, the process is far more rigorous.
First, the candidate must have died—despite our casual use of the term “living saint,” a saint, by definition, is in heaven. Then there is a waiting period of five years to allow the initial excitement about their life to settle, though the pope can waive this period. Next, a bishop or religious superior proposes the candidate to the Vatican. If the proposal is accepted, an in-depth investigation of their life begins. If they are found to have lived a life of “heroic virtue,” the process moves forward.
The Church then grants permission to pray for the candidate’s intercession and begins searching for miracles, usually healings that cannot be explained by modern medicine. Medical experts examine the person’s records to confirm the illness, the cure, and that current science cannot explain it. If these criteria are met, the candidate is beatified and called “Blessed.” A second miracle is required to canonize them as a saint, ensuring the first was not a fluke.
I share this as a prologue to celebrate two newly canonized saints: Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, who were canonized together on September 7, 2025. These men are especially significant to our students because they were young, modern, and ordinary people who prioritized their faith in Jesus above all else.
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901. He was an average student, more interested in athletics than academics. He loved mountain climbing and swimming and, in many ways, was a typical teenager. Yet he had a deep compassion for the poor. As a small child, when a mother came to his family’s door seeking shoes for her child, Pier Giorgio gave her his own. Upon graduating with a degree in mining engineering, he was offered a car or a large sum of money by his father. He chose the money and immediately donated it to help the poor.
Inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum, he established a newspaper promoting Catholic social justice, famously saying, “Charity is not enough; we need social reform.” He joined the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and devoted himself to serving the poor of Turin. Tragically, Pier Giorgio contracted polio while boating with friends and died three days later. There was nothing extraordinary about him in the usual sense. He lived as a normal young man, yet he fully embraced Christ’s command to love God and neighbor.
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to an Italian family and grew up in Milan. His family was only nominally Catholic. Yet from an early age, Carlo displayed a deep curiosity about the faith. At age three, after the death of his grandfather, Carlo reportedly saw him in a vision asking for prayers. He put on his coat and said he was going to church to pray for him. After his First Communion, Carlo became devoted to the Eucharist, often walking to daily Mass at a parish near his school.
Despite having non-practicing parents, Carlo’s love for God and the Mass eventually led to the conversion of his family. Diagnosed with leukemia, he died at age 15. Like Pier Giorgio, Carlo was a typical teenager—he loved computer programming, video games, and spending time with friends, and he had no tolerance for bullies. Yet he consistently prioritized his faith, especially his devotion to the Eucharist, famously saying, “There are lines in front of concerts and football matches; there should be lines in front of the Eucharist.”
What can we learn from these remarkable young Saints? Holiness doesn’t mean giving up the things we enjoy or withdrawing from the world—both Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Carlo Acutis lived fully as ordinary young men, facing the same struggles, joys, and challenges as their peers. They became saints not
because they had extraordinary powers, but because they consistently chose to put God first. For the students of Owensboro Catholic High School, their example is especially meaningful: as you pursue academics, athletics, friendships, service, and faith formation, know that holiness is accessible—it doesn’t demand the supernatural, just faithfulness. Let these saints inspire you to live with joy, compassion, integrity, and a love for God and neighbor, preparing not only for college or career, but for a life of discipleship that draws you closer to Christ. ♠
To be a saint is to be holy. To be holy is simply to decide to make God the priority of our lives.
Aces Going Places!
Do you want to travel but not by yourself? Do you want to go with a group of people who have similar interests? Do you have dreams of visiting NYC, London, or Paris? Consider joining OCHS teacher, Katie Pagan’s May 2027 trip to New York City, London, and Paris. While the trip is geared towards students, all ages from 6 on up are welcome! Over 10 days, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, and the 9/11 Memorial. See a Broadway show and get a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall. Walk along the Thames, scope out the royals at Buckingham Palace, and visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. Check out Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and catch a West End theatre performance. Then take the Eurostar under the English Channel straight into Paris to visit the renovated Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and more. Want to stay longer in Paris? We can arrange that, too! Both student and adult pricing
available. Friends, families, alumni, current students: all are welcome! Contact Katie Pagan at katie.pagan@ owensborocatholic.org for more information.
Another travel opportunity is being offered by OCHS teachers Bretnea Harvey and Edward Miller. They are heading to Italy in the summer of 2027, and students and their families are invited to come along. Think of strolling through ancient Roman ruins, gazing at world-famous art, tossing coins into fountains, eating the best pizza and gelato you’ve ever had, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Contact Bretnea Harvey at bretnea.harvey@owensborocatholic. org for more information.
*These trips are not school sponsored.
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.
Simmie McCormack Mayfield ’14
Simmie McCormack Mayfield is a native of Owensboro, Kentucky, and a proud graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, Class of 2014. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisville in 2018, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University in 2021.
Simmie currently serves as a nurse practitioner at Commonwealth Pain and Spine in Owensboro. After completing her education, she met her now husband, Jarred Mayfield, who works in manufacturing at Southwire. The couple shared a secret wedding ceremony on July 5, 2024 at Saint Martin’s Church, officiated by Father Pat, before traveling to Santorini, Greece, where they exchanged vows on July 15, 2024.
Simmie and Jarred have two children, Addy (12) and Kent (9), who both attend Owensboro Catholic and are active in multiple sports. As a family, they enjoy spending time together and cheering on the Owensboro Catholic High School football team.
Mary Scales Knott ’19
After graduating from Owensboro Catholic High School in 2019, Mary pursued her passion for care at the University of Louisville, where she earned her nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse. In July 2025, she celebrated a new chapter in her life, marrying Wes Knott of Owensboro at Immaculate Catholic Church.
Mary now serves her community as a registered nurse on the Mother Baby Unit in Owensboro. Reflecting on her OCHS experience, she says the school instilled a strong foundation of faith and continues to have a lasting impact on her life. She enjoys supporting OCS at events and describes the environment as “like no other place.”
Ankur Gopal ’92
ACES FACES
Ankur Gopal’s achievements are too many to list, but his story is defined by vision, impact, and purpose. Inspired by his family’s immigrant journey and guided by mentors and teachers, Ankur founded Interapt in 2011 with a bold goal: to create 10,000 tech jobs by 2025 by providing tuition-free technology training. These are life-changing careers for individuals often overlooked by the traditional workforce, including veterans and those who are unemployed or underemployed.
What began as a tech consultancy for Fortune 1000 companies in Louisville, Kentucky, has grown into a nationally recognized company that blends innovation with purpose. Interapt offers paid training, tuition support, and junior apprenticeships, removing barriers and opening doors to high-wage technology jobs. In an industry often challenged by high attrition, Interapt boasts a 95% success rate, transforming lives and revitalizing communities across the country.
Ankur credits Owensboro Catholic with shaping his values, saying: “My key takeaway from Owensboro Catholic was servant leadership — God gifts us with skills and resources that enable us to help and support others in His name.”
His educational journey reflects his commitment to learning and excellence. After excelling at Owensboro Catholic — where he was a top-ranked tennis player in the state — he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and economics from the University of Illinois, followed by a Master’s in MIS from the University of Dayton, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, focusing on strategic management and entrepreneurship.
Ankur’s visionary leadership has earned numerous accolades, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award and induction into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. He has been invited to speak at the White House and TEDx and recognized as a global endeavor entrepreneur for his impact-driven approach to business.
Rooted in his Kentucky upbringing and inspired by his family’s values, Ankur remains steadfast in his mission to build not just careers, but brighter futures — for individuals, families, and communities alike. He resides in Louisville with his wife, Dr. Kiran Gopal, and their two children.
Recent Visitors to Owensboro Catholic High School
Geri Hart Martinez ’59 Family
Geri mentioned, “OCHS helped to provide the ‘roots and wings’ I needed as I navigated my journey into adulthood. My recent visit and tour awakened warm and wonderful memories, providing a feeling of home. The magnificent new chapel is sure to become the anchor memory of peace, joy, and privilege of a Catholic education for future generations of graduates.”
The Riney Family
see progress of the new chapel.
Geri visited Owensboro Catholic High School with son Patrick Martinez and brother Joe Hart.
Principal George Powell is pictured with members of the Riney family, Jennifer Hayden Riney ’89, Katie Riney ’23, Dee O’Malley Riney ’55, Julie Riney Richardson ’77. The Rineys recently visited Owensboro Catholic to
ACES FACES
ThreeofGenerations Acettes
“I have such wonderful memories of being an Acette! I always looked up to the older girls, and once I became a junior and senior, I wanted the younger girls to look up to me as well. I made so many great friends during my time as an Acette who are still my friends today. Hip Hop routines were my favorite! Going to the state fair for dance competitions was so fun and created memories I’ll never forget. Being an Acette and all the practice we did over the years helped me to eventually become a Topperette at WKU for four years. My favorite memory while coaching was when the Acettes and cheerleaders did a routine together during football season, and we ended the routine with the song ‘We Are Family!’”
Heather Wilson McCarty ’95
“My best memories of being an Acette were learning the routines at early morning summer practices, performing at football and basketball games and meeting a whole new set of friends that I might not have gotten to know otherwise. Our dances were usually performed to one song, where now it’s usually a music mix, and my favorite routines were the pom or kick routines.”
Kathy Aud Wilson ’78
My favorite thing about Acettes is the new friends I have made and having a team that loves and supports you! I love when we do hip hop routines!
Alea Renee McCarty ’27
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.
If your class year ends in 1 or 6, 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 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!
Alumni Tailgate on September 5
Alumni Luncheon, Feast of Assumption on August 15
Coffee & Convos on September 18
CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF OCHS
Alumni & Friends
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
January 10, 2026 @ 8 AM to 3 PM
Merchant Centre Court
$25 PER PERSON
Celebrate 75 Years of Aces pride with a day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition!
Scan this QR code to sign up.
75th Year Celebration
ACES NIGHT OUT
March 28, 2026 @ 6 to 11 PM
Owensboro Convention Center
$50 PER PERSON
Celebrate 75 Years of Aces pride with a night of food, fun, music and more!
For more details and ticket information scan this QR code.
We encourage you to purchase tickets or tables with your family, classmates, or former teammates! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity for a reunion, this is it!
