A newsletter for the Alumnae Community.
THE
REGINITE
Once a Saddlelite, always a Saddlelite.
Members of the Class of 1978 (Our March Madness Winners) at Sr. Leanne and Sr. Hyacinth’s Celebration
FALL 2019
Mission Statement
THE
REGINITE ADMINISTRATION
Regina High School is a Catholic college preparatory school in the Franciscan tradition of peace, service, and respect for unique dignity of each person. Regina is committed to academic excellence, nurturing and guidance, and the moral, intellectual, physical, and personal growth of young women who face the challenges of today’s world.
Our mission is embodied in our school motto: Transforming girls into young women of faith and vision.
Mary Treder Lang President Ann Diamond ’94 Principal Karen Forys Assistant Principal Kyle Smith Business Manager
Alison Schaaf Admissions Director Cindy Corey Advancement Director Colleen Reaser ’03 Marketing Director Emily Frikken ’09 Alumnae Relations Director Editor of The Reginite
Upcoming Events November 9
Class of 2009 10-Year Reunion Punch Bowl Social, Detroit, MI
7:00pm
December 5
Alumnae Christmas Party Regina High School
6:30pm
December 6-8
Regina’s Production of A nnie Clintondale High School
January 22
Alumnae Night Out Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren, MI
6:00pm
February 9
Regina Mundi High Tea Regina High School
1:00pm
March 13
Trivia Night Regina High School
March 23-April 3
Alumnae March “Plaidness” Giving Challenge
April 1
Career Day Mother’s Guild Fashion Show
TBD
April 4
Easter Egg Hunt Regina High School
TBD
7:30/7:30/2:00
Be Social!
Stay connected with social media
Diane Laffey Athletic Director Amy Dulgerian Guidance Counselor Director Nick Stann Campus Minister
Regina High School 13900 Masonic Blvd. Warren, MI 48088 586-585-0500 • www.reginahs.com
TBD
From the Principal Greetings, Fellow Alumnae, It is an exciting time to be a Saddlelite! I am so blessed and fortunate to be the principal at Regina, the place that truly formed me into the person I am today. With the excellent academic foundation and faith formation that Regina provides, there is no better school than Regina for a young woman to learn and grow in all areas of her life. As we transition into a new era at the school with Mary Treder Lang as Regina’s second president, I am confident that the future of this incredible institution is in good hands. NOW is the time to stay connected or reconnect to Regina and get involved. As we move to become a STEM certified school, we will need successful, energetic, and enthusiastic women like YOU to take part in our current students’ education. We will be reaching out to build partnerships for internships and other opportunities that enable our girls to be exposed to possible careers. Thousands of women have graduated from Regina and are making a name for themselves in the community, and we want to showcase as many of you that are willing to help students realize the potential beyond their high school years. I am grateful for your time, your talents, and your treasures as we embark on a path with innovative and forward-thinking ideas continuing to transform girls into women of faith and vision. If you would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! I would love to hear from my fellow sisters! Once a Saddlelite, always a Saddlelite!
Ann E. Diamond ’94
Leave Your Mark on Regina High School! Become a permanent part of the history of Regina High School by purchasing a brick paver to be installed in one of the four courtyards! These pavers will create a “pathway” to each of the four beautiful statues, which will serve as focal points for courtyard visitors. Each paver offers the perfect opportunity to acknowledge a group, such as a class, club or organization; be a memorial for a parent, alumna, grandparent, friend or other relative; or to commemorate a special occasion. Just as the building blocks of education leave a lasting impression on our students, you are invited to leave a personalized lasting impression on Regina High School. Please go to our website, under the Advancement Tab, for the order form and more information.
From the Alumnae Director Dear Friends, Family, and Alumnae of Regina High School, After finishing my first year at Regina in June, I could not have been happier. I truly enjoyed meeting so many Regina Alumnae over the year at all our events, and I look forward to connecting with more of you this year. Our goal last year was to engage with more alumnae, and I am proud to say I think the Alumnae Association accomplished that goal. A number of Reginites updated their contact information with us and/or attended Regina-sponsored events for the first time as an alumna. We have received numerous emails informing us of the exciting events occurring in their lives, such as graduations, engagements, weddings, birth announcements, or wonderful get-togethers with other Saddlelites, all which you will see in this edition of The Reginite. Our greatest accomplishment last year was our Inaugural March Madness Giving Challenge which helped create an Alumnae Association Scholarship Fund for incoming or current Saddlelites. The challenge brought in just over $9,000, and we are counting down the days until our next one to help others receive the invaluable experience that we did. Last year I saw the true meaning of the phrase, “Once a Saddlelite, Always a Saddlelite!” I consider myself very blessed that I can work for my Alma Mater and with our Regina Alumnae Community every day. Looking forward to all this year has to offer!
Emily Frikken ’09
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Regina Legacies We are proud to recognize these Saddlelites as Regina Legacies — current students whose mother/grandmother also attended Regina High School. We are grateful that these alumnae felt so strongly about their experience at Regina that they decided to send their daughters here too! Allison Allen ’20
Amaiya Holt ’22
Alyssa Rogers ’23
Talyah Beard ’23
Jessica Jarski ’22
Mia Simon ’22
Anastasia Berry ’23
Tatiana Jefferson ’23
Reagan Stempin ’22
Brooke Bobowski ’23
Claire Johnstone ’23
Calista Summers ’20
Reagan Brengman ’22
Anne Komoroski ’22
Isabella Tamulevich ’21
Riley Brengman ’20
Julia Kravitz ’20
Sydney Tobola ’22
Antoinette DeCasas ’23
Adrianna Lucido ’23
Lindsey Vandervord ’23
Olivia Dobbs ’23
Claire Niedermaier ’20
Kara VanLacken ’22
Kate Gentry ’23
Olivia Ploucha ’20
Kendall VanLacken ’21
Lillian Groth ’21
Noelle Robinson ’21
Lila Yousif ’22
Cara Hogan ’20
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March Madness Giving Challenge 2019 Results! Congratulations to the Class of 1978! Our Alumnae Community participated in the first March Madness Giving Challenge, which proved how competitive Saddlelites can be! 32 of our graduating classes participated over the course of the two-week competition and raised a total of $9,292.75! All proceeds from the competition helped create the Alumnae Association Scholarship Fund that will help incoming or current Saddlelites receive a Regina education. The top 16 classes were seeded into a bracket based on initial donation amount, and then duked it out every couple days to see who could bring in the most donations. Our final two classes were 1978 and 2005, which made for a fierce competition, but 1978 could not be stopped! The ’78 Reginites brought in a total of $4,107! Those who donated on behalf of the Class of 1978 were gifted with celebratory t-shirts, and full bragging rights, of course. A SINCERE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED! Our Second “March Plaidness” is scheduled for March 23-April 3, 2020. Whose plaid will be victorious next year?
Some winners with their t-shirts!
Nina Raffoul Zbrozek
Theresa Holzhauer Daugherty
Susan VanHaezenbrouck Feldhaus
Rosemary Wagner Michels ’04 Named “Teacher of the Year” Every year the schools in the Catholic High School League nominate an educator who they believe has gone above and beyond for their school. This past June, our very own Rosemary Michels was not only named Regina’s Teacher of the Year but was also the recipient of the Bishop John M. Quinn "Teacher of the Year" Award, which is given to only one secondary Catholic high school teacher each year! Mrs. Michels accepted her award at Detroit Catholic High School’s 44th Annual Teacher Recognition Dinner. Rosemary Wagner Michels is a 2004 graduate of Regina High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Biology and minor in School Health and Leadership from Central Michigan University in 2009. She received her Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from Central Michigan University in 2014. Michels has been teaching at Regina for 9 years, serving as the Science Department Head and Senior Moderator. As Senior Moderator, she is charge of planning all senior activities including Powderpuff, Baccalaureate Mass, Honors Convocation and the Commencement Ceremony. Additionally, Michels has been a member of several school improvement committees such as National Honor Society Review Board, Teens, INC, and the Student Experience portion of the Regina Strategic Initiative. She also served as the Assistant Coach under Diane Laffey for Varsity Basketball and Varsity Softball, helping lead the 2015 Softball Team to a State Championship victory. Another item to add to Michels’ impressive resume is her new title for the 2019-2020 school year: Regina’s first-ever STEM Director. STEM, which is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, is a method of teaching and learning that provides students with the skills they need to be the most productive in college and their careers. It’s a collaborative, interdisciplinary, authentic, hands-on approach where students lead the learning for real-world applications. Michels is eager to develop and shape this new role for Regina High School and bring STEM to all departments. “I am excited to collaborate with our faculty and staff and implement STEM across the curriculum. Our faculty is incredibly focused on student success and preparing our students with the problem solving skills they will need throughout high school and beyond.” She goes on to say, “A major goal that we have is for Regina to become a STEM certified school, a process that will likely take 3-5 years.” Under Michels, Regina High School is adopting two new programs that will provide unique and tangible experiences for our students. The first is PatentDive, a program that engages students with real-world problems and challenges them to invent solutions. Through PatentDive, students will utilize their software to design and build prosthetic hands, with an opportunity to patent their work upon completion. The second program that students can participate in is GET IT, which stands for Girls Exploring Together Information Technology. This program will be sponsored by the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation, specifically by Flagstar Bank, one of their business partners. In addition to learning HTML programming, students will also learn coding and app development. Students involved in GET IT will explore a growing technological field while enhancing their math and science skills. If students are interested in engineering, design, technology, or are unsure what they want to do, these programs will provide excellent exposure to exciting career opportunities for them. Michels credits Regina High School for much of her success: “Regina provided me with the necessary skills to be successful in college and the working world. In addition to learning discipline and hard work in academics, Regina helped me to develop communication skills and the confidence to be a leader. Regina prepared me for real world situations and taught me to be accepting of others, despite their differences. I love that I get to play a role in instilling these characteristics in our students today." 7 If you have any questions or are interested in being involved in this initiative, please reach out to Rosemary Michels at rmichels@reginahs.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at @ReginaHighSTEM!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR Christina Pauken ’09 & Sarah Fioritto ’14 In March 2019, both Christina Pauken ’09 and Sarah Fioritto ’14 were inducted into the University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Business Administration Honor Societies. Christina (left) was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, Alpha Iota Delta, and Global Jesuit Business Student Association (GJBSA). She is currently a Senior Financial Analyst at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Sarah (right) was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, and is President of the GJBSA. She is a Tax Consultant at Deloitte Tax LLP. Both alumnae graduated in May with their MBA graduate degrees.
Madeline Lorio ’16 Madeline Lorio ’16 graduated in April 2019. She completed her degree in just three years while thanking Regina’s AP classes and CLEP tests! She graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and a specialization in Advertising and Communications. She has since been working as the Communications Coordinator at the Archdiocese of Detroit and LOVING it! **You can also find Madeline at Regina in the spring where she will be returning to reprise her role as a Theatre Director for the spring musical—The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Victoria Bernard ’09 Congratulations are in order for Victoria Bernard ’09 who just graduated from Adler University in Chicago with her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology! Victoria currently works as a therapist in Colorado. 8
If yo ple
Smart Saddlelites Paula Strussione Sumner ’82 Paula Strussione Sumner ’82 received her Masters of Health Services Administration from University of Detroit Mercy in May 2019. Three of Paula’s sisters were there to congratulate her on this accomplishment: Linda Strussione Klein ’78, Lisa Strussione Kuczeski ’81, and Deanne Strussione ’79. She is also pictured with her niece, Sophia Klein, who is a current freshman at Regina!
Sarah Mueller ’10 Sarah Mueller ’10 graduated with her Masters in Public Policy and Disability Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She was also selected to be AUCD’s Disability Policy Fellow working on federal policy and legislative issues that affected people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Meghan Vismara Benavides ’09 Meghan Vismara Benavides ’09 graduated in May 2019 from Virginia Tech earning a Master’s Degree in Spanish. She currently lives in Pueblo, Colorado, working as a teacher.
ou recently graduated and would like to be included in the next issue of The Reginite, ease email a photo and description to Emily Frikken ’09 at efrikken@reginahs.com.
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Yakima Ferrell Brookins ’87: Crain’s Detroit Business, “People on the Move” Yakima Ferrell Brookins ’87 was recognized in February as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’s “People on the Move.” Brookins, MBA, CFE, “is the first African American woman to become VP, Internal Audit of Regional Operations for MGM Resorts International. As VP, she oversees 7 jurisdictions across the country, leading several audit teams in the planning, organization, and monitoring of internal audit operations for MGM. A Detroit-Native, she began her tenure at MGM with the company’s local hotelcasino in 2006 and relocated to Oxon Hill, Maryland in 2016 to head the National Harbor expansion.”
Crain’s Detroit Business
Vicki Granger ’66: First Female Recipient of DLS’s John C. Monigold Award This past May, Vicki DiGrande Granger ’66 was honored for her many years of service and dedication to the De La Salle Community by receiving the prestigious John C. Monigold Award at the Christian Brothers’ Dinner. The award is given to someone who has truly served De La Salle and its mission. Granger has worked at DLS since 1982, first beginning as a English teacher, and has since held many different titles. Granger is also the first woman to ever receive this award! Vicki DiGrande Granger ’66 pictured with Sr. Leanne and Sr. Hyacinth at their celebration Mass in June.
The Spirit of Sisterhood Holley Wisneski Jaxon ’88 and Wendy Wisneski Wesley ’89 Submitted and written by Holley Wisneski Jaxon ’88 Holley Regina Wisneski Jaxon ’88 recently returned to the United States after spending over a decade living abroad working in universities and international schools throughout the cultures and continent of Asia. Most recently, she spent four years in the Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia, where she, too, wore the long “abaya” cloak and head scarf in accordance with legal and religious law for all women in public throughout the country. She also spent significant time in traditional sarong-style fabric while on the islands of Bahrain and Bali; discovering the fabric of the sacred weaved through the historical churches and ancient spiritual sites while on “The Emerald Isle” of Ireland; needing and wanting for a little more fabric to keep warm while sleeping under the stars of the Southern Cross sky on “The Desert Island” of the Outback in Australia. This after several years spent on the Korean Peninsula; some brief but memorable stays in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand; two lovely evenings in Dublin and Amsterdam, respectively, though never “One Night in Bangkok”. (Shout out to the mid-1980s!) Holley feels blessed to have seen things rarely found in textbooks or on TV. The people she met, all important though some with positions far more prestigious than most will ever hope to achieve, and the places she saw – some sacred, some secular – instilled within her a deep sense of community and an active sense of duty toward humanity’s natural state of compassion and empathy. Her travels helped her to believe in the spiritual evolution of man toward one human family on earth, and her explorations helped her to see and seek art and beauty in the oddest of places. Reverent, yet still zany, Holley remains an avid fan of fiction and film, and her soul sings when surrounded by the sounds and setting of the natural world. After a few stop-start-changes along the way to reestablishing life stateside, Holley is now happily situated as a civil servant. Employed in education administration for state government, she works with and on behalf of at-risk youths by day while living a quiet country life by night. During those nights and on many weekends, she divides her time between finishing up a second master’s degree and giving serious consideration to the logistics and preparations for her acceptance into a doctoral program of study in leadership. This seemingly linear course of action has actually proved to be a very scenic route to the retooling she came to realize would be necessary for the second half of her act. She strongly senses, however, that this path, no matter how long and winding its journey, is not only part of realizing her own personal potential, but also about discovering the hidden depths many women discern at her age and stage. She is fortunate to do so and wishes this well-being for all women because to steward the development of a woman is to steward the development of humankind and human kindness. So, what does Holley do when not pre-occupied with all the heavy lifting of middle age? She can usually be found like most others of our time – mindlessly binge-watching television! (Downton A bbey, anyone?) And, what will she miss most about her lifestyle overseas? “Cheap pressing! I still abhor of ironing! Flashbacks of Sunday afternoons spent with white oxford shirts and plaid pleated skirts!” She wishes all the best to fellow alumnae and classmates to whom she whispers, “C’mon, 50 – Bring. It. On.” Wendy Marie Wisneski Wesley ’89 continues to raise her family in Florida. She and her husband are thriving in their work both in and out of the church where they are long-time members and where Wendy serves as Director for their local award-winning Children’s Program. After almost 15 years of marriage, they are now heading with their son and daughter into one of family’s most precarious of stages: The Teen and Tween Years! Ever the fun and funny girl, Wendy’s light heart helps her to maintain an iconic sense of humor about life’s oft ironic sense of humor. It is faith, however, that now defines Wendy’s life as a Christian woman – her piety bringing perspective and peace to those blessed to know her. The photo is an oldie but goodie, but still a family favorite.
TRIVIA NIGHT The Alumnae Association hosted its first Trivia Night on March 2nd, 2019. All friends, family and alumnae of Regina were invited to attend this 50s-themed event. The trivia company, Trivia in a Box, conducted the evening and provided 10 rounds of trivia questions. Each round had a different theme: general knowledge, music, movies and TV, sports, empowered women in history, Catholic religion, and the 50’s! Teams had the opportunity to double their points from one round of their choosing and they could also purchase 3 answers per round. Teams enjoyed 50/50 raffles, and pizza and salad for dinner. Additionally, tables could bring their own beverages and snacks, and some tables had great spreads! Because the event was 50’s-themed, participants were encouraged to dress the part. The eight best dressed people won a small prize. The last place team went away with a pack of dum-dum suckers! And the first place team, a group of alumnae parents, went away with a Regina pilsner glass filled with smarties and gift cards. We are looking forward to next year’s trivia night, which will be held on Friday, March 13th! This year’s theme: 80’s!
The winning team! This group of alumnae parents took home the trophy for the first trivia night. It was a competitive night since they were seated in between their daughters and son-in-laws. Next year should be even more interesting!
All these participants won the prize for best dressed according to the theme—50’s! One alum even wore her own saddle shoes!
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Easter Egg Hunt The Alumnae Association was blessed with a beautiful spring day just in time to host its first Family Easter Egg Hunt on April 5! Little ones sprinted around our athletic fields in search of Easter eggs filled with fun prizes and treats! After the exciting hunt, all were invited inside for crafts. Children were able to make Easter Bunny headbands, color Easterthemed cartoons, or, everyone’s favorite, decorating Easter egg cookies! Right around lunch time, alumnae were able to indulge in one of their favorite meals: Regina’s Chicken Sandwiches! The event, of course, would not have been complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny. The Bunny was making its way around the event all morning—helping the young ones find eggs or posing for a family picture. Some liked the Bunny more than others though! We even convinced Sr. Hyacinth and Sr. Leanne to take a photo with the Bunny! It was a wonderful day where our Regina Alumnae were able to come together with their families for holiday-filled fun! The Alumnae Association will be hosting its Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4th, 2020. More information will be communicated in the future!
Sr. Leanne & Sr. Hyacinth with Deacon Ed McLeod (alumnae parent) who helped officiate the mass. Former choir director, Julie Testori, gathered a group of alumnae to create the choir for the mass.
Senator Paul Wojno joined us for the and provided both Sr. Leanne and Sr proclamations.
e Mass & Brunch r. Hyacinth with
100 Years of Service! On Sunday, June 9th, family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumnae of Regina High School gathered together to celebrate Sr. Hyacinth and Sr. Leanne's combined 100 years of service! The community gathered first in the Chapel where The Most Rev. Robert J. Fisher, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Rev. Ronald Victor, and Deacon Edwin McLeod celebrated Mass. Following Mass, special presentations were made, including Senator Paul Wojno who presented both Sr. Hyacinth and Sr. Leanne with proclamations. Representatives from The Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis also announced that a SSJ-TOSF Scholarship Fund will be started in honor of Sr. Hyacinth and Sr. Leanne. Their legacy at Regina will continue to impact students for years to come. We sincerely thank everyone who attended and/or had a part in making this a very special and meaningful day to Sr. Hyacinth, Sr. Leanne and the entire Regina community.
A special surprise for Sr. Leanne, Sr. Hyacinth, and all our guests for the event was the hanging of all our class composites. A long overdue project at our new Warren location, it was exciting for all the alumnae to show up for the Mass to see their photo now on the wall. A plaque with a photo of Sr. Leanne and Sr. Hyacinth begins the rows of composites with a fitting quote by St. Clare of Assisi.
Alumnae Meet & Greet!
Powderpuff & Homecoming Weekend
Our Annual Powderpuff Game vs. Marian was held on Saturday, September 14. The Regina Bulls (Class of 2020’s mascot) came out on top with a score of 21-13! It was definitely a nail biter until QB Sam Rhodes ran in for the winning touchdown! Marian had the chance to tie the game in the last two minutes, but our defense stayed tough and stopped them! It was great to see a large number of Alumnae came to support their Alma Mater! Alumnae were able to stop by the Alumnae Association table to take a photo and update their information for a chance to win a basket filled with Regina spirit wear! The Bulls’ victory marked the third year in a row Regina has beaten Marian! Let’s keep this tradition going! Keep on the lookout for next year’s date so you can cheer on the Vipers of 2021.
Alumnae Mass & Brunch
1983 Reunion! The Class of 1983 had a weekend full of activities to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of starting their freshmen year at Regina! They started the weekend off on Friday night with a mixer at Sinbad’s in Detroit. They continued on Saturday by attending Powderpuff. The best part was the fact that they had gotten replicas of their Powderpuff jerseys remade and wore them to the big game! Saturday ended with a dinner at Copper Creek Manor in Chesterfield. The weekend festivities concluded on Sunday at the Alumnae Mass & Brunch at Regina. The Regina Sisterhood is clearly still strong in these women!
Our 13th Annual Mass & Brunch was held on Sunday, September 15, where we welcomed Fr. Slowinski from St. Paul on the Lake Parish to celebrate Mass. Our Kitchen Staff also prepared a wonderful brunch to follow in the cafeteria. Some lucky alumnae also went home with raffle prizes! Be on the lookout for the Powderpuff date next year so you can join us for the Homecoming Weekend festivities!
Denise Sobczak Stearns donated pieces of jewelry to be auctioned in which all proceeds went to Regina. These lucky ladies went home with the pieces!
Class of 1969’s
50th Reunion
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The Class of 1969 held their 50th Reunion at Regina High School on Saturday, October 12th. There were 70 graduates in attendance! Alumnae attended a prayer service in the chapel, toured the building, looked at memorabilia, won raffle prizes, ate a delicious meal, and most importantly, renewed friendships with former classmates. It was truly a wonderful celebration all thanks to the dedicated women on the committee who had spent close to a year planning the reunion (Elena Belloli Cusumano, Marie Bertuglio Pino, Esther Casinelli Sikorski, Peggy Dale Wilson, Victoria Dillon Patterson, Amy Druminski, Maria Ferrera Sabatini, Louise Galasso Rau, Virginia Kucway Stolarski, Kathleen Lesinski Hilton, Mary Ann Resmer Amori, Debbie Valesano Chmielewski). Thank you to all those from the Class of 1969 who attended the reunion and donated over $2500 to Regina's Greatest Need Fund! Once a Saddlelite, Always a Saddlelite!
THE SUCCE
Kristin Piana Sche
Executive Director/Founder During Kristin Piana Schena’s freshman year of college at Michigan State University, she found herself browsing through a medical career book in the library that would eventually lead her to the field of speech-language pathology. Over twenty years later, Kristin Piana Schena has used her expertise in this field to change the lives of children all over the metro -Detroit area through her organization, Kids On The Go, a non-profit that assists the pediatric special needs population with a needs-based summer camp. Kids On The Go is celebrating 20 years this year and has grown from one course offered and thirteen scholarships being granted, to now 28 courses and more than 300 scholarships awarded! Kristin’s efforts with Kids On The Go has impacted the lives of more than 2,000 scholarship recipients. Kristin belongs to many professional organizations, including the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association and was published in their publication, the A HSA Leader: Spirited Solutions in 2016. In the last few years, Kristin has also received much deserved recognition for her success. She was the recipient of the Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association Service Award Program of Note, and most recently, in 2018, Kristin was honored with an Outstanding Alumnae Award by Michigan State University Communication Arts & Sciences Department. Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND FOLLOWING REGINA. A: I gr aduated fr om Regina in 1990 and then went to Michigan State Univer sity wher e I received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences in 1993. I completed my Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green University in 1996 [where she also received an Achievement Scholarship]. Q: WHY DID YOU INITIALLY CHOOSE TO GO INTO SPEECH PATHOLOGY? A: I star ted my study at Michigan State with my focus on Psychology. I r emember sitting in the library at MSU going through medical career books my freshman year. I had considered medical school and enjoyed my time spent working in hospitals as a volunteer. My grandfather was a physician and he inspired me to seek a career in the medical field. I kept coming across the field of speech pathology and was intrigued at the vast career opportunities within the field—settings, specialties, populations. 22
ESSFUL SADDLELITE
ena, M.S., CCC-SLP, ’90
r of Kids On The Go Q: TELL US ABOUT KIDS ON THE GO, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS ORGANIZATION.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF WORKING WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
A: I was wor king in a local hospital following my fellowship year and discovered that for most children with disabilities, when school ends for the summer, so does the access to specialized services that keep them abreast from their peers. As a result, children with special needs lose precious ground during that time off and start school in the fall with diminished skills and less self-confidence, often needing months to catch up. Parents desperate for their kids to hold on to the progress they made during the school year are faced with paying up to $115 for fifteen minutes of therapy and little, if any, reimbursement from insurance companies. This is simply out of reach for most working families. KOTG was established to address the need for accessible services that maintain skill levels by pairing children with professional therapists and offering classes that stimulate and enrich their lives with artistic, athletic, and social experiences.
A: I am tr uly blessed to wor k with an amazing team of therapists, staff, and volunteers who give 150% each year. Kids On The Go has also provided me with an opportunity to have relationships with our generous donors from our community. The smiles and gratitude from our KOTG participants and their families is what keeps ME going!
Through fundraising events, marketing, communications, and networking, Kristin sustains this camp that is of no cost to the families while also providing services during the summer months when many would otherwise not receive their muchneeded speech/occupational/physical therapies.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE MEMORIES OR EXPERIENCES FROM YOUR TIME WITH THE ORGANIZATION?
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT SADDLELITES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN SPEECH PATHOLOGY?
A: Dur ing my 9th year as executive director, one of my twins was diagnosed at 14 A: Study har d and gain exper ience by months of age with hypotonia. My husband volunteering and shadowing other speech and I began our journey as parents of pathologists! a child with special needs. I realized “I realized then Kristin mentioned that she has then that Kids On The Go was God’s that Kids On The always welcomed students of plan for me and my career path. various specialties to volunteer at
Go was God’s plan
A year ago, one of our first campers the camp –providing them much for me and my needed clinical observation hours came to visit and told me that he is career path.” as well as supervised exposure and currently in college and he thanked experience with the pediatric me. I recently received a picture from population they are intending to work with a parent of three of our participants attending a upon graduation. Halloween haunted house together—three new friendships made for these teens because of Kids On The Go.
Kids On The Go is a pediatric non-profit program designed to provide special needs children (3-17 years) with physical, occupational and speech therapy during the summer months.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? A: I love to tr avel and explor e new places. Raising three children and working full time doesn't allow for much free time these days :)
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF REGINA?
A: The fr iendships I made—some of which I still have today!
“I can now speak to a room of over 500 guests because of the confidence and communication skills that all started Regina.”
Q: WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM REGINA THAT YOU THINK HAVE HELPED YOU IN YOUR PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? A: Leader ship, communication skills, and gaining confidence in myself. I can now speak to a room of over 500 guests because of the confidence and communication skills that all started at Regina. The Regina Alumnae Family is an amazing community of women that will support you beyond graduation.
The mission of Kids On The Go is to recognize and facilitate the goals of children with specials needs and to further develop their current skills through therapeutic wellness programs for the children and their families. Their vision is to provide a safe environment that will foster opportunities for growth, inclusion and provides valuable resources for our community. Visit
kidsonthegocamp.com for more information on how to support this organization!
Alumnae Updates
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Updates! Do you have exciting news to share for our next issue? Maybe a graduation, job change, engagement, marriage, or birth—we love staying connected and we want to share your news here! Email your updates and digital pictures for future publications to Emily Frikken ’09 at efrikken@reginahs.com.
Get Involved! Please consider becoming a more active alumna and get involved with the Alumnae Association. All Regina graduates are considered members of the Alumnae Association and are encouraged to serve their fellow alumnae and school community by sharing their talents, ideas, and love for Regina High School! All are welcome to attend meetings to help plan future alumnae activities. For more information about serving on the board and meeting dates, contact Emily Frikken ’09 at efrikken@reginahs.com.
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Kaitlin Carden ’08 married Adam Nini on October 19, 2018. Regina bridesmaids included Erin Bean ’08, Olivia Slubowski Schmidt ’08, and her sister, Sarah Carden ’10, in addition to current Regina Math Teacher, Kristin Forester, who is Kaitlin’s cousin! 1 (Top border and below) 1
Kayleigh Bell ’11 married Hunter Carwile on January 5, 2019, at the Iroquois Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Megan Berndt ’11 stood by her side as her maid of honor. 2 Richard and Kathryn Catania Bartus ’66 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 7, 2019, at a 3-day weekend party in Las Vegas. Kathy and Rich were blessed to have her 92-year-old father walk her in the renewal of their vows at the D Hotel, and a fabulous time was had by all! 3 Graduates from 2018 went to the Michigan State vs. Penn State softball game to cheer on Melina Livingston who plays for Penn State! They even brought Regina chocolate chip cookies for her! From left to right: Claire Bahorski, Nicole Manoviec, Melina Livingston, Madeline Simon, and Katie Bieszke. 4
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Former Regina Golf Coach, Alumnae Parent, and long-time Regina supporter, Bob Artymovich was inducted into the Michigan Intercollegiate Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in May 2019. He is pictured with his children, including his three daughters who graduated from Regina: Josie Artymovich Peltz ’03, Katie Artymovich Johnson ’05, and Genevieve Artymovich Nahra ’97. 5 Michelle Cooper Wire ’81 is pictured here with her granddaughter, Alexis, whom she has had custody of since she was 5. Alexis recently graduated with honors, as a junior! She plans to attend the College of Central Florida’s Law Enforcement Academy where she hopes to work in forensics one day. Meghan Vismara Benavides ’09 was married in May this year and recently moved to Pueblo Colorado!
Alumnae Updates
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Stefanie Zanke Ledesma ’09 and Rahn Ledesma’s wedding took place on May 4, 2019, in Las Vegas! Their ceremony was at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (Top border). Allison Marchese ’09 stood by Stefanie’s side as her maid of honor (below). 6
Renee Cholyway ’09 and Brandon Poen were married on May 18, 2019. Renee had many Reginites by her side, including: Christina Pauken, Maria Vujic, Logan French Spencer, and Rebecca McLeod. Longtime Regina Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Gregg Golden, also walked Renee down the aisle!
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The Class of 1966 had a summer reunion at Kathy Catania Bartus’ house. The ladies did not let the get together end without singing “On Regina”! 7 Some members of the Class of 2008 gathered in early June to shower Mary Karina Dostie at her bridal shower. Pictured from left to right: Rebecca Dewitt Emiah, Carolyn Lee, Erica Podsiadly, Mary Karina Dostie, Mary Manuszak Marchese, Lisa DeHondt Simon, and Cara DiCaro. 8 Lucy Rubino Putlak ’78 and Renee Herrin Kane ’78 recently connected at one of their reunions and found that they both reside in the Chicago area. Renee (left) and Lucy (right) planned and attended a concert night at the Ravinia Festival last summer with their spouses.
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Are you a missing alumna? There are many alumnae that we do not have any contact information for – hopefully you’re not one of them! Visit the “Alumnae” tab on our website and find “Address/Info Update.”
Class of 1970 Alumnae! Have you started thinking about your 50th Reunion? If any plans are underway, please contact the Alumnae Office so we can be of assistance and help spread the word! If there are no plans started and you would like to help organize, please email Emily Frikken ’09 at efrikken@reginahs.com.
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Alumnae Updates
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Celebrating a 30-year Legacy!
At one of our last home softball games in May, we invited members from the 1989 State Championship Team to join us so we could celebrate 30 years since our school’s first state championship! The championship game in 1989 lasted 17 innings long— the second longest championship game in MHSAA history! Pictured from left to right: Coach Jack Dailey, Christie Burley-Lietzow ’90, Colleen Mulrenin Woodhouse ’89, Lynn Durfee Mahon ’89, Paula Sahadi Gloster ’90, Jennifer Littlefield ’90, and of course, Coach Diane Laffey.
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Teresa Smith Guastella ’09 and her husband Daniel announced to their families that they are expecting! Teresa gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Amelia in late July. 9 Members from the Class of 1961 attend one of their bi-monthly luncheons. Thank you to Josie Catanzaro Mazzola ’61 for sending in the photo!
Abby Markielewicz ’09 had a fun summer catching up with some Regina Alumnae! Top border is Abby, Natalie Didio ’12, and Elizabeth Meldrum ’12 at a Tigers Game. Below is Abby, Louisa Stephens ’09, and 10 Taylor McGillis Huggan ’09 out in Royal Oak.
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The Class of 1979 celebrated their 40th Reunion this July at Miguel’s Cantina in Rochester Hills. Front row: Mary Ann Wancour Hough, Diane Wolny Fisher, Deanne Strussione. Back row: Barb Rassette Isei, Theresa Castiglione Turnbull, Diane Krizon Riva, Joanne Pfister, Cassel, Suzanne Reedy Sample, Christine Westrick Garling, Karin Schaugg Fuire (who organized the gathering!), and Marie O’Neil Quinlan.
Cheryl Warnock ’88 is a small business owner, using her Master's in Library Science and love of family stories to help people digitize and organize their collections of print and digital photos, slides, and negatives. Cherish Your Photos LLC works with individuals, families and small businesses to make sure no photo or memory is lost (through time, natural disaster or technology failure). What a blessing to be invited into people's lives through their photos! 11 Bernadette Poirier Jones ’07 and her husband, Zach, currently live in Grand 12 Rapids where they are raising their son, Daniel, who will turn one on October 23rd!
Alumnae Updates
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Rachel Peters ’04 married Kyle Bonkowski (DLS ’03) on July 13, 2019, at Castle Farms in Charlevoix (Top border). Rachel had some Regina Alumnae by her side on the special day, including her sister, Ashley Peters ’09, Kristen Lemanski Forsyth ’99, and Erica Lemanski ’06 (below respectively). 13
Shelby Bobowski ’15 returned to Regina this year as our freshmen volleyball head coach (top border)! It was also great that she has a full family of Saddlelites to support her at games too. Below she is pictured at her last home game of the season with her sister, Brooke Bobowski ’23, her mom, Julie Walter Bobowski ’91, and her 14 sister, Riley Bobowski ’19.
The sisterhood is still strong with this group of 2016 graduates! Many of them attend MSU and whenever they get together, they always take a picture! Pictured are Kennedy Ososkie, Meghan Provenzano, Emily Demers, Olivia Badalimenti, Emily Kravitz, Sydney Spatafore, Gabriella Sbrocca, and Mallory Lueck. 15
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Jourdan Heythaler ’09 married Patrick Morrissey on September 14, 2019, in Grand Rapids (Top border). Jourdan’s sister, Nicole Heythaler ’11, and Hannah Sabol ’09 were bridesmaids (below respectively). 16
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1961 Alums visit China! Maria Saracino Caruso and Cathy Maier Brunkey recently traveled to China for two weeks with their spouses!
Anna Marchese ’11 recently took a spontaneous to the Upper Peninsula with her, now fiancé, Matt Grassa. Without any sort of plan or hotel reservation made ahead of time, they managed to visit Manistique, Kitch-itikipi Natural Spring, Houghton, Calumet Ice Arena, and the Porcupine Mountains. Once in the Porcupines, and a few wrong turns later, they finally landed at Lake of the Clouds, where Matt completely surprised Anna and proposed!
Alumnae Updates
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January 20, 2020: A special date for two Regina Alums!
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Congratulations to Katie Kudela ’13 and Tucker who were married on September 28, 2019 (below). 2013 graduates, Courtney Tyll and Mary Mrdjenovic were also there to help celebrate (top border). 17
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Kate Wilson ’09 married Luis Hernandez on October 19, 2019. Based on their photo, they seemed to have a wonderful time on their special day!
Trisha Butz Ballard ’11 and Sylvia Chetcuti Green ’07 have remained close since their time at Regina. They both recently announced they were expecting, and they just happened to share the exact due date!
Trisha Butz Ballard ’11
Leah Jarvis ’12 and David Metzke were married on October 19, 2019, after eight years of dating. David was Leah’s Christmas Ball date her senior year! 18 Congratulations are in order for Regina graduate (and current math teacher!) Erin McNeill Backman ’07, who welcomed Claire Carolyn Backman into the world on October 18, 2019! 19
Sylvia Chetcuti Green ’07
Amanda Minano ’12 married Marc Fick on October 5th in Clinton Township. The couple was surrounded by family and friends, including several 2012 alumnae: Alyssa Babic, Jennifer Benoit, Rose Smigell Crawley, Gabrielle Mangiapane, Alexis Lastomirsky, Madeline Thibault, and Katherine Koueiter McClennen. 20
Back in the Saddles, 2019
REGINA PLAYERS MEET HAMILTON PRODUCER Members of the Regina Players and De La Salle WAMS Drama Clubs attended the Detroit Economic Club meeting with Hamilton producer, Jeffrey Seller. Seller is a metro-Detroit native and a University of Michigan graduate.
SOLANUS CASEY CENTER A group of juniors went to the Solanus Casey Center in early April for a retreat. They served meals, listened to visitors, and prayed over Blessed Solanus Casey’s tomb with Br. Anthony.
SWITZERLAND & ITALY Over Easter Break, Mrs. Capizzo, our art teacher, took a group of students to Switzerland and Italy over spring break!
SOFTBALL WINS 7TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!
The Varsity Softball Team won its 7th State Championship, all under the leadership of Coach Diane Laffey. The season was definitely a Cinderella story, and the last game was no different. Bottom of the 8th inning and the Saddlelites scored off of a walk-off hit! Regina is now tied for the second most State Championship wins in the MHSAA.
REGINA PLAYERS PERFORM AT DISNEY!
Over Spring Break, the Regina Players, performed at Disney Springs in Orlando!
A NEW TRADITION The Senior Class of 2020 is the first class to paint their own parking spots as a senior fundraiser. It is clear that our students are very creative!
SOCCER HAS SUCCESS IN POST-SEASON
HARRINGTON ’19 RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP Lillian Harrington ’19 was the recipient of the 2019 Jim Devellano High School Scholarship. The scholarship only went to one female senior and one male senior at the All-State Hockey Banquet, which is sponsored by Detroit Red Wing, Henrik Zetterberg.
Our Varsity Soccer Team had another successful run in the state playoffs this past season. They were repeating District and Regional Champions. Their season eventually ended in the State Semifinals, but their success definitely made us proud!
SCHOOL-WIDE STEM DAY We had our first school-wide STEM Day in October where each class had a STEM-related activity relating to garbage/recycling. Our art classes focused on reusing items to create art. The photo above is the class recreating van Gogh’s, “Starry Night.” 31
Regina High School 13900 Masonic Blvd. Warren, MI 48088
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