St. John Vianney High School was recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as a School of Excellence. Schools recognized with this distinguished honor have shown a commitment to maintaining a challenging academic program that teaches the importance of our Catholic identity while educating students on current issues of civic responsibility and social justice.
This is Vianney. To families who want to give their sons the best opportunity to grow, St. John Vianney High School is the Catholic college preparatory high school that transforms boys into exceptional men of knowledge, character and accomplishment. That’s because Vianney offers a two-semester, college-style schedule, taught in the Marianist tradition of humility and acceptance, that focuses on leadership, in a welcoming, family environment.
VIANNEY’S HONOR ROLL
THIS IS MY VIANNEY
Dr. Tim Dilg | Vianney Principal - 2015 St. Louis Area High School Principal of the Year
TIM & SHARON KURT Vianney Parents Queen of All Saints Parish
page
10
KYLE WILLIAMS Vianney Class of 2014 University of Notre Dame
page
11
- 2015 National Catholic School Education Association’s Excellence in Education award - Selected to attend the Vatican’s World Education Congress, 2015
GOOGLE TEACHERS ACADEMY Mr. Adam Hamilton HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD Mr. Brandon Lewis MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS AND CURRENT VIANNEY COACHES Scott Brown | Varsity Baseball Paul Day | Varsity Football Don Owens | Varsity Golf
DAVID PROST Senior
JOE SOUVANNARATH Junior
page
18
page
MISSOURI STATE CHAMPION (SWIMMING) Nick Alexander | 3 time state champion
18
3
“The staff at Vianney has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of my son and help him to be successful in a challenging curriculum.�
Academic Program Two-Semester, College-Style Schedule Just as the world around us continues to evolve and change, so does education. When we keep up with that as a school, your son keeps up with the fast-paced world that lies beyond high school. At Vianney, we have invested heavily in our greatest asset: our faculty. Professional development has infused an engaging, hands-on learning environment in our classrooms. Students in turn become enthusiastic about learning. When your son enjoys his experience in the classroom, research shows comprehension and retention increase. More importantly, creating a love of learning can last a lifetime. Vianney facilitates this active learning style within a structure that helps bring it to life. Being a college preparatory school, we have brought the college structure – fewer, full courses completed
in a semester – to high school. In the twosemester, college-style schedule, a student takes more control of his education. The environment fosters better interpersonal relationships, heightened critical thinking, stronger problem-solving skills and allows students time for reflection. The schedule is designed to reduce some of the obstacles that interfere with student achievement: insufficient time for in-depth thought, high stress levels and fragmented instruction. Griffins have the ability to earn more than the traditional four years of credit in science, math, English, history, fine arts, or modern language by taking those courses in consecutive semesters. This can lead to more college credit opportunities, and a great transcript for college admissions.
Vianney’s two-semester, college-style schedule
•
Students take four, 85-minute classes per day, and those same four classes every day for one semester.
•
Students take eight courses per year (four per semester) and graduate with 32 credits, among the highest in the Midwest.
•
The 32-credit requirement provides the opportunity to include an array of Advanced College Placement (AP), Advanced College Credit (ACC) or Dual Enrollment and Honors courses in the student’s schedule.
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
•
By using a college-style semester format, students complete full core credits in one semester. Therefore, a student wishing to excel academically can fit up to 5 or 6 years of a given core subject into four years of school.
•
Similar to college undergraduate, graduate or professional degree programs, our schedule helps students get accustomed to what they will experience in college.
5
THE FACULTY How comforting and encouraging it is to see that each and every teacher I encountered shared a genuine passion for their profession, tremendous enthusiasm for their subject matter, a dedication to Vianney and a true concern for the students. Thank you for taking such care to assemble and support an oustanding faculty. They are the most essential aspect of Vianney.
CLASSROOOM FOCUS:
Bringing History to Life KEVIN WALSH ‘91 Social Studies Teacher Leadership Teacher Varsity Basketball Coach Link Crew Moderator You wouldn’t know it by his energy or demeanor, but Kevin has been teaching at Vianney for more than 20 years. Being an alum and starting his career here at age 22, he has grown as a Griffin, teacher and coach among MANY other roles at Vianney. In particular, Kevin has been at the forefront of the active learning taking place at Vianney. He recently presented his ideas and approach with educators from around the country at national conferences. A great example of Kevin’s ingenuity was the Most Influential American Bracket. As a basketball coach, he brought a competitive spirit to the classroom with a way for students to learn in-depth about a piece of history, form a competent argument about their contribution to American history and be creative in the process. Voting on each round determined the winner, and the presentations were posted on a blog created specifically for the competition. Students were able to follow along and Mr. Walsh got buy-in. Check Vianney.com/MyVianneyProfiles to see more about Kevin’s approach and find a link to the Bracket project blog.
“I like the way the teachers and staff take in the boys as one of their own. They connect on a personal level. My son loves Vianney and has never been more excited to go to school every day!”
7
Enhancing the Faith Experience Faith formation is an experience you will find at each and every Catholic school. Vianney is proud to be a part of that, however, Griffins get something more as part of the Vianney Family. In addition to traditional avenues such as Religion courses or retreat programs, Vianney has continually added interesting and fun ways for students to share, investigate and deepen their faith. To start with, each day begins and ends with prayer, and we pray at the start of each class period. We observe the Angelus and pray together as a school before lunch each day. In order to reach students where they are, a group called the Athletic Apostles was established to give a spiritual outlet to our student-athletes. This group is chosen to be the spiritual leaders of their respective programs. They lead team prayers at practices and games, and weekly meetings help students share their faith and organize team service opportunities.
St. John Vianney High School was the recipient of the Bishop McNichols Award given for contributions to the fight for life. Students made crosses to exemplify the lives lost to abortion, stood outside abortion clinics and attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Vianney students understand God’s Will by performing Christian service for the betterment of others. To that end, Vianney organizes a studentrun Special Olympics event on campus, creating Opening Ceremonies, an Olympic Village and volunteer opportunities for 250 of our students. All freshmen and sophomores participate in a one-day service trip to volunteer together at various places of need all around St. Louis. Making a difference while having fun with their buddies makes a difference for our students.
8
“For us, it is Vianney’s emphasis on CATHOLIC EDUCATION and molding young boys into men to someday being good husbands and fathers in our society. Vianney’s teachers are awesome.”
“Vianney kept my son interested in being Catholic.�
Faith Formation There are many aspects to faith formation that, as a Catholic school, are expected in order to understand and explore our faith. Here are those core elements that many Catholic schools share: - Four years of religious studies - Annual class retreats, including the Kairos retreat for seniors - Service program minimum of 100 hours: 20 Hours freshman year 20 hours sophomore year 60 hours junior year, including a 3-week social service project - Monthly all-school Mass, along with weekly Mass before school - Reconciliation and other sacramental opportunities throughout the year.
9
THIS IS MY VIANNEY TIM AND SHARON KURT | PARENTS Queen of All Saints Parish SONS: Jacob Kurt, Class of 2013 Andrew Kurt, Class of 2014 THEIR STORY: Having grown up on military bases, Sharon Kurt had no concept of the landscape of St. Louis’ private schools. Along with her husband, Tim, they spent hours searching all the schools public and private - looking to find the right fit for their sons. QUOTE: “It was very impressive that the day we visited Vianney, the young man walked right past me with his hand outstetched and shook Jacob’s hand,” Tim remembers. “That made a big impression upon me. And over the four years both of my sons spent at Vianney, they developed into mature, well-adapted young men.” Adds mom: “The phrase, ‘Give us your boy and we will return to you a man’ ... it’s so true at Vianney.”
10
SATISFACTION Recent surveys of current parents revealed high levels of satisfaction in all areas of Vianney. Specifically, parents noted Vianney’s academic programs as a distinguishing factor of the school. Vianney alumni are connecting with Vianney like never before. Aside from reunions and class gatherings, alumni play a role in Vianney by coming back to school as guest speakers for classes and for all-school assemblies and events. Each year, Vianney hosts a Career Fair and invites alumni to serve as speakers for the day. To get an “insider’s view” of Vianney, we encourage you to ask any current Vianney student, family, teacher or alumnus about their positive experience at the school.
“I really like their focus on the soft skills. Vianney is teaching a skill that is often forgotten in many schools. I can recognize a gentleness and kindness in my son. He speaks well with adults and is able to engage in intelligent conversations with respect.”
Learn more at Vianney.com/myvianneyprofiles
THIS IS MY VIANNEY KYLE WILLIAMS | CLASS OF 2014 Sophomore - University of Notre Dame
COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM: “My classes at Vianney definitely prepared me for the type of classes I was going to encounter at the University of Notre Dame.” VIANNEY’S LEADERSHIP CLASSES HAD BIG IMPACT: Time spent in Vianney’s Leadership classes and the Ambassador program proved to be invaluable to Kyle. QUOTE: “I felt totally comfortable meeting people and going through the various interviews because Vianney had given me those opportunities. That was a big help in the process of getting to Notre Dame.”
Learn more at Vianney.com/myvianneyprofiles
11
1 LEADERSHIP BEGINS WHEN YOU WALK IN Students get a foundation for leadership within our curriculum, starting with Freshman Leadership class. Check out the progression for our students as they grow from freshmen into well-respected Griffin graduates.
2
GRIFFIN GUIDES
LINK CREW
Freshmen and sophomores
Vianney puts our freshmen
have the opportunity to be a
transition process in the hands
Griffin Guide, which pairs them
of our upper-classmen. Juniors
up with prospective students
and seniors volunteer advise,
during their Shadow Visit. This
guide and mentor our incoming
fosters relationship building
students. As Link Crew leaders,
through phone calls from
they run our orientation program,
our students to our visitors.
continue to meet with their
Students gain experience
orientation groups for the first
while developing personal
semester of school, and make sure
connections.
each student is comfortable and connected.
12
WE DEVELOP LEADERS. Many schools talk about leadership; Vianney’s program puts it into action. We use classes within the curriculum, along with co-curricular opportunities, to make sure each student not only possesses the skills, but has the chance to develop them. We create a foundation of leadership from the moment students walk through the door as freshmen. We then create opportunities to foster those skills through programs every step of their high school journey.
4
3 UPPER-LEVEL LEADERSHIP CLASS
AMBASSADORS Leaders at Vianney get the chance to shine
Our upper-level leadership course
as an Ambassador. This group of juniors
builds on the foundation of Freshman
and seniors represent the school at major
Leadership with more emphasis
functions on campus, speak at High School
placed on proper presentation skills,
Nights and other events and personally give
development of interpersonal skills
all tours to prospective families at Open
and examining values, standards and
House. Being an Ambassador provides public-
principles. This course is offered as a
speaking opportunities, relationship-building
dual-enrollment college credit option
and sets an expectation of professionalism
through Drury University.
that is unrivaled anywhere.
13
“Innovative instruction and teaching what it takes to be a man of character - that’s what makes Vianney a special place.”
PEOPLE ARE T
ABOUT ST. JOHN VIANNEY
“My son is happy, loves school and does very well.”
“The two-semester, college-style schedule at Vianney made my transition into college at Northwestern seamless.”
“The two-semester, college-style schedule and the administration’s focus and understanding of brain-based
“My oldest son graduated from Vianney, and he
learning for boys has been the best for
is doing well in college. Vianney prepares these
both of our sons. They are two very
boys to become smart, respectful, faithful men.”
different learners and Vianney was able to meet their individual needs.” “I can’t say enough good things about the school. I’m not originally from St. Louis and “Love, love, love the welcoming environment we always feel upon visiting the campus and meeting staff members. We feel the staff is completely genuine in wanting the boys (and families) to succeed, enjoy themselves, and feel valued.”
14
didn’t get the whole high school application process. I grew up in a rural town and almost everyone went to public school. I feel that Vianney has a small town feel, seems that everyone knows everyone and they all get along. The students and staff have been fantastic not only to me but my son.”
TALKING
Y HIGH SCHOOL
‘Vianney is the total package. It offers an excellent education at a competitive price.”
“The student-teacher ratio and the fact that teachers only teach three classes per semester really helps build closer
“My son has not encountered a teacher
relationships with the teacher and
or instance yet where it seems that
students.”
the teacher is anything less than extraordinarily happy where they are, and looking out for the success of him as
“St. John Vianney High School offers
a student, and a young spiritual man.”
both of my boys a strong FAITH-based education. Faith, morals and value-
“My son has never been happier to go to school. He has made some very good
development are explored in every classroom.”
friends in a short amount of time.” “We feel that our son is getting a great “I love the ‘forward’ thinking of the
education and have found the school
administration. I love it that when I enter
warm, inviting, and supportive to us
Vianney, there are so many people who
and our child. You can tell the teachers,
know me and call me by name.”
administration, and staff really care about their students and have high standards.”
“A Christian school focused on leadership and teaching character.”
15
Clubs & Activities ACADEMIC CLUBS ART CLUB
MOCK TRIAL
SCHOLAR BOWL
CLOSE-UP TRIP
PEER TUTORING
TECH CLUB
FUTURE BUSINESS
ROBOTICS
TRAVEL ABROAD
LEADERS OF
SPEECH AND
WORLDQUEST
AMERICA
DEBATE
YEARBOOK
MEDIA CLUB
NEWSPAPER
ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETIES GERMAN HONOR SOCIETY
SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY
MU THETA ALPHA
TRI-M (MUSIC)
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
THESPIAN HONOR SOCIETY
SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY
FAITH-BASED ACTIVITIES ATHLETIC APOSTLES
GRIFFIN LIFE
BLOOD DRIVE
PRO-LIFE
CAMPUS MINISTRY
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES AMBASSADORS
LETTERMAN’S CLUB
STUDENT COUNCIL
ATHLETIC
LINK CREW
STUDENT
AMBASSADORS
OPEN HOUSE
FOUNDATION
AUCTION
VOLUNTEER
YOUTH
VOLUNTEER
SCRAMBLERS
LEADERSHIP
GRIFFIN GUIDES
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
ACTIVITY CLUBS BAR-B-QUE CLUB
GRIFFIN THEATRE
PROMOTIONS
CHESS
JAZZ BAND
REMOTE CONTROL
EAGLE SCOUT
PAINTBALL
SKIING
ENVIROMENTAL
PEP BAND
TAILGATERS
CLUB
PHOTO CLUB
FISHING CLUB
PING PONG CLUB
“The athletics, clubs, and organizations are first rate. There is something for everyone at Vianney.”
Athletics
There are many opportunities to get involved with athletics at Vianney. With no-cut sports offered every season, and top-notch competition in the Metro Catholic Conference (MCC), you can find your place with Griffin Athletics. Vianney now fields two teams for Freshmen in soccer, basketball and baseball. This expanded offering provides a great opportunity for our young athletes to participate more fully in the Vianney experience. Griffin sports is blessed to have fantastic facilities including the recently upgraded turfed stadium field, a weight room and a turfed athletic complex being built for baseball, soccer, football and lacrosse. The new complex features a fully turfed baseball stadium, stadium lights, a restroom and concession stand. Whether an athlete or fan of Griffin sports, there is plenty of opportunity to get in the game! MSHSAA SPONSORED ACTIVITIES BASEBALL BASKETBALL
SWIMMING & DIVING
CLUB SPORTS BOCCE CLUB BOWLING
CROSS COUNTRY
TENNIS
HOCKEY
FOOTBALL
TRACK & FIELD
LACROSSE
GOLF
VOLLEYBALL
RACQUETBALL
SOCCER
WRESTLING
ROLLER HOCKEY ULTIMATE FRISBEE
FOLLOW VIANNEY SPORTS ON TWITTER @VIANNEYGRIFIFNS
Joe Souvannarath, Junior Parish grade school: St. Joseph’s Parish - Imperial ABOUT JOE - Member of the Track & Field team - Writes for the school newspaper - Member of the Art Club, Griffin Theatre, Ambassadors, Link Crew, and the High School Night crew.
WHY HE CHOSE VIANNEY: “I chose Vianney because the atmosphere felt authentic and down-to-earth and the energy and vibes from people made me feel instantly comfortable. It was the people there that really persuaded me and it wasn’t necessarily intentional. It was the way the faculty and students interacted with each other. They were so genuine and lively and everybody seemed to have mutual respect for one another no matter what they did or where they came from.”
WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT VIANNEY: “I’ve grown more confident and learned how to just go for things. I’m constantly learning how to interact with people and contribute positively to an event or atmosphere. I’m learning how to be a fierce leader in my own unique way and I really do feel like I’m going to be ready for the world out there. I’ve learned about inner heart and mindset from the actions and words of teachers and students.”
Learn more at Vianney.com/myvianneyprofiles
David Prost, Senior Parish grade school: Ascension Parish - Chesterfield ABOUT DAVID - Winner of the 2015 UMSL Science Award for Vianney - Invited to attend the University of Missouri’s “mini-medical school” this summer - Ran cross country his freshmen year and plays tennis and lacrosse as well. - Served Vianney as an Ambassador, member of the National Honor Society, and Link Crew - Wants to go to medical school.
WHERE HE’S HEADING: “Boston. I have Boston College listed as my top choice, with Brown University at number two and Boston University listed at number three. Boston is America’s best college town.”
MAKING FRIENDS, FITTING IN: “I met my first set of friends my freshman year at cross country practice the very first day and these are guys I’ve stayed friends with all four years. I toured a few of the other schools, but I felt welcomed right when I came to Vianney the first time. That’s what people will find at Vianney, a place where you can fit in, be comfortable and focus on things you want to do. For me, it was academics and getting into premed next year.”
18