Vianney Spirit - Graduation Special

SPECIAL 2014 GRADUATION EDITION

Graduating Griffins Earn Top Honors

As the Class of 2014 departs St. John Vianney High School, they are leaving a lasting legacy of success. Please take a few moments to check out the accomplishments, awards and recognitions earned by these Griffins.

Class of 2014 by the Numbers Total Scholarships For the Class of 2014

534 worth $14.5 million

* In the Class of 2014, 74% of the graduates were offered college scholarships. In all, 99% of them will attend colleges and universities next year.

Average Scholarship Amount Awarded

$86,908 per Griffin

* Zachary Roseman (St. Peter - Kirkwood) received 20 scholarship offers, the most of any graduating Griffin this year.

Average Service Hours Completed

141 hours per Griffin

* Ben Dombrowski (St. Peter - Kirkwood) led the senior class with 613 service hours. All Vianney students are required to complete at least 100 hours of Christian service.

Percent of Graduates Attending a Catholic University

13% of the class

* Rockhurst University, Creighton University, Marquette University, St. Mary’s University-San Antonio, Fontbonne, Loyola University - Chicago, Saint Louis University, among others.

Number of Missouri Bright Flight Students

17 Bright Flight Students

* Missouri Higher Education Bright Flight students are those who score 31 or above on the ACT.

Griffins Accepted into Highly Competitive Schools:

• •

University of Notre Dame - Accepted only 20.8% of all applicants - Kyle Williams

* Data according to study by IvyWise.com based on Fall 2014 applications and acceptances

•

Vanderbilt University - Accepted only 12.5% of all applicants - Anthony Schrader and Joe LaMartina

CLASS OF

Northwestern University - Accepted only 12.9% of all applicants - Mathew Jones

• Washington University (STL) - Accepted only 17.1% of all applicants - Kyle Williams, Anthony Schrader, Alex Moellering

Visit the Vianney website at www.vianney.com to review the impressive list of college scholarships and other senior awards!

Mr. Tom Mulvihill ’04, Director of Admissions 314.965.4853 ext. 142 | tmulvihill@vianney.com

THREE SENIORS EARN VALEDICTORIAN HONORS It’s very rare for two graduating seniors to post exact GPAs to determine who will be the Class valedictorian. Vianney faced a unique situation this May when three seniors posted exact GPAs. This led Sam was selected by the faculty, staff and his classmates to all three ofbeing named valedictorians.

They are: as Griffin the Year, exemplifying the five characteristics of a Marianist education.

We are proud to announce that Valedictorians (pictured from L-R) Sam will be attending Lindenwood University.

Kyle Williams | St. Francis of Assisi Jack Lyons | St.HONORS Mark Lutheran OTHER MAJOR AND DISTINCTIONS: Timothy Stark | St. Simon the Apostle

OTHER SENIOR AWARDS:

Salutatorian and Post-Dispatch Scholar-Athlete Award Zachary Roseman | St. Peter - Kirkwood Griffin of the Year Award Joe LaMartina | St. Mary Magdalen - Brentwood Archbishop John May Service Award Ben Dombroski | St. Peter - Kirkwood Principal’s Leadership Award Kyle Williams | St. Francis of Assisi U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete Andrew Hoffmann | St. Simon the Apostle Chris J. Fiala Memorial Award Tanner Cochran | St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Perfect Attendance Timothy Stark | St. Simon the Apostle Nikita Thompson | Cathedral Basilica

IN FOCUS

Vianney Seniors Earn Prestigious Scholarships

When it comes to college, full-ride scholarships are difficult to attain, but easy to brag about. These scholarships cover 100 percent of tuition, room and board. Vianney has been blessed this school year with a number of seniors who received these major scholarships based on academic performance and leadership qualities, and other factors. Here are a few of their success stories:

NICK WOJCIECHOWSKI (St. Peter - Kirkwood) University of Missouri - Columbia

Nick won the Chick Evans Scholarship, which is one of the most sought scholarships in the state. The scholarship is for those who caddie at golf courses and clubs and have gone through a rigorous review process. More than 750 students applied for the scholarship.

The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for golf caddies to attend the University of Missouri - Columbia. Evans Scholars are selected based on their strong caddie record, excellent grades, outstanding character and demonstrated financial need. In addition to these criteria, Evans Scholars are a group of people connected by their sense of pride, determination and community.

ALEX MOELLERING (St. Joseph - Manchester) Truman State University

Alex earned the prestigious Pershing Scholarship, which covers the cost of full-time tuition and on-campus room and board. It is awarded to outstanding scholars and leaders. Truman State only offers 12 of these scholarships to students across the country.

Nikita Thompson (Cathedral Basilica) Horatio Alger Scholarship

Nikita, from St. Louis’ Central West End, is one of only two high school seniors from Missouri to earn this prestigious award, of which only a handful of American seniors earn each year. There were only 105 scholarships awarded nationwide.

Thompson attended the former Cathedral Basilica grade school in the CWE. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. As such, the Association honors the achievements of outstanding

ANTHONY SCHRADER (Valley Park Middle) Washington University in St. Louis

As one of Vianney’s most accomplished seniors, Anthony earned the Enterprise Holdings Scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis. This scholarship is worth $209,784. The Enterprise Holdings Scholars Program was established at Washington University thanks to a generous donation from Enterprise Holdings and the Taylor family. The Enterprise Scholars Program makes it possible for a minimum of 30 to 40 deserving students each year to have an exceptional educational experience at Washington University.

Anthony is one of three seniors from the Class of 2014 to be accepted into Washington University. Schrader was named a

National Merit Scholar by the National Merit Corporation. He earns a $2,500 scholarship, and is recognized among the top academically gifted students in America. He earned Missouri Higher Education

Bright Flight status by scoring 35 on the ACT.

JACK LYONS (St. Mark’s Lutheran) University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

Jack earned a National Merit Award Scholarship from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa.

Jack earned designation as a National Merit Finalist earlier this school year. Alabama offers this scholarship to all National Merit Finalists, and covers full tuition, room and board. It also includes the option to spend a semester or summer studying abroad.

Jack is a member of Vianney’s Chess Team, having won an individual national title in San Diego in April. He earned the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Model of Justice Award. He is also a Bright Flight scholar as well.

individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.

The Horatio Alger Association provides scholarship assistance to deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity, determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society.

Vianney Spirit Spring 2014

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NEWS

Vianney Looks to the Future with Stadium Turf Project The St. John Vianney High School Board of Directors has approved a significant stadium improvement project calling

Funds have been invested to make significant classroom improvements such as new windows, improved lighting, a new

for the installation

HVAC system and new

of synthetic field turf

flooring.

on Don Heeb Field,

In addition, funds have

resurfacing the track and

also been allocated for

the completion of other

professional development

stadium improvements.

opportunities for Vianney

Work will begin in May,

faculty and staff, as well as

with completion expected

investments in Scholarship

in early August, said Mike

Fund.

Loyet, the President of

There were many factors

Vianney.

that went into the decision

He noted that these stadium improvements are just the latest in a series of improvements made to the school’s educational facilities.

In recent years, Vianney has invested more than $7 million in academics through various construction and renovation projects at the campus, located in Kirkwood, MO. These projects include the construction of a new Educational Wing, a new Leadership Center, and a new Technology Center. Vianney will continue to invest significantly in its academic programs and facilities in the future, Loyet said.

to make changes at the

In recent years, Vianney has invested more than $7 million in academics through various construction and renovation projects

stadium, Davis said. Don Heeb Field, named for the longtime Vianney Football coach and athletic director, was a grass field that quickly showed wear and tear as the fall seasons were played. The field is only used from September to early November, in addition to a few lacrosse games in the spring. By late October, the field surface is usually in extremely poor condition.

In fact, the condition of the field limited Vianney at times, as home playoff soccer games had to be moved in recent years to off-campus venues such as the Soccer Park, according to Terry Cochran, Director of Athletics.

A CLOSER LOOK

Athletic team

GPA www.vianney.com

This fall 232 students represented Vianney in the Fall sports: football, soccer, swimming/diving, and cross country. The cumulative GPA for all Fall sports teams were 3.27.

Cross Country led the way with a GPA of 3.512, followed by the Swimming and Diving program with a GPA of 3.505.

For winter season, sophomore basketball had the highest average GPA of 3.46, but JV

and Varsity wrestling were not far behind with an average GPA of 3.42.

For the spring season, varsity tennis led the way with an average GPA of 3.66, with varsity baseball a close second with an average GPA of 3.55.

“There continues to be strong emphasis on athletes accelerating in the classroom at Vianney,” said Terry Cochran, Director of Athletics.

Vianney’s Chess Team Is 3rd in National Competition Vianney’s Chess Team recently finished third in the National Chess Championship in the K-12 Division in the Super-National Chess Tournament in San Diego in April. Jack Lyons (pictured), a senior from St. Mark’s Lutheran School, finished first in the individual category at the national tourney.

Last year, Vianney won its second national title in three years last year, having won the 2011 Chess Championship as well as the 2013 title.

Vianney was led by a team of Alex Moellering (St. Joseph - Manchester), Lyons, Gage Kramer (St. Catherine Laboure), Marshall Harney (St. Cecilia), Dan Owensby (Holy Child), Nathan Mittenzwey (Chaminade) and Andrew Krekeler (Home school).

The varsity team is coached by Mr. Ed Baur and Mr. David Petersen.

Vianney Proud to Host Bellarmine Speech Finals The Bellarmine Speech Finals were held at St. John Vianney High School on Saturday, April 26th with 275 participants from 75 area grade schools.

Students competed in three categories: Serious, Humorous and Duet. While on campus, students ate lunch in the Griffin Café and participated in the awards ceremony. Vianney is looking forward to hosting the finals again next year on Saturday, April 25th, 2015.

Save The Dates!

2014-15 Events VIANNEY’S ACADEMIC SPEAKERS SERIES: With Dave Burgess, author of “Teach Like a Pirate,” > Friday, September 26, 2014 at Vianney ACADEMIC DECATHLON > Monday, October 6th, 2014 at Vianney

Mr. Tom Mulvihill ’04, Director of Admissions 314.965.4853 ext. 142 | tmulvihill@vianney.com www.vianney.com

Vianney’s Concert Band performs during a show at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Vianney Concert Band Entertains Area Grade Schools St. John Vianney Concert Band, consisting of 35 Griffins, began a St. Louis Tour to area grade schools. Their first stop was to St. Genevieve Du Bois School for a one-hour interactive performance.

Next up were visits to parish schools at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Assumption, St. Joseph - Imperial, St. Paul, St. Joan of Arc, St. Raphael the Archangel, St. Mark and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Schools. The band is moderated by Band Director, Mr. Jim Neyer.

Members of the traveling concert band were: Emil Banaszak (St. Roch), Nick Barrera (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Matt Benedick (Our Lady of Sorrows), Jeff Boesch (Seven Holy Founders), Tyler Borst (Westminster Christian Academy), John Cullen (St. Gabriel the Archangel), Luke Fairchild (Parkway South Middle School), Dylan Feeney (St. Clare of Assisi), Joe Furrer (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Nick Gargiula (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Derek Gross

(Holy Child), Jeremy Harfst (St. Mary Magdalen), Adam Hark (St. Dominic Savio), Mike Jacezko (St. Joseph Imperial), Jasen Jackson (Cathedral), Max Jaksetic (Nipher Middle School), Matt Kleine (St. Joseph - Manchester), Nick Macchi (St. Gabriel the Archangel), Robert Marcolina (St. Joseph - Manchester), Brad Mertens (Assumption), Devyn Molett (North Kirkwood Middle School), Paul Morrison (St. Peter), Dan Owensby (Holy Child), Jack Poniewaz (Nipher Middle School), David Prost (Ascension), Marc Scheipeter (St. Francis of Assisi), Michael Schmidt (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Anthony Schrader (Valley Park Middle School), Logan Spies (Little Flower), Cody Sturgill (St. Michael the Archangel), Nikita Thompson (Cathedral), Sam Trenter (Mary Queen of Peace), Jake Velicer (Holy Infant), Joe Wendl (Assumption) and Matt Young (St. Gabriel the Archangel).

Vianney Pro-Life Club Receives Bishop McNicholas Award Congratulations to Vianney’s ProLife Club, which was honored with the Bishop McNicholas Award.

The St. John Vianney High School Pro-Life Club (pictured at right) is an organization on campus for the entire school family.

The Pro-Life Club seeks to promote a deeper awareness of pro life from the cradle to the grave through meetings, events, and opportunities for prayer. The club stands with the Catholic Church in the desire to witness the importance of life. The Pro-Life Club is committed to eradicating abortion in St. Louis. Rev. Tim Kenney, a Marianist priest and Director of Campus Ministry, serves as Pro-Life Club moderator.

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