2009 Summer Saints - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Table of ContentsCarlye Owens.............................................. 3

Essay Winners ............................................ 3

Streaks Marrying Streaks ...........................4-6

Student News ............................................. 6

Mirocke Golf .............................................. 7

Bill Nicks ................................................... 8

Dan Cahill .................................................. 9

Class Notes ................................................10

In Memorium ............................................12

Coach of the Year.......................................12

Rugby ........................................................12

Winter/Spring Sports ................................13

Facebook & Twitter ...................................14

KU and KSU Masses .................................14

Community Calendar ................................14

Reunions .................................................. 15

Graduation 2009 ........................Back Cover

The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your

comments or questions. Call or write:Bryan Thrasher

Director of [email protected]

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School11411 Pflumm Road

Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816913.319.2425

William Ford, Ed.D.President

Teresa AhrensDirector of Special Events

Mary Bridget KratofilDirector of Media Relations

Michon QuickDirector of Alumni & Constituent Relations

Cindy WinklerAdvancement Office Manager

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Archbishop visits Saint Thomas Aquinas for adoration and benediction

Although adoration of the Holy Eucharist is held regularly on a smaller scale in the school’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, for the first time in its 22 year history, Saint Thomas Aquinas hosted an all – school Adoration and Benediction service led by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on April 30.

The nearly 1,200 students filed into the gym in respectful silence while Mike Needleman, ’02, and a small group of musicians provided music. The Saints’ choir also sang during the service.

Archbishop Naumann spoke to the students about the importance of using this opportunity to sincerely and humbly talk with the Lord emphasizing His special presence in the Holy Eucharist. The Archbishop displayed the monstrance held high while walking slowly through the crowd, making the sign of the cross and ensuring that each person was personally face-to-face with the Eucharist.

Students knelt in silent prayer then joined in singing songs of worship. At the conclusion of the service, school president Dr. Bill Ford praised the students for the reverence and respect they showed throughout the 75 minute service. Feedback from students and faculty confirmed that the service was “deeply moving.”

Students knelt for Adoration of the Holy Eucharist with Archbishop Naumann on April 30.

Cover: Bill and Barbara Nicks are pictured around the time of their wedding in 1945 at the close of WWII in which Bill served in the Army Air Corps.

www.aquinascommunity.com

WINTER PLAY

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When you wish upon a star . . . do your dreams really come true? The answer is “yes” if you happen to be Carlye Owens,’00, who landed her dream job at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

After graduating from Saint Thomas Aquinas, Carlye attended the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and planned to graduate as a trained vocalist with a degree in vocal performance. But after two years of music theory, music composition, keyboard and vocal lessons and learning to play seven different instruments, she wanted a change from an emphasis on classical music.

While attending the Conservatory, she was active with the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and even performed as a wee sprite named “Zinnia” and as “Titania,” Queen of the Fairies.

After attending a senior recital performance by Saint Thomas

Aquinas alumna Celia Needleman, ‘98, at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri and watching her sing, dance and act, Carlye wanted to learn more about the school and the “new educational experience it might offer.” Her brother, Brent, ’02, was already attending SMS, so she decided to join him and transfer. Both Carlye and Brent were involved in programs involving the entertainment industry.

In May 2006, she graduated Cum Laude from the newly renamed Missouri State University (MSU) with a B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance. Brent graduated Cum Laude the same day with a degree in Entertainment Management.

Prior to graduation Carlye auditioned in Orlando, Florida with Walt Disney World and was hired to play several “face” characters – familiar

When You Wish Upon a Star

and lovable favorites such as Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Wendy and TinkerBell from Peter Pan.

These days Carlye frequently muses to herself about her dream job. “I am so thrilled to be working in my field at the Happiest Place on Earth and to work every day with children. The expression on a little child’s face when he or she says, ‘You’re my favorite!!’ and hugs me as tightly as their little arms can is what makes it all worthwhile.” Carlye adds, “Now, that is magical!”

At Walt Disney World, alumna Carlye Owens alternates between appearing as Disney characters Wendy and TinkerBell. Above, Wendy appears in a composite photo of the two characters she plays at Walt Disney World.

Tinkerbell is one of the characters that Carlye Owens,’00, plays at Orlando’s Walt Disney World.

Two First Place Essay Contest WinnersSophomore Katie Gwynn and senior PJ Greer each won first place for

their grade level in the National Center for Fathering essay contest. They were invited along with their families to a Kansas City Royals game in June. The Father of the Year Essay Contest was created by the National Center for Fathering in 1992 to raise awareness about the importance of fathering -- it is made possible through the collaborative efforts of local partners and state agencies committed to inspiring and equipping men to be the involved fathers, grandfathers, and father figures their children need. Katie’s father, Matthew Gwynn, was named 2009 Father of the Year by the National Center for Fathering.

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STREAKS MARRYINg STREAKS / SAINTS MARRYINg SAINTS

Lisa Compton, ’73, and Chris George, ’72, were married October 22, 1977, at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, Kansas, by Father Don Cullen.

Chris and Lisa have five children, all graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas. They are also the proud grandparents of Anneliese Anz, born September 2007. Chris started a home building business, Chris George Homes, in 1976. Sons Caleb and Chris have joined him in the business since each graduated from Saint Louis University. Lisa has been a nurse at Olathe Medical Center for 33 years, the last 28 years in the Emergency Department.

Top: Several members of Lisa and Chris’ wedding party are St. Joe graduates.

Left to right: are Richard Roe, Don Hayes, Gary Paulsen, David Conner, ‘73, Dan George, ‘69, Chris George, ’72, Lisa Compton George, ’73, Maria “Bunny” Compton Hernandez, ’80, Madonna Compton, ’65, Alice George, ’71, Patti Elmer Conner, ’73, and Melinda Town. Ring bearer/flower girl: Jeff & Jenny George.

Below: The five George siblings, all Saints alumni, and their spouses gathered at Caleb and Ashleigh’s wedding on September 27, 2008. (Caleb and Ashleigh were also married by Fr. Don Cullen.) Left to right are Megan George Anz, ‘98, Alan Anz, Christopher “Bubba” George, ’02, Ashleigh Surber George, Caleb George, ’00, Lexi George, ’08, and Brianna George, ’05.

Compton - George

Elizabeth Goedken, ’02, and Patrick Kellerman, ’00, were united in Holy Matrimony on July 26, 2008, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri, with eight of fourteen attendants also alumni of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Pat works at RTS Financial and Elizabeth just completed the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The couple currently resides in Overland Park, Kansas.

Pictured left to right: Dan Fournier, ‘00, John Spillane, Natalie Shoup, Colleen Huppe, ‘02, Joel Goedken, ‘99, Matt Goedken, ‘06, Katy Kellerman Kaeding, ‘98, Kerry Ann Kellerman, ‘06, (bride) Elizabeth Goedken Kellerman, ‘02, (groom) Pat Kellerman, ‘00, Rachel Goedken, ‘09, Fred Kellerman, ‘04, Cathy Mulvaney, ‘02, Denis Schmidt, Lisa Thompson and Austin Wagner.

Goedken - Kellerman

www.aquinascommunity.com 5


Brown - Nachbar

Celebrating 25 years of marriage this summer, Melissa Brown, ’79, and Gregory Nachbar, ’80, were married July 27, 1984 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. They are the parents of Kristen Nachbar, ’06, Eric Nachbar, ’08, and Brendan Nachbar, current student – class of 2012.

All but one attendant are St. Joseph/Aquinas graduates! Pictured left to right: Fred Brown, ’82, Jim Nachbar, ’76, David Nachbar, ’77, Jim Lichtenauer, ’80, Maria Brown, ’84, Dan Pflumm, ’80, Jane Dillbeck Shriver, ’79, (bride) Melissa Brown Nachar, ’79, (groom) Greg Nachbar, ’80, Susan Scherman Skahan, ’78, Richard Nachbar, ’81, Jessica Arnold Charpentier, ’79, David Downey, ’79, Jennifer Nachbar Vielhauer, ‘88, Paul Nachbar, ’85, Matt Klein.

Hilger - SharpeLaurel Hilger, ’99, and Steve Sharpe, ‘99, were

married on December 3, 2005, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Archbishop Emeritus James Keleher, Monsignor Tom Tank and Fr. Dennis Wait presided. Both families have connections to St. Joseph/Aquinas in Shawnee: Laurel’s father, Paul Nicholas “Nick” Hilger graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1963. Steve’s mom, Sue Ruder Sharpe, is a 1981 Aquinas High School graduate.

Steve currently plays baseball for the Oakland Athletics minor leagues and Laurel is President of a newly formed non-profit organization, Financial Aid Serving Families in Minors (www.FASFIM.org). The Sharpes spend the off-season back home in Kansas City living on the Country Club Plaza.

Bottom row, left to right: Lauren Goebel, ‘99 , Katie Ward, Janelle Hilger, ’04, (bride) Laurel Hilger Sharpe, ’99, (groom) Steve Sharpe, ‘99, Scott Sharpe, ‘01, Sam Sharpe, ’06, Dan Hilger.

Middle row, left to right: Courtney Cotter Meyer, ’99, Angie Gangel Sharpe, ‘01, Mike Dennison, Mike Consiglio, 99.

Top row, left to right: Jeff Miller, ’97, Mike Sharpe, John Hilger, Drew Mullen, Ryan Ward, Nick Ruder.

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Front row, left to right:

Billy Buser, ‘01, Kirsten Creal Maher, Emily Murphy Comfort ,’01, Megan Bickimer, ‘01, Sarah Wiedeman, ‘02, (bride) Emily Wiedeman Creal ,’01, (groom) John Creal,’01, Laura Wiedeman, ‘07, Megan Reynolds Brennan, Sarah Cook McCreary, ‘01, Erica Cekovsky Super ,’01, and Bryan Super ,’00. Flower girl: Maria Wiedeman; ring bearer: Brady Maher

Back row, left to right:

Katie Cowan, ‘01, Mark Huppe, ‘01, Drew Henderson, ‘01, Paul Clune ,’01, Jeff Mincher, Tommy Creal III, ‘00, Luke Brainard, ‘01, Luke Wiedeman, Scott Hahn, ‘01, Jack Brennan, ‘01, Pat O’Donnell, ‘01, Nick Hinman, ‘01, Mark Wiedeman current student - class of 2012, Ashley Crawford, ‘01.

Wiedeman - Creal

Emily Wiedeman, ’01, and John Creal, ’01, were married May 3, 2008, at Church of the Ascension with Msgr. Tom Tank presiding. The couple now lives in Overland Park with their dog Lucy – they are expecting their first child in December! John works for First Infusion, which provides ambulatory infusion pumps to oncology offices. Emily is an exercise physiologist for Cardiovascular Consultants at St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. Emily and John say that, “Someday we hope to be lucky enough to send our children to Saint Thomas Aquinas!”

During the week of March 28, junior Clarissa Shields attended the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. She was one of the five Kansas delegates chosen to represent our state. Last November, Clarissa attended the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Conference Center located outside of Junction City, Kansas. She was among 75 applicants who competed for the honor by completing a five page application and being interviewed by officials from the Kansas 4-H office. The conference had 43 states represented plus Puerto Rico and Canada.

Junior represents Kansas 4-H Clubs in Washington, D.C.

At the conference Clarissa met the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Congressman Dennis Moore, Congressman Jerry Moran, Congressman Todd Tiehrt and United States Senator Sam Brownback. Plus, she took in the museums and monuments. The last night there participants took a cruise down the Potomac River.

Clarissa has been in 4-H for ten years, ever since she was seven years old, and it has become an important part of her life. She said it has taught her about problem-solving, public speaking, leadership, and skills for life such as setting goals. Every year she searches for a way to share her own experience and promote 4-H for youth, and she considers attending the national conference as one way of fulfilling this goal.

Clarissa Shields visited Representative Lynn Jenkins while attending the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.


MIROCKE gOLF TOURNEY24th AnnualMonday, June 1, 2009Milburn Golf & Country Club

Blue Tournament SponsorThe Goebel FamilyMcCorkendale Construction

Company, Inc.O’Donnell & Sons

Construction

Hole-In-One SponsorCretcher Heartland, Inc.

Cart SponsorK.D. Christian ConstructionKissick Construction Co.Security BankTompkins, Furman & Associates, Inc.

Lunch SponsorBack Yard Burgers/TWA

Restaurant Group, Inc.

Dinner/Cocktail SponsorLori and K.C. BrownEnterprise Bank & TrustFriend of STAGibraltar Properties LLC-

Kuhlmann/Zillner FamiliesThe Mirocke FamilyZillner Marketing

Communications, Inc.

Beverage SponsorKlein OrthodonticsTequila Harry’s

Ace SponsorThe Barrel House - Lawrence, KansasAnne & Jim FieldsKaw Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.

Eagle SponsorApex Environment Consultants, Inc.Dean Barber, Barber Financial GroupGallagher Benefit ServicesLisa Gonzales Clement, DDSHTK Architects/Mark FranzenJCIServiceMaster CatastropheWallace, Saunders, Austin,

Brown & Enochs

Birdie SponsorBroski Fence Co.Peggy & Bill FordWinger & Company

Right: Faculty member Dave Shriver organizes bag-drop volunteers, making sure the day starts off right for almost 130 golfers and another 45 volunteers.

Above: Bob Kopp and Mike Kopp exclaim, “We wouldn’t miss this tournament for anything!”

Right: Beauties Jean Hinman, Barb O’Donnell, Sandy Furman and Patsy Crystal show their strength with an all-women’s foursome.

Above: “The General” John O’Donnell (right) consults with Ben Fitzpatrick, ’07, on his line for the $2,500 putting contest.

Left: Brandy Blickhan and Vickie Heffernon of Zillner Marketing Communications prepare for a great day of golf at Kansas-City-tradition Milburn Golf & Country Club.

Above: Brett Clanton, second from left, and his wife Sheryl purchased a special round of golf with school president Dr. Bill Ford at Extravaganza 2008. Ward Staudenmyer, far left, and Bryan Frank, far right, helped keep things under control.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIgHT

When Benjamin and Elizabeth Nicks moved to Shawnee in August 1929, they enrolled their two sons, Ben and Bill, in St. Joseph Catholic School where Bill attended from first grade through senior in high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Baier, ’43, in October, 1945, and looks back on his life with few regrets.

There were 11 graduates in Bill’s class of 1941 with seven of them starting first grade together. Only three are alive today, but Bill said he still sees other high school chums at funerals, weddings, baptisms and church. Bill recalls that in 1937, “Father Michael Price, the parish administrator, decided after the untimely death of Father McDevitte to start a high school basketball team, and I have been hooked on basketball ever since.”

Bill said he liked all of his teachers at St. Joseph but most memorable was Sister Agatha who was “nice and sweet” but should probably not have been teaching boys as they were able to sway her in their favor on most occasions. Sister Elaine and Sister Mary David were considered one of the gang, so when the girls complained that the boys wouldn’t dance, it resulted in the boys’ noon hour being taken away so they could go down to the church basement every day for a week to learn to dance. Then the Sisters paired the boys and girls up for the Junior-Senior Prom. Bill also fondly recalls when Sister Inncentia, who had a reputation for running a very tight ship, allowed them to listen to the World Series on the radio during study hall. Idyllic high school days during that time gave way to the

mounting global war of the 40’s.

After high school Bill joined the Army Air Corps and was called up for active duty in February of ‘43. Extensive training followed at army and air force bases in Nebraska, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Iowa during which he underwent basic, pre-flight, gunnery, bombardier and navigation school and crew training.

On one assignment in 1944, he and fellow flight crewmembers ferried a new B17 from Kearney, Nebraska to Valley Wales, England. The trip took an unexpected 18 days -- three days grounded them in Newfoundland due to bad weather, and 10 days were spent in Iceland waiting for mechanical/electrical repairs from a fire on board.

After joining the 96th Bomb Group in September, Bill flew the first of 26 missions over Wiesbaden on September 19, 1944. On his seventh mission, the crew encountered flak over Nuremberg losing two engines and burning out a third trying to return to base. On this occasion, the crew gave up and “bellied in at Orleans, France.” Bill recollects with ease dates and events surrounding such dangerous missions:

“On December 12, 1944, we flew lead squadron on our 75th mission. On our 20th mission over Hohenbaden I was wounded from flak. We landed our damaged plane at Woodbridge, England

and I spent 45 days in the hospital. I returned to flying March 15, 1945 for my first trip to Berlin. On my 24th mission, to Kaltenkirchen, the Luftwaffe uttered its last gasp and gave up the ghost.

“Of interest, this was the first and last appearance of German Kamikazes. On our 25th mission, over Royan, France was the first time the Air Force used Napalm. On April 21, we led the 96th Bomb Group on its last combat mission over Golstadt. I flew one CHOWHOUND mission to Leige Belgium on July 4, and then left the group shortly after to return home for redeployment to the Pacific Coast. I was at an unknown port of deportation so long the Japanese gave up and finally I returned to Shawnee, Kansas and married my high school sweetheart.”

Bill and Barbara are the parents of Anne Nicks Crisp, ’65, Ellen Nicks Rajdl, ’66, Bill Nicks, Jr., ’68, Daniel Nicks, ’72, Susan Nicks Bishop, ’75, Patricia Nicks Behver, ’77, David Nicks, ’79, and Jane Nicks, ’82. Bill’s military training and experience in flying provided a good background

Bill Nicks, ‘41, looks back on full life with few regretsHe claims family is most important of all

Barbara and Bill Nicks


ALUMNI SPOTLIgHT

for work in reservation sales with TWA and as a City Air Freight agent, No Cargo sales representative, passenger salesman, account executive, city ticket office manager and commercial and agency sales.

In 1945, St. Joseph’s principal, Sister Theresa Marie, turned to Bill for help with a startup CYO team that in its first year had more wins than losses. The next year other high schools were added to the schedule, then the following year the Bluestreaks joined the state activities association. To this day Bill keeps in touch with “his boys” who are now turning 80.

Bill said his days are now spent planning around doctor appointments, family birthdays, athletic events and hearing from the children, of whom six live within 25 miles, one in California and one in New York. His belief in God, family and friends, doing what is right and NOT doing anything he wouldn’t want his mother to know about provided his core value system. Bill and Barbara Nicks, familiar names to many St. Joseph alumni, enjoy reading about alumni in the Saints Spirit and keeping up with current and world events. But it’s the family of eight children, 16 grandchildren and five (soon-to-be six) great-grandchildren that is the most time-consuming and fun.

“Like most people I feel as if I didn’t accomplish anything outstanding such as discovering a cure for polio or cancer,” Bill stated. “But I worked every day and enjoyed what I was doing. I raised eight children mostly helping my wife Barbara to clothe, educate, and house them while trying to set a good example. Without regret, I can say we did a pretty good job – they are all on their own raising, educating and housing our grandchildren.”

Dan Cahill, ’84, fondly recalls his high school days especially when “practically the whole school walked down to Pizza Shoppe after a Friday night football game.”

Today those carefree times have been replaced by the demanding roles of serving on the judicial bench and co-parenting three young children with his wife Tina.

After graduation from high school, Dan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Washburn University where he also received a law degree. Dan’s high school interests hinted at a future career in public service with involvement in model United Nations, Boys State and student government.

Alumnus making tough decisions in role as Juvenile Judge

In his role as a judge, he frequently makes decisions that potentially have a permanent impact on a life. “It is not very often that I am presented with a case that is easy to decide. Yet a decision must be made and whatever that decision is, it entails some sort of risk for the children and families before me.”

As a parent, he said that he must remember that his children are not just short adults, but are learning and growing: “I have to keep in mind not to expect of them the same thinking that we expect of adults. Further, that children do as we do and not as we say and are constantly watching their parents to figure out how to treat others.”

Dan is serving as co-chairman of his 25th high school reunion.

CLASS NOTES

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1963Sue Schroeger Cronin and her husband

Larry Cronin, ’61, live in Brandenton, Florida. They have four children: Christine, 43, Stephen, 42, Angela, 41, and Julia, 40.

1965Gregory Breck is an environmental

inspector and lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife Linda. They have three children: Jennifer Marie Breck, 39, Liesel Anne Werch, 31, and John Carl Breck, 29.

1966Anna Dallam Harwell is a retired

sales representative for Alcatel-Lucent, a telecommunications company. She and her husband Bill live in Herndon, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. They have two children Cindy, 41, and Karrie, 35.

1969Gary L. Meyers is retired from the Eaton

Corporation where he worked for 33 years. He enjoys horses, scuba-diving and gardening. He and his wife live in Kearney, Nebraska.

1989Brian Collins and his wife Sarah of Kansas

City, Missouri, announce the birth of their child August Spencer Collins, born January 21, 2009. Brian is a photographer for Fixation Media.

Tanya Neunkirchen Nowlin has recently earned her master’s degree in management from Baker University. She works for Sprint and lives in Olathe, Kansas.

Jenny Sullivan Illum lives in Rogers, Arkansas, where she is a finance/accounting recruiter for Wal-Mart. She has one child, Cassiday, age 10.

1992Antonia Gernimo Peterson lives in

Shawnee with her husband Mark and their son Justin, 11. Antonia enjoys participating in the Kansas City Jeep Club, PADI Diving Network and the Yamaha Motorcycle Club of America.

1993Mark P. White is a regional account

manager for Asurion Insurance Company. He and his wife Stacey have two children Ally, 5, and Patrick, 4, and live in Overland Park, Kansas.

1995Ami Cook is a nurse at Children’s Mercy

Hospital. She resides in Smithville, Missouri.

Erin Wood Lassey and her husband Vance are pleased to announce the birth of Rebekah “Beka” Kelly Lassey, born February 24, 2009. She joins big brother Luke, who turned two on April 25, 2009.

1999Daniel Dubill and his wife Meredith have

two children, Molly, 2, and Grace, 7 months. They reside in Overland Park, Kansas.

Brad Roberts, ‘73, of Las Vegas, Nevada, lost his battle to sarcoma cancer with his mom and sisters by his side on March 1, 2008, at the Basehor, Kansas, home of his sister, Karen Roberts Horn, ’74. The family wishes to thank Brad’s St Joseph family and friends for their outpouring of love and support. The Roberts family has one more special request. Brad lost most of his photographs and memoirs in a house fire many years ago. Karen writes, “We now have very few photos of Brad from high school and college. We are looking for photographs of him and will make sure to return the pictures safely to their owners.” Please email Karen at [email protected] or call her at 913.724.1055 if you can help.

1974Kathleen Pinkelmann Benedick and her

husband, Bob, live in Overland Park, Kansas. They have two boys, Ryan and Jonathan.

1978Jeannie Roos Butel and Michael Butel are

moving from South Carolina to Washington D.C. this summer. Mike is a colonel in the Air Force, and Jeannie earned her master’s degree in public health in May 2009.

One alumnus’s writing skills takes him around the world

Dan Edgington, ’99, visited his alma mater last spring while home on leave from the U.S. Navy in which he has served for five years as a Mass Communications Specialist. After graduating from Saint Thomas Aquinas, Dan attended Benedictine College as an English major. His ability to write prompted the Navy to send him to school to study broadcasting and news-writing. This experience landed him a broadcast job for Armed Forces Entertainment while stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella. Following his tour there, he was stationed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. Diego Garcia is a British territory mostly populated by the US military. Throughout his career, his responsibilities have included working as a Public Affairs Officer, news director, host of his own radio show, newspaper staff writer, webmaster, media coordinator and combat journalist. He enjoyed a two-year assignment in Sicily, Italy, describing this period of time as “wonderful.” His travels have allowed him to deep-sea fish for tuna and also visit numerous countries throughout the world. Dan is currently stationed at Combat Camera Group Pacific, located at Naval Air Station Coronado, California as a combat videographer. Currently, he is preparing to deploy to Iraq in September. His parents still reside in Overland Park, Kansas.

(Editor’s note: Diego Garcia is an island used jointly by the Navy and the Air Force. It is a narrow tropical jungle reef in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 miles south of the southern India coast.)

www.aquinascommunity.com

CLASS NOTES

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Ann Kratofil and Joseph Warren of Derby, Kansas were married on December 27, 2008, at Visitation Catholic Church in Kansas City, Mo. After graduating from St. Louis University, Ann taught first grade for six years at St. Ann Catholic School in Prairie Village, Ks. The couple is moving to Wichita this summer where Joe will work for Warren Homes Construction Company and Ann will teach in the Wichita public school district.

Pictured above are: (in front) flower girls Abbie Kratofil and Quinn Koehnecke, ring bearer Nate Wells, (2nd row), Katy Melvin, ’04, Sarah Bell, Jody Berendzen, Anna Braukman, Mary Jane Peal, ’98, Kate Koehnecke, ’93, Ann, Joe, Nick Langerot, Cale Carson, John Kratofil, ’98, Greg Kratofil, John Koehnecke, and David Peal, ’00.

2003Bridget McKenna earned her B.S./B.A.

degrees from the University of Tulsa in 2007 and her M.B.A. in 2008 also from TU. She is an Audit Associate for KPMG and resides in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Nicole Michalski earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Emporia State University in 2007 and recently graduated with her Master of Science degree in IDT from the same university.

A Saint in ItalySteve Figoni, ’99, and his wife Zelinda

live in Bologna, Italy, with their two children, Jonathan, 4, and Elizabeth, almost 2. Steve met his future wife while studying abroad through UMKC at the Conservatorio di Bologna. Steve teaches music and English at a grade school in the mornings and guitar in the afternoons. Steve also writes of his and Zelinda’s friendship with others in the Catholic movement Communion and Liberation, “which has been fundamental in helping us to live our faith on a daily basis and accompany us through everything that happens.” Steve also performs near his home several times a year either as a classical guitar soloist or in a duo with flute.

2005

Brent Blazek was selected to serve as President of the Student Alumni Leadership Board (SALB) at the University of Kansas for the 2009-2010 academic year. Housed at the “Boots” Adams Alumni Center on Jayhawk Boulevard, SALB is a student organization created for Student Alumni Association members who want to promote KU spirit,

pride and tradition, and become active alumni. Jen Alderdice, retiring director of Student Programs at the Kansas Alumni Association, said, “I have been impressed with Brent’s ability to be both a great follower and a leader. He is truly one of the most hard working, dedicated and loyal Jayhawks I have ever met.”

Jason Collett earned All-American honors at the NCAA Track and Field National Championships, competing for Kansas State University in the 800 meter-run. His time was 1:47.39.

2006Jennifer Kinkade earned Magna Cum

Laude Honors from the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University in May 2009, with a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher.

2008Annie Harper received the Seidman

Award for the outstanding first-year student in Political Science at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. The college awards a senior and a freshman.

Living the DreamLisa Karlin, ‘01, graduated

from Illinois Wesleyan University and recently performed the featured role of Eva Peron in the musical Evita at the Arvada Performing Arts Center in Denver, Colorado. She was pleased to be working again at the Arvada Center where she previously appeared in Aida. Other credits include performing in the National Tour of CATS as Demeter traveling with that show touring the U.S., Canada, and parts of South America. Her regional credits include Maine State Music Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, KC Starlight, and Seaside Music Theatre. Her favorite role was Velma Kelly in Chicago. Lisa resides in New York City.

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IN MEMORIAM

Gina Marie Bailey-Carbaugh, 43, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed into eternal life on June 6, 2009. She is the sister of Lisa (Boyd) Bauman, faculty member at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, and aunt of Jessie Armstrong, ‘05.

John “Jack” Berry, 85, of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, passed into eternal life on June 17, 2009, father of alumni parents Michael (Sheila) Berry and Denise (Bennett) England, and grandfather of alumni Chris (Lisa) Berry, ’91, Laura Berry, ’04, Shannon England, ’02, Lauren England, ’04, and Shelley England, ’07.

Leilla Kubitschek, 89, of Salina, Kansas, passed into eternal life on April 21, 2009. She is the mother of alumni parent Kathy (Bob) Fitzpatrick, and grandmother of Kelli Fitzpatrick, ’01, Kristin Fitzpatrick, ’04, Ben Fitzpatrick, ’07, and Brett Fitzpatrick, ’07.

In MemoriamMay perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in gentle peace with the Lord.

John Michael Pittman, Sr., 46, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed into eternal life on May 30, 2009. He is the husband of alumni/current parent Beth Pittman, and father of John Michael Pittman, Jr., ’04, and Shelby Pittman, current senior at STA.

Michael Ruane, 47, of Wichita, Kansas, passed into eternal life on May 4, 2009. He is the brother of alumni parent Tom (Pam) Ruane, and uncle of Sarah Ruane, ’04.

Richard Paul “Dick” Senecal, 74, Atchison, Kansas, passed into eternal life on April 23, 2009. He is the brother of Abbot Barnabas Senecal O.S.B., of St. Benedict’s Monastery, Atchison, Kansas.

Martha Thurman Stumpff, 93, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed into eternal life on April 19, 2008. Martha is the mother of Nancy Stumpff Miceli, ‘57, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Margie Stumpff Reynolds, ’67, of Niwot, Colorado.

Margaret Lynn (Peggy) Fitzgerald Sweeney, 57, passed into eternal life on May 20, 2009. She is the mother of Caroline Anne Fitzgerald Sweeney, ‘05, and Katherine Margaret Fitzgerald Sweeney, ‘07.

Derl Treff, 67, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed into eternal life on June 19, 2009. He is the husband of alumni parent Diane Treff, and father of alumnus Brian Treff, ’92. He is also the brother of alumni parent Debbie (Michael) Korte, brother-in-law of alumni parent Janet (Don) Goodwin and Susan (George) Fornal, and uncle of Andrea Korte (Robbie) Schweller, ’00, Patrick Korte, ’08, John Goodwin, ’92, David Goodwin, ’93, Megan Fornal (Matt) Ibarra, ’02, and Melissa Fornal, ’05.

The National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) named Saint Thomas Aquinas High School soccer coach Craig Ewing, the National High School Boys Soccer Coach of the Year for 2009.

Ewing has become an institution as coach of Saint Thomas Aquinas Boys and Girls Soccer teams since the school opened its doors in 1988. A third-place finish by his boys team in 1991 started a run that would see his teams win 12 state titles, including the last six in succession. His teams have won titles in Class 5A the past two years after four straight titles in big-school Class 6A. He has been honored for his girls soccer teams having been recognized as National High School Private/Parochial Coach of the Year by National Soccer

National Coach of the Year

Coaches Association of America in 2005. His girls teams have won nine state titles, including four in a row from 1993-96 and three straight from 2005-07. This year’s team finished third in state. His girls’ teams have an all-time record of 547-166-33 and his boys teams also have over 500 wins.

Did you play Rugby at STA?

Are you still playing?

Coach Tim Kluempers is gathering information on all past Saint Thomas Aquinas rugby players and would like your help. Please contact Tim at [email protected].

RUGBYRUGBY


WINTER & SPRINg SPORTS

Winter Sports

Boys BasketballSeason Record: 12-10Regional/Sub State Finish: 1st PlaceLeague Record and Finish: 5-5, 3rd PlaceEKL First Team: Beau BourquinCoaches: Sean Reilly (Head coach), Jim

Halling, Rick Allison, Brian White, Jude Gerstner, Chip Ahern (Assistant Coaches)

Girls BasketballSeason Record: 16-7Regional Sub State Finish – Substate

ChampionsLeague Record and Finish: 8-2, 2nd PlaceTeam record broken: Dashawn Harden -10

assists vs St. Pius X, 10 steals vs. St. Pius X, 94 steals in season

EKL First Team: Dashawn HardenCoaches: Rick Hetzel (Head Coach), Bob

Harbour, Jon Novacek, Justin Wrigley, Sarah Potthoff ( Assistant Coaches)

WrestlingSeason Record: 3-4 Regional/Sub State Finish: 2nd Place

Regional, 19th SubstateLeague Record and Finish: 4th PlaceEKL First Team: Tommy Williams (6th

at State), Jake Walker (6th at State), CJ Ikenberry, Jacob Nowak (3rd at State)

Regional Champions – Jake Walker and Jacob Nowak

Coaches: Lorne Parks (Head Coach), Joe Cisper, Kevin Garvey, Clint Slyter, Bob Golubski, Larry Parks, John Budd (Assistant Coaches)

Spring Sports

BaseballSeason record: 13-5Regional Sub State Finish: 1st PlaceLeague Record and Finish: 7-3, 2nd PlaceState: 3rd PlaceEKL First Team: David Baska, Mike Rzeszut,

Kevin Sweeney, James BoddickerCoaches: Lorne Parks (Head Coach), Kevin

Garvey, Mike Boddicker, Mark Cobb, Bob Specht, Scott Russell, Grahm Parish (Assistant Coaches)

Boys BowlingSeason Record: 1-9Regional/Sub State Finish: 11thLeague Record and finish – 0-2, 2ndCoach: Terry Droge (Head Coach)

Boys Golf5A State -- 3rd place with record

low team score of 2935th place EKL5A Regional ChampionsIndividual 5A State Champion - Joseph

Winslow (so.) with record low score of 66 (5 under par).

EKL First Team: Joseph WinslowAll Sun Country: Joseph WinslowAll State: Joseph Winslow, Daniel Trout, Joe

StuckenschneiderCoaches: Ryan Best (Head Coach), Mark

Smith (Assistant Coach)

Girls BowlingSeason Record: 3-7Regional/Sub State Finish: 4th PlaceLeague Record and Finish: 2-0, 1st placeCoach: Terry Droge (Head Coach)

Girls SoftballSeason Record: 19-3Regional/Sub State Finish: Regional

Champions, lost in quarterfinals of stateLeague Record and Finish: 10-0, 1st PlaceEKL First Team: Kellie White, Janessa

Swinney, Cayce JacquinotCoaches: Chris Orel (Head Coach), Craig

Drummond, Kerry Jennings, Courtney Strubel (Assistant Coaches)

Girls SoccerSeason Record: 17-2-1Regional/Sub State Finish: 3rd PlaceLeague Record and Finish: 5-0-0, First PlaceEKL First Team: Caroline Duke, Anna

Alfonsin, Ali Gasparovich, Veronica Holton, Kristen Matteuzzi

All Metro: Anna Alfonsin, Ali Gasparovich, Caroline Duke, Veronica Holton

All State: Ali Gasparovich, Anna Alfonsin, Veronica Holton

Coaches: Craig Ewing (Head Coach), Chuck Hammons, Brian White, Jim Colwell, Melissa Mereghetti, Tim Zande (Assistant Coaches)

Track and FieldRegional/SubState Finish: Boys –

4th, Girls – 3rdTeam Record broken: Boys Triple Jump –

George Skevington (44’02”)Boys EKL individual 1st place finishes: Patrick

Gittemeier (100M Dash), Kyle Hanson (800M Run), PJ Greer (3200M Run), George Skevington (HJ), George Skevington (TJ)

Girls EKL individual 1st place finishes: Katie O’Grady (100M Hurdles), Meagan Wilderson (800M Run)

Boys Regional 1st place individual winners: Kyle Hanson (1600M Run), Kyle Hanson (3200M Run)

Girls Regional 1st place individual winners: Meagan Wilderson (800M run), Betsy Donahue (1600M Run), Jenna Bellinder (3200M Run), Katie O’Grady (100M Hurdles)

Girls 1st relay team first place: 4x800MBOYS STATE PLACERS: Kyle Hanson - 2nd 3200MPJ Greer - 7th 3200MDavid Glenski, Ben Grace, PJ Greer, Kyle

Hanson - 2nd (4x800M Relay)Jordan Brandenburgh, Andrew Gittemeier,

Patrick Gittemeier, Dagan Reed - 3rd (4x100M Relay)

George Skevington – 6th ( High Jump), 5th (TJ)

GIRLS STATE PLACERS:Katie O’Grady – 3rd (100M Hurdles) 6th (LJ)Jenna Bellinder, Annie Clark, Morgan

Commodore, Meagan Wilderson – 1st (4x800M Relay)

Maddi Haas, Annie Clark, Morgan Commodore, Meagan Wilderson – 7th ( 4x400M Relay)

Betsy Donahue – 7th (1600M Run)Meagan Wilderson – 5th (800M Run)Laynie Timmons – 4th (High Jump)Coaches: Craig Moss (Head Coach), Sarah

Flogel, Michelle Lown, Charlie Rogers, Greg Wilson, Justin Wrigley (Assistant Coaches)

Girls SwimmingSeason Record: 3-6League Record and Finsh: 5th in EKLState: 9th PlaceEKL First team: Megan Greving, Kaela RopsonAll Sun Country: Megan GrevingAll State: Megan GrevingCoaches: Rick Jenkins, Rachel Gunkel (Diving

Coach)

14

Community CalendarAugust18 .........1st day of Classes27 .........All School Mass

September2 ..........Back to School Night24 ........Homecoming Mass25 ........Gold Medal Club25 ........Homecoming25 ........All Years Alumni Reunion26 ........‘84 and ‘94 Class Reunions26 ........Homecoming Dance

October22 ........Grandparents Mass22 ........Alumni Parent Gift Gathering

Party30 ........President’s Tailgate30 ........Fall Parent Mixer

FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Mark Your CalendarsSaints Mass at KUSunday, September 27, 2009

5:00 p.m. Mass and Dinner

St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center

The University of Kansas

Parents/Families Welcome!

More information to come.

Saints Mass at KSUSunday, February 7, 2010

4:30 p.m. Mass & Dinner

St. Isidore’s Catholic Campus Center

Kansas State University

Parents/Families Welcome!

More information to come.

Dear Alumni of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School,Our thanks to Taner

Neighbors, ’03, for his efforts in gathering all of you on Facebook in support of your school!! Last year’s All Years Reunion was a huge success, and we will soon be planning the 2nd annual event for Friday, September 25 - Homecoming 2009 at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School!

In order to keep the message consistent for all activities, reunions and school events, the STA Advancement Office has launched the NEW version of the school’s sanctioned Facebook page called, “Saint Thomas Aquinas Alumni - Overland Park, KS.”

It is located at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overland-Park-KS/Saint-Thomas-Aquinas-Alumni-Overland-Park-KS/53808853301 or search for “Saint Thomas Aquinas Alumni - Overland Park, KS” on Facebook.

We invite you to take a look at the site and become a “Fan.” The site will be used to communicate with alumni and friends about what’s going on at your Home of the Saints! Included will be information about class reunions, alumni functions and volunteer activities. Advertising opportunities for alumni businesses and projects are currently not part of site’s intent.

The STA Facebook page will be administered by STA staff and possibly with assistance from an alumni advisory committee in the future. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Michon Quick, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, at [email protected] or 913.319.2437.

Please encourage your friends and classmates to become fans of the site too, in case they don’t see this message. Thank you again for your interest and support! Go Saints!

Sincerely,

-Michon Quick -Bryan Thrasher

Director of Alumni Director of Communications & Constituent Relations

Follow us on Twitterwww.twitter.com/stasaintsalumniFor current parents and students:

www.twitter.com/stasaints

For future Saints:

www.twitter.com/stafuturesaints


CLASS REUNIONS

Don’t forget to let us know when you move!!! Log onto

www.aquinascommunity.com. You no longer need a special code to log in!

Gold Medal ClubWhat: Gold Medal Club

Who: All alumni who graduated in 1959 and before (50 years and more since graduation)

When: Friday, September 25, 2009, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Where: Library at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Admission: $15 per person – Advance reservations only. Includes BBQ dinner and beverages.

Donors to the 2009-10 Annual Fund will be admitted for FREE.

RSVP: www.aquinascommunity.com, or return the invitation reply card and your check to: ’09 Gold Medal Club, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66215

If you are interested in helping to plan this event, please contact Michon Quick, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, at [email protected] or 913.319.2437.

All-Years ReunionWhat: All-Years Reunion

Who: All Alumni, age 21 and over

When: Friday, September 25, 2009, 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Where: Commons at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Admission: $5 per person at the door; includes beverages and snacks.

Donors to the 2009-10 Annual Fund will be admitted for FREE.

RSVP: www.aquinascommunity.com

If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Michon Quick, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, at [email protected] or 913.319.2437.

Reunions in ProgessClass of 1984 25-YearFriday-Saturday, September 25-26 (in conjunction with Homecoming weekend)

Friday evening – 8 p.m., All-Years Reunion in the Commons at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School*

Saturday evening – 8 p.m. at Shorthorn’s, K-7 and 83rd Street in Lenexa, Kansas; pay for what you order.

Sunday –Noon, Family Picnic at Sar-Ko-Par Park, 87th & Lackman in Lenexa. More details to come.

Contact: Dan Cahill at [email protected] or 913.573.4192, or Lisa Miller Mahoney at [email protected].

Class of 1994 15-YearFriday-Saturday, September 25-26 (in conjunction with Homecoming weekend)

Friday evening – 8 p.m., All-Years Reunion in the Commons at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School*

Contact: Carla Tomc Coleman, [email protected] or 913.568.4789, or Joe Novacek, [email protected] or 816.222.5860.

Class of 2004 Five-YearSaturday, August 29, 2009

7 p.m. at The Levee, 16 West 43rd Street, Kansas City, MO

No cover charge; pay for what you order.

Questions? Contact Kelsey Dodd at 913.207.7104 or [email protected].

Regularly visit www.aquinascommunity.com

for Class Reunion updates

LEGACY OF SUCCESSSaint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, Kansas www.stasaints.net

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAID

SHAWNEE MISSION, KANSASPERMIT NO. 22

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School11411 Pflumm RoadOverland Park, Kansas 66215-4816

Snapshot of the Class of 2009The class of 2009 earned $8,268,550 of scholarship

money and will attend 50 different colleges. Of the 270 students in the class, 74 were designated State of Kansas Scholars. Other statistics include:

• 68 students graduated Summa Cum Laude Scholars with a Cumulative GPA above 96%.

• Eight students had cumulative GPAs above 100%

• 81% of the seniors took extra science above the required three years.

• 92% took four years of math.

• 37 students had ACT scores of 30 or above.



• 55% of the class had 24 or above.

On May 13 we bid farewell and “Good Luck” to our newest alumni – the class of 2009! Graduation rate – 100%!

May God be with you as you continue your life’s journey. Our prayers are with you always. Keep in touch, Saints!

Senior choir members

Evan Stein, Chelsea Didde, Jake DarnellDaniel Peck was one of two graduation speakers.

Documents

2009 Summer Saints - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School