— October 2015 —

Meet Tim Hamer, President at LCHSTim Hamer’s dedication and passionate commitment to Catholic education has grown through a life-long journey.

Tim’s father, Steve Hamer, graduated with the first class from the United States Air Force Academy in 1959, eventually attaining the rank of full colonel. For most military families a service career can take a family to far and near places and the Hamers were no exception. For Tim, and his six brothers, that meant moving multiple times before graduating from high school. From Oklahoma, where Tim was born, to England, New Jersey, Texas and Colorado, among the many relocations, one constant in their lives was a Catholic education.

Steve and Patty Hamer both received Catholic educations and believe deeply in the values and knowledge gained from their own experiences. Sending the Hamer boys to Catholic school was what they were going to do no matter where the military took them.Moving from school to school can be a challenge for both students and parents. However, Tim believes that despite how frequently the family moved, the common expectations and structure of Catholic schools made those changes just a little bit easier.

Tim’s father made it a priority with every new assignment to research the local Catholic schools and then move the family near the chosen school. For a military family moving every 2-3 years, the cost and effort of living off base is much more challenging than accepting on-base housing. However, the Hamers believed in the Catholic education system for their children and made that sacrifice without hesitation.

“Even when there wasn’t space in the Catholic school and one or two of us had to attend public school in the meantime, mom and dad made the change to the Catholic school as soon as space

opened up.” Tim recalls.

During the transition to Colorado Springs the summer before his senior year in high school, one of Tim’s brothers suddenly passed away. To assist the family and provide spiritual support, Tim’s former high school teacher, Fr. Bill Dougherty, of the Oblates of St. Francis De Sales, immediately traveled to Colorado Springs to be with the family. It was through this experience that Tim decided to attend the college run by the Oblates, DeSales University near Allentown. That decision set Tim on a professional career path in Catholic education, and led him to meet his wife, Sherry, also a career Catholic school teacher.

In a career that began in 1980 on the staff of a residential treatment facility for troubled youth in Bethlehem, PA and went of to include service as a teacher, the first lay principal of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA, Advancement Consultant to numerous Catholic Schools across the nation and as CEO of SOAR! Support Our Aging Religious, Tim’s dedication to Catholic education and values grew from the commitment that his parents instilled in him. Not only did his own three sons attend Catholic schools, all of Tim’s nieces and nephews have as well. Tim expects his six grandchildren will keep the tradition going. “It’s a testament to the uniformly excellent schools that we attended, the dedicated teachers and the continuity of values that my brothers and I have all sent our children through the Catholic school system,” says Tim. In 2012, those values prompted Tim and Sherry to accept custody of their grand niece and grand nephew, now aged 4 and 7, and bring them into the Catholic Church.

What motivates Tim Hamer to continue the journey? First, a desire to pay forward the gift he received of a Catholic education, which he says is “priceless.” Second, Tim believes that a Catholic education is among the most powerful antidotes to the current moral and cultural challenges today’s youth face. He knows from his family life and career that it takes a parish, a community, a family and a school working together to meet those unprecedented challenges head on.

“We must work as a whole community of faith to nurture and teach our children to stand strong against the challenges and temptations of declining moral values. We can’t do it alone and no one else will do it for us; it takes the whole community of faith.”

That journey has brought Tim to LCHS and it’s one that he’s looking forward to sharing with all of you.

Established in conjunction with our 75th Anniversary in 2003, the Alumni Citation Award was created to recognize exceptional alumni and is the most prestigious honor to be bestowed upon a Lancaster Catholic alum. Graduates can be honored in the areas of Outstanding Professional Achievement (female nominations in this category are strongly encouraged), Service to Humanity and/or Service to Lancaster Catholic High School. If you know an exceptional person worthy of this singular honor, we encourage you to nominate that individual.

Nomination forms can be obtained by contactingVenus Clements.

2 Catholic Highlights

Alumni Spotlight

Elisabeth Bleistine has found a way to forge her own career path while following in her family footsteps.

Her mother is LCHS science teacher Anne Bleistine and like many children, Elisabeth was determined to be different than her mother, but felt the tug of family interests while in college. The 2010 LCHS graduate first pursued a degree in forensic anthropology at Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA, but missed the biology field and especially the areas of ecology and aquatics. By her sophmore year, Elisabeth changed her major to biology.

While at Mercyhurst, Elisabeth was employed by Normandeau Associates, environmental consultants, assisting with field work, data entry and creation of report figures. Knowing that there are many careers that incorporate biology, Bleistine was hired at Gomez and Sullivan Engineers as a Scientist I in their Henniker, New Hampshire, office.

Elisabeth will be working on a vareity of projects that encompass dam removal, dam safety and Federal Energy Regulatry Commission (FERC) Hydropower Relicensing. Individual projects might include water quality studies, fish passage, sediment monitoring and bathymetry (the measurement of depth of water in oceans, seas or lakes).

Now a resident of New Hampshire, Elisabeth forges her own path while staying true to the family love of science.

Elisabeth Bleistine ‘10

Attention Alumni! We want to hear from you. Share your story with the LCHS Community. Click HERE for the Share Your Story Link on our Website.

Alumni Citation Award Nominees Saught for 2016

You’re InvitedWho: Alumni from the Class of 1996 through the Class of 2012

When: Wednesday, November 25, 2015 from 8-9:30 p.m.

Where: The Candy Factory at Warehouse D, 342 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA (rear by building Character)

What: Informal event to celebrate the holidays with the extended LCHS family. Free drinks, courtesy of Lancaster Brewing Company, food and fun times with old friends are a guarantee. Space is limited to 100 people.

Please RSVP to Regina Bowe no later than Monday, November 23.

Catholic Highlights 3

Lancaster Catholic High School inducted 42 new members into the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society on October 25th.

The current NHS members from the senior class welcomed 11 new seniors and 31 juniors to the National Honor Society following a ceremony that included a welcome and invocation, candle lighting ceremony, presentation of candidates, awarding of stoles and the administration of the oath.

All students inducted into the National Honor Society must demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. To meet these requirements, students must maintain a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.8 or better, possess the qualities of character and leadership attested to by teachers, moderators, advisors, and coaches and participate in activities at school and in the community.

Those inducted from the Class of 2016 include:

Carolyn Bologa Kurt HarnishCaitlin Hughes Victoria KraftGabrielle Kuntz Abby LeVineJoseph Lobeck Caitlin PatersonKaitlyn Rothwell Thomas SchlecticYumu Yang

Those inducted from the Class of 2017 include:

Noah Bamert Sarah Heise Katelyn MiklosBreAnna Bechtold Gabrielle Hemlick Isabel MillerDaniel Bomberger Kenneth Huhn Julia O’LearyMorgan Caramenico Katherine Hyrb Kyle PostlethwaitMichelle Cybulski Jillian Kemmerly William RivaEmily Eichenlaub Zoe Knafelc Matthew Sahd Grace English Catherine Leader Jordan Scott Sydney Ernst Rachael Loretan Benjamin SallavantiJaqueline Flick Alena Marcinkoski Roslyn TalbertSteven Hansen Sharon Mathew Miles Titzer Catherine Young

Forty-Two inducted to National Honor SocityStudent Spotlight

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Homecoming 2016

Homecoming 2015 kicked off on October 16th with a school-wide pep rally featuring the cheerleaders, band and fall sports captains thanking the student body for their support. With the sun shining, students then proceeded to the stadium for field day.

Food trucks, powder puff football games, pickup volleyball games, a dance by the male cheerleaders and pie eating contest filled the afternoon. With a big offense, the seniors topped the juniors in the championship game.

Alumni enjoyed a tour of the school, a special wine and cheese reception in the late afternoon, as well as an opportunity to meet new PCHS president Tim Hamer before cheering on the Crusaders.

At halftime, senior Jennifer Meck was crowned Homecoming Queen and a victory against Lebanon completed the day!

A big thank you to the entire LCHS family for its support and for making Homecoming 2015 a success!

A Great Day to be a Crusader!

Catholic Highlights 5

On October 1, students from Acting Technique and Dramaturgy classes traveled to Vasey Theatre at Villanova University to see the play Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. After reading and analyzing the script, they were able to see the production, talk to the director and actors, ask questions of the dramaturg and participate in a talk back with a Humanities professor who specializes in Greek mythology.

“It was exciting for me to take them back to my alma mater and introduce them to my professors. We were invited back in the spring for an original musical and workshop with the playwright. This could be the beginning of a promising new relationship with the theatre department at Villanova,” commented Dana Kinsey, Acting and Dramaturgy Instructor.

Congratulations to LCHS students Gabrielle Hemlick, Drew Peris and Anna Peris for being selected to be a part of the Allegretto Youth Chamber Orchestra.

Allegretto is an elite ensemble of highly talented high school musicians chosen by audition. The group not only gives young players a chance to perform great orchestral works, they also experience a joyful, collaborative learning environment.Unique to Allegretto is its coaching approach with the Allegro professional members participate in selected rehearsals and join the youth in concerts.

LCHS Students Selcted to Allegretto Youth Chamber Orchestra

Congratulations to the LCHS Boys Golf Team who captured their first-ever District III AA Team Title.

Aaron Anater was named a Commended Student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by Terry Klugh, Principal, to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Anater Earns Commended Student Award

Villanova Theatre Experience

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Crusader Experience

All families interested in learning more about LCHS are invited to attend Crusader Exerience on Thursday, November 5 from 6-7:30 PM.

Prospective students will rotate through three interactive sessions, while parents learn more about tbe academic rigor across the curriculum, tuition and sholarship opportunities, admissions timeline and an opportunity to ask questions.

Contact Kyla Hockley to register or for more information.

Mini-THON is big fun at LCHS. Kick-off Week included a bake sale, donuts and coffee, pumpkin decorating contest, Friendly’s Night fundraiser and casual dress day with official Mini-THON 2016 t-shirts. Support the Mini-THON by contacting Erica Sahd.

Allentown native Tom Foster Hermansader has produced a limited edition Rossmere Stadium print to support Crusader Athletics. Hermansader has pledged to donate 50 percent of all sales to Lancaster Catholic High School.

Tom Hermansader has been a professional artist in Lancaster County since leaving teaching in 1988. He has produced 160 limited edition and open edition prints.

You can place your order by contacting Diana Anater at 717.509.0316.

Rossmere Stadium Print for Sale

Mini-Thon Kick-off Week

Catholic Highlights 7

The ConfessionalsThe Crusader Alumni & Friends Soul Revue Band

Performing Hits of the 60's, 70's and 80's

LANCASTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Fine & Performing Arts Dinner & Dance

Sponsored By:Two Dudes Painting Company

BENEFITS OUR FRIENDS OF THE FINE & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Saturday, November 21, 2015 - “make-up date”

LCHS Cafeteria6:30-7:30PM - Lite Buffet Dinner / Drinks (Soda/Beer & Wine)

7:30-On - Dancing & Dessert (Snacks/Tea & Coffee)

Only $35 Per Person - Covers Food & Drink CostAdditional Donations Will Be Accepted for LCHS FPA Department

Reserve a table for 10 for $300

Contact Tony Brill @ 717.509.0310 or tbrill@lchsyes.org to RSVP

Please RSVP before Friday, November 13th

*Please give full name/phone # and total count attending. Payment can be made at the door, but please know that we will base our food & drink count on the RSVP’s and will incur those costs.

To make payment in advance...Name_____________________________Phone____________Email______________________________Total # Attending @ $35 each:_____Total # of tables @ $300 each: _____Total Amount Enclosed: $______

*To reserve a table you need 8-10 people... all others will be able to chose your seating when you arrive.

Please send your check made payable to : LCHS FPA Send to Tony Brill, Director of Fine & Performing Arts

Lancaster Catholic High SchoolLancaster Catholic High School650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601

The Drama Department will present Cash on Delivery on November 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.

This fast paced British farce concerns a con artist who has duped the welfare authorities for years by claiming every type of benefit for the innumerable people he claims live at his address. He’s sent scrambling when welfare investigators show up and he is forced to prove all of his boarders are in fact real. This is a hilarious comedy full of mistaken identities, slamming doors, and a con that spirals out of control.

Tickets are on sale now: $14 reserved seating, $12 general admission adult and $7 general admission student. Tickets also will be available at the door. For tickets or information, contact Tony Brill, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, or send payment and a SASE to Mr. Brill at 650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Drama Department to Present Cash on Delivery

LCHS and D & M Recycling Partner to Support Students and Our Community

LCHS and D & M Recycling have partnered to provide gently used clothing and shoes to those in our community and support LCHS students at the same time.

Currently, there are two recycling containers located on the LCHS campus to deposit gently used clothing and shoes tied in plastic bags. However, we are searching for businesses to place additional recycling containers throughout the community.

For every business willing to locate a recycling container on its property, like a parking lot, D & M Recycling will make a financial contribution to LCHS in the name of the business and D & M Recycling.

In addition, LCHS will post an interactive Google Map on our website of the locations of all specially marked recycling contrainers. We’ll also post the businesses and locations on our social media.

Contact Joe Sahd ‘01 with any qyes-tions or to arrange for a recycling container to be placed at your busi-ness. Call at the Advancement Office at 717-509-0313

Thank you for your support of LCHS!

Tri-M Bon-Ton Community Days Fundraiser

Lancaster Catholic High School’s Tri-M Music Honors Society is selling Bon-Ton Community Days coupon booklets to raise funds for their 2015-2016 community service project, Brittany’s Hope Foundation.

Coupons may be redeemed at any Bon-Ton location from November 11-14 during the special Community Days event. Booklets contain exclusive savings and incentives perfect for early Christmas shopping.

The booklets are available for $5 and all proceeds from the sale of the booklets will go directly toward the service project. Purchase booklets from any Tri-M member. Parents and others may also purchase booklets by sending $5 to Tony Brill, Tri-M Faculty Advisor, at LCHS.

Brittany’s Hope Foundation, located in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to aiding and facilitating adoption of special needs children from around the world.

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Breakfast with Santa

LANCASTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLin pa r tne r sh ip w i th St . Anne ’ s Ret i r ement Commun i ty

& Sponso r ed by:

Dr . Albe r t J . Schrede r ‘45 &

Pau l Dav i s RECOVER. RECONSTRUCT. RESTORE.

BENEFITS OUR FRIENDS OF THE FINE & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Saturday, December 12thLCHS CafeteriaBreakfast Served from 8:30-10:30amActivities from 9-10:30am

Buffet Style Breakfast: French Toast Sticks, Sausage, Hash Browns, Scrambled Eggs, Apple & Orange Juice, Milk, Coffee & Tea

Activities: * Performances by LCHS FPA Students & Faculty

* Special Message from Santa!

* Religious Activity with Campus Ministry

* Gift Bags & a Toy for Every Child

*A special opportunity to have your child’s or family’s picture taken with Santa (FREE 5x7 photo included)

Family Name__________________________

Total # of Participants @ $15 each___________

(Adults & Children)

Total # Children under 3 - Free ____________

Total Amount Enclosed $__________________

Please make checks payable to LCHS FPAPlease return forms with payment to:Tony Brill, Director of Fine & Performing ArtsLancaster Catholic High School650 Juliette Avenue Lancaster, PA 17601For more information, please contact:TTony Brill, Director of the Fine & Performing Arts at:TBRILLLCHSYES.ORG or 717.509.0310

Please RSVP before Friday, December 4th

Varsity Club Christmas Greens The annual Varsity Club Christmas Greens sale is underway. Orders will be accepted until November 12. The Varsity Club will use the proceeds to provide gifts, food and clothing to several area families in need.

Included in the wide selection of greens are live wreaths, sprays, roping, and poinsettia plants from Stauffers of Kissel Hill.

Greens will be available for pickup on Thursday, December 3 from 3-5 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Varsity Club will not be responsible for greens ordered, but not picked up. Orders will not be accepted after November 12. Click HERE for the order form.

The Varsity Club will accept donations in lieu of an order. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the Varsity Club and the families they will assist.

Christmas in NYCTickets are still available for a day of shopping and sightseeing in New York City on Sunday, December 6. Trip benefits the LCHS Field Hockey Team. Contact: Diana Anater at 717.951.5198 or diana_ana@comcast.net.