C o n t i n u i n g t h e t r a d i t i o n o f L a s a l l i a n e d u c a t i o n i n K a n s a s C i t y s i n c e 1 8 8 7

Spring 2009

ConnectionsA publication of Archbishop O’Hara High School

O’Hara

Archbishop O’Hara High School

9001 James A. Reed Rd.Kansas City, MO 64138

www.oharahs.orgCa t h o l i c • L a s a l l i a n • C o l l e g e P r e p

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Letter from AOHS Principal Walter Bowman

3AOHS Golf Tournament Information & Registration

4Early History of Lasallian Education in Kansas City

6Student News

7AOHS Sports

8Alumni Events & Celebrations

11Class Reunions

12Class News & Notes

Generosity Felt and Seen in AOHS HallsDear Celtic Parents, Volunteers, Alumni, Supporters and Benefactors:

T his year’s event, once again, proved to be a crazy success and set another fundraising record at O’Hara! Our sincerest thanks to all who came to-gether this year to help support the Third Annual Evening of Celtic Pride!

With everyone’s hard work and generosity, we were able to raise a record setting $85,439! We couldn’t have done it without the overwhelming support and dedication of people like you! You read the emails, shopped, procured and donated

whatever we requested. Because of your efforts, more than 550 items were auctioned at this year’s event, setting yet an-other record! With over 110 volunteers working the Evening, another record was shattered for most volunteers at any single event!

The entire evening was wonderful, including the delectable food, wonderful “refreshments,” amazing decorations-which set the tone for the evening; and, of course, superb entertainment! Our deepest thanks to everyone who made a bid or was the high bidder on any item we had for auction during the evening. You all helped make a tremendous difference in the lives of the 450+ students attending Archbishop O’Hara High School and we can’t thank you enough! We look forward to seeing everyone next year and we pray for you: health, happiness and wealth during the 2009 year! Together we do make a difference! Sincerely, Sherri & Phil Hays Auction Co-Chairs

Please see page 5 to read more about An Evening of Celtic Pride.

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9�

Save These Dates. . .

Homecoming 2009 Weekend of October 16

The 4th Annual evening of celTic Pride

Saturday, November 21, 2009.

Mark your calendar now and make plans to spend these weekends at O’Hara. Evening of Celtic Pride guests must be at least 21 years old!

O’Hara Connections

Editor: Eileen Lintz ’82 Fratzke

Copy Editing: Jane Schaffer

Design: Shawnna Silvius

Contributing Writers:

Bob BolandWalter BowmanEileen FratzkePhil HaysSherri HaysAnn JulichCarrie MayleLisa McNamaraBeth VolzPhotos:Laura EagleEileen FratzkeRick Martin – Martin Prestige PhotographyMary Pat Storms

• • •

Corrections to Fall 2008 edition of Connections:

• In the Fall 2008 edition of Connections, one of our newest alumni was not listed. Steven Weber, Class of 2008, should have been listed on page 4 with those recognized for graduating with high honors. Steven is one of 17 members of the class who graduated with a GPA of 3.85 or higher!

Steven is the son of Roger and

Christy Weber of Raytown. He is currently attending the University of Missouri and studying history.

• Joe Vowells was inadvertently omitted from the Honor Roll of Donors Tribute Gifts for his donation in memory of Mary Jo Vowells.

• • •

If you no longer wish to be on the Archbishop O’Hara High School mailing list, please contact Eileen Fratzke by e-mail at efratzke@oharahs.org or by calling the school (816)763-4800 ext. 237.

T hanks to all of you who contributed in some way to our successful Evening of Celtic Pride. I must congratulate the Celtic Parents Club, under the direction of President, Beth Volz, parent of Joe ‘09 and Noah ‘10, on the wonderful evening.

This year’s event was the perfect combination of fun and profit. The auction’s net gain was $85,439 and the fun was priceless. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Sherri and Phil Hays, parents of Payden ‘10 and Taylor ‘11, who once again spearheaded the event for the benefit of our students. The money from this auction is being used for improvements and additions to the following: our science department, our Catholicity initiatives, our security, and building and grounds. Archbishop O’Hara High school is most definitely better because of the Parents Club’s efforts.

On Friday, June 19 our alumni will sponsor the Annual Golf Tournament. This event is another fun activity that helps our school financially. I hope you will take this opportunity to participate in this year’s tournament. Proceeds from this event help to fund our scholarship program and help support our LaSallian Education Fund. Contact Lisa McNamara at the school (816.763.4800) to sign up to participate or to volunteer to help with the activity.

Our school is in the process of reviewing our vision and mission and creating a Strategic Plan that will carry us to the year 2015, the 50th anniversary of the opening of O’Hara High School in 1965. Our efforts coincide with the Diocesan-wide study of our Catholic schools. We will focus on continued school improvement as we provide Catholic secondary education for our diocese. Our strength comes from our Catholicity and from the tradition of St. John Baptist de LaSalle. The Strategic Plan includes a plan to make our college-prep curriculum even better and to improve our building and grounds. We want our graduates to be ready for college, prepared for life, and willing to serve God. I invite you to join us on this journey.

Mark your calendar: next school year’s Homecoming is scheduled for October 16, 2009 and our Evening of Celtic Pride will be held on November 21, 2009.

Please join me as I pray for all of you, for this year’s graduates, for a safe and renewing summer, and for the continued success of Archbishop O’Hara High School.

May God bless you.Live Jesus in our hearts…foreverWalter Bowman

A letter from the AOHS principal:Walter D. Bowman

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 �

Golf Archbishop O’Hara High School Annual golf Tournament

golf committee membersJack foley ’70 (816) 808-8967

jfol1423@yahoo.com

Jim naudet ’81 (913) 491-3840 (w)naudetjim@aol.com

John mitchell ’82 (816) 246-7365 (w)john.w.mitchell@diageo.com

John cosentino ’84 (816) 358-6001, ext. 180 (w)johnc@cosentinos.com

John o’connor ’88 (816) 863-9812 (c)j_o’connor@stmcyclones.org

mike Pizzichino ’90 (816) 525-4550 (w)mpizzichino@countybeverage.com

Jim egender (816) 795-1400 (w)(816) 210-0531 (c), (913) 402-9994

jegender@aol.com

Sponsorship levelsceltic level - $1000

• Four sponsor playing spots in the tournament• Company name on signs at hole sponsor location with top billing as a Celtic sponsor of tournament• Listing in selected O’Hara publications• Sponsor Appreciation

gold level - $600

• Two sponsor playing spots in the tournament• Company name on signs at hole sponsor location• Sponsor Appreciation

green level - $300

• Sponsor playing spot• Company name on signs at hole sponsor location• Sponsor Appreciation

cart Sponsor - $100

• Company name on signs at hole sponsor location

individual Player infoTournament features• Four Player Team Scramble• Entry Fee $145 per Person• 11:00 a.m. Registration ~ Noon Shotgun Start• Prizes ~ A, B & C Flights ~ 1st & 2nd team prizes in all flights• Longest Drive ~ Longest Putt ~ Closest to Pin• Rita Monteil Challenge $1000 Putting Contest

$145 per person registration fee includes:Greens Fee ~ Cart Rental ~ Refreshments on Course ~ Lunch ~ Dinner ~ One Mulligan Gift Package ~ Rita Monteil Challenge

Friday, June 19, 2009Winterstone golf club • 17101 E. Kentucky Road • Independence, MO. 64058

Tournament contactsLisa McNamara ’70 ~ (816) 763-4800 ext. 200 ~ lmcnamara@oharahs.org ~ Fax # (816) 765-5008

Alan Hull ~ (816) 763-4800 ext. 208 ~ ahull@oharahs.org ~ Fax # (816) 765-5008

Pre-registration only! no Walk-ons! get your registration in ASAP! last year all playing slots were reserved by may 10!

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9�

I n the last issue of Connections we told the beginning of the story of the Christian Brothers in Kansas City.

The first Christian Brothers came to Kansas City in 1887. Years before, they were blessed in the friendship of Bishop John Joseph Hogan. During his tenure as Bishop of St. Joseph, Missouri, the Brothers found him a warm friend and wise counselor.

On September 3, 1988, one year after the Christian Brothers arrived in Kansas City, Brother Justus Patrick, with Brother Hilarion as his able assistant, opened the first Christian Brothers School in Kansas City. It contained two classrooms. Because the school was located at 8th and Cherry and the Brothers were living at 14th and Belleview traveling in all kinds of weather became a serious inconvenience.

On the advice of Father Lillis the Brothers relinquished their residence, their first home in

Kansas City, and rented another house close to St. Patrick’s Church.

The work of these pioneers was eminently successful. Soon they knew the pleasant embarrassment of results beyond their planning. The two rooms of St. Patrick’s proved inadequate, and as no other space was available in the building or in the immediate vicinity, new quarters had to be secured elsewhere. The brothers closed their little school at St. Patrick’s on June 19, 1989.

A close observer of the Brother’s work, and an admirer of their system, their efficiency, and their religious spirit, was the Rev. Pastor of the Cathedral at the time: Father John J. Glennon. He was a very close friend of Father Lillis, of St. Patrick’s, and through him knew the plight of the brothers. He urged Father Lillis to permit him to move the Brothers into his parish school, then already under construction. The new school was a brick building, quite pretentious for those days, containing an auditorium on the first floor, four

classrooms on the second floor, and living quarters of eight rooms on the third floor for the Brothers.

Two names for the institution were proposed. Father Glennon’s choice was ‘Cathedral Academy.’ As the principle courses were to be in the field of Commerce, others thought it should be named ‘Cathedral Commercial School.’ This name was adopted, and for the next twenty-one years the Brother’s school in Kansas City bore that title.

Father Glennon spent the entire summer of 1889 canvassing Kansas City for funds to retire the debt incurred in the erection of the new school. His eloquence in pleading the cause of the Brothers, his splendid gift of organization, and his persuasiveness bore magnificent fruit. When the school was opened in September, 1889, it was practically debt free.

Information printed from Mississippi Vista – The Brothers of the Christian Schools 1849-1949.

Early History of Lasallian Education in Kansas CityContinued from the November edition of Connections

St. Patrick Parish 1887-1889

De La Salle throughout the years

Cathedral Commercial School 1888-1910 De La Salle High School 1910 – 1971

Members of Clergy who attended AOHS:Carl Baker - ’03 – Carl (Brother Simon) is at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas. He joined the monastery in August of last year. Brother Simon is a novice and in August of 2009, he will take his first vows towards becoming a priest. Adam Haake ’03 – seminarian (1st year of studies in Rome)Pat Sullivan ’88 – Will be ordained May 23, 2009.Rev. Gregory Haskamp ’81 is pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in Smithville, MO.Father Tom Holder - ’80 is pastor of St. Regis Parish located right next to O’Hara!

Christian Brothers who attended Archbishop O’Hara High School:Brother Ray Bonderer ’69 (Currently serves on the O’Hara school board)

Nuns who attended AOHS:Sister Barb Schrader ’82Sister Michele Marie Hauser V.H.M. ’76

Christian Brothers who attended De La Salle Academy: Brother Leo Fred Oberrieder ’48Brother Pius Kamphefner ’46

Members of the Clergy who attended De La Salle High School:Rev. Anthony Pileggi ’72 Rev. Robert Stewart ’68Rev. Don Cullen ’60Rev. Bill Williams, S.J. ’54Rev. Richard Costigan, S.J. ’49Rev. Robert Deming ’49Rev. John McCormack ’49Msgr. James Comiskey ’39Rev. Edward Cosgrove, C.S.S.R. ’38

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 �

De La Salle High School 1910 - 2010

100 Year Celebration

Being Planned

2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the open-

ing of De La Salle High School. The Christian Broth-ers moved their school from The Cathedral Commercial School on 11th street in downtown Kansas City to 16th and Paseo in 1910. The new building, a three-story, concrete and steel, brick-veneered structure with a classic façade was completed in the late summer of 1910. The land and building were made possible through a bequest by Joseph Benoist. Brother Brendan Charles was given the responsibility of guiding the construction of the new school. The Brothers welcomed their first class of students to the new school in late September, 1910. A committee is being formed to plan the celebration. Initial members of the committee are Brother Tom Hetland from the Midwest Province in Burr Ridge, IL, Brother Jim Krause of the Kansas City Paseo Community, Joel Carr (formally Brother Joel), a 1943 graduate of DLSKC, Mike Waters, a 1955 graduate of DLSKC, Jerry Culver, a 1950 graduate of DLSKC, Bob Boland, a 1953 graduate of DLSKC.

A fter three years of working as a key organizer for the annual Evening of Celtic Pride and for the past year as

Chair, Sherri Hays says there is one thing she has learned well. There are people you can depend on for their ongoing support.

Alumni Rusty Murray ’75 is one of those people. During the months prior to this years’ event it was not unusual to walk into the Celtic Parents Club room and hear Hays exclaim, “Rusty called and he’s on his way with another donation.” In fact, over the past two years Rusty has been known to come back again and again.

It all started in December 2006 when Rusty was diagnosed with cancer. His cancer, now in remission, was a reminder to him of how fragile life is and how important it is to reconnect with old friends. Upon completion of radiation and chemotherapy, Rusty made a vow to help out when he could and pay it forward. In the fall of 2007 when Rusty received a letter asking alumni for a donation to the 2nd annual Evening of Celtic Pride, he made some donations and asked Hays to let him know how he could get further involved next year. He accepted an invitation to sit at a table with a group of his ’75 class friends. He says from the moment he walked in the door, old feelings of Celtic Pride were rekindled. “That night was like a reunion. I saw people from my class and other classes that I have not seen in years,” Rusty said. “I felt the connection immediately.”

When the 2008 Evening of Celtic Pride letter came seeking donations, Rusty was ready. Rusty, who works for Central States Beverage Co., procured NASCAR and military themed items and much more. Taking advantage of his Celtic connections, he also went on a crusade and became an unofficial member of the procurement team. “We knew we could rely on him to bring in needed donations, procuring items from other alumni owned and operated establishments. He just did it,” said Hays.

For the third annual event he also purchased his own table for eight. That night Rusty went over the top during the live auction in a bidding war for the top selling item – an outing to the T-Bones game for 40 people in the Owners Box! As the item hit a record level, the game night out was graciously doubled by donor Lisa Ginter and ended up bringing double the money for O’Hara!

For Rusty, the night of fun with friends and visiting with alumni was just part of his reason for attending the 2007 and 2008 Evenings of Celtic Pride. He challenges all O’Hara alumni to come back to O’Hara with their support. “It is still a great place – just new faces,” he said.

Here He Comes Again!

Safari 2009Lasallian

Kenya

27 days you will never forget

July

2nd

-29t

h

website: http://www.lasalliansafaris.org/ email: cgregor@oharahs.org

Safari features:escorted by Brother Chuck, who lived in Kenya for five yearsvisits

5 Lasallian Schools6 “tribal capitals”8 National Parks or ReservesThe Great Rift ValleyThe Indian OceanLake Victoria and Lake Turkana Masai Mara

Focuses on understanding the people of Kenya.New this year...a visit to President Obama’s ansestrial home-land.

••

•••••••

••

This statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is just one of the items pur-chased with Evening of Celtic Pride proceeds. In addition to religious emblems, doors and locks have been replaced, additional security cam-eras have been added and new science equipment has been purchased. Thank you, Parents Club, for all of your hard work that made it happen!

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9�

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. . . a Smashing Success

T his was one hilarious play, running December 12, 13 and 14th. Take an egotistical Robin Hood (Ronandus Johnson), Lady Marian

(Elisabeth Lowe) looking for love and oddly obsessed with skin conditions, an ever-scheming sheriff, (Joe Volz) who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bulls eye, a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe, (Emanuel Moore), a couple of good natured “Gossip Girls,” (Kim Jones) and (Julia Jacobsen), a band of spoon-wielding Merry Men: Alex Stockard, Jake Fortin, Alex Keffer-Swaney, ditzy Fawning Ladies: Kaitlyn Fennesy, Kayla McDowell, Alyssa McKee and Ashley Cadenhead and a crazed Lady in Waiting (Johanna Kelly), and you have an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest that was a laugh a minute. Great job, Actor’s Factory and directors Anne Roth and Peter Sullivan. Take an encore bow!

J anuary 3 was a day that was greatly anticipated for students on the O’Hara Robotics Team. This is the day that the directions for the robot arrived!

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be. The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

Although O’Hara did not place in the 2009 Robotics Competition, it was a great learning experience for the students. After only two years of participation in the competition, the team has gained a great deal of knowledge and is already making plans for next year.

This year O’Hara received support from Honeywell and the Kauffmann Foundation. The total cost to build a robot and participate in this event is approximately $12,000. The kit costs $6000 alone!

“FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.”

If you or your organization would like to sponsor O’Hara in the 2010 competition, please contact Mac McGory, Robotics team mentor, e-mail mmcgory@oharahs.org

FIRST Robotics competition O’Hara Robotic Team Competes for Second Year

Prince John and the Sheriff plot to foil the plans of Lady Marian and Robin Hood.

Above, Sophomores, Emily Tyler (daughter of John ’82 and Rita Meyers ’81 Tyler)

and Taylor Hays (daughter of Phil & Sherri Hays) work with the design of the

robot’s pulley system.

Right, Students look on as junior, Michael Berney (son of Pete and Peggy

Allen ’79 Berney) tests one more aspect of the robot’s operating system.

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 �

T he 2008 Varsity Football Team led by head coach, Jim DeMarea, ended the season with a record of 8-3. They are the 2008 Crystal Cup Champions as well as

the 2008 District Champions!

individual Awards included:

West Central Conference1st TeamOffense: QB- T.J. White, RB- James Tillman, SB-Donnie Criswell, TE – Joe Pepple, WR-Danny Hernandez, OT- Tyler Houser and KR-D.J. Jackson.

Special congratulations to Danny Hernandez who was 2nd Team All State.

Defense: DE – Joe Pepple, LB –Chuck Preston and P-Larry Liggett. Special Congratulations to Joe Pepple who was the Defensive Player of the Year!

2nd TeamOffense: G – Ted Dujakovich, K-Bryce ScovillDefense: DL- Louis Golden, DB – Alex Rogers, DB – Aaron Mitchell, DB – Joe Melchior.

Congratulations Coach DeMarea and the entire football team on a great season!

The Crystal Cup…Back in O’Hara Land

The coveted Crystal Cup, the prize for winning the rivalry football game between O’Hara and St. Pius

is back with the Celtics after nine years. The tradition began in 1968 and has continued to grow over the years creating a fun and friendly rivalry with our fellow diocesan high school north of the river. The game was played on Halloween with O’Hara getting the treat: a 41-23 victory over Pius. Yeah!!

T he 2008 Cross Country Team was led by coaches Mike Martin and Ann Adams.The CC Team ran in the St. Mary’s Tournament with the O’Hara girls placing 1st and the O’Hara boys placing 2nd. The #1 runner for O’Hara was Max Storms and #2 was

Andy Meyer. The #1 runner for the girls was Aliyah Jones and #2 was Paige Bush.

individual cross country Awards:

2008 Volleyball News

O’Hara State Champs Again

T he O’Hara Varsity Volleyball team led by Coach Lori Hanaway was crowned the 2008 Missouri Class 3

State Champions for the fifth time in seven years. The State Championship team consisted of two seniors, Madeline Rembold and Jennifer Wulff, two juniors, Katie Huber and Jordyn Wyatt along with five sophomores, Michala Boehm, Lindsey Hanaway, Tori Hurtt, Janell Jordan, and Emily Tyler.

The 2008 Celtics finished the season with a 33-4-5 record including an undefeated West Central Conference title. In addition, the Celtics finished first in the Lee’s Summit North tournament, second in the Truman tournament, and won the Consolation bracket in the Blue Springs South Invitational. O’Hara also finished ranked first in the Missouri Coaches poll and sixth in the Metro Coaches Association Top Ten Poll – the only Class 3 team to be included in the rankings.

individual awards included:All ConferenceFirst Team: Michala Boehm, Lindsey Hanaway, Katie Huber, and Tori HurttSecond Team: Madeline Rembold Honorable Mention: Jordyn Wyatt

All DistrictFirst Team: Michala Boehm, Lindsey Hanaway, Katie Huber, and Tori HurttSecond Team: Janell Jordan

All RegionFirst Team: Lindsey Hanaway, Katie Huber, and Tori HurttSecond Team: Michala Boehm

All-StateFirst Team: Michala Boehm and Tori HurttSecond Team: Lindsey Hanaway and Katie Huber

Missouri Class 3 Coach of the Year: Lori Hanaway

2008 Cross Country News

Storms Leads Team, Sets Records

Max Storms set six course records: Platte County, St. Mary’s, Oak Grove, Helias, Swope Park and Sedalia. Max also set the school record at KC Metro with a 15:45 time.

All-ConferenceMax Storms – Varsity boys champion

All-District Max Storms – Varsity boys champion

All-StateMax Storms placed 7th in Class 3A with a time of 16:32. Max has the honor of setting the fastest time at state by an O’Hara runner. He was selected First Team by the Kansas City Star and The Greater Kansas City Cross

Country Association.Max also ran in the 10K Ground Hog Run at Hunt Midwest SubTropolis on January 25th with a time of 33:10 which was topped by only one runner with a time of 33:01. Over 850 runners representing Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas and Indiana competed in this event. Congratulations Max!

2008 Football News

AOHS Holds Crystal Cup and District Title

Coach Jim DeMarea ’73 discusses the next play with his players.

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9�

O n Friday, January 9, 2009 over 40 young alumni returned to O’Hara to attend the fourth annual Home for the Holidays event. The purpose of this event is to encourage

young alumni to return to O’Hara and build relationships with the O’Hara community as alumni.

Alumni from the youngest classes – those that have not yet celebrated a reunion – are invited. This year the Classes of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, as well as current seniors, were invited Home for the Holidays.

Home for the Holidays was held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the school library. Appetizers, drinks and the social setting were provided. Alumni were encouraged to stay for the O’Hara Boys Varsity basketball game that evening. All attendees were given a pass, good for all 2008-2009 home sporting events.

Attendees included:

Home for the Holidays

Alumni, Katie Bachkora and Erin Stephenson (with Mr. Meyer and Mr. Downs) and Elyse Bass and Megan Fratzke visit with their former teachers and catch up with friends.

Brittainy Allen ’08Katie Backkora ’08Matt Bader ’08Elyse Bass ’07Kyle Bass ’08Brendon Butler ’08Chris Coats ’04Sean Cobb ’09Brittany Cole ’05Rachel Crawford ’08Emily DeMarea ’08

Bryce Dennis ’08Maria Doedtman ’05Nick Dodson ’04Megan Fratzke ’07Danny Hernandez ’09Cameron Hinkel ’08Lyndsay Hudson ’09Ronandus Johnson ’09Demetria Jones ’08Stevie Katzer ’08Brittany Kruger ’08

Amber Langford ’08Larry Liggett ’09Breanna Lloyd ’08Alyssa Mahlberg ’08Jerron McKinnis ’08Daniel O’Connell ’08Breanna Orem ’08Shayla Parker ’08Joe Pepple ’09Andy Perkins ’05Brandon Pitts ’08

Brittany Rhodes ’07RaShaun Robinson ’08Rachael Roth ’06Kevin Sack ’08Ashley Selken ’08Erin Stephenson ’08Austin Stockard ’08Tony St. Germain ’08Emily Vaccaro ’08Haley Zeikle ’09

A rchbishop O’Hara High School opened its doors in welcome to celebrate the Feast of Kings on January 4, 2009. Principal Walter Bowman, the Christian Brothers, the Board of Directors and the Faculty and Staff of O’Hara invited many of O’Hara’s generous benefactors to thank them

for the many gifts they have bestowed upon O’Hara. Over 35 attendees braved the extreme January cold afternoon and traveled to the warm and festive halls of O’Hara. They were met with song, prayers, readings, food and fellowship.

As the Kings journeyed to honor the Prince of Peace, the attendees traveled to select areas (stations) of the school to see the many wonderful educational advances and improvements made at the school due to their generosity. All were served libations and appetizers to fortify them on their

journey throughout O’Hara.

The last station was the Christian Brothers’ residence where all were greeted with Br. Chuck Gregor’s 45 nativity scenes. The Brothers’ dining table was laden with a variety of cookies that many enjoyed while perusing the numerous nativity scenes from around the world.

We hope that more of O’Hara’s benefactors will join us for the Second Annual Epiphany Celebration in 2010!

Here is what some of our young alumni had to say about coming Home for the Holidays:

“It was great catching up with old friends and classmates as well as seeing new students that attend O’Hara. It was also fun to see how O’Hara has changed and grown since our departure (graduation). This Alumni day really

makes you value the times you had at O’Hara and the “family” you created there.

- Shayla Parker ’08

“O’Hara has been an important part of my family since before I can remember, so going to Home for the

Holidays made me feel just as welcomed as I ever had before. I also liked being able to see a bunch of my high school friends all at the same place again.”

- Emily DeMarea ’08

First Annual Epiphany Celebration Held

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 �

Education is a costly enterprise. In fact, Archbishop O’Hara’s operating budget is around $3 million this year. That $3 million is significant. Look at what those dollars impact:• O’Hara enrolls some 500 students annually. • O’Hara provides 3 tracks of study with more than 100 classes from basic skills level courses to Advanced Placement for college credit.

• O’Hara offers athletic, social, and recreational programs and requires students to explore their faith through service and reflection.

• O’Hara employs more than 50 people, from teachers to administrators to dining hall staff.

• O’Hara’s 30 acre campus consists of a school building housing not only students, faculty and staff but it also is the home for four Christian Brothers. The track, softball field, soccer field and football stadium complete the campus.

Continuing the Celtic TraditionO’Hara’s tuition covers only a portion of the annual expenditures associated with operating a high school of educational excellence. The difference is made up, in part, by generous gifts to the Lasallian Education Fund. Such gifts afford Archbishop O’Hara the necessary resources and flexibility to

support core priorities—and to provide our students with the richest possible Celtic experience.

Lasallian Education Fund gifts have continued the Celtic tradition by enhancing the campus environment, providing faculty and staff professional development opportunities, equipping the most appropriate educational technology available and helping to curb the increasing costs of tuition — thereby enabling O’Hara to meet the needs of all admitted students. Your gifts help turn O’Hara “dreams” into reality for talented young people.Academic and student activity programs also benefit from gifts to the Lasallian Education Fund. These gifts make it possible to create special projects, including Robotics, senior projects, field trips, guest speakers and assemblies. These gifts also enhance library holdings, nurture students’ faith and service through Lasallian Youth, Student Council and National Honor Society and provide opportunities for cultural and artistic engagement, including music, dramatic performances, forensics and debate.

Your gift matters. Continue the Celtic Tradition.

Questions? Please contact:Carrie D. Mayle, Development Director816.763.4800, ext. 211 orcmayle@oharahs.org

You can now donate online to continue the Celtic Tradition. Go to www.oharahs.org.

The Lasallian Education Fund

Why Should I Give to the Lasallian Education Fund?

Y ou may now make online donations to Archbishop O’Hara High School. Go to www.oharahs.org and push the online button

at the bottom of the page.

Many alumni have asked if they can make donations online and now we can say, “Yes, you can.” Visit us on the web and continue the Celtic tradition!

Online Giving Goes Live!www.oharahs.org

O ’ H a r a C o n n e c t i o n s • S p r i n g 2 0 0 910

AOHS Students Help Ministerin Mexico

Since Brother Chuck Gregor came to our school last

year, Archbishop O’Hara High School began sending students on a Mission Trip to rural Mexican border towns to help other Lasallian schools spread the gospel. The idea of the evangelical mission originated when the local Bishop in Mexico asked the Brothers to train catechists for rural villages. From that request, every Holy Week over 4000 Lasallian students and their partners spread the Gospel to over 300 villages in Northern Mexico who are without priests during that time. The mission, started in the early 80’s, involves three Lasallian high schools from Missouri: Christian Brothers College High School, St. Louis; Helias High School, Jefferson City; and Archbishop O’Hara High School. The mission experience was incredible for the Archbishop O’Hara students who went last year and four of them plan to return this spring. The students from last year, seniors Chance Norton, Joe Volz, Trevor Gudde, and Kevin Huber, along with seniors, Pat Hogan and juniors Tyler Fratzke and Brandon Wesche and sophomore, Danijo Adams, are attending the mission next month. Brother Chuck wants this mission to become a tradition for the school. He and the returning seniors have worked throughout this past year to generate interest and to convince the younger classes to commit to the mission experience.

Brother Chuck brought O’Hara into this mission after facilitating the same mission for over ten years when he was working at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis. He hopes to incorporate the mission into O’Hara as fully as it was in Memphis and then St. Louis, which had over 75 applications submitted for mission last year alone. Please pray for our students and Brother Chuck as they head to Mexico in early April.

R emember Student Ambassadors? This year sixty sophomores, juniors and seniors make up the group of students that represents our school in a variety

of venues. Over the years, duties for ambassadors have changed somewhat. There is no more front door duty. These ambassadors give tours to 7th graders, help with classroom activities and lead games in the gym during 7th Grade Celtic Day visits. They travel to grade schools and answer questions from 8th graders regarding student life in high school. They visit 6th grade classrooms to share the importance of writing and encourage 6th graders to participate in O’Hara’s annual 6th grade Spring Fling Writing Contest. They are called upon to help with Open House every fall and on countless other occasions when we need official greeters for the school.

To become an Ambassador there is an application process and an interview process for new Ambassadors. Students

must have at least a 3.0 gpa, must be involved in a variety of activities and must be comfortable sharing their Celtic Pride with others outside the O’Hara community.

Were you an ambassador? This is my 15th year at O’Hara and of moderating Student Ambassadors. Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting and working with hundreds of young people in this program. I know that some students went on to be Ambassadors at their college or university. I know that some students chose careers where their skills as Student Ambassadors gave them experience in meeting and greeting new people. I would love to hear from you. It would be great to share some of your experiences after high school with current Ambassadors. You can reach me by email at ajulich@oharahs.org. Thanks for the great memories and all of your help over the years. I look forward to hearing from you.

I f you have a chance, please look at the Celtic Librarian Blog – also from the OHS web on the main library page. Students (as well as staff or

parents) are welcome to submit reviews on any books they read and to make comments on other reviews. Students in the Library Science Class write bimonthly reviews on YA fiction books that they read for class. We host a book club meeting on the last Friday of every month at 7:40 am in the library; the club now has about 20 regular members. Anyone is welcome to join at any time.

The library is equipped with 15 networked computers that students use for homework, research, class assignments or projects, and internet activities. The computers are set up with Microsoft Office 2007 software. Each student has a work and documents folder on the school server and a personal school email address.

The contents of the library are now protected and monitored by closed circuit camera.

Thank you to the Parents Club for their continued generous support of the Archbishop O’Hara Library.

Online Library Available All Day and NightYou Can Add a Book Review

Student Ambassador Program Alive and WellA note from the moderator, Ann Julich

S ince 2005 The Language Institute in Liberty, Missouri on the campus of William Jewell College has been the home of many Korean students from the ages of 10 through 18. These students travel thousands of miles and leave family behind in order to be educated in the United States and learn English. Their parents sacrifice not

only emotionally but also through paying tuition and room and board so that their children can have a better education and ultimately a better life than they can experience in Korea. Most of these students have lived in a group home with Korean guardians, and some have lived with a variety of host families over the years. The students usually attend Catholic schools with the majority attending St. James and St. Regis elementary schools and O’Hara and St. Pius high schools. Many have gone on to attend a college or university in the United States.

Not only do students attend classes at O’Hara and do homework, they also attend classes after school at the Language Institute to help with learning English. These young people work hard and are all around good students. We are happy to have them as a part of the O’Hara community. We can all learn from each other about the diverse world in which we live.

AOHS Opens Arms to Korean Students

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Class Reunions Is your class planning a reunion?

Class of 2004Five-Year Reunion

Scott Bolzenius—816-868-0242 or e-mail scottyg14@hotmail.comPat Clifton—816-506-4904 or e-mail patrickeclifton@hotmail.com The Class of 2004 can also be found via Facebook. Look for us there!

Class of 1999 10-Year reunion

Damien Janet is the contact person for the Class of 1999 ~ 10 year reunion. E-mail Damien at damien.janet@gmail.com for more information.

Class of 1994 15-year reunion!

Save the date - the Class of 1994 is holding our 15 year reunion on Saturday, July 25th at the Cashew Downtown. Contacts for the reunion are Kristine Zinn Wherner at 816-809-6147, or Dan Laughlin at 816-305-7376 or by email at df_laughlin@hotmail.com.

Please make sure you check out our class on Facebook - Archbishop O’Hara Class of ‘94 Group - for more information on our reunion, to exchange information and to keep up to date with all your old friends and classmates.

Class of 1989 Are you ready for our 20

year reunion this summer?Contact Heather or Bob to help plan and organize the big event. Are you on Facebook? Be sure to join our group “O’Hara Class of ‘89.”Heather Jordan Farr - 816-868-6430 or hlfarr04@yahoo.comBob Lafferty - 816-674-6091 or bob@lagomdesign.com

Class of 198425-year reunion!

Save the date - the Class of 1984 is holding our reunion the weekend of June 6. Check out classreport.org for the latest details. Contacts for the reunion are Judy Drake Mathews 816-554-3325, Kerry Dugan Eckart 816-737-5475 or LTKRK@aol.com and Laura Putthoff Schulte 816-942-7494 or delicateflower617@yahoo.com.

Our 25 year Reunion will be held in the Commons at Archbishop O’Hara High School. If your address has changed, please make sure you contact O’Hara or Judy, Kerry or Laura with an update to make sure you receive reunion mailings.

Friday evening we will gather at the home of Dean Debitetto. Please save June 5th so you can attend this event as well. An official “save the date” postcard and invitations will follow soon. Don’t forget to visit classreunion.org for more information.

The Class of 1982 is turning 45!

The Class of 1982 is planning a birthday party! We are still working on the details. To learn more or let us know that you want to be included in future e-mails for this event, please contact Eileen Fratzke at 816-509-1130 or efratzke@kc.rr.com, Bob Kelly bkelly@paycor.com, or Terry King 816-256-9959 or tking@symons.com. Happy Birthday Class of 1982!

Class of 197930 year reunion

September 26, 2009 Our class reunion Website www.classreport.org (follow the instructions once you are there) will be up

and running soon so please go to this website and post any/all the information you can about yourself and any other classmate contact information you have. We’ll soon be in touch with all of you. 30 year reunion committee: Bernie Furey: 816-820-6248 Brian Lippert: 816-241-4442 (w) or blippert@lippertmechanical.com Wayne Long: 816-304-8155 (w) or wayne.long@na.flintgrp.com Jeanne Orrick Fisher: 913-383-1528 (h) Bob Schieber: 816-560-7570 (c) or robert.schieber@courts.mo.gov Mike White: 816-985-8748 (c) or mwhite@cesco.com Kathy Wiley: kwiley@mediarecovery.com Kay Turgeon: 913-707-4552 or kay@nmsskc.org Kevin Rooney: 913-706-2138 or kproon@gmail.com

Happy BirthdayClass of 1977

In 2009 the Class of 1977 will turn 50 years young. As discussed at the 30th reunion we are going to have a birthday party to celebrate this milestone or maybe it’s just an excuse to get together for another party. The party is planned for June 6th at The Brooksider Bar & Grill, 6330 Brookside Plaza, beginning at 7:00 p.m. We’ve reserved the basement bar area as well as half of the patio for this big event. Spouses, guests and significant others are invited too. Have a brother or sister who went to O’Hara and is already 50 or soon to be 50? Bring ‘em along. It’s a party for everyone!!!! No need to RSVP. It’s simple—we’ve got the party room; we all pay for our own food and drink.

We will also put information about the party on our class blog—yes, it’s still up and running (http://ohs77reunion.blogspot.com).

Whether you made it to the last reunion and had a great time or if you missed it and can’t wait for the next reunion to see everyone, you’ll want to make plans to attend. For questions or comments contact Mary Jo (Post) Sandberg at mjno13@aol.com or Judy (Rhodes) Onderstal at jjagonderstal@fairpoint.net.

Class of 1974 35 year reunion

The Class of 1974 is planning a reunion in late August. If you wouldlike to be a part of the planning or for more information, please contact Ann McDonald Davis (816) 365-5100 or Sharon Bogert Morrison (816) 914-0741 or e-mail lmorrison527@yahoo.com or Debbi Crawford Scott (816) 260-0565

Class of 1969It’s been 40 years!

SAVE THE DATE June 20, 2009

40-Year Reunion of the Class of 1969.

Creekmoor Country ClubRaymore, Missouri7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Details to Follow

Joe Saviano816-333-6603

JOES13@EVERESTKC.NET

If your class is planning a reunion or any type of gathering and you would like to notify

your classmates, please contact Eileen Fratzke at 816-763-4800 ext. 237 or

via e-mail efratzke@oharahs.org

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Class Notes

Contributions to the Class Notes pages come from you, our readers and alumni. We love to share your lives and your accomplishments through Connections. Please send us an update on you and look for it to be published in the Fall 2009 issue of Connections.

Do you still live with your parents?

If you have been out of high school for more than 5 years, chances are that you have also moved out of your parent’s house. Upon graduation, Connections is mailed to the graduate’s parents (one copy per household).

If you no longer live with your parents but did not get a copy of this issue of Connections in your own mailbox, it is because we don’t have your address. Please send your address update to efratzke@oharahs.org to be included in the next mailing sent from O’Hara.

Class of 2008

Emily DeMarea writes, “After a demanding first semester full of hard-work, I decided to audition for one of the T.V shows on campus to gain experience in my major - Broadcasting. I ended up getting on the show (called the Xtra Scoop), where I will now be one of two hosts of a little five-minute segment every week. Xtra Scoop is co-hosted by O’Hara alum, Melissa Morkus. I am also in a TV Practicum class that picks the stories to report on and creates them every week, so I am ready for another challenging semester at Northwest!”

Kevin Oswald writes “A couple weeks ago we went to the Holocaust Museum for SMT (Saturday Morning Training). It was an interesting experience but I knew a lot of the information before going there. Presentation and O’Hara taught this information almost every year starting in the fifth (maybe fourth) grade. Kevin is in the US Naval Academy.

Tony St. Germain is currently attending MU in pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree.

Class of 2007

Emma Vogt writes, “I have been dancing for the Avila Dance Team for 2 years now. We just went to the UDA Nationals in Orlando this past January and took 3rd in Open Division Hip Hop and 6th in Open Division Jazz. I am really excited to start nursing classes next semester!

Class of 2005

Maria Doedtman graduated from Rockhurst University with a BSBA in accounting and political science in December. Maria is planning to attend Oklahoma City University School of Law – Class of 2012. For now you can reach Maria via e-mail at DoedtmanM@Rockhurst.edu.

Class of 2004 Jillian Vogt is getting married in September to Joshua Youngberg.

Class of 2003

Jennifer Buehler graduated from Missouri State University in December of 2007 with a BS degree in Special Education. Jennifer is working full time in a split school position – grades K-5 in Springfield, MO. Jennifer can be reached via e-mail jrbuehler@spsmail.org.

Wendi Williams Fugitt was married to Jon Fugitt on January 10, 2009. Jon and Wendi have a son, Jon, who is 5 months old. Wendi can be reached via e-mail at lilmouse0384@yahoo.com

Class of 2002

Catie Fuenfhausen married Aaron Costello in Grandview, Missouri on May 24, 2008. The Costellos are currently residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Catie is working for Missouri Alliance for Children and Families and pursuing her LCSW.

Brian DeMarea is now in the real estate business with Reece & Nichols. Brian says, “My cell is 816-896-3484 and my email is briandemarea@reeceandnichols.com. I am also available on www.myspace.com/demosells.”

Class of 1999

Bryan DeLeve and his wife, Nicole, celebrated the birth of their first child on February 10, 2008. His name is Brody Glen. Bryan and Nicole are

expecting another child in July of 2009. If you would like to contact Bryan he can be reached at 9632 Wallace, Kansas City, MO 64134 or via e-mail mouthc@hotmail.com or phone 816-763-9518.

Teresa Buehler Geneser is a stay-at-home Mom. Teresa coached O’Hara girl’s swim team for 5 years. She and her husband, Brandon Geneser ’98, have two children and live in Lee’s Summit.

Scott Hugunin writes “I work for GE Energy, live in Kansas City, and have a 6 month old daughter, Nora. I just returned from The Big Island, Hawaii, on vacation. If you would like to reach me, my e-mail address is scotthugun@aol.com.”

Class of 1998

Brandon Geneser is currently a record producer working with a local artist. Brandon built his own record studio. He and his wife, Teresa Buehler ’99, have two children and live in Lee’s Summit.

Class of 1996

Julie Russell Harris and her husband Brian Harris ’93 are expecting their first child in March.

Class of 1995 Ann Herman went to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. for four years. Ann is now a Federal Air Marshall (three years now). She is based in Washington, D.C. and lives in Alexandria, VA. Ann travels all over and loves it.

Class of 1994

Che Parker: “Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Che Parker attended college at Grambling State University in Grambling, LA and later graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, with a Bachelor in Arts degree in Communications Studies. He began his professional writing career as a newspaper reporter for The Call newspaper covering local crime and politics in both Kansas and Missouri. He later moved to Washington,

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Class NotesDC, as a staff writer covering national healthcare issues and Capitol Hill hearings for the American Hospital Association. Che is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Writing at Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and resides in Alexandria, VA with his family where he works in Public Relations and Marketing.” Che can be reached by e-mail at cheparker@hotmail.com.

Class of 1993

Susanna Cisek Dickerson is currently a Communications Manager in the Interactive Department of R.H. Donnelley, a national publisher of print and online yellow pages. “My family and I moved to SC two months ago after spending the past 8 years in Denver, CO.”

Brian Harris and his wife, Julie Russell ’96 Harris are expecting their first baby in March.

Class of 1992

Jennifer Herman Castaneda has been married since 2001 and lives in Shawnee, Kansas with her husband, Al. Al is a dentist and Jennifer works with him as administrator. Jen taught for 3 years and then worked at the federal complex on Bannister for 5 years prior to working as administrator in the dental practice.

Class of 1991

Jennifer Kruse Kauffman and her husband, James, are living in Lake St. Louis, MO. Jennifer writes, “I’m a teacher of students with visual impairments. My husband James and I welcomed our first child, Henry Joseph Kauffman, on February 29th, 2008.” You can reach Jennifer via e-mail at jrkruse3@aol.com. Tim Doolittle is a chef working for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining in Las Vegas. His son Dustin is currently a junior at O’Hara.

Class of 1986

Jeanne Slaughter Grier writes “I’m an associate professor of education at California State

University Channel Islands in Camarillo California. AND I’m a new mom! Our little girl, Sydney, was born in October 2008.” You can reach Jeanne via e-mail at Jeanne.Grier@csuci.edu.

Kenneth Scherer and wife, Mia, are happy to announce an expected arrival of a baby girl around April 22, 2009. Ken and Mia live in Salida, CO where Ken is the CEO of Mountain River Credit Union.

Class of 1985

Karen Egender Cole writes “I have begun a speaking ministry called This Is The Day Ministry. Its focus is to give kids tools to make a difference in the way they choose to live each day. The different programs help kids see themselves through God’s eyes and how not to just exist day to day, but instead, take an active role in the journey God has placed in front of them. It is adaptable to both the Christian and secular population and is quickly becoming a sought after assembly in schools. My website will be up and running soon so keep checking www.thisistheday.org or you can email me at kcamp@thisistheday.org.”

Class of 1984

Mike Cashen is the Business Development Director for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Stacy Sanders Duncan has been married to Steve Duncan for 20 years this July. They have two children: Catherine is a freshman and Connor is a junior. Both attend O’Hara. Stacy is the Senior Campaign Manager for the Team in Training program at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can reach Stacy via e-mail stacy.duncan@lls.org.

Class of 1982

Pete Cashen is VP for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Norman Oswald is a Mechanical Engineer with TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Chris Whalen writes “I have recently moved to Porter, Texas, a small town just north of Houston. I am attending Lone Star College for Engineering Graphics Design, where I am also working as an Engineering Department Technichian/Advisor and as a Manufacturing Instructor. My wife of 18 years, Tammy, is an Air Traffic Controller at the Houston International Airport. My oldest daughter, Jessica(24), is in the Army and just returned from an 18 month deployment in Iraq. My youngest, Megan (11), is in 5th grade and keeping busy with her new friends and spending lots of time with her cousin.” Chris can be reached via e-mail c.whalen@hot.rr.com.

John DeVaul has two children. His daughter, Amanda, graduated last spring from Benedictine College as class Valedictorian. She is now working on her masters in Warrensburg. Her valedictorian speech was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal. John’s son, Michael, is in the Army and is deployed in Iraq.

Class of 1981

Colleen Laughlin Cashen, class of 1981 is the Office manager for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Joe Gerachi graduated from the University of Missouri, Rolla in 1985 with a BSME. He was a Mechanical Engineer for five years in Los Angeles, California (1985 to 1990). In 1991 he married Robyn and they have two boys: Joseph Michael (1994) and James (1996). Joe was employed as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in 1990 and was stationed in Los Angeles, California for 18 years until 2008. Joe and his family returned to the Kansas City area in March 2008 so Joe could finish his career with the DEA and be close to family. Joe and his family currently reside in Leawood, Kansas. His boys attend Blue Valley High and Prairie Star Middle schools. Joe can be reached by calling 913-908-7887 (cell) or 913-825-4100 (office).

Class of 1980

Dan Cashen is VP for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

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Class NotesJeanene Dunn is the parent of John, who will be graduating from Center High School this year. Jeanene is employed as a proofreader at Geoff Howe Marketing Communications. Jeanene can be reached via e-mail msjeasdunn@yahoo.com.

Class of 1979

Kelly Potter Scanlon, President and Publisher of Kansas City Small Business Monthly, has been elected to the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Scanlon has owned KCSBM for twelve years.

Scanlon has served the Kansas City Chapter of NAWBO in various capacities for the past seven years and currently serves as chapter president. In addition to NAWBO, Scanlon serves on the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee, UMKC Bloch School of Business Advisory Board as well as numerous business advisory boards and committees throughout Kansas City. Scanlon was recognized in 2006 as Women’s Business Advocate of the Year for the state of Kansas.

Patricia Anne Weishaar writes “I am in my 18th year at Saint John’s School of Theology*Seminary at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN. I am the Associate Dean of Students for the graduate School of Theology*Seminary. I coordinate student services, registrar processes, and faculty services for the graduate school.” Patty can be reached at Saint John’s University PO Box 7066 Collegeville, MN 56321. 320-363-2606 or PWEISHAAR@csbsju.edu or patriciaweishaar@yahoo.com

Charles Linton writes, “I am single with one daughter (Katharine Marie Linton) who is 27 years old. I have not been back to O’Hara in 30 years!”

“I am a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and retired from the Air Force Reserves in June, 2001 with 21 years of service at the rank of E-6. My military service is the highlight of my career so far! I’m very proud to say that I defended the United States and am definitely proud to be an American. The life experiences are too numerous to list here.”

Charles is a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4962 in Raytown, MO and a Fourth Degree Sir Knight. He is also a volunteer at Catholic Charities in the Turn Around Program working with incarcerated men and women. Charles is currently enrolled at the University of Central Missouri in their Social Work Program and anticipates graduating in August of 2010. He can be reached by e-mail sunnysam1369@yahoo.com

Class of 1978

Joe Cashen is President of TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Mary Rouen Young works for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Class of 1977

Edie Ohrazda Nicholls has 3 children; Kelli, 24, Kevin, 21, and Ethan, 15. Edie works at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City as a Patient Advocate and lives in Overland Park with her children and Golden Retriever, Nick.

Class of 1976

Sr. Michele Marie Hauser, V.H.M. made her perpetual vows on March 12, 2006. She writes, “I am a cloistered nun and I work in the sacristy, prepare liturgy, and do necessary household duties. I treadmill for exercise.” She is located at Visitation Monastery in Mobile, Alabama. Website information for Visitation Monastery is visitationmonasterymobile.org.

Jane Rouen Watters works for TMS, Inc. which is the Cashen family business.

Margie Wickham St. Germain has realized two of her dreams. She was recently promoted to Section Chief with the Environmental Protection Agency, a laboratory manager of chemists. She owns and trains one horse and is expecting a foal in the spring. She hopes to show her horses—sans saddle and bridle. She has been married to Chris St. Germain ’74 for 21 years. Their son, Tony St. Germain ’08 is currently attending MU in pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree.

Class of 1972

Bill Stichnot is a retired Air Force Major as well as a retired Professor. Bill currently resides in Hawaii and spends his free time dipping his toes in the Pacific Ocean. He is a single guy retired in Paradise! Classmates, you may contact Bill via e-mail thestich@juno.com.

Chris Wilborn writes “A short update as the Class of 1970 approaches the big 40 year reunion next year! First and most importantly - about my family: My mother turned 93 last month. In February I will be traveling with her, my wife, and one son to Dallas, TX to visit my mother’s sister who is celebrating her 90th B-day! I have 5 kids and the last one will graduate from college this year. Two of my children are married and I have four grandkids. My photography business survives through this crazy economy by selling many historic photos of KCMO and by shooting new photos including high school and family reunions, commercial, and any other digital photography that the budgets allow. I have opened a Class of 1970 website at Classreport.org. Stop in and add to it.” If you would like to reach Chris he can be contacted at 913-381 8850 (h) or 816- 531 9000 (w) or 816-589 5718 (c).

Class of 1969

Dennis F. Morris writes, “I am living with my daughter, Rachel, in Hermitage, Mo. We actually live 4 miles South of Hermitage and about 1 mile from Pomme de Terre Lake. We enjoy a little simpler life than the city was (Overland Park, Ks). We have a boat and enjoy being on the lake. We live next door to my parents and do things with them quite a bit. Looking forward to 40th year activities if any are planned.”

Dennis also writes, “Spouse: Diane (deceased September, 2002) our anniversary would be November 25. Child : Rachel Yuan-Wen Morris, adopted Aug 5, 1996 dob: 12/31/1996 from The People’s Republic of China.

Dennis can be reached in the following ways:Address: Rte 2, Box 2388 Hermitage, Missouri 65668. Phone: (417) 745-0138 or (913) 544-8807 (c) email: dennisminn@yahoo.com

Dennis is retired from Black & Veatch Engineers.

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Are you E-Connected?E-Connections is a great way to stay in touch with the O’Hara community. If you have an e-mail address and would like to share it, please contact Eileen Fratzke at efratzke@oharahs.org. Once your e-mail address has been added to our database, you will begin to receive e-mails sent directly to you without your address being publicly shared. E-Connections helps you stay connected between Connections mailings.

Class Notes Former Faculty update

Colleen Harris (counselor 80-89) is planning to retire from the Hickman Mills School District at the end of this year.

Cashen Family Update

The Cashen family business was featured in the Tuesday, April 8, 2008 edition of the Kansas City Star as well as The Business Journal. Their business is run by many O’Hara Alumni.

They write, “The Cashen family business is doing well. Our company is TMS, Inc. We are mechanical contractors. We specialize in process piping, production line installation, design engineering, custom steel fabrication, project management, HVAC service and installation, and industrial plant maintenance.” The group of O’Hara alumni involved in this family business include: Joe Cashen, class of 1978, President

Dan Cashen, class of 1980, Vice president

Pete Cashen, class of 1982, Vice president

Colleen Laughlin Cashen, class of 1981, Office manager

Norman Oswald, class of 1982, Mechanical Engineer

Mary Rouen Young, class of 1978

Jane Rouen Watters, class of 1976

Mike Cashen, class of 1984, AFM

Our website is www.tmsmech.com.

In Memoriam 

  

Kathleen Ann Benson ’74 Anderson – January 21, 2008Cathleen Ann Beasley ’73 Brown – February 17, 2008Cindy Lou Johnston ’74 Corley – October 27, 2008Karen Ann Spengler ’70 – January 1, 2009David Andrew Ulett ’89 – March 6, 2009

If you hear of the death of a classmate, please contact O’Hara and let us know. Thank you!

AOHS Alumni Currently Serving in the Military

If you are in the military and attended O’Hara but your name is not on this list, please contact

Brother Douglas Hawkins to be added.

Brother Douglas can be reached via e-mail dhawkins@oharahs.org.

Michael Aldaya ’06John Berg ’00

Joseph Difidi ’91Sean Dunn ’01

Daniel Ernstmann ’05Bien Flores ’06

Michael Gimmarro ’06Donald Guthrie ’04

Joseph W. Holecek ’99James Hurd ’05

David Jeffcoat ’00Alex Johnson ’07

Christopher Liston ’96Michael Montalto ’02Brent Morrison ’06Kevin Oswald ’08John Parker ’93

Anthony Pricer ’99John Roder ’98

Anthony Walker ’08

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Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDKansas City, MOPermit No. 1650

Archbishop O’Hara High School9001 James A. Reed Rd.Kansas City, MO 64138

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