The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School Spring 2013

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School Spring 2013

National Champs! ....................................................................................5Vianney Chess team wins 2nd National Title in three years

17 Strong ...................................................................................................6Volleyball wraps up 17th State Volleyball Title in 25 years with huge win over Westminster in the Class 3 Volleyball Championship

Top 50 ......................................................................................................13Cardinal Newman Society Bestows National Honors on Vianney for Excellence in Academics

ALUMNI PROFILE

Mike Check ............................................................................................14KMOV’s Mike Colombo Building Name, Reputation in Hometown News

Duty, Honor, Country ...........................................................................16Vianney Continues Tradition of Sending Graduates to Service Academies

COVER STORY

All in the Family ....................................................................................18Families of Loved Ones Honor their Legacies with Memorial Scholarships

FACULTY PROFILE

Mr. Charlie Eisele ..................................................................................22Vianney’s Iron Man of 51 Years Closes Out Exemplary Career

Inside

Stay in touch at www.vianney.com

The Black and Gold Magazine is a product of St. John Vianney High School, 1311 South Kirkwood Road, in Kirkwood, Mo.

To submit items for the Black and Gold, contact the editor, Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications, at rstaggenborg@vianney.com or call (314) 965-4853 ext. 270.

PresidentMike Loyet ‘77

PrincipalDr. Tim Dilg

Assistant Principal – AcademicsDennis Matreci

Assistant Principal – Student AffairsScott Brown ‘84

Director of AthleticsTerry Cochran

Director of Finance and FacilitiesWendell DePhillips ‘71

Director of AdvancementPeter Cerone ‘93

Director of AdmissionsTom Mulvihill ‘04

Director of Constituent RelationsMolly Walsh

Director of EventsMark Schuermann ‘03

Editor, Black and Gold Director of CommunicationsRob Staggenborg

DesignLopez Needleman Graphic Design, Inc.

For Vianney updates and other features, follow Vianney online at www.vianney.com or follow us on Twitter @vianneygriffins

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School News

Coach Stevison Honored for ServiceMr. Jerry Stevison who has taught at Vianney for 39 years, was honored by the Vianney Track and Field program at the annual Jim Farrell Invitational Meet at Vianney.

Mr. Stevison retired from Vianney at the end of the school year. During his time at Vianney, he served as a teacher and coach. His teaching career spanned 45 years in all, which included stints at CBC and Priory as well. He returned to Vianney in 1978 and has been here since.

“�e thing that I found very appealing here was the faculty,” he said. “�e lay faculty, like the majority of coaches, all were wonderful people. And the Brothers were just terri�c. I enjoyed coming to school each day and working with them. �ey run a great, disci-plined classroom environment. �e kids were nice, good kids, and the parents were very supportive. �at was what stuck with me.”

Mr. Stevison coached football for 45 years, wrestling about 15 years and track for more than 40 years.

“Football was the sport I always enjoyed coaching. Track was excellent too, but football was a di�erent type of sport. But both were enjoyable.”

In 2004, Stevison was inducted into the Missouri Football Hall of Fame. He plans on taking time to travel with his wife during his retirement. �ey’ve visited all 50 states and many of the Canadian provinces.

“We are going to travel some more,” he said. “We are going to drive and stop in a number of places. I’m looking forward to it very much.”

Ryan Murphy named to the 2013 Missouri 100 Scholars

Senior Ryan Murphy was selected for the 2013 Missouri Scholars 100, a statewide program that honors 100 of Missouri’s top academic students in the graduating class of 2013.

Students were recognized at a luncheon in Columbia, Missouri, in April.

Schools across Missouri nominated candidates for this statewide recognition. �e selection was based on a number of factors, including grade point average, standardized test scores, school involvement, citizenship, and perfor-mance in academically rigorous courses.

Jim L. King, Executive Director of the Missouri Associate of Secondary School Principals, which sponsored the awardprogram, described the honor: “Students

who were selected for this program have taken a rigorous course of study and have maintained the highest academic standards. �e Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals celebrates the achieve-ment and success of these students and their schools.”

Matt Brown Wins Rising Star AwardCongratulations go out to senior Matt Brown who was named the winner of the 2013 Rising Star Award presented by the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall-of-Fame.

Brown was presented the award on April 18 at the Hall-of-Fame Banquet held at the Westport Sheraton Chalet Hotel.

Brown was announced as one of the �nalists for the award in December. He was named as the winner over a select group of players from the St. Louis Metro Area.

Matt set career marks at Vianney as one of the most proli�c hitters in school history in total bases, home runs and several other key o�ensive categories.

Vianney Shows Support for Kenyan School�rough their charitable generosity and dedication to service Vianney students just �nished a project sup-porting the Marianist Missions in Africa. �e Golden Gri�ns will send $2,547 to Our Lady of Nazareth, which will ensure that 20 Kenyan students receive food and an education next year. Special thanks to Gri�n LIFE and Mr. Matt Dailey for spearheading this project.

Jerry Stevison acknowldges the crowd at the Jim Farrell track meet in May. Stevison is retiring from Vianney after 39 years of service.

Ryan Murphy

Jack Lyons Receives Distinguished Achievement for Excellence in Science AwardJunior Jack Lyons has received the Distinguished Achievement for Excellence in Science Award from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

�is award recognizes the most outstanding junior level science students enrolled in the St. Louis metro area.

Jack is ranked at the top of his class and has completed �ve science courses at St. John Vianney High School. Jack plans to take two more science courses his senior year and study Mechanical Engineering in college. Jack Lyons

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Vianney’s Chess Team won its second National Chess Championship in the K-12 Division in the Super-National Chess Tournament in Nashville, TN in April. �e title was Vianney’s second in three years, having won the 2011 Chess Championship as well.

Vianney was led by a team of Tim Ellebracht with 6 wins and 1 draw, Alex Moellering who went 5 wins, no losses and two draws. Jack Lyons with two wins, a draw and a loss, and Andrew Krekeler and Jordan Hoover posted four points each. �e Varsity Chess Team was led by coaches Ed Baur and David Petersen.

Baur taught and coached the chess team at Vianney from 1991 through 2007. He has continued his involvement with Vianney’s chess team a�er retirement. He’s been a member of the Missouri Chess Association’s Board of Directors for 14 years, and served as president for six of those. He is the author of an instructional chess book, “Gri�n Chess,” and he also taught at the St. Louis Community College. Chess, put simply, is in Baur’s blood.

Vianney ended up winning by just one point. �e second place through the fourth place teams ended up in a tie. Crossroads School from St. Louis was one of the schools that tied for second place.

“It was a matter of making the right moves at the right time,” said David Peterson. “We’re de�nitely excited that the stars aligned and luck was with us and all the work paid o�.”

Two years ago when Vianney won, the tables were turned, Mr. Baur explained in an article in the St. Louis Review about the championship. “We had a wonderful �rst round. We were leading the whole tournament and almost drove o� the cli� the last round. �is time was just the opposite. I was uneasy about it. At the end of the sixth round, we pulled a half point ahead. �en we had a good last round and ended up winning by a full point, which is very unusual.”

�e varsity team was made up of seniors Tim Ellebracht, Jordan Hoover, Nicky Hart, Al Faust, Tim Booth and Christian Duvall. Juniors on the team were Alex Moellering, Jack Lyons, Nikita �ompson, Trevor Vogan and Aaron Reynolds.

�e school’s JV team also had a great showing with a 7th place �nish in a very competitive division. Matt Kleine, Dan Owensby, Nathan Mittenzwey, and Nick Kreitner headed their e�ort.

Vianney Chess Team Wins National ChampionshipTitle is school’s 2nd Chess Title in 3 Years

Vianney’s Varsity Chess team with the National Trophy.

The chess team was honored at an all-school assembly.

The chess team in action.

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AP Biology Students Welcome Noted Expert and AuthorA selected group of juniors and seniors in the AP Biology class had a chance to meet Professor Jerry Cox, a noted expert, entrepre-neur and author in the area of biomechanical

research and a retired professor with Washington University in St. Louis.

Professor Cox is considered one of the foremost authorities in the world regarding the �eld of biomechanical research, Bill Alexander, biology teacher, noted. He is highly published and holds several patents on biomechanical

and bionic apparatus. He holds threedegrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Professor Cox is a giant in the �eld of biomedical research and is amazingly humble about the contributions he has made to the world,” Alexander said.

According to his o�cial Washington University biography, Professor Cox has been at Washington University since 1955. In the 1960s, he founded the Biomedical Computing Laboratory, which pioneered the application of computers to applications in medicine. In the 1970s, he became the founding chairman of the Department of Computer Science, and guided the department’s development and growth for more than 15 years, the biography notes.

Professor Cox is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) as well as the American College of Medical Informatics (AMIA). He is also a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, NAS, and ACM. Washington University has awarded him with multiple honors, including the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Eliot Society Search Award. �e theme of Professor Cox’s research has been applica-tions of advanced technology to practical biomedical problems.

Brother Wally Celebrates 70 Years as a Marianist Congratulations to Vianney’s own Brother Walter Ebbesmeyer, who is celebrating 70 years of professed life. Brother Wally was honored at a special Jubilee Mass by the Society of Mary on April 27, 2013 at Our Lady of the Pillar Church.

Brother Wally, as he’s known around Vianney, taught students from 1945 through 1988 at the grade school, high school and university levels in St. Louis, Texas, Milwaukee and Illinois.

He was featured as one of the Marianists’ special Jubilarians in the electronic commu-nication, Family Online, a national publication.

Earlier this year, Brother Wally was invited to speak to the student body during a special assembly.

“A long time ago, I saw a movie that I liked very much. It was called Stand and Deliver. I like that title very much because I think all of my life, that has been my motto. I have always felt that when you see that there is something to be done, then do it! Don’t put it o� until tomorrow. Do it today,” he said.

“It makes me proud to be here at Vianney because this school re�ects so well what it means to be a Marianist school,” he added.

Old Towne Fenton Honors 2 SeniorsVianney Seniors Nicholas Allen and Patrick Noble were recently honored by the Old Towne Fenton Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). �e Olde Towne Fenton DAR honored �ve high school seniors in all at its April 6 Scholarship and Awards Presentation.

Allen was presented with a Good Citizens Award, and Noble was honored with the Olde Towne Fenton Chapter, Missouri State Society DAR Scholarship Entrant award.

Each year the Daughters of the American Revolu-tion sponsor a Good

Professor Jerry Cox meets with students.

Brother Walter Ebbesmeyer, SM

Nicholas Allen

Vianney Volleyball Captures Record 17th State TitleCongratulations to St. John Vianney’s Gri�n volleyball team, which captured its record 17th Missouri State Class 3 Volleyball Championship in St. Louis, MO in May.

Vianney has set the standard for boys’ volleyball in St. Louis and across Missouri by winning 17 state titles in just 25 years of �elding a boys’ volleyball team. Coach Je� Gabbert led the Gri�ns to a 26-7-1 record and a win over Westminster Christian Academy of Town and Country, Mo. in the �nals.

�e �rst game of the �nal was a nip-and-tuck a�air, with WCA and Vianney trading points. Vianney would end up winning the �rst game in the best-of-three set 27-25. In the second game, the Gri�ns controlled the tempo and using an 8-3 run early in the match, took the second game by a score of 25-20.

Vianney closed its season by winning 12 games in a row.

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Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, intended to encourage and reward the quali-ties of good citizenship.

Each Good Citizens Award recipient was presented with a certi�cate, a pin, a wallet card, an Amazon gi� card, and a monetary contribution to help defray college expenses. Nicholas Allen was also presented with a $300 Chapter scholar-ship and the opportunity to compete for additional recognition at the state level.

Principal Pens Article for National Catholic MagazineVianney Principal Dr. Tim Dilg’s article on school leadership was recently published in

the National Catholic Education Association’s Momentum magazine. You can access a PDF of the article in the News section of the Vianney website — vianney.com — for April.

�e article, entitled “Leading for Excellence” focuses on traits Catholic school leaders need to embrace to build excellent communities. “To create an excellent Catholic school, the leaders must be excellent themselves. �ey must not only believe in, but manifest in their actions, a pas-sion for the school’s mission, its vision and its values,” Dr. Dilg wrote.

Dr. Dilg has been Vianney’s principal for two years. In 2009, he received a doctorate of education with an emphasis in educational leadership from St. Louis University.

School excellence, he wrote, “requires a commitment to a strong Catholic mission to educate students for spiritual, academic and personal excellence. It also requires hiring exceptional sta� with high standards and immersing the school community with daily examples of excellence. �en, the overwhelm-ing pride from being part of something great comes. Your heart will pound with excitement when you realize that your school community is working to the beat of one heart and one mission to lead your school to excellence.”

Patrick Noble

Dr. Tim Dilg

Vianney’s New Director of CommunicationsVianney recently welcomed Mr. Rob Staggenborg, APR as the new Director of Communications in Apri1 2013.

“Rob comes to Vianney with a wealth of PR and communications experience,” said Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement at Vianney. Rob has served as a PR practitioner, media producer, business journalist, non-pro�t development and communications consultant, and most recently the Director of Communications for CBC High School, a position he helped create nearly 15 years ago.

“I am quite excited to join a truly professional learning community like Vianney. From my view, this school has so many tremendous things going. �ese include being nationally recognized for academics; sending kids to the service academies and having nearly 100 percent of their seniors go on to college. �at is impressive and not a record many schools in St. Louis can stand behind. I’ve enjoyed working with the local media to communicate all of the great things happening at St. John Vianney High School. I’m especially grateful to the number of students, families, alumni, faculty and sta� members and the Marianist community for making my transition here so smooth.”

Rob’s professional background is in journalism, public relations, media relations, photojournal-ism, design and social media. He spent the �rst portion of his professional career as a business journalist and news reporter for the European Stars and Stripes, the Suburban Journals, and the St. Louis Business Journal. Additionally, Rob is a native St. Louisan who is professionally accredited (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He has served on numerous non-pro�t boards, including PRSA-St. Louis and the Community Services Public Relations Council. He served as well as a task force member on the national PRSA Accreditation marketing committee, and most recently as an Assembly Delegate for the International PRSA Conference.

Mr. Rob Staggenborg

2013 Night of the Gri�n Auction RecapMore than $296,000 was raised at the annual event.

�e toasts were well-deserved following a hugely successful Night of the Gri�n Auction in February.

More than $296,000 was raised at the annual fund-raising event. One of the most signi�cant turns of the evening came during the Fund-a-Need portion. Vianney donors stepped up in a huge way, raising $112,000 for student scholarships. �at set a school record for the Fund-a-Need, said Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement.

A special thanks goes to Auction Chairs Debbie McGuire and Kim Tackes for their wonderful work in organizing this year’s event.

During the oral auction portion of the event, a trip to Chicago netted $13,000 as the top bid. �e trip, donated by Doug Zinser ’92 and his wife, Andrea, was no ordinary Chicago trip, however. �e winning bidder got a private jet for 8 to the Windy City to see the Cardinals take on the rival Cubs. Once the jet touched ground, the package included a limo from the Pal-Waukee Airport near Chicago to the Hyatt downtown for a two-night stay and tickets to the game, said Mark Schuermann ’03, Director of Events.

Vianney is already making plans for next year’s Night of the Gri�n Auction on February 15, 2014. If you would like to volunteer to help plan the event, or if you would like to donate an item, contact mschuermann@vianney.com or call him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.

Vianney President Mike Loyet

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Paul Day Named Vianney’s Football CoachVianney is proud to announce that Paul Day is the new Head Football Coach of the Golden Gri�ns.

Day has 20 years of head coaching experience and has spent the last 15 years as the Head Coach of Fort Zumwalt West. During his tenure at Fort Zumwalt West, Day has won:• Seven Conference Championships (2001/2

002/2005/2006/2007/2008/2011)• Six District Championships

(2001/2002/2003/2007/2010/2011)• Been to the State Quarter�nals 4 times

(2007/2008/2010/2011)• Was a State Semi�nalist in 2010• In addition he has been named:•St.LouisCoachesAssociation-CoachoftheYear(2010)•St.LouisNationalFootballFoundationCoachoftheYear/ProgramoftheYear(2010)•ConferenceCoachofYear(2006,2007,2008,2011)•DistrictCoachofYear(2007,2008,2010,2011)He’s helped 51 student-athletes qualify for college scholarships and helped produce 328

Academic All-Conference Players.“Our vision and mission are winning conference championships and advancing to the

postseason on a regular basis and we feel like Paul Day brings the experience and skills to help us achieve our goals. When you look at the success that Paul has enjoyed and you pair that with his qualities as a man, we feel like he is the perfect �t to be our head football coach,” said Terry Cochran, Director of Athletics.

“Coach Day is dedicated to the success of our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the football �eld,” added Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal. “It became very clear to me early in the interview process that Paul was a great leader of men. Our student-athletes deserve the opportunity to work with a leader of his quality. Paul will enrich their lives and establish a culture of success on the �eld.”

Day joined Fort Zumwalt West in 1998 a�er spending �ve years as head coach of Owensville High School where he won:• Two Conference Championships (1994, 1997)• Two District Championships (1994, 1997)

Day has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for 25 years and is a man of strong Catholic faith. �ey have three children: Jessica, Joe and Tanner. Day has a masters in administration from Lindenwood University and a bachelors of science in physical education.

Coach Paul Day

Marianist Awards Celebrate Characteristics of Marianist EducationStudents and faculty were recognized at the annual Marianist Awards assembly for their accomplishments, dedication, attitude and above all, how they live the Characteristics of a Marianist Education.

As Dr. Tim Dilg remarked, it also doubled as the “Swim Banquet,” with seven of the ten students receiving the prestigious Marianist Award being members of the swim team. Regardless of the activities they were involved in, however, each student honored made a distinct impression on the Vianney community as a whole, he said.

Two faculty members took home the award as well: Janet Cochran in the Business O�ce for her role in working with families, contributing service and proudly sending four sons through Vianney (number �ve starts next year); Pat Wheadon was also honored for his work in the religion department, furthering the mission of our school in the community and being a shining example of a faith-�lled adult life.

Many other awards were handed out dur-ing the assembly, including the Order of the Gri�n. �is is the second highest Marianist honor bestowed to students, and the highest a freshman can receive. Twenty-six students took home this award, including seven fresh-men. Also recognized were faculty members reaching milestones of service to the school.

One of the major highlights were standing ovations given to three of our longest-serving members of the faculty: Colleen Judge and Jerry Stevison, both having worked tirelessly for more than 35 years, and Judy O’Connell, who has dedicated 40 years to Vianney.

President Mike Loyet was also presented with a Marianist Award for his work in lead-ing the school and placing an emphasis on the Characteristics of Marianist Education in all aspects of Vianney.

Marianist Award Winners: (Students)Seniors: Chris Roseman, Kevin Ogle, Sam Reynolds, Brendan KellerJuniors: Jack Lyons, Matt Rath, Ben Dombrowski, Kyle Williams, Zach RosemanSophomore: Dominic Bi�gnani

Marianist Award Winners: (Faculty and Sta�)Janet Cochran, Pat Wheadon

Junior Matt Mueller Wins State Golf TitleCongratulations to Vianney Junior Matt Mueller who is a Co-State Golf Champion in Class 4. �e state tournament was played at very windy Rivercut Golf Course in Spring�eld.

Matt posted scores of 72 in the �rst round and a 74 in the second round for a total score of 146. Matt tied with Rockhurst High School’s Patrick Byrne for tops in the state. Byrne also �nished with a 146.

�is is a huge honor for Matt and the golf program at Vianney. Congratulations on a GREAT tournament and being a State Champion.

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Valedictorian - Drake Cantu - Grade Point Average of 4.339

Salutatorian - Christopher Roseman - Grade Point Average of 4.286

Gri�n of the Year - Sam Reynolds

�e Black Circle Award is the one of highest awards a student can earn for participation in school activities. It is awarded to those seniors who have accumulated 400 activity points by the end of their senior year. �ese awards went to: Allen Bitzer, Alan Foley, Jr., Alec Schro�, Nick Hart, Jim Brady, Daren Hembrador, Connor Peth, Chris Roseman.

Gold Circle Awards are given for participation in the program of activities. �ese are awarded to those seniors who acquire a minimum of 300 activity points by the end of their junior year. �is is the highest award that a person can receive from Vianney. �e following seniors earned awards: Michael Allen, Nick Allen, Matt Brown, Drake Cantu, Matt Dreyer, Brendan Keller, Shane Knox, Kevin Ogle, Sam Oldani, Bryan O’Leary, Connor O’Leary, Sam Reynolds, Joe Somogye, Michael Witwer, and Brad Woodson.

Vianney Service Awards: �e Campus Min-istry Program has created a series of awards to recognize students who perform Christian Service above and beyond the expected mini-mums of the program. �e young men who received Vianney Service Awards, named in honor of Blessed Father Chaminade and

the Marianist Martyrs. �ey all performed a minimum of 150 hours of Christian Service while they were students here at Vianney. �ey are: Ray Ablan, Nick Allen, Robert Bradley, Tim Ellebracht, Jake Hayden, Brendan Keller, Connor O’Leary and Brad Woodson.

Special Award for Community Service: Mercy Health Center, the Mercy Blood Donor Program and our Campus Ministry wish to recognize Nick Allen and Kyle Barnes for their outstanding commitment to and service during blood donor drives here this year.

Principal’s Leadership Award is presented through the National Association of Secondary School Principals. �is goes to an individual who displays leadership traits as well as aca-demic excellence throughout his high school years. �is year’s award went to Joe Somogye.

St. Mary’s University Scholarship Presenta-tions: Representatives from St. Mary’s Uni-versity in San Antonio came to Vianney to present scholarships to two of our graduating seniors — Tim Ellebracht and Joe Somogye.

Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award: Brendan Keller was previously honored at an all-city ceremony.

Bro. Joseph Lanfer Award: Awarded annually by the Vianney coaching sta�, this year’s award went to Matt Dreyer.

US Army Scholar Athlete: �e United States Army Reserve Scholar-Athlete award is presented annually to a graduating senior who has consistently demonstrated the very highest of academic achievement in his course work and has exhibited exceptional athletic talent and contribution to his team. �is year’s recipient was Brad Woodson.

George Washington Carver Award for the top 10% of the class is given by the State Department of Education. �ese are the top 14 students in the senior class this year. �ey are: Drake Cantu, Chris Roseman, Nick Al-len, Brendan Keller, Branson Kellen, Kevin Ogle, Matt Dreyer, Ryan Murphy, Vince Riggio, Connor O’Leary, Alec Schro�, Mi-

chael Witwer, Austin Hanse, Patrick Noble and Connor Peth.

Archbishop John May Service Award: �e Archdiocese of St. Louis has instituted the Archbishop John May Service Award. �is award is presented to the student chosen by the school who has extraordinary achieve-ment in service. �is award is presented in a separate city-wide awards ceremony. Sam Reynolds was Vianney’s recipient.

�e Archdiocesan Commission on Human Rights honors students who perform an outstanding amount of community service with an award named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January each year around the time of Dr. King’s birthday. �is year’s recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award was Brendan Keller.

Perfect Attendance: �is award literally took four years to earn. It is the type of recognition which we as a school take special delight in giving. It is not given every year. According to the school records, Shane Knox has not missed a single day or been tardy to school in four years.

Chris J. Fiala Memorial Award for the stu-dent who showed great academic improve-ment, service and school spirit this year was awarded to Matt Brown.

Faculty Honors: Vianney recognized several faculty and sta� members who are retiring this year and thanked them for their many years of dedicated service to St. John Vianney. �ey are: Mr. Jerry Stevison (39 years); Ms. Judy O’Connell (40 years); Mr. Charlie Eisele (51 years).

2013 Honors Convocation Awards

Dr. Tim Dilg and Griffin of the Year, Sam Reynolds

Judy O’Connell

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Vianney Alums Make 2013 Career Day a SuccessVianney hosted a Career Day with opportunities for students to learn more about the career paths of their teachers, participate in a Catholic College Fair, and hear special presentations from local career, college, and religious vocation advisors. �e highlight of the event was in the a�ernoon when Gri�n alumni, along with other Vianney family, came back home to share their stories with current students. Speakers from the 2013 Career Day included:

Alumni News

• Pharmacist - David Rau ‘82• Landscapers - John Van der Pluym ‘08 and Billy Feicht ‘06• Production Coordinator - Sean Book ‘08• Newspaper Reporter - Joe Holleman ‘76• Electrical Engineer/Geospatial Engineering - Keith Short ‘90• Recreational �erapist - Mike Mantia ‘92• Sport’s Trainer - Ted Yemm ‘93• Chemical Engineer - Mike Johnson ‘01• Private Banker - David Ringwald ‘86• Certi�ed Fitness Nutrition Specialist - Dan Nobel ‘69• Graphic Arts Manager - Tim McVey ‘76• Police Detective - Jim Whyte• Physical �erapy - Greg Nicholas ‘93• Artist - Dan Belcher ‘86• Special Agent - Dan Allgeyer ‘03• Physician - Dr Jim Cahalin ‘77• Attorney - Tom Lang ‘64• President of St.Mary’s High School - Fr. Mitch Doyen ‘79

• President-Ronald McDonald House - Dan Harbaugh ‘78• Private Banker - Bill Deckelman ‘89• Musician - Je� Nations ‘03• Fire�ghter/Paramedic - Kevin Smith ‘91• Assistant Airport Director - Gerald Beckmann ‘83• Network Engineer - Doug O’Donnell ‘07• Health Systems Administrator/Pilot - Harry Schmidt ‘83• Sport’s Reporting/ Broadcasting - Mike Colombo ‘04• Attorney - Chris Geldmacher ‘91• Mechanical Engineer - Steve Wendl ‘86• Radio Broadcaster - Mark Klose ‘71• Director of Sales - Rick Davis ‘79• Fire�ghter - Kevin Reis ‘82• Radio Producer/Sports Reporter - Willie Springer ‘04• Veterinarian - Dr. Mark Lux ‘75• Aerospace Engineer - Joe Wolf ‘79• Restaurant Owner - John Armengol ‘88• Public Accountant - Tim Crawford ‘01

Orlando City, a pro soccer club in Florida, announced it had re-signed defender Erik Ustruck, a 2003 Vianney graduate.

Ustruck continues to solidify Orlando’s defense heading into the 2013 season.

“We’re delighted that we brought Erik (Ustruck) back to the club,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.

Orlando City shored up its backline by bringing back a familiar face in Ustruck. Ustruck played his college soccer at Santa Clara University, making seven appear-ances for the Under-20 National Team during his time in school. He then began his professional career a�er being dra�ed by the Houston Dynamo in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Dra� . �e defender was eventually loaned to the Austin Aztex, connecting with

the team and Head Coach Adrian Heath before signing with F.C. Tampa Bay in the 2010 o�season. A�er a short tenure with F.C.T.B., he rejoined Heath in Orlando, becoming a regular on the 2011 and 2012 USL PRO Champion-ship squads. Last season, Ustruck appeared in 17 matches for the Lions, logging seven assists in 907 minutes played.

�e USL Professional Division, commonly known as USL Pro, is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States that began its inaugural season in 2011. USL Pro is sanctioned as a Division III Professional League by United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer), placing it under Major League Soccer (Division I) and the North American Soccer League (Division II) in the hierarchy.

Vianney Soccer Alum Erik Ustruck ‘03 signs with Orlando City

Erik Ustruck ‘03 (left) works against a Sporting Kansas City defender.

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Tom Dapron’s family is praying for his daughter, Abby, who has been on a Mission trip that will

take her to Honduras, �ailand and South Africa. Please keep Tom’s daughter in your prayers.

Bob Hanneken won the amateur division of the 54th Publinx Golf Tournament Open at Forest

Park with a four-under-par 66. According to an article on stltoday.com, Hanneken did not pick up golf until around age 30. “I played a lot of soccer (at Vianney and the University of Missouri-Rolla) when I was younger,’’ he explained. “I picked up golf because that’s what most of the guys at work were doing, and really ended up enjoying it.’’

Congratulations to Anthony Bayers and his wife Stephanie Becnel Bayers, who are pleased

to announce the birth of their �rst child, Sophia René Bayers, born March 23, 2013 in New Orleans, LA. Sophia weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz., and was 20 ¼ inches long.

Congratulations to Pete Cerone and his wife, Jennifer, who are the proud parents of a baby boy,

Crosby, born March 18, 2013. Crosby weighed in at 5 lbs, 8 oz, and was 19 inches long.

�e University of Missouri announced that former Michigan assistant coach and Vianney graduate, Shannon Welker, has accepted the position of Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach at Mizzou. Welker is the third head coach in Mizzou gymnastics history, and brings a wealth of experience to Columbia a�er spending �ve years as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan and nine years as the head coach and program director at the St. Louis Gymnastic Center. Welker has coached �ve gymnasts to 12 All-American honors while at Michigan including the 2013 NCAA National Floor Champion, Joanna Sampson. He also produced three NCAA Regional Championship �oor title winners and back-to-back NCAA Regional Champions on vault. Four of his gymnasts won event titles at the Big Ten Championships, and Welker assisted the Wolverines to three NCAA National Championships.

Steve Czarnecki, the Executive Director of USA Racquetball, was thrilled to come back

to his hometown to watch championship events at the Missouri Athletic Club and at Vetta Sports-Concord, to watch the 26th National High school racquetball Championships in late February. Czarnecki penned an article for USA Racquetball Magazine about his experience. “Being at the Championship brought back great memories, including my �rst exposure to USAR back in 1992.”

�e Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce honored its 2012 Chamber Award Winners,

including the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award winner Brian Kohlberg. Brian is a past President of the Vianney Alumni Association and has chaired alumni events such as homecoming gatherings, Alumni Golf Tournaments, Trivia Nights and Vianney’s Spring Picnic. Brian is Co-Founder and Director of Sales and Marketing for Manufacturers’ Inventory.

Bradley Peters recently married Jennifer Harp on March 9, 2013 in New Town in Saint Charles.

Bradley currently works for the State of Missouri’s Department of Mental Health as a case manager. �e wedding party included Dan Flynn ’04 as the best man, Shawn Peters ’01 as a groomsman, and Matt Slama ’04 who was an usher.

Ryan Kle�ner recently gradu-ated with two degrees from Southeast Missouri State

University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Computer Science with an emphasis in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Mathematics. Ryan started working at Edward Jones in its Information Systems division as a programmer analyst four years ago and is now nearing Senior Programmer Analyst status.

Capt. Andrew Hendel is currently stationed at Moody Air Force Base, GA, where he is assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron. Andrew is a Combat Rescue O�cer, having been deployed to Kuwait. Andrew’s wife, Chelsea, is also on active duty and is stationed at Moody AFB.

First Lt. Alex Hendel is currently deployed with his Army unit from Fort Stewart,

GA to Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan. Alex is both an infantry o�cer and an Army Ranger and will be deployed until December 2013. Alex’s wife, Beverly, is also on active duty and is stationed at Fort Stewart as well.

GRIFFIN GROOMSMENWhen 2006 grad Joe Muenster got married in March, his wedding took on a Vianney �air. Five of his groomsmen were Vianney grads.

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James Gladstone has joined Vianney as Media and Literacy Coordinator and as a Freshman

Leadership teacher. James will be working in the Media Center developing curriculum for digital literacy and digital citizenship. In this position, James will develop lessons to help our students e�ectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies. He will help students explore a wide variety of topics, including how people �nd, use, summarize, evaluate, create, and communicate information while using digital technologies.

John Hogan was featured in a news story on Fox 2 in St. Louis about post-concussion symptoms. John played collegiate baseball for Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. His promising collegiate career was cut short a�er a collision during a game. �e news story focused on John’s long road to recovery from the concussion and his hope of keeping his baseball dreams alive.

Tyler Parks was named to the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) roster for the NAHL

Top Prospects Tournament, which was held in February in Troy, MI. Tyler played goaltender for the Minot (ND) Minotauros. He committed to play NCAA D-1 Hockey for the St. Lawrence Saints, becoming the �rst player from the Minotauros to commit to a Division 1 program.

John Schenk was featured in the April 8-14, 2013 edition of the St. Louis Review for his

work in starting Teens 2 Teens. �e group, which he founded, is a faith-based, peer-to-peer mentoring ministry that serves teens facing hardships. To date, more than 16 local Catholic high schools in St. Louis have signed on to participate in the ministry. �e work, according to the Review article, is guided by an adult-based board of directors with backgrounds in accounting, law, mental health care, education, clergy, youth ministry and a teen board.

COLLEGE ATHLETIC SIGNINGS: Vianney baseball seniors Alex Ho�man, Jim

Brady and Ryan Wood, signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate baseball. Alex will be attending Truman State University and Ryan will be attending University of Indianapolis. Jim will be attending Lindenwood University. Vianney baseball’s Jack Klages earlier signed an NLI to play at Mizzou, and Matt Brown previously signed an NLI to play at Arkansas. Brad Woodson and Sean O’Brien of Vianney’s Final Four Basketball team, signed NLIs to play at the University of Central Missouri. Alex Burton, a Vianney football player, signed an NLI to play at St. Ambrose University.

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SOCIAL MEDIAIf you want to stay connected to Vianney with regular updates on news, events and other great online features, be sure to follow us on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook, join us on LinkedIn, watch us on YouTube and catch us online.

Twitter Follow us @Vianneygri�ns - our Main school accountFollow us @Gri�nsAD - our Vianney Athletics accountFollow us @Vianney_CM - our Campus Ministry accountFollow us @VianneyGuidance - our Guidance Department feedFollow us @dgsoccer4 - Vianney Soccer accountFollow us @VHSHockey - Vianney Hockey accountFollow us @Vianneybaseball - our o�cial Vianney baseball accountFollow us @VhighVolleyball - our o�cial Vianney Volleyball accountFollow us @VianneyFootball - Vianney Football accountFollow Coach Kevin Walsh @coachkwalsh Follow Principal Dr. Tim Dilg @tdilg

FacebookFacebook.com/vianneygri�ns

LinkedinSearch for St. John Vianney High School in the companies tab

YouTubeVianney’s Channel is youtube.com/VianneySTL

Alumni Association Hosts Local Brewmaster�e Vianney Alumni Association hosted a special night with a local brewmaster for more than 50 people in mid-May.

�e event was coordinated by Je� Welker ’87, Retail Sales Director for AB-InBev and a third generation employee of the brewery. Welker brought Mike Amad, a certi�ed brewmaster who had been with AB-InBev for more than 30 years. Amad, pictured, led the discussion, which centered around the brewing process, the science of beer glasses, ingredients and variations used to make speci�c types of beer. Welker talked about various brands of beer AB-InBev has recently brought to market.

Earlier this year, the Alumni Association sponsored an evening with Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin as part of its ongoing speakers series. Look for details on the next event on Facebook, Twitter and the Vianney E-Gri�n.

Mike Amad, a brewmaster with 31 years of experience, leads the dicussion.

SPRING 2013

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�e 2012-2013 school year has been a year of “tops,” to say the least.

Vianney’s Chess Team was “tops” in the nation, winning a national championship. Senior Ryan Murphy was named one of the top 100 Missouri Scholars. �e Class of 2013’s “top” student, valedictorian Drake Cantu, earned an appointment to West Point. Our golfer, junior Matt Mueller, was “tops” in the state tournament, becoming co-State Champion. Soccer, football, swimming, baseball, racquetball, volleyball, track , wrestling, and basketball all vied for “top” rankings in their respective sports.

But one of the more signi�cant “top” stories came in September, when the Cardinal Newman Society named St. John Vianney to its Catholic High School Honor Roll. �is honor is signi�cant in that it recognized Vianney as one of the Top 50 schools in the nation for academics.

“It’s no secret that we as a school have been working for many years to always improve our academic pro�le, so to achieve this award helps validate the great work our teachers and students have been doing in that regard,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s Principal. As principal of Spring�eld (Mo.) Catholic High School, Dr. Dilg helped this school earn honorable mention recognition in 2008 for Academics and then as a Top 50 school in 2010.

According to the Cardinal Newman Society, there are 1,205 Catholic high schools in the U.S. �e Catholic High School Honor Roll program looks at three areas of the school: academics, civic education and Catholic identity. Schools named to the top 50 Catholic High School Honor Roll are recognized for their overall excellence in all three categories. Other schools, like Vianney, receive special recognition in a particular category by placing in the top 50 in that individual classi�cation — in this case, for academics.

Vianney is the only Catholic boys’ school in the St. Louis area to be recognized in this competition. One other school from Missouri made the list — Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. Like Vianney, Rosati-Kain received special recognition.

“�is is a signi�cant honor for Vianney, and we are grateful to our faculty and sta�,

and to our parents, alumni and other donors,” Dr. Dilg said. “�ey have all made possible Vianney’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.”

�e Top 50 Catholic Schools Honor Roll was created by the Cardinal Newman Society in 2004 as a way to help parents evaluate the quality of Catholic high schools. It also serves to inspire these schools to pursue ever-higher levels of excellence through constructive competition, Dr. Dilg added.

“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of �e Cardinal Newman Society. “�e Honor Roll schools are a reminder that Catholic education is

getting better every day — not only academi-cally, but in the renewal of Catholic identity — and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year.”

�is year seven Catholic schools around the nation were recognized for excellence in Catholic identity. In addition, six schools, including Vianney, were recognized for academics; �ve schools were recognized for civic education programs, and �ve additional schools were recognized for excellence in two of the three categories.

“From the point of view of the Cardinal Newman Society, we want to recognize outstanding Catholic high schools through the Honor Roll program,” said Bob Laird of the Cardinal Newman Society. “In 2012, we recognized 72 of them — 50 of those schools received the Top 50 honor and 22 of them received recognition for excellence in one or more of the three categories (academic excel-lence, civics education and Catholic identity.”

�e Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) was founded by Catholic college alumni to promote and defend faithful Catholic education, following upon Pope John Paul II’s 1990 release of the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic higher education, Ex corde Ecclesiae.

Founded in 1993, the mission of �e Cardinal Newman Society is to promote and defend faithful Catholic education. �e Society seeks to ful�ll its mission in numerous ways, including supporting education that is faithful to the teaching and tradition of the Catholic Church; producing and disseminating research and publications on developments and best practices in Catholic education; and keeping Catholic leaders and families informed.

Vianney Makes the National Honor Roll for Academics

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rom self-described class clown to being one of the most promising, young TV news reporters in our town, Mike Colombo has come a long way. A very long way.

Colombo came to Vianney as a precocious kid from Dogtown’s St. James the Greater parish. He loved to joke, but one day the jokes went too far. He and some classmates found themselves before a disciplinary board �ghting to stay in school. His fate as a Gri�n came down to convincing the group why Vianney should give him a second chance. Colombo did so, and a year later he went from being on the verge of expulsion to Student Council President.

“My freshman and sophomore years, I was trying to �t in, trying to �nd myself. I wasn’t as much of a troublemaker as I was a class clown,” said Colombo over a lunch in his native Dogtown. “From where I was, to how I ended my Vianney career, was a pretty big turnaround for me.”

He credits his family, friends, coaches, teachers, and administrators at Vianney for “making it click” and helping him make the most of his second chance.

Mike was a four-year member of Vianney’s basketball and soccer programs. “I played ‘a little’ basketball, and by ‘a little’ I mean I only really saw the court a little bit,” he joked. Soccer success landed Mike athletic and academic scholarships at Quincy University.

At Quincy, Mike started on his broadcasting path. He began working on a sports talk radio program at WQUB, Quincy University’s radio station. �at led him to an

internship in the sports department at Quincy’s NBC a�liate station WGEM-TV.

“I covered whatever they didn’t want to, or couldn’t get to,” he said. “As an intern, I learned it all. I got to shoot,

write, edit, practice anchor, everything. I would drive those long, dark roads covering local

basketball and getting back to the station in enough time to cut highlights and get them on air.”

�e internship led to a full-time job a�er graduation at WGEM and a year and half later, Mike was ready to make the jump to a larger market. He took a job at WHAS 11-TV, the ABC a�liate in Louisville, KY.

“�at was a huge jump. I went from Media Market No. 171 to Media Market 48 in Louisville. With that came more live reporting, more hard news, a more competitive reporting environment, more pressure

to get exclusives — all while trying to learn how to live in an

unfamiliar place.”As a general assignment reporter there,

he covered it all — crime, politics, weather, sports. One of his favorite memories in Louisville was getting to cover the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky’s basketball teams. In Kentucky, that sports rivalry carries every bit of heat as does the Yankees/Red Sox, Cubs/Cardinals, Giants/Cowboys, and others. In his two years there,

he covered Kentucky’s road to the 2012

Alumni Profile

KMOV Reporter and 2004 Vianney Alum Mike Colombo Building Career in His Hometown

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Mike Check

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National Championship, two Breeders Cups, the Kentucky Derby, NASCAR, and high schools sports.

For his work in Louisville, Mike was the recipient of a 2012 NATAS Ohio Valley Regional EMMY for his Feature/Human Interest Reporting.

Now, back home in St. Louis, Colombo’s achieved a goal he set for himself early in his career, and looks forward to accom-plishing more.

“I wanted to get back to St. Louis and I told myself it would happen. I knew I needed to be patient, and put myself in a position to take advantage of my chance when it came.

�at chance came when the Good Friday storms rocked North St. Louis County. He was sent from Louisville to help sister-station KMOV with its coverage.

Tom Mulvihill, a 2004 Vianney graduate who is the school’s Director of Admissions, grew up with Colombo in Dogtown. �ey played with and against each other in grade school, and developed a friendship. Colombo served as a groomsman in Mulvihill’s wedding. He describes his friend as “someone with an engaging personality that other people are drawn to. His sheer work ethic and infectious personality make him a perfect �t as a reporter,” Mulvihill said.

A year later he was o�ered a job at Channel 4 and the chance to come home.

“I saw my work during the storm coverage as a three-day audition. I felt fortunate for the opportunity and honored to cover something that impacted so many people’s lives.”

Using the power of his social media Twitter account (@Mike_ Colombo), he has become one of the go-to guys for the facts of the day’s hottest headline and on breaking news stories.

“I learned my work ethic from my parents. It was fostered by the coaches and teachers at Vianney. You’ve probably heard the saying that the harder you work, the luckier you get. I �rmly believe that,” he said.

Coming home o�ered signi�cant opportunities. Bolstering its investigative team, News 4 introduced “Call Colombo” segments on News 4 at �ve, where Mike advocates for consumers who’ve been scammed or ripped o�.

Confronting the bad guys can make for some tense moments.“�e confrontations you see are always last ditch attempts. We

call, e-mail, and sometimes send letters trying to bring resolution. When they don’t respond or acknowledge our e�orts, it’s our job to hold them accountable,” he said.

Working at News 4 is a blessing, and the long-standing tradition of quality news coverage the local CBS a�liate provides is something to be respected.

“St. Louisans are loyal to their news stations. KMOV has gone

through many changes in recent years and the station ownership has developed a clear, focused plan for the future. As a station we’re positioning ourselves in so many ways - things like social media, providing content on multiple platforms, bringing in great talent, and knowing the community. �is is an ever-changing business, and as a station we are changing with the times.”

In the tumultuous world of TV news, Mike’s concentrating on hitting the pavement and doing good work that matters to people day in and day out. As far as his personal life, he talks of having a wife and kids someday.

“�e hours and working conditions of my job aren’t always conducive to family life, and that’s a focus of mine in the future. For now, I’m working hard every day, I’m doing challenging stories and I’m connect-ing with great people, and doing all of that in my hometown. �e best part of working in St. Louis is knowing I’m doing it for people who, like me, really love this city.”

Vianney Alum Mike Colombo gets ready for a live shot at Lambert-St. Louis Airport.

There aren’t many news reporters in town who have embraced Twitter like Mike Colombo has. Each morning, he tweets information about the major news of the day, and the stories he’s pursuing. Toss in a few colorful commentaries about local sports and celebrities, and it makes for an entertaining follow. You can access the feed on Twitter @Mike_Colombo.

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or Vianney’s Drake Cantu, a life in the military is something he’d dreamt about since he was a young grade school student. Now, a�er four years at Vianney, he’s ready to move into military life, and in a big way. Cantu was one of a select few American high school seniors

who received appointment to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. �e Army’s select o�cer training school o�ers a challenging academic and physical environment, but that does not rattle Cantu.

His father was in the ROTC and Drake had been impressed by military veterans who visited his school every year when he was a kid.

“I remember a group of veterans coming to my grade school when I was younger and one of the men had part of his jaw blown o� in combat. He

was dressed up and although he couldn’t talk, you could just tell how proud he was to wear that uniform,” said Cantu. “I knew then that I wanted to go into the military.”

Cantu will get to spend part of his summer enjoying life, but come July 1st, he’ll ship o� to West Point with a determination to make it through four years of rigorous study and duty. His appointment and scholarship to West Point carries a value of more than $300,000.

“�is is a tremendous accomplishment for Drake as he will join a

prestigious group of Americans who have also trained at West Point, including, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and George Patton,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s principal. “During Drake’s time at Vianney it became more and more evident that he was born to do something exceptional, and an appointment to West Point recognizes Drake’s strong record of community service, excellence in academics and sports, and leadership among his peers.

Vianney could not be more proud of Drake. He is truly preparing himself to be a leader for our nation.”

Another senior in Vianney’s graduating class received appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy next year. Michael Witwer, like Cantu, was presented with his o�cial appointment papers at the Vianney Honors Convocation in early May. A representative of the Air Force Academy’s admissions o�ce came to St. Louis to make the presenta-tion. An appointment and scholarship to the Air Force Academy carries a value of $500,000, she said.

Being appointed to a service academy is no simple feat. Statistically only the best of the best among graduating seniors are even consid-ered for appointments, and only a fraction of those applicants gain acceptance into the service academies. Vianney has enjoyed great

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Drake Cantu

Vianney Sends Two Seniors to Highly Competitive, Highly Selective Service Academies

“During Drake’s time at Vianney it became more and more evident that he was born to do some-thing exceptional.”

- Dr. Tim Dilg

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success in placing students in the service academies. Currently, there are three Vianney alumni who attend West Point.

What does it take to gain an appointment? Knowing people in high places helps — letters from U.S. senators play a role, but the applicant’s high school record in academics, leadership, and involvement in activities are o�en the most signi�cant determining factors.

U.S. Air Force Academy�e United States Air Force Academy is a challenging environment

by design. “We pursue our mission by inspiring and encouraging excellence in our applicants. Competition for an appointment to the Academy is �erce,” the academy’s admissions site notes.

In assessing the “whole person” the academy assesses a candidate’s academic, athletic, character and leadership potential as demonstrated by his or her life experiences and achievements.

To earn an appointment to the Air Force Academy, generally, candidates must rank in the top 40 percent of their high school class. However, the average of the most recent classes entering the academy is the top 3 percent. Adjustments are made to the prior academic records for students attending unusually competitive schools with a rigorous college prep curriculum or where honors and Advanced Placement courses are NOT weighted in the school’s calculation of class rank or grade point averages.

For the admissions Class of 2016, the Air Force Academy received 12,274 applications, accepting just over 1,000 cadets. Of those who were accepted, 87 percent had received athletic letters; 66 percent of them were members of their schools’ National Honor Societies; 23 percent were involved with Scouting; 19 percent of them were class presidents or vice presidents in their high schools and 12 percent were named valedictorians and salutatorians of their graduating high school classes.

�e Academy attracts top students from across the nation. To be competi-tive for appointment, applicants must strive to achieve the highest grade point average possible. Academically, of those accepted, 10 percent were ranked �rst in their class in high school, and 55 percent were ranked in the top 10th percentile of their graduating classes.

West PointAt the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the mission is “To educate,

train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an o�cer in the United States Army.”

�e 4,400 members of the Corps of Cadets represent every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries. About 1,200 new Cadets enter the Academy on Reception Day each year (about July 1st), according to the service academy’s admissions site.

“Upon graduation, cadets are awarded Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions in the U.S. Army. �ey serve on active duty for a

minimum of �ve years. West Point graduates have served the country in a variety of capacities for more than 200 years, as military leaders, engineers, explorers on land and in space, and as leaders in business and government.”

Since it was founded more than two centuries ago, West Point has worked to develop cadets in four critical areas: intellectual, physical, military, and moral-ethical. It is a four-year process called the “West Point Experience.” Speci�c developmental goals are addressed through several fully coordinated and integrated programs.

West Point’s challenging academic program o�ers 37 educational majors that provide a balanced education in the arts and sciences.

�e Physical Program at West Point includes both physical education classes and competitive athletics. Every cadet participates in an intercollegiate, club or intramural level sport each semester. �is rigorous physical program contributes to the mental and physical �tness that is required for service as an o�cer in the Army.

West Point’s Cadets learn basic military skills, including leadership, through a demanding military program which begins on their �rst day. Most military training takes place during the summer, with new cadets undergoing Cadet Basic Training the �rst year, followed by Cadet Field Training at nearby Camp Buckner the second year. Cadets spend their third and fourth summers serving in active Army units around the world; attending advanced training courses such as airborne, air assault or northern warfare; or training the �rst and second year cadets as members of the leadership cadre. Military training is combined with military science instruction to provide a solid military foundation for o�cership.

Moral-ethical development occurs throughout the formal programs as well as a host of activities and experiences available at the military academy. �ese include formal instruction in the important values of the military profession, voluntary religious programs, interaction with sta� and faculty role models, and a vigorous guest speaker program. �e foundation of the ethical code at West Point is found in the Academy’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”

From the day of its founding on March 16, 1802, West Point has grown in its size and stature, but it remains committed to the task of producing commissioned leaders of character for America’s Army. Today, the Academy graduates more than 900 new o�cers annually, which represents approximately 20 percent of the new lieutenants required by the Army each year. �e student body, or Corps of Cadets, numbers 4,400, of whom approximately 15 percent are women.

A favorite expression at West Point is that “much-of the history we teach was made by people we taught.” Great leaders such as Generals Grant and Lee, Pershing and MacArthur, Eisenhower and Patton, Westmoreland and Schwarzkopf are among the more than 60,000 graduates of the Military Academy. Countless others have served society in the �elds of medicine, law, business, politics, and science following their careers in uniform,” the academy’s admission site boasts.

Michael Witwer

Academically, of those accepted, 10 percent were ranked first in their class in high school, and 55 percent were ranked in the top 10th percentile of their graduating classes.

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�ere are no words that can heal one’s heart from the loss of a loved one.Lt. Dan Riordan, a 2001 Vianney graduate, was lost in battle. Clayton

Pfei�er, a 2011 Vianney graduate, was lost in a sudden, tragic car accident. Tom Cella, a 1992 graduate, passed in January 2005.

For the families of these men, the healing process has been di�cult, to say the least. But to honor their loved ones, these men’s family and friends, have banded together to provide a lasting legacy. �is legacy provides a Vianney education to a new generation of Gri�ns. Named Scholarships exist to help provide for those deserving students who may not otherwise be able to a�ord to go here.

Named Scholarships can be established in honor or in memory of a speci�c person. Scholarships can be established at St. John Vianney High School with a principal of at least $25,000. �e principal remains in the scholarship endowment with the interest funding the scholarship. �is assures the fund will last in perpetuity, and is a common practice in fundraising. Each year across the U.S., thousands of memorial scholarships are created at schools, colleges and universities.

At Vianney, donors are given the option of determining for how the scholarship will be awarded. Next school year, for example, the �rst graduating senior to bene�t from the Lt. Dan Riordan scholarship will walk across the stage. His need and accompanying information was reviewed by the family and he was selected to receive the scholarship funds. When that senior gradu-ates, it will not only be a proud moment for his family, but for the Riordan Family as well.

�e Lt. Daniel P. Riordan Scholarship was established in 2007. �e scholarship recognizes students who show �nancial need and exhibit the qualities of faith, honor and service. �is scholarship is endowed in part by donations and supplemented annually through events like a trivia night and golf tournament.

“�e Vianney family was a group that touched my brother’s heart deeply,” said Nick Riordan, Lt. Dan Riordan’s twin brother, who is a driving force behind the scholarship. “Even when he had more pressing things ahead of him in the military, he still found time to keep in close touch with some of the faculty members. He sent e-mails to his old teachers. Vianney had such a profound impact on Dan.”

At Vianney, Dan was involved. He earned a place in the Gold Circle, and was a Marianist Award winner his senior year. He was involved in the Letterman’s Club, the Photo Club, track, football, plays and musicals. He became very close to his teachers, coaches and friends. He went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, and took up Air Force ROTC. Later, he’d switch ‘from blue to green” and earn a commission in the U.S. Army as an infantry o�cer. In 2006, he

was deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq. Lt. Dan and his unit fought in many key campaigns during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. On June 23, 2007, a massive IED explosion ended his life. Lt. Dan and four of his brave troops were killed instantly.

Shortly a�er his death, the normal �owers and contributions came in, Nick recalled. �ere were e�orts to direct donations to the Wounded Warrior project

—“a wonderful organization,” Nick said. But the family wanted to �nd a way to really make Lt. Dan’s legacy be felt.

“We didn’t want his legacy to end there,” Nick said.“Because of the positive experience Dan had at Vianney, and for all

that Vianney did for him, we thought that creating a scholarship for other young men to bene�t, would be a �tting tribute,’ he said.

“Originally, we thought the donation to his scholarship might just be a one-time thing,” said Nick and Dan’s mother, Jeanine. “Because of Nick’s inspiration to do something larger, it didn’t end there. Estab-lishing the scholarship has been part of our family’s healing process. �is was a way for us to really make sure Dan’s name, his sacri�ces, would never be forgotten.”

“We’ve been astounded by the response of people who have been touched by Dan and his service,” Nick said. “As is common, we expected the support to die o� a bit, but that hasn’t really been the case.”

All FamilyFamily Scholarships Honor the Memories and Legacies of Loved Ones.

in the

Above: The late Lt. Dan Riordan.Left: Jeanine Rainey and her son, Nick Riordan.

By Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications

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One of the most joyous moments for Nick, his sister Suzanne, and his mother is the opportunity to review the applications from Vianney students vying for the Riordan Scholarship.

Each student submits an essay, which make for wonderful reads. Jeanine recalls many that have detailed Lt. Dan’s story and what the words Faith, Honor, Service mean to them.

“Many of the families who have been helped by Dan’s scholarship volunteer at our events and tell us how they have been touched by Dan’s story,” Nick said. “We’ve developed a nice relationship with these families.”

Tom Cella Memorial ScholarshipKim Cella said Vianney has long been a Cella family tradition. It is

a tradition that began before her brother Tom entered as a freshman in the late 1980s. �eir father, Tim Cella, graduated in 1965 and her uncles, Mark ’72 and Tom Cella ’68. Her other brother, Christopher, is a 1996 Vianney grad as well. Tom loved his time at Vianney.

“Vianney was the best four years of his life,” said Kim, Tom’s sister. “He excelled in everything he did at Vianney. He was a great student, played volleyball all four years and won state three times, and he was very involved in Student Council and other activities. He excelled from an education standpoint, from an athletic standpoint and from a social standpoint.”

Tim Cella added that many of Tom’s friends at Vianney are key organizers behind the Tom Cella Trivia Night and scholarship e�ort.

�e Tom Cella Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 by the family and friends like Dan McLaughlin, a classmate of Tom’s. �is scholarship recognizes students who show �nancial need, are involved in athletics and strive for excellence in the classroom. �is scholarship is endowed in part by donations and supplemented annually through the Tom Cella Trivia Night hosted by McLaughlin.

Tom Cella su�ered a serious injury just six months a�er graduating which le� him paralyzed for 13 years. He was away at college, just months removed from his days at Vianney. Tim remembers the call he received that day. “It’s that phone call that every parent dreads,” Tim Cella recalled.

Tom Cella was undeterred by paralysis and lived life to the fullest. His friends regularly visited him, and he served as an inspiration to

everyone he knew, Tim Cella said. “People would go to see him in the hospital and came to me to say Tom was making jokes, having fun. He inspired them!”

In 2005, Tom su�ered a fall that proved to be fatal. It was a life cut too short, too soon.

Tim Cella recalls the day McLaugh-lin approached the family soon a�er they put their son to rest. His idea was to host an event to raise money for a scholarship at Vianney in Tom’s name. �ey decided on a trivia night event, and Dan would emcee. �e event, now in its eighth year, has been a huge suc-cess. Each year, more than 500 people attend the event.

“Tom graduated from Vianney in 1992, and his passing was years later so the further we got away for those dates, we thought atten-dance and interest would wane a bit, but that hasn’t been the case,” Tim Cella said. Kim added, “I give Dan a lot of the credit for keeping it going.”

�e Cellas have set criteria for the scholarship, but they let the school’s Advancement O�ce handle many of the details. Many of those students who have bene�ted work at the trivia night events. Many of them are just like Tom when he was at Vianney, Tim said, smiling. �eir scholarship goes to a student who is involved in activi-ties, is a hard worker like Tom Cella was, and has a need. “He doesn’t have to be an A+ student, but someone who works hard for his grades, he said.

Discussion soon turned to Gri�n volleyball, one of Tom’s passions when he was at Vianney. Just this May, the team captured its 17th state championship. Tom was part of three of those titles, Tim Cella said proudly.

“�e state game was on graduation day that year, and I remember a�er they won that year how Tom and his friends just couldn’t wait to get to the graduation event to tell everyone they’d just won state. �at was a great memory for us. … And six months later, his life changed dramatically a�er the accident. It was a wide swing of emotions for us – from winning the state championship to the time of his accident.”

Clay Pfei�er Memorial ScholarshipLike the Cellas and Riordans, Clay’s father, Dan Chinnici ’92, and

Clay’s mother, Heather Pfei�er, are still coming to grips with the loss of their son in February 2012. And, like, the Riordans, they too knew how much Vianney meant to their son. Clay Pfei�er was a member of the baseball team, playing second base and serving as one of the loudest cheerleaders on the team. He was a master motivator, said Vianney Coach Scott Brown.

“Even when he wasn’t starting, he had reason to sulk and mope, but he didn’t. He made sure the other guys were ready to go, ready to play, ready to do what it took to win. His death hit many of us very hard,” Brown said.

Even this year, as Vianney made its run deep into the state playo�s, Brown, his son, Matt, and catcher Jack Klages visited Clay’s grave o�en. �ey delivered game balls, and many silent prayers.

The Cella family with Dan McLaughlin at the Tom Cella Trivia Night event in 2010.

Vianney is part of the Cella family tradition. Here, 5-year old Samuel Chier, Tom’s nephew, sports his future school colors.

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His enthusiasm and hard work earned him a chance to play for Missouri Baptist University, where he enrolled in college. Clay wanted to major in education so that he could realize his dream to be a teacher and baseball coach one day.

“For the most part, Clayton was a quiet, blue-collar kid. �ings like sports and school never came easy for him,” Chinnici said. “He always had to work harder, and put more time in than others that had more natural ability.”

“One thing about Clayton was that he never backed down from a challenge, and he was not afraid to set high goals for himself — most

of which he was able to reach. He was very committed and loyal to the things he truly loved: friends and baseball. His dream from the time he was in 3rd grade was to go to Vianney and play baseball there, so that dream was ful�lled. He always had a very quiet hunger about him, and was always very motivated for success.”

“Clay loved working with kids, and volunteered a lot of his time coaching them and passing along his knowledge. Clay was a leader, not because of what he would say or how he would say it, but by the example he set in the way that he carried himself.

To help fund a scholarship in Clay’s name at Vianney, the family is organizing its 2nd Annual Clayton Pfei�er Memorial Golf Tournament at Pevely Farms on August 3rd. A full 100 percent of the proceeds go to Vianney. Last year’s tournament sold out very quickly, and organizers were forced to turn away many people that were interested in participating. In addition to golfers, tournament organizers are in need of sponsors, donations for prizes, and items for the auction.

“Last year’s tournament was a huge success, as we were able to raise enough money to establish the scholarship at Vianney. Now we have to keep it going,” Dan said, adding sponsorship was their largest source of revenue.

“�ose that did sponsor last year, we are hoping they will renew their sponsorship for this year,” Dan said.

The success of any family scholarship lies behind the work family and friends are willing to put into it, said Nick Riordan. To maximize the effectiveness and longevity of a family scholarship fund at Vianney, Nick offers these hints:

1. Be well organized. Donors will support your effort if they see events as being well-run, well organized and professional. “If you are having a trivia night, for example, you have to give people a reason to come back year after year. If the event is organized poorly, they may not come back.”

2. Have a clearly defined, clearly stated goal. This is probably the most important rule. If your event is to raise money for a scholarship that makes a Vianney education accessible, for example, state that clearly. If money raised goes to Vianney and another organization, be sure to make that clear as well.

3. Use the resources of Vianney’s Advancement Team. The school has a fully staffed Advancement Office that is a wealth of information. The team has access to alumni class lists, parent lists and more. “Use those resources,” Nick said.

4. Be transparent. Keep tight records so you as an organizer know where every

dollar coming in is going and what it is being used for.

5. Communicate and brand it. Use free and paid services to help get the word out. Social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are free and easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Some families may opt to create websites to give contribu-tors a place to go for event information, registration forms and other important communications. The Riordans developed a Lt. Daniel Riordan Scholarship logo that is used on all communications — printed and digital. The branding helps people identify with the campaign easier and makes the family scholarship appear to a profes-sionally run organization. Logos can be developed at home, or there are paid services on the Internet to help develop artwork. Some graphic designers may be willing to do the work pro bono if you sell them on your cause.

6. Enlist others. Too many times a family member feels the need to take it all on, and that the success or failure of an event or campaign is solely up to that person. Don’t do it. Look for friends with backgrounds in accounting, or perhaps communications, or event planning. Ask

them to handle those details. Know your limits and be prepared to share duties with others who have natural talents in those areas. “And once you give them those jobs and duties, back off them and let them do what they are good at,” Nick said.

7. Thank people. Whether they are first-time volunteers or people who show up every year to pitch in, make sure you as the family member organizer show them your appreciation. And for donors and sponsors, be sure to write thank you letters soon after the event and let them know how much their assistance means to you and your family.

8. Protect your list. In some cases, other organizations may contact you with a request to share your e-mail communi-cation lists with them so they may send out information. That is not a good idea, said Nick Riordan. “You never want to trivialize your communications to your donors or confuse them. If they see something come across their e-mail, they could delete you and then that donor is lost forever. Always be sure to respect your e-mail list and never pass it out or along to others.”

Want to Start Your Own Memorial Scholarship at Vianney?

Learn more about Vianney’s Scholarship programs by calling Pete Cerone ’93 at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 or e-mail him at pcerone@vianney.com

Other Family Scholarships at Vianney

Robert Wm. Bosslet Jr. Scholarship Kathleen A. Gau Memorial ScholarshipJack Glaser Memorial ScholarshipBrian Gruender Memorial ScholarshipDaniel L. Ringwald ScholarshipPatrick & Peggy Sly ScholarshipTom Valenti Memorial Scholarship

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ife was di�erent in 1962. �e average cost of new house was about $12,500. Today that cost is upwards of $100,000. �e average income was about $5,556 annually. Eggs cost just 32 cents per dozen, and a gallon of gas set you back 28 cents. �e Cuban Missile Crisis dominated

headlines, as did the untimely death of screen icon Marilyn Monroe. America’s �rst K-Mart store opened in Michigan, and the Beatles came out with a song — on vinyl no less — called, “Love Me Do.” It was NOT available via iTunes download.

It was 1962 when a young man from Jennings bummed a ride to St. John Vianney High School to sign his �rst teaching contract right out of college. Later, he could buy his own car to make the 60-minute ride from North County to his new job. Charlie Eisele �rst stepped into Vianney in 1962, and never le�. He had opportunities as teachers do, to move on and teach in other schools. He loved Vianney, and as hundreds of alumni agree, Vianney loved Charlie Eisele.

“�ey say, ‘How do you get the elephant out of the theater?’ and the answer is, “You can’t; it’s in his blood,’” Eisele said, re�ecting back on his 51 years at Vianney, 35 years in the classroom. “I use the same analogy to talk about teaching. Teaching and schools are in my blood. So, I’m not sure how di�cult it will be for me. I don’t know if it will hit me right away or when it will hit me. It will be tough, I do know that.”

In January 2014, Eisele will �ll his time by traveling — something he loves to do. He can rattle o� the places he’s been — South Africa, China, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, El Salvador, Gibralter, Greece, the United Kingdom, Italy, France. Upcoming adventures will have him o� to Vietnam and Cambodia. He’s been a lifelong bachelor and a man of incredible faith. His travels re�ect his faith.

“I’ve always liked to travel to places that have been in the news or that hold some special signi�cance,” he said. “I’ve been to China and Tiananmen Square; Portugal and the Shrine of Fatima; I’ve been to the Shrine at Lourdes in France. �e trip to Vietnam and Cambodia will allow me to see the e�ects of the Vietnam war. �e war occupied a big part of my life as an adult, so I have a natural curiosity for places like the “Killing Fields” and other landmarks from the Vietnam War.”

At Vianney, Eisele has been the jack of all trades or sorts. He’s been a classroom teacher, and admin assistant, a theater director, a speech teacher, a school administrator, a development manager and an academic consultant. He’s served Vianney for the past 16 years in that role. Many Gri�ns will remember Eisele as the teacher who stands by the soda fountains in the Gri�n Cafe to keep a watchful eye on the lunchroom. Some have joked that Vianney will make a life-sized

cutout of Mr. Eisele to perch next to the soda fountains next school year.

Mike Loyet, a 1977 Vianney graduate who now serves as school president said Eisele’s popularity with alumni is evident.

“Mr. Eisele is best known for his ability to bring out the best in his students and for his professional demeanor at all time,” Loyet said. “He is an excellent role model for our students to try and emulate. His dedication to Vianney as evidenced by 51 years of service is incredible. He will be missed in the years to come. Mr. Eisele is probably the most o�en asked about teacher from our alums. �ey love him.”

�e last two years, Eisele said, “have been my most productive, I feel.” Pressed for why that is, he proudly points to his contributions in helping to create criteria for the Gri�n of the Year award given to the most deserving senior student, and the Marianist Awards given to faculty and sta� and students each year. As a consultant, he gets to work with teachers one-on-one to develop teaching strategies. In this role, he also conducts teacher performance reviews as well. In 2004, he was honored with election into the Vianney Hall of Fame. In the 1997-98 school year, Eisele worked as co-chair with Rev. Robert Osborne, S.M., as well as three current faculty members, on the committee that

Faculty Profile

Charlie EiseleHanging It Up After 51 Years at Vianney

L

Mr. Charlie Eisele

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developed the application and nomination for the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award that year.

In 1997-98, the Kirkwood Rotary named him as its Teacher of the Year. He was awarded a Master Teacher Award by Vianney’s administration. �is award is given to the teacher who best exempli�es the character-istics of a Marianist Education.

Vianney, like every other school in St. Louis and beyond, has seen its share of changes of the years. When the number of years equals 51, you can bet Eisele has experienced his fair share of change. He’s worked under eight di�erent principals and four presidents during his time. He said he doesn’t allow himself to get too wrapped up in personnel changes. He said he’s met many great teachers, built many great friends among the faculty and sta� over the years, but his focus has always been on the students. He had chances to move on, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Vianney.

“I’m a creature of habit. I’ve always felt comfortable here at Vianney. So I stayed.”

Loyet noted that Eisele was well-liked because he was always a down-to-earth teacher who championed the cause of students who wanted to work hard to achieve academic goals. Eisele, he said, is unique in many other ways too.

“One unique thing about Mr Eisele is the fact that he has worked in a Catholic high school for 51 years, at Six Flags for many years and most recently at a funeral home as a greeter. How many men do you know that work in a high school, an amusement park and a mortuary all at the same time?” Loyet said.

“I’ve told other teachers and sta� to try to stay focused and concentrate on the positive impact they are making with our students,” Eisele said. “�e kids are the most important thing in a school. We are here for the kids. I was glad to have stayed as long as they were willing to keep me. My goal was 50 years and with a little bit of luck, I was able to get to 51 years.”

Over his time at Vianney, he’s seen — and lived through — the generational di�erences and similarities of students. He’s always found students who were willing to be taught and who wanted to obtain knowledge. �ose are values and qualities that transcend times. Technology has had a tremendous impact on students and how they learn. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the advent of the Internet allowed students to access news and knowledge quickly. �e danger, he noted, was that students believed everything on the Internet and lost the ability to analyze information with a critical eye.

“Now with social media, the technology and access to information at a moment’s notice is even more profound.”

If you would like to make a donation to Vianney in Mr. Eisele’s name, send it to Pete Cerone ‘93, Director of Advancement. You can call Pete at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 if you have any questions.

If an alumnus, past colleague or parent who would like to drop Mr. Charlie Eisele a note, he can do so by sending it to his personal account at eisc10@sbcglobal.net

SAVE THE DATES!Clayton Pfei�er Memorial Golf Tournament�e Clayton Pfei�er Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on August 3rd. Course. �e second annual Clayton Pfei�er Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 at Pevely Farms Golf Club.

�e entry fee for the tournament is $100 per golfer or $400 per team. �e entry fee includes lunch, dinner, contests, auction, prizes, and golf at Pevely Farms Golf Club.

Please register by Saturday, July 13, 2013 to and send payment to: Clayton Pfei�er Memorial Golf Tournament, c/o Dan Chinnici, 5030 Kennelwood Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63129. Please make all checks payable to St. John Vianney High School (Clayton Pfei�er Scholarship Fund).

Alumni Association Golf ClassicAlumni Association Golf Classic will be held on August 24th at Tapawingo. Register at goGri�n.org. Make plans to join the Vianney Alumni Association on August 24th at Tapawingo National Golf Club for the Vianney Alumni Classic.

Registration starts at Noon, with an 1 p.m. shotgun start. Entry fee is $125 per golfer (or just $100 if registered and paid BEFORE August 9th). Your registration includes lunch by P’sghetti’s, beer and so� drinks, contests, prizes and dinner at the Tapawingo Club House.

Vianney Homecoming 2013Vianney’s 2013 Homecoming Events will be on Friday, September 20th with a Tailgate BBQ; a bounce house for kids, and a reception a�erwards for alumni and friends of Vianney. Varsity football will be in action at home on the Don Heeb Field with a 7 p.m. kicko� against SLUH.

Grandparents Mass & Brunch�e annual Vianney Grandparents Mass & Brunch will be held September 8, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. Following Mass, there will be a free breakfast provided by Vianney’s Food Service Department. �ere will also be a FREE photo booth for grandparents to take photos with their Gri�n grandson(s).

Parent Fall B Que�e annual “Fall B Que” event will be held on �ursday, October 17th beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Vianney. �is is a FREE event, and adult beverages and food are provided. �e Fall B Que event is a great chance to learn about volunteer opportunities at Vianney and meet other parents. All current parents are encouraged to attend, meet new people and get involved.

2014 Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyVianney’s 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Look for additional information in upcoming editions of the Black and Gold, on Vianney’s Facebook page (facebook.com/vianneygri�ns) and online at vianney.com.

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Junior Alex Reyes places a weight on top of his bridge structure in Mr. Sean Scanlon’s Engineering Drawing class as James Sly keeps a watchful eye in the background. This year’s bridge builder competition saw a top weight load of 55 lbs. The all-time Vianney record is 85 lbs.