Table of Contents
Celebrating 25 Years.................................... 3
Let the Games Begin.................................... 4
News Briefs................................................. 5
Living, Learning & Loving a job in Kenya.... 6
Student News.............................................. 8
Saints Marrying Saints................................. 8
Senior Recalls Holocaust Study Tour........... 9
Class of 2012...............................................10
Sports Review 2011-2012.............................12
Class Notes.................................................14
Special Remembrances...............................17
Walk for Life..............................................18
Reunions....................................................19
The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint
Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your
comments or questions. Call or write:
Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,
In the fall of 1988, 158 ninth graders and
447 total students, 26 faculty members, two
administrators and an assorted group of
auxiliary staff began a journey at the “new”
Catholic High School in south Johnson
County at 114th and Pflumm Roads. As
we begin our 25th year this fall at Saint
Thomas Aquinas High School, their legacy has given this
community so many memories, stories, successes and living
examples of our Communion of Saints that it would be
impossible to list them with any precision.
However difficult it will be to remember all that has
occurred leading up to our 25th year, that’s exactly what
we’re going to do during the 2012-2013 school year. It has
been said by someone much wiser than I that we are all the
sum of our collective experiences. Without question, Saint
Thomas Aquinas High School has been impacted by every
teacher, administrator, student and family who has been a
part of our history.
Consequently, this year we will be taking the time
through a series of events to reflect on who we are as a
Catholic Faith Community and the many people, students
and families who have made Saint Thomas Aquinas High
School what we are today. As important as a reflection
on the past is, it will be even more important to set our
sights on the next 25 years. Simply, where we are going is as
important as where we have been.
Bryan Thrasher
Director of Communications
[email protected]
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
11411 Pflumm Road
Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816
913.319.2425
Now more than ever it is critical to challenge and nurture
the young people who will be the future of the Saints as
they become life-long learners guided by the values of our
Catholic faith. What has been left to us by those who
preceded us is cherished every day and will be built upon
as we move forward.
William Ford, Ed.D.
President
In other parts of this publication there is a great deal of
information about events planned for this “silver year.” I
invite and encourage each person who has a piece of Saint
Thomas Aquinas High School in his or her heart and soul
to feel welcome and make an effort to be a part of this yearlong celebration. It is because of you -- whether you have
been with us 25 years or one year or anywhere in-between
-- that we are who we are today.
Teresa Ahrens
Director of Special Events
Mary Bridget Kratofil
Director of Media Relations
Michon Quick
Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations
Cindy Winkler
Advancement Office Manager
Special thanks to Michelle Gress, photographer
2
An invitation to commemorate
our past, cherish our present
and look toward our future
Sincerely,
William P. Ford, Ed.D.
President
Celebrating 25 Years
For more information about these events:
www.stasaints.net/25years
SAINTS COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Event
Celebrating 25 Years of Saints!
Date
11-Aug-12
25th Year Kickoff Series
Saints Stampede 5K Cross Country
Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast
and Family-Fun Day
24-Aug-12
25th Year Kickoff Series
Saints Alumni Night at the Stadium/
STA Soccer vs. St. James
Soccer All-Years Alumni event
30-Aug-12
25th Year Kickoff Series
All-School Mass of the Holy Spirit
31-Aug-12
25th Year Kickoff Series
Field Blessing & Dedication/Saints
vs. BVNW Football
Blue & Gold Kickoff
www.stasaints.net/25Years
9-Sep-12
Saints Mass and Sunday Supper,
St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center
16-Sep-12
Saints Mass and Lunch at K-State,
St. Isadore's Catholic Campus Center
8:00 a.m. - New Turf Field
27-Sep-12
Homecoming Mass
Free Pancake Breakfast
for race participants.
28-Sep-12
Homecoming Tailgate
Saints Stampede
5K Cross Country Run/Walk
7:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Saturday morning, August 11, 2012
Special entry for Middle-School
participants!
25-Oct-12
Grandparents Mass
21-Oct-12
Open House
www.stasaints.net/SaintsStampede5K
10-Nov-12
Saints Extravaganza
Alumni Night at Saints vs. St. James
Boys Soccer
Jan. 23-27, 2013
28-Jan-13
March for Life --Washington D.C.
Feast Day Mass Recognizing Saints Religious
6:30 p.m. - Friday evening, August 24, 2012
2-Feb-13
Saints Trivia Challenge
FREE Admission and Reserved Seating in the Stadium
by grad-year for all STA alumni, spouses and children.
6-Feb-13
Mass of Remembrance
Students admitted FREE with student ID.
2-Mar-13
25th Year Tribute & Inaugural
Hall of Fame
25th-Year Liturgy: All-School Mass
of the Holy Spirit
9:30 a.m. - Thursday, August 30, 2012
Main Gym
12-Mar-13
Community Service Mass
27-Apr-13
Saints Walk for Life
April 27-28, 2013
Week of April 29-May 3
New Field Blessing & Dedication
6:45 p.m. - Friday evening, August 31, 2012
Preceded by the Blue & Gold Kickoff, followed by Saints vs.
Blue Valley Northwest Varsity Football Home-Opener
9-May-13
25-Year Revue: Dinner Theater
Saints Arts Week
Senior Mass
15-May-13
Graduation of 25th Class, Class of 2013
21-May-13
Faculty & Staff End-of-Year
Mass and Luncheon
10-June-13
www.stasaints.net
Mirocke Golf Classic
3
Celebrating 25 Years
Let the Games Begin!
The turf project is
nearly complete and
our stadium has been
transformed into a
beautiful state-of-the-art
athletic facility. And
what perfect timing as
it coincides with the
“Celebrating 25 Years
of Saints” kickoff on
August 11.
We gratefully
acknowledge the
members of our
community who have
supported this project
-- current and past
parents and friends
of the school whose
gifts made it possible.
Future generations of Saints and their families will enjoy this
beautiful stadium for many years to come.
Once the engineering plans were drafted and the building
permits secured, construction began just after the first of
the new year. Great weather and a lot of hard work and
dedication aided the contractor in completing the subsurface
preparation ahead of schedule: including re-grading the entire
site, re-routing water and electrical utilities, and installing
state-of-the-art drainage systems.
Over 6,000 linear feet of drain pipe, 4,000 tons of
gravel, and 130,000 square feet of filter fabric were laid in
preparation for the playing-surface overlay. The final step was
the installation of synthetic turf material or “carpet.”
Portions of the project were completed under budget, while
the original scope was expanded to include asphalt resurfacing
in spectator areas around the stadium, installation of 30’
protective fencing between the baseball and multi-sport fields,
and critical rework and redirection of electrical and water lines
in and around the new artificial-turf surface. These brought the
cost of the stadium initiative to just over $1 million.
One advantage of the new synthetic turf is the reduction
of maintenance costs. Another is that Saint Thomas Aquinas
students at all levels will be allowed to practice and compete in
the stadium. And the additional visitor seating, a component
of the project, will allow the school to accommodate more
spectators, especially for feature games and matches.
Cover aeriel photo, courtesy of :
Denny Medley / Random Photography, LLC
4
Facility/campus
improvements and
additions since 1998
Since 1998, the school has implemented
considerable facilities enhancements including
air conditioning the halls, classrooms, Commons
and Main Gym (1998 and 2002), completion of
the Performing Arts Theater (1998), construction
of the Auxiliary Gym (2003), implementation
of wireless technology throughout the building
(2003), audio/visual improvements in all
classrooms (2005), Chapel renovation (2005),
faculty offices renovation (2005), Science rooms
renovation (2006), Stadium lights installation
(2006), Gymnasium bleachers (2006), music shells
and risers (2006), Commons floor and restrooms
redesign (2010), and various other projects
including improvements to the baseball and
practice fields and gyms, addition of a marching
band (uniforms, staff and instruments), and
ongoing maintenance of our 25-year old building.
News Briefs
Boyd Bauman, STA English
teacher, won Honorable Mention in
the Kansas Voices Poetry Division for
the 2012 contest. The only writing
contest in the State of Kansas, this
competition is a unique celebration
of Kansas Writers and Poets. In this
year’s contest, 158 Kansas authors
submitted 418 entries. Mr. Bauman
accepted his prize at an awards
ceremony in Winfield, Kansas, on
May 5.
Spring Break Mission Trips 2012
-- Well over 100 students from Saint
Thomas Aquinas High School spent
their spring break serving others.
In faith-filled service, 52 juniors
volunteered to work in Brownsville,
Texas, 40 sophomores in Birmingham,
Alabama, and 18 freshmen in Joplin,
Missouri. In addition, 36 seniors went
on a pilgrimage to Rome (see photos
and related story).
Wigs Out Assembly -- The final
count was 135! That’s how many girls
participated in the “2012 Wigs Out”
hair-cutting assembly on April 10,
2012, in the gym at Saint Thomas
Aquinas. Each participant donated
at least eight inches of hair for wig
banks, benefitting cancer patients
who have suffered hair loss due to
chemotherapy.
Drama teacher
Kim Harrison
conceived the
idea five years
ago as a tribute
to her nephew
who had cancer.
This year prior
to the cutting,
seniors Brittany
Brittany Husong
Husong and
Mackenzie
Lutz along with Guided Studies
teacher Charlie Lamont, spoke to
the assembly about the loss of loved
ones to cancer. After the assembly,
the donors boarded a bus for Xenon
International Academy in Olathe to
have their newly-sheared hair styled by
local salon students.
Saints In Rome With Archbishop
Naumann
Thirty-six Saint
Thomas Aquinas
seniors experienced
an unforgettable
pilgrimage to Rome,
Italy, during spring
break 2012. The
group attended a
Papal Audience on
March 14, then met
Archbishop Joseph
P. Naumann outside
St. Peter’s Basilica in
the Vatican.
Archbishop Naumann and seniors from Saint Thomas Aquinas
met for Mass and dinner while in Rome over spring break. Above,
Archbishop Naumann speaking with Kayla Burditt while Saints
chaplain and Fr. Andrew Strobl, who accompanied the seniors on
the pilgrimage, listens to the conversation.
Archbishop
accompanied the
pilgrims to the
North American
College in Rome
where he shared
information about
the school and
offered Mass for the Students and adults from Saint Thomas Aquinas and
group. Finally, His
Archbishop Naumann, far right in back row, paused for a group
Excellency joined
picture.
the Saints again that
evening for dinner. The Rome trip was filled with sightseeing that included
many of the beautiful churches in Rome as well as famous sights such as the
Colosseum and the Forum. Day trips to Florence and Assisi rounded out
the experience.
Mackenzie Lutz and Emily Ewert with their freshly-sheared locks.
www.stasaints.net
5
Feature Saint
Living, learning and loving a job in
Kenya
When Alumna Stephanie Zanatta,
‘04, went on the Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School junior and
senior mission trips, she never
imagined that eight years later she
would be sitting on the other side of
the world in Kenya. But that’s exactly
where the ambitious 26-year-old found
herself in November 2011, all because
of a recurring notion since learning
about the Kisumu Youth Football
Association (KYFA). For Stephanie,
the pathway to Africa started in
Kansas.
Stephanie majored in Sport
Management at the University of
Kansas. During her last semester,
she had a full-time internship with
the Women’s National Basketball
Association (WNBA) team Chicago
Sky working under the Community
Relations Manager. After graduation
she was hired by the Sky as the
Merchandise Assistant Manager where
she worked until leaving Chicago for
Kenya on November 3, 2011.
While living in Chicago she heard
about the KYFA through a friend who
had studied abroad in Kenya. From
Kids from Camp KYFA
6
Stephanie and a helper open the first shipment of equipment from St. Joseph’s Grade School in
Shawnee.
the start, Stephanie was intrigued by
the youth sports program and admired
its goals.
“The more I learned about what
KYFA strives to accomplish with
the youth in the city, and its goals
for improving sports in the country,
the more I fell in love with it,” said
Stephanie. “I loved my life in Chicago,
but there was a little part of me that
knew I would regret not taking this
opportunity to travel, work, and
gain life experiences while I could. It
seems like the most unlikely process,
but that’s how I landed in Kisumuk,
Kenya.”
Her official title with the Kisumu
Youth Football Association was Ladies
League Coordinator and Community
Outreach Assistant. She traveled
around to schools registering teams
and speaking to principals and head
teachers about the importance of
giving support and opportunities
to girls, emphasizing the advantages
sports can provide in keeping them
focused and out of trouble. In
Kenya, females simply do not have
the opportunities that males do, so
the association strives to create some
equality.
She also worked on creating
partnerships with local businesses
in the form of sponsorships and
fundraising and helped coach a
“Kids Can Kick” soccer program.
In addition, she organized and
supervised the spring KYFA Camp for
children ages 4-10. In her free time,
she worked with the web designer
to update the website, arrange
gear mobilization and help with
fundraising from the United States.
Stephanie describes one of the life
lesson she gleaned from her work in
Kenya: “I now understand the value of
Feature Saint
Kids Can Kick morning camp for 5-8 year-olds
giving what you have although it may
not be much,” she explained. “For
instance, today I may be poor and you
have a bit of change -- so you share
with me. Tomorrow it may be the
opposite -- and I will share with you.
This rule and way of thinking applies
across the board in Kenya including
between complete strangers.”
Traveling around the country gave
Stephanie an appreciation of the
natural beauty of Kenya as well as the
difficulties one encounters. She stood
on the equator several times, took a
sunrise boat ride on Lake Victoria
to see dozens of giant hippos in the
water, and made hard-boiled eggs
in natural hot springs while looking
at thousands of flamingos standing
in Lake Bagoria. These were great
adventures for sure, but no running
water, never having warm water and
having to boil it made her appreciate
life in the United States. She said that
things such as trash disposal, which
in Kenya is handled by burning piles
on the side of the road, are unfamiliar
sites.
-- opportunities that she said “allow
you to figure out who you are as a
person and discover what it is you
like.” While attending STA, Stephanie
participated in volleyball, basketball,
cross country, track and managed the
girls basketball team.
“When I was out of class,”
Stephanie stated, “ I could always be
found involved in something with
sports, whether it was a practice, a
game or cheering from the bleachers.
I’ve been fortunate to study and
work in the field of sports. And I am
grateful that I can use my education
and skills to help the youth of
Kisumu who don’t have the same
opportunities.”
The former Saint grew up in
Shawnee, Kansas, and attended St.
Joseph Catholic grade school. She is
the youngest of three children born to
St. Joseph High School alumni Barb
Roos Zanatta, ‘75, who teaches at St.
Joseph grade school, and Joe Zanatta,
‘69, owner of Zanatta Editions, an
art publishing company. Stephanie’s
brother John Zanatta, ‘00, is married
A typical classroom at Ogango Primary School
with three boys and lives in Tulsa,
Oklahoma, and her sister Christie
Zanatta, ‘01, lives in Miami, Florida,
and recently became engaged.
Upon returning in May from Kenya,
Stephanie’s short-term plan was to
organize a fundraiser for KYFA. “I
don’t have any plans that are more
specific than that,” she said.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Student
Council has been working with
Stephanie on a new project “Soles for
Souls,” which involves sending used
soccer cleats to Kenya for the KYFA
-- making this alumna very proud of
her high school. She keeps in touch by
email with Latin teacher and former
cross country coach Greg Wilson.
A faith-filled, life-long learner using
her God-given gifts in service to the
poor -- your alma mater salutes you,
Stephanie!
The most important lesson however
was how much she has discovered
about herself.
“Little did I realize when I was in
high school and thought my daily
lessons and studying would help me
find a career, that it was my activities
and social life that would create my
path,” said Stephanie.
In retrospect, she had more
options to learn and grow as a high
school student than she realized
Stephanie (back row, 2nd from left) with staff and children from Camp KYFA
www.stasaints.net
7
student News / Saints Marrying Saints
Three Saints invited to participate in
Technology Conference
Three Saint Thomas Aquinas juniors (above, left to
right) Daniel Aiken, Nick Boyles and Robby Cowdry,
were invited to participate in the FiberKC.biz conference
on May 8, 2012, at the Regnier Center of Johnson
County Community College. Above, NetStandard CEO
and FiberKC.biz founder Jeff Melcher introduced them
to the approximately 200 business leaders, educators
and government representatives who participated in the
forum.
The purpose of the session was to discuss the
gap between the number of qualified technology
professionals and the available positions in Kansas City.
Two problem areas that were addressed were the number
of graduates available and the quality of the technology
professionals entering the workforce.
In a series of three breakout sessions, collaborators
addressed key issues in the use of technology in the
classroom, the image of technology professionals, the weak
critical thinking and communication skills in technology
graduates, and the lack of students and educators who see
technology as a viable career path. The session culminated
in considerations for future FiberKC.biz initiatives
designed to engage educators, students, business leaders
and government officials on a common path.
The students from Saint Thomas Aquinas were invited
because they have demonstrated an interest and knowledge
of technology through their involvement with network
upgrades at the school. Robby Cowdry was asked to talk
about how he first became involved with technology and
developed his interest in it. He plans to major in computer
science and engineering in college.
FiberKC.biz is a creative forum for Kansas City regional
businesses, government and academia to share information
and generate support for metropolitan technology
advancement in commerce and employment spurred by
the development of the Google Fiber Network.
Saints Marrying Saints
Baumhover - Carroll
Jenna Baumhover, ‘05, and Jimmy
Carroll, ‘05, were married at Holy
Spirit Catholic Church on February
18, 2012 with Father Richard Storey
officiating. Jimmy graduated from the
University of Kansas (KU) in 2009
with a degree in accounting and later
received an MBA from Rockhurst
University. He is employed as a
financial planner with New York Life
Insurance Company. Jenna, also a
2009 graduate of KU with a degree in
education, plans to seek a degree in
nursing. The couple reside in Fairway,
Kansas. Theirs was an ALL SAINTS
wedding party!
8
Above in photo, front row left to right: Maureen Collins, ’05, Sarah Wilson, ’05,
Emily Miller, ’05, Amy Baumhover Ronan, ’97, Stephanie Baumhover, ’03,
Jenna Baumhover Carroll, ’05, Jimmy Carroll ’05, Joey Carroll, ‘08, Brendan Reilly, ’05,
Joe Montgomery, ’05, Brett Lemmon, ’05, Wes Meixilsperger, ‘05; back row left to right:
Jill Carroll, ’12, Janelle Moritz, ’05, Beka Mullen, ’05, Anna Daly, ’05, Bryan Moore, ’05,
Josh Jabbour, ’05, Michael Baumhover, ’00, Michael Ronan, ’97, Matt Stillwell, ‘05.
Holocaust Tour
Senior recalls Holocaust Study Tour
by Megan Lucas, ‘12
The Saint Thomas Aquinas
Holocaust Study Tour led by English
teacher Lisa Bauman is a two-week trip
to Berlin, Prague and Krakow, and an
unforgettable experience.
How can someone possibly begin to
describe a trip so incredible? Not only
did I get to visit the places I’d studied
and learned about, I also got to travel
outside of the United States for the
first time, visit Europe and meet so
many amazing people.
I can still remember the moment
when I heard about the trip in Mrs.
McCarthy’s freshman English class. A
2009 Saint Thomas Aquinas graduate,
Charlie Sullivan, spoke about his
Holocaust trip and instantly I knew
that I wanted to go too. After a lot of
convincing my parents, I was able to
go on the 2012 trip.
Berlin was the first stop on the tour
and the city was made of a mixture
of modern and older buildings which
make it beautiful. Our first day there,
we visited the Holocaust Memorial
comprised of metal blocks in the
middle of the city. It is an amazing
exhibit that allows one’s own mind
to interpret it. While in Berlin, we
visited museums and the Gruenwald
train station where people were
deported to the concentration camps.
I couldn’t begin to comprehend the
huge number of people deported -people who had walked that very road
not so long ago.
After Berlin, the tour continued to
the most beautiful city in the world:
Prague. We arrived in the city at
night, where all the lights appeared
golden. The entire city was just
magical. During our stay in Prague, we
visited the camp of Theresienstandt.
It was not a death or concentration
camp. Instead, Theresienstandt was
used as a “holding pen,” until the
prisoners were deported
to various other camps.
Pavel Stransky, a Holocaust
survivor who survived
both Thresienstandt and
Auschwitz, accompanied
our group. Hearing his
“Holocaust Love Story”
really opened my eyes
to what people endured
during that period of time.
Students at Memorial Dedication in Trsice, Czech Republic,
April 2, 2012: Hannah Smith, senior; Gabrielle Van Hoet,
sophomore; Megan Lucas, senior; Hannah Carmichael,
senior
The following day was
special to me. It was
March 31 -- prom night
at Saint Thomas Aquinas. That day
we viewed the castles and cathedrals
of Prague, and that evening we
went to a restaurant on a hill which
overlooked the entire city of Prague.
Everyone dressed up and the girls did
each other’s hair and makeup. As we
reached the restaurant, after a brief
hail and rain storm, it began to snow.
The view was absolutely breathtaking
-- even more so with the snow. It was a
wonderful prom night.
On April 2, all 25 participants of
the Holocaust Study Tour including
four students from Saint Thomas
Aquinas, were able to see our
commitment come to life.
On April 3, we visited Auschwitz,
the heart of the Holocaust. No words
can even begin to describe the pain
experienced there or any of the
emotions we all felt. It was simply
sobering, a completely indescribable
experience. We viewed the museum
at Auschwitz I and the artifacts. After
lunch we continued to Auschwitz II:
Birkenau. My jaw literally dropped
when I saw how huge the camp was.
As far as the eye could see, there were
barracks. It was a very emotional and
draining day for all of us -- one I will
never forget.
On April 7, 2012, our trip came to
an end. I made so many new friends,
learned so much not only about the
Holocaust, but about myself as well.
I recommend this trip to anyone
interested in learning about the
Holocaust. It is a life-changing trip
that I will remember throughout the
rest of my life.
The memorial dedicated to Otto
Wolf, a member of the Wolf family
who fled into the woods and hid until
the end of the war, and his family
was finally put into place. Otto is well
known for the diary he kept detailing
the frightening ordeal from the eyes of
a young boy. So many people showed
up: television
crews, Boy and
Girl Scout
troops, even the
mayor of the
www.facebook.com/stasaints
town of Trsice.
www.facebook.com/stasaintsalumni
It was truly
incredible to
www.twitter.com/stasaints
witness a piece
of history being
www.twitter.com/stasaintsalumni
made.
Facebook & Twitter
www.stasaints.net
9
Class of 2012
Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Rj Clark
Mary Dierks
Sara Doherty
Jill Hinman
Tyler Jackson
Nick Logan
Jennifer Reichmuth
Armed Forces
United States Air Force
Alex Limoges
Florida
University of Tampa Bay
Clayton Henning
Georgia
University of Georgia
Megan Spencer
Georgia Institute of
Technology
Jordan Calovich
Iowa
Iowa State University
Mason Berhenke
University of Northern Iowa
George Williams
Drake University
Jonathan Fortino
Maggie Kuckelman
Grace Miller
The University of Iowa
Claire Nuti
Illinois
DePaul University
Margaret Skorija
Loyola University Chicago
Elizabeth Dehaemers
Jordan MacGillivray
Northwestern University
Matt Lee Clemons
Bradley University
Andrew Brown
Augustana College
Scott Christian Davis
Indiana
University of Notre Dame
Matthew Biggins
Jack Goza
Anna Jenkins
Megan Schilling
Kansas
Benedictine College
Joseph Andrews
Danielle Blongewicz
Paul Heit
Clifford Ikenberry
Christine Jeffries
Eric Mason
Margaret Miller
10
Tessie Zarse
Emporia State University
Madeline Malley
Jonathan Trouba
Barton County Community
College
Erik Benson
University of Kansas
Kyle Bergman
Molly Bernard
Katherine Black
Mary Bradish
Nicole Budd
Kayla Burditt
Kimberly Byrd
Jill Carroll
Caroline Cherry
Samantha Colgan
Evan Commodore
Michael Conner
Abby Coplen
Austin Cordill
John Cosentino
Casey Craig
Samuel Cunningham
Paeten Denning
Kevin Dondlinger
Nicholas Dragush
Clare Eagan
Maggie Edmondson
Eric Eisenbarth
Ellery Ernst
Rachel Faherty
Ryan Feehan
Mary Fortino
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fraker
Michael Golubski
Joseph Greco
Justin Gross
Morgan Hicks
Julia Hollembeak
Andrew Horn
Treah Hutchings
Bradley Kellerman
Monica Ketchum
Samuel Kindred
Martha Krattli
Jeffrey Kraus
Henry Krause
Patrick Lang
Nicholas Lemos
Nick Lisbon
Lauren Lovetro
Megan Lucas
William Male
Luke Martinez
Zachary Martinez
Meghan McAllister
Jordan Mentzel
Alexis Miller
Dillon Moran
Brogan Moroney
Molly Murphy
Brendan Nachbar
Adreanne Orlanes
Mary Perez
Hayley Peter
Theresa Powers
Brianna Putthoff
Danny Reazin
Kyle Reed
Robert Ricci
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Matthew Roos
Harry David Schaefer
William Scherzer
Samuel Schmidt
Katherine Schneider
Kaitlyn Schneweis
Michael Schugart
Mitchell Sneed
Elliott Sobek
Nicole Speckin
David Stine
Audrey Storm
Oscar Tapia
Catherine Taylor
Megan Teahan
Michael Fitzgerald Tokic
David Urban
Carly Grace Van Blaricum
Zachary Watson
Mary Watts
Alyssa Weger
Sarah Whitehead
Mark Wiedeman
Maureen Wilson
Nelson Woodroof
Kansas State University
Katie Ahern
Michael Baska
Jack Brekke
Brianne Bulleigh
Kelsey Castinado
Jimmy Clark
Thomas Coffin
Katherine Dubbert
Nicholas Dwyer
Emily Ewert
Andrew Farmer
Timothy Fogarty
Jacob Gadwood
Carolyn Gardner
Marie Gavin
Luke Gilman
Taylor Haak
Neil Haas
Brooke Hanna
Sara Hernandez
Abby Hill
Brittany Husong
Michael Ibarra
Austin Joerger
Mallory Johnson
Kara Kalnasi
Lauren Kaveski
Erin Keating
Tucker Kennedy
Jennifer Kongs
Emily Kornell
Jamie Lacy
Alexis Leiker
Danielle Lickteig
Robert Loomis
Marissa Lord
Philip Loughman
Mackenzie Lutz
Kelly Mayerle
Susannah McCord
Meghan McGroder
Alexander McKean
Megan Medlock
Lauren Meyers
Brendan Mitchell
Matthew Mravunac
Cari Olberding
Robert Prendergast
Michael Schartz
Jonathan Schmidt
Rylee Shea
Spencer Smith
Sarah Spencer
Kenneth Super
J Trinkl
Austin Vest
Kaitlyn Wallace
Emily Wheeler
Johnson County Community
College
Elizabeth Cleary
Aaron Coatney
Maxwell Cobb
Zachary Goode
Tess Halling
Elizabeth Marshall
Haley Sieben
Kirsten Snyder
Sarah Trout
Nathan Wagner
Katlyn Wright
Pittsburg State University
Kelly Hentzen
Tanner Hottle
Grace Nightingale
Emily Seib
K-State at Salina
Ryan Johnston
Newman University
Mark Carlson
Wichita State University
Paige Mason
Missouri
University of Missouri
Columbia
Christian Boschert
Ashlie Bryant
Holly Campbell
Hannah Carmichael
John Ekedahl
Meghan Gampper
Hannah Goodwin
Tyler Heying
Brian Hinck
Elisa Houlehan
Darby Schieber
Joseph Stuckenschneider
Carole Trickey
Kristin Zancanelli
Conception Seminary
College
Jeff Thelen
Rockhurst University
Elizabeth Carmosino
Michael Geist
Mark McOsker
Gregory Parks
Lauren Watson
University of Missouri,
Kansas City
Mead D’Amore
Cameron Wiltse
William Jewell College
Cooper Crooks
Madeline Hopfinger
Riley Smith
Northwest Missouri State
University
Nataleigh Brull
Drury University
Elayne Timmons
Missouri State University
Courtney Bollig
Jana Coombs
Missouri Western State
University
Jessie Thorup
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
Maxwell Wilber
University of Central
Missouri
Ryan Pottier
Nebraska
University of Nebraska at
Lincoln
Carolyn Oldenhuis
Creighton University
Ryan Didde
Maggie Foley
Emily Holland
Brenda Kelly
Katelyn Pascuzzi
Marie Radke
Hannah Smith
Class of 2012
Ohio
The Ohio State University
Natalie Looney
Class of 2012 at a glance
Oklahoma
• Members of the class of 2012 were accepted to 91 different colleges and
universities.
South Carolina
• 68% of the senior class received academic scholarships and awards from 100
different colleges, universities, and private donors for a total of approximately
$9,000,000.
University of Central
Oklahoma
Laura BethCampbell
University of South Carolina
Natalie Smith
Texas
• 95% of these seniors will attend a four-year institution.
Texas Christian University
Blair Bowen
Lauren Bukaty
John Wooten
University of Dallas
Patricia Donahue
• 5% of these seniors will attend a two-year institution or serve in the military.
Wisconsin
• 39% selected colleges outside the state of Kansas.
University of Wisconsin,
Milwaukee
Kaela Ropson
Undecided
• 18% selected private colleges.
• 13% selected Catholic colleges.
• THREE National Merit Finalists.
• TWO National Merit Commended Scholars.
Will Markway
Matthew Schmidt
• Three Governor’s Scholars.
Congratulations
to the Saint
Thomas
Aquinas 2012
PAX CHRISTI
Award winners:
• In 2012, 2110 high school seniors in Kansas were designated as State of Kansas
Scholars. Of those, 61 were Saint Thomas Aquinas seniors; Average ACT 30,
Average GPA 3.91.
Katie Ahern
Matt Biggins
Christian Boschert
Andrew Brown
Mark Carlson
Jimmy Clark
Ryan Didde
Clare Eagan
Emily Ewert
Abby Hill
Jeff Kraus
Mackenzie Lutz
Madeline Malley
Hayley Peter
Ryan Pottier
Laynie Timmons
Emily Wheeler
Max Wilber
• 17 seniors were offered athletic scholarships to 21 different colleges.
• 59 seniors taking the ACT had a composite score of 28 or above with one
perfect score of 36.
Two Seniors Headed to the Seminary
Two members
of the Saint
Thomas
Aquinas class of
2012 will enter
the seminary
this fall. Pictured
above with
their mothers
are: Michelle
and Max
Wilber (left),
Jeff and Terri
Thelen along with Archbishop Joseph P. Naumann. Max will attend Kenrick
Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and Jeff will go to Conception Abbey
in Conception, Missouri. The photo was taken following the 2012 Feast of Saint
Thomas Aquinas Mass, which was celebrated by Archbishop Naumann at Saint
Thomas Aquinas High School in February.
In addition to these two new graduates, four alumni are currently studying for the
priesthood, and three female alumni and one male alumnus are in formation with
Religious Orders. Fr. Vince Huber, ‘00, was ordained to the priesthood in June 2011.
www.stasaints.net
11
Sports review 2011-2012
Fall Sports
Girls Tennis
Football
League: 2nd place
5A Regional runner-up
State: 3rd place
EKL first team: Clayton Henning, Matt Clemons
Coaches: Mike Thomas (head), Mike Armentrout,
Tom Cretors, Justin Gore, Kyle Hill, Chris
Johnson, Tim Lillis, Dylan Slaven, Sean
Thompson (asst)
Doubles: Lauren Huddlestun/Melinda Johnson
34-0, All metro
Singles: Natalie Looney - 2nd place, All metro
Singles: Adreanne Orlanes (10th),
Doubles: Cari Olberding, Morgan Hicks (5th)
All State Academic: Cari Olberding
Coaches: David Shriver (head), Petra Shinn (asst)
Season: 4-5
League: 5th place
Boys Soccer
Season: 12-6-1
League: 1st EKL, tied 5-8 in the
State
Girls Golf
STATE CHAMPIONS
League: 2nd place
Regional/Sub State: 1st place
State: 1st place
Team records broken or shared: Jordan Chael - best
individual score at Alvamar (70) 1st place; Baile
Winslow - best finish at 5A state tournament (70)
and Smoky Hill CC in Hays, Ks (70) 1st place
EKL first team: Jordan Chael, Baile Winslow
All State: Baile Winslow, Jordan Chael, Kelsey
Castinado, Kelsey Ryan
Coaches: Ryan Best (head), John Tompkins (asst)
Volleyball
Season: 31-10
League: 3rd place
Regional/Sub State: 1st place
Team records broken or shared: Kill Efficiency
Season - Megan Spencer; Assists Career - Taylor
Fox, Kills Career - Megan Spencer, Blocks Career Laynie Timmons
EKL first team: Megan Spencer
Kansas All Star - Megan Spencer, Laynie Timmons,
Jessie Thorup, Taylor Fox
Coaches: Kim Bogart, Brian Schenck (head), Sarah
Cretors, Anne Wildeboard, Kerri Jennings, Kacie
Cloud (asst)
Team records broken or shared: Coach Ewing wins
400th Boys Varsity Match against Peoria Notre
Dame in Gateway Classic.
EKL first team: Andrew Brown, Mikey Geist, Kyle
Gress
All Metro second team: Andrew Brown
All State: Andrew Brown, Mikey Geist, Tyler Heying
Coaches: Craig Ewing (head), Chuck Hammons,
Brian White, Erik Jones, Craig Drummond, Jim
Colwell (asst.)
Boys Cross Country
League: 2nd place
Regional/Sub State: 1st place
State Finish: 2nd place
EKL first team: Luke Gilman
All State: Tom Coffin, Nick Boyles, Jack Luther
Coaches: Justin Wrigley (head), Chris Ronan, Jim
Halling, Boyd Bauman, Matt Hallauer (asst)
Girls Cross Country
League: 1st Place
Regional/Sub State: 1st Place
State: 2nd place
EKL first team: Bailee Cofer, Libby Reazin, Rachel
Mahon, Eizabeth Romme, Maddie Hopfinger
All Metro 1st team: Bailee Cofer
All State: Rachel Mahon, Bailee Cofer, Libby Reazin,
Maddie Hopfinger, Elizabeth Romme
Coaches: Justin Wrigley (head), Chris Ronan, Jim
Halling, Boyd Bauman, Matt Hallauer (asst)
Go to www.stasaints.net to view individual
sports records!
12
Winter Sports
Boys Basketball
League: 6-8; 4th Place
Season: 13-10
Regional/Sub State Finish: 1st
place
EKL first team: Tyler Clement
Coaches: Sean Reilly (head), Bill Kolich, Darrin
Brooks, Chip Ahern, Jude Gersner, Brian White
Girls Basketball
Season: 16-9
League: 8-6 4th Place
Regional/Sub State: 1st place
State: 3rd Place
Coaches: Rick Hetzel (head), Bob Harbour, Justin
Wrigley, Jon Novacek, Angela Cordel (asst)
Boys Swimming
League 7th
School records broken or shared: R.J. Clark - 100
breaststroke (1:03.87)
Coaches: Rick Jenkins (head), Conor Delaney
(diving)
Wrestling
League: 2nd place
Season 1-0
Regional/Sub State: 1st/4th place
School records broken or shared: Eric Mason
defended state title (wt. - 285), Isaac Dulgarian state title (wt. - 120) Season takedowns 156; Ben
Ewing - 2 pt near falls 41; Kevin McCarthy - season
escapes 49; Tommy Williams Career takedowns
382, wins 150
EKL first team: Luke Henes, Isaac Dulgarian,
Tommy Williams, Johnny Perz, Eric Mason
Coaches: Lorne Parks (head), Andy Leiker, Tom
Williams, Randy Ewing, Mark Dulgarian, Larry
Parks, Kirk Berggren (asst)
Spring Sports
Baseball
League: 8-6
Season: 13-8
Regional/Sub State Finish: 2nd
place
Coaches: Lorne Parks (head), Kevin Garvey,
Brandon Greeson, John Hermsen, Otis Miller,
Bryce Kellerman, Brandon Adams (asst)
Sports review 2011-2012
Boys Bowling
Girls Swimming
Coach: Terry Droge
EKL First Team: Kaela Ropson
All State First Team: Kaela Ropson
Coaches: Rick Jennings (head), Ashley Dower,
Connor Delaney (asst)
Season: 4-6
Regional/Sub State: 8th place
Girls Bowling
Season: 0-10
Regional/Sub State: 4th place
Record: Martha Krattli - lettered 4 years
Coach: Terry Droge
League: 5th Place
State: 4th Place
Boys Golf
League: 3rd place
Regional/ Sub State: 2nd place
State: 5A Runner up
EKL First Team: Tommy Williams
All State: Tommy Williams Cameron Wiltse, Joe
Stuckenschneider, Austin Kruse, Troy Hilderhof
Coaches: Ryan Best (head), Mark Smith (asst)
Girls Soccer
STATE CHAMPIONS
Season: 16-4-1
League: 4-2-1; 4th Place
Regional/Sub State Finish: 1st
Place
School records broken or shared: 12th state title,
3rd consecutive title. Jill Carroll 15 assists (3rd all
time), Hannah Pyle 42 career goals (7th all time).
EKL First Team: Jamie Kutey, Mary Disidore,
Hannah Pyle, Tessie Zarse; All NEKSCA - Jamie
Kutey, Mary Disidore, Hannah Pyle, Tessie Zarse,
Natalie Owens; All State: Jamie Kutey, Mary
Disidore, Hannah Pyle, Tessie Zarse; All Metro:
Jamie Kutey, Mary Disidore
Coaches: Craig Ewing (head), Chuck Hammons,
Brian White, Erin Ellefson, Erik Jones, Jessica
Teahan, Jim Colwell
Softball
Season: 23-2
League: 13-1 League Champions
Regional/ Sub State: 1st place
State: Runner-up
School records broken or shared: Single season Hits
- Brooklin Hinz (47), Doubles - Casey Campbell
(17), Triples - Brooklin Hinz (11), Home Runs Paige Mason (4), RBIs Brooklin Hinz (31 tying for
2nd); Career Doubles -- Paige Mason (33), Runs
scored -- Paige Mason (68), Shutouts -- Brooklin
Hinz (11)
EKL First Team: Brooklin Hinz (P), Paige Mason
(IF), Casey Campbell (IF), Katie Pascuzzi (OF),
Samantha Colgan (OF)
All State: Brooklyn Hinz, Casey Campbell, Paige
Mason, Katie Pascuzzi
Coaches: Chris Orel (head), Kerri Jennings, Craig
Drummond, Stan Spurlin (asst)
Boys Tennis
STATE CHAMPIONS
League: 3rd place
Regional/Sub State: 1st place
Records broken or shared: First state team title and
first singles title. Singles -- Christian Boschert
(3rd), Blake Jackson (6th). Doubles -- Nick Logan
and Parker Turek - (1st), Mike Ibarra and Eric
Robinson (9th)
All State: Christian Boschert, Nick Logan, Eric
Robinson, Parker Turek, Mike Ibarra, Blake
Jackson
Coaches: David Shriver, Tim Lillis (asst)
Boys Track and Field
League: 7th place
Regional: 4th place
State: 14th place
Girls Track and Field
STATE CHAMPIONS
League: 1st place
Regional: 1st place
State: 1st place
School records broken or shared: Long jump - Laynie
Timmons - 17’ 11”; Triple Jump - Laynie Timmons
-- 37’ 09.25”, Discus -Megan Teahan -- 132’ 09”,
1600 M run - Bailee Cofer --5:11.95, 3200 M run
-Madison Hopfinger - 11:03.98
Regional Champions: Rachel Mahon – 3200 M Run
– 1st, 1600 M Run – 2nd Megan Teahan – Discus
– 1st, Shot Put – 3rd Laynie Timmons – High
Jump – 1st, Long Jump – 2nd, Triple Jump – 2nd
State Champions: Maddie Hopfinger – 3200 M
Run – 1st, 1600 M Run – 4th Megan Teahan –
Discus – 1st, Shot Put – 3rd
Individual State Championships: Megan Teahan - 5A
discus; Maddie Hopfinger 5A Girls 3200 M run
EKL Champions: Bailee Cofer – 800 M Run – 5th,
1600 M Run – 1st Laynie Timmons – High Jump
– 1st, Long Jump – 2nd, Triple Jump – 3rd
Team State Champions: Athletes and managers
-- Jennifer Angles, Kayla Burditt, Maggie Bourk,
Bailee Cofer, Emily Downey, Kate Drilling, Mary
Fortino, Becca Hare, Molly Herbic, Morgan Hicks,
Taylor Holmes, Madison Hopfinger, Catherine
Kluempers, Rachel Mahon, Brie Putthoff,
Elizabeth Romme, Katelyn Stewart, Krista Stewart,
Megan Teahan, Laynie Timmons, Rebekah Tyler
Coaches: Craig Moss (head), Darrin Bryant, Justin
Gore, Jim Halling, Rick Hetzel, Jeff Hicks, Greg
Wilson, Justin Wrigley (asst)
Since 1988, Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School has earned
73 State Championships in
KSHSAA activities and 304 league
and Regional/Sub-state titles.
Regional Champions: Nick Williams – Long Jump
– 1st 4x800 M Relay – (Bryan Zack, Chris Ernst,
Brad Kellerman, Nick Boyles) – 1st
Coaches: Craig Moss (head), Darrin Bryant, Justin
Gore, Jim Halling, Rick Hetzel, Jeff Hicks, Greg
Wilson, Justin Wrigley (asst)
www.stasaints.net
13
Class Notes
1992
Jay Novacek received the Art Newcomer
Promising Athletic Director award honoring
second or third- year Athletic Directors who
have been nominated by his/her peers across
the state and confirmed by the past presidents
council of the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic
Administrators Association (KIAAA).
John McGurk, ‘98, holds
key position with the City
of Kansas City, Missouri
1996
John McGurk, 1998 graduate of Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School is currently chief of staff for
Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., who was sworn in as mayor
of Kansas City, Missouri, in May 2011. After high
school, John obtained his Bachelor of Science degree
from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where
he studied political science, history and environmental studies. John earned
his law degree from the UMKC School of Law where he concentrated in
urban, land-use and environmental law. He practiced land-use and real
estate law for the law firm Polsinelli Shughart, PC. During law school and
through his practice is how John got to know the present Kansas City mayor
and fellow lawyer, Sylvester “Sly” James.
Stephanie Roling LaFaver and her husband
Jeremy LaFaver had their first child, Isabelle
Marie LaFaver, on 11/11/11. They live in Kansas
City, Missouri. Stephanie’s husband, Jeremy
LaFaver, is running for State Representative for
District 25 Waldo/Brookside.
John attended Catholic schools from first through 12th grade, and he
believes that this fact -- in addition to guidance from his parents -- instilled
in him the need to give back to the community. “When you’re blessed with
a good family, good education and bountiful opportunities, it means that
much will be expected of you,” he said.
1998
According to John, there is no typical day at work -- and that’s the way he
likes it. “One day can have crisis, progress, frustration and accomplishment
all wrapped up in it.
For the past two years, Jay has held the position
of Athletic Director at Olathe Northwest High
School where he also served as head baseball
coach and assistant football coach from 2009 2010. After graduation in 1997 from Emporia
State University with a BS in Secondary
Education and English, Jay began his teaching
career at Olathe South where he taught English
and served as assistant coach in the baseball and
football programs. He obtained a Masters degree
in School Administration from Baker University.
Celia Needleman Thompson was named Mrs.
Kansas United States 2012 and will represent
Kansas in the Mrs. United States national
pageant in July in Las Vegas. Celia and her
husband David both had roles in the Johnson
County Theater in the Park production of Legally
Blond.
1999
“I guess if there were a normal day, it would consist of going to the gym
at 6 a.m. and reading the daily news while on the treadmill, getting in the
office and talking to our staff about the day’s meetings, meeting with the
Mayor to brief him on any issues needing attention, having three to seven
meetings with a whole host of people on a whole host of issues, reading and
responding to 200-plus emails and trying to fit in some time to actually do
the day-to-day work that needs to be done. The day usually comes to an end
around 7 p.m. or so, and unless there is an event to go to, I’ll go home.”
Mayor James gives John’s job performance high marks: “John is my righthand man. His intelligence, leadership and commitment to this community
have been tremendous assets to my administration. Yet his friendship and
continuous support are even more meaningful to me. Without a doubt,
John is going to leave a lasting impression on this community. I’m excited to
see what the future holds for him.”
John still maintains friendships with the buddies he hung out with in
senior hall at STA, and claims, “. . . They will be my friends for life!”
Ann Kratofil Warren and her husband, Joe,
have a son, Peter, born on January 11, 2012. The
couple lives in Derby, Kansas, where Joe is a
partner with Warren Homes. Ann worked three
years for the Wichita Public School District, the
last two as a reading coach.
14
John and Katie McBreen of
Aurora, Colorado, were married
on July 7, 2012. The couple met
while participating in the 2011
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
(LLS) Man and Woman of the
Year, a fundraiser for blood cancer
research in honor of local children
who are blood cancer survivors.
Class Notes
Chris Prewitt and his wife Heather were
married in August 2008. They are parents of
Grant, 7, Isabella, 2, and Lili, 3 months, and
live in Kansas City, Missouri, where Chris works
for National Public Radio’s Kansas City affiliate
KCUR.
Bridgid Driscoll Ondick, ‘01, performs
and teaches Irish dancing
After graduating from Kansas State
University in 2004 with an English degree,
Bridgid returned to Kansas City although
her family had all moved back to the east
coast (Monica, ‘04, Nora, ‘02). In 2005,
Bridgid married her husband Jim Ondick.
2001
Kristine Covillo auditioned in October for
the new network television show Smash and
appeared in five episodes as one of the dancers.
She also appeared in the opening number of
the 2012 65th Annual Tony Awards with Neil
Patrick Harris. Kristine will continue her dream
of dancing in New York City where she recently
received a role in the Broadway production of
Evita.
In 2009, she earned Dublin, Ireland’s
Irish Dance Commission TCRG
certification, and the following year, she
started her own school -- the Driscoll School
of Irish Dance. With 60 students she
currently teaches four days a week. They
will be performing this year at the Kansas
City Irish Fest during Labor Day weekend.
They have also attended local, regional and
national level competitions for the past two
years.
2002
Bridgid also continues to perform and
was the Irish step dancer at Raglan Road
Irish Pub for two years. She also danced
at the Kansas City Irish Fest opening
day events at Kauffman Center for the
Performing Arts and won Kansas City’s Got
Talent last November, a corporate talent
show held at Boulevard Brewery for the Women’s Employment Network.
Bridgid also works as a trade processor at State Street, a financial services
provider.
Jillian Carroll teaches third grade at Derrick
Thomas Academy and coaches two youth soccer
teams with the KC Strikers Soccer Club. Also,
this year will be her third season with the Kansas
City Chiefs Cheerleaders of which she is Captain
of the team.
Christina Strubbe earned a B.S. in Business
from the University of Kansas in 2006. Following
graduation, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia. On
April 27, 2007, she married fellow KU alumnus
Wes Osbourn. Soon after, the couple moved
to Wichita, Kansas where Christina worked in
Sales and Marketing for McKesson, a healthcare
services company, before becoming the Executive
Director for the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure in 2010. She recently
returned to sales at McKesson. She looks forward
to reconnecting with classmates through the 10
year reunion!
Alumni:
2003
Anne Malinee, a third-year University of
Virginia law student, with fellow student Kristin
Millay won the University’s 83rd annual William
Minor Lile Moot Court Competition in April.
Over the past two years, 163 law students have
participated in the competition, long considered
the premiere event at the prestigious law program
which tests students’ litigation skills.
Please update your mailing address at
www.stasaints.net/alumniupdate
www.stasaints.net
Melissa Windon Shaffer and her husband,
Cody, were married on September 8, 2011, and
live in Mission, Kansas, with their dog, Mojo.
Melissa has worked for South & Associates, P.C.,
in Overland Park, Kansas, for five years as the
paralegal for the senior litigation attorney and
founding shareholder. Cody owns Advanced
Fitness Consulting, LLC, an in-home personal
training company.
Bradley Sullivan graduated from the
University of Kansas Medical Center with a
Doctor of Philosophy in Toxicology. Brad’s
dissertation and research was “The Role of
Coagulation in Xenobiotic-Induced Liver Injury.”
15
In Memoriam
2005
2008
Beth Benedict starred as Elle in the Johnson
County Theater in the Park production of Legally
Blond this summer. She also appeared in the
Theater in the Park shows Thoroughly Modern
Millie in 2007 and The Wedding Singer in 2009.
Beth performed at Starlight Theatre, Union
Station and stage shows at Worlds of Fun before
moving to California.
Alex Evrard will be attending Marquette
University School of Law in fall 2012. Alex
graduated from The University of Kansas where
he earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and
a minor in Business.
Landon Wedermyer graduated from Michigan
State University College of Law in 2012. He is a
Lieutenant in the United States Air Force JAG
Corps.
2006
Kelsey Jeter, a Registered Dietician, and
students and faculty with the KU Department
of Dietetics and Nutrition, in partnership with
Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc., are
teaching a nutrition education course called Food
for Your Family. Designed to help low-income
families learn healthy eating habits and cooking
skills, Food for Your Family is aimed at improving
knowledge about nutrition among children and
families in Wyandotte County, Kansas.
Midfielder Michael Thomas is a member of
the Major League Soccer team -- Sporting Kansas
City -- and Kyle Miller, ‘07, is on its Development
Team.
2007
photo credit: Northwestern Communications
Department
In April, Drake Dunsmore was a 7th round
pick in the National Football League draft and
signed a four-year contract to play with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A late starter to the game
of football, Drake first played as a sophomore
at Saint Thomas Aquinas. He received a
scholarship to Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois,
where he lined up as a lead back, an H-back,
and traditional Tight End. In his career at
Northwestern his receiver skills drew attention
and he even worked out with the Chiefs among
other NFL programs. His father Pat played tight
end for a couple seasons with the Chicago Bears
in the 1980s.
16
Patrick Doran graduated in May 2012
from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul,
Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice. He
will attend the William Mitchell School of Law in
St. Paul, Minnesota, in fall 2012.
Connor Patrick McCarthy graduated from the
United States Military Academy - West Point in
May. He is a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
2010
Blakely Swanson is currently on a mission
trip through the International Student Volunteer
program. She just completed her second year of
college and first semester of Nursing School at the
University of Missouri. Blakely holds the office
of Vice President of Academic Excellence for her
chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Hallie Dusselier recently received Creighton
University’s prestigious Clare Boothe Luce
Scholarship for undergraduate women in the field
of science entering junior or senior year.
2011
Ali Kruse was featured in a February 2012
Seton Hall news story “THE BACK NINE:
Nine Questions for Women’s Golfer Ali
Kruse,” released by the Seton Hall Athletic
Communications department. The article said
that Ali played a significant role in Seton Hall’s
success last fall. A starter in all five tournaments,
she had a stroke average of 79.23 and logged
a pair of top-20 finishes. The press release
stated that: “Ali came in as a freshman and
really stepped into her role with confidence.
She balances school, golf, work outs and her
involvement in both the Leadership Development
program and the Pirate athlete fellowship
extremely well. Academics are a high priority
for Ali which is evident in her Dean’s List
membership.”
Tyler Hetzel finished third with his partner at
the Bassmaster’s Central Regional Tournament
held on Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma. They
have advanced to fish in the Bassmaster National
Championship in Arkansas in late July. They
were interviewed by ESPNU - to view some
pictures, go to: http://www.bassmaster.com/
tournaments/2012-carhartt-college-series-centralsuper-regional.
In Memoriam
Kevin R. Haeusser, age 49, of Overland
Park, Kansas, died on Thursday, December 29,
2011. He and his wife Laura are parents of seven
children: Eric Haeusser, ‘03, Bryan Haeusser, ‘04,
Amy Haeusser, ‘06, Kyle Haeusser, ‘07, Rebecca
Haeusser, Kristin Haeusser, and Jason Haeusser,
and also four grandchildren.
Glenn Jennewein, of Overland Park, Kansas,
died on April 10, 2012. He is survived by his wife,
Cathy, two daughters: Carrie Jennewein, ‘94, and
Katie Caslow, ‘97 (Al), and two granddaughters.
Otis Lee Kinch, age 80, of Bethany, Missouri,
died on July 7, 2012. He is survived by his wife
Gail and three children: Monty Kinch (Christine),
Destry Kinch, and STA Counselor Laura Cline
(Jim), and six grandchildren.
Janet Carlson Koch, age 59, of Overland Park,
Kansas, died on March 15, 2012. She is survived
by her husband of 30 years, John Koch, and four
children: Shannon Lueker, Kacie Koch Joyner,
‘00 (Carson), Molly Koch Spencer, ‘02 (Ross),
and Andy Koch, ‘05, four grandchildren, and also
“adopted” daughters Ebony Haliburton, ‘02, and
Sandrine Salas.
Charles G. Lamont, age 87, of Atlantic
Beach, New York, died on December 31, 2011.
He is survived by his wife Alice, three children:
STA teacher Charles Lamont, Robert Lamont,
and Jean Lamont, three grandchildren and one
great-grandson.
Mary Lou Klebl Regan, age 85, of Shawnee,
Kansas, died on April 22, 2012. She was preceded
in death by her husband of 60 years, Eugene
Regan. She is survived by three children: Eugene
Regan, ‘66 (Sharon), James Regan, ‘67 (Patti),
and Carolyn Regan Holton, ‘73 (George), six
grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Thelma Scheuchl, age 92, of Overland Park,
Kansas, died on April 8, 2012. She was preceded
in death by her husband Don and is survived
by son Don, Jr. (Tami), and STA Director of
Admissions Diane Pyle (Brian), and three
grandchildren.
Michelle Stueve Smith, age 54, of Overland
Park, Kansas, died on December 28, 2011.
Michelle is survived by her husband of 27 years,
Paul Smith, and children: Maggie Smith, ‘04,
Patrick Smith, ‘05, and Molly Smith, ‘07.
Donald Glenn Sneed, age 69, of Lake Quivira,
Kansas, died on May 17, 2012. He is survived
by his wife Joannie, son Brett, daughters Christi
Sneed Metivier (Mark) and Whitney Sneed
Coulson, ‘95 (Scott), and eight grandchildren.
(Memorial information is published for deceased
alumni, deceased parents/children/siblings of alumni,
deceased faculty/staff and deceased parents/siblings/
children of faculty/staff. Please notify the Saint
Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office by contacting
Cindy Winkler at 913.319.2425 /
[email protected]).
special Remembrances
Deb Dilloway
Deb Dilloway, 43, a former chemistry teacher at Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School from 2000 - 2009 died on December 22, 2011, in San Diego,
California. Deb held degrees in math and chemistry (cum laude) from Mt.
Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles, California, a B.S. in education from
San Diego State University, and a Master’s degree in Science Education from
Montana State University.
Deb moved to the Kansas City area in 1990 and landed a job at Harcros
Chemical in Kansas City, Kansas. She joined the Saint Thomas Aquinas faculty
in 2000 because she felt called to the teaching profession. Her passion for the
study of science and knowledge of the subject combined to make her a good
educator. Deb was also an unabashed baseball fanatic who became a familiar
face at Kauffman Stadium where she ushered for the Kansas City Royals. At an
early age, Deb was diagnosed with kidney disease that required dialysis for 18
years. After a third kidney transplant, she returned home to San Diego where
she tutored chemistry, volunteered at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and
worked for the Padres as a Prime Suites Host.
A Memorial Mass in honor of Deb was celebrated on January 10, 2012, at St. Therese Catholic Church in San Diego,
California. She is survived by her parents, Vic and Sharon Dilloway, and brothers Vic, Colin and Keith as well as eight
nieces and nephews.
Bill Weiler
William (Bill) J. Weiler, 76, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Latin,
theology and philosophy teacher for 22 years, died on February 11, 2012, in
Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in
1953 from St. Louis University High School. He joined the Jesuit Novitiate in
Florrissant, Missouri, and attended St. Louis University where he received his
undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Theology and also obtained a Master’s
degree in Theology.
Bill was ordained in 1966 and returned to St. Louis University in 1973 to
teach Philosophy and later serve as Rector of the priests studying at the school.
He was laicized in 1980 and continued teaching at Rockhurst University, Avila
University and Longview Community College. During this time he also did
freelance work as a book editor. Arriving at Saint Thomas Aquinas in 1989 to
teach Latin, he worked at the Lansing Correctional Facility helping inmates get
their GEDs.
Bill is the father of three Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni - Rachel, ‘00, a
chemistry Ph.D. student; Joseph, ‘02, a Chicago attorney; and Rebecca, ‘06, who
is beginning graduate school in social work. Bill always managed to maintain a
positive attitude -- coining the response to how his day going - “Fantastic!” He
was a friend and philosopher who dedicated his life to his family and students. He loved being a teacher and taught with
great passion, wisdom, and understanding.
As a former Jesuit, Bill was very comfortable explaining the teachings of the Catholic Church and enjoyed helping
young people explore their faith and fulfill their intellectual potential. He believed that our Catholic faith daily challenges
us to adhere to high moral principles. His daughter Rachel said her father raised his children with encouragement and
respect, adding, “I hope to someday be at least half the parent he was. He was and will always be the best man I know.”
Bill’s funeral Mass of the Christian Burial was held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on February 16 in Kansas City,
Missouri, with most of the Saint Thomas Aquinas faculty and staff in attendance along with many students and friends.
Rest in peace, friend. You are a champion!
www.stasaints.net
17
Walk for Life
The Saints Walk for
Life Sponsors:
Saints ($1000 and above)
Anonymous
K-Love 97.3
Gold ($500-$999)
Church of the Ascension Knights of
Columbus
Tim Herre, DDS
Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus
Rita and Lamar Hunt, Jr.
NovaConGroup
Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus
Blue ($300 - $499)
Anonymous
David and Patricia Buchanan
Carol Chartrand and Family
Lisa R. Gonzales Clement, DDS
Henderson Engineers
Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus
LifeFront - Defending Life on the Front
Lines
Print Time
The Quick Family
STA Home Repair
Peter and Kelly Radiel
ReBath of Kansas City
Tinker Lawn & Landscape/ The
Innovative Event
Trinity House
Shields ($100 - $299)
Photos by Michele Gress
Saints Walk For Life 2012
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Teens for Life Club sponsored the annual Walk
For Life on Saturday, April 28, 2012. Over 300 walkers and several sponsors
raised $20,000 for pro-life organizations that work to save lives!
The seven-mile walk or jog to the Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center at 75th
Street Terrace and Nieman Road in Shawnee started at 9:00 a.m. in the gym
with a prayer. Following the walk, participants were invited to enjoy a picnic
and tour of the Center.
Proceeds from the Saints Walk for Life benefit local agencies Advice and Aid
Pregnancy Center, Birthright, Grace Center, Kansans for Life and Wyandotte
Pregnancy Clinic.
Teens for Life 2011-12 officers were: President - Max Wilber, Vice PresidentBaile Winslow; Exec Officers: Kayla Burditt and Casey Craig. Math teachers
Heather Schoneman and Cathryn Radiel are the club moderators.
18
Teresa Ahrens
Kathy Cloud
Julie and John Cosentino
Monica Dunn
Carol Elder
Michelle Gress
Dave and Margie Greving
Kathleen Hlavacek
Kongs & Seib, P.A.
The McGovern Family
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Miller
Margaret Radiel
Mark Rielley
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sabatini
John and Cindy Thesing
Jack Stack Barbecue
Wea Knights of Columbus
Sheerin Scientific Company, Inc.
St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus
Williams-Gaughan Insurance Agency
Reunions
Upcoming 25th-Year Events, especially
for Alumni
Saturday morning, August 11 -Saints Stampede 5K, Pancake Breakfast and Family-Fun Day
www.stasaints.net/SaintsStampede5K
Friday evening, August 24 -Saints vs. St. James Soccer at the STA Stadium: Alumni and spouse/
children admitted free.
www.stasaints.net/25years
Homecoming Tailgate BBQ and Football Game vs. Blue Valley North
www.stasaints.net/Tailgate
St. Joseph High School
Class of 1962 50th Reunion
Friday, August 17, 2012
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Hereford House - Shawnee Room
17250 Midland Drive
Shawnee, Kansas
Saturday, August 18, 2012
5:00 p.m. Mass
St. Joseph Church
6:00 p.m. Reception & Dinner
Courtyard by Marriott
17244 Midland Drive
Shawnee, Kansas
For more information and reservations,
contact Linda Ehrhart Kneib at
[email protected], or (816) 943-6348.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Saints Stampede, Pancake Breakfast &
Family Fun Day
at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Go to www.stasaints.net
SaintsStampede5K for more information
and to register.
Contact Bess Powers:
[email protected], or Ben Lewis:
[email protected], with
questions.
2002
Friday-Saturday, September 28-29, 2012
Friday evening, September 28 --
1962
1997
1982
Saturday, October 13, 2012
6 p.m.
The Pick Smoke n’ Grill
5354 Roberts Street
Shawnee, KS 66226
Contact Amy Soetaert Rainey,
[email protected], or Paul Boone,
(913) 238-9706.
1987
Contact Tim Seibold at
[email protected].
1992
For more information, contact Kevin
Easterday: keasterday@countryclubbank.
com, or Annie Doherty Shuey:
[email protected].
Friday:
Homecoming Tailgate in the Commons
at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. BBQ Dinner
7:00 p.m. Saints vs. BVN Football
Make your own dinner reservations:
www.stasaints.net/Tailgate.
Saturday:
aLoft Hotel
8 p.m. - Midnight
11620 Ash Street
Leawood, Kansas
$20 per person
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/
events/219836021445609/
For more information about this year’s
10-Year Reunion, contact
[email protected].
2007
Friday, November 23, 2012
7:30 p.m.
The Well in Waldo
7421 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri
No Reservation Needed; Pay for What
You Order.
For more information, search “STA class
of 2007- REUNION” on Facebook, or
contact Holly Robben:
[email protected], or Drew Brozak:
[email protected].
1972
Contact Julanne Shikles Patrick at
[email protected].
www.stasaints.net
19
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
11411 Pflumm Road
Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816
Get your copy of
“Celebrating 25 Years
of Saints!”
We are compiling a 25th year
book that will be published at the
conclusion of the class of 2013
graduation (the 25th class!). The book
will be available next summer at a cost
of $25. Please pre-order your copy of
“Celebrating 25 Years of Saints” by
contacting Mary Bridget Kratofil at
[email protected] or
www.stasaints.net/25yearsbook. The
book will feature lots of pictures and
an overview of the people and events
that shaped Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School since the doors opened
in August 1988. What a perfect gift
for yourself or your favorite Saint!
Don’t miss out on getting a copy of
“Celebrating 25 Years of Saints!”
P.S. Do you have a GREAT photo
that you want to share for possible
inclusion in the book? Send a digitized
image to: [email protected]
and be sure
to identify the
people in the
photo with the
year and the
occasion.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SHAWNEE MISSION, KANSAS
PERMIT NO. 22
www.stasaints.net/25years
Saints Stampede
5K Cross Country Run/Walk
Saturday morning, August 11, 2012
Pancake Breakfast,
and Family Fun Day
Alumni Night at Saints vs.
St. James Boys Soccer
Friday evening, August 24, 2012
25th-Year Liturgy: All-School
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Thursday morning, August 30, 2012
9:30 a.m. - Main Gym
New Field Blessing &
Dedication
Friday evening, August 31, 2012
Blue & Gold Kickoff, and Saints
vs. Blue Valley Northwest Varsity
Football Home-Opener
Update your email/mailing address!
www.stasaints.net/alumniupdate or www.stasaints.net/parentupdate