Withrow High School Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence in Epic Fashion

Withrow Alumni • Box 8186 • Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 363-9085 [email protected] Spring 2013

Withrow Alumni • Box 8186 • Cincinnati, OH 45208 • (513) 363-9085 • withrowalumni.org Fall 2019 Withrow High School Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence in Epic Fashion

by NICHELLE BOLDEN ’84 After two years of organiza- School was honored by city, tion, meeting, planning, and ex- county, and state officials with ecution, the Withrow Cen- proclamations officially declar- tennial Celebration took place ing Withrow Weekend through- from September 4 through Sep- out the city. City councilman Jeff tember 8, 2019. Presented by Pastor (’01) delivered the first of- the Withrow Alumni Associa- ficial proclamation from the tion, the five-day celebration Mayor’s office, followed by marked our 100 years of provid- Hamilton County Commis- ing excellence in educational, sioner Denise Driehaus and State civic, musical and athletic ac- Representatives Brigid Kelly and

complishments. Additionally, The gala committee delivered a spectacular evening. Sedrick Denson. Finally, Tiger long-standing community and corporate partners, Western alumnus, State Senator Cecil Thomas, presented WAI with & Southern Financial Group, the Cincinnati Herald, Frost, proclamations from the Ohio Senate and an official guber- Brown and Todd Legal Firm, and Xavier University, joined natorial proclamation from Governor Mike DeWine. For- the Alumni Association in presenting this grand affair. mer Ohio state representative and class of 1989 President Kicking off a host of events was the ORANGE OUT on Alicia Reece served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, as four Fountain Square, where 1,000 Tigers descended upon of Cincinnati’s legendary DJs—Da’Mon George (’88), downtown to commemorate our birthday. Withrow High (Continued on page 3) Holiday Concert Spectacular Returns to Withrow The Concert will go on sale on November 1, 2019 at https://whstheater Thursday, December 12, 2019, marks the return of a productions.org/. Parking will be available on the streets Withrow Holiday Concert, the final event of Withrow’s around Withrow and behind the school near the gym. Use Centennial year celebration. There will be one performance the Dana Ave. entrance. for students in the afternoon and a public performance be- In addition to performances by Withrow students, the ginning at 7:30 pm in the evening. The performance will Holiday Concert will feature the Lakota East Choir. Lakota last two hours with no intermission. Tickets are $10 for East has an exemplary choir program that starts with a adults and $2 for children 12 years old and younger. Tickets (Continued on page 2) Tower News Fall 2019

Holiday Concert Spectacular Returns to Withrow (Continued from page 1) BOARD OF basic program for junior high stu- students split between two classes TRUSTEES dents; this early experience enables taught daily by Mike Wendledn. John Apgar ’68 them to join a wide range of per- Christy McTigue Backley ’66 formance groups in senior high. How You Can Help Stephanie Williams Ball ’88 The Holiday Concert will also fea- The Beginning Band Program Dave Blocksom ’68 ture the Cincinnati New Horizons continues to look for instrument do- Nikki Bolden ’84 Band, which performed for Withrow nations and/or money to help repair Sandra Dangerfield Butler ’74 Darius Davis ’08 Sounds Again in May. This orchestra instruments. If you want to donate an Joe Dehner ’66 includes many very talented With- instrument or know of a potentially Cecil Dewberry ’59 row alums. available instrument, please call Zach- Patty Hoskins Dilg ’71 ery Riggins ’72 at 652-5080. If you’d Denny Duermit ’69 The Program like to assist with instrument repair, Dominique Francisco ’10 The effort to bring music and the- you may write a check payable to Damon George ’88 ater back to Withrow is off to a great Withrow Alumni Inc. and mail it to Rob Hinton ’71 start. This school year has produced Withrow Alumni Inc., P.O. Box 8186, Pat Hunley ’78 92 Beginning Band students, who are Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. Alternatively, Jim Jones ‘73 split among three classes daily. Those go to https://withrowalumni.org/ Carol Mitchell Lawrence ’84 classes are being taught by Laura under Help Withrow, Make a Dona- Bob Linnenberg ’63 Omaits. A drama class of 28 students tion online. Karen Garner Luckie ’73 is taught by Diane Roland, for 38 Kitalena Mason ’98 years a dedicated Withrow teacher. Looking Ahead Cheryl Pulliam Meadows ’66 This daily class curriculum includes Mark your calendar now for the next Caroline S. Moore ’98 mime, one-act plays, and writing. In Sounds of Withrow performances Zach Riggins ’72 addition, a steel drum class has 28 April 30, May 1 and May 2, 2020. Janet Rodgers ’77 Felicia Rosemond ’91 Vince Stitzel ’59

BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMERITUS Faithfully served 12 years or longer on the Board. Jim Brown ’63 Dale Browing ’64 Kendal Coes ’85 Jack Cover ’59 Emily Fray Hagemeier ’54 Janet Davis Melvin ’53 Ike Misali ’50 John Srofe ’51 Dick Wendel ’54

2 Tower News Fall 2019

Withrow High School Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence in Epic Fashion (Continued from page 1)

Perry Simmons (’85), Guy Wes- Contest, led by our young Tiger Cubs, ance speech. “And you TOO Tigers, moreland (’91) and David Hanker- Simon Edwards (’20) and Ivan Mason can RRRROOAR!” son (’78)—were on the “wheels of (’20), who respectively placed first Closing out the grand weekend, steel” capturing the Tiger party and second. 150 alumni gathered around the spirit. Later in the evening, over 800 iconic clock tower at the Centennial The epic weekend continued with Tiger Alumni descended upon JACK Brunch on Sunday morning. Guests the Centennial Golf Outing at Reeves Casino Grand Ballroom for the enjoyed a delectable menu, spirited Golf Course at Lunken Airport on soiree of the year—the Centennial ambiance, great music, and connec- September 7. At this event, co-chaired Gala and After Party. Guests enjoyed tions with classmates. DJ Da’Mon by Rich Eby (’59) and Terrance a sumptuous surf and turf dinner, George echoed the sentiments of Shearer (’84), more than 65 alum teed and celebrated our storied history many alumni. off to raise funds for the Major R. Mc- through songs and speeches from “Anyone who walked the halls of Neal Scholarship Fund. Many noted numerous alumni and Laura Withrow High School knew it was a Tiger alumni who participated in- Mitchell, CPS Superintendent and special place,” said George. “Our cen- cluded basketball and golf legends, keynote speaker. Serving as the Gala tennial celebrations allowed us to Denny Duermit (’68), John Apgar Mistress of Ceremonies, former show Cincinnati and the world our (’68), Rick Calloway (’85) and Coach WCPO anchor Jenell Walton (’89) generations of bonds, our Tiger George Jackson (’74). regaled the crowd with hilarious sto- Love, and our Tiger Pride.” September 8, marked a historic day ries about her time spent at Withrow Overall, the Withrow High School filled with a host of events Tigers will as a member of the Withrow Voice of Centennial Weekend set an amazing remember for years to come. We Communications. Alumni entertain- precedent in terms of how we honor kicked off the day with the Centennial ers, jazz artist Kathy Wade (’73) and our history and our historically sig- Crosstown Hoop Showdown vs. the nationally renowned gospel artist, nificant campus, and showcased the Woodward High School Bulldogs, Darwin Hobbs (’85), delivered pow- overall love we have for our school. featuring our millennial basketball erful solo performances, as well as a We thank all those Tigers who at- all-stars. Coached by Steve Gentry moving collective rendition of our tended, donated, supported, and vol- (’89), and led by Chris Knight (’05), Alma Mater. Rich Eby (’59) and unteered time, funds, and effort into Anthony McBride (’08) and Josh Reid Emily Spicer (’44) were crowned Mr. making this spectacular event one of (’09), the Tiger All-Stars put away the and Mrs. Centennial. the most memorable times in our rich always scrappy Bulldogs, 80-74. Also “As a Tiger, I can RRROAR,” history. And remember— ONCE A featured was the halftime Slam Dunk quipped Mrs. Spicer in her accept- TIGER.... ALWAYS A TIGER!

Left, the Golf tournament committee planned a tournament that raised money for scholarships. Right, alumni enjoyed Sunday brunch around the tower.

3 Tower News Fall 2019 From the Principal’s Desk by JERRON T. GRAY What an awesome Centennial eventually vote on, put into produc- dents acclimate to our Withrow aca- Celebration! From the Orange-Out tion and market based upon their demic culture, as well as partnering on Fountain Square to the Golf Out- study; also, through the lens of our with support institutions such as: ing, Alumni Basketball Game vs Agri-business Program, our Founda- Refugee Connect, YMCA Young Woodward, the packed-house Gala tions of Economics classes are ad- Achievers, Xavier University, Univer- at Jack Casino and the elegant Tower dressing supply and demand sity of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Lawn Brunch, what an amazing cel- problems related to food scarcity in State Community College. Our ESL- ebration week! All I can say is our city’s urban areas and those Engineering Pathway program vis- WOW!!! around the world. ited the University of Cincinnati’s To be a part of history and to have Our Special Needs Program stu- College of Engineering in early Oc- met so many distinguished Alumni dents recently participated in tober in the first of several joint from all across the city and country Cincinnati’s River Reach Program events with UC and Cincinnati State. was truly a tremendous honor. Our where they cruised up and down the As a part of our Robotics Club, our Centennial Celebration put on dis- Ohio River learning about the his- students also recently competed to- play such grand Tiger Pride that all tory of the river and collecting scien- gether in a “robots soccer game” of Cincinnati Public Schools and the tific data such as the pH of and the competition where student teams City of Cincinnati stood watching in bacteria, micro and macro species programmed robots to compete awe and shared in our Withrow tra- levels in the Ohio River. Additionally, against each other in a robots soccer dition, culture and pride. This was a our students gain hands-on work ex- game. Great fun, great competition celebration to remember and will periences twice a week, through Vi- and great academic experience! never be forgotten! aQuest Day & Employment Ser- Artistically, as a result of the ex- As we embark upon our next 100 vices—working at Matthew 25 Min- citement from our Withrow Sounds years, Withrow is still on the move – istries and Our Daily Bread Soup Again show last spring, we are reviv- continuing to impact the academic, Kitchen in downtown Cincinnati. ing our Fine Arts Program with the artistic and athletic lives of over Our students also participate in the addition of a Drama Course, the hir- 1,300 students. Here are just some of Cincinnati Arts and Technology Stu- ing of a new Music Teacher and ex- the highlights of our school year, dios (CATS) program where they panding student enrollment in our thus far: create pottery, ceramics and digital strings and small-but-mighty march- Academically, our faculty and staff fine art. Our students are then able ing band programs. On October 31, have been working extremely hard to to put their work up for sale and students in our Drama class per- analyze State testing data and de- keep the profits. And finally, through formed Frankenstein in the school’s velop strategies to enhance student the support of our Alumni Associa- auditorium. On December 12, stu- learning across all academic disci- tion, our special needs students run dents in our Music and Fine Arts plines. Our School of Business con- our Positive School Culture (PBIS) program will be performing in our tinues to forge ahead with part- ROAR Student Incentive Store, as Holiday Concert. Please, come out nerships with companies such as: well as prepare Tiger Diner meals and support our students! Western & Southern’s Mentoring once a month for our faculty and Our global reach saw three of our Program and Madisono’s Sorbet & staff as a part of our School of Busi- students and travel with teachers to Gelato Company—working with ness Program. New Taipei City, Taiwan in June to our 8th grade students to develop Our English as a Second Language participate in our Taipei City– feasibility research studies of differ- (ESL Program) is helping our inter- Cincinnati Sister City Culture and ent gelato flavors that students will national refuge and immigrant stu- Education Exchange Program. The

4 Tower News Fall 2019

high level of care, hospitality and and pride to our Withrow students and athletically in the next 100 years cultural education experienced by and alumni! We thank all who par- – enabling them to truly know what our student and staff while in Taipei ticipated in the week’s festivities. it means to be a Withrow Tiger – City was phenomenal, and without As you can see, we have a lot going Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!!! question will be remembered for a on at the ’Row. It is our hope that lifetime! Thank you alumni for your you will continue to join and sup- All the Best, continued support of this program. port us in holistically developing our Jerron T. Gray, Principal In line with Superintendent Laura students academically, artistically Mitchell’s District-wide vision for all Cincinnati Public Schools to prepare our students for the 3 E’s: Enroll- ment into a College or University, Employment in a local, state or national business, and/or Enlistment into any branch of our United States Armed Forces, we held a College, Ca- reer and Military Fair in early Octo- ber at Withrow. There were over 18 Colleges and Universities, six em- ployers, and representatives from each branch of our Armed Forces present at the fair. There was great excitement at the event, which was very well attended by our sopho- mores, juniors and seniors. Addi- tionally, we hosted HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Uni- versities) Day at Withrow on Octo- ber 30 and will also took 110 juniors to the Cincinnati Career Expo at the Cincinnati Convention Center on October 31. Athletically, our fall sports teams are competing well and gaining the respect of the league in football, soccer, volleyball and cross-country. We are growing and building a championship mindset and culture of excellence! Continue to support our athletic program! Finally, Our Homecoming parade, game and dance brought such joy Classes for beginning band, taught by Ms Omaits, and beginning drama, taught by Ms. Roland, are testimony to Withrow’s resurgence as a school that values the arts

5 Tower News Fall 2019 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees by DAVE BLOCKSOM ’68 We are excited to announce the He received a full scholarship to In- MVP, averaging 23 points, 12 re- five athletes who comprise the ninth diana State University where he was bounds and six blocked shots per group to be inducted into the With- selected as a first team Kodak All- game, as the team advanced to the row Athletic Hall of Fame. American and American Football district championship. He was also Michael Turner, 1987 – Mike was Coaches Association first team. He the SWOPL MVP his junior year. In a the starting safety and leader of the was named to the Associated Press win over Dayton Dunbar he had 43 defense his junior and senior years. Honorable mention All-American points, 24 rebounds and 12 blocked He was All Eastern Metro League team. He was one of the best offensive shots. He averaged a double-double as and All City both of those years. He lineman in Indiana State history, a sophomore. Chris scored over 1,000 was one of two captains his senior starting as the offensive tackle for points while playing at Withrow. year and he received the Mr. With- three straight seasons He also played He continued his basketball career row Football Award for being the guard. He was co-captain his senior at Bowling Green State University player who best represented With- year. In 2008 he was inducted into the where he played in 53 games from row football in his play on the field Indiana State University Athletic Hall 2007 - 2009 and was ranked sixth in and his actions off the field. He led of Fame. He was listed in a Sporting the MAC his freshman year. Chris Withrow to the Eastern Metro News article as one of pro football’s transferred to Northern Kentucky League Championship and a top five lengthy list of draft prospects during University and played in 54 career ranking in Cincinnati. He was the his senior year at ISU. games there. He averaged 9 points starting safety in the Southwest Ohio Ivan Johnson, 1998 – Ivan was an per game with 5 rebounds and shot All-Star game his senior year. outstanding player and team leader 80% from the free throw line. Michael was also an excellent base- in both football and basketball, earn- From 2012 - 2013 he traveled all ball player at Withrow. ing two varsity letters in both sports. over the world playing with the Mike was offered a full four-year In football he was a hard hitting Harlem Globetrotters. Chris also football scholarship to Morehead starting linebacker on a team that played for the Whittlesea Pacers bas- University, which he accepted. He won the league championship. In ketball team in the State League of started all but two games during his basketball he was captain of the team Australia. four-year career at Morehead. During his senior year, when the team went Chris currently works and coaches his time at Morehead, he was coached 20-7 and marched all the way to the at Withrow. by defensive backs coach John Har- final four in Columbus, where they D’Monami Gardner, 2012 – In baugh and defensive coordinator Rex lost in the semi-finals to the eventual 2011 D’Monami was the Enquirer Ryan, both of whom went on to be- State Champions. That year he was track and field Division I athlete of come NFL head coaches. Mike was selected the Division I Player of the the year. She placed first in the State named captain of the team his junior Year by the Cincinnati Enquirer. championship shot put. She was on and senior years and was voted one of Ivan went on to Cumberland Col- the Withrow team that placed sec- the best defensive backs in the Ohio lege where he had an outstanding ond in the State and Region. In 2012 Valley Conference. collegiate basketball career culminat- she was on the Enquirer track and Christopher Hicks, 1972 – Christo- ing in being inducted into their Ath- field Division I first team. That year pher was captain of the football team letic Hall of Fame in 2014. she placed second in the State cham- his senior year. That year Withrow Chris Knight, 2005 – Chris was a pionship and first in the District and was the PHSL football champion. first team All-City and a two time All- Region shot put competition. Chris played both ways as an offen- State selection. As a senior he was the D’Monami received an athletic sive and defensive tackle. Southwest Ohio Public School League scholarship and attended Southern

6 Tower News Fall 2019

Illinois University. She participated in the shot put and weight throw in five indoor meets and the shot put, hammer throw and discus in seven outdoor meets. She posted five top third finishes across both seasons. She continued her collegiate career Michael Turner Chris Hicks at Tiffin University where she participated in the shot put, discus and hammer throw. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday evening, February 14, 2020 at half time of the With- row–Walnut Hills varsity boys’ basketball game, which starts at 7:00 PM. These outstanding athletes will join an exclusive group of 46 previ- ous inductees. Names and bios of all Chris Knight inductees are available at the alumni website, withrowalumni.org. Maintaining a meaningful Hall of Fame requires the efforts of many people, starting with YOUR submis- sion of nominations for consideration for induction. The criteria for consideration and the nomination form are available on our website. We need your support of this important recognition effort. D’Monami Gardner Ivan Johnson

Mary Louise Kreidler Clemens ’38 SPECIAL TIGER DONORS David B. Bruns ’48 We now have 323 names on the John Ruthven Mary Lynn Tucker Rose ’49 Commemorative plaque in the front lobby with the addition William Fowee ’56 of eight new Special Tigers. A one-time gift of $1,000 or Julie Klopp Adams ’57 more significantly impacts our ability to support academic Richard J. Christy ’58 and extracurricular programs and conserve our campus Bruce Johnson ’63 and facilities. The most recent Special Tigers are: Randy and Adrianne Underhill ’67

7 Tower News Fall 2019 President’s Notes by DAVE BLOCKSOM ’68

I want to personally thank all of the volunteers who Shop for Withrow through Kroger Community helped to make our Centennial year celebration a success. Rewards and Amazon Smiles Special thanks to Carol Mitchell Lawrence ’84, Rich Eby We want to thank those Southern Ohio alumni who ’59, and Nichelle Bolden ’84 and their committees who have participated in the Kroger Community Rewards Pro- staged the Centennial Gala Weekend events. More than gram and have designated Withrow Alumni Inc. as their 1,060 alumni and guests attended our Gala Dinner and beneficiary. This program generated $2,252 from 120 par- After Party, 600 attended our Alumni basketball game, 60 ticipants last year. If you haven’t registered your Kroger Plus participated in the golf outing, and 160 joined the Sunday Card yet, please register online today at Krogercommuni- Brunch and Tour. Proceeds from these events funded the tyrewards.com. It’s fast, free, and easy. When enrolling, use Major McNeil scholarships, the Withrow School of Busi- our NPO # 30808, Withrow Alumni Inc. ness, and Withrow’s athletic department. Alumni from Amazon has a similar program through their Amazon every class between 1944 and 2019 participated in the Smiles Foundation. Please use the Amazon Smiles website events; for many, this was their first alumni event. The Cen- when making any Amazon purchases. You can sign up to tennial certainly raised Withrow’s profile in the community! have 0.5% of your purchase price be donated to Withrow Alumni Inc. The Amazon Smiles website is the same as Easy Ways You Can Help Withrow Amazon—same prices, same selection, same services (Prime). The donation is made by Amazon and does not Give $20 in 2020 increase your purchase price at all. This is a nationwide pro- I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about our fundraising gram and not confined only to Ohio. Please encourage your efforts. We are encouraging those alumni who have never friends and relatives to do the same, even if they’re not donated to send us $20 in 2020 and then pledge to do so Withrow grads. Thanks again for your participation in every year. When we apply for grants, the number of these two programs. alumni donors factors into the grantors’ decision making. It would be a big step forward if we could get 1,000 donors out of the 10,000 alumni who receive this Tower News.

Consider an RMD Contribution If you have to make a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, you can use part of that distribution as a contribution to Withrow; that part of the distribution will not be taxable to you (we are an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit). It’s fairly simple to make that distribution. You can also include us in your estate planning. You can contribute low cost basis stock to us and not have to pay the capital gains Still missing some yearbooks tax on it, yet still receive the current market value as a tax On a separate note, we are still looking for yearbooks to deduction. Any donation to Withrow Alumni Inc. is tax de- complete our collection. We need the following years: 1964- ductible. If you have any questions about your contribution 1974, 1976-1980, 1983, 1985-1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1998- to Withrow Alumni, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 1999. [email protected]@gmail.com or 513-363-9085.

8 Tower News Fall 2019

Kristian was accepted to Indiana tuba, piano, trumpet, cello, and 2019 University, The Ohio State Univer- xylophone. sity, The University of Dayton, He is most noted for starting the Valedictorian Xavier University and The University Withrow Gospel Choir last year of Cincinnati. She was offered over where he was the lead director and pi- With a 4.78 GPA Withrow Univer- $ 230,000 in scholarships from these anist. The choir performed at the sity High School’s Centennial Vale- schools. Aronoff. He brought students of dif- dictorian is Kristian Young. Kristian Kristian decided to attend The ferent backgrounds together to sing is the daughter of Kariss (Caress) University of Cincinnati, where she praises to the Lord thereby embracing and Reginald Young. will major in Criminal Justice and a religion as an afterschool activity. Kristian is a member of Cincin- minor in Communications with the Outside of school, he is a found- nati Public Schools and The Univer- ultimate goal of earning of becoming ing member of the Houston Broth- sity of Cincinnati’s Ambassador a Parole Officer. ers and ICE Band along with, his Program, The Girls to Women pro- brother Chris and his friend Ellis gram and is also a member of the Williams. Together, they traveled National Honor Society. As a student around Cincinnati and other states at Withrow, along with taking hon- 2019 performing Gospel and Jazz music. ors and AP courses, Kristian has He is the minister of music and choir taken several College Credit Plus Salutatorian director for Providence Baptist Isaiah courses offered through a partner- was accepted at University of Day- ship with Cincinnati State Technical Isaiah Houston has completed a ton, Xavier University, Southern and Community College. Those number of AA, AP, and CCP courses University and Northern Kentucky courses include: College Algebra, at Withrow graduating with a GPA University. He has been awarded a College Psychology, College Sociol- of 4.58 and over 12 college credits . total of $50,000 in scholarships. He ogy, College Spanish and College He is an ambassador for the CPS-UC enrolled at the University of Cincin- English. Kristian is graduating today program. He has tutored students in nati where he will major in Criminal with 24 College Credits. While tak- math since 8th grade. He played Justice and minor in Spanish. His Big ing these challenging courses, Krist- football and participated in band Audacious Goal in life is to become ian has also managed to remain on and orchestra where he played the an FBI Agent. the A honor for most of her academic career.

GET YOUR OWN PERSONALIZED BRICK AT WITHROW Bricks are placed on the walkway leading from the Bridge, past the Clock Tower and Rookwood Fountain to the front steps. They provide a wonderful oppor- tunity to acknowledge a former teacher, a friend or relative, or yourself and sus- tain our efforts of supporting our school. Brick cost is $100.00 and is tax deductible. You have 3 lines with 13 characters (including spaces) per line. ______Make checks payable to WITHROW ALUMNI and use the enclosed envelope.

9 Tower News Fall 2019 Withrow – The first 50 years by BOB LINNENBERG ’63 Social Clubs When the social club rules were bling would bring a suspension. From the day Withrow opened in accepted by the Board in 1949, 24 Chaperones were required at all fra- the fall of 1919, social clubs were part percent of the girls and 19 percent of ternity/sorority events. The faculty of the fabric of high school life. the boys at Withrow belonged to so- advisors enforced these rules as best Chapters of existing fraternities and cial clubs. (This percentage was far they could. sororities from other Cincinnati exceeded by Walnut Hills, where 72 As a byproduct of the academic schools were quickly established by percent of the girls and 83 percent of rules, social club members often incoming members at Withrow. In the boys belonged.) The takeover of maintained a higher grade point av- the 1920s new social clubs were estab- school social life at Withrow was im- erage than non-members. As with lished and chapters of organizations mediate. Many dances and parties intramural sports competition, there from Hughes and Walnut Hills were held by the clubs were opened to all was also stiff competition among the added. Fashioned after college frater- Withrow students. Intramural sports clubs for scholastic superiority. The nities and sororities, the groups had contests between the groups contin- clubs also played an outsized role in secret rituals and initiation cere- ued, but now could be reported on the life of the school. Usually social monies and traditions that presum- in Tower News. The social clubs club members were the most active ably would bind the members could now be featured in the Annual, in extracurricular activities such as together. These clubs were not sanc- at a cost of course, as they had to pay Tower News and the Annual and held tioned by the Board of Education and for the spots just like any other most leadership positions in many members met out of school, often se- school organization. organizations throughout Withrow. cretly. However, pins and other in- As part of the conditions laid Indeed, in the senior girls service or- signia could, and would, be worn by down by the Board, social clubs were ganization Dux Femina, 87 percent member students at Withrow. now overseen by faculty advisors. of the girls selected for membership The clubs remained “under- The club’s constitutions had to be during the “legal” period belonged to ground”, or unsanctioned, until No- approved and accepted by the Board, a sorority. In fact, almost 40 percent vember 1949, when the Board of and membership in any organization of the girls belonged to one particu- Education accepted the social club could not exceed 48 students. Under lar sorority. Between 1950 and 1963, rules that had been established after the agreement, academic rules were 72 percent of the boys in the senior long and careful consideration. It established and members had to service organization Sigma Gamma was not without controversy that the maintain a “C” average to be allowed were fraternity members; half of Board decided to let the clubs exist to participate in club activities. If a these boys were members of the one inside the schools. Technically, high student member failed a course in a fraternity whose rules forbade smok- school fraternities and sororities grading period, they were suspended ing and drinking in high school. were illegal in the state of Ohio. from the social club until the next One of the requirements laid Cincinnati Mayor Murray Season- grading period. Club schedules for down by the Board was the continu- good and many others vehemently social events had to be approved by ation and encouragement of charita- opposed them as insidious, undemo- the advisors so as not to conflict with ble works by the clubs. Many a cratic organizations. The Board of another club’s activities. If a club had social club raised money for charity, Education, desiring to exercise con- an unscheduled activity, the entire provided and distributed Thanksgiv- trol over the social clubs, determined club was suspended from social ing and Christmas baskets for the how the clubs could be in compli- events for a grading period. Illegal needy, and visited shut-ins and the ance with Ohio law and went for- activities such as drinking or gam- sick. Several of the clubs had been ward with their recognition. established for this philanthropic

10 Tower News Fall 2019 purpose in addition to providing a social network for the members. Withrow Alumni Luncheons However, after 14 years of school supervision and guidance, a new round of studies by the Board recom- mended that the decision of 1949 be reversed. There was Seasons of Kenwood also the threat of a lawsuit challenging the support of such 7300 Dearwester Dr., Kenwood clubs, which the Board wished to avoid. Social clubs were to be banned effective September 1, 1963. It had been de- 11:00 Registration • 12:00 Lunch • 1:00 Program termined that public funds could no longer be used “to Cost: Lunch, $10, Wine Bar - $1 nurture, regulate or control the formation and operation of such clubs.” Unlike in 1949, when the clubs had been Valet parking available at no cost – leave keys at desk* flourishing, membership in social clubs had been declining for years. Those clubs remaining at Withrow in 1963 either chose to disband or go back “underground.” Membership Information: under student and parental direction continued for about Don Andriot 513-831-0879 a decade but social clubs no longer held the sway they once Dick Ernst 812-667-5187 had. One cannot deny that the social clubs were often Program: discriminatory and elitist. Whether or not to join a social club was a difficult decision for many a Withrow student. November 20 The Story of Cincinnati Beer The rush period could be very stressful for prospective Bill Frank, Cincinnati State University members. Until 1954, freshman rush occurred in the December 18 Withrow Christmas with the Martinaires spring. With the opening of several junior high schools that Glenn King, Director year, sophomore rush was moved to the fall. One was not January 22, 2020 Getting Older Ain’t for Sissies always invited to join the desired group. Indeed, singer/ac- Terri Gaitsaill, RN, Senior Services tress Rosemary Clooney wrote in her autobiography of the February 26 Military Complex of the Ancient World social tension of rush and the fact that she was “black- Charlie Wertz, Historian balled” by a sorority at Withrow. March 25 The Sad, Seamy Sinister Nevertheless, social clubs helped foster strong, last- Side of Cincinnati ing friendships with people one might not have otherwise Cincinnati Heritage Programs known in such a large school as Withrow. They provided a April 22 LaRosa’s Pizza — Buddy’s Story sense of place in the turbulent teenage years. An editorial Buddy and Michael tell the story: hard in the Cincinnati Enquirer on January 10, 1963 averred times devastating fire, community help, “there is much evidence that the clubs contribute in a vitally success, and giving back to the important way to the social and civic development of the community young people who choose to be affiliated with them.” May 27 University of Cincinnati Whether they were good or bad in the life of high school Scott Ernschwender, students remains debatable to this day. Cincinnati Heritage Programs Sororities at Withrow during the “legal” years were *If you self park: Please note that numbered spaces are reserved for Aliquippa, Alpha Beta Kappa, Alpha Beta Chi, Alpha Delta residents. Park in any un-numbered space. Gamma, Alpha Theta Alpha, Altruist (Alpha Chi Delta), Beta Omega Chi, Chi Lambda Chi, Iota Sigma Chi, Ivyettes, Kytyves, Phi Gamma Sigma, Tally Ho (Gamma Delta Chi, Iota Sigma Pi, Kappa Tau Kappa, Omega Kappa, Phi Alpha), Theta Omega Chi, Sigma Delta Chi and Zeta Beta Beta Gamma, Tau Sigma, Tri Chi, and Triginta Optimi. Kappa. Fraternities during this period were Beta Tau Fraternities known to exist before 1949 include Beta Omega, Chi Omega Sigma, Chi Sigma Chi, Delta Sigma Omega Beta and Delta Beta.

11 Withrow Alumni Inc. NON-PROFIT P.O. Box 8186 ORGANIZATION Cincinnati, OH 45208 U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 4764

1943 grad has fond memories

I had three wonderful years at Withrow from 1940 to 1943 when I was evacuated from London to Cincy during the war. I cannot thank all those I met at the time enough. Walter Peoples was principal and Mr. Cadwallader, assistant. Jean Cadwallader was a good friend then. Some fine teachers, such as Sybal Linde and Mrs Vogel. I have since served in the Royal Air Force and the British Army, following which I worked in Barclays Bank International for 40 years, rising to Assistant General Manager. Now age 93.9 years, and quite fit I think. I remember so much about the school, the Tigers, the running track indoors and out, the fine tower, and Tower News, where I was an editor. I was even taught the mystery game of base- ball and followed the Reds since. If there is anyone who remembers me I would really like to hear from them via [email protected].

Best wishes to all. David Sunray