We celebrate our Patron Saint! Table of Contents Get Smart...... 3 Magazine Sale...... 3 Bonnie Patrick Retires...... 4-5 Streaks Marrying Streaks...... 5 Saints Marrying Saints...... 6 Alumni Profile...... 7 Memorial Program...... 8 Mass of Remembrance...... 9 Key Club...... 10 The Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas was commemorated Mirocke Golf Classic...... 10 on January 28 with an all-school Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Naumann. Having our spiritual leader Letters to the Troops...... 11 visit the school is always a joyful occasion for the students. Class Notes...... 12 A reception in the school library was held immediately following Mass with honored guests, parents and some Saints Mass at K-State...... 13 students in attendance. Alumni and Alumni Parent Events...... 14 Pictured above with Archbishop Naumann are: (1st row), Reunions...... 15 Juniors Alexis Lundy and Amanda Robison; (2nd row), seniors Kelsey Butler and Liz Daly, junior Jason Falen, Community Calendar...... 15 junior Gianna Misenhelter, sophomore Anthony Shoulta, Feast Day Alumni Gathering ...... Back Cover and senior Ellen Skorija.

The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your Sports Signings comments or questions. Call or write: Senior athletes who appeared on stage for the national Bryan Thrasher letter of intent signing on February 5 stood and posed to Director of Communications capture the moment. Left to right, Mike Rzeszut (baseball [email protected] – Villanova), Ben Loughman (baseball - Benedictine), Saint Thomas Aquinas High School PJ Greer (cross country – K-State), Ashley Dobbie (softball 11411 Pflumm Road – Benedictine), Katie Allin (soccer – Benedictine), Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 Josh Magness (soccer - DePaul), Matthew Taylor (football 913.319.2425 – Benedictine), Kyle Brown (football – K-State), Jake Morin William Ford, Ed.D. (football – US Air Force Academy) and David Baska President (football – US Air Force Academy). 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

2 WINTER PLAY Production of Get Smart Fills the House by Haley Dodd, junior The Saint Thomas Aquinas not come out the way it was meant to performing arts department staged be,” Peck said. a production of the play Get Smart, Madeline said her challenge was a parody of the 1960’s spy television just the opposite: “My character is series starring Don Addams and the more neutral one in the play so Barbara Feldon. Addams, as Maxwell it’s hard not being funny and being Smart, played a bumbling agent serious all the time,” Giesler said. known as Agent 86. The show was brought to the masses by the comedic The talented cast worked hard to writing skills of Mel Brooks and Buck make the play an enjoyable comedy. Henry. Most people are familiar with “I think adults liked the play because the movie Get Smart, that premiered they remember the spoof from when last year. it was on television. High school students enjoyed it too because they The Saints version of the play are familiar with the movie,” Harrison starred seniors Daniel Peck as said. Maxwell Smart, the clumsy top-secret government agent of CONTROL, The Saint Thomas Aquinas and Madeline Giesler as the beautiful production of Get Smart ran February Agent 99. The plot is two-pronged 19-21 to a full house with an extra performance added on Sunday, with Smart guarding Professor Dante’s Daniel Peck and Madeline Giesler potentially dangerous invention and February 22 due to the show’s preventing the loveable Princess “Timing my jokes was challenging popularity. This play turned out to Ingrid from being kidnapped. Smart because if they aren’t done at the right fulfill its billing – a nice break from and Agent 99 work together to defeat moment it can confuse people and the winter doldrums! KAOS. The play’s plot differs somewhat from the television show and movie. “While it is not that much like the Magazine Sale movie,” director Kim Harrison said, “Some things were added from the Congratulations to movie into the play that the students Brianna Putthoff, our 2009 Hawaii Trip thought were funny.” winner. She and a Having 26 speaking roles and Bishop Miege student 12 supporting cast members, an will join about 40 unusually large cast, can make some students from around the aspects of the play more difficult. country. Brianna poses “Trying to get through rehearsals with Dr. Bill Ford (left) and Dale Niehas) and get everyone to be quiet and stay organized is the hardest,” Harrison said. You can order or renew your favorite magazine subscriptions ONLINE! Though it may be frustrating at It’s simple, there’s no sales tax, AND you can order any time during the times, Harrison is impressed with the year to support Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. creativity the students have put into Go to www.qsp.com – Use account #42507423. their characters. In his role as Smart, it was important for Peck to stay in QSP returns over 40% to the school, and all proceeds are designated character throughout the play and he for student activities at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Thank you also had many lines to memorize. for your participation and support!

3 BONNIE PATRICK RETIRES Bye – bye Bonnie When the doors of Saint Thomas in 6th grade for Aquinas open next year, long-time baton twirling, Guidance Counselor Bonnie Patrick’s she was invited name will be missing from the staff to join the high roster. Instead of heading back to school band as school, she plans to be a caregiver a majorette for for her new granddaughter, a job she the next seven knows will be equally rewarding. years! Besides her This year was Bonnie’s 44th in the family (Bonnie is field of education, of which the first the youngest of four were spent in the classroom, eight children), and the remaining as a Guidance two high school Counselor. Teaching and education teachers were are intrinsic to her nature. As a child, inspirational Bonnie Patrick helps a student during the 1973-74 school year Bonnie Blue and her sister played in her career school in the basement of their farm choice. One house in Webster City, Iowa. Two was the sponsor with the startup of a new school at rooms functioned as “classrooms” of the Future Teachers Association 114th and Pflumm – Saint Thomas where they “taught” math, reading, and the other was a retired principal Aquinas. It was a daunting assignment graded papers and “tutored” students who taught geometry and had high with each faculty member asked to who needed help. In addition, Bonnie expectations to which his students do at least three jobs. She would spent many hours on 4-H projects, responded with outstanding work eight hours at school and and after winning a talent contest achievement. another eight at home coordinating Bonnie is someone whose college recommendations and determination, hard work preparing for classes. This was called and perseverance have driven “multi-multi-tasking.” her to succeed. As a lifelong After 37 years, the number of learner, she is always looking students she has “launched” from forward to the next goal high school is in the thousands, and or challenge with an open many have popped into her office mind that is eager to absorb since graduation to visit with her and new information. Following catch up. Some of her students have graduation from Iowa State become highly successful in their University with a Bachelor of careers and she is happy for them. Science in home economics But the students who benefited the education, she pursued a most from her advice and counsel Guidance Counseling degree may have been the ones who were at Northwest Missouri State. not at the top of the class. As an Her career as a counselor academic counselor, she said one of began. the greatest challenges is probably In 1972, she was hired by more philosophical; that is, “finding Bob Boland at St. Joseph the balance of what is best for the High School in Shawnee, student in the long run and what fits Kansas, to serve as both with the mission of the school. The Academic Guidance and school strives to help students become College Counselor, calling lifelong learners which sometimes can on her ability to multi-task. be a contradiction to the student’s Bonnie Patrick displays the 2008-09 Counselor of the Year When the school closed in immediate desire.” Because she and award from Sylvan Learning Center. 1988, she was asked to help her husband Doug taught swim

4 STREAKS MARRying streaks lessons during the summer for 22 of babysitter, Bonnie said her major years, there is another group of young pursuit will still be that of “teacher.” adults who know her as a swimming Greg grew up learning from his own teacher. grandmother so he thinks this will be What all of these young people great for his daughter. Since Greg’s remember about Bonnie is that she wife, Aimee, is a teacher, Doug and was a caring person in their lives Bonnie will have time to travel and during the difficult pre-adolescent enjoy other activities in the summer and teen years. They knew she was such as taking classes at JCCC and someone who sincerely cared about participating in Elderhostel programs them and wanted them to succeed. that provide educational opportunities She has a straight-forward manner all over the world. that is friendly but firm, honest but While she will miss the students encouraging, knowledgeable but open and faculty, she will not miss arriving to listening. This was the formula she at 6:50 in the morning. She leaves used to motivate a student to discover Saint Thomas Aquinas with the hope a talent or interest and unlock the that she has passed along her love door to learning through education of learning and gives the following – and it has proven to be a winning advice: Bonnie Blue as a drum majorette in high school. one. On February 25 she was awarded “Students give you about what the “Counselor of the Year” by Sylvan you expect – so set the standard high. yourself more opportunities later. You Learning for her example of excellence Education is like a brown paper bag can eat an elephant, IF you eat him in her field. – you get out of it what you put into one bite at a time. So give students Bonnie and Doug have been it. Always take the high road, as high information in segments they can married 42 years and they are the as you can go, then you are giving digest.” parents of a son, Greg. In her role

Van Nieuwenhuyse - Miller Marjorie Van Nieuwenhuyse, ‘56, and Bernard Miller, ‘54, were married on March 2, 1957, at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, Kansas, with Father Frank Bodner presiding. The bride, groom and all attendants are St. Joseph graduates, left to right: Judy Yocum Kramps, ‘56, Carole Miller Burns, ‘58, Carol Winn Elser, ‘57, Marjorie Van Nieuwenhuyse Miller, ‘56, Bernard Miller, ‘54, John Lynch, ‘54, Bill Van Nieuwenhuyse, ‘60, and John “J.J.” Miller, ‘52. Margie and Buddy live in Shawnee and have two Blue-Streak daughters, Theresa “Terri” Miller, ‘75, and Susan “Susie” Miller Meyers, ‘76. Their two granddaughters graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School: Caitlyn Meyers, ‘03, and Brianna Meyers, ‘07. Their son-in-law, Jeff Meyers, is the current mayor of Shawnee.

5 SAINTS MARRYING SAINTS Nelson - Ellsworth Mila Nelson, ‘97, married Danny Ellsworth, ‘97, on May 20, 2006, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas, with Father Tom Danaher – Mila’s uncle – presiding. The Ellsworths reside in Kansas City, Missouri; their daughter, Keyle, is 18 months old and they are expecting their second child in June 2009. Pictured left to right at Shadow Glen, where Danny proposed to Mila, are: Front Row: Sarah Horton Saenz, ‘97, Michelle Lyman, Katie Lents Emig, ‘97, Julie Ellsworth Ryser, ‘95, Kelly Ellsworth Elder, ‘00, Danny Ellsworth, ‘97, Mila Nelson Ellsworth, ‘97, Terry Nelson Brooks, ‘98, Marci Dancy, Carol Bahr, Gretchen Lammle. Back Row: Justin Nelson, Brad Joiner, Tim Collins, ‘97, Tyson Lang, ‘97, Jonny Richardson, Eric Ryser, Robby Schweller, Brian Darby, Matt Wier, ‘97, Dan Marchant, Danny Cooper, ‘97, Gabe Nelson, Jeremy Brooks. Sizemore - Schneller

Kristin Sizemore, ‘00, married Stephen Schneller, ‘00, on November 8, 2008, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence, Kansas, with Father Brian Schieber presiding. Steve works in Lansing, Kansas, as the marketing director and office manager for Focus Hearing. Kristin is an early- intervention pediatric speech pathologist in Lawrence. Left to right, 1st row: Mark Morlam, Kyle Lippold, ‘00, Zack Schneller, Kristin Sizemore Schneller, ‘00, Stephen Schneller, ‘00, Dan Fournier, ‘00, Brian Blazek, ‘00, Mike Schneller. 2nd row: Ryan Conlan, ‘00, Jaime Settle, Merritt Sizemore, ‘08, Tegan Thornberry, ‘00, Rebecca Sullivan, ‘08, Betsy Madl, Ashley Sullivan, Whitney Sizemore, ‘04

6 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Saints’ Alumnus Russell on the Television Commentary Circuit Saint Thomas Aquinas High School sparring? Brian recalls that the alumnus Brian Russell, ‘90, finds it group would come up with “a difficult to define his “occupation” word of the day” at breakfast, these days. That’s because it is so and then when he delivered the multi-faceted. One thing is certain – it morning announcements over is never boring. the intercom, he would try to After graduating from STA in 1990, work the word in as much as he Brian received his Bachelor of Arts could. He said his high school in 1994 from Rockhurst College, education was an excellent his MBA and law degrees from the foundation for college, law University of Kansas in 1998, and school and graduate school. a Ph.D. from KU in 2005. With Brian is single and lives in such impressive credentials, it is not Lawrence, Kansas. For fun he surprising that he was tapped as an likes to travel, ride horses and expert for media commentary. collect fine wine. He enjoys He first appeared on CNN’s Court teaching college students so TV in 2006, followed by CNN’s much that it fills in as a hobby Nancy Grace and The O’Reilly Factor of sorts. on Fox News. He has also appeared “I enjoy it, it’s a different on the Dan Abrams’ Show on MSNBC kind of challenge,” explains and two CNN shows, Prime News and Brian, “and it allows me to Brian Russell ‘90 Issues with Jane-Velez Mitchell. interact with an audience more than I get to on TV.” Brian’s schedule is full and diverse. especially to kids. So at least in the His exceptional ability to synthesize Brian is reluctant to state with most egregious cases I’d like to stay information and provide fluid certainty what or where he will be ten available to represent people who’ve commentary has attracted the media’s or twenty years from now. He would been harmed that way. It’s tough to attention. He has become an expert like to continue contributing to news know what will work out in the media witness and “go to” person in court TV and writing columns, but he and what other opportunities will cases that involve mental issues. would also like to delve into projects come up, but somewhere down the He also works on cases as a lawyer that give him more opportunity to road, I think I’d like to switch careers if they are high profile or involve talk to people about the things he is to public service – at least for a while.” psychology/psychiatry malpractice or interested in. Brian is the brother of Sean Russell, psychiatric drug liability. He appears “I’d like to get a book out in the on television several days a week, ‘94, and twins Erin Russell, ‘97, and next year or so and follow that up with Cameron Russell, ‘97. lectures and writes columns that a second one if it’s successful. are published on WorldNetdaily in addition to working on a book. I am also working with a production company to develop a cable Brian has carved out a busy career series on forensic psychology, in which his educational background which I hope works out,” and charismatic personality are muses Brian. “As a practicing perfect complements for fast-paced lawyer and psychologist, banter on television. Could it have I’m very concerned about been his involvement with the early potentially-dangerous morning Saint Thomas Aquinas psychiatric drugs being “Breakfast Club” that nurtured a prescribed more and more, fondness for intellectual opinion logo courtesy of cnn.com

7 MEMORIAL PROGRAM Memorial Program Book of Remembrance Named Memorial Gifts The Book of Remembrance at Saint Thomas Aquinas gives From time to time, specific projects and permanent families the opportunity to permanently memorialize their items located at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School may deceased loved ones. be earmarked for Named Gift opportunities. For more information, please contact Michon Quick in the Office of Entries may be submitted online at Advancement at www.aquinascommunity.com/remembrance or in person by 913.319.2437. contacting the STA Office of Advancement at 913.319.2425. Named Endowed Memorial Scholarships Memorial Mass A named memorial scholarship may be set up at Saint Thomas The Mass of Remembrance will be held annually in February Aquinas High School through the establishment of a named around Valentine’s Day, to memorialize deceased loved ones endowment fund. from the preceding calendar year. All endowed funds are held by the Catholic Foundation of Please contact the STA Office of Advancement at 913.319.2425 Northeast Kansas for Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. to report or update records for the deceased. The principal balance of each endowed memorial scholarship will be held in perpetuity and spent in accordance with Mass Intentions Throughout the Year guidelines set up by the donor and approved by the Saint Names of the deceased that have been submitted for the Thomas Aquinas Board of Trustees. Book of Remembrance before or at the annual Mass of Remembrance will be included in the next academic year’s All- Funds expended will equal interest proceeds as allocated by School Mass intentions. the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.

Saints Memorial Fund The minimum gift amount to establish an endowed memorial There are several ways to memorialize those dear to you. Gifts scholarship is currently $10,000. may be contributed to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in memory of deceased persons, to honor living persons, or to The principal may be added to at any time, increasing the commemorate anniversaries or other special events. All gifts annual expenditure on the account. are tax-deductible as allowed by law. A memorial scholarship fund may also be set up as a Gifts in Lieu of Flowers “pending-endowed” fund, with an initial gift of $2,500 and It may be appropriate to remember a loved one by requesting the pledge to fully endow the scholarship over a period of five that “in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions years. In this instance, the principal balance remains intact and be made to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School.” all interest earned on the fund is reinvested back into the fund until the minimum total contribution is reached and the fund becomes fully endowed. Memorial Plaque Gifts At any time, a gift or series of gifts can be contributed to Saint For more information about setting up an endowed memorial Thomas Aquinas High School for the name of the deceased to scholarship, please contact Michon Quick in the Office of be added to the Memorial Wall located in the hall outside the Advancement at 913.319.2437. Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School.

To have a memorial plaque made and installed, gifts in memory of a loved one should collectively total $250 or more.

Contributions earmarked for named gifts and endowed memorial scholarships will also initiate the addition of a plaque to the Memorial Wall.

4 MASS OF REMEMBRANCE Mass of Remembrance -- a celebration of love

The first Saint Thomas Aquinas enhanced the liturgy High School “Mass of Remembrance” with beautiful music on February 11 brought together while the congregation, about 140 alumni, faculty, staff, filling the chapel, current and alumni-parents from sang in full voice. A St. Joseph, Aquinas and Saint Thomas reception followed Mass Aquinas High Schools who shared a in the library, giving connection stemming from the heart everyone time to express -- they had come to honor the memory sympathy with a hug, of a loved one through the Saints a smile or gesture that community. said, “I understand.” Prior to Mass, guests lined up Michon Quick, outside the door of the Chapel of the Director of Alumni and Immaculate Conception to sign the Constituent Relations, Book of Remembrance. Then as each commented, “We’re Social Studies teacher, Elizabeth Vrabac, enters the names of person or family entered the Chapel, so pleased with the her parents (Michael and Rose Vrabac who both passed away in they carried a lighted candle for their number of people 2008) in the Book of Remembrance. loved one and placed it on the altar. who responded to our The school’s Chaplain, Father Rich invitation by joining Warsnak, celebrated the Mass. Mary us for the Mass or Jo Rooney, alumni/current parent submitting names and member of the STA Board of online for the memorial Trustees, helped plan the event and book. It’s been very environment. moving, and we plan to Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni continue this for many parents, Sheila Berry and Gail Kelly, years to come, each along with Principal for Academic February near the feast Services Rebecca Heidlage were of St. Valentine’s Day.” readers. The Book of Remembrance Dr. Bill Ford, Saint was presented on the altar at the Thomas Aquinas Offertory by current parents, Ron president, remarked at and Marie Adrian and their daughter, the conclusion of Mass, Amanda. Current/alumni parent, “This is really a night of Jean Hinman, and Social Studies hope for those of us left Standing room only for the first annual Mass of Remembrance. teacher, Elizabeth Vrabac, were behind. Prayer is what ministers of the Eucharist. sustains us in the loss of If you would like to add a name Music teacher, Joe Heidesch, someone we love until accompanist/parent Connie Maltby, we are reunited with to the Book of Remembrance, and student vocalists Mallory Keating, them, so this is a fitting go to the link below to add the Anthony Fortino and Katie Martin way to gather -- as a community in prayerful name and we will write it in the hope.” book for you. www.aquinascommunity.com/remembrance

9 Key Club / Mirocke Golf Saints Key Club -- Keeping Busy Helping Others The Saint Thomas Aquinas Key The 4th annual OxFam Hunger at the Johnson County Christmas Club, an organization committed Banquet in November was the club’s Bureau, and for the second year in to helping others in need since most successful event in its four-year a row, Key Club members rang bells its establishment in 2005 at Saint history with 90 people in attendance. for the Salvation Army over three Thomas Aquinas, has been especially Through its efforts at the banquet and consecutive Saturdays during the busy fulfilling its mission during this during the days leading up to it, Key holidays. time of economic uncertainty. Club collected 90 pounds of canned Future plans include preparing goods and an additional $300 for For the past two years, Key Club meals at Ronald McDonald House Thanksgiving turkeys for the Johnson members have volunteered as helpers this spring and participating in County Food Pantry. at Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City’s “Great Potato Drop,” childcare program for children who Also in November, the Key Club volunteering at Grace Center for live in poverty. Senior Marissa Wuller sponsored a pancake breakfast for all Global Youth Service Day, and developed a service project called those who participated in the ICAN participating in the Mothers’ Day Grooming for G.I.s and the club Club’s 1,000 Mile Relay, which raises Baby-Item Drive with all the Kiwanis collected and bagged hygiene items for contributions for the Touching Tiny Clubs in the Kansas City area. over 300 American soldiers fighting Lives orphanage in Lesotho, Africa. For more information, contact overseas. Last September, about 30 Key Club members also raked yards Key Club president and STA senior club members participated in the for the elderly through the Jewish Madeline Giesler at mgiesler09@ annual “Scavenger Hunt” to collect Community Center’s “Extreme Yard stasaints.net, or faculty moderators food and other items for Johnson Rakeover.” In December, several Kathleen Halling, khalling@ County Human Services and Aging. members helped distribute books stasaints.net, or Susan Dillingham, [email protected].

Morning and Afternoon Flights available!

If you would like information about sponsorship, please contact Michon Quick in the Saint Thomas Aquinas Advancement Monday, June 1, 2009 Office, 913-319-2437.

Milburn Golf and Country Club Early reservation information will be mailed in the next few weeks. www.stasaints.net/mirockegolf Space is limited, so reserve EARLY! 10 Letters to the Troops Senior Service Project – Letters to the Troops

Despite a day off for Parent/Teacher conferences, over 100 seniors showed up at school on Monday morning, March 9, to participate in a service project organized by theology teacher Phil Farnan. The students were each challenged to write a minimum of 10 letters to men and women in all branches of the armed forces. The notes, mostly to soldiers who receive few if any letters from home, consisted of simple gratitude for the protection of U.S. citizens; however some were more personal and detailed. The students reached their collective goal of writing 1,500 letters in just a few hours. Mr. Farnan, extremely pleased with the turnout, said, “For these seniors to take their day off to express love and support for others…I am energized.” Do you know of any alumni serving in the military? Please send us their name and address and we’ll start sending them the Saints Spirit alumni newsletter! Call Michon Quick, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, 913-319-2437 or contact by email -- mquick@stasaints. Alumni Bonding In Kuwait Four Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni are serving together in the U.S. Army Reserves in Kuwait. Missions take them throughout Iraq. This photo was taken before they deployed in spring 2008. They will be coming home in May or June 2009. Our prayers are with them and all of our alumni serving in the Armed Forces. Pictured left to right are SPC Daniel Ney, ‘04, 1st SGT. John Newman, ‘02, SGT. Gabriel Ney, ‘01, Kyle SPC Sadewhite, ‘05.

11 CLASS NOTES

1961 PHD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina in 2005 after earning his In Memoriam John Lichtenauer and his wife Janet live undergraduate degree in the same field Caroline Minnie Huhman, of Sedalia, in Melvern, Kansas, where John works for from the University of Kansas. Missouri, passed away on February 14, 2009. Lybarger Oil, Inc. They have five children She is the mother of longtime Saint Thomas ranging from age 31 to 45: Kelli Jo, Mike, 1996 Aquinas High School staff member Patty (Wes) Jason, Michelle and John Jr. Jordan of Prairie Village, and the grandmother of Joanna Jordan, ‘04, and Alli Jordan, ‘07. 1975 Ann Nash Neal is a pre-surgery nurse Elmer Massey, ‘67, of Merriam, Kansas, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. She passed away on December 3, 2008. He is and her husband Frank live in Shawnee, survived by his wife, Mickey Ruder Massey, his daughters, Jennifer Mendez and Robin Kansas, with their sixteen-year old Berthold, and five grandchildren. daughter Maggie.

1983 Angus Patrick Gartland Marilyn Louise Stambaugh Peterson, Melissa Roehl Gartland and her ‘63, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Michael Magerl and his wife Beth live husband, Patrick, of Denver, Colorado, January 17, 2009. Many will remember Mrs. in Prairie Village, Kansas, with their son, welcomed their new son Angus Patrick Peterson as their music teacher at St. Paul’s Ethan, age 10. Mike is President of Trabon Gartland on December 15, 2008. He and Prince of Peace Grade Schools. She was Printing Company, a commercial printer also organist, liturgist and choir director at arrived almost six weeks early, joining his in the Kansas City area. St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Olathe for over two-year-old brother Max. 35 years. She is survived by her husband of 1989 33 years, Ernie, her children Celina (Craig) 1999 Gerling of Olathe, Elise Peterson of Hays, Anne Garbee Smith lives in Elk River, KS, Mary Peterson of Edgerton, KS, Joseph Matthew Beaven and his wife Rebecca Minnesota, with her husband Aaron Peterson, ‘98, of Olathe, Andrew (Mary Beth) live in Shawnee, Kansas, with their and their three children: Abbey, age 6, Peterson, ‘00, of Mount Vernon, MO, and children Jonathan, age 4, Genevieve, age Amelia, age 3, and Archer, age 1. Anne eight grandchildren. She is also survived by 2, and Cyprian, age 1. They are expecting her siblings Phillip (Beverly) Stambaugh, ‘62, and Aaron own a creative design company their fourth child in July 2009. Matt is a Patricia Stambaugh (John) Ward, ‘68, Paula in the Twin Cities area called “Smitty’s risk management/financial services agent Stambaugh McLaughlin, ‘72, Becky Stambaugh Workshop.” They specialize in web with Farm Bureau. (Stan) Lloyd, ‘75, Anita Stambaugh (Bud) site design, email marketing, logo and Wheeler, and James (Dara) Stambaugh. brand system design, motion graphics, photography and video production, Michael Nesbihal lives in Casper, Kathy McGrew Strohm ‘68 publication and other printed collateral Wyoming, where he is a construction field , , of Overland design, environmental and point of sale Park, Kansas passed away peacefully in her engineer for Kiewit Power Constructors. sleep on Sunday, September 7, 2008, after design, and print and web advertising. battling breast cancer. Also a victim of a violent 2000 crime in 1979, Kathy was paralyzed from the chest down and lived wheelchair-bound in 1993 Caleb George married Ashleigh Surbur Shane McKinley and his wife Leann her own home for more than 25 years. She is on September 29, 2007, at Queen of the survived by siblings, Charlene McGrew (Alan) live in Albequerque, New Mexico, with Holy Rosary in Overland Park. They live Broxterman, ‘70, Overland Park, Dorothy their children Athansasius, age 2, and in Overland Park, Kansas. (Bernard) McGrew Pope, ‘72, Shawnee, Patricia Christiana, age 1. Shane is an electrician McGrew (Brian) McKiernan, ‘74, Kansas City, with EnerNOC, an Energy Management KS, John McGrew, Kansas City, KS, and Jim Company. Tim Herre, a dentist residing in (Mary Beth) McGrew, Shawnee, and also by Leawood, Kansas, was featured in the eleven nieces and nephews. 1994 February issue of 435 South, the magazine of south Johnson County as one of the Martha Stumpff, of Shawnee, Kansas, James Cianciaruso is Director of area’s eight “Most Eligible Bachelors.” Refugee and Migrant Services for Catholic passed away on April 19, 2008, after a long The magazine hosted the third annual battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Martha was a Charities of Northeast Kansas. He resides ‘Most Eligible Bachelors Auction’ at the in Kansas City, Missouri. longtime leader for Bluebirds and Campfire Sheraton Overland Park on February 12. Girls at St. Joseph Grade School. She is You’ll have to ask Tim how that turned preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, 1995 out! and survived by children Ralph Stumpff of Jacob Ketter lives in Doylestown, San Antonio, TX, Nancy Stumpff Miceli, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia, where ‘57, of Colorado Springs, CO, Margie Stumpff Reynolds, ‘67, of Niwot, CO, ten he is an instrumentation chemist for grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Gamry Instruments. Jacob earned his

12 Saints Mass Saints Mass at K-State On Sunday, February 8, 2009, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School hosted the first annual Saints Mass at KSU. Students who indicated at their high school graduation that they would be attending Kansas State University were invited to attend the afternoon Mass at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, followed by a pizza dinner in the center’s Newman Hall. About 45 students and 20 parents attended the function. Parents donated homemade desserts and also monetary Front row: Dalton Cummings, ‘08, Carl Specht, ‘08; Back row: Blake Moroney, ‘08, Bud Pflumm, ‘08, Bridget Brown, ‘08, Luke Young, ‘08, and Kaitlyn Hill, ‘08. contributions to help with dinner costs. Each year, graduates from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School make up between five and nine percent of Catholic students attending Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. The annual Saints Mass at KU’s St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center and KSU’s St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center gives STA alumni an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and also share the common bond of their faith while Above: ’07 Saints with their dads: Barry and Brian Sullivan, Alex and Gerardo Lopez. they attend a public institution. Watch for next year’s annual Saints Mass – both at KU and KSU – in upcoming issues of Saints Spirit! Below: Front row: Meghan Butler, ‘05, Sarah Kuhlmann, ‘06, Kevin Goebel, ‘06, and Colin Cummings, ’06; Back row: Jan Goebel, Dave Goebel.

Above: Class of ‘06 classmates Anthony Halling, Jennifer Kinkade, John Tompkins and Above: Front row: Sean Peters, ’08, Brittany Charlie Loughman. Boddicker, ‘07; Back row: Natalie Ireland, ‘08, Jason Geller, ’08.

13 ALUMNI AND ALUMNI PARENT EVENTS

Streaks & Saints LUMNI Community ANNUALA FUND Calendar It’s is not too late to contribute to the 2008-09 Alumni Annual April Fund! All contributors will be listed by class in the Annual Report, 4 ����������Prom at Starlight Theater published next winter. 7 ����������Mothers’ Club Bunko Night You may earmark your gift for: 12 �������Easter Sunday • Alumni Scholarship Fund 16 ���������Easter All-School Mass • Faculty Recognition 17 ���������Spring Olympics • Blue & Gold, i.e. specific student activities, sports or clubs. 18 ���������Archdiocesan “Gospel of Life” Conference Go to www.aquinascommunity.com/AlumniAnnualFund 25 ��������Saints Walk for Life 25-26 ���Dinner Theater Deferred Giving 30 �������Instrumental Spring Concert Please remember Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in your will. Deferred gifts will help sustain the faith-filled environment, excellent May academic programs and exceptional student activities that make us a 2 ����������Father Daughter Dance Community of Saints. For questions or more information, contact the Office of Advancement at 913-319-2425. 3 ����������Fashion and Dance Show 4 ����������Senior Day 12 ���������Baccalaureate Mass Enhance Your Gift with Your Employer’s 13 ��������Graduation MATCH You may be able to double or even triple your charitable gift to June Saint Thomas Aquinas High School through your company’s 1 ����������Mirocke Golf Classic matching gift program. All you need to do is obtain a matching-gift form at your workplace For more information and to check and submit it to the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Office of times, please go to our website: Advancement. We’ll do the rest! Contact the Office of Advancement www.stasaints.net – Calendar. at 913-319-2425 with questions or for more information. You may also visit www.matchinggifts.com to check if a specific company will match your charitable gift.

Mark Your Calendar! Homecoming Tailgate and 2nd Annual All-Years Alumni Reunion LEGACY OF SUCCESS Friday, September 25, 2009! Saint Thomas Aquinas High School  11411 Pflumm Road  Overland Park, Kansas  www.stasaints.net

14 CLASS REUNIONS Reunions in Reunions 2009 is the year for “fours” and “nines” to have your reunions! (That is all class-years ending in “4” or “9.”) Saint Thomas Aquinas High School would Progess like to help you with your plans! Sometimes the senior class president or STUCO president for your Class of 1979 graduating class initiates the planning process. Other times, anyone with Contact: interest might gather a committee to get started. Melissa Brown Nachbar The first three steps in the reunion-planning process are: [email protected]. a. Find a location. b. Secure a date. c. Locate “lost” alumni – STA will provide you with a list of classmates Class of 1984 and addresses from our database, including those alumni whose Contact: addresses are unmailable (returned by the post office). Dan Cahill 2009 will mark the 2nd annual All-Years Alumni Reunion on [email protected]. Homecoming weekend, September 25-26, 2009. This will include a mixer after the football game in the Commons at STA (8-11:30 p.m.). One low-cost solution for a reunion class might be to gather on this weekend, attending Class of 1989 the function on Friday night at Saint Thomas Aquinas and then organizing your class gathering at someone’s home or a restaurant/bar for Saturday Contact: evening. Anne Garbee Smith For a five-year reunion, another good time to host your event is [email protected] Thanksgiving weekend as many young alumni with new jobs will return home Jim Hart for the holiday. [email protected], or Note that for summer 2009, the Commons will be unavailable until at least August 8th for demolition/construction of the new Commons floor. Joelle Bichelmeyer Peterson Accommodations may be arranged with ample notice to use the Auxiliary [email protected] Gym until construction is complete. Please contact Michon Quick, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, at [email protected] or 913-319-2437 for more information. Regularly visit www.aquinascommunity.com for Class Reunion updates Gold Medal Club Saint Thomas Aquinas High School announces the initiation of the Gold Medal Club, an annual reunion gathering for all members of the 50-Year Reunion Class and older, i.e. all alumni from St. Joseph High School who Feast of St. Joseph graduated between1934-1959. This event will be held on Friday evening, September 25, 2009, prior to/ Almuni Gathering during the Saints football game in the STA Library. Photos from the Feast of St. Joseph If you would like to help plan this new, exciting event, please contact Alumni Gathering on Thursday, Michon Quick, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, at March 19, 2009, at Shorthorn’s [email protected] or 913-319-2437! Restaurant & Bar in Lenexa, KS, will appear in the next issue of Saints Spirit. Don’t forget to let us know when you move!!! Log onto www.aquinascommunity.com. You no longer need a special code to log in! 15 Feast Day Alumni

Gathering Above: Ashley Quick, ‘03, Kristin Brand, On Wednesday, January 28, ‘03, and Nick Osbern, ‘03 2009, several alumni, past parents and friends gathered at Saints Above: Amy Bender, Brady Pyle, ‘03, Pub & Patio in Overland Park, Diane Pyle - alumni parent, Chris Kansas, to celebrate the Feast of Jagoda, ‘03 St. Thomas Aquinas! The evening consisted of mingling, food and drink specials Below: Marc Dierking, ‘03, Brady and door prizes such as hats, shirts Pyle, ‘03, and Stuart Hemmer and $25 gift certificates to Saints Pub & Patio.

Above: Andrew O’Hara, ‘96, and Dan Werkowitch, ‘96

Left: Kellie Pyle, ‘01, and Teresa Ahrens – alumni parent

Non-Profit Organization Saint Thomas Aquinas High School U.S. POSTAGE PAID 11411 Pflumm Road SHAWNEE MISSION, KANSAS Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 PERMIT NO. 22