EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL & ACADEMY 2014—2015 EC Our Mission

Committed to excellence in academic, character and spiritual formation through the Legionary of Christ model of Integral Formation, our education is centered on the person of Jesus Christ, devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and is faithful to the Magisterium of the .

The Everest student is capable of success in a rigorous and balanced academic environment, and an Everest family is open to our Catholic mission, understanding the investment of time, talent, and treasure involved with the education of their children.

OUR 5-POINT COMMITMENT

INTEGRAL FORMATION

CATHOLIC VALUES SAFE ENVIRONMENT

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PERSONAL ATTENTION

2014-2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 1 EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL & ACADEMY WELCOME Celebrating Excellence

This year, for the second straight time the Cardinal Newman Society named Everest Collegiate High School as a “School of Excellence.” Less than 5% of the Catholic high schools in the United States are recognized as such, for their integration of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their programs in addition to excellence in academics. The education method we use to integrate our Catholic identity in all we do is called Integral Formation, which was developed by the Legion of Christ. We focus on forming the entire student: the intellect, the spiritual, the human character and the apostolic heart. Our excellence in Academy (Preschool-8th) academics is illustrated by the steady progress on our standardized test results for the esteemed Stanford 10 private school exam. In addition, our 8th graders once again did an outstanding job on the High School Placement Test with four of them scoring in the 90th percentile including a 99! A further example of excellence is that the twenty-two members of the EC Class of 2015 achieved an average ACT score of 26.4 and were awarded an average of over $209,000 in college scholarship! Everest Collegiate is the only high school in the Archdiocese of Detroit to offer a dual enrollment Calculus III course in partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy. Besides our strong focus on academics at Everest we believe that an apostolic heart is central to the development of a Catholic, Christian leader. We strive with excellence to form an apostolic heart in each one of our students. Like Mother Teresa said, “Do ordinary things with extraordinary love!” And that’s what we do. We have seven high school students heading to Haiti this summer to serve some of the most needy people in the world. It’s hard to measure the results of spiritual growth but we can measure our inputs. The students and faculty are offered the sacraments of Holy (daily), Reconciliation (at least monthly) and once each month during the school day the students pray before the Blessed Sacrament. The daily presence on campus of our Legionary priests and consecrated laywomen of allow the constant oversight of the faith formation programs for our students. Excellence can also be appreciated as our athletic teams continue to grow in numbers and accomplishments. This can be seen by the results of our Academy teams with seven of our teams winning league titles. Our high school teams continue to do well, with our competitive cheer team winning the Catholic League Championship. Our varsity boys golf team won the Catholic League Championship, District Championship and Regional championship. And finally, in their inaugural year our varsity boys baseball team won the District Championship. As we continue our mission of shaping Christian leaders to transform society according to the standards of the Gospel, we invite you to be a part of the Everest experience by visiting our website and blog at everest-clarkston.org. Sincerely yours in Christ, Michael J. Nalepa executive director

2 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014–2015 WELCOME Everest: Providing the Keys to Success

In spending the summer preparing for another school year, and in looking back on the successes of 2014-2015, I have had that much-needed time that we all yearn for, to reflect. A consistent reflection that continues to help shape Everest Collegiate High School & Academy is that age-old idea of education as enculturation. Specifically, in our case, the main objective of Catholic education, beyond the obvious goal of helping our students to attain eternal salvation, is to immerse our youth in the beautiful and historically rich culture of Catholicism. We often take for granted what we have been given as Catholics, what we receive on a daily basis, being able to ascribe to a faith that has been handed down to us directly from Christ, through Peter. It is a faith that is a great gift, and it is a set of highly pragmatic principles that serve as the very basis for the way that we should interact, think, learn and ultimately the way we should live. In Christopher Dawson’s book The Crisis of Western Education he states that, “Culture is inseparable from education, since education in the widest sense of the word is what the anthropologists term “enculturation,” i.e., the process by which culture is handed on by the society and acquired by the individual.” Dawson further points to the Catholic Church as provid- ing the constant vision around which Western culture has shaped itself. It is our charge to continue to bring this rewarding and life-giving culture of the Church to our youth. Ultimately, it is through our Catholic, Christian experience that our successes will have impact, our lives will have fullness of meaning, and our families will have the opportunity to live in an imperfect world, fulfilled, until we attain that primary goal of eternal life. At Everest, we have the benefit of living in the world while ultimately reserving ourselves as citizens of the next. Our students—and each one of us individually—will all make mistakes that are induced by our immersion in this world. I am grateful, however, to reflect upon the many ways that Everest touches our students every day and passes on the tenets of the faith—intellectually, spiritually, humanly and apostolically. These four components of Integral Formation are equally important and are intertwined as aspects of a culture that we look to pass down through our school to our children. Let’s look to this 2015-2016 school year as an opportunity to participate more deeply with our children in a rich Catholic culture that allows us to stretch ourselves intellectually, spiritually, and humanly— ultimately affecting our contact with everyone we meet during this era of the New Evangelization. Have a blessed 2015-2016 school year. Gregory Reichert principal – middle & high school

2014–2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 3 EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL & ACADEMY WELCOME

Official 2014–2016

School of Excellence EVEREST WELCOMES FR. As one of only 71 schools in the nation, Everest is proud to BENJAMIN O’LOUGHLIN be included as one of the Cardinal Newman Society’s 2014-16 In January, our new Director Schools of Excellence. This distinguished award has celebrated of the Boys Boarding Program, Catholic education across the country since 2004. This year’s Fr. Benjamin, held his first Mass acceptance marks Everest’s second consecutive distinction. with Everest students after his recent ordination in Rome. “I applaud our leadership, administration, Fr. Benjamin comes to us from Syracuse, NY where he attended students, parents, teachers and staff for high school at the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School and their hard work and commitment to founded the first ECYD (Experi- ences, Convictions and Your staying true to this mission,” remarks Decisions) Club in New York. Everest Principal Gregory Reichert. Of the greater Detroit region, the award was received by both the areas largest 26.4 Class of 2015 and one of the smallest, ACT Average being Everest, proving that “faithfulness is more important than size,” comments Everest Executive Director, Mike Nalepa. Criteria for award includes institutional commitment, mission-centered individuals and a duty to protect the mission.

4 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014–2015 EVEREST COLLEGIATE EVEREST HIGH SCHOOL EC ACADEMY EA

2014 –2015 Review Academic, Athletic, Spiritual and Apostolic Highlights

2014–2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 5 EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL & ACADEMY EC ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

This year we celebrate Everest’s fourth graduating class. Congratulations EC 2015 Graduates!

CONGRATULATIONS FORENSICS WINNERS! This year’s EC Forensic Finals included an exceptional exhibition of monologues, poems and speeches. Congratulations to this year’s winners and all of the finalists. Below are the top presenters:

1st Place Poetry Bridget Smith 1st Place Prose Anna Nguyen National Honor 1st Place Oratory Emma Dietz Society Inductions This year’s inductions to the Christ the King Chapter of the National Honor Society 1st Place Oratory Top row from left to right: Katherine Epsin, Tyler Roz- Kyle Smith wadowsk, Jorge Dominguez, Luke Allen, Emma Cross, 1st Place Poetry Carly Sutkiewicz, Paulina Czarnecki, Holly McGrath, Alex Legg (bottom row from left to right) Emma Taylor, Kathleen 1st Place Prose Balon, Claudia Mastromatteo, Rebecca Luttinen, Bren- Ben Essensa nan Dougherty and (not pictured) Courtney Kocenda.

6 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014–2015 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS EC

MHSAA SCHOLAR ATHLETE FINALIST Student athlete James Thibodeau was among 120 statewide finalists for the 2014-15 MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award. The award FOOTBALL honors 32 individuals PLAYERS who have at least a HONORED 3.50 GPA average, earned a varsity letter Quarterback Sal in at least one sport, Mastromatteo, submitted two letters running back Lucas of recommendation Neme and linebacker/ and completed a running back Ben mandatory 500 word Bellestri all received essay along with an All-County Honor- several short answer able Mention with MI questions. Prep Zone.

DISTRICT COACHES OF THE YEAR Joe DeLisle - BOYS BASEBALL Dave Smith - BOYS GOLF

Cheer Team Captures CHSL Championship For the second time, the Mountaineers cheer squad took home the CHSL Championship after an exciting comeback. Trailing by more than 20 points going into the final routine, the team performed near perfection to edge out St. Catherine. The team included All-Catholic selection, senior Monica Toohey, All-Academic selection, senior Hannah Burgess, senior Monica Lis-Planells and freshmen Catherine Ireland and Katya Dominguez, coached by Nancy Burgess.

2014–2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 7 EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL & ACADEMY EC ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS

EC Golf Wins Regionals – First Time in School History! The EC boys golf team advanced to the State Playoffs after winning the Regionals at West- wynd Golf Course. Left to right: Coach Dave Smith, Joey McMahon, EC BOYS BASEBALL WINS DISTRICT TITLE Tyler Rozwadowski, The EC boys baseball team had a very successful 2015 season, winning the Danny McMahon, JC Division 4 District title after defeating Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes. James and Nick Korns.

Seven Future College Athletes Everest is proud to send on seven talented athletes to the collegiate level in their respective sports.

Left to right: Benny Bellestri: Trine University (baseball), Hannah Burgess: Central Michigan University (cheer squad), Claire Kitz: Hamilton University (volleyball), Sophia Koolwick: Southern Methodist University (equestrian team), Claire Lasceski: University of Findley (soccer), Ashley Lowney: Calvin College (basketball), Lucas Neme: Hope College (football).

8 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014-2015 SPIRITUAL & APOSTOLIC HIGHLIGHTS EC

EC FOOTBALL PLAYERS TUTOR KIDS IN DETROIT As part of Detroit Children’s After-School Program, football team members Jorge Dominguez, Isaiah Hellner, Dan DeWitt, Andrew Hayosh and Xavier Engle visited the Sarah Fisher Center accompanied by Fr. Aaron Smith to tutor and provide motivational support for children grades 1-5 in reading and math. “It felt great to give back to the commu- nity and see smiles on the kid’s faces,” said Xavier Engle.

Senior Trip to the Holy Land

Christ is the center of • The home of all we do at Everest. the Holy Family By walking in His in Nazareth footsteps in His • Cana in Gali- native land, this trip lee where Jesus is both the capstone performed his first of the students’ public miracle time at Everest and a powerful way to • The Mount of the solidify their faith as Beatitudes and the they take the next north shore of the step into college life. Sea of Galilee where Highlights of the trip Jesus spent most of include: his public ministry • Jesus’ place of • Jerusalem—the birth in Bethlehem sites of the Agony in the Garden of • The site of the Gethsemane, the site Annunciation where of the Last Supper, the angel Gabriel Calvary where Jesus appeared to Mary died on the Cross in Nazareth and the tomb where Jesus rose from the dead.

2014-2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 9 EVEREST ACADEMY EA ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

FOUR EA STUDENTS RECEIVE OUTSTANDING SCORES ON HSPT Congratulations to the four students at Everest Academy who received outstandingly high scores on their High School Placement Test (HSPT).

Book Buddies Nathan Massarello Shane Dolan To promote students to Score of 99 Score of 98 become role models, Everest 3rd grade girls participated in reading sessions with the preschoolers. The sessions include one- on-one practice as well as performing in plays written by the students. Rodrigo DeNigris Katelyn Allen Score of 96 Score of 90

For the third consecutive year, EA students increased the average Stanford 10 test score

NJHS INDUCTION CEREMONY

The National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held on Thursday, March 6, 2015. Students inducted met the requirements in the five areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.

10 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014–2015 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS EA

EVEREST ACADEMY LEGO TEAM CHAMPIONS The Electric Pineapples, Everest’s ANNUAL POPE first ever Lego team took home BENEDICT XVI (B-16) this year’s first place trophy in the TOURNAMENT programming category, placing The EA girls hosted the them in the top 8 of 30 teams. annual B-16 tournament The win took them to the state which included competition competition with members in basketball, hockey and Madeleine and Sawyer Arbogast, soccer as well as the Quiz Chase Dietrich, Johnny and Joey Bowl, a test in their knowl- Morrison, Jackson Plas, Charlie edge of the Catholic faith. Reichert, Matthew Ross and team mentor Alex Czarnecki.

2015 JPII TOURNAMENT The weekend of May 8-10, 2015, 180 participated in the 18th annual JPII Sports Tournament. This year included four sports, a catechism competition and highlighted a first class relic of Saint John Paul II just a year after his canonization. Boys in 3rd through 8th grade competed within one of three age brackets for the gold, silver and bronze. Sports included MIDDLE SCHOOL soccer, basketball, frisbee and hockey. Medals for SPELLING BEE FINALS the catechism competition Congratulations to our middle were also awarded. school Spelling Bee finalists, and to our winners, Angela Tibudan and Fernando Caccia.

2014–2015 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 11 EVEREST ACADEMY EA SPIRITUAL & APOSTOLIC HIGHIGHTS

EA Middle School Girls Serve through Apostolic Projects On Friday, April 24th, the EA middle school girls participated in various apostolic projects. This experience was a chance for them to serve others and be Christian leaders. The 6th graders served at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the 7th graders at Great Lakes Acad- emy and the 8th graders put on a mini-retreat for our 2nd graders in preparation for their First Communion. The day ended with an assembly where representatives from each grade took the microphone to share their experiences. There were many touching stories of how these students made a difference in others’ lives and the joy of giving was almost tangible in the room.

MOTHER AND “It is more CHILD RETREATS Everest Academy moms and blessed to their younger children enjoyed “Retreat” experiences through- give than out the school year led by the Consecrated Women of Regnum to receive.” Christi at the school. Formation Director Jill - Acts 20:35 Swallow said the retreats offer “an opportunity for moms to spend time with their child in the school atmosphere, while being able to participate in their inte- gral formation. It is a beautiful experience to share with their sons and daughters on their faith journey. They get to know the mothers of other children and share a little bit of the challenges and joys of motherhood.”

12 | THE MOUNTAINEER | 2014-2015 EA EC