Update - Divine Child High School

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www.divinechildhighschool.org
CONTENTS Divine Child High School
MISSION STATEMENT
Divine Child High School is a Catholic high school
centered in Gospel values and Christian tradition.
The school is rooted in a long-standing tradition of Excellence and in
an educational partnership with students, parents and the community.
We are committed to providing opportunities that nurture each
student's academic, creative, social and spiritual growth.
We are dedicated to developing youth who pursue lives
of responsibility, leadership and faith in action.
Divine Child Alumni Association
Board Officers
President: Cheryl (Oros) Nelson '75
Vice President: Natalie Noeske '82
Treasurer: Mike Vecchioni '72
Secretary: Angela (Cowan) Kraetke '00
Member at Large: Laura (Lark) Cattaneo '82
alumnioffice@divinechildhighschool.org
Office of Advancement
25001Herbert Weier Drive
Dearborn, MI 48128-1045
Scott Dickey '85
Alumni and Parish Relations
313-216-0892
dickey@divinechild.org
Once A Falcon magazine is published twice
yearly by the Divine Child Alumni Association
Editor: Scott Dickey '85
Design and Production
JCP Advertising
586.558.7777
Contributors
Lori Berry
Rev. James Bilot
Paul Bushon, JCP Advertising
Jessica Carreras, Dearborn Patch
Jack Costello, JCP Advertising
Capt. Mark L. Davalos
Connie DiMarco
Daniel Duggan, Crains Detroit Business
Paul Egan, Detroit News
John Gallager, Detroit Free Press
Erica Giroux '11
Kathy Higgins-Luthman
Peggy Knuth '72
Donna Kuczajda '88
Bill Lumbinger, The Plain Dealer
John McTaggart, Dearborn Patch
Kathy Tar
Ricardo Thomas, Detroit News
Christopher Urbiel '01
Our Heritage
Since 1950, the Church of the Divine Child has been a strong Catholic presence in Dearborn and
today remains one of the largest and most vibrant Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of
Detroit, serving over 2,500 member families. Together, Divine Child Elementary School, founded
in 1953, and Divine Child High School, founded in 1958, have grown to host the largest
co-educational Catholic school enrollment in Michigan.
With a heritage spanning more than 50 years, Divine Child High School has imparted “goodness with
knowledge” to generations of students and continues to provide a Catholic education valuing spiritual,
academic, athletic and creative excellence. Nearly 10,000 alumni have gone forward to build success on
these values. Today, approximately 850 Divine Child High School students enjoy the opportunity to
study numerous academic disciplines, compete in 24 sports, and participate in dozens of extracurricular
activities - all built on a strong spiritual foundation.
In This Issue
3 Messages
4 High School News
8 Alumni Focus
10 Athletics
13 Alumni Updates
14 Auction
15 Alumni Reunion & Events
16 Key Upcoming Dates
Parents of Alumni
Receiving your child’s newsletter? We are happy to continue
mailing the magazine to your home, but please contact the
alumni office with your son’s and/or daughters current
address so that they may receive a copy as well.
Please join the “Divine Child Alumni” group for the most up to
date information on reunions & alumni events. The “Divine Child”
page will be discontinued in January 2011.
We'd Like
To Hear
From You!
Take a minute to email us news about yourself.
Feel free to include a picture of you on your special day or a picture of your new baby!
E-mail us at: alumnioffice@divinechildhighschool.org
For more alumni information, check out the DCAA link at http://www .divinechildhighschool.org
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Who's in Your Network?
MESSAGE from the Principal
Pictured below are Falcons Adam'14 and Andrew'11, their dad, Tim Rauh, and Steve Wozniak. This picture was taken this spring after Andrew contacted his
Facebook buddy The Woz and volunteered to have his family take the co-founder of Apple to dinner. Many things are heartening about this photo. The most
important from my perspective as an administrator is that parents are involved in the social media activity of their children: the entire family met with the Woz
rather than an individual. Secondly, Andrew '11, who developed a iPad app with Joe Constan'11, has taken
to heart our advice about value of an entrepreneurial worldview. In this new digital economy, our Falcons
know that they must create their own markets and leverage the power of their social networks.
Tim Rauh, Andrew Rauh '11, Steve Wozniak and
Adam Rauh
The second positive attribute of egonomics is curiosity. As Marcum and Smith note, "once humility
creates an open mind and a deep commitment to progress, curiosity is the active ingredient that drives
the exploration of ideas." In order to have curiosity work for you, you have to be able to ask the right
questions and almost intuitively grasp the significance of the responses that you elicit. Andrew asked the
Woz to define the secret to starting a successful tech business. What Andrew gleaned from Woz's answer
set in motion his successful interview and paid internship with Dan Gilbert's new Detroit startup.
The final positive attribute of egonomics is veracity. We teach our kids that "they will know the truth
and that truth will set them free." What is true of today's knowledge economy has been true for Divine
Child Falcons for nearly six decades. You have to be as good as your word and forthright no matter the
consequences. These are the fruits of a Divine Child education. And so, I have come to believe that we
Falcons constitute our own social network. We are over 10,000 strong and we know that we can depend
on each other to uphold the virtues of humility, curiosity and veracity.
Get fired up, Falcons!
Peggy Knuth '72
Principal
MESSAGE from the Pastor
Dear Falcons,
I am spending the first part of this summer reading Egonomics: What Makes Ego Our Greatest Asset (or
Most Expensive Liability) by David Marcum and Steven Smith. Marcum and Smith list the following three
principles of egonomics that keep ego working as an asset rather than a liability: 1) humility, 2) curiosity, and
3) veracity. In describing humility which they rename “creative discontent," Marcum and Smith write the
following:” without losing confidence in who we are or lessening the importance of what we've achieved,
humility has the unique ability to create a craving to reach the next level of performance. Andrew and Joe
received a lot of media coverage for their Monarch Express app, including a feature interview in Fast
Company and this Johns Hopkins article http://cty.jhu.edu/bin/y/l/AppQuest.pdf . They understood that
a career is not built upon one success and sought mentoring help from experts in the field.
As I write this column, we have just
completed another academic year. In
a way, it seems like we just got started,
but, then again, it is always good to
be finished! Along with the end of
the school year, we have had several
teachers retire, both in the high
school and elementary school. It is
with sadness that we say goodbye,
yet we must be happy for them
because now they can relax and enjoy
a new chapter in their lives. These
teachers, our colleagues and mentors,
have sacrificed a great deal to teach in
a Catholic School, and they did it
willingly. Their commitment speaks
to us of their loyalty and dedication
and especially their love for Jesus
Christ and His most holy Church.
I would like to thank the following
teachers in the elementary school who
are retiring: Toni Kowalski, Linda
Henderson, Kathy Matyjaszek, Pat Novak, Pam Wallis, and Paul Rzeppa. In
the high school, the following teachers/staff retired: Judy Altesleben, Mary Dee
Dryer, Marketa Harvey, Larry and Diane Rivard, Deb Romanelli, Marcia
Reetz, Frank Swaney, and Deb Coyne. If you have a fond memory of them and
how they influenced, encouraged or supported you in your studies, perhaps
you can send them a note or email in gratitude. I know it will bring joy and
warmth to their hearts! Also, be assured that as we move forward, those who
will be our new faculty and staff will have the same dedication and love for
Divine Child as those who are retiring.
Divine Child parish is blessed to have a faithful community who loves the Lord
and the Church He has entrusted to us. Our parishioners sacrifice immensely
to support and sustain our parish and its two schools. I ask that you please
continue to keep the parish and its schools in your prayers, and support your
alma mater with your time, talent and treasure.
In Gratitude,
Fr. Jim Bilot
Pastor
www.divinechildhighschool.org
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www.divinechildhighschool.org
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Divine Child, Exchange Club Dedicate Freedom Shrine to MSGR. Kucyk
Divine Child's late Fr. Herman Kucyk was honored Wednesday with the dedication
of the wall of 32 historical U.S. documents at the Dearborn Catholic high school.
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what
we ought,” Dearborn Exchange Club President
Dennis Scanland quoted from the late Pope John
Paul II Wednesday afternoon, as the club helped to
install and dedicate a Freedom Shrine at Divine
Child High School.
The date of the dedication appropriately fell during
the 100th anniversary of the national Exchange
Club, and also on the 91st birthday of the pope.
The Freedom Shrine is a collection of 32 reprinted
historical documents such as the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg
Address and Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a
Dream” speech. Each installation, all of which are
performed by Exchange Club branches across
the country, honors a particular member in the
community who exemplifies the ideals of freedom.
Divine Child's Freedom Shrine honors the church's late priest, Fr. Herman Kucyk,
who served the church and school for 40 years.
“Every one of these shrines has a person who we recognize with the installation of
the shrine as a person who really reflects the goals of America and reflects the
leadership and the public service,” explained Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly at the
dedication. “Father Kucyk … is the person chosen to be honored for this shrine. And
it's a tremendous honor and one well deserved.”
O'Reilly, whose three children were all baptized by Fr. Kucyk, spoke highly of the late
priest as someone who nurtured each and every student who went to Divine Child.
National Honor Society
In the day to day operations of Divine Child High School, National Honor
Society members routinely donate their time to tutoring any student in need
through the “Falcon Help” program in a variety of subjects. Our tutors have been
both very busy and very successful with their students! Also, each month, NHS
nominates and crowns a Teacher of the Month in recognition of the dedication
they have shown to their students and to their school. Additionally, the NHS
Student of the Month program allows teachers to recognize outstanding students
for their academic achievements.
This year, the National Honor Society has dedicated its efforts to aiding the relief
efforts in Haiti, particularly in helping the earthquake's youngest victims. NHS
has shipped over 200 kits of school supplies - pencils, paper, erasers, colored pencils,
and more - to a Jesuit school near Port-au-Prince. A fundraiser was held at Buffalo
Wild Wings in March to help raise money to defer shipping costs for the kits. NHS
also received a lovely thank-you letter from Brother Jim Boynton, a teacher at the
Haitian Jesuit School, and his students. Additionally, in March, NHS members
visited Vista Maria House and hosted a Fun Fair for its residents, complete with
games, food, crafts, and other activities. It was a fantastic day for all, getting to
know each other and enjoying each other's company.
As we headed into the final stretch of the school year, NHS again helped out with
the Red Cross Blood Drive this spring. All of the NHS members celebrated the
annual National Honor Society Induction Ceremony in April, and the juniors
selected their new Executive Board for the 2011-2012 school year. NHS bid a
good-bye to its graduating seniors in early May with a farewell luncheon before
they celebrated their academic accomplishments at the Baccalaureate Mass by
wearing their gold National Honor Society stoles.
Erika Giroux '11, (NHS Member, 2011 Valedictorian)
“He's well known as a gardener … he was responsible and loved to grow plants
and keep a beautiful environment,” O'Reilly said of Fr. Kucyk. “But what people
miss is that he was a gardener of souls and a mentor, or gardener, of the young people
who came through the school.”
Kucyk's sister Jan Pierce, a teacher at Divine Child Elementary School, accepted the
plaque on behalf of her brother, and explained how much Kucyk cared about the church.
“He loved this place with his
whole heart and soul, and he
would be honored to have
this freedom wall dedicated
to him,” Pierce said. “I know
that my brother is looking
down at us today and saying,
'Thank you for this honor,
thank you for the students
who will see this and see
where our roots are.”
“His roots and his family
meant a lot to him, but his
biggest and deepest roots were here at Divine Child.”
And the Freedom Shrine, added DCHS Principal Peggy Knuth, will remind
students of the things America's forefathers-and people like Fr. Kucyk-stood for.
"We citizens need to cherish our freedoms, understand them and take responsibility
for upholding them," Knuth said. "This wall will help us do just that. These
documents on this wall will help remind us of what our nation stands for, what our
forefathers fought for and what we need to work to protect throughout our lives."
Jessica Carreras - Dearborn Patch
Student Council State Conference
On March 26-28, the Divine Child Student Council attended the MASC/MAHS
State Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. This event is completely
student run and focuses on the importance of the leadership roles of the youth of
today. It is a weekend full of guest speakers, leadership building activities, swap
shops, and council bonding.
We began the conference greeted by our own
Tricia Calka, who is a member of the Board of
Delegates, a group of students from each region
of the state who are voted in by their fellow
students and that assist in the planning and
running of the conference.
The next days were full of seminars, presentations
by other schools, skill building activities, and
games and music. During the awards banquet,
recognition was given to several schools, and our
Divine Child Council received the Award of
Excellence, a prestigious honor given to a few
Two Concerts in the Bernardine Franciscan Library Raise Money for Charity
The band Go Tiger, Go! and students of Divine Child raised $271.33 for American Red Cross for victims of the Japanese
earthquake at a concert this spring in the Bernardine Franciscan Library. The end of the year concert raised $250.00 for Vista
Maria. Paul Corsi '09 is the lead singer and Adam Savat '12 is the bassist for the band.
selected schools from around the state that have shown exemplary organization,
productivity and leadership within their school community. Receiving the award
was the perfect culmination of a successful conference and a year of hard work.
The MASC/MAHS State Conference was a greatly successful. The environment
was energetic and exciting but also conducive to learning and development. The
theme was perfectly appropriate for a conference in which the students in
attendance could show the accomplishments made in their schools and communities
while simultaneously further developing their leadership skills.
Go Tiger, Go! (L-R) Adam Savat '12,
Jonathan Victor, Lauren Pinson,
Paul Corsi '09, Bobby Lowry
Senior Tricia Calka and
Juniors Jake Atnip and
Daniel Masserang

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for
recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter
the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)-a test which serves as an
initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants
each year-and by meeting published program
entry/participation requirements. Of these, 50,000
with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index
scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing
skills scores) qualify for recognition in the
National Merit® Scholarship Program.
In February, some 15,000 Semifinalists were notified
that they had advanced to Finalist standing. High
school principals were notified and provided with a
certificate to present to each Finalist. Divine Child
High School congratulates Joseph Constan, Erika Giroux and Mark Nagorka on this
academic achievement as National Merit Finalists. In April following the fall test
administration, high scoring
participants from every state
were invited to name two
colleges or universities to
which they would like to be
Congratulations to Sahar Atassi,
Matthew Bustamante, Michelle
Kerr, Rebecca Krasity, Aaron
Miotke, Amy Pestenariuy and
Adam Savat. These students were
invited to participate in the 2012
National Merit Program.
Scholarship Essay Contest
The Divine Child Alumni Association sponsored its
annual Scholarship Essay Contest. The topic of the
essay was; How have your years at Divine Child High
School prepared you to serve the community? 3rd
place went to Pamela Fernandez, 2nd place Rachell
Russell and 1st place Paul Radwan. The Divine Child
Alumni Association also provided two $50.00 prizes at
the Freshmen Orientation this Spring to be used at the
Falcon's Nest to purchase text books. This year's
incoming freshmen winners were Julianna D'Avanzo
and Stephen Lietz.
DCAA Scholarship
Essay Winners
Pamela Fernandez,
Paul Radwan and
Rachell Russell
Counseling News
In addition to the college support and resources offered through the Counseling
Department, we strive to provide the best practices in meeting the academic,
social, and emotional needs of all students. This year, the counseling staff put forth
a greater emphasis on the training and development of its counselors so that all
students continue to receive the optimal student services as expected at Divine
Child High School.
This summer the TLC Institute will conduct another training session here in
Michigan. Ms. Gilbertson and Mrs.Vanderveen are scheduled to begin their certification
process during the month of July. The Counseling Department continues its
preparations and trainings to develop a well coordinated Crisis Plan that will provide
students and staff with a sense of control and predictability in a time of crisis.
Having a well organized and coordinated school program in place is key to student
success. Beginning next year, Divine Child High School will implement a new
freshmen transition program called Link Crew. Link Crew is a leadership training
program for selected juniors and seniors who will be trained in team building
activities, cooperative skill development, and discussion skills. Two Link Leaders
FALCON SCHOLARS
Congratulations Class of 2011
The class of 2011 to date has been
awarded $6,050,000 in Academic
and Athletic Scholarships!
referred by NMSC. In May, Eric Giroux and Mark Nagorka were named
National Merit Scholars.
In September, these high scorers will be notified through their schools that they have
qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist.
Joseph Constan, Erica Giroux & Mark Nagorka met all the requirements to
advance to Finalists standing in The National Merit Scholarship Program. Erica
and Mark were also named National Merit Scholars.
Divine Child congratulates Sahar Atassi,
Matthew Bustamante, Michelle Kerr,
Rebecca Krasity, Aaron Miotke, Amy
Pestenariu and Adam Savat who have been
invited to participate in the 2012 National
Merit process.
Congratulations to 2011 Class
Valedictorian Erika Giroux and
Salutatorian Angeline Sawaya
Divine Child High
School Gives
the Gift of Life
On March 31, DCHS held its second
blood drive for the 2010-2011 school
year. NHS students organized this
event under the supervision of Mrs.
Angela Kraetke'00. At the end of the
day, a total of 64 pints of life-giving
blood was collected, beating our
goal of 55! Congratulations to NHS
and to all of the Blood Drive workers
and donors. Thank you to all
who participated!
will receive a list of 10 freshmen to telephone and personally invite to the orientation,
to work with at orientation, and connect with throughout the school year.
In March , Mr. Young, Ms. Pauline, Mr. Swenson and Mrs. Berry had the opportunity
to attend the Link Crew Conference where coordinators are trained on how to
integrate the program into their schools. The Coordinator's responsibilities are to
create an annual Link Crew calendar of events, select, train, and motivate Link
Leaders, and to organize the new Link Orientation for ninth graders.
We are very excited and motivated to begin this new transition program for freshmen.
Schools today are different than ever before, as are students, families, and our
communities at large. Research indicates that the transition from middle school to
high school can be very challenging for students because of the higher expectations,
the larger size of the school, and the diminished individual attention from teachers
and school staff. With this in mind, Link Crew has been developed as a program
to help students make the transition with specific interventions and support from
older peers.
The Counseling Department will continue its efforts to provide the best practices
for our students by meeting their academic, social, emotional, college and career
needs. Having coordinated programs already in place can help create a more
supportive and positive school atmosphere for all students.
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Science Fair
www.divinechildhighschool.org
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
The Divine Child High School Science Fair was held on January 29 in the cafeteria. 184 Chemistry students participated. Awarded the grand prize was Nadine Makki
for her project, “Cancer Stem Cells: The Key To Cancer Cure?”. Aaron Szpytman received the school's first place award for “Power Plant” (Botany). Second place
went to Kelsey Gibson for “To Bleach or Not to Bleach” (Chemistry). Third place went to Brittany DeJohn for “Say What??? The Stroop Effect” (Behavioral Science).
Students that placed first in their divisions were Nadine Makki (Health & Medicine), Kelsey Gibson (Chemistry), Michael Polakowski (Zoology), Philip Brown
(Engineering), Adrienne Cruz ( Energy & transportation, Aaron Szpytman (Botany) and Brittany DeJohn (Behavioral Science).
Samantha Myers and DC Faculty member
Mrs. Kathy Higgins-Luthman,
attended the 2011 Intel International
Science and Engineering Fair in Los
Angeles from May 8 -13. Samantha
was one of one of 1500 students chosen
to represent 65 countries and territories
from a pool of approximately seven
million high school students who
participated in Intel sponsored local
science fairs. Samantha competed in
the category of Mechanical and
Electrical Engineering with a project
titled 'Solar Panel Efficiency: A More
Colorful Future?” She accompanied
seven other students Grand Prize winners
from the Science and Engineering Fair
of Metro Detroit and the State Science
and Engineering Fair.
Anything Goes Unites Generations of Falcons
The 2011 Spring Musical, Cole Porter's Anything Goes, was viewed by students,
families, and alumni alike. It was the show's third production at DCHS, having been
staged in 1986 and 1998. This year, two members of the 1998 cast, Andrew Ballnik and
Christopher Urbiel, served as director and choral director, respectively. On Friday,
April 8, members of the classes of 1986 and 1998 were in attendance and thoroughly
enjoyed the show. Several former faculty members also attended, including Leo Tallieu,
former Director of Bands and conductor of past Spring Musicals. Members of the current
cast were well supported by the positive alumni response to their efforts. In addition,
we in the Fine Arts Department heartily thank the class of 1986 for their generous
donation to our Theatre Development Fund. After the festive afterglow at which the
several casts were honored, alumni were taken on a tour of the high school by Mike
Foye '63 and humorously commented that “the auditorium still smells like it used to!”
In addition to this olfactory nostalgia, they were amazed at the number of renovations
that have taken place over the years. It was truly an evening of Falcon pride and
a testament to our school's tradition of providing memorable artistic experiences.
Scenes from the 2011 PAGE Awards
In addition to competing during her week in Los Angeles,
Samantha had the opportunity to interact with competitors
from around the world, meet Nobel laureates, participate in
workshops, and attend Intel sponsored social events.
Samantha Myers '13 received the Grand Prize at the
Detroit Science & Engineering Fair. Samantha traveled
to Los Angeles to compete in the 2011 Intel ISEF.
Divine Child High School Theatre took 7 top PAGE awards.
On May 17, area actors and stage hands were honored at the 26th Annual
DATA/Press & Guide Entertainment Awards. During the show, snippets from
nominated shows were performed.
Nadine Makki '13
Grand Prize Winner
Kelsey Gibson '13
Second Place Winner
Divine Child PAGE Award winners performing “Friendship” from the PAGE
award-winning Musical (Scholastic Level) - “Anything Goes,” are seen above.
The PAGE Award winners included Jeffrey Grybel (Outstanding Featured
Actor), Haley Willman (Outstanding Leading Actress), Nicholas Swider (Outstanding Leading Actor), Sara Rydowski
(Outstanding Choreographer), Mr. Bob Bush (Outstanding Orchestra), Dr.Christopher Urbiel '01, (Outstanding Vocal
Dir. Best Musical). Photos by Cynthia Frabutt
Aaron Szpytman '13
First Place Winner
Brittany DeJohn '12
Third Place Winner
Pictured: Cast members of “Anything Goes” pose with alumni cast
members and both current and former faculty.

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Bands
We have had a wonderful year in the bands. Our Disney World performance was
great, and we were well received. Our concerts have been excellent and entertaining
and our students did an outstanding job at the State Solo & Ensemble festival where
all DC events received the highest rating! Congratulations to all band students for a
great year. We are always striving for musical excellence and with a performance at
Disney World on our resume; we will be applying to perform in “America's
Thanksgiving Day Parade” in Detroit this November. We will keep you posted on
our acceptance. We are also traveling away from DC for our summer band camp
this year and are very excited about the educational, musical and social
May Crowning
Coronation is one form of reverence often shown in pictures of Mary. The symbol
of Queen is attributed to Mary because she is a perfect follower of Christ. She willingly
accepted God's plan for her. She was the humble servant of the Lord when she was
on earth: she gave herself utterly to her Son and his work; with him, and under him,
she was an instrument in our redemption.
At Divine Child High School we come together in May in a special way, to honor
her as the mother of God and the mother of the Catholic Church. Mary in her great
love for God and his Son and in her acceptance of his will, models what it means
to be a truly holy person. She shows us how to live one's faith and one's hope in
loving for others.
We as a faith community, choose representatives from the senior class who model
Mary's freely given obedience to God. These young women emulate the qualities
of the Mother of the Divine Child, such as compassion, faith, service, humility, and
integrity. Together we will ask Mary's intercession for us to our Lord and hope
that with Mary's help we can also live lives of selfless obedience to him.
Congratulations Divine Child High School
Forensics Team!
2 STATE CHAMPIONS! 41 State Finalists!
3rd place Class B Team in the State!
The Divine Child High School Forensics Team completed
its 2011 season at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics
Assoc. [M.I.F.A.] State
Finals this year and was
awarded THIRD PLACE
of all public and private
Class B schools in the state
of Michigan. This 2011
team qualified the entire team of 41 students as
State Finalists in 28 event entries.
Forensics State Champions
Jacob Kaye - Sales
Speaking and Michael
Gutierrez - Story Telling
Retirements
Congratulations to the following Divine
Child High School teachers who retired
at the end of this year. Deb Coyne 8
years, Deb Romanelli 11 years, Judy
Altesleben 18 years, Marcia Reetz 22
years with 18 at DC, Mary Dee Dryer 23
years, Marketa Harvey 26 years, Frank
Swaney 33 years with 3 at DC, Diane
Rivard 38 years with 35 at DC and Larry
Rivard 38 years with 36 at DC.
TWO DC students won individual State
Championships in their event. Junior Michael
Gutierrez placed 1st in the state in Storytelling, and
junior Jacob Kay was 1st in the state in Sales
Speaking. In addition to our 2 State Champs,
(L-R) Deb Coyne, Judy Altesleben, Mary Dee Dryer,
Deb Romanelli, Diane and Larry Rivard, Marketa Harvey,
Frank Swaney, and Marcia Reetz
Their passion and dedication to the
profession have touched all of us in countless ways, and their sense of humor, a
requirement in teaching is a gift they readily share.
experiences this will bring for our
students. Thank you all for your
continued support of our wonderful
band program here at Divine Child
High School.
Divine Child High School Marching Band
traveled to Disney World in Orlando, Florida
during winter break February 28 - March 3.
Kali Hankerd, Carolinne Strasser (fore front) Angeline Sawaya (Queen) Lauren
Parzianello (Crown bearer) Marianne Grima and Haley Willman
2011 Forensics Team Semi-Finalists and Final Round
Awards (seated L to R) Una Dabiero, Amy Pestenariu,
Abbie Burns, Emily Grawburg, Victoria Capatina, Tricia
Calka, (standing L to R) Kevin Mardirosian, Michael
Gutierrez, Jeff Grybel, Aaron Miotke, Jordan Solano-
Reed, Jacob Kay, Adrienne Cruz
14 more DC team members advanced to the semi-final
round, and 7 of those competitors advanced to the final
round with the top 6 contestants in the state in Oratory,
Dramatic Interpretation, Oratory 9/10, Impromptu (2),
Prose Interpretation, and Informative Speaking.
Mrs. Kathy Tar is the head coach of the team and is celebrating her 15th year
coaching for the Divine Child Forensics Team. Assistant coaches are: Ms.
Marybeth Kinnell, Mrs. Pam Landis, Mrs. Laura Miller, Mrs. Sally Range, and
Mrs. Catherine Zardus. Numerous team alumni also returned to assist as coaches
for the State Finals: Cameron Bonk '10, Daniel Drobot '09, Justin Ickes '07, Joyze
Joven '06, Nick Marek '09, Matt Miazgowicz '10, and Emily Tar '04.
Teacher News
During Catholic Schools Week
we recognized our teachers
and staff for their years of
service.
(L-R)
Damian Hermann '89 (15yrs),
Jennifer Heskett (10 yrs),
Felix Kalinowski (20 yrs),
Mayra Jares (20 yrs),
and Matt Zemba '94 (10 yrs).
Not pictured
Kathy Matusz '73 (10 yrs).
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ALUMNI Focus
The week of January 10, 2011 was a proud week for the Divine Child community. During that week three Divine Child Alumni were in the national news. Brian Zahra
'77 was named to the Michigan Supreme Court, Pat Shurmur '83 was named Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns and Erin Stead '01 won the 2011 Caldecott Medal,
the nation's highest honor for a children's book illustrator. That would be a pretty impressive week for a major university let alone our Divine Child High School.
Congratulations to all of our Alumni in the news.
Brian Zahra '77 named to Michigan Supreme Court
Lansing- Gov. Rick Snyder named Michigan Appeals Court Judge Brian Zahra '77
of Northville Township to the Michigan Supreme Court.
"Judge Zahra's 16 years of judicial experience
and his razor-sharp intelligence will make him an
outstanding addition to the court," Snyder said.
Snyder, who campaigned as "one tough nerd" to
win the governor's race in November, noted Zahra
is "a self-described law geek."
"This is a case where it's nice to say a nerd gets to
appoint a geek," Snyder said at a news conference.
Zahra has served on the Michigan Court of Appeals
since 1999, where he served two years as chief judge
pro tem. Before that, he served four years on the
Wayne County Circuit Court.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra '77 speaking
at Divine Child grade school for career day.
Zahra thanked Snyder for a "once in a life opportunity" and said he intends to follow
Justice Maura Corrigan's tradition of following "the rule of law" and "respecting the
principles of limited government laid out in our state and federal constitutions."
Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. issued a statement that said Zahra is
"widely recognized as one of the state's top jurists," and is "a worthy successor to
my dear friend Justice Corrigan."
Attorney General Bill Schuette praised the selection of Zahra as "a brilliant choice."
Portions reprinted from Paul Egan / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
A heritage of football
Pat Shurmur, a 1983 graduate of Divine Child High School and offensive coordinator
for St. Louis for the last two seasons, was introduced as the 13th full-time head
coach in team history.
Shurmur's coaching resume has
been dissected by the Cleveland
and national media for days: 10
years as an offensive assistant
and quarterbacks coach for the
Philadelphia Eagles before
advancing to the St. Louis Rams.
One season tutoring Stanford's
offensive line. Another 10 years
as an offensive assistant at
Michigan State, where George
Perles says he knew within the
first six months his former All-Big
10 center was serious coaching
material because he coached like
he played.
The 2011 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book is awarded to Erin E. Stead '01 for “A Sick Day for
Amos McGee,” written by Philip C. Stead '99, and is a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Book Press, a division of
Holtzbrinck Publishing.
“Endearing, expressive characterization in spare illustrations rendered in muted tones distinguish this timeless picture
book. It's a great day for Amos McGee!”said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Judy Zuckerman.
Erin E. Stead '01 lives with her husband Philip '99 in Ann Arbor, Mich. “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” her first book,
appeared on The New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books list of 2010.
"He was smart, tough, and a great leader," said Perles, who made Shurmur his
first ever college recruit from Divine Child High School after leaving the
Pittsburgh Steelers to coach at Michigan State. "He's going to do well with you
all in Cleveland."
His uncle, Fritz, was a Green Bay assistant who shared in Holmgren's greatest
football triumphs. The Browns' president admitted pedigree had at least something
to do with his choice for the job, but those who know Shurmur say he's a man who has
out-thought and out-worked his way to any success he's gained on and off the field.
"The whole Shurmur family was all the same way," said Wes Wishart, who
coached the Browns' new coach and his two younger brothers to state title games
at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan.
Shurmur, the oldest of four, was a three-sport star in high school who may have been
as talented as a left-handed pitcher and first-baseman as he was on the football field.
As a senior at Divine Child, he was a coveted All-State middle linebacker who
also played center and tackle on offense. Perles and Michigan's Bo Schembechler
paid personal recruiting visits.
His father, Joe Shurmur, was an All-American football star at Albion College,
coached by his brother, Fritz. But Joe, an orthopedic surgeon who died from cancer
in 1996 less than a month before his 55th birthday, and his wife Barbara, who was
a nurse, equally stressed academics to their children. Shelly (Shurmur)Kesseler
'84, a year younger than Pat, is a non-practicing lawyer in Milwaukee. She lived
in Elyria and Fairview Park in the early 1990s when her husband, who earned a
master's degree in business at Baldwin-Wallace, worked for Ford. Joe Shurmur
'86, the third oldest, is a hotel general manager in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Rob Shurmur '87, the youngest, is a rheumatologist in Battle Creek, Mich., who
lived in Shaker Heights while interning at the Cleveland Clinic.
Portions reprinted from Bill Lubinger, The Plain Dealer
"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" written by Philip
C. Stead '99 and illustrated by Erin Stead '01,
won the 2011 Caldecott Medal, the nation's
highest honor for a children's book illustrator.
Cleveland Browns Head Coach
Pat Shurmur '83

ALUMNI Focus
Divine Child CYO Coach, elected to the Michigan
Youth Athletic Association Coaches Hall of Fame.
Tim Lee, a 1978 graduate of Divine Child High School was
inducted to the Michigan Youth Athletic Association
Coaches Hall of Fame this past spring. The MYAA
(http://www.miyaa.org/), whose co-founder is Brad Dickey
'88, is an organization whose goal is to help the youth of our
communities develop and grow through athletic competition.
Coach Lee has 30+ years of coaching football where he enjoyed success with
Divine Child CYO, St. Gemma CYO, Northville/Novi Colts Football, and
Brighton Youth Football. His teams have earned 2 CYO A-Division Titles and
numerous Prep Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl Championship in the
Michigan Youth Football Conference. Coach Lee was also awarded the Brighton
Sportsmanship Award on three different occasions.
Many of his former players have gone on to play college and pro football and
continue his legacy by coaching. Former notable players include:
• Tom Dohring '86 - Divine Child High School, University of Michigan,
Kansas City Chiefs
• Mark Montgomery - MSU Basketball, MSU Assistant Head Coach under
Tom Izzo
• Cullen Finnerty - Grand Valley State University-National Champion(s)
• Pat Shurmur '83 - Divine Child High School, Michigan State, Stanford,
Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, HEAD COACH of the Cleveland Browns.
Coach Lee has two children, Brittany Lee '09 attends Central Michigan University
and Patrick Lee '13 attends Divine Child High School.
Dearborn's new fire chief
Mayor Jack O'Reilly has appointed Richard Miller '78 as Dearborn's new fire chief.
Mayor O'Reilly said he chose Miller from a pool of strong candidates because of
his background with the Dearborn department, his education credentials, and his
experience in the private sector.
“I'm pleased to appoint Richard Miller to the top leadership
position and know that he will work well with the
outstanding men and women of our Fire Department
to continue to move it forward,” said O'Reilly. “His
priority is my priority: to keep providing excellent
public safety services to the residents of Dearborn. He
also has a good understanding of how to maintain that
high standard within the economic reality that all cities
face today."
Miller began his career as a firefighter in Dearborn in
1982, rising in the ranks as fire inspector in 1992, lieutenant
in 1998, captain in 2002 and senior battalion chief in 2004.
Miller is a lifelong Dearborn resident and has volunteered for the Burn Drive,
Dearborn Goodfellows, Meals on Wheels and Divine Child Parish.
Cam McCausland
'83
Cam McCausland to leave Colliers
Richard Miller '78 named
Dearborn's new fire chief
The Southfield office of Colliers International will go without
a captain as of Monday when managing director Cam
McCausland joins Plante Moran Cresa to lead its transaction
management division.
After 20 years with Colliers, 46-year-old McCausland said
the growth of Plante Moran Cresa and the chance to be
more active in deal-making drew him to the new position.
McCausland said that recently he's spent more time managing
than working on deals, where he'll have the chance to be more involved with
clients and deals in the new position.
McCausland will alleviate some of the duties now being handled by CEO Bill
Lichwalla, who said the decision to bring a head to the transaction division will
move the company forward.
The firm, organized as a joint venture with the Boston-based CresaPartners real estate firm
and Southfield-based Plante & Moran PLLC, has been growing its revenue in recent years.
Portions reprinted from Daniel Duggan - Crain’s Detroit Business
Downtown Detroit Partnership chooses a new president
The civic group Downtown Detroit Partnership named
Dave Blaszkiewicz its president and CEO.
Blaszkiewicz, a 1986 graduate of Divine Child High School
is also president of Invest Detroit and will continue to run
that organization.
Invest Detroit helps provide gap funding for economic
development projects, mainly in the city of Detroit.
Dave Blaszkiewicz
'86
Prior to being named head of Invest Detroit in 2010,
Blaszkiewicz served as president of the Detroit Investment Fund, which is now a part
of Invest Detroit. He joined Detroit Renaissance (now known as Business Leaders
for Michigan) in 1990. In 1994, he helped create the Detroit Investment Fund and
became its president in 2001.
In a statement, Blaszkiewicz called this "a very exciting time in downtown
Detroit, with major employers like Blue Cross, General Motors, Strategic Staffing
Solutions, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans and Compuware significantly expanding
their employment base and bringing new jobs here."
Among other projects, the DDP operates the Clean Downtown program and is
working to implement the vision of the privately funded M-1 Rail project along
Woodward between downtown and New Center.
Portions reprinted from John Gallagher - Detroit Free Press Business Writer
Partners bring new bagel shop to Canton
Business partners and Divine Child Alumni Dennis Griffin '88 and Glenn
Nenninger '88 introduced Big Apple Bagels to Canton. The restaurant is located
at 302 Canton Center Road.
The new Big Apple Bagels, located in
Isabella's Plaza on the northeast corner
of Canton Center and Cherry Hill.
Uniquely different than other places,
Big Apple Bagels makes their bagels
and gourmet muffins from scratch
daily. The Big Apple Bagels menu
spans breakfast sandwiches, gourmet
sandwiches, specialty coffees, and
smoothies. Walk-ins, phone orders, and
fax orders are welcome, and catering is
available for breakfast and lunch items.
Griffin and Nenninger are life-long Michigan residents and have been best friends
since their days at Divine Child High School.
The Canton store is the 30th Big Apple Bagels restaurant to locate in Michigan,
but only one of a handful in the Detroit metropolitan area. Griffin, who was
previously employed at Team Detroit, and Nenninger, who ran Impatto Custom
Marketing in Southfield, have both left their previous companies to put total focus
on the success of their new Big Apple Bagels restaurant.
Portions reprinted from Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
Michigan cadet recognized with Spaatz award
Cadet Col. Bernadette
Bacero'08 receives her Gen.
Carl A. Spaatz Award from
Sen. Carl Levin as her parents
look on.
Glenn Nenninger '88 and Dennis Griffin
'88 welcoming patrons to their new Big
Apple Bagels restaurant in Canton.
MICHIGAN - Cadet Col. Bernadette Bacero was
recently received her Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award -
Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet achievement,
earned by less than one-half of 1 percent - from
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin.
Bacero, a 2008 graduate of Divine Child High
School, who joined Civil Air Patrol in 2003, has
progressed through the entire CAP cadet program
and served in numerous capacities, most recently
as cadet encampment commander for the 2010
Great Lake Region Encampment.
She also participated in the International Air Cadet Exchange, visiting Hong Kong.
Bacero is a junior at Michigan State University. Her aspirations include a career as
an international lawyer. She is serving as a cadet special adviser to the Maj. Kevin
A. Adams Memorial Composite Squadron.
Portions reprinted from capvolunteernow.com
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ATHLETICS Update
Lady Falcons Soar
to State Title
Girls Pom Win Back
to Back State Titles
Divine Child Boys Claim
Historic Regional Crown

Winter Round Up
Boys Basketball: Won Class B State District and Regional Championships and had an 18-8 overall record. It was the
first District Championship since 1995 and the first Regional Championship since 1992. Congratulations to the team
and to Coach Andy Dold on being selected as the All-Metro-West Coach of the Year!
Boys Bowling: Senior, Tyler Moses, and Junior Monty
Wonnacott, placed in this year's States. The 2011 Catholic
League East All-Conference Bowling Team members included
Monty Wonnacott - 1st Team; Tyler Moses - 2nd Team; Alec
Makki - Honorable Mention.
Another Year of Champions!
Boys Hockey: The Hockey team had another
successful campaign capturing their sixth Mayor's
Cup for the fourth year in a row and also advanced
to the Regional Final.
Divine Child Captains Ryan
Desjarlais, Paul Kinder,
Jimmy Prevost and Brandon
Smyth pose with the Michael
A. Guido Mayor's Cup
Boys Wrestling: For the first time since 1989, Divine Child won the Press & Guide All-Area Wrestling
tournament title. Congratulations to Coach Tyler Elkins and the entire wrestling team.
Girls Basketball: Congratulations to Coach Mary Laney and the 2011 girls Basketball Team on winning
the Class B State Championship by defeating Three Rivers High School at MSU. It was the 5th overall
State Championship for the Girls Basketball Program. Also, Coach Laney was named the Class B State
Coach of the Year! The team finished with an overall 23-5 record. Junior guard Rosanna Reynolds was
named to the Class B First team.
Girls Bowling: The 2011 Catholic League East All Conference Bowling Team members included Tina Ripley - 1st Team; Kenia Perez & Kara Lang - 2nd Team;
Amanda Arcy - Honorable Mention.
Girls Figure Skating: Finished as the State Class B Runner-Up and had 5 Individual Championships. Congratulations on a great season to our skaters and Coaches
Leticia Romero and Lisa Taylor!
Girls Pom Pon: Won the 2011 Class B State Championship for the second
consecutive year. Congratulations to Coach Sarah Leonard and the Team on
another fantastic season! This was Pom's 10th overall State Championship.
Competitive Bowling makes all
Catholic Teams
Girls Competitive Cheer: Finished as the Class B State Runner-Up after winning the Class B District
Championship and qualifying at Regionals. They also won their 9th consecutive Catholic League Championship.
Congratulations to Coach Amber Genevich, Catholic League Coach of the Year, and the entire program!
2011 State Champions, 2nd State Title in a row. The programs 10th State Title
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ATHLETICS Update
DC Baseball Star Drafted
by Cleveland Indians
Divine Child High School has a baseball star in the making. DC catcher Eric Haase, who graduated last
month from Divine Child High School, has been selected by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round of
the Major League Baseball draft.
The 18-year-old Haase has been a key player for his team all season. He committed earlier this year to
attend Ohio State University in the fall, but now has the option to go straight to professional baseball.
Haase was named the No. 2 senior in the state of Michigan according to Michiganbaseballprospects.org. He
was the first high school player from Michigan selected in the draft, according to MLB.com.
Indians Prospect Insider columnist Jeff Ellis said of Haase, "Haase is viewed as the best talent in all of
Michigan this year," adding that the DC catcher has shown versatility in the field through a tough baseball
season, thanks to the unpredictable spring weather.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Haase played three different positions for the Falcons, including catcher, third
base and pitcher (where he posted 17 career wins). He holds the Divine Child season (14) and career (28)
records for homers while sporting a .400-plus average. Haase played on two Division 2 state championship
teams (2008 and 2010) and is also the school record holder for career hits, doubles, runs scored, RBI and
plate appearances.
The Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association awarded Haase with the coveted Mr. Baseball Award.
Congratulations to the following student-athletes
on officially accepting and signing Athletic Letters
of Intent and Scholarships!
• Christina Colarossi (Tennis)
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
• Tommy DiPonio (Football)
Benedictine University - Lisle, IL
• Eric Haase (Baseball)
Ohio State University - Columbus, OH
• Brittany Hayden (Cross Country)
Madonna University - Livonia, MI
• Mack Ivory III (Baseball)
Lincoln Trail Community College - Robinson, IL
Defending state champion Divine Child won another
Division 2 track regional title, led by Paige Patterson
-center, who qualified for this year's state meet in
four events, along with Carolinne Strasser.
DC hurler Eric Haase closed the door on any
Edsel comeback hopes in the bottom half of the
seventh in the Dearborn City Tournament in May.
John McTaggart
• Hayley Stempien (Basketball)
Madonna University - Livonia, MI
• Carolinne Strasser (Track)
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Divine Child High School Community is proud of
our Scholar Athletes!
Spring Round Up
Boys Baseball: The defending State Champs captured
its 21st District Championship its 12th year in a row
along with its 23rd City Championship for the 12th
year in a row.
Boys Golf: The boys won the Division 2 district golf
tournament at Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown.
With the victory, Divine Child advanced to the regional
tournament at Grosse Ile Country Club. Dave Harvey
led Divine Child-and the field-with a 74 to earn medalist
honors. Matt Grybel and Joe Biscaro each shot an 81,
and Jake Law had an 85 for Divine Child.
Boys Track: The defending Regional Champs
brought back All-State honors in two events. Nicholas
Soter led the charge. He was fifth in the 3,200 meters
in a time of 9:39.27 and he teamed with Tyler Socha,
John Fenech and Chris Martain to place fourth in the
3,200 relay in 8:03.32.
Dearborn Divine Child freshman Fred Boyd captures
the 110-meter boys hurdles with a time of 15.64
seconds in the Catholic League A-B track and field
championships at Livonia Ladywood.
Ricardo Thomas-The Detroit News
Girls Soccer: The girls were led by Jr. Kristi Grden
and had a very good season advancing to the district
final where they fell just short losing in OT.
Girls Softball: The Varsity captured its 29th softball
City Tournament Championship with an 11-5 victory
over host, Edsel Ford High, in the title game.
Girls Tennis: The girls were state qualifiers led
by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee bound
Christina Colarossi.
Divine Child's Christina Colarossi won a Division 3
regional championship and took her undefeated
record to the state tournament
Girls Track: The defending State Champions
girl's track and field team picked up a pair of state
championships at the Division 2 finals. Mallory Myler,
Carolinne Strasser, Liz Mullen and Paige Patterson of
Divine Child claimed the state title in the 800-meter relay
with a time of 1:42.41. The same group-Myler, Mullen,
Straser and Patterson-combined to prevail in the 1,600
relay with a time of 3:59.67. Divine Child finished second
in the team standings with 44 points. They also easily
captured the girls Catholic League Championship, its
second consecutive and third in four years.

ALUMNI Updates
Janet (Wayne) Kalczynski '69 - Announced that her daughter Sondra
(Kalczynski) Velez '97 was married June 10, 2010 in Cabo San Lucas. Sondra
and her husband just recently gave birth to their daughter Anna-Lucia Grace
Velez on May 31, 2011. She is employed by Oakwood hospital as a midwife in
the labor/delivery department. She currently resides in Dearborn, MI. As for
Janet, she is still employed by the City of Dearborn Heights in the controller's
office for 39 years. Janet and her husband Larry, a retired firefighter from the
City of Dearborn Heights, live in Dearborn Heights, MI with their son Jeff and
daughter Sara. Jeff is studying E.M.T. at Schoolcraft College and will marry this
August. Sara will complete her nursing program from Madonna University in
December 2011.
Craig J. Foster '84 - Craig has been named President, Flint Group Print Media
Operations, this assignment is in addition to his current role as President, Flint
Group Pigments, Chips & Resins. In his new role Craig is responsible for over 25
chemical process plants and approximately 2,500 employees globally.
Ronald Wisniewski '89 - Ronald and his wife Yukiko
gave birth to their second son Evan Riku Wisniewski
on 12/16/10. They are living in Sterling Heights.
Ronald is a software engineer and Yukiko is a fulltime
homemaker. Their first son Alex is now 20 months
old, and adores his new brother.
Dr. Kevin Hatch '95 - On March 21, 2011, Kevin, a Professor of Art History at
Savannah College of Art and Design, spoke at The University of Michigan-
Dearborn presented by the Department of Literature, Philosophy, and The Arts.
The presentation was Don't Call It “Beat”: Bruce Conner and the Assembling of
an Art World in the Bay Area
Mary (Murray) Laney '95
Coach of the year: Mary (Murray) Laney, Dearborn Divine Child High School -
Girls Basketball. Laney kept her team focused during a tough Catholic League run
(5-3, semifinal loss to Farmington Hills Mercy) and then directed Divine Child
(23-5) to the Class B state title.
"The kids were on a mission to get to Breslin from the start of the season," Laney
said. "I reminded them when we lost some games that we play in the Catholic
League, a tough league that will get us ready for the state tournament. I could go
back to my experience as a player when we were 2-6 in the Catholic League in 1993
and won the state championship (for Divine Child).
"The kids never stopped believing in themselves and that was the key."
Laney won back-to-back state titles with Divine Child as a player in 1993 and
1994. She has a seven-year career coaching record of 110-58.
David Urbiel '98 - David and Courtney (Slanda) Urbiel were married October 23,
2010. David is an exhibit designer for EventNext Marketing in Birmingham.
Courtney is a digital sculptor with General Motors. The couple's wedding was
held at the Community House in Birmingham.
Amanda Torok '01 - Amanda graduated with a Master's of Science from Madonna
University in Clinical Psychology. She will begin a private practice in
Psychotherapy and Assessments, treating children/adolescents, adults and couples,
next month in Livonia. Amanda plans to also look for work in a hospital or
Vocations
Evan Riku Wisniewski
Please pray for these Divine Child High School graduates who are discerning
God's call to the priesthood and religious life.
Jeff Allen '97 - Jeff a 1997 graduate and a parishioner at St. Collette, Livonia, is in
formation for the priesthood in Detroit.
Ann Yoches '97 - Anne a 1997 graduate and former Divine Child parishioner, is in
formation for the Franciscan Sisters, T.O.R. of Steubenville.
clinic and teach community college as she furthers her research and applies for
doctoral programs in the near future.
Chris Serrico'02 - Chris and Kendra (Ritter) Serrico were married May 21, 2011.
Wedding attendants included Shannon Serrico '05 and Scott Serrico '07. Chris is a
graduate of Madonna University with a Bachelor's degree in Management
Information Systems and is currently employed by the University of Michigan as
a Web Applications Developer. Kendra is also a graduate of Madonna University
with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance and is employed by St. Joe's in
Dexter as the Music Director.
Clark Bradley '04 & Jennifer (Grima) Bradley '04 - Clark and Jennifer were
married July 24, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit. The Best Man
was Justin Rada '04 and the Maid of Honor was Stephanie Grima '02. Other wedding
attendants included Marianne Grima '11, Kari Ivanics '04, Andrea Walker '04 and
Ben Krater '04.
Leanne Veldhuis '04 - Leanne has been selected as a finalist in the Presidential
Management Fellows (PMF) program. The PMF is a prestigious two year paid
government fellowship sponsored by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management.
The PMF was established by Executive Order in 1977 to attract to the Federal
service outstanding men and women from a variety of academic disciplines that
have a clear interest in, and commitment to, excellence in the leadership and
management of public policies and programs.
Leanne completed her undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and received her Masters degree from UCSB's Bren School of
Environmental Science and Management. Her fellowship begins with the U.S.
Forest Service in Vallejo, CA.
Olivia Wofford '06 - Olivia went to London England to
celebrate the Royal Wedding of William and Kate! She
stayed there for one week. Along with wedding, she
enjoyed tons of shopping, visiting the local pubs,
eating at fabulous restaurants, including Lady Diana's
favorite, San Lorenzo. Along with Gordon Ramsey's
restaurant and Jamie Oliver's restaurant. .. and who cannot
visit London without shopping at world famous Harrods!
(R) Olivia Wofford
'06
Michael De Souza '06 - On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, tenor Michael De Souza
headlined the Senior Recital on behalf of the The University of Michigan School
of Music, Theatre and Dance. The Program included: Monteverdi - Lasciatemi
morrie; Maladetto sia l aspetto; Tu se morta; Vi ricorda o boschi ombrosi; Massenet
- Chanson Andalouse; Nuit d Espange; Bizet - Ouvre ton coeur; Poulenc - A sa
guitare; Weill - The Lilac Duet from Street Scene; Scubert - from Winterrise;
Kander - A Letter From Sullivan Blallou.
Caitlin Steele '07 - Madonna University's Caitlin Steele, a senior business major,
was named to the 2011 Daktronics-NAII Women's Golf Scholar Athlete team.
Caitlin, a two-time Academic All-Wolverine-Hoosier Conference honoree, is
making her second appearance on the team following her 2010 selection. To be
selected, a student athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or
higher. Caitlin is also a two-time WHAC Champions of Character selection.
Ryan Cramer '09 - Ryan of was again named to the Dean's List at Alma College
for outstanding academic performance.
Jeffrey Edmonds '05 - Jeffrey a 2005 graduate and a parishioner at St. Mary,
Wayne, entering the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
Clare Michalik '05 - Clare a 2005 graduate and former parishioner of Sacred Heart,
Dearborn, is in formation for the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Michigan.
Mark Quaine '07 - Mark a 2007 graduate and a parishioner at Sacred Heart,
Dearborn, entering the Seminary to discern and study for the priesthood in Detroit.
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John '77 & Sue Martin
www.divinechildhighschool.org
AUCTION
Mary Jo Palazollo, Dwayne Kremko '61,
Sharon Shaw
Dario & Karen DiNicola, Paul '83
& Jill Bonell
Divine Child’s 19th Annual Auction
Presented by Kenwal Steel Company
This ship has sailed, the plane has made its final descent and the train has reached the station. After all the months of planning,
the Divine Child 20th Annual Auction, “On Top of the World”, is done! This trip of a lifetime has reached its final destination
with great success. Our more than 700 guests took an international tour through this fun-filled evening of bidding on wonderful
items, eating their way around the world through our incredible variety of food stations and luscious desserts and being a part
of the best Live Auction yet! Walking through the halls of the high school was truly a trip around the world! The transformation
each year sets an atmosphere for a great fundraising party.
An excursion of this size demands a full crew to get it off the ground. We sent out an S.O.S.
and we are grateful to all the volunteers who “rescued” us! As we end this trip, we are
happy to acknowledge our generous sponsors, donors and volunteers who work endlessly
to make our schools the well-respected institutions they are! Whatever part you played on
any leg of this journey, we say, thank you!
The success of this auction depends on so many different factors, but none as important
as the support shown by Father Jim. His continued interest and trust in our plans is the
cornerstone to this worthwhile endeavor.
We also send out a postcard to thank the administration and faculty of both the
elementary and the high school for their endless support. The fun and exciting
items they offer are always the highlight of our auction and we so appreciate
the teachers who join in the fun and get involved!
Mike Foye '63 & Connie Hanson
There are so many wonderful sights to see in the world but
none as wonderful as the smiles on the faces of our students
who are guaranteed a bright future because of the efforts of
everyone who contributed in any way to “On Top of the
World”. In all its 20 years, the funds raised have enhanced
the educational environment for thousands of students,
now proud and respected alumni. We are grateful to the
many alumni who continue to show their support to
this worthwhile event. The list of contributing alumni
as volunteers, sponsors and donors, grows longer
every year.
As the balloon lands, the Auction Steering
Committee has so enjoyed navigating this ship
through this one night trip of a lifetime. This has
been a wild ride and until the 21st annual Auction,
we say, “Ciao Bella, Vaya con dios, Auf weidersehen
and “We wish you were here!”
Be sure to join us on March 3, 2012 for our 21st
Annual Auction, Lucky 21!
Madonna Bailey, Mary Madek, Tracy
& Dave Childs '78
Ellen (Thomas) Salter '85
& Patricia (Thomas) Fox '86
Jim '75 & Linda Demmer
Angela DiMarco '11, Frances Curcuru,
& Marco Monea '66

Located in historic Dearborn, Michigan, the Dearborn
Country Club was founded and built by the legendary
Henry Ford in 1925, as a a "country club for his friends
and employees." Donald Ross, respected golf course
architect, designed the original 18-hole championship
golf course on 160 acres set aside by Mr. Ford.
Divine Child Class of 1971 - 40 Year Reunion
http://www.dc71.com/
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Schedule of Events:
11:30am Mass • 12:45pm DC High School Tour • 2-3pm Boarding Reunion Cruise
3-5:30pm Dinner Cruise aboard Detroit Princess
RSVP: Paul Seasar 1-586-530-9299; surfcatcher@gmail.com
This year, our 40th Reunion coincides with the City of Dearborn Homecoming
August 5 -7, 2011.
Divine Child Class of 1981 - 30 Year Reunion
We are planning our 30 year reunion for Saturday, August 13th. It will be a fun
filled day of scramble golf with tee-times from 12-1pm at Fox Creek (7 Mile, East
of Newburg) followed by a casual get together inside Fox Creek at George
Murphy's from 6-12 pm. We are looking at the price being $35/pp to golf with cart
and $20/pp with an appetizer buffet and cash bar. If interested in golfing, please
e-mail Jack Furlong at Jfurlong@sbcglobal.net. Also, if your address has changed
since the 25th reunion, please e-mail Mary (Bihun) Boes at Mbboes@comcast.net.
We hope to see you there. Visit our Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=350656871169
Divine Child Class of 1986 - 25 Year Reunion
http://www.divinechild86.com/class_index.cfm
Thanksgiving Weekend - Our 25th Class reunion is scheduled for November 26, 2011.
It will be held at the Novi Sheraton. There are limited guest rooms reserved at the
hotel for Friday and Saturday nights for $89/night under Divine Child high School
1986. If you are interested, we recommend reserving early.
The hotel website is: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/
overview/index.html?propertyID=2019 and phone number is (248) 349-4000.
Also in process: Mass, school tour, brunch, happy hour/Friday afternoon and
evening event. Looking for more ideas...so stay tuned!
Divine Child Class of 1991 - 20 Year Reunion
The date for the 20th Reunion is set for Sept 24, 2011 at the Novi Sheraton. This
is also the date for DC Homecoming. Rooms have been blocked (if we need
more, then we can expand the block). Details on confirming and cost will
be available shortly, as well as an agenda for the event. Contact Jeff Stone at
jeffrey.stone@speysideequity.com or Ann Marie (Detkos) Cardenas at
annmariecardenas@hotmail.com
We would like to collect photos, so as a good start, please feel free to post relevant
photos to the site. Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Divine-
Child-Class-of-1991-20th-Reunion/227551647269020
In Memoriam
The Divine Child community
joins in prayerful remembrance
of those who have died this
past 2010-2011 school year.
“Happy are those who have
died in the Lord; let them rest
from their labors for their good
deeds go with them.” (Rev.
14:13) Our deepest sympathy
and prayers go out to the families of:
Faculty
Sister Mary Davidica
Alumni and Students
Edward Sherwood '66
Linda A. (Bochenek) Augustine '67
Thomas A. Varlesi '69
John V. Serafin Ph.D '70
Mark L. "Mark T" Tarczynski '70
Cynthia Burton '72
Thomas "Tom” Flynn '76
Theresa Muscat '84
Colleen (McParlan) Szymaniak '96
Paul Nunzio DiMarco '06
Emma M. Eisenstein '07
Christina A. Konarski '08
Wayne Alexander Doran '11
Allison Ann Thompson '12
ALUMNI Reunion & Events
Divine Child Golf Classic
Divine Child Alumni, Parish and Schools present the 29th Annual Divine
Child Golf Classic on August 27, 2011. I am pleased to announce that this
year’s four-man scramble will be hosted at the Dearborn Country Club. The
day begins with registration at 1:00 P.M. The outing will begin with a shotgun
start at 2:00 P.M. The cost includes, 18 holes of golf with cart lunch at the
turn, a buffet dinner and reception in the ballroom, ice cream sundae bar,
awards and prizes which includes a four-some for golf at the Dearborn
Country Club.
All are welcome. Please take the time to organize your foursome and register
as soon as possible. Also, as always, your sponsorship is vital to the continued
success of the tournament. Please return all entries with payment before the
deadline of August 13, 2011. Thank you for your support in transforming the
lives of the students of Divine Child Schools.
For more information please contact
Scott Dickey at dickey@divinechild.org or (313) 216-0892.
Registration form located at:
http://www.divinechildhighschool.org/alumni/golf_outing.php
The Divine Child High School legacy
continues as we welcomed back Alumni who
had graduating seniors this year to be
part of an annual legacy photo shoot
which took place the morning before the
May Crowning Mass. If you are an alumnus and with a Divine Child High School student in the
Class of 2012, please save the date for next year's legacy photo before the May Crowning Mass which
is May 2, 2012. Below is the Class of 2011 whose parents are Divine Child High School Alumni.
Class of 2011 Alumni Parents
Nicholas Augustine Linda
(Bochenek) Augustine '67
Lindsay Boes Larry Boes '82
& Mary (Bihun) Boes '81
Nathan Bustamante James Bustamante '80
David Childs David Childs '78
Anne Collins Maureen (Eicher) Collins '77
Damian Costello Bettinna Signori '83
Brennan Cybulski Joe Machon '94
David DaMour Mark DaMour '78
Brendan Doyle Kevin Doyle '79 &
Susan (Schmenk) Doyle '80
Katherine Gibson Susan (Forystek) Gibson'84
Carly Girolamo Elena (Simms) Girolamo '91
Grace Grabowski William Grabowksi '79
Rebecca Graf Christine (Coury) Graf '82
Rachel Kerry William Kerry '77
Kodi Konfara Linda (Wiercioch) Konfara '85
George Loeper Susan (Theisen) Loeper '81
Alec Makki Nancy Sciborek '86
Emily Mullen David Mullin '83 &
Susan (Cinzori) Mullin '82
Class of 2011 Alumni Parents
Scott Mullen David Mullin '83 &
Susan (Cinzori) Mullin '82
Katherine Mulligan Ann (Gheesling) Mulligan '78
Christopher Murray Patrick Murray '84
Michael Myler Carl Myler '81
& Linda (Peters) Myler '83
Delia Nowak Kevin Nowak '79
Michelle Popiel James Popiel '77
Nicholas Posh Kathy (Janus) Posh '82
James Prevost Michael Prevost '77 &
Ann Marie
(McGinnity) Prevost '80
Paul Radwan Mark Radwin '80
Hailey Rysztak Doris (Hall) Rysztak '84
Lauren Salter Ellen (Thomas) Salter '85
Brandon Smyth Joseph Smyth '77 &
Theresa (Bova) Smyth '77
Maria Szatkowski Natalie Noeske '82
Madeline Tatro Bob Tatro '86 &
Diane (Ward) Tatro '86
Angela Zaroff Gloria (Janik) Zaroff '72
www.divinechildhighschool.org
15

Divine Child High School
Office of Advancement
25001 Herbert Weier Drive
Dearborn, MI 48128-1045
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
PERMIT NUMBER 839
ALWAYS A FALCON!
Key Upcoming Dates
AUGUST
7 Class of 1971 - 40 Year Reunion
13 Falcon 5K Run
Class of 1981 - 30 Year Reunion
27 Divine Child Golf Classic
SEPTEMBER
2 Labor Day
18 Spirit Week Bonfire
19-24 Spirit Week
21 Homecoming Liturgy
24 Homecoming
Class of 1991 - 20 Year Reunion
OCTOBER
14 Discovery Day
19 Open House 7-8:30
21 Ring Day
30 Senior Hayride
NOVEMBER
1 Mass of All Saints
3 Big Event
16 Mass of Remembrance
19 High School Placement Test for 8th graders
24-27 Thanksgiving Weekend
26 Class of 1986 - 25 Year Reunion
DECEMBER
3 High School Placement Test w/accommodations
7 Financial Aid Night
8 Liturgy-Feast of the Immaculate Conception
23-1/2 Christmas Break
19th ANNUAL
FALCON 5K
DATE:
Saturday, August 13, 2011
TIME:
1 Mile Fun Run - 8:45a.m.
5K - 9:15 a.m.
Tot Trot - 8:15 a.m.
PLACE:
Divine Child High School
For additional information:
313-389-2333 or visit
divinechild
highschool.org/alumni
Proceeds benefit the Divine
Child Alumni Association.
Paving the Way to Excellence
Divine Child Alumni Association
Brick Paver Program
Personalized brick pavers are an ideal way to
honor or memorialize special Falcons or significant
events in their lives. Consider a paver for current
Falcons' academic or athletic achievements, in
celebration of graduation, or to honor a fellow
alumnus/a. They make a great Christmas or
graduation gift! Pavers are placed in a position of
prominence in the walkway at the Divine Child
High School entrance.
Bricks can accommodate up to three lines of text
with 11 characters on each line, not to exceed 26
total characters. Cost $100.00. Proceeds benefit the
Divine Child Alumni Association Foundation.
Contact the Alumni and Parish Relations office at
313-216-0892 for more information or to place your order.
D-N-A Prints Publishing, Dwayne Kremko
648 S. Brady, Suite A & B
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
dnaprintspublish@aol.com
313.530.7535
Save the Date - The 2011 Big Event
Is scheduled for the evening of Thursday November 3rd
Running now for 27 years and bigger and better than ever, the Divine Child
Men's Club Big Event is the event that no man should miss. You'll enjoy
delicious hors d'oeuvres, a great buffet dinner, dessert, open bar, entry into
a $5000 drawn down lottery and exciting gaming action in our Casino room.
Whether it's catching up with some old classmates and friends, or simply
meeting new people to network with, please help the Men's Club support the
athletic programs at Divine Child High School, in this important fundraising
endeavor. Mark your calendar now. Tickets will be on sale in September.
We are also looking for some volunteers to become class captains in an
effort to get more old classmates together, so we can have a great alumni
presence supporting Divine Child High School.! If you're interested in
being a class captain, please contact me via email below.
Chris Kuczajda '85 • Divine Child Men's Club • Big Event Chairman
Christopher.Kuczajda@daimler.com
Discovery Day
Friday - October 14, 2011
11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discovery Day is an opportunity for an
eighth grade student to spend an afternoon
“shadowing” an abbreviated high school
schedule, enjoying lunch in the cafeteria
and attending a DC pep rally.
Calling All 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Students!
You are invited to attend Divine Child
High School's
Open House October 19, 2011
from 7-8:30 p.m.
Any questions please call 313.562.1990.