winter 2014 vianney black and gold magazine

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School WINTER 2014The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School WINTER 2014

St. John Vianney High School is dedicated to forming young men for spiritual,

academic and personal excellence in the Catholic, Marianist tradition.

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School Winter 2014

Horatio Alger Scholar: Nikita Thompson ....................................4Vianney Senior earns prestigious national scholarship award

SERVICE: Toys for Tots, Blood Drive, Going Pink ......................5Vianney students and staff step up for Blood Drive, Toys campaign and more

STATE CHAMPION: Nick Alexander ..........................................7Sophomore swimmer caps fantastic season with state title

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES Jason Sengheiser, Outstanding Young Attorney Award .............13Vianney alumni doing great things in the world, like attorney Jason Sengheiser

FACULTY PROFILELORD RHAME: Mr. Paul Rhame ..........................................14-15Paul Rhame goes down Memory Lane after announcing retirement

COVER STORYTALON TECH: Vianney’s Technology Approach .................16-17Vianney Technology Plan sets course for the future

ALUMNI PROFILEDAVE LANGE ’71: Soccer Made in St. Louis ........................22-23Dave Lange wrote the book on soccer in St. Louis

Inside

Stay in touch at www.vianney.com

The Black and Gold Magazine is a product of St. John Vianney High School, 1311 South Kirkwood Road, in Kirkwood, Mo.

To submit items for the Black and Gold, contact the editor, Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications, at [email protected] or call (314) 965-4853 ext. 270.

PresidentMike Loyet ’77

PrincipalDr. Tim Dilg

Assistant Principal – AcademicsDennis Matreci

Assistant Principal – Student DevelopmentScott Brown ’84

Director of AthleticsTerry Cochran

Director of Finance and FacilitiesWendell DePhillips ’71

Director of Campus MinistryRev. Tim Kenney, S.M.

Director of AdvancementPeter Cerone ’93

Director of AdmissionsTom Mulvihill ’04

Director of Constituent RelationsMolly Walsh

Director of EventsMark Schuermann ’03

Editor, Black and Gold Director of CommunicationsRob Staggenborg

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School News

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Senior Nikita Thompson received a scholarship awarded by the prestigious Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Thompson is one of only 2 high school seniors from Missouri to earn this prestigious award, of which only a handful of American seniors will earn each year. There were only 105 scholarships awarded nationwide. Thompson, of St. Louis, receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to be part of the Association’s annual three-day event. Here, the scholars will have the opportunity to meet and learn from other Horatio Alger members - all of whom are elite business, civic and philanthropic leaders. Like the scholars, Horatio Alger members had to overcome significant adversity. “This is a great honor for Nikita and for Vianney,” said Vianney’s Principal Dr. Tim Dilg. “The Horatio Alger Association honors students who overcome significant odds to maintain good grades and are involved in their schools. Nikita Thompson is a very involved student at Vianney and one others admire for his dedication, hard work and loyalty to Vianney and our Marianist misison. He is very deserving of this award.” Nikita came to America from Russia when he was just 8 years old and had limited grasp of the English language. In a special interview on the school’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/VianneySTL), Thompson recalled how his early struggles as an orphan in Russia served as motivation later in life. He loves Vianney and has made the most of his time here. He’s been part of Vianney’s national champion chess team, a member of

the school’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, and even served as a kicker/punter for the football team his first two years. “I’ve tried to get involved with as much as I can here at Vianney,” he said. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. As such, the Association honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.

Vianney Senior Earns PrestigiousHoratio Alger Association Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans honors the achievements of outstanding individuals inour society who have succeeded in spite of adversity.

Vianney senior Nikita Thompson has earned a scholarship worth $21,000 from the Horatio Alger Association.

Two Seniors Earn National Merit Finalist Status

Congratulations to Vianney seniors Anthony Schrader and Jack Lyons. Both were notified as this edition went to print that they’ve earned designation as National Merit Finalists. 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 — a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year.

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VIANNEY: At Your ServiceVianney students participate in a host of service opportunities each year.

These include events like the annual canned food drive around Thanksgiving, collecting cash for the Toys for Tots Campaign around Christmas,

the annual Advent Blood Drive, Special Olympics, athletic team service projects, and the annual Paint It Pink basketball game and wrestling meet.

^̂The annual Toys for Tots campaign at Vianney was a huge success as students, staff and teachers raised more than $7,000 for area children.

^ The entire school rallied around the basketball team’s annual Paint It Pink game against CBC at Vianney on Jan. 24. T-shirt sales and other donations helped raise nearly $4,500 for breast cancer awareness.

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Father Tim Kenney, S.M. (at right) and his Blood Apostles organized the Advent Blood Drive with Mercy Health Systems in December.

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Vianney Calendar SAVE THE DATES! Class of 2014 Graduation Ceremony Saturday, May 17th, 2014

Lt. Dan Riordan Memorial Golf Tournament Friday, May 30th, 2014 at Riverside Golf Club Clay Pfeiffer Memorial Golf Tournament August 2nd, 2014 at Pevely Farms

Alumni Association Golf Tournament Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 at Tapawingo

VIANNEY NEWS BRIEFSDr. Dilg Published inNational Catholic Education Association’sMomentum magazine

Vianney’s Principal, Dr. Tim Dilg, wrote an article about the power of social media in schools that was published by a National Catholic association’s magazine.

The article, entitled “Communicating the Things That Matter Through Social Media, was in the November/December edition of Momentum.

“Social media gives us an unharnessed avenue to increase our audience and amplify the volume on the mission and works of our schools. Barriers that may have existed in the past are no longer obstacles for the media-driven leaders of Catholic schools,” Dr. Dilg wrote.

The article can be accessed in the News and Events section at Vianney.com.

Vianney Artists Display Work at South County Mallfor Archdiocesan Art Show Congratulations to 15 Vianney art students whose artwork was displayed in South County Mall from February 2nd, through February 8th.

The art students were: Mike Albes, Andy Barnes, Kyle Bennett, Pat Berger, Ben Dombrowski, Joe Galen, Drew Hayden, Mat Jones, Jack Kemper, Joe Kilper, Devon Krassinger, Clayton Roth, Marc Scheipeter, James Sly and Austin Tapella. Their works were part of the Archdiocesan Art Exhibit of Grade School and High School work.

Senior Nick WojciechowskiEarns Coveted Evans Scholarship to attend Mizzou

Nick Wojciechowski, a senior, recently learned he was the recipient of a 2014

Evans Scholarship to attend the University of Missouri.

The Chick Evans Scholarship is one of the most sought scholarships in the state. The scholarship is for

those who caddie at golf courses and clubs and have gone through a rigorous review process. More than 750 students applied for the scholarship. The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for golf caddies. Evans Scholars are selected based on their strong caddie record, excellent grades, outstanding character and demonstrated financial need. In addition to these criteria, Evans Scholars are a group of people connected by their sense of pride, determination and community.

Data Shows Fall Sports Student-Athletes Carried High Grade Point AveragesSCHOLAR-ATHLETES: This fall 232 students represented Vianney in the Fall sports: football, soccer, swimming/diving, and cross country. The cumulative GPA for all Fall sports teams were 3.27. Cross Country led the way with a GPA of 3.512, followed by the Swimming and Diving program with a GPA of 3.505.

Vianney Soccer Alum Mike Gallo ’77 Elected to St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame Congratulations to Vianney soccer dad and 1977 grad Mike Gallo, who was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in October. Gallo played in the old Major Indoor Soccer League and on four NAIA national championship teams at Quincy College, where he was an All-American in 1980. Mike is the father of Vianney student Jack Gallo, Class of 2015. Also being honored at the banquet was current Vianney student Mark Segbers who was named one of the “Future Stars” by the St. Louis Hall.


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Griffins RB Markel Smith Named Player of Year By Post-Dispatch

Congratulations to Vianney’s Missouri State Champion swimmer, sophomore Nick Alexander. Nick captured the Missouri State swimming title in the 100 meter backstroke. He finished in second place in the 200 meter Individual Medley event.

In the preliminaries, Nick broke two school records in two events. He swam the 100 Backstroke in 51.17 and the 200 IM in 1:52.74. Nick’s backstroke time now

stands as the 7th best all-time in the State meet. His 200 IM time is the best for a 15- year-old nationally this year.

The Griffin swimmers had a solid showing at the MCC Championships with three event champions - a first for Vianney Swimming. Sam Trenter, a junior, was the conference champion in diving while Nick was the conference champion in the 200 IM, setting a new school and conference record time. Nick also took second place in the 100 butterfly with a new school record time. Finally, the 200 Free Relay team of Garrett Lipic, Jeff Sandweg, Ben Dombrowski and Alexander were Vianney’s first-ever conference relay champions.

Follow Vianney Athletics on Twitter at:

@GriffinsAD @vianneygriffins

Nick Alexander Wins State Title

Congratulations to Vianney Senior running back Markel Smith who was honored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as its Offensive Player of the Year for 2013. Smith, listed at 5’10, 215 lbs., was also the Metro Catholic Conference (MCC) Player of the Year as well. Now a two-time first-team All-Metro selection, Smith rushed 341 times for 2,416 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and 33 touchdowns, according to the Post-Dispatch. He added nine receptions for 188 yards and two more TD receptions. His 2,604 total yards were the most in the area this season. Smith finished his four-year varsity career with 7,345 yards rushing and 90 total TDs. Smith’s career rushing total is second all-time in the area. Smith recently signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa. In his senior season alone, Smith, a team captain, ran for 2,416 yards and 35 rushing TDs. He set the state record for most yards from scrimmage in a single game with 541 yards he gained in a 48-41 win over Washington High School.

Vianney Soccer’s Adam MichelNamed to All-State team

Congratulations to Vianney senior midfielder Adam Michel, who was named to the Missouri Boys’ All-State Soccer team’s First Team. He also earned honors for making the All-Midwest team. Michel’s brother, sophomore Sean Michel, earned Second Team All-State honors. On the All MCC Conference team were: Eric Biras (1st Team, All-MCC); Adam Michel (1st Team, All-MCC); Sean Michel (1st Team, All-MCC); Pat Dolan (2nd team); Jory Knernschield (2nd Team); Ryan Behnen (3rd Team), Brandon Love (3rd Team), and Hayden Sparrow (3rd Team).


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ALL THE WORLD’SASTAGEFOR VIANNEY’S GRIFFIN THEATRE

The student actors, technicians and other show personnel associated with Griffin Theatre are giving major “props” to The Bard, William Shakespeare.

According to Mr. Al Book, Vianney’s Theater Director, schools across the nation are paying homage to Shakespeare, who is celebrating his 450th birthday this year.

Vianney chose to recreate the famous Shakespearean stage at The Globe Playhouse.

And while not a complete replica, the stage features a large, colorful overhang supported by pillars. There is a terrace level and the stage was built to extend farther than the original stage, which makes for more room and better view lines.

“The research began last April with myself and three professional designers,” Book said. “We got 12 students involved in August. The project was completed the first of November. The ceiling plate alone took 40 hours and 12 people just to raise into position.”

This past fall, the cast and crew produced the first of three Shakespeare shows, Much Ado About Nothing. As this issue was being produced, the cast and crew put on a rendition of the Compleat Works of Willm Shkspr in February. A third show, set for April 10-13, is Kiss Me, Kate.

“The Globe Playhouse stage presented a unique learning experience for all of us involved in the project,” Book said. “As a director, it presented the opportunity to stage Shakespeare’s works in an authentic environment.

“This allows the cast to further appreciate the flow of Shakespeare’s ‘dramaturgy.’ ”

Book added that the stage, while magnificent, does present some modern-day challenges as Griffin Theatre works to produce shows.

“The stage presents the challenge of presenting a 20th century American musical (Kiss Me, Kate) on a 16th century playhouse stage. We have sort of reversed the usual process,” he said.

You can check out a short video slideshow showing the stages of construction at the VianneySTL YouTube channel.

Images taken at performance of Much Ado About Nothing.

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The Society of Mary was founded in France in 1817 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, in collaboration with Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous, founded the Marianist Family. The Marianist Family includes: The Society of Mary - Marianist brothers and priests; The Daughters of Mary Immaculate - Marianist sisters; and Lay Marianists – men and women who embrace the Marianist charism. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, Father Chaminade, a diocesan priest from Bordeaux, France, and Marie Thérèse gathered a group of men and women to form a community of Christian outreach and support. They thought the community would attract others to follow Christ and would revive the religious spirit in France. This initial group became known as The Sodality of Bordeaux — the forerunner of today’s Lay Marianist Communities. Today, at Vianney, portraits of Father Chaminade, and Marie Thérèse hang in the Marianist Lobby. Father Chaminade had always sought inspiration in Mary and had prayed to her at Our Lady of the Pillar sanctuary during his exile in Zaragoza, Spain. He believed Mary embodied the Gospel values and was the model of Christian discipleship. Father Chaminade and his co-founders placed the new ministry under Mary’s patronage and protection. Members of the sodality shared a sense of equality,

compassion and social justice, as well as a concern for individual spiritual growth. Within four years, approximately 400 sodalists were building lay communities and living the concept of “faith in action.” More than 300 Marianist brothers and priests comprise the Province of the United States. They serve in communities and ministries from Honolulu to Puerto Rico and in Eastern Africa, India, Ireland and Mexico. In the U.S., Marianists sponsor the University of Dayton in Ohio, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 18 high schools, seven parishes and four retreat centers. The order is distinguished by certain charisms, or gifts given by God for the benefit of the Christian community.

These charisms guide all Marianist ministries and programs:

PEOPLE OF FAITHAs spiritual individuals, Marianists carry out God’s will in their service to others.

FOLLOWERS OF MARYMarianists view Mary as the model of discipleship. Just as Mary gave birth to Jesus, Marianists seek to bring the presence of Jesus to life within themselves and others.

PEOPLE OF COMMuNITYMarianists believe that living, praying and supporting one another in community enriches their faith and strengthens their ability to meet world challenges – especially problems associated with poverty and ignorance.

DISCIPLESHIP OF EquALSBrothers and priests share equal status within the Society of Mary.

LEADERS IN MISSIONThe Marianist mission is to bring Christ to the world and to work for the coming of His kingdom.

EARLY ROOTS Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, with the guidance of Father Chaminade, established the Daughters of Mary Immaculate in 1816. The following year, Father Chaminade created the Society of Mary.

Blessed FatherWilliam Chaminade

The Impact of the Life ofFeature: MARIANIST MOMENTS

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Marianist Awards 2014 Marianist brothers and priests settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1849 and formed the Province of America. By 1961, the Province of America had been divided into four: the Province of Cincinnati, the Province of St. Louis, the Province of the Pacific and the New York Province. These provinces combined to form the Province of the United States on July 1, 2002. The Province headquarters is in St. Louis. The Marianist Sisters were established in the United States in Somerset, Texas, in 1949, and today are located in Dayton, Ohio, and San Antonio. Education has always been an important part of the Marianist mission.

Marianist educators strive to educate in the five characteristics of Marianist education:

• Educate for Formation in Faith• Provide an Integral, Quality Education• Educate in Family Spirit• Education for Service, Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation• Educate for Adaptation and Change

QUOTABLE:

“Religion is not taught; it is communicated.

Religion is instilled more deeply in the spirits and

hearts of the students through the atmosphere

that permeates the school than through teaching.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianist Family

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Students and faculty were recognized at the annual Marianist Awards

assembly for their accomplishments, dedication, attitude and above all, how

they live the Characteristics of a Marianist Education.

Each student and faculty member was honored for making a distinct

impression on the Vianney community as a whole, said Dr. Tim Dilg,

Principal.

“Each award winner has made a tremendous impact on the day-to-day

mission of Vianney,” Dr. Dilg said. “It is not only a proud day for them and

their families, but for Vianney as well.”

Aside from the Marianist Awards, many other honors were awarded at the

assembly. One such honor was the Order of the Griffin. This is the second

highest Marianist Award a student can receive, and the highest award a

freshman can receive. Also recognized were members of the Vianney faculty

and staff who reached milestone anniversaries for their service to the school.

Mr. Steve Travis was honored for his 45 years of service as a teacher, most

which were spent at Vianney, and Mr. Charlie Walsh was honored as well for

his 35 years of service.

2014 MARIANIST AWARD WINNERS

SENIORS: Connor Borisenko, Sean Meyer, Tanner Cochran, Tommy Schulte, Jimmy Broyles (not pictured), Drew Hackett, Nick Wojciechowski.

JUNIORS: Nick Gargiula, Nolan Snyder, Jeff Boelter, Andrew LaMartina, Mike Babb.

SOPHOMORE: Logan Strebler.

Students, Teachers, Staff Honored with Marianist Awards

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Alumni News

Vianney alum DAN CHINNICI ’92 has been selected for induction into the University of Missouri - St. Louis 2014 Sports Hall of Fame.

Chinnici starred in baseball at Vianney and went on to UMSL where he became a star too. A four-year offensive power for the UMSL baseball program from 1993-97, Chinnici still remains the career leader in several categories.

He is a two-time first team all-conference and all-region honoree. He earned Second Team All-American honors as a sophomore. During the five years Chinnici was on the UMSL roster, the program was 156-65 and made two World Series appearances.

Chinnici appeared in one game during

the 1993 season before being redshirted. As a sophomore in 1995, he earned First Team All-MIAA, First Team All-Central Region and Second Team All-American honors after batting .383 and recording 62 hits, 41 RBIs and 51 runs.

He also drew a school-record 50 walks. As a junior in 1996, Chinnici earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA honors, while helping his team to a 37-9 record. He was named Most

Outstanding Player of the NCAA Central Regional, hitting .778 in the regional to help UMSL to the World Series. Chinnici batted .375 on the season, recording 57 hits, 38 RBIs and 53 runs.

Dan is the father of the late Clayton Pfeiffer, a 2011 Vianney grad who followed in his father’s footsteps, playing baseball for Vianney and in college. Clay played for Missouri Baptist University. He died suddenly in a tragic car accident. His memory lives on with the Vianney baseball team, which dedicated its season last year to Clay. There is a scholarship fund and a golf tournament organized by Chinnici in Clay’s honor.

Dan Chinnici ’92 Chosen for Induction into uMSL Hall of Fame

Vianney, Marianists Mourn the Passing of Br. Mel Meyer, S.M.The St. John Vianney High School

and the Marianist family mourn the passing late last year of Brother Mel Meyer, S.M.

Brother Mel made his mark in and out of the classroom. As a gifted sculptor and artist, his work has appeared all over the world, in hospitals, schools, colleges and even in private collections. Some of his projects sold for six figures, according to a story in the St. Louis Business Journal.

Brother Mel, a nationally recognized artist, died Oct. 12, 2013, of complications of heart disease. He was 85 and had been a Marianist for 65 years. He was a member of the St. John Vianney High School Hall of Fame.

Brother Mel created an estimated 10,000 works of art in his lifetime. His faith and joy were expressed in metal sculpture, watercolors, frescoes, stained glass and acrylic on canvas paintings.

Among his works in the St. Louis region include the Korean War

Memorial in Forest Park, sculptures on the St. Louis University campus, several pieces in the Laumeier Sculpture Park, and the three giant chairs that greet visitors to the Kirkwood Farmer’s Market. Many of his works are on Vianney’s campus and at the Marianist Art Gallery on the school’s campus.

As a talented young artist, he was selected to work with “Yoki” Aebischer in Fribourg, Switzerland and Jacques le Chaveillier in Paris, France during 1958. In 1960, he earned his Masters degree at the University of Notre Dame, studying under internationally renowned artists Ivan Mestrovic and Jean Charlot.

In the decades since, his Catholicism and his devotion to Marianist charism continued to feed the artist’s creative spirit.

The Marianist Gallery is located on the Vianney campus and features many of Brother Mel’s works. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The late Brother Mel Meyer, S.M.

A self-portrait of the artist.

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Steve Kelly ’74 started a new business, Seniors Helping Hands. He works with seniors who want to stay in their homes as long as they can. Steve handles everything from changing light bulbs to kitchen, bathroom renovations and other renovations.

Will Lange ’07 recently joined the Indiana State women’s soccer team as an assistant coach. Lange joins the program after serving as a volunteer assistant with the Sycamores in 2013 where he assisted with goalkeepers and two years as a graduate assistant with Rose-Hulman men’s soccer.

Michael Flatley ’08 (pictured above) graduated from the St. Louis City Police Academy on January 9th 2014. He is currently stationed on city patrol in the 5th District.

John Howe ’10 was selected to the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America Division I men’s soccer teams. John is a senior at the University of Dayton. Howe recorded a 3.85 GPA while majoring in entrepreneurship. He was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team and Academic All-District this season as well.

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ALuMNI NEWS AND NOTES

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BAR ASSOCIATION NAMES ALuM JASON SENGHEISER ’95

AMERICA’S BEST YOuNG LAWYER Congratulations to Vianney alum Jason Sengheiser ’95 who was recently awarded the American Bar Association’s 2013 National Outstanding Young Lawyer. The American Bar Association YLD National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is presented annually to recognize a young lawyer who exhibits professional excellence, service to the profession and the bar, service to the community, and/or a reputation for the advancement of legal ethics and professional responsibility. Sengheiser is a law clerk for the Honorable Robert G. Dowd, Jr. at the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Fontbonne University, where he teaches Introduction to Law and American Constitutional Development. His story was told on NewsChannel 5 (pictured above). Sengheiser is actively involved in numerous organizations, including the ABA, the Missouri Bar, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Young Friends of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Amnesty International USA, St. Louis B-Works, the Saint Louis University Prison Program, and the Meramec Sharks Youth Hockey Club. Sengheiser received B.A. degrees in Environmental Science and German Studies from Saint Louis University in 2000. Jason also received his J.D. from Saint Louis University in 2003. In addition, Sengheiser received his degree in International and Comparative Law from Columbia University in 2006.

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aul Rhame will close out his illustrious career as a teacher and coach at St. John Vianney High School when this school year ends. Add to his list of

titles Vianney alumni-dad of three, and one can easily tell it will be a tough farewell for Lord Rhame. “It’s a strange feeling knowing that I won’t be teaching any more, and when August rolls around, I won’t have to get ready for school,” he said. “That, in itself, will be a big adjustment.” Rhame came to Vianney in 1986 after teaching stints in Salem, MO and Grandview High School near Hillsboro, MO. He attended Southern Nazarene University, but after a year and a half, he decided to join the Air Force, where he became a security policeman, working security and law enforcement. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1972 and returned to Southeast Missouri State University where he received his degree in secondary education and his masters as a reading specialist. While at SEMO he met his wife, Jana, with whom he has been married for 40 years. They have three sons (all Vianney grads) - Brad Rhame ’95, Brian Rhame ’96, and Tim Rhame ’99. When Paul first showed up at Vianney, after being hired by former principal Larry Furrer, he noticed big differences in the way private school students were taught versus how public schools operated. “Coming from public schools to Vianney was a whole different atmosphere,” he said. “For instance, in public schools, the dress

code was much more liberal and the expectations for college were a bit different. In private schools, I never dealt with a lot of social issues that I saw during my time in the public schools.” Rhame was born to a Nazarene minister who, with his wife, was well-known for building churches and/or getting struggling churches back on their feet. “For that reason, our family made several moves as I grew up.” (Miami, FL; Syracuse, NY; Memphis, TN; Jasper, AL; Tyler, TX; and Sikeston, MO – all before he graduated from high school). Rhame has a list of people he’d like to thank - people who meant so much to him during his career. He singles out Furrer. “I will always be in debt to Larry Furrer for taking a chance and hiring me,” Rhame said. “I doubt that he’s ever forgiven himself!” When Rhame first came to Vianney in 1986, football and basketball coaching positions were filled so Paul volunteered to become the coach of the diving and tennis teams. He maintained his relationship with

the football staff and within two years, he was brought in to coach football. It would be as a football coach and part of Vianney’s coaching stable that gave Rhame some of his most memorable moments. Those moments came as the result of knowing memorable - if not remarkable - people. Many of those people deserve a spot on his list of gratitude. They are former football coaches, assistants and others who made

Faculty Profile

PPaul Rhame Closing Out Illustrious Career at Vianney as Teacher, CoachLord Rhame

Paul Rhame says he’s retiring from Vianney at the end of this school year. He’s been a teacher and coach here for almost 30 years.

““I will always be in debt to (former principal) Larry Furrer for taking a chance and hiring me. I doubt that he’s ever forgiven himself!”

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Rhame’s job as a football coach a fun experience. “Don Heeb is a great man who is strong in character and was the worst butcher of names (probably on purpose),” Rhame said. “He had a strong work ethic and is fondly remembered by anyone with whom he worked or coached. Of course, he would fire me two to four times a week if anything went awry. Thankfully, he always rehired me right away. I have really fond memories of our time together.” Jim Farrell, another coaching colleague and friend of Rhame’s, will “long be remembered for his quiet demeanor but solid coaching style,” Rhame recalled. “If he ever raised his voice, all around him definitely took notice and made corrections. He’s a good friend and has always had positive things to say to me.” Others on his thank you list include Jerry Stevison, another longtime teacher and coach at Vianney. Stevison “has the most insanely complicated mind that retains everything he’s ever read or seen. He has always been a wealth of knowledge for me.” On fellow coach Kurt Clodius: “He simply loved football and always worked hard for his students and players.” Mike Loyet ’77, Vianney’s president, coached with Rhame for many years. Rhame recalled how the two of them managed to corral 50+ players a day each day during the season. “We did, however, have some interesting scouting gigs,” Rhame said. Another Vianney “legend” he says who was a huge influence on him was basketball coach Jerry Boeckman - “a patient man who spent a lot of time teaching me his system. He believed so much in his players and only wanted the best for them.” Rhame also spoke of Charlie Walsh, longtime friend as well as teaching and coaching colleague. “Charlie has provided a lot of support for me and has been a great co-moderator of the Letterman’s Club. He does, however, have issues with ecology and song writing.” On the academic side of things, he said he leaned on Charlie Eisele for help and advice. “I spent a lot of time picking Charlie Eisele’s brain. We would often skull about English and what would be effective ways of getting the subject matter across to the students.”

When retirement finally hits, Rhame will have a loving, supportive family to fall back on. He will be able to spend quality time with grandkids, Ethan, Caleb, Adalyn, and Sydney. His son Brad and his wife, Anne, live in Puyallup, Washington, and Rhame plans regular visits. He will miss Vianney for sure. “I think what I will miss the most is the wholesome environment and bonding with the faculty members,” he said. “I’ve also met many friends through teaching their sons, and these are friendships I cherish to this day.” But for a man who spent most of his adult life as a teacher, it was Rhame who found himself being the student learning at the hands of others, “I appreciate all the coaches, faculty, and staff and all that I’ve been able to learn from them over the years,” he said. “To all of my former students, I hope they were able to get past my rapidity of speech and view me as being fair with their best interests at heart.”

HONOR MR. RHAME: If you would like to make a donation to Vianney in honor of Mr. Paul Rhame, send it to Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement. You can call Pete at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 if you have any questions.

Paul Rhame (center) with sons Brian Rhame ’96, Tim Rhame ’99 and Brad Rhame ’95.

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Vianney charts the course for the future with comprehensiveapproach to technology in and out of the classroom.

TalonTECHNOLOGY

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echnology at Vianney is a many-splendored thing. Today, it’s being used inside and outside the classroom in creative and meaningful ways. And while other schools prefer to take the 1:1 road - where students schlep identical devices everywhere

they go - the beauty of Vianney’s program is that one size doesn’t fit all. But to say Vianney’s early efforts at integrating technology were baby steps would be an understatement. There was a level of frustration with slow Internet speeds, quirky devices and an outdated technology infrastructure. Creating an environment rich with 21st century learning opportunities has taken determined effort on the part of administration, faculty, and staff.

The Investment

In late August, 2011, Dr. Tim Dilg and school President Mike Loyet assembled a team of parents, alumni, students, faculty, administration and staff to assess the status of Vianney’s technology situation and begin to craft a vision for the future. Through the tireless work of the members of this committee, important changes began to take shape. Dedicated funds were set aside to begin the work and ensure that it would continue each year. The campus was wired for quick, reliable access to the Internet with a connection almost sixty-five times as fast as before. Important classroom space was reclaimed from projector stands and a uniform display system inaugurated with the installation of 60” LED TVs across Vianney classrooms. The number of portable devices available to students doubled with the purchase of two mobile carts full of Google Chromebooks and a sizeable donation of Dell laptops. Most importantly, Vianney provided free wireless

Internet access to all students and faculty, enabling students to take control of their own learning styles by using the digital tools in their backpacks and pockets to engage the content in their classrooms. Interested to see more detail about the work of Vianney’s Technology Committee? Visit bitly.com/viannneytechcommittee

The Plan

With the infrastructure now in place, the committee turned its focus to the question of student access to devices. After speaking with representatives from a number of area schools, some of whom had adopted a 1:1 program, some Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and some a more traditional lab-based scenario, the committee decided upon a unique plan that would support our own BYOD program and allow our academic departments to select devices based on the needs of their curricula. This plan, dubbed the “Talon Technology Deployment Plan,” focused on high-quality professional development first and device selection second. The development began with a whole-school transition to the web-based e-mail and office suite solution Google Apps. Students began writing and revising papers entirely online, enjoying a faster peer- and teacher-review process through the powerful features of Google

Drive. From there, teachers embarked on a self-paced introduction to multiple connective and collaborative web technologies through a program called Vianney 2.0. Armed with an abundance of tools, teachers then learned a framework for evaluating the uses of technology in the classroom and selecting the ones that produce the best learning experiences for students. Now in the final stage of the development, teachers are participating in an

“Ultimately, our goal is for our students to be lifelong learners

who are well-prepared to contribute to an

ever-changing global society.”

Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal

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BLACK & GOLD WINTER 2014FALL 2013WINTER 2014

GRIFFINTECHACADEMY:

Vianney has developed a summer technology camp for grade school students. This camp is in its second year and has proved to be a successful waytoengagefutureGriffins.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM:

With the “Bring Your Own Device”approach,studentshave access to iPhones, iPads, Chromebooks or other devices they bring in. Vianney lets the needsofthespecificcoursedictate what device is most appropriate.

LIVE EVENT STREAM:

Vianney’sLiveEventstreamand the streaming of live athletic contests has allowed Vianney to connect with alumni and friends all over the world.


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in-depth training on a comprehensive learning management system called Schoology, a tool that will allow them to direct and support student learning online. This same tool will facilitate Vianney’s first fully-online course later this summer - a course in Military History taught by Mr. Brandon Lewis. As this development cycle comes to a close, departments have begun conversations about what devices will best serve the needs of their subject areas. English teachers are leaning toward Chromebooks, science teachers Microsoft Surface tablets, and PE teachers a heart-rate monitoring system connected to teacher iPads. A beauty of this plan is that it gives students greater access to an array of digital learning experiences as well as exposure to multiple operating systems. Like to see some of the work of our teachers? Visit Vianney 2.0 at bitly.com/vianneylearning or check out classroom examples at bitly.com/talontech

The Message

In the area of school communications, Vianney has seen significant gains thanks to expanded use of technology, specifically social media. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, among many others, have been crucial in Vianney’s efforts to establish effective two-way communication, Dilg said. “Vianney’s families love hearing good news centered around students’ academic and athletic achievements via social media,” said Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications. “Parents and students, and even alumni, have come to appreciate the efficiency of receiving school news like school cancellations, photo day reminders, and Spirit Week updates through our various school Twitter accounts.” In addition to social media, streaming media brings the Vianney family right into your home. Many in Vianney’s alumni base have enjoyed listening to Griffin Sports on The Vianney Network, powered by our partners at Prepcasts.com. This year alone, Vianney will broadcast more than 30 sporting events over the web - predominantly via live streaming

video broadcasts. More and more followers also tune in to Griffin Radio (through BlogTalk Radio). “Sports aren’t the only events streamed live. Parents, alumni, and friends can tune in to the live stream events of our Masses, honors convocations, and other special ceremonies like Graduation,” Staggenborg said. Missed one of our events? Visit our archive at youtube.com/

VianneySTL

The Future

Vianney’s technology future looks very bright. New opportunities for students in areas of technology continue to grow, and Vianney’s trajectory with advances in technology is on track for success. Just the last two years have seen a number of new clubs start up, including the

Robotics Club, the Technology Club, the Media Club, and a new digital literary magazine.

A new technology internship course was added to our already strong offerings in the practical arts. Conversations with educators from around the region have validated the Talon Technology Deployment Plan as a sound and innovative direction for educational technology and we have been approached by others to learn more about “what’s happening at Vianney.” “I believe that after four years of learning at St. John Vianney High School our students will be more prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century,” said Dr. Dilg. “They will leave here having been exposed to multiple technology platforms, programs, and devices. They will be multi-dimensional in their technology use so that no matter what college or career field they choose, they will be prepared.” “Vianney graduates will have exposure to current educational trends and learning platforms. As technology adapts and changes over the years, our students will have the confidence and skills to adapt, adjust and grow with it. Ultimately, our goal is for them to be lifelong learners who are well-prepared to contribute to an ever-changing global society.”

- Contributors: Drew McAllister, Dr. Tim Dilg, Rob Staggenborg

Vianney’s Charlie Walsh (at right) joins Owen Shroyer and Prepcasts.com camera-man Joe Hartmann on a Vianney basketball broadcast on The Vianney Network.

NOTE: If you would like to support or invest in our technology program by making a gift, contact Pete Cerone, Director of Advancement, at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118.


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Vianney Fetes Mike Villa with Tribute Event in Honor of His Service

The entire history of the Vianney soccer program can be summed up in the work of these three men - the only men ever to coach the Griffin varsity soccer teams since the school was founded in 1960. They are, from left, original coach Bob Hoffmann, longtime coach Mike Villa, and current coach Dave Gauvain.

Longtime soccer coach Mike Villa was honored in November with a tribute in honor of his years of service to Vianney and to high school soccer.

Villa graduated from Vianney in 1964. He starred in baseball, basketball and soccer for the Griffins, which helped him earn a scholarship to play soccer at Quincy University.

Following his college career, he served in the U.S. Army, then returned to Vianney as teacher and coach. At Vianney, he posted a record of 463-113-73 over a 25-year span. He led the Griffins to 20-win seasons in 12 of those 25 years. His teams reached the state soccer semifinals 10 times, winning 7 state titles, the first of which in 1978. From 1991-1993, His Vianney teams went undefeated over the course of 64 games. That 1992 team was ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. He’s helped countless number of players go on to play soccer in college. Following his time at Vianney, Villa went on to coach at Triad High School for 16 years. His overall record coaching boys and girls entering the spring season was 934-298-135. Coach Villa has been inducted into seven Halls of Fame,

including the Vianney Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Missouri State High School Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame, among others. For many years, Villa could be found at Busch Stadium tossing pregame batting practice for the St. Louis Cardinals. Coach Villa was joined at the event by his wife, Peggy, his brother-in-law and sister Ed and Kathy Crowley, and his brothers, Greg Villa and Jim Villa. Players from every era of Villa’s career - including his time at Triad - made the trip to Tapawingo, where the event was held. Jim Jackson ’84, a former Vianney player for Villa and an assistant under him at Triad, was among many former players in attendance. Current Vianney Coach Dave Gauvain was in attendance, as was Bob Hoffmann, Vianney’s first soccer coach. Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77 presented Villa with a ball signed by all in attendance. Coach Villa thanked his wife and family for their support and offered words of gratitude to the former players, coaches and Vianney teaching colleagues who came out to support the event.

You can watch a special tribute show of the Mike Villa event on The Vianney Network at Prepcast.com. To find it, go to vianney.com, then click on the News & Events tab. Click to the November 22nd entry for the Mike Villa show.


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Celebrating LIFE

From activities like a Pro-Life Mass, to building a display of 700 crosses on a hillside, to marching with other teens in Washington, D.C., Vianney students and staff show they proudly stand for life.

By Fr. Tim Kenney, SM | Campus Ministry

Close to 50 students from St. John Vianney High School were blessed by our student body this past January as they went on a pilgrimage of faith to Washington, D.C. to stand up for life as gospel people.

Our students were able to endure the bitter cold and be among an estimated crowd of 500,000 people as they witnessed their desire to be this new Generation for Life. They participated in extended periods of prayer and worship; they listened to many different speakers; they attended a rally for life at the National Mall; they encountered other young people who spoke about being adopted; and they marched with so many others carrying signs and singing slogans and spiritual hymns that support a fostering of a culture of life.

At times it was overwhelming for some of our students to see so many people generously giving of their time, talent, and treasure for the most vulnerable in our society. Because of their participation in this pilgrimage, our students have returned with a deeper spirit of hope and a desire to not give up or become discouraged by those who foster a “culture of death”. Because of their participation in this pilgrimage and the tremendous witness of so many other young people who were there with them, they are returning with a desire to emulate Jesus’ mercy and compassion and the deep belief that every human being bears the imprint of God and to reject human life is to reject God.

This Fall, Vianney’s Pro-Life Club installed 700 wooden crosses to bring attention to the number of abortions performed in America each day.

Snow and cold temperatures awaited Vianney’s Pro-Life crew when they arrived in Washington, D.C., in January.


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Congratulations to Vianney’s Pro Life Club, which was recently honored with the Bishop McNicholas Award (pictured above).

The Bishop Joseph A. McNicholas Award is awarded annually to a Catholic High School or Parish Youth Group exemplifying a consistent ethic of respect for all human life through educational, spiritual, pastoral and public policy efforts.

Vianney’s Pro Life Club promotes a deeper awareness of Pro-Life through meetings, events, and opportunities for prayer. The club stands with our Catholic Church in our desire to witness to the importance of life and we will do what we can to eradicate abortion in St. Louis.

In carrying out its mission statement, the club has made a commitment to meet monthly on campus. At each meeting there is time for prayer; some time for reflection/education; and some time for action. Rev. Tim Kenney, Campus Minister, is the moderator of the group.

Bishop McNicholas was a priest and auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Louis who exemplified the consistent ethic of respect for human life, which is part of our Catholic heritage. It was with the blessing of then Auxiliary Bishop McNicholas and Cardinal John J. Carberry that the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Committee, now the Respect Life Apostolate, was created. It was the first of its kind in the nation and served as a model for dioceses across the country.

This award was established in 1983 to recognize the high school whose Respect Life programs and activities best reflect the ideals of Bishop McNicholas’ dedication to life and the mission of the Respect Life Apostolate.

Vianney’s Pro-Life Club earns Bishop McNicholas Award

Vianney’s Pro-Life Club was awarded a Bishop McNicholas Award for its Pro-Life efforts.

The group of about 50 students who went to Washington, D.C. for the National Right to Life march.

In late October, Vianney students placed crosses on the hillside near the main school entrace.


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ave Lange ’71 remembers it well. Legendary Vianney Coach and Athletic Director Don Heeb needed to send a student-reporter to the West County Journal to provide sports reporting for the high school season. Back then, Lange

recalled, the West County Journal spent a lot of time, and ink, covering high school sports. And, as a senior, the job description fit him well. He took the job and covered games, wrote stories cutting his teeth in journalism. His love for journalism and reporting fueled his dream of writing professionally. In the Fall of 1971, he attended Meramec Community College right out of Vianney. After Meramec, Lange served in the Missouri Army National Guard. After that, he looked at colleges like Mizzou, long revered for its J-School. But, in 1973, Lange got an offer from SIU-Edwardsville soccer coach and athletic director Bob Guelker to work in sports information for SIU-E. It was a great scholarship. “Bob Guelker gave me a soccer scholarship to work in the sports information department,” Lange said. “It was great experience. SIU-E’s journalism school was well respected. The experience helped me land at the Globe-Democrat as a reporter when I graduated.” The Globe-Democrat has produced some of the finest writers in the city. But new ownership and organizational missteps put the paper in peril. It eventually would close. Lange stepped away from the Globe to go into corporate public relations with McDonnell-Douglas. But by 1986, with new ownership at the Globe, and a job as a writer emerged there, he went back to writing for

the paper. But again, The Globe was felled by economic factors, and Lange ended up back in corporate PR for General Dynamics by 1992. He left there to join Anheuser-Busch in that company’s corporate PR group. He stayed there until 2008, when A-B was sold to another

company. Since retiring from Anheuser-Busch in December 2008, he’s been doing free-lance writing and PR work for a number of places. These include: Enterprise Holdings Inc., Savvis, the Vandiver Group, St. Louis Scott-Gallagher Soccer Club, World Class Coaching magazine (for soccer coaches) and a national soccer news website called Soccer Newsday. He is also the father of a proud Vianney graduate, Will Lange ’07, who was a soccer player at Vianney. Soccer is Lange’s passion. When a local publisher lined up a group of writers to develop a historical book about how the game has grown in the St. Louis area,

Lange jumped at the chance to work on a section. When he completed his portion, the publisher invited Lange to complete the book. The others writers had fallen off the assignment. The byline was Lange’s. It took two years to finish the book, and when it was completed, the St. Louis soccer community finally had a book that covered it all - the early days of the game in St. Louis, the huge club scene, the big rivalry games, the history of the pro game here and everything St. Louis soccer. The book has been so successful that the publisher - Reedy Press - is nearly sold out of the original printing of the book. Lange

has had discussions with Reedy about a second printing. No decision has been made on that yet.

Alumni Profile

D

SOCCER MADE IN ST. LOUIS,AUTHOR MADE AT VIANNEY

Dave Lange ’71 - the author of the popular book, Soccer Made in St. Louis - took a job as a prep reporter while at Vianney and has never looked back. The upcoming World Cup has

sparked international interest in his book and his take on one of the greatest games ever played.


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The research for the book was tedious, but Lange uncovered some gems. “Being from here, there was so much I learned about local history,” he said. “You think you know a lot about your town, until you start doing research for a book like this.” Lange, who lives with his wife Janet in Lake St. Louis, uncovered written accounts of soccer games being played in St. Louis as far back as 1875. “That’s pretty amazing - especially when you consider the English Football Association did not establish official rules until 1864. So, 11 years after the rules of the game were established in England, we have evidence of games being played right there in St. Louis.” Recently, a film crew doing work for the Brazilian World Cup made a stop in St. Louis to talk to a group of people including Lange, his dear friend “Mr. Soccer” Bill McDermott, Ty Keough, and Frank Borghi, the young goalie from The Hill who helped lead the U.S. to

a shocking World Cup win over England in 1950. “To this day, that U.S.-England game remains probably the biggest upset in World Cup history,” Lange said. “The U.S. used part-time players while the English team was widely expected to win the World Cup in 1950. Around the world, this was quick a shocker.”

In addition to Soccer Made in St. Louis, his other book is Practice Makes Perfect, in conjunction with Denny Vaninger. A third book, as yet untitled, is the history of Community School in Ladue for its 100th anniversary in 2014. The book is about to go to print and will be privately sold. Lange is an adjunct professor at Webster University in the School of Communications. He teaches graduate courses in crisis communications management, organizational communications, public relations, and strategic communications. He’s also coached in the Busch Soccer Club system, and holds certifications from the U.S. Soccer Federation and the KNVB (Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation). Currently, Lange is working with a group of like-minded individuals such as McDermott who are trying to bring Major League Soccer to St. Louis. “We are actively seeking investors willing to undertake initial funding. The total project would be in excess of $200 million. MLS requires a soccer-specific stadium seating at least 20,000, which can be built for about $100 million (although Kansas City spent $200 million). The most recently awarded MLS expansion team, New York FC, was awarded to Manchester City (with the Yankees as a minor partner) for $100 million.” As for his Vianney days, he is fond of the friendships he’s forged. To this day, the Class of 1971 remains active and gets together each year around Christmas. “The Class of 1971 was a class with a strong sense of fellowship and we remain tight to this day,” he said,

NOTE: There is a website for Lange’s book with current local and national soccer news at soccermadinstlouis.com. Lange provides frequent links to local, national and international soccer news on Twitter at the handle @soccermadeinstl

The Provincial Council of the Society Mary announced the Cure of Ars community of professed Marianist will move their place of residence from Vianney’s campus to a home in the Kirkwood community this summer.

The change was necessitated by the declining number of Marianist living in the deteriorating facility, a three-story, 25,000 square foot building. Maintaining the residence became difficult, and the move to a smaller, warmer home was warranted.

The Marianist who currently live in the residence will continue to live together in the Kirkwood community. The Marianist will continue to serve the St. John Vianney High School community as teachers and staff members, according to Br. Ed Brink, the Director of Education for the Province.

“The reality is that there are too few professed Marianist to maintain such a large physical residence,” Br. Ed said.

There have been no decisions made with regards to the future use of the residence building, said Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77.

“We are thankful for the work of all the professed Marianist - past and present - who have made significant contributions to the St. John Vianney Community. Vianney is thankful that the Marianist will maintain a presence here and into the future,” Loyet said.

“You think you know a lot about your town, until you start doing research for a

book like this.”

Sunday, June 1, 2014The 2014 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

Nominations have been submitted, and the selection committee will meet in March 2014 to determine theis year’s Hall of Fame inductees.

quESTIONS? Contact Mark Schuermann, Vianney’s Director of Events, at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144 or send him an e-mail at [email protected].

Cure of Ars Community undergoing changes

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Vianney Ambassador Tanner Cochran, a senior, talks to Open House visitors about the Vianney Hall of Fame wall in the Commons. The Open House drew visitors from across St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles, and Jefferson County. The event was held in November 2013. The Vianney Hall of Fame Award ceremony will be held this year on June 1, 2014. Read more about the Hall of Fame inside on page 23.

winter 2014 vianney black and gold magazine

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