Connecting the Dots with Shawn Young
Last month, we ran a story from Mary Ellen (Beahn) Schwing '57 and her memories of the convent from when she grew up on Brachman Lane. Her story inspired Anne Eble Duston '54 to write in about her memories from when the school switched over from an all-girls school to the first co-ed school in the Diocese.  She relates a story about some of the preparation that was needed to get ready for the new school year.

"In 1952, the school was busy trying to expand its facilities for the influx of male students who were being admitted for the first time to McNicholas High School.  Prior to that, the school was St. Joseph Academy and girls only.  In order to save money, it was determined that the students who used the lab could be utilized to finish the new lab tabletops.  Since the chemicals used to make the tops resistant to fire and chemicals were toxic in an enclosed space, it had to be done outside.  We spent hours outside rubbing and rubbing chemicals into the black surfaces under the watchful eyes of Sr. Eugenie, the science teacher.  While the past school atmosphere with girls only had been serious and studious, the playful and goofing around attitude of our new students was a blessed relief.  We didn't learn much science that fall, but we sure had fun."

We love your stories.  I am sure we have lots of great stories out there!  If you feel so inclined, we would love to share yours!  Send your stories to Shawn Young at syoung@mcnhs.org.


A Message from the Development Office

Giving Day - For the Love of McNicholas
All of us who are members of the McNicholas Family can remember many great moments in our time at McNicholas. We also all understand the tremendous positive impact a McNicholas education has on young men and women as they prepare to make an impact on the world. . The reality is the cost to maintain a quality Catholic education for our students continues to rise and we can no longer recover all of the costs in tuition. As an alumni of McNicholas, you can help us to keep that dream of becoming a McNicholas Rocket attainable for many potential students. Here is how you can help.

McNicholas High School will be conducting our Annual Day of Giving on February 14, 2017. Our theme this year, being that February 14 is Valentine's Day, is "For the Love of McNick". All gifts received that day will be dedicated to providing tuition assistance to current and future Rockets. One exciting addition to this year's Day of Giving is we have an alumni who has agreed to provide a dollar for dollar match on gifts us to $15,000. So your donation can be doubled.

In early February you will be receiving a video which will explain our Day of Giving in detail, and show you how you can provide a gift. You will for sure recognize some of the alumni that are joining us on the video. McNicholas Alumni, have been and will always continue to be one of the most important factors in maintaining the viability and spirit of McNicholas High School.

Thank you for all your help.
Mark Doran
Director of Development


McNick at Night needs you!

McNicholas High School will be hosting its 19th annual McNick at Night event on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Norlyn Manor in Batavia. This event is our largest fundraiser, and it helps to support our school in many ways that tuition alone cannot cover. The evening includes an open bar, an elegant buffet dinner, games, silent and live auctions, and plenty of fun. The auction accounts for a significant portion of the event proceeds and is led by our own, Willy Corbett. While we rely heavily on the alumni community to donate items for the auction.
 
Please consider donating an item to include in the auction. There will be a receptive audience at McNick at Night looking forward to bidding on items like tickets to sporting or entertainment events, a vacation home rental, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, or anything in between! If you are unsure what to donate we do have a  wish list. If you know that you would like to donate, please complete the   Auction Donation Form and return to the Development Office by February 28.  Please contact Annette McHugh at 513-619-5814 or  amchugh@mcnhs.org if you have any questions.

Events in the news at McNicholas High School

To learn more about what has been happening on campus this past month, click on any of the stories listed below.


Save the Date--2017 Hall of Fame to induct Gilene and Massa


You may click here to purchase your tickets online. 

Memorial Dance
Military Memorial group

Come join us on Saturday, February 25, from 7 - 11 p.m. in the McNicholas Main Gym. Get some friends together to shake off those winter blues with Haymarket Riot, one of Cincinnati's premier bands with your favorite hits from the 60's, 70's & 80's!  There will also be a baskets raffle and other fun events.  This dance, while open to the public, has become one of the most popular alumni and parent events on the McNicholas calendar. This year you can purchase your tickets several ways. You can pay online by  clicking here,  or you can contact Pat Farwick at McNicholas at 513-231-3500 ext. 5803 or email at   pfarwick@mcnhs.org Tickets for the event may be purchased at the door.   Or you can print off the form by clicking here.

The Military Memorial Committee uses the proceeds from this dance provide tuition scholarships for incoming freshmen which, to date, have amounted to over $40,000. The committee also is able to provide for the maintenance of the memorial.  So get a few friends together and reserve your table now before they're all gone!

Questions on the event? Contact Jim Hay at jhay279786@aol.com, or call 513-236-7609


2nd Annual Alumni Blood Drive

Thank you for all of those who have supported the Dennis family (Bridget (Liette) and Bret class of '98) with your love, prayers, and support for their 2-year-old son, Ryan. In June 2014, Ryan was born without the ability to create any T-cells, a vital cell needed in the immune system to fight off any type of infection. Ryan was diagnosed with SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), a rare, life-threatening genetic condition, and the only known cure is a bone marrow transplant.

After Ryan's diagnosis, the Dennis family had to begin living in complete isolation in order to keep Ryan free from illness before his transplant.  His siblings and parents were not suitable bone marrow matches, but after months of searching, a perfect match was found through the Be the Match registry. On January 21, 2015, Ryan received his Bone Marrow Transplant, and at 9 months post- transplant, he was considered "cured" from SCID. He now is a normal 2 year old with a functioning immune system. 

Throughout Ryan's health journey, he has received many different blood products from kind strangers who donated through Hoxworth. Starting at just three weeks old, he received IVIG (antibodies collected from the plasma of over one thousand donors) to give him extra protection against viruses. He also received numerous blood and platelet transfusions after his transplant. Ryan's transplant recovery would not have been as successful without these donations. Now, Ryan and his family would like to help other children and adults in need of these life saving blood, platelet, and plasma donations.

Please save the date of  March 6, 2017, from 5-7 pm at McNicholas High School  for the Hoxworth Blood Donation in honor of  Ryan Dennis and his family. 
To schedule your appointment to donate click here.

Help for Mr. Sam Roflow '74 and Mrs. Denise Gill Roflow '74


One of the hallmarks of McNicholas High School
 is the spirit of community. McNicholas is widely known for coming together to help members of its family in times of need. 

Denise and Sam Roflow were classmates at McNicholas High School. Denise was Mardi Gras Queen in 1974, and Sam was a standout baseball player, going on to play baseball for Xavier University. Denise and Sam married in 1980 and had two children Josh '04 and Jessica '05.  Many of you know that Denise  has faced some health challenges throughout her life.  When she was in her twenties, she  battled  a brain tumor, and now some of the treatment for that brain tumor is thought to have caused some degenerative neurological and muscular problems for her.  Denise  had a series of falls in November and has been in care and rehabilitation for both the falls and the neurological issues. She and  Sam  are looking forward to becoming grandparents when Jessica and her husband Matt Woebkenberg welcome a child in late January and to celebrating the addition of another Roflow when their son Josh and his fiancée Naomi marry this spring.

Sam and Denise are trying to plan for the future that is unpredictable and uncertain. One thing that is for certain is the high cost of Denise's home care. Many members of the McNicholas community have asked how to help Sam and Denise. If you are able and willing to help Mr. and Mrs. Roflow, please follow this link to the GoFundMe page that has been set up to help. If you would like to share the link, you can use  gofundme.com/roflow-medical-fund

All gifts will go directly to Mrs. Roflow's medical expenses.The Roflows are unspeakably grateful for the kindness and generosity already bestowed upon them and humbled by those reaching out to do more. Thank you for your consideration.


Alumni Basketball Night 

1962 Basketball team
Time to mark your calendars for the Alumni Basketball night. This game will be played on Friday, January 27.  Get together with past players and graduates and watch the current Rockets take on Alter High School. Tickets for alumni and family of alumni are only $5.  Former players may get into the game for free, but you must register with Shawn Young prior to January 25.  

After the game, stick around for a reception for the alumni in the library. Refreshments will be provided. To get a head count for the reception, please contact Shawn Young if you are interested in the reception. This is a great way to stay connected and have a good time, I look forward to hearing from you.

McNicholas Career Day - March 14, 2017

Every two years, McNicholas High School holds a career day to give our students an opportunity to explore career paths. Each student chooses four career sessions to attend and learn about the field from someone in the profession. Previous careers represented have included: Accounting, Banking, Air/Space Intelligence, Athletic Training, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and many more. This event will take place during a modified schedule which will allow students to attend their career sessions in the morning and classes in the afternoon. Career Day would not be possible without the help of alumni and parents volunteering their time to discuss their careers with students. If you would like to volunteer to present your career to our students at the 2017 Career Day, please contact Mr. Matt Wehrman at mwehrman@mcnhs.org
 
PTSA Father Son Event

Save the Date--Father Son Brunch on Sun., Jan. 29
 
The McNicholas PTSA will host its annual Father and Son Brunch on Sunday, January 29, at 9:30 a.m. in the Café. All fathers and sons are invited to a buffet breakfast and presentation by CW5 (R) Dave Cooper '78. Watch for your invitation to arrive soon.   Please email Susan Szabo  at 513-253-8873 or    with any questions. You can also purchase your tickets on line by clicking here.


Dave entered the US Army in 1985. He attended Warrant Officer Candidate School and graduated from US Army Flight School in May 1986. Dave graduated from the AH-64 Apache transition course.  He moved to Ft Hood, TX and was assigned to 2nd Squadron 6th US Cavalry for his first tour. His next tour was in Illeshiem, Germany. From here Dave deployed to Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After the war he went to Ft Rucker, AL for the Instructor Pilot course enroute back to Ft Hood, TX and 4th Squadron 6th US Cavalry.  In 1994 Dave applied to and assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Ft Campbell, KY. He successfully accessed and was assigned to B Co, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Here he flew the AH-6, Little Bird gunship. He served as a Battalion Flight Lead and the 160th SOAR Command Chief Warrant Officer.
In 2010 Dave moved to Ft Bragg, NC where he served as the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command. He retired June 2012.  He wears those commendations associated with a 27 year career including the Distinguished Service Medal. His valor awards include: Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Bronze Stars, 14 Air Medals of which 7 were awarded with V device for Valor, and the Army Commendation medal with V device for valor.
He and his wife Mary celebrated their 33th anniversary in August. They have two grown daughters and a grandson. Their son-in-law is serving with the US Army in Afghanistan . Dave is currently employed with Lockheed Martin.

2017 Ladies Spring Fling to Chicago

Grab your lady leprechauns and join us for the fun in Chicago over St. Patrick's weekend. This year, the trip is planned for March 17, 18, and 19. This year, we are mixing it up.   We will be staying at the Courtyard Marriott in the Magnificent Mile. Watch as the river is turned GREEN!  We hope to fill two buses with 50 people each! Our 
first trip was 2012, and we have been growing ever since. Come join us for a ladies-only trip for some time to get away for a weekend with friends and a chance to make some new friends. You will come back with stories and have a great adventure. For more details and a registration form please click here. Or you may register on line by clicking here.
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Reunions for 2017


It is now time to set our sights on the next round of reunions.  If your graduation year ends in a 2 or 7, you are up for a reunion this year.  I have sent out letters shortly to the reunion planning committees, and some reunions are starting to take shape.  We still need to hear from the classes of: 1952, 1957,1962, 1972,1977, and 1992. Please check our website to see as new reunions are announced.  At this time, two dates have already been selected.  The Class of '97 has already selected June 10, no location has been decided yet.  The Class of '67 will be celebrating their reunion the weekend of September 22 and 23 with a class picnic on Sept. 22 and an evening at Norlyn Manor on Sept. 23.

Click here to see the alumni reunion page.
Alumni Basketball League

The alumni sports group is proud to bring back the alumni basketball league.  We are looking for 8 teams this year. Each team must have at least 3 Rocket alumni, and 2 Rockets must always be on the court.  The league will be played on Sunday nights in the Aux Gym.  Game times will be 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.  The cost will be $50 per person. This money will secure your spot, pay for officials, and help support the men's basketball program.  Play will start March 24. For more information or to secure your spot, contact Coach Tim Monahan at tmonahan@mcnhs.org.

Alumni Updates

Any news?
Do you have news to share? Let us know what you've been doing since graduation! Update your information by completing our  alumni update form   on the McNicholas webpage or call the Alumni Office at 513.231.3500. ext. 5850.


In Memoriam

This list is generated from local obituaries and information received from the family and friends of our alumni and current students. Please contact the alumni office if there is incorrect or missing information. 

Alumni

Joyce Marie Ewers '65; Sister of the late John '69.

Kevin A. Halaby '71; Brother of Dennis '68.

James V. Meehan '68; Brother of Michael '67, the late Peggy Meehan Mail '74, Larry '76, and Gerry '79.

Patricia Gibbons Zapanta '81; Mother of Dominic (attended) and, Sister of Maureen Gibbons Baker '84.


Distinguished Family and Friends

Mary Ann Ackermann; Mother of David '77, Diane Ackermann  Biehle'78, Terri Ackermann Venesy '80, Susan Ackermann Scheidler '81, and Joseph '84. 

Carol A. Bosley; Mother of Sarah Bosley Woeber '97. 

Jeanne P. Ehemann; Wife of the late Ron '56, Mother of Chris Ehemann Schrand '78, Patty Ehemann Mueller '80, Grandmother of Laura Schrand Scheper '04, Pam  '06, Andy '11, Jack '13, Ronnie '15, Abigail Mueller John '05 , Kyle '08,  Kelsey '12,   and Samantha (attended).

Richard J. Gabelman; Father of Richard '93. 

Frances A. Hartigan; Mother of Kevin '79.

Bernard J. Krotchen; Father of Christine Krotchen Hancock '68, and Mary Krotchen Robinson '70.

Ian P. Massey; Son of Julie Dadosky Ziegler '75.

James J. McDonald; Father of James Jr. '78, and Bonnie McDonald Hilz '80.

Margo McDonald; Wife of the late William '58, Mother of Mimi McDonald Mayer '84, Jodi McDonald Menke '87, and Jessica McDonald Serger '91. 

Mary A. Rapp; Mother of Louis Jr. '60, Robert '61, Ruth Rapp McEvoy '62, and the late James (attended).


Quick Links for Alumni