Alumni

Soundings

Newsletter


December 20, 2024

Message from Henry Chandler, Alumni Coordinator

After today, the halls of Saint Joseph High School will go quiet for two weeks as students, faculty and staff enjoy the Christmas break from classes and academic responsibilities. With the secular signs of the season prevalent all around us, it is easy to lose track of the true message that Christmas brings to us, a message of light, hope, charity and joy in the form of a Divine Child born in a manger. The best gifts of all in this season of giving cost nothing more than thought and effort: a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a sharing of our bounty, a prayer offered. May this Christmas rekindle in each of us the true spirit of the season and may the New Year be one of peace and happiness.


Please keep the Saint Joe community in your prayers and know that the intentions of all alumni are included in each Saint Joseph High School Prayer Corner.


Wishing all a joyous Christmas and God's blessings in the New Year.

Henry Chandler, '67

Alumni Coordinator

Alumni Faculty/Staff Spotlight

We are excited to feature Ben Downey '96, in this issue of the Alumni Soundings!


Ben's educational journey began at Holy Cross Grade School, where the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning and community was established.


After graduating from Saint Joseph High School, he pursued higher education at Indiana University Bloomington, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. This academic achievement equipped him with the tools and knowledge to excel in teaching and coaching.


His return to Saint Joe came in the fall of 2012. Already serving as the head football coach at Saint Joe while teaching at John Young Middle School, he decided it was the perfect time to join the Saint Joe faculty. The decision was also inspired by his desire to teach at the school he envisioned his children attending, combining a professional opportunity with a personal connection.


Currently, he teaches Physical Education and serves as the head football coach. His dual roles allow him to influence students both in the classroom and on the field, fostering growth in academics, athletics, and life skills.


Reflecting on his days as a Saint Joe student, he cherishes the camaraderie of a large group of close friends and teammates. Whether it was through sports or social interactions, these connections created lasting memories. He also enjoyed engaging with classmates and teammates outside his immediate circle, finding joy in their kindness, humor, and unique perspectives.


As a faculty member, his fondest memories stem from moments when Saint Joe achieves something extraordinary in extracurricular activities. Witnessing the school’s progress in improving its operations, facilities, and overall community also brings him immense pride and satisfaction.


Ben stated, "The Saint Joe community is intelligent, driven, tough, and sympathetic. I am a teacher here because I enjoy teaching at a school that has the student body, the teachers, the learning environment, and the high expectations that I'd want my own children to experience. I coach here because my staff and I run the program in a manner that fosters relationships, leadership, and championship habits, so I know if players buy in they'll continue reaping the rewards of playing football at Saint Joe when their playing days are done."


When asked what advice he would offer the senior class, he stated, “Seniors, find balance and middle ground for most things in life because nothing is as black and white as everyone makes it out to be. Also, if you start to manage stress and anxiety now and work on being disciplined, you’ll have a distinct and long-lasting advantage over many of your peers.”



Saint Joe is fortunate to have educators and coaches who are deeply invested in the success and well-being of its students. Ben exemplifies the spirit of Saint Joe, combining dedication to education with a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and lifelong growth.

Brother Robert and Sister Carmel Remembered

Signage was installed outside the Attendance Office in November recognizing the late Brother Robert Dierker, C.S.C. and Sister Carmel Marie Sallows, C.S.C. for their service to Saint Joseph High School.


Brother Robert spent over 30 years at Saint Joe where his patience, kindness and gentleness modeled Christ for Saint Joe students, faculty and staff and guests through his ministry in the Attendance Office. Brother Robert passed away in December, 2023.


Sister Carmel served for over 20 years at Saint Joe after many years as a kindergarten teacher at Saint Joseph Grade School on Hill Street in South Bend. Her warm and inviting smile as well as her joyful and lively faith in Jesus welcomed generations of students and visitors to Saint Joe.


The recognition signage was blessed by Saint Joseph High School chaplain Father David Smith, C.S.C. in a ceremony on December 17th. The attendees on that day included current students, current and retired faculty and staff, representatives of the Holy Cross Brothers and Sisters, and members of Sister Carmel's family. The signage was made possible through the generosity of former Saint Joe principals Michael Cassidy and Susan Richter. 

Miggie McCurry, '99 Pays it Forward

Back in the 90s, a teenage Miggie (Clemency) McCurry, '99 found herself attending a student group led by Saint Joe’s counseling director, Judy Simon. The group, affectionately and unconventionally called NUTS (Needy, Unhappy Teens), provided a fun, supportive community for students to tackle the challenges of the day. Every Friday before school, Judy Simon would begin the meeting with a “bubble of light” prayer, uplifting and inspiring the students in attendance. 

Though Judy was Miggie’s confirmation sponsor, it would be decades before Miggie realized the true impact Mrs. Simon had on her life. As a mother of three, Miggie found herself using the bubble of light prayer with her children, and reflecting on Judy’s influence. “She was unequivocally herself and gave permission for others to be themselves," recounts Miggie.

To ensure that Judy’s legacy of light and love continues, Miggie and her husband Patrick, a former Saint Joe theology teacher, have pledged a major gift of $40,000 to the Counseling Department. Miggie now resides in Illinois, but visited campus recently to meet the counselors in person and to hear firsthand how her family’s contribution will enhance student wellbeing.


Director of Counseling Dana Strabavy shared, "What makes Miggie's donation truly exciting is the heartfelt reason behind it. Her experience with the Saint Joe Counseling Department embodies the love, care, and support we hope for every student and represents the environment we strive to create every day."


Though the details of the gift will continue to take shape in the months ahead, one thing is for sure: this contribution carries joy and love as surely as a bubble of light. Thank you to the McCurry family for their transformational and inspirational gift!

Bubble of Light Prayer


I am in a Bubble of Light,

And only Light can come to me

And only Light can find me. 


Light above me, Light below me. 

Light before me, Light behind me. 

Light beside me, Light within me. 


I am in a Bubble of Light, 

And only Light can come to me 

And only Light can find me. 

Sofia Carozza '15: Bridging Faith, Science, and Technology 

Sofia Carozza '15, has carved a remarkable path in neuroscience, intertwining her faith with scientific inquiry. After earning her degree from Notre Dame as valedictorian, she embarked on graduate studies at Cambridge as a Marshall Scholar, focusing on how digital technology reshapes our brains. Now a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard's Human Network Initiative, Sofia's research delves into the impact of early-life environments on brain development.


Her recent publication, which examines the neuroplastic changes induced by digital media, highlights the tension between technology and human interaction. In this work, Sofia argues that while digital tools can fragment our attention and isolate us, they also offer opportunities for spiritual and communal growth when used mindfully. She advocates for using technology in ways that enhance our spiritual lives, promoting deep connections and contemplation over distraction.

Ron Hecklinski '74 to be Inducted into Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame


The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame recently announce the 63rd men's induction class that will be honored in a ceremony on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Congratulations to Ron Hecklinski '74 on receiving this tremendous honor!

Chris Culver Wins Christ the Teacher Award


Congratulations to Mr. Chris Culver, recipient of this year's Christ the Teacher award! Chris is currently in his 18 year at Saint Joe.


The Christ the Teacher award is given to a teacher who is an example of Christ in the classroom while going above and beyond their role in the school.

Fund for Saint Joseph Update

We are off to a great start with the Fund for Saint Joseph. We have raised well over $100,000 already, which is more than half our goal for the year. There’s still time to help us reach 100%. If you haven’t yet made your gift, we invite you to join this effort in supporting our students. We are grateful to everyone who has generously contributed.

Spark Joy in 2025, Make Your Gift Today!

Upcoming Reunions


Classmates interested in organizing a class reunion may contact the Alumni Office at (574) 234-2904, ext. 5, or email Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com​​​​​​​ to get started.


Class of 1975 

50 Year Reunion – August 8, 2025

Contact Dick Sullivan at sull37@comcast.net for more information.


Class of 1995

30 Year Reunion – July 25, 2025

Contact and event details forthcoming.


Class of 2000

25 Year Reunion – August 1, 2025

Contact and event details forthcoming.


Save the Date: Ignite! 2025

Save the date! The annual Ignite! Gala will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025. Stay tuned for more details, tickets, sponsorships, and ways to support the event in the New Year. We hope you will join us in making a joyful noise! 

Happenings Around Saint Joe

Grandparents Day Brings Joy to Saint Joe

We were blessed to host our third annual Grandparents Day at Saint Joe! The day began with a beautiful Mass, where students and their grandparents came together in prayer. Afterward, we enjoyed a lovely time of fellowship over snacks and refreshments. Thank you to all the grandparents who joined us and to everyone who helped make this event so special.

H.O.P.E. Thanksgiving Food Drive Recap

For more than 30 years, the Saint Joe community has come together to ensure families in need can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. This year was no exception! After school, students and staff packaged 175 boxes, which were distributed before Thanksgiving. Thanks to the generosity of the Saint Joe community, we raised an incredible $17,848.78, making this effort possible. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and energy to make this happen. Together, we embody the true meaning of H.O.P.E.—Helping Other People Endure. Thank you, Saint Joe family, for your continued support and commitment to serving others. 

Saint Joseph High School

Athletics Update

Boys Basketball Wins Big Over Concord in Season Opener

Boys Basketball delivered an outstanding performance to open their season, securing a commanding 91-48 victory over Concord. Coach Gaff stated, "We showcased a well-balanced offensive attack, with contributions from across the roster, keeping our opponents on their heels. On the defensive end, we played fast and intense, consistently applying pressure and forcing turnovers. Our relentless effort on both ends of the court set the tone for the game, reflecting our commitment to excellence and teamwork. It was a great team win, and we're excited to build on this momentum!" Chase Konieczny lead the team with 24 points, followed by Nick Shrewsberry with 17, A.J. Boone with 14, Ethan Roseman with 12, Elijah King with 11, and Brashaun Woods with 7 points.

Hockey Wins 15th Annual Adam Milani Memorial Thanksgiving Tournament and Sled Hockey Challenge 

Saint Joe Hockey hosted the 15th Annual Adam Milani Memorial Thanksgiving Tournament and Sled Hockey Challenge. There were are total of ten teams in the event this year; six in the Varsity A Division and four in the Varsity B/JV Division. The Saint Joe Blue (A) team had a perfect 5-0 record and captured the Championship with a thrilling 2-1 OT win over a talented St. Charles team from Columbus, OH. Colton Edman and Evan Peters lead the team in scoring and Owen Balint scored the OT winner in the Championship game. The Huskies' defensive crew played solid in front of goalie Wyatt Amm and only allowed four goals during the tournament. Saint Joe White (B) also won the Championship in the B/JV division with a 2-1 win over St. Charles B. Zach Collins and Joe Bozek lead the team in scoring and Beckham Rhame was terrific in net for the Huskies.

Read More Saint Joe Athletics News Stories Here
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