Alumni
Soundings
Newsletter
November 22, 2024
| |
| |
Message from Henry Chandler, Alumni Coordinator | |
Thanksgiving marks a milestone in the school year. Students and faculty have one quarter of the year down and the late Thanksgiving date means that semester exams and Christmas Break are just four weeks off. Given the proximity of Christmas, it is easy sometimes to forget the purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday. We have so much to be thankful for----family, friends, the food we consume, the beauty of the fall season and God's creation, the freedoms we enjoy. All are gifts from God the Father who deserves all thanks and praise. As you celebrate this wonderful holiday, please keep the Saint Joseph High School community in your prayers. The intentions of all alumni are remembered in each Saint Joe Prayer Corner.
This season also marks a long-standing Saint Joe tradition, the Thanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure) student organization. This year's drive surpassed its goal and will provide food to over 150 local families at Thanksgiving and the week beyond.
The Fund for Saint Joseph annual appeal launched this week and the first day produced over $8,000 in donations with a total of over $65,000 collected since the beginning of the current fiscal year on July 1. Saint Joseph High School is grateful for the financial support of its alumni as we continue to answer God's call and serve with joy.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and God's continued blessings,
| |
Henry Chandler, '67
Alumni Coordinator
| |
Alumni Faculty/Staff Spotlight | |
We are excited to feature Allik Stanley '11, in this issue of the Alumni Soundings!
Allik Stanley’s educational journey began at Corpus Christi Grade School, where she attended Pre-K through 8th grade, before graduating from Saint Joseph High School in 2011. She continued her studies at Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. Allik then pursued her Master’s in Social Work at Indiana University South Bend.
Before returning to Saint Joe, Allik worked as an elementary school social worker in South Bend Community Schools. Now, she serves as one of Saint Joe’s school counselors. Reflecting on her own high school experience, Allik shared that she was not heavily involved in sports or extracurricular activities but appreciated the way Saint Joe made space for everyone to find their place. That inclusive spirit inspired her to return as an employee and help students discover their own paths.
As a student, some of Allik’s favorite memories include Father Bly’s iconic “student” callouts in class, the beloved lunchroom cookies, Saint Joe Service Days, Spirit Weeks, and pep rallies. Returning to Saint Joe, she’s noticed many changes, with air conditioning being the most striking. She jokes that nothing compares to the hot hallways and classrooms filled with fans from her time as a student. Beyond the physical updates, Allik is proud of how Saint Joe has grown and evolved over the years.
In her role as a counselor, Allik enjoys meeting with students one-on-one to discuss their futures, plan their four-year paths, and problem-solve together. She also appreciates being part of a supportive and tight-knit counseling team.
Outside of work, Allik’s free time is devoted to her three-year-old son. They enjoy playing outside, visiting the zoo, and taking walks with their dog. This fall, her son attended his first Saint Joe football game, adding another special memory to their connection with the school. We're thrilled to have her guiding and supporting our students!
| |
Fund for Saint Joseph is Live | |
On Monday, November 18 we officially launched the 2024-25 Fund for Saint Joseph, Sparking Joy.
The Fund for Saint Joseph remains the most critical of all our fundraising efforts, as it supports faith formation, co-curricular programs, classroom resources, professional development, athletics, campus maintenance and more.
Thank you for everything you do to support the students, faculty/staff, and mission of Saint Joseph High School.
| |
Jim Healy '63 Completes Pilgrimage
Congratulations to Jim Healy '63, on completing a remarkable pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago! The Camino de Santiago, or "Way of St. James," is an iconic network of pilgrimage routes that converge at the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have taken on this spiritual and physical journey, embracing its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities for deep reflection. What an extraordinary accomplishment—well done, Jim!
| |
|
Missy Fisher '67 Receives Right to Life Award | |
Congratulations to Missy Fisher '67, on receiving the Charles E. Stimming, Sr. Pro-Life Award 2024. Missy has volunteered for Right to Life of Indianapolis for 13 years. In her time at Right to Life of Indianapolis she has helped in the office, chaired the student essay contest, and has helped in several different roles on the dinner committee. One of Missy's greatest gifts is bringing others along on her journey with her. She has been instrumental in recruiting other volunteers to serve alongside her and has recruited judges for contests, other members of the dinner committee, and supporters and sponsors of the organization. "I thank God for taking me on this journey of being able to serve others. May God bless all in need.", Missy stated.
| |
Todd Griffee '85 Releases New Book
Todd Griffee '85, is an investigator with the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the author of a new book entitled Touche': A Notre Dame All-American Fencer's Spiritual Guide to Success. His book will be added to the Alumni Author's shelf in the school's Leighton-Oare Learning Center.
| |
|
Horsemanship Center Ribbon Cutting
Claire Brunner ’85, Director of Horsemanship, recently celebrated a major milestone in Bozeman, MT, by cutting the ribbon for the newly opened Storey Mills Horsemanship Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the horsemanship program. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a night to remember, with community members and program participants coming together to commemorate this momentous event. The Storey Mills Horsemanship Education Center is set to become a cornerstone for equestrian education, fostering growth and development for riders and enthusiasts alike.
| |
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.
| |
Happenings Around Saint Joe | |
Music Department Receives Instruments from Class of 1961 | |
The Music Department would like to thank Don Sieg '61, for his generous donation of an electric keyboard and sound equipment, and Barri Evangelisti '61, for his generous donation of a Martin Tenor Sax, LeBlanc grenadilla Clarinet, and Artley Flute. These donations are already helping students learn and perform! | |
Fall Play Cast and Crew Members Shine on Stage | |
This year's fall play built upon the Theatre program’s legacy of educational and creative endeavors. With a large cast, they welcomed many students to the SJHS Theatre stage, including several freshmen making their debut. Mystery at Whimbowly Manor offered students an opportunity to develop characters through slapstick comedy, teaching both the challenges and rewards of physical humor and timing. Over its two-night run, nearly 400 students, family members, friends, and faculty came out to support the cast and crew, celebrating the hard work that brought this production to life. Congratulations to everyone involved! We look forward to seeing you all at auditions for the spring musical. | |
Saint Joseph High School
Athletics Update
| |
Student-Athletes Sign National Letter of Intent | |
We are so proud of the seven student-athletes who participated in Wednesday's early signing period and signed their National Letters of Intent to compete at the college level.
Congratulations to Josh Dolniak (Manchester University, baseball), Alexis Marscola (Mount Saint Joseph University, softball), Abigail Roos (University of South Carolina, equestrian), Kenadie Schrock (Saint Mary's College, basketball), Joe Washburn (Creighton University, baseball), Berkley Zache (University of Oklahoma, softball), and Brody Zielinski (Wabash Valley College, baseball)
| |
If you or an alumnus you know is not receiving communications from Saint Joseph High School — we can fix that! We want to make sure everyone receives this monthly newsletter, Focus magazine, and any other news. Please contact alumni coordinator Henry Chandler to receive communications.
To update an address, email, phone, last name, etc., please contact us here.
| | | | |