Warrior Paths Online Edition, November 2023 | |
If you have a story for any future Warrior Paths, please don't hesitate to contact our Director of Marketing and Communications, Tony Burke, at burkea@walshjesuit.org. | |
Giving Thanks
Tomorrow we will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. We asked several of our students and staff what they are grateful for this holiday. From our Walsh Jesuit family to yours we wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Click here or the picture above to watch.
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Girls Soccer Stands Alone at #1 | |
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An amazing playoff run culminated in the 11th Girls Soccer State Championship in school history after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Olentangy Liberty.
"It's overwhelming to think of the significance of our season," said Warriors Head Coach Javier Iriart. "I feel blessed and privileged to have helped and been a part of this achievement."
After a couple of easy wins, games began to get much tougher. A 2-1 score seemed to be the Warrior magic elixir, winning in the Regional finals over Magnificat 2-1, Strongsville in the Final Four, and then Liberty by the same count! When the final horn sounded at Historic Columbus Crew Stadium, jubilation set in for the team and the thousands of Warrior Nation in attendance. The Warriors had won the 46th team State Championship for the maroon and gold.
“The feeling of being a state champion is amazing. I have never felt anything like it before,” said Hannah Pachan ’25. Teammate Ciara Santiago ’25 added, “Being a state champion is such a surreal feeling where you know all the hard work and dedication has finally paid off.”
Senior Adriana Lika was terrific in goal all tournament long. She was euphoric to end her WJ career with a title. “It feels amazing! I am still in shock that we won! Everything from the start of our trip to Columbus and back has felt like a dream.”
“This team is the perfect blend of personalities," said Coach iriart. "The core of the group has been together for three years now and has done a fantastic job of integrating the new members while maintaining a high-performance environment. These young women are so selfless, compassionate, smart, and brave. It’s a gift to spend time with them everyday in the fall."
After the season closed, our community learned that Reagan Pentz ’25 was selected 2nd team All-Ohio, and Hannah Pachan ’25 was named the Division 1 Player of the Year!
“I am super honored to be selected D1 Player of the Year,” said Hannah. “It would not have been possible without my teammates who continued to make me better and helped me grow into the player I am.”
Coach Iriart added. "Hannah Pachan is unreal. She is smart, coachable, light-hearted, funny, fearless, and has one of the highest game intuitions I've ever seen. Most importantly, Hannah sees herself as just another member of our team. She doesn't elevate herself over others. We have a team full of players who are incredibly talented and share her sense of selflessness. I know Hannah agrees that it's a team award seeing Hannah get POY."
Congratulations Warriors on an amazing journey to the top for our entire community!
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It's was wonderful end to the summer for 1997 graduate Tania Nemer. Tania, who has been practicing law since her graduation with distinction from Western Michigan University, was appointed a federal judge in Cleveland in August!
"I was very surprised!" said Judge Nemer. "I had only been at the Probate Court for six months when I got the call. Mind you, I had gone through the rigorous application process and interviews for the judge position but it is a coveted position with lots of applicants. I was not sure that I would ever earn this spot though I had initially applied three years prior."
The ceremony was presided over by Attorney General Merrick Garland in Washington D.C. "It was amazing! It was such an honor to be sworn in by the Attorney General of the United States and being on the dais with so many wonderful new judges. But I think the greatest honor was watching the pride in my parents, who immigrated here over fifty years ago from Lebanon."
In her new role as an Immigration Judge, Tania is presiding mainly over removal cases which involve applications for asylum. It's complex because non-citizens are not afforded many constitutional rights, such as a right to an attorney, so her job is to follow the law and make sure that each individual is afforded a full and fair hearing. It's a role she is ready for because of her vast professional experience at a law firm, Catholic Charities, Akron Municipal Court, and the Prosecutor's Office, and Probate Court in Summit County.
"My various positions in my professional life really helped give me a more well-rounded experience in working with others and serving the community, and I am grateful for the times I had with each of those employers. After seven years with the law firm McGinty, Hilow, & Spellacy, I switched gears and worked at Catholic Charities (Cleveland) where I narrowed my practice to working only with immigrants. I had the opportunity to work exclusively with vulnerable populations and learn about nonprofit systems, which included grants, different processes to navigate, and different people to meet."
Tania was part of the first girls class to attend WJ, and she is very grateful for her time as a student on Wyoga Lake Road. "My parents reminded me almost every day that I was lucky to be a Walsh student – and that they worked hard to give me that opportunity. They were exactly right. I had so many good memories at Walsh and met so many great people with whom I am still friends to this day."
She ran track and played tennis as a Warrior. Tania credits her coaches, like Coach Rocco, Coach Hassman, Coach Thomas, Coach Ritchie and others for pushing our student-athletes to be their best. "When you have people in your corner you feel so empowered."
Tania feels as thouhg her education at Walsh jesuit was instrumental in who she is today. "Mr. Ricco was an influential person and mentor to me. He was a kind soul but knew when he needed to be firm." She continued, "Walsh Jesuit gave me the opportunity to discover and develop my own independent devotion to service. There were so many opportunities to help our community and I tried to take advantage of each one of them."
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In just 6 days we are asking to "Give Where Your Heart Is" as we celebrate Give Maroon and Gold Day in conjunction with Giving Tuesday.
November 28 is the day our entire WJ community come together to give back and make a transformational difference at WJ. Proudly support the Maroon and Gold with your gift to the Warrior Fund. You can designate your gift to something that you hold near and dear to your heart, like the Arts, Athletics, Tuition Assistance, and more.
Our goal is 925 gifts - one for every Walsh Jesuit student. As an added bonus, there will be a competition among classes this year. The winning class, with the most donors, will be provided with an All-Event pass for the remainder of the school year for each person who makes a gift. You don't have to wait until November 28 to make your gift, just click the button below at any time through next Tuesday.
Everything we do for our students has a way of rippling into the future. Every dollar we give, every student we educate, and every chance we take creates a legacy.
Follow us November 28 on social media using the #gmgd, and see all the good your generosity is doing!
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It's Not Too Good to be True!
Walsh Jesuit High School Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)
IT IS A DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE IN OHIO
You can now redirect your Ohio State tax dollars to our Warriors for your 2023 state tax return with your donation.
Make donations for students of Walsh Jesuit High School while also receiving a tax credit. It is a dollar-for-dollar credit but is limited to the lesser of $750 for an individual (or
$1,500 if married and filing jointly) or the related State of Ohio tax liability.
Make your gift HERE by December 31 to qualify for your 2023 taxes!
Watch Principal, Sean Lynch, explain this awesome tax opportunity by clicking the picture above.
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007 Reasons to Save the Date! | |
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It is almost Warrior Gala season, and we need your help to make this year’s mission possible.
Save the date for our 2nd annual I <3 WJ Warrior Gala Gift Gathering Day for Tuesday, February 13, 2024 and our 52nd annual Warrior Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
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Class of '28 Admissions News
Financial Aid applications to Walsh Jesuit for the Class of 2028 are available online for all students interested in enrolling in the 9th grade at Walsh Jesuit next fall.
All families interested in applying for Financial Aid must complete this application in order to be considered. Applications will be accepted through December 1, 2023, and award amounts will be announced in December.
Also, students interested in applying for merit scholarships to Walsh Jesuit High School are asked to submit a copy of your 1st quarter 8th grade report card along with the application form below. Merit Scholarship Applications for the class of 2028 are due by December 1, 2023.
Click the button below for more information and applications.
Any questions or need more information, contact our Admissions office at admissions@walshjesuit.org or 330-929-4205, x153.
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Almost 400 eighth graders have already taken advantage of the Warrior for a Day Program. How about you?
Spend a couple hours one morning with us and see why WJ is so special. Interested families can get a tour of campus while their child is with one of our amazing student ambassadors. Secure your spot in December Now.
#BeAWarrior
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Hundreds Make it a Point to Come Home | |
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Homecoming Weekend was a huge celebration of our alumni and current Warriors. Hundreds of alums and their families descended on their alma mater, Friday night, October 6 for some great refreshments courtesy of Doodle Drive-In, family fun, and some football.
It was also Senior Night and Jr. Warrior Night as more than 100 future Warriors welcomed the football team out of the tunnel and out on to the field. The gridiron Warriors did their part, knocking off NDCL.
Saturday night belonged to our students as more than 700 young men and women got all dressed up and arrived at WJ for the annual Homecoming Dance. The brand new 360 degree video machine was a huge hit for students to create their own special memories. The kids sang and danced to their favorite tunes, while enjoying the legendary slushees and cookies throughout the night.
It was a great weekend of memories, laughs, and some football fun!
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Around Athletics
The Fall Sports seasons have concluded as Warrior Nation now prepares for the Winter Sports season. A quick glance on how our teams did:
As you saw above, the Girl's Soccer Warriors are State Champs!
On the men's side, the Soccer Warriors finished the year 18-3-1 as Regional Runner Up. The team continued its improvement from 6 to 15 to 18 wins over each of the last 3 years, along with more goals scored and less goals conceded in each of the past 3 years. The team has won back to back District Championships and been in the District Finals in 3 of the past 4 years.
The gridiron Warriors completed another spectacular season this past Saturday, reaching the Elite 8 and finishing at 12-2 after a Regional Final loss to Hoban. The guys won the Crown Conference title, and 3 playoff games over Akron Firestone, Austintown Fitch and Hudson. The Warriors landed 26 players on All-Crown Conference Teams, including the Co-Defensive Players of the Year, John Keough '26 and Brock Sherman '26. Head Coach Nick Alexander was named the conference Coach of the Year.
The Field Hockey team finished their season under .500 but had good wins against Stow, Kent, and Laurel. The team was led by seniors: Grace Iero, McKenna Bitikofer, Maria Grossi, Claire Freemal, and the Offensive MVP Megan Mountain and Defensive MVP Cathleen Kershner. Senior Sienna Tepley finished her 4-year career at Walsh Jesuit. To honor her, she received the Ultimate Warrior Award and her #10 jersey was retired.
The Volleyball Warriors have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. Freshman Sydney Pesut made a huge impact on the team racking up 52 blocks this season. Senior Gabrielle Grdina led the team in aces with a total of 44 and and had the highest percent of aces per set at 0.6. Sophomore Avery Piersall was the lead setter for the team and she had over 300 assists. The Warriors ended their season in a tough battle in the district semifinals against Massillon Perry.
On the links, the men's team had another very successful campaign in 2023
The team had seven top three finishes throughout the season, including two championships, Crown Conference and Strongsville invitational. Anthony Spain '26, qualified for the state tournament and finished 21st.
The girl's golf team won the sectional title for the first time in five years. Led by senior captain, Annie Stencel, with scoring average of 79.5 and low career score of 70 as well as great scores of 74 and 75. The Warriors also won the Crown Conference by a massive of 89 strokes and also had top three finishes in 4 events.
Men's Cross Country saw success winning the McQuaid Invitational AA Race against 29 other teams, and winning the Crown Conference Championship for the first time since 2019. Juniors, Lucas Rey, Caleb Smesko, and Lou LaGuardia along with freshman, Caleb Hamilton earned first team Crown Conference honors. Recognized for second team all conference were juniors, Nico Pascarella and Connor Pittinger.
The Women’s XC team also had their fair share of success featuring their first Crown Conference Championship since 2016. Senior, Emma Simms and junior, Lindsay Lisle were named first-team Crown Conference. Senior, Avery Brobbey and freshmen, Caroline Marrone and Ava Magers earned second team honors. You can see the season highlight video here.
The Walsh Women’s tennis team ended a .500 season with some great victories including winning the Crown Conference and having 5 girls (Singles: Lauren Stephens '25, Laura McHale '25, Eva Amourgis '27; Doubles: Megan Graham '25 and Maggie Hummel '24) make it to the Sectional Finals.
The Walsh Cheer team is off to a great start in competition as they took first place and the creative pyramid award in the OASSA Cheer Invitational at Eversole Middle School and a first place finish this past weekend in Minerva.
And November 8 was National Signing Day for the early signees as our student-athletes will further their academic and athletic careers at:
Gabrielle Grdina, Volleyball, Clarion University
Sam Pece. Baseball, Miami University
Mya Marshall, Lacrosse, Notre Dame College
Lauren Vitantonio, Lacrosse, University of Akron
Sienna Tepley, Softball, West Point Military Academy
Natalie Susa, Softball, University of Minnesota
Kate Trzcinski, Volleyball, University of Buffalo
Jordan Valahovic, Gymnastics, University of North Carolina
Hannah Goodrich, Rowing, University of Wisconsin Madison
Congratulations to all of these great Warriors, we can't wait to follow your athletic progress at the next level!
To stay up to date with how the seasons are going, follow all of our athletic social media accounts, and our Warrior Athletics website.
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On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a very special evening commenced on campus as we awarded Doug “Doc” Worthington, Mrs. Colleen Joyce, and Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ciccerone ‘70 the Manresa Award, Walsh Jesuit’s highest honor for their unwavering commitment, passion and service to our beloved home!
The 44th, 45th, and 46th beneficiaries of such a wonderful honor were celebrated with a Mass to begin the evening, presided over by WJ President, Fr. Christopher Fronk, SJ. After being presented their awards, the night continued with the President’s Reception in the Thomas J. Bain, SJ, Library. Through service, philanthropy, leadership, creativity, vision, and unwavering care for Walsh Jesuit, our students, and our mission, The Ciccerones, Mrs. Joyce, and Doc Worthington are all very worthy recipients of the 2023 Manresa Award. We thank them for all they have done for Walsh Jesuit High School as Men and Women For Others.
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Follow all that is going on at WJ as the award winning Pioneer is now available online! The Pioneer features articles by Walsh Jesuit students. In addition, a team of student editors produces the publication. Read it now!
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Congratulations to Colin Norton '18, a business administration major at Ithaca College. Colin, an offensive lineman for the Bombers was named 1st Team, All-Liberty League.
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The Wright State Guardian wrote a very nice feature on Kiera Sarka '20, her battle with blood clots and how she is dominating on the soccer field. Read it here.
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Mr. Ritchie's famous Holiday Social is set! Details below:
WHAT: Annual WJ Cross Country and Track and Field Alumni/Present Team Members Holiday Social.
WHEN: Saturday, December 23, 2023, beginning at 6:00.
WHERE: Panini’s Bar & Grill (4200 Steeles Pointe, Stow, OH 44224)
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Congratulations to Zach Halligan '23, who scored his first points as an Akron Zip in a game last week vs. Heidelberg. We are sure those are the first of many for #21.
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On November 15, we had a terrific first Warriors on the Road with special guest and WJ icon Doc Worthington. Thank you Dave Sharp ‘90, owner of Pub Bricco for the tremendous hospitality. Join us for the next WOTR at Ground Xero in Northfield, owned by alum Kevin O'Donnell '93, on January 23.
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Join the Mothers' Club on Friday, December 1, from 6-8pm for the 8th annual Holiday Shop the World. This is a wonderful tradition and a way for families to kick off the holiday season! Please RSVP through this link below by November 26, 2023 for a night of festive celebrations and Fair Trade vendors.
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Also during Shop the World there will be plenty going on around campus with the Basketball Warriors opening their season in the Dome with a triple-header beginning at 4:30 vs. Highland. The WJ Christmas Band and Orchestra Concert will also be taking place at 7pm. So come on out and enjoy all WJ has to offer on December 1!
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Alex Stec '10, a great student-athlete as a Warrior, was featured by her college alma mater, Ohio University. Read about how Alex has used her experiences to be very successful in the world of communications and journalism.
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Alums, we want to hear from you! Keep us updated on any life events you've experienced (marriage, career, child, address change, and more) by clicking here. It takes just a moment and helps to ensure you receive the latest campus news, events and reunion information! | |
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The Walsh Jesuit community remembers all alumni who have gone to meet the risen Lord, eternal rest grant unto them,
O God, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen
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Follow us on Social Media to stay current on all things Walsh Jesuit! | |
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Full Year Calendar
Athletics Calendars
November 22-26: Thanksgiving Break
November 28: Give Maroon and Gold Day
November 28: Adult Faith Enrichment Series, Catholic Just War Series, 7pm, WJ Theater, RSVP here. Submit a question for the panel here
December 1: Shop the World Trade Fair, 6-8pm, Rotunda
December 1: Christmas Band and Orchestra Concert, 7pm, WJ Theater
December 2: Harmony Gold Show Choir Concert, Christmas Cabaret, 2pm, WJ Theater
December 5: Adult Faith Enrichment Series, Praying with Scripture, 7-8pm, Chapel
December 8-10: Ironman Wrestling Tournament
December 12: Adult Faith Enrichment Series, The Infancy Narratives, 7-8pm, Chapel
December 13: Lessons & Carols
December 21 - January 7: Christmas Break
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