June 29, 2010

WILLIAMS ACCEPTS ROLE AS LEHMAN BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

Isaiah Williams, described by his mentors as a man of integrity and responsibility, has been coaching highly competitive basketball for the past 11 years.  A father of two and the Executive Director of the Lincoln Community Center in Troy, Williams has dedicated his life to the service of others.

Williams was named the boys varsity basketball coach according to an announcement made by Athletic Director Richard Roll.  Williams succeeds Bruce Vanover who stepped down from his position after three seasons.

Williams, has served as both an assistant boys varsity coach at Wayne High School in Huber Heights and head coach of various age groups in the Dayton Nets AAU program.  During his three years at Wayne, Williams served as the “X’s and O’s guy” for a team that became Sectional Champions in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Wayne Head Coach Travis Trice speaks very highly of the abilities of Coach Williams, “I believe that he has a great feel and plan of what a program should look like from every aspect….academically, athletically and socially.  He has a thirst for knowledge about the game of basketball and has taken the attitude that there is always more that he can learn.  He will be successful.”

Isaiah Williams was born in Troy, but moved to Dayton when he was young.  He attended Meadowdale High School graduating in the top 20% of his class.  He was a three-year varsity letterman in basketball and golf.  As a result of his accomplishments in high school he received numerous scholarships and awards including being voted “most likely to succeed” and the Lions Award for “most character”.

Williams expressed that while he was excited about interviewing for a head coaching position, his ambition for being Lehman’s head coach intensified when he learned more about the mission and vision of the school during his first interview.  “This is a perfect situation within a great school serving a great community.  My lifestyle and what I try to represent reflects the mission of the school, ‘to educate the whole person – body, mind and soul – for the glory of God and service to others.”

Coach Williams is looking forward to meeting with the boys.  He plans to “open the pathways of communication, build relationships with our players and discuss his coaching staff’s expectations.”

Athletic Director Dick Roll noted that after interviewing Williams and conferring with his references, “The selection committee is confident that we have made the best choice for Lehman Catholic.  We are convinced Isaiah will bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to our school.  We are looking forward to working with him and for the continued success of the Lehman boys basketball program.”

June 9, 2010

LEHMAN AWARDED BRONZE AS BUCKEYE BEST HEALTHY SCHOOL

The Ohio Department of Health has presented a bronze award to Lehman Catholic High School for its participation in the Buckeye Best Healthy School Awards Program, according to Principal Denise Stauffer.

Stauffer expressed her congratulations to the Lehman Wellness Committee, students, faculty and staff for being recognized as a Buckeye Best Healthy School. A plaque will be presented to the school in August, according to Angela Norton, chair of the awards program.

June 2, 2010

LEHMAN'S VANOVER RESIGNS AS VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

Bruce A. Vanover of Piqua has resigned as head coach of the varsity boys basketball team at Lehman Catholic High School, according to an announcement made today by Lehman Athletic Director Richard Roll.

According to Roll, Vanover contacted him Tuesday evening to announce his decision which will become effective immediately. Vanover has spent the past three years at Lehman where he has amassed a 47-22 record and helped his team capture two sectional basketball championships.

Prior to coming to Lehman, Vanover was a teacher and coach at Miami East Local Schools. He continues to teach in the Miami East school district where his daughter, Terra, will be enrolled this fall.

“Bruce is leaving mainly to watch his kids play basketball,” explained Roll. “Brooke, a 2010 Lehman grad, is attending Edison Community College on a basketball scholarship and her younger sister, Terra, will be playing at Miami East.”

Roll described Vanover as an “excellent coach who brought respect and integrity to our basketball program”.

Applications and resumes for the position of head basketball coach are now being accepted through June 18. Resumes can be mailed to Roll at Lehman, 2400 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, OH.  45365 or emailed at r.roll@lehmancatholic.com

June 1, 2010

FIVE LEHMAN GRADS INDUCTED INTO SCHOOL'S HALL OF FAME

Five members of the Class of 2010 at Lehman Catholic High School were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame during the traditional senior awards ceremony Friday morning in the Schlater Family Gymnasium.

Honors were conferred upon 2010 Valedictorian Sarah Milota, daughter of Gene and Carol Milota, of Troy; Salutatorian Wade Schroeder, son of Tony and Joan Schroeder, of Sidney; National Merit Commended Scholar John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt, of Sidney; Haley Guillozet, daughter of Tom and Melanie Guillozet of Piqua; and Erin Slater, daughter of Doug and Theresa Slater, of Sidney. In order for a student to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he/she must either serve as a valedictorian or salutatorian, be named a National Merit scholar or earn a 4.0 GPA average during their four years at Lehman.

It was reported that 83 per cent of the 59 graduating seniors plan to attend a four-year college this fall while 17 per cent plan to attend a two-year college. This year’s seniors were awarded $2.87 million in scholarships in scholarships and grants over the next four years and $777,608 in scholarships and grants during the 2010-2011 school year.

The following students were recognized during the morning ceremony attended by parents, faculty and LCHS undergraduates:

Megan Althaus-University of Dayton, visual communication design major; UD Dean’s Merit Scholarship,UD Adele Scholarship and William A. Ross Jr. Scholarship.

Megan Baird-Wright State University, nursing major; WSU Honors Program, WSU Raider Scholarship, Violet Richards Soroptimist of Tipp City Award, Scotts Lawn Community Service Award, Ohio Business Week; Sidney Moose Lodge Scholarship and Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister and Shenk Scholarship.

Christian Bauer-Wright State University, biology/pre-optometry major; WSU Raider Scholarship.

Ellie Berlekamp-Miami University of Ohio, major undecided; Miami Resident Scholarship.

Travis Bosse-Wright State University, accounting major.

Landon Brockman-St. Joseph Renssalear College, accounting major.

Joe Butz-Edison Community College, sports management major.

Zach Cecil-Bishop Simon Brute Seminary, Marian University, Catholic studies major; Marian University Sts. Francis and Clare Academic Scholarship, Bishop Simon Brute Scholarship, Sidney American Legion Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Sidney Scholarship and Bill and Marilyn Kingseed Scholarship.

Parker Cole-The Ohio State University, mechanical engineering major; OSU Scholars Program, OSU Trustees Scholarship, Ohio Cooperative Education Agency Scholarship and Knights of Columbus Youth of the Year Scholarship.

Ariel Coleman-Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, criminal justice major; Academia Scholarship.

Nathan Davis-Wright State University, nursing major; WSU First Year Recognition Scholarship.

Dimitri Desourrces-University of Cincinnati, psychology major.

Adam Freytag-The Ohio State University, architecture major; OSU Buckeye Distinction Scholarship.

Jennifer Geise-University of Dayton, major undecided; UD Adele Scholarship and UD Dean’s Merit Scholarship.

Adam Giesseman-Edison Community College, computer programming major.

Lauren Gilardi-University of Cincinnati, psychology major.

Molly Graver-Otterbein University, accounting major; Otterbein Scholarship; Otterbein Grant, Otterbein Dean’s Leadership Award, Otterbein Endowed Scholarship, Herb and Antoinette Schlater Scholarship for Sidney Electric Co.

Haley Guillozet-The Ohio State University; major undecided/exploration; OSU Health Sciences Scholars Program, OS Provost Scholarship, Winslow Seidel Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship.

Elliott Harrod-Miami University of Ohio, mechanical engineering major; Miami Resident Scholarship and US Bank Thomas Heringhaus Scholarship.

Jennifer Heitmeyer-Ohio University, education major; Ohio University Honors Program and Ohio University Gateway Scholarship.

Ryan Jacob-Hocking College, natural resources major; Shelby County Educator’s Award and Tom Jordan Memorial Scholarship.

Caitlin Jenkins-University of Cincinnati, aerospace engineering major.

Macy Kerrigan-Northern Kentucky University, social work major, Lundgard Scholarship.

Ben Kessler-St. Joseph Renssalear College, philosophy major; St. Joseph Band Performance Scholarship and St. Joseph Dean’s Scholarship.

Abigail Kruse-Edison Community College, hospitality management major; Lundgard Scholarship.

Andy Lawrence-Wright State University, accounting major; WSU Honors Program; WSU Raider Scholarship; WSU Accounting Leadership Program Award, D.J. Smith Accounting Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship.

Adam Lenz-Columbus State University, major undecided.

Kameron Leuenberger-Akron University, radiology major.

Ashleigh Luken-University of Cincinnati, pre-pharmacy major; Lundgard Scholarship.

Abby Maurer-University of Dayton, English major; CORE Program, UD Dean’s Merit Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Sidney Scholarship, UD Academic Competitiveness Grant, UD Ohio College Opportunity Grant, Altrusa Club of Sidney Scholarship and Kauffman Family Scholarship.

Elizabeth McDevitt-Xavier University, major undecided; Xavier Scholars Program, Xavier Trustee Scholarship and Xavier Legacy Scholarship.

Brittany McDonagh-Ohio University, business administration major; The Minster Bank Scholarship.

Bryan McDonagh-Bowling Green State University, major undecided, BGSU Scholarship.

Kelly McElroy-Otterbein University, major undecided; Otterbein Honors Program, Otterbein President’s Scholarship, Otterbein College Grant, Otterbein Sibling Grant and Otterbein Dean’s Leadership Scholarship.

Amanda Miller-Kent State University, early childhood education major; Kent State Honors Program, Kent State Trustees Scholarship, Kent State Honors Scholarship, Kent State Honors Residence Scholarship, Ohio College Opportunity Grant, Sell, Hegeman and Zimmerman Scholarship and Robert and Miriam Hartzell Scholarship.

Sarah Milota- Valedictorian-Marquette University, biological sciences and pre-med major; Marquette Ignatius/Magis Scholarship and First National Bank of New Bremen Scholarship.

Ross Moore-University of Dayton, business major; UD Dean’s Merit Scholarship, UD Adele Scholarship and Antioch Shrine Scholarship.

David Morand-Ball State University, music technology major; Ball State Presidential Scholarship, The Ruese Insurance Agency Scholarship, The William A. Ross Jr. Scholarship and The Unverferth Music Scholarship.

Reid Owen-Columbus State University, culinary arts major.

Katelyn Palsgrove-Xavier University, nursing major; Knights of St. John Scholarship, Xavier Presidential Scholarship, Xavier Grant and Xavier Academic Competiveness Grant.

Adam Peltier-Marion Military Institute Prep School and West Point Military Academy, social science major; West Point Appointment; US Army ROTC; West Point Preparatory Scholarship; Upper Valley Medical Center Sharing Plus Scholarship, Piqua Rotary Scholarship and Clifton Alexander Memorial Scholarship.

Alex Peltier-Wright State University, mechanical engineering major; WSU Grant.

Brennan Riesenbeck-Wright State University, computer science major.

Ciara Sargeant-University of Dayton, international business major; UD Dean’s Merit Scholarship.

Tyler Sargent-Edison Community College, mechanical engineering major.

Abby Schneider-University of Cincinnati, nursing major; Sidney VFW Scholarship.

Kaley Schneider-Otterbein University, pre-optometry major; Otterbein Scholar Award, Otterbein Premier Department Award, Otterbein trustee Award and Otterbein College Grant.

Wade Schroeder-Valedictorian-University of Dayton, electrical engineering major; UD Honors Program, UD Trustee Scholarship, UD Engineering Dean’s Scholarship and Midmark Technical Scholarship.

Katie Schulz-Ohio University, social work major; Masonic Lodge Scholarship, Piqua Kiwanis Scholarship; Warren Lodge of Piqua Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship.

Stephanie Shoenfelt-The Ohio State University, philosophy/pre-med scholar; OSU Honors Program and OSU Provost Scholarship.

Erin Slater-University of Cincinnati, nursing major; UC Honors Program, UC Cincinnatus Scholarship and Thomas Given Scholarship.

David Spearman-Undecided pending college baseball opportunities; business major.

John Staudt-National Merit Commended Student-Northwestern University, economics major, Daughters of the American Revolution Award.

Allison Ulbrich-The Ohio State University, nursing major; Miami County Pro-Life Essay Award, OSU Stutz Family Scholarship, Andres S. Morrell Leadership Award, Ohio Energy Scholarship, Piqua American Legion Earnest John Award and Lundgard Scholarship.

Gayle Ulrich-University of Cincinnati, industrial design major; UC Honors Program, UC Cincinnatus Scholarship, Sidney Altrusa Scholarship and Studio Eleven Scholarship.

Emily VanTreese-Miami University of Ohio, major undecided; Miami Honors Program, Miami Resident Scholarship and Scott Family McDonald’s Ray Kroc Award.

Brooke Vanover-Edison Community College general studies major, Edison Athletic Scholarship for Basketball.

Sam Vondenhuevel-University of Dayton, history major; UD Father Chaminade Scholarship.

Marlee Wion-Ohio University, exercise physiology major; Piqua Noon Optimist Chuck Wagner Memorial Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship.

May 24, 2010

LEHMAN'S PELTIER TO ATTEND WEST POINT PREPARATORY ACADEMY

Although he was only an elementary student playing peewee football at Piqua Catholic School on September 11, 2001, Adam Peltier was keenly aware of what happened on that tragic day when nearly 3,000 innocent civilians were killed by suicide hijackers in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. The horrific event, he recalls, charted his path for the future.

Nine years later, the Lehman Catholic High School senior is ready to embark on a lifetime of service to his country. Beginning this fall, the son of Mike and Kelly Peltier of Piqua will be among a core of 60 outstanding men and women nationwide wait listed at West Point Military Academy to receive an Association of Graduates’ West Point Preparatory Scholarship Program grant for the 2010-2011 academic year. Pending successful completion, Peltier will be welcomed into the Class of 2011 at the West Point Military Academy and the first Lehman graduate to attend the prestigious New York school.

“When 9/11 occurred,” explained Adam, I was just a youngster playing peewee football. Ever since (that day) I’ve felt that this country has given me so much and, at the least, I can give back. I’ve always wanted to attend West Point. Once I got to high school, I couldn’t see myself going to a normal college because I think that when you do it’s about attending classes, going to parties and it’s about you and your career. At a military school, everything you do is for your entire country. Everything you’re doing there is for a purpose that’s bigger than yourself.” An avid fan of West Point, Peltier says his bedroom is adorned in school colors- black and yellow-and adorned with a giant West Point flag.

Wise beyond his years, Peltier- who’s known as “Red” by his peers for his bright red hair-has been tenaciously working toward becoming admitted to the military academy. An honors student, he has honed his leadership skills and has served as a class officer and president of Lehman’s Student Council. He served as a co-captain of the Cavs’ football team, ran track and played basketball his freshman year. In addition, the outgoing senior has been named to the Piqua Chamber of Commerce Top 100 for the past four years, received the Clifton Alexander Award for service from the Piqua Salvation Army and has been actively involved as a volunteer in the Ohio River Clean-Up and Special Olympics. He has also been an altar server at St. Mary’s Parish since fourth grade.

“I was involved in two Lehman musicals- 42^nd Street and All Shook Up-but only had a total of five minutes stage time,” he laughed. “I was a police officer at the beginning of “42^nd Street” and a jail guy on “All Shook Up”. I would love to act but it was the singing part as to why I never tried out. I only agreed to cameo roles.”

Self described as a “perfectionist”, Adam says he was often characterized as a “fun kid” by his peers but someone who strived to do his best at everything he tried. “If I didn’t get 100 percent grade on a paper, I got upset,” he added. When he talks about lessons he’s learned from experiences such as Buckeye Boys’ State, he adds “I learned that ‘A life void of service is a life void of purpose’. The speaker who spoke those words really impressed me.”

A teenager who avoids alcohol and drugs as well as junk food, Peltier admits it’s been a “roller coaster ride” since first applying to West Point. He received nominations from both U.S. Representative John Boehner (R-Ohio) as well as U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and under went an extensive home visit from a West Point recruiter not to mention correspondence filed back and forth from West Point. While placed on a “waiting list” at the exclusive military academy, he was also notified he had received a four-year Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship to The Citadel in South Carolina. But then, in April, he received the letter he long awaited from West Point advising him that he was one of 60 wait-listed students accepted into the preparatory scholarship program and assurance that his chances of being admitted to West Point’s Class of 2011 “are excellent”.

Peltier will attend Marion Military Institute in Alabama for one year to hone his academic and leadership skills and become acclimated to the military environment. “I’m more than happy to attend the academy because it gives me an additional year to prepare” for the life of a West Point cadet. Pending admission next year, he plans to major in social sciences and, upon completion of his military career, will contemplate a career either with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or politics… possibly as a congressman.

At 5 feet 8 inches, the robust built 187-pound teenager plans to maintain his daily 4 a.m. fitness regimen of extreme workouts this summer and attend to a landscaping job at Joe White Landscaping in Sidney.

“Academically, mentally and spiritually,” he concluded, “Lehman put me on the right track. I couldn’t have received this kind of preparation elsewhere.”

When asked who has inspired him, Peltier cited two individuals: his father and the late Cpl. Samuel Pearson of Piqua who lost his life on October 10, 2007 during an attack on his unit in Baghdad, Iraq. “I never knew (Sam Pearson) but my whole Kairos (religious retreat) speech was about him,” explained Peltier. “I hope to be half the man he was. He laid down his life. Some day I may have to make the same sacrifice he did.” Peltier says he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy shown Cpl. Pearson during his funeral procession adding “That was probably one of the most memorable things I’ve seen in my entire life. He was respected so much and gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could be here today.” Peltier also cited his own dad, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Peltier, as his “role model” noting “We get along great. He’s fantastic. A lot of men can be fathers… but he’s also a great friend.”

May 24, 2010

LEHMAN STUDENTS AWARDED HONORS AT MUSIC BANQUET

The Lehman Catholic High School Music Department held its annual awards banquet recently at the Knights of St. John Hall in Piqua.

Receiving the Unverferth Music Boosters scholarship was senior David Morand, son of Mike and Brenda Morand of Sidney.  This $300 scholarship recognizes a student for whom music has made a significant difference in his or her life.  It is intended to inspire that student to continue to be involved in music after high school.  The scholarship award is named in memory of the grandmother and uncle of Lehman band director Elaine Schweller-Snyder who were both very active musicians. Morand plans to attend Ball State University and major in music technology.

Outstanding Musicianship Awards were presented to students in each class. Chosen Outstanding Senior Musician was Emily Van Treese, daughter of Jeff and Libby Van Treese of Sidney.  The Outstanding Junior Musician was Nathan Pax, son of Dennis and Kristine Pax of Piqua.  Chosen Outstanding Sophomore Musician was Emily Pax, daughter of Dennis and Kristine Pax of Piqua.  The Outstanding Freshman Musician was Ethan Jock, son of Dan and Melissa Jock of Maplewood.

Chosen Outstanding Lehman Limelighter was Sarah Milota, daughter of Gene and Carol Milota of Troy.  The Outstanding Men’s Choir Member was Parker Cole, son of Michael and Joanie Cole of Sidney, and the Outstanding Women’s Choir Member was Brittney McDonagh, daughter of Chris and Jeanie McDonagh of Sidney.

Seniors receiving plaques for at least two years in participation in music activities, choral or instrumental or both, were Megan Althaus, Landon Brockman, Ariel Coleman, Dimitri Dessources, Lauren Gilardi, Jennifer Heitmeyer, Caitlin Jenkins, Ben Kessler, Abigail Kruse, Ashleigh Luken, Brittney McDonagh, Bryan McDonagh, Amanda Miller, Sarah Milota, David Morand, Katelyn Palsgrove, Kaley Schneider, Katie Schulz, Stephanie Shoenfelt, John Staudt, and Emily Van Treese

Trays of ham and roast beef were provided by the Piqua Knights of St. John and each family brought a covered dish. 

May 17, 2010

LEHMAN UNDERGRADS HONORED AT ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

Over 225 Lehman Catholic High School students, parents, grandparents and faculty were present for the Undergraduate Awards Banquet this past week at the school, according to Principal Denise Stauffer. The banquet is an annual event which salutes the academic and extra-curricular accomplishments of Lehman freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

Awards were presented to the following students by Guidance Counselors Chuck Hoying and Barbara Saluke along with Mrs. Stauffer, Vice Principal Jake Johnson and respective members of the Lehman faculty.

The following students were honored for Perfect Attendance: juniors Jonathan Barhorst, Elizabeth Bauer, Kathryn Bauer, Julia Cabe, Andrew Elsner, MacKenzie Franklin, Allison Gaier and Matt Sprague; sophomores Dan Deafenbaugh, Megan Earhart, David Freytag, Lexie Froning, Kane Pickrel, Amelia Schultz, Dan Sehlhorst and Lindsey Spearman; and freshmen Keaton Cole, Louis Gaier, Riley Pickrel, Sarah Titterington and Stephanie Ulbrich.

In the area of leadership development, certificates were given to recipients of this year’s Boys and Girls State. Sponsored by the American Legion, Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State are week-long leadership programs, based on a State of Ohio simulation. Lehman students selected as candidates were: Boys State- Lance Kruse, Nathan Pax, Matt Sprague, Nick Zulauf and Devin Richard; and Girls State-Allison Gaier, Madison Husa, Maddie Schneider, Katie Bauer, Betsy Bauer and Jessica Thobe.

Daniel Sehlhorst was presented a certificate for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation (HOBY) which enables sophomores to attend a leadership seminar based on America’s incentive system.

Emily Pax and Kathryn Bauer received pins for the American High School Mathematics Exam. The exam is a competition among students across the nation. Both Pax and Bauer received the highest score for the Lehman student body.

Envirothon Awards

Within the area of science, certificates were presented to participants of this year’s Envirothon, a team field day competition whereby teams compete in the area of aquatics, soils, forestry, wild life and current environmental issues. Receiving certificates for their participation were undergraduates William Duritsch, Brandon Mullen, Katie Williams, Meghan Earhart and Pierce Bennett.

The following students received a superior rating at the Lehman Science Fair: Hayley Baker, Pierce Bennett, Tyler Bergman, Lauren Bosway, Sarah Davidson, Paxton Hatcher, D.J. Hemm, Kerri Josefovsky, Samantha Neumeier, Amelia Schultz, Andrea Thobe and Katie Williams. In addition the following students were invited to demonstrate their projects at the district science fair: Pierce Bennett, Lauren Bosway, Sarah Davidson, Paxton Hatcher, Kerri Josefovsky, Samantha Neumeier, Amelia Schulz, Andrea Thobe and Katie Williams. Based upon their results at the district science fair, Pierce Bennett, Lauren Bosway, Sarah Davidson, Kerri Josefovsky, Andrea Thobe and Katie Williams presented their projects at the state science fair at The Ohio State University.

Certificates were also awarded to members of this year’s Science Olympiad, an academic interscholastic competition which consists of a series of 23 individual and team events that students prepare for during the year. The events are based upon the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. Underclassmen honored were Mary Adkins, Elizabeth Bauer, Kathryn Bauer, Brandon Mullen, Nathan Pax, Matt Sprague, Maria Streng, Katie Catanzarite, Dan Deafenbaugh, David Freytag, Kyler Holland, Nicole Larger, Dan Sehlhorst, Michael Comer, Ethan Jock and Katie Rossman.

TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) awards were presented to Jacob Haller, Kyler Holland, Katie Catanzarite, David Freytag, Colleen Kinninger, Nicole Larger, Sean Looney, Emily Pax, Mary Adkins, Julia Cabe, Brandon Mullen, Nathan Pax and Maria Streng.

Ann Watercutter was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Award which is given annually to a junior student having the highest comprehensive science average.

Julia Cabe was presented with a certificate and plaque and named as recipient of the Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Humanities Award. This award recognizes and rewards academic achievement and emphasizes the importance of a broad educational background.

Mock Trial Participants

Certificates were also awarded to participants of the Mock Trial, a statewide competition in which high school teams compete against one another. Those recognized were Nathan Pax, Bishop Arnold, Emily Pax, Meghan Bennett, Colleen Kinninger, Alyx Meyers, Mary Adkins, Dan Sehlhorst, Maria Streng and Danielle Kuepper.

Certificates were presented to students named to first honors on the Honor Roll earning a grade point average of 93 percent or above for three consecutive quarters of the school years: Juniors: Andy Alessio, Elizabeth Bauer, Kathryn Bauer, Julia Cabe, Nick Cordonnier, Allison Gaier, Kalli Holland, Lance Kruse, Nathan Pax, Matt Pulfer, Devin Richard, Eryn Rowley, Maddie Schneider, Matt Sprague, Joe Staley, Maggie Steineman, Maria Streng, Jessica Thobe and Ann Watercutter.

Sophomores: Meghan Bennett, Tyler Bergman, Katie Catanzarite, Abby Ciriegio, Sarah Davidson, Dan Deafenbaugh, David Freytag, Dana Jenkins, Kerri Josefovsky, Colleen Kinninger, Nicole Larger, Sean Looney, Emily Pax, Morgan Schmitmeyer, Daniel Sehlhorst, Masie Sherman, Terra Vanover, Amy Watercutter and Katie Williams.

Freshmen: Hayley Baker, Pierce Bennett, Allison Bergman, Lauren Bosway, Keaton Cole, John Copella, Nick Cummons, Dan Davis, Louis Gaier, Tharon Goins, Jacob Haller, Michael Jacob, Ethan Jock, Brad Kaeck, Lydia McBride, Samantha Neumeier, Zachary Taylor, Andrea Thobe, Sarah Titterington and Mary Ellen Waldsmith.

Second honors were presented to the following students who received an 85 percent average or better for three consecutive quarters:

Juniors: Nick Chanos, MacKenzie Franklin, Christine Freytag, Abby Gary, Madison Husa, Garrett Kiefer, Annie Paulus, Tyler Steinke and Nick Zulauf.

Sophomores: Logan Adams, Emily Bensman, Nick Boshonek, Michael Comer, Natalie Davis, Meghan Earhart, Lexie Froning, Paxton Hatcher, D.J. Hemm, Angela McBride, Logan Monnin, Kandis Sargeant, Amelia Schultz, Lindsey Spearman, Matthew Ulrich and Maria Yannucci.

Freshmen: Mitchell Bosse, Emilee Cavinder, Ryan Edelen, Nick Haussman, Jacob Kessler, Emma Kiefer, Mitchell Kirtley, James Kuepper, Dylan Long, Allison Neu, Connor Richard, Kathryn Rossman and Emily Wildenhaus.

Leadership Recognition

During the awards banquet, students were recognized for their service in leadership positions of their classes and respective organizations. Allison Gaier was presented with a certificate for her role as treasurer for Relay for Life; Julia Cabe, secretary of the Pro Life Guards;  and Maddie Schneider for her role as secretary for the Interact Club and secretary of the Stock Club. Junior class officers recognized were: Lance Kruse, president; Ann Watercutter, vice president; Rodney Huston, secretary; and Devin Richard, treasurer. Sophomore class officers acknowledged were Angela McBride, president; Emily Bensman, vice president; Colleen Kinninger, secretary; and David Freytag, treasurer. Freshman class officers saluted were Lydia McBride, president; Louis Gaier, vice president; Ellie Waldsmith, secretary; and Ryan Edelen, treasurer.

Certificates were presented to undergraduates for their participation in the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee (SAAC): Brandon Mullen, Lance Kruse, Zachary Cooper, Julia Cabe, Jessica Thobe, Elizabeth Bauer, Kathryn Bauer, Maria Streng, Annie Paulus, Kailyn Moos, Allison Gaier, Mary Adkins, Nathan Pax and Joe Staley.

Each Lehman faculty member selects the top students for each subject they teach. The following students were awarded certificates in respective academic disciplines:

Art: Lyndsay Spearman, Art Fundamentals; Matt Ulrich, Art History I; Keaton Cole, Art History II and Lance Kruse, Ceramics.

Business and Computers: Daniel Sehlhorst, Introduction to Business; Kathryn Bauer, Accounting I; Devin Richard, Accounting II; Michael Jacob, Computer Applications I; and Nathan Pax, Computer Applications II.

English: Lauren Bosway, Comprehensive Freshman English; Dan Sehlhorst, Comprehensive Sophomore English; Lance Kruse, Comprehensive Junior English; Elizabeth Bauer and Kathryn Bauer, Advanced Junior English; and Andy Alessio, Journalism..

Foreign Language: Dan Sehlhorst, Latin I; Terra Vanover, Latin II; Lauren Bosway and Jacob Haller, Spanish I; Daniel Sehlhorst and Nicole Larger, Spanish II; and Elizabeth Bauer, Spanish III.

Mathematics: James Kuepper, Pre Algebra; Nick Cordonnier, Basic Geometry; Dylan Long, Algebra I; Nicole Larger, Algebra II; Sarah Davidson and Michael Jacob, Geometry; and Elizabeth Bauer and Ann Watercutter, Pre-Calculus.

Physical Education and Health: Kyler Holland, Health.

Religion: Lauren Bosway, Religion 101 Hebrew Scriptures; Samantha Neumeier, Religion 102 Christian Sculptures; Daniel Sehlhorst, Religion 201 Church History and Religion 202 Sacraments; Lance Kruse, Religion 301 Doctrine; and Ann Watercutter, Religion 302 Morality.

Science: Louis Gaier, Integrated Science; Samantha Neumeier, Biology; Nick Cordonnier, Environmental Science; Elizabeth Bauer, Katie Bauer and Dan Sehlhorst, Chemistry; Nicole Larger, Anatomy; and Ann Watercutter, Physics.

Social Studies: Michael Jacob, World Geography 105; Pierce Bennett, World Geography 110; Elizabeth Bauer and Maria Streng, American History; Lance Kruse and Abby Ciriegio, Psychology; Ann Watercutter and Emily Pax, Sociology; and Nathan Pax, American Government

May 8, 2010

LEHMAN AWARDED TWO SUPERIOR RATINGS AT STATE SCIENCE FAIR

Eight Lehman Catholic High School students participated in this year’s State Science Day held Saturday at The Ohio State University and two received superior ratings. The 62nd annual event involved over 1,000 students in seven through twelfth grades from schools across the state of Ohio who exhibited their science research projects.

Lehman freshman Pierce Bennett received a score of 39 out of 40 and a superior rating for his project “The Effects of Manure Runoff to Water Quality.” The son of Jim and Melissa Bennett of Houston, Pierce was also presented with the “Governor’s Award” for his environmental science project.

Senior Elizabeth McDevitt received a superior rating for “The Gauss Rifle: Projectiles & Magnets”. The daughter of Robert and Kathy McDevitt of Sidney, Elizabeth received a 37 out of 40 for her score in the physics category.

Four Lehman students were awarded excellent ratings for their projects at the state fair. Among those receiving “excellent” were Sophomore Sarah Davidson whose entry in the medicine and health category was “A Food’s Impact on Blood Sugar”. She is the daughter of Jeff and Josephine Davidson of Piqua. Also receiving “excellent” was Sophomore Kerri Josefovsky, daughter of Jody and Bonnie Josefovsky of Piqua. Kerri’s entry in the plant science category was titled “Are your Plants Smoking? The Effects of Carcinogens on Plant Growth and Development.”

An “excellent” rating was also scored by Senior Allison Ulbrich for her project “The Effect of Electromagnetism On Single-Celled Organisms” in microbiology. She is the daughter of Bill and Nancy Ulbrich of Piqua. Katie Williams received an “excellent” rating for her project “The Effect of Color on Memory Retention.” The sophomore is the daughter of John and Lori Williams of Piqua.

Lehman students receiving “good ratings” were Freshman Lauren Bosway for “The Effects of Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner on a Chemo Patient” and freshman Andrea Thobe for “Do Biodegradable Plant Based Plastics Decompose Faster than Petroleum Based Plastics?” They are the daughters of William and Mary Bosway of Sidney and Dean and Rebecca Thobe, respectively.

Science Day is the academic equivalent of a state athletic championship. Drawing from a base of 35,000 student participants at more than 1,000 local science fairs, the 1,000 7th to 12th graders from more than 200 schools were evaluated on their scientific research and communication skills. More than 40,000 students have participated in the annual event since it was first held in 1949.

Lehman science teachers require participation in science fair for most of their classes. Teachers of the students representing Lehman at the State Science Fair were Sister Ginny Scherer, Tracy Hall, Kris Pax and Jenny Weber.

May 8, 2010

MAY CROWNING CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT LEHMAN

The month of May in the Catholic Church is traditionally a time to honor Mary, the Mother of God. Students at Lehman Catholic High School began the month of May by honoring Mary at the school’s annual May Crowning on Friday. The ceremony took place following the weekly 10 a.m. Friday Mass. Senior Abigail Kruse was chosen by her classmates to lay a wreath of flowers on the head of the Blessed Virgin statue that is in the Lehman chapel. Her attendants were seniors Gayle Ulrich and Abigail Maurer. Abigail Kruse is the daughter of Dave and Sandy Kruse of Piqua. Ulrich is the daughter of Gerry and Jane Ulrich of Sidney. Maurer is the daughter of Jeff and Julia Maurer of Sidney. During the crowning ceremony, Lehman students and staff recited several prayers including the “Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and sang the hymn “Immaculate Mary.” The custom of crowning the statue of Our Lady or laying flowers at its base began in Italy in the 1750’s. The practice quickly spread across Europe and was often done on May 31, the feast day of the Queenship of Mary. In the United States, May Crownings were especially popular in the 1950’s and were often big events on the calendars of Catholic Schools. After the Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church in the late 1950s, the practice was discouraged for a time because it was thought that too much attention was being given to Mary and should be directed to Jesus. In the 1970’s, under Pope John Paul II, there was a resurgence of Marian devotion in the Catholic Church, allowing May Crowning to again become a popular custom. Lehman Catholic has been having an annual May Crowning for over 20 years.

May 7, 2010

LEHMAN FIELD DAY PROCEEDS BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

Student

May 7, 2010

LEHMAN FIELD DAY PROCEEDS BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

Students at Lehman Catholic High School spent Thursday afternoon enjoying the spring weather while raising funds for a good cause. The Lehman Relay for Life Team and Student Council co-sponsored a Field Day for all Lehman students and staff from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes were held in the morning. Some of the activities included a corn hole tournament, Madden Football on Xbox game; a basketball tournament and a dunk tank where Lehman students had an opportunity to throw balls at a target and immerse faculty members in a tank of water. Student Council also organized free activities including flag football, dodge ball, and tug of war contest. Each class fielded teams for these activities. An awards ceremony followed the afternoon events. New this year was a cake walk and opportunity for students to win a cake playing musical chairs. A snack bar and walking tacos were also available for students as well as pop and bottled water, according to Senior Megan Baird who serves as president of the Relay for Life, senior class treasurer and member of the Lehman Student Council. All proceeds from the event benefited the Lehman Relay for Life team and their preparations for participating in the Shelby County Relay for Life to be held in August. Relay for Life is a national organization that raises funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

May 6, 2010

LEHMAN ANNOUNCES 2010 VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN

Two Lehman Catholic High School seniors have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of their graduating class. They are Sarah Milota of Troy who will represent the Class of 2010 as valedictorian and Wade Schroeder of Sidney, who has achieved the honor of being named salutatorian.

They are among 59 graduating seniors scheduled to receive diplomas on Sunday, May 30, at 2 p.m. in the school’s Schlater Family Gymnasium. Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 28, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Piqua. Both Sarah and Wade will be inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame at 8:30 a.m. on May 28 as part of the Senior Awards Ceremony.

Sarah, daughter of Gene and Carol Milota, of Troy has maintained first honors the past four years at Lehman where she is a member of the National Honor Society, a Lehman Ambassador, former Student Council secretary, cross-country participant, former swim and track participant and member of the Lehman Limelighters show choir.

In addition she has been a member of the women’s choir, a three-year musical cast participant, a member of the musical crew, science fair participant, Mock Trial and participant in the OCTM Math Contest, Academia, SAAC, second vice president of Pro-Lifeguards; co-secretary of Relay for Life, Big Buddies and TEAMS. Among her activities is membership in Interact and serving as a Eucharistic minister and music ministry.

Within the community, Sarah has been involved in Music Warehouse, Piqua and Troy youth group, church youth council, competitive figure skating, a blood donor and Vacation Bible School leader.

This fall she plans to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee where she will major in biological sciences and pre-medicine.

Wade Schroeder is the son of Tony and Joan Schroeder of Sidney. Upon graduation, he plans to study electrical engineering at the University of Dayton.

Wade is a captain of the Lehman soccer team, a kicker on the football team and tennis player. He serves as president of the Stock Club, treasurer of the National Honor Society and secretary of the senior class. He also served as a leader on Kairos, which is a religious retreat taken every year by Lehman seniors. He’s been a member of the ETC quartet, SAAC, Ohio Energy Project, Social Studies Shoot-out Team and many more school clubs.

He’s involved with the community through the Relay for Life Club, Project Linus, Renew Piqua Project, tutoring and blood donations. Wade has also been involved with his church as a Mass server, sacristan, youth group member and discipleship group member. He’s receive the Honda-OSU Math Medal Award for the top math scores throughout the first three years of high school, the Bausch and Lomb Science award for the top science scores throughout the first three years of high school and perfect attendance throughout all of high school. He earned second team All-State honors in soccer and first team All-Conference in football.

May 3, 2010

'HOLLYWOOD!' THEME OF LEHMAN JUNIOR-SENIOR PROM

Lehman Catholic High School has chosen the theme and court for the 2010 Junior-Senior Prom to be held Saturday, May 8 at The Oaks in Sidney. The dance runs from 8 to 11:30 p.m. with the crowning of the prom royalty set for 8 o’clock. “Hollywood!” is this year’s theme.

Vying for the title of 2010 Prom King are Zach Cecil, son of Darren and Angie Cecil, of Sidney; Parker Cole, son of Michael and Joan Cole, of Sidney; Andy Lawrence, son of Tim and Karen Lawrence, of Piqua; Bryan McDonagh, son of Chris and Jeannie McDonagh, of Sidney; Tyler Sargent, son of Matt and Lora Sargent, of Sidney; Wade Schroeder, son of Tony and Joan Schroeder, of Sidney; and John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt of Sidney.

Prom Queen candidates are Megan Althaus, daughter of Dwight and Ann Althaus, of Sidney; Jenn Geise, daughter of Steven and Julie Geise, of Sidney; Brittney McDonagh, daughter of Chris and Jeannie McDonagh, of Sidney; Katelyn Palsgrove, daughter of Rob and Rose Palsgrove, of Piqua; Katie Schulz, daughter of Scott and Gail Schulz, of Piqua; Allison Ulbrich, daughter of Bill and Nancy Ulbrich, of Piqua; and Gayle Ulrich, daughter of Gerry and Jane Ulrich, of Sidney.

Juniors competing for the Prom Prince title are Andy Alessio, son of Jim and Wendi Alessio, of Troy; Wil Fridley, son of Rob and Sue Fridley, of Sidney; Kaleb Goins, son of Keith and Deb Goins, of Sidney; Garrett Kiefer, son of Greg and Patti Kiefer, of Piqua; Devin Richard, son of Jon Richard and Maria Richard, both of Sidney; Joe Staley, son of Joe and Kimberly Staley, of Piqua; and Taylor Watkins, son of Rich and Julie Watkins, of Sidney,

Prom Princess candidates are Julia Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe, of Sidney; Kenzie Franklin, daughter of Cam and Nancy Franklin of Sidney; Kalli Holland, daughter of Larry and Gayle Holland, of Troy; Madison Husa, daughter of Rick and Karen Husa, of Piqua; Maddie Schneider, daughter of Jerry and Cheryl Herbe of Piqua; Jess Thobe, daughter of Dean and Rebecca Thobe of Sidney; and Ann Watercutter, daughter of Bill Watercutter of Piqua and Jackie Watercutter of Pickerington.

The junior class plans the prom each year as a final farewell to the senior class. The junior class officers are Lance Kruse, president; Ann Watercutter, vice president; Rodney Huston, secretary; and Devin Richard, treasurer. Mrs. Kris Pax is the junior class adviser.

Junior class parents are organizing this year’s After-Prom to be held at Brel-Aire Lanes in Piqua from 12:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. After-prom festivities will include games, music, sports, food and door prizes.

May 3, 2010

LEHMAN TO HOST BAND DAY FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

On Wednesday, May 5, Lehman Catholic High School band members will host elementary band students from Holy Angels, Piqua Catholic, St. Patrick (Troy), and St. Mary (Greenville) Schools for their annual “Band Day.” Band students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the grade schools will be transported to Lehman around 2:45 p.m. where they are greeted by their high school counterparts. The Lehman Band has planned to play a short program for their guests. Then students in each grade level will practice together for the evening concert. While not practicing, elementary band members are guided through various activities under the supervision of teams of high school students. Activities included small section rehearsals and watching a slide show about the high school band experience. Following dinner provided by the Lehman Music Boosters, all the students gather in the gym to rehearse a finale number for the concert. The hour-long concert program begins at 7 p.m. for parents, family and friends. Opening the concert will be the Fifth Grade Band playing “Air of Nobility,” “Surprise Symphony Variations,” and “Slip and Slide.” The Sixth Grade Band is playing “March Madness,” “Pirate’s Cove,” and “Barn Dance Saturday Night.” The Junior High Band is performing “Seaway Festival March,” “Metropolis,” and “Joshua.” The Lehman High School Band will perform “March: Celebration and Glory,” “The Iron Horse Across America,” and “The Lion King Broadway Selections.” The program will conclude with “Thriller,” a finale number played by all students. This is the 26th year for the Lehman “Band Day” and concert. Bands at Lehman and Holy Angels are under the direction of Elaine Schweller-Snyder. Heather Lindeman is the director at Piqua Catholic; Rick Partida is the director at St. Patrick School (Troy).

May 3, 2010

LEHMAN TWIRLER EARNS GRAND CHAMPION HONORS

Eighteen year-old Megan Althaus is a typical teenager who enjoys getting involved in activities such as the Lehman Catholic High School marching band, Relay for Life, mentoring youngsters and prom night. As a senior anxious to receive her diploma on May 30, the daughter of Dwight and Ann Althaus also cites baton twirling among her passions.

The 5 foot 7 inch honors student captured 2010 Ohio State Dance/Twirl Grand Champion honors at the United States Twirling Association competition at the Nutter Center in Fairborn in the 17 to 20-year-old age group on April 24-25. As the top in a field of six finalists, she added a 3-foot trophy to her home collection and a $50 savings bond. In addition, she garnered additional honors including second place in the group event; a $50 savings bond for the pairs competition in the senior advanced division; $50 for the dance twirl division and third place in the solo advanced senior women’s division finals. Altogether, she amassed five trophies and $150 in savings bonds.

Megan has twirled a baton the past 11 years and practices seven hours a week under the instruction of Ashlie Rowen of Impulse Baton & Dance Studio in Minster.

“I’ve been competing for eight years,” she explained. “I started at six years of age but quit because I became frustrated and couldn’t learn.” Watching her older sister, Molly, compete was the impetus to pick up a baton a year later and the rest is history. Armed with a cadre of eight batons and dazzling costumes, Megan has proven that persistence pays off.

“There’s lots of dance and gymnastics involved,” Megan added, noting that twirling is more than the stereotyped “majorette marching around in boots” from yesteryear. Her routine involves stretching exercises, warm-ups, performing routines, perfecting techniques and practicing tricks. Her specialty is a double illusion whereby she tosses a baton high into the air while performing a gymnastics trick, a feat which she has been perfecting the past three years.

The sport of twirling has evolved, Megan noted, more like rhythmic gymnastics. There are currently 22 countries who offer the sport of baton twirling and hopes are mounting that someday it will be included as an Olympic event. At the present time, Megan participates annually in four major competitions beginning in January and April and advancing to regionals in Indiana and nationals in Savannah, Ga.

What drives this talented young woman? “For me, its not so much competing,” she modestly replied, “but I enjoy working toward goals and practicing to reach those goals. As a kid, I wanted to get grand champion.” Now that she’s successfully achieved that plateau, she confesses she wouldn’t mind earning a national grand champion trophy.

As a twirler at Lehman the past four years, Megan is auditioning for a summer job with FJM Summer Clinics to teach twirling to younger girls at college campuses throughout the United States. She’s been accepted at the University of Dayton this fall where she’s already auditioned and been accepted as a twirler with the UD band.

Her plans are to major in visual communication design. “I love graphic design and learning fine arts and hope to concentrate on illustration,” she added. “I’ve always been inclined toward the arts and hope to utilize my artistic talents in a career.” Once again, her goals have been established both as a twirler and future designer. “I’d like to incorporate baton into my life but at the present time there’s not much time left” to pursue anything else except a summer job and college workload.

April 28, 2010

LEHMAN FACULTY TO BE RECOGNIZED AT MIAMI VALLEY BANQUET

Two Lehman Catholic High School faculty members will be recognized at the upcoming Miami Valley Catholic Schools Banquet at the Presidential Center in Kettering on Tuesday, May 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Lehman honorees will be among numerous Catholic faculty and administrators throughout the greater Miami Valley who will be honored as outstanding teachers and have reached significant milestones in their respective schools over the years. The event is held annually by the Miami Valley Catholic Education Council. Comprised of business and community leaders, the council acts as public advocates and advisors for the nearly three dozen Catholic schools in the Miami Valley.

In addition to the banquet, the council sponsors the annual Cage Classic high school basketball tournament and an annual art exhibit. It also provides grants to local teachers who develop innovative projects for students.

Award recipients include Lehman Mathematics Instructor Melissa Safreed of Piqua, for 20 years of service and Spanish Instructor Jose Capote of Sidney, 10 years of service.

Mrs. Safreed presently teaches Basic Geometry, Algebra I, Trigonometry/Algebra II and Elementary Algebra at Lehman in addition to Psychology. She is also a mathematics instructor through the Dual Enrollment program offered by Lehman and Wright State University.

She was graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and chemistry in 1988 and received a Master of Arts degree in counseling from the University of Dayton in 1994.

She and her husband, Mark, reside in Piqua with their two daughters, Molly and Meghan.

Capote, who serves as the department chair of the foreign language program at Lehman, instructs classes in Spanish I, II, III and IV. He is also a Dual Enrollment instructor in conjunction with Edison Community College. He was graduated from the University of Havana School of Law, Cuba, with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1979.

He and his wife, Carole, reside in Sidney.

April 27, 2010

LEHMAN COMMUNITY PROVIDES AID TO HAITI, HOMELESS TEENS

In the spirit of the Lenten season, students and faculty at Lehman Catholic High School participated in two projects which included supporting families in Haiti affected by the January 12 earthquake and also help homeless teenagers at Covenant House in New York City.

Lehman President Michael Barhorst presented a check for $500 to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati requesting that it be forwarded to an appropriate agency such as Catholic Relief Services for Haitian relief. Archbishop Schnurr visited Lehman on April 9 to celebrate Mass with the Lehman community and tour the school.

It is anticipated that monies raised by the Lehman community will provide humanitarian aid to Haiti which is considered the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. The January quake, according to the Haitian government, killed 230,000 residents; injured 300,000 and left one million people homeless.

Many countries continue to respond to appeals for aid including Catholic Relief Services which provide health and nutrition, education, water and sanitation and agriculture to the country’s inhabitants. Due to a potential threat of mudslides and flooding from the upcoming rainy season, the government has made strides in April to move thousands of refugees to a more secure location north of the capital.

In addition to the monies collected for Haiti, the Lehman community-under the auspices of the school’s music department-collected personal toiletry items to fill 150 bags for residents of Covenant House in New York City. These donations were personally delivered by music students and chaperones during a recent trip to the Big Apple in an attempt to aid homeless teenagers who find shelter at Covenant House.

April 26, 2010

GRANDPARENTS BRIDGE THE GAP AT LEHMAN GENERATION DAY

Many grandparents –including several great-grandparents-helped bridge the gap during the second annual Generation Day held at Lehman Catholic High School this past week.

“What a delightful day!” commented one Piqua grandmother, who had an opportunity for the first time to visit high school classes with her granddaughter and tour the Lehman facilities.

Following a gathering in the Mark Wurm gym-complete with fresh fruit, donuts and beverages-guests attended Mass which was celebrated by the Rev. Martin Fox of St. Mary and St. Boniface parishes in Piqua. Principal Denise Stauffer presented an update on “Lehman Today” and acknowledged the sacrifices and support of those present who’ve helped their children and grandchildren receive a Catholic education.

Students had an opportunity to escort their grandparents on a tour of the school and personally visit their classes and meet their teachers. The day concluded with a delicious beef and noodles lunch prepared by the cafeteria staff and a live performance by the Lehman Limelighters show choir in the gym.

A souvenir photograph of Lehman students and their grandparents was presented to those in attendance by Mrs. Peggy Baird of Sidney. Assisting with the day’s events were Mrs. Jean Smith of Sidney, Mrs. Lisa Bauer of Houston and Lehman Development Director Sharon Semanie.

April 20, 2010

LEHMAN AMONG 40 TEAM FIELD IN STATE SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

Members of the Lehman Catholic High School Science Olympiad team competed at the state tournament on April 17 at The Ohio State University with a number of LCHS students placing in the Top 20 in their respective events.

Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C., chairperson of Lehman’s science department reports Lehman was among the smallest schools to compete in the 40-school field. Lehman’s team overall finished in 35th place.

Taking medalist honors in their respective events were: Dan Deafenbaugh and Nicole Larger, sixth place, for “Egg-o-naut” which was built by Parker Cole; Betsy Bauer and Katie Bauer, seventh place, for “Disease Detectives”; Christian Bauer, Brandon Mullen, Dan Deafenbaugh and Klyer Holland, 16th place for “Mission Possible”; Brandon Mullen and Michael Comer, 18th place for “Mousetrap Vehicle”; and Wade Schroeder and Allison Ulbrich, 19th place for “Chemistry Lab”.

Sister Ginny was assisted by the following coaches who volunteered their time to the team: Gary Bonifas, Jim Hemm, Tracy Hall, Don Karnes, Kris Pax, Gary Schultz, Scott Streng, Jenny Weber, Kim Wenning and Steve Wenning.

The team was financed by grants from the Piqua Community Foundation, Copeland Education Foundation, Sidney-Shelby County Foundation and Lehman Science Department.

April 13, 2010

LEHMAN FACULTY MEMBER DESCRIBED AS 'AWESOME ROLE MODEL'

As a young girl growing up in northeast Iowa, Jenny Weber had the best mentor in the world, her father, Bob Frankenfeld. It’s likely the same reason many students in Environmental Science and AP Biology classes at Lehman Catholic High School describe Mrs. Weber as an “awesome role model” who changes the way they view education.

“Both of my parents were teachers,” smiled Mrs. Weber. “My dad was my science teacher in high school having taught me anatomy and physiology. He was definitely my mentor too. We did everything from nature walks as kids, mushroom hunting, fishing, canoeing, stargazing, planting plants, and dealing with the death of your first pet to how to hold a snake. When I began teaching I’d always call him and ask him how he taught a certain subject.”

Sadly Mrs. Weber’s father passed away on March 30. It was fitting that a week later she was one of 12 Sidney and Shelby County school teachers acknowledged during the 15th Annual Business Education Recognition Dinner held at Sidney Middle School. Together with Lehman Senior Ryan Jacob, the popular teacher received an engraved plaque and was photographed with her student.

“It’s a humbling experience,” replied Mrs. Weber, whose completing her third year of teaching at Lehman. “It means a lot when you consider you’re spending less than a hour a day with students and help them learn in a unique and special way things they can apply to the rest of their lives.”

During the recognition dinner, Jacob explained his motivation in nominating Mrs. Weber for the honor. “Last year I took an Environmental Science class taught by Mrs. Weber. She showed me what education truly is. (She) showed me that education is exciting, that education is showing and fulfilling your potential and intellectually readying yourself for adult life. She enthusiastically encouraged and challenged the class and me to discover and view our classes in a way that I had not done before.”

Jacob, the son of Bill and Peggy Jacob, of Sidney noted “With Mrs. Weber’s unique hands-on teaching style I began to learn the material taught instead of cramming right before a test just to get a good grade. She used her great personality to make learning fun. She even laughed when we surprised her with fish from Tawawa Park (field trip) which we placed in her classroom fish tank. Her vast knowledge and love for the content that she teaches makes learning interesting.”

The soon-to-be graduate added “I always felt like she believed in me and was always there to listen. She respects us and we respect her. She is a consistent and fair teacher and an awesome role model for me. She changed the way I view education. I appreciate Mrs. Weber and am thankful to her for making a difference in my life.”

Prior to moving to Troy with her family 14 years ago, Mrs. Weber was involved in laboratory research at the University of Southern Mississippi in Biloxi engaged in projects such as shrimp virology, the effects of ultraviolet light on cells of human lens, and diabetes and colic research. A graduate of Saint Louis University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, that’s where she met her husband, Paul, who at the time was a comparative anatomy teaching assistant in her class.

Dr. Weber is now associated with The Pediatric Group and, together with Jenny, have two children, Gretchen, a freshman vocal music performance major at Saint Louis University, and Ben, a Lehman sophomore.

In addition to teaching at Lehman, Mrs. Weber is a multi-faceted individual who serves as advisor for both the school’s Relay for Life and Envirothon programs, assists with the Ohio Energy Project and helps with Science Olympiad. In her spare time, she plays the piano for school musicals, serves on the Lehman Athletic Boosters Board and has returned as co-chair of the Lehman Harvest Auction scheduled on Nov. 6. Outside the classroom she’s involved in the Park in the Barn theatre program in Troy and serves on the board of the Miami County Dental Clinic.

When asked what motivates her to stay involved in so many projects, she humbly replied “I like to stay busy. I don’t know if I have that many skills but I’m truly a master of none. I feel if God gave me talents I should use them. I truly enjoy teaching; however, I’m probably one of the most unorganized people in the world. I’d describe myself as a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ type individual.”

As she concluded the day’s teaching assignments, she was heading south on I-75 to pursue her passion in interior design. “I’m designing a cat room,” she explained, somewhat bewildered. “I’m transitioning what was what described as a ‘perfectly good mudroom’ into a cat room for seven cats.” If anyone can accomplish the mission, it’s Lehman’s “awesome role model” as everyone can attest.

April 5, 2010

LEHMAN FRESHMAN NOMINATED FOR USAA NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM

Eleven freshmen at Lehman Catholic High School have been nominated for the United States Achievement Academy (USAA) national awards program by Lehman Mathematics Teacher Melissa Safreed.

The USAA, located in Lexington, KY., was founded in 1978 to recognize America’s outstanding students in grades 6-12 and to provide scholarship opportunities for all participants.

Freshmen algebra students nominated include the following: Andrew Adams, son of John and Tara Adams, of Sidney; Mitch Bosse, son of Mike and Myra Bosse, of Piqua; Ryan Edelen, son of Charles and Julie Edelen of Sidney; Nick Hausman, son of Fred and Lisa Hausman, of Sidney; and Louis Gaier, son of Dan and Deb Gaier of Piqua.

Also Kyler Holland, son of Larry and Gayle Holland of Troy; Dylan Long, son of William and Kim Caserta-Long of Piqua; Lydia McBride, daughter of Dennis and Brenda McBride of Sidney; Riley Pickrel, son of Bill and Leah Pickrel, of Piqua; Connor Richard, son of Jon Richard of Sidney and Maria Richard, also of Sidney; and Lexie Steineman, daughter of Dan and Angie Benedict of Troy.

Teachers nominate students based on any of the following standards for selection: a 3.0 minimum grade in subject area, motivation, attitude, dependability, responsibility and leadership qualities. Students become members of the Academy through teacher nominations. “All nominations are honored by USAA” with the belief that “educators know their students best.”

April 4, 2010

LEHMAN BLOOD DRIVE YIELDS 60 PINTS; 15 FIRST-TIME DONORS

Lehman Catholic High School, in cooperation with the Student Council and Community Blood Center, conducted its annual blood drive on March 30. Principal Denise Stauffer reports 64 individuals registered to give blood- including 15 first-time donors-and that 60 pints were collected.

“We want to thank all the students faculty, staff and community for donating the ‘gift of life’ and the Student Council and their advisor Melissa Safreed for coordinating the day,” noted Stauffer. As a result of the school’s commitment to blood donation throughout 2009, the Community Blood Center and their representative Kathy Pleiman presented the school with a plaque for being named a High School Gold Member of their Lifesaving Ambassador’s Club. To receive this honor, schools must have at least two blood drives and collect 90 recent of the blood drive goals. During 2009, Lehman collected 178 units of blood, hosted three blood drives and averaged 99 percent of the blood drive goal. Pleiman reports Lehman achieved 111 per cent of its goal during the March 30 drive.

The idea of a blood drive at Lehman began in 1993 to aid longtime Lehman coach and Business Department Chair Mark Wurm when he was undergoing treatment for cancer. After Wurm’s death in May of that year, plans were made to hold an annual blood drive in his memory. Since that time, other members of the Lehman Community, including Dean of Students Robert Grover and Assistant Wrestling Coach Chris Cartwright have died of cancer giving the annual blood drives increased awareness.

March 24, 2010

EIGHT LEHMAN STUDENTS ADVANCE TO STATE SCIENCE COMPETITION

Eight Lehman Catholic High School students earned superior ratings at the District Science Fair held at Central State University advancing them to state competition on Saturday, May 8,  according to Lehman Science Department Chair Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C. 

Receiving superior ratings were Pierce Bennett for his project “The Effects of Manure Runoff to Water Quality”; Lauren Bosway for “The Effects of Hair Conditioning Shampoo and Conditioner on a Chemo Patient”; Sarah Davidson for “A Food’s Impact on Blood Sugar”; Elizabeth McDevitt on “The Gauss Rifle: Projectiles and Magnets”; Andrea Thobe on “Do Biodegradable Plant Based Plastics Decompose Faster Than Petroleum Based Plastics?” Allison Ulbrich on “The Effect of Electromagnetism On Single-Celled Organisms”; and Katie Williams on “The Effect of Color on Memory Retention”.  The projects by Bennett and Bosway received perfect scores of  40 points. 

Lehman students receiving excellent ratings at the District fair were Parker Cole for “Wind Power”; Paxton Hatcher for “Does Exercise Affect Your Memory?”; Amelia Schulz on “Measuring Index of Refraction of Sugar Water Inside a Prism Using a Laser Bar”; John Staudt on “Which Type of Amlyase Is Most Reactive in Different PHs?”; and Gayle Ulrich for “Will Centripetal Force Affect Growth Patterns?”.

In addition to ratings, several Lehman students received special awards.  Freshman Pierce Bennett received a Governor’s Award –certificate and flash drive-in Agriculture and Food Science Research. Senior Parker Cole was awarded a $125 savings bond from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Senior Allison Ulbrich received a second place $125 savings bond from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science, the State Science Day will be held on May, 2010 at The Ohio State University.  

March 24, 2010

OHIO MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES FIVE LEHMAN FACULTY MEMBERS

Five members of the Lehman Catholic High School faculty are featured in the March issue of Ohio Magazine in its 2010 “Excellence in Education” section, according to an announcement made today by Lehman Principal Denise Stauffer.

The “Excellence in Education” section recognizes teachers throughout the state for their achievements and dedication to the teaching field. Lehman faculty members were selected based upon the individual’s teaching experience; participation in developmental activities (extracurricular); interest in students outside the classroom and distinctive qualities as a member of the community.

Lehman faculty members recognized were Barbara Saluke, an English teacher and guidance counselor; Jack Albers, mathematics; Pam Wendel, mathematics; George Grampp, social studies; and Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C., science.

Mrs. Saluke taught 20 years at New Bremen High School before coming to Lehman seven years ago where she serves as senior guidance counselor and senior English teacher. This year she is also teaching a Dual Enrollment English course with Wright State University.

Her diligence in the classroom has been noticed and rewarded. Last year she received the Shelby County Award for Teaching Excellence and, this year, was named Lehman’s “Teacher of the Year”. She is also involved in a number of professional organizations including the Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors, Ohio School Counselors’ Association and Delta Kappa Gamma.

“Barb does an exceptional job of engaging students in the learning process, challenging them, making the material interesting for her students and helping them prepare for their future after high school,” noted Mrs. Stauffer. “Her door is also open to the Lehman students. She has definitely touched the lives of many students over her years in education.”

Albers has taught mathematics at Lehman the past 11 years. Prior to coming here, he taught for over 30 years in public schools. He is currently teaching Dual Enrollment mathematics courses at Lehman though Wright State University and Edison Community College. He is affiliated with several professional committees including the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Albers has also received a number of awards over the years as a teacher. He was a district award winner for the Ohio Council of Teachers of Math, named “Teacher of the Year” for secondary schools by the University of Dayton and selected as the Shelby County “Teacher of the Year” in 2007.

“(Jack) has definitely done an exceptional job at Lehman and has always been willing to spend extra time before and after school helping his students,” noted Stauffer. “He has made a positive impact on our students and the school community.”

Mrs. Wendel has taught mathematics at Lehman the past 31 years. This year she is also teaching sociology through the Dual Enrollment Program with Wright State University.

She belongs to several professional committees including the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Delta Kappa Gamma. She is also the National Honor Society advisor at the school.

Notes Stauffer “(Pam) has been dedicated to both the school and the Lehman students. She gives of her time and knowledge without any complaints and lives out the mission of the school every day. 

Grampp has taught government and U.S. history at Lehman for the past 10 years after retiring from the Dayton Public Schools where he taught for 31 years. He has also taught classes at Cleveland State University, Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton. He is currently teaching a Dual Enrollment government course at Lehman though Edison Community College.

At Lehman, he has served as department chairperson for the social studies department, advisor for the Mock Trial Team and member of the Local Professional Development Committee.

During the 2003-2004 school year, George was selected as a Shelby County “Educator of the Year”. In 2008 he was selected as the school’s “Teacher of the Year”. He has also been asked to serve as an educational consultant over the years for the Miami Valley Joint Vocational School and several Dayton Public Schools.

‘We truly appreciate the positive impact that Mr. Grampp has had on our students and the school community,” added Stauffer.

Sister Ginny Scherer is a hardworking, intelligent, goal-oriented professional who has been at Lehman the past 37 years but has been teaching in Catholic schools for 46 years.

She currently serves as the senior class advisor, science department chairperson, Science Olympiad advisor and chairperson for the local science fair. She is also teaching Science Dual Enrollment Courses at Lehman through Wright State University and Edison Community College.

Sister Ginny has received numerous awards and grants for the school over the years. She has received the Governor’s Award for Excellence every year since 1988. The Ohio Academy of Science has named her Outstanding “Teacher of the Year” several times. She has received the Shelby County Award for Teaching Excellence three times and was named as Lehman’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2006.

Sister Ginny has also been involved in a number of professional organizations including the National and State Science Associations, American Association of Physics Teachers, American Chemical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Ohio Academy of Science.

March 24, 2010

LEHMAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT SPEARHEADS SCHOOLWIDE LENTEN PROJECT

In an effort to help homeless teens who’ve sought refuge at Covenant House in New York City, Lehman Catholic High School’s music department has kicked off a Lenten Project which will culminate in the delivery of  personal items and tour of the NYC-based agency when students visit the Big Apple in April.

Senior Emily VanTreese, daughter of Dr. Jeff and Libby VanTreese, of Sidney, has been instrumental in soliciting both personal and monetary donations for Covenant House as part of a schoolwide Lenten project.

Van Treese, with assistance from Freshman Sarah Cabe, have circulated pink boxes in each Lehman homeroom in hopes of filling 100 personal toiletry bags for Covenant House runaways. Items needed include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, bars of soap, washcloths, and pairs of socks (any and all sizes). To date the project has already been bolstered by donations of toothpaste and toothbrushes from Dr. Jeffrey VanTreese, DDS, and Dr. Lisa Alvetro, DDS, MSD, of Sidney.

Individuals who want to participate in the Lehman project can send items and/or monetary donations to Music Department Chairperson Elaine Schweller-Snyder before Wednesday, March 31. Delivery of the toiletry bags and monetary donations will be made by the Lehman music department students during a mid-April trip to New York City where the Lehman contingent will also tour Covenant House facilities.

Incorporated in 1972, Covenant House has been leading the effort to help homeless kids. And, today, it ranks as the largest privately-funded agency in the U.S. providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care and an array of other important services to homeless, throwaway and runaway kids. Last year Covenant House cared for over 70,000 at-risk and homeless kids in 20 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Central America.

In 2003 the Rev. Fr. Placid Stroik, OFM, then director of pastoral care at Covenant House in New York City, served as keynote speaker at Lehman’s 25^th Annual Foundation Banquet. At the time, Fr. Stroik noted "The story of Covenant House’s response to the troubled youth of our society has been unfolding for over 30 years. The youth who find themselves on the street struggling to find open doors and support in their transition to adult, independent living are worth the effort it takes. This is a story that resonates with all families and people like yourselves committed to the growth and development of human beings.”

Van Treese says she became inspired by the plight of the homeless herself during a mission trip to Nashville adding it’s “enriching to do work with these same type of kids”. She believes it will especially be fulfilling since the Lehman music students will be able to “interact and pass out things we’ve collected” during the school’s upcoming trip to NYC.

In addition to overseeing this year’s Lenten project, Van Treese is a member of the Lehman Limelighters show choir and has played clarinet in the Lehman Concert Band the past four years. She’s also had starring roles in spring musicals including “Meet Me in St. Louis”, “42^nd Street” and this week’s production “All Shook Up”. A member of the National Honor Society, she’s a first honors student, member of Relay for Life and Students Abuse Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has chaired the school’s “Coats for Kids” project the past three years.

March 18, 2010

LEHMAN SPRING MUSICAL 'ALL SHOOK UP' ON MARCH 25-27

The Lehman Catholic Music Department will present the jukebox musical All Shook Up on March 25, 26, and 27, 2010, at the school.  Lehman’s production will be the area premiere of this 2005 Broadway hit that features the music of Elvis Presley.  The show times are Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, March 27, at 8 p.m.  

Tickets for the production are $10.00 for reserved seats (floor and first three rows of the center bleachers) and $8.00 for general admission (upper bleacher seats).  Tickets can be reserved by calling Elaine Schweller-Snyder at Lehman Catholic High School 937-498-1161 ext.132 or sending an email to E.Snyder@lehmancatholic.com.

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the story concerns a carefree roustabout, Chad, who breezes into a small rundown town on his motorcycle and steals the heart of Natalie, a tomboy mechanic. Chad only has eyes for the pretty girls, but Natalie is determined to win his attention so she disguises herself as a guy (“Ed”) so she can get close to him as a friend. This deception leads to some crazy twists and turns and several other love stories unfold as well, getting the conservative town “all shook up” under the spell of Chad’s music.   The musical score is all Elvis with many well-known tunes including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and the title song.

Cast as “Chad” is freshman Ethan Jock, son of Dan and Melissa Jock of Sidney.  “Natalie” is senior Emily Van Treese, daughter of Jeff and Libby Van Treese of Sidney. Natalie’s father “Jim” is played by senior David Morand, son of Mike and Brenda Morand of Sidney.  “Sylvia,” the owner of the honky-tonk, is sophomore Logan Adams, daughter of Marc and Shelley Adams of Anna. 

“Dennis” is junior Taylor Watkins, son of Rich and Julie Watkins of Sidney.  Town museum owner “Sandra” is junior Julia Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe of Sidney.  Sylvia’s daughter “Lorraine” is senior Sarah Milota, daughter of Gene and Carol Milota of Troy.  “Matilda,” the town mayor, and her son “Dean” are played by sophomore Emily Pax and junior Nathan Pax, daughter and son of Dennis and Kris Pax of Piqua.  “Sheriff Earl” is junior Lance Kruse, son of Mike and Beth Kruse of Piqua.  

Other supporting roles (who double as chorus members) are Zach Cooper as “The Warden”, Sarah Cabe as “Henrietta”, Millie Wildenhaus as “Virginia”, Dana Jenkins as “Velma”, Troy Baker as the “Bus Driver”, and Bryan McDonagh as “Fella” and “Inmate #3”.

Additional chorus members include Mitchell Bosse, Natalie Davis, William Duritsch, Jen Geise, Colleen Kinninger, Elizabeth McDevitt, Kailyn Moos, Samantha Neumeier, Katelyn Palsgrove, Adam Peltier, Joe Pudlewski, and Gayle Ulrich.

The production staff for the Lehman musical includes Libby Van Treese, director; Elaine Schweller-Snyder, producer; Jenny Weber, vocal director and rehearsal pianist; and Liz Maxson, choreographer. The chair of the costume committee is Darla Cabe.   Other parent committee workers include Melissa Jock, publicity; Jeff Van Treese, scenery; Brenda Morand, tickets; Dennis Pax, t-shirts; Carol Milota, makeup; Kris Pax, food for rehearsals; and Chris McDonagh, photos.

March 16, 2010

LEHMAN GRANDPARENTS INVITED TO 'GENERATION DAY'

In an attempt to honor grandparents or other older adults who have influenced or impacted their lives, students at Lehman Catholic High School will host a “Generation Day” on Friday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school.

Principal Denise Stauffer has extended an invitation for grandparents of Lehman students to attend this second annual event free of charge. Activities will get under way with a gathering in the Mark Wurm gymnasium over coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. along with an informal presentation on “Lehman Today”.

Grandparents are invited to join the student body at Mass at 10 a.m. in the Mark Wurm gym. Afterwards guests will be escorted to their grandchildren’s classes from 11 a.m. to noon, provided with a tour, and given the opportunity to share their own experiences in high school as well as to see firsthand a typical classroom day.

A special meal will be served by the cafeteria staff at 12 noon and attendees will be treated to a performance by the Lehman Limelighters show choir at the conclusion of the event.

“We’ve set aside this day to give thanks to grandparents and other older adults –perhaps a godparent, uncle, aunt or next door neighbor- who’ve played a prominent role in these students’ lives,” explained Stauffer. “Hopefully, we can bridge the generation gap and provide our guests with an opportunity to learn more about the Lehman experience and, who knows, students might just learn a thing or two about their (grandparents) high school days.”

Grandparents and/or other older adults who would like to attend are asked to contact Development Director Sharon Semanie at (937) 498-1161/773-8747, ext. 126, no later than Wednesday, April 14. Her e-mail address is s.semanie@lehmancatholic.com

March 3, 2010

LEHMAN FRESHMAN MAKES A SPLASH AT STATE SWIM MEET

In high school swimming circles, 15-year-old swimming sensation Emma Kiefer of Piqua, has been labeled “The Torpedo” because of her ability to make quick turns in area meets. She tested the mettle recently and, as a result of her tenacity, captured sixth place in the state girls’ Division II 100-yard backstroke in Canton with a time of 58:48. In addition, she earned a respectable 19^th place in the 200 individual medley in 2:15:30.

A freshman at Lehman Catholic High School, Emma no longer swims “in the shadow” of her older sister, Amanda, a 2008 Lehman grad who ironically, was competing in the Mid American Championships at Miami University the same weekend. Amanda, a former Lehman standout and three-state qualifier, now swims competitively for Eastern Michigan University.

At the MAC championships, Amanda stepped up on the podium twice: first seeded 37^th in the 200 IM but finishing 22^nd with a personal best of 2:08:19 and, secondly, seeded 17^th in the 100 back and finishing fourth in preliminaries with a personal best of 55:49 to advance to the championship heat. She ultimately finished sixth in the latter event with a 55:75. In addition she was seeded 11^th in the 200 back and finished fourth with a personal best of 1:59:60 finishing again fourth in the championship heat with 1:59:88 breaking EMU’s school record for that event.

Although it was her first time traveling to the state championships, it’s fairly safe to predict younger sister Emma will return during her high school career. In order to qualify for this winter’s trip, the Lehman freshman captured personal bests in both the 100 back and 200 IM at districts in Oxford and established a new school record at Lehman in the backstroke eclipsing her sister’s record which, she admits “made me feel great”.

The youngest daughter of Greg and Patti Kiefer of Piqua, Emma began swimming competitively at the age of three at Tecumseh Woods and at six years of age at the YMCA where she swims year round in addition to the Lehman team. Her daily routine –in addition to attending Lehman-includes swim team practice in either Troy or Piqua from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. week nights, 7 to 9 a.m. practices on Saturdays and 3 to 6 p.m. practices on Sunday leaving her little time for a social life. “It (routine) is hard,” she candidly admits, “but knowing that I have the talent, if I wasn’t good, I wouldn’t do it.” In addition to her swimming prowess, Emma has also been a soccer player since eight years of age and continues to play girls’ soccer at Lehman.

With three more years of high school ahead of her, Emma is hopeful a swimming scholarship awaits her preferably in Florida where she hopes to major in culinary arts. “I’d really like to bake wedding cakes as a career,” she smiled “I now bake all the sweets at our (family) parties. There’s a show “Cake Girls” on the Food Network and I’ll be taking a class when I’m 16 in Chicago.”  There’s no doubt “The Torpedo” will be doing that as well as continuing to break records in area swimming pools carrying on the Kiefer tradition.

February 24, 2010

TWENTY TWO SUPERIORS AWARDED AT LEHMAN SCIENCE FAIR

SIDNEY, OH.- Lehman Catholic High School held its annual Science Fair on Monday evening in the Mark Wurm gymnasium at the school. Seventy-four projects were submitted for judging. Twenty-two students received superior ratings, qualifying them to participate in district competition. Students must earn at least 36 out of a possible 40 points to receive a superior.

   Students receiving superior ratings included Megan Althaus for her project entitled “Do Antibiotics Affect Plant Growth?”; Hayley Baker for “How Water Is Being Used as Fuel and Why It Isn’t Being Used”; Pierce Bennett for “The Effects of Manure Runoff to Water Quality”; Tyler Bergman for “Strongest Fishing Line”; Lauren Bosway for “The Effects of Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner on a Chemo Patient”; and Parker Cole for “Wind Power”.

   Other students receiving superior ratings were Sarah Davidson for “A Food’s Impact on Blood Sugar”; Hayley Guillozet for “Filthy Rich: The Bacteria Found on Money”; Paxton Hatcher for “Does Exercise Affect Your Memory?”; D.J. Hemm for “Drum Roll Damping”; Kerri Josefovsky for “Are Your Plants Smoking? The Effects of Carcinogens on Plant Growth and Development”; Elizabeth McDevitt for “The Gauss Rifle: Projectiles and Magnets”; Amanda Miller for “What Are the Effects of Different pH Water Levels on Pigments of Different Flowers?”; Samantha Neumeier for “The Effects of Color in a Solar Oven”; Ciara Sargeant for “Effects of Chemical Fertilizer on Plant Growth” and Amelia Schultz for “Measuring Index of Refraction of Sugar Water Inside a Prism Using a Laser Beam”.

   Superior ratings were also awarded to Stephanie Shoenfelt for “Is Daytime Sleepiness Directly Correlated to the Amount of Sleep An Adolescent Girl Receives?”; John Staudt for “What Type of Amylase Is Most Reactive in Different pHs?”; Andrea Thobe for “Do Biodegradable Plant Plastics Decompose Faster Than Petrol Plastics?”; Allison Ulbrich for “The Effects of Electromagnetism on Single-Celled Organisms”; Gayle Ulrich for “Will Centripetal Force Affect Growth Patterns?” and Katie Williams for “The Effect of Color on Memory Retention”.

   The Governor’s Award for Agriculture and Food Sciences Research was presented to Erin Slater for “The Effect of Time On Vitamin C Levels in Citrus Fruit”. Samantha Neumeier was the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Biotechnology Research for her project “The Effects of Color in a Solar Oven”. An additional Governor’s Award for Energy Research was presented to Parker Cole for “Wind Power” and an Environmental Sciences Research award to Allison Ulbrich for “The Effect of Electromagnetism on Single-Celled Organisms”.

 The Southwest Ohio Water Environment Association presented cash awards and certificates to Lindsay Spearman who received $50 and third place for her project “How Does Golf Course Run Off Affect Water in the Surrounding Area?”; Michael Comer who received $75 and second place for “The Effect Of Aquatic Plants on the Nitrate Level and on the pH of Water”; and Pierce Bennett who received a $100 cash prize and first place for his project “The Effects of Manure Runoff to Water Quality”.

   All students who participated in the Science Fair received certificates from the Ohio Academy of Science.

   Judges for the Lehman event were Lynda Adams of Shelby S&W Conservation; Neil Allen of Emerson Climate Technologies; Vivian Amsden; Don Baird of Emerson Climate Technologies; Dr. Brad Berlekamp of RSC; Craig Bernard of Cargill Inc.; John Biggs of Emerson Climate Technologies; Gary Bonifas of International Truck & Engine; Dr. Kenneth Bosslet, DO; Frank Catanzarite of American Trim; Kathy Cavinder of Shelby County Health Department; Ed Cubick of Good Samaritan Hospital; Mary Cubick of Good Samaritan Hospital; Mike Decker of DuBois Chemical; Peter Dexter of Emerson Climate Technologies; Debra Driskell of Cargill, Inc.; Dolores Droesch of Wilson Memorial Hospital; Thomas Frantz of Eagle Bridge Co. and Julia Frantz, R.N.

   Also Rev. Aaron Gerlach of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church; Dorothy Hampshire, R.N.; Pam Harb of Cargill, Inc.; Mark Harrod; Lisa Hartwig of Edison Community College; Ann Heeley; Dave Heilers of Shelby SWCD; Jim Hemm of Dare Electronics; James Hemmelgarn of Hemmelgarn Services; Doug Hemsworth of Sponseller Group Inc; Barbara Hiser;  Pete Hodapp of Jones & Henry Engineers Limited; Jeff Hoying of Emerson Climate Technologies; Darrin Ihle of Crown Corp.; Mandy Koenig of Holy Angels School and Jeff Lange of Valvoline Co.

   Judges also included Bruce Ludwig; Dan McSweeney of Emerson Climate Technologies; Dr. Jerome Mestemaker, M.D.; Dr. Robert Miller, M.D.; Susan Monroe, RN, BSN; Dennis Pax of Emerson Climate Technologies; Henry Pope of Polaris Inspection Services; Mary Ellen Pope, RN, LMT; Keith Reinhart of Emerson Climate Technologies; Tom Rossmann of ODOT; Harold Schmiesing of Holy Angels School; Tony Schroeder of Choice One Engineering; Gary Schultz; Dr. Jennifer Shoenfelt, M.D.; Gwen Stevenson of Edison Community college; McKenzie Temme of Cargill Inc.; Joyce Thornberry of Piqua Catholic School; Dr. Paul Thorpe of Wilson Memorial Hospital; Pat Turnbull of Miami County Sanitary Engineering; Dr. Paul Weber, M.D. Laureen Weiskittel; Steve Wenning of Emerson Climate Technologies; Kim Wenning of Emerson Climate Technologies and Dr. John Wilding, M.D.

   Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C., chairperson of the Lehman science department, reports students receiving superior honors will now compete at the district science fair at Central State University on March 20.

January 13, 2010

FATHER CASERTA AMONG HONOREES AT UPCOMING LEHMAN BANQUET

SIDNEY, OH. – As one of 11 men ordained into the priesthood in 1945, the Rev. Angelo Caserta of Piqua never expected to outlive his fellow seminarians. He recently turned 91 and, unlike most contemporaries who enjoy retirement, continues to perform his priestly duties with the same enthusiasm and fervor he’s exhibited over the past six-plus decades.

Father Caserta, who resides in a one-story brick residence on Piqua’s southside, is celebrating his 65^th anniversary on February 24^th. To honor him for his many contributions to both the church and youth, Lehman Catholic High School will present him with a Fellow Award at its upcoming Foundation Banquet on January 30. Father Caserta, along with other distinguished guests, will receive an award at the annual gala which will feature Peter Crist, a 1970 graduate of Piqua Catholic High School, and chairman of Crist/Kolder Associates Inc. in Hinsdale, IL. as keynote speaker.

The event will get under way with Mass celebrated by the Rev. Earl Fernandes of Cincinnati, former Lehman chaplain, at 5 p.m. in the Elizabeth Seton Chapel and will be followed by a social hour and sit-down dinner. Tickets are now available by contacting Lehman Development Director Sharon Semanie at (937) 498-1161, ext. 126.

Father Caserta, who was ordained at St. Peter and Paul Church in Cincinnati by the former Archbishop John T. McNicholas, says he “never expected” to reach this milestone anniversary. “It (priesthood) has been the greatest experience whether serving in a parish or a seminary faculty,” he noted. “I’ve met many wonderful priests and people during my assignments. All of these years have been a honeymoon for me. The Lord has allowed me to experience many blessings.”

The son of the late Nancy and Charles Caserta, Father Angelo was born the second of 12 children. His parents immigrated to the United States from Sicily, she “the city girl” from Palermo and he “a peasant” from Messina. “They (parents) came here to Piqua as teenagers,” reminisced Father Caserta. “My mom’s sister was engaged to Joseph Brunetto who went into the produce and deli business with my father. Most of their customers were Italian immigrants.”

Young Angelo realized he had a calling to the priesthood as early as the first and second grades at St. Boniface Church where he was enrolled. Along with former classmates Cletus Peltier and Joe Hemm, both of Piqua, the youngsters dutifully recited prayers “at the strike of a clock on both the hour and half hour”. Hearing the verse “’Wherever two or more are gathered in my name’ had an impact,” he added.

Education played a vital role in the Caserta household as indicated by Father Caserta who was named as class valedictorian in 1936 at Piqua Catholic High School. “I never participated in sports. Instead I either studied or worked in Dad’s delicatessen –better known as Charlie Caserta’s Deli and Saloon-sometimes until midnight or 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights – beginning in fifth grade. That’s where I got my education,” he laughed “By the time I was in the seminary, I’d return home on break to help Dad and probably heard more confessions there than during the rest of my life.” Father Caserta’s family has operated Caserta’s Restaurant in Piqua since 1914.

After completing his undergraduate studies at St. Gregory Seminary and theological studies at St. Mary Seminary, both in Cincinnati, Father Caserta served as associate pastor at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Bridgetown and also taught religion and math and Cincinnati Elder High School. He also served on the faculty at both St. Gregory and St. Mary Seminaries –in myriad positions such as academic dean, dean of students, vice rector, treasurer and business manager-and spent two years studying in Rome in the late 1940s. After serving 14 years at St. Lawrence parish in Cincinnati, he returned to Piqua to serve as pastor at St. Boniface Church in 1984 where he has since remained.

Last fall he joined a cousin, Joe Caserta, of Sandusky, to travel to his ancestral home in Sicily and became reacquainted with cousins and their families. This marked the eighth time he has gone back to his homeland and adds “What I remember is how wonderful it was to see how happy everyone is…the sharing and caring as families.” Every day he celebrated Mass and heard confessions with the Caserta clan.

“The Lord’s been so good to me and has really blessed me,” smiled the humble priest, who remains in “excellent” health. He attributes his longevity to “temperance” in eating habits adding he’s maintained a healthy diet due to his cooking with olive oils and spices. Long renowned for his homemade spaghetti sauce, Father Caserta continues to entertain family and friends at his home where the aroma of Italian spices and garlic permeate his surroundings.

For exercise, he claims he “walks fast” as he visits patients in hospitals and nursing homes on a daily basis as well as makes house calls, celebrates Mass, and officiates at weddings and funerals. “I haven’t cut back on my duties,” he added, suggesting he doesn’t miss the administrative chores. In his spare time, he enjoys playing bridge and “just being with people”.

January 6, 2010

LEHMAN'S SALUKE CHOSEN 'TEACHER OF YEAR' BY PEERS

SIDNEY, OH. -   Lehman Catholic High School faculty members have selected Senior Guidance Counselor and English Teacher Barbara Saluke as “Teacher of the Year”, according to Principal Denise Stauffer. In recognition of her efforts, Mrs. Saluke was recently presented with the Harrison Family Distinguished Teaching Award and a gift of $1,000 from Mrs. Sammye Harrison of Piqua.

This marks the second time within the past year that the popular Lehman faculty member has been recognized for her accomplishments. In April 2009, Mrs. Saluke was among 12 teachers who received a 2009 Recognition Award at the 14^th Annual Business Education Recognition Dinner for Sidney and Shelby County Schools. She received the prestigious award after being nominated by a former student, Kyle Coleman, who attributed Saluke’s “kindheartedness and compassion for her students” as second to none.

Mrs. Saluke, who has 28 years of teaching experience, taught 20 years at New Bremen High School before coming to Lehman. In addition to her counseling and teaching duties, she also teaches a Dual Enrollment English course to Lehman students in conjunction with Wright State University.

Her hard work in the classroom has been noticed and rewarded. In addition to the Shelby County Award for Teaching Excellence and Teacher of the Year honors, she has also been involved in a number of professional organizations including the Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors, Ohio School Counselors Association and Delta Kappa Gamma. In recent years she has been active in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica Campaign and is also a volunteer tutor.

“Barb does an exceptional job of engaging students in the learning process, challenging them, making the material interesting for her student, and helping them prepare for their future after high school,” noted Stauffer. “Her door is also open to the Lehman students. She has definitely touched the lives of many students over her years in education.”

The “Teacher of the Year” is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a Master of Science Degree in counseling. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in education in 1980 from Bowling Green State University.

She and her husband, Jim, reside in Minster. They have two daughters, Carrie Moorman of Russia and Jenny Ruhenkamp of Fort Loramie and a son, Patrick Seiter, of Florence, Ky. and nine grandchildren.

December 22, 2009

PIQUA NATIVE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT LEHMAN FOUNDATION BANQUET

SIDNEY, OH.- Peter D. Crist, of Hinsdale, IL., a 1970 graduate of Piqua Catholic High School, will serve as the keynote speaker at the 32^nd annual Lehman Catholic High School Foundation Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 30, according to Banquet Co-Chairs Karen Wendeln of Piqua and Judith Westerheide, of Sidney.

Tickets are $125 per person for the evening gala which gets under way with a 6 p.m. social hour, a formal sit-down dinner at 7 o’clock, a brief recognition program and the keynote address by Crist, a nationally renowned executive recruiter, who serves as chairman of Crist/Kolder Associates in Hinsdale, IL. Crist’s remarks will focus on a “Discussion on Leadership”.

Individuals interested in purchasing tickets are asked to contact Lehman Development Director Sharon Semanie at (937) 498-1161 or 773-8747, ext. 126 or e-mail s.semanie@lehmancatholic.com. All proceeds are earmarked toward Lehman’s student tuition, faculty and building endowment funds. The reservation deadline is January 22 and a limited number of tickets will be available. Tables of ten (10) are available upon request. The event is open to the public.

The son of Mrs. John Crist of Piqua and the late Mr. Crist, Peter entered his 32^nd year of executive recruiting in 2009. He began his career in 1977 with Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) in Chicago, helping to build and run one of the most successful senior level recruiting offices in the country, becoming co-head of North America and a member of the executive committee for the firm by the time he was in his late 30s. While at RRA, he also helped launch the Board Practice.

In 1995, after 18 years with Russell Reynolds, Crist launched Crist Partners in Chicago. Focusing on chief financial officer searches, Crist Partners quickly became a national boutique with clients such as Eastman Kodak Company, CVS Corporation, Ecolab Inc., Whirlpool Corporation, The St. Paul Companies and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

Korn/Ferry acquired Crist Partners in 1999, according to Crist, who was then named as vice chairman of the firm and chairman of the Global Board Services Practice while focusing on C-level searches. After building the Board Practice and completing all obligations to Korn/Ferry, in January 2003 he launched Crist Associates. The firm handles a small number of public company searches at the chief executive, chief financial and chief operating levels. In 2008 the firm became Crist/Kolder Associates.

The Piqua native was named to the “50 Most Influential Search Consultants in the World” list produced by BusinessWeek magazine in January 2008. He was also profiled in the 1995 and 1992 editions of Career Makers and the 1998 edition of The Global 200. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Wintrust Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: WTFC), where he was chairman of the compensation committee for many years. He is also a board member of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Co. Mr. Crist is a member of the Board of Directors of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, where he serves as chairman of the executive compensation committee and vice chairman of the nominating committee. A 1974 graduate of Brown University where he received an A.B. degree, he also serves as a member of Baird Capital Partners’ Advisory Board.

December 16, 2009

'B-I-N-G-O' A FAMILIAR REFRAIN FOR ACTIVE SIDNEY SENIOR

SIDNEY, OH. - Unlike most seniors his age, 87-year-old Leo Steinke of Sidney doesn’t occupy his time playing bingo. For the past 25 years the spry octogenarian has instead opted to release the numbered balls into the bingo cage at Lehman Catholic High School as an official “caller” on game night.

Immensely popular among bingo goers at Lehman, the affable gentleman has a captive audience on Thursday evenings as he sits alone with the bingo numbers on the stage of the Mark Wurm gym. Anxiously awaiting perhaps a  “G10” or a “B5” which could guarantee them a big “W”, bingo attendees have a genuine affection for the senior volunteer whom they simply know as “Leo”.

“At one time I used to be able to hop onto the stage from the gym floor,” he laughed. “Now I can hardly walk up the stairs”.

Having started as a caller “sometime in the mid ‘80s”, Steinke has observed “if you make a mistake (as a caller) they will really give you a rough time.” He has witnessed his share of bingo incidents over the years. “I can recall one lady who leaned back in her chair and the whole thing collapsed. It sounded like the roof caving in.” Another senior bingo aficionado, he reminisces, “told me she was going to whip me and I responded that she’d have to catch me first. I wasn’t worried since she had a cane when she walked in” the gym.

Everyone playing bingo, he smiled, inquires who is calling and purchases extra cards “because I call the numbers slower” than his counterparts.

There’s nothing slow about this active Sidney resident who, for the past 25 years, has been among parishioners at Holy Angels Parish who counts loose change and envelopes placed in the Sunday collection baskets. Keeping Sunday donations separate from retirement fund appeals and holy days, he says, is an awesome task. Steinke, who also served as financial secretary of the Sidney Knights of Columbus for 39 years, remains an active K of C member as part of the Degree Team which travels throughout Ohio to confer degrees on K of C members and also assist at the local fish fry buffets.

A former open-heart patient who is now on his second pacemaker, Steinke has also served as a lectern at Holy Angels since 1965 and Eucharistic minister who regularly travels to visit parishioners at Wilson Hospital or a local nursing home.

In 1970 Steinke and his late wife, the former Catherine Dunn, began selling tickets for football and basketball games at Lehman, a volunteer activity he continues to enjoy. An active member of the school’s Athletic Boosters at the time, Steinke proudly reports his daughter Karen Mehrbrodt was graduated from LCHS in 1974. She now resides in Bolingbrook, IL. as a radiation therapist and is married to Brian. They have two children.

A native of Freyburg, Steinke was the son of German farmers who raised him along with four sisters and three brothers. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and was graduated from Botkins High School in 1940. He was employed for two years working on railroad track maintenance before being drafted into the Army where he served in both Africa and Italy in the railway battalion as a telegraph operator during World War II. Upon discharge in 1945 he returned home and was introduced to his wife at a “five and 10 cent store” and married a year later. She passed away 18 years ago.

Until his retirement in 1983 Steinke was employed as a freight agent for the former B&O Railroad for 20 years and also as an agent in Botkins for 15 years. “I sold passenger tickets, handled freight and postal matters”, he explained, adding that he often had passengers traveling as far away as California and Florida. He recalls class trips to Washington D.C. where the students “were full of energy” as they boarded the trains as well as railway excursions to baseball games in Cincinnati. “There was one car in the middle for just beer,” he laughed “and we once even had a German band on board”

December 8, 2009

LEHMAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT SCHEDULED DEC. 16

SIDNEY, OH.- The Lehman Catholic Music Department will present its annual Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. at the school.   Included on the program are the Concert Band, the Cavalier Mens Choir, the Cavalier Womens Choir, and the Lehman Limelighters. 

The Concert Band will perform “Sounds of Christmas Joy,” “O Holy Night,” and “Wonderful Christmastime.”  

Choral selections being performed include: “A Gentlemen’s Christmas” and “Star of Wonder, A Christmas Medley” by the Mens Choir, and “Noel, Noel,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “Where Are You Christmas?” by the Womens Choir.   The Limelighters will perform “Yule Be Swingin’,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Rockin’ Down the Chimney Tonight.”

The hour-long concert is free and open to the public.   Punch and cookies will be served at the end of the program.

November 30, 2009

LEHMAN TO PROVIDE GIFT WRAP SERVICE AT MIAMI VALLEY MALL

SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Music Boosters are happily lending a helping hand to stressed-out holiday shoppers again this Christmas season.   The Boosters’ Gift Wrap Booth at the Miami Valley Centre Mall has become the biggest annual fundraiser for the Lehman Music Department.    Proceeds from the project cover music, instruments, transportation expenses, and other needed items that keep an active music program going at the school. 

Lehman music parents and students are wrapping gifts during Mall hours every day from now through December 24.    Wrapping includes Christmas paper, tissue paper (for clothing items), ribbon, bow, and a gift card.   There is no set charge but donations are requested.

The Music Boosters began wrapping gifts at the Mall in 1991.  Over the years, profits from the project have grown from hundreds of dollars to thousands.  Organization of the booth and the workers, care in the purchase of supplies, and repeat business from satisfied customers, are the reasons for the success.

Lehman parent Kathy Kessler is once again coordinating this year’s gift wrap project.  She has purchased and organized all the supplies and assigned each date to a captain who is responsible for scheduling adult workers for that day.  Music students sign up to work as well, especially once school is dismissed for the Christmas recess. 

Peggy Henthorn, Mall manager and herself a former Lehman parent, has been most supportive of the project over the years, providing tables, advertisement, and storage space for supplies.  Many Mall businesses have helped out by donating boxes, especially for large and irregularly shaped gifts.  

 “Not only is it a unique fundraiser but it is also one of the most fun to do,” said Music Department Chair Elaine Schweller-Snyder.   “Students and parents can work side by side and it also provides a service for people in the community.  We even have students who have graduated and parents who no longer have children in school coming to wrap so that just proves how much they enjoy it.”

Visitors to the Miami Valley Centre Mall can find the Lehman Gift Wrap booth in the area in front of the J.C. Penney store. 

November 30, 2009

LEHMAN SENIORS TO DEPART FOR KAIROS RETREAT

SIDNEY, OH. - The senior class at Lehman Catholic High School will take a break from their busy lives next week and shift to a different focus.   The students are attending their senior religious retreat at the Bergamo Center in Dayton from December 8 through December 11.  The senior retreat is a requirement for graduation from Lehman.  

The retreat – called Kairos – is a three and a half-day overnight experience geared   for high school seniors.  Many Catholic high schools across the country use the Kairos model for their senior retreats. 

This is the sixteenth year that Lehman has used the program and marks the second time that the entire senior class will attend the same retreat.  Usually the class is divided into two groups with one group going in December and the other in March.  Because of the small size of this year’s senior class, there are enough accommodations for everyone to attend together. 

Kairos is the Greek word for time – God’s time.  In Scripture, Kairos is a time of salvation.  In the context of the retreat, Kairos means a time away from chronos or clock time, the ordinary day-to-day time in which we follow schedules and become immersed in tasks to be completed.   At Kairos, the students put themselves on God’s time and connect with God and their classmates without the stress of daily to-do lists. 

The challenge of Kairos is to live out that message in everyday life. 

Joe Schmiesing, Lehman faculty member who is again organizing this year’s retreat, says that Kairos is a time for students to “see themselves on a deeper level.   Students are challenged to break through the walls that are usually up between themselves and others.   The hope is that the spirit of Kairos will extend beyond today, beyond senior year, and into the rest of their lives.”

One unique characteristic about the Kairos program is that the retreat is facilitated by the students themselves.  Students chosen to be leaders attended Kairos last spring as juniors to prepare to lead this retreat.   A group of juniors are attending this retreat with the seniors to prepare to lead Kairos 31 next December.  These students include Juniors Lance Kruse, Devin Richard, Matt Sprague, Nick Zulauf, Allison Gaier, Madison Husa, Maddie Schneider and Maria Streng.

Student leaders for Kairos 30 are Zach Cecil, John Staudt, Adam Peltier, Wade Schroeder, Abby Maurer, Jennifer Heitmeyer, Gayle Ulrich and Stephanie Shoenfelt.

Adult leaders from the Lehman faculty who are attending Kairos 30 are Joe Schmiesing, Jack Albers, Barb Saluke, Sister Ginny Scherer, Tracy Hall and Father Jason Bedel. 

“We always have good student leaders,” Schmiesing said.  “They are willing to give of themselves and that guarantees a good retreat experience for everyone.”

November 30, 2009

LEHMAN MUSIC BOOSTERS TO SPONSOR FESTIVAL OF NATIVITIES

SIDNEY, OH. – The public is invited to take a break from the commercialism of the holidays and join Lehman Catholic High School for a “Festival of Nativities” to “remember the real reason for the season”. 

The Lehman Catholic Music Boosters are planning this event on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 in the cafeteria at Lehman Catholic.  The display hours are 2 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec.6. Sponsors are asking for a donation of $3 for adults and $2 for students.  Admission is free for under school age children.  There will be refreshments. 

November 25, 2009

LEHMAN TAPS NEW STUDENTS FOR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School has selected new members for its chapter of the National Honor Society.     A formal induction ceremony will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 24, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the school.   Current officers of the group will preside over the ceremony for the new members and their parents.

Seniors selected as new members are Andy Lawrence, Ashleigh Luken, David Morand and Katelyn Palsgrove.   Juniors selected for membership are Mary Adkins, Nick Cordonnier, Alex Haussman, Brandon Mullen, Nathan Pax and Taylor Watkins.  Sophomores selected are Meghan Bennett, Katie Catanzarite, Michael Comer, Sarah Davidson, David Freytag, Colleen Kinninger, Nicole Larger, Sean Looney, Emily Pax, Kandis Sargeant, Morgan Schmitmeyer, Daniel Sehlhorst, Matt Ulrich and Maria Yannucci.

Students are selected as candidates for membership based on grade average and activity points.  Students who meet these criteria are then evaluated by the faculty in the areas of leadership and character.

Current officers of the organization are John Staudt, president; Adam Peltier, vice-president; Christian Bauer, secretary; and Wade Schroeder, treasurer.  Included in the club’s yearly activities are peer tutoring, mum sales for Homecoming, the Thanksgiving food drive, gym cleaning after basketball games, and serving as guides for Lehman’s annual Open House.   The faculty advisor is Mrs. Pam Wendel.

November 24, 2009

LEHMAN NAMED ONE OF OHIO'S TOP ACADEMIC HIGH SCHOOLS

Lehman Catholic President Michael Barhorst today announced that the school had been named one of Ohio's Top Academic High Schools by Gerber Analytics, LLC. Gerber Analytics utilizes data generated by the students from each of Ohio's high schools based on the results of the administration of the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT).

This data is available from the Ohio Department of Education (www.ode.state.oh.us). The data used for the most recent rankings was from the 2009 administration of the five mandated tests (mathematics, reading, science, social studies, and writing) administered in each school each year. The Ohio Department of Education makes no attempt to rank schools based upon student performance on these tests.

Lehman Catholic serves students from six counties, five of which have one or more Catholic elementary schools. Within those six counties (Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, Miami, and Shelby) there were only five public schools recognized in the same report. Of the 21 Catholic high schools serving the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, sixteen of them "made the list." Of the more than 1005 high schools in Ohio, only 114 received recognition this year in the Gerber Analytics' report.

In making the announcement, Barhorst stated "Lehman Catholic's administration made the decision long ago not to realign our curriculum or to teach to the tests. Our Graded Courses of Study were evaluated, minor changes made, and we continued to offer the same quality education that had always been our hallmark," Barhorst said. "I believe that the results our students achieve on the Ohio Graduation Tests every year speak to the fact that the curricular decisions that were made then were good ones, and continue to be good ones," Barhorst noted.

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Principal Denise Stauffer, who served as Curriculum Coordinator prior to moving into the principal's office," Barhorst continued. "I also want to congratulate our fine faculty for their work with our students. In the end, they make Lehman's success possible," Barhorst concluded.

The full report is available on-line at www.gerberanalytics.com and at www.jjhuddle.com. Questions concerning Lehman's test results or any other facet of the school's programs can be directed to Principal Denise Stauffer, Director of Guidance Services Chuck Hoying, or Barhorst at Lehman Catholic.

November 23, 2009

 LEHMAN CATHOLIC RECOGNIZES FALL SPORTS ATHLETES

SIDNEY, OH. – Lehman Catholic High School recently held its fall sports recognition night for girls’ tennis, cross-country, volleyball, football, soccer and cheerleading activities.

Ciara Sargeant was awarded the most valuable player for girls’ tennis. The coaches award was presented to Morgan Shroyer, Kandis Sargeant and Nicole Larger. The junior varsity coaches award was presented to Angela McBride.

Jessica Thobe was a double-winner in volleyball receiving both the most valuable player award and the defensive player of the year award. Joining her on the winners’ stand were Ann Watercutter, coaches award; Andrea Thobe, offensive player of the year award; Meghan Earhart, junior varsity coaches award; and Ally Bergman, freshman coaches award.

Christian Bauer was named most valuable player in the cross-country boy’s division. Sarah Davidson won the most valuable player award in girl’s cross country division.

The Lehman Cavs’ football team garnered a number of accolades during the evening. Kaleb Goin was named most valuable player and offensive back of the year. He was joined by David Spearman, defensive back of the year; Rodney Huston, defensive lineman of the year; Ryan Jacob, offensive lineman of the year; Devin Richard and Wil Vernon, most improved and Zach Cecil, Ideal Cavalier award winner.

The cheerleaders’ coaches award was presented to Erin Slater. Kalli Holland captured the most valuable player award in girl’s soccer. Megan Baird received the coach’s award with Christie Freytag and Gretchen Walter awarded the defensive and offensive awards, respectively.

Wade Schroeder was named most valuable player in boy’s soccer. Joining him were Matt Sprague, defensive award; Adam Freytag, offensive player award; Jonathan Barhorst, varsity coaches award and Zachary Taylor, junior varsity coaches award.

LEHMAN GRAD LANDS ‘PRICE IS RIGHT’ APPEARANCE

 When game show host Drew Carey had his announcer yell the familiar refrain “Come on down!” during a recent taping of “The Price Is Right” in Los Angeles, little did Cara Schroeder, a Lehman High School grad, expect to hear her named called to appear on contestant’s row.

 The daughter of Tony and Joan Schroeder of Sidney, Cara, a sophomore at Ohio Northern University admits she was “surprised” by the announcement. She is unable to disclose what occurred due to a contractual agreement with the “Price of Right” producers. However, the taping featuring Cara will be aired on national television on Thursday, November 12^th .

 Both Cara and her grandmother, Marilyn Siebeneck of Glandorf, specifically went to L.A. to view the show with the ultimate hope of being chosen as a contestant. “When I was younger I would spend a week visiting with each grandmother during the summer,” explains Cara. “When I was 11 or 12 years old, Grandma Siebeneck would say ‘When you’re old enough, we’re going to LA. and get on the show. She paid and I made the travel arrangements. This was on Grandma’s ‘bucket list’ of things to do during her lifetime,” she laughed.

 Cara and her grandmother wasted no time during their five-day visit to the West Coast. On Monday, August 10, they began standing in line from 4:30 to 6 a.m., receive an ‘order of arrival’ pass, return at 8:30 a.m. for a 1 p.m. taping “sitting on long benches for the next four or five hours filling out forms” and having their photograph taken. Cara and her grandmother were among 320 people who waited to go through the line and were divided into groups of 15 to be interviewed before narrowing down the field. “It wasn’t too bad since we met lots of cool people while waiting,” added the perky 19 year old. While the traveling duo weren’t selected on August 10, they reappeared two days later for hours of waiting before Cara was picked.

  Unlike many contestants whose attire often runs the gamut, Cara was dressed as a college student in jeans and an Ohio Northern University President’s Club shirt. She couldn’t wait until she returned to campus this fall to inform the ONU president of the national exposure the campus would receive in November. Upon her arrival, she became a resident assistant at Founders Hall for the freshman honors program and also serve as a teaching assistant for a chemistry class this year.

 Cara is presently majoring in pre-medicine/biology and completed her freshman year with a 3.9 grade point average. “I enjoyed college so much,” radiated the teenager. “It was lots of fun, new experiences and lots of learning. I especially liked dorm life and the common bathrooms..it was a great place to meet everyone. Otherwise everyone stays in their room. We all get to brush our teeth together..and it’s a good bonding time.” In addition to “making new friends”, the Lehman grad was selected as one of 50 students to be a member of the President’s Club and represent the university to visiting alumni. She also stepped out of her zone as a state-renowned high school xylophone soloist and became a member of a steel drum band.

 In addition to traveling to L.A., Cara volunteered at Compassionate Care free health clinic in Sidney this summer, vacationed with her family in South Haven, MI. and traveled to Lake Wawasee in Indiana with friend Nicole Thieman.

 As for “The Price of Right” experience, Cara won’t divulge the outcome but says “You’ll have to wait and watch the show November 12^th.”

November 10, 2009

LEHMAN SCHEDULES FINANCIAL AID NIGHT ON DECEMBER 2

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School will hold its annual Financial Aid Night for parents of college-bound students on Wednesday, December 2, at 7 p.m., in the Mark Wurm Gymnasium at the school.  

The program is designed especially for parents of juniors and seniors who are applying for scholarships and financial aid, but anyone who is interested in finding out more about the process is welcome to attend.

Lehman President Michael Barhorst will give a presentation about the Gigandet Trust and Priscilla Wilt will give information about the Barnes Trust.  A financial aid consultant will be on hand to explain how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.  He/she will also talk about the entire financial aid process.

For questions about the Financial Aid Night, contact Barb Saluke, senior guidance counselor, at Lehman Catholic 937-498-1161 ext. 143.

November 10, 2009

LEHMAN MUSIC STUDENTS KICK OFF CITRUS SALE

SIDNEY, OH. - Music students from Lehman Catholic High School are taking orders for the annual Citrus Sale from now through November 18.

The sale offers a variety of items, including navel oranges, red grapefruit, juice oranges, tangerines, pears, tangelos, and apples. Basic small (20-pound) and large (40-pound) boxes of navel oranges, red grapefruit, and juice oranges continue to be the focus of the sale.   But a number of combination and gift boxes are also available.

The “Citrus Sampler” is a combination box of 24 navel oranges and 12 grapefruit.  The “Gift Box” contains 12 navels, 12 grapefruit, and 12 Red Delicious apples.  The “Fresh Trio” includes 12 navels, 12 grapefruit, and 12 D’Anjou pears.    The “Fresh Medley” is a smaller combination box with 10 navel oranges, 6 apples, and 6 pears. 

Other combination boxes offered this year are the “2-Ti Fruiti” with 10 navel oranges and 12 tangerines, and the “Simply Citrus” with six navels, six grapefruit, and six tangelos. 

Separate boxes of apples, tangerines, or tangelos are also available.  The tangelo is a tangerine-grapefruit hybrid that peels easily and is very juicy.   

            This year’s sale includes the Doorstep Direct program.  This option allows a customer to send a gift box of fruit to out-of-town relatives or friends.  Available for Doorstep Direct are boxes of navel oranges, apples, or grapefruit, or combination boxes of oranges and grapefruit, or apples and oranges.   Other products can also be ordered for Doorstep Direct delivery including decorative wreaths, coffees, and amaryllis plants.          The annual citrus sale is one of the primary fundraisers sponsored by the Lehman Music Boosters to support the music program at Lehman Catholic High School.  With an annual budget of over $25,000, the Music Boosters provide funding for transportation, instruments and instrument maintenance, music, equipment, uniforms, contest fees, awards, and other needs of the Lehman band and choirs.   Music students participating in this year’s citrus sale receive 15 percent of their sales as trip credits towards the Music Department trip to New York City in the spring.

For citrus prices or to place an order, contact a Lehman music student or email Elaine Schweller-Snyder at E.Snyder@lehmancatholic.com and she will pass your name on to a music student.   Students must turn in their orders on November 18.   Delivery to the school is expected in early December.  Items ordered through Doorstep Direct will be delivered directly to the customer in time for Christmas.

November 2, 2009                                                                 

LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 15

            SIDNEY, OH. - On Sunday, November 15, Lehman Catholic High School will hold its annual Open House for Prospective Students and Parents from 5 to 7 p.m.

            The focus of the Open House is on students who will be high school freshmen in the fall of 2010, but any parents considering a Catholic high school education for their children –including students in grades 5 through 8- are invited.  Younger students or upperclassmen in other schools considering a transfer to Lehman are also welcome. 

            “We encourage anyone who wants to begin planning for the future to come and take a look at what we have to offer,” says Lehman Principal Denise Stauffer.  “Our Open House gives families a chance to see our classrooms, meet our faculty, and hear about Lehman from our students.”

Lehman Student Ambassadors will give tours of the facility and teachers will be on hand in their classrooms to greet potential future Cavaliers and their parents. In addition to meeting faculty and coaches, prospective students and their parents can also visit the information fair and learn about the extra-curricular and co-curricular programs offered at Lehman.

“Lehman provides students with a quality education with an emphasis on individual attention, plus the opportunity to participate in a lot of activities and service to others, ” says Stauffer.  “We provide an experience grounded in faith and Christian values.”

Students attending the Open House are eligible for a drawing for scholarships that will be applied to tuition expenses.  A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student from each Catholic parish attending the Open House, plus an additional scholarship will be awarded to a student not affiliated with a Catholic parish.  

 The Lehman Music Department will close the evening with a presentation of “Lehman Limelight ’09-10” at 7:30 p.m. Members of the Limelighters will perform their contest show.  Refreshments will also be served.

Stauffer adds, “Some people ask ‘What would I gain by enrolling at Lehman Catholic?’  Join us on November 15 and find out.”

November 2, 2009

LEHMAN LIMELIGHT TOUR SET FOR AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Catholic High School Music Department is on the move again this year.  Students will present the annual performance tour of “Lehman Limelight ’09-10” on November 4 and 5 at area Catholic elementary schools.  The Limelight show is 45-minutes of fast-paced music, singing, dancing, and fun featuring the Lehman Limelighters Show Choir, the Cavalier Men’s Choir, the Cavalier Women’s Choir and Jazz Group.

            On Wednesday, November 4, the troupe of 59 Lehman students will travel by bus to Holy Rosary School in St. Marys, St. Joseph School in Wapakoneta, and Holy Angels School in Sidney.   On Thursday, November 5, shows will be presented at St. Patrick School in Troy, St. Mary School in Greenville, and Piqua Catholic School.

            An annual tradition, Lehman Limelight began in 1979 as a showcase for the talent in the Lehman Music Department.   It has evolved into an important connection between Lehman and its feeder elementary schools.  Each year’s show is designed to include audience participation and information about Lehman Catholic High School and its academic and extracurricular programs.  

            The theme of this year’s show is “We Will Rock You!” The show has been conceived and directed by Elaine Schweller-Snyder, Music Department Chair, and Libby Van Treese, Assistant Show Choir Director; and Lorie Beigel, Music Department Accompanist.  

            The show will also be presented on Sunday evening, November 15, at the conclusion of Lehman’s Annual Open House for Prospective Students.  The Open House is from 5 to 7 p.m. and the Limelight show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Mark Wurm gymnasium at Lehman Catholic High School, which is located at the Route 29 exit of Interstate 75 in Sidney, Ohio.

October 27, 2009

LEHMAN STUDENT NAMED NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENT

 SIDNEY, OH. – Lehman Catholic High School Senior John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt, of Sidney, has been named a Commended Student in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program, according to Principal Denise Stauffer.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mrs. Stauffer to Staudt in recognition of his achievement.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2010 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2010 competition by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” commented an NMSC spokesperson. “ As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”

The Lehman senior, an honors student and member of the National Honor Society, is actively involved as president of Lehman’s Pro Lifeguards organization. He is also a member of Mock Trial, TEAMS and has performed in spring musicals. He also serves as a eucharistic minister. Following graduation, Staudt plans to attend college and earn a degree in economics.

September 15, 2009

LEHMAN ANNOUNCES HOMECOMING THEME, SENIOR COURT

            SIDNEY, OH. – The Lehman Catholic High School senior class has chosen “Under the Sea” as the theme for the school’s annual Homecoming festivities to be held the week of September 21-26.   The Student Council will coordinate the annual “Spirit Week” activities including decorating the school hallways with Lehman blue and gold.

            On Friday night, September 25, the Lehman football team will take on Troy Christian at Piqua’s Alexander Stadium stadium.  For Saturday’s dance, the Lehman gym will be decorated with images from “Under the Sea” to celebrate the Homecoming theme.

            Beginning at 6:45 p.m. prior to Friday’s game, the Lehman Band and cheerleaders will lead a parade around the Piqua’s stadium, featuring banners created by each class depicting the Homecoming theme.  Lehman President Michael Barhorst, Principal Denise Stauffer, Homecoming Grand Marshall Kristine Pax, and the king and queen candidates will be among the participants.

            Each member of the Homecoming Court will be introduced during pre-game ceremonies and then the 2009 Homecoming Queen and King will be announced.  After the crowning, the Lehman Marching Band will take the field for the playing of the Fight Song, Alma Mater, and National Anthem.  The kickoff will follow at 7:30 p.m.

            Grand Marshall for this year’s activities is science teacher Kris Pax of Piqua.  Pax is in her third year as a Lehman faculty member where she teaches integrated science and chemistry and serves as the junior class advisor. The Grand Marshall is chosen by the members of the senior class.

            The 2009 queen candidates are Megan Baird, daughter of Don and Peggy Baird, of Sidney; Jennifer Geise, daughter of Steve and Julie Geise, of Sidney; Abby Maurer, daughter of Jeff and Julia Maurer, of Sidney;  Brittany McDonagh, daughter of Chris and Jeanne McDonagh, of Sidney;  Abby Schneider, daughter of Brian and Michelle Schneider, of Sidney;  Katie Schultz, daughter of Scott and Gail Schultz, of Piqua, and Gayle Ulrich, daughter of  Gerry and Jane Ulrich, of Sidney.

            King candidates are Andy Lawrence, son of Tim and Karen Lawrence, of Piqua; Bryan McDonagh, son of Chris and Jeanne McDonagh, of Sidney; Ross Moore, son of Ross and Lori Moore, of Sidney; Adam Peltier, son of Mike and Kelly Peltier, of Piqua; Wade Schroeder, son of Tony and Joan Schroeder, of Sidney; John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt, of Sidney; and Sam Vondenhuevel, son of Mark and Ann Vondenhuevel, of Sidney.

            Judging of the class banners will take place before the game and the winning class will be announced at halftime.

            The Homecoming dance will be held on Saturday, September 26, in the Mark Wurm Gymnasium at Lehman Catholic High School.

August 17, 2009

 LEHMAN ANNOUNCES BACK TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2009-2010

 SIDNEY, OH. – Increased activity on the Lehman Catholic High School campus is a sure sign that the start of classes is just days away. Athletic team practices, cheerleader camp, faculty arrivals, and the sounds of the Cavalier marching band have already brought many students “back to school” for the 2009-2010 school year.

 Principal Denise Stauffer reports that Lehman faculty members are also ready to begin their preparation for the new school year. A joint faculty in-service meeting will take place on Thursday, August, to include all faculty members and staff.

 Following a welcome by President Michael Barhorst, morning prayer will take place in the Elizabeth Seton Chapel at 8:30 a.m. to be followed by refreshments in the Monnin Conference Room. Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions administration will discuss such topics as the faculty handbook, lesson plan and grade books, study hall and homeroom assignments, cost reimbursement forms and other matters. Lunch will follow in the Mark Wurm gymnasium.

 “I am pleased to welcome back our veteran faculty members and truly look forward to working with a new faculty member,” noted Mrs. Stauffer. “Through their professionalism, dedication, and support of our educational mission, and the commitment to Catholic education, our students will receive many benefits and we will have a successful school year.”

 One new faculty member is being welcomed to Lehman for the upcoming school year. Joseph Harrmann will be teaching the business and computer courses. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Dayton and will also serve as the freshman class advisor, an assistant baseball coach and help with several extra-curricular clubs.

 On Friday, August 21, New Student Orientation will be held. Freshmen students as well as new upperclassmen will report to school at 8 a.m. The day will begin with Mass in the St. Elizabeth Seton Chapel with the Rev. Patrick Sloneker as the celebrant. Following Mass, donuts and juice will be served in the Mark Wurm gymnasium. At that time the faculty and staff will be introduced and students will hear a presentation about class rings from Jostens. Students will then follow a shortened version of their daily class schedule so they can familiarize themselves with their classrooms and meet their teachers. Teachers, in turn, will take several minutes with each class to discuss their expectations and materials required for the school year. All freshmen and new students are asked to wear their school uniform and bring their student handbook/daily planner, signed forms, class schedules and a pen and/or pencil.

 Prior to lunch, all freshmen and new students will hear presentations on effective study habits and organizational skills as well as co-curricular activities offered at Lehman. The day will conclude at 1 p.m. Bus transportation for Friday only is as follows: Piqua students will be picked up at 7:20 a.m. at the Downing Street campus of Piqua Catholic School and returned at 1:45 p.m.; and also North Street campus at 7:25 a.m. and returned at 1:40 p.m. Sidney students who have transportation concerns for that day should contact Assistant Principal Jake Johnson at the school.

 The first day of classes for all students at Lehman Catholic, noted Mrs. Stauffer, is Tuesday, August 25, beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 3 p.m.  Students are expected to arrive on time, in uniform and prepared for class.

 The Lehman Athletic Boosters Annual “Beanie Wienie” supper is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. in the Mark Wurm Gymnasium. Sponsored by the Lehman Athletic Boosters, the dinner of hot dogs, baked beans, chips and beverage costs $2 per person and includes all you can eat. Immediately following the supper, parents will have an opportunity at 7:15 o’clock to meet the teachers as well as teams and coaches of fall sports.

June 15, 2009 

LEHMAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTION SET AUGUST 1^ST 

SIDNEY, OH. – The Lehman Catholic High School Alumni Association has announced the third annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 1, at the school. Alumni President Chad Sollmann reports two graduates from Holy Angels High School, a philanthropic doctor and a current teacher are among those to be recognized. 

This year’s inductees include Mary Agnes Brandewie who was graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1920; Michael M. Gilardi, a 1969 Holy Angels graduate; Charles Gariety, M.D., who was graduated from Holy Angels in 1946 and Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C., chairperson of the Lehman science department. 

Festivities will get under way with a Mass celebrated by former inductee, Rev. Robert Monnin, at 5:15 p.m. in the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel. A social hour will be held in the Mark Wurm Gymnasium at 6 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner at 6:30. The induction ceremony will be held at 7:30. 

Following graduation from Holy Angels High School, Ms. Brandewie entered the Mount Saint Joseph College in 1924 where she earned here Bachelor’s Degree in music and mathematics and later in life earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Detroit in 1962. She was presented the first community award for “Outstanding Contribution to Education of the Community of Sidney”, the Mount Saint Joseph College Loretta Richards Alumnae Award, Outstanding Math Teacher for Western Ohio and National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Educator Award. 

Gilardi, an inductee, went on to build Gilardi Foods into the most successful refrigerated pizza operation in the United States. Through his 28-year ownership of Gilardi Foods, he served as a supporter of Holy Angels Parish and later Lehman Catholic. Following the sale to ConAgra Foods in 1998, Gilardi and his wife, Pam, established The Father’s Table Company and the Father’s Table Foundation. “These organizations went along with Mike’s vision to create a method to help provide for the needs of women and children,” states Michael Frantz, who nominated Gilardi. “His vision and commitment to that vision represent the type of selfless and Christ-like actions that I believe other recipients of the Hall of Fame have demonstrated.” 

Also being inducted is the late Dr. Charles Gariety who was graduated from Holy Angels High School in 1946. Dr. Gariety earned his undergraduate degree from Xavier University in 1950 and graduated from Saint Louis Medical School in 1954. He opened a private practice in 1958 in Greenville. In 1969 he formed a surgical practice called Miami County Surgeons in Piqua. The father of seven Lehman High School graduates, Dr. Gariety was dedicated and instrumental in the merger of Piqua Catholic and Holy Angels High Schools and the formation of Lehman High School. According to his nominator, Arlene Crawford, “he was a compassionate surgeon and a truly honest and sincere person who cared about people.” 

Sister Ginny Scherer entered the Sisters of Charity religious order and took her vows in August 1960. She was graduated from the College of Mount Saint Joseph in 1962 where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry and mathematics. Later she earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. She went on to serve the first staff at Lehman High School in 1970. Her contributions to Catholic education and, in particular, Lehman High School have been numerous. She presently serves as chairperson of the Science Department where she teaches chemistry, physics and Advanced Placement courses. Some of her major highlights and contributions include initiation of girls athletics at Lehman, former girls athletic director, a coach of basketball and softball, member of the first school board at Lehman, working with substance abuse programs at Lehman and beginning its AP science program. She also supervises science fair activities and oversees the Science Olympiad program. 

Inductees were selected for their excellence in various fields of professional achievements, community service, their service to the Lehman community and Catholic community-at-large. 

The August 1^st induction ceremony is open to the public. Tickets are $35 per person. To make a reservation or obtain ticket information, contact Lehman Development Director Sharon Semanie at 498-1161/773-8747, ext. 126, or Sollmann at (937) 469-1146. 

The Lehman Alumni Association was established in October 2004 and consists of 12 alumni with graduation dates ranging from 1961 to 2001. Sollmann reports “We had an excellent turnout our first induction year-2007-and the event was well received. The inductees and their families were overjoyed with the evening’s events. We hope everyone can join us to help celebrate the lives of our newest inductees on August 1.”

June 9, 2009 

LEHMAN ALUMNI ANNOUNCE JUNE 19^TH FUNDRAISER 

In observance of their 20^th anniversary, members of the Class of 1989 at Lehman Catholic High School have announced a fundraiser to benefit their alma mater. On Friday, June 19, C.J. Highmarks in Sidney will donate 10 percent of all proceeds to Lehman between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. 

Class organizers note that “all that’s required is that the customer mention that he/she is an alumni of Lehman High School and the restaurant will take care of the rest.” 

Chairman Marc Gilardi reports classmates will have their 20-year reunion on Saturday, June 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. but “after 9 p.m. we want to open the party up to ‘Friends of Lehman’ and alumni.” 

The band “Velvet Crush” will provide live music from 9 to 12:30 a.m. on the second level at Z’s Sports Bar in Piqua at a cost of $15 per person. Gilardi reports that proceeds from the evening will be donated to the school. A cash bar will be available. Any questions can be e-mailed to Marc Gilardi at marcgilardi@hotmail.com 

May 22, 2009

LEHMAN CATHOLIC RECOGNIZES SENIORS AT AWARDS DAY

SIDNEY, OH. – Fifty-seven members of the Class of 2009 at Lehman Catholic High School were honored Friday morning during the traditional awards ceremony in the Schlater Family Gymnasium.

It was reported 85 percent of the class members plan to attend a four-year college this fall while 12 per cent plan to attend a two-year college. Two graduates will enlist in military service. This year’s seniors were awarded a total of $2.38 million in scholarships over the next four years and $622,510 in scholarships to use during the 2009-2010 school year.

The following students were recognized during the morning ceremony attended by parents, faculty and LCHS undergraduates:

Brian Adams- Columbus State University

Robbie Baker- University of Mississippi; kinesiology major

Brad Barhorst- The Ohio State University; Honors Program

Kameron Barton-Otterbein College, business major, Piqua Rotary Club Scholarship, Winslow D. and Eleanor G. Siedel Scholarship, Lundgard Scholarship, Otterbein Dean’s Scholarship and Otterbein Scholar Award.

Aaron Bauer- The Ohio State University, material science engineering major; valedictorian; OSU Honors Program, OSU Provost Scholarship, OSU-Honda Math Scholarship, OSU-Material Science Engineering Scholarship and Mary Agnes Brandewie Scholarship.

Corey Brown-University of Toledo, business management major; Toledo Rocket Scholarship.

Jenna Cabe-Brigham Young University; William A. Ross Jr. Scholarship and Brigham Young Award of Excellence Quaner Scholarship.

Alexandra Calvert-Xavier University, nursing major; Xavier Catholic Legacy Award, Xavier Honor Award and First National Bank of New Bremen Scholarship.

Max Cartwright-University of Dayton, communications major; UD President’s Merit Scholarship and Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister and Shenk Scholarship.

Amy Caserta-Johnson and Wales University, baking and pastry arts/business management major; Johnson and Wales Presidential Scholarship.

Adam Cavinder-Ohio University, international business major; OU Gateway Scholarship.

Kate Cecil-The College of Mount St. Joseph, special education major; MSJ Merit Award, MSJ Academic Achievement Award, Sisters of Charity Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Sidney Scholarship and Bill and Marilyn Kingseed Scholarship.

Jordan Cisco-Columbus State University, emergency medical technician major.

Jeremy Clark-University of Cincinnati, chemical engineering major.

Kyle Coleman-University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, ballet major; CCM Honors Scholarship and CCM Corbett McClain Scholarship.

Vanessa Couchot-Edison Community College, middle school education major; Lundgard Scholarship and Piqua Noon Optimist Chuck Wagner Memorial Scholarship.

Abby Dobras-The Ohio State University, finance major; OSU Trustees Scholarship

Annie Fortkamp-Wright State University, nursing major; WSU First Year Recognition Scholarship and Fred and Clymena Shane Nursing Scholarship.

Maggie Franklin-Otterbein University, physical therapy major; Otterbein Deans’ Award, Otterbein Alumni Grant, Otterbein Endowed Scholarship and Robert E. Grover Memorial Scholarship.

Ben Freytag-Edison Community College

Miranda Gicale-Thomas More College, biology major, Thomas More Award, Thomas More Diocesan Award, Thomas More Out-of-State Award and Thomas More Parochial Promise.

Kurt Graver-University of Toledo, education major; Toledo Rocket Scholarship and Herbert and Antoinette Schlater (Sidney Electric) Scholarship and Thomas Given Scholarship.

Rob Harrelson-Miami University, political science major, Miami University of Ohio Resident Scholarship and Miami University of Ohio Leadership Award.

Kaitlyn Haussman-Otterbein University, pre-veterinarian studies major; Otterbein Presidential Scholarship, Otterbein Scholar Award, Otterbein Endowed Scholarship, Otterbein Dean’s Leadership Award, Otterbein Alumni Scholarship, Kauffman Family Scholarship and US Bank Thomas Heringhaus Scholarship.

Colton Hemm-University of Cincinnati, biology major; Lundgard Scholarship.

Brittany Homan-Edison Community College, early childhood education major

Nathan Horstman-University of Toledo, criminal justice major; Toledo Rocket Scholarship.

Kiefer King-Otterbein University, sports management major; Otterbein Endowed Scholarship, Otterbein Dean’s Leadership Award and Otterbein Alumni Scholarship.

Brian Kinninger-The Ohio State University, architecture major; Architecture Scholars Program and OSU Provost Scholarship.

Liane Lachiewicz-Univsersity of Mississippi, pre-medicine major, Newman Club English Award.

Matt Lengrich-Thomas More College, sports/entertainment marketing; Thomas More Parochial Promise and Thomas More Out of State Award.

Michael Liette-University of Dayton, molecular biology/pre-medicine major; UD Trustees’ Merit Scholarship.

Sarah Lynch-Miami University, accounting major; D.J. Smith Accounting Scholarship.

Ashleigh Markowitz-University of Dayton, pre-medicine major; UD Honors Program; UD Trustees Merit Scholarship; Dayton Foundation GM/Frigidaire Scholarship, Walter and Lucile Daniel Scholarship; Patricia Recker Scholarship and Studio Eleven Scholarship.

Michael McMahon-work and/or enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

Michael Nguyen-Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine/Kent State, pre-medicine/integrated life science major; Lehman Academic Hall of Fame, six-year Accelerated Medical Program; National Merit Schindler Scholarship; Academia Scholarship; Kent State Honors Scholarship and Kent State Trustees Scholarship.

Trang Nguyen-University of Toledo, biology major; Toledo International Student Scholarship; Battelle Scholarship and UT Achievement Scholarship.

Jennifer Paulus-The Ohio State University, business major; OSU Trustees Scholarship.

Rachael Peck-Xavier University, nursing major; Xavier Presidential Scholarship Xavier Catholic Legacy Grant and Robert and Miriam Hartzell Scholarship.

Corbin Peltier-Columbus State University, fire science/EMS major; Piqua Rotary Scholarship, Piqua Ernest John Award and Lundgard Scholarship.

Nickolas Pierre-University of Cincinnati, exploratory sciences major; Ruese Insurance Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship.

Joseph Polston-U.S. Marine Corps; aviation electronics

Nicholas Pulfer-The Ohio State University, wildlife biology major; OSU Tri-State Gun Collector’s Scholarship, OSU Buckeye Distinction Scholarship and Tom Jordan Memorial Scholarship.

Adrie Rodenburgh-Ohio Dominican University, mathematics education major; Ohio Dominican Scholarship and Alice Dilworth Memorial Scholarship

Zachary Schmitz-Ohio University, Minster Bank Scholarship

Treg Sherman-Ohio University, civil engineering major; Ohio University Gateway Scholarship and William A. Ross Jr. Scholarship.

Matt Shroyer-Ohio University, journalism major; Ohio University Gateway Scholarship, Ohio University Academic Competitiveness Grant and Ohio Opportunity Grant.

Aaron Sprague-University of Dayton, chemical engineering major; salutatorian, UD Trustee’s Merit Scholarship, Sidney Kiwanis Student of the Month Scholarship and Hartzell-Norris Scholarship.

Aaron Stevenson-The Ohio State University, business/marketing major; OSU Scholars Program, Sidney American Legion Scholarship and Sidney Boy Scout Troop 97 Scholarship.

Marc Warnecke-University of Toledo, international business and e-commerce major; UT Rocket Scholarship.

Traci Watercutter-University of Toledo, nursing major; Toledo Rocket Scholarship and Scott Family McDonald’s Ray Kroc Award

Joshua Waugh-Eastern Kentucky University, fire safety engineering technology major; Lundgard Scholarship and Piqua Kiwanis Scholarship.

Gretchen Weber-St. Louis University, biology/pre-medicine and vocal performance major; honors program; Medical Scholars Program; St. Louis University Provost Scholarship; St. Louis University Presidential scholarship St. Louis University Master Singers Scholarship and St. Louis University Rev. Francis Guetner Jesuit Scholarship.

Anna Wenning-Western Kentucky University musical theater major; Sidney Knights of Columbus Scholarship, Western Kentucky University Scholarship and Unverferth Music Boosters Scholarship.

Dan Westerheide-University of Dayton, civil engineering major, UD Father Chaminade Scholarship.

Aaron Wildenhaus-University of Akron, mechanical engineering major, Akron Academic Scholarship and Lundgard Scholarship

Madison Young-Edison Community College, physical therapy major.

May 18, 2009

LEHMAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT HONORS STUDENTS AT BANQUET

SIDNEY, OH.- The Lehman Catholic High School Music Department held its annual awards banquet recently at the Knights of St. John Hall in Piqua.

Receiving the Unverferth Music Boosters scholarship was senior Anna Wenning, daughter of Steve and Kim Wenning of Sidney.  This annual $250 scholarship recognizes a student for whom music has made a significant difference in his or her life.  It is intended to inspire that student to continue to be involved in music after high school.  The scholarship award is named in memory of the grandmother and uncle of Lehman band director Elaine Schweller-Snyder. Wenning plans to attend Western Kentucky University and major in musical theater.

The Knights of St. John Outstanding Bandsman plaque was awarded to senior Michael Nguyen, son of Tac and Tran Nguyen of Troy. The award recognizes the top band student in the combined areas of musicianship, leadership, and service during his or her years in the high school band. 

Outstanding Musicianship Awards were presented to band members in each class. Chosen Outstanding Senior was Gretchen Weber, daughter of Paul and Jenny Weber of Troy.  The Outstanding Junior Musician was Ben Kessler, son of Howard and Kathy Kessler of Piqua.  Chosen Outstanding Sophomore was Zach Cooper, son of Robert and Becky Cooper of Piqua.  The Outstanding Freshman Musician was Emily Pax, daughter of Dennis and Kris Pax of Piqua.

Chosen Outstanding Show Choir Member was Josh Waugh, son of Michelle Caserta of Piqua.  The Outstanding Symphonic Choir Member was Kailyn Moos, daughter of Chad and Regina Moos of Troy.

Band seniors receiving plaques for their years in instrumental music were Jenna Cabe, Amy Caserta, Kate Cecil, Jeremy Clark, Kyle Coleman, Kaitlyn Haussman, Brian Kinninger, Michael Nguyen, Joseph Polston, Adrie Rodenburgh, Aaron Sprague, Aaron Stevenson, Marc Warnecke, Gretchen Weber, and Anna Wenning.  Seniors Corey Brown  and Alex Calvert received certificates for one semester of participation.

Choir seniors receiving plaques for their years in vocal music were Corey Brown, Vanessa Couchot, Kurt Graver, Kate Cecil, Jenna Cabe, Rob Harrelson, Matt Lengerich, Aaron Stevenson, Josh Waugh, Anna Wenning, and Gretchen Weber.

Several students were presented with trophies won during competitive music events. Best Individual Lehman Performer awards from various show choir competitions were presented to:  Josh Waugh at Ada, and Stephanie Shoenfelt at Bishop Luers and at Kettering.   Senior Jenna Cabe received two trophies for runner-up honors at the separate soloist competitions held at Kettering and Bishop Luers. 

Recognized with certificates were students who received superior or excellent ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event in February.   Participation awards were given to all underclassmen in Show Choir, Band, and Band Auxiliaries.  Trays of ham and roast beef were provided by the Piqua Knights of St. John and each family brought a covered dish. 

Stephanie Shoenfelt    Jennifer Geise        John Staudt     Abby Maurer     Giles Hinders

Meghan Bennett         Colleen Kinninger    Sarah Milota    Dan Sehlhorst    Maria Streng  

            CLASS OF 2009 2ND  HONORS

Megan Althaus                          Ellie Berlekamp             Zach Cecil                               Adam Freytag  

Jennifer Geise                          Lauren Gilardi               Madeline Goodwin                     Molly Graver 

Elliott Harod                              Ryan Jacob                  Andrew Lawrence                     Abby Maurer

Elizabeth McDevitt                     Brittany McDonagh       Ciara Sargeant                         Abby Schneider

Kaley Schneider                        Kate Schulz                  Brooke Vanover

CLASS OF 2011 2^ND HONORS

Mary Adkins                             Sami Calvert                 Abby Gary                   Evan Goffena

Madison Husa                           Rodney Huston             Brandon Mullen             Annie Paulus

Eryn Rowley                             Morgan Shroyer            Nicholas Zulauf

            CLASS OF 2012 2^ND HONORS

Alex Baker                                Nick Boshonek              MacKenzie Brown         Laura Cisco

Lexie Froning                            Carley Harrod               Paxton Hatcher             DJ Hemm

Angela McBride                       

CLASS & CLUB OFFICERS   

            PRO LIFE GUARDS                             

            VICE PRESIDENT                                John Staudt

            STUDENT COUNCIL:

            VICE PRESIDENT-                               Adam Peltier

            SECRETARY-                                      Sarah Milota

            STOCK CLUB:

            VICE PRESIDENT:                               Bryan McDonagh

            STOCK CLUB SECRETARY:                 Erin Slater

            STOCK CLUB TREASURER:                Ciara Sargeant Brittney McDonagh

            CLASS OF 2010:

            PRESIDENT     -                                   Stephanie Shoenfelt

            VICE-PRES.     -                                   Abby Maurer

            SECRETARY-                                      Gayle Ulrich

            TREASURER.-                                     Jennifer Geise

            CLASS OF 2011:

            PRESIDENT     -                                   Madison Husa                                      

            VICE-PRES.     -                                   Lance Kruse                                        

            SECRETARY-                                       Jessica Thobe                                     

            TREASURER.-                                      Hannah Monnin                                                

            CLASS OF 2012:

            PRESIDENT     -                                   Eddie Baker                                         

            VICE-PRES.  -                                      Emily Bensman

            SECRETARY-                                       David Freytag              

            TREASURER.-                                      Ben Weber                              

            SUBSTANCE ABUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

Christian Bauer     Haley Guillozet              Meghan Althaus     Adam Peltier           Ellie Berlekamp

Gayle Ulrich           Maddie Goodwin          Sarah Milota          Stephanie Shoenfelt     

SUBJECT AREA AWARDS

            ART    

            ART FUNDAMENTALS:                                                Maddie Goodwin

            ART HISTORY I:                                                          Elizabeth Bauer

            ART HISTORY II:                                                         Elizabeth Bauer

            CERAMICS:                                                                 Herschel Hoehne

            DRAWING & PAINTING                                                Megan Althaus

SPACER

            BUSINESS

            INTRO TO BUSINESS:                                                 Andy Alessio   

            ACCOUNTING I:                                                          Megan Baird  and  Andy Alessio                       

            COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II:                                   Mary Adkins                

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            ENGLISH

            COMPREHENSIVE FRESHMAN ENGLISH:                    Meghan Bennett  and  Daniel Sehlhorst 

            COMPREHENSIVE SOPHOMORE ENGLISH:                 Andy Alessio                                                                COMPREHENSIVE JUNIOR ENGLISH:                                     Molly Graver                

            ADVANCED JUNIOR ENGLISH:                                   Haley Guillozet

            JORUNALISM:                                                             Adam Peltier

            FOREIGN LANGUAGE

            LATIN  I:                                                                      Colleen Kinninger

            LATIN II:                                                                      Ann Watercutter

            LATIN III:                                                                     Sarah Milota

            SPANISH I:                                                                  Daniel Sehlhorst  and  Emily Pax                       

            SPANISH II:                                                                 Maria Streng  and  Lance Kruse

            SPANISH III:                                                                Wade Schroeder                                  

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            FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE

            LIFE SKILLS                                                                Sarah Milota

            QUICK COOKERY                                                        Elizabeth  Bauer                       

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            INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

            INTRODUCTION TO CAD:                                            Garrett Kiefer

            CAD I:                                                                         Parker Cole

            MATHEMATICS

            PRE  ALGEBRA:                                                           Nick Cordonnier                       

            ALGEBRA I:                                                                 Kerrie Josefovsky  and   Sarah Davidson         

            ALGEBRA II:                                                                Joseph Staley

            GEOMETRY:                                                                Daniel Sehlhorst          

            PRE-CALCULUS:                                                         Wade Schroeder          

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            MUSIC

            MUSIC THEORY:                                                         David Morand                          

            PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH

            HEALTH:                                                                      Daniel Sehlhorst

RELIGION

            RELIGION 101  HEBREW  SCRIPTURES:                    Abby Ciriegio

            RELIGION 102  CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES:                   Colleen Kinninger

            RELIGION 201  CHURCH HISTORY:                             Giles Hinders

            RELIGION 202  SACRAMENTS:                                   Maria Streng    

            RELIGION 301  DOCTRINE:                                         Wade Schroeder

            RELIGION 302  MORALITY:                                          Wade Schroeder          

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            SCIENCE

            INTEGRATED SCIENCE:                                              Amelia Schultz

            BIOLOGY:                                                                    Kathyrn Bauer  and    Elizabeth Bauer

            CHEMISTRY:                                                               John Henry Hinders

            ANATOMY:                                                                  Haley Guillozet

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            SOCIAL SCIENCES

            WORLD GEOGRAPHY 105:                                          Meghan Bennett

            WORLD GEOGRAPH 110:                                            Elizabeth Bauer

            WORLD HISTORY 105:                                                John Henry Hinders

            AMERICAN HISTORY:                                                  Haley Guillozet  and    Amanda Miller    

            PSYCHOLOGY:                                                            Kathryn Bauer and   Devin Richard

            SOCIOLOGY:                                                               Kathryn Bauer

            AMERICAN GOVERNMENT:                                          Sarah Milota                

May 12, 2009 

LEHMAN’S SPRING CHOIR SHOW SCHEDULED SATURDAY, MAY 16 

SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Catholic High School Vocal Music Department will present a Spring Choir Show on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mark Wurm gymnasium at the school.   Tickets for the show are $6 for adults and $5 for students and will be sold at the door.  There are no reserved seats and doors will open at 7 p.m.

Titled “A Day in the Limelight”, the program will feature the Lehman Limelighters Show Choir presenting the musical revue Leader of the Pack.   Also involved in the show will be students grades 4-10 from area Catholic elementary schools and Lehman who will attend an afternoon workshop to prepare two songs to sing and dance with the Limelighters at the evening performance.

The Lehman Symphonic Choir will open the program with several selections before the Limelighters take the stage.  They will sing “Seasons of Love,” “Viva La Musica,” and “May the Music Never End.”

Leader of the Pack is a musical based on the life and works of composer Ellie Greenwich.  The story of her struggles as a songwriter in the 1960’s is told through her songs.  Audiences will recognize quite a collection of hits, including “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy,” “Chapel of Love,” “Hanky Panky,” “River Deep Mountain High,” and the title song “Leader of the Pack.”

            Show Choir members playing roles in the show are Jenna Cabe as “Ellie”, Taylor Watkins as “Jeff”, Josh Waugh as “Gus”, Emily Van Treese as “Shelley”, Natalie Davis as “Rosie”, Julia Cabe as “Patty”, and Abigail Kruse as “The Waitress.” 

            The songs feature many individual solos, small groups, and full group numbers.  The Lehman Jazz Combo is playing the musical accompaniment for Leader of the Pack.  This group regularly performs with the Limelighters.

            Adults involved in the production are Libby Van Treese, assistant show choir director; Lorie Beigel, choir director; Elaine Schweller-Snyder, combo director; Liz Maxson, choreographer; and Jenny Weber, rehearsal pianist.   

May 11, 2009 

LEHMAN AWARDED FIVE SUPERIOR RATINGS AT STATE SCIENCE FAIR 

SIDNEY, OH. - Nine Lehman Catholic High School students participated in this year’s State Science Day held recently at The Ohio State University and five received superior ratings.  The 61st annual event involved over 1,000 students in seven through twelfth grades from schools across the state of Ohio who exhibited their science research projects. 

Lehman senior Michael Nguyen received a perfect score of 40 and a superior rating for his project entitled “Effect of UVC Radiation on the Susceptibility of E. Coli to Antibiotics.”   The son of Tac and Tran Nguyen of Troy, Nguyen is spending the week of May 11-15 at the Intel International Science Fair and Engineering Fair in Reno, NV  This competition is the Olympics, the World Cup, and the World Series of student scientific research.  It brings together over 1,000 students from all 50 states and 40 nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, and scientific field trips. Nguyen received an all-expenses-paid trip based on his showing at the Regional Science Fair held in March.

Senior Trang Nguyen received a superior rating for “Producing Ethanol from Paper.”  She is an exchange student staying with Dave and Susan Barth of Troy.  Trang also received the University of Toledo Science Achievement Scholarship.

Senior Aaron Bauer received a superior rating for his project “Fuel Cells, A Catalytic Comparison.”   He is the son Ralph and Lisa Bauer of Houston.   Senior Aaron Stevenson received a superior rating for his project “Can You Stand the Heat?”   He is the son of Jim and Gwen Stevenson of Sidney.

Freshman Daniel Sehlhorst received a superior rating for his project “Balancing Deicer Effectiveness and Environmental Impact.”  He is the son of Dan and Marcie Sehlhorst of Troy.

Lehman students receiving excellent ratings were senior Gretchen Weber, daughter of Paul and Jenny Weber of Troy; freshman David Freytag, son of Dan and Jean Freytag of Sidney; freshman Nicole Larger, daughter of Mark and Maria Larger of Sidney; and freshman Sean Looney, son of Mark and Laurie Looney of Troy.

Science Day is the academic equivalent of a state athletic championship. Drawing from a base of 35,000 student participants at more than 1,000 local science fairs, the 1,000 7th to 12^th graders from more than 200 schools were evaluated on their scientific research and communication skills.  More than 40,000 students have participated in the annual event since it was first held in 1949. 

Lehman science teachers require participation in science fair for most of their classes.  Teachers of the students representing Lehman at the State Science Fair were Sister Ginny Scherer, Tracy Hall, and Jenny Weber. 

May 7, 2009 

GOALS, DISCIPLINE FOCUS OF CONGRESSMAN’S TALK AT LEHMAN 

SIDNEY, OH. – Addressing an assembly at Lehman Catholic High School this week, U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) encouraged young people to focus on their goals and to “be willing to do whatever work is necessary to make it (goals) happen.” 

Jordan, who was accompanied by his aide Adam Hewitt, a Lehman graduate, advised those present to “always have goals and objectives”. He further discussed the importance of having discipline in one’s life as “most important” and added “discipline is doing things the tough way when you’d rather do them the easy way.” 

“There’s a risk associated with accomplishing things”, Jordan cautioned his young audience adding “and, that is, that you might fail.”
”Take risks associated with reaching your goals and things that matter the most,” he added. “If you don’t run, you can’t win. If you are not willing to take risks, you cannot achieve. Don’t hang out in the shadows but get into the game and also help others along the way.” 

He further advised those present to “be positive” suggesting that positive people get things accomplished. 

During a question and answer period, Congressman Jordan was asked about President Obama’s stimulus plan to which he replied “Our liberty is under attack and we should be concerned. We’re faced with the largest spending increase in our history. And sending debt to future Americans is a problem.” He predicted that within the next six years the new administration “will pile on more debt than ever before” and suggested that within 10 years, the nation will be faced with a $23 trillion deficit. 

When asked about the future of the Republican party, the congressman noted that “it (party) is not as strong as I’d like” and suggested that the four principles upon which his party stands are low taxes, control of spending, a strong national defense and defense of traditional principles and freedoms. 

“President (Ronald) Reagan was solid on all four,” noted Congressman Jordan. “But unfortunately we (Republicans) have lost some credibility and it will take time to earn back.” 

As part of his question and answer session, the guest speaker also addressed issues such as the U.S. Supreme Court, pro-life stance, freedom of speech, education and government’s involvement in the auto industry crisis which he described as “a dangerous precedent”. 

At the conclusion of his remarks, Congressman Jordan suggested three opportunities for which students can get involved as government pages during a three-week summer stint; appointment to a military academy or an internship program following their first year of college.  

May 6, 2009 

LEHMAN ANNOUNCES 2009 VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN 

SIDNEY, OH. – Two Lehman Catholic High School seniors –both named Aaron- have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of their graduating class and, ironically, both are eyeing careers in engineering. They are Aaron Bauer of Houston who will represent the Class of 2009 as valedictorian and Aaron Sprague of Sidney, who has achieved the honor of being named salutatorian. 

They are among 57 graduating seniors scheduled to receive diplomas on Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. in the school’s Schlater Family Gymnasium. Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sidney. Both young men will be inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame at 8:30 a.m. on May 22 as part of the Senior Awards Ceremony. 

Aaron Bauer, the son of Ralph and Lisa Bauer of Houston, has garnered many accomplishments during his four-year career. He has excelled in both cross country and track and has been actively involved in soccer, Science Olympiad, Academia, Envirothon, TEAMS, the National Honor Society, Substance Abuse and Alcohol Council (SAAC), the Stock Club and Ohio Energy Project.  

Bauer, who was awarded a superior for his science fair project as a sophomore, has also been awarded numerous honors including scoring as top in his school in the DMC Math Test and earning Honda-OSU and MSE-OSU scholarships.  He is a member of the First United Methodist Church youth group in Troy. 

This fall his plans are to enroll at The Ohio State University where he will major in material science engineering. His siblings, Christian, Elizabeth and Kathryn are all students at Lehman Catholic. 

Aaron Sprague, son of David and Donna Sprague, of Sidney, serves as co-captain of the Lehman boys’ soccer team and was named to the second team of All Dayton North and also a section leader of the Cavs’ marching band. He’s been an active member of the Science Olympiad, board member for Relay for Life, secretary of Pro-Lifeguards, president of the Stock Club, secretary of the National Honor Society and member of SAAC, Ohio Energy Project, Envirothon, cross country, swimming, track and CYO basketball. He was a delegate to Buckeye Boys State during his junior year.  

Sprague, a sacristan and Mass server at Holy Angels Catholic Church, plans to attend the University of Dayton where he will major in chemical engineering with hopes of embarking on a career in alternative energy.

May 5, 2009 

LEHMAN CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN APPEALS TO PARISH COMMUNITY

SIDNEY, OH. – During the weekend of May 9 and 10, Lehman Catholic High School will be appealing to parish communities to support its “Secure the Future” capital campaign which, to date, has raised over half of its $3.5 million goal, according to President Michael Barhorst. 

As part of the upcoming weekend Masses at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, St. Mary Church, Piqua, and St. Boniface, Piqua, Lehman supporters will host “Secure the Future” campaign receptions and share with parishioners plans for addressing the needs of Lehman Catholic High School.  

Campaign Chair Frank Gilardi Jr. has announced the names of parish chairpersons who will be instrumental in coordinating the parish events. They are Mrs. Lynne Springer of Sidney, Holy Angels; David Galbreath of Piqua, St. Mary Parish; and Thomas Guillozet of Piqua, St. Boniface Parish. 

“We are extremely grateful to the parish chairpersons who have accepted our invitation to share Lehman’s needs with their respective parishes,” noted Gilardi. “The gatherings (at each parish) are informal, social and will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to meet as a community. Parishioners at each parish are invited to join Lehman representatives to view a video, ask questions and learn about the challenges and opportunities we (Lehman) face as a school community in this important endeavor.” 

A 1978 graduate of Celina Senior High School, Lynne (Francis) Springer was graduated from The University of South Florida. She and her husband, Steve, have resided in Sidney since 1994. They are the parents of two Lehman Catholic graduates, Stephanie, a 2006 graduate who is currently a junior at the University of Findlay and Jordan, a 2008 graduate, who is completing his freshman year at Arizona State University. 

For the past 10 years, Mrs. Springer has been actively involved with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at Holy Angels Church. Other parish activities include SCRIP volunteer coordinator, parish picnic volunteer and past parish council member. 

Both she and her husband have also been actively involved at Lehman Catholic as chaperones for the Pro-Lifeguards trip to Washington, D.C. and, most recently, as co-chairperson or the school’s Harvest Auction. The Springers are owners of Furniture Express in downtown Sidney. 

Galbreath, president of Galbreath Realty Service, was graduated from Troy High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in real estate from The Ohio State University in 1974. He became licensed in real estate sales in 1974 and as a real estate broker in 1979. 

A Piqua resident, Galbreath is a member of the Lehman Board of Limited Jurisdiction. He is a past president of the Piqua Jaycees, past president and member of the Piqua Rotary Club; past Grand Knight and member of the Piqua Knights of Columbus, a member of the finance committee and lector at St. Mary Parish; a member of the Miami Conservancy District Board of Appraisers; advisory board member of Catholic Social Services and member of the executive board, and chairman of the risk management committee of the Miami Valley Council of Boy Scouts. 

He and his wife, Julia, are the parents of four Lehman graduates: Patrick of Louisville, KY., a 1998 graduate; Ann Tocco of Ypsilanti, MI, a 1999 graduate; Katie Verrill, of Toledo, a 2004 graduate; and Libby, a freshman at Ohio Northern University, who was graduated in 2008. They also have four grandchildren. 

Guillozet, a Piqua native, was graduated from Russia High School, Marietta College and the University of Dayton Law School. He is a partner in the law form of Hanes, Schipfer, Cooper, Graber, Guillozet & Detling Ltd. With offices in Versailles and Greenville. He is currently village attorney for Versailles, Osgood, North Star and Yorkshire. He also serves as Mayor’s Court Magistrate for the villages of Union City, Bradford and Coldwater. 

Guillozet, past president of the Darke County Bar Association, resides in Piqua with his wife, Melanie, and daughters, Haley, a Lehman junior, and McKenna, a sixth grader at Piqua Catholic School. He is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church where he serves on the finance committee and as a Eucharistic minister. In addition, Guillozet is a board member of the Versailles Savings and Loan Association, Annie Oakley Foundation. H.O.P.E. Foundation, Center for Neurological Development, financial secretary for Russia Knights of Columbus and president of the Versailles Foundation. In his spare time he enjoys attending his daughters’ activities, traveling, fishing and OSU football. 

The parish phase of the “Secure the Future” campaign will conclude with “Commitment Sunday” the weekend of May 16 and 17. Pledge cards will be available at each of the Masses to be completed at that time. 

In recent months Gilardi and members of his steering committee have been securing pledges toward the projected $3.5 million goal. Monies raised will be earmarked specifically for facility/maintenance to include a new heating and air conditioning system, roofing, asbestos removal, building security devices and parking lot resurfacing and curb repair. Within the area of technology, Lehman plans to provide interactive whiteboards to energize presentations and motivate learners; projection equipment, installation of wireless technology and equipment and new computer hardware and software. 

The endowment funds will also benefit from campaign contributions. Monies will be provided for tuition assistance to help keep Catholic education affordable for all students; a faculty endowment to be used for faculty development and retention; and building endowment to be used for ongoing maintenance of the facility. Information about the “Secure the Future” campaign can be obtained from Lehman’s development office at 2400 St. Mary’s Ave., Sidney, OH.  45365.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

President Michael Barhorst or Development Director Sharon Semanie

(937) 498-1161, ext. 137 or 126.

May 5, 2009 

LEHMAN TO SHOWCASE STUDENTS DURING ANNUAL ART SHOW 

SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Catholic High School Art Department will showcase student artists from May 8-18 during the annual Lehman Spring Student Art Show. On display will be oil, acrylic, watercolor and tempera paintings, as well as sculptures, drawings, pottery, and prints.

Department Chair Marcia Maas and her students are always excited when the time comes to put the show together since it is the culmination of the entire school year’s work.  Students from all art classes are involved, including those taking Art History who display their artistic journals in a special area.  These journals demonstrate in-depth Internet research and writing assignments. 

Featured this year are some new projects such as self-portraits by the Painting and Drawing class, “Art as a Message” collages and photography by the Studio Art class, and thrown pottery by the Ceramics class.

The Art Show opens at 8:00 a.m. on May 11 and runs through 10:00 a.m. on May 18. Judging takes place on Friday, May 8, with award ribbons given in various media categories such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and graphic arts.

This year’s judge is Kim Monnier, Lehman class of 2004, who graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2008 with a degree in Art Education and a specialization in Ceramics.

In addition to the judge choosing the top awards, Lehman students and faculty have the opportunity to vote for the “students’ choice” award and “teachers’ choice” award.  Each Lehman Administrator will also pick their favorite piece of art.

Maas attempts to coordinate the dates of the display with other school functions so that a number of people can view the works of art as they come through the building.  On Wednesday, May 13, parents can view the art show as they gather for the Undergraduate Awards Banquet.  On Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m., the Lehman Vocal Music Department will present their spring show - Leader of the Pack: the Music of Ellie Greenwich. Audience members can enjoy the art display before and after the performance.

Some of the paintings may end up on the walls of those who come to the show, as a number of works are for sale.  Interested buyers need to contact the individual student artist or Maas. 

            The art display is set up in the chapel corridor and the hallway between the new concession stand and the art room at Lehman Catholic High School.  Anyone wishing to view the Art Show while classes are in session (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) must stop in the main office to obtain a visitor’s pass when entering the building.

May 1, 2009 

MAY CROWNING CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT LEHMAN 

SIDNEY, OH. - The month of May in the Catholic Church is traditionally a time to honor Mary, the Mother of God.  Students at Lehman Catholic High School began the month of May by honoring Mary at the school’s annual May Crowning on Friday.  The ceremony took place following the weekly 10 a.m. Friday Mass. 

Senior Adrie Rodenburgh was chosen by her classmates to lay a wreath of flowers on the head of the Blessed Virgin statue that is in the Lehman chapel.  Her attendants were seniors Miranda Gicale, Kaitlyn Haussman, and Kate Cecil.  Rodenburgh is the daughter of Addie and Joy Rodenburgh of Greenville.  Gicale is the daughter of Tim and Mary Beth Gicale of Piqua.  Haussman is the daughter of Fred and Lisa Haussman of Sidney, and Cecil is the daughter of Darin and Angie Cecil of Sidney.

During the crowning ceremony, Lehman students and staff recited several prayers including the “Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and sang the hymn “Immaculate Mary.”

The custom of crowning the statue of Our Lady or laying flowers at its base began in Italy in the 1750’s.  The practice quickly spread across Europe and was often done on May 31, the feast day of the Queenship of Mary. 

In the United States, May Crownings were especially popular in the 1950’s and were often big events on the calendars of Catholic Schools.  After the Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church in the late 1950s, the practice was discouraged for a time because it was thought that too much attention was being given to Mary and should be directed to Jesus.

In the 1970’s, under Pope John Paul II, there was a resurgence of Marian devotion in the Catholic Church, allowing May Crowning to again become a popular custom.  Lehman Catholic has been having an annual May Crowning for over 20 years.           

May 1, 2009 

SIDNEY ROTARIANS WELCOME NEW LEHMAN INTERACT CHAPTER 

SIDNEY, OH. – Fifty plus students at Lehman Catholic High School were formally inducted into Rotary District 6670’s newest Interact chapter by visiting dignitaries and members of the Sidney Rotary Club Thursday. Welcoming the group was Lehman President Michael Barhorst. 

During a noon luncheon at Lehman’s Mark Wurm Gym, Rotary District Governor Pat Edwards applauded the Lehman contingent for “serving the world so that we have a better place to live”. He noted that Rotary International’s service club –Interact-is open to young people ages 14 to 18 and sponsored by individual Rotary clubs which provide support and guidance but are “self governing and self supporting”. 

He cited Interact as “the most significant and fastest-growing program of Rotary service with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas” and suggested the organization has become “a worldwide phenomenon” with almost 200,000 young people presently involved. 

Edwards advised the Lehman students that Interact clubs traditionally complete at least two community service projects annually, one which “furthers international understanding and goodwill.” He also emphasized the projects should be “fun” and shared two activities where chapters sponsored a “Kiss a Goat” and flamingo projects with proceeds used for community beautification.   

Student Abby Mauer reported that Lehman’s Interact chapter launched a migrant worker project during the Lenten season and raised $565.55 to help migrant workers in Georgia’s Vidalia onion fields. A pizza raffle has recently been launched, reported Ariel Coleman, and monies raised will be used to help purchase computers in the media center. 

Sidney Rotary President Dave Wolters extended his appreciation to the Lehman administration for its support of Sidney’s first Interact club. He advised students they are “breaking ground” as future leaders and, on behalf of Sidney’s 95-member Rotary Club, assured the newest chapter “we’ll be there to support you” with future projects. A charter certificate was presented by Wolters and Assistant District Governor Kelley Hooper to Lehman Interact Advisor Liz Maxson. 

Other Rotarians representing the Sidney club were Jeff Sargeant, Bonnie Faulkner, Scott Barhorst and Josh Buehler.

April 24, 2009 

LEHMAN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM COMPETES AT STATE LEVEL 

            SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Catholic High School Science Olympiad team competed at the State Science Olympiad recently and placed 33rd overall in the state.  Forty teams from all over the state earned berths in the state competition by placing high in their respective regionals.  Unlike athletic and other competitions, there are no divisions based on school size.  Lehman was one of the smallest schools to compete at the state level.

Lehman earned its trip to state by taking first place in the Northwest Regional.  

            In Science Olympiad, each team competes individually or in groups in a series of 23 events that test their knowledge of science skills, processes, and applications in a wide range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, technology, earth science, and mathematics.

Lehman students finishing in the top twenty in various events were Aaron and Christian Bauer (8th in Dynamic Planet), Miranda Gicale and Aaron Sprague (15^th in Environmental Chemistry), Jeremy Clark and Michael Nguyen (18^th in Chemistry Lab), and Michael Nguyen and Aaron Sprague (18^th in Write It, Do It).   

Lehman team members participating at the state competition were: Aaron Bauer, Jeremy Clark, Miranda Gicale, Brian Kinninger, Michael Nguyen, Trang Nguyen, Aaron Sprague, Christine Bauer, Parker Cole, Elliott Harrod, Mary Adkins, Betsy Bauer, Katie Bauer, John Henry Hinders, Matt Sprague, and alternate Sean Looney.

The faculty advisor of the Lehman team is Sister Ginny Scherer.  Extra coaches who give many volunteer hours are Gary Bonifas, Jim Hemm, Tracy Hall, Don Karnes, Gary Schultz, Kim Wenning, and Steve Wenning. 

This year’s Lehman team was financed by the Lehman Science Department and grants from the Miami County Foundation and the Copeland Education Foundation.

April 20, 2009 

LEHMAN’S BARB SALUKE SHAPES, INFLUENCES STUDENTS’ LIVES 

SIDNEY, OH. – Lehman Senior Guidance Counselor Barbara Saluke wears many hats these days. In addition to counseling seniors on their post-secondary plans, the congenial educator also teaches senior English and, most recently, was presented with a 2009 Recognition Award at the 14^th Annual Business Education Recognition Dinner for Sidney and Shelby County Schools. 

Saluke was among 12 teachers who received the prestigious award at Sidney Middle School. Nominating the popular Lehman counselor/teacher was Senior Kyle Coleman who attributes Saluke’s “kindheartedness and compassion for her students” as second to none. 

“Going to a school like Lehman Catholic has given me the opportunity to meet some very special people; people that don’t do their job for their own personal gain, but for the gain of others. For this reason, I am grateful that I have the chance to thank my teacher, Barb Saluke, who has shown me genuine care and concern since I walked into her classroom.” 

Coleman believes Saluke’s “approach to reaching students, her positive energy and her life experiences” are among her best attributes. “Mrs. Saluke’s classroom is like the Fatu Hiva Island of my classes,” explained Coleman. “Fatu Hiva is an island in the South Pacific that has no word for work in the native language. She (Saluke) teaches my senior English class and I can say that her assignments are ones that I don’t mind doing. The assignments aren’t seen as ‘work’; they just become a way to express yourself. Her lessons are always introducing new and creative ways of learning things. From compiling a newspaper depicting the attitudes of citizens that lived in the times of the great fire of London to Mrs. Saluke’s rap about the life of William the Conqueror, she always finds a fun way to help us retain information.” 

Known for her “warm smile” and willingness to “put herself in someone else’s shoes”, Mrs. Saluke has inspired many students throughout her Lehman career. A graduate of the University of Dayton with a Master of Science degree in school counselor, she also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Bowling Green State University. Prior to coming to Lehman in 2002, the Minster resident also taught and served as a counselor at New Bremen High School. 

“We all come from different backgrounds that make us unique,” wrote Coleman. “Mrs. Saluke has been able to share some of her life experiences with her students. After seeing who she is today, she has truly inspired me.” 

In conclusion, the Lehman senior said he nominated Saluke “to recognize the character of someone who spends all of her time shaping and influencing others. This award can be one way I can give back to someone who has influenced my life, helped shape who I am and who I will become.”

April 17, 2009 

LEHMAN JUNIOR GETS GAME WITH SWIMWEAR AT NATIONAL MEET 

SIDNEY, OH. – Seventeen-year-old Allison Ulbrich is a fashion-conscious teenager whose preference for a Blue 70 full body skin swimsuit over a Speedo Laser brand provided the “mental” advantage for herself and all swimmers participating in the YMCA Short Course National Swim Meet recently held at the International Swimming Hall of Fame Pool in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

The daughter of Bill and Nancy Ulbrich of Piqua, Allison and three fellow swimmers qualified to participate in the prestigious meet which attracts youth across the nation. This year’s meet, held April 6-9, marked the second time the outgoing Lehman Catholic High School junior has participated in the Florida meet as a representative of the Miami County YMCA. 

Allison competed against 243 girls –ages 12 through 18-in the 50-yard freestyle. In order to qualify, she swam a 25:06 second race at the sectional championship at Miami University which was good enough to elevate her to national competition and a 25:29 second qualifying time. The national winner, noted Allison, was a 17-year-old high school junior from Springfield whom she personally knows and a four-time national champion at that particular meet. “She swam 22:67 which is about the average time for a guy,” she added. 

In addition she swam anchor freestyle in both the 200- and 400-yard medley relay along with Emma Kiefer of Piqua, an eighth grader at Piqua Catholic Schools; Vanessa Weidner of Greenville, a high school senior; and Lauren Lennartz of Troy, a high school sophomore. “I’m the designated freestyler for the relay team,” explained Allison, “which can be a lot of pressure…especially if you’re tied for first place going into the last leg” of an event. Because she swam at the YMCA national meet her freshman year, Allison admits she was less intimidated and more confident swimming in this year’s events. 

“I felt more focused this year swimming three events versus one my freshman year (200-yard freestyle relay). I had to be more mentally focused.” She half-heartedly admitted it “was really hard to do well in Florida because of the heat” but later admitted “that was an excuse” since she had some free time to go to the beach and brush up on her tan. 

What motivates Allison and many of the swimmers nowadays are the full body skin swimsuits popularized by Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps. “Everybody (there) either was wearing a new Speedo Laser swimsuit or a Blue 70 which reduces drag (resistance) and is simulated to act like sharkskin and make swimmers go faster in the water.” The Piqua swimmer claims the newest trend in swimwear costs anywhere from $400 to $550 excluding goggles and swim caps. “From personal experience, the swimsuit not only works physically but helps you get your game on. Mentally it helps.” She laughingly admits it initially took one hour to dress but now she’s mastered suiting up in 30 minutes. 

In addition to swimming year round for the Miami County YMCA, Allison is also a member of the Lehman Catholic High School swim team and Tecumseh Woods Swim Club in Piqua. As part of her training regimen, she might swim three times a week during her high school swim season, twice weekly prior to morning classes, six evenings a week at the YMCA and practices during the summer at Tecumseh Woods. Her coach is Scott Ellis who is both her high school and YMCA mentor. A typical practice includes swimming 3,000 to 10,000 yards a session plus cross training –elliptical and weightlifting-to build muscle. 

At 5 feet 7 inches, Allison is well conditioned as a swimmer and also a volleyball player.  Prior to her junior year, the honors student played for the Lehman Cavs but fractured her spine her sophomore year prohibiting her from finishing the volleyball season or maintaining her swimming regimen until January 2008. “I wanted to swim so badly and was so frustrated sitting on a couch,” she noted. “When I did get back to swimming, it was hard to get back in shape and, therefore, I didn’t qualify for nationals as a sophomore.” 

Her goal as a senior is to qualify for the state championship, she noted, but says she remains undecided if she wants to extend her swimming career once she gets to college. Allison plans to pursue a career in medicine or nursing.

During her high school career, her extra-curricular interests-in addition to swimming and volleyball-have included Relay for Life, Pro-Lifeguards, Interact Club, TEAMS, Big Buddies, Ohio Energy Project, National Honor Society and Prom Court. An honors student, she is also a member of the National Honor Society and a Eucharistic minister. 

In addition to Allison, the Ulbrichs also have a younger daughter, Stephanie, an eighth grader at Piqua Catholic Schools. Also an accomplished swimmer,  Stephanie will undoubtedly follow in her older sister’s footsteps and make waves of her own.

April 16, 2009 

 ‘MONTE CARLO’ THEME CHOSEN FOR LEHMAN PROM ON APRIL 25 

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School has chosen the theme and court for the 2009 Junior-Senior Prom to be held Saturday, April 25 at the Fort Piqua Plaza.  The dance runs from 8 to 11:30 p.m. with the crowning of the prom royalty set for 8 o’clock.  “Monte Carlo” is this year’s theme. 

Vying for the title of 2009 Prom King are Kameron Barton, son of Jenny Barton of Piqua; Max Cartwright, son of Tom and Beth Raterman of Sidney; Kurt Graver, son of Tom and Kay Graver of Sidney; Colton Hemm, son of Jack and Robyn Hemm of Piqua; Michael Liette, son of Duaine and Angela Liette of Sidney; Corbin Peltier, son of Tim and Sue Peltier of Piqua; and Aaron Sprague, son of Dave and Donna Sprague of Sidney.

Prom Queen candidates are Jenna Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe of Sidney; Annie Fortkamp, daughter of James and Jan Fortkamp of Sidney; Kaitlyn Haussman, daughter of Fred and Lisa Haussman of Sidney; Liane Lachiewicz, daughter of Peter and Karen Lachiewicz of Troy; Ashleigh Markowitz, daughter of Bob and Robbin Markowitz of Troy; Rachael Peck, daughter of Dave and Jane Peck of Piqua; and Adrie Rodenburgh, daughter of Addie and Joy Rodenburgh of Greenville.

Juniors competing for the Prom Prince title are Andy Lawrence, son of Tim and Karen Lawrence of Piqua; Ross Moore, son of Ross and Lori Moore of Sidney; Adam Peltier, son of Mike and Kelly Peltier of Piqua; Wade Schroeder, son of Tony and Joan Schroeder of Sidney; John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt of Sidney; and Sam Vondenhuevel, son of Mark and Ann Vondenhuevel of Sidney.

Prom Princess candidates are Ellie Berlekamp, daughter of Brad and Kris Berlekamp of Sidney; Abby Maurer, daughter of Jeff and Julia Maurer of Sidney; Brittney McDonagh, daughter of Chris and Jeanne McDonagh of Sidney; Ciara Sargeant, daughter of Jeff and Nancy Sargeant of Sidney; Allison Ulbrich, daughter of Bill and Nancy Ulbrich of Piqua; and Gayle Ulrich, daughter of Gerry and Jane Ulrich of Sidney.

The junior class plans the prom each year as a final farewell to the senior class.  The junior class officers are Stephanie Shoenfelt, president; Abby Maurer, vice president; Gayle Ulrich, secretary; and Jennifer Geise, treasurer. Mrs. Kris Pax is the junior class adviser.

            Junior class parents are organizing this year’s After-Prom to be held at the Shelby Country YMCA in Sidney from 12:30 until 3 a.m.  After-prom festivities will include games, music, sports, food, and door prizes.

April 16, 2009 

LEHMAN FACULTY TO BE RECOGNIZED AT MIAMI VALLEY BANQUET 

SIDNEY, OH. – Five Lehman Catholic High School faculty will be recognized at the upcoming Miami Valley Catholic Schools Banquet at the Presidential Center in Kettering on Tuesday, May 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

The Lehman contingent will be among numerous Catholic faculty and administrators throughout the greater Miami Valley who will be honored as outstanding teachers and providing service to their respective schools over the years. 

Honorees include President Michael Barhorst, 35 years of service; Music Department Chairperson Elaine Schweller-Snyder, 35 years; Vice Principal Jake Johnson, 10 years; Social Studies Chair George Grampp, 10 years and Music Instructor Lorie Beigel, five years. 

Also scheduled to be honored is Tracy Hall, science instructor, who is the recipient of an “Innovative Teaching Grant” for the Ohio Energy Project she introduced to area elementary schools in recent months. 

Barhorst, a rural Sidney native, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in social studies from The Ohio State University in 1972 and a Master of Science Degree in educational administration from the University of Dayton in 1981. He has taken additional coursework at the University of Notre Dame and UD. Prior to beginning his teaching career, he was employed by Stolle Corporation. 

He began teaching at Holy Angels School for six years before joining the Lehman faculty in 1979. He was appointed as first lay principal in 1984 and, in 2006, was named president. He has been recipient of numerous awards including the National Catholic Education Association Distinguished Service Award, the Outstanding Principal Award bestowed by the Science Education Council of Ohio and the UD Eun Joong Chyung Memorial Award. He currently serves as chairman of the board of trustees at Clear Creek Farm; is chairman of the Governor’s Community Traffic Safety Network of Shelby County; regional association of the NCEA and active member of Holy Angels Parish. 

A former member of Sidney’s City Council, he served as mayor in the late 1980s and returned to office as mayor in 2007. He and his wife, Jenny, are the parents of a daughter, Sarah Faber, of Mason, a first grade teacher at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Milford; and Thomas, an assistant principal at Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati. 

Elaine Schweller-Snyder has taught in Catholic Schools for 35 years, 31 of those years at Lehman High School. She currently teaches band, music theory, journalism and jazz combo at Lehman and band in grades 5-8 at Holy Angels School in Sidney. She is also the music department chair and producer of the annual all-school musical. 

One of her hobbies is freelance writing and, in addition to her teaching, she writes press releases promoting the school and school events. She is also adviser for the school newspaper, the Cavalier Crier, and the yearbook, the Cavalcade. 

Mrs. Schweller-Snyder is a graduate of the University of Dayton where she earned a  Bachelor of Science degree in music education, and Bowling Green State University where she did graduate work in music education, musical theater production and science design earning a Master of Science degree in music education. She is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and the Ohio Music Education Association. She serves on the OMEA State Board as co-chair of the Non-Public Schools Committee. She was also on the planning committee for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 OMEA Professional Development Conferences. In her spare time, she does some freelance writing for Creative Marketing Strategies of Sidney. 

Mrs. Schweller-Snyder and her husband, Chip Snyder, reside in Sidney. 

Johnson, a native of Swanton, is the youngest of three siblings with two older sisters and parents who still live near the family farm west of Toledo. He is a 1993 graduate of Toledo Saint John’s High School and was graduated from Xavier University in 1997.  

Johnson worked at Roger Bacon High School for five years as a history teacher, football coach, and member of various committees pertaining to technology and recruitment/retention. He and his wife, Andrea, also a former teacher at Roger Bacon, moved to Sidney four days after their marriage to begin his job as assistant principal at Lehman. 

During the past five years he has assumed a variety of roles ranging from athletic director to technology coordinator. For the past several years, Johnson has taught geography. He presently assumes responsibility for student discipline, faculty and student handbook issues, teaching staff evaluations, substitute assignments and coordination of technology. He and his wife are parishioners at Holy Angels Catholic Church. 

They are the parents of two children, Will, 2 and Leah, 1. 

Grampp, who originally hails from East Islip, NY, was graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in 1968. He received a Master of Arts degree in history in 1973 from UD and later a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration in 1974 from Cleveland State University. 

He taught in Dayton Public Schools from 1968 to 1999 teaching social studies at Roth, Dunbar, Meadowdale and Belmont High Schools. He came to Lehman Catholic in 1999 where he presently teaches government and U.S. history. He is also a Mock Trial advisor. 

He is married to Judy Grampp and has four stepdaughters and six grandchildren. 

Lorie Beigel has taught in Catholic schools for five years. She teaches K-8 music and choir at Holy Angels School and choir at Lehman Catholic High School. Mrs. Beigel is the conductor and vocal director of the all-school musical, a member of the music ministry team and often accompanies students at various competitions. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in violin and French from Morehead State University where she studied both violin and recital accompanying in piano and served as the music department theory tutor. 

She is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, Ohio Music Educators Association, American Harp Society, World Harp Congress and the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen. She is concertmaster of the Gateway Choral Society Orchestra and is currently studying harp. 

She and her family reside in Sidney. 

Mrs. Hall earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilmington College in 1992 and a master’s degree in education in 2008. She is a faculty science team member at Lehman and advisor for Substance Abuse Advisory Committee (SAAC), Envirothon, Science Olympiad, Ohio Energy Project and Science Fair. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, camping and attending her children’s athletic events.

April 15, 2009 

CONGRESSMAN JORDAN TO ADDRESS LEHMAN STUDENT ASSEMBLY 

SIDNEY, OH.- U.S. Congressman Jim Jordon (R-Urbana) is scheduled to address students and faculty at Lehman Catholic High School from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, May 4, according to an announcement made today by Lehman President Michael Barhorst. 

The event, reports Barhorst, will give Congressman Jordan an opportunity to answer students’ questions as well as report on President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan and the upcoming midterm elections. 

Jim Jordan was raised in Champaign County and graduated from Graham High School in 1982 where he was a four-time state champion in wrestling with a career record of 150-1. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, where he was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University and a Law Degree from Capital University in Columbus. 

Jordan is a fiscal conservative who believes that families and taxpayers, rather than government, know best how to make decisions with their money. Throughout his career, the congressman has led the fight against tax hikes, including those proposed by his own political party. Congressman Jordan also believes that cutting taxes and enabling families to keep more of what they earn helps build strong communities and a vibrant economy. 

He was named Pro-Life legislator of the Year from United Conservatives of Ohio and won the Defender of Life award from Ohio Right to Life for his unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity of human life. In Congress, Jordan has championed legislation in defense of the unborn and has led the fight on pro-family issues like defending traditional marriage and giving parents the tools they need to help build a brighter future for their children. 

Congressman Jordan has long been a vocal supporter of securing the nation’s borders and enforcing laws to deal with the problems stemming from illegal immigration. He is active in supporting the rule of law and fixing the system so that families who long to come to America can do so by learning English, gaining legal citizenship and becoming tax-paying Americans. 

In Congress, Jordan has also emerged as a prominent defender of the taxpayer’s pocketbook through his work on spending issues. He continues to support making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent and has offered a series of budget and appropriations amendments aiming at stemming the excessive growth of government spending. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Budget Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. 

He and his wife, Polly, are the parents of four children. The Jordan family resides near Urbana.

April 8, 2009 

LEHMAN GRADS AMONG REGION’S 40 MOST INFLUENTIAL UNDER 40

SIDNEY, OH. – Two Lehman Catholic High School alumni are among recipients of the 2009 Dayton Business Journal “Forty Under 40 Class” awards being presented on April 16 at the Mandalay Banquet Center in Dayton. 

Being honored at this year’s awards program are Jeramie Sollmann of Sidney, vice president of Sollmann Electric Co. and owner of JMS Engineers, Ltd.; and Kurt Barhorst, also of Sidney, vice president of sales at Air Handling Equipment Inc. in Sidney. 

The 12^th annual Forty Under 40 awards program is presented by the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University and honors the area’s up-and-coming leaders. It is considered one of the most popular awards programs the Dayton Business Journal sponsors each year. Past winners have included U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Centerville); Joey Williams, Dayton-area president for JPMorgan Chase & Co.; and Dan Foley, Montgomery County commissioner. 

A panel of judges reviewed nominations from members of the business community and selected the 40 winners based on three main criteria- business leadership, community leadership and career path. Judging this year’s program were Toni Perry Gillespie, of AT&T and Kids Voting Dayton; Kelly Gray of Richard Flagel Realty Inc. and Andy Reitz of Faruki Ireland and Cox P.L.L. and Generation Dayton. 

Sollmann, a 1992 Lehman grad, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Ohio State University. In his present position, he estimates and manages electrical contracting projects up to $2 million in size at Sollmann Electric Co. He also owns JMS Engineers Ltd., an engineering firm that specializes in control system development, design, and installation including programmable logic controllers, power monitoring, industrial computer and communication, energy management and computer-aided design (CAD) drawings. 

Sollmann is also a licensed electrical contractor with the State of Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board and a professional engineer licensed with the State of Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. 

He and his wife, Kara, are the parents of three sons, Mitchell, Tyler and Nathan. In his spare time he volunteers for the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA serving as treasurer of their board of directors and chair of their Community Partners Campaign. 

A 1990 graduate of Lehman High School, Barhorst earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with an area of specialization in finance from the University of Toledo. He has been certified by the Department of Energy to conduct compressed air system audits as an AirMaster+ specialist. Prior to his employment at Air Handling Equipment, he was a senior claims adjustor for Nationwide Insurance from 1995 to 1998. 

Barhorst currently serves as vice president of the Board of Directors at the Sidney Shelby County YMCA and chairman of the financial development committee. He was the chairman of the Community Partners Campaign in both 2006 and 2007. He serves on the board of the Sidney Rotary Club where he is currently program chair. He is affiliated with Holy Angels Church and serves as marketing committee chair at the Holy Angels School. He enjoys coaching his children’s soccer and baseball teams. 

He and his wife, Connie, reside in Sidney with their three sons, Brandon, 9; Andrew, 7; and JD, 3.  

April 8, 2009 

LEHMAN SENIOR TO BALANCE BALLET, STUDIES AT CCM THIS FALL 

SIDNEY, OH. – Unlike high school football players who aspire to emulate Ohio State’s Terrell Pryor or Maurice Wells, Lehman Catholic High School Senior Kyle Coleman cites internationally-renowned ballet dancers Carlos Acosta of Cuba and Mikhail Baryshnikov, a Soviet-born Russian American, as his artistic idols. 

At 6 feet in height with a slender 140-pound frame, Coleman is an upcoming accomplished ballet dancer whose mastery of movements from adagio to plie has captured the attention of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM). This fall the Lehman senior has been accepted into the four-year fine arts program with an emphasis on ballet. 

The son of Barry and Kimberley-Rae Coleman of Troy, Kyle is one of 11 children in his family –third oldest- and has been dancing since he was nine years of age. 

“My sisters-Lyndsay and Ariel-were dancing in a production ‘It Happened in Hamlin” at Sharon’s School of Dance. The story itself was about a pied piper so I went to see them (sisters) as a supportive brother. It was first real show I had seen. The following year, Mom enrolled me in tap dance classes at Sharon’s and, one year later, I tried out for the ‘Nutcracker’ ballet and was cast in the role of Fritz, the obnoxious brother. It was that show that really captured my interest (in ballet).” Although he had only studied tap dance, Kyle said he was “banking on my (tap) experience and good smile” to get me into the Sidney dance company. The audition itself included ballet, tap, singing and jazz. 

Since that first audition Kyle has tenaciously trained in various disciplines working endless hours after schools to hone his dancing skills. Stretching exercises, he reminisces, were the most difficult part of learning ballet techniques. “It (stretching) was the most painful part of ballet. It’s about increasing your turn out (position of your whole leg). You start with a fundamental step and build from there in lengthening your leg muscles while standing at the ballet bar. It (stretching) is all done in a way while holding onto the bar…the most important part of ballet.” Making it (ballet) look effortless and practicing presence “ are paramount in ballet, he added. 

Kyle, who was born in Akron, lived in Oklahoma before relocating to Sidney when he was six years of age. Home-schooled by his mother, the personable teenager recalls his initial days of ballet at Sharon’s School. “I’d never taken a class at Sharon’s with girls,” he says. “When you’re 10 year old you’re still not sure about yourself and really self-conscious. I remember seeing girls laughing and whispering but didn’t know if it was about me. That really motivated me to do better because I didn’t want to go out and embarrass myself.” Although he still receives occasional taunts about being a ballet dancer, Kyle says “it (ballet) is not weird at all.it has become a way of life. Friends here (at Lehman) have reacted better than I thought they would.” 

As part of his exercise regimen, Kyle wears ankle weights when stretching, works with light weights and does push-ups for strength training. “I really don’t brag about how strong I am,” he modestly replied. When compared with his peers who play football, he laughs “I know I couldn’t do what they do in the weight room but I don’t think they could come in the strength training room and do what I do. It’s about controlling my body unlike them controlling someone else’s (body).” As for his diet, he takes protein supplements and consumes a healthy amount of vegetables, fruits and meats. “Lots of dancers are vegetarians but that’s not for me,” he added. “I have a soft spot for junk food.” 

Kyle, whose “sports” attire consists of ballet shoes, tights and a sleeveless shirt, is presently choreographing a pas de deux (dance for two) with fellow dancer, Cayla Roberts, for an upcoming May recital. The three to four-minute dance, he says, requires lots of lifts, and will be performed against an acoustic musical background. 

The Lehman senior is enthusiastic about entering the fall class at the Cincinnati Conservatory this fall. Although he’s been provided with a merit-based scholarship, Kyle is hopeful he’ll receive additional scholarship money to follow his dream. In pursuing his undergraduate degree, he’ll have an opportunity to perform with professional companies and study elsewhere such as the Louisville or Cincinnati Ballet and learn from the ballet masters who visit CCM throughout the year,” 

“I would really like to pursue (ballet) if the opportunity exists,” he added. “It’s become a way of life and I personally think I can improve myself as time goes on.” During his high school days at Lehman, Kyle was involved in soccer, track, swimming, diving, marching band, Lehman Limelighters, spring musicals and Student Council. Now it’s time to take center stage and demonstrate how all those hours of stretching have paid off.

LEHMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL

THIRD QUARTER

 FIRST HONORS

SECOND HONORS

April 6, 2009 

LEHMAN PRO LIFEGUARDS LAUNCH WHITE CROSS PROJECT 

SIDNEY, OH. – In an effort to demonstrate the magnitude of abortions performed daily within the United States, members of the Pro Lifeguards organization at Lehman Catholic High School are constructing 4,000 white crosses to be displayed on the campus grounds this spring. 

Pro-Lifeguards President Michael Nguyen and junior John Staudt, first vice president, report the project evolved as the result of other organizations and parishes who’ve undertaken similar ventures elsewhere. Says Staudt “We’re building the white crosses to symbolize the number of abortions performed each day in the United States or 1.6 million each year. We were inspired to create an awareness among the Lehman community.” 

The project is indeed ambitious as both Nguyen and Staudt have estimated 16,000 linear feet of wood will be used to create the crosses which will be constructed by the 75-plus Pro Lifeguard members of the school under the adult leadership of Michael Staudt, the Rev. Jason Bedel and Jill Heitmeyer. 

Over a four-week period  teams of students and adults are gathering at a Sidney warehouse to pre-cut pieces of wood, receive a coat of white paint and assemble into crosses to be folded and stored for what organizers hope will become an annual event. Each cross, report Nguyen and Staudt, measures three feet in length by one foot wide. The 4,000 crosses, when completed, will be placed in the ground on the west end of the Lehman campus. The organizers said the cost for materials has been donated by various organizations and individuals throughout the community. 

The Pro-Lifeguard organization is extremely busy these days, notes Nguyen. “We organized a trip to the Right to Life March in D.C. and, in January, had 65 students join us. We also take a trip to an abortion clinic in Kettering to pray and lend our support to women who are considering abortions. In addition, we have social get-togethers where we view movies which promote prolife and proactive lifestyles for kids our age to get involved.” 

“My Catholic faith has always been very strong,” noted the Lehman senior. “Being pro-life comes naturally for me. I believe that it’s necessary to go beyond being prolife and actually be active about it. You need to be proactive and being part of this club demonstrates your belief.” 

Staudt got involved as a result of his family’s connection with Pro-Lifeguards. “My sister, Katie, and her friends were involved in forming the club here at Lehman. This (prolife) has always been a special issue for my family and I wanted to carry on the tradition.” 

In addition to Pro Lifeguards, Staudt is also actively involved in Mock Trial, the Lehman Limelighters, marching band, spring musicals, TEAMS and the National Honor Society. An honors student, he is also a Eucharistic minister. 

Michael is president of Lehman’s student council and member of Academia, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, TEAMS, National Honor Society, marching band and Big Buddies. Following graduation he plans to attend the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. 

April 3, 2009 

LEHMAN REACHES $2M MARK IN ‘SECURE THE FUTURE’ CAMPAIGN

SIDNEY, OH. – Due to the efforts of countless individuals, Lehman Catholic High School’s “Secure the Future” capital campaign reached the $2 million mark this past weekend, according to an announcement made by Campaign Chair Frank A.Gilardi Jr., of Sidney. 

Gilardi, co-owner and chief executive officer of Freshway Foods and a 1976 Lehman graduate, enthusiastically reports the campaign has surpassed 58 percent of its $3.5 million goal. The capital campaign was announced in early January by Lehman President Michael Barhorst. 

“Due to the generosity of countless individuals, we’ve succeeded in soliciting numerous pledges toward this campaign which is addressing the most criticial capital needs of the school, specifically facility upgrades, technology and endowment funds,” noted Gilardi. “It’s vital that Lehman continue to explore new venues in order to sustain Catholic education in the Northern Miami Valley. We are confident this campaign will succeed and address those needs as we continue to face new challenges.” 

In recent weeks Gilardi and members of his steering committee have worked tenaciously to secure pledges toward the projected $3.5 million goal. Monies raised will be earmarked specifically for facility/maintenance to include a new heating and air conditioning system, roofing, asbestos removal, building security devices and parking lot resurfacing and curb repair. Within the area of technology, Lehman plans to provide interactive whiteboards to energize presentations and motivate learners; projection equipment, installation of wireless technology and equipment and new computer hardware and software. 

The endowment funds will also benefit from campaign contributions. Monies will be provided for tuition assistance to help keep Catholic education affordable for all students; a faculty endowment to be used for faculty development and retention; and building endowment to be used for ongoing maintenance of the facility. 

Barhorst reports the campaign endeavor is the result of input from hundreds of individuals who participated in individual interviews, focus groups and surveys. Although Lehman completed over $6 million in needed facilities and campus improvements over the past decade, the Lehman president said the time has arrived to “address some basic building needs, update classroom technology and add additional dollars to our endowment funds. All of this will help to secure the future.” 

In ensuing weeks, the campaign steering committee will be focusing their attention to the parish and alumni phases of the campaign as well as the solicitation of major gift prospects. Reaching out to the Miami and Shelby County community are Chairpersons Michael Gutmann of Piqua and John and Julia Frantz of Sidney. 

Information about the “Secure the Future” campaign can be obtained from Lehman’s Development Office at 2400 St. Mary’s Ave., Sidney, OH. 45365. 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

President Michael Barhorst or Development Director Sharon Semanie

(937) 498-1161, ext. 137 or 126

March 31, 2009

LEHMAN RECOGNIZES WINTER SPORTS ATHLETES 

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School recently held its Winter Sports Recognition at the school. Receiving Most Valuable Player Awards were Zac Schmitz for Boys Basketball, Aaron Wildenhaus for Wrestling, and Garrett Kiefer and Allison Ulbrich for Swimming.

Receiving special recognition in Varsity Boys Basketball were Adam Freytag, Top Defensive Player and Most Rebounds; Brian Adams, Top Foul Shooter; and Zac Schmitz, Most Assists.   Coaches Awards were presented to Max Cartwright and Nathan Horstman. 

In Varsity Girls Basketball, special recognition awards were given to Christie Freytag, Best Defensive Player, Most Assists, and Most Rebounds, and Brooke Vanover, Top Free Throw Shooter.   Coaches Awards were presented to Kandis Sargeant and Terra Vanover. 

The Coaches Award in JV Boys Basketball was given to Tyler Steinke, and the Coaches Award in JV Girls Basketball was given to Nicole Larger.   In Freshman Boys Basketball, the Coaches Award went to Joel Hissong.

In Wrestling, special recognition awards were given to Matt Pulfer for Most Pins, and Ryan Jacob and Joe Polston for Most Takedowns.  The Coaches Award went to Justin Pleasant. 

Coaches Awards in swimming were earned by Sarah Milota and Travis Bosse.  In Cheerleading, the Coaches Award was presented to Abby Schneider.  

March 24, 2009 

2009 DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR 

Sixteen Lehman Catholic High School students participated in the 2009 District Science Fair on Saturday and 10 of those students earned superior ratings.   The District Fair was held at Central State University.  

Lehman senior Michael Nguyen received a perfect score of 40 on his project entitled “The Effect of UVC Radiation on the Susceptibility of E. Coli to Antibiotics.”  For his efforts, Nguyen received an all-expenses-paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to be held May 10-15 in Reno, Nevada.  The ISEF is the Olympics, the World Cup, and the World Series of student scientific research competition.  The ISEF brings together over 1,000 students from all 50 states and 40 nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, and scientific field trips.  Nguyen is the son of Tac and Tran Nguyen of Troy.

Lehman senior Aaron Bauer also received a perfect score of 40 on his project entitled “Fuel Cells, A Catalytic Comparison.”  Bauer was awarded a $50 savings bond and certificate from the Office of Naval Research and a $100 savings bond from the American Society of Mechanical Engineering. 

Other Lehman students receiving superior ratings and qualifying to go on to State competition were David Freytag, Nicole Larger, Sean Looney, Trang Nguyen, Daniel Sehlhorst, Alex Smith, Aaron Stevenson, and Gretchen Weber.  Trang Nguyen received a $500 college scholarship from Battelle. 

Students receiving excellent ratings at the District fair were Lexie Froning, Liane Lachiewicz, Aaron Sprague, Matthew Ulrich, and Anna Wenning.   Sprague was awarded a special certificate from the Wright Memorial Chapter of the American Meteorological Society.

West District Science Day is affiliated with the Junior Ohio Academy of Science.  The mission of the Academy is to foster curiosity, discovery, and innovation for the benefit of society.   Saturday’s event showcased 480 student projects. 

The 10 Lehman students who received superior ratings will compete again at the State Science Fair on May 9, 2009, at The Ohio State University.  

March 18, 2009 

LEHMAN ENGLISH TEACHER TEACHES TAP TO THIRTY-PLUS TEENS 

SIDNEY, OH. – Over 30 toe-tapping teenagers will “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” when the musical “42^nd Street” is performed at Lehman Catholic High School on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the school. The Thursday performance is at 7 p.m. and both Friday and Saturday performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. 

English instructor Liz Maxson has been choreographing the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical which featured dazzling choreography by the legendary director Gower Champion, who died on the day the show opened on Broadway.

Since January, Maxson, herself an accomplished dancer, has taught the entire cast how to master the art of tap dance with the exception of a handful of Lehman students who have taken lessons in the past.  

Among those newbies who hopes to wow the audience with his dancing prowess is sophomore Lance Kruse, son of Mike and Beth Kruse, of Piqua. A running back on Lehman’s varsity football team, Lance is making his theatrical debut appearing as “Mac”, the middle-aged stage director of “Pretty Lady”. He readily admits he wasn’t excited by the prospect of tap dancing in a musical “because it was really hard and I’m not a big dancer in general.” 

Not long afterwards Lance purchased a pair of tap shoes and showed up at the first dance rehearsal. “She (Mrs. Maxson) showed us simple moves which, when combined, seemed more advanced. It (tap) was simple. We brought in more experienced tappers from other grades which really helped us learn steps like the shuffle ball change. I’m not as afraid as much as before; however I won’t be doing it on a weekly basis. Let’s just say I respect (the dance).” 

Lance displays no pre-show jitters adding “I’m just ready to do the show after months of preparation, long practices and long nights. I’m ready to show the audience what we’ve practiced doing.” Lance, a member of the National Honor Society, is also active in Lehman’s Relay for Life, Pro Lifeguards and Student Council. 

Sophomore Kailyn Moos, daughter of Chad and Regina Moos, of Troy, is also among the ranks of new tappers appearing in this weekend’s production as “Ethel”, a chorus girl. Kailyn, who appeared in last year’s musicale “Meet Me in St. Louis” as a chorus member, admits this year’s role is a challenge. 

“I liked it a lot last year,” smiled Kailyn. “It gives you a chance to know people you ordinarily wouldn’t meet. I just like to sing and dance. It’s fun after all the hard work to go out on stage, bow, and hear the applause.” 

Like Lance, Kailyn also taps her way into the hearts of the onlookers. “It (tap) was confusing at first but when (Mrs. Maxson) broke it down, it became easier and now we tap dance throughout the entire show.” Kailyn, a member of Relay for Life, volunteers at St. Patrick Church in Troy helping with summer bible camp and coaching fourth grade volleyball with her father. She’s also a second-degree black belt in martial arts with an instructor’s degree. She earned a third place finish in regionals this year in Michigan and proudly admits martial arts has become a family affair with her father and sister also trained. 

Although she has only two lines in the “42^nd Street” production, Dana Jenkins, a freshman, is smitten by the acting bug. Dana, who plays “Gladys”, tap dances in all the bigger numbers, thoroughly enjoys the experience adding “Oh, yeah, it’s been a lot of fun”. Dana laughingly admits her only other experience on stage was in a seventh grade production “The Last Gladiator” as “Verbalina”, a part which required her to memorize “lots of paragraphs”. 

Like her classmates, the daughter of Robert and Karen Jenkins, of Sidney, admits “It (tap dancing) didn’t click for me in the beginning; however, once I was on stage, it all came together. It was so much easier to see where I needed to be and what I needed to do.” 

When asked to describe the most challenging aspect of learning to dance, the tap-dancing trio collectively replied “Everyone has to be in unison when you tap. Every time your foot hits the ground, you need to lift and hit your foot at the same time.” 

They applaud the efforts of their teacher, Mrs. Maxson, noting “We learned to tap dance in 2 ½ months. Mrs. Maxson put a lot of work into teaching us how to dance and had to really slow it down. She definitely had her patience tried with us. There were some parts we couldn’t get but she simplified it. We practiced almost every day including Saturdays. One thing we discovered is you needs lots of coordination.” 

After hearing non-stop tapping in the hallways at Lehman, it’s a sure bet Gower Champion will be smiling down on this legion of newly-trained dancers ready to strut their stuff. 

Tickets for the production are $8 for reserved seats ($2.00 discount for seniors over 60) and $6 for general admission (upper bleacher seats). Tickets can be reserved by contacting Elaine Schweller-Snyder at 498-1161, ext. 132 or e-mailing E.Snyder@lehmancatholic.com

March 16, 2009 

 ‘FORTY-SECOND STREET’ MUSICAL TO BE PRESENTED AT LEHMAN 

The Lehman Music Department will present the musical 42nd Street on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, March 20, at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, March 21, at 8:00 p.m. at the school.  

Based on the 1933 movie musical of the same name, 42^nd Street took New York by storm in 1980 and ran for over eight years, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography.  The show included a number of well-known standards including “We’re in the Money,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and the title song.   But the real star of the show was the dazzling choreography by the legendary director Gower Champion, who died on the day the show opened on Broadway.

In the show-within-a-show concept, Dorothy Brock, the star of Pretty Lady, falls and breaks an ankle, opening the door for a young dancer from the chorus (Peggy Sawyer) to become the star. 

            In the role of “Julian Marsh” (the director) is senior Josh Waugh, son of Michele Caserta of Piqua.  “Peggy Sawyer,” is played by junior Emily Van Treese, daughter of Jeff and Libby Van Treese of Sidney.  Cast as “Dorothy Brock” is senior Jenna Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe of Sidney.  “Billy Lawlor” is junior David Morand, son of Mike and Brenda Morand of Sidney.

“Maggie Jones” is senior Gretchen Weber, daughter of Paul and Jenny Weber of Troy.  “Annie Reilly” is senior Anna Wenning, daughter of Steve and Kim Wenning of Sidney.  “Bert Barry” is sophomore Taylor Watkins, son of Rich and Julie Watkins of Sidney.  Dance Director “Andy Lee” is junior John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt of Sidney. 

Other supporting roles are Nick Zulauf as “Pat Denning,” Marc Warnecke as “Abner Dillon,” Julia Cabe as “Phyllis Dale,” Maggie Franklin as “Lorraine Flemming,” Lance Kruse as “Mac,” Emily Pax as “Millie, the Rehearsal Pianist,” Dana Jenkins as “Gladys,” Maria Streng as “Diane Lorimer,” Kailyn Moos as “Ethel,” Abigail Kruse as “The Doctor,” William Duritsh as “Frankie,” Colleen Kinninger as “Winnie,” Natalie Davis as “the Waitress,” and Joe Polston as “The Thug.”

Additional chorus members are:  Matt Lengerich, Ellie Berlekamp, Elizabeth McDevitt, Landon Brockman, Millie Cartwright, and Kristen Coleman.          

The production staff for the Lehman musical includes Elaine Schweller-Snyder, producer; Libby Van Treese, director; Lorie Beigel, vocal director; and Liz Maxson, choreographer.  Jenny Weber is the rehearsal pianist.  The chair of the costume committee is Darla Cabe, and the technical advisor is Mark Iiams.

Pit orchestra personnel include Lorie Beigel, piano-conductor; Jenny Weber, piano; Angie Cecil, Kaye Humerickhouse, Mike Houser, and Phil Chilcote, woodwinds; Jen Hebert and Elaine Schweller-Snyder, trumpet; Chad Heffelfinger and Amanda Noble, trombone; Skip Wolford, french horn; Steve Greggerson, bass; and Ben Millhouse, percussion.

Tickets for the production are $8.00 for reserved seats ($2.00 discount for seniors over 60), and $6.00 for general admission (upper bleacher seats).   Tickets can be reserved by calling Elaine Schweller-Snyder at Lehman Catholic High School 937-498-1161 ext.132 or emailing E.Snyder@lehmancatholic.com.

March 11, 2009 

LEHMAN GRANDPARENTS INVITED TO ‘GENERATION DAY’ 

SIDNEY, OH.- In an attempt to honor grandparents or other older adults who have influenced or impacted their lives, students at Lehman Catholic High School will sponsor a “Generation Day” on Friday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school. 

Principal Denise Stauffer has extended an invitation for grandparents of all Lehman students to attend this first annual event free of charge. Activities will get under way with a gathering in the Mark Wurm gymnasium over coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. along with an informal presentation on “Lehman Today”. 

Grandparents are invited to join the student body at Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Patrick Sloneker as celebrant. Afterwards guests will be escorted to their grandchildren’s classes from 11 a.m. to noon and given the opportunity to share their own experiences in high school as well as to see firsthand a typical classroom day. 

A special Lenten meal will be served at 12 noon in the gymnasium where the Lehman Limelighters show choir will conclude the day’s activities with a musical performance. 

“We’ve set aside this day to give thanks to grandparents and other older adults –perhaps a godparent, uncle, aunt or next door neighbor- who’ve played a prominent role in these students’ lives,” explained Stauffer. “Hopefully, we can bridge the generation gap and provide our guests with an opportunity to learn more about the Lehman experience and, who knows, students might just learn a thing or two about their (grandparents) high school days.” 

Grandparents who would like to attend are asked to contact Development Director Sharon Semanie at (937) 498-1161/773-8747, ext. 126, no later than Friday, March 20. Her e-mail address is s.semanie@lehmancatholic.com

March 10, 2009 

LEHMAN SCIENCE PROJECT ‘ENERGIZES’ YOUNGER STUDENTS 

SIDNEY, OH.- Anyone mesmerized by Bill Nye the “Science Guy” or  Don Herbert, better known as “Mr. Wizard”, would certainly be spellbound by the energy projects being demonstrated by Lehman Catholic High School students to elementary schools throughout the area. 

Teacher Tracy Hall, accompanied by 16 Lehman students, is making science “come alive” with her traveling “Energizing Science Kit” funded by the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce along with the National Rural Education Association Inc. and Miami Valley Catholic Education Council. 

The project, she explains, is used to teach fourth through seventh grade young people about energy concepts. “What is energy?” she asks, as youngsters at Holy Angels School, Sidney, anxiously waved their hands to respond. There are 10 main energy sources, continues Hall, as youngsters provide important facts of sources and individuals seated in the audience hold up picture cards with the answers. At this point, children are divided into groups and assigned exploration stations where Lehman students become the “teachers” and provide hands-on activities and numerous props which captivate their younger protégés. 

“This is a service project which focuses on empowering educators and students in the science of energy,” explained Hall. This Ohio Energy Project (OEP) teaching tool and curriculum..allows teachers to immediately implement energy education lessons with the materials included in the ‘Energizing Science Kit’.” Teachers, she explained, are given resources that give them a command of energy knowledge and lessons on energy concepts for the classroom. 

The kit includes activities such as “Watt’s Up” to introduce students to concepts of electricity; as well as other exercises in light, sound, heat and petroleum. “The world around us is changing by the minute,” noted Hall. “We need to educate our young people in the importance of energy concepts..and this project demonstrates and allows for hands-on-learning to students” enabling them to gain an understanding of the role technology and energy conservation plays in today’s world. 

Hall anticipates the project, now in its second year, will benefit over 500 students this school year. This week’s visits included Holy Angels and Northwood Elementary School in Sidney. Last week’s visits included Piqua Catholic School and St. Patrick School in Troy

Lehman students who participated were Megan Baird, Kurt Graver, Haley Guillozet, Anna Wenning, Michael Liette, Aaron Bauer, Christian Bauer, Parker Cole, Aaron Sprague, Allison Ulbrich, Gayle Ulrich, Alex Calvert, Betsy Bauer, Katie Bauer, Wade Schroeder and Michael Nguyen. 

March 9, 2009 

LEHMAN CAPTURED 1^ST PLACE IN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TOURNAMENT 

SIDNEY, OH. – Members of the Lehman Catholic High School Science Olympiad team captured first place at the Science Olympiad tournament held at OSU-Lima on Saturday, March 7. The team of 15 students are coached by Gary Bonifas, Tracy Hall, Jim Hemm, Don Karns, Gary Schultz, Jenny Weber, Kim and Steve Wenning and Sister Ginny Scherer, S.C. 

Members of the winning team included Jeremy Clark, Parker Cole, Miranda Gicale, Katie Bauer, Michael Nguyen, Betsy Bauer, Aaron Bauer, Christian Bauer, John Henry Hinders, Brian Kinninger, Aaron Sprague, Mary Adkins, Ben Kessler, Trang Nguyen and Matt Sprague. Substitute was Elliott Harrod who is an assistant in the “Electric Vehicle” event. 

In order to win, the team competed individually or in groups in a series of 23 events testing members’ knowledge of science skills, processes, and applications in a wide range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, technology, earth science and mathematics. 

Medalists included Christian Bauer and Matt Sprague, first place, for “Junkyard Challenge”; Aaron Bauer and Christian Bauer, first place, “Ecology”; Mike Nguyen and Aaron Sprague, first place “Write It, Do It”;  Jeremy Clark, Michael Nguyen and Matt Sprague, second place, “Picture This”; Aaron Bauer and Christian Bauer, second place, “Fossils”;  Miranda Gicale and Aaron Sprague, second place, “Environmental Chemistry”; Jeremy Clark and Michael Nguyen, second place, “Chemistry Lab”; Aaron Bauer and Christian Bauer, third place, “Dynamic Planet”; and John Henry Hinders and Mary Adkins, third place, “Remote Sensing”. 

Other contenders and their respective events included: Jeremy Clark and Parker Cole, eighth place, “Astronomy”; Miranda Gicale and Katie Bauer, fifth place, “Cell Biology”; Betsy Bauer and Katie Bauer, fifth place, “Disease Detectives”; Parker Cole and John Henry Hinders, fourth place, “Egg-O-Naut”; Mike Nguyen and Jeremy Clark, fifth place, “Electric Vehicle”; Aaron Bauer and Brian Kinninger, ninth place, “Elevated Bridge”; Brian Kinninger, Trang Nguyen and Mary Adkins, sixth place, “Experimental Design”; Trang Nguyen and Betsy Bauer, seventh place, “Forensics”; Trang Nguyen and Katie Bauer, tenth place, “Health Science”; Betsy Bauer and Katie Bauer, fifth place, “Herpetology”; Aaron Bauer and Parker Cole, seventh place, “It’s About Time”; Brian Kinninger and Ben Kessler, sixth place, “Physics Lab”; Aaron Sprague and Ben Kessler, fourth place, “Technical Problem Solving”; and Mary Adkins and Betsy Bauer, eighth place, “Trajectory”. 

The Lehman team will advance to the state finals at The Ohio State University in Columbus on April 18 where 40 junior and 40 senior high school teams will compete. The winner in each division will spar in the national Science Olympiad Tournament which will be held at Augusta State University, Augusta, GA. on May 15-16. 

Sponsored by The Ohio State University, the Ohio Science Olympiad is an academic, interscholastic competition designed to increase student interest in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to improve the quality of science education. It has grown phenomenally from just 23 teams competing in state competition in 1985 to 263 teams competing in eight regional tournaments in 2009. Nationally, over 350,000 students are involved in the Science Olympiad. 

The Lehman team is funded partially by the Miami County Foundation and Copeland Educational Grants.

February 25, 2009 

ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR RESULTS 

Lehman Catholic High School held its annual Science Fair on Monday evening in the Mark Wurm gymnasium at the school.  Eighty-four projects were submitted for judging.  Sixteen students received superior ratings, qualifying them to participate in district competition.  Students must earn at least 36 out of a possible 40 points to receive a superior. 

Senior Liane Lachiewicz received a superior rating with a perfect score of 40 for her project “As ‘Pure’ In”.

Other students receiving superior ratings included Gretchen Weber for her project “The Effect of Carbonated Water on Transpiration”; Trang Nguyen for her project “Producing Ethanol from Paper”; Nicole Larger for her project “Up, Up and Away”; and Anna Wenning for her project “Heat Absorption Comparison of Potential Solar Heating Systems”.

Additional superiors were earned by: Matthew Ulrich for “Motion and Friction”; Michael Nguyen for “Effect of UVC Radiation on the Susceptibility of E.Coli to Antibiotics”; Morgan Schmitmeyer for “Does Finger Length Affect Female Athletic Ability?”; Daniel Sehlhorst for “Balancing Deicer Effectiveness and Environmental Impact”; Aaron Bauer for “Fuel Cells, A Catalytic Comparison”; David Freytag for “Brain Drain or Brain Blast”; and Aaron Sprague for “Which Water Works Worse”.

Other students receiving superior ratings were:  Sean Looney for “Electronic Polution”; Aaron Stevenson for “Can You Stand the Heat?”; Lexie Froning for “Taste Threshold”; and Betsy Bauer for “Eggs So Serious?”.

The following students received “Governor’s Awards in Science Excellence” in specific categories: Michael Nguyen for Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, Liane Lachiewicz in Biotechnology Research, Aaron Bauer in Energy Research, Gretchen Weber in Environmental Sciences Research, Trang Nguyen in Recycling and Litter Prevention Research, Anna Wenning in Manufacturing Sciences Research, Allison Gaier in Materials Science Research, and Daniel Sehlhorst in Water Resources Research.  

The Southwest Ohio Water Environment Association presented cash awards and certificates to 3 students whose projects dealt with water and the environment.  Daniel Sehlhorst received $100, Elliott Harrod $75, and Aaron Sprague $50. 

All students who participated in the Science Fair received certificates from the Ohio Academy of Science. 

Judges for the Lehman event were Lynda Adams from Shelby S & W Conservation, Neil Allen from Emerson Climate Technologies, Dr. Brad Berlekamp, Craig Bernard from Cargill, John Biggs from Emerson Climate Technologies, and Gary Bonifas from International Truck and Engine.

Also judging were Trip Brubacher from Cargill, Frank Catanzarite, Terry Calvert from Piqua Catholic School, Kathy Cavinder from the Shelby County Health Department, Ed and Mary Cubick from Good Samaritan Hospital, Mike Decker from DuBois Chemical, Peter Dexter from Emerson Climate Technologies, Thomas Frantz from Eagle Bridge Company, Jacob Groshek from Emerson Climate Technologies, and Dorothy Hampshire RN.

Also judging were Pam Harb from Cargill, Lois Hartings from Piqua High School, Dr. Fred Haussman, Ann Heeley, Gary Heitmeyer from F.D.L. Automation and Supply, Jim Hemm from Dare Electronics, James Hemmelgarn from Hemmelgarn Services, Jeff Hoying from Emerson Climate Technologies, Ellen Jay from Piqua Catholic School, Mandy Koenig from Holy Angels School, Jeff Lange from Valvoline, Dave Leistner, Bruce Ludwig, and Dr. Robert Miller.

Also acting as judges were Dan McSweeney from Emerson Climate Technologies, Mindy Paulus from Catholic Social Services, Dennis Pax from Emerson Climate Technologies, Keith Reinhart form Emerson Climate Technologies, Joe Richards from Cargill, Marc Scancarella from Emerson Climate Technologies, Harold Schmiesing from Holy Angels School, Tony Schroeder from Choice One Engineering, and Gary Schultz from Midmark.

Additional judges were Mary Ellen Schweitzer RN LMT, Kathy Sell from Catholic Social Services, Dr. Jennifer Shoenfelt from Upper Valley Medical Center,  Chad Sollmann from Crown Equipment, McKenzie Temme from Cargill, Joyce Thornberry from Piqua Catholic School, Pat Turnbull from Miami County Sanitary Engineering, Dr. Jeff Van Treese, Dr. Paul Weber, Dr. John Wilding, Lauren Weiskittel, Kim and Steve Wenning from Emerson Climate Technologies, Rick Williams of Catholic Social Services, and Tim Woodward from Tri-County Veterinary.  

Members of the Lehman Science Department faculty who assisted the students in preparing for the event include Tracy Hall, Jenny Weber, and Sister Ginny Scherer, Science Department Chair.    

The District Science Fair will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2007, at Central State University.  

February 23, 2009  

Lehman Mock Trial Team Advances to State Competition

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School’s Mock Trial Team won both their trials at Regional Competition held in Dayton on February 20.  The Lehman Mock Trial Team will advance to State Competition scheduled for March 5, 6 and 7 in Columbus.  Lehman was the only team to advance to State Competition from the Dayton Regional Competition. 

At Regional Competition, Lehman’s defense team defeated Northmont High School and the plaintiff team defeated the Dayton Early College Academy to advance in competition.  Stephanie Shoenfelt and John Staudt were named best attorneys in their respective trials.  Gretchen Weber was named best witness.  Other team members include Abby Maurer, Jennifer Geise, Annie Fortkamp, Michael Nguyen, Aaron Stevenson, Dan Sehlhorst, Giles Hinders, Ashleigh Markowitz, Meghan Bennett, Colleen Kinninger, Sarah Milota, Sarah Lynch, Maria Streng, and Alex Calvert. 

Lehman Catholic’s legal advisors include Josh Koltak, an attorney with Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister & Shenk and 1996 Lehman graduate Nichole Reiss, a governmental affairs attorney with Carpenter, Lipps & Leland.  Faculty advisors include Social Studies Department Chair George Grampp and Latin teacher Clarence Leugers. 

Koltak, who took over coaching the team three years ago after serious illness sidelined Lehman’s long-time legal advisor Michael Boller, noted that this year’s team has “no weak links.”  Koltak suggested that all members of the team contributed, not just those who are currently participating.  “They’ve worked hard,” he said.  “This year’s case revolves around one student’s quest to participate in extra-curricular activities which is certainly something to which our students can relate,” Koltak noted.   

Faculty advisor George Grampp noted that “Regional Competition was intense.”  He indicated that “preparation and knowledge of the case is paramount at this level.  Thanks to Josh Koltak and Nichole Reiss, our students are prepared.” 

The 2008-2009 Ohio High School Mock Trial competition ventures for the first time into the area of immigration policy, which has been a political issue at the forefront of a national debate.  In this year's case, a talented high school soccer player with college aspirations has had his or her dream of a Division I scholarship threatened by a new school district resolution that requires students to show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status in the United States before being allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities.  The student in this hypothetical case is unable to comply with the new resolution, having neither documentation nor personal knowledge of his or her status as a citizen or legal immigrant.  The mock trial competition will focus only upon the Fourteenth Amendment issue of whether the school district's resolution is rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest. 

Three hundred and fifty-five teams participated in District Competion.  Of those, 108 advanced to Regional Competition.  Thirty-four teams will advance to state competition.  State competition this year is scheduled March 5 and 6 at the Franklin County Courthouse.  The finals will be held on March 7 at the Statehouse in Columbus.    Lehman has competed in Mock Trial competition since 1984. 

February 19, 2009  

Lehman School Board Meets 

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction met Thursday evening for their bimonthly meeting.  Agenda items included various committee reports, a report on the Secure the Future campaign, an update on the Northern Area Enrollment Initiative, amendment of the school’s personnel policies, adoption of the calendar for the 2009-2010 academic year, a report on the success of the dual enrollment option, the establishment of an Interact Club, and approval of the replacement of doors on the school’s football locker room. 

Advancement Committee Chair and Secure the Future Campaign General Chair Frank Gilardi, Jr. reported that the top leadership for the Secure the Future Campaign had been publicly announced.  Leadership for the parish phase of the campaign, expected to begin in early April, is still being secured.   He noted that despite the economy, the capital campaign had secured pledges totaling 52 % of the $3.5 million goal. He also advised board members that funds currently collected would be used for boiler replacement and associated projects this summer.  He thanked all those working on the campaign, and noted that those with whom he has met understand the needs of the school and have been supportive. 

Facilities Committee Chair Doug Crusey noted that his committee has met on several occasions with Mike Nauman of Newman & Zelinski.  The firm is currently designing the new heating system for the school.  Crusey reported that the revised plans, now more than 80% complete, will not require the removal of the classroom ceilings on the second floor this year.  This will save the school substantial dollars.  In addition to heat the new system, if installed in its entirety, will provide air conditioning for the original building. 

Principal Denise Stauffer provided board members with an update on the Northern Area Enrollment Initiative.  Institute for School and Parish Development Consultant John Cooper met with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Northern Area Principals and the area Catholic schools’ enrollment management core teams on February 9^th.  The meeting included a discussion of the continuing role of the enrollment management core teams, establishing and monitoring enrollment goals with faculty and staff, and understanding the essentials of financial assistance.

Cooper will meet with the principals again on April 16^th to assess progress and talk about the financial side of the enrollment process.   

School President Mike Barhorst presented the board with changes to the Personnel Policies adopted at the December meeting.  The changes were recommended by Bryan Niemeyer, an attorney with Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister & Shenk.  The changes were adopted.   

Barhorst also provided the board with an update on his goals for the current year.  The goals included the successful completion of the Secure the Future Campaign, increasing alumni participation in the school’s Annual Fund Campaign, and creating a plan to restructure the current K-12 system that serves the Northern Area.   

Stauffer presented the board with the 2009-10 academic calendar.  The school year will begin on August 25^th and will conclude on May 28^th.  Graduation is set for May 30, 2010.  The students and staff with have a two week break at Christmas.  There is also a two-day break October 8 and 9 so that the faculty can attend the Ohio Catholic Education Association Convention and Exposition.  The biennial event is scheduled to be held in Cincinnati. 

Stauffer reported the success of the Dual Enrollment Option.  She noted that there are currently 31 students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) participating in this program.  Without ever leaving Lehman, they receive both high school and college credit through this program through  Edison Community College.  College credit can be earned in chemistry, physics, Spanish II, III, and IV, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.  There are several students who will receive as many as 21 college credit hours by the end of the current school year.  Lehman will continue this program again next year.  It is expected that additional classes may be added, including English, US History, and American Government.  The administration is also exploring the possibility of adding additional college credit options at other area universities and colleges. 

Stauffer also reported that Lehman students have formed an Interact Club.  The club will be sponsored by the Sidney Rotary.  Kelly Hooper, District #6670 Interact Advisor, Sidney Rotary President Dave Wolters and Piqua Rotary Club President Sharon Semanie have helped to organize the club.  Hooper is assisting the students with writing a charter.  The club currently has 50 student members and will be lead by their advisor, Lehman English Teacher, Liz Maxson.  The students will be working with area Rotarians on activities and projects that will benefit others. 

Barhorst asked the board to approve the expenditure of $3,320.00 to replace the doors on the football locker room.  Funds for the project will come from a special grant that can only be used for improvements to the football facilities. The work will be contracted to Ratermann Custom Home Builders.  The project was approved.  

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16 at the school.

 

February 19, 2009  

Lehman Mock Trial Team Advances to Regional Competition 

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School’s Mock Trial Team won both their trials at District Competition held in Columbus on February 7.  The February 7 trials were scheduled as a weather make-up date.  Such a make-up has never before been scheduled in the history of the competition but was scheduled as a result of the large number of schools unable to attend the original date due to a winter storm.  Lehman will compete in the regional competition on Friday at the Miami County Courthouse. 

At District Competition, Lehman’s team defeated Western Brown High School (Mount Orab) and Upper Arlington High School to advance in competition.  Stephanie Shoenfelt and John Staudt were named best attorneys in their respective trials.  Abby Maurer and Gretchen Weber were named best witnesses.  Other team members include Jennifer Geise, Annie Fortkamp, Michael Nguyen, Aaron Stevenson, Dan Sehlhorst, Giles Hinders, Ashleigh Markowitz, Meghan Bennett, Colleen Kinninger, Sarah Milota, Sarah Lynch, Maria Streng, and Alex Calvert. 

Lehman Catholic’s legal advisors include Josh Koltak, an attorney with Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister & Shenk and 1996 Lehman graduate Nichole Reiss, a governmental affairs attorney with Carpenter, Lipps & Leland.  Faculty advisors include Social Studies Department Chair George Grampp and Latin teacher Clarence Leugers. 

Reiss, who was on the mock trial team when she was a student at Lehman, began working with the team three years ago when Lehman’s long-time legal advisor Michael Boller asked her for assistance.   

When asked why she drives all the way from Columbus to help Koltak coach the team, she noted that she “finds it both exciting and rewarding to see the team member’s faces when they understand complex legal issues that are fundamental to our society.  I’ve been impressed with the dedication the students have shown this year, both in learning the material and bringing creativity to the trial process, Reiss said.”  

The 2008-2009 Ohio High School Mock Trial competition ventures for the first time into the area of immigration policy, which has been a political issue at the forefront of a national debate.  In this year's case, a talented high school soccer player with college aspirations has had his or her dream of a Division I scholarship threatened by a new school district resolution that requires students to show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status in the United States before being allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.  The student in this hypothetical case is unable to comply with the new resolution, having neither documentation nor personal knowledge of his or her status as a citizen or legal immigrant.  The mock trial competition will focus only upon the Fourteenth Amendment issue of whether the school district's resolution is rationally related to a legitimate governmental interest. 

Lehman has competed in Mock Trial competition since 1984.  In addition to Reiss, a number of students who participated in mock trial competition are now practicing attorneys. 

February 18, 2009

LEHMAN GRAD NAMED ‘RISING STAR’ IN CAMPAIGN AND ELECTIONS MAGAZINE 

Jeff Hewitt, a Lehman Catholic High School graduate and co-founder and partner of Fero Hewitt Global, was recently named a “Rising Star” by Campaigns and Elections magazine.  Campaigns and Elections magazine describes the award as “a coveted bragging right.” Previous Rising Stars include leaders who are now practically household names, including George Stephanopoulos, Laura Ingra ham, Karen Hughes, and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut.)  The magazine notes that “Rising Stars are the pros who turn losing campaigns into winners, craft spot-on polls, raise unbelievable sums of money, and advocate for a better world.” 

Hewitt was one of 25 individuals to receive the Rising Star award, including 10 Republicans, 10 Democrats, and five nonpartisans.  All award recipients are 35 years of age or younger. 

Fero Hewitt Global is a general campaign and fund-raising firm.  Fero Hewitt was ranked as the top Democratic firm in Texas by CapitolInside.com in 2006.  Hewitt is also the owner of Hewitt Campaigns, Inc. 

Fero Hewitt served as the general consultants to Texas State Representative Donna Howard, who won a special election in a 58 percent Republican district that is home to Karl Rove.  The raced was one of the hardest-won in Texas, and Howard’s Republican opponent was one that was largely considered a shoo-in.  The race was forced into a run-off election, which Howard won by 58 per cent of the vote. 

His efforts have helped to elect the first Vietnamese-American legislator in Texas.  He helped elect more winning state House challengers in Texas than any other Democratic strategist in 2004.  In 2002, his clients included Tim Black for Ohio Supreme Court and John Sharp for Texas lieutenant governor.  Their campaigns raised more money than any other campaign in those states.  At age 20, Hewitt served as one of the five youngest paid staffers in the Clinton-Gore Campaign, serving as advance staff in 34 states. 

Hewitt is a 1990 graduate of Lehman High School.  Following high school, he attended The Ohio State University for two years before taking a leave to work on the Clinton-Gore Campaign.   

“I was never that into campaigns or politics,” Hewitt said.  “Then I spent a weekend volunteering for the Clinton-Gore Campaign.  I had the opportunity to meet Bill Clinton that weekend and it was like a kid attending a circus for the first time,” Hewitt stated.  “I loved the circus, and then they asked me to join the circus and I’ve never looked back.” 

“I’ll never forget my first bus tour,” Hewitt continued.  “I got on the bus in Columbus and stayed on the bus all the way to Saint Louis.  Our lane of the interstate was shut down but as we traveled along, the opposing lane was open and folks would stop and wave, display their homemade signs, and even farmers would stop their work in the fields and wave.”  Hewitt described it as an experience he would never forget. 

“On election day, I was Mrs. Gore’s advance person.  I met her at the Gore farm at 6 a.m., accompanied them as they voted in Carthage, TN. and then traveled with them by plane to Little Rock where we joined the Clintons.  We knew on the plane that the election was won, and by the time we arrived, we went to the Old State House where we joined the victory party.  It was an exciting time!”   

The Clinton Library has a football autographed by both Clinton and Gore for Hewitt on display in the library.  Hewitt explained that one day as the campaign wound its way through Kentucky, they stopped at a state park to play football to show the age difference between Clinton and Bush.  After the photo op was over, the six staffers who played football with Clinton and Gore each received a football signed by the candidates.  The photo op was a success, as the “game” was replayed over and over on C-Span that day.

“I like the work,” Hewitt said.  “You feel like you make a difference.” 

Looking to the future, Hewitt said, “I hope to eventually teach, perhaps at Lehman, perhaps at the college level.  I’d like to teach history and government though the various administrations......teaching history through the Truman Administration, the Eisenhower Administration and so on rather than through some artificial period of time as it is generally taught,” Hewitt explained.  He noted that he’d have to finish college, something that he eventually plans to do (he’s currently enrolled through the Harvard Extension program.)   

Hewitt lives Austin, TX.  His parents, Jack and Alillian, reside in Sidney. 

Campaigns and Elections magazine is published monthly by Political World Communications, LLC., Princeton, N.J.  The magazine was founded in 1980. 


February 16, 2009 

LEHMAN CAMPAIGN CHAIRS NAMED FOR SHELBY, MIAMI COUNTIES

SIDNEY, OH. – Three Shelby and Miami County residents  have been tapped to raise monies for Lehman Catholic High School’s  “Secure the Future” capital campaign, according to Lehman President Michael Barhorst. Chosen to lead the Shelby and Miami County campaigns, respectively, are John and Julia Frantz of Sidney and Michael Gutmann of Piqua. 

Over the next several months, according to Barhorst, these community leaders will oversee countywide operations for the $3.5 million campaign whose purpose is to secure monies for critical capital needs of the school and endowment needs to ensure Lehman’s future. 

Frank Gilardi Jr. Of Sidney, co-owner and chief executive officer of Freshway Foods, serves as campaign chairman and is among nine members of the Shelby and Miami County business community comprising the steering committee for the capital campaign. 

“Both John and Julia Frantz and Michael Gutmann are avid supporters of Catholic education,” commented Gilardi, “and we are fortunate to have these individuals leading the campaign in their respective counties. As Lehman parents, they are committed to raising necessary funds to secure the future for the next generation of children attending the school.” 

Monies generated from the capital campaign will be specifically earmarked for facility/maintenance projects, upgrades in technology and endowment funds benefiting student tuition, teacher retention and ongoing maintenance of the facility. 

John Frantz, president of Sidney Electric Company since 2003, is a 1974 graduate of Lehman Catholic High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in construction engineering and management from Purdue University in 1979. A member of the Lehman Foundation Board of Trustees, Frantz is a graduate of the Sidney Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church where he was past picnic ticket chairman; a member of the Sidney Rotary Club; member of the Knights of Columbus; member and current officer of the National Electrical Contractors Association; current trustee of the IBEW/NECA Lima Pension Trust Fund; current Cub Master Pack #95 and current member of the Sidney Storm Water Advisory Committee. He was project manager and engineer at Sidney Electric Co. beginning in 1979 and became its owner in 1996 before being named president in 2003. 

His wife, Julia, is a 1974 graduate of Sidney High School and attended Riverside Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1977. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Wright State University in 1984 and a Master of Science Degree in Community Health Nursing at WSU in 1986.  She is a 2008 Sidney Shelby County Chamber Leadership Program graduate, a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church; a member of the Altar Rosary Society at Holy Angels Parish; past member and past president of the Holy Angels School Committee; past United Way allocation committee member; past member and officer of Lehman High School Music Boosters; LHS musical costume designer and current member of the Shelby County Libraries Board of Trustees. 

Both John and Julia Frantz, who’ve been married since 1978, have also served on Lehman’s Enrollment Advisory Committee. They are the parents of four children: Sarah, a 2005 Lehman, who attended Edison Community College where she was graduated in 2008, and is now enrolled at Aveda Cosmetology Institute of Columbus; Sarah, a 2007 Lehman grad, who is currently enrolled at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. with a major in social work and minor in business; Grace, a seventh grader at Holy Angels School, and John-Henry, a fourth grader at Holy Angels School. 

A 1977 graduate of Lehman Catholic High School, Gutmann obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1981 and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1984. He is a partner with the Piqua law firm of McCulloch, Felger, Fite and Gutmann Co., LPA. 

Gutmann presently serves on the Lehman Catholic High School Board of Limited Jurisdiction and Finance Committee. He has previously served on the St. Mary Church Pastoral Council, the Piqua Catholic School Board, the Lehman Scholarship Committee and Lehman Athletic Boosters. 

He has also been active in the Piqua community, both as a member and recent past president of the Piqua Rotary Club, committee chairman of Boy Scout Troop 344 and a trustee of the Piqua Historical Area Friends Council. He has previously served on the boards of the Piqua United Way, Hospice of Miami County and the Miami County Red Cross. 

Professionally, Gutmann is a member and past president of the Miami County Bar Association and a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. 

Married to Elizabeth Gutmann the past 25 years, the couple have two children, Claire, a 2004 Lehman alum, who was graduated from the University of Virginia; and Will, a 2008 Lehman grad, who is enrolled as a freshman at The Ohio State University. 

Information about the “Secure the Future” campaign can be obtained from Lehman’s Development Office at 2400 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, OH.  45365.

February 9, 2009 

 ‘FORTY-SECOND STREET’ MUSICAL CAST ANNOUNCED AT LEHMAN 

SIDNEY, OH. - The Lehman Music Department is announcing the cast for its annual all-school musical – Forty-Second Street – to be presented March 19, 20, and 21, 2009, at the school.

The small-town-girl-becomes-a-star story is highlighted by a lot of tap dancing and a number of well-known standards including “We’re in the Money,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and the title song.

            Cast as Broadway star “Dorothy Brock” is senior Jenna Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe of Sidney.  “Billy Lawlor” is junior David Morand, son of Mike and Brenda Morand of Sidney. The Director’s role of “Julian Marsh” will be played by senior Josh Waugh, son of Michele Caserta of Piqua.  “Annie Reilly” is senior Anna Wenning, daughter of Steve and Kim Wenning of Sidney. 

“Peggy Sawyer” is junior Emily Van Treese, daughter of Jeff and Libby Van Treese of Sidney.  “Maggie Jones” is senior Gretchen Weber, daughter of Paul and Jenny Weber of Troy.  “Bert Barry” is sophomore Taylor Watkins, son of Rich and Julie Watkins of Sidney.  Dance Director “Andy Lee” is junior John Staudt, son of Mike and Kelly Staudt of Sidney.  Dorothy’s boyfriend “Pat Denning” is Nick Zulauf, son of Bill and Rose Zulauf of Sidney.  

Other supporting roles are Landon Brockman as “Abner Dillon,” Emily Pax as “Millie, the Rehearsal Pianist,” Julia Cabe as “Phyllis Dale,” Maggie Franklin as “Lorraine Flemming,” Dana Jenkins as “Gladys,” Maria Streng as “Diane Lorimer,” Kailyn Moos as “Ethel,” Lance Kruse as “Mac,” Abigail Kruse as “The Doctor,” William Duritsh as “Frankie,” Colleen Kinninger as “Winnie,” Natalie Davis as “the Waitress,” and Joe Polston as “The Thug.”

Additional chorus members are:  Matt Lengerich, Ellie Berlekamp, Elizabeth McDevitt, Millie Cartwright, and Kristin Coleman.

The production staff for the Lehman musical includes Elaine Schweller-Snyder, producer; Libby Van Treese, drama director; Lorie Beigel, vocal director; Liz Maxson, choreographer; and Jenny Weber, rehearsal pianist. The chair of the costume committee is Darla Cabe.  

The show will be presented Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, March 20, at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, March 21, at 8:00 p.m.  



January 27, 2009 

LEHMAN CATHOLIC INDUCTS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS
 

SIDNEY, OH. - Lehman Catholic High School recently inducted new members into its chapter of the National Honor Society.     A ceremony and reception for students and their parents was held on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2009, in the chapel at Lehman Catholic.    

            New members include seniors Brad Barhorst, son of Steve and Mary Barhorst of Sidney; Abby Dobras, daughter of Bob and Diane Dobras of Sidney; Maggie Franklin, daughter of Cam and Nancy Franklin of Sidney; Miranda Gicale, daughter of Tim and Mary Beth Gicale of Piqua; Sarah Lynch, daughter of Frank and Debra Lynch of Sidney; Jenni Paulus, daughter of Dan and Mary Paulus of Sidney; and Traci Watercutter, daughter of Mike and Kelly Watercutter of Troy. 

Juniors selected for membership are Megan Baird, daughter of Don and Peggy Baird of Sidney; Jennifer Geise, daughter of Steve and Julie Geise of Sidney; Maddie Goodwin, daughter of Gene and Cheryl Goodwin of St. Marys; Molly Graver, daughter of Tom and Kay Graver of Sidney; Haley Guillozet, daughter of Tom and Melanie Guillozet of Piqua; Abigail Kruse, daughter of Dave and Sandy Kruse of Piqua; Ciara Sargeant, daughter of Jeff and Nancy Sargeant of Sidney; Erin Slater, daughter of Doug and Theresa Slater of Sidney; and Marlee Wion, daughter of Todd and Lois Wion of Piqua.

New sophomore members are Andy Alessio, son of James and Wendi Alessio of Troy; Betsy Bauer, daughter of Ralph and Lisa Bauer of Houston; Katie Bauer, daughter of Ralph and Lisa Bauer of Houston; Julia Cabe, daughter of Del and Darla Cabe of Sidney; Allison Gaier, daughter of Dan and Deb Gaier of Piqua; Giles Hinders, son of Rod and Laura Hinders of Troy; John Henry Hinders, son of Rob and Laura Hinders of Troy; Madison Husa, daughter of Rick and Karen Husa of Piqua; Lance Kruse, son of Mike and Beth Ann Kruse of Piqua; Matt Pulfer, son of Steve and Debi Pulfer of Sidney; Devin Richard, son of Jon Richard and Maria Richard of Sidney; Maddie Schneider, daughter of Jerry and Cheryl Herbe of Piqua; Matt Sprague, son of Dave and Donna Sprague of Sidney; Joe Staley, son of Joe and Kim Staley of Piqua; Maria Streng, daughter of Scott and Denise Streng of Troy; Jessica Thobe, daughter of Dean and Becky Thobe of Sidney; and Ann Watercutter, daughter of Bill Watercutter of Piqua and Jackie Watercutter of Pickerington.