St. Francis de Sales seniors honored |
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Monday, 15 February 2010 00:00 |
TOLEDO—Nine seniors were named Knights of Honor for Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School.
The entire student body began the day with Mass in celebration of the feast day of the school’s patron saint, St. Francis de Sales. During his homily, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Ron Olszewski, president of the school, explained what makes the high school unique.
Knights of Honor from Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School gather on the senior steps following the knighting ceremony on the feast of St. Francis de Sales. Front, from left, are Hunter Gibbons, Samuel Evola, Scott Westphal and John Metzger. Middle, from left, are John Fortunato, Bill Dillon and Brian Brookover. Back, from left, are Patrick Dyer and Kyle Gullette. (Photo courtesy of Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School)
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“Our existence as a Catholic school is to share in the mission of the church,” he said. “Therefore, all of our courses and programs should promote our Christian mission. The difference at St. Francis is fundamentally in our roots, in the spirituality of St. Francis, the gentleman saint. He is our example of gentleness and strength and humility.”
It is traditionally at this Mass that the newly selected Knights of Honor have their knighting ceremony. The order of Knight of Honor was established to bestow honor on a senior who has achieved excellence and balance in the four pillars of the St. Francis de Sales rigorous program: academic, spiritual, social and physical development. In the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, he should be a gentleman who exhibits the virtues of loyalty, leadership, kindness, humility, self-discipline, integrity and perseverance. As a Knight of Honor he should exemplify the school motto, Sauviter and Fortiter. This means he best serves God by faithfully fulfilling the duties of his state in life gently and firmly; offering both the good he does as well as the difficulties he may endure.
Each Knight was presented with a sword as a symbol of his knighting. Fr. Olszewski reminded the young men that “while you enjoy the honor given today by your school, your peers and your teachers, set your heart on the honor that comes from God rather than that which comes from men.” He advised them to remember the words of St. Francis de Sales, “Just as honor is beautiful when freely given, so it becomes shabby and lacking in value when demanded, sought after and requested.” He also repeated what Jesus taught his apostles: “Learn from Me, I am gentle and humble of heart.”
The following were knighted:
Brian Brookover, son of Steve and Cyndy Brookover of Sylvania, is a graduate of the Sylvania Franciscan Academy. He has been a three-year member of the golf and hockey teams, a core member of campus ministry, a member and vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Interact Club, a volunteer group chapter of the Toledo Rotary. Brian also worked as a volunteer at the Catholic Heart Workcamp in Pittsburgh, helping to revitalize communities and restore homes for the elderly, disabled and those who cannot afford needed repairs. He shares that his best experience at St. Francis was attending the Salesian Leadership Program at Camp De Sales. He has been nominated for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where he hopes to attend and major in engineering.
William Dillon, son of Bill and Lori Dillon of Temperance, Mich., is a graduate of Toledo Christ the King. William has served his school and community as a four-year member of campus ministry and the Interact service organization. He participated in the Catholic Heart Workcamp project in Pittsburgh, helping the elderly with home repairs. He says his best experiences at St. Francis were from being a four-year player on the football and hockey teams. An honor student, William intends to study medicine or business at the University of Michigan.
Patrick Dyer is the son of Rick and Jean Dyer of Sylvania and a graduate of the Sylvania Franciscan Academy. Patrick demonstrated strong leadership abilities as president of his junior class, the National Honor Society and Interact Club. As an athlete, he played varsity football, soccer and lacrosse. He was named Division II, First Team All-State punter. Patrick hopes to attend Harvard, Cornell, the University of Dayton or Northwestern and is considering a career in medicine.
Samuel Evola is the son of John and Eileen Evola of Sylvania. He has been very active in all aspects of school life while attending St. Francis and has managed to maintain the highest grade point average in his class. He has been on student council all four years and is the senior class vice president. Swimming and water polo have been his primary sports all four years, and he has been on the varsity team of each. Samuel is a four-year member of campus ministry and has used his talents in the school’s spring musical. He was instrumental in bringing the Youth Jefferson Awards to St. Francis and has been honored by the Boy Scouts of America with its highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout.
John Fortunato is the son of Dan and Jeannine Fortunato of Sylvania and a graduate of Toledo Christ the King. His leadership roles include serving as class vice president both his freshman and sophomore years. He is the co-editor of the yearbook, Accolade. His spiritual and social contributions include being a member of campus ministry for four years, a member of Interact and co-chair of the school’s blood drive for two years. John played basketball his freshman year and was a varsity player on both the football and baseball teams. John plans to study pre-med at Johns Hopkins or Case Western Reserve.
Hunter Gibbons is the son of John and Julie Gibbons of Sylvania and a graduate of Trinity Lutheran School. Hunter has been a member of the marching, pep and concert bands and the school orchestra for four years. He has been active on the chess team and quiz bowl team for two years. He has been a co-anchor and technician of the school’s television announcement studio, WSFK, for four years. Hunter has served his community as a volunteer and spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation for nine years. He has served his school as a peer tutor and a big brother mentor to freshman. He is consistently on the honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society. Hunter plans to attend Ball State University and major in genetics and minor in music.
Kyle Gullette, son of Doug and Kathy Gullette of Sylvania, is a graduate of Sylvania St. Joseph School. Kyle serves as a core member of the campus ministry team and participated in the Catholic Heart Workcamp trip to Pittsburgh. He has been an active member of the golf and lacrosse teams. An honor student, Kyle hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy and study either architecture or pre-med.
John Metzger, son of Joe and Dana Metzger of Monclova, is a graduate of Toledo St. Joan of Arc. John has been a leader at St. Francis as the freshman and sophomore class president. He is the assistant president of student council and was a captain on the football team for four years. He has served his school and community by being a part of the campus ministry and a member of the Interact service organization.
Scott Westphal is the son of Bob and Mary Westphal of Sylvania and a graduate of Sylvania St. Joseph School. An honor student, Scott has been active in student government at St. Francis, holding the offices of secretary and assistant president of Student Council his sophomore and junior years respectively. He is currently president of the senior class. He is an Eagle Scout, has been a part of campus ministry for four years and participated in the Catholic Heart Workcamp trip. Scott plans to attend The Ohio State University to study zoology and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 May 2010 14:00 |
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