Catholic Chronicle

Students donate Lenten ‘Locks of Love’

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

TOLEDO—Twenty-four students had their hair cut at St. Ursula Academy March 2 as part of the Lenten “Locks of Love” project.

Twenty-four students who donated their hair to Locks of Love are, front from left, Katie Dubielak, Rachel Wolf, Elena Ruiz-Krause, Abby Bond, Emily Fawcett and Julia Quiroga. Middle, from left, Abby Lambert, Dana Killam, Audrey Lucius, Nina Farrar, Sarah Pawlaczyk, Gabby Trajanowski, Emma Miller, Sam Zoepke, Kelly Baas and Kristen Forche. Back, from left, Megan Leidy, Nicole Seambos, Kayla Jablonski, Kelsey Greenoe, Alana Sullivan, Kelly Showmaker, Nicole Fernandez and Katie Kaser.

Stylists from Camelot Salon in Holland donated their time and talent to chop the students’ locks to help children who suffer from a long-term medical loss of hair. Camelot Salon has been involved with this project at SUA since 2005.

Dianne Babiuch, owner of Camelot Salon, was inspired to establish this partnership by her daughter, Jessica, an SUA graduate.

“My daughter started the whole idea,” says Ms. Babiuch. “When Locks of Love was mentioned as an idea to do for Lenten service projects, she immediately said, ‘My mom can do that!’ So we started with her class in ’05 and have been doing it every year since.”

Knights alumni offer job search tips

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

TOLEDO—A young alumni career fair was hosted at Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School during the holiday break while graduates were home.

Toledo St. Francis de Sales High School alumni, from left, Brian Piezer, manager of human resources at NSS Enterprises, Inc.; Dave Stark, director of human resources at Shrader Tire and Oil; Jim Stengle, senior vice president of Brooks Insurance; and Eric Thoreson, professional recruiter and co-founder of Netsoft, encouraged young St. Francis de Sales alumni at recent career seminar. (Photo courtesy of St. Francis de Sales High School)

More than 80 alumni from the classes of 2001 through 2009 and members of the class of 2010 attended.

Jim Stengle, senior vice president of Brooks Insurance and a member of the class of 1972, spoke about effective networking techniques. He emphasized that networks include friends, relatives, parents’ friends, friends’ parents, coaches, faculty and past and current employers. He recommended building a database of these individuals according to a personal system of categorization.

Mr. Stengle explained that interacting with others is critical regardless of your occupation or career choice. “It is both what you know and who you know,” he said.

Programs were offered on various topics including “How to Develop Your Elevator Speech,” presented by Brian Piezer, manager of human resources at NSS Enterprises, Inc. and a member of the class of 1985. His talk focused on the 30 to 90 seconds one might have when encountering a prospective employer or contact and what should be included in this brief exchange. Mr. Piezer explained that this should be a “brief verbal version of your well thought-out résumé.

“The primary goal is to persuade others that you have valuable skills, traits and experiences, as well as a clear statement of your next objective,” he continued. “Do not hesitate to share briefly about an accomplishment that is relevant to the opportunity.”

Another session, “What You Didn’t Learn in College: How to Stand Out” was presented by Eric Thoreson, a professional recruiter who co-founded Netsoft in 1992 and member of the class of 1976.

He explained that this is “the toughest job market in a generation, maybe 50 years.” With 58 percent of workers admitting that they use the Internet for non-work related activities while at the office, including shopping on-line and social media usage, Mr. Thoreson cautioned listeners that this is in effect stealing from employers and not a good practice to begin.

He also advised that it is equally important, if not more so, to know about who is running a prospective company as it is to understand the market.

Mr. Thoreson explained that “misspelling on a job application or résumé can kill a would-be employee’s chance of landing a job, as employers bet that a sloppy résumé means the applicant will do a sloppy job.”

A fourth session, “How and Where to Look for a Job” was presented by Dave Stark, a 1989 graduate and director of human resources at Shrader Tire and Oil.

He focused his talk on what employers are looking for in a job candidate. He stressed the importance of being a person of high energy.

“Being active, assertive, and energetic are sure ways to get noticed by a potential employer,” he said. “Attitude might be the most important asset you can have.”

When interviewing, Mr. Start added it is important to demonstrate that you have a passion for something.

“Let people know that you care deeply about or have a great interest in a sport, hobby, pet, charity, or volunteer work in which you may be involved,” he said. “Don’t leave the interview without asking for the job if you do want it, and be sure to act like you want it. Demonstrate a positive attitude by avoiding negatives, complaining or gossiping about a past employer or colleague.”

Mr. Stark stressed the importance of internships as a great way to gain job experience, network, and build your résumé.

“Make choices and decisions that will make you desirable to future employers,” he added. “Criminal background checks and credit checks are routinely asked for by potential employers. Driving records and records of drug use in the workplace also become important when being considered for a job.”

He reminded the audience that they “are always on stage and to act the part of the job you seek,” Mr. Start said. “You never know who is watching and employers oftentimes obtain access to view your Facebook accounts.”

In closing the seminar, Lisa Wilczynski, president of ETA, Inc., whose husband and son are both graduates of St. Francis, reviewed the do’s and don’ts of interviewing based on her expertise in permanent placement of professional engineers.

“Preparing the candidate is very critical for an interview to go well, whether it is for a phone screen or face to face interview,” she said. “Experience alone will not land you an offer.”

All presenters emphasized the importance of the timely thank you, be it by e-mail or a traditional hand written note.

St. Francis de Sales seniors honored

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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)

“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.

Sister celebrates 100th birthday

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

TOLEDO—Notre Dame Sister Mary Theophane Sullivan celebrated her 100th birthday Feb. 2 at the congregation’s Toledo Provincial Center.

Notre Dame Sister Theophane Sullivan is the first in her religious community to reach 100 years of age. Her great niece, Katie Sullivan, joined her aunt’s celebration Feb. 2. (Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Sisters)

Sr. Sullivan is the first Sister of Notre Dame of the Toledo Province to reach the milestone of turning 100. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant Sept. 8, 1928, and celebrated her 75th Jubilee in 2006.

Sr. Sullivan taught grades one through 12 for 26 years and served as the principal of Toledo Ladyfield School for two years and Notre Dame Academy (NDA) for 15 years from 1955-57 and 1958-1971.

“She was the principal who opened the new Notre Dame Academy in 1960. She got along well with the girls, respected each one, and knew them all,” said Notre Dame Sister Mary Raymund Johnson, who served under Sr. Mary Theophane as a teacher and as assistant principal at NDA for two years.

“I remember how particular she was about taking care of the new building. She also knew about all of the electrical in the building and could even fix the problems! She had been a high school physics teacher so that helped,” Sr. Johnson added.

After serving at NDA, Sr. Sullivan joined three other sisters in becoming the first residents at Lial in Whitehouse. She led a drive to collect S & H Green Stamps and other coupons to furnish the new Renewal Center. The collections nearly furnished the entire center, according to Notre Dame Sister Mary Elisbeth Ruffing, who also resided at Lial.

“One time Sr. Mary Theophane came back from the Green Stamp Store and admitted she had splurged on a couple of items because she had a few extra stamps,” remembers Notre Dame Sister Mary Vernon Bick, who soon also lived at Lial. “She bought a set of fireplace tools and a pair of binoculars so we could have a better view of the birds.”

Notre Dame freshman honored for artwork

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

TOLEDO—Notre Dame Academy freshman Carey Anne Dodd was honored by the Art in TARTA Program for two poems. She received honorable mention and was in the top 20 selected to be displayed on a bus.

This summer she was one of the youngest artists working in a paid internship through the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo’s Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program, where she submitted her work for the TARTA program. As a YAAW apprentice last summer she worked with “Art Gone Wild” at Toledo Botanical Garden and created an interactive piece.

An honor student at Notre Dame Academy, she participates in art classes and helps with the Notre Dame Academy Junior craft club. She also attends classes at the Toledo Museum of Art.