Crusader-Chronicles_Winter2016

A Publication of the CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Community blu 293 yelo 116

Crusader WINTER 2016
Chronicles

trustMEeMxOcReIlAlLencINeCLUSIVENESS FAITH

Caritas in Omnibus

RESPECT professionalism

IN this ISSUE

Alumni Class Notes
Events Calendar
Upcoming Reunions
Legacy Dinner Alumni Awards
Scrima Scholarship
Campaign Update

Events Calendar

CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS PERFORMANCES

JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 2016 FEBRUARY 12-14, 19-21, 25-28, 2016
National Catholic Schools Week Hello Dolly Musical

FEBRUARY 4, 2016 APRIL 27-MAY 1, 2016
Innovation Wing Ribbon Cutting and Spring Play
Open House
MAY 10, 2016
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 Jazz Ensemble, Blues Band and
CMH Drama Alumni Reception Show Choir Concert

MARCH 5, 2016 MAY 12-13, 2016
35th Annual Crusader Auction CMH Student Art Show

APRIL 20-22, 2016 MAY 14, 2016
Senior Retreat Chorale, Chamber Orchestra and
Concert Band Concert
APRIL 27, 2016
Project Lead the Way Student MAY 18, 2016
Presentations Band and Choir Spring Concert

MAY 13, 2016 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Celebrating Lives of Service Mass and
Luncheon The CMH Athletic Hall of Fame honors outstanding
athletes, coaches, managers, and other individuals
MAY 29, 2016 who have made contributions to the winning tradition
Commencement of the CMH Crusaders. More information and criteria,
along with a nomination form can be found at:
JUNE 5-11, 2016
Catholic Heart Workcamp

JUNE 13, 2016
28th Annual Crusader Golf Outing

CATHOLICMEMORIAL.NET/ALUMNI/NEW-HALL-OF-FAME-INFO.ASPX

UPCOMING REUNIONS

For updates and information on reunions and planning for the classes
below, please contact Karri Duerwachter at [email protected].

1956 60 yrs. 1976 40 yrs. 1996 20 yrs. Nancy Kaminski Keller, Anna Dorff
1961 55 yrs. 1981 35 yrs. 2001 15 yrs. Duerwachter, and Lisa Youngers
1966 50 yrs. 1986 30 yrs. 2006 10 yrs. from the Class of 1985 reunion
1971 45 yrs. 1991 25 yrs. 2011 5 yrs.

2 For updates and complete information on CMH events, please visit www.catholicmemorial.net.

2015-2016 CMH BOARD OF DIRECTORS A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Catholic Memorial Family:
William West ‘79, Chairman Happy New Year! CMH alumni are part of a great legacy of
Ann Marie Wick ‘88, Chair Elect/Treasurer over 11,000 graduates spread throughout the world. As we
Thomas Taugher ‘79, Secretary begin a new calendar year and a new semester at CMH, I
Michael Grubich, HR Chair am happy to share with you a new means of communication
Rev. Mark Brandl for our CMH alumni family. Crusader Chronicles has been
Marcy Hinkes Dunlap ‘76 created to share alumni news and to spotlight the stories of
Dr. William Henk our alumni who have taken the CMH values, The Memorial
Dr. Paul McInerny Way, into their professions and communities as they serve
Mark Mirsberger the Church and the world. I hope you are as proud as I am
Susan Nelson to call yourself a member of the Crusader family! We are a
Randy North ‘84 family of faith, shared values, and unparalleled
Dolores Ocampo Brown ‘95 accomplishments.
Rev. Ken Omernick As you embark on a new year, I pray that you feel the
Kelly Cleary-Rebholz excitement and anticipation for all that will happen in 2016.
Shawn Reilly ‘79 Please keep our students, faculty and staff, and the entire
Rev. Dave Reith CMH family in your prayers. If you have not been back to
Stephanie Riesch-Knapp ‘01 visit recently, please know that you are always welcome. We
Rev. Tony Zimmer hope to see you soon!
Our Lady of Memorial, pray for us!
ADMINISTRATION
Very Reverend Paul B. R. Hartmann, ‘84
Very Rev. Paul B. R. Hartmann ‘84, President President
Dr. Robert Hall, Principal
Dawn Keller, Director of Finance Printed by Crossmark Graphics

and Business Administration Articles written by Michael Popke ‘86 of Two Lakes Media Group
Jessica Karis Mulligan, Director of Development
Julie Lindahl ‘91, Director of Admissions 3

and Recruitment
Steve Plechaty ‘74, Dean of Students
Greg Gamalski, Director of Athletics
Jon Brzeski ‘99, Director of Campus Ministry

Contact the Development Office to help stop
duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your
address. Your help is appreciated.

601 E College Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
www.catholicmemorial.net
262-542-7101

www.facebook.com/CatholicMemorialHighSchool
www.twitter.com/CMHCrusaders
[email protected]

Alumni Class Notes

SAM LUKACH ‘14 won first place at the JENNIFER MURPHY ‘04 married Michael SARAH FISH ‘86 co-authored the published
CEO national conference in Kansas City, Galinski of Chicago on June 6, 2015. article, The Development of Antonym
Mo., for his HUK TV Mounts business in Knowledge in American Sign Language
December 2015. The junior at UW- DR. KATIE KRUEGER SAM ‘97 announced (ASL) and Its Relationship to Reading
Whitewater finished in the top three in the the opening of her office Waukesha Family Comprehension in English in November
nation at a competition in Chicago and Chiropractic. 2014.
took
home a PATRICK REILLY ‘97 KIM CEILLE DANDREA ‘82 made All
$2,000 spent four months American for the USA Triathlon in her age
prize. on a 4,000-mile, group in 2014 and joined M3 Insurance in
Daymond cross-country March 2015.
John bicycle trip to raise
from the $8,000 for the Bryon BARB ENGSTROM FLUDER ‘60 and her
TV show Riesch Paralysis husband, Robert celebrated their 51st
Shark Foundation, wedding anniversary June 20, 2015.
Tank was inspired by his
one of friend BRYON RIESCH ‘97, who is TELL US YOUR NEWS
the judges. paralyzed from the chest down. The
organization has made a tremendous Keep us posted on the exciting
ALEC ALDRED ‘12 performed in two impact on the lives of thousands of things happening in your life!
ensembles that won the Undergraduate individuals affected by paralysis and Job offers, engagements,
awards at the 2015 Downbeat Student supports the latest medical research with weddings, anniversaries,
Musicians Awards. the goal of finding a cure. accomplishments...anything
you’re proud of! We’ll share your
MICHAEL SENGLAUB ‘10 was admitted to TONY MILAZZO ‘93 now owns eight news in future issues. We love
St. Francis de Sales Seminary to begin Culver’s franchise restaurants in Wisconsin pictures, too; send them to
formation for the priesthood. Please keep and Illinois; his newest one opened in late [email protected].
Michael in your prayers! 2015.
UPDATE YOUR INFO
JEFF CONDIT ‘09 took first place in his age TOM HRUZ ‘91 was appointed a Wisconsin
division in the Ironman Competition in State Appellate Judge by Governor Scott Keeping your alumni information
Mukoka Canada in September 2015. Walker on July 21, 2014. Hruz joins fellow up-to-date means you get the
CMH graduates PAUL REILLY ‘80 and most recent publications,
MARA FLECKENSTEIN ‘09 and WES MARK GUNDRUM ‘88, who currently serve invitations, and news from your
STASIK ‘09 were married in September as judges at the Appellate level. alma mater. Contact information
2015. is not shared or published
MIKE GOTZLER ‘89 launched a new without your consent. To update
DAYTON YOUNG ‘08 and NATALIE employment and human resources law firm your info, go to the website at
WALSH ‘08 celebrated their wedding in named Clark & Gotzler in Waukesha and the bottom of this page and fill
September 2015. Madison, with Jane Clark. out the form.

JULIA LEWIS LEE ‘06 published her book, DEAN BELLANTI ‘86 and his wife Carry ALUMNI CONTACT
Seven Stones. welcomed their third daughter Nicole on
April 22, 2015. Dean is also a Social
LAURA DAMON ‘05 married Ryan Hanson Studies teacher at CMH and the Head
of Wauwatosa on Boys’ Basketball Coach.
September 27,
2014.

JASON Karri Duerwachter,
Alumni Relations Coordinator
GROSSKREUTZ ‘05 [email protected]
262-542-7101 ext. 564
married
Ashley Hahn of
Waukesha on
September 26, 2015
at St. John Vianney in Brookfield.

CATHOLICMEMORIAL.NET/ALUMNI/TELL-US.ASPX

4

In Memoriam

October 2014 - December 2015 Irene G. Galecki, mother of Mary Kral ‘76, Michael Raymond “Ray” Prossen, father of Gregg ‘76,
‘78, Kathy Williamson ‘79, Anne Scherwinski ‘80, Kristin Mullin ‘78, and Scott ‘81, and father-in-law of
We prayerfully remember all those in and Russ ‘85, mother-in-law of Chuck Scherwinski Maureen Wegner Prossen ‘81
the Catholic Memorial community who ‘80, and grandmother of Andy ‘02 and Britney
have passed away. Scherwinski ‘06, Moriah ‘09, and Nora Kral ‘12 Mary A. Pytlik, mother of Alex ‘07, Christian ‘10,
and Claire ‘13
Frederick P. Beckmann ‘56 Patricia “Pat” Garrot, former CMH faculty ‘76-’03
Wayne A. Radabaugh, father of Mary “Beth” ‘94
John P. Beres, Sr., father of Therese Zivney ‘71, Paul Gehred ‘75, brother of Michael ‘74, Anne
John Jr. ‘72, Maureen Pohle ‘75, Steve ‘78, Patti Gehred-Schultz ‘76, John ‘78, Clare Matranga ‘79, John A. Rankin, father of Sharon Cook ‘80 and Jim
Kaye ‘80, Vince ‘81, Monica Jennaro ‘83, Pauline James ‘81, Beth ‘83, Meg Matranga ‘85, and Bob ‘81, and father-in-law of Jennifer Dable Rankin ‘84
Rosecky ‘87, and Chris ‘89, father-in-law of Chris ‘90
Rosecky ‘88, grandfather of David ‘04, Patti ‘05, John G. Reuteman, father of Cindi Vetter ‘66, Terry
and Amanda Pohle ‘09, Thomas ‘14 and Sarah Thomas Glancey, grandfather of Matthew Waite Johnston ‘66, and father-in-law to John Wolak ‘76
Rosecky ‘16, Vincent Jennaro ‘16, Josephine Beres ‘04, Katie Krebsbach ‘06, TJ Waite ‘07, and Sean
‘18, and uncle of Dawn Keller, current CMH staff Waite ‘11 Dick Richards, grandfather of Greg ‘05, and Brian
Richards ‘10, and Whitney ‘11, and Haley Zahn ‘14.
Myla Burgett, infant daughter of Amy Thompson Thomas M. Greisinger ‘85, brother of Tim W.
Burgett ‘00 Greisinger ‘84 and Susan Brown ‘88 Michael Riesch ‘05, brother
of Jack ‘96, Bryon ‘97, and
Dan Campbell, father of John ‘14 Marciele J. Gresch, mother of John A. Gresch, Jr. Stephanie Riesch-Knapp ‘01,
‘71 and brother-in-law of Daniel
Knapp ‘97, and Katie Warns
John D. Ceille, father of Kim Dandrea ‘82, Kaye Bernard “Bernie” Gruenke, father of Heidi Emery Riesch ‘98
‘84, and Kelle Ketchum ‘86 ‘83, and Gunar ‘86
Michael Ronan ‘68
Cecelia “Celia” Chudzik, mother of Jerome ‘60, Theresa Hanlon, sister of Kathy Hanlon Sampon
mother-in-law of Jennie Lynn Swyer Chudzik ‘60, and sister-in-law of Michael Sampon, current CMH Joseph Sage, grandfather of
grandmother of Eric ‘83, Jennifer Smith ‘84, Bridget faculty members, aunt of Shelly ‘91 and Matthew John ‘83, Robert ‘85, Daniel
Boyle ‘87, Chris ‘91, and Laura Geisler ‘94 ‘97 ‘98, Susanne Wypasek ‘93, and Thomas ‘04

Patricia A. “Patty” Cleppe ‘77, daughter of Louise Ronald H. Hannegiesser, father of Gary ‘67 Mary E. Sager, wife of Michael Sager, former CMH
Cleppe, former CMH staff, and sister of Kenneth employee
‘74, and David ‘76 Ann Atkinson Huggett ‘56
Patrick Schrader ‘64, brother of Tom ‘63, and
Joan V. Dergin, mother of Mary Bichanich ‘73, Richard Kormanik ‘86, brother of Karen Klug ‘89, brother-in-law of Mary Alice Anheuser Schrader ‘63
Donna West ‘75, Mark ‘77, mother-in-law of John and Ellen ‘90
West ‘75, and Renee Andres Dergin ‘80, and Edwin Sienkiewicz, father of Ellen Greb ‘76
grandmother of Jordan ‘99, Mike ‘02, Sarah Briggs Evelyn Kreidler, mother of JoAnn Presta ‘68, John
‘03, Rachel ‘05, and Anna Bichanich ‘08 ‘69, Janis Rodden ‘72, James ‘76, and Jean Wolf Zachary Sprader, grandson of Annette Werra
‘77 Sprader ‘65
Jane Pankratz Dewar ‘62, cousin of Mary Pankratz
Hess ‘62 Elise C. Kubiak, mother of Chuck ‘84 and Laura ‘88, Mary Thomas, great-grandmother of Brandon
mother-in-law of Karen Shay-Kubiak ‘85 Jackson ‘15
Philip J. “Doc” Dougherty, M.D., grandfather of
Mary Kate ‘13 Elizabeth “Betty” Kuemmel, mother of Daniel ‘66, Richard “Dick” Weinfurt, brother of Greg ‘63, and
Tom ‘73, Mary Petrie ‘76 and current CMH faculty, grandfather of Joseph ‘09, Jamie ‘13, and Jenna
Salvatore Dragotta, grandfather of Jack ‘17 and Ted ‘70, mother-in-law of Mary Pagano Kuemmel ‘19
Francesca Lambie ‘19 ‘70, and grandmother of Angela ‘00, Rebecca Perry
‘03, Katie Powell ‘08, and Timothy ‘02, Steve ‘05, Henry Wengelewski, grandfather of Sarah Helton
Robert A. Einweck, father of Charlotte Brunner Robert ‘08, and Laura Petrie ‘11 ‘03, Laura McGaver ‘05, Matthew ‘13, and Hannah
‘74, Robert ‘77, and Michael ‘80 Petre ‘15, and Zachery ‘07, Jessica ‘10, and Valerie
Sheila E. Lavin, mother of Timothy ‘72, Maggie Zanotelli ‘15
Rev. Paul Esser, former CMH faculty ‘61-’68 Ryan ‘76, Michael ‘79, and Katie Kelly ‘84, and
grandmother of Ryan Kelly ‘19 Regina “Jeanne” Weiss, mother of Jennifer
Frances Fedyczkowski, mother of Louise Zenzick ‘92, and Michael ‘96
Fedyczkowski Stone ‘74, and Carl ‘66, mother-in- Phillip “Phil” E. Lefebvre, father of Barbara Wolff
law of Nancy Neuser Fenwick ‘67, and grandmother ‘78, Mark ‘80, Kathy Everly ‘82 and Theresa Worrall Charles C. Young, father of Daniel ‘78 and James
of Kaitlin Stone ‘07 ‘86 ‘81

Krystina A. Finn ‘07, sister of Serai Schueller ‘00, Ruth and John Leising, parents of Sue Lehsten, Victor L. Young, father of Gregory ‘77, James ‘78,
Michael ‘02, Bridget ‘03, Molly ‘05, and Tyler ‘12 current CMH parent and staff member, and Tom ‘80 and current CMH faculty, Daniel ‘85, Dave
grandparents of Lauren Lehsten ‘17 ‘86, and Mary Beth Lewis ‘90, and grandfather of
Harry Fischer, father of Susan Ritchie, current CMH Kathryn ‘02 and David Dehli-Young ‘05
staff Ronald J. and Constance J. “Connie” Prahl,
father- and mother-in-law of Tom Taugher ‘79 and Please notify CMH of the death of any alumni by
Susan Fricano, mother of Joe Fricano, current CMH grandparents of Lauren ‘06, Leah ‘08, Ryan ‘12, emailing [email protected]. We
faculty Marissa ‘15, and Kelsey Taugher ‘18, and Matthew apologize for any errors or omissions that occur in
‘16 and Miranda Prahl ‘18 this In Memoriam section.

5

Friends of Catholic Memorial shine a light on our mission to educate,
guide and prepare leaders who serve the Church and the world.

On November 11, 2015, Catholic Memorial High School held students to work to their highest God-given potential, and we
its biennial Legacy Dinner at Country Springs Hotel in prepare them for post-secondary education and to become
Pewaukee to celebrate alumni and friends of the school who leaders who serve the Church and the world.
exemplify and sustain the CMH Mission.
Proceeds from the 2015 Legacy Dinner provide a portion of
What is The Memorial Way? CMH students, staff, parents and the $700,000 awarded to 20% of CMH students who
alumni strive to live daily by eight core values: faith, trust, demonstrate financial need. A most gracious thank you goes
respect, inclusiveness, excellence, caritas in omnibus, out to our generous sponsors and the guests who attended
professionalism and memorial. At CMH, we educate students the event to honor alumni leaders of CMH.
as individuals, both intellectually and spiritually. We guide
Articles by Michael Popke ‘86

Serve the World

DEBRA BEHRING SCHNEIDER

Caritas Service Award

Some friendships formed in high school last a While Deb knew the professional path she wanted

lifetime. In the case of Debra Behring Schneider to follow after high school, she also took full

and her Catholic Memorial High School classmate advantage of her years at CMH. “I was on student

Ellen Campbell, that friendship formed the basis council, and one of my favorite memories is when

of a career spent improving the educational we were given the green light to plan Homecoming

opportunities for students with special needs. Week,” she said, adding that at the time festivities

’79 In the 1970s, Ellen’s little brother, Dan—now included a lunchtime cookout, a bonfire and
53-years-old and an artist—was one of the first building a parade float with a dragon that breathed
students with Down Syndrome to be integrated real smoke. “It’s amazing what we were able to do
into a traditional classroom at Waukesha North that week. There are so many good memories.”

High School. “Ellen’s family fought for inclusion As one of six Behring girls to graduate from

for Dan, and the family has stayed an important Catholic Memorial, Deb understands the value of

part of my life,” Deb said. “Ellen’s mom became a Catholic education and the important role it

my mentor and showed me that ‘special needs’ plays in shaping young lives. That’s why she and

does not mean ‘useless to society.’” her husband, Brian, sent their two sons, Jacob ‘05

That reality became even clearer when, during her and Benjamin ‘09, to CMH.

senior year as part of a work-study class at Catholic Deb also has watched some of her students from

Memorial, Deb volunteered in a special-needs St. Paul, and other schools in the area, go on to

classroom at Randall Elementary School in enjoy successful high school careers at Catholic

Waukesha. Memorial.

“I just knew I was going to be someone who helped kids,” “I believe in Catholic education from the bottom

she said. “It’s all I ever wanted to do.” of my feet to the top of my head, and if we’re
going to keep kids in Catholic schools, we need to

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin– provide these services,” she said about her work
with special-needs students. “Catholic Memorial
Whitewater in 1982, Deb set up the first early- does an incredible job making sure kids learn
childhood special-needs classroom in Brillion, Wis.
For the past 15 years, she’s worked as a tutor at St. according to their learning style. My proudest
Paul Catholic School in Genesee Depot, using the accomplishments are my past and present
phonics-based Orton-Gillingham method to help students who continue to flourish under the loving
care of the staff at CMH. Watching them become
children become better readers. young adults brings me such joy.”

6

Debra Behring Schneider ‘79, Molly Finn ‘05, Marie Smith O’Brien ‘80, Mary and Art Stout AP ‘03,
‘06, ‘11 at the Legacy Dinner on November 11, 2015.

MARIE SMITH O’BRIEN

Professional Achievement Award

Just about every intangible Marie Smith O’Brien In addition to receiving CMH’s Alumni Award for

needed to successfully run a business—including Professional Achievement, Marie has been

time management, diplomacy, political savvy and honored as one of the Milwaukee Business

financial responsibility—she learned at Catholic Journal’s 2014 Women of Influence and won the

Memorial High School. 2012 Madonna Award for Professional Excellence

Marie and her four siblings paid their own tuition from Mount Mary University.

by working at such, now long-gone, establishments She attributes much of her success to her

as Burger Chef and Gimbels rather than attend experience at Catholic Memorial. In fact, one

Brookfield East High School. “In my mind, there example of the determination and self-discipline

really was no choice,” said Marie, who participated that guided Marie later in life can be traced back ’80
in cheerleading, choir, forensics, Latin Club, to her freshman year at CMH. “I wanted to be a
Madrigal Singers, Pep Club, drama and student cheerleader, because that involved athletics and
council at CMH—culminating in her term as senior teamwork,” she said, explaining how she put

class president. herself on a rigid physical training and eating

Marie battled health issues shortly after graduating program to become one of 10 girls (chosen from
from CMH, but she didn’t let a series of surgeries 100) to be on that year’s squad. “I love football, so
over the next decade deter her from pursuing a it was really important for me to be a cheerleader.
degree in business and professional That gave me the experience of being on a team,
communication—which she ultimately attained in being a leader and making a difference outside of
2008 from Mount Mary University. While the classroom.”

completing her degree, Marie co-developed Another part of her CMH experience involved a

Management Alliance Programs, Inc. (MAP), a deepening of Marie’s faith—a strength she called

workforce solutions company. upon often when battling cancer. “I wasn’t in

Today, she is a 20-year breast cancer survivor and control, so I needed faith,” she said.

president/chief executive officer of Enterforce, “We’re all on a journey, and our interactions at every step
Inc., a Milwaukee-based workforce management
firm founded by Marie in 2001. Seven years later, of that journey determine our destination. My destination
Entrepreneur magazine ranked Enterforce among
the top five “fastest-growing women-led was determined by the foundation established at Catholic
Memorial. There’s nothing like it.”
companies in North America.” Marie’s brother,

Ron Smith ‘84, is a vice president at Enterforce.

7

Mary and Art Stout with their daughters,
Maria ‘11, Cathy ‘03 and Monica ‘06

ART AND MARY STOUT

Memorial Award

Art Stout still remembers the words he spoke one “Art was the keeper of the keys for over ten years,

night in 2002 that changed his life. and there was not a show that his hand didn’t have

He picked up his oldest daughter, Cathy, from play a part in,” Andacht said. “Mary, through [CMH’s]
practice, took one look at the still-under- Friends of the Arts, made positive changes in our
construction set and offered his services: “Looks ability to serve our kids. The success achieved in
like you could use some help.” our program is, in many ways, a direct result of
their involvement, passion and willingness to share

With that statement, Art and his wife, Mary’s, their gifts.”

Alumni names became nearly as synonymous with Catholic Each of the Stouts’ daughters played a valuable
Parents Memorial’s drama department as longtime drama role in the school’s drama program, too. Cathy ’03
director “Chris Andacht.” While Art worked worked behind the scenes as stage manager, and
’03, ’06, ’11 behind the scenes constructing sets, building a Monica ’06 and Maria ’11 played leading ladies in
tech booth, remodeling the costume room and many memorable productions, including “Guys
helping out with lights, Mary served as cast and Dolls,” “The Importance of Being Earnest”
supervisor, costume shopper and ticket-sales and “State Fair.”
assistant.

Collectively, the couple (which did not attend The Stouts live in Pewaukee and could have sent
Catholic Memorial and had no prior drama-related their daughters to Arrowhead High School instead
experience) has dedicated countless volunteer of Catholic Memorial, but they were impressed by
hours since 2002 assisting with 10 musicals, four the post-secondary graduation rates of CMH
summer plays, seven one-act plays, seven spring alumni and never regretted their Catholic
plays and six of the school’s Sticky Rhinoceros Memorial decision. “We would not have wanted
youth-improvisational performances. Art even to do things any differently,” Art said.

made a cameo appearance as a cop in 2006’s All three Stout girls went on to graduate from

production of “Wonderful Town.” Marquette University and work in fields outside of

“Drama was not a tradition in our family,” Mary the performing arts. But Art and Mary keep going.
He still works on sets and lights, and she helps out

said. “This came out of the clear blue.” Sometimes when needed. “It’s still fun,” Art said. “I don’t see
a reason to stop doing this.”
that’s how the best things in life happen.

Legacy Dinner videos on CMH’s YouTube page.

8 Search “Catholic Memorial High School.”

The Finn Family: (back row) Molly ‘05, Tyler ‘12, Michael ‘02,
Mike, Mary, (front row) Krystina ‘07, Skye Schueller, Bridget ‘03,
Scott Schueller holding baby Brecken, and Serai Schueller ‘00.

“it was love”

KRYSTINA FINN

Distinguished Young Alumni Award

For someone who died so young, Krystina Finn local materials, and proceeds help improve

lived as full a life as possible. Upon graduating nutrition, education and health programs in the

from Catholic Memorial in 2007, she merged her Kipsongo community.

love of art, travel and architecture into a global Around the same time she established The
venture that’s still making an impact today. Kipsongo Project, Krystina was diagnosed with a

“Krystina had a knack for doing what she loved,” rare atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT),

said her older sister, Molly Finn ’05, who accepted which initially began in her lower spine but quickly

Krystina’s 2015 Distinguished Young Alumni spread to her upper spine, arms and brain. “She

Award, given posthumously at the CMH Legacy never used that as an excuse and never lost hope,”

Dinner in November. “The confidence she gained Molly said. “She still did everything she could

from Catholic Memorial to do that is important to every day. She pushed through a lot.” ’07

note. CMH definitely contributed to her exploring All told, six Finn children attended Catholic
and experimenting in art and travel.” Memorial, and Molly has fond memories of

Molly cites longtime (and soon-to-be-retiring) art carpooling from Pewaukee with Krystina and other

teachers Mike and Kathy Hanlon Sampon as major classmates. “We would often be late to school,

influences in Krystina’s love of oil painting, and Krystina would always make up stories about

sculpture and photography—which eventually why we were late,” Molly laughed.

translated into architecture and inspired her When she needed to be, though, Krystina could
postgraduate studies at the Universities of be serious. During hospital stays, it wasn’t
Minnesota and Colorado. uncommon for her to work on construction plans

Similarly, a French Club trip to France during for a watering system in Rwanda or brainstorm

Krystina’s junior year at CMH marked her first new products for The Kipsongo Project. She even

experience abroad and led to many more. “Once schooled the hospital staff in ways to reduce the

she went to France, she wanted to go everywhere,” amount of waste the facility generated.

Molly said, estimating that her sister visited more Krystina passed away Dec. 6, 2014, at age 25. But
than 20 countries. her impact—and The Kipsongo Project—live on.

While in Kenya in 2012, Krystina co-founded The The Finn family hosts an annual 5K run/walk for

Kipsongo Project, a nonprofit organization that the organization, and in 2015, the event attracted

builds long-term and sustainable living situations a record 400 participants, including many CMH

for residents of the Kipsongo Slum. They design alumni, and raised $30,000.

and make jewelry, home goods and clothing using

“If Krystina left one thing behind,” Molly said, “it was love.”

THE KIPSONGO PROJECT
www.thekipsongoproject.org

9

ROSE & LOUIS
SCRIMA
SCHOLARSHIP

by Michael Popke ‘86

Leave a Legacy Jim Scrima ‘61 with his current Scrima Scholarship
recipients, (left to right) Samuel Kramer ’18,
Josef Oechsner ’19, Ryan Kopulos ’17
and Matthew Wickeham ’16.

Jim Scrima almost didn’t graduate from Catholic Memorial High regularly drops in to visit with CMH staff members in the
School. “School was hard for me,” admitted Jim, now 73-years-old Development, Alumni and Admissions offices. “They tell me what
and a lifelong Waukesha resident. “After my senior year, I was still they’re doing in school and how things are going. They’re
a half-credit short of graduating.” tearjerkers when you read them.”

That’s when Rev. John Hanley, the late CMH principal from 1958 to Jim’s financial commitment to Catholic Memorial and, by extension,
1971, gave Jim a half-credit in physical education — allowing him some of its brightest students, stands as an excellent example of
to graduate with the rest of the Class of 1961. how CMH’s scholarship and endowment funds strengthen the
school. Administrators recognize that tuition at a private high
Jim never forgot Fr. Hanley’s act of kindness, which allowed him to school is a major consideration for families, as they juggle budgets
go out into the world and eventually become co-owner of the with projected college costs and other responsibilities. But because
original Scrima’s Pizza in Waukesha with other members of his CMH was founded by families for families, the school strives to
family. make education as affordable as possible. A tuition assistance gift
like Jim’s annual contribution to CMH eases the burden for students
In fact, he’s paid that act of kindness forward by helping students and their families.
attend Catholic Memorial since 1998. Jim established and funds
the Rose and Louis Scrima Scholarship—named in honor of his And Jim’s not done yet; his generous spirit has him cooking up
parents, who sacrificed to send Jim and his four siblings to CMH. long-term plans to leave a legacy even after he is gone.
Back then, tuition was less than $100 per year, but that was
considered a lot of money at the time. “When I pass away, a second Scrima scholarship will be established
to help another family,” he said.
Louis Scrima, who founded the original Scrima’s Pizza on the corner
of Main Street and Hartwell Avenue in the 1950s, died in 1994 at
age 89. Rose Scrima lived to be 90, passing away in 2002.

As one of only a few merit-based scholarships available at CMH, the
Rose and Louis Scrima Scholarship awards $1,500 to one incoming
freshman each year and is renewable every year until that student
graduates from Catholic Memorial—for a grand total of $6,000 in
tuition assistance. As eighth graders, prospective freshmen take a
placement test the November prior to beginning classes at CMH,
and the ten with the highest scores are invited to an interview with
Jim and a panel made up of CMH faculty and staff members. From
that pool, one Scrima Scholarship recipient is chosen.

The four students currently receiving the Scrima Scholarship are The old Scrima’s Pizza on the corner of Main Street
senior Matthew Wickeham ’16, junior Ryan Kopulos ’17, sophomore and Hartwell Avenue in Waukesha.
Samuel Kramer ’18 and freshman Josef Oechsner ’19.
Photo from “A Day In Waukesha: May 6, 1988,” taken by Casey Lake.
“Many of these kids send me letters, thanking me,” said Jim, who

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The Crusading For Excellence $10 million campaign will fund
key initiatives outlined in Catholic Memorial High School’s
strategic plan, Vision 2020. Its student-focused objectives
promote the growth and enhancement of the school’s physical
building, student body, faculty and staff, building on the
already strong foundation of Catholic Memorial High School.

The first projects completed in 2014-2015 include: Pillars of Excellence
the state-of-the-art Innovation Wing, Academic
Resource Center (ARC), energy efficient windows,
331 lockers installed, synthetic turf, and air conditioning.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY
$1.5 MILLION
• Renew focus on spirituality in all areas of academic and school life
• Enhance Catholic identity and faith formation planning
• Improve Campus Ministry and Guidance access for students
• Set prayer and Sacramental offers at the center of school life

ACADEMICS
$2.6 MILLION
• Create state-of-the-art Innovation Wing and Academic Resource

Center (ARC)
• Optimize faculty professional development opportunities, including

International Baccalaureate training for the entire faculty
• Develop greater success strategies for students
• Make technology upgrades to serve the 21st Century student

TUITION SUPPORT
$2.5 MILLION
• Establish Tuition Support Endowment Fund
• Increase diversity and community accessibility
• Promote enrollment stability

FACILITIES
$3.4 MILLION
• Renew and renovate classrooms and infrastructure
• Make enhancements and upgrades to Valley Field

TOTAL CAMPAIGN INVESTMENT: $10 MILLION

C AT H O L I C M E M O R I A L . N E T / S U P P O R T- C M H S / N E W - C A P I TA L - C A M PA I G N . A S P X

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Crusaderblu293 yelo116 Pre-Sorted First Class
Chronicles U.S. Postage
Paid
WINTER 2016 Permit No. 589
Waukesha, WI
Catholic Memorial High School
601 East College Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

2015 Girls’ Volleyball State Champions, the team’s second consecutive title.

262-542-7101 • www.catholicmemorial.net • [email protected]