UPCOMING EVENTS
33rd Annual Rainbow Auction
Saturday, April 30, 2016 5pm
$125/person
Purchase tickets online here!
No tickets are sold at the door
Want to volunteer?  Check out the sign-up!

Spring Musical-"Wonderful Town"
May 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 7pm and May 15 at 1pm
Tickets are $10
231-755-2201 x398

29th Annual Crusader Open
Friday, August 5th 
Oak Ridge Golf Club, Muskegon
Thank you to all who came to our Lenten Fish Dinners!  2,803 dinners were served!
WALL OF HONOR
  Educator-Alumni-Service

Now accepting nominations for 2016!
Click here  for more information and to  submit your nomination!
CAMPUS NEWS
MCC President Search Update
5th Grade Basketball

The 5th Grade Boys Basketball Team was undefeated and won the Christian Lakeshore League champio nship!   Way to go Crusaders!

Back Row: Jason Gustin, David Hill, Sammy Bridges, Jeremiah Foster-Thomas, Rob Bridges
Front Row: Ross Sanford, Braden Gustin, Finn Maschino, Hunter Schrink, Kenny Lehan
MathCounts

This year was the first year MCC participated in MathCounts, "bee-style" contests.  Mrs. Sheila (Halloran) Salisz '77/Middle School Math teacher coached the team.  Ten MCC students competed at the regional competition at Muskegon Community College on Friday, February 5th. Jack DeLong '21, son of Brian '92 & Krista (Hansen) '92 DeLong, placed 12th and Alaina Kohley '22, daughter of Jason '95 & Katy (Rafferty) '95 Kohley, took home a 2nd place trophy. There were 11 schools represented and about 100 students.
March Reading Month

To kick-off March Reading Month, K-12th grade students were paired together as  reading buddies. It  was wonderful to see the elementary students share their enthusiasm and love of reading with an older student.
Lenten Service Project
Mrs. Katie (Gould) Welch '97 and her third grade students made and sold rosaries to benefit Catholic Outreach.

Quiz Bowl

The MCC Quiz Bowl team entered its inaugural season with little experience, but great enthusiasm.

Invited to play a Lakes 8 Conference activity, coaches Mrs. Peg Alexander/7-12 Librarian and Mrs. Kimberly Plyler/Instructional Technology pulled together an eclectic group of students who were eager to compete in head-to-head matches with some very experienced teams. Some of the questions were hard - covering astronomy, trigonometry, world history, and classical music and some were easier, such as the 2015 ESPY awards and winners of Dancing with the Stars. The team never knew what would come next, but proved to be especially good at questions about language, biology, and popular culture.

The team was led by juniors Kelly Stone and Ben Treutler and bolstered by freshmen Noah Jacobs and Lindsey Joyce. Three international students, Hai Nguyen, Hieu Tran, and Jael Heinrich rounded out the team. The season consisted of four after-school competitions and a conference tournament in which the team finished in the semi-finals.

The team was sponsored by the MCC Family Association, which supported its efforts with practice materials and a "buzzer" system to use at competitions.

Team members reported having a lot of fun throughout the season, and are excited to compete next year as a team with experience.

Picture caption -The 2016 MCC Quiz Bowl Team - Hai Nguyen (ESPY Expert); Lindsey Joyce (You-Never-Know-What-She-Is-Going-To-Know Award); Noah Jacobs (Heart of the Team Award); Ben Treutler (Best All Around); Kelly Stone (Pop Culture Queen); Jael Heinrich (La Vie En Rose/Opera Aficionado Award); and Hieu Tran (Grammar Go-To Guy).

Winter Sports Report
o    Boys Varsity Basketball:
  • Regular season record 6-14, 3-7 Lakes 8
  • District Champions
  • Coaching Staff: 
    • Head Coach:  Lamar Jordan
    • Assistant Coaches:  Leonard Vines, Jamicha Cooper '10
o   Boys JV Basketball:
  • Regular season record 6-14, 3-7 Lakes 8
  • Coaching Staff:
    • Head Coach:  Andre Watson
    • Assistant Coach:  Jason Rauch
o   Girls Varsity Basketball:
  • Regular season record 8-12, 2-8 Lakes 8
  • District Semifinals:  Defeated Algoma Christian
  • District Finals:  Lost to Fruitport Calvary 39-28
  • Coaching Staff: 
    • Head Coach:  Matt Callow '07
    • Assistant Coaches:  Ken Callow, Holly Michelli
o   Girls JV Basketball:
  • Regular season record:  7-12, 3-7 Lakes 8
  • Coaching Staff:
    • Head Coach:  Casey Christensen
o   Wrestling
  • All-conference honors:
    • First team all-conference:  Brock Johnson, 285 lbs
    • Second team all-conference:  Glen Kuharevicz, 112 lbs
    • Districts:  Brock Johnson, 2nd place 285 lbs
    • Regionals:  Brock Johnson, 2nd place 285 lbs
    • State Finals:  Brock Johnson, 4th place 285 lbs
    • All-state honors:  Brock Johnson, 285 lbs
  • Coaching Staff:
    • Head Coach:  Mike Michelli
    • Assistant Coaches:  Barry Kieft, Jeff Johnson, Dave Silva Jr. '93
High School Co-Op Sports
o   Varsity Ice Hockey at Reeths Puffer with North Muskegon
  • District finalists, lost to Mona Shores 6-5 in district finals
  • First team All-OK conference:  Nate Sullivan
    • Head Coach:  Eric Sikkenga
o   Varsity Boys Swimming at Mona Shores (Greater Muskegon Co-op)
  • OK conference finish:  6th
    • Head Coach:  Mick Homan
Hall of Fame Trophy Case Project

Trophy cases continue to be built by Mr. Henry Salisz, yes the same Mr. Salisz who has been at MCC since 1956!  These cases have replaced lockers that have gone unused for decades in the Hall of Fame.  Trophies that have been in storage have now come back out on display!

We have had several donors sponsor these trophy cases to cover the cost of materials.  Each case has a plaque signifying the donor or dedication.  There are still cases available to sponsor!  Contact Melanie at 231-755-1000 or [email protected] for more information.
WHO'S ON CAMPUS
Mary Fritz
7/8 Language Arts Teacher
Currently I am enjoying my 26th year as a Muskegon Catholic Central Employee. In that time I  have taught Kindergarten, self-contained 6th grade, 7th/8th Social Studies, Language Arts, and  Religion, and High School Speech and Theatre. I love all ages, but Middle Schoolers are my  favorite. 

I attended St. Patrick's School in Parnell, MI for elementary and Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids for High School, and then Western Michigan University. My husband Charlie and I, both from the Grand Rapids area, have lived in Muskegon since 1978. We have 5 children (2 we inherited) who are graduates of MCC, and one grand-daughter, Mary.

In one way or another, I was involved in MCC's Spring Musical for 26 of the last 30 years.
While my children were involved I was a Costume Lady, and in 2009 Bob Sullivan dragged me
back to the Play as a Director. Theatre, in any capacity, has been one of the joys of my life, and I
cannot wait to see Hamilton, currently on Broadway!

Other interests are reading, my garden, photography, and travel. I have been to most US states
and Canadian Provinces, Mexico, South America, Europe, China, and last summer, South Africa
on a photo safari - combining photography with travel. There are so many places left to see - my
list is long and I plan to get there.
Laura (Zagar) Ogren '02
Choir Teacher
After graduating from MCC, I went on to get a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University.  I taught elementary music and middle school and high school choir at Oakridge Public Schools for 4 years and has been the K-12 Liturgical/Vocal Music Director at MCC for 4 years.  

Wonderful Town is the ninth musical I have been the music director for at MCC.  I have also been the music director of 4 shows at Oakridge HS and has been the accompanist for numerous other musicals, including at Mona Shores HS, Hopkins HS, Portage Central HS and Kalamazoo Civic Theater.  I have been playing piano at many different churches since I was in fifth grade.  I have been married to Michael for almost six years and we have a 21 month old daughter, Genevieve, and a son on the way, due in June. June 9.  

"I love the close-knit community feeling of MCC, which hasn't changed since I was a student here.  Everyone takes care of each other and I love my students and colleagues!"
Jason Bertoia '97
Musical Director
I am happy to be back at MCC to direct the Spring Musical 
Wonderful Town. I have spent the last 15 years right next door working for Every Woman's Place, and Webster House Youth Services in various roles but currently am working as a Community Health Worker for 
Pathways to Better Health of the Lakeshore. I was involved in the musical program at MCC previously as a student and as the Assistant Director for  Annie Get Your Gun.   I was hired shortly there after by Western Michigan Christian High School to direct their Musical Theatre Program.  After 8 years at WMCHS, I have built a successful Musical Theatre program and have added acting and directing for Muskegon Civic Theatre and The Howmet Playhouse to my resume.  "Returning to where my theater experience began is a very unique opportunity and I am so happy to be back." 
Happy Retirement Kathy Bertoia!
I graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids in 1970 with a major in Spanish and minors in English and Social Studies.  I have graduate certification in Religious Studies also from Aquinas. I have taught at Sacred Heart School in Muskegon Heights, Holy Trinity in Grand Rapids, St, Catherine in Ravenna and began teaching at MCC in 1984.  I retired in 2010 after 36 years of full-time teaching, only to be called back for 4 1/2 year of part-time teaching.

I am a widow of Bill Bertoia and the mother of 3 Crusaders, Jason '97, Dennis '00 and Ryan '01. I have 2 beautiful and amazing granddaughters, Gabriella and Olivia.

It has been a pleasure and an honor to teach in the Catholic School system.  I have been truly blessed.
SUPPORT MCC
Planned Giving
Contact Todd Woodard, Development Director at 231-755-2201 x326 for more information.
 
Crusade for MCC Annual Fund
Here's how to join the Crusade:
  • You can donate here with Paypal
  • You can mail a check payable to:

MCEF, 1851 Barclay St., Muskegon, MI 49441

  • You can donate by credit card over the phone at 231-755-1000

The Millennium Club
The Millenium Club consists of our donors who have gifted $1,000 or more during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) to the Crusade for MCC Annual Fund.
MCC 2014-2015 Annual Report, view here
MCC benefits when you shop
For every eligible purchase, MCC receives .5%!  AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.  Same products, same prices, same service.
Click here to link your account! 
REUNIONS

Check out www.muskegoncatholic.org under the Alumni Tab.

FOUND:

Women's 1984 MCC class ring (no special markings, Muskegon Catholic Central High is printed around the stone) has been in the "Lost & Found" at St. Francis de Sales. 

If this ring belongs to you, please contact [email protected]
ALUMNI NEWS
Do you have news to share?  We'd love to include you!
Contact us at [email protected]
Ron Kolenic '64
"Life is meant to be lived holistically and is all about family, caring and helping others" ~ RK

A proud 1964 graduate of MCC and cancer survivor of over 11 years still in my personal cancer fight, my business career spans 50 years, 18 of which in the non-profit sector and the other life in the for-profit start-up, fast growth arena. I am currently CFO of Boomcloud 360, an angel funded start-up which launched a new marketplace product January 3, 2016, the 'Boomstick,' CES 2016 Techlicious Top Pick Award and nominated 2016 SXSW ReleaseIT competition alternate.

Prior to joining BC360, I served as both the Director of Gift Planning and Director of Finance & Operations and member of the iconic yellow 'wristband roll-out Team' of The LIVESTRONG Foundation, VP Finance and Administration for Special Olympics Texas and Director of Finance for the world renowned Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA.

I enjoy pro-bono mentoring non-profit's helping LA based The-Keep-A-Breast Foundation in its early years and proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Love Hope Strength Foundation and formerly Honor Flight Austin.

As a licensed CPA in California and Texas, I earned a B.S in Accountancy with Highest
Distinction from Ferris State College, am a former Community College instructor and U.S.
Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam era in top-secret cryptographic communications.

Residing in Austin, TX with my wife, my life centers on my 3 TX grandsons and CA  granddaughter for "they are the future."
Kendall Antekeier '07
I am currently the Marketing Communications Manager for Emmi - a patient engagement company that designs technology-based solutions to empower people to become participants in their health and owners of their well-being.  

Since starting at Emmi in 2013, I have worked to support the company's lead generation, client retention and thought leadership initiatives, creating Emmi's mission statement, coordinating the development of webinars and podcasts, and developing marketing materials such as presentations, white papers and product demos. In my current role, I manage a small team and am responsible for the oversight of event and sponsorship marketing as well as thought leadership and award opportunities.

Prior to my work at Emmi, I was a healthcare policy analyst at The Heartland Institute - a public policy think tank - where I was responsible for researching healthcare policy, writing opinion pieces and speaking before state congressional committees to help legislators support or oppose proposed legislation.

I graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2011 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Political Science. I live in Chicago, Illinois where I enjoys spending time with family and boyfriend of four years, as well as singing with the St. Vincent de Paul Choir Ensemble. 
Steven Marczak '08
After graduating from MCC, I received my B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in May 2012. I am currently a fourth year graduate student at the University of Notre Dame studying for my PhD in Chemical Engineering.

My wife, Chun-Mei, is a native of Taiwan. She came to the U.S. to earn her PhD in Agronomy from Purdue University from which she graduated in 2013. She currently works as a post-doctoral scholar in the department of Civil Engineering at Notre Dame where we met.

Steven and Chun-Mei were married at the the Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend, IN on December 26, 2015.
COLLEGE ACHIEVEMENTS
New diploma?  Let us know!  [email protected] 
 
Alumni Class
College
Degree
Major

WEDDINGS
Just married?  Let us know!  [email protected] 
 
Chun-Mei Chiu & Steven Marczak '08 on December 26, 2015.

Kendra Martin '98 & Tony Terrell on February 13, 2016.

ALUMNI BUSINESSES 
Are you a business owner?   Please fill out your business profile here.
 
A list of Alumni owned businesses is available on the MCC website here.
BIRTHS
Have you welcomed a new Crusader?  Let us know! [email protected]  

MCC logoIN MEMORIAM 

Norma Jean (Lawie) Weber '54
Robert Bowen '55
Robert LaVere '59
Karl Stratz '60
Nancy (Minarovic) Czerwon '61
Robert Antol '65
Juanita (Antu) Webb '69
Julianne (Chadwick ) Elias '77  
Stay Connected!
Muskegon Catholic Central | 1145 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon , MI 49441 | 231-755-2201