Ten Seniors recognized by the National Merit program


Archbishop McNicholas High School is proud to announce that seniors Dominic Daley, Madison Kouche, Jack Munzel, and Tara Reich are semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit® Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) program. NMSC named approximately 16,000 academically-talented high school seniors as semifinalists with the opportunity to continue competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million offered next spring. Semifinalists are the academic top 1% of seniors based on the results of the PSAT/NMSQT test the students took as juniors.

McNicholas High School is also pleased to congratulate our National Merit Scholarship Corporation Commended Students. Seniors Erin Callahan, Taylor Collett, Harper Esterle, Brianna Taylor, Joshua Twomey, and Zachary Twomey are among the students who scored in the top 3% nationally on the PSAT/NMSQT.

 "We are proud of these students and congratulate them and their families on this tremendous honor," McNicholas Principal David Mueller said. "These hardworking seniors show exceptional academic ability and potential for collegiate success, and we wish them well in the next level of the scholarship competition."

Meet the New Guy (And Send Him Some Money)

Jorden
Hello McNick Alums. I'm John Jorden, the new Development Director at McNicholas High School. I'm a product of Catholic education (St. Susanna, Fenwick, Notre Dame). I'm married to a beautiful, talented, and smart Southern girl named Kim. All three of our kids have benefited from a Catholic education all the way through university (Pacelli, McNick, UD, and Notre Dame). I worked for 32 years in commercial real estate finance, and I recently sold my business and retired for three days. Then I started my new career in the lucrative(?) arena of Catholic high school development. What kind of idiot does that? Someone who believes in Catholic education and loves McNicholas High School. I plan to work night and day for the students and the future of McNicholas High School. Enough about me (but if you haven't gotten enough, here's a link to even more about me

Now let's talk about our Annual Fund.
The Annual Fund is, hands down, our most important source of funding outside of tuition. Why is that?
● There is a GAP between what it costs to educate a student at McNick and what we charge in tuition. We need you to help us fill that GAP. Truth be told, I'd like to make the GAP a lot larger. Why? So we can make tuition more affordable for families who struggle to afford a Catholic education.
● The world of high school education has gotten very competitive. Public high schools have upgraded their facilities lately through revenue from your taxes. And rival Catholic schools, quite frankly, are way ahead of McNick in fundraising and building endowments.
In September, the Development Office sent you a letter with information about the many ways to give back to McNicholas High School. Thank you to those of you have been so generous already and over many years. So far this year, donations are running well ahead of our projections! So thank you-your gift truly makes a difference in the lives of current and future Rockets.
If you have questions or need more information about the Annual Fund, please contact me. If you are around campus, please give me a call or stop by my office in the Convent. John Jorden, Director of Development jjorden@mcnhs.org or 513.351.1500 Ext. 5190


Rocket trip to Keeneland

The McNicholas Alumni Association is hosting the fifth annual bus trip to Keeneland. The trip will take place on Saturday, October 19. 
The bus will leave McNicholas at 9:00 a.m. and return after the last race.  The cost for this event is only $45 per person, or $60 if you want a seat in the grandstand. This package includes the bus ride to and from Lexington, tickets to the races, light appetizers, and beverages for the ride! Once there, we will set up a tailgate area as well.  

Please contact Shawn before mailing in for tickets at this point. For tickets you can either send in a check to McNicholas High School Attn:  Shawn Young 6536 Beechmont Ave. 45230 or you can pay online by clicking here.


Random Act of Kindness on October 22nd

Please join Brad Giesting's family and friends by doing  a Random Act of Kindness on October 22 Brad graduated from McNick in '05. He proudly served his country in the Army's 101st Airborne Division, including a tour of duty in Iraq. On May 13, 2013, Brad was diagnosed with liposarcoma, a very rare soft tissue cancer. Brad used humor throughout his three-year battle as he bravely endured over 70 rounds of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation, and 6 major operations before passing away surrounded by his family on October 22, 2016. Brad's family wanted his wonderful spirit to live on, so they created a charitable organization called Brad's Blessings and ask people to do a random act of kindness (big or small) in his memory on October 22.

Brad's Blessings is a Cincinnati-based charitable organization that spreads joy through random acts of kindness to individuals battling cancer or other significant illnesses and military personnel suffering the effects of burn pits. Brad's Blessings also provides scholarships to students at Brad's alma maters, Guardian Angels School and McNicholas High School.

For more information, please check out  Brad's Blessings website and their Facebook page. Brad's family asks you to share your random act of kindness or perhaps, a random act of kindness that you received in Brad's memory, on his Facebook and/or Instagram pages. 

Brad's undeniable joy and love of life continues through and to all who were and continue to be touched by him. So, Rocket alumni, on October 22nd, let's make the world a little bit better in Brad's memory.


4th Annual Alumni Blood Drive


Thank you for all of those who have supported the Dennis family (Bridget (Liette) and Bret Class of '98) with your love, prayers, and support for their  now 5 -year-old son, Ryan. In June 2014, Ryan was born without the ability to create any T-cells, a vital cell needed in the immune system to fight off any type of infection. Ryan was diagnosed with SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), a rare, life-threatening genetic condition, and the only known cure  was  a bone marrow transplant.
 
Throughout Ryan's health journey, he has received many different blood products from kind strangers who donated through Hoxworth. Starting at just three weeks, he received IVIG (antibodies collected from the plasma of over one thousand donors) to give him extra protection against viruses. He also received numerous blood and platelet transfusions after his transplant. Ryan's transplant recovery would not have been as successful without these donations. Now, Ryan and his family would like to help other children and adults in need of these life saving blood, platelet, and plasma donations.

Please save the date of  October 28, 2018 , from  5:30-7 pm  at McNicholas High School  for the Hoxworth Blood Donation in honor of  Ryan Dennis and his family.

Click here to sign up!

McNicholas will host its first Craft Fair on Nov. 9

Calling all alumni who love shopping for crafts! Please save Saturday, November 9, for the first McNicholas Craft fair. We have nearly 40 crafters who will bring in their handiwork for you to buy.    These handmade/handcrafted items will make great and very unique Christmas presents. No vendors will be present. We will have food and drinks available for you to purchase so that you can spend the entire morning and afternoon with us. The craft fair will be located in the Café and Student Union. The craft fair will open at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m. Plenty of parking will be available. There is no charge to attend this event. We will also be having raffles, so that you might have a chance to win some of the items from the crafters. At this point 13, of our crafters are graduates who range from the Class of '59 all the way up to the Class of '08. The crafts will range from McNick bags, all the way to pickles and fudge. There is something for everyone!

If you are interested in having a booth at our craft fair, or if you have any questions, please contact Sister Judi Keehnen. In your message please include your name, year of graduation (if applicable) and the craft/s you will be selling. Booth registration closes on Nov. 1.

To reserve a space on line - Click here.

Alumni can help with the McNicholas open house.


Help us spread the word about our Open House for prospective families! We are looking for strategic spots to place yard signs. If you live or have a business located in a highly visible traffic area and are willing to help us promote our Open House, please contact our Director of Admissions, Christina Mullis at  cmullis@mcnhs.org . We can arrange a sign drop off. We appreciate your help in recruiting Future Rockets!
Ski Club is open to alumni

Were you a member of Ski Club when you were a student?  Have you always wanted to learn to ski?  If this sounds like something of interest to you, then Rocket High has a deal for you!  The deadline for discounted pass purchase (30% savings) is Thursday, Oct. 31

Pick up your passes from the Perfect North Ticket Window  on the first day you ski or after October 1.
How to purchase your club pass online:
  1. Go to  http://www.perfectnorth.com 
  2. Scroll to the bottom to Club Login 
  3. Scroll to find McNicholas Ski Club
  4. Sign in on the club page. 
  5. Username: mcnick
  6. Password: downhill
  7. Use the 3 line menu in the upper left corner and select the pass you would like
  8. Follow the prompts to finish purchasing your season pass
If you have any questions about ski club or ski club spirit wear please reach out to Ms. Gaskins at mgaskins@mcnhs.org.

ROCKETOBERFEST - A Rocket version of Oktoberfest


We would like to thank all of you that came out to support our first-ever Rocketoberfest!  We had seven different breweries from the area, and we sampled over 21 different types of beer.  The weather was spectacular and everyone had a great time. We will be hosting the  2nd   Rocketoberfest on October 10, 2020 .  It is never too early to mark your calendars !

We would also like to thank our sponsors for this year! 
Home City Ice
Auxier Gas
Solar is Freedom
A & A Safety
Clermont Springs Dairy
Dead low Brewery
Ditsch Pretzels
Festival Alliance
Dick Vogelgesang Electric
Jim and Connie Hay


If you are interested in become a sponsor for next year, please contact Shawn Young. We expect this event to grow exponentially  every year!
Help us to honor our veterans


The McNicholas Military Memorial Committee would like to invite you to join us for the eighth annual Veterans Day breakfast.  This event will take place on Monday, November 11. The breakfast will be in the Café and Student Union and start at 9:30 in the Café and Student Union.  A presentation in the gym will follow at 10:40. To reserve parking spaces, please RSVP  Shawn Young by November 7.
 
We are in need of some volunteers to help us put these programs together.  If you would be interested in joining our Military Committee, please contact Jim Hay at 513-236-7609 or jhay279786@aol.com The committee does a lot of great work here at McNicholas.  They host the breakfast on Veterans Day, organize a ceremony at McNicholas on Memorial Day, and run the Rocketoberfest in October. In the past 11 years, the Military Committee has raised over $80,000 for scholarships.  Five scholarships were offered last year at $1500 each. 
 
McNicholas Military List

Over the past couple of years, we have been able to grow our military list to over 340 people who decided to serve our country. To check on our McNicholas Military list, or to see if we need to add someone to the list please click here . If you find we are missing someone, please email Shawn Young
.

15th Annual Nick Erdy Foundation Dinner, Dance and Auction

The Fifteenth Annual Nick Erdy Foundation Dinner, Dance, and Auction will be held 
Saturday November 23 , at Norlyn Manor, 4440 St. Route 132 in Batavia. Doors open at  5:30 pm , and the dress is casual evening attire.  The event will include an open bar, a silent auction, and dinner provided by Texas Roadhouse. The evening will also feature a DJ and dancing and a split-the-pot raffle. The cost is $60 per person before Nov. 1, $75 per person after Nov. 1. A table of 8 can be purchased for $480. For information contact Jane Erdy at 513-200-5797 or visit www.nickerdyfoundation.org. Last year, the Nick Erdy Foundation awarded $4,000 in scholarships. The school is grateful for the Foundation's generosity in helping our students and hopes parents and alumni continue to support the Erdy's work.
 
Nick Erdy was a 2002 graduate of McNicholas High School. Immediately after graduating, Nick fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a Marine. When his unit was deployed to Iraq, it was part of Operation Matador on the Iraqi-Syrian border. In May, 2005, his armored assault vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device; Nick and five of his fellow Marines were killed. Nick was posthumously awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, the Marine Corps Reserve Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
 
Rocket Service Corner - S potlight on alumni making a difference

This is a new feature for the newsletter, and it is one that I hope catches on, and that you find helpful.  Many people contact me about publicizing about service/ fundraising opportunities that would be interesting to our alumni community.  We would like to focus on service that you and your Rocket friends have done, or help support you in your effort to spread the word about an upcoming event to the Rocket alumni community. You can send in your request for help, or your story to Bridget Kahermanes '66 prior to the first of the month.  Bridget is the chair of the alumni service committee. 

St. Nick at McNick - Trying to Make a Difference

St. Nick was known for his kindness and generosity. The St. Nick at McNick Project carries on that tradition by raising money to serve children and adults in need at Christmas and throughout the year.

Please support the St. Nick effort by donating to St. Nick at McNick. Donations will be accepted until December 6, but earlier donations will be very much appreciated. To donate via mail: Make your check payable to:McNicholas High School Put "For St. Nick" on the memo line and m ail to:
 
McNicholas High School
Attn: St. Nick/Shawn Young
6536 Beechmont Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45230
To donate on line: Click Here.




Tricia Laake Oehler '88 Running for a cause

As I stood there that early November morning, the chill in the air nipped at my nose and fingers, the massive rumble of motorcycle engines filled my ears, and the butterflies filled my stomach as they do at every start line. This would turn out to be no ordinary race but one that would change my heart. This was the inaugural DAV5k - a race that benefits our disabled veterans and one that I have run every year in memory of my father David Laake. I tend to run for my own enjoyment and health but for this one I decided the fundraising effort was well worth it. My father David was a Vietnam Veteran - in country in 1969, Army, 1st Calvary. He fought for his country and in 1977 collapsed on the golf course. That event lead to 5 years of his greatest fight which he ultimately lost - Agent Orange induced brain cancer took his life on August 16, 1982.

Fast forward to the finish line that first 5k. I found a way to combine my love for running, my respect for veterans and my love for my father. I crossed the finish line that year with my mom (yes there were a few tears) and had a new mission. I have fund-raised and run every year since in honor of my father and all those in need of aid. I have different people join me every year as they are able. It is so fun to be surrounded by my friends and family. It is cold - the race is in November - but the energy is infectious!

For the past few years, I also run for my step-father, Bob Ewers '66. The first few years he walked with me but some recent events have prevented him from joining physically (he is always at the finish line!). How cool is it that I was raised by two amazing men and can honor them both!

While at McNick we were taught to serve others and find our passion. The DAV5k is definitely both for me. As November approaches, consider joining me! Run, Walk, Roll or Ride. If you can't join, at least shake the hand of a veteran who gave so much and asks so little. Remember they are our everyday true heroes. The DAV5k will be held November 9 at the Banks in Cincinnati. Learn more and register click here. If you care to donate to this amazing cause, I respectfully ask you visit my page .
Alumni Updates


Any news?
Do you have news to share? Let us know what you've been doing since graduation! Update your information by completing our alumni update form on the McNicholas webpage or call the Alumni Office at 513.231.3500. ext. 5850

Rose Bohmann '66 has retired from teaching in Massachusetts and as moved to Verona, Wisconsin. 

Matthew Schlagheck '05 has taken a new position at Edgewood Chiropractic as a practice doctor. 
In Memoriam

This list is generated from local obituaries and information received from the family and friends of our alumni and current students. Please contact the alumni office  if there is incorrect or missing information. 

Alumni


Distinguished Family and Friends

Gregory J. Buerger; Father of Carol Buerger Tull '72, Nancy Buerger Willis (attended), Greg '82, and the late Barbara Buerger Randolph '70. 

Phyllis Cappel; Wife of Robert '67, Mother Leah Cappel Mattingly '87,  Kevin '89, and Mother-in-law of Anita Threet '89. 

Ronald J. Gartner; Brother of Maureen Gartner Taylor '60, and Carol Gartner Bain (attended). 

Mark S. Kelley; Brother of Jenny '80, Amy '82, Kim '83, and Cynthia Kelley Mills '87.

Glenn L. McCauley; Father of Larry '76, Gary '81, and Susan McAuley Muther '86. 

William Pierce;   Husband of Nancy Kreimer Pierce '71, and Stepfather of Michelle Davin Langenbahn '00.

Albert J. Riehle; Father of Jonathan '72, Fred '74, Joanna Riehle Robinson '75, Paul '77, Teresa Riehle Whetzel '79, Mary Riehle Pajor '81, Mike '83, and Barb Riehle Nye '85.

Mac A. Webb; father of Andrew '00, and Anthony '05.
Quick Links for Alumni