Dear Alumni Family and Friends,
I hope your holidays were healthy, happy, and memorable. Over Christmas, you should have received our annual publication
The Mighty Pen,
our 2018 year-in-review. It included the outstanding efforts of many past and current students, highlighting community members who help continue to make this school so special. If you did not receive a copy, please fill out the link below and we will be sure to get it to you!
In the coming year, myself, along with the Alumni Board and Council, will focus on outreach to alumni through the continued recruitment of Class Ambassadors, alumni surveys, and a campaign to update alumni contact information. We will review and improve our events to increase attendance and excitement, and we will look for new ways to help our alumni community network within the school and with one another.
Happy New Year to all! May it be filled with loving, giving, and living!
Connecting the past, strengthening the present, and promoting the future,
Amy Faulkner
Director
of Alumni and Family Engagement
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Desiree Shannon, class of 1978, retired from the State of Ohio last November after nearly 30 years serving as an attorney in the areas of securities and consumer finance regulation with the Ohio Department of Commerce. While employed, she also spent time volunteering with various non-profits, and founded a "brief advice" monthly legal clinic with the support of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. She hopes to continue volunteering with non-profits, as well as do some traveling. Congrats and enjoy your retirement!
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SFD alum Tucker Yinger '14 was named a First Team Academic All-American for the second straight year. He was this past season's Pioneer Football League Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was the first University of Dayton player to be named First Team Academic All-PFL four times. He also finished his football career as Dayton's all-time leader in career rushing yards. Tucker graduate last month with a 3.81 GPA in Mechanical Engineering.
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In Memoriam -
Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
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John Kenny, class of 1984, passed away on on December 6, 2018.
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This month SFD alumnus Tim Bezbatchenko '00 was named the President of the Columbus Crew SC. Tim returns home after previously serving as Toronto FC's Senior Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager from 2013-2018, where he helped lead the Reds to the MLS Cup Championship in 2017.
Prior to joining Toronto FC, Tim spent three years as the Senior Director of Player Relations and Competition with MLS located in New York City. In that role, he was responsible for negotiating and drafting player contracts, as well as finalizing loan and transfer agreements for the import and export of players to and from MLS. In addition, he oversaw all MLS rosters, the MLS player pool, and team salary budgets. He was also responsible for youth and player development initiatives for the league, including the home-grown player signing process. Tim also helped the Player Department manage the relationship between the Players Union and interpretation of the league's collective bargaining agreement.
Before beginning his career with MLS, Tim served as an attorney for Shearman & Sterling LLP, in New York City, where he worked in their Mergers & Acquisitions group. He graduated with honours from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in Economics and Leadership Studies in 2004 and later from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2008.
Tim played college soccer for the Richmond Spiders of the University of Richmond and was named two-time Academic All American and the Atlantic 10 Conference first team. He also played two professional seasons as a midfielder for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and won the USL Pro League Atlantic Division Championship in 2004 with a record of 17-2-1. And, of course, we have to mention, Tim was a part of our Boys Soccer 1997 State Championship team! He was also a 2017 Msgr. James Berendt/Patrick Rossetti Alumni Awards of Distinction Recipient.
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A highlight on current SFD teachers, coaches and students.
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Great things are happening in our school. Our teachers care deeply about their students, our school staff is setting examples of visionary leadership for all, and our pupils truly want to succeed in and out of the classroom. The Stallion Spotlight today showcases Isabella Arbona, a student that values
and
exemplifies all of these things and more.
Isabella is a member of the Class of 2019. She works hard in the classroom where she carries 4.0 GPA, gaining the privilege of becoming a member of The National Honor Society. Isabella attributes her academic success in part, to the amazing teachers and coaches she has encountered along the way. Some of her most memorable teachers are Mr. Brimmer, Mr. Ulry, and Mrs. Barrett. However, she mentioned that all of her teachers have made a significant impact on her time here. In fact, one of the things she values most about the school is the strong sense of community. Isabella knows that it is a very unique and treasured environment. The outpouring of love and kindness is exactly what swayed her decision to attend this school four years ago.
Isabella is a member of both the Varsity Girls Lacrosse and Tennis teams. This past season she the ranked among the best on her Tennis team, making the program extremely proud. Isabella is also involved in the Run the Race Club, Corral For the Kids, Stallions For Wellness, Math Club, Student Ambassadors, and Future Medical Professions. During her time with these activities, she has especially cherished the service work done through the Run the Race club. It has brought her great joy, reward, and humility.
With graduation quickly approaching, Isabella is looking forward to her Senior Journey Project, watching the under-classroom grow in faith and pride, especially her brother, Andres Arbona, Class of 2022, and making her final decision on college. It looks like she may take her Stallion Pride to Chicago where she will study Nursing at Loyola University. Although no formal decision has been made yet, Isabella knows that no matter where her journey takes her, she will always have a place to call home in St. Francis DeSales High School.
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Nominate your favorite Stallion! The St. Francis DeSales family has countless members who deserve to be recognized for their dedication to SFD, their service to others and for their excellence in their chosen professions. If you know someone deserving of an Alumni Award of Distinction, please honor them with a nomination. A dinner is held each May in honor of the recipients.
Those nominated must be living examples that the lessons received during their years at St. Francis DeSales did not end after graduation, but are used throughout life. NOMINATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019.
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Thank you to the families that contributed to a wonderful Alumni Holiday Social at Jimmy V's over the Christmas holiday. A good time was had by all. We were blessed to be able to make a contribution to the M.A.S.H. pantry with the help of alumni Ralph Smith (
featured in our last DeTales in case you missed it!
).
Our annual
Alumni Basketball Night is set for January 25th
at St. Francis DeSales where we will play rival, Bishop Watterson. There will be free food and refreshments for our Alumni attendees, along with prizes and other fun activities. Our current Stallion Basketball program would love the added support on such a big night. We hope to see many alumni in attendance to show their Stallion Pride.
A few important dates to mark on your 2019 calendar!
February 22: Last day to nominate for Alumni Awards of Distinction
March 8: Casino Royale
(this is a change in date from the Mighty Pen)
April 12 - 14: Spring Show
May 17: Alumni Awards of Distinction Ceremony
July 5: All-School Reunion
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Spiritual Reflection
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick, cast out demons, and cared for the lost and hopeless. Heal us from the damage caused by our sins, and cast out all hatred, jealousy, lust, and wrath from our hearts. And when we have experienced your healing touch, make us ready to serve you joyfully and to share your peace with others. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
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