As many of you are already aware, last month we kicked off the Stallion Challenge - the final push in our 2018-2019 Annual Giving. In the Stallion Challenge, each class (past and present) is participating in a friendly competition to see who can rally the most donations. Campaigns like this are necessary, beneficial, and can be very rewarding when everyone is engaged. In fact, most private institutions as well as colleges and universities run similar fundraising objectives and show tremendous success with rewards that benefit the entire school community.
Last week an alumna from the Class of 1986 donated a figure ending in “86.” She then challenged her classmates to do the same. I was so touched by her giving nature, leadership, and drive, but most of all her pride for SFD.
I hope you will all follow suit and join the Stallion Challenge this year. It sets a great example for our young Stallions, and will show them what can happen when a group of people who share a common bond come together for the greater good.
I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU to make a donation to the Stallion Challenge by clicking the link below. Let’s show these young people what “Stallion Pride” is all about.
Connecting the past, strengthening the present, and promoting the future,
Amy Faulkner
Director
of Alumni and Family Engagement
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do much.”
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This year marks the 40th anniversary of Mark Zimmer's 4-time State Wrestling championship. It was the first time ever in Ohio, and just the third time in the United States. On April 6th, classmates, teachers, teammates, coaches, family members and friends gathered to celebrate our champ.
It was easy to plan such a gathering. Just tell people that it was for Mark Zimmer and they would show up. And they did show up.
Mark's 1979 classmates have had bragging rights about graduating with Mark Zimmer for 40 years, and they showed up in force. Coaches were there to show respect for what Mark has done for the sport of wrestling. Wrestlers showed up to talk about how Mark made them better wrestlers. School patriarchs showed up to honor Mark for what he has done for the school’s name. Other champions from Cross Country and Bocce showed up to celebrate their teammate. A teammate that Mark hasn’t seen in over 40 years came from out of state to rekindle their friendship, and a new friendship was formed when the winner of the inaugural Mark Zimmer Most Outstanding Wrestler Award showed up to meet the man whose name is on his trophy.
It was a fun evening, and created an opportunity for so many to not only congratulate Mark, but to also tell Mark 'thanks.' The room was packed, the camaraderie was thick, and the talk was nostalgic. In the words of former teacher and coach, Scott Pharion, "It was a sign of the strong bond that can exist between and among people.”
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In Memoriam
- Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Alice (Tague) Clark, class of 1975, passed away on March 28, 2019.
Patrick Wickline, class of 1995, passed away on April 19, 2019.
Susan Bell, class of 1968, passed away on April 23, 2019.
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We recently hosted a Spring Professions Night, an evening where current students heard from a panel of alumni, past and present parents, and experts in the Creative and Performing Arts along with Media and Communications. One of our keynote speakers that evening was alumnus Paul Franchak, class of 1987. Paul is actor for BMTA Talent Agency and has a proud list of accomplishments. He began his acting career with a local commercial company, International Diamond Direct, in Columbus, Ohio. Since that time his list of opportunities and accomplishments has grown significantly. He has appeared in over 20 films, television appearances, and theater productions. In the past year alone, he starred in six movies and several TV pilots. His current role is in
Bitcoin, which is currently in post-production and due to be released to multiple festivals in 2019. Another exciting role for Paul is in
Seat of the Soul, viewable online via Facebook and Youtube, and is set to release this month. Paul is a thriving artist and loves his life in Atlanta with his wife, Mary, and their four children. We were so honored to have Paul “home” with us for the event and we look forward to following his future successes.
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Click on the 'Share Your Story!' link and let us know what you've been up to! We'd love to feature your news in the next DeTales.
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A highlight on current SFD teachers, coaches and students.
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Senior Vince Thompson is in the spotlight today for his efforts to spread awareness on the impact of distracted driving. This very important topic effects many teens and is often overlooked, which why he and his classmates, Luke Cotter, Nick Granata, and Gio Cherichello chose this topic for their senior civic action project in Government class. The project includes statistics of drivers killed by distracted driving, and necessary goals for government officials, in terms of the laws that should be implemented to reduce the risk of these types of accidents.
Last week, St. Francis DeSales alumnus Dom Tiberi was a guest speaker on this very topic. Dom lost his daughter from a distracted driving accident which is why spreading awareness on this subject is very near and dear to his heart. Dom sent a powerful message to our Stallion community and reinforced Vince's passion for the subject. Vince, along with many members of the SFD student body, signed the "Maria's Message Pledge" that states they will be defensive drivers, not distracted drivers. We hope all of our beloved alumni will consider taking Maria's Message Pledge:
I pledge to:
keep my hands on the wheel,
keep my eyes on the road,
keep my mind on my driving.
If I keep my hands, eyes, and mind where they should be, I can keep myself and keep Maria's Message alive.
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Alumni Awards of Distinction Ceremony
When: May 17, 2019 beginning at 6:30 PM
Where: SFD Cafeteria
We will honor our 2019 Alumni Awards of Distinction recipients at a special dinner and recognition ceremony. If you would like to join us in honoring our distinguished alumni,
please click here to purchase your ticket.
Class of 1994 Reunion
When: July 13, 2019 beginning at 6 PM
Class of 1964 Reunion
When: September 15th, 2019 at 6 PM
Where: O'Charley's Restaurant (1425 Polaris Parkway, Columbus 43240)
It will feature cash bar and cash food.
Organizer: Joe Finocch: finocchi8022@sbcglobal.net, 614.407.6444
Class of 1974 Reunion
When: September 21, 2019 from 5 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Guild Athletic Club on Grandview Avenue
Food by Carfagna's and Dee Jay; cost $35 per person.
Please join our Group on Facebook: St Francis DeSales Class of 1974 President/Organizer: Michael Doody
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1969 to Lead Procession at Graduation
The Class of 1969 is invited to gather at their Alma mater on Saturday, June 1st for the 2019 SFD Commencement Ceremony. Classmates will enjoy a continental breakfast beginning at 7:45am in the school's Franciscan Center, before leading the Class of 2019 into Alumni Stadium at 9am.
Please RSVP by emailing Linda Volmer at
lv2tch85@aol.com
by Monday, May 20th if you are able to join us for the Commencement Ceremony.
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All-Class Reunion for St. Francis DeSales Family and Friends
When: July 5th, 2019 beginning at 7pm
Where: Harry Buffalo (6150 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081)
$5 admission; All proceeds from our annual All-Class Reunion for St. Francis DeSales family and friends will go to the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund.
New this year: Corn hole Tournament to begin at 5pm on Harry Buffalo's patio (weather permitting). $30 per participant. If anyone is interested in sponsoring this evening's event, please email faulkner@desales.co.
Pizzurro Family Pancake and Play Event
When: July 13 from 9:30am to 1pm
Where: St. Francis DeSales High School
Alumni, current and future Stallions are all welcomed to attend! This year’s event will include: all you can eat Pancake & Sausage breakfast, Bingo Games, Silent Auction, Bounce House, Putt-Putt, Face Painting, and More! Cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Proceeds will benefit the Pizzurro Family Foundation that provides scholarships to incoming freshmen at DeSales.
Lennon Loop
When: July 28 beginning at 9am
Location: Alum Creek State Park Beach (3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035)
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Spiritual Reflection
Lord Jesus, we have done many things that we are ashamed of, things that we would prefer be kept hidden. Yet we also need to remember that no sin is greater than your love for us. So please grant us the courage to stop hiding and come out into the light of your forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
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