Summer 2003

Vol. 3, No. 2

Our Mission: Improve Education

No need to reinvent the wheel, simply improve what exists
God has created me to do some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have a mission. John Henry Newman his quote is worth remembering. Some of us may have something spectacular to do or achieve in life. We may have a tremendously significant impact on society or contribute in some unique and original way to the betterment of society, and we will be remembered for years to come. But most of us will not have that type of public recognition. However, each of us is called to and can do the ordinary in an extraordinary manner. I remember as a very young kid being in the shop using hammer, nails, wood, gears, iron and so forth, trying to invent something new. Fr. Stroot And if I couldnt make something, I would at least try to draw it on paper or picture it in my mind I wanted to invent something. I cant remember who the wise old man was who gave me a great insight that I havent forgotten. He said: You know, there are going to be very few new inventions like electricity, telegraph, telephone, etc., so understand that rather than trying to come up with a new invention, you need to try to improve on what already exists. It made sense to me then, and it still makes sense. As a parish we can appreciate Newmans quote. We have been called to a special service. We have a mission. It started years ago when some parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes had a dream and a vision to have a Catholic School for the parish children. At this school the truths and values of our Catholic faith would be taught alongside reading, writing and arithmetic. It was a very simple mission: teach the children the basics and train and form (See Fr. Stroot, page 7)

T
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Moving Back
as strong then as the day we graduated, and we wanted our children to have that same experience. We feel fortunate to be able to raise our children in a town the size of Pittsburg and have the benefits of a small school. Students are consistently challenged academically and can participate in the many extracurricular programs offered. Its amazing that many of their close friends are children of our friends from our days at SMC. In the three years that our children have attended SMC, our decision to move home has been validated on a daily basis. Wendi (Wilbert) (85) and Randy (83) Piccini

Uniforms now . . .

n the spring of 2000, we moved our family back to Pittsburg after 10 years away. The primary reason we returned was the opportunity to send our four children to St. Marys-Colgan. We had looked at several school options in the Kansas City area, and we felt that nothing compared to what we had experienced growing up. We had periodically discussed the desire to return home, and these feelings were solidified after attending the state championship football game in 1999. While there, we saw and visited with many old friends and schoolmates, and felt as though we had never been away. The ties to the church and school seemed

In 1998 -1999 SMC High School students began wearing uniforms. The dress code consists of a green, blue or white polo shirt with a gold SMC logo and khaki or navy pants or shorts or plaid skirt. The traditional "game day" attire continues as cheerleader uniforms and jerseys are worn in support of the night's game. See more on page 7.

SMC scholarship funds Buses carry lasting memories Administrative changes at SMC Alumni update: Tell us where you are

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The schools rich history

George family is proud to have been a part of it

SMC Scholarships help many

The following scholarships are administered through St. Marys-Colgan High School. Anyone who would like to donate to these scholarships may send contributions to: St. Marys-Colgan High School, Attn: Scholarships, P.O. Box 266, Pittsburg, KS 66762. The students who benefit will be forever in your debt. ***

hil and Rosemary George of Frontenac were strong believers in Catholic education. Their children attended St. Aloysius Grade School in Greenbush and Sacred Heart Grade School before graduating to high school at St. Marys. Eight members of the George family graduated from SMC: Jeannie (65), Bill (66), Ben (67), Bob (66), Mary Ann (71), Stan (74), Steve (75) and Connie (77). Were proud of our Catholic education history and particularly of being part of the rich history at St. Marys-Colgan, Bill wrote. Bill served as president of the St. Josephs school board in Amarillo, Texas, where his children attended grade school. He also served as president of St. Josephs School Council in Enid, Okla.

Susan Clark Maffei Memorial Scholarship

Susan Clark Maffei attended St. Marys Elementary and was a 1988 graduate of St. Marys-Colgan High School. She lost a 13-month battle with ovarian cancer on September 26, 2002 at the age of 32. Susans spouse, John Maffei, and her parents, Jim and Ann Clark, seeded the $500 scholarship in memory of Susan. Each year the scholarship is presented to a graduating senior based on need and merit. The student should have a substantial GPA, a strong desire to learn and most importantly, an attitude toward service and concern for others. This scholarship is awarded with faculty consideration. ***

Faith and academic excellence pull us to Catholic education

en realize they need more than material things for their happiness, and because they feel an impulse toward perfection, they turn to education for an answer. There is a litany of reasons other than my job why I chose a Catholic school for my children. As a product of a total Catholic school system, there was never a doubt as to where our children would attend school. The traditions of Catholic education have not changed, as the object is still formation of the faith and a journey toward academic excellence. Solid social and behavior skills are a byproduct of the development of a strong faith. SMC offers students an opportunity for a full-life vision as they witness people who join the faith and also those who enter eternal life, as they serve, sing at and attend funeral services. It is an all-encompassing real-life education. Opportunities for other positions have been presented to me, but it may sound feeble to say that this community is an excellent atmosphere in which to raise a family. This is exemplified by not only our own feelings but also the significant number of those who leave and find their way back. Pittsburg, St. Marys-Colgan and strong family support make this an unrivaled environment for all of our families. Pat Forbes

Steve Schiefelbein Memorial Scholarship

Steve Anthony Schiefelbein, son of Mark and Mary Schiefelbein, was a 1989 graduate of St. Marys-Colgan. Steve died of cancer on April 5, 2000 at the age of 28. The Steve Schiefelbein Memorial Scholarship is funded by the Schiefelbein family in his memory. Each year this $500 scholarship, by direction of the family, is awarded to a graduating senior based on need and merit. ***

Father Thomas H. Colgan Scholarship

St. Marys-Colgan High School bears the name of a priest, Father Thomas H. Colgan. In the Fall of 1964, Fr. Colgan came to Pittsburg as administrator of St. Marys High School and Associate Pastor at St. Marys. He died July 24, 1966 in a fiery two-car crash in Chicopee. The Father Colgan Scholarship was seeded in March 2003 by his niece, Rita Stolz. Each year this $500 scholarship, awarded by faculty vote, is presented to a graduating senior based on need, GPA, and plans to attend a Catholic college/university. To help fund this scholarship, students created a video on the life of Fr. Colgan. The video is available for $15 (VHS tape) and $20 (DVD). Proceeds go to this newly established fund.

Trust in God to lead the way

The lure of SMC prompted couple to make life-changing decision and return to area
leven years ago, my husband and I made a decision that would change our lives and the lives of our children. It would greatly impact our careers. Yet it was an easy decision. We decided to move from Kansas City to southeast Kansas. We had made the move to Kansas City only two years earlier with my husbands new job and his wonderful family awaiting us. Our stay there was as nice as wed anticipated, yet something was missing the strong faith

community Id experienced as a student at St. Marys-Colgan. Without solid job prospects, we started packing our bags. Ill never forget my last conversation with a friend and colleague at St. Peters Cathedral in Kansas City, Kansas, where I taught. She asked whether we had found jobs yet. I told her we hadnt even started interviewing. Her response was that God would provide because we were doing the right thing. I believed her, and she was right.

Tom and I eventually found rewarding jobs that have led to careers. We bought a home and were blessed with five beautiful children. Watching them grow and learn at St Marys-Colgan has been very fulfilling for us. In light of our many blessings, its obvious we made the right decision 11 years ago. If we could do it all over, we wouldnt change a thing. We would follow our faith again! Lisa (Normand) Farmer, (82)

School buses carry lasting memories

Long Radley-Chicopee route worth effort

n hour on a school bus seems like a long time, but for many SMC graduates it was just a part of the day some 60 years ago. Irene (Banke) Wilbert (46) was one of those students when she came to St. Marys in the 7th grade. Irenes older sister Minnie (Banke) Schiefelbein (43) was already riding the St. Marys bus to school. They had walked to grade school in Chicopee each day, but going to St. Marys meant a long bus ride. The St. Marys school bus provided transportation to many students who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend SMC. The bus started in Radley, then came all around to Fleming and various areas and picked us up last, Irene recalled. There were about a dozen Chicopee kids on the bus. We picked up Lorraine (Peak) Miller (46) and her sister Mary Evelyn (Peak) Gardner (48). Bessie OConnor was picked up in Kirkwood, and Bill Jones (46) was in Fleming. Bill Jones eventually drove the bus. Irene added. On the way home the route was reversed, dropping off the Chicopee kids first. Lowell Long was the St. Marys bus driver in the 1940s. I dont think he had to correct us very much, if any, Irene said. Time was spent looking out of the window, visiting with friends or doing some homework. Irene didnt mind riding the bus. It was just what we had to do, she said. Irene said that it just seemed natural to go to a Catholic school since it was so close and available and there was a school bus. Her many years at St. Marys left Irene with no doubt that she and her husband Howard Wilbert (45) would send their children to school at St. Marys-Colgan as well. Chris (Wilbert) Flood, (85)

Arma-Frontenac bus a rolling leap of faith by many

ur children and five other grandchildren of Richard and Nancy Normand are enrolled at SMC today basically because of an important leap of faith made by my parents 35 years ago. My young, newly Catholic parents sat down with Fr. Joe Gorentz and my aunt and uncle and decided that Catholic education was worth the necessary sacrifices. As a kindergartner I vividly remember the tithe envelope. My mother explained that first we give our tithe to God, and everything else we need will come our way through Him. She was right! In those days of one-car families, it wasnt easy to get children who lived in Arma to school in Pittsburg. Providentially, Fr. Steinberger purchased a bus The Arma-Frontenac bus was purchased at a at a government auction government auction. that transported us. Mr. Forbes drove the bus when I was first enrolled back in 1968, and then my dad and Susan (Timi) Coeme drove from 1971-1977. Dad drove in the morning, and Susan had the afternoon shift. Id bet there are plenty of people who didnt know that St. Marys had a bus route! The bus picked up kids in Arma, Frontenac, and Capaldo, serving more than 20 students. Some of the families I remember that rode the bus were the Buches from Mulberry; the Normands, Timis, Youngers and Rhodes from Arma; the Golobs from Capaldo; and the Mastersons, Caputos, Gilmores, Vaccas and Cronisters from Frontenac. It took 45 minutes to ride the bus all the way home. Dad says he didnt pray the rosary while he drove the bus, but my sisters and I remember him doing just that. How he did it, Im not sure! But like so many families that are part of the SMC community, it was the faithful, prayerful and sometimes radical decisions of our parents that built the solid foundation on which we stand today: to seek first the kingdom of God through Catholic education. Donna (Normand) Maus, (81)

St. MarysColgan Alumni

Editors: Chris (Wilbert) Flood, Tom Farmer Graphics: Todd McGeorge Regular Contributors: Fr. Tom Stroot, Pat Forbes, Cathy (Blessant) Estenson, Kari (Emerson) Spiers Printing: Tim Collar and Tom Dayton
2003 St. Marys-Colgan, 212 E. Ninth St., Pittsburg, KS 66762

We recognize and salute those who give so much

hrough the years, St. Marys-Colgan schools and Our Lady of Lourdes parish have been fortunate to enjoy gifts in many shapes and forms from numerous individuals and businesses. Every contribution, whether in the form of time, talent or treasure, makes a difference in the lives of our students and parishioners. A business that has worked to save our parish and schools thousands of dollars in printing costs is Pittcraft Printing. Pittcraft continues to print many of our special programs including those for homecoming, alumni reunions, student handbooks and much more, including this newsletter.

Tim Collar and Tom Dayton are always there to help us when needed, and their work is definitely of the highest quality. Many of you know Pittcraft is the official printer of the Kansas City Chiefs. We are grateful to Tim and the staff at Pittcraft Printing for their generous support of St. Marys-Colgan schools and Our Lady of Lourdes parish. Collar said Pittcrafts commitment to the parish dates back to when Andy Wachter was one of the companys owners. The generosity continued when Gene Dayton became owner, and it continues today. I believe that our obligation to God, to our church and to our school is to share our treasures, (See Pittcraft, page 7)

Administrative system streamlined at SMC

ur ever-present desire is to continue to improve the St. Marys-Colgan schools while meeting Diocesan and state education guidelines. It is in following this objective that the streamlining of the administrative system has been initiated. The new administrative arrangement for St.-Marys-Colgan Schools, K-12, represents an element of change. Basically, it is a continuation of a process of unification that began with the joining of the junior high and high school administrations. The utilization of assistant principals and counselors has facilitated a fluid path for the flow of information and

Forbes new K-12 principal; Hicks named Lead Teacher

development of policies to enhance our system. In order to ensure a solid connection between the various levels, K-6 and 7-12, the position of Lead Teacher has been initiated to assure a strong liaison between the elementary staff and myself as I fill the role of K-12 principal. Mrs. Nancy (Wilbert) Hicks (74) will serve as Lead Teacher. A respected senior teacher, Mrs. Hicks will assist in keeping an effective dialogue with fellow faculty members and the principal to ensure elementary school needs are met. Robert Kennedy said, Progress

requires change and change has its enemies. We have participated in a series of curriculum innovations involving Quality Performance Accreditation, Diocesan requirements, and now No Child Left Behind. All address a desire to improve education for our students and instructors. Change has been the current that has propelled education into this century. Education is not a straight avenue; it is somewhat labyrinthian as there are passages through which we must find our way. We need to welcome and investigate new ideas. It would be unwise to allow our educational thinking to become stagnant because education is an ever-changing process. Pat Forbes, K-12 Principal

Golfing fore athletics! Track and field records Booster club shoots for annual spring event

he SMC Booster Club hosted a golf tournament on Saturday, May 17th. Under clear skies, the SMC faithful had a day of golf, putting contests, prizes, eats and drinks, and lots of laughs. Tourney co-organizer Greg Keller said the event was hugely successful, and organizers hope it becomes an annual event. It was great having both the Pittsburg folks and alumni from Pat Forbes putts as his son out of town, said Keller. Our and sons-in-law watch at the SMC Booster Club Golf hope is that next year we have even more alumni join us for the Tournament in May. day. Certainly we can build on this event! SMC athletic programs have enjoyed tremendous success the past several years. Steve Hicks, past club president, said, It is very easy to work hard for these kids when you see their commitment to their respective sports. The club is responsible for uniforms, equipment, and for deferring the cost of traveling to state competitions. In addition, any extra funds are accumulated to purchase vans or buses every 4-5 years. Our kids always have the best uniforms and safest equipment. We could not do it without the SMC Booster Club, said athletic director Chuck Smith. If you would like to support the Booster Club, you can do so by sending a donation to: SMC Booster Club, P.O. Box 266, Pittsburg, KS 66762. At a minimum, please contact Greg Keller at 620-232-9431 if you would like to golf with us in the spring. Booster Club President Joe Dellasega (79)

If you competed in track and field and fared quite well, please review the following list of school records. Former track and field coach Nate Clevenger spent many hours compiling this list and wants to be sure its as accurate as possible. If you set a better mark than one listed, please send a copy of the newspaper article or some other proof of your recordbreaking time/distance to SMC Track and Field, 212 E. 9th Street, Pittsburg, KS 66762.

St Mary-Colgan Track & Field School Records

Girls
100M Carla Caputo 12.80 1980; 200M Taylor Cates 27.44 1995; 400M Maggie Fleming 60.40 1996; 800M Maggie Fleming 2:19.50 1996; 1600M Maggie Fleming 5:16.10 1996; 3200M Melissa Iori 12:14.04 2003; 110M Hurdles Kristin Wilson 16.60 2001; 300M Hurdles Taylor Cates 49.24 1996; 4X100M Relay Carla Caputo, Kelly Merrel, Jenny Hubbard, Karen Wilbert 51.64 1982; 4X200M Relay Kirsten Farabi, Taylor Cates, Johnna Pesavento, Maggie Fleming 1:48.50 1995; 4X400M Relay Taylor Cates, Megan McNally, Johnna Pesavento, Maggie Fleming 4:10.70 1996; 4X800M Relay Melissa Iori, Lindsey Brake, Aubrey Jones, Jenni Noyes 10:47.04 2003; Shot Put Natalie Stahl 3406 1997; Discus Joy Dobrauc 9701 1998; Javeline Natalie Stahl 12000 1995; High Jump Taylor Cates 502 1996; Long Jump Lori James 1701 1974; Triple Jump Kirsten Farabi 3208 1996

Boys
100M Charlie Gilmore 11.20 1992; 200M Charlie Gilmore 22.96 1992; 400M Eric Clawson 49.90 2002; 800M Vince Ahrens 2:00.00 1983; 1600M Wayne Gilmore 4:50.64 1989; 3200M Lee Cronister 10:40.04 1983; 110M Hurdles Mark Mayerski 15.64 1987; 300M Hurdles Mark Mayerski 41.34 1987; 4X100M Relay Paul Mullinix, Chuck Schrickel, Scott Vandrhoofven, Matt Farrel 45.54 1984; 4X200M Relay John Peterson, Brian Hallacy, Nick Smith, Jacob Marietta 1:38.94 1999; 4X400M Relay Cappy McNally, Max Heter, Brandon Crespino, Charlie Gilmore 3:27.65 1993; 4X800M Relay AJ Cedeno, David Blancho, Shawn Willey, Jesse Hudson 8:21.20 2002; Shot Put John Seglie 446 2003; Discus John Seglie 13905 2003; Javeline Max Heter 19700 1993; High Jump Greg Clawson 604 2003; Long Jump Eric Clawson 2105 2002; Triple Jump Bryan Peters 4211 2003; Pole Vault ???

. . . uniforms then
Remembering Fr. Massman
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Albert Massman (41), who entered eternal life on July 13, 2003. Look for more about Fr. Massmans life in the next newsletter.

Tell us about priests and sisters from SMC

The newly formed Parish Vocational Team is attempting to recognize all former SMC students who went on to become priests and sisters. Please send the names of any former SMC students who went on to join the priesthood or sisterhood to Tom Compton, counselor at the high school. The PVT plans to establish a Wall of Fame at the school that honors these alumni.

Why are we blue panthers?

According to Mildred (Kelly) Baker (40), the Class of 1940 voted for the Panther to be the school mascot and the colors of Blue and White to represent our school.
The traditional plaid jumper worn by SMC girls has changed little over the years as shown at left by Julie (Askins) Cedeno, '85; Amy (Askins) Kannarr, ' 89; and Kathy (Askins) Wilbert, '82. Mrs. Alice Simoncic, right, wearing her uniform was a very familiar sight for many third graders. In the early 90s boys uniforms were added to the grade school dress code. Today's grade school uniform consists of a blue or white polo shirt with a jumper or khaki pants or shorts.

Share your memories about principals

The focus of the Winter 2004 issue of the St. Marys-Colgan Alumni newsletter will be current and former principals of the high school and grade school. Send your favorite memories or let us know what you think of your favorite principal. Send your information to Chris Flood (6664 NE Liberty Road, Weir, KS 66781, ctflood@ckt.net).

Pittcraft
(Continued from page 3) whether our time or treasure or both, Collar said. Its easier to provide these treasures when you see first-hand how they are put to use. What I mean is the dedication of the teachers and coaches and the positive attitude the students have, and their dedication to academic and athletic performance. We are blessed to have the priests that we have. They are all outstanding and have a great rapport with the kids. increasing financial demands to operate a quality education system. We rely on Faith, Tradition and Unity. We are blessed with very generous parishioners and benefactors who contribute their sacrificial tithe by way of the Sunday offering, gifts and donations to the Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund and by gift donations for special projects. Additionally, there is no way to measure the amount of time and talent given by parishioners, parents, teachers, coaches, students and friends throughout the year. That is definitely a part of the tradition and unity of our schools. You as an alumnus are part of that history and tradition. We thank you for your direct and indirect support of our mission. Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for us before your Son, Jesus, as we faithfully carry out our mission. Fr. Tom Stroot, Pastor

Alumni in education: where are you now?

SMC alumni who teach or work in education should let us know where they are and what theyve been doing. Well include this information in the Winter 2004 issue of the newsletter. Send the update to Chris Flood (6664 NE Liberty Road, Weir, KS 66781, ctflood@ckt.net).

Fr. Stroot
(Continued from page 1) them in the Catholic faith. Guess what. Nearly 100 years later we continue to do the same thing. The mission hasnt changed. Only the techniques and strategies have altered the process of education and formation. We have not invented a new educational process or school. Our mission remains the same. Faith, Tradition, and Unity are at the heart of this mission. We are like many other religious and private schools and yet we are different. We are not a private school; we are a parish school K-12. If we were to operate as a private school with a very strict tuition, many of our parishioners could not financially afford to enroll their children. As a parish school we require a sacrificial tithe from school families and rely as well on the generosity of parishioners and benefactors, which allows us to include all children no matter what their parents financial status. This is reinforced to me many times over when I hear older parishioners share that they would not have been able to attend St. Marys if it would have been operated financially as a private school with a true and strict tuition. We have a mission as a parish to provide Catholic education for all of our children no matter what their social, ethnic, financial or spiritual status. Our model is Jesus, who called all the children to Him. This is not an easy task. We continue to stress that our school has to have a Catholic identity. If we lose that identity, we might as well close the doors because we have then become a private school that excels academically in the classroom; on stage in drama, debate and forensics; and athletically on the field or court. Its not an easy task because there are

Alumni Newsletter St. Mary's-Colgan 212 E. Ninth St. Pittsburg, KS 66762

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Class of 1993
The Colgan High School class of 1993 was scheduled to hold its 10-year reunion over Labor Day weekend. There was a social at Jill (Laswell) Comeaus home Friday, a dinner at Trappers Gold Rush Saturday evening and a picnic at Schlanger Park Sunday. If you were unable to attend but would like to be included in future reunions, please contact John Curran at johnc@lpa.state.ks.us

Class of 1984
The Colgan High School class of 1984 is planning its 20-year reunion for July of 2004. Please contact Todd McGeorge for more information or to help plan the reunion. Also, any former teachers, coaches and mentors who would like to attend the reunion dinner should contact Todd as well. You will be fed and included in the activities! Todd can be reached at 620-231-9070.

Alumni update: tell us about yourself, family and career

Barbara (Beasley) Morrison (69) and her husband Donnie are retired and currently live in Bella Vista, Arkansas. They have two children, Michelle (Morrison) Patterson (89) and Cheri (Morrison) Knoebel, and two grandchildren, Taylor and Drake Patterson. *** Bill Beasley (72) is the Acting Director of Public Works for the City of Pittsburg. He and his wife Margaret (Swink) (73) have two children, Chris (97) and Justin (01). *** Bob Beasley (74) is the Pittsburg Postmaster. His wife Becky is teaching third grade at St. Marys halftime this year. They have three children, Amber (01), Brooke (03) and Drew, who is a freshman at SMC. *** Jeff Beasley (76) is the Senior Director of Accounting for Westar Energy. He and his wife Flo (Orender) (79) live in Topeka with their four children, Joe, Sam, Maggie and Nick. *** Bryan Beasley (84) is the Plant Manager for Veriforms, Inc. in Kearney, Missouri. He and his wife Kim have three children, Emily, Bryanna and Madilyn. *** Keep in touch: Take two minutes and fill out the information at left. Well include it in the newsletter!

Alumni Update: Your classmates would like to hear from you, and this newsletter is a great means of staying in touch. Please fill out, clip and send, or e-mail the following information to Chris Flood (6664 NE Liberty Road, Weir, KS 66781, ctflood@ckt.net). Name: _______________________________ Year Graduated: ____

City/State: ______________________/______

Occupation: __________________

Name of Spouse: ___________

Children: ________________________________________________