Magazine - Assumption High School

WINTER 2012 

ASSUMPTION 

Magazine 

Our Community Connection 

Letting Your Daughter’s 

Colors Burst 

Tablet PCs Empower 

Our Students 

Never Say No 

Anne Kordes `94 

page 6 page 7 page 8

Our 

Mission 

Rooted in the values of Jesus Christ 

and the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, 

Assumption High School, dedicated to 

the development of the whole person, 

educates young women in a Catholic 

community where faith guides, 

compassion inspires, integrity matters, 

and excellence empowers. 

Our 

Vision 

Assumption High School will thrive 

as the college preparatory school 

of choice for young women by 

providing a wide range of educational 

and co-curricular programs that 

are complemented by spiritual and 

physical development opportunities. 

This unique experience will educate 

the whole person in a caring, Christian 

environment that is permeated with 

the charism of Catherine McAuley, 

foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. 

Assumption graduates will be socially 

responsible women, committed to 

gospel living, lifelong learning, and a 

life of leadership and service in society. 

We will cultivate the investment and 

involvement of the community so that 

the legacy of this Mercy-sponsored 

school lives on for generations. 

On the Cover 

Page 6 


Colors Burst 

by Igniting Her Passions 

Connie Druien - Freshman Counselor 

Page 7 


Our Students 

Joyce Koch, Technology Director 

Page 8 

Never 

Say No 


By Catherine McGeeney `02 

Inside 

President’s Letter...............................................1 

Let Your Colors Burst.........................................1 

Assumption Truly Taught Me............................2 

Doug Sumey Receives the Rose Award........... 3 

Reunion Weekend 2012..................................3 

Sports Update...................................................4 

Being Open to New Horizons..........................5 

Letting Your Daughter’s Colors Burst.................6 

Tablet PCs Empower Our Students.....................7 

Never Say No....................................................8 

Mission Week.................................................10 

Tom Creamer Receives Athletic Award...........10 

Community Spotlight......................................11 

With Sympathy...............................................13 

Alumnae Class Updates.................................14 

Weddings...................................................16 

On the Cover 

Cover photo - Recruitment poster designed by Chrissy Perez 

Bratcher `97 with still images taken by Traci Hall `00 on 

location with Assumption’s lip dub video produced by Cool 

World Productions. 

Editor’s Correction: 

There was an omission in the last Assumption publication, 

the Annual Report. Carleen Crossan Herde should have been 

listed under the Class of 1978 as a donor at the Circle of Mercy 

Society level. We apologize for this omission. 

ASSUMPTION 


WINTER 2012 

The Assumption Magazine is published three times 

annually for Assumption parents, alumnae, and friends. 

We value your feedback. If you have information for 

class updates, community spotlights, story ideas, or other 

comments, please send them to editors@ahsrockets.org 

or call the Advancement Office at 502-458-6258. 

Editor 

Traci Hall `00 

©2012 Assumption High School 

Assumption High School 

2170 Tyler Lane 

Louisville, KY 40205 

Assumption Magazine Winter 2012

President’s Letter... 

On My Mind 

Let Your Colors Burst 

Becky Henle, Principal 

Dear Friends of Assumption, 

This year at Assumption, we have “let our colors 

burst!” That is our theme for the year, chosen by 

our student leaders, and a line from the Katy Perry 

song, “Firework.” If you have not yet seen our 

lip dub recruitment video, I hope you will go to our website and under 

“About Us” then “Lip Dub” click to view the video. It’s amazing! 

What is even more amazing is the community that was built during 

the process of making it. Our enrollment manager, Elisabeth Russo 

‘02, organized it and blocked out the scenes second by second. That 

in itself was a challenge. But the best part was what happened next. 

Elisabeth solicited seniors to lead each segment of the video, and an 

overwhelming number volunteered. They were trained on a Sunday 

evening in August and took charge of their spaces, blocking out their 

lines and organizing the clothes and props to be used. That video was 

as exceptional as it was because of those senior leaders. 

We are missioned to graduate poised, confident young women who 

will be socially responsible women, committed to gospel living, 

lifelong learning, and a life of leadership and service to society. How 

proud we are of these senior leaders, examples of many others in their 

class, who even now exemplify our vision for them. 

The community of Louisville witnesses how we let our colors burst 

and have done so over one hundred times with the recognition we 

have received in local newspapers and TV news reports on all of our 

major channels this school year, due to the efforts of Traci Hall ’00, 

who is responsible for communications. We celebrate our successes 

with the juxtaposition of pride and humility. Our students are proud 

of their accomplishments and they know they have let their colors 

burst, but they see their gifts as God given and are humble amidst the 

praise! Our commitment to the development of the whole person is 

so evident in the messages that have been exhibited in the media. 

In this issue, our writers invite you to not only witness how members 

of our community have achieved success, but you will be called as 

well to “ignite” your own lights! I hope you find inspiration and a call 

to action as well. 

I would love to see you at our annual Rocket Spectacular, “An Evening 

in the Tropics,” on February 4, 2012. It is always an evening of fun, 

beginning with a great dinner and the opportunity to win wonderful 

prizes. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a table together and escape to the 

tropics on a cold February night All proceeds go to financial assistance 

and special programs, support we very much need to provide an 

excellent experience to all young women who desire an Assumption 

education. 

We keep our community in our prayers and that includes all of our 

present and past families, as well as good friends. Thank you for your 

support and encouragement. I wish you many blessings in 2012. 

Warm regards, 

Each time I revisit our mission statement, I am 

newly amazed by the efforts of all members of 

our school family who work tirelessly to carry 

out that mission. I am always drawn to the four 

values statements at the end of this statement, and 

many times I focus in prayer on one of the values – faith, compassion, 

integrity, or excellence. When I do so, it’s typically because of some 

school event or some happening that centers that particular value in my 

heart. When we completed our lip dub video, I couldn’t help but focus 

on the “integrity” of our community – its wholeness. The process and 

the product of this endeavor were both great gifts to our community and 

brought us more blessings than we could have ever imagined. Since 

this wonderful experience – watching “our colors burst” – I’ve watched 

more carefully how each member of this wonderful school family allows 

her colors to burst through these four values. 

Recently, I was affected deeply in my heart and soul by our MOMS 

Prayer Group, and my reflection and prayer on mission centered on the 

value of “faith.” Each Tuesday, I say a special prayer of thanksgiving 

for our moms who gather together to pray for the young women of our 

school, our faculty and staff, our families, and special intentions. These 

MOMS let their colors burst as they live out their faith and serve as 

extraordinary role models for our students. Their faith and their trust in 

God’s providence provide strength for all of us, and there is great comfort 

knowing that they support us at this deep level. Yes, they are here at 

school often to volunteer for our fundraisers, to count money and record 

permission slips, to provide lunch for our faculty and staff, to encourage 

our students, to cheer our teams onto victory. But most importantly, 

they are here praising God for all the blessings He has given our school 

and asking for His continued protection. A part of their weekly prayer 

that never fails to touch me is the part where these faith-filled women 

call each student by name to ask for God’s blessings. Then, each week, 

they also pray for special intentions for our faculty and staff – they pray 

for faculty member’s children who are ill, for spouses who are suffering, 

for parents who are aging – whatever the request, they hold it in their 

hearts and pray for all of us. 

I can’t tell you how much this touches me. Just knowing that we are 

held in prayer is powerful. I love receiving the readings they use each 

week – I feel as if I am there with them even though my daily commitments 

don’t allow me to be there physically. At the end of September, 

right before the St. X/Trinity game, our AHS MOMS joined with the 

prayer groups from other high schools to specifically pray for our young 

people as they participated in this exciting event. They prayed that our 

high school students make good choices, showing respect for others, 

but most importantly showing respect for themselves. Seeing the 

pictures of our moms gathered together made me truly joyful to be in a 

community that loves and cares for our young people and supports the 

efforts of all of our schools through prayer – through living faith. I have 

always loved young people – my own two daughters as well as all those 

I work with each day. I feel a joined passion with our MOMS for their 

care and their growth. Life doesn’t get much better than this – doing 

something you love and doing something with others who share that 

same love. I know without doubt that our daughters are going to be 

fine – they are going to be great – they are going to be successful – they 

are going to be safe – they are going to be happy. They, after all, are 

growing up in a community where “faith guides.” They, after all, have 

MOMS who show them how to let their colors burst. 

Elaine Salvo H’10 

Assumption Magazine Winter 2012 1

Assumption Truly Taught Me How to Let My Colors Burst 

By Tessa Morrow Dunteman `00, Alumnae Association President 

As a teacher my main goal is to push my students to be their best. Yes, I have a curriculum to follow, but 

it’s what goes on outside the discussion of nouns and pronouns that makes me smile. I want my students 

to excel in the classroom, but it’s what they set out to do when they walk out of the school door that 

makes a difference. I am so lucky to have the chance to make such an impact on so many kids’ lives. 

Tessa Morrow Dunteman `00 

and her fourth grade reading 

language arts class celebrate 

Soup Day from the story 

The Tale of Despereaux 

by Kate DiCamillo. 

By now many of you have seen (and cried while viewing) the “Firework” lip dub that can be found 

on Assumption’s website under “About Us” then “Lip Dub.” If you haven’t, I encourage you to check 

it out. As I watched the girls sing and dance while walking through the halls of Assumption showing 

what a wonderful school it is, I was immediately taken back to my days at AHS. The students are all 

new and the school definitely looks different, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the feeling of pride. 

At Assumption, each student is unique and important. She is encouraged to follow her dreams and 

passions. Most importantly, she is pushed to be everything she can possibly be. This kind of support 

and encouragement is not something you will find at just any place. 

It took me a while to realize how lucky I was to go to Assumption. It’s because of teachers like Mrs. 

Knopf (Schum) and Mrs. Schaefer that I come to my classroom each morning with a smile on my 

face. Assumption truly taught me how to let my colors burst and gave me the confidence to follow my 

passion. I am so thankful I get to pass that on to my own students, many of whom may never get to 

experience being a Rocket. 

I encourage you to support all the “fireworks” out there whether it’s your own children or a future 

Rocket. It’s up to us to spread the word: Let Your Colors Burst! 

Daughter Stephanie Burry `10, Donna Burry, VIP President, and daughter Alison Burry `12 

The Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) organization has been quite busy! In the first half of the school 

year, our wonderful volunteers were responsible for making welcome calls to ALL new, incoming 

families; were present at Freshman Parent Orientation and Mock Schedule Night; organized and 

served the annual Faculty/Staff Luncheon; counted lots of coins and logged monies received for the 

Walk for Assumption, and most recently were present to talk with prospective students and their 

parents at Open House and during the High School Placement Test! 

Donna Burry, VIP President 

244-6820 / garrybu@aol.com 

BUT...all of that combined doesn’t equal the manpower necessary for the upcoming Rocket 

Spectacular Benefit Dinner, “An Evening in the Tropics,” on Saturday, February 4. Your VIP board, 

along with many additional parents and alumnae, has been hard at work for months…this is sure to 

be a fabulous evening! If you haven’t already made plans to attend, go online and buy your tickets! 

And you definitely don’t want to miss out on the chance to win the Capital Prize of $20,000 

(those tickets can also be purchased online – go to www.ahsrockets.org, Upcoming Events, Rocket 

Spectacular). 

The remaining VIP parent meetings for this school year are scheduled for March 15 and May 10 at 

7 p.m. in the Media Center. Parents and friends of Assumption are always welcome to attend the 

meetings and join us in our support of Assumption. We look forward to seeing you! 

2 Assumption Magazine Winter 2012

Doug Sumey Receives the Rose Award 

November 22, at the Thanksgiving prayer service, President Elaine Salvo 

presented theater program director Doug Sumey with the Rose Award. 

The Rose Award is a $5,000 grant created and endowed by an anonymous 

donor to recognize an administrator, faculty, or staff member who has been a 

positive influence in the life of a current student or alumna. 

Mr. Sumey received an overwhelming number of votes for the impact he has 

made in the lives of those involved in the Rose Theatre Company. Over the 

past three years, Mr. Sumey has grown the Rose Theatre Company to over 

150 students. 

“He is an amazing director and an even better person. Mr. Sumey created 

a community atmosphere within Rose Theatre Company that helped me 

find my place in Assumption. Everyone is equal and no one person is more 

important than another. This fact helped me to make some amazing friends, 

both techies and actors, that I believe will be lifelong,” said one student. A 

senior wrote, “He has also taught me that whatever career I choose to go 

into, I should choose it because I’m passionate about it, not because of how much money I will make. He once said to us: 

‘Don’t let fear wrap you and take you away from what you eventually will do in your life as your dream. Live your dream. 

I’m doing it, and I couldn’t be happier.’” 

Mr. Sumey has been an inspiration to so many students and has grown the theater program to new heights. He is a model of 

our mission, and the community of Assumption thanks him for living his dream with us! 

To nominate a current administrator, faculty, or staff member for the Rose Award, submit a letter of no more than one page of 

supporting information to Mrs. Salvo by email at Elaine.Salvo@ahsrockets.org. 

SAVE THE DATE 

Reunion Weekend 

June 1-2, 2012 

The classes of `62, `67, `72, `77, `82, `87, `92, `97, `02, and `07 

are invited to celebrate at Reunion Weekend this year! 

Open House 

Reunion Mass 

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 

6:30 _ 8:30 P.M. 

IN THE AHS GYM 

(CONVOCATION & ATHLETIC CENTER) 

Reunion classes are invited back to AHS to enjoy heavy 

appetizers, drinks, and tours of the school from current 

students. Former teachers will be present, and each class 

will have a designated area with memorabilia (including 

yearbooks!). Class photos will be taken at designated times. 

This event is for alumnae only and is free of charge! 

SATURDAY, JUNE 2 

AHS CHAPEL (SECOND FLOOR OF THE 

CONVOCATION & ATHLETIC CENTER) 

- TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED - 

All are invited to celebrate Mass as a community 

in honor of all reunion classes, especially the 

Class of 1962, celebrating 50 years. All alumnae 

and family members are welcome. 

For up-to-date information on reunions, please visit www.ahsrockets.org, 

click on “Alumnae” from the top menu, and then click on “Reunion Weekend 2012.” 

WE HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU THERE! 

Please call the Alumnae Office with any questions at 502-458-6258. 

Assumption Magazine Winter 2012 

3

Sports 

Update 

Sports 

Update 

Cross Country and Volleyball Capture 

2011 State Championships 

Bobby Blair, Athletic Director 

Cross Country 

The Assumption cross country team captured the 2011 state championship! Barry Haworth has developed a program that has won six 

consecutive regional titles and four state championships in the last five years. With all of this success, this year was still a year of firsts for the 

cross country team. Assumption has the distinction of being the first and only nationally ranked girl’s high school team from Kentucky. For the 

first time, the top seven had the opportunity to qualify and compete in the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon, where they finished 18th. 

This demonstrated the tremendous strides this program has taken in the past few years. Congratulations to all! 

Photo courtesy of The Voice-Tribune 

Field Hockey 

The field hockey team 

enjoyed tremendous 

success this season. 

With a record of 24-3-2 

the hockey Rockets 

had one of the most 

successful seasons 

in recent memory. 

Even the parents got 

in the action by performing an unforgettable and frankly, 

indescribable halftime dance performance on senior night! This 

group maintained a high level of excellent play throughout the 

grueling fall season and came up just short of achieving their 

goal when they fell in overtime in the semifinals of the state 

tournament. Great job, Rocket hockey! 

Photo by Traci Hall `00 

Golf 

Under the tutelage of new 

coach Andy Kiehl, the golf team 

made terrific strides throughout 

the season. Many AHS golfers 

came in with little experience 

but were shooting their best 

rounds of golf by the end of 

the season. This is a program 

that is on the rise and is always 

looking for girls who are willing 

to learn the game or compete at 

the highest level! 

Soccer 

The Assumption 

soccer team had a 

great year with a 

record of 18-6-1 

with one of the 

toughest schedules 

in the state. 

Through injury and 

adversity, the soccer 

team held together providing many thrilling moments throughout 

the season with one of those being an overtime thriller against 

Sacred Heart when we recaptured the Jenna Cooper Memorial 

Cleat Cup. The brutal schedule they experienced nearly paid off 

with a near miss in the regional final. In yet another awesome 

game played between SHA and Assumption, the soccer Rockets 

fell just one goal short of returning to the sectional round. This group 

has the potential to go even further in the postseason next year! 

Photo by Traci Hall `00 

Volleyball 

The volleyball 

team brought home 

a record 16th 

state volleyball 

championship 

with a 2011 state 

tournament sweep. 

These Rockets were 

nationally ranked third in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com 

Century Club and ESPN Powerade Fab 50 national rankings. 

They finished the season with one of the best overall records in 

school history at 43-1-0! They won the prestigious Durango Fall 

Classic in Las Vegas and the Asics Challenge in Chicago! This 

was an amazing team led by Hall of Fame coach Ron Kordes who 

manages to get the best of his teams and continues to add to the 

legacy that he built in Assumption volleyball. We await many 

more individual and team accolades to come our way based on 

their success. This was a truly amazing season for this group of 

talented athletes. 

Photo by Paul Najjar 


Being Open to New Horizons 

Gloria Thornburg H`11, Campus Minister 

photos.com 

The sacred circle of time curves completely around to a new month of January. Once again, 

you begin to travel the path of serpentine, circular time, slipping easily from one day into a new 

day, easing from an old week into a new week, then crossing over into a new month…into another 

year. Make this arc along that sacred circle into a spiraling rather than a serpentine path. 

May you be open to expansive new horizons as you turn this corner. 

(from Edward Hays’ The Old Hermit’s Almanac, December 31) 

2012 begins…with the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin 

Mary, the Epiphany of the Lord, and the Baptism of the 

Lord, the official end of the Christmas season. I hope 

Christmas was a blessed season for you, a time when you 

hugged your daughters a little tighter and prayed with 

them a little longer. On February 22, we will begin the 

season of Lent, a transition time between the humanity 

of Jesus celebrated at Christmas and the divinity of Jesus 

witnessed by the Resurrection at Easter. 

The journey from Christmas to Easter, while a serpentine 

one, is also an invitation to spiral, or grow in our faith. 

This growth might take the form of an expanded appreciation 

and profound respect for others, evidence of a firm 

commitment to the sacredness of all life. Our new horizons 

this year are to once again live the Church’s position 

on social issues and engage students in service opportunities 

which embody respect for all humans from conception 

to natural death. It’s not enough to be against abortion; 

we must also be against poverty, against prejudice, 

against everything in any part of the world that degrades 

and devalues human life. Our Respect Life Club students 

will join other Catholic high schools in Washington, D.C., 

on January 23 for the National Right to Life March. 

Sr. Marilyn Lacey from Mercy Beyond Borders will 

come again to Assumption during Mission week to share 

her work with the women and children of the Sudan. 

Also during Mission Week, our seniors will be doing three 

neighboring states mission trips, two to Native American 

sites in Arizona and one to a Mercy school in Jamaica. 

Daily we will live the exhortation of Catherine McAuley 

to be centered in God. 

The message of these winter days is that God is the Light 

that shines eternally in the darkness of our lives and in our 

world. God asks only the resounding “Yes” from each of 

us that Mary gave to being a part of that light. As we turn 

the corner of this new year, may our hearts expand with 

love and trust. 

Edward Hays wishes “Happy Circling and a Happy, 

Fresh and Brand-New Year as you change calendars, soul 

clocks, and yourself.” Amen. 


5


Colors Burst 

by Igniting Her Passions 

Connie Druien 

Freshman Counselor 

I have received many phone calls from freshman parents 

wanting to know how they can help their daughters be 

happy at Assumption, make lasting friendships, and achieve 

academic success. I always share with them that I believe 

we need to help our adolescents identify their passions. To 

use the words of Katy Perry in her hit song “Firework” and an 

important song for the AHS community, “You just gotta ignite 

the light and let it shine.” This might mean as a freshman 

parent that you encourage your daughter to join one or 

two of over 75 clubs and student organizations offered at 

Assumption. Later on, she might strive to be an officer of that 

club or orchestrate a project within that club. If you know 

your daughter enjoys cooking, you might mention the cooking 

club to her. If she enjoys taking pictures, like I do, she might 

like the photography club or scrapbook club. If your daughter 

is looking for some good exercise and she doesn’t already 

play on an Assumption team sport, intramurals might be for 

her. If you know that your daughter enjoys helping others, 

she might benefit from the many service clubs that we offer. 

Who knows Maybe she can even create her own club. 

We are always open to new ideas. Why is getting involved 

so important It has been my experience that students are 

generally more successful in school if they feel like they are 

making a difference to someone. 

I’ve had several freshmen who, nudged by a parent, ask me, 

“What do I need to do now to get into a good college” 

As the counselor for the graduated Class of 2011, I heard 

similar questions from these students and their parents as 

I worked with them as freshmen. My advice to previous 

students and their parents was the same: work hard, be 

committed, follow your passion, and get involved in 

something you believe in. With great pride, I believe the 

Class of 2011 did just that. 

They found their individuality and giftedness and shared 

that uniqueness within the Assumption community and the 

community at large. This is evident in the many successes 

they achieved because they became involved at Assumption. 

Approximately 99% of the Class of 2011 were accepted into 

the college of their choice. They received more than $13.8 

million in college scholarships. This class graduated two 

National Merit Commended Students and nine students were 

Governor’s Scholars. They earned 1,742 hours of college 

credit through the AP and CP programs and performed nearly 

45,000 hours of community service. 

As freshmen, I am sure the Class of 2011 had no idea how 

their colors would be shining by the end of their four years at 

Assumption. Through the help of parents, teachers, friends, 

and others who believed in them, their colors did burst like 

fireworks and today we continue to celebrate with them their 

many accomplishments. 

So parents of the Class of 2015, the high school experience 

your daughters are receiving at Assumption offers a chance for 

them to identify and follow their dreams. Coming to Assumption 

is about growing academically, taking on responsibility, 

having new and varied experiences, fostering friendships, and 

making lasting memories. You play a crucial role in making 

this happen for your daughter by your continued encouragement, 

support, and sometimes tough love. 

I’m closing with the message of Katy Perry again. Your daughters 

are “original, cannot be replaced. Come on. Show ‘em 

what they’re worth.” Perhaps this new year is a time for your 

daughter to follow her passion, let her colors burst, have some 

fun, and achieve success all at the same time. 



Our Students 

Joyce Koch, Technology Director 

Recording podcasts of speeches and songs, producing 

movies, and creating original graphics are just some of the 

ways Assumption students will let their colors burst next 

school year when the freshmen and sophomores will each 

have a Tablet PC to use at school and at home. Less expensive 

iPads or Kindles will allow students to read, surf the net, 

and even email, but Tablet PCs are fully functional personal 

computers capable of so much more. They will empower our 

students to go beyond being mere consumers of information to 

being creators of it. 

Since students will be able to save all of their work on the 

Tablet PC, they will not need to keep up with multiple folders 

and papers, enabling them to be more efficient and organized. 

However, the real benefit of the Tablet PCs is that they will 

increase students’ 21st century skills, allowing them to 

become more proficient at finding the information they need, 

collaborating with others to understand facts and data, and 

presenting their findings in creative and imaginative ways. 

With a 30 megabit fiber optic Internet line 

to our building, students will be able to view 

videos on demand, and the Tablet PCs’ builtin 

cameras and microphones will facilitate 

our students to Skype with experts or peers 

across the world. Our cloud-based web filter 

will block inappropriate sites, and the SMART 

Classroom Suite will allow teachers to block 

or allow particular sites for a given class 

helping to keep students on task. 

We believe adopting a 1-1 program and 

specifically the Tablet PCs is in keeping with 

our mission to educate the whole student and 

our philosophy to respect their individual 

differences and strive to differentiate their 

learning. We have delineated certain outcomes that we plan to 

measure to help evaluate the program. 

Tablet PC Program Anticipated Outcomes 

• Students will improve their information and media 

literacy. 

• Students’ level of engagement in learning will increase. 

• Students will have more opportunities for 

collaboration and with a larger variety of people. 

• Students will improve their critical-thinking and 

problem-solving skills. 

• Students will be more organized. 

• Students will have more differentiated learning 

experiences. 

• Teachers will provide more methods of formative 

and summative assessments. 

• Students will have access to a larger variety of courses 

due to more online learning course availability. 

Everyone recognizes that 

young people today are adept 

with technical devices. They 

grew up with them and they 

are a part of their lives. We 

need to guide them to use the 

technology appropriately at 

home and at school. 

Everyone recognizes that young people today are adept with 

technical devices. They grew up with them and they are a part 

of their lives. We need to guide them to use the technology 

appropriately at home and at school. Speaking of today’s 

students, Cathy N. Davidson in an article published online 

at hastac.org entitled “Stagnant Future, Stagnant Tests” on 

September 8, 2011, stated: 

“Because they can use technology easily doesn’t mean they 

understand it. And that’s a problem. The whole point of 

living in a ‘Broadcast Yourself’ era is any one of those blogs or 

Facebook quips can go out into the world instantly. We are 

not responsible as educators unless we are teaching not just 

with technology but through it, about it, because of it. We 

need to make kids understand its power, 

its potential, its dangers, its use. That 

isn’t just an investment worth making 

but one that it would be irresponsible to 

avoid.” 

The colorful world of the Internet and 

technology is an integral part of today’s 

world. Working with a Tablet PC will 

allow students to shine in ways we can’t 

even imagine. 


7

Never Say No 

By Catherine McGeeney `02 

Anne Kordes `94 is a woman who never says no. And it shows 

on her resume. 

At just 36 years old, she ranks 41st on the Division I volleyball 

winningest active coaches list. She is a three-time Atlantic 10 

Conference Coach of the Year. In 2008 alone, she won coach-ofthe-year 

awards from Collegiate Volleyball Update and the 

American Volleyball Coaches Association. 

Anne is the president of the American Volleyball Coaches 

Association and will be in that position when the women’s 

volleyball Final Four will be played at UofL’s own KFC Yum! Center 

in December 2012. She is a member of the AVCA Coaches for 

Coaches committee. And every summer for the past 13 years, she 

has taken her offseason to serve as a coach for the USA Volleyball 

summer program. 

Her average day consists of running practice, recruiting, and 

watching tapes of UofL’s competitors. On a beautiful day in November, 

though, UofL’s head volleyball coach took an hour out 

of her busy schedule to chat with me about Assumption, being in 

Louisville, and the competitive nature that drives her to succeed. 

“I’m such a Louisville person,” she says emphatically at the beginning 

of our conversation. “I came back here because my roots 

are here. And these roots are strong. Our city has the charm of a 

Southern state—we’re welcoming, ready to throw our arms around 

you—but we’re also a progressive city. Women don’t have certain 

roles we have to fall into, and there’s a major expectation for 

women to do great things.” Anne speaks with energy and excitement. 

“At Assumption, too, you’re taught from the beginning to set 

big goals for yourself—dream big and go after those dreams. Don’t 

let anybody stand in your way. You’re taught to have confidence 

and be proud of who you are—whatever makes you different, be 

proud of that, too. You graduate from a place like this and you go 

on ready to conquer.” 

Now, 17 years after she graduated from AHS, Anne is back in 

her hometown. And now, just as before, she’s ready to conquer. 

Anne started playing volleyball at St. Raphael around the fourth 

grade. Her dad, the inestimable Ron Kordes, started coaching club 

volleyball when she was 9 or 10 years old. “At the beginning, I was 

just going on trips with them and being a little water girl,” she remembers. 

“I probably started playing competitively around 11 or 12.” 

When Anne was a junior at AHS, the varsity volleyball team 

took the school’s first state volleyball championship. It was the fall 

of 1992. That year, the volleyball team also was ranked nationally 

for the first time; they reached as high as fifth place. In the ’93 

yearbook, Ron Kordes was asked about bringing home the school’s 

first volleyball state title. “Somebody had to be the first,” Ron had 

said. “Hopefully, it won’t be the last one.” 

It wasn’t the last one. The very next year, Anne was a senior, and 

the team again won the state championship. They had the best 

record in the school’s history so far—37-1—and ended the season 

ranked seventh nationally. Last fall, the AHS volleyball team—still 

coached by Ron Kordes—won their sixteenth state championship. 

“Getting state just happened because we had a gym full of girls 

going all out all the time,” she explains. “Once [getting state] was 

established, like at any other program, that standard level of effort, 

accountability, responsibility, respect—it all just gets passed down. 

The girls that started this cultivated the attitude of being proud to 

be a strong, competitive female. And that made everybody else 

want to be them.” 

Anne went on to play volleyball for the University of Cincinnati 

for two years—where she was named the 1994 Great Midwest 

Conference Newcomer of the Year—and then transferred to the 

University of Louisville for her two final years. Her senior year, 

UofL won the Conference USA Tournament championship and was 

ranked as high as 21st. 

Anne’s illustrious coaching career has taken her from Indiana 

University to University of Illinois to St. Louis University, where 

she pushed a team with a tiny budget to unparalleled successes— 

and now, finally, home to Louisville. 

Anne speaks with the confidence and excitement characteristic 

of the best college coaches; it’s easy to imagine how well she 

motivates her players. When I ask her about her proudest moment, 

I expect to hear about her successes at SLU, or perhaps winning 

back-to-back state championships at AHS. Instead, though, she 

talks about her players. 



returns to Louisville as the new 

head coach of the 

University of Louisville volleyball team. 

“Here’s what I’m most proud of: the relationships I have with 

all my former players,” she says without a pause. “I’m so proud 

that all of them are off doing incredible things with their lives. 

I love hearing that I made an impact and that I’m helping these 

women in their lives, making them become better people.” 

She can’t help but continue the conversation by talking about 

her coaching philosophy. “If you put the focus on the players as 

people, the volleyball part will come. I learned that from my dad,” 

she explains. “But if you put the focus on volleyball, they won’t 

give everything they have, because they don’t know that you care.” 

“You could stack up the awards, but to me, it’s really the ability 

to make an impact that matters.” 

She also can’t help but to credit AHS for fostering a sense of 

competition and confidence in her when she was a high schooler. 

“Assumption provides such a special experience. You have no idea 

how special it is until you’ve been through it. I believe that from 

the camaraderie to sisterhood to structure to discipline to encouragement—Assumption 

builds your confidence. There’s nothing 

more important in life from 14-18 than turning into a confident, 

young person. Assumption taught me that you could be as competitive 

as you wanted to be, and if you had a goal in mind, you 

should go for it with everything you have.” 

We chat more about her high school days, and she is reminded 

of her days playing in the old gym. When asked if she’s jealous of 

the beautiful new Convocation & Athletic Center where the new 

Ron Kordes Court is located (Anne, like all other teams prior to 

2002, played in the original gym which has been converted into 

the Humana Performing Arts Center), she doesn’t skip a beat. “Not 

at all,” she says. “It makes me so proud. What the campus looks 

like is amazing—it’s so different than what I was there. That’s what 

you hope to see for a place you love. You want to see it get better.” 

We’re so proud of AHS continuing and growing and doing well. 

We really want other students to go through there and have the 

same experience we had. 

I really do believe Assumption has provided me and everybody 

else I know with a unique experience that has given us not only 

fond memories and the opportunity to grow with people, but 

the structure and discipline that we needed to go on out into the 

world. 

My time at Assumption had a huge effect on who I am today.” 

Over the course of our conversation, two things become abundantly 

clear: one, Anne will always be thankful to AHS for making 

her a fierce competitor; and two, Anne has a passion not only for 

coaching, but for molding young women into their best selves. 

So where does she want to be in twenty years She pauses. “I really 

hope my dad allows me to be his assistant coach by then,” she 

laughs. “He doesn’t trust me yet.” 

“[Coaching] is a passion of mine,” she says, reflecting more. 

“A lot of people look at their careers with their retirement plan 

already in place. But I think there’s a lot of my dad in me—we’re 

lucky that we get to do what we love every day. Every day there’s 

so much more for me to learn.” 

She pauses. 

“I think in twenty years, I could be a really good coach.” 

She then brings up the AHS recruitment video, which has gone 

viral and at the time of the interview has over 29,720 hits. The 

video consists of the entire AHS student body singing along to Katy 

Perry’s “Firework” while dancing through the school. 

“The lip dub warmed the heart of every alum,” she says, the 

smile evident in her voice. “It’s not about us—it’s about AHS. 


9

Mission Week 

February 27-March 1, 2012 

Caring for God’s Creation 

The fifth annual Mission Week will be held February 

27-March 1, 2012. The cutting edge program has 

been nationally recognized twice, in 2009 and again 

in 2011, with the Catholic Schools for Tomorrow 

Award for Innovations in Education. 

Classes will be suspended for the week, allowing 

students to participate in a vast array of educational 

experiences, which reflect the Assumption vision of 

graduates who will be socially responsible women, 

committed to gospel living, lifelong learning, and a 

life of leadership and service in society. 

The theme of Mission Week 2012 is “Caring for God’s 

Creation” and will focus on environmental issues. 

Activities are planned to empower the young women 

of Assumption to serve and to participate in a vast 

array of educational experiences which will reinforce 

the importance of living and loving in community. 

Additional information and program history can be 

found online at www.ahsrockets.org. 

The BLOOM 

Bring Life Onstage/Offstage for Ministry 

Theatre Project 

BLOOM is Assumption High School’s award winning 

social justice theatre program where each year a 

writing team made up of students, faculty, staff, and 

alumnae write an original play that ties to the theme of 

Mission Week. The BLOOM Theatre Project received 

the Today’s Catholic Teacher Catholic Schools for 

Tomorrow Award for Innovations in Education. 

The theme this year will be centered on environmental 

issues. New this year BLOOM will be both at 

Assumption and on the road at various grade school 

locations in February during Mission Week. This year’s 

writing team came together to write an original play 

for young audiences (K-3) that incorporates puppets 

and promotes the care of the environment. In the 

spirit of Assumption’s annual Mission Week, BLOOM 

Theatre Project is being offered as a gift from Rose 

Theatre Company to the community, so there are no 

school or ticket fees. 

Friday, February 3, 2012 @ 7 p.m. 

Sunday, February 5, 2012 @ 2 p.m. 

Monday, February 27, 2012 

(Three performances for Assumption students) 

Tuesday, February 28 – Thursday, March 1 

(Mission Week tour) 

Tom Creamer Receives Athletic Award 

Tom Creamer was inducted into the 2011 Metro Area Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Creamer 

was a four sport athlete during his high school days. He excelled at baseball, basketball, 

track, and football. After earning a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Georgetown 

College, he began teaching and coaching. Mr. Creamer taught full time at Assumption 

from 1994-2003. He coached the varsity basketball team to a state runner-up finish in 1999 

and led the golf team to a state championship in 2002. 

Jenni Benningfield `00, 2000 Kentucky Miss Basketball and Parade magazine All-American, 

says, “Coach Creamer was not only an amazing coach, but an incredible person that shared 

his passion for the game and for girl sports in general. He was a role model and a mentor to 

me that honestly helped me get to where I got in my career, as well as me developing as a 

person. Now as a head varsity high school basketball coach myself, I tend to go back to my 

AHS years with Coach Creamer and use a lot of what he taught me as a guide and inspiration 

as I coach other young girls in the sport.” 

The Assumption community is grateful for the contributions Mr. Creamer made to the lives 

of the girls he coached and the success they achieved on and off the court. It is wonderful 

to see the Louisville Metro Area recognize him for his talent and dedication to the young 

people at Assumption. 


Community Spotlight Traci Hall ‘00 

Volleyball coach Ron Kordes was honored 

on senior night, October 4, in a surprise 

celebration to name the court in his name. 

Kordes has coached the Rockets for 23 seasons, 

led the Rockets to 16 state championships, 

4 national titles, and over 800 wins. 

Field hockey coach and science teacher 

Debbie Judd surpassed her 400th win this 

season. 

Dr. Norah Deeley `68 was surprised at 

the Archdiocese Teacher Award Luncheon 

with the honor of receiving the Dan Ulmer 

Teaching Award. Deeley received a crystal 

apple and a $1,000 award. 

Social studies teacher Mary Pat Sexton was 

accepted to the Teacher Scholar Program 

at McConnell Center at the University of 

Louisville. 

Math teacher Sister Margaret Willis donated 

blood for the 100th time on November 10. 

Sister Margaret has organized blood drives 

for over 35 years and has helped save over 

300 people. 

PE teacher Beth Korkin `93 completed the 

Louisville Ironman eighth in her age group 

with a time of 11:11:11. 

Science teacher Deb Corbett received her 

certification as a Humane Society of the 

United States Certified Humane Education 

Specialist. She was named Humane Society 

Educator of the Year. 

Michele Harpring `06 is collecting used 

ACT prep material to help students in an 

impoverished Michigan neighborhood. 

Along with colleges, she started free ACT 

tutoring for students to help them go on to 

college. 

Abbey Sullivan `15, Connie Druien, and 

their freshman homeroom raised $270 for 

“Joey`s Service Project.” Joey is Abbey`s 

brother who suffers from a cancerous brain 

tumor and is giving back to St. Jude who 

has given him a home away from home 

during his treatment. 

Katie Smith `12 

received the 

Beacon of Hope 

Award. The Beacon 

of Hope Award 

is given by the 

Learning Disabilities 

Association 

(LDA) each year 

to students who have overcome learning 

differences and excelled in school. It is a 

statewide award and five finalists receive 

monetary scholarships. Smith will receive 

$750 and was nominated by her teacher, Judi 

Joseph Erskine `82, pictured here with Katie. 

Hannah Weitlauf `12 and Kenzie Dirr 

`13 were selected to the KMEA All-State 

Chorus. They were chosen from hundreds 

of singers who auditioned across the state. 

Weitlauf and Dirr will perform in a concert 

at the Kentucky Center of the Arts on Friday, 

February 10, 2012. Dirr also made the JCPS 

All-County Chorus based on her All-State 

scores. Dirr performed in a concert at Male 

High School on Tuesday, November 15. 

continued on page 12 

2012 Assumption Hall of Fame 

Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. 

Members of the Assumption Community will be inducted to the Hall of Fame during a reception Sunday, April 22, 2012. 

Recipients will be recognized based on the following categories: 

Mind: The nominee must be an alumna who has had personal or professional achievement in her career and has remained 

a loyal supporter of the Assumption community. This award serves as a symbol to the AHS community that this person has 

remained loyal to the values and spirit of AHS. 

Body: The nominee must have been a former Assumption athlete, manager, or trainer who performed with excellence and 

lettered in a varsity sport. The individual must be a graduate of Assumption and must have graduated for at least ten (10) years 

ago. This award serves as a symbol to the AHS community that this person has remained loyal to the values and spirit of AHS. 

The nominee may be living or deceased. 

Or, the nominee must be, or have been, a coach who has distinguished herself/himself by demonstrating exceptional leadership, 

character, and achievement during her/his tenure at Assumption. The nominee may be either living or deceased and 

does not have to be a graduate of Assumption. 

Spirit: The nominee must be an alumna who has made a difference in the lives of others and someone who has stayed connected 

to the Assumption community through her classmates or through the school. This award serves as a symbol to the AHS 

community that this person has remained loyal to the values and spirit of AHS. 

Spirit of Assumption: The nominee must be a person who has been a devoted supporter of Assumption in any aspect. The 

nominee may be either living or deceased and does not have to be a graduate of Assumption. 

Sister Mary Prisca, RSM Leadership Award: The nominee must be a person who has been a leader and role model in the 

community, has a commitment to AHS, and is an inspiration to young women, as these values personify Sr. Mary Prisca Pfeffer, 

RSM, foundress of Assumption High School. The nominee may be either living or deceased and does not have to be a 

graduate of Assumption. 

All nominations remain active for a period of five (5) years. 

If you are interested in attending the event, please contact the Advancement Office at 502-458-6258. 


11

Community Spotlight Traci Hall ‘00 

The community of Assumption raised 5,071 

pounds of food for Dare to Care Food Bank 

during the annual Canstruction event. The 

Birr family won most cans, the Carlow family 

won best theme execution, and the Cork and 

Charleville families tied for the green award. 

Volleyball players Taylor Paulson `13 and 

Dallas Zimmerman `12 were named Second- 

Team All-State and Chelsea Bowles `12 

and Alexa Filley `14 Honorable Mention 

All-State. 

Soccer player Morgan Riggs `13 was named 

to the All-State West team, Christen McAllister 

`13 Second Team, and Logan Higgins `12 

and Camille Ogden `13 Honorable Mention. 

Field hockey players Erin Mays `12 and 

Haley Netherton `13 were named First 

Team to the LouisvilleCatholicSports.com 

All-Catholic Team and Angela Amon `12 and 

Hannah Doll `12 were named Second Team. 

Liz Lewis `12 completed the Chicago 

Marathon on October 9 in under six hours. 

Hannah Rose Marks `14 qualified to 

complete in the Coca-Cola Talent Classic 

Semifinals competing as an instrumental 

soloist on the piano. 

Tricia Dunlevy `12 scored a perfect 36 on 

the ACT, is a National Merit Semifinalist, and 

was awarded NCTW Achievement Awards in 

Writing. 

Alyssa Johnson `12, Ann Nunnelley `12, and 

Mary-Kate Smith `12 were named commended 

students in the 2012 National Merit 

Scholarship Program. 

Kate Crawford `14, Kenzley Defler `14, and 

Amanda Vokoun `12 named Cross Country 

Class AAA Second Team All-State. 

Caroline McCaslin `12 and Amanda 

Vokoun `12 named Cross Country All- 

Senior Girls Team. 

The community of Assumption raised 

$56,583 for financial assistance during the 

29th Annual Walk for Assumption. 

Ariel Turner `15 competed in the NASP 

World Archery Tournament October 6 and 7 

in Orlando, Florida. She scored 245 out of 

300 and was ranked 276th of all the females 

that participated. 

Maria Della Bella `12, Lucy Easley `12, 

Hannah Rose Marks `14, and Amy Spath `14 

are serving on the Archdiocesan Youth 

Advisory Board for the 2011-2012 school year. 

Carrie Hess `12 won an award for outstanding 

journalism at the High School Journalism 

Institute at Indiana University. 

Over 4,200 students attended the 

fall National High School Journalism 

Convention in Minneapolis on November 

17-20, 2011 and our students brought 

home the following awards: Jaclyn Ochsner 

`12, Superior in Newswriting; Alyssa 

Johnson `12, Honorable Mention in Review 

Writing; Katie George `12, Honorable 

Mention in Newspaper: Layout; Abby 

Crum `12, Excellent in Advertising; Alison 

Burry `12, Honorable Mention in Yearbook 

Layout: Theme; Michelle Wasz `12, 

Honorable Mention in Yearbook Computer 

Design: Advertising; Molly Bumpous `12, 

Excellent in Yearbook Computer Design: 

Art Illustration; and Beth Hayden `12, 

Honorable Mention in Yearbook Photo 

Portrait. 

Photo by Katherine Receveur `14 

Emily Bean `14, Bailey Davis `14, Caroline 

McCaslin `12, and Katherine Receveur `14 

named Cross Country Class AAA First Team 

All-State. 

Emily Bean `14, Bailey Davis `14, Kenzley 

Defler `14, and Katherine Receveur `14 

named All-Sophomore Girls Team. 

Emily Bean `14, Bailey Davis `14, and 

Katherine Receveur `14 named Kentucky 

Girls Super Team. 

Mary McWilliams `14, Halye Tolliver `14, 

and Caroline Dolt `15 competed in the 

World Championship Horse Show. 

Mary McWilliams `14 and her horse The 

Grand Master competed in six shows this 

year. They compete in the Jr. Exhibitor 3 

Gaited Show Pleasure division for 14-17 

year old riders. Mary and “G” won the 

Championship Class at the River Ridge 

Horseshow and Blue Ridge Classic Horseshow. 

They finished eighth out of 32 competitors 

in their class at the World Championship 

Horseshow held at the Kentucky State 

Fair and look forward to a strong season 

in 2012. 

Photo by Chris Jung 

Katie George `12 

was named Gatorade 

Kentucky Volleyball 

Player of the Year, Miss 

Kentucky Volleyball, 

KVCA First-Team All- 

State, Under Armour 

Second Team All- 

American, and MVP 

of the Durango Fall 

Classic. 

Hannah Wurth `13 gave a presentation at 

Wright University about her summer internship 

at the James Graham Brown Cancer 

Center. 


With Sympathy 

Deepest sympathy is extended to the following alumnae 

and their families in their time of sorrow: 

Jane Abell Wilson `61 on the death of her husband, Frank Wilson, 

Sr., on June 23, 2011. 

Carol Raque Becht `65 on the death of her mother, Margaret E. 

Niehoff Raque, on July 14, 2011. 

Sandy Miller Humkey `65 on the death of her sister, Betty L. 

Thomas, on July 29, 2011. 

Kathy Luking Sparks `65 on the death of her mother and Katherine 

Luking `04 on the death of her grandmother, Rose Marie Luking, on 

September 30, 2011. 

Susan Dresel Caudill `68 on the death of her husband and Emily 

Caudill Joesting `95 on the death of her father, Robert Caudill, on 

July 1, 2011, after a long battle with Alzheimer`s disease. 

To the Class of 1968 and the family and friends of Martha Ann 

Brand Cline `68 who passed away on October 17, 2011. 

To the Class of 1969 and the family and friends of Gilda Ann Young 

Feige `69 who passed away on August 18, 2011. 

Suzanne Holthouser Kaufman `69 on the death of her father, 

Marshall G. “Holt” Holthouser, on September 24, 2011. 

Debbie Wheat Mantell Waters `69 on the death of her 

daughter, Valerie J. Mathers Rucker `91 on the death of 

her sister, and the AHS Class of 1994 on the death of their 

classmate, Michelle Mantell Migliavacca `94, on October 14, 

2011. 

Carole Pfeffer `70 on the death of her mother, and Sister Mary 

Prisca Pfeffer, RSM on the death of her sister-in-law, Martha A. 

Pfeffer, on July 26, 2011. 

Marion Sondey Labadie `71 and Bonnie Sondey Ward `84 on 

the death of their mother, Betty L. Sondey, on July 30, 2011. 

Teresa Albers `77, Mary Eleanor Albers Fritz `83, and Margie 

Albers Richey `84 on the death of their mother, Elsie Eleanor 

Albers, on November 13, 2011. 

Maria Schrenger `80 and Lisa Schrenger `83 on the death of 

their father, Carroll E. Schrenger, on September 3, 2011. 

Kathleen Keeling Crawford `85 on the death of her mother, 

Ruth Ann Keeling, on August 4, 2011. 

Kate McKiernan Thiel `86 and Kelly McKiernan Blincoe `88 

on the death of their father, Michael Hartnett McKiernan, on 

November 15, 2011. 

Maria Moll Mozzali `87 on the death of her mother, Joann 

Callis Moll, on October 16, 2011. 

Brandi Terry Reynolds `99 on the death of her husband, James 

Timothy “Tiznow” Reynolds, on September 26, 2011. 

Jessica Koestel `00 on the death of her fiancée, Daniel T. 

Johnson, on August 20, 2011. 

Maggie Corrigan `04 on the death of her brother, Thomas 

Daniel “Tommy” Corrigan, on July 21, 2011. 

Michelle Long `04 on the death of her father, Michael D. 

Long, on October 14, 2011. 

To the family, friends, and students of Lillian Theresa 

Younker, formerly Sister Mary Evangelist, RSM, who taught at 

Assumption from 1955 until 1969, on January 5, 2011. 

Assistant Principal Judy Fieldhouse on the death of her brother, 

Tom Dawson, on August 2, 2011. 

To the family, friends, and students of former faculty member 

Rosette Rosckes, who passed away on September 2, 2011. 

Becky Roby `71 on the death of her father, Billy Ray Roby, on 

September 4, 2011. 

Carol Linker Crismon `73 on the death of her father, Robert W. 

Linker Jr., on October 2, 2011. 

Denise Stuber Boice `75, Sharon Stuber Kuhl `78, Tina Stuber 

Robey `79, and Paula Stuber Graf `81 on the death of their 

mother and former AHS library assistant, Therese E. Stuber, on 

August 18, 2011. 

Mary Byron Scholars Sponsor 

Cathy Baas Lee `75 and Peggy Baas `80 on the death of their 

mother, Mary C. “Kay” Herron Baas, on June 25, 2011. 

Carol Daunhauer Melikian `76 and Christy Daunhauer Phillips 

`76 on the death of their father, John R. Daunhauer Jr., on 

August 23, 2011. 

Staff member Terri Holland on the death of her father and 

father-in-law and Shelley Holland `10 on the death of her 

grandfathers, Edmund M. Morrisey on September 12, 2011, 

and Tom Holland on October 23, 2011. 

Staff member Carla Hogue on the death of her father, Walter 

Vincent “Teenie” Mahoney, on October 3, 2011. 

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ® 

Staff member Debra Habenstein on the death of her motherin-law 

and Karlyn Habenstein `11 on the death of her 

grandmother, Ruth Frankrone Habenstein, on October 30, 

2011. 

Sister Rosalia Schroering, RSM, on the death of her brother; 

Cristin Schroering `03, Erin Schoering `04, and Claire 

Schroering `10 on the death of their grandfather; and Cathy 

Robertson Schroering `80 on the death of her father-in-law, 

Robert L. “Bob” Schoering, on October 30, 2011. 


13

Marilyn Mattingly 

has three sons: 

Scott, Adam, and 

Aaron. Scott is 

an international 

lawyer living 

in Geneva, 

Switzerland, 

working for the NGO VERTIK and 

helping countries write biological and 

chemical weapons prevention legislation. 

Aaron and Adam are twins - Adam is 

an attorney with his own practice in 

Towson, Maryland, and is married with 

three sons. Aaron has his Ed.D. and is the 

chief high school officer for the Houston, 

Texas, school system. He is married, has 

two sons and three daughters, and has a 

son on the way, due in January. Marilyn 

retired from the federal government in 

1995 and set up her own training and 

consulting company. She does training 

and consulting for federal agencies in 

human resources, specializing in labor 

and employee relations matters. She is 

currently writing her eighth book for 

federal practitioners and supervisors. 

She is not married and lives in Ashland, 

Virginia, just north of Richmond. 

However, she spent most of her adult life 

in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

1971 

Class Ambassador Needed 

Karen Cronin was out of town for the reunion 

and missed seeing everyone so much! 

She is working part time which she says is 

wonderful. She hopes to touch base with 

classmates who live in town as well as those 

who live out of town. 

Alumnae Class Updates 

1961 1977 

Class Ambassadors: Sandy Parsons Cischke, 

Janice Beckham Filley, Jane Abell 


Wilson 

Jane Speaker Roberts and her husband, 

Mike, reside in Winston Salem, North 

Carolina, and are happy to announce the 

completion of their primary mission in 

providing their two sons with wings to fly! 

Matthew Lynn, 24, is a 2010 graduate of 

the U.S. Naval Academy, and is currently at 

Stanford University working on a master’s 

degree in mechanical engineering and 

business engineering. Upon graduation in 

August 2012, Matthew will begin his sixyear 

service commitment in the U.S. Navy’s 

nuclear submarine community. Kevin 

Michael, 18, is a freshman at the University 

of Louisville’s Speed Scientific School studying 

engineering. With a Catholic education 

in Colorado and North Carolina, Matthew 

and Kevin are our country’s next generation 

of leaders possessing faith, integrity, and 

compassion. 

1980 


Mary Kay Hoffmann Parsley’s daughter, 

Lindsay Hamilton ’07, received her 

bachelor’s degree in communications from 

Bellarmine University in May. May Kay’s 

husband, Billy, owns and runs Parsley 

Replacement Windows and Siding. He does 

all the work himself. If you are interested, 

please call 502-640-0520. 

1982 

compiled by Jackie Bloyd 

1983 

Class Ambassador: Ann Hall Wolz 

Sarah Volk Chandler is 

proud to say that she 

just kicked breast cancer’s 

butt, “FOUGHT 

LIKE A GIRL,” and 

won! If there are any 

AHS alums who are 

fighting that same fight 

and need someone to 

talk to, a chemo buddy, or anything else, 

please contact her at sarahvchandler@ 

gmail.com. 

1984 

Class Ambassador: Joey Mitchell Kissell 

Kathleen Pyles and her husband, Doug, 

recently moved to Bristol, Connecticut. 

Kathleen has taken a job teaching sixth 

grade math for the City of Waterbury. Both 

of her children are adjusting to the move 

and they love the cool weather. 

1989 

Class Ambassador: Lauren Yates Hardwick 

Nikki Burdette Taylor and her husband, 

Ron, celebrated 11 years of marriage in 

October and three years in remission for 

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (diagnosed in April 

2008) for Nikki. She has six nieces and 

nephews ages from 2 to 9 years old, with 

the oldest and youngest being her Godsons. 

She works part time at the James Graham 

Brown Cancer Center. She would love to 

hear from old friends and reconnect. You 

can contact her at nbt1020@hotmail.com. 

1995 

Class Ambassadors: Kenzie Kapp, Rachel 

Niemann Sell 

1974 

Class Ambassadors: Cheri Zoeller Leistner, 

Terri Potter Schlader 

Linda Kunz Bayens has been a realtor for 

27 years and is with ReMax Associates. 

She also opened Cooking at the Cottage, 

Louisville’s premier cooking school and 

cookware store, on November 1, 2010. 

Cooking at the Cottage recently won 

the Critic’s Choice award for the Best of 

Louisville. 

14 Assumption Magazine Winter 2012 

Class Ambassador: Pam Schroering Perkinson 

Marian Prather 

Dunlevy is in her 

third year of retirement 

from teaching 

and living the Great 

Alaska Adventure 

with her husband in 

Anchorage, Alaska. 

They enjoy salmon 

and halibut fishing (and eating the fresh 

fish!), hiking year round, and traveling in 

their RV to see the incredible scenery. They 

try to get to Louisville often to see their 

children and grandchildren but love to have 

visitors. Give them a call if you are heading 

north at 502-836-8041. 

Katey Dougherty Fountain and her husband, 

DJ, welcomed their third child, James 

Daniel, on May 17, 2011. He weighed 8 

pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long. 

He joins big sister, Madeline, 3, and big 

brother, Andrew, 21 months. 

Carrie Gandenberger 

Randall and her husband, 

Brian, proudly 

announce the birth of 

their second child, Brody 

Jacob, on June 5, 2011. 

He weighed 6 pounds, 

8 ounces, and was 19½ inches long. Brody 

joins proud big sister, Gabrielle, 5.

1996 

Class Ambassador: Melisa Ohlmann Wimsatt 

Julie Hattemer McKiernan and her husband, 

Jamie, welcomed their second daughter, 

Lennon Rousseau, on August 4, 2011. 

Her big sister, Brecken, couldn’t be happier. 

1997 

Class Ambassadors: Jessi Evans Alexander, 

Laura Blaser, Emma Hayes, Katie King 

Becky Kayrouz Combs gave birth to her 

second daughter, Ivy Marie, in July 2010. 

In May 2011 she defended her dissertation 

(“High School Students Learn to Construct 

3D Virtual Models: Observed Processes, 

Tool Use and External Factors”) and 

recieved her Ph.D. from the University of 

Kentucky. 

1998 

Class Ambassadors: Jenny Hilsenrad Graff, 

Jenny Weber Shulhafer, Nancy Beckham 

Vann 

Chrissy Dunn has been employed with 

Droder & Miller Co., LPA, a law firm in 

Cincinnati, Ohio, since May 2009. She is 

licensed to practice law in Kentucky, Ohio, 

and Indiana, and enjoys traveling throughout 

all three states to do so. She primarily 

practices general civil litigation in a variety 

of areas. She is also still singing at various 

events throughout Cincinnati, as well 

as weddings, every chance she can get. A 

feature article about Chrissy was published 

in the Cincinnati Bar Association magazine 

(January 2011), which was reprinted in the 

Northern Kentucky University alumni magazine 

(Summer 2011). The article focused on 

the connection between her legal career 

and singing. Through participating in a CBA 

talent competition, she met rock-and-roll 

hall of famer Bootsy Collins and ultimately 

co-wrote and recorded a song on his current 

album, which was released in April 

2011. The song is called “Stars Have No 

Names.” She said it was a great experience! 

Christina Bayens 

Faust graduated with 

a doctorate in clinical 

child psychology 

from Spalding University 

in 2009. She 

married Jeff Faust in 

October 2010 and is 

employed at a small 

private practice, 

ACP, in New Albany, 

Indiana. 

Alumnae Class Updates 

1998 (continued) 

Amanda Metcalfe Mattingly and her 

husband, Josh, proudly announce the birth 

of their twins, Kendyll Anne and Jeremiah 

Cruz, on July 13, 2011. They joined big 

brother, Braden. 

1999 

Class Ambassadors: Caryn Willian Leavens, 

Jackie Rossano Myles 

Lisa Riggs Kopp and 

her husband, Nick, 

welcomed their first 

child, Parker Ray, into 

the world on June 27, 

2011. He weighed 7 

pounds, 11 ounces, 

and was 20½ inches 

long. He was supposedly three weeks early! 

2000 

Class Ambassador: Catie Knable-Leslie 

2001 

Katie Segelon Chase 

and her husband, 

Brian, welcomed their 

second child, Baxter 

Neal, on January 22, 

2011. He weighed 9 

pounds, 3 ounces, and 

was 20½ inches long. 

Leanne Miller Willen 

and her husband, Michael, are proud to announce 

the birth of their daughter, Caroline 

Elizabeth, on April 29, 2011. Caroline joins 

big brother, Lucas. Leanne is currently 

teaching high school English at Valley High 

School. 

Class Ambassador: Laura Wallitsch Green 

Ashley Buss Becker, her husband, Matt, and 

her daughter, Madelyn, moved into their 

new home in August in eastern Jefferson 

County. Ashley works as a speech therapist 

at Middletown Elementary. 

Christina Garcia successfully defended 

her doctoral research in cancer biology at 

Vanderbilt University in August and moved 

to Houston in October to work as a postdoctoral 

fellow at the Children’s Nutrition 

Research Center at Baylor University. 

compiled by Jackie Bloyd 

2002 

Class Ambassadors: Mary Byrne, Nancy 

Buchino Schroeder 

Angie Nord Embry and her husband, Adam, 

welcomed their second child, Collin Edward, 

on March 19, 2011. They now have 

one girl, Elizabeth Ann, and one boy. They 

also just moved from J-Town to Hikes Point. 

Christina Stuber Greene and her husband, 

Shamus, recently welcomed a three-yearold 

boy into their home. Their seven-year 

old daughter and three-year-old son are adjusting 

well. Everyone is happy and healthy! 

Carolyn Petredis Wasky was married to 

John Wasky on September 3, 2011, at the 

Cathedral of the Assumption. Two AHS 

alumnae were by her side: Mary Byrne ‘02 

and Taylor Stauble ‘03. Carolyn and her 

husband live in Lighthouse Point, Florida, 

just north of Fort Lauderdale, and recently 

adopted Zeus, a two-year-old Weimaraner. 

Go Rockets! 

2003 

Class Ambassadors: Britni Knable, Marisa 

Main 

Sara Folz Denley 

married her high 

school sweetheart 

in August 2010. She 

graduated with her 

doctorate in audiology 

in May 2011 and 

has taken a position 

with the Lexington 

Hearing and Speech Center. They are in the 

process of buying a house in Lexington and 

will be moving there soon. 

Susan Doyle is serving as a Peace Corps 

volunteer in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. 

As a youth development volunteer she 

works in a young women’s youth center in a 

small village in the south of Jordan. Activities 

she leads at her center include English 

conversation classes, aerobics and nutrition 

classes, an environmental club, a martial 

arts club, and a girls’ empowerment club 

(Club GLOW). She is currently planning 

the first English library in her village, and 

encourages any alum with TEFL or basic 

English materials they would be interested 

in donating to contact her at susedoyle@ 

gmail.com. 

continued on page 16 


15

Alumnae Class Updates compiled by Jackie Bloyd 

2004 

Class Ambassadors: Megan Herde, Michelle 

Jones 

Claire Hagedorn graduated from law school 

at the University of Dayton in May 2011, 

was admitted to practice law in Indiana on 

October 14, 2011, and accepted a position 

as an associate attorney at Lorch and Naville, 

LLC, a law firm in her hometown that was 

started by her great-great uncles in the 1920s. 

She is honored to be carrying on the tradition 

of lawyers in her family! An announcement of 

her arrival at the firm appeared in an article in 

the New Albany News and Tribune. 

Erika Chinberg Kuhn accepted an engineering 

position last fall with Belcan Engineering 

Group in Lexington, Kentucky, as an airframe 

analyst. Erika, her husband Ty, and Audrey, 

their three-year-old daughter, have their home 

in Louisville on the market so that they can 

move to Lexington in the near future. Ty is a 

volunteer firefighter for Fern Creek. 

Claire Smither married Stu Wulsin on April 

23, 2011, at All Souls Unitarian in Washington, 

D.C., where they met at a sponsored Habitat 

for Humanity build. Assumption alumnae 

included bridesmaids Claire Barbier `04 and 

Emma Hayes `97, greeter Laura Clements `04, 

attendees Marian Eldridge `04, Brittany Lyons 

`04, and Mary Stuart Barret `01, and (nonalum) 

science teacher/MOB/down-the-aisleescorter 

Sally Craven. Claire was promoted in 

July and is now a research analyst at Mathematica 

Policy Research, where she focuses on 

education and poverty policy evaluation. They 

live in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, 

D.C. with their dog, Olive. 

2006 

Class Ambassadors: Lisa Kaminski, Abigail 

Smith 

Julie Bauman welcomed 

a beautiful baby 

girl, Mila Marie Wicke, 

on July 7, 2011. 

Allie Garza 

Beardsley 

finished her 

E.W. Scripps 

fellowship 

with the 

Naples Daily 

News in 

June 2010. 

During her time there she spent four months 

as a photographer, covering everything 

from high school basketball to crime and 

immigration. Her last two months were 

spent as a reporter covering Lee County 

(Fort Myers) government. On July 2, 2011, 

she married Steven Beardsley, a fellow 

journalist and her partner in storytelling. 

In August 2011 they embarked on their 

greatest adventure: moving to Germany. 

Steven has a job with the Department of 

Defense’s independent newspaper, Stars and 

Stripes, and will be reporting on the U.S. 

Army Garrison Grafenwoehr. Allie plans 

on freelancing for various newspapers and 

magazines as a photojournalist, starting her 

own photography business and traveling 

with her husband during their three-year 

stay in Germany. 

2007 

Class Ambassador: Leighanne Wilkins 

Elizabeth Hagedorn graduated 

magna cum laude 

from Miami University 

with a B.A. in journalism 

and creative writing in May 

2011. While at Miami, 

she worked as the editorin-chief 

of the campus 

magazine, Miami Quarterly, 

and held internships at The Oxford Press and 

Cincinnati Magazine. She was a member of 

Alpha Delta Pi sorority and initiated into the 

Phi Beta Kappa Society. In August 2011, she 

accepted a job as the marketing and communications 

specialist for Integrity HR, Inc., a 

human resources outsourcing and consulting 

firm in Louisville. 

Jennifer Raque graduated this past May from 

Bellarmine University summa cum laude with 

degrees in elementary education and learning 

and behavior disorders. She began her 

first teaching position at Liberty Elementary in 

Oldham County as a first-grade teacher. 

You’re invited to 

become an ambassador... 

If you are interested in becoming 

a class ambassador, please contact 

Catherine McGeeney `02, director 

of Alumnae Relations and the Fund 

for Assumption, via email (catherine. 

mcgeeney@ahsrockets.org) or phone 

(502-271-2512). 

2005 

Class Ambassadors: Maureen Melchior, Lana 

Pohl 

Annie Grantz was engaged to Mike Fisk this 

past spring and they plan to marry fall 2012. 

Megan Westenhofer Paul married Brandon 

Paul on September 10, 2011, on Tybee Island 

beach. They just purchased their first home 

together in Louisville where Megan works as a 

teacher. 

Weddings 

Phyllis Hall `93 to David Spalt on August 

6, 2011. 

Carolyn Petredis `02 to John Wasky on 

September 3, 2011, at the Cathedral of 

the Assumption. 

Claire Smither `04 to Stu Wulsin on 

April 23, 2011, at All Souls Unitarian in 

Washington, D.C. 

Sally Craven, Claire Barbier `04, Laura Clements `04, 

Claire Smither Wulsin `04, Brittany Lyons `04, Marian 

Eldridge `04, and Emma Hayes `97 

Megan Westenhofer `05 to Brandon Paul 

on September 10, 2011, on Tybee Island 

beach. 

Allie Garza `06 to Steven Beardsley on 

July 2, 2011. 



17

ASSUMPTION 


Assumption High School 

2170 Tyler Lane 

Louisville, KY 40205 

Address Service Requested 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Lebanon Junction, KY 

Permit #733 

Assumption High School is a nationally recognized School of Excellence sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. 

BE SURE TO JOIN YOUR CLASS AT REUNION WEEKEND, JUNE 1-2! 

Class of 2006 at Reunion Weekend 2011 

Class of 1961 at Reunion Weekend 2011 

See page 3 for more details. 

For information, call the Alumnae Office at (502) 458-6258

Magazine - Assumption High School

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