Women Who Will Make a Difference - Assumption High School

A Graduate’sStoryOutstandingChristianLeadersWomen Who WillMake a DifferenceGuiding fromExperience...page 3 page 4 page 8page 11Summer 2009ASSUMPTIONOur Community ConnectionMagazineWomenWho WillMake aDifference

OurMissionResponding to the Church’scall to continue theteachings of Jesus Christ,Assumption High School,sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy,is missioned to createa community of lifelong learnersin search of truth.• We educate the whole person ina caring, Christian environment.• We offer programs to youngwomen with a wide range ofabilities, talents, and needs.• We make sure that our youngwomen learn and grow and feelgood about themselves.• We provide financial assistanceto families demonstratingeconomic need by reaching outto the poor and minorities inthe community.Assumption High Schoolenjoys a tradition ofacademic excellence anddevelopment of Christian leaderswho are committed to the valuesof compassion toward all andservice to those in need.On the CoverPage 3A Story Writtenon My HeartLauren Cherry `09Page 4OutstandingChristian LeadersBecky HenlePage 8-9Women who willMake A differencegraduates 2009Cara Mulhall `09 andCaity Zdunek `09Page 11Guiding fromExperience andwith EnthusiasmTheresa Liebert Schuhmann `92InsideEditors’ Corner..................................................1President’s Letter...............................................2Reunion Weekend............................................2A Story Written on My Heart............................3Outstanding Christian Leaders..........................4Alumnae Mothers of Assumption Graduates.....4Meet Two Students from the Class of 2013.......5Sports Update.................................................6Women Who Will Make a Difference...............8Environmental Education at The Green...........10Guiding from Experience and with Enthusiasm.......11Community Spotlight......................................12Making a Difference in Our Environment.......13Dancing with Dad..........................................14Weddings & With Sympathy............................15Alums ... in the World with Technology.....................16Campus Ministry: A Vision of Peace................17On the CoverLeading the way for Aubrey Howard, Natalie Duncan, and many of herfellow graduates in the Class of 2009, Dana Horstman processed intoBellarmine University’s Knights Hall as commencement ceremoniesbegan for Assumption’s 52nd graduating class on May 16, 2009. Danarecalled that at that moment, “I was really excited but anxious at the sametime because I knew that this was the end of something that had been soamazing in my life.” Despite her mixed emotions, Dana noted that she isready for her next step as she moves on to college in the fall. She said, “Ithink I’ve been prepared well. I know that I will be ready to study and takenotes and be successful in college.”Like Dana, 99.5% of this class will be going on to college in the fall.And no matter where their paths might take them, this class of 240 youngwoman has demonstrated its readiness to make an impact on the worldby what they have already accomplished over the last four years. Somemore notable statistics about the class of 2009 include that they graduatedfour National Merit Scholars, seven National Merit Commended students,10 Governor’s Scholars, five Governor’s School for the Arts alumnae, andone Girls’ Nation participant. As a class they contributed 49,954 hoursof service to the community, accumulated 2,360 hours of college credit,and earned over $13.3 million in scholarships. We look forward to seeingwhat they will accomplish in the future!Cover photo by Laura Kremer Kline `97Assumption Magazine Summer 2009ASSUMPTIONMagazineSummer 2009The Assumption Magazine is a quarterly publicationfor Assumption parents, alumnae, and friends. Wevalue your feedback. If you have information forclass updates, community spotlights, story ideas,or other comments, please send them to editors@ahsrockets.org or call the Advancement Office at502-458-6258.EditorsJackie BloydLaura Kremer Kline `97Theresa Liebert Schuhmann `92©2009 Assumption High SchoolAssumption High School2170 Tyler LaneLouisville, KY 40205

Editors’CORNERLaura Kremer Kline `97Jackie BloydPhoto by Ian HuskTheresa Liebert Schuhmann `92Whether you are an alum who canstill fondly recall your time in theAssumption hallways or a witness to thetransformation of a young, self-consciousfreshman into a confident Assumptiongraduate, we think that you can relateto the wistful spirit of days at 2170 TylerLane flying by too quickly, of the indelibleimpression made by friends and teacherswho care deeply about each member ofthis community, of high hopes for a futurefilled with endless possibilities. This issuecelebrates the accomplishments andpotential of current and past members ofour Assumption community and the waythat they are making and will make adifference.Throughout this issue, you willsee signs of the many accolades andaccomplishments that the Class of 2009has to celebrate! This is a group ofyoung women who are already making adifference! You will also have the chance tovicariously live their experience by readingin their own words how some of our mostrecent graduates have been transformed byAssumption and how that will continue toaffect them and the way they affect othersin the future. You will also read that inmany ways this is not a new trend in ourcommunity as evidenced by the 35 alumnaecurrently on faculty or staff here at AHS.Read on to see how these women continueto return the blessings bestowed on them tothe community that helped shape who theyhave become. We also give you a glimpseinto just a couple of our incoming Rocketsand their plans to make a difference on theAssumption community, and some updateson environmental and community impactsmade by past and current students.Every year brings new opportunities andnew challenges our way, but Assumptionwomen continue to embrace thoseopportunities and make a difference inthe world around them! We hope youwill continue to send us alumnae updates,student news and accomplishments, photos,and stories of the difference you are makingwithin the community. Enjoy the magazine!Dear Class of 2009,Congratulations! It is with great pleasure that I welcome you tothe Assumption High School alumnae community. We wholeheartedlyembrace our sisters who have walked in our footstepsand who have continued to light and strengthen the path for others to follow. As youbegin your new journey, you take with you the support and best wishes of the entireAssumption community.It is hard to believe it has been 20 years since I left my secure home at Assumptionand went across the country to attend college. As exciting as it was, it was a bit scaryas well. But I knew I would have the opportunity not only to continue my educationbut to embrace new experiences, new challenges, new adventures, and new friends.Now it is your turn. Like me, I am confident your time at Assumption instilled thedrive to achieve educational success, the fortitude to accept change, the perseveranceto prevail over challenges, and the confidence to embrace new friendships.Hold tight to your memories of Assumption, for your new path will bring plentymore. Your presence at Assumption has made an impact that cannot be replicated andour doors are always open to you.I leave you with a quotation from Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “...and in today alreadywalks tomorrow.” You are the future, live your dreams to the fullest, you have alreadybegun to make an impact.Best wishes always and go Rockets!You are the future...Laura Meadows ‘89, Alumnae Association PresidentRose AwardNominationThe Rose Award is a $5,000 grantcreated and endowed by an anonymousdonor to recognize an administrator,faculty, or staff member who has been apositive influence in the life of a currentstudent or alumna.To nominate a current administrator,faculty, or staff member for the RoseAward, please send a letter toElaine Salvo, President2170 Tyler LaneLouisville, KY 40205or elaine.salvo@ahsrockets.org.For more information, pleasecontact the advancement office at502-458-6258.Laura MeadowsAssumption Magazine Summer 2009 1

President’s Letter...On My MindDear Assumption Community,As we celebrated our graduation traditionsyet another year, on my mind were theinsightful comments articulated by the Classof 2009. The three essays written by recentgraduates and included in this issue certainlyspeak to the special education that thestudents are aware they received. The faculty and staff like to say,“They got it!”• Caity said that our community “…has shaped me into a betterwoman in mind, body, and spirit.”• Cara wrote, “Assumption students stand out, but in a good way.We can do it all, no matter who we are.”• Lauren commented, “As I head for college, I am feelingconfident and assured of who I am.”What more could a faculty and staff want than to graduate a classthat understands the outcomes that we wish for them? This specialclass loves Assumption and gave back to the school many times overwith their positive attitudes and creative responses to challenges.They were outstanding role models to the underclasswomen and lefta legacy of spirit, of love for the every day, and of witness to a life inChrist.• Heather spoke of community and integrity in her essaypresented during the Stations of the Cross. “[Integrity] is having thephilosophical belief of making the right choice, even if that choice isthe hardest one… It requires our personal, individual beings to makeintegrity the defining root for each of us as a part of this community.”• Maggie reflected at baccalaureate that it is the spirit and missionof Assumption that Christ is central in our lives. “That something hasreached deep into our souls and shook hands with our hearts.”• Ellen noted at the honors assembly that her class has beenchallenged and has passed the test. ”And now we have the ability,the credentials, the power to ‘reach out eagerly and without fear fornewer and richer experiences (Eleanor Roosevelt),’ all the time usingskills and values Assumption has instilled in us.”The Class of 2009 will surely make a difference in this world.Daughters of Catherine McAuley, filled with Mercy charism, theseyoung women, like those before them, will as Heather challenged,“go out and write the next chapter, exercising your integrity in yournext community.” These women, as all those who have experiencedus, understand this: We are the Community of Assumption!In Mercy, Senior Laura Staronplaced first in theGreat American SmokeoutElaine SalvoPoster Contest in thePresident high school category.Laura and her parentswere invited to an awards luncheonwhere she was presented witha savings bond prize.Reunion WeekendSEPTEMBER 25 - 26, 2009The Class of 1959 will celebrate their 50th Reunionat Assumption this year. Please look for your reunioncelebration details below.Friday, September 25, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. in the gymAll classes who have reunions this year (1959, 1964, 1969, 1974,1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004) are invited back toAHS for a mini-open house and reception.Saturday, September 26, 2009AHS will honor the Class of 1959 with a luncheon for the Class of 1959only, and an all-class liturgy will be held in their honor at 5:00 p.m.1959 – September 26, 2009 – 1:00 p.m.Luncheon and school tour for the Class of 1959 followed by a liturgyat 5:00 p.m. in the AHS Chapel. At 6:30 p.m. the class will go to thehome of Stannye Klausing Tanney for a buffet dinner and gab fest!For more information, contact Helen Ecker Walter at 502-451-0499or helenwalter@insightbb.com or Rosemary Bisig Smith at502-451-6678.1964 – September 26, 2009 – Bristol Bar and GrilleFor more information or to help plan your reunion, please contactDolores Kemper 502-458-4496 or karman02@insightbb.com.1969 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, contactMargie Shircliff Barrett at 502-452-9473 or margie.barrett@insightbb.com, Mary T. Duane Clements at 502-456-9371,Mary Ann Steltenpohl LaFollette at 502-893-9655, orJinny Schwager McCall at 502-897-5957.1974 – Reunion was held on June 26, 2009.1979 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, pleasecontact Cheryl Dunlevy Whitehouse at cwhitehouse@aafintl.com or502-499-6691.1984 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, please contactJoey Mitchell Kissel at 502-499-0526 or jojokissel@insightbb.com.1989 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, contactLauren Yates Hardwick at LHardwick@greaterlouisville.com or502-491-1705.1994 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, contactCarrie Urton McCaw at mccaw13@yahoo.com or 502-290-9614.1999 – For more information or to help plan your reunion, contactJackie Rossano at jackie_rossano@yahoo.com or 502-368-1498.2004 – September 26, 2009For more information or to help plan your reunion, contact LibbyNorris at emn0408@gmail.com or 502-439-8680.For pictures of Reunion Weekend, go to www.ahsrockets.organd under Alumnae, click on Alumnae Information,scroll down to Related Pages, andclick on Alumnae Photo Gallery.2Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

A Story Written on My HeartA group of graduates gather, roses in hand,as they prepare to say goodbye to theirdays at Assumption.The story of an Assumption grad is not your typical highschool saga. A girl may have come as an immaturelittle girl sporting a side ponytail, trying to fit the image,and been transformed into a confident, competent woman,but the journey of how she got there is where the heart of atrue Assumption grad lies.The moment when I decided to come to Assumption wasn’tlike an epiphany. All of my friends from grade school hadchosen Assumption, and it is only five minutes away from myhouse. I presume I should owe the last four amazing years ofmy life to luck due to the location of my house. Perhaps it’sfate, but whatever led me to my second home is something forwhich I will be forever grateful. Assumption prides itself onenriching a woman’s mind, body, and spirit, and that is exactlywhat has been strengthened while I’ve been here.I discovered I have no knack for drawing bubble letters,knowing how to walk down stairs without tripping, or how toput my hair in a messy bun, but I’m perfectly fine with that.After getting over these devastating facts, I was able to discoverso much more. I delved into my mind, literally and figuratively.The same day I touched a human brain, I also fully graspeda calculus concept, though math is like a foreign languageto my mind. On any given day, I practiced jazzercise, yoga,Kundalini, and other forms of physical fitness. I searched insidemy soul through a mission trip to Solsberry Hill, Indiana whereI not only helped the less fortunate, but also played CatchPhrase for hours in front of a fire with 24 peers, with whom Ididn’t talk on normal school days, and with four teachers whohappened to be fierce competitors.My journey from freshman to senior year has technicallybeen a long one. In my heart it has been short but immenselyrewarding. As I go off to college, I am leaving feeling confidentand assured of who I am. This time is different than when Iwalked into Assumption because I’m prepared to move on.The most inspirational discovery I made along the journeyis the importance of community and relationships. I willalways remember that we are the community of Assumption.Assumption will forever be my second home, my roots, aconnection to who I am, a story that will always be written onmy heart.– Lauren Cherry `09Assumption Magazine Summer 2009Photo by Laura Kremer Kline `973

Each year, the administration,faculty,and staff have theBecky Henle honor of bestowingon our graduatingseniors several awards that acknowledgetheir accomplishments during their fouryears at Assumption. The highest honorgoes to the recipient of the “OutstandingChristian Leadership Award.” This award,which has been in existence for over 25years, honors the senior as selected bythe faculty who exhibits leadership that isChristian in nature. This young womanis one who is viewed by the administration,faculty, and staff as having consistentlymodeled Christ in her attitude andbehavior and embodied the characteristicsof a true servant leader.The “Outstanding Christian LeadershipAward” for the class of 2009 was awardedto Ellen Deatrick. Ellen served as studentcouncil president and retreat leader. Sheled and guided her classmates by nurturing,comforting, and protecting withdedication and humility.Outstanding Christian LeadersBecky Henle, Principal“...the example forfuture Rocketsstrivingto grow intoservant leaders.”Ellen and the other “OutstandingChristian Leaders” of Assumption havenot only had the model of Christ to follow,they have had the model of their teachers.All of the faculty and staff of AHS areservant leaders – using their faith, theireducation, their dedication, and theirdesire and passion to inspire the studentsof our school. Over 30 of our teachersand staff are alums, and three of them aremembers with Ellen in a very distinguishedgroup of outstanding Christian leaders.Theresa Liebert Schuhmann `92, collegecounselor, Kathy Knopf Schum `93,English teacher, and Rebecca GooteePate `98, social studies teacher, werechosen for the “Outstanding ChristianLeadership Award” in their classes.One only needs to peek in Theresa’soffice or walk past Kathy’s or Rebecca’sclassroom to see incredible examples ofwhat the young women of Assumptionstrive to achieve. Theresa’s gentle guidancein the college process and her dedicationto the Family Program are witness to whatit means to shepherd. Kathy’s passionfor teaching and her commitment to herstudents reflect the manner in which weknow Christ, the shepherd, took care ofhis flock. And Rebecca’s commitmentto her students’ academic and personalgrowth in the classroom and her work withScholars’ Forum reflects Jesus’ commandto love one another as He has loved us.We are so blessed by all of our facultyand staff, but as we bid farewell to anothergroup of graduates, we especiallyfeel the blessings of our alumnae whoteach, lead, guide, and inspire here attheir alma mater. We look forward toseeing which members of the class of2009 will return home to be the examplefor future Rockets striving to growinto servant leaders.Alumnae Mothers of Assumption 2009 GraduatesALUMNAGRADUATEALUMNAGRADUATEJoanie Pierce Boone `78Tricia Mullaney Brumleve `82Carole Henehan Brutscher `79Ann Smith Byrd `86Sharon Redmon Costello `79Marian Prather Dunlevy `82Linda Hood Gleis `70Michele Thomas Griffin `76Alison Fischer Harris `79Johnna Peake Hart `83Dee Ann Potter Heim `75Lynn Stewart Higgins `81Susan Haedtler Howard `76Michelle Henle Jacobsen `80Karen Grant Lefebvre `76Sueanna Masterson `83Peggy Lusher Milby `77Jonni Stich Miller `82Cathy Burka Moreman `82Annie BooneJenna BrumleveAmy BrutscherCourtney ClarkRachel CostelloMeredith DunlevyAnna GleisPaige GriffinKrista HarrisRebecca HartAmanda HeimMarissa HigginsAubrey HowardMallorie CampbellJenny LefebvreHannah CarrollMadalyn LeetDanielle MillerKelly Wheeler MoremanMaureen Wolford Morgan `77Marie Geiger Morrison `75Kathy Spath Mullen `78Jill Naiser `83Mary Pat Traeger Nimon `83Kate Scharre Nitzken `76Elayne Reker Noltemeyer `81Patricia Martin Raidt `80Maria DeCamillis Raque `85Michele Meiners Renbarger `79Annette Rousseau-Harris `83Connie Schneider Schilffarth `83Mary Lynn Feller Speaker `76Missy Pfister Stamon `73Sherry Mumford Tobbe `85Peggy Thornton Whelan `77Diane Gumbel Whoberry `76Donna Burch Wimsatt `81Sara MorganTara MorrisonLeah MullenBrittany RebalskyRebecca NimonMary NitzkenRenee NoltemeyerHillary RaidtLiz ArnoldAmy WheatleyJesse HarrisAshley SchilffarthLauren SpeakerAmy StamonOlivia TobbeCaisey WhelanJill WhoberryAngela Wimsatt4Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

1984Class Ambassador: Allyson Spears SturgeonFrances Esposito Kimes and her husband, Jim,welcomed their first child, Samuel James, onMarch 23, 2009. He weighed 7 pounds, 15ounces, and was 21 inches long.1987Class Ambassadors: Maria Moll Mozzali,Tracy RedmonAlumnae Class Updates1991Class Ambassadors: Cindy SchurfranzMason, Dionne Norris SchoenNikki West Flannery and her husband, Bill,are preparing to open their own animalhospital this summer in Boulder City,Nevada!1993Class Ambassadors: Sarah Pierce Mann,Courtney Thompson Potts, Rachel Crain WaddleChrista Spalding Baxterand her husband, John,proudly announce thebirth of their son, JohnVincent Baxter IV “Jack”,on April 5, 2009.Paula Pabon has been in state government for 14years and recently started a new job as governmentalaffairs counsel for Kentucky Farm BureauInsurance Company in Louisville. She will serveas the insurance company’s lobbyist in Frankfortduring the legislative sessions.1989Class Ambassador: Lauren Yates HardwickClaudia Combs Erhler and her husband,Thomas, proudly announce the birth oftheir first child, Sophia Ann, on September23, 2008. Sophia’s grandmother wasPatricia Ehrler, Class of 1966.1990Class Ambassador: Martha Pfaadt TedescoAmanda Lillie and her husband, MariusJessica Weigel Hobgood married her husband,Jason, on October 21, 2006. They proudlyannounce the birth of their first child, KaraMarie, on October 8, 2007. She is a beautifullittle girl. Jessica worked in a pharmacy untilshe had Kara and now is a stay-at-home mom.Baltateanu, proudly announce the birthof their second daughter, Simone Renee“Simmi”, on February 2, 2009. Sheweighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was20 inches long. She joins big sister, Alexa“Lexi”, 19 months.Molly McCall Williams and her husband,Matt, proudly announce the birth of theirson, George Matthew, on November 5,2008. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces.He joins big sister, Caroline Rose, 2.continued on page 7Meet Kiersten McCormickGrade School: St. Bernard• How will you make adifference at AHS?I am always looking for ways to help thosearound me, in my community, and evenat school. Giving back to your communitynot only helps those who are in need, buthelps yourself with the confidence of knowingconsciously you have reached out to astranger, neighbor, or a friend.• What goals do you have for yourself inyour four years at AHS?The goals I have for myself at AHS are reallyquite simple: I want to make good friends,make good grades, and make my four years asAHS the best they can possibly be. AHS is agreat, Bobbie comforting Holsclaw place ‘62 where with I Sister know Mary I will fitin, Prisca which Pfeffer, will make RSM it even at the easier awards to make myyears ceremony. at AHS the best they can be.Stephanie Kute and her husband, SamirGhadiali, proudly announce the birth oftheir daughter, Sierra Kute Ghadiali, onApril 2, 2009, at 10:06 p.m. Sierra weighed6 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19 incheslong. Stephanie’s sister, Jenny Kute `97, hada baby just 2½ hours after Stephanie!1992Class Ambassadors: Leah Riggs Graves,Theresa Liebert SchuhmannMeet three students from the Class of 2013Meet Reality AlexanderGrade School: NativityAcademy• What are your goals for your four years atAHS and how will you make a difference?In these four years I hope to join clubsand make friends.I want to make all A’s and B’s. In sophomoreyear I want to have completed a lotof community service and volunteer hours.During junior year I want to complete internshipsin the medical field and thenchoose the one I like best and pursue itagain in senior year. I have high hopes forthe next four years…GO ROCKETS!Nicole Biven Coop and her husband, Adam,welcomed their first child, James Dylan, onFebruary 20, 2009. Dylan weighed 8 pounds,12 ounces, and was 20½ inches long.1994Class Ambassador: Colleen SmithAdrienne Blair Happy and her family haverelocated to Mt. Hood, Oregon where herhusband works for a ski resort as lift operationsmanager. They just completed theirfirst year of homeschooling both of theirsons, Ethan and Eli, and just purchased theirfirst chickens to start their homestead!...Women Who Will Make a DifferenceMeet Leah OppelGrade School: St. Michael• What are your goals for your four years atAHS and how will you make a difference?Over the next four years at Assumption Ihope I can achieve some of the goals I havefor myself like being involved in the basketballprogram and the many clubs Assumptionhas to offer, and gaining an educationto prepare me for the college of my choice.I would also like to grow in my faith - notonly through books and teachers but fromlife lessons yet to come. I hope to follow inmy mother’s footsteps and find my friendsfor life at AHS. Go Rockets!!!Assumption Magazine Summer 20095

SportsUpdateSportsUpdate2009 Rocket Update – Spring SportsAngela Brown Passafiume `89, Athletic DirectorCrewThis season our girls were very successful in their rowing season. The newboat we were able to purchase last year helped this season’s crew make greatstrides. These groups worked together to raise funds and purchase the boat forthe youth rowing club.Coach Judd and Coach Hurley are very proud of the girls and very excited tocontinue fundraising for additional newer boats. If you or someone you knoware interested in contributing toward the new boats for the girls, please contactthe Athletic Department.LacrosseOnce again the lacrosse Rockets werethe team to watch this spring. This team,led by coaches, Matthew Cope andCourtney Milliner `98, had a successfulseason and finished strong in the postseason, reaching the quarterfinals in thestate championship. All-state honorswent to seniors Megan Todd and SamSaunders and sophomore DelaneyCarter. Senior Hannah Carroll andjunior Megan Foley were selected to playin the all-star game.Photo by Debbie JuddSoftballOur softball team finished the regularseason 20-11-1. The team hostedand won the Crusade for ChildrenTournament defeating North Hardin,then traveled to Daytona for the FloridaBeach Bash where they went 4-1. Theteam finished the season with a regionalappearance, falling to Manual in thequarterfinals. Congratulations to seniorKatie Mann who made the East-WestAll Stars and to seniors Katie Mann,Shelby Mathes, and Ellen Williamsonwho were named to the 7th region allstarteam.TennisA season of firsts! The tennis team had anamazing season with new coachesRobyn White and Michael McLaurine.The team entered the King of theBluegrass Tennis Tournament for the firsttime, which draws some of the best talentin the state, and brought home the teamchampionship. The team’s undefeatedseason was highlighted by the teamchampionships at regional, which againwas the school’s first-ever team regionalwin. The post season team then traveledto Lexington for its first state tournamentwhere singles player Emily Przystawskiand doubles players Meredith Cravenand Claire Schroering made it to thequarterfinals. The team points earnedthem a tie for a fourth-place state finishin the team scoring. Additional membersof the state team are Sarah Edwards,Margaret Hazlett, Maddie Phillips, andElisabeth Przystawski.TrackOur running Rockets placed third as ateam in the regional meet this season.For the past nine years the AssumptionRockets and Coach Barry Haworth havebeen the Academy Meet Champions,and this year was no different. The statemeet had its successes as well with the4x800 relay finishing 7th; Ashley ElRady and Allison Riedling finishing 5thand 7th in the 1600m; Erin Storck finishing5th in the 300m hurdles; and SaraDavis and Amy Stamon finishing 7thand 8th in the 3200m. The team placedfourth in the regional AAA championshipand finished 16th in the state meetat UofL.ATTENTION VOLLEYBALL ALUMSMark your calendar for aVolleyball Alum Reunionon Sunday, September 20, 2009at the AHS vs. Sacred Heart game.Look for an email coming soonwith more details.6 Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

ATTENTIONALUMSStarting this fall we will begin monthlynetworking luncheons at AHS.Please call theadvancement office at502-458-6258 if you are interestedin joining us.1995Class Ambassadors: Kenzie Kapp, RachelNiemann SellAlumnae Class Updates1998Class Ambassadors: Jenny HilsenradGraff, Jenny Weber Shulhafer, NancyBeckham VannKaren Reitz Duff and her husband, Joe,proudly announce the birth of their son,Jackson, on December 5, 2008. Jacksonjoins his big brother, Jadon, 3.V.I.P.Volunteers InPartnershipAre you looking for ways to become anactive volunteerto the Assumptioncommunity? Ifso, then pleaseconsider joiningthe AssumptionV.I.P. (VolunteersIn Partnership).Who are we?We are a groupthat has come together in orderto encourage and facilitate activevolunteer support to Assumption byparents, alumnae, and friends. One ofour primary objectives is to promoteeffective two-way communicationbetween the AHS administrationand parents, alumnae, and friends.A second objective is to activelyparticipate in the many events held byAssumption in support of academic,athletic, and financial needs.On behalf of the V.I.P., I ask that you joinour ranks. I assure you that you will findus to be a spirited, creative group with acommon purpose: to do all that we canto make Assumption the best possibleexperience for all of today’s, and tomorrow’s,students. However, we need you!If you have any questions, please feelfree to contact me or our liaison at Assumption,Joan Johnson (joan.johnson@ahsrockets.org).Thanks in advance for your interest.Marty ErnstMarty ErnstPresidentAHS V.I.P. Clubemernst@aol.comJill McClish Berry and her husband, Jason,proudly announce the birth of their son,Brooks Robert, on December 16, 2008. Hejoins big sister, Reagan, and big brother,Parker.1997Jaclyn NoonGreishaber andher husband, Gary,are excited to announcethe arrivalof their seconddaughter, AlysonClaire, on April30, 2009. Shejoins big sister,Sydney, 2.Class Ambassadors: Laura Blaser, JessicaEvans, Emma Hayes, Katie KingBecky Kayrouz Combs and her husband,Greg, proudly announce the birth of theirfirst child, Lily Frances, on September 23,2008. Their little angel was a healthy babyweighing 9 pounds, 8 ounces.Nikki Eskridge-Lincoln and her husband,John, welcomed their first child,Maryjane Dorothy, on August 29, 2008.Jenny Kute and her husband, Craig Oeswein,are proud to announce the birth of theirdaughter, Megan Kute Oeswein, on April 3,2009, at 12:26 a.m. She weighed 8 pounds,9 ounces, and was 23 inches long. Jenny’ssister, Stephanie Kute `91, had a baby just 2½hours before Jenny!Elizabeth Baugh Gagel and her husband,Shawn, proudly announce the birth of theirson, Trenton, on October 17, 2008. Hejoins big sister, Sydney, 6.Katie Kern McMurry and her husband,Kevin, proudly announce the birth of theirfirst son, Andrew James, on March 8, 2009.He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was20½ inches long.Jessica Lowry McNamara and her husband,John, are pleased to announce the birth oftheir second child, Kendall Reese, on December29, 2008, at 12:39 p.m. She weighed7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19¼ incheslong. Kendall joins big brother, Connor, 2.1999Class Ambassadors: Caryn Willian Leavens,Jackie RossanoErin Aberli graduated in May from BellarmineUniversity with her MAT in elementary education.She hopes to receive a job with JeffersonCounty Public Schools in the fall of 2009.2000Class Ambassadors: Jenni Benningfield,Catie Knable LeslieAnna Lokovich Brown and her husband,Joey, are proud to announce the birth of theirfirst baby, Stella Marie, on April 21, 2009.She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and was19½ inches long.2001Class Ambassador: Laura Wallitsch DurbinJaeryl Covington Huelett and her husband,Brandon, finally decided to get married this year afterseven years of dating. Jaeryl works for Humana.continued on page 15Assumption Magazine Summer 20097

Women who will MakeGraduation2009The word “bored” is not a word you hear around this communityoften. At Assumption, there is always something to do, no matterwhat time of day it is. As I have been told by a teacher, if you’rebored and you go to Assumption, you’re not trying hard enough to beinvolved. Assumption is truly an academic community alive with spirit.I came to Assumption as an average freshman – smart but not overlygifted, spiritual but not strong in my faith, athletic but not a superstar,and creative but clueless on what to do with my ideas. But as I wasslowly introduced to how Assumption girls do it, I realized that whatevermy dreams and strengths were, Assumption was there to helpme achieve my dreams. If I wanted to start a new club, I could. If Iwanted to start a service project, anything was possible.My first realization that Assumption was a special place was in themiddle of my freshman year. I was having a bad day for one reasonor another, and a teacher noticed this. Though I had only been in herclass for a couple months, she took the time to find me at the end ofthe day and ask if my day had gotten better and what she could do tohelp me. That’s how the entire AHS community is – ready to serveothers and take care of each other. We do this because we care forone another, and because we are sisters and family, after all.Another part of Assumption that has been special to me is that theschool’s mission is to educate all parts of a person, which includemind, body, and spirit. School is not a place where I strictly sit andlisten to lectures, but is a place where I have used dance as a formof prayer, learned how to change the oil in my car, written a play,and learned that “playing like a girl” is a good thing. What makes myeducation different than other high school students’ is that I did learnabout Shakespeare, but also about real-life topics.Paige Griffin processes in for this year’sgraduation ceremony at BellarmineUniversity’s Knights Hall.Photo by Laura Kremer Kline `97Assumption girls stand out, but in a good way. We can do it all,no matter who we are. Taking a look at our students, you’ll realizethat the star athlete is also talented at math and loves performingservice for others. This is why as I graduate, I am not scared to leavea community I have grown to love and appreciate but am ready toembrace my future. I know that I will always have the Assumption girlin me – a girl who is well-rounded – and I will always remember theplace that has taught me so much.– Cara Mulhall `098 Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

a differenceFor most, school is a slab of brick to file slowly in and outof until the last bell rings. “School” is a word said with acringe that brings about images of papers and other variousassignments, but for me, school is Assumption, and Assumption ishome. In my summer seminar before freshman year, a junior toldus that it was virtually impossible not to have friends at Assumption.As a nervous fourteen year old, I hoped to God that she was right,and now that I’ve ended my four years here, I know that she isright. There’s not a day that I walked down the halls without hearingsomeone shout, “ZA-DUNE-EK!” The faces of the girls here are thefaces of sisters. We laugh together, we have arguments, and wecome together in hard times. To leave this home that I’ve had forfour years brings about feelings of excitement, sadness, and anxiety.The thought of college next year seems overwhelming at times.I can’t wait to be on my own and to have more freedom in mylife, but I’ll also have added responsibilities. I’ll have to be moreaccountable for myself, and college curriculum requires muchmore diligence than I’ve ever had before. When I get my nervesrattled, I realize that Assumption has prepared me well. In thepast year I have taken Psychology I and II, and the courses arefilled with content that is understandable and plausible. Theseclasses have furthered my curiosity in the subject and have helpedme to decide my minor in college. As a college prep school,Assumption has taught me what I need to know to be in step,or a step ahead, of my future classmates. I have also gained theconfidence to be the young woman that I am, and I credit that tothe Assumption community. Differences are embraced, talents arehoned and celebrated, and challenges are met head on.Over the years, Assumption has become a cozy little nest forme, a place to fall back on when I’m stressed or tired, a placewhere friends can share in my happiness. I’ve had the best timeshere (in the cafeteria and in the classroom), and some of the worst(in detention). Assumption has taught me that friends come inevery size, color, age, and shape. From the girls that I’ve hungout with since freshman year, to the smiling lunch ladies, to themaintenance staff who are always willing to lend a hand, I’vegained a variety of friends at Assumption.Photo by Laura Kremer Kline `97Sydney Cartershares a laughwith fellowgraduatesmomentsbeforeprocessing inon May 16.While I did come down with a serious case of senioritis, I willmiss this school. It’s so much more than “an institution whereinstruction is given, especially to persons under college age.” Thiscommunity has shaped me into a better woman in mind, body,and spirit. Assumption’s commitment to educate the wholeperson is clearly evident in the character of the young womenwho graduate every spring.– Caity Zdunek `09Ellen Henry prepares to process in for the52nd commencement ceremony.Assumption Magazine Summer 2009Photo by Laura Kremer Kline `979

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT THE GREEN“Teaching a healthy lifestyle within a healthy environment is the hallmark of the newAssumption Green Sports and Education Complex.” – Steve Mullins, Chair, The Green Steering CommitteeDeeply rooted inthe core values ofthe Sisters of Mercy,this educationalcomplex will reflecta multi-faceted andlifelong approach to learning. In addition to providing supportand shelter for our athletes and visiting teams, the new building,located adjacent to Beargrass Creek, will open the doors ofenvironmental learning for our women today as we prepare themfor the world of tomorrow. From the practical usage of natural lightto the vegetation on the green roof, to serving as a laboratory forlearning about renewable energy models, to maximum utilizationof high performance building materials, all will be opportunitiesfor advancing environmental awareness. The building will serveas a model learning center where visitors, too, will learn throughsimple observation and by reading the informational signs postedthroughout the facility.The Assumption Green will be a community gathering placeavailable for sports, events, classes, and so much more. Respectingthe world, the earth, our community, one another, and ourselves,this complex will not only expand the Assumption campus, butit will open up opportunities for careers, lifestyle choices, andpersonal growth and development.The building will include:• A green roof• Water conservation systems• Renewable energy sources• Environmentally preferable products• Air quality controls• Storm water management systems• Advanced lighting techniques and maximum use ofnatural light• Maximum use of high performance building productsOur students and visitors to The Green will learn about:STACK EFFECTp EnergyTransferONHEATING&COOLINGBenefits of Recyclingrun-offWATERUNDERSTANDINGOURCARBONFOOTPRINTBenefits of agreen roofMONITORINGMEASURINGCONTROLLINGPOWEREnergyRenewableSourcesThis is an exciting time for Assumption High School. Join with us as weprepare our students for their futures while holding firmly to the vision begunby Catherine McAuley and embodied today in our school mission and values.10 Assumption Magazine Summer 2009For more information visit www.ahsrockets.org/advancement/green.phpThe Green serves as a model of the Mercy commitment to educate the whole person – mind,body and spirit. Just as our new building will support and enrich our athletic programs andteam competitions, it will also provide a rich learning environment and resources to help ouryoung women develop their lives and service “….with an awareness of God’s gift to us – ourco-creative role and our interrelatedness to all EARTH life.” (taken from the Mercy EnvironmentalGuidelines, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas website, updated 2006)Related story on page 13

Guiding from Experience and with EnthusiasmTheresa Liebert Schuhmann `92Aquick review of this edition of our magazine makes it clear that not onlyare the young women who graduate from Assumption prepared to leadsuccessful lives but that is exactly what they do both personally andprofessionally in a wide variety of communities and fields. Yet, there is a smallpopulation of alumnae who have not moved far from their Assumption roots sincegraduation. These women are the alumnae who serve as current faculty and staffmembers at Assumption. During the 2008-2009 school year, 35 Assumptiongraduates worked to educate a new generation of Rockets.What is it that draws these women back to Assumption? We sat down withsome of them recently to find out and, though their answers and reasons forreturning to the community of Assumption are as varied as they are, if you readclosely a common theme begins to emerge.TS: What made you decide to returnto Assumption in a professional capacity?Jill Elder `00: I didn’t plan on returningto Assumption when I graduated . . .the thought never occurred to me until I[decided] I wanted to teach. Once thatwas decided, my dream was to returnto Assumption. When I graduated. . . Ididn’t fully appreciate [my experience]until I talked to people who didn’t go toAHS. People who didn’t understand howI could still be friends with the peopleI went to school with, how I could stillthink about my teachers and smile. . . . Icame back because I wanted to give backto the community that gave me so much.The family that accepted me for who Iwas and helped me to accept her, too.Kelly Birchler Hovekamp `87: WhenI was a student at Assumption, I thoughtthat I would love to be a teacher at AHS,but I thought that I wasn’t smart enough.The teachers that I had seemed so happyand seemed to enjoy their jobs. I wanteda job that I would enjoy. I decided togo into teaching, but at the elementaryschool level. . . . My sister started teachinghere several years ago and loved it. Itwas then that I decided that I would dowhatever I could to become an Assumptionteacher. The rest is history. I’vefound a job that I can enjoy. I’m here tostay-- as long as they’ll have me.Teri Connelly Campisano `91: Idecided to return . . . because I lovedmy high school years at Assumption somuch. I wanted to be a positive influenceon young women just as manyteachers and coaches that I had at AHShad been for me. I still remember MaryLee McCoy and Cindi Baughman chantingto each other “we have so much fun,”and I wanted to be a teacher that had funwith her students while working hard andlearning at the same time.Amanda Dodson `00: I loved Assumptionwhile I was here the first timearound! The teachers were always sosupportive, and there was such a greatand tangible sense of community. As astudent, I always felt that there was a realsense of caring about me and supportingme in my endeavors, and I knew that thiswould be the case if I worked here aswell.TS: How do you think that being analum influences your work with today’sAssumption students?Elisabeth Russo `02: As an Assumptionstudent I was given an opportunity to learnin a community where I was free to growinto whoever I wanted to be [and gained]values and beliefs that have supported methrough tough decisions . . . . I believe thatthrough those experiences I am living [asa whole person] every day. I am able to bea true AHS role model for my students notbecause I have to be but because it is myway of life. They are able to see someonein the classroom who has had the opportunitiesthat they are being given, and Ibelieve that because of this we [alumnae]expect a little more of them.Karen Jones Falkenstine `98: I love beingable to relate to them how some thingshave stayed the same and how somethings have changed for the better.Megan Riggs Rose `97: I think I canrelate to the students on a more personallevel because I have experienced all ofthe same things they have here at AHS. Ithink for them that it is nice to see peoplewho went here and decided to come backbecause it made such a great influenceon them. I feel that it allows them to feelmore comfortable with me.continued on page 15Photo provided by Elisabeth RussoRebecca Gootee Pate `98, Theresa Liebert Schuhmann `92,Elisabeth Russo `02, Martha Pfaadt Tedesco `90, Becca SchindlerJoaquin `97, Angela Ashley Lange `94, and Megan Riggs Rose`97 pose in their Assumption uniforms. Wearing uniforms asHalloween costumes has developed into a tradition for manyalumnae who currently work at Assumption.Assumption Magazine Summer 200911

Community Spotlight Laura Kremer Kline ‘97Congratulations to the following studentswho placed in the National French contest:senior Kameryn Jones placed 3rd forlevel 1; freshman Jade Vanderelst placed3rd for level 2; and senior Layne Portaplaced 4th for level 4.Katie Mann (far left) with her teammates on senior night.Senior Katie Mann was selected to the East/West All Stars for softball. This teamis selected by a small group of coaches, and Assumption has not been representedin many years.Congratulations to juniors Anna Beilmanfor winning 2nd place in paintingand Mollie Nitzken for receiving twohonorable mention awards in drawing atthe Kentucky Art Education AssociationState Competition. Both of these girlswon first place and best in show at theregional level to be able to compete atthe state level.Congratulations are in order tothe following students who havebeen selected to participate in the2009 Governor’s School for the ArtsProgram. Junior Meaghan Heit willstudy musical theater and juniorBridget Sipek will study creativewriting for an intense 3-weekperiod at Transylvania University thissummer. Congratulations to both ofthese girls for their selection to thishighly competitive program, whichwas the result of a lengthy applicationand interview/audition process.Congratulations also go to sophomoreAbby Boyle and junior Jennifer Gloverwho were selected as alternates to GSA.Congratulations to senior TaylorArmstrong for the Best NarrativeAward for her drawing and seniorAmy Brutscher for receiving a specialrecognition award of the Best Useof Color for her painting at the 2009Congressional Art Competition.These awards were presented byCongressman John Yarmuth.Assumption’s chapter of Mu AlphaTheta (the National High School MathClub and Honor Society) placed fifth inRegion 4 in the National Log 1 Contestthis year. Individual winners and theirdivisions are:Alpha Division – juniors Sarah Edwards,17th and Ginny Tillman, 25th.Theta Division – sophomore CaseyCoomes, 25th; sophomore CarolineGerstle, 10th; sophomore CourtneyMarshall, 14th; junior Becca Ratterman,19th; sophomore Natalie Rosario,12th; junior Sammi Smith, 4th; andsophomore Emily Steltenpohl, 1st.Carnival on the Green spectators donated backpacksfor a good cause and future Rockets gotbackpacks of their own.Thanks to the Athletic Office, VypeHigh School Sports Magazine, and theCarnival on the Green, we were able todonate 82 backpacks to Blessings in aBackpack on April 16.Congratulations to the 13 Assumptionjuniors who have been selected toparticipate in the 2009 Governor’sScholars Program. They are RachelAretakis, Katie Bergamini, MarieClements, Tory Cooney, MackenzieFarrar, Ariel Gariepy, Beth Heustis,Hannah Jezreel, Krissy Raque, MorganReeves, Allison Riedling, Laurie White,and Morgan Wilson.12 Assumption Magazine Summer 2009Freshman RebeccaClements had theopportunity to go tothe Capitol to hearPresident Obama andpolitical activist andHolocaust survivorElie Wiesel speak inWashington, D.C. at theDay of Remembrancein late April. Rebeccawas there to representSt. Francis of Assisi atan event for the UnitedStates Holocaust MemorialMuseum where Vice PresidentJoe Biden spoke. The St. Francis studentswere recognized for sponsoring asuccessful campaign to have Holocausteducation become a required part of thestate’s curriculum.Rebecca Clements (pictured at left) with Elie Wieseland a St. Francis classmate.

Advanced Choir with world-renowned photographer,Howard L. Bingham at the Ali Center.The Advanced Choir received theDistinguished Rating at the KMEAState Choral Festival April 23, 2009, atUofL. The same evening, they were alsoinvited to perform at the Ali Center forthe Celebrating the Power of Womenevent. The girls had the opportunity tohear Lonnie Ali, wife of MuhammadAli, speak and also met Howard L.Bingham, good friend and worldrenownedphotographer of MuhammadAli. The evening was meant to celebrateand honor “the 10 most inspirationalwomen in Louisville,” and featured adocumentary and art exhibit unveiling.Three AHS students were named the topthree finishers in the Kentuckiana HealthAlliance’s Annual Social Norms PosterContest. The winners each receiveda cash award for themselves and theiradult sponsor. First place went to freshmanMolly Schweizer for her posterdesign, “Pucker Up.” The second placewent to “I Double Dog Dare You” bysenior Jenna Quill. Senior Laura Starontook third place for her poster, alsotitled “Pucker Up.”Senior Samantha Cardenas was selectedfor a summer internship at the JamesGraham Brown Cancer Center. Thecompetition for these spots is quite intense.The internship lasts for eight weeksthis summer. Sam will be working side byside with a leading cancer researcher.Congratulations to the Science Olympiadteam for a great performance at state.Special congratulations to juniors RachelGregor and Beth Heustis who took firstplace in state tournament competition forenvironmental chemistry.Sara Morgan `09 with teacher/mentor Angela Lincoln `78.Making a Difference in Our EnvironmentSara Morgan, daughter of Maureen Wolford Morgan `77, leavesAssumption as a 2009 graduate who has given some serious thought asto how she will “make a difference in our world.” Coming to AHS threeyears ago as a transfer student, Sara was looking for a more challenginglearning environment where she would be asked to apply herself,improve her writing and math skills, and become a more independentand self-assured young woman. In Sara’s words, “I threw myself intoeverything!” Her calendar quickly filled with activities including yearbook,class officer, the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA), and the KentuckyUnited Nations Assembly (KUNA).But it was faculty member Angela Lincoln `78, in her Catholic SocialTeaching class, who awoke in Sara a passion for protecting our environment.“She didn’t preach at us,” says Sara, “but instead showed us thefacts, took us places to see for ourselves, or challenged us to read aboutconditions, both near and far. I began to be truly interested in things likerecycling, energy and water conservation, and even taking responsibilityfor telling others what we need to do in order to help save and protectour environment.”Sara became active in the AHS Environmental Concerns committee.During her junior year, she and two classmates, Kim Toop and Erin Ruppelt,wrote and presented a bill at Kentucky Youth Assembly to place recyclingbins in all Kentucky state parks. The bill passed both houses, was thenvetoed by the governor for lack of funds, and then overridden and passedagain by both houses. When assigned to choose a project for her CatholicSocial Teachings class that would “right an injustice,” Sara, once again,chose to focus on the environment, proposing that we replace 2-3 of ourcommodes at AHS with low-flush commodes. Sara is convinced that herfellow students would gladly wait a few extra minutes to use a commodethat would save thousands of gallons of water each month. We are stillawaiting funding at AHS to implement Sara’s proposal!Come fall, Sara will be attending Virginia Technical Institute where shewill study environmental engineering. When asked where she hopes tobe in 10 years, Sara responds with confidence, “I hope to be helping leadmy generation to fix past mistakes in caring for our environment. I wantto make sure that our children see that we must protect our environmentand that we can all make small changes that will have a big impact.”No doubt, Sara Morgan `09 will make a difference.Photo by Ian HuskAssumption Magazine Summer 200913

Assumption AlumnaeDancing with DadYou are cordially invited to Assumption’sAlumnae Father/Daughter DanceSaturday, August 1, 20097:30 – 10:30 p.m.Assumption High School Gym$35.00 per couple$15.00 per each additional daughterPrice includes refreshments and a memorable evening of dancing withyour dad to music provided by The Remedy.For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Jackie Bloyd at 502-458-6258.To pay for your tickets online go to http://www.ahsrockets.org/alumnae/and click on the Alumnae Father/Daughter link.Alumnae Father/Daughter Dance Reservation FormSaturday, August 1, 2009Name: (first, maiden, last)Address:Email:Dad’s Name: (first, last)Additional daughter(s) attending and year(s) of graduation:Phone:Year of Graduation:$35.00 per couple, $15.00 per each additional daughterTotal Enclosed $Make checks payable to Assumption High School and mail with form to:Jackie Bloyd, Assumption High School, 2170 Tyler Lane, Louisville, KY 4020514Tickets will be sold at the door for $45.00 per couple, $20.00 for each additional daughter.Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

Guiding from Experienceand with Enthusiasmcontinued from page 11Kathy Knopf Schum `93: I think it trulygives me the perspective of “I have literallybeen in your shoes.” Even though Iam much older than my students, I feellike I share a “legacy” with them – thelegacy of being an Assumption student.I also think that I try much harder toinstill a sense of tradition in my studentsbecause I know that being part of somany Assumption traditions has been avaluable part of my life.TS: What has been special and/ordifferent about being a faculty memberhere after also having been a student?Marian Prather Dunlevy `82: The traditionsthat remain in place have sparkedterrific memories for me, and I havepassed on many nostalgic stories to mystudents. Becoming friends with my formerteachers has also been very special.Paula Edwards `82: I have an awarenessof both the student and teacher perspective.I feel a sense of community as well. Thesense of belonging to a place in which onehas history is like coming home.Kristin Cockerel Carter `95: I find thaton Mock Schedule Night, parents tendto brighten up a little when I mentionthat I’m an alum. They recognize thatchoosing to work at the place I was educatedmeans I hold Assumption in highregard. And I think the girls appreciateand respect that I graduated from AHS. Itcreates a certain bond because we comefrom the same place.Angela Ashley Lange `94: Being able togive back to the place that helped shapeme as a young woman. Being able tolove and support the students the wayI was loved and supported when I washere is priceless. I love that I get to bea part of this legacy that we continueto build. Plus, I get to call all my highschool teachers by the first name! Howcool is that?Though they attended Assumption atdifferent times and took different paths toreturn to AHS’s halls, Martha PfaadtTedesco `90 seemed to sum up aprevailing attitude about our work whenshe said, “Some days, especially whenI’m doing the crazy, fun Student Activitiesstuff that I love, I think ‘I can’t believe Iget paid to do this.’ I love working at aplace where I completely believe andtry to live the mission of the school. It’sa great place. I can’t imagine myselfWith SympathyDeepest sympathy is extended to thefollowing alumnae and their familiesin their time of sorrow:Alicia Allison Waln `61 and Mary AnnAllison Poliskie `73 on the death oftheir father, Kenneth R. Allison, onMarch 13, 2009.Georgia Ray Head `63 on the death ofher mother, Naomi Ray, on May 26,2009.Laura Wulf Knight `64 on the death ofher sister and the Class of 1970 on thedeath of their classmate, Tina WulfWinter `70, on May 2, 2009.Barbara Hubbard Pusey `68 on thedeath of her sister, Sharon Walker Hubbard`73 on the death of her sister-inlaw,and the members of the Class of1965 on the death of their classmate,Eileen Hubbard Greenwell `65, onMarch 29, 2009.Lee Anne Potts Blair `72 on the death ofher father and Adrienne Lee Blair Happy`94 on the death of her grandfather,Everett “Les” Potts, on May 15, 2009.Kathy Lococo Wright `72 on the deathof her husband and Betty Anne LococoWilliams `66, Donna Lococo `67, JennyLococo Siegel `68, Barbara LococoMiller `74, and Marty Lococo Meredith`79 on the death of their brother-in-law,Hugh Wright, Jr., on December 17, 2008.Paula Short Kennedy `73, Anita ShortHill ’76, and Laura Short `77 on thedeath of their father, Paul John Short Jr.,on May 16, 2009.Peggy Murray Hartlage `74 on the deathof her daughter, Christine Hartlage`00 on the death of her sister, Mary JoMurray Jones `80, Cathy Murray Carrico,and Patty Hartlage King on the deathof their niece, Kimberly King Andriole’91 and Kristen King `92 on the deathof their cousin, and the Class of 2004on the death of their classmate, AllisonHartlage `04, on March 16, 2009.Julie Fritsch Greenwell `87 and DeborahFritsch Finken `90 on the death of theirfather and Barbara Fritsch Raque `66 onthe death of her brother, Bill Fritsch, onMay 22, 2009.Lynn Ruckriegel Evans `89 on the deathof her father, George Ruckriegel, onMay 23, 2009.WeddingsChrista Spalding `93 to John V. Baxter IIIon November 8, 2008, at St. CeciliaCatholic Church in Louisville.Jaeryl Covington `01 to BrandonHuelett on June 20, 2009.Ashley Wise `01 to Marty Kuerzi, Jr.on July 26, 2008.Ashley Paige Barnsfather `03to Matthew Hendrickson onDecember 20, 2008.Anne Ensign `03 to Patrick Fette onNovember 7, 2008.Allison Rief `04 to Spencer Sheehan(Trinity `03) on June 26, 2009, at Our Ladyof Lourdes Catholic Church in Louisville.continued on page 17anywhere else.”16 152002Alumnae Class Updates2001 continuedAshley Wise Kuerzi has been working indialysis for the past six years and is pursuing hernursing degree. She and her husband, Marty,are expecting a baby boy on August 21, 2009.His name will be Cawood Andrew. The Wiseand Kuerzi families are excited for the firstgrandchild on the way! Ashley and Marty purchaseda house last year in Shepherdsville andare preparing for the arrival of Cawood Andrew.Class Ambassadors: Nancy Buchino, MaryByrneMary Byrne was selected by VelocityMagazine’s Metromix Louisville as one ofthe 25 up-and-comers that work behind thescenes to prepare Louisville for the Derby.You can see her story at http://louisville.metromix.com/events/photogallery/derbypower-2009/1099158/content.Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

Photo provided by Lisa Brown `00Alums Making a Differencein the World with TechnologyJoyce Koch, Technology DirectorFlanked on the left by her teammate, Natasha Kelkar, Lisa Brown `00 works ona semester project as part of her program of studies at Carnegie Mellon. Theproject, Get in Line, is an interactive entertainment experience involving games,videos, and an audience webcam which creates an experience with the aim ofmaking a wait in a line not only bearable but enjoyable.Deciding a Career PathBetween Sally Craven, science chair, encouraging her to be ascientist and her “amazing” experience job shadowing during herjunior year in the geology program at the University of Kentucky,Jessica Oster `99 knew she wanted to be a geologist when she enteredOberlin College. She kept that goal in sight while at Oberlinand during her year studying in Sweden on a Fulbright Scholarship.She entered UC Davis’ doctoral program in geology with a desire tostudy caves and research climate change.Lisa Brown `00, on the other hand, said that after leaving Assumption,“I was plagued with one of the biggest obstacles I’ve everconfronted in my life: indecisiveness.” After graduating from CentreCollege she returned to Assumption as our webmaster. When shewas accepted into Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment TechnologyCenter (ETC) in 2007, she was still determining her career path.“I wanted to do something that made use of ALL of my talents, notjust a select set. I wanted to do something that involved workingwith a team, and I wanted to make people happy.“ In her secondyear in the program she decided she wanted to be a game designer.Using TechnologyOster uses technology in her research to organize her data, write,make figures, and operate the equipment she uses to collect samplesand perform lab work. She says, “I rely heavily on several kindsof mass spectrometers. The dating work I do needs to be done in aclean chemistry lab with very thorough air filters and hoods, andI need to wear a full body suit every time I go in.” She explains,“When you cut open a stalagmite, you can see the layers, similarto the way you can see tree rings. You can date these layers usingUranium-Thorium dating which is a radiometric dating techniquesimilar to Carbon14 but way better! Then, you can look at how thechemistry of the speleothem (cave deposits) changed through time.This gives you an idea of how groundwater chemistry changedthrough time, and this is related to climate change.”Brown relates, “An exciting feature of the ETC was being given anopportunity to work with some pretty amazing technology. Headmounteddisplays and six degree motion trackers commonly springto mind when “virtual reality” is discussed, and I got to use both ofthese to create virtual worlds for people to interact with. . . . Oneof my more recent projects–Get in Line–used a technology calledMegaphone to entertain guests while they had to wait in line forthings. . . . We created games where people could just dial in andplay using their own phone.”Making a DifferenceNow Oster works with speleothems from caves in the SierraNevada foothills in eastern California. In her research, she is tryingto figure out how rainfall in California changed with past climatechanges. The records she studies stretch over the past 75,000 years,and she says they show that at times in the past when the climatewas warm in Greenland, the Northern Hemisphere standard, theclimate in the Sierra foothills was drier and vice versa. “This isimportant to know because California depends on rain and snow inthe Sierra each winter to provide water for all the people and all thecrops in the state. And the food that is grown here feeds a good portionof the country. So, my research is saying that, with future globalwarming, we might see a decrease in rainfall in the Sierra. Knowingthis can help water resource planners get ready for coming changes.”Oster’s research has been featured in The San Francisco Chronicle,on the Canadian Discovery Channel, and in The Daily Planet Bookof Cool Ideas.Brown says “It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that ‘makinga difference’ in your job means being a nurse or a social workeror the like - something that visibly impacts people in need. But, Ithink that the best way for someone to make a difference is to findwhat it is they were meant to do and do it. Video games have areputation of being a frivolous pastime, but the truth is they canmake a powerful impact on the player - just as much as a movie,play, or piece of music. When you design a game, you are creatingan experience for someone, and since experiences are how weas humans interact with the world, it is possible to deeply movesomeone, or make them think, or touch them in an important waythrough a video game.”In her internship at Insomniac, Brown worked on Resistance 2,a title for the Playstation3 and is credited for some of the designwork. When she was designing and implementing setups, sheconstantly thought, “How do I want the players to feel at this part?How can I make them feel confident and powerful?” She shares,“It was very uplifting for me to feel like I would be making aconnection to the players.”What Next?Oster will finish up her doctoral work by the end of December.From there, she has some leads and is hoping to find a postdoctoralresearch position. And then she will find a job teaching and doingresearch at a university or college.Brown just moved to California to return to Insomniac to workfull time as an associate game designer “and I can’t wait to get started.I know I can make a difference in peoples’ lives with the workthat I’ll be doing, and that I will touch millions of people when theyplay the games that I work on.”16 Assumption Magazine Summer 2009

“Assumption is more than a place…itis a dream, a passion, a lesson in life,a vision of peace...”Gloria Thornburg, Campus MinisterIf these walls could talk…the theme of our closingprayer service was an intriguing one. What wouldthe walls of Assumption say? What happens whenthe computers are all turned off, the printers still, thelockers empty and open? What happens when thehallways are silent, the lights are darkened, and thedoors are closed and locked? What happens whenonly the memory of this year remains?Have the walls of the gym absorbed the exhilaration ofgames won and lost, the dedication of hours of practice,the poignancy of Stations of the Cross, the pride of achievementcelebrated, the mystery of the transformation visiblewhen the body of Christ gathered in the circle of mercy forworship?Will the walls of the classrooms miss the shrieks of delightwhen concepts are first learned, the whispered wordsof encouragement when hearts are breaking, the powerfulwords of prayer when the day begins?Alumnae Class Updates2002 continuedJessica Mattingly is pursuing her master’sdegree in secondary education counseling.She is newly engaged and plans to marry inJune 2010.Rachel McIntyre plans to marry ChrisWilliamson on September 26, 2009, atSt. Joseph Catholic Church in Louisville.2003Class Ambassadors: Britni Knable, MarisaMainAshley Paige Barnsfather Hendricksonmet her husband, Matthew, while studyingabroad in Austria in 2006.Anne Ensign graduated from UofL inDecember 2008 with a bachelor of arts.Her husband, Patrick Fette, is a financemajor at UofL. They live in Lyndon withtheir three cats and a snake.2004Class Ambassadors: Megan Herde,Michelle JonesPhotos by Ian HuskCan the walls of the cafeteria remember the chatter ofdates and deadlines, of dresses and dances, of detentionsand disappointments?Or is it all truly just paint, wood, plaster, glass…unawareof our stories?The closing prayer service reminded us that the story ofthis school year was one of surviving extreme weather notonce but twice, of celebrating traditional holidays and servicesthat remind us each year of all we have been givenin life, of experiencing Mission Week that embodies thepower of community even in its weakest members, of livingordinary days when extraordinary acts of love abound.So, I believe that if the walls of Assumption could talk,what they might say in a myriad of ways is best summarizedin the words of Bayer Naude: “Dare yourself to bechallenged by a faith that is real.” Dare yourself to believethat God sends you to be a message of love to the world;dare yourself to believe that wherever youare is holy ground. Assumption is more thana place…it is a dream, a passion, a lesson inlife, a vision of peace, an enterprise CatherineMcAuley could never have imagined, and anunmistakable call to the tremendous responsibilitythat being Christian entails. May thesewalls resound with hymns of praise always.Amen.Courtney Busick graduated from UofL with adegree in communications in May 2009. Sheis working at Maryhurst as a youth counselorwhile working on her master’s degree intherapy at UofL.Katie O’Donnell graduated from WKU witha bachelor of science degree in December2008. In February 2009 she started a jobwith Ariel Alpha International and unfortunately,with the economic downturn, sheexperienced her first layoff. She loves livingin New York and is aggresively seeking acareer.Sarah Payne is engaged and the wedding isplanned for March 2010.Allison Rief Sheehan and her husband,Spencer, are moving to Long Island, NewYork where Allison will be attending HofstraUniversity’s School of Law.2005Class Ambassador: Maureen MelchiorElizabeth Sullivan graduated from XaiverUniversity with honors. She is workingas an analyst for a consulting firm inCincinnati.Assumption Magazine Summer 200917

ASSUMPTIONMagazineAssumption High School2170 Tyler LaneLouisville, KY 40205Address Service RequestedNon-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDLouisville, KYPermit #416Assumption MagazineOur Community ConnectionincorporatingRocket Update,Inside Wire, &Counselor ConnectionAssumption High School is a nationally recognized School of Excellence sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.Pink & White Game UpdatePhoto by Elisabeth Russo `02Don’t miss next year’s gamewhich will be held at St. Xon Thursday, April 29, 2010.As the Class of 2009 continues to make a differencein this community we would like to update you onthe Pink and White Game, which was held at Trinity’sStadium on Thursday, April 30, 2009. Even withthunderstorms looming there was a record crowd ofapproximately 5,000 people in attendance to watchAssumption and Sacred Heart compete in this secondannual flag football game. Entertainment was providedby the students of Trinity and St. X as they wowed thecrowd with their dance team performances. With ticketand t-shirt sales, the four schools were able to make adonation to the Norton Breast Health Program in theamount of $22,000!Photo by Elisabeth Russo `02