by Dominic Gideon ’14

Alumni Column

As students go through their four years of high school, all of them have to face the question, “What am I going to be when I grow up?” For many students, that answer is more vague than when they were little kids, who wanted to be firefighters, circus performers, or future presidents; and Mike Foran ’00 was one of those students.

With all of the growth and self-discovery Mr. Foran experienced during his four years at Ignatius, it seemed like a future career was one of the only things he didn’t have put together by senior year. Mr. Foran graduated from St. Raphael’s and was painfully shy going into Ignatius. Then, throughout high school he went through a social transformation. “I turned from the kid that barely spoke a word to a guy that enjoyed being social with people.” Mr. Foran said.

He also picked up countless life lessons through many of the teachers: “I learned from so many teachers that you want to be as well rounded as possible. I didn’t want to just be someone who was a student or just an athlete.” And he wasn’t, he was both and much more.

Mr. Foran was an all-state wide receiver, a pole vaulter, and a very hardworking student among other things. Mr. Kyle, his coach and uncle, thinks highly of him: “He’s a very focused worker; he’s always been that way. Even as a little kid, if he had something to do, nothing got in his way, and I think that’s still evident in what he’s doing now.”

Along with Coach Kyle, Mr. Foran has a few other teachers in particular he gained wisdom from. He remembers how Mr. Zebrak taught him “that it was cool to be smart”; and other teachers– like Mr. Restifo, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Skerl– taught him and his classmates “how to be men,” “to be confident in who we are,” and “to always strive for excellence.” All of these fantastic influences have helped form who Mr. Foran is today.

After high school, he went to Ohio State and got a political science degree, but left without knowing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. So he went back home and wanted to find a job in Cleveland rather than move elsewhere like many of his friends. “I didn’t want to be one of those people who left the city I grew up in behind,” Mr. Foran said. And although he still didn’t know what career path to choose he did know one thing: to make a positive effect on his beloved hometown, Cleveland.

Before long, he got his chance to make an impact in Cleveland–he connected with Sam McNulty and some others to start Bier Market on West 25th. This unique restaurant, which opened eight years ago, later sprouted three other very chic and distinct restaurants in Ohio City: Speakeasy, Bar Cento, and Market Garden. Each of these have their own special nuances, but all have a strong connection to Cleveland and local businesses, of which Mr. Foran is very proud.

“That was one of the coolest thing about taking this opportunity here,” said Mr. Foran. “When I went to Ignatius, this was not a neighborhood that you would walk off campus to explore.” Now Ohio City’s businesses are booming and Mr. Foran is no doubt a part of that.

Although not the whole source of his success, Saint Ignatius certainly played a big role in Mr. Foran’s achievements and is glad to call him an alumnus.

by John Selby ’15

The 65 care packages that were recently sent in early November to troops who have been deployed were big success.  These care packages were able to be sent because of the dedicated service of the Saint Michael Company.  The Saint Michael Company’s mission is to support, honor, and appreciate the United States Armed Services especially those who have ties with Saint Ignatius High School.  Sending care packages is just one of the ways the company supports the troops, because the members also pray for them at every meeting and write letters of support to them.  In order to truly appreciate and understand the troop’s incredible service, the company learns about what they do by watching films, having guest speakers, and receiving letters from the troops about their experiences.  Finally, to honor them, the Saint Michael’s Company brings the troop’s service to the attention of others by making sure that people understand the importance of Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.

Thanks to the Saint Michael Company’s moderator Mr. Marty Dybicz, some meaningful reactions toward the care packages are able to be shared with the Saint Ignatius Community. A recent reaction from one of the troops reads:

“I just got all the Thanksgiving boxes, and I must say I am blown away at the kindness and passion that it took to put all that together. I have shared all boxes with my teammates, and they all extend their sincere thanks and gratitude. It is always warming to know that even in war, there are still people that care back home. I know that every item was well needed, and will be put to good use. Once again I cannot thank you enough for the time that it took and selfless sacrifice for everyone involved. From Afghanistan the 151st thanks you!!!”

Another reaction from someone who provided a troop’s name and address reads:

“Our friend in the Army wrote us he cannot believe he received packages with enough items to share with his entire platoon. The timing was perfect. The men just returned from a difficult task lasting a few days. The packages were waiting upon their return. The men celebrated their return with the gifts you placed in the packages. Some of the men cried. This platoon has been in some difficult battles and recently lost a few comrades. Your gifts were most thoughtful. Thanks for showing your support and remembering the troops. Thanks a million!”

The work that the Saint Michael Company does is very important in helping others realize how much they need to appreciate, honor, and support our troops, and the success of the care packages could not have happened without its dedicated members.

Thank you Saint Michael Company, and thank you troops who serve this great country.

by Cole Brownsberger ’14

New wrestling facility and a home for Labre will be ready for next school year, President Murphy says.

Saint Ignatius is slowly expanding, and there have been several new plans to expand our campus. I had the privilege to sit down with Father Murphy and discuss this recent news. He revealed that Ignatius has new plans for the property on Carroll Ave. and W 32nd Street, referred to as the “Foursquare Property”. He also revealed that Saint Ignatius purchased the “Global Finance” building next to Wendy’s.

There had been rumor going around that Ignatius  purchased a church, but most students did not know why or where. The church is formerly known as the Foursquare Church , and it sits on the property on the corner of Carroll Avenue. and W 32nd street along with three other buildings and a little garage. These buildings are a part of an Ohio City Historical District, which favors renovation over demolition. . Father Murphy says, “Renovation can be a long process, and these buildings are in pretty bad shape.”

Only two buildings have immediate plans for renovation, and so far there are no plans for the Foursquare Church. The house next to the church, after renovation, will accommodate and house the new alumni volunteers. The large building next to the house, which was formerly the Church hall, is being transformed into a new wrestling facility. The building has two sections and two floors. The back half of the building is going to be the wrestling center, and the front portion will be house a kitchen and pantry.  The new kitchen will be the home base for the Sunday night Labre ministry meal preparation. . The second floor will contain classroom space and storage space for Labre.  . This building is already under construction The renovation of the wrestling center is supported by generous benefactors from the Ignatius wrestling alumni community. Their names will be revealed when renovation is complete. The renovation of these two buildings will be completed by July 1st, and they will be in use next school year. As for the little garage, the city has given permission for Ignatius to knock it down due to its deteriorated condition. The demolition of the garage will allow for additional and improved parking for school and staff vehicles.

With all of the renovation being done on the Foursquare Property, the Global Finance Building  won’t undergo any construction yet. Purchased in December of 2012, The Global Financial Corporation will continue to lease the building until mid-summer.  Rumors did circulate that this building would be used to accommodate the bookstore. The idea arose earlier this year after the bookstore management was changed. Mrs. Spearry, the new bookstore manager, has brought enthusiasm to the store and has really transformed its image. It has been her goal to move the store out of the school and into a building around campus. However, this idea remains one of many and there are no plans to renovate the building.   The Board of Regents continues to discuss plans for this building, along with the Foursquare Church. Ideas about a new stadium and a parking garage have also been discussed.   as part of a Board-directed campus planning process. The planning process should conclude this spring. The Board will then endorse a comprehensive plan for further discussion with community leaders and neighbors. .

With the exciting renovations of the new property, and the possibilities of plans for the new building and the church, the Saint Ignatius community is looking forward to 2013.

What do the students want? Tweet us @SIHSEye to tell us what you want and visit our website for more details on this story.

by Dominic Gideon ’14

During 4th period on January 30th, while most students were eating lunch in the cafeteria or the atrium, six students went to the Castele room and took the last chance to eat and talk with Principal Dan Bradesca’88. When they got there they were greeted by the principal and a table of delicious food from the cafeteria: pizza, chips, vegetables, and various drinks, all on the house. In exchange for the food they brought conversation to Mr. Bradesca, who happily answered questions, addressed problems, and received ideas and input.

This was all a part of Mr. Bradesca’s plan to interact with the students; the part he misses most about teaching. “I figured this would be a good way that I’d always have interactions with students,” Mr. Bradesca said. “The other reason for doing this is so that I could get input from the guys, because after all they’re the reason why I’m here.

He was very pleased with the outcome of these student lunches. Although the attendance wasn’t very large, they did not lack discussion and thoughts. “The guys feel empowered to share and to talk,” Mr. Bradesca said. “[They] are coming in with ideas about how to do things better, how to improve.”

Among the many good ideas he heard and considered, a few took immediate effect. For example, during the first meeting, one student suggested a blue and gold dress down for finals, and by the end of the day, Mr. Bradesca went on the PA to announce that that idea would be a reality.

In addition to being receptive, he asked some questions as well; giving those students the inside scoop and sought their opinions. The biggest being his plan for town hall meetings. These would be public gatherings for all students to, as Mr. Bradesca put it, “come and voice concerns or ideas about what we should do in school to improve student climate.” The questions would go to Mr. Bradesca and other administration, such as Mr. Hennessey and Fr. Murphy.

From the food to the discussions to the accessibility of the principal, these lunches were very well received. They showed the students that they can have a voice and make change no matter how big the school is. The students were happy as well as Mr. Bradesca. “One of the things you have to do as a principal,” he said, “is to avoid being stuck in the office and not really knowing what’s going on.” And that’s exactly what he has done.

by Ryan Linker ’14

“Wait… you’re selling bricks? Why?” This is a common question members of the Saint Ignatius Entrepreneur Academy (SIENTA) get, and rightfully so. Why are these students trying to sell bricks? Well in order to raise money, the club members wanted to sell something original that they knew would fly off the shelves. The moderator, Mr. Hess, suggested that they sell the abundance of bricks that are piled all around campus (yes, these are the bricks that Mr. Hennessy uses to burden Saturday jug miscreants). Nobody on campus, not even Mr. Hennessy, knew just how important these bricks are.

The bricks were manufactured by the Robinson Clay Products Co. of Akron, Ohio. They were used for street surfacing at the 1893 Chicago World’s fair. The Chicago World’s Fair was a six-month-long fair celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus arriving in America, and it also was where Edison’s invention of electricity was first made public to the world. The bricks reflect the celebration in a way of their own. Stamped into the bricks is a picture of Christopher Columbus discovering the “New World.” For their design, the bricks won the award for the best brick at the fair.

The bricks that were not used were brought to Cleveland and used to pave West 30th Street, which happens to be the road from which our beloved mall is formed. In the recent remodeling of the mall, the majority of the bricks were replaced and stacked around campus or thrown away. Luckily SIENTA got to market these unusual pieces of history.

The club has sold around 80 bricks and has made over $1600 dollars in revenue. All the bricks are lacquered and feature metal plaques on them that say, “Your own personal piece of West 30th.” With the bricks only being $20 and readily available at the bookstore, owning a special piece of your school’s and country’s history has never been so easy!