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Labre: Living the corporal works of mercy

by Gabe Mielke ‘16

Imagine, you’re walking down a thin dirt path weaving in and out of a sparse cover of bushes and trees. On your right an ancient sewer access tunnel, above you, a brooding concrete highway bridge. The path sits at the top of a gently sloping ridge that ends in a long overgrown and blocked off access road. You carry four freshly cooked hot dogs in your hands. Then, you finally see it through the brush – your goal. The jury rigged yet elaborate, half bed sheet, half waterproof tarp structure that marks the dwelling place of two infinitely kindhearted yet very much in need souls.

This is Labre.

The Saint Benedict Joseph Labre Ministry to the Homeless meets every Sunday, rain or shine, sleet or snow, to share not only food, physical nourishment, but companionship, spiritual nourishment just as well. Labre was founded in 2002 by Mr. Jim Skerl ‘74 and Mr. Edward Nolan, and they have since spent hundreds of Sundays in fellowship with the homeless of Cleveland. Over the years, thousands of students have served in this capacity and now Labre serves about 90 people every week.

The very first Labre Ministry was started here at Saint Ignatius, and the ministry has expanded to a number of other high schools and even universities such as Loyola University Chicago, John Carroll University, and Case Western Reserve University.

The average weekly Labre process starts with the Thursday Christian Action Team meeting at 3:05 p.m. This is where students sign up for not just Labre but all the CAT and Arrupe Service Initiatives. The next step happens on Sunday night around 6:00 p.m. when the students and adults going out for Labre make and bag meals in the Joseph Family Kitchen inside of Gibbons Hall to be given out to those who need them later that night. Following a quick prayer service in St. Mary’s Chapel, the participants load into the vans and begin going about the established routes through the city of Cleveland. Just because the routes are established most definitely does not mean that any two trips on Labre are the same. There are always new people to meet and develop relationships with, even in some of the least expected places such as a parking lot.

Yes, the homeless are very grateful for the food, blankets, clothes, and other supplies that the Labre Ministry brings them. They are even more grateful for something else: the companionship that our students, faculty, and families give to them week after week, which is far more important.

The core of the Labre Ministry is the building of relationships between the homeless and us. Even after some of the friends of Labre move off of the streets, we still visit them to see what’s going on in their lives and share experiences. Food is only a part of it, the relationships built and maintained are the true heart and soul of the Saint Benedict Joseph Labre Ministry to the Homeless.

As Jim Skerl ‘74 puts it, “After you touch the wounds of those in the city tonight, there’s no looking back. Cleveland will never look the same again.”

The new Casino Club’s mission is simple: “just chill and play cards.”

by Ben Delhees ‘17

Saint Ignatius High School boasts over 100 different clubs that are open to any and all students who wish to join. Students at Ignatius are allowed to develop their own clubs based on personal or community interests. As a result, there has been a rising number of new clubs due to the innovative ideas of many students.

The Casino Club, created by junior Mitchell Ewashinka, is one of the many clubs that intend to attract great numbers of students within its first year of existence. The standout aspect of the club is its ability to cater to students’ interests. A student may come to the club and ask to play any type card game that he wishes and, as long as others that want participate, he can play it. The Casino Club is one of a kind because it can adapt to its members’ desires.

Mitchell said he created this club because he noticed that this school lacked a card game club that was fun and flexible. The club’s icon is a group of guys meeting up “to just chill and play cards”. While games may get competitive, the focus of the club is to get guys together who enjoy playing cards and relax doing a hobby that they enjoy. This club has yet to have their first actual meeting where they play cards, but they have had an informational meeting. They plan on having two meetings every month.

Mitchel Ewashinka is just one example of the creativity and innovative spirit that St. Ignatius embodies. He was able to turn his love of card games into a club for all to enjoy. Club creation also shows the freedom given to students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom.

Based on the number of new clubs at St. Ignatius High School, students are fully taking advantage of the ability to create their own clubs. Allowing students to create their own clubs and pursue their ambitions benefits both the school and its students alike.

Homecoming 2014 Receives Mixed to “Glowing” Response from Students

by Gabe Mielke ‘16

Two gyms. One night. Countless hours of preparation. 789 couples. 104 pieces of neon paint splattered black paper. Over $1,000.00 made by Mitchell’s Ice Cream. More than twenty assorted neon and black lights. A single, massive, neon American Flag.

This accurately describes the atmosphere and overall experience of Saint Ignatius High School’s 2014 homecoming dance. This year’s dance sported a seductive combination of America and neon as its theme, appropriately titled: “America A Glowbal Power.”

The student response to this year’s theme was great, with 789 bids having been sold by the Student Senate.

“The music definitely could have been better, I would’ve like to hear more hip-hop and recently released music,” Dre’Mont Jones ‘15 said of the dance.

Jones wasn’t alone in his negative review of the music choices. Nate Keirn ‘16 strongly agreed stating, “The music was subpar at best, I requested the song “Blue Monday” seven times and it was never played!”

Conversely, Brock Yoho ‘16 argued, “The music was much better than last year’s, I was shaking it all over the dance floor.”

Despite the mixed reviews on the music, this year’s vibrant decorations and addition of Mitchell’s Ice Cream were greatly appreciated. “The decorations this year were pretty solid, the music was decent, and Mitchell’s Ice Cream was spot on,” said Joe Mertens ‘15.

The most talked about occurrence of the night, however, was arguably the fire alarm that went off in Sullivan Gymnasium, and the subsequent evacuation onto Lorain Avenue within the first hour of the dance. Theories have been circulating about what caused the alarm ranging from the fog machine in Sullivan Gym to an unwitting student accidentally opening a designated emergency exit. “The dance was a lot of fun, but the fire alarm going off was the best part,” said Michael Hyland ‘18.

Student Senate moderator, Mr. Bill Kelly ‘62, thought this year’s dance was very well executed and applauded the Student Senate Slate members, especially President Pat Mulach ‘15, on their hard work in preparation for the event. On his opinion of the execution of the event, Secretary Connor Schumacher ‘15 said, “There was a lot more enthusiasm surrounding the dance than there usually is, I don’t know if it was because of the theme or the fact that Mitchell’s Ice Cream was there this year. It definitely turned out the way we wanted it to.”

Ultimately, Ryan Mullin ‘17 described Homecoming 2014 best by saying it was “no doubt, most definitely, undeniably, a downright banger.”

Fr. Murphy Moving On; Saint Ignatius to Begin Search for New President

For the second time in a decade, Saint Ignatius High School will be looking for a new leader.

In a letter to members of the Ignatius community, Fr. William Murphy, SJ announced Thursday that he will be leaving his position as President at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

“I’m a little bit surprised to be honest. Fr. Murphy was an excellent president,” said Matt Coric ’15. “Everything he did was behind the scenes, so it was hard for us students to recognize just how much he has done for this school- a very humble man.”

In his letter to the student body, Fr. Murphy explains that the provincial Jesuit of the Chicago-Detroit area, Rev. Brian Paulson S.J., is directed him to prepare for a new ministry and for tertianship. “Tertianship refers to the period of preparation for final vows in the Society of Jesus,” informs Fr. Murphy.

During tertianship, the Jesuit studies the most important documents of the Society of Jesus and spends 30 days in silence during a retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises, the retreat St. Ignatius himself created.

A Presidential Search Committee will be formed in coming weeks and will include members of the Board of Regents, as well as representatives of the faculty and staff, alumni and other members of the Ignatius community. It is not known exactly when a new president will be announced, but Fr. Murphy anticipates a new president will be in place before the start of the school in August 2015.

“I’ve only experienced one year with him, but I am surprised to see him leave,” affirmed Zach Small ’17.”Walking around the halls, he was always smiling and would always make sure to say hi.”

Coric and Small both agreed that the next president needs to have strong leadership, and they would like to see a president who is interactive with the students.

In the meantime, Fr. Murphy intends to keep his focus on Ignatius’ future–the school is in the middle of developing a new strategic plan–and engaging directly with students in his history class and school masses.

Fr. Murphy continues to inspire the students and emphasize that our desires and God’s desire are one, and challenges us as Fr. Welsh does to answer the question “What does God want from me?”

“When people ask me the best thing about my job, I tell them that I get to be with the best people all the time,” said Fr. Murphy. “I doubt that I’ll ever be a part of anything like it ever again.”

The Eye will sit down for an interview with Fr. Murphy soon to discuss his transition and relfect upon his years at Saint Ignatius.

Senior Nathan Griffin Commits To Notre Dame

Griffin after being named the 2014 Tennis State Champion

By Sam Royer ’15

While most seniors are still dealing with the stress of figuring out which schools they want to apply to, 2014 tennis state champion Nathan Griffin ’15 has completed his search after committing to the University of Notre Dame earlier this week.

“So proud to say that I have officially committed to the University of Notre Dame to play tennis and continue my studies. I could not be more excited for what’s to come,” Griffin announced via Instagram on Monday night.

Griffin began talking to coaches last year, meeting with Notre Dame, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, University of Chicago, and Lake Forest to name some.

“Things started speeding up in the summer because we started having big tournaments and the coach would come in town and watch me practice. Towards the end of the summer he told me that I’d have a spot on the team and I could commit whenever I was ready,” Griffin said.

Griffin admitted he’s most excited for the shift from high school to college tennis. “In college, everybody wants everybody on the team to get better and it’s not as much of a competition – it’s more of a team.”

Griffin had always known he wanted to play tennis in college, but what really drew him to Notre Dame was its balance. “I wanted to be at a school where the academics are very important but at the same time I wanted to be somewhere I really enjoyed and liked being there. And that’s what happened with Notre Dame. Everything fell into place.”

Wildcats dominant in pro sports

by Bill Huesken ’14

Every Ignatius student has heard Brian Hoyer’s name, a name fervently repeated by Browns fans hoping for relief from season after season of drudgery. The 2004 graduate is, despite the Manziel media circus, on track to be the Browns starting quarterback this fall.

But names like Derek Dietrich, Justin Morrow, and Tim Mack are far less frequently repeated on campus. The school’s numerous successful athletic programs have sent many talented athletes on to the next level. But these three, in baseball, soccer, and pole vault, respectively, have reached the top levels in their sports. Their time at Ignatius was, for each, instrumental to their later success.

Derek Dietrich, ’07, was taken in the third round of the 2007 MLB draft by the Astros but opted to play collegiately with Georgia Tech. He signed with the Rays after being chosen in the second round of the 2010 draft. After the 2012 season, Dietrich was traded to the Miami Marlins, with whom he made his Major League debut in 2013. He made the 2014 Opening Day roster and has seen regular playing time holding down second base while veteran Rafael Furcal rehabs from an injury.

Dietrich currently sports a .241 batting average with three home runs and 11 RBI in 28 games. He figures into the Marlins’ long-term plans. A star for the Ignatius team, Coach Brad Ganor spoke of him as a player with the “drive and the passion to succeed.”

“He was great student, but his main focus was to be an MLB player, and he never let anything get between him and his dream,” Ganor said.

Justin Morrow ’06 was an All-American at Ignatius, helping lead the Soccer Cats to two state championships in 2004 and 2005, and and a national championship in ’05. He served as a captain his senior year, went on to play for Notre Dame, and earned Big East Academic All Star awards his sophomore and junior years while being named the team captain his senior year of college. An MLS All-Star in 2012 with the San Jose Earthquakes, he was traded before the 2014 season to Toronto FC, where the hope is that his play at left back can help to change the team’s fortunes.

Like Dietrich, Morrow stood out not just because of talent.

“Talent gets you so far,” said Coach Mike McLaughlin. “But ultimately, what separates a guy is his will and desire to compete. Justin was always talented, and as he went through high school and college, he really discovered the importance of working hard to be his best every day. “

Tim Mack, ’90, is a different story. At the high school level he was a talented but not exceptional pole vaulter. His high school record was 13 feet, 6 inches. He never made the state meet and signed to compete collegiately at Malone University near Canton.

He would, however, become more and more talented as he aged. He transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he won the 1995 NCAA Indoor Pole Vault title.

After failing to make the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, Mack earned a spot on the 2004 team for the Athens games. Once in Greece, not only did he win the gold medal, Mack set what was, at the time, the Olympic record at 19 feet, 6¼ inches.

After competing professionally for several more years, Mack now resides in Tennessee, coaching talented pole vaulters from around the country.

The vast majority of high school stars go on to lead lives influenced b y sports, but not dominated by them. But a school the size of Ignatius has produced several athletes who have not just great talent, but also great work ethics. The combination of those two traits has allowed them to succeed as they have, earning professional contracts, acclaim, and even gold medals.

Class Competition Day 2014 another success

By John Dorow ‘15

Following last year’s highly successful inaugural Class Competition Day, praised as a fan-favorite among the students and teachers, Mr. Hess, in conjunction with Student Senate, went to work on creating another day filled with games and healthy competition.

According to President Zupan, Student Senate and Mr. Hess gathered early on the morning of May 16th to “work so that everything fell seamlessly into place so the students could have the best day possible.”

For everyone else, the day officially began with students gathering for mass presided by Fr. Ross Pribyl S.J. Before the dismissal from Mass, everyone said goodbye to Fr. Canfield and Fr. Styles, with each departing priest given personal gifts, memorial videos, and standing ovations. “It was a great way to honor two Jesuits who have been indispensable to the campus,” said Danny Klein ’15.

Afterwards, the games began. In total, there were over sixty events, ranging from Archery to Zenn. While there was a suitable event for each and every student, students were also given the option to opt out of playing games in favor of watching Man of Steel in the Breen Center.

Schoolwide, students praised the high enjoyment of the games themselves. Otto Watana ’15 appreciated the day because “it had so many games that everyone could have a great time and relax.”

Following the conclusion of the games, the school reassembled in Murphy gym for the announcing of the winners of each game. At the rally, students were able to witness the finals of some events, most notably the crowd-pleasing Teacher Impersonations and the high intensity Tug-of-War. When all was said and done, the Seniors walked away with the illustrious class competition trophy, which President Zupan described as “a moment of perfection.”

When asked about the success of his creation, which required countless hours to organize, Mr. Hess proudly responded, “Lots of schools have field days…ours needs to be bigger and better than anyone else’s. I believe we have that.”

 

Editors note: check out this storify story to see the day through twitter’s eyes– https://storify.com/SIHSEye/class-competition-day-2014#publicize

Wildcats of the Year: Four men for others

By Sam Royer ‘15

This year, The Eye has decided to spotlight the student in each class who has done the most to positively impact campus in the 2013-14 school year. Following voting from their classmates, Ryan Mullin ‘17, Liam Eichenberg ‘16, Danny Ertle ‘15, and De’ Shaun Adair ‘14 have received the title Wildcat of the Year for their respective class.

Only a freshman, Ryan Mullin, a St. Raphael alum, is a member of the football team, CAT team, and has participated in the Christmas food drive. Along with these contributions, earlier in the year, Ryan was elected a senator of the freshman class and just recently he was reelected for next year. Ryan feels he’s made an impact through trying to get to know all of his classmates and getting involved in school functions. “I feel I have created a positive environment at Saint Ignatius by trying to make people laugh or smile wherever I go. If they’re having a bad day I’ll try to use humor to brighten them up,” Ryan said.

It didn’t take long for sophomore Liam Eichenberg to make an impact on Ignatius. Offensive tackle for the football team, Liam gained attention following his freshman year when he was offered a scholarship to Ohio State at just fifteen. Committed to giving his all to Ignatius football, Liam feels that he has been named Wildcat of the Year by working hard, setting goals, and being disciplined. “I am honored with this award and I plan on working even harder on and off the field for the rest of my life,” Liam said. Liam’s classmates aren’t the only ones who believe he deserves the award. Mr. Eynon ‘99 admitted, “Liam has the most impressive collection of NASCAR gear I’ve ever seen.”

Coming from Ruffing West, Danny Ertle ‘15 is what you might call a well-rounded student. Ertle has an impressive list of activities at Ignatius ranging from Arrupe Catpack, Paulbearers, and Ganzaga Society to SIBN, Student Senate, and Entrepreneur’s Club. Danny believes his impact “stems from getting involved early and staying active in the school.” “There are so many opportunities available here, and I’ve always tried to take advantage of them,” Danny said. Mr. Kelley ‘62  wasn’t the least bit surprised to hear Danny received the Wildcat of the Year award because of his “even temper and good sense of humour.” “I have a list of good things to say about Danny. He’s a very kind person and knows how to treat people, and I think the students can see that,” Mr. Kelley said. While Danny is honored to receive the award from his classmates, he thinks it’s important to not overlook all the students and teachers who make a difference. “This school is such a special place, and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Danny said.

Finally, the senior recipient of the Wildcat of the Year award, De’ Shaun Adair, is what Principal Bradesca calls “the epitome of a lived faith.” Adair is a member of the Catotonics, and is involved in Chorus, Ganzaga Society, Friends with L’Arche and Greeters among other clubs. While honored, De’ Shaun protested that he is “only doing what my parents have raised me to do and what I know I am to do as an Ignatius man and most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ. According to Bradesca, De’ Shaun “embodies what we desire for all of our graduates, namely a life dedicated to principles of faith, hope, and love. De’Shaun makes me truly proud every time I see him.” On making a positive impact, De’ Shaun said, “I try my best to be kind to everyone. I feel that I am only a small portion of the people who have created a positive environment. And it’s simple… I smile at everyone, I always try my best to encourage those I see, and I remind my peers that they are loved by God and those around them including me!”

The common thread that runs through all four Wildcats of the Year is a commitment to scholastic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and one thing that can’t be measured on a résumé: care for others.

BYOT changes in store for Fall 2014: phones out, laptops and tablets in

by Brandon Borges ‘15

Saint Ignatius High School will require that all students bring a non-cellular device to school beginning in the 2014-15 school year, a drastic change to the school’s Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) program. All incoming freshmen and current students from the junior level down will have to acquire a device with screen dimensions of at least nine-and-a-half inches in length.

The technology requirement has been discussed extensively by the school administration and reflects a new consensus about the ways that internet connectivity can improve learning. Mr. Jarc, the school’s Education Technology specialist, said that the new requirement will dramatically expand the possibilities available to teachers.

“Teachers are able to use the internet and other tools [such as] laptops, iPads, and chromebooks [that students will] bring to make advances in the way students do presentations, collab projects, and other projects,” Mr. Jarc explained.

While the school has provided laptops in limited numbers in the past, the new BYOT policy will mean that teachers can now rely on students to have a means of instantly researching factual questions that come up in class, working on essays, watching videos, or otherwise participating in interactive digital learning experiences.

The changes in the BYOT program are also due to coming alterations to state testing policy.

“The OGTs soon will be taken online,” Mr. Jarc said, “and with the new BYOT policies in place, the school wouldn’t have to provide the large amount of devices needed for students to take the OGT.”

“One limit to the required devices is the screen of the device has to be nine-and-a-half inches or larger,” Mr. Jarc said, explaining that OGT-specific standards are the basis for the size requirement.

The size limit exclude cellular devices in addition to most small tablets, such as the Barnes & Noble Nook. However, size is the only serious restriction on the devices students will be able to use.

“Students can use a device that they are comfortable with,” Mr. Jarc said. “A student may not like how an iPad feels, but this system will make him more comfortable and bring out his strengths.”

Mr. Jarc said that he is realistic about the wide range of possible responses that the school’s faculty could have to the universal technology requirement.

“I think there will be a mixture of views,” Mr. Jarc said. “While some teachers will enjoy the students having technology on hand, some would react in the manner of ‘Keep those things out of my classroom.’”

Mr. Jarc accepts that the faculty will have differing views about the new technology, and says that that is where he will play an important role.

“My job is to bring the teachers to the program,” he said. Mr. Jarc wants to help teachers accept the new BYOT policy, which will in turn facilitate student adoption of the program.

Jarc stresses that the administration is taking care not to make excessive financial demands by mandating that families splurge on the most expensive possible technology.

“A benefactor has generously donated a large number of new chromebooks, and will continue to do so for a few years. That gift will support some students. Other students will be able to use devices purchased by the school,” Jarc said. “The guidelines for offering devices to families will be in line with needs-based financial aid.”

“We will make it work for all of our students. One way or another, all students will be able to participate in the BYOT program,” he said. “Any student that cannot afford a device will be provided with one by the school.”

The BYOT changes represent a significant shift in the way that Saint Ignatius approaches technology and online education. The device mandate will affect every student, every teacher and every classroom. In 2014-15, Saint Ignatius takes another step into the digital future.

Parting wisdom from the Love Guru

by Love Guru Joe Latkovich

Joe, did you come up with your philosophy on love on your own, or do you ask someone else for advice? Does the Love Guru have his own Love Guru? -Mike Zupan ‘14

As a connoisseur of both love and women, I developed much of my philosophy on my own. However, in the rare circumstances that I do need counsel, I go to the Latin department’s very own Mr. James Murphy ‘99. In fact, a couple weeks ago in class, while playing music on his iPad, he proclaimed, “This song goes out to Joe Latkovich in honor of his search for a prom date. Don’t worry bud, she’s out there.”

 

Love Guru, I have a big problem. My girlfriend dominates our relationship. I’m constantly being forced into doing things I don’t want to do. For instance, I have to read tabloid magazines, pretend that I like Justin Beiber, and watch Pretty Little Liars. I don’t want to end it since I still really like her. What should I do? -Jacob Rossi ‘14

In a perfect world, men wouldn’t have to worry about constant abuse, degradation, and objectification from women, yet, it is a tragic reality in today’s society. However, this abuse may not be a bad thing overall. This deference that you have for your girlfriend contributes to a healthy relationship. Take the advice of Mr. James Murphy ‘99: “Any good marriage is founded on fear.”

 

I have a question about prom. We are off for Memorial Day, which is the day after prom. I’m looking for something to do with the boys that day, but I don’t know what. Can you help? -Kyle Moroney ‘14

When there is no “leak” or “move”, you have to create your own. Try to do something that is basic, but add some competition to it. When a dazed Chris Melton-Burke once lifted his head from his desk to ask if the class could watch a movie on the Friday of that week, Mr. James Murphy ‘99 replied, “We’re doing shirts and skins speed typing, of course.”

 

Love Guru, I’m hoping that you can help me. My ex-girlfriend is ruining my life. She is telling all of my friends that I’m a bad person, and she’s telling all of the girls at her school to stay away from me. I’ve asked her to stop, but that only makes it worse. What should I do? -Brian Callahan ‘14

Since you’ve asked her to stop and she hasn’t, your only choice is to fight fire with fire. You need to lay down an ultimatum that if she continues the slander, then you will reciprocate her actions. When an overly pessimistic Zach Stepp – an up-and-coming manager at Five Guys® – made a malicious statement about Mr. James Murphy’s daughter, Maggie, Mr. Murphy returned “Oh, Zach, if you ever talk about my daughter again, I will tell Five Guys that you spit in the burgers.”

 

Joe, I have a MAJOR problem. My girlfriend recently asked me when I was going to propose to her. I’m only 17, I can’t get married! Even though she’s crazy, I still care for her. Should I break it off? And if not, then what? -Dennis Grosel ‘16

The key here is to be firm in your stance. You need to make it clear that you have no interest in making that commitment at 17. An oddly hopeful Owen Grieves once asked Mr. James Murphy ‘99 when the class could have a bonus test. Mr. Murphy sharply shot back, “Quarter to never. Never o’clock.”

 

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About The Eye

The Eye is the student-led publication of Saint Ignatius High School.

Editors-in-Chief: Kelly Coleman '23, Young Kim '23 & Aidan Oliss '23