WINTER 2021
Spirit st. pau l's high school
President's Message spirit of solidarity
A
s I reflect on the last few months, I am reminded of our school community’s incredible capacity for resiliency and our ability to move forward in tough times. Certainly, this last year was dominated by the changing responses to the second and third waves of the COVID – 19 pandemic in our province. However, our community continues to find many moments of triumph over adversity. At St. Paul’s High School, overcoming adversity, building resiliency, and moving forward through tough times is never meant to be experienced alone nor in a solitary way. It is in community and through our brotherhood that we are meant to stand tall TOGETHER! For me, this is the essence of what we commonly call our Crusader Spirit! This edition of the CRUSADER Magazine celebrates this indomitable spirit. There is an old saying that there is strength in numbers. To stand alone for a cause is hard, but to stand with a group gives us strength, purpose, and identity. Jesus knew that. He knew that his mission would be accomplished more easily if many individuals banded together as one body to give strength and support to one another. The Class of 2021, like their brothers the year before, had their senior year seriously altered. Unlike other graduating classes in the history of the school, they lost the opportunity to play their final high-school game, perform one last time on stage, and participate in their favourite clubs and activities. Most importantly, they did not have the opportunity to be recognized for many of their achievements in keeping with the traditional way we would do for our graduands. Yet, through all of this they kept the faith, finished the race and embodied Crusader Spirit; a spirit of solidarity, perseverance, and courage that helped them to flourish against all odds through these defining events. The Spring of 2022 welcomes a rejuvenation and re-birth of activities here at St. Paul’s High School. Although not yet normal, there is a return of activities that have been dormant for almost two years. Our staff and students have responded with that same Crusader Spirit of old. Our students are taking every opportunity to be involved, to serve and to do so together. Our staff, through their generosity, are showing us their love through their deeds in bringing back opportunities for students to grow their Crusader Spirit. Magis is an Ignatian term and it means striving for excellence, a determination to do more, an unwillingness to settle for the familiar or status quo. Magis is the drive behind the Crusader Spirit. It is magis that prepares all of us so well for this time in our history. It is because of this that I look forward to the future with great optimism and promise. I firmly believe that we will come through this and be a better, deeper, and stronger community and school. Go CRU!
Kevin Booth '78 President
"they kept the faith, finished the race and embodied Crusader Spirit; a spirit of solidarity, perseverance and courage that helped them flourish against all odds through these defining events." St. Paul’s High School 2200 Grant Ave Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P8 204.831.2300 contact-us@stpauls.mb.ca
2
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
St. Paul's High School President Kevin Booth '78 kbooth@stpauls.mb.ca Principal Bob Lewin blewin@stpauls.mb.ca
board of directors
Chair Jennifer Moncrieff Kevin Booth '78 Tanya Brothers Oliver Capko, S.J. Rhonda Chorney Damiano Coniglio Brendon Corbett '04 Afaf Khokar Jason Kopytko '88 Fr. Frank Obrigewitsch, SJ Fr. Robert Polz '80 Sr. Lesley Sacouman, SNJM Andrew Stibbard Jamie Wilson
the crusader Editor & Design Amanda Camara acamara@stpauls.mb.ca Copy Editor Samantha Eadie Larry Franz Contributors Kevin Booth ’78 Amanda Camara Myles Cesario ’21 Alec Compton ’22 Samantha Eadie Larry Franz Harris Gompf '22 Khephren Gould ’22 Evan Hirst ’22 Darla Hooker Alex Judge Emmanuel—David Kwilu-Kama ’21 Rob Puchniak ’89 Jeremy Semchyshyn ’13 Matthew Semchyshyn ’09 Tommy Semchyshyn ’16 Severyn Shved ’22 Dustin Spiring ’13 Jeff Swystun ’83 Yash Varma ’24 The Wynne Family – Zach ’21
the crusader
m a g a z i n e f o r t h e a l u m n i , p a r e n t s & f r i e n d s o f S t. P a u l’ s H i g h S c h o o l
04 06 08 10 11 18 26 27 28 30 34 35
Around the School: Activities & Clubs Go Forth & Set the World on Fire: The Class of 2021 AMDG: For the Greater Glory of God The Common Journey Crusader Spirit: It Binds us Together The Faces of Crusader Spirit V-I-C-T-O-R-Y Making of a Mascot The Alumni Corner Fr. Holland's Corner In Memoriam Remembering Sébastien Ritchot – Class of 2022
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
3
Around the School activities & Clubs
Cross Country
Alec Compton '22
Crusader Cross Country had a fantastic season. The weekly Cross-Country schedule consisted of a morning run one day, a meet in the afternoon another day, and a conditioning session at Garbage Hill on Saturdays. We participated in four meets, placing excellently in all of them. The meets were dominated by St. Paul’s runners, with Junior Varsity taking home first place by points in all four race and Varsity winning the two most recent meets. This success is thanks to the dedication of the coaches, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Chipman, and Mr. Capko. The coaching staff showed an unparalleled dedication to bettering the team. The final race planned, the Crusader Cup, served as a replacement to provincials and was a race exclusively between Crusader Cross-Country Runners. The Crusader Cup was a hard-fought race and ended in a win for team orange, captained by Ryan Kulbacki. Following the race were awards, where many cross country runners received trophies and plaques for their accomplishments. Although provincials being cancelled is disappointing, it opened the possibility of a continuation of the season in the spring, something I’m sure all of the runners are hopeful for.
Maroon & White
Khepron gould '22
With the 2021-22 school year well underway, the Maroon and White Society has completed numerous initiatives with great success and are working diligently on new ones. The most significant endeavor has been organizing a week-long educational campaign for the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Walking down the main hallway of St. Paul’s, students stopped and reflected on the Truth and Reconciliation display which included over 600 orange hearts portraying prayers and petitions of students and staff under the theme “Our Hearts Go Out to Our Indigenous Brothers and Sisters”. In addition, on display was a wampum belt given to St. Paul’s High School from Mrs. Melanie Richard Martin who led our first Truth & Reconciliation workshop. During the week-long campaign, students were invited to take home orange ribbons or display their ribbons on the fence in the northwest corner of our school campus. Other projects the Maroon and White Society are involved in include a Blood Donation Initiative in which we set a goal of 65 blood donations before the end of the calendar year. We are already at 52 donations and welcome members of our community to join the St. Paul’s High School Partners for Life team. The Society also partnered with Drop the Gloves, an organization that collects used hockey equipment for children in need. We plan to create many more partnerships like this in the months to come. Finally, the Maroon and White hosted our first mission week in support of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Haiti. All funds raised were directed to support the victims of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14, 2021. Stay tuned for further Maroon and White initiatives.
Photography club
Severyn Shved ’22
From its founding by Mr. Joel Adair in 2017, St. Paul’s High School’s photography club has been a small group of students and staff who are interested in photography, willing to share their knowledge, and grow as photographers. Initially, the photography club was mainly focused on capturing the moments of school life and extra-curricular activities for the yearbook. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020 and students moved into remote learning, the photography club slightly changed its vector to include projects and activities that are outside the yearbook. Those activities include photo challenges, field trips, and educational sessions. In the past year, the members of the photography club have been challenged to take pictures on different themes to develop their creativity, and visited the Assiniboine Park Zoo to practice taking pictures and to become better acquainted. This school year, the group is expanding; welcoming many freshmen that are expected to take over from the students from the class of 2022. PHOTO BY SAWYER RAMSAY '24
4
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Truth & Reconciliation week St. Paul’s held a Truth & Reconciliation Week during September. Throughout the week, students participated in educational opportunities of remembrance and reconciliation.They kicked off the week with “Project of Heart,” a reflection-based practice where students shared their knowledge, experience, and promise of pursuing truth and reconciliation on orange hearts displayed throughout the school. Later, we held an assembly where Mr. Stacy Dainard ’88 led us through a “Water and Indigenous Communities” presentation on how students can become #WarriorsofChange. The Maroon & White Society also hosted a workshop with Mrs. Melanie Richard-Martin to educate us on the meaning behind The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The week allowed our community to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, develop a shared understanding of our past and the path to reconciliation, and allowed us to walk alongside our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
Volleyball Harris gompf ’22
Although experiencing an upset early on in provincials, the varsity boys volleyball team proved to have a great season. We were able to finish as WWAC champions and ranked second heading into provincials. We won a few tournaments and had many top three finishes. The team easily bonded and everyone had a great relationship with each other. Which made playing on the court even more fun. With four graduating all stars the team held lots of talent. However, we weren’t able to get the finish we were hoping for. Thanks to the coaching staff for making this year one to remember! Coaches: Dustin Spiring, Evan Alexander, Lloyd Voth, Denis Tsaidrink.
Football
Evan Hirst ’22
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Crusader Football took a one-year hiatus before returning the fall of 2021. Due to Covid-19, the Winnipeg High School Football League and each respective team had to make adaptations for the changing restrictions. For St. Paul’s that meant no formal tryouts, no training camp, and no maroon and white game. St Paul’s played a condensed five-week season before a two round playoff bracket. In week zero St. Paul’s faced the Oak Park Raiders in an exhibition match at Oak Park in which St. Paul’s lost 16-17. By week zero, both teams had not installed their full playbooks and played without special teams except punt and punt return. The remainder of the season was highly defensive and the offense took its time to get rolling. The St. Paul’s Crusaders improved every week. The Crusaders clinched playoffs against Oak Park in week 5, with a win leading them to the semi-finals. This harrowing season ended in defeat as the Crusaders lost in the semi-finals against Grant Park. Earlier in the season, the St. Paul’s community was saddened to hear the passing of Scott Naujoks ‘09, a former Crusader, offensive coordinator, and University of Manitoba Bison’s receiver coach. Scott was widely respected as a coach for his dedication to the development of his players. In his 29 years with the community, Scott changed the lives of several athletes through his work. THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
5
Go Forth & Set the World on Fire C E L E B R AT I N G T H E C l a s s o f 2 0 2 1
B
oys, we finally did it. We survived four years—nearly 800 school days! But, there were times where we doubted ourselves and we didn’t think we would make it. I think back to freshman orientation, and all the nerves I felt. There were so many people and new faces yet I knew none of them and felt alone. You had the SJB kids on the left, the Charleswood survivors on the right, and everything in between. To this day I thank God that Ben Timmons had faster reflexes than me when Mr. Watson asked for a volunteer to act as the bell during the fire drill. That would have been a hard moment to live down. Coming from a small, fully French school in Windsor Park that most of you have never heard of, I was so intimidated by the size of this school and the weight that its name alone carried. I wasn’t sure if I was gonna be able to succeed here, and compete with more seasoned private school students and I know that many of you felt the same way. Then I think of the first day of class— period 1 ELA—and I was blessed enough to be with the one and only Mr. Tyler Kelsch. I remember a bunch of short, skinny, pimple-faced 14 year olds walking in one after the other with so much fear in our eyes. Then, poor Owen Fenton had to be the one kid that got lost and showed up after the bell. For some reason, he thought he was Justin Timberlake in NSYNC and had brought back the frosted tips. Kelsch didn’t hesitate to flame him about the fact that his eyebrows did not match his hair colour. I saw Owen standing there like a deer in headlights and at that moment I knew this was gonna be a great school. And over four years, we’ve lived through so many different moments together, both good and bad. As Scott Lillie put it, we watched the school drag in a stranger off the streets to teach us history; although he did turn out to be a pretty great guy. We raided the football locker room for snacks at night during TFR. We got caught
6
raiding the locker room for snacks at night during TFR.
say that I was a part of this group of men.
The adventures of the grounds’ crew at the mall in grade 10, the Virgin Mary statue mysteriously breaking in the chapel (and Ms. Kochanski losing it on us because of it), Farouk turning the bathroom into a barbershop and giving people egregious haircuts, watching the football team win the Anavets bowl in the snow, watching CruPuck A comeback and win in OT against Massey in the playoffs, homecoming…and the events after homecoming (glad you’re ok Owen), and so many more.
As I conclude my speech, I’d like to leave you all with a quotation from Pope Saint John the 23rd that I hope will serve as guidance for you all in years to come:
I am honoured to have been chosen as valedictorian but there so many more who could have taken my place. We have Michael Tan and Avery Stubbings who might just be the two smartest people in this city. Then you have D1 athletes such as Zachary Lytle, or our very own three star recruit Trae Tomlinson. I could stand here and name all of our various achievements, but we would be here till tomorrow. That is a testament to the talent and potential that this group of men has. As I look out into this crowd of vehicles, through the windshields and tinted windows, I see our future doctors, lawyers, politicians, professional athletes, and even teachers, and I couldn’t be more proud to say that I am a member of this group. No matter where life takes you gentlemen, I want you to think back to all of your trials and tribulations at St. Paul’s. Think to our first exams in grade 9 where most of us had 10 different exams to study for! It seemed like an insurmountable task at the time, yet we got through it. Many of us took university level courses. My AP English boys, I know you’ve had enough of William Zinsser. Calculus boys, I know we might cry if we’re asked to find one more darn integral. It seemed like it was too hard, and we questioned why we even signed up for these courses…but we got through it. And we survived our two hardest years of school during a global pandemic! Look at us now! We got through all of it! And that’s exactly what it means to be a Crusader. We fought the good fight, we ran the good race, and we kept the faith. I couldn’t be prouder to
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” Thank you St. Paul’s. Thank you teachers and staff. Most importantly, class of 2021, my boys, my brothers, thank you. Thank you for these amazing four years. They say the best part about St. Paul’s is the brotherhood, and I couldn’t agree more. Wherever life may take us, know that you will forever have family in me. I love you, thank you! Emmanuel-David Kwilu-Kama ’21 Valedictorian
Congratulations
Abera,Beiment Abiusi,Jackson Adair,Evan Arndt,Kelby Arnould,Allan Audino,Marcello Baines,Jacob Barnet,Tristan Barrientos,Bruce Bazan,Marcus Bennett,Jack Bergmann,Nicholas Bielik,David Bielik,Joseph Borger,Lukas Bowden,Declan Brar,Eknoor Brennan,James Brigg,Benjamin Byers,Jordan Calista,Luca Caparas,Cedric Jan Caputi,Chazz Carlson,Matthew Cesario,Myles Choi,Jun-Hyeok Cholakis,Alexander Christie-Stewart,Nathan Chugunov,Edward Cianflone,Tazio Cornick,Harrison Coward,Khalil Cruz,Jerick Cudmore,Mason D'Souza,Hermon Dainard,Tristan Danilis,Demetrios DeBlaere,Andrew Desai,Manav DeStefano,Mateo DeStefano,Nicolas Dhillon,Rajdeep Doherty,Connor Dowhanik,Dominic Doyle,Cole Dreger,Brandon El-Matary,Basem Ellerbrock,Benjamin Engel,Harry Fenton,Owen Filuk-Scott,Jack Fiorino,Antonio Frederickson,Alex Gagro,Takeo Garcia Recio,Juan Pablo Gesinde,David Girard,Eric Golas,Anthony Goodman,Joseph Grant-Baldwin,Carson Griffith,Skyler Griffiths,Logan Grospe,Alvin Halayko,Jonathan Hibbert,Cameron Hoeschen,Benjamin Hooker,Hugh Houston,Paul Hu,Ray Hueging,Ryland Hwang,Seungjoo Jaquet,Brady Johnson,Owen Jones,Kaya
Karahalios,Theodore Kaul,Matthew Koskie,Noah Kwilu-Kama,Emmanuel-David Larson,Matthew Las,Sebastian Lawrence,Joseph Lee,Michael Lee,Seokhyun Light,Kieran Lillie,Scott Liu,Tianshuo Lyon,MacKenna Lytle,Zachary MacDonald,Liam MacKenzie,Duncan MacMillan,Alexander Makkar,Navmeet Marana,Benjamin Marlatt,Christian Martin,Anthony McClinton,Allisdair McConnell,Caelum McCullough,Liam McEvoy,Patrick Menec,Samuel Mohamed,Farouk Mollot,Samuel Muloin,Daniel Myers,William Normandeau,Dylan Onyiuke,Alexander Opanubi,Oluwafemi Opiola,Hunter Ostermann,Aiden Paterson,Kai Patterson,Aiden Penner,Samuel Pereira,Nicholas Perez,Neil Remmeil Peters,Kieran Petrie,Jack Piche,Hayden Pinpin,Vicente Polet,Jonah Ponsin,Aurelien Pyo,Seung Min Rakowski,Ivan Rehsia,Maheep Robertson-Stovel,Logan Romero,Jordan Keith Scott,Robert Stasiuk,Andrew Stubbings,Avery Surinx,Tyson Swinton,Serhiy Swistun,Nicholas Tachie,Kevin Tan,Michael Tavares,Austin Teklezghi,Biniam Thiessen,Peter Tkaczyk,Zorian Tomlinson,Trae Tonthat,Kenneth Vaccaro,Giordano Van Norman,Lucas Vandewater,Richard Vicari-Rosenberg,Charles Waller,Jared Watson,Nolan Wiebe, Beaudy Zeid, Mohammed
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
7
AMDG: For the Greater Glory of God
W
hen I attended St. Paul’s there was one reality that was present in everyone’s life including my own, that being religious life. Being a devout Catholic and attending St Paul’s allowed me to go to daily mass, confession, to pray daily, and learn about my faith in religion class which has helped me enormously determine my relationship with God and has helped me on the path in discerning my vocation. I still remember how in my Grade 9 year, former President Fr. Len Altilia S.J. came to all the Grade 9 classes to give a crash course on who the Jesuits were, and basically explained Jesuit spirituality and the school’s history. It was that moment that I learned, “maybe this school takes religion a bit differently.” As the months moved on, the school’s spirituality showed when it came to school masses and the content I was learning in my classes. But a lesson that always repeated itself was that on every test, quiz, project, assignment, or quite frankly any piece of paper that came from my teachers came with the letters AMDG, which stands for Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
class felt like a brotherhood. They knew each other’s names and could talk with each other easily. It was this moment that I realized the same thing was happening with my classmates. We were forging bonds, like a brotherhood. Up until that moment brotherhood had been mentioned to me by my teachers, but it was in that discussion that brotherhood felt real, that it was actually happening. But as we all know the 2019-2020 school year had another event the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all know the pandemic hit hard shutting down the school, but even when I was online the school maintained its spirituality and its teachings of brotherhood and community, albeit through a screen. It was out of the COVID-19 pandemic that I saw the school’s religious spirit that had defined my early years, in action. In the darkest moments of isolation, it was St. Paul’s lesson that we are never alone when we do things for God, that really stuck with me as I struggled finding a routine in a pandemic classroom.
" But a lesson that always repeated itself was that on every test, quiz, project, assignment, or quite frankly any piece of paper that came from my teachers came with the letters AMDG. No matter what I did, no matter who I talked to, it must be done for the Great Glory of God. "
No matter what I did, no matter who I talked to, it must be done for the Great Glory of God. A glory that strengthens, that comforts and a glory that is everlasting. This does not mean that the St. Paul’s spirit of religious education ends when the school year did, on the contrary; in the summer between Grade 10 and 11 - I went on a trip with a few students to Quebec. There we met with other Jesuit schools from around Quebec and Boston, MA. In this retreat I bonded with my fellow Crusaders and learned about brotherhood. As the retreat was ending, the group sat down and discussed our experiences. In our discussion, the other students discussed how their entire
8
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
During my last year of high school, I was blessed by being elected as President of the Maroon and White Society; I was in charge of leading my brothers to fulfilling our mission, to serve God through serving His people. In every challenge that we faced, in every shutdown or fear thereof, I knew we would get through it because I saw the strength of not only the Maroon and White but the strength of those peoples we would help and the love of Christ in each of them.
In closing, the one teaching that encompasses all of what I learned through the religious life of St. Paul’s High School was to see God in all things, in every action, every brother, every teacher, every test, every retreat, and every mission; to open my eyes, to see with the eyes of Christ. I am eternally thankful to St. Paul’s for teaching me my faith and that the faith I hold so dear must not be dormant but lived through every day and every action, for the Greater Glory of God.
By: M y l e s c e s a r i o ' 2 1
M
Crusader Spirit is the Common Journey
M
By: R o b p u c h n i a k ' 8 9
y introduction to thinking about faith, philosophy, religious traditions, and rituals came from the likes of Tom Ivory, Paul Crouch, and Denis Vouriot when I was a young student in the 1980s at St Paul’s. Beyond the schooling given to me by my parents, it was at St Paul’s that I was challenged to become intellectually curious, non-dogmatic, and open to the power of wonder. I am thankful that those who tried to shape my mind were themselves personally humble and relentlessly searching. I saw them as eager to engage with others. Though my own memories of high school are, admittedly, selective and fragmentary, I do not recall my teachers being angry, judgmental, or quick to condemn. They did demand that we learn to think for ourselves, and part of that was understanding the different experiences, histories, and faiths of others. They taught me that any person’s spiritual life will be nurtured through relationships rooted in mutual respect, gratitude, and appreciation. In 2014, the school’s Principal at the time, Tom Lussier, tasked me with managing the Kairos retreat program after the retirement of Larry Franz, who (along with Father Crouch) deserves the credit for shepherding the retreat into the school’s culture. My one prayer at the time was that I didn’t screw up what had been built over years of careful stewardship. The gift of these new responsibilities for me was the opportunity to witness the strength of sharing stories: sometimes funny, often intimate, occasionally tragic. When we listen to one another with an open heart, the seemingly high walls between us can start to dissolve. That is the best of Kairos, and by extension, of St Paul’s, be it on retreat, in the classroom, or on the stage, field, court, or rink. I hesitate, however, to make this sound too good to be true. Kairos and its ‘Spirit’ are not some magical cure-all for any person’s failings or inadequacies; far from it. I am not cheerleading (rah, rah) for some intangible, unconquerable school Spirit that dwells only at St Paul’s. Sometimes we find that tension exists in our community. Individuals have been wronged by one another. Sometimes, in our honest conversations, we see attitudes of racism, sexism, or other forms of bigotry and exclusion. These we must not accept quietly. But when we listen with sincerity and compassion, there is the possibility that we start to understand the hurdles overcome by our friends and peers. It is here, I believe, that the roots of a healthy community, and a genuine, happy “spirit” begin to grow. Our school is grounded in the Jesuit and Catholic traditions, and it is from those sources we are nurtured. That need not mean, however, that we ignore or undervalue the experiences of people from different faith traditions. If, as the Jesuits are keen to remind us, God can be found in all things, then we have an obligation to find God in one another, within our varieties of religious experience. Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew, Christian – believers of all sorts, as well as skeptic, agnostic, and atheist – all should, I hope, find a home at St Paul’s. The “Crusader Spirit” is best shared in our dialogue and common journey, animated by the faith and teachings of Saint Ignatius.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
9
CRUSADER SPIRIT: it binds us together.
10
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Gr. 10 Student: Yash Varma '24
E
verything that takes place at St. Paul’s, whether it's a homecoming game or a school drama production, thrives on the spirit of the students involved. For the first time ever, this spirit looked very different. Before I became a Crusader, I knew I had to make the most of my four years of high school. After the pandemic was declared, I began Grade 9 half a year later and I was terrified. My love for meeting new people and creating an energetic atmosphere simply did not seem possible. With the vast number of school activities being cancelled and the unpredictable cycle of restrictions, everything that would have made a “normal” St. Paul’s year (from what I have heard) was drastically different. Since there was only a handful of available co-curricular activities to join, I wanted to be a part of as many as I could. Some of the activities that I was an active member of included the Crusader Newspaper, Debate Club, Human Rights Initiative, Youth in Philanthropy, the Bing Crosby Speech Contest/Paul Herriot Spelling Bee and joining Mr. Comeault’s rendition of the drama program, the St. Paul’s Improv Team (S.P.I.T). Although most of these clubs had to meet virtually, it was the best way for students across the student body to meet and talk to each other. This also helped the new students to create friendships beyond the people in their cohort, and even in the older grades. I began to realize that forming these kinds of connections with other students was important in showing spirit throughout the school, whether it may be a quick “hello” in the hallway or a meaningful conversation. I wanted to try and make everyone’s first year at the school the best it could be. I tried to get to know as many of the other students in my grade as possible, even encouraging them to join the co-curriculars the school was offering at the time. When I look back, school spirit was really demonstrated during my first spirit week at St. Paul’s. While it was not filled with the regular spirit week events, it was still able to deliver very fun activities. One activity was the scavenger hunt, where each cohort was given a list of items they had to find and bring to school. Once your cohort got all the items, you won a box of doughnuts. This was more difficult than it appeared because they were quite obscure, ranging from disposable cameras to a postcard from a different country. After a lot of hard work and searching, we managed to win the box of doughnuts. From this experience, I learned that one of the biggest ways school spirit is demonstrated is when everybody works together to try and accomplish a common goal. Were we required to go through the struggle to find all those items? No. Did we voluntarily choose to because we wanted to have fun and our school spirit pushed us to complete this challenge? Absolutely! Overall, my first year at St. Paul’s during the pandemic really made me understand and cherish school spirit at an entirely new level. Although I was not able to gather with the school and participate in traditional events such as “Winter Sports Day” and “The Walk”, I was committed to actively demonstrate school spirit as much as possible. This made me realize that even in a pandemic, strong connections with students and teachers can overrule restrictions and lockdowns. Even a pandemic isn’t strong enough to kill the St. Paul’s Spirit.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
11
The Semchyshyn Boys
U
s, Semchyshyn boys, have spent eleven consecutive years attending the school. On laundry day, one would have thought the laundry was for an entire sports team because almost every item of clothing seemed to have the maroon P embroidered on it. We (Matthew Semchyshyn ’09, Jeremy Semchyshyn ’13, and Tommy Semchyshyn ’16) each had different experiences; however, Crusader Spirit was essential to our time at the school.
Matthew semchyshyn '09 In Grade 8, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia, and I was concerned that it would hinder my acceptance to the school. During my admissions interview, Mr. Jason Brennan, explained to me that a St. Paul’s education was more than what occurs in the classroom, but also what takes place outside the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. After I was accepted, I felt a bit overwhelmed and often felt that due to my Dyslexia I was not academically smart enough to attend the school and that my acceptance into the school was a fluke. However, Mr. Brennan’s words stuck with me. I remembered that extracurriculars were also part of the St. Paul’s education and I could find my place within these walls. Finding my place within the school was an interesting journey.
I tried out for the football team but was rather relieved when I was cut from tryouts. I was never particularly coordinated. Shortly after tryouts had ended, I was approached to see if I might be interested in serving as student manager for the team. I accepted the position and officially joined the team. My legacy with the football team was that I accidentally washed the colour and white jerseys together, which led to creating a complete set of pink jerseys that I later found out have been used for games played during breast cancer awareness month. My friend, Timothy Sandron ’09, encouraged me to audition for the annual school play. Although I was reluctant because of my fear of public speaking, I auditioned and was given my first role as “Tree # 3”. The perfect role for me as it was not a speaking role. After gaining more confidence I took on speaking roles in future productions. While at SPHS, I joined the stage crew, wrote for the school newspaper, assisted with the yearbook, took part in the Cerebral Palsy Bike Race and CLC, and served as both a member of grounds crew and as a leader for the Freshmen Retreat. I was invited to speak about my experience with overcoming Dyslexia during the Freshmen Retreat. I also attended and served as a leader for Kairos. The hightlight? I received my Maroon and White Society pin at the end of my Grade 12 year. Because of my learning challenges, I was often outside my comfort zone at St. Paul’s, but I found that this was what allowed me to grow as a person. It was not only what I learned in the classroom, but it was also what I learned by taking part in extra-curriculars, which helped prepare me for the challenges and opportunities that awaited me. To me, that is what Crusader Spirit is.
Jeremy semchyshyn '13 I first attended SPHS the year after Matt had graduated. I got involved in numerous groups and activities during my four years, most notably on the football team. My fondest memories were thanks to the many special people I met during my time as a student. I formed friendships through co-writing satirical articles in the Crusader newspaper and spending many lunches watching Pineapple Express with my CLC group. One of my favourite memories was camping out at night in the parking lot during our Grade 12 prank night. We left hay bales at every entrance into the school’s parking lots, resulting in a newsworthy traffic jam along Grant Avenue during morning rush hour. Since graduating, I have formed new friendships with other St. Paul’s alumni based on the shared experiences we had while we were students at the school, despite being years apart. Stories about a homecoming party, the most creative way someone got a JUG, or moments experienced on a retreat can bring alumni together in a way that is unique from other high schools. For me it was the brotherhood and the bond of friendship that made the school so special. Crusader Spirit is about celebrating the good times and supporting each other through the bad times. Whether it’s an engagement, graduation, or new job, I can always count on celebrating
12
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
with my friends from St. Paul’s. My school spirit lives on in my friendships, and by the many teachers who have continued to keep in touch over the years, including Larry Franz and David Chaze. After nearly a decade since graduating, many of my closest friends remain to be those I shared these experiences with during my four years at SPHS.
tommy semchyshyn '16 As Jeremy started his senior year, I started my freshmen year. Having a sibling at the school was a true blessing that not all students have, especially when it comes to the needed reminders about the $2 relaxed dress code days. I knew that I wanted to attend St. Paul’s to take part in the sports teams, and I planned on playing both football and basketball. There was nothing I wanted more than to play the sports I loved with the maroon “P” on my chest. I played Quarterback on the JV team in ninth grade for Coach Jarrod Stadnyk, and we made it to the quarterfinals. In Grade 10, I played under Coach Peter Pura, and we surprised everyone when we ended up winning the Championship. The school spirit was on full display as the stadium seats filled up on a cold snowy night. It was very exciting being a part of the football tradition at St. Paul’s. While I continued to play both basketball and football under Coaches Casey Whitfield, Ted Higham, Jeff Laping and Stacy Dainard, the staff continued to challenge me to be more than just an athlete. I was challenged to be a leader in my school and the community. With support from David Beeston, in Grade 10, I created the Jr Cru Sports camp that operated out of three Catholic Schools and used student athletes from the school to coach younger kids on Saturday mornings. The camp operated for 6 years. By the time I was in Grade 11, I became interested in student politics and ran for school president. One of my campaign promises was to create a mascot for the school. I was elected, and with the help of Cindy Kochanski we were able to introduce the school’s mascot, Captain Cru, at the Annual Walk for Breast Cancer. My council was also proud to resurrect Crustock (a talent show) during our senior year, and we were all surprised to learn about the musical talents of the staff aka Bob Lewin can really play those drums! I am grateful that the faculty at St. Paul’s encouraged me to become involved in the school in its many different facets as I believe that these experiences have really helped me become the person I am today. For me, Crusader spirit is about being able to represent SPHS, embracing the traditions that have made the school so special, and challenging yourself to do and be more
conclusion Although we have many warm memories of our time at St. Paul’s High School, none is greater than the camaraderie and friendships we have built within the St. Paul’s community. The Crusader Spirit continued in our lives after graduation. The three of us each took our turn moving onto St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba where we each served as Senior Stick (President) of the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association and were each awarded the Paulinian of the Year Award. By the time most students become alumni, they feel the need to give back their time and contribute and foster the school spirit. We each returned to SPHS to serve in various capacities: coaches, managers for the football team, and members of the Alumni Association. We are forever grateful for the opportunities that the school gave us to get involved and be more than an 8:30-3:15 student.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
13
Jeff Swystun '83
W
hen I entered St. Paul’s, I was already spirited. That is not the same as possessing positive and directed spirit. I was barely containable, a whirling dervish. Surprising to my parents, attending St. Paul’s was my choice. No doubt they hoped the Jesuits would keep me within the lines. After all, historically Jesuits have been the longrange reconnaissance patrol of the Catholic Church, a religious order equivalent of the special forces. Inherent in that is discipline. Without a doubt the teachers, both lay and white collared, had influence. Yet, it was the less obvious structure of the school that had impact. I’ve spent a professional career consulting to businesses and have learned there is the logical organizational chart on paper and then there is how the organization actually works. Right from the start, but mostly unconsciously, I discerned how St. Paul’s would work best for me. I chose to get busy with every activity available while surrounding myself with solid peers. Those peers had the most influence over my four years and luckily, I chose fantastic guys to emulate.
St. Paul’s can keep you extremely busy if you so choose. I became the first Grade nine student to have a speaking role in the school play. Playing the character “Banjo” in The Man Who Came to Dinner confirmed a desire to entertain. I appeared in all 8 productions over my time including D’Artagnan in The Three Musketeers and the title role of Sweeney Todd. It was amazing to see these productions come together and I came to respect the different skills and personalities that make up a team. The school puts its primary focus on academics. Athletics too, are emphasized. When our teams won, we collectively celebrated. Sport is so dominant at St. Paul’s that it is often synonymous with what is believed to be Crusader Spirit. That is, to possess Crusader Spirit means being an exceptional athlete who contributes to a title or trophy. I never saw it that way. St. Paul’s is a stool with three strong legs. Academics, athletics and, what I call, the humanities. The humanities are, ‘everything else’. For me that included two stints on the Executive Student Council, shooting photographs for the yearbooks, writing for The Crusader newspaper, organizing dances with St. Mary’s, volunteering for charities, and helping out on school fundraising. All of which helped me learn to formulate effective arguments, to communicate well and solve problems. Before you get the wrong impression or if you are someone who knew me then, I was hardly a contender to be on a recruiting brochure. My academic results were mediocre to poor. And I tested limits. I was suspended once. When I graduated, I held the record for the most JUGs (Justice Under God detentions) in a 4-year period. So many in fact, that on Christmas breaks, I worked off accumulated hours by assisting the school’s maintenance staff. I was lucky. I took from my education, experiences, and memories that validated my decision to attend. This culminated at my graduating Convocation. My name was called and I became the first student to win the school’s Spirit Award four years in a row. This was especially gratifying because the award was voted on by fellow students. While there is a shared understanding of Crusader Spirit, it is ultimately yours to define. For me, it is a community that values debate and discussion, honours service to others, and provides opportunities to explore and excel. Ultimately, it is the act of one giving to the many and being emotionally rewarded and intellectually nourished in the process. And besides, where else but St. Paul’s could you be suspended but still win the Spirit Award?
"CRUSADER SPIRIT IS YOURS TO DEFINE. For me, it is a community that values debate and discussion, honours service to others, and provides opportunities to explore and excel. " 14
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
The Wynne Family
S
tarting high school is a tough challenge for any teenager. Going to a new school, with new teachers, and new friends can accelerate the challenge of anxiety and fear. Our son Zachary was no exception. Thankfully, St. Paul’s High School and the Crusader Spirit guided Zachary during his three-year adventure to “take every chance, drop every fear”, where he thrived to be the best Crusader he could be. From that special day that Zachary received his letter of acceptance to St. Paul’s High School, we as parents felt it was also our letter of acceptance into the St. Paul’s family. The thick white envelope proudly stated Zachary was now a “Crusader”, which was followed by many pamphlets of how we, as his parents, can also join the many parent groups. We knew from that day forward, this was going to be a wonderful family experience!
Zachary joined his brothers of St. Paul’s in Grade 10, which was a more difficult transition, as most of the boys had started the year before. We encouraged Zachary to join as many clubs, teams, and groups as possible, to ease this transition. In his Grade 10 year, he joined the JV Football and JV Basketball Teams. Being part of these teams also allowed us to interact with other parents. One of our favourite memories include attending the St. Paul’s Parent Meetings, which allowed us to meet, mingle, and share stories and experiences with other Crusader parents. These friendships continue years later. The boys’ camaraderie and Crusader Spirit was contagious, as the parents also made every effort to have get-togethers after school hours. These included weekend tournaments, Championship dinners, fundraising Saturday morning breakfasts, and pregame tailgating. Connections in both personal and business levels were created, and continue today. A personal favourite was the Mother Son Luncheon. For all Graduating Student Mothers in any form, this is a St. Paul’s High School experience like no other! Without giving away too many details on the event, my advice would just be sure to bring a box of tissues. Our goal as parents is to teach our children to Be Good, and Do Good in the world. Even though our three years as St. Paul’s parents has come and gone, we know that through the Crusader Spirit, our son Zachary will continue to be a Man for Others because of all the wonderful adventures and experiences gained during his high school years, and he will continue to “take every chance, drop every fear”.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
15
THE FAC ES OF CRUSADER SPIRIT
16
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
17
Photo: St. Paul’s High School Archive
18
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Photo: St. Paul’s High School Archive
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
19
20
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Photo: St. Paul’s High School Archive
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
21
1933 - St. Paul’s Victory Song Forward, warriors, to battle for St. Paul's, On your breast you always bear her shield; With the cross to inspire and the crown for reward To the foeman never yield. With white banners of victory before you And the red of your glorious fight, Be honest with God, to our country true, Loyal to Maroon and White.
V I I C T O R Y
n the 1960’s the school began a tradition of flying a “Victory” flag after Crusader wins. Back then wins were often well fought and hard to come by. Many alumni may remember being greeted by this flag fluttering proudly the next day as they approached the school entrance. Greg Matthew ‘72 reports that the first flags were hand made by Fr. Murray, S.J. and each flew for many years. The original one, tattered and worn, he says, was buried with Eddie Cass in 1985 as a way to acknowledge Cass’s support for and encouragement of the many Crusader teams. (the gymnasium in the main building was named the Cass Gym and a Victory Flag still hangs on the wall in the midst of countless championship flags.) The flag was always meant to be a source of Crusader pride not one of triumphalism. As the number of different sports teams successfully competing in different divisions has dramatically increased, questions have arisen about when (and where) to hang such a flag. The Victory Flag remains a proud tradition, celebrating the Crusader spirit.
22
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Chorus: Sing, boys, the glory of fighting teams, Shout till the whole earth shakes; Praise, honor, cheer for fighting men, Sing till the whole world awakes, Rah, rah, rah. 'Then, should the battle be hard and long, Shout out your victory calls; Loyally cheer, there's naught to fear, Fight, fight, fight for St. Paul's
1941 - School Song Hail, O hail to old St. Paul’s The Pride of all the West, We’ll sing out the story as we shout out the glory Rah! Rah! Then hail, O hail to Old St. Paul’s, Our Alma Mater calls, And we’ll ever stand, every heart and hand, For the honour of old St. Paul’s
1981 - Cheer Maroon and White, Maroon and White, We got the team With all the fight We got the go, We got the get, We got the team With all the pep S-T-P-A-U-L-S St. Paul’s!!
Making of a Mascot
T
BY TOMMY SEMCHYSHYN '16
he creation of a mascot for St. Paul’s High School had always been a hope for many, but it became a reality in September 2015. In the spring 2015, Tommy Semchyshyn and Trevor Wright ran for student council on a platform which included the creation of a school mascot. They included a rough sketch and said that the mascot would include superhero characteristics. Earlier renditions of the mascot included a gladiator type figure with swords, which administration quickly kiboshed as a school mascot had to be both culturally sensitive and politically correct. Upon election, Semchyshyn and his student council presented a complete plan with costs and suppliers. “We knew that we did not have the funds in the student council budget to cover the cost of a mascot; however, the administration and athletics department saw value in the project, and they were willing to use surplus funds to cover the cost and make it a legacy project that would last for many years,” said Semchyshyn. They commissioned Marvelous Mascots to bring the character to life. Over the summer, in consultation with Athletic Director, Mr. Ted Higham, they chose colours and fabrics for the project and sought out Mr. Randy Van de Mosselaer ’86 to send a deposit cheque to get production started. The mascot’s delivery had to be expedited from Alberta to get it in time to launch it at the Annual Walk for Breast Cancer. As it turned out, there were a few unfinished parts to the mascot. Most notably, the fan had not been installed prior to shipment, and the mascot creator was supposed to come to town at a later date to add finishing touches. The mascot actors had to endure “head sweats” whenever they wore the costume. Student Council moderator, Ms. Kochanski was instrumental in helping the student council plan the introduction of the mascot. The student body were given three names, and they voted to name the mascot. Captain Cru was launched to a very eager crowd at the Walk and introduced to the whole St. Paul’s community at Homecoming a couple of days later. The first mascot actors to wear the costume were Chayse Woodward and Davide Verrelli. Captain Cru has made appearances at The Walk, Homecoming, assemblies, championship games, open houses, and other school functions. His likeness has even appeared on acceptance letters and t-shirts.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
23
The Alumni Corner
T
he 26th Annual Maroon & White Alumni Golf Tournament presented by CWS Logistics (Shawn Bergen ’88) reached new heights on Thursday (September 23, 2021) at Breezy Bend Country Club.
C o m m u n i t y f e at u r e : G o l f T o u r n a m e n t
144 alumni golfers, 30+ sponsors and many committed volunteers came together for an amazing day of golf, networking, food and beverages, all in support of the Alumni Golf Bursary Fund. This event raised over $29,000, providing financial assistance to many students who cannot otherwise afford to attend St. Paul’s. A huge thank you to all who made this day possible!
Best Score (Over 40 Category):
Dan Rosentreter ’95, David Chipman ’95, Damian Rakowski ’95, Greg McDonald ’95
Best Score (Under 40 Category):
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Craig White ’00, Ryan Mitchell ’00, Matt Glavin ’00, Marc Deschouwer ’00 LUNCH SPONSOR
Shawn Bergen ’88
Tony Demarin ’84
PIN FLAG SPONSOR
PREMIUM HOLE SPONSOR
Guy Bourbonniere ’79
PJ Prendergast ’88
HOLE IN ONE SPONSOR
Mikel Pestrak ’04
CART SPONSOR
Garth Nemy ’78 & David Nemy ’18
HOLE SPONSOR Joe Fiorentino ’81
Wade Miller - Father of Branson ’24
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Paul Beaudry ’86
John Dusessoy ’80
Gestur Kristjansson ’86 Jordan Kork - Father of Sebastian ’22 & Austin ’24
Greg Fiorentino ’79
ICE CREAM SPONSOR
SIGNAGE SPONSOR Kevin Burns ’12
Nick Giesbrecht ’10
Lawrence Warwaruk ’88
Shael Glesby ’76
Shannon O’Brien ’86
Stephen Rosenfield ’72
Shannon O’Brien ’86
Jordan Firth ’97
PRIZE SPONSOR
Keenan Stewart ’14 PJ Prendergast ’88
Jason Kopytko ’88
Stephen Rosenfield Tim Robinson ’89 CPA Corporation
PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR
GOLFER GIFT SPONSOR
Insert for Golfer Gift.indd 1
24
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Jonathon Wilson ’06
Wade Miller - Father of Branson ’24
2021-09-15 10:09:24 PM
Men for Others: Alumni Helped 70 Families in Need this Christmas
C o m m u n i t y f e at u r e : C h r i s t m a s c h e e r b o a r d
Developed Strategic Plan Values:
Strengthening values promoted by the school
Empowering Alumni:
Engaging the graduates of the school
Brotherhood:
Providing opportunities for brotherhood
Welcoming Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting the school and helping to ensure that it remains accessible by a broad range of students
3
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N B O A R D U P D AT E Mission: Members of the Association strive to be alumni- for-others, guided by the Jesuit tradition of the High School, through serving and connecting with our community. Board Members: Jason Kopytko ‘88 (President), Shannon O’Brien ’86 (Vice President), Michael Catanese ‘13 (Secretary), Grant White ’02, Reg Turnbull ’09, George Steciuk ’55, Matthew Thomson ’13, Amar Gupta ‘93, Christian Peirce ’09, Douglas Crabb ’88,), Gordon Auld ‘10, Manny Fran ’86, Kevin Booth ’78 (School President), Larry Franz (ex officio) Sub-Committees: Social Events, Christian Service, Marketing & Communications, Ignatian Programming, Retreat Opportunities, School Events (presence), Networking Opportunities, Lecture Series, Mentorship and Reunions
Planning For 2022 jets nite Baseball tournament spiritual exercises 10, 25 & 50 Year Reunions
Re-connected with 204 lost alumni in 2021 THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
25
Fr. Holland's Corner a l u m n i s h o u t- o u t s
1955-57
1973
1976
A group of “Old Boys” from classes ’55 to ’57 meet regularly at “The Sals” for breakfast to catch up and share stories. They recently had an end of year barbecue at Don and Sue Hart's place. Shown: back row L-R : Gerry Seier ’57, Ted Kernoski ’57, Don Knudsen ’56, Rich Stephanchew ’56, Warren Weldon ’56, Gus Bodnar (not an Alumni). Front Row L-R : Les Oliver ’57 , Lou Mainella ’56, Don Hart ’57, George Steciuk ’55 . Missing: Bob Gilbert ’55 and Garry Brown ’56
Paul Keirstead ’73 and his wife Holly are enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Burnaby, BC after his career in the banking industry. He encourages all the men and women of the class of ’73 to be watching for news of a big five-oh reunion coming before long. (Note: the class of ’73 distinguished itself by having eleven women graduate with them - six of whom made it to their twenty fifth reunion.)
Allan Peterkin ’76 has released his 14th book, another children’s book (his 4th), called Peacock and Sketch about a fame-driven, selfie-obsessed peacock who learns about friendship and patience from a girl who likes to draw. Allan also has written a number of medical textbooks, but his bestseller for adults was One Thousand Beards-A Cultural History of Facial Hair
1974
1969 Congratulations to Order of Manitoba nominee Gregg Hansen ’69, who has supported a variety of causes, including poverty reduction in First Nations education. Now retired, he chairs an early childhood development initiative to assist Winnipeg’s most vulnerable children.
1971 Robert Coutts ’71 retired from Parks Canada in 2013, then completed a PhD in History at the U of M and is currently a Visiting Scholar at St. Paul's College. He recently published a book called Authorized Heritage which analyses the history of commemoration at heritage sites across Western Canada. It was published this past March by U of Manitoba Press. Robert is also editor of the magazine Prairie History: The Journal of the West.
26
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Philip Mowat ’74 has spent a number of years working and travelling around the world. Most of the past two decades were spent sidestepping, and sometimes getting caught up in wars, terrorism, and revolutions in the Middle East. He currently lives halfway between London and Cambridge after getting married to a Britisher. Some members of the 1974 class recently got together to celebrate the retirement of Doug Spier ‘74 and the partial retirement of Brian Schmidt ‘74. Seated left to center: Doug Spiers, Eric Mann, Larry Franz, Duncan McGregor, Stuart Pudavik, Paul White. Seated right to center: Tom Crew, Brian Schmidt, Kevin Leung, Gerry Holowka, Richard Phillips, Joe Egan, Felix Sandron, Cameo appearance by Don Jones.
Randy Gray ’ 76 recently acquired a sailboat (a 1987 Bayfield 36) which he and partner Karen Hudson took out into the open ocean for the first time in August, circumnavigating Vancouver Island in 8 days. He describes the boat as comfortable, easy to handle, solid and plenty quick for a 36-footer. He is looking forward to taking her farther afield in the years to come. Living the dream!
Sidney Shapira ’76 has, with Doug Jordan, a former teacher from Laidlaw School, recently self-published a book of Doug’s poetry and Sidney's photography. They were reunited through Facebook after 48 years. The book, The Gate and Other Poems on a Life's Journey, is available at McNally Robinson Booksellers, or at www.thegatepoetry.ca.
1978 Tim McIsaac ’ 78 recently completed his Masters in Education with a specialization in counselling psychology. As one of the most decorated Canadian Paralympians and the first blind swimmer to use the tumble turn, Tim continues to work with a number of volunteer organizations right here in the city. We are proud of you and all your accomplishments Tim. Thank you!
1979 Christopher Guly ’ 79 , is a long-time member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa and a freelance journalist who regularly appears on the pages of The Hill Times, The Tyee, and The Lawyer’s Daily, and covers Parliament Hill for CHCH-TV in Hamilton. Chris has directed his first documentary film, titled Forget Me Not, which premiered on streaming services OUTtvGo, the OUTtv Apple Channel and the OUTtv Amazon Prime Channel on Aug. 19.
American College of Trial Lawyers. On a personal note, Stuart and his wife, Lois are thrilled by the recent engagement of their daughter, Alexandra to Andrei Mastin, a St. Paul’s Grad – class of 2017.
1984 Michael Drapack ’84 recently stopped into Winnipeg (from his home in Toronto) to visit family, see old classmates, and take a tour of the school. Michael has been with CBC for nearly 30 years now. He is currently a field producer at The National. Good to see you Michael!
1986
1988
Ross Macmillan ’86, after stints at Queens, Minnesota, post-doctoral training at Stanford, and Bocconi University in Milan, now heads the Sociology department at the University of Limerick in Ireland. With partner Amy and son Cace he is enjoying the country and the university. Ross even coaches rowing.
Athanasius David McVay ’88 has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) which was founded in London in 1754 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in arts and commerce. Previous fellows include Benjamin Franklin, Charles Dickens, Marie Curie, and Nelson Mandela. Father Athanasius has been in Rome for over a decade, performing archivalhistorical research for the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada.
1980 Allan Plesniarski ’80 resides in Edmonton. After successful careers in restaurant management and IT, Allan is now branching out into researching and developing an emotional component for Artificial Intelligence.
1981 Congratulations to Sean MacDonald ’81 for recently receiving the Asper Associates Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching in the business Administration department of the Asper School of Business. A consummate student favorite, Sean was also selected by graduating students as the professor who made the most significant impact on them in their final year at Asper. He credits the influence of past teachers such as Johnston Smith, David Nasar S.J., the late Paul Crouch S.J., Dennis Meech and Richard Grover as being big influences.
1982 Stuart Blake ’82, a partner at Fillmore Riley, was recently inducted as a Fellow to the
Peter Mason ’ 87 has recently retired after 34 years in the military where he specialized in logistics and finance and was Comptroller for CAF Domestic and Overseas missions as well as Recruitment and Training. He has accepted a civilian position at the Canadian Defense Academy, where he can continue to influence the recruitment and training of all CAF members. Together with his wife, Heather, daughter Charlotte and son Benjamin, he is now enjoying his semiretirement at his final home near Brockville, ON.
1992 1987 Mike Sangster ’87 has recently taken on the role as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Career Colleges. NACC brings together over 400 Career Colleges with governments, stakeholders, students and communities to create skills and career opportunities across Canada. You weren’t “retired” long Mike! Well done.
Marc Cadieux ’92 and his wife Monica live in Cedarburg, WI with their three kids; Luc (18) Maddie (16) and Ryan (12). Marc has been selected to serve as the next chairman of the board of directors of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Marc works as Chief Financial Officer for Children’s Wisconsin, the only health system in the state of Wisconsin that is fully dedicated to kids and teens. THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
27
1992 Jordon Lanthier ’92 has recently assumed the position of Associate Director, Housing Services for the University of Regina. This follows a lengthy career in the hospitality industry at MLS Management and the Fort Garry Hotel. In his spare time, Jordon is active with various community events such as the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and most recently was the Co-Mayor of the Athlete Village for the Canada Summer Games. Congratulations on the new position Jordon. But will you still cheer for our Blue Bombers?
Ken Kustra ’96 is the new Chair of St. Amant, one of Manitoba’s largest not-for-profit organizations that is a comprehensive resource for Manitobans with developmental disabilities and autism. One of the recent highlights for him was being a part of a private audience with Pope Francis in February 2020.
Congratulations to Order of Manitoba nominee, Kyle Irving ’94, co-owner of Eagle Vision, who has showcased Canada’s Indigenous people, history, arts and culture for over 20 years. He has produced numerous awardwinning feature films including the five-time Oscarnominated Capote and the seminal We Were Children.
Eric Petz ’98 and his wife, Kelly, relocated to Campbell River, BC with their two boys in 2017. Eric works for Vanrx Pharmasystems as a Senior Marketing Leader. Vanrx is on the front line of fighting the COVID pandemic, with their robotic technology being used by Moderna to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine dosages used in clinical trials. (Pictured with Leon Poznanski ’98).
After spending time in Dubai, Blake Harley ’96, has been in Moscow for the past three years practicing corporate law with a firm called Linklaters. He has a nine-yearold son named Milan and hopes to get back to Canada soon for a visit to family and friends.
28
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Dr. Kristjan Thompson ’04 was recently appointed President of Doctors Manitoba for the 2021 – 2022 year. Kristjan is an emergency physician at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
2008 Antony Paulic ’08 is currently teaching Social Studies, Science, and Music at Gonzaga Middle School (GMS) here in Winnipeg. GMS joins at network of over 60 schools over North America, working to empower children from underserved communities to develop to their full potential.
2011 Matthew Deleau ’11 & Adam Vander Linden ’13 were recently called to the bar. They are at the firm of MLT Aikins along with Pio Araneta ’ 09.
2000 1996
Matthew Stanicky ‘00 and wife Trish are pleased to announce the birth of their third son, Ike. Matthew works in Calgary for Intact Insurance and both he and Trish are very involved in their local church. He on the Board of Directors, she runs the Nursery and both are part of the music ministry.
2004
1998
1994
project that studies the impact of digital technology and the increasing use of data in the agriculture and food sectors.
Dan Lussier '00 is living in Montreal after spending three years working in Ottawa for the federal government as a policy advisor and director of policy to the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Agriculture. Since the onset of the pandemic Dan has been working remotely for EMILI Canada, a Winnipegbased agriculture technology non-profit, developing a
After graduating from Queens and the University of Calgary (MSc and MD), Daniel Meyers ’11 is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Calgary. He has authored and co-authored more than a dozen papers in medical literature and presented his most recent research at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Congratulations, Daniel. Rambel Palsis ’11 graduated with a masters from Occupational Therapy at the U of M in 2019. A highlight of that program was practicing at a rural hospital in South India. He now works at March of Dimes Canada where he leads community rehabilitation programs across Manitoba. In addition, he is also supporting the development of
the newly launched After Stroke Program in Canada. In his spare time (when he has some) Rambel enjoys running and spending time with family and friends.
Europe enjoying the benefits of free travel to exotic locations throughout the pandemic, sometimes for days at time, while picking up patients.
Ian Edginton ’11 was recently married in Kingston, Ontario to Ali Davies. Joining him as groomsmen for the celebration were classmates Sam Guertin ’11, Will McPherson ’11 and McClay Sveinson ’11. Ian currently manages the construction of an apartment building in Kingston.
2014
Jesse Pollock ’11 has been working at TSN since 2016. While attending Ryerson University’s Radio and Television Arts program for Sport Media, Jesse started his career by being asked to dress up in an inflatable dinosaur costume during a Raptors’ playoff run in downtown Toronto. Since, he has worked his way to interviews with various NHL players. Jesse is looking forward to connecting with fellow graduates and is always just a direct message on Instagram or email away if anyone is ever seeking advice.
Alex Houvardas ’14 is an Assistant Scientist at Emergent Biosolutions. His work has mostly involved developing, optimizing and validating methods for the analysis of pharmaceutical products. A major focus of his work is related to hyperimmune and monoclonal antibody therapeutics targeting diseases like COVID-19 and other public health threats.
Michael Garofalo ’12 is a first officer for Foxflight Air Ambulance based out of Toronto Pearson airport. He flies the private jet all over North America, South America, and
Chayse Woodward ’16 recently graduated from the Manitoba Emergency Services College and is now ready to serve the community as a fully licensed Primary Care Paramedic and Level II Firefighter with certification in Surface Water, Vehicle, Rope, and Hazardous Materials rescue. Chayse has always dreamed of working for the Winnipeg Fire Department and is one step closer to reaching his goal.
News from the faculty of Medicine: Matthew Stecy ’14, Samer Al-hadidi ’14 and Thomas Meier ’14 are graduating from medical school in May 2022, and will be finishing up their clinical rotations. Thereafter, they will begin residency wherever the CARMS matching process lands them, whether in Manitoba or somewhere in else Canada. In the class next to them (the class of 2023) Bara Aljada ’14, Reid Kaita ’14, Ben Borys ’14, Jeremy Peabody ’11, and Anthony Wightman ’12 began their clinical rotations in September. Matthew McDonald ’14 played his first professional ultimate game for the Tampa Bay Cannons of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL). Matt coached and played Ultimate at St Paul’s. His “day job” is working at a technology provider called ConnectWise. Congratulations Matt!
2012 After a first career in consumer-packaged goods working in sales management at Labatt Breweries in BC and AB, Kevin Burns ’12 has returned home to his family and friends in Winnipeg to start his own business. He has now launched SpeedPro Signs Graphics & Solutions, located north of Polo Park on Weston Street.
2016
Misplaced your yearbook? The SPHS Alumni Office & Archives are currently offering to send or set aside any yearbooks that may have been misplaced since your high school days. Available yearbooks range from 1964 to 2019 with limited quantities. A selected number of graduation videos are also available (from 2008 2012). Please contact Archivist, Samantha Eadie at sphsarchives@stpauls. mb.ca or Alumni Manager, Larry Franz at lfranz@stpauls.mb.ca to secure your copy today.
2010
CONTACT US - FR. HOLLAND'S CORNER New job or business? Celebrating a special milestone, such as an award, wedding, or birth of a child? Other interesting updates to share? We want to hear from you! Send your news to Larry Franz, Alumni Affairs, alumni@stpauls.mb.ca with the title "Fr. Holland's Corner." Please be sure to include the subject's year of graduation. THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
29
In Memoriam recently passed Alumni John Patterson ’42 Douglas Bannerman '49 Robert Betournay '49 Edward Rewucki ’49
family of alumni Guy Coughlin, father to Robert ’78 with family members James Komishion ’76, Stefan Bars ’03, Matthew Coughlin ’05, Chris Komishion ’09, John Coughlin ’13, and Sean Coughlin ’20.
Alphonse Wehrle ’50
Sharon Dainard, mother of Tyler Robinson ’12, sister to Stacey ’88 and aunt to Tristan ’21
John Crosbie ’50
Robert (Bob) Dick, father to Robert Dixon ’84
Edward Ryback ‘51
Jo Anne Findlay, mother to Colin ’09 and Graeme ’06
John Benson '52 John Sinclair ’57
Elizabeth Halko, grandmother of Jack Carswell ’22
Walter Copp ’ 59, father of Justin ‘94 and grandfather of Charles ‘23
Luigi Loscerbo, father to Ken ’86 and Alexander ’14
Ken Foran ’ 59
Donald Meunier, father to David ’79 & Mark ’86. Grandfather to Daniel ’00 & Martin ’03 Lussier and Robert Jackson ’22.
Ted Kernoski ‘57
George Solylo ’59 Rudolf Hummel ’50 Gerard Maertens ’59
Lina Militano, mother of Carmine ’76, grandmother to Danny ’09 and Anthony ’05
Stephen Wallace '67
Anne Oake, mother of Darcy Oake ’05
Gerard Price ’61
Theodore Ostermann, brother of Ernie Ostermann ’57
Don Stephen '76 Lewis Egan ’71 brother of Dennis ’72, Gerry ’76, Joe ’74, and David ’81 with numerous nephews and cousins who attended St Paul’s
Norma Sinclair, wife of Michael Sinclair ’60
Joseph Greene ’72
Henk Vis, father to George ’82 and James ’87, father in law to Quentin MacCharles ’80 and grandfather to Matthew ’09. Daniel ’07, Brendan ’18, Adam ’18 and Riley MacCharles’11, Uncle to William ’83 and Doug ‘87 Vis , and great uncle to Mark ‘15 and Andrew ’12 Proven.
Colin Keks '77 Dr. Paul Barchet ’78 Kazmir Kananowicz ’80 Robert Dawson ’81 Mark Nieman '81 Thomas Johnston ’95 , father to Malone Cliche ’20 and brother of Brian ’00 Scott Naujoks ’09, brother to Brendan Naujoks ’14 and Riley Naujoks ’17 Sebastien Ritchot '22
Valerie Taylor, mother to Ken and Dan ’79 and J Michael ’76
If you would like to notify the school about the passing of an alumnus or loved one, please contact Larry Franz, St. Paul’s High School Alumni Office at lfranz@stpauls. mb.ca or Fr. Michel Boutilier, S.J., Chaplain at mboutilier@stpauls.mb.ca. An intention for your loved one will be made at the next available mass.
30
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
Remembering Sébastien Ritchot ’22: July 5, 2004 – November 23, 2021 With saddened and heavy hearts, we share that Grade 12 student Sébastien Ritchot passed away on November 23 at the young age of 17. Following in his late father’s footsteps (René Ritchot - Alumnus from the Class of 1989), Sébastien eagerly started at St. Paul’s in 2018, where he studiously worked towards his goals of becoming a Gold Honour Roll student and a doctor. Being Francophone, practicing and continuing use of the French language was important to Sébastien – he took Advanced French at St. Paul’s and would often lean on Monsieur Ray Comeault for additional practice. Mr. Comeault shared, “Sébastien was an old soul – he lived in the city and would do the cooking and grocery shopping for his brother. He loved to fish with his mom, play bingo and work part-time at Canadian Tire. He was an introvert – he was intellectual and worked hard. He touched so many around him.” Sébastien’s obituary depicts the remainder of his time at St. Paul’s: “Sébastien was an incredible student with an incredible drive to succeed…Sebby wanted nothing more than to be the best of the best and dedicated so much of his time to be the most successful he could be.” Sébastien was a true magis-driven leader. In his Grade 12 year, he served as a member of the Student Pastoral Committee and the Maroon & White Society, where he was Deputy Mass Coordinator. Sébastien worked closely with Fr. Boutilier S.J. to organize mass set-ups, tear-downs, and arrange all of the members/ volunteers for liturgies. Hans Alday ’22, Mass Coordinator for the 2021-2022 Maroon & White Society, shares: “Sébastien was committed to being a man for and with others. He would drop whatever he was doing to be of service to someone. As his partner for Mass Coordination, I could see that whenever he was serving others, he would do so with selflessness, passion, determination, and abundant love.” Donovan Martin ’22 & Matthew Stipanovic ’22 add: “Seb was a magnanimous soul, he always helped others, and he cared about plants and the natural world. And he was funny. Our world is bleaker without him – we miss him dearly”. If anyone so desires, donations can be made in Sébastien’s name to St Paul’s High School as the family has decided to raise funds for a bursary in his honour. To contribute, visit https://www.stpauls.mb.ca/giving/giving_form/ and select “Sébastien Ritchot ’22 Memorial Bursary” or contact Ms. Darla Hooker, Director of Advancement, at dhooker@stpauls.mb.ca. St. Paul’s High School prays for the repose of the soul of Sébastien Ritchot and the consolation of his family. Rest in Peace, dear Sébastien.
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
31
Canadian Publication Agreement #40063737 2200 Grant Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0P8
If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, or if you are a parent and your son has a new address, please let us know by contacting Ms Darla Hooker, Director of Advancement & Alumni Affairs, at 204.831.2325 or dhooker@stpauls.mb.ca
THE CRUSADER | WINTER 2022
33
