“We are very grateful for this important support from the diocese,” said VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69. “We appreciate the confidence these grants demonstrate in our work on behalf of our rapidly growing student population.”

The first grant in the amount of $18,000 was awarded for technology upgrades. These funds will allow the school to get new wiring and cables for the building which will increase the wireless capability and connectivity speed while also serving as the first step in becoming a 1:1 school in which each student has their own computer or device.

“It enables us to continue to move in the direction of 21st century learning,” says Principal David Csank. “We will be one step closer to student-driven learning in which our students have more freedom and flexibility in their learning process.”

The second grant in the amount of $23,500 was awarded for facility upgrades. Several facility projects are either under way or will be undertaken this summer. Cosmetic improvements will be made both inside and outside the building, a new parking entrance is nearly complete, a new gym roof is planned and both the chemistry lab and Ministry Center will be renovated. The diocesan facilities grant will be used for restroom renovations.

“We are continually looking to enhance the student experience both inside and outside the classroom,” said Osborne. “On the academic side, these efforts explain why 100 percent of our seniors are headed to college this fall. The VASJ story is having quite an impact, which is why our enrollment is on track to increase dramatically once again next year.”

Visit the school from 8:30-3:30 p.m. to purchase your shirt or contact Jackie Kerver at 216-481-8414 ext. 245 or at jkerver@vasj.com.

Visitors must park in the turnaround at the front of the school and obtain a visitor's pass from the main office.

Show your Viking pride and purchase a state championship t-shirt.

(All sizes currently available but larges are running low - reserve yours today).

After her presentation, Sr. Susan ended her visit to VASJ with Q&A from the students.

Found on the walls of the hallways and in the classrooms are the Ursuline Core Values and Marianist Charisms which students learn about in class and put into practice during service work and class projects.

But Sr. Susan doesn’t want it to stop there. “I want them to mean something to you,” she told the students. “I want them to remind you that you’re special.” As the only school in the world sponsored by both the Ursulines and Marianists, she added, VASJ and the students who fill its classrooms are part of something truly special.

“Being a part of our Ursuline family means you have 171 sisters who pray for you always. You are never alone,” she said. “We pray for your success in all that you do and we’re really excited about your futures.”

Click here to view the Ursuline Core Values and Marianist Charisms.

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Sunghee transferred to VASJ during his sophomore year after moving to the US to live with his brother who attends Case Western Reserve University.

When he started at VASJ three years ago, he knew no one in the US other than his brother. He was quickly welcomed and embraced into the Viking family.

Because he is leaving before the official graduation ceremony, a group of seniors decided to throw a mini graduation celebration in his honor.

“He’s been a good friend,” says senior Domenic Nicholas. “We wanted to make sure he knew that we cared.”

So they planned a fake class meeting during lunch where all of the seniors surprised Sunghee with a cake and a card.

Sunghee Han smiles with the graduation cake his classmates surprised him with.

Mr. Gary Minadeo ’74 presented him with the ceremonial Viking lapel pin, which students receive at their senior luncheon, and gave him a chance to wear his cap and gown.

Mr. Gary Minadeo '74 presents Sunghee Han with his Viking lapel pin.

The experience was obviously humbling for Sunghee who isn’t one for being in the spotlight. “It is maybe my best memory from my senior year,” he says.

He will leave with many fond memories of his time at VASJ, but will miss the people he has met, especially his volleyball teammates, most of all. He plans to keep in touch with his classmates on Facebook.

After the summer, Sunghee will return to the US and will start classes at Penn State University in the fall where he will major in business.

Farewell, Sunghee. It was a pleasure to have you in the Viking family. Once a Viking, always a Viking.

Zavorek replaces longtime Athletic Director Nancy (Slominski) Naujoks ’68 who will become Dean of Students.

“We are very excited to begin a new chapter at VASJ,” said Csank. “As Dean of Students, Nancy will have the opportunity to work even more directly with our students and have a positive influence on their lives. We look forward to Nate’s ideas and vision as he builds on Nancy’s excellent work.”

In her new role, Naujoks will be responsible for handling student affairs including day-to-day duties and discipline issues. She also has been appointed chairperson of the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association (OCSAA) Futuring Committee, which will help guide and lead VASJ faculty, staff and students over the next few years.

“I think the Ursuline and Marianist charisms come into play in helping to develop students’ character. I feel that is what we are called to do,” Naujoks said. “I hope to play a part in helping the students at VASJ become students of character.”

Zavorek has served in many capacities to support the school since his graduation, including his role providing operational support to the 2013 Division IV State Championship boys basketball team. He is a member of the first class to have attended all four years at VASJ after the merger of Villa Angela Academy and St. Joseph High School.

“It certainly is a dream come true,” Zavorek said. “Moving into this position right after the boys basketball team won a state championship is really exciting.”

Zavorek holds two bachelor’s degrees – in business administration and economics – from the University of Pittsburgh. He was awarded his master’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University in 2000.

A former project manager and economic development coordinator for the City of Eastlake, he has been deeply involved in CYO sports and coaches a summer basketball league for high school boys.

Click here to read the News-Herald article: Prep notes: VASJ selects Zavorek as new AD, changes at Cardinal, Riverside

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The students weren't the only ones who gave it their all on the stage, however. Principal David Csank, President Richard Osborne '69, math teacher Gary Minadeo '74 and teacher Chuck Martinko also made guest appearances during the show.

English teacher Mrs. Kristen Scharfeld, Director of Advancement, Mary Paxton, and Director of Communications, Emily Robinson, directed the show. After the final performance, the cast and crew presented the directors with special gifts: their own directors' chairs.

As is the case with most VASJ activities, the spring musical was clearly a labor of love for all those involved.

The cast and crew of VASJ's production of Disney's Aladdin Jr.

Click here to view more pictures.

“My role was to represent VASJ and the Diocese of Cleveland in exploring potential educational opportunities for Chinese students here,” Osborne said. “For VASJ, the effort is particularly meaningful as an extension of our commitment to give our students multicultural learning experiences.”

Osborne '69 poses with students at the Zhöngshän campus of the China-Hong Kong English School.

A pilot program for Chinese students was inaugurated at St. Peter Chanel High School this year, he explained. The program will transfer to VASJ next year after Chanel closes in June.

Osborne anticipates that three or more students from the Zhöngshän region will enroll at VASJ in the fall. It is expected that the numbers will grow at VASJ and other high schools in the diocese in the future.

The program was developed by Chanel President and Principal Sister Maria Berlec, OSU, along with Jason Lin, President of Lin’s Omni Development in Cleveland. Sister Maria, a former principal of VASJ and a 1967 graduate of Villa Angela Academy, will join the VASJ faculty next year.

Zhöngshän is located in Quandong province, which has the largest population and share of GDP ofall 34 Chinese provinces. The city is located about two hours from Hong Kong.

The Cleveland delegation, representing the Cleveland Chinese Friendship Council, was led by Jiashan Huang, President of Cleveland Chinatown Development, and Cleveland City Councilman Brian Cummins.

The delegation visited Zhöngshän from April 13-19 and forged relationships with numerous companies, schools and government officials. “We gained important information and insights in our exchanges that will be beneficial as we carry out the program at VASJ,” Osborne said.

Coach Storey '58 proudly displays his award with Matt Chinchar ’69.

The Golden Deeds award is presented to those who have made important contributions to high school football in Northeast Ohio.

"It’s very nice to be in that company," Coach Storey says of the list of past Golden Deeds award recipients. Some names on the long and prestigious list of past recipients are Paul Brown, Otto Graham, Dante Lavelli, Ed Caldwell and the list goes on and on. Click here to view a complete list of past Golden Deeds award recipients.

It was a special evening for Coach Storey who was joined by his wife, children, VASJ Athletic Director Nancy Naujoks '68 and VASJ Principal David Csank.

"I’ve had the good fortune to coach a lot of good guys," he says. But to Coach Storey, it's not just about coaching his players on the field - it's about coaching them in life. "I get my kids ready to go on to college and go on to life. That’s basically what coaches do."

And the most rewarding part of his nearly 50-year coaching career, has nothing to do with trophies, medals or awards. It is knowing he had an impact on the lives of his former students that Coach Storey considers his greatest successes during his career.

"It’s the impact of guys who have been out of school for thirty years or so who are in all facets of life now and go out of their way to say, 'thanks coach.' It's rewarding," Coach Storey says.

Coach Storey is often referred to as a legend in the Viking Village. A compliment he dismisses with a smile and a response that being called a legend means nothing more than saying you've been around for a long time. The Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association and the VASJ community agree that he is much more than that.

Congratulations to Coach John Storey, the GCFCA Golden Deeds 2012 award recipient.

When asked about how it feels to both be named All-Ohio and also be named a state champion, in the true spirit of the Viking Village, Duane Gibson '13 responded by saying, "Winning the state championship with my team means more to me than any individual accomplishment."

VASJ's Boys Basketball 2013 Division IV State Championship team pose for a picture in front of their victory banner after the rally at VASJ on Friday, April 19.

The opening reception for the gallery was held on Friday, April 19 and an Open House was held on Saturday, April 20.

The following VASJ students had their artwork displayed:

Jasmine Ross
Nolan Creegan
Nicole Quaddaadaa
Kieran Delaney
Kelly Tecco
Emily Oligny
Madison Vargo
Raygina Frazier
Joi Starks
Briana Caronchi
Greg Gorrnik
Josh Cleveland Robinson
Miguel Howell
Kate Raddell

Senior Nicole Ouaddaadaa poses with her artwork at the
opening of the Artistic Muse Gallery student art show in April.

The theme of this year's collection was “What Would You Do for the LMC?” The collection, which kicked off on Ash Wednesday and ended on Wednesday, April 10, totaled $4,600, allowing VASJ students to donate $1,000 to each of the following organizations: The City of Children Orphanage (John Shinsky ’69) in Matamoros, Mexico; Comunidad of Oscar Arnulfo Romero (COAR) in El Salvador; Our Lady of Nazareth Marianist elementary school in Kenya; and St. Angela-St. Aloysius Pre-School, a Marianist sponsored parish in Cleveland.

A donation of $600 was made to Domus Pacis Family Respite in Colorado which ministers to terminally ill patients and their families, and is the ministry of Vincent White-Petteruti (’69) and his wife, Mary Louise.

The Ursuline core value of service and social consciousness as well as the Marianist characteristic of educating for service, justice and peace, are at the core of everything we do at VASJ. The Lenten Mission Collection is another wonderful example of VASJ’s core values in action.

Mr. Gary Minadeo's ('74) functions and statistics class spearheaded the Lenten Mission Collection at VASJ, raising $4,600 for charity. From left to right: Brandi Bruce, Brittany Shumar, Chris West, Bianca Gulley, Carmen Johnson, Maria Dybzinski, Jeremy  Hall, Tyann Carter and Josh Duke (not pictured: Trashay Harris)

The keynote speaker was Mr. Joseph Scaminace, a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph High School and a very proud Viking. Mr. Scaminace, who has had a long and very distinguished career in business, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Director of the OM Group, a leading global provider of specialty chemicals, advanced materials and unique technologies.

Mr. Scaminace has been deeply loyal to his high school alma mater and has been a major supporter of VASJ. He was the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Vikings Classic Mixer, which was the most successful fundraising event in our school’s history.

Scaminace spoke to the students about finding their calling and the profession that is right for them. “Not all of us are going to know what we’re meant to do. Listen for it,” he said. “When I was sitting where you are, I didn’t know what my calling was.”

Scaminace attributes much of his success to his time spent at St. Joseph High School. “This school had a huge impact on who I am today,” he said. “It grounded me in my faith and taught me values that I carry with me today.”
He shared some of those values with the students: respecting people, being a team player, acting with integrity, “and most importantly,” he said, “(VASJ) taught me to be humble.”

Overseeing more than 8,000 people globally, Scaminace knows what it takes to be an effective leader and shared his leadership secrets and expertise with the students. “Every single interaction with another human being is important,” he explained. “You will build bridges with every interaction and these bridges will help you along the way.”

Scaminace encouraged the students to start developing their leadership skills now, during their time at VASJ. “My bet is on all of you. Because Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is great and all of you are great.”

A special thank you to all of the alums and community members who took time out of their busy schedules to educate the students.

Dear VASJ Community:

You did it again! The Third Annual Vikings Classic Mixer once again surpassed even our very high expectations for support. Not only was it the event of the year in terms of fun, food and friendship, it also broke all records as a fundraiser.

While we're still crunching numbers for a final accounting, it is already clear that the event will net - after all expenses are paid - drum roll, please....

More than $200,000!

Of that amount, the "Continuing the Dream" tuition-assistance drive conducted midway through the evening brought in $135,000. These funds will be used exclusively for direct help to deserving students and their families. Last year, "Continuing the Dream" netted $47,850, which helped 30 students with their tuition costs with an average award of $1,595.

Overall, the Classic Mixer represents 20 percent of VASJ's annual fundraising efforts.

This year's stunning achievement was made possible by a large number of Viking alums and supporters. Presenting sponsor for the event was Joseph Scaminace '71, who donated $25,000. The event was chaired by Mike Romeo '88, who picked up the baton from last year's chairman, Peter Apicella '70.

Pete and his outstanding team last year set a new standard for the event, creating the previous record for a single fundraiser. Mike and his team turned in another stellar performance and a new record.

Current VASJ students were a significant presence at the event as greeters and helpers. Emcees were sophomore Danielle Paus and freshman John Henry Posey. Principal David Csank introduced Coach Babe Kwasniak '94, who in turn presented the members of his 2013 Division IV Championship basketball team.

Board of Advisors Chairman Don Dailey '70 literally set the stage for "Continuing the Dream" by announcing that a group of eight "Dream Makers" had collectively agreed to donate $65,000 if other contributors would raise $35,000, thus creating a $100,000 total.

The Dream Makers were created after Tim Misny '73 said he would match $10,000 if other donors would "make him pay." In short order, others said they would join the effort. Besides Scaminace and Misny, the Dream Makers included John Hocevar '69, Jamie Myers '72, Clark Kellogg '79, Jim Zinkan, Umberto Fedeli '78 and Mike Golic '81.

Bob Mullin '88 got the "bidding" going by joining the Dream Makers on the spot with a pledge of $10,000. Other contributors enthusiastically joined in, either in person or with "designated hitters" announcing their pledges from the floor. Mike Romeo spoke for his 1988 classmate (not to mention Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP), Desmond Howard.

The VASJ Board of Advisors pledged $9,000. Greg Lieb '70, a member of last year's Classic Mixer committee and an event sponsor this year, pledged an additional $5,000.

In addition to Scaminace and Lieb, sponsors of the event included Cinecraft Productions, led by Neil McCormick '70, who also was a Continuing the Dream contributor, along with Cleveland Magazine, Agents Choice, Don and Mary Jo Dailey, Euclid Hospital, Morgan Stanley, PCS, the St. Joseph Class of '88, Gerard Stadler '69 and committee member Sue Eline-White.

Needless to say, we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us - our sponsors, "Dream Makers" and other donors. Their generosity enables more students to have the blessing of a VASJ education while we also maintain, improve and enhance their experience at our school.

It was great to see all of you who were able to attend. If you missed it, see you next year!

God bless you all.

Richard Osborne '69
VASJ President

Click here to read the article and watch the video on WKYC.com.

Congratulations, Mo. We are proud to call you a Viking!

To get tickets in the Viking sections, meet Nancy Naujoks in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza North, 6500 Doubletree Ave., Columbus, Oh 43229 on Saturday from 10 to noon. All tickets are $8 and a portion of the proceeds come back to VASJ, if you purchase from us.

The price for tickets there will be $10, $12, or $15 depending on the level.

You should not have to get tickets from scalpers to get in to this game, so pass up the sellers and come up to the window and get your tickets if you don't come down early. GO VIKINGS!

If you can't join us in Columbus, the game will be broadcast live on Sports Time Ohio.

Click here to read the News-Herald article.
Click here to read the Plain Dealer article.

The bus will leave promptly at 7 a.m. Friday morning and return after the conclusion of game. We would expect the bus to return between 4 and 5 p.m. on Friday.

Regional finals articles:

News-Herald: VASJ heads back to state tournament with rout of Youngstown Christian
Plain Dealer: Villa Angela-St. Joseph boys cruise to Division IV regional title

Coach Babe Kwasniak '94 and the 2013 boys basketball division champions

Division IV district championship articles

Click here to read the News-Herald article: VASJ dominates Richmond Heights, advances to regional (with video)

Click here to read the News-Herald article: Young duo helps VASJ's Flannigan, Gibson capture elusive district title

Click here to read the Plain Dealer article: Villa Angela-St. Joseph dominates second half in 67-47 win over Richmond Heights

Click here to read Bill Tilton's article on OhioVarsity.com

Anyone who purchased tickets for the Richmond Heights game at Garfield Heights and got turned away, please return the tickets to Mrs. Naujoks in the athletic's office for a refund. 

Phil earned fourth place at the MAC Championships last weekend.

Click here to read more on Ohio University's website.

Click here to read the News-Herald article. 

Way to go, Phil!

The winners will attend an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 24.

“This place is really special to me,” Clark says. “My experience here was fantastic and had a tremendous impact on who I am today.”

The excitement of having him back in the Village was obviously reciprocated by the students who were lining up for autographs and pictures of the basketball legend.

The ceremony started with the lighting of the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, service, leadership and character. A member of NHS himself, Clark focused his message to the students on the last pillar - character.

“It’s important that we all strive for excellence in whatever we do, but I think the most important foundation we can lay for ourselves is who we are from the inside out,” Clark says.

Clark Kellogg '79 presents Mckenna Walker '15 with her National Honor Society Medal.

Character, not success, Clark explained, is what will get you through difficult times.

“Who you’re becoming is something that needs to be a high priority. That is what carries you through no matter what life throws at you.”

The twelve VASJ students who were inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday, are the complete package of both academic achievement and character.

VASJ's newly inducted National Honor Society members with Clark Kellogg '79.

Click here to read the News-Herald recap of Clark Kellogg's visit to VASJ (with video).

The opening reception is Saturday, March 9, from noon to 4 p.m. Tom was first inspired to pursue an art degree by his VASJ art teacher, Mr. Philip Hoffman who has since retired after 40+ years of teaching.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd
Kirtland, OH 44094

Click here for more information.

Duane Gibson ’13, who signed with Evansville in November, was named player of the year while Babe Kwasniak ’94, who is in his third year of coaching at VASJ, received coach of the year.

Gibson, along with teammates Demonte Flannigan ’13, who signed with Cleveland State, and Carlton Bragg ’15, who is a national recruit, also received first team honors.

Way to go, Vikings and good luck to the team as they continue their tournament play tonight in the district semifinals against Cuyahoga Heights at Garfield Heights High School at 7 p.m. Click here for more tournament information.

Click here to read the News-Herald article.

Click here to read the Plain Dealer article.

A reception will follow for guests in the school’s Ministry Center at 3 p.m.

At the assembly, last year’s NHS speaker Tim Misny '73 also will announce a $10,000 scholarship program for area students.

Kellogg was inducted into the VASJ Hall of Fame in 1987 in recognition of his outstanding achievement in athletics and for serving as a fine role model for those who would follow in his footsteps. He led the Vikings basketball team to the state championship finals in 1979. During his high school career, he set seven school records, including most points in a game (51).

At Ohio State University, he was chosen Big Ten MVP in 1981-82, later starring for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA.

Kellogg, now the vice president of player relations for the Pacers, receives national notoriety for his work on college basketball telecasts. Meanwhile, Pacers fans have long been aware of his basketball expertise as he now is in his 21st season as a television analyst.

Kellogg, who has done television analyst work for Cleveland State University, the Big East Television Network and ESPN, currently serves as a game analyst for CBS’s coverage of college basketball and studio analyst during the network’s coverage of “March Madness.”

He is a former first-round draft pick of the Pacers (1982, eighth selection overall) and played five seasons with the team. Chronic knee problems forced him to retire after career averages of 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game as well as a unanimous selection to the 1982 NBA All-Rookie Team.

Kellogg, a native of Cleveland, received his degree from Ohio State in 1996.

In his free time, he volunteers his time and resources to various organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action and United Way.

He and his wife, Rosy, have three children, Talisa, Alex and Nicholas. They live in Westerville, Ohio.

Click here to view the picture on Facebook. Click like and share it with your friends. Make sure to like VASJ's page while you're there to keep up with exciting pictures and events taking place in the Village.

His hard work paid off when he was selected to serve as an intern in Washington D.C. for Congressman LaTourette during the summer of 2012. The internship, which Nick described as a lot of work and a very eye-opening experience, was the perfect balance between the stereotypical mundane internship duties and actual real-life work experience. "I was shocked to learn what an immense amount of work goes into a single bill that will probably never even get passed," he says.

As for how he ended up with a political science major, perhaps the credit goes to his experiences at VASJ taking Mrs. Joseph's AP government class and his four-year involvement with VASJ's student government. "I have always liked political science and history," Nick says. "And he was really good at them, too," Mrs. Joseph added.

Nick Garuckas '09 and Mrs. Joseph

The choice to attend VASJ was an easy one for Nick since his mother, Patrice Valley '75, uncle, John Valley '75 and brother, Rick Garuckas '07, are all alums. It was a choice he doesn't regret and in fact, a choice that sparked many conversations with his college roommates.

"I had a very different high school experience than any of my college roommates," Nick explains. "I loved (VASJ) and I was sad to leave. I liked almost every single person that I attended high school with." And like so many of our students, both past and present, Nick also remarked on the family atmosphere he felt while attending VASJ. "I always liked not being a number. (The teachers) all knew my name."

And someday, we all might know Nick Garuckas' name, too, as he hopes to one day in the very distant future become a political figure himself.