Forever Zephyrs - Sept 2024

Once a Zephyr, always a Zephyr... this publication is dedicated to you! We are eager to strengthen the bond between our alumni, our community, and the young people who are "on track" to a brighter future as the Zephyrs of tomorrow! We are proud to announce that our enrollment at St. Mary Catholic Schools is the highest it has been in decades, with more than 1,050 students grades Pre-K3 - 12.

Congratulations to our newest alumni, the Class of 2024! Help build community among Forever Zephyrs by updating any of your information or sharing your latest news! And for the most current news, JOIN & follow the SMCS Alumni group on Facebook!

Sunday, September 29 - Zephyrs Connect & Homecoming Kickoff - check out this family-friendly Fall festival in the section below!

Family & Business Sponsors for Zephyrs Connect get signage all through Homecoming week. Diamond Sponsors can be featured in Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 4 - see the attachment below for sponsorship information.

Friday, October 4 - Homecoming Tailgate & Parade before the game - Please join us in the Alumni Tent at Zephyr Fields!

Calling all past Hall of Fame Honorees! We invite you to walk or ride in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 4th. You would need to be at Schildt Park on Cold Spring Road by 4:30 pm. Please RSVP to Steve Pable if you intend to participate, so we can help make preparations.

HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS for Homecoming Week

• Girls Tennis - Tuesday, Oct. 1 - 4:00 pm vs. Wayland Academy
• Girls Volleyball - Tuesday, Oct. 1 - 5:30 & 7:00 pm vs. Laona-Wabeno
• Boys Soccer - Thursday, Oct. 3 - 6:00 pm vs. Oostburg
• Football Game - Friday, Oct. 5 - 7:00 pm - Watch Zephyrs roll to victory over the Roncalli Jets!
  

Friday, October 18 - St. Mary Elementary Tour & Open House - see below!

Saturday, November 2 - All Aboard! A night of fun and camaraderie to support SMCS. Held at The 513 in Downtown Appleton. We are seeking donations for Silent Auction items. For more information, please contact Kathleen in the Advancement Office, kmccurdy@smcatholicschools.org

Mark your calendars for Zephyrfest on Saturday, May 3, 2025

Zephyrs Connect & Homecoming 2024!

Zephyrs Connect is a fun-filled Fall family festival for all ages! With food, entertainment, kids' games, and a Fun Run / 5K, you'll find all sorts of excitement at Zephyr Fields. It will run through the afternoon, and lead into the SMC Homecoming kickoff event.

SMCS Alumna Elizabeth Ahles Inspires 8th Grade Students with Her Journey from Passion to Profession

St. Mary Catholic Schools proudly welcomed back Elizabeth R. Ahles (SMC 2016) to share her inspiring journey of transforming her passion for the arts into a successful career. Elizabeth’s visit was a highlight for the 8th Grade students, who had the unique opportunity to learn from her experiences and insights.

Elizabeth’s love for the arts began early, nurtured by her involvement in backstage responsibilities during the school year and summer shows at St. Mary Catholic Schools. She distinguished herself by immersing herself in the many facets of theatre production, and by setting an example for other young members of the crew. This initial spark ignited a lifelong passion that guided her educational and professional choices.

After graduating from SMC, Elizabeth pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre and Design at The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, graduating in 2020. Her academic journey continued at Northern Illinois University, where she earned a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Technical Theater and Design with an emphasis in Technical Direction. Elizabeth’s dedication and hard work paid off when she graduated in 2023; she was hired as the Assistant Technical Director by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C.

Knowing that the 8th Grade class from St. Mary Catholic Middle School makes an annual trip to Washington, D.C., Elizabeth coordinated something special for the students with her mother, Middle School Principal and fellow alum Jill Ahles (SMC 1985). Elizabeth made arrangements for a customized visit for the students to one of the two theatres operated by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. During their visit, she emphasized the importance of aligning one’s passion with their education. Elizabeth encouraged the young Zephyrs with personal anecdotes of her learning and professional experiences. "Yes, in fact I do use math, art, and English everyday," she told them, "and I think of Mrs. [Marilyn] Peterson every time I use geometry!"

Elizabeth was able to give relatable examples to illustrate how her early love for the arts blossomed into a fulfilling career. Her story resonated deeply with the students, many of whom are beginning to explore their own interests and aspirations. Her message was clear: with dedication and the right educational path, it is possible to turn a passion into a rewarding profession in the arts.

St. Mary Catholic Schools is incredibly proud of Elizabeth R. Ahles and grateful for her willingness to inspire and guide the next generation of students. Her journey is a testament to the values and education provided by St. Mary Catholic Schools, proving that with passion and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality.

1:00 pm - Open House Tour - including Scavenger Hunt & Hors d’oeuvres

3:00 pm - New Church Ceiling Presentation with Deacon Don Schultz

3:15 pm - School Blessing Procession with Fr. Michael Lightner

3:30-3:45 pm - Celebration Kickoff

3:45-6:00 pm - St. Mary Block Party with Food Trucks, Games, and Entertainment!

Can you believe that the 100th Anniversary of St. Mary Catholic Schools is coming soon? 2027 will mark this historic milestone, and we are eager to have broad engagement from alumni in planning a year of commemoration and celebration!

St. Mary Catholic High School grew from humble elementary school beginnings on 2nd Street in Menasha. Initially some classes were offered beyond 8th Grade, mostly to help train young people for roles in a business setting. Soon after, though, SMC evolved into a full-fledged secondary school to serve the growing Catholic community of St. Mary Parish and beyond. There were 14 graduates in the Class of 1929. The students published their first yearbook, The Renard, in 1930.

We have so many people to thank for the legacy of St. Mary Catholic Schools. We look forward to honoring their memory as we embark upon the next century of growing in faith and service. If you are interested in helping with planning, or have resources, stories, or memorabilia to share, please contact Steve Pable.

Our newest alumni spread their wings at colleges, universities, and careers around the country!

The SMCS Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to celebrate the rich tradition of St. Mary Catholic High School. Members are mostly alumni of SMCHS, but also include former coaches and honorary alumni. After more than 40 years, the SMCS Athletic Hall of Fame continues to honor the accomplishments of our Zephyrs!

The nomination for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame requires that the individual or team brought recognition to SMC through athletic achievement, is currently respected in his/her/their community, and models Christian values. The nominee(s) must have graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School at least ten years ago. Click here to view past recipients.

If you would like to nominate a person who meets the qualifications for Hall of Fame recognition, please contact Steve Pable, Alumni Relations, for details. You can use the downloadable form below. Using the same form, you can also nominate deserving alumni for other awards, including the Distinguished Service Award (past recipients), the Achievement Award (past recipients), and the Outstanding Catholic Christian Service Award (past recipients).

CAMPS - Athletic & Service trips? Dominican Republic?

For more of the exciting things happening at St. Mary Catholic Schools... be sure to like, follow, and share our current Zephyrs on Facebook and Instagram!

Send us your news! Did you earn a degree? Get married? Welcome a baby? Bid farewell to a loved one? Start a new job or business? Look here for a round-up of what's happening in your Forever Zephyrs family! Click here to share your story, or email Steve Pable, Alumni Relations.

In Memoriam:

Pat (Weinandt) Anderson (SMC 1956)

Joe Fischer (SMC 1970)

Loretta Bushman (SMC 1953)

Susan (Coenraad) Rix (SMC 1967)

Andrea (Pyszora) Spears (SMC 1967)

Jean Verbrick (SMC 1969)

Mary Elizabeth (Dietz) Herwig (SMC 1944)

Carole Mae (Cyr) Vanden Heuvel (SMC 1953)

Donna Schultz (SMC 1955)

Joseph Sell (SMC 1976)

Thomas Witthun (Former coach)

Robert J. Meyer (SMC 1958)

Patrick Juneau, Sr. (SMC 2002)

Dennis Manderfield (SMC 1949)

John Strebe (SMC 1953)

Emery Lornson (SMC 1965)

Christine (Kokke) Ulman (SMC 1954)

Daniel Kuepper (SMC 1960)

Barbara (Birling) Leimer (SMC 1959)

Class of 1965 - 60 Years!

Class of 1975 - 50 Years!

Class of 1985 - 40 Years!

Class of 1995 - 30 Years!

Class of 2000 - 25 Years!

Class of 2005 - 20 Years!

Class of 2015 - 10 Years!