Class of 2006

SPOTLIGHT: ALLY FLINN

St. Christopher class: 2006

High school: Chaminade Julienne

College: Georgetown University

Major: Government, with a minor in journalism

Current location: Washington, D.C.

Job: Web editor at The Cook Political Report (a nonpartisan publication that analyzes U.S. elections of all types and political trends)

Ally says:  “Both inside and outside the classroom, St. Chris prepared me for high school. My favorite subjects at St. Chris continued to be my favorites at Chaminade Julienne. I excelled at social studies, English, and math.

“I joined the rowing team my freshman year but had no idea that rowing would be my ticket to college. My senior year, I began getting recruited for college rowing. Georgetown University was my choice; it had an excellent international affairs program and a solid rowing team. I had also longed to live in a big city for as long as I could remember.

“I loved everything about college and living in D.C. The political bug bit me, and I decided to stay after graduation.

“Having friends and peers from all over the country often makes me reflect on my roots. Growing up in Vandalia and attending St. Chris profoundly shaped my identity.

“I’m excited to see where the coming years take me, but I will be forever thankful for the foundation that St. Chris gave me.” 

SPOTLIGHT: MARLENA HOENDORF

St. Christopher class: 2006

High school: Chaminade Julienne

College: University of Dayton

Major: Sport management and business administration

Current location: Springfield, Ohio

Job: Director of enrollment and marketing, Catholic Central School

Marlena says:

“Since the day I was born, my parents always taught us the importance of the teachings of the Church and living a faith-filled life. Having been blessed to attend Catholic schools for 17 years, St. Christopher was a great place to start nine years of my Catholic education.

“While at St. Christopher, I was Student Council president, played volleyball and basketball, was part of the Life group, and was a Girl Scout. The field trips to the Renaissance festival and to Maumee Bay enhanced my nine years of education because it allowed our classmates to form a special bond. St. Chris offered a variety of unique activities such as fencing, ballroom dancing, and class trips, which contribute to the many memories that my friends and I still talk about today.

“St. Chris prepared me for the success I achieved in high school. We were challenged at St. Chris to perform our best. Chaminade Julienne is at the heart of the city of Dayton, which means CJ pulls students from all over the metropolitan area. This allowed me to compete with some of the best students in the area.

“The St. Chris teachers and staff focus on helping students strive to be their best so they can achieve success in all areas of their lives. A Catholic education didn’t just help me with my academics; it also helped shape my faith life.

“My parents always said that they chose to invest in a Catholic education for their children so that the teachings we received at home were reinforced while we were at school, and that’s exactly what came to fruition throughout my time in Catholic schools.

“Currently, I am working at a Catholic school in Springfield. My job is to help families see the importance of setting their children up for success in this life, but more importantly, the next. The experience I had for 17 years in Catholic education is something I was blessed to be given. My faith is the foundation of my happiness, and I am proud to pass that tradition on to younger students and their families.

“St. Chris was a great foundation for me, and I would recommend the school to anyone!”

SPOTLIGHT: AJ PACHER

St. Christopher class: 2006

High school: Vandalia-Butler

College: Wright State University

Job:  Professional Basketball Player in Europe

I graduated from St. Chris in 2006, Butler in 2010, and then Wright State University in 2014 with a degree in Business Management.

During my time at Butler I was an All-Conference Player my Junior and Senior Year. I was an All Ohio All Star, and A McDonalds All American Nominee. Thankfully, after all the success at Vandalia Butler, I was able to earn a full scholarship to play basketball at Wright State University.

During my time at Wright State I got to play alongside some of the best players in the history of the program. We had a lot of success, making the Horizon League Championship game in my Junior and Senior seasons. I believe we had the most wins in a two year period in the school’s history. My senior year I was voted an All-Conference Player and to the All Horizon League Tournament Team! Lastly, one of the things I am most proud, (blessed and fortunate to say) is that I currently have played in the Most Games in Wright State History. Throughout my 4 years I wasn’t always the best player on the court, or even my team, but I was fortunate enough to wear that uniform and play the game I love more than anyone in school history. For me that is something to proud of. I was also fortunate enough to graduate in 3.5 years with a degree in Business Management. After my time at Wright State, I was lucky enough to continue my dream as a professional in Europe.

My rookie season I played in Basel, Switzerland for Starwings Basket. I got to play alongside some great teammates, and I was lucky to be the Top Scorer of the entire League.

My second season I got to play in A2 Italy in Legnano, Italy. Nothing against my experience in Basel, because everyone was great and it was a great year, but Legnano was the first place I felt like home in Europe. I fell in love with Italy, and the culture, and the people who treated me like family. I loved my experience in Legnano.  I returned there last year and this season to visit and play basketball this season.

My third season I played in Budapest, Hungary for Vasas. This was my most challenging season as a pro, but also had one of the best years of my life personally. Our team was full of great people, but as far as the basketball side of things we really struggled. We would play well for a long portion of the games, but somehow find a way to lose in a few minute stretch here or there. However, I think some things happen for a reason. I was able to meet some of the best guys I know, and we bonded so much off the court. We are still great friends today..

Now I am in the middle of my 4th season as a pro. I am playing in Reggio Calabria, Italy for Viola Reggio Calabria back in A2 Italy. I always wanted to go back to Italy since my experience in Legnano, so I was excited when I got this opportunity. It’s a beautiful place to play in the south of Italy, right on the ocean, just across the Messina Straight to Sicily. Right now the team is .500, and we are just trying to fight for the playoffs. We have a talented team, and I think we can have a success the rest of the season.

I can’t believe growing up as a kid that everything I would get to experience playing the game of basketball. I mean I never thought a kid from Vandalia, Ohio, playing CYO with St. Chris would eventually turn into a professional basketball player enjoying his 4th season as a pro. Obviously I’m extremely thankful I’ve been blessed with the skills and passion for the game that has taken me where I am today. Most of all I’m just thankful for my family and friends that have been able to experience parts of my journey with me. I am lucky that my parents, sister, and my girlfriend have gotten the opportunity to come watch me play, and the see the world while doing so. It wouldn’t be possible without the love and support they have given me every single day since I was a young kid just playing basketball with his friends. For all those reasons I am truly blessed.

St. Chris is great and I am looking forward to being back there this summer.

SPOTLIGHT:  MEGAN PLUMMER

St. Christopher class:  2006

High school:  Chaminade Julienne

College:  Saint Mary’s College

Major:  Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Job:  After my undergraduate degree I took the National Council Licensure Exam and obtained my Registered Nurse License. I am currently a nurse at Miami Valley Hospital in the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Now I am applying for Graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I have learned a lot throughout my nursing career and am excited to pursue my dreams as a Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care.