Building a strong foundation for our youth through values, community , and faith-based education.
405 E. National Rd
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
937 898 5104
937 454 4790 fax
07:30 am - 3:30 pm
Monday to Friday
Office Hours
405 E. National Road
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
937 898 5104
937 454 4790 fax
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: BRANDY KITTA-BOOK
St. Christopher class: 1998
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College degree: Air traffic control
Current location: Brownsburg, Ind.
Job: Air traffic controller
Brandy says:
“St. Chris was the only school I knew during my childhood, and my experiences left me with many fond memories … ”
After graduating from Butler in 2002, Brandy moved to Pennsylvania and earned a college degree in air traffic control.
“In 2006, I was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller. After completing their academy training in Oklahoma, I was employed at the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center, where I still work today.
“My husband, Sam, and I met on our first day in training at the academy in Oklahoma City. We married in 2009 and welcomed our first child, Dane, in 2012. Two daughters, Evelynn (Eve) and Bridgette, followed in 2014 and 2016. Dane will be starting kindergarten in 2018 at St. Malachy School.
“I thank God every day for the life He has given me, for the people currently in my life, and also for anyone that has ever made an impact in my life. I have faith, love, family, health, and a good job that I enjoy going to every day, and that is all anyone could ask for.”
SPOTLIGHT: KELLY PLEIMAN
St. Christopher class: 2013
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: University of Dayton
Major: Engineering
Current location: Dayton, Ohio
Job: Full-time student
In high school, Kelly was an Eagle Ambassador, served on Student Council, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She was also class valedictorian.
She played tennis all four years at Chaminade Julienne and earned these honors:
Kelly says:
“St. Chris prepared me to succeed at CJ.”
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: TIMOTHY FLINN
St. Christopher class: 2008
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: Case Western Reserve University
Major: Chemical engineering, with a minor in business management
Current location: Columbus, Ohio
Job: Chemical engineer for Guild Biosciences, a biotech company
I am also a member of The Sandbox Kids, an improv comedy troupe, and recently completed my first half marathon.
SPOTLIGHT: BEN HAGEMAN
St. Christopher class: 1989
Current location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Job: English teacher at Oak Hills High School
Ben says: For the last seventeen years of my professional career, I have taught English at Oak Hills High School on the west side of Cincinnati. I currently serve as the English Department Chair and teach AP Seminar, Journalism, and College Writing. I am a master teacher in the state of Ohio and have my Lead Teacher Endorsement from the University of Cincinnati. In addition to my Bachelors in Education and English, I also hold a masters degree in Educational Foundations. In 2013, I presented at the Partnership for Global Learning Conference in New York on preparing high school students for the changing global marketplace.
In addition to my duties in the English Department, I am the head coach for the men’s and women’s track and field team. Along with my wife, we created a youth running program in our district that currently offers track and field opportunities to over 300 athletes grades K-4.
Prior to teaching, I worked in a Public Affairs office in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga and assumed many roles in the field of Journalism.
SPOTLIGHT: ANNEMARIE KRUG
St. Christopher class: 2009
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: Ohio State University
Major: B.S. in Neuroscience and minor in Human Nutrition
Job: Graduate Research Fellow in the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition in Dr. Hannah Holscher’s Nutrition and Human Microbiome Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Annemarie’s Significant Life Events:
SPOTLIGHT: TIM DOYLE
St. Christopher class: 2002
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: Ohio State University
Major: B.S. in Sport Leadership/Sport Humanities, M.A. in Workforce Development and Education
Job: Head Volleyball Coach at the College of William and Mary
Tim’s Significant Life Events
SPOTLIGHT: PAT BILLS
St. Christopher class: 2002
High school: Chaminade-Julienne
College: Ohio State University
Major: Geography
Job: After attending Chaminade-Julienne High School (class of ’06), I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a degree in Geography. I have spent the last 8 years pursuing a career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), more commonly known as Cartography, which has allowed me to travel to and experience many new places across the country. Post graduation, I lived and worked in Columbus, Ohio, as well as Denver, Colorado. In 2015, I moved to San Jose, California, where I currently live and work for Apple Maps as a Field Coordinator. In my free time I like to explore the outdoors which includes hiking, camping, skiing, and visits to numerous National Parks in California, Utah, Washington, Colorado, and Arizona, with the hope of visiting many more in the future!
Pat says: “There is no question that my experience at St. Chris helped shape who I am today and prepared me with the skills necessary to successfully achieve my educational and career goals.”
SPOTLIGHT: MEGAN LEMMING
St. Christopher class: 2000
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: University of Dayton
Major: Education
Job: I taught English at a local high school for four years and then decided to get my Master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition at Colorado State University. After I graduated from Colorado State in Fort Collins, I moved to Denver and taught English primarily to immigrant students for three years. I recently moved back to Ohio to be closer to family and am getting settled in the Columbus area.
Megan says: “St. Chris provided me a solid education, which has been the foundation for lifelong growth. My teachers facilitated both spiritual and moral development, and with their guidance, I was empowered with the tools and skills necessary for success. My experience at St. Chris has left an indelible mark on my childhood and adult life.”
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.
SPOTLIGHT: SARAH KRUG
St. Christopher class: 2005
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: University of Notre Dame
Major: Physics with a concentration in astrophysics and a minor in anthropology
I started preschool at St. Christopher School in 1995 and graduated from eighth grade in 2005. After graduating, I went to Chaminade Julienne High School. My time at St. Chris prepared me well for high school. In particular, the advanced math program allowed me to take advantage of the full scope of math courses at CJ. I graduated from high school in 2009 and attended the University of Notre Dame, where I majored in physics with a concentration in astrophysics and a minor in anthropology. My inspiration for studying physics and astrophysics stemmed from an eighth grade English assignment at St. Chris. We were instructed to write a research paper on a topic of our choice. I chose black holes. While at Notre Dame, I did research with the university’s cosmic ray telescope and worked as a lab assistant in the observatory. Over the summers, I participated in engineering, physics, and astrophysics internships at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Tec^Edge Innovation and Collaboration Center, Ohio Wesleyan University, the Tyndall National Institute in Ireland, and Ball Aerospace.
After graduating in 2013, I decided to study light and optics in graduate school and I received a Masters in Electro-Optics from the University of Dayton in 2015. Electro-Optics is the study of the physics of light and how it can be used to engineer electronic devices such as solar cells, lasers, fiber optics, LEDs, and much more. I am currently working on my Ph. D in Electro-Optics at the University of Dayton, where my dissertation is on telescopes and image processing. After I finish my degree, I hope to continue my work in electro-optics at either Wright-Paterson Air Force Base or in the research and development department of an optics industry.
SPOTLIGHT: AMBER SEITZ
St. Christopher class: 2009
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: University of Cincinnati
Major: Nursing
I graduated from Vandalia Butler in 2013 after being a part of the National Honor Society, Octagon Club, and various sports teams throughout my time there. I then attended the University of Cincinnati in the fall of 2013 majoring in Nursing. Throughout my time at UC, I was the secretary, vice president, and president of the Student Nurses Association, a member of Cats for Cause (a charity group that does work around Cincinnati), and the Secretary of the Senior Class of the College of Nursing. My sophomore year I was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, which I remained a member of until graduation. During my time at UC I also worked at Mercy West Hospital and then Cincinnati Children’s as a Patient Care Assistant on the transplant/complex surgery unit for 2 years. During my senior year I had the opportunity to Co-Op at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s Level 1 Emergency Department. Upon graduation, I accepted a position with the department of SRU, which is the critical and acute care float pool at Cincinnati Children’s. I am now a Registered Nurse in SRU at Cincinnati Children’s, currently working in the Neonatal ICU. My plan is to remain with SRU to become a member of their trauma team and transport/flight team.
SPOTLIGHT: PAIGE BARLOW
St. Christopher class: 2008
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: Miami University
Major: Middle Childhood Education: Math & Language Arts
Job: Teaching language arts at Van Cleve 6th Grade School in the Fall of 2016
Paige Says: “I realized that I wanted to become a middle school teacher when I was in the 7th grade at St. Chris. So many of the teachers I had here inspired me to help students in the same way as they did. I am so grateful to have had such amazing role models here at St. Christopher Catholic School! “
SPOTLIGHT: SARAH (TREADWAY) VALENTINE
St. Christopher class: 1999
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: University of Evansville / Midwestern University
Major: B.S. in Biology and Doctorate in Osteopathy
Sarah played varsity volleyball during her years at both CJ and UE. She graduated UE in 2007 with a BS in biology and a minor in chemistry. Sarah then fulfilled a lifelong dream and went to medical school in Chicago. She graduated from Midwestern University with her Doctorate in osteopathy in 2012 and completed residency in Emergency Medicine in 2016. She now lives back home in Dayton working with Kettering Health network at 6 area emergency departments as a physician. Sarah married a St. Chris teacher, Jeremy Valentine, in 2012. They have a baby girl named Summer born in 2017.
SPOTLIGHT: ANDY WILEY
St. Christopher class: 2000
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: Eastern Kentucky University
I graduated from St. Chris in 2000. I graduated from Vandalia-Butler in 2004. In 2009 I moved to Kentucky and went to Eastern Kentucky University and graduated in 2014. My wife, Ashley, and I were married on July 12, 2014. My wife and I moved back to Ohio in May of 2015. I began working as a teacher at St. Chris Center for Children in May 2015. My son Andrew James Wiley Jr. (AJ) was born on September 17, 2016. I am currently a Pre-K teacher and absolutely love it. I never expected to be back at St. Chris as an employee, but I am thankful every day that I am here.
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, on 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: ALAINA SMITH
St. Christopher class: 2008
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: University of Dayton
Major: Applied Mathematical Economics
Job: I am currently a Pricing Analyst at Spinnaker Coating in Troy, OH. Spinnaker Coating is a manufacturing company that produces pressure sensitive material.
I graduated as Salutatorian from Vandalia-Butler High School in 2012. After, I went on to study at the University of Dayton and graduated with a degree in Applied Mathematical Economics in 2016. I moved to Troy, OH not long after graduation to be closer to my new job. I also recently got engaged. My fiance Alex and I plan to get married in June 2019.
SPOTLIGHT: LISA TREADWAY MARINO
St. Christopher class: 2005
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: Miami University / Ohio State University
Major: Doctorate in Physical Therapy
I married my husband Nick in 2016, and we have one son, Simon. We now live in Anna, Ohio, where I work as a physical therapist. I recently started a faith-based wellness practice called Victress Health and Wellness (victresshealth.com). I am fortunate to help patients meet their health goals, physically and spiritually.
Lisa Says: “I am so grateful that my parents made the commitment to send my siblings and me to St. Chris. I am indebted to them for making the sacrifices they did in order for my education to be rooted in faith and excellence. St. Chris has always been such a wonderful and supportive community! I loved my teachers and my classmates challenged me to give my best every day.”
SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL NORRIS
St. Christopher class: 2007
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: Miami University
Major: Bachelors of Arts in Architecture
After graduating from St. Chris in 2007, I attended Vandalia Butler High School. While at Butler, I focused my energies in the art room, exploring through drawing and painting— a passion that first began at St. Chris. Ultimately, drawing let me to pursue a degree in Architecture at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Upon graduating from Miami University with a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture, I began working as an Architectural Project Coordinator at Moda4 Design in downtown Dayton, Ohio. While at Moda4, I have had the privilege to manage local adaptive reuse projects in the downtown area, a role that allows me to bring new life to vacant buildings downtown, and help contribute to the revitalization of our city center. In addition to local projects, I have enjoyed managing the architectural build-outs of various large retailers’ stores throughout the country, namely Origins, The Cosmetics Company Store, and Le Creuset.
SPOTLIGHT: RYAN PIGNATIELLO
St Christopher Class: 2009
High School: Tippecanoe High School
College: Wright State University
Major: Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Job: U.S. Government
I graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 2013, and received a scholarship to play soccer at Wright State University. During my time at Wright State, I was a part of several different organizations. I was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Arabic Club, and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society in November 2015. During the summer of 2015, I was appointed by Gov. Kasich to serve on the Board of Trustees at Wright State University. I interned with the United States Marshal Service in the summer of 2016 which set me up for a successful career after I graduated from Wright State in April 2017. After graduation, I spent three months in Glynco, Georgia, and three months Cheltenham, Maryland, training for my career. After my training was complete, I moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and enjoy the work I do on Capitol Hill.
Ryan says: “St. Christopher was an excellent place to start my academic career. I am very blessed to have attended St. Chris and have the educators there lay the foundation of my learning experience. I noticed a difference in academic learning, transitioning from junior high to high school and grasped learning concepts quicker than most of my classmates. I am thankful for the many blessings and opportunities St Chris offered and look forward to sharing many more of my experiences with the St. Christopher Community.”
SPOTLIGHT: ABBY NOSKER ARNETT
St Christopher Class: 1993
High School: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: Wright State University
Major:Received a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Wright State in 2001 and a Master’s in Reading Literacy from Wright State in 2007
Job: 1st Grade Teacher at St. Christopher School
Fun facts: I married my husband Jeff in 2005, and we have 2 kids, Ashley (9) and Connor (4). I also have had the privilege of teaching with several of my former teachers.
SPOTLIGHT: MINDY GREER
St. Christopher class: 2000
College: Ohio University in 2008 with a degree in political science and Wright State in 2009 with a degree in Spanish
Current location: Columbus, Ohio
Job: I am the Marketing Manager for Preferred Living. They own and manage several luxury apartment complexes in the Columbus area.
I have some great memories at St. Chris! Attending school there afforded me the ability to form close relationships with people that are still my very good friends. I live with fellow alumni Emily Zink and see Kevin Norckauer very frequently. Emily and I were actually “grooms women” in his wedding. I have remained in touch with nearly all of my classmates throughout the years. I live near downtown Columbus in the Brewery District/German Village area. I was immediately enamored with the city upon my arrival 6 years ago. There is so much to do here and it is the perfect place for someone who likes variety as much as I do.
In my spare time I enjoy trying out new restaurants, hosting dinner parties with friends, running, and reading. My favorite hobby is most definitely traveling. In college I studied abroad in Mexico in the Yucatan peninsula where I fell in love with the Spanish language and Latin culture. I continued to study the language in Pamplona, Spain, where they host the running of the bulls. Having caught the travel bug at young age, I have now been to several countries, and I am enjoying every minute of it!
Mindy says: “I am forever thankful to my parents for sending me to St. Chris. As a shy child it was comforting to be in an environment that promoted kindness and celebrated individuality. I lessons I learned there prepared me not only academically but spiritually.”
SPOTLIGHT: EMILY MICHAEL
St. Christopher class: 2008
College: St. Bonaventure University
Current location: Denver, Colorado
I attended St. Chris from 6th-8th grade where I was very fortunate to start my Catholic education. While at St. Chris I had many opportunities to serve others, a large part due to my involvement with the Student Council. I carried many of the skills I learned at St. Chris with me to Chaminade-Julienne High School. There, I also was involved in Student Council and played tennis for two years and basketball for four years. St. Chris was my first experience with Catholic education and I knew that I wanted that experience through high school and college, which is why after graduating from CJ in 2012, I went to St. Bonaventure University where I majored in Business Management. I received both my Bachelors and MBA and also played basketball for 4 years. Through basketball I had many opportunities to help others. I got involved with the Special Olympics and volunteered at local schools. Getting to help the kids in the classroom and then seeing them interact through sports was very rewarding. Another great experience in college was going to the NCAA Tournament my senior year, where my women’s basketball team made it to the second round. After college I moved to Denver, Colorado where I am a recruiter. Helping people search for jobs and finding their passion is something that I really enjoy!
Now I am in my second year of Recruiting-which basically means that I help people find jobs.
SPOTLIGHT: EMILY ZINK
St. Christopher class: 2000
High school: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: Wright StateUniversity
I currently live in German Village/Brewery District in Columbus, OH. I’ve lived in Columbus for the last seven years, and never tire of exploring the unique and exciting landscape Columbus has to offer. O-H : )
I work at Miami Valley Hospital where I started my career in 2010 as a cardiac telemetry nurse. For the last four years, I have worked in the role as a Cardiac Nurse Rounder for Miami Valley Cardiology. I am blessed to work in a profession of service to all people, where I am constantly surrounded by the intelligence, strength, and encouragement of my talented colleagues.
I will always be proud of my Dad for starting the To The Hoop Youth Basketball Program at St. Chris when I was in the second grade and my sister, Allison was in kindergarten. He started the program to share his passion of basketball and to teach fundamentals prior to CYO. I will always fondly remember spending Saturday mornings in Aufderheide Hall playing basketball with my friends under the direction of my father. This year To The Hoop is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary, and you will still my Dad on the sidelines coaching up the next generation of St. Christopher Falcons!
Sending me to St. Christopher’s School for my primary and secondary education is the best gift my parents could have ever bestowed on me. Catholic school provided an excellent education in an environment of faith, security, and friendship. I consider myself fortunate to still be close with many of my classmates. It has been amazing to carry these friendships through every stage of life thus far. I will never forget everyone sobbing their eyes out during Vitamin C’s, “Graduation Song” at our Eighth Grade Graduation. We thought it was the end, but little did we know. St. Chris truly set a beautiful foundation for my life and I will always look back on my days at St. Christopher with full heart.
SPOTLIGHT: Emily Shira
St. Christopher class: 2009
High school: Chaminade Julienne
College: University of Notre Dame ’17
Major: BS in Mechanical Engineering
After St. Chris, I went to Chaminade Julienne High School where I played tennis, basketball, and ran track. I also went on three mission trips through St. Chris Youth Ministry, and one through CJ while in high school. Following my graduation in 2013, I went onto the University of Notre Dame for college where I studied Mechanical Engineering. I had the opportunity to spend a semester in London my junior year and took three more service trips while in college. I was a resident assistant in my dorm senior year, and loved the daily mentorship opportunities it offered me. When I graduated in 2017 (16 years of Catholic education later!), I moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to work for Stryker Medical. Now I have the opportunity every day to design and improve medical devices that aid those in life’s most vulnerable positions.
Emily Says: “The connecting thread of my life has been a spirit of service, and I credit St. Chris for developing this in me. During my nine years at St. Chris, I was surrounded by educators who embodied hearts of service every day, both in the way they conducted their classrooms, and in their emphasis on projects that would help those with less. I am grateful for the educational and personal foundation St. Chris has provided me, and from which my passion for daily service has grown.”
SPOTLIGHT: GAIL (LEMMING) KERLEY
St. Christopher Class: 2001
College: University of Dayton (Class of 2009)
Job: Business Analyst at The Ohio State University, assisting in rolling out the software program Workday for payroll.
Significant Events: Married my husband at St. Christopher on August 11, 2012
Hobbies: Crochet hats for cancer patients, CrossFit, Krav Maga
Memories of St. Chris: I remember the annual Field Day, where there were multiple activities planned all around the school. There was scooter races in the gym, football-through-a-hoop in the front lawn, puzzle races in the cafeteria, etc. It was in the spring, before summer break. It was a great time for everyone to have one last hoorah at the end of the school year.
SPOTLIGHT: MEGAN HAGEMAN HUYSMAN
St. Christopher Class: 1997
High School: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: University of Cincinnati
Major: Health Information Management
I currently live in Cincinnati with my husband Neal and our three children. I work for TriHealth as a coding specialist. My job allows me to work from home, which gives me more time to spend with my family and volunteer at our school and parish.
I loved my time at St. Chris. I made great friendships, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. When my husband and I were deciding on an elementary school for our children we both agreed that we wanted to give them an education and experience like we had received. We decided on a Catholic school for our children because we both had such positive experiences. I am grateful for the education and faith filled experience that St. Chris provided for me.
SPOTLIGHT: SARAH HAGEMAN WELLER
St. Christopher Class: 1992
High School: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: Xavier University
After graduating from Vandalia Butler High School in 1996, I went to Xavier University and studied social work. I met my husband, Jon while at Xavier and we were married shortly after graduating in 2000. I got my master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2004 in social work. After working for several years in foster care, I have worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for the past 10 years. I work with children who have feeding difficulties and do counseling with them and their parents or caregivers. My husband and I live on the west side of Cincinnati and have 3 kids – Jackson (13), Maya (10), and Elena (8). Most of our free time and weekends are spent at sporting events or family parties. Both my brother and sister live on the west side of Cincinnati too so there are always plenty of gatherings! My husband Jon works for the University of Cincinnati and travels internationally frequently. This past summer the kids and I got the chance to go to China with him. Hopefully it was the first of many travelling adventures for us as a family!
SPOTLIGHT: DANIEL SHIRA
St. Christopher Class: 2007
High School: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: Ohio State University and Graduate with a Bachelors in Criminology in 2015.
Enlisted in the United States Navy in 2016.
Currently working as a Navy Diver, stationed in San Diego, California.
Some of my best memories from St. Chris are of field day, donut Sunday in the cafeteria after church, and the different events and competitions the school would put on (dimes for diabetes, magazine drive, etc.)
The staff at St. Chris had a way of showing us how important it was to serve others and how to have fun in the process as well. The value of service that I learned through the years at St. Chris is my biggest take away from my teachers during my time at the school and helped to mold me into the man that I am today.
SPOTLIGHT: ERIN TREADWAY HAZELBAKER
St. Christopher Class: 1996
High School: Chaminade Julienne High School
College: University Of Dayton
I graduated from Chaminade Julienne High School in 2000, and from the University of Dayton in 2004. In 2006 I graduated from Physical Therapy School at the University of Cincinnati.
At the University of Dayton, I was All American in volleyball in 2003, and was part of the first ever NCAA appearance for UD volleyball. We won the match! I am in the Hall of Fame at both Chaminade Julienne and the University of Dayton.
I practiced physical therapy in mostly geriatric setting starting in 2007, and now I am a home health physical therapist. Home health can be challenging, but it is also more rewarding for me than any other setting.
I married my husband Brooks in 2009, and we had our first child, Cannon, a year later. Our only daughter, Brin, was born in 2012, followed by our sons, Brooksie in 2014, and Mack in 2016. After our first child was born, I became very passionate about helping women have better birth experiences. Finally, after our fourth child was born, I completed my training as a doula, or birth/labor coach. Physical therapy and doula work are very complementary, and I also love how, as a doula, I am able to help women bring their faith and spiritual preparation into the birthing room.
While I love my work, I am so lucky in that this year I am finally able to stay home with the kids and only work a few hours a week. That has its own set of challenges but has been very rewarding. My three year old was recently diagnosed with epilepsy so being home more is an answered prayer.
Some of my favorite memories of St. Chris revolve around sports: playing at recess, in gym class, on the weekend with my friends in our maroon St. Chris jerseys. I clearly remember feeling a very healthy sense of pressure to achieve as there were so many talented students in our class as well as so many amazing and different personalities!
SPOTLIGHT: MARIN ZUMWALD
St. Christopher Class: 2010
College: Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame
Significant events: I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, in May 2018. I was inducted into the National Catholic College Honor Society in April 2018. During my senior year, I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and advocated in the court system for two children who have been abused and neglected. While I was completing my internship with this wonderful organization, I uncovered my passion for child welfare.
What I am doing now: I am currently getting my Master’s in Social Work at The Ohio State University in an Advanced Standing Accelerated Program. In August (2018), I will start my internship at Nationwide Children’s. I am so excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to begin my career as a social worker!
SPOTLIGHT: CARRIE (AHLERS) SHAFER
St. Christopher Class: 1999
High School: Vandalia Butler High School
College: Bowling Green State University in 2007 with a Bachelor Degree in Middle Childhood Education- Focus in Math and Science
-Earned Masters Degree in Education with Technology in 2009
After graduation from BGSU, I moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I met my husband, Kevin. We married in 2011 at St. Christopher Church and have two children, Kaden (5) and Avery (1). I started my teaching career in Hilliard, Ohio, as a Title One Tutor for Math and Reading. For the past 9 years, I have taught 6th grade math for Jonathan Alder Local Schools in Plain City, Ohio.
Any additional comments…memories of St. Chris, fun facts, interests
Carrie Says “When I look back at my years at St. Chris, I feel blessed to have had so many great teachers supporting my education! I started school as a shy student with academic struggles and graduated St.Chris with a dream of becoming a middle school teacher! I attribute my strong faith in God and ability to trust in prayer to all my religious education at St. Chris! “
SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDRIA BOYER
St. Christopher Class: 2007
High School: Chaminade Julienne High School (Class of 2011)
College: Saint Mary’s College (Class of 2015)
Proud Accomplishments:
Alexandria says “St. Christopher gave me lifelong friendships! Our graduating class of 26 students was very close and brings back many fond memories.”
SPOTLIGHT: KEVIN TRIMBACH
St. Christopher Class: 1998
High School: Chaminade Julienne High School
College: Wright State School of Business
-My wife Brittany and I have been married for fifteen years. We have four children: Aubrey, 15, Natalie, 11, Stephanie 7, and Benjamin, 5.
– I am President/COO of 2J Supply Company
– I enjoy being active with the family, running, biking, and being outdoors.
-Some of my favorite memories of St. Chris include recess, field trips, and competing in sports.
SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL MCGRAW
St. Christopher Class: 2008
High School: Vandalia-Butler High School
College: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Colorado State University
Job: PhD Student
I went to St. Chris from kindergarten to 8th grade, where I graduated in 2008. I then went to Vandalia Butler High School where I graduated in 2012. I went on to study chemistry at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, where I fell in love with organic chemistry and began doing laboratory research on lithium-ion batteries. I graduated in 2016 with my bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with two publications and a patent under my name.
I am currently living in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado working towards my PhD in organic chemistry. I spend my days studying, teaching classes, and doing lab research. My research is related to the synthesis of biorenewable and recyclable plastics, on which I’m about to publish my first work. I am fortunate enough to be working for a great mentor in a field I am very passionate about. I want to pursue a career in science as well as education, where I can tackle challenging chemistry problems on the cutting edge of new technologies while mentoring young scientists.
Michael says “The Catholic education I received at St. Chris was foundational to the development of my core values. I cannot express how essential these values were, which carried me through my high school and undergraduate years where it seemed like the enemy was attacking me from all directions. Without the strong Catholic foundation provided to me by my parents and St. Christopher school, I might not have been equipped to maintain a faith centered life within the Godless world that is the university and scientific community.”
SPOTLIGHT: DANIELLE GEHRON
St. Christopher class: 2009
College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2017
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Job: I am a test and research engineer at DePuy Synthes
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SPOTLIGHT: MACKENZIE BOYER
St. Christopher class: 2010
High school: Chaminade Julienne (2014)
College: Wright State University with a psychology degree in 2018, Currently enrolled in Zane State College in the Occupational therapy assistant program
Current location: Zanesville, Ohio
Job: Student
Fun Facts: I’m a cat mom!
SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL SOWERS
St. Christopher class: 2009
High school: Vandalia-Butler
College: Ohio Northern University
Major: Government, with a minor in journalism
I graduated from St. Christopher School in 2009. I graduated from Vandalia Butler High School in 2013 where I played soccer. I continued my education and playing soccer at Ohio Northern University until I graduated in 2017.
Once graduated from college I started to help coach soccer for Butler while applying for jobs. I still coach but also now work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a Program Manager.
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SPOTLIGHT: JEFF BARDONARO AND MOLLY (STAMMEN) BARDONARO
St. Christopher class: 1994
High school: Vandalia-Butler – Class of 1998
Jeff graduated from Depauw University in Indiana in 2002 where he played baseball for 4 years and earned a degree in Communications. He obtained a job working for 5/3rd bank out of college and then moved over to Key Bank in 2006 where he still works today. He now is working in Commercial banking for Key Bank. In 2017 he was named 1 of 40 under 40 chosen in the Dayton Business Journal. He currently serves as Vice President of the Optimist Club in Vandalia, has served on Visions Endowment Fund, Project read and other boards, as well as coaching both of his sons’ athletic teams year round.
Molly Bardonaro graduated from Ohio University in 2002 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Molly obtained her masters in educational leadership from The University of Dayton and then went on to receive her Principal’s license from there. She worked at Tri-County North teaching 3rd grade for 6 years and coached the Varsity girls basketball team for 4 years. Her current job is teaching 3rd grade at Helke Elementary for Vandalia-Butler Schools. She has been in Vandalia Schools for 11 years (5 at Murlin and 6 at Helke). She has been the Girls Varsity basketball coach at Butler for 5 years now. Molly has twice been named the Coach of the Year by District 9.
Jeff and Molly were married at St. Christopher church by Father Frank Kefrel on June 10, 2006. Molly and Jeff have and continue to be St Chris Parishoners since 2005. They have 2 boys together, Bennett and Joey. Bennett is 9 and in third grade and Joey is 6 and in Kindergarten. The children are and will continue to be part of the St Chris G.I.F.T. Program. We are a very active family involved in numerous sports. Both boys are involved in soccer, basketball, and baseball. We travel to Destin, Florida, yearly, as well as other favorite vacation spots. We continue to live in the Vandalia community and love being able to raise our children in the same community we both grew up in and in which we both received outstanding educations and lifelong opportunities. Molly and Jeff and b is that it brought us both together.
SPOTLIGHT: KYLE SHOUP
St. Christopher class: 2010
High school: Chaminade Julienne, 2014
College: University of Dayton
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Job: Triade Technologies – Special Projects Engineer)
While in high school I played baseball as a starting pitcher all four year. In 2014, our team went all the way to regional finals! Fun Fact: I broke the pitching record of Mike Mathile and Garrett Wissman broke my pitching record. All are St. Christopher members. While at Chaminade Julienne, I was also a member of National Honor Society, went on mission trips, and was the recipient of the Lucas Pfander Scholarship.
For someone who cried in first grade math class, I have come a long way and graduated with an engineering degree from UD. I am currently working at Triade Technologies in Vandalia. I began as a summer co-op in 2014, and I was very happy to be hired full time after graduation in May of 2018.
I have been blessed with the gift of a Catholic education. Beginning with St. Chris Preschool (2001), St. Christopher Elementary (2010), Chaminade Julienne (2014), and University of Dayton (2018), I have had some outstanding educators. Kyle says “My education at St. Chris was an excellent stepping stone that prepared me for the academic challenges in high school and college. I thank my parents for affording me the opportunity for best education.”
405 E. National Rd. Vandalia, Ohio 45377
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