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The Knight TimesA monthly publication for Alter Families!FEBRUARY 2016alter UPDATE1 - Fish Fry2 - From Father Manning3 - From the Principal4 - From Guidance5 - The Taylor Center6 - From Tim Sullivan7 - Campus Ministry8 - From the Nurse9 - From the Nursealter NEWS10 - National Honor Society11 - Science Fair & Olympiad12 - Speech/Essay Winners13 - Instagram14 - February Photo Galleryalter ATHLETICS15 - Swim & Dive News16 - Girls BBall, Wrestling17 - Boys BBall, Hockey18 - Bowling, Cheer, Lanciesalter ARTS19 - Music, Winter Guard News20 - Aida, Improvalter CALENDAR21 - March Calendar22 - 2015/2016 Calendar23 - 2016/2017 Draft Calendaralter INFORMATION24 - Morning with the Lancies25 - US Academy Seminars26 - Marching Knights FlyerSee you tonight!FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 20167:00 P.M. – MIDNIGHTCafeteria, gym and heated tents!Dine-in dinners will be served from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.(Carryout available from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)Come and enjoy all you can eat fish and trimmings,traditional beverages, a silent auction, adult games,friends and FUN! Must be 21 to attend. Located in theAlter High School cafeteria, gym and heated tents.NEW THIS YEAR:DRIVE THRU/TAKE-OUT (BY DOCK)ONLINE TICKET SALES:https://alterhs.org/event/alter-fish-fry/ 13/Main Office, 14/Online, 15/Day Of
alter UPDATEpage 2From the Executive DirectorFr. Jim ManningServant LeadershipI have been asked to reflect upon my eleven years as President of Alter HighSchool. Such a reflection led me to a Lenten meditation on leadership basedupon the Gospel teaching of Jesus when he says: You know how among theGentiles those who seem to exercise authority lord it over themselves; theirgreat ones make their importance felt. It cannot be like that with you. Anyoneamong you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rankfirst among you must serve the needs of all. The Son of man has come not to beserved but to serve—to give his life in ransom for the many.”This is the theme of the powerful book entitled Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature ofLegitimate Power and Greatness by Robert Greenleaf in 1977. It is amazing to me that the first 150pages of this book speak all about Board of Trustees. Institutions that have survived and thrived sincethe Industrial Revolution had effective boards; those that failed did not. Boards of Trustees provideaccountability to an institution. To the degree that they provide accountability, they also providecredibility. And numbers follow credibility. Quantity follows quality. Boards basically say to the community/constituency that this institution is living its mission; it is fulfilling its purpose; it is actually doing what itpurports to be doing. For boards to be able to do their job management/administration must becomeservant leaders. A fine partnership/marriage must exist between boards and the administration of aninstitution for the welfare of the community that they serve.Some visionaries in the Alter community around the year 2000 strongly believed that this is what Alterneeded in its vision for the future. They approached the Archdiocese and the Board of Trustees was formedin 2004. Because of my background in Education I was invited to be on the Board. A year later, while onmy last year as Pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish, I was asked to be the first President of Alter which Ibecame in October of 2005. As with all change, the process has not been exempt from pain.Alter was so proud two years ago whenthe Archdiocese used us as a modelto implement Boards of Trustees in allArchdiocesan-owned schools!Upon reflection, I would have to say thatthe most important change the last elevenyears at Alter was the implementation ofthe Board of Trustees as a new form ofschool governance in Catholic Schools andhow honored that I am to have been a keycomponent to the process. And I must saythat the present Board of Trustees is doingan effective job in working with the presentadministration to endow a bright future forAlter High School.Fr. JimThe 2015-2016 Alter Board of Trustees pictured at the fall retreat. Board Members L/R: Todd Duplain,Tom Nikolai, Fr. Chris Worland, Dave Homan, Matt Graybill, Susie Kreusch, Laura Roesch, Cliff Bishop,Maggie Paxson Collins, Lourdes Lambert, Julie Taylor, Fr. Jim Manning, Dr. Cheryl Reichel, Mike Conway.Not pictured: Roger Furrer and Mike Kirry. Also pictured: Tina Lammers and Rick Willits.The Knight Times
alter UPDATEpage 3From the PrincipalLourdes LambertBest Lent EverDear Families:I hope your month of Februaryhas been one filled with LOVE andGRATITUDE. This month, I have beenparticipating in a daily devotionalprogram by Dynamic Catholic called“Best Lent Ever.” Every day, I have amessage delivered to my inbox at about4 a.m., and the first thing I do everymorning is to watch the video andready the daily reflection.I received one last week entitled God’s Opinion Matters the Most. Iwas immediately interested, and as I read it and began to share itwith others I began to realize just how important the message is. Weare often our own worst critics, and we forget all of the things thatJesus says about us: Jesus says you are a child of God. Jesus says you are infinitely valuable. Jesus says you are free. No matter what happens, God loves you.The devotional asks us to live the following verse from Galatians1:10, “Am I now seeking human approval or God’s approval? Or amI trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would notbe a servant of Christ.” Hmmm – I really had to think about this onebecause I am the ultimate people pleaser and I recognize this aboutmyself.Congratulations!Garrett Rethman and JakeUntener have moved on toNational Merit Finalists! We areproud of these Knights!ALTER HAS HEARTIf you’re driving through Cincinnati soon,look for the billboard of Payton Herres ‘19!She is a featured heart transplant hero!COMMUNITY RALLIES TO HELPFAIRMONT WRESTLER BEFORE HERETURNS HOMEThen I considered the following question, “Do you value yourselfanywhere near as much as Jesus values you?” Again, I really had tothink twice and three times about that one – the honest answer isprobably no . . . and how do I even begin to rectify that?I share this with you during this season of Lent as I know that we areall looking inward and upward as we prepare ourselves for the deathand resurrection of our Savior. A Savior who loves us so much thatHe ultimately gave up his life here on Earth for our salvation. It is myprayer that we all come to value ourselves as Jesus values us. I praythat we remember always that no matter what happens, God lovesus and that we, in turn, are able to offer that unconditional lovefreely to others.With a grateful heart,Lourdes LambertPrincipalWaker Plumbing is just one of many localvendors that has donated time and resources to the Doucet family’s renovationproject. Plumbers work to expand thefamily’s half bath into a full, wheelchairaccessible bathroom.CLICK HERE FOR THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS ARTICLE!The Knight Times
alter UPDATEpage 4From the Guidance OfficeShannon Brown, Kati Fulk, and Teresa RupperFOR SENIORS:Seniors will receive an important “Post-SecondaryPlans/Scholarship” form (a.k.a the “yellow”form!) in their individual Theology classes afterEaster break. The students must completethis form detailing their post-secondary plansas this is the official record of that information.A parent signature is also required. On thisform, seniors will also have an opportunity tolist any scholarships awarded (even those theyare not accepting). Scholarships which theseniors are accepting will be announced at theSenior Awards Assembly in May. These yellowforms must be returned to the Guidance officeno later than Friday, May 6th. If not, studentswhose information is missing will be considered“undecided” and/or scholarships awarded may notbe listed and/or announced. Most importantly,this form is verification for sending final transcriptsat the end of senior year to the students’ selectedcolleges.FOR JUNIORS:This spring, Alter will be hosting a Junior ParentCollege Night for all juniors and their parents. Mr.Robert Durkle, Assistant Vice President for EnrollmentManagement for the University of Dayton, will presentvital information regarding the college applicationprocess. Attendance is highly recommended because ofthe immediacy of application timelines at the beginningof the senior year. Information on date, time andlocation will be forthcoming.The spring and summer are ideal times for juniors totake the ACT and SAT tests. Retakes may then be donein the fall of the senior year. Registration can be doneonline at ACT: www.actstudent.org or for the SAT:www.collegeboard.org. When taking these exams,please be advised that many colleges require the scoresto be sent directly from the testing center. Scores canbe sent to up to four schools for FREE when registering.If sent at a later date, the testing companies charge a feefor doing so. The websites listed above can be utilizedto have the scores sent, if needed.The Guidance counselors will soon be meeting withjuniors on an individual basis to discuss these andother topics which will be important for the collegeapplication process. It is an opportunity for the studentsto ask any questions or discuss any concerns they mighthave regarding both their senior year and post-highschool plans.For those students taking AP Exams this year, please refer to the chart below for the testing schedule:2016 AP Exam Schedule:Week 1A.M.8:00-11:00P.M.12:00-3:00Week 2A.M.8:00-11:00Monday, May 2AP CHEMISTRYTuesday, May 3AP PSYCHOLOGYAP PHYSICSMonday, May 9Tuesday, May 10APGOVERNMENTAP BIOLOGYWednesday, May 4AP ENGLISHLITERATUREThursday, May 5AP CALCULUSFriday, May 6Wednesday, May 11AP ENGLISHLANGUAGEThursday, May 12Friday, May 13The Knight Times
alter UPDATEpage 5GREETINGS, ALTER KNIGHTS!CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENINGIN THE TAYLOR CENTERSENIORS:JUNIORS:ACT/SAT prep and Upcoming Test Dates:Scholarship search and application Encourage your son or daughter to visit theTaylor center, pick up a scholarship searchhandout, and get help applying for: Dayton Foundation’s ScholarshipConnect which gives access to over160 local scholarships and is dueMarch 13th Beginning Resume Building Learning Style Inventory OCIS (Ohio Career Information System) Search Study SkillsACT – April 9th & June 11th SAT – May 7th & June 4th All juniors are eligible to receive access toFREE online ACT practice through the TaylorCenter. Stop in for log-in information.Coolidge Foundation ScholarshipOther local scholarships-KetteringNoon Optimist, Dor-WoodOptimist, Community Blood Center,military scholarships just to namea fewSOPHOMORES AND FRESHMEN: A four year, full-ride scholarship coveringtuition, room/board, and expenses at anyUS university Merit based and can be used for any major Open only to juniors and due March 18th Coolidgescholars.org Create it now for use during summer jobinterviews & college applications next fallResumeCollege Search Research schools for summer college visits Pick up a college visit handout withquestions to ask on college toursWATCH FORSPECIALINCENTIVE DAYSIN MARCH!DETAILS WILL BEFORTHCOMING!The Knight Times
alter UPDATEpage 6Thankful for being partof the Alter FamilyI felt it important to share my personal experience ofwhat a wonderful community of people, that is the“Alter family”.My name is Tim Sullivan, one of the assistant boysbasketball coaches here at Alter. My oldest son,Kenny, also coaches boys’ basketball at Alter as thehead freshman coach for the past 3 seasons.My 3 grown children attended Alter and I have an 8thgrade daughter (Alissa) still at home.In November 2015, our home in Oakwood andvirtually all our belongings were destroyed in a housefire caused by what appears to be an electrical shortin the dishwasher.At the time of the fire, my daughter Suzy (who waspregnant) was visiting from St Louis for a familyevent.Suzy and I were out shopping early that Sundaymorning, and Alissa was still home upstairs in bedwhen the fire broke out. Alissa was alerted by thesmoke detector and rescued the family dog as thefire spread extremely quickly. Not realizing her oldersister Suzy was with me, she went back into the hometo try and find Suzy and almost didn’t make it backout herself.The event has temporarily changed our lives in justabout every way you can think of.While my family was adjusting and getting a new“normal” after the fire, behind the scenes therewere many people working to help my family.I was shocked and overwhelmed (and honestly I stillam), to learn after the fact (just before Christmas)that the Alter girls basketball team organized afundraiser for my family at BW3’s. The fact thatthe girls would take their time and effort to do thisfor my family means more than I can ever explain.It was a huge surprise to me and made me trulyrealize what special people we have here at Alter.I know there are so many people (within the Altercommunity) who are part of all this, many of whichI don’t even know who to thank for their caring andconcern. Knowing people care and are so willing togo above and beyond is simply amazing to me.Fast forward to January 22, 2016. I just returnedfrom St Louis, Suzy and Jimmy are now proud newparents of my granddaughter Remy. The house hasalready begun the rebuild, which is expected to becompleted sometime this summer.For everyone in the Alter community who played apart in concern and support for my family, I cannotexpress enough to you my appreciation. You areall a huge part of our family getting our life back tonormal.Many people have referred to the event as a “tragedy”,which it is not. The only prevailing thoughts orfeelings (since realizing Alissa was safe), have beenfeelings of gratefulness and being blessed. It reallyCOULD have been a “tragedy” but I thank the Lordis was not.One of the most amazing positives to come out ofthis event is the realization of support from the Altercommunity.It is sometimes easy for all of us to take for granted(myself included) the amazing community we all apart of.The Knight TimesThank you! Tim Sullivan
alter UPDATEpage 7Campus MinistryDave ConardHow MercifulCan We Be?“Be merciful, just as your Father ismerciful.” Luke 6:36During this Year of Mercy, PopeFrancis has called us to make thisLent a time to focus on the mercyof God and commit ourselves toacts of mercy in our everydaylives. So this year at Alter, we will be focusing on the question,“How Merciful Can We Be?” In theology classes students arereviewing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and making“Mercy Pledges” to live them out in some concrete way. They arealso be encouraged to report, “Mercy Sightings” – acts of mercythey witness. They will write their pledges and sightings on “MercyLinks” - slips of paper that the peer ministers will collect and forminto a chain that will be hung in the cafeteria. They will continue toadd to the chain throughout Lent. It is nice visible reminder of ourcommitment to be merciful this Lent.Of course, mercy is shown in many of our events and activitiesas well. Last week several of our seniors organized Alter’s firstever Dance-a-thon which raised over 2300 for Agua Viva, theorphanage in Guatemala Alter students have visited during thesummer for many year. Because of our students’ efforts, AguaViva will be able to provide better facilities and education to thechildren it serves.underthe seaFATHER DAUGHTER DANCESATURDAY, MARCH 58-11PMALTER GYMNASIUMTicket Sales:Tickets sales March 2 -4 during lunchPre Sale: 35 for one daughter/dad 45 for multiple daughters/dadAt Door - 40/ 50Our sophomores recently participated in their Sophomore RetreatDay. This day-long retreat enabled sophomores to take a break fromtheir routines and focus on what is most important in their lives –their faith and their relationships with others. The theme this yearwas unity. Trained Junior leaders led our Sophomores though a dayof exploring how our unity in the mystical body of Christ calls us toshow respect and mercy to those around us.Finally, as we look ahead, next Wednesday, March 2nd, there will bereconciliation services in each if the theology classes during the day.We offer these services each Advent and Lent. This year, though,they serve as a great opportunity for our students to experience themercy of God first hand and to grow in the love of God. May this betrue for all of us this Lenten Season: having experienced the mercyof God, may we in turn be merciful just as our Father is merciful.The Knight TimesSponsored by the Alter Cheerleaders
page 8Jeanne KernanFrom the Nursealter UPDATEClick here to printa PDF of this articleso you can starta conversationwith your childKnow! Take a Bite out of EatingDisordersFebruary 21 – 27 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, an annualcampaign to bring attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders.Talking regularly with youthabout the dangers of alcohol,tobacco and other drugsreduces their risk of usingin the first place.Know! encourages you toshare this Parent Tip withfriends and family.Learn more at:DrugFreeActionAlliance.orgAmong the many pressures teens face in their young lives, there isthe pressure to look fit and trim. Going through adolescence is difficultenough with all the changes the body and brain are experiencing. Throwin there the pressure to look a certain way during all that growing anddeveloping, and it is no wonder why an approximate half million teensseverely struggle with weight and body image issues.Most teens are at least somewhat self-conscious about theirappearance, but it is when a child becomes obsessed with body image,weight loss, dieting and control of food that an eating disorder may bedeveloping.There are many types of eating disorders including anorexia (selfstarvation), bulimia (binging and purging), and binge eating (eating largeamounts of food without behaviors to prevent weight gain).The first step towards prevention is education. Take a look at thefollowing Myths vs. Facts:Know! is a program of:Drug Free Action AllianceLIFETIME PREVENTION LIFETIME WELLNESSLink to the article on theDrug Free Action AllianceFacebook pageLink to the Spanish archivesDrug Free Action Alliance6155 Huntley Road, Suite HColumbus, Ohio 43229PH: (614) 540-9985FX: (614) 540-9990I’m glad I don’t have to deal with this yet; my child is only inelementary.While the average age of onset for eating disorders is 12 to 13-yearsold, specialists report diagnosing children as young as five or six withthe illness.I have all boys, so thankfully, I don’t have to worry about eatingdisorders.Males actually make up about one-third of those with eating disorders,though they are more likely to focus on building muscle, more likely topurge via exercise, and they are at greater risk for steroid use.I would know if my child had an eating disorder. Plus, my childwould not make such a bad choice.Experts say eating disorders can hide in plain sight and may easily goundetected and undiagnosed until the person’s health is at significantrisk. Most people do not choose this for themselves. Eating disordersare complex mental illnesses caused by both genetic and environmentalThe Knight Times
page 9Jeanne KernanFrom the Nursealter UPDATEThe Knight Times
alter NEWSpage 10NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETYThe National Honor Society is an honorary organization whose membersare students who have distinguished themselves in four areas: scholarship,leadership, character, and service. Juniors and seniors may request membershipin NHS by meeting the following requirements: A cumulative GPA of 3.700 (no rounding) at the time of the request formembership. Participation in extracurricular activities. This includes participation in aminimum of two different school activities per year; e.g., athletics, plays,clubs, band, etc. The student needs the signature of the moderator or coachof the activity when submitting the membership request forms. A minimum of 25 hours of s
Board Members L/R: Todd Duplain, Tom Nikolai, Fr. Chris Worland, Dave Homan, Matt Graybill, Susie Kreusch, Laura Roesch, Cliff Bishop, . Waker Plumbing is just one of many local vendors that has donated time and re-sources to the Doucet family’s renovation project. Plumbers work to expand the
