Scholarships to Nativity for Children of Alumni

Through the generosity of alums and friends, 5 students from 4 families have been awarded scholarships for the upcoming school year. The Alumni Association wants to help assure that the same excellent Catholic education we received at Nativity School is available to children of the parish today. We don't want increasing tuition to be an obstacle to parish families who want a Catholic education for their children.

“Give Back the Gift” … a Catholic Education Fund for Nativity School
Together, we can help “Give Back the Gift” of a quality, faith-based Catholic education which Nativity School has provided its parish children for more than 85 years! Learn more! Check out the GBG Video! Fill out the Pledge Card now.

Class of 1938

Class of 1938 Plans Reunion
Soon the members of the Class of 1938 will return to Ridge and Woodford to again walk the halls and tell the stories of their grade school years. No doubt they will also sing the "Nativity School Song". A lot has changed in the last 70 years, and at their reunion these alumni will learn about the exciting oportunities for this generation of Nativity Students.

When we leave this old school of Nativity, we'll remember it through all eternity.
We'll boost it to the skies in our travels far and wide.
We'll always talk Nativity no matter what be tide.

Nativity Alums National Merit Semi-Finalist
Congratulations to Dan Garry and Jeremy Lamb'04 who were named a National Merit Semi-Finalists in September '07. Joe (son of Vicky and Tim Garry Jr., is a student at St. Xavier and Jeremy (son of Peggy and Mark Lamb) is a student at Purcell Marin.

Joe Muething '03 and St. Xavier '07 was named a National Merit Sem-Finalist last year.

Bob Fischer ’40 recently celebrated his 80th birthday in Gulf Shores, AL. At his family’s request, we provided Nativity memorabilia about the “good ol’ days to add to Bob‘s celebration.

Jerry Moss '52 (center) with his co-authors

Walter Jerry Moss '52 After Nativity I went on to Purcell, Xavier U., and Georgetown U., where I received my Ph.D. in Russian Area Studies and History in 1968. After teaching 3 years at Wheeling Jesuit College, I moved on to Eastern Michigan University (EMU), where I have been teaching history ever since. In 1983, four of us at EMU were authors of the "The Twentieth Century: A Brief Global History." It is now in its 7th ed., and titled "The Twentieth Century and Beyond."

Jim Heiselmann '56
I graduated from Purcell HS in 1960, and from Xavier University in 1964. I was a teacher at Mason HS, then a writer at Cincinnati Milling Machine Co. (now Cincinnait Milacron). Then I moved to Fort Wayne to work as a writer and administrative assistant in sales training at Magnavox Co. Then I worked in Personnel Dept. for the City of Fort Wayne. Then I worked for the Personnel Dept. of the City of South Bend, IN. Since Dec. 1, 1976, I've been in Human Resources at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN (30 years!). I have four children (Laura, Phil, Sara, Christopher) and three grandsons (Nick, Ben and Paul).'

I played on her softball and basketball teams coached by Louise Herring. She was one terrific coach who instilled in me a great love of sports along with a belief in myself that carried me through many a challenge over the years. For that I am indebted to her.

In the 49 years that have passed since our 8th Grade graduation ceremony, I must report having lived a very full life, blessed with children, grandchildren and a 25-year career which enabled me to get up every morning, excited about taking on another day at work. I have just retired from that job (Vice President of Human Resources at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts) to devote time to family and community projects and my hobby, birdwatching. (Cincinnait's own Spring Grove Cemetery is a fantastic place to birdwatch!)Perhaps I shall stop by Nativity one of these days on a return visit to Cincinnati... Perhaps Nativity will be enabling our class to have a 50-year reunion this next year? That would be terrific. I shall be on the lookout for any information about such an event!

Victoria (Vicki) Chappell Kallett '56
Graduated Regina High and Marquette University. Worked as a full time Mom raising 3 children. After that worked as a case manager for Maricopa County in Phoenix until I retired in the late 90's. My husband and I now live in the Pikes Peak area of Colorado - we breed and show Giant Schnauzers and spend time traveling coast to coast visiting children and grandchildren. Life is full and rich. Only my sister Jane remains in Cincy (class of 61) and we visit occassionally. Nativity has great memories for me - especially the days that I played the piano as the students marched in from recess, or how about the ballroom dancing classes in the 7th and 8th grades. Sorry I missed the 50th reunion - maybe next time

Class of 1957 at their Reunion

Roger Mansfield ’57 visited Nativity from Colorado this past summer on his way to a family reunion in KY. Roger had a chance to see his old stomping grounds during Fall Fest ’06, complete with a stroll through this year’s first-ever Alumni Lounge (which he discovered on Nativity’s website).

Take a moment to sign in and tell us what's happened since you graduated.

Pat Boland Simms '58
The family moved to Louisville Ky in1960. I graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1962 and the University of Louisville in 1967. I married Jim in July and we moved to St.Louis that same year. Jim worked for Boeing and recently retired. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren, the joys of our lives. We enjoy traveling especially on cruises. I'd love to attend a class reunion! Please avoid mid to late June and Sept if possible. Thanks to those working on this project!

Tom Sebille '58
I moved to a small town outside of Nashville in 2006. Prior to that I had lived in Cincinnati all of my life. I am interested in helping to organize a 50 year reunion for the class of 1958. I have several class pictures. One is of the 1956-1957 school year that has 25 pictures. I can still remember the names of most of my classmates. I remember the grade being split into two classes because of the number of students. I have another picture that has no date on it but I believe it is the 8th grade graduation with both classes combined for a total of 49 classmates. It was signed by Sister Mary Joan. I would love to hear from any and all of my classmates from the graduating class of 1958 and hope we can all get together for a 50 year class reunion. My email address is tajsebille@aol.com

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Bob Beebe '60
I graduated from Purcell in '64, served in the US Army in Europe and ultimately got a BS and an MBA from The Ohio State University in 1975 majoring in Finance. I spent 20 years in Chicago working for Zenith Electronics and have been in Atlanta for the last 13 years as a VP of Finance for Scientific Atlanta, A Cisco Company. My work has taken me all over the globe and when not travelling I play a lot of golf. I have been married to my wife Lynda for 37 years

Marge Sebill Kellerman '60
So many years have passed since our 25th reunion. I am looking forward to the 50th to see everyone. I sure we have not changed much in these last 25 years! I've recently retired from Social Work but continue to stay very busy. I have seven grandchildren and enjoy every minute with them. My husband Pat, of 38 years, is self-employed and I often travel with him. Here is my email address and phone # if anyone would like to get in contact with me and share some stories: mkellerman@fuse.net and 513-553-4107 Blessings!! Marge

Class of 1979 Click here for more photos.

Deborah Guilfoyle Mobilio '67
Since leaving Nativity in 1966 ( I actually graduated from St. Francis De Sales in 1967). I have lived back and forth all over the country. I married my husband of 36 years in California after moving there in 1969. I was always known as "little Guilfoyle" since there were nine of us. My favorite teacher was Miss Alice in 3rd grade. Miss Marie made me repeat the fourth grade after not showing up for summer school in Math!!! She would be happy to know that I grduated from College with a BS in Clinical Psychology with Honors! Who would have thunk it!.

We have four children and six grandchildren. All my brothers and sisters are doing great just to name them all here goes: Don, Diane, Greg, Deb, Tim, Jeff, Mike, and Suzie! I have moved back to Cincinnati after 30 years. Mom and Dad are here again after many years in California and Arizona. I was driving by our old house on Beaver Avenue with my grandaughter and daughter and it was for sale. The current owner was being transferred to Chicago (I lived there twice) and offered to let me see the old house. She asked it I was from the family with 9 kids. She said she as been dying to know where everyone slept! The pool has been filled in, that was sad, we loved that pool!!

I am thrilled to be home and now my grandaughter may go to Nativity to begin her education! The circle of life! My best friend was Janet Hinkle and I just attended her twin brother Jimmy's daughter wedding! The Hinkles are doing well too and yes Marilyn looks great! Nativity was and is a great school and I feel blessed to have grown up in such a great neighborhood as Pleasant Ridge!
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The Class of 1979

Nancy Boisseau Achberger '72
Nancy (Boisseau) and James Achberger are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in May '08. They attend St. Andrew's Parish in Milford. They have 3 daughters, Allison, an OU grad., is living and working in the Cincinnati area; Denise is a sophomore at UC and Emma is a senior at Milford High School.

Nancy graduated from Regina and received a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design in 1980. She has worked in various art related fields but since 2000 she has been working on her own art career. She has a studio at the Essex in Walnut Hills (www.essexstudios.com). Visit her website at www.nancyachbergerfineart.com

Rob Hoeting '79
Rob shared this graduation photo along with class composites for the Class of 1979. Click here to see their 2nd through 8th Grade Class Pictures.

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Michael Hoeting '80
I attended Purcell Marian and obtained a degree at the University of Cincinnati's Industrial Design. I moved to Chicago with a job opportunity in the toy inventing world then moved back to Cincinnati two years later to start my own toy inventing company. This October was my company's 15th year in the business. Friends say it's not fair that I have the best job in the world.

Melinda Jenkins Jones '80
I went to St. Ursula for two years and graduated from Purcell-Marian in 1984.I attended UC DAAP in fashion design and transferred to UC CCM in costume design.I worked for many years traveling the country doing visual merchandising, store display and retail store design. I came back to Cincinnati full time in the '90s and have been here ever since.I married Andrew Jones in 2002 and moved to East Walnut Hills. We have two children Lillian (3)and Graham (18 mo.) and I'm a full time "mom".

Sharon Long Kabbes ’80 owns and operates Sweetwine Pottery, a stoneware studio on Five Mile Road in Cincinnati. Sharon lives in a cottage that was built in 1865 as servant's quarters for a house across the street.

Holly Holt Schick '81
St Ursula Academy 1985, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH 1999 with BS in Accounting
I married Robert Schick October 2004, moving to Batesville, IN. We moved back to Ohio March 2006 and had Joseph John Schick April 13, 2006.

Holly Holt ‘81 received a BS in Accounting from Xavier University ‘99. In 2004 she married Robert Schick, and on April 13, 2006 had baby Joseph John. Holly is back living in Cincinnati.

Beth Peter O'Neill '83
I graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1987 and graduated from Marian College of Indianapolis in 1991. I got married in 1992 to Tom O'Neill. I was an activity therapist for 4 years and a technical recruiter for 5 years. I am now a stay-at-home mother of a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son.

Beth Peter O’Neill ’83 married Tom in 1992 and was employed as an activity therapist for 4 years and a technical recruiter for 5 years. Now she’s living outside Chicago and is a stay-at-home mother of a 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son.

Nativity Remembers an Alum
Guy Barattieri '84
Hundreds of Nativity and Purcell Marian alums, friends, parishioners, former teachers, and armed services personnel gathered for a memorial Mass to celebrate the life and death of Major Guy Barattieri, Nativity class of ’84. Guy was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb on October 4.  At 36, he was a West Point graduate, decorated Green Beret and Seattle police officer. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he rejoined the military. When he died, Guy was a major in a National Guard Special Forces, working for private security firms while not on active duty.

He leaves his wife of one-year, Laurel, a three-month-old daughter Odessa, and stepdaughter Rees. Guy’s mother Pat Wheatley still lives in Nativity Parish and his three sisters, Nicole, Becky and Gina reside in the Cincinnati area. Read Cliff Pope's tribute to his friend. Follow this link to a report from FOX News.  

Andy Blankienbuehler '84
Congratulations to Andy for receiving the Joseph A. Callaway Award for excellence in stage craft for the play " In the Heights" which is heading to Broadway Feb 14. The play is about neighborhood life at the top of Manhattan. This award is in addition to the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel awards the play won in its off-Broadway run. We're proud of you, Andy! Break a leg! Follow this link to photos of Andy on Broadway. >>>

Peter McEvilley '84
'I'm married with a 17 month old son. I write and produce music for film and television in Los Angeles.

Alum Returns to Share Love of the Arts
Congratulations to Nativity Alum David Kreppel ’84 who returns from New York to Cincinnati through November 17 as Music Director for a world premiere musical on stage at Playhouse in the Park. Ace, tells the story of a young boy’s adventures with a model plane and its mysterious fighter pilot, Ace.

While in town, David is working on a joint artistic adventure of his own involving Nativity students and neighboring students from TCP World Academy, a charter school in Pleasant Ridge. This musical arts experience includes community members, teachers, parents, and students from both schools. It focuses on how a musical is put together and involves students in a host of hands-on activities

Hear David talk about his career in the arts, how he got where he is and what he did with Nativity's students during his three week residency - Click here.

David's professional credits include "Tarzan" and "Saturday Night Fever" on Broadway and national tours of "Lion King," "Mamma Mia!" and other plays.

Silas Brown '85
I graduated from Westerville North High School in Columbus, OH in 1991. I went on and served in the US Navy from 1991-1994. I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree from Franklin University in Columbus, OH in 1999. I moved to Ft Lauderdale Florida in 1999 & pursued/earned my MBA.

Maria Davis '86 is the winner of the $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award honoring her as a high quality teacher who has a great impact on student learning and achievement. She is a teacher at John P. Parker School in Cincinnati. Learn more about theis prestigious award, the Oscars of Teaching.

Dominique Mercurio ‘86 works as an aerospace engineer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base researching unmanned aerial vehicles. She lives in West Chester and has just joined the Board of Nativity’s new “Give Back the Gift” Education Fund.

Silas Brown '87 I graduated from Westerville North High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1991. I went on and served in the US Navy from 1991-1994 and earned my Bachelors of Science Degree from Franklin University in Columbus, Oh in 1999. I moved to Ft Lauderdale Florida in 1999 & pursured/earned my MBA @ Novasoutheastern University in 2003 and have been working in technology sales (software) for the majority of my career; Currently employed by e-Builder.net

Paul Zarnowiecki '88
Paul has published a new CD "Vertical Zar; Definniton of Alive" Paul writes, "The vision for the album began at Nativity in Mrs. Hackett's 6th grade class learning about poetry, and rapping with Ponce Brown, Rahsaan Moore and others on the playground at lunch and after school and in the variety show." The hear excerpts go to: myspace.com/verticalzar For more contact paulzarno@yahoo.com

Dear friends,

As many of you know, my debut album "Definition of Alive" is now out and circulating among friends, family and the Hip Hop world. Over the last few months the record has gotten a great response. Notably, the Justice Through Music Project made Vertical Zar a featured artist for March and the record hit #21 on the College Music Journal's College Radio Hip Hop charts for week of April 8, 2007.

I need your help building on this momentum as I continue to promote Definition of Alive and begin working on the next record and other projects. Here are a few easy things you can do:

1. Visit verticalzar.com and myspace.com/verticalzar for the latest information on the project. (I am trying to drive up traffic to the site and hope to see 10,000 myspace hits this year) 2. Send a quick email about the record to your music-loving friends steering them to verticalzar.com. (an easy way to help spread the word - be sure to cc: me so I can thank you later) 3. Buy a copy (or a few copies) of the album. If you already have a copy, feel free to grab a few more for friends before the initial pressing runs out. The album is a 16 track beast in a package that will rival anything in your cd collection - satisfaction guaranteed! (go to verticalzar.com which links to CDBaby or the Lost Man Records store, or grab it through Itunes. If CDBaby says "out of stock" - try back in a few days)

Thanks! And special thanks to everyone who has supported this project along the way.

Paul Z. (Vertical Zar)

Class of 89 Reunion

Scott Heasley '89
I attended Walnut Hills HS and then received my journalism degree from Ohio U. I spent 8 years as a newspaper reporter covering courts for a paper just east of Cleveland. I have worked as a public relations representative at Cleveland Clinic for the last two years. I just finished my first year of law, and I have a great wife and two wonderful children. Unfortunately, I sometimes find myself humming the Nativity School song while I do laundry on the weekends. It really is quite a catchy tune. :)

Angela Maly Holt ’89 lives in Montgomery, OH, not far from home!

Kate Frazier Nunlist '89
I graduated from Mt. Notre Dame High School in 1993 and then went to University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters branch. In 1999 I married my high school sweetheart Everett Nunlist. We now have two children; Marissa Lee Ann who will be three years old on 5/15/07 and Harrison James who is six months old (born October 3, 2006). I love in the Eastgate area and work for a wonderful employee benefits company in Dayton, Ohio; McGohan Brabender. One of my co-workers, Cary, also went to Nativity and was my assistant soccer coach. it's funny how many years later our paths have crossed and we love to reminisce about our Nativity days.

Elizabeth Haggerty McCalln '89
I attended Mt Notre Dame and graduated in 1993. I went to the Air Force and became a surgical technologist. I was stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville,Il. I got out in 1999. I lived in Edwardsville,Il. I got married to my wonderful husband Bill in June 2006. I am currently going to school to become a RN.

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Take a moment to sign in and tell us what's happened since you graduated.

Mavis Parsons Weisgerber '93
After graduating from Mount Notre Dame in 1997, I went on to the University of Cincinnati where I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2002. Mr. Lucas and Miss Emmich both nurtured my love of science and math, and it helped me immensely as I plowed through the rigorous engineering curriculum. If five years of engineering schoolwork wasn't enough, I enrolled at Northern Kentucky University to pursue my Master of Business Administration in Finance. I graduated with that degree in May 2006. I am married to a fellow Nativity alum, Scott Weisgerber, Class of 1991. We have a beautiful son, Gavin James, who was born in October 2006. I am currently a stay-at-home mom, but I look forward to the day where I can apply my degrees in the financial world.

Molly Robertshaw '95
My experience at Nativity strongly affected who I am today, I have no doubt. I've continued to explore the world, the arts, and serving others ever since being encouraged to do so throughout my childhood. Since visiting my exchange student from Nativity in New Zealand in high school, I've had to privilege to live and work in places such as Nepal, Alaska, Costa Rica, and most recently Bolivia, shores I surely would not have had the courage to explore if it weren't, in part, for Nativity's encouragement.

Now, I'm back home in Cincinnati, though, and ready to set down roots here. Since finishing my MSW at U of Michigan last August, I've begun work at the American Diabetes Association here in town as their Associate Director focusing on Youth Programs and Community Outreach. Hopefully my (furture;) kids, too, will get the chance to walk Nativity's halls. I look forward to hearing updates from other classmates soon!

Chris Feldhaus '96
Chris passed the Ohio Bar Exam.

Thomas Hertlein '96
I went on to Moeller High School and graduated in 2000. I then received my bachelor's degree in Middle Childhood Education at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently a 7th and 8th Grade teacher at St. Nicholas Academy in Deer Park.

Morgan Mattox Butler '96
I graduated from Ursuline Academy in 2000. I packed up and headed south to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where I pursued a Bachelors in Business Administration, Management major. After graduation, I accepted a position with PetSmart and moved to Nashville. I currently work for PetSmartas a recruiter for the Southeast region. My husband, Matt (of Lebanon, TN) and I were married October 1, 2006 at The Manor House in Mason. We are very excited to be moving to the Cincinnati area this May. I am hoping to be accepted for the accelerated nursing program at UC where I will be pursuing a Masters in Nursing.

Allison Cash '97
I attended Ursuline Academy and graduated in 2001. I Graduated from Ohio State University in 2007, Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Special Education, allowing me to get my teaching license for Special Education, as an Intervention Specialist for individuals with moderate to intensive disabilities. I will be continuing my education at Xavier University to work on pursuing my Masters in Occupational therapy beginning fall of 2007.

Lindsay Caskey '97
I went to high school at Ursuline Adademy and graduated in 2001, moving on to college at the University of Dayton. So many exciting things happened in the past ten years! One of the most exciting was spending a summer abroad in London with UD. Right now, I am working at Advent Media Group in downtown Cincinnati, and I am beginning graduate school at UC in March.

Nick Horton '97
I went to Purcell Marian for High school and then moved on to Kent State for college. Currently I am making a living as an actor. I did the Asian tour of "Grease" and we performed in Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Carrie Hughes '97
I graduated with an International Relations degree from Xavier, minors in English and Spanish and now I attend the University of London in London, pursing an MA in Human Rights. I took one year in between school to do AmeriCorps NCCC, a national youth service program where I spent most of my time during Hurricane Katrina relief. After finishing the program I returned to the gulf coast to do more Hurricane relief before moving to London in September.

Abbey Litmer '97
Ever since my participation in the French exchange in 1995, I have studied the language for a majority of my education. I took four years of French (teaching my senior year to underclassmen) at Mount Notre Dame and graduated in 2001. After taking a few years off to work, I attended for my first two years as an undergraduate at the University of Cincinnati (where I took another 2 years of French). I then moved to Wisconsin and worked in Minnesota at a new Starbucks in Duluth before moving to Pennsylvania for my (now) husband's job.

My husband and I got married in July of 2006 and currently live in Hershey, PA. I am continuing my undergrad at Penn State University, where I am majoring in Psychology and hoping to work with Deaf/Hard of Hearing children and adolescents. I currently work full time as a supervisor at Starbucks as well as attend classes daily.

I miss my Nativity friends, as we have kept in touch for the ten years since graduation. A few of us were known to attend every variety show since '97! My best friendships are from Nativity and I can't believe it's already been a decade since we roamed the halls and dominated as eighth graders!

Maria Sheeran '97
went to Ursuline Academy for high school and Xavier University for college where I majored in Communications and minored in German. From there, I went on to work abroad in Munich, Germany for a year where I worked for an English magazine and also as a translator. Now I'm working in the communications division for a publishing company here in town.

Bonnnie Valerius '97
I Graduated Ursulline in 01 Mount Saint Joseph in 05 with BA in IEC and am starting my second year (8/07) as a kindergarten teacher back at Nativity!

Erin Bagus '98
I went to Ursuline Academy and graduated in 2002. I then went on to attend Haverfor College and graduated in 2006. I lived in Milan, Italy for a year, but moved back to Ohio because of illness in my family. All returned to good health and I commenced job hunting. I started at Tiffany & Co here in Philly (actually King of Prussia, PA) last November and was promoted within the company in April. Now I am working as a Merchandising Assistant. However, I am considering a return to Cincinnati this winter to start grad school in Montessori Education at Xavier. My daily joy is my little schnauze who is always there to brighten the day with her little puppy kisses.

Scott Bahr '98
I graduated from Purcell Marian High School in 2002, with a short stay at Miami University and UC. I'm currently working full time at YMCA Camp Hanes, which is north of Winston-Salem, NC as a Naturalist and program coordinator. I'm also working on finishing an up a degree in Information Systems Management. I have a link to the camp that I work at. Its a summer camp for kids 6-16.
www.camphanes.org

Wayne Bevis '98
I attended Roger Bacon High School and graduated in 2002. I went on to Miami University, graduating in 2006 with a degree in Integrated Social Studies Education. I am also an Evans Scholar. Currently I am a substitute with Northwest School District and looking for a teaching position in the Chicago area.

Meghann Brady '98
I went to Ursuline Academy for high school then to the University of Kentucky for college where I majored in Marketing and minored in Communications. I am now working at Luxottica Retail in Mason. I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe in high school and because I now I work at Luxottica Retail, which is an Italian owned company, this will hopefully give me the chance to go there again!

Sydney Alise Davis '98
I attended St. Ursula Academy High School and graduated in 2002. From there I went to Miami University where I graduated in 2006 with an Interdisciplinary degree focusing in Poverty and Human Rights in Latin America and the United States, with minors in Latin American Studies and Black World Studies. Currently, I am living in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala working as an International Coordinator in a Spanish Language school. Here I'm also focusing on improving my Spanish for my return as well as improving my professional Salsa skills (just because I really enjoy it!)

Elizabeth Donelan '98
I went to high school at Ursuline Academy and graduated in 2002. I then proceeded to Michigan State University where I graduated in May 2006 with a BS in Zoology. I'm currently taking a year off to work and apply to grad school. I've spent 2 summers on Nantucket working at a museum and plan to go back for a 3rd before grad school in the fall. In grad school I will study birds and most likely the population dynamics of them. My favorite birds are raptors, or birds of prey, so hopfully I will be able to study those.

Andrea Toole-Eiser '98
I attended Xavier University and was in the Liberal Arts Program, graduating in 2007. I just got married over the summer and I work for Marriott Hotels now

Emily Lorentz '98
Back in the 6th Grade (1996) I went to Finland and stayed with the Principal of the school. It was such a wonderful experience because he also had a daughter my age, named Elina. We've kept in connect since then. She actually came to visit me in the summer of 1997. Then this past March (2006), I went to London to visit my cousins for a week who were living there at the time. One of the days, I took a 5 hour train ride up to Chester, England to visit Elina for a day and night at the University she was studying at. Someday, she plans to visit me here in the U.S. when she has enough money. So without this exchange program, I would have one less friend! But it's been nice to have stayed in contact with her through all these years and see things I never thought I would. In fact, she was the one who pushed me to visit England when I was unsure. We always have so much to say and it all started back in the 6th Grade when Mr. Herring organized this trip.

Attended Ursuline Academy and graduated in 2002; Attended Miami University and graduated in 2006, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Special Education.

Amanda Luttrell '98
I just graduated with honors from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and minors in Studio Art and Education.

Jack Mitchell '98
I graduated from Purcell Marian High School in 2002 and then went on to college at Miami University and graduated in 2006. I started working for Penske Truck Leasing in June of 2006.

David Mustard' 98
David made the cover of Sports Illustrated. Look under the "U". He is a student at Ohio State University.

Leah Peelman '98
"Leah Peelman ran the course in 57:42 to win the women's race by one minute, 47 seconds, and P.J. Ball, the women's top finisher in 2004, ran the race in 59:29 to finish second. Peelman has finished in the top 10 each of the last four years in the Thanksgiving Day Race, including a third-place time in 2004 and a second-place finish in 2005, but had never run the Heart Mini-Marathon. "Maybe I should stop now," said Peelman of her perfect record. Peelman is a recent graduate of Hanover University who went to Purcell Marian, and she said she is training for the Flying Pig Marathon." The Cincinnati Post

Michelle Pfaltzgraff '98
I went to Purcell Marian High School and then got my Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of Cincinnati. In August, I will be at Xavier University pursuing my Master's degree in School Counseling.

Erin Rahe '98
I attended Ursuline Academy and graduated in 2002. Then, I went to college at the University of Evansville and graduated summa cum laude in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Physical Therapy degree. In college, I joined and was Vice President of a sorority, Phi Mu. Currently, I am the primary orthopedic inpatient physical therapist at Mercy Hospital in Mt. Airy. I will be getting married in October to Scott Schmidt and the ceremony will be at Nativity. It's all one big circle!

Shannon Robertshaw '98
I went to St. Ursula Academy and graduated in 2002.I did a lot of Irish Dancing while I was in high school and competed at the North American Championships and in Ireland twice. From there I went to Xavier University and graduated in 2006, Magna Cum Lade. I studied abroad in Rome for a semester. In my last two years at XU, I interned at GE Aviation. Now I am working and studying in London. I work at Deutsche Bank in International Prime Brokerage (Hedge Funds) and I am studying International Business through Cambridge University.

Mike Schroder '98
I went to St. Xavier and graduated in 2002. I then went on to Indiana University and graduated with a degree in Business in 2006. I currently work as Business Analyst for Target in Minneapolis, MN.

Tara Marie Trenkamp '98
I went to Ursuline Academy for high school and graduated in 2002. I then went to Ohio University to study Marketing and German. I also had the opportunity when I was at OU to study abroad in Salzburg, Austria in 2004. In the Summer of 2005, I was an Aupair (nanny) in Goerlitz, Germany. After graduating from OU in summer of 2006, I moved to Munich, Germany to "find myself" and be an Aupair again. I will be moving back to Cincinnati in May 2007 where I hope to find a job. Moving to Columbus is also an option, but I really want to be in Cincinnati because it's where I want to live my life, get married, raise my children...all that stuff. I've seen the world now and I'm ready to come home!

Lisa Bahr '99
I'm graduating in June 07 from The Ohio State University with a degree in Animal Sciences and a minor in Rural Sociology. I am an Evans Scholar and I just recently completed my internship with Heifer International in Perryville Arkansas.

Libby Beiting '99
I attended high school at Purcell Marian where I played reserve and varsity volleyball. I also participated in both Purcell and Mount Notre Dame theatre. Now I am attending Otterbein College where I will walk away with degrees in both Music and English. Some interesting information: I am a member of Tau Epsilon Mu Sorority; I interned with the publishing group ltd (a company that writes and publishes local Columbus magazines); I worked as a student-poet-in-residence at local grade school; I participate in Concert Choir (which gave me the opportunity to travel to Europe and sing in venues such as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris) and Vocal Jazz

Alums from 2003 Visit Nativity

Erin Burkett '99
I am currently a senior at Ohio State and will graduate in March. Then I am going on to get my masters in education. I hope to teach 1st or 2nd grade.

Shannon Faulk '99
I went to Purcell Marian and then moved on to Miami University studying Political Science and Black World Studies. The most interesting thing to happen to me is I just finished spending four months in Olomouc, Czech Republic studying central European post communist politics and culture.

Nia Heard-Garris '99
'Wow! So much has happened since I have graduated from "the great place to be". I went on to go to Saint Ursula Academy (another great place to be) where I played Reserve Volleyball and went to Spelman College (a historically Black College in Atlanta) and got my Bachelor's of Science in biology, while playing golf and volleyball. While there I was also fortunate enough to receive the Gilman Scholarship and Study Abroad in London, England. After graduation, I got married! Currently, I am at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC...anxiously working on getting a Medical Degree.

Sarah Howison '99
I went to Bethel-Tate High School and then to Ohio University, where I’m currently a College Bowl geek finishing up an English Major in the Honors Tutorial Program. After this, I’m desperately hoping to get into grad school and earn a Masters in Library Science.

Emily Rahe '99
Graduated from Purcell Marion in 2003; Senior at UC currently with an Urban Studies Major and a Deaf Studies Minor; taught American Sign Language at Nativity and other places.

Jackie Willer with her Mexican students

Jacqueline Willer '99
I went to Purcell Marian and graduated in 2003. I was awarded a Burton W. Gorman Medallion Scholarship to Kent State University which provided me with full four-year tuition, including room and board, and a book scholarship. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education. This spring semester I will be doing my student teaching in Mexico City at Thomas Jefferson Institute. I will be living with a family there for 15 weeks and I will graduate in May. One of the main reasons I chose to student teach abroad was the exchange I went on in sixth grade with Nativity. I went to Mexico City and lived with a family there and thoroughly enjoyed my time. I kept in touch with my host student, Lilia, and her family. I went back to visit a couple years after my first visit and she came to visit once. I am still communicating with her and look forward to seeing her again on my return to Mexico. Without the experience that Nativity gave me to participate in the exchange I would not ever have imagined being where I am now

Katie Kubale '00
I will graduate from UK in May, 2008 with an English degree and hopefully be going to law school next fall.

David Lorentz '00
After nine remarkable, rewarding, and unforgettable years at Nativity School, I continued my education at Saint Xavier High School. Upon my graduation from this outstanding Catholic Jesuit high school, I continued on to yet another institution rooted in the Jesuit tradition, Xavier University, where I am currently a junior studying economics. Should everything go according to the plan, I will have graduated with a college degree by the end of next year. From there, I hope to go to law school. The past seven years have been full of vicissitudes for me, with many successes, failures, good fortunes, and bad. But be that as it may, I have learned and grown. I credit many of my current accomplishments to my Catholic upbringing, my wonderful family and friends, and the wonderful education I received years ago at Nativity. Most importantly, I have grown to value the things Nativity offers that I once took for granted: the teachers, faculty, principal, coaches, fellow classmates, and everyone else associated with the school. I find it to be no mistake or coincidence that Nativity School has received so much commendation and admiration over the years. After all, I was fortunate enough to experience it firsthand.

Tricia Klonne '00
Went to Mt. Notre Dame High School and graduated in 2004. Now studying Early Childhood Education at University of Dayton.

Home from College on Christmas Break Grads Visit Grades 4-8 David Klonne (McNicholas, UD), Ben Hunt (Moeller, UD), Tricia Klonne (MND, UD), Charilie Suer (Purcell Marian, UD), McKenzie Kugler (Purcell Marian, Ohio Wesleyan), and Nia Heard (SUA, Spellman) returned home to Nativity December 21 to spend some time with our students sharing favorite memories of their days at Ridge and Woodford and offering some tips on how to make the most of the years to come. They join Mr. Herring and their fomer teachers Mr. Lucas, Mr Ahrens, and Mrs. Burwinkel for a photo.

Lindsey Beiting '01
I attended high school at Purcell Marian where I participated in the theater program and also participated in MND's theater program. I am currently a junior at Hanover College and will walk away with a degree in English and a minor in Business. I plan to get my masters for Journalism and will hopefully have a career as an art critic. While at Hanover I have been a member of Phi Mu Sorority, and an AVID tutor for local high school juniors and seniors in English. I also am a member of both The Hanover College Choir and Hanover Chamber Singers, with whom I traveled to Vienna in the summer of 06 to participate in the Mozart celebration.

Andy Ciarniello '01
Graduated from Moeller in 2005. During high school I was involved in the theater at MND. Now I am attending the University of Dayton, majoring in high school education, focusing in physics. I'm also working in the theater at UD. Last year on my spring break (2006) I went down to New Orleans to help with Hurricane Katrina Relief.

Jane Coaston '01
I attended Ursuline Academy for high school, and am now a sophomore at the University of Michigan. I am double majoring in history and political science. I write for a political newspaper and direct a student-driven think tank (the Roosevelt Institution http://michigan.rooseveltinstitution.org), and I play rugby. Hi to all at Nativity!

Madeline Gillotte '01
I went on to Purcell Marian and graduated in 2005. I am currently attending Bowling Green State University and Majoring in Social Work.

Ben Hunt '01
I attended Moeller and graduated in 2005. I was involved in theater at Mt. Notre Dame as well as service projects through Moeller. I am now attending the University of Dayton working towards a degree in Adolescent to Young Adult Education focusing on Social Studies, as well as a degree in History. I have worked with Habitat for Humanity leading various Spring Breakouts in New Orleans, LA; Beaufort, SC; and this spring in Slidell, LA. Among other things at UD I have been fortunate enough to serve as President of the Adolescent to Young Adult Education club, as well as study in London, England. My education from Nativity, based on "a solid academic education with a global perspective...rooted in the Gospel" has had a lifelong impact. Wherever my future journeys will take me, I will always remember the importance of my academic education as well as my grounding in service. All this while maintaining an open mind and curiosity about the world around me. '

Bridget Mustard '01
I went to Ursuline Academy and played volleyball for four years. I am currently going to EKU and majoring in pre-med biology. I play volleyball for the colonels. In the future, I plan on going to the Ohio State University to study physical therapy.

Casey Ballman '02
Graduated from Purcell Marian in 2006; Graduated from Great Oaks EMT-Basic Class in 2006; Graduated from Great Oaks/Cincinnati State Fire Academy in 2006; Currently a Freshman at University of Cincinnati, studying History and working part part-time as a Firefighter/EMT at Golf Manor Fire Department.

Jordan Huseman '02
Purcell Marian High School senior Jordan Huesman has been selected as a 2006 Evans Scholar. The Evans Scholars Foundation is a charitable trust which provides undergraduate scholarships for deserving caddies, a concept originated by Charles Evans Jr. and known as the Evans Scholars Program.

Allison Pollock '02
First year at college, studying to be a physical therapist or some sort of doctor in a health service field.

Monica Weber '02
After an unforgettable nine years at Nativity, I went to Mount Notre Dame High School, where I graduated in 2006 and accepted a scholarship and a few grants to The University of Dayton. At UD, I am currently a first-year student, pursuing a BA degree in Theatre with a minor in Music. Being in the top 20% percent of the first-year class and maintaining Dean's List status, I was invited to join The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), and will be officially inducted in the Fall of 2007. I am actively involved at UD; I am on UD's only competitive improv team, called "On the Fly"; I am the only girl on the team, and we perform at UD, Miami (Oxford), OSU, and other various places. I am also involved with Studio Theatre, and the organization called Best Buddies, where we befriend someone with a disability and hang out with them montly, through planned group activities and one-on-one activities. I am currently in The East Side Players' production of Honk!, which will open in June of 2007 at the Blue Ash Rec. Center. I was also chosen as an Ohio state finalist in the National American Miss Pageant, which will take place in Columbus in July of 2007. I miss Nativity a lot - hardly a day goes by where I don't think about my days at Nativity and all of the memories I had. Now I fully understand why Nativity's motto is, "A Great Place To Be".

Steve Bohné and Tony LoPiccolo '03 graduated from Moeller. Tony says, “I never imagined I would miss Nativity so much.”

Joe Hook '03
I graduated from Moeller in June 2007. I am attending the University of Tennessee at Martin. I am playing football, punting and kicking for the Skyhawks.

Carolyn LeCompte '03
Carolyn is appearning on the stage at Maderia High School in A Midsummer Night's Dream. A review of the play appeared in The Cincinnati Enquirer (12/10/06).

Carolyn LeCompte as Philostrata / Puck also gave an energizing performance and epitomized a knavish sprite with devilish winks and silent steps. Her consistency throughout all the subplots unified the show and kept the audience guessing what mess she would set the players into next.

To read the entire review click here.

Perrin Smith (Nativity '04 Purcell Marian '08) has been appointed to Mayor Mallory’s Youth Council. It was quite a process he went through. There were 125 applicants for the Mayor Youth Council. A committee narrowed the 125 down to 45 “very competitive” applicants who were then granted interviews. Out of the 45, only 30 applicants were accepted and Perrin Smith was one. "Perrin is an outstanding Cavalier who ... has numerous leadership qualities." Theresa A. Reeder PM Guidance Dept.
- Volunteer at the Zoo, Youth Link Docent at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

“We’ll boost it to the skies in our travels far and wide. We’ll always talk Nativity no matter what be tide!”

Take a moment to sign in and tell us what's happened since you graduated.

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The Awards Assembly & Graduation Class of 2006

A Message from Pat Lafley
The First Recipient of The Amerigo Vespucci Map Award
Nativity 1986

When I won Nativity’s Amerigo Vespucci Award 20 years ago, the geography test was much easier than the one you all took this year because many more countries exist today on the 2006 World Map when compared with the map from 1986. In the last 20 years, there have been many changes in the world which have resulted in new countries. To cite a few examples:

I could provide many more examples of how the World Map has changed since 1986, but what’s really neat about looking at the same map at two different moments in time is that the maps should lead you to ask questions like:

By studying geography you may not be able to fulfill your life’s dreams, unless of course you want to become a cartographer someday. But geography is nevertheless, very important. As you study maps your world will become much bigger as the maps should lead you to ask questions about what happened in the world. And seeking answers to these questions eventually will lead you to a deeper understanding of other subjects like history, political science, and economics.

Now, at family gatherings I’ve been bragging about receiving the Amerigo Vespucci Award for twenty years. And there’s a reason for that. My younger brother, who attended a different elementary school here in Cincinnati, also received an award for his knowledge of geography. But at his school, they merely call it the “Geography Award.“ Sounds pretty boring, doesn’t it? Well, here at Nativity, it is named after the man that first determined that the New World truly was “new’ and not just part of Asia. As a result, both North and South America were named after him. And even more important, we are the only country in the world that calls ourselves Americans. We are all named after Amerigo Vespucci.

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A Message from Jordan Huesman
Nativity 2002, Purcell Marian 2006

Wow, it seems it was just yesterday I was sitting where you all are, listing to an alum like myself share some of his words of wisdom. Let me first say, Congratulations to the graduating 8th Grade Class. For some of you this day is almost nine years in the making. You all deserve credit for all your hard work.

So many great memories have been made over your years here at Nativity. I remember many so vividly. I learned to read with Miss Kane and then how to write cursive with Mrs. Cain. I remember struggling my way through those multiplication tests with Mrs. Miller; however, in the read-in days made up for it. Make a Journey to the Other Side in Mrs. Burwinkel’s class was a blast. And boy do I miss having two recess periods! I remember trying to hit those high notes with Mr. Beiting, right at the time my voice was changing. You guys know what I’m talking about. I remember having exchange students walking around almost every other week it seemed like. But thanks to the billions of maps test I took, I knew where they were from.

O those famous map tests. All throughout high school, anytime a question about a country or a capital arose, it was quickly followed by an answer from Nativity alum. Most were amazed; the others thought we were crazy. I remember playing dodge ball capture the flag, and crab soccer for hours on end with Mr. Arbogast. And especially that last day of the year, sitting in the gym with your field day team, yelling and hoping not to hear your color until last.

7th and 8th grades were absolutely the best, as you all have come to realize. Question Box always used to make for some great awkward silences. There was the Variety Show, and the routine beat down of the faculty in the annual Volley Ball Game. You all have come a long way.

Soon you are leaving the comfortable home of Nativity and getting ready to start high school. It’s a little scary; believe me I now a little tit about that. I’m getting ready to make the jump from about 600 people at Purcell Marian to around 50,000 up at Ohio State.

You all are the big dogs around here, but it will change once you hit the halls of your high school. You are now low on the totem pole and you work your way up again. High school goes; fast, people aren’t lying when they tell you that. The best advice I can give you about high school is to get involved. Get involved as much as you can. There are so many great opportunities so don’t let senior your roll around and have regrets.

Keep on your studies. The freshman year has just as much affect on your college future as your junior year does. You all have a great base for success. But you must use it. Believe me high school is very fun, almost too fun sometimes. You have to remember that the grades are the most important. Especially when that seniorities kicks in about half way through junior year.

You are going to make a lot of new friend in high school. But don’t forget your old friends from Nativity. They seem to be the ones that always come through for you when you need it. It’s just one of those things.

The drama is going to be there. O yes. Just let it roll off your shoulders. High school is too short to waste time in petty fights.

So, a little message to the 5th, 6th, 7th graders. Now it’s your turn. You are the leaders now. One of my favorite teachers in high school, Mr. Hamm, used to say that a high school goes as its seniors go. I think the same applies to grade school you set the tone. You are the face and attitude of Nativity. You have some big shoes to fill, and we all know you will grow into them.

The class of 2006 look how far you’ve come. Some came here in kindergarten not knowing how to read or write, and now some are scoping out what kind of car you want. That's a pretty long journey. However, your journey is just beginning, and what better place to start then here at Nativity. Remember everything you have learned here and the people that have impact your life. Look to the future and the fun of high school. But right now, just enjoy graduation. Thank you.

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A Message from Sadie Corbo
Nativity 2002, St. Ursula 2006

Good morning, Mr. Herring, faculty and staff, and students. Looking out into this crowd of familiar faces of my past teachers and well as excited faces of the 8th grade class I can’t help but think back to 2002 when I sat in these same seats, eager to graduate and nervous about what the next four years would bring. So here I am, four years later, invited to share with you, the class of 06 some advice for making the most of your high school experience.

But what I am going to say in the next couple of minutes is not what is going to prepare you for the next four years. While you probably don’t realize it right now, these past years that you’ve spent as a student at Nativity, have prepared you with all you need to succeed in high school. So I figured, a quick refresher course on a few important lessons might come in handy.

First of all, while you probably don’t remember it too well, you’ve been through the whole “new school, unfamiliar teachers, making new friends” thing. Yes, from those first few weeks as a Kindergartener, you have been learning how to make new friends and establish truly meaningful relationships. Look around at your classmates. Over the past nine years, you have been through a lot I’m sure! You are probably having a difficult time imagining that you could possibly grow just as close with people you have yet to meet, but trust me, if you take the time to reach out to others and allow new friendships to develop just as you did at Nativity, you are going to establish friendships that are just as strong if not even stronger an create just as many unforgettable memories with those you will meet in high school.

The next lesson you should carry along with you is the importance of taking responsibility for yourself. I’ll never forget back in second grade when I learned that unless I was responsible enough to take care of Mr. Cain’s pencil, I shouldn’t’ expect to see my hoe ever again. Okay, so you probably won’t run into a teacher who collects shoes in high school. And you will have a lot more to worry about than just your school supplies. Now, it is up to you to take responsibility for who you are and who it is you want to become! You have an amazing opportunity to become whoever it is you want to be. From clubs to join to community service opportunities to sports to theater to student council to music, the possibilities o get involved are endless if you are willing to take those first, and sometimes scary steps to get involved.

However, while I cannot stress enough how important it is to get involved, it is just as important to make sure that you don’t get too far ahead of yourself. I’ll never forget the good old weekly meditation days in Mr.,. Ahrens’s class. No matter what, every week we had a chance to slow down and just relax. It’s easy to get caught up in all that high school ahs to offer, so, setting aside time to take a break from the grind of high school is something you really need. Meet new friends, get involved, but give yourself some downtime to think and reflect. It will help you to know who you are and to stay true to that.

To close, if there is one thing you take from what I’ve said today I hope it is that high school has the potential to be the greatest four years of your life. I’m sure most of you are at least a little, I not a lot, nervous about asking this next step. But trust me, you have nothing to worry about! The lessons you’ve learned at Nativity have prepared your for all of the challenges the nest few years may throw at you. High school is nothing to be afraid of. Have a blast and cherish every moment and I promise, the next few years will be truly unforgettable.

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A Message from David Klonne
Nativity 2002, McNicholas 2006

Hello graduates, parents, and faculty of Nativity. I can remember four years ago when I was sitting in that exact same spot, graduating grade school and looking forward to an exciting high school experience. I had no idea what to expect going into anew school with all new people and all new friends. For me I had it a little different than many of my fellow Nativity graduates. I was going to McNicholas High School where I am pretty sure no graduate from nativity has ever attended, and I knew absolutely no one. I was scared and I had no idea what to expect. But luckily for me, I decided to play football and we had to condition and weight lift all summer in order to prepare for the upcoming season the first day of conditioning was one of the most intimidating of my life. When we got to the track in the back of school, and looked around at all my fellow freshmen, I realized this was going to be harder than I thought. There were four main groups: the kids from Guardian Angels, the kids from Immaculate Heart of Mary, the kids from St. Veronica, and me. Needles to say, I was a little scared at the sight of all these new faces. There were no forma introductions, but gradually you said, “Hey” then the conversation progressed to, “Hey, What’s up?” and through that summer of running in the sweltering summer sun, we all began to become friends. Those same kids I met that summer four years ago have no become my brothers. We have wont together, lost together, alighted together, and yes, and even cried together. Football allowed us to come together through fellow h hardships. I knew that guy right next to me running that last sprint was going through the exact same pin that I was. My memories from football are ones I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

But just because my memories from high school come from athletic does not mean yours have to as well. Many of my friends were every active in drama, band, and community service. And they all have that special connection with the young men and women hey acted with, played with, or studies with as the one I had from football. The big message is to get involved in everything you can. This will allow you to meet al sorts of people who each have something special to offer so that you may become the complete person God calls us to be. Community service is also a great way to get out and meet young men and women who have a passion for the same activities you do. O more importantly, it makes you take a step outside of your comfort zone. I attended a retirement home to dance with the elderly there. Although going in my junior year I was not very comfortable with the elderly, once I got there I realized how much seeing younger aces can help them cope with their situations and hopefully allow them to have some fun.

I know it is hard to get involved in everything that you want to, so if your time schedule does not allow you to get involved, at least go tot he events. It means a lot to see people coming to the events you have prepared so hard for and enjoy. My only real piece of advice is to get involved in something, anything just to meet people. Everything else is up to you. As much as I would like I cannot give you a foolproof plan or high school. It is a series of ups and downs, left and right that can only be experienced first hand. So good luck graduates of nativity school, you have everything in front of you, just take that first step.

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Letters from Alumni

January 4, 2005
Hello Mr. Herring and all the staff at Nativity!

Hope your holidays went well, and I hope the new year is kicking off to a great start.  Just thought I would drop in a note and let you know that I started my winter quarter at the University of Cincinnati (Raymond Walters to be exact!) and am taking American History.  While our professor handed out our syllabus, he also handed us a blank map of the United States.  We have to label the states (like the good old times!), and it's worth 10% of our final grade!  I just wanted to let everyone know that if it weren't for Nativity, I wouldn't be so far ahead.  I have to brush up and get a little review, but I was able to complete most of the required states and cities by memory!  Thanks guys!  Hope you guys have a blessed 2005!
 
Abbey Litmer

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