What I Love About CJ

It’s a Family Effort — Everyone Cares for Everyone Else
Lorraine Perna & Mark Besecker

As parents of a football player, you learn pretty quickly that you don’t just root for your child, you root for every player on the team because they all become yours. It’s a family effort. Everyone cares for everyone else. The boys feel wonderful and accepted when they know that everyone is supporting them. This is how it is with the school, too.

Pretty early on, we learned the importance of parental involvement. It is a great way to support your child in what he or she is doing while getting to know other parents and students. You get that sense of contributing and knowing what else is going on in the school. You are part of a larger group that’s interested in what’s best for the kids. It’s CJ’s sense of family.

Parents want to be a part of things and make a difference in the way that families do. You work together to achieve goals knowing that one person cannot carry the whole load. It takes all of us working together to accomplish some really great things be it the fish fry, concession, after prom, student recognition events or any other of a number of ways that we can make a difference.

In return, you meet new friends who share your goals and who are committed to working to benefit our kids and the school. You develop lasting friendships with people with whom you keep in touch and socialize. Sometimes we see each other more than we do our own families!

My Family and I Immigrated to the U.S. from Yugoslavia in 1949
Dieter ’61 & Beth Krewedl

After losing everything during World War II, my family moved to the United States. From my earliest days, my parents instilled in me that education was the key to success. They said that no matter what material things are taken from you, the knowledge you gain stays with you forever. In their commitment to wanting this kind of success for me, they enrolled me at Chaminade. Graduating with a strong educational foundation, I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Dayton, and then a Master‘s degree from Bowling Green and a Doctorate from the University of Arizona. I learned that the ability to live out my version of “The American Dream” was made possible through my parents’ hope for my future, my education, and the result of learning the value of perseverance.

I recently had the opportunity to learn that CJ continues to provide students with the kind of education that reminds me of my own experience — where science is balanced with a spiritual life. Catholic education helps students learn that it’s not difficult to accept science and be spiritual at the same time. For me, this has led to a better understanding of God’s creation of the world and how He reveals Himself in the earth’s processes and evolution.

I recognize how Catholic education has shaped my life and what it can do for others. It is why I support Chaminade Julienne. The Marianists whom I encountered at Chaminade and UD gave me a feeling of self-worth and an understanding of creation. They provided the values that helped shape me as an adult. It is important to have a community of students and teachers who support you in those beliefs, and it’s what I find at CJ today.

I Believe Ministry and Service Go Hand-in-Hand
Dr. Steve Huffman

Matthew’s Gospel sums it up so nicely: “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” My wife, Kathryn, and I believe that ministry is part of God’s work, and doing what you can for others is doing God’s work.

For four years, I have helped lead a group of CJ students on a mission trip to Belize. They are encouraged to serve in ways that might be new to them, but are critical in the lives of others. Each night they reflect on why they are there and how they believe God’s mission is being accomplished through them.

Their lives change. They become more appreciative for what they have and for what they can accomplish. They are amazed at how people living in poverty can be so happy and gracious. They learn that even though there are differences among cultures, we are all God’s children. By working through this process of doing and reflecting, they begin to understand that they can make a difference in our world, and that they need to make a difference.

This accountability of being Christ for each other is at the heart of the Catholic educational experience at CJ. Guided by the Marianist and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur traditions, students learn that as those who are blessed with many gifts, they are called to serve God by serving others. The hope is that students will internalize the importance of God’s directive to help the poor, the needy, and the elderly during their formative years and continue that work throughout their lives.

CJ is Such a Welcoming Community…
Michael & Michelle Cartone

A great sense of welcome is evident when you first walk into the building. We instantly fell in love. The environment is totally different than any other. When we were searching for a high school that's where our eldest, Kaitlyn ’14, wanted to be and that’s where we wanted her to be. We appreciated that there were many opportunities for Kaitlyn to experience CJ prior to us enrolling her there.

We were impressed by the types of classes that are offered. St. Christopher School had well-prepared Kaitlyn to take advanced placement and honors classes. She became involved in medical science classes and will have the opportunity to earn college credit. When we were looking at schools, we noticed the colleges CJ graduates attend, and were impressed by that, too.

The sense of community at CJ and the whole aspect of a Catholic education are very important. Kaitlyn is an Eagle Ambassador and is involved in her school, parish and community. CJ emphasizes service to others, and we’ve seen all of these strong positive influences transition in Kaitlyn.

Our daughter has grown and matured since she’s been at CJ. We look forward to the same for Brooke ‘16. Some of that maturity is a result of what’s fostered and promoted at school. Kaitlyn understands that to succeed she needs to mature at a high level. That’s what attracts families to CJ. They want to experience the school’s core values of service, mission and outreach to others, and then watch as these values take shape in the lives of their children.

All Three of Our Children Have Grown up in a Musical Household
Kyle ’74 & Kathleen Aughe

We are both musicians and music’s been a part of our children’s lives since they were babies. Dylan ‘10, Mackenzie ‘12, and Cassidy ‘15 started singing at an early age and began playing musical instruments in middle school. Stepping into CJ’s performing arts program was a natural progression for them and has expanded their love of music. This is especially true for our daughters, who played in CJ’s band and orchestra, and performed with the a cappella groups.

Challenging students motivates them. We really appreciate the fact that CJ’s program has different layers to allow students to develop and grow as their talents lead them. As musicians, it’s been very encouraging for us to see the musical arts program grow so dramatically in size and quality of production over the last five years. The bar is being raised at the same time more and more kids are being brought into a program. It’s so welcoming and inclusive, and much easier to make music when you have musicians who bond together.

This home atmosphere makes students feel comfortable and become an extended family to each other. These students spend so much time at school, not only in academics, but also music and sports, that the feeling of being comfortable is very important. It works well when your kids are spending that much time in a positive environment that instructors, students and parents all play a role in creating.

Julienne was Much More Than Just a School For My Family
Marilyn Fetters ‘63

When I read that Chaminade Julienne had secured the stained glass windows from our dear old Julienne, I was flooded with memories of our beautiful building and the people who made it a special place. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity that thousands of young women shared during the 45 years that the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur spent at “Villa Julienne.” Those memories inspired me to help CJ with the restoration and installation of the first window at the exact location where the Sisters taught their first students 125 years ago — current day CJ!

Julienne was much more than just a school for my family. It was a community, and the building became a second home. My mother, Evelyn Humpert ’32, was one of the first graduates that attended all four years. She believed deeply in the mission of the Sisters and joked with me that the Sisters would straighten me out — and they certainly did! They taught me responsibility, but more importantly, compassion. When my little brother died my freshman year, the Sisters and my Julienne classmates were there to help me through it. I will never forget their tremendous support. It was an experience that showed me the importance of our high school faith community.

Today, I am thrilled that our family could play a role in preserving part of Julienne’s history. In honor of my parents and all parents who sacrificed to give their children an education in the tradition of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, my hope is that the CJ community will enjoy this beautiful tie to our shared history.

We See a Direct Benefit When Our Students Go on to CJ
Jacki Loffer ‘87

While Chaminade Julienne piloted City Connects at the high school level, Our Lady of the Rosary had the opportunity to implement the model for elementary school students. Now in our fifth year, City Connects helps us identify the strengths and weaknesses of students and then create individual plans for each one. This includes directing them to resources that can help them improve as well as those that provide enrichment. It proactively addresses non-academic barriers so teachers can teach and students can learn. We have seen great improvement in our students as they move through the process year to year.

We also see a direct benefit when our students go on to CJ. We help provide a seamless transition of services for them by passing along the information we have learned to our CJ City Connects counterparts. In return, we can track students’ progress through high school. We learn how well we are doing by knowing how well our students are doing. It’s a great exchange of ideas and information.

Through City Connects, students get time and attention from a group of people who are focused on them personally. They know somebody cares, and that somebody is noticing. It helps keep them on the right path. When students are successful, they feel better about themselves. When they are feeling good about themselves, they feel a part of the class. As they become more confident in their skills, they continue doing the right things. When they get positive feedback from parents and teachers — and even themselves, they learn that the sky’s the limit.

My Life Lessons from CJ Boil Down to Three Themes
Justin “JoJo” Smith ‘04

My life themes are importance of friendships nurtured in an authentic community; the beauty of diversity as experienced an authentic community; and what true leadership looks like. Many of my friendships were cultivated through my involvement in athletics, but extended into classrooms and hallways where life was shared with classmates. It didn’t stop with students. Teachers, coaches, and staff members created room for developing dynamic mentor-mentee relationships. A very fragrant spirit of community permeated the school in addition to those cheering sections at athletic contests.

One of the great things about CJ is its location. In a very good and healthy way, we came in contact with peers from differing backgrounds, home lives and socio-economic situations. We were all challenged and given room to grow. I not only learned a tremendous amount about them, but about myself. It ultimately taught and prepared me for life in New York City, the very epicenter of world-wide cultural expression and endless diversity!

Of the countless lessons of leadership, the one that prevailed for me is the cost and responsibility of being a leader for the common good. In its truest sense, it is often at the sacrifice of the ego. Early in my athletic career I met with considerable personal success, but soon learned that I was not the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s important to know when you aren’t the best in a particular skill, and make way for those who are. I spent my last two years as a role player with little playing time, yet I thoroughly enjoyed my responsibility of mentoring players. It was during this stretch that our teams met with even greater collective success than when I was “the man.”

For me, these lessons were building blocks upon an already solid foundation established by my parents. They are the same lessons that will benefit current and future students and will well-prepare them to continue their learning in an increasingly global society.

Visitors Make Classroom Content Come Alive
Meg Draeger

Having former students of all generations come back and talk to students currently in our science, technology engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) classes has been of great value. When we introduce these professionals as CJ alumni it gives our students additional motivation. The alumni are encouraged to share information that they took from CJ, particularly when they discuss the volunteer or faith work that they do. CJ students can see how the seeds planted in former students bear fruit today. Students can also see that these professionals stayed in Dayton and built their careers here.

Bringing alumni back also makes the classroom content come alive. It gives students a real world context. It’s a chance for them to see and hear how professionals daily use the concepts and calculations students are studying. Teachers can illustrate how the professionals use academic knowledge and skills. They can see how professionals in the real world use the skills and concepts to solve problems and work as teams. It gives credibility to what the teachers are saying. Students can also connect with the alumni and begin to network with key professionals.

The alumni also discuss how they use their talents to give back to the community and make a noticeable difference in Dayton. Students can see how the mission and service that is such large part of CJ becomes a lifelong trait. Alumni try to encourage the students to determine ways in which they could use their own talents to promote service. I think the students are impressed and interested to see how CJ formed alumni in their careers and lives. Alumni often make statements or relay some positive experience from their days at CJ. More often than not, those experiences resonate with the students and they begin to see how their own CJ experience will form them academically, socially and in faith.

The New Eagle Tennis Center is Such a Blessing!
Andrew Bole ’12 & Mary Haley '12

Having the center across the street from school is so awesome for students and will really help expand our tennis program. We now have more fans coming to the matches (we could always use more!) and that means more cheers coming our way, which really boosts our confidence.

The unique setting of our courts throws off our opponents. The Eagle teams are used to the trains passing and the familiar sounds of downtown. It is the same setting in which we take tests and do schoolwork —surprisingly calming to us! It completely gives us a leg up on our competition.

The center also helps build team spirit because we spend more time together. We don’t have to travel to practice now, which enables our coaches to maximize practice time. Before the center opened in September, we would have to travel for home matches. We didn’t take a bus so the team wasn’t together to pump each other up. Afterwards, we drove alone. If we won, we’d celebrate alone on our way home, and even worse, if we lost, we’d have to sit in the car thinking about it. Having the courts on campus is great for morale!

On behalf of all students, we thank every person who has supported the tennis program and for making the Eagle Tennis Center a reality. We thank our coaches and especially Mr. Brooks for everything he has done. You will never find a coach who cares about a team as much as he does. CJ tennis would not be where it is today if it weren’t for his dedication to student athletes and to Chaminade Julienne.