SHDHS Grad Among Six UK Students Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Sean Michael Ehlman, a 2007 SHDHS graduate, is among the five University of Kentucky students and one recent graduate that have been selected to receive government-funded National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships. The fellowships will present the students with more than $100,000 to use toward research-based master's or doctoral degrees.

 
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in the U.S. and abroad. NSF fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $30,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose.

 
UK’s newest NSF fellows are:

· Sean Michael Ehlman, a 2011 biology graduate;

· Paul Michael Hime, a doctoral candidate studying biology;

· Catherine "Katie" Nicole Kaminski, a doctoral candidate studying molecular and cellular biochemistry;

· Anastasia Marie Kruse, a doctoral candidate studying chemical engineering;

· Luis Sordo Vieira, a doctoral candidate studying mathematics; and

· David Stephen Spencer, a graduating senior studying chemical engineering.

Ehlman, the son of Barbara and Richard Ehlman of Erlanger, Ky., is a St. Henry District High School alumnus. A graduate of UK, he is currently pursuing graduate studies in animal behavior at University of California, Davis. At UK, Ehlman was a College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassador and an undergraduate researcher. Ehlman began to see his future in behavioral ecology as a sophomore, when he worked on a study on sparrow plumage patterns in Professor David Westneat’s lab. During the summer after his junior year, he had the opportunity to work as a field researcher at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

As a senior, Ehlman studied with Professor Phil Crowley, and eventually worked with Crowley and Assistant Professor John Cox, of the UK Department of Forestry, to design and implement a computer model that helps to understand the etiology of a deadly disease — White Nose Syndrome — affecting bat populations across the U.S. and Canada. "Dr. Crowley was and continues to be a driving force in my academic career as well as a fine example of the character to which scientists should aspire," said Ehlman.

After graduating from UK, Ehlman traveled to Costa Rica and worked at La Selva Biological Station where he spent four months observing populations of the long-billed hermit hummingbird, measuring aspects of morphology and song quality. There he gained a bigger appreciation for the work of tropical field biologists.

Using his NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Ehlman will explore how organisms may behaviorally adjust to new, human-induced changes in their environment, the subject of his dissertation. "I aim to study how selection pressures in populations’ evolutionary histories shape current adaptability and behavior in response to human disturbance, invasive species and deforestation using the Trinidadian guppy as a study system. This small fish lives in the streams and rivers of Trinidad just north of Venezuela. Being awarded the NSF fellowship will allow me to complete extensive field studies on this small Caribbean island while still participating in science outreach and education both at my home institution and abroad.

After graduate school, Ehlman plans on pursuing a career as a researcher and teacher while always finding balance for science outreach.
 

Congratulations Sean and best of luck in your future studies!

To read the full story click here.

Florence doctor finishes 100-mile race for children's advocacy center

Dr. Rob Tagher took giving back to a whole new level after completing a 100-mile run in freezing temperatures, waist-deep water and thick mud last weekend for charity.

The Florence pediatrician completed the Indiana Trail 100, the state’s only 100-mile ultramarathon, at the Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion on April 21 to benefit the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center, which offers services that respond to the concerns of child abuse.

Tagher has raised $18,267.63 of his $25,000 goal for NKYCAC.

KYDOC KIDS ADVOCATE KY MARCH 7, 2013 Dr. Rob Tagher (cq) runs on a gravel lane near his home in Walton, one of the places he trains for long-distance runs. He will participate in a 100-mile run in Indiana in April to raise money for the Northern Kentucky Children's Advocacy Center. The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

“His determination as a runner mirrors his passion in ensuring the children in Northern Kentucky are safe and protected,” NKYCAC Executive Director Vickie Henderson said. “NKYCAC has been truly blessed by Dr. Rob's commitment to our center and the work we do every day.”

Tagher’s longest race prior to that was 50 miles. Intense training made him confident he could conquer the 100-mile, until he saw the course.

“The race conditions were extraordinarily harsh,” Tagher said, noting the region had suffered extensive flooding. “We were up to our waists in water and it was 19 degrees when I finished, so we were literally running through frozen water. It was brutal.”

More than 180 runners signed up for the race, with 57 finishing. Tagher placed 10th with a time of 23:54, just under his 24 hour goal.

He began the race at 6 a.m. with a headlamp, running through dark woods. Tagher said numerous runners dropped out because of the severe conditions and there were questions if he would finish.

At the 80 mile point, Tagher was suffering severe hip pain and hypothermia. He saw one runner who became unresponsive and was treated by emergency medical personnel. Despite numbness in his feet and legs and incredible body aches, he persevered.

“As a general rule, runners are a group that typically don’t quit,” said Tagher, noting the Boston Marathon bombing earlier in the week. “Just four days before our prerace meeting, people had their legs blown off so nobody wanted to complain about being wet and cold.”

Tagher, who ran the Boston Marathon last year, had three friends who finished the race in Boston unharmed and said he likely would have been with them had he not been participating in the Indiana Trail 100.

“Runners are a tough group that overcomes the elements and whether it’s the Boston Marathon or a 100-miler, they’re not going to let other factors take away their joy of running.”

Dr. Rob Tagher is a 1989 St. Henry High School graduate.  Congratulations Dr. Rob on your accomplishment!

This story was written by Sara Gadzala, an Enquirer contributor, for the Boone County Recorder.

For the original story click here

Swimming helped prepare Miller

The decision to join the swim team his junior year at St. Henry may have helped pave the way for Thomas More College junior baseball player Travis Miller to become the hitter he is today.

Miller, who was lightly recruited, has a chance to hit .400 for a second straight season, which is pretty good for a guy Thomas More head coach Jeff Hetzer thought might take awhile to develop.

“I honestly thought it would be two or more years after he came here that he would play much at all,” Hetzer said. “We took him based on potential. (Miller’s high school coach Walt Terrell) was a big factor, because he also had him in summer ball and said this is a kid that might be a steal. He has been.”

Thomas More baseball coach Jeff Hetzer, left, says Travis Miller is "always working on something." / Provided

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Miller says he added 20-plus pounds of muscle since his junior year of high school thanks to his time with the swim team and lifting weights, and credits that for giving him a much-needed confidence boost.

“After I got bigger I didn’t have any doubt in my mind that I could play in college, but when I wasn’t recruited very much it left a chip on my shoulder,” Miller said.

That chip has led to Miller constantly working on hitting, and while Hetzer knows it sounds like a cliché, he says Miller “works harder than anybody else we have.”

“He’s in here even on off days, and if he goes 1-for-3 and it wasn’t a very good hit he’ll hop in the cage right after the game,” Hetzer said. “He’s always working on something.”

After playing just nine games as a freshman, Miller hit .407 with nine doubles, one homer and 21 RBI in 36 games last season and is hitting .381 with five doubles, two homers and 16 RBI in 31 games this season.

TMC TIDBITS: Junior center fielder Cody Makin was named Presidents’ Athletic Conference baseball hitter of the week. The baseball team carried a 22-10 record overall and 12-5 in the PAC into today’s league game at Washington & Jefferson. … Freshman pitcher Mamee Salzer, a St. Henry graduate, was named the PAC softball pitcher of the week . … The men’s golf team finished fifth in the PAC championship, which concluded Tuesday at Cedarbrook Golf Club in Belle Vernon, Pa. … The men’s tennis team finished sixth and freshman Sergio Pascual, a Carroll County graduate, placed third at second singles in the PAC championship last weekend at the Pennbriar Athletic Club in Erie, Pa. … The men’s and women’s track and field teams will compete in the PAC outdoor championships Friday and Saturday at Cameron Stadium in Washington, Pa.

Travis Miller graduated from SHDHS in 2010.  Congratulations on your success!
 

This story was written by Richard Skinner for nky.com. Click here to read the original article.

2013 Alumni Basketball Tournament

The champions defend their title!  

It was another successful year for the annual Alumni Basketball Tournament.  The 5th annual event took place at SHDHS on April 5 and 6.  14 teams, made up of 125 alumni, took part in this year’s tournament, but the championship game looked very familiar.  The team made up of Joe Cook, '01, Danny Tewes, '01, Nick Love, '01, Joe McClure, '01, Chris Cook, '05, Cameron Speed, '09, Scott Volz, '09, and David Zumdick, '09, defended their title for a second year.

And the runners-up again this year were Andy Garner, ‘99, Matt Gadd, '00, Jeff Topmiller, '00, Keith Schuler, '99, Matt Garner, ‘05, Ryan Terrell, '99, David Franks, '01, John Donoghue, ‘98, Dru Boyer, ‘01, Luke Heidrich, ‘00, Bryan Williams, '00, and Brian Taney, '99.

Jonny Arthur,‘97, denies Jake Terlau’s, ‘95, shot while Brad, ‘91, and Billy, ‘88, Arthur get ready to grab the ball.

Thanks to Billy Miller, ‘95, for emceeing the tournament again this year and keeping everyone laughing.  

And a huge thank you to Chad Ives and the Ives family for organizing and running the tournament, it couldn’t be done without you! 

Brooke Ives, daughter of Kurt,‘92, & Jenny (Eibel) Ives, ‘92, and Carmen Ives, daughter of Chad, ‘96, and Nikki Ives.

Thank you also to all the alumni and fans for making this another successful tournament.  We hope to see you again next year!

SHDHS Grad Helps With Presidential Inauguration

Andrea Baker, Class of 2007, put her touch on President Obama’s inauguration. 



Baker is an Art Director for an event company called Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, based in Baltimore, MD.  The company staged the inauguration.  Andrea put together the furniture, drapes, and centerpieces for the event.  



The inauguration of President Obama took place on Monday, January 21, 2013.

Congratulations Andrea!

SHDHS Grad Interns for Congressman Chabot

Terle was recently profiled in The Dearborn County Register.  The paper reports Terle dual majors in International Affairs & Political Science/Asian concentration/Chinese Language at UC and works in Congressman Chabot’s office in downtown Cincinnati.

While interning with Congressman Chabot, Dan got to meet and work alongside several Senators and Representatives, Republicans and Democrats, as well as other government figures and organizational leaders.  According to The Register, Terle also provided congressional services and helped address problems that Ohio constituents are facing.

Terle is a fourth year Cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Detachment 665 at the University of Cincinnati.  In addition to interning over the summer Terle also attended Field Training at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Cadet Terle is a member of the professional, honorary, service organization known as The Arnold Air Society, Color Guard and was named to the Dean’s List Spring 2011-2012.

Congratulations Dan on all your accomplishments and keep up the good work! 

The Amazing Race - SHDHS Style

Thank you very much to all Amazing Race Particpants for another successful event!  85 women showedup on Friday, November 4, ready to compete.

The "Light" Pink Team captured this year's title! The team is made up of SHDHS grads, as well as members of the SHDHS volleyball coaching staff - Beth Veith, Natalie Thelen-Mitchell, Lauren Suedkamp-Best & Danielle Walston.  The group wins free tickets to the annual Renaissance Auction fundraising event on February 16, 2013.



The participants were on a four hour journey that included a trip through a corn maze, singing karaoke, playing blind dog, threading noodles, delivering goodies to the Emergency Cold Shelter in Covington, pushing teammates in wheelbarrow's, finding items in a haunted house, competing in some academic tasks and aiding the workers at Benton Farms by gathering pumpkins in their fields.
All had many laughs and enjoyed hot soup, sandwiches, appetizers and drinks back at SHDHS cafeteria.
Each particpant also donated a gift which will be auctioned off at the Renaissance Romance event.

A big thank you goes out to the many volunteers who helped run the event including: Janet Gulla, Mary Jo Amann, Anne Schneider, Susan & Staci Kolkmeier, Mikey Best, Jill & Dave Flood, Rob Lehmkuhl, Nancy Noble, Dave Faust, Joe Goodenough, Mary Benton, Rachel Winters (Emergency Cold Shelter), Dan & Rosemary Shea, and current St. Henry seniors Sam Krugel and Andy Wallenhorst who helped put a little scare into the haunted house scavenger hunt.

Thanks for supporting SHDHS...we are blessed to have dedicated alumni, parents and staff who truly love the Crusader Family!


SHDHS grad, Jessica Knaley, wins Conference award for volleyball!

The Freshman volleyball player at Thomas More College was recently named Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Freshman of the Year and earned honorable mention All-PAC honors. She hit .269 and 

SHDHS grad Jessica Knaley, #11, won PAC Freshman of the Year

CLASS OF 1982 REUNION

The Class of 1982 celebrated its reunion on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Chez Nora Rooftop Jazz Club & Terrace Bar in Mainstrasse Village in Covington.  Classmate Pati (Kloeker) Gilliece, and her husband Jim, own the restaurant.
Teri (Schumer) Letsinger organized the reunion.  She says the turnout was smaller than she had hoped, but everyone who did attend had a really good time.


Teri Schumer Letsinger, Jeni Grau McArtor, Sharon Schneider Elliston, Karen Koch


Mary Weisenberger Mullins, Scott Fowler, Tony Buerger, Teri Schumer Letsinger, Duane Froelicher, Mike Due, David Staverman


Teri Schumer Letsinger, Milissa Zerhusen Frondorf, Steve Goetz, Sharon Schneider, Karen Koch


Milissa Zerhusen Frondorf, Jeni Grau McArtor


Karen Koch, Sharon Schneider Elliston, Jeni Grau McArtor


Scott Fowler, Kathy Froelicher (wife of Duane), Duane Froelicher, Steve Goetz


Greg Rice, Paul Tagher, Milissa Zerhusen Frondorf, Steve Goetz


Jeni Grau McArtor, Maria Fragge Eichelberger


Karen Koch, Cathy Maines Humphreys


Mike Due, Scott Fowler, Pati Kloeker


Duane Froelicher, Tony Buerger, Scott Fowler, Mike Due, David Staverman


Sharon Schneider Elliston, Paul Tagher, Jeni Grau McArtor, Steve Goetz, Karen Koch, Jeff Landrum, Teri Schumer Letsinger


Tony Buerger, Scott Fowler, Duane Froelicher, Mike Due, Dave Staverman


Scott Fowler, Pati Kloeker


Playing for a Purpose
SHDHS and NDA volleyball teams will unite in their efforts to raise awareness about Breast 

Please come to the game SHDHS vs NDA, Thursday, September 20th at Thomas More College.  Games are at 5, 6 & 7 pm

You can also support this cause by purchasing a T-shirt for just $10!  The shirts are white with pink and black accents.

Adult sizes are available in small, medium, large, X large, and XX large.

Future SHDHS alumni take part in fun games.

Future alumni dive face first into a bowl of whipped cream to find the fish.

Winner! Nate Bessler is the first to find his fish and proudly shows it off!

Everyone showing off their fish faces.

The Class of 1943 spent the night catching up.

When they weren't fishing in whipped cream, kids enjoyed the bounce house. Thank you to Wichmann & Associates for providing the bounce house.

A group of alumni smile for the camera.

Sibling Rivalry. Sisters Wendy Tobergte and Kathy Bessler face off in and intense game of cornhole.

Their husbands, Dan Tobergte and Vince Bessler, wait for their turn while fellow alum watch the action.

Alumni swap stories, laughs, and jokes.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. 

1965 Class Reunion

The class of 1965 gathered for their reunion on May 26 at SHDHS.  

52 people attended the reunion, two of which came all the way from California, as well as Sr. Mariana Kirk, who was awarded the “Most Patient Teacher In The World Award”.

The night was organized by Jack Hoerlein, Mike Arthur, Marie (Schaefer) Besse, Joan Abraham, Angela (Flynn) Vasseur, Mike Keipert, and John Gutzeit.
 

Ken Rolfes, Mike Arthur & Mary (Lovelace) Rolfes

Judy Arthur & Patti (Oberschlake) Keipert

Joan Abraham, Marie (Schaefer) Besse, Janis (Kemphaus) Broering, Jo Ann Hoerlein, & Angela (Flynn) Vasseur
 

Larry Bolte

Kathy (Hahn) Thomas & her husband, Steve

Angela (Flynn) Vasseur & Kathy (Hahn) Thomas

Angela (Flynn) Vasseur, Janis (Kemphaus) Broering, John Gutzeit, & Kathy Holzderber

Joan Abraham, Mary (Lovelace) Rolfes, & Laverne (Schrage) Ferguson

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Past, Present and Future Crusaders Beautify The SHDHS Garden

After attending a meeting at SHDHS, Wendy (Tepe) Tobergte (‘83) and Kathy (Tepe) Bessler (‘83) noticed the garden around the courtyard needed some help.  So, the next day they rounded up their troops, packed up the gardening tools and got to work battling weeds, cleaning up overgrowth, and trimming shrubs.

Al Bessler goes to work on weeds with his garden shears

Kathy Bessler trims back an overgrown shrub

Wendy Tobergte pulls out some unwanted weeds

Mary Tobergte supervises and makes sure everyone keeps busy!

Al & Kathy Bessler rake up and clear out the debris they’ve collected

Bridget Bessler and Maria Tobergte bag up all the trash

Jude Bessler delivers a rake full of more trash to his cousin and sister

Luke Tobergte wields a big rake to help gather up all the debris

Back: Wendy Tobergte, Maria Tobergte and Kathy Bessler
Front: Luke Tobergte, Jude Bessler, Bridget Bessler, Kevin Tobergte, Mary Tobergte, Al Bessler, Tony Bessler, and Nate Bessler (hiding behind Tony's leg)

The group takes a time out for a picture.  And after all that hard work they are still smiling!

Thank you all very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to help clean-up and beautify SHDHS!  It’s alumni, and future alumni, like you that make SHDHS such a great school!
 

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SHDHS grad, Alexandra Tsoras, among chemical engineers recognized at Markey Center Research Day

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center hosted its annual Markey Cancer Center Research Day on May 16, 2012.  This annual event celebrates the advances of cancer research on the University of Kentucky campus with distinguished speakers, oral and poster presentations.

With a record-breaking 132 total posters this year, the College of Engineering was pleased to be represented on 12 of those posters, illustrating the multidisciplinary nature of cutting-edge research being conducted in engineering and across campus.

In the Graduate Student Basic Science Category, chemical engineering undergraduate student Alexandra Tsoras received 1st Place for her poster on Development of Three-Dimensional Lung Multicellular Spheroids in Air and Liquid Interface Culture for the Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Therapeutics.  

Tsoras is a 2010 graduate from Saint Henry District High School in Erlanger, KY and a member of the UK Honors Program.  This summer she will continue her research at UK in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, as part of a Research Experience for Undergraduates, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.  As a first time attendee of the Markey Cancer Center Research Day, and as an undergraduate just beginning to learn ropes of research, Tsoras commented “It was awe-inspiring to see all of the amazing research and collaboration UK does across several departments. There is so much opportunity with all of the research being done here and it excites me that I am already able to be a part of it.”

Read more: http://www.engr.uky.edu/news/2012/05/chemical-engineers-recognized-at-markey-center-research-day/

Welcome Our Newest Alumni 

SHDHS would like to welcome its newest alumni, the Class of 2012.  The students graduated on Thursday, May 24, at Thomas More College.  

The class of 135 students were awarded more than $8.9 million in scholarship money.  99% of the seniors received KEES money and 70% of them received scholarships from colleges, organizations, and businesses.The class Valedictorian was Kevin Grout and the Co-Salutatorians were Jessica Bier and Ryan Bailer.

Let’s get this show on the road!

Ashley Svec, Jessica Knaley, Mackenzie Franks, Allison Smith, Haley Elliston, Anny McArtor, Abbie Arlinghaus, Erin Schulte, and Abbie Tillman anxiously await the start of graduation ceremonies.
 

Mackenzie Franks accepts her diploma from Bishop Roger Foyes and Superintendent Mike Clines
 

Rebecca Dorger, Annie Fugate, Dominic Green & Michael Rieger are all smiles after graduation

Mackenzie Franks & Molly Kroth show off their big accomplishment, their high school diplomas

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Brent Rouse Tree Dedication

The SHDHS Student Council, Chamber Choir, Father Bach, and Mr. Otte dedicated a tree in honor of St. Henry graduate Brent Rouse, Class of 1958, on May 18.

For several years Brent volunteered much of his time cutting grass and maintaining the landscaping around SHDHS.  The tree, planted in his honor, stands in the middle of the island in front of school.
 

Some of Brent’s family, including his wife, Judy, and daughter, Lisa, were on hand for the tree dedication ceremony.
 

The Crusader family would like to thank Brent for his time and dedication in beautifying SHDHS.

 
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Alumni Basketball Tournament

The annual Alumni Basketball Tournament celebrates another successful year.  The 4th annual tournament took place at SHDHS on April 20 and 21.  12 teams, 110 players, took part in this year's event with alumni ranging from the Class of 1965 to 2011.



The new champions!
Joe Cook, Danny Tewes, Nick Love, Joe McClure, Chris Cook, Cameron Speed, Scott Volz and David Zumdick.

The runners-up! 
Andy Garner, Brain Garner, Matt Garner, David Franks, Keith Schuler, John Donaghue, Drew Boyer, Matt Wiseman, Luke Heidrich, David Vissman, Jeff Eisenmenger and Jamie Murphy.


Thank you to Chad Ives, and the rest of the Ives family, for organizing and working the tournament and to all the alumni and fans for making this another successful year.  We hope to see you all again next year. 

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Former Crusader Makes LaRosa’s Hall of Fame