Bishop Ward welcomes new coaches

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

Change is on the horizon at Bishop Ward High School as they hope to strengthen two of their athletic programs both physically and spiritually by welcoming two new coaches to its athletic department.

The boys’ basketball team will have new leadership in Brian Gavin as their new head coach for the 2015-16 season.

Gavin’s experience ranges from being an assistant men’s basketball coach and weight lifting instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College where he helped coach for two seasons to most recently coaching basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kan.

Gavin was assistant coach for the varsity team at St. Thomas Aquinas, where he was primarily responsible for player development.

“I believe players must be well rounded in faith, academics, athletics and service. Our talents and our passion for sports are given to us by God. Sports give us an opportunity to make the best of our physical abilities. You need to be where you're supposed to be, have a good attitude and appreciate what a blessing it is to go to Bishop Ward,” said Gavin.

Bishop Ward will also be welcoming Kelcie Cater as the new head cheer coach. Cater is a member of the Kansas City Tap and Ballet Company and previously coached at Miss Marias Dance and Acrobatic Studio in Lenexa, Kan.

Cater will bring award winning choreography and coaching experience to the Bishop Ward cheer team.

Cater is very excited to coach the Bishop Ward cheer team and looks forward to the new school year.

“My goal is to help the girls enjoy the sport of cheer, learn new skills, make lifelong friends, and support our school with a tremendous amount of spirit. With hard work, endurance and a lot fun, the future is bright. I want our team to grow spiritually and be determined to embrace the abundant life God has for each of us,” said Cater.

Bishop Ward High School introduces new vice principal

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Bishop Ward High School is pleased to announce Mr. Michael Beaven as the new Vice Principal for the 2015-16 school year.

Mr. Beaven will be bringing 22 years of experience as an educator, and holds a Master in Arts in School Leadership from Baker University.

Previously teaching in the Shawnee Mission Unified School District, Turner School District, and Christ the King in Kansas City, Kansas, Mr. Beaven is primed and qualified to assume his role as vice principal at Bishop Ward.

Mr. Beaven is no stranger to the Bishop Ward community and is excited and honored to serve in this new role.

“Having served as a Cyclone football coach in years past makes this opportunity even more exciting because I know I am not just joining a school, but a great Christ-centered community created and maintained by committed families.”

Bishop Ward High principal Karen Hopson said, “We are so excited to have Mr. Beaven join us next year. He will be a great asset and role model in educating our students in their body, mind and souls.”

Mr. Beaven truly embodies Bishop Ward’s mission statement as his leadership will add fresh insight to Bishop Ward as they continue to provide a Catholic, college-preparatory education for each and every student.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: Wyandotte County girls basketball players named to All-Kaw Valley League team

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Several Wyandotte County girls basketball players were named to the 2014-15 All-Kaw Valley League girls team.

Below is the team.

ALL-LEAGUE

Jessica Wayne , Piper
Haley White, Piper
Lexsi Owens, Piper
Maya Morrow, Piper
Julianne Jackson, Bonner Springs
Miyah Hightower, Bonner Springs
Madison McDowell, Basehor-Linwood
SaMone Springsteen, Bishop Ward
Kija Cammock, Lansing
Madelyn Moya, Lansing
Jabria Leggett, Mill Valley
Catie Kaifes, Mill Valley

HONORABLE MENTION

Sarah Ahart, Tonganoxie
Tressa Walker, Tonganoxie
Mikaela Bennett, Bonner Springs
Lexie Myers, Mill Valley

Bishop Ward High School to present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Prepare to travel back in time to the ancient near east and be wowed by the Bishop Ward High School Drama Club as they present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Tim Rice.

Sponsored by drama teacher Ms. Kelly Lipovitz ’00, this high-energy musical will premiere Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. through Saturday, March 7 in the Willard L. Phillips Memorial Auditorium.

Bishop Ward seniors awarded Martin Luther King Jr. college scholarships

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- The Kansas City, Kan., Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration Committee awarded Bishop Ward seniors Dani Braun, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lesslie Martinez, Kendall Nick, and Donovan Watts $600 college scholarships.

The awards were presented on Jan. 19 at the Jack Reardon Civic Center.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: Bishop Ward announces new volleyball coach

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Bishop Ward High School proudly welcomed Kerry Austin as the new head volleyball coach on Thursday, January 29, 2015.

Austin is excited to usher in a new day for Cyclone Volleyball. Coach Austin grew up in North Kansas City and attended William Jewel College and brings the experience he has gained from more than forty years of coaching. Previously, he coached at Shawnee Mission North and is a coach for the Kansas City Twisters club volleyball team.

“Everyone is excited that Coach Austin has joined the Bishop Ward family as our new Head Volleyball Coach," said Bishop Ward Athletic Director, Greg Duggins.  "He combines many years of club and high school coaching experience. His philosophy on fundamentals, hard work and team spirit is recognized in the volleyball community. Currently, Coach Austin’s club team is having great success early in their club season."

PHOTOS: Basehor-Linwood vs. Bishop Ward, girls basketball

By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Here are photos from last Friday's Basehor-Linwood/Bishop Ward girls basketball.

Click read more to view additional photos!

Bishop Ward alumni bring wisdom back to alma mater

Courtesy of Bishop Ward

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Juniors and seniors at Bishop Ward may have seen some familiar faces on Wednesday, January 7. A group of thirty young alumni ranging from freshmen to seniors in college came back to their Alma Mater to participate in an educational forum for their younger peers.

This annual forum is sponsored by Anita Gregory and the Counseling Department.

The alumni had the chance to talk about their post high school experiences and adjusting to college life. The alumni came from a variety of different colleges and universities, from state universities to community colleges.

Alumna, Madison Lally ’13 mentioned that her science classes at Bishop Ward were structured similarly to college classes and really helped prepare her for university courses.

Matej Batinic ’12 who is attending the UMKC School of Pharmacy, said his introductory college science courses were “almost a review” of the science courses that he took at Bishop Ward. Batninic’s advice for High School students? “Practice time management. Good time management is very important and essential to college success.”

Jon Roblez ’13 talked about switching schools and college athletics. Roblez plays baseball and said that “college is different than high school in coaches and time. You have to dedicate five to six hours a day in working out and practices. The coaches really work with you and you almost development a friendship with them.”

Lally also gave this advice to seniors “Don’t be afraid of the change, get really excited. Take what comes to you. Put yourself out there and try new things!”

After the alumni had their say, Bishop Ward students were then given the chance to quench their fears and curiosity about post high school life by participating in an open question forum.

This gave students the opportunity to ask questions varying from picking a major, financial aid, classes, athletics, and roommates.

Bishop Ward music students perform for the community

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN  — Sounds of the Christmas Season were heard throughout Bishop Ward High School recently.

The Bishop Ward Instrumental Band brought some holiday cheer to fellow students and throughout the Kansas City metro with a variety of performances in the month of December.

On December 5, Cyclone musicians greeted incoming students before school with a host of Christmas melodies to the enjoyment of all who entered the school that morning.

Residents at the Don Bosco Senior Center were also serenaded by Bishop Ward musicians with a classic Christmas performance on December 10.

This annual tradition started five years ago at the invitation of mutual benefactors at Mark One Electric Co.

The final performance on December 12 was for the entire student body during all lunch periods. This performance followed a beautiful celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

The students continued the celebration and joined in the caroling making for a festive atmosphere before final semester exams next week.

Cyclone Band Director and Teacher, Mr. Adam Braunschweig noted that “band members love to showcase their talent and enthusiasm for music. Music is a simple, yet beautiful gift that they enjoy sharing with others, especially during this time of the year.”

Former Bishop Ward, St. Louis Cardinal star Ray Sadecki dies

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Ray Sadecki, who helped Bishop Ward High School win a state title and later helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series title, died this week.

Sadecki passed away at the age of 73 in Mesa, Arizona.

Sadecki played in the major leagues for 18 years. His best season came in 1964, as he won 20 games for the St. Louis Cardinals and pitched against the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series. The Cardinals would prevail in the series.

He later pitched as a reliever in a second World Series in 1973 as a member of the New York Mets.
However, while his ERA was just 1.93 in the series, the Mets would fail to beat a great Oakland Athletics team led by Reggie Jackson.

Overall, he finished his career with 135 wins and a career 3.78 ERA. He had 85 career complete games and 20 career shutouts.

Before breaking into the big leagues as a 19-year-old, Sadecki was key for a state-championship winning Bishop Ward team that finished 18-0 in 1958.

He was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. A baseball field in downtown Kansas City, Kan., was named after him.

Bishop Ward Opens Doors to Clergy

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- On Wednesday, November 19 at 9:30 a.m., Bishop Ward High School and President, Reverend Thomas Schrader, O. Carm., faculty and staff are opening the doors and welcoming local clergy to be a part of the Inaugural “Pastors’ Day” breakfast.

Reverend Schrader has a vision of collaboration based on faith, community and education. The Pastors’ Day is a platform for all to come with open conversations on how the church and school can better work together to strengthen the youth in God’s name.

“This is an exciting time in the life of our school, so please join us as we celebrate the work of the church and our universal mission to share God’s goodness through faith, hope and love,” said Rev. Schrader.

If you would like to attend or for more information regarding the Pastors’ Breakfast please contact Shelley Coulter at 913-371-6901.

Bishop Ward Drama Club to present “The Life and Times of Princess Sophia” on Saturday

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Bishop Ward High School is proud to announce that the Drama Club is presenting “The Life and Times of Princess Sophia” by Douglas Clinton.

Sponsored by drama teacher Ms. Kelly Lipovitz, this magical comedy premiered Nov. 13, 2014 with a full crowd and lots of laughs. The show will continue November 15, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the Willard L. Phillips Memorial Auditorium.

A fantasy comedy that takes place in a far off enchanted land, with the title character nowhere to be found, Princess Tabasco and her lady-in-waiting Saffron set off on an adventure to rescue Prince Gallant from the Evil Sorceress Nefaria. On the way, they join forces with an unlucky leprechaun, an unwicked witch, and a very unconvincing dragon. Will this band of fairy tale rejects be enough to stop Nefaria and her infamous harpies?

The students of Bishop Ward have put “eight weeks of hard work and a lot of time and effort have been put into making sure this play comes together,” said Lipovitz. “The cast and crew consist of 70 really awesome students, 24 of which are seniors who have been in almost every production since their freshman year.”

Senior Abby Gergick commented “We have really gained confidence and gotten more comfortable on stage, the play is all around fun. My favorite part is how well we each play our parts and make our characters come alive.”

Lipovitz made the comment that she has gotten very positive reviews from those who have seen the play. “I have had people come up to me and tell me that it is very funny and that they can see the kids having fun.”

This is a great chance to see the newly renovated Willard L. Phillips Memorial Auditorium, so if you enjoy a good laugh, theater, or just want to come support the students, Bishop Ward extends a whole hearted welcome to all.

Bishop Ward President guest on Archbishop’s radio show

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Bishop Ward High School’s new  President, Father Thomas Schrader O. Carm., was a guest on Archbishop Naumann’s Radio show “The Shepherd's Voice”.

The Show aired on Sunday November 9th at 10 a.m. on KEXS 1090 AM. The show can be listened to virtually at: http://archkck.libsyn.com/wards-new-president.

This segment of “The Shepherd’s Voice” featured an interview with Fr. Schrader. Listeners learned more about what brought Fr. Schrader to Kansas City and how he was chosen to be the new president of Bishop Ward.

Prior to his arrival in Kansas City, Fr. Schrader was the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Tenafly, New Jersey.

Before that he was President of Crespi Carmelite High School for nine years in Encino, California. Fr. Schrader has been all over the country and brings a wealth of experience to help guide Bishop Ward.

In the few short months that Fr. Schrader has been at Bishop Ward, he already is leaving his finger print.

He helped dream up the idea of Fund-A-Cyclone for the 36th Annual Auction. Instead of focusing on a traditional capital project for the school, he decided to focus on our greatest need and strength, our students. This successful campaign raised just over forty-six thousand dollars for student scholarships.

Bishop Ward is blessed to welcome Fr. Schrader and looks forward to the future.

“I am energized by the loyal support of alumni, parents and friends and excited to shape Bishop Ward’s future generation of moral leaders,” said Fr. Schrader.

KU to honor 171 seniors from Wyandotte County high schools

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Students from 10 Wyandotte County high schools will be honored Tuesday, Nov. 11, by the University of Kansas Alumni Association and KU Endowment.

A total of 171 seniors from high schools in Wyandotte County will be recognized for their academic achievements and named Kansas Honor Scholars at a 7 p.m. program and reception at Wyandotte High School, 2501 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City.

Since 1971, the Kansas Honors Program has recognized over 125,000 scholars who rank in the top 10 percent of their high school senior classes and are selected regardless of occupational plans or higher-education goals. Each year, the KU Alumni Association and its volunteers host 36 programs that reach all 105 counties across the state and include approximately 360 high schools.

During the ceremony, each student will receive a Webster’s New College Dictionary and a commemorative certificate.

Ann Brill, dean of journalism & mass communications at the University of Kansas, will speak to the students and their parents and guests.

Community volunteers collect reservations, coordinate details and serve as local contacts for the event. Chris Schneider and Stephanie Parker, of Kansas City, are program coordinators.

The Kansas Honors Program is made possible by KU Endowment and proceeds from the Jayhawk license plate program.

The Class of 2015 scholars  from Wyandotte County:

Bishop Ward High School

Richard Cassidy - Kansas City
Jairo Fernandez-Solis - Kansas City
Harold Johnson III - Kansas City
Viviana Lizarraga - Kansas City
Lesslie Martinez - Kansas City
Kendall Nick - Kansas City
Anna Powell - Kansas City
Karina Rodriquez - Kansas City
Evan Sadrakula - Kansas City

Bonner Springs High School

Sudarat Alongkornvilai - Kansas City
Francisco Banuelos - Bonner Springs
Steven Barnes II - Bonner Springs
Mikaela Bennett - Kansas City
Jacob Dobbs - Bonner Springs
Jennifer Hammond - Bonner Springs
Rachel Johnson - Edwardsville
Samantha Joyce - Edwardsville
Lauren Murphy - Edwardsville
Samuel Nelson - Bonner Springs
Bailey Presler - Kansas City
Gabrielle Rye - Basehor
Shelbey Taylor - Kansas City
Rayna Weibrecht - Kansas City
Jacob Wylie - Kansas City

F.L. Schlagle High School

Jacob Armstrong - Kansas City
Jasmin Bell - Kansas City
Ray'Monik Brown - Kansas City
Nayeline Coronilla-Guerrero - Kansas City
Jazminn Glavin - Kansas City
Tia Henderson - Kansas City
Jordan Her - Kansas City
Tavia Holt - Kansas City
Jonathon Manion - Kansas City
Imani Newman - Kansas City
Kayleen Perkins - Kansas City
Mercedes Platt - Kansas City
Janie Vang - Kansas City
Evelin Villigrana - Kansas City
William Wallace - Kansas City
Johnny Xiong - Kansas City
Linda Xiong - Kansas City

J.C. Harmon High School

Kathy Antillon - Kansas City
Steven Avila - Kansas City
Samuel Avila Rocha - Kansas City
Tha Aye - Kansas City
Yessina Benavides - Kansas City
Gabrielle Custer - Kansas City
Pa Doh - Kansas City
Mariah Elmer - Kansas City
Jesus Galvan - Kansas City
Ta Gaw - Kansas City
Tasha Jackson - Kansas City
DaNishia James - Kansas City
Hsar Klaw - Kansas City
Mia Miner - Kansas City
Anita Omazic - Kansas City
Mary Perez - Kansas City
Brittany Perry - Kansas City
Jazmin Rosales - Kansas City
Yazmin Sandoval - Kansas City
Ana Simental - Kansas City
Amber Smith - Kansas City
Juan Carlos Tirado Garcia - Kansas City
Connie Yang - Kansas City

Kansas State School for the Blind

Joshua Harsch - Topeka

Piper High School

Tyler Albracht - Kansas City
Matthew Appl - Kansas City
Jacob Asherman - Kansas City
Taylor Beashore - Kansas City
Colton Beebe - Kansas City
Laura Clark - Kansas City
Katherine Comer - Kansas City
Madison Hays - Kansas City
Lyndi Lloyd - Kansas City
Natalie Moon - Kansas City
Lydia Paterson - Kansas City
Emily Pennington - Kansas City
Hannah Roper - Kansas City
Nicole Stimetz - Kansas City
Mikala Sullivan - Kansas City

Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences

Marie Abed - Kansas City
Cheyenne Brown - Kansas City
Mylan Gray - Kansas City
Mija Jones - Kansas City
Christina Lor - Kansas City
Sara McMahon - Kansas City
Nouksapha Phomsouvanh - Kansas City
Manuel Sandoval - Kansas City
Ngainunmawi Sonna - Kansas City
Ana Suarez - Kansas City
Steve Thao - Kansas City
Helen Venegas - Kansas City

Turner High School

Silvana Alcantra - Kansas City
Alondra Aviles-Gallegos - Kansas City
Andie Burch - Kansas City
Zuleyma Cedeno - Kansas City
Michael Creek - Kansas City
Victoria Escarpita - Kansas City
Cecilia Gutierrez - Kansas City
Anastasia King - Kansas City
Samuel Kline - Kansas City
Daniarely Loma - Kansas City
Jessica Morris - Kansas City
David Navarrete - Kansas City
Anh Ngo - Kansas City
Coby Patterson - Kansas City
Janeth Reyes - Kansas City
Colton Russell - Kansas City
Lacey Stiles - Kansas City
Kaylynn Stratton - Kansas City
Krista Thomas - Kansas City
Kayla Tidwell - Kansas City
Zachary Uthe - Kansas City
Susan Vongphrachanh - Kansas City
Mitchell Yurgel - Kansas City
Adrian Zamora - Kansas City

Washington High School

William Bailey - Kansas City
Franklin Conard - Kansas City
Deanna Daniels - Kansas City
Wava Dixon - Kansas City
Mason Fortner - Kansas City
Stephanie Her - Kansas City
Nicole Jones - Kansas City
Muhjaazee Love - Kansas City
Robert Martinez - Kansas City
Donald Metoyer - Kansas City
Anthony Ornelas - Kansas City
Kylah Owens - Kansas City
Ros'Lynn Payne - Kansas City
Deja' Perkins - Kansas City
Kaytlynn Pulley - Kansas City
Karen Ruiz-Gonzalez - Kansas City
Lauren Stroble - Kansas City
Keyanna Tolon - Kansas City
Diana Wade - Kansas City
Kelsey Williams - Kansas City
Kierstin Williams - Kansas City
Tucker Wright - Kansas City
Far Zing - Kansas City

Wyandotte High School

Yesenia Bilbao - Kansas City
Kendall Dale - Kansas City
Monica Dirks - Kansas City
Kimberly Escobar Alvarado - Kansas City
Valentina Flores Molina - Kansas City
Mayela Franco - Kansas City
Arpan Giri - Kansas City
Alexis Gonzalez - Kansas City
Imelda Gonzalez - Kansas City
Ashok Gurung - Kansas City
Emmanuel Guzman - Kansas City
Karla Guzman - Kansas City
Mariana Hill - Kansas City
Sofia Jimenez Omana - Kansas City
Prince-Russell Johnson - Kansas City
Van Lian - Kansas City
Joseline Martinez - Kansas City
Bu Meh - Kansas City
Aminah Muhammad - Kansas City
That Nung - Kansas City
Ana Ortega - Kansas City
Ruben Ponce - Kansas City
Bhagat Regmi - Kansas City
Jesus Rosales - Kansas City
Evelin Rueda - Kansas City
Jazmin Ruiz Meza - Kansas City
Carolina Sotelo - Kansas City
Moises Suazo - Kansas City
Mayly Valenzuela - Kansas City
Donte Walters - Kansas City
Aaliyah Woods - Kansas City
Chong Yang - Kansas City.

Bishop Ward soccer having record season

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Bishop Ward is thirsty for more soccer after last year’s regional title.

“Eight wins in the first ten games is unprecedented in the last decade of Ward soccer,” commented Coach Dan Shaver. “We have a chance to finish the season with double-digit wins and a winning record for the first time in my tenure at Bishop Ward.” With excitement brewing at the school it will be interesting to see how far the Cyclones will go!

“After our quarterfinal berth last season, the boys returned this season with playoff experience and a hunger for a state championship,” said Coach Shaver.

This year’s team is also experienced with twelve seniors leading the team. Coach Shaver credits this for allowing the team to “click” early on in the season and providing the leadership the team needs to move forward.

“This season is going very well. The hard work we have put into practice is showing on the field,” Cyclone senior, Mark Lopez said. “Thanks to Coach Shaver really pushing us to do our best, we are really trying our very best.”

According to Coach Shaver, he is not the only one doing the pushing, “We have a lot of returners that have pushed their teammates to remain focused game after game, especially in our stretch run.”

The Cyclones have a tough schedule coming up. When asked how they plan to finish the season, Mark Lopez said, “Strong! We need to work harder than ever to finish off the season strong.”

Coach Shaver mentioned they have a motto that has carried them through the season, “the most important game is the next game; we don’t look too far ahead, but instead just focus on beating the team in front of us.”

This has gotten the team through the season, and Coach Shaver and the rest of the school hope that this will propel the Cyclones through another regional championship run and beyond.

The Cyclones are currently 8-5-0. Their next game is Senior Night on Tuesday, October 21 at 4:30 PM against Washington at Bishop Ward High School.

Bishop Ward earns $2500 Award for promoting healthy eating

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Thanks to the hard work of Chef Rick Atallah, the school was awarded a check for $2,500.

Members of the Bishop Ward staff attended the Nutrition Leadership Forum on Friday, October 3 where the award was announced.

The connection between eating a healthy breakfast and better academic achievement is well documented. To promote higher rates of breakfast consumption among students across the state of Kansas, the Dairy Council challenged all schools to increase their breakfast participation by at least eight percent.

Bishop Ward High School exceeded the goal increasing their student participation by 57.9 percent.

“Kids normally do not like to eat breakfast,” commented Chef Atallah, “however, by providing students with appealing breakfast options while maintaining the state nutrition guidelines, and using the most effective tool of simply being friendly during those early morning hours, we were able to succeed in increasing breakfast participation.”

Improving student nutrition has been a focused effort at Bishop Ward since 2009 with the removal of soda and snack food vending machines. Students were surveyed regarding health and eating habits and the goal was to increase the numbers of students that eat a healthy lunch on campus.

A major turning point came with a $53,000 grant award from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. This grant allowed Bishop Ward to leverage alumni and community support and renovate the cafeteria and kitchen. The improved infrastructure has allowed Chef Atallah to prepare and serve healthy, fresh food every day in an efficient way for students.

The recent increase in breakfast participation demonstrates Bishop Ward’s ongoing commitment to students health and well-being.

Vote for Piper-Bishop Ward as KMBC Channel 9's Game of the Week

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- For Piper Pirates and Bishop Ward Cyclones fans, there's an opportunity for each school to receive a little extra attention this week.

Piper and Bishop Ward's football teams will play on Friday and that game is one of four up for KMBC Channel 9's Game of the Week.

Vote here to support both schools!

Bishop Ward Announces New School President

Courtesy of Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the Bishop Ward Board of Members and Trustees announce that Fr. Thomas Schrader, O. Carm., has been hired as the new president of Bishop Ward High School. 

Fr. Schrader is a Carmelite priest and has nine years of experience as the president of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. Fr. Schrader has spent this past year as the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Tenafly, New Jersey. 

“We prayed that the Lord would raise up a wonderful president to succeed Fr. Michael Hermes, and He certainly has done that,” stated Archbishop Naumann.  “I thank the Lord for providing Fr. Schrader, who will continue the strong spiritual and temporal leadership of the school,” commented Archbishop Naumann.

Mr. Marty Baughman, Bishop Ward board chairman, said, “We are very pleased that Fr. Schrader will become the new president of Bishop Ward High School.  We conducted a national search for our next president.  Fr. Schrader brings with him a lot of experience in all aspects of Catholic education:  academics, formation, development, athletics and planning.  We look forward to his leadership.”

"It will be an honor to serve as president of Bishop Ward,” remarked Fr. Schrader.  “The school community is at an exciting point in its rich history of educating a diverse college-bound student body.  I am enthusiastic about the contributions from our students who are being trained to be future moral leaders for the church and our society.”

Fr. Schrader added, “This year the Carmelite Order celebrates 150 years of ministering in this archdiocese; as an educator I welcome the opportunity to carry on this long tradition."

Fr. Schrader will begin working at Bishop Ward on July 1, 2014.  As previously announced, Fr. Hermes will be assigned to full-time pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas after serving as president of Bishop Ward for the past nine years.

Former Bishop Ward basketball star honored by conference

Courtesy: UAA Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Alaska Anchorage senior Kylie Burns, a former basketball star at Bishop Ward High School, was honored by the All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

Burns, a 5-9 forward, is the leading rebounder (6.8 rpg) and second-leading scorer (12.2 ppg) for the Seawolves, who are 19-7 overall and finished third in the GNAC with a 12-6 league mark.

In the league stats, the Kansas City, Kan. product ranks ninth in rebounding, 14th in scoring, sixth in three-point percentage (.393) and ninth in steals (1.8 spg).

The team’s only senior has also shot up the UAA career lists in her final campaign, currently ranking eighth in both free-throw percentage (.759) and three-pointers made (110).

Bishop Ward honors eight alumni

Bishop Ward High School

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Bishop Ward High School is pleased to announce the following alumni have been chosen for induction into the Bishop Ward High School Hall of Fame: Dr. Michael Bartkoski ’63, Edward Mayfield ’50, Mary Elaine Donegan ’50 Mayfield, Thomas Roberts ’70, Helen Gray ’63 Skradski, James Vader ’55, Jay Vader ’66, and Joseph Vader ’56.  Induction will take place at Bishop Ward on Sunday, April 6 at 4:30 p.m. 

The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony honors alumni and friends of Bishop Ward who have contributed to the community while upholding Catholic values.  2014 marks the event’s 9th year.  Hall of Fame proceeds benefit the Bishop Ward Student Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Michael Bartkoski, recipient of the Achievements in Arts & Sciences award, spent his career in the animal health sciences field, primarily in vaccine manufacturing.  Dr. Bartkoski spearheaded the renovation of Bishop Ward’s St. Albert the Great chemistry lab in 2008, creating a catalyst for improvement which has resulted in the addition of programs such as the popular Science Lecture Series.

Edward and Mary Elaine Mayfield, who have been married for 61 years, will receive the Don Denney ’70 Spirit of Bishop Ward award.  The Mayfields are the face of Bishop Ward as longtime supporters of the school.  They are a legacy family with more than 20 family members who are also Ward graduates.  Mr. Mayfield served as the Wyandotte County Clerk for 18 years while Mrs. Mayfield served in various volunteer roles in her church and children’s schools.

Tom Roberts will receive the Alumnus of the Year award.  Mr. Roberts was the Senior Class President while at Ward and then went on to become a scholar athlete at Wichita State University.  Mr. Roberts began working with the city of Kansas City, Kan. in 1975 and was named Unified Government Clerk in 1997 when the county and city unified.  He also served as President of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, an organization with over 10,000 members.

Helen Skradski, recipient of the Fr. Raymond J. Davern Community Service Award, is the owner of Skradski Funeral Home.  Mrs. Skradski sits on several boards, sings at weddings and is known throughout the community for her compassion toward grieving families. She is also heavily involved in Bishop Ward activities, especially the Drama Club.

The Vader brothers, Jim, Joe and Jay are recipients of the Athletic Achievement Award.  Each was captain of the Ward football team and received athletic scholarships from Kansas State University.  Jim, who ran track at K-State and was a member of two record setting Big 8 champion mile relay teams, is currently the President and Owner of Vader Insurance, Inc.

Joe, who played football, basketball and baseball at K-State before being drafted by the Dallas Texans, has been practicing law in the Johnson County area since 1964.  Jay, who also played football at K-State and received the Red Raider award in 1969, is currently working as an attorney.

More information, including ways to honor award recipients can be found at wardhigh.org/hof2014.