Mary Rose Collins Transitions High School Principal Role to Joseph Brake, by Mary Rose
This summer I will pass the torch of High School leadership to Mr. Joe Brake. I am ready to reduce my role at Lumen Christi and to help Joe settle into his new job.
 
I began teaching in the middle school at Lumen Christi when we moved from Cincinnati and my daughter joined the 7th grade. It's been 15 years now, but I'm still a teacher at heart. This coming year I will teach senior English (British Literature) and Old Testament. These are my favorite courses, although I've taught everything in the high school but math and science. I've enjoyed developing curriculum standards, creating our first website in 2005, bringing in the Geography Bee and the Shakespeare contest, and initiating the high school pilgrimage with my good friend Jeanne Perry.
 
We do it all for our children--our parents that teach know this. Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “The profound responsibility to lead the young to truth is nothing less than an act of love. Indeed, the dignity of education lies in fostering the true perfection and happiness of those to be educated.”
 
With my own kids graduated from school, it's time for me to scale back and let Joe and others energize the high school. This is the perfect time--Lumen Christi is in great shape with excellent leadership and faculty that model virtue and learning. See you in August! (We will introduce you to our new principal next month.)


Congratulations to Our Graduating High School Senior, Avery Shewmaker, also by Mary Rose
Avery Shewmaker is Lumen Christi Catholic High School's Class of 2020. The class did not dwindle to one person until this year, but this did not fluster Avery. She willingly participated in all our field trips, pilgrimages, and school activities as a wise "behind the scenes" presence. Known for her relaxed, even personality and her witty humor, Avery is quick with clever commentary when we need it! Avery always excelled at academics and prefers math and science. She is well prepared to enter Marian University's nursing program with academic scholarships and the San Damiano ministry scholarship. We know we will stay in touch with Avery since we have her sister Jill (class of 2022) and Ben (Class of 2024) to keep her apprised of our doings. Our high school has been enriched by Avery for four years: we wish her Godspeed! (Avery will be speaking at our Light in the City Dinner on July 12. Please see below for tickets.)


Where are they now? Sarah Wilhelm, Class of 2017
Since graduating in 2017, I have been attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio pursuing all things creative (thanks to Mrs. Roller)! I will begin my senior year in the fall to finish my Interior Design major and 2D Fine Arts (photography) minor. When I'm not in class or studying, you can find me fighting for the unborn's right to life, participating in International Interior Design Association events, or spending time with my sorority sisters. My summers have been a very busy and rewarding time as well. Last summer, I studied abroad in London and then had an internship with Two Chicks and a Hammer from "Good Bones" on HGTV. This summer, I am interning virtually with a wedding design company in Cincinnati. I am thankful for the strong Catholic foundation I received from Lumen Christi as it continues to influence my daily life at a public university. I owe much of my spiritual, academic, and professional success to my schooling at Lumen Christi. Without my teachers, spiritual advisors, and peers, I would not be who I am today!


Closing Out the 2019-2020 School Year with 2 Right to Life Essay Winners
Our students completed their coursework on May 15 ^th, and on May 20 ^th families were invited to return to Lumen Christi to drop off their books and assignments and pick up any belongings while maintaining careful social distance. It felt wonderful to have students and parents back in the school, even with masks and gloves. I’d like to give a shout out to all of teachers, staff and parents who made remote learning possible! I’d also like to congratulate our two Indiana Right to Life essay winners: 7 ^th Grade 2 ^nd Place, Mary Motyka “The unborn can’t pray. Let’s do it for them.” and 8 ^th Grade 2 ^nd Place Sofia Lynch “We can all pray for change, and for the struggling parents who are considering abortion.”