Podcasts about mercy high school

He has a long résumé in sports as an athlete, coach, and educator. After being a varsity soccer captain and varsity basketball captain in high school, he went on to compete in rowing at Boston College. Next, he became a boys basketball coach at St. Jude High School in Montgomery, Alabama, and then a girls basketball coach at Mercy High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and now for the last ten years he has been youth soccer and basketball coach at St. Pius X / St. Leo School. He is a life-long bicyclist and from 2007-2013 was a recreational triathlete. Two years ago, he co-authored a book called, "On the Eighth Day: A Catholic Theology of Sport," and teaches in the Theology department at Creighton University.

Live from The Travelers Championship Interview with Mercy High SchoolWe spoke with the Administration President Alissa DeJonge about the wonderful programs Mercy High School offers to its students.

Mary Beth Lennon, the president of Mercy High School in Baltimore, joins Dr. Tim Uhl on the Catholic School Matters podcast to discuss her leadership journey and the opportunities she provides to young women. This podcast is part of the series of spotlights on innovation and are part of the upcoming book on innovation edited by Dr. Uhl and published by NCEA. #catholicschoolmatters.

This two-part episode of Tiger Talk is all about the Mercy High School and Xavier High School production of High School Musical. During the first half of this podcast, President of Mercy High School Ms. Alissa DeJonge speaks with Mattingly Veilleux '23, who played Sharpay Evans, and Mia Pugliares '23, who played Ms. Darbus, in the musical. During the second half of this podcast, Ms. DeJonge has a conversation with Mrs. Michele Dastoli, co-director of the musical, and Mrs. Sara Brugger, musical director.

Birdies for Charity: Mercy High School. President Alissa Dejonge shares the importance of Birdies for Charity and how it continues the mission of Mercy High School.

Mercy High alum Sheri Crawley created a club exclusively for black and brown girls to give them an empowering place to call their own (00:03) Mercy High School alum, Sheri Crawley was celebrating her daughter's birthday at the Chicago American Girl store where the girls were allowed to each pick out a doll to sit with them during the birthday brunch. To Sheri's surprise, the four black girls in the group didn't choose dolls that represented their own reflection; instead, they came back with blonde-haired, blue-eyed white dolls. Sheri realized to her dismay that the only black doll available was of a former slave. (2:00) The experience at the American Girl store prompted her to take action and find a way to help little black and brown girls see and believe in their inherent dignity and change the narrative being fed to these girls. (2:30) In 2010, Sheri was a successful, social entrepreneur living in Chicago with her husband and two daughters. After receiving bad news about a family member's health, Sherri found herself uprooting her family to go back to Detroit to start anew. Sheri realized that whatever she did next, she needed to help others and make an impact on her community. (5:10) Sheri's family relocates to a suburb outside of Detroit, where her daughter started kindergarten. In their new primarily white suburb and school, Sheri saw her intelligent daughter's self-esteem plummet, something that Sheri herself could understand having been one of the few black girls at Mercy High back when she was a student. (6:30) Sheri overhears something which inspired her to start the Pretty Brown Girl Club and she buys the domain name and forms a business plan. Inspired by the experience at the doll store, Sheri decides to create a line of brown and black dolls, offering an alternative to the European standard of beauty pushed in magazines and even toy stores, With no products yet in hand, she brought the idea to the Detroit community to an overwhelming reception and show of interest. (9:00) Sheri realizes that the need for Pretty Brown Girl is bigger than she originally anticipated. Sherri decided to expand beyond dolls and merchandise and create a club model that would educate girls of color and create self-acceptance and social, emotional and intellectual well-being. (9:40) Within 18 months of formation, the club membership soared and over 200 clubs formed across the United States. Since then, membership and clubs numbers have increased exponentially. (10:40) Sheri discusses why it's important for girls of color to have this type of representation, especially from a young age. She talks about the false narratives fed to young girls of color and how she wants to reach these girls to help them understand their inherent dignity and beauty. (13:10) The narrator introduces one of the newest chapters of Pretty Brown Girl and the first-ever at a Catholic school to host a club – Sheri's alma mater, Mercy High School. (13:20) We hear from Traci Smith, the first director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Mercy High School about the demographics of the school. Traci was instrumental in bringing Pretty Brown Girl to Mercy. (15:00) Sheri discusses how having the club at a Catholic school allows the Christian principles that went into the founding of the club to be spoken allowed in ways that they couldn't be at a public school. (15:40) the narrator introduces Aisha Cunningham, a school counselor and the facilitator of Mercy's Pretty Brown Girl Club. Aisha said that at the request of the girls, the club's first topic of focus was mental health. (16:40) The Mercy club is now full of girls who are finding success and giving back to their communities, including Alexis Roberts who was the recipient of one of Sherri's scholarships allowing her to attend Florida A&M University – Sheri's alma mater. Alexis discusses how the club helped her grow and reach outside of her comfort zone. (18:30) Traci talks about how Sheri Crawley's experience at Mercy High School is an example of the value society gets when we pour into young women and women of color, bringing it full circle as to why the Pretty Brown Girl Club is so important not only to Mercy but nationwide.

On this episode of Tiger Talk, President of Mercy Ms. Alissa DeJonge is joined by Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco, who is an alumna of the first graduating class at Mercy (1967), Vice Chairperson of the Mercy High School Board of Trustees, and a Sister of Mercy. Also joining in on the conversation are Lilly Brown '22 and Ella Bankoski '22, who are Peer Ministers at Mercy High School. They talk about the importance of faith, our deep connection to Sisters of Mercy, and traditions at Mercy.

On this episode, President Alissa DeJonge discusses art with a current Mercy student and an alumna. Jen Casey Romer, a 2008 graduate of Mercy, painted a portrait of Sr. Mary McCarthy as a retirement gift and shares her thoughts on her artistic process. Lauren Harton, a Junior at Mercy, painted two versions of the Mercy High School building. One of which is the image used on the school's Christmas cards this year. Lauren also goes into detail about her artistic process and future goals.

What's in the new infrastructure bill for climate action? Depending on who you ask, the bill was either a monumental failure or a building block for successful climate action. The global climate movement has made strides, but it has not yet produced the kind of coalition that can achieve the most ambitious goals. We discuss what's in the bill, and we talk about why movements succeed or fail. Our guests: Sue Hughes Smith , elected last week to the Monroe County Legislature, vice chair of Monroe County's Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee , and member of Roctricity Lola DeAscentiis, senior at Mercy High School, and member of the New York Youth Climate Leaders

Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, introduces the 2021-2022 Student Activities Council. Maddy Carbone, President, Grace Andrea, Vice President, Kelly Cullen, Secretary, and Ava Noviello, Treasurer share some of the fun activities they have planned for this school year and what it is like to be in a student leadership position at Mercy.

Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, has a conversation with Mercy's newest faculty: Mr. Liam Cahill (English), Mr. Andrew Carroll (History and Latin), Mr. Justin Michaud (Math), and Mrs. Sangita Ray (Physics.

On this episode of Tiger Talk, Ms. Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, catches up with Alumnae Presley Termini '15 and Taylor Termini '17 on their careers in the country music industry.

Local youth climate leaders are gearing up for the Green Games. It's an initiative where they'll challenge their peers across the Rochester/Finger Lakes region to take action when it comes to combating climate change. They join us to talk about Meatless Mondays, fossil fuel divestment, an art challenge and more. Our guests: Bridget Mousaw, junior at Brighton High School, leader of the Brighton High School Climate Club, and Rochester field organizer for the New York Youth Climate Leaders Poppy Burack, 8th grader at School of the Arts, who is trying to bring back SOTA's Climate Club Lola DeAscentiis, senior at Mercy High School, member of the New York Youth Climate Leaders, and participant in the ROC City Compost Pilot program Harrison Jurenko, senior at School of the Arts, and member of the Seneca Park Zoo Urban Ecologist program

In this episode, Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, has a conversation with Megan Bush, Executive Director at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT. DeJonge and Bush talk about Mercy's relationship with the Mansion, the history of the Wadsworth Mansion, and summer events coming up at the Mansion.

Ms. Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, celebrates the career of Mrs. Buff Bachenheimer who has taught Physics at Mercy for over 40 years. Robotics Team members Hannah Wrubleski '22 and Grace Cink '22 discuss the many accomplishments of their team. Alumna Joanie Stupik '07, who currently works at NASA, joins in to talk about the influence Mrs. Bachenheimer has had on her love for Physics and her career.

Ep 35 Baseball, Hotdogs & Family Business    Listen in for this all-American episode as we talk to the CEO of Zweigle's Inc. Julie Camardo and CEO and COO of the Rochester Red Wings Naomi Silver multi-generational family business success and succession planning.  During the episode, we'll cover:  How Zweigle's has successfully transitioned into the fifth generation.    How Morrie Silver managed to save baseball for Rochester.   What their vision for success is when it comes to family, their business and their employees.   What advice a fifth-generation owner would give to any company with hopes of successfully transferring the family business to generation to the rising generation.  This Weeks Guests:  Julie Camardo  CEO Zweigle's Inc.*  Julie Camardo serves as the 5th Generation owner and CEO of Zweigle's Inc.  She was born in Rochester, NY and attended Mercy High School.  She went on to Providence College and received a BA degree in Psychology.  Under Julie, Zweigle's expanded three times and continues to grow in product diversification, sales and employees. The company is guided by four core values of quality, caring, accountability and continuous improvement. Zweigle's leverages its strength in our flexibility, collaboration, being a certified woman owned business and our history to expand in private label, co-packing and branded sales. The company also launched two new brands Mama Camardo's and Savory Sensations, producing new products such as fully cooked chicken breasts, meatballs, and breakfast sausages.  Julie is committed to the community where she lives and works. She sits is on the Board of Directors for MCC Foundation, ESL Federal Credit Union, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Holy Childhood, Special Touch Bakery and 2020 United Way Campaign Chair. Julie has three children- two daughters and a son.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work.  Her favorite hot dog is a white hot and her favorite sausage is the Zweigle's Italian sausage.  Naomi Silver  President, CEO & COO Rochester Red Wings*  Naomi has been involved with the Red Wings her entire life. The Silver family has been devoted to Rochester Community Baseball for over a half century, and Naomi has taken an active role for over three decades, working her way up the corporate ladder.  She is the daughter of Morrie and Anna Silver.  Morrie literally saved baseball in Rochester, and it is because of the Silver's devotion to the community that Rochester's franchise is among the most revered, respected and the longest continuously operating franchise in all of baseball.  Naomi honed her business skills, assuming more responsibility and taking over different aspects of the business, becoming the country's first and only female at the helm of a professional Minor League baseball franchise.  As president and CEO of the organization, she has overseen the Red Wings most successful period in its history.    A busy mother to Morrie (named for his Grandfather) and Desiree, Naomi also believes strongly in giving back to her community, serving many local not for profits; she is deeply involved with the Boys and Girls Club, University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, United Way, and Monroe Community College in addition to other philanthropic causes in the Rochester area.. Naomi also serves on the Key Bank Advisory Council and The Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center Board. Her national and community awards and recognitions received are vast and telling of her devotion to her profession and her community.   Michael Palumbos is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.   Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies.   Family Wealth and Legacy LLC is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.  *Not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.    CRN-3603590-052421   

Two Valedictorians, then and now (1995 and 2021), 26 years apart.  The connecting story line.  How is life different at the same high school 26 years apart… what is expected of women, what do women expect, what does it take to excel? What the opportunities are for women in college and career, then and now.   The 1995 Valedictorian at Mercy, Alissa DeJonge, is completing her first year as President of Mercy High School.  (What a year!)  What’s it like to come back to your HS as its leader?  And during an unprecedented pandemic.   And this year’s Valedictorian Kaila Lujambio of Wallingford, has a remarkable academic, athletic, and community activism record, even amid this year of COVID.  The resiliency (and community volunteer efforts) of this class of 2021 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CT Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joins Mercy High School's Student Activities Council and Ms. Alissa DeJonge for a conversation about what it means to be a female leader in government. Mercy's SAC Officers are: Ava Arcesi '21, Katherine Antico '21, Kayla Fordyce '21 and Kylie Fordyce '21.

In our fifth installment of the West End Stories Project podcast, we spoke with LaVerne Summerlin, a professor at the University of Cincinnati and the author of Gems of Cincinnati's West End: Black Children and Catholic Missionaries, 1940-1970. She lived in the Lincoln Courts and attended Holy Trinity School and Our Lady of Mercy High School.  With the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, the West End Stories Project has shifted from a video series to a podcast, so interviews are being conducted over the phone. If you or someone you know lived or spent a significant amount of time in the West End, please consider sharing your story. Call 513-369-6900 or email westend@cincinnatilibrary.org for more information. For photographs and additional info about today's show, visit the library's blog post about Ms. Summerlin: https://cincinnatilibrary.org/blogs/post/west-end-stories-project-laverne-summerlin/ (https://cincinnatilibrary.org/blogs/post/west-end-stories-project-laverne-summerlin/) Stay tuned for more installments of the West End Stories Project!

Mercy alumnae Sacha Armstrong-Crockett '95, Dr. Jada Waters '03 and Mallory Perry '10 join Ms. Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, to discuss important topics concerning social justice. Also joining the podcast are members of the Mercy Students 4 Change Club Chanel Delgado '22, Guadalupe Corona-Sampedro '21, Jocelyn Santiago '21 and Ms. Amy Freeman, moderator of the Students 4 Change club.

“ Two people came to us with actual instruments, from the holocaust that were played by their relatives.“ - Patricia Kristof MoyIn this episode our featured voice is Patricia Kristof Moy, the Executive Director of Music at Kohl Mansion.Performing arts organizations generate a big percentage of their annual revenue through earned income in the form of ticket sales of live performances. Music at the Kohl Mansion is another legacy presenter of arts and culture that has lost 80% of its funding because of the one two punch of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic collapse of our performing arts sector. Patricia tells us how she and her team are transforming their intimate in person chamber music performances on to a global virtual stageTo purchase the Violins of Hope at Kohl Mansion album that was released on January 21st 2021 to coincide with the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day and 76th Commemoration of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau please go to pentatone music dot com and search for violins of hope to buy and download the album 

Mercy High School President Alissa DeJonge discusses important environmental issues with Mercy High School's Ecology Club. The Club also describes steps the Mercy community is taking to be more environmentally conscious.

Mercy High School's Soccer Team had an amazing year! In this episode, Ms. Alissa DeJonge has a discussion with Coach Marcus Harley and co-captain Kaila Lujambio '21 about the many achievements of the team this season.

In this episode, Eric Brotman ‘09 is joined by the Executive Vice President of the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), Kim Clark ’09. Throughout the episode, Kim discusses her unique background, and how it led her to serving 21 years at the BDC, the different challenges of Baltimore City and how to approach them, the pandemic’s impact on commercial and residential real estate, the status of transportation, and more. How unconventional experiences can shape an individual into a leader  The importance of mentoring younger generations  The challenges facing Baltimore City and its surrounding areas  Breaking down commercial real estate and diving into the residential mindset during 2020  Baltimore City’s job creation status and the positive outcomes of 2020  Exploring the future of transportation—namely commuters, construction, and congestion—in Baltimore and beyond  Meet Kim Clark Kim Clark is the Executive Vice President of the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). In her capacity as EVP, Kim oversees neighborhood development, business development, real estate development, capital budgeting, small and minority-owned business initiative, innovation development, marketing, research and analytics.  Among her achievements at BDC, Kim helped structure public-private partnership financing for several major redevelopment projects, including several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects; Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS) for several major developments, and the financing of several grocery store projects.  She was instrumental in retaining several businesses of all sizes and assisted smaller businesses with expansions. Kim represented the City in the development of the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, the redevelopment of Inner Harbor East and Belvedere Square, as well as several other projects.  Kim is the Immediate Past President of the Maryland Economic Development Association, President of the MEDA Foundation, Governance Chair of the Urban Land Institute Baltimore Council, Board member of the Emerging Technology Centers, Small Business Resource Center, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc., and is a member of the International Economic Development Council. In 2016 Kim was named by the Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, received the Mayor’s Medal for Meritorious Service, and was honored by Mercy High School with the Sister M. Joannes Clifford Distinguished Alumni award. Kim graduated from Leadership Maryland in 2009 and is a Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Class of 2007 graduate.  For show notes & more: https://www.leadershipmd.org/engaging_leaders.html

Do you enjoy our podcast's delightful intro and outro music? This music was composed and performed by Mercy students! In this podcast, Ms. Alissa DeJonge has a conversation with students Abby Weaver '21, Lily Herron'21, and Mrs. Sara Brugger, Music Director and Tri-M advisor, about the process of creating our podcast music. Also, learn about the Tri-M Society at Mercy High School.

New President, Alissa DeJonge, catches up with Sister Mary McCarthy, Mercy High School's former president, to hear how she's enjoying retirement and learn some of her favorite Mercy High memories.

Even with COVID changing how Mercy High School is able to operate, President Alissa DeJonge learns that the 2020-2021 Student Council leadership has fun and energizing activities planned!

In the second episode of Mercy High School's Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge speaks with the newest Mercy High educators and learns what they are looking forward to this year.

Welcome to Tiger Talk - the podcast of Mercy High School in Middletown, Connecticut. Tiger Talk is about everything Mercy High School - the students and what they are doing, interesting projects and ideas from faculty and staff, the Mercy High School alumnae and what they've been up to since graduation, the Sisters of Mercy, and leaders in the greater Mercy community. Visit mercyhigh.com or subscribe to Tiger Talk on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify.

This week on the Poolside Podcast, Sara and David welcome in swimmers Elijah Venos from Brother Rice High School and Sam Szelag from Mercy High School. They talk about preparing for the Oakland County Meet, going through the recruiting process, and some advice for their younger selves. The big topic of our conversation is COVID, how it felt getting back into the pool after quarantine, having the season cut short, staying connected with the team while stuck at home, and preparing for the season at home. We close out the pod with some recruiting tips for younger athletes, the best swimming advice they’ve received, and their future educational plans.

This week on the Poolside Podcast, Sara and David welcome in swimmers Elijah Venos from Brother Rice High School and Sam Szelag from Mercy High School. They talk about preparing for the Oakland County Meet (1:31), going through the recruiting process (5:48) and some advice for their younger selves (8:21). The big topic of our conversation is COVID, how it felt getting back into the pool after quarantine (9:22), having the season cut short (11:59), staying connected with the team while stuck at home (12:57), and preparing for the season at home (13:33). We close out the pod with some recruiting tips for younger athletes (15:32), the best swimming advice they’ve received (17:22) and their future educational plans (16:38).

(10a) Mercy High School update from Dr. Martin Kilbridge Principal and CEO Pam Baker, Absentee Ballots, Yates County Accident Update, Bob Takes Your Phone Calls

Joining Dan for this week's episode of the Lead with Empower Podcast is Annie Drewry - Dean of Students at Mercy High School. Annie, a graduate of Mercy High School and Sienna College, is finishing up her second year as Mercy's Dean of Students after spending the previous 17 years as a teacher in the English Department. Annie provides a Mercy High School "distance-learning" update while sharing great stories about her journey from struggling student in Waterbury to Dean of Students at Mercy High School! Leadership Notes and Other Highlights: Annie share her thoughts on the importance of Hope and Faith as a leader Annie discusses the importance of relationships and connections throughout her journey as a student-athlete, teacher, and administrator We receive some sage advice from Annie - "When you react, you will probably regret" - the importance of reflection before making a decision Learn about Annie's favorite quarantine hobby! Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.comhttps://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot

Most people think of school choice as opting to direct tax dollars to private schools, particularly religious schools.  My story was the complete opposite.  I share stories of my youth at a parochial school and the difficult process I went through to transfer to a public, government school.  We then expand the conversation to cover the pros and cons to school choice, including addressing many of the common objections.  We share how school choice (in a very limited fashion) played a role in my failed attempt to win election on my local school board.  I also discuss how this topic was a seminal political issue and largely shaped how I see the world of politics today.   We also discuss a range of other people and places including Our Lady of Angels, Mills High School, Burlingame High School, Mercy High School, Serra High School, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Lynn Swann, Tom Brady, Barry Bonds, Kevin McNamara, Gaby Dow, Steve Dow, Millbrae, Burlingame, UC San Diego, UCSD, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Milton Friedman, Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos, Khan Academy, Spring Charter Schools, Poway Unified, Measure P, Billion Dollar Bond, COVID, Gavin Newsom, St. Michael’s, GI Bill, Westview High School, Poway High School, Valley Elementary, ROTC, Andrew Yang, Pursuit of Happiness   #JohnRileyProject #SchoolChoice #vouchers #PursuitofHappiness #ProChoice   JRP0135     Our Sponsors:   PowayStore.com:  https://powaystore.com/   Happiness76.com:  https://happiness76.com/   Trigger Energy: https://triggerenergy.com/     John Riley Project Info:   Bookings? Inquiries? Contact me at https://johnrileyproject.com/   Sponsorship Inquiries: https://johnrileyproject.com/sponsorship/   YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJSzeIW2A-AeT7gwonglMA   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrileyproject/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRileyPoway   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrileypoway/   iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-riley-project-podcast/id1435944995?mt=2   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llrMItpbx9JRa08UTrswA   Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/john-riley-project   Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2hucmlsZXlwcm9qZWN0LmNvbS9mZWVkLw   Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/John-Riley-Project-Podcast-p1154415/   Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/john-riley-project-john-riley-2l4rEIo1RJM/   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

The second guest on the "Why Do We Run" series is Matt Conyers. Matt is the head track and field coach at Mercy High School in Middletown, CT. He has also completed 21 marathons since 2009 including four majors finishes in New York, Chicago, and Berlin(2). Matt attributes some of the best relationships in his life to running and we discuss this as well as how he got into the sport, why he continues to run, the reasons that he coaches, and so much more. It was awesome to get to talk to Matt and I guarantee that you will be able to hear his passion for running at every single point in the episode. If you're interested in finding Matt on social media, his twitter is https://twitter.com/matthewconyers?lang=en and if you want more information on Mercy High School track and field visit https://twitter.com/mercyxctf?lang=en. If you're interested in learning more about the show visit: https://www.tannerkern.com/.

In this episode, Coach Mike Venos joins me to talk about several life lessons he has learned through over 35 years of coaching kids of all ages. Mike has been the Head Swim Coach at Brother Rice High School for 22 years, Mercy High School for 4 years, and Beachwood Recreation summer club for 17 years. In the time that he has served as the head coach for these teams, they have captured a combined nine Class A / Division I State Championships and 24 Catholic League Championships. He has coached 14 individual and 15 relay-team State Champions, over 50 All-Americans, and two United States Olympic Trial qualifiers. Mike has received many local, state, and national accolades during his very successful career, is a member of the Catholic League Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the Brother Rice Hall of Fame this spring. In addition to coaching, he teaches Theology at Brother Rice. Due to everything currently going on in the world concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, my goal with this show is to glean some wisdom for people in dealing with challenges. I started the interviewing by asking Mike why he thinks some people rise to challenges and some shrink from the same opportunities. Through interacting with his students and athletes he said you find out how much you can push them, the kids that are willing to go the extra mile, who is hungry to succeed, and who is born with innate ability take on difficulties. He said certainly these attributes can be innate to a person's personality, or sometimes can be drawn out of them. We discussed how sports are such a great forum for allowing people to make mistakes and learn from them. We also discussed the role of parenting in producing people who are more resilient human beings and how different parenting is today then it was when we were kids. We backed up a bit to explore Mike's background. He told me his dad was in sales and his mom was a Religious Education teacher, and how he got into swimming because his dad told him he wasn't going to sit on the couch waiting to play his primary sport, which was baseball. Even though joining the swim team was not his first choice, he learned to love the sport for several reasons. He said it is a sport that you absolutely get out of it what you put into it, and because it is individual in nature, there is no hiding behind a talented teammate. With his love for the sport, he began coaching, which very naturally led him into teaching. He talked about how his upbringing helped develop creativity, which helps him find different ways of interacting with and reaching his athletes and students. I then wanted to explore some of Mike's coaching philosophies. He had given me several famous quotes he lives by and we proceeded to walk through those. First, he said that it is very important to have a philosophy and not just a plan based on Bear Bryant's quote, “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, then winning takes care of itself.” That led to a lengthy discussion about having your values as the foundation for everything you do and then formulating a plan from that core. A person's ethics and morals don't change based on circumstances, but if you make a plan before examining what you believe in, that could lead to dishonorable or damaging decision-making. We discussed how important a person's character and integrity it is and how much easier it is dealing with people of virtue. Coach John Wooden famously said, “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” We discussed the importance of not trying to control the uncontrollables. Mike said that sometimes finding out what you can and cannot control can be difficult, but it vital to keeping your stress level low, enjoying life and succeeding. We discussed how appropriate this message to our current world situation and the wide range of people's reactions to social distancing and quarantine mandates. Coach Venos then talked about trusting the process and his own personal motto of “It's not about winning but being the best” which is born out of Pat Summit's famous quote of, “Our emphasis is on execution, not winning.” Regardless of your business, it is important to stick with your philosophy and goals, be flexible when required, but trust in your abilities, in the work you have put in, and that things are going to work out. We need to take the perspective that life is a journey, keeping the big picture in front of you, even when faced with obstacles. We talked about the New England Patriots system and how they built a dynasty on trusting the process, even while not having the most talented players and having to adapt to different strengths. The quote of, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable” attributed to the Navy Seals led us into a conversation of the Seal officers we know and many of their admirable qualities, especially in times of challenge. The ability to rise to the current challenge and to look at obstacles as opportunities rather than some kind of punishment is essential at this time and as we approach an uncertain future. We pointed out how this time of forced isolation was actually a gift - a time to engage with our families, deepen relationships, and reevaluate our priorities. Coach Venos' convictions may be born out of a lifetime of teaching and coaching, but they are applicable to all industries, age-groups, and walks of life. Quotes: “I like to surround myself with and hire people who have athletics in their background. People who have been on a team, because they typically know what it means to work hard to get something and to sacrifice for the betterment of others.” Mike Simmons “You don't let the goal define who you are.” Mike Simmons “How people appear on paper is not as important as what they are made of.” Mike Simmons “You can make a good kid fast, but not necessarily a fast kid good.” Coach Venos “Most of my philosophies are not original… you have to look at successful people and emulate them.” Coach Venos “How many times do we ask for a reset button?” Coach Venos “If we keep dwelling on the negative aspects, we are going to miss these opportunities that are right in front of us.” Coach Venos “People are making decisions right now out of fear that are not in their best interest.” Mike Simmons “Good athletes don't rise to the occasion, they fall back to their level of training.” Coach Venos (a variation on Navy Seals quote) “Every boo on the road is a cheer.” Scotty Bowman “You have to reframe challenges as opportunities.” Coach Venos “It is a time to re-form family bonds and reinforce all the relationship in our lives.” Mike Simmons Links: Coach Mike Venos Jocko Willink 7 Figure Flipping Level Jumping: How I Grew My Business to Over $1 Million in Profits in 12 Months Coach Bear Bryant Coach John Wooden Coach Pat Summitt Coach Scotty Bowman Navy Seals

In this episode, Coach Mike Venos joins me to talk about several life lessons he has learned through over 35 years of coaching kids of all ages. Mike has been the Head Swim Coach at Brother Rice High School for 22 years, Mercy High School for 4 years, and Beachwood Recreation summer club for 17 years. In the time that he has served as the head coach for these teams, they have captured a combined nine Class A / Division I State Championships and 24 Catholic League Championships. He has coached 14 individual and 15 relay-team State Champions, over 50 All-Americans, and two United States Olympic Trial qualifiers.    Mike has received many local, state, and national accolades during his very successful career, is a member of the Catholic League Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the Brother Rice Hall of Fame this spring. In addition to coaching, he teaches Theology at Brother Rice.   Due to everything currently going on in the world concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, my goal with this show is to glean some wisdom for people in dealing with challenges. I started the interviewing by asking Mike why he thinks some people rise to challenges and some shrink from the same opportunities. Through interacting with his students and athletes he said you find out how much you can push them, the kids that are willing to go the extra mile, who is hungry to succeed, and who is born with innate ability take on difficulties. He said certainly these attributes can be innate to a person’s personality, or sometimes can be drawn out of them.   We discussed how sports are such a great forum for allowing people to make mistakes and learn from them. We also discussed the role of parenting in producing people who are more resilient human beings and how different parenting is today then it was when we were kids.   We backed up a bit to explore Mike’s background. He told me his dad was in sales and his mom was a Religious Education teacher, and how he got into swimming because his dad told him he wasn’t going to sit on the couch waiting to play his primary sport, which was baseball. Even though joining the swim team was not his first choice, he learned to love the sport for several reasons. He said it is a sport that you absolutely get out of it what you put into it, and because it is individual in nature, there is no hiding behind a talented teammate. With his love for the sport, he began coaching, which very naturally led him into teaching. He talked about how his upbringing helped develop creativity, which helps him find different ways of interacting with and reaching his athletes and students.   I then wanted to explore some of Mike’s coaching philosophies. He had given me several famous quotes he lives by and we proceeded to walk through those. First, he said that it is very important to have a philosophy and not just a plan based on Bear Bryant’s quote, “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, then winning takes care of itself.” That led to a lengthy discussion about having your values as the foundation for everything you do and then formulating a plan from that core. A person’s ethics and morals don’t change based on circumstances, but if you make a plan before examining what you believe in, that could lead to dishonorable or damaging decision-making. We discussed how important a person’s character and integrity it is and how much easier it is dealing with people of virtue.   Coach John Wooden famously said, “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” We discussed the importance of not trying to control the uncontrollables. Mike said that sometimes finding out what you can and cannot control can be difficult, but it vital to keeping your stress level low, enjoying life and succeeding. We discussed how appropriate this message to our current world situation and the wide range of people’s reactions to social distancing and quarantine mandates.   Coach Venos then talked about trusting the process and his own personal motto of “It’s not about winning but being the best” which is born out of Pat Summit’s famous quote of, “Our emphasis is on execution, not winning.” Regardless of your business, it is important to stick with your philosophy and goals, be flexible when required, but trust in your abilities, in the work you have put in, and that things are going to work out. We need to take the perspective that life is a journey, keeping the big picture in front of you, even when faced with obstacles.    We talked about the New England Patriots system and how they built a dynasty on trusting the process, even while not having the most talented players and having to adapt to different strengths.   The quote of, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable” attributed to the Navy Seals led us into a conversation of the Seal officers we know and many of their admirable qualities, especially in times of challenge. The ability to rise to the current challenge and to look at obstacles as opportunities rather than some kind of punishment is essential at this time and as we approach an uncertain future. We pointed out how this time of forced isolation was actually a gift - a time to engage with our families, deepen relationships, and reevaluate our priorities.    Coach Venos’ convictions may be born out of a lifetime of teaching and coaching, but they are applicable to all industries, age-groups, and walks of life. Quotes: “I like to surround myself with and hire people who have athletics in their background. People who have been on a team, because they typically know what it means to work hard to get something and to sacrifice for the betterment of others.” Mike Simmons   “You don’t let the goal define who you are.” Mike Simmons   “How people appear on paper is not as important as what they are made of.” Mike Simmons   “You can make a good kid fast, but not necessarily a fast kid good.” Coach Venos   “Most of my philosophies are not original… you have to look at successful people and emulate them.” Coach Venos   “How many times do we ask for a reset button?” Coach Venos   “If we keep dwelling on the negative aspects, we are going to miss these opportunities that are right in front of us.” Coach Venos   “People are making decisions right now out of fear that are not in their best interest.” Mike Simmons   “Good athletes don’t rise to the occasion, they fall back to their level of training.” Coach Venos (a variation on Navy Seals quote)   “Every boo on the road is a cheer.”  Scotty Bowman   “You have to reframe challenges as opportunities.”  Coach Venos   “It is a time to re-form family bonds and reinforce all the relationship in our lives.” Mike Simmons   Links: Coach Mike Venos Jocko Willink 7 Figure Flipping Level Jumping: How I Grew My Business to Over $1 Million in Profits in 12 Months Coach Bear Bryant Coach John Wooden Coach Pat Summitt Coach Scotty Bowman Navy Seals

Monday Morning Breeze: Kobe Bryant dies at 41Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men do a tribute to Kobe at the Grammy AwardsRiordan High School may be able to help the closing Mercy High School in SF

Trish Brown is the Counseling Department Chairperson & 9th Grade Counselor at Mercy High School, as well as a Therapist for Better Help in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She is a wife, a mother, an Executive Officer for the PTA at her daughter's elementary school, and a lover of yoga.

S. Camille describes what it was like to be in the first four-year graduating class for Mercy and then shares the exciting times at the school when she was principal in the ‘70’s. She also catches us up with all the interesting work she has doing since her Mercy High School days. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Shannon describes her passion for yoga. She also describes her new life in Texas as well as some Mercy memories, connecting American Government class with Performing Arts at Mercy ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Mari tells us about her educational and career journey since Mercy but also shares her fondness for travel to other countries. She also reminisces about Mercy and some of her favorite faculty members. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Kerry describes her career in broadcasting including twenty-five years in sports and her more recent gig with a history program that originates in Chicago where she lives. She also describes lessons learned in Mercy softball as well as how she currently achieves fitness. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

We track Mary down in Berlin, Germany where she is studying for a Masters in global history. The focus of her study is early 19th Century Detroit history. She also describes her voluteer work for NADA and some Mercy memories. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Cathy describes her wonderful non-profit store, Angels, Saints, and Stuff. https://www.facebook.com/angelssaintsandstuff/ She catches us up on her family and reminisces about her Mercy English class and the impact Mercy had on both she and her daughters. https://www.facebook.com/angelssaintsandstuff/ ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Alicia describes her passion for teaching middle school students in Chicago, Illinois. She also shares fond Mercy memories of English, social studies, Newsprint, performing arts, and the DEAN’S SCOOTER.. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Anna catches us up on her current studies through Indiana U. and her work for Altarum in Ann Arbor. Anna also takes the time to remark upon the strong bonds of her Mercy sisterhood formed during her high school days. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Katie describes her work at the Detroit Achievement Academy and their wonderful model for raising the achievement levels of their your students. Katie lives in the city and describes the new vibrancy there. She also reminisces about Mercy. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/ Mercy High School ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Mercy High School Events

Anna describes the formation of her firm, edtech central, and the work they do serving the educational needs of children, youth and families which historically, have been underserved. Anna also shares the impact of S. Ignatius on her life and reminisces about the Mercy High School of the ‘70’s. http://www.edtecschools.net/home ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Kaitlyn Mardeusz Class of '06 Mercy High School Katlyn currently works as an attorney in Detroit in the Blue Cross Blue Shield legal department. She shares insights about her career but also describes her dedication to fitness and nutrition. Her classmates will recall she was a top golfer at Mercy, and will be glad to here that she still participates in USGA qualifying tournaments. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Tracy describes the Polytrauma Amputation Network Site and her work as a medical doctor who specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She also reminisces about Mrs. Yager and the great MHS swim program of the 80’s. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Erin McClaine is an educator, artist, entrepreneur and a woman who is passionate about social justice who lives in the vibrant community of Ferndale. She discusses where she has been since high school and how Mercy has impacted her. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Sarah discusses her important PhD studies in Environmental and Occupational Hygiene. She describes a project in the rain forests of Borneo with other grad students and explain the importance of the public understanding how science works in order to accept effective of health initiatives. She also describes the way that Mercy has impacted who she is and what she is doing today. ------- Follow Mercy High School and interviewer Larry Baker on Twitter at @MercyHighMI and @labcbaker. Music by permission of concert pianist Julia Siciliano ‘01 http://www.juliasiciliano.com/

Craig talks with two guidance counselors about the best practices happening in the college world in the wake of the admissions scandal.   Guests are Holly Bennetts, School Counselor at Mercy High School and also the current President of the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling; and Patrick O'Connor - Associate Dean of College Counseling at Cranbrook Schools.    

In celebration of National Women's History Month, the Blogtalk Radio program Quintessential Listening: Poetry presents HERSTORY. Noted poets Francine Montemurro, Pamela L. Taylor, and Lynne Spigelmire Viti will read from their works during the broadcast. Francine Montemurro was born in Yonkers, NY, grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, and has lived hither and yon. Her poems have appeared in the Paterson Literary Review, and have been on exhibit at Boston City Hall. She’s read her poems in and around Boston where she currently lives, works, and spends time with many friends, human and canine, real and imaginary. Pamela L. Taylor is a data guru by day and a poet by night. Pamela’s first chapbook of poetry, My Mother’s Child, was published by Hyacinth Girl Press (2015). Her recent work has appeared in The Adirondack Review and Atlas and Alice. When Pamela is not working or writing, she’s dancing Argentine tango in the Boston area. Her blog, A Poet's Double Life, focuses on balancing poetry with a non-literary career. Lynne Spigelmire Viti was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a lecturer emerita in the Writing Program at Wellesley College. A graduate of Mercy High School in Baltimore, she attended the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and received her B.A.cum laude in English Literature from Barnard College. After teaching high school English for several years in Stamford, Connecticut and Brookline, Massachusetts, she earned her Ph.D. and J.D. from Boston College.Viti has authored numerous academic articles on legal topics, composition theory and, literature and media. Her first chapbook, Baltimore Girls, was published in March, 2017, and her second collection, The Glamorganshire Bible, in 2018 (both from Finishing Line Press). She is also the author of a poetry micro chapbook, (Origami Poems Project 2017).  

Lynne Spigelmire Viti was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a lecturer emerita in the Writing Program at Wellesley College. A graduate of Mercy High School in Baltimore, she attended the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and received her B.A.cum laude in English Literature from Barnard College. After teaching high school English for several years in Stamford, Connecticut and Brookline, Massachusetts, she earned her Ph.D. and J.D. from Boston College.Viti has authored numerous academic articles on legal topics, composition theory and, literature and media. Her first chapbook, Baltimore Girls, was published in March, 2017, and her second collection, The Glamorganshire Bible, in 2018 (both from Finishing Line Press). She is also the author of a poetry microchapbook, (Origami Poems Project 2017). Her poetry, nonfiction and fiction has appeared in over a hundred online and print journals and anthologies, including The Wire: Urban Decay and American Television (2009),The Baltimore Sun,Amuse-Bouche, The Paterson Review, The Little Patuxent Review, Drunk Monkeys, Cultured Vultures, Incandescent Mind and Right Hand Pointing. She won Honorable Mentions in the 2015 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest, the 2017 Joe Gouveia Poetry Contest,and the 2015 Glimmer Train Short Fiction Contest. She has read her work at Gallery 55 (Natick), MA; Mass. Poetry Festival; Bird-in-Hand /Ivy Bookshop Baltimore, MD; Little Patuxent Review; Book Culture Bookstore, NY, NY; Boston Public Library; Westwood, MA Public Library; Wellfleet, MA Public Library; Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT; Mercy High School, Baltimore, MD; Enoch Pratt Library, Baltimore, MD; Dover, MA Public Library; New England Mobile Book Fair, Newton, MA; Wellesley College; Old Frog Pond Farm Plein Air Poetry, Harvard, MA; Charlestown Retirement Community (Catonsville, MD); Louisburg Cottages, CountyMayo, Ireland. She blogs at stillinschool.wordpress.com .

Loretta A. Forbes is a nationally recognized girls empowerment speaker, Author of two best selling books “Hello, My Name is B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.” and “If God is a King, That Makes Me a Princess” and a licensed therapist. Loretta has been featured on PBS, FOX 2 news, Rolling Out Magazine, Michigan Chronicle Newsprint, and has also been interviewed on a wide variety of radio shows including The Deborah Smith Pollard show on Mix 92.3, Dr. A.R. Bernard Show, author of “Four Things Women Want From a Man” and former BET host Cheryl Martin’s nationally syndicated podcast. Due to her passion for girl’s advocacy, Loretta established her own business, Life Beyond the Norm LLC in 2012 to provide and offer a wide range of services to girls.  Such services include, counseling, keynote speeches, confidence coaching programs, various workshops to foster girl empowerment and personal development. Loretta has a passion and mission to motivate and inspire girls, by helping them understand who they are, and how powerful they are. She believes every girl should dream big, live life beyond the norm and tap into their inner power to discover answers they need to create a life that reflects their gifts, talents and abilities. She also believes that with the right attitude, confidence and training, girls and young women can exceed the limits of their environment. A graduate of Michigan State University (B.A. in Psychology) and University of Chicago (M.A. in Social Service Administration), Loretta has prepared herself educationally to gain the proper training to fulfill what she believes she has been called to do…help girls become strong women.  Loretta currently serves under the leadership of her father and pastor, Dr. James L. Morman, where she is the Director for the C.O.R.E. counseling program at Christian Tabernacle Church. She also serves on the alumnae board for her alma mater, Mercy High School and is a board member for The Federation of Youth Services (Detroit, Michigan), a non-profit organization helping inner city girls.  

Reggie Wilson, Fist and Heel Performance Company's The Good Dance, a collaboration between Wilson's company and that of Andréya Ouamba / Compagnie 1er Temps. The Good Dance-dakar/brooklyn premieres locally at the Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theatre, in San Francisco, April 1-3, 8 PM in a prerecorded interview. Visit http://www.ybca.org/ Kendra Kimbrough-Barnes is presenting a new work, "Home Is That Way," at CounterPULSE, April 1-4, 8 PM. “Home is That Way?” Kendra Kimbrough Barnes creates an impassioned dance piece about a family dealing with incarceration. When a son/ a brother loses an idea of where home is (literally and figuratively) after being in the prison system, this leads to retracing steps. Told in four chapters, "Home is That Way?" is a dance drama that that recalls the innocence, genius, tragedy, and rebirth of an imaginative boy. Visit http://counterpulse.org/ Ron Jones, best known for an incident in his classroom in Palo Alto, CA, "The Wave, The Musical," captures in current productions hosted by The Marsh Theatre early this year. The play is up again, April 16-17, April 23-24, 7:30 PM, this time at Mercy High School in San Francisco, 3250 19th Ave. Visit http://www.ronjoneswriter.com/ Cathleen Riddley, "Culpurnia," in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, with previews beginning April 7-9. The show continues through May 9.Cathleen is returning to TheatreWorks stages where she appeared previously as Mabel in the sensational hit Crowns, going on to play the role at the Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco.A Julliard trained performer, Cathleen also has a Masters degree in Sociology and has trained with National Theater of the Deaf. Visit theatreworks.org