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Winter 2010
If you are interested in helping out on one of the many WSAA Committees, please
contact the committee chairperson or Frank Foti at [email protected].
All Alumni Day
(looking for applicants to fill this chair)
Athletic Hall of Fame
(looking for applicants to fill this chair)
Reverse Raffle Committee
Gloria Majeski
Schools Support
Frank Foti
Publicity / Marketing
Dave Hintz
Teacher / Staff Relations
Melissa Connolly
Scholarship
Jim Campbell
Memorabilia
Teri DiMattia Shine
Achievement Hall of Fame
Vince Granito
Newsletter
Donna Mikulandra
From the Director Frank Foti, Director, WSAA WSAA Board of Directors
Member Post Class
Susan Skufca Bell 1982
Jim Campbell 1982
Rondelle Cicirelli Secretary 1982
Mark Cline 1975
Melissa Erzetic Connolly 1980
Gloria Majeski 1974
David Hintz Chair 1982
Tim Reid Legal Counsel 1962
Marien Spisich Kaifesh 1979
Roger Mikulandra 1982
Donna Palsa Mikulandra 1982
Teri DiMattia Shine Vice Chair 1972
Debbie Hennie Vitantonio Treasurer 1976
Committees
In This Issue
50 Years of Tradition 2
Wickliffe Wrestling 4
2010 Achievement Hall of Fame Inductees 4
News & Events 6
2010 Homecoming Float Recap 8
2010 All-Alumni Recap 9
As another year winds down, and
hope springs eternal with the dawn of a new one, all of us at
the Wickliffe Schools Alumni As-
sociation wish the best for you
and yours.
With a new year, brings a fresh
slate of WSAA activities. We get
the year started off with a bang,
as our annual Reverse-Raffle is slated for Super Bowl weekend.
Make plans now to join us for
this truly fun event. It sells out
quickly, so keep your close to the WSAA website for details, as they’ll be posted very soon! Part of
the fun is the attire is all football related. Wear anything you
wish to support your fave football team. Doesn’t have to be a
pro team either. (If it were up to me, the Blue Devils would be in
the Super Bowl EVERY YEAR!)
If you have not attended, I ask that you think again. Aside from
helping us generate scholarship funds for Wickliffe High stu-
dents, it’s a fun night as there are lots of alumni present, as well as former faculty. Last year, Janie Pezdir-Key (1973) attended
(after a lot of encouragement from yours truly) and she’s still
thanking me for it! Actually Janie, ‘thank you’ for helping us
making the event the success it was, and continues to be!
A tip of the Blue Devil’s tail to our own Mr. Robert Smith, who was recently elected into the Wickliffe City Hall of Fame. Mr.
Smith was a teacher, coach, principal, administrator, superinten-
dent, and dear friend to many of us. Had it not been for his im-
petus, along with his recruitment of Susan Skufca-Bell, the WSAA would not exist. So, Mr. Smith, we salute and congratu-
late you on this most deserved honor!
Recently, there was a change to the email system for the alumni
association. The school system is now operating within their own domain, and somehow, the email address for us got lost in the
cloud known as the internet. From here on out please contact
me at my new address:
(Continued on page 7)
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Saturday February 5, 2011 - 7th Annual WSAA Super Bowl Re-verse Raffle and Chinese Auction
Wednesday, June 15 through Sunday June 19, 2011 - 50th Annual New York
City Theater Tour
August 5 & 6, 2011 - Class of 1961 will
be celebrating their 50th Class Reunion
Save the Date
50 Years of Tradition By Herm Ruger
TRADITION! Tevye’s powerful song from the musical Fiddler on the Roof brings thoughts to mind of what we hold fondly in our own mem-ory. Certainly, one of Wickliffe’s and WHS’s longest-running traditions is
the NYC Theatre Tour. It was originally conceived by retired (but still very active!) WHS Choral Music Director, Mike Lenenski, as a means to introduce students to the Great American Musical. That was 49 years ago! Hundreds of WHS students participated in his annual school pro-
ductions expanding their understanding and appreciation of music and theater. Many of those students made the journey to New York City to see Broadway first-hand. Some even went on in their careers to per-form on Broadway or in the music or theater profession.
That tradition continues to this date. The 2010 Wickliffe / NYC Theatre Tour was just as exciting as when Terri Jo (Ciancibello) Rotondo last went in 1966! Wickliffe Alumni Becky (Tellisman) Canfield and Donna Olp also took on the adventure. In addition to many WHS Alumni that
go on this trip, there are teachers, active and retired, many townspeo-ple, friends and families and some coming from across the country. This year we had a couple from Germany.
The five day, four night tour began early Wednesday, June 16. Seventy-six excited passengers boarded the two chartered Lakefront Lines Bus-
ses at the Wickliffe Town Square Center. The eight hour trip was di-
vided into three sections, two rest stops, NYC orientation and several videos. Each person brought food for lunch, but various snacks were passed up and down the aisles – another WHS tradition – “Eating our
way to NYC”.
Our excitement was heightened as by 3pm we could see the skyline rising above the Hudson River like the Land of OZ. Emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel our busses inched their way through the crowded and
teaming streets to the Edison Hotel – in the Heart of Times Square. With luggage unloaded and retrieved, everyone had time to unpack, settle in their room and plan for dinner. Mark Beliczky (WHS-73) hosted the Lenenskis at the Encore Room (Marriott Marquis), also Pongsri (Thai), Heartland Brewery, Carmines or Sardis. Dressed to the
“nines”(we bring class with us), we stepped out of the back door of the Edison, 56 steps east and entered the Lunt/Fontanne Theater for the 8pm performance of The Addams Family with Broadway stars Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. The stage version brought to life the popular
1960’s B&W TV version that reintroduced those classic characters of
Gomez, Morticia, Lurch, Uncle Fester and others. The songs, music and dance brought laughter to the capacity audience.
After the show some hung out at the stage door for pictures and auto-graphs, some walked the half-block to take in the neon spectacle of Times Square at night, and others turned in to get a good night’s rest
for the next day.
On Thursday morning early risers walked over to 9th Avenue, past the Brownstone buildings of Restaurant Row, which is 46th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues, to the favorite neighborhood breakfast restaurant
The Galaxy Café, in Hell’s Kitchen. Since its refurbishment, the walls open to the ambience of the outdoors. Food is delicious, prices are reasonable for NY and service is excellent. Others opted for the conven-ience of the Edison Hotel Café. Some veteran travelers then ventured
on their own like Feroza and Sherry LaBonne, Gene and Jeri Stewart and Chuck Baker who made a Bee-line to get an early start for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Mike and Carolyn led the larger group on their first NY experience – a
subway ride. Boarding at the 50th Street Station the Red Line One took everyone swiftly to the South Ferry Station at the southern end of Man-hattan. Escalating to the surface it was just a few steps to the gleaming and spotless terminal to catch the free (yes free) Staten Island Ferry. The ½ hour voyage afforded a fine view of the Lower Manhattan sky-
scrapers, new towers in New Jersey, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Ver-
razano Narrows Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and Governor’s Island. The weather was incredible – breezy, puffy white clouds, and temperature in the 70 degrees – picture post-card perfect. After returning to Manhattan
– a group picture was taken in front of the American Indian Museum under renovation. Dutch history was recounted along with a walk through the Bowling Green Park. A brief stop was made at the famous “Bull of Wall Street” statue which was mobbed by a large group from
China – having their pictures taken – for them the bull means good luck. The next stop was the World Trade Center site. Progress on the Freedom Tower is going slowly. It’s only slightly taller than it was the past two years. A second new tower is being worked on nearby. The Memorial itself is showing form and can be identified. We ended our
morning walk inside of the World Financial Center where we could eat lunch at a dozen different locations.
Meeting in the Wintergarden Palm Court, those who wanted to continue the walking tour were led by Herm Rueger along the Hudson Riverwalk.
This was a relaxing stroll that included beautiful gardens, public sculp-ture, a walk up an Irish hillside in the floating Irish Hunger Memorial park, and a stop at the whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” garden. Ending at Chambers Street, the group walked east to the Red Line Subway for
anyone who wanted to head back to Times Square. Those who were really hardy walked to the next subway station to catch the Blue Line to 14th Street. From there it was a walk west to take an elevator to the newest park - The High Line. The first section was opened late last year
as a linear park built on an elevated abandoned railroad line. It travels northward under and through three buildings, incorporating RR track
along with exotic and colorful plantings, public art, seating and spec-tacular views of the city. This path continued to 20th Street where the second mile section is scheduled to open later this year. This is a spec-
tacular re-use of abandoned property. Exiting the park, the walk contin-ued east where a Blue Line subway was taken back to the Times Square area. There was time to soak feet, rest and dress for dinner.
Becky Canfield, Donna Olp, Katie Potts, Harriett Culp, Joyce Miller, and
Donna Bako found the food and view of Times Square from the ninth floor Café Nicole (Hotel Novotel) much to their liking. Some ate at Bubba Gumps, Broadway Joe’s and Don’t Tell Mama. The second show was Memphis at the Shubert Theater two blocks away. Set in the
1950’s, in the town by the same name, this Tony Award-winning Best Musical had the audience rocking to the beat with superb dancing. It was voted the #1 Best New Musical of this tour. Some danced out of the theater and on to an after-show nightspot for more entertainment,
or a less expensive show was on Times Square watching the nightlife.
(Continued on page 3)
3
Keep your letters coming!
We love you hear from you.
Do you have a great idea for a feature story? Please write to us and share your stories, pictures, memories, thoughts, compliments and criticisms.
Wickliffe Schools Alumni Association
Devil Doings Newsletter PO Box 195
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
or email the editor, Donna Mikulandra at [email protected].
Everyone was encouraged to eat a hearty breakfast to have enough
energy for all that was planned for Friday. The morning activities were optional, but 59 persons opted to take the “surprise” guided tour of
Lincoln Center. This year we had the luxury of boarding our charter bus with driver Andrey for our day’s touring. Leaving the Edison Hotel at
9am and heading north and west of Central Park, we arrived at Lincoln Center by 9:30am and assembled at the central fountain for a group picture. Lincoln Center had undergone a multi-million dollar renovation – but the new “magic” fountain just wasn’t being magical when we took
the picture. We divided into four groups, each with an outstanding guide, inside of Avery Fisher Hall. Because there was a morning concert going on with the NY Philharmonic, we couldn’t see the interior of that building. However, we did tour the Vivian Beaumont, the only Broadway
Theater outside of the Theater District. It is also the only theater with a thrust stage that extends out into the audience, currently showing South Pacific. Next was the NY State Theater where both ballet and opera are performed. We watched as the full orchestra rehearsed and dancers assisted with a tech lighting session. The third building was the
Metropolitan Opera House (seating 5,000), home of the Metropolitan Opera Company and the American Ballet Theater, with its exquisite
Austrian crystal chandeliers and Marc Chagall murals.
The tour ended before noon and everyone had the option of going on
their own for lunch and afternoon sightseeing, or boarding the bus which headed downtown to the South Street Seaport. One purpose was to buy discount tickets for that evening’s show for those choosing to see one. Enough time was permitted to also eat lunch on Pier 17, which is a
shopping and food court Festival Marketplace, and sightsee before re-turning uptown. Chuck Baker and Herm Rueger ate at Cabana-Nuevo Latino and had the hottest food in town. Mike and Carolyn with John Holeski had to have the Manhattan Clam Chowder at the Chowder Bar. Jean Addison, Angela Barone, Ken and Irene Henkel ate at the Harbor
Inn where there was an Irish waitress that was a delight. Katie Potts and Harriett Culp found the Pacific Grill to their liking. The panoramic view of the Brooklyn Bridge next door and taking pictures of the docked tall ships was a must see and do. Returning to the hotel by 3pm gave
time to do a bit of sightseeing before dinner. For those who ventured into Times Square, they found themselves in a startling event that was unfolding before their eyes. Within seconds people stopped frozen in place and stared skyward. A twenty-something year old unemployed
and despondent young man had gotten atop of the 50 story Marriott Marquis Hotel and was contemplating jumping to his death. Just a tiny speck, you would see him lie down on the edge of the building, legs and feet over the edge, disappear-reappear – look over the side. It took
only several minutes for the police to entirely clear Times Square around the hotel and side streets. The police helicopter circled over-head, fire, rescue, EMS and SWAT units moved in. About twenty min-
utes later, police were able to safely apprehend him, to the applause of the public and return to normal the activity of Times Square.
Dinner was of one’s choosing. Some liked the fun and casual dining of Ellen’s Stardust Restaurant where the food and décor are of the 1950’s and the wait staff sings the pop and rock tunes of that era between bringing you your food. It’s a starting point for some future Broadway
stars waiting for their opportunity to make it big on the Great White Way. Junior’s, Pigelle, Patsy’s (Frank Sinatra’s favorite) is where Terri Jo Rotondo and Barb Kirsch sat next to Helen Gurley Brown, and Piet-rosanto were popular, also. Lincoln Center was so popular with Chuck
Baker that he returned with Vincetta Sabbath and Kathy Oravecz for dinner at the elegant Grand Tier Restaurant in the Opera House. This was convenient as they had tickets for the gala ballet Sleeping Beauty downstairs afterward. Others choosing the outstanding ballet that eve-
ning were Barb Sper, Barb Knipple, Betty Stiffler, Carole and Hayley Czeck. Optional musicals seen by others were Promises, Promises (excellent rating), Mama Mia, Lion King, Jersey Boys, Million Dollar
Quartet, and Mary Poppins.
50 Years of Tradition (Continued from page 2) Saturday was open to a lot of options as the day was mostly “free” except for the 2pm matinee. Those who wanted to take the Midtown Tour with Mike and Carolyn could walk over to Rockefeller Center, St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, Trump Tower and walk up 5th Avenue window shopping at the chic shops as they went along ending up at the FAO
Schwarz Toy Store near Central Park. Others opted for a tour of Central Park, the Cloisters, King Tut Exhibit, the Intrepid aircraft carrier mu-
seum, Top of the Rock and Museum of Modern Art.
The 2pm matinee was just a short walk out of the front door of the hotel and down the street. Rock of Ages exploded with the heavy metal music of the ‘80’s. An arena rock musical with audience participation
would best describe this show. The audience either rocked with or was rocked by the performance. The evening was open. Some went to an additional musical including Come Fly With Me, La Cage Aux Folles, Billy Elliott, Hair, West Side Story and Lend Me a Tenor. Others chose an
evening of fine dining. Walt and Betty Perryman, Granddaughter Eliza-beth went with Carole and Hayley Czeck, Barb Knipple, Barb Sper and Betty Stiffler to The Fig and Olive under the High Line Park for a sump-tuous 5 course meal. Vivian Yeager, Dan & Mary Yeager, Granddaugh-ter Lydia & friend Megan, Dale Turk and Mary joined four others for a
traditional French dinner (dining is an art) at Tout Va Bien that lasted from 8pm to well after midnight. Being the last night in New York City,
many wanted to take in one last look at the glitter of Times Square in the City That Never Sleeps.
Sunday morning, somewhat more subdued and quiet, there was time for packing, attending church, breakfast at a sidewalk café, or a stroll along the Street Fair set up along Broadway until it was time to take the luggage to the gathering floor of the hotel, then stop to order some
take-out food at Danny’s Deli for the trip home, and board the busses to leave NYC at noon. With one last look at the skyline upon emerging from the Lincoln Tunnel we bid farewell and began the final leg of the journey homeward exhausted but filled with fantastic memories of things experienced and a few souvenirs, too.
You haven’t seen New York City until you’ve gone on this tour! Inter-ested in joining this exciting “adventure” next year?. Find someone with whom to room, as it’s more enjoyable to share this experience with another person, and mark your calendar for September to contact:
How about next year? Coney Island? The Cloisters? Museum of Natural
History? or the Time Warner Jazz Museum? Shows to see could be Spi-derman or Priscilla-Queen of the Desert.
The dates for the 50th Anniversary Tour will be Wednesday, June 15 through Sunday June 19, 2011. More specific information and details
will be available in September when you call.
Mike Lenenski: 440-943-6183 Charles Baker: 440-953-1260
Vivian Yeager: 440-943-5914 Herm Rueger: 440-943-5377
4
Wickliffe Wrestling by Scott Tennant
Talk with Ed Hoynes and Tim Hennies for five minutes and you’re going to be fired up – guaranteed.
As head coach and assistant coach of the Wickliffe High School wrestling team, respectively, Hoynes and Hennies hope their enthusiasm for the sport rubs off on the young men who will be donning singlets for the Blue Devils this winter.
Now in their third season coaching the team, Hoynes and Hen-nies face the same problem that many coaches at Wickliffe and other smaller schools face: numbers. Getting kids to come out for a demanding sport like wrestling can be a challenge.
But there’s no doubt progress has been made. When they took over in 2008, the two coaches had just seven wrestlers on the squad, many of whom had never wrestled before. This year they’re projecting a solid turnout of 12 to 15 boys.
The team’s overall level of experience, confidence, and skill continues to grow.
“We have kids wrestling year-round, which is what you need,” says Hoynes, himself an accomplished wrestler during his days at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School. “Our goal is to get wrestlers down to Columbus for the state tournament.”
The next Blue Devil to qualify for the state tournament will join an impressive list of about a dozen Wickliffe wrestlers who have accomplished that feat over the past four decades.
The biggest name on the list – and the name that may be most closely linked with Wickliffe wrestling – is Greg Drenik. The 1977 graduate was a two-time state champion, having won titles as a junior at 132 pounds and as a senior at 138 pounds, and a three-time state placer. The school’s first and only other state champ was Brian Derov, who won the 167-pound crown in 1971.
There have been plenty of other shining moments for Wickliffe wrestlers since then. Heavyweight John Stepic qualified for state in both 1990 and 1991, and those who were around the school in 1990 won’t forget 140-pounder John Helm’s seemingly improbable run to the state finals, where he finished second.
The last Blue Devil to earn a trip to Columbus was Matt McCraith in 2005. Hoynes and Hennies believe some among the current crop of grapplers have the potential to match that feat, and the coaches are working hard to help them along the way.
The team now has its own dedicated wrestling room, located in the industrial arts wing of the high school. Hoynes and Hennies renovated the room themselves, handling all of the necessary carpentry and painting, with assistance from a very active and dedicated group of wrestling parents.
There is also a burgeoning feeder program for young wrestlers. The West End YMCA’s highly touted youth wrestling program includes seven Wickliffe boys, while the middle school team – coached this year by alumnus and former state placer McCraith – is helping to instill the work ethic and fundamentals needed to wrestle at the high school level.
Hoynes has worked to put together a challenging yet manage-
able schedule for his team. There’s more of an emphasis on tournaments, where wrestlers can pick up several matches in a day or two, rather than dual meets. There is also a tri-meet against the “B” teams from large Division I schools South and Elyria.
Hoynes and Hennies would love to see more Wickliffe alumni – particularly those who wrestled at the school – get involved by attending home matches, donating equipment, or just stopping by practice to lend their support.
In particular, they encourage all Wickliffe alumni to come to the high school on Friday, Jan. 28, for a 6 p.m. match against Cha-grin Falls and John Marshall. In addition to having Parents Night, the coaches also hope to make it a Wickliffe Alumni Night.
“Wickliffe is a city full of fighters,” says Hennies, a 1966 Wick-liffe graduate. “When we took over the team, I told Ed that this was a great opportunity, and I really believe that. We’re making
big strides.”
2010 Achievement Hall of Fame Inductees
August 19, 2010 was a big night for the WSAA Achieve-ment Hall of Fame. The dinner and induction ceremony was held at the Pine Ridge Country Club. Five excep-tional alumni were honored for their accomplishments and overall contributions to their professions and commu-
nities. Please help us in congratulating the newest induc-tees to the Hall of Fame.
Phyllis Ann Speirs (Farinacci) Class of 1958
Besides being an outstanding high school ath-lete, Phyllis was a member of the National
Thespian Society while at Wickliffe High. After
high school, she studied vocal technique with
Dr. Robert Faulkes at Kent State, and Dr. Wil-liam Martin at Cleveland State.
She is a recognized Mezzo-Soprano soloist and recording artist who
has performed at Blossom Music Center and other venues. Phyllis
has performed with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, the Cleve-land Opera, and Robert Page Singers. Her recording work includes
“Magnificat” by Bach, and “In Memorian.” There have been many
performances—such as choral experience with the Cleveland
Camarata Singers, Lake Erie Opera Theater, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus, and solo performances with the
Cleveland Museum of Art Concert Series, Suburban Symphony Or-
chestra, and Church of the Covenant, to name a few.
As a director, she led the group performances and recordings for the Divine Word Catholic Parish, and has worked with various
churches throughout the area as well.
She has published articles in the Lake County Woman’s Journal and
The Voice. Phyllis is a teacher who gives voice coaching and train-ing to students at the Willoughby Fine Arts Association and the
Cleveland Institute of Music. She previously taught vocal master
classes at Wickliffe High School and other area high schools, and
previously taught at Lake Erie College as well.
(Continued on page 5)
5
Phyllis lives in Richmond Heights.
A. Melvin Alexander, MD Class of 1961
Mel was active at Wickliffe High School with the Senior Musical Variety Show, multi-award winning choir, and the Madrigal group. He was also a star player on the 1960 champion Blue Devil’s football
team that went 9-1.
After high school, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science from Hillsdale College and his M.D.
from Howard University in 1968. During school, Mel was one of five students chosen to the Howard U. Student Multidisciplinary Research
Group, and received the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company Award for Outstanding Research, Ob-GYN Award, and first prize, Resident’s Re-search Paper Competition at Howard U. Hospital.
He entered the U.S. Army, serving from 1972 to 1974, achieving the
rank of Major and winning a National Defense Medal.
He is a board-certified dermatologist, multi-published author, national speaker, clinical researcher, and medical patent holder. He recently identified and named a common skin disorder seen on the faces of dia-
betics and pre-diabetics. A chapter was devoted to this discovery in a recently published textbook.
Mel spent nearly 20 years consulting with outside organizations such as Gillette Research Institute, the Medicis Pharmaceutical Company, and
BET Television. His community involvement includes being the co-founder of the PFB Project, and having served on the board of two civic organizations. Mel now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Rick D’Amico Class of 1962
Rick’s Emmy Award winning career actually started in Mr. Lenenski’s speech class at Wickliffe High in 1960. But first, there was a four-year stint with the United States Air Force where he landed his
first radio job as a weekend disc jockey in Albany, Georgia.
He was a pioneering disc jockey at WMMS in Cleveland. He’s featured in two books about the beginning of rock and
roll and Cleveland radio, “Radio Daze, Stories From the Front in Cleve-land’s FM Air Wars” and “Rock and Roll and the Cleveland Connection.”
After 19 years in radio, he wanted to try his hand in TV and became a
TV weathercaster in Lansing, Michigan. Completing his education from
Mississippi State University, he was recruited by CBS News and ap-peared on “The CBS Morning News” and “CBS This Morning”.
Once in Phoenix, he became a news anchor at KSAZ TV. He served as Editor of Business and Economic News, reported live from the Los Ange-
les riots, interviewed Ronald Reagan, followed Bill Clinton, and reported live from New York City in the aftermath of September 11.
For the last 13 years, Rick’s been co-hosting the live show, “Fox-10 Arizona Morning.” He also anchors The Fox-10 News at Noon, and writes, produces and anchors the nightly Business Report. His reports
sometimes appear on CNN and Fox News Channel.
Along with his Emmy for live coverage of a hostage incident, Rick’s also the recipient of two Associated Press Awards for excellence in News Anchoring.
He’s helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities such
as The American Lung Association, and The Leukemia Lymphoma Soci-ety of Arizona. Rick has also been nominated to be an inductee in the
HOF Inductees (Continued from page 4) Arizona (Military) Veterans Hall of Fame.
Terry Mulroy Class of 1981
At Wickliffe High School, Terry was known as a cut up who could easily give students, teachers, and administrators a hearty laugh. He’s parlayed that talent to become a staple in Hollywood as a televi-
sion producer, writer, comedian, and actor.
After hooking up with fellow Clevelander and co-median, Drew Carey, Terry went to work on “The
Drew Carey Show” from 1995 to 2004. He was the consulting producer for 51 episodes between 2001-2003, a supervising producer for 19 epi-
sodes between 2000-2002, as well as a co-producer and producer for the show. He was also a writer and executive story editor for the show as well during it’s nine year run on ABC TV. Terry appeared in a 1996 episode, “Buzz Beer,” and played, well, he played a character named
‘Terry.”
Terry’s Hollywood credits include the CBS comedy, “Still Standing,” star-ring Mark Addy and Jami Gertz. The show ran four seasons from 2002
through 2006 and Terry participated as consulting producer, creative
consultant, and writer.
In “According to Jim,” Terry worked as a writer and consultant on the show that starred James Belushi and Courtney Thorne-Smith. The hit CBS series ran eight years from 2001 to 2009. Then he turned his atten-tion to the show, “Gary Unmarried,” as a writer and consultant on Jay
Mohr’s CBS show. Terry’s other credits include the show, “Nikki,” star-ring Nikki Cox, which ran from 2000 to 2002.
Terry, an avid promoter of Cleveland, jumped at the chance to be a producer of 2002’s documentary on Jazz vocal legend (and native Cleve-
lander), Jimmy Scott called, “If You Only Knew.” He makes frequent trips back to the North Coast and gives back to the community through
various functions he participates in.
Stacey Richardson Crawford Class of 1988
At the tender age of three, Stacey was planted on a chair at her grandfather’s church in Cleveland and given a microphone to sing—she hasn’t stopped since. As a teenager, she sang in the Weeden Fam-
ily Singers who recorded a critically acclaimed al-bum, “Victory Shall Be Mine.”
From there, she’s become an R&B vocalist who has traveled the world and shared the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder,
Alicia Keys, Bob Dylan, John Legend, and Mariah Carey. She’s also sung with Gospel stars like Kirk Franklin and Michelle Williams, and has trav-eled on tour with the likes of Luther Vandross, the O’Jays, and Santana. She did all this while singing background in the late Gerald LeVert’s
band.
Stacey’s made various television appearances on shows such as David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Regis & Kelly, Soul Train, Jimmy Kimmel, Showtime at the Apollo, BET Television, VH1, the Steve Harvey Show, and more.
She’s an avid promoter of education, performing for educational charita-ble events such as the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Fantastic Voyage Cruise to raise money, UNCF Evening with the Stars hosted by Lou Rawls, and with the Cleveland Council for Economic Opportunities’ scholarship pro-
gram. Stacey’s donated her artwork to the Fur Animal Annual Auction to raise fund for Cleveland area animal shelters. Close to her heart is being active with the Sarah Weeden Richardson Minority Scholarship Fund,
named in her mother’s honor.
6
Alumni News & Events
7th Annual WSAA
Super Bowl Reverse Raffle and Chinese Auction
Wickliffe I&A Hall 29717 Euclid Avenue Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
Saturday February 5, 2011 Doors Open: 6 PM Dinner: 7 PM Raffle: 8 PM
Only 200 Tickets Available. Buy Before They’re Gone!
Cost: $50 per ticket Includes dinner, open bar, main board ticket and five Chinese Raffle Tickets
Or
$390 for a table of 8 Save $10 and be eligible for our "Coin Toss" giveaway
$2,000 Main Board Jackpot
More ways to win! Chinese Raffle, Silent Auction & Side Boards
Have the 45th number called for Super Bowl XLV & win a Blue Devil Prize Package
Win $150 on our "WSAA 50/50 Pregame Pool" or a "Halftime Basket" featuring CDs
from prior Super Bowl Performers
Come dressed to have fun. Jeans and your favorite team's T-Shirt or Jersey is en-couraged
By Mail: Checks payable to “WSAA” c/o Melissa Erzetic Connolly
8565 Sanctuary Drive Kirtland Hills, Ohio 44060
By Phone: 440.943.6900 or 440.951.0776
Online: www.WickliffeAlumni.org
7
My mother Ruth Jones Matson graduated in the class of 1929 from Wickliffe High. You did an article on her sev-eral years ago. I just wanted you to know that she will be 100 years old on November 16. She was born on November 16, 1910 in Mayfield, Ohio and moved to Wickliffe and lived on East 300 Street while attending high school. While in school she played basketball on the girls basketball team. Now she just watches basket-ball on TV. I am attaching her picture.
Thanks Janet Matson McGahee
Reader
Quotes Happy Birthday Ruth Jones Matson - 100 years of age
Mr. Lenenski and Son Productions have done it again. After the phe-nomenal reception of the Li’l Abner DVD that captured the excitement of the WHS 1962 musical production, first full-blown musical ever pro-
duced at Wickliffe High School, a second archival DVD has been created.
The 1963 production of High Button Shoes and the 1964 production of Choral Calamities are now preserved for generations on one DVD. Through the “miracle of modern technology” color 8mm film footage
and color slides have been blended together with music to highlight the star-studded casts of these magnificent shows. Included are scenes of Wickliffe in the 1960’s with music by the Boys’ Glee Club. It’s an hour and twenty minutes of memories you will want to have in your collec-
tion. The cost for one DVD is $20 (a portion of which is donated to the
Michael Lenenski Vocal Music Scholarship Fund at Wickliffe High School). Don’t delay…you will treasure this DVD.
Complete the order form below, enclose a check (payable to
Michael Lenenski) and mail to:
Michael Lenenski, 29335 Ridge Road, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
Quantity High Button Shoes & Coral Calamities on one DVD :
Total (Quantity x $20.00 :
Name :
Address :
City / State / Zip :
Phone:
Attention Vocal Music Alumni Classes of ‘63, ‘64, ‘65 and ‘66
Attention Vocal Music Alumni 1962 Production of Li’l Abner on DVD
Mr. Lenenski, and Bob Kofol (Class of “62) have been hard at work cre-
ating a wonderful memento from days gone by !! Through the “miracle of modern technology” they have created a DVD of Wickliffe High
School’s 1962 production of Li’l Abner; the first full-blown musical ever produced at Wickliffe High School.
Many of you will remember that it was a smashing sellout success even though the temperature in the gym was over 100 degrees!!! Bob Kofol
and Mr. “L” have set 36 slide and many minutes of 8mm film to music which capture the essence of this wonderful production. The cost for one DVD is $20 (a portion of which is donated to the Michael Lenenski Vocal Music Scholarship Fund at Wickliffe High School.) Don’t delay…I
know you are going to love this.
Complete the order form below, enclose a check (payable to Michael Lenenski) and mail to:
Michael Lenenski, 29335 Ridge Road, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
Quantity Li’l Abner on DVD:
Total (Quantity x $20.00 :
Name :
Address :
City / State / Zip :
Phone:
We’re still on the lookout for volunteers. I’ve mentioned this before, your alumni association is growing…fast! On account of this, we need volunteers. Why do I know this? Well judg-ing from the numerous email messages to the website re-questing the WSAA to assist with ‘this and that,’ it is an indi-cator we’ve grown to critical mass. I’m sharing this, as the core of volunteers who get the stuff done, are still the same, and assistance is greatly needed. If you’re interested, contact me, via email, or please feel welcome to join us at our next Board of Directors meeting, which will be January 4th, at the high school.
Keep your eyes on the WSAA website. Roger, our webmaster tells me he’s just about done with an overhaul which will add to the overall alumni experience.
As you can see, lots of stuff going on. Now’s the perfect time to connect with the WSAA and see what it’s all about!!
Go Blue Devils!!
Directors Comments (Continued from page 1)
8
2010 Homecoming Float Recap By Mark Cline
The 2010 WHS Homecoming Float was our 4th float since
the return of floats in 2007 as part of the homecoming parade. This year we worked with a new student chair-man and many new students. Senior Steven LaCorte as our student chairman. He had a crew of 10 fellow stu-dents helping with the construction.
The students designed this year’s float “Stop the Spartans”. We built a 6ft paper Mache’ Blue Devil with
glowing red LED eyes that was defending the goal line and goal post from another 6ft Paper Mache’ Spartan player.
The construction of the float started in my garage. We built and painted the paper mache figures and painted the signage used around the edge of the float. Then we moved the float up to WHS, we were able to bring the old auto shop alive. We covered the float with “grass” and mounted the Blue Devil and Spartan.
One thing we didn’t know as we built this year’s float was
it was able to predict the future. After the parade we parked the float at the entrance to WHS Football Stadium. This year we had high winds most of the night and day before the homecoming game. When we arrived to the homecoming game we found the Blue Devil stood up against the wind but the Spartan had fallen, unable to stand against the winds. The Spartan were soon to fall to OUR Blue Devils. The Blue Devils won against the Rich-mond Heights. Spartans, 55-12.
I’d like to thank the following parents that helped in build-ing this year’s float, Mrs. Bonnie LaCorte and Mr. Dennis Campoza Sr. Many thanks go to Ms. Vicki Wheatly, WHS Principal and the staff of WHS. Thanks again to David Cline ’85 for the use of the trailer to use as the base of the float. Thank you for the support of the WSAA Board of Directors, specially Teri DiMattia Shine and Sue Skufa Bell,
who walk the parade with the float.
We are looking forward to building Homecoming Float 2011
and would like to invite any interested alumni or others to help on the build. Please contact Mark Cline at [email protected] or any other WSAA board member to help.
Information will also be posted on the alumni website.
9
2010 All-Alumni Recap By Teri Shine
The 2010 All Alumni party at the High School spon-
sored by the WSAA was another great success. Alumni were treated to refreshments, complimentary football tickets by the Athletic Department, tours of the school, a visit to Memory Lane and the grand opening of the new display case for the plaques from the Achievement and Athletic Halls of Fame. Out on the field, the Blue Devils won their Homecoming game
and the Band celebrated the 40th anniversary per-formance of Aquarius, which included alumni band members on the field.
The party continued at Petti’s Pizza after the game. Eating a Petti’s pizza with friends after a Wickliffe game continues to be a great tradition.
Every year we have a bigger turnout and we filled the place this year. Many thanks to Joe Siciliano and his daughter Michelle, for allowing us to take over their space; and also to their staff for working so hard to keep pizzas and bev-erages coming. Make plans to join us
next year...we'll keep you posted on the date.
Thank you to all our donors. Without your generous donations we could not continue to
positively impact the lives of students and alumni of Wickliffe City Schools.
Donors
Sue Farrell
Gloria Caruso Nadolski 1941
In Memory of Helen Matteo Miller (1941), Joseph
Stusek (1941), George Tarasco (1941)
Edward Behnke 1947
Honoring all the great teachers at Wickliffe High
Charles Fatica 1948
In Memory of Kay Chiara Fatica (1948)
Carolyn Dempsey Wilson 1949
In Memory of great times at Wickliffe High
Dominic Sapuppo 1952
Daniel Gotti
For Pete Mozar
Ruthann Tirabasso Yuhas 1956
John Bohana 1960
Lynn Albertson Brom 1962
In Memory of Norm Allison
Mark Linton 1965
In Memory of Wendell Walker
Anonymous 1966
David Datsko 1967
In Memory of Josef P. Intihar
Jim Hollowell 1971
Debbie Tishler Ginther 1971
In honor of all O.L.M.C. transfers
Cheryl Easterbrook Sterling 1972
In memory of Lenny & Marlene Easterbrook
John Jereb 1972
In memory of Doug Gruden
Carol Rossa 1972
In memory of Grace D’Angelo
(Donors Coninuted)
Roseanne Baldrey 1973
In memory of Charlaine Galati & Bob Berry
(1973)
Karen Tyndall Miller 1973
David Booth 1974
In memory of Teri Raggets Booth
Christina Lorenzo Schwed 1975
Student scholarships
Patricia McFaul Verbic 1976
In honor of Maureen McFaul Martucci (1974)
Anita Perkins Springer 1977
John Hopton 1982
Susan Wood Johnson 1984
In honor of W.O.W (Women of Worden)
Mark Mitrovich 1991
Albert Olhava
James Heatherington Faculty
Bob Smith Faculty
In honor of Frank Foti and the WSAA Board of
Directors
Patricia Nantz Faculty
Blue Donors
Frank Foti 1974
In Memory of Maureen McFaul (1974)
Gold Donors
William Bares 1959
A Special Thank you goes out the combined classes of 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986 for their very generous dona-
tion collected during their combined reunion held in August 2010.
Reunion Contact List
Class Contact Email Phone #
1941 Gloria Caruso Nadolski 440-943-0918
1944 Bob Gould 440-944-0473
1945 Vivian Yeager 440-943-5914
1946 Joan Humiston Muller 440-943-3269
1947 Gene Stewart [email protected] 216-383-9791
1948 Martha Scott Joslin [email protected]
1951 Pat Stoneman Ward 440-944-2944
1952 Mary Jane Frascarelli [email protected] 440-943-5106
Joanne Funk Muncey [email protected] 440-943-0671
1954 Betty Carroscia Skrjanc [email protected] 440-944-2346
1955 Ron Duss Holman [email protected] 216-561-1496
1956 Ruthann Tirabasso Yuhas [email protected] 310-821-8602
1957 Louise Vitantonio [email protected] 440-953-9499
1958 Jean Armbruster Gagnon 440-391-1823
1959 Bruce Weitman [email protected] 440-585-4216
1960 Mary McCurdy Priest Vishey [email protected] 440-247-2207
1961 Elaine Tirabasso Hibshman [email protected] 216-991-8665
1962 Tim Reid [email protected] 216-861-3086
1963 Jim Hubbell [email protected] 770-429-8198
Marian Krihwan Linsz [email protected] 216-731-5103
Sharen Torkar Rowan [email protected] 440-257-6826
1964 Beth Illes Johnson [email protected] 330-650-9358
1965 Tom Ansberry [email protected] 440-238-6469
1966 Pat Suback Alves [email protected] 440-285-8012
Nancy Krihwan Perlic [email protected] 440-944-9094
1967 Nancy Mauceri Leovic [email protected] 440-585-4108
1969 Ernie Betz [email protected] 440-257-1693
1970 Irene Weiss Kerro [email protected] 440-944-8039
1972 Lu Ann Urankar Zibert [email protected] 440-255-1904
1973 Jacque Hale [email protected] 440-975-0705
1974 Gloria Whitmer Majeski [email protected] 440-951-0776
1975 Mark Tennant [email protected] 440-944-5415
1976 Debbie Hennie Vitantonio [email protected] 440-944-7606
1977 Terry Jo DeBaltzo [email protected]
1978 Marianne Silvestro Drenik [email protected] 440-975-8946
1979 Marien Spisich Kaifesh [email protected] 216-896-2678
1980 Beth Wilson Fish [email protected] 440-247-5352
1981 Laura Strmac Hannan [email protected] 440-255-8849
Barb Helm Monacelli [email protected] 440-974-9577
1982 Susan Skufca Bell [email protected] 440-257-0119
1983 Bernadette Nicoletti [email protected] 440-285-7245
1984 Jim Hartley [email protected] 330-721-6602
1985 Bryan Levon [email protected] 440-585-4359
1986 Lisa Gundling Henkel [email protected] 440-357-8395
Jodi Ondecko Yurkovich [email protected] 440-934-1411
1987 Carlette Blatnik Hengst [email protected] 440-446-9138
Terry Ross Tennant [email protected] 440-585-0622
Barb Selan Nemeckay [email protected] 440-974-3567
1988 Scott Tennant [email protected] 440-585-0622
1989 Katie Kosanovich Sutton [email protected] 440-951-8204
1990 Laura Albertone Musgrave [email protected] 440-944-0442
1991 Jennifer Lastoria Gambatese 440-585-9678
Lori Kortovich [email protected] 440-476-0232
Carrie Frak Gavriloff [email protected] 330-678-1018
1992 Ilona Wheeler Anderson [email protected] 440-516-5356
1993 Jack Denson [email protected] 614-578-2920
Emily Ruffner [email protected] 773-255-0564
1994 Laura Frak [email protected] 440-251-0281
Heather McNutt 440-953-1406
1995 Michelle Jones 440-944-6070
1996 Joe Iacobucci [email protected] 312-437-2704
Sharon Hinojosa Schuldt [email protected]
1997 Tina Dukes Perry [email protected] 440-428-8827
Yvonne Foulkrod [email protected]
1998 Brian Engelking [email protected] 216-214-6017
Jennifer Goodson [email protected] 718-897-1328
1999 Morgan Seymour Metcalf [email protected] 614-507-0921
2000 Heidi Dill [email protected] 440-944-2552
2001 Annie Reilly Harstine [email protected] 440-646-9484
2002 Olivia Whites [email protected] 440-943-1949
2004 Stacey Anne Matiyasic [email protected] 440-944-3003
Please support your Alumni Association.
Donations may be made in
memory of a friend,
teacher or loved one Make checks payable to: WSAA
Send to: WSAA Attn. Frank Foti
PO Box 195 Wickliffe, OH 44092
440-943-6333 ext. 7115
The WSAA website is a great way to catch up with old friends and to keep up with the
WSAA activities. Our database currently has over 6000 alumni, staff and faculty, many of whom we received information
from class contacts. Please visit the web-site www.wickliffealumni.org to update in-formation and to see all the great things
the Alumni Association is doing.
We encourage you to include your email address to get last minute announcements
or reminders for special events such as the All Alumni Night.
CORRECTIONS/DUPLICATES
If there are any errors in your name/address
or if your household is receiving more than one newsletter,
please notify us so we can make the corrections. Thank
You!!
CONTACT US
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PO Box 195 Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
www.WickliffeAlumni.org
