Alumni Spotlight
TYLER SYKES and JACOB BAXTER -
Saint Thomas Benefits from Our Class of 2008 Eagle Scouts Again!
The scouts of the Class of 2008 are back at work at Saint
Thomas once again using their Eagle Scout projects to further
enhance and improve our campus. Tyler Sykes and his
fellow alum and scouts added permanent benches to our
outdoor classroom deck in the Habitat, the deck that was built by
fellow alum, John Mirandette (see John's story below). Tyler is also building
a trellis for the back of the shed that will be used to exhibit
outdoor artwork created by our students. Jacob Baxter
and his crew of fellow alum and scouts tackled the stubborn
honeysuckle vines, roots and all, that had overtaken the entire
fence line along the northwest side of the Ministry Center,
the preschool play area, and were even encroaching into
the Habitat. He layered bark mulch in the cleared area and
will also be planting rose bushes in the spring. In addition,
he built two rustic benches that have been placed in two
places outside the front of the Ministry Center.
A special thank you to Tyler and Jacob and fellow scouts
and Class of 2008 alums John Mirandette, Jordan Sykes, Ryan
Pelak, David Vander Zee and Brandon Cook, as well
as a few dads, a brother and a couple of their friends.
JOHN MIRANDETTE -
Saint Thomas Alumni Builds New Outdoor Habitat
Classroom
as His Eagle Project
When John Mirandette began planning his Eagle Scout Project, his focus
turned to giving back to his school.
With the encouragement of his mom Patti, our Habitat Coordinator, he came
up with the idea and began
making his plans. John’s plan was to put in the decking for a permanent
outdoor classroom that all St. Thomas
students could use and appreciate.
John had the opportunity to put his plans into action this past summer as
he and his fellow scouts and classmates,
all recent grads from the St. Thomas Class of 2008, started digging and
building in the Habitat. Their project was
a total success! The next time you're at St. Thomas take a moment to go
out into the Habitat and check out their
beautiful work.
St. Thomas would like to thank John and all those who helped to make this
special project a reality. Special
thanks to John’s parents—Bruce and Patti; Scoutmaster of Troup
271—Gary Cook; and Dads—Dean Sykes,
Wayne Baxter, and Norm Pelak; and to fellow scouts and St. Thomas alums
Tyler and Jordan Sykes, Brandon
Cook, Ryan Pelak and Jacob Baxter. We would also like to thank all those
who donated money or materials
for this project.
Congratulations, John, and crew on a job well done and THANK YOU!
Tribute to the Saint Thomas Class of 2007
The Saint Thomas Class of 2007 gathered as a class in June for the last time as they celebrated a very important milestone--their graduation. They chose "Legacy" as their class song because they "Want to Leave a Legacy" at Saint Thomas. How will they be remembered? Principal David Faber used the analogy of a report card in his final remarks to this special--and very academic--class.
What kind of legacy are they leaving Saint Thomas?
In terms of "Academics" Mr. Faber gave them an "A" stating that as a whole they are the most academically gifted class to graduate from Saint Thomas. The following are quotes from his graduation address:
"Collectively this is the Brightest Group to graduate from St. Thomas
in the last 14 years, and even though I was not around for the previous
68 years, I would be willing to bet they are one of the brightest groups
ever to graduate from St. Thomas! Let me share with you some pretty remarkable
numbers.
7th Terra Nova Test – Class average was the 95% (composite or core
total)
8th ITBS Test – Class average was 90%, Diocesan average 72%
7th MEAP Reading 100% passed or exceeded Michigan standards
7th MEAP Writing 100% passed or exceeded Michigan standards
8th MEAP Science 100% passed or exceeded Michigan standards
8th MEAP Math 100% passed or exceeded Michigan standards
Not only was this class talented academically in the core subjects, but they were also talented throughout the curriculum.
They have accomplished more than any class previously in Spanish and Art.
Athletically, they collectively played in 3 city Championships just this year.
And musically, their singing will give you goosebumps."
Mr. Faber went on to say that their academic, athletic and musical achievements are not the only legacy they leave behind. According to the comments of their teachers they "got along great," they "love Jesus," they care about the plights of those around them who are suffering or facing hunger or trial, they are "well disciplined," they have great personalities, they "are so comfortable together, they "treat each like brothers and sisters and seem like one big happy family." As school secretary Mrs. Ysasi summed up, "What a great reflection on their character and personality."
Mr. Faber concluded their "report card" by saying that their biggest legacy comes in the area of Spiritual and Social Development where he shared story after story to emphasize their remarkable achievements and maturity in the areas of their faith, respect for others, leadership, responsibility, and humility. He pointed out that this class, even with all their accomplishments and talents, had exhibited a pure spirit of true humility. Their love for God, intelligence, personality, level of responsibility, leadership ability, and spirit of humility, will take this class far.
He finished his remarks by sharing a reflection written by graduate Megan Jones for May Crowning. To quote just a passage of her reflection, "Just like Mary we are all called to do God's great works: spread God's message and love. God can use every one of us, no matter how lowly, to do His will. Mary, pray for us, that we may carry out God's plan as trustingly as you." (Click here to read (or print) Megan's reflections in their entirety.)
To quote their class song:
"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy"
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2007. Thank you for the
legacy you have left us, the tremendous love of God you shown us, and the
leadership you have given us. You will be remembered and cherished and our
prayers go with you as you leave Saint Thomas and begin the next phase of
your life journeys. God speed to our newest alumni!!