Twenty-nine St. Joseph's Catholic School eighth grade students received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Simpsonville this past spring. Pictured are, first row from left to right: Nick Gragtmans, Mary Grace Carey, Emily Cinquemani, Erin Rhoads, Giovanna Quattrone, Blair Wolski, Clair Furmanski, Chris Quinones, Ricky Schosky, Craig Scholz; second row left to right: Ellie Larson, Ashley Lagaly, Mary Kate McClintock, Ellen Andrews, Ann Mercer, Arianna Wise, Chandler Consonery, Lindsey Gonzales, Tristan Sexton, Patrick Key; third row left to right: Klyn Carr, Ashley Wells, Pete Bynarowicz, Alex Burnikel, Katie Lynam, Katherine LaDue, Taylor Jupena, Jeremy Mehl; and fourth row left to right: Deacon Matt Mannino, Deacon Robert Brady, Bishop Robert Baker, Father Bert Conner, Mr. Jim Coen, Mr. Mike McGarry, Erik Holsen.

St. Joseph's Catholic School Headmaster Keith Kiser (center) and Advancement Associate Michelle Zielinski recently presented Father Patrick Tuttle, pastor of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, a check for $2,210 from proceeds raised from the SJCS spring Home Makeover Raffle.  The school committed 10% of their proceeds from this fundraiser to St. Anthony's Parish to assist needy parishioners through their Community Outreach Program.

Click here to view the 4th Quarter 2007 Honor Roll.

Congratulations to Class of 2007 member Matt Sohner, whose name has been added to the list of ten previous class members named as Palmetto Fellows.  Recognized for their outstanding high school academic achievements and the academic promise they show for studies in higher education, each Palmetto Fellow may receive a scholarship of up to $6,700 annually, renewable for three years, to pursue a baccalaureate degree at a participating college or university in South Carolina.

St. Joseph's Catholic School no longer ranks its students, and therefore does not name a Valedictorian or Salutatorian.  Instead, graduating seniors must meet other criteria in order to receive the top student awards.  At the school's year-end "Deo Gratias" Celebration held on May 19th, Headmaster Keith Kiser presented three members of the Class of 2007 with the school’s highest honors and awards:

The Outstanding Christian Athlete Award was presented to Betsy Kraus.  This honor is awarded annually to the graduating student athlete who best embraces the mission and philosophy of SJCS, both on and off the playing field.  Members of the Senior Class may nominate any senior athlete that they feel is deserving of this award, whose names are then submitted to the Headmaster, with the recipient being selected by faculty vote.

The Father Fox Award was presented to Emily Dziad. This award, named in honor of Father Fox, the first priest to celebrate Mass regularly at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, is given annually to the senior who epitomizes the qualities of Christian charity and compassion.  Members of the Senior Class may nominate any senior that they feel is deserving of this award, whose names are then submitted to the Headmaster, with the recipient being selected by faculty vote.The recipient delivers the salutatory address at graduation. Click here to read a copy of Emily's salutation address.

The Redemptoris Custos Award was presented to William McClintock. This award is given annually to the senior who excels in scholarship, Christian leadership, and service and who best exemplifies the virtues of St. Joseph and the principles upon which the school was founded.  This is the highest honor a student may receive at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Voted on by the faculty, Redemptoris Custos is the Latin title for St. Joseph, meaning Guardian of the Redeemer. The recipient delivers the farewell address at graduation. Click here to read a copy of William's farewell address.

St. Joseph's Catholic School Class of 2007, consisting of 66 members, set a new school record for college scholarship and grant money totaling over $4 million dollars in scholarship offers. Fifty-seven members of the class received scholarship money, averaging over $70,000 per student. This figure includes 42 South Carolina Life Scholarships, 11 Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, and 5 full tuition scholarships. This class also recorded the highest SAT average of any SJCS class to date, with a score of 1227 in critical reading and math. In addition, the Class of 2007 added 31 new colleges and universities to the list of schools to which the previous 294 graduates have been accepted, including Duquesne University, University of British Columbia, University of Virginia, and College of William and Mary, to name just a few.

Click here to view photos from Graduation.

Click here to view a listing of Deo Gratias Honorees.

Click here to view notations on the Student Commendations winners.

Click here to view High School Academic Award recipients.

St. Joseph's Catholic School seniors Herbie Dew and Diana Nguyen, pictured here in the May 21, 2007 issue of U.S. News & World Report, attended a recent presidential announcement rally held at the Wyche Pavilion in Greenville, SC where Senator John McCain announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential race. The AP American Government students attended the rally as part of an extra credit assignment encouraging students to get involved in local politics.

Click here for the U.S. News & World Report photo gallery.

Click here to view award recipients.

 Click here to view photos.

St. Joseph’s fielded twenty-seven sports teams for the 2006-2007 school year: eight Middle School teams, five Junior Varsity teams, and fourteen Varsity teams. Within the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) AAA League, the combined seasons produced two state champions: Boys Swimming and Varsity Boys Soccer. Girls Cross Country, Boys Cross Country, Girls Swimming, and Varsity Girls Soccer all placed second in the state. The Wrestling Team finished fourth in the state, with two wrestlers crowned State Champions in their individual weight class. Varsity Softball advanced to the state playoffs, finishing fifth in the state. The Middle School Girls Soccer Team went undefeated in regular season play and captured their conference championship.

Thirty SJCS students received the SCISA Scholar-Athlete Award. In order to be eligible, a student must have earned a 3.5 GPA and have lettered in two Varsity sports. The following students met that criteria: Keli Alber, Leanne Bernardez, Jill Biediger, Connor Bolton, Austin Cajka, Drew Cajka, John Capelle, J.D. Carino, Meredith Chivers, Ben Coffey, Emily Coggins, Caitlin Connelly, Ahmad Dbouk, Brooke Devon, Emily Dziad, Julia Gragtmans, Philip Hearn, Haley Kernel, Andie Keyser-Baker, Betsy Kraus, Christine Laskowski, Sarah Mercer, Justin Mohr, Abbey Moon Thomas Powers, Hannah Sagedy, Maya Sawyers, Austin Stein, Margo Toney, and Emily Zankman.

Twenty SJCS athletes were named to the SCISA All-State Teams in their various sports: John Capelle and Tim Bailey (Varsity Boys Soccer), Emily Coggins and Katie Lynam (Girls Cross Country), Michael LaDue (Boys Cross Country), Morgan Klinzing, Patricia Nelsen, and Lauren Raczowski (Girls Swimming), Ben Coia, Philip Hearn, Graham Kauffman, and Jared Kauffman (Boys Swimming) Ahmad Dbouk, Steven Fowler, and Philip Hearn (Boys Wrestling), Julia Gragtmans and Emily Zankman (Girls Soccer), Ashton Lesiak (Girls Softball), and Jackson DeMere and Thomas Powers (Varsity Boys Tennis).

Two SJCS coaches were named Coach of the Year: Mr. Frank Kucinic (Boys Soccer) and Mr. Bill Robertson (Boys Tennis).

For a complete list of all 2006-2007 Athletic Award Winners, please click here.

The St. Joseph's Middle School Girls Soccer Team captured their first Conference Championship on Friday night, May 11, with a win over Mitchell Road Christian Academy (MRCA). The Lady Knights finished their season undefeated, scoring a total of thirty-nine goals in eleven games, with goals shared among nine of the eighteen players. Coached by SJCS faculty member Ms. Christina Hinton, the team has been known among their competitors for their passing game and teamwork all season long. Friday night's championship game demanded a higher level of play, and the Lady Knights proved that they were up to the task. MRCA scored early in the match, which only helped to charge the Knights to control the field for the balance of the game. Goalie Taylor Boyle made her presence felt, while forward Chandler Consonary kept up the pressure by scoring two goals in the second half and leading St. Joseph's to a 2-1 victory.

Click here to see additional St. Joseph the Worker Community Service Day 2007 photos.

At the beginning of the season, the Lady Knights’ players and coaches were wondering how much of a rebuilding year this season would be.  Graduating five senior starters and returning only one starter in the same position this year as last year pointed directly to a rebuilding year.  An opening regular season loss to conference rival Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Columbia seemed to confirm this assessment.  However five straight wins provide reason to re-evaluate this rebuilding status. 

The Lady Knights have won convincingly against conference and non-conference foes alike during their five-game winning streak.  The two most recent outings were shutout victories against conference rival Hammond School (13-0) and Greenwood Christian (7-0).   The Lady Knights performed solid offensively and defensively. 

The defense has benefited tremendously from strong pitching.  Senior Ashton Lesiak recorded 31 strikeouts in the last two games, while allowing only five hits.  The few other batters that put the ball in play were retired by solid defensive play in the field.    

Offensively, the team has been productive throughout the batting order.  Lesiak (4 for 7), senior Katie Dutch (3 for 6), junior Christine Laskowski (3 for 6), and freshman Carly Hudson (3 for 6) all delivered big hits in the wins against Hammond and Greenwood Christian.   Senior Hannah Sagedy and junior Leanne Bernardez contributed key bunts in an offensive effort that delivered 20 hits.

With a 5-1 record, veteran SJCS Coach John Peoples is pleased with the team’s performance, but believes that “we can still improve on doing the little things better … things that will make the difference in a close ballgame or a championship.”  By doing the little things right, the Lady Knights stand poised to make a strong run at the conference championship and to finish the year with an excellent win-loss percentage.  How well the team executes and plays to its potential will definitively answer the question of how much rebuilding the team had to do. 

The Lady Knights are off the week of April 9 and return from Easter break to face the bulk of their schedule.  The team will host cross-town rival Southside Christian School on April 16 and Hammond on April 19 and travel to Greenwood Christian on April 20.

Juniors Virginia Pazdan and Christine Reese recently traveled to Columbia, SC to participate in the YMCA's Youth in Government (YIG) Advocacy Day. The two girls, who have been part of the school's YIG delegation for the past two years, attended a legislative breakfast and session in the SC Statehouse. In addition, they met with several representatives and observed a legislative session and debate. The purpose of the YIG Advocacy Day is to promote knowledge and understanding of the YIG program and its influence on educating the state’s youth about civic responsibility and the governing process. The YIG program at St. Joseph's is in its seventh year and is coordinated by Mrs. Meby Carr and Mr. Chris Chapman.

This year marked the second year that the St. Joseph’s Golf Team was invited to play in the Greenville County High School Golf Tournament.  The tournament, played at the Links O’Tryon in Campobello, attracted thirteen high school golf teams with players representing the best junior golfers in the Upstate. “This tournament provides an excellent opportunity for our golfers to prepare for the upcoming, grueling South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Regional Tournament,” stated St. Joseph’s Coach Sheldon Early.

Representing the St. Joseph’s Team included junior Keith Early, freshman Craig Scholz, sophomore Eric Witzke, senior Herbie Dew, and freshman Austin Cajka.  For Early, Dew, and Witzke, this represented a second opportunity to compete at this venue against familiar faces.  For others, it was an excellent first opportunity for them to see the talent in the area, and to learn firsthand what it takes to be competitive in next year’s event.

Competing in a field of thirteen schools, the St. Joseph’s team finished in tenth place, posting a two-day team total of 657.  Scores among the top ten golfers ranged from a low score of 141 to a 148, with three players tied at 148 for ninth place finishes. Keith Early was the standout player for St. Joseph’s, with a two-day total of 148, shooting a respectable 73-75 to finish ninth amongst the Top Ten.

St. Joseph’s improved on its first day team total of 334 by eleven strokes, with four of its players improving on their first day rounds by two to four strokes. Following is a recap of the players and their respective scores, with the four low scores determining the team score:  Early 73-75 (148), Scholz  81-78 (159), Witzke 93-87 (180), Dew 97-95 (192), and Cajka 87-83 (170).

The St. Joe’s Golf Team looks ahead with two regional matches in Columbia and Augusta, followed by the State Championships in Orangeburg.

Congratulations to St. Joseph's Middle School faculty member Mr. Jay Tierney, who was named this week's WYFF Golden Apple Teacher Award Winner. Students, parents, and friends of the school are encouraged to tune into News Channel 4 on Thursday, March 29 during their 5:00 P.M. broadcast.

Twenty-four St. Joseph’s Student Council members and five National Honor Society (NHS) students attended the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) State Convention held March 11-13 in Myrtle Beach. SCISA Student Council President and SJCS senior Zachary Beck presided over the convention, with senior Justin Mohr acting as SCISA Student Council Recording Secretary and senior Thomas Powers acting as SCISA Student Council Corresponding Secretary. The school took second place honors in the Student Council Scrapbook Competition, led by seniors Katie Eichler and Brelyn Holmes. The scrapbook is now on display in the school lobby. St. Joseph's also received a certificate of recognition for their organization of and participation in the "Christmas in the Park" service project. In addition, NHS was recognized for its participation in the Dragon Boat Races. Ms. Christine Cadorniga, Ms. Meby Carr, and Mr. Chris Chapman accompanied the students to the convention.

With only a few weeks into the season, the St. Joseph’s Varsity Tennis Team is off to one of the strongest starts ever. Currently holding a record of 3-0, the team opened the season with an 8-0 win over Southside Christian School, followed by a first time ever win over powerhouse Spartanburg Day School, with a final match score of 5-3.

"This is the first time in eight years that we have defeated Spartanburg Day School in tennis," stated Athletic Director Jan Carino. "They have a very strong program at their school and we always anticipate that our match with them will be very tough."

In their third match of the season this past week, St. Joseph’s defeated conference rival Heathwood Hall 5-4. The match was decided in the last doubles game with sophomores Jackson DeMere and JD Carino winning a nail biter that went into a tie breaker that St. Joseph’s eventually won 7-3.

"I am very excited about our season. Based on our performance to date, I feel that we have a good chance of advancing to the state playoffs this year," added senior captain Thomas Powers. Returning players this year, in addition to Powers, are seniors Michael Dion, James Tobias, junior Jeff Champ, sophomores JD Carino and Jackson DeMere, and freshman Kevin Hart. New to the varsity team this year are senior Adam Broering and sophomore Jeffrey McMillan.

"At one point, we weren’t sure if we would keep this team together this year," added Jan Carino. "Our head coach of eight years, Allen Green, passed away unexpectedly two weeks into the season. This was such a shock to all of us, and the boys took it hard. Several of our players had known Allen for many years, so it was especially tough on them. I feel that the boys know that Allen is watching over them now and they are performing as well as they are because of that."

St. Joseph’s will host conference rival Cardinal Newman at home on Wednesday, March 21 at 4:00 P.M.

SJCS Fine Arts students auditioned for colleges and universities at the Southeastern Theatre Conference Convention in Atlanta, GA the weekend of March 7 - 11.  Over fifty-eight colleges and universities were represented, and four students received several offers when called back to audition for over thirty-five different schools.  Students also spent time attending workshops, as well as listening to keynote addresses and master classes by instructors such as Voice Artist George Lowe, the actor behind the voice of “Space Ghost.”   In addition, students  had the opportunity to have lunch with Pat Cronin, a semi-retired actor from Stage, TV, and Film and current Chair of the Honors College at East Tennessee State University, as well as respected Shakespearean Actor Herb Parker.  Students shared the auditioning circuit with SJCS alumni Sally Cade Holmes and Maury Reed, who were also at the convention attending the Professional Auditions.  SJCS Fine Arts Director Anita Sleeman accompanied the students to Atlanta.

Congratulations to all the students who made the Third Quarter Honor Roll.

SJCS middle school students recently received their results from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). Students took these tests during the week of September 25-28, 2006. Of the 215 middle school students who tested, seventy-three percent scored above the 75th percentile for Core Total, which is a combination of Reading, Language, and Math totals. Sixty-three percent scored in the 90th percentile or higher for Reading and/or Math. Sixty-six percent of the 6th grade class had at least one score of 95th percentile or higher on an individual sub-test, qualifying them for participation in Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) this coming Fall 2007.

St. Joseph’s Catholic School Development Office recently reported that over $2,700.00 was raised during Catholic Schools Week in support of the St. John Bosco Scholarship Fund. This fund, established by the school in 2002, provides limited tuition assistance each year to all the local Catholic elementary schools in the Piedmont Deanery (Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s in Anderson, St. Mary’s, St. Paul’s, and Prince of Peace). Each of these six schools received a check for over $450.00 towards tuition assistance.

The 2007 St. Joseph’s Lady Knights Varsity Girls Soccer Team is gearing up for another banner season. After two consecutive State Championships in 2004 and 2005, the Lady Knights lost to Catholic school rival Cardinal Newman in the semi-finals in 2006, but rather than dampening their spirit, the girls seem even more determined to return to their winning legacy this season. "I am so excited," stated senior Julia Gragtmans. "The team is not only skilled and unified, but we have a lot of heart, and it’s this passion that will make us successful this year."

The Lady Knights lost three players from last year’s squad, but have added seven new players to their roster: senior Andie Keyser-Baker, sophomore Jill Biediger, freshmen Emily Coggins, Katie Sanders, Anna Wilkes, and eighth graders Katie Lynam and Blaire Wolski. Returning for the Knights are three seniors, Jennifer Champ, Caitlin Connelly, and Julia Gragtmans, from w