11 GUERINCATHOLIC.ORG Our family has been parishioners at St. Maria Goretti and before that OLMC since 1992. In that time we have raised eight children, six of whom have been touched by, or even taught at, Guerin Catholic. When we moved to Hamilton County, Guerin Catholic High School did not exist. In a unique way, our family has had the vantage point of seeing things both before and after Guerin Catholic over several years. When we received the word that Peter ’07 had decided to attend Guerin Catholic, we jumped on board with him. Peter was in the first class that attended all four years at Guerin Catholic. With the school still only partially built, Peter was one of the pioneers in a school that didn‘t have football bleachers, only half a parking lot and a recently completed first academic wing with no second wing even mentioned at the time. Peter enjoyed art and music and the Call was answered by dedicated teachers like Beth Wagoner and Mark Duray. In 2007, our eldest daughter, Heather, just graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. She was discerning a religious vocation at that time. Again the Call was answered when she was hired to teach theology at Guerin Catholic for the year prior to her entry into the convent. Thanks to Guerin Catholic, she was able to share her faith journey with the freshman class of ’11 prior to becoming Sister Maria Clare. That class included our second Guerin Catholic student, Angela ’11. Angela ’11, the fifth Smith, participated in athletics and played on the volleyball team. Eventually, she pursued her love for singing and became very involved with the choral groups and acting … culminating in the Golden Voice Choir and The Music Man production in 2011. Her dad even got to play trumpet in the Music Man pit band along side the pro Mark Duray! They were 75 trombones short, but had two trumpets. Angela had great admiration for Mr. Duray and the opportunities he provided for their choir. He brought out the very best in his students. Again the Call was answered. Monica Smith ’13 enjoyed Guerin Catholic so much, she almost forgot to apply for college! We think if she could have stayed an extra year, she would have jumped at the chance. She was involved in student government and was a four-year cheerleader under Coach Misty Booher. As a four-year Latin student, all we can say is we’re glad Nancy Yust answered the Call and stuck with Monica all the way through. Next is Nick ’16. Nick had been around Guerin Catholic many years before arriving as a freshman. The surroundings were very familiar to him. Although the school doesn’t look the same, as there has been so much growth and expansion of the second wing, the football stadium entry and the student outdoor courtyard. Nick has enjoyed being part of the wrestling family at Guerin Catholic. As a wrestler, his aspiration is to dominate on the mat his senior season. Coach Lane and his staff are building the program and guiding these young men to be the best. Nick has gained a respect for learning while at Guerin Catholic. His counselor, Grace Pratt, along with his devoted teachers have led him to a good study ethic, which will serve him well in all his studies after graduation. In Kairos, Nick also had many answer the Call for him. Our “final four” years at Guerin Catholic will be rounded out with Evan, class of ’19. In his first trimester, Evan joined the Guerin Catholic soccer family. Evan and his oldest brother Eric share the love for competing on the soccer field. Coach John Cech actually coached Eric in high school in the 1990’s and now is watching Evan play at Guerin Catholic. Amazing! Evan has a thirst for learning biology which he has just discovered at Guerin Catholic. A thank you to his teachers Mrs. Wieczorek and Mr. Ricker for inspiring him. Evan has also had enthusiasm about the student debates which take place in Sr. Josemaria’s theology class. He appreciates getting to express himself and listen to others. His teachers have answered the Call. All of our students have had the benefit of being offered daily mass in the St. Joseph Chapel, for which we are truly grateful. Our priests have answered the Call to support them spiritually. We are thankful and proud to call Guerin Catholic our extended Catholic “family.” Parent Perspective The Smith Family MaryAnn GordonSmith & Parish: St. Maria Goretti
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