On December 2, 2011, Pius XI High School dedicated its basketball court in honor of the late Hank Raymonds, a well-known Marquette University basketball coach and longtime advocate of Pius XI. In a ceremony preceding the varsity girls’ home game against local rival Divine Savior Holy Angels, Pius XI honored Raymonds’ legacy and recognized his family’s contributions to the school by dedicating Hank Raymonds Court in the Pius XI Field House. Guest speakers included Maurice “Bo” Ellis, former Marquette basketball player and Pius XI parent.
“Hank was the greatest. He gave us so much more than anyone could imagine every day,” says Ellis. “We were a family, and he treated us like his sons. Without him, I wouldn’t have a college degree. I’m incredibly honored to be part of an event that will celebrate what he did for so many who knew him.”
Between 1977 and 1983, Raymonds led the Marquette men’s basketball team to 126 victories. He also assisted Al McGuire during the team’s NCAA championship run. As the university’s athletic director, he was responsible for elevating the women’s sports programs at Marquette University to Division I in 1985. Raymonds was also extremely involved with Pius XI basketball and continued to support the high school’s athletic program and rich academic tradition long after his own children graduated.
Following Raymonds’ passing last December, his family established the Hank Raymonds Family Scholarship to create more opportunities for Milwaukee area students to receive a Pius XI education. The Raymonds family pledged the first $125,000 toward the fund’s goal of $500,000. Reaching the goal will enable at least 25 additional young men and women to attend Pius XI. Scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial need, record of academic achievement, character and community service.
To donate to the Hank Raymonds Family Scholarship, or for more information about the scholarship, call Pete Yaeger at 414-290-0213.
Congratulations to the following fall athletes who received Classic 8 All Conference recognition
Girls Golf
Emily Bliske 2nd team
Girls Tennis
Angie Braun 2nd team
Erin Herdeman Honorable Mention
Katherine Heck Honorable Mention
Sarah Bubik Honorable Mention
Girls Volleyball
Gabby Iyamah 1st team
Sarina Thompson 1st team
Geneva Yee 2nd team
Michelle Prihoda Honorable Mention
Boys Volleyball
Jake Tenaglia 1st team
Joe Humpal 2nd team
Billy Pease Honorable Mention
Dan Griese Honorable Mention
Boys Soccer
Rob Holschuh 2nd team
Justin Loncaric 2nd team
Evan Martin Honorable Mention
Greg Borsari Honorable Mention
Football
Roberto Zarate 2nd team
Cal Leszczynski Honorable Mention
Kaewon Reynolds Honorable Mention
Connor Senger Honorable Mention
Matt Grams Honorable Mention
Nick Blando Honorable Mention
Nick Banaczak Honorable Mention
Pius XI Celebrates XI.XI.XI
The Pius XI Community had a “Once In a Century” celebration on Nov. 11, 2011. The celebration - XI.XI.XI - was a day filled with community- building activities, including a special prayer service, history of the high school and all school photo in matching XI.XI.XI t-shirts.
The celebration continued into the evening in the Field House where the greater Pius XI community was invited to join us for a historical look back at the school. All events were planned and led by Rick Carpenter, Social Science teacher, Patty Hupfer-Riedel, Science Department Chair and Joel Claassen, Social Science teacher and Alumni Relations.
Pius XI Community mourns the loss of leader and friend
Norman J. Balthasar, Chairman of the Pius XI Board of Directors, passed away unexpectedly today, October 21. Norm was the beloved husband of Susan and the proud father of four Pius XI alum: Matthew Balthasar ’98, Mary Balthasar Pape ’99, Amy Balthasar Tolbert ’03, and Emily Balthasar Fischer ’05.
Our community mourns the loss of a great Pius XI leader, supporter and friend. A sudden death so close to home is always difficult. It is a reminder of how precious life is and how grateful and respectful we should be for that gift.
God of faithfulness, in Your wisdom, You have called Your servant, Norman J. Balthasar, out of this world. Please welcome him into Your presence so he may enjoy eternal light and peace and be raised up in glory with all Your saints. Amen.
Pius XI Community Remembers 9/11
The Pius XI High School community gathered on Sept. 8 to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11attacks with an interfaith prayer service.
Pius XI and the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee worked together on the event to help young people develop an appreciation for the role religion can play in making our world a more peaceful place. Two Pius XI students from Christian and Hindu faith traditions – joined by three guest students from Muslim and Jewish traditions – spoke from their faith perspectives about how the world has changed for them since 9/11 and how diverse people can work together for peace.
Pius XI theater students did brief, dramatic readings of first-hand accounts from “With Their Eyes: September 11th – The View from a High School at Ground Zero.”
The 45-minute service also included prayer, a video clip from “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero,” a reflection by an Interfaith leader and music by the Pius XI Chorus.
WTMJ-4 Milwaukee attended the event. Click here for their coverage.
Construction Begins on the Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center
Although preparations began in mid-August, an official kick-off to construction on the Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center and Wendy Lindsey Theater happened at Opening Mass, Wednesday, Aug. 31 when students and staff extended a blessing over the construction workers.
Pius XI Choirs release new CD
The Pius Choral Music Department has officially released a new CD recording, “Be Thou My Vision.” This recording features all of the Pius XI choral ensembles and has a little bit of everything: Sacred music, jazz and Christmas….with a special recording of our traditional holiday favorite, “Peace, Peace.”
CD’s are $10.00. You can order one at www.piusxi.org/performingarts
Alum has first solo art show
Katie Pfeiffer '04, first solo art show opens Labor Day Weekend at Gallery 2622 in Wauwatosa. The show will feature never-before shown work, including her latest paintings and sketches and some work that has not yet been shown online. Check out http://www.gallerykate.com/ for more information.
11th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions - Saturday, October 8, 20XI
Pius XI High School Field House
Pius XI High School will inducted several honorees into the Athletic Hall of Fame at its eleventh annual ceremony on Saturday, October 8. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of Pius XI athletes and connects us to the past traditions and successes of our rich athletic history. Inductees serve as role models who inspire current Pius XI athletes in their accomplishments.
20XI Inductees:
1980 Boys Soccer Team
Jon Coleman ’93
Terry Mank ’68
Kevin Nosbusch ’71
Dave Scher
If you are interested in attending this year's Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony please contact Beth Krey '01 at 414-290-0216 or bkrey@piusxi.org to receive an invitation.