Our Class Wish for Your Future

As we approach the autumn, perhaps the winter of our lives, we reflect. People who were so much a part of our lives are no longer with us. And, we have changed with the passage of time. We are different. Our experiences have molded us. Who we become depends on how we respond to the events that make up our lives. Each of us has had our share of problems, turbulence, turmoil and pain. But we have also shared, joy, peace, friendship and love. Our class joins Frank in praying that all of our fellow brothers and sisters at SAHS and SFXA experience the peace, love and freedom that come from emulating Jesus as we love him by serving others. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS ~ Frank

Frank McLeskey ~ Let me say a little about my SAHS experience; it comes from the heart, from looking back, not only on the Catholic education and character formation arena, but also on my Christian formation.

The Franciscan priests, Richard Rohr, says that all men need the "discipline" experience of rules, regulations and rigidity because of what these boundaries reveal to us. They need formation like that in the early stages of their lives because it gives than a "box" of boundaries wherein they can operate. This is good/OK; that is bad/not OK. From that perspective our SAHS experience was excellent in one way and somewhat abusive in another. We all knew the rules -- in the classroom, in the yard, on the field, on the BB court. So if we broke the rules, they applied the discipline and punishment.

I was a rule follower and since I was reasonably smart, I did not incur the "discipline" heaped upon some of our less studious classmates.

Our preparation for college was excellent. The Brothers were skilled in the courses they taught. As men they were for the most part good role models. Several times at SAHS I thought that this could be a life I could dedicate my life to. That thinking would not have happened if the Brothers were not good role models.

Regarding religious formation, the Brothers taught us as they taught Algebra or English. We did what was required. The Brothers gave us the box of religion rules and regulations and it was called faith formation. The whole church was like that until Vatican II.

What was lacking was the focus on Jesus as Savior and Lord. We kept Good Friday without understanding the atonement and freedom and release that it gives to one who has encountered Jesus at the cross and as the risen Lord. I came to know that freedom of living as a true disciple of Jesus only when I was 45 years old. When Jesus sets you free, you are really free in relationship, in prayer, in worship, in discipleship and in evangelizing. I hope all my fellow brothers and sisters at SAHS/SFXA have experienced that same transformation. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS ~ Michael

Michael J. Hosemann ~ The Brothers gave us a liberal education. They demanded the mastery of the basics. They taught us the 4 R's: (1) Reading--so that we could comprehend the world. (2) Writing--to help us communicate professionally; (3) Arithmetic (and science)--so that we could put our physical world into perspective and (4) Religion--giving us the building blocks for deepening our faith, our spiritual lives and our character. The Brothers modeled a life of prayer, of service to boys and of spirituality for us. I admired them so much that I joined them for nine years.

Experiences at SAHS~Michael

Michael Morrisey ~ Joe Balzli had a great influence on me. I still remember that when he got mad at you, he would say, "Look, Dawlin!" (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Guy

Guy Ballard ~ The Brothers gave us a wonderful education and instilled in us a strong work ethic and solid moral values. I had great respect for Brother Farrell and was shocked to learn that he had passed away. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Raymond

Raymond Wheat ~ The Brothers gave us a solid, good education and they taught us that effort and hard work will lead to success. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Joe

Joe Loviza ~ From the Brothers I learned: (1) keep God first in your life and everything else will fall into place. (2) you can improve your state in life through prayer, education and hard work; (3) The brothers taught us honesty, discipline and that "success comes to those who wait." (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Bill

Bill Howell ~ A few things that I obtained from my education by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart are: (1) an excellent education that was slanted toward engineering and the sciences; (2) a strong religious experience and a commitment to athletics; (3) toughness -- they were fair, but demanded that we show respect and behave properly; (4) they introduced me to handball, which I played for many, many years until my knees went South. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Bob

Bob Davidson ~ The most important benefits that the Brothers gave me were as follows: (1) they gave me a good education which made college a little easier; (2) they taught me discipline; (3) they taught me how to study and plan; (4) they taught me how to go the extra mile to succeed.

Out of all the teachers we had, the one that most influenced my life were Brother Anselm, Brother Mark, Brother Matthew and Brother Victor. There is one other person that I will never forget; he was one of the nicest to me throughout high school and that was Joe Balzli, our coach. He was definitely a man for all season. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~George

George Ettinger ~ What I am grateful for in my Saint Aloysius experience are three things; (1) a great education, (2) a sense of discipline and (3) the compansionship of my classmates. I came to St. Als from a public school in White Plains, New York and boy was that a shock. The Brothers actually expected us to bring books home, to study and to learn. (Courtsey of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Jimmy

Jimmy Cathey ~ I am so grateful to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart because they taught us basic values: honesty, discipline, persistence, hard work and the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. We were so fortunate to have religious brothers as teachers during our whole school career. (Courtesy of Michael J. Hosemann)

Experiences at SAHS~Bill

Bill Jennings ~ I know we had a lot of fun and we gave the Brothers a lot of hell, but in thinking back on the funny things that come to mind I have this. In Brother Matthew's Latin class, I can still picture Michael Morrissey and me at the blackboard grabbing our ankles ever time we mispronounced a Latin word and having Brother Matthew using the paddle on our behinds. Needless to say, we learned our Latin.

On a serious side I have to say that through God, my parents and the brothers at St. Aloysius I received a foundation in learning, in integrity, in respect and in religion. This enabled me to take the steps to be very successful in business, in marriage, in rearing our sons and in helping their families. I can look back now and know in my heart that there was no greater force than these three listed above that provided the foundation for that success. (Courtsey of Michael J. Hosemann)

50th Class Reunion ~ Raymond

~Class of 1958~

Raymond D. Wheat

Wife - Mary

Montgomery, AL 36111-1802

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Donald

~Class of 1958~

Donald J. Riddle

~Deceased 2002~

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Roland

~Class of 1958~

Roland Quirk

~Deceased ~ 4/24/2003~

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Neil

~Class of 1958~

J. Neil O'Neill

Neil resides in Palmetto, FL 34221-7306

E-mail: NERO@bdumail.com

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Mike

~Class of 1958~

Michael T. Morrissey, Jr.

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Michael attended the University of Mississippi and received his BS Degree. He married Florence Estelle Murphy (Class of 1959) in 1963 and with that union had three children, Bo, David and Kelly. That union was dissolved. He and his wife Judy now enjoy their seven grandchildren, Alex, Shelly, Lauren, Sara, Joseph, Eathen and Rachel. Over the years Mike worked for Douglas Battery Manufacturing Company and the Glidden Company and Fence Corporation. Mike enjoys hunting with his grandchildren and resides in Vicksburg.

E-mail: mtmjwm@cablelynx.com

50th Class Reunion ~ Frank

~Class of 1958~

Frank R. McLeskey

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Frank attended Auburn University (Class of 1962). He also attended Naval Post Graduate School. In 1962 he joined the U. S. Army and served from 1962 - 1984 (Retired LTC). On November 1, 1969 Frank married Karma and with this union had four children, Eric, Brian, Allison and Michael. They are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. Their names are Brenda, Zachary, Sadie Mae, Caroline, Miles, Natalie, Joshua, Sarah and Noah.

Over the years he worked for the U. S. Army for 20 years and the Science Application International, Inc., (SAIL) for 16 years. He retired in 2000 as Vice President.

His hobbies include volunteering and assisting homeless or near homeless to sustain and transform their lives including spiritual changes. He enjoys traveling, hiking with his wife, visiting children/grandchildren. Also, evangelizing to bring people into the Kingdom.

His favorite teacher was Brother Mathew because he was funny in a "weird way", very good teacher; could "handle" a class in an easy way. Some of his favorite school memories are Joe Balzi and Friday night football, handball at old St. Aloysius, basketball games at the "county" schools, e.g., Jett, Redwood; pranks in class, like squirting the blackboard filled with water; lining up for great camaraderie in the school; confession every Thursday and being an Alter Boy.

A few things about him and his life was receiving and E.E. degree from Auburn. Had a wonderful Army career-Germany, Vietnam, Korea, Pentagon. Loved raising his kids in Virginia with D.C. nearby. A major conversion experience in 1986 that brought him very close to Jesus Christ.

Frank and his wife resides in Fairfax Station, VA.

E-mail: FMcLeskey@verizon.net

50th Class Reunion ~ Joe

~Class of 1958~

Joseph L. Loviza

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Joe attended college at Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University (MSU). He also received an advanced degree from MSU. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the (USS Mitscher DL-2) as Petty Officer 2.

In 1971 Joe married Gail Helgason and with that union had three children. They are blessed with two grandchildren, Linley and Canada.

Over the years Joe has worked for the Vicksburg Public Schools as Director of Vo-Tech and Adult Education. He also served as Dean and Director of Vicksburg Campus of Hinds Community College. Joe was our Mayor of Vicksburg from 1993 to 1997. He is retired from the Mississippi Retirement System (Public Schools).

Joe's hobbies are hunting, fishing, softball, guiding for the Vicksburg National Military Park, member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, VWC Historical Society and several hunting clubs.

His favorite teacher was Brother Mathew because he was a good disciplinarian and expected you to come to class prepared for the day's lesson.

Some of his favorite school memories are the dances, sports events and friendships.

A few things about him and his life is - he has four college degrees, a Navy veteran during the Vietnam War, Mayor of Vicksburg (1993-97), and served on three State of Mississippi Commissions. Joe still believes in the Catholic Church and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. He and his wife resides in Vicksburg.

50th Class Reunion ~ Leo

~Class of 1958~

Leo Koestler

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Bill

~Class of 1958~

William Jennings

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Bill attended Ole Miss and received an advanced degree from Harvard School of Business. He has been married to Elaine for 42 years. With that union they had two boys, Blair and Kevin. He has three grandchildren and their names are: Dominick, Owen Michael and Will. Over the years Bill has worked for National Supply as Vice President for 21 years; R. C. Chapman Drilling Company, Vice-President for three years and Noble Drilling Corp, Senior Vice President for Western Hemisphere. He is now retired from Noble Drilling Corp. He enjoys gulf, fishing, hunting and traveling. His favorite teachers were Brother Farrell, Brother Matthew and Brother Mark because of the guidance they provided him as a young teenager and now. Some of his favorite memories are learning Latin from Brother Matthew by grabbing my ankles and the fellowship we enjoyed with our classmates, Joe Balzi and the Brothers.

A few things about him and his life that he wanted to share are: His family and a great deal of success due from the goodness of his Mother and Dad and the basic foundation of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart which provided him an education, life in general and the power of prayer and God. Bill and his wife Elaine resides in Woodlands, Texas. E-mail: b.jennings1@sbcglobal.net

50th Class Reunion ~ Billy

~Class of 1958~

William L. Howell

Wife - Agnes

Tequesta, FL 33469-1940

E-mail: wlabhowell@yahoo.com

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Paul

~Class of 1958~

Paul Hosemann, Jr.

~Deceased~

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Michael

~Class of 1958~

Michael Joseph Hosemann

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Michael attended Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL and received a BS Degree in Math graduating in 1964. He received an advanced degree from Ohio State University, MA in Math in 1969. He joined the "service" of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart from 1958-1967. After leaving the Brothers he married Marjoire O'Rouke on August 24, 1968. With this union they had two children, Melissa Jan and Michael Timothy. They are the proud grandparents of Adrienne Claire Hosemann.

Over the years Michael has worked for the Brother of the Sacred Heart from 1962 - 1967 as a Teacher; the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as IT Analyst from 1969-1972; Premier Bank Corp (Baton Rouge), SPV Bank Cards from 1972-1987; Interstate/Johnson Lane (Charlotte), SVP Marketing from 1987 to 1991; South Trust Bank of AL (Birmingham), SVP Bank Cards from 1991-1996 and TCM Bank (Tampa), CEO from 1997-2002. Michael is self-employed as a Financial Consultant from 2002 to present. He retired from TCM Bank (Tampa) in 2002.

Michael now enjoys serving as President of the Associates of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. (A 39 year old Association of former Brothers dedicated to keeping alive the traditions of the Brothers, providing them assistant, publishing a quarterly newsletter, maintaining a Prayer Request ministry for sick Brothers and former Brothers and organizing an annual reunion of Associates and Brothers).

Leading a scripture study group at Holy Name Church as well as serving on its Pastoral Council, serving in the choir and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Visiting and providing weekly mail to retired religious priests, brothers and sisters at Our Lady of Wisdom Retirement Center in New Orleans.

His daily workouts at Elmwood Fitness Center.

He and his wife Marjorie enjoys lectures at Loyola, attending workshops and choral events in New Orleans, LA, reading books on history, spirituality and exegesis and occasional choir pilgrimages to Europe.

His favorite teacher was Brother Anselm McGuire, SC, because he was a warm, caring, gentle, unselfish man of God. He also taught my Dad early in his career, so he was close to our family.

Some of his favorite schools memories are; playing football and basketball at SAHS; playing sports with the younger Brothers after school at SAHS; the Senior play in 1958: A Ghost in the Glass and warm doughnuts from Glatt's Bakery after daily Mass at St. Paul's.

A few things about me and my life: I am grateful for what I learned from the Brothers; the importance of service to others; the value of developing one's spiritual life; how to study; how to take pride in one's work; how to speak and write proper English; computational skills and thinking skills and the importance of good work habits. My experience as a Brother of the Sacred Heart influenced me more deeply than I dreamed. It helped me to value silence and exposed me to a deeper spiritual life. I have used my teaching skills during my whole career as a bank manager to develop the people with whom I worked. Michael and his wife resides in New Orleans, LA. E-mail: hosemannm@aol.com

Michael speaking at his 50 Year Class Reunion (Alumni Banquet) - April 2008

50th Class Reunion ~ Tommy

~Class of 1958~

Tommy M. Gordon, Jr.

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Tommy attended Hinds Jr. College for one semester. He joined the U. S. Navy (BT2) from February 1959 to February 1965. He married Rosemary on March 25, 1962 and with that union had three children, Mathew, Patrick (deceased) and Christopher. They are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren, Patrick, Rhiannon and Elijah. Over the years Tommy was self-employed at Gordon's Auto Shop and Vicksburg Warren Schools. He retired from Vicksburg Warren Schools but working again for Vicksburg Warren Schools. He enjoys cutting grass and working in his yard. Number one was dancing, until arthritis took over. His favorite teacher was Brother Farrell because he was his first teacher and just because he was Brother Farrell. Some of his favorite memories are his football years (friends or foe) and classmates. His family is his life, love for his wife and children and now his grandchildren is first and foremost. Lucky enough to have loved his work as auto mechanic and transportation supervisor in the public school system and now as a bus driver. E-mail: tgordonjr@yahoo.com

50th Class Reunion ~ David

~1958~

David Lee Ethridge

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation David attended Hinds Jr. College, the University of Mississippi and Louisiana State University. He also joined the U. S. Navy (Navy Intelligence/Photo Interaction and Analysis). He married Jane Williams, and with this union had two children; Amy and Chad. David re-married Jo and has a stepdaughter by the name of Nichole. David is also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and their names are: Hannah, Rachael, Chloe, Hilliary, Kayla and Sierra.

He has worked for GAF Corps, the International Paper Company and Computer Automated Forms and Systems. He is still working at Hertz Corp. He enjoys traveling, visiting with family, going to the beach, active in church work and a member of RCIA team.

Some of his favorite memories at SAHS are taking his confirmation name from Brother Gerard. He always enjoyed Brother Casmir because every Friday he let him go early to go to the Field House to pack the bus for the football team (even on days when we had a home game).

A few things about him are: He attended Hinds Jr. College, transferred to the University of Mississippi and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He returned to Vicksburg and worked for International Paper Company and soon returned to college at Louisiana State University. He worked for GAF Corps in Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans, LA, and formed his own company, Computer Automated Forms and Systems and moved to Panama City, FL. At present he is working for Hertz Corps. He had a mild stroke last year and in January 2008 had open heart surgery and striving to recover his health. He married his first wife, Jane, while living in Baton Rouge, LA and his 2nd wife, Jo, while living in New Orleans, LA.

David and his wife Jo resides in Panama City FL. E-mail: myhoney4u@bellsouth.net

50th Class Reunion ~ Bob

~1958~

Robert Davidson

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Bob attended the University of Southern Mississippi and later joined the U. S. Army and became Captain. He married Mary Ellen on July 21, 1963. With this union they had two children, Tim and Heather. They now have six grandchildren and their names are: Austin (14); Taylor (12); Bailey (9); Miles (8); Alex (8) and Brooke (5).

Over the years Bobby has worked for Boeing, Sperry-Univac, Burroughs and Digital Equipment Corp. He is still working at Mid South Consultant Group, L.L.C. as company partner with his son-in-law. He retired from Digital Equipment Corporation in 1999 and started his own company. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, church activities, reading and traveling.

His favorite teacher was Brother Victor because he knew how to work with kids and learned more from him in early years. A great teacher! Some of his favorite school memories are playing football and basketball. A few things about him and his life is that he has had a great wife and family. His children have been very successful. He was also successful in his business. He has suffered from cancer and to date has won. Feel blessed. Bobby and his wife resides in Huntsville, AL. E-mails: rdavidson@midsouthconsultant.com and bdavidson@knology.net

50th Class Reunion ~ Richard

~Class of 1958~

Richard L. Childress

~Deceased 2002~

St. Aloysius High School

50th Class Reunion ~ Jimmy

~Class of 1958~

James A. Cathey

St. Aloysius High School

After graduation Jimmy attended the University of Mississippi graduating in May 1962 with a B.B.A. He married Mona and with this union they had five children; Risa Weaver, Beau Cathey, Valeria Johnson, Rhonda Green and Sharon Silva. They are the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren and their names are: Erica, Brandon, Austin, Hunter, Ryan, Reese, Jacob, Samantha, Nathaniel and great grandson Bralynne.

Over the years Jimmy has worked for Walgreen's, Sears, Tri-State Mill Supply Co., Allied Cable and American Supply Co. He retired August 31, 2007 from the American Supply Company. Jimmy now works part-time at Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a driver delivering cars to Branches.

Jimmy enjoys traveling with his wife Mona seeing parts of Texas and recently moved into their new home in September 2006.

Jimmy's favorite teacher was Brother Matthews because he was a good and fair teacher and also fun to be around. Some of his favorite memories were the Knights of Columbus picnics and going back and forth from Dixieland to Johnnie's Drive Inn Restaurant.

Jimmy and his wife resides in Arlington, TX.

E-Mail: mmcjac@sbcglobal.net

50th Class Reunion ~ Guy

~1958~

Guy Henry Ballard

St. Aloysius High School

Wife - Yvonne

Terry, MS 39170-9428