May 2014 – Page 51 – Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!

Piper shot blocker, rebounder C.J. Harper signs with KCKCC

A two-year starter for Piper coach Steve Wallace, left,, forward C.J. Harper will bring his scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking skills to Kansas City Kansas Community College this fall. (KCKCC photo)

by Alan Hoskins

C.J. Harper, a 6-4 rebounder and shot blocker from Piper High School, has signed a letter of intent to attend Kansas City Kansas Community College this fall.
A two-year starter on a Piper team that finished 15-7 the past season, Harper averaged 6.4 points, 5.0 points and a block a game his senior season. He also was 61 of 107 shots from the field for 57.0 percent. As a junior, Harper helped Piper earn a state tournament berth and finish 17-6.
“One of those kids who has improved every year and I can see that continuing at the college level,” said Piper coach Steve Wallace. “He’s a good athlete, strong with good jumping ability and fast for his size. Playing the post for us, his strengths were his rebounding and shot blocking. He spent a lot of time working on basketball in the summer and it’s really helped him to get better each season.”
“We’re excited about C.J.,” said KCKCC coach Kelley Newton. “He’s got a big body with broad shoulders and surprising athletic ability. He’ll be able to play the post position and defend that positions as well.”
Harper is the third area standout to sign with the Blue Devils for 2014-15. Guard Zach Jackson and forward Joe Lendway of Lansing’s undefeated 5A state championship team have also signed with the Blue Devils.

Bishop Ward High School announces new school president

by Kristen Blacksher

The Rev. Thomas Schrader, O. Carm., has been hired as the new president of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan.
The announcement was made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the Bishop Ward board.
“Father Schrader is a Carmelite priest and has nine years of experience as the president of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif.,” Archbishop Naumann said. “ Father Schrader has spent this past year as the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Tenafly, New Jersey.

“We prayed that the Lord would raise up a wonderful president to succeed Fr. Michael Hermes, and He certainly has done that,” stated Archbishop Naumann. “I thank the Lord for providing Father Schrader, who will continue the strong spiritual and temporal leadership of the school,” commented Archbishop Naumann.

Marty Baughman, Bishop Ward board chairman, said, “We are very pleased that Father Schrader will become the new president of Bishop Ward High School. We conducted a national search for our next president. Father. Schrader brings with him a lot of experience in all aspects of Catholic education: academics, formation, development, athletics and planning. We look forward to his leadership.”

“It will be an honor to serve as president of Bishop Ward,” Father Schrader said. “The school community is at an exciting point in its rich history of educating a diverse college-bound student body. I am enthusiastic about the contributions from our students who are being trained to be future moral leaders for the church and our society.”

Father Schrader added, “This year the Carmelite Order celebrates 150 years of ministering in this archdiocese; as an educator I welcome the opportunity to carry on this long tradition.”

Father Schrader will begin working at Bishop Ward on July 1, 2014. As previously announced, Father Hermes will be assigned to full-time pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas after serving as president of Bishop Ward for the past nine years.

KCKCC Childcare Center celebrates graduation

The Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Childcare Center celebrated Cinco de Mayo and graduation in one event recently. (KCKCC photo)

by Kelly Rogge
The Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Childcare Center celebrated Cinco de Mayo and graduation in one event, bringing together families, students and the KCKCC community.
The Cinco de Mayo/Pre-K Graduation was May 5 in Upper Jewell. It featured presentations from Irene Caudillo, president and chief executive officer of El Centro Inc. and Eric Martinez, program coordinator for LULAC National Educational Service Centers of Kansas City as well as a processional of the pre-kindergarten class from the childcare center.
“This is not just a fun celebration, but it also has a lot to do with cultural heritage,” said Jonathan Long, dean of student services at KCKCC. “It also is about the graduation of some very talented students.”
Before coming to El Centro, Caudillo worked for the Wyandotte Mental Health Association and the Kansas City, Mo. Health Department. She was also the executive director for Youth Opportunities Unlimited Inc., director of family strengthening for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and was director of clinic operations for Swope Health Services. She spoke about the history of Cinco de Mayo and gave some insight into Hispanic culture.
Martinez has been with LULAC since 2012 where he helps to develop partnerships with community leaders and recruits parents for the parent liaison program. He has also worked with the Wyandotte Mental Health Center and Harvest of Hope Leadership Academy.
“The staff and I feel that the event was a success. The speakers provided culturally enriching information that was relatable to everyone in attendance, both children and adults,” said Doris Holleman, director of KCKCC’s Childcare Center. “The Pre-K Graduation Ceremony was also delightful.”
Following Caudillo’s remarks, the graduation portion of the event began with a processional to “Pomp and Circumstance.” Graduates even wore the traditional mortar board hats as they entered. Guests were also treated to a slideshow presentation of the students.
“The children’s personalities and success were acknowledged in a serious, yet fun manner. I would also like to thank all of the families for their support of both the staff and their children,” Holleman said. “Their support has been evident and well received throughout the children’s educations at the Campus Child Care Center.”
For more information on the KCKCC Childcare Center, call 913-288-7615.