By Sam Royer ‘15
This year, The Eye has decided to spotlight the student in each class who has done the most to positively impact campus in the 2013-14 school year. Following voting from their classmates, Ryan Mullin ‘17, Liam Eichenberg ‘16, Danny Ertle ‘15, and De’ Shaun Adair ‘14 have received the title Wildcat of the Year for their respective class.
Only a freshman, Ryan Mullin, a St. Raphael alum, is a member of the football team, CAT team, and has participated in the Christmas food drive. Along with these contributions, earlier in the year, Ryan was elected a senator of the freshman class and just recently he was reelected for next year. Ryan feels he’s made an impact through trying to get to know all of his classmates and getting involved in school functions. “I feel I have created a positive environment at Saint Ignatius by trying to make people laugh or smile wherever I go. If they’re having a bad day I’ll try to use humor to brighten them up,” Ryan said.
It didn’t take long for sophomore Liam Eichenberg to make an impact on Ignatius. Offensive tackle for the football team, Liam gained attention following his freshman year when he was offered a scholarship to Ohio State at just fifteen. Committed to giving his all to Ignatius football, Liam feels that he has been named Wildcat of the Year by working hard, setting goals, and being disciplined. “I am honored with this award and I plan on working even harder on and off the field for the rest of my life,” Liam said. Liam’s classmates aren’t the only ones who believe he deserves the award. Mr. Eynon ‘99 admitted, “Liam has the most impressive collection of NASCAR gear I’ve ever seen.”
Coming from Ruffing West, Danny Ertle ‘15 is what you might call a well-rounded student. Ertle has an impressive list of activities at Ignatius ranging from Arrupe Catpack, Paulbearers, and Ganzaga Society to SIBN, Student Senate, and Entrepreneur’s Club. Danny believes his impact “stems from getting involved early and staying active in the school.” “There are so many opportunities available here, and I’ve always tried to take advantage of them,” Danny said. Mr. Kelley ‘62 wasn’t the least bit surprised to hear Danny received the Wildcat of the Year award because of his “even temper and good sense of humour.” “I have a list of good things to say about Danny. He’s a very kind person and knows how to treat people, and I think the students can see that,” Mr. Kelley said. While Danny is honored to receive the award from his classmates, he thinks it’s important to not overlook all the students and teachers who make a difference. “This school is such a special place, and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Danny said.
Finally, the senior recipient of the Wildcat of the Year award, De’ Shaun Adair, is what Principal Bradesca calls “the epitome of a lived faith.” Adair is a member of the Catotonics, and is involved in Chorus, Ganzaga Society, Friends with L’Arche and Greeters among other clubs. While honored, De’ Shaun protested that he is “only doing what my parents have raised me to do and what I know I am to do as an Ignatius man and most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ. According to Bradesca, De’ Shaun “embodies what we desire for all of our graduates, namely a life dedicated to principles of faith, hope, and love. De’Shaun makes me truly proud every time I see him.” On making a positive impact, De’ Shaun said, “I try my best to be kind to everyone. I feel that I am only a small portion of the people who have created a positive environment. And it’s simple… I smile at everyone, I always try my best to encourage those I see, and I remind my peers that they are loved by God and those around them including me!”
The common thread that runs through all four Wildcats of the Year is a commitment to scholastic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and one thing that can’t be measured on a résumé: care for others.
