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CCFS Banquet Showcases the Old and the New
CCFS Banquet Showcases the Old and the New
A year of superb achievement by the Central Catholic Forensics Society was recognized at the June 20 annual awards banquet at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. An enthusiastic crowd gathered to honor a group of successful and talented young men.
Proud parents raised the roof and were joined by special guests/forensics legends: James Carr, ’77; Ted Rectenwald, ’73, John Dickey, ‘’87, John Kennedy ’71, Carmen Didiano, 71, Brother Robert Wilsbach FSC CCFS Moderator 1980-93, Fred Egler, ’71, and Paul Kruper ’67.
Principal Anthony Baginski FSC gave grace and the closing benediction, reminding everyone of our Catholic mission and in thanksgiving for the good work of all.
All the CCFS coaches and students were individually honored. Special awards went to:
- Rookie of the Year – William Scott ’24 (Congressional Debate)
- CCFS Speech Ironman Award – Christian Farls ’21 (552 NSDA Speaker Points Earned)
- CCFS Debate Ironman Award – John Evans ’21 (492 NSDA Speaker Points Earned)
- Brother Robert Wilsbach Quiet Leadership Award – Ezekial Matous ‘21
- John E. Kennedy Reach Beyond Your Grasp Award – John Keyho ‘21
- Brother Rene Sterner Competitive Excellence Award – John Evans ‘21
- De la Salle Commendations – Brandon Karafilis ’21, John Keyho ’21, John Evans ’21, Christian Farls ’21, Ezekial Matous ‘21
Society officers John Keyho ’21 and John Evans ’21 provided moving summaries and reflections of the year; and acting head coach Pat Dicky gave an especially heartfelt reflection virtual/remote competition as well as the tragic loss of Brother Kevin.
BIG NEWS was that Pat Dickey is assuming the role of assistant coach and hopefully getting to spend just a bit more time with his family. Thanks so much to Pat for all his hard work and success - AND Mike DePasquale (Carmen Didiano’s nephew) will take on the role of head coach. Mike – you have a hard act to follow but we all know you will carry on in the great tradition of past Forensics head coaches.
AND - Greg Lehane, ’65, who has given so generously of his time, coaching, talent, and care over the years, was elected to the CCFS Hall of Fame. Greg is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, an actor, a producer of episodes of the Muppets, a drama star at Central (Guys and Dolls), a super nice guy and a special friend of the Society. Congratulations Greg.
Fred Egler ’71 shared news from the Alumni Committee. Under Fred’s guidance and significant efforts, the CCFS alumni have undertaken to raise significant funds for an endowment for the society and to help with yearly operating expenses.
It was a great evening for great young men who deserved all the special attention they received during the night’s proceedings!
—Paul Kruper ‘67