Student Standouts: Bernstein ’21, Kacmarek ’21, Kalishman ’21, Paine ’21, Birkel ’23, Birkel ’25, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Football, Ice Hockey
Faculty/Staff Features: Tillotson
Congratulations to this week’s standouts below. Way to go #RamNation! And as always, if you have a story to share, please email weeklynews@micds.org.
Senior Commits to Playing Field Hockey for Washington & Lee University
Over break, Jenna Bernstein ’21 committed to playing field hockey at Washington & Lee University! Congratulations, Jenna!
Ram Signs to Play Football at Ohio University
Congratulations to Will Kacmarek ’21 for signing on to play football at Ohio University! His signing took place on December 18, 2020. He is one of 15 players recruited in the early signing period and one of eight outside of Ohio state according to this article that introduces the signing class. He will be playing as a tight end and we can’t wait to cheer Will on at the college level!
Senior Co-Authors Psychology Research Study
Ally Kalishman ’21 recently co-authored a psychology research study about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum depression. Ally worked virtually with Dr. Michael Silverman, a clinical professor of psychology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, to gather data, analyze it, and publish an article in the Nature Scientific Journal and on Pub Med.
How did Ally get involved in working with Dr. Michael Silverman on this research? Interestingly, she had met him previously at a conference. When the psychology research program (STARS) she had applied to was canceled because of COVID-19, Dr. Silverman asked if she wanted to help with this important research study. Ally helped him analyze the data and came up with the foundational theory for the article’s conclusion.
«It was really interesting to see everything I learned in the classroom applied in such a meaningful way,» shares Ally. «I feel fortunate that I was able to play a role in bringing awareness to this important and often overlooked issue. Using my education to advocate for others is something I hope to continue at MICDS and beyond!» Way to take initiative, Ally!
Senior Receives Bright Flight Merit Scholarship
Caitlin Paine ’21 is a recipient of the Bright Flight Merit Scholarship, a Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship presented to students who have scored in the top three percent of all Missouri high school students taking the ACT or SAT in their senior year. This scholarship will provide $1800 per year for five years in support of Caitlin’s pre-veterinary studies at the University of Missouri Columbia Honors College, where she will be focusing on Animal Science and Psychology. Way to go, Caitlin!
Sibling Service
Over the break, Caroline ’25 and Maxwell Birkel ’23 helped build dive carts out of PVC for disabled veterans to transport heavy dive gear. This project benefited the veteran’s organization, LifeWaters, which is, according to their website, «a St. Louis-based organization and program that is designed to help improve the lives of our veterans, first responders, and civilians, including those with mobility impairments. LifeWaters does this by offering «discover scuba» and scuba certifications through Scuba Diving International (SDI) (Scubility Program) as part of recreational water therapy.» Way to go, Caroline and Maxwell!
Undefeated Boys Basketball Team
The Boys Basketball team is having a terrific season thus far. Over break, the team beat Lutheran St. Charles 64-53 to continue a 4-0 undefeated season. Hasani Spann ’21 led the top points scored with 18, Brandon Mitchell-Day ’22 earned 17 points, and Nick Roper ’21 sank 13 points.
At the MICDS Holiday Round Robin, the Boys Basketball team had a 16-1 first quarter in their game against Ladue which ultimately ended at 65-43. Mitchell-Day and Spann each scored 13 points and the strongest lead the team held at one point was by 33 points. Coach Travis Wallace commented in the article that the team is trying to start off strong in their games, and that was something they accomplished in the Lutheran St. Charles and Ladue games.
Next in the Round Robin tournament, the Rams defeated Trinity 86-44 before beating the Kirkwood Pioneers on Tuesday, December 29, to earn the tournament championship. The final score was 53-38 with Spann leading the points with 14, Mitchell-Day adding 12, and Roper adding 10 with two back-to-back three-pointers included. The score was tied at halftime, so the team worked hard with a player-only pep talk at the half to bring home the tournament win. Check out the recap here and here.
Way to go, Rams!
Undefeated Girls Basketball Team
The girls basketball team defeated Pattonville 47-34 on Tuesday, December 29, with Ellie Gira ’22 earning 12 points and Binta Fall ’23 earning 10. Read the recap here!
In an article on STL Today from January 6, the Rams are recognized for their five-game winning streak with three players averaging points in the double figures. They also were the champions of the Round Robin Holiday Tournament! Keep it up, Rams!
Class 4 Media All-State Football Team Announced
In case you missed it, here are the Rams who made First and Second Team in Class 4 football:
First Team:
- Will Kacmarek ’21, Defensive Lineman
- Grant Purdy ’21, Linebacker
Second Team:
- Reagan Andrew ’21, Quarterback
- Will Schaumburg ’21, Offensive Lineman
The football team is also highlighted in The St. Louis American for their appearance at State in the «St. Louis American Prep Sports 2020 Year in Review.»
Ice Hockey Overcomes Deficit to Earn Victory
The MICDS hockey team climbed out of a two-goal deficit on January 5 at the Webster Ice Arena to defeat Webster Groves 5-3. Ameer Hajji ’24 made two goals and J.T. Williamson ’21, Hugo Engelhardt ’21, and William Giles ’21 each made one goal. Coach John Mattingly encouraged his players to do their best for a chance in the Wickenheiser Cup and that they did! Way to go, Rams! Check out the recap here.
Faculty/Staff Feature: Stan Tillotson
Today, we are wishing Stan Tillotson well as he embarks on a new adventure—retirement! We are so thankful for his 20+ incredible years of service to the MICDS community. Stan has been an instrumental part of the Grounds Department over the years. Enjoy your retirement, Stan!