High School Graduation Year
1986
What did you do right after graduation? College/career/travel/military?
I went straight to work supporting my family and working several jobs. I attended a couple classes at night at Jefferson Community College. It was too much of a struggle working full time, attending class 3 times a week with homework and starting a family. Thought about the military but always had a good job and was happy.
Please describe DeSales in three words.
Family - Education - Pride
Where are you and what are you doing now?
I am currently the UAW Building Chairman at Ford Louisville Assembly Plant on Fern Valley Road. I worked my way from the assembly line shooting screws to leading and representing my fellow brothers and sisters that built the Ford Explorer/Rangers and now building the Escape and Lincoln Corsair. I started in 1990 and 32 years later I have achieved my goal.
What do you like most about what you are doing?
The best part of my job is being part of the greatest union in the world, "The UAW". Close second is helping others with their concerns whether work related or not, we are family. The sense of accomplishment as I watch my fellow brothers and sisters succeed like I have. Third is being part of negotiations which resulted in the best Local Contract in Louisville Assembly Plant history passing by 84%. Fourth would be landing another product for Louisville Assembly Plants Future going into the next decade.
What is your favorite memory about DeSales?
There are so many. All my classmates, all 89 of us were friends, no one hated anyone. 4 years playing football, Sizzler, Mass, bus rides to and from all the games. Food fights in the cafeteria, Out to Lunch Thursday, Teachers were also friends. Fr. Mike Greenwell was really my dad because I did not have a real father. My mom being the team mascot and wearing a horse outfit at the games with the cheerleaders, in her combat boots. As a Freshman, DeSales vs. Holy Rosary Battle of the Sexes, winning it for DeSales.
Who influenced you most during your time at DeSales?
The most would be Fr. Mike Greenwell as a teacher, friend and father figured. Anytime I needed direction he would always make sure I stayed on the straight and narrow. Football coaches Madrick and Hettich being stern but fair, making us real men and understanding that hard work pays off. A work ethic that has stayed with me up to today.
What classes and learning experiences did you have at DeSales that are beneficial to the work you do?
I had my first two AP Classes of senior year at Holy Rosary. All of the math classes helped me in understanding financials, benefits and costs associated when dealing with contracts that are worth millions of dollars to 3500 people's livelihoods.
What is the most important thing you learned while you were at DeSales?
We are Family. Your classmates will be the friendship of a lifetime. A tradition you will carry throughout your life and every DeSales graduate is proud to say they are Colts!! We Are DeSales. My best friends then and are still today after 36 years. Ed Coleman, DeWayne Kahl, Jay Arington and Jeff Herm.
What advice do you have for current (or potential) students at DeSales?
You will not regret anything about your experience here at DeSales. The small class sizes make everyone family. I knew everyone in my class, not like other schools where you never see over half of your class. Please get involved in anything and everything you can to enjoy the most out of your high school experience. There is nothing to be afraid of, find you a new friend and/or teacher to look up to.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time I officiate High School Football. I was able to officiate the first DeSales Football game on our new field. Something that was a dream come true after playing in knee high grass, home games at Manual Stadium. I am a Bullitt County Reserve Deputy. I enjoy volunteering in the community as much as I can for the UAW in as many activities as I can. I enjoy watching my kids with their kids playing sports and being just as active as I can in their lives. Proud Dad and Grandpa.
What is something people may not know about you?
I officiate High School Football. I did the 2017 KHSAA State Championship Game between St. X and Trinity. I officiate two KY High School State Championship Lacrosse Games. I am a KY Colonel. I have 3 great young adults who are very successful. Amber is General Manager at Roosters, Jennifer is a teacher at Fern Creek HS and Josh has followed me to Ford but at KTP.
Do you still stay in touch with any of your DeSales friends?
My best friends then and still are today after 36 years. Ed Coleman, DeWayne Kahl, Jay Arington and Jeff Herm. I stay in touch with Fr. Mike Greenwell, who is my dad. I have several classmates at Ford that I work with on a daily basis as well. I have several other graduates from other years that work at Ford, that we all know each other and have that special bond. Like I said, DeSales gives you friends for Life.
What’s next for you/where do you see yourself in five years?
I will be running for Bullitt County 1st District Magistrate this fall, Nov. 8. Please come out and vote for Herb Hibbs. In five years I might be ready to retire from one of my many hats that I wear, but I am still healthy and feel great. I enjoy what I do.