Principal Jeff Monday shared these remarks to honor retiring faculty members Jim Schneider and Dan Holahan 

Mr. Jim Schneider

It is my privilege to recognize and thank Mr. Schneider for his extraordinary service to Marquette High. Over the past 18 years, he has served our community as a history teacher, coach, Conclave moderator, and game announcer.

As an educator, he is respected for his intellect, his passion for history, and his remarkable ability to challenge students to think critically and understand the context of the world around them.

He is widely regarded as one of the finest AP U.S. History teachers in the state. Yet even more important than his excellence in the classroom is the way he has embodied the work of an Ignatian educator.

Through his example, he has shown what it means to form young men not only intellectually, but also in character and faith; a fitting legacy for someone shaped by his own Jesuit education at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland.

Mr. Schneider also brought fun and spirit to our school during his tenure. He understood that what distinguishes Marquette is not just the academic excellence, but rather the traditions and shared experiences. It is only fitting that he founded what has become one of Marquette High’s most cherished holiday traditions: the Turkey Bowl.

As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his life, we asked him if he had one final lesson or word of wisdom for his students. True to form, his response was:

“The world needs men of integrity. That’s what we try to instill in you at Marquette High. Live as a man of integrity every day and take that mindset into the world.”

Mr. Schneider, thank you for showing all of us — not only through your words, but through your daily example — what it means to live with integrity and faith. Your impact on this school and on future generations will continue.

Congratulations on your retirement, and may this next chapter bring you the same meaning and happiness that you have so generously given to others.

Mr. Dan Holahan

Mr. Holahan, will you stand… [Fr. Pribyl interrupts: “Mr. Monday, we have an important announcement!"] Eamon Holahan, from back stage:

His journey started on the rolling hills of Mt. Calvary, Wis., at the home of another school known as the Hilltoppers.  After an illustrious sports career at Marian University in Fond Du Lac, and pit stops in Chicago and Detroit exploring religious life, he eventually ended up at a library on 15th and Wisconsin where in the midst of reading about Plato and Aristotle, the most beautiful woman in the world caught his eye.

After starting a family, he was called to the halls of 35th and Wisconsin and given the Penthouse suite on the 4th and a half floor.  His physical journey from that penthouse to a rock and roll sauna on the 1st floor was only a metaphor for the countless life journeys he led his pupils on exploring their own philosophies, or pondering life's big questions of moral responsibility.

As his sage guide, Plato, once said, “It is the task of the enlightened not only to ascend to learning and to see the good but to be willing to descend again to those prisoners and to share their troubles and their honors, whether they are worth having or not.”

Although one  journey has come to an end, from those days at Mt. Calvary until eternity, he will be a “Hilltopper for Life.”

For the past 39 years, Mr. Holahan has devoted himself to the mission of Marquette High School through his service as a Theology teacher, freshman football coach and historian, retreat leader, department chair, and devoted member of Sha Nah No and the Blues Brothers.

He has modeled the values rooted in his Franciscan upbringing -  humility, generosity, kindness, and a deep care for others. Through his faith-filled example, he has made a tremendous impact on countless lives.

Mr. Holahan - Thank you for your extraordinary service and commitment to our school. Congratulations, and we wish you a well-deserved retirement of good health and happiness. As you begin this next chapter, we wish you, Maureen, and your entire family every blessing and joy.