Man of the Year
General
William J. Walker ‘75
“As I rose through the ranks, the lessons that helped me most were those I learned at Leo High School,” said U.S. Major General William J. Walker, Leo Man of the Year, 2019.
Moving from the camaraderie, or brotherhood, as a member of Leo High School Class of 1975 to what occurs in the wardroom, ready room, or foxholes of the military service would seem to be a stretch, but not to General Walker.
Military personnel endure hardship, long hours, stressful working condition, danger to personal safety and separation from loved ones. What liken this situation to Leo for General Walker are the same results “We are all in it together”. A mutual self-sacrifice, teamwork, and covering of each other contribute to individual bonding, unit cohesion, and, ultimately, the camaraderie, or brotherhood, in question.
“It was a blessing that my parents sent me to Leo after I graduated from St. Sabina,” said General Walker.
The globetrotting General of Leo returned last fall, 44 years after graduating. His sage advice resonated with the young audience as 7th period transitioned into 8th without a notice. While the young students arrived to hear a Leo man talk, they departed thinking they might be a candidate for military service and a possible career military man like Gen. Walker.
A member of the Army Reserve, General Walker joined the Drug Enforcement Administration upon graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1978. His duties took him all over the world; he was responsible for major drug arrests and seizures. He rose to the No. 3 position in the agency before reaching the mandatory age of 57.
“I chose that particular career because I wanted to help people,” General Walker said.
He also had no desire to retire, so he went on active duty with the Army and applied the same commitment to duty, attaining the rank of Major General. He is the commanding general for all branches of the Washington, D.C. National Guard.
He emphasized that the military can be a satisfying and promising career, one that’s attainable for anyone who believes in himself and is willing to work hard.
“If I can do it,” Gen. Walker said, “anyone in this room can do it.”
A photo shoot and a presentation of Leo T-shirts to the General and his fellow visitors concluded the 90-minute program. As Principal Shaka Rawls was thanking Gen Walker, he heard some students whispering, “school song, school song,” and a full-throated rendition of the Leo Fight Song followed, with General Walker joining in and “L’ing up.”
“At that moment,” Mr. Rawls said, “everything we’ve been through at Leo was worth it. The boys are getting it. I’m really proud of them.”
Proud, to be a 1975 Leo grad whose entire life is the embodiment of Facto non Verba who came back to inspire the next Leo leaders.
General William J. Walker brings his strength to Leo Alumni Night as this year’s Man of the Year. The class of 197 hails his presence.
Community Service Award
Gene
Earner ‘50
If Saint Patrick ever hires a party planner, the King of Saint Patrick’s Day fundraisers, Leo’s very own Gene Earner, will be shortlisted among preferred vendors.
For six decades, Eugene “Gene” Earner has placed only family and Leo above community. The result has been a lifetime of clever initiatives that earn him Leo’s Alumni Award for Community Service on Chicago’s South Side.
In 2015, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish and School Community celebrated its 140th anniversary of Catholic dedication to faith, tradition, service and excellence with Eugene Earner as Man of the Year. That September night, the parish hailed Gene for helping raise more than $500,000 orchestrating the “The Saint Patrick’s Party Reunion Fundraiser which gained legendary status for its attendance and monies raised to help Father Daniel Mallette keeping his parish thriving on 99th Street.
As the “Go-To” guy at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park, Gene put his organizational skills to use, again, running Saint Patrick’s Day Fundraisers while coaching MHR basketball, serving as president of both the Southwest Conference for grammar schools and the Athletic Association.
Gene’s attention to detail impacted thousands of young lives at the grade school level and filled uniforms at the high school level for years.
Gene never neglected his beloved Leo. The 1950 graduate returned to become the “Voice of Leo” as the field announcer for football and timekeeper for basketball. For a stretch, Gene’s own granddaughters served as junior cheerleaders, suited up in orange and black for football and basketball.
Gene measures his wealth the way the Bible taught: “good deeds will last forever.”
The 86 year-old is proud of the path that brings him into a familiar spotlight with his fellow Leo men. While all of his 12 children graduated from Catholic schools, six sons are Leo graduates. This is Gene’s fourth award, having been called to the Leo Hall of Fame, named Leo Man of the Year and honored with the Doctor Thomas Driscoll Award.
Said son Jim Earner, who works at Leo: “Our dad’s devotion to service of both church and family motivated him to always look for ways to give back and say, ‘Thank You’ to these schools he attended.”
According to his sons, the trait that impressed the most was his work ethic. For more than 25 years, Earner worked a physically demanding job delivering soft drinks for the A.J. Canfield Beverage Co., many times logging 80 hours a week or more just to provide the best for his wife Donna and twelve children.
There was never a question of cutting back on education when money was tight,” said Jim, one of 12 Earner children, who all graduated from schools and high school. “It’s a truly amazing accomplishment.
Doctor Thomas Driscoll Award
William
P. Figel ‘72
Leo President Dan McGrath recruited this year’s Dr. Thomas Driscoll Award recipient for 2019 when he became president. A 1972 graduate, Bill Figel strengthened a resolve to help the school that helped him. With a wheelhouse of public relations, publicity and teaching skills, Figel was easy prey for McGrath, who as president was quarterbacking Leo into the red zone against schools with more resources and more students.
Following McGrath’s game plan and signals, the Beverly resident carried on “the mission and commitment that Doc Driscoll had for our school” with Figel Public Relations’ wherewithal and a teaching background that was still inventive.
Figel is credited with contributing to Leo over the last several years with “a remarkable amount of media attention for a school its size.” The nominating committee cited three main reasons:
-Bill’s dedication to Leo High School
-Figel Public Relations’ experience in publicity, networking and crisis management
-The high regard his Chicago media contacts have for him.
Accordingly, McGrath says: “When he pitches a story, the media knows it’s a story worth covering and not a request for an empty-calories fluff piece. And when they show up to cover the story, they know Figel will be on site personally for introductions and to guide them thought the news gathering process.”
Channels 5, 2 and 9 ran footage of the Leo Choir’s Christmas performance at Millennium Park last year. Three days later, Bill alerted ABC-7 to the opportunity to tape station anchor Ravi Baichwal emceeing the Leo Scholarship Benefit. The story that ran on the 10 p.m. news gave Leo a new level of exposure other schools covet.
When Leo awarded Jim Wilkins his Class of 1944 diploma at the 2015 Veterans Observance, Channel 7 did a major story—that was the start of our relationship with Ravi Baichwal. Print media published the Jim Wilkins story the next day.
When shooting victim Miles Turner was released from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago just in time to attend Leo’s prom in 2013, several TV stations covered it. Channel 2 did a lengthy story on the phenomenon of a state-championship track team without a track, and our female boxing coach was the subject of a major profile by NBC-5.
Can you think of another school that has received as much media attention in the last few years? New Trier? Loyola? St. Ignatius?
Nope.
Bill has been Leo’s go-to guy on a couple of other projects. Diligent preparation went into Leo’s Soldier Field football game last year, and Bill handled every last detail like the pro that he is. At the Scholarship Benefit, Leo produced two videos to introduce guests to Leo’s students and the Leo story. Those videos don’t turn out nearly as well as they did without Bills painstaking attention to detail and use of his television background while interviewing our subjects, selecting b-roll, and writing script copy while interfacing with the pros at Lightswitch Video, coming in on schedule and under budget.
In 2015 Leo was chosen to receive a grant from the McCormick Foundation to offer a News Literacy course to students in the hope of acquainting them with what’s real and what’s not real in the world of the wild, wild Web and newsgathering.
In the course of training the students to become more educated news consumers, Bill returned to the classroom to teach. The #LeoNewsMen have enjoyed the attention of some of Chicago’s leading journalists. Whether its appearances by and interaction through social media with the Chicago Tribune’s John Kass, Chicago Sun-Times’ Evan Moore, and “Mohammed Ali” author Jonathon Eig, the SCORE’S David Haugh and Len Kasper. The goal is to “make it real.”
Leo’s administrative team of McGrath, Shaka Rawls and Mike Holmes carry a heavy load every day; they value Bill Figel’s assistance in publicity efforts and influence with students in the classroom two mornings each week.
The Doc Driscoll Award is intended to acknowledge a Leo Man whose contributions go above and beyond when needed; Bill Figel’s tenure happens to occur at a time when the school is surging toward more successes, which make him a proud Leo man.
Special
Appreciation Award
William
C. Waddell – Photo Not Available
Leo is fortunate to be a friend of Bill Waddell.
The retired businessman and stockbroker gravitated toward Leo because he recognizes establishments and programs that make a difference in society.
Bill’s generous use of his time and money bolsters the efforts of the Greater Food Depository, PADDS – a homeless shelter in Oak Lawn – and Smith Village Continuing Care Community in Morgan Park, where he can provide company and good cheer to residents, and maybe even sit in on a bridge game.
Bill still has time in his busy week for Leo, in addition to generous donations Bill began his commitment to Leo on the school’s Executive Counsel Advisory Board. From there he began sponsoring students to pay their summer tuition fees into the coveted University of Illinois Media camp in Champaign.
From time to time, Bill can be seen with Leo’s Bob Standring, 1970, mentoring Leo students over lunch in Beverly, his own community, where he raised his two boys following the death of his wife 15 years ago. The Loyola University graduate lettered in bowling. He entered the US Army after graduation. Once out, he enjoyed a distinguished career as a stockbroker for Barney Smith.
There were two kinds of guys growing up on the Southside – the guys who went to Leo and those who wish they had. Bill, the Brother Rice graduate, falls into the latter group. Leo is proud to recognize his steady contributions to our mission and recognize him with the Special Recognition Award.
Hall of Fame 2019
Jim
Carollo ‘67
Jim Carollo doesn’t just show up at Leo’s storied building for Veteran’s Day, he comes to engage – like the time he showcased the US Medal of Honor.
As students gathered around in curiosity and awe, Jim articulated the significance of the United States of America’s highest and most prestigious personal military award. Jim cherishes Leo as his personal “medal of honor” so inclusion into the year’s Leo Hall of Fame puts an added giddy-up in his step as he walks the halls.
Familiar to the faculty students, some of Jim’s greatest joys are just being present with Leo men of any age and era.
Jim golfed in 15 Leo outing – including 11 straight – with Carollo brother Tom, ’71, and cousins Jim, ’62, Tony, ’64, which harvested so many Leo hats he marketed the school by giving them away.
With great zeal Jim strived in 2017 to bring every living graduate in the 1967 class to the 50th anniversary Alumni event. Retired as Purchasing Manager for Sears Tower, Jim used his summer months to find, recruit, and cajole Leo men into coming to the annual event. “Facta non Verba” in action resulted in a grand turnout.
Jim grew up in and attended St. Leo parish school, serving as an altar boy, often in Leo’s Chapel.
Jim was manager for the football team under Bob Hanlon and the tennis team, while participating for four years in the Glee Club. He was elected president and nominated as “student of the year” by his peers.
Jim was a long-time parishioner at St. Bernadette before he and his wife Tracy moved to St. Linus. He has one son, three grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Jim has served as a volunteer at the Oak Lawn Veterans clinic.
Jim has been a very active supporter of the Leo Alumni Association. He was the committee chairperson for the Class of 1967, 50-year reunion and stays in close contact with his classmates informing them and promoting activities of both the Alumni and the High School. He is a Director of the Alumni Association and an active participant in the monthly meetings. He has played a crucial role in updating the Alumni Association email list. He volunteers for various functions, including the Annual Golf Outing.
Just a few years removed from filling the banquet hall with 1967 graduates, Jim enters Leo Hall of Fame, so deserving, and so proud to have lived “Facta non Verba.”
Hall of Fame 2019
Brian
Earner ‘93
Brian Earner came to Leo H.S. from Most Holy Redeemer School. Steeped in family tradition, he followed his father Gene and older brothers to 79th and Sangamon, graduating in 1993.
During Brian’s time at Leo, he finished near the top of his class academically every year. He was an avid Leo sports fan, quite possibly never missing a basketball or football game during his school years. He wasn’t just a spectator. Brian was known as a sharpshooter when he played on the 1990 Catholic League Championship Basketball squad under Coach Randy Johnson and was named Scholar Athlete of that year. Brian carried his experience from that Leo team to go on and play at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Ireland. He also, characteristically, found time to volunteer coach a local youth basketball team while there.
Brian has spent the last 20 years professionally as a Trader at the Chicago Board Options Exchange and went back to school to earn his MBA from Saint Xavier University in 2013.
Like every Earner who has donned the Orange and Black, Brian Earner looks for ways to bring the Leo Spirit into the lives of more Alumni. He can, regularly, be seen herding Leo Men into buses leaving the Red Palm Bar & Grill for the Alumni Night Basketball games that he organizes.
Brian’s “en masse” Leo bus trips have garnered more support for today’s Lions while making the events more fun for Alumni. Brian doesn’t talk about it, he just does it: “Facta non Verba”. Brian continues to do it as the Activities Chairman of the Alumni Association—once a Leo Man always a Leo Man.
Recognized by his peers for being whip smart and for his outstanding work ethic, Brian routinely tackles administrative tasks for the Alumni Association. Brian is quick to volunteer to fill a void and always willing to help.
Brian credits Br. Finch, Br. McCormack, Br. O’Keefe, Bob Hanlon, and Bob Schablaske as outstanding role models that influenced him greatly through their unselfish examples. He is also eternally grateful to his parents, Donna and Gene, for all of their sacrifices, and to Leo H.S. for providing him a fulfilling Catholic education.
Quietly, Brian’s “I got this” example is drawing more commitment from young Alumni to the Association. The Class of 1993 will be well represented by Hall of Famer Brian Earner, whose example resonates: “Facta non Verba”.
Hall of Fame 2019
Jack
Hopkins ‘69
Jack was a standout two-sport athlete at Leo, A rotation player on a heavy-weight basketball team that reached the Catholic League playoffs in 1968 and a starting forward on the team that played for the Catholic League Championship one year later, losing a heartbreaker to Brother Rice in the title game after stunning National Catholic Tournament champion Hales in the semifinals.
The long and lanky Hopkins was just as accomplished in track, winning the high and low hurdles in the 1968 Catholic League meet in leading the Lions to that season’s Catholic League track championship. Hopkins set school records for teams that probably would have been state-title contenders had Catholic League schools belonged to the IHSA.
The honor roll student graduated from St. Sabina and returned to Chicago to take over his late father’s plumbing-and-sewer contracting business. Jack was always a phone call away when Leo’s big building was in need of the firm’s services. Always “Go To Guys” Jack and his late brother Tom, a 1973 Leo grad and Leo Hall of Famer, were more than generous with their assistance.
A dedicated family man, Jack has been in the forefront of efforts to raise money to provide scholarships for deserving students in his brother Tom’s memory. Much of the funding for those scholarships comes from the annual “Poppa Hops” softball tournament. Jack has guided his Tom’s sons in this initiative, which has become a late-summer staple on the South Side, drawing thousand of participants and spectators.
Jack distinguished himself as a Leo Man and leader, qualities he has continued in his life after Leo. The Class of ’69 celebrates its 50-year anniversary with special recognition for Jack Hopkins.
Hall of Fame 2019
Tom
O’Malley, Jr. ‘84
Young Tom O’Malley followed his father everywhere, usually with a ball in hand.
This year, the son follows the dad into Leo’s Hall of Fame.
The superintendent of District 231 Evergreen Park Community High Schools took Jesus’ vocation, as well as that of his father.
“I know that ever since I was a little boy going to Leo with my dad for his basketball practices that I wanted to go to Leo,” said Tom of his father who graduated in 1957.
Like father, like son, young Tom would attend Queen of Martyrs Grammar School games, followed closely behind by younger brother Mike, ’86 and their younger sister Carrie.
He learned from the best.
“My biggest influence in my career was my father, so, I followed in his footsteps as a teacher and a coach for 12 years prior to getting into school administration,” said young Tom. “I was lucky to have another strong influence early on in my teaching career. Br. John O’Keefe was a great mentor during my four years at Leo and then again when I returned to Leo after college to teach and coach.”
Young Tom made the most of his time at Leo participating in basketball, baseball, cross country, track, water polo, Yearbook Committee, the Letterman’s Club, Leo Student Council, National Honor Society and recipient of the Monsignor Malloy Gold Medal Award for Athletics.
“Some of my best years in my life were spent at Leo High School,” he said, “My best friends came from classmates at Leo. I would go back and repeat high school at Leo all over again tomorrow.
“Leo shaped me into the person that I am today, and I am truly grateful to the teachers and coaches who made a huge impact on my life.”
“I am truly honored and humbled to join my father and many other Leo greats in the Hall of Fame,” said Tom.
Life is good when your father is your guide and your wife is your best friend.
Tom has been married for 25 years to “my beautiful wife and inspiration Katie.” They are blessed with eight “wonderful” children: Courtney, 23, Molly, 22, Shea, 21, Ryan, 19, Tara, 18, Brennan, 16, Annie, 13, and Meg, 9.
Tom has been a college basketball official for 26 years, including 15 years at the Division I level (Conferences: Big Ten, MAC, Missouri Valley, Horizon, Mid-Continent.)
Tom is currently polishing off his Doctoral Degree in Administrative Leadership and still “follows Leo” when time permits.
Hall of Fame 2019
Dr.
Robert Robinson, III ‘93
Some boys are destined for Leo, and, in turn, Leo directs the destiny of the man.
Such is the case for Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Robert Robinson III who in eighth grade was devasted by the death of his father. His mother, Ethel knew her second child needed the kind of direction Leo could uniquely provide a sensitive young man mourning the loss of a father to lymphoma. Prior to death the father instilled in the youngster a desire to enter medicine and flourish.
Dr. Robinson’s entry into the 2019 Hall of Fae comes after a journey that began at a Leo Open House. She knew “in this environment, he would receive the one-on-one attention and support to make dreams a reality.”
A mother’s intuition – as if from her lips to God’s ears – sensed her son would suit up for football, join the choir, enter the National Honor Society and utilize Leo as a launching pad to Xavier University in New Orleans, where he majored in Biological sciences. He graduated cum Laude and continued pursuit of a degree in medicine at UIC. Exhibiting the heart of a Leo Lion, Robinson and his wife founded Urban House Calls for the underserved in Charlotte, NC, motivated to help those in need of healthcare for wellness checkups and management of chronic diseases. The city of Charlotte hailed the couple for its groundbreaking initiative.
Driven personally by Facta non Verba, Dr. Robinson makes a house call to Leo’s Hall of Fame as his journey continues as his parents envisioned.
Hall of Fame 2019
Tracy
Robinson ‘04
Tracy Robinson was the “glue” on Leo’s 2004 Illinois State Championship Team, providing the intangibles for young coach Noah Cannon, leading scorer Frank Clair, defensive stopper Keelan Donald and the rest of the Leo squad.
Loyola University recognized his unselfish plan and brought Tracy aboard with a scholarship. He followed in the footsteps of fellow Leo greats Ed Manzke and Tony Parker Sr., playing rock solid ball for four years. He graduated in 2008, and still ranks among the Ramblers’ career leaders in assists, steals and games played.
Pro ball overseas then beckoned, and Tracy has been a basketball world traveler, playing in Europe, Asia, South America and the Philippines over the last 10 years.
Always connected to Leo, Tracy still makes it a point to stop and engage students when he’s in Chicago. He emphasized that basketball has been the vehicle for all else he’s been able to accomplish in making him a worldly, self-learner with on-going vision. That, he says, along with lessons learned at Leo, allows him to continue to give back.
Tracy delivered his inspirational message as Leo’s commencement speaker at the 2016 graduation, illustrating the qualities of a true Leo Man during and after the ceremony. The Class of 2019 hails one of its own as Tracy Robinson enters Leo’s Hall of Fame.