Three to be inducted into SJCHS Wall of Fame

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Joe and Elsie Schwartz

OGDEN — Saint Joseph Catholic High School Alumni Association will induct three people into the Saint Joseph Wall of Fame during a banquet July 21. This year’s inductees are Manuel Chavez, and Joe and Elsie Schwartz.

"We set up the Wall of Fame in 2005 as a way to recognize former students who have excelled in athletics," said Joe Loffredo, SJCHS Class of ’66 and Hall of Fame chairman. "The first year we picked the best athletes from the 1950s through the 1980s."

This year, for the first time, a lifetime achievement category has been added to recognize people who have supported the high school, Loffredo said.

The inaugural recipients of the Lifetime School Achievement Supporter Award are Joe and Elsie Schwartz. They have been married for 64 years, 51 of which have been dedicated to serving St. Joseph Catholic Schools.

From 1955 to 2006, at least one of the five Schwartzs’ children or six grandchildren was in attendance at the St. Joseph Schools, said Loffredo.

The Schwartzs were among the founders of the SJCHS Booster Club, which was organized in 1970.

"They have held the various offices and have been enthusiastic supporters," said Loffredo. "They are two of St. Joseph’s most spirited fans, whose fondest memories are driving athletes and cheerleaders to and from games."

Joe Schwartz served on the Catholic School Board and on the high school’s financial committee, handcrafted many wood cabinets for the trophy cases and the school library, and also donated cabinets for the St. Joseph SPREE fundraisers, said Loffredo.

"They are a great example to their family and the Ogden community in dedicating their lives to God, family, friends and the St. Joseph Catholic school system, in giving of their time, talents and treasure," said Loffredo.

Chavez attended St. Joseph Catholic High School from 1996-2000. During that time he set school and state records in the 800 meter. He was also a four-year honor student.

Chavez also was the recipient of two of the most prestigious awards during the school’s Athletic Award Night: the Boosters’ Award, which recognizes a student athlete’s accomplishments over four years; and Athlete of the Year.

Chavez’s accomplishments include winning the 1998 Utah State 2A cross country race and the 1A state championship the following year. He led the SJCHS cross country team to the state championship in 1999, and was selected as the Standard Examiner "Standard Star" in October 1999 for his running accomplishments.

He was the 1999 state champion in 2A for the 800 meter and the 1600 meter; the following year accomplished this feat again in the 1A state championship. At the 2000 state championship, he set a new state record for the 800 meter as well as the school record, which still stands.

Chavez was recognized as All State for cross country and track in both the 2A and 1A classifications.

The 9th annual SJCHS BBQ will be Friday, July 20 at St. Joseph High School, 1790 Lake St., Ogden. All are invited to this Alumni Association-sponsored event. Adults, $10; under 13, $5. Social hour starts at 6 p.m.; BBQ at 7 p.m. Reservations not required.

The Wall of Fame Dinner will be Saturday, July 21, at the high school, catered by Union Grill. Cost is $35. Social hour at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at stjoereservations@gmail.com or by calling 801-678-8485.