Three Generations of Mustangs!

Can you remember where you were in September of 1959? Prici Mahaffey was outside the front doors of a brand-new school in Farmers Branch called Mary Immaculate School. She was nervous and excited about the beginning of a new year at a new school, but didn’t realize that she was taking her first steps into what would become six decades of home for her and her family. Since then, all of her children and two of her grandchildren (see the photo above) have attended with a third beginning this coming August.

Prici attended MIS from 1959 through 1963. She came back as a parent in the 1980s and today we see her just about every day at EDP, substituting and filling in wherever she is needed. “I have spent many years walking the halls - from temporary buildings to the beautiful school we have now,” she said. “I love the feeling of family at Mary Immaculate and the traditions such as May Crowning, Field Day and more.”

Prici served as part of the Ladies Auxiliary / PTC from the 1980s through the early 2000s. The Ladies Auxiliary served in the capacity that the PTC serves today.

One of her favorite memories was moving from the temporary buildings (housed behind the school near the Junior High Courtyard) into permanent classrooms. And her silliest memory was moving all all their desks into the closet every weekend to make room for Masses. At that time, Mass took place in what is now the gym (you can still see the stained glass windows) and storage is the space now used for PE offices.

After graduation and high school, she met and married Corky. They had six children who attended MIS from 1981-2002.

This is an old and grainy photo, but it is Corky’s favorite memory - delivering his last tuition check to Office Manager Helen Dahlvig!

Corky wasn’t an MIS student but he has been involved at the church and school for decades. “I worked at the Post Office and had people ask why I spent so much on grade school tuition instead of saving for college,” he said. “I told them it was the best investment I ever made, though my favorite memory was delivering that last tuition check!”

The MIS legacy is one that the Mahaffeys are proud of. “Passing our faith on to our children and now our grandchildren through this parish and school is our greatest joy,” they said.

Prici and Corky have recently taken on a new MIS adventure - the MIS Grandparents’ Club! This club will engage grandparents by encouraging them to play a growing role at the school through prayer, coaching/cheering at athletic events, and volunteering regularly at the school. All current and former grandparents are invited and encouraged to participate. Details will be shared soon.

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Please join us in praying for Grandparents. This prayer was composed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. We pray for the Mahaffeys and all MIS current, former and future grandparents:

Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, the Church and all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and roles of grandparents. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them. Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!

Third Grade Classmates to 10 Years of Marriage

Third Grade Crush Leads to 10 Year Anniversary

The article below was written by Rosemary Schmitz Martinez and shared in the MIS Messenger in 2010. We share it today it in honor of St. Valentine’s Day and because it is a sweet love story that began in a 3rd grade classroom at Mary Immaculate School.

They may be the opening lyrics to one of George Strait’s “Check Yes Or No” song, but for MIS Alumni Michelle Nienhiser and Phillip Yager it really did “start way back in third grade.” Michelle was enrolled at MIS in the fall of 1989 where she began her 9 year journey in Mrs. Heath’s afternoon class. Three years later, in the fall of 1992, Phillip joined her at the very end of the elementary hall in Mrs. Sherry McCord’s 3rd grade classroom. It was the year the girls’ jumpers went from navy to red and the boys’ shorts from navy to gray. It was the classroom where they learned about static electricity, where they would debut their pueblos, where they were drilled on their times tables, and — unbeknownst to them at the time — where Phillip would someday ask Michelle to marry him.

In the fall of 1992, 3C teacher Mrs. Sherry McCord introduced Phillip to the class. She paired him with a buddy, Brian Wolf, with whom she was confident would take Phillip under his wing and show him around the school. Brian introduced Phillip to his friends, sat with him in the cafeteria at lunchtime and played with him on the playground at recess. Michelle recalls their brotherly bond. Her strongest memory of Phillip at MIS occurred one afternoon in 3C. The class was diligently working on a quiet activity when Brian Wolf announced Amazing Alumni Adventures loudly for all to hear “What, Phillip? You have a crush on Michelle Nienhiser?” Michelle claims her face turned beat red upon hearing this. She was mortified and didn’t have the courage to even face Phillip until middle school.

The two went on to take part in all of the Mary Immaculate experiences…together. Michelle and Phillip remained in the same classroom throughout their time at MIS, until 8th grade when they were finally assigned to different homerooms.

The two lost touch after graduating from 8th grade in 1998. Michelle enrolled in R.L. Turner High School’s Academy for Biomedical Professions in Carrollton and Phillip joined the marching band at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas. The two earned their diplomas in 2002 and continued to advance themselves academically. Michelle attended Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and earned her degree in Biomedical Sciences, while Phillip continued his drumming talents at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, TX. He later transferred to Oklahoma University in Norman, OK where he earned his degree in Supply Chain Management. They were polished, educated and ready to begin their careers.

In the summer of 2008, fellow classmate Beth Beste organized an informal MIS 10 Year Class Reunion at the horse races where another classmate, Scott McCurry, performed his musical talents. About 10 alumni met at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie on July 11, 2008 to celebrate, enjoy each other’s company, reminisce on MIS memories and simply catch up on life. This is where Phillip and Michelle took a liking to one another and went on their first date only days later.

Nearly two years later on May 29, 2010, Phillip planned to take Michelle out to dinner one evening after attending Saturday mass at Mary Immaculate Church. At the conclusion of mass, Phillip took Michelle to revisit their original meeting place, 3C. Although doubting the school would be unlocked, Michelle walked hand-in-hand with Phillip down their elementary hallway. It was dark and there was only one light on at the end of the hall, right outside Mrs. Sherry McCord’s classroom. Phillip turned the knob and said “It’s open! Should we go inside?” Michelle agreed. To her surprise, there were three desks pushed together in the middle of the room with two 8x10 photos of them from 3rd grade, a floral arrangement, flower petals and votive candles. Still oblivious to what was about to happen, Michelle was touched by the sweet gesture Phillip had somehow set-up for her.

It only took a few moments for Phillip to tell Michelle that he loved her and wanted to grow old with her. He dropped to one knee and right there, where they met 18 years ago, asked Michelle to marry him. Shocked and overwhelmed with joy, Michelle accepted his ring and proposal. With a swift move to his pocket remote, Phillip queued the music and the two danced.

After explaining himself and how he’s been planning this moment for six months, Phillip requested Michelle wave to the camera, as the entire proposal was caught on video. The video camera was planted in the room by his “helpers:” Michelle’s sisters Cheryl and Julie, as well as the couple’s 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Sherry McCord.

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The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this past November. They currently live in Frisco where they are active in their parish. They have two daughters: Charlotte (7) and Lorelei (5). They are MIS Class of 1998 graduates.

The Rita & Scott Ford Family

When someone mentions Mary Immaculate Church or School, it’s likely they’ll have some connection with Rita or Scott Ford. That’s because there doesn’t seem to be a place at the parish or school that the Ford family has not touched.

When their four children attended MIS, Rita served as PTC president twice, Library and Greeter Desk volunteer, Spiritual Enrichment Chair, Magazine Sales Chair, Room parent several times, and Scout leader. On top of being a wife, mom, and everything mentioned above, she wrote the St. Therese Study for MIS families (later published by Sophia Institute), served on the Catholic Identity Committee for the School Advisory Council, and sewed seven Auction quilts. Rita also worked as Family Life Director at the parish.

Scott also served as a Scout leader for the Mary Immaculate Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He also served at the Diocesan level where he led the Catholic Religious Emblem program. At the parish, Scott led the “That Man is You” program for three years.

Together, Rita and Scott sponsored engaged couples preparing for marriage and volunteered as catechists for the parish RCIA program. Their involvement didn’t end when their children moved on to high school. In fact, Scott recently assisted Sister Mary Anne and the School Advisory Council in developing a Strategic Plan for the school and Rita serves on the Parish Council. Together, they are cantors, choir members, and Eucharistic Ministers.

This extraordinary level of commitment and love of church and family originate from Rita’s family. Rita is the ninth of 10 children born to Charles and Phyllis Brandt. The Brandts were founding members of the parish and their two oldest daughters (Mary Beth and Patty) were students the first year MIS opened. All 10 of the Brandt children attended and graduated from MIS.

All four of Rita and Scott’s children attended MIS from K-8 and continued on through Catholic High schools.

The Ford’s four children attended MIS from K-8 and went on to attend Catholic high schools.

Sam, who is 29 years old, graduated from Franciscan University with a degree in Theology and Catechetics. He, his wife Sarah and their baby daughter, Marion, live in Kansas City, MO where Sam works as a Youth Minister at St. Therese Parish.

Jack, who is 26 years old, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Radio, TV, and Film. He lives and works in Austin as a video game writer.

Max is 20 years old and attends Seattle University where he is studying Creative Writing and Visual Arts.

Their youngest, Grace, is 18 years old and currently attends St. Edwards University where she is studying Theater and Psychology.

Rita and Scott Ford were selected as the Honorary Co-Chairs for the school’s 2022l Heart of Gold Auction because of their love of the parish and school over many years. We know you join us in congratulating them for this honor.

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For more information about the Heart of Gold Auction, click here.

Mustang Roundup - Lisa & Louis Guerra

Lisa and Louis were college sweethearts. After graduating, Lisa taught at DISD for 15 years and Louis grew his family business (Rudy’s Tortillas). They were blessed with three girls. Their two older daughters graduated from St. Monica. Their youngest, Gracie, started at St. Monica but moved to MIS in second grade. Why the move? They valued the nurturing environment, felt more at home, and appreciated MIS’ reputation for solid high school prep.

During their seven years at MIS, Lisa volunteered as a room parent, served on the Auction committee and helped with bulletin boards around the school. Her warm smile is remembered even three years later.

Louis and Gracie Guerra with Coach Matt Brandt and the rest of the Mustangs after winning the DPL Championship!

From 2016 through 2019, Louis coached Gracie’s basketball team with fellow MIS dad, and current SAC President Matt Brandt. “It was great to see the girls mature as a team and work together,” he said. His favorite MIS memory was when the team won the DPL championship in 2018.

After graduating in 2019 from MIS, Gracie attended her dream high school, Ursuline, where she continues to play basketball with fellow MIS graduate Caroline Brandt. “It’s great seeing ‘my girls’ still playing together,” Louis said.

Louis with “his girls” Caroline Brandt (left) and Gracie (right).

The Guerras said MIS prepared Gracie well for Ursuline.  “She continues to excel in English, Math and Science because of the solid foundation provided by MIS,” they said.  “She’s unafraid of the hard subjects and looks forward to continuing this interest into her college studies.”

The Guerras consider themselves fortunate to have had the resources to send all of their girls to Catholic schools. They are proud of the strong women they’ve become who are well prepared for even higher education and careers.  

The family has always been passionate about education. Through their business, the Guerras established endowments at Jesuit, Ursuline and the University of North Texas. After retiring, Louis and Lisa decided to continue their passion at Mary Immaculate School.

During his 31 years at Rudy’s Tortillas, Louis employed many first generation Americans who helped the business become the success it is today. He and Lisa have seen, first-hand, the impact education has toward economic advancement and better opportunities. As Catholics, the Guerras feel strongly about sharing their blessings with others. “Lisa and I believe this fund is our legacy of giving back to those who have supported us,” Louis said.

“MIS is tremendously grateful to Lisa and Louis for their generosity and passion,” said Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro. “This new fund will help many who would otherwise not be able to afford Catholic education.”

The MIS Tuition Assistance Fund acts like an endowment. The Guerras seeded this Fund, managed by The Catholic Foundation, with $50,000. Once it reaches $100,000, disbursements will be made between three to five percent annually.

We know the MIS community joins us in thanking the Guerra family for creating this Fund and helping us provide a solid, Catholic education to our community.

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For more information about the MIS Tuition Assistance Fund, contact the Development Director Kim Guidry Speirs at 972-243-7105, ext. 151 or kspeirs@mischool.org. To help, you can donate by clicking here and selecting “Tuition Endowment” or mailing a check to the Development Office of MIS at 14032 Dennis Ln., Farmers Branch TX 75234.

Mustang Roundup - Zang Family Flying High!

1984 MIS Graduate Mike Zang earned the Guinness World Record for most sky dives (500) within 24 hours in 2001.

“Jump (for my love)” was one of the top songs in 1984. MIS Class of 1984 graduate Mike Zang must have taken that song to heart as just 17 years later, he earned a Guinness World Record for making the most sky dives (500) within 24 hours. Not only that, but he is a Boeing 787 pilot with United and owns a landscaping business. Oh, and did we mention that he and his wife Trish have been fixtures at Mary Immaculate School since 2003 sending all four of their children here?

“MIS has high standards and that laid a firm foundation for the rest of my life,” Mike said. “I still use the study skills I learned at MIS when studying for my check rides!”

Mike attended MIS from 1975 until he graduated in 1984. When he returned to MIS as a parent, he coached soccer, basketball, and helped with the Mary Immaculate Dads (MIDs). Trish was a 17-year Room Parent (yes, 17 years), 2008 Auction chair, PTC president, and PTC Vice President. She continues to volunteer at the school even though her children have all graduated.

The Zangs have four children: Abigail Zang Powell (Class of 2012), Nicholas (Class of 2015), Rachel (Class of 2017) and Andrew (Class of 2019).

After leaving MIS, Abigail graduated from JPII High in 2016 and Texas A&M in 2019. She and her husband, Joe Powell, recently delivered their first son (Michael Joseph) who will soon be baptized at Mary Immaculate church. She is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and plans to move back to Texas so their son can attend MIS.

Nicholas graduated from Jesuit in 2019 and is working toward a degree in Sports Management and business at Texas A&M. He is currently serving as president of the corporation that runs Aggie Bonfire.

Rachel graduated from JPII High earlier this year and currently attends Stephen F. Austin. She found her calling to be an elementary teacher from a very early age because of the love the teachers at MIS show for their students.

While he was still a student at MIS, Andrew began playing hockey at Jesuit, a role he continues today as a junior. He is a honor student and member of National Honor Society there and hopes to play hockey in college.

We know you join with us in congratulating Mike and Trish on their World record, but even more for the great job they’ve done raising an amazing family!

The Zang family: Andrew, Mike, Abigail, Nicholas, Trish and Rachel.