The Archdiocese of Detroit recently honored six De La Salle faculty and staff members for their years of service. The group was honored during halftime of the CHSL A-B Championship football game between De La Salle and UDJ on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Ford Field in Detroit. Teachers are recognized in five-year increments. 

The group includes

Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, (10 years). Brother Ken is the current principal of DLS, and previously taught at St. Cunegunda in Detroit and at Everest Academy. In addition to teaching overseas in Papua, New Guinea, Brother Ken also taught in Buffalo, Syracuse, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Philadelphia. The 1984 alumnus returned to DLS in 2016, before taking on the Principal position in August 2020. 

Jon Hickey (15 years). Hickey is a member of the DLS Counseling Department. He joined the DLS Faculty in 2007. 

Joseph Gerardi (20 years). Gerardi joined DLS in 2016. He is currently Director of Operations (Transportation, Cafeteria, Building, Security, and Information Technology). He has teaching experience at DLS, Mercy High School, Shrine High School, and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. Gerardi has taught Theology as well as French, and has held various administrative roles.

Elaine Gagnon (40 years). Gagnon joined the DLS faculty in 1989 and is a member of the Math Department. Prior to DLS, Gagnon taught at Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School in Detroit. 

Mike Jolly (40 years plus). Jolly has been at DLS since 1974, in various capacities. He served on the coaching staffs of various DLS sports for many years, initiated the DLS lacrosse program, and served as Athletic Director. He also taught Psychology. Jolly currently chairs the Veterans’ Wall Committee, and heads the weekly Sportsmen’s Club. Jolly was the 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree. 

Vicki Granger (50 years). Granger joined the DLS faculty in 1982, following service at Bishop Gallagher, Dominican, and Servite (Principal) High Schools. Granger headed the DLS English Department, taught AP Language and Composition, and initiated the Journalism class. From 1995-2004, Granger was Director of Academic Affairs. She took on the school website in 2001, and joined the Advancement Department in 2004. For many years, Granger handled all school communications, including the website, social media accounts, parent and alumni newsletters, and the Collegiate magazine, as well as public relations with local media outlets and local grade schools. She continues to work in the Advancement Department, primarily on the Collegiate magazine, as well as writing stories for the school website. Granger was the 2019 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree. 

Photo (L. to R.):

Mrs. Vicki Granger (and her granddaughter Abbie, daughter of Brian Granger, '99), Ms. Elaine Gagnon, Mr. Mike Jolly, Mr. Joe Gerardi, Mr. Jon Hickey, and Br. Ken Kalinowski.