Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted nearly every in-person activity from March 2020 through June 2021, many schools, including De La Salle Collegiate, continued their fundraising efforts virtually. 

For Star of the Sea’s Grade School, in Grosse Pointe Woods, pastored by Msgr. Gary Smetanka, DLS ‘74, the annual school in-person gala and auction became an online event in 2020.

Gregory M. DeMars, DLS ‘00, who attended Star of the Sea and recently moved back to his old neighborhood near the school, participated in the auction, bidding on the opportunity to fly a flag of his choice on the school’s flagpole. 

DeMars, whose 3-year-old is enrolled at Star’s pre-school this fall, invited family and friends to Star on Friday, August 27, 2021, for the flag-raising.

 Gregory M. DeMars, '00 and DLS President Larry Rancilio, '86. 

Photo (L to R) Mrs. Meghan Carter (OLSOS Principal), Phyllis DeMars (Greg's mother), Andrew Cracchiolo '07 and his daughter, Greg DeMars and his daughter, Gregory J. DeMars (Greg's father), Don Jaeger, '01, and Msgr. Gary Smetanka, '74. Phyllis DeMars attended and taught at Star of the Sea, her children and nephews attended Star (including Andrew pictured here).