On February 16, 2022, De La Salle Collegiate President Larry Rancilio, ‘86, headlined an evening presentation for faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the school, with a “State of the School” panel that included other key personnel. 

Presented both in-person at the Bill Fox Gymnasium, and via live stream, the entire group of speeches is available on video on the DLS YouTube Channel. 

Rancilio also noted that the Brillati Family has been selected as the 2022 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree.

Additionally, Rancilio announced that DLS is embarking on a strategic plan over the next several months, and asked for all alumni, parents, and friends of the school to provide input on a survey. 

In addition to Rancilio, Board Chair Jack Brusewicz, ‘77, spoke about the role of the Board as the governing body of the school. Consisting of a variety of alumni and friends of the school, as well as Brothers from the District of Eastern North America (DENA), the Board has four standing committees, as well as the authority to select the president. As Board Chair, Brusewicz represents the Board to outside parties. 

Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84, described the Lasallian accreditation process, completed in the fall, and shared highlights from the assessment committee. Over the last two years, nearly 30 students have received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, or Confirmation while enrolled at DLS with the help of the Campus Ministry Program. He noted that there are class retreats for all grade levels, in addition to the Kairos Retreat program, noted by many alumni as a highlight of their high school years. 

Brother Ken also described numerous service opportunities, including food drives, tutoring, and assistance at Detroit inner-city parishes.

With the assistance of the Warren Police Department, DLS has revamped its Crisis Drills in an effort to improve response, especially in light of the Oxford High School shootings. 

Additionally, Brother Ken reviewed the school’s grading system, eligibility for participation, and the number of students in the National Honor Society and in Advanced Placement classes. Brother Ken said 212 students are currently enrolled in an AP class, and 127 students are in two or more AP courses. 

Zach Issa, ‘09, Director of Admissions, reported that there is currently a 40% increase in applications for the Class of 2026, compared to the same time period last year. Additionally, approximately 30 students have transferred to DLS during the 2021-2022 school year. 

Issa also reported that the Pilot for a Day visits, suspended during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID, have been extremely successful, with over 160 visits thus far. The Admissions Office has also held three future Pilot Appreciation nights, with over 100 future students and their families in attendance. 

The addition of three new buses will also help DLS expand its footprint. 

Director of Advancement Greg Esler reported that despite the hardships of COVID-19, the Advancement Department has had numerous successes, including an increase in revenues from Giving Tuesday, the Annual Raffle, the Christian Brothers’ Dinner, and charitable donations from various individuals. 

Additionally, five new endowed scholarship funds have been created, including ones established by Tim Grajewski, ‘63, the family of Alexander Scapini, ‘16, Dan Loepp, ‘75, Larry Rancilio, ‘86, and past De La Salle parent Wally Ozog.   

Esler noted that in the school’s existence there have been three seven-figure donations, two of which have been acquired in the last year alone.   

The Advancement Department has also organized the Evening of Delights, the 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the Military Wall of Honor Dedication Ceremony, and the Loepp Family Foundation Pilot Center and Dedication Ceremony. 

Marta Rhea-Johnson, Director of Diversity and Inclusion (DEI), noted a variety of initiatives. 

Rhea-Johnson described how a DEI committee, including parents, alumni, and board members, took time to review the school’s activities and created a strategic plan. Among the activities are professional development sessions on DEI for faculty and staff, a monthly “brown bag” lunch workshop, and monthly cultural celebrations. 

Rhea-Johnson has also introduced a variety of professional growth projects. She also leads an effort to gather a variety of information to make data-driven decisions. 

Dan Rohn, Director of Athletics, described his focus on ensuring that the coaching staff focuses on respect, faith, inclusivity, and a quality athletic experience. He noted the improvements in facilities in the school’s weight room, as well as athletic facilities at the Brother Robert Activity Center (BRAC). 

Rohn also praised his associate athletic directors, Andy Crowley and Dennis Parks, as well as the athletic trainers, and athletic information director Vito Chirco. 

Additionally, Rohn has worked with community organizations to establish relationships to expand the school’s reach.

Rohn and his team also headed the 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, the Evening of Delights fundraiser, and worked closely with the DLS Dads' Club. Working with the Advancement Department, his Athletics team has raised over $200,000 for athletic needs.