The newest face at NDA is Mr. Phil Kuenzi, who replaces Ms. Annie Eisley in a support role for James Bosco. Ms. Eisley will soon be having surgery.  Bosco, clever as always, decided to interview Mr. Kuenzi for his weekly journalism story.  Earlier this year, Mr. Kuenzi was a long-term sub for Mr. Lagermann, who had hip replacement surgery.

Q. Where are you from?

A. I was born and raised in Manitowoc, WI.

Q.Where did you go to college/study?

A. My first two years of college I attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE. My junior year I transferred to Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, where I graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy. I also enjoy working with technology so I took several computer science courses as well.

Q. What is your dream job?

A. I’m still trying to figure that out.  Many of my recent positions had something to do with teaching, such as tennis instruction, substitute teaching and youth ministry.  I enjoy working in an instructional environment, so I wouldn’t be surprised if teaching becomes a large part of my career.

Q. Do you have any hobbies?

A. I enjoy music, movies, and sports like most people.  Tennis is my favorite sport. Throughout my high school and college years I played competitively but now I mostly play for recreation or instructional purposes as a tennis coach.  Musical instruments I know how to play include the piano and saxophone, and I’m in the process of learning to play the guitar. I also spend time building computers and working with computer programming.

Q. What are your favorite summer activities?

A. Plenty of tennis keeps me busy throughout the summer months.  Most summers are spent working as a tennis camp counselor/instructor at tennis camps.  This has been by far my favorite job; I get to teach and play tennis all day out in the summer sun and hang out with friends in the evenings.

Q. What led you to your current position at Notre Dame Academy?

A. I am indebted to Mr. Lagermann for my time here at NDA.  He recommended me to sub for his classes while he was away for hip surgery.  I knew Mr. Lagermann from several years ago when I competed against the NDA tennis team which he coached at the time.

Q. What is your relationship to Mr. Masarik?

A. I had the privilege of having Mr. Masarik as my high school band director during my underclassmen years at Roncalli High School.  His heavy and skilled persuasion convinced me to take up the bari saxophone for the remainder of my high school years.