SMCA Alumni of the Year: - St. Michael's Academy

Trumpet
The
Winter 2007
SMCA
Alumni of
the Year:
Molly Mooney (‘92)
is “living the mission”

2006-07
FACULTY, STAFF AND
ADMINISTRATION
Marc Addington, Jay Arellano,
Billy Austin, Eric Barrera,
Toni Bravo, Nancy Buchanan,
Sally Clark-Raphael, Ruth Cook,
Mitch Coslet, Michael Coury,
Jeff Coward, Ryan Crowley,
Veronica Cunningham,
Chantal de Alcuaz, Daniel Diffen,
Anna Dilley, Margaret Dunaway,
Betsy Fredrickson, Becky Frost,
Stephanie Gioia, Mark Glowacz,
Betty Golde, Cyndi Gornick,
Jill Graham, Heidi Gray,
Dorothy Harper, Rae Harrison,
Donald Haynes, Melissa Henwood,
Laura Issen, Chloe Justice,
Kim Kennemer, Lori Kirby,
Ivan Klousia, Charlotte Knepp,
David Koch, Susan Kohagen,
Kami Land, Meredith Layton,
Susan Maher, Barbara Marshall,
Mike Marshall, Ed McCabe,
Rev. Jim McDonough,
Brian Moreland, Mike Myers,
Angela Parsons, Wade Pellerin,
Kelly Perez, Kirk Porter,
Paula Priour, Christyana Ramirez,
Ayne Ray, Sharon Scamardo,
Patrice Scheier, Calvin Schiraldi,
J. C. Shakespeare, Erin Shuley,
Elizabeth Sims, Mackey Smith,
Darrell Sullivan, Holly Talle,
Augie Tijerina, Patricia Torrey,
Dora Villafranca,
George Waguespack,
Jasmeen Waliany, Penny Weibly,
Reed Winegar, Cheryl Winkler,
Chuck Yarling
Cover: Pictured are Molly Mooney, RN (left)
with co-worker, Maggie Carter, RN (right)
caring for a patient.
Photo courtesy of Marc Swendner.
2 • The Trumpet
Contents
22
SMCA Alumnae Returning the “Gift”: Diana
Harden (’01) is one of several SMCA Alumnae
dedicated to Catholic education.
24
Class of 1996 Celebrates 10-Year Reunion:
Dr. Coury visits with Meredith Hight (’96)
during this year’s Homecoming.
3 Letter from the President
| Crusader Highlights |
4 St. Michael’s Recognizes Young
Scholars
5 New Buses Provide Reliable
Transportation, Serve As
“Moving Billboards”
5 Are You Receiving the eTrumpet?
6 Fall Sports Review
8 A Profile on the English Department
10 NHS and Faculty Receive Recognition
12 Four Receive Prestigious Award from
St. Michael’s
14 Student Notes: A Sampling of Student
Accomplishments
15 Drama Students Bring “Our Town”
to Austin
8
English Department Spotlight:
Department Chair Paula Priour
leads a strong team of talented
and dedicated English teachers.
23
St. Michael’s Alumni of
the Year, Molly Mooney:
Read about her
| Spirit of Giving |
16 20th Annual Crusader Classic
18 Touching Hearts Through Community
Service
19 Why Give to the Annual Appeal?
19 Mark Your Calendars for the
Denim & Diamonds Gala!
20 Campus Enhancement Plan
| Alumni News |
contributions to health care
and the community.
22 SMCA Alumnae Returning the “Gift”
23 Molly Mooney Receives Alumni of the
Year Award
24 Class of 1996 Celebrates 10-Year
Reunion
25 Class Notes

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends of St. Michael’s:
Letter
from the President
The start of the new calendar year signifies the dawn of a new era for St. Michael’s Catholic Academy.
Followers of our school already know that we have set new records this year for enrolling our largest freshman
class (139) and our largest total enrollment—465 strong. With our self-imposed average class size limit of
18 to 1, we anticipate reaching our current capacity of 500 students in the 2007-08 academic year.
The Board of Trustees has been reviewing a number of scenarios for the future. Trustees
know that the demand for the St. Michael’s experience is stronger than ever. They also
know that the caliber of youngsters desiring to attend our Catholic high school is equally
as strong. If St. Michael’s is to remain true to its mission, then we simply must expand our
facilities to prepare for this unprecedented growth. Otherwise, we will be forced to deny
capable students the opportunity to take on the rigors of a college preparatory program of
studies in a faith-filled environment.
As we expand our facilities, it is also important that we take into consideration some of
the current shortcomings we have. Most schools—elementary and secondary—provide
students with a proper place to eat their lunch. We do not. Most high schools have suitable
facilities for showcasing student performances in music and drama. We do not. Most
private institutions have a handsome endowment fund that yields needed revenue to sustain and enhance
programs. We do not.
It is our vision that St. Michael’s becomes the college-preparatory school-of-choice in Austin and the
premier Catholic high school in the State of Texas. Completing the campus enhancement plan as shown
on pages 20 and 21 will position us to achieve our vision and to solidify our mission of preparing the whole
student for leadership, service and decision-making that is consistent with Catholic values.
With the above in mind, trustees held a special work session on a Saturday morning in late December. During
this meeting, trustees approved a resolution to “embark on a capital campaign to raise funds to enhance
and expand St. Michael’s facilities and grounds to address basic needs while also accommodating
enrollment growth.” The resolution also calls for “increasing the endowment in order to maintain
and strengthen the Institution so that we may better fulfill our mission of providing quality Catholic
education to a diverse student body.”
In a few months, all members of our school family will have the opportunity to invest in the future of
St. Michael’s and our students when the capital campaign is officially launched. In the meantime, I ask for
your prayers that we be successful as we enter the dawn of a new era for St. Michael’s.
Wishing the best for you and for the family that is St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, I am,
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael J. Coury
President
Winter 2007 • 3

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St. Michael’s recognizes
Young
Scholars Above:
From Catholic Middle Schools
Above: (From left to right) Macey Isaacs, Francesca Cimino, Adrian Prado,
Adrian Gomez, David Cruz, Jacob Navarro, Zachary Ojeda, Grace McElhenny,
Kara Nassour, Alice Schneider, Elliott Petterson, and Sandra Allegre.
Twelve students from seven Catholic elementary schools in the
Austin area were honored last spring at a Scholarship Reception
and Dinner at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. Five students each
received a $2,000 Presidential Scholarship; seven students each
received a $1,000 Principal’s Scholarship. This marked the second
year that the awards have been given by St. Michael’s Catholic
Academy to incoming freshman students.
“We have always been fortunate to have outstanding youngsters apply
for admission to St. Michael’s,” commented Dr. Michael J. Coury,
the school’s president. “We wanted to recognize and honor a select
group of students who have already distinguished themselves in a
number of areas.”
4 • The Trumpet
Recipients of the Presidential Scholarships were
students who possessed not only outstanding academic
credentials, but also exhibited strong leadership and
service qualities while maintaining a proven record of
involvement in clubs and activities. The five students
receiving this prestigious award were: David M. Cruz from Holy
Family Catholic School; Grace E. McElhenny from St. Louis Catholic
School; Kara M. Nassour from Cathedral School of St. Mary; Elliott M.
Petterson from St. Theresa’s Catholic School; and, Alice A. Schneider
from St. Austin Catholic School.
Principals in each of the seven Catholic elementary schools were
invited to nominate one outstanding student for a Principal’s
Scholarship. “We wanted to include our colleagues in the elementary
schools in this selection process,” remarked Coury. “They are in a
better position to identify some of the stars in their schools.”
Recipients of the Principal’s Scholarships were: Sandra C. Allegre,
St. Theresa’s Catholic School, Mrs. Gloria Thomas, Principal;
Macey E. Isaacs, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, Dr. Judith Knotts,
Head of School; Adrian M. Prado, Holy Family Catholic School,
Mrs. Falba Turner, Principal; Zachary E. Ojeda, St. Louis Catholic
School, Mrs. Carolyn C. O’Connell, Principal; Francesca S.
Cimino, St. Austin Catholic School, Mr. John Cisneros, Principal;
Jacob C. Navarro, Cathedral School of St. Mary, Mr. David
O’Connell, Principal; and Adrian M. Gomez, St. Ignatius Martyr
School, Mr. Todd A. Blahnik, Principal.
These 12 recipients
joined 127 other
students from the
Catholic elementary
schools and other
private and public
schools in the Austin
area to complete the
largest freshman class
at St. Michael’s.
Adrian Prado with his parents Theresa and Javier Prado.
Above: Macey Issacs with her parents Jim and Cindy Isaacs.

New Buses Provide Reliable Transportation,
“Moving
Serve As
Billboards”
While driving around town or throughout
Central Texas, you may have noticed
the “moving billboards” promoting St.
Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin,
Texas. These are the two new buses
purchased last summer to help meet the
needs of a growing student population.
Each bus can transport up to
24 passengers, and they are
used daily as part of the
school’s transportation system.
With students attending St. Michael’s
coming from 49 different zip codes,
many rely on the school’s transportation
system. “Our students pay a nominal
fee to ride the buses,” noted Business
Manager Nancy Buchanan. “We currently
have eight different pick-up/drop-off
locations.”
When the new vehicles were delivered to
the school, they were the standard white
color. It was up to the school to determine
what insignia to place on the buses. “We
saw this as an opportunity to place our
‘brand’ on the new buses,” commented
school President Michael Coury.
“These buses are moving billboards,
and we wanted them to convey a positive
impression for St. Michael’s.” He turned
this task over to Development Director
Cyndi Gornick and her staff.
“We literally went out and took
photos of similar vehicles from other
organizations,” remarked Gornick. “We
went through several design stages
before selecting lettering and striping
that we thought would be appropriate
for our school.”
On the front of each bus, the letters
SMCA are displayed at the top. The
rear door has the school logo and
vehicle number. Each side reads
“St. Michael’s Catholic Academy” and
contains attractive striping. Since the
buses transport students to numerous
out-of-town events, the words “Austin,
Texas” were added in smaller lettering
on both sides. This “brand” will also
be applied to a similar vehicle owned
by the school, and it will be used again
when additional buses are purchased.
The school will purchase another new
bus next year as part of an ongoing plan
to update its fleet of vehicles. Like the
growing enrollment, the number of
“moving billboards” will continue to
increase—spreading the good news that
is St. Michael’s Catholic Academy.
Above: Sandra Allegre (9) arrives at school on one of the new SMCA buses.
Are You receiving the
eTrumpet?
Get the inside news quicker by receiving
our electronic newsletter–the eTrumpet.
This communication tool enables us to
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basis, bringing Crusader news right to
your inbox. If you are not yet receiving
the eTrumpet and would like to be
added to the distribution list, please
notify us by sending your name and
e-mail address to Elizabeth Sims at
esims@smca.com
Winter 2007 • 5

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Fall Sports Review
Football
The St. Michael’s Crusaders enjoyed another strong football season
in 2006. Coach Ed McCabe welcomed 81 players in the program,
the largest number in school history. The varsity started out
strong, winning its first five games as they posted wins over Hyde
Park, St. Andrew’s and three area public schools. Included in the
victories was a thrilling 28-21 come-from-behind win at Florence
High School. Although the Crusaders ended the season with a 5-5
record, the team was competitive throughout.
The Crusaders put up some strong offensive numbers this year,
led by the quarterback/receiver tandem of Patrick McGettigan and
Lanham Bass. McGettigan threw for 24 touchdown passes, while
only giving up two interceptions. Bass was on the receiving end of 13
of the scoring tosses, while hauling in 75 catches for 1008 yards. On
Above: Assistant Coach Dan Daniel discusses game plan with Garrett Grief (11).
6 • The Trumpet
the ground, Azim Hajjar rushed for 680 yards in just eight games.
Carson Caballero and Robert Frost led the charge on the offensive
line. Miguel Barrera handled the kicking chores for the fourth
consecutive year. His field goal of 48 yards was one of the longest
in the area this season. Defensively, linebacker David Bregger led a
very young group of players. Also providing strong defensive play
were linebacker Preston Day and safety Joey Bishop.
Receiving postseason recognition are 1st team All-District
performers McGettigan, Caballero, Bass, and Barrera. Bass and
Barrera were also named to 2nd team All-State, while Caballero and
McGettigan were named Honorable Mention All-State performers.
The future looks bright for the Crusaders as the JV and Freshman
teams had a combined 9-2 record.

Above: Senior Ally Buitron prepares to return volley.
Volleyball
The Lady Crusader volleyball team continued its strong
showing in the private school ranks as it continued to
be a playoff mainstay within the Texas Association of
Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Coach Kim Kennemer,
in her first year at St. Michael’s, led the team to a 22-16 record.
The Lady Crusaders finished second in district, with a season
highlight being a big district win over the eventual state champion,
Antonian High School. The team also logged a fourth place finish
in the Hutto Tournament.
The team was paced by senior captains Charlotte Ferraro and
Ally Buitron. Both were named 1st team All-District selections,
along with junior Kaley Stich. Second team honors were given
to Madison McMahon, Erin Keller, and Samara Atwood, with
Bronwyn Tyler getting honorable mention recognition. Ferraro
was named 1st team All-State, while Buitron received 2nd team
All-State recognition. Atwood was named to the All-Tournament
team in Hutto.
Cross Country Team members
pose during a tournament;
Elliot Petterson (9), Mike
Mitchell (10), Megan Zagger
(10), Megan McCabe (10), and
Kristen Adams (12).
Cross Country
The cross country program continued
to grow and improve this year under
the direction of 1st year coach
Angelique Cunningham. This year’s
team had many strong showings
throughout the year, with the girls’
team placing fourth in the Llano meet
and the boys’ placing fifth at Cedar
Park and third in the Georgetown
meet. At the state meet, both the
boys and girls finished in the top ten
for the first time since 2003. Leading
the way at state for the girls were
Maria Chronis, Randi Mosvick, and
Kristen Adams. The boys were paced
by Augie Alcalá, David Rodriguez,
and Sean Welleck. MVP honors went
to Adams and Rodriguez.
Above: Students cheer enthusiastically for the Crusaders.
Above: Veronica Donley (11), Katie Kellerman (11), Victoria Ontiberos (9),
Taylor McCausland (11), and Emerie Guerra (10) at a home game.
Above: The Crusaders charge the field.
Winter 2007 • 7

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A Profile on the
English
Department
Above: Mr. J.C. Shakespeare displays a book
symbolizing his career and his famous shared name.
“ Writing is how students connect
the dots in their knowledge.”
—The National Commission on Writing
One of the cornerstones of any successful
secondary school is a strong English
Department. Students at St. Michael’s
benefit daily from the instruction and
guidance they receive from a capable,
talented and dedicated English faculty.
All students at St. Michael’s are required
to complete four years of English. Courses
range from the basic English core to
honors and Advanced Placement level
courses. A Creative Writing course is
taught as an elective, and an Honors Thesis
class is offered as well. “The English
Department aims to provide diverse
learning opportunities for our entire
student population so they can develop
the character, knowledge and skills to
succeed at the college level and beyond,”
commented school Principal Sharon
Scamardo.
8 • The Trumpet
Six faculty members teach in the English
Department. They are led by Department
Chair Paula Priour, now in her 17th year
as a faculty member at St. Michael’s.
Two members have doctorate degrees in
English—Dr. Laura Issen and Dr. Penny
Weibly. All members of the department
brought previous teaching experiences
with them when they were first hired to
teach at St. Michael’s. (See inset.) Other
members of the department are Ms.
Stephanie Gioia, Mr. J.C. Shakespeare
and Ms. Holly Talle. All members share a
passion for their students and for literature
and writing.
Perhaps the most defining quality of
this department is the faculty’s candid
and natural support of one another. The
English Department, though conducting
separate classes, works very effectively
as a team. When you see these teachers
together, it is apparent that they have
adopted a group approach to education
while maintaining their individuality.
“The department emulates the sense of
community St. Michael’s is known for
offering its students,” commented Scamardo.
Priour cites shared intellectual
stimulation and support as
distinguishing characteristics
of her colleagues. They share
“love of subject matter, love of
writing, and a philosophical
bent toward rigor in the
curriculum and rigor in
thinking,” Priour said. For
Priour, teaching at St. Michael’s
has provided her with what she
describes as the “high point of
my life.” She has been able to
teach all three of her children—Chloe (’99),
Stuart (’01) and Jonah (’05).
Teachers in the English Department
have a genuine passion for their work
and a commitment to the growth
and development of their students.
“It is the ‘ah-ha’ moments of understanding
in students that are the most rewarding
part of my job,” said J.C. Shakespeare. “That
little flash of light that flickers in their
Above: Dr. Laura Issen instructs an English class.

Below: Ms. Holly Talle, Dr. Laura Issen, Mrs. Paula Priour, Ms. Stephanie Gioia, Mr. J.C. Shakespeare and
Dr. Penny Weibly.
“It is the ‘ah-ha’ moments of
understanding in students that are
the most rewarding part of my job.”
eyes when a new level of understanding
suddenly opens up for them.” Learning
effective communication skills in speaking,
listening, writing and reading not only
prepares students for college, it also equips
them with skills for life.
The reach of the English faculty extends
beyond the English Department. The
school established a Writing Center four
years ago to assist students with the skill
of writing. “This is really a benefit to
every student and faculty member at St.
Michael’s,” noted Priour. “The skill of
writing is important to all disciplines.”
The Writing Center has proven
to be a wonderful asset for the
students at St. Michael’s. One-onone
assistance is provided by writing
experts—the English faculty—and students
seek their help for assignments ranging
from seniors writing college essays to
freshmen looking for assistance with their
theology papers.
School officials recognize the added time
demand on English teachers to read and
provide adequate feedback to students
on their written work. School President
Michael Coury commented, “We have
English
Department
Faculty
Ms. Stephanie Gioia
B.A., University of Dayton
First year at SMCA
(Previously taught in Ohio and texas)
Dr. Laura Issen
B.A., the University of texas at Austin
Ph.D., the University of texas at Austin
Fourth year at SMCA
(Previously taught on collegiate level in texas)
Mrs. Paula Priour
B.A., Cedarville College
Seventeenth year at SMCA
(Previously taught in Ohio)
Mr. J.C. Shakespeare
B.A., Hofstra University
Fifth year at SMCA
(Previously taught in texas)
Ms. Holly Talle
B.A., the University of texas at Austin
Second year at SMCA
(Previously taught in texas)
Dr. Penny Weibly
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., the University of texas at Austin
Ph.D., the University of texas at Austin
Sixth year at SMCA
(Previously taught in texas)
adjusted the teaching load for our English
teachers—they instruct four classes instead
of the customary five—to reduce their
student load and give them a better
opportunity to assess the writing of their
students.” As a trade-off, each English
teacher is now available to staff the Writing
Center during one of their non-class
periods.
This collegial partnership between faculty
and administration is a hallmark of the
St. Michael’s experience that places
students first!
Winter 2007 • 9

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NHS and Faculty Receive
Recognition
Scholarship, Leadership, Service and
Character—these qualities describe an
exceptional group of students making
up a nationwide society of achievers. St.
Michael’s Catholic Academy is proud to
have inducted 27 new members into this
prestigious group, the National Honor
Society. The newest members were
inducted into the Altus Chapter of NHS
during an all-school ceremony on the
morning of November 10.
The ceremony opened with a beautiful
rendition of “the Star Spangled Banner”
sung by SMCA student Juliette Cannata.
A gymnasium full of supportive parents,
students, faculty and staff watched as
candles representing the four pillars of
NHS were lit by the student leadership.
Each honoree was presented with a pin
and a certificate by school President,
Dr. Michael Coury, and by Principal and
NHS Moderator, Sharon Scamardo. The
new inductees then recited the society’s
pledge. The ceremony concluded with the
St. Michael’s fight song and a reception for
inductees and their parents.
Each year, a faculty council reviews studentsubmitted
applications to determine which
students will join the society. The National
Honor Society chooses its members based
on a student’s outstanding performance
in the areas of scholarship, service,
10 • The Trumpet
Above: Matthew Motl (11) receives his certificate of membership and pin from Dr. Coury.
Current Members of NHS and 2006-2007 Officers
Officers:
President – Claire Williams • Vice President – Cristina Landa • Secretary – Mary Smith • treasurer – Christopher Ciani,
Service Coordinator – Cassidy Kist • Sergeant at Arms – Sean Dehan
Members:
Miguel Barrera, Bobby Bishop, Stephen Butler, Andrew Cantu, Christopher Ciani, erin Crowley, Larissa D’Abreu, Sean Dehan, Shannon Flood, Matthew ingram,
Ashleigh Johnson, Cassidy Kist, Cristina Landa, Kathleen McCabe, Michelle Palmer, thao Linh Phan, Michael Pratte, Patrick ring, George robalino,
Jacqueline romanies, teresa Seale, Christina Skaliks, Mary (Molly) Smith, eric Varner, Claire Williams, nicole Zschiesche

Below: Dr. Coury presents Guidance Counselor Betsy Fredrickson with her Five-Year
Award.
leadership and character. St. Michael’s
students must maintain a grade point
average of 3.5 or above to be considered for
NHS. Including the 27 new members, the
SMCA Altus Chapter of the National Honor
Society now consists of 53 students.
Students inducted were: Kristen Adams,
Alyssa Dailey, Timothy DuVarney, Joshua
Geisinger, Brett Harper, Kerry Hillis,
John Hoffman, Andrea Janowski, Jennifer
Lopez, Lloyd Loredo, Kevin Luecke,
Tawanisia Marion, Lauren McCarthy, Colin
McDonough, Katie Miller, Randi Mosvick,
Matthew Motl, James Muela, James Noble,
Lauren Platt, Natale Steinbauer, Eric
Swartz, Sean Tabbert, Peter Teneriello,
Bronwyn Tyler, Andrew Welleck, and
Claire Wenholz.
The 2006-2007 NHS officers were also
sworn-in during this ceremony: President
– Claire Williams; Vice President – Cristina
Landa; Secretary – Mary Smith; Treasurer
– Christopher Ciani; Service Coordinator
– Cassidy Kist; and Sergeant at Arms –
Sean Dehan.
Directly following the NHS Induction
ceremony, 10 members of the faculty and
staff were honored for their years of service
at St. Michael’s. Dr. Coury presented
each honoree who was celebrating years
of service with an engraved appreciation
award. The awardees were enthusiastically
received by students, faculty and staff, and
parents attending the ceremony.
Faculty, Staff,
& Administration
Recognized for Years of Service
5 Years of Service or More
Sally Clark-Raphael
Betsy Fredrickson*
Betty Golde*
Heidi Gray*
Donald Haynes*
Ivan Klousia
Susan Maher
Barbara Marshall
* Denotes those recently completing 5 years of service
10 Years of Service or More
Jill Graham
Susan Kohagen
Mike Marshall*
Angela Parsons
Ayne Ray
Sharon Scamardo*
Patrice Scheier
Patricia Torrey*
Penny Weibly*
Cheryl Winkler
Chuck Yarling*
Ed McCabe
Calvin Schiraldi*
* Denotes those recently completing 10 years of service
15 Years of Service or More
David Koch
Mike Myers
Paula Priour
20 Years of Service or More
George Waguespack
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
is proud to have inducted
27 new members into the
National Honor Society.
Bottom right: Kristen Adams (12) with parents Tim and Carmen Adams.
Winter 2007 • 11

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Four Receive Pre
The 2nd Annual President’s
Club Dinner was the setting
for updating guests on the
“state of the school” and
recognizing the 2006 St.
Michael the Archangel Award
recipients. This special event was
held October 4 at the Renaissance
Austin Hotel and was attended by over
125 friends of the school. The event was
a great opportunity to say thank-you
to donors who have made a significant
contribution to St Michael’s in 2005-
2006 and to recognize friends of the
school.
After thanking all guests for their
support of the school, school President
Michael Coury presented the St.
Michael the Archangel Award to four
long-time friends and supporters of
the school. This prestigious award is
given in recognition of an individual’s
outstanding dedication, service and
support of St. Michael’s. Dr. Leonard C.
Dolce, Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P., Msgr.
Richard McCabe, and Mrs. Mary Mokry
were genuinely surprised and touched
as Dr. Coury announced their names,
presented them with their awards, and
described how each had individually
and collectively influenced the growth
of St. Michael’s to help make the school
the success story that it is today.
Dr. Leonard C. Dolce played a key role in the founding of “A
Catholic High School for Austin, Inc.,” aka St. Michael’s Catholic
Academy. He began working on this dream in 1979, and he served
as the initial Chair of the Board of Trustees when the school
officially opened in 1984. Cited for his vision, faith, dedication
and determination, Dr. Coury humbly referred to Dolce as the
“founding father of our school.” Dolce and his wife, Ann, are the
parents of three SMCA graduates—Chris ‘88; Jeff ‘90; and Kate ‘93.
Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P. is a Dominican priest who served as the
Principal of St. Michael’s from 1988-92. During these crucial four
years in the history of our school, Lopez established much needed
credibility with the Catholic community and with the clergy. He
spent his weekends traveling to numerous parishes to say Mass
12 • The Trumpet
Above: Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P., Mrs. Mary Mokry, Dr. Leonard C. Dolce, Dr. Michael Coury, and Msgr. Richard
McCabe.
and to spread the good news about Austin’s Catholic high school.
He also used his Hollywood connections to bring actress Loretta
Young to St. Michael’s.
Msgr. Richard McCabe is a beloved priest whose handprint
can be found on almost every initiative of Catholic life in our
diocese during the past forty years. He has long been a pioneer
and a cheerleader for Catholic education, playing a key role in the
founding of three Catholic schools in Austin-St. Michael’s, St.
Gabriel’s and St. Theresa’s. He is the founding pastor for Emmaus
Catholic Church in Lakeway and the Queen of Angels Chapel in
Spicewood. Although he has reached the mandatory retirement
age for priests, McCabe remains active at St. Michael’s by serving
on our Capital Campaign Planning Committee and by being a guest
Presider at school Masses.

stigious Award
from St. Michael’s
Below: Roseann and Dennis Ciani and Linda and Chris Dehan enjoy the reception at the President’s Club Dinner.
Mrs. Mary Mokry has been a vital member of the SMCA family for
many, many years—long after her youngest child graduated from
St. Michael’s in 1992. She has been a tireless volunteer, serving
as the Manager of the St. Michael’s Thrift Shoppe for these past
16 years. Under her supervision, the Thrift Shoppe has generated
over $1 million in funds for the school! Any student who has ever
attended SMCA since the store was established has benefited
from this subsidy. She and her husband, Bill, are the parents of
two SMCA graduates—Bill ‘87 and Jennifer ‘92.
Each award recipient, in their own way, has made a significant and
lasting impression on St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. The school
is indebted to Dr. Leonard C. Dolce, Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P.,
Msgr. Richard McCabe, and Mrs. Mary Mokry for their dedication
and devotion to the school and its mission.
Bottom right: Mrs. Mary Coury, Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P. and Dr. Michael Coury.
Winter 2007 • 13

q CrUSADer HiGHLiGHtS
Student Notes:
A Sampling of
Student
Accomplishments
George Robalino (senior) was awarded
one of three first place prizes at time Warner
Cable’s Young Director’s Cut competition
for his 30-second PSA, “Don’t Drink and
Drive.” Robalino was also a finalist in
three other categories. Twelve finalists
and three overall winners were honored
in the third annual Young Director’s Cut
contest ceremony. At the September 26
event, attendees had the opportunity to
watch a special screening of the three
winning PSA’s produced by the students.
Several SMCA faculty and staff attended
the ceremony to cheer Robalino on. “We
are very proud of George and all of our
students,” SMCA President Dr. Michael
Coury said. “We aim to acknowledge their
accomplishments both internally within
our school family, as well as externally.”
14 • The Trumpet
Jack Leahy (sophomore) competed
in the texas Forensics Association
competition at Central High School in
San Angelo in november. He won 1st
Place in Humorous Interpretation
and shared the 1st Place award
for Duet Acting. Jack’s Humorous
Interpretation piece is entitled
“Good Evening” and features selections
from skits created by British comedians
Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. Jack’s
parents, Tim and Mary Leahy, have
enjoyed seeing Jack’s talents develop
under Ivan Klousia’s direction. “We’re
grateful that he has the opportunity to
perform on stage with SMCA productions
and represent the school in Texas Forensics
Association tournaments,” Mary said.
Sarah Mullinnix (sophomore) competed
with Jack and won Overall top interpretation
Performer at the tournament.
Carolyn Larochelle (junior) was the winner
of this year’s Design-A-Christmas Card Contest.
The competition is held during the
fall semester and is open to the entire
student body. Students are asked to
submit a design entry that reflects “the
true meaning of Christmas” for the St.
Michael’s Christmas card. Each year, the
winning design is printed and over 600
Christmas cards are sent out to families,
friends, and supporters of St. Michael’s.
The contest winner receives a gift card and
25 cards with his/her winning design for
personal use. Congratulations to Carolyn
for her winning design!
Above: George Robalino (12) poses with his four awards from the Time Warner Cable Young Director’s Cut Contest.
Above: Carolyn Larochelle (11) receives her award for the Designa-Christmas
Card contest from Dr. Coury during an All-School
Assembly.
Eric Varner (senior) received his nomination
to the US Air Force Academy from Congressman
Lamar Smith. Since Eric had already received
his appointment from the US Air Force
Academy, it is now official and he will
be attending military school in the fall.
In their recent communication to Dr.
Coury, Eric’s parents, Kent and Cindy
Varner, commented, “This is a wonderful
testimonial for the St. Michael’s mission
statement. It shows that with hard work
and determination, your dreams can be
fulfilled. Thank you for providing Eric the
basis for this accomplishment.”
Patton Drewett (freshman) participated in
the national Young Leaders State Conference
in September. This intense four-day program
focuses on eight core leadership skills—
communication, conflict resolution,
decision-making, goal-setting, group
dynamics, leadership techniques, project
management and self-awareness. It is
geared toward ninth grade students
readying for this critical phase in their life.

Senior Cristina Landa whisked audience members away
to Grover’s Corners with her lively rendition of the
narrator in this year’s fall play, Our Town, by Thornton
Wilder. Under the direction of Ivan Klousia, SMCA
Drama Director, a cast and crew of 33 students presented three
performances of the play at the Waldorf School auditorium in
October.
Our Town is about life and the people living in Grover’s Corners,
New Hampshire. Throughout the three-part play, audiences
learn details about the town, the families and individuals who
live there, love and marriage, and life and death. The play was
originally published and produced in 1938. It continues to gain
popularity as its themes have proven to transcend time.
“Our Town was challenging for our student actors as many of the
props and scenery items are presented through pantomime,”
Klousia said. “They had
to rely more fully on their
vocal and physical skill as
performers to make the
story and characters clear.
This was a good opportunity
for growth in our acting
program.”
Above: Jack Leahy (10) (left) and Andy Cantu (12) (right).
Left: Teresa Seale (12) (left), Josh Geisinger (11) (right) and Cristina
Landa (12) (background).
Drama
Students Bring
“Our Town”
to Austin
Above: Teresa Seale (12) (left) and Cristina Landa (12) (right).
Some of the featured participants were seniors Teresa Seale as Emily Webb, Juliette
Cannata as Mrs. Gibbs, Andy Cantu as Mr. Webb, Jack Leahy as Simon Stimson and
Larissa D’Abreu as the chief lighting technician. Other key participants included
juniors Brianna Kindell as the student director, Alycia Bagwell as Mrs. Webb, Josh
Geisinger as George Gibbs, Maria del Sol Cordova as Mrs. Morgan and Stefanie Powling
as Mrs. Soams. The production was also made possible by a host of dedicated parent
volunteers.
Winter 2007 • 15

q SPirit OF GiVinG
Above: tom Feo, Donald rojas, Luke Doyle, and Joe Caputo pose for the camera before
the tournament begins.
16 • The Trumpet
St. Michael’s 20th Annual Crusader Classic began the evening
of Sunday, November 5, with a fabulous Sponsor Pre-Party at
the home of Giselle and Steve Rohleder. The next day, over
100 golfers headed to beautiful Lakecliff Country Club for a
fun-filled tournament.
Prior to heading out on the course, everyone enjoyed sack
lunches donated by Mike and Jeanie Haggerty of ThunderCloud
Subs. Throughout the day, players competed in team events as
well as men’s and women’s “closest-to-the-pin” and “longest
drive” competitions. The hole-in-one prize was a chance to
win a brand new 2007 Mazda CX7, sponsored by Mazda South.
The sports car was conveniently parked at the 12th hole.
Throughout the course, volunteers were on hand to help with
the event. On the 8th hole, they enthusiastically sold raffle
tickets for the chance to win a foursome in next year’s Crusader
Classic. Pamela Moore hosted the traveling “mulligan sales
cart” and sales reached an all-time high. School President
Michael Coury could be seen throughout the day as he drove
around the course to thank the players while giving them a bit
of good-natured “heckling.”
Play concluded with a delicious Mexican buffet dinner.
Everyone was given a final opportunity to bid on silent
auction items and then the awards ceremony, emceed by Dr.
Coury, was held. In appreciation for their support, each player
received a St. Michael’s folding chair complete with carry bag
and a hand-rolled cigar sporting the Crusader Classic logo.
St. Michael’s Crusader Classic was made possible thanks
to the generosity of many individuals and companies that
provided sponsorships and made in-kind donations.
Special thanks to Co-Chairs Kyle Day and Laura Slinkard,
Volunteer Chair Wendy Linehan, and the many volunteers
that helped to make the 20th Annual Crusader Classic a
huge success.
Proceeds from this annual event help support the mission of the school.
20th Annual
Crusader Classic
Above: Hutch Bass and Vance Sack watch Chuck Sack line up his putt.
Bottom right: Jim Brown and Steve Rohleder stop to get some pointers from Dr. Coury.

Above: Principal Sharon
Scamardo and husband,
Danny, enjoy the
tournament.
Right: Course Sponsors
Kyle and Bobby Day
welcome players to Lakecliff
Country Club.
Above: Volunteers Pamela
Moore and Lisa Grief sell
mulligans and pass out
cigars during registration.
Right: Volunteers Linda
Tabbert, Kyle Day, Kathy
Brown, Wendy Linehan, and
Nancy Dillingham stop for
the camera.
Tournament Sponsors
Double Eagle Sponsors
Debi & Frank Bracken
Rizzo Construction Inc.
Eagle Sponsor
Land Strategies, Inc.
Birdie Sponsors
CSI / Jill & Chuck Sack
Drenner & Golden Stuart Wolff, LLP/Donald Stuart
Drewett, Kaufmann, and McNamara
Friends of the Lady Crusaders
Garlick, Harrison & Markison, LLP/Bruce Garlick
Hohmann, Taube & Summers, LLP/Guy Hohmann
Ann Marie & Joel Kocher
Loredo Truss Co. /Sonny Loredo
Mazda South / Marla & Steve Tonsi
Catherine & Kevin Morse /Angela & Larry Parsons
Bart Jones, Dr. Chris Dehan, Shaun Maloney,
and Dr. David Reue
Giselle & Steve Rohleder
Donald Rojas
Stepping Stone School /Rhonda & Bill Paver
The County Line /Kim & Skeeter Miller
ThunderCloud Subs /Jeanie & Mike Haggerty
Wells Fargo Bank
Course Sponsor
Lakecliff Country Club /Kyle & Bobby Day
Pre-Party Sponsor
Giselle & Steve Rohleder
Print Sponsor
Quik Print/Teri & Gil Gravley
Beverage Sponsor
Coors of Austin/Renee & Edward Butler
Party Equipment Sponsor
Premiere Tents & Events
Driving Range Sponsor
Austin Orthodontic Specialists/
Michael Dillingham, D.D.S.
Lunch Sponsor
ThunderCloud Subs/Jeanie & Mike Haggerty
Hole Sponsors
Architectural Granite & Marble / Carol & Kelley Wilson
Robin & Jim Brown
CSI / Jill & Chuck Sack
Commercial Texas LLC
Freshmen from St. Francis
Freshmen from St. Louis
Freshmen from St. Theresa
Freshmen from Trinity
The Graydon Family – Galt, Gayla & Cassie
Guaranty Insurance Services, Inc.
Cindy & Jim Isaacs
Mary & Bart Jones
Rita Keenan /Moreland Properties
Learn About Media, Inc. /The Leahy Family
Tara & Carl Mica
Brenda & Hal Shults
The Slinkard Family
Spazio by Lytle Pressley
Charlie Wade & Family
Gifts In Kind
Bobalu Cigar Co. Austin
Mariela Fuenmayor & Michael Bass
Robin Carpenter
Mary & Mike Dailey
Lakecliff Country Club
Lanette, Wallace & Madison Smith
The Cake Plate /Scott Calvert
Winter 2007 • 17

q SPirit OF GiVinG
Touching Hearts
Through Community Service
A guiding principle in Catholic schools
is that we are tasked with the responsibility of
educating the whole person.
While students are in our care, we must touch not only their minds
but also their hearts. This approach enables us to guide students
down the twin pathways of academic excellence and spiritual
strength.
Students at St. Michael’s develop the core value of “service to
others” through many experiences. This includes participating in
an extensive community service program. All students are required
to complete 15 hours of service each year for the “underserved
or disadvantaged,” resulting in 60 hours of service before
graduating. By the time they leave St. Michael’s, many students
have accumulated well over the minimum number of required
service hours.
18 • The Trumpet
Left: Sister Lisa Valentini, MSC, shared stories about her missionary work in the
Dominican Republic.
In addition to students’ individual service hours, a variety of
projects are organized through the school. This provides the
entire student body with many opportunities to come together
and serve as a school community. These projects have included
hosting blood drives for the American Red Cross; visiting families
and children at the Ronald McDonald House; collecting warm
coats and jackets for Coats-for-Kids; donating Halloween candy
to Mobile Loaves and Fishes; collecting canned food for the
Catholic Charities’ Thanksgiving Food Drive; donating toys to the
Austin Children’s Shelter; and wrapping Christmas gifts at Trinity
Episcopal Church for the homeless. “The education our students
are receiving through their community service will last a lifetime,”
said Principal Sharon Scamardo. “When they are able to see the
difficult situations that others are in and understand that a small
act of kindness can make a huge difference, they get it.”
The opportunity to learn about service and “giving back” comes
in many forms – including hearing others’ experiences. Sister
Lisa Valentini, MSC, was a special guest earlier this year at St.
Michael’s. She made a presentation to all theology classes about
her missionary work in the Dominican Republic. Sister Lisa was
an inspiration to many as she passionately shared her experiences
with her words and through music. “Sr. Lisa’s visit was a wonderful
opportunity for our students to meet a person who has dedicated
her life to sharing God’s love and to grow in their awareness of the
global community,” said Chantal de Alcuaz, the Campus Minister
at St. Michael’s.
Students and parents give back to
the St. Michael’s community by
volunteering at the
St. Michael’s
Thrift Shoppe
Sophomore Gahee Kim can be seen volunteering at the Thrift
Shoppe on Saturday mornings.

Why Give to the Annual Appeal?
Above: Seniors Kaitlin Marmonti and Dana Lisenby
share the excitement of calling friends during the
Phonathon.
W
When St. Michael’s Catholic Academy was
established in 1984, our founders and
supporters made a commitment to share
the gift of a St. Michael’s education with
capable students from varied backgrounds.
That legacy has continued for 23 years, as we
currently enroll a diverse student population
from 49 zip codes in the Austin area.
To keep the cost of quality Catholic
education within the reach of more
families, the tuition of every student at
SMCA continues to be subsidized by the
generous support of our many friends.
Today, the gap between per-pupil cost and
the tuition and fees assessed each student
is $738 per year. Please help us bridge that
gap so that we may continue to share the
blessings of a St. Michael’s education with
talented youngsters who have the ability
and desire to take on the rigors of a college
preparatory program of studies in a faithfilled
environment.
You are invited to invest in our students
by making a voluntary contribution to our
Annual Appeal. Your contribution will help
us Fund the Mission by supporting the
ongoing needs of our students. This includes
strengthening faith formation activities;
improving the curriculum; investing in fine
arts and athletic programming; ensuring
technological upgrades; supporting faculty
development; enhancing learning resources;
and providing financial assistance to
deserving students.
If you have not yet had a chance to make your
family’s donation, please consider sending
in your support today. Volunteers will be
making telephone calls in February and will
be happy to accept a donation by phone.
In the meantime, you may also contact the
Development Office at (512) 306-9374.
Don’t forget that although the cost of
tuition is not tax deductible, your donation
to help Fund the Mission is!
Your prayers and financial support for our
students are greatly appreciated.
Other ways you can give to
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
Bequests – Consider a perpetual gift to St. Michael’s. By
including St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in your will, you can be
a part of the education of future generations. You can bequeath
a percentage of your estate, a fixed dollar amount, or specified
personal property to St. Michael’s Catholic Academy.
Cash & Pledges – Cash gifts are immediately available
for use by St. Michael’s. Cash gifts may be unrestricted or
restricted to special projects. Pledges enable donors to show
support immediately and pay when convenient.
Deferred Gifts – Our tax advisor can discuss various trusts
and other forms of deferred contributions that can benefit St.
Michael’s Catholic Academy and provide life income for you or
your loved one.
NEW! Individual Retirement Accounts – Congress
recently passed a new bill allowing taxpayers who are 70 1 /2
and older to donate up to $100,000 tax free each year from
their irAs to a charitable cause. it is effective for “qualified
charitable distributions” made before January 1, 2008.
Life Insurance – A gift of life insurance is a wonderful way
to make a significant gift to St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. An
existing policy may be donated or a new policy purchased. St.
Michael’s should be named as the beneficiary and premiums
are tax deductible.
Matching Gifts – More than 1,000 employers will match gifts
to St. Michael’s Catholic Academy. Obtain matching gifts forms
from the personnel office of your employer.
Personal Property – Art, antiques, jewelry, and rare books
are examples of gifts of personal property that are deductive
for income tax purposes at their fair market value.
Real Estate – Gifts of real estate usually allow the avoidance
of the capital gains tax and provide a charitable deduction.
Lifetime occupancy of a donated residence may be retained.
Securities – Appreciated stocks or bonds can be donated to
St. Michael’s and may be deducted for income tax purposes at
full, fair market value on the date of transfer with no significant
capital gains liability.
United Way – You can make contributions to any 501(c) 3
not-for-profit organization of your choice through United Way.
Just ask your United Way representative how to designate St.
Michael’s Catholic Academy as the recipient of your United Way
contribution.
Mark Your Calendars for the
Denim & Diamonds Gala!
Gala Committee Chair Sandy Alcalá and committee members are off to a great
start planning this year’s “Denim & Diamonds” gala. The event will be held on
Saturday evening, April 28, at La Zona Rosa, one of Austin’s favorite entertainment
venues. You will want to mark your calendars for an exciting evening of dancing to
“People’s Choice” band while you enjoy a delicious buffet dinner by Pascal’s
Catering. You will also have the chance to go home with some wonderful silent and
live auction items.
Back by popular demand are several student-related auction items – including the
opportunity for your son or daughter to name the circular driveway and receive a
personal parking space for an entire year! Additional information about the gala
and sponsor opportunities will be mailed soon, or you may contact the SMCA
Development Office at (512) 306-9374.
Above: Dr. Coury presents senior Lloyd Loredo with the “Loredo Loop” sign that is now installed along the driveway in front of St. Michael’s.
Winter 2007 • 19

q SPirit OF GiVinG
Campus Enhan
The comprehensive campus enhancement plan developed for St. Michael’s is
designed to remedy current shortcomings while expanding and enhancing the
facilities and grounds to accommodate up to 700 students.
Above: The St. Michael’s master plan includes illustrations of current and planned facilities.
20 • The Trumpet
the plan calls for—
• replacing the old gym with a campus center;
• removing the portable buildings;
• constructing a two-story academic wing;
• retrofitting the original 1984 academic wing;
• building a smaller practice gym;
• adding a running track at the athletic field;
• renovating the baseball field;
• providing for additional parking; and,
• increasing the endowment fund by
one million dollars.

cement Plan
Input received from a number of key donors, trustees, parents of
current and former students, and several community leaders stressed
the importance of focusing our energies first on securing funding for
the Campus Center. The desired goal is to have the Campus Center
ready for occupancy when school starts in August, 2008. This would
require a construction start date early this summer.
With the above in mind, a Campaign Steering Committee is being
formed to review and implement the results and recommendations
that have come out of an evaluation process. This will lead to a
capital campaign that will be officially launched in a few months.
The diagram on page 20 illustrates the location of current and
planned facilities. The floor plan of the Campus Center is shown
below.
The Campus Center will have more than 22,000 square feet on
the first level, and an additional 1,500 square feet on the second
level (control booth, spotlight rooms, loft storage area, mechanical
room).
Features of the Campus Center include—
• a performing arts theatre with seating for 359;
• a scene shop for constructing stage sets;
• a drama classroom;
• a bowl-shaped, tiered music room;
• a dance studio;
• two art studio classrooms and kiln;
• a dining hall with seating for 360; and
• a kitchen/servery area.
Above: The floor plan of the new Campus Center includes a performing arts theatre, a dining hall and dance and art studios.
The servery area will feature a soupand-salad
bar, a deli, grill, entrée area,
grab-and-go walk-up coolers, and a
beverage bar. Seating in the dining hall
will be of several varieties, including
small and large tables, booths,
countertop, and a soft-seating area.
Additional seating will also be available
on an outdoor terrace.
As construction of the Campus Center
nears completion, school officials
anticipate being on schedule to
continue working on the remaining
facilities and projects outlined in the
campus enhancement plan.
Winter 2007 • 21

q ALUMni neWS
Catholic education is a priceless gift that
many parents elect to provide for their
children. They often make great sacrifices
in order to make such a gift possible.
Today, this gift is also being shared daily
in Austin Catholic elementary schools
by four graduates from St. Michael’s.
Erin Gallagher (’99), Stephanie Grasso
(’99), Diana Harden (’01), and Kiersten
Fernandez (’02) currently teach in Austin
Catholic schools—and love it!
These four remarkable women are returning
the gift of a Catholic education to students
they now instruct and guide. They are passing
along the same gift that was presented to them
when they were students at St. Michael’s
Catholic Academy.
Each of these women expressed that the
experience of strong support and ability
to openly discuss faith in Catholic schools
give both students and faculty a connection
that reaches beyond the classroom. They
cited that the ability to give personal
attention creates a sense of community.
“To be able to care for the individual
student is something most people yearn
for. It is genuine and visible when you
are in a Catholic school setting,” Diana
Harden said. (After graduating from St.
Michael’s, Harden attended St. Mary’s College
at Notre Dame and is now in her second year
of teaching at St. Austin Catholic School).
This strong sense of community is something
that parents, faculty, staff and students of St.
Michael’s consider to be a major advantage
22 • The Trumpet
SMCA Alumnae Returning
The “Gift”
Left: Stephanie Grasso (’99) instructs one of her students at St. Louis.
for attending our school. “St. Michael’s is
great! I went to school every day feeling like
I was an important member of both my class
and the school,” commented Harden.
The combination of personal belief and
professional support provides Catholic
educators the same balance they hope to offer
their students. “I love teaching the children
about God,” commented Erin Gallagher.
“It helps strengthen my faith.” Gallagher
is in her third year of teaching at St. Louis
Catholic School. (After graduating from St.
Michael’s, she attained her Interdisciplinary
Studies degree from Texas State University).
A Catholic school environment presents
“a united staff, teachers that really care
about what they do, parents who are actively
involved in their children’s lives and in
their school, and a supportive community,”
Stephanie Grasso said. Grasso is in her
second year of teaching at St. Louis Catholic
School. (Grasso graduated from St. Mary’s in
San Antonio after transferring from
Holy Cross in Indiana).
It was evident in talking with these
women that the love of teaching,
combined with the many strengths
of a Catholic school, makes it a great
place for students and educators
alike. “I love being around children
and teaching them; being in a
Catholic school is just a bonus,”
Kiersten Fernandez commented.
Fernandez is in her first year teaching
at St. Louis. (Fernandez attained her
teaching degree from Benedictine
College, a Catholic college in Kansas).
Dr. Michael Coury, President of
St. Michael’s, noted that there are
many noble professions for people
to pursue. “However, we should
not lose sight of the fact that without
teachers, there would be no other
professions,” said Coury. “Catholic
Above: Erin Gallagher (’99) poses with students
from St. Louis.
educators prepare the whole person by
educating not only the mind, but also the
heart. It is very special for us to recognize
and showcase these alumnae.”
Below: Diana Harden (’01) with her second grade
class at St. Austin.
Bottom right: Kiersten Fernandez (’02) poses with smiling students at St. Louis.

Molly Mooney (’92) Receives
Alumni of the Year Award
Mary Margaret “Molly” Mooney, class
of 1992, was the recipient of this year’s
Alumni of the Year Award. This special
award is presented each year to an SMCA
graduate who is “living the mission” of
St. Michael’s through demonstrated
leadership, service and decision-making
that is consistent with Catholic values.
Dr. Michael Coury and former SMCA
Principal, Father Vincent Lopez, O.P.,
presented the 4th Annual Alumni of the
Year Award to Mooney during halftime
celebrations at the homecoming football
game on October 6.
The daughter of John and Kay Mooney,
Molly is the first of six siblings to graduate
from St. Michael’s. Mooney said that she
“started thinking of nursing as a career
while in Mr. Wag’s Biology class.” After
graduating from St. Michael’s, Mooney pursued her dream and entered the nursing program at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
In 1996, Mooney graduated from Villanova with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and returned to Texas where she began an impressive
career at Children’s Hospital of Austin.
Mooney started out at Children’s Hospital working as a bedside nurse on the floor. It was at this time that she began using her nursing
skills to not only give back to the community, but to the world at large. In 2000, Mooney joined a medical team that went on a mission
trip to Peru that was sponsored by the International Children’s Heart Foundation. While in Peru, she assisted with open heart surgery
for under-privileged children.
Mooney started
thinking of nursing
as a career while
in Mr. Wag’s
Biology class.
Above: Rev. Vincent Lopez, O.P. (left) and Dr. Coury (right) present Alumni of the Year Award to Molly
Mooney (’92).
While working full-time, Mooney attended graduate school. In 2003, she
graduated from UT-Austin with a Master’s Degree in Nursing. For the next three
years, she worked as a Cardiac Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Mooney worked
for several years on the medical team for the “Heart Gift Program,” a program
that provides the “gift” of heart surgery to children from third-world countries
whose parents could otherwise not afford this life-saving surgery. Currently,
she works in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she cares for critically ill
or injured children.
Even with a demanding nursing career, Mooney continues to find time to give
back to the Austin community through volunteering. This past year, Mooney
coordinated the 6th Annual Hearts & Heroes Reunion Celebration at Children’s Hospital. She has been involved with Special
Olympics for several years and was volunteer Medical Director for Special Olympics in 2005. In addition, Mooney serves on the board
of Sammy’s House, a day care resource center for handicapped children. She also serves on the board for St. Louise House, a shelter
that serves homeless women and their children.
Molly Mooney is an experienced and accomplished leader and a shining example of one “living the mission” through her achievement,
leadership and service to others.
Winter 2007 • 23

q ALUMni neWS
Class of 1996 Celebrates
10-Year Reunion
Above: Jamy and Vanessa (Garcia) Chulak (’96), Joe (’96) and Sally Sifuentes, and Meredith
Hight (’96) at the Alumni Reception.
Reunion festivities for the Class of 1996 were held in October during
St. Michael’s Homecoming Weekend. The 10-year reunion activities
began with a pre-game reception hosted by St. Michael’s before the
homecoming football game and ended with several events planned
by student representatives from the Class of 1996.
At the pre-game reception, approximately twenty alumni from
the Class of ’96 and several of their spouses, children and parents
visited with each other and reminisced about the “good old days”
at St. Michael’s. The graduates got caught up with each other while
enjoying tasty snacks and beverages that were served under the
big-top tent on the hillside near the football field.
24 • The Trumpet
A 1996 school yearbook and
extra large photos from class
events were displayed in the
festive alumni reception area.
Gifts sporting the new St.
Michael’s logo were given to
our guests of honor. During
the reception, alumni were
greeted by the school
President, Dr. Michael Coury,
as well as some of their
favorite teachers and longrunning
members of the
faculty. This included their
Above: Brett Haydon (’96) visits with Dean George Waguespack, who has worked at SMCA since it opened.
Biology teacher, Jill Graham, and the Dean of Students,
George Waguespack. SMCA alumni from all years were
encouraged to stop in at the alumni tent throughout the
game for some refreshments and to visit one another.
Vanessa (Garcia) Chulak, who currently resides in
Florida, headed up the reunion committee and made the
long trip to Austin for homecoming weekend. Chulak,
along with fellow ’96 classmates Tim Mooney, Meredith
Hight, and Kareem Hajjar, organized several events
for returning members of their class. Reunion events
included a get-together at Doc’s Motorworks after the
homecoming game and a luncheon at Waterloo Ice House
the following day. The entire weekend of events offered a
great opportunity for old friends to reunite and connect
with their “roots.”
“The best part about the weekend was catching up and
reminiscing with everyone and seeing what they have
been doing over the past 10 years. Finding out the bumps
and bruises, twists and turns they have taken along the way to get to
who they are today,” said Chulak. As it is with many lifelong friends,
it was evident that time had not lessened the camaraderie and bonds
of friendship.
The alumni tent and the Pre-Game Alumni Reception has
quickly become a homecoming tradition at St. Michael’s.
We look forward to celebrating the 10-year reunion for the
Class of 1997 and the 20-year reunion for the Class of 1987 at
next year’s homecoming football game.
Above: Miguel Duron (’96) introduces a future Crusader to Dr. Coury.

Class Notes
Class of 1987
Peter Hines is an M.D. and currently finishing up his residency in Dallas. He plans to return to
Austin to partner with his brother, Tim, in his medical practice.
Class of 1989
Kenneth Koch is a graduate of St. Edward’s University. He worked for the Austin Police Department
before joining the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency in Corpus Christi. He and his wife, Amy,
have 4-year-old twin boys, Michael and Kevin.
Class of 1993
Andre de la Reza recently married Leigh Vance. They currently reside in their home in South
Austin. Andre is employed as a firefighter and Leigh is a lawyer with the Texas Juvenile Probation
Commission.
Carolyn (Devitt) DeRoeck graduated with a degree in Finance from The University of Texas at
Austin in 1997. She and her husband, Brian DeRoeck, were married the same year. The couple has
two sons: Grant, age 4; and Jack, age 6. Jack started kindergarten at St. Gabriel’s this year.
Class of 1995
Tom Devitt is working towards his Ph.D. in Integrative Biology at the University of California at
Berkeley.
Class of 1996
Vanessa (Garcia) Chulak graduated from The Ohio State University with a BFA in Art and
Technology in 2001. She moved to sunny Florida where she works at Harcourt School Publisher as a
Web Design Manager. Her husband, Jamy Chulak, works at Orlando Regional Medical Center as an
ICU Respiratory Therapist. They were married July 1, 2006 on Sunset Beach at Treasure Island.
Benjamin Gartner graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biochemistry.
He is currently building custom bicycles (www.benjaminbikes.com). Benjamin resides in Lubbock.
Kareem Hajjar graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2000 with a BBA in Finance
and a BA in Computer Applications. Kareem achieved his JD from The University of Texas Law
School in May 2003. He founded Hajjar, Sutherland & Kelly, LLP, in March of 2005. The law firm
specializes in real estate litigation. Kareem married Melissa Nihiser in April 2006 at St. Mary’s
Cathedral in Austin. The couple resides in Austin.
Jeff McClung and his wife, Lisa Marting, were married this fall. They honeymooned in Paris and
Rome. The couple now resides in Dallas.
Andrew Mignatti with wife, Mary, and their daughter, Lauren, at the Alumni Reception before this
year’s Homecoming game.
Class of 1997
Casey Koenig earned a degree in Kinesiology from St. Edward’s University. She has worked as a
Juvenile Detention Officer for Travis County for five years and spends time volunteering at the Austin
Children’s Shelter.
(continued on page 26)
Winter 2007 • 25

q ALUMni
(continued from page 25)
Nicky (Ornelas) Peden is currently pursuing her Masters in Education degree specializing in
Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University. She will graduate in December of 2007. She
is employed by Lake Travis ISD, teaching 2nd grade. Nicky and her husband, Roger, have one son,
Giovanni. They are expecting their second child in June.
Aristo Torres graduated from the University of Dallas in 2001 with a BA in Economics. After earning
his teaching certificate, Aristo taught fourth grade for the last 4 years in Irving ISD. He recently left
teaching to open a mortgage branch called Supreme Lending in Dallas. Aristo and his wife, Jamie, are
expecting their first child, to be named Audrey Kristine Torres.
Class of 1998
April Hightower earned both an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Baylor University.
She recently passed the Texas Bar Exam and is now a practicing attorney in her father’s law firm, A.
Rick Hightower and Associates.
Marne Nex recently became engaged to her fiancé, Joe Gaynor. The couple will be married in July
of 2007 at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, CA.
Class of 1999
Erin Gallagher recently became engaged to Oscar Toledo. Oscar proposed to Erin in front of the
Coliseum after the couple attended a Papal Blessing. Oscar had the ring in his coat pocket so that
it would be included in the blessing. Erin teaches at St. Louis School here in Austin and Oscar just
started his own company called Line X, a brand of spray-on bed liners for trucks. The name of his
local shop is Texas Truck and Trailer. The couple is planning a wedding for July 2007.
Holly Harden graduated from Franciscan University in Stuebenville, OH, and served as a foreign
missionary in Ecuador and Mexico. She recently started a youth ministry program for 13 Catholic
parishes in New Haven, CT. Holly is engaged to Anthony Luczak; an Austin wedding is planned for
early 2007. The newlyweds will reside in Rocky Hill, CT.
Class of 2000
Keith Glickert and Audrey Muela recently became engaged. Keith graduated from Trinity
University with a degree in Finance and Marketing and is an Investment Banker at the Royal Bank
of Canada in Houston. Audrey currently works at Valero Oil and Gas Co. in San Antonio.
Class of 2001
Ryan Drake graduated with Honors from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology. He is also a graduate of Centro Panamericano de Idiomas in Costa Rica. Ryan is
currently employed as a Recruiting Specialist for ChaseCom LP in Houston. Ryan plans to attend
graduate school in the fall to earn a Masters in Business Administration.
Jessica Juergens graduated from Texas A&M University in December of 2005 with a degree in
Nutrition. She is currently employed by WIC.
Class of 2002
Robert Glickert is attending Chapman University in California and currently resides in Los
Angeles. He produced a short film, “The Descendants,” which won Best Short Horror Film in the
Philadelphia Film Festival.
Mark Ruth graduated in May from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Government and
Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies. Mark then attended Army Officer Candidate School at
Ft. Benning, GA, and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in November. Mark will be
going to the Army Intelligence School in March and then to Fort Lewis, WA, for his duty station.
Jamie Schneider graduated from Stetson University in Florida in May with a Bachelors degree
in Business Administration. Jamie majored in Marketing and minored in Electronic Business
Technology and German. She is currently employed as an Assistant Strategist with OMD, a media
agency in Chicago. Jamie is enjoying both her job and the city.
26 • The Trumpet

Please update us!
Class of 2003
Brandon Haney married Liz Dunnigan on July 8, 2006 in Kingswood, Texas. Brandon graduated
Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology from Baylor University in December 2006 and plans to
attend medical school. Liz graduated from Baylor in May 2006. The couple will reside in Houston.
Rebecca Gomez is currently a senior at Southwestern University. She is studying Art History and
spent the fall 2006 semester studying abroad in London.
Camille Koehler is currently a senior at Trinity University in San Antonio. She plans to attend law
school.
Will Thomas was recently awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for excellence in ROTC,
academics and athletics. It is the highest achievement a cadet can receive; only one in every 1,000
cadets attains this honor. Will also served as the assistant intelligence officer with the 2-508, 4th
BCT, 82nd Airborne Division. Will plans to graduate next May from Texas Christian University and
will return to Austin. He will commission as a Second Lieutenant into the Texas Army National
Guard. He will serve as an aviation officer, flying with either the Black Hawks or the Kiowas.
Class of 2005
Andrew Cannata attends St. Edward’s University and is the Musical Director for Austin’s newest
addition to the theatrical community, Mother of Invention Productions. He stars as Romeo in the
company’s upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. He is also writing a complete
score to an original musical, scheduled to open as Mother of Invention’s third production of the
2007 season. To follow his career, visit www.motherofinventionproductions.com.
Class of 2006
Davis Bass (Trinity University in San Antonio), Raevan Valadez (Northeastern University in
Boston), Justin Drake (Texas A&M in College Station), and Eric Johnson (Texas A&M in College
Station) take a break from their collegiate studies and return to St. Michael’s for the 2006
Homecoming football game.
Alumni: Moved? new job? recently married? earned a degree? We want to hear your news and accomplishments and share
them with the St. Michael’s community. Please complete this form and return to elizabeth Sims, Marketing/Communications
Coordinator at 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., Austin, tX 78735. if you prefer, you may fax your information to (512) 328-2327 or email to
esims@smca.com. Please include photos if you have them!
Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent
address at your home, please complete the form below, e-mail us at esims@smca.com, or call (512) 328-2323
ext. 260 with his/her new address.
name (married and maiden if applicable) Class of
Address e-mail Address
City/State
Phone
Zip
Spouse
employment
news
Children
Winter 2007 • 27

Winter 2007
In this issue: “Moving Billboards” - page 5 • Campus Enhancement Plan - page 20 • Class Notes - page 25
Mission Statement
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is a college-preparatory school founded by laity within the Diocese of Austin to serve a diverse
student body. Combining academic excellence with faith formation and co-curricular learning opportunities, St. Michael’s
prepares the whole student for leadership, service and decision-making consistent with Catholic values.
St. Michael’S catholic acadeMy
3000 Barton Creek Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78735
(512) 328-2323 • Fax: (512) 328-2327
www.smca.com
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