July - Saint Mary's Catholic High School

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Jonathon Ciani (’06) Joins Illustrious Group of Knights For the past 24 years, the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame has honored Arizona high school football players for their academic, athletic, and leadership achievements. Jonathon Ciani was selected as one of this year’s Scholar-Athletes. In addition, his name will be permanently enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana as a Scholar-Athlete. Congratulations to Jonathon on this well-deserved recognition. Other alumni winners of this prestigious award reflect the character of its recipients. Class of 1987 Kevin Scott: Attended Stanford University and played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Class of 1987 Sylvester Mabry graduated from Colorado State University with a civil engineering degree. He is married with four children, and lives in Colorado. Class of 1989 Brian Musselman graduated from the US Air Force Academy and remains in the Air Force. He is stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Class of 1989 Matt Taylor graduated from the University of San Diego and is now on the faculty at Saint Mary’s High School. Class of 1991 Hector Gamez is a policeman with the Phoenix Police Department. Class of 1993 Brett Haywood graduated from Baylor University and the University of Arizona Medical School, and now practices medicine in Tucson, Arizona. Class of 1995 David Stoft graduated from the University of Arizona and recently graduated from the Wallace S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF A SEVEN PERIOD SCHOOL DAY In February, 2003, Saint Mary’s hosted a Visiting Team of the Western Catholic Educational Association and received its evaluation of the accreditation status of Saint Mary’s. The WCEA followed this visitation with the full accreditation of Saint Mary’s for a six-year term but identified “Areas for Growth” to be addressed by the school. On March 2, 2006, a two-person Visiting Team of WCEA visited Saint Mary’s to evaluate the school’s progress and issue a midterm Progress Report. We are pleased to announce that Saint Mary’s received very positive comments on all issues under consideration by the Visiting Team. The decision by Saint Mary’s to move to a seven-period school day was a significant change in the academic structure of the school. The WCEA’s Accreditation Visiting Team, during its midterm visit to the school, commended the willingness of the faculty to receive and own the school’s vision, and especially commended the faculty for the professional manner in which it responded to the challenge of the seven-period school day. The Visiting Team urged the school to maximize the possibilities presented by the move to a seven-period day, including exploration of several scheduling options. Indeed, teachers and staff spent months discussing this issue and explored a number of alternative approaches. In completing the process, teachers voted to recommend a plan in which all seven classes would meet each day. This recommendation was supported by the SMHS Advisory Committee, Principal Mark Mauro, and School Superintendent MaryBeth Mueller. All members of the school community are thankful for the continuing hard work of all those who shaped the discussion and decision on this important issue. New Graduation Requirements The change to a seven-period school day led to a change in the number of credits required for graduation, which will differ for each graduating class until the Class of 2010, as follows: 2010 - Freshman 28 credits required for graduation 2009 - Sophomore 27 credits required for graduation 2008 - Junior 26 credits required for graduation 2007 - Senior 25 credits required for graduation Credits must be distributed among the academic disciplines as follows: Theology (4.0), English (4.0), Social Studies (3.0), Mathmatics (3.0), Science (2.0). The Class of 2007 must take 9.0 additional elective credits. The Class of 2008 must take 0.5 Health credit, 0.5 PE credit, and 9.0 additional elective credits. The Class of 2009 must take 0.5 Health credit, 0.5 PE credit, and 10.0 additional elective credits. The Class of 2010 must take 1.0 Fine Arts credit, 0.5 Health credit, 1.0 PE credit, and 9.5 additional elective credits. Curriculum Improvements One major benefit from the move to a seven period day is the expansion of elective offerings across many disciplines. Our course offerings for the 2006/2007 school year now include: American Sign Language, Creative Writing, Speech/Debate, two levels of Art, Stage Craft, Beginning and Advanced Band (formerly a before school offerings), three levels of Dance, Drama and Acting 1-2, Chorus, Music Appreciation, Lifetime Sports, Weight Training, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, Current Events, History of Anti- Semitism and the Holocaust, Journalism, and Student Council. Mary Agnes Echenique (’43) passed away on June 13, 2006. Mary Agnes returned to Saint Mary’s in 1947 and retired in 1988, after four decades of teaching and coaching. She was inducted into the Saint Mary’s Hall of Fame as Outstanding Faculty in 1997. She was president of the Lettergirls in her junior year and GAA president in her senior year. She completed college in three years and later received a masters degree. Hundreds of girls benefited from her coaching and still more students enriched their lives by her presence in the classroom. Mary Agnes will be sorely missed. 6
REMEMBERANCES Francis L. Collins died May 5, 2006. One common theme that runs through all alumni gatherings is a discussion of teachers who made an impact on students’ lives. Fran Collins would surely be at the forefront of those discussions. Although Fran taught theology, she is most memorable for her years as a freshman English teacher. With a “crowd control” technique that disguised a warm heart, she called forth the best from each student and laid a strong foundation for future learning. Her colleagues loved and respected her. Edna Romero Saenz (’69), wife of Bobbie Saenz (’66), passed away on July 6, 2004. Although paralyzed from the shoulders down in a 1984 accident, she helped raise her three children, who were very young at the time of her injury. Ann Marie (Beck) Greenwade (’48) passed away on November 18, 2005. She was survived by her husband, six children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. “Our mother was the true example of unconditional love and we all miss her dearly.” James A. LePage passed away on February 27, 2006. While attending Saint Mary’s, Jim met his wife of 46 years, Patricia (Griner) LePage (’59). Jim had a successful career as a masonry contractor and stone broker. He was loved by his family and respected by his peers. Art Palma (’61) died on August 11, 2004. After service with the Army, Art worked in Arizona law enforcement for 20 years. John R. Moore (’61) passed away April 17, 2005. John was Vice-President of the Student Body and later became a member of the Charter Class of the ASU Law School. His son, Jason Moore, graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1996. Harold Steimer, Class of 1963, passed away on November 17, 2005. From 1963 Yearbook: “enthusiasm personified, high spirited cheerleader, loved Boy’s State, lots of football, TV, progressive jazz.” SHORT NOTES Marriages Sean Sanford (’95) married Adrianna Cruz on June 3, 2006. See Sanford family picture on page 5. Keith Gallagher (’89) announces his marriage to his wife Glee. The couple lives in Chicago. Steven Lenzie (‘00) married Amanda Nisbet (‘00) in 2005. Justin Hart (‘01) and Holly Castorena Hart (’01) were married on February 25, 2006. Eddie Villa (’00) married Wendy McGowan Villa (’00) in 2005. Peter Wand (‘00) married Beth Wischer Wand (’00); each received a bachelor’s degree from the UofA in 2004. New Knights Melissa Perea Bemis (’96) married Scott Bemis on May 1, 2004; they have a one year old son, Maximus. Melissa is a third grade teacher at Lomas Elementary in Mesa. Damon (’89) and Jenny Alarid (’89) Pieri announce the birth of their fourth child, Molly Anne Pieri, on September 11, 2005. Damon is a teacher/coach at Sunnyslope High School. Scott (’95) and Brandi Jenkins announce the birth of their first child, William Scott Jenkins, on April 4, 2006. Sebastian Castillo (’99) and Kelly Knauss Castillo (’00) announce the birth of a daughter, Olivia. After a hitch in the Marine Corps, Sebastian is now with the Phoenix Police Department. Careers Eric Kalkbrenner (’92) is a Captain with the Phoenix Police Department. Tony Petelin (’95) graduated with honors from the University of Arizona Medical College. Danielle Gammage (’97) received her MBA from Pepperdine University in 2006. She is an Accounting Supervisor at Enterprise Rent-a-Car and the mother of a five year old daughter, Jayda Williams. Sister Allison McCord (’94) received a Masters of Arts in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and is a Postulant in the Servants of God’s Love religious community. Meg Parker Williams (’99) received a BA in Communications from Santa Clara University in 2003 and a Masters in Secondary Education in 2005; she now lives in Syracuse, NY. Katie Edelstein (’98) received a BA in Sociology from University of San Diego, served with the Peace Corps in Paraguay, and now attends John Hopkins School of Nursing. Gail Tabeek Luck (’71)’ after raising twins for 23 years, returned to ASU West and graduated summa cum laude in 2003. Irene Williamson (’89) received a Masters in Elementary Education from NAU. Christine Marion (’94), a first grade teacher in Seattle, received a Masters in Teaching from U. of Puget Sound in 2002. Patrick Ronan (’83) received his MBA in 2004 and was promoted to District Sales Manager for GE in 2004. He lives in Wisconsin. NOTABLE NOTES Tricia Tilford (’90), after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, joined the Arthur Andersen accounting firm in New York and later joined Moody’s Investors Services. She has lived in NYC for more than 11 years, been married for more than 10 years, and has an 18 month old boy, Noah. A long time Girl Scout supporter, Tricia has worn hats at the local, national, and international levels. She recently completed a three-year term on the Finance Committee of the World Board of Governors. She has traveled to India, the Philippines, and Jordan with the Scouts and to 20 other countries on personal trips. Mary Venezia (’04), a Northern Arizona University student, was appointed to a two-year term on the Arizona Board of Regents by Gov. Janet Napolitano. "My biggest goal would be to educate the students around the state about what the board deals with and take students' concerns to the board." She will be eligible to vote on issues in 2008. Mary was selected as Lady of the Year in 2004. She is the sister of junior Milly Venezia. David Favela (’72) lives in Slidell, LA, in the direct path of the eye of Hurricane Katrina. The family was able to return to their home after a four month evacuation. “Three feet of water in a home is not a pleasant experience. . . . We continue to remain faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ. His mercies are new every morning. Praise Him!!” 7
Page 1 and 2: VOLUME11 NUMBER 2 JULY 2006 Through
Page 3 and 4: The Spring Play - The Crucible - by
Page 5: Left picture: Betty and Jim. Right
Page 9 and 10: UPCOMING REUNIONS 1961 1976 Senior
Page 11 and 12: Class of 1946 - Sixty Years A Knigh

July - Saint Mary's Catholic High School

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