KNIGHTLINE - Saint Mary's Catholic High School
KNIGHTLINE - Saint Mary's Catholic High School
KNIGHTLINE - Saint Mary's Catholic High School
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<strong>KNIGHTLINE</strong><br />
January, 2011<br />
2525 North Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004<br />
602-251-2500 – www.smknights.org<br />
A Publication To Keep You Informed<br />
Of the many Good Things<br />
Happening At <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and the Scholarship & Benefit<br />
Fund Board Announce New Development Team<br />
Separately incorporated, <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and the Scholarship<br />
and Benefit Board have joined together to bring new faces and new energy to our<br />
community’s development efforts. Pictured at left are Ms. Angie Bayless and<br />
Mr. Aaron Muth (Class of 2000), who arrived on campus toward the end of<br />
September<br />
Ms. Bayless holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Georgetown<br />
University. For a number of years she served as a Special Assistant in the Office<br />
of the Governor, primarily engaged in policy initiatives affecting Arizona’s<br />
relationship with Mexico. Subsequently she started, developed and sold a<br />
successful small business while tending to her two small children. A skilled<br />
writer and speaker, she brings significant strategic planning and marketing<br />
experience and energy to our community.<br />
Mr. Muth is a Knight through and through, as can be seen by the color of the shirt he wears in the picture. He holds a<br />
Bachelors of Science in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and an MBA in Global Business from<br />
the University of Dallas. Since 2005 he has been Sports Tourism & Development Manager for the Mesa Convention & Visitors<br />
Bureau. In that capacity he has established working relationships with numerous hospitality leaders, business leaders, and national<br />
sports directors and organizers. His love and respect for <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s is evident and we welcome him back home.<br />
Question: Would You Rather send your Arizona tax dollars to<br />
(a) <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s families OR<br />
(b) The AZ Department of Revenue<br />
Extended Deadline: April 15, 2011<br />
We sure hope you answered (a)! Now with an extended deadline of April 15 you can<br />
contribute to CTODP closer to tax deadlines and still claim the credit on your 2010 tax return.<br />
We urge you to take advantage of the private school tuition tax credit that is available<br />
to all Arizona taxpayers who pay State income tax. State law allows taxpayers to redirect<br />
their tax dollars to fund scholarships for <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s families. Married couples may claim a<br />
maximum income tax credit of $1,000 and single taxpayers may claim a maximum credit of<br />
$500<br />
In these tough financial times, over 70% of our <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s families cannot afford<br />
their <strong>Catholic</strong> school tuition. This year the demonstrated financial need of our students was just<br />
over $3,500,000. We are extremely grateful for the <strong>Catholic</strong> Tuition Organization of the<br />
Diocese of Phoenix (CTODP) award of over $1,000,000 in financial aid scholarships to assist<br />
425 of our 600 <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students in need. These funds came from taxpayers like you and<br />
generous corporations who have chosen to redirect their tax dollars to <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s through the<br />
Individual and Corporate Tax Credit.<br />
Despite the obvious benefit, many people still believe the tax credit is too good to be true. Just imagine, if every parent and<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s alum paying Arizona taxes actually took advantage of the tax credit, a <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s education could be<br />
affordable for all students in need!<br />
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the 300 people who have already contributed to the <strong>Catholic</strong> Tuition<br />
Organization of the Diocese of Phoenix and designated <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s this year. Remember, it costs you NOTHING! Just make the<br />
donation to CTODP, and it will be applied as a credit to the 2010 taxes you owe, or returned to you as a tax refund!<br />
CTODP payments should be mailed to CTODP, Bank Processing Center, PO Box 53321, Phoenix, AZ 85072. Write “<strong>Saint</strong><br />
Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>” in the memo space to assure that your tax dollars benefit <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s families. You may also make your<br />
payment via the internet by visiting www.catholictuition.org<br />
If you have questions about the Arizona Individual Tax Credit or the Corporate Tax Credit, please call Angie Bayless (602)<br />
251-2506 or email abayless@smknights.org<br />
Did you know less than 7% of <strong>Catholic</strong> households in our diocese took advantage of the private school tax credit last year?
Smiles of Christmas – Experiencing the Joy of Christmas By Bringing Joy to Others<br />
On December 3, over 200 elementary age school children from <strong>Saint</strong> Agnes and Children’s First Academy (the Nation’s<br />
largest school for homeless children) joined over 200 students from <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s and 100 visiting high school students from Seton<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Prep, Basha, Mesquite and Cesar Chavez for the Ninth Annual Smiles of Christmas Event.<br />
The children ranging from pre-school through fourth grade were welcomed in the Bool Gymnasium to be paired up with their<br />
teenage “buddy” who they would be spending their day with at the park. One kindergartener from the Children’s First Academy<br />
nervously whispered, “I definitely hope I get a boy.”<br />
The teams of buddies enjoyed a fun-filled, warm afternoon in Monterey Park with jump houses, freeze dance, bead making<br />
crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, story time, songs, coloring, and most importantly, a visit with Santa. Two <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
Juniors, Marisa Lomeli and Bridget Nunez-Whitman, dressed festively as Santa’s helpers, happily gave each child their “gift” from<br />
Santa - a story book to cherish always as a keepsake of their special day. Quietly, the older teens emphasized the importance of<br />
reading and learning to their younger partners, which was the theme throughout the day.<br />
Smiles of Christmas is the largest student–led mentor charity event in the Southwest. A graduate of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s, Mr. Tom<br />
Medrano, founded the event and has been involved since its inception. When asked about the joy of seeing his vision in action year<br />
after year, Mr. Medrano reported, “It’s all about the students. They do everything.”<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s senior Jacob Ramirez and junior Chris Chavez were the chair and co-chair of the event this year. Both were<br />
interviewed by Chanel 12 and featured on the 5:00 pm News with a story about teenage volunteerism. Lin Sue Cooney announced<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s as the “Hero of the Day!” Jacob, Chris and the rest of Student Council have been busy fundraising all year at various<br />
events to raise enough money to purchase gifts, giveaways and supplies for all the activities. Luckily, they received several donations<br />
from generous members of the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s community to help offset some of the cost of the event.<br />
Each child left with the gift of a sweatshirt bearing the high school logo of their buddy, provided by <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s, Seton<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Prep, Basha, Mesquite and Cesar Chavez. <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students who participated took away an important lesson about the<br />
true meaning of Christmas, giving to others. Smiles of Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to witness the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s spirit of<br />
“community” and “family” in action.<br />
The <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s parent boosters helped cook hotdogs for several hundred school children, students and volunteers. Over<br />
200 <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students participated by working the games and activities, serving as buddies, helping serve food, decorate, and<br />
clean up. The whole community came together once again to do their part to make the event successful. Dr. Susan Rockwell, the<br />
student council moderator, deserves special recognition for her tireless efforts to help students be successful in all their endeavors.<br />
Greeting some of our guests from <strong>Saint</strong> Agnes<br />
Arrival of some guests from Children’s First Academy
Service to the Church Remains A Priority<br />
Sponsored under the umbrella of the Knights of Columbus, the Columbian Squires<br />
is an international fraternity of approximately 25,000 <strong>Catholic</strong> young men, ages 10 to 18,<br />
organized in over 1,400 groups, known as “circles.” <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s is the home of Squires<br />
Circle 5000, formed in October, 2005. Circle 5000 is the first Circle formed in an Arizona<br />
high school.<br />
Recently the Circle led a procession into the Phoenix Civic Center for the Rosary<br />
Sunday observance in the Valley. In their green school shirts, the Knights were privileged to<br />
be the bearers of the Silver Rose image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron <strong>Saint</strong> of the<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Diocese of Phoenix. The Silver Rose travels from Canada to Mexico City and<br />
Circle 5000 was responsible for the image while in Phoenix. We thank them for their<br />
service to the Church.<br />
Marching for Protection for the Unborn<br />
Washington, DC<br />
San Francisco<br />
The issue of abortion, perhaps as no other single issue of social justice, so distinguishes the <strong>Catholic</strong> Church from other faith<br />
communities and the unchurched. To be “<strong>Catholic</strong>” means, not only to have a belief about the issue, but to also have a commitment to<br />
express that belief. Once again this year, coinciding with the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, two groups<br />
of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students and staff traveled to Washington DC to join the March for Life and to San Francisco to join the Walk for Life.<br />
In each case, our school community gave visible witness to the cry for an end to abortion and the return to respect for the sanctity of<br />
every life, born and unborn. As we have stated before, but it bears repeating, we cannot judge the impact of a venture like this by any<br />
visible or quantitative measure, for that resides within the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere, known only to God. We<br />
can, however, rest assured in our faith, for faith is, in the words of <strong>Saint</strong> Paul, “confident assurance in what we hope for and conviction<br />
about things we cannot see.”<br />
Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity<br />
On October 18, people from all over this nation gave up their voices for a day in solidarity with children who fall<br />
victim to surgical abortions. Red armbands and duct tape identified them as taking part in the Pro-life Day of<br />
Silent Solidarity. At <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s, more than 250 people signed up to participate in this demonstration of support<br />
for the unborn and to pray for an end to abortion. Sister Mary Magdalene emphasized that prayer was the focal<br />
point of the day at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s and that those giving up their gift of vocal speech were far from silent in their<br />
quiet pleas for God’s grace to flow in abundance on women considering the termination of a pregnancy.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Initiates Justice for All Program<br />
Maureen Barr (‘02) is an active member of Justice for All, whose mission is to train thousands to make abortion unthinkable<br />
for millions, one person at a time. This is accomplished through training a leadership core who are equipped to engage students using<br />
Justice For All photo exhibits that are placed upon U.S. college and university campuses. A group of our seniors and juniors have<br />
begun training to be participants in Justice for All.<br />
Opposition to abortion is not tolerated in academia. Critical information and dialogue is being omitted from our institutions of<br />
higher education. Herein lies the need for the Justice For All Exhibit. Some injustices have to be seen if they are to be believed. Yet<br />
injustice is hardly ever visually appealing. For more information on the organization, see http://www.jfaweb.org/mission.html
Partnership of Students, Sponsors & Educators (“POSSE”)<br />
Started in 1995, this program<br />
recognized that students with the greatest need required special help to make<br />
the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s experience a reality. POSSE sponsors help provide financial<br />
assistance to such a student for a three or four-year period and have the<br />
opportunity to provide encouragement and inspiration throughout the year.<br />
Recipients are selected as a part of the school’s overall financial aid program.<br />
POSSE sponsors can choose from among a number of different annual gift<br />
levels, ranging from $500 to full tuition amounts; several sponsors fund<br />
multiple POSSE students. Please help if you can. If interested, please contact<br />
Angie Bayless at 602-251-2506 or via email at abayless@smknights.org<br />
We have many students needing additional help to remain a part of our community.<br />
Please consider joining the POSSE program.<br />
International Students Enrich Our Community<br />
In recent years <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s has enjoyed an increase in the<br />
number of foreign applicants for admission. We have gained<br />
valuable experience in dealing with the issues peculiar to this<br />
process and have received welcome support from the Diocesan<br />
<strong>School</strong>s Office. The hospitality of our community and the quality of<br />
our educational programs are now recognized beyond our borders.<br />
New applicants come to us often because of the past experience of<br />
someone from their country of origin.<br />
The world is now smaller than it has ever been and<br />
exposure to other cultures at early stages of development is no<br />
longer a luxury but a necessity. Our international students are not<br />
the only teenagers benefiting from their presence at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s.<br />
All of our students benefit from the exchange of views and<br />
information provided by the students from different countries. The<br />
expansion of our international student population is a continuation<br />
of our long tradition of diversity across all lines. However, teens are<br />
teens and share many more common interests than differing ones.<br />
This year we have sixteen guests from other countries here<br />
under federal student visas from Mexico, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. We hope to maintain our international student group at or<br />
near this level in the future. In some measure, this will depend on the willingness of local families to serve as a host family. If you<br />
have an interest in doing so, please contact Dean of Students Jay Twitchell at 602-251-2506 or via email at jtwitchell@smknights.org.<br />
Walkathon – A Community Building Event<br />
The day before the Thanksgiving holiday once again saw the street of downtown Phoenix filled with teenagers dressed<br />
almost entirely in green. Each year the community gives students a chance to help pay the cost of their education by gathering pledges<br />
from relatives and friends as sponsors of the student participation. Each student is required to raise $100 through these pledges, raising<br />
much-needed funding for general school operating expense. Why not simply raise tuition? Because many families use the Walkathon<br />
as a way to let others help a child enjoy the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s experience. It is not intended as a burden, it is intended as a benefit and many<br />
families view it this way. The day was pleasant but a bit wet but all seemed to enjoy the morning stroll and the lunch served up by the<br />
Parent Organization. Thanks to all who made this event so much fun.
Honoring Academic Achievement<br />
On October 4, our community gathered to honor a number of our students who have exhibited excellence in their academic<br />
efforts. In honoring these students, we realize that many other students work diligently to achieve their full academic potential and that<br />
a number of them do so in a praiseworthy fashion. Our thanks go to all those who respect learning and add to the academic quality of<br />
the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s experience.<br />
National Merit Semi-Finalist: The College Board sponsors the PSAT test, taken by our students in their junior year. The<br />
highest scores on this nationwide test are designated as National Merit Semi-Finalists, a very high honor. The College Board recently<br />
designated senior Nathaniel Glenn as a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Announcement of Finalists will be made in February.<br />
AP Scholar: The College Board also sponsors the Advanced Placement (AP) programs and designates any student who<br />
receives a score of three or higher on three or more AP Exams as an AP Scholar. Senior Aracely Romero received this award.<br />
From left: Assistant Principal Rob Rogers with Nathaniel Glenn; the group; and Principal Suzanne Fessler with Aracely Romero<br />
Achievement In College Level Courses On Our Campus<br />
Advanced Placement Examinations: At the end of each year, students enrolled in AP classes take the national AP exam in<br />
that subject. Scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Scores of 3 or better are recognized as passing grades in these<br />
college-level examinations. Our students did well with many achieving scores of 3 or better: Seventeen in AP History, thirteen in AP<br />
English Literature and Composition, and four in AP Spanish Language.<br />
Some of the classes in our curriculum are also classes within the Maricopa Community College system and qualify for<br />
college credit. In mathematics, we offer College Algebra (MAT 187) and Calculus (MAT 221). In science, we offer two semesters of<br />
Anatomy and Physiology (Bio 201-202) and College Chemistry (CHM 130). Finally, we offer two semesters of College English<br />
(ENG 101-102).<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Recipient of $14,000 <strong>Catholic</strong> Community Foundation Grant<br />
During this time when we give thanks for many blessings, <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> would like to recognize the <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Community Foundation for their generous grant award in the amount of $14,000. The gift was received earlier this month as a part of<br />
the <strong>Catholic</strong> Community Foundation's 2010 Grants program. The <strong>Catholic</strong> Community Foundation remains committed to ensuring<br />
the future of <strong>Catholic</strong> Education, Christian Formation and Communication Programs within the Diocese of Phoenix. <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> is grateful for the Foundation's continued support. Please keep the <strong>Catholic</strong> Community Foundation in your prayers and support<br />
them with gifts as you are able. They do wonderful work in our diocese.<br />
Remember Prom? You Can Sponsor A Deserving Student This Year For $75<br />
Things may have changed somewhat since your prom days but the<br />
anticipation and excitement remains just the same. One major change might be<br />
the use of a hotel and including a fine dinner for all attendees as a part of the<br />
package. No more scattering pre-prom activities throughout the Valley. No<br />
more embarrassing confrontations with the menu prices. A major benefit of<br />
this approach is enhanced safety for the students and avoidance of some of the<br />
tragic events that can surround prom night.<br />
One other thing remains the same. Some kids won’t be able to go<br />
unless they get some help with the $75 dinner dance price. If prom was an<br />
important event in your life, perhaps you would like to sponsor a young man or<br />
woman who might miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sure, prom isn’t the<br />
end of the world, but it may seem like that to a 17 year old. If you would like<br />
to help, contact Angie Bayless at abayless@smknights.org or at 602-251-2506.
Lady Knight Basketball Team<br />
Stars On and Off the Court<br />
Football Knights Beat Brophy<br />
The 16-13 win ended a modest losing streak against our<br />
neighbor to the north and was the highlight of a 4-7 season.<br />
The Knight schedule was acknowledged as the toughest in<br />
Arizona and included the ultimate winners of both the 5A-1<br />
and 5A-2 playoff rounds. The Knights lost three games by<br />
only a touchdown, including one in overtime. Below, Knights<br />
and Broncos join in a postgame prayer.<br />
Coach Curtis Ekmark and his Lady Knights are living up<br />
to the pre-season hype (Nationally Ranked by both ESPN & USA<br />
Today) by starting the season off 18 – 1. After an opening game<br />
loss, the Lady Knights brought home the Consolation<br />
Championship in the Nike Tournament of Champions<br />
Tournament, winning three in a row over Bishop Gorman, the<br />
defending Nevada State Champions, and two New York City<br />
powerhouses, Mt. Lebanon and Christ the King. Then it was off<br />
to Portland for the Nike Interstate Shootout where the Lady<br />
Knights were crowned Tournament Champions in convincing<br />
fashion.<br />
Not only do the Lady Knights dominate on the<br />
hardwood but they also excel in the classroom as the team<br />
received an AIA Team Academic Award and featured nine AIA<br />
Individual Academic Award Winners last season. Nine players on<br />
the team have already received Division I scholarship offers from<br />
a variety of schools including Notre Dame, Stanford, Duke, Utah,<br />
Arizona State, Marquette, and many more. Keep up with the Lady<br />
Knights as they celebrate 30 years of excellence.<br />
www.smknightsbasketball.com or<br />
www.facebook.com/saintmarysknights.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Athletics In Transition<br />
The AIA has reconfigured high school categories and<br />
future Knight schedules will see some changes. <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
remains in 5A, the largest-school category, but within a section<br />
that will see new opponents in future years. Scheduling will be by<br />
computer with distance between schools a major factor. In<br />
football, for example, our future opponents will primarily be from<br />
among the following (enrollments in parenthesis): Alhambra<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2690), Carl Hayden Community <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
(2255), Central <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2301), Cibola <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2515),<br />
Kofa <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2263), Maryvale <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2581), North<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2416) San Luis <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2616), Tolleson<br />
Union <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2195), Trevor G. Browne <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
(2808), Valley Vista <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (2286), and Westview <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> (2514).<br />
In January Coach Eddy Zubey announced his resignation<br />
as football coach to take a coaching job at Higley <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
The search for a new coach is ongoing.<br />
New Student-Athlete Awards Announced<br />
The Athletic Department now honors one boy and one<br />
girl as student-athletes of the month voted upon from all the head<br />
coaches for this recognition. Student-athletes must display<br />
character on and off the field/floor as well as in the classroom,<br />
and be leaders spiritually, academically and in their perspective<br />
sport. Their names will be engraved on a beautiful plaque that<br />
will rotate throughout the school buildings for one month.<br />
Recipients are seniors Erika Varela and Patrick Barefield,<br />
volleyball and football; seniors Chanel Abril and Brady Laughlin,<br />
swim team; senior Natalie Murphy and junior Johnny Cruz from<br />
volleyball and football; and freshman Emily Rose McShane and<br />
senior Chris Mason from soccer and basketball.
Alumni Turn Out for Second Annual <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Open Golf Tournament<br />
If you aren’t listed here, you missed a great time<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s celebrated its own Saturday, November 20 at the 2010 <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Open. Over one hundred fifty friends,<br />
parents, alums and current students came together to make the day a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. Thanks to everyone’s<br />
support and participation, the day was a tremendous success as we were able to raise over $30,000 to provide financial assistance to<br />
deserving students next year. This financial success greatly helps our <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s achieve its mission of providing resources to<br />
students to help ensure access to excellent academic, social, and cultural opportunities.<br />
A very special thanks to Daryl Crawford (Class of 1975) and his staff at ASU Karsten Golf Club for their tremendous<br />
hospitality and assistance in making the 2010 <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Open the most successful in school history. We would also like to recognize<br />
the event’s title sponsor Ryley, Carlock, & Applewhite and other key contributors: Mae’s Ranch Cattle Company, AZ Orthopedic &<br />
Fracture Surgeons, Biltmore Wealth Management, Myers & Jenkins and Grand Canyon University.<br />
Whether you played in the tournament, sent a donation, or purchased raffle tickets, your generosity was responsible for the<br />
day’s success and for keeping <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s affordable for all families. Thank you for your continued support of and loyalty to <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Mary’s <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. Keep an eye out for information concerning the 2011 <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Open as we hope to have another<br />
record-breaking year!<br />
Alumni Who Enjoyed A Day of Fun and Sun<br />
Ken Prebil 1957 John O' Dowd 1994 LG Baca 1995 Zach LaPrade 1998 Matt Fahrendorf 2001<br />
Barney McShane 1967 Matt Nordstrom 1994 Scott Hallett 1995 Aaron Muth 2000 Matt Larkin 2001<br />
Bod Rodriguez 1967 Pat Burch 1994 Scott Jenkins 1995 Andre Ethier 2000 Robert Romero 2001<br />
Brian Burch 1972 Shawn Cantu 1994 Rebeca Contreras 1996 Mike Lavelle 2000 Adam Ethier 2002<br />
Joe Meza 1972 Stephanie Romero 1994 Frank Lesselyong, Jr. 1997 Nick Spong 2000 Chris Matusz 2002<br />
Chris Rideau 1979 Tim Polson 1994 Mark Davis 1997 Pat Benedict 2000 Justin Bayless 2003<br />
Donnie Nunez 1979 Alex Drayer 1995 Mark Lyons 1997 Thomas Beier 2000 Brian O' Connor 2004<br />
Joe Ortiz Sr 1983 Andy Mesquita 1995 Mike Jenkins 1997 Zach Crawford 2000 Joe Ortiz Jr 2004<br />
John Longo 1987 Barbara Martinez 1995 Pete Donovan 1997 Aaron Rideau 2001 Nick Evans 2004<br />
Donny Phillippi 1992 Chris Fahrendorf 1995 Todd Ahern 1997 Brad Betz 2001 Tim Fahrendorf 2004<br />
Nick Rodriguez 1993 Danny Schmaltz 1995 Will Spong 1997 Brian Jenkins 2001 Brian Matsuz 2005<br />
Chris Ceimo 1994 Javier Arambula 1995 Kevin Fahrendorf 1998 Jonas Berglund 2001 Matt Newman 2005<br />
Frank Lesselyong and Pete Donovan with fathers Andre Ethier, Nick Evans, Brian Matusz Nick Spong, Zach LaPrade, Mr. Spong, Willie Spong<br />
Chris Rideau, Tommy Nunez, Victor Flores, Donnie Nunez<br />
Moline, Barney McShane, Lou LaScala, Pat Farrel
Update On Alumni In Professional Sports<br />
Andre Ethier (’00) had another great year with the Los Angeles<br />
Dodgers. The 27-year old was voted to his first All-Star Game by the fans<br />
earning the start in CF. Andre continues to be the premier left handed hitter<br />
in the National League and is a legitimate MVP candidate heading into the<br />
2011 season.<br />
Brian Matusz (’05) was arguably the best pitcher in the<br />
American League down the stretch as he went 7-1 with an ERA under 2.50<br />
during the season’s final three months. Brian earned AL Rookie of the<br />
Month in August and also AL Pitcher of the Week.<br />
Nick Evans (’04) spent time in the big leagues with the Mets in<br />
2010 and took advantage of opportunities off the bench hitting 306 for the<br />
Amazins’ Mets.<br />
Channing Frye signed a multiyear contract with the Phoenix Suns<br />
and continues to be an essential piece of the team’s rebuilding efforts.<br />
Channing continues to lead the team in three-point baskets, blocked shots<br />
and rebounds while scoring 10 points per game.<br />
Jerryd Bayless joined the Toronto Raptors this season and is<br />
having success north of the border. Jerryd is getting the most playing time<br />
in his young career and the results have been promising as he is averaging a<br />
career high in points per game. Jerryd erupted for 31 points in a big win against Detroit earlier in the season.<br />
Keaton Kristick just finished his rookie year with the San Francisco 49ers and was a major contributor on special teams.<br />
Justin Hickman continues to terrorize quarterbacks just as he did on the gridiron for the Knights and later as an All-American for the UCLA<br />
Bruins. Justin has emerged as pass rushing specialist for the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL getting 7 sacks in 2010.<br />
Brett Hite finished 18th in the FLW Tour Championship catching 18 bass. Brett continues to be one of the top young professionals in the<br />
FLW today.<br />
Channing Frye’s Phoenix Suns vs.<br />
Jerryd Bayless’s Toronto Raptors<br />
Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00 pm<br />
US Airways Arena<br />
Tickets -- $30 each<br />
Come See the Battle of the Graduates<br />
The <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Parent Organization has reserved 126<br />
tickets in Sections 204 and 205, Rows 6 - 10. If all of the first tickets<br />
are sold quickly, SMPO will explore getting a second group of seats.<br />
To place your order, call the school business office at<br />
602-251-2517 and provide them with your credit card number.<br />
You may also go by the school business office and pay in person.<br />
Tickets will be sold first-come, first-served and no tickets can be<br />
reserved without payment. Once payment has been received, you will be contacted to let you know when you may pick up your tickets.<br />
Details for early admission to the arena for pre-game warm-ups will be provided at a later date. Any questions, please email the Parent<br />
Organization at smparentorg@smknights.org<br />
Class of 1970 Planning 40 th Reunion May 6-7, 2011<br />
Check Online for Updates & Registration Form<br />
www.smknights.org/reunions1970.html www.facebook.com/stmarys.knights<br />
Friday, May 6, 2011 – No Charge<br />
Happy Hour on the Patio at Aunt Chilada’s Restaurant, 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85020<br />
Saturday, May 7, 2011 -- $60 per person<br />
Casino Arizona (101 & McKellips Rd) 524 N. 92 nd Street, Scottsdale AZ 85256<br />
6:30-8:45PM Eagles Banquet Room (Dinner Buffet) 8:45-10:00PM Showroom for “Showstoppers”<br />
10:00PM - ??? Continue enjoying classmates’ company while catching up on the past at the various amenities the Casino has to offer.<br />
(Dancing, Piano Bar, Patio Lounge and maybe even a game of Craps!)<br />
Phone Becky (Conner) White 602-312-1203 or Greg Price 602-550-0808 for more information.<br />
Class of 1966 Planning 45 th Reunion -- October 29, 2011<br />
Mass at the Basilica: 5:00 pm (Reserved seats in front)<br />
Festivities at Kathy and Roger Spade’s Home: 6:30 pm<br />
4429 East Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85048<br />
Buffet dinner and Oldies played by favorite DJ Alex<br />
If you have a new email, please send it to Kathy and Roger at rsks6@cox.net<br />
We have lost touch with quite a few of our classmates. If you know of someone that has not been to our reunions recently, please let<br />
them know about this reunion. Questions: Mikie (Karlson) Tanberg -- 480-545-5575 or Kathy and Roger Spade -- 602- 952-9963
Members of the Hall of Fame<br />
Fr. Alonso de Blas<br />
Herb Tiffany, Jr.<br />
Greg Anderson<br />
Ray and Eileen Beltran<br />
Jim Sanford<br />
David Mitchell<br />
Tommy Nunez<br />
Ray & Ernestina Arvizu<br />
Mike Bielecki<br />
Thomas Bradley<br />
Spiro & Mary Pat Cakos<br />
Harry Cavanagh<br />
Edward "Chink" Coleman<br />
Jim Cunningham<br />
Dr. Renez & Diaz<br />
Mary Agnes Echenique<br />
Cathy Eden<br />
Patrick Farrell<br />
Ernie Garcia<br />
Ron Gray<br />
Dorothy Hines Westfall<br />
Louis LaScala<br />
Frank Meza<br />
Horace & Jacki Pieri<br />
Danny Sievert<br />
Roger Spade<br />
Michael Tiffany<br />
Dr. Robert Westfall<br />
Steve Belles<br />
Herb & Betty Bool<br />
Harry Broderick<br />
Pat Cantelme<br />
Tom Ciani<br />
Fr. Blaise Cronin<br />
Sr. Mary Annarita De Land<br />
Ed Dohetry<br />
Rachel Echeverria<br />
Tony Ehmann<br />
Bill Folz<br />
Dennis Garrett<br />
Mickey Hegg<br />
Joe & Jan Kealy<br />
Linda Mazon Gutierrez<br />
Fr. Lester Mitchell<br />
Tom Reilly<br />
Tim Smith<br />
Jack Stovall<br />
Joe Vales<br />
Hall of Fame Event -- Saturday, April 2, 2011<br />
6PM Cocktails & Silent Auction, 7PM Dinner<br />
Please join us Saturday, April 2,<br />
2011 at the Arizona Biltmore for the Hall of<br />
Fame event. This year’s honorees are Sean<br />
Cunningham ‘76, Frank Fairbanks ‘64 and<br />
Joe “Sonny” Rodriguez ‘71. The theme of<br />
this year’s event is, “One Knight at a<br />
Time.” All three honorees have been<br />
instrumental in Arizona’s growth and<br />
prominent members of the <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
community. The planning efforts are<br />
orchestrated by this year’s event chair,<br />
Sonja Mazon Rubalcava, member of the<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Scholarship and Benefit Fund.<br />
The Arizona Biltmore is a beautiful venue for the event, which attracts hundreds of<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s alums and supporters each year. The evening will begin with a silent auction,<br />
and then dinner and awards ceremony. This year, the planning committee intends to<br />
incorporate high student involvement to illustrate the purpose and mission of the event: to<br />
help provide scholarships for deserving <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students. Parents, grandparents and<br />
friends of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s are all encouraged to attend the event.<br />
Planning a reunion? Just celebrate a reunion? Get a group of your <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
friends together and buy a table for this event.<br />
Interested in showcasing your business to hundreds of prominent members of the<br />
community? Sponsor the event in some fashion!<br />
For ticket sales, table sponsorships and event sponsorship, please contact Aaron<br />
Muth (602) 251-2507 or amuth@smknights.org.<br />
To volunteer your time or resources, please contact us right away! We are in need<br />
of assistance with the silent auction and table captains. Contact Aaron Muth (602) 251-2507<br />
Sean Cunningham Frank Fairbanks Sonny Rodriguez<br />
Help Us Reach Our Goal!<br />
Calling All <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Alumni and Friends<br />
The 2010-2011 annual fund is off to a great start! Show your<br />
support for <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s by contributing to the annual fund this year.<br />
Your donation goes to work immediately to help provide critical<br />
financial aid, purchase equipment, fund technology initiatives, and<br />
this year will go toward marketing efforts for the school through the<br />
design and implementation of a powerful new website. By January 13,<br />
128 people have contributed at total of $25,815. Our goal is<br />
$100,000! We need your support. Make a contribution today by<br />
calling (602) 251-2506 or online www.smknights.org/annualfund<br />
Alumni were sent a window decal (shown at left) so they can literally “show their<br />
support” by displaying the decal on car windows, at their place of work, or even at home! If<br />
you did not receive a decal in the mail, please call (602) 251-2506 and we will send you a<br />
new one.
The <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Experience Helps Shape A Career of Service<br />
By Melinda (Finley) Albiston (’99)<br />
When I first started looking at colleges, the things that drew me to the Air Force Academy were the same things that had<br />
become so important to me at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s: service, striving to be my best, and a sense of community. The service part was obvious –<br />
every cadet wanted to devote their life (or at least four years of school and 5 years afterwards) to serving their country, in the same way<br />
that I knew so many classmates at SM devoted their time to service in their community. Of course I also knew the Academy would be<br />
full of “strivers” trying to be the best academically and physically, and, while, among that group, I would never be the best, I was<br />
excited for the opportunity to push myself to be MY best.<br />
What I did not expect was the incredible sense of<br />
teamwork and family. One of my greatest<br />
embarrassments when I started basic training at the<br />
Academy was my weakness on pull-ups. While a lot of<br />
the girls could do four or five and the gymnasts were<br />
ripping off 20 and 30, I could barely eke out one! Instead<br />
of snickering behind my back at my attempts, my<br />
classmates were supportive, cheering me on, and helping<br />
me work on pull-ups in our free time.<br />
[To the right, Melinda (far left) with some Air Force<br />
colleagues.]<br />
That pretty much sums up my whole feeling of<br />
the Air Force Academy and the Air Force in general –<br />
it’s like being part of a team. At school, we were all there to help each other out – memorizing obscure bits of knowledge, working on a<br />
Physics project, making beds, or improving on pull-ups. After I graduated, I felt the same kind of teamwork in the active duty Air<br />
Force. Sometimes, at my first assignment in Florida, one of us would draw a test project with long hours or tedious work. Instead of<br />
competing to look good to the boss, or trying to avoid the crappy parts, my colleagues were more than happy to pitch in and split up the<br />
work. Our commanders went out of their way to ensure a good working environment and a quality home life for all the members of the<br />
unit. That same spirit continued as I transferred to a new assignment in Las Vegas. From day one, my new coworkers were helpful on<br />
the job and friendly after work, inviting everyone to parties and dinners.<br />
Luckily when I was in Vegas, I also met Bryan, a wonderful man who became my husband. In order to have the freedom to<br />
move when and where we wanted, I made the tough decision to leave the Air Force after six years. It wasn’t long before I missed the<br />
service, the commitment, and the camaraderie, but I was lucky enough to find an AF Reserves unit nearby where I can still be a part of<br />
all the things I loved. In addition to continuing my profession as an engineer for Bally Industries, a manufacturer of slot machines, the<br />
Reserves offer me lots of flexibility in my schedule, which is perfect as Bryan and I are expecting our first child this summer!<br />
Overall, I got a lot of the same things from both the Air Force and <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s – a devotion to service, a desire to improve,<br />
and most importantly, lifelong friends.<br />
Key Club – Teaching the Value of Service<br />
Key Club is a international community service club for high school students to be involved in the community and reach out to<br />
those in need. At <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, our members have been involved in a number of events that help show our members the<br />
importance of helping others.<br />
The main focus of our club is educating others of the importance of safe driving. We host a program called “Battle of the<br />
Belts” to encourage students to wear their seat belts. This program has proven to be a success at our high school. This year the club<br />
had the incredible opportunity to host a teen driving class at the Bondurant <strong>School</strong> of <strong>High</strong> Performance Driving. Through this driving<br />
school, Key Club members and other <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students learned life-long lessons on being an aware and safe driver. In addition to<br />
hosting the driving school event and performing random seat belt check throughout the year, the Key Club also made a video for<br />
Banner Good Samaritan Hospital to educate young teens on the proper way to wear their seat belt.<br />
So far this school year, we have also raised money for children in Uruguay and held a canned food drive for St. <strong>Mary's</strong> Food<br />
Bank. Furthermore, our members have volunteered at in a Cancer and Autism Awareness Walk and helped with “Kids’ Day at the<br />
Fair” where we took physically and mentally challenged children to the Arizona State Fair. Lastly, the Key Club had the opportunity to<br />
participate in “Rebuilding Together’s” annual paint-a-thon by painting a house for a needy homeowner. All of these events have helped<br />
our members make a positive impact on our community and helped us develop community awareness and leadership skills.<br />
Keeping in Touch With <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
It surely is the digital age and social networking is the latest in town hall meetings. If you want to keep up on<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s events and have some fun, check out the SM Facebook site<br />
http://www.facebook.com/<strong>Saint</strong>MarysKnights<br />
As we go to press the site is asking for postings of prom pictures from days gone past. We hope to keep the<br />
picture gallery full of images of both current and past Knight activities. So drop by and say hello. Contact<br />
Aaron Muth for info at amuth@smknights.org<br />
Outstanding Service To His Country: Colonel Jim Kennedy, USMC, (‘83)
Col Jim Kennedy was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant following graduation from<br />
Grand Canyon College in 1989. He reported for flight training and subsequently reported for training in<br />
the CH-46E, the Sea Knight helicopter. The Sea Knight provides all-weather, day-or-night assault<br />
transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment.<br />
After deployment in the Western Pacific, participating in various exercises in Japan and Korea,<br />
he reported for duty as a flight instructor, working as a Flight Leader, Flight Operations Officer, and<br />
Operations Officer. He was selected as the Instructor of the Year for 1997.<br />
Following refresher training in the Sea Knight during the summer of 2001, Col Kennedy<br />
reported to duty in Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 19, 2003, and was<br />
declared over by President Bush on May 1, 2003, Col. Kennedy flew 39 combat sorties in support of the<br />
coalition effort. In a later deployment to Iraq, Col. Kennedy flew 160 combat sorties, primarily in the<br />
Casualty Evacuation role near Fallujah. He was selected as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Aviator of the Year for 2005.<br />
In August 2005, Col Kennedy reported to the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in 29 Palms, CA and served<br />
as the Director of Operations and served as the Commanding Officer of Squadron HT-18. More recently, Col Kennedy attended the Air<br />
War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.<br />
Conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan exposed US troops to improvised explosive devices (IED), killing or wounding many troops.<br />
In response the Department of Defense created a joint service organization to concentrate on all aspects of the IED issue. Col. Kennedy<br />
joined this organization in June 2010, where he is currently the Chief of Staff for the Joint IED Defeat Organization’s Joint Center of<br />
Excellence.<br />
Col Kennedy has accumulated over 5,400 hours of mishap free flight time. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star<br />
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Air Medal with Combat V and Strike/Flight numeral 9, the Navy/Marine Corps<br />
Commendation Medal and various campaign and service medals.<br />
The motto of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s – “God, Country, Home” – is surely exemplified by Colonel Kennedy. We are grateful for his<br />
service and wish him well in 2011 and beyond.<br />
Outstanding Service In <strong>High</strong>er Education: Dr. Joe Fedock (‘67)<br />
Dr. Joe Fedock (’67), whose academic credentials began as Salutatorian of his<br />
Class of 1967,and who now serves as Montana State University interim provost, was<br />
presented with the Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Membership Award on Dec. 9 in<br />
recognition of his decades of dedicated service to MSU. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest<br />
and largest collegiate honor society. Dr. Fedock is shown with a Montana State student<br />
member of Phi Kappa Phi.<br />
Ilse-Mari Lee, director of MSU's Honors Program, acknowledged Dr. Fedock’s<br />
long record of service: "Dr. Fedock has served our institution with the utmost dedication,<br />
diligence and integrity for more than 20 years: as a faculty member in the Department of<br />
Civil Engineering, associate dean of the College of Engineering, interim dean of the College<br />
of Graduate Studies, vice-provost for Academic Affairs, and most recently, as interim<br />
provost and vice-president for Academic Affairs. He is a humble man, who has shaped the<br />
course of our institution over the past two decades in meaningful ways. Benjamin Franklin said: 'Humility makes great men twice<br />
honorable.' That's Joe." And that’s what makes a true Knight!!! Nice going, Dr. Fedock.<br />
Outstanding Service to Elementary <strong>School</strong> Children: Priscilla (Pino) Gossett (’90)<br />
In May, 2010, the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona announced that 21 educators from Maricopa, Pima and Pinal<br />
counties were named Aspiring Principals, finding that each of them “has a demonstrated history of high student achievement and a<br />
commitment to working with students in high-need communities.” Priscilla (Pino) Gossett (‘90) was among those named. Indeed, she is<br />
now Principal of Madison Heights Elementary <strong>School</strong>, home to 450 pre-school through fourth grade students.<br />
The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona, established in 1999, seeks to bring about greatness in our public schools.<br />
Through a partnership of experienced educators and leading citizens, the Foundation sponsors the Exemplary Principal and Aspiring<br />
Exemplary Principal programs. As an Aspiring Principal, Mrs. Gossett will be paired with a previously named Exemplary Principal<br />
and, for a two-year period, will be involved in a mentorship program.<br />
Outstanding Service in Medicine: Dr. Jim Sullivan (’89)<br />
Dr. Jim Sullivan (’89), a former Knight of the Year, received his MD from Creighton University and is<br />
now certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (2003), Anesthesiology (2007) and Critical<br />
Care Medicine (2009). He serves as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of<br />
Nebraska Medical Center. Jim comes from a large family and he and his wife of 16 years, Clare, are<br />
following in that tradition; they have eight children, four girls and four boys, ranging in age from 13 to<br />
one.
A Rose By Any Other Name Is Still a Rose: A Family of Knights<br />
We often refer to the “family tradition’ at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s. That isn’t just a slogan. Our history includes many examples of family<br />
involvement at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s and some of these extend over four generations. The Rose family is of recent vintage and exemplifies that<br />
“life after <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s” remains vibrant and marked by success.<br />
Jason Rose (’88) Jason Rose is the VP/GM for Waste Management of San Diego and Orange County. He has been with the<br />
company for 16 years. Jason is an active participant in the San Diego Regional Economic Development Council Board, Century Club<br />
of San Diego, San Diego Sports Commission Executive Board, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Forum, Junior Seau<br />
Foundation and LEAD San Diego. He graduated from San Diego State University where he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon and played<br />
football in the early 1990's with Marshall Faulk. He later went on to earn his MBA. Jason lives in Aviara with his wife of 13 years,<br />
Clare, and their two children, Aimee, 10, and Andrew, 7.<br />
Brett Rose (’92) Brett Rose has worked in the US Embassy in El Salvador since October 2009. Before joining the Department<br />
of State, Mr. Rose worked in finance for 7 years for Charles Schwab, ING Funds, and a boutique investor relations firm that primarily<br />
worked with clients based in Hong Kong. Mr. Rose attended ASU, graduating in 1996 with a management degree focusing on small<br />
business management. Brett is married to Christy Rose, and has three children - Xavier, Alexandra, and Rebecca.<br />
Jilanne Rose (’91) Jilanne Rose graduated from NAU in 1996 and received her Masters degree from Vanderbilt in 2004. She<br />
currently is working in the Valley as a Cardiothoracic Nurse Practitioner. She is happily married with two boys (Justin and Wyatt) and<br />
a baby girl on the way.<br />
JT Rose (’98) JT Rose graduated from Pepperdine University with a BS in Business Administration in 2002. He has worked<br />
in Perimeter Security since 2003 and started a business in 2007 called Total Automation Group specializing in Integrating Perimeter<br />
Security products. Recently passed his PSP (Physical Security Professional) test, which allows him to perform physical security<br />
assessments. He recently married Tammie York who is from Los Angeles and they currently live in Birmingham, AL.<br />
Some Alumni Updates<br />
Amanda Mehr (’06) is a first year teacher at Carmen<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin through Teach for<br />
America. Shen is teaching freshman English and junior AP<br />
Engish Language.<br />
Robert M Gonzales (‘02) and Bianca Sanchez (‘03)<br />
announced the birth of future Knight Cain Jacob Gonzales on<br />
September 15, 2010.<br />
Dymond Simon has recovered from serious injuries and<br />
now leads the ASU girls’ basketball team in scoring as a senior.<br />
She has started all 19 of ASU’s games so far this year as a guard<br />
and is averaging 14.1 points per game.<br />
Davellyn Whyte now leads the UofA girls’ basketball<br />
team in scoring as a sophomore. She has started all twenty of<br />
their games as a guard and is averaging 15.2 points per game.<br />
Alicia (Uribe) Pacheco (’00) and Ray Pacheco (’96)<br />
celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on October 9. They<br />
have an 8 year old daughter, Alexus, and a 5 year old son,<br />
Raymond. Alcia is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at the<br />
University ofm Phoenix and Ra is awaiting to join the Phoenix<br />
Police Dept.<br />
Remembrances<br />
James Adrian D’Arcangelo (Class of ’48) passed away<br />
on December 2, 2010. Owner of Jim’s Auto Detail Shop for over<br />
40 years, Jim remained an avid <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s fan and supporter<br />
throughout his life.<br />
John A. Martinez (Class of ‘78) passed away on<br />
September 11, 2010. John was a 4-year letterman on the Knight<br />
football team as a punter/kicker and defensive lineman. He also<br />
lettered in baseball and wrestling, but football was his passion.<br />
Albert Felix Undiano (Class of ‘79) passed away on<br />
October 23, 2010. Working for Proctor & Gamble for 30 years,<br />
Albert collected memorabilia and was an avid sports fan, and<br />
particularly enjoyed supporting the sports activities of his son<br />
Michael Undiano (Class of 2009).<br />
Mary Cecelia Rochford passed away on October 11,<br />
2010. Married to Richard Rochford (Class of ’52) for more than<br />
51 years, her professional life as a nurse and her personal life as<br />
wife and mother brought God’s grace to countless people through<br />
her life of service. Mary is survived by her husband, and six<br />
children, Cecelia (Sturgeon), Ann (Schrooten) (’79), Richard<br />
(’80), Joan (Speshock) (’81), Maureen (Musselman) (’84), and<br />
John (’90), and 20 grandchildren.<br />
Dr. Robert Thompson (’49) passed away on December<br />
9, 2010, survived by his wife, Nancy, 8 children 19<br />
grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He served as Student<br />
Body President at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s and lettered in basketball and<br />
football. After <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s he attended Stanford University on a<br />
swimming and football scholarship, playing inn the 1952 Rose<br />
Bowl. Then came Stanford Medical <strong>School</strong> and a medical<br />
practice. After completing a three-year residency in orthopedic<br />
surgery in Denver, he return to California to practice and served<br />
as Chiel of Staff of Doctors Hospital and President of the<br />
Stanislaus County Medical Society. He retired from medicine in<br />
1995.
Class of 1960 Celebrates A 50th Reunion With A Fun-Filled Weekend<br />
The celebration began on<br />
Friday, October 22, with a<br />
luncheon hosted by <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s<br />
on campus. The participants<br />
enjoyed lunch, a tour of the campus<br />
by student Ambassadors, and<br />
attended a “pep rally” where they<br />
were honored by current students<br />
by receiving a flower and much<br />
applause. “We reminisced about<br />
the differences between the old and<br />
the new campuses, wishing that our<br />
antiquated fans could have been the<br />
state of the art air conditioning<br />
enjoyed today,” commented Flor<br />
Hickman, the luncheon organizer.<br />
That evening, the group<br />
gathered at Hamburger Works<br />
before attending the Homecoming<br />
football game. Father Salavatore<br />
Perisi joined the gathering and<br />
shared many memories of the class.<br />
At the game, Judy Danda Ross, 1960 Homecoming Princess, had the distinct honor of crowning the 2010 Homecoming King and<br />
Queen. After the game, about 40 classmates met at Macayo’s for a sit down dinner.<br />
With high school spirit running high, on Saturday night classmates and spouses attended a cocktail reception and formal<br />
dinner dance at the Phoenix Country Club. Memorabilia such as old uniforms, high school letters, yearbooks and even a tiny metal<br />
knight that had been with a graduate over the years, gave a nostalgic touch to the evening. A video presentation of current student life<br />
prepared by <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s played in the background, with photos of 1960 sprinkled throughout, reminding the group of the strong sense<br />
of family and tradition that unites all <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s students and graduates. After the dinner, 50s and 60s music brought everyone to the<br />
dance floor. “We left the evening with our shoes in one hand, and memorabilia in the other, “commented Vicki Hirshbirg.<br />
The final event was a brunch the next morning at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, where the old friends bid farewell to out of town<br />
guests, and promised to return again in 5 years and begin planning for a grandiose 60th reunion in 2020!<br />
Class of 1990 Celebrates 20th Reunion<br />
The second class to graduate from the new campus on Sheridan Street, the Class of 1990 enjoyed a festive weekend with lifelong<br />
friends in mid-October. Class of 1990’s 20 Year Reunion was a huge success! Over 60 graduates attended the festivities over<br />
Homecoming weekend. The celebration began with a tailgate party at Phoenix College during the Varsity Homecoming game, followed<br />
by a refreshing hike up Camelback Mountain early Saturday morning. The reunion concluded Saturday evening with a fabulous dinner<br />
at Alexi’s Grill, a memorable video, and 80’s music all night long! So many people need to be thanked for making it such a huge<br />
success, the list is lengthy! It was definitely a group effort, and none of it would have been possible without each of you stepping up<br />
and taking part. So thanks to everyone who helped and attended!!! Can’t wait to do it again for the 25th reunion! Please keep in touch<br />
and be sure to update your contact info with SM!<br />
Dressing Down for the Tailgater<br />
Dressing Up for the Dinn
Class of 2000 Celebrates Inaugural Reunion<br />
Over 100 classmates from the Class of 2000 got together over two days in the fall to celebrate their 10 Year Reunion. Fun was had by<br />
all on Friday night as the Knights delivered a late win over a ranked North Canyon squad, followed by a celebration at Town Talk II<br />
BBQ. The following night the classmates got together at Aunt Chilada’s to catch up, share memories, and brag about future Knights.<br />
The Group<br />
Courtney Frogge and Nikole Miller<br />
Tiana Tipton, Jennie (Knobbe) Kostyn, Erin<br />
(Sweeney) Morgan, Diane Eisenbacher<br />
Zach Crawford, Raquel Fuentes,<br />
Katie (Shirley) Garcia<br />
Diocesan <strong>School</strong> Board Membership<br />
The <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>School</strong>s Office is now accepting applications for the Diocesan <strong>School</strong> Board. All registered<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong>s are eligible. You do NOT need to have children enrolled in <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>School</strong>s to qualify. For<br />
additional Information see www.catholicschoolsphx.com or call (602) 354-2344.<br />
Application deadline – April 5, 2011. Diocesan <strong>School</strong> Board Membership
“Why Are You Always Asking for Money?”<br />
We make an effort to appeal to different groups, giving a donor a chance to support some part of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s that may have<br />
a special place in that donor’s memory. And you don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference. This issue highlights several ways<br />
people can help <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s. Our alumni, when here, benefitted from similar requests made to graduates before their time. All alumni<br />
benefitted in some way from the response of generous donors who helped <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s.<br />
One consistent request for help doesn’t cost you anything. You can’t do any better than that. Payments to<br />
CTODP before April 15 will lower your Arizona income tax for 2010 on a dollar for dollar basis. The payment costs you<br />
nothing and will help a needy family with tuition. Especially for those alumni who received tuition assistance when<br />
attending <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s, this costless way to help should be an obligation. See the cover page.<br />
Was prom special for you? People with fond memories of prom, or who knew someone who couldn’t go because of finances,<br />
can sponsor a student to this year’s prom for $75. Our proms now combine the dance with a pre-dance sit-down dinner, which<br />
promotes safety and unity for students. See page 5.<br />
Basketball fan? For $30, you can watch a Suns game featuring our alumni, Channing Frye and Jerryd Bayless. See page 8.<br />
Consider the Annual Fund (page 9). Donors can help at any gift level. Every dollar helps. The percentage of our alumni that<br />
support us financially is very low, which is surprising, since surveys reveal that our alumni are extremely loyal to <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s.<br />
Because foundations use the percentage of alumni donors as a major factor in funding decisions, gifts to the Annual Fund at any level<br />
helps us seek larger grants. Whether its $25 or $10,000, every gift helps <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s fulfill its mission.<br />
Class of 1961 Planning 50 th Reunion<br />
Saturday, November 12, 2011<br />
Help Us Find Missing Classmates<br />
This will truly be a once in a lifetime event and we<br />
hope to have as many as possible. If you have any contact<br />
information (phone number, mailing address, email address)<br />
for any of our missing classmates, please notify Gary Wolf<br />
(602-997-0364) or Andy Laubmeier (480-759-5605), or email<br />
Andy at aflaubmeier@aol.comDetails will follow shortly.<br />
Missing: Jaime Alvarez, Hector Parada, Connie Arvizu, Patrick<br />
Carrigan, Judy Curtis, Dorothy Depaoli, Diane Diedrich,<br />
Richard Erbland, Susan Hanley, Kathy Hensley, Mary Figueroa,<br />
Penny Flood (Sandecker-Heep), Jacquelynne Lester, Judy<br />
MacDonnell, Claudia Molonson, Robert Martinez, Karen<br />
Mooney, Fredrick Mosely, Hadley D. Murrell, Joy Schuble,<br />
Mary Ellen Smith, Henry Suprenski, Darlene TeVrucht, Tencia<br />
Trujillo, Oliver Turner, Marie Vicente, Vicky Williams<br />
(Encinas), and Sharon McGuire.<br />
Roney Family Foundation Scholarship at<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
In December, 2010, the Roney Family Foundation established a<br />
new scholarship fund at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> as<br />
part of the Scholarship and Benefit Fund endowment with the<br />
intent of providing a four-year scholarship to a female student<br />
coming from St. Matthew’s, St. Agnes or St. Catherine’s<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> elementary schools. The scholarship award is $2,000<br />
per year. We thank the Roneys for this generous outreach to<br />
children extending for years into the future and making the <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Mary’s experience possible for families needing assistance.<br />
If you are interested in creating a named scholarship<br />
fund at <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s, contact Angie Bayless at 602-251-2506 or<br />
at abayless@smknights.org<br />
Invitation to Serve on the <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s Advisory Board<br />
The <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Advisory Board will have openings for board positions for the 2011-2012 school year. If you<br />
are interested in serving on the board, please submit a letter of intent and resume to Mrs. Fessler at sfessler@smknights.org. If you<br />
have any questions please contact Mrs. Fessler or Kurt Schuler, Advisory Board Member, at kurt.schuler@cox.net.<br />
The Board supports the mission of the school, which is to prepare students for a life of virtue, forming them through an<br />
education in <strong>Catholic</strong> Tradition to know the Truth and to love God and others. Board members:<br />
• Provide advice to the Principal in all diocesan school matters for which the Principal seeks the board’s advice and<br />
counsel including, but not limited to, preparing and submitting proposed goals and objectives of <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong>.<br />
• Give feedback to the Principal on financial matters concerning <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
• Recommend to the Principal approval or disapproval of the annual budgets for <strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
• Formulate and propose written policies designed to further the goals specified in Article I of its Constitution. Such<br />
policies shall be subject to the approval of the Principal.<br />
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and particularly the feasibility of application and enforcement by<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Mary’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Please consider becoming a part of this outstanding school organization and bring your community voice to the board.<br />
As You Read This, Pray for Peace
SAINT MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL<br />
- GREEN STREAK -<br />
2525 NORTH THIRD STREET<br />
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004<br />
NON-PROFIT ORG.<br />
U.S. POSTAGE PAID<br />
PHOENIX, ARIZONA<br />
PERMIT NO. 679<br />
CTODP News Released On January 31, 2011 – Matching Gift<br />
If you have never given to CTODP you can double the impact of your gift. A $200,000 corporate match has been offered to<br />
CTODP anonymously to help raise an additional $200,000 from individuals who have yet to take advantage of the private education<br />
tax credit. The dollar-for-dollar match provides an incentive for new donors to give. The match runs from Jan. 30 until April 15,<br />
2011, with the following conditions:<br />
It is available to first-time individual gifts of any amount, up to $500 (single) or $1,000 (married)<br />
Qualified gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar on a first-come/first-served basis up to $200,000<br />
Donors may designate <strong>Catholic</strong> school(s) of their choice or give to the General Scholarship Fund<br />
All donations received will be made available to qualified students in the 2011/12 school year<br />
.<br />
The Knightline is published in January and July. To notify the school of address changes or personal updates, write to the<br />
Knightline at the school address or via email at treilly@smknights.org. PARENTS OF GRADUATES BEFORE 2005: please<br />
contact us with the names and addresses of your children. We have only the parent home address for many of our graduates.