CElEbRAtiNG LEGAciES - St. Pius X Catholic High School

S T . P I U S X C A T H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L • A T L A N T A
Winter 2010
Celebrating Legacies
Faith • Family • Community
Do the best you can with the abilities God has given you.”
~ Coach George B. Maloof

From the Alumni Director...
The search engine Google has been an Internet hit since its debut.
Today millions of people around the world use the search engine
for school, work and pleasure. The company’s overview states
“founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin named the search engine they
built “Google,” a play on the word “googol,” the mathematical term
for a one followed by 100 zeros. The name reflects the immense
volume of information that exists and the scope of Google’s mission:
to organize the world’s information and make it universally
accessible and useful.”
When I think about Google, I wonder if Mr. Page and Mr. Brin
imagined how successful they would be in fulfilling their mission.
What legacy will their organization leave on the industry that is
the Internet and the world, for that matter? Even my 8-year-old
nephew, Jon, knows that if you need to find out information, “just
Google it. You can find anything.”
Similarly, when I think about St. Pius X, I wonder if our school’s
founding fathers realized what their hard work would accomplish. Back in 1958, when Bishop Hyland, Monsignor Maloney and Father Harrison began
to craft a vision for St. Pius X, what was their guiding mission? What kind of legacy did they want to leave to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Atlanta?
Fr. Harrison, the school’s first principle, was quoted in a 1962 newspaper article as saying, “It looked like God smiled on our endeavors from the very
first. We have been successful in both our athletic and academic accomplishments. The very first year playing a ’B’ team schedule we were highly successful.
Each year has seen an increase in National Merit Scholarship Finalists. The first year we had one, the second year two, the third three and this
year six. Two of the three last year won full scholarships to the college of their choice.”
Father Harrison also expressed that the teenager of his day was better prepared, more mature and had more opportunities than those of the previous
generation. He stated “They are reading now what we read in college.” Father Harrison expressed his concern that the teenagers “are missing much. Possibly
it’s the fault of our entire society which is forcing them to grow up sooner. Girls begin to think of marriage as soon as they enter high school.”
What was the school’s biggest problem in the 60’s? As Fr. Harrison stated, “our biggest problem both for sports and the school as a whole is transportation.
It is very expensive and time consuming to get to the school. I’ll be glad when the Baptist College opens near us and then maybe there will be public
bus service.” Sr. Carol Patron, a member of the Class of 1959, recently shared with me that getting to school was a very real issue for the students. With
large Catholic populations located at St. Anthony’s in the West End and downtown near Immaculate Conception, many students had to get creative with
transportation. Sr. Carol remembers picking up seven other students on her way to St. Pius X. The school’s location, just off the Northeast expressway
near the Shallowford Road turn off, was a source of great concern for many parents in the archdiocese.
The parents played a critical role in the livelihood of the early St. Pius X community. Father Harrison stated, “Our Home and School Association has
been a terrific asset. Parents can help a lot and do. It takes a cooperative effort to run a school. One person couldn’t think of all that needs doing.” The
article states that William Waidelich was president of their active association. Like many past and present “Pi-Hi” parents, Mr. Waidelich’s sacrifice of
time, treasure and talent to St. Pius X left a lasting legacy. A legacy not just of bricks and mortar, but of graduates: son Bill ’62, daughter in law Elaine
DiCristina Waidelich ’63 and grandsons Trey ’91, David ’94 and Brian ’97.
When I think of my own parents and the sacrifices they made to send me and my four siblings through St. Pius X, I say a prayer of thanks. While attending
“Pi-Hi” I didn’t appreciate having to ride the MARTA bus at 5 a.m., being the only cheerleader not allowed to go “roll” the football players houses
or having very limited TV time at home. I’m sure we can each recall those times when we didn’t necessarily understand or appreciate the decisions our
parents made for us. I now know that it was a privilege to attend St. Pius X, and I fondly remember that the good times definitely outweighed the bad.
The conclusion of Google’s company overview is subtitled “The road ahead.” It states “A lot has changed since the first Google search engine appeared.
We have grown and expanded our offerings from a single service to dozens, often in as many languages. We now have thousands of employees and
offices around the world. But some things haven’t changed: our dedication to our users and our belief in the possibilities of the Internet itself.”
I think the legacy of St. Pius X Catholic High School is similar. A lot has changed since 1958. We have grown from that first graduating class of 73 to
over 10,000 graduates. The school offers over 100 activities and clubs for students to join. In the tradition of our beloved Coach Maloof, the first staff
member of the school, the faculty is a synchronized team of educators and coaches. They are truly dedicated to helping our students do the best they
can with the abilities God gave them. The diversity in our student population combined with our goal to develop the whole child makes St. Pius the
top choice for many prospective parents. Our alumni are scholars, servicemen and women, community activists, business leaders, priest and religious.
Some things haven’t changed: our dedication to our students and our belief in our motto: Domini Sumus, We are the Lord’s.
Many blessings,
Friday Night Under the Lights: Front Row: David Kempton ’65 (Parent of Alumni); Second
Row: Vicky Dorsey ’81, Tony Lentini ’83 and Mark Haddad ’77 (Parent of Alumni); Third
Row: Rob Buechner ’81 (Current Parent), Keith Carter ’81, Stephanie Hatheway Froug ’82
(Current Parent), Mary Pat Conboy Wilson’83, Mike Dallas ’82, Parker Wilson ’82, Michael
Shikany ’66 (Parent of Alumni) and Nathan Schaffner ’06.
Vicky Dorsey ’81, Director of Alumni
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From the Alumni Association President...
Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls), Hank Aaron (Atlanta Braves), and Vince Dooley (University of Georgia).
When you hear these names, you immediately think of the impact they have had on their respective
sports. When I heard that Coach George Maloof passed away, I knew that he should be listed right
up there with the other legends for his impact, love and leadership at St. Pius X. In mourning the
death of our beloved coach, hundreds of alumni came back to St. Pius X to pay their respects. It was
a fitting tribute to a man who gave his time and talent to uplift others.
As I reflect on Coach Maloof’s amazing legacy, I can’t help but think of my own family’s long history
with the St. Pius X community. My family’s first connection to St. Pius X came in 1962, when
my grandmother Maria del Amparo York began teaching Spanish at the school. She dedicated her
life to education as she was a teacher and principal for more than 40 years in Cuba and the United
States. As the Cuban-American community in Atlanta continued to grow, so did my family and its
relationship with St. Pius X.
Our first family member to attend St. Pius X was my cousin, Jose Pagoaga ’80. He played football
under Coach Maloof and married Karen Kerner Pagoaga ’82. Jose has remained involved with St.
Pius X, having served as President of the St. Pius X Alumni Board, and he and Karen have passed
on their love of their Alma Mater to their children. As a student, Devon ’09 was a member of the
National Honor Society and was involved in the dance program. Michael ’10 is a member of the
football team, and Melissa has played soccer on the St. Pius X middle school team.
My family contains a second St. Pius X romance as my cousin, Carlos Pagoaga ’84 married Maria
McHugh Pagoaga ’84. Carlos and Maria are the proud parents of Zack, Caroline and Will. Carlos is
currently the Community Partnerships Director at The Coca-Cola Company. Carlos and Jose’s sister,
Ana Pagoaga Crowe ’86 cheered at St. Pius X, and she now resides in Orlando with her husband,
Danny, and their very active boys: Colin, Declan and Hunter.
My brother, Raul Trujillo Jr. ’87 was on the SPX wrestling and track teams. He is currently the
Advertising Director at MundoHispánico (Atlanta’s oldest Spanish language newspaper). Raul and
his wife Mary Lynn have a beautiful daughter, Adria.
Mercita Ponce de León Fernández ’88 remembers St. Pius X as a place where a young person could
safely learn, grow and develop one’s faith, mind, athletic and artistic abilities in a positive atmosphere.
Mercita, a Spanish teacher at Notre Dame Academy, and her husband Frank are parents to
Marisol and Sabrina Rose.
Adolfo Ponce de León ’89 played baseball at Pius and helped the Audio/Visual crew for Pius Players
and the basketball team. Adolfo is currently an Electrical Engineer for the Georgia Transmission
Corporation.
Mercita and Adolfo’s brother, Gabriel Ponce de León ’91 summed up why he enjoyed St. Pius X
by stating, “the strong Catholic faith, teachers and coaches that challenged us in a loving way, an
extension of family and the foundation for life-long friendships.” Gabriel, an Epidemiologist at the
CDC, is engaged to Molly Millsap.
My sister, Karen Marie Trujillo ’95 was a member of the National Honor Society and an amazing
dancer at Pius. She works as a Senior Environmental Scientist at URS Corp. and is active in the
Atlanta Catholic Sports league (along with Raul, Gabriel and myself). She is currently in the planning
stages for her 15-year St. Pius X reunion.
I graduated in 2001, was a member of the National Honor Society and ran track at Pius. I am a Communications
Specialist for Catholic Charities and for the past four and a half years, I have had the
utmost honor to serve on the St. Pius X Alumni Board. It has been a true joy to volunteer my time.
In total, my family has 13 Pius alumni and one former Pius teacher. Just like my family, there are
many examples of Pius legacies that value a Catholic education. The importance of this education
is manifested in the many successes and contributions of its alumni. Let the tradition continue for
generations to come!
Augusto Michael Trujillo ’01, Alumni Board President
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Remembering Coach George B. Maloof
“I was thinking about what you can teach your boys…what language you can use…When I saw you and
your team win the first game, all the magic of sport came to me silver voiced, like whistles. There are no
words to describe how beautiful you looked delivering urgent messages to quarterbacks, signaling for time
outs, pacing the green, unnaturally lit sidelines, loved…for your unimaginable love of play, for the soft
gauzy immensity of your love for all the boys and all the games of the world.
Teach them this…and teach them very well: teach them the quiet verbs of kindness, to live beyond themselves.
Urge them toward excellence, drive them to gentleness, pull them deep into yourself, pull them upwards to
manhood, but softly like an angel arranging clouds. Let your spirit move through them softly…
I cried last night when I heard your voice above the crowd. I heard you cheering for the clumsy tackle, the
slow-footed back, music of your sweet praise. But my brother, the lion, all golden and hurt: teach them
what you know the best. There is no poem, no letter that can pass your one ineffable gift to boys. I want
them to take from you the knowledge of how to be the gentlest, the most perfect brother.”
The Prince of Tides
Pat Conroy

George B. Maloof, legendary football coach and player, passed away on
October 4, 2009 at the age of 79. Maloof was the head football coach at St.
Pius X Catholic High School for 26 years, as well as a star football player at
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the Marist School.
Awarded the Papal Medal, Benemerenti, for his achievement in education,
he was the first lay member of the faculty at St. Pius X when the school
opened in 1958, and the stadium now bears his name.
Current Principal Steve Spellman commented on the many contributions
made by Maloof, saying, “The success and reputation St. Pius X enjoys
today is deeply rooted in the contributions made by George Maloof during
his time here. The number of lives he touched then and continues to touch
now is astounding. His motto, urging every person to do their best with
their God-given abilities, not only carried him to a long list of life-time
accomplishments, but it continues to take this institution to new levels of
excellence in all phases of operation.”
Maloof was best known as the football coach at St. Pius X from 1958-83,
where he also served as a math and mechanical drawing teacher, athletic
director, assistant to the principal, and head of boys’ discipline. His teams
combined for a 168-85-12 record in his tenure as head coach, and St. Pius
X became the first Catholic school to win the State Championship in 1968
under his watch. Twice named Georgia Class AA Coach of the Year, Maloof
was also honored by the Atlanta Touchdown Club as one of the inaugural
Legends of the Game in 2003.
Maloof was much more than just a coach and teacher at St. Pius X. According
to current Athletic Director Mark Kelly, “Coach Maloof’s record speaks
for itself. The most remarkable thing to me, however, is the effect he had
on every young man who ever played for him. There is not one of us who
does not think of him often. We often ask ourselves, ’What would Coach
Maloof do?’ And there is not one of us who does not hear his voice saying
“Be the best you can be, with the ability that God gave you.’ That is what
he did. His greatest teaching tool was his life.”
Born January 4, 1930 at the old Piedmont Hospital, George Bernard Maloof
met success at every step along his fabled career at Marist School, Georgia
Tech, and the U.S. Air Force in addition to his time at St. Pius X. Raised
in the Grant Park area of Atlanta, Maloof attended Immaculate Conception
Elementary School before matriculating to Marist School, then an all-boys’
military school located on Ivy Street.
In his time at Marist, Maloof served as Class President for the freshman,
sophomore, junior and senior classes. He also served as military editor and
sports editor of The Blue and Gold, Marist’s weekly newspaper. Maloof
attained the rank of colonel, which was the highest ranking officer in the
Cadet Corps, and was twice named the Corps’ outstanding cadet.
During his storied prep career, Maloof lettered four years in football, during
which he was named to All-State, All-Southern and All-American teams.
He lettered four seasons in baseball being named to the All-Greater Atlanta
and All-State teams, as well as earning two letters in basketball. Maloof was
also the Most Outstanding Player of the North team in the Georgia High
School All-Star Football game, while being named the Most Outstanding
Lineman in Georgia by the Atlanta Touchdown Club.
From Marist, Maloof continued his stellar playing career at Georgia Tech
as a three-year football and baseball letter winner. In his years at the North
Avenue institution, Maloof was named to the All-SEC Football and Baseball
teams while helping the gridiron Jackets to an undefeated season in 1951.
That season was highlighted by a 48-6 trouncing of arch-rival, University
of Georgia, when Maloof rushed for four touchdowns, a record that still
stands almost sixty years later.
After graduating from Georgia Tech in 1952, Maloof was commissioned as
a second lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force. During his time in the service, he
was picked to play on the Fort Bragg All-Star football team, and was chosen
as the most valuable player in the 9th Air Force. He also served as the Head
Coach of the Pope Air Force baseball team in 1953-54.
Upon his return to Atlanta, he joined the football coaching staff at his prep
alma mater, Marist. Two years later he was named head coach at the new
St. Pius X Catholic High School. In addition to his football coaching duties,
Maloof also served as basketball and baseball coach for eight years.
During the decade of the 1960s, St. Pius X became a football juggernaut,
posting an 82-18-7 record. Maloof’s teams were noted for their defense as
the Golden Lions recorded 43 shutouts, and allowed less than 6 points per
game. In addition to the AA State Championship in 1968, the 1965 team
finished as AA State Runners-Up. Maloof was selected to coach the 1968
North Team in the Georgia High School All-Star Football Game, and earned
his two Georgia Coach of the Year accolades during the decade.
Current St. Pius X head coach Paul Standard talked about the legacy that
Maloof helped to create. “Coach Maloof was an inspiration for the entire St.
Pius X Community—he is St. Pius X. Our school is what it is today because
of the vision, dedication and love that Coach Maloof had for St. Pius X. He
will always be the St. Pius football coach. I am just the caretaker of this job,
as will be the person that comes after me.”
Overall, in his 26 years, Maloof won 79 of his 168 games with shutouts
and has produced six head football coaches from among his former players,
including: his sons, Kevin and Keith, current St. Pius X head coach, Paul
Standard, as well as Bob Mangan, Ed Dudley and John Alexander. The field
at St. Pius X was named in his honor in 1995, and the stadium was re-named
George B. Maloof Stadium in 2004. He was inducted into the Georgia Athletic
Coaches Association Hall of Fame in June of 2009.
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In addition to his coaching, Maloof was an outstanding educator as evidenced by being awarded the Papal Medal, Benemerenti (well-merited)
by Pope John Paul II in 1982. It is one of the highest honors conferred by the Catholic Church. The medal was awarded for his achievement in
education, and he was named Man of the Year by the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 1983.
David Buechner, Director of Development, spoke of Maloof’s indelible impact, saying, “Coach Maloof played many roles in his life, and he
played all of them extraordinarily well. To me he was a friend and a father figure. Coach Maloof was a huge character, a man carved out of a
giant mountain that will endure in the hearts and memories of the thousands whom he touched. He was, and will always be, larger than life.”
In Memoriam
~ Words from the homily of Msgr. Richard Lopez for George B. Maloof
It was about eight days before
George went to God, that I
dropped by to visit him. As Coach
Kelly said, “He was George to
the very end!” Reduced so badly
by the cancer, he still had that
indestructible Lebanese habit of
hospitality and humor. I told him
that about 25 years ago Coach
Kelly had come to me and said the
school needed a freshmen soccer
coach. I said to him I did not know how to play soccer, and he said that
did not matter. He is a hard man to say no to…so I got a book, hit the
stadium and made sure there were 11 men on the field. All went well,
I was telling Coach Maloof, until the first game. We arrived at some
place way out in Rockdale County. I had no idea what I was doing, so
I did the only thing I could think of. In front of the wide eyed, stunned
view of the opposing public school team, I had all 11 guys kneel down,
and I sprinkled them with Holy Water. I had in mind I was like one of
my Spanish ancestors blessing the crusaders before they defeated the
Moors at the gates of Granada. Drenched in holy water, with courage
in their hearts and fury in their eyes, my boys stormed out into the
fields of Rockdale county. We lost 11 to zero. On the way home one
of the boys picked up the Holy Water bottle and mused: “perhaps next
time we should drink it.” I told Coach Maloof we lost five games and
won one! But then that original “Golden lion in winter”—the Coach
of Coaches—almost rose up out of his bed, grabbed my hand and said
with that unforgettable voice: “Father it doesn’t matter if they lost. Did
they play their best? That is what matters.” I confess I felt a thrill pass
through my bones, remembering what he had said to so many generations
of his boys: “Do the best with your God given ability and you
will never be a loser.”
The Friday before he died, George’s daughter Kathy called the school
and said that her dad had slipped into a coma. I ran over to the house on
my lunch hour from Pius, praying that he could at least hear me say good
bye and God be with you, even if he could not respond. I went over to
his bed, touched his arm and said “Coach.” The man who was supposed
to be in a coma, woke up, embraced me, kissed me and said: “Father I
love you!” I wanted him to hear the gospel in his final moments, and I
could see he was struggling to maintain consciousness. I read today’s
gospel, when Thomas says to Jesus: “Lord we do not know where you
are going, and Jesus said to him…” And before I could finish, Coach
Maloof’s final words to me were: “I am the way, the truth and the life.”
The last words I heard him say were the key to his salvation.
Oh my friends in Christ, in a more sane age we used to pray for a
holy death. I have seen a holy death in George Maloof, and I am not
ashamed to say I cried on the way home—tears of joy and pride to be
witness to such an end, that was such a beginning! I thought of those
early Christian martyrs who while being slain by the Romans would
dip their hands in the blood of their wounds and write on the sand of
the area as their final act, “Credo,” I believe! Knowing that faith in
Jesus Christ made them conquerors of death. Cancer may have won a
game over George Maloof, but George and Christ had a winning season
from death into life.
No one could say that George’s life was free from pain, sorrow or
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“Schools are more than hall ways; They are also heart ways and mind ways in which certain
men and women write permanent records of their love and confidence in us.
Such was the power of George Maloof’s love for us.
He believed in us when we could not believe in ourselves. He loved us when we would not love
ourselves, and because of that we have been all the more eager to accept God’s love for us.”
setbacks. However Saint Francis de Sales said the greatness of man is not so much seen in what he does, but rather in what he does when things
are done to him. Thomas Merton said: “Souls are like athletes that need opponents worthy of them if they are to be tried and extended and
pushed to the full use of their powers, and rewarded according to their capacity.” When sorrow, pain and difficulties come our way, they can
point us in one of two ways: the way of bitterness and anger or the way of hope and trust. The difference is always in terms of the company one
keeps. George chose to keep company with Christ who walked with him in his sorrow and gave him purpose in his pain, which was the reason
he never lost hope or humor!
I have a difficult job today only because in a few minutes I must be both the voice of a thousand hearts who loved George and a voice of the
Sacred Heart who loves us all. I remember years ago preaching a sermon on the Eucharist here at Pius at a school Mass. George came up to
me afterwards, shook my hands and said “Father, thank you. Thank you. If this school is not about the Holy Eucharist, what are we here for!” I
invite all of you here, the finest way to honor this man is renew your honor of Jesus Christ by the way you live and worship. If you loved him,
then love and honor whom and what he loved and honored, Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith!
[To George’s family]: Anita, during these final difficult months you have kept Christ company on the cross with your pain. I once read something
about marriage that goes like this: “Marriage, therefore does not exist primarily to make us happy, but to make us holy...though in the long run,
of course, there can be no happiness apart from holiness. But it is the holiness that God is after. And so, in marriage God goes to work on us.
He begins to teach us what it means and what it requires of us, to love even just one person as God loves each of us, with steadfastness and
faithfulness.” Anita, thank you for showing us how God loves us by the way you loved George.
And to George’s children and grandchildren: There was a remarkable Scots Protestant writer named George Macdonald who wrote about a
young man’s musing about his father and his faith. He said the following: “Oh, if only it might be true...that maybe, just maybe, God is like my
own dear father. It is just so good it must be true.” Then the author adds, “A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds some of
God in his father.” Keith, Kevin, Karen and Kathy, how blessed you are! For the rest of your life remember how easy it is to pray “Our Father,
Who art in Heaven,” because of the father God gave you on earth.
It is so perfect that our Archbishop gave us permission to have this Mass in this place. For so many of you this place will forever echo with
George’s voice, his enthusiasm, his joy. Our beloved Coaches Standard and Gilbert remind their players that the school’s motto, Domini Sumus,
We are the Lord’s, reminds us that we are therefore brothers. We are our brothers’ keepers. Schools are more than hall ways; They are also heart
ways and mind ways in which certain men and women write permanent records of their love and confidence in us. Such was the power of George
Maloof’s love for us. He believed in us when we could not believe in ourselves. He loved us when we would not love ourselves, and because of
that we have been all the more eager to accept God’s love for us. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Only through a man who has been touched by God,
can God come to man.” Such a man was our first teacher, our first coach, our original golden lion, George Maloof.
Thank you Coach Maloof [for the lessons] you have taught us all. Now, hear from our Lord Christ the only words that give meaning to life and
death: “Well done, thou good and faithful servent. Come and share your Master’s joy!”
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Samantha Jones:
Dancing in the Big Apple
The two photos above were taken
at St. Pius X by Keiko Guest.
In her senior year at St. Pius X, Samantha Jones ’09 was awarded a $25,000 scholarship to the Fordham
University-Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) program. This was a huge
accomplishment, and for Samantha it was the realization of a dream. “I am very blessed to be chosen to be
a part of this program,” said Samantha in an interview for Spiritus (St. Pius’ parent newsletter). “Hundreds
of students from around the world audition for this program, and only about 30 are awarded admission.”
The partnership between Fordham University and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Company is a unique one.
It began in 1998 when the Director of The Ailey School, Denise Jefferson, approached Fordham with the
idea of a collaborative program allowing students who wished to pursue dance to also have the ability to
earn a college degree. According to the Web site for The Ailey School, this joint B.F.A. program “offers the
best of two worlds: the artistic pre-eminence of the official school of the world-famous Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater (AAADT), combined with an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of
intellectual development and personal attention. Both institutions are located in the cultural heart of New York
City—the epicenter of the dance world.”
Samantha’s dance journey began in Kingston, Jamaica. She was only 4 years old when she started training at
the Jamaica School of Dance, studying the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus. Under the RAD
syllabus, she was administered regular ballet examinations to monitor her skill level and understanding of the
technique. For Samantha, these examinations are fond memories. “There are different levels in the RAD syllabus, and
in order to progress through these levels you must pass an examination during which you perform all that you have
learned in front of a licensed examiner,” Samantha explains. “I began these examinations at age 4, starting at the lowest
level (primary). These ballet exams are quite memorable because they taught me confidence at an early age as well as
how to work hard to get to where I want to be.”
Samantha was 7 years old when her family moved to the United States. She continued to study the RAD syllabus at the
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and worked with several influential instructors including Kelly Oakes-Dent, Jerylann Warner, Amy Gately, and
Jeanne Hanglitter-Zender. The dance ensemble at Callanwolde also introduced Samantha to jazz and modern dance. “Modern is my favorite
style of dance. I believe it is the most expressive style there is,” says Samantha. “Modern dance has certain technical aspects, but it leaves room
for your emotions. [It] encourages you to express who you are or how you feel.”
When Samantha entered high school at St. Pius X, she enrolled in dance classes under the direction of Mrs. Lisa O’Connor (formerly Ms.
Martin) and was introduced to hip-hop for the first time. Wanting to expand her horizons, she auditioned for the St. Pius X Dance Company, the
school’s elite dance ensemble, and was accepted. In her four years as a Dance Company member she had the opportunity to work with several
choreographers including Martha Goodman, Melanie Lynch Blanchard, Clay McCloud, Peter Garrick and Jason Kalish.
Though Samantha enjoyed dance and was committed to learning more about different styles and techniques, she admits that dancing professionally
was never her ultimate goal. Commenting on her involvement in dance as a young girl, Samantha says, “Unlike most dancers, I never
really had [that childhood] dream. Dancing started out as just an afterschool activity, but it became something I loved—my passion.”
A career in dance may not have been something Samantha had initially wanted to pursue, but things soon changed. In her sophomore year, the
SPX Dance Company attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s school show at the Fox Theatre. Samantha was awestruck at the
talent, skill, and beauty displayed by the dancers. “I was completely inspired by the entire Alvin Ailey Company,” Samantha remembers. “The
one dancer that I would have to say I admire the most would be Linda Celeste Sims, a principle dancer. Her
movement, her lines, and her stage presence are just breathtaking.” Reflecting further on that day’s performance
and the influence it had upon her, she says “I just knew this was exactly what I wanted. I not only wanted to be
a dancer, I wanted to be an Ailey dancer.”
The experience stayed with Samantha, and she soon spoke to her parents about the future she wanted to have
as a dancer. With her family’s support, she began researching programs online, specifically looking for ways in
which to be involved with The Ailey School and still be able to receive a traditional college education. “That
is when we stumbled upon the B.F.A. program with Fordham. It almost seemed too good to be true; getting a
degree from a top university, while dancing with one of the best dance schools in the world. The program was
an absolute God-send.”
Due to the prestige of the program, the application process is highly competitive. A student must first submit applications
to both schools. “You must be admitted to both Ailey and Fordham to receive admission to the B.F.A.
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program,” Samantha explains. The Fordham University application is similar to those used by most
universities. In the application for The Ailey School, however, students detail their dance background
and training history. They are also required to write an essay and submit two dance photographs.
Once all the applications have been reviewed, the school decides which candidates it would like to
invite for auditions.
“Before the audition, I had to fill out my responses to a series of short answer questions and submit
them to the audition panel,” recalls Samantha. “The audition consisted of a ballet class and a modern
class, after which we performed our individual solos. Then interviews were conducted. After all this,
it was just a matter of waiting.”
Family Matters: Samantha and her grandmother,
Norma Johanneson (science teacher at St. Pius X)
smile for a picture in May of 2009 at a party given by
Samantha’s Spanish teacher, Debbie Guilbeau.
It was definitely worth the wait. Now, with her scholarship to the B.F.A. program and one semester
already under her belt, Samantha is excited about what the future holds. Her college plans include a
degree in dance and a minor in pre-law studies. “I want to dance professionally during and after college. [After that] I will continue my career
in law. I believe it is very important to have a fall-back career as a dancer, because anything could happen, and you may not be able to dance
forever.”
SPX dance instructor Lisa O’Connor is very proud of Samantha. “She greatly impressed me with her outstanding talent and versatility in dance
performance, as well as her focus and determination to reach her own goals. Samantha shared with me that [the Alvin Ailey performance at the
Fox Theatre] inspired her and that she wanted to dance with them one day. Here we are a couple of years later, and she is attending the Ailey
B.F.A. Program at Fordham University. Samantha is already on the path to reach her goal.”
St. Pius X recently caught up with Samantha to get a quick
glimpse of “College Life” in New York.
What is the most
exciting aspect of
attending Fordham?
What are you enjoying
most about the
program?
The most exciting aspect
of attending Fordham
would have to be
that it is located in the
heart of New York City.
There is never a dull
moment around campus.
Fordham is also very conveniently located within the city. One of
the main subway stations in New York is a block away, the grocery store,
pharmacy and Central Park are two blocks away, and we are surrounded
with many wonderful restaurants of different cultures. I also love that
Fordham has another campus in the Bronx, and they have intercampus
transportation. Although I love being in the city, it’s nice to know that I
can just hop in the van and go hang out at a “real” college campus.
The aspect I enjoy most about the program is that I am getting the best
of both the academic and the dance worlds. I am being challenged both
intellectually and artistically. I am doing what I love to do, dance, without
having to put my academics on hold.
What surprised you the most? What have you learned about
yourself?
What surprised me most was how easy the transition into college was.
A lot of people told me that when I got here I would be homesick, but
honestly, I have not been truly homesick at all. I am so occupied and
focused on what I have to do that I rarely have time to sit around and feel
homesick. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my family and friends dearly,
and I do miss them, but I feel so comfortable here.
It is still only my first year, so I can’t really say how much I have learned
about myself. Personally, I think learning about oneself takes a few years
of being on your own. So I am still in the process, but I’m definitely enjoying
myself.
How have you been able to incorporate your love for dance in your
daily routine?
The program I am in is called the Fordham/Ailey Bachelor of Fine Arts
program. This program requires you to be a dance major, so dance is actually
a part of my curriculum. My days start at 8:30 a.m. with two dance
classes at The Ailey School (five blocks from Fordham), then I go back
to Fordham to attend an academic class. Afterward, I have another dance
class at Ailey, and I finish the day off at Fordham with academics. Dance
is definitely imbedded into my daily schedule, so I really do get a lot of
time to dance. I have also recently started rehearsals for our upcoming
shows. I am just absolutely thrilled to be doing what I do, and it’s exciting
because this is just the beginning.
Have any exciting opportunities surfaced from being in the
Big Apple?
The Ailey School prefers that
freshman and sophomore
students do not perform outside
of The Ailey School,
since we are still “in training”
so to say. I have been
asked to work with outside
choreographers but it is very
important to me that I respect
the rules at The Ailey School
and focus on my training.
It is only my first year so I
know I will have many more
opportunities to perform outside
of the B.F.A. program in
the future.

It’s Time
to Meet...
Michael Trujillo ’01
President
Joseph Orr ’82
Vice-President
Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Keith Carter ’81
Past President
Kyle Johnson ’96
Communications Chair
Michael Shikany ’66
Faith & Work Chair
Tony Lentini ’83
Homecoming Chair
Mary Ball ’99
Service Chair
Mike Dallas ’82
Social Chair
Michael Meyers ’94
Golf Tournament Co-Chair
Chris Johnson ’84
Golf Tournament
Spencer Byce ’96
Communications
Paula Fannon ’82
Communications
Sara Phesant ’01
Faith & Work
Mark Haddad ’77
Development
Tim Boggs ’82
Homecoming
Erina Nichols ’83
Homecoming
Kristen Foley ’03
Service
Liz Singleton ’81
Service
Lisette Buechner ’06
Social
Blaise Wannemacher ’06
Social
Our Alumni Board Members
10

Alumni Association Events
Summer Alumni Restaurant Tour 2009
Network, Eat and Reminisce
Summer and food—the perfect combination! During the summer of 2009, we visited
a few of our favorite places owned by St. Pius X alumni and family members. Over
75 alumni joined us to support our SPX family and friends while we satiated our
appetites for good food and great company in the 2009 Summer Alumni Restaurant
Tour. We ventured to a gourmet sandwich shop in Alpharetta, a steakhouse in Decatur
and a Caribbean-African eatery in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Our largest crowd
came out to Maddy’s – A Rib & Blues Joint for amazing BBQ. We had a diverse
crowd of alumni in Buckhead at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and at Shorty’s Pizza in
Tucker we had a mother/daughter alumni pair join us. We would like to thank all our
hosts and all the alumni that came out and supported their businesses.
Breakfast with Mrs. B.
On July 23, 2009, a group of 14 women gathered over coffee to engage
in discussion and be inspired. As a continuation of our Faith & Work
Networking/Speaker series, Mrs. Juanita Baranco led the discussion
about applying our faith in the workplace. The morning brought out
several alumnae, parents of alumnae, current parents and friends of
our St. Pius X community. The ladies enjoyed networking with one
another and sharing strategies for living a full, enjoyable Christian
life. Conversation topics included the role of women in leadership,
building entrepreneurial endeavors and balancing work and family.
Mrs. Baranco, parent of alumna Janelle ’96, is married to Gregory
Baranco. Together they founded and run the Baranco Automotive
Group consisting of Mercedes Benz of Buckhead in Atlanta, Smart
Center Buckhead in Atlanta, and Baranco Buick Pontiac GMC in
Lilburn. They are members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
in Decatur, Ga. Breakfast was provided by Carole Parks catering.
Afrodish Restaurant
Owners: Raphael and Vincencia Sarpong
Parents of Nana ’99 and Rita ’01
Galla’s Pizza
Owner: Bob Galla ’94
George’s Bar & Restaurant
Owner: George Najour
Brother of Denise ’69 and Monica ’70
Uncle of Stephanie Warner Tadros ’90,
Greg Warner ’94 and George Warner ’98 (Manager)
Maddy’s - A Rib & Blues Joint
Owners: Jeff and Margaret (Burke) ’92 Buckelew
Parker’s on Ponce
Owners: John-Thomas Scott ’93 and
Christopher Scott ’96
Pig-N-Chik
Owner: Jim Graddy
Parent of Mary ’10
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Owners: Jim and Virginia Brooks
Parents of Albert ’08
Shorty’s Pizza
Owner: Brian Hogan ’92
Wildflour
Owner: Michael Field
Son of Kitty Keith Field ’63, and brother
of Kathy Hoffman ’85, Michelle Field ’87 and
Marie Spies ’91
11

St. Pius X Alumni Association Service Days
If it is encouraging, devote yourself to encouraging others.
If it is sharing, share generously. If it is leading, lead enthusiastically.
If it is helping, help cheerfully.
- Romans 12:8
Lending A Hand: (Left) Emily Martin, daughter of Pat Foley Martin ’73 spends time working wtih St. Pius X alumni at Project Open Hand; (Right, from l-r)
Tommy Mansour, Michael Shikany ’66, Vicky Dorsey ’81, Lynn Azar Foley ’74, Sharisse Azar Johnson ’76, Michael Trujillo ’01, Lynn Foley ’03 and her friend
David, Pat Foley Martin ’73 and her daughter Emily, and Mary Ball ’99.
PROJECT OPEN HAND - ATLANTA
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, alumni from every decade came together for an afternoon of service work. Our event at Project Open
Hand – Atlanta was the inaugural project for the Alumni Association Service Committee. Committee Chairperson Mary Ball ’99 coordinated
the crew of ten volunteers. After a brief orientation and the distribution of hair nets, the group headed to the kitchen. Instructed
by experienced volunteers and staff, the group quickly mastered the art of building prepackaged meals and use of the sealing machine.
Michael Shikany ’66 joined friend Tommy Mansour, a regular volunteer, and delivered meals to customers. The afternoon was concluded
with an early dinner at a nearby Mexican eatery.
Alumni Around Atlanta
Peachtree Road Race
The Alumni Association and SPX
Principal Steve Spellman welcomed
finishers of the Peachtree Road Race
to the SPX Alumni Refreshment area.
St. Pius X Catholic High School was
well represented at the annual 4th of
July event.
12

2nd Annual Career Forum A Success!
St. Pius X held its second annual Career Forum for juniors and
seniors on November 11. The morning program, held for the first
time for juniors, was a resounding success!
The idea behind the Career Forum is to invite alumni to speak about
their career paths and opportunities within their respective industries.
As students contemplate their college and career choices, it is
important that they receive exposure to different career possibilities
and have the opportunity to hear directly from professionals. The
Career Forum gives students some of that exposure—and from
professionals who once sat in the same classrooms as the students
do today.
On the first day of school, St. Pius X juniors and seniors were given
a list of careers and asked to rank their top four career choices. Of
22 possible career presentations, the students were given their top
two career choices to attend. The committee searched for and invited
Atlanta area SPX alumni working in those careers. A total of 40
alumni and 9 parents enthusiastically participated. There were two
half-hour sessions, with two speakers for each session.
Students were invited to come out-of-uniform for the day and dress
in professional attire suitable for most work places.
The Career Forum was the brainchild of former parent, Julie Tooher,
who modeled the St. Pius X program after the one offered at
the high school she attended. This year’s Career Forum committee
members were Judy Midgette and Kathy Florence (co-chairs),
Rebecca O’Connor, Mary McNulty, Marianne French and Molly
Lane. Input and support was provided by Vicky Dorsey ’81, Alumni
Director and Rachel Braham ’89, Dean of Students.
Upcoming Events
Faith & Work
Networking / Speaker Series
The St. Pius X Alumni Association would like to invite all parents and friends of our school
community to connect, get inspired and network in 2010. The Faith & Work Series of evenings
will be held in the Donnellan Center at St. Pius X. Each event will begin with networking at
6:30 p.m., followed by an inspirational keynote speaker. We will follow the
speaker with a question and answer session and more opportunities to
connect.
Register online at www.spx.org or contact Alumni@spx.org.
The registration deadline for our February event with
Msgr. Gracz is February 25, 2010. So mark your calendars, grab
your business cards and resumes, and sign up now!
February 25
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Speaker:
Msgr. Henry Gracz,
Pastor of the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception
Mark your calendars now for our March speaker, Awodele Omilami ’98, Manager of Special Projects for
Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. Mr. Omilami will lead our Faith & Work session on March 18, 2009.
13

Homecoming 2009
The Pride called thousands of alumni home for Reunion Weekend 2009. This historic homecoming was the first
time the school had ten classes celebrating reunions. The festivities began with a pre-homecoming networking
event on Thursday, September 24 at Twisted Taco in Buckhead. On Friday night the Alumni Cookout started
at 5 p.m. on Messner Plaza. B-Lee the Clown entertained future alumni with balloon art and face painting,
while members of reunion year classes 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004
enjoyed Pig-N-Chik BBQ.
Saturday night classes from 1964-2004 held class festivities across the metro area. Many of the reunion chairs
credit the great attendance to use of electronic media (Evite, Facebook and other Web tools). The weekend
ended on Sunday with the celebration of Mass by Msgr. Lopez in the Young Center. A reception followed and
student ambassadors were available to give tours to alumni in attendance.

The inaugural running of The Finish Lion 5K and
Family Fun Run was held on Saturday, September 26,
2009. That morning, eight members of the St. Pius X
community got in their daily run while supporting the
Alumni Scholarship Fund.
The runners followed the Fun Run course around the
track, down Plaster Road, onto Dresden Road and
Frontier Trail. We incorporated the new property we
are purchasing through the Expanding Our Legacy
Capital Campaign into the course. Once the runners
left the new property, they headed back to the stadium
via Dresden Park.
1st Place
James Gilmore (Current Parent)
2nd Place
Keefe Osment (Current Student)
3rd Place
John Stack
4th Place
Kevin Wood ’97
RESULTS
5th Place
Andrew Leonard
6th Place
Julie Marcotte
7th Place
Katie Buckley (daughter of Janet
McCoy Buckley ’89)
8th Place
Sandi McCoy McGill ’97
October 1-3
*Reunion Committee Formation Meeting
(For Class Years Ending In 0 and 5)
Wednesday February 24, 2010
7 p.m. in the Donellan Center

Returning Home:
50 th
R eunion
Celebration
Fifty years ago, 73 seniors made it through an event-filled, first
year at St. Pius X Catholic High School. During the weekend of
October 9, 2009, members of that class—the Class of 1959—came
together to celebrate their Golden Reunion and all their memories
from that special year in their lives.
The class began the weekend festivities on Friday night with a
cocktail party at the home of Dr. Kathryn Wiedl Mettler ’59. She
and her husband Steve were wonderful hosts. Those in attendance
reminisced about their time at “Pi-Hi,” shared pictures of grandchildren
and enjoyed looking through memory books.
On Saturday afternoon, the class gathered at St. Pius X for a group
picture, school tours and Mass with Fr. Harrison, the school’s first
principal. During the Mass the class remembered their deceased
classmates. This special weekend concluded with an enjoyable
dinner at Violette’s French Restaurant.

A Letter from
Principal Spellman
Dear Alumni of St. Pius X,
I recently received an e-mail from junior Catherine Rigdon describing her experience as a student ambassador
during the reunion for the first graduating class of St. Pius X, the Class of 1959. I was so moved that
I felt compelled to share her message with our faculty and staff, and I have asked that it be shared with
you in this publication. Her message, which can be found on the next page, was simple and profound. In
short, Catherine stated how thankful she is for our founders (teachers, alumni, parents and friends) and
the legacy they began for our current student community 50 years ago.
Catherine’s words, coupled with the passing of beloved former football coach George Maloof, have given
me much to think about—particularly with respect to our mission. The mission of our school states:
St. Pius X, an archdiocesan high school, provides a college preparatory education for the formation of
the mind, body, and spirit of each student in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church. Our
task is to discern our effectiveness in living our school’s mission by measuring our continued progress
in each of these areas: mind, body and soul. Each year I look at our successes from the previous year to
determine our school community’s development. Usually it involves a lot of statistics and the tedious
sorting of data. However, with Catherine’s words on my mind and memories from the months following
Coach Maloof’s passing, I would like to focus more closely on the people behind our accomplishments
rather than the numbers.
As we all know, the funeral Mass for George B. Maloof was held here at St. Pius X in the stadium named after him. During preparations
to honor this St. Pius X legend, I was privileged to learn even more about George Maloof. He personified our mission in so many ways.
Beyond coaching, he cared about the development (academic and spiritual) of each student in his life.
“Do the best you can with the abilities God has given to you.” This was Coach Maloof’s motto, and we can all learn from it. When we
view his motto in combination with our mission, we begin to see what is so special about our school community. At St. Pius X, it is the
merging of all these elements (mind, body and spirit) that make a student whole. Our life is a gift from our Lord, and what we do with
our abilities—our gift for academics, sports, the arts, our compassion and our love—is how we glorify the Lord and enrich our souls.
As I said before, I measure our school’s success by how we live our mission. If I ever need confirmation that we are doing God’s will at
St. Pius X, then I need only think of Catherine’s words. Hearing from one of our own students who is living this mission right now, and
receiving her recognition and appreciation of our predecessors, tells me that we are headed in the right direction. It affirms our community’s
responsibility to carry on the tradition of excellence and leave an even stronger legacy for those who will follow in our footsteps.
I want to thank each of you for the many blessings you continue to bestow on our community. I ask for your continued support of our
efforts to bring about the successful completion of the 2009-2010 Annual Fund Campaign. With your generosity, we will attain our
goals. Please know how much I appreciate your support as we lay the foundation for the next fifty years of Catholic education in Atlanta.
I pray for the perseverance of our community as we continue to forge ahead with our mission and all of our endeavors.
Warmest regards,
Steve Spellman

The Foundation of a Legacy
The following is a shortened version of a letter from SPX junior Catherine Rigdon to Principal Steve Spellman.
Mr. Spellman,
I had the pleasure of giving a tour to the St. Pius X first graduating class, the class of 1959. When
the tour started...they were absolutely amazed at how far their alma mater has come.
The highlight of the tour was when I brought them to senior hall and showed them their
senior picture that hung first in the line of 50. It hit me that I was in the presence of the
very people that started St. Pius X. It was because of them that the school I know now is in
existence. I have many times looked at the pictures in that hall and wondered where each of
those students are now—what they look like, who they have become, and if I could ever fill
the shoes they have left. And to see the faces of that first picture right in front of me, talking
to me and laughing with me, was amazing.
One of the more moving experiences during the time I spent with those wonderful people
was when I was talking with one lady...she was telling me how St. Pius X was just a place
to them when they were students. Coming from two closed schools, they only spent their senior year at St. Pius X, and it was
a hard year for them having been moved from surroundings they knew to a totally different place with new faces and daunting
demands before them.
I thought to myself, those poor women. I thought this because I know that the main force behind St. Pius X, the thing that makes
us who we are, is our legacy, our tradition and our steadfast family that transcends generations. I felt sorry that they never knew
what I know. They never got a chance to experience this amazing place and really feel the love that echoes in the halls today. But
they started this legacy. And to them I am extremely grateful.
Mr. Spellman, I want you to know that I love my school. I have so much pride in St. Pius X that sometimes it is overwhelming. The
opportunities that I am granted here, and the family that I am a part of, I know I could not receive at any other school in the world.
I am truly BLESSED to have this place and the people in it in my life, and I thank God every day. It has made my life so much
richer and has certainly played a
key role in the person I am today.
I can only hope that each and
every student at Pius knows and
appreciates what you, the teachers,
the administration, and the past
classes do and have done to make
this school much more than a place
of learning—a true family. I can
come to school each morning and
know that no matter what, I have a
refuge in this family. St. Pius X is
not just a place, it is a home. Mr.
Spellman I want to thank you from
the very bottom of my heart for
creating and maintaining such a
wonderful environment, and I plan
to make the most of the advantages
offered to me. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you.
Always,
Catherine Rigdon
18

St. Pius X
2009 - 2010 Annual Fund

St. Pius X
2009-2010 Annual Fund
We celebrate the excellence and spirit on which this community was founded
and continue that mission today.
Our Goal: $500,000
Your gift helps to ensure our success.
Today St. Pius X stands as a strong institution weathering the economic storms and uncertainty of the present times because of our community’s
commitment to our school’s mission. This commitment is born of our faith in God. As Monsignor Lopez stated to the faculty
before we started the 2009-2010 school year, we reject the idea that we are an accident in the cosmos. Instead of the hopelessness of our
existential culture, we embrace the idea that we are all children of God and that we have a higher purpose. We are called to be servants
of God by being good parents to our children and good stewards of our institutions.
Stewardship can often be trivialized as the three T’s: time, talent, and treasure. There is nothing wrong with these words and how they
describe our relationship to our community. However, when we add the three R’s (reflect, replenish, and reinvest) to our stewardship
vocabulary, we discover a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good steward. By taking time to reflect on this school’s core
values, we realize that staying true to our mission, with Jesus Christ at the heart, leads to the outcome we desire for our alma mater and
its students. Once we reflect on our purpose and determine what is needed to continue our work here at St. Pius X, we can take steps to
replenish our “supplies.” Think of restocking a pantry—we use what others have graciously provided for us, so we should respond with
the same courtesy and provide for future generations. Finally, we must reinvest in the future. Think about how we can leave St. Pius X
better than when we found it.
Being a supporter of St Pius X is a multi-faceted responsibility. We need you as a commited alumnus, a concerned parent, a fan, an
audience member and a volunteer. We also need you as a financial partner. If St. Pius X is the embodiment of your ideal institution for
Catholic education, consider how important your support is to the continuance of its mission. St. Pius X needs your help to nurture this
beloved institution.
Of the many ways to support St Pius X, the Annual Fund is the most important. The Annual Fund provides the operating funds to run the
school on this year’s budget. This funding helps keep tuition as low as possible while allowing us to maintain our standards of excellence.
Please reflect, replenish, and reinvest by supporting this necessary campaign.
As of this writing, pledges and gifts to the 2009-2010 Annual Fund total $302,026—over halfway to our goal! This year’s numbers,
however, are tracking slightly lower than projections. Your support can help to bridge this gap.
Donations made to the Annual Fund are vital to the everyday operations of this school. Please know the school administration is always
careful with its budget so as to be good stewards of your money, especially during these difficult economic times.
Contributions for the 2010 Annual Fund must be received by May 31. With your generosity, we can meet our goal of $500,000. Please
prayerfully consider your participation gift today. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of students and faculty at St. Pius X.
Thank you for you continued commitment to Catholic education and to St. Pius X. God bless!
David L. Buechner ’73
Director of Development

Don’t forget!
Annual Fund FAQs:
Your guide to the St. Pius X Annual Fund
Why?
At St. Pius X, 90 percent of costs the school incurs to educate its students
is covered by tuition. The Annual Fund, the largest and most important
fund raising project of the year, is the primary means by which
the cost to operate St. Pius X is subsidized. Without the Annual Fund,
St. Pius X would have to dramatically raise tuition or undertake steep budget cuts.
Print off and fill out your
donation form (on the last
page of this online edition of
Alumni News) and mail it back
to the Development Office!
Thank you for your support
of St. Pius X!
Who?
The entire St. Pius X community (parents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and grandparents) is invited to participate
in the Annual Fund.
How are Annual Fund dollars used?
Annual Fund revenues are a part of the budgeted operating revenues of St. Pius X. Think of a portion of each Annual Fund
dollar as being applied toward the school’s different operating costs—salaries and benefits (about 80 percent), operations
and maintenance overhead (about 6 percent), programs (about 10 percent), and financial aid (about 4 percent).
When are Annual Fund gifts due?
The Annual Fund contribution deadline is May 31, 2010.
NEW Matching Gifts Lookup Feature:
Get up to the minute information on your company’s matching gift policy and forms through a new service offered on the
St. Pius X Web site. Visit www.spx.org and click on the “Giving to SPX” link. From there you can go to the “Matching Gifts
Lookup” link and enter your company’s information.
Annual Fund Update
Goal = $500,000
Make Your Gift Now!
Fill out the enclosed envelope and mail it today. Our flexible
options allow you to pay in a way that is convenient for you:
• Pay by check or credit card with the enclosed envelope
• Make a credit card gift online at www.spx.org
• Transfer stocks or other securities (see Web site for details)
• Take advantage of corporate matching gifts
$302,026
Annual Fund Recognition Levels:
Society of St. Pius X: $20,000 and above
Cardinal Sarto Society: $10,000-$19,999
$150,000
Domini Sumus Society: $5000-$9999
Monsignor Young Society: $2500-$4999
$50,000
Monsignor Maloney Society: $1000-$2499
1958 Guild: $500-$999
ST. PIUS X ALUMNI,
WE CAN MAKE IT WITH YOUR HELP!
Bell Tower Guild: $250-$499
Principal’s Guild: Gifts up to $250

DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE
St. Pius X Catholic High School
Continuing the Expanding
Our Legacy Capital Campaign
In late February 2009, St. Pius X launched the public phase of
the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign. The focus of this
capital campaign—which is the inaugural phase of the Campus
Master Plan—is to purchase and develop a 7.4 acre tract of land
adjacent to the St. Pius X campus.
“We are very excited about adding to our campus footprint.
The opportunity to add contiguous acreage is not an everyday
occurrence, and we are blessed to have been able to capitalize
on this opportunity before it passed,” explains Principal Steve
Spellman. “We want to ensure the health of this institution for
the next 50 years.”
This project was started by a group of St. Pius X friends, parents,
and alumni who negotiated an option to buy the property in the
summer of 2006. In October of 2008, the land was purchased for
St. Pius X by the Archdiocese of Atlanta, which then granted the
school a bridge loan for the purchase. With the addition of what
is being called the North Campus property, the St. Pius X campus
totals roughly 30 acres, bringing us to the standard acreage for
a school of 1,000 students.
David Buechner, the Director of Development at St. Pius X, is
very excited about this campaign and what it will mean to the
future of our school.
“The purchase of this land is our opportunity to invest in the future
of St. Pius X,” Buechner explains. “It will allow us to begin
moving toward the goal of our campus of the future. However,
this is more than just the opportunity to build a better campus;
it is the opportunity to build a brighter future for our students.”
For the duration of this three-year campaign, St. Pius X will seek
the support of our community members to raise funds for this
important event in the school’s history.
“We are charged with seeing this project through to completion,”
says Buechner. “To do so, we need the support of each member
of the St. Pius X community for the Expanding Our Legacy
Capital Campaign. We are asking all alumni, parents and friends
of St. Pius X to help complete the funding of this project. We
have been given the challenge and the responsibility to turn this
opportunity into a reality for the school and its future generations
of students.”
Thus far, St. Pius X has raised $3.2 million toward its goal of $6.8
million. The cost of the land is $5.7 million, with an additional
$1 million for civil engineering and grading. The final $100,000
will fund the school’s scholarship endowment. During Phase One
of the Campus Master Plan project—which concerns only the
Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign—the land will be used
for a multi-purpose practice field and a baseball diamond. Phase
Two will include the design and construction of buildings that
will house a variety of campus departments and programs.
Campaign Profile
SPX Parents Lori and Dexter Lummus
Make a Leadership Gift
to Support the Future of Our School
“We got involved in the capital campaign for one primary reason. The campaign
is funding the expansion of the campus which satisfies a significant
long-term need and is vital for the school’s future. St. Pius X has played such
a large part in our lives, and we are very proud to be a part of facilitating such
a meaningful event for the school.”
At St. Pius X, our families are the fabric of our school. Each family has
added something to our rich history, and each family makes our community
a stronger one. Dexter and Lori Lummus have been members of the St. Pius
X community for over 30 years. As alumni of the Class of 1980, they experienced
first-hand the lasting impressions of a St. Pius X education and the
strong ties to the SPX family.
“My time at Pius was incredible, from the experiences I had with friends to
what I learned from the faculty,” recalls Dexter. “The friends I made while at
Pius remain some of my closest personal friends to this day. Looking back,
the relationship with my teachers played a significant role in how we learned
due to the personal interest they took in all of us.”
Growing up in Atlanta, Dexter and Lori were both familiar with Catholic
education from a young age. Lori was a student at St. Thomas More, and
Dexter attended Christ the King. The foundation they received from their
elementary schools and from their St. Pius X education is something they
wanted their own children to experience. They have since sent both of their
children to St. Pius—Matthew graduated in 2007 and Melissa will graduate
in May of 2010.
“It’s difficult to put what St. Pius means into words,” shares Dexter. “Having
our kids attend this school is one of the greatest experiences we have had as
parents. The joy of providing the opportunity for our kids to experience something
that has shaped our lives and has meant so much to us is incredible.”
Their ties to St. Pius X have led Lori and Dexter to become great stewards and
supporters of the school. Over the years, they have served in various capacities
for several St. Pius X organizations including the Alumni Association,
Mothers’ Club, and the St. Pius Arts Society (SPAS). They have also been
long-time supporters of the Annual Fund and participated in the school’s
Building on Faith Capital Campaign in 2003-2006.
Now, as co-chairs of the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign, they are once
again giving of themselves for the benefit of our school and our students.
“St. Pius is all about family,” says Lori. “It means good friends, a great education
and a place where you feel welcome. Though the campus has changed,
the important aspects of the school have remained the same: great people
coming together to provide an excellent Catholic education and a loving
atmosphere for our children.”
The Lummuses are members of Christ the King parish in Atlanta.

The Campaign Explained
Why is there a need for the Expanding Our Legacy Capital
Campaign?
The Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign is the inaugural phase
in the Campus Master Plan project, and the first step in building the
campus of the future. This campaign addresses a fundamental issue
that has faced our school since its opening—we are land-locked and
need room to grow. In purchasing the North Campus property we
acquire the necessary space to begin accomplishing objectives in our
Campus Master plan. In order to continue to fulfill the expectations
of current and future families, we need to improve and expand our
facilities. The Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign is about
continuing our commitment to excellence and investing in our school
for future generations of St. Pius X students.
What steps have we taken to prepare for this campaign?
We began preparing for Expanding Our Legacy two years ago
when we embarked on a self-study to update our previous Five Year
Strategic Plan. In 2008 the school engaged an outside consultant
to perform a fact-based assessment of our current situation and to
lead the school through a strategic planning process.
An important result of this process was the recommendation that
St. Pius X undertake an upgrade in its physical plant to maintain its
standing as an institution of excellence in every respect. Therefore,
as part of and concurrent to the strategic plan, we wanted to develop
a true Master Plan for the campus.
During this time we polled all SPX constituencies including students,
parents, teachers, administrators, staff, and coaches. Our constituencies
had several areas of common concern, including classroom
and office space, tuition cost, changing academic requirements,
technology, enhanced security, athletic training and practice areas,
and future enrollment. Input on the school’s needs was ranked in
order of importance and correlated to other variables such as number
of students impacted as well as cost and phasing.
Using the aforementioned polling data, historical data from the St.
Pius X Advisory Council’s minutes, previous parent surveys, and
focus group interviews with students, parents, faculty and staff, a
new Campus Master Plan which incorporated the addition of the
North Campus property was developed and approved. The resulting
plan includes an engineering report which calculates the useful life
of the existing physical plant and conceptual plans for the future
based on program needs, survey data and interviews with members
of our community.
Once the Campus Master Plan was created, we determined that the
first and most critical action to begin turning these plans into a reality
was to launch the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign.
Is the Archdiocese supporting the campaign?
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is fully supportive of the campaign, but
will not be funding any portion of it. The Archdiocese has been
instrumental in this plan by granting St. Pius X the bridge loan to
acquire the property.
What is the goal of the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign
(Phase One of the Campus Master Plan)?
The first goal of the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign is
to secure pledges in order to pay off the bridge loan for the North
Campus property by the end of this three-year campaign. Once this
goal is achieved, we will make improvements to the land, including
the civil engineering and site preparation for a multi-purpose field
and a baseball field.
Who will be approached to support the campaign?
The St. Pius X community, which comprises parents, graduates,
parents of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends will be asked
to participate in the campaign. About 20 different foundations will
be approached as well.
What is the duration of the campaign?
Payment of pledges will extend over three years with pledges being
due by December 31, 2011.
How does the Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign relate
to the Annual Fund?
The Capital Campaign will occur in addition to the Annual Fund.
The community will be asked to make gifts to both the Annual Fund
and the Capital Campaign in the next three years. The Annual Fund
will continue to supplement the operational budget of the school
and help us hold tuition relatively low.
Will the Campaign impact tuition?
Successful completion of the campaign will fully fund all aspects
of the building projects and the endowment.
Who will benefit from the Expanding Our Legacy Capital
Campaign?
The entire St. Pius X community, especially future generations of
St. Pius X students, will benefit from this campaign as it will allow
us to complete the first step of our Campus Master Plan. This first
step is a necessity for us to be able to move forward with future
projects and objectives in our Campus Master Plan.

Planning Your Gift
The Expanding Our Legacy Capital Campaign offers a wide range
of opportunities for donors at all levels to make a difference in
the lives of present and future St. Pius X students.
You can participate in the campaign by making a pledge that
permits both flexibility and time to complete the payment. Because
the campaign is urgent, we have asked that all pledges be
fulfilled by December 2011. In some cases, you may require
a longer time to complete your commitment, and if so, we are
pleased to work with you to arrange such a gift.
There are a variety of ways you can make a gift to Expanding
Our Legacy. Each presents certain advantages. All are tax deductible
within the limits specified by the IRS code. We would
recommend that you consult with an attorney or financial advisor
when planning your commitment.
Gifts may be made with cash, check, credit card, or through automatic
transfer from your checking or savings account. Cash gifts
qualify for a charitable deduction in the year they are given.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities held for more than one year
permit a donor to use the full value of the security at the time
of donation as a tax deduction, while avoiding the capital gains
tax that would be imposed if the security were sold.
Gifts of Property, including residence, farm, vacation home,
jewelry, art, etc. can provide significant benefits to the school
and to the donor. The specialized help of appraisers and tax
advisors is necessary to make such a gift.
Gifts of Life Insurance can provide a way to make a sizeable gift
at a relatively low cost. Again consulting with your attorney or
tax advisor is important.
Bequests and Life Payment Plans are excellent ways to participate
in the campaign at levels you might not ordinarily consider.
These include a bequest in one’s will as well as various trust
instruments.
The main consideration in making any type of gift to the campaign
is to find a way that brings joy to you and your family—joy in
supporting a cause in which you believe.
If you have any questions regarding the planning of your gift
to St. Pius X, please contact the Development Office at 404-
633-4290, or visit the Web site at www.spx.org and click on the
“Giving to SPX” link at the left of the page.
New Memorial
Scholarship Funds
Edwin J. Collins Memorial Fund
After her husband’s passing
in April 2009, Mrs.
Sheila Collins established a
memorial scholarship fund
in his honor—the Edwin
J. Collins Memorial Fund.
The Collins family first
joined the St. Pius community
in 1980 when Ed
and Sheila enrolled their
eldest daughter Kathleen
as a freshman. Shortly
thereafter Sheila began
volunteering, first as a cafeteria mom and then in the Candy
Shack. She was offered a position in the copy room in 1984 and
has served in that capacity ever since. Sheila and Ed have been
long-time supporters of the school. All four of their children
are graduates of St. Pius X: Kathleen ’84, Sheila ’86, Ed ’90,
and Maureen ’97. If you would like to donate to the Memorial
Fund in honor of Ed Collins, please contact the Development
Office at 404-633-4290.
Gene Reiley Memorial Fund
Mr. Gene Reiley, husband
of retired St. Pius X employee
Mrs. Pat Reiley,
passed away on May 31,
2009. The Reiley family
has been a part of the St.
Pius X community for over
30 years. Pat Reiley first
became involved with St.
Pius X in 1977 when she
worked as a volunteer for
the annual auction. Over
the years, Gene and Pat
were strong supporters of our school and avid volunteers. In
1985, Pat was offered a full time position in our burgeoning
development office and worked until her retirement in 2001.
She and Gene sent four children through St. Pius X: Trish ’81,
Terri ’83, Gene ’85, and Peter ’98. If you would like to donate
to the Memorial Fund in honor of Gene Reiley, please contact
the Development Office at 404-633-4290.
St. Pius X Catholic High School
Development Office
2674 Johnson Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30345-1720
404-633-4290
Steve Spellman
Principal
David Buechner ’73
Development Director
Victoria Dorsey ’81
Alumni Director
Mary Vallés Jones
Records and Special Events
Noelle Amato ’00
Publications Coordinator
Kyle Snipes
Associate Communications
Coordinator

Alumni Join Our Faculty and Staff
St. Pius X is pleased to announce that the following alumni joined our faculty and staff for the 2009-2010 school year.
Marian Rosenberg ’77
We formally welcome Marian Rosenberg ’77 who joined
our library staff as a media specialist this past March.
Marian earned her bachelor’s degree from the University
of Virginia, her M.S. in science from the Georgia
Institute of Technology and her M.S. in computer science
from the University of Alabama. Prior to returning to
St. Pius X, she worked for IBM and later taught various science courses
for Fulton County Schools.
Katie Stilson ’00
We welcome Katie back after having graduated from
St. Pius X in 2000. She earned her B.B.A. degree in
accounting from the University of Georgia and her
master’s degree from the University of South Florida.
Katie began her career as an accountant, but found that
she really wanted to teach math instead. She left her
job with Big Four firm Ernst & Young to teach at Freedom High School in
Tampa, Fla. She returned to Atlanta and now joins our math department.
Campus News and Events
Speech and Debate
Congratulations to the St. Pius X Speech and Debate team. The SPX debaters dominated
Public Forum Debate at the Warner Robins Tournament on Saturday, October
24. The team of Becca Polzin and Courtney Wesa took 1st place, and the team of
John Weber and Issac Suarez-Nugent took 3rd place.
Arguing With A Purpose:
The debaters show off their
“winnings” in a group picture.
(Back row, l-r) Coach
Sean Hiland, Rebecca
Schumaker, Alison Denzer-
King, John Weber and Isaac
Suarez-Nugent; (Front
row, l-r) Becca Polzin and
Courtney Wesa.
Governor’s Honors
Program
One of the highest honors a sophomore or junior can receive
is to be selected to participate in the Governor’s Honors
Program. Sponsored by the Georgia State Department of
Education, this program brings together the finest students
in academics and the arts for a 6-week summer program.
The following students will represent St. Pius X during the
second round of Governor’s Honors interviews that will
be conducted later this year:
Communicative Arts
Math
Social Studies
Emily Pirkl
Paul Koenig
Phuong Ninh
What’s Your “High Q”?
The St. Pius X Academic Quiz Bowl Team
competed on Channel 2’s high school trivia
show, “High Q,” on December 15! The show
aired on January 3, 2010 and marked the team’s
first television appearance. Coleman Allums ’12
(captain), Connor Sweetnam ’12, Nick Richwagen
’12 and David Ward ’12 represented their
team at the taping. Alternates for the occasion
were Matt Morris ’12 and Nadine Najjar ’12.
The Academic Quiz Bowl team is a St. Pius X
club coached by Mrs. Marsha Free (assistant
to Principal Spellman) and her husband, Fleming.
Team members participate in competitions
composed of questions encompassing subjects
such as current events, science, math, history,
literature, pop culture, mythology, etc. Though
the team lost its first televised competition, team
members are not disheartened. Academic Quiz
Bowl is now in its third year, and the students
are very excited about what they’ve been able
to accomplish so far.
The game show is divided into
four periods between two teams of
four players. Schools eligible for
Channel 2’s “High Q” are limited
to Georgia schools that are located
in WSB TV’s 51-county Georgia
broadcast area. Schools within
that area must have a student
population of 100 or more students
in grades 9 through 12 to qualify.
Points are earned when a team correctly
answers a question asked by
the host. Points are not subtracted
for incorrect answers (except for
Higher Q questions).
Coach Marsha Free recently stated, “We were very
excited to have the opportunity to participate in
WSB TV’s “High Q” this year. Preparation was
intense and the students practiced and studied
diligently. It was an opportunity for us to show
the metro-Atlanta area how well-rounded our
Brain Power: The SPX Academic Quiz Bowl Team competed on Channel
2’s “High Q.” (Front row, L-R) Jack Crawford, Nadine Najjar, Gabrielle
Going, Marie Roberts and Coleman Allums; (2nd row, L-R) Earl
Schmitz, Evan Turner, David Ward, Gillian McAllister and Marsha Free
(coach); (Back row, L-R) Matt Morris, James Tanzy, Jackson Grimsley,
Connor Sweetnam and Nick Richwagen.
students are at St. Pius X.”
The team practices every Wednesday and is currently
involved in an online weekly tournament
through Quiznet.com.
25

Campus News and Information...
Feeney and Guyton Bring Recognition
to SPX Language Arts Program
Last year, St. Pius X was recognized in the January 2009 edition
of Atlanta Magazine as one of the top 10 high schools in Georgia
for its language arts program! The article highlighted our school’s
success rate for AP language and literature tests as well as our history
for winning state and national awards.
This year, our students are once again bringing recognition to our
school through their tremendous accomplishments, which serve
to reiterate the praise from the aforementioned Atlanta Magazine
article. Seniors Ryan Feeney and Diana Guyton have won top recognition
in the 2009 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Achievement Awards in Writing. Each submitted an impromptu
essay and a sample of their best work to be judged. All submissions
were read and evaluated by one high school teacher and one college
English teacher. From 1,783 students nominated, 544 were chosen
as the nation’s outstanding writers. Eleven students were chosen
from the state of Georgia, with Guyton and Feeney being two of
those 11. We congratulate them for their achievements!
In addition to being recognized by the NCTE, Guyton was published
in the Wayfarer’s Diary, a literary journal for Atlanta-area high
school students (printed by The Wren’s Nest Publishing Company).
Her short story, “Wordless Discourse,” was one of 29 works picked
to be included in this special publication. Her work is reproduced
below, in its entirety, with her permission.
Wordless Discourse
As Jacob noticed the distance between her eyebrows shrinking, he chuckled at the thought of her greatest asset and most
frequent traitor. Even in silence, she managed to inform him of her growing frustration, of her internal struggles, by manipulating her
slender eyebrows. The subtlety of her unspoken pleas for attention surprised Jacob; he had never considered her one who handled
reticence well. Yet there she sat, allowing the tension to escalate without even tilting her head in his direction.
Jacob stood and shifted his gaze to the stage, desperate to end their wordless discourse. Soon enough she would grow
impatient of his insensitivity, sigh dramatically, and wait only a beat before bombarding him with shallowly sentimental ramblings:
She would miss him. She did not want him to graduate. She could not imagine a better friend and did not know what she would do
without him. As always, she would be charming, affected, rehearsed.
By this time, the orchestra had only thirty-two measures to play before reaching the cue for her appearance on stage. Knowing
that their silence together in the wings would soon transition into animosity between their voluble characters, Jacob exhaled,
relieved by the prospect of suspending reality.
***
A sigh! So he, too, swallowed the words piling heavily upon his tongue. He, too, recognized that they would never again
wait in the wings — together. Usually, Cecilia depended entirely upon her reserve of icebreakers, her arsenal of anecdotes, and her
roster of automated responses; she struggled with silence. She had only managed to keep quiet for this long because for once she had
no idea what to say. What can one say to prevent the inevitable from occurring? What can one say to resolve three years of hostility
before thirty measures of music are played? What can one say to the reason for most of her regrets?
Nothing. Words failed her. Cecilia longed to hear her cue and bury her current frustration in the past. She drew her eyebrows
together and wondered how he would react if she were to cry. She decided he would dismiss it as another of her performances, readymade
to get her what she wanted. Of what exactly she wanted, however, she was not sure.
Cecilia jumped abruptly from her seat, ramming the chair into the table behind it — loudly — and thus causing the actor
on stage to drop his line. Eager to distract herself from the commotion, Cecilia fiddled alternately with her costume and her wig
and thought about her character’s motivation. The question of her own motivation, however, soon elbowed its way to the forefront
of Cecilia’s mind. She acknowledged that she could not make him love her, and probably could not even manage to make him her
friend. But only fifteen measures remained before Cecilia’s character would swallow her whole.
***
Jacob marveled at the relative length of a mere thirty-two measures, painfully extending his time in close proximity to her.
Five-hour rehearsals were shorter than this! He angled himself away from her and crossed his arms in an attempt to end the obligation
she apparently felt to shower him with meaningless platitudes. But the scarcity of distance between them made even her unseen
actions noticeable; he felt her sidle up beside him and hesitate before gingerly touching his arm.
Jacob stared at her, wordlessly pleading that she would make no effort to break their silence in the wings. He knew she
would. As he watched her eyebrows rise in dramatic preparation, Jacob knew the delivery of her inane monologue was imminent.
He had no interest in her empty words. He had never understood her perpetual pretense. He had no patience for her insincere —
Hug?
26

A Big Year for
SPX Girls’ Cross Country!
SPX Girls’ Cross Country Team Wins State Championship Title
Congratulations to Coach Debbie Guilbeau and the varsity girls’ cross country
team on winning this year’s State Championship Title! This has definitely been a
season to remember for the team. In October the girls clinched the Region 5-AAA
Championship Title, defeating Johns Creek and Dunwoody. On November 7,
the team faced Creekview and Flowery Branch for the state championship. By
the end of the meet, the girls were crowned 2009 State Champions!
Debbie Guilbeau, who has been Head Coach of the girls’ cross country team
since 1994, recently shared her thoughts on the girls’ season. “Of course, I
am very proud of the entire team, but I’m especially proud of our top seven
runners: Kathleen LaPorte, Devon Dabney, Erin Osment, Taylor Glenn, Sarah Fristoe, Holly Kilpatrick and Katy Gilbert. These girls
fought hard all season to keep us among the very top teams in the state.”
To top off the season, Coach Guilbeau received additional recognition for her team’s successful season when she was recognized by the
Atlanta Track Club (ATC) and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) as the AAA Coach of the Year! Guilbeau was thrilled, saying,
“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized as AAA Coach of the Year, however, the team’s success would not have been possible
without the help of assistant coaches Ashley Curlette ’02, Sara Geiger, Kristin Kramer ’98 and John Provenzano.”
Senior Kathleen LaPorte Earns Cross Country Accolades
SPX senior Kathleen LaPorte was named to the Atlanta Track Club All-Metro Cross Country Team for her third consecutive season.
LaPorte also paced her teammates to the AAA State Championship in Carrollton finishing sixth overall.
According to the Atlanta Track Club Web site, the ATC honors the state’s best high school runners and coaches in both cross country and
track and field. In addition, the Club names the All-Metro team at the conclusion of each season and honors the boys’ and girls’ Coaches
of the Year. The ATC also helps fund the Georgia High School Track and Field Hall of Fame.
The selection to the All-Cross Country team is one of many honors LaPorte has earned in her career. She has been named the St. Pius X
Runner of the Year each of her four years at SPX, as well as St. Pius X Most Valuable Runner for the 2008 Track & Field season. LaPorte
was also named to the Foot Locker South Region team in 2007, and captured the Southern Region Cross Country Championship in 2007
and 2008. In addition to her on-course success, she was named the recipient of the 2009 George B. Maloof Award—the highest honor
a student-athlete can receive at St. Pius X.
LaPorte said, “The selection to the All-Metro team is a great honor because it shows all the hard work that goes into cross country, and
the selection is a validation of that hard work for everyone selected.”
LaPorte, a two-year captain, holds the school record for cross country with an 18:58 time over a five-kilometer course. She was the state
champion her sophomore year and was state runner-up as a freshman. She also runs track in the spring and is very active in the cross
country team’s “Running Against MS,” an ongoing project to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
Head Coach Debbie Guilbeau stated that LaPorte has been an instrumental part of the program since her freshman year. “Kathleen is our
No. 1 runner! She led us to the championship at region and at state. She is a selfless leader, both on and off the cross country course.”

Stay Gold!
St. Pius X Football Season is One for the Record Books
On Friday, November 27, a historic season concluded for the St. Pius X Golden
Lion football team in the state quarterfinals as they lost an overtime heartbreaker
to Peach County, 21-14. Securing their first Region Championship since the
1968 state title season, the Golden Lions finished 12-1, tying the 1968 squad
for most wins in school history. The 2009 senior class boasted forty wins
which also ties the senior class of 1969 for the most wins in school history.
The manner in which these young men advanced in the state playoffs was
much the same way the Golden Lions disposed
of their opponents throughout the
season; with a balanced offensive attack
and a stingy defense which allowed only
eleven touchdowns all year, recording
three shutouts in the process.
According to head coach Paul Standard
’80, the team’s consistency can be traced
back to the work ethic of its players.
“The consistency of this year’s team
on both sides of the ball is a credit to
the young men because they carried a
business-like attitude into their preparation,
regardless of the level of competition.
That was extremely helpful in the
playoffs because they never panicked
and there was no anxiety in games we
were trailing.”
The offense, led by sophomore quarterback
Trey White, senior running backs
Cole Moon and Brian Connors, junior
running back George Kennedy and senior
receiver Alden Homrich averaged
a school-record 37.0 points per game.
The defense, led by Robert Lucisano,
Brian Gee and Jack Marsau allowed a
paltry 7.4 points per game, tenth best in
school history.
The season started with a dominating
28-3 win over archrival Marist in the
Fish Bowl. White threw two touchdown
passes to Homrich and rushed for 115
yards, while the defense came up with
three turnovers in the rout. The win
marked the first time since 1974 that St.
Pius X defeated Marist on the road, and
was only the second time that the Golden Lions had won consecutive games
against the War Eagles since 1974-75.
After the road win to open the season, SPX returned to the friendly confines
of George B. Maloof Stadium for the entire month of September. The homestand
began with a 56-7 thumping of Greater Atlanta Christian. The gridders
continued their dominant play with wins over Oconee County, Carver, Atlanta
and Therrell. The first road game in over a month was played against North
Atlanta, and the Warriors were no match for the Golden Lions. SPX ran their
record to 6-0 (3-0 5B-AAA) with a 34-0 shutout. The defense was led by
Marsau’s 13 tackles. Moon again found pay dirt twice, and White added two
scores of his own to lead another solid offensive attack.
After disposing of Washington, 40-14, on Homecoming night, the showdown
was set at the Georgia Dome for the sub-region title versus Grady. The Golden
Lions dominated the clock and the game, holding the ball for more than 32
minutes and rushing for 367 yards. With the win, St. Pius X clinched a spot
in the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive year; the first time in school
history that feat has been accomplished.
After a victory versus Riverwood in the regular season finale, a dominating
defensive performance against Dunwoody in the Region Championship game
fueled a Golden Lions’ 10-7 victory and the team’s first region title since 1968.
This also marked the team’s first undefeated regular season since 1967. Joey
Gargiulo connected on a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter providing the
margin of victory.
Entering the state playoffs as the No. 1 seed from Region 5-AAA, St. Pius X
hosted Franklin County. The SPX defense held Franklin County to 130 total
yards on the night. Marsau and Adam Hall led all tacklers with 9, while Geno
Smith added two pass break-ups. Kennedy scored twice on the ground in addition
to a Moon rushing score. White accounted for two more scores—one
on the ground and one through the air to Stephen Wendel.
The win versus Franklin County added two more milestones to the already
impressive season. The Golden Lions won their first home playoff game since
1968, and were the first team to carry an 11-0 record in school history.
“All of the senior classes we have had since we’ve been here have displayed
good leadership, but this one has been special, in the sense that not only did
they genuinely care about each other, but also cared about the younger kids as
well. These were solid, high-character guys and that reflected in everything
they did on the field. I believe the kids really took ownership of the team,
and that is a direct reflection of the leadership of this senior class. I am proud
of all they were able to accomplish,” said Standard when talking about the
milestones of the team and this senior class.
continued at right
28

The team’s next challenge would be another home playoff game,
this time versus North Hall. A physical game ensued with the
Golden Lions prevailing 17-3 behind two rushing touchdowns
from Moon. The defense would allow just three first downs and
167 yards against a Trojan team that had averaged over 40 points
in their previous nine games. Andrew Butler led all defenders with
12 tackles. For the third time in seven years, the Golden Lions
would be moving into the state quarterfinals.
St. Pius X then hosted Peach County in the quarterfinal round over
Thanksgiving weekend. The Golden Lions took the opening kickoff
and marched down the field. The opening drive was capped by
a 57-yard run by Kennedy for a 7-0 lead. Several traded punts
later, Peach County scored a touchdown but Harris blocked the
PAT as SPX took a 7-6 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Peach County scored a touchdown following a
Golden Lion turnover, and the Trojans led, 14-7 after a successful
two-point conversion. With just over ten minutes left in regulation,
Moon crashed through the defense to pull SPX within one, and
Gargiulo added the extra point to knot the game at 14.
Forty-eight minutes would not be enough to decide the outcome
of this game. Peach County scored a touchdown on the opening
overtime possession, forcing the Golden Lions to match with one
of their own. Sadly, a White pass fell unceremoniously short on
fourth down ending the historic, record-breaking season.
The 2009 edition set or tied many school records; most wins in a
season, first team to 12-0, four consecutive playoff appearances,
and highest scoring offense in school history. They accomplished
all of this with a heavy heart as legendary football coach, George
B. Maloof passed away in early-October. However, these young
men truly lived up to Coach Maloof’s motto, “Do the best you
can with the ability God gave you.”
Congratulations to Coach Paul Standard and his team on an
amazing season!
Kyle Snipes
Associate Communications
SPOTLIGHT:
SPX vs MARIST, We Did It Again!
One thousand pairs of eyes were intently
fixed on one person—Father Dan. That
was the scene at 9:37 p.m. on August 28
at Hughes Spalding Stadium on the Marist
campus. The St. Pius X students had been
told they could not rush the field until Father
Dan gave them the signal. Not a moment
before. The students love and respect Father
Dan. He is also one very large individual so
it really did not seem to make much sense
to risk one’s life so early in the school year.
But, would he ever give the signal? Finally
he did, and the entire student body, as one,
jumped the fence and charged the field to
celebrate with the team.
The old coach in me said, “Don’t get
so excited, it’s
just one game.”
But I knew how
hard our players
and coaches had
worked. It had
been over twenty
years since we
had beaten Marist
twice in a row, and
we had beaten
them on their
own field. I knew
this was a special
night for all our
players, and that was evidenced in all of
the big plays made by our guys to secure
an exciting and dominating victory! The
score, 28-3, was indicative of the game.
This was no squeaker. This was St. Pius
X football at its hard hitting, determined,
disciplined best.
On paper it’s one game. My sense, however,
is that this was the start of a journey, of a
mission. I suspect, because of the way this
game was played, that this mission will run
well into the winter. I am keeping Father
Dan on permanent standby!
Mark Kelly ’70
Director of Athletics
Ward Brings Home Gold!
Sweet Success: Kate Ward waves to the crowd after
receiving her Gold Medal in the 2009 Deaflympic
Games. Kate scored two goals—one in the Gold
Medal match.
St. Pius X sophomore Kate Ward, the youngest
person ever to play on the United States Women’s
Deaf National Soccer team, helped the team win
the Gold Medal at the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei,
Taiwan. Ward, 15, started every game for the U.S.
and scored two goals-including one in the Gold
Medal match.
Throughout the round-robin and knockout stages of
the tournament, Ward saw significant playing time.
Her first goal came against Denmark, where Ward
beat two Danish defenders on the edge of the penalty
area, and booted a left-footed shot into the bottom
of the left of the net. Her goal in the Gold Medal
match was a chip shot over the German goalkeeper
that dipped just below the crossbar as the American
team beat Germany, 4-0.
Ward became a favorite of sorts among fans. After
games, several fans asked for pictures with her.
Many printed, laminated and brought pictures for
29
Ward to autograph. At the Closing Ceremonies,
fellow athletes from other nations sought out Ward
to congratulate her on her goal and her accomplishments.
Ward’s mother, Joan, said of the trip, “This was an
incredible soccer experience, deaf culture experience
and exposure to the Taiwanese culture. The people
of Taiwan were welcoming, friendly and helpful.”
Ward is not sure what the future holds in international
competition. Training camps and competitions have
yet to be scheduled; however, Ward hopes to participate
in the 2012 World Championships in Turkey,
and the 2013 Deaflympics in Greece.
“It was a great cultural and athletic experience,”
said Kate.
“I had a fun time and hope to have the opportunity
to compete in international competition again.”

Golden Lions Roar Again!
Volleyball
The 37-15 Golden Lion volleyball team continued
its recent success, advancing to the
Final Four of the State Playoffs for the third
consecutive season. Coach John Frederick’s
team won their second straight Area 1-AAA
championship, and cruised through the Area
regular season undefeated. Frederick also
reached a personal milestone by recording his
300th career victory, all at St. Pius X.
Senior Emily Schultz led the team, as she was
selected Area 1-AAA Player of the Year. In
November, Schultz signed a National Letter
of Intent to play volleyball at the College
of Charleston. Seniors Ellie Morrison and
Brandi Tyson were named to the All-Area
team along with freshman Emily Morrison.
Senior Kayte Brinkman and sophomore Alex
Bidgood were selected All-Area Honorable
Mention as well.
Softball
The 17-7 Golden Lion softball team captured its
second straight 5-AAA Region Championship
and advanced to the second-round of the state
playoffs. According to head coach Joe Winland,
the highlight of the season was the two-game
sweep over Johns Creek to secure the region
title. Both games were decided in extra innings
and by 4-3 scores. In Game One, sophomore
Dylan Krause scored from second base on a
throwing error after a beautifully executed
bunt by senior Gabriela Sherrod in the eighth
inning. Sophomore Liz Schneider then drove
in Sherrod for the decisive run. Game Two
lasted 12 innings before senior Lizzie Roberts
hit a bases loaded double to plate two runs and
rallied SPX past the Gladiators.
The Golden Lion club captured several individual
awards to go with their championship.
Schneider was named Region 5-AAA Offensive
Player of the Year, in addition to her selection
to the All-State 2nd team. Rebecca Ponce De
Leon, Becca Schaaf, Sherrod and Schneider
were all 1st Team All-Region selections, while
Lizzie Roberts was chosen for the 2nd Team
All-Region, and Coach Joe Winland captured
Region Coach of the Year honors. St. Pius X
will graduate eight seniors, but many promising
rising-juniors and seniors return to compete
for another successful softball campaign next
season.
Boys’ Cross Country
The Golden Lion harriers opened their season
with strong showings in the Stage Races and
the Berry Invitational before taking first place
in the Altitude Invitational. Junior runner
Brendan Hoban took his first varsity win, while
Colin Martin won the junior varsity race. As
the season progressed, Hoban emerged as one
of the top runners on the team, helping SPX
capture second place to the top team in the
state at the Asics Invitational. Hoban became
the first runner in St. Pius X history to run a
sub-16:00 5K, while freshman Calvin Tyrell
broke the 17:00 mark in the race.
By placing second at the region meet, the Golden
Lions qualified for the state meet under first-year
coach, Ryan McClay. At the state meet, strong
performances by Hoban, Colin O’Leary and
Chris Beach helped the team to a seventh-place
finish. With most of the top performers from
this season returning next year, the Golden Lion
Boys’ Cross Country team hopes to improve
on their success of this season by taking the
state crown.
Competition Cheerleading
The Competition and Football Cheerleaders
made the Lions proud yet again! The Competition
squad, made up of twenty girls from all
grade levels, started preparing for their season
last April after hearing news of making the
team. Coming off of three Region Championship
wins, the ladies worked exceedingly hard
throughout the season, devoted themselves to
perfecting difficult tumbling, and stuck a series
of stunts and pyramids. After finishing with an
impressive Region Runner-Up title, the Lions
took their polished routine to the State Sectional
Competition where they earned the highest point
total in the school’s history!
Kyle Snipes
Associate Communications

Rekindling the Fire of Our Faith
A Message from Msgr. Lopez
I have told the story—probably too many
times—of my first week as a newly ordained
priest. I was in the kitchen of the Rectory
when the secretary came rushing in and said,
“Father, there has been a terrible accident,
and they need a priest right away at Piedmont
Hospital.” I said, “Oh, ok, I’ll go get one.” She looked at me strangely
and then it dawned on me—I am a priest and I am about to have to deal
with something horrible.
It occurs to me that all priests should live in a mild state of terror when
it comes to their responsibilities. The nerve of any man to think that
somehow he might bring God to man and man to God through the Word
and Sacraments! Yet that is what we are called to do. However, any
parent, religion teacher or person of faith should have at least a similar
terror. If you know Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and apart
from Him and His Sacraments one is dead, how do you bring people to
that Love we call Christ?
Life would be much easier if there was a “magic bullet” to use to bring
people to faith. This would be especially helpful for those we are close
to, who seem so much at ease without faith in God. C.S. Lewis once
said, “A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too
careful of his reading.” I have known people who have come back to
faith through a book, “Mere Christianity,” by C.S. Lewis. One of my
closest friends came back to the church through that book.
Obviously, the best books to jump start faith are the Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John. Even still, every so often I come across a
book that I wish I could give to every young student I have ever taught.
Such a book is “Gut Check” by a young man named Tarek Saab. I have
bought copies for alumni and they have raved about the reality of the
book and its wisdom. Mr. Saab is a young man of Lebanese and Portuguese
background who had a spell on the TV show “The Apprentice.”
All I can say to any of my past and present students and their families is
please buy it—you will like it!
Be careful what you read. It might change you and challenge you
forever.
Th e Tr u e Le g a c y o f St. Pi u s X
Below is part of an address given by St. Pius X alumnus David J. Hungeling ’91 to prospective students and parents
during the school’s Open House on November 1, 2009. His words reiterate the true meaning behind the work of our
school—to ensure that each of us will live forever with our Father in Heaven.
In 1987—22 years ago—a skinny, carrottopped,
freckle-faced kid arrived on this campus.
He was five-foot nothing, a hundred nothing,
with barely a speck of athletic ability.
Four years later that smallish boy graduated
from St. Pius X. You will not read about him
in the St. Pius X newspaper archives. You will
not see his name on any of the banners hanging
in gymnasium or on the trophies in the trophy
chest. No, mine is not a story about overcoming
adversity, or about athletic or academic
accomplishments. It is not about triumph in
the face of impossible odds. My story is not
extraordinary at all.
So, why then would St. Pius X ask this ordinary
student to come back 22 years later to
share a few thoughts about this school.
Why? Because we belong to the Lord. Domini
Sumus—We are the Lord’s.
What a brilliant motto! We are the Lord’s.
Whether we are great athletes or not so great.
Whether we are a star student or struggle with
our studies. Accomplished and unaccomplished
artists, actresses, and musicians. At St.
Pius X, we are the Lord’s.
St. Pius X, like all elite schools has a Web
page and a mission statement. I checked out
the Web site this morning. Did you know that
we also have a “Supernatural Vision?” How
many other schools have one? Let me share
it with you.
“We foster the growth of good human beings
who love God and neighbor and thus achieve
their eternal destiny of heaven through the
teachings of the Catholic Church.”
Let me repeat that: “achieve their eternal destiny
of heaven.” Getting into Notre Dame, or
Harvard or Yale, yes, that would be nice. But,
for me at least, I want my daughters to aim a
little higher.
If St. Pius’ faculty, staff, students, parents,
friends and families all believe this and aspire
to this—if we truly believe, Domini Sumus,
we are the Lord’s—then why would anyone
NOT want to send their children here.
Coach Bird, you asked me, as an alumnus and
former St. Pius X customer, did I get my money’s
worth? Was I prepared for college and beyond?
If I had to do it again, would I choose
St. Pius X? Absolutely.
Was I prepared for college at Notre Dame?
Yes. Can St. Pius X alumni go onto graduate
school and law school and have successful careers?
Sure. Would I do it again? Yes. And I
hope one day to send my own daughters here.
31
Of course, receiving
good academic
training is important.
We all want our kids to go to a high
school where they will be well trained, well
educated and ready to attend fine universities
and become productive citizens. But just about
every high school in Atlanta can do that.
So then, why St. Pius X High School in Atlanta?
What makes us different?
We are not only training future doctors, lawyers,
CEOs, teachers, nurses, and civic leaders,
we are training future Saints.
And how appropriate it is for you to be here at
this open house on November 1st—All Saints
Day? This morning I attended Mass at Christ
the King. Fr. Neil Dhabliwala ’97 was our
celebrant. Fr. Neil reminded us that All Saints
Day is meant to honor and celebrate ALL of
the Saints: the Hall of Famers (like Gabriel,
Michael and Joan of Arc) and the lesser known
Saints (like Joseph of Cupertino). He noted that
many of the saints were just ordinary people
who were extraordinary in the way that they
loved God and His Church. He challenged all
of us in the congregation to aspire to be saints.
Let’s inspire our kids to do the same.
Thank you for your attention. Thank you for
considering St. Pius X.

George B. Maloof Classic
A Benefit for the
St. Pius X Alumni Scholarship Fund
Monday, May 10, 2010
Smokerise Country Club
12:10 p.m. Start
The Alumni Classic has been renamed the George B. Maloof
Classic, in honor of our beloved coach and friend. We hope
that you’ll join us for this special day of fun and fellowship.
Look for registration online at www.spx.org/alumni.
McCarty Construction, Inc.
David McCarty ’69
ADCAP Networking Systems
Matt Waring ’96
Ace Plastics
Ray Dlugos ’71
Advance Auto Parts
Mike Dallas ’82
Allen Lund Company
The Asip Family
The Atlanta Falcons
Bambinelli’s
Benchwarmers Sports Grill
CDH Partners
CPA on Duty
Delta Airlines
Andy Frey ’01
Diaz Produce
Jorge Antona ’82
DigiPrint Ink, Ltd.
Galla’s Pizza
Bob Galla ’94
Hawk Associates
Michael Shikany ’66
High Musem of Art
Laura Feuillebois ’01
Jack Nadel
Paula Fannon ’82
Last Year’s Sponsors
Jardina Produce
The Jardina Family
Kapp Koncepts
Jay Kapp ’94
Maddy’s Rib & Blues Joint
Mo’s Pizza
New York Life
New York Prime
Nova Engineering and Enviromental
PartyLite Gifts
Vicky Dorsey ’81
Personal Touch Lawn Care
Ricky O’Connell ’89
Pig-N-Chik
R.J. Wagner & Company, Inc.
Rick Wagner ’68
Rogers Construction Co.
Ron Cantrell Construction Inc.
Score More Fundraising
Travel JCT
Wilson Staff Golf
Craig Kalb ’97
5Stardriveway
Steve Freant ’66
David McCarty ’69
Jim Arnett ’69
Steve Morgan ’69
Woody Euart ’69
Steve Asip ’72
George Asip ’72
John Asip ’80
Jimmy Asip ’74
Philip Jardina ’82
Mike Jardina ’89
Mark Jardina ’88
Matt Mitchell
David Hungeling ’91
Jim Baker ’91
Steve Clements ’91
Ryan Parker
Garrett Hartman ’91
David Troncale ’91
Tim Murray ’90
Chris Boyle ’91
Dexter Lummus ’80
Roger Sullivan
Dev McGuire ’74
Sant Perez ’74
Ray Dlugos ’71
Bill McKenzie ’71
Mike Messner ’71
Paul Pelt ’71
Jay Kapp ’94
Jane Kapp
Michael Shikany ’66
Steve Freant ’66
Last Year’s Golfers
Craig Reynolds ’66
Fred Nort ’66
Tom Bickes ’74
Al Williams
Mike Marsau
Kevin Greene
Bryan Brum
Chris Miller
Bob Currie
Jim Seaver ’64
Denny Wigbels ’64
John Euart ’64
Will Euart ’90
Steve Duncan
Billy Nordmark
Eddie Macchia
Geoff Lemonds
Ricky O’Connell ’89
Chris Patch ’89
Alex Liedtke ’89
Jim O’Connor ’89
Matt Waring ’96
Terry Noriega
Jerry Waring
Scott Meyer
Joe Krygiel
Robert Thompson ’02
Tom Carroll
Tim Krygiel ’02
Barry Roziewski
Tony Stephens
Dennis Kelly ’76
Scott Sowers
Sam Kerr ’01
Richard Collins
Nick Swanson
Dylan Kelly ’04
Greg Clement ’73
Rob Bittner ’73
Gregg Patrick ’73
Terry Sheahan ’73
Kip Little ’73
Chris Kelleher ’73
Bryan Kelleher
John Kelleher ’68
Mike Dolan ’76
Jerry White ’76
Bill Meagher ’76
Kevin Dolan
Mark Doelling ’76
Brooks Kieffer
Kelly McKenzie ’77
Joe Baumgartner ’59
Clifton Harrison
Chris Delisle ’83
32

Lion Lines. . . keeping up with alums around the globe
Updates...
Alfred Smith ’70, Vicky Dorsey’81 and
Chris Johnson
’84 celebrated
the St. Pius X
win over Marist
while attending
the 50th Anniversary
Mixer
for Saints Peter
and Paul parish in Decatur, Ga.
Pete Dempsey ’78 is now board-certified in the
practice of Preventive and Aerospace Medicine.
Training included a residency in both specialties
and the earning of a master’s degree in Aerospace
Medicine at Wright State University.
Kristen Lelak Shepard ’87 and her family
moved to Bentonville, Arkansas in June of
2008. Her husband, Bruce, accepted a job at
the Walmart home office working with hospital
systems all over the U.S. to place clinics in
Supercenters. Kristen is subbing in the local
school system and is working on building an
at-home cake business.
Major Bryan P. Ford ’89 took command of
the 5th Munitions Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.
on July 15, 2009. He recently returned from his
overseas assignment at the 48th Fighter Wing,
RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk England, where he
was the Operations Officer for the 48th Equipment
Maint
e n a n c e
Squadron.
H e a l s o
d e p l o y e d
to Bagram
Air Base,
Afghanistan
during the summer of 2008, where he was
the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron
Commander.
Eric O’Neill ’89 received his Ph.D. in Biology
(Evolutionary Genetics) from Utah State
University in May 2009.
Matt Shortal ’90 and John Vrionis ’93 finished
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon on June
14, 2009. The race features heart-pounding action,
including a 1.5 mile swim through frigid
waters from Alcatraz Island to shore, a grueling
18-mile bike race, and a demanding 8-mile
run through the rugged trails of Golden Gate
Recreation Area.
The Williams Family celebrated the Baptisms
of three new family members in June 2009. The
Sacraments were performed by Msgr. Lopez
in the St. Pius X chapel. (Above, l-r) Alison,
Josh ’93 and Alec Williams; Christa, Jess ’96,
and Hunter Williams; Msgr. Lopez, beaming
grandparents Mary and John Williams, aunt
Kathyrn ’07 and Jacob ’01, Cade and Melissa
Williams.
Father Joseph Van House ’99 was ordained to
the priesthood at The Cistercian Abbey of Our
Lady of Dallas in Irving, TX on Saturday, August
15, 2009. Alumni in attendance were John Van
House ’63, Marian Van House Adamson ’61,
Jennifer Van House Hutcheson ’02, Brian
Hutcheson ’97,
Megan Stump
Dawe ’99 and
Amanda Paley
Lancaster ’99.
Fr. Van House celebrated
his first
Mass in Georgia
in his home parish,
Mary Our Queen
Catholic Church
in Norcross on
Sunday, September 6, 2009.
Billy Stogner ’00 began graduate studies this fall
at Vanderbilt University. Enrolled in the Owen
Graduate School of Management, Billy is working
toward his MBA in finance/health care.
Dr. Julie Colantoni ’01 graduated from the
Medical College
of Georgia in
May 2009. She
is pictured here
with her brother,
Jimmy ’04. Dr.
Colantoni will
be practicing in
Charlotte, N.C.
Dr. Katie Benedict Sutlive ’01 and Dr. B.J. Sutlive
’01 graduated
from the
Medical College
of Georgia in
May 2009. The
Sutlives are living
and working
in Birmingham,
Ala.
33
Brian McDermott ’04 and Keegan McDermott
’04 are both members of the Legionaries of
Christ and are in their fifth year of formation to
be ordained as Catholic priests. Keegan returned
from Rome, Italy in the summer of 2009 after
spending two years there, and Brian is studying
in Thornwood, New York. Both will complete
a two-year internship before continuing their
education as seminarians. Brian and Keegan each
have a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. They
both hope to be ordained in seven years.
Rebecca Krygiel ’05 graduated Magna Cum
Laude (and Phi Beta Kappa) on May 9 from
the University of South Carolina with degrees
in biology and Spanish. A member of Gamma
Beta Phi Honors Fraternity,
Rebecca was
the Magellan Scholar
for 2008-2009 academic
year under Dr.
Maria Majorette O.
Pena Ph.D. for Colon
Cancer Research.
She was also research
assistant in the
Biomedical Undergraduate Research Program
through University of South Carolina School of
Medicine working with Dr. Shawn Youngstedt,
Ph.D. In the fall of 2009 she began attending
King’s College in London, England as one of
12 students selected for the graduate program
of Human and Applied Physiology.
Patrick O’Reilly
’05 graduated from
Auburn this spring
and commissioned
in the U.S. Army
by Col. Jon Segars,
the professor of
Military Science
at Auburn.
Will O’Connor
’09 and Joel
Starkey ’09
are classmates
at the United
States Air Force
Academy.
Katherine Petti
’06 and Alex
Mendez ’09 are
both enjoying
Harvard this fall.
Katherine is a
senior and Alex
is a freshman.

. . . Lion Lines
Brian Costner ’95 married
Cara Ellen Loughlin
on October 3, 2009 at
The Cathedral of Christ
the King in Atlanta, Ga.
Ryan Knight ’95 was
Brian’s best man while
Edward Tham ’95 and
Derek Fugaro ’95 were
groomsmen. Brian and
Cara met at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in
Nashville, Tenn. where Brian is currently completing
his third and final year of Fellowship in
Neonatology and Cara works as an R.N. in the
NICU and is in graduate school to become a
Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner.
Nicholas Keller ’99 married Whitney Hibbard
on July 11, 2009 at The Park Tavern in
Atlanta, Ga.
dogs Sparta and Elliot.
Marriages...
Births ...
Abigail Kurland
Whitlock ’02 and Jason
Whitlock were
married on May 31,
2008 at The Cathedral
of Christ the King
in Atlanta, Ga. The
couple resides in Lawrenceville
with their
Marineli DiCristina DalCerro ’92 and
husband Michael
announce the birth
of their third child,
Dominic Michael.
Dominic was induced
early at 35
weeks due to a life
threatening condition
that Marineli developed called, cholestasis.
Thanks to prayers and God’s healing hands,
Dominic was born at a healthy 6 pounds, 11
ounces on February 26, 2009. He joins older
brothers, Christian Alexander (7) and Carlo
Anthony (6). Marineli is happily raising them
at home with the support of a hard-working
husband and a wonderful, loving God.
Ashley Callahan Baisley ’99 and husband,
Mike Baisley proudly announce the birth of
their son, Benjamin Michael, born on July 14,
2009. Ben weighed in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and
measured 21.5 inches long. The family lives in
Knoxville, Tenn.
where Mike is
an attorney and
Ashley is enjoying
her new
role as a stayat-home
mother
to Ben.
Shaun Thamer ’00 and his wife Cassandra
are excited to announce
the birth
of their first child,
Amber Elizabeth,
on October 8, 2009.
Amber weighed 6
pounds and was 18
inches long.
Obituaries...
Donald L. Azar ’83 passed away September
15, 2009.
Sabrina Bellospirito Powell ’80 passed away on
October 7, 2009.
Jean Casey, grandmother of Joanie Corcoran ’04,
Meghan Corcoran ’05 and Mary Jean Corcoran
’10, passed away in September of 2009.
Josephine Catalano, 99, grandmother of Alex
Catroppa Ciccarelli ’95, passed away on November
9, 2009.
Steve Dunn, father of Mollie ’07 and Mitch ’10,
passed away on June 26, 2009. He was involved
in a tragic traffic event in Florida while on a
construction site.
Mike Eakin, father of Alicia Eakin ’01 and Chris
Eakin ’02, passed away in June 2009.
Iris Eubanks, grandmother of John ’06, Jordan
’07, Emily ’10 and Mary Ellen ’12 Schultz, passed
away in November 2009.
Mary Beth Gibb, 60, mother of Emily ’98 and
Jeff ’02, passed away on August 17, 2009. Mrs.
Gibb was the school nurse at St. Pius for many
years.
Elsmarie Hau, mother of Julia Hau Elkington
’99, passed away on July 8, 2009.
Stephen Kandra ’79 passed away on June 26,
2009.
Edward Maloof, father of Yvette Deraney ’59,
passed away on July 12 2009.
Charles Martin Jr.,80, father of Chuck ’73 and
Steve’76 passed away July 9, 2009.
Rita McKane, 91, mother of Susan McKane Fritts
’67 and Mary McKane Daniell ’71, passed away
on April 2, 2009.
Delores McNamara, mother of staff member
Sheila Collins and grandmother of Kathleen
34
Collins ’84, Sheila Ferguson ’86, Ed Collins,
Jr. ’90 and Maureen Collins ’97, passed away
October 19, 2009.
Tom McVann, 77, father of Yvonne McVann ’90,
passed away on November 8, 2009.
Ryan Means, 35, son of Al ’59 and Mary Jo Barnhardt
Means ’62 passed away July 7, 2009.
Jane Moriarty, grandmother of Michael ’05,
Patrick ’09 and Matthew ’13 Angulo, passed
away in December 2009.
Joseph Mulvihill ’65, brother of Donna McMahon
’64, Bobby ’67, Mike ’69, Kevin ’70 and
Brother-in-law of Tina Jenkins Mulvihill ’67,
passed away on August 11, 2009.
Glen Peake, husband of Dena Light Peake ’90,
passed away in September of 2009.
Madeline Peeler, wife of Lee Peeler ’66, passed
away on December 26, 2009.
Sue Rieman passed away on April 4, 2009. She
is survived by her daughters Debbie Ford ’74,
Linda Van Doorn ’76, Jane Hampton ’77 and
Betsy Bloom ’79.
Lorraine Rumps, 85, mother of Kathy Murphy
’71, Kurt ’72, Kim Campbell ’73, Kevin ’76,
Kolleen ’80, Karoline Brennan ’82 and Kevin
’84, passed away September 15, 2009.
John Schiveree, 79, father of Suanne Gleaton
’69 and Jennifer Farmer ’87 passed away on
September 15, 2009.
Frederick Schmidt, 86, father of Michael ’70,
Anne ’71, Emily ’73, Marcella ’75, Eric ’77,
John ’82, and Mary Pat ’85, died on December
30, 2009. Mr. Schmidt was a volunteer for the
St. Vincent de Paul Society and is survived by
Patricia, his wife of 58 years.
Delois Scott, 69, mother of Jannifer Jones ’84
and Brent Scott ’98 passed away on December
27, 2009.
Sister Mary Kathleen Steinkamp, 74, a member
of the Religious Sisters of Mercy who was
a former math teacher at St. Pius and later a
financial administrator for her religious order,
died October 14, 2009 of cancer at The Villa,
her order’s retirement home in the Woodbrook
neighborhood of Baltimore County.
Ronald St. Romain, 72, father of Bryan Romain
’90, passed away on October 31, 2009.
Edward Strougal, Jr., 72, father of Angela Landergott
’81, Kristen Sheeran ’83 and Edward ’90
passed away on November 18, 2009.
Peter Tusa, 81, father of Patti Berry ’80 and
Jackie Carriker ’83 passed away on November
17, 2009.
Walter Volmar, 79, father of Lisa Volmar ’81,
passed away on July 14, 2009.
Mary Ann Disney Wojcik, 88, mother of Mary
Hilscher ’61, E. Paul ’62, John ’63, Greg ’67, Tom
and Helen, passed away on November 9, 2009.

In Memory of
Elizabeth
Messner
“Sometimes, when we try to define “Pi-Hi spirit,” our words fall short
because so much of what we try to be is never completely achieved.
Instead, we recognize its embodiment in some people.” Mrs. Elizabeth
Messner was the embodiment of that spirit. In addition to the above
quote, Charlene Klister, the longest tenured teacher at St. Pius X, had
the following reflections on Mrs. Elizabeth Messner.“Mrs. Messner
helped to create it and also embodied it, for through her personal and
family contributions, she helped create a place where everyone belongs,
a place where we try to build community based on faith, commonality,
and hard work. Mrs. Messner was a great, devoted Pi-Hi mom.
Whether she was attending parent meetings to plan the academic
direction of the school or athletic competitions or working on various
activities, she contributed acceptance and kindness, laughter, and
practical common sense.”
Elizabeth “Bettie” Barnes Messner was born May 5, 1918 in Fayetteville,
Ark. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1938 with a
B.A. in Journalism and continued her support of the Razorbacks as
an avid fan and a 70-year active member of the Arkansas Alumni Association.
While attending Arkansas, she was elected the first woman
Business Manager of the student newspaper and president of Pan Hellenic.
During the years her husband, Captain Messner, was overseas,
Bettie served with the National Catholic Community Services and the
USO at Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Ark.
She moved to Atlanta in 1959 where her six children graduated from
Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Pius X High School. While a parent
at St. Pius she and her husband had an affinity for the school’s faculty.
Mrs. Barabara Carter, a math teacher at St. Pius X for thirteen years,
fondly remembers Elizabeth. “ The Messner’s made it worthwhile teaching
because they were so supportive of the faculty.” Barbara taught all
of the Messner children during her time at St. Pius X.
At her funeral service Msgr. Lopez
expressed his view of Elizabeth.
“She was one of the “heroes of goodness.”
That is in our culture we have
“famous” people, but not necessarily
“good” people as celebrities. She
made religion and goodness charming
and attractive.”
As a 50-year member of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Church, she was a Girl
Scout troop organizer and leader, worked with the St. Vincent de Paul
Society, and was awarded Church Woman of the Year. She also gave
of her time to Villa International Atlanta where she served on the
Board, later as Board Member Emeritus, and received the Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Elizabeth “Bettie” Barnes Messner, age 91, of Atlanta, died September
17, 2009. She leaves her loving children Mary ’64 and Lee Granger,
George II ’66 and Lynn Messner, Anne ’68 and Mike Leach, Till ’69
and Ron Cartwright, Mike ’71 and Jenny Messner, Molly ’74 and
Jeff Lane; her grandchildren, Gary, Karen, David, Katie, Sara, Mary
Granger; Amy, Elizabeth, Michael, Emily, Rebecca Leach, George
III, Robbie, Rebecca Messner; and George ’06 and Jeff ’08 Lane; and
eight great grandchildren.
“Bettie was a woman of faith and prayer. And she gave us wonderful
children, having passed on to each of them her ability to give self in
service of community. The tradition of parental dedication that she
helped begin has continued to be an abiding characteristic strength of
our school. So often when I see today’s parents helping out, I think of
Mrs. Messner and thank God for her,” Charlene Klister.

St. Pius X
Catholic High School
2674 Johnson Road, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30345-1720
404/633-4290
www.spx.org
NON-PROFIT
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Atlanta, GA
2009 Calendar
February
20 The Gala - Grand Hyatt Hotel-Atlanta
24 Reunion Committee Formation Meeting 7 p.m.
25 Faith & Work Networking/Speaker Series:
Msgr. Henry Gracz, Pastor - Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception
March
13 Lenten Morning of Service
18 Faith & Work Networking/Speaker Series:
Awodele Omilami ’98 - Hosea Feed the Hungry
April
22 Alumni Night @ Taco Mac - Northlake
May
10 SPX George B. Maloof Classic Golf Tournament:
A benefit for the Alumni Scholarship Fund
@ Smoke Rise Golf & Country Club
Tradition Never Graduates
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at www.spx.org.
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call or stop by the Development Office (404/633-4290). You can also give these cards to friends and family
for their use.