We Are St. Pius X Annual Fund Issue - 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
Fall 2006
We Are St. Pius X
IN THIS IS SUE
ALUMNI: AGENTS
OF CHANGE IN THE
WORLD
PAGE 4-5
A MESSAGE FROM OUR
PRINCIPAL
PAGE 6
ANNUAL FUND APPEAL
PAGES 7-9
FALL CAMPUS REPORT
PAGE 10
TRIBUTES
PAGE 12-13
LION LINES
PAGE 14-15
Annual Fund Issue

From The Alumni Director...
We enter the 49 th year of
St. Pius X Catholic High
School with confidence in
our mission as an institution
with a profound purpose. Our Holy Father
has spoken recently and profoundly about
faith and reason and their relationship in
the world. In his sermon, he posits that
religion must accept the divine with human
reason, for without reason the temptation
of men to become destructive in the name
of God is evident through recorded history.
And on the other side of the coin, reason
without faith denies God and the fulfillment
and salvation of humanity. Many people
in the world misunderstood this teaching
and the Pope was criticized for speaking
truth. Most of the criticism and vilification
of his sermons came from people who are
unable to temper faith with reason.
One of the goals of Catholic education is
to give each student the educational background
to be able to perfect their lives with
knowledge and faith. One without the other
is empty. The rich Magisterium of the
church comes alive with the knowledge
Greetings
f r o m
the new
chaplain
at St. Pius. My
name is Fr. John
Shramko, and I
come to St. Pius
from a parish in
Roswell, St. Peter
Chanel. Being at
St. Pius X these last three months has been
exciting to say the least, and I consider it
a privilege and honor to be a part of such
great tradition. We have a great many
programs that we are working on for the
spiritual life of the students, parents, and
faculty. More information about them can
be found on our web page.
It has been 20 years since I was in high
school, so over the last few months I have
of the circumstances of its creation and its
meaning. The unique nature of Catholic
schools is the ability to teach these values
at the time of life when the world is most
confusing. We teach faith and reason,
tolerance and peace.
Our mission to teach mind, body, and
spirit becomes more challenging each
year because of the resources necessary
to continue to pursue excellence. Though
St. Pius X provides one of the lowest cost
private educations, tuition is still out of
reach for some families with promising
scholars.
Our appeal to the alumni community is
for continued financial support that helps
families manage tuition through financial
aid, work study, scholarships, and in case
of emergency or crisis. In addition to our
families’ needs, funds for unforeseen maintenance
projects and special educational
opportunities crop up all the time.
By qualifying students for admission to the
country’s top colleges and universities, St.
Chaplain’s Corner
been flooded with memories. What seems
to strike me the most is how clueless I
seemed back then. I would explain it as,
“I just didn’t get it.” What is this “it”?
It is what we are all really searching for.
Back then I didn’t seem to be thinking,
whether it be about the past, present or
future. As time goes by, the truth of reality
comes more into focus for those who
want to see it.
Living reveals the splendor of the truth.
As a matter of fact, John Paul II wrote an
encyclical letter titled, The Splendor of
Truth. He says that there is an objective
truth and that we are created to know this
truth. It’s like a satellite dish is made to
receive a signal. Our minds and hearts
have been created by God to receive truth,
and we become more aware of this as we
mature. When we find the truth, it becomes
for us the pearl of great price. As alums,
2
Pius X fulfills
its mission
to develop
young minds.
A St. Pius X
d i p l o m a
opens many
doors of
higher education
and helps
to further the
aspirations of
its students.
We all offer our resources as a hand up to
the next generations that they might have
the wisdom and courage to lead, to fulfill
their potential, and to do God’s will. Pray
for peace.
Sincerely,
David Buechner ’73, Director of Alumni
the greatest tribute you can give to your
alma mater is to live for this truth, to spread
this truth, and to always be searching for
this truth. Only when the pursuit of truth
supersedes the pursuit of happiness will
we truly be happy. This truth is, of course,
Jesus Christ.
May you always seek and find the Truth
that gives light to our lives. I look forward
to meeting you in the future. You are in
the prayers of the Pius family. Anything
I can do for you please let me know.
Your brother “Lion” in Christ,
Fr. John Shramko
Chaplain

Campus News
Letters From
O
O ur
B rothers
Reflections on Marriage
“ ‘Beauty will save the world,’ wrote Dostoevsky.
Contrary to first appearances, he wasn’t being
totally naïve: he knew that the greatest beauty
of all is the beauty of Christ, a man who, at the
crucial moments, appeared very homely indeed.
Sometimes God summons us to imitate this inner
beauty by intensifying our own trust and fidelity
even as our outer selves are being crucified. This
happens especially in marriage, and I think that
is the reason why we celebrate weddings as we
do. Even in the best circumstances, the realities
of marriage seem prosaic; talking with the same
person at dinner every night, wiping snotty noses,
and lifelong sexual self-discipline do not fire
many imaginations. But permanent, faithful, and
life-giving marriage is, of course, the basis of our
understanding of love. Without it, without treasuring
and celebrating it, human existence would
be unbearably inhuman, not to mention ungodly.
So we celebrate the exchange of vows with special
exaltation—processions and preaching, champagne
and conga lines—to reground and refresh
ourselves in the truth that some day, at the resurrection
of the righteous, all of the crucifixions of
our daily fidelities and generosities will finally
be transfused with a vivacity that corresponds to
the Christian love that God’s Spirit was nourishing
in us. We beautify weddings so that we can
catch a glimpse of the vibrance deep down in
marriage. Whether we are single, married, or
even estranged, we dignify weddings because the
courageous venture of this young couple gives
hope—hope on earth and for heaven—to all the
rest of us, we who are all prone to discouragement
in our own callings to remain patient and
active in God’s love.
Brother Matthew Van House ’99
Cistercian Fathers
3
It’s hard to believe that five years have already
passed since the class of 2001 graduated from St.
Pius. I remember my time at St. Pius with much
fondness, and I never fail to pray for those who
graduated with me. These years since gradua-
tion have truly passed quickly, but at least for me,
these past five years have been the best that I
have lived in my short life.
When I look back...I find myself contemplating so
much. These years have been filled with a lot of
joy and satisfaction, but as well there have been
moments of difficulty and hardship. Life as a
religious studying for the priesthood isn’t easy,
although it is truly satisfying. These years have
been a beautiful mixture of both the cross and the
resurrection. How is it possible that I could actu-
ally look back over these years that have required
the sacrifice of family, friends, and other goods,
and still be able to say that these years have been
the best and most enjoyable years of my life?
Christ is the person who has
accompanied me
throughout these years, and I can honestly say
that it is only due to Him that I have spent these
last years living in continual growth of joy and
love. Christus Vita Mea! Christ is my life! It is
because I have found and developed a deep and
intimate friendship with Jesus Christ and made
him the center of my existence, that everything is
bearable and life truly seems to be more beautiful
with the passing of each day.
I invite you each to seek this friendship with our
Lord. He calls out to us constantly, “Come to me
all who are tired and overburdened and I will give
you rest!” Jesus Christ is not an image, an idea,
or an ethical norm to be followed. He is a person,
a person who is willing to love us, befriend us, and
remain ever faithful to us, as long as we simply
heed his call to go to Him and rest in his heart
of gentleness and humility. The path to a life
filled with happiness, while still experiencing the
difficulties and crosses of everyday life, is found
in one person alone, Jesus Christ, the God who
became man, to make man as happy and
satisfied as God.
Brother Andrew LaBudde ’01
Legionaries of Christ

Feature
Alumni: Agents of Change in the
W
RLD
Above: (Top) Gabriel in the Peruvian Amazon
during a antimalarial effi cacy and effectiveness
evaluation March 2005; (Center)
Gabriel gets a closer look while inspecting a
watering hole at the training site for mosquito
larvae; (Bottom) Gabriel takes a picture with
children and interviewers in Malawi during a
mosquito net evaluation January 2004.
Saving Lives in Africa
Traveling the world in search of mosquito
larvae is probably not how Gabriel Ponce de
León envisioned his life in public health. He
graduated from St. Pius X in 1991 and remained
in Atlanta to study at Emory University at the
Rollins School of Public Health, taking both an
undergraduate and master’s degree. His work as
an epidemiologist could have taken many paths
at the CDC. His current assignment is working
on malaria prevention in Africa.
Although he works in Atlanta, Gabriel’s focus
at the CDC is on improving lives affected by
malaria across the Atlantic Ocean in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Malaria regularly plagued the
United States up until the 1940’s and was the
catalyst to create and locate the CDC in Atlanta.
It is in Africa, however, where the scourge of
malaria rages daily.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a
parasite that is spread to humans through mosquito
bites. It is estimated that there are 300-500
million cases of malaria each year worldwide,
but malaria is most deadly in Africa, accounting
for 90 percent of worldwide deaths attributed to
malaria. Most of these deaths occur in children
under five years of age and pregnant women, the
most susceptible members of the population.
To think that in this day and age there are still
approximately one million children dying each
year from malaria is truly sobering. The sheer
size and scope of this malingering problem in
Africa challenges our imagination and calls
for our action. The U.S. response came about
prior to the G8 summit meetings in 2005 when
President Bush encouraged other nations to
pledge their support with the United States to
help African nations fight malaria. The President’s
Malaria Initiative (PMI) is a five-year,
$1.2 billion dollar project lead by the United
States Agency for International Development
(USAID), in conjunction with the Department
of Health and Human Services (which houses
the CDC), the Department of State, and the
White House.
4
PMI seeks to provide 85 percent of the children
under five and pregnant women in targeted
countries with effective and proven treatments
and control measures for malaria. The goal
of the initiative is to cut deaths attributable to
malaria by 50 percent. According to a recent
report by the UPI, the development efforts of
the countries affected are stymied because of the
toll exacted by malaria. International companies
are hindered by the persistence of malaria in
these areas. The solutions are comprehensive:
spray insecticides inside people’s houses where
mosquitoes persist (IRS), sleep under insecticide-treated
nets (ITNs), and take medicine
to treat ill patients and to prevent disease in
pregnant mothers. There is no vaccine at the
present moment.
Gabriel and two colleagues from CDC traveled
to Mozambique for a planning visit in
August. Their assignment abroad was to meet
with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other
collaborators to develop a plan that strengthens
the National Malaria Control Program
(NMCP) within the MoH. This plan includes
projects such as: strengthening the NMCP in
surveillance of malaria cases, monitoring and
evaluating existing programs, improving the
quality of laboratory diagnosis, improving the
national pharmaceutical management system,
increasing the ownership and use of ITNs in
vulnerable populations, and supporting IRS
work in several districts.
“This is important work that needs to be done
because children suffer, and we have the means
to help them. Traveling abroad has some risks,
but the people we meet battle malaria on a daily
basis. Our risks pale in comparison,” Gabriel
says. “The Catholic identity fostered at St. Pius
instilled in me the need to answer the call to
serve others. I’m fortunate that I can serve others
with my talents, even if they live thousands
of miles away.”
For more information on the President’s Malaria Initiative,
visit: www.fightingmalaria.gov
For information on how to help, visit:
www.cdcfoundation.org/healththreats/Malaria.aspx

Feature
Making a Difference
in the Academic World
Links to the Past
Joan Cashin ’74 Associate Professor of His-
tory at Ohio University has just published
her fifth book. The First Lady of the
Confederacy, Varina Davis’s
Civil War published
by Harvard University
Press. She
recently appeared in
Decatur on her book
tour, and she will appear
on C-SPAN to discuss
her work. Somehow
she manages to juggle her
teaching duties which range
from freshman honors history
to students working on their
doctorates. On the personal
side, her teaching schedule, research,
and book tours leave a little
time for her photography hobby.
Her favorite subject is nature, and
she has a fondness for the South and
Mid-Atlantic regions.
After high school, Joan left Atlanta for
Washington, D.C. where she studied at
The American University, taking her B.A.
there. She reports that she was blessed
to have excellent mentors in college. “I
developed my love for history there. My
advisors encouraged me to continue my
studies to get my master’s degree and then
to continue to the doctoral level. At the
time—the late 70’s—the job market was
very tough in academics and even tougher
for women. My advisors correctly advised
me to apply to the best schools and then to
go to the best institution. I applied to several
schools and was accepted at Harvard where
I studied for and received my Ph.D. It was
great advice.”
She became interested in the 19 th century and
has published five books on the period. The
last two books have focused on the civilian
side of the Civil War. “While researching
the Civil War era I discovered that there was
an enormous amount of material about the
war itself and not so much about civilian life,
and especially the life of women. I became
interested in the life of Varina Davis, wife
of Confederate President Jefferson Davis,
after coming across some of her letters during
my research in the early 1980’s. She
was an interesting person, who wrote some
600 letters and received about 2400 letters.
She witnessed so much in her life before and
during the war and then went on as a public
figure afterwards. She met a lot of the well
k n o w n people of her time including Oscar
Wilde, Mrs. U.S. Grant, and Joseph
Pulitzer.”
At college Joan realized that
she had received an excellent
education at Immaculate
Heart of Mary and at
St. Pius X. “I had some
excellent teachers at St.
Pius. Two of the most
influential were Mrs.
Fodor and Charlene
Klister. Mrs. Fodor
was an intellect
and force of ture—a brilliant
woman. Charlene
Klister
na-
taught me
a love of
reading and
writing.
They both
taught me that learning is
important.”
Selected Bibliography:
The First Lady of the Confederacy,
Varina Davis’s Civil War
Harvard University Press 2006
The War Was You and Me: Civilians in
the Civil War
Princeton University Press 2003
Our Common Affairs
Johns Hopkins University Press 1996
A Family Venture: Men and Women on
the Southern Frontier
Oxford University Press 1991
5
Shaping the Future
Daniel Armanios, a 2002 graduate of St. Pius
X, is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh
majoring in mechanical engineering and political
science with a minor in economics.
In 2006, drawing from his experience as
a member of Pitt’s Model United Nations,
he formally founded Session: Middle East,
a diverse group of students committed to
finding innovate techniques for addressing
the Arab-Israeli conflict through dialogue. At
the forum, he supervised peers from across
western Pennsylvania in a mock debate
that demonstrated how political science
theories learned in the classroom need to
be modified when applied to realistic settings
involving reporters, scientific experts,
and the complexities of warring cultures in
the Middle East.
Overall, his goal is to promote understanding
of Middle East conflicts, as well as to
generate possible solutions for peace. “The
conflict is not being solved by this generation,
and we will need novel approaches,” he
says. Armanios further explains that Session
looks at "the Middle Eastern conflict from
both diverse disciplinary views and diverse
social, religious, and cultural views. It emphasizes
the need to humanize the "other"
through role reversal…The "other" is an
active contributor to the quest of peace and
not someone we should brusquely ignore
when seeking it."
Session: Middle East is the first-ever national
intercollegiate student-run and student-initiated
forum addressing this conflict. Since
its construction, it has received international
news attention. Besides being published in
the United States, it has been republished
in Canada and Palestine and has been translated
into three languages, French, Arabic,
and Bahasa (Indonesian).
Continued on page 9

Spellman’s Words
A Message
From Our
Principal
How do we continue to produce championship
athletic teams with the nation’s number
three basketball recruit in Kelley Cain and
award winning fine arts programs that are
achieving at the highest levels of competition
with Graham Walts and John McNabb
who represented us at the Governor’s Honors
progam?
How do we increase the physical size of our
campus to accommodate the many activities
and programs we offer here and to position
us more strongly for the future and to accommodate
a much needed parking and an
alternate entrance to the campus?
Forty-eight years ago St. Pius X opened its
doors to a growing population of Catholics
in Metro-Atlanta. The founder of our school
was in a very real way the Msgr. Cornelius
Maloney, who served Bishop Francis Hyland
as the first superintendent of schools. Msgr.
Maloney, the pastor of IHM at the time, was
the driving force behind the dream of building
a co-educational Catholic high school in
the city, on what was at that time, basically
farmland. The principal, Father Harrison,
one other priest, 15 sisters (representing four
different orders), and six lay teachers—a total
faculty of 23—welcomed a student body of
418 students and began a legacy of excellence
in Catholic teaching.
As we approach nearly 10,000 graduates, a
current student enrollment of 1072, a faculty
of 88 members, and next year our 50 th
anniversary, we continue to build each day
on Bishop Hyland’s and Msgr. Maloney’s
dream.
future that excites me. As we approach the
50 th anniversary of this school next year, I
truly believe we are on the verge of an exciting
future. With the arrival of Archbishop
Gregory and his enthusiastic leadership and
Ms. Diane Starkovich, the new superintendent
of schools, it is an exciting time to be
a Catholic in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. I
see a bright future for SPX.
My excitement stems from the opportunity
to live my dream in education: a long-held
belief in teaching to the total child. To be
able to appreciate and nurture the spiritual,
intellectual, and physical dimensions of a
child, is a true blessing, and we are proud
of what we are doing at St. Pius.
My vision of this school stems from a collective
and simple question: Where are we
now and where are we going? How can we
continue to improve in every aspect of our
operation?
How do we continue to expand our Annual
Fund and our endowment to ensure the longterm
fiscal health of the school?
Our theme for this school year is “Charting
our Future” and as I shared with the faculty,
we are taking the year to analyze every aspect
of our operation with the goal of continuous
improvement in both the short term and long
range vision.
We have already put committees in place
under the direction of our Advisory Board
and with the leadership of our Development
Office to plan for our future, and I believe
we are poised for the challenges and opportunities
that will keep SPX as one of
the most respected Catholic high schools
in America.
As we forge ahead with planning, let me
remind each of you how appreciative we are
of your untold generosity and dedication to
Catholic education. Your contributions of
As we look back across the years, we find
ourselves thankful yet again to the countless
women and men, religious and lay, who have
labored so unselfishly to give shape to this
wonderful school.
We are especially grateful for the told and
untold ways in which God has touched and
transformed the lives of countless current
and former students, parents, teachers, staff
and administrators.
The world is a better place because of St.
Pius X Catholic High School and its ministry
since 1958.
As proud as we are of our past, it is the
“As proud as we are of our past,
it is the Future that excites me.”
How can we develop Catholic young men and
women who are both strong and proud of their
Catholicity like Andrew LaBudde, a recent
graduate preparing for the priesthood?
How do we continue to improve an academic
program already producing students
like 2006 valedictorian Kathleen Petti who
is a freshman at Harvard?
- SPX Principal Steve Spellman
time, talent, and treasure have allowed us
to take SPX to new levels of excellence.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the
many blessings you bestow upon us. You
are special to us. Thank You!
Steve Spellman, Principal
6

2oo5-2006 Highlights:
• St. Pius X received a dual five-year accreditation from SAIS-
SACS (Southern Association of Independent Schools-Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools).
• SPX opened its doors to 29 displaced students from the
Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Beyond education, they
were provided with uniforms, text books, housing, food, and
a spiritual family and support system.
• Twenty-five SPX students were recognized in the National
Merit Scholars Program. Six Scholars, 17 Commended students,
one Hispanic Finalist/Scholar, and one Achievement
Finalist were recognized. The school was also represented
by one student in the Governor’s Honor Program.
• The athletics program won three state championship titlesboys’
and girls’ track and field and girls’ basketball- and
eight region championship titles- boys’ and girls’ track and
field, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse,
and boys’ and girls’ soccer.
• St. Pius X celebrated its 25th year of theatre. To commemorate
this event, theatre director Bonnie Spark invited alums back
to St. Pius to perform in and watch her special presentation
of Guys and Dolls.
X
St. Pius
Contributing to
E cellence
• The highest level degrees for St. Pius faculty and administration
during the 2005-2006 school year were four doctorate
degrees, five educational specialist degrees, 50 master’s
degrees, and 32 bachelor’s degrees.
• Eight students participated in the 2006 Science Olympiad
Competition. Six students won gold medals in their respective
science categories. One student also brought home a
silver medal.
• In April, 10 students led by campus ministry staff Fr. Jack
Durkin and Miss Angela Ravielle spent their spring break on
a mission trip to Hogar-Belen (Bethlehem House) in Nicaragua—an
orphanage for children with disabilities.
• Art teacher Corinna Brannon arranged for her visual arts
students to meet with local artists, participate in workshops,
and view exhibits in order to broaden the scope of their learning.
They also entered their works in the second annual Juried
Arts Exhibition and the Archdiocesan Art Show, both of which
where held at St. Pius.
• A partnership between St. Pius X and Mercer University led
to the building and completion of a beautiful and challenging
cross country course at Mercer’s campus just minutes from St.
Pius. The course was the site of the first St. Pius invitational
held on our home course.
• Ninety-eight percent of the graduating class of 2006 attended
college. Of those students, 80 percent qualified for
HOPE Scholarships.
MIND BODY SPIRIT
• Fifty-two students represented St. Pius X and the Archdiocese
of Atlanta at the National Catholic Youth Conference
last October.
Continued on page 9

CONTRIBUTING TO EXCELLENCE
Mind
$120,000
Academic success begins with $100,000 motivated
and qualified teachers. Your
gift to the Annual Fund allows $80,000 St.
Pius X to recruit and retain the very
best teachers. Your gift a also provides
$60,000
them with the resources
needed to deliver high quality
$40,000
instruction. Your gift assists
students with opportunities to
participate in contests, camps, $20,000
seminars, and educational programs through the year. Your support
can also provide emergency tuition assistance for families $0
in crisis during the course of their education.
Body
St. Pius X athletic teams are consistently
among the elite programs in the
state and won three state championships
this past year. Its proud athletic history
was built on the foundation of hiring the best
quality coaches, having good facilities, and
providing up-to-date equipment. St. Pius
X supports all its athletes regardless of
sport or gender. With your support,
St. Pius X can continue to improve
and upgrade its athletic programs.
Spirit
Catholic education at St. Pius X allows
the freedom to teach the Gospel of Jesus
Christ and offers opportunities to serve
in the vineyards of the Lord. St. Pius
students volunteer their time far beyond
what is required and in doing so broaden
their understanding of the world around
them. Your contribution helps support
retreats, community outreach, and special
projects for the spiritual development of
young adults.
8
$75,911
$83,950
$86,428
$96,592
$115,394
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Year
Alumni Giving Steadily
Increasing
The 2006 Annual Fund reached two important milestones for
overall dollars raised and for alumni contribution. In 2003 the
alumni were challenged to increase participation to 1000 and to
contribute $100,000 annually. This year we surpassed the $100,000
mark for the first time. Thanks to all of our generous donors, this
represents a 19.5 percent increase.
The goal of one thousand alumni supporters is proving elusive, but
it is within reach and can be achieved. Our analysis of our alumni
giving shows that nearly 2200 persons have given to the Annual
Fund at one time or another. Many more have pledged.
The importance of participation gifts cannot be underestimated.
Every gift that comes to St. Pius X strengthens our status with the
major funding sources. The support of alumni is a key indicator
of satisfaction with the direction of the school and an endorsement
of its mission. Therefore even $2.08 per month, or $25 per year
is multiplied tenfold because of the significance to foundations
and philanthropists.
Those who are making substantial contributions to the school are
reviewing their giving patterns and looking to gradually increasing
their gifts to keep up with inflation. Some elect to give at a donor
recognition level to the Monsignor Maloney Society or higher
($1000 or more). Others aspire to become $5,000, $10,000, or
$25,000 lifetime donors. Because of these thoughtful and generous
people St. Pius X thrives and fulfills its mission.

Continued from page 7
• The 15th Annual Dads’ Morning of Recollection with Fr.
Lopez allowed fathers in the SPX community to spend a
morning in prayer and reflection, discussing the joys, responsibilities,
and rewards of fatherhood.
• The St. Pius X swimming and diving teams enjoyed the
first season in their “home” pool at Dynamo Swim Club.
• SPX celebrated the return of its marching band which
received several awards during the course of the year,
including a Superior rating in music sight-reading and
an Excellent rating in overall performance during the
GMEA District Band Evaluation.
• St. Pius X marine biology teacher Killebrew Bailey led
the inaugural class field trip to the Georgia Aquarium,
which included behind-the-scenes access to the whale
shark and beluga whale exhibits.
• A record number of 260 St. Pius X students took 500
Advance Placement exams with 82 percent of those
exams receiving a score of three or higher.
• St. Pius X broke ground for its first ever home softball
field in May of 2006.
• Gene Brisbane and Kathryn Land represented St. Pius X
at the GISA conference last November. They each gave
a presentation on their respective topics of interdisciplinary
math and foreign language to fellow educators.
• Coach John Frederick and his varsity volleyball squad
were recipients of the Game PlanTM/AVCA Team Academic
Award. The team maintained a 3.3 grade point
average making SPX one of only 120 schools in the
country to qualify for the award.
• SPX proudly hosted Atlanta’s first fully sponsored girls’
lacrosse coaches’ and players’ clinic last December.
• Dance teacher and arts department chair Lisa Martin
invited several renowned dance instructors and choreographers
to lead workshops for her students. The guest
instructors collaborated with dance students and dance
company members and set dance pieces for the students’
annual performances.
• SPX Science department chair Mr. Matt Lammers was
one of four people chosen from a pool of 56 educators
to represent Georgia at the annual NASA/NIA Educators
Workshop. The conference focused on spreading the
word about NASA and its applications available to the
classroom teacher.
• The St. Pius X Alumni Golf Tournament raised $7,500 for
scholarships for deserving children of St. Pius alumni.
• St. Pius welcomed the renovation and rededication of
Dresden Park as additional space for our athletic teams
to practice.
• Rachel Braham and the Golden Echoes staff received
an excellent rating from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association
for the 2005 yearbook We Are.
9
Among several other scholarships and accolades, Daniel was a 2004
recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his innovative
engineering research and a 2005 Truman Scholarship recipient for
his leadership in public service. He has completed three National
Science Foundation summer internships, most recently as a fuel-cell
researcher at Virginia Tech, and is a member in the student chapter
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His work has
been published in many journals and news agencies such as Biomacromolecules,
the International Journal of Technology, Policy, and
Management, the Consortium for Educational Resources in Islamic
Studies (CERIS), the Culture of Peace News Network (CPNN), and
Common Ground News (CGNews).
Currently, he is working as a part-time exchange and events editor
for the Oxford International Review based in England where he is
working with the U.A.E. embassy in the U.S. to institutionalize an
exchange program between young American and young Emirati
scholars. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and
a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, ultimately combining
his disciplines to shape technology policy in the Middle East.
Reflecting on his achievements thus far, Daniel attributes much of
his success to his education at St. Pius X. "I am convinced that the
school is one of the best college preparatory institutions, and because
of the ample patience and help of Ms. Guscio and Ms. Schafer, I
am a better writer than my peers at the
University of Pittsburgh. Their mix of
direction, determination, and teaching
excellence has greatly influenced my
work, and it has directly given me the
eloquence and structure to publish in
international journals. Without the
undying support of the faculty and
staff of St. Pius X, my ambitions and
successes would only be imagined."
*Article written with the assistance of
the Winter 2006 edition of Pitt magazine.
Updating Your Records
Above: Daniel Armanios ’02
leads a discussion in “Session:
Middle East.”
Three Easy Ways:
Web update: Visit spx.org/alumni for an online
form. Online updates will enroll you in the eNewsletter and your
submission will update the master database.
E-mail: Just send your new e-mail or mailing address to
alumni@spx.org.
Mail Back Form: Just tear off the update form on page 11, and
send it back in the mail.
Stay in touch through alumni publications
Alumni News Printing and Distribution Policy
Alumni News is published three times per year.
The fall issue of Alumni News is sent to all alumni. The spring
and winter editions are sent to contributing alumni. All publications
are available in pdf format online at spx.org.
eNewsletter
Sent on the first of each month, contains the latest news and
information for alumni.

S P X
GO LIONS!
Fall Campus Report
Golden Lions’ Sports
Football -
Season Record so far: 8-1
Cross Country -
Boys & Girls both 3rd at Region
Competition Cheerleading -
Region Champs
Softball -
10-1 Region record
Volleyball -
Elite Eight in State Tourney
Football
Facing a new all region schedule, the Golden Lions started the season off with a 5-0 record.
Unleashing a brutal running attack, the Lions averaged 34 points per game while giving
up under 10 points per game for the first five games. Led by Tyler Fish and Will Asip the
veer offense was expertly run by quarterback Dylan Knight. The stingy defense is led by
middle linebacker Jonathan Tinsley, a speedy sophomore playmaker who also runs the
ball. Region 6AAAA saw a lot of surprises in the first half of the season with Tucker beating
Marist and St. Pius beating Tucker. When the second half of the season resumed, the
Lions put up another win against Cedar Grove and then headed into Hallford Stadium to
meet SW DeKalb. The game played out as a defensive battle, and the Golden Lions broke
a 7-7 tie late in the third quarter with a 50 yard run by QB Dylan Knight. The win earned
St. Pius a playoff berth for the fourth time in Paul Standard’s career. The following week,
St. Pius met the other unbeaten team in the region, Mays, and were upset 23-13. A huge
Reunion/Homecoming crowd was on hand to see St. Pius struggle with turnovers. The final
two weeks of the season had the region sorting out the playoffs berths and preparing for the
St. Pius and Marist showdown on November 10th.
Cross Country
The harriers ran well in the region meet hosted by Marist with the boys finishing in third
place and the girls grabbing a third place finish as well. Both teams look to do well in the
state meet on November 11.
Softball
The Lady Lions played well on their new home field, posting a 10-1 region record and
finishing runner-up. Unfortunately, the Lady Lions fell short of making the state tournament
by losing three one-run games to end the season. “We were heartbroken at the end,
but it was great to be on campus and to build a fan base for our girls,” said Coach Laura
Novotny-Beaver. “We are working hard to be better next year as our young team matures,”
she added. Their overall record was 17-10.
Volleyball
The Lady Lions advanced to the elite eight in State Tournament and were area runner-up.
The 47-12 season shattered the win total by seven matches as they posted the lowest loss
total since 1998. Jasmine Tyson finished her career on top of record book with the most aces
and assists as well as the highest averages for each game. The Lions also were the winners
of the Conyers Classic Gold Champion.
Competition Cheerleading
The Cheerleaders took first place in the Centennial High School competition. The squad
competed in 6 meets and earned a berth in the state tournament when they recently secured
the region championship. 10 14

Campus Happenings
A
lumni
ssociation:
Unveiling the Next 5 Years
St. Pius X High School Alumni Association
Co-Presidents Keith Carter ’81 and Kevin
Richardson ’84 recently unveiled their vision
for the future of the organization. They seek
to increase participation by Alumni in the
St. Pius community thereby improving the
school’s image, character, funding, appeal
to potential students, appeal to corporate
sponsors, and ranking.
The co-presidents come from different
perspectives on Alumni affairs but concur
on this new plan. Keith Carter ’81 serves
St. Pius because of friends. “I made great
friends when I was here, both on the football
team and in the classroom. I have made new
friends from the alumni ranks, and I feel this
is home,” he says. Carter serves on other
boards and is an analyst in the food business.
“I love Friday night lights, and all of the enthusiasm
that is the essence of high school.
There is no substitute for this camaraderie.
I love my Georgia Bulldog’s too, but this is
really a special place,” Carter says.
Kevin Richardson ’84 is a Human Resources
Director and a proud St. Pius parent. “You really
can get into sharing your kid’s experience
by helping with the multitude of activities that
make up a day here. I see old friends, meet
new ones, and I feel like I make a difference
in this community,” he comments.
St. Pius X made the commitment to overall
improvement in 2000 when the Archdiocesan
school system opened Our Lady of Mercy
and Blessed Trinity. Alumni Director, David
Buechner ’73 comments, “We have made so
much progress at St. Pius in the past six years,
we have improved in every measurable way.
We are reaching out to our alumni to share
our pride in our school and its legacy. We
have a vision for the future and are building
our Alumni Association to bring us into the
50 th year and beyond of our school.”
The Alumni Association hosts several major
events for alumni each year. The biggest
is Reunion/Homecoming Weekend which
was held this year in October. Reunions
are held every five years and are scheduled
around the homecoming football game.
Each reunion class plans it own party on
the Saturday night of the weekend, while
the Alumni Association hosts a Friday night
cookout before the game and a Mass and
Open House on Sunday. The Alumni Association
also hosts The Alumni Classic Golf
tournament in the spring.
The Association hosts a variety of other
events throughout the year including social
outings and networking. Carter and Richardson
envision more events to be held during
the year in different places in the Atlanta
area to make it more convenient for alumni
to maintain contact. Exciting new Web-based
communications are also part of the plan.
To find out how you can get involved at St.
Pius, call or email David Buechner 404-633-
4290 ext 273 or at dlb@spx.org.
Alumni News is a publication of the Alumni As so ci a tion of
St. Pius X Catholic High School. Published three times per year.
St. Pius X is a unit of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Submissions: Mail or alumni@spx.org or fax 404-320-0308.
Ed i tor: David L. Buechner ’73
Publications Coordinator: Noelle Varriano ’00
Photography: David Buechner
Copyright 2006
St. Pius X has per mis sion to post
my e-mail address in the alumni
directory of the school's Web site.
qYes qNo
Update online: http://www.spx.org/
alumni/alumni_info.php
I'm interested in volunteering.
Please contact me about:
q Alumni Athletic Events
q Alumni Phonathon
q Golf Tournament
q My Class Reunion
q Hospitality
q Donor So lic i ta tion
I have news to share with my class!
Name __________________________________________________Graduation Year _______
New Address _________________________________________________________________
Your News __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone __________________________ Business Phone _________________________
e-mail Address _______________________________________________________________
11

Passings
George Asip, 82, passed away on June 26 after a courageous three-year struggle with cancer. In life, he
loved his wife, his faith, his family, and music. George met Sally, his wife of sixty years, in Flatbush,
New York. They lived two blocks apart from each other near Avenue D in Brooklyn. After their marriage,
he served his country as a United States Navy pilot, fighting in both World War II and Korea.
When George returned to civilian life, he worked as a recruiter for Georgia Tech and was stationed at the
Naval Air Station (now PDK airport). He and Sally moved back to Brooklyn to start their family, but
his new position at Western Electric as an Engineer brought him to Georgia once again in 1962. As they
settled into their home, the Asip family quickly grew, and George and Sally sent their eight children to
Catholic school at St. Jude—where George sang in the church choir for 25 years—and St. Pius X. One
of the great traditions of the Asip family is the annual trip to Florida. It started with the station wagon
loaded to the gills with George, Sally and the children headed for Boca Raton. The tradition continues
to this day with the entourage numbering 84 when the Asip’s come to town. “My dad did what he did
without comment, sure of his role as father to us all. He and my mother sacrificed to educate us and were committed to having us all go to
Catholic schools. One time I heard him reflect on his life, and he asked rhetorically if his life had amounted to anything,” said son Steve ’72.
“I think the legacy of his family speaks for itself. We have reached our goals because we are standing on his shoulders.”
George’s children who graduated from St. Pius: Cathy Gasperini ’65, Jimmy ’66, George ’72, Steve ’72, Edward ’74, Billy ’77, John ’80, and
Sally Beach ’84; and grandchildren alumni: Lisa Parris ’88, Elizabeth Kimberl ’90, Amy Sampona ’94, Rebecca Gasperini ’98, Kelly Iannucci
’98, Leanne ’01, Anastasia ’03, Sean ’04, Sara ’06, Will ’07, and Hunter ’10.
Stan Bird, 60, passed away August 28, 2006. Every school morning at 5:45 a.m. for 20 years Gainesville
native and resident Stan Bird would turn his Honda Civic southward towards St. Pius, in time for daily
Mass. Thus enriched, he set about the task of bringing the language of Caesar and of the church to St.
Pius students. His wife of 38 years, Charlene Bird, shared his love of Latin, having met in Rome while
studying, “I really think his main love of the language sprang from the fact that it was the language of
the church.” He became intranced with the language and Catholicism at the death of Pope Pius XII in
1958. He was drawn to Latin hymns and Gregorian chants, though he also possessed a CD of Elvis songs
in Latin. His bearded, bespectacled face beamed from his tall frame and was the font of wry humor,
and friendly mild mannered goodness. According to Mark Kelly, “You could feel God’s warmth when
you were talking to Stan. I think his students were intrigued by Stan’s passion for all things Latin, he
loved the whole language, he loved the culture, he loved the history of it, and that enthusiasm couldn’t
help but motivate his students.” He is remembered as a kind and caring leader, also by his colleagues,
in his capacity as foreign language department head.
“There was nothing average about my father. He was outstanding in everything he did. He was the
walking embodiment of the word ‘patriarch’.” Neal Callahan
Robert “Bob” Lee Callahan, Jr. devoted himself to his family and his faith throughout his life. Born in
Brooklyn, New York, he was educated in Catholic schools, graduating from Brooklyn Prep and Georgetown
University. He took his law degree from Georgetown with honors and began his law career in
Washington, D.C. Eventually he became the head legal council for Coca-Cola USA and then Vice President
and Deputy General Counsel. In 1955 he married Mary Byrne Carolan, and together they had ten
children, nine of whom were sent through Catholic school at St. Jude and St. Pius. He was grandfather
to 21 and just became a great grandfather. Bob and Mary Byrne served as Home & School Association
presidents and helped establish the Development Office as we know it today.
Bob Callahan was known as the consummate family man and with his loving wife Mary Byrne supported the activities of their clan. Though he
kept a low profile, Bob exhibited talents in other areas—writing and producing musical comedies at St. Jude’s in the 70’s and 80’s. He supported
all the parishes and schools with which he was associated, most recently St. Helena in Clayton, Georgia. When Mary Byrne died in 1999, Bob
established the Mary Byrne Callahan Endowment, a fund that provides awards for student scholarship and for teacher development.
In the words of his sons, he was a man who balanced the demands of a high profile job with life at home. He was able to leave his work at
12
Continued on back cover

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen
Vincent Angelo Lauria, 92, father of Susan Seaver Lauria ’64 and Vincent R. Lauria ’66,
passed away August 30, 2006. Lauria was instrumental in raising money and building the
first stadium at St. Pius X.
“Vince” as he was known to his family and friends was born in Morrisville, Pa. and was married
to his wife Jennie for 46 years. Mr. Lauria was one of the founding fathers of the St.
Pius X community, whose shoulders we stand on today. He was one of a small group of men
who undertook the project of building a stadium and track for the campus. Vince teamed up
with Father Harrison, fellow St. Pius X fathers, Ed Gasperini, William Waidelich, and Charles
Munhall, and the Athletic Association to raise the money for a football stadium. One of the
memorable events held in the months before construction began was the Fiesta, a day long
celebration and spaghetti supper that raised $4500—$27,000 in today’s dollars. Joe Bean
Stadium cost $82,000 and stood virtually unchanged for 40 years.
Victor Alan McLemore ’75 passed away suddenly in July, 2006. Affectionately known as “Nicky,” he was a
lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and attended grade school there before coming to
St. Pius. His high school career was capped when he was named as a representative senior due to his wellrounded
resume, which included football, basketball, track, the senior play, the talent show, band, and student
government—he was co-president of the senior class.
Nicky’s success continued at Guilford College, where he made the Dean’s List and was elected to the Student
Senate. His history degree in hand, he applied to Howard Law School. His career at Howard was marked with
distinction, receiving the Outstanding Service Award for the class of 1982 from his classmates. Later that year
he married Michelle, and they formed a family with the births of Alana Michelle and Victor Alan II.
Nicky worked as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board until 1995 when he opened his own firm.
He also was a professor of political science at Atlanta Metropolitan College for 16 years. His community
activities showed his deep commitment to education and his love of his alma maters and of the law. He was
Chairman of the Howard Law School Fund Raising Committee, participated in many activities at Our Lady
of Lourdes, served on the the Urban Design Commission, and was a faithful and loyal supporter of St. Pius X.
He was known by his family as a proud father with a love of home and family life, a loving husband, a devoted
son, a larger than life personality. He was fashionable and funny, and most of all warm and personable.
Dennis Carmen Stepnowski was killed on June 29, 2006 in the line of duty. Known to friends and
family as “Step,” Dennis worked security for the St. Pius X athletics program for the past seven
years. Stepnowski was a decorated 12 year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department . He
distinguished himself as a SWAT team member and for his work on the Drug Interdiction Initiative.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the department’s highest honor for rescuing a fellow officer
from a burning vehicle. On September 8 th , he was honored by the St. Pius community before the
Golden Lions’ first home football game. It was the first home game without Step in many years.
On hand were his fellow SWAT team members. Known for his fearlessness, he was called “The
Guardian Angel” by his fellow officers.
“What a loving God we must serve to ensure that each generation is supplied with such men, such
giants, those willing to walk towards the sound of the guns, for without these heroes, we should
surely be lost.” - Author Unknown
13

Lion Lines. . . keeping up with alums around the globe
Updates...
Linda Atchison Riggins ’64 is retired and loving
it.
Terri Bourus ’66 is an English literature professor
at Indiana University. She has just edited two
of Shakespeare’s plays, “A Midsummer Night’s
Dream” and “Hamlet” for a dynamic new series
published by the Chicago publisher, Sourcebooks.
In addition to Terri’s edition (complete
with explanatory notes, performance notes, and
rarely released photographs) she has written the
introduction to the plays and includes added essays
on performance by noted scholars in the field. Her
editions will be published in the U.K. and Europe
by Methuen Drama in March 2007.
Mugsie Moorman Hackett ’72 and the rest of
the Hackett family are off on another excursion.
The Hacketts moved to Dubai, U.A.E. in late
August. They are all looking forward to another
adventure.
Dr. Charne Furcron ’81 was awarded the National
Coming Up Taller Award in Washington
D.C. A dance troup from her youth development
program, Moving in the Spirit, performed for an
event hosted by First Lady Laura Bush. Moving
in the Spirit had another opportunity to perform
at the White House when the First Lady invited
them back for a performance to honor Liberian
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
Jennifer Tomaszewski Kincaid ’83 is happily
back to working three days a week at the Diabetic
Supply Company she co-owns with her husband
David. She is returning from a two year break
following the birth of her identical twin boys,
William and Michael. The twins were a blessing
to the family, especially to their older sisters,
Olivia 8 and Caroline 3.
Tony Lentini ’83 ran for State Representative House
District 106 in this year’s general election.
Patricia Wall Merry ’85 and her husband CPT
Robert Merry live with their three children in
the Dacula area. Bob, a captain in the Army Reserve,
has
deployed
to Fallujah,
Iraq for one
year and is
due home
in July
2 0 0 7 .
Please keep him and the Merry family in your
prayers, that he may have a safe tour of duty in
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Greg St. John ’86 has been working in investment
management and financial planning for the past
seven years. He also volunteers as treasurer of
CADEF, Inc.—The Childhood Autism Foundation
and as a Cub Scout leader. His wife, Tammie,
is a kindergarten teacher, and they have three
children, ages 10, 11 and 12.
Lewis Sharp’87 and Scott Piehl ’88 competed as
“Team Shake and Bake” in the Amazing College
Football Race hosted by Sports Radio 790 THE
ZONE. The race was a 3000 mile 13 state road
trip to visit 24 college campuses during the first
week of the college football season.
Michael Stephen Doumitt ’91 is in his second
year with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign
Service Officer/Political Cone assigned to
the Near East Asia Bureau. Currently assigned to
Main State in Washington, D.C., Michael will be
headed to Baghdad, Iraq for the winter. He and his
wife Jennifer will be moving to Rabat, Morocco,
in the summer of 2007.
Kerry M. Connor ’92 received a J.D. from
Quinnipiac University School of Law, on May
14, 2006.
Katrina Loncaric ’92
graduated from Catholic
University in 1997 with
a bachelor’s degree in
communications. She
performed theatre, worked
for the Washington Opera,
and then moved to New York City where she
became involved with improv and sketch comedy
with the Upright Citizens Brigade and Second
City. Katrina recently returned to New York City
to make her Broadway debut in the Mel Brooks’
musical comedy, “The Producers,” where she will
be playing Ulla, and joining the ensemble.
Frank Agullo ’94 graduated from medical school
in 2001 in Mexico City. He is now Chief (fifth
year resident) in General Surgery at Texas Tech
University in El Paso, Texas and will finish in June
of 2007. He has been accepted to start a two-year
fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
in 2007 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Will Carlson ’94 earned his master’s degree in
education with an emphasis on special education
on May14, 2006. He is entering his third
year of teaching at Molokai High School on the
island of Molokai. He married Dorie Kauwila
Loo of Kaunakakai, Molokai, Hawaii on June
25, 2005.
Kelly Marie McDonald ’94 is living and working
as nurse in New Mexico while completing her
master’s degree in community health nursing. She
plans to go abroad in 2007 and work as a nurse
for Doctors Without Borders.
David Aitken ’95 volunteers as a diver at the
Georgia Aquarium. He was very active this
summer, logging his 700th skydive and 400th
scuba dive!
Laura von Holt Watson ’96 has recently started
an embroidery/monogramming business. Aside
from embroidering items, she also makes personal-
14
ized gifts for women, men, and children. Visit her
Web site for more info: www.rylidesigns.com.
Kathleen Celeste Murphy ’98 graduated from
Ohio State University with a degree in social and
behavioral sciences. After studying at the University
of Plymouth in England, she attended Georgia
State University and received her master’s degree
in social work with a concentration in macro practice
and policy. She worked at The Carter Center
for one year under former First Lady Rosalynn
Carter, and is now engaging in contract work with
the state of Georgia and non profit organizations to
evaluate and develop programs and policies that
serve individuals with developmental disabilities.
She plans to have her first substantial research
project published in early December.
Maria Therese Fortes Thacker ’98 graduated
from Tulane School of Public Health and
Tropical Medicine in May 2005. She earned a
dual master’s degree in Public Health, in Health
Education/Communication and Maternal and
Child Health. Following graduation, she moved
back to Atlanta and took a job as the marketing
and project manager with the Georgia Biomedical
Partnership. Maria recently purchased a
house in town where she is living with Gabbi
Thacker ’01.
Austin DuFresne ’01 deployed to Camp
Beuhring, just outside of
Udaira, Kuwait. He recently
settled with his unit
in Baghdad. He sends his
greetings.
Lauren Ashley Homans
’02 graduated from Villanova University in May
of 2006 with a B.A. in theology. She worked three
years with Villanova’s pro-life group, and worked
to place a memorial for the victims of abortion
on campus, which was installed in October of
2006. She is now learning and working in the
film industry with Tall Tale Productions located
in Charlotte, NC. Her ultimate goal is to produce
pro-life films and adverts nationwide.
Rachel Walthall ’06 was named Peach Belt
Conference player of the week last week
for women’s soccer. She is having a great
season with five goals and two assists. She
has helped Columbus State earn its highest
national ranking to date at #24 nationally.
Charmaine
Garcia Abbott
’84 has
remarried.
She and her
new husband
Lt. J.A. Abbott,
a mem-
Marriages...

er of the Roswell Police Department for 25 years,
are enjoying their new life with their children.
Brian Higginbotham ’93 and Jenny Westrick
’94 were married on October 1, 2005 at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church in Atlanta. The celebrant
was Deacon Wayne Smith. Pius alumni in the
wedding included Rick Higginbotham ’66,
Mary Catherine Westrick Husney ’88, Kevin
Higginbotham ’89, Rich Westrick ’91, Ann
Marshall ’94, and Peggy Vazquez ’94. Brian
and Jenny recently moved from Austin, Texas
to Chapel Hill, N.C., where Brian is attending
graduate school.
Geoffrey D. Childs ’02 and Laura E. Bartholomay
were married on May 27, 2006 at Westminster
Church in Durham, N.C. The couple
honeymooned in the Riveria Maya in Cancun,
Mexico. Both graduated from Elon University,
and Geoff was commissioned in the U.S. Army
following graduation.
Emily LaBudde ’02 married Barrett Kimball on
June 3, 2006 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Marietta.
Many St. Pius friends and family celebrated the
wedding
including
her parents,
Bruce and
Diane Baly
LaBudde
’66, brother
Brian LaBudde ’95, and sister Ashley LaBudde
’98. The couple honeymooned on a cruise through
the Caribbean. Emily is a dental hygienist, and
Barrett serves in the U.S. Navy as an engineer in
the Naval Nuclear Program. The couple plan to
live in Arlington, VA after Emily completes an additional
degree—Health Educator—at Armstrong
Atlantic State University in Savannah.
Births ...
Matt McGonegal ’84 and his wife Michelle are
proud to announce the arrival of the newest addition
to their family. Amy Elizabeth McGonegal
was born September 21, 2006. She weighed 7
pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.
Silvia Uceda Burgoon ’89 and her husband Joey
welcomed their daughter Annabel Josephine on
August 11, 2006. Annabel weighed 9 pounds
and was 22 inches long. She joins her big sister
Chloe Caroline who is 2 years old. The family
lives in Atlanta.
Maggie Gonzalez Hoback
’89 and her husband, Jason,
proudly announce the birth
of their daughter, Reagan
Sienna. Reagan was born on
April 27, 2006 in Atlanta, Ga.
where the family resides. She
weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces,
and was 20 inches long. She
joins older sister Reese Hayden (3). Maggie
worked as a sales director for Haas Publications,
and is now staying at home full time with
her girls. Monsignor Lopez will baptize Reagan
in Atlanta.
Holly Miller Emberson ’90 and her husband
Tom announce
the birth of their
son John Thomas
Emberson. John
Thomas was born
April 24, 2006 and
weighed 8 pounds,
4 ounces and was 20 inches long. He joins two
big sisters Savannah Jane (7) and Abigail (5). The
family has recently relocated back to Atlanta after
living in Raleigh, NC for 4 years.
Beatriz Alvarado Heath ’90 and her husband Ted
proudly announce the birth of their first child, a
baby girl named Gwyneth Elsa. Gwyneth was born
on June 17. She weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces
and was 22 inches long.
Annalena Giarrusso Winer
’90 and her husband Jon Winer
are happy to announce the
birth of their daughter Samantha
Reed. Samantha was born
on May 12, 2006 and weighed
6 pounds, 10 ounces. She joins
her two older sisters Madeline and Paige.
Susan Carson ’93 and Michael Hernandez proudly
announce the birth of their
son Ezekiel Michael Hernandez.
He was born July 29,
2006 at 2:50 a.m., was 21 1/2
inches long, and weighed 10
pounds, 6 ounces.
Eileen Giarrusso Halter
’93 and her husband Pace
are pleased to announce
the birth of Charles Joseph
Halter. Charles was born on
September 5, 2005 and joins
his big brother PJ.
Monal Dhabliwala ’94 and Melissa Palmer
Dhabliwala ’96 are happy to announce their newest
addition, Katherine
Maria, born on August
17, 2006. She joins
Alex (4), John Michael
(3), and Anna (2). The
family recently moved
to Little Silver, NJ and Monal has taken a job
with Barclays Capital in Manhattan.
Peggy Burg Kernan ’94
and Rich Kernan ’94
proudly announce the birth
of their second son, Timothy
William. He was born January
27, 2006, and weighed
15
. . . Lion Lines
8 pounds and was 20 inches long. Msgr. Lopez
baptized Timothy in the St. Pius chapel in March.
The Kernans currently live in Roswell.
Johnny Conklin ’95 and his wife Erin joyfully
announce the birth of their first child, Hunter
Owen. Hunter was born on May 12, 2006, and
he weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces.
Matt Patria ’99 and Jessie Rooney Patria ’00
are pleased to announce
the birth of their first
child, Kathryn Anne.
Katie was born on July
4, 2006. She weighed in
at 5 pounds, 14 ounces
and was 18 1/2 inches long. The Patrias happily
reside in Buford, Ga.
Obituaries...
Carol Borzak, mother of James Borzak and
grandmother of Angela Borzak ’95, passed away
suddenly August 27.
Mary Coletti, 80, mother of Phillip ’69, Paul ’71,
and Mark ’75 passed away October 6, 2006.
Billy Gilmer, 75, father of Patty Childs ’77 and
Therese Izaguirre ’80, grandfather of Geoffrey
Childs ’02, Missy Izaguirre ’00, and Anthony
Izaguirre ’02.
Josephene Groover, 78, mother of Lisa McKenzie
’77 passed away July 7, 2006.
Sally Grubbs, 87, mother of Betty Lou Martin
’60. She served as Executive Secretary for the
Archbishop of Atlanta for 42 years. She was the
given the papal medal as a Dame of St. Gregory,
the hightest lay honor in the Catholic Church.
Nevio Lenac, 66, father of Caroline Lenac Lord
’90 passed away August 3, 2006 after a courageous
battle against cancer.
Frank Lentini, 69, father of Sophia ’85 and Tony
’82 passed away October 10, 2006.
Frank McElrath ’85, passed away after a long
illness. He is the brother of Joe ’87 and George
’93.
Flora Milde, mother of William Milde ’85 passed
away in June.
Margaret Peeples, 80, mother of Gayle ’69, Theresa
’71, Liz Jamieson ’72, Pat Vangalis ’75 and Michael
’79, passed away August 29 after a long illness.
Bob Stein ’61, aka Fr. Markarios, passed away in
June 2002. He was an Orthodox monk and was
living in the St. Gregory Palamas Greek Orthodox
Monastery in Perrysville, Ohio.
Nancy Azar Sullivan ’66 passed away September
24, 2006.
William Prudhomme ’76 passed away July 1
2006.

November
13-30 Telefund 2006
December
12 Gladiators Hockey Outing
22 College Night for Young Alumni
27-29 St Pius X Christmas Classic
Basketball Tournament
January
15 Alumni Directory Data Collection Begins
17 Alumni Board meeting
27 Dads’ Morning of Recollection with Monsignor Lopez
February
21 Alumni Board meeting
24 SPAMALOT Outing
Golden Lions Basketball in November and December
November
18-21 Girls’ and Boys’/Parkview Tournament/@Parkview
25 Boys’/vs Etowah - Jump Ball Jam Basketball Classic/
@Georgia Tech 2:00
December
2 Varsity Basketball/vs Southwest Atlanta Christian/@Home/Girls
@ 6:00/Boys @ 7:30
5 Varsity Basketball/vs Marist/@Home/Girls @ 6:00/
Boys @ 7:30
8 Varsity Basketball/vs Lakeside/@Lakeside/Girls @ 5:30/
Boys@ 7:00
9 Girls’ Varsity Basketball/vs Collins Hill/@Oglethorpe University
7:00
12 Varsity Basketball/vs Stone Mountain/@Stone Mountain/
Girls@ 5:30/Boys @ 7:00
15 Varsity Basketball/vs North Springs/@Home/Girls @ 6:00/
Boys@ 7:30
19 Varsity Basketball/vs Mays/@Home/Girls @ 6:00/Boys @ 7:30
22 Varsity Basketball/vs Cedar Grove/@Home/Girls @ 6:00/
Boys @ 7:30
27-29 St. Pius X Annual Christmas Classic
28-30 Girls’ Varsity Basketball/Dell Curry Tournament/Charlotte, NC
You're Going to Buy Stuff Anyway...Make it Count for St. Pius X!
Don't forget to use your Publix cards when you shop to help raise money for St. Pius.
For additional cards, call or stop by the Development Office (404/633-4290). You can
also give these cards to friends and family for their use.
Continued from page 12
the office and commit his time totally to his family.
Dennis ’91 asked him once at a family event,”Mom
and Dad, what were you thinking when you had all
of us kids?” Bob replied that he believed if you did
the right things God would provide for the family.
“He was a man that lived his faith,” Dennis said. Mr.
Callahan was very successful and enjoyed spending
his means on family gatherings. Sunday dinner was
a tradition; Christmas was spent in the mountains;
vacations were spent together traveling the world.
“Everything my dad did was to bring the family
together in some way or another.”
Bob’s children who graduated from St. Pius: Bob
III ’73, Tom ’75, Kevin ’76, Maureen Gottfried ’79,
Sheila Spikes ’82, Neal ’85, John ’88, Megan Ryan
’89, Dennis ’91; and grandchildren alumni: Carolan
Mahan ’97, Ann ’04, Patrick ’05, Katie ’07.
Below: The entire Callahan family together on their
trip to Ireland.
Also, please send your Pike Nurseries receipts into the main office at St. Pius. Pike will donate 7% of the cash
value of receipts back to the school in Greenback credits, which can be used for flowers, plants, trees, etc.
St. Pius X
Catholic High School
2674 Johnson Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30345-1720
404/633-4290
www.spx.org
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No.104
Atlanta, GA