"Once a Padre, Always a Padre" - Junipero Serra High School

From the Chair of the
Advisory Board of Regents
Mrs. Kathy Lavezzo
Dear Alumni and Friends of Serra,
Congratulations to the Junípero Serra High School graduating Class of 2008. As the saying goes, “Once a Padre, Always a Padre.”
We are more than a school; we are a community of parents, teachers, staff and alumni dedicated to the success of our students and
our school. As the 61st graduating class leaves behind the halls of Serra high school and moves on to the next phases of their lives ~
be it college, trade school or the workplace, their memories and the brotherhood of Serra will last them a lifetime.
Many of Serra’s greatest accomplishments result from the assistance of our countless volunteers. Members of the Mothers’ Auxiliary,
Fathers’ Club, Booster Club and the Board of Regents assist Serra in being a premier educational institution, forming young men
of faith, wisdom and service.
As this year’s Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Regents, I can say first-hand that our engaged and highly accomplished board
has volunteered many hours ensuring the betterment of Serra. In our third year, this board has quickly developed into a body that
is making significant contributions towards Serra’s advancement. To share a few of this year’s accomplishments . . .
• 21st Century Learning Committee (Kevin Dunleavy, Chair) – tracking student performance on standardized tests and looking at
potential changes in science classes/labs offered at Serra as a result of a pending increase in UC requirements.
• Development Committee (David Philpott, Chair) – continuing to assist Serra in meeting or exceeding all of the school’s long-term
fundraising and development goals.
• Finance Committee (Ric Rosario, Chair) – working with staff and providing expertise and guidance on the 2008-2009 budget process.
Assisting in finalizing a five-year financial plan that ensures the school remains financially sound, meets its financial goals and practices
good short and long-term financial management.
• Phase II Core Team (Bob Olson, Chair) – working with the architect to finalize plans for Phase II of Serra’s Master Plan, which will
consist of art facilities, music facilities, aquatics, academic resource center and additional classrooms (including Science lecture/
laboratories). Also, working to ascertain Serra’s fundraising capacity in regard to the Phase II capital campaign.
• Buildings and Grounds Committee (Bob Jauregui, Chair) – working with the Phase II Core Team to ensure that maintenance and
long-term capital improvements of the existing facility are incorporated into Phase II of Serra’s Master Plan.
• Strategic Planning Committee (Mike Murphy, Chair) – identifying short and long-term strategic issues/challenges that set the vision
for Serra’s progress over the next three to five years by ensuring a continued high student enrollment.
• Admissions Marketing Committee (Mary Leahy, Chair) – reviewing existing marketing materials and comparing them to other schools.
Working with an outside firm to develop new and consistently branded materials, along with updated marketing literature to ensure a
strong enrollment.
• Ad Hoc Governance Committee (Brother Raymond Vercruysse, Chair) – after a detailed and thorough discernment process,
recommending Lars Lund as President of JSHS.
In closing, I would like to recognize a long time Serra supporter and volunteer, my father-in-law, Oliver Lavezzo, who passed away in
early April. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of sons and grandsons who are proud Serra graduates. It is through volunteers like Oliver
that Serra has had so many successes and accomplishments over the years.
Lastly, I want to thank all the members of the Advisory Board of Regents who have offered so generously of their time and talents.
Through all of your hard work and efforts, we have accomplished so much this year! Happy Summer!
Sincerely,
Kathy Lavezzo, Chair, Advisory Board of Regents