Winter 2010 - Sts. Simon & Jude

SPIRITSt. Simon & Jude Catholic SchoolHuntington Beach, CaliforniaVolume X • Winter 2010A Letter from Our PrincipalThis issue of the Spirit Newsletter is what we fondly referto as our “alumni edition.” Two years ago when wecelebrated Sts. Simon & Jude School’s 40th Anniversary,one of our most successful events was the alumni reunionwhere more than 400 SSJ alumni gathered for an eveningof reminiscing, reconnecting and revelry. Since that time,a concerted effort has been made to establish a “homebase” for our former students, helping them to stay connectedto a place they once called “home.”Periodically, we are honored to have alumni stop in to sayhello and apprise us of their variedexperiences and recent successes.We thoroughly enjoyconversing with these ladiesand gentlemen about their newroles and educational goals.Often we are left with the impressionthat these students arepoised to make a real differenceFounded on theFranciscan faith... in the world. As always, wePreserved with thoroughly enjoy hearing greatparent pride... news about our graduates. WeSustained by staff also appreciate their continuedand student spirit...dedication and commitment tothe parish and the school. Theseformer students frequently actas ambassadors for us, addingvalidity to our spiritual and academicprograms as their successstories help to market SSJto potential students.Many of the alumni were very young when they donnedtheir first uniforms and, tightly clutching a parental hand,merged onto campus seeking new experiences and knowledge.Their years at Sts. Simon & Jude School were indeeda special period in their lives, and ones which they will alwaysfondly remember and cherish. Along the way, theylearned important life lessons, established friendships anddeveloped relationships, which in some instances, havelasted for a lifetime. Although they no longer occupy thehalls of SSJ on a daily basis, they will always remain valuedmembers of this faith community.Although many of our former students have long sincegraduated, we still have a few “life lessons” to share withthem. First, remain close to your families. Don’t cut thelinks just because you leave home for college or moveaway to take advantage of a new job prospect. Hold ontothe gift of love that your family will always provide. Second,we encourage you to hold onto your friends; neverforget that real friends are a true treasure. You will mostcertainly need someone to laugh with, someone to crywith and someone to rejoice with. That’s what friends arefor. And finally, remain close to God. Remember that Godis your best friend. Hold onto Him; in even your darkestmoments, the Lord will always be your light.We hope you enjoy these alumni articles. Please continueto keep us informed regarding your adventures, successesand milestones, and we will continue to share them withall the members of this vibrant community! You make usvery proud!Crystal A. SmithPrincipal“Future” Alumni- The Class of 2010

SPIRITSSJ Alumnae Return as Faculty“You can take the girl out of SSJ, but you can’t take SSJ out of the girl”Throughout the years, Sts. Simon & Jude School has enjoyed the good fortune of having our alumni return tocampus in an entirely new role – that of TEACHER! Currently, we are blessed with three of our outstandingalumnae as faculty members: Mrs. Maureen Van Winkle, Miss Karen Foster and Miss Mallory Domenici. If youwould like to get to know them better, take a look at their responses to our “survey!”MAUREEN VAN WINKLEWhat year did you graduate from SSJ? 1972What is your fondest memory? Guitar masses; 8th grade dances on the blacktopwith a record player at 2:15 in the afternoon.What is your favorite thing about SSJ today? My sweet first graders! I alsolove having a SmartBoard in my classroom.Where did you go to college? University of California, IrvineWhen did you decide to become a teacher? Why? When I was a child I used toplay school with my brothers, and I was ALWAYS theteacher.Favorite year of school 5th gradeFavorite childhood teacher Miss PierceBiggest change at SSJ We used to be called St. Francis of Assisi School. My 1stgrade classroom is where the church used to be.Total # of SSJ years 24When I was a student in 1st grade, we used to listen to music and lessons on a recordplayer. Now my class of 1st graders listens to music and lessons on the Smart-Board or compact disc player.KAREN FOSTERWhat year did you graduate from SSJ? 1974What is your fondest memory? PE, playing basketball and friendsWhat is your favorite thing about SSJ today? Students, community, friends, aCatholic faith-filled school identityWhere did you go to college? Vanguard UniversityWhen did you decide to become a teacher? Why? I wanted to teach kids aboutstaying healthy and the importance of being active. Inever liked seeing others picked last for teams when Iwas young, and I knew a better method was necessary.Kids need to have fun and be compassionate.Favorite year of school 8th gradeFavorite childhood teacher Mrs. RileyBiggest change at SSJ Now the school has a gymnasium.Total # of SSJ years 35When I was a student in 4th grade, we used to go to church where the library isnow. Back then, basketball was played in the parking lot past the yellow bumpers.

SPIRITMALLORY DOMENICIWhat year did you graduate from SSJ? 1999What is your fondest memory? On the 8th grade field trip to Astro Camp, onenight Mrs. Gentile and Mrs. Tufo let us give them a hair and makeup “makeover!”What is your favorite thing about SSJ today? The enthusiasm for the academics,religion, friendship and family are my favorite things about SSJ today.Where did you go to college? Loyola Marymount UniversityWhen did you decide to become a teacher? Why? I decided in high school Iwanted to become a teacher to give back to the community and “pay it forward.”My teachers cared about me, I care aboutmy students, and someday they will care abouttheirs.Favorite year of school 8th gradeFavorite childhood teacher Mrs. Angel (she was MY 3rd grade teacher!)Biggest change at SSJ The technology is the biggest change at SSJ. I wouldhave LOVED learning from a SmartBoard!Total # of SSJ years 12When I was a student in 3rd grade, we used to have a pet report day and wewere allowed to bring our pets to school. Now my class of 3rd graders celebrates“Read Across America Day” and have a reading/birthday bash for Dr. Seuss.Still Want To Know More About These Awesome Teachers?Maureen Van Winkle Karen Foster Mallory DomeniciHeels or Flats? I love BOTH, dependingon my destination.FlatsHeels- I need to be tallerthan my students!Facebook or Twitter? Neither Facebook What is Twitter?Winter in Aspen or Summer in Hawaii BOTH! Summer in HawaiiSummer in Hawaii?Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset Sunset SunsetOatmeal or Omelet? Oatmeal Oatmeal Omelet with cheddar,avocados, tomatoes andonions.....mmm!Malls or Museums? Malls Museums MallsUnderline or Highlight? Highlight Underline HighlightBaseball, Football orBasketball?American Idol orAmazing Race?Rebel or Dolphin?Basketball Basketball Pro Baseball (Dodgers/Angels), College Football(Notre Dame). High SchoolBasketball (Mater Dei)American Idol American Idol American IdolRebel- we chose the mascotwhen I was a student.RebelOnce a Rebel, ALWAYS aRebel!

SPIRITAlumni “Baby Boom”In April 2008, Sts. Simon & Jude School celebrated its 40th Anniversarywith a wonderful array of activities throughout the year. One of the mostsuccessful celebrations was our 40th Anniversary Alumni Reception inColman Hall. Much to our joy, the event attracted over 400 guests andcontributed to our extensive database of over 1,300 alumni. Time marcheson, and those students who once walked the hallowed halls of SSJ haveall grown up; many now have families of their own.We are very delighted to introduce you to the next generation of “Dolphins.”Many of these alumni babies also share the distinction of beinggrandchildren of some of our current and former teachers and staff members.In this edition of the Spirit newsletter, we extend our best wishes toour alumni who are now proud parents, and those who graciously sharedthese charming photos of their children. Our SSJ family proudly continuesto grow!Please take a moment to share your information with us for future editionsof the Spirit newsletter! Encourage your classmates who have notregistered with us to send in their contact information so we may keepthem informed regarding upcoming class reunions and other SSJ events,as well as include them in our mailing of the Spirit newsletter.Grandson of Mrs. Lynne Deakers,retired SSJ LibrarianKieran Gonzalez, born 11/25/08Megan Deakers Gonzalez (SSJ1988) and Kasein GonzalezGrandchildren of Mrs. Terri Lujan,SSJ Teaching AssistantJoaquin Paez, age 1; and Ava Paez, age 3Parents:Ericka Lujan Paez (SSJ1989) and Gabriel PaezCamila Lujan, age 4 months; and SofiaLujan, age 6, who is a student at SSJParents: Aaron Lujan (SSJ 1987)and Vanessa LujanIf you would like to send us a photograph and/or a brief update on whatyou’re doing, please email it to: Kathleen Domenici, Alumni RelationsCoordinator, at kdomenici@ssj.org. And for those of you who prefer notto use email, we also accept written submissions and hard copies of photographs.Please send them to:Kathleen Domenici, Alumni Relations CoordinatorSts. Simon & Jude School20400 Magnolia StreetHuntington Beach, CA 92646Grandchildren of Irene Vinch, SSJComputer TeacherDylan, almost 3; Alyssa, age 7; Jacob,age 4; Kylie, almost 3Parents: Laura Vinch Smith (SSJ1987) and Josh SmithThe twins, Dylan and Kylie, were bornon Mrs. Vinch’s 40thwedding anniversary!Grandsons Mrs.Virginia Haynes, SSJTeaching Assistant.Michael Proven, born March 13, 2007Parents: Elizabeth “Lisa” HaynesProven (SSJ 1987) and Darre Proven.Benjamin “Ben” Haynes,born March 29, 2008Parents: Sean Haynes (SSJ 1992)and Julie Hammond

SPIRITGrandson of Kathy Unverferth,School SecretaryBrody Black, born 11/25/2008Parents: Molly Unverferth Black(SSJ 1992) and Jason BlackGrandsons of Debbie Andrews,SSJ Kindergarten TeacherCooper Dawson, born 5/12/06; and LiamDawson, born 4/28/08Parents: Jennifer Andrews Dawson(SSJ 1988) and Ian DawsonAmelia Coral Albelo, born 1/13/09Kyanne Turner Albelo (SSJ 1989)and Rafael AlbeloGrandson of Mrs. Joanne Turnerwho taught at SSJ for 23 yearsGranddaughter of Mrs. ElizabethCarson, SSJ Teaching AssistantSamantha Lynn Winch, born 1/6/09Parents: Marisa Carson Winch (SSJ1992) and Cory WinchDaxton Thomas Hyink, born 2/5/09Parents: Rebecca Lynn Andrews(SSJ 1991) and Christopher WilliamHyink (SSJ 1990)Michael Walters,Eagle ScoutMadeliene Wells, born 4/25/07; andLily Wells, born 10/28/08Parents: Ronee Brown Wells (SSJ1983) and Eddie WellsDylan Matthew Jubak, born 7/14/06Matthew Jubak (SSJ 1988) andJoelene Mallory JubakGrandson of Mrs. Jane Jubak, whotaught at SSJ for 25 yearsJack McIvor Duncan born 7/18/2009Parents: Nicolette Seitz-Duncan (SSJ1996) and Jesse McIvor DuncanGrandson of Mrs. Lisa Seitz whotaught at SSJ for 20 yearsPart of obtaining the rank of EagleScout is arranging, scheduling,fundraising and supervising a communityservice project. Lookingfor such a project in his churchcommunity, Michael turned to Fr.Michael Harvey, pastor of Sts.Simon & Jude Church. Fr. Michaelsuggested building a water featurein the backyard of the friary for Fr.Emery, who was an avid gardener.The existing pond needed somework, as well as a waterfall. Aftermany months of planning andfundraising, Michael, along with 35volunteer scouts and some of theirparents, completed the project in

SPIRITMay 2009. When asked if he couldchange anything about the project,Michael said he only wished hehad completed it sooner so that Fr.Emery would have enjoyed it for alonger period of time before passingaway.Michael started in Scouting as aBear Scout at the age of eight inPack 226. In the sixth grade, hebridged to Boy Scouts. Up untilachieving the rank of Eagle, Michaelhad obtained 37 merit badges,12 of which are Eagle requiredmerit badges. The leadership roleshe had in the troop include PatrolLeader, Assistant Senior PatrolLeader and Quarter Master for twoterms at the ages of 12 and 13.Michael is modest when it comesto his achievements, so much sothat his parents need to remind himto put on his sash that bears hisbadges and pins with the rest of hisclass “A” uniform. In a typicallymodest statement, Michael sharesthat he did not do the work just toreceive outward recognition andbadges, rather he did it for himself.He knows what he did and that’s allthat really matters to him.Michael was an altar server in thechurch and has been a leader forSonshine Summer for two years.Currently, Michael is a freshmanat Servite High School. He lovesthe school, the camaraderie and histeachers. For his elective, Michaelchose Latin as his current ambitionis to become a marine biologist.Michael belongs to the JuniorStatesmen of America, and alsoplays ice hockey for the Jr. Ducksas a defenseman in the Bantam division.Hockey is his first passionand his second is electric guitar.The next step in Scouting forMichael is possibly Sea Scouts atthe Newport Sea Base. He lovessailing and being on the water, andhopes to sail that big sailing vesselmoored at the dock some day. Weare so very proud to count MichaelWalters as one of our alumni, andwish him the best of luck in all hisfuture endeavors!Amy CanzoneSSJ Alumn andSpeech-LanguagePathologistWe are always thrilled to receivenews from our alumni, and anxiouslylook forward to hearingabout their wonderful pursuits as“grown-ups!” As we stroll alongthe halls today, it’s interesting towonder what lies ahead for ourcurrent students. That little secondgraderreciting “Stone Soup” inhis or her costume could one daybe the principal of SSJ, presidentof our country or a Pulitzer Prizewinner!It was our good fortune recently tocatch up with Amy Canzone fromthe Class of 1993, who is currentlya Speech-Language Pathologist inOrange County. Here is what Amyhad to say about her experienceshere at Sts. Simon & Jude School:“I graduated from Sts. Simon &Jude in 1993. At the time, it feltlike I had spent my whole lifethere. Looking back, I realize howlucky I am that from Kindergartenthrough 8th grade I was surroundedby a group of people, including myteachers and classmates, who trulycared about me. I have so manyhappy memories from my time

SPIRITspent at SSJ. Every year was a newadventure. From Old FashionedDay in 2nd grade to Outdoor Ed. in6th grade, I can look back on everyyear and tell you something amazingthat we did. But some of mygreatest memories come from mytime as a cheerleader. There wasnothing better than going to a competitionand hearing “Sts. Simon &Jude Rebels” and “First Place” inthe same sentence. My experienceat SSJ has made me the person Iam today.I went on to graduate from EdisonHigh School in 1997. In 2001, Igraduated from the University ofMaryland with a Bachelor’s Degreein Hearing and Speech Sciences.I then went on to California StateUniversity at Fullerton to pursue aMaster’s Degree in CommunicativeDisorders. While I attended graduateschool I came back to SSJ towork as a teacher’s assistant. Eventhough I was no longer a student,I still felt that sense of being trulycared about.I am now a Speech-LanguagePathologist working in the publicschool system. I have been soblessed to have the opportunity tooffer my services to the families atSts. Simon & Jude School. It hasbeen so much fun and rewardingto get to know the students andwork with them on improving theirspeech skills. The best part of SSJis that it really is like a family here.Every time I step foot on this campus,I feel like I am coming home.”Paul Strong, Class of 2005, signs Major League Baseball Contract!Paul Strong, graduate of the Sts. Simon& Jude Class of 2005, recentlysigned a contract to play professionalbaseball with the Texas Rangers lastsummer, just one day before his 19thbirthday. What a grand birthday giftthat was! Paul signed the contractshortly before the MLB deadline tosign 2009 draftees. He will receivea $300,000 signing bonus, and hasa scholarship clause built into thecontract.Mrs. Erin Strong, Paul’s mother, happilyshared the news with us here atSSJ just a couple of days after the excitingevent. Here’s what Mrs. Stronghad to say: “Paul was set to attendUC Irvine on a baseball scholarshipand had completed all his housingand registration requirements priorto receiving ‘the call.’ I just wantedto share the joy with you since formany years Paul was there with youat SSJ, becoming the fine young manhe is today! Please share this newswith any of your staff that supportedPaul. Thanks for your contributionsand for doing what you do with childdevelopment! Great things happenwhen kids dream big!Paul left for Texas last night for aphysical, will meet the organization,attend a Rangers game and willfly to Arizona Friday to completetheir Summer Instructional session.He will most likely play in AZ fora while in their Minor league ballclubs and work his way up to the BigLeague!”Paul is doing great! The recent MarinaHigh School graduate is a lefthandedpitcher who was drafted inthe 17th round by the Rangers. Paulloves the new life there! He reportsto the fields around peak heat hoursand spends 8 to10 hours daily withworkouts, games, etc. He usuallygets one day off each week.We congratulate Paul Strong andwish him the best of luck in thisexciting endeavor. We couldn’t put itmore eloquently than Paul’s motherwhen she added: “This has been anabsolute blessing that Paul’s athleticgifts and talent have resulted in thisdream cometrue for him!We are sovery proudof all Paul’sachievementsand look forwardto moreto come.”

SPIRITClass of 1993 Gathers at Fall FestivalIt just wouldn’t be “fall” on the grounds of Sts. Simon & JudeParish without our wonderful annual Fall Festival. You canfeel the excitement mounting as soon as the trucks towingthe rides and attractions begin to pull into the parish parkinglot! The Fall Festival is a wonderful community builder andcooperative venture between all the parish and school organizations.There is something for everyone – food, games,rides, music, dancing, professional entertainment, fun andfellowship!There is nothing like “coming home” to SSJ during the FallFestival to bring back fond memories. We have begun to notifyour alumni about the festival through the email addressesprovided when they register their contact information withus in Alumni Relations. PLEASE take a moment to updateyour email address so we can keep you informed of the FallFestival and the other opportunities to reunite with yourclassmates. Send your contact information (including yourname, SSJ graduation year, email and physical address) to:kdomenici@ssj.orgAt our mostrecent FallFestival,the Class of 1993grads were wellrepresented amongour attendees. Wereceived a nice updatefrom MatthewJellick (1993) tolet us know what aClass of ’93 members enjoying the parish Fall Festival.Left to Right: Emily Edwards, Matthew Jellick,Amy Canzone, Nichole Sharmagreat time the group had: “Some members of the SSJ Rebels(not Dolphins) Class of ‘93 were able to meet up to listen tothe greatest hits played by The Tijuana Dogs recently at theFall Festival! Stories were exchanged, and gossip was spreadwhile all had a good time. Thank you for your help in lettingus keep in touch with others!”We thank Matthew and the Class of 1993 for paying us avisit. If your class gathers for an event or reunion, please dropus a note and send us a photo for the future editions of theSpirit newsletter!The “Spirit” Newsletter is published bi-annually and is always looking for new and exciting information. The Spirit contains articles abut events, people and interest to the school that are not discussed in the weekly “TuesdayCommunication. If you have a topic of interest or would like to write an article for this publication, please submit it to the school for consideration. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words” so photosdescribing the article must be included with a submittal. All submittals may be sent via email to csmith@ssj.org or brought into the school office.St. Simon and Jude Catholic School20400 Magnolia StreetHuntington Beach, California 92646NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDHUNT. BEACH, CAPERMIT NO.106