Knight Letter Working Copy.qxd

Notre Dame High School
Sherman Oaks, California
A Publication for the Alumni, Parents and Friends of Notre Dame High School
ND’s Light the Way Campaign
Projects in the Making
Fall 2013
MESSAGE
from our President
d
ear Alumni, Parents and
Friends,
We are pleased to offer this Annual
Report edition of the Knight Letter
in gratitude for the generous charitable support that has been offered by
so many throughout the Knight
family during the 2012-13 school
year. Thank you so much for your
support!
W e remain keenly aware
of the reason why we all
give so much…and that
is for the students
we serve . . . Our
students inspire us to
keep learning and
growing.
At this time last year, I reported on
the progress of our Light the Way
capital campaign, the imminent
completion of our library renovation, and our focus on the planning
and fundraising for our new aquatic
center. In May, our Board of
Directors approved the funding for
the new aquatic center, which will be
named in honor of Joseph
Rawlinson, the long-time President
of the Fritz B. Burns Foundation.
We remain profoundly grateful to
Rex and Maureen Rawlinson, the
current leaders of the Burns
Foundation, for the $1.4 million
lead gift to our campaign. In conjunction with the aquatic center
project, Notre Dame will be adding
a new parking lot and constructing a
new maintenance/facilities building.
Thus, the total aquatic center project approved cost is $2.5 million.
Over the past year, a special baseball
committee has been working to
develop a design and funding for the
renovation of the baseball stadium.
This spring they presented the plan
to the NDHS Board. The plan calls
for new dugouts with team rooms,
press box, batting cage, stadium
seating, fending/netting, stadium
lighting and scoreboard. Our Board
added artificial turf to the project.
Approximately $1.25 million has
been pledged for the $3 million
project, primarily through the sale
of stadium seats and other naming
rights. In July our Board also
approved this project as an addition
to the school’s Light the Way campaign. The new field name, in
honor of the wishes of an anonymous donor to the project, will be
Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
The Board of Directors has decided to seize this great opportunity
to add to its campaign and completely transform the athletic facilities of Notre Dame High School
(pool, baseball field…followed by
the renovation of the gymnasium
with a new lobby and fitness center in 2015). Accordingly, our original $7.5 million Light the Way
campaign is now much greater
than we had hoped or imagined.
It is now a $13 million campaign
for which we have approximately
$10 million pledged or in hand.
The campaign which we had
hoped to complete at the end of
the 2013-14 school year will be
extended for two more years.
Thus, as you think about or plan
your charitable giving for the coming year, please give special thought
for Notre Dame High School and
the historic projects we are complet-
and internet learning is dawning. Our students inspire
us to keep learning and growing.
Thank you again for all of your support and for all your
prayers. May God bless Notre Dame High School, our
Holy Cross founders and Brothers, and all who are part
of our family.
“Artie” Schmidt ‘55 joined by ND students Ethan Kennemer ‘14
and Brandon Warfield ‘14
Sincerely yours,
ing for our students. We truly would appreciate your
“extra” efforts for these exciting projects.
Brett A. Lowart
President
While any and all support we received this year is dearly appreciated, I do want to express public appreciation
to Arthur “Artie” Schmidt of the Class of 1955, who
answered the challenge of the Holy Cross Brothers to
establish a scholarship endowment this year. Artie is a
two-time Academy Award winning film editor (“Who
Framed Roger Rabbit” and “Forrest Gump”) who decided to give back to his alma mater in gratitude for what
the Brothers and Notre Dame did for him and his family. The Schmidt Fund is assisting two students who
have special interests in the performing arts. Similarly,
Rick '75 and Greg '77 Stubblefield honored their
deceased brother, Barry '74 and their parents Richard
and Colleen by making a significant Light the Way contribution for the naming of the library. The dedication
ceremony on April 28th was a genuine celebration of
the remarkable family that is Holy Cross.
While this community letter and this Knight Letter edition commemorates the giving that distinguishes Notre
Dame from other schools, we remain keenly aware of
the reason why we all give so much…and that is for the
students we serve. It may not always seem to students
that we are serving them, but I know this to be true. We
are truly blessed to have a faculty and staff who consider teaching to be a vocation and who completely believe
in the Holy Cross charism and mission to educate hearts
and minds. The Class of 2013 was an exceptional class,
90% of whom will attend four-year colleges and universities this fall. Our new Class of 2017 of approximately
330 students has been chosen from 850 applicants. This
school year will be one of preparation for an Apple 1:1
program that will be fully implemented next year. A
major investment in new computer and network infrastructure has been completed that now allows 1,500 WiFi users to roam campus. The era of the digital textbook
Rick ‘75 and Greg Stubblefield ‘77 with their parents
Richard and Colleen at the library dedication
Fond Farewell...
This edition of the Knight Letter is
dedicated to Katie Feeney,
our long-time Director of Alumni
Relations & Publications, who has
retired after 16 years at Notre Dame!
-- Brett Lowart
Knight Letter
The Knight Letter is published by the
Alumni/Development Office of
Notre Dame High School for the
alumni, parents and friends of the
school.
Editor-in-Chief
Brett A. Lowart, President
Design Editor & Writer
AMONG OuR
FEATuRES...
Fa l l 2 0 1 3
Katie Feeney, Director of
Alumni Relations & Publications
Printing & Prepress
Challenge Graphics
Officers & Administration
5
Administration
Brett A. Lowart, President
Stephanie Connelly, Principal
Reese Abbene, Director of Campus
Ministry
Miriam Brady, Director of Information
Systems & Technology Planning
Tom Dill, Dean of Men
Mae Greenwald, Director of
Counseling
Tracey Hughes, Director of
Advancement
Richard Klee, Vice Principal of
Academic Affairs
Ann McClung, Dean of Women
Terry McGaha, Director of Mission
Outreach & Parent/Volunteer
Programs
Alec Moss '00, Director of Admissions
Mary Oyler, Director of Facilities
Courtney Relph, Vice Principal of
Instruction
Kevin Rooney, Director of Athletics
Robert Thomas, Vice Principal of
Student Life
Louis Weiss, Director of Technology
Richard Ysasi, Controller
Notre Dame High School
13645 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
http://www.ndhs.org
Muhammad ‘13
ND’s Muhammad become 5-time
State Champion in track & field
Board of Directors
Robert Hill ‘54, Chair
Joseph Allegretti '82
Scott Brewster, MD '86
Diana Carmichael
Br. Regan Chapman '67, OFM
Stephanie Connelly, NDHS Principal
Kristin (Borella) Cowles '87
David Damus '83
Carol Davis-Fernald, Board Chair
Emeritus
Rasha Drachkovitch
Sharon Dugan
Jeri Dye Lynch
Msgr. Robert Gallagher
Maureen Gee
Br. Joel Giallanza, C.S.C.
Lynne Lepore
Brett Lowart, NDHS President
Chris Lucas
Daniel McCarthy
Donald Moss
Sharron Nelson
James Nielsen '62
Justin Rawlins '91
Ronald Renaud '64, Board Chair
Emeritus
Jody Simon
Ryan Stromsborg '93
Ronald Viola
Wil Von Der Ahe '81
Julie Zastrow
Daniel Zerfas '57, Board Chair Emeritus
Superstar Khalfani
8
Knights of Honor/Hall
of Fame
Third annual ceremony a night
of nostalgia
11
Humanitarian Award
ND’s Director of Mission Outreach
Terry McGaha receives 2013
Humanitarian Award from Shane’s
Inspiration
22
27
Alumnus in the Spotlight
John Paliferro ‘03 works with
villagers in rural Bosnia
Cirque du Notre Dame
Plans well underway for an
exciting 2013 Auction & Gala
In Other News
18
Sports Wrap Up
5
Graduation ‘13
12
School News
14
Library Dedication
Golf Tournament
24
ND’s Barry Stubblefield ‘74
Library dedicated
Alumni News
26
Winter & Spring Sports Wrap-Ups
Page 5
ND’s Khalfani Muhammad ‘13 Becomes
5-Time State Champion and Repeats as
Cal-Hi State Male Athlete of the Year
Track & Field
The boys and girls track teams had very
successful seasons. They both finished second in Mission League, with the boys going
on to finish third in CIF Division III and
the girls team finishing fourth. Several athletes advanced to the Masters meet in May,
most notably Khalfani Muhammad '13.
Qualifying for the state meet, Muhammad
went on to be the state champion with a
10.33 win in the 100M and a 20.86 win in
the 200M. He is now a 5-time state
champion (winning the 100M state title as a
sophomore and the 100M and the 200M as
a junior)!
Baseball
The Varsity baseball Knights had a
respectable 16-12 overall record this past
season, finishing fourth in Mission League
which guaranteed a playoff berth. The team
was led by 4-year starter and co-captain JJ
Muno '13, along with great leadership by
co-captains Chris Colarossi '14 and Eddie
Muhl '13. The season's highlight was
defeating top-ranked and arch-rival HarvardWestlake! Seniors Muhl,
Muno and
Michael Knopf will go on to play at the college level, with Muhl at George Washington
University, Muno at UC-Santa Barbara and
Knopf at LaSalle.
Boys Basketball
The Varsity basketball team finished in the
top four in the Oak Park Tournament which
featured six teams that won over 20 games
during their seasons. They also won the
consolation championship in the San
Fernando Valley Tournament. Their season's highlight was defeating 2012 Division
III State Champions Alemany. Ryan Ducar
'15 was named 2nd Team All Mission
League.
Girls Basketball
The Lady Knights had a solid season, winning 16 games, including a first round playoff win. Season highlights included wins
over Arcadia, Oak Hills and La Canada, all
of whom won their respective League
Championships, and a first round win over
Duarte High School in the CIF Division
IVAA Playoffs.
Boys Soccer
The Varsity boys soccer team had an impressive record of 11-4-8, scoring 39 goals in 23
games. Ranked as a top-10 team by the LA
Daily News, the team made the playoffs for
the first time in over 10 years.
Girls Soccer
The Lady Knights soccer team finished
fourth in Mission League this past season
and advanced to the playoffs for the fifth
time in Coach Sara Farnham's nine years as
head coach. The JV team also had an
impressive season, finishing first in Mission
League.
Girls Water Polo
The Varsity girls finished 17-9 overall, finishing third in Mission League and qualifying
for CIF Division III playoffs. Memorable
moments of the season included winning
the Burbank Tournament with Emily Fuller
'13 being named tournament MVP, and
going 4-1 and placing fifth in the Oxnard
tournament with the only loss being by one
goal against the tournament champions.
The JV girls finished as Mission League
champions after going undefeated in
League play!
Page 6
Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team finished fifth in
Mission League. Building on strong wins
over Crespi and Canyon High School, the
team looks forward to stepping it up and
challenging for a playoff spot next season.
Matt Aguilar '14, Andrew Chase '14 and
Ralf Pintal '13 all reached the quarter finals
of Mission League playoffs.
Swimming
Led by senior captains Wes Adrianson,
Mariana Duran, Sebastian Garcia, Natalie
Silbar, Natalie Stilz and Christian Torres,
the boys and girls swim teams had a successful season with most of the swimmers
achieving personal best times at the League
finals meet. The season highlight was the
"sweep" against Chaminade in League with
all four teams (JV Boys and Girls and Varsity
Boys and Girls) dominating the Eagles and
winning almost every event. Congratulations to Chris Sleutjes '16 and Joey
Tamusaitis '15 for making CIF Division I
consideration times.
Boys Volleyball
The Varsity Knights had an overall season
record of 16-15-2 and made League playoffs.
The team also won the Sylmar Tournament
going undefeated, with Joe Muir '14 and
Daniel Vaziri '14 making All Tournament.
The League win over Crespi propelling the
team into playoffs was certainly memorable,
as was the We Spike for We Spark fundraiser
(We Spark is a non-profit dedicated to
enhancing the lives of cancer patients).
Softball
The Lady Knights opened the Mission
League season with a 14-inning game
against Harvard Westlake that lasted 3 ½
hours, eventually losing in the 14th!
Highlights of their season included defeating City Section powerhouse, Chatsworth
High School in the Birmingham
Tournament and playing in the championship game of the “High Desert Classic,”
in which three ND freshmen made the AllTournament team.
Cheer
The Varsity cheerleading team placed first
in Varsity Song/Pom Intermediate at the
USA Spirit Regional Competition, and the
JV team placed first in the Show Cheer
Intermediate and third in Song/Pom
Intermediate, qualifying both teams for the
USA Spirit National in March.
At
Nationals, the Varsity team placed second in
the Large Varsity Song-Pom Intermediate
division.
GO KNIGHTS!
Boys Golf
The boys golf team finished the year 10-5
overall with a Mission League record of 7-5
for a fourth place finish. For the fourth year
in a row, the team qualified for CIF
playoffs and finished fourth in the CIF
Central Division at Lakewood Golf Club.
Congratulations to Andrew Gowanlock '13
and Zareh Kaloustian '15 who were both
named All Mission League, and to Kevin
Jackson '15 who had the team's Low Stroke
Average of 38.12. Gowanlock was also
named the Second Low Mission League performer at CIF Finals.
Sports
Sports
Page 7
ND College-Bound
Student Athletes Sign
Letters of Intent
c
ongratulations to the following members of the Class of 2013
who have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their
athletic endeavors at the university level:
Anthony Gutierrez will play football at South Dakota State
Kelly Hilinski will play football at Columbia University
Callan Kinnan will play volleyball at the University of
Rhode Island
Michael Knopf will play baseball at LaSalle University
Matt McNab will play football at Cal Poly SLO
Nick Monica will play football at the University of San Diego
Jack Morello will play baseball at Gonzaga University
Khalfani Muhammad will play football at UC-Berkeley
Eddie Muhl will play baseball at George Washington University
JJ Muno will play baseball at UC-Santa Barbara
Tina Nagai will play golf at UC-Riverside
Kyle Sulka will play football at UC-Davis
LeRoy Tanaoi will play football at the University of Utah
Nico Walsh will play football at the University of New Mexico
Katherine Wright will play basketball at Florida Atlantic University
The ND community wishes you all the best of luck!
l to r: Jack Morello '13, JJ Muno '13, Eddie Muhl '13, Kyle Sulka '13, Kelly Hilinski '13, Katherine Wright '13, Callan Kinnan '13,
Tina Nagai '13, Khalfani Muhammad '13, Nick Monica '13, Anthony Guitierrez '13, LeRoy Tanaoi '13
Page 8
Knights of Honor/ Hall of Fame Dinner
n
otre Dame High School hosted
its third annual Hall of Fame
Induction Dinner on February
23 in the gymnasium. There are two
components to this ceremony: the traditional Knights of Honor award and the
Athletic Hall of Fame induction.
The Knights of Honor award was presented to alumni parents Rex and
Maureen Rawlinson and to the Fritz B.
Burns Foundation. Rex and Maureen
are the parents of three ND graduates:
Justin '91, Neil '94 and Ian '97. Rex
served on the NDHS Board of Directors
in the late 90's, and both he and
Maureen are Directors of the Fritz B.
Burns Foundation. They were both
instrumental in the Foundation's major
support of the Fritz B. Burns Center for
Arts & Technology on campus. The generosity of the Burns Foundation, along
with the Rawlinson's service and devotion to ND are irreplaceable gifts to the
ND community. They were indeed most
deserving recipients of this prestigious
recognition.
The 2013 inductees into the Athletic
Hall of Fame were: Tony Salas '57
(posthumous), Bud Fabian '69,
Escamillo Viltz '78, Nigel Miguel '80,
Chris Sailer '95, Travis Johnson '00 and
Garrett Green '06.
(l to r): Br. William Nick, CSC, Knights of Honor
recipients Maureen and Rex Rawlinson,
ND President Brett Lowart
Hall of Fame recipients from (l to r): Bud Fabian '69,
Cathy Slatoff (accepting in memory of Tony Salas '57),
Nigel Miguel '81, Chris Sailer '95, Travis Johnson '00,
Eski Viltz '78, Garrett Green '06
Joe Wetter '57 at the podium speaks fondly of
his classmate Tony Salas'57 who was awarded
posthumously
Hall of Fame inductee Garrett Green '06 with mom
Kimber Westmore
Recipient Nigel Miguel '81 at the podium with the
evening's MC, Bill Seward '76
Inductee Chris Sailer '95 at the podium
Knights of Honor/ Hall of Fame Dinner
Page 9
NDHS Knight of Honor
Recipients:
Inductee Travis Johnson '00 at the
podium
Family and friends of Garrett Green '06
pose for a picture
Inductee Bud Fabian '69 (center) with longtime friends
and classmates Chris Vella and Charlie Perkins
Travis Johnson '00 and family
Inductee Eski Viltz '76 joined by family and friends
Carl Abato '62 (posthumous)
Joe Allegretti '56
Jim Amato '55
Jeff & Libby Ames
Ken Banks '55
Father John Bitterman, SS
Roger Casey '58
John Combes
Br. Gerald Comeau, CSC
Br. Richard Daly, CSC '57
Jamie Dixon '83
Maggie Dixon '95 (posthumous)
Br. John Dobrogowski, CSC
Dan Donahue '59
Terry Donahue '62
Br. John Doran, CSC
Dan Koenig '66
Jeanette Martinez '92
Br. Nivard Meichtry, CSC
Mike Minkler '70
Adm. Mike Mullen '64
Br. William C. Nick, CSC
Parker Family
Larry '61
Mike '62
Dennis '63
Pete '60
Warren & Anna
Ron Renaud '64
"Flip" Smith '64
Paul Sunderland '70
Bill Tooley '52
Tim Viole '51
Bob Wetzel '52
ND Principal Stevie Connelly with Travis Johnson '00
and Garrett Green '06
NDHS Hall of Fame
Inductees:
Chris Sailer '95 and family members
Al Alcala
Joe Borella '61
Gordy Ceresino '75
1975 CIF Championship Track
Team
Lee Danielsen '62
Larry Deisinger '59
Justin Fargas '98
Tim Foli '68
Shannon (Tuttle) Genova '92
Greg Goossen '64 (posthumous)
Dave Kopay '60
Jack McDowell '84
Bill Stifter '62 (posthumous)
John Vella '68
Chris Vella '69
Terry McGaha and friends join in the celebration. (l to r): Jim and Sharon Lee-Sabbe, Geri Dye Lynch, ND Advancement
Director Tracey Hughes, ND Major Events Coordinator Susan Armendariz and husband Saul, ND Donor Records Officer
Debbie Blu and Asst. to the President Sue Wellman
ND Immersion participants and their new friends at
Shane’s Playground in Encino
Humanitarian Award
Page 11
ND’s Director of Mission Outreach
Terry McGaha Receives 2013
Humanitarian Award
w
armest congratulations to ND's
Director of Mission Outreach,
Terry McGaha, who received the
2013 Humanitarian Award from Shane's
Inspiration.
McGaha was honored at their
12th annual gala in April, held this year at the
Beverly Hills Hotel.
The vision of the non-profit organization
Shane's Inspiration is pure: to foster a bias-free
world for children with disabilities, and their
mission is to create inclusive playgrounds and
programs that unite children of all abilities. In
1998, led by founders Scott and Catherine
Curry-Williams and with the support of visionary community leaders, the first Universally
Accessible Playground in the US was created in
LA's Griffith Park. Since then, over 40
Universally Accessible Playground projects
have been funded in Southern California, not
to mention the 70 more projects that are in the
works throughout the world.
As founder and moderator of ND's four-day
Immersion Program, McGaha gives Junior
year students the opportunity to volunteer in
the community, taking them beyond the
boundaries of the ND campus and into the
heart of LA - discovering what it means to care
for and to respect those who are less fortunate.
Included in the experience is the support of
Shane's Inspiration, bringing students to the
Shane's playground in nearby Encino to interact with disabled children. The results have
been magical. Within the span of a morning,
barriers are shattered and powerful friendships
are formed, making Immersion one of the best
overall experiences at Notre Dame High
School!
For more than 40 years, McGaha has been the
compassionate educator. From classroom
teaching to administration to his current position as ND's Director of Mission Outreach, he
continues to inspire students, parents, colleagues and communities with his selfless work
in the tradition of Holy Cross. We salute you,
Mr. McGaha! You are truly doing God's work
here on earth!
Page 12
Graduation Day 2013
Class of 2013
Graduation Awards
The Blessed Father Basil Moreau
Valedictorian Award
Wesley Adrianson
(l to r): Mariana Duran, Sheila Echano,
Celine Wang, Jennifer Quinabo
The long walk out to the field
for the final time…
The Brother Rupert Poudrier
Student Body President Award
Tyler Burke
The St. Andre Bessette School
Service Award
Alyssa Moscotte
The Brother Eugenio Cassano
Musicianship Award
Kazia Mermel
Lacey Taubin joined by her proud mom and dad,
Mitch and Dawn
Leslie and Ken Smith and their
ND graduate Mat
The Brother John Doran
Oratory Award
Monique Candiff
The Brother Eagan Hunter
Visual Arts Award
Olivia Rosato
Notre Dame Athletes of the Year
Kazia Mermel
Khalfani Muhammad
Jessica Engs and family joined by ND
Principal Stevie Connelly and
President Brett Lowart
ND Woman of the Year
Kazia Mermel and ND Principal Stevie Connelly
Notre Dame Woman of the Year
Kazia Mermel
Notre Dame Man of the Year
Dominick Mugavero
Valedictorian Wesley Adrianson addresses his classmates
Class of 2013 - College Acceptances
Academy of Art University
AMDA College and
Conservatory
of the Performing Arts
American Jewish University
American University
American University of Paris
Arizona State University
Art Center College of Design
Azusa Pacific University
Babson College
Bard College
Baylor University
Belmont University
Bentley University
Berklee College of Music
Bethel College
Boise State University
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bradley University
Brandeis University
Brooklyn College
Brown University
California Baptist University
California Institute of
Technology
California Lutheran University
California State University
Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Channel Islands
Chico
Dominguez Hills
East Bay
Fresno
Fullerton
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Monterey Bay
Northridge
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
San Marcos
Sonoma
Carleton College
Catholic University of America
Chadron State College
Chaminade University of
Honolulu
Chapman University
City College of New York
CUNY
Claremont McKenna College
Clarion University of
Pennsylvania
Clark University
Coe College
Colgate University
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Colorado College
Colorado State University
Colorado State University Pueblo
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia University
Concordia University
Concordia University (Seward)
Cornell College
Cornish College of the Arts
Curry College
DePaul University
Dixie College
Dominican University of
California Drexel University
Earlham College
Eastern Washington University
Elms College
Emerson College
Emmanuel College
Emory University
Endicott College
Eugene Lang College
The New School for Liberal Arts
Ferris State University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Fort Lewis College
Franklin and Marshall College
George Washington University
Glendale Community College
Gonzaga University
Goucher College
Green Mountain College
Hamline University
Hampshire College
Hartwick College
Harvard College
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Holy Cross College
Humboldt State University
Hunter College
Idaho State University
Indiana University
Iona College
Iowa State University
Ithaca College
John Carroll University
Johns Hopkins University
Kansas State University
Knox College
La Salle University
Laguna College of
Art and Design
Lewis & Clark College
Linfield College
Long Island University
(Brooklyn)
Los Angeles Valley College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University (Chicago)
Loyola University (New Orleans)
Macalester College
Marist College
Marquette University
Marymount College
Maryville University
Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy and Health Sciences
(Worcester)
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
Menlo College
Michigan State University
Mississippi Valley State
University
Moorpark College
Mount Saint Mary College
Mount St. Mary's College
(Chalon)
Mount St. Mary's College
(Doheny)
New Mexico Institute of Mining
and Technology
New Mexico State University
New York Institute of Technology
(Manhattan)
New York University
Nichols College
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Northwestern University
Notre Dame de Namur
University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Ohio State University
Oregon State University
Oxford College of Emory
University
Pace University
Pacific University
Pasadena City College
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
(Beaver)
Pepperdine University
Pierce College
Point Loma Nazarene University
Portland State University
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Regis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rider University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roosevelt University
Rutgers
Saint John's University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary's College of
California
Samford University
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Clara University
Santa Monica College
Sarah Lawrence College
School of the Art Institute of
Chicago
Seattle University
Seton Hall University
Shenandoah University
Sierra Nevada College
Simon Fraser University
Skidmore College
Smith College
Southern Illinois University
Southern Methodist University
Southern Oregon University
St. Edward’s University
St. John’s University (Queens)
Campus
St. John's University
(Staten Island)
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stonehill College
Stony Brook University
Suffolk University
SUNY Maritime College
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
The College of Wooster
The Evergreen State College
Trinity University
Tulane University
United States Naval Academy
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
(Okanagan)
University of Calgary
University of California
Berkeley
Davis
Irvine
Los Angeles
Merced
Riverside
Page 13
San Diego
Santa Barbara
Santa Cruz
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
University of Colorado
(Colorado Springs)
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of East London
University of Evansville
University of Hawaii
University of Hawaii (Hilo)
University of Houston
University of Idaho
University of Illinois
University of Iowa
University of Kentucky
University of La Verne
University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts
(Boston)
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Montana
University of Nevada
Las Vegas
Reno
University of New England
University of New Hampshire
University of New Haven
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina
(Asheville)
University of North Texas
University of Northern Colorado
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands
University of Rhode Island
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Tampa
University of Texas
University of the Pacific
University of Toronto
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Washington
University of West London
University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth
University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
Wagner College
Washington State University
Washington University
Wellesley College
West Virginia University
Western New England University
Western Oregon University
Western Washington University
Whittier College
Willamette University
Woodbury University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Page 14
School News
On the Road with
TV and Newspaper Production Classes
e
lisia Harkins’s TV
and Newspaper
Production classes
had a second semester to
remember!
Talk about
“hands on” learning experiences…
Students at Reuters news agency in New York;
host Dylan Aponte '05 at far right
The real deal
ND students enjoying their stay in Park City
In January, ND’s TV
Production II and III students
attended
the
Sundance Film Festival in
Park City, Utah.
Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the
US and is the premier
showcase
for
both
American and international independent filmmakers.
(ND was just one of two
high schools outside of
Utah invited to the wellknown festival). Thanks to
ND parent Jay Roewe,
Senior VP of HBO, and
Sundance
Coordinator
Kara Cody, the students
were able to screen the
film, “Life According to
Sam.” After the screening,
they had the opportunity
to meet the filmmakers and
members of the production staff. They were also
able to Skype with the
young boy Sam, on whose
life the story is based.
Later in the semester, 16
Newspaper Production students traveled to New York
to attend the 89th
Columbia Scholastic Press
Association Convention.
While there, students had
the opportunity to choose
from more than 250 sessions organized in six
sequences:
newspaper,
yearbook, magazine, photography, broadcasting and
advisors. These special
workshops taught the students ways to improve
both their student publications and their broadcast
news shows. They also visited the news agency
Reuters, the Huffington
Post, NBC and VH1.
Thanks to ND alum Dylan
Aponte '05 who works at
Reuters, the students were
able to get a personal tour
of the facility.
Before returning to Los
Angeles, they joined ten
alums who now live in
New York for a special dinner.
Alums included:
Corey Robins '01, Dylan
Aponte
'05,
Marcus
Stewart '06, Tara Aquino
'08, Emma Quadra '08,
Averill Kalka '11, Evan
Powell '11, Shannon
Tinley
'11,
Andrew
Woodward '11 and Kaitlin
Gleason '12. Truly a trip
to remember!
School News
Staying Busy with Fundraising...
t
he “fun” never stops when it comes
to “fund” raising at Notre Dame!
Always on the lookout to raise
much-needed funds for the many opportunities ND presents its student body, each semester is busy with fund raising events.
The second annual “Luck of the Irish Casino
Knight” was held in March in the ND gymnasium to benefit all athletic programs at
Notre Dame.
Special thanks to current parents Jaymie
Monroe and Paul Mugavero for their tireless
efforts in bringing the event together. Over
300 guests enjoyed a buffet featuring fine
food from local eateries — Café Bizou, Bistro
Garden, Casa Vega and Mazzarino's to name
but a few. Special thanks also to these restaurants for donating the food.
In addition to trying their luck at the casino
tables and vying for great raffle prizes, guests
were treated to a night of classic rock music by
the well-known and loved group, The
Cowsills.
The third annual Student Walkathon was
held in late March. This event was created
three years ago by ND President Brett Lowart
to encourage students to take an active role in
seeking charitable support for their school.
The Walkathon has now become ND’s primary fundraiser for its students. Gone are the
days of selling chocolate bars, gift wrap and
magazines! This year's event generated over
$32,000 in donations to ND.
At the completion of the drive, students were
given the opportunity to direct the monies
they raised to the programs of their choice.
This year, a portion of the proceeds was
directed to benefit the construction of the
school’s new aquatic center (scheduled to
open in early 2014).
Many thanks to event coordinator Susan
Armendariz and her loyal Advancement
Office volunteers for facilitating this fun
annual event.
Page 15
Page 16
School News
ND Debaters Garner International
Acknowledgement
d
ebate finished in the Elite Eight
out of over 3,000 teams from
around the world in the 2013
International Public Policy Forum.
The forum is sponsored by the law firm
of Bickel and Brewer and hosted by
New York University.
The ND community is most proud of
Monique Candiff '13 and twin brothers Connor and Rory Smith '14 who
represented our school in the oral arguments.
The topic debated was
“Resolved: Adaptation Should Be the
Most Urgent Response to Climate
Change.” Debate moderator Christina
Tallungen '95 is most grateful to all
faculty and staff who supported the
team as they prepared to complete in
this prestigious forum.
Further congratulations go to Connor
and Rory who were chosen to represent
the United States Debate Team in the
World Debates in Shanghai in July.
They are the first ND Knights to represent the US team in world debates!
Rory Smith '14, Monique Candiff '13 and Connor Smith '14 join members
of the Bickel and Brewer law firm during their competition in New York.
2013 Christy Hamilton Outstanding Volunteer Awards
t
he ND community warmly congratulates this year's recipients of the
Christy Hamilton Outstanding Parent
Volunteer Award, Shelley Grayson and
Tom & Jeanne Sulka.
Each year this
award is presented to a senior parent or
family (and this year to two families) who
have exemplified the volunteer spirit
through their efforts while parents at Notre
Dame.
New this year was the Moreau Award for
Spiritual Service. This award was created
to acknowledge exemplary parent service
given in support of the spiritual growth of
both our ND community and our students. No senior parent was more deserving of this particular recognition than
Sharon Lee-Sabbe.
These volunteers were truly extraordinary
during their years at Notre Dame, with
Grayson being Athletic Boosters chair, a
committee chair of the annual ND Gala
and Auction and working on the Hall of
Fame event. The Sulkas’ combined
involvement included being Athletic
Boosters board members, Football camp
chairs, kick-off dinner chairs and heading
intensive four-day outreach retreat for our
juniors. In addition, she chaired the
Magazine Drive and Walkathon fundraisers, was a committee chair of the annual
ND Gala and worked on the Hall of Fame
Induction. She also was a member of the
Holy Cross Mothers Guild.
(l to r) ND Principal Stevie Connelly, Shelley Grayson,
Jeanne & Tom Sulka, ND President Brett Lowart
up the Online Athletic Registration. Both
Shelley and Jeanne were also members of
the Holy Cross Mothers Guild.
Lee-Sabbe, the Spiritual Service award
recipient, shared her time and talents with
the ever-popular Immersion Program, an
Sharon Lee-Sabbe receives award from ND
President Brett Lowart & Volunteer
Coordinator Susan Armendariz
School News
Page 17
ND Students Receive
Well-Deserved Recognitions
w
e are proud to highlight the following
students
who
received well-deserved recognitions this past semester.
(l to r): James Estavillo '13, Ross, Regen '13,
Jessica Ann Aquino '13
Kazia Mermel ‘13 with ND President
Brett Lowart & Principal Stevie Connelly
Jessica Aquino '13, James
Estavillo '13 and Ross
Regen '13 were recognized
by the Archdiocese of Los
Angeles Department of
Catholic Schools at a special
Mass at the Cathedral of
Our Lady of the Angeles in
March.
The three were
among students from 51
Catholic schools commended for Christian Service well
beyond the requirements of
their schools.
Together,
Aquino, Estavillo and Regen
logged over 1,200 hours of
service in their four years at
Notre
Dame.
Con gratulations to each of them
for their outstanding service!
ND's Kazia Mermel ‘13 was
named a finalist in the 58th
annual
National
Merit
Scholarship Program this
past spring. Mermel was
among a select group of academically talented high
school seniors who qualified
for 8,300 National Merit
Scholarships worth more
than $32 million.
Veronica Irwin ‘15
Kazia will be attending
Carleton
College
in
Northfield, Minnesota this
fall.
Carleton is ranked
among the finest liberal arts
colleges in the country.
The multi-faceted Mermel
graduated maxima cum
laude from Notre Dame in
June and was named ND
Woman of the Year, as well
as ND Woman Athlete of
the Year. In addition she was
awarded the Br. Eugenio
Cassano
Musicianship
Award at graduation. The
ND community is most
proud of her accomplishments!
Veronica Irwin ‘15 was
accepted into the highly
competitive summer program at acclaimed Northwestern
University
in
Evanston, Illinois. This past
summer, she participated in
the IN FOCUS bioscience
program.
The program
"focuses"
on
medical
research and funding. Both
her uncle and her grandfather passed away of cancer in
the last year and Irwin has
since become increasingly
interested in cancer research
and prevention as a result.
She was accepted into the
program as a sophomore.
Normally, the program is
aimed at high school students who have completed
their junior year.
Page 18
School News
ND’s Barry Stubblefield Library
Officially Dedicated
ite
m
embers of the extended
Stubblefield family, friends
and alumni gathered together
on Sunday, April 28 to dedicate the
Barry Stubblefield Library in the
Allegretti Courtyard on campus.
Brothers Rick '75 and Greg '77
Stubblefield had earlier made a gift to
the school and in turn asked that the
new ND library be named in honor of
their parents and in memory of their
brother Barry '74. Both Rick and
Greg spoke, telling those in attendance just how much Notre Dame has
meant to their family, and how their
experiences while at ND helped to
shape their lives. While Greg and
Rick no longer live in the Valley, two
of their three sisters (the Haldy and
Breckner families) have children currently enrolled at Notre Dame.
Rick ‘75 and Greg ‘77 Stubblefield with their Mom and Dad
pose in the library after its official dedication to Barry ‘74
The family’s love and commitment is
greatly appreciated by the Notre
Dame community.
Members of the extended Stubblefield family join in the celebration
of the Barry Stubblefield ‘74 Library Dedication
Mardi Gras Food Fest . . . A Taste of New Orleans
t
he Mardi Gras Food Fest, A Taste of
New Orleans, was hosted by ND master chef extraordinaire, Terry McGaha, on
Saturday evening, March 2 in the Holy
Cross Center courtyard. The food fest was
one of a number of “theme parties” that
were auctioned off at the 2012 Notre Dame
Auction and Gala last October.
The lucky bidders were treated to nine
homemade New Orleans legendary dishes,
among them chicken and sausage jambalaya, crawfish pies and oyster po-boys.
McGaha urged his guests to “come hungry”
and by all indications they surely did not
“leave hungry!”
Thanks to McGaha and his crew of ND's
Advancement Team Susan Armendariz,
Debbie Blu, Tracey Hughes, Kathy Molloy
and Sue Wellman for a special evening to
remember.
Thanks also to Parent
Association officers Mike and Diana
Allegretti, David and Jeanie Burke, Tom
and Diana Carmichael and Eileen Stringer
who helped in serving the dinner.
Page 19
School News
“Close up” Trip
Provides ND Students a Closer Look
at uS Government
nd
faculty members Bill
Lawrence and Kate
Nelson accompanied 35
students to Washington, DC this
past January for the annual high
school Close Up trip. In the five
days they were there, they attended a
number of educational workshops
and structured learning activities as
well as touring the famous monuments and memorials in our nation's
capital.
Close Up is a “nonprofit that educates and inspires young people to
become informed and engaged citizens.” It is an opportunity for students from throughout the US to
learn firsthand about the American
government and how it works.
Especially meaningful is the experience of “living and learning” with
students from other schools nationwide and making new friends in this
exciting environment.
Certainly memorable for our students this year was their witnessing
the inauguration of Barack Obama
and Joe Biden for their second terms
of office. According to ND student
Mina Kim '14, there were over
700,000 people standing before the
Capitol, cheering and waving mini
American flags for Obama and
Biden.
“Despite the freezing
weather and unyielding sense of
claustrophobia,” she notes, “the
Inauguration was history in action!”
ND students at the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC
during their Close Up trip
“Babes in Arms”
Annual ND Musical Production
t
he Theatre Department’s annual spring
musical production, “Babes in Arms,”
opened in March to rave reviews.
This nostalgic musical comedy is a “let’s put
on a show romp” with well-known music by
Rodgers and Hart. The story takes place in
the late 1930’s in Cape Cod.
“Babes in Arms” featured a cast of 18 very
talented student actors. Congratulations to
Director Judy Welden and her team for a terrific production.
Page 20
School News
Annual Ladies Tennis Tournament,
Luncheon & Boutique
Among the first place winners are (l to r): Janet Bray and
Shelly Djergian
Tennis committee members enjoying their early morning yogurt
(compliments of current parent Gohar Ohanian and
her company, Voskos Yogurt) are: (l to r): Gladys Gravelis,
Mary Ann Turkmany, Lauren Foster, Gladys Weiss
and Julie Henthorn
t
he Annual Ladies Tennis Tournament was held
in April with well over 100 ladies in attendance.
The tournament was played at Weddington Golf and
Tennis and was followed by the luncheon and boutique at Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center. This
year’ts boutique featured 19 vendors who sold everything from fresh homemade salsa to spa products to
cell phone accessories. There was indeed a little
something for everyone’s taste! Beautiful baskets
were raffled off and the ever popular $100 “money
tree,” this year an antique wooden racket with bills
woven through the strings, was a great hit!
Many thanks to the “tried and true” tennis committee who has come back year after year to organize this
fun event: Lauren Foster, Gladys Gravelis, Ann
Hall, Julie Henthorn, Amy Somers, Joye Swan, Jill
Terrell, Mary Ann Turkmany and Gladys Weiss.
Thanks also to current parents Susan Jost, Gohar
Ohanian, Jill Terrell and Eileen Wong, and to Varsity
Tennis coach Pat Cupo for their very generous donations.
Proceeds of $6,800 from this popular event went to
the NDHS Scholarship Fund.
Vendor Cheryl Bluxberg of "Case Kraze" displays her cell phone accessories
School News
Page 21
Holy Cross Mothers Guild Hosts “A Knight in London”
Dressed for a formal evening are (l to r): Alex Kerekes '13
and Elizabeth Inch '13
(l to r): Cynthia Kraemer and Leslie Smith in front of
the iconic British telephone booth
t
Raymond Haldy '13 in his official British garb
(l to r): Kate Bradley '14, Tiffany Lagerstrom '14
and Robin Dunn
Dressed in kilts are (l to r): Richard Barran '13 and
Matthew McNab '14
he Holy Cross Mothers
Guild hosted its 38th
Annual Fashion Show, “A
Knight in London” at the
Sheraton Universal in late April
with over 500 attendees experiencing the sights and sounds of
London. A record number of
models from the Class of '13
strode the runway in true British
fashion and were greeted with
well-deserved applause. The event
generated $68,000 for the Holy
Cross Mothers Guild Scholarship
Fund.
The fashion show’s mission has
continued through the years with
its tradition of caring for the
Brothers’ Chapel, serving the
Notre Dame community and providing tuition assistance for students who lose a parent while at
Notre Dame.
Congratulations to Chair Cora
Barran and Co-Chair Neezer
McNab who produced this fabulous event. A heartfelt thank you
to the 220 dedicated mothers who
make up the Holy Cross Mothers
Guild. Their tireless work on the
fashion show and their dedication
to the Guild’s Mission Com mittees are truly admirable!
Singin' in the rain are (l to r): Bronx Reyes '13,
Quentin Franco '13 and Daniel Incerpi '13
In their London raingear are: (l to r): Megan Aust '13,
Katie Madwin '13, Lauren Corry '13, Laura Lee-Sabbe
'13, Connie Weingraub '13 and Alex DeLena '13
(l to r): Emily Fuller '13, Tyler Goss '13, Ali Girard '13
and Niko Walsh '13
Page 22
Alumni News
Alumnus in the
Spotlight...
In this issue of the Knight Letter, we
are pleased to profile yet another ND
alum who has made his alma mater
proud with the work he has done.
...Featuring
John Paliferro
j
ohn Paliferro graduated from Notre Dame in 2003
and after college, decided to “see the world” on his
own terms. Putting off finding employment, figuring out a career or a “purpose,” to which Paliferro has attested, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and took off to
just about every corner of the earth — South America, the
Yukon, India and Europe. Soon he found his travels to be
less than productive and positive, wasting far too many of
his days in foreign cafes and bars. The values that had been
instilled in him by both his family and Notre Dame High
School and the resources he was most fortunate to have had
definitely took a back seat. It was time for a serious wakeup
call and Paliferro was well aware of it. It was in Denmark
where Paliferro walked into the DVC (Denmark’s Volunteer
Corps) and signed up then and there for their version of our
Peace Corps.
Two weeks later, he found himself in the small mountainous
village of Rumboci, located just outside of Bugojno in
Bosnia — very remote and very much isolated from the rest
of the world. The people of Rumboci are indeed impoverished, wearing clothing made out of potato sacks and discarded Peace Corps garments. They have one large black
metal cauldron in the village center in which to cook soups
and stews. Coming from a loving and comfortable upbringing in the San Fernando Valley, Paliferro was undeniably
overwhelmed. He had been assigned to “teach” — a daunting task, knowing no Bosnian and the village's children
knowing no English.
Alumni News
According to Paliferro, he started slowly, drawing pictures of common objects
— food, clothing, weaponry, utensils,
etc. until he had a working dialogue
with the village children. In gaining
more confidence and in learning the
language slowly, he earned the children’s trust and began to teach them
English, math, Christianity and even
small arms combat. He told them
about the world outside of the mountains surrounding their village. (They
had never heard of “9/11”, the country
of Iraq, or who Barack Obama was).
The days went on, and children like 11year old Demir began to read and learn
multiplication tables. Nine-year old
Vahid, who saw both parents killed by
the local militias two years earlier finally opened up and was able to put his
fears of the world behind him. And 11year old Mira, fiercely independent,
shared her dream of becoming an
architect.
Page 23
Although Paliferro hopes he has made a
difference, he also fears for the village
children as militias continually patrol
the countryside, looking to lure ablebodied children to join their “cause” —
that of overthrowing the current societal system. Using fear and intimidation,
these warlords often get what they want,
hooking young people on “ruchie”, a
powerful opiate. “I love these kids and
do what I can to keep them safe,” notes
Paliferro. “My hope is that they will
study hard and be accepted into a nearby Bosian parochial school and perhaps
have the chance to go to a university
one day. Hopefully they can chase
down their dreams and make something of their lives. That would be my
greatest gift!”
Note: After several years, Paliferro’s term in
Rumboci ended in April and he is now back
in the US. After a break, he has asked to be
rotated back to a new assignment. All the
best, John! You are living the ND mission!
Save the Date...
Fourth Annual NDHS Hall of Fame Ceremony - February 22, 2014
w
e are pleased to announce that
the 2014 Hall of Fame
inductees have been chosen
by ND’s Hall of Fame Committee. The
committee is made up of ND alums
spanning the decades, as well as ND
administrators and President Brett
Lowart. There are two components to
the ceremony: the traditional Knights of
Honor award and the Athletic Hall of
Fame induction.
The 2014 recipients of the Knight of
Honor Award (for Service to the School)
will be Eric and Suzy Stromsborg, parents of Ryan '93, Kathryn '94, Kevin '97
and Stephen '00. Eric participated in
ND's Athletic Boosters and served on
ND's Board of Directors and Suzy was
active in the Holy Cross Mothers Guild.
They both remain active as prospective
NDHS grandparents. Also receiving
the honor will be Richard Hill (for
Loyalty to the School). Richard has
been a part of the ND community since
1971, serving as a long-time faculty
member and later as Director of
Facilities.
The 2014 inductees into the Athletic
Hall of Fame will be Dick Runyan '51
(posthumous), Bill Vaughan '53, Jim
Donckels '61, Joe McEveety '72, Victor
Trujillo '79, Emilee Klein '92, the '93
CIF Championship Boys Basketball
Team and Michelle Hall '94.
Save the date for this enjoyable and nostalgic event which will be held in the
NDHS gymnasium on Saturday,
February 22, 2014. Tickets are $60 per
person and can be purchased by contacting the Advancement Office or
online at www.ndhs.org in the weeks to
come. Event sponsorships also are
appreciated. For further information,
call Director of Advancement Tracey
Hughes at (818) 933-3611 or Events
Coordinator Susan Armendariz at (818)
933-3608.
Page 24
Alumni News
2 7 t h Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
t
he 27th Annual Golf Tournament continued its tradition
of golf and friendship on May 13 at Robinson Ranch in
Santa Clarita, with 160 golfers enjoying the day. Thank
you to all who supported this event — we are most grateful to all
of you. A special thank you goes to Joe Allegretti '56 and the
Allegretti family who carried forth their Br. William Nick Holy
Cross Heritage Sponsorship for the sixth consecutive year.
The golf tournament has become an important mainstay in helping to provide scholarships for deserving ND students in need of
financial aid. This year's proceeds exceeded $77,000, the most
money ever raised in the tournament's 27- year history! Get your
foursomes together and mark your calendars for next year on May
12 at Robinson Ranch for the 28th annual!
Tournament Committee
Jeff Ames
Kurt Banks '63
Denny Barrett ‘82
Katie Feeney
Shawn Hare
Mike Hogan '69
Peter Hubbard '72
Jack Lathuras
Brett Lowart
Alec Moss '00
Bob Pastirjak
Ron Renaud '64
Rob Ritter '80
Ryan Stromsborg ‘93
Ron Viola
Congratulations to the following
winners of this year’s tournament:
Enjoying the day at
beautiful Robinson Ranch
(l to r): Rob Ritter '80, Tony Pipitone, Dave Weible '80,
Tim Beaulieu '80
(l to r): Sue Ella Monreal, Kim Muno, Ann McClung,
Dawn Hollingsworth
Mountain Course
Valley Course
First Place Gross:
Tom Abahazy
Jeff Dashnaw ‘74
JJ Dashnaw
Jim Frear
First Place Gross:
Steve Dunn
Rahul Desai
James Fay
Phil Hanna ‘03
First Place Net:
Hernando Chaves ‘95
Cezar Mansour
Chris Sailer ‘95
Marc Sailer
Anthony Yousif
First Place Net:
Jeff Ames
Roger Casey ‘58
Greg Davis
Mike Reagan
“240s” Group:
Joe Allegretti ‘56
Richard Eidson
Robert Eidson
Dillon Francis
(l to r): Tom Card, Matt Pondella '91, Pat Pondella,
Dan Pondella '83, Dan Pondella Sr.
(l to r): Marc Safady, Jim Nielsen, Toper Taylor,
Brandon Hancock, Dave Damus '83
First Team Top Gross winners (l to r): Rahul Desai,
James Fay, Phil Hanna ‘03, Steve Dunn
Page 25
Fall 2013 Reunion Dates Set
Alumni News
a
ATTENTION
ALL ALuMS...
CLASS REuNIONS:
(Invitations will be mailed 6 weeks prior to reunion)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS N OW!
Class of 1963
Saturday, September 28
50-year reunion
NDHS campus
Class of 1973
Saturday, October 5
40-year reunion
NDHS campus
Class of 1983
Saturday, October 26
30-year reunion
NDHS campus
Class of 1993
Saturday, October 19
20-year reunion
Courtyard by Marriott
Sherman Oaks
Class of 2003
Saturday, October 12
10-year reunion
Sportsmen’s Lodge
Studio City
Plan to attend the
annual NDHS
Alumni Homecoming Social
in the cafeteria on
Friday, October 11 after the
Homecoming game
vs. Bishop Amat.
There will be plenty of
free pizza and beer as is
the tradition!
21st Annual NDHS
Alumni Baseball Game
s is the long-standing tradition, the Baseball Knights
opened their 2013 season with the annual Alumni
Baseball Game, held on campus this past February. The
Varsity team eeked out an 8-6 victory over the alums, who
ranged in age from 19 to 50!
Alumni who
returned for the
matchup
included Robert
Dickman '05,
Nik Rodarte
'08,
Sean
Minor '08, and
The mighty ND alumni Knights
Kelly Dugan
'09.
Meanwhile, alums Phil Hanna '03 and Alec Moss '00 (current ND
coaches) also donned alumni uniforms, alongside 1984 grads,
Tony Newkirk, Tim Degrasse and Jon Horwitz, who was the
day's homerun derby winner.
Longtime
ND
baseball
coach
Tom Dill believes
his
program’s
alums tare its
lifeblood.
“Like any
program,
l to r: ND Varsity players Jack Morello '13, JJ Muno '13,
Michael Knopf '13, Varsity Coach Tom Dill, Matt McNab '13,
we are very
Henry Thomas '13, Kynan Barton '13,
proud of
Eddie Muhl '13
our tradition and of our alumni, whether they go on to play at
the next level or not. That’s why we take every opportunity to showcase them.”
ND alums and former prodigy of Dill’s who are currently
active in the “bigs” include: Chris Dickerson '00 (NY Yankees),
Brett Hayes '02 (Kansas City Royals), Brendan Ryan '00
(Mariners), Tommy Vessella '03 (San Francisco Giants), Kelly
Dugan '09 (Philadelphia Phillies), and Giancarlo Stanton '07
(Florida Marlins).
Alumni News
Page 26
50’s
‘51
In Memoriam
John Best
Graydon Hammond
Manuel Landin
John Manfredi
Eugene McKenzie
Edward Nicholls
George Whitney
Bruce Wippert
Tom Johnston and his wife Lucille
celebrated their 61st anniversary in
August. They travelled to Virginia
to be with their son Ronald and
family for the occasion. The couple
resides in Apple Valley.
‘53
In Memoriam
James Nielsen
Dennis Patterson
Steve Pocsik retired from the IRS in
2012 after 50 years of “public service.” Prior to his 26 years at the IRS,
he worked 14 years at the FAA as an
air traffic controller, and before that,
served 10 years in the US Air Force,
flying B47 and B52 bombers.
Martin Gordon teaches at a large
predominately on-line state university, University of Maryland
University College. In May he
received an award as one of the six
outstanding teachers of 2013 at the
university.
‘61
60’s
William Ettlinger is retired after
over 40 years in broadcasting as a
disc jockey and radio/tv engineer.
He is keeping busy with volunteer
work at the local VA Hospital and at
his church. He also plays senior
softball.
‘62
Fr. Ron Schmidt, SJ presented a
workshop
at
the
Religious
Education Congress in Anaheim in
February. It featured his documentary “The Labyrinth” and a discussion on art, film/media and JewishCatholic dialog. He presented with
Rabbi Michael Berenbaum, noted
Holocaust scholar and former
Project Director for the US
Holocaust Museum in Washington,
DC.
‘66
‘54
In Memoriam
Patrick Kane
Corrin McGrath
In Memoriam
Mark Letter
‘70
80’s
‘85
Kevin Cruz is an attorney with the
law firm of Gray-Duffy in Encino.
This past January Kevin received
acclaim for a successful judgment in
a case concerning a complex real
estate trust.
‘86
In 2010 Elizabeth (Gaines)
Johnston published Dragon's Gift,
the first book of her fantasy adventure trilogy, The Gilded Serpents. She
is presently refining the remaining
two books, Magic's Price and War's
Toll which she hopes will be available for purchase this year.
Elizabeth resides in Granada Hills is
mom to two sets of identical twin
boys.
90’s
‘96
Jennifer Ames-Osborne received
her doctorate in Education from
Cal State Long Beach in May. She
is an assistant director of student
counseling at the university.
Dave Steinbacher is proud to
announce that his grandson Taylor
Steinbacher graduated from Loyola
Marymount School of Law in 2013
and passed the California State Bar
exam. He is working for the Federal
Magistrate in Riverside. Taylor is
also the son of Robert Steinbacher
'81.
‘56
In Memoriam
Jerome Hanley
‘57
In Memoriam
Jim Schmiederer
‘58
In Memoriam
Ronald Marzalek
‘59
In Memoriam
Thomas Paterson
‘00
In Memoriam
David Ozanich
In Memoriam
Jason Mabie
In Memoriam
Michael Klobuchar
‘03
‘73
Mike Groff, was recently promoted
to President & CEO of Toyota
Financial Services. Mike has been
with Toyota for over 30 years in various roles.
In Memoriam
Dave Sitton
A Memorial Scholarship Fund has
been set up in honor of Dave
Sitton. A memorial tribute is featured in the attached Annual
Report on page 52.
‘77
In Memoriam
Leon Stein
‘10
Ray McIntyre III is currently a student and water polo player at
Pepperdine. He has earned AllMPSF Academic Honors as a student athlete with a GPA of 3.58
overall. He was also named to the
Men's All Academic Award list by
the Association of Collegiate Water
Polo Coaches.
Jack Wilson was one of two candidates chosen from the Naval
Academy to be part of the
Presidential Fellows Program. This
non-resident program offers up to
75 top undergraduate and graduate
students from leading colleges and
universities across the country a
year-long opportunity to study the
U.S. Presidency, the public policymaking process, and our Chief
Executive's relations with Congress,
allies, the media, and the American
public. Jack has recently had the
opportunity to work at the White
House.
May They Rest
in Peace
00’s
70’s
‘55
the American team. Crist threw
seven completions for 61 yards. He
finished with an 84-yard scoring
drive and a quarterback sneak for a
touchdown
Taylr Behnam is the executive chef
at Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma.
Sharyn Meichtry and Brendan
Ryan '00 were married in December
at St. Brendan's Catholic Church in
Los Angeles. Sharyn is the daughter
of Peter '75 and Teri Meichtry. The
bridal party included Matthew
Meichtry '94, Tim Meichtry '00,
Kurt Charron '00, Lee Johnson '00
and Kristin (Egusa) Hollowaty '03.
‘08
This past January, University of
Kansas quarterback Dayne Crist was
named MVP after throwing and
running for touchdowns in the
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, leading the
National team to a 34-0 victory over
Eileen (Hughes) Breedan
sister of Bill Hughes '74, aunt of
Bobby Hughes '89,
Will Hughes '10 and Emmy
Hughes '15
Irene Ceman
mother of Bob Ceman '71 and
Gregg Ceman '72
Noreen Davis
mother of Evan Davis '11 and
Bryce Davis '14
Betty Klosterman
mother of Jack Klosterman '69
and Donald Klosterman '71
Brother Alfred Salz, CSC
former NDHS faculty member
Jim Schmiederer '57
brother of Bob Schmiederer '56
Anthony Tommasetti, father of
Sandra Tommasetti '93
Up and Coming...
Circle Your Calendars for ND’s
Premiere Event of 2013!
Page 27