the Sarto News - St. Pius X High School

the Sarto News
Summer 2015
In Thanks for all you do.....
At the end of each school year, we
like to take an evening to thank all of
those individuals who help us throughout the year. On April 26th, we invited
our volunteers to join us for dinner and
an evening of camaraderie with others
in the St. Pius X community. Dinner was
catered by Next Year’s Winner BBQ
(owned by school parents Steve and
Dana Christian).
Parent Association President, Michelle Chirpich, thanked all of the parents who help run the concession stand
and volunteer with the PA fundraising
events; Marcia Witherow expressed
her gratitude to the lunch moms; Ron
Scrogham thanked Library patrons; Bob
Lee recognized the Dad’s group for their
work on projects within the school; The
Advancement Office thanked those individuals who assist with Advancement
and alumni activities.
Joe Monachino ended the evening
by thanking parish priests, board and
committee members and presenting the
final awards of the evening. Mary Ann
Litras was honored with the Lifetime
Achievement Award for her dedication
to St. Pius X for the past 24 years. Over
the years, she served as Development
Director, Campaign Director and Vice
President of Advancement. We wish her
the best as she enjoys retirement.
Finally, the Giuseppe Sarto Award
was presented to Lana Carlson and
Savina Balano Lee. Our first honoree,
Lana Carlson, has been serving students
here at St. Pius X since 1983. Her dedication to her students and the St. Pius X
community has been apparent over the
years. She taught English, Photojournalism, School Media and Speech. Besides
her teaching job, Lana’s list of activities
Giuseppe Sarto Honorees - Back Row: David Slater, Al & Susan Christifano (77),
Joe Monachino, Sr., Phyllis (66) and Jesse Valenciano (65). Front Row: Jean Trapp,
Savina Lee (80), Lana Carlson, Dolores Lorenz, Terri Sheldon Merrill and Bob Ringel.
outside the classroom is phenomenal.
Over the years, she was involved with the
school newspaper, yearbook, Mom Prom,
Spaghetti Dinner, and countless other activities as the Student Council moderator.
We wish her the best of luck in retirement
and thank her for her many years of service and dedication to St. Pius X.
Our second honoree, Savina Balano
Lee (80), has volunteered at many events
at St. Pius X High School over the past
decade. Some of Savina’s volunteer
activities have included: Auction Fundraisers, Phonathon, Spaghetti Dinner, Team
Mom, Career Day, Graduation Brunch,
St. Joseph Table, Science Camp, Parent
Association, Warriors vs. Cancer, Lunch
Mom, and BBB. It seems like anytime we
need an extra hand, we can count on Savina to help. Savina seems to be a natural
worker, organizer and just plain “do-er!”
Each event or committee that Savina is
in charge of is well-planned and executed. She often adds fresh ideas and helps
recruit other volunteers. Thank you,
Savina, for serving as a shining example
of volunteerism to the SPX community.
Both of our Giuseppe Sarto Honorees
this year have shown tremendous dedication and support to St. Pius X over the
years.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who
serve our school year after year!
2015 Phonathon Co-Chairs Colleen DeVolder
Roberts (65), Mary Ann Litras, Barb Mitchell
Carroll (65) and Jesse Valenciano (65).
Table of Contents
Message from the Principal..............................................2
School News ..................................................................2-3
Alumni News.....................................................................4
In Memoriam....................................................................5
Golf Benefit....................................................................6-7
Upcoming Events.............................................................8
A Message From The Principal
Dear Friends,
You know it’s going to be an exciting summer when there is
construction equipment on campus! For many years we have
had a congested front parking lot. It was confirmed in the
20/20 Strategic Plan that parking lot renovation was a priority
for St. Pius X. We have spent the year planning, and I am so
happy to say that construction is underway. The redesign of
the parking lots will include a driveway around the back of the
three story wing and over 100 additional parking spaces.
We were also able to complete a Gym makeover this spring
which included new paint and refinishing the floor.
We ended the school year with a great group of graduates
who continued our tradition of academic excellence throughout their years here. We look forward to hearing about their
future accomplishments.
After school was out, our Girl’s Soccer Team earned 2nd
in State! Also finishing the Spring Sports season strong was
our track team with six state track qualifiers. In other exciting
news, our Academic Team qualified for Nationals and competed in Chicago in late May. Many of our musicians made it to
the State Competition in Columbia in April. Way to go, Warriors!
Next year we are excited to offer a few new classes to our
students. We are adding Broadcasting (X Factor Channel),
Online Newspaper (X Factor online), and Yearbook to our
curriculum. These will be student-run journalism staffs. We
plan to add a Mac Lab/Practical Arts Room along with these
classes. We are also adding a Technical Design Class to our Art
Department and ACCP Chemistry
in the Science Department. We are
excited about these changes and
what they will offer our students.
In addition to our two retirees,
Lana Carlson and Mary Ann Litras,
we are saying a fond farewell to
teachers Heather Plumb and Doug
Little. Both are relocating out of
the Kansas City area. We wish them
the best in the future endeavors, but will miss them greatly.
Heather and Doug have been an active part of our community
and various activities over the years, including the Guatemala
Mission Trip. Thank you for your service to our community!
We also ended the fiscal year with over $200,000 in donations to our Annual and Scholarship Funds, Endowment Fund,
General Donations and Golf Benefit. All of our donors will be
recognized in our Annual Report which will be published this
fall. I thank each of you for your continued support of and
confidence in St. Pius X High School. It’s great to be a part of
such a strong community.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers and our alumni
and friends are always in ours.
School News
Once again, a group
of students, teachers
and parents from
St. Pius X went on a
mission trip to Guatemala in June. They
built about two dozen
stoves, visited the
sick and handed out sick bags. They also painted two schools,
handed out clothes and supplies, water filtration units and
charitable funds. Finally, they visited an orphanage for special
needs children and a school that St. Charles sponsors. Each
year, our students enjoy this trip and many find it a life-changing experience. We are proud of our students for carrying on
this tradition of service to others globally.
Several St. Pius X students are participating in summer leadership activities. Lexi Cox, Nolan McMichael, Arcadia Mejia,
Caroline Ramsey, and Maria Torres are attending the Audrey
Walton Leadership Conference at the University of Missouri.
Arcadia Mejia and Caroline Ramsey are attending the Rotary
Youth Leadership Academy Conference in Fulton, MO.
Madeleine Quinn is attending the Summit Leadership Confer2
ence at the University of Central Missouri. Halle Nelson is attending the 2015 Missouri Leadership Forum at the University
of Missouri. Finally, Caroline Ramsey is attending the Missouri
Scholars Academy at the University of Missouri.
English III had 10 finalists selected to be published in the Creative Communication Anthology. The students selected each
wrote his/her own original poem for the contest. Congratulations to Patrick Doherty, Zach Elling, Jessica Giokas, Daniel
Kremer, Shannon McIhenney, Silvia Machauf, Nicco Salazar,
Caitlin Sirchia, Morgan Storm, and Jake VanWinkle.
A group of St. Pius
X students, parents
and teachers took a
study trip to Spain in
June. They learned
about the culture and
history. They visited Madrid, Toledo,
Granada, Seville and
Morocco.
The Sarto News
Class of 2015 - Legacies
There were several legacies in the Class of 2015. Pictured here are the alums who attended the Graduation Practice Breakfast.
L-R: Sheryl Farnan (80) and Maria Leipzig, Emily and Julie Weickert Nissen (81), Owen & Sara Maybrier Shields (85), Joshua and
Teresa Smart Hayden (83), Jake and Joyce Smart Boeschen (86), John and Savina Balano Lee (80), Matt (90) and Angelena
Janning, Joe (81) and Toni Monachino, John (86) and John Perlik, Steven (90) and Richie St. John, Lacey and Laurie Crighton
Barrow (78).
Cousins in the halls of SPX
By Joyce Smart Boeschen (86)
What do ten students attending St. Pius X High School have in common? They share the
same set of great-great grandparents!
Back Row: TJ Adams - son of Todd Adams;
John Adams - son of Jerry Adams (84); Jacob
Boeschen - son of Joyce Smart Boeschen
(86); Joshua and Michael Hayden - sons of
Teresa Smart Hayden (83).
Front Row: Julia Adams - daughter of Todd
Adams; Abby Tomczuk - daughter of Kelly
Adams Tomczuk (82); Emily and Annelise
Nissen - daughters of Julie Weickert Nissen
(81); Samantha Weickert - daughter of John
Weickert (84)
In the early 1900’s two sisters, Marie and Julia Burke were born to an Irish couple
(Patrick and Mary Burke) living in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Between the two
girls they had 9 children and 23 grandchildren.
Of those 23 grandchildren, 12 attended and 10 graduated from St. Pius X during
the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s. Of all the great grandchildren of Marie
and Julia Burke, 15 have attended or currently attend St. Pius X High School. Two
younger siblings will be attending SPX in the near future and possibly another three
at a more distant date.
This is a great testament to the importance of Catholic education to this family.
What makes these statistics so interesting is that among this group of siblings,
first, second and third cousins is that they (almost) all know one another and some
socialize in the same group of friends. Even after 100 years, the descendants of
these two women still stay in touch and share the faith that was so important to
their grandmothers and great-grandmothers. They do this by celebrating baptisms,
first communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals together. The members
of this large extended family still have a strong presence in the Northland Catholic
community.
Not too many kids can say they have nine cousins at the same high school at the
same time. “It is so nice to send my child to a school where he literally runs into or
passes by a fellow “Burke” cousin every time he turns a corner in the halls of St. Pius
X. It was a nice feeling when I attended school there and I am glad my son got the
chance to experience that also,” said Joyce (Smart) Boeschen.
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Alumni News
Alumni siblings, Judy White
(66), Patricia Marcinak (62) and
Richard Hayde (63) enjoy a ride
on the High Roller in Las Vegas!
Amy Butner Hogan (02) is the new Principal at St. Gabriel
School.
Gabriel Lickteig (04) was ordained to priesthood on May
23, 2015 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Fr.
Lickteig is the Chaplain and a full-time teacher at Archbishop
O’Hara High School.
Sister Mary Gemma Stump (05), professed her First Vows and
exchanged her white veil for a black veil on July 28, 2014, at
the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, TN.
Alumni siblings, Richard Hayde
(63), Philip (69) and friend Jerry
Malone (69) enjoy a ride on the
Seattle Great Wheel!
Larry Tobin (64) was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper
Association Foundation Hall of Fame. Larry and his wife have
owned and managed the Tomahawk Leader for the last 33
years. Over the years, Larry has been very involved in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Tomahawk community.
Debby Donnelson Ford (70) married Bill Ford in November,
2014. Debby retired after teaching for 35 years and enjoys
visiting her daughter Adelaide in Australia, spending time with
family, and entertaining 11 grandchildren.
Damon Arredondo (08) completed the 12-week Siebel Institute
of Technology World Brewing Academy and graduated with an
International Diploma in Brewing Technology. Damon studied
for seven weeks in Chicago and five in Germany to complete
the Academy. He works for the Silver Moon Brewing Company
in Bend, Oregon.
Sara Zapien (12) graduated Magna cum laude from UMKC with
a BA in Criminal Justice and Criminology. She was accepted to
and offered a scholarship from St. Louis University School of
Law, where she will begin this fall.
Future Warriors
Kevin O’Rourke (99) and wife Kate welcomed Elinor Jean on
May 28, 2015.
Nick (99) and Ashley Majors Presko (01) welcomed George
Terence on September 12, 2014. He joins big sister Charlotte.
Nancy Christifano O’Rourke (02) and husband John welcomed
Aidan James on May 18, 2015.
Amy Butner Hogan (02) and husband Casey welcomed
Cameron on March 15, 2015. He joins big brother Preston.
Kiera Rose
Layla Rosalie
Jill Tyner Biss (02) and husband Jason welcomed Keira Rose on
January 3, 2015.
Kristina Race Hansel (04) and husband Ryan welcomed Layla
Rosalie on April 11, 2015. She joins big sister Sophia.
Hannah Manning VanAusdal (04) and husband Dennis
welcomed Theodore “Teddy” Steven on June 17, 2015.
Elinor Jean
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Aiden James
Theodore “Teddy” Steven
George Terence
Cameron Matthew
In Memoriam
Alumni
Joe DeGhelder (62) passed away March 4, 2015.
Tim Donegan (69), brother of Dennis (67- deceased) and Mike
(67), passed away December 15, 2014.
Mary Gabel Gloden (67), sister of Frank (65), passed away April
2015.
Gary Hardy (60), husband of Sara (60), passed away March 22,
2015.
Michael Mahoney (70), brother of Teri Mahoney (69), passed
away December 9, 2014.
Timothy J. McNellis (72), brother of Vince (83) and Mary Kay
(75), passed away October 13, 2014.
Chad Sellhorst (08), brother of Kyle Sellhorst (06), passed
away April 15, 2015.
Thomas J. Upschulte (77), brother of Jim (83), passed away
October 29, 2014.
Ed Weir (70), husband of Midge (70), father of John (91),
Jennifer Bethel (92), Amy Saye (94), Sarah Morris (98), and
brother of Barbara Bement (72) and Judy Saft (77), passed
away February 27, 2015.
Friends
Karen Anzalone, mother of Chris (77), Carl (79), Victor (85) and
Frank (89), passed away February 8, 2014.
Phillip R. Balano, father of Phillip (76), Savina Lee (80) and
Michael (84), passed away May 25, 2015.
Frank Budke, father of Diane (82) and Barbara Deters (84),
passed away March 17, 2015.
Fr. Robert Cameron, former employee of St. Pius X, passed
away on June 26, 2015.
Families of deceased alumni Lisa Voigt (04) and
John Holton (67) attended the 2014 Alumni Commemoration
Mass and Tree of Life Dedication.
The 2015 Alumni Commemoration Mass will be held on
October 3, 2105
e
Amy W. Guerera, mother of current SPX student Rosie, passed
away December 21, 2014.
April L. Hackathorn, wife of David Hackathorn (62), passed
away May 29, 2015.
Leo R. Johnson, father of Diana Dugan (69), Dennis (71), Donna
Shields (77), Dolora Cox (78), Dana Nolan (82), Darla Letts (83)
and DeLyne Knox (85), passed away November 22, 2014.
Cheryl M. Kaspzyk, mother of Cody (11) and current student
Matthew, passed away February 3, 2015.
Frank Cherrito, husband of Joanna Macaluso (63), passed away
June 26, 2015.
John L. Loncar, father of Kathy Loncar (64), passed away October 9, 2014.
Robert W. Ciarlelli, father of JoAnn Marshall (87), passed away
February 20, 2015.
Charles Joseph Matthys, father of Daniel (66), Tommy (69- deceased) and Nancy Butner (75), passed away June 1, 2015.
Elaine Courtney-Cofield, mother of Ken (75), Glenn (76) and
Keith (79), passed away February 9, 2015.
Henry John Nastav, father of Joann Brown (79) and Diana Kirk
(81), passed away November 8, 2014.
Harold & Hazel Couture, parents of Dan Couture (65), passed
away December 26, 2014 and December 29, 2014 respectively.
Mary Rose Palermo, mother of Carl (66), Margarita Tinder (67)
and Patty Sole (70), passed away December 15, 2014.
Norbert Dechant, father of Debbie (79) and Todd (82), passed
away October 24, 2014.
Virginia Ciarlelli Patti, mother of Jackie Licata (65-deceased),
Cynthia Armato (68), Toni Pence (74) and Sal (76), passed away
November 27, 2014.
Frank DeMayo, husband of Janet (60) and father of Scott (86),
passed away November 1, 2014.
Joyce Evelyn Englund, mother of Melissa (85), passed away
March 28, 2015.
Mary Falbo, mother of Mike Falbo (65), passed away November 9, 2014.
Victor Ferrara, father of Cathy Scimeca (78), passed away June
29, 2015.
Bishop Emeritus George K. Fitzsimons, employee of St. Pius X
in 1963 and 1964, passed away July 28, 2013.
Helen Roper, mother of Bob Roper (77), passed away November 5, 2014.
John W. Rush, husband of Tina Enderle (68) passed away October 4, 2014.
Dolores A. Schroeder, mother of Sharon (65) and Susan (68),
passed away December 7, 2014.
Albert A. Stegeman, father of Cynthia Hoenig (65), Cathleen
Doherty (65) and Karen Frey (69), passed away May 25, 2015.
Larry Swetnam, father of Rebecca Vorst (88), passed away De5
cember 19, 2014.
St. Pius X Warrior Classic Golf Benefit
Thanks to everyone who supported the 2015 Warrior Classic. It was beautiful, dry day on June 2nd, and
our golfers enjoyed a day of golf, food and friends. Gross earnings were over $30,000 for the
tournament. Thanks to all of our players, volunteers and sponsors!
Gary Schmitz, Bob Lee, Joe Monachino, Sr. and
Todd Ashby
Josh Baker (09) and Stephen Hinkle (07)
Steve Race and
Chris Weishar
Karl Barron (00), Joe Prenger
(01), Kevin Prenger and Darren
Prenger (99)
Steve Messina
(81), David
Conkling, Rick
Morley (84) and
Rick Beaubien
Larry Janacaro (67), Mark
Tomes, Pat Cannavan (65),
Dane Roberts (65) and Paul
Sirchia (65)
Eric Guettermann (02)
representing his team
who won the Alumni
Traveling Trophy!
Thanks to our volunteers - Marcia Kohler Witherow (84),
Heather Plumb, Michelle Chirpich, Sr. Mary Sharon, Anne
Rudkin, Michelle Baker and Donna Geisinger.
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Kristi, Tim, Michele and Greg Plumb
St. Pius X Warrior Classic Golf Benefit
Corporate Sponsor
Warrior Classic Sponsors
Bresette’s Price Chopper
Custom Truck & Equipment, LLC
ECCO Select
McDonald’s/David & Lisa Essig
The Petit Family
Greg & Michele Plumb
The Rucereto Family
St. Pius X Parent’s Association
SR Consulting - Steve Race
Hole Sponsors
Accent Advertising
Balano Fine Jewelry
Balfour - Mike McClanahan
Brancato, Haggerty, & Palmentere
Friend of SPX
Holy Family Parish
K&M Lawn Service
St. Charles Borromeo
St. James
Cart Sponsors
JoMarie Amilio Real Estate Team
Bear’s Printing & Bindery
Burns Dental Care
Cash Tax & Accounting
CEK Insurance
Conkling Family
Design Materials
Dan & Lisa Grable
Haynes Consulting Group, LLC
Industrial Hardware Distributors
Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics
Rick & Chris King
Knights of Columbus #7064/Fr. Hager
Bob & Mary Ann Litras
Jeff & Melanie Martin
Mosaic Life Care
Next Year’s Winner BBQ
Park University
Passantino Brothers Funeral Home
Platte Valley Bank
Premier Proteins
St. Gabriel
St. Patrick
St. Therese
State Farm Insurance - Joe Janacaro
State Farm Insurance - Mary Ann Surber
State Farm Insurance - Jesse Valenciano
Food & Beverage Sponsors
Arctic Glacier Premium Ice
Central States
County Beverage
Hiland Dairy
North Kansas City Beverage
Pizza Shoppe - Platte Woods
Quality Vending
Roma Bakery
Scimeca’s Italian Sausage
In Kind Sponsors
54th Street
Balano Fine Jewelry
Balfour
Beverly Baker Insurance
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Embassy Suites - KCI
Excel Linen
HyVee – Gladstone
Next Year’s Winner BBQ
Paul & Jacks
Piropos
Russell Stover Candy
Sarpino’s Pizza
Second Nature Design Studio
Sprouts
State Farm - Joe Janacaro
State Farm - Jesse Valenciano
Time Warner Sports
Texas Road House
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St. Pius X High School
1500 NE 42nd Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64116
Non-Profit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Permit #4984
Kansas City, MO
Thank You
Thank You
A Special Thank You to all of our
donors!
With your generous support,
we raised nearly
$190,000 for our
Annual Fund & Scholarship Fund
Thank you
Thank you
Thank You
Upcoming events
Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming Game & Alumni Gathering
October 2, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
Alumni Commemoration Mass
October 3, 2015
Video - 2:00 p.m.
Mass - 2:30 p.m.
Class of 1965 - 50th Reunion
October 17, 2015
Open House for Prospective Students
November 8, 2015
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.