Reflections - Bishop Lynch High School

Transcription

Reflections
December 2008 News of Interest to Alumni, Family and Friends of Bishop Lynch High School
Honduras Mission Trip:
Education through service
Bishop Lynch students travel abroad and learn
the true meaning of giving of oneself
Become a part of the Bishop Lynch online
community - Join FriarNet Today!
Bishop Lynch High School employs a software which allows all of our
constituents (parents, students, alumni, faculty and friends) the ability to check
their information online and keep us updated with changes of address or phone
numbers. “FriarNet,” our online software, gives you the opportunity to manage
your own “Profile” connecting directly to our database.
How do you start?
1. Simply go to the Bishop Lynch website at www.bishoplynch.org and click on
the “FriarNet” link on the top menu.
2. Click the “New User Registration” link near the bottom of the screen, and
you will be directed to the “Join FriarNet” page.
3. You can now enter your name, address, year of graduation (if applicable),
and other data into the appropriate fields. You’ll also want to create a
login name and secure password. Once you’ve clicked on “submit,” your
information will be synced with our database within 24 hours.
4. Now that you can login with a secure password, you will notice a left-hand
navigation for “My FriarNet.”
5. Click on “My Profile” and a fly-out menu will give you the option to update
your own information. You can also use My FriarNet to search for a
classmate through our online alumni directory.
If you need assistance registering for the community, please email
[email protected].
Bishop Lynch Alumni Association Board
Lisa-Kay Stone Pierotti ’96
President
Gene Schaefers ’77
Secretary
Fran Poteet ’72
Parliamentarian
Lois Herrin ’71
Vice President
Jenci Kocsis ’94
Treasurer
Carolyn Cochran ’69
Bishop Lynch Alumni Advisory Board of Directors
Kaila Richards Alcantar ’96
Tom Bosworth ’77
Sean Brockette ’89
Jerry Cadigan ’69
Morgan Denton ’02
Maureen Ellinger Farmer ’66
John Ganter ’67
Cari Giles ’87
Jim Hodges ’73
Greg Hoes ’81
Peggy Hoffman ’86
Stephen Howard ’88
Cathy Driscoll Irby ’69
Christian Keller ’01
Pete Lampo ’72
Peter Malouf honorary alum
Rosanne diBiase Maurer ’83
Ed McGonigle ’93
Jeff Miller ‘85
Andrew Nevitt ’88
Dan O’Connell ’70
Roman Plugge ’75
Steve Ramos ’85
David Roffino ’70
Mary Sansone Schaar ’78
Michael Schwitter ’98
Chris Sebastian ’03
Pat Collins Shotland ’76
Craig Stock ’91
John Stock ’74
Wally Stock ’66
Cecelia Foster Wheeler ’87
Meg Whittaker ’03
Tom Yoxall ’84
Thank You “TASTE OF LYNCH” Sponsors
Tukta Thai
Tart Bakery
Sylvia Pickrell’s Tamales
Reflections
News of Interest to Alumni, Family and Friends of Bishop Lynch High School
Reflections is published three times a year for
the alumni and families of Bishop Lynch High School.
Reflections Staff
Ed Leyden - Bishop Lynch President
Kristin Mannari ’99 - Director of Communications
Chuck Rothermel - Director of Advancement
Deb Jaska - Advancement/Alumni Manager
Contributors
John Alves ’73
Lisa Hernandez
Kit Sawyer ’77
Kathy Leos
Terry Miller May ’74
Sondi Mateja
Sylvia Najera
BL Publications, Ledger Staff
Creative Services
Collum Creative, Michele Collum
Direct letters to the Editor, address changes
or other correspondence to:
Bishop Lynch High School Advancement/Alumni Office
9750 Ferguson Road Dallas, Texas 75228
[email protected]
FriarHOTLINE: 1-888-835-3607
Mission Statement
Faithful to Catholic Tradition and to our Dominican
heritage of scholarship and service, Bishop Lynch High
School fosters the well being of the total person by
bringing together a diverse educational community
where students are taught to strive for excellence, to
seek truth, and to work for justice in the world.
DECEMBER 2008
Volume 2 Issue 3
features
3 Homecoming 2008
10 Honduras Mission Trip
13 BL Adopts Truett Elementary
fine arts
14 Blackfriars Productions, All-Region
Choir, Band Awards and Visual Arts
advancement
15 Annual Giving
16 Inspiring Future Generations
academics
18 National Merit Scholars
19 Student Technology Team
athletics
20 Lady Friar Volleyball Team Wins State
21 Friar Football Team Advances to State
Finals
alumni
22 Volunteer Work Around the Globe
Alumni Class Notes
24 Class Notes
26 Weddings
27 Births
27 In Loving Memory
Front Cover
Simone Deslarzes ’09, Claire Kainer ’09, Savannah
Allan ’09 and Maritza Fierro teach a Honduran child
English during the 2008 Mission Trip.
DECEMBER 2008 Reflections
1
Reflections
From
the
Desk
of the
President
Lending a helping hand...3,000 miles away and in our own backyard
T
his edition of Reflections highlights some of the many ways our school responds to the
mission statement’s twin calls of scholarship and service to our neighbors.
It is vital to understand that the distinctive element of our outreach is that it is done in
Christ’s name. I think you will see evidence of this conviction in the pages that follow,
especially in the comments students have made in reflecting on their experiences in
Central America.
The summer of 2008 marked the third time students and staff have joined with other
students of diocesan high schools
in reaching out to the people of
Honduras, supporting our diocese’s
partnership with the Diocese of
Trujillo.
By serving - and being served
by - people 3,000 miles away, our
students see that geography does not
define who is our neighbor.
However, we are blessed to have
over a thousand neighbors only a
couple hundred yards away at Truett
Elementary School, a DISD campus.
This year, special emphasis is being given to reaching out to these kids—a significant
majority of whom come from needy families.
“We are a block away but worlds apart,” said Gene Gilliam, Truett Academic, Parent
and Volunteer Coordinator in a recent address to our student body. Our community has
responded by adopting Truett, the neighbors in our own backyard. Readers will enjoy
learning some of the ways we are impacting their lives and learning valuable life-lessons
from that community.
This Reflections is the first edition to be created by our new Director of
Communications, Kristin Mannari - Class of 1999. It is the first of many Kristin will
direct, bringing a fresh look to Bishop Lynch communications.
Enjoy your perusal of Reflections and celebrate with us the many successes and
transitions of our alumni, family and school community.
By serving
- and being served by people 3,000 miles away,
our students see that
geography does not define
who is our neighbor.
TOP: After dropping off two truck
loads of supplies, Bishop Lynch
students admire the display outside
of Truett Elementary (written in
English on one side and Spanish
on the other).
RIGHT: Claire Kainer ’09 (daughter
of Mary Petrisky Kainer ’80) helps
dig a trench for fencing around a
church in Honduras.
2
Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Homecoming 2008
BL names Most Reverend Michael Duca as Alumnus of the Year
The meaning of Veritas is focus of mass celebrated by Bishop Duca during Homecoming week festivities
B
ishop Lynch High School celebrated a week-long series of events for
Homecoming 2008, centered around the theme of “welcoming home” the BL
Alumni, while also celebrating the school spirit and long-standing tradition that
is Bishop Lynch High School.
Chosen by the Bishop Lynch Alumni Association Board of Directors, the
Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Class of 1970, was honored with the 2008
Alumnus of the Year Award.
Since 1990, the Bishop Lynch Alumni Association has recognized those
graduates who have embodied the Bishop Lynch tradition and Dominican
heritage of service to the community. The Alumnus of the Year should show a
commitment to the school and its mission, and should serve as a model to all
of what Christ has called us to become.
The criteria for the Alumnus of the Year Award includes excellence in service
to Bishop Lynch High School, service to the community and success in his/her
chosen field – all qualities which Bishop Duca exemplifies.
Born and raised in Dallas, Bishop Duca attended St. Thomas Aquinas
Catholic School before graduating from Bishop Lynch High School. He entered
Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas, where he earned a BA in
Psychology and a Master of Divinity in Theology. Bishop Duca was installed as
the second Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana, in ceremonies held
at the Shreveport Convention Center on Monday, May 19, 2008.
A reception honoring Bishop Duca, and all past Alumnus of the Year
recipients, was held on Wednesday, October 15 in the Bishop Lynch Atrium.
Joined by his family, friends and fellow classmates of 1970, Bishop Duca
accepted the award – as well as a newly established scholarship in his
name.
The Bishop Michael G. Duca ’70 – Scholarship Fund is a need-based
scholarship for current BL students who, if not for receiving the funds,
would otherwise have to withdraw from school.
Bishop Duca returned to Bishop Lynch the following day to celebrate
mass with the student body on Thursday, October 16. When speaking
to the community, he mentioned that although the look of the school
has changed, along with the many faces and even the uniform, he was
reminded of the one thing that will always connect all those who, at one
time or another walked the halls of Bishop Lynch High School – “Veritas.”
Truth. Duca ultimately challenged the students to live through and by that
one simple word.
Concelebrating Mass with Bishop Duca were Bishop Lynch alumni,
Father Daniel Kelley ’79 and Father Joseph Mehan ’75, as well as
Deacon Edward Leyden, Father Vic Bartolotta, Bishop Lynch Chaplain
and Deacon Bill Fobes, Bishop Lynch Campus Minister.
Top left: Alumni Association President, Lisa-Kay
Stone Pierotti ’96, honors Bishop Michael Duca
’70 as the 2008 Alumnus of the Year. Looking on
were mass concelebrants, Father Daniel Kelley
’79 and Father Joseph Mehan ’75.
Left: All Bishop Lynch Alumnus of the Year
recipients from previous years were invited to the
reception for Bishop Duca. In attendance were
David Roffino ’70, Curtis Jaska ’73, Bishop
Duca ’70, Dan O’Connell ’70, John Farrell ’75,
Mary Sansone Schaar ’78, Terry Miller May ’74
and Kathleen Farrell Blaydes ’71.
3
Reflections
Tradition of crowning queen continues with halftime
announcement of 2008 winner: Lauren Lukas
By Paul Torres ’10
When the announcer called her name on the BL
football field in front of the entire crowd, Lauren
Lukas could not believe what was happening. She
was just named the 2008 Homecoming Queen.
“I was in so much shock,” said Lukas upon first
hearing her name called. “They said ‘Lauren Lukas’
and Steven (Hale, her escort) and I just gave each
other a huge hug.”
Lukas, along with Maggie Barton, Mia
Moorehead, Jill Quinn and Kristen Ring, made
up this year’s five nominees for the crowning.
They were chosen by the student body out of ten
possible candidates.
This year’s ceremony followed the same format
as in previous years. The nominees take part in the
homecoming parade prior to the game and then
are called out on the field with their parents before
kick-off. After the halftime shows, the nominees
are called out to the field with their escorts and the
winner is announced.
“I had no idea. I did not think it would be me,”
said Lukas on being chosen as Homecoming
Queen.
Besides the ceremony representing a prestigious
tradition at BL, it is
also a way for alumni
to reconnect with the
school, giving them the
opportunity to interact
with current students.
“For the past 25
years or so, we have
had former homecoming
queens come back and
crown the new queen,”
explained Terry Miller
,
May 74, Student
Activities Director. “It
is a good way for the
students to get personal
contact with the alumni and for the alumni to
participate in the school.”
As for the title of Homecoming Queen, Lukas
said that she wanted to win, but in the end, it
remained a friendly competition.
“It wouldn’t have made me mad if I had lost,”
explained Lukas. “It was nice to win, but they are all
great girls and I wouldn’t have been upset if any of
them had won instead.”
The 2008 Homecoming Court included (from left to
right) Jill Quinn, Kristen Ring, Lauren Lukas, Mia
Moorehead and Maggie Barton. The nominees
included Alex Behne, Marissa Co, Erin Farrell,
Meghan Mannari and Samantha Stevens.
Alumni Homecoming Party and Taste of Lynch
As the football game came to a close, the doors of Bishop Lynch were wide open as the Alumni Association welcomed home nearly
1,000 alumni and friends. Returning to campus to reunite and visit with old classmates were the reunion classes of 1968, 1978 and
1998. Entertained by the music of Emerald City Band, and fed by the delicious restaurants that participated in Taste of Lynch, the 2nd
Annual Alumni Party was a huge success!
Will Felch ’98, Cara Colgin ’98, Josh Hebert ’98, Beth Digby ’98, Colleen
Zihlman ’98, Erin Tobola ’98, Shawn Brown ’98, Sarah Sanders ’98, Deleon
Woulard ’98, Michael O’Connell ’98, Emily Herrin Beller ’98, Laura Newman ’98
and Joel Norris ’98
4
Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Terry Miller May ’74, Shaun Farquharson Vidales ’74, Andrew Vidales
’74, John Stock ’74, Roseanne Monier ’74, Cia Riley Bond ’74 and
Scott Shaw ’74
Homecoming 2008
2008 Sports Honor Roll Induction
Bishop Lynch honors Jenna Smith Uzzell ‘01 and Dr. Howard Moore
Leonardo and Maritza Nasseri Acosta ’98
Ron and Carol Sansone Baker ’72
Louise Palomo ’78, Tom Bosworth ’77 and
Kathy Mahdak ’70
Jenna Smith Uzzell ’01, is a former member of the
Lady Friars Basketball Team and earned First Team
All-District and All-State honors for three straight
years. She was the TAPPS Newcomer of the Year
in 1998 and the TAPPS Player of the Year in 1999.
Jenna also earned All-State and All-District Honors
in Track and was a member of the State Champion
Track Team in 1999. She was named BL’s Female
Athlete of the Year for three straight years and was
a National Nominee for the High School Heisman
Award in 2001.
Jenna played College Basketball at Baylor
University for one year and at Trinity University for
three years. She was named the Southern Collegiate
Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year
in 2004 and 2005 and was a member of the National
Championship NCAA Division 3 team in 2003. Jenna
was Trinity’s all-time leader in steals and was chosen
to be on the All-SCAC 15-year anniversary team.
Jenna is a former BL Homecoming Queen and
now works for Still Water Sports Camp, a Christian
ministry. She and her husband Matt have a daughter,
Allie, and are expecting their second baby, another BL Athletic Director Andy Zihlman ’72 presents the Honor
daughter, in the spring of 2009.
Roll Induction Award to Jenna Smith Uzzell ’01. Daughter
Dr. Howard Moore has served as the team doctor for
Bishop Lynch Athletics since 1994. He also serves
as the team doctor for other high schools, including
Pilot Point, Lancaster, Aubry
and Sunnyvale. Dr. Moore
graduated from Bryan Adams
and earned a 4-year full
football scholarship to Tulane
University in New Orleans,
where he was named an
Academic All-American. A
member of the American
Academy of Orthopedic
Surgeons, the American
Society for Sports Medicine,
and the American College
of Surgeons, Dr. Moore
has authored numerous
publications and presentations
on a variety of sports injuries.
Dr. Moore is an orthopedic
surgeon for the Sports Medicine Clinic of North
Texas. He and his wife Lola (a registered nurse) are
the parents of two sons – Todd ’00 and Eric ’02.
Allie Uzzell looks on.
BLHS Team Doctor since 1994, Dr. Howard Moore
accepts his Honor Roll Induction Award from Zihlman.
On hand for the honor were Dr. Moore’s family, wife Lola
and sons Eric ’02 and Todd ’00.
Jim ’85 and Susie Wong Nevitt ’85
5
Reflections
Colleen Zihlman ’98, Erin Tobola ’98 and Beth Digby ’98
Cecelia Foster
Wheeler ’87,
Kathy Klapp
Stock ’72 and
Sandy Sellers
Stansbury ’82
Rebecca Leestma
Brower ’98, Elizabeth
Lookadoo DeVries
’98, Sadie Mahony
Marcum ’98, Kathleen
Jansen ’98, Sarah
Walshe ’98, Diane
Rogers Barriere ’98,
Elizabeth Bloom ’98,
Katharine DeLaGarza
’98 and Heather
Nease Botello ’98
BL basketball coaches and alumni –
Ginger Mills Farrell ’81 and Kyle May ’03
All
in the
Family
Karen Bennett Van Roy ’68, Dustin Van Roy ’99 and
Amanda Van Roy ’99 with their family.
6
Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Kristen ’98, Karin ’00 and Kimberly ’05 Hemmig Jennifer ’99, Lindsay ’03 and Angela ’06
Adamcik
Homecoming 2008
Dancing to the music of Emerald City Band in
McGonigle Theatre
Lynn Materka
Harnden
(Class of 1968
Homecoming
Queen) and
Frances
Mentesana
Sullivan ’68
Nick Sears ’01, Brendan Elliott ’03, Sean Morley ’03, Thomas James ’01,
Sheryl Hibler ’02 and Catessa Bell
Wally Stock ’66, Kathy Klapp Stock ’72 and Jim Rager ’67
Maureen Ellinger Farmer ’66, Maureen Niesman Niewinski James Pena ’04, Tierney Hughes ’04, Maria Longoria
’69 and Kathy Niesman ’66
Farrell ’76 and Christine Farrell ’04
7
Reflections
Our friends who have gone before us to help prepare the way
Many alumni played an integral part in making the Alumni
Mass of Remembrance a special occasion, one that will
continue for years to come.
In remembrance: BL alums
celebrate the lives of family,
friends with All Souls Mass
H
omecoming week concluded on a note of remembrance
and celebration when nearly 200 family and friends of Bishop
Lynch gathered in McGonigle Theatre for a mass recalling
those who have passed on to eternal life.
Celebrants Father Vic Bartolotta and Deacon Ed Leyden
were joined by more than 25 Bishop Lynch Alumni who
participated in this first annual Memorial Mass.
Serving as acolytes were Tom Bosworth ’77 and Gene
Schaefers ’77, and acting as ushers were Lynn Benedetto
’75, Pete Lampo ’72, Ed Ratcliffe ’66 and Wally Stock ’66.
Rose Benedetto Dodson ’72 and John Ganter ’67
presented the readings, and Mary Sansone Schaar ’78
delivered the Prayers of the Faithful.
In an emotion-filled addition to this year’s mass, Maureen
Ellinger Farmer ’66, Dan O’Connell ’70, Pete Lampo ’72,
Pat Collins Shotland ’76, Jeff Miller ’85, Carissa Giles
’87 and Anne Marie Boeding ’08, reverently honored those
classmates who have passed away by reading their names
aloud. A slideshow prepared by Terry Miller May ’74 played in
the background.
Other alumni who added to the memorial were Jerry
Cadigan ’69, Carolyn Collette Cochran ’69, Carla Dodson
’06 and Fran Poteet ’72 who presented the gifts, including a
statue of St. Joseph which was given to Bishop Lynch after the
untimely death of Marilynn Amelie Miller in 1967. Miller was
the first student to pass away while attending Bishop Lynch.
Serving as Eucharistic Ministers were Kaila Richards
Alcantar ’96, Neely Richards Rose ’97 and Lisa-Kay Stone
Pierotti ’96; and providing music for the mass were the
musicians from St. Michael the Archangel, Terry Miller May
’74, Pat Degelia ’76 and Jeff Muessig.
8
Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Jill Slovak Hughes
1966
1971
1978
Jack Carter Adkins
Lawrence Binz
Mark Francis Kottwitz
Michael Andrew Villasana
Charles Richard Boeglin
Daniel Lee Cook
Jon Mayhall
1988
Suzanne Sanders Bourn
Mary Kay Yearout Hendley Thomas Medlock
Craig Denton Karlen
Jill Sue Garner
Patrick Michael Friend
Jesus Rodriguez
1989
Diane Stanco Kocsis
Mark Ivan Laye
Charles Washabaugh
Robert “Roy” Steely Bennett
Dale Robert Lawrence
Johnny A. Mahdak
Timothy Wayne White
Joseph Richard Brunner
Kenneth Dammond Roberts Michael Plain
1979
Monica Marie Muttera
Mary Jodry Wernly
Robert Earl Renfro
John R. Bruner
Chris Edward Sanich
1967
1972
Howard R. Chreene, III
Terry Phillip Valenta
Joan Gebhard Allison
Karen McKissick Barber
John Patrick Edwards
1991
Thomas M. Beaupre
Mark Stephen Baynham
Joe M. Florez
Mary Ann Mathews
Gregory Byron Cole
Billy Davis Huffstetler
Patricia Fisher Harvey
1993
Rosalind Boule Joins
Laura Ehrhardt Key
Paula Maureen Holten
Dominic James Norman
Roger T. Lewis
Frank Priolo
James Wesley Hurst
J. Michael Teal
James Milton McCallum
Dotty Pouzar Richmond
Timothy Edward Sherman
1995
Marilynn Amelie Miller
Eugene Dennis Roy
Richard Joseph Wayne
Amanda Aileen Chavez
Eugene Carl Orehek
David Alan Starr
1980
Rydon Daniel Endres
Robert Joseph Ruble
William Stock
Richard Conway
Matthew Lee Wills
Fr. Lawrence M. Ruple
Jamie S. Terrell
Margaret Roberto Finn
1996
Joseph P. Simmons
1973
Patricia Bohling Limbaugh
Peter Barrett Tomasz
1968
John Rory Ahern
Kimberly Anne Sowden
1998
William Dunlap
Charles E. Baker
Victor Vidal
Magali Morales
James A. Harwood
C.P. “Neil” Dennehy
Charisse Boule Wessels
Emily Zukowski
Susan C. Salerno Hipp
Jerry A. Jernigan
1981
1999
Thomas Tilman McCullough Scott Andrew Miller
John Herman Hafertepe
Robby Salinas
Rodney J. Smith
Kirk H. Stuart
Albert D. Pellegrini
2000
Audrey St. Pierre
1974
1982
Kevin Griffin
1969
Sandra Prachyl Falk
Joe Clint Brannon
Jared Jung
Robert Bires
Elizabeth A. Marusak Green 1983
Jacinda Simone Kennedy
Angela L. Oddo Boardman 1975
Catherine Conway
2001
Lawrence R. Brazell
Jeanne Riggs Autry
John Will Dorsey
Ashley Elise Asel
Petter Francis Graham
Thomas Baskin
Chuck Hanes
Scott Francis Cooley
Eugene Higgins
Henry A. Miller
Margaret Romo
Matthew Thomas Guennewig
Raymond F. Kinney
Martin Mitchell
1984
2002
Ronald William Kramer
Mark Alan Prachyl
Patsy Bridges
Brittany Ann Suhler
Margaret Polito Roberts
Steven Richard Rosar
Colleen Coyne
2003
Susan Musgrove Terrell
James Smith
Felix Maceda
Melissa Ann Bowles Jarvis
Andrew L. Threadgill
1976
1985
2004
Steve Valek
Elizabeth Beam Allison
Nicholas Lund
Robert Patrick Byrd
1970
Harry Collins
Joseph Sassin
Matthew Joseph Locke
Rene A. Abreu
Tressa Lynn Hawkins
1986
2006
Larry Castro
Christopher Mario Listi
Patrick Duff
Sarah Tierney Arnold
Robert Craig Gilbert
Martin Mitchell
Randal C. Foerster
2007
Robert Jakubik
Jody Mayhall
David Michael Hankins
Willis Cecil Ryan Winters
Linda M. McElreath
Edward Lawrence Solar
Michelle Badough Metts
2008
Susan L. Peebles
1977
Edward G. Olvera
Colin Bodensteiner
David Harold Raasch
Lynne Troll Davis
1987
2009
Denee Marie Roy
John R. Maurer
Kathleen David
Adam Wyrostka
Caroline Yurkon Roussea
Jason May
Gregory Allan Flood
Anne Louise Totzke Harris
Elmer Medlock
Connie Woertendyke Gallegos
Sincere appreciation is extended to those alumni and staff whose diligent research efforts resulted in this first compilation of
names of those we remember. Any errors or omissions will be corrected as information becomes available.
Homecoming 2008
Members of the Class of
1970 gather with Bishop
Duca during Homecoming
Weekend.
Nearly 200
friends and
family of Bishop
Lynch gathered
to celebrate the
Alumni Mass of
Remembrance.
Far left: Pete Lampo ’72
Left: Carla Dodson ’06 and
Rose Benedetto Dodson ’72
Gene Schaefers ’77, Kaila Richards Alcantar
’96, Lisa-Kay Stone Pierotti ’96, Carissa Giles
’87 and Carolyn Collette Cochran ’69
9
Reflections
Honduras Mission trip proves to be real education for volunteers
S
pending ten days without the everyday “luxuries”
the country of Honduras was left with nearly 5,000
or between different communities. Through the
of air conditioning, hot water, internet, TV, or a
people dead, 1.5 million displaced, and virtually 3
vulnerable nature of the trip, both cultures were
cell phone … not exactly the conditions most
billion dollars worth of damage.
able to share with each other the spiritual and
people would use to describe the perfect summer
Derived as a response to the catastrophic
materialistic gifts that God had given to each of
vacation. However, for the chaperones and
destruction, the Bishops of Texas vowed to adopt
them.
students representing Bishop Lynch High School
various dioceses of Honduras, and help reconstruct
The people of Honduras welcomed the students
on the Mission Trip to Honduras – living without
the communities. Quick to respond, the Catholic
and chaperones in to their homes, churches and
those luxuries did turn out to be the perfect way to
Diocese of Dallas and Beaumont were partnered
lives – and consequently, taught many valuable
spend their summer vacation.
with sister Diocese of Trujillo in an effort to begin
lessons along the way. The youth from Dallas
And their lives will never, ever
quickly realized the people of
Adults tend to complain about teenagers: we drive too fast, we curse too
be the same.
Honduras live a simple, but happy
The team from Bishop Lynch,
life.
much, we understand technology. But those are the things that make us
comprised of 11 students and
To the human eye, poverty
so important. We’re old enough to try and do something, and we’re young is evident around each corner;
three chaperones, joined fellow
representatives from Bishop
however the Hondurans are not
enough to believe we can.
Dunne, John Paul II and Ursuline to
Maggie Carter ’09 poor, rather they are exceptionally
embark on a life changing journey
rich in their faith and communities.
to Honduras from June 7–16, 2008.
Evenings in Honduras were
Honduras, located at the widest part of the cape
the rebuilding process. Trujillo would provide the
spent writing in journals, reflecting on the work
of Central America, is the second largest Central
supplies and the Diocese of Dallas would supply
done during the day, dancing to music, or playing
American republic. With a mountain terrain on one
the man-power.
games – all activities done without the luxury of
side, and vast blue ocean on the other, the beauty
Humbled by the offer, the people of Trujillo were, modern technology. The absence of those luxuries
of Honduras is unmistakable. However, the true
however, adamant that they did not simply want
however, was essential for the students to fully
beauty lies not in the setting, but in the people.
to receive funds to fix the problem. Instead, it was
submerge themselves in the Honduran culture.
Comparable to the size of the state of Louisiana, imperative that the two dioceses build a relationship
Simone Deslarzes ’09 explained, “We gave our
Honduras is home to 90 percent Mestizos, a culture with the vision in mind of getting the youths of both
bodies, our prayers, our voices, and our hearts to
of mixed AmerIndian and European descent.
communities involved, therefore planting the seed
these people. And, as a result, we truly became one
Devastated by Hurricane Mitch in October 1998, for the tradition for years to come.
as the Body of Christ with the people of Honduras.”
BL senior Claire
Though the majority of the students that attended
Anderson ’09 recalls
the trip were not fluent in Spanish, they were
her chaperone making
quick to realize that language was not necessarily
the connection while
a barrier. Communicating in one way or another
in Honduras by telling
became an immediate action – and soon everyone
them, “If you came to
recognized that although miles might separate
work for me, you are
them, the interests they shared in music, church,
wasting your time. But,
friends, playing games, etc. quickly united them.
if you came to work with
As Kevin Theall reminisced, “Although I speak
me, then we can work
very little Spanish, when I said that simple three
together and achieve
word sentence, ‘Me gusta bailar,’ I was immediately
something great.”
pulled into the center of a dance circle,” thus
The foundation of
breaking the so-called language barrier.
the missionary work
Within the Bishop Lynch curriculum, theology is
is built on the word
a four year requirement for graduation. Focusing
solidarity, the union or
on “morality” junior year and “social justice” senior
fellowship arising from
year, the mission trip falls directly in the middle,
common responsibilities
creating the bridge uniting the two.
and interests between
As senior Savannah Allan ’09 described, “I
members of a group
have grown more as a person in nine days than I
Kevin Theall ’09 dances with a Garifuna woman during Cultural Night at the convent.
10 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
C
o v e r
F
e a t u r e
Personal Reflection
Spreading the Word in Honduras
By Lisa R. Hernandez
have in my previous 17 some years. My faith has
been strengthened through observation of honest,
unrelenting faith.”
The Bishop Lynch students were especially
intrigued with how the youth of Honduras were
so hands-on and active in the re-building and
re-construction of the new land. However, to the
Honduran youth, this type of work is what fills up
their days.
The community is currently faced with a
grave problem in that the government does not
adequately, and in a timely manner pay their
educators, leaving the students without a daily
place of learning.
Chaperone Maritza Fierro, BL Assistant
Admissions Director, recalled a time when all of the
youth were gathered with the volunteers working
at a construction site. Within a blink of an eye, all
of the children began sprinting towards a common
landmark. Fierro stopped one of the children,
asking where they were going – and the student
responded without skipping a beat towards his
destination, “The teacher’s car showed up … the
teacher’s car!!!” They were so excited to have the
opportunity to learn – even if just for the day.
Though the immense impact the volunteers had
on the communities in Honduras is immeasurable,
the pure gift of being able to work alongside the
locals seemed to have more of an impact on them.
As Anderson recalled, “As the days went on, I
got to know the people and I learned about their
lives and hardships. Every story I heard touched
my heart, and I opened my heart and gave them all
of me.”
The students learned that no feat was
impossible, especially when everyone was working
together towards a common goal. During one
daily assignment, the missionaries were faced
with the task of constructing a wall to be used as a
boundary outlining the town’s church.
To complete this duty, hundreds of concrete
bricks needed to be moved across an entire road
and subsequently around the structure. Where
most people would have deemed the project
impossible, the volunteers rose to the challenge
and built a human assembly line – moving over 600
concrete bricks across the dirt road.
Despite the difficulty, heat, and exhaustion, the
Evangelization.
The word still makes me cringe a bit each time I hear it. In my mind, it brings up
images of makeup-laden, heavily teased ladies crying and shouting, the ornate
set surrounding them only adding to the spectacle. Beside them, a slick, sharply
dressed preacher spouts Bible verses, his Southern-tinged baritone voice reaching
through the television, commanding attention from the audience – and pocketbooks
– he has managed to capture.
I’m sure that many Americans have a similar, and rather skewed, understanding of
evangelization.
Webster’s dictionary defines evangelization as the spreading of the tenets of the Gospels. While the
application of what it means to evangelize varies amongst Christian churches, at its heart the practice of
evangelizing means sharing the basic principles of the Christian faith with non-believers.
It has been my experience that Catholics are not taught to evangelize per se. In fact, I think I went
through most of my Sunday school education without ever hearing the word. Perhaps this is where my
somewhat irrational fear, and misunderstanding, of the term originated.
Fortunately, this summer I came to have a much different understanding of evangelization. I had the
duty of chaperoning around 40 youth from local Catholic high schools to Honduras this past June. The
Diocese of Dallas has sponsored this annual mission trip for the last few years, as part of its efforts to
assist the growth and continuity of the church in Central America.
While in Honduras I was tested – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Each day my group would
travel further into the countryside to assist locals in a variety of construction tasks. From our dormitory in
an isolated orange grove, we would take a 30-minute bus ride to our work sites. From about 8:30 a.m.
until 5 p.m. we labored side by side with the Honduran people, helping dig trenches, collect river rocks,
mix cement, put up fencing, and tear down old construction to make way for new buildings. It was more
physical labor than I had ever done in my life.
Gatorade became my best friend. I found a renewed appreciation for air conditioning, for cool water, for
ice, for simple food, for shade, for flush toilets, for a well-earned break.
In our downtime, however – as we quickly learned that the American nonstop work ethic did not
fare well in the Honduran heat – there were moments to talk with the locals and learn from them. I was
pleased to see our youth engaging in play with the Hondurans, and as a Spanish teacher, I found it was
interesting to observe young adults make their best efforts to communicate with them in their language.
Even when the words weren’t there, communication found another way to take place. There were plenty
of smiles to go around, as well as haunting stories from the young Hondurans who shared with us the
often-difficult reality of their lives – incidences of rape, murder, hunger; parents and family members
who had left for the United States never to be heard from again; the lack of secure banking; and fleeting
access to education.
And so we return to the word of the hour, evangelization. After all, wasn’t this a “religious” mission?
Why weren’t we distributing Christian booklets and forming prayer circles? How was I, you know,
evangelizing?
The answer was much simpler than I ever could have thought: to do whatever the Hondurans needed,
whether that was to listen to them, work with them or laugh with them. As one of my fellow chaperones
put it, we were not there to lead these people. We were guests in their land, helping them with their
projects and little more. Upon our departure, their lives would be very much the same. What is the only
thing that I wish we managed to leave behind?
Hope.
Evangelization is the spreading of hope to people who need it. Faith mandates action, and it is through
our actions that hope can be spread to the people most in need of it.
Lisa R. Hernandez teaches Spanish at Bishop Lynch High School and is a Teacher Voices volunteer columnist for the
Dallas Morning News. Her e-mail address is [email protected].
DECEMBER 2008 Reflections 11
Reflections
volunteers were truly empowered by their work, and
in the end the final product of the wall was enough
satisfaction to make them want to get up and do it
all over again.
Through the trip, the volunteers realized the
impact they had on the community during the short
time they were there, and they all came back as
changed people.
As senior Maggie Carter advocated to the class
of 2009 during their senior retreat, “On this trip, I
learned something about the power of youth. Adults
tend to complain about teenagers: we drive too fast,
we curse too much, we understand technology. But
those are the things that make us so important.
We’re old enough to try and do something, and
we’re young enough to believe we can.
This is our world, because at this age, we’re selfcentered enough to believe it is. We may come from
different places, but we share one important thing:
our youth.
We may not be the ones in charge of making
rules, but we have a different kind of power. Adults
make the rules, and as kids, it’s our job to break
them. We demand justice when we get an unfair
detention, so why shouldn’t we do the same when
people are suffering.
Service is not about the material, the little you
can do with your own two hands; it’s about what
you see, and what you do when you see it. Faith
in action does not require third world mission trips,
or manual labor, or doing anything you don’t really
want to do.
All you have to do is fight for what you believe in,
whatever it is. It’s our turn to try and make this world
right, and although it may seem an impossible task,
it’s at least worth a try. If we care enough about
something, if we have enough faith in ourselves and
each other, we can do anything.”
Although months have passed, many of the
students remain in contact with the very select few
from Honduras with access to the internet who
communicate for the group. The relationships made
that week have made a lasting imprint within the
hearts of those brave enough to make the journey.
Theall reflected on his experience.
“A moment I had with one of the friends I made
was proof of the connection I made. We were all
saying our goodbyes on the last day of work. I
told Louis, ‘adios amigo’ and he replied, ‘goodbye
friend.’”
12 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
TOP: Service work at
one of the locations
included painting the
walls, planting trees
and constructing a
stone wall fence.
CENTER LEFT: While
taking a break from
digging ditches, the
missionaries played
a Spanish version of
“Duck, Duck, Goose”
(Pato, Pato, Ganso).
CENTER RIGHT:
Savannah Allan and
a Honduran child
wearing the Rosary
Beads made by the
missionaries.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The
team digging ditches
in Antigual to build
a fence around the
church.
C
A
o v e r
F
e a t u r e
block away…but worlds apart
Hearing the words of its own mission statement, BL adopts its neighbors at Truett Elementary
I
creative writing students will compose and share
Truett is home to nearly 60 children who are
n an effort to live up to the Bishop Lynch High
original children’s stories.
war-torn refugees from places such as Somalia,
School Mission Statement, “…where students are
As an immediate response to the needs of
Burundi, Tanzania, Congo, Kenya and Rwanda.
taught to strive for academic excellence, to seek
Truett’s students, senior Theology instructor,
During a tour of Truett, Senior Kimi Nguyen,
truth, and to work for justice in the world,” the
Judy Porter and her class hand delivered over
who speaks Vietnamese was asked to work in a
students, faculty and staff have joined together to
classroom with two Vietnamese students who know 150 children’s books in an attempt to expand the
lend a helping hand to neighboring DISD school,
school’s undersized library.
very little English.
George W. Truett Elementary.
Grubbs is so proud of the active
As Gene Gilliam, Academic and
Parent/Volunteer Coordinator at Truett This is what our faith demands that we do, and this is commitment the Bishop Lynch students
and faculty have made towards this
explained to the BL community at the
real world training for the way our students should live project, and she looks forward to future
first All-School Mass, “We are only a
opportunities.
block away, but worlds apart.”
the rest of their lives, through service to others.
Gilliam and school principal, Tiffany
Evelyn Grubbs “This is what our faith demands that
we do, and this is real world training for
Nemec, visited Bishop Lynch to
BL Academic Dean the way our students should live the rest
express their sincerest gratitude to
of their lives, through service to others,”
the freshman football team. In early
Grubbs concluded.
August, through a service project
As she spoke, one of the
coinciding with the start of their season, the team
boys appeared shocked and
donated boxes of school supplies to the needy
delighted to hear someone
students.
Freshman coach Rene Ramirez notes the impact speaking to him in his own
language.
of community service as being an integral part of
Bishop Lynch Academic
fueling and motivating his players both on and off
Dean, Evelyn Grubbs and
the field.
Gilliam plan to create an
“They are here to be difference makers, that’s
the power of the Bishop Lynch education,” Ramirez opportunity for a more handson approach to the schools’
said.
Each September, the sophomore class at Bishop partnership, creating as
Gilliam explains, “A ‘Save the
Lynch sponsors an annual School Supply Drive
Children’ type fund across the
benefitting Truett Elementary. Each class supports
street, instead of around the
the drive by donating designated items. The drive
globe.”
is usually successful in that the students at Truett
Grubbs is delighted with the
receive much needed supplies for the year.
enthusiasm and motivation
But this year was just a little different. The
the Bishop Lynch community
students of Bishop Lynch heeded the call to
has already shown towards
adopt their neighbors and the supplies packed BL
this project.
classrooms in droves.
“Our students and teachers
So this year, the students and faculty of Truett
are coming up with ideas
stood in amazement as two truck-loads of school
beyond what even I had
supplies, uniforms, Kleenex, and various other
imagined,” Grubbs said.
items were delivered by more than twenty BL
For example, the schoolStudent Council Representatives.
Academic Dean Mrs. Evelyn Grubbs and Business
wide outreach to adopt Truett Elementary includes
The impact from the donation will carry on for
Department teacher and sophomore class moderator,
upcoming plans for the Spanish classes to tutor the
months to come, as for many of the students these
Kay Gentsch, along with some 20 BL Student Council
bilingual classrooms, the physics classes will host
school supplies will have to last them through the
Representatives delivered two truck loads of supplies to
their own version of the “Metric Olympics,” and the
remainder of the year.
Truett Elementary.
Reflections
Fall Play
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF LARRY BENSON
The whole town is excited about Larry Benson’s
homecoming. More than that, they’re astonished
because Larry was reported missing in action on
a distant battlefield more than three years ago.
Everyone had given up and now he’s suddenly
coming home! But when he arrives, the young
soldier who comes calling “Mom! Dad!” is a stranger.
He continues to insist that he is Larry, and only after
the buildup of tension and drama does the moment
of truth and vindication arrive.
This year’s Fall Blackfriars production, The Death
and Life of Larry Benson was performed over two
weeks in the Blackbox Theatre. The symbolic
set and costumes referenced several decades of
Americana, and the theme of war and homecoming
was particularly relevant for today’s audiences.
The small cast did an amazing job of capturing
the upheaval and emotion of the story. The next
Blackbox production will be the Noel Coward
comedy Hay Fever, to be performed in April.
Fine Arts
Bishop Lynch Choir
The Texas Private School Music Association hosts
auditions for All-Region Choir each October. In
the Dallas-Fort Worth region, over 500 students
auditioned, and 200 were selected as All-Region
Choir members. The audition tapes are then judged
a second time for inclusion in the All-State choir.
Congratulations to the Bishop Lynch Choir’s
All-Region and All-State Choir members!
All-Region Choir:
Sophomores: Abigail Wilson, Erin Little, Stephen
Swart and Jessica Beilharz (1st alternate)
Junior: Breanne Ensor (2nd alternate)
Seniors: Lindsay Sawyer, Michael O’Rourke,
Caleb Matthews and Megan Clewis
All-Region and All-State Choir:
Seniors: Marissa Co and Sara Greiner
The All-Region Choir will perform in concert on
Saturday, January 10 at Cliff Temple Baptist Church
in Oak Cliff, under the direction of Mrs. Nora Henson,
director of the Greater Dallas Youth Chorus.
BL BAND
On Saturday October 25th, the Bishop Lynch
Marching Friar Band and Colorguard participated in
the TPSMEA 2008 Marching Contest. The band did
an outstanding job, earning a Division One score,
and the Caption Award for Best Drumline. The band
is led by Director Jesse Lotspeich.
BL VISUAL ARTS
Mark your calendar for the Rising Star Exhibition…
showcasing young artists in 7th and
8th grades opening in the Atrium Thursday, January
29th. Please visit the Bishop Lynch website at
www.bishoplynch.org for additional details.
BL CHOIR
The Bishop Lynch Choir will participate in an
eight day pilgrimage through Mexico from March
12 – 19, 2009. Director, Mrs. Kathy Leos and the
Bishop Lynch Choir have been asked to perform at
numerous locations throughout the tour, including a
recital at The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in
Mexico City, Mass at the Cathedral in Puebla, and
Mass at the Basilica in Ocotlan.
The tour itself comes 21 years after the BL Choir’s
last performance tour to Mexico in 1987. Then, the
choir consisted of only 20 singers, including Bea
Kellogg Dorsett ’87 whose daughter, choir member
junior Anissa Collier will continue the family tradition
as she joins the tour this spring!
THE BLACKFRIARS GUILD
proudly presents
FINE ARTS CALENDAR
January 9 - Art Club Art Exhibit
January 29 - February 27 - Rising Star Exhibition
February 27 - March 8 - Blackfriars Spring Musical – The Pajama Game
April 15 - 24 - Blackfriars Spring Play – Hay Fever
April 24 - Senior Art Exhibit
May 7 - Band Spring Concert
May 8 - Dance Recital
May 9 - Choir Spring Concert
For more information about upcoming Fine Arts Events,
please visit the Bishop Lynch website – www.bishoplynch.org.
14 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
February 27 - March 8
7PM Curtain
March 1
2PM Curtain
March 16
2PM Curtain
General Admission Tickets - $8
Reserved seats available.
Call 214.324.3607 ext. 131
The Pajama Game is a musical
based on the novel 7-1/2 Cents by
Richard Bissell. The story deals with
labor troubles in a pajama factory,
where worker demands for a seven
and a half cent raise are going
unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal,
love blossoms between Babe, the
complaint committee head, and Sid,
the new factory superintendent. The
Pajama Game, last performed by
the Blackfriars Guild in 1991, will
run February 27 – March 8, 2009, in
McGonigle Theatre.
SID - Jim Bass
BABE - Lindsay Sawyer
HINES - Caleb Matthews
MABEL - Susan Hublein
PREZ - Mason Walker
MAE - Sara Greiner
HASLER - John Dodson
POOPSIE - Alie Romero
CHARLIE - Jason Mulligan
Advancement
2008-2009 Annual Giving
Parents’ Annual Giving Campaign
The Parents’ Annual Giving Campaign, led by Bill
Wallander, father of junior Becky Wallander, and
a tremendous team of 110 parent volunteers, is at
85% of its goal of raising $300,000 in unrestricted
funds, having received nearly $255,000 in cash
and pledges. To date, almost 50% of Bishop Lynch
families have participated, with the freshman
class (Class of 2012) leading the pack with 63%
participation. There’s still time to turn in your
pledge and show your support for BL! Simply go
to www.bishoplynch.org and make your secure
online pledge. All pledges should be paid in full by
June 30, 2009, to count for this year’s campaign.
Alumni Annual Giving Campaign
The Alumni Annual Giving Campaign is well
underway. All alumni should have received a letter
and pledge card in the mail in early October. Our
goal this year is to raise $100,000 in unrestricted
funds. In conjunction with the 45th Anniversary of
BLHS, we are asking each alumnus/alumnae to
donate an Anniversary Gift of $45. Even if just half
of our alumni give $45 each, we will surpass our goal
by 50%! Every gift counts and brings us one step
closer to reaching our goal, so please return your
pledge card or make a secure online pledge at www.
bishoplynch.org.
Friends’ Annual Giving Campaign
The Bishop Lynch community extends far beyond
our current parents and alumni. Each year, BL
asks its friends (parents of alumni, grandparents,
faculty, staff, etc.) to give back by supporting our
annual campaign. We are hopeful that gifts from this
group will reach our goal of $50,000. If you have
ever benefitted from Bishop Lynch in any way, this
is a great way to show your support! Simply go to
www.bishoplynch.org and make your secure online
pledge now.
Volunteer of the Year 2007-08
For her years of service to Bishop Lynch High School, Kelly Vrla was named
the 2007-2008 Volunteer of the Year! Kelly has been an invaluable asset
to BL through her dedication as the Varsity Football Team Mom, Athletic
Booster Club Secretary, Auction Reservations Chair, and Bookstore
and Gate Volunteer. She has also served on numerous committees for
Homecoming mum assembly, Varsity Hockey Social and Senior Class
Dinner. Bishop Lynch wishes to thank Kelly for all she has done … and
continues to do for our school!
Diane Arata Paradowski ’79 and Chuck Paradowski ’79
and Kelly and Frank Vrla
The President’s Reception
During the President’s
Reception, honoring the donors
of Bishop Lynch High School,
guests enjoyed a lite fare and an
evening of conversation at the
Dallas Arboretum.
Charlene Lewis, Sandy Sellers
Stansbury ’82, Shannon
Stansbury and Daniel Lewis
Nearly 300 guests were treated to a remarkable presentation by student guest speaker, Joe Shotland ‘10
(son of Don ’73 and Pat Collins Shotland ’76). Joe talked about the priceless opportunities awarded
through the Bishop Lynch education. Although not yet an alumnus himself, he stressed the importance of
giving back to Bishop Lynch post graduation, in whatever way possible. He quoted his grandmother, saying
the two best things about East Dallas are the Arboretum and Bishop Lynch High School.
Reflections
B
ishop Lynch High School is excited to announce
that we are embarking on a campaign that will help
us realize the elements of our master plan and
vision for the future.
School President Edward Leyden announced,
“As we move closer to our 50th anniversary in
2013, we are as confident about our future as we
are proud of our past. This campaign will be the
foundation for the next 50 years.”
To maintain the academic and spiritual
commitment to excellence that is the hallmark of
a BL education, our students must be provided
with the support, environment and resources that
will assist them in achieving the highest levels of
accomplishment throughout their studies. The
world we live in today and tomorrow demands that
our students have sound scientific knowledge and
capabilities as technology continues to evolve.
Bishop Lynch students have indeed been
blessed with an outstanding Science faculty and
program, but we are still using labs that were built
in the early 1960s. Despite good stewardship
of these facilities, the needs of the sciences
have outgrown the lab layout and current space
available. The first phase of our Inspiring Future
Generations Campaign is the construction of three
new science classrooms - The Sister Cecilia Sehr,
O.P., Ed.D. Science Pavilion.
To date, nearly $1.3 million has been committed
by BL alumni, parents, foundations and friends.
I n s p i r i n gf u t u r e
G enerations
The Campaign for Bishop Lynch High School
16 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
“
“The support we have received is very
encouraging and a reflection of the commitment of
the Bishop Lynch community,” said Mr. Leyden.
School administrators, board members and
campaign leaders are actively seeking additional
support through campaign visits that will be taking
place over the next nine months in hopes of
securing funding for Phase I by August 2009. As we
continue to solicit support, please know that we are
organizing to ultimately approach all BL alumni and
friends in this historic campaign.
As a college preparatory high school, Bishop
Lynch has high academic standards and produces
many high achieving students. All students are
required to take three years of science and many
take the fourth year as an elective course. Our
Science Department and students have won
numerous awards over the years and many of our
graduates have gone on to do great things in fields
such as medicine, engineering and research.
Many students report how well prepared they
were for college after the challenging courses
taken at BL. The faculty teaches them to think
like scientists, and challenges them to take away
information and inspiration that will transform lives.
As one teacher said, “The study of science makes
you see that there is an order to everything that is
examined; that there is an order to the universe and
it is implausible that such a degree of order could
happen without the direction of a higher power.”
My education at Bishop Lynch was fundamental
to my life’s work in the sciences. From the first
few weeks of my sophomore Biology course,
I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in life
science. Bishop Lynch gave me a firm foundation
in science and a passion for scientific inquiry
that jump-started my professional education and
career. Now, as faculty at Rice University, I know
how valuable the high school science experience
is to a student’s success in college and beyond.
Bishop Lynch can’t afford to compromise its
students; it needs cutting-edge classroom and
laboratory spaces to prepare its students for
careers in science and to educate the citizens who
will one day influence the
advancement of science in
our country.
“
Mary Meysenburg
Purugganan, Ph.D. ’86
Senior Lecturer
in Professional
Communication
Wiess School of Natural
Sciences
Rice University
Phase I - The Sister Cecilia Sehr, O.P., Ed.D. Science Pavilion
• 3 New Science Classrooms with separate Lab and Lecture Space - 8,680 square foot addition
• Complete Science Lab Utilities: Fume Hoods, Safety Showers, Gas, Electric and Water
• Dedicated Prep Space for Teachers
• Gas, Water and Electricity in all Science Rooms
• Appropriate Lab and Lecture Space in all Classrooms
• Small General Office Space
View from Inadale Road
A
“
“
One of the great things about Bishop Lynch’s science programs is their emphasis
on exploration -- combining theory, hands-on experimentation, and analytical
thinking to unlock the mysteries of the universe around us, while having fun in
the process. That same spirit of exploration led me to join NASA and continues to
drive the work that I do today.
“
Ray Gilstrap ’91
Computer Engineer at NASA Ames Research
Center in California’s Silicon Valley
“
A pilot’s fundamental understanding of flight begins with a lesson in science, more
specifically, the effects of molecular velocity, mechanical deflection, air pressure,
and gravity. I began flight school one year after high school graduation and as a
student at Bishop Lynch I received the curriculum needed in order to help guide
me through the flight training process.
“
Isaac Gonzalez ’95
First Officer
American Eagle Airlines
“
d v a n c e m e n t
I am very fortunate and blessed to be teaching science at Bishop
Lynch. We have an extremely committed science department, and
teachers that work incredibly hard. Our goal is to make sure that all
of our students are well prepared for the science courses that they
will inevitably take in college. We want to make sure that we arm
them with the best possible science education, so that they will be
successful in their college courses and beyond.
I graduated from Bishop Lynch and I know, without a shadow of
a doubt, that my success in college, both at the undergraduate and
graduate level, was due to the excellent education I received at BL.
I was challenged and pushed to do my very best all the time. My
education at BL opened many, many doors for me.
Adding new classrooms to our science department will allow
BL to not just “keep up” with the rest of the country by providing
the best science education to our students, it will help us to jump
ahead by offering to our students the best facilities with the best
science curriculum to ensure that BL continues to set the standard in
secondary education.
Laura Berens Pfeil ’86
Bishop Lynch High School
Science Instructor
“
The Bishop Lynch science program provided me with the resources and opportunities to excel
in science through hands on research and great interaction with the faculty facilitating my
personal growth and intellectual development.
“
Thomas A. Catanach, Bishop Lynch 2008 Valedictorian
Thomas is currently a freshman at Notre Dame majoring in Physics
and Classical Languages and currently working on the GRAND project
researching cosmic rays.
Phase II - The Science & Technology Center
• 12 New Science Classrooms with separate Lab and Lecture Space
• Diversity of Science Program
• State of the Art Technology
• Science Garden: Outdoor Space for Investigation, Demonstration and Research
• Administrative Suites and Offices
View from Ferguson Road
Reflections
BL celebrates another class of National Merit Scholars
Throughout its 45 year history, Bishop Lynch
High School has participated in the National Merit
program. To date, nearly 300 BL graduates have
been named National Merit Scholars. In September,
Bishop Lynch High School was proud to announce
the National Merit Scholars for the Class of 2009.
Thirteen students from Bishop Lynch have been
awarded this distinguished honor including National
Merit Semifinalists Marissa Co, Casey Collins,
Connor Masters and Jamie Newby. Named as
National Merit Commended Scholars are Rebecca
Buhner, Annamarie Fernandez, Catherine Howard,
Blake Morell, Matthew Taraba and Kaitlin Wells.
National Hispanic Scholars are Mark Arnett, Steven
Marino and Amanda Ramirez, who was also named
a National Merit Commended Scholar.
In 2007, nearly 1.5 million juniors in over
21,000 high schools across the U.S. entered the
2009 National Merit Program by taking the 2007
Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT), which served as an initial
screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of
Semifinalists, representing less than one percent
of U.S. High School seniors, includes the highest
scoring entrants in each state.
(front row, l to r) Catherine Howard, Annamarie Fernandez, Rebecca Buhner, Marissa Co, Amanda Ramirez
and Kaitlin Wells (back row, l to r) Steven Marino, Casey Collins, Connor Masters, Jamie Newby, Matt
Tarraba, Blake Morrell and Mark Arnett
Mock Trial ready for another successful season
The renowned Bishop Lynch Mock Trial Team was
once again invited to participate in the Empire
City National Mock Trial Tournament hosted by
Tottenville High School of Long Island. The goal
of the tournament is to create an environment that
gives students the opportunity to compete against
fellow Mock Trial Teams representing high schools
from across the nation. Faculty member David Post
has moderated the Bishop Lynch Mock Trial Team
since 1995.
The case for the 2008-2009 year focused
around a civil problem in which the widow of a
businessman who dies while attempting to summit
Mount Everest, is suing a mountain climbing
company. Claiming that a standard of ordinary care
that is typical in mountain climbing services was not
met, the Gilbertson family argues the carelessness
and negligence that in turn caused P.J. Gilbertson’s
death.
The Lynch team, comprised of 12 students,
placed an impressive 5th out of 16 total teams.
Only two members, senior co-captains Joseph
Lock and Kate Wells, have previous Mock Trial
Experience. As with most sports, but even more so
in academic competition, experience is absolutely
18 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
critical and there are few shortcuts to it. As Post
notes, “It is imperative that the students bear up
under the pressure with unexpected difficulty in trial
and think coolly under duress.”
Other teams competing in the tournament
represented elite prep and boarding schools in the
United States, Ireland and Australia. Bishop Lynch
found themselves 6-4 on ballots, and broke even
in the trial matches, winning two and losing two.
Junior and two year member, Laura Shapiro, was
named to the All-Advocate Team – acknowledging
the best lawyers.
Fellow team members on the 2008-2009 team
are juniors Rachel DeLong, Shelby Lee, Paige
Schmidt, and Paul Torres and first year sophomores
Anthony Fernandez, Lamar Allan, Grant Patterson,
Kelly Keyser and Michael Varghese. The Bishop
Lynch team is fortunate to have the support of
attorney advisor, Judge Peggy Hoffman ’86.
Hoffman currently serves on the Bishop Lynch
Advisory Board and presently oversees Criminal
Court 9 in the Dallas County Courthouse. For more
information on the Bishop Lynch Mock Trial Team,
please visit www.bishoplynch.org.
Physics fun at BL
Each year, students in Mrs. Destiny Wagner’s
physics class complete a project in which they
build a hovercraft. Through this project, students
learn how to reduce friction and apply other forces
in order to propel their crafts across a distance of
approximately 100 meters. Each lab group is given
the task of building their hovercraft, powered by an
electric leaf blower, out of a circular piece of wood
four feet in diameter and a thick plastic cover. On
the due date, lab groups assemble in the atrium of
the school in order to test their projects. Students
then answer questions about how the physics
they have learned applies to the hovercraft. Extra
points are awarded to the most decorative/creative
hovercraft as voted by classmates.
Elizabeth Feroze ’10
A
c ad e m i c s
BL Student Tech Team spends summer preparing school for 08-09 year
Although the calendar indicated that summer was
well underway, a small group of dedicated students
spent their vacation readying Bishop Lynch High
School for the 2008-2009 school year.
The dozen or so members of the school’s
“Student Tech Team” diligently worked at removing
the 300+ computers from classrooms, cleaning
them, refurbishing them and even installing new
software. This volunteer service experience is
a fun way of learning outside the confines of a
classroom. According to senior Kate Wells, there is
no better job.
“This has been such a rewarding and
educational experience,” said
Kate. “We’re learning not
only about computers, but
also about responsibility and
accountability.”
Over 400 hours of donated
time was accumulated in just
one month, and by the end of
July, the students’ hard work
represented approximately
600 man-hours.
The Computer Networking
Lab Assistant course counts
as an elective credit and
is designed to provide
Student Technicians for the
Department of Technology.
Bishop Lynch High School
maintains its position as a college preparatory
school by keeping up with the ever changing
landscape of technology. “As we outgrow our
use of certain equipment, we look for Diocesan
elementary schools who might benefit from the
donation,” said Technology Director Gray Huggins.
“This year, St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St.
Augustine School, both in East Dallas, are receiving
Dell computers.”
According to Elizabeth Degelia of St. Bernard
School, “The acquisition of Bishop Lynch computers
will allow further enhancement to the St. Bernard
School technology program. The computers will be
available for use by all of our students.”
For several years Mr. Huggins has supervised
the Student Techs as they complete their summer
assignment. As part of the overall class, the
students learn the various technologies required to
operate a business the size of Bishop Lynch High
School, but they also learn about honesty, integrity
and ethics. “In addition to the knowledge and
skills each student is obtaining, we feel that they
are being prepared for a life of service,” remarked
Huggins.
Jennifer Makins ’98 serves as education
specialist for branch of NASA
Jennifer Makins ’98, daughter of Anne Barry
Makins ’67, is currently serving as the Education
Associate for the Exploration Systems Mission
Directorate (ESMD) at NASA Headquarters in
downtown Washington, D.C. Jenn is working for
the division of NASA focused on developing the
rockets and technology needed to reach the goal
of returning humans to the moon by 2020. The
management teams for the new rockets, Ares I and
Ares V are based at NASA Headquarters, though
engineering teams around the country are hard at
work developing the hardware.
Jenn uses her scientific background and
teaching experience on a daily basis to help
manage a portfolio of educational products ranging
from K-12, undergraduate, graduate and informal
education.
Coming from private education, she uses all
of her influence to encourage NASA or at least
ESMD to reach out to the independent schools and
teachers. After coming to D.C., Jenn found her way
to NASA as a result of her work
pursuing a M.A. in International
Science & Technology Policy
with special emphasis in
Space Policy at The George
Washington University Space
Policy Institute. Jenn is on track
to graduate in May 2009.
Recently, she was in
Indianapolis as part of the NASA team at the
51st Girl Scout National Convention, and was
responsible for organizing the appearance of
astronaut Sunita Williams. In November, Jenn
joined a number of her NASA colleagues at a
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) education weekend Expo, celebrating
NASA’s 50th Anniversary.
When not at NASA, Jenn works as a graduate
research assistant for the Director of the Space
Policy Institute on campus. The team there is in the
midst of planning a series of events that will bring
together a number of the leading domestic and
international experts in the space policy community.
She also has the opportunity to guest lecture
for one of the undergraduate U.S. Space Policy
courses from time to time.
Jenn currently has an offer to join the staff at the
University of Maryland at Baltimore County (UMBC)
for a year after graduation. She is also celebrating
a recent personal achievement, completion of the
Marine Corps Marathon.
Reflections
Lady Friars Volleyball captures 2008 TAPPS 5A State Championship
On Saturday, November 8, the Lady Friars volleyball team brought home
the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 5A State
Championship by defeating the Shamrocks of Incarnate Word in five sets, 25-20,
23-25, 25-12, 24-26 and 15-11. This is only the second time in school history
that the volleyball team has brought home the state title.
Until this game, the Lady Friars had been “sweeping” (winning in three sets)
nearly every team they played. But, the Shamrocks would not be so easy.
“Incarnate Word was relentless,” said Lady Friars Head Coach Tricia Roos.
“But I knew
that we would
not give up.
I knew the
girls wanted it
more.”
It had
been some
time since
the Lady
Friars went
to five games
in a match.
In fact, the
team, in
its last 12
games before
the state
title game,
had won 36
of the last
37 games,
sweeping
all but one
opponent.
Coach Tricia Roos and the 2008 TAPPS 5A Volleyball
State Champions
Caitlin Noonan ’11, Erica Lovig ’09,
Mia Moorehead ’09, Alex Behne ’09 and
Kristen Ring ’09
20 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
The last time the team had lost was on August 30 to Plano West.
“It was a great challenge for us,” continued Roos. “But, in the last game,
Sara (Lewis) earned back-to-back points and when Jessica (Jiles) got a huge
kill, I knew that was it.”
Indeed it was. According to Roos, the momentum shifted with great plays in
the fifth set by middle blockers Sara Lewis and University of Texas – Arlington
(UTA) signee Jessica Jiles, as well as Louisiana State University (LSU)
commitment, outside hitter Meghan Mannari.
“The 10th point was the biggest of the whole game,” Roos explained.
“Meghan went in to the bench to play a shanked ball, Becky (Wallander) hit it
over and Incarnate Word hit it out. It was a huge point.”
From then on, there was little Incarnate Word could do. The match ended
when the Shamrocks hit an attack in to the net, and the Lady Friars won the
match 15 - 11.
During this great season, the team defeated top public schools in the area
such as Arlington Martin, Colleyville Heritage, Hurst L.D. Bell and Allen, proving
themselves deserving of their spot as the number one ranked private school in
the state.
Roos said the high hopes for the team began last year.
“Since the last game of last year, there was a lot of anticipation for this year’s
playoffs to start,” she said. “It is nice to sit back now and realize we achieved
our goal.”
Despite the impressive record and sweeping most of the matches, it was not
necessarily an easy road. The team’s district is comprised of some of the top
private-school competition in the state and verifies the dominating prowess of
this team.
In the end, junior Michelle Carson led the team in assists, Mannari led in
digs, Jiles led in blocks and junior Becky Wallander led the team in kills.
Mannari and Wallander were named TAPPS 1st Team All-State, Jiles and
Carson were named 2nd Team All-State. For the district, Mannari was named
Most Valuable Player and 1st Team All-District; also earning 1st Team AllDistrict honors were Wallander, Jiles and Carson. Carson was also named the
District Newcomer of the Year. Junior Lauren Nevitt was named 2nd Team
All-District. Senior Katie Plunk and junior Lewis received District Honorable
Mention honors.
Girls Cross Country takes second place in TAPPS
By Erin Barrington ’11
The Lady Friars Cross Country team finished a
respectable second place in the Texas Association
of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) District
5A state competition in Waco, TX on October 18.
The Lady Friars had five team members finish in
the top 20 runners. Senior Alex Behne led the Lady
Friars finishing in sixth place. Sophomore Caitlin
Noonan followed in fourteenth place. Seniors Mia
Moorehead and Kristen Ring were close behind
in 15th and 17th respectively. Senior Erica Lovig
finished in 19th.
State first place went to Ursuline Academy with
48 points. Lynch had 66 points. Antonian from San
Antonio came in third place with 76 points.
One of the key elements of this girls team that
separates them from others, noted by Cross
Country Coach Billy Clark, is that they were all
driven as an entire group.
Coach Clark explained that although the boys
did not fare well at the state meet, they did show
strong efforts throughout the whole season.
In district, sophomore David Ippolito led the boys
team finishing in sixth place. Senior Brandon Holy
finished in the top 20 in the 15th position.
Both the boys and girls team members stated
how their coaches play a big role in their success
and achievement of their goals.
“They really push you and Coach Clark makes
you work hard, but gets his point across in a laid
back way,” said sophomore Anthony Liberto.
Athletics
Friars football advance to TAPPS 5A State Finals
Adapted from an article by Meg Stewart ’09
For the first time in five years, the Bishop Lynch Friars
made an appearance in the TAPPS 5A State Finals
against district rival Nolan Catholic High School.
Despite a 0-20 loss in the final game, the football
team and coaches have a lot to be proud of after an
impressive season.
The weeks leading up to the state finals included
some of the best football in Bishop Lynch history. The
Friars solidified their place in the state game with a
convincing win over San Antonio’s Central Catholic.
The game started with an amazing play by sophomore
Mark Czaus as he returned the opening kickoff 87
yards for the first touchdown. From that moment on,
the Friars dominated the game, crushing Central
Catholic 42-8.
None could forget the second playoff game, as the
Friars defeated two-time defending state champions
Houston St. Pius on their home turf. The Friars had
364 total yards on offense, resulting in the 43-28 win
over the Panthers. Among the Friars’ six trips to the
end zone, were junior Nathan Packard’s interception
return, and a fumble recovery by senior Dion Chidozie.
Head Coach Bill Persinger and his coaches spent
the week preparing the team for everything St. Pius
might offer up. But, perhaps it was the strength and
conditioning from throughout the season that really
made the difference. By several accounts, the Friars
were hardly winded and were able to outplay the
Panthers.
Along with the physical conditioning and strength
of the team, the boys’ mental toughness also withheld
throughout the game.
“The kids played like a team and did not get caught
up in the intimidation of all SPX antics,” Persinger said.
The momentum for the Friars could be traced back
to the district match-up against Grapevine Faith.
On Halloween night, the Friars played a quadruple
overtime game with the Lions, and secured second
place in district with the vital win.
The first half ended 7-21 with Grapevine Faith in
the lead, but after the coaches made some crucial
defensive and offensive adjustments the Friars came
back to tie the game 21-21.
After three overtimes, the fourth finally ended the
game with a Friar win of 35-29.
Although there were ups and downs in the game
versus the Lions, the coaches and team kept a
positive outlook.
“During the game, when it looked its worst, I felt
stronger than I ever have that something good was
going to happen,” Persinger said. “It’s just one of
those weird feelings you get, I just knew we were
going to be OK.”
Persinger is very proud of his team and all their
accomplishments throughout this exciting season.
“We might not have been the biggest, or the strongest,
or whatever,” Persinger said. “But we are a team. We
played as a team. I believe that.”
The 2008-2009 BL Cheerleaders and Mascots
won numerous awards and accolades at the
UCA competition this summer including the
JV Cheerleaders Awards and Accolades:
Senior Brandtley Adams scores a touchdown after his
interception versus Central Catholic.
Cheer team wins big at UCA competition
BEACH BALL AWARD, recognizing the team
as having the most spirit during the pep rally. In
addition, they also were awarded 20 spirit sticks
and 18 superior ribbons!
Superior Squad Award and 2nd Place in the Camp
Champion Cheer
Freshmen Cheerleaders Awards and Accolades:
Most Improved Squad Award
Varsity Cheerleaders Awards and Accolades:
The following were recognized as UCA AllStars (given to less than 10% of the nationwide
participants at UCA camp): Maggie Barton, Kelsie
Cale, Sammie Dunlop, Nicole Flynn, Kristin Hurt,
Kelsey McClintick, John Moore, Nicole O’Bryant and
Kelsey Ring.
Varsity Mascot Awards and Accolades:
In addition, Head Coach Dr. Jennifer Hudson
Allen, JV Coach Stephanie Lopez and Freshman
Coach Brittany Hurt ’05 completed the UCA 5
Star Coaches Education Program, which includes
teambuilding, leadership development, coaching,
programming and public relations.
Xtreme Routine Champions, Home Pom Routine
Champions and Superior Squad Award. Kristin Hurt
was named the 2008 UCA Camp Jump Off Grand
Champion, and John Moore was the 2008 UCA
Camp Safety Award Recipient.
Hippo Award Winners - Most Mascot School Spirit,
Tradition Award Winners and Camp Mascot
Champions. Sammie Dunlop was named the 2008
UCA Camp Mascot Jump Champion.
Golf Tournament
Jake ’02, Jerry ’77 and Jeremy Hebert ’96
The 16th Annual Bishop Lynch Golf Classic
benefiting student athletes and athletic facilities,
took place on Monday, September 29, 2008, at
Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, TX. The
tournament was hosted by Bishop Lynch alum
and pro-golfer, Matt Weibring ’98, who took
over hosting responsibilities from his father, D.A.
Weibring three years ago.
Weibring conducted a short clinic prior to the
tournament’s shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. The
evening events included dinner, provided by
Salerno’s Restaurant (Mike Salerno ’72), raffle and
auction. Auction items drawing a lot of attention
were items signed by Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson,
Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.
Along with The Bishop Lynch Athletic Booster
Club and countless volunteers, both the Bishop
Lynch boys and girls golf teams took part in
this fundraising effort. Both teams have much
to be proud of, as each ended last season on a
high note. The girls’ team won the 2008 State
Championship led by then sophomore Amy
Ruengmateekhun, two-time Dallas Morning
News Player of the Year, and two-time individual
state champion. The Bishop Lynch boys’ team
player, Paul McConnell, achieved his second
individual state championship, a feat that was last
accomplished in 1996 and 1997 by tournament
host Matt Weibring. Players interacted with the
Bishop Lynch golf teams at the tournament through
the opportunity to purchase a tee shot from the
high school players on specific holes.
The tournament was a huge success, raising
over $31,000 for the BL Booster Club!
Reflections
BL Graduate – Grand Prize Winner of
$15K Citi Scholarship
As you read about on page 10 of this issue, a group of
Bishop Lynch and other private school students went to
Honduras on an important mission trip during the summer
of 2008. In order to make the pilgrimage to Honduras,
the students were solely responsible for raising the funds
themselves. Graduate Mary Buechler ’08, decided to submit
the story of her fundraising challenge in the Citigroup Inc.
scholarship application, and in August of 2008 was awarded
the Grand Prize earning her $15,000!
The premise of the scholarship was for high school
students to describe a situation in which they were faced
with fiscal responsibility and used financial management to
achieve a significant goal. In the 500-word essay, Buechler
explained that “solid financial backing is the foundation of
every major endeavor,” and that the labyrinth of monetary
planning and fundraising is ultimately about presentation and
persistence.
Mary Buechler ’08 and Lauren Rasch (Ursuline ’08) in the church of Guadalupe Carne bonding
Congratulations, Mary on this exciting achievement!
with two local girls.
Teacher joins volunteer corps, wants no regrets
By Jenna Teter ’03 on August 8, 2008. Printed with permission from the Texas Catholic.
On August 9, Tiffany Ahlfors ’00 will get on a
plane to San Diego, CA and won’t look back.
Ahlfors, who taught seventh grade at Our Lady of
Perpetual Help for two years, is going to volunteer
for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, or JVC, for the next
year.
Ahlfors had always wanted to volunteer, and
when JVC recruiters came to the University of
Dallas campus during her senior year she was very
much interested in the program. But, because of
commitments she still had here, she put the idea in
the back of her mind until now. She had considered
volunteer opportunities in the Peace Corps, but
liked the Catholic tradition of the JVC.
“I think that working at a Catholic school has put
me more in a situation to see what kind of people I
may be helping there (in San Diego), so it is more
real. Working with that community has made me
want to go work with other communities,” Ahlfors
said.
Another big part of her decision is the fact that
she has enough money saved up now and she is
OK with the fact that she will not be making any for
a year.
The Corps pays for room and board for all of
its volunteers, and Ahlfors will live in a house with
five others. Although she will get an $85 stipend
per month to spend on whatever she wants, a
larger sum of money will be pooled together by her
roommates for food and other necessities for the
week.
22 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
There are four values in the JVC program –
simple living, community, spirituality and social
justice. As part of the community lifestyle and
spirituality aspect, a different person is responsible
for cooking dinner and leading prayer every night
of the week.
To live a simple life, volunteers are only allowed
to bring one suitcase and one backpack with them
initially. Although it is hard for Ahlfors to give up
things such as the car her dad bought her when
she was a sophomore in college and shoes for
walking, she says that it is liberating.
“It is a good excuse to clean out stuff. It feels
good. It is empowering and freeing. I sold my couch
and it was not so much the fact that I got the money
for it; it was more the fact I did not have to think
about it anymore. Your mind is a lot less cluttered
when you have fewer things to deal with,” Ahlfors
said.
The JVC is a national and international
organization that was started in 1956 and has
become the largest Catholic lay volunteer program
in the country. Volunteers work in a variety of
communities, serving those with the greatest
needs. They work with people who are poor,
unemployed, refugees, street youth, elderly, abuse
victims and people living with AIDS.
In all, about 250 JVs work in the United States
each year and in seven countries. Volunteers report
to the agency they get assigned each day, which
is based on what they want to do and what the
program thinks
would be a good
fit for them, and
work from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
“I am sure
there is going to
be a shock factor.
I think I am going
to really miss my
family. I spend
so much time
with my family,
especially my nephew and it is going to be hard
to be away from them. But I think it is going to be
really fun,” Ahlfors said. “This is not a choice that
a lot of people make, but if you really feel called to
go and try something different, you should. I do not
want to live in regret.”
Hundreds of grassroots organizations across the
country count on JVCs to provide essential services
to low-income people and those who live on the
margins of society.
As for what she plans to do when she gets back,
Ahlfors says she is leaving it in God’s hands.
“I like leaving it up to chance like that. I am trying
not to plan too far for the future,” Ahlfors said. “I
know that no matter what happens when I get
there, no matter what happens next year with
my job or with my roommates, I will know I am
supposed to be there.”
Alumni Volunteering Around
the
Golbe
My Excellent Semester
A Letter Home
Albert Einstein said, “Only a
life lived for others is a life
worthwhile.” I got my chance to
help others this year. For the
second semester of my senior
year, I went to Lang Middle
School and tutored sixth grade
kids in math. I would not want to be a teacher. All
the kids were fun, but many were hard to teach.
I went to Mrs. Allen’s room and tutored a big
group of boys in math. Some of them were very
smart, but had no motivation. Unfortunately, Mrs.
Allen retired after Christmas break, and there was
a stream of different teachers throughout the rest of
the year. Consistency would probably have helped
these kids a lot.
The building was new, the faculty and staff were
good at disciplining the kids, and the curriculum
was good also. All the students had to come in
through the back door every day and have their
bags checked, and they had to go through a metal
detector. It seemed like a pretty safe place.
We were talking to some of the kids about petty
fights, and they said they happen almost every day.
I was there three days a week for more than an hour
each day, and I never felt threatened or saw any
fights or other signs of danger.
There will always be problems and rumors at any
large school like Lang, but it is a good school. The
kids are good at sports, the academics are pretty
good and the kids are fun.
Many of the kids are from low-income families.
These kids don’t have the luxury of a computer
in their homes to look up answers for school – or
money for tutoring if they don’t get a subject.
I will miss the boys I tutored now that the school
year has ended.
There’s a Bible verse that says, “When ye are in
the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the
service of your God.” What I learned at Lang was
more valuable than some simple math equations.
I now realize that I can actually enjoy community
service and not just go through the motions to get
some requirement done.
I recommend this to the other people who are
looking for a way to make a difference in our
community’s schools. Look up the Dallas ISD
website and click on “Volunteer.”
You’ll be glad you did.
Dear Bishop Lynch Family,
I began applying for the Peace Corps while I was a junior in college, but it was something I had been
thinking about since my days at BL. Following a long application process I found out I would be moving to
Ukraine just three months after I graduated from SMU. I quickly bought a lot of winter clothes, and packed
up everything into two bags for a new, crazy adventure. I only knew one word in Russian, “goodbye,”
because of the animated movie “Anastasia,” and just a few simple words in the Ukrainian that I tried to
study before I left the States.
It’s been almost eight months since I moved to Ukraine. I have lost count of all the Russian words I
know. I was sent to a small city, Dzhankoy, in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. I will be working here
as a Youth Development Volunteer until May 2010.
I currently work at a vocational school for 14-18 year-old students and also at the local orphanage. I
love working with the kids, and getting to travel so much around the country for different work related
activities.
My English club at the vocational school I work at would love to exchange cultural questions through
letters with America. Crimea has become a focus in world news recently in the wake of the Russian
and Georgian war, as most of the region of Crimea is ethnically Russian. Crimea had been specifically
mentioned in the U.S. presidential debates, and I think that students from America might be very interested
in hearing their personal opinions on the situation.
My students that I work with at the orphanage are boys ages 10-15, but the orphanage itself houses 150
children. At 16 they are legally required to leave the orphanage, and many, if not most, turn to life on the
streets with nowhere else to go. A letter from America, even though they do not study English, would mean
so much to them. I
could translate the
letter to Russian for
them, and then their
responses back into
English. They often
believe that no one
cares about them, as
most of their parents
are still alive and
signed away their rights
to the state. Disabilities
here are viewed as a
burden; many mentally/
physically disabled
children are given
up to the orphanage
for care. There is an
overall negative stigma
about the orphans within
the community, forcing them to live on the edge of town. There seems to be an “out of sight, out of mind”
mentality. Many Ukrainians even comment that they cannot believe that I work there, as the children are
so “dangerous.”
I am working on getting a Partnership Grant completed and passed through Peace Corps to buy the
orphanage new books and toys for the Orthodox Ukrainian Christmas in early January. When I am finished
writing the grant I would be happy to send the link out for others to donate money online for the project. If
any families or friends of Bishop Lynch students would care to donate online every little bit helps, since
currently one dollar equals five and a half grvs.
Or if you would like to send any school supplies, clothing items, or letters directly my address is:
Main Post Office, P.O. Box #2
Dzhankoy, A.R. Crimea, Ukraine, 96100
Or the easiest way to reach me is by e-mail: [email protected].
Thanks so much everyone and take care!
Lindsay Golder ’04
I helped DISD students with math and learned
something myself, says Adam Gibbens ’08
As written by Adam Gibbens and published in the
Dallas Morning News on June 12, 2008.
Reflections
Christine Hansen Ragan ’66 and her husband
own an upscale men’s clothing store in Inwood
Village. They have 3 children. Michael Ragan
’88 was the first child of an alumnus to graduate
from Bishop Lynch. Michael is an orthodontist with
offices in Preston Center and Lakewood. He has
2 daughters, Abby and Caroline and is married
to Cindy Arata Ragan ’90. Christine’s daughter
Julia Ragan Roberts ’91 and husband Rex have
a daughter, Katelyn. Amy Ragan Copeland ’96 is
married and currently lives in Masawa, Japan with
her husband Heath. They are both Captains and
dentists in the US Air Force.
Barbara Vlk Lingberg ’66 recently received
a promotion to Computer Software Program
Manager for The FAA’s Aircraft Certification
Service in Washington, D.C. Her responsibilities
include writing policy for safety critical software in
aircraft, international harmonization with other civil
authorities, developing training, and sponsoring
R&D to address safety critical software issues.
Mary Bennett Garcia ’67 was taught by
Monsignor Charles King at Bishop Lynch in 10th
grade Religion. He is now her boss at Immaculate
Conception Church in Denton, where Monsignor
has served as pastor for 8 years. Mary has worked
at ICC since 1975. Monsignor King celebrated 50
years as a priest last December at 75 years old.
Nicholas Richardson ’70 and his wife celebrated
their 31st wedding anniversary in July. Their
daughter Emily is living in Dallas. She works at
Southwest Airlines, and will graduate in the fall with
a Marketing degree from The University of North
Texas. Their son is a Communications Arts major at
The University of Oklahoma.
Stephanie Landregan ’71 has recently taken the
position of Director of the Landscape Architecture
Program at UCLA Extension. Stephanie previously
worked for 9 years with the Mountains Recreation
and Conservation Authority as their Chief
Landscape Architect. She is thrilled about her new
position and coming full circle to work at UCLA
Extension in landscape architecture.
Michelle Grattan Kelly ’73 is the proud mother of 2
BL graduates. Matthew John Smith ’04 is a senior
at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.
He is a student advisor and is a member of the
fraternity Sigma Nu. Matthew has been featured on
billboards in Waco and Denton, and on postcards
for Midwestern. Michael Ray Smith ’06 is a junior
at Texas State University in San Marcos. He is a
member of the fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha.
24 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Mark Armentrout ’73 is a board member for Big
Brothers Big Sisters, an Advisory Board Chair
for Serenity High School, and has been a board
member for UNT Information Systems for 24 years.
Mark has been at ARCO for 6 years.
Larry Nichol ’73 expanded his woodworking
business in January 2008 to include a related, yet
different field of expertise. His new company name
is Deco Renovations.
Julie Schmidt Dannhardt ’76 is the mother of
Evan Dannhardt (Central Catholic High School
Class of ‘08). Evan was the winning pitcher in
Central Catholic’s baseball playoff victory over
Bishop Lynch in San Antonio in May 2008.
David McCullough ’77 received a promotion to
Full Professor in April 2008 and was elected Fellow
at Iowa Academy of Science.
Virginia Morrison Love ‘79 continues to love
living in Colorado and representing the business
community in the state, but sure misses Texas
and her childhood friends. Her education and
relationships from BL continue to serve her very
well in life.
Don Jaresh ’83 serves on various civic and
community boards and committees, having been
the 2007-2008 Men’s Club president at St. Pius X
Parish. He is currently a member of the BL School
Board. Don challenges ALL alumni to get involved
in the BL Community!
Darlene Doxey Ellison’s ’84 role as the Business
Development Officer for Professional Bank,
N.A., allowed her to create a unique business
development strategic
plan that focuses
on niche positioning
and High Touch
customer service.
She is the founder
and coordinator
of two award
winning “Women in
Business” community
organizations that
help women business owners and executives gain
personal and professional growth. As an extension
of these programs, she has also created the Future
Women In Business internship program for college–
aged women.
Darlene’s personal and professional journey
led her to become an expert and consultant on
overcoming obstacles and building meaningful
alliances. Today, through her motivational speaking,
workshops, executive retreats and consulting, she
helps businesses, organizations and associations
transform and empower their employees and
members with High Touch Alliances™.
Darlene is currently working on two books, due
for release in 2009. Please visit her website at
www.darleneellison.com for further information.
Aside from launching her new business, this
year’s highlights included marrying her husband
Scott and having her son Austin start his freshman
year at BL.
Sharon Fagan Marsh ’84 was recognized for 3
years of active volunteer service at In-Sync Exotics,
an exotic cat sanctuary in Wylie, TX, in August
2008. For the past 2-1/2 years, Sharon has served
as a weekly feeder for the facility’s nearly 40 cats,
which include lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and
bobcats. Sharon is also an adoptive parent to a
12-year-old cougar named Cerella at the sanctuary.
Amy Crouch Dorsey ’86 is now a stay at home
mom with four beautiful kids: Hannah 12, Hilary
10, Grayson 9 and Sarah 3. Amy home-schools
her children and loves it! In her spare time,
Amy volunteers for the CPLC (Catholic Pro Life
Committee) through Project Gabriel. She also
has a little business called Welcome Home
Decor & More. The company website is www.
welcomehomedecorandmore.com. Amy consults on
decor, party planning and home-staging.
Correction from a previous issue: Frank
Velez, III ’88 is the Vice President of Program
Management for JPMorgan Chase. He is the
current Treasurer for the JPMorgan Adelante Board
and also serves as a Board Member for the St. Pius
X Student Advisory Council. Frank and his wife
Cristina live in Rowlett with their sons Frankie - 9
and Jesse Anthony - 5.
Brian Smith ’89 and his family have moved from
Texas to Missouri to take a new position with a
small, growing company that supplies materials to
the chip-making industry. All 3 of Brian’s children
are now enrolled at St. Pat’s Elementary School in
Rolla, MO.
Paul Wilson ’90 has taught Philosophy since 2003,
with his main appointment being at Texas State
University. Paul also teaches Philosophy courses
at Austin Community College. Paul plays music
semi-professionally. Recordings of his original
compositions can be found at www.myspace.
com/PaulWilsonmusic or www.myspace.com/
ThePaulWilsonProject.
Class Notes
Sharyl Diveley Terhall ’91 volunteers for the
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (DFW Chapter)
and the Frisco Humane Society.
Jeff Benson ’96 celebrated his 30th birthday and
was promoted to Sales Manager of Promove in
August of 2007.
Jennifer Gamez Whitten ’91 graduated with a BA
in Psychology from UTSA in 1997. After a 5-year
career as an event planner, she began design
school and in May of 2008 she received her AS
in Interior Design. Jennifer has been featured in
several magazines including a nationally published
magazine focusing on her Mexican American
Heritage. She works for Hatch Design Group,
a high profile hospitality interior design firm in
Southern California. She is a member of Phi Theta
Kappa, an Allied member of ASID, and a member
of IIDA, CLCID and NEWH. She resides with her
husband of 8 years (Scott Whitten) just outside
Laguna Beach, CA.
Peter Adamczyk ’97 recently completed a PhD
in Mechanical Engineering at the University of
Michigan, researching new designs for prosthetic
feet. He is currently running a startup company to
continue his research.
Mary Stone Merchant ’93 has 2 sons, Braden
Reaves, 4, and Landry Klein, 1. Mary teaches
math in the
upper school
at The John
Cooper School
and she and
her family live in
The Woodlands
(photo right).
Anisa Robinson ’94 has worked in the non-profit
industry for over 5 years and is now taking a break
to explore event management and hotel sales.
Anisa is back to doing what she loves as the
Director of the Rocky Mountain chapter of Team in
Training in Denver, CO.
Anthony Raya ’97 graduated with Masters Degree
in Education in December 2007. Anthony has a
1-year-old son, Dash Michael Raya.
Erin Starr White ’97 graduated with a Masters of
Arts (Art History) from Texas Christian University
in May 2008. She presented a paper at the British
Association of Art Historians in London in April of
2008.
Cara Colgin ’98 will marry Spencer Smith in Playa
del Carmen, Mexico on April 4, 2009.
Maritza S. Nasseri ’98 is an occupational therapist.
She and her husband reside in Allen.
Sheradon Robbins ’01 was recently accepted into
Graduate School at UT Arlington. She is pursuing
a Masters in Science and a Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner degree. Sheradon passed the CPN
(Certified Pediatric Nurse) exam in May 2008. She
also purchased a house in April 2008.
Allison Brown Silveus ’01 received her Masters
at UNT Health Science Center. She then began
working at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Allison
and her husband, Jorge, are expecting their first
baby on January 12, 2009.
Jennifer Crane ’01 graduated from Notre Dame
Law School in May 2008 and will be working as
a tax associate at True Partners Consulting in
Chicago.
Christina Zitaglio ’01 is beginning her 4th year at
the American Cancer Society. Christina is in her
2nd year of grad school in pursuit of a Masters
Degree in counseling.
Jacob Wiley ’02 is currently serving in Afghanistan.
Natalie Miller ’02 is living and working in Los
Angeles, California, as an Associate Producer for
the TV show The Hills on MTV. Natalie graduated
from Loyola University - New Orleans in 2006.
Julienne Bacani Dressel ’02 graduated from
Baylor University in May 2006 with a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing. Julienne is currently working in
the adult ICU at a San Antonio Hospital, and plans
to receive her Master of Science in Nursing in May
2010.
Carlee Colgin Boles DDS ’95, a graduate of
The University of Texas San Antonio lives in San
Antonio with husband Jim and daughter Payton.
Stephanie Rousso ’95 recently completed her
second year of employment with the State of
Florida as Fish and Wildlife Biologist Level IV.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology
from California State University and has completed
a graduate marine ecology seminar series at San
Diego State University. She is a Certified PADI
Assistant SCUBA Instructor and Medic First Aid
Instructor. Stephanie resides in Jacksonville. She
is currently pursuing a few related side careers:
photojournalism, wildlife photography, Ethnobiology
and teaching.
Emily Roberts Cole ’96 and her husband Bobby
live in Allen, TX where Emily is a small animal
veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Collin County.
Cadet Gregory Robinson Seguin ’04 graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on May 31.
Pictured at graduation are Gregory, Captain Joseph Seguin ’98, former Captain Rachel Seguin ’93,
and former Captain Alexander Seguin ’92. The Seguin family is one of only 10 families in U.S. history
to have four siblings attend and graduate from the academy since its establishment in 1802. While
at West Point, Seguin concentrated his studies in Economics, and was one of 100 candidates from
across the country that year to receive a presidential appointment. He was commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Finance Corps branch and will report to Fort Bliss, in El Paso for
his first assignment.
Reflections
Jessica Dunn ’02 wrote a masters file paper on
the effect of massage therapy on the behavior
of children with Down Syndrome. Jessica is a
Resident Assistant of a house for college students
with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She accepted
an internship with Canada’s Down Syndrome
Research Foundation.
Perrin Scudder ’02 began a year of teaching the
English language to Korean children while living in
Anson, South Korea on May 3, 2008. Please visit
Pscudder06.googlepages.com for his online log
and videos from Korea.
Erica L. Gonzalez ’04 graduated from Texas
A&M in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special
Education.
Ryan Horning ’04 graduated Summa Cum Laude
in May 2008 from Texas A&M. He received a
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
and a Master of Science Degree in Accounting from
Mays Business School. Ryan is currently employed
with KPMG Accounting Firm in Dallas.
Ashleigh Allison ’02 graduated from North Texas’
Medical Technology School and is ASCP certified.
Dominique Leuenberger ’04 completed an
internship in Zurich, Switzerland in the summer of
2007. Dominique then completed an internship in
Geneva, Switzerland in the summer of 2008. She
also received the Dallas Alumni Scholarship.
Lorenzo Cola ’02 has been selected to move to
Pittsburgh, PA to start an office for his employer
Dale Resources. Lorenzo has been with the
company for 2 years.
Jessica Minnich ’04 graduated from Loyola
University in Chicago in the spring of 2008. Jessica
graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science
in Education.
Matthew Fisher ’03 graduated from UNT with a
BA in Theatre Arts in May 2008. He has completed
extras work for two films and is the supporting role
of “Daney” in the winter-release independent movie
THROWN.
Amanda Nitschke ’04 graduated from Texas A&M
University in May 2008.
Nick Huggins ‘03 is in his 3rd year at UT
Southwestern Medical School. His new bride,
Marika Crocket, is in her first year at UT
Southwestern’s Physical Therapy program. Both
graduated from TAMU, College Station in 2006.
Brittany Pirozzolo ’05 received the Cleo Cross
International Scholarship from OU to study abroad
this past semester. She attended the University
of Sienna at Arezzo whereby all her classes were
taught in Italian. With this traveling study-program,
she had the opportunity to visit many places in Italy.
She spent the summer on an excavation project at
Coriglia near Orvieto, Italy on an archeological dig
with students from Saint Anshelm College and OU.
Jenna Zibton ‘03 was promoted to managing
editor in addition to her anchoring duties after only
one year at WDHN TV, an ABC affiliate in Dothan,
AL. During the past year, she has reported on First
Lady Laura Bush’s visit to Enterprise, AL, a US
Congressional election, interviewed Taylor Hicks,
Darryl Worley, Trace Adkins and several governors.
Margot Landen ‘03 has spent the past 2 years
working in Hollywood on movies and photo shoots.
Margot works in the editing and commercial
advertisement industry. She just recently started a
photography company which is now her full-time job.
Zachary Torgersen ‘03 graduated Cum Laude from
Creighton University. He was a top scholar in the
Classics department and fulfilled requirements for
honors and pre-med. Zachary received a scholarship to
continue at Creighton for medical school. He spent the
summer of 2008 doing research on osteoporosis. He is
an organizer for the Make a Wish Run and is active in
intramural soccer, basketball and running events.
26 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Alexandra Grinaldi ’05 graduated one year early
from A&M.
Stephanie Johnson ’05 graduated a year early
from Chatham University, and is currently enrolled in
a Materials Science and Engineering PhD program
at Drexel University. She was recently notified that
she was the recipient of a Computational Materials
Science and Engineering GAAN Fellowship.
Lance Corporal Jeremy P. Miranda ’06, USMC, has
recently been reassigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines
Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He has worked with the
S-1 Administrational/Personnel side of the battalion
and previously at 3rd Marine Regiment. He will deploy
to Iraq again in late August. Lance Corporal Miranda
will be deployed for 7 months, and should return from
deployment between March and April of 2009.
Russell Burgess ’06 is an intern with the Dallas
Cowboys as a sophomore at SMU. He also played
football for SMU his freshman year.
Irma Sierra ’07 was on the dean’s list her freshman
year at the University of Alabama and was inducted
into the University’s Honors College last spring.
She was honored by her sorority Delta Zeta for her
academic achievements.
Kaitlin Burton ’08 received The Communities
Foundation of Texas College Scholarship shortly
after graduating from Bishop Lynch in May 2008.
Kaitlin is grateful to Mrs. Mehlman and other faculty
members of Bishop Lynch who were instrumental in
helping her receive this scholarship. Upon arriving
at the University of Arkansas, Kaitlin received U of A
Scholarships towards the many camps necessary
to bond with faculty and other students. While at
U of A, she has been elected to the Hall Senate and
is active in several clubs.
Celeste Clayton ’08 was elected president of the
student council for the School of Architecture at the
University at Kansas.
Weddings
Jeff Benson ’96 married Ellen Hagood of Ursuline,
class of ’98, on January 20, 2007.
Emily Roberts Cole ’96 married Bobby Cole on
March 6, 2008 in Las Vegas.
Charles Corley ’99 and wife, Casey, were married
on May 31, 2008.
Erica L. Gonzalez ’04 was married to Andrew C.
Kaskow, Second Lieutenant, United States Army,
on June 28, 2008.
Nick Huggins ’03 was married in August to
Marika Crocket.
Maritza S. Nasseri
’98 married
Leonardo Acosta
on July 19, 2008
(photo left).
Erin Starr White
’97 married Brady
W. White of Fort
Worth on June 2,
2007.
Amanda Nitschke
’04 was married to
Travis Northcutt on
August 17, 2007
(photo right).
Class Notes
Births
Peter Adamczyk ’97 and his wife Marianne
welcomed their first child, Cecilia Rose, in April
2007.
Carlee Colgin Boles ’95 and her husband Jim are
proud to announce the birth of Payton Rose Boles
born August 18, 2008.
Khoury Cline Danner ’95 and husband Jason
welcomed Emma Lane Danner on June 2, 2008.
Emma joins big sister Tristyn, who is 3 ½ years-old.
Julienne Bacani Dressel ’02 and husband,
Nicholas welcomed their first child in September
2008.
Laura Palomares DooLittle ’87 has worked for
Dell Inc. for 14 years. She and her husband John
welcomed their first child in June.
Scott Grimes
’96 and Ashley
Linex Grimes
’96 welcomed
a daughter,
Chloe Cecilia,
on January 28,
2008 (photo above).
In Loving Memory
Current Student
Adam James Wyrostka ’09 went to be with the
Lord on May 21, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial
was held on May 27, 2008 at St. Michael the
Archangel Catholic Church. Donations may be
made to the Adam James Wyrostka Scholarship
Fund at Good Shepherd Catholic School in
Garland.
Alumni
Davina Robledo
Hathaway ’93 and
husband Joshua
welcomed MaryJane
Elisabeth on July 9,
2008. She joins big
brothers Brandon-12,
Jake-4 and big sister
Jill-2 (photo left).
Jennifer Metrailer Korinek ’92 welcomed her
new baby, Barrett, on June 4, 2008. Her daughters
Hannah, 8, and Emery, 4, are so excited that they
have a new baby brother to help take care of.
Kjerstin Walker ’06 is happy to announce the birth
of her daughter, Miranda May.
Mary Brown, mother of Ray, Anne Brown
Pongrass ’92, Kay, Kevin, Maura and Tricia,
passed away on January 15, 2008, after a long
battle with cancer.
Patrick Michael Friend ’71, brother of John
Friend ’70, Mark Friend ’73, Mary Friend Walker
’73, Christopher Friend ’74 and Laura Friend
Medeiros ’82, passed away on October 17, 2008,
at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
Memorial services were held on October 25, 2008,
at St. Patrick’s Church in Dallas, TX.
Lillian Anne Burch, mother of Jane Burch Parker
’79 and Paul Burch ’81, passed away on May
29, 2008. A Memorial Mass was offered on June
13, 2008, at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas.
Donations may be made to All Saints Catholic
School Scholarship Fund to support the holy
families that give the school its Catholic character.
Jared Jung ’00, brother of Jason Jung ’94 and
Jessica Jung ’97, passed away on October 15,
2008, in Dallas, TX. A Funeral Mass was held at
St. Mary’s Catholic Church on October 20, 2008.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be
made to the charity of choice.
Marie Campisi, mother of David Campisi ’87 and
Elizabeth Campisi Rizzuto ’88, passed away on
October 14, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial was
celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made
to St. Thomas Aquinas School Building Fund.
Charles (Tim) Allen, passed away from cancer on
October 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Carol
and son Charles (Sykes) ’10.
Maurilio DeLeon, father of Elizabeth DeLeon
Bennett ’86, Javier DeLeon ’90 and Marco
DeLeon ’93, passed away on September 20, 2008.
The Funeral Mass and Rosary were held at St.
Pius X Catholic Church.
Lalia Andries, mother of Sharlene Andries ’70,
Brenda Andries Shimkus ’75 and Tim Andries
’78, and grandmother of Katie Andries ’06 passed
away on August 23, 2008, in Dallas, TX. Services
were held on August 26, at Restland Memorial
Park, Veterans II Garden.
Bonnie (Kraft) Giunta, mother of Jacqueline Giunta
’10, passed away on June 18, 2008, after a long
battle with cancer. The Funeral Service was held
on June 21, 2008, at Lady of the Lake Catholic
Church. Donations may be made to the American
Cancer Society.
Sherman Birdsong, father of Earl Birdsong ’77,
passed away on October 6, 2008. A Funeral Mass
was celebrated in the North Mausoleum Chapel at
Calvary Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made to
the Night Owls program at Highland Park United
Methodist Church.
John Louis Hagensick, father of Claire ‘11 and
Ashley ’06 Hagensick, passed away August 15,
2008. A celebration of his life took place at St.
Patrick Church on August 18, 2008. Donations may
be made to the Bishop Lynch Booster Club.
Norbert Blazek, 72 years young, father of Paula
Blazek ’75 and Cynthia Blazek Suarez ’76,
passed away of natural causes on December 6,
2007. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waxahachie, TX.
Jo Margaret Headden, mother of Todd Headden
’99 and Sean Headden ’95, passed away
peacefully on August 14, 2008, after a prolonged
degenerative illness. A Memorial was held on
August 19, 2008, at the Center for Spiritual Living.
Donations may be made to The Center for Brain
Health.
Parents
Lauren Scudder Harper ‘99 welcomed her son,
Garrett Winston Harper on February 6, 2008. He
joins big brother Colton Nathaniel Harper who was
born on February 5, 2007.
Moore ’99 and Mark Moore ’02, passed away on
July 3, 2008, after a long and courageous battle
with leukemia. A Funeral Mass was held on July 8,
2008 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Agnes Briggs, mother of Will Briggs ’68, Susan
Briggs Moore ’70, Benita Briggs ’73 and Ann
Briggs-Cutaia ’77 and grandmother to Kevin
Reflections
Albert “Dick” Schneider, father of Debra Lynn
Schneider ’69, Victoria Scheider Trammel,
Gretchin Castro, Albert Schneider and Richard
Schneider, passed away on August 24, 2008.
Services were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
on August 30, 2008.
John Holt II, grandfather of Collin Holt ’03 and
Kelsey Holt ’04, passed away on September
8, 2008. Memorial Services were held at First
Presbyterian Church of Dallas. Donations may
be made to First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Foundation.
Rose Marie Lampo, mother of Pete Lampo ’72,
entered into eternal rest on July 9, 2008. A Mass
of Christian Burial was held at St. Thomas Aquinas
Catholic Church.
Carmen Trevino, mother of Santos Trevino, Jr.
’81, passed away on August 24, 2008. A Funeral
Mass was celebrated on August 29, 2008, in the
North Mausoleum Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American
Diabetes Association.
Rosalie Macaluso, grandmother of James Brewer
’73 and David Brewer ’77, passed away peacefully
on July 13, 2008, at age 103. A Mass of Christian
Burial was celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas
Catholic Church. Donations may be made to St.
Thomas Aquinas.
Karen Parkhill, mother of Brooke Parkhill
McGonigle ’94, passed away on October 5,
2008, in Tyler, TX. Funeral services were held
at Sparkman/Hillcrest Chapel. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for
the Cure.
Anthony “Tony” Ventura, father of Rena VenturaJackson ’68, and grandfather to Anthony “Tony”
Askew ’93 and Nikki Ann Ventura ’95, passed
away on September 27, 2008. Services were held
at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on October
1, 2008.
Annie Patak, grandmother of Jay Patak ’84,
Pamela Patak ’85, Susan Patak ’86, Karen Patak
Berend ’87, Sharon Patak ’90 and Tracey Patak
Martinez ’92, passed away on July 6, 2008. A Mass
of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 11, 2008,
at St. John Catholic Church in Ennis, TX.
Margie Newman, mother of Marsha Newman
Emery ’75 and grandmother of Carrie Newman
Long ’94, Jennifer Newman Elliot ’96, Laura
Newman O’Connell ’98, Eric Emery ’06 and
Anna Emery ’09, passed away on October 13,
2008, in Dallas. Services were held on October 16,
2008, at Restland’s Wildwood Chapel. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s
Association.
Kathryn Woertendyke, mother of Cathy Woertendyke
Cooper ’75 and Connie Woertendyke Gallegos ’87
(deceased) passed away on July 23, 2008.
Margaret Winski, grandmother of Lon Coggeshall
’86 and Lana Coggeshall ’90, passed away in
August 2008. A service was held at Hillcrest
Memorial Park.
Stephanie B. Hogan mother of Clare Hogan ’69,
Joseph Hogan ’70, Maureen Hogan Adams
’73, Raymond Hogan ’75, Mary Hogan ‘76 and
Stephanie Hogan ’82, passed away on June 27,
2008. The Funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick’s
Catholic Church, on July 1, 2008. Donations
may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research
Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program.
Sam Oddo, father of Angela Leah Oddo ’69
(deceased), passed away in June 2008. A Rosary
and Funeral Mass was held in Calvary Hill
Mausoleum North Chapel on June 19, 2008.
Rebecca Rhodes, mother of Josie Rhodes
Meinzer ’99, John Rhodes ’00 and Christina
Rhodes ’08, and mother-in-law to Nick Meinzer
’99, passed away on October 6, 2008. A Funeral
Service celebrating her life was held at Sparkman/
Hillcrest Funeral Home on October 11, 2008.
Mildred Pavlas Sanders, mother of Mary Ann
Sanders ’72, passed away on July 28, 2008, after
a brief illness. A Mass celebrating her life was held
on July 31, 2008.
Betty Sassin, mother of Elizabeth Sassin
Pittmann ’84, passed away quietly in her sleep on
June 22, 2008. The Funeral Mass was celebrated
on June 26, 2008, at St. Monica Catholic Church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Religious
Education Department at St. Monica Catholic
Church.
28 Reflections
DECEMBER 2008
Lorraine Wooliscroft, mother of Terry Wooliscroft
’69, passed from this life into eternity on June
16, 2008, in Dallas, TX. A visitation was held at
the Allen Family Funeral Options in Plano, and a
Funeral Mass was celebrated on June 21, 2008, at
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Vincent Zubras Sr., father of Valerie Zubras
Millican ’70 and grandfather of Louie Millican
’01, passed away in peace on October 4, 2008.
Services were held at Restland’s Wildwood Chapel.
Grandparents
Waunell Beall, grandfather of Sean Beall ’05,
passed away in August 2008. The funeral service
was held at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel.
Richard Bleiler, grandfather of Kristi Bleiler ’08, passed
away peacefully on September 8, 2008, in McKinney,
TX. A celebration of his life was held on September 12,
2008, at Ted Dickey’s Funeral Home, followed by a Mass
at Saint Jude’s Catholic Church. Donations may be
made to the Second Chance SPCA in Plano. For more
information and online donations go to www.scspca.org.
Roseanne Carroll, grandmother of Marilee Carroll
’01 and Chris Carroll ’06, passed away June
16, 2008. The Funeral Mass was held at Christ
the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen
Breast Cancer Foundation or Catholic Charities.
Siblings
Rito Mungioli, brother of Alba Mungioli Pickering
’67, passed away on September 29, 2008, as
a result of a tragic bicycle accident. A Mass of
Christian Burial was held on October 3, 2008, at All
Saints Catholic Church. Donations may be made to
Cristo Rei Jesuit High School in Houston.
Spouses
Isaac Hernandez, husband of Stephanie
Hernandez ’97, passed away on September 9,
2008, at the age of 30. Mass was celebrated on
September 12, 2008, at Calvary Hill Mausoleum
North Chapel.
2007-08 Bishop Lynch Financial Report
T
he 2009 Bishop Lynch Scholarship
Auction committee has announced
this year’s auction theme: “Bright
Lights on Broadway.” The theme
celebrates the excellent tradition
of Fine Arts at Bishop Lynch.
“By using this theme, we hope
we can highlight the different
departments under the Fine
Arts banner,” said Sondi
Mateja, auction chair.
The purpose of the annual
auction is to significantly grow the Joseph
Patrick Lynch Scholarship Fund. The money raised goes
directly to scholarships for Bishop Lynch students. During the last 15
years, more than 500 scholarships have been awarded. Last year’s auction
contributed over $176,000 to the scholarship fund.
“The Great White Way” (aka Broadway) will definitely be rocking on
April 4, 2009, in downtown Dallas at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel. The
evening will feature a delicious sit-down dinner, drinks and the high-energy
band, Dallas Unlimited. Also, this year, the committee will unveil a new
silent auction bidding-machine, which operates on individual swipe cards.
“Gone are the days of paper bid sheets,” says auctioneer, Louis Murad.
This year’s auction will once again feature the ever-popular Year’s
Free Tuition and Auction Vehicle raffles, as well as the online auction.
Rene Isip, Class of ’78 and owner of Toyota of Lewisville, has again agreed
to donate the auction vehicle, a 2009 Toyota Prius.
“Given the state of the economy, the committee felt strongly that we
needed to offer a vehicle which was fuel efficient. We are thrilled that we
were able to get the Prius, and because it is the hottest car on the market,
it just adds to the excitement,” said Mateja.
BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL
9750 Ferguson Road Dallas, Texas 75228
DATES TO REMEMBER
& UPCOMING EVENTS
January 17, 2009
General Gift Gathering Party
(TBD)
January 24, 2009
General Gift Gathering Party
(TBD)
March 12-30, 2009
Online Auction
April 4, 2009 – Gala
Fairmont Hotel
You may also check for
updates on the website at
www.bishoplynch.org.
You are encouraged to take part in this
very exciting event.
The Auction is the major fundraiser for
the school and the Gala is second to
none!
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Dallas, TX
Permit #1624
Address Correction Requested
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Are you a Bishop Lynch alumnus with a success story? Do you have exciting news about your Bishop Lynch
student that you want to share? Please submit your ideas to [email protected].
We would love to hear from you!

Reflections - Bishop Lynch High School

Transcription

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Congressman Sanford Bishop

August 20, 2013 Dear Full Gospel Family

The DFW-VJMC held a vintage Japanese bike show on June 11 at