Dear Parents/Friends of SJhS

Spring I 2009
Volume 45, Number 3
News
Dear Parents/Friends of SJHS,
In This Issue
SJHS Mission
2-3 Messages
Inauguration Trip
4-5 ASB President
Red Hand Rock
6-7
Mardi Gras
Grandparents Day
8-9 Purely Academic:
Awards and Honors
10-11
Faculty Follies
Rock ’n Roll Robot
12-13
Athletics
Focus on Alumnae
13-15 Class Acts
16
In Closing
Published six times a year
for the students, parents,
alumnae, and friends of
Saint Joseph High School.
Photography:
Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ
Writing/Editor:
Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ
Layout, Design,
and Illustration:
OPM Design Group,
Burbank
we need to reach out more to
In March we celebrate the
those who have less than we do.
feast of St. Joseph, our patron
As I have shared before, I often
and the patron of the CSJs.
glean a message from the movDuring our celebration this year
ies I watch, and I want to share
on March 13, we not only welwhat I found to be inspirational
comed home our grads, but
and reflective in the film, The
also dedicated our statue of
Secret Life of Bees.
Mother St. John Fontbonne,
I believe it is an Easter story,
the refoundress of the Sisters of
a story of a young white woman
St. Joseph of Carondelet. We
(Lily) and her African American
have been the beneficiaries of
nanny (Rosaleen) who run away
the CSJs’ support, education,
from a home devoid of love and
and example to live our lives Dr. Mendoza congratulates Alumna of the
laden with racism in the 1960s
simply, with great love for the Year, Jessie Sziebl Christensen, ’89.
South. They find a home with
dear neighbor, as unifiers and
three African American women/sisters, who run a
reconcilers, and as people of faith living in right
prosperous bee business and who are devoted to
relationship with ourselves, with our neighbors,
a Black Madonna who presides over all they do.
and with our God. Each year we listen as the Sisters
August Boatwright, the matriarch of the honeystand and recommit themselves to the same conmaking business, teaches Lily about honey farming
secrated life established long ago by their humble
and urges her to send the bees love, saying that
pioneer, Mother St. John Fontbonne.
everything needs love and wants to feel loved.
In her book, In Spirit and in Truth, Sister Maria
Saravia, CSJ, paints a delightful picture of Mother
St. John Fontbonne, the refoundress of the Sisters
of St. Joseph of Carondelet, as a strong, courageous,
humble, and faith-filled woman. Mother St. John
Fontbonne did not write long erudite letters to her
sisters, but what she did write was filled with a profound love of God and love of the life she and her
sisters chose to live.
On July 14, 1808, after the French Revolution,
Father Piron, who was designated by his diocese to
follow the Sisters of St. Joseph, said in his homily at
Mass: “You are not very numerous, my daughters,
but as a swarm of bees you will spread everywhere.
Dr. Mendoza visits with grandparents of Rachel and
You will be as numerous as the stars. As you become
Elizabeth DeRuyter and Summer O’Connor.
more numerous, always maintain the simplicity and
the humility that must characterize the Daughters
Lily and Rosaleen find that love in the home
of Saint Joseph” (27). I believe our SJHS history is
of the beekeeping sisters. Through that love, they
one founded on this same sermon spoken over 200
divest themselves of their sadness and pain and grow
years ago.
to become strong women of faith and conviction.
March also is a time of Lenten reflection and
Is that not the message of Lent and, ultimately,
repentance and a time for us to prepare for the resurrection of Christ, our Savior. It is also a time when
Continued on page 3
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On a M
From Sister Karen Wilhelmy, CSJ
A Man for All Seasons Walks on Our Campus Each Day
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Lest anyone even begin to entertain the notion that
Did you see a distinguished lookhe is a Plaster of Paris saint, there is the other side
ing, white-haired man in the classof Papa Henry. He is an avid reader, sometimes havroom area? If you did, it means that
ing three books going at the same time. He has a wide
you are on the trail (willingly or othvariety of interests and learns from all sorts of data bases
erwise) of Fr. James Henry, SVD, our
and persons. He delights in just being. For a man of his age,
school chaplain. Who is this man—
he is phenomenal.
this self-effacing priest who graces us
I tried to imagine Saint Joseph High School without
with his person and his wisdom, to
his presence. What would I miss most? A thought for you
say nothing of his gifts of sacramental
to ponder!
presence to us?
He has a charming sense of humor and delights in telling
When I asked some of the students about him, they
jokes to make folks chuckle. He has done many things in his
unanimously agreed that he was definitely “a man for
life—not the least of which was spending 18+ years in New
others”—one to whom they could go with whatever problem
Guinea. He was a military chaplain.
they had and would be respected and helped regardless of the
Fr. Henry has hewn out a special idengravity of the issue. Admiration for him as
tity in the human race and we here at Saint
priest and person is clearly revealed in the
loving appellation “Papa Henry” which is
Joseph High School are gifted beyond our
the way students think of him.
consciousness by his presence.
At daily Mass which he offers in the
Parents, too, love and respect him. He
convent chapel with some students, occawanders the campus at events and everyone
sionally a parent or two, the Sisters, and
wants to greet him. Yet, in his humility, he
many of the faculty and staff, Fr. Henry
doesn’t look for attention. His very simplicfaithfully remembers by name all of those
ity draws others into his world. He brings all
in the Saint Joseph family who need or
of us from oldest to youngest to the presence
request prayers. When there is a serious illof Jesus the High Priest in human form.
ness or tragedy, he is there with the family
On March 28, 2009, Fr. Henry will
as priest and friend. The number of grads
celebrate 50 years of priestly ministry. For his
who ask that he officiate at their weddings,
years among us, we say thank you, God!
baptize their children, or celebrate funerals
How good you are, God, to give us our
for them is the extended love and respect he
beloved
“Papa Henry.” Long may he live and
Fr. James Henry, SVD (left) with
Fr. John Shevlin, SVD
is accorded.
minister among us!
50 Years of Priesthood
Fr. James Henry, SVD, celebrates 50 years as a priest ministering to
the people of God in New Guinea and in the United States as member
of the Society of the Divine Word. We are most grateful for his many
years of service among us at Saint Joseph High School.
A liturgy in thanksgiving for Fr. Henry’s 50 years of priesthood will
begin at 5:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, with a reception to follow.
Fr. Henry will celebrate 50 years of priestly ministry and for that
we say, “Thank you, God!”
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
i ss i o n
Christian Service On Message: Jessica Reynaga, ’04
With the help of Monica Leon-Giardina and Linda
Petrich, Religion Department Chair, I am very privileged
to work with our SJHS students as they participate in the
Christian Service Program. We have been blessed this year also
to have SJHS alumna Dina Ramirez, ’05, a recently graduated
LMU student, helping with our Kairos retreat program. What
a wonderful Christian Service and Retreat program we have for
today’s Jesters! (See Alumnae Updates, this issue.)
I am glad to be back at Saint Joseph High School. SJHS
helped to make me what I am, and when I graduated from
SJHS, I missed Christian Service—a lot. I felt that something
was missing and I wanted to be involved in some way in an
effort that wasn’t just centered on me. Now I am privileged to
be able to oversee the Christian Service Program.
I know that our students are helping others, but they are
also growing at the same time. I hope we are promoting a
true spirit of service and that our girls are aware that there are
people out there in need of a helping hand or even just someone to
make their lives better.
It became very clear when I
received a phone call the other
day from a former SJHS student
who said that she felt a kind of
void after graduation—she wasn’t
reaching out and helping someone else and thought she would
do some volunteer work. She felt
what I knew: it is so important
to be involved. If not me, then who will be there for others.
Our new president has called upon us to be of service, too.
President Obama sees the need for each of us to do our part.
How important it is that in our service there is a faith dimension as we do as Jesus would do.
Mendoza, Continued from cover page
Christ’s resurrection? Knowing that
God’s love for us is unending, are
we not to reflect on that need to be
loved? So, this Lent and Easter, as you
begin to notice bees flying about, I
ask you to see them now, not as pesky
insects to swat away, but as a reminder
of God’s never-ending love for us.
We all are part of Father Piron’s
analogy of the bees and the stars. The
CSJs left us a legacy, their charism,
and we have an obligation to live
simply and humbly as we work together to be the hands and the face of
Christ. A final thought for this month:
Mother St. John’s older sister, Marie,
noticed Mother St. John’s emerging
skill as a leader, reconciler and unifier.
She often encouraged her classmates
and others: “Go to Jeanne (Mother’s
baptismal name); she will take care
of everything.” Let us keep that comment close to our hearts. When we
pray, let’s ask Mother St. John to help
us with whatever we need.
Catholic Schools Week Celebration
The celebration of Catholic
Schools Week takes place each year
in approximately 8,000 schools
around the United States during the
last week of January. As the Catholic
Church celebrated its long history
of quality education in the United
States, which goes back to at least
1606, SJHS celebrated the gift that
these schools have brought to the
Church and the nation over the last
400 years.
On January 29 the Jesters held a
prayer service in the Flynn Center celebrating 44 years of Catholic education at
Saint Joseph High School. The same week, potential incoming freshmen were
interviewed—continuing the legacy of Catholic education.
Happy St. Joseph Day!
Dr. Mendoza
Principal
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Jesters Hail the New Chief
For nearly 50 SJHS students, parents and chaperones a
once-in-a-lifetime experience became a landmark moment
as they stood on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC,
on January 20, 2009, and watched President-Elect Barack
Obama take the oath of office as the 44th President of the
United States. Joined by what officials estimated as more
than one million people, the Jesters watched the ceremony
over gigantic-sized television screens on the Mall,
endured freezing
cold weather and
massive crowds.
But the Jesters,
under the careful
organization of faculty member Karla
Pallwitz, also had the opportunity to visit capitol monuments
that many had only seen in history books—the Jefferson,
Lincoln, Vietnam, and
Washington Memorials, to
name a few.
4
From ASB President, Jessica Reiner
With the recently completed first
semester, and excitement and hope for
the second semester, ASB has been working hard to plan activities for their last
semester. In the works are fundraisers
such as Pennies for Patients, the Junior/
Senior Powder Puff Game, Senior Prom
and graduation. The Winter Formal
was a huge success, too! As for the ASB
Board, we are continuing to keep our energy alive and studies
and work as they should be. There are only about three more
months left of this school year and we will soon be electing next
year’s officers.
Excerpts from Jessica’s State of the Union Address
given on February 12, 2009:
Throughout our lives we are developing new relationships.
Take a moment to look around you. Look at all the people you
have met and friends you have made over the years. You can see
your teachers, classmates, those who may have been your best
friends, or those who are your best friends now. Our relationships
are what are most important—those are relationships with teach-
ers, family members, parents, siblings, significant others, friends,
and most importantly with God. Relationships are our focal point,
like the center of a compass defining the foundation for each of
us. Our actions, experiences and memories seem to form us, but it
is in our connection to one another that we find our true value.
The first semester is complete. Regardless of where we are
in this journey, we are bound together. We are all connected.
Through our relationships here at Saint Joseph High School, we
have created a special bond that will last forever; that has been
imprinted on our hearts.
As we continue this next semester, the last for over 210 of
us, we must stand together in our faith, in our studies, and as
women of character bound by love, hope, and zeal. We must
never forget those who have made a mark on our hearts—those
who have taught and guided us along our journey, and those have
supported us throughout our lives. May we take up the challenge
to support and care for one another.
So my fellow Mickeys, Donald Ducks, Kermits, and Pooh
Bears, I welcome you again to another semester, another chapter
in our lives and to another part of our journey. May we strengthen
the bonds between us as students and women of character at
Saint Joseph High School.
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
RED HAND ROCK CONCERT
For Love of a Cause
The United Nations designated February 15 “Red Hand Day” and in response,
the SJHS Amnesty International Club, under the direction of faculty member
Linda Petrich, sponsored the “Red Hand Rock” concert on campus, as part of their
effort to bring awareness of, and to fight against, the use of child soldiers.
A group of mainly seniors worked after school to decorate and prepare for the
concert which raised funds to send “red hands” to the Red Hand Organization
at the UN. The concert, which took place on February 13 in the MPB, featured
several bands, some with Bosco students. The bands were: Everdae, Sound Waves
on Strike, Pattern Skies, Pride of the Fallen, Disposable Hero and others.
As “The Red Hand Campaign” culminated at the United Nations,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon accepted hundreds of thousands of red hands
sent by youth from around the world in support of a ban on the training and
use of child soldiers. Found predominantly in Africa, Southeast Asia and parts
of South America, the use of child soldiers, “violates our most basic standards
of human decency,” he said. “It is the most appalling human rights abuse in the
world today. Many thousands of
children are being exploited.
Every day, they are compelled
to endure and inflict violence
that no child should ever have
to experience. This is unacceptable. The entire United Nations
system and I are determined to
stamp out such abuse.”
He added: “I want to
extend special thanks to these
young people for their statements. They have undertaken
truly impressive efforts to engage youth around the world in
ending the recruitment and use of children as soldiers. It is a
privilege for me to accept, on behalf of the United Nations
system, the red hands that have been collected through this
global campaign.”
In her Peace and Justice religion classes last year, Linda
Petrich taught her students about the many abuses children
around the world face each day. She encouraged students to
become better educated and involved in ending these abuses,
i.e. human trafficking, child soldiers, female genital mutilation. This in turn has inspired her students in the Amnesty
International Club to get involved and make a difference.
“The girls are really aware that they are part of this big
effort. When they heard about it last year, they really wanted
to do something,” says Linda Petrich. “And they did.”
Comments from SJHS Amnesty
International Club members:
Red Hand Day is “a day when
awareness is raised concerning child
soldiers, “ Alexis Harper, ’09.
Mikka Zairian, ’09 finds it shocking
that “girls are kidnapped and forced into
marriage or used in brothels.”
“The use of child soldiers occurs
in Africa, East Asia and areas of South
America. As little children they are taken
from their parents,” Jessica Moore, ’09.
“We heard about Red Hand Day last
year in Mrs. Petrich’s religion class Peace
and Justice. This year, thanks to Alexis
Harper, I joined our Amnesty International
Club,” Samantha Inocente, ’09.
SENIOR CALENDAR
MARCH
27 Sadie Hawkins Dance
File Community College
Applications
APRIL
3
Fashion Show
22 Distinguished Scholars Dinner
28–29 Senior Exit Interviews
28 Senior Countdown Celebration
MAY
9
Prom @ Hyatt Regency
Long Beach
16 Senior Brunch @
Cerritos Sheraton
18
Senior/Faculty Softball Game
and BBQ
21–22 Field Day
Grad Nite @ California Adventure/
Disneyland
26
Freshman/Senior Lunch
JUNE
2–4 5
Senior Final Exams
Awards Assembly
Graduation
Francesca Sciamna, ’10, sees the
need “to raise money and sign petitions
to raise awareness and end the use of
child soldiers” and appreciates that “the
money also goes to those who are being
rehabilitated.”
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3
The Good Times Rolled at
Mardi Gras and Casino Night
6
Baubles, bangles, beads
in splashy colors, masks with
feathers, lots of dancing to
live music provided by Film
At Eleven, door and raffle
prizes galore, casino style
games, and some great New
Orleans fare of hors d’oevres,
savory jambalaya, and luscious desserts—all marked
Saint Joseph High School’s
2009 Mardi Gras celebration
on Saturday, February 21.
Honored as Alumna of
the Year, Jessie Sziebl Christensen, ’89, was recognized for her many contributions
to her Alma Mater as dedicated alumna, former SJHS faculty member, and
Director of the Institutional Advancement Team. Today she is a woman who
successfully balances a life filled with activity as a successful businesswoman,
wife and mother of three young children (Megan, Mia and Samantha) and a
member of the SJHS Advisory Board.
Jessie always loved cheerleading at SJHS
and took that love with her to UCLA as a
member of their nationally ranked dance team.
After graduation she worked for ten seasons
with the Los Angeles Clippers organization,
traveled extensively with the NBA, co-directed
the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders in Hawaii and worked
with the San Diego Charger Girls for five years.
She and husband Bryce, a ’90 SJB alumnus, are
owners of Summit Apparel and Promotions. Bryce also
teaches at Bellflower High School.
This year’s Alumnae Parents of the Year have
never been strangers at SJHS. Since the early 1970s
their names have been legend on both the St. John
Bosco and Saint Joseph High School campuses as two of the schools’ most dedicated
supporters.
Pat and John (Jack) Hunter are parents of Saint Joseph High School alumnae
Peggy Hunter Martinez, ’71, Kathy Hunter Walters, ’74 (deceased), Theresa Hunter
Hausmann, ’81, and Anne Hunter Rabasca, ’88. Pat and Jack are also parents of St.
John Bosco High School alumni John, ’72, Thomas, ’78, Jim, ’79, and Paul, ’83 and
grandparents of Maureen, ’07, and Molly Hunter, ’09.
In addition to being actively involved in their church, St. Pancratius, the Hunters
invested a tremendous number of hours, days, and weeks in the schools their children
attended. At St. John Bosco and Saint Joseph High Schools they made it a point to be
a part of every event, fiesta, and activity,
and took extra jobs to make sure their
children received the Catholic education
they themselves so valued. Today they
continue to be involved in their granddaughters’ education at Saint Joseph.
SJHS salutes Jessie Sziebl Chistensen,
’89 and Pat and Jack Hunter.
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Grandparents’ Day
On Friday, February 13
Jester grandparents came to visit
their granddaughters on campus.
Very blessed with such a wonderful group of loving, proud and
dedicated grandparents, students
accompanied them as Fr. James
Henry celebrated Mass in the
Flynn Center. A buffet lunch was
served and grandparents visited
with their granddaughters until
dismissal for the day.
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Student receiving five certificates:
Jessica Burch, 11
Students receiving
four certificates:
8
Spanish III—Outstanding Student
Honors Biology—Outstanding Student
20th Century Literature—Teacher Award
US History—Outstanding Student
Sacraments—Teacher Award
Purely
Allison Fletcher, ’09
Statistics—Teacher Award
Christian Vocations—Teacher Award
AP Spanish Language—Outstanding Student
Economics—Teacher Award
Maribel Garcia-Ochoa, ’12
English 1—Teacher Award
Algebra 1—Outstanding Student
Sports & Fitness—Outstanding Student
Religion 1—Outstanding Student
Nicole Guerrero, ’12
Algebra 1—Outstanding Student
Spanish 1—Outstanding Student
Womens’ Chorus—Outstanding Student
Religion 1—Outstanding Student
Molly Hunter, ’09
AP Biology—Outstanding Student
AP Literature—Teacher Award
AP Government—Teacher Award
Honors Physics—Teacher Award
Jennifer Kallini, ’09
AP Biology—Outstanding Student
AP Calculus—Outstanding Student
AP Literature—Outstanding Student
Honors Physics—Outstanding Student
Elizabeth Lopez, ’10
Spanish III Honors—Outstanding Student
AP English Language/Composition—Outstanding Student
AP US History—Outstanding Student
Honors Biology—Outstanding Student
Lizzette Mendoza, ’09
AP Spanish Literature—Outstanding Student
20th Century Literature—Outstanding Student
AP Government—Outstanding Student
Death, Dying and Resurrection—Outstanding Student
Paula Andrea Trucios, ’10
Pre-Calculus—Outstanding Student
Peace & Justice—Outstanding Student
Chemistry—Outstanding Student
World History—Teacher Award
On February 12 during the
Academic Awards Ceremony
for first semester, certificates
for Outstanding Achievement
and Teacher Awards were given
to Jesters in recognition of a
semester filled with lots of effort
and hard work. Ninety-four students received two or more certificates. Nine students excelled
in four or more classes and
received special recognition.
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Soroptimist Award Winner
In early February, Beth Kent, ’10,
received word that she was chosen as
the winner of the Violet Richardson
Award for 2009 from the Soroptimists
of Bellflower. She will receive a $1,000
check to help with her college education
and another $1,000 that will be donated
to a charity in her name.
Beth received her award in recognition of her volunteer activities with “The Smile
Train: Changing the World One Smile at a Time,”
an organization that provides young children with
cleft lip and palate corrective surgery. Through Beth’s
fundraising efforts 52 surgeries were performed—she
raised over $13,000. As her selected charity, Smile
Train will receive $1,000 in Beth’s name. Her goal of
raising money to pay for 100 surgeries is that much
closer to realization. Congratulations, Beth!
SJHS Academic
Decathlon Team
With the intensity of any athlete, the SJHS Academic
Decathlon team stretched more than muscle in their pursuit
of honors in their field. Under moderator and faculty member Maureen Sullivan, these Jester academic decathletes spent
many hours preparing for Saturday, February 14. They won
1st place in their division and were ranked seventh out of 29
teams. “The girls did very well!” said Mrs. Sullivan.
Individual Medals Won by Sophomore SJHS Jesters:
Gold Scouts
The highest award a Girl Scout can achieve is the
Gold Award, an equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle Award.
Two Jesters, Jessica Scala, ’09, and Erin McLaughlin, ’09,
recently earned this award by helping Andy Street, a facility
for boys aged 6-15 in Long Beach. Both Jesters devoted 30
leadership hours, 40 career hours, and earned three badges in
order to qualify for the Gold Award.
A Girl Scout hoping to earn this award must first find
a problem in her community and then fix it—all part of the
scouts’ Four Bs: Becoming, Belonging, Building, and Being.
From planning to implementation to evaluation the project
must take at least 60 hours. For most scouts it takes a year or
two to complete the project. The girls planned a concert to
benefit Andy Street. They contacted a cousin with a band who
was willing to perform. They promoted the concert, organized
it from start to finish, and collected more than 100 donations.
In the end Andy Street became a better facility—and two
Jesters saw their good work as a benefit to others in need.
Language/
Jennifer Searight
Gold
Literature Nicole Ngaosi
Silver
Gemalene Sunga
Bronze
Music
Natalie Gonzalez
Gold
Jennifer Searight
Bronze
Science
Jennifer Searight
Gold
Amanda Rocco
Bronze
Art
Jennifer Searight
Elizabeth Lopez
Gemalene Sunga
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Economics
Jennifer Searight
Bronze
Essay
Jennifer Searight
Bronze
Interview
Jennifer Searight
Silver
Super Quiz
Jennifer Searight
Silver
Other Results for SJHS
Academic Decathlon 2009 Team Scores
First place Team—Division 3
Second place Team—Superquiz—Division 3
1st place Language and Literature
3rd place Music
1st place Science
1st place Art
2nd place Economics
3rd place Essay
1st place Interview
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‘Twas No Folly
Scouts at SJHS
Last summer, six SJHS students participated in
the 51st Convention of the Girl Scouts in Indianapolis,
Indiana. Scouts attending the convention, Madeline
Chavira, ’12, Samantha Runa, ’12, Francesca Baldi, ’10,
Marissa Delgado, ’10, Sabrina Valles, ’10, and Jessie
Klemme, ’09 participated at the level of “Ambassadors.”
10
‘Twas no folly the night the faculty fooled around for a
cause. The technological age no doubt suffered a wrinkle in
time or at least fluttered a heartbeat or two when it was known
that SJHS’ own faculty had artfully done its take on the rapidly
changing world of technology. It is a guarantee that YouTube
will never be the same after the events of Monday, February 2,
when Faculty Follies VI, “YouTube:
The Live Tour,” hit the SJHS multipurpose building stage in full regalia
and fully enhanced with props and
symbols of their prowess.
The “Single Ladies” were quite
the hit, and who could forget the
Human Tetris. “Here It Goes Again”
was an administrative success, and
what talent it took to present the
alphabet in its many different forms
and languages. The Math Department
faculty had all their shapes sort of
coordinated, and made a wonderful
transition to the song and dance acts
that followed. The “Thriller” finale
was just that—a thriller. Under the
direction of faculty member Karla
Pallwitz, funds went toward a good
cause—a future Performing Arts
Theatre.
The next day Ms. Pallwitz sent
a special note to the faculty telling
them of the theme for next
year’s Faculty
Follies and
to say “thank
you.” She told
the faculty, “You all were amazing as usual.
I am always overwhelmed by your generosity—
with your time and your dignity. You show your true
Jester spirit each year and even though I should know
what’s coming, I am blown away every time.”
Those attending the Girl Scout National Convention
participated in a number of events and workshops, i.e.
“How to Live Healthy,” and met a number of other girl
scouts from around the nation who are involved in projects that help the community.
Scouting has offered SJHS students various activities and ways to become involved in their community.
Francesca Baldi and Jessie Klemme are summer volunteers at a girls’ camp in Long Beach. Jessica Scala and
Erin McLaughlin have earned their Gold Award doing
volunteer work at a facility for young boys in Long
Beach. Photos of those girls and more information on
their project at Andy Street can be found on page 9 of
this issue.
Madeline Chavira
Francesca Baldi
Marissa Delgado
Sabrina Valles
Jessie Klemme
Samantha Runa
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Rock ’n Roll Robot Team Rocks On
In a 2008 issue of the SJHS newsletter, Girl Scout Jessie Klemme, ’09, drew
attention to robotics. Jessie, the only
Jester on an all-girls robotics team, helped
build a Vex robot they named “Dawn.”
Each team in robotics competition has
seven members and about six “cheerleaders.” This year Jessie invited Jester
scouts Marissa Delgado and Francesca
Baldi to join the team in building a more
advanced Tetrix robot, which the girls
named “Twitch.”
Just as Dawn finished well against
a male dominated field of teen robot
teams, and went on to world championships—taking 2nd place and receiving
the Motivate Award—“a kind of spirit
award,” said Jessie Klemme, so “Twitch,”
a Rock ‘n Roll Robot team creation has
performed superbly. It drew attention
February 21 in Las Vegas as the team took
2nd place at the Regional Competition
at level STC FIRST (For Inspiration,
Recognition in Science and Technology)
tech challenge.
“It was girl-power all the way,” says
Jessie. “I’m really proud of how well we
did.” Sixteen teams competed and only
three teams were all-girls.
“We’ve participated in five different
competitions, finishing impressively, and
we’re among the best to share the message that people should be interested in
“Twitch,” the Rock ‘n Roll Robot, is held by
Francesca Baldi and joined by SJHS members of
the team, Jessie Klemme and Marissa Delgado.
supporting science and engineering for
girls,” says Jessie.
In all, the robotics team members
have built three robots: a Kamen FIRST
robot, the VEX named Dawn, and
Twitch, the more advanced Tetrix. In
doing so, the team has acquired substantial debt and are looking for support to
continue their robot endeavors. Marissa,
Francesca and Jessie have finished at
top levels in every competition. They
received coverage in the May 28, 2008
issue of Beachcomber newspaper and the
next day’s issue of the Bixby Knolls Signal.
Their robots have been used in demonstrations and have competed as far away
as Atlanta, GA.
At the San Diego regional competition Feb 27-March 1 Twitch took 3rd
place and received the Motivate and the
Connect Awards. And over the weekend
of March 6-7, Twitch and the Rock ’n
Roll Robot team, again competed, winning the Inspire Award. They were also
part of the 2nd ranked team Alliance
and received word that they will compete
nationally April 15-19 in Atlanta, GA.
An excited and invigorated, Francesca
Baldi said, “After six 2nd places we are
ready to get a 1st in world competition! I
am so proud of our accomplishments.”
When asked by airport security about
the object she was transporting, Jessie
replied that she had a robot. He asked,
“What does it do?” She said, “It wins.”
11
3
The “Twitch” robotics team with supporters.
Under Advisement: Academics
Four SJHS faculty members have the unique opportunity
to see Jesters in some very special moments. These moments do
not take place the week of final exams nor at the end of a quarter,
but rather at one-on-one meetings and in small groups at those
times when students come and say, “I need help” or “I am having a hard time getting caught up since I was sick last week” or
“that polynomial just doesn’t make
sense”—it is in those moments that
they are there to help.
Three faculty members:
Elizabeth Salazar (who works with
students whose last names begin
with A-F), Nadia Gentry (G-N),
and Margaret Butterfield (O-Z) are
the Jesters academic advisors. When
needed, Monique Garciaparra sets
up tutoring with NHS and CSF
members, monitors tutoring and also assists with additional
student needs.
During the course of the year, the advisors meet at least twice
with each student to see how the student is doing. If all is going
well, they encourage and talk about time management and congratulate. If grades are not as they should be, they find out what
more is needed—all on a case-by-case
basis. If there is a homework problem,
they make appointments with teachers and, if necessary, contact parents.
SJHS’ Academic Advisors are a wonderful complement to a complete
academic guidance program.
SJHS Academic Guidance Program
members are (from left to right) Margaret
Butterfield, Monique Garciaparra,
Elizabeth Salazar and Nadia Gentry.
C H A L L E N G I N G T H E M I N D , C U L T I VAT I N G T H E S P I R I T
Focus On Athletics
Ahoy Team Brave/Jester
12
In the rain and wind sailing team Brave/Jester competed
in a regatta at Stanford in Northern California on Saturday
and Sunday, February 21-22. The sailing team consists of five
students—three young men from St. John Bosco and two girls
from Saint Joseph High School. “They did really well. They
competed against 27 schools up and down the California coast.
This is their first year sailing together and the first year of the
program,” says Lisa Baldi, proud
mom of Francesca, ’10. Jester
Isabelle Protti, ’10, is on the
sailing team with Francesca. The
Bosco Braves are: Ian Fornier,
’10, Andrew Lamb, ’10, and
Shane Young, ’09. Since Shane
will graduate this year, the team
is looking for another sailor to
be part of the team.
“If ever these kids did a
rain dance, it surely worked,” said Mrs. Baldi after the regatta
in February. “Saturday was a little slow, but Sunday there was
rain and wind. And they pulled it out. The Bosco boys said they
loved sailing with the Joseph girls. Francesca prepared burritos
and put them in her satchel so their teammates would be well
nourished for the race.”
So far, in addition to the event at Stanford, the sailing team
of Braves and Jesters has competed in Long Beach, Newport
Beach and Monterey. A year
round sport, the teams compete in regattas rain or shine,
except if there is lightening,
of course.
The students sail on
14-foot boats with two people onboard—usually con-
sisting of a skipper (a Brave) and one crew (a Jester). The team
sails with the U.S. Sailing Center.
Because the Stanford regatta is sailed in individual races,
and with two boats, the Brave/Jester team did not receive
their results until they were en route back to Southern
California. “I was so excited and started screaming when we
got word,” said Francesca. “It’s a feeling of ‘You did it. You
got first place.’”
At a previous regatta they earned 2nd place in Long Beach.
On March 21 they compete again in Santa Barbara.
Soccer Enthusiast Arielle Rodriguez, ’09
A four-year member of the Jester soccer team, senior Arielle
Rodriguez, has all the right moves on the field. Playing forward
or mid-center for, Arielle likes
to use the moves of some of the
masters of the game with fancy
“header” and “heel passes.” One of
her favorites is the “Ronaldino”—
playing with one foot on the ball,
and with the twist of the ball,
making a scissor play.
With the hope of playing
soccer during her college years
Arielle plans to attend Houston
Baptist University on a soccer
scholarship. HSU has a 2,000
member
student
body—and that attracts Arielle. She was also
approached by Florida International University,
which has a student body of 10,000 students. “I
want to go to a small school and HBU is perfect
for me,” says Arielle, who loves the gamesmanship
of soccer and keeps in condition year round. Arielle
also ran track for SJHS last year.
SJHS Basketball
It has been a growing year for Jester basketball team
members and fans. Trying with every ounce of
their energy and heart, the team has improved and
promises to make next year even better. SJHS fields
frosh/soph, jv and varsity team members.
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
focus on alumnae
Jackie Carey-Wilson ’82 Becomes President
On November 6, 2008, alumna
Jackie Carey-Wilson, ’82 became presi-
dent of the Inland Empire Federal Bar
Association. Saint Joseph High School
proudly salutes Jackie on this most
recent accomplishment. In remarks
delivered at Jackie’s installation as president, Judge Stephen Larson said the
following:
“We are very blessed that one of
those outstanding and courageous individuals has just become the president
of our local chapter of the Federal Bar
Association—Jacqueline Carey-Wilson.
“Jackie was one of the first lawyers I met when I transferred from the
U.S. Courthouse in downtown Los
Angeles to the George E. Brown, Jr.
Federal Courthouse here in Riverside.
She impressed me on our first meeting,
and she has continued to impress me
ever since. She is a remarkable person
and will be a remarkable president.
“Jackie presently serves as deputy
county counsel for the County of San
Bernardino, working as an appellate
attorney representing the Department of
Children’s Services and the Department
of Aging and Adult Social Services.
Prior to her appointment to the county,
Jackie was a research attorney with the
California Court of Appeal in Riverside,
Douglas Wilson, Jacqueline Carey-Wilson and
daughters, Grace, Julie, and Katie Wilson
who knows Jackie for any length of time
soon discovers three dominant virtues.
First, she is dedicated—she is one of
hardest-working members of our legal
community, she is tireless, and I dare say
that it appears that she never says no.
Second, she is humble and graceful—
Jackie is able to get away with a certain
degree of tenacity largely because of
her sincere humility and natural grace.
Third, she is intelligent—Jackie is not
only very bright but a truly talented
multi-tasker.
“My own sense of Jackie is that
the only conviction more indelibly a
part of who she is than her Democratic
political sympathies is her profound and
enduring Catholic faith.”
a deputy public defender in Riverside
County, and before that a field representative for Congressman George E.
Brown, Jr. in Colton. Jackie
received her Juris Doctor
degree from Southwestern
University School of Law
and a bachelor’s degree
in political science from
California State University
at Fullerton.”
Judge Larson went
on to name a long list
of public service projects
and organizations Jackie
Judge Phillips swearing in the new officers: L-R—Dennis
is, or was, involved with.
Wagner, Treasurer; Jesus Bernal, Secretary; and Jacqueline
Carey-Wilson, President
Concluding:
“Anyone
Mush-Mush In Minnesota
Over Christmas break Jessie Klemme, ’09, a Girl Scout, participated in an eight-day dog-sledding trek in Minnesota. Through Outward
Bound, and its Scout programs, Jessie learned how to dog-sled, cross
country ski, sleep and camp using “leave no trace” snow tarp camping
principles. The group consisted of seven girls and two instructors. The
girls chopped logs, cooked over a fire, participated in a wonderful learning experience, and had a great time. At one point while mushing she saw
a sign that read: “You are now entering the wilderness. No motorized
vehicles beyond this point.” Struck by the unique beauty of real wilderness and its intense silence,
she found dog-sledding fun and relying on her own strengths deeply rewarding. She learned
how to stay warm utilizing clothing, activity and food. Each participant was responsible for her
dog—from setting out lines, feeding and watering to harnessing and packing the sled. The meals
were healthy and substantial, and the views phenomenal as she saw starry skies and the glow of
Northern Lights each evening.
C H A L L E N G I N G T H E M I N D , C U L T I VAT I N G T H E S P I R I T
13
3
focus on alumnae
Calling All Jesters,
Alumnae, Parents,
Grandparents
We want to hear about our alumnae. Please
let us know about weddings, births, baptisms,
graduations, career changes, life challenges—
anything and everything that is going on in the
lives of our alumnae. Drop a note in the mail,
fill in one of those questionnaires that you have
promised yourself you would complete back in
September or email us at [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you!
Calling the Class of 1989
14
It’s time to celebrate your 20-year reunion!
Mark you calendars now for this
important fun-filled event:
October 3, 2009
Saint Joseph High School Flynn Center
For more information contact Karen Castillo,
[email protected]
Dina Ramirez, ’05:
Always Ready to Serve
This year Jessica Reynaga,‘04 and Moncia Leon-Giardina,
’01 have worked closely with another alumna, Dina Ramirez,
’05, who just graduated (a semester early) from Loyola
Marymount University. Dina armed with a BA in Liberal
Studies from her “dream school” she says she “can’t wait to be
teaching in my own classroom soon.”
SJHS has been very fortunate that Dina helped on the
Kairos Retreats this year. She also brought with her the experience she gained at LMU as a member of the LMU Belles
Service Organization. Dina served as president of the allfemale club which has a 50-year tradition at LMU. Originally
begun as a “hostess” group on campus, the sole purpose of the
Belles now, is giving service to others. Says Dina, “It is what I
learned and gained from going to SJHS that made my LMU
experience even that much more beneficial. I was very involved
at SJHS with Campus Ministry and service projects. So, arriving at LMU, I naturally became involved with the Belles.”
“As a member, you complete 30 hours of service a semester
at a placement of your choice. I volunteered on a weekly basis
at Inglewood Public Library where I tutored students after
school. I helped to establish a focus, working against domestic
violence by educating youth, through an organization called
Break the Cycle which I helped to raise almost $15,000 for.
While attending LMU, I frequently returned to SJHS to help
with Kairos and this February, finished my tenth Kairos, my
seventh as a SJHS alumna. When I returned to SJHS, Kairos
was by far the most rewarding experience because I was really
able to maintain the bond of my SJ sisterhood through the
Jesters who came after me.” For more information on Dina’s
LMU service group, see www.lmubelles.com.
Hello,Class of 1969!
s summer
We have planned a weekend reunion thi
that you do not want to miss!
Save these dates: July 17-19, 2009
s!
Yes, that makes it 40 years my friend
I hope you will be there.
Terri Montoya Aimerito,‘69
For details, please visit
the following website:
om
[email protected]
l:
cal
just
or
Judy Robinson
562-602-8813 (home)
562- 754-1093 (cell)
Gerry Gamble
949- 661-9627 (home)
949-863-2486 (cell)
SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Alumnae Updates
Peggy Carey Hoferer, ’69, writes that
she and husband Bill live in Rowland
Heights and are proud to say they have
three children and nine “healthy, beautiful
grandchildren aged 12 to 1 year in age—all
baptized.” Bill is a contractor and instructor
for Southern California Edison and Peggy
volunteers with the homeless and mentally
disabled. Daughter Karen is an international
certified Doula and an apprentice mid-wife. Son David is a business manager for Orange
Coast Petroleum and Equipment, and son
Mark is a regional jet captain who flys in
and out of Tucson, AZ.
Now living in Hacienda Heights Mary
Burfield Eckman, ’71, and her husband John
have two children, both in college. Mary
graduated from CSU Long Beach and now
works as an accounting analyst for Southern
California Edison and John is a director of
operations for SCE. Their daughter Laura
hopes to be an elementary school teacher
after she completes her studies at CSU
Chico and son John is in the marching band
at the University of Michigan and studying
to be a mechanical engineer.
Jackie Gomez-Whiteley, ‘82, reports
that “a lot has been happening in my life.”
She just finished her Master’s Degree in
Organizational Leadership from Chapman
University. As part of the program, she also
received an Executive Certificate in Public
and Non-Profit Leadership. “The timing for
my MAOL was perfect, as I accepted a job
offer as Police Captain at the Cypress Police
Department,” says Jackie. She had worked
at Orange Police Department for the past
221/2 years as a police lieutenant. The move
to Cypress PD is both a promotion and a
new opportunity. Cypress has an outstanding reputation in the law enforcement community as being a strong department and
she feels “fortunate to be working for such a
fine organization.”
After graduation from SJHS Catherine
Santos Becker, ’84, attended UCLA and
earned a BA degree in Psychology, graduating in 1988. She and husband Kent live in
Huntington Beach and are members of St.
Bonaventure Catholic Church. They have
three children and Catherine is a stay-athome mom. In February, she and Kent
celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
Kent is the owner of Control Logistics, Inc.
and Catherine says their career goals are
“to raise their children to be intelligent and
compassionate individuals.”
When Jessica Marques Washington,
’94, wrote earlier in the year, she and husband Rod were looking forward to the birth
of their daughter in February. The couple
has an 11-year-old daughter, Maya, who
was very excited “to be a big sister.” Jessica
and Rod moved to Victoria, TX, a little over
two years ago and Rod works as an advertising sales consultant in freight management.
Jessica attended Cypress College after she
graduated from SJHS.
Marisa Prado Stevens, ’96, and her
husband Keith, married in October 2008,
live in Garden Grove and are members of
St. Hedwig Parish. Keith is an administrator for the oncology department at Kaiser
Permanente Hospital, West Los Angeles.
Marisa, who attended Catholic University
of America in Washington, DC, earned her
BSN and has worked as an RN at various
hospitals around the country, including
USC Norris Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins
University Hospital in Baltimore, and New
York University’s Tisch Hospital. Marisa
met Keith in 2006 while training for the
Disneyland Half Marathon benefitting
AIDs Project Los Angeles.
From Alumnae Board
To All Jester Alumnae
We, the board of the SJHS Alumnae Association,
invite you to join us in giving back to the school that
gave so much to us. The purpose of our association is
to provide assistance—financial and otherwise—to the
SJHS community of students. Just as importantly, we
want to promote camaraderie among alumnae. Along with
the benefits of the education we received as students at
Saint Joseph High School, we formed friendships that we
continue to value. This association is an opportunity to
rekindle those friendships while joining in our efforts to
support SJHS programs and further the general welfare of
the community.
We are going to print with this newsletter during
the same time our first annual membership meeting is
scheduled: Tuesday, March 24, 2009. But don’t despair. If
you didn’t make it to this meeting, we’ll be having more
and we still want you to be a part of the SJHS Alumnae
Association.
Please return this form as an RSVP expressing interest in being a part of the Association Board. If you prefer,
you can e-mail us at [email protected].
p I am interested in finding out more about SJHS Alumnae Association Membership
Name: _____________________________________________________ Class: ___________________
Contact Phone: _________________________________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________________
C H A L L E N G I N G T H E M I N D , C U L T I VAT I N G T H E S P I R I T
15
3
Important Dates
to Remember
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 60039
Long Beach, CA
APRIL
MARCH
23-25 IOWA Testing
27
Sadie Hawkings Dance at Knott’s
28
Fr. Henry’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
30
End of Third Quarter
Jest Fest
31
Grades Due
First day of Fourth Quarter
2-4
Returning student registration
3
Senior Fashion Show
6
Junior Parent Night
9
Holy Thursday
Easter Break Begins to 4/21
21 East Break Ends
22
Distinguished Scholars Dinner
23
Fine Arts Day
25
Cheer Spring Dance, Flynn Center
27
8th Grade Social
5825 North Woodruff Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90713
Tel (562) 925-5073
Fax (562) 925-3315
www.sj-jester.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
JUNE
MAY
28-29 Senior Exit Interviews
29
Progress Reports Due
7-8
Senior Countdown
9
Senior Prom
11
Golf Tournament, Lakewood Country Club
14
Spring Sports Awards
15–16 Spring Choir Concert
16
Senior Brunch
2-4
Senior Exams
5
Senior Award Ceremony and Graduation
8
Awards Ceremony for Frosh, Sophs, Juniors
9-11 Final Examinations
12
Faculty Work Day/Grades Due
22
Summer School & Summer Day Camp Begins
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Please keep these members of the SJHS family and their loved ones in your prayers. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated in the school
chapel for each of the following members of the SJHS school family. We remember:
Ruben Baeza, grandfather of
Jennipher, ’04 and Michele Baeza, ’09
Chris Batzar, step-brother of Linda
Petrich, Faculty Member
Barbara Brown, former Associate
Superintendent, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Department of Catholic Schools
Margaret Brunkalla, sister of
Sister Veronica Jones, former staff member
who ministered in the Media Center.
Julia Margaret Groschey Clark,
mother of Our Lady of the Angels Regional
Bishop Edward William Clark
Marilyn Noble, mother of Mary Noble, ’73,
Barbara Noble Roberts, ’75, Roberta Nobel-Stone,
’78 and Diane Nobel Swanson, ’79
Ethel Ferl, mother of Kathleen Ferl
Jones, ’71 and Maxine Ferl Vance, ’73 (RIP)
Estella Parga, grandmother, and Jose Parga,
grandfather of Corina Parga, ’12
Evelyn Ann Kennedy, Evelyn Ann
Kennedy, mother of Erin Kennedy, ’81 and
grandmother of Amelia Hercules, ’00
Pimentel, ’12
Mary Guest Morgan, ’68, sister of
Charlene Guest, ’70, (RIP)
Mario Pimentel, father of Sheena
Florence Watte, mother of Sister Frances
Watte, CSJ, Georgette Watte De Bruyn ’68, and
Loretta Watte Sayce ’71