summer 2016 - Bishop Machebeuf High School

the
beacon
BEACON
SUMMER 2016
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS SUMMER
AT BISHOP MACHEBEUF HIGH SCHOOL:
n 2016 Buffalo Run 5K
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Visit buffalorun5k.org to sign up today!
Celebrating the Legacy of
Bishop Joseph P. Machebeuf
A Look Inside…
7TH GRADE LOCK-IN
SENIOR RETREAT
Principal
Rev. Mr. Marc Nestorick, M. Ed.
Assistant Principal
Mr. Mike Augustine, M. Ed.
Assistant Principal
Rev. Paul Kostka, M. Ed.
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Tamara Whitehouse, M. Ed., M.T.
458 Uinta Way
Denver, CO 80230
303.344.0082
www.machebeuf.org
machebeuf.org
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver, under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop, and at the discretion of the Secretary for Catholic Schools,
state that all of their Catholic schools admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made
available to students at schools. Futhermore, Archdiocesan schools admit handicapped students in accord with Archdiocesan Policy No. 2000 concerning student admission.
These schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, handicap, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices,
scholarship and loan programs or athletic or other school administered programs.
From the
Principal
Dear Bishop Machebeuf High School Community:
It is with great excitement and sadness that we celebrate the end of another great school year. We are excited to
see our sixty-seven seniors graduate, ready to take on the world. There is some sadness because we will surely
miss them. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that they are prepared for future success.
This year’s graduating class completed a “Capstone Paper” as part of their graduation requirement. This paper
required the students to reflect on their experience at Machebeuf through the lens of our core values. The
question they needed to answer was “how did the core values shape their high school experience and prepare
them for their future?” After reading all the papers, I was blown away by our students and the impact our
school has had on their lives. Our students shared incredible insights into how our school impacted them in
ways that other schools would not have been able to. For instance, Erin Batuello wrote, “I have realized the
importance of staying true to myself and my beliefs. In high school, and in life, there are so many instances
when it’s tempting to compromise morals and change to fit in with what is going on around us. It is honestly
important to fight this, though, and to listen to the voice within us that tries to keep us on track and reminds
us of our Christian Morality.” Erin goes on to write, “I feel blessed that my parents have sent me to Bishop
Machebeuf High School where I have met so many great people and changed so much as a person.”
Our school is making a difference in the lives of our students. The core values drive our school and also
help continue to shape our students on their journey to sainthood. Katie Garcia stated this so well. She said,
“I have excelled in my studies and learned great life lessons. My actions based on the core values have become
almost instinct. I have developed quite a bit from the first time I stepped through those glass front doors.
I have changed without even knowing it. No longer a calf, I am now a buffalo and I am a part of the herd.”
While we say farewell to our graduates, it is truly not a farewell. As Katie said so eloquently, they are now part
of a herd. They are part of the Machebeuf community forever. We wish our graduates well as they move into
the future. We know they will exhibit the characteristics of our core values:
Devotion to God
Academic Excellence
Community Service
Ethnic and Cultural Variety
Christian Morality Graduates, as you head off into the world, please know we are here to support you.
May God bless you and your family on your journey.
Sincerely,
Deacon Marc
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Congratulations Class of 2016—
You’ve Made Us Proud and We Look
Forward to All You Will Accomplish
Dear Bishop Machebeuf Parents, Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Friends,
In the 1978 hit movie, Grease, the high school principal and her assistant bid farewell to the senior class of Rydell High by
telling the students that they are destined for greatness. One of them may become a U.S. President; one of them may be the
next General Eisenhower and command an army; and one of them may become a famous athlete. As she cries her way to
the end of her remarks, the principal reminds the students that their high school is part of them forever.
This time of year is unique for all because it makes us sad and happy simultaneously. On the one hand, we will miss no
longer being in the daily presence of our graduating seniors. We will miss your smiles, your laughter, your talents, and the
heart you brought to BMHS during your time with us. Undoubtedly, you touched the hearts of many and we will be sad
to see you leave. The end of the school year also brings change in our faculty and administration as several of them will be
leaving BMHS to transition to new journeys in their professional lives. Like our graduating seniors, you too enriched the
lives of those around you and we are blessed to have benefited from your contributions to our school.
This sadness, however, is dwarfed by the immense pride we all share in the accomplishments of our graduating seniors.
As the Class of 2016 moves on to their colleges and professional endeavors, know that you too are well positioned to serve
as leaders in your communities and in your chosen professions. In my role as BMHS Board Chairman and an alum, I have
seen firsthand BMHS graduates making a difference wherever they choose to apply their talents. Our graduates are leaders
in the business industry, the health care profession, law enforcement, public safety, higher education, local government, and
elected office just to name a few. You need look no further than Arapahoe County to see our alum, Matthew Crane ’91,
serving as the Clerk and Recorder for one of Colorado’s largest counties. Go on LinkedIn and very quickly you will find
BMHS graduates making meaningful contributions to their companies and communities. To our Class of 2016, you have
much to be proud of in your accomplishments and in your school. You have much to be hopeful for.
Finally, I want to join the Board of Trustees, parents, students, administration, alumni, and supporters in saying goodbye
and thank you to Renee Klein, Theresa Aksamit, Sr. John Peter, Elaina Schroeder, Elizabeth Tewari, Pattie Small, Tuyet
Nguyen, Brother Nathanael Colombiere, Sylvia Smith, and Catherine Arend as each of them will be leaving BMHS for
different personal and professional opportunities next year. Thanks to each of you for your time and talent in serving
BMHS and making our school a better place through your service. We wish you the best for many years to come.
In each of your respective journeys, may you be frequently reminded of the lessons you learned at BMHS from your family,
friends, and faculty. May your personal and professional accomplishments be many, and may green and gold hold a special
meaning in your hearts. We look forward to the day when we all can say, “we knew you when.”
Like the principal in Grease, we say…Bishop Machebeuf Forever.
God bless you and may He continue to bless Bishop Machebeuf High School.
Christopher M.A. Lujan, Esq. ’90
Chairman, Board of Trustees
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Valedictorian Speech: Katherine Napierkowski
Thank you Deacon Nestorick.
Before I begin, I would like to thank the faculty, staff, parents, family members, and friends of the Class of 2016.
Without you, today would not have been possible for us. You have helped each of us in innumerable and invaluable ways
throughout high school. After four years, to the Class of 2016: we finally made it, and as such, I will try to keep this brief.
During our time at Machebeuf, we learned quite a bit: from how to defend the faith to simplifying complex equations to
the origins and intricacies of the United States, and much more. Through the classes that we have taken and the experiences
that we have enjoyed over the past four years, we have understood many important principles, the main one being: if you
want to buy lunch from the lunch line, go early or late, never in the middle. In reality, we learned three key lessons to carry
into college: challenges make life interesting; we will always have someone to depend on; and God has a plan for each of us.
As high school students, we were given the opportunity to challenge ourselves in more ways than one. Classes, sports, and
friendships all provided us chances to choose whether or not to push ourselves to grow. The times when we tried something
new, we may have experienced hardships or failures, but they made our lives interesting. Through our difficulties, we have
learned our strengths and weaknesses and how we can continue to better ourselves in college. We discovered new passions
and friendships as we changed our schedules and hobbies and pursued the challenges that high school presented with the
help of those around us.
During the past four years we completed many projects, papers, tests, and other assignments that have caused us a lot
of stress and anxiety. But, even with all of the difficulties, we always had someone by our sides to help us continue to
persevere. As Ecclesiastes states, “Two are better than one because… if either of them falls, the one will lift up his
companion.” Whether it was a teacher, a friend, or a parent, we could depend on someone to pick us up when we
were down and remind us that one mistake is not the end of the world. The people that we have met at Machebeuf
have a genuine desire to help those around them. No matter the size or difficulty of the task at hand, there will always
be someone who God has placed with us that we can depend on.
With all of the craziness that has occurred throughout high school, it can be hard to see that God has a plan for all of us,
and a prayer that my family often says together gives a practical insight into His plan for us: “teach me to profit by the
suffering that comes across my path… that it make may make me broad in my forgiveness,” and “may no one be less good
for having come within my influence… for having been a fellow traveler in our journey toward Eternal Life.” When we
allow God to work through us and help us become the people that He wants us to be, God will lead us to the happiness that
we have learned to long for through our time at Machebeuf.
As high school ends and we move on to college, it is important to remember what we have learned, especially: that the
challenges we face make each day more engaging, we can depend on others to help us when we fall, and that God has a
special purpose for each of us, that will lead us to true happiness. If we strive to live by what we have learned at Machebeuf,
we will give honor and glory to God. These lessons will give us the confidence that we need to face every new part of our
lives with the steadfastness and courage that God desires for each of us. Thank you once more to the faculty, staff, and
family members of the Class of 2016. Thank you all for a great four years, and congratulations on graduating!
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Salutatorian Speech: Hannah Hurlbut
Hello, everybody. As your Salutatorian, I am here to welcome you to the celebration my classmates and I have been waiting
desperately for these past few months. Yet, when I consider these last four years at Machebeuf, I become filled more and
more with gratitude. My class and I have been so blessed with loving family members, enthusiastic teachers, and dependable
friends. I was taught as a kid to always show my gratitude, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all that
my classmates and I have received.
First and foremost, I must address the majority of those gathered here today: the family members. You have been there for us
our entire lives, from when we were children who believed you could do no wrong to the teenagers who thought you could
do nothing else. You were there for birthdays and holidays with a camera at the ready; you endured every temper tantrum
of teenage rebellion that some of us may never grow out of. Now we stand before you on the brink of adulthood, and we
find ourselves in the paradox of wanting to cling to that safety blanket of yours while at the same time wanting to shrug
it off in our excitement for our futures. For many of us, we have learned the hard way just how priceless family is, how
valuable parents are no matter how much we may deny it. For those we love, some, who are not able to be present here
today, it is our greatest grace that we know you are so proud and you watch over us always. So to our family members,
to our parents, on behalf of the class of 2016: thank you.
Now the next group I must acknowledge has been with us every day for the past four years; we have always had a love-hate
relationship with the teachers, and they with us. Who could forget Ms. Shea’s stare of death in Sophomore year—that lasted
about a week before we found out she was one of the sweetest and most caring teachers we would ever know? And none of
us will ever take for granted the privilege of learning from Brother Peter, whose inspiring nature, coupled with his bracing
reality checks, changed our lives. Even though many of us may want to forget about them, Mr. McInerney’s five question
tests that dropped our GPAs five points will forever haunt our dreams. The most iconic faces of Machebeuf, Sister Miriam
and Mr. Lenzini, can never be far from our minds and hearts; Sister’s sass and Lenzini’s stories awakened our love of
learning again. You teachers often have a thankless job, and we take your dedication and kindness for granted; you challenge
us not to simply memorize, but to think, and because of you our heads will be lifted to touch the stars. So to the teachers
who challenge us, who care for us, who truly teach us to be better students and more importantly people, on behalf of the
class of 2016: thank you.
The last group I must address is probably the hardest to say. To my classmates, my comrades, my friends, we have had the
best of memories. As Freshmen, we were the unique class, completely awkward yet confident from the highs of 8th grade.
Sophomore year we began to take those first steps of growth, and many found the friends they would stick with for the rest
of high school. Junior year, also known as the worst year of our lives, was when our morale dropped as low as our GPAs.
But we pushed through. We fought for this position and now are finally here on that day
that seemed so far away when we came in as Freshmen. I speak before you now as
the second highest in our class, as the person who society tells you will be
“successful”: I am scared. I am scared of the brilliance everyone has
told us we have, but that I still doubt we possess. I am scared
of the possibility of failure, of the chance of success.
I am scared to let you all go. I am supposed to stand
up here and speak to you all on my high horse of
my GPA, on the idea that because I can score well
on a test I should inspire you.
But the truth is that I am inspired by you: by your sass,
by your humor, by your strength, by your uniqueness, by your
kindness. I know we will go our separate ways, but we carry
a part of those we have laughed with, cried with, inspired,
and that assuages my fear. So I ask you now, as I end my
speech, to remember that we were not unaware of troubles
before, but we can stand firm in the gifts we leave behind,
in the people we inspire, and that is a monument more
lasting than bronze. My dear friends, it is to you that
I offer these final words: thank you.
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
7th Grade Lock-In
by: Kristen Dieterich
Machebeuf hosted our second annual 7th Grade Lock-In on Saturday, April 23, through Sunday, April 24. A total of 45
7th graders attended; representing 17 different schools. It was a chance for 18 of our current students to lead by faith and
be strong examples to the younger students. Alaina Head, Class of 2019, shares “it’s a good opportunity to meet new people
and grow in your faith.” This year we were blessed to have Fr. Anthony Ariniello from the Community of the Beatitudes
join us along with two members of the Augustine Institute, Becca and Tara. The students celebrated Mass, joined in small
group discussion, played fun games of dodgeball and laser tag, and ended the Lock-In watching the sunrise. It was a fun
and memorable time. Many thanks to Campus Ministry, chaperones, and the student leaders in their efforts to make this a
special tradition!
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
7th Grade Lock-In (continued)
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
s
Student Spotlight
Our very own Jack Staib achieved a perfect score on the 2016 National Latin Exam. Only 929 students out of over
140,000 who participated in the entire United States, Taiwan, Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Italy,
Germany, Singapore, Spain, Greece, Puerto Rico, Japan, Portugal, Zimbabwe, France, Belgium, China, and South Korea
attained this distinction.
A word from Jack’s Latin teacher, Mr. Dobens:
“Jack is young man of many virtues and talents. He is humble, hard-working, and dedicated both in the classroom and on the
cross-country course. I am proud to have Jack as a student and as an athlete. I can think of no one else who more deserves such a
distinction. Well done Jack!”
Academic Award Nights
by: Tuyet Nguyen
The Academic Awards Assembly was held on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30pm. There are six types of awards given that night:
1. Subject Awards were given to 153 students. This award is based on the classes and subjects taught at Bishop Machebeuf, and conferred by a particular academic department.
2. The Service Awards were given to 12 students who have shown generosity with time and talent to a particular endeavor, and are in good standing with the school.
3. Latin Exam Awards:
* One student received “Perfect paper” (Hand-lettered certificate).
* Gold medals and summa cum laude certificates were given to 11 students who earned top scores.
* Silver medals and maxima cum laude certificates were given to 11 students who won the second place.
* Magna cum laude certificates were given to five students who won the third place.
* Cum laude certificates were given to two students who won the fourth place.
4. The Torch Awards were given to 26 students. The Torch Award combines academics, athletics and activities based
on a set point scale. It is the highest award an individual student can receive at Machebeuf that combines all above
three disciplines.
5. The Paul Murray Award is bestowed upon two junior student-athletes who have exhibited in their lives a commitment
to the ideals set forth in the Bishop Machebeuf Mission Statement.
6. Bishop Joseph P. Machebeuf Spirit Awards recognize a girl and a boy from each class level who through the witness
of their lives supports the Core Values of Bishop Machebeuf High School: Devotion to God, Academic Excellence,
Community Service, Ethnic and Cultural Variety, and Christian Morality.
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Senior Internship
by: Mike Augustine
Senior Internship is a pilot program that was created for seniors that have maintained a
high level of commitment to the Machebeuf mission as well as an upper level GPA (3.0).
Students were asked to seek a service opportunity that they would be able to work at for
the second semester of their senior year.
We were able to place four seniors this first year into various volunteer/service
opportunities at the following:
• Lowry Park Assisted Living Center – Angel Surafel, Isaias Aceves
• Joyous Chinese Cultural Center – Hannah Hurlbut
• Aurora Police Department, District 2 – Fanny Palma
Students must do all of the following to participate:
• Find a workable organization where they can be of service and represent Machebeuf to the best of their abilities.
• Maintain the high GPA they were required to have to enroll in the program.
• Provide bi-weekly reflection papers of the work they have been doing and how the
organization or people have impacted them and their life.
• Serve 5 hours a week for the entire semester (6th & 7th periods) at the site and
maintain accountability with their provider.
• Parent approval is required.
As a first year program, this group of students paved the way for what hopefully can become an outreach of Machebeuf
seniors to the greater community. This program has provided life opportunities and skills, as well as created partnerships
with organizations that can use quality individuals to further the excellent work they provide to the community.
Hannah Hurlbut’s Reflection on Senior Internship:
My Internship with the Joyous Chinese Cultural Center was one of my favorite parts about Senior year. The freedom combined with the work we did for others brought a whole new level to the education Machebeuf provides. Not only did we
do community service, but we also got preparation for the adult world. I researched and found a center I wanted to work
at. I contacted them and set up an interview all on my own. Through this internship I helped a place close to my heart and
learned about a part of myself I never explored before. I am a full-hearted proponent of this program and would love for
future Seniors to share in it.
During my Internship I:
• Cleaned and prepared classrooms
• Taught a Chinese paper-cutting class
• Managed a company’s social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
• Took pictures
• Helped organize an event that catered 800 people
• Prepared crafts for kids
• Cooked and sold dumplings -Managed a gift shop including working the cash register and cleaning
• Sat in on Chinese classes -Learned Chinese words and history
*The Joyous Chinese Cultural Center is partners with my adoption agency, Chinese Children Adoption International.
This center works to help adopted Chinese children learn more about the culture they left behind while also allowing
others to learn about Chinese culture for the first time.
Fanny Palma’s Reflection on Senior Internship:
I got the opportunity to volunteer at the Aurora Police. It was a truly rewarding experience. I faced real life situations doing
what I plan to do in the future. It was definitely a gift of a lifetime.
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Spring Sports Highlights
by: Eddie Kane
Track
After having great success the last few years and qualifying
multiple athletes for the State Championship meet, the
track team may have appeared on paper to have had a tough
year, but that is not the case, says senior James Joseph:
“Everyone on the team recorded a personal best in
competition. Freshmen Erasmo Medina dropped 40
seconds off of his mile time which is unheard of in a single
track season. Erasmo finished the season recording a mile
time of 5 minutes and 27 seconds.” Our track team is
young. With two seniors graduating and no juniors on
the team, the future is bright for our young track team.
As senior James Joseph puts it, “This team is going to
grow up to be fast.”
Girls’ Golf
The girls’ golf team had a successful season. Jessica Salazar
finished 11th in the Metro League, and Larissa Roberts
finished 6th. Larissa also qualified for the State
Championship Tournament for the second consecutive
year. “What makes the Machebeuf Girls’ Golf team great
is that even though we are a small team of two players
and a coach, I feel I am a part of a team,” says Larissa.
“We do a great job creating a team atmosphere, and I am
honored to represent the team at the State Championships.”
Girls’ Tennis
The Girls’ Tennis team had a breakout year, winning more
matches than they had won in the previous two years
combined. “Last year I joined tennis to have fun,” says
sophomore Julie Nguyen. “This year we were in it to win.
We stepped on the court knowing we could win the match.
With almost everyone from last year’s team returning this
year, we were able to bond as a team and improve our skills
together. I am excited for the future of girls’ tennis.”
Baseball
Our boys’ baseball team had a great year ending in the state
playoffs for first year Head Coach Curt Sims. The boys had
a huge comeback season, capped off by a monster victory
over Peak to Peak, who at the time was the number one
seed in the Metro League. That victory was what made their
trip to the state playoffs possible. Junior catcher James Ricci
said, “At the beginning of the year our season did not look
too promising, but after practicing hard, it was nice to end
the season off with a state playoff berth. I am particularly
excited about next season as I get to work with all our
pitchers. We are ready to make a run next season.”
Soccer
Girls’ soccer had a great season under first-year Head Coach
James Mann. The team really grew throughout the season,
with many younger players in varsity starting roles. Senior
Kate Moran will be off to play college soccer at Loyola
Chicago University. Sophomore Nadiya Lenyshyn is
ready to step up in the goalie role. Nadiya said, “It was a
fun season, we learned a lot as a team, and we are very
excited for next year!”
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports at Machebeuf,
and the team is improving under second-year Head Coach
Colton Mattei. The team has started to adopt more
advanced schemes on both the offensive side and defensive
side of the ball under Coach Mattei and his staff. Leading
goal scorer, Junior David Whittle, had the following to say
about a great season for the Lacrosse team: “Lax was great
with all the boys, and it was fun to set a new school record
for wins!”
Machebeuf Hockey Player
Represents Ukraine in World Hockey
U18 Championships
Machebeuf ’s Alex Netreba was selected by his home
country Ukraine to represent the U18 National Team at
the World Championships. Alex trained in Ukraine for
two weeks with the team, then headed to Italy for the U18
World Hockey Championships. There were six teams:
Ukraine, Japan, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and South Korea.
Ukraine defeated Italy, South Korea, and Slovenia, and lost
to Japan and Hungary. The team finished 3rd in the
competition. “The best part of the whole experience was
getting to train with the team in my home country,”
Alex said. “I look forward to representing Ukraine again
next year in the World Hockey Championships.”
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Buffalo Ball Recap
by: laura dulay
A big thank you to the entire Machebeuf Community for climbing aboard the “Machebeuf Express” on Saturday, April 9th
at our annual Wild West Buffalo Ball. We thank you for your generous contributions leading up to and the night of the
Buffalo Ball. This signature event would not have been so successful without the overwhelming generosity of our gracious
sponsors, parent community, alumni, and local businesses. Whether you donated goods to our silent auction, volunteered
your time, sponsored a table at the event or joined us at the Ball for an evening of fun, your dedication to Machebeuf is
recognized and appreciated!
Through cash gifts, sponsorship, ticket income, the special appeal and the live and silent auctions, we have raised over
$122,000! Each year at the Buffalo Ball, many individuals and businesses participate in a Special Appeal to raise funds for
an immediate need in the Machebeuf Community. This year, our goal is to enhance the learning environment within the
science department. All donations will go toward an overall workspace redesign that will allow students to transition easier
from lab to lecture. The proper lab equipment we purchased with funds raised at the 2014 Buffalo Ball coupled with a true
lab environment we will gain from the funds raised at this year’s event will ensure that we can provide our students with
top-notch curriculum and instruction.
Our needs for the science program range from large to small: $5,000 buys 10 Chemical Resistant Lab Tables for one room;
$2,500 buys paint for a cosmetic upgrade for cleaner, brighter lab environments; $1,500 buys shelving and cabinets for the
Physics Lab; $1,000 buys band saw, drill press and miter saw power tools; $500 buys one lab table; $250 buys one pair of
USB speakers for a Smartboard; $100 buys one pair of metal lab stools; $50 contributes to the overall workspace redesign;
and $25 contributes to overall workspace redesign.
This initiative will complement our continued efforts to serve and provide the very best experience to our students.
To date, we have raised over $28,000 for this initiative, but we would love to maximize our potential and grasp $40,000!
To reach our goal, we are asking for your help. If you would like to make a donation to support the 2016 Special Appeal,
please visit www.buffaloball.org.
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Below we want to introof Catechesis arising
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the House System is on the inaugural year of the
tto
o come! nd Catholic duceyears you
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School Captains: Each School Captain works closely with the Administration and Ms. Brennan, Director effective. We know they will create a Machebeuf legacy for many years to come!
House
of CSystem.
atechesis and Catholic Community, to m
ake sure students are being haeard nd the House System is School Captains: Each School Captain works closely with the Administration nd Mas. Brennan, Director effective. and Catholic Community, to make sure students are being heard and the House System is Hewan Kassa of Catechesis School
Captains:
Each
closely
with
Administration
Brennan,
Director of Catechesis and
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been given opportunity o bring the Catholic
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achebeuf. I truly believe that next Ato
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ey xciting things that went to Kansas to visit a school
will bring the achebeuf even closer. Shave
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achebeuf community closer. As Shave
chool Cbeen
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stronger onds between the administration and students, bring given
oiut spirit, and to make y stronger onds between the and students, out school spirit, and make my things that will bring the
senior ybear memorable." administration to Machebeuf.
I truly
believe that
next
yearbring is going
to be
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ofto exciting
Ben Luebbers senior year memorable." Machebeuf
community even closer. As School Captain, it is my goal to create stronger bonds between
“I want to make sure the House System’s first year goes well. Being a School Captain will the
administration
and students, bring out school spirit, and to make my senior year memorable.”
Ben Luebbers let me help where it is most needed to ensure progress at Machebeuf. As School Captain, I Ben Luebbers “I want to make sure the House System’s first year goes well. Being a School Captain will want to make sure school events are the best that they have ever been, as well as school “I want to make sure the House System’s first year goes well. Being a School Captain will Ben Luebbers
let me help where it is most needed to ensure progress at Machebeuf. As School Captain, I spirit with sports and community.” let me help where it is most needed to ensure progress at Machebeuf. As School Captain, I “I want to make sure the House System’s first year goes well. Being a School Captain will let me help
want to make sure school events are the best that they have ever been, as well as school want to make sure school events are the best that they have ever been, as well as school where it is most needed to ensure progress at Machebeuf. As School Captain, I want to make sure school
spirit with sports and community.” spirit with sports and community.” events are the best that they have ever been, as well as school spirit with sports and community.”
Community Captains: Each Community Captain will work closely with a Community Mentor teacher to Community
Captains:
Each
Community
Captain will work closely with a Community Mentor
Houses in their Community. oversee the Houses
in theirCCommunity.
Community aptains: Each Community Captain will work closely with a Community Mentor teacher to teacher to oversee the
Brad Burbach Community Captains: Each Community Captain will work closely with a Community Mentor teacher to oversee tthe he HHouses ouses in their their Community. “Taking on this position will help me meet new people and learn things that I would not oversee in Community. Brad
Burbach
have otherwise…I hope to add to the good things happening at BMHS by providing input Brad Burbach Brad Burbach “Taking on this position will help me meet new people and learn things that I would not have otherfrom my own knowledge of being at Machebeuf for the past three years. I know what is “Taking on this position will help me meet new people and learn things that I would not “Taking on this position will help me meet new people and learn things that I would not wise…I hope to add to the good things happening at BMHS by providing input from my own knowledge
good and what is bad so I can make decisions based off of that…I will make sure that I have otherwise…I hope to add to the good things happening at BMHS by providing input of being at Machebeuf for the past three years. I know what is good and what is bad so I can make
Haley Clark have otherwise…I hope to add to the good things happening at BMHS by providing input hear people and put the best foot forward for all.” from my own knowledge of being at Machebeuf for the past three years. I know what is from my own knowledge of being at Machebeuf for the past three years. I know what is “I am excited based
to help off
Machebeuf transition the Hsure
ouse Sthat
ystem Iahear
s I get people
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ransition of that…I
willinto make
putinto the best foot forward for all.”
decisions
good and what is bad so I can make decisions based off of that…I will make sure that I a new spectrum of life. The House System invokes a new sense of community that Machebeuf Haley Clark good and what is bad so I can make decisions based off of that…I will make sure that I Haley Clark hear people and put the best foot forward for all.” has the foundation for but hasn't built yet. tThe he H
ouse System provides a way to connect with hear people and put the best foot forward for all.” “I aam tto Clark
“I Haley
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Machebeuf's achebeuf's history istory llIt
ong unifies
fter II ggraduate.” raduate.” Megan Reilly Megan Reilly Megan Reilly There may be a hierarchy of leadership, but we all deserve a say in what happens at our “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Community Captain this upcoming year. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Community Captain this upcoming year. school. I hope to enhance the equality of the House System. Instead of merely allowing There may be a hierarchy of leadership, but we all deserve a say in what happens at our There may be a hierarchy of leadership, but we all deserve a say in what happens at our Megan Reilly
the senior grades to control the events of Machebeuf, I will vouch for equal say for all the school. I hope to enhance the equality of the House System. Instead of merely allowing school. I hope to enhance the equality of the House System. Instead of merely allowing “I
am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Community Captain this upcoming year. There may be
grades.” the senior grades to control the events of Machebeuf, I will vouch for equal say for all the the senior grades to control the events of Machebeuf, I will vouch for equal say for all the a
hierarchy
of leadership, but we all deserve a say in what happens at our school. I hope to enhance the
grades.” grades.” Sam Tighe Sam Tighe Sam Tighe ready and willing to take the responsibility to lead and build a community that will be rooted in
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Community Captain this upcoming year. Machebeuf
’s history long after I graduate.”
equality of the House System. Instead of merely allowing the senior grades to control the events of
Machebeuf,
I will vouch for equal say for all the grades.”
Sam Tighe
“I am looking forward to being a Community Captain because I feel that Machebeuf does “I am looking forward to being a Community Captain because I feel that Machebeuf does “I am looking forward to being a Community Captain because I feel that Machebeuf does “I am looking forward to being a Community Captain because I feel that Machebeuf does need a change
need a change in leadership style and methods of growing and leading as a student need a change in leadership style and methods of growing and leading as a student need a change in leadership style and methods of growing and leading as a student body…I hope to add to building the Machebeuf community by making certain that the in leadership style and methods of growing and leading as a student body…I hope to add to building the
body…I hope to add to building the Machebeuf community by making certain that the body…I hope to add to building the Machebeuf community by making certain that the underclassmen are treated with respect and that they can have fun and grow with the Machebeuf community by making certain that the underclassmen are treated with respect and that they
underclassmen are treated with respect and that they can have fun and grow with the underclassmen are treated with respect and that they can have fun and grow with the students in their own class as well as those in the grades above them.” students in their own class as well as those in the grades above them.” can have fun and grow with the students in their own class as well as those in the grades above them.”
students in their own class as well as those in the grades above them.” THE
BEACON
SUMMER 2016
Senior Retreat: Going in Peace
by: MJ Brennan
Though the snow tried to keep the Seniors from gathering as a class for their last retreat, a return from Spring Break meant
Senior Retreat was near. The Seniors had some powerful moments as a Community—giving thanks to God for their four
years here and making peace with God and each other. At the end of every Mass we hear the celebrant say, “Go in Peace.”
We hope and pray that through the traditions of the Senior Retreat, our students experienced that peace that only
CHRIST brings to the world!
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Father of Machebeuf Alums Riding
Across America for Persecuted Christians
Skip Rodgers, father of recent Bishop Machebeuf
High School alums Lucy, ‘13 and Carly, ‘16 is riding
his bike across America from the Pacific to the
Atlantic Ocean for persecuted Christians in the
Middle East. Rodgers began his journey on June 13
in Anacortes, WA and hopes to make it to
Bar Harbor, ME around August 9. The ride,
which he calls the Ride for Hope and Mercy,
supports St. Rafka’s Mission for Hope and Mercy.
St. Rafka’s Mission works with the Maronite Church
in Lebanon to provide a sanctuary for persecuted
religious minorities fleeing to Lebanon from Iraq
and Syria.
Please keep Skip Rodgers and his family in your
prayers. To learn more about his journey visit
rideforhopeandmercy.com.
New Life at BMHS
This spring, we saw the Machebeuf Community grow through the babies of some of our staff members! Courtney Grosso,
Athletic Trainer, and her husband welcomed their first little boy, pictured below. The Sullivans welcomed twins in early
May—one boy, one girl! Dianna Montano also added to the Machebeuf family. Welcome, new life!
Grosso Baby
Sullivan Babies
Montano Baby
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Vocation Story
by: Fr. Paul Kostka
Fr. Mason Fraley and Fr. James Claver were both ordained to the Priesthood on May 14, 2016, with five other men from the
Archdiocese of Denver. Fr. Mason is a graduate of the class of 2007 and Fr. James taught at Bishop Machebeuf from fall of
2009 to spring of 2012.
Fr. James Claver was a Theology teacher at BMHS during his time in formation with the Servants of Christ Jesus. He was
ordained a Priest for the community and will be serving as Chaplain starting this Fall. Fr. James’ vocation came to fruition
while he was attending Catholic high school in Austin, Texas. He then studied at Franciscan University to continue his
formation. Before moving to Denver, he was a missionary in Honduras, which solidified his knowledge of Spanish.
He looks forward to serving the community as a Priest!
Fr. Mason reflects on his own personal vocation story:
I was raised in a nominally Catholic home. I was sent to Catholic school largely for the private school aspect: St. Francis de
Sales for 4th-8th grade and all four years at Machebeuf. I was an altar boy in grade school, and my pastor at the time, Msgr.
Frank Morfeld was a very holy man. I was too intimidated to get too close to him, but his love for God in quiet fidelity to
his priestly life and duties was evident to me even at that young age. I wanted to be holy like him, though I couldn’t have
formulated the sentiment clearly at the time. I wouldn’t really think about it again until I had a real conversion experience
in high school. My junior year at Bishop Machebeuf High School, I had a course in theology with Marc Lenzini, and he was
very influential to me by illustrating how Christianity is reasonable for anybody desirous of the deepest sort of happiness,
and how the invitation of Christ really corresponds to the essential questions of the human heart. The priesthood scared me
because it’s a radical way of life, but my experience of joy in Christ made me want only to share that experience with others,
particularly in the uniquely privileged way as a priest. I wanted to give my whole life to Jesus, and that original inspiration
from years before returned. Considering it seriously at first frightened me, and I ran from the idea, but the call pursued me
until I finally gave in and applied for seminary in my senior year (2007).
From there, I went to college seminary in Minnesota for two years, before returning to Denver to complete the Spirituality
Year (kind of like a novitiate), and continued with two more years of philosophy studies and four years of theology studies
at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. My diaconate ordination was February 14, 2015, and my priestly ordination was
May 14, 2016; both among the happiest days of my life.
Nine years is a long time for anything, but the image that Jesus used seems to apply: “A woman giving birth to a child has
pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the
world.” (Jn. 16:21) Plus, I’ll spend the rest of my life as a priest; nine years is like nothing.
People imagine that the priesthood or religious life is for other people but not for them. That is a lie. God calls whom you
wouldn’t expect. Consider the call to “throw your life away” in radical love of God - it’s the best adventure to be had this side
of heaven!
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Coach Michael “Augie” Augustine
Coach Michael “Augie” Augustine
is in his own class of Machebeuf
coaches as we are thrilled to
announce that he will be inducted
into the Metro League Hall of
Fame. Augie will be the only
Machebeuf Coach in the
distinguished group. Coach
Augustine has coached both
Basketball and Football at
Machebeuf as well as at the
collegiate level and one other
Metro League school.
I am honored to be writing
this Beacon article as Coach
Augustine has served as a great
mentor for me in my last three
years as a Head Coach of the
Machebeuf Boys Basketball
program and the previous
three years as his assistant.
He represents what every coach
strives to become. Coach knows
the importance of the kids and is
constantly serving them to help
them become not only the best
players, but also the best people
that they can be. His players
love playing for him, which
I think is a true testament to his
coaching style. Augie is a player’s
coach: intense, understanding,
disciplinary, and always in charge
of the situation.
For those of you that know Coach
Augustine on a personal level, you
know that he is all about finding
small victories on and off the
court or field and building off of
those. He might think of this as
a small victory; however, this is a
great honor for which we should
all congratulate him. On behalf
of the Athletic Department, I
congratulate Coach Michael
Augustine and thank him for his
service to Machebeuf Athletics!
John Everhart
Assistant Athletic Director
PE Teacher
Head Boys Basketball Coach
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Thank You to our Generous FAmilies!
We would like to thank all of our families who generously gave of their time and talent
to serve our school this year! The following families served 10 or more hours this school year:
Marquez Family
Robbins Family
Reil Family
Murzyn Family
Lopez Family
Fox Family
Lowery Family
Machado Family
Capocelli Family
Stolpmann Family
Horvat Family
Michalczyk Family
Biegel Family
Beckman Family
Caswell Family
Seale Family
Patino Family
Stefanick Family
Caldwell Family
Salazar Family
Trommeter Family
Ewings Family
Minter Family
Perez Family
Villarreal Family
Marcely Family
Moran Family
Casados Family
Daly Family
Handley Family
Paolucci Family
Wyatt Family
Ferro Family
Reilly Family
Dobyns Family
Duffy Family
McCabe Family
Garcia Family
Corriere Family
Libby Family
Wengert Family
Rodgers Family
Weller Family
Adame Family
Girard Family
Roberts Family
Spencer Family
Costa Family
Hoopes Family
Garcia Family
Martin Family
Mills Family
Myers Family
Ritzer Family
Reyes Family
Wren Family
Batuello Family
Burbach Family
Chavez Family
Donelson Family
Ducey-Clark Family
Francis Family
Gauser Family
Miller Family
Pipp Family
Santiago Family
Stur Family
Crennen Family
Mestas Family
Sherrod Family
Luebbers Family
Aguirre Family
Asemaw Family
Brehm Family
Crawford Family
deAnda Family
Flanagan Family
Gottschalk Family
Griffin Family
Isidore Family
Job Family
Joy Family
Lenyshyn Family
Martinez Family
Miller Family
Napierkowski Family
Padgett Family
Rendon Family
Simpson Family
Smith Family
Staib Family
Trujillo Family
Vestecka Family
Sena Family
In total, our parents served over 1,960 hours this year!
We would like to extend a special thank you to the
Robbins Family and Marquez Family
for their outpouring of generosity. Both of these families served over 100 hours this year!
THE BEACON SUMMER 2016
Bishop Machebeuf High School
458 Uinta Way
Denver, CO 80230
Thank You to Our Sponsors
KIM ADAME INSURANCE AGENCY INC.
ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER
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VAL LASKOWSKI WITH STATE FARM
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ADRIAN & ROSEMARY SAMANIEGO
UNIVERSAL EDUCATION SUPPORTERS
CHICK-FIL-A
CRAWFORD APPRAISALS
BONNIE BRAE FLOWERS, INC.
DENVER ATHLETIC
CORNERSTONE HOME LENDING, INC.
KEVIN & MARY MCNICHOLAS
RANGEL LAWN CARE
REGIS UNIVERSITY
ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH