Thank God Almighty - We are Jaguars

The Magazine of PJP II HS by the Alumni for the Jaguar Family
What’s Inside?
Alumni news,
stories, and updates.
The Class of 2002 had their 10 year reunion at Patton’s on July 21, 2012
The Class of 1997 had their 15 year reunion at Huck Finn’s on July 14, 2012
Thank God Almighty - We are Jaguars - Fall 2012
Jaguar Journeys
Principal Message 2
A Message from Our Principal
Mundine Commends Alumni Efforts
To our beloved, alumni ~
Martha Mundine
Table of Contents
2 Principal Message
4 Featured Alumni
21 Legacy Family
22 New Educators—Delaney
23 Former Educators—Bechac
25 Alumni Scholarship
26 QB ONE
34 Jaguar Tracks
36 Births, Marriages, Memorial
37 Alumni Boot Camp
39 Alumni in the News
42 Student News
49 Save the Date
PJP has been home to
Catholic, secondary education since 1980. PJP takes
great pride in our 33-year
tradition of providing Academic Excellence, Faith Development, and Leadership
to young men and women
of East St. Tammany Parish
and surrounding areas.
In this, my second
year as principal, it is evident that PJP’s Alumni Association is growing in leaps
and bounds, in numbers and
in action. I commend everyone involved in composing and distributing “Jaguar
Journeys - PJP’s new online
Alumni Magazine”. It is
beautifully done and a fine
example of what wonderful
things can and will happen
when everyone pulls together for the good of PJP. It is
evident from attending your
meetings, that you all want
so much for your alma mater - so does this administration. We are here to support and encourage your
new ideas and involvement,
and to welcome and bring
all of you back home!
The new PJP Alumni
website www.pjpalumni.org
is up and ready for you to
register. Please check-in
with your former classmates, find out how you can
get involved, and keep
abreast of the latest that’s
going on at PJP. Adoration
has begun on Thursdays
during school hours in our
campus chapel and many
alumni are responding to the
call to come and offer the
beautiful gift of prayer. As
I write this, more reunions
and alumni sporting events
are being scheduled for you
than ever before. Attendance at JagFest 2012
brought, by far, the largest
delegate of PJP Alumni in
the event’s history! I am
personally challenging all of
you to break new records at
JagFest 2013. This year the
event is on March 2nd,
when we’ll be “celebrating
25 years of JagFesting!”
Besides JagFest 2013,
we have other events for our
alumni to take part: October
19 is our Homecoming
Game! Bring the kids.
Some new activities are being set in place to make this
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a family-friendly atmosphere and a chance to recognize our alumni in ways that
have never been done before. The alumni association is planning its first annual fall celebration in November on campus and I
look forward to seeing
many of you at our Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 5th.
The campus has undergone a few changes since
some of you have left us.
Your alma mater is on the
move! While it is important
to reflect on our past, now is
the time to put an even
greater emphasis on our future. Much progress has
been made, but there is al-
Principal Message 3
ways room for growth. I
welcome your involvement
and appreciate your continued support of PJP. Your
time, talents and financial
resources are important to us
and needed. Our annual Jag
fund drive will begin in October, and we are always in
need of volunteers.
We are grateful to
each of you, and are so
proud of all that you have
accomplished. I always
have a deep sense of pride
when I talk about the many
things our alumni are doing.
Our doors are open. Come
back and visit now and then.
PJP is and always has been a
wonderful place. Spread
the word out in the community about all of the fantastic
things PJP has done for you.
May God bless you and
your families. Thank God Almighty –We are Jaguars.
“We are grateful to each
of you, and are so proud
of all that you have accomplished. I always
have a deep sense of
pride when I talk about
the many things our
alumni are doing.”
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni 4
Julie Calamari Champagne, 3 wins away from 200
PJP Alumnae of 1991 entering 18th year as Tennis Coach
By: Drew Pizza
vinced his family to get involved in tennis tournaments
Julie Calamari Chamalong the way. Julie jumped
pagne did not pick up a tennis right in, practicing with
racket until she was in high
Henry and her family. The
school. Unbeknownst to her
sport quickly became a famthen, 24 years later she still has ily affair. Julie recalls a
not put it down. Julie inherited weekend tradition of attendher love for tennis from her
ing Sunday mass followed
family starting with her brother by many hard fought matchHenry Calamari ’85. Henry
es of tennis against her dad,
played tennis at PJP and conHenry, and brothers Ronnie,
Randy, Henry, and Mike.
In high school, Julie was
a quick study, lettering 3 years.
She was coached by Stan Chelchowski and, of course, her
own family. She attributes
learning her style of tennis from
her father who was a marathon
runner, “He always taught me I
could outlast any opponent with
toughness, stamina, and endurance.” Her career blossomed in
her senior year when she qualified for state, and she later went
on to play 4 years of division I
tennis at the University of New
Orleans.
Following her college career, Julie kept her passion for
tennis strong, and in 1995 became PJP’s tennis coach and 18
years later is still going at it.
She notes, “PJP is like home. It
is such a family atmosphere.
Everyone knows everyone and
gets along.” Under Julie’s tenure, PJP tennis has established a
tradition of winning. Many of
Julie’s players enter with little
experience, but she has found
the winning formula in mental
toughness, playing smart, and
Dad’s ole’ recipe of stamina and
endurance.
During 17 years, Julie
Julie Calamari Champagne with her family
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has compiled an overall record
of 197 wins and 118 losses. In
2006, she coached now alumnae, Brittany and Christy Stansey, to PJP’s first ever girls
doubles tennis title winning the
2A State Championship in
Monroe. Among her most
memorable matches, was a
quarterfinal match that ironically involved two PJP tennis
players who also happened to
be sisters and Julie’s nieces.
Erika Calamari ‘11 then a senior and Elizabeth ‘12 at the
time a junior battled each other
Alumni
for a semifinal spot. Julie
recalls the match being the
most gut wrenching and
longest matches she had ever seen with Erika (the eldest) winning in the end.
This season, Julie Calamari
Champagne will reach a
milestone of 200 wins. This
record will need another juggernaut like Julie to ever
even come close to being
eclipsed.
Julie has found the
game of tennis truly a sport
for a lifetime and has enjoyed
other hobbies and her family
along the way. She has found
daily Mass as her place for
peace and notes that “through
God all things are possible.”
She enjoys spending time with
her two children and husband
Rob. She still finds time to be
Craft mom and Room mom for
OLL. Julie certainly is one incredible Jaguar and embodies
the spirit of PJP. If you are
blessed to know Julie you are
blessed enough!
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Alumni
6
Richard Fontaine
Class of 1993
Fontaine Nationally Regarded as Expert on
American Defense Policy
By: Anna Pizza Caruso 93
Richard Fontaine (93)
“I have a million fond
memories of PJP, so it’s
hard to just pick a couple
of them. The homecomings, pep rallies, the radio show, the great
teachers and close
friends all helped shape
the rest of my life. It was
a great school and I was
lucky to have been able
to attend it for four
years.”
Richard Fontaine
Richard Fontaine
graduated from PJP with
distinction as Valedictorian.
He is also a member of the
distinguished class of
1993 :). Intelligent, hardworking and always humble, it was an honor and
pleasure to interview such a
first class gentlemen.
You graduated in 1993,
what were some of you
fondest memories of your
years at PJP?
I have a million fond memories of PJP, so it’s hard to
just pick a couple of
them. The homecomings,
pep rallies, the radio show,
the great teachers and close
friends all helped shape the
rest of my life. It was a
great school and I was lucky
to have been able to attend
it for four years.
Can you tell us a bit about
your history in Washington
in DC?
I moved to Washington in
1998, after graduating from
Tulane and then teaching
English in Japan for a year,
and I’ve been here ever
since. I have spent my career working in the foreign
policy field, and have
worked in the Senate, at the
State Department, and at the
White House. I also went to
grad school in Washington. It’s hard to believe I’ve
lived here for 14 years now.
. . in many ways Louisiana
will always be home.
You are currently the president of the Center for a
New American Security. What is the mission of
your company and what
does your job entail?
The Center for a New American Security is a think tank,
which is an organization
that conducts research and
analysis and offers policy
recommendations. We focus
on national security and foreign policy issues, everything ranging from Iran and
China to cyber-security and
the future of the military. I
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was a senior fellow at CNAS
for nearly three years, so I
conducted research and wrote
reports and did some media
(you probably missed me on
CNN and NBC and others, but
I was there. . .). A few months
ago I was promoted to president of the organization, which
means that I am now responsible for setting the direction of
the organization, managing the
staff, raising funds, and continuing to be involved in research
projects.
What is the most interesting
adventure that you have had
during your time in D.C.?
I’m lucky to have had many. I
worked for Senator McCain
during the 2008 presidential
campaign and that was probably the most interesting adventure thus far. My previous
campaign experience was limited to running for senior class
president at PJP, so it was all
new to me. I found myself flying around the country and the
world with Senator McCain
and advising him on foreign
policy in the bright glare of the
campaign spotlight. We lost
the election, but I learned a
Alumni
great deal about people.
7
overestimate the effect those
Who were you most honored had on some of us students. Also, the Bourgeois’ classes
to meet?
helped instill in me a love of
I enjoyed meeting political
writing and intellectual arguleaders like George W. Bush,
ment that I think has stuck with
Bill and Hillary Clinton, Brit- me ever since. Together, this
ish Prime Minister Tony Blair, helped set the stage for my caIsraeli President Shimon Peres, reer, which has been rooted in
and former Secretary of State
working on (and writing about)
Henry Kissinger. But honestly, global affairs.
the person I have been most
What accomplishment are
honored to meet is my wife,
you most proud of?
Karen.
What about your education Professionally, I am proud of
drafting and helping get passed
at Pope helped shape your
the 2005 Detainee Treatment
career choice?
Act, which is now U.S. law. It
Pope really opened my eyes to made a big difference. Personthe world in many ways. Mrs. ally, I am proud of my family –
Bremond’s French classes
or, rather, proud that they hang
made me realize just how big
out with me.
and varied the world is, and
Finally, you have a beautiful
how someone from Slidell
could get out there and explore wife and three young children, how do you balance cait – that it was really possible. Her classes and the trip to reer and family?
France we took in the summer This is a hard one. Washington
before my junior year were
D.C. can be a tough place – the
transformative experiences for culture here is one of work, and
me and I think about them all
my jobs have not lacked for inthe time. I still remember some tensity. I basically divide my
of the assignments she gave us time into work and family, and
that explored African and
there is not a lot of room for
French customs. It’s hard to
other things. So I don’t go to
happy hours, have been to only
one baseball game in about five
years, and don’t really watch
tv. It’s a constant challenge,
though.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
8
Courtney Chisholm Class of 2006 Discerning Catholic Sisterhood
Chisholm shares her story of God’s Call to Mission in Kansas City
By: Courtney Chisholm Class
of 2006
The real question for all
of us is what does God want
me to do with my life? What is
his desire for me?” explained
Archbishop Naumann in a
homily. He continued, “That
is the quest I think all of us
need to embark on in our
lives. God’s plan for us is
much greater than we could
ever conceive on our own.” I
listened carefully to these
words as the Archbishop allowed the Lord to speak
through him. It was during a
mass at the Little Sisters of the
Lamb, in January, that I felt
the Lord tug on my heart. He
Courtney Chisholm ‘06 Bottom Row Far Right with the Little Sisters of the Lamb in Kansas City
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wanted me to reflect on these
thoughts and how his plan for
me might be different than the
one I had for myself.
As a little girl, I didn’t dream
of becoming a nun. I grew up
near New Orleans, Louisiana
in a Catholic family. We always went to mass on Sundays, and I attended Catholic
schools growing up, which
taught me about my faith. By
the end of high school, I had
formed a personal relationship
with Christ and loved going on
retreats and to adoration.
However, when I started college at Louisiana State University, I gradually lost the love
for Christ in my heart. During
my sophomore year, a car acci-
Alumni
dent that could have been
very dangerous served as a
wakeup call for me. As I
walked away from it uninjured, I heard the Lord ask
me, “Courtney, if you were
to die right now, would you
be happy with the way you
are living?” That is when my
faith truly became my own. I
began to attend daily mass
and adoration and first felt
the Lord place upon my
heart the thought of a religious vocation. I answered
the Lord by saying, “Lord, if
you want me to become a
sister, you will have to hit
me in the head with it because it is not the plan I have
for myself.” Quickly, I
pushed the idea to the back
of my mind, out of fear, and
continued my plan of be-
Courtney far right with Father Larry Chisholm and a Sister
9
coming a physical therapist.
In November of my senior
year at LSU, my dad was diagnosed with Advanced Renal
Cell Carcinoma, stage four
kidney cancer. My perspective
on what was important in life
changed drastically. The Lord
showed me through this trial
that even in the midst of darkness, I could find many blessings. It was a true light for me
and a year of growth, struggles, conversion of heart and
perseverance.
The desire to open my heart to
the idea of religious life increased through my first year
of physical therapy school at
the University of South Alabama. As I was seeking spiritual guidance, a priest asked
me something I will never forget. He said, “Courtney, do
you ever just sit down and ask
God what he wants you to do
with your life?” I reflected on
that question and realized I
never asked God this because
I was afraid of what the answer might be. He continued,
“Take time each day in silence
and allow God to lead you.”
Then, he suggested that if I
happened to drive through
Kansas City, I should visit a
religious community there, the
Little Sisters of the Lamb. I
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disregarded that part, thinking
I would never “pass through
Kansas City”, but I took his
advice and started spending
time in prayer before class
each morning.
Last summer, I decided to do
a six week internship in Denver for PT school and looking
at the map to plan my journey,
I was shocked to discover that
I would have to “pass through
Kansas City”. Without my realizing it, the Lord had arranged a way for me to visit
the little sisters. At first, I
fought the idea and brought it
to prayer often. Deep down, I
Alumni
knew the Lord had opened
this door for me. I remember,
as if it was the other day, driving to the sisters thinking “I
must have lost my mind. I’m
driving to Kansas City to stay
with nuns I have never met
and know very little about.”
Immediately, I felt the Community of the Lamb was my
family, and I belonged there.
Over those three days with the
sisters, my heart’s desire for
their life of prayer and communion with Christ grew
deeply. I realized, for the first
time in my life, that if God
was calling me to be his bride,
my heart would be on fire for
Lunch with the sisters
10
this vocation! However, I still
couldn’t imagine myself as a
little sister.
I visited the sisters again on
my way home from the internship in Denver and went on to
begin my second year of PT
school. During that fall semester, 2011, I heard the Lord say
to me in prayer, “Courtney,
I’m ready for you whenever
you are ready.” This brought
about many emotions because
I had a peace and joy in my
heart, but I was still struggling
with the idea of letting go of
PT school to plunge into the
unknown.
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All semester I waited anxiously to go back to Kansas
City. Finally Christmas break
came, and I stayed with the
sisters for fifteen days. The
words of the Gospel came
alive and enlightened my
heart. Each day, we repeated
the Gospel aloud three times,
sang it twice, and contemplated it in prayer, as the sisters
do each day. One morning, we
prayed repeating the verse of
John 1:38, “Jesus turned to
his disciples and asked them,
‘What do you seek?’” Three
times the words came out of
my mouth, “What do you
seek? What do you seek?
What do you seek?” Within
my soul the Lord asked me,
“Courtney, what does your
heart seek?” I knelt in prayer
and asked him to show me the
desires and fears of my heart.
He was calling me to trust
him, but something was holding me back.
The next day, as I was sweeping the floor in the chapel, I
froze before the crucifix with
my eyes fixed on the nails in
Jesus’ feet and the blood
gushing forth. I imagined the
pain and suffering he endured
for me. My heart was on fire,
and the Lord poured his love
directly into it. He spoke to
my soul and answered the
Alumni
questions I had asked him. He
said, “Courtney, the desire of
your heart is to love me unconditionally. The fear is that
this is not the life you ever
saw yourself living. You are
afraid to let go of your plans
and trust in the ones I have for
you. I want you to “come and
see” as I told my disciples in
the Gospel” (John 1:39). At
that moment, I knew the Lord
had asked me to drop my net
and follow him.
11
disbelief of where I was and
what I was doing. As I sat on
the bench and listened to our
neighbor share his life story
with so much joy, I was struck
by how the world would consider him poor, but in reality
he was rich in spirit and filled
with the Lord!
We walked back to the convent that day, and I was
speechless. Before I visited
the sisters, I didn’t realize they
were mendicant sisters, who
A few days later, I found my- go on mission and ask people
self sitting in a park with two to share something to eat with
sisters and a poor man from
them. That day I knocked on
our inner city neighborhood
the door of different houses
who had bought us bread and and heard the Lord say in my
milk and was sharing this
heart, “Behold, I stand at the
meal with us. At first, I was in door and knock; if anyone
Jaguar Journeys
hears my voice and opens the
door, I will come in to him
and eat with him, and he with
me” (Revelation 3:20). Until
this point, I was afraid to
open the door, but I knew the
Lord was saying, “Courtney, I
am simply asking you to trust
me. I am calling you to love.”
I fell to my knees in the chapel, and tears of joy rolled
down my face. My heart rejoiced saying, “Yes Lord, I
love you, and I desire to give
my whole life to you!”
I got on the plane to go home,
and the words of one of the
sisters echoed in my heart,
“You will never know until
you plunge into the unknown.
Trust him and follow your
heart.” It was a challenge for
me to let go of the future I
had in mind for myself, but
the peace in my heart lead me
to follow this call. Only by
the grace of God was I able to
take that step and withdraw
from PT school. I then moved
to Kansas City to “come and
see” the life of the sisters and
live a longer experience with
the Community.
I arrived in March, and it was
a tough transition to plunge
into a new way of life. At
first, I tried to convince myself this life was not for me,
Alumni
despite the peace within my
heart. Slowly though, the Lord
opened my eyes to the beauty
before me as I encountered
the poor on mission, in the
soup kitchens, and through
prayer. The simple smiles of
the people in our neighborhood and the friendships I
built with them, allowed me to
see the heart of Jesus. These
past few months have been an
incredible journey of faith and
learning. The words that Jesus
spoke to Thomas find a special place in my heart, “Peace
be with you. Put your finger
here, and see my hands; and
put out your hand, and place it
in my side; do not be faithless,
but believing” (John 20:2627).
One night we sat at dinner and
one of the sisters read a letter
from one of our gangster
friends in jail. He explained
how the little sisters and
brothers are a source of light
for him in the midst of darkness he experienced. He told
us how he messed up his life,
but how the sisters and brothers love him for who he is and
never judge him for his actions. At the end of the letter,
he said, “I can’t wait to get
out of jail, so I can come pray
with you in your chapel.” This
letter made me recall my first
12
visit with the sisters. I was so
surprised one night to find
myself kneeling alongside that
“gangster friend” who had
joined the sisters for evening
prayer. Now, I sat at the table
with joy in my heart and
thought, “You are not calling
me to judge but to love.”
Through this young man’s
friendship, I realized the Lord
could also use me, poor and
weak, to spread his love.
If you would like
to help Courtney
answer her call to
Sisterhood you can
help support her
by contributing to
her campaign to
relieve Physical
Therapy school tuition debt. Visit
her website at:
http://
courtneyinkc.wordpress.com/
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
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Alumni
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Alumnus Sean Turner (06) Serves his country
while learning medicine at LSU
By: Drew Pizza 98
PJP graduate Sean
Turner is making his alma mater proud. The 2006 graduate
is currently a second year medical student at LSU New Orleans medical school. And if that
is not challenging enough for
you, he also decided to throw
in a little military service to his
country as well. Turner is a
member of the Health Profession Scholarship Program that
offers medical students paid
tuition. In return, medical students give active duty military
time to the Army when they
graduate.
This past summer Turner
went to Fort Sam Houston to
train in the Officer Basic
Course. He learned convoy operations, patient evacuations
from the frontline to combat
zone hospitals, logistics of military medicine, and land navigation. He enjoyed the training
thoroughly, noting that the most
entertaining part was being
dropped in the middle of nowhere at 1am and being given 5
hours to navigate back to his
Sean Turner (06) (right) at a military training hospital at Fort Sam Houston, TX
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base in the dark.
Turner received his
bachelors in biology from LSU
Baton Rouge. He then pursued
education and achieved his
Masters in secondary education
before deciding medicine was
his calling. He is undecided
what field he wants to specialize in having interests in internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
As a hobby, Turner is a
guitar player in a band and
plays in charity events. His
latest gig was for Operation
Smile. This is a group of oral
surgeons, anesthesiologists,
and nurses that travel the world
to repair cleft palates in children. His band helped raise
money for the event. He also
has been part of Camp Tiger,
an LSU sponsored event for
children with disabilities. His
band participated in the Camp
Tiger “Battle of the Bands” to
raise money for the event.
Turner was an excellent
student and athlete at PJP. He
was member of two quarterfinal baseball teams in 03 and
06. He also was a member of
05 football team that made the
playoffs. Sean is very proud to
be a Jaguar and had this message to prospective parents,
“PJP puts everyone, students
and teachers, on a more personal relationship and this puts
Alumni
accountability and responsibility at a premium.” To the
alumni Turner said, “Hope to
see each of you at our 10 year
re-union, Go Jaguars.” From
the PJP community, we say
best of luck to you Sean in
your future endeavors! Thank
God Almighty – We are Jaguars.
15
“PJP puts everyone, students and teachers, on a
more personal relationship and this puts accountability and responsibility at a premium.”
Sean Turner ‘06
Sean Turner (06) (left) at a military training hospital at Fort
Sam Houston, TX
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
16
Laura Ricciardone Class of 2010 Continuing to
Excel at Harvard
brought to PJP. Ricciardone is
a graduate of the class of 2010.
Laura Ricciardone is entering She was a star pitcher for the
her Junior year at Harvard and Lady Jaguars and helped bring
has continued her winning tra- home PJP’s first ever Softball
dition and excellence that she State Championship in 2008.
By: Drew Pizza 98
Ricciardone holds the school
record for strikeouts and helped
the Lady Jaguars win 4 district
championships in addition to
the State Championship. She
was the @A All State MVP and
is the first Jaguar to have her
jersey retired. She is now playing softball at Harvard and
studying Psychology.
The road has been nowhere close to easy for Ricciardone. After graduation, during
summer ball she tore the lateral
meniscus in her right knee. The
timing could not have been
worse as Laura was just about
to start at a new school, in a
new city, with new people.
Ricciardone had never been injured before and the battle to
recovery was physically and
mentally challenging. She
worked with Harvard’s trainers
and doctors for many months to
get back in to pitching.
Laura Ricciardone (10) is now at Harvard
By the start of freshmen
year she was full strength and
pitched in over 20 games. Harvard won the Ivy League championship. During that same
season somewhere along the
way Ricciardone tore the same
ligament again! She pitched for
a long time on an aching knee,
not knowing if there was liga-
Jaguar Journeys
ligament damage at the time.
She again had surgery following her freshmen year.
Despite these two injuries she still has managed to
play 2 full seasons of softball.
This past season she pitched in
22 games going 14-6. She
struck out over 60 batters during 114 innings of work. This
year she was nominated by her
teammates as co-captain of the
softball team.
Alumni
“Participate in something you
are passionate about. For me
athletics has created struggles
17
and joys that I otherwise would
have never experienced and I
am grateful for it.”
“Participate in something you are passionate about. For me, athletics has created
struggles and joys that I otherwise would
have never experienced and I am grateful
for it.”
Laura Ricciardone ‘10
Laura is so much more
than just an athlete. She also
excels in the classroom. She
notes that her interest in psychology came from Teacher
Peggy Doucette at PJP. She
noted that Doucette’s efforts
gave her inspiration to study
the mind. She hopes to one
day also attend Law School.
She is the Director of the Community Service team for her
softball teammates. They have
participated in Breast Cancer
walks and Girls Group which
teaches inner city kids karate.
Some of Laura’s greatest
memories at PJP were as simple as having lunch with her
friends. During her senior year
she found those moments at
lunch most special in the senior
courtyard knowing she would
soon no longer be with them
everyday. Laura had this message for the Jaguar Faithful
Laura with Father Jim Ricciardone at Harvard
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Alumni
18
Matthew Binder’s Advancing Circuit
2011 Graduate Continuing to Impress
By: John Binder ’11
Pope John Paul alumnus
Matthew Binder has had an ongoing accomplished career in
the game of basketball. He
started playing for PJP in 2007.
Starting his freshman year,
Binder averaged 14 points per
game and as a sophomore was
named to the All District Honorable Mention by the
LHSAA. In his third year as
point-guard, he became the
first junior in Pope John Paul II
Catholic High School history to
score 1,000 points. Later that
year, he received a spot on the
First-Team All-District by the
LHSAA and the Times Picayune named him to their New
Orleans All Metro Team. Upon
graduation, he attended Franciscan University of Steuben-
ville, Ohio. As a freshman, he
started as the point-guard on the
Catholic College’s basketball
team.
Mimicking his career at
John Paul, Binder was successful in his pursuance of his college basketball dream. In the
fall of 2011, he was named to
the All-Tournament Team 2011
by the Mike Turner/Albion Rotary Tip-Off Tournament.
Matthew Binder (left) Class of 2011
Jaguar Journeys
Leaving the school after just
one semester, because of family reasons, the Allegheny
Mountain Colligate Conference (AMCC) declared Matthew one of their top ten scorers. Upon returning home, he
began practicing with the
Southeastern basketball team
for the 2012 spring semester.
At the end of the 2012
summer, Binder had his eyes
set on St. Gregory’s University,
a Catholic institution in Shawnee, Oklahoma. When asked if
the University had found him
or if he had found the University, Binder stated, “The summer going into my freshman
year of college, I emailed over
500 schools searching for a
school that would give me the
best opportunity. St. Gregory’s
was one of those 500 schools. I
had already made a decision on
Franciscan when St .Gregory
contacted me. However, when
I came back home, I emailed
them again, and they were very
interested.” He visited the
school ,but said he figured it
would be “another college visit
just like others”, but it obviously wasn’t. He says he
chose St. Gregory’s because
when he visited, the coaches
found him to be “extremely
impressive” based on skill and
expressed great enthusiasm in
him joining the team. He also
mentioned the “catholic values
Alumni
that come with the everyday
atmosphere of the school” as
another reason for choosing the
University. He says,
“Whenever I can find God and
my craft in the same University
that’s when I know it’s a place
for me.” Binder’s career at St.
Gregory’s has only begun. His
optimism for the future involves working hard, doing
what is asked of him, and
maintaining a firm GPA in his
studies. Binder plans on earning his bachelor’s from St.
Gregory’s, leading his team to
victories, “making an impact
on the collegiate level”, and
potentially continuing his basketball career playing profess-
19
“Whenever I can
find God and my
craft in the same
university that’s
when I know it’s
a place for me.”
Matthew Binder ‘11
Matthew Binder ‘11 (left) at Franciscan University in
2011. Binder is now at St. Gregory in Oklahoma.
Jaguar Journeys
ionally in the states or overseas.
Matthew continues to
attribute his ongoing success in
basketball to Pope John Paul
II. He claims, “Pope has had a
big influence on my basketball
career. They gave me everything they had to offer there
and I’m grateful for that. I’ve
always had determination to do
great things with basketball,
but Pope gave me the right
mind set and taught me how to
balance the game of basketball
with my faith.” He also states
the benefits of playing for a
catholic institution, insisting
that the “atmosphere of the
school and the standards the
coaches and people around you
hold are beyond the norm.”
Furthermore he says, “Catholic
school at any level preaches
discipline. The basketball programs I have been in, and will
be in, hold you to certain
standards. You’re not just a
college basketball player, you
represent God, your family,
your teammates, and very importantly the school you attend.”
Binder has remained a
firm believer in following your
goals and always shooting for
the best. When asked what he
would tell PJP students who
wish to take their talents further and make a career out of
them, Binder explains,
Alumni
20
“Pope gave me the right mindset and taught me how to
balance the game of basketball with my faith...the atmosphere of the school and the standards of the coaches
and people around you are beyond the norm.”
Matthew Binder ‘11
“Absolutely shoot for it. To
succeed in life you need goals
whether they are small goals or
big goals, they are ultimately
your dreams in life. From those
goals you will reach and then
shoot for future goals and so
on.” He goes on to give credit
to Pope John Paul II Catholic
High School saying, “Pope
gave me all the tools to succeed
at the next level as far as faith,
basketball, and academics.
When I came out of Junior
High, I had a lot of hype
around me as far as the Slidell
area, but nobody knew me outside of Slidell. Pope John Paul
helped me showcase my ability
by always playing a competitive schedule of schools all over
Louisiana.” He has never been
one to shy away from optimism
and doesn’t believe anyone else
should either. As Matthew
Binder carries on his triumphs,
he remains appreciative to the
school which assisted him in
following his goals.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni Legacy
Calamari Family a strong PJP
Family Legacy
By Drew Pizza ‘98
Ronnie Calamari graduated from the first graduating class in PJP history in
1981. 31 years later in 2012
his niece Elizabeth Calamari
did the same. Between these
two, are many Calamari’s that
have kept the blue, red, and
gold alive, and there are
many to follow. The Calamari’s have long had strong
Catholic roots and those roots
breed large families. Ronnie’s parents Henry and
Gayle have 6 children and 5
of them graduated from PJP.
Ronnie’s brother
Randy Calamari graduated in
1984 and married his high
school sweetheart Desiree
Galatas ’84. They have four
children, Erika, Elizabeth,
Kristin, and Victoria. Erika
and Elizabeth recently graduated in 2011 and 2012 and
Kristin will graduate in 2014.
Desiree and Randy have sacrificed quite a bit over the
years to put their children
though Our Lady of Lourdes
and PJP but have the found
the road less traveled well
worth it stating, “We were
blessed by our parents to be
given 12 years of Catholic ed-
ucation, so we wanted to pass
on this blessing to our four
daughters by providing the
same for them. Educating them
in a Catholic environment to
learn, grow, and develop into
well rounded individuals has
been our ultimate goal. It hasn't always been easy financially
but the sacrifices have been
well worth the results.”
Ronnie and Randy’s sister Julie Calamari graduated
from PJP in 1991 and for the
past 17 years has been the tennis coach. She played division
I tennis at UNO and this season
she will eclipse 200 wins.
Patricia Calamari Kelly
graduated from PJP in 1990
and is first cousins with Ronnie
and his family. She was a
graduate of distinction as Salutatorian in 1990. All four of
her siblings are PJP graduates.
Patricia is a graduate from
UNO with an accounting degree. She has five children.
Her first child ,Mary Grace ,is
a freshmen as PJP.
In all, there are 23 Jaguars with Calamari ties and the
number continues to grow.
They are a great example of a
PJP family legacy and the fruits
a family can bring to their alma
mater. Go Jaguars!
21
The Calamari Family
through the years
Ronnie Calamari 81
Mike Calamari 82
Randy Calamari 84
Desiree Calamari 84
Henry Calamari 85
Theresa Calamari 89
Patricia Calamari 90
Julie Calamari 91
Diana Calamari 93
Anna Pizza Caruso 93
Daniel Calamari 94
Amiee Calamari 95
Drew Pizza 98
Kelly Chisholm Pizza 99
Luke Calamari 99
Julie Calamari 01
Vinny Calamari 06
Erika Calamari 11
Matthew Binder 11
John Binder 11
Elizabeth Calamari 12
Kristen Calamari 14
Mary Grace Calamari
16
Jaguar Journeys
New Educators
22
Who is Roy Delaney?
Getting to Know the Dean of Students
By: Sherri Dutreix
Pope John Paul II Catholic High School administration, faculty, staff and community welcomes Mr. Roy
Delaney as their new Dean of
Students. Principal Martha
Mundine first made the announcement on Tuesday, May
29th to the PJP Faculty and
Staff. Says Mundine, “We are
happy to have Mr. Delaney.
He brings such a unique energy and level of enthusiasm
that we are looking for in our
Dean of Students. We welcome him with open arms and
know he will be a tremendous
addition to our Jaguar family.”
Originally from Mobile,
AL, Roy Delaney comes to
PJP from St. Michael the
Archangel Catholic High
School in Fredericksburg, VA
where he has served as their
Secondmaster (Assistant Principal) since 2009. He is a
Registered Athletic Administrator who spearheaded efforts
to establish the schoolʼs athletic program in 2008, voluntarily serving as their first
Athletic Director. He worked
closely with the registrar and
marketing efforts of the
school, as well as helped develop new student recruitment
plans.
Mr. Delaney also
played an integral role on St.
Michaelʼs admissions team as
well as their Advanced Placement program. His teaching
Roy Delaney
experience includes: U.S.
History, Physical Education & “The people who make up
Health, and Public Speaking.
PJP are committed to their
"I am looking forward to the
opportunity to work with the
Catholic faith and to purpeople that make it such a
suing excellence in all aswonderful school – the stupects of school life.”
dents, their families, the faculty and staff, and alumni.
Dean of Students and I am
The sense of community and
very excited to become part
love for the school and its stuof the PJP family.” Delaney
dents shown by the members
served over 20 years in the
of the selection committee
United States Marine Corps,
made it easy to accept the ofretiring with the rank of Lieufer to become PJP’s Dean of
tenant Colonel. He and his
Students.” Delaney continues,
wife, Missy, have six chil“It was evident from my visit
dren. In his new role as PJPʼs
to the campus that the people
Dean of Students, Mr.
who make up PJP are comDelaney will now serve as the
mitted to their Catholic faith
schoolʼs Disciplinarian and
and to pursuing excellence in
oversee all studentsʼ extraall aspects of school life
curricular organizations and
whether it is in academics,
events. Welcome to PJP, Mr.
athletics or other extracurricuDelaney! Thank God Allar activities. I am truly hummighty – We are Jaguars.
bled to be selected as the new
Jaguar Journeys
Former Educators 23
Winning Started in
the Kitchen
A Glance Back at a Former Great Teacher and Coach
Orleanians. An idyllic place
for fishing, crabbing or
Winning started in the
shrimping the lake with unkitchen for Andrew Bechac.
cles or playing Saturday
It started while he was
baseball with friends.
washing dishes in the back
As Andrew recalls,
or tending bar for patrons of
“Baseball was my best
his multigenerational family sport. In those days, there
restaurant, Bechac’s. In fact,
weren’t enough kids in the
as much as Bechac’s restauleague so we’d have teams
rant was a cornerstone for
of 7 to 10-years-olds with
the lakefront Mandeville
only a few teams in each dicommunity, the work ethic
vision. You would end up
he developed there was
playing the same teams over
even more foundational to
and over, but we loved it.”
his character.
He loved it so much
“Everyone pitched in that at the tender age of 13
at the restaurant. It was a
he started coaching his own
part of growing up and not a little league team of 6 year
job”, says Andrew looking
olds. Like the restaurant
back. A strong work ethic
work ethic, coaching was in
was part of the Bechac famAndrew’s blood. His great
ily’s DNA, but his Mandeuncle had been a wellville childhood was more
known coach at Warren
than just late night dish
Easton in New Orleans and
washing.
his grandfather had coached
It was a different time
as well. He would continue
back then. Today Mandecoaching little league while
ville is one of the most afa student athlete at St. Paul’s
fluent cities in the South let High School in Covington.
alone Louisiana, but AnAt St. Paul’s Andrew
drew’s childhood Mandeplayed guard on the offenville was a one stoplight,
sive line next to his brother,
weekend escape for New
who played center. With
By: Jeff Dunbar 1998
Andrew Bechac
PJP 1995-00
“Those were some
of the most treasured years from
my career. The students were wonderful, and the faculty and staff were
great as well”
Andrew Bechac
Jaguar Journeys
a touch of humility, he’s quick
note that his brother “was a
much better player”. He also
played his favored sport of
baseball until graduating and
enrolling at Loyola University
in New Orleans.
At the time of his enrollment, Loyola had already ended its sports programs. However, his restaurant education in
persistence paid off again as
the lobbying efforts of Andrew
and his friends were able to
persuade the administration to
reinstitute a baseball program.
As Andrew recalls,
“This was the beginning of
Loyola bringing back its entire
athletic program”. He played
for the team his senior year before receiving his degree in
History.
Upon graduation, Andrew’s coaching career began.
Beginning with his alma mater, St. Paul’s, Andrew says, “I
learned the ropes there under
Coach Harry Nunez.” His time
with Coach Nunez was followed by a short stint as an offensive coordinator with
Teurlings Catholic before his
infamous year at Ganus as
Head Coach. Now defunct, Ganus was then a school in decline with a football program
in similar straits. Insert a
young Andrew Bechac and his
first year at the reins was com-
Former Educators 24
pleted without a single win.
The next year he was introduced as Pope John Paul II’s
Head Coach. In his initial team
meeting, he brought up the
winless record as a head coach,
“You may have heard that we
didn’t win one game last year,
but I’ll tell you this – those
players fought hard every play
and we’ll do the same thing
here.” His restaurant roots were
never far from him.
The four seasons following that team meeting were the
most successful in PJP II’s history by any previous coach. In
that period the Jaguars amassed
a 35 – 8 record. Reflecting on
his experience in Slidell, Coach
Bechac says “those are some of
the most treasured years from
my career. The students were
wonderful, but the faculty and
staff were great as well”.
Now the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for
Southeastern University, Andrew sums up his career as a
process of hard work, learning
and time.
Not surprisingly those
are three ingredients that serve
well in a kitchen too.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni Scholarship
25
PJP Alumni Association
Awards 5 Scholarships
Left to Right: Jody Riviere (86), Randy Calamari (84), Desiree Calamari (84), Elizabeth Calamari
(12), Christine Barnhill (82)
Left to Right: Abigail Jovanovic, Jordan Levy, Brian
Comeaux and Lee Ann Cosgrove (82)
Lee Ann Cosgrove (82) and Claire
Dutreix
www.pjpalumni.org
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
26
A Chronological List from
the first team to the present.
1981 Donnie Anderson & Joe
A Look Back at the Starting Quarterbacks at PJP
By: Drew Pizza Class of 98
with a 10-2 record. The
“Comeback Kid” is arguaDo you remember the bly the best to ever man the
“Comeback Kid?” What
position for the PJP II Jaguabout the “Cardiac Kids?”
ars. Was he the best ever?
Well if not, the “Comeback Certainly this will cause
Kid” was Sean Donnelly.
some heated arguments
He led a group of Jaguars
among our alumni faithful.
from 1994 to 1997 that beBut the only way to have a
came known as the “Cardiac meaningful discussion is to
Kids” because of their fretake a look back at our forquent 4th quarter nail bitters mer QB’s. Who are they
that more often than not left and where are they now?
the opponent with their head
The only place to start
down and tail between their has to be the very beginning.
legs. During his Senior year The first PJP II football
in 1997, he led his team to
team was started in 1981,
an undefeated district cham- one year after the school
pionship and won the first
opened. These pioneers in
playoff game against Ridge- their first four years went to
wood. That team finished
Knoll
1982, 83 Kevin Doucette
1984 Frank DeBoer
1985 Mark Troutwine
1986 Steve Henderson
1987 Clay Carroll
1988 Clay Carroll
1989 Matt Reis & Brian Trainor
1990 Brian Trainor & Jeff Mills
1991 Brian Trainor
1992 Ryan Trahant
1993 Brad Duvernay
1994 Brad Duvernay & Sean
Donnelly
1995, 96, 97 Sean Donnelly
1998, 99, 00 Matt Lusk
2000 Matt Lusk & Joey Dunbar
2001 Jonathan Palmisano & Joey
Dunbar
2002 Joey Dunbar
2003 Derek Sander
2004, 05 Richard Guillot
2006 Nathan Hewitt & Curtis
Owen
2007, 08 Nathan Hewitt
2009, 10 Clyde Perkins
2011—present Ryan Noonan
Sean Donnelly QB 1994-1997
Jaguar Journeys
the playoffs twice. The first
ever PJP II QB was senior
Donnie Anderson (81). He
was captain of the football
team and transferred from
Brother Martin so he could
play for the first team at PJP.
Back in those days, many of
the players played both ways,
Alumni
so he also played middle linebacker and runningback. He
was well known as the fiercest hitter on the team. Some
of his accomplishments were
throwing 2 TD’s in one game,
a punt that went 85 yards, and
being nominated for all district. Sophomore Joe Knoll
27
(84) also saw QB action that
year and threw the first Jaguar
TD to sophomore David
Labbe (84). Anderson had
this to say to the current Jaguar team, “hit em high, hit em
low, hit where they ain’t been
hit befow.”
From Left to Right Chris Viller, Donnie Anderson (QB 1), Jerry Spurgeon, Jeanrey O’Neal
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
28
Donnie Anderson #12 Quarterbacks the first Jaguar Football Team
the distinction as the only 3
players to start and play in every
game from the original football
team in 1981 through their senior year in 1984.
Mark Troutwine (86)
quarterbacked his senior season
in 1985.
Steve Henderson (87)
quarterbacked one year for the
Jaguars in 1986. His junior season he threw perhaps the most
talked about fake field goal in
PJP history. He threw a fake
field goal pass on 4th down to
Don Anderson punts the longest punt in PJP history 85 yards achieve a 35 yard gain and first
down. Later, PJP scored on the
Anderson and Knoll were fol- by senior Frank Deboer who drive to beat St. Paul’s at St.
lowed by Kevin Doucette (83). also led his team to the
Paul’s field. He threw the pass
He QB’d the 82 and 83 teams playoffs. The 84 team grad- to Timmy Rogers (86) .
and was the first ever QB to
uated 3 players; Phil
lead his team to the playoffs.
Battaglia, Mike Mire, and
The 84 team was QB’d Kyle Schexnader that hold
Jaguar Journeys
Rogers was actually the
long snapper and technically
was an ineligible receiver.
However, because he had on
an 80’s number the referee did
not catch it. Steve was carried
off the field by some lineman
after the victory! He had this
to say to the Jags
“Preparation. No one wants
to lift weights, run wind
sprints, or do two-a-days. But
it makes you ready for the battle field. You cannot just
show up and play, you have to
prepare.”
1987 and 1988 were
QB’d by Clay Carroll.
Ryan Trainor led a
group of Jaguars that set the
foundation for winning for
years to come from 89 to 91.
The offense ran a lot of power
sets and option pitches with
Trainor leading the way. He
was a fierce competitor and
dependable. Trainor is now
practicing law in St. Tammany
parish. During the 1991 season, Brian Trainor and Chris
Goodnight played QB, with
Trainor being the primary QB.
Goodnight was an excellent
running-back but also saw
some time at QB. Goodnight’s greatest memory was
throwing for over 200 yards
and also rushing for 100 yards
during his senior season.
Goodnight was regarded as
the best athlete among his
Alumni
Ryan Trainor #10 hands off to Chris Goodnight
Ryan Trainor #10 and #24 Chris Goodnight
29
Jaguar Journeys
peers and in the parish during his tenure
at PJP.
Ryan Trahant quarterbacked the
1992 season.
Brad Duvernay (96) was the starting QB in 1993 and helped lead a strong
Jaguar team. His career was shortened
by a devastating knee injury his junior
year. Duvernay was among the strongest
arms to ever wear a Jaguar uniform. He
also played baseball for the Jaguars. His
arm became known from right field as
the place where triples go to die.
Sean Donnelly was the first quarterback in PJP history to start as a freshmen, and he never left position until
graduating his senior year. His senior
season he threw for 1,470 yards and 13
touchdowns and rushed for another 6
touchdowns. He led his team to a perfect 6-0 record in district and one playoff
win. His greatest memory was a come
from behind victory against Pearl River
and an overtime playoff victory against
Ridgewood. To the current Jaguars he
had this to say “Cherish your time on the
field, play each down like it may be your
last. Have faith and trust in your teammates, for they will stand behind you.
You represent Pope John Paul High
School, your family, coaches and most
importantly yourself. If you believe in
yourself, nothing should stand in your
way. Play hard and have fun. Give everything you have and leave it out on the
field. Have a great season Jaguars.”
Matt Lusk followed Donnelly in
1998 and showed his prowess as a sophomore. He led his team to a 10-2 record
and a playoff victory. He helped defeat
Northshore high school a 5A opponent
Alumni
Brad Duvernay QB 1993=1994
Sean Donnelly QB 1994-1997
30
Jaguar Journeys
his sophomore year. He was
the starting QB for 3 seasons.
He also was a baseball star
and later played baseball for
the Tulane Green Wave.
Jonathan Palmisano and
Joey Dunbar quarterbacked
during the 2001 season. Joey
Dunbar recalled his greatest
memory as a come from behind win his senior year
Alumni
homecoming game against
Pine. He blocked a field goal
and there were good plays on
both sides of the ball. To this
years team he said, “hit em
first before they hit you... Go
100% every play and always
remember who you are and
what you represent every time
you cross that line onto the
playing field.”
31
Richard Guillot followed Dunbar and surely
ranks among the best ever and
many believe he may be number 1. He was more than just
fantastic on the field. He was
the leader of 2005 team that
shared a co-district championship. His greatest memory
memory was throwing 3
touchdowns including 2 to his
Joey Dunbar far right celebrates after a district victory with teammates and Coach Bat
Jaguar Journeys
brother Andrew Guillot to
beat Jewel Sumner 28-21
which gave them a share of
the district championship. His
senior season was shortened
by 3 games because of Hurricane Katrina but he still managed to throw for 1069 yards
and 8TD’s while rushing for
412 yards and 6 TD’s. Guillot
went on to play college ball at
Louisiana College in Pineville, LA. He now is coaching
football, powerlifting, and
baseball for Farmerville High
School.
Nathan Hewitt held the
Jaguar QB One spot for 3
years from 2006-2008. His
sophomore year was his greatest memory, beating St.
Thomas Aquinas to win the
Catholic Cup. That game he
went 9 of 11 and threw 1 TD.
During his junior season, he
turned in a 184 yard passing
game with 3TD’s. He is a
senior now at LSU and majoring in sports administration.
He also helps the LSU football team and works with the
QB’s.
2009 and 2010 enjoyed
the versatile Clyde Perkins as
quarterback and without question makes a case for number
one. Clyde lost one year of
eligibility because he transferred from St. Paul’s but he
still put up impressive career
numbers. During 2 years, he
Alumni
32
Richard Guillot PJP QB 2004-2005
threw for 1,376 yards and 16
TD’s and rushed for 1,745
yards and 21 touchdowns.
His senior year he led his
team to a playoff win against
Ferriday winning 17-14 and
was part of the first team in
PJP history that played a 2nd
round playoff game at home.
Perkins is now the University
of New Orleans starting quarterback and is majoring in
Mechanical Engineering.
Continued…next page
Richard Guillot La College 06
Jaguar Journeys
Clyde’s message to the team
is “make every day, every
practice, every rep count.
Work to get better and give
everything you got on every
play. So one day when you're
too old to play this great
game, you can look back with
no regrets.”
And that brings us to
our present QB 1, Ryan
Noonan. Last year in 2011,
he matched his counterpart
Sean Donnelly (98) by also
leading his team to a district
title, the first outright title
since Donnelly did it in 1997.
He is the first Jaguar to rush
and pass for more than 1,000
yards in a single season. Last
year he threw for 1,200 yards
and 18 TD’s while rushing for
1,100 yards and 16 TD’s. His
senior year is surely to be
memorable and we look forward to his leadership. Will
he leave as the best ever?
Louisiana Football Magazine
ranked him among the best in
the state.
Who is number 1
among the starting QB’s in
PJP history? There are quite a
few that make a strong case.
Most importantly all the QB’s
have continued to carry the
torch for our Jaguar faithful
with courage and skill. We
look forward to many more
decades of PJP quarterback
greats.
Alumni
Clyde Perkins University of New Orleans 2011-present
Ryan Noonan ‘13 is the current Jaguar QB ONE
33
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
34
Jaguar Tracks
Finding Jaguars and Bringing Them Back to the Pack
Emily Favre
’11 I graduated PJP in
2011. I attend Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. I
am majoring
in nursing and just started my
sophomore year. I am involved in Theta Phi Alpha and
am an officer in an organization called Best Buddies,
which gives college students a
chance to work with adults
with mental and physical disabilities. I hope all is well, Go
Jags!
Katelyn
Beattie ’08
Since high
school graduation, I've
haven't drifted far from
the textbooks. Being from
Louisiana, it
was fitting to continue my education at the Louisiana State
University to obtain my bachelors in nursing. After two
wonderful years at the Baton
Rouge campus, I advanced to
the LSUHSC School of Nursing in New Orleans, which is
an intense 3 year program of
nursing theory and clinical
rotations. Currently, I am in
my final year and anxiously
awaiting to wear my purple
and gold cap and gown in
May 2013. Within the last
four years, my family relocated to Pennsylvania, so every
break, quick weekend, or holiday, I travel north to reunite.
During my stay up north, I
was blessed to obtain a job as
a Nursing Assistant at the local hospital until I receive my
bachelors in nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or
Certified Nurse Midwife. But
until then, the rest is still unwritten...As for my Class of
2008, can you believe the five
year reunion is just around the
corner!? See y'all then! God
bless.
currently in New Mexico preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in few days and will be
there for around 9 months. I
attended UTI in Houston,
Texas and will be returning
there when I get home. I am
married and we are having
our first little girl around September 20th 2012. My Message to alumni is "Hope all is
well and everyone is doing
what they dreamed of and
more."
Jeff Zschiedrich ‘03 I graduate in 2003. I got my undergraduate from UNO and am
now in grad school writing
my thesis on Asian American
Success. I work at the Marriott downtown at the front
desk and work as bell man as
well. I recently got out of the
Army reserves after 6 years. I
am single and have a dog
named Lillie. " Hope everyone at PJP is doing great and
Go Jags"
Katy Dean ’02 I graduated
from PJP in 2002, and from
Charity School of Nursing as
Charles Touchet ’07 I gradua Registered Nurse in May of
ated in May of 2007. I am
2007.
Jaguar Journeys
I married my college sweetheart, Christopher Dean, on
June 9 2007. We have two
beautiful daughters, Maggie
and Mollie, and another sweet
girl due in October. In January of 2011, we were transferred to Toledo, Ohio for my
husband's job, and again in
2012 to South Bend, Indiana.
I'm blessed to be able to stay
at home with my girls. We are
enjoying seeing the country
for now, but hope to move
back down south soon! I hope
all my classmates are doing
great! Geaux Jags!
Kasey Canulette Melancon
’97 I graduated from PJP in
1997, I went on to UL in
Lafayette and graduated there
in 2001. I married Alton
Melancon and we have been
married for 10 years. We live
in Baton Rouge, and we have
two beautiful, smart little
girls; Ryan is 5 1/2 and Sydney is 15 months. I worked as
a HR Coordinator for a local
hospital until my 1st was born
and then became a very busy
stay at home mom. I love my
job, it’s amazing to have been
able to watch them learn and
grow, I am truly blessed. I
hope everyone from the class
of 1997 are doing well, it was
great seeing some of you in
July at our 15 year reunion.
Alumni
35
God bless and Go Jaguars!
that has been serving St. Tammany Parish since 1948. I
Dawn Dunbar Farthing ’94 hope all of my classmates and
I graduated in 1994. I curPJP alumni are doing well. I
rently live in Vicksburg, MS. have such fond memories of
I went to Auburn and then to my four years at Pope. Go
University of North Carolina Jags!
where I met husband Matthew. We have four children:
Ann Elizabeth 10yo, Will
8yo, Katie 6yo, and Paul 3yo.
I am currently a stay at home
mom. Message to alumni:
That if they are ready, to do
the plane, plane, plane planeplane . . .:) On a more solemn
note I would like to remember
my deceased classmate Mike
Sloane "May his soul and the
souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace."
Amnada Hover ’92 I was in
the graduating class of 1992
and I can't believe 20 years
have passed since I walked
those halls
as a student.
Sometimes
it seems
like just
yesterday.
After high
school I
attended LSU. In 2003, I
moved back to Slidell where I
currently live and work. I am
the owner of Champagne
Jewelers, a fine jewelry store
Robert Christopher “Chris”
Atkinson ’89 I graduated
from PJP in 1989. I attended
the University of Southern
Mississippi graduating with a
bachelor’s degree (Honor’s
College) in Business Management. Later I received my
Master’s Degree in Business
Administration from UNO. I
also graduated from the Police Academy in St Tammany
in 1991. Currently I work as
the Director for Human Resources with the Ochsner
Health System and as Captain
and Deputy Commander for
Jaguar Journeys
the Slidell Police department.
I am married with two children. I urge all alumni to support our alma mater and ensure that Catholic education in
East St. Tammany flourishes
for generations to come. Go
Jags!
Sharon
Schunior
Trice ‘84
My graduation year
from Pope
John Paul
was 1984.
(I can't believe it's been that
long!) We were the first class
to go all 4 years. I attended
Louisiana State University
and graduated in 1989 with a
B.S. in Marketing. I lived in
Dallas for one year and was a
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
and then moved to the Orlando area after getting married.
Shane and I just celebrated
our 22nd anniversary on August 4. I work as a Marketing
Coordinator for Hilton Grand
Vacations Club. We have 2
daughters. Amanda will be 16
next month and Heather will
be 20 in October. Heather
goes to the University of Florida so we have a little TiGators rivalry going on in the
family. I have so many great
memories of Pope John Paul!
Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar!
Alumni
Birth Announcements
Nora Lee Melancon—June 6, 2012. Kristi Richard
‘99 and Rick Melancon.
Lucille Grace Nunez July 12, 2012. Minnie Francis
Nunez ‘97 and Ryan Nunez.
Anna Clare Braud—July 26, 2012. Johanna Bell
Braud '00 and Scott Braud.
Brynleigh Ann Jones—August 13, 2012. Jennifer
Guidry Jones ‘00 and Mr. Jones.
Jonah Presley Jeffreys—August 12, 2012. Allison
Anderson Jeffreys‘97 and Jason Jeffreys.
Brandon Patrick Donnelly, Jr. — August 20, 2012.
Brandon ‘00 and Erin Donnelly.
Married
Mike ‘99 and April Sanchez May 12, 2012
Engaged
Paul Bremond ‘97 and Megan Johnson ‘01
Brittany Serpas ‘04 and Dustin Moreau
In Memory Of:
Barbara Downie mother of James Downie ‘98
36
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni Events
37
PJP Pre-season Boot Camp Enjoys Alumni
Flag Football
30 Former Jaguar Football Players Support Their Team
July 29, 2012 was anything but a cool day, but
Clyde Perkins showed he is
still a cool customer when he
is playing QB. There were no
signs of rust as old number 3
took the field for the alumni.
But Ryan Noonan proved his
worth for the current Jaguars
answering every Perkins drive
with one of his own. It was a
very special day to see so
many alumni supporting their
high school in a very spirited
day of flag football.
Four 10 minute quarters
were played with Head Coach
Mark Jeanmard refereeing
some clearly slanted calls in
favor of the out of shape
alumni. There were diving
catches and dropped balls.
There were a few “the sun got
in my eyes” plays. A hitch
and pitch back to Clyde Perkins may have been the play
of the day. In the end the well
groomed current Jaguar team
took home the victory.
30 alumni in total were
there in support. Mostly attending, were members of last
year’s 2011 district championship team. All alumni
sported t-shirts that read “No
one gave us a district championship.” These words were
meant to inspire the current
Jaguars team to repeat this
year. There was a clear
“No One Gave
Us a District
Championship”
Jaguar Foot ball Alumni traveled out of their way to Loranger, La to support their former team.
Jaguar Journeys
message to the team of encouragement, inspiration, and
drive.
Jeff Riviere (89) gave
an inspirational talk as well as
other former Jaguars, as the
football team sat and listened
attentively in the blistering
heat. Riviere said, “I went on
to play at the next level, but
the colors I still care about are
red, blue, and gold.” Other
alumni spoke words of encouragement and warning to
the seniors. Reminding them,
their turn also will soon come
to hang up their cleats and to
play every down like there is
no tomorrow. One alum said,
“the only regret I have is that I
feel like I left a little out there
Alumni Events
on the field.”
Following the event
many parents and PJP supporters cooked a fantastic spaghetti and meatball dinner for
all the alumni and team. Two
gigantic pots of meatballs
were soon devoured. The
football team went on to have
a tremendous boot camp,
spending 3 nights at Camp
Livingwater in Loranger, La.
Head Coach Mark Jeanmard
thanked all the alumni and
parents who supported the
event.
38
“I went on to
play at the next
level but the colors I still care
about are red,
blue, and gold”
Jeff Riviere (89)
Jaguars sit with football alumni as Head Coach Jeanmard (standing) addresses team.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni News
39
Alumnus Jodie Trainor
(98) and daughter Reese
make front page of Times
Picayune
By: Drew Pizza ‘98
On July 29, 2012 Jodie knew she was going to
saints training camp to see her favorite team in the
scorching heat. She also hoped to get Drew Brees’
autograph. What she did not expect was a once in a
lifetime photo with the star QB, then a front page picture in the Times Picayune! Jodie awoke to find a
one of kind picture perfect photo of herself, daughter
Reese, and the one and only Drew Brees the next
morning in the Times Picayune.
Jodie Trainor ‘98 with camera in hand and daughter Reese. Photo by Matthew Hinton of the TP
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni News
40
Alumnus Chase Favre
Class of 2006 proposes
during Red Dress Run
Favre found himself and fiancé on front page
of the Times Picayune the next morning
TP Journalist Brett Duke caught a special Jaguar
Moment when Chase Favre proposed to his fiancé.
Favre was just happy she said, “Yes.” The picture
when viral on Facebook.
Chase Favre on a knee, proposes to Lindsay Belmont at the Red Dress Run. Photo by Brett Duke
Jaguar Journeys
Reunions 41
Reunions
The Class of 2007 Celebrates 5 years at Bistro de la Reine in Slidell, La July 21, 2012
Class of 1992—20 year reunion is September 22, 2012 at Palmetto’s. Contact Dave Berault and Lise Bremond.
[email protected]
Class of 1987 and all classes in the 80’s 25 year reunion is September 22, 2012 at Scott Reine’s House. Contact Scott Reine.
Class of 1981 and 1982— 30 year reunion is October 20, 2012 at
Chateau Bleu contact Christine Barnhill [email protected] and Lee Ann Cosgrove [email protected]
Class of 1993—20 year reunion is April 5-7. Location TBA. Contact Anna Caruso Pizza [email protected] and Richard Fontaine [email protected]
Jaguar Journeys
Students
42
PJP Names New Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
By: Sherri Dutriex
Continuing with tradition and its mission of “Faith
Development”, PJP II High
installed 14 new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during the August
15th Mass celebrating the
Feast of the Assumption. Rev.
Bill O'Connell was the celebrant and he was assisted by
school chaplain, Deacon Harold Burke. Family members
were also on hand to celebrate
their installation.
Open only to members
of the senior class, these
young men and women must
apply for this campus ministry in the spring of the Junior
year. They are interviewed
and approved by the school's
principal and their parish pas-
tor before being selected for
this service. In addition, they
attend a three hour workshop
sponsored by the Office ofLiturgy for the Archdiocese of
New Orleans.
We congratulate each
of them and applaud their fine
example of Christian leadership in our school and service
to their faith, school and parish.
“No One Gave
Us a District
Championship”
Front Row, (L to R): Lindsey Edwards, Brigette Brouliette, Amanda Stark, Lizzy Middleton, Kali
Lassus, Martha Dewhirst, and Hannah Donnell. Back row (L to R): Brandon Shroeder, Tyler Darouse, Christian Grady, Jonathan Swalley (cross bearer), Alex Roscigno, Alex Maurin, Alex Price
& Joseph Ammond
Jaguar Journeys
Students
43
JV Cheerleaders Place 2nd at SLU Camp
Given Superior Rating Throughout Camp
By: Michelle Dufour
The JV cheerleaders attended camp at SLU for four days. during those days they learned
an abundance of side line cheers and dance routines to bring home for our Friday night games.
During that time, they received the spirit stick award 3 times and came in 2nd in extreme routine
and 2nd in pom/cheer routine. They received a superior rating throughout the camp.
Bottom Row ,Left to Right - Captain Allie Navarro and Captain Caroline Cenci. Top Row, Left to
Right -Emilee Landry, Elisabeth Schmitt, Bailee Bridges, Haley Natal, Angelle Dufour, BlaikeLee Ordes, Christina Scheuermann. Not pictured Sophie Samples.
Jaguar Journeys
PJP Sends Two
Leaders to State
Marissa Nunez and Alex Roscigno visit
Girls and Boys State
By: Sherri Dutreix
Pope John Paul II High School congratulated seniors Marissa Nunez and
Alex Roscigno who went to Girls & Boys
State, respectively. The two were chosen
from their peers to represent PJP in the annual program that teaches responsible citizenship and love for God and country, as
well as spotlights those with outstanding
leadership qualities. Girls and Boys State
are among the most respected and selective
educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high-school students. The
week-long program consists of training that
is objective and interactive. It centers on the
structure of city, county and state government. Students run and are elected to various offices. Workshops include: legislative
sessions, court proceedings, lawenforcement presentations, assemblies,
bands, choruses and recreational programs.
Congratulations to Marissa & Alex, two of
PJPʼs current & future leaders. Thank God
Almighty – We are Jaguars.
Students
44
Jaguar Journeys
Tiffany Sporl Attends Stanford’s Summer Program
Program for the intellectually gifted
By: Sherri Dutreix
A junior at PJP, Tiffaney Sporl attended Stanford University's EPGY Summer Institute in July. The three-to-four week program for academically talented and motivated high-school students provides an opportunity to pursue one's intellectual curiosity.
Students are taught by a Stanford instructor
and cover topics not typically presented at
the high school level. Tiffaney's focus was
on "Investigations in Legal Studies". The
course explored in-depth, relevant topics of
constitutional, criminal, civil and international law. It also developed critical thinking, research skills and persuasive writing
skills. We are proud of Tiffaney's endeavors,
and are certain she gained a fantastic foundation in law this past summer. Thank God
Almighty – We are Jaguars.
Students
45
Jaguar Journeys
Students
46
PJP Students Impress at College Summer Programs
Jacob Reine - Jacob studied
“Politics, Persuasion & Poetry” at Vanderbilt University
for two weeks. He enjoyed the
experience and will look into
other programs next summer.
Joseph Dimarco - Joseph
took part in Loyola University's S.C.O.R.E. program
(Summer Collaborative Outreach and Research Experience) and earned three hours
of college credit in statistics.
This program is offered to
high school students interested in careers in science to
strengthen their quantitative
skills. Of the 18 candidates
chosen for this program, Joseph was the single selection
from the Northshore. He intends to study pre-med and is
looking at Ole Miss and
Spring Hill for college. Joseph
performed many hours of service at Slidell Memorial Hospital and continues to volunteer in his spare time.
Nick's fourth summer studying at Duke University. In addition to the “International
Relations: Global Conflicts”
three-week course he completed this summer, Tymkiw
Justin Nunez - Justin tackled also acquired credit the foltwo summer courses at the
lowing previous summers in:
University of Mississippi (Ole “Economics”, “Game TheoMiss) on a 6-week
ry”, “Mathematical Problem
scholarship program. He enSolving” and “Engineering
rolled in “Computer Science” Problem Solving”.
and “Intro to Statistics” earned
6 hours college credits. His in- Whitney Neal - Whitney also
tended college major, for now, studied at Ole Miss this sumis Computer Science. Justin is mer. She enjoyed a Psycholoundecided about his college
gy course as well as
choice, but is considering Ole College Algebra. Like Justin,
Miss. “Ole Miss is definitely Whitney also earned a sumin the picture. I really enjoyed mer scholarship to attend the
the experience and atmosphere program. She would like to
up there.”
pursue a degree in lower elementary education, possibly
Nick Tymkiw - This was
at Southern Mississippi.
From Left to Right -Joseph Dimarco '13, Justin Nunez '14, Nick
Tymkiw '14, and Whitney Neal '14
Jacob Reine ‘15
Jaguar Journeys
Students
47
QB Ryan Noonan All-Louisiana Pre-Season Pick
Noonan makes cover of Louisiana Football Magazine
Ryan Noonan #10 Second Row from top far left, with the Louisiana All –Preseason Team
Jaguar Journeys
Students
48
Enjoy Band “At Fault”
November 24, 2012 - 7pm to 11pm at PJP Gym
Proceeds to Support PJP’s First Teacher Endowment Fund
Brought to you by the PJP II Alumni Association
One $100 Ticket equals = 2 Guests and 1 chance at
$10,000 or a New Car
Early Registration Discount is $100. $110 at the door.
That’s only $50 per person for live band, food, drinks, and fun!
May Purchase online at www.pjpalumni.org or www.pjp.org
Make check out to :PJP II Alumni Association
Mail to: PJP II High School
Attention Danielle Riecke-Levy
1901 Jaguar Drive
Slidell, La 70461
Contact Jody Riviere at [email protected], Drew Pizza at [email protected], or the
school office at 649-0914
Must sell 350 tickets for new car availability otherwise only $10,000 cash prize will be awarded.
Do not need to be present to win.
Jaguar Journeys
Dates 49
Save The Date
Sept 14 - Mass
Sept 14 - HOME Foot. District Champs honored
PJP Varsity Football 2012
October 7 - Life Chain
Opponent
Date
Place
Time
October 13 - Academic Olympics
St. Patricks
Aug. 31
Away
7pm
October 15-20 Homecoming week
Pearl River
Sept. 7
Away
7pm
October 19 - Homecoming Football
Riverdale
Sept. 14
Home
7pm
October 21 - Blessing of the Pets
Warren Easton Sept. 21
Home
7pm
October 22 - Mass - Blessed John Paul II Mass
De La Salle
Sept. 28
Home
7pm
October 24 - Open House
Springfield*
Oct. 4*
Away
7pm
October 27 - PJP Golf Tournament
NChristian*
Oct. 12
Home
7pm
Nov 1 - Kevin Haynie ‘99 All Saints' Day Mass
St. Helena*
Oct. 19
Home
7pm
Nov 24 - JAG-A-PALOOZA
St. Th Aq.*
Oct. 26
Away
7pm
December 5 - Christmas Bazaar
Pine*
Nov. 2
*District Game
Home
7pm
December 14 - Mass
January 5 - High School Placement Test
January 18 - Grandparents' Mass
February 1 - Mass
March 2 - Jagfest
Homecoming Football
October 19, 2012
Kevin Haynie ’99 All Saints Day
Mass
November 1, 2012
Reunions
Class of 1981 and 1982 October 20, 2012
Class of 1987 and all 80’s September 22, 2012
Class of 1992 September 22, 2012
Class of 1993 April 5-7, 2013
JAG-A-PALOOZA
WIN $10,000 OR A New car
November 24, 2012
www.pjpalumni.org
Jaguar Journeys
Pope John Paul II HS
1901 Jaguar Drive
Slidell, La 70461
www.pjp.org
Place
Stamp
Here
Would you like a copy of Jaguar
Journeys sent to your home?
Email [email protected] to
arrange.
www.pjpalumni.org and www.pjp.org
Alumni Association Team Members
President Jody Riviere ‘86
Vice President Drew Pizza ‘98
Treasurer Danielle Riecke-Levy ‘88
Secretary Darla D’Amico ‘81
Technology Grant Black ‘94
Ryan Trainor ‘02
Stephen Faught ‘01
Melissa Guidry ‘09
Blaise Mangano ‘82
Alumni September 2012 Journalist Team
Anna Pizza Caruso ‘93
John Binder ‘11
Christine Barnhill ‘82
Jeff Dunbar ‘98
Drew Pizza ‘98
Courtney Chisholm ‘06
Danielle Riecke-Levy ‘88
Sherri Dutriex Advancement Director
Alumni please sponsor
our next edition of Jaguar Journeys. We need
your support. Enjoy
great exposure for your
business throughout the
magazine. Contact Andrew Pizza at
[email protected]