Winter/Spring 2012 Jaguar Girls and Boys Crowned Champions

Jaguar Girls and Boys Crowned Champions Again in Powerlifting
Winter/Spring 2012
Graduation Edition May 2012
Jaguar Journeys
Gradu at i o n Edi t io n
May 2 0 1 2
President Richard Berkowitz
Principal Martha Mundine
President and Principal Message
By President Richard Berkowitz and Principal Martha Mundine
President Richard Berkowitz and
Principal Martha Mundine
“The Advancement
Office is making great
strides with alumni
members of our CORE
Team to meet and
increase communication
with representatives from
each graduating class.”
Contents
Message to Alumni
Principal Mundine
Reine Family Legacy
Alumni Association
Scholarship Awards
Adoration
Joey Dunbar Seminary
Jagfest
Career Day
Alumni Baseball Day
Sister Enedena
Jaguar Tracks
Births, Anniversaries
Weddings, Deaths
Capital Campaign
Athletics
Graduation
Mr. B Retires
Save the Date
Beginning with this message,
we will regularly share some of the
wonderful things that are going on with
our students, our faculty/staff, our
parents and our alumni with the entire
PJP community. The 2011-12 school
year continues to be an outstanding one
in many ways, for many people. This has
been an inaugural year for the PresidentPrincipal model here at PJP.
We continue to surge ahead in
many areas that would not have been
possible with the former structure. From
an administrative standpoint, we now
have the ability to concentrate and focus
on those areas that move us forward and
bring about continued improvement.
Our teachers - Peggy Doucet
achieved state level representation in
the VFW’s National Citizenship
Education Award.
The new administrative team
has also afforded our school some
exciting initiatives in Advancement
and Marketing. Working with the
Institute of School and Parish
Development (ISPD), is a large
number of parents, students, alums,
and
our
Advancement
Office
personnel who are moving forward
with numerous “action” items.
JagFest was a huge success
again this year.
“Especially visible was the large
turnout of Alumni”
We continue to excel in many
areas.
Our Faith - PJP student
leadership is ever-present at all of our
Masses,
Prayer
Services,
during
Adoration and continues through efforts
involving Community Service. We invite
you to come and experience these special
events for yourself. Our Academic
Excellence – PJP held its first ever
Science Fair, where our students excelled
at the regional level, continuing 6 of 10
participants on to state.
A very
successful
Academic
Olympics
welcomed over 225 elementary students
onto our campus;Our Catholic Schools’
outreach to the community, includes
overwhelming response to Project
Christmas, the food drive benefitting
Community Christian Concern during
Catholic
School’s
Week,
and
participation in the Relay-for-Life. The
overwhelming number of students who
participate
in
extra-curricular
activities; Our ACT scores consistently
outrank other East St. Tammany Parish
Schools in the area.
Especially visible was a large turnout
of alumni. We now have an excellent
CORE Team in place whose goal it is
to advance our efforts of spreading the
good news of PJP and all that we have
to offer. This CORE team, that meets
regularly, resulted from marketing and
enrollment assessments performed by
ISPD. We completed one of our most
successful JAG (Jaguar Annual
Giving) Drives, in history.
Our well-attended Open
House brought with it a new format
and gave us to chance to present Pope
John Paul II High School to the
community in ways we have never
done before. PJP has begun a Parent
Ambassador Team whose goal
includes attracting and welcoming
families.
. The Advancement Office
is making great strides with alumni
members of our CORE Team to meet
and increase communications with
representatives from each graduating
class.
Jaguar Journeys
Current efforts include the formation of
a Steering Committee consisting of 15
to 18 people who will work with ISPD
to determine the feasibility of launching
a building drive to address the current
and future needs of our facilities.
PJP is, indeed, a special place.
There is so much to be proud of, so
many things happening,
President/Principal Message
and so much to look forward to. We
plan to use this “message” to keep you
updated and invite your support. So
often, people ask us, “What can we do
to serve?” Right now, what we need
more than anything is “ambassadors”.
We invite you to speak up and represent
the values of Pope John Paul II High
School, throughout this community -
Tell your friends, your elementary
schools, your church parishes (all
denominations), represent PJP at the
marketplace, on the ball fields and
courts. We have so much success and
pride to be showcased in our students,
faculty, staff, and especially our
graduates.
Getting to Know Martha
A Moment with Principal Mundine
By Andrew Pizza Class of 1998
Q. Where are you from?
A. I was born in Dallas, Texas, and lived
there until I was 10years old, when we
moved to Lafayette, LA. I lived there
until I was 16, when my family moved to
Ocean Springs, MS. After high school, I
attended the University of South
Alabama
in
Mobile.
Following
graduation from there, I moved back to
Ocean Springs for three years, then my
husband and I moved to Mobile where I
remained until moving here this summer.
Q. How did you find PJP?
A. After deciding to move to St.
Tammany Parish to be closer to my
parents in Mandeville, I applied to the
Archdiocese of New Orleans. I received
a message that there was an opening here
and that they wanted to interview me for
the position.
Q. What has impressed you in your
first year at PJP?
A.
The sense of community here.
Everyone loves the school and wants to
see it flourish.
Q. What is your vision for PJP in the
next 3 years?
A. In the next three years, I would love
to see an increase in enrollment, of
course. I would also like to continue the
refinement of curriculum that has begun
this year. In the next three years, it would
be great if some capital improvements
were able to take place in regard to
needed
building
improvements,
especially.
Q. What is your sense as to how the
city of Slidell views PJP HS?
A. I am still getting a feel for that. There
are several perceptions. As it appears,
many people see us as a school that they
cannot attend due to the tuition. I would
like to spread the news that we do have a
tuition assistance program and anyone
who wants to send their children here
should not let money be the only reason
they do not.
Q. What is PJP’s role as the only
Catholic high school in Slidell to
evangelize Christ not only to our
students but the community as a
whole?
A. We are THE Catholic high school
for our community. We serve to
evangelize best by serving as witness to
Christ through our examples, especially
as we find ways to provide service to
our community.
Q. What would you say to a 6th or
7th grade parent considering catholic
education at PJP?
A.
Elementary and middle school
Catholic school has provided the
students a foundation for their religion
and faith life, as well as prepared them
academically for high school. In high
school, we serve to enrich catholic
foundation and ultimately prepare our
students to defend their faith in the real
world as young adults. PJP provides a
small, close knit community where we
can be there to help each other learn.
Q. Why should a parent send their
child to PJP and not drive to the
southshore for Catholic education?
A. PJP provides the same curriculum as
the other Catholic schools, and it is
local. Especially as years go on, and
students begin to drive, with the many
night activities that high schoolers
participate in, having a local school to
attend is safer.
Q. What is the greatest challenge PJP
faces in the next 3 years?
A.
Enrollment. We have to have
students to exist, and we must have a
decent sized student body to offer a
variety of programs for those who
attend.
Principal Martha Mundine
“In high school,
we serve to enrich
Catholic
foundation and
ultimately prepare
our students to
defend their faith
in the real world
as young adults.”
Jaguar Journeys
Q. What can Alumni do to support
PJP?
A. Working together, the alumni can do
so many things to help PJP with
community outreach. Alumni support of
our school is imperative. We are
fortunate to have so many gifted,
successful alumni that want to give
back.
Alumni
This can be done in so many ways:
volunteering at events, hosting alumni
gatherings to bolster support, spending
time in our school and sharing with our
students.
Q. What do you expect from the
Jaguar Alumni Community?
A. Assistance in spreading the Good
news of PJP.
Spread the
Good News of
PJP
Reine Family Reigns Supreme in PJP II Family
Reine’s Leaders Among PJP Family Legacies
By Andrew Pizza Class of 1998
Dr. Kristie Reine Ring, with
Husband Dr. Ring and 2
children
“If you know
PJP you know
the Reine
Family.”
Reine Family Alumni
Scott Reine 87
Michele Reine 92
Kristie Reine 95
Lindsey Reine 00
Bruce Swilley 05
Amanda Reine 07
Holly Arroyo 08
Dustin Arroyo 09
Once in the Jaguar family
always in the Jaguar family could not be
more true for the Reine family. If you
went to PJP you probably are connected
to a Reine family member in some way
whether you are aware of it or not. And
if you live in Slidell, you have probably
been to one of the many businesses
around the town. The Reine family is
quite a family tree rooted in strong
Catholic tradition. I had the pleasure to
discuss the family with Dr. Kristie
Reine Ring. Kristie is of course among
the Reine family and is a dentist with
Lakeshore Family Dentistry. She is one
of the most successful graduates of PJP
II High; a member of the class of 1995.
So here we go, are you ready
for a whirlwind tour of the Reine family.
Kristie has 2 sisters, Michele (PJP class
of 1992) and Lindsey (PJP class of
2000).
They all work together at
Lakeshore Family Dentistry. Michele,
an LSU graduate, is the marketing
director and Lindsay, a Southeastern
graduate, is the finance director.
They are the daughters of Mike
and Carol Reine. Mike Reine has 4
brothers; George, Ronnie, Glen and Tim.
George Reine is the father of Scott
Reine. Scott is a PJP graduate of 1987
and a former basketball coach at PJP for
8 years. He has a 7 year old and two step
children. Both PJP Graduates. Dustin
Arroyo Class of 08 and Holly Arroyo
Clsss of 09.
Ronnie Reine has four kids.
Among his four children, Brian, Deanna,
and Laura have PJP ties. Brian’s son is
Jacob Reine.
He is a freshman at PJP. Deanna and
her daughter Amanda Reine (Class of
2007) own the Bistro de la Reine
Restaurant as well as the Olde Town
Fine Wine and Spirits located in the La
Reine Olde Towne Centre on Front
Street in Slidell. Deanna also has a son
Bruce Swilley who graduated from PJP
in 2005 . Laura Reine is one of the divas
in the Three Divas and a Sugardaddy
Fine Gift Shop also located in the La
Reine Olde Town Centre. Finally, Glen
has two daughters, one of whom
attended PJP, Elizabeth Reine.
What about Kristie’s mother,
Carol Brandt Reine? She is one of, ohh,
let’s just say NINE children! Carol’s
sister is Marian Brandt Eades. Marian
and Ned Eades pioneered the strong
softball and baseball tradition that still
exists today at PJP. Ned Eades, now
deceased, was the head baseball coach
for the 1997 and 1998 state
championship baseball teams. Marian,
was the head softball and volleyball
coach at PJP for 4 years. Marian’s son
Ryan is currently the Saturday starting
pitcher for the LSU baseball team and
son Christopher has signed a letter of
intent with Delgado.
The Reine family spans many
years of Jaguar tradition. Ownership in
the classes of 87, 92, 95, 00, 05, 07, 08,
09, and 15 is quite a presence. They are
one of many families continuing the
jaguar tradition of sending their family
through PJP. If you know PJP, you
know the Reine family. From one
alumnus, to a strong alumni family we
say thank you to the Reines.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
Student Adoration Group a Divine Inspiration to the
PJP Community
Alumni Invited to Join in Prayer on Campus
Freshmen (left) Justin Esteve and Mason Pearcy (Right) kneel in reverence before the Eucharist
. By Andrew Pizza Class of 1998
A group of students at PJP are
doing a little more than taking notes,
passing tests, and making the grade.
This group has a little something greater
in mind, or maybe more accurately
termed, something greater in spirit.
Every Tuesday, for 20 minutes at a time
one Jaguar from this pack adores the
Blessed Sacrament. There is no flash, no
thrill, no party during this 20 minutes but
as junior Samantha Stephan states “It is
my time to sit in silence and listen.”
A few months ago educators on
the Campus Ministry team Marsha and
Michael Bourgeois, Earl Gervais, and
Don Klos decided it was time to bring
adoration to the students. This had been
done in the past by class groups, but this
go around, the goal was to establish
something more intimate and more
reverent.
A list of questions were
carefully deliberated to identify those
students who had the fortitude,
spirituality, and courage to lead the
Jaguar Faithful in adoring the exposed
Eucharist.
Individual
face to face
interviews were conducted and students
answered tough questions that would
make even blessed PJP II himself proud.
The questions spanned the gambit from
describing prayer, how one would pray,
why they wanted to be part of the
adoration team, and reaching as far as to
how their presence in adoration would
benefit the PJP community.
The
response from the students was
tremendous. Educator Earl Gervais said
“I was not only impressed but I was
spiritually touched.” 24 Jaguar students
now have joined together to lead the
way.
The alumni and all PJP
supporters have also been welcomed by
the Campus Ministry team to join in on
this spectacular movement. It is the
goal to have alumni on campus and
adoring Christ during all school hours of
the day.
The students have started
another new and great Jaguar tradition.
Please contact Andrew Pizza if you
would like to be a part of this
movement.
If you would like to
participate in adoration
please email
[email protected]
Please Join Us!
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
Alumni Rally Funds to Support Jaguar Students
By Christine Barnhill, Class of ‘82
The mission of the Alumni
Association is to establish and maintain
communication between Pope John Paul II
Catholic High School and its graduates and
to foster the relationships started at PJP
through communication, activities and a
dedication to the goals, objectives and
mission of the School. The Association
further serves to enhance the efforts of
Catholic education in Slidell and St.
Tammany Parish through assistance and
financial support of Pope John Paul II
Catholic High School.
One of the programs that the
Alumni have sponsored for the past 5 years
has been the Alumni Scholarship Award.
Each year we award 5 prizes for $ 500.00
to a student in grades 9-12 and to an
incoming 8th grader. The Senior award is a
check for $ 500.00 to the student, while the
other grade levels have $ 500.00 of their
tuition costs paid by the Alumni
Association. Donations from alumni and
funds raised at the annual “Heard It
Through the Grapevine” event fund the
Scholarship account.
Alumni Lee
Cosgrove (82) and Lise Bremond (92)
will chair the event.
Originally, the first two years
were essay format. Students were given a
question and several weeks to respond with
an essay. A judging panel comprised of
alumni, educators and community leaders
judged the essays to select a winner. All
essays were judged “blind”, meaning that
only a number was on the entry and the
name was not available to the judging
panel.
Three years ago David Olivier,
class of 1981, suggested that we take a
different approach and open up the
opportunity to a broader student base. We
changed the entry format to a “write on
site” event. The entries are still marked
numerically for blind judging and the
judges are selected the same way (we
always try to have one person who is not
involved in PJP in any way). Christine
Barnhill (82), Ann Marie Furphy
(Alumni and Development PJP at that
time), and Commander Thomas McNitt,
PJP teacher, lead the team that developed
the new format.
It is a “write-on-site” event, and
the Seniors have a second element with
interviews included in their portion. Of
course, the judges see the Senior they are
interviewing, but the writing portion is still
judged in blind format prior to the
interview. This means part of the scoring is
done before the panel meets the Senior
applicant.
This format seems to be
working as we had a total of 62 applicants
this year.
Winners are kept secret until
announcements are made at the PJP school
award ceremonies and at the school of the
winning 8th grader. With that in mind, we
can only announce the Senior winner in
this edition of Jaguar Journeys! The other
grade levels will not have been announced
when the publication goes out, so we will
feature them in our fall edition.
The 2012 Alumni Scholarship
Senior winner is Elizabeth Calamari!
Elizabeth is the daughter of Randy
Calamari (84) and Desiree Galatas
Calamari (84) both PJP alumnus. It was a
very close decision between Elizabeth and
and the runner-up
A total of 19, very patient Seniors
applied this year. This was the highest
number ever, and it took about 5 hours to
interview everyone. The judges said
time went by quickly for them because
of the high quality and impressiveness
of the students. We know it was a long
wait for some of the students so steps
are being taken to have a process
established so those students who apply
for the scholarship next year will be
interviewed more expediently! We
thank all those who applied this year
and welcome your input and
involvement in the scholarship process
in the coming years.
If you are interested in the
Scholarship Fund contact:
[email protected]
Look for more information on
all our winning students in the next
issue of Jaguar Journeys!
Buy Tickets to Heard
it Through the
Grapevine Contact Lee
Ann Cosgrove at
[email protected]
or 985-960-1208
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
Alumnus Joey Dunbar ‘03 Advances in Seminary
Dunbar completes first 2 years at St. Benedict's in Covingtion, traveling to Indiana
to finish studies for Catholic Priesthood
By Thomas Schneidau, Class of
1998
Joey, you are a seminarian studying
to become a priest for the diocese of
Mobile, Alabama. What led you on
this path and how did you end up
connecting with the diocese of
Mobile?
JOEY: After graduating from Pope in
2003, I was blessed to go on a monthlong pilgrimage to Rome with my older
brother Jeff (class of 1998). This was a
turning point in my faith life and the
start of a real relationship with Jesus
Christ. Up to that point, I did not have a
personal relationship with God; God
was "too big" for me, Mass wasn't all
that
interesting, and
I thought
myself too much of a sinner to
really come close to him. However, all
that changed during my time on this
pilgrimage. I realized that God cared for
me in a very intense and personal manner
and that he was giving himself to
me totally and freely each day in the
miracle of the Eucharistic celebration.
While I knew I would never be perfect,
I began to understand that He would
always love and forgive me without
conditions.
After this incredible journey, I was
headed to Auburn University with the
intent of following my dream to walk-on
the football team. I accomplished
my goal to make the team, but it was
short-lived and I was cut from the team
later that year.
The reality of
that tough experience made me think
more about the "big picture" of life, and
helped me to put things in better
perspective,
i.e.
God
first, not
myself. I started to draw closer to
God and knew that I needed to live a
more
mature
Christian
life. I
was fortunate that Auburn had a wellestablished
Catholic
student
organization that was very welcoming,
and I was able to get involved with the
organization rather quickly. As I
journeyed with this group, I grew more
in love with our Catholic faith and its
beauty. I became a leader in some of
the organized activities, such as Bible
study and Adoration, and it was during
this time that I truly began to feel the
call to serve God and the Church as a
priest.
Since Auburn is in the
Archdiocese of Mobile and that is
where I first felt my calling and where
my faith had grown so much, after a
time
of
prayerful
discernment, I decided to apply for this
particular Archdiocese to begin
my studies for the priesthood.
Dunbar Continued Next page…
Joey Dunbar (left) processes into Mass on Palm Sunday
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
contact with. He was an inspiration to
me in his wonderful example of being
such a
genuine,
authentic,
and humble person. I felt like even
through
the
television, he could
look into my eyes and make me
feel like I was his closest friend. He
made me proud to be Catholic. He
gave me strength to hold firm to the
convictions of
our
Catholic
faith. He told me over and over again
to "be not afraid" to follow my
vocation in life. I cried when he died
and gained the strength that day to want
to give my life to God just as He did
each and every day of his life. We are
blessed to have our alma mater named
after this great Pope!
PJP’s Joey Dunbar ’03 bows in reverence
How many more years of study do
you have before you are ordained a
deacon in the Catholic Church? A
priest?
JOEY: I begin my first year of
theology this fall at St. Meinrad Abbey
in southern Indiana. Once I get started
there, I will have three years until
my diaconate ordination and four years
until priestly ordination. So, God
willing, I will be ordained a deacon in
the summer of 2015 and, in the summer
of 2016, I will be ordained a priest in
Mobile's
Immaculate
Conception
Cathedral.
You graduated from Pope John Paul
Catholic High School in 2003.
Looking back, what are a few of your
fondest memories from your time at
the school?
JOEY: I think naturally some of my
fondest memories were extracurricular
events. I remember quite well (maybe
not so fondly though!) the grueling
football workouts and practices with my
teammates during the summer months
in the blistering Louisiana heat. One of
my best memories with the football
team was a comeback win in the
homecoming game of our senior year
and the joyful celebration that lasted the
rest of the weekend.
I
also recall
with gratitude my
time
serving as an
extraordinary Eucharistic
minister for the school community. This is a
particularly memorable experience for
me because I was not originally chosen to
serve in this role. I remember being very
disappointed that I was not chosen. I had a
strong desire to serve in this capacity
because of my deep faith in Jesus' real
presence in the Eucharist. I felt compelled
enough to speak to Coach Boo about it and,
after some prodding, he and Mr. B
graciously added me to the ranks. I think
God planned it that way all along because it
made me appreciate even more the gift of the
Eucharist. Providentially, it afforded me the
great opportunity to serve Mass for the
Archbishop one Sunday a month in St. Louis
Cathedral.
How has the example of Blessed Pope
John Paul II been an inspiration to you in
your path to the priesthood?
JOEY: Wow, what a question! I don't know
where to begin. He has been a major
influence on the Church and on my identity
as a Catholic from the day I was born to the
present. I think for me, in witnessing
his daily life, it was so evident how much he
loved. He loved the Lord God. He loved the
Church. He loved every person he came in
For those of your fellow "Pope"
alumni who are still discerning their
vocation in life, can you offer any
words of guidance from your own
discernment process?
JOEY: Yes. First, do not be afraid to
ask God! You must be convinced that
He only wants what is best for you what will make you truly happy in this
life and bring you to eternal life with
Him in the next. Once you've gained
this conviction, you will start to trust
Him and that is extremely important in
discerning your vocation. Ask God the
most
important
questions
of
your future: Am I called to marry this
particular person? Should I accept this
job or move here? Is God calling me
to the religious life, etc.? When we
come to the realization that He will
only give us what is good for us, then
we start allowing Him to help us
answer all of these meaningful
questions. How do we find out the
answers? We must pray. God
will speak to us when we give Him the
time to speak to us in silence. Trust
that He has a great plan for your
life. He wants us to have all that we
desire, as long as it does not endanger
our soul. Once you learn to trust Him,
you will not be afraid to "do whatever
He asks of you." Pray, let go, and let
God. Then, get ready for the adventure
of your life!
Jaguar Journeys
Class of 1982-Lee R. Cosgrove, AAMS- LPL
Financial Advisor, Pontchartrain Investment
Management
Class of 1984-Liz Edwards- Human Resources
Specialist, Writer and Editor, Stinger Ghaffarian
Technologies and NASA Shared Services Center
Class of 1985-Roland Paris- Inker, Marvel Comics
Class of 1987-Andrea Bonck Hawkins- Lead
Paralegal ,The Work Injury Center of Southeast LA
Class of 1990-Stephen Aertker- Attorney,
Lamothe Lea Aetker, LLC
Dana Deris Fatic, ISSA-CPT- Personal Trainer,
Slidell Athletic Club
Class of 1991-Gary Dragon, Jr. PT, DPT- Physical
Therapist, Action Physical Therapy and Sports
Medicine. Holly McKenny, MSW, LCSW-BACS,
CPE- Social Services Manager, Peoples Health
Class of 1992-Captain Dave Berault- Pilot, Mobile
Bar Pilots, LLC. Michelle Carollo, RNC, BSN,
CPT -STAT Home Health LLC. Amanda Hover,
Owner, Champagne Jewelers. Brian Trainor, JDDeputy Chief of Corrections and In House Counsel
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office
Class of 1993-Dave Anderson- Risk Manager,
City of Slidell . Anna Pizza Caruso MSW,
LCSW- Clinical Social Worker. Richard
Fontaine, Senior Advisor and Senior Fellow,
Center for a New American Security
Class of 1994-Grant Black- Lead Database
Analyst, eVenture Technologies & Space and Naval
Warfare Systems. Ricky English- Musician, RJ
English, LTD, The Molly Ringwalds
Class of 1995-Kristie Reine, DDS- Dentist and
Owner, Lakeshore Family Dentistry
Class of 1996-Tiffany Portie Trascher, MAInstructor, High School Social Studies, Louisiana
School for the Deaf
Class of 1998-Andrew Pizza, MD- Emergency
Medicine Physician, LSU Emergency Medicine
Program
Class of 1999-Kelly Pizza, RN- Slidell Memorial
Hospital. Katie Monnin Reidell-Intelligence
Research Specialist, Homeland Security, Homeland
Security Investigations. Mike Sanchez, MD- Chief
Resident of the Department of Internal Medicine,
LSU BR
Class of 2000-Blaine Frischhertz, ASLALandscape Architect, Rotolo Consultants, Inc.
Corey Tohme, PE- Mechanical Engineer, Offshore
Equipment Solutions
Class of 2001-Sarah Myers, DPT- Physical
Therapist, Saad’s Home Health
Class of 2003-Joseph Dunbar- Seminarian,
Archdiocese of Mobile
Class of 2007-Meghan Dauzat- Graduate Student,
Pharmacology. Angelica GiuffriaActress.Danielle Konnecker, Weekend Assignment
Editor, WVUE Fox 8. Karrie Martin- Actress
Class of 2008-Mimi Faucett- Style Intern, HGTV
Magazine
Alumni Events
An Alumnus’ Perspective
By: Anna Pizza Caruso Class of 93
I am not sure if I just presented at
Career Day or if I just met my old
friends for a long overdue beer at
9am--in a tin building. After all the
anxiety about what I was going to say
about a career in social work, after
emailing Assistant Principal, Lise
Bremond ‘92, seven times to make
sure I could successfully use the
audio/visual equipment, and after
generally working myself into a
small panic about a presentation—
Career Day was a blast!
Every other year, PJP organizes a
career day for its students. On
February 10th, 40 presenters,
including 32 alumni, spoke about
their careers in everything from
inking comic books to acting to being
an agent in the secret service. There
were doctors and dentists and
lawyers and teachers. And there
were pilots and priests and jewelers
and style editors.
Ryan Lowe gave a keynote
presentation to kick the day off.
Ryan is a motivational speaker, and
author of “Get Off Your Attitude.”
Ryan advised students that,
"adversity builds character –so treat
every obstacle as a building block of
character".
After the keynote, students were able
to choose three sessions to attend.
Holly McKenny, Class of 1991, and
I were speaking together about
careers in social work. The students
at our presentation asked thoughtful,
intelligent questions. After our
presentation we met up with other
alum and some of our favorite
teachers in the hall and just chatted
the afternoon away. It was a truly
enjoyable experience.
Just for kicks I thought I would list
the alumni presenters by class so that
you could have as much fun as I did
seeing where these guys are now. I
left Pope that day feeling in awe of
the many successes of PJP alumni. I
felt so proud to be a part of it. There
was no actual beer there, of course,
but maybe that would be an idea for
next year!
Stephen Aertker ’90 (Left) and Brian Trainor ’92, both attorneys, discuss the
judicial system with aspiring Jaguars
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni Events
JagFest breaks record in Donations
and Alumni Attendance
. By: Andrew Pizza Class of 1998
For some reason, it took
quite a bit of arm twisting,
nagging, and tugging by my wife
Kelly to convince me to go to
JagFest. I thought that auction
socials just were not for me. I
could not have been more wrong.
JagFest ranks!
We enjoyed four tables
seated with alumni and we all had
that one common bond – ole’ PJP!
Having cocktails, dancing and
listening to band Witness, and
watching former coach Greg
Battistella auction off $100 items
for $500 while making the entire
gym rock with laughter, was
entertainment
I
had
not
anticipated.
JagFest saw its largest
turnout in history and raised more
money than ever before. Over
$60,000 was donated by PJP
supporters, alumni, parents, and
friends. Next year PJP hopes to
build on this wonderful event and
capture more alumni attendance
and support.
Specail thanks and recognition should go to JagFest
Chairs; Sherri Dutreix, Robin
Mangano, Laurie Dampier and
Larry and Jill Bienvenu who put
in countless hours to plan and
market the event
“The donations
were
overwhelming.”
Sherri Dutreix
JagFest Chair
Platinum sponsors
Angela and Sergio Stasi
Bayou Blaster Car Wash and
Lube (Blaise Mangano 82)
Berk Constructors (Michael
Berkowitz 90)
Devereux and Nguyen
Orthodontics
Eddie Reso’s Gymnastics Plus
Ordes Electric
South End Zone
Isabella Villa
La Medical Center and Heart
Hospital
Ford, Nissan of Slidell
Whitney Bank
Solid Gold Sponsors
Laneco Construction (Mark
Homburg 92) and Benny
Homburg
Smith’s Sporting Goods
Jaymar Construction Co.
Slidell Memorial Hospital
Chart Topper Sponsors
Embroid Me
Guevara Orthodontics
Jill Donaldson D.D.S. 91
Auction Table Sponsors
N.O.R.T.H. Institurte
Top Row Left to Right – Lee Ann Cosgrove 82, Michelle Thiel Schellinger 97, Amanda Spilling Foster 02, Kelly Chisholm
Pizza 99, Drew Pizza 98, Mike Sanchez 99, Brittany Bates, Stephen Faught 01, Stacy Faught Smith 98, Megan Spilling
Haggerty 98, Sean Haggerty 97. Bottom Row – Chris Campbell 02, Kristen Nunez Rapp 98, Teacher Tom Mcnitt, Cindy
Mcnitt, Anna Pizza Caruso 93, Sam Caruso Jr, Brad Smith, Patrick Rapp Photo by Kelly King
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni Events
Alumni Classic a Hit with Past
Jaguar Ballplayers
By Andrew Pizza Class of 1998
The alumni weekend for the PJP baseball alumni saw great
weather, fun, and a strong turnout from the Jaguar Alumni Faithful . 26
alumni joined together to cheer, participate, and jab at each other, just like
ole’ times on April 14, 2012 at the PJP diamond. Many kids enjoyed a
bounce house donated by Ryan Higgins class of 97. The oldies played the
newbies, with the newbies taking it 7 to 5 in a five inning softball game.
A homerun derby preceded the game with John Koehl class of 97
stealing the show. John won the derby with a towering homerun to left
field. He received a $200 gift card to Schaeffer’s, but in typical Jaguar
stewardship returned the favor by donating it back to PJP for future fund
raisers.
The softball game was equally entertaining. Mike Sanchez class
of 1999 turned in two eye popping catches that had current Jaguar players
in awe. Stuart Pender class of 1997 made a back hand catch at shortstop
that brought everyone back to his glory days on the diamond. Jody and
Jeff Riviere classes of 86 and 89, each reached base with smokers into the
outfield. Sam Francis 00, perhaps the best all-around athletes to graduate
from PJP showed he had not lost a step with his superior outfield play.
Jeff Pigott class of 1986 came all the way from Tennessee to see
his old buds and Ivan Jackson class of 1997 traveled from Austin, Texas
to be part of the fun. It was truly a special moment for the Alumni as
great memories of the past were renewed. Nick Bertrand class of 97
reminisced about former coaches Ned Eades, Andrew Bechac, Mark
Homburg, Greg Battistella and Phil Culottta. And in typical Nick
Bertrand form had everyone laughing and smiling with his great stories.
Also attending were Brian Trainor class of 92, who made several
catches at second base, Mark Homburg class of 92, who also was baseball
John Koehl 97 (left) returns the favor in typical Jaguar
stewardship, giving the $200 Schaeffer’s giftcard back to
Andrew Hickman and PJP for future events. John won the
homerun derby.
coach for 9 years at PJP, Grant Black 94, Kevin Kennedy
94, Andrew Grady 07, Thomas Schneidau 98, Megan
Spilling Haggerty 98, Kelly Chisholm Pizza 99, Stacy
Faught Smith 98, Amanda Spilling 02, Lee Ann Cosgrove
82, Brian Macaluso 96, Jen Koehl Macaluso 97, Michelle
Thiel Schellinger 97, Drew Pizza 98 and Rob Higgins 92.
Head baseball coach Andrew Hickman thanked
Jody Riviere, the parents and supporters of PJP, Drew
Pizza, and all the alumni for their support and hard work to
make the event a success.
Donate to the Alumni Diamond Club email
Jody Riviere at [email protected]
Top Row Left to Right John Koehl ’97, Rob Higgins ‘92 , Jody Riviere ’86, Nick Bertrand ’97, Brad Smith, Ryan Higgins ’97,
Andrew Grady ’07, Stuart Pender ’97, Grant Black ’94, Ivan Jackson ’97, Kevin Kennedy ’94, Head Coach Andrew Hickman,
Bottom row Left to Right Mark Homburg ’92, Mike Sanchez ’99, Drew Pizza ’98, Brian Trainor ’92, Jeff Riviere ‘89
Jaguar Journeys
Former Educators
A Moment with Sister Enedina Rodriguez
By Jeff Dunbar Class of 1998
Sister Enedina Rodriguez
“I’ve been
happy my
whole life,
which does
not mean
there has
not been
suffering. I
have tried
to live our
Teresian
spirituality.
Our motto:
“All for
Jesus.”
Contact Sister
Enedina at
[email protected]
During the 1990s Principal Larry Keller
would often point to the crucifix in the classroom
when speaking of the school’s Catholic identity.
Another clear sign of its catholicity were the
religious sisters whom roamed the halls and
classrooms of that era. With thick accents, tan veils
and warm smiles the Teresians were easy to spot in
a crowd, which was often the case as students
sought them out between classes or after school.
The Teresians, known formally as The
Society of Teresa of Jesus, were founded in Spain
by St. Henri de Osso in 1873. From their founding
the community has sought to “know and love Jesus
and to make him known and loved” following the
spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila.
The order flourished in Spain and grew to
other countries including Cuba where a young
Enedina Rodriguez first met the sisters whom
taught her high school classes in the early 1950s.
Enedina was the daughter of a wealthy sugar
plantation owner, but the joy and witness of the
Teresians moved her to want to give up the
opportunities that life afforded her and enter the
novitiate after graduation.
As would happen again in the future,
Enedina’s decision to consecrate herself to God as a
Teresian would be delayed. After informing her
father of her intentions, he implored her to continue
her studies through college saying, “When I leave
you, I want you to have that paper in your hand”.
Indeed a college education was a rare privilege in
that day and Enedina listened to her father’s
directive.
However, before Enedina could complete
her undergraduate studies the new to power Cuban
Revolutionary government implemented a series of
policies that changed the course of Enedina’s life
and many others. One such incursion was
orchestrated by Che Guevara’s National Institute of
Agrarian Reform, which confiscated by force her
father’s sugar plantation leaving the family
impoverished. As Sr. Enedina now recalls, “They
forced my father to sign a document donating his
land to the Revolution. It was a big lie. My siblings
and I say he died of a broken heart because it was
so overwhelming that he died within a year.”
Another governmental encroachment was
the usurpation of the university system. Unable to
continue on with her studies and conditions
worsening under the new regime, Enedina
immigrated to Miami in 1962. Though she still
wanted to follow a vocation to the Teresians,
Enedina again delayed her entry into the convent so
that she could care for her nephew in Miami whose
parents were unable to leave Cuba.
Finally in 1964 she was able to follow the
call she first felt a decade earlier as she entered the
Teresians as a novice and became the Sister
Enedina of future PJP fame. Her novitiate began a
lifelong commitment to the Church as a teacher
that led her to teach at eight schools stretching
from Miami to San Antonio with several stops in
between.
One providential stop in 1992 brought
her to our alma mater for the next 5 years. Sister
was nervous as Pope was the first school where
she would teach high school students. It was the
kind support of future Principal Carmen
Schexnaildre that helped her initially until she
became settled.
Students of Sr. Enedina recall a kind
teacher and orderly class. She was sensitive to
students whom were having difficulty at home or
school and she often made students laugh when
complaining in jest that God had given her
“chicken legs”. Above all, students knew that they
were cared for and loved by the diminutive nun.
Students frequently corrected her
pronunciation as English was her second language.
This could become annoying for a teacher but
Sister was never offended because she
remembered St. Teresa’s maxim: “Humility is
truth”.
In December of 2011 forty-eight
consecutive years of teaching came to a close as
Sister Enedina retired from her last teaching post
at St. Scholastica’s in Covington. In recent years,
her mobility has been limited and she has
struggled through pain associated with arthritis
and a pinched nerve. Still as her former students
would expect, she accepts these difficulties with
grace: “In retirement I thought I would finally
have the time to do the things I could not do while
I was teaching, but that has not been the case. The
Lord will show the way. I live day by day. I hope
it’s for awhile, but I only want to do his will.”
In her own words Sister describes her
chosen path in life: “I’ve been happy my whole
life, which does not mean there has not been
suffering. I have tried to live our Teresian
spirituality. Our motto: “All for Jesus”, has been
my inspiration. My goal as a teacher is our goal; to
make Jesus known and loved.”
A young Enedina Rodriguez escaped the
repression of Castro’s regime in the hope of
following a call she had first heard in high school.
For the next 50 years her life was consumed with
the goal of making Jesus known and loved. Her
students have come to know and love her as well.
Sister Enedina would love to hear from her former
students. Please email her at [email protected].
Include pictures so she can place your name.
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
Jaguar Tracks
Finding Jaguars and Bringing Them Back to the Pack
2011 – Matthew Binder – I
live in Hammond, Louisiana
after returning from
Franciscan University in
Steubenville. I am studying
physical education at
Southeastern and striving for
association with the basketball
team. Message for the alumni:
“Jaguar alumni let’s continue
our winning tradition and grow
in support of our strong
Catholic high school.”
2010 – Laura Ricciardone – I
live in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. I am a
sophomore at Harvard
University majoring in
Psychology. I am also a pitcher
on the softball team. As a
recent graduate, I would like to
say thank you to the alumni of
PJP for all of the support and
involvement in various events,
sports and programs
throughout the school. It truly
makes a difference in the PJP
experience and I am now proud
to be a member of the alumni
base!
2009 – Mark
Brink - I live in Belfast,
Northern Ireland where I attend
Queen's University Belfast
for the semester, but my home
institution is Spring Hill
College. I'm single and I major
in history and minor in French.
for the alumni: Greetings from
the Class of 2009, we may have
graduated only three years ago
but I'm confident we'll go on to
achieve great things in our own
unique way. Once a Jaguar,
always a Jaguar.
doesn't work out like you expect,
then just know God might have
something better in mind for
you...He has a plan.” For the
older classes, "let me know if
you have a possible Civil
Engineering opportunity within
the next few months." Go Jags!
2008 – Miles Mick - I am
currently going to school and
living in Lafayette attending
ULL majoring in Horticulture
and Landscape Management
with a minor in Business. I am
looking at graduating in
December of this year, I am
single. Message for the alumni:
“I would like to tell the class of
08 “what’s up!” I hope everyone
is doing well, and good luck on
all of your endeavors.”
2006 – Hope Barratini - I live
in Carriere, Mississippi. I'm a
stay at home mom to 3
wonderful children, 1 boy and 2
girls. Noah, the oldest, is 5 years
old; Addison is 3 years old; and
my youngest, Isabella, is 6
months old. To the alumni: "I
asked for strength, and God gave
me difficulties to make me
strong. I asked for wisdom, and
God gave me problems to learn
to solve. I asked for prosperity,
and God gave me a brain and
brawn to work. I asked for
courage, and God gave me
dangers to overcome. I asked
for love, and God gave me
people to help. I asked for
favors, and God gave me
opportunities. I received nothing
I wanted. I received everything I
needed." Hazrat Inayat Khan
2007 – Chris
Beattie – I’m currently living in
Baton Rouge doing my last
semester at LSU. I’m a Civil
Engineering major and am
currently looking for a full time
engineering position after
graduation. I had a great
experience at LSU especially
playing for the basketball team.
Message for the alumni: “For the
younger ones...do it BIG! Make
every moment special and follow
your heart because only good can
come of it...set goals and work
towards them. If something
2005 – Courtney Benson - I
live in Slidell. I own Ladies and
Gent's Formal Wear LLC in
Slidell. Message to alumni: “Go
Jaguars”
2004 – Commander Thomas
Duhs – I live in Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina. I am Platoon
Commander, 2D Light Armored
Reconnaissance Battalion,
United States Marine Corps
Jaguar Journeys
I am married for 2 years to
Emily Duhs. Message to the
alumni: “Thank you to the PJP
community for their support of
my fellow PJP veterans and
myself. It’s good to be home.”
2003 – Joey Dunbar – I am a
seminarian- studying for the
Catholic priesthood. Currently
living at St. Joseph Abbey in
Covington, LA where I go to
seminary. After graduating in
May, I'll be heading to Indiana
for four more years of
formation until ordination.
Permanently single, although I
could be considered "engaged"
to the Church, then one day
married to her. Message to
alumni: Prayer is our first
work.
2002 – Ashley Hefler – I live
in New Orleans. I work for
Escrow Trust Account for
Generes & Associates. I am
engaged and getting married in
January. To the Alumni:
“Hello Class of 2002. Hope to
see you at the reunion in July
2012!”
2001 – Wheeler
Penick – I graduated from Ole
Miss in 2005 with a bachelors
in business administration. I
live in Slidell and work for
North American Insurance
Agency in Covington selling
commercial insurance. I
own/operate Bonfouca Marina
LLC in Slidell. I am married to
Megan Boos Penick (PJP class
of 2002).
Alumni
glory days at Pope John Paul II.”
2000 – Dr.
Brandon Donnelly - I live in
New Orleans and work as an
orthopedic surgery physician. I
graduated from LSU School of
Medicine. I am married and
expecting my first child this
August. To the alumni: “Just
wanted to say hey to the Class of
2000 and hope this finds you
well!”
1999 – Dr. Stephen Graham – I
live in Shawnee, Kansas. Soon,
we will be in Madisonville, LA.
I am a physician with a specialty
in Urology. I graduated from
LSU School of Medicine in
Shreveport and completed
residency in Kansas. I am
married to Laura Robert Graham
and we have 2 kids. Message to
alumni: “Go Jaguars! Jaguar
Power!”
1998 – Dr. Brian
Duvernay – I currently reside in
Covington, LA with my wife
Kristy and our dog, Lucy. We
currently have no children but
hope to be changing that soon.
I'm an orthodontist with
Devereux & Nguyen
Orthodontics. I graduated from
LSU School of Dentistry.
Message to alumni: “I hope this
finds all alumni, especially those
from the class of 1998, doing
well and fulfilling all the dreams
that were conceived in those
1997 – Corey
Longmire Brock – I live in
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
with my husband Tanner. I
graduated from Mississippi
State University. We have 3
kids (Annie age 4, Jesse age 3,
and Molly age 1) and baby
number 4 due in early October! I
am a stay at home mom but
write an educational blog called
Teach Your Tot, where parents
of toddlers can find theme based
activities to do with their little
ones. Recently I have also
started selling window decals
using the "Teach Your Tot"
slogan to promote positive
parenting. Although I love
living in Florida, and we have
made some great friends here, I
miss Slidell/New Orleans every
day and the amazing people that
live there! We are all so blessed
to have been raised in such a
unique friendly place. I think I
took that for granted when I was
there!
1996 – Mike Waldon – I
currently live in Grand Prairie,
TX with my lovely wife Maribel
and two children Eli 3 and
Aliyah 1. I graduated from St.
Joseph Seminary College and
taught at PJP for 5 years. I work
full time as a youth minister and
travel a lot for music minister
gigs! Message to alumni: to
quote the late Blessed John Paul
the Great: “It is Jesus that you
seek when you dream of
happiness; He is waiting for you;
Jaguar Journeys
when nothing else you find
satisfies you; He is the beauty
to which you are so attracted; it
is He who provoked you with
that thirst for fullness that will
not let you settle for
compromise; it is He who
urges you to shed the masks of
a false life; it is He who reads
in your heart your most
genuine choices, the choices
that others try to stifle."
1996 – Mike O’Brien – I
graduated from Mississippi
State University, with BS in
Industrial Engineering and
Vanderbilt University with
MBA.I work as consultant at
boutique firm, Slalom
Consulting in Atlanta. I am
married to my wonderful wife
Suzanne O'Brien. My message
to alumni: "Missed the 97/98
State Championships by a year
but managed to pull out the
Intramural Championship at
the next level, best wishes to
all of the Alumni, look me up
if you live in Atlanta."
1994 – Grant Black - I live in
Slidell, about a mile from
where I grew up after a short
time in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. I am an Oracle
Database and Application
Server Administrator for Space
and Navy Warfare New
Orleans. I graduated from
UNO in Business
Administration with minors in
Accounting, Management,
Marketing and Computer
Science. I have been married
for 13 years to Patrycja
Kornecka Black and have 2
children Bruce (12) and
Andrew (7). Message to the
Alumni: God will keep you
Alumni
focused on what's really
important and will always keep
you grounded no matter the
situation. Go Jaguars!
1993 – Richard Fontaine - I live
in Falls Church, Virginia and
work at the Center for a New
American Security, a think tank
in Washington, D.C. I graduated
from Tulane and Johns
Hopkins. I worked in
government handling foreign
policy issues for about ten years
before coming here. I'm married
to Karen Fontaine and have three
kids - Kate, 7 years old; Leah, 5
years old; and Joseph, 2 years
old. Message for the alumni: I
hope everyone is happy and
healthy as we come up on twenty
years since graduation.
1992 – Dave Berault – I
graduated from United
Merchant Marine Academy at
Kings Point. I live in Mobile,
AL. I work at a Pilot for the
Mobile Bar Pilots, LLC. I am
married to Shea Berault. We
have three sons Gabriel (11),
Joseph (8), and Henry (2).
Message to Alumni “Go Jaguars,
I hope to see all my classmates at
our 20 year reunion.”
1991 – Dr. Jill Donaldson - I
live in Pearl River now and
practice pediatric dentistry in
Slidell, Mandeville and the
Westbank of New Orleans. I
graduated from LSU School of
Dentistry. I am married with 3
boys, ages 8, 7 and 3. My
message to alumni: Pope John
Paul High School is making the
effort to get their alumni
involved in the future growth and
development of our alma mater.
Get involved! They need you!"
1989 – Dr.
Chad Swan – I live in
Hendersonville, TN (north of
Nashville). I am a
cardiothoracic and vascular
surgeon. I did residencies and
fellowships in Houston and
Charlotte. I went to LSU School
of Medicine 1997 and Tulane
University B.S. 1993. I am
married to Kelly Swan. We
have two kids, Kathryn 3,
Samantha 3 weeks. Message to
alumni: “Support our alma mater
- they are educating our kids to
be centered around Christ.”
1988 - Yvette Felder Oxford- I
live in Macon, GA with my
husband of 14 years, Tillman,
and our two boys, ages 13 and
12. I am an RN on the
pulmonary floor in Warner
Robins, GA. I have been a
licensed massage therapist for 17
years, where I worked as a
professional athletic massage
therapist for the Dream Team for
the 96 Olympics, Braves,
Falcons, Saints, Titans, and 2
Super Bowls for the Patriots. I
am very involved in sports still,
whether it's playing soccer or
cheering my boys on the field.
Jaguar Journeys
1987 – Scott Reine – I live in
Slidell, own ADA Contractors,
LLC and Phoenix Homes,
LLC. ADA is a construction
company and Phoenix is a real
estate sales company. I
graduated from LSU with a BS
in Psychology. I am married. I
have 2 step-children, (both PJP
Alumni) and a 7 year old child.
I’m in my 6th year coaching
boys basketball. After 8 years
as an assistant coach at PJP, I
am the assistant athletic
director at First Baptist
Christian High School. Two
mottos I live by are; ''Never
Quit, Never!'' and ''Set a goal
to wake up happy every day
and close your eyes saying, I
did the best I could with this
day."
1986 – Jody Riviere – I live In
Slidell, La, Eden Isles. I work
as Career Territory Manager
for York Air Conditioning. I
am married to DeeDee
Boudreaux, a Chapelle 88
graduate. We have 2 children,
Beaux a sophomore at PJP,
who is a letterman in Football,
baseball and powerlifting and
Evangeline, a 7th grader at
Saint Margaret Mary, a
cheerleader at SMM, and
competition team dancer for
Creative Dance. Message to
the alumni is “Let’s remember
PJP had a part in who we are
today and visit often.”
Alumni
also an Accredited Asset
Management Specialist. In 1988,
I married Richard Cosgrove, we
have 2 children Dalton 18 and
Scarlett 15. We currently live in
Slidell. I am also past president
of the PJP Alumni Association,
and currently on the Enrollment
Development Committee. Also,
for the last four years I have been
the Chairperson for the Alumni
Association Art Auction and
Wine Tasting fundraiser for the
alumni scholarship fund. I am
past president and founding
member of the Business
Women's Network of East St.
Tammany. I am an Ambassador
for the East St. Tammany
Chamber of Commerce.
Message to alumni: “I hope to
see each of you at our many
alumni events.”
1981 – David Oliver- I reside in
Slidell with my wife, Robyn. I
have a daughter, Danielle, who
graduated from PJP in 2009. I
attended Southeastern
Louisiana University and
Tulane University, and I am the
owner of David S. Olivier &
Associates, a real estate
appraisal firm. I enjoy traveling,
scuba diving, duck hunting,
cooking, and collecting wine. I
was one of the chartering
members of the PJP Alumni
Association.
Samantha Jane Swan, 3/12/12, daughter of Dr. Chad
Swan ‘89 and Kelly Swan.
Brandon Paul Davis, 3/14/12, son of Ryan and Renee
Rome Davis ‘98
Laya Marie Ciko,3/27/12, daughter of Eric and Carmel
Park Ciko ‘98
Zoey Elizabeth Davis, 4/2/12, daughter of Keith and
Michelle Hariel ‘98
Teresa Rose Sullivan, 4/18/12, daughter of Matthew and
Mary Schneidau Sullivan ‘02
Bethany Hortman ‘05 to Owen Crooks ’07, 11/12/11
John Dalton 2/11/12 Class of 2007.
1982 – Lee Ann
Cosgrove - I am currently an
LPL Financial Advisor and am
If you have a birth, marriage, death, or prayer
intention please notify Alumnus ’88 Danielle
Riecke-Levy at [email protected]
Jaguar Journeys
Alumni
to determine if financial
support strong enough for
Alumni asked to rally support
By: Richard Berkowitz and Martha Mundine
Over the years, the administration has
received many requests from parents, teachers,
coaches, alumni and others in regards to facility
improvements, upgrades, renovations, and
additions. Because of funding and other strategic
priorities, we have been unable to address these
issues. However, the requests keep coming, and
the ability to offer state of the art facilities is now
something to explore.
At this time, we have no idea if the
financial support is available from our parents,
alumni, past parents, friends and the business
community; however, we do believe it is time to
find out. The Administration of Pope John Paul II
HS has decided that the school move forward in
conducting a Financial Feasibility Study in order
to determine the amount of money that could be
raised in a proposed Capital Campaign in the
future.
This study will be divided into three components:
 The formation of a Steering
Committee of 15 to 18 leaders
who will guide the efforts.
 The writing of a case statement
clearly articulating what PJP
would plan to address in a
Capital Campaign
 The personal interviews of 50+
people associated with both
Pope John Paul II HS and/or
this Eastern St. Tammany
Parish community.
Working with us on this feasibility study is the
Institute of School and Parish Development
(ISPD), a national, Catholic consulting firm from
New Orleans, LA.
As we move forward on this new study,
we invite everyone to pray for the success of this
venture. We have no idea what the results will
bring, but we do know that now is the time to
find out. We have talked about a major project
like this for years, and now we need some
answers. When invited, please be receptive to
providing your input and best wisdom. We look
forward to continuing to provide quality Catholic
education in Eastern St. Tammany Parish for
many years to come. This study is a step to
determining how. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Alumni please join us at the
Alumni Feasibility Study
meeting to give us your input,
desires, dreams, and wisdom
for the future of PJP. We
want to hear from you!
Meeting in June TBA. Contact
Andrew Pizza at
[email protected]
Steering Committee Alumni
Jeff Riviere ‘89
Jill Donaldson ‘91
Grant Black ‘94
Thomas Schneidau ‘98
Andrew Pizza ‘98
Kelly Pizza ‘99
Jaguar Journeys
Athletics
Sydney Loupe All-District
Sophomore Softball Catcher a Young Leader
With #15 behind the Lady Jaguar plate,
opposing base-runners have learned to stay
put. Sydney Loupe earned all-district honors
with her stellar performance this year as
catcher. Throwing out many base stealers
and earning a reputation as an outstanding
defensive player. Coach Karen Sedtal said,
“She was overwhelmingly voted 1 st team by
the coaches because of their respect for her
as a catcher.” Sydney also hit 4 doubles and
1 triple this year to add to her defensive
prowess. The Lady Jaguars are fortunate to
have her for 2 more years as she is only a
sophomore.
Lady Jaguar Sydney
Loupe
- Photo by Joey Sedtal
Connor Oliver All-District MVP
Jaguar Star has chance at collegiate
level
PJP bids farewell to a stellar senior who
most definitely will be missed. The All-District
MVP struck out 101 batters and hit .500 on the
season. On April 10th against rival Northlake
Christian, he threw a no hitter. 13 was his lucky
number against Springfield as he sent exactly
that many back to the dugout on strike 3.
Against Menard, in the playoffs he struck out 8 of
the first 9 and topped that of with a solo
homerun. Connor Oliver certainly will be wanted
at the collegiate ranks, and former Division I
coach Andrew Hickman says he is weighing his
options as to the where the right fit will be.
Senior - Connor Oliver
Jaguar Journeys
Athletics
Evan Labat Jaguar Strong
Junior helps lead Jaguars to Powerlifting
State Championship
Junior Evan Labat helped the State
Champion Powerlifting Jaguars to a repeat
title. He is the strongest Jaguar pound for
pound. In his weight class (132-148lbs) he
benched 280lbs, dead lifted 470lbs, and
squatted 440lbs. Coach Daniel Hanlon said “He
gives 100% all the time and his mind is always
focused on the next lift.” In class 2A
individually he qualified for regionals and
placed 2nd overall in state, helping his team
take 1st place overall.
Evan Labat
Rebecca Miller a Lady Jaguar
Icon
Senior wins 4th consecutive State Title
Senior Rebecca Miller dominated once
again taking her 4th consecutive State
Powerlifting Championship. She will be
missed. The Senior Lady Jaguar bench presses
160lbs, dead lifts 335lbs, and squats 285
pounds. She was selected by Coach Daniel
Hanlon as “Most Dedicated” among her peers
for her unrelenting work ethic and her
willingness to teach younger Lady Jaguars.
She again helped her team win another State
Powerlifting title with her continued superior
performance in weight class 132-148lbs. 2009,
2010, 2011, and 2012 titles all belong to the
graduating senior. It is hard to top that.
Rebecca Miller
Jaguar Journeys
Athletics
PJP’s Track and Field enjoys
District Champion
Junior’s Shot Put the Best in District
Sean Bruhn excelled in both the shot put and
discus this year, leading his team as a district
champion in the shot put. He threw “the shot” an
impressive 41 feet which landed far enough for a
district title. He competed remarkably in regionals as
well, finishing 4th among 15 throwers. He will return
next year for his senior season. Coach Hanlon said, “I
look forward to Sean’s continued development in the
shot put. He is an impressive junior.” Sean is the son
of Kevin Bruhn, Class of 1981.
Sean Bruhn
PJP Sisters Tennis
Queens
Lady Jaguars Impressive Duo
10 -1 is no easy feat. That is quite a
record and that is exactly what Elizabeth
and Kristin Calamari accomplished during
the tennis regular season this year.
Elizabeth a senior and Kristen a sophomore
are sisters. They have been challenging
each other since childhood. But now they
have teamed to take on someone else.
They together slammed, served, and
volleyed themselves all the way to the
doubles state tournament in Monroe, La.
They finished the season with an overall
record of 13-3, losing a hard fought match
at State to University. Coach and Alumnus
Julie Calamari Champagne said “They
were my most valuable players and I am
very proud of their accomplishments this
year.”
Elizabeth Calamari(left) and Kristin Calamari Photo
by Julie Champagne
Jaguar Journeys
Athletics
Ryan Mundine Golfs to
State
Freshmen Golfer Has Great Potential
Coach Krisner Green Left and Ryan Mundine
Freshmen Ryan Mundine was the top
Jaguar golfer this year. He shot an 84 average
throughout league play. At the regional
tournament, he shot an 88, which qualified
him for state. At the state tournament,
Mundine played his best golf of the year. The
young freshmen shot a career best 74 placing
him 17th overall. The Jaguars are fortunate to
have him returning for 3 more years and look
forward to his continued growth.
Ahner wins HOPE award
Senior overcomes extraordinary
circumstances
By Sherri Dutreix
Amanda Ahner a senior at PJP received
the HOPE Award given by Sophisticated Women
magazine. The program recognizes
extraordinary St. Tammany & Tangipahoa Parish
high school students for exemplary work in the
following categories: academic excellence,
community involvement, leadership among
peers, humanitarianism, sportsmanship and the
ability to overcome extraordinary
circumstances. She was nominated by Mr. Brad
Humphreys, Dean of Students, for her
exceptional work in the fight against substance
abuse. She is a very active member of SASA
(Students Against Substance Abuse) that Mr.
Humphreys moderates. "Amanda demonstrated
courage in overcoming a tragic moment that was
near fatal when her father suffered severe
injuries from being struck by a drunk driver. She
is also a strong student and citizen. Every day
she shows determination in ways to improve her
life and others." says Mr. Humphreys, "I believe
that's how she lives her life." Fortunately, her
father recovered from the accident and both of
them now give talks about the effects and
dangers of drunk driving & substance abuse.
Amanda Ahner (right) receives HOPE award
Jaguar Journeys
Graduation
Dustin Dampier
Co-Valedictiorian
By: Sherri Dutreix
Dustin carried a 4.6122 at PJP. He is a member of
the National Honor Society and participated in the
Honors Program. He has been honored with the
following scholarship offers: LSU’s Academic
Scholars Award, Best Buy Scholarship , Scholarship
Points Scholarship, Trails End Scholarship, Harvey
L. Foster, Foundation for Science Education
Scholarship, Knights of Columbus, Council 9769
Scholarship. He plans to attend LSU and study
Mechanical Engineering. Dustin was a 4-year
letterman & starting pitcher for the Jaguar Varsity
Baseball Team. He also participated in the Math
club, History club, Liturgy Team and was a
Eucharistic Minister his Senior year. Dustin is the
son of Mr. & Mrs. Keith Dampier of Slidell, LA.
Dustin Dampier
Hannah Malus
Co-Valedictiorian
Hannah Malus
Hannah carried a 4.6122 at PJP. She is a member of
the National Honor Society and participated in the
Honors Program. Hannah has received the
following offers: Chapman University’s
Chancellor’s Scholarship, Tulane University
Founders Scholarship, Tulane NOLA Award,
Tulane Valedictorian Award, American University
Dean’s Scholarship, Temple University Scholarship,
LSU Tiger Excellence Award, University of
Mississippi Academic Excellence Scholarship,
Spring Hill College Presidential Scholarship,
Loyola Maramount University Scholarship, Hannah
plans to attend Chapman University in Los Angeles,
California majoring in Peace Studies & Political
Science. Hannah participated in PJP’s Mock Trial,
was elected President of the National Honor
Society, a 3-year letterman the Tennis Team, and
member of the following organizations at PJP:
Liturgy Team, Art Club, History Club, Choir,
Students Against Substance Abuse (SASA), and
was chosen a Eucharistic Minister this year. She is
the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Malus of Slidell,
LA.
Jaguar Journeys
Graduation
Bailee Ordes
Co-Salutatorian
Bailee carried a 4.5102 G.P.A. and was a
member of our Honors program and the
National Honor Society. She has been a
member of PJP’s Cheerleading squad, Track
& Field and Powerlifting teams. While at PJP,
she was also active in Student Council,
History Club, Student Ambassadors and a
member of SMM’s Retreat Team. Bailee was
offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship
to The University of Mississippi. She has
decided to pursue Chemistry at Louisiana
State University with a concentration in
Forensic Studies. Bailee is the daughter of
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Ordes of Slidell, LA
Bailee Ordes
Megan Brathberry
Co-Salutatorian
Megan carried a 4.5102 G.P.A. and was a
member of our Honors program and the
National Honor’s Society. She has elected to
study Nursing at Southeastern Louisiana
University where she has been awarded their
Honor Scholarship. Megan is a 4-year
letterman on PJP’s Track & Powerlifting
teams, was chosen captain of PJP’s Jazzcats
Dance Team, participated in Student Council,
Eucharistic Ministers, and the National Honor
Society. Megan was also offered the “Golden
Opportunity” & Regional Awards from the
University of Southern Mississippi. She is the
daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Brathberry of
Slidell, LA.
Megan Brathberry
Jaguar Journeys
President Richard Berkowitz Retires after 42 Years of Service to Catholic Schools
By: Andrew Pizza Class of 98
April 26th was a special day
at the PJP II campus. Cancer
survivors and their families enjoyed a
special mass from Archbishop
Aymond who delivered a message of
hope and peace. The mass served as
a prelim for the Relay for Life events
held 2 days later at the Slidell airport.
It also was the last time the entire
student body was gathered under the
leadership of President Richard
Berkowitz.
Mr. B served Catholic
schools for 42 years. 22 of those
years were at PJP. April 26th will
now forever be remembered as “Mr.
Berkowitz day” as the City of Slidell
bestowed this award onto Mr.
Berkowitz to honor his 42 years of
service to Catholic education.
Former student Bill Borchert talked
about great memories with Mr. B and
discussed his appreciation for Mr. B
for serving as a Catholic leader for
him. He noted that Mr. B served as his
confirmation sponsor and was
responsible for “making me the man I
am today.
Mr. B also received many gifts
from the freshmen through senior
classes, the administration, and the
Alumni Association. Lee Ann
Cosgrove ’82 represented the alumni
giving Mr. B an honorary brick to the
soon to be built PJP rosary garden. Lee
noted the rosary garden “is something I
know Mr. B just loves.” The Alumni
Association also gave a scholarship in
Mr. B’s name to the Alumni
Scholarship fund, Archbishop Aymond
also thanked Mr. Berkowitz for his
many years of service and
acknowledged Mr. B’s efforts over the
years were truly remarkable.
Mr. B addressed the
congregation of students, cancer
survivors, alumni, and supporters. He
stated that he never felt like he came to
work over the last 42 years but always
felt his job was more of a calling and
vocation. Stepping down from the
Mr. Berkowitz receives a City of Slidell plaque
commemorating his service to Catholic schools from
former student Bill Borchert. Photo by Sherri Dutreix
podium, it was the last time he would
ever address the entire student body
again as their leader. The entire
student body arose to give him a
standing ovation and the rest of the
congregation followed. There were
many smiles and tears. The day ended
with a celebratory cake and reception
where many Jaguars were able to thank
Mr. B for his service.
The celebratory cake with a
message of thanks to Mr. B.
Lee Ann Cosgrove ’82 gives complimentary words
about Mr. B before giving him gifts from the Alumni
Association. Photo by Sherri Dutreix
Click Here to Register with the Alumni Association
Click Here for Online Giving
June 8 – Art Auction and Wine Tasting
August 8 - first day of school
August 15 - Mass
September 14 - Mass
October 7 - Life Chain
October 13 - Academic Olympics
October 15-20 Homecoming week
October 21 - Blessing of the Pets
October 22 - Mass - Blessed John Paul II Mass
October 24 - Open House
October 27 - PJP Golf Tournament
November 1 - Kevin Haynie All Saints' Day Mass
December 14 - Mass
January 5 - High School Placement Test
January 18 - Grandparents' Mass
February 1 - Mass
March 2 - Jagfest
March 7-8 - SACS Visit and review
March 19 - Mass
March 26 - Mass
April 11 - Mass
April 23 - Fine Arts' Evening
May 7 - Graduation
May 9 - Ring Mass
October 19, 2012
7pm
Opponent
Date
Place
Time
St. Patricks
Aug. 31
Away
7pm
Pearl River
Sept. 7
Away
7pm
Riverdale
Sept. 14
Home
7pm
Warren Easton
Sept. 21
Home
7pm
De La Salle
Sept. 28
Home
7pm
Springfield*
Oct. 4*
Away
7pm
North Christian*
Oct. 12
Home
7pm
St. Helena*
Oct. 19
Home
7pm
St. Thomas Aq.* Oct. 26
Away
7pm
Pine*
Home
7pm
th
30 Class of 81 & 82 (Joined)August 11, 2012
25th Class of 87 TBA
20th Class of 92 Sep 22, 2012
15th Class of 97 July 14, 2012
10th Class of 02 July 21, 2012
5th Class of 06 TBA
5th Class of 07 TBA
Contact Assistant Principal Lise Bremond ’92
for any questions at [email protected]
Nov. 2
November 1, 2012
10:30am at PJP
June 8, 2012 at Patton’s
SPONSORS
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]
Jaguar Journeys Alumni
Journalists
Christine Barnhill ‘82
Danielle Riecke Levy ‘88
Anna Pizza Caruso ‘93
Thomas Schneidau ‘98
Andrew Pizza ‘98
Jeff Dunbar ‘98
Sherri Dutreix
Want to write for Jaguar
Journeys?
Join our team! Contact Andrew
Pizza at [email protected]
Alumni Association Board Members
Pope John Paul II HS
1901 Jaguar Drive
Slidell, La 70458
www.pjp.org
www.pjpalumni.org
Blaise Mangano ‘82
Desiree Galatas Calamari ‘84
Jody Riviere ‘86
Danielle Riecke Levy ‘88
Ellen Rein Pierce ‘87
Lise Bremond ‘92
Jenna Berniol ‘04
Nick Schaefer ‘11
Annemarie Furphy
Andrew Hickman
Linda Guillot
Please join us at our next Alumni Association meeting in
June. Contact Jody Riviere at [email protected]
What did you think about Jaguar Journeys? For our online survey, click here.