to - St. Benedict at Auburndale High School

T HE M A GA Z I NE O F S A IN T BEN EDICT AT A U BU R N DA L E HIG H SC HOOL
ON
Winter/Spring 2014
EAGLES’ Wings
Harding Creative, Inc.
SAINT BENEDICT at AUBURNDALE
HIGH SCHOOL
www.sbaeagles.org
From the Principal
SBA families and friends,
Greetings from SBA! It’s hard to believe that in less than nine weeks, another school year will close.
We’re getting ready to send almost 250 of our seniors on their next journey of life; one in which we’ve been preparing them during their four years with us, but a journey in which you’ve been preparing them for the last 18 years.
Each year at this time, Mrs. Mary Cox, Senior College Counselor, updates the bulletin board in the senior hallway
with a map of our country and pictures of the members of our Senior Class. As decisions are made about college or
military, those destinations are posted. If you ever have a chance to stop by and take a look at the board, I encourage
you to do so.
This board is a reminder of what has been accomplished not just at school, but in all aspects of life. We look back at
the young, nervous-looking ninth grader who walked through our doors just four short years ago and now we get to
see, not just an older, not so nervous young adult. Yes, there have been changes in body shapes and sizes, but the
more important changes have been in their brains and their hearts.
The Class of 2014 has been a guiding force for a lot of good things here this year. Back in the fall, we were asked to enter a contest to share all
the many acts of charity and service in which our students are active. The first level of competition was at the Diocesan level and SBA’s video was
chosen by Bishop Steib to represent the Diocese of Memphis. We were so pleased at that announcement and our excitement multiplied when we
were notified that the SBA video was chosen to be one of five national winners. SBA senior Chris Schuhlein represented our Diocese in Washington, D.C. this spring. If you haven’t had a chance to see the video or Bishop’s Steib taped congratulatory message check the sites mentioned in
this issue’s “Headline News.”
We thank you for all you do and have done to get us to this point in the school year, but also in helping us in our many acts of charity and service.
Best wishes for a great summer and keep spreading the good news of SBA!
God Bless,
Sondra Morris, Principal
From the Editor
Wow! School is almost over for this year. It has truly flown by, but with this newsletter, you will see that it certainly has
been an active one.
We have been celebrating 25 years as St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. This, too, has flown by, but
I want to list some “Top 25 in 25” that I think warrant mentioning. This issue’s cover photo, of the huge
plexi-glass mural in the gym, depicts the athletic successes, but there is much more to highlight and we’ve mentioned
some here in no particular order or date.
There are many more wonderful events and memories we could mention. These are just some of my favorites:
• Bishop Daniel Buechlein (then Bishop of Memphis ) announces the purchase of Auburndale School (K-12) on
Germantown Parkway
• Bishop Buechlein announces the new Diocesan school will be named St. Benedict at Auburndale (St. Benedict,
patron of his order of priests – the Benedictines)
• Bishop Buechlein announces that the Dominican Order of St. Cecilia Sisters from Nashville will be administrators of the new diocesan school
• August, 1988 – St. Benedict at Auburndale opens as a strong Catholic identity diocesan school with Sister Mary Samuel, O.P., a native Memphian,
as Principal
• January 22, 1989 – High School students make trip to Washington for the first Pro-Life trip for the March for Life, 1st ever in the history of the
school, establishing it as the pro-life school in the area
• SBA enrollment steadily increases
• The Billy Bond Family donates resources of time, talent and treasure to upgrade the football complex and the baseball/softball complex with lights
and dugouts
• Fall, 1996 – SBA Football caps a 12-1 regular and playoff season with a trip to State Championship at Vanderbilt Stadium and finishes as State
runner-up
• SBA becomes wireless
• Students travel to New York City for the visit of Pope John Paul, II to the US
• 2001 – SBA Students for Life lead the National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
• 2003 – SBA Valedictorian Quique Huerta is recognized nationally for perfect scores on the ACT and SAT exams after first attempt
• 2004-2005 St. Benedict becomes a high school only and opens a new, state-of-the-art facility for 1,000 students off Germantown
Parkway, just north of the former unit school
• Softball facility enjoys new dugouts, bleachers and field
• Baseball upgrades facilities, adds new scoreboard and, most recently, field house
• More upgrades on football – “Home Field Advantage” bleachers, sodding
• Softball advances to state tournament many years and builds a softball dynasty
• First ever SBA team State Champion – Girls Bowling (5 straight years)
• Bowling Dynasty (both boys and girls) under Coach Wells
• Volleyball State runners-up and champions
• Yearly art and music awards
• Students for Life help lead the March for Life for the second time
• SBA leads the way in Commercial Appeal Academic All-Stars
• This Year – SBA receives the “Charity in Action” Award for service from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
• Last, but definitely not least – 1988 – First Friday Eucharistic Adoration becomes a tradition, establishes our Catholic Identity and brings blessings and graces to us all for over 25 years and many more to come.
Sharon Masterson, Editor
Director of Communications & Sports Information
est.
Table of
Contents
2
Development
Catholic Schools:
Educating Our Youth in Truth
for the Honor and Glory of God
and the Salvation of Souls.
Mission
est.
St. Benedict at Auburndale High School is a
diocesan, coeducational, college preparatory
school committed to academic excellence
through a comprehensive and challenging
multi-level curriculum presented in an
atmosphere permeated with the aims, values
and teachings of the Roman Catholic faith.
On Eagles’ Wings is a publication of
St. Benedict at Auburndale High School.
Editor/Director of Communications
& Sports Information
Sharon Masterson
Principal
Sondra Morris
Director of Alumni & Development
Lori Trew Regis ‘91
Director of Admissions
Terri Heath
Director of PLUS Program
Robin Ciancioso
Advisory Board 2013-14
Phil Sisneros, Chairman
Jon Bascom
Madonna Bond
Msgr. Peter Buchignani, V.G.
Dana Capocaccia
Larry Etter
Nick Griffin ’98
Chad Harrell
John Hyden ’93
Joe Incardona
Chris LeBlanc
Patty Neuhoff
Paul Schuhlein
John Schuman
Duane Sell
Don Williams
Wanda Winnette
Andy Wise
Beth York
8
Parent Connection
About Our Faith
12
10
Headline News
15
Achievements
20
Faculty Focus
21
On and Off Campus
25
Alumni
Sports
29
CORRECTION: Sophomore Maddie Rose
was inadvertently omitted from the list of Sophomore class officers in the last issue of
On Eagles’ Wings. Maddie is Sophomore
Class Chaplain. We regret the omission.
Cover design from rendering done by
Jim Harding of Harding Creative, Inc.
6803 Robin Perch Cove, Memphis, TN 38119
901/381-9266
ON EAGLES’ WINGS magazine is published
by the St. Benedict at Auburndale High
School Office of Communications.
Change of address or correspondence:
Please send all changes to:
Editor - On Eagles’ Wings
St. Benedict at Auburndale High School
8250 Varnavas Drive
Cordova, TN 38016
[email protected]
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FROM THE
DEVELOPMENT
OFFICE....
Lori Trew Regis ‘91
Director of Alumni
and Development
In the Development world, we know
that people give to people, and that
most people don’t give unless they are
asked. I am not a high-pressure girl, so
my method has been to always make
sure that there were opportunities to
give all year long and to report the giving as much as I could. Honestly, that
needs to change. SBA needs quite a
few things at the moment to keep up
with our competitors and I am asking
for your help.
At the helm of new leadership, SBA is
on the verge of so many things. We
are currently refinishing our football/
lacrosse field. We are looking at a
1-to-1 technology program to begin
the fall of 2015. We are having plans
drawn up for a field house renovation
and expansion, and we are beginning
a necessary branding and advertising
project that will unfold over the summer.
The numbers to the right are so encouraging, but if you will notice, most
of the money is restricted, meaning
that it is given to a specific program.
We are very thankful for those gifts, but
we also need funding to take care of
our new endeavors. If you are interested in helping us financially with any
of these projects, please contact me
in the Development Office. We need
help and I am asking. Many companies have matching gift programs and
charitable giving plans. Every dollar
makes a difference and we appreciate
anything you can do for our school.
SBA is a special place full of special
people and our goal is to keep it full.
Thank you!
IN HONOR Of 25 Years
The 2013-14 Annual Fund for St. Benedict at Auburndale
The Development Office keeps up with ALL donations given to the school and
all donations go into the Annual Fund total, but are allocated to different accounts
according to the donor’s wishes.
While we would prefer your donation to be unrestricted to the school
for us to use where it is most needed, we certainly welcome
any gifts to programs that are special to you and your family.
Our current numbers so far break down as follows:
Annual Fund Report From 7/1/13-3/26/14
Donations given to SBA for Sports and Programs $221,458.88
Donations given to SBA for Scholarship and Tuition $38,995
Donations given to SBA unrestricted - $94,176.38
Total SBA giving - $354,600.24
Total Donors - 373
New Donors - 148
Hopefully, you have seen our Annual Fund reports and read the challenge
to all of our friends and families to donate $25 in honor of our
25-year anniversary as St. Benedict at Auburndale.
The fun part of the challenge is that we would like for you to donate it
IN HONOR of someone. The person you honor will receive a letter
letting them know of your kindness, and we will also list all names
in our Annual Report at the end of the year.
For fun, we created the following graphic to let you know
how the honorarium part of the challenge is going!
Please keep in mind that these are only the honorarium names
and donors that have given in their honor or memory,
and not a complete list of donors.
We would like to thank all of our families and friends
who have given so far.
If you have not yet participated in the SBA Annual Fund, we ask you
to consider a gift. All donations are much needed and most appreciated,
no matter what the size. You can find more information about our
Annual Fund and an online giving link at
www.sbaeagles.org/annualfund.
There is also an envelope enclosed in this magazine,
or you can scan the QR code with your smart phone
to donate online.
IN HONOR
The 2013-14 Annual Fund for St. Benedict at Auburndale
The 2013-14 Annual Fund for St. Benedict at
~ in honor of Caroline Allen from Charles and Suzanne Miller ~ in honor of Pearson Allen from Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Allen ~ in
honor of Mr. and Mrs. W. Michael Arnoult from Mr. and Mrs. T. Darren Arnoult ~ in honor of Alfred and Mary Ann Bailey from
Mark and Leigh Zipperer ~ in honor of Billy and Madonna Bond from John M. Mills ~ in honor of Jennifer Brannon from David
Jackson ~ from Warren and Kay Johnson ~ in honor of Nick Brashier from Mitch and Eileen Scrivener ~ in honor of Jack Brock from
Robert and Elizabeth Fischer ~ in honor of Angie Buchanan from Bridget Bradshaw Krebs ~ in honor of Katie Byrnes from Doug and
Donna Byrnes ~ in honor of Eric Castro from Gregario Castro and Concrecastro ~ in honor of Dianna Cervetti from Linda and Bill
Payne ~ in honor of Mary Cox from Ben Jackson ~ in honor of Caitlin Cunningham from Joanie and John Cunningham ~ in honor of
Brennan Cunningham from Joanie and John Cunningham ~ in honor of Jillian Cunningham from Joanie and John Cunningham ~ in
honor of Olivia Mallory DeLozier from Metcalf and Madalyn Crump ~ in honor of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Donnelly from Anthony S.
and Joan E. Mitchell ~ in honor of Josh Dove from Randy and Debbie Dove ~ in honor of Jeffrey Dove from Randy and Debbie Dove ~
in honor of Justin Dove from Randy and Debbie Dove ~ in honor of Nickel Ebbing from Mr. Bill Hecht and Ms. Nanetta Walls ~ in
honor of Teresa, Joseph and Nic Ferrante from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ferrante ~ in honor of Christine Giles from Kate and Matt
McDonald ~ in honor of Laura Beth Grissom from Brad and Kelli Grissom ~ in honor of Bryanna S. Hall from Doug and Becky Hall ~
in honor of Alex Heath from George and Margaret Heath ~ from Thomas J and Terri L Heath ~ in honor of Kendyl Heath from George
and Margaret Heath ~ in honor of Dylan Holzemer from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Holzemer ~ in honor of Caroline Johnson from Warren
and Kay Johnson ~ in honor of Ryan Kathman from Elizabeth Kulow ~ in honor of Dave Masterson from Sean and Ann O’Leary ~ in
honor of JP Masterson from Gary and Susan Fetz ~ in honor of Sharon and Dave Masterson from Joan Best ~ from John and Jill
Frierott ~ in honor of Don Madeksho from Mr. and Mrs. Jon May ~ in honor of Caitlin O’Kelley McCrory from Thomas and Kimberly
McCrory ~ in honor of Blake Mills from Russ and Tina Mills ~ in honor of Garrett Mills from Russ and Tina Mills ~ in honor of John
Mills from Lee and Jennifer Lowrie ~ in honor of Mrs. Sondra Morris from Theresa Mills ~ from George and Nancy Valadie ~ from
JoAnne Van Frank ~ from Joe and Marjorie Vincent ~ from Steve and Wanda Winnette ~ in honor of Seaton Neill from Ronnie and Carol
Neill ~ in honor of Robyn, John Michael and John Hopson Pela from Ginny Dulaney ~ in honor of Patty and Allison Rose from
Philip and Margaret Rose ~ in honor of Deacon Werner Rose from Provie Rose in honor of Kaitlyn Seaman from Denise and Tommy
Seaman ~ in honor of Taylor Seaman from Denise and Tommy Seaman ~ in honor of the SBA Office Staff from Aubrey and Beth
Jackson ~ in honor of Erin Seboldt from Mitch and Eileen Scrivener ~ in honor of Nikki and Michelle Shah from Cynthia Shah ~ in
honor of Patrick Smith from Lee and Jeannie Powell ~ in honor of Nick Stark from Jackie and Pete Stark ~ in honor of Greg Stiel
from Richard and Kareen Baird ~ in honor of Kelly Lynch Tamowski from Ms. Jean Tierney ~ in honor of George Valadie from
Timothy E. and Denise H. Broughton ~ in honor of Kyle Van Hoeck from James Davidson ~ in honor of George and Nancy Valadie
from Louis and Mindy Costabile ~ from Elizabeth Domico ~ from Jim and Kate Marconi ~ from Bruce and Lisa Yarbro ~ in honor of Mr.
Eric Wells from Patrick Erstine ~ in memory of Dorothy Annaratone from Lisa Stotts ~ in memory of Ann Beibers from Mr. Bill
Beibers ~ in memory of Don Bingham from Dave and Jeanne Schmidt ~ in memory of Gerold Blum from Dominic, Julie, Alex, Zach
and Michael Bardos ~ from Christian Brothers High School ~ from Annette Dabaldo ~ from The Stukenborg Family ~ in memory of John
Buchanan from Dianna Cervetti ~ from Annette Dabaldo ~ from Chris and Rena Fay ~ from Barbara Hervey ~ from Sharon, Dave, Chris,
Jennifer and JP Masterson ~ in memory of Ed Crenshaw from Richard and Deborah Harty ~ in memory of Walter R. David from
Laura Burke ~ from Annette Dabaldo ~ from John and Sondra Morris~ in memory of Donald and Barbara DuFur from Lisa DuFur ~ in
memory of Max Durham from Eric, Erin and Conor Wells ~ in memory of Raul Fletes from Kristen and Jonathan Spencer ~ in
memory of Eric Gaston from John and Sondra Morris ~ in memory of Anita Gonzalez from Annette Dabaldo ~ from John and Sondra
Morris ~ in memory of Theresa Grecco from Dan Grecco ~ in memory of Gale Heath from SBA Golf ~ in memory of Mr. Henze from
Margaret G. Henze ~ in memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Kiernan from Philip Sorette ~ in memory of Matthey Lelis from Martin and
Liza Lelis ~ in memory of Cathy Linxwiler from Frank Linxwiler ~ in memory of Mary Lois Massa from Barry and Lisa Jones ~ in
memory of Dave Masterson from Dominic, Julie, Alex, Zach and Michael Bardos ~ from Charlie and Kye Bargiachi ~ from the Bastedo
Family ~ from Joan Best ~ from David and Darla Boston ~ from Angie Buchanan ~from Laura Burke ~ from Sheila Cassady ~ from
Dianna Cervetti ~ from Vince and Robin Ciancioso ~ from Dennis and Barbara Cobb ~ from Mary Cox ~ from Annette Dabaldo ~ from
Michael and Janet Donato ~ from Fischer’s Pro-Line Sports ~ from Richard and Mary Fischer ~ from David and Andrea Gillespie ~ from
Russ and Pam Gordon ~ from Don and Sheri Grear ~ from Rhett and Cindy Hailey ~ from Barbara Hervey ~ from Craig and Donna Hofer
~ from Michael and Kathy Hurt ~ from John and Courtney Hyden ~ from Jeremy Jackson ~ from Doug Kearney ~ from Jack and Christy
Koban ~ from Tony and Nancy Lanigan ~ from John and Sondra Morris ~ from Michael and Ann Mondelli ~ from John and Gigi
McCarroll ~ from Becki and Tony McGehee ~ from Brother Joel McGraw ~ from Lynn and Ned Nelson ~ from Sean and Ann O’Leary ~
from Todd and Carol Peterson ~ from Project Graduation ~ from Werner and Provie Rose ~ from Gary, Patti, Houston and Cameron
Russell ~ from Mike and Kathy Rybczyk ~ from Sacred Heart School ~ from SBA Cheer ~ from SBA Lady Eagles Basketball ~ from SBA
Volleyball ~ from Michael Schoen ~ from Blair Seymour ~ from Society for Information Management Memphis Chapter ~ from Lisa Stotts
~ from Mary Jo and Steve Sypult ~ from George and Nancy Valadie ~ from Joe and Marjorie Vincent ~ from Joanne Wilkins ~ from Mike
and Anne Waddell ~ from Lori Wade ~ from Eric, Erin and Conor Wells ~ from Steve and Wanda Winnette ~ in memory of Robert
McEwan from Raymond and Rosemary Wynne ~ in memory of Patrick Mulhern from the SBA Class of 2003 ~ in memory of Tony
Oliveira from Eric, Erin and Conor Wells ~ in memory of Rick Pannell from Ray and Debi Maddox ~ in memory of Mary B. Peevy
from Brian Peevy ~ in memory of Drew Roberson from Annette Dabaldo ~ from Liam O’Donnell and Family ~ from St. Agnes
Academy/St. Dominic School ~ from Nick Stark and Family ~ from Steven and Lisa Stotts ~ from Mr. and Mrs. J. Benedict Beer ~ from
Mildred Brignole ~ from Jerry and Doris Cardin ~ from Brenda Carter and Family ~ from Victor and Linda Cavola ~ from Kevin and Beth
Evetts ~ from Sheri and Mark Fernandez ~ from Charles and Brenda Lenahan ~ from James and Denise Lenahan ~ from Paul Lenahan ~
from Ellen and Jason Minderman ~ from Donna K. Moore, James Branton and Elizabeth Nicole Wiederholt ~ from Molly Pickering ~ from
Bill Roberson ~ from Mr. and Mrs. Rhea Roberson ~ from Angela C. Strain ~ in memory of Leon Roelke from Sharon and Mike Lucus ~
in memory of Jenny Rybczyk from Stanley Rybczyk ~ in memory of Dorothy Angel Rybczyk from Stanley Rybcyzk ~ in memory of Bill
Saba from The Saba Family ~ in memory of Nick Stidham from Sean and Ann O’Leary ~ in memory of Margie Stiel from Greg Stiel ~
in memory of Len Townsend from Annette Dabaldo~ in memory of Aaron Vasquez from Sheri and Mark Fenandez ~ in memory of
Dan Wesson from Eric and Lori Regis ~ from Jonathan and Alison Wilcox ~ in memory of Kyle Williams from Gene and Patricia Green
~ in memory of Jim and Ilene Zapalac from Annette Dabaldo
2013-­14 SBA Board of Advisors Standing (from left): John Hyden, Chris LeBlanc, Patty Neuhoff, Duane Sell, Jon Bascom, Andy Wise, Dana Capocaccia, Joe Incardona, Chad Harrell. Seated (from left): Msgr. Peter Buchignani, VG, Madonna Bond, Don Williams, Sondra Morris, Chairman Phil Sisneros, Beth York, John Schuman, Wanda Winnette. Unable to be present for the picture: Paul Schuhlein and Nick Griffin. The SBA Phone-­A-­Thon is coming up! Jeansand
and
Jazz
Jeans
Jazz
St. Benedict
ataAuburndale
St. Benedict t Auburndale FASHION
SHOWSHOW FASHION Thank you for another successful year at our 4th Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser benefitting the SBA Annual Fund! Parent Connection
On Eagles’ Wings
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
(All Sports Schedules may be found on www.sbaeagles.org)
MAY
AUGUST
1 All-School Mass – Crowning of Mary
7 Registration Day
21st Friday Adoration, Chapel
10 Sneak-a-Peek Day
15 Baccalaureate – 7 pm, Church of the Incarnation
11 First Day of School, 2014-15, for new students
17 Commencement – 11:00, Hope Church
12 Full First Day of School
Senior Project Graduation Party
26 Memorial Day – No classes
27-30 Final exams – Half days
30 Last day of classes
Admission & Guidance Information
ADMISSIONS
Applications for the 2014-15 school year are still being accepted. Please visit our website at
www.sbaeagles.org for admissions procedures and application.
Parents Please Note: All siblings who wish to attend SBA must complete the Application
for Admission. If you have questions, please contact Terri Heath, Director of Admissions,
at 260-2873; [email protected]. New families, for up-to-date news, visit
www.sbaeagles.or/newsfornewstudents.
ACT TEST DATES (www.act.com)
Admissions QR Code
SAT TEST DATES (www.collegeboard.com)
Test Date
Registration Deadline Test Date
Registration Deadline
June 14, 2014
May 9, 2014
June 7, 2014
May 8, 2014
SBA Code needed for registration – 430-451
DRIVER’S PERMIT ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION FORM
– is required in order for a student to get a Driver’s Permit. Students may pick up a form in the front office during regular office
hours. Please have student Social Security Number to complete the form.
Project Graduation 2014
Graduation may seem so far off, if you are the parent of a freshman, but it is really amazing how that event comes barreling
towards you with each year completed. Even if you are the parent of a sophomore or junior, it may be one of those events
that you decide can be tackled when it is on your doorstep. To some extent that is true, but thinking ahead to the festivities
that surround that event and the safety that you desire for your child’s celebration is the stuff of our prayers today.
Many of you are familiar with Project Graduation, but you may not be aware of the planning that it takes in order to provide
the celebrating and safety that your child will enjoy when that time comes. We have been blessed to have past leaders who
have headed up this event for several years, and it has operated like a well-oiled machine. They have left us with a wonderful
structure and detailed instructions for the two major fundraising events (Trivia Nights) and the grand lock-in which follows
graduation. Would you consider stepping up for next year for your student’s class and leading
a team to ensure that Project Graduation continues to serve the upcoming graduating classes?
A team of two representatives from each class can divide the responsibilities of Trivia Night and
Project Graduation, ensuring senior parents are not overburdened the year their children benefit. Please consider serving in this role next year, but don’t wait until next year to get involved.
We could use your help now, and the experience will provide some confidence when the
senior parents that are serving this year rotate off. Contact Beth Jackson [email protected],
Donna Moore [email protected], or Shannon Schuhlein [email protected] to get more
information or learn how you can get involved now.
8
Parent Connection
On Eagles’ Wings
News from Home and School Association
With the school year coming to a close, it is time that we
once again say THANK YOU to all the volunteers who have
been working tirelessly over the last several months. What great
events and turnouts we have had. Thanks to all who brought in
teacher treats January through April. The faculty and staff were
so appreciative and we received many thank you notes. The
Teacher Appreciation luncheon was once again a tremendous
success. Thank you to Cynthia Shah and Angie Valadie for
the great job of organizing the event and pulling everything
together. We are grateful, too, to our many parents who
donated items, cash and their talents helping make this event a
great one for our teachers and staff.
The Jazz and Jeans Fashion Show was a wonderful success.
We had an awesome turnout, great food, beautiful fashions
and many thanks to our fantastic emcee Andy Wise, of
News Channel Five, for the evening. Thank you, Andy, for
doing such a brilliant job in keeping the event fun and lively.
Lots of great baskets and door prizes went home and a lot
of money was raised for the Annual Fund. Thanks for all who
helped by donating, volunteering time to work and for coming
to the event to support SBA. We hope you’ll spread the word
and come back again next year.
Our Father-Daughter Dance and the Honor Society Induction
Ceremony reception were held March 2nd. All involved had
a great time and those attending these events had the
opportunity to make special memories. The Mother/Son Dinner
was well attended and made for a memorable evening for our
moms spending a few last precious moments with our young
men before they move into the next phase of their lives.
filled. Visit our Home and School page on the website by clicking
on PARENTS, find the link on the left side of the screen. Most
of the events are listed and give a description of the volunteer
opportunities. Get a group of friends together and make it
fun for yourself and for all involved. You don’t want to miss
out on all activities that are offered during your student’s high
school career. We encourage incoming freshman class parents,
particularly, to get involved in your students’ school.
Remember to look for information regarding our Used
Uniform Sale in upcoming Monday Mail. Have a great rest of the
year and Happy Summer!
New parents get preview for next year
The New Parent orientation was held in late March to prepare for the
upcoming school year. Mrs. Morris pointed out the appropriate uniform
etiquette with willing models sophomore Alex Heath and juniors Clare
Morris and Spencer Smith.
The Father/Son bowling outing is this month and we are
looking forward to a great event as always. The Mother/
Daughter Tea is our last Home and School sponsored senior
event of the year on May 4th.
With all these events, you can see why we need our
parent volunteers so much! SBA Home and School is only as
successful as our parent volunteers allow us to be. We are a
VOLUNTEER organization and we need VOLUNTEERS!!!!! We
are electing new officers for next year and recruiting (asking
for) volunteers for new chairs for the 2014-2015 school year
events. With several of our current parent volunteers’ students
graduating, we have MANY positions OPEN and needing to be
Coach Marcum presented a short overview of discipline policies and
Athletic Department information.
9
About Our Faith
On Eagles’ Wings
Twenty-Five Years
13. To put one’s trust in God
14. To attribute any good one sees in oneself to God and
not to oneself
15. To desire everlasting life with all spiritual longing
16. To apply oneself frequently to prayer
17. To love chastity
18. Let no one seek that which he accounts useful for himself, but rather what is profitable to another
19. To keep guard at all times over the actions of one’s life
20. To know for certain that God sees one in every place
21. First pray together, that so they may associate in peace
22. Not to wish to be called holy before one is so, but first
to be holy that one may be truly so called
23. Not to foster deceit in one’s heart
24. To make peace with those whom one is at variance
before the setting sun
25. Never to despair of God’s mercy
Even though none of us are monks (at least I don’t think that
any monks read On Eagles’ Wings), each of these twenty-five
passages provides helpful advice for ordinary people, too. They
provide direction for teachers, parents, students and friends. They
even provide spiritual assistance for mothers in the last six weeks
of their fourth pregnancies, like me. I have found that these
words fill my hunger for advice and inspiration, which I need way
more than a prepared nursery or a packed maternity bag. I pray
that these words of the patron of our school are inspiring and
helpful to you also. Please continue to pray for me as I welcome
a new member of my family, and I will pray for the St. Benedict
community, too.
By Khira Rotty
Director of Spiritual Affairs
This edition of On Eagle’s Wings
celebrates twenty-five years of St.
Benedict at Auburndale. I could
provide the top twenty-five
memories from students and faculty,
or even the top twenty-five spiritual
qualities of SBA. However, in honor of our patron, I’ve decided to
provide twenty-five quotes from The Rule of St. Benedict. Each of
these will assist in our daily lives as we journey together toward
Christ, whether or not we live in Benedictine monasteries.
1. We believe that the Divine Presence is everywhere
2. Listen and attend with the ear of your heart
3. To deny oneself in order to follow Christ
4. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ
5. The first degree of humility is prompt obedience
6. Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the
brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at
certain times, at others, in devout reading
7. He should first show them in deeds rather than words
all that is good and holy
8. Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ
9. Not to follow the promptings of anger
10. Not to forsake charity
11. To utter the truth with heart and lips
12. To do no wrong to anyone, but to bear patiently any
wrong done to oneself
Father’s pro-life story of special son impacts student body
Author and high school teacher Chad Judice, of Louisiana,
visited the SBA campus in March to relate the story of his special son and how his own faith grew through him. Chad once
Following his talk to the entire school, Chad Judice was able to visit
Mrs. Nevle’s theology class to share some more stories of “Waiting
for Eli.”
told his high school students that his greatest fear would be to
have a child with a mental or physical handicap. He didn’t think
he would have what it took to handle the challenges that come
with that. Then Chad later learned that his wife was expecting
and that this child was diagnosed with spina bifida. This
condition is accompanied by numerous medical challenges –
including possibly not being able to walk – and requires several
surgeries. As Chad related the story of the challenges of just
“Waiting for Eli” the students were riveted to his message of
fervent prayer and trusting in God. Chad’s faith grew and
seemingly miracles happened throughout this journey. Eli was
born in 2009 and is now a four-year-old little boy with some
limitations, but not as severe as the norm of those with this
condition. This was a pro-life story, bringing keen appreciation
of the value of all human life.
St. Benedict was privileged to have this presentation by Chad
Judice. His experience as a high school teacher and coach
helped him reach the students and his sincerity in relating his
own limitations, but growth along his journey in the faith and
trust in God, brought them to a standing ovation following his
talk. For information, visit Chad’s website, chadjudice.com.
10
About Our Faith
On Eagles’ Wings
BenedicTeens offers a series of talks on bioethics
The BenedicTeeens Club has had a variety of programs during the year,
but none as interesting and as well-attended as the talks presented by St.
Francis of Assisi Associate Pastor Father George Cespedes. Father George
is a physician originally from Costa Rica, but received a call from God to
the priesthood. His science background and his study and knowledge
of bioethics (contraception, in-vitro fertilization, cloning, abortion, etc.)
give him a valuable insight in these areas of science. His discussion on
the Church’s teachings melding with the science presented a beautiful
overview of the natural law – God’s Law. Thanks to the BenedicTeens
and their sponsor Mrs. Wade for providing a forum for these timely topics
concerning our faith.
Ash Wednesday celebrated at SBA and
Fishers of Men provide religious media center
Ash Wednesday at SBA started with Mass, celebrated by Fr. Cespedes,
blessing of Miraculous Medals for spring sport athletes and ashes for
distribution following Mass. A visit from Mike Bishop and Steve Fracchia
of the Fishers of Men, who donated the Lighthouse Media stand for use
by SBA students, followed Mass. SBA students are thankful to Father
Cespedes, Mike and Steve for making Ash Wednesday so spiritual and
meaningful for our student body as they embarked on their Lenten
Voyage.
Father Cespedes blesses ashes for distribution and Miraculous Medals that
are traditionally given to athletes during their playing season. Assisting
Father are junior Brittany Grisanti and sophomore Alex Peyton.
Junior Nesto Rivas, and sophomores Gina Iovinelli and
Cheyanne Sudduth help Fishers of Men representatives Steve
Fracchia and Mike Bishop stock the Lighthouse Media display
with CDs, DVDs and literature that will be permanently available
to students and faculty.
Junior Thomas Trouy receives his blessed ashes.
† In Memoriam
The faculty, staff and students of St. Benedict at Auburndale
offer our most sincere condolences to all those families who
have lost loved ones. We remember them and all our dearly
beloved in our daily prayers and Masses.
Geraldine (Gerry) Bascom, 86, mother of SBA Advisory
Board member Jon Bascom, passed away on December 27,
2013.
Mary Lynne Bayne, 72, former Auburndale
School Librarian, passed away on January 5,
2014.
Bob Capocaccia, 77, father of SBA Advisory Board member
Dana Capocaccia, passed away on March 6, 2014.
Patsy Oakley, 66, mother of Courtney Oakley Jackson (’02),
passed away on February 12, 2014.
Maria C. Ospina, 69, mother of Ricardo
Ospina (’97), passed away on March 21,
2014.
Tripp Bienvenu, 29, brother of Eleanor
Bienvenu Howerton (’96), passed away on
December 19, 2013.
Gerold Blum, 18, class of 2013, passed
away on December 19, 2013.
David Carter, 57, father of Craig (‘00) and Steven Carter
(’04), passed away on January 20, 2014.
Len Townsend, 55, father of Cora Townsend
(2016), passed away on January 25, 2014.
Gerold Blum
Jay Weir, 42, class of 1991, passed away on
Jay Weir
January 13, 2014.
11
Headline News
On Eagles’ Wings
St. Benedict nationally recognized for its charity in action
Principal Sondra Morris announced in early March that
the school was one of five recipients in the nation receiving
the annual Charity & Social Service “Charity in Action” Award
presented by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
SBA submitted a student-produced video to the Memphis
Diocese describing the many ways and programs we provide
service to the greater community. The video presented to the
local diocese for submission was chosen to be the Memphis
representative in the competition. From there, the Basilica
selected the Memphis video as one of the five to be honored.
Senior Chris Schuhlein, who played an integral part in the
production of the video, represented the school and Diocese at
the March 29 ceremonies in Washington at the National Shrine.
St. Benedict based the video on the school’s Benedictine
charism of “pray and work.” Over the 25 years as a Diocesan
School, St. Benedict has been in the forefront of student service.
The list is lengthy, but to name a few – leading the High School
canned food collection for the Mid-South Food Bank each year,
meeting the goals of Lifeblood® drives, marching in Washington
each year at the annual March for Life (leading the March for the
nation in 2001 and helping to lead this year).
the Bishop granted the students a day off from school on Easter
Monday, April 21.
Expressing her congratulations, Superintendent of Catholic
Schools Janet Donato thanked the students, Schuhlein
particularly, for their hundreds of hours of service each year and
for taking the time to produce the video to bring recognition to
the Diocese and the school.
Educating students for the future, but providing them Faith
for a lifetime is a hallmark of the school. Depicted in the video
is faith and charity in action with the understanding that we are
all made in the image and likeness of God and we are called to
help those in need, as they, too, are made in His image. When
we serve others, we serve Him as the video demonstrates.
St. Benedict’s video may be found at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_r_5PQNtOw
And Bishop’s Steib congratulatory video is located at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_r_5PQNtOw.
(from left) Superintendent of Catholic Schools congratulates SBA
senior Chris Schuhlein and Principal Sondra Morris for the honor they
received from the National Shrine in Washington, DC.
In addition, contributing to Birthright and Life Choices
Pregnancy centers, Habitat for Humanity, Biking for Babies,
Catholic Charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald
House, Make-a-Wish®, Ave Maria Home, St. Mary’s Soup
Kitchen, Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis, Special Olympics,
the Mayor’s Memphis Faith in Action Clean-up project, Go-JimGo LeBonheur Hospital efforts and many more. Often, as well,
families in the school community are touched by problems,
such as fires and other complications. The school rallies, from
the students, to the teachers and parents, in helping those less
fortunate or in special need.
The students were delighted to be congratulated by Memphis
Catholic Diocese Bishop J. Terry Steib by video, wherein he
praised all the SBA Eagles in “The Nest,” for their service and this
recent accomplishment. So pleased with the honor SBA received,
12
Chris, with his mom Shannon and brother Colin (SBA class of ’08,)
at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
following the “Charity in Action” Awards.
Headline News
On Eagles’ Wings
VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN NAMED
SBA recently announced the 2014 valedictorian - Nikki Shah with the highest GPA from the class of 2014 and salutatorian
- Kate Walsh, with the second highest GPA. In addition to high academic achievement, both students are very active in school
and the community.
Nikki Shah is an exceptional student with multiple Honors and AP courses on her high school transcript.
She is an AP Scholar with Distinction. She has achieved highest averages and excellence awards in
multiple classes and is a Magna Cum Laude student on the National Latin Exam. Nikki was selected a
Commercial Appeal Academic All-Star for General Scholarship. She also was selected to attend Tennessee
Governor’s School for IT Leadership and a Senator at Volunteer Girls State. Nikki has often appeared in
productions on the SBA stage and served as an officer for her class and the SGA. She is a member of the
National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, and the
Thespian Honor Society. She is the daughter of Vipul and Cynthia Shah of Cordova.
Nikki Shah
AP and Honors courses are in abundance on Kate Walsh’s transcript. She, too, has received highest
GPA and Excellence Awards for many of her classes and was selected a Commercial Appeal Academic AllStar for Science. She is an officer of Mu Alpha Theta and is a member of the National Honor Society, Rho
Kappa, and the National French Honor Society. She has also holds memberships in several clubs and is a
Student Ambassador. Kate placed second in the French III poetry writing contest at Language Fair and was
accepted to the Governor’s School for the Humanities. She has received high marks in the National French
exam as well. Kate is the daughter of William and Janet Walsh of Arlington.
Kate Walsh
Seven more SBA students have been recognized by the Commercial
Appeal as Academic All-Stars this year. They are Rachel Hofer
for Science, Andrew Lee for Music, Morgan Patrick for General
Scholarship, Theresa Stoddard for General Scholarship, Sydney
Valadie for Drama/Speech, Kate Walsh for Science, and Kayla
Williamson for English/Literature. They join Nikki Shah, Emily Summers,
Sarah Timmins and Tara VanCleave, who appeared in the last issue of On
Eagles’ Wings.
All these students will be honored at a banquet in May sponsored by
the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Rachel Hofer
Theresa Stoddard
Andrew Lee
Sydney Valadie
Morgan Patrick
Kate Walsh
13
Kayla Williamson
Headline News
On Eagles’ Wings
Sondra Morris named permanent SBA Principal
Just before Christmas break in December, Bishop J. Terry
Steib of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and Superintendent
of Catholic Schools Janet Donato announced the appointment
of Sondra Morris as Principal of SBA. She had been serving
as Interim Principal for one semester after the departure of
former Principal George Valadie to Notre Dame High School in
Chattanooga.
In a statement issued, Mrs. Donato said, “I am very pleased
to announce that Mrs. Sondra Morris is being appointed
Principal of St. Benedict at Auburndale effective January 1,
2014. Mrs. Morris was appointed as Interim in April of 2013
and has done an outstanding job of leading the school during
this time.”
Following a national search, Bishop Steib and Mrs. Donato
felt that the experience and qualifications of Mrs. Morris were
unparalleled. She has been with the school since the late
1980’s when it was Auburndale School, a non-denominational
program at the corner of Chimneyrock Road and Germantown
Parkway. She has held a variety of positions at both Auburndale
and St. Benedict - classroom teacher, coach, Athletic Director,
Admissions Director, Registrar, Director of Student Affairs,
Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. She also has children
attending the school. She received a BS degree from Union
University and received her Masters’ Degree in Education
from the University of Memphis. She is also a graduate of the
Catholic Schools Leadership Academy.
Mrs. Morris is grateful for the opportunity to serve the
students, parents and faculty of SBA, “I look forward continuing
in the capacity of Principal of this great school. The vision of
my predecessors provides us the foundation as we continue
to strive to be an institution of faith and learning in the 21st
century. I am humbled by Bishop Steib’s and Mrs. Donato’s
trust in me and I look forward to the challenges of this
position.”
Sondra and her husband John live in Cordova with their five
children. They are parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Mrs. Morris gets a toast of sparkling grape juice from Dr. Fischer in congratulations on being named
permanent SBA head following the announcement at an after-school faculty meeting.
14
Achievements
On Eagles’ Wings
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Art Department congratulates freshmen Olivia Hall and
Amelia Shannon for their winning photography pieces in the
2014 Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards presented by the Brooks
Museum of Art. Olivia won a Silver Key for her photo of a dog
and Amelia Shannon’s photograph of a cat won Honorable
Mention. Their work was displayed in the Scholastic Awards
Show at the Brooks Museum of Art in January and February.
All-State Choir selections from SBA are – Sophie Bougeois,
3rd Chair 2nd Soprano in Mixed Choir and Tia Clorina, 8th Chair
1st Soprano in Women’s Chorale. Both girls were previously
recognized as All-West Choir selections.
SBA’s All-West Band selections are – (from left) junior Jake
McClure Jazz Blue Piano (1st overall), sophomore Tyler Griffis
Jazz Piano 1st Alternate (3rd overall), junior Jason Cooper
Jazz Trumpet 1st alternate (11th Overall), sophomore Harley
Chapman Senior Red Band Flute, junior JR Jamora Senior Blue
Band Tuba (12th overall).
Congratulations to Mary Conroy and Baylee Thielemier
for their performances in the Bartlett Performing Art Center
production of High School Musical in February. Mary was cast as
Taylor and Baylee as Sharpay. All performances were sellouts!
Both SBA Mock Trial teams made it to the
“Sweet Sixteen” this year.
Best Attorney awards went to
Sarah Timmins and
Gabbie Green.
Best Witnesses were
Jodie Crocker, Eli Jodeh,
Clare Morris and
Kyle Van Frank.
Engineering Club Members shine at
University of Memphis competitions
The following Engineering Club members represented SBA at
the annual University of Memphis Engineering School “EDay” freshmen Becca Elliot, Jessica Morrison; juniors Sam Lusby,
Easton Williams; seniors Jacob Aljundi, Michaih Bayani,
Ben Jackson, Hunter Scrivener. The Team of Michaih
Bayani, Becca Elliott and Jessica Morrison won 3rd prize in the
biomedical event.
The SBA Jazz Band received a score of “one” (outstanding)
at the University of Memphis Jazz Week in early March. The
following students were awarded Certificates for Outstanding
Performance on their instrument, as well: juniors Jason CooperTrumpet and Jared Flynn-Guitar, seniors Seth Allen-Trombone
and Katelyn Turner-Vocals.
15
Achievements
On Eagles’ Wings
structure as the Best Meal because of the variety and value of
the cans in the structure. After the competition all the canned
food is donated to the Mid-South Food Bank.
AmeriCANa” presents three iconic all-American images deeply
rooted in our cultural identity. When you think of America, you
think of images such as a baseball, an American flag and a
pie. These “AmeriCANa” symbols were presented in a creative
collage for the annual University of Memphis Engineering
School CanStruction competition this spring. The flag’s red
and white stripes are made using Campbell’s Soup cans while
the stars are represented by using blue Star Kist Tuna cans.
The white baseball with red stitches is made with Valley Fresh
Chicken cans. The baseball is being hit by a blue aluminum bat
consisting of blue cans of Busch’s Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans,
Armour Beef Stew, Chili, Vienna Sausage and with an aluminum
Sardine can for the handle. The piece of cherry pie is filled with
various fruits and vegetables. The cherries are made with pink
cans of sliced white potatoes. The crust of the pie is made of
whole kernel corn and chicken breast. It is topped with a layer
of shrimp Ramen Noodles for the image of whipped cream.
There is a border around “AmeriCANa” made with red and blue
topped peanut butter, Sweet Sue Chicken and Dumplings and
other red and blue cans. Thus, you can see “AmeriCANa” is
made up of several deeply rooted cultural symbols: a flag, a pie
and a baseball and bat.
The SBA contingent who built this structure are members of
the SBA Engineering Club with math teacher and co-sponsor
Sheri Grear overseeing their efforts.
Mrs. Grear and Blair Seymour are co-sponsors of the club.
The SBA structure was selected for the “Best Meal” Award.
Every team gives the judges an itemized list of the cans used in
the structure. Out of all of the teams, the judges picked SBA’s
Speaking of canned food, SBA was, once again, honored by
the Food Bank with a plaque declaring the Eagles as winners
of the School-based Canned Food Collection in November.
SBA has won each year of participation (seven years) and the
Food Bank is so grateful for the efforts. The sponsorship of
SBA’s annual efforts is the SGA. Proudly receiving the plaque,
noting that we collected enough cans for 35,366 meals, from
the Food Bank’s David Stephens (from left) is SGA Sponsor
Heather Freel, senior and SGA Vice President Katie Morgan
and Director of Academics Dr. Beth Fischer.
16
Achievements
The Eagle’s Eye student newspaper staff was, again,
recognized by the THSPA (TN High School Press Assoc.). In
March, the newspaper received All-Tennessee Honors, the
highest rating given for a school newspaper, and also placed
third in the state overall. The following individuals also received
top honors: Amanda Slade third place for Features Writing,
Sarah Timmins third place for Cartoon/Illustration and
Alanna Oliphant Honorable Mention for Cartoon/Illustration.
Newspaper sponsor and teacher is Dianna Cervetti.
On Eagles’ Wings
In other Forensics/Speech news - the SBA team participated
in their first-ever district competition. Out of nine competitors,
eight qualified for the Tennessee High School Speech & Drama
League State Tournament this month in Brentwood, TN (the top
four in each category qualify). The results of the District Meet
are: senior Nikki Shah-4th place in Prose, juniors Cassandra
Carrasco-3rd place in Prose, Mary Conroy-4th place in
Pantomime, Ben Chappell & Gabby Velasquez-4th place
in Duet Acting, , Jake McClure-3rd place in Poetry, Kyle Van
Frank-2nd place in Impromptu and Thomas Truoy-2nd place
in Pantomime.
The award-winning SBA “Eagle’s Eye” staff are (seated from
left) Co-Editors Amanda Slade, Features Writing 3rd place and
Rachel Hofer. 2nd row Alanna Oliphant, Honorable Mention for
Cartoon/Illustration; Destinee Williams; Lauren James; Kayla
Williamson (copy-editor) and Sarah Timmins, 3rd place for
Cartoon/Illustration. Back Row Andrew Wadovick, Savannah
Boettcher, Bailey Coppedge and Jack Borg.
Congratulations to junior Kyle Van Frank for his 2nd place
finish at the Northeast High School Forensics Tournament
in Clarksville, TN on Feb. 1. Kyle won 2nd overall in his prose
presentation.
SBA’s contention at this year’s University of Memphis
Foreign Language Fair was very successful. Ten German
students participated: German I- Sydney Bloodworth
(costume), Becca Elliott (costume), Megan Morrison
(Art), Jessica Morrison (Craft) and Mary Ornosky (Poetry);
German II- Wesley Berg (project), Amanda Kassela
(Music Solo) and Victoria Wakefield (craft); German III
Honors- Catie Blackwood (greeting card) and Alexandra
Wakefield (music solo). Winners are: 1st place for Alexandra
Wakefield; 3rd for Becca Elliott, traditional German costume
(a dirndl) that she made and 1st for Mary Ornosky.
Forensic Team winners are (front, from left) Gabby Velasquez,
Mary Conroy, Cassandra Carrasco, Nikki Shah; (back, from left)
Ben Chappell, Kyle Van Frank, Thomas Trouy, Jake McClure.
17
Achievements
On Eagles’ Wings
Senior Alanna Oliphant was selected a Les Passees 2014
Cabaret Ball Living Ad representing Travelennium. The annual
ball was held in February benefitting the Les Passees Center
for Children and Families.
Senior Sarah Timmins was invited
to the National Scholars Program
(NSP) in the Calhoun Honors College
at Clemson University. Sarah is one of
15 in the nation to receive this honor,
which includes a full scholarship along
with many other amenities. In January
she was notified that she was among
a pool of 39 finalists, from nearly
1,400 applicants. The finalists are
artists, musicians and researchers with an impressive range
of leadership, service and intellectual accomplishments.
A sampling of finalist achievements include national awards
in debate, languages, mock trial and science; praise as
performers, playwrights and directors in theater; and service
as school team captains and community coaches.
Junior Gabby Velasquez earned first
place honors in the SBA Shakespeare
competition, winning $50 and
advancement to the English Speaking
Union (ESU) regional competition.
There she placed third, receiving
another $50, with her prepared
monologue and sonnet. It was a very
close competition that included other
Memphis high school winners, with
Gabby getting the biggest laughs of the
night as she performed her monologue
of “Much Ado about Nothing.”
In representing Les Passes, Alanna, (center) along with
juniors Ciscily Crislip (right) and Lana Kabel (left), have
been selected as Germantown Charity Horse Show Princesses
for 2014. Ciscily represents Longreen Foxhounds and Lana
represents Oak View Stables.
Sophomore Jennifer Vesey won the school’s “Poetry
Out Loud” competition to advance to the next level. There
were 11 finalists in the poetry recitation event at SBA, with
teachers from the English department serving as judges.
Wordsmith Honors
In Wordsmith in February, Freshman Julia Kersting earned
Honorable Mention in the 120-word dash and senior Lucy
Kaplan, who first earned Honorable Mention in the 80-word
dash, was then selected to compete in the 400-word dash
where she placed 1st in the 12th grade division. Her success
earned her a Silver medal for the day and a 2nd place finish
for SBA in the 12th grade School Sweepstakes. Other team
members were Abby Nathan, Kirkland Schuler and Kayla
Williamson.
Sophomore Regina
Zipperer, pictured with
her dad Bill, broke her
age group record and
finished 1st with 46 miles
at the annual Tour d’Esprit
24-hour race for the
Haiti Medical Missions in
October. Regina comes
by her endurance skills
naturally, as Bill also won
in his age category.
18
Achievements
On Eagles’ Wings
2014 HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES
National Art Honor Society
Sponsor Michelle Haysley
Sophomores Violet Durden, Ashely
Hammond, Emma Laird, Kyrie Shaner, Vanessa
Tejada, Allison Weske; Juniors Breanna Parker, Landon Shemwel;
Seniors Anna Arnold, Sarah Brannon, Mary Buchholz, Jessica
Collins, Erika Gavrock, Jessi Hawes, Kendyl Jennings, Adrienne
Lewis, Samantha Pilcher, Natalie Stewart, BriAnna Williams,
Catherine Wylie.
Mu Alpha Theta Inductees
Sponsor Blair Seymour
Sophomores MaKenzie Baird, Matthew Barczak,
Savannah Boettcher, Ashley Buckingham, Harley
Chapman, Leah Cluck, Kate Dudek, Shannon Dunn,
Shelby Goodrich, Jake Griesmer, Emily Houston, Benjamin Jones,
Catherine Lessley, Lily Newbern, Dale Pitawanakwat, Carter Pruett,
Luigi Siligato, Vanessa Tejada, Allison Weske; Juniors Madelyn
Arnold, Michael Bardos, Jack Borg, Cara Carpenter, Cassandra
Carrasco, Shannon Conway, Alyson Eftink, Danielle Fernandez,
Shayla Gaffney, Grace Gilman, Lauren Greif, Bryanna Hall, Nicole
Harty, Emily Horobetz, Caroline King, Alexa Kintanar, Andrew
Madeksho, Maria Marconi, Jonathan McCurdy, Michael Mendez,
Katherine Migliaccio, Jessica O’Brien, Julie Stoll, Kyle Van Frank,
Gabriela Velasquez; Senior Grace Summers.
National English Honor Society
Sponsor Pearson Allen
Sophomores Savannah Boettcher, Ashley
Buckingham, Harley Chapman, Shannon Dunn,
Lauren James, Amanda Magusiak, Erin Yoser; Juniors
Catherine Blackwood, Madison Bond, Randolph
Dupont, Allie Evans, Alex Evans, Jackson Fletcher,
Jan Ranier Jamora, Alexa Kintanar, Jacob McClure,
Katherine Migliaccio, Bradley Reber, Gabriela Velasquez, Kyle Van
Frank, Easton Williams; Seniors Anna Arnold, Henry Evetts, Teresa
Ferrante, Jacqueline Glover, Lucky Krog, Stephanie McCarthy,
Michelle Murphy, Kate Walsh.
Rho Kappa National Social Studies
Honor Society
Sponsor Mark McDonald
Juniors Anthony Bologna, Catherine Blackwood, Randolph
Dupont, Nicole Harty, Jonathan McCurdy, Christopher Parganas,
Kyle Van Frank, Easton Williams.
French Honor Society ( La Societe Honorairé de Français)
Sponsor Cheryl West
Sophomores MaKenzie Baird, Cameron Beltran,
Cameron Caldwell, Blake Gerard, Courtney Melvin,
Elizabeth Nevle, Rose Sudduth, Vanessa Tejada, Regina
Zipperer; Juniors Caroline Canon, Robert Caprio.
Science National Honor Society
Sponsors Burton Kirk, Ray Wynne
Juniors Jacqueline Banks, Mallory Barbier, Katherine
Barkley, Catherine Blackwood, Madison Bond, Meghan
Brino, Cara Carpenter, Melanie Chando, Shannon
Conway, Bailey Coppedge, Randolph Dupont, Allie Evans,
Alex Evans, Jackson Fletcher, Shayla Gaffney, Emily Gillenwater,
Grace Gilman, Nicole Harty, Jan Ranier Jamora, Alexa Kintanar,
Sarah Kutas, Andrew Madeksho, Jacob McClure, Michael Mendez,
Clare Morris, Jessica O’Brien, Bradley Reber, Julie Stoll, Kyle Van
Frank, Easton Williams, Piper Ziebarth; Seniors Anna Arnold,
Jacob Aljundi, Hillary Briggs, Pauline Cabe, Laura Cardona, Gina
Cianciolo, Jodie Crocker, Rachel Cummings, Henry Evetts, Kristin
Fabian, Michelle Farler, Teresa Ferrante, Patrick Graham, Grace
Hill, Rachel Hofer, Benjamin Jackson, Connor Jones, Lucky Krog,
Madeline Mahon, Stephanie McCarthy, Michael McGuire, Chaney
Morgan, Madeline Morgan, Michelle Murphy, Kyle Nestler, Morgan
Patrick, Breanna Pollet, Cassidy Quistorff, Monica Shah, Rebecca
Siciliano, Amanda Slade, Theresa Stoddard, Austin Sturdivant,
Emily Summers, Grace Summers, Eloiza Tecson, Sarah Timmins,
Kyle Van Hoeck, Tara VanCleave, Katherine Walsh, Elizabeth
Wiederholt.
International Thespian Society
Sponsor Ryan Kathman
Sophomores Sophie Bougeois, Carter Pruett, Baylee
Thielemier; Juniors Maddie Arnold, Cassandra
Carrasco, Tia Clorina, Caroline King, Arielle Labilles,
Thomas Trouy.
National Honor Society
Sponsors Paul Koziel, Erin Seboldt
Juniors Madelyn Arnold, Dalton Bailey, Jackie Banks,
Mallory Barbier, Michael Bardos, Katie Barkley, Catie
Blackwood, Anthony Bologna, Madison Bond, Jack Borg,
Meghan Brino, Cara Carpenter, Cassandra Carrasco,
Melanie Chando, Tia Clorina, Shannon Conway, Bailey
Coppedge, J D Dudek, Randolph Dupont, Alex Evans, Allie
Evans, Danielle Fernandez, Jackson Fletcher, Shayla Gaffney,
Emily Gillenwater, Grace Gilman, Grayson Golightly, Nicole Harty,
Kaitlin Haynes, Emily Horobetz, Jan Rainer Jamora, Amanda
Kassela, Caroline King, Alexa Kintanar, Sarah Kutas, Maria Marconi,
Jacob McClure, Jonathan McCurdy, Michael Mendez, Katherine
Migliaccio, Clare Morris, Jessica O’Brien, Paige Murin, Christopher
Parganas, Breanna Parker, Kathryn Phillips, Bradley Reber, Kirkland
Schuler, Julie Stoll, Hunter Thompson, Kyle Van Frank, Gabriela
Velasquez, Easton Williams, Piper Ziebarth; Seniors Jacob Aljundi,
Madeline Howard, Alicia Lawson, Meredith Lerma, Christie Moore,
Christopher Shaner, Katelyn Shaner, Catherine Wylie.
Spanish Honor Society (La Sociedad Honoraria Hispᾴnica)
Sponsors Laura Burke, Maria Scoggins
Sophomores Samantha Lunsford, Meghan Wolfanger;
Juniors Dominica Angotti, Jaqueline Banks, Mallory
Barbier, Meghan Brino, Cassandra Carrasco, Melanie
Chando, Shannon Conway, Randolph Dupont, Danielle
Fernandez, Shayla Gaffney, Grace Gilman, Emily
Gillenwater, Lauren Greif, Nicole Harty, Emily Horobetz, Jan Ranier
Jamora, Benjamin June, Sarah Kutas, Jessica O’Brien, Kathyrn
Phillips, Chloie Quinn, Julie Stoll, Kyle Van Frank, Piper Ziebarth;
Senior Alanna Oliphant
National Junior Classical League Inductees (Latin)
Sponsor Karen Terre
Sophomores Ashley Buckingham, Leah Cluck,
Emma Norman, Carter Pruett, Karen Talens; Juniors
Anthony Bologna,William Nash; Seniors Rebecca
Longoria, Florian Pundmann, Samantha Wiley.
19
Faculty Focus
On Eagles’ Wings
Congratulations are in
order for Theology teacher
Bret Bilbrey (SBA class of
’01), who successfully
defended his project on
social media branding for
private educational
institutions and graduated
in December from the
University of Memphis with
his Master’s Degree in
Journalism, emphasis in
Public Relations and Social
Media. Bret finished
graduate school Summa
Cum Laude, with a
cumulative 4.0 GPA.
(see alumni photo album)
Theology faculty receive
Certificate of Excellence
Annual/Library Media Center Open House
Another great Faculty/Staff Open House was presented
by the Library staff. This has become an annual event
and all teachers look forward to learning what innovative
resources the library offers.
Congratulations
Mrs. Morris (from left) proudly presents her theology faculty,
who have again been recognized by the Diocese of Memphis
Office of Catechesis with the Certificate of Excellence for this
school year, Bret Bilbrey, Lori Wade, Department Chair Eric Wells,
Kaitlin Thackery, Nick Brashier, Christine Giles, Philip Valle, Darlene Nevle (not pictured Khira Rotty, Campus Ministry).
20
Communications Director Sharon
Masterson welcomed her eighth
grandchild when Hannah
Catherine Masterson
(daughter of Sharon’s son Chris,
a former SBA student, teacher
and coach) was born on April 1,
2014. (see Class Notes in
Alumni section.)
On And Off Campus
Spirit abounds at the “Nest”
On Eagles’ Wings
SBA represented at Fairs
This year’s Winterfest Court brought spirit to the front of
the house during basketball season. Selected by their classmates, members represented each class and the student
body then voted for the 2014 “Most Spirited.”
Below, from left, senior Dacia Williams, junior Rumana
Sharif, sophomore Nick Giles, Most Spirited senior Grey
Peevy and sophomore Santia McCraw, junior Randolph
Dupont, freshmen Shane Gaffney and Betsy Blumenfeld.
Academic Fairs are popular
What has now become a tradition, the Elective Fair held during
lunch and the Honors/AP Fair held in the evening for students
and parents are very popular. During second semester each year
students have the opportunity to learn of the many electives
from which they can choose to round out their academic careers
at SBA. Teachers and students set up booths similar to college
fairs to give the students as much information on the many
choices. During the evening event, students interested in AP and
honors classes and their parents are able to visit with the chair of
those departments and Academic Dean Dr. Fischer. The variety
of offerings in these courses gives SBA students an advantage as
they plot their future.
General Weirich talks about the horrible
results of drug abuse
Elective Fair
St. Benedict at Auburndale students were privileged to hear
Shelby County Attorney General Amy Weirich share her experiences in combatting the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs,
as well, as synthetic substances (bath salts, plant food). General
Weirich also addressed a parent group before the student assembly in February.
A pin could have been heard if it had been dropped in the
crowded gymnasium of nearly 1,000 students, as General
Weirich provided a video of young abusers in Tennessee, including Shelby County. “It was frightening,” one senior coed said.
“I thought they were actors at first, but realized that the film
captured guys my age, who were actually in serious trouble after
using.” General Weirich’s poignant message resonated with students
and parents alike, bringing to the forefront the reality of the seriousness of this abuse and its impact on the lives of the abuser/
user, their families and society as a whole.
AP/Honors Fair
21
On Eagles’ Wings
On And Off Campus
The Catholic Schools Festival
Funspots Summer Camp Fair
Each year, during Catholic School Week, the Diocese of
Memphis Catholic Schools Office hosts a festival where all the
schools are represented by administration, admissions
personnel and student ambassadors. SBA’s booth is always
one of the favorites and usually gets a visit from Bishop Steib.
This year SBA had a booth at the annual Summer Camp Fair
sponsored by “Family Funspots” magazine. SBA parent Paula
Jones is publisher of the magazine and sponsor of the annual
fair held in early March at Wolfchase Galleria.
Classes celebrate fall holidays
in a variety of ways
SBA Band Members are “school ambassadors”
The Admissions office and SBA Band Department are making
spring-time visits to several middle schools in the area. They
recently visited Immanuel Lutheran School and were wellreceived. Here band members Tyler Griffis, Jake McClure and
Raphael Guimera get a kick out the welcome sign. Several
Student Ambassadors also join the group as they make their
rounds.
The Jazz and Soul Band plays to a full gym during an
afternoon performance at Immanuel Lutheran.
22
On And Off Campus
On Eagles’ Wings
Sister Mary Samuel, O.P., the inaugural principal of St.
Benedict at Auburndale 25 years ago, stopped in for a visit
in the fall. Here she visits with the “Eagle’s Eye” newspaper
staff and sponsor Dianna Cervetti, one of Sister’s first hires
at SBA.
Junior Dominica Angotti performs at the annual John Angotti
Welcome Home Family Christmas Concert at the Cannon
Center in December. The Concert benefits the programs of
the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and features many
SBA students, choirs, musicians and alums.
Seniors Emily Cross, Katelyn Seaman and Ellen Matthews
were recognized by the General Manager of the Dixie Café
in Bartlett, Tommye Windsor-Cummings, after their visit for a
project in their Southern Studies Class. The girls created a group
documentary, “Something Southern,” for the class and asked to
interview the restaurant manager. She indicated that they were
extremely professional with direct and clear questions. In a letter
to their teacher Heather Freel, she said, “The Dixie Café believes
in recognizing outstanding achievements, especially in education.
After meeting your students, we as a company feel that they are
deserving of our Certificate of Achievement Award.”
Key Club adopts family
SBA’s Key Club sponsors the Catholic Charities of West
Tennessee “Gifts for God’s Children” Christmas toy collection
each year. It’s one of the favored charity activities in which the
students participate. Many toys and games have been donated
over the years, but this year the club also sponsored a collection for a family that they adopted. Four young children make
up this family and the club helped with toys and clothes for
them all, providing for a nice Christmas.
National Art Honor Society members volunteered at the
One Good Deed adoption in January. One Good Deed is the
dog rescue and adoption non-profit started by the Naquin
family that we reported about in the last issue.
23
On And Off Campus
On Eagles’ Wings
25 years of marching
For the 25th year, 105 St. Benedict at Auburndale students
and chaperones, traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in
the Annual March for Life. The date marked the 41st Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, that legalized
abortion in the United States. This year, the SBA Students for
Life group was invited by the March For Life Foundation to help
lead the annual march by carrying the official flags following the
lead banner. Each year these students proclaim their message
of being the “Pro-life Generation” as they march up Constitution
Avenue to our Nation’s Supreme Court.
Club St. Jude members Madison Bond (from left), Clare
Morris, Anna Hartz, Alexa Von Bergen, Emily Horobetz, Jessica
O’Brien, Madison Durkee and Layne Powers are ready for arts
and crafts they provided kids residing at the Ronald McDonald
House. This was part of the Christmas-time service which
included preparing dinner and donating books to the house.
French Club members combine efforts
with sister schools to aid Medair
Photo students learn from a pro
SBA’s Photography Club welcomed Commercial Appeal awardwinning photojournalist Karen Focht as a speaker in February.
Ms. Focht has won numerous awards for her photos and
documentaries while working for the newspaper. She related that
she knew from an early age that photojournalism is what she
wanted to pursue. She encouraged the young photographers
(who included Mrs. Liles photography students) to act on their
dreams and to always find the story in the pictures they take.
Karen is also mom to two SBA alums, Jessica (’13) and
Louis (’12).
The French Club is teaming locally with St. Agnes and St.
Mary’s to benefit Medair, a medical mission group based in
Switzerland, helping Haitian citizens. A citizen from Switzerland
has offered to donate $10,000 for every $3,000 Medair raises
and the local groups have held bake sales to raise the $3,000
that, combined with the $10,000, will build an earthquake proof
home for a Haitian family. Because of the local effort, Medair
has involved Swiss schools in the effort, as well. Brandon
O’Brien, niece of French Club Sponsor Cheryl West, who works
with Medair, spoke to the SBA students in February. The group
also prepared valentines to send to Haiti.
More greetings from Germany
SBA senior Jenna Fisher is spending her junior
year in Germany with her family. She plans to
return to SBA as a senior next fall. This is a recent
message that she sent to her friends at SBA.
Everything here in Stuttgart has been going
very well. I was just recently elected to be one of
the captains of our school’s varsity girls’ basketball
team. Lacrosse season has come to a close, but I
have become involved in a dance club at ISS, as
well as art club. For service hours, every Saturday
I have been volunteering with a friend at a
church/meal hall, called Vesperkirche, for the
homeless in downtown Stuttgart, and we have
been hosting bake sales at our school to raise
money for various charities. I was mentioned in
an article, with my picture, when I volunteered at
Vesperkirche! It is going to be hard to leave, but I
am still looking forward to coming home to SBA!
All the best! Herzlichen Grüßen,
Jenna Fisher
24
This photo of Jenna appeared
in a local Stuttgart paper about
her volunteer work.
Sports
On Eagles’ Wings
Another Bowling State Title for the Lady Eagles
Basketball introduces “Part the Nest” tradition
The Lady Eagles Bowling Team kept the tradition going with
their capture of the State Championship Trophy over rival St.
Agnes. After four straight state runner-up finishes and a region
runner-up finish behind the Stars, the Lady Eagles made it back
to the top this year. This State Championship is the sixth for girls
bowling under Coach Eric Wells and his staff. Coach Wells also
received the Girls Bowling Coach of the Year Award at the finals.
The Boys finished as Region Champs and advanced to the
State Quarterfinals.
After we lost beloved 2013 graduate Gerold Blum (See About
our Faith), Head Boys Basketball Coach Caleb Marcum had the
idea to create a school spirit tradition in his honor. Please read
about the Opening Night Dedication and Celebration in this
issue on the inside back cover page.
Thanks to Coach Marcum for his love of Gerold and for
Gerold’s love for his school, this has already proven to be one
of the best school spirit activities we have had and seems that
it will definitely be part of our basketball tradition through
the years.
The Girls Bowling State Champion team members proudly
show off their State trophy and winning brackets (front from
left) - Jessica Wathan and Jessica Dress; (standing from left) Julie Stoll, Mackenzie Nelson (State Tournament MVP), Nicole
Harty (4th Individual State), Monica Fillion, Morgan Bryant
(2nd Individual State), Kaitlin McFarland, Kerri King.
The Lady Eagles Basketball Team advanced to the TSSAA
Quarterfinals, again, this year after finishing the regular season as
Region Runner-up. In this photo shoot, the team decided to ham
it up for the camera to unwind before the playoffs.
Rasmussen signs to play at UT-Chattanooga
Defensive lineman Zach Rasmussen signed with the Mocs of
UT-Chattanooga (Div. 1-Southern Conference) to play football.
25
Sports
On Eagles’ Wings
Dance & Cheer Teams soar at nationals
New Cheer Squad is formed
SBA welcomed a new cheerleading squad this year as the
Basketball Cheer Team debuted during the season. Math and
Directed Studies teacher Sheila Cassady has taken the helm as
the team sponsor and the group has brought a lot of spirit and
enthusiasm to the game.
SBA’s Varsity Dance Team captured their sixth consecutive
top-ten finish against 36 top teams from across the country at
Nationals in Orlando in February. SBA placed eighth in the highly
competitive large varsity hip hop division with a near flawless
routine and not to be outdone, the state runner-up junior varsity
squad placed fourth in the JV hip hop category at Nationals.
Just before Nationals the Dance Teams hosted other Nationalsbound teams in a “Show Night” and raised over $1,500 for the
Wings Cancer Foundation.
Eagles swim their way to success
SBA swimming soared at the Shelby County Swim Meet
finishing fourth place combined (boys and girls) and the girls
team finished in fourth place (highest ever for the girls). They
were led by Regina Zipperer who finished 3rd in both the 200
and 500 freestyle events, Shannon Conway who finished 5th in
the 50 backstroke, the 200 free relay (Sarah Kutas, Shannon
Conway, Delaney Nolan, Allie Evans) finished 4th and the 400
free relay (Sarah Kutas, Shannon Conway, Jessica O’Brien,
Regina Zipperer) finished 5th.
The boys team finished 6th with top five finishers: Brett
Wagner 3rd in 100 freestyle and the boys 400 free relay (Ray
Wynne, Garrett Mitchell, Matthew Barczak, Brett Wagner) finishing 5th. A special “shout out” to senior Kevin Rotzoll who was
seeded 28th in the 50 breaststroke, but finished in 9th place!
There were seven school records broken-Matthew Barczak50 backstroke, Ray Wynne-500 freestyle, Brett Wagner-50 and
100 freestyle, Regina Zipperer-200 and 500 freestyle and the
boys 400 freestyle relay.
The State contenders had an excellent meet competing
against about 860 swimmers from 127 different high schools.
Regina Zipperer led our team with a 15th place finish in the
500 free and 18th place finish in the 200 free. Ray Wynne
finished 24th in the 500 free and the boys 200 free relay
placed 28th and their 400 free relay came in 27th. New school
records were posted by Regina in her two events, Brett Wagner
in 50 free and 100 free, Matthew Barczak in 100 backstroke
and all three of the boys relays: 200
Medley Relay (Matthew Barczak, JD
Dudek, Ray Wynne, Brett Wagner);
200 Free Relay (JD Dudek, Ray
Wynne, Garrett Mitchell, Brett Wagner) and the 400 Free
Relay (Garrett Mitchell, Matthew
Barczak, Brice Norris, JD Dudek).
The girls posted nine season
best times and the boys had 16.
Congratulations, swimmers on an
Regina Zipperer
outstanding season!
Varsity Dance
JV Dance
The Cheer Team held on to their national ranking with a 12th
place finish at Nationals in the super Varsity Division.
Cheer Team
26
Sports
On Eagles’ Wings
SBA Wrestling meets goals and more
This year’s young wrestling team took the amazing wins from
the State Duals Tournament and brought a new intensity to the
Regional Tournament and Individual State Tournament. SBA
hosted the first ever West Tennessee Region Individual
Tournament with tremendous success. The Eagles entered
13 wrestlers in this event and 12 secured the opportunity
to advance to the state tournament by finishing TopThree in
our Region. Three region champions also emerged from this
event: Thomas Herrman-138 lbs, Noah Kurtz-182 lbs, and Logan
Reid-195 lbs.
Over the past 14 years, SBA’s best results at the State
Tournament brought home seven medalists. This year’s scrappy
team was determined to break another record. Tremendous
wrestling occurred at every weight class and the team had
definitely peaked at the just the right time and all the hard
work, sacrifice and discipline paid off. They brought home eight
state medals! The team was led by Senior Logan Reid (195
lbs) and Junior Ronson Marsh (126 lbs) who each finished in
3rd Place. Other medalists included Trace Jenkins (106lbs)-5th
Place, Sam D’Andrea (113 lbs)-6th Place, Morgan Green (120
lbs)-6th Place, Drake Conine (132 lbs)-6th Place, Noah Kurtz
(182lbs)-6th Place, Nesto Rivas (220lbs)-6th Place.
Logan Reid (at right) is congratulated by Coach Kurtz.
Wing Masters Trap Shooting Team launches season
It was a wet, cool morning on March 29th at the Memphis Sport
Shooting Association Range when the “Wing Masters” Trap Team
participated in SBA’s first-ever trap shooting match. This new SBA
sport has triggered a ground swell of interest and support, exciting team members and coaches alike. Both boys and girls are
members of the team. They are up against some well-seasoned
teams, but are competitive in their own right. In this first match
Freshman Ivan Scheidhauer placed third in JV male and junior
Braxton Brewster was the alternate JV champion.
This fun sport looks to grow and be around for a long time.
Their schedule goes into the summer, so you’re encouraged to
get out to watch precision at its best while cheering on these
young marksmen.
Successful SBA Bowling coach Eric Wells serves as the head
coach of the Wing Masters. He is assisted by Bret Bilbry, Tom Link
and Caleb Marcum. Upcoming matches are: Saturday, April 26
and May 31 at the MSSA Range and State Tournament matches
in Nashville, June 17-21.
Trap Team members Ivan Scheidhauer (from left), Braxton Brewster, Christie Moore, Jackie Glover and Annie Longoria sport their
new Wing Masters wear designed by Coach Wells’ wife, Erin.
27
Sports
On Eagles’ Wings
SBA Softball unveils
new batting facility
Through some generous donations, the
Lady Eagles Softball Team has acquired a new
batting and pitching facility. The enclosed
building provides for year-round workouts
and offers the team the opportunity to
hone their skills no matter the weather.
CHECK www.sbaeagles.org/athletics
FOR ALL SPORTS SCHEDULES
28
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
CLASS NOTES
2000
Drew Bringhurst has been named Business
Development Manager for CBIZ MHM, LLC in the
Memphis area. He was featured in the Memphis
Daily News cover article on Feb. 10. You can
check out the article at http://www.memphis
dailynews.com/news/2014/feb/8/cbiz-memphisadding-20-hires-interns/
1978
Whit Agee is a V.P. Mortgage Sales Manager for First State
Mortgage in Memphis.
1991
Dewayne (Lakethen) Mason represented Memphis-based
Medtronic Spine on News Channel 3 in February as his company
honored the achievements of African-Americans in the Bluff City
for Black History Month particularly legendary Stax Songwriter
and Producer, David Porter. Visit this link to see more: http://
wreg.com/2014/02/20/medtronic-honors-david-porter/
Craig Carter is in management with Gateway Tire & Service in
the Memphis area.
2001
Michael Steffan is Regional Vice President for AXA Equitable in
the West Palm Beach, FL. Area.
1997
2002
Chris Burcky is a Global Supply Chain Senior Manager for
Medtronic. Chris also serves as the Chairman of the non-profit,
Main Street Arlington. Their mission is to preserve and revitalize
the Arlington, TN Downtown Historic District.
Josh Dove is currently Marketing Coordinator for
Comp Performance Group based out of Memphis.
John Galloway graduated from Tulane University with an
undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. Last December
he earned his PhD, also in Chemical Engineering, from Northwestern University in Chicago. John is now working in research
for BP in Chicago. He is engaged to be married to Valerie Casey
in August.
Meghan Freeman Medford and husband Dusty live in
Memphis and have a daughter, Lexi, who is almost two. Meghan
is President of her own company, Medford Roofing and Repair.
She tells us that the company produced over $3 million in sales
within the first three years of operation and that she recently
completed the Small Business Association’s Emerging Leader
Program (one out of 15 accepted for the year).
Patrick Schnippert has been promoted
to Director of Operations for Edwards Steel
Solutions. He was featured in the Memphis
Business Journal Jan 3-9, 2014 issue in
their “Moving Up” Spotlight. Check the link at
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/
print-edition/2014/01/03/on-the-movepatrick-schnippert.html.
Kyle Kremser and his wife Megan welcomed their second child
Mary Katherine on November 21, 2014. She weighed in at 7 lbs,
4 oz and was 20 inches long. She joins big brother Samuel.
(See Alumni Christmas Album)
Chris Masterson and wife Jennifer
welcomed new daughter Hannah Catherine
on April 1, 2014. She weighed in at 6 lbs,
2 oz and measured 19” long. She joins big
sister Emma (age 1½).
(see Alumni Christmas Photo Album)
Kevin York is a Sales Representative with Schindler Elevator
Corp. in New York City.
2003
Allison Cooley is an attorney with the Nashville Office of the
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, where she serves with
the family law team assisting victims of domestic violence to
achieve safety and independence. She has a six-month old
daughter, Ruby Jude Schmus.
1998
Kevin Fairburn owns two companies in the Memphis area,
Mudd Addicts and Perfect Lawn Services. Mudd Addicts creates
and provides unique stylish outdoor gear for the mudding
outdoor enthusiast. Perfect Lawn Services is a full service lawn
and landscaping company.
Jessica Gilliland makes her home in Monticello, MN. She
owns Shoe Button Photography by Jessica Gilliland and you can
check her site at www.shoebuttonphotography.com.
1999
Daniel Malone married Leslie Ann Clement on October 19,
2013, at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Amanda Schadrack Beers and husband Josh have moved
to Liberty, MO, a suburb of Kansas City, where Josh has taken a
new job. The couple has three children Elle (9), Sophie (4) and
Luke (almost 2).
(see Alumni Christmas Photo Album)
2004
Jordan Wells was orchestra director for SBA’s production of
West Side Story this spring.
29
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
2005
Jessica Seebeck graduated from the
University of Memphis in December, 2013
with a Bachelor degree in Counseling and a
minor in Dance. She plans to get her Masters
in Social Work. Jessica is the assistant program
manager at The Exceptional Foundation. She
is also the dance coach for St. Mary’s School
dance team. Jessica is a member of Out Loud Artistry Dance
Company. She was featured in GPAC‘s The Great American
Backyard in February and was also selected to compete at the
American College Dance Association in Little Rock in March.
Taylor Capocaccia has moved to Charleston, SC to take a
position with Metsä Group, a Finnish company that manufactures
packaging products.
Nick Distretti is with the Power Corporation Electrical
Manufacturers Representatives of Little Rock.
2006
Lauren Heirigs designed the set for SBA’s production of West
Side Story this spring.
Sara Schneider married Matt Packer on January 18, 2014 at
Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis. Sara received her
Bachelor of Education from the University of Memphis and
Master of Education from Union University. She teaches and
coaches at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. Matt attended the University of Virginia and is a pitcher with the
Cleveland Indians Organization.
2010
Rebekah Herrman was one of five Christian Brothers University
students presented the CBU Lasallian Fellows award in
October, 2013. CBU Lasallian Fellowships are presented annually
to five members of the senior class based upon the reflection of
Lasallian values in their scholarship, leadership and service.
Upon graduation Fellows are awarded $5,000 as a means of
perpetuating their work in the community. While at CBU,
Rebekah was a double major in Mathematics and Physics. She
was President of CBU’s chapter of the Mathematical Association
of America and completed a summer research internship at the
Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She was an integral member
of the Honors Program Board of Directors, an organizer for the
2014 Tennessee state honors conference and a two-year leader
of CBU’s September of Service. She served as a Resident
Assistant, a CBU Advising and Registration Leader, a math tutor,
an Honors Program “Big Geek,” a SEARCH Retreat Team Leader
and a Science Olympiad assistant.
2007
Chris Cahill is graduating from the University of TennesseeKnoxville School of Law this May.
Gina Davis graduated from the Memphis College of Art in
2011. She has also participated in post-graduate art study
through MCA, including trips to Athens, Amsterdam and Rome.
During her trip to Rome, Gina was in St. Peter’s Square the evening Pope Francis was named as pontiff. Gina has a photograph
of a wood sculpture she created that was selected to appear on
the cover of the Memphis College of Art 2013 Annual Report.
Gina is now a graphic designer working in Memphis and she has
created designs for the apparel of sports teams in Belgium and
Italy as well as designs for local companies and organizations
including Memphis Athletic Ministries, Memphis Grizzlies Cheerleaders and B.B. King Blues Club.
Allison Hotz is enrolled in the Masters of Rehabilitation
Counseling Program at the University of Memphis. She also is a
telephone crisis counselor with the Memphis Crisis Center.
Matt Hotz was a 2013 Mr. University of Memphis Finalist and
received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor in Public
Administration from the university in December, 2013. Matt
graduated Summa Cum Laude.
2008
Clarence Randolph Scott, Jr. (Scottie) graduated from MTSU
in August, 2013 with a degree in Mass Communication/Production and a minor in Speech/Theatre. He is currently working as a
production technician with WHBQ-Fox 13 TV in Memphis.
Taylor James is making a name for himself
in Memphis-area media. Taylor is store
manager for the Madison Avenue Cash
Saver in Memphis. His store and the other
Cash Saver stores, owned by his dad Rick,
were featured in a cover page article in the
Memphis Daily News on February 13, 2014
and a cover article in the Memphis Flyer
on March 6, 2014. Check out these stories
at: http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2014/feb/13/
pouring-it-on/ and the Memphis Flyer at
http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/mmmm-beer/
Content?oid=3625213&mode=print.
2009
Jes Schneider, a student at CBU, has received an appointment
to work at the Church Health Center of Memphis through their
Scholars Program. The Church Health Scholars educates emerging leaders while providing a unique opportunity to serve people
in need. It combines practical work experience with academic
scholarship to train recent college graduates in their area of interest and introduce them to issues of faith and health. Jes is also
scheduled to travel with other CBU students and faculty to Haiti
in May for a two-week service visit at the Holy Spirit Clinic that is
sponsored by Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis, Inc.
30
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
Magazine. The online edition can be found at: http://loyolamosaic.wordpress.com​. Marissa also holds down three jobs and
has decided to go into pre-law. She is actively involved in
residence life, and is in the process of creating a student
organization for biracial students.
Meagan Nichols was the Women’s Overall Winner in the
Memphis “Starry Nights” 4K in December with a time of 14:45.
Meagan is an assistant coach for SBA’s track team this year.
Chase Smith is a senior marketing major at the University of
Memphis and is currently working as an intern for International
Paper’s Marketing/New Business Development Team. Chase
was recommended by one of his professors as one of the U of
M Fogelman College High Achieving Students and is showcased
on the school’s website. Chase is also a member of the
Memphis Institute for Leadership Education (MILE) program,
which provides additional leadership opportunities for students.
He is appears on the Dean’s List.
Andy Cox, a sophomore left-handed pitcher for the University
Tennessee Vols, will play in the Northwoods League in St. Cloud,
MN this summer. During Andy’s freshman season for Tennessee
he tied for a team-high 21 appearances, including six starts,
going 2-2 with 47.2 innings pitched. See more at: http://northwoodsleague.com/st-cloud-rox/2014/02/25/rox-add-fiveplayers-from-sec/
Matt Timmins graduated Magna Cum Laude and a semester
early from the Mississippi State University Shackoul’s Honors
College with a BS in psychology. Matt is currently applying to
graduate schools to go directly into a PhD program in clinical
psychology. He wants to do research in methods of helping
people with severe psychological diagnoses learn traits in order
to help them function at a higher level. Olivia Ross, with the help of Alex Thompson (2013), has
organized a Women’s Lacrosse Team at the University of
Memphis. A story about their efforts appeared in the University’s
student daily The Helmsman. Check this link to find the story
http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/sports/lacrosse-not-just-forboys-1.3098840#.UzLs6_ldViY.
2011
AUBURNDALE CLASSES OF 1976-1980 are
planning a combined reunion. For information
contact Alumni Director Lori Trew Regis at
[email protected].
Symone Daniels earned Southern
Athletic Association’s Player of the Week
honors in December for Rhodes Lady
Lynx basketball. Symone is a 5’10 forward
and helped lead the then No. 17 ranked
Lynx to two big road wins as they
improved to 7-0 on the year. In the
64-56 win at Southwestern, Symone
scored 21 points on 10-of-17 shooting
and grabbed six rebounds. In the
68-52 win over Austin, Daniels scored 16 points and grabbed
six rebounds. For the weekend she averaged 18.5 points and six
rebounds per game and shot 57 percent from the field. Symone
and her team finished the season ranked 22 in the D3hoops.
com poll and 24 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Lynx
finished 25-4, more wins by any basketball program at Rhodes.
Symone was SAA newcomer of the Year after her transfer from
Drake last year and was the second leading scorer for the Lynx
with 14.1 points per game and an average of 3.8 rebounds.
WE NEED YOUR
INFORMATION!!!
Any Auburndale and SBA alumni
can update database information
by Emailing Sharon Masterson,
Director of Communications,
at [email protected] or
logging on to www.sbaeagles.org/alumni.
We want to hear from you and help
everyone stay connected! And, send us
something about yourself, too.
Hannah Kurtz is finishing her biology degree at CBU in three
years while playing volleyball and staying on Dean’s list. She has
already been accepted to the University of Tennessee School of
Pharmacy.
If you have pictures you would
like to share on our
ALUMNI PHOTO ALBUM PAGES,
Please E-mail them in JPEG format to
[email protected].
Catherine Stukenborg is a student at Mississippi State
University and an intern with Town & Gown monthly magazine.
2012
Marissa Boulanger is currently in a class that designs the
student-produced Loyola University social justice Mosaic
31
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
2003 10TH REUNION MEMORIES
32
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
ALUMNI PHOTO ALBUM
Annual Christmas Greetings from Alum Families
The Lindsey Esrael (‘03) Piertrowski Family
The Caitlin Doyle Motte (‘03) Family
The Danny Koban (‘00) Family
David (‘95) and Andrea Kronberg (‘96) Gillespie Family
The Kyle Kremser (‘97) Family
The Andrea Mason Ray (‘02) Family
(from their mission work in Zambia)
33
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
The Chris Masterson (‘97) Family
The Rena Masterson Fay (‘95) Family
The McGowan Family with Mims McGowan Pigg
(‘03) and Molly (‘06)
The Susie Rybczyk Dowd (‘93) Family
The Amanda Schadrack Beers (‘99) Family
34
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
The Lori Trew Regis (‘91) Family
Antonio Tricoli Corzine (‘98) Family
Mallory (‘05) and Hagan (‘03) Schroder
Chandler (‘11) and Paige (‘13) Williams Family
Alumni, make sure you join
“The OFFICIAL St. Benedict at
Auburndale Alumni Group” on
Facebook to reunite with your
classmates and to stay up to
date with the latest SBA Alumni information!
www.facebook.com
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Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
SBA Men’s Cross Country Alumni met up with their coach Stuart
McCommon (‘03) during Christmas break. (from left:) Colin
Pitawanakwat (‘13), Daniel LaForce (‘12), Jeffery Christiansen (‘13),
Connor Ryan (‘13), and Coach McCommon.
SBA Theology teacher Bret Bilbrey (‘01) met up
with former students from the class of 2009,
Nuria Espin and Ben Johnson, at the December,
2013, University of Memphis Commencement
exercises. Bret received his Master’s Degree
(see Faculty Focus) while Nuria and Ben
received their undergraduate degrees.
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2013 alums came back for the “Young Alum” Christmas
coffee and visited with Mr. Bilbrey and Ms. Burke.
(from left:) Addie James, Mr. Bilbrey, Neely Van Frank,
Ms. Burke, and Kyle Anderson.
Alumni News
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
The following article appeared in the December,
2013 issue of Town & Gown, a monthly magazine
distributed in and around Starkville, MS, and the
Golden Triangle area. It’s about our former student
Michael Hogan (class of 2010), who served as SGA
President and was chosen Mr. SBA. Interestingly,
this article is written by another 2010 SBA alum,
Becca Horton.
In addition, we have recently learned that Michael
has been selected Student of the Year in the State of
Mississippi! We are so proud of you, Michael!
MEET THE STUDENT… Michael Hogan
By Becca Horton (SBA Class of 2010)
Photography by Divian Conner
Town & Gown Magazine, December 2013
A student sits at the desk in his office on a
Thursday afternoon wearing a plaid suit jacket, yellow
collared shirt, ironed dress pants and a Mississippi
State pin (seemingly) purposefully placed directly
above his heart. This clothing screams school-spirited,
easygoing and professional. This office screams
dedicated, cool and dependable.
The desk and outfit belong to Michael Hogan, 22,
from Memphis, TN. He is a Mississippi State student
involved in the unique process of planning events
on campus, being the middleman between students
and the university, and leading a group of individuals
that handle a multitude of responsibilities on campus.
His official title is the Student Association President at
Mississippi State University. This job title means that he represents the student
body at all MSU functions, programs, initiatives and
administrative meetings. He is often the top choice
for the many committees on campus when they
need a student representative, and a huge part of
his job is helping students voice their questions or
concerns to those committees or departments.
Before Hogan was officially elected as SA president
the spring semester of 2013, he ran his campaign on
several platforms. He keeps a laminated campaign
card listing these platforms on his desk as an
everyday reminder of the promises he made. Every
platform has now been addressed, though a couple
were proved unfeasible and shut down quickly. “All of my predecessors, all of my advisors said,
‘You’re not going to be able to do everything,’ and I
never take that. You never take that answer. I like to
look through and make sure that I am at least
working on these things,” he said.
Although he is now SA President, he remains a
senior Business Management student, the recentlyelected Mr. MSU, a friend to many, and “a human.”
Hogan has already managed to complete several of
his platforms in the first half of his term. Under his
purview, the Student Association has improved
relations with the health center, created an opendoor policy that allows students to visit during their
office hours, restructured the Big Event Service
Project, connected freshmen with a First Year
Mentorship Program and is attempting to revive the
use of the amphitheater (though it may not be in the
way one would expect). Also, phone charging
stations on campus are “coming your way.”
Hogan got his first taste of leadership from
experiences he had when growing up in Memphis.
He quickly grew to understand that he wasn’t
necessarily athletic or the class-clown type, but was
always interested in doing things that were
somewhat different. After winning Student Body President at St. Louis
Catholic middle school, he decided that he had truly
On Eagles’ Wings
Michael Hogan,
SBA Class of 2010
found what he was good at – people and student
involvement – and remained confident enough in
his actions to pursue it. While attending St. Benedict
at Auburndale (SBA) Catholic high school, he was
similarly elected Student Government President and
Mr. SBA. It was experiences like these that taught Hogan that
act of balance between the social and professional
parts of his life. “I learned that working really hard and
having a really good time is great, but you have to
relate to people – you have to have friendships and
relationships.” He continues, “Being able to learn that
as a 17-year-old kid and going through college
knowing that already, I feel like I was at an advantage.”
Despite the valuable lessons he learned from
his school days with student government, Hogan
explains that college leadership is very different –
outside of the fact that he now has his own office
and a gorgeous nameplate on his desk that reads,
“Michael Hogan: President.” He plans on keeping that
thing forever, he said. Whereas in high school he was the representative
for 1,000 students, he now resides over 20,000
students at MSU. However, he explains that great
opportunities lie in this new leadership and says that
“you can really move, you can really do things, and
you can really start some stuff.”
At St. Benedict, Hogan truly learned what he was
good at and what he liked to do, but this new
college experience came with a quicker learning
curve. “In college, you have to know it and if you
don’t know it, you find out quick,” he said. “High
school was an incredible experience that I cherish,
but this is a working, real life experience.” An
experience that will certainly come in handy when
applied to his future in business management.
Despite his major student involvement record at
MSU to date, Hogan had at first thought that college
student government might not be for him. After
unsuccessful attempts to win leadership positions
in his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, and his lack of
positions on the freshman council or committees, he
was “stifled really quickly at Mississippi State.” Then,
when Hogan was selected as an MSU
Roadrunner, he reconsidered.
“There are those moments where you kind of blind
over, “he said,” and you’re just so excited like, ‘Okay.
Maybe I’m supposed to be here.’” He fondly
remembers finding out about his Roadrunner
accomplishment on the steps of Montgomery Hall
and calling his mom to share his ecstatic excitement. Hogan served as a Roadrunner and continued up
the chain, doing what he could do and moving on.
After a position assisting on his friend Shelby Balius’s
campaign for SA President in the 2012-2013 term,
he was asked to be the Chief
Programming Officer on the SA executive council.
This was another moment that proved to Hogan that
he was meant to be a student leader at MSU. “I thought I could die happy because I was like, I’m
one of nine students that leads the student
government,” said Hogan, “that’s what I get to do
now. I was such the nerd in high school that loved
that and so I was like, ‘I’m not done doing this.’” He’s
been hooked on the Student Association ever since.
When it comes to inspirations and support systems
in his life and student leadership career, Michael
Hogan makes sure to mention his mom and his
friends. He also says that although people on
the outside might not understand, the MSU
executive council is “legitimately nine best friends.”
But perhaps the two most unexpected inspirations in
his life are two workers in the Colvard Student Union,
Reverend Poole and Ms. Brownlee, who make sure
37
to stop by his office
to check on him and
ask how he is doing
when he is busy
working late.
Some incredible experiences have come about for
Hogan that would not have come about otherwise,
including an unexpected trip to Omaha when
Mississippi State’s baseball team made it to the
championships last semester. What started out as
a joking request to attend the game turned into a
purchased plane ticket and hotel room with the
Diamond Dawgs. Another great opportunity occurred when Hogan
was able to meet and escort Condoleeza Rice around
MSU. He has also enjoyed the pleasure of meeting
many of the performers that have come to campus
for Bulldog Bash, such as the Black Crowes and Chris
Young, Andy Grammer and the Eli Young Band. He
mentions that he very much enjoys having the kind
of friendly but professional relationship he has with
President Keenum and Dr. Kibler. Perhaps the biggest thing that has come out of his
student presidency is a mental advantage – he has
figured out how to manage both people and time,
which will surely come into play during his future
career. He believes he has truly learned how to
successfully work with people of all kinds.
“There are so many people that walk in and out
of my door, and if you can relate with everyone that
you speak with and everyone that you have to work
with, you’re successful in my eyes. Hopefully if you’re
successful you’re making money and have a good
family, whatever it is. But if you can relate,” he says,
“and just be nice to everyone that walks in no matter
what kind of day you’re having, I’ve learned that is so
important.”
He also explains that people are always wondering
what the Student Association President is doing, but
not what Michael Hogan is doing. Although the two
are the same person, they are very different, he said.
He still attends classes, has homework and takes
tests. He just has a few more responsibilities a typical
student is not faced with. Outside of Student Association, Hogan has been
involved in Phi Delta Theta and has worked on
communications for the Interfraternity Council. He
has also been a Roadrunner, Orientation Leader and
a Student Worker/Ambassador at the Career Center.
The latter gave him valuable knowledge about
resumés and what hiring businesses are looking for
from their future employees. Outside of school, however, he enjoys playing
tennis – when he gets the chance – and attending
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He additionally
appreciates the few moments of alone time he tries
to achieve each day, and says those moments keep
him going. After graduation next May in 2014, Hogan has a lot
of options and a few interviews already lined up. With
a future Business Management degree and all of his
impressive leadership experience under his belt, he
hopes to get involved somehow – preferably with
fundraising and promoting events – in the non-profit
hospital sector. He also sees that “Mississippi has an
incredible potential for growth,” and would love to
possibly stick around in the state. Michael Hogan may not be your typical student, but
he’s absolutely a student to look up to on the
Mississippi State University campus. His positive
attitude, friendly personality, and inspirational
leadership are characteristics that any student should
aspire to attain.
Alumni News
On Eagles’ Wings
ALUMNI
Phil McLendon, SBA Class of 1998
SPOTLIGHT
On Eagles’ Wings is pleased to spotlight 1998 alum Phil
McLendon. Phil (at left) has started his own business and has
agreed to share a little about it and how he chased his dreams.
He credits his years at SBA with some of his determination and
business ethics. It’s an enjoyable story!
By Phil McLendon
Never in a million years, or in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that
20 years after my first day as a freshman at St. Benedict, I would be
the owner of my very own business. I started with a dream, a tiny
idea that blossomed into something that I am so incredibly passionate
about today. The name of my business is Absolute Moving Service
LLC. In a bustling city like Memphis, Tennessee, we are the “David” in
the midst of many Goliaths. I don’t let that intimidate or discourage
me. Instead I embrace it and see it as an opportunity to let my little
light shine, a light that I discovered within myself while I attended
St. Benedict.
My teachers, coaches, counselors and the entire staff at SBA taught
me so much as a young man. But the one thing that stands out, that
I carry with me daily is this: I am a child of God, and through Almighty
God, absolutely ANYTHING is possible. I learned to believe in myself,
to never be scared of chasing my dreams, and to always treat others
as I would want to be treated.
And so it began. After many years working in journalism at Action
News 5, operating cameras, editing and even doing some weekend
news/sports reporting, I decided that I wanted to chase a new dream.
The dream of running my own business… The dream of leading a
team... The dream of helping others daily… And at the very core of
my dream was the foundation and principles my family at St. Benedict
helped me to build and establish many years ago - Dignity, Honor,
Integrity, Service, Humility, and most importantly, honoring our
Lord God.
So you may be asking yourself, why a moving business, out of all
things? Well, I got the idea one day as I was working part-time for
another successful local moving company back in 2009. At that time,
I was studying and working under some of the best movers, packers,
and loaders in the local industry. I learned how to pack a truck, how to
handle and protect furniture, how to drive the large moving trucks and
how to treat our valued customers. But the most important thing
I learned during that time – I found my passion.
I immediately drove home after moving all day and started my
business. I rented moving trucks to move my clients until I saved
enough to get my own trucks.
I also passionately sought a solid moving crew. I recruited some
of the best of the best. I’m not saying it was easy, but I eventually
found talented, ambitious, smart, loyal, and honest crew members
from numerous sources in and around the tri-state area. And I am SO
PROUD of my team.
In the beginning, we focused primarily on performing local
moves here in the Memphis area. Since then, we have traveled to
Morgantown, West Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Mountain
Home, Arkansas; Knoxville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and
the list goes on! We went from doing a small residential move a
week, to having a schedule booked solid with moves ranging from
large homes, offices, classrooms, retirement homes, storage units,
warehouses and so much more!
I named my company “Absolute,” and today I stand strongly by that
name. We are the absolute BEST in customer service, professional
and affordable moving, dependability, integrity and efficiency. My
business has grown so quickly, and I am so excited to see what the
future holds!
In conclusion, I encourage anyone who is reading this to never,
EVER give up on your dreams. The Lord told us that with faith the size
of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. I stand before you today
as living proof of this. All you have to do is believe in yourself, and let
the Lord take care of the rest.
Philip is offering special moving rates to everyone in the SBA family!
He can be reached at 901/238-0394 or philmclendon34@gmail.
com. He encourages you to contact him anytime for a free quote!
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THE NEST DEDICATION
IN MEMORY OF GEROLD BLUM,
SBA CLASS OF 2013
On Friday, January 17, 2014, SBA held a special
dedication ceremony in memory of Gerold Blum
before our home basketball game against CBHS.
Gerold’s family, friends, and beloved classmates were
in attendance for the occasion. It was a night Gerold
would have loved, and it was brought to a close with
both student sections chanting, “THANK YOU,
GEROLD.”
Gerold Blum, SBA graduate of 2013, was a respected
and proud member of the SBA Basketball family as
well as the entire school. He was beloved for his
leadership, humility, service, exuberance and genuine
love for St. Benedict. Gerold is remembered for
starting the tradition of Parting the Nest.
In remembrance of Gerold Blum (SBA’s sixth man)
we have placed a jersey above the nest with a small
plaque dedicating Gerold’s service to our athletic
teams and to our school. Each region game, the
starting players will Part the Nest from the top row as
they come onto the floor. We thank Gerold and his
family and friends, and will continue to keep them in
our thoughts and prayers. This tradition will continue!
We love you, Gerold!
To view the video and pictures from this special night,
visit sbaeagles.org/thenestdedication.
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