For The Moreau Catholic High School Community
2014
Spring
Late Breaking NewS— Mariner Boys win D4 North Coast Section Basketball Championship! page 7
The new field will be a big boon to the life of the school.
It is time. — Mrs. Patricia Geister Principal Moreau Catholic 1986-2002
Photo: Paul McKenna ’83
Moreau Catholic breaks ground on the new Athletics and Student
Join the Alumni All-Star Relay!
Activities Complex page 14
page 2
Sophomore Brandon Lawrence ’16, along with Armond Simmons ’16, and Oscar Frayer ’16 made the Norcalpreps.com Class of 2016 watch list.
Volume 30 No. 1— Spring 2014
Cover, Inset Photo, Turning the ceremonial ground (left to right): Moreau Catholic Theology Chair Peter Francis Shelley, Director of Site Services Tom Alcott, Moreau Catholic’s Chaplain Fr. Bruce Cecil, CSC President Mr. Terry Lee
Principal Ms. Lisa Tortorich
Features
Design, Production, Photography
Campaign For Champions 2 Celebrating a Landmark Event—Goundbreaking Ceremony for the New Athletics and Student Acitivities Complex Fifth Annual Funding Hopes and Dreams Luncheon 6 2014 Keynote Speaker, Sam McCracken Champions Are... 7 Mariner Basketball: Coach Frank Knight III and Moreau’s North Coast Section Champions 10
The Growing Dance Program at Moreau Catholic Spring Arts Calendar
13 Lauren McGary ’14, Scholar and Leader 14 Campaign for Champions—Be An Alumni All-Star 16 Robotics and Engineering Teacher Gary Gongwer 20
The 45th Annual Crab Feed and Auction—Thank You
24
Volunteers: Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76
Kiva, an Online Resource for Microfinance 22 Petar Zegura, Social Studies Teacher Utilizes Kiva Alexandra Harbert ’08 Volunteers as a Translator for Kiva 25
Mariner Waves
Christine Kosmicki Communications Coordinator
Contributors Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76 Doug Ko, HKOphoto Christine Kosmicki Terry Lee Dani Lorta ’89
Board of Trustees Mr. Dennis Mastrantonio ’71, Chair Mrs. Barbara Hemenez, Vice-Chair Mr. Eugene Ashley Sr. Ramona Bascom, OP Ms. Cynthia Bath Hon. Paul Delucchi ’87 Mrs. Maritza Ilario Mr. Rick L’ Heureux Mr. Terry Lee Ms. Marta Leon Sr. Christopher Miller, OP Fr. Paul Minnihan ’84 Br. William Nick, CSC Mrs. Charlene Raimondi Mr. Ed Raney Mr. Kevin Sweeney ’72 Ms. Lisa Tortorich
28 Reunions 28 Fundraiser to Benefit the Philipines
Published by: Moreau Catholic High School
29 In Memoriam
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto
27170 Mission Boulevard Hayward, CA 94544 Phone: 510.881.4300 www.moreaucatholic.org
“Moreau is stitched very deeply into Hayward’s history, and who Hayward is. This is manifested not only in the care it shows its students, but toward the City as a whole. The school sets the gold standard in terms of community involvement.” —Congressman Eric Swalwell U.S. Representative for California’s 15th District
Letter from the President Dear Mariners, As I write this letter the sounds of construction are wafting through the air into my open office window, which faces the back of the school. We are in week three of construction of our new Athletics and Student Activities Complex, the $5M project that will give us a new soccer/football field, new 8-lane track, new home bleachers with a roomy press box, visitors bleachers, and an elegant entrance plaza, main gate and storage building/ticket office. By the end of this summer, the project will be completed and we will be cutting the ribbon and dedicating this wonderful new addition to our Mission Boulevard campus. We could not have gotten to this point without the generosity and hard work of so many Mariners and friends. Last month we held the official groundbreaking ceremony and celebrated this milestone with so many members of our Mariner family. The excitement and pride felt that day was remarkable. I am grateful to all who have supported the Campaign for Champions in so many meaningful ways. This season we also are celebrating impressive wins by our Mock Trial team—once again the Alameda County champions— as well as the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team’s North Coast Section championship. Spring sports are underway, with baseball; softball; boys’ volleyball, tennis and golf; track and field; swimming; and badminton! Come out and cheer on our Mariners this spring, or attend Shrek, The Musical, Mixed Tape Spring Dance Concert, and a choir or instrumental music concert. Check our website for dates and times. Our Holy Cross education at Moreau Catholic is rooted in the education of the whole child, mind and heart, body and soul. That balance of academic, social, and spiritual experiences is what makes our students and our alumni so special. Thank you for all you do to help us make that happen at Moreau Catholic High School!
With warm regards,
Terry Lee President
Spring ’14 | The Vector
1
On February 8, 2014, Moreau Catholic celebrated a landmark event—breaking ground on a new Athletics and Student Activities Complex.
Left to right: Sister Barbara Bray, SNJM, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Oakland joined President Terry Lee and Principal Lisa Tortorich in turning over the ceremonial dirt during the official Groundbreaking Ceremony.
T
he much-needed rain did not dampen the spirits of the more than 200 members of Moreau Catholic High School’s community who gathered on Saturday, February 8, 2014 to celebrate a landmark event in the history of the school—breaking ground and beginning construction of a new, $5M Athletics and Student Activities Complex. Guests included alumni, alumni parents, civic leaders, members of the Diocese of Oakland, students, former and current faculty and staff, and prominent Campaign for Champions donors, including the Fremont Bank Foundation and the Moreau Catholic Booster Club. The day was marked by a strong sense of collective dedication to the cause of beginning construction on Moreau Catholic’s much-anticipated new field. The campaign to raise funds for this project, called the Campaign for Champions, celebrated an operational milestone by reaching 63% of the $5M required to complete this project. As Moreau Catholic President Terry Lee explained to the guests, “This couldn’t 2
The Vector | Spring ’14
have happened without the support of our Moreau family.” He also explained that, while the school breaks ground on construction today, there are still more funds to raise before this Campaign for Champions project can be realized and construction can be completed by the end of the summer. “The game isn’t over yet. With your help, I know we will be very successful,” concluded Lee. Many of the guests reflected on the strong athletic history of Moreau Catholic, personified in remarks by guest-speaker and former head football coach Al Vermeil, for whom the new athletic field will be named. Despite his many awards and lifetime achievements, the legendary Moreau football coach reflected true humility and a sense of team spirit. He said, “This is the greatest honor a man could have. But this is not about me.” He continued, “The name of this stadium happens to be mine, but it represents all the work of all these players,” gesturing to those present in the room, and those who were there “in spirit.” He explained that the successes Moreau has achieved, including this new field, are reflective of
both “the will to excel” and to “putting your team and teammates first.” He said that these are “qualities that endure.” He was touched to be a part of such a meaningful project and to have worked at Moreau, in what he will always consider an important part of life. “I had the chance to coach in Camelot for six years,” Vermeil concluded. The audience rose to honor a coach that continues to inspire and motivate others to make big dreams come true. Other guests underscored Vermeil’s extraordinary impact on the history of athletics at Moreau with words and phrases like intensity, perseverance, doing one’s best, challenging oneself, and pride. It was clear that those who had worked with Vermeil directly or indirectly, past or present, had been influenced by his infectious will to move individuals and teams forward.
“I had the chance to coach in Camelot for six years.”
— Al Vermeil
Left to right: Craig Foxworthy ’79, William Foxworthy ’75 and Serena Foxworthy with Coach Al Vermeil and wife, Diane Vermeil.
The new Athletics and Student Activities Complex will honor two significant contributions to Moreau athletics—the field will be known as Al Vermeil Field and the entrance gate will carry the name of the Foxworthy family: William ’75, Gordon ’76, Doug ’78 and Craig ’79 played football under Coach Vermeil.
Former Board of Trustees member Phyllis Moroney and Brian Schott ’77 have actively supported Moreau’s Campaign for Champions. Brian, along with fellow alumnus Steve Klein ’78, initiated the naming effort for Al Vermeil Field.
Two stalwart supporters of Mariner Athletics: retired football coach, Hayward Hero, and Social Studies teacher Jerry Sheets joined friend and Mariner track coach Diane Blackwell during this landmark event.
Ms. Marie-Pascale Peterson, Director of Community Outreach for Fremont Bank, has been a valued supporter of Moreau Catholic. Fremont Bank made a gift of $300,000 to Campaign for Champions.
Spring ’14 | The Vector
3
“We wanted a field that would assist in the transformation of our students, creating what we now call our ’largest classroom,’ where we could address the hearts and minds of our students in new ways.” — Brother William Nick, CSC
T
he conversations went far beyond athletics and touched on the community of Hayward and the greater East Bay. Congressman Eric Swalwell spoke of his own experience in high school and college athletics, and the role that Moreau plays in reaching out to the broader community. “Moreau is stitched very deeply into Hayward’s history, and who Hayward is.” This is manifested, he continued, “not only in the care it shows its students, but toward the City as a whole. The school sets the gold standard in terms of community involvement,” said Swalwell. President Terry Lee put the day in the context of other structural changes that have impacted the life of the students at Moreau Catholic and the broader community. He explained that it was the Transforming Tomorrow project that set the stage for the school’s strong emphasis on 21st century learning, the one-to-one laptop program, the creation of new STEM programs, technological advancements in the modernized Library and Learning Commons, and the new multimedia and video production studio. Going forward, the Campaign for Champions and the new track and field represent a long-awaited structural effort to improve the quality of the athletics program. Conversations with many
4
The Vector | Spring ’14
members of the audience confirmed this sentiment, ranging from former Principal Patricia Geister, who set the stage for Mariner athletic success, to Board members, football players, teachers and students. “It’s time!” was the phrase that came up again and again. The Moreau Catholic community can look forward to a ribbon-cutting and dedication event in late summer, as well as other opportunities to contribute, individually or with others, as the project moves closer to completion.
Visit campaignforchampions.com to learn how you can engage with this exciting project.
Former Mariner football coach Al Vermeil and wife Diane with the 1982 Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy.
An iconic presence since the school first opened, Bernie Puccini has attended all three groundbreakings. She caught up with former principal Fr. Lawrence Young before the ceremony.
Board of Trustees member Sister Christopher Miller, OP had her hard hat adjusted by President Terry Lee.
Campaign For Champions:
On the Horizon
The Groundbreaking Ceremony was a milestone in the ongoing process of fundraising. The Campaign for Champions has met 63% of the required $5M to complete the new Athletics and Student Activities Complex. President Terry Lee and the Department of Institutional
EAU MARINERS MOR
Advancement will continue their outreach to individual donors and foundations to bridge the gap. Innovative approaches, such as pledging by cell phone during the 2013 Homecoming game, raised over $30,000. The Mariner Plaza will serve as a warm welcome to Mariner fans as they enter our new facilities. Naming opportunities are available for the donor wall and plaza tiles. Contact Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76, Interim Institutional Advancement Director at 510.881.4330 for more information. M O R E A U C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L
H AY W A R D , C A L I F O R N I A
M O REAU M ARI NERS PL AZA JA NUA RY 2 0 1 4
Champions Are… behind the scenes Many Moreau Catholic supporters and over 400 donors have contributed to the current success of the Campaign for Champions. We are grateful for the generosity, expertise and energy of people whose vital contributions are made behind the scenes—on the Finance, Institutional Advancement and Facilities Committees.
Ms. Elvia O. Quiroga (with President Terry Lee), 2012 Raimondi Volunteer Award recipient, Moreau Catholic Parent Ambassador and member of the Finance Committee, has dedicated many hours to securing Moreau Catholic’s future.
Dick Smith (right), chair of the Facilities Committee, has been instrumental in dealing with issues, permits and planning for the construction process. Mr. Kevin Sweeney ’72 is a member of Moreau Catholic’s Board of Trustees.
Mr. Ed Raney, CPA, member of Moreau’s Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, contributes sound business advice which is vital to steering the $5M Campaign for Champions to completion.
Mr. Rick L’ Heureux (right, with Peter Peabody), member of Moreau Catholic’s Board of Trustees and chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee, is a respected leader in the business community and has raised the visibility of Moreau Catholic in the Bay Area. Spring ’14 | The Vector
5
5th annual
benefiting the Moreau Catholic tuition assistance program
Friday, April 4, 2014 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Ivaldi Student Center, Moreau Catholic The luncheon is generously underwritten so that every dollar raised will go directly towards tuition assistance. Contact Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76, Interim Director of Institutional Advancement at 510.881.4330 or ddefrance@moreaucatholic.org for information on becoming a Host Committee member. Moreau Catholic graduate James Mendoza ’12 will share how tuition assistance enabled him to pursue his dreams of owning his own contracting company.
6
The Vector | Spring ’14
2014 keynote speaker: Sam
McCracken Moreau Catholic Basketball Coach (1988-1991),
General Manager of Nike’s Native American Business and current member of the Department of Education’s National Advisory Council on Indian Education. McCracken had the idea to sell Nike products directly to Native American tribes to support health promotion and disease prevention programs. Seven years after Nike’s Native American division began, the Nike design team collaborated with various community experts and tribal leaders to create footwear specifically for the Native American community, called Nike Air Native N7. Moreau Catholic High School is committed to ensuring that all qualified students are afforded the opportunity to become a Mariner and achieve their dreams. Our need-based tuition assistance program provides scholars the life-long benefits of a Catholic, college-preparatory education.
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto
Standout Sophomore, Oscar Frayer, is ranked Top-25 nationally by Scout.com.
Champions Are… though young, they are are North Coast Section winners!” —Coach Frank Knight III
I
n December, Moreau Catholic High School presented the 2nd Annual Catholic School Winter Classic, in partnership with the High Hopes Foundation and 4Ballers Only. Under the visionary leadership of Moreau Catholic Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach and Moreau History Teacher Frank Knight III, twelve Catholic high schools from across the Bay Area came together in competition at Cal State East Bay. The proceeds of the event’s ad sales helped support Moreau’s tuition assistance program. Coach Knight started the Winter Classic in 2012. Each year, hundreds of fans had the chance to experience some of the Bay Area’s top-ranked basketball teams and players.
The Moreau Catholic basketball teams were among the top-performers this year. “They are a team that our community will enjoy watching over the coming years because, though young, they are already champions and promise to mature into world-class players, as they move from high school and into college leagues in the coming years,” says Knight.
Thank you to photographer Doug Ko of HKOphoto who generously allowed Moreau Catholic to use his up-closeand-personal shots of Mariners in their epic battle against Newark Memorial that ended in a heartbreaking loss, 65-64.
Frank Knight III (with Principal Lisa Tortorich (L) and Athletic Director Christine Krisman) coached the Moreau Catholic basketball team to its first North Coast Section Championship against Salesian—a three-time defending champ with 15 straight NCS playoff wins. Moreau Catholic was in an NCS title game for the first time in its school’s history. Spring ’14 | The Vector
7
“While other schools have their varsity teams stacked with juniors and seniors, ours consists of one junior, ten sophomores and four freshmen.” —Coach Frank Knight III
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto Ride the Wave! Recent Moreau Catholic basketball games have been sold-out.Our team of young players has been generating excitement througout the East Bay and beyond.
discussed the team and the reasons for their success: Coach Knight
hard work “While other schools have their varsity teams stacked with juniors and seniors, ours consists of one junior, ten sophomores and four freshmen,” Frank proudly explains. Though young, they push themselves very hard. “They started training in the summer and when school began they train every day except Sunday,” says Knight. “Many of them are motivated because they have big dreams, hoping to go on to play in college.” According to Knight, at least half will succeed in getting full scholarships to play in college. To achieve that level of success, he continues, “You have to be 100% dedicated to improving your skillset, and this team is committed in this way!” building trust On his coaching methods, Knight used the term “mental toughness.” He defines this as the point at which players 8
The Vector | Spring ’14
hit a “wall,” believing they can’t work any harder. Skillfully, the coaches push them just a bit farther, getting them to a safe zone in which they are going beyond what they thought they could do, but remaining within the limits of their real physical capacity. “Once that happens and they achieve higher goals, they start to trust their coaches deeply,” explained Knight. The reason it works so well is because the staff members at Moreau are all very positive. “We correct them during practice, and then allow them to shine during games,” he explains. “For us, the game becomes a celebration of all their hard work.” Knight talked more about why his team responds to him so well. Among the coaches he has seen, establishing credibility with the kids is essential. “You get buy-in when they realize you have been through just what they have.” He said that the life-lessons that the basketball players experience are numerous. Beyond learning about developing trust in their coaches and teammates and identifying how to set goals and achieve them, players learn
how to fail. He specifies, “One can’t teach heartbreak; it is something that has to be experienced. Through our games and tournaments, our teammates get the opportunity to experience failure, learn from it, and move on.” Knight believes this is an essential skill today, more than ever, where the job market is tough, and where “mental toughness” and a positive mind-set will be essential. What’s Next? “I am dedicated to continuing to develop this young, winning team at Moreau Catholic,” he says with the clarity and focus that reflects his own dedication. Knight looks beyond Moreau Catholic to the community that surrounds the school and adds that he is determined to contribute to developing the next generation of basketball players in the East Bay through his basketball summer camps. These operate in Hayward, Newark, Union City, Fremont, and Castro Valley. He is on his way to achieving his goal, as he has hired five coaches to help him with this successful program.
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto
Freshman Damari Milstead led Moreau Catholic to their first NCS championship, scoring 20 points over the Fortuna Huskies in the semifinals, above.
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto Sophomore Ryan Regner is a scrappy defensive player who excels academically.
Sophomore Armond Simmons ’16 is already receiving scholarship offers from San Jose State, Cal Poly, Northern Arizona University, American Univeristy, Univeristy of the Paciific, and University of California Riverside.
Photo: Doug Ko, HKOphoto Spring ’14 | The Vector
9
Spring Arts Calendar Shrek The Musical April 4 and 5, 7:00 pm April 6, 2:00 pm April 11 and 12, 7:00 pm Teves Theatre, Moreau Catholic
Spring Art Show, Fresh Air April 4, 5:00-7:00 pm Brother Stephen Walsh, CSC, Memorial Art Gallery
Spring Dance Concert Mixed Tape— A Tribute to the 80s May 2 and 3, 7:00 pm May 3 and 4, 2:00 pm Teves Theatre, Moreau Catholic
Spring Orchestra & Band Concert Tuesday, May 6, 7 pm Teves Theatre, Moreau Catholic
Pops Choir Concert Musical Theatre Favorites & Popular Hits Thursday, May 15, 7 pm Teves Theatre, Moreau Catholic
“Christmas Waltz” Deion Marquez ’14 Alexandra Rebosura ’14 Justin Owens ’14
A
ngela Demmel, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, shares her views on the remarkable growth of the Moreau Catholic dance program over the past decade. She also answers questions about the success of dance at Moreau. Why do men dance? “Recently, I received a letter from a journalism student who asked me ’Why don’t men dance?’ I was happy to contemplate this question from a different angle, in order to help shift stereotypes that are, luckily, being broken here at Moreau and elsewhere. I am more interested in discussing the question, ’Why do men dance’.” We see an increasing number of male dancers on the Moreau stage. In fact, this winter, among our 85 dancers, we had 13 male performers. “They bring a shift in energy to the studio space,
Jenna Gomez ’14 rehearsing for “Christmas Waltz.”
10
The Vector | Spring ’14
approaching the movement with a sense of fearlessness. This particular group of men crave success—a level of perfection —that resonates through the rehearsal space. The mix of male and female energy works well together. They push each other in positive ways. “The male dancers all came to Moreau Catholic with a background in athletics, be it traditional sports, martial arts, or some form of dance. Most certainly, each finds commonalities between dance and their other physical endeavors. These include strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, and the personal pleasure of arriving at a final product—the performance. Just as in a competition, the performance is the ultimate assessment of excellence. These young men, no different than the young women in the program, have found in dance a means to challenge themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
“
Champions Are… Since 2000, the number of dancers has more than doubled, growing to 85 performers this year.” —Angela Demmel, chair of the Visual and Performing Arts DEpartment
“Veni, veni, Emmanuel” Vanessa Vonnegut ’16 Madison Irons ’14 Brianna Thompson ’17 Ashlye Pena Velez ’16
Spring ’14 | The Vector
11
The male dancers all came with a background in athletics, be it traditional sports, martial arts, or some form of dance. Most certainly, each finds commonalities between dance and their other physical endeavors. These include strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility.”
Why is the dance program at Moreau growing? Our dance program has experienced remarkable growth over the years. Since 2000, the number of dancers has more than doubled, growing to 85 performers this year. We attribute this increase to our continued commitment to high quality dance education, while generating larger scale productions, which include music and choreography that appeals to a wider audience base. The results have been fabulous, allowing audiences to grow in their level of understanding of this art form. Additionally, the Dance Program works with the Admissions Department to schedule performances around the Open House season and invites local elementary and middle school students who might be interested in dance. More and more, students are drawn to Moreau 12
The Vector | Spring ’14
“Mary, Did You Know?” Erin De Leon ’14 Nathan Balingit ’14
Catholic because of our unique dance program. What motivates you as a dance teacher? I have a deep passion for the art form that I wish to share with the next generation of young dancers. It seems that, all too often, dance educators underestimate what high school dancers can do. They are asked to do tricks, to kick, to turn, but not given the opportunity to explore deeper themes choreographically. Our students are articulate, intelligent, feeling beings, fully capable of addressing mature themes in an abstract way. People often say: “We can only expect this much from them because they are just high schoolers.” I have never adopted that philosophy. In founding a program to meet the rigorous
standards of this college preparatory institution, I modeled the curriculum after college dance majors. I have never lowered my standards; the result being that all of our dance classes are UC eligible and we boast the only UC accepted Honors dance class in the state. Developing and maintaining this model is a continual practice of trial and error. If a concept is too much for my students, I need to go back and modify it. I have to ask myself, “How do I challenge, but not overwhelm?” In the end, this is the same mindset used by every teacher who strives to bring out the best in students. Part of this process is having upper level students choreograph their own pieces. I invite them to work within a theme, or concept, that will get them excited in a way that is different from dancing to music they listen to in their living rooms.
Champions Are… Lauren McGary ’14, Scholar and Leader
Lauren McGary ’14 (front row, center) with members of the Moreau Catholic chapter of Model United Nations.
L
auren McGary ’14, of Hayward, is a National Achievement Scholarship Program* recipient and a senior at Moreau Catholic. She is also on the Principal’s Honor Roll, a member of the National Honors Society, and has a 4.22 cumulative GPA. When she was in 8th grade and a student at Redwood Christian Schools, she decided to attend Moreau Catholic because she was looking for a school that was academically challenging and that offered a wide variety of programs so that she could explore new interests. She had also heard that Moreau Catholic had a strong journalism program, which was already something that she knew was interesting to her. Now, four years later, McGary recently finished applying to college. During her time at Moreau, in addition to journalism
courses, she also learned French and enrolled in Peace and Conflict Studies. Through this course, she developed an interest in International Relations, and selected colleges based on this. She is leaning toward schools on the East Coast, in locations such as Washington DC and New York, where she believes career opportunities in International Relations will be strong. McGary was also a Student Ambassador, a member of Link Crew, a volleyball player and member of the track team. She also founded a chapter of Model United Nations (UN), a club in which students assume (or “model”) the roles of ambassadors or representatives in the United Nations and debate key issues. Regarding the genesis of the club, she explained, “I got the idea for the club from a college visit. An administrator
at the Department for International Affairs at one school informed me that students typically take Model UN as a course in which they prepare for competitions. She then informed me that some high schools have the same program. I brought this back to Moreau, where the idea was greeted with enthusiasm.” The club, in its first year, already has 20 members. Its mandate is to raise global awareness about human rights and social justice. Currently, they are preparing to attend their first conference at UC Berkeley. *The National Achievement Scholarship Program honors African-American students who get the highest scores among AfricanAmerican students taking the PSAT.
Spring ’14 | The Vector 13
Campaign for Champions Be an Alumni All-Star! Joint the Alumni All-Star Relay for the Campaign for Champions!
What is the Alumni All-Star relay? Just like Spirit Week, the Alumni All-Star relay is a chance for proud Mariners to show their class pride! With eight lanes on the new all-weather track, eight lucky classes will have a lane named for them to carry on their legacy of Mariner pride.
To learn more about how to organize your class effort, contact the Alumni Office at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org
Current scoreboard based on funds raised from alumni and alumni parents to date: Lane 1 Lane 2 Lane 3 Lane 4 Lane 5
’77* ’75* ’85* ’86* ’07
Lane 6 Lane 7 Lane 8 Runner Up Runner Up
’74 ’72 ’83 ’10 ’13
What do I get as an Alumni All-Star? First and foremost, winning all-star classes (the top eight classes that raise more than $30,000) will have a new track lane named after them in descending order of funds raised. And there’s more! We are also offering several other bonuses based on your pledge level, ranging from patches and window decals to limited edition MVP Stadium seats, named seats or rows in the bleachers, and limited edition Campaign for Champions Nike jackets!
How will my gift be counted if there are several Mariners in my family? If you have several alumni in your family, your gift will be evenly distributed across each class year for you and your alumni children/students. Should you wish to reallocate your gift across class years, please contact Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org *$30,000 minimum met 14
The Vector | Spring ’14
How can I be an Alumni All-Star? Being an Alumni All-Star is easy! Make your gift in any of the following ways: Ways to Give Online Visit moreaucatholic.org/giving to give safely and securely online. Mobile Text “Moreau $Amount Your Name” to 56512 to pledge your support.
Alumni Athletic Events Alumni Volleyball Game Saturday, March 22, 2014 Location: Main Gym, MCHS Time: 5:00 pm
Cash/Checks Mail to: Mariner MVP—Alumni All Star Relay Moreau Catholic High School 27170 Mission Boulevard Hayward, CA 94544-4194
Contact Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org
Match Visit www.moreaucatholic.org/matchinggifts to leverage the impact of your gift with an employer matching gift.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Other Contact Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org for more information on giving gifts of stock, real estate, matured life insurance policy, wills, trusts, and planned giving.
Register online at www.moreaucatholic.org/alumnivb14 Alumni Track & Field Family BBQ Location: Moreau Catholic President’s Patio, 3rd floor Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm Contact Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org
Now that we are in the Campaign’s Fourth Quarter, we need everyone on the team! Please make your Mariner MVP Gift now to ensure your class gets on the board and is recognized for your Mariner Spirit. To learn more about how to organize your class effort, contact the Alumni Office at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org
Go Mariners! Ride the Wave!
Spring ’14 | The Vector 15
Champions Are… Robotics and Gaming Teacher Gary Gongwer “Good designs are the result of extensive interactive work, ranging from identifying designs provided by other individuals online, to debating the merits of various designs in work groups.”
N
o one questions the fact that computer programming has a huge impact on our society today. For those who live in Silicon Valley, many have experienced the significant increase in demand for programmers. Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The profession’s superb job prospects, low unemployment rate and excellent median salary helped it grab the No. 1 spot in our ranking of the Best Jobs of 2014.” Someone interested in the future of education might ask the obvious question: “How are high schools responding to the growing demand for programming as a 21st century skill set?” The answer is surprising. According to Moreau Catholic High School math and computer science teacher Gary Gongwer, only 5% of American high schools offer computer
16 The Vector | Spring ’14
programming as an Advanced Placement (AP) course. As many in the Moreau Catholic community recognize, this is not the case here. Moreau not only offers applied computer training skills, like Robotics Engineering, but is the only high school in the East Bay to offer a Gaming Design Class. Gongwer, who studied Computational Linguistics at Stanford University and who has a Masters in Statistics from Cal State East Bay, reflected recently about the evolution of computer science programs at Moreau today. He says that Robotics teaching tools came onto the market about ten years ago and were offered by the worldfamous Lego company. He described the skills that the students develop in these classes. They range from ones we might expect, such as geometry and design, to those that are more surprising, which include literary analysis and
character-development. He believes that programming is like a language, easiest to learn when young. “Providing computer programming at the high school level is what I define as a 21st century vision made real,” says Gongwer. In the Robotics Engineering course at Moreau Catholic, students learn academic skills, but they also refine their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. “Good designs are the result of extensive interactive work, ranging from identifying designs provided by other individuals online, to debating the merits of various designs in work groups.” Interestingly, they also develop the skill of failure. “In the technology arena, we call it ’troubleshooting,’” says Gongwer. “An important part of the engineering process is to build and test prototypes and then improve the design based on what went wrong,” he continued. Gongwer describes how he teaches
Kendrick Kho ’10 (left, in a 2009 photo taken in Mr. Gongwer’s class) will graduate from Stanford University with a double major in Earth Systems and in Science Technology.
the important connection between mathematics and the arts and even ethics to his students. A valuable lesson, along these lines, is provided in a piece they read by science fiction author Karel Capek. In Capek’s “Rossum’s Universal Robots” (1920), the author reveals issues related to the implications of having one group control the actions of another. Students are prompted to ask themselves, “What are the parameters we should consider as programmers?” It is chilling to consider that the issues explored by Capek in the 1920s are just as relevant to programmers today. Gongwer explains, “Students learn to combine their ability to look at situations from both an ethical and a practical standpoint and make sound decisions.” He continues, “As a Catholic school, this lesson is particularly relevant to the way we teach technology.” Moreau Catholic currently has students from Gary Gongwer’s Robotics Engineering and Gaming Analysis and Design classes who are studying at major universities and who are focusing their future careers on these issues. Among them is Kendrick Kho ’10, a senior at
Stanford University. Kendrick will soon graduate with a double major in Earth Systems and in Science, Technology, and Society. With this multidisciplinary background, Kendrick hopes to transform the organizational structure and culture of corporations to foster social and environmental responsibility. Of Gongwer’s class, Kho says, “I was trained in a methodical, step-by-step thought process, while learning to create solutions by testing, refining, and iterating through possibilities. This practical approach is what enabled me to succeed in the coursework I had at Stanford. Mr. Gongwer is engaging and very hands on. These traits are key for a teacher, especially for this sort of course where you have small teams and complex problems. It is also important for the teacher to be accessible, as he is!” He added, “The subject matter inspires itself, but it is key for a teacher to help spark solutions because this is what enables students to push through the places where they get stuck.” Today, Kho is very interested in business solutions. For example, one of his favorite companies to follow is Tesla. Why? Kho’s answer reflects his broad
interests and perspective. He says, “Their approach to entering the electric vehicle market is very different from standard approaches like that of Nissan.” He continues, “They implement worldclass engineering solutions, but provide essential reassurance to consumers via a sophisticated branding strategy.” Next, Kho is applying to graduate school in Management Science and Engineering, which he describes as an MBA for Engineers”.
“Students learn to combine their ability to look at situations from both an ethical and a practical standpoint and make sound decisions.”
Spring ’14 | The Vector
17
President Lee (front row) is pictured with Holy Cross Educators from East Africa who gathered in Jinja, Uganda for educational workshops on mission and Holy Cross heritage.
President Terry Lee Travels to Uganda The educational workshops Terry Lee helped facilitate included teachers and administrators from all over East Africa, with some people traveling 16 hours by car from Kenya and Tanzania.
18 The Vector | Spring ’14
H
ow many of you are from Uganda? was the first question President Terry Lee asked a group of students who came to the Library and Learning Commons to attend his lunchtime travel series talk about his recent trip to East Africa. “How many of you have been to Uganda or Africa?” he asked next. Like the first question, no hands went up. “Neither had I,” he went on. Lee’s visit to Uganda is helping bridge the gap for us here at Moreau, and for the Congregation of Holy Cross, who called upon Lee to provide workshops to teachers from Holy Cross in the District of East Africa, which also includes Kenya and Tanzania. Lee’s visit is another step in the long history of collaboration between The Congregation of Holy Cross and the people of East Africa. In 1958, after some consideration of where Holy Cross might extend its missionary service in the world, it was decided to open a new mission in Uganda. Father Vincent McCauley, CSC, led the first Holy Cross religious to Fort
Portal in 1959. For context, Lee reminded his audience in the Library and Learning Commons of the fact that Moreau Catholic High School was founded in 1965, not long after this first Holy Cross expansion in Uganda. The educational workshops Lee helped facilitate included teachers and administrators from all over East Africa, with some people traveling 16 hours by car from Nairobi, Kenya and Tanzania. The focus of the workshops was to help teachers develop specific tools to strengthen their Holy Cross identity, and helped reinforce the global nature of the Holy Cross themes of Being Family, Building Respect, Bringing Hope, and Educating Hearts & Forming Minds. Lee recounted some of the logistical details surrounding the trip, which included a 26-hour plane ride with two stops, and the number of shots and medications that were required to prevent yellow fever, typhoid and malaria. He also showed the group a photo of his bed, which was covered in mosquito netting. He went on to share stories about the local foods, which includes matoke (a mashed
Saint André Dining Hall at Holy Cross Lakeview in Jinja, Uganda.
At an ordination to the transitional diaconate, youmg men lay prostrate before the local Bishop and pledge their loyalty to Holy Cross and the Church.
The students at Holy Cross Lakeview are getting an opportunity that most of the young people in Uganda plantain dish) and ugali (a cornmeal staple) of East and southeastern Africa. Lee also discussed his visit to Holy Cross School Lakeview in Jinja, a co-ed boarding high school founded in 1994. “This school is very highly regarded in Uganda for its academics,” Lee explained. “There is heavy demand for top quality education in Uganda, where illiteracy rates are still very high and only 50% of the population is employed.” The school’s principal, Brother Cleo, reiterated that the school is growing and that infrastructure improvements are needed. “A new boys’ dormitory is almost completed, and a new girls’ dorm will be constructed next,” Brother Cleo told Mr. Lee. Lee compared this construction at Holy Cross Lakeview to our own construction of our new Athletics and Student Activities Complex. “While there is an obvious difference in the order of magnitude of where they are in Africa compared to us, we are both focused on improving our school facilities so our students can thrive and learn,” stated Lee.
“They have come so far since opening in 1994,” Lee continued about Holy Cross Lakeview. “The school is imparting Gospel values, and graduates of the school are going on to university and making a difference in the ongoing development of their country.” He explained to the Moreau Catholic audience that the students at Holy Cross Lakeview are getting an opportunity that most of the young people in Uganda won’t have. “Their parents are paying tuition that is difficult to afford, and sending their children far away to a boarding school, all in the hopes that they will have a pathway to university and a better life,” Lee continued. “It not only reminds us of the great blessings we have in the United States, but of the universal appeal of education as empowerment, and the strong Holy Cross values that are alive and evident in all Holy Cross schools around the world.”
won’t have. Their parents are paying tuition that is difficult to afford, and sending their children far away to a boarding school, all in the hopes that they will have a pathway to university and a better life. For a glimpse of the sights and sounds of Holy Cross School Lakeview, please visit youtube.com/watch?v=2zxNHkDfses
Spring ’14 | The Vector 19
The 45th Annual Crab Feed and Auction
Champions Are… The Moreau Catholic Booster Club, Hundreds of supporters, volunteers and contributors. Thank You! The Muhr family: Heidi Muhr (2nd from right) with her sister, Judy Halper ’86; cousin, E. J. Walsh, and daughter; Marilyn Muhr ’10
T Tony Mirenda of BLACH Construction, who attended Crab Feed with his sister Donna Mirenda-D’Arcy, is the principal design-build contractor for the new Athletics and Student Activities Complex at Moreau Catholic and always an enthusiastic supporter of Moreau Catholic events. 20 The Vector | Spring ’14
hanks to the efforts of many members of this the Moreau Catholic community, we had the opportunity to gather and enjoy another sold out Crab Feed. Congratulations to the Booster Club on an amazing night of food, fun and festivities as over 620 patrons enjoyed an all-you-can-eat crab and pasta feed, a wonderful raffle and auction, and dancing, all while raising over $60,000.00 for the Mariner Athletics Program. The night would not have been possible without the leadership of Heidi Muhr, Assistant to the Athletic Director, and Kari Cardana, Booster Club President. Over the past five years these two hardworking individuals have raised over $250,000 from crab feed events and hope to grow that amount over the next 5 years. We also send our sincere thanks to Ted Griggs ’78, President of Comcast Sports, who was the Auctioneer for the night. Students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff all worked together to make this event an outstanding success. —Christine Krisman, Athletic Director
Lovely Queen of Spades, Moreau’s own Kerrie Gibson, left her customary post as athletic trainer and science teacher to help out at the 45th Annual Crab Feed and Auction by promoting the The 2nd Annual Chips-Ahoy Hold’em Showdown.
Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament Saturday, March 29th Doors open at 5:30 pm Tournament starts at 6:30 pm sharp Garin Gym Grand Prize: $500 Gift Card and a special gift 2nd Place: $250 Gift Card and a special gift 3rd Place: $100 Gift Card and a special gift Prizes for 4th-9th place also!
Super-volunteers, Kurt and Mary Jo Schaarschmidt, were welcomed to the cocktail and silent auction festivities by Bernie Puccini. Daughter Krista Schaarschmidt ’14 has graced many musicals, Masses and choir concerts with her lovely voice. She is surely is destined for stardom after graduation in May.
$100 Buy In Includes: Chips, Dinner Buffet and Cocktail Coupon Additional Buy Up Rounds Available $25 for buffet only (non-players)
Reserve your seat: moreaucatholic.org/athletics Spring ’14 | The Vector
21
Petar Zegura, Moreau Catholic social Studies Teacher, utilizes an online resource,
Kiva, to teach
principles related to loaning money.
E
conomics is often a very theoretical topic. The wellknown economic thinkers of the world, ranging from Karl Marx (1818-1883) and John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) to Milton Friedman (1912-2006) and even Ben Bernanke (1953-present), offer a variety of points of view regarding economic theory. But what do these mean to our lives today? With regard to the practical side of economics, Moreau Catholic Social Studies teacher Petar Zegura utilizes an original approach to teaching high school students (or anyone for that matter) economic principles related to micro lending by using Kiva. For the past four years, Zegura has been offering Moreau students a popular way to try a real-world means of making a difference in a global sense: providing small (“micro”) loans to individuals throughout the developing world in a hands-on approach to alleviating poverty by helping people to help themselves. Students taking economics (every senior) each donate
www.kiva.org
$5 to this project. Thus far 853 students have contributed $3890 to the Moreau Lending team. After the recipients have repaid the short-term loans, the money is then rolled over or re-loaned- in other words, reinvested into assisting someone else. Currently the economics classes have provided 441 loans to individuals in 52 countries, totaling $12,225, more than a threefold return on the original donations. Kiva is known throughout the world as an innovative successful Internet start-up, originated by Stanford students, and now based in San Francisco. It was the first internet-based micro-lending company in the world. According to their website, Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the Internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. They have given out over $527 million in loans, working with over 1,000,000 lenders in 73 countries around the world. Today, those lenders
include the students of Mr. Zegura’s Social Studies class. Moreau is one of 444 high schools worldwide, to have used Kiva to provide small loans to better lives. For example, Moreau Students have helped to purchase livestock, seeds for crops, portable chlorination systems for safe drinking water, farm equipment, business inventory, and sewing machines Moreau’s loans have helped to fund a wedding in Mongolia and even brought cold beer to a small store in a remote village in the Peruvian Andes by assisting in the purchase of a refrigeration unit. You can see a precise history of Moreau’s teams and their investments by visiting the handy www.kiva.org web site. Search for Moreau under Teams.
the class has funded a wedding in Mongolia, and brought refrigeration to a store in the Andes.
22 The Vector | Spring ’14
Moreau Alumna Alexandra Harbert ’08 Volunteers as a Translator for
Alexandra ’08 with sister Nicole ’11
A
Kiva
I am grateful to have had such an enriching experience at Moreau, which continues to inspire me to connect with others.
lexandra currently works as the Community Technology Coordinator at the Women’s Building in San Francisco. She plans to begin an assignment with the Peace Corps in South America beginning May 2014.
I have always had an interest in social justice and development issues. Much of my early inspiration came from the things I learned with Ms. Amy Armstrong in her Peace and Conflict Studies class and my experiences as an exchange student in Argentina during my sophomore year. I began to speak Spanish confidently during my 11 months in Argentina and I developed my reading and writing skills in my classes with Ms. Yolanda Moran. She encouraged me to continue studying Spanish in college and with the strong foundation I gained at Moreau, it became feasible to finish a Spanish major in addition to my Women’s Studies major and Portuguese minor. I went on to learn more about women in development and specifically about microfinance as I delved deeper into my studies. As a senior, I completed a semester-long internship at the Foundation for Women, a microfinance organization based in San Diego. There, I attended meetings with local borrowers who were starting small businesses, vetted potential sales locations and created bilingual learning materials for the women. When I graduated from San Diego State University I wanted to continue my involvement with microfinance organizations. After reading extensively about organizations that are involved in the microfinance sector, I chose to reach out to Kiva based on the high quality experience they offer their volunteers and staff, and the respect that they have earned from others in the field. While browsing the Kiva website, I saw they were requesting applications for volunteer translators and I applied. The multi-
step application process entailed essays about my background and motivation and also exams to test for high-level language proficiency. Now I translate loans from Spanish to English about 2 hours a week. As someone who was been studying Spanish for a while it is fascinating to learn new words and regionalisms. I am also learning a lot about translation and inferring from context. Many times the terminology can be very obscure because of the remote location of the borrowers. As volunteers, we collaborate on a group message board to figure out together the best wording or translation. I recently attended the Review and Translation Program holiday party at the Kiva headquarters in San Francisco, where I got to meet other volunteers who live in the area and mingle with Kiva staff and interns. There, Matt Flannery, the CEO, spoke to us about Kiva’s need for volunteers. When he first started Kiva it seemed daunting from a financial standpoint to edit and translate the loans and post them online for lenders to choose from. The work of the editors and translators make it possible for folks to browse the website and understand the backgrounds of the borrowers and how their loan can make a difference in the borrower’s lives. If folks are interested in getting involved it only takes $25 to start lending. You can browse the profiles of the borrowers, which are translated by volunteers like myself, and soon the $25 will be repaid to the lender so they can allocate the funds to a new project. Experiences like my time in the Philippines with Father Tito Bonoan have motivated me to find ways to use my talents to get involved with the global community. I am grateful to have had such an enriching experience at Moreau, which continues to inspire me to connect with others. Spring ’14 | The Vector
23
Champions Are… volunteers: diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76
D
iana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76 was honored last November during the Saint Clement Second Annual Auction for her years of service to Saint Clement School and Parish.
Diana began her volunteerism at Saint Clement when her daughter, Jennifer (DeFrance) Burgin ’02 entered Kindergarten in 1991. Diana would spend time in different classrooms helping teachers, donating school supplies, working with struggling readers, being a room mom, supervising students at recess and lunch, and regularly driving on field trips (with Chrissy DeFrance ’05 tagging along)! Diana loved working with students and watching her two daughters grow up while they attended Saint Clement School. As years passed, Diana would follow her servant’s heart and became the Saint Clement School Parent Club President, Saint Clement Parish CYO Athletic Director, and a member of the Saint Clement Parish Council. However, Diana was most often known and loved for being an aide to many teachers, and her incredible support to Gladys Radecke and Mary Pult—former Saint Clement School principals. “Diana’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious; her dedication and love for the students were obvious. Many a day, I observed her working with students at Saint Clement School and later in life doing the same with Moreau Catholic students; it was always a scene of joy and care. Diana was always instrumental in fulfilling the mission of Catholic school education at Saint Clement School and unmistakably at Moreau Catholic High School. Blessings to Diana,” recalled Gladys Radecke. “No matter what the event, you could always count on Diana either to spearhead or be a supporter. Any idea that benefitted 24 The Vector | Spring ’14
Saint Clement School or Parish, she was willing to make it happen. Her spirit of helpfulness inspired many parents to also give freely of their time,” said Mary Pult. During her years at Saint Clement, Diana would organize major fundraising events, including the annual auction, school and parish festivals, and school fundraisers. She often assisted classes in creating their auction items, even if it meant her spending hundreds of hours at her sewing machine. In 2000, Diana accepted a position at Moreau Catholic High School and is currently the Interim Director of Institutional Advancement. Even though Diana works full time, she still has a hand in Saint Clement—volunteering to help organize their annual auction and the school’s recent 50th anniversary celebration. “Diana is a guardian angel to our Saint Clement School community. Her vision and passion for our school is admirable and beyond measure. Diana embodies all four of our Schoolwide Learning Expectations and is a role model for our students to follow. She has a tremendous heart and is always willing to help where needed. As one of her former colleagues at Moreau Catholic, I can say that she is an amazing woman, a true leader, a visionary and goes above and beyond to get things done. As the Principal of Saint Clement School, I can simply say that we are fortunate to have her as part of our community. May God continue to bless her and her family,” states Ana Hernandez. In honor of their mother’s accomplishments, Jennifer ’02 and Chrissy ’05 have started a scholarship for Saint Clement students who wish to continue their Catholic education. For more information about supporting the scholarship, please contact Principal Ana Hernandez at ahernandez@csdo.org
Mariner
WAV ES
80s
Left to right: Barbara Martin, Steve Roberts ’82, Paul Jones ’82, Claudette Rodrigues ’81 and Don Oberempt
FLeetwood Mask the Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Paul Jones ’82, Steve Roberts ’82, and Claudette Rodrigues ’81 are bringing their popular band, Fleetwood Mask, close to home. They have a special performance scheduled at the historic Bal Theatre in San Leandro on Saturday, April 19th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at www.BalTheatre.com. Steve and Paul played together at Moreau’s famous talent shows as students and returned last year with Claudette and the band to play the Class of 2013’s Rock the Wave event.
Moreau’s Math department Some members of Moreau’s Math department from the 1980s got together to celebrate Christmas, including Linda Wolf, Susanna Pancella, Mary Ann Udoutch, and Diane Mathios. Diane is still teaching at De Anza Community College and the others are retired and having fun traveling, golfing, and gardening.
Left to right: Linda Wolf, Susanna Pancella, Mary Ann Udoutch, and Diane Mathios
Submit YOUR Mariner Wave to: Dani Lorta ’89 Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Coordinator dlorta@moreaucatholic.org
Spring ’14 | The Vector
25
Mariner
70s 80s
Tim O’Bayley ’79 is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of his Public Relations & Advertising agency, O’Bayley Communications. Tim relocated to Palm Springs in 1998.
WAV ES
00s
Brianna Swartz ’00 and Ashwin Prasad ’00 welcomed their son, Devon Quincy Swartz-Prasad, on November 9, 2013. He was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 inches. All are healthy and happy.
Gina Antonini ’83 decided to take her part-time passion of skincare specialist and makeup artist and make it a full-time business as a Mary Kay consultant. Check out her business at www.marykay.com/gma. Beth Johnson Weger ’87 and Danielle Werner ’02 were classmates and graduates of the San Jose Police Department Communications Academy. Both Danielle and Beth are 911 call takers for the San Jose Police Department. They discovered their Moreau connection during an ice-breaker at the Academy. Rick Antonini ’88 and Heather Dion Antonini welcomed their son, Roman Steven Antonini, on August 15, 2013. Kecia McDonald ’89 and Amy Bailey Proto ’89 crossed off one of the items on their bucket list by visiting Machu Picchu in Peru last June. Amy’s son, Josh Proto, is in his second year at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon studying Molecular Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies.
90s
Brian Appiano ’95 and his wife own two restaurants and a catering business on the Central Coast of CA. After being featured on Adam Richman and Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food Nation,” they were one of five private invitees by Adam to the 2012 World Food Championship in Las Vegas where he took 4th place overall and earned an automatic invitation for 2013. At the 2013 competition, Brian and his team won 1st place for People’s Choice Chili. (The People’s Choice Award is voted on and determined by the audience).
00s
Congratulations to Matt and Corine!
Matt Warren ’03 married his best friend and soulmate, Corine Perez on September 21, 2013. The wedding was held at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Gilroy. They are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives. Sonia Maldonado ’10 is a proud employee of Kaiser Permanente. Her daughter, Miabella Katalina Castaneda-Maldonado, was born on March 6, 2013.
Danni Fry ’97 and her family recently moved back to California after ten years. They welcomed a baby girl, Makena, in April. Gina Antonini ’83
Rick ’88, wife Heather, and son Roman Antonini 26 The Vector | Spring ’14
Welcome Future Mariners!
Tim O’Bayley ’79
Left to right: Makena Fry, Miabella Katalina Castaneda-Maldonado and Devon Quincy Swartz-Prasad
Mariners Forever
Beth Johnson Weger ’87 and Danielle Werner ’02
Rob Butner ’98 and Nicole Curry ’98 reconnected in 2006 on MySpace.com. They were engaged in Maui last year and will be married on July 12, 2014. They will be honeymooning in Italy where Rob will be racing in XTERRA Italy, an off-road triathlon, in the town of Scanno. They spend most of their time running half marathons (Nicole) and racing in triathlons (Rob). In their spare time, Nicole works for Kimpton Hotels and Rob works for Apple. They currently reside in Union City with their dog, Bella.
Moreau’s Voyage to 50
Kecia McDonald ’89 and Amy Bailey Proto ’89
Our year-long commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Moreau Catholic High School starts in August, 2014. Please share memories of your alma mater. Send them to Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org or Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76 at ddefrance@moreaucatholic.org. Celebration preparations are ongoing and look for upcoming events in our next few editions of The Vector.
Brian Appiano ’95 (r) with Chef Robert Irvine of Restaurant Impossible
Spring ’14 | The Vector
27
Reunions
Fundraising Dinner to benefit the Philippines
It’s Class Reunion planning season! Contact your class reunion volunteer for more information and to help plan a memorable event: 1969 Dave Donnan dave@davedonnan.com 1974 Teri Menchini laboccafina@aol.com 510.825.0212 1979 Tim O’Bayley tim@obayley.net 1984 Patricia Gudino sportsmom510@gmail.com 510.600.7855 1989 Dani Lorta dlorta@moreaucatholic.org 510.881.4360
Saturday, April 5, 4:30 p.m. Ivaldi Student Center, Moreau Catholic Students from Moreau Catholic High School are traveling to the Philippines this summer to build a home for the poor. This is their seventh service immersion trip to the region.
1999 Volunteers needed
For this purpose, The Moreau Filipino Club has offered to host a unique fundraiser, which will include homemade Filipino food and beverages, in addition to entertainment. All proceeds will go directly toward the home they are constructing.
2004 John Flaaten Roze Alvidera 510.861.8659 ralvidera@gmail.com
This event is scheduled directly before Moreau Catholic’s production of “Shrek: The Musical,” so we hope it provides a convenient, entertaining, and productive way to spend a Saturday night. Your support will be deeply appreciated by all.
2009 Alicia Martinez alicia2013@att.net 925.918.3419
For information, to donate or buy tickets to the dinner, please contact Fr. Bruce Cecil, CSC or bcecil@moreaucatholic.org or Mr. Peter Shelley at pshelley@moreaucatholic.org.
1994 Kitty Aquino Esparrago mattandkitty@gmail.com
Check out your class Facebook page (Moreau Catholic — Class of ____) to help get the planning process underway with your classmates and ensure you have a memorable reunion unique to your class. Contact Dani Lorta ’89 at dlorta@moreaucatholic.org for more information about working with Moreau Catholic’s Alumni Office and volunteering for your class reunion committee.
28 The Vector | Spring ’14
Wanted Alumni Speakers to join our Alumni Speakers Bureau Alumni are invited to join the Alumni Speakers Bureau to partner with Moreau faculty members for class presentations linking curriculum to practical career applications. Share your passion for your career and your journey to your current position with fellow Mariners. Contact Dani Lorta ‘89 dlorta@moreaucatholic.org for more information and to volunteer.
IN MEMORIAM Ruben Gonzalez ’10
Thomas (Tommy) Smith ’89
Ruben Gonzalez ’10 and Armando Ayala
BART police officer Tommy Smith ’89; Kellie Smith, wife and BART police K-9 Officer, and their 6-year-old daughter, Summer.
Please pray for the family of Ruben Gonzalez, class of 2010, who tragically passed away recently. When Ruben was a student at Moreau Catholic, he asked Moreau’s Armando Ayala to wear his football jersey at the opening home football game. We call on Blessed Basil Moreau and St. André Bessette: Lord God, source and destiny of our lives, in Your loving providence You gave us Ruben to grow in wisdom, age, and grace. Now You have called him to Yourself. We grieve over the loss of one so young and struggle to understand Your purpose. Draw him to Yourself and give him full stature in Christ. May he stand with all the angels and saints, who know Your love and praise Your saving will. Amen.
Please pray for the souls of: Robert Joseph Ahern
Elaine Jennie Menchini
Leon Cisek
Stephen Paul Petros
Bonnie Clevenger
Patricia Phillips
Duane Felton
Edward Puniak
Dana (Oliveira) Garaventa ’93
Mary Anne Puniak
Ruben Gonzalez ’10
Elizabeth (Betty) Quinn
Robert Mark Green ’72
Mauro Salinas
John P. “Jack” Karleskind
Robert Souza ’77
Diane (Beaudry) Manning ’74
Justus Spillner
Joseph Marino, Sr.
Sgt. Thomas Smith, Jr. ’89
An honor guard was led by the campus ministry students, among others in the Moreau Catholic family to bid farewell to an alumnus who deeply impacted the community. Moreau Catholic High School students, faculty and staff lined Mission Boulevard in front of the school and solemnly held signs to honor BART Police Sergeant Tommy Smith ’89 in support of his family as the funeral procession passed by the school on January 29th. Members of the Campus Ministry Team, among other students, spent time in reflection while creating the signs. Both those who knew Tommy personally and those who only knew him by reputation, shared heartfelt words of sorrow for his passing and pride in the life he led. The word family resounded as the Mariner community joined to support the Smith family during a difficult time. Dani Lorta ’89, Alumni Relations Coordinator at Moreau Catholic High School, was Tommy’s classmate. She says, “Tommy was a leader in our community. He was someone who was as committed to his career as he was to his friends and family. We are reeling from the loss and are staying in close contact to support the many people whose lives he touched so deeply.” Please keep the Smith family in your thoughts and prayers.
Spring ’14 | The Vector
29
NON-PROFIT ORG US Postage PAID HAYWARD, CA PERMIT NO. 851
27170 Mission Boulevard Hayward, CA 94544-4194 Change Service Requested
32nd
Annual!
GOLF C LA SSIC Monday, June 23, 2014 Crow Canyon Country Club Promote Your Business Sponsorships Available Call Diana (Straggas) DeFrance ’76 Interim Director of Institutional Advancement 510.881.4330 for more information 26 The Vector | Spring ’14