PVI Panther Tracks Spring 2019 by St. Paul VI Catholic High School

SPRING 2019

Pa n t he r Tr a c k s

Panther Tracks Magazine St. Paul VI Catholic High School 10675 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA 22030 703-352-0925 • paulvi.net

ADMINISTRATION Head of School

Virginia Colwell P ’97, ’99, ’05 Principal

Tom Opfer ’96 Elba Campagna P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’20

Assistant Principal, Dean of Academics

Eileen Hanley P ’00

Assistant Principal, Admissions and Student Life

Don La Velle P ’11 CFO

Patrick McGroarty P ’09, ’10

Assistant Principal, Dean of Students

Fr. Stephen Schultz Chaplain

Peg Weimer P ’01, ’04, ’05 Assistant Academic Dean, Instructional Technologist

OF F IC E OF A DVA NC E ME N T Kate Grimm Andreottola ’94 Director of Advancement

Eileen Kiley Curren ’98

Director of Communications

Mary Ashooh Hamrick ’86, P ’19, ’20, ’22 Associate Director, Constituent Relations

Nick DiGregory

Digital Brand Manager

Kiersten Caputy

Annual Fund Manager

Anne Alessi Nuttall ’88, P ’21 Campaign Assistant

Diane Lindblad P ’09

Advancement Assistant

PV I S C HOOL BOA RD 2018-2019 President: Matt Reynolds P ’10, ’11 Vice President: Mary Lawrence P ’10, ’16 Secretary: Ken Coan P ’13, ’16, ’17, ’19 Cheryl Blair-Kijewski P ’07, ’09, ’15 Matt Brockwell P ’16 Don Ditko P ’05, ’07 John Emery P ’10, ’13, ’17 Rev. Donald Heet OSFS Donna Mock P ’15, ’19 Ann Zigo Orem ’01 Bob Smith GP ’17, ’21 Angela Wilson P ’21 Nancy Woodley P ’98, ’01

A L UMNI — S TAY IN T OUC H! Send your news, updates or address changes to alumni@paulvi.net Cover Photo: Spencer Darling ’20 competes in the Long Jump at a Special Olympics track meet. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Virginia

Photo courtesy of Dan Glass P ’20

FROM THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

W D I VING INTO OUR FAI TH

PVI students visited the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal during an April pilgrimage.

e always hear of taking a leap of faith, but do we really understand what that entails? It is not a phrase that we should use lightly because it takes courage, it takes stamina, it takes the ability to recognize that there is

something good out there if only we trust.

Spotlighted in this edition of the Panther Tracks are people, individually or in a group, who took a chance with a leap of faith. Whether current students instituting a speaker series, a nonprofit organization, or a first in the family to attend college, to alumni who combat homelessness, teaching or guiding at-risk youth, each followed their passion and did not listen to the naysayers. And none more so, with a faith that only good would come from the leap, than our founding families of the Options program 20 years ago. While the Options story unfolded to be one of great impact and success, it was only because of the willingness and passion of a group who tirelessly worked to build something remarkable. As with anything new, the fear of the unknown existed. How lucky are we that this fearless group showed us that the unknown was exactly where we needed to go — with a simple leap of faith. I remember a poster I saw years ago and its message has always stayed with me… When you come to the edge of all the light you have known and are about to step out in the darkness, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen… there will be something to stand on or you will be taught to fly. Our community has always soared because of those willing to take a leap of faith. Keep leaping!

Virginia Colwell, Head of School

N EW CA M PU S U P DATE

At the Heart of Our School A Sneak Peek at PVI’s New Chapel “When you walk into the new building, the first thing you will see is the chapel – the very heart of our school,” shares Father

New Chapel Fast Facts Combination of pews and chairs with seating for 185 Space for musicians

Stephen Schultz, PVI Chaplain. Confessional located in the chapel Mix of wood elements and a rose window View of green space with ample natural light from the skylight A grotto, located below the altar, adjacent to the Dining Commons patio Can be seen from the Athletics fields as a reminder of our Catholic identity

“Wherever you are, the worship of the Mass is the worship of the Mass, but in the chapel at our new campus, our hearts will soar.” — Father Stephen Schultz

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Stations of the Cross lining the walkway connecting the Academic and Athletics buildings

Building the Faith Community Denny Kline Retires After 36 Years at Paul VI

fter 36 years, Denny Kline, one of PVI’s founding staff members, retired at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

Denny was hired by founding Principal Father Don Heet, OSFS in 1983 to be PVI’s first Campus Minister. She was told the job would be “working with the Chaplain and the Principal in building a faith community.” Over her 36 years at PVI, Denny did just that and did it extraordinarily well.

She helped start the ECHO (Encountering Christ in Others) retreat program, helped begin the Teen STAR (Sexuality Training with Adult Responsibility) program, created the service requirement for all classes, and served as Campus Minister from 1983-2007. She transitioned to a new position as PVI’s Pastoral Counselor in 2007. In this role, she founded F.I.S.H. (Friends Inviting Sharing Healing), a group of peer counselors. Denny reflects on her memories of the early days at Paul VI. “At PVI’s first faculty retreat, we used an excerpt from The Rule of St. Benedict: ‘The community is the first place where we find God’s Kingdom incarnate. It is one of the countless points where God’s people assemble in peace, in reconciliation, justice and joy.....in praise of God and service to the world. A people whose King is the Lord! Accept with gratitude those who God gives you to go with you on the way. Your task is to serve and uphold one another as members of one body.’” “And so the faith community began, and grew and continues to grow with the alumni, parents, students, and grandparents,” Denny shares. “I am so blessed and grateful to all of you for making that happen!” “The students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni are all part of the faith community. Everyone has different authority and responsibilities according to their title, but no one is more important than anyone else in our faith community. Our seniors never leave, they just graduate…and keep coming back to visit, as a teacher, or staff member, or as PVI parents.” “Thank you for all your prayers, support, and friendship throughout my past and current health challenges!! Even

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Denny Kline 19375 Cypress Ridge Terrace #809 Leesburg, VA 20176 dennykline@gmail.com though this is my last of 36 years with the school, I still feel that I’m taking you – your love and care of our faith community – with me wherever, with whatever God has planned for my next stage in His plan for me.” “I have moved to Leesburg, basically a year before the school moves to Loudoun too. So maybe our paths will cross in a different place at a different time? Please know that I will miss you and am always available by phone, e-mail, or even a visit if you ever get the chance to touch base and let me know what’s happening in your life!” “As you continue in your mission and ‘ministry’ of being part of the faith community of St. Paul VI Catholic High School, may you all continue to: “Be who you are and be that very well.”

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The Ripple Effect of 20 Years of Options

here are moments in its history that define and shape a school. Sometimes we don’t fully understand the impact until years have passed; we look back, and say, “We are a better place because of that.”

Nothing is more true than the vision of a small group 20 years ago, who turned a conversation at a car wash into an idea, and recycling into funding, to create what we now know as the Options program at Paul VI.

Since beginning in Fall 1998 as only the second Catholic high school in the United States to offer a program for students with intellectual disabilities, 75 students have gone through the Options program.

1st Day of Options, August 1998 Students Darby Harrington, Vivi Alonso, Alice Armitage, Laura Lee, Jo-Seth Rashid, and Chess Mitchell pose with original Options Director Sheila Traenkle, then Development Director Anne Marie Chester, Stephanie Lee, founding parent, and Fr. Matt Hillyard OSFS, then Chaplain.

The Options story unfolded to be one of great impact and success because of the willingness and passion of the founding families — the Alonsos, Armitages, Harringtons, Lees, Mitchells, and Rashids — who worked to build something remarkable…and the ripple effects continue to spread.

Special Olympics Soccer 1998 with Coach Leo Alonso

10th Anniversary Celebration 2018-2019 Options Students

First Class of Peer Mentors

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Ribbon Cutting with Fr. Lyle

SCH OO L N EW S

“In my 16 years of teaching Special Education, the Options class gave me so much pride in getting it started. For me, it was the crowning glory of all the things I have accomplished in life and I thank all the pioneer parents for this and all you have done for the Special Education world!” – Cathy Corcoran, P ’90, ’92, ’99, first teacher in the Options program “As a young high school student with so much to learn, I thought as a mentor I was the one helping the Options students learn and grow. It didn’t take long for me to understand that I, too, grew by being a part of the Options program. I learned how precious each life is, how EVERYONE contributes beauty to our world no matter what challenges they face, and that what makes us different also makes us better.” – Erica Davis Collins ’02 “By providing an atmosphere where special needs students are educated, included, nurtured and held accountable for their actions, Options creates the best possible environment for producing graduates who are prepared to engage the world in a positive fashion, and who set an example for what can be achieved. The ripple effect of those graduates will probably never be fully known.” – Karen Hoppe P ’09

Be who you are and be that well.

“Recently, I was in the PVI Chapel noticing the beautiful stained glass windows. They are lovely and reminded me of my daughter Rebecca and her Options classmates. Each one is so beautiful and unique. However, once the sunshine hits them, they are outstanding. The beautiful colorful rays light up the room and bless all those in their midst. To me, PVI is the sunshine for our kids.” – Laura Cameron P ’20 “The Options program will always have a special place in my heart. From our humble beginnings in the lighting room above the auditorium, these families never wavered in their vision of what this program could become. I will always cherish the memories of watching peer mentor friendships grow, our community outings in the school van, Special Olympics, meeting Colin Powell, the senior trip to Disney, having the students attend my wedding, and so many other unforgettable moments.” – Meredith Arnott Dobranski ’93

~St. Francis de Sales

School image created by Brother Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS COPYRIGHT BEE STILL STUDIOS bromickeymcgrath.com Student artwork drawn by Justin Braun ’21. Justin is a student in the Options program with a love of art.

“As a Catholic mom, I know firsthand how much value children of all abilities bring to society and everyone around them. As Catholic educators, our main goal is to help our students reach Heaven, and the Options program helps just that by promoting acceptance and inclusion of all God’s children.” – Lisa Lukacs Buchanan ’96 “The great thing about Options is that it gives students the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The relationships I developed with all the students and teachers in the Options program helped me become a better person, student, teammate, and friend.” – Tim Newell ’16

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Celebrating 20 Years of Inclusion at PVI Founding Families of Options Honored at Shamrock N Roll

DINNER

AUCTION

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS Platinum Charles Schwartz & Son FOUR Inc. Gold Carroll & Nuttall, P.C. The Knippenberg Foundation Silver Burke & Hebert Bank Chantilly Shell Creative College Connections Hodges Windows & Doors Lisa Bradford, Realtor StoneSprings Hospital Center VMDO Architects Whiting-Turner Bronze Computerware, Inc. Generations Wealth Management The Neubauer Family O’Connor & Desmarais, P.C. Paul VI Athletic Boosters Red Coats, Inc. Smoothie King, Fairfax Patrick and Connie Sullivan Family Sunshine Contracting Van Metre Homes Emerald Britto Orthodontics Chariots For Hire FACTS Management FlynnO’Hara Uniforms Private Prep Ubelhart, Rogstad & Associates, P.C. Valvoline Instant Oil Change Friends The Anastacio Family The Paquette Family The Smith Family 6

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eld in the Panther Activity Center on March 16, 330 people attended the sold-out event. Attendees bid on over 160 silent auction items and were treated to a performance by the C Boyle School of Irish Dance and Irish music courtesy of Merlin’s Beard Band.

The night was a time for the PVI community to come together in support of the school, and this year was extra special as the event celebrated 20 years of the PVI Options program and honored the six founding families: the Alonsos, Armitages, Harringtons, Lees, Mitchells, and Rashids. All six of the founding families were represented and four of the six original students in Options were able to attend, as well as the program’s first teacher Cathy Corcoran and first director Sheila Traenkle. During the night, attendees raised their paddles to support a new fund created in memory of Laura Lee ’02, one of the original six students in Options. Both as a student and an alumna, Laura advocated for people with intellectual and other disabilities. Laura passed away peacefully in her sleep in 2016.

To honor Laura’s memory, The Laura Jean Elizabeth Lee Memorial Options Fund will strengthen the PVI Options program and ensure it will continue to serve as a model for other schools that have a desire to start similar programs. The generosity of those attending, and of Laura Lee’s family, who offered $25,000 in challenge gifts, led to a $126,000 start to the fund. “Options has helped shape PVI into who we are today: a community built by the efforts of many, steadfast in their commitment to the spiritual, academic, physical, and social development of our students, of all of God’s children. I have no doubt that the future of Options is bright,” reflects Ginny Colwell, Head of School.

S AV E T H E D A T E

The next Benefit Dinner & Auction will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Paul VI. Hope to see you there! www.paulvi.net/auction

G H

F. Brooke Diaz, Luis Diaz, Tom Opfer ’96

A. The founding families and students of Options stand to be recognized. Pictured left to right: Leo Alonso, Betty Alonso, Vivi Alonso ’03, Jo-Seth Rashid ’00, Laura Armitage, Chess Mitchell ’02, Darby Harrington ’00, Janae Harrington, Stephanie Lee, Kathleen Mitchell, Jim Mitchell and Gen Lee

G: Sheila Traenkle, Jo-Seth Rashid ’00, Father Matt Hillyard OSFS, Stephane Smith Lee, Darby Harrington ’00

B. Attendees raise the paddle to contribute to The Laura Jean Elizabeth Lee Memorial Options Fund.

H. Amy McConville, Tim McConville, Andrew Zaso (Auction Co-Chair), Irene Zaso (Auction Co-Chair), Alden Provost, Miriam Provost

C. Chess Mitchell ’02 hugs Cathy Corcoran, Options’ first teacher.

I. Pam Pelano, Gerry Pelano

D. Options teachers Sarah Browne Gardner ’07, Casey Sullivan McClellan ’00, Julie Jones

J. John Carroll, Grace Carroll, Jean Duffy, Vincent Mustachio, Jennifer Mustachio, Ed Nuttall, Anne Alessi Nuttall ’88, Peg Alessi ’90, Jeff Erhardt, Sheila Erhardt

E. Seated: Chris Carrier, Melissa Carrier, Patrick Barron, Susan Barron, Allen Nickle, Isabel Nickle. Standing: Mary-Beth Tebbe, Trenton Tebbe

K. Boyd School of Irish Dance

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Life in 3D

here was a new classmate in Engineering this past semester – a 3D printer! Students have enjoyed having the opportunity to try their hand with this new technology and see their designs literally take shape before their eyes. The class has started making keychains, cams for automata machines, and candy dispensers with the printer, and has other projects in the pipeline.

“I remember seeing 3D printers on YouTube a couple years ago. I thought of how cool it would be to get to see one work. This year in Engineering, not only did I get to see it work, but I got to design objects on the computer and use the 3D printer myself,” shared Rob Gillman ’20. Vanessa Van Horn ’20 agreed that it’s a welcome addition. “Working with a 3D printer has greatly enhanced what we can do in the classroom. We’ve been able to gain a greater knowledge of how to design things and use the 3D printer while having fun.”

Paul VI Earns AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

aul VI has earned the first College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science.

“We are honored by this recognition and are proud

Schools receiving this award have either 50% or higher female representation in AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science examinees meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population.

studying computer science

Only 167 schools out of 18,000 earned the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for the AP Computer Science A course.

for their achievements.”

of our female students

— Dr. Tom Opfer ’96, Principal “We are blessed to have Mrs. Allison Granstedt as our teacher. Mrs. Granstedt has visionary leadership; she inspires and encourages all our students to study computer science. We’re committed to continuing to provide our female students with access to AP Computer Science courses to help prepare a more diverse workforce in critical STEM jobs.”

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SCH OO L N EW S

Salesian Scholars Honored for Independent Research

he first cohort of Salesian Scholars presented their independent research on April 4 at Salesian Academy Awards night.

The Salesian Academy is a new offering at PVI through which motivated and qualified students showcase their abilities, talents, and passion by publication of a scholarly paper and complementary project. It is academically encompassing, not confined merely to one discipline, and may blur traditional boundaries. The culmination of the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation is a

poster presentation during the reception and the presentation of the Salesian Scholar medallion. Pictured left to right: Matthew Wright .................................................... A Study of the Individual Components of Vaping Brock Sotolar............................................................................................Does Money Buy Happiness? Nicholas Rouck...........................The Development and Future of Organ and Tissue Replacement Maria Rechter .....................The Kinesiology of Dance: Leg Strengthening and Injury Prevention Allison Nguyen............................................A Neuroscientific Perspective on Music Interpretation Megan Harder..................An Analysis of the Physical World According to the Greek Naturalists Abigail Andrade........................An Origami Fluid Collection System for Point of Care Diagnostics

Three National Merit Finalists Maria Rechter, Chloe Martin, and Theresa Sheehan were named National Merit Finalists. They are pictured left to right with Dr. Tom Opfer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;96, Principal. Over 1.6 million juniors in approximately 22,000 high schools entered the National Merit competition by taking the 2017 PSAT. About 15,000 Finalists were named from that 1.6 million and represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors.

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SPOR T S N EW S

Fall and Winter Sports Wrap-Ups • GIRLS VOLLEYBALL won the WCAC Championship and finished as the VISAA State RunnerUp. The girls finished 29-5 and near the top of the local rankings. • FOOTBALL had a winning record and made the playoffs for the first time in about 20 years, finishing 8-3 on the season. The Panthers won eight straight and were locally ranked. • GIRLS SOCCER followed back-to-back WCAC and State Championship seasons with a 3-8-4 season, filled with many close games. • BOYS SOCCER surged in the second half of the season, reaching the WCAC Championship game as well as the VISAA quarterfinals. The boys finished 11-8 overall. • GIRLS TENNIS finished the season 3-8 overall, and finished 5th in the WCAC tournament with an individual champion. • GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY won the first game in school history on an unforgettable Senior Night. In their first full varsity season, they finished 2-7 overall. • OPTIONS SOCCER had a successful season under Head Coach Gary Underhill, competing in the Virginia Special Olympics tournament in Virginia Beach, where they finished second. • GIRLS CROSS COUNTY finished 6th in the WCAC and Boys Cross Country finished 7th. The girls team placed 4th at State Catholics and 9th in VISAA and the boys were 7th at States and 13th at VISAA. • WRESTLING posted a winning record in dual meets, while finishing 4th in the state with seven individual place winners and five National Preps qualifiers. • GIRLS BASKETBALL won their 13th straight state title after reaching the WCAC Semifinals. The girls were nationally ranked, finishing 26-8 overall. • BOYS BASKETBALL won the WCAC regular season title, reached the WCAC and State Semifinals, along with the Alhambra finals. The team was nationally ranked and finished 27-9. • INDOOR TRACK finished in the upper half of several invitational events, setting multiple personal records in preparation for a great spring season. • DANCE TEAM dazzled fans at basketball games all winter while placing in the top three at the DC Dance Championships and 5th in Orlando, Florida at Nationals. • CHEERLEADING finished 12th at Nationals in Orlando, Florida. • ICE HOCKEY finished in 1st place in their division for the second consecutive year and reached the WCAC semifinals for the first time in school history. • SWIM & DIVE had several boys and girls finish in the upper half of WCAC, VISAA, and WMPSSDL competitions. • OPTIONS BASKETBALL played with great enthusiasm and had a great season under Head Coach Gary Underhill. Highlights included playing at halftime of PVI vs. O’Connell and a George Mason University game.

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Keep up with PVI sports: www.pvisports.net Twitter: @pvisports

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PVI Lacrosse Team Celebrates 30th Anniversary

im Curtin ’89 and Jamie Kyte ’92, members of PVI’s first

looked like the ‘Bad News Bears’ on the lacrosse field, wearing

lacrosse team, recently discovered an original shirt that

different colored helmets, gloves, and pads. It is nice to see

commemorated the beginning of the PVI Lacrosse program

how much the program has grown in 30 years,” shares Jamie.

in 1989, as well as some team artifacts – the first team

photo, first game schedule, and yearbook page, pictured at right.

Tim now serves as the Head Coach of PVI’s

“Our first coach was Tom Hostutler. Senior James O’Keefe and

JV Boys Lacrosse team,

junior John Wyman were the two students who approached

and his daughters

Coach Hostutler about starting the team and were the captains.”

Kaleigh ’19 and Grace

“The first few years of the program were tough, practicing and

’21 attend PVI. Jamie’s

playing home games on a rock strewn Lanier Middle School

son Thomas graduated

Field. There was minimal buy-in from the school back then and

in 2018 and son Robert

so everything fell upon the players and parents. We kind of

is a sophomore.

THEN...

Boys Lacrosse 1989

1st Row, left to right: Jamie Kyte ’92, Mike McGurren ’91, Pat McArdle ’90, Aaron Desbiens ’90, Brian Fedigan ’89, Ken Ivanetich ’90, Chris Grauert ’92. 2nd Row: Tom Perrault ’92, Brian Carter ’91, Jon McCue ’91, Joe Cepollina ’91, John Wyman ’90, John McCabe ’91, Chris Goldsmith ’91, Micah Jayne ’92. 3rd Row: Mary Richards ’91, J.W. Rust ’90, Pete Strassels ’92, Unknown, John Dugan ’89, Unknown. 4th Row: Karen Garland ’91, Gabe Lazarus ’91, B.J. Recame ’89, Dave Richards ’90, Nick Hammerman ’89, Mike Ferrier ’89. 5th Row: Coach Tom Hostutler, Brian Rose ’91, Tim Curtin ’89, James O’Keefe ’89, Tom Hoffman ’92, Mike Languth ’89, Gary Parker ’89. Not Pictured: Tim Deal ’89, Geoff Harkness ’89, Ben Shaner ’89, Justin Berney ’89, Dave Duncan ’89. Do you know the names of the two people listed as Unknown? Let us know! Email alumni@paulvi.net

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& NOW...

Boys Lacrosse 2019

Front Row: Jacob Perry, Jackson Palmer, Gavin Levay, Gavin Kline, Mitch Nader, William Barnes, Ian McCarthy, Caleb McNaull, Ben Branic, Graham Fritsche, Bryce Morris, Timothy Hunter, Jacob Angelus. Back Row: William Saffin, William Baker, Marco Signorello, Logan Ancona, Maxwell Redmond, Colin DeGrassi, Logan Bayer, Andrew Blankingship, Ethan Hodges, Joshua Cho, Charles O’Connor, John Kelly, Bennett Scott, Owen Houston, Zachary Janus, Michael Seraphin-Jones, Eli Katz-Siegl, Brian Howdershell.

College Bound Athletes Congratulations to PVI’s Class of 2019 College Bound Student Athletes.

“We kind of looked like ‘Bad News Bears’ on the lacrosse field, wearing different colored helmets, gloves, and pads. It is nice to see how much the program has grown in 30 years.” – Jamie Kyte ’92

Bottom Row, left to right: Ashlyn Eby (Eastern Mennonite Lacrosse & Track), Adoniyas Reynolds (Randolph Macon Soccer), Kory Sharpe (Dickinson Soccer), Riley Hayden (Virginia Tech Lacrosse), Jacob Angelus (Johns Hopkins Lacrosse), Maya Anand (Binghamton Soccer), Abby Pogreba (Christopher Newport Soccer) Second Row: Olivia Mock (West Chester University Softball), Gavin Kline (Syracuse Lacrosse), Trey Campagna (Shepherd Soccer), Logan “LT” Ancona (VMI Lacrosse), Ian McCarthy (Lynchburg Lacrosse), Gretchen Bennett (Boston University Soccer) Back Row: Neal Devkaran (Marymount Tennis), Josh Oduro (George Mason Basketball), Anthony Harris (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Basketball), Jimmy Clark (Wilson Baseball), Nick Ortega (Mary Washington Baseball), John Barrie (Marymount Baseball), Nate Paolozzi (James Madison Soccer) Not available for picture: Joe Dickson (Christopher Newport Lacrosse), Ashley Owusu (Maryland Basketball), Kaleigh Curtin (Virginia Tech Lacrosse).

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FACU LT Y S P OT LIGHT

You Will Never Regret Being Nice A Reflection by Maria Devlin, Spanish

ou will never regret being nice” is a phrase that is so much easier said than done. There are times my students come to class feeling anything but nice. Whether due to preoccupation with grades, relationship issues with their

peers, or experiencing unpleasant things at home, this is when being nice means the most. So how does one do it? Easy – being nice is nothing more than a choice.

There are many ways to live one’s life. Some live by their emotions, letting their passions rule the day. Others bury their emotions deep down, hoping they never surface. God gave us an intellect and a will to be guided by His eternal Laws. True peace comes when our passions are in proper harmony with the intellect.

If the world is the fount of your happiness, the world can take it away. If Christ is its source, nothing can stand in its way. – Maria Devlin

We were made for communion with God and with one another. Life is difficult for everyone; no one is spared this fact. We were given a free will by God, for love must be freely given and freely accepted. No free will, no love. Love is a choice. Love that is led by our passions simply cannot last. It is like a fair-weather friend who is gone tomorrow. The value of interior peace cannot be overstated. We all know this on one

level or another. The trick, or rather the blessing, is to discover its source. By imitating Christ, true peace can rest in our souls.

Why is this? Let me suggest a couple of reasons. First, we assume the worst of what someone says. We think we know why and what he/she really meant. You can’t fool me. Second, if the person was perhaps out of line, we become judge and jury, never giving the benefit of the doubt that there might be some sad condition in their life that is the real cause of their unpleasant mood.

I speak of peace rather than happiness. If the world is the fount

If we only knew what they were truly going through, what they

of your happiness, the world can take it away. If Christ is its

were truly experiencing, we might, just might, respond a little

source, nothing can stand in its way.

differently.

Here at PVI, teachers and students alike all have so many

So what is the point of all of this? To remind myself and my

interactions with one other throughout the day. Most are

students that the next time you read too much into a comment

pleasant, but sometimes they are not, and those moments can

or gesture, the next time you want to be judge and jury,

linger in our thoughts for hours or days if we are not careful.

remember this…“You will never regret being nice!”

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STUDEN T SPO T L IGHT

Sharing Shoes Offers an Equal Footing

Ty Wilson ’21

f you attended a home basketball game this past season, you may have seen a Sharing Shoes banner and collection box in the PAC lobby. What you might not have known was that this organization was started by Paul VI sophomore Ty Wilson.

The motto of Sharing Shoes is “So All Kids Have the Chance to Play.”

Ty continues to sees some of the kids who have received the shoes in their travel basketball leagues or when they are working out in the field house. He is happy to have helped these younger players compete in the sport they love. Ty is himself a basketball player and has played guard on the JV basketball team for the past two years.

“Shoes are a very important part of basketball and our vision is to provide every child a chance to play. We give kids who may not have the same things we have a chance and opportunity to play basketball with a nice pair of shoes. We want to help them feel comfortable and at home with the kids around them,” Ty explains.

“No matter if we win or lose, we are always having fun. There is never a dull moment and we are all best friends.”

“I had been talking to my mom about my idea for a while and this year we finally put it into place. She helped me put together a website and I talked to the FAST [“Fairfax Athletes Stand Together”] program in Fairfax County. FAST was able to connect us with kids who were in need of shoes.”

“Coach Farello offered gym space and the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams hosted a clinic for 50 kids. We had a great time — talking to them, running drills, and playing basketball. The kids were smiling the whole time and having fun. Basketball was more than a game; when they were playing with us, we were like a family.”

FAST has a storefront in a Chantilly field house, where kids who do not have basketball shoes can pick out a pair to take home.

Ty’s experience at PVI has inspired him to take initiative and reach out to help others.

“The kids range from ages 7 to 15 and their reaction is often shock that someone like me – who is not very much older than them – could set something like this up. It makes them know someone cares about them.”

“It is a close knit community. I like how much of a family it is and how everyone helps each other. It is a great experience going to school here, which makes me want to give back and share with others.”

Sharing Shoes advertises their collection nights on social media and a donation stand is set up at the game where people can drop off shoes.

Sharing Shoes has expanded beyond the local community. The organization connected with two high schools in Texas who agreed to do a collection, which resulted in over 100 pairs of shoes being donated. Sharing Shoes also helped a school with need in Nevada. “The students were playing in flip flops and sandals and we were able to donate 16 pairs of brand new shoes.”

“It is always a good event; the table is always busy with people wanting to know more and about how they can help. Some people have even donated brand new shoes. The shoes give kids more confidence and make them feel happy and more comfortable around their peers.”

The whole PVI basketball program has rallied behind the Sharing Shoes mission.

Overall, Ty characterizes the organization’s first year as a success, with over 230 pairs of shoes collected. Not only has the organization helped others, but it has also been a positive learning experience for Ty. “Sharing Shoes has taught me to be more of a leader on my team, and how to bring people up, rather than bringing them down. I have learned to always support everyone you’re working with, no matter the circumstances.” “In my life, basketball has been more than just a game. It has provided valuable life skills and has given me the discipline to succeed in anything,” Ty reflects. “I hope that Sharing Shoes can provide an equal footing for kids in need of basketball shoes, so they can experience the same.”

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Blooming in Faith & Femininity: A Seed Worth Planting

One-on-One with Laura Moore ’19 Q&A and Introduction by Caroline Elszy ’19

hen Laura Moore and I meet up for her interview

pushing, for the view up there is far too wonderful to

one morning, the air around us is nothing less than

come down.

friendly. We’re sitting in separate chairs, facing each

Tell me about Fortis Femina.

other, and the nerves that were once there are gone

It is a speaker series where women from the

as we easily fall into conversation. It’s always easy with Laura;

community share their story about their faith

we’ve been a team for as long as I can remember.

and femininity and how they are leaders in their

Laura Moore ’19

At the first mentioning of her idea for

community while keeping faith at the center of their

“Fortis Femina,” we were in her car,

lives. Respectively, the name Fortis Femina translates

and nothing about it was concrete.

to “strong female” in Latin.

The combining of faith and femininity,

What inspired you to create this program?

together, seemed groundbreaking and

The past four years I’ve participated in

unprecedented all at the same time.

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock’s Young Women

Nonetheless, there was an evident

Leadership Conference. Last year, when one of the

spark of passion inside of her that pulsed

speakers talked about being bold and creating your legacy, I

with potential.

wanted to do something that would impact the community and

From that moment on, this spark never

continue to change lives after my time at PVI.

ceased its growing. For at the end of every

I thought it was important for the young women at PVI to be

session, after the speaker said her final conclusions and the

able to find healthy, strong, female role models who were also

room erupted with applause, I turn to my good friend to see

strong in their faith. By bringing in these influential women,

a gleaming smile on her face. It goes without saying, that on

people are able to see that it’s possible to be a successful

this mountain that she’s created for herself, she’ll never stop

leader and keep faith at the center of your life.

“I think it’s important to have faith and femininity in harmony with each other. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what it means to be feminine without understanding your faith. When you understand God’s plan for you through your faith, you’re able to understand how your femininity plays a part in that.” – Laura Moore ’19

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What made you focus this program on faith and femininity? I think it’s important to have faith and femininity in harmony with each other. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what it means to be feminine without understanding your faith. When you understand God’s plan for you through your faith, you’re able to understand how your femininity plays a part in that. When I think of the word feminine, I immediately think of a flower, strong and delicate. A woman who is truly feminine, is confident and successful but also faithful. It is because of her faith that she is empowered to do good and be more than what society tells her to be.

2018-2019

FORTIS FEMINA SPEAKERS Has this experience changed you? It has made me more determined and made me realize that more of what I want to do in life is not to be obsessed with success and money, but to make the world a better place. This has always been my motto, but it seems easier to achieve as all these women are successful but still have a strong faith that is at center of their lives. What would you say is your best advice for someone at PVI who has an idea and wants to

Annie Foster “You become the most like those around you. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who are striving for the same goals in their faith.” Teresa Schultz “When you offer yourself to God, He will give you the best plan for you, even if it is not what you wanted or expected.” Corliss Udoema “Be confident in your femininity and find happiness in it.”

make something out of it? Just go for it! I made a promise to myself freshman year — no regrets. Take every opportunity; if you come up with anything, go for it. There are people here to support you, and they want you to succeed. As Laura graduates, she has decided to pass the gable to Daniela Alvarez ’20.

Generation Life “You learn what love is and how to love, through your friendships.” Mary Krolicki ’14 “God created you in His image and likeness; be confident in this beauty and be fully alive in His love for you.”

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Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Ilir Gomez ’19

rom the wrestling team, to computer programming, to service trips abroad, Ilir Gomez ’19 has tackled every new experience with a smile and a sense of adventure.

“Freshman year, Coach Frank recruited me to join wrestling. I had competed in mixed martial arts and boxing, and was a state champion in Tae Kwon Do, but I had never wrestled before.”

“At first, it was a lot different than what I was used to. There are different concepts and principles. For instance, in MMA they teach you to fight on your back, but you need to be off your back in wrestling. But I stuck with it and I ended up loving it. I love the sport, my coaches and the friends I’ve made. It’s like a whole new family within PVI,” Ilir reflects. Ilir has stepped up to be a leader on the team, going above and beyond by volunteering to lead new freshmen and sophomores in pre-season and post-season workouts. “Not only does it help me stay in shape, but it helps out the new kids, helps them relax, and cures their jitters.” Ilir thinks people would be surprised to learn how hard the team works. “What people see is six minutes on the mat, but they don’t see all the hours put in off the mat.” After PVI, Ilir plans to attend George Mason University and major in computer science. “I love learning about computers. My friend sends me examples of his computer science homework from college and I work on the problems for fun. I have taught myself programming languages and built my own computer. With technology, the possibilities are endless and constantly evolving. It is the work of the future and there is always something new to learn, which I love.” Another big part of Ilir’s life has been international service. He has participated in two trips to Spain to teach English to teens through Diverbo Pueblo Ingles, a program that brings volunteer teachers and local teens together in a full immersion method of teaching conversational English.

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Ilir has also taught English to 3rd graders and renovated houses in Tanzania, and completed water conservation projects and environmental work in the Bahamas. This summer, he will teach English in Fiji. Ilir plans to continue his international “Growing up, I service in college moved a lot and I and beyond. wasn’t one to make

“My background a lot of friends. But is Columbian, once I started at Albanian, Paul VI, people Trinidadian, and embraced me, the Nicaraguan. wrestling team Over the years, embraced me, I have had a lot and my coaches of people help embraced me." me and my family and I still – Ilir Gomez ’19 have relatives in Nicaragua, Columbia, and Albania. In Nicaragua, they struggle with power, food, and water. My mom’s mom lives in Nicaragua, in an area with political unrest. Every three weeks, my other grandmother and I fill boxes with food, baby supplies, clothes and other items to send there, knowing that someone else can use them. Knowing that I’m able to help and give hope to other people is something that is important to me.” Ilir values the experiences he has had at Paul VI, especially the welcoming, supportive environment. “Growing up, I moved a lot, and I wasn’t one to make a lot of friends. But once I started at Paul VI, people embraced me, the wrestling team embraced me, and my coaches embraced me. PVI helped get me out of my shell. I did a lot less staying at home. I was able to exit my comfort zone, by seeing how awesome other people are and showing them how awesome I am too. It’s been really great, really beautiful.” Looking toward graduation, Ilir noted that he would be the first person in his family to attend college. “I was the first person to walk across the stage at high school graduation. Family members have graduated from high school or equivalent before, but haven’t had the opportunity to walk across the stage.” “I had a big group cheering for me. I have a large close-knit family. We also had a lot of friends attending – but for us, no one’s called a friend, everyone’s family.”

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Combating Homelessness with Creativity and Compassion

Colleen Cosgriff ’13

xperiencing homelessness or poverty does not make anyone less talented or worthy of the opportunity to express themselves. It’s wonderful to work with someone on his or her physical needs and also know that through Street Sense Media’s workshops and newspaper, they are working on their creative and emotional needs as well,” shares Colleen Cosgriff ’13. Colleen works at Street Sense Media in Washington DC, a nonprofit that provides economic opportunities and creative programs for men and women who want to earn their way out of homelessness and create positive changes in their lives.

“We started as a newspaper and have expanded into film, photography, theatre, illustration, podcasts, and other media in recent years. I am so proud of the work we do,” Colleen shares. Colleen started at Street Sense Media as an editorial intern during the summer of 2015. She returned as a volunteer reporter and a case management intern the following summer. She is now a case manager, a position she has held since May 2017. As a case manager, Colleen works with Street Sense Media vendor-artists to connect them to services, which could be anything from an I.D. card, to healthcare, or even help with securing stable housing. She works with vendor-artists in the organization’s office spaces, as well as out on the street. Colleen reflects on the influence attending Paul VI had on her career path. “Having required service hours was one the most impactful Subscribe to the Street Sense experiences I had at Paul VI. I Media email list to keep up with did most of my hours at Sunrise everything the organization is doing to end homelessness: Assisted Living. Students www.streetsensemedia.org helped with all sorts of tasks, but my favorite was just sitting with residents and learning about their lives. Many of those conversations helped me understand the value of storytelling and of everyone’s individual stories. There is something deeply powerful about just sitting and listening to someone. I believe those moments spent at Sunrise helped shape me into a reporter and eventually a case manager.”

Want to Learn More?

After Paul VI, Colleen attended the University of Mary Washington, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in English. During college, she completed a year-long research project on the criminalization of homelessness in Virginia with UMW’s Sociology Department. Colleen appreciates the academic preparation she received in elementary and high school, which set her up for success in college, graduate school, and professionally.

“My teachers at Saint Leo the Great and Paul VI taught me how to write. I am thankful that I arrived at college totally prepared to tackle essays and research papers with ease. Paul VI’s smaller class sizes taught me to participate more and formed my communication skills, which I use every day in classes and professional settings.” In addition to working at Street Sense Media, Colleen is now attending the Institute of World Politics and will graduate in 2020 with a Master of Arts degree. Colleen is motivated by a desire to serve others and create positive change in people’s lives. “The best moments are those of pure joy – the first time someone gets the keys to their own apartment, watching the smile on our theatre group’s faces when they bring an audience to their feet, and the pride when someone shows you a poem or story they wrote for the paper. Moments like these are exactly why Street Sense Media does the work that we do.” Colleen has been particularly inspired by a few individual clients. “Sheila White is someone who inspires me: she decided she was going to go to college while living in a women’s shelter because her education is important to her. The day Sheila’s acceptance letter came was so exciting! Sheila’s drive, talent, and work ethic are powerful to witness.” “I’m also inspired by the perseverance of a man named David Denny. One of my favorite memories was visiting David’s new apartment to attend his housewarming party. It was wonderful to meet David’s family and realize that we at Street Sense Media are very much a part of his family too.” Colleen is also motivated to put her Catholic faith into action. “My faith has influenced me, especially the teachings of Jesus and his love for the poor or overlooked. Learning those teachings and being encouraged to live them while at PVI was incredibly impactful.” “There is a statue outside the Catholic Charities office downtown called ’Homeless Jesus.’ I always try to pause there and ask myself what Jesus would do and how I can be more compassionate to all those I meet.”

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Building Up Young People

Jasmine Murray ’09

volunteered as a mentor in the Options program for two years. From that experience, I knew I wanted to help humans in some way in my career,” shares Jasmine Murray ’09.

Jasmine is now the Program Director at Chloe House, a group home for teenage girls referred by the DC Department of

Youth Rehabilitation Services for girls aged 12-18 involved in the juvenile justice system. Part of Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Chloe House provides residential care, individual and group counseling services, and life skills development activities, including, but not limited to, educational and employment opportunities. Girls are court-ordered to Chloe House as they transition from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Youth Service Center back to their homes. After Paul VI, Jasmine attended California University of Pennsylvania where she was recruited to play basketball. After her freshman year, she transferred to Livingstone College in North Carolina, where she also was recruited to play basketball. As a senior, she was selected to the CIAA All-Conference Team, was ranked #17 in scoring, and received the MVP and All Academic Award. She received the Presidential Scholar Award and was inducted into the Psychology Department’s

how to get everyone to school on time. When I hire staff I tell them that there are days you may see me cleaning the bathroom or driving a youth to school in my car. Whether you are a Residential Counselor or the Program Manager, we all pitch in to help.” “We try to build them up as young ladies. We have partnerships with community organizations that focus on health and positive peer relationships. We take them ice skating, bowling, to the movies. We try to broaden their horizons. One time, they went to an event at the Shakespeare theatre and they weren’t excited about it, but then I received photos from my staff of the girls trying on all the costumes, reading scripts on stage, and getting really into it.” “Our goal is family reunification. If the girls are successful in our program, they are able to return to the community and go back home.” In addition to working, Jasmine has completed her master’s degree in applied criminology. “Getting my Master’s was always something I wanted to accomplish for myself. My coursework also helped me understand why people may commit the crimes they do.”

Honor Society. In 2013, she graduated summa cum laude with

After about two years as a Case Manager, Jasmine was

a double major in psychology and criminal justice, ranked 8th

promoted to Senior Case Manager. When the Program

in her class.

Director left, he encouraged her to apply for the director

During college, Jasmine interned at a group home that focused on youth services. She had also worked as a camp counselor

position. She was selected and has been in the leadership role for the past three years.

and Upward Bound mentor. These experiences inspired her

“Leadership is one of my passions. Managing a staff can be

interest in working with teens. After college, she returned to

challenging; I’m young but it is all about establishing a respect

the DC area and was hired in 2014 as a Case Manager at

and rapport with my staff.”

Chloe House.

As a leader and role model, Jasmine values the formative

At Chloe House, there are no typical days.

experiences she had in high school. At first, she did not want

“Things can change in a heartbeat. We wake the girls up,

to attend Paul VI, but her time there produced many fruits.

prepare for school, and a fight may break out. There may be

“My parents forced me to go to PVI. All my friends were

eight girls and only one vehicle, so we need to coordinate

going to public school and I cried and cried. I struggled

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my freshman year academically, but my parents were super supportive and I’m very grateful for that. I had to study for the first time and PVI made me a better student. My GPA improved and I picked up a lot of habits that made me successful in college.” “I had several teachers who didn’t give up on me, including Ms. Kiley [English], Mrs. Karas [Health], Mrs. Bailey [Math], and Mr. Healy [Math]. Playing basketball under Coach Allen helped develop my leadership skills. Campus Ministry and Mrs. Kline helped me through a lot of things. If I didn’t have the support of the people I did, I wouldn’t have made it through

“Whether it’s a youth remembering one small thing I said to them, or someone opening up to me – what keeps me motivated is knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone’s life.” – Jasmine Murray ’09

as successfully.” “The most rewarding part of my job now is when I see the youth who have been through our program out in the community. We have girls accepted into college on the honor role, or working in the community with their own apartments. It makes me proud to know that I have made a positive impact on their lives.” “I recently attended a positive youth development training and we had to write down the qualities of the good teachers and coaches we have had in our life. The exercise helped me understand what qualities I value in mentors and to think about what I want the girls to say about me.” “Whether it’s a youth remembering one small thing I said to them, or someone opening up to me – what keeps me motivated is knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

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Building Confidence in the Classroom and on the Court

Kaitlyn Vaughn ’08

hen I tell people I teach in DC, the reaction is usually one of awe or bewilderment that I would choose to stay and teach here for so long. But I truly enjoy my students and school community. I have the world’s best principal, most supportive co-teachers, and funniest students. They will not hesitate to tell you when your outfit doesn’t match or your hair is a mess, but they will also keep you laughing so hard you have to walk out of the classroom to compose yourself,” shares Kaitlyn Vaughn ’08.

Kaitlyn teaches 7th grade English at Johnson Middle School in Southeast Washington, DC. Johnson is a DC Public School in Ward 8 with about 300 students in grades 6-8. “I am a huge fan of young adult literature, and I incorporate a lot of very diverse literature in my English class, which keeps students engaged. There is nothing better than when a student asks to take a book home or keep reading all period because they have to find out what happens.’ My goal at the beginning of each year is to get my students to read one book they really enjoy. They roll their eyes when I say this because they never believe it’s possible, but by the end of the year the large majority is still talking about something we read.” During her second year of teaching, Kaitlyn started coaching the girls basketball team. “The school didn’t have a coach and Meghan Hinnenkamp (also PVI ’08) and I had coached Vienna Youth teams for our PVI service hours. I honestly was a pretty terrible basketball player myself, but I love the sport and really enjoy coaching. When I accepted the position, I thought it would be a few extra hours a week. I had zero idea what I was getting myself into, but over the last five years, I’ve developed a serious school program.” “When I started, the program had absolutely no money, so I wrote grants to get equipment and apparel. I always made sure my girls looked good: matching shoes, socks, sweatsuits, everything. I refuse to travel uptown and have other teams look better than we do because their schools have more money. My girls know how much time and energy I put into making sure they have everything they need – and they give me back that same energy tenfold.” 22

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Since she began coaching, Kaitlyn’s teams have played in two championships and made the semifinals every other season. She now has former players on varsity high school teams all over DC and recently had her first player commit to play college basketball. “None of this was happening with our female athletes before, and it has been the most fun and rewarding thing I have ever done. I had no clue what I was doing when I started, but my girls have made the hard work so worthwhile.” Kaitlyn’s experiences at Paul VI inspired her to become a teacher. “I wasn’t always the best student at PVI, but there were so many teachers, particularly my English teachers, who never let me perform below my actual ability.” Outside the classroom, Kaitlyn served as a peer mentor in Options, as well as president of Best Buddies. “These activities helped me grow as a person and a leader and helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. The Options teachers encouraged me to become a teacher because they saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. I am forever grateful for that.” After Paul VI, Kaitlyn attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She graduated in 2012 with a degree in elementary and special education, and a minor in psychology. She went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Master’s in the Education, Culture, and Society program. “Almost every teacher will tell you that the most rewarding part of their job is when they see a student have a ’light bulb moment:’ when everything clicks and they get it. While I love these moments, what I love even more is the time that leads up to these moments. So many of my students have learned that it can be easier to put their heads down when work gets difficult. When the school year starts, their frustration levels are so low that the first thing we have to do as educators is build them up.” “Usually halfway through the year, things change. When you start to see students attack challenges, read tougher material, volunteer to share out tricky answers, participate in group discussions, and ask questions about the material: that’s the most rewarding part for me. When kids feel safe to try new things and learn new information without being scared to make mistakes, I know I’ve done my job.” “It’s been six exhausting, challenging, and life-changing years, and I have never been happier with any decision I’ve made in my life.”

ALUMN I N EW S & U P DATE S

Liz Lauwaert Tuomey ’94 was recently inducted into the Villanova Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame. She finished her collegiate career as one of the most accomplished swimmers in Wildcats history. She held four school records at the time of graduation, including two in individual events (100 yard butterfly, 100 yard freestyle), as well as being part of two record-setting relays (400 yard freestyle relay, 800 yard freestyle relay). Liz won Big East titles in the 100 yard freestyle in 1996 and 1998 and was a 10-time Big East champion. After graduating Villanova, she earned a law degree from Georgetown University.

Eileen Kiley Curren ’98 and her husband Steve welcomed daughter Nora Judith on September 24, 2018 in Fairfax. Nora was born at 7:09 p.m. weighing 9 lbs, 4 oz and was 22 inches long. She is happy and healthy, and brother John (3 years old) is enjoying his new little sister.

Dan Evans ’99 was recently named Wide Receivers Coach for the Catholic University Football team. Dan attended Catholic and was on the football team during his time there.

Father Tom Yehl ’96 recently received the Ex Corde Award for Sharing the Heart of Christ with University Students from the Arlington Diocesan Office of Youth, Campus and Adult Ministries. The Ex Corde (“from the heart”) Award is given to someone “who has demonstrated exemplary service or support to College Campus Ministry, giving their time, their energy, indeed, even a piece of their very own heart in order to share with university students the love of Christ.” Father Yehl served as Chaplain at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.

Christopher Miller ’04 and his wife Karen welcomed home Joseph Edwards Lyric through adoption on October 1, 2018. He was born August 17, 2018 and was baptized at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax on December 23, 2018. The officiant was Deacon Nicholas J. La Duca.

AnnMarie MacDonald-Kelly ’04 and her husband Tim welcomed Jack Kevin Kelly on December 23, 2018 in Washington D.C. Jack weighed 9 lbs, 7 oz and measured 20.5 inches long. Jack is the first child for Tim and AnnMarie and is already enjoying swim class and weekends at the Nats games.

Kathleen Berger O’Brien ’05 and her husband Dan welcomed with love their second child, a daughter, Ann Elizabeth O’Brien (“Annie”), on January 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. Annie was born at 5:01 a.m., weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz and was 20 inches long. Annie was baptized March 9, 2019 in the presence of her family, grandparents, and godparents. She is happy and healthy, and big brother Billy is enjoying his new little sister.

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Ginah Colon ’06 earned her MBA at Georgia Tech on December 14, 2018, after an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering in 2010. Ginah moved to Atlanta right after graduation from PVI in 2006.

Kevin Ford, Jr.’07 and Imani Ford ’06 welcomed Kevin Michael Ford, III on April 2, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. in Silver Spring, Maryland. "K3" weighed 10 lbs, 4 oz and measured 21.5 inches long. He is Kevin and Imani’s first child and is loved by four wonderful grandparents and was affectionately nicknamed “Juice” by his godfather, Ronald Burks, Jr. ’08.

Kayla Sharpe '13 has been selected to serve on the inaugural Advisory Board of the College of William & Mary's Washington Center. A 2017 graduate of the College, she will help guide the Center's growth as William & Mary's "Campus in the City," engaging students, alumni, and faculty to focus on interdisciplinary career development and academic excellence. Kayla graduated magna cum laude from William & Mary with degrees in film & media and American studies. At PVI, she served as editor of the student newspaper Panther Press and contributed to the Arlington Catholic Herald and local publications as a Cappies theater reviewer. Kayla currently works as a journalist at POLITICO and resides in Vienna, Va.

Alumni Helping Alumni Stasia Rapp Kodadek ’05 and Jonathan Kodadek ’05 are pictured with their daughter Colette, who was born August 29, 2018. Kathryn Humphrey Myers ’01, finishing her practicum as a NICU Nurse Practitioner, assisted in a lifesaving procedure for Colette. Kathryn is married to Ryan Myers ’99. Colette is a happy and healthy baby, exploring the world with her parents.

’96 is Back The Class of 1996 currently has five alumni on staff at Paul VI. Pictured left to right are Charles McGarr, Help Desk; Lisa Lukacs Buchanan, ACE/DeSales; Betsy Hinko Rhodes, Director of Special Programs; Tom Opfer, Principal; Cindy Ali, Spanish. 24

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Drew Shaw ’08 and his wife Becca welcomed a son, Hunter Andrew Shaw, on January 24, 2019. He was born at Fairfax Hospital and weighed 8 lbs, 12 oz. The family thanks God for this wonderful blessing.

Logan Aunon ’13 graduated from the University of Delaware in December 2017 as a student athlete. While playing Division I Men’s Lacrosse, he studied kinesiology and applied physiology and earned a degree in exercise science. He currently is coaching Paul VI Boys Lacrosse and working at his father’s dental office in Centreville. In July 2019, he will be attending University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He plans to return to the Northern Virginia area to practice general dentistry with his father.

Rachel King Lawrence ’09 and husband Eric welcomed daughter Michelle Elizabeth Lawrence on October 13, 2018 at 4:57 a.m. Michelle weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz.

Kasey Moore Turcol ’10 graduated from University of Mary Washington with a Master’s in Education and moved to North Carolina with her husband Stephen Turcol ’09. In 2016, she helped open the doors of Crossroads FLEX High School, the first full-scale blended learning public school in North Carolina as their Social Science teacher. Kasey leads the school as department chair, testing coordinator, member of the School Improvement Team, and their Student Council/Peer Mentor adviser. Additionally, she writes curriculum for the county. She was recognized for her dedication to dynamic learning experiences and support of all students by being awarded the Cary Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018 and was recently named her school’s 20192020 Teacher of the Year.

Caroline Peters ’15 graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in political philosophy, policy and law, and government in May. She also minored in religious studies. Continuing with the activities that she first got involved in at PVI, she teaches debate to local middle and high school students and is involved in hosting UVA’s Model UN conferences. She will be staying in Charlottesville for three more years, where she will attend the University of Virginia’s Law School.

Marcela Luna ’15 graduated from James Madison University in May of 2019 with a Bachelor’s in communication studies with a public relations concentration and a minor in writing, rhetoric, and technical communication. During her time at JMU, she served as the Director of Professional Development for the Public Relations Student Society of America. Part of her responsibilities included allocating guest speakers for the chapter and facilitating professional workshops. She also organized agency visits to Washington D.C. and New York City where the chapter met with companies like Edelman, Verizon, and The World Bank. She also was an employee for JMU’s student-run PR Firm, Bluestone Communications, since its pilot semester in the Spring of 2018 and was a part of the executive board her senior year as the Public Relations Director. While at the firm, she acquired a variety of experiences, while working with clients locally and nationally, creating social media content, and implementing PR campaigns. Throughout her four years she has had the opportunity to travel to the PRSSA national conference as well as present her work at the Annual School of Communications Undergraduate Research Conference. She was also an active member of the service sorority Gamma Sigma Sigma. She will be working as an Account Coordinator for 300Brand, an integrated Marketing and PR firm in Alexandria.

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C A: Connor Bigelow ’15, Brett Peters ’09, Sean May ’12 , Peter Hart ’12, Tom Opfer ’96, Patrick Hart ’08, Logan Aunon ’13, Kevin Hagan ’14 B: Marie Quinn ’15, Bob Stulac, Bridget Hone ’15 , Emily Haller ’15

All-Classes Winter Reunion

C: Chas Rayome ’06, Kevin Kiley ’99, Chris Comerford ’00

Alumni and teachers gathered at Oh George! Tables and Taphouse in Fairfax to reconnect with old friends to kick off 2019. D

D: Irene Veltri Hall ’87, Brian Smith ’87, Mary Ashooh Hamrick ’86, Richard Raphael ’87 E: Tom Hedderson, Karen Marksteiner, Mike Hedderson ’99 E

Seeking Fabulous Alumni to serve as Class Ambassadors! Our Class Ambassadors had a great year and made a big impact on our alumni programming. We are still looking for alumni to represent the Classes of 92, 97, 98, 99, 01, 04, 05, 11 and 16. Please contact Mary Hamrick at mhamrick@paulvi.net for more information and to get involved! 26

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Legacy Breakfast 2019

Continuing the Tradition: Panther Families Enjoy Legacy Coffee

n March 15, Paul VI hosted its third annual Legacy Family Coffee in

Melanie Gesker Kiernan ’92, Patrick ’21, Colonel Joe Gesker, Jane Gesker

the library. Alumni with students who have graduated, are currently enrolled, or admitted for the Class of 2023 were invited. The Paul VI community is proud and honored that so many alumni have chosen

PVI for their own children. For the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, 50 legacy students will attend PVI!

Mackenzie ’22, Ken Myers ’87, Kenny ’22

Donna Prosser Thomas ’94, Cora ’20

Mark Graham ’90, Caroline ’22

Jennifer Kyte, Robert ’21, Jamie Kyte ’92

Lissett Lopez Lineberry, Melea ’20, Mark Lineberry

Chris ’20, Bill Rouck ’89, Rich Rouck, Nick ’19

Monika McLaughlin, Emmy ’22, Robert McLaughlin, Christian ’20

Kylie Cottas Stelma, Jordyn ’22

Caroline, Megan Valentine Maso ’94

Jon Keating, Thomas ’22, Jennifer Bell Keating ’92

Kevin ’22, Ed Adamson, Dan Adamson ’90, Melissa Adamson

Damon McCarthy ’20, Al Melanson

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ALUMN I W ED D I N GS

Meghan Shea ’10 married Michael Butler on August 10, 2018 in Kent, United Kingdom. Michael and Meghan met through a study abroad program at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. Before moving abroad, Meghan graduated from DeSales in 2014 with a BA in theatre, worked in TV and film, and as the receptionist at Saint Ann School in Arlington. She also assisted Mrs. Kathy d’Alelio, PVI Theatre teacher, for two fall productions. The couple lives just east of London, where Michael is a year 6 teacher. Meghan is currently pursuing a spouse visa, with the eventual goal of dual citizenship.

Mike Chauvin ’04 married Amelia Rance on July 28, 2018 in Park City, Utah at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. The reception was held at Silver Lake Lodge, Deer Valley, Utah. First row, left to right are: Steve Hughes ’04, Amelia Chauvin, Mike Chauvin ’04, Rachele Fink Richardson ’04, Erin Hughes Bonk ’04. Back Row: Dan Cinalli ’04, AJ Bergmann ’04, Drew Bonk ’04, Daniel Chauvin ’10, Erin Kane Nowak ’04, Finlay Loftus ’04, Kevin Chauvin ’08, Patrick Zanelotti ’04. Not Pictured: Matthew Chauvin ’06.

Janna Dorow ’97 married David Morrisey on December 15, 2018 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Kate Dresler Hopke ’97 was a bridesmaid. Janna and David currently live and work in Northern Virginia; Janna is a teacher and David is a manager.

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ALUMN I W ED D I N GS

Cecilia Kern ’04 married Scott Fix on Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Buena Vista, Virginia. Jennifer Kern Congdon, ’01 (bottom left) and Anneka Da Cruz Bear, ’04 (top row, second from the left) were bridesmaids.

Hayden Rossmann ’11 and Scott Christ ’11 were married on January 5, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland at St. Leo’s Catholic Church. The reception was held at Mt. Washington Mill Dye House. Hayden and Scott met at Paul VI and began dating the summer before their senior year at PVI. They now live in Washington DC. The bridal party (pictured below) included Madison Rossmann Frizell ’04, Jackie Salzano ’11 and Phil Hughes ’11. PVI alumni David Frizell ’04, Erinn Schaal ’11, Olivia McCarthy ’11, Genny Turcott ’11, Michael Brainard ’11, Billy Roll ’11, Jake Miller ’11, Sean Gallagher ’11, Alex Gosnell ’11, and Joseph Salzano ’13 were also in attendance to help them celebrate their big day.

Ryan Rauner ’99 married Brittany Wismer on September 22, 2018, in South Hampton, Bermuda. They were joined by a small group of friends and family, including PVI alumni Ryan Corcoran ’99 and Jonathan Darden ’99. Ryan and Brittany met through networking and were friends for eight years before they started dating. Both Ryan and Brittany work in commercial real estate in Northern Virginia, Ryan as a broker and Brittany in title and finance.

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ALUMN I W ED D I N GS

Matthew Chauvin ’06 married Meagan Geuther on November 10, 2018, in Houston, Texas. The couple met at the United States Naval Academy and is stationed in Guam where Meagan is an OB/GYN and Matthew is pursuing his master’s in counter terrorism. Best Men were Mike Chauvin ’04, Kevin Chauvin ’08 and Dan Chauvin ’10. Bobby Lytle ’06 was a groomsman and PVI alumni Sean Madelmayer ’06, Chris Muha ’06, Doug Flynn ’06, and Gabbi Nieves ’13 were in attendance to help them celebrate their big day.

Marshall Rauner ’08 married Kacey Cronin on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, followed by a reception at The Powel Crosley Estate. PVI alumni in attendance were David Hubacher ’08, Joel Schneider ’08, John Pham ’08, Iain Sherry ’08, Brett Peters ’09, and Brian Hope ’09.

Kevin Ford, Jr. ’07 married Imani Hopkins-Navies ’06 at The Belvedere in Baltimore, Maryland on New Year’s Eve 2017. Both business owners currently live in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ronald Burks, Jr. ’08 was a groomsman and Eleia Marshall Lartey ’06 was in attendance, along with other notable WCAC attendees.

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DAY OF G I VI N G

You Rocked Our Socks! On May 1, alumni, students, parents, friends, alumni parents, grandparents, faculty, and staff came together to support PVI on our first annual Day of Giving.

Your gifts to the Fund for Paul VI – on our Day of Giving and throughout the year – make a monumental difference in the life of our school. From the tops of our heads to the toes of our PVI socks…we are beaming with pride and gratitude! THANK YOU!

BY THE NUMBERS Over $72,000 raised

438 gifts made 130 first time donors Gifts from 17 STATES Alumni gifts from 12 STATES The CLASS OF 2019 had the most gifts… followed by a tie between ’86 and ’87! 1 COMMUNITY making a difference!

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IN MEMO RIAM The Paul VI Community extends its prayers and condolences to the relatives of faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents, and friends of the school who have passed away recently. Dolores Woodson, mother of Mark Woodson, PVI Social Studies teacher Carlos Padilla, father of Yolanda Hernandez, PVI Cafeteria staff Gloria M. Albrittain, grandmother of Caroline Williams ’20 and Katie Williams ’18 Terrie S. Koustenis, grandmother of Isabella Turchiarolo ’19 and Giancarlo Turchiarolo ’21 Peggy Ball, longtime member of the PVI Cafeteria staff and cleaning crew Frank Farello, father of Glenn Farello, Varsity Basketball Coach and Admissions Marjorie Bareford, grandmother of Bob Stulac, PVI Latin teacher Donna Frank, mother of Chesty Frank, PVI Physical Education teacher; grandmother of Conlin ’18 Patricia Curley Glass, grandmother of Reilly Glass ’20 KC Kraenzle, former PVI math teacher and substitute teacher; mother of Joe Kraenzle ’97, and Charlotte Kraenzle Pena ’95 Patricia Pastore, mother of Patric Pastore ’88 Augustus “Gus” Lee ’17 Evie Hayden McGerr, sister of Rich Hayden, PVI Field Hockey and Girls Lacrosse coach; aunt of Riley ’19 and Patrick ’21 Penny Keys Toro ’91 Kristin Wells Smith ’88 Linda Baker, wife of Lonnie Baker, PVI Cafeteria Manager Nick Prabhavat ’94 Thomas Yaworsky, husband of Eileen Yaworsky, former PVI English teacher Michelle Amaya, daughter of Claudia Corpeno, PVI Cafeteria staff Michelle Calanog Paul ’02

Stay Connected! Be sure to find us on social media so you can get the most up to date alumni and PVI news! Facebook Paul VI Catholic High School Alumni Association Follow us on Twitter @PVIAlumni @PaulVICatholic LinkedIn Paul VI Catholic High School Alumni Instagram PaulVICatholic

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Prayer in Your Pocket

“When I saw Deacon Grodek at the Homecoming tailgate this past Fall, I told him, you won’t believe what I have in my wallet… and I pulled out the prayer card he had given us in class my senior year! He couldn’t believe I still had it over ten years later,” shares Mike McMenamin ’08. “These prayer cards were my little parting gifts to the class,” recalls Deacon Grodek. “This one had one of my favorite prayers, from St. Francis of Assisi, on it. I wrote ‘God Bless, Mr. Grodek’ and the year 2008 on the back. It was amazing that Mike pulled it out after all this time! I’m proud of him for still having it.” For Mike, this prayer card was the first of many that has found a permanent home in his wallet. “As a senior, I got that prayer card and put it in my wallet. Then right before PVI graduation, my grandmother passed away, so I took her prayer card and put it next to Deacon Grodek’s. Then my grandma’s sister passed away and her card went in as well and it’s continued since then.” “And now I have all the prayer cards in my wallet that I carry with me. Deacon Grodek’s prayer card was the first of many and I keep them all close. It’s a tangible reminder of the importance of faith in my life and PVI helped strengthen that in me,” shares Mike.

VICTORY LAP

2019 2020

Our Final Year in Fairfax

The 2019-2020 school year will be Paul VI’s last year in Fairfax. As we say goodbye to the building PVI has called home since 1983 and look forward to our school’s next chapter, we invite you back to our Fairfax campus…

...TO REMEMBER ...TO REMINISCE ...TO RECONNECT Homecoming 2019 Friday, September 27, 2019 Feast of St. Francis de Sales Mass Friday, January 24, 2020 Career Day Wednesday, January 29, 2020 Auction & Benefit Dinner Saturday, March 14, 2020 Farewell to Fairfax: The Last Hurrah Saturday, June 6, 2020 Closing Mass and Family Picnic Sunday, June 7, 2020

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US TO CELEBR ATE OUR “VICTORY LAP” HERE IN FAIRFAX BEFORE WE TURN THE PAGE TO THE NEXT CHAPTER IN PVI’S STORY. www.paulvi.net/victorylap #VIctoryLap2020

Advancement Office

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

10675 Fairfax Boulevard Fairfax, VA 22030 T 703.352.0925 F 703.273.9845 www.paulvi.net

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WHAT AM I?

Can you tell what this object is from around the PVI campus? If you think you know, email alumni@paulvi.net. The first person to respond with the correct answer will win a PVI t-shirt! Use “Close Up View Answer” in your email subject line.

A CLOSE UP VIEW