2018 Reflections

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REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS

Dear Friar Family, Spring is upon us! This is always a special season for me as I look at another school year coming to an end. It is awe-inspiring to see how much growth has happened within our community during this year as our seniors head to college, our other classes rise to the next grade, mission trips deploy, and community service abounds.

During this season, we are focused on giving back through community service and raising funds for scholarships and financial aid. I’m especially proud of our recent BL Mobile Pack project and MISSION: RALLY. These experiences, as you will see in this issue, were transformative because our BL mission statement comes to life and becomes more tangible for our students.

This is also an exciting time because our admissions season comes to an end as we learn who we will be welcoming into our Friar family! My promise to you is that we are diligently working to ensure that we admit, and make it feasible for them to attend, the best incoming Friars to contribute to your great legacy!

I’m happy to report that this year, we have had more applications than ever before – approximately 650!

This is humbling as I know this reflects the fantastic work of our community, as well as the caliber of our alumni. Thank you for taking our mission into the world and being devoted to a greater call.

Peace and blessings to you and your family, Christopher L. Rebuck President

2017 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR Since 1990, the Bishop Lynch Alumni Association has recognized those graduates who have best exemplified the Bishop Lynch tradition and Dominican heritage of service to the community. Each honoree should show commitment to the school and its mission, and should serve as a model to all of what Christ has called us to become.

The criteria for the Alumna/Alumnus of the Year Award include excellence in the following areas: service to Bishop Lynch High School, service to the community and success in his or her chosen field.

Congratulations and thank you to these inspiring alumni who have truly lived out the mission of what a Bishop Lynch education calls its students to do!

SANDY SELLERS STANSBURY '82 Sandy Sellers Stansbury was a cheerleader and member of the choir while at Bishop Lynch High School.

Sandy graduated from Texas A&M University in 1986 with a BBA, double majoring in Accounting & Finance.

After college, she earned her CPA and worked for Touche Ross & Co (now Deloitte), The Child Care Group as the Controller and is now back working in public accounting with Priolo and Associates, PC. Sandy and her husband of 30 years, Shannon, have four children – Courtney '08, Ashley '12, Ryan '15 and Sydney (Class of 2018). For the last 22 years, she has been a Girl Scout leader for all three of her daughters’ troops and during that time has assisted 19 girls in obtaining their Girl Scout Gold Award.

At St. Thomas Aquinas, Sandy was active in many organizations including Mothers' Association, Parents' Association, Carnival, Auction, Vacation Bible School, Our Lady’s Altar Society, Parish Finance and the Endowment Fund.

At Bishop Lynch, Sandy is very active with the annual Gala, having chaired the committee for two years.

She is also involved with other Advancement activities, serving on the Capital Campaign and Annual Fund committees and as a Class Agent. She was a founding member of Parents of Alumni and Friar Friends, and is still involved with both groups.

Sandy also enjoys working in The Lynch Locker several days a month.

KEVIN BAILEY '00 Kevin Bailey is the Director of Business Development and Partnerships at CommonBond.com in New York.

Before moving to New York, Kevin was a Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he advised senior officials on banking and financial services, commodities finance, merchant banking and capital formation. In addition, Kevin served as a Staff Lead for the President's Council on Jobs & Competitiveness at the White House, and developed policy recommendations to the President on clean energy, foreign direct investment, and business startup initiatives, which contributed to the JOBS Act legislation that was signed by the President in April 2012.

JUSTIN WREN '05 Justin Wren is a well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Christian speaker, author and founder of the Fight for the Forgotten initiative. His career in the UFC was jump-started when he appeared on the hit reality TV series "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike. That appearance landed him a UFC contract, where he excelled as a professional athlete.

Despite his success in the UFC, Wren battled depression and drug addiction early in his career. After discovering his faith, Wren stopped using drugs and temporarily stepped away from MMA fighting to discover God’s purpose for his life.

During this time, Wren discovered the Mbuti Pygmies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Wren calls the Pygmies the "most bullied people on earth." Not only are they enslaved, but also cannibalized by their oppressors. Justin spent over a year living among the Pygmies, sleeping on the jungle floor and sharing in their suffering. After experiencing their pain, he knew he could not turn his back on his Pygmy family.

In 2012, he founded Fight for the Forgotten, an initiative that works to provide land, clean water and sustainable farming to the Mbuti Pygmies. Through partnerships with Water4 and Shalom University, the organization has provided over 3,000 acres of land to the Pygmies, allowing them to escape slavery. They have also provided 68 water wells and employ 32 people from the local community in the Congo.

In 2015, Wren returned to MMA, this time fighting to bring awareness to his Pygmy family. His book, "Fight for the Forgotten" released in September 2015, details his journey from addiction to life-changing ministry in the Congo.

In 2017, Justin was awarded the prestigious Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete of the Year Award. This award was established to honor two athletes, one male and one female, who have exhibited or demonstrated excellence in their sport and in life. Justin joins the ranks of other premier athletes that have won this award including Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Nancy Kerrigan. He and his wife Emily reside in Oklahoma City, OK.

"Bishop Lynch High School. We believe in people and we change their lives, because we love them.”

Kevin Bailey '00 summarized BL’s mission statement during the Alumni of the Year presentation.

Prior to joining the Treasury Department, Kevin served in the White House as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President, and held the position of Budget & Financial Strategy Director for Obama for America in 2008. Kevin began his career in a number of commercial roles with BP Global Oil Trading in Chicago and Houston. These included work within physical energy commodities, swaps and futures trading, derivatives sales trading and business development transactions in North & South America and Europe.

In addition to his professional activities, Kevin serves as an Ambassador for the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the non-profit Washington Area Community Investment Fund in the District of Columbia.

Kevin is a graduate of Rice University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Rice Alumni and has volunteered as co-chair for numerous campaigns for Rice University and the University of Chicago.

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Bishop Lynch High School Alumni of the Year Recipients: Curtis Jaska '73, Dan O’Connell '70, Wally Stock '66, David Roffino '70, Andy Zihlman '72, Gene Schaefers '77 Mary Sansone Schaar '78, Terry Miller May '74, Kevin Bailey '00, Sandy Sellers Stansbury '82, Justin Wren '05, Darlene Doxey Ellison '84, Kit Hoolan Sawyer '77

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Pictured left to right: Scott Grimes ’96, Theresa Morrison Mosmeyer ’74, Athletic Director Shawn Halloran, Lindsey Smith ’08 and Shaun Daly ’83

2017 SPORTS HONOR ROLL INDUCTEES

BY CLIFF GIBSON, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

On October 13, 2018, Bishop Lynch High School inducted four new members into its Sports Honor Roll. The Sports Honor Roll was established in 1988 with the intent to commemorate exceptional Friar athletic accomplishments, while celebrating lifelong excellence consistent with the Dominican tradition of scholarship and service.

The new inductees — Theresa Morrison Mosmeyer '74, Shaun Daly '83, Scott Grimes '96 and Lindsey Smith '08 — were recognized during a halftime ceremony at Roffino Stadium during the Friars’ Homecoming football game against Prestonwood Christian.

THERESA MORRISON MOSMEYER CLASS OF 1974 Theresa Mosmeyer not only starred as an athlete at Bishop Lynch, but came back to be a coach for the Lady Friars too. Theresa was a three-year member of the Brigade and varsity volleyball team, and two-year member of the varsity track team. She was on the 1973 district champion volleyball team

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and served as a basketball manager in 1974. She later returned to coach the Lady Friar volleyball program for five seasons and currently serves as Athletic Director of the Dallas Parochial League.

SHAUN DALY CLASS OF 1983 Shaun Daly was a standout athlete in three sports while attending Bishop Lynch, receiving All-District honors in baseball, football and basketball as well as All-State recognition in both baseball and football. Shaun received a scholarship to play baseball at Creighton University, where he was a four-year member of the baseball program. As an undrafted free agent, Shaun signed with the Kansas City Royals in 1987 and spent one year in the Royals’ minor league organization.

SCOTT GRIMES CLASS OF 1996 Scott Grimes was a member of the 1994 and 1995 state championship football teams at Bishop Lynch. As a four-year varsity member, Scott was named 1st Team All-State as a kicker in 1993, 1994 and 1995, 1st Team All-District kicker in 1993 and 1994, 2nd Team All-District receiver in 1993 and 1st Team All-Area by the Dallas Morning News in 1995. Scott was also a four-year member of the varsity soccer program and attended Rice University on a football scholarship.

LINDSEY SMITH CLASS OF 2008 Lindsey Smith had a decorated high school softball career at Bishop Lynch and even more noteworthy collegiate career at Northern Colorado. Lindsey was a four-year starter and three-time AllState and All-District performer for the Lady Friars. She received All-Area honors by the Dallas Morning News in 2007 and 2008 and was District MVP in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Lindsey received Big Sky All-Conference honors in 2012 and 2013 and currently holds school records at UNC for career home runs and single season records for batting average, home runs, slugging percentage, RBIs, walks and doubles.

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2017 TASTE OF LYNCH Friars from every decade came back to campus

during the 2017 Homecoming festivities. The 11th annual Taste of Lynch featuring the Emerald City Band proved to be a hit yet again, as alumni, parents, faculty and staff celebrated another great event!

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1977 REUNION

1997 REUNION

1987 REUNION

2007 REUNION

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THE BL BRIGADE CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

BY CLIFF GIBSON, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

Just a few years after Bishop Lynch High School celebrated its 50th anniversary, one of the school's oldest organizations – The BL Brigade – is recognizing its past and present as it’s now showcasing the Brigade’s 50th Line.

To get an idea of just how much "The Pride of Bishop Lynch" has evolved since its inception, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Teel – the original Brigade director – and Cari Schnurr, who currently oversees the organization.

Q: The Brigade has been around almost as long as the school.

What do you think the organization means to the BL community, given its lengthy tenure?

TEEL: It’s something the school can take pride in. It’s remained constant through the years while so many other things at BL have changed.

SCHNURR: We’re proud to be The Pride of Bishop Lynch, not just through competition and performances, but by reaching out to the community through service and appearances as well.

Q: How much has the organization changed through the years?

TEEL: It’s gone from military-kick to dance routines, with multiple uniforms instead of just one. Also, the number of girls on the line has grown, along with the number of officers.

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SCHNURR: In the beginning, Brigade would also march with the band and use the flags. That was before I started coaching with Brigade, but I know it did happen. I can't even imagine trying to get a dance ready to perform AND learn how to twirl the flags as well! I think that is the biggest change over the years. But, we still perform to our fabulous band and we still try to maintain the traditions from the past.

Q: What are some of your most memorable moments working with the Brigade?

TEEL: Winning the Parade of Champions at the Cotton Bowl, the only time it was won by a private school. The first performance was special, as was the last time they performed under my direction.

Q: What does the Brigade’s longevity mean to its overall tradition?

SCHNURR: I love that we have girls on the team who are the daughters of alumni. When they join the team and their mom was also on the team – that is so special. I have had so many siblings too, it means so much to know that it is becoming a family tradition for so many of the girls.

Q: What Brigade traditions have been carried out through the years?

TEEL: White Citation Awards … given to the girls who excel in the previous week and are introduced during the halftime performance.

SCHNURR: I think the biggest tradition is our simple black and white formal uniform. We’ve had to change a few things, but it’s the same feel. We’ve added some sparkle, but still like staying true to the original.

Q: In your own words, what has being Brigade director meant to you?

SCHNURR: Brigade has truly been a blessing for me. I've loved every moment and can't wait to watch the girls continue to grow and develop as dancers. I look forward to every performance and every practice with these wonderful ladies. I love that I have a team of "daughters" that I get to teach and nurture every year. They keep me young and feed my passion for dance.

TEEL: I have such wonderful memories of the years that I worked with Brigade. There were so many talented and wonderful young ladies. We always worked so hard to get better and took such pride in what we did. And you know what … we had fun doing it!

I was always so proud to be associated with the Brigade. I was involved with so many activities at Lynch, but the Brigade always stays closest to my heart.

THE 2018 BL MOBILE PACK 1 DAY 1,200 HANDS 101,088 MEALS

By Lauren Youngblood – Class of 2019 Photos by Noelle Pastor – Class of 2019

On February 3, 2018, closing BL's observance of Catholic School's Week with a living testament to our Catholic Identity, more than 600 members of the Bishop Lynch community teamed up with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) for the 2018 BL Mobile Pack event, hosted at Bishop Lynch High School.

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit organization that serves the hungry in over 60 countries worldwide by living their mission, "To feed God's starving children hungry in body and spirit." The Bishop Lynch community and members of the FMSC staff sought out that mission and set their goal high, hoping to pack 100,000 meals in one day.

"The Bishop Lynch community is formed in the image of Jesus Christ by living Gospel values in word and deed. Love of God and love of neighbor, near and far, are essential elements of Catholic Social Teaching that are the lenses through which we operate.

Affording those in most need food to eat is a necessary foundation for human development," said President Chris Rebuck. "Our simple undertaking here, packing meals and praying for those who receive those meals, extends the impact of the Bishop Lynch community beyond our campus and city."

The BL Mobile Pack experience was a hands-on, team-building event that incorporated all ages from the BL community and worked towards that 100,000-meal goal. From 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, four shifts of Friars ranging from alumni to current students, parents to past parents, community members to faculty and staff, arrived to campus eager to serve the Lord through service and prayer.

Each shift began with an opening prayer, followed by an introductory video with personal stories from children FMSC has directly impacted. Volunteers then proceeded to the Championship

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"Our simple undertaking here, packing meals and praying for those who receive those meals, extends the impact of the Bishop Lynch community beyond our campus and city."

Gym, where they were welcomed by 16 packing stations set-up for teams of seven to nine. The packing process began shortly after, with each group packaging rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals into "Manna Bags," which were then sealed, labeled and boxed for delivery.

The process worked through an assembly line of volunteers, each playing a vital role towards the end goal of packing one truck full of meals. At the end of each shift, Mr. Rebuck invited Coach "Billy" Clark, Dr. Chad Riley and Ms. Peggy Sanders to pray over the boxes of food before they were sent out on their mission to feed starving children worldwide.

By the end of the day, 101,088 meals were packaged, which will feed nearly 276 children a meal per day for an entire year!

Thank you to our Bishop Lynch High School volunteers, organizers and prayer warriors who assisted us in living out our mission of "...working for justice in the world."

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COMMITMENT TO FAMILY, FAITH AND SERVICE INSPIRES THE PATRICIA AND ANTHONY MAROTTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Thank you to the Marotta family for establishing this endowed scholarship in their parents name!

ARTICLE BY BRYNN BRUNO, VICE PRESIDENT: INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

With the passing of his sweet mother Patricia last summer, Louis Marotta '75 knew exactly how he wanted to honor his parents and their incredible legacies to the Catholic communities of St. Pius X and Bishop Lynch High School.

As one of six Marotta children, Louis understood he was a product of his parents' generosity and their unwavering commitment to family and service. "Our family wasn't wealthy, but we always had what we needed. My mom could stretch a dollar into three. I was lucky to be the oldest boy, because that meant I was the one to get the new clothes," he joked.

"My mom and dad were amazing people. They were both very active in the St. Pius X church community and would do anything to help our parish. Dad was the church soloist and mom was active in the Ladies Society. They taught me the virtue of doing and giving, rather than receiving. That is how they lived their lives," Louis continued.

This lesson was brought home to him early on in life as a member of the St. Pius X football team. On a trip to the state championship

LORI MAROTTA '73 LOUIS MAROTTA '75 MARK MAROTTA '78 KAREN PETTER MAROTTA '79 (DAUGHTER IN-LAW)

in Houston, his mother gave him $10 to spend. Louis spent all but two dollars. When in a cafeteria line following the game, Louis realized he was short and could only afford a small salad and a soda. Seconds later, to his surprise, two men from the parish, George McIngvale and William N. Mitchell discreetly put money in Louis' hand. "That moment of quiet, gentle generosity stuck with me," he recalled.

pocketbook and tell the kids to pay when, or if, they could. This selflessness was what mom was all about," Marotta mused.

Louis would later learn that this type of selflessness was also prevalent in the every day actions of his mom and dad.

Louis knew that he wanted to honor his mother and father and the culture of philanthropy that his parents bestowed upon him.

Deciding to establish an endowed scholarship at Bishop Lynch was the most appropriate way to do so because the school was truly a family experience for the entire Marotta family.

"They taught me the

virtue of doing and giving, rather than receiving. That is how they lived their lives."

In 1978, Patricia started working part-time in the BL cafeteria with Gold Coin Vending and continued doing so for 30 years. Many thousands of students were greeted by her smile and humorous wit. She would always say, "If you don't have a good lunch, you can't concentrate on your studies." Because of that, Mrs. Marotta made sure that no student would go hungry. "Mom would open her

JULIE MAROTTA EINSTEIN '80 MARTIN MAROTTA + ROSE MAROTTA BLESSING '81

KRISTINA MAROTTA TRUJILLO '06 (GRANDDAUGHTER)

"My father Anthony was a photographer by hobby. He spent much of his time at BL sporting events, taking plenty of team photos as well as individual pictures. Once developed, he would give the photos away without a cost to the team and players," Louis said.

"School was truly a family experience for the entire Marotta family."

Louis and four of his siblings are all proud BL alumni, including his sister Rose '81, who was Homecoming Queen in the fall of 1980.

His parents were deeply involved in the school. In fact, Mr. Marotta auditioned for The Blackfriars Guild in 1975 (the first time auditions were extended to parents), and landed the role of Nelson Eddy's character in Little Mary Sunshine.

"Both mom and dad had a great sense of humor, necessary when raising a large family," Louis said.

"With establishing this scholarship, I know dad would be proud of us paying it forward. And, mom would be proud of her ‘little peppermints,’ as she fondly called her children."

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MY BL STORY

BY FRIDA TORRES, CLASS OF 2018

There was never any doubt in my mind that after graduating from St. Monica Catholic School, 9750 Ferguson Road would be my home for the next four years.

Before I came to Bishop Lynch my freshman year, I already knew a lot about the school’s academic rigor, service learning and family-like atmosphere thanks to my brother Aldo who graduated in the Class of 2014. Aldo transferred to BL his sophomore year, and in making that move from a public school in Mesquite to Bishop Lynch, he struggled during his transition.

He was not used to the heavier work-load and excelled classes.

Though my brother struggled, there was one thing here at Bishop Lynch that really stood out to our family, everyone at BL truly wanted him to succeed. Failure was not an option. One specific person that Aldo continues to stay in touch with to this day is Mr. Rebuck. Back when President Rebuck was Dean of Students, my brother came to him on a regular basis. Mr. Rebuck really brought out the best in my brother and proved to him that he could do much more than he even thought he could. Thanks to Bishop Lynch, my brother will be graduating this year with a B.A. in Advertising and plans on continuing school to get his master’s degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

Though this may seem just like another story of a student going to college, it means much more than that to my family and me.

My parents were just two immigrants from Mexico when they came here to this country in hopes of creating a better life.

Neither of them knew any English, nor did they have any idea what was in store for them. My father walked countless miles and hours – day and night – looking for any job he could get a hold of until he eventually found Bishop Lynch means employment in construction.

At the same time, my mother so much to me because I cleaned numerous houses until know that I have so many someone saw her true potential.

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more opportunities today than my parents did at my age."

Today, my father coaches several sports at cross-town private school Hockaday (but, don't worry BL will always be #1 to him!) My mother is the manager for one of the best interior design companies, recently featured in D Magazine. Both are now bilingual in English and Spanish. And this past August, my parents officially became American citizens and they wish to give back to this amazing country for everything it has given them!

Everything my parents have today they earned through their hard work and determination. They always taught me that my life is in my hands and that there is no limit to what I can do. I have a certain quote embedded in my mind that my father has always said to me ever since I was little.

"Frida, there is nothing for me to leave behind for you and your brother when I die. I have no money to leave behind. I have no land to leave you behind or business to live off of. The only thing I can give you that will stay with you forever is your education, and no one, absolutely no one, can take that away from you."

Bishop Lynch means so much to me because I know that I have so many more opportunities today than my parents did at my age. I have learned that I am capable of more than I think I am. I would have never thought that I would be blessed to be a part of a community that really My brother was the does feel like a family. All of the first Torres to ever go teachers are supportive and truly to college and thanks want you to succeed. Even my friends have pushed me to do to Bishop Lynch I will my best! be the second!

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I hope to one day repay my parents for everything they have sacrificed to put me in this school that I truly love and I also hope to one day give back to the Bishop Lynch community for everything they have done for my family. I have taken advantage of every opportunity Bishop Lynch has to offer, and I'm so grateful.

I can truly say that all of my parents' hard work has been worth it because they were able to put me in an amazing school that has given me a great education and will allow me to go to the college of my dreams.

With this, my brother and I will change the future of the next generations of our family to come. My brother was the first Torres to ever go to college and thanks to Bishop Lynch I will be the second!

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CLASS NOTES

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 1960s

Jim "MATTRESS MACK" McIngvale '69 MATTRESS MACK: A HARVEY HERO

by KPRC Click2Houston December 28, 2017 Rachel McNeill - Anchor

The morning after Hurricane Harvey hit, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale waded through nearly three feet of floodwater in his own home and headed straight to his Gallery Furniture store on I-45.

He rounded up his employees and dispatched his delivery trucks to rescue people stranded in high water. He then went on Facebook Live, throwing open the doors of his showrooms to those desperately seeking shelter.

His showrooms became makeshift shelters in which hundreds of evacuees and dozens of National Guard troops could catch some much-needed shut eye on Mack's beloved Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

When he was interviewed by Houston Life's Derrick Shore, Mack as always, was incredibly humble.

"What matters

is we all have a responsibility for the well-being of the community and we're just trying to do our part."

He said, "These are human beings. They're stressed out. They're anxious. They've been through a tremendous trauma and they need a safe place to come and sit down, have a cup of coffee, have a warm meal. What's wrong with that?"

Most Houstonians know Mattress Mack for his outlandish commercials promising to "save you money!" Over the decades, he's been one of Houston's most generous corporate donors.

His response to Harvey shone a national spotlight on Mack.

Craig "Mad Dog" Muessig '69 (pictured on the right), celebrated a recent jury verdict in front of the Kaufman County courthouse with his client Forney fireman, Josh Hillis. Hillis is the son-in-law of Friar Hall of Famer, Coach Ed Stock '69.

In March of 2018, Genevieve Landregan '73 exhibited her artwork at The International Biennale of Nations in Venice, Italy. During that

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time she also received the Titian Award for Art at Misericordia Palace. In January, Genevieve was honored with the prestigious International Galileo Galilei Award for Art in Pisa, Italy. And in April 2017, she had an exhibition in New York at Pier 94 in Chelsea with Artavita. Visit her website at www.genevievelandregan.com.

ABC13 Houston Sports Anchor, Bob Slovak '82 celebrated with Evan Gattis '04 in the Astros' clubhouse after Gattis hit a home run to help the Astros beat the Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS. Wes Kucera '83 was named Managing Director of the city of Garland’s water utilities in 2015, after working his way upward through the organization since 1996. In this role, he is in charge of all water and wastewater operations.

Kucera has co-authored presentations for the Texas Water Conference, the Water Environment Association of Texas and American Chrome and Chemical, Inc. He is vice-president of the Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies and is a member of several state and national industry associations. For more information, visit www.thegarlandtexan.com.

In late August, BL student and staff representatives traveled to Houston to support our own Mattress Mack in his Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Mack said it best, “VERITAS is truth and the truth is Bishop Lynch helps people, Texans help people ... this is what the country is all about!"

He told KPRC Channel 2, "I feel a big responsibility to Houston because Houston's been so good to us -- the McIngvale family and all the Gallery Furniture employees. These customers -- they're my people, so what am I going to do? Let them drown?"

In the weeks and months after the storm, Mack never let up. As the holidays drew near, he hosted a massive Thanksgiving feast at Gallery Furniture.

He arranged for Metro shuttle buses to bring some 10,000 Houstonians to his store parking lot for turkey with all the trimmings. One hurricane survivor told Channel 2, "He's the greatest. He's a great man."

Amy Gerwer Duke '94 was selected as "Teacher of the Month" for February 2018, through the Dallas Mavericks Classroom Champions Program, presented by the UPS Store and in partnership with Teach for America. Ms. Duke has been teaching math at Bishop Lynch since 1999 and previously won the 2017 Teacher of the Year Award by the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to Keith L. Gentry '99, BGS, CAE! In January 2018, he earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), joining more than 4,200 industry leaders worldwide. The CAE program serves to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate those who have acquired and demonstrated knowledge essential to the practice of association management. Keith works

Knowing Christmas would be especially hard on so many who had lost so much, Mack marked his 35th annual Christmas Giveaway by surprising 30 local families with a house full of furniture.

One of the first to be gifted was the Saldivar family, who lost six family members in the storm. Mack said, "What matters is we all have a responsibility for the well-being of the community and we're just trying to do our part."

In the aftermath of Harvey, Jim McIngvale has been called a saint by some and a hero by others.

Deeply rooted in his faith, he reminds all of us of the true meaning of giving that lies deep in the heart of Texas.

for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Plano as their Membership Manager where he has been for nearly 18 years. To see the announcement by ASAE, please visit www.asaecenter.org.

Ashley Bobb '02 was inducted into the University of Texas at Arlington's 2018 Hall of Honor.

Ashley played basketball at UTA from 2004-2007 and was a member of the 2005 and 2007 UTA Women's Basketball championship teams. Bobb finished her career in the school record books as eighth all-time in career rebounds and eighth all-time in career rebounding average. She is a two-time SLC (Southland Conference) Champion (2005, 2007) and two-time NCAA participant (2005, 2007). She also received 2004-2005 Honorable Mention All-SLC, 2005-2006 Preseason 2nd Team All-SLC , 2006-2007 Preseason 2nd Team All-SLC, 2005-2006 3rd Team All-SLC, 2006-2007 3rd Team All-SLC, and was on the 2006-2007 SLC All-Tournament Team. Ashley received her bachelor’s degree in Advertising with a Marketing minor in May 2006 and a bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a Business minor in May 2007.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 1980s MICHAEL FERGUSON '83

Mike "Ferg" Ferguson '83 has made a career out of drumming that has covered rock, country, blues and R&B music genres.

And what better place to keep the spirit alive than to come to Dallas to perform in some of Deep Ellum's legendary music venues. When Ferg and his band come to town, you can be sure they pay homage to the cultural identity that has so beautifully carved out Deep Ellum's surroundings in venues such as Trees, The Boiler Room and La Grange. His BL classmates come out in full force to welcome him back to the city that loves him most.

Born in southern Louisiana, Ferg called Dallas his home at the age of 10, bringing with him the experience of creating drum sets out of ice cream buckets by the age of seven. His childhood dream of actually owning a drum set came true at the age of 11 when he used his paper route earnings to purchase one. As a student at BL, Ferg’s fan base grew quickly. During his time with the BL marching band, under the direction of Joe "His BL classmates Cardinale, he learned to play quads and tri-Toms. As a self-taught set come out in full drummer, this required him to learn a force to welcome skill unfamiliar to him: moving around him back to the the field with precision, adjusting his sound with other players, and city that loves learning technique. No challenge was him most." too difficult for Ferg due to his sense of humor, tenacity and confidence. After graduation in 1983, he knew his passion for drumming would launch him toward a lifelong career in music.

During his studies at the University of North Texas, Ferg gained notoriety in the Dallas music scene playing with cow glam rockers "Rodeo Love Gods" as well as "Spiders" and "Astrogin." He also worked with producer legends Nick Griffiths, Bufurd Jones, Vinnie Paul Abbott and Beau Hill. Astrogin scored with an adult contemporary Top 40 single. When Ferg moved to Nashville, Billy Block introduced him to Richie Owens at the legendary Tootsies and the two developed a kinship that would later establish Ferg with a permanent seat with Richie Owens’ Farm Bureau. Drumming in The Farm Bureau draws influences from backyard crawfish boils to smoky dives, which created the foundation of The Farm. Along the way, The Farm Bureau has backed country music legend Dolly Parton and rock icon Johnny Sollinger.

Recently, Ferg was mentioned in Drum! Magazine for his work on the 2011 Farm Bureau release, "In Farm We Trust." This album is a great display of Ferg’s versatility. Today, Ferg has started his next chapter of blues rock with Richie Owens and The Smoky White Devils along with Nick Kane of The Mavericks fame and legendary Nashville rock bassist, John Reed.

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Congratulations to Jenna Zibton McFarland '03 who was the recipient of the DePaul Community Resources' Alison Parker Young Professional Award. The nominees for these awards must make a significant impact on the community through their accomplishments and must enhance community life through volunteer and/or professional activities. DePaul Community Resources is a non-profit human services organization that opens doors to hope and belonging for children, families and individuals with disabilities.

Several Bishop Lynch alumni enjoyed the day playing golf at the Bishop's Invitational Golf Tournament in September 2017. Fellow alums Ryan Hood '04, Michael Baum '04 and Nick Halovanic '04 captured a pictured with Bishop Edward Burns.

Christine Farrell Howitt '04 will celebrate ten years of working at Droese Raney Architecture in May. She has had the pleasure of working on multiple projects including her first with the firm Billy Reid in New York City, to one of her most recent projects, Forty Five Ten on Main in Downtown Dallas. Droese Raney was the design architect for the entire Forty Five Ten project, covering the architecture, interior design, fixture design and restaurant design at the top level. Christine has worked on over 100 Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic Stores around the country, Miron Crosby in Highland Park Village, and dozens more beautiful high-end retail clients.

Kevin Wainscott '05 was named head wrestling coach for Lake Highlands High School in 2016.

He spent the previous three years coaching at Frisco Centennial, where his team won two UIL state championships at the 5A level and were state runners-up last year.

Kevin had a successful college career where he was a starter on and off for the Oklahoma State University wrestling team, and was on the 2006 National Championship team. In 2011, Kevin was a graduate assistant after receiving his degree in Physical Education.

He then coached at St. Marks School of Texas and is now in his second year at Lake Highlands. Kevin received his master's degree in Athletic Administration last Fall from Concordia University.

Kelly Waterman '05 is currently serving as the District Director for U.S. Congressman Brian Babin.

He married his wife Brittany, 2005 alumna of Houston St. Agnes, in April 2017.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 1980s WESLEY KUCERA '83

CLASSIC OR EDGY: ALPINE VILLAGE BAND HAS YOUR POLKA

by Theresa Cernoch Parker As Featured in the September 2017 issue of Texas Polka News As you're walking around downtown McKinney during Oktoberfest and hear the Cat Stevens' tune "Wild World" with a reggae polka beat, no need to double check the program. Yes, it is the Alpine Village Band, playing a number from the set list of its alter-ego band, The Dogensteins.

And don’t worry, you will still hear lots of great Czech and German music during their performance.

Wes Kucera, drummer and band leader of both bands, describes The Dogensteins as a group that plays more “edgy” music that combines a unique blend of reggae, cha-cha, rock, country, and bossa nova, with songs from the 1950s to the present, while adding a polka rhythm to the mix. "It has been a calculated risk," Wes said. "But so far the audiences love it and we have started to play major festivals around the state and out of state this year as well."

CZECH OUT THIS MUSICAL FAMILY TREE The Alpine Village Band has been entertaining crowds at dances and festivals for years. It was during the band’s 25th anniversary in 2015, that leaders Bill and Louise Kucera (Wes' dad and mom), decided to retire from the music business. The great polka music from this family goes back even farther than AVB, starting in the old country on Louise's side. Wes' great-grandfather, Gabriel Snapka, came over on a ship from Czechoslovakia when he was 3 years old. He grew up in West, playing trumpet and accordion.

His son, Henry, played button accordion for house dances around the West/Waco area. Henry formed the Snapka Orchestra, which included Henry, Louise on the piano accordion, her sister, Barbara Dybala, on drums, and her brother, Michael Snapka, who sang and played guitar. "I just play from the heart."

Eventually, Bill Kucera joined the band playing rhythm guitar and singing, and married Louise.

Bill also comes from a long line of family musicians. Bill plays button accordion, guitar, and bass guitar thanks to lessons from his mom, Sophie Adams Kucera, and Uncle Eugene. Bill’s dad, Will, also played button accordion. Three other uncles also played button box, and one mastered the fiddle. Bill’s Aunt Ida Adams Marek was a button accordionist as well. They just played for their own enjoyment and never formed a band.

"As you can see, I come from a heavily polka-populated background of Czech music," Wes said. "When I was four years old my mom stuck some spoons in my hand and said 'play'."

When Wes was of age, Bill and Louise created another branch on the Snapka Czech band music tree with Bill Kucera’s Czechmates in 1970.

"I just play from the heart."

Spoons gave way to drumsticks and Wes got his first review at the age of five from the Dallas KJZT newspaper in 1970: "Following on the agenda was a presentation of music by the Bill Kucera Family.

With Bill on the guitar, Mrs. Kucera on the accordion and the little son on the drums, several musical compositions were presented, followed by several encores. What was very entertaining was the fact that the little drummer had just recently only celebrated his fifth birthday. I note that several of our older musicians really took notes of the youngster’s talents and am sure to foresee great aspects for his future."

Uncle Michael Snapka joined the Czechmates on trumpet. From there it blossomed into a six- and sometime seven-piece band throughout the 1970s and '80s. Michael then formed a band called the Czech Harvesters, and occasionally plays with them today (you can see the Harvesters at music festivals in Ennis). In 1990, Bill and Louise decided to combine the Czech music with a German flair and formed the Alpine Village Band.

For the full article, visit polkabeat.com.

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Congratulations to Justin Wren '05 who was the male recipient of the 2017 Henry P. Iba Citizen Athletic Award. Established 24 years ago, the awards honor two athletes, one male and one female, who have exhibited or demonstrated excellence in their sport and personal life. Wren joins some elite past recipients such as Tyler Lockett, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Peterson, Drew Brees and Drew Bledsoe, to name just a few!

Justin was also a speaker at BL's Leyden Lecture Series last August.

Audrey Paetzel (Class of 2018) created a video on Justin for the series which can be seen here: www.youtube/cOZQmxIpiUs. Pictured are Nick Halovanic ’04 and Katie Baum Halovanic with son, Sawyer, Caroline Nichols Baum ’04 with sons Parker and Preston, Emily Baum ’09, Maggie Baum and Michael Baum ’04 with son, Finley.

In May 2017, Stephanie Plugge '06 trekked to the base camp of Mt. Everest in Nepal. The 85-mile journey summited at 17,600 feet!

Way to go, Stephanie!

Collette Cochran Olivarez '07 is the Technology Specialist and technology teacher at St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy in Dallas. She and her husband David have a two year-old son, Eddie.

Alex Mannari '07 and Savannah Murphy celebrated their engagement in February 2017.

The couple will marry on November 3, 2018, and their bridal party includes BL alumni Kevin Farrell '07, Matt Houston '07, Kristin Mannari '99, Kaitlyn Mannari '04, Meghan Mannari '09 and Matt Mendenhall '07.

Kenleigh Roden-Foreman '08 successfully defended her dissertation and received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UT Southwestern Medical Graduate School. Last Fall, she began a two-year postdoctoral residency fellowship in Clinical Psychology at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago.

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Congratulations to Jacklyn Baker '09 whose short story, "Southern Hospitality," was published in Texas Road Kill: Texas Horror

by Texas Writers Volume 2. The following is a review of the book that can be found on Amazon: "A hanging tree takes the law into its own limbs in ‘The Tree Servant.' A mother's love is tested by the walking, crawling and thumb-sucking dead in 'Mama's Babies.' A famous author lays his process bare in 'A Writer's Lot.' Not for the faint of heart, this terrifying batch of Texas horror fiction delivers a host of literary demons who will be hard to shake once they get comfortable."

After graduating from Bishop Lynch, Erin Farrell '09 received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Business Administration in 2013 from Texas A&M University.

In 2013, she was accepted into Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Erin transferred after her first year to Oklahoma State University's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. In June of 2015, Erin traveled to South Africa with SA WorldVets where she participated in a Wildlife Conservation course and learned about wildlife management, breeding, safe captures by darting from a helicopter, and participated in treatment and rehabilitation of various species (kudu, impala, zebra, giraffe, etc.). In May 2017, Erin received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. She currently is working at Canyon City Animal Hospital, a small animal private practice in Canyon Lake, TX. Kristin Pascoe '10 is a third-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She founded a Houston chapter of PERIOD - a non-profit that distributes menstrual hygiene products to homeless women. After Hurricane Harvey, they started a GoFundMe page which raised additional money to take menstrual products to shelters across Houston. In November 2017, the Baylor-Rice Chapter of PERIOD was named fundraiser of the year at the organization's national conference. Learn more at www.period.org or at Kristin's GoFundMe page www.gofundme.com period-rice-bcm.

Karen Hess '11 is a Garden Educator with Big Green in Memphis, TN, and implements garden and nutrition education programming throughout the area. Big Green is a national non-profit dedicated to building a healthier future for kids across America by supporting Learning Gardens in underserved schools. Karen graduated in 2015 with a B.S. in Environmental Science from Rhodes College. She was involved with the campus garden and farmers market, and worked as a research assistant in the archaeology department. After graduation, Karen spent a year teaching science while caring for chickens and a small farm at a Montessori school in Knoxville, TN. Karen is thrilled to continue her work in education and sustainability with Big Green!

1997 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 20TH ANNIVERSARY The 1997 Bishop Lynch High School football team, led by head coach Bill Persinger, started the season with three straight losses to UIL schools Highland Park, Frisco and North Garland.

However, those results did nothing to alter the Friars’ final destination, as Bishop Lynch won their final nine games on the way to the school’s fourth state football title.

Bishop Lynch defeated Houston's Second Baptist in the playoffs before taking on the TCA Trojans once again at Baylor’s Floyd Casey Stadium. On November 29, 1997, the district rivals went back and forth before the Friars scored a late touchdown in a 20-13 victory.

The Friars had 18 players named to the All-State team, including the Most Valuable Player, Darche Epting '98.

During the last home football game of the 2017 season, Bishop Lynch was honored to recognize this special group of former Friars to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1997 state football championship!

During the nine-game win streak, the Friars beat rival Nolan Catholic by a score of 55-7 and ended the regular season with a 29-16 win over rival Trinity Christian Academy.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 1980s

AMY MAHAFFEY MARTIN '86 / MEREDITH MARTIN (CLASS OF 2018)

FIRST MOM-DAUGHTER TO BE CROWNED

On October 13, 2017, Meredith Martin (Class of 2018) was crowned Bishop Lynch High School's 2017 Homecoming Queen. Standing beside her on the field was none other than her mother, Amy Mahaffey Martin '86, who too was bestowed the very same honor in 1985. With this, Meredith and Amy are the first mother-daughter duo in the school's 54-year history to share the title of BL's Homecoming Queen!

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Erin Little '11 currently works in the editorial department at the Crown Publishing Group in New York City. She has also reviewed books for the New Orleans Review such as "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward. A journal of contemporary literature and culture, New Orleans Review is a publication of the Department of English at Loyola University New Orleans. The Crown Publishing Group where Erin works is a subsidiary of Random House, one of the largest book publishers in the world. They publish across several categories including fiction, non-fiction, biography, autobiography and memoir, cooking, health, business and lifestyle.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 2000s KRISTEN RAHAL MASSAD '01

PRESTON HOLLOW’S PASTRY ACE KRISTEN MASSAD SPECIALIZES IN ALL THINGS SWEET

By Elissa Chudwin / Photos by Kathy Tran As Featured in December 2017 / The Preston Hollow Advocate

Preston Hollow’s Kristen Massad might deserve credit for bringing the macaron craze to Dallas when she opened Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane in 2004. The quaint shop, with vibrant green walls and an array of French-inspired desserts, quickly earned neighbors' admiration before gourmet cupcakes and macarons were a common delight. "No one knew what French macarons were," Massad says. "They'd ask, 'Is that a hamburger? Are those colorful hamburgers?'"

Thanks to Massad's focus on quality ingredients and classic flavors, Tart quickly grew into a neighborhood hotspot. The long hours were exhausting, especially while raising young children, so Massad sold the bakery in 2013. But her sweet life wouldn’t end there. The mother of three now devotes her time to developing recipes for restaurants, styling food products and blogging, all while launching Joy + Oliver. The small batch confection company sells homemade caramels, flavors such as sea salt, chocolate swirl, mocha swirl, marshmallow swirl and peppermint, on Etsy.

"I knew I could do what I’m doing now and open something later," she says.

Massad perfected her craft at the French Culinary Institute in New York City before returning to Dallas’ rising restaurant scene.

A stint at The Mansion Restaurant's pastry department solidified her interest in the sweet side of the business.

"It’s definitely a science," she says. "It’s more exact." That dedication to precision may be genetic, because even her 5- and 7-year-old daughters have a knack for baking. The oldest sibling already mastered banana bread and cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and breakfast items happen to be Massad’s favorites.

"I love desserts," she laughs. "When am I going to get sick of it? I want to know."

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Hayden Bowring '13 graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas (MN) with a B.A. in Finance. He is now a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch with one of the best advising teams in Dallas. Hayden is living his dream of using his passion for finance to help families and businesses reach their financial goals.

Savanah Dickinson '13 graduated summa cum laude with College Honors from Louisiana State University in December 2017. She earned bachelor degrees in Mass Communication and International Studies, and minors in Arabic and Political Science. Highlights of her collegiate career included studying in Morocco, interning at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, completing an undergraduate honors thesis in which she ranked Middle Eastern states according to their soft power, and earning distinctions as an LSU Distinguished Communicator and a Margaret Dixon Outstanding Female Mass Communication Senior. Savanah is pictured receiving an award for her work at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain from U.S. Ambassador William Roebuck.

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVAN GATTIS '04 2017 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION!

TACO TUESDAY

Congratulations to Rachel Grinbergs '13 who graduated with Honors from the University of Notre Dame in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design.

She is currently with Fjord (a design firm) in Chicago, IL. Rachel also has own her website www.rachelgrinbergs.com.

Bailey Josephs '13 graduated with a Major in Accounting from Samford University last May and will continue at the school's Master of Accounting program this coming year. She plans to follow that with an MBA from the Brock School of Business at Samford.

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Congratulations to Yoojin Park '13 and Grant Swenke '13 for launching their own start-up food company called INK. The company specializes in gourmet flavored soy sauce and is proudly the world's first flavored soy sauce!

They currently supply Walmart in select stores, including some in Dallas.

Congratulations to Ashtyn Zapletal '15 who was offered a paid internship at Parkland Hospital in Dallas last summer. She was selected as one of seven participants and gained experience in a hospital setting, while working on patient bedside manner.

Martin Eric Ramon II '13 was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in May 2017. He is currently at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, AK as a Transportation Officer.

Congratulations to Reese Christopher Collum '16 who became a United States Marine on June 2, 2017 at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, CA. Reese was a member of Bravo Company and was one of nine in a graduating class of 588 young men who was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class (PFC) in recognition of his hard work and determination during the 13 weeks of boot camp.

Reese earned Expert in Marine Rifle Marksmanship and a tan belt in Marine Corps Mixed Martial Arts (MCMAP), and also served as the Spiritual Leader for Platoon 1035. In addition to these honors, Reese was one of only six men in Bravo Company selected to have breakfast the morning of the Battalion Commander's Inspection (the final company inspection prior to graduation) with the MCRD Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Barron S. Taylor and Sergeant Major Gerardo C. Ybarra. Currently Reese is studying meteorological artillery support, his Military Operations Specialty (MOS) school, at Ft. Sill, OK. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on February 15, 2018.

Becca Smith '13 finished her internship with The Intern Group (TIG) in Medellin, Columbia last summer and is currently working for them as a Business Development Manager and Placement Coordinator. She and her team are responsible for developing new locations in Chicago and Toronto. The Intern Group provides international internship programs that enable qualified individuals to gain valuable professional experience at leading companies and organizations, while exploring exciting new places and developing extensive global networks.

Alex Krakosky '14 graduated Naval Boot Camp in August 2014. He is currently on deployment and stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. Alex serves as a Petty Officer Second Class AME maintaining and repairing oxygen, cockpit and cabin pressurization, and ejection seat systems for all U.S. Naval Aircraft. Alex has most recently served on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and in the spring of 2018 will be serving at TOPGUN at NAS Fallon in Fallon, NV, to work and train with the United States premier aircraft and military personnel.

Danielle Rogers '14 graduated last May from Stephen F. Austin State University in three years with a B.A. in English and a minor in Linguistics. She has been accepted into eight law schools, including Howard Law, Michigan State School of Law, University of Richmond School of Law, Texas Tech School of Law, TSU School of Law, University of Arkansas School of Law, South Texas School of Law and Tulsa School of Law. She is currently attending Michigan State University School of Law. During the summer, she worked as an intern for Downs & Stanford Law in Dallas.

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Congratulations to Roxanna Martinez '16 who recently received her own press release from NSCS (National Society of Collegiate Scholars). This prestigious honor society is available by invitation only to college students that meet the requirements. Roxanna is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society that recognizes academic achievements of college students while providing opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. She has been on the honor roll each semester, placed for Texas' National Chemistry Week 2017, and continued her dance career by performing with dance companies.

Through all her accomplishments, she will earn an associate degree in science in May 2018, and will be more than halfway through her bachelor’s degree.

University of Texas at Dallas freshman Lauren Campagna '17 made her collegiate golf debut by scoring a 75 on day two to finish in seventh place out of 48 players at the Abilene Intercollegiate Tournament in October 2017. The tournament took place at the par 71 Diamondback Golf Course in Abilene, TX. Congratulations Lauren!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 2010s SAVANAH DICKINSON '13 FOREIGN AMBITION

Originally published by the LSU Foundation in Cornerstone Winter 2017 and Spring 2018 LSU Communication across the Curriculum Distinguished Communicator Savanah Dickinson, an Ogden Honors College graduating senior, spent summer 2017 interning at the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain. What many would consider to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip is just the beginning of Dickinson's exciting career around the globe.

Dickinson, born and raised in Dallas, was attracted to LSU by the Ogden Honors College and international studies program.

Considering more than 15 universities, she decided LSU was the right fit and location. She became interested in studying mass communication after hearing friends discuss their courses.

"My counselor said I could graduate in four years with two majors and two minors attached to it. I thought, 'Why not? More bang for my buck!'" Dickinson said. "Now I'm happily an international studies and mass communication dual-degree student with two minors, political science and Arabic."

Even with all of that on her plate, Dickinson became a certified Distinguished Communicator, completing a variety of training experiences, leadership roles and community service to strengthen her written, spoken, visual and technological communication skills. She interned with the U.S. State Department in fall 2016 and then began researching internship locations abroad for her next professional development opportunity.

"Bahrain was one of the least well-known," Dickinson said.

"I thought it would be a unique experience, and that less people

would apply there because they didn’t know where it was. It's all a numbers game!"

She spent 10 weeks in Bahrain, which is located off the east coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. In her free time there, she traveled to Dubai, where she skydived and enjoyed indoor skiing, and to the country of Oman, centered between mountain ranges and the Arabian Sea. The opportunity reaffirmed her goal of working in foreign policy overseas, and she made the most of her time there with CxC techniques.

"Going into an internship, I "What many would first survey and get a feel for consider to be a the environment. I pick up on once-in-a-lifetime trip the areas that I think could be improved and would be good is just the beginning of to show off to grad schools or Dickinson's exciting future employers," she said. career around the globe."

"CxC also hosted a workshop on elevator pitches. That's a very valuable skill to have because in the embassy community, you're meeting with so many professionals. You want to start networking, and I was able to tell them who I am in a quick spiel and get feedback on grad schools or careers."

Supported by Shell, CxC is the first program of its kind in the U.S. CxC faculty advance undergraduate students' communication abilities through enhanced learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Distinguished Communicators' work is encompassed in the creation of a digital portfolio and an official transcript designation, sharpening LSU students' competitive edge in the job market.

Photo: Savanah Dickinson at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman

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WEDDINGS 01 Amira Qaddoumi '97 and Kevin Hays were

married on August 2, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas. Kevin is the Chief Financial Officer for an oil and gas company in Houston. After a career in the oil and gas industry, Amira currently enjoys being a stay at home mom and is an active member with the Junior League of Houston, TX.

02 Kristen O'Bryant '04 and Anthony Van't

Westeinde '05 were married on July 29, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The wedding party included Nicole O'Bryant '11, Sara Llewellyn Bohne '04, Caroline Nichols Baum '04, Stephanie Bauer Pascuzzi '04, Katie Lane '04, Taylor Hebert (married to Jacob Hebert '02), Chris Schaar '06, Matthew Labrie '05, Anthony Tamez '05, Mitch McKnight '05, Ricky Del Bosque '06, Jack Norris '07 and Taylor Hernandez '07.

03 Allison Dumas '06 and Daniel Lopez were married on October 13, 2017 in Mansfield, TX. Included in the wedding party was Monica Harmon '06. The couple resides in Arlington, TX with their three dogs.

04 Nick Zitaglio '06 married Lexie Parker on

July 22, 2017 at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, followed by a reception at The Room on Main. Nick and Lexie live in Richardson with their dog Ellie, and Nick works at The Marketing Arm as an Account Executive.

05 Susan Loera '06 and Jessie Harville were married on July 8, 2017 at the Cathedral Shrine of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas.

The wedding party included maid of honor Jessica Loera '03 and bridesmaids (nieces) Jennifer Fierro '12, Angelica Fierro '13 and Aliyah Loera (Class of 2020). Groomsmen included Michael Smith '06 and nephew, Christian Fierro (Class of 2020).

06 Danielle Davis '07 married Cristian

Oncescu on October 21, 2017 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas. Bridal party included Marie Davis Wilkes '97, Julie Auxier

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Hackett '07, Kelly Davis Pabst '05 and Kathleen Davis Pelletier '01. Danielle became a licensed architect in the state of New York last July after completing many required professional exams and years working in the industry. Both Danielle and Christian are architects and currently live in New Haven, CT.

07 Kristen Ruhnke '07 and Robin Sunny '07

were married on May 14, 2017 at Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Their reception was held at Piazza on the Green in McKinney, TX. Lisa Flores '07 was the maid of honor. The couple will be residing in San Francisco in the coming months.

08 Matthew Kantor '08 and Heather

Pregartner were married on September 10, 2017 in Asheville, NC. Matthew works as a VA hospital supervisor and assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, while Heather works as a special education teacher. The newlyweds met as sophomores at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, were they are still living.

09 Brandtley Adams '09 and Amanda McCrory

were married on September 23, 2017 at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, OK. The wedding party included co-best men, Trey Adams '03 and Alex Adams '07, Kathryn Taylor Adams '03, Emily Hoolan Adams '07, Patrick Richards '09, Richard Delbosque '09, Andrew Plugge '10, Travis Upham '09, Jared Snapka '09 and Kurt Zihlman '08. The couple currently lives in Tulsa, OK, both working for Saint Francis Health System - Mandy as a neonatal intensive care nurse and Brandtley in hospital administration.

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11 Annie Brockman '09 married Riley Roach

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on February 18, 2017. The wedding party included Shana Brockman '07, Emma Brockman (Class of 2019), Jerad Brockman '06, Jake Brockman '14, Joe Brockman '16, John Paul Brockman (Class of 2021), Roslyn Carver '09, Whitney Jarvis '09, Meghan Mannari '09 and Jill Quinn Tutle '09. The couple currently lives in Houston, TX.

12 Jill Quinn '09 married Tanner Tutle on

November 19, 2016. The wedding party included Annie Brockman Roach '09, Roslyn Carver '09, Whitney Jarvis '09, Meghan Mannari '09 and Clay Quinn '07. The couple currently resides in Allen, TX.

13 Andrew Plugge '10 married Tori Mellinger

on December 31, 2017. The wedding party included best man, RC Plugge '08, Ryan Plugge '13, Chris Paradowski '10 and Stephanie Plugge '06. The couple currently resides in Oxford, MS.

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14 Annyoli S. Diaz Pezzini '12 married

Christian Olivera on October 14 2017.

Both are graduates of The University of Texas at Dallas where they met while earning their business degrees. Annyoli works for New York Life Insurance while Christian is employed by Toyota's North America Headquarters. The couple currently lives in McKinney, TX.

15 Katherine "Kate" Ehnis '12 and Elton See

were married on May 13, 2017 at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas. Kate is the middle school math teacher at All Saints School.

The couple currently resides in Dallas.

10 Alex Behne '09 and Cameron Barnette

were married on May 12, 2017 at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin, TX, followed by a reception at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum. The wedding party included, matron of honor, Meredith Behne Kopp '08 and bridesmaids Jennifer Behne Bowden '02 and Kristen Ring '09.

The couple currently resides in Austin.

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BIRTHS Amy Krajca Michniak '94 and husband Greg are proud to announce the birth of baby number six, Joseph Thomas. Joseph joins siblings Savanna (13), Elora (11), James (7), Genevieve (5) and Abigail (3).

07 Jill McColloch Roll and her husband Robert welcomed a baby girl,

01 Amira Qaddoumi Hays '97 and husband Kevin welcomed their

08 Christian Walker Perow '01 and husband Michael welcomed Cullen

daughter Mallory Katherine Hays on October 17, 2015. They currently live in Houston.

02 Malina Qaddoumi Helton '97 and husband Josh welcomed their

second daughter, Camilla Lou, born on April 20, 2017. Camilla joins big sister Halliday Beth who was born November 5, 2014. The family resides in Dallas and looks forward to their daughters being Friars in the future!

03 Marlo Cavnar Vernon '97 and husband David welcomed their fifth

child, Imogen di Rosa born on December 16, 2017. She joins her three big sisters and one brother! Marlo completed her coursework and is now a PhD candidate at Augusta University (Augusta, GA) in Applied Health Sciences. She expects to finish her dissertation in August 2018.

04 John Farrell '00 and his wife Meghan welcomed twins, Molly Elena and Samuel Alex born on December 14, 2017. Mom and big brother John Elliot are doing great and enjoying the new additions. As John notes, "I'm saving up to pay BL tuition for three!"

05 Chris '01 and Gabrielle Duvall Armstrong '01 welcomed their second child, William Allen born on September 2, 2017. He joins big sister, Marigold (2).

06 Aaron Jaska '01 and his wife Ashely welcomed their first child,

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Catherine Camille, to their family on September 3, 2017. They also have a three year-old little girl, Jane Elizabeth.

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Dean to their family on November 28, 2017, joining older siblings Eliot and Marlo.

09 Christine Farrell Howitt '04 and husband Graham welcomed their first child, Hailey Marie Howitt on May 30, 2017.

10 Melissa Nelson Marshall '04 and husband Paul welcomed their

second child, Liam Russell on December 12, 2017. DJ (2) is proud to be a big brother!

11 Kevin Farrell '07 and his wife Hallie welcomed their first child, Emmett Joseph born May 15, 2017.

12 Mary Buechler McGiffin '08 and husband Daniel welcomed their

fourth little boy last summer. James joins brothers Matthew (2), David (3) and Brendan (5). Catholic school doesn't start in their area until third grade, so until then, Mary is homeschooling and working as a freelancer for different local publishing outlets. The family lives in the Virginia suburbs of DC.

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13 Jacob '11 and Elizabeth Merkel Head '11 welcomed a baby boy, Jacob Walker on November 11, 2017.

14 Veronica Adams '12 welcomed her son, Benjamin Daniel on June 2, 2017. Proud grandmother is Cecelia Foster Lafavers '87.

Chloe Marie on August 3, 2017.

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OBITUARIES Alumni Charles Lawrence '70 passed away on December 2, 2017. He was the husband of Julie Lyons Lawrence '72 and the brother of Dale Lawrence † '66, Greg Lawrence '67, Steve Lawrence '68, Anne Lawrence Bevill '76 and Mark Lawrence '78. He was also the brother-in-law of Paul Lyons '66, Joe Lyons '67 and Linda Lyons Dehan '69.

Dennis Wolfe, Jr. '71 passed away on July 24, 2017. He was the brother of Rebecca Bills '72 and Roger Wolfe '74.

Edward Berry '74 passed away in October 2017.

John Hunt '75 passed away on December 29, 2017. He was the brother of Lisa Hunt '68, Gretchen Hunt Moore '70, George Hunt † '72 and Paul Hunt '79.

Kennth Thomas '76 passed away on January 30, 2018. He was the brother of Michael Thomas † '74.

John Michael Chudej '77 passed away on July 18, 2017. He was the brother of Kenneth Chudej '68 and Linda Chudej White '70.

Tim Reily '84 passed away on February 8, 2018. He was the brother of Ann Reily Hardy '74, Cia Reily Bond '74, Clare Reily Marco '75 and Mike Reily '81.

Anthony Interrante '91 passed away on November 25, 2017.

Grant Carroll '98 passed away on October 14, 2017.

Kirby "Trey" Jackson, III '00 passed away on December 19, 2017.

Joseph Covino, Jr. '03 passed away on January 1, 2018.

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Brett Ensor '08 passed away on August 1, 2017. He was the brother of Breanne Ensor '10.

Aidan Collier (Class of 2018) passed away on January 8, 2018.

Past Parents Jean Accurso passed away on October 23, 2017. She was the mother of Donna Boyce Anderson '66, June Boyce '70 and Joan Boyce Miller '70.

LeRoy Berens passed away on January 26, 2018. He was the father of Michelle Berens Wiora '80, Hope Berens '83, Sonja Berens Chuprinko '84 and current BL faculty member, Laura Berens Pfeil '86.

John Chudej, Sr. passed away on March 23, 2017. He was the father of Kenneth Chudej '68, Linda Chudej White '70 and John Michael Chuedj Jr. † '77.

Leo Coerver passed away on November 29, 2017. He was the father of Dr. Judy Coerver Gilbreth '82, Dr. Suzanne Coerver Friend '83 and Dr. Katie Coerver '85.

David Cooper passed away on December 27, 2017. He was the father of Greg Cooper '77 and Margaret Ann Cooper Jones '81. He was also the grandfather of Raymond Cooper '06, Erin Cooper '12, David Jones '12 and Margaret "Maggie" Jones '14.

Edward Dolinar passed away on July 16, 2017. He was the father of Lawrence Dolinar '76, Mark Dolinar '78 and Paul Dolinar '84.

George Doucet passed away on December 11, 2017. He was the father of Rick Doucet '72, Janie Doucet

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Heather '75, Linda Doucet Johnson '76 and Julie Doucet Lesser '80.

Andrien Farquharson passed away on August 17, 2017. She was the mother of Shaun Farquharson Vidales '74, Sharon Farquharson White '76, Martha Farquharson Michalak '78, Robert Farquharson '80, John Farquharson '82 and Tom Farquharson '86. She was also the mother-inlaw of Andrew Vidales '74 and the grandmother of Blake Hunt '03 and Jordan Hunt '10.

William Lambeth passed away on November 9, 2017. He was the father of Maryann Lambeth Scudder '74, Bill Lambeth '75, Patty Lambeth Reagan '76, Ellen Lambeth '78 and Emily Lambeth '81. He was also the grandfather of Perrin Scudder '02.

Patricia Layden passed away on January 4, 2018. She was the mother of Ann Layden Fox '66, Margi Layden White '69 and David Layden '72.

She was also the mother-in-law of Ann Moline Layden '72.

Gloria Green passed away on November 10, 2017. She was the mother of Bob Green '74 and Janet Hershey Green '76. She was also the grandmother of Eric Green '01, Emily Green '08 and Ethan Green (Class of 2020).

Frank Maceda passed away on August 31, 2017. He was the father of Frank Maceda, Jr. '77, Felix Maceda † '84 and Fermin "Tony" Maceda '86, and grandfather of Elliot Maceda '16, Amanda Maceda '17 and Simon Maceda (Class of 2018).

Luis Gregorich passed away on July 12, 2017. He was the father of Grace Alvarez Oliver '89, Jorge Gregorich '92 and Jennifer Gregorich Harkins '01. He was also the grandfather of Natalia Gregorisch (Class of 2020).

Jack Mackey passed away on August 7, 2017. He was the father of Stephen Mackey † '74, Robert Mackey '76 and Nancy Mackey '79.

Catherine Grimley passed away on January 13, 2018. She was the mother of Cathy '71, John '74, Patty '76, Chris '79, Mary '81, Anne '82 and James '84, and grandmother of Colleen Wright '00.

Kathleen Hever passed away on August 3, 2017. She was the mother of Kathleen Ann Hever Fallon '74.

Frances Lambeth passed away on January 27, 2018. She was the mother of Maryann Lambeth Scudder '74, Bill Lambeth '75, Patty Lambeth Reagan '76, Ellen Lambeth '78 and Emily Lambeth '81. She was also the grandmother of Lauren Scudder Harper '99, Perrin Scudder '02 and Lauren Scudder Harper ’99

Patricia Marotta passed away on June 30, 2017. She was the mother of Lori Marotta '73, Louis Marotta '75, Mark Marotta '78, Martin Marotta, Julie Marotta Einstein '80 and Rose Marotta Blessing '81, and the motherin-law of Karen Petter Marotta '79. She was also the grandmother of Kristina Marotta Trujillo '06.

Diane Polito passed away on July 7, 2017. She was the mother of Margaret Polito Roberts † '69 and Phillip Polito '73.

C.E. "Chuck" Schackmann passed away on May 15, 2017. He was the father of John Schackmann '77 and Bill Schackmann '80.

James Silva passed away on July 27, 2017. He was the father of Kelsey Silva Francis '08 and Kourtney Silva '10.

John Steck passed away on July 23, 2017. He was the father of Cathy Steck Hamm '75 and Peggy Steck Winters '76.

Ruth Verret passed away on September 17, 2017. She was the mother of Chris Verret '75, Randy Verret '76 and David Verret '78, and grandmother of Jody Verret '05.

Adela Vidal passed away on February 11, 2018. She was the mother of Elsa Vidal-Dunson '76, Martha Vidal Martinez '78 and Victor Vidal † '80, and the grandmother of Elisa Dunson '11.

Mary Wearden passed away on December 17, 2017. She was the mother of Mary Wearden Evans '76 and Linda Wearden '79, and grandmother of Andy Wearden '11 and Lucas Wearden '13.

Barbara Whitfill passed away on October 11, 2017. She was the mother of Cynthia Whitfill Burns '69, Steven Whitfill '71 and Kelly Whitfill '73, and mother-in-law of Debbie Durbin Whitfill '73.

John Sayre passed away on August 2, 2017. He was the grandfather of Kathleen Hettrick '17 and George Hettrick (Class of 2020).

Robert Monier, husband of Gayle Smith Monier '71, passed away on March 7, 2017.

Joanne Smith passed away on June 20, 2017. She was the grandmother of Avery Smith '12 and Quentin Smith '15.

Enrique "Rick" Suarez, husband of Cynthia Blazek Suarez '76 and the brother-in-law of Paula Blazek '75, passed away on August 3, 2017.

Siblings

Grandparents

Carmen Aguirre, sister of Rita Lara Luna '66, passed away on January 11, 2017.

Rafael Fierro, Sr. passed away on February 5, 2018. He was the grandfather of Anthony Tamez, '05, Michael Tamez, '08, Alex Fierro '09, Josh Hall '09, Andrew Granado '11, Jennifer Fierro '12, Matthew Granado '13, Angelica Fierro '13 and Christian Fierro (Class of 2020).

Stacy Tyll, sister of Pamela Tyll Radisek '06, passed away on January 6, 2018.

Frederick Valenti, brother of Amber Valenti White '83, passed away on June 19, 2017.

Spouses Sheryll Allison, wife of Thomas Allison '70, passed away on August 17, 2017.

Former Faculty James Humphries passed away on August 28, 2017. He was a former BL faculty member from the 1960’s.

Jane Rychlik passed away on September 25, 2017. She was the grandmother of Conner Rychlik '17, Rex Rychlik '16 and Rachel Rychlik (Class of 2018).

"Our community is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic deaths of two members of our Bishop Lynch family, Trevor Cadigan '10 and Brian McDaniel '10.

Patsy Massoud passed away on October 14, 2017. She was the mother of Dianna Massoud Unis ’73 and Denise Massoud Ford ’74.

Nancy Mathews passed away on September 6, 2017. She was the mother of Tim Mathews '87, Joel Mathews ’88, Mary Ann Mathews † '91, David Mathews '94 and Colleen Mathews '96. She was also the grandmother of Joseph Mathews (Class of 2021).

Margaret Larson, wife of Gary Larson '69 and the sister-in-law of Bill Larson '71, passed away on December 11, 2017.

We are extremely proud of the service, honor and compassion that Trevor and Brian demonstrated throughout their lives, and we are proud to have called them beloved friends.

Editor's Note: At press time, we were notified of the passing of two recent graduates on March 11, 2018. Please continue to join us in prayer for the comfort of their families, friends and all who grieve their loss.

Please pray for the families and friends of Trevor, Brian, and all the victims. Trevor was son of Jerry Cadigan '69 and brother to Kathleen Cadigan Howard '08. Brian was brother to Jason McDaniel '07.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

Written by friend, Ryan Plugge ’13 B I S H O P LY N C H . O R G

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