Summer Reflections 2022

B I S H O P LY N C H

HIGH SCHOOL

REFLECTIONS SUMMER 2022

03.

PAY IT FORWARD: THE PLUGGE FAMILY

01.

REASONS TO GIVE AND THE BENEFITS OF GIVING

25.

LEGACY GALA SUCCESS:

BY THE NUMBERS

09.

THROUGH THE DECADES: IN HIS SERVICE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friar Family, As we enjoy the summer months, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the last year of successes and growth for our Bishop Lynch community. We are excited to share with you just a small sampling of the enormous impact that Bishop Lynch continues to have on the lives of its students and alumni. Evidenced by our mission statement, the call to Service remains a pivotal part of the BL journey. This issue of Reflections draws you into the stories of current students and alumni alike who have answered that universal call to serve others.

Additionally, strategic thinking and evaluation are often a big part of the work that takes place when school is not in session during the summer months. We will take the opportunity to dive deeper into our newly revamped Heart of St. Dominic Christian Service Program. After careful planning and restructuring, this new service program will be launched in the coming fall semester as a major outward extension of the campus ministry program. Service is not only one of the pillars of our Dominican tradition, but it is an expectation for our graduate profile. Every graduate from Bishop Lynch should demonstrate Gospel values through their daily lives, seek Christ-like service to others in our community and work for justice in the world, especially in showing concern for the vulnerable and disinherited. The power of service in our BL community is boundless, and these living examples highlighted in the pages that follow should inspire us all to recommit ourselves to those around us in greatest need.

I pray that these months of summer allow for you to have increased time of relaxation and connection with family and friends. Being a part of the Friar Community is such a gift, and I know that this time will also be used by our faculty and staff to recharge and refresh after a year well spent on the journey with this generation of Friar students as they forge their paths towards college and beyond. As you may recall from your own time at BL, that first invitation to serve others, outside of your parents, was a caring, faithful and dedicated teacher who saw in you the gifts that you were intended to share with the world.

Contributors REFLECTIONS STAFF

Christopher L. Rebuck President Jim Urbanus ’73 Chief Advancement Officer Jennifer Nimmo Director of Communications Kelsie Cale Flemister ’10 Director of Alumni

Stephanie Savage Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTOR

Sean Chaffin PHOTOGRAPHY

Drew Merlino

Visual Communications Specialist

Peace and Blessings,

Christopher L. Rebuck

On the cover – Sean Calloway ’22 is a member of BL’s newest alumni class. The Class of 2022 had 257 graduates who will be attending 86 unique colleges and universities in 27 states and the United Kingdom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01

19

REASONS TO GIVE AND THE BENEFITS OF GIVING

100 TH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MILESTONE

03 PAY IT FORWARD:

The Plugge Family’s BL Legacy

05 OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT:

21 GIVING BACK:

Friars Serve Others Near and Far

25 LEGACY GALA SUCCESS: By the Numbers

Parent Volunteer Engagement

09 THROUGH THE DECADES:

27 CLASS NOTES

In His Service

33

15

WEDDINGS

BOLDLY LEADING...

BUILDING LEGACY

36

Capital Campaign

BIRTHS

18

37

THE FUND FOR BL

IN MEMORIAM

REASONS TO GIVE AND THE BENEFITS OF GIVING

By Jim Urbanus ’73, Chief Advancement Officer

0 1 • R E ASO NS TO G IV E

Who inspires you to give?

What inspires you to give?

W

hat if I told you that you can find tranquility and inner peace along with a decrease in your blood pressure and reduced stress by a simple act? Research shows that our brains are stimulated by acts of charity and release “good feeling” chemicals such as endorphins which give you a sense of euphoria, and oxytocin which promotes feelings of calmness, harmony and connection to others. Giving promotes social connection and is contagious. When one person gives, it inspires others to do the same. An impactful act!

Giving of your time, talent and/or treasure also promotes a feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves. People want to make a difference in others’ lives. They want to make a positive impact on their “corner of the street.” How do we improve our place in this world? What is it we can do individually and collectively to make this a better place?

Ideas abound as to how we can positively impact our portion of the world. The simplest way is to take that first step of finding a way to get involved. Find a deserving charity that could use your expertise, your time. Money is certainly helpful; however, a case can be made that being a part of a charitable organization in some form brings joy and contentment to the “donors” of their time and use of their talent. Being a part of something larger than yourself helps promote positive feelings of connectedness and social engagement. Make the world smaller, not larger.

Research shows that there are four to five consistent reasons for people giving to their favorite charity.

TRUST

Charities properly using donations for the public good are viewed very favorably ALTRUISM

Compassion for the less fortunate and wanting to make a difference in someone else’s life PERSONAL CONNECTION

A special feeling of gratitude to a particular charitable organization SOCIAL BENEFITS

Playing a role in a social network that involves the donor in something bigger than themselves EGOISM

Enhance your reputation and experiencing good feelings about yourself

No matter which of these motivates the donor to give is less important than their participation in the beautiful dance of giving and receiving. So much of life is simply about showing up. The “high” you experience when you help someone in need is unequalled. The benefits experienced in sharing yourself with others cannot be overstated. Life is a journey, and we are blessed to have an opportunity to change people’s lives on this path by lending a hand.

It goes back to the original questions posed earlier:

Who inspires you to give? What inspires you to give?

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PAY IT FORWARD The Plugge Family’s BL Legacy

By Jennifer Nimmo, Director of Communications

T

o know the Plugge family is to know their warm, fun-loving and close-knit familial bond and their immense love for Bishop Lynch High School. Roman Plugge ’75 and his siblings Jan Plugge Davis ’72, John Plugge ’77 and Christina Plugge Dyer ’79 began the Plugge’s Bishop Lynch legacy when all four attended Bishop Lynch High School after graduating from St. Patrick Catholic School in Lake Highlands.

Antonia and Roman Plugge, Sr. were big believers in Catholic education and made sacrifices to invest in 57 total years of Catholic schooling for their kids at St. Patrick’s, Bishop Lynch and the University of Dallas.

BISHOP LYNCH STUDENT

Roman has fond memories of his student years at Bishop Lynch, including his wrestling career and four years as a member of the Blackfriars Guild. He credits Father John Gambro and other priests at the school with his success in high school and later in life.

“Father Gambro was my hero. He was a marvelous man. God love the priests and nuns who founded Bishop Lynch. They uprooted their lives in Chicago and Wisconsin to start this school,” said Roman.

Father Gambro even married Roman and his wife Sharon in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Roman kept in contact with Father Gambro until his death.

Those long-term Bishop Lynch bonds are part of what motivated Roman and Sharon Plugge to send their four children to St. Patrick Catholic School and Bishop Lynch High School.

BISHOP LYNCH PARENT

Roman and Sharon embraced their roles as BL parents. Their four children Stephanie Plugge Collins ’06, Roman “RC” Plugge ’08, Andrew Plugge ’10, and Ryan Plugge ’13 all graduated from Bishop Lynch High School. During their time as students, the couple’s four children relished their BL experiences on the field, stage and swimming pool. All three Plugge boys played football in addition to other sports, and each sibling’s football career overlapped with another sibling’s. There were even times when two Plugges were on the field at once. Stephanie was a four-year member of the swim team.

BISHOP LYNCH VOLUNTEER

After Roman and Sharon’s children graduated from Bishop Lynch, Roman wanted to get more involved with the life of the school. Besides his active role with the BL Alumni Association and its Alumni of the Year Committee, he was named to the BL Board of Directors in 2014 and has served as chair for two years. Roman currently chairs the board’s strategic planning committee, which is about to embark on determining the school’s next five-year plan.

0 3 • TH E P L U GGE F A M ILY

Roman enjoys his service as a board member.

“My role on the board of directors is rewarding. Bishop Lynch has a more diverse community than many other private schools. That, coupled with the rigorous college preparatory curriculum and campus ministry focus, make it a first-choice school for students across the metroplex. I am honored to help advance the school’s mission through my work on the board,” said Roman.

For her part, Sharon was a football, swim and soccer mom and an unprecedented three-time co-chair of the Legacy Gala, among many other volunteer roles. Her Volunteer of the Year award in 2009-2010 was certainly well deserved.

BISHOP LYNCH SUPPORTER

Roman Plugge, Sr. was an architect and Roman himself had a successful career in engineering, so he is a big believer in bricks and mortar. Over the years, Roman and Sharon supported various capital projects around campus and helped to fund the science wing, fieldhouse renovations, football field turf, and capital campaign initiatives.

Partly through Roman’s work on the board of directors, he has changed his charitable giving perspective when it comes to the school. Roman and Sharon now solely donate to the endowment to provide tuition assistance for current and future Friars, and they created the Plugge Family Scholarship Fund in 2020.

“I want to give kids a chance to experience Bishop Lynch as my family has.

Bishop Lynch has a special place in our hearts,” said Roman.

Roman and Sharon’s youngest son Ryan came to work for Bishop Lynch High School in 2018. He heads the school’s sports information division where he promotes BL Athletics and the sports he once played as a Friar. For his part, Ryan loves being back on campus and Roman and Sharon are very proud of their son’s accomplishments.

“Bishop Lynch High School is truly a special place. From being blessed to attend and graduate here to now being lucky enough to work here, the Friar Family is precisely that, a second family. It will always have a special place in my heart,” said Ryan.

That second family is why Roman and Sharon support scholarships to the school.

“My family and I were blessed to have had the opportunity to attend BL. It has positively impacted all our lives. Supporting endowments which enable students to attend BL that otherwise would not get that opportunity is paying it forward to future generations, and that is so very rewarding to us,” said Roman.

Johnny Pelletier, Class of 2025, is the first of the third generation of Plugge Friars. Johnny is the grandson of Jan Plugge Davis ’72 and the son of Kathleen Davis Pelletier ’01.

Top: Extended Plugge family photo from 2018. There are now 16 Friars (and counting) in the family.

Middle: Roman and Sharon (center) pictured with their four children in May 2022.

Bottom: (from left to right) Antonia Plugge, Father Gambro and John Plugge ’77 are pictured at Roman and Sharon’s wedding in 1985.

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OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT: Parent Volunteer Engagement

W

hile the high school journey is a unique student experience of growth and milestone events, it is a memorable time for parents as well. Bishop Lynch High School welcomes parents to be a part of the community, and the Bishop Lynch Parents Association (BLPA) is a wonderful place to start.

By virtue of having a student at Bishop Lynch, every parent is a member of BLPA. Recently, BLPA has undergone a metamorphosis resulting in renewed volunteer participation, energy and accomplishments.

Christie Morel served as BLPA president for the 2021-2022 school year, and she will be at the helm in 2022-2023 as well.

She attributes some of the parent volunteer excitement to being able to be back on campus following pandemic

“I am an introvert by nature so getting involved initially was outside of my comfort zone, but I have forged relationships that will last me a lifetime.” ~ CHRISTIE MOREL

restrictions, but she also notes that the BLPA has worked to foster an inclusive environment where all parents feel encouraged to participate.

Christie has two Friars: Logan Morel ’20, and Meredith Morel, Class of 2023. She first got involved as a BLPA parent volunteer when she joined the BLPA Board as secretary during her son’s junior year. She welcomes parents to get involved to learn more about the school and be an active part of the community.

“I am an introvert by nature so getting involved initially was outside of my comfort zone, but I have forged relationships that will last me a lifetime,” said Christie.

Monica Austin serves as BL’s director of volunteer management and events, and she helps support the BLPA Board and their activities. She has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Bishop Lynch’s parent volunteers.

“There are so many volunteer opportunities for our parents to give back and be an active part of the parent community.

We like to find a great fit for each parent whether it is working in the library or becoming a part of our gala team.

We have availability for small jobs and larger leadership positions,” said Monica.

Elizabeth Chavez is a member of BLPA, and she serves as the lead for the Friar Friends. The BLPA Friar Friends initiative pairs veteran BL moms with new incoming freshman and transfer moms so they have a personal point of contact resource for navigating high school.

As the mother to Isaac Chavez ’20, Holt Chavez ’22 and

Katy Trent (left) and Tina Theodore ’86 (right) served as co-chairs for the 2022 Boots and BLing Legacy Gala.

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BLPA parent volunteers welcome prospective families to BL Sunday on Dec. 5, 2021.

Haden Chavez, Class of 2025, Elizabeth has a lot of Bishop Lynch mom experience and loves serving as a resource for other new BL moms.

“Bishop Lynch is a community made up of kids, but it is also a community for parents. Parenting is hard, but we are all in this together. BLPA and Friar Friends connect parents so we can lean on one another and celebrate victories together,” said Elizabeth.

Friar Friends was created more than 12 years ago by Sandy Stansbury ’82 who understood that high school is a transition time for parents as well as students, and that parental support is often needed.

“My favorite thing about Friar Friends is its mission. I love that veteran BL moms can stand in the gap and provide

support to moms throughout the unique transition to high school,” said Elizabeth.

Tina Theodore ’86 was a co-chair for Bishop Lynch’s 2022 Legacy Gala, and her daughters Hannah Theodore ’17, Emma Theodore ’20 and Sarah Theodore ’22 are all BL graduates. Tina came full circle since her student days on campus with her parental and volunteer roles. She embraced the opportunity to give back to Bishop Lynch, the school that has given so much to her family over the years.

“I cherished the time spent with other parents, volunteers and staff working together so more students have the opportunity to attend Bishop Lynch through our scholarship fund,” said Tina.

BLPA parent volunteers decorated for the annual Senior Dinner held in the Legacy Gym on May 10, 2022.

0 7 • PAR E NT VOLU N TE E R E N G AG E ME N T

PARENTS PLAY A BIG ROLE IN BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL’S VIBRANT SCHOOL COMMUNITY. While the students certainly benefit from active parental engagement, everyone wins when parents are involved: events are bigger and better, campus connections are more meaningful, amazing memories are created, and more funds are raised.

The high school experience is a family affair, and we want YOU to be connected to other parents and the entire campus community.

Ways to get involved with BLPA: BLPA Ambassadors

Library Volunteers

Friar Friends

Social & Events Committee

BLPA Belonging (Diversity & Inclusion)

BLPA Sunshine (Families in need)

Spirituality & Bible Studies

Service Volunteers

Hospitality

Nominating Team Communications Team

Please email Monica Austin at blpa@bishoplynch.org to get involved.

BLPA isn’t the only parent organization that has been turbocharged since the pandemic.

Check out the following parent groups for other ways you can get involved with Bishop Lynch High School: THE FC (THE FRIARS CLUB)

FRIAR ALL-STAR TEAM (F.A.S.T.)

This is a group by dads, for dads. There are no meetings or formal agenda, just community building. Social gatherings are held on select weeknights during the school year. The fall 2021 event featuring a barbecue masterclass was a huge hit.

The Friar All-Star Team is a membership group of supporters of all Bishop Lynch athletic programs. The Friar All-Star Team membership kicks off with the F.A.S.T. Festival in Roffino Stadium each May and features special member social events throughout the year.

Contact Gabe Moreno at gabe.moreno@ bishoplynch.org if you would like more information.

Please see blfriars.org/fast for membership tier information and registration.

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THROUGH THE DECADES: In His Service

“One thing that I ask of you: never be afraid of giving. There is a deep joy in giving, since what we receive is much more than what we give.”

B

By Sean Chaffin

ishop Lynch students have answered that call from Mother Teresa since the institution’s founding in 1963. Beyond just reading, writing and mathematics, students learn the joy and importance of giving back to others. Making a difference goes beyond family and friends, and students experience the difference that simple acts of kindness and charity can make in others’ lives.

That sense of responsibility and love carries over after graduation. Many former BL students keep the kindness going on a daily basis, becoming deeply involved in charitable and philanthropic efforts even many years after those formative years in high school. Veritas (truth) may be the school motto, but caritas (charity) could just as well be a major part of the school’s ethos as well. With that sense of Christian giving in mind, here are some BL graduates making a difference.

0 9 • T H R O U G H T H E DEC ADES

graduating class and boys and girls were taught separately and mostly by nuns and priests. The school played a major role in the course of her life in working with children and women in need. That carried over to working with Genesis and Jubilee.

PAT RALPH PRESTIDGE ’66 Nurse and former director of outreach at Genesis Women’s Shelter; volunteer with Jubilee Park and Community

“It’s changed a lot, but it was a good school,” she says. “After high school, I became a nurse at Children’s Medical Center because I like taking care of kids. When I grew up, we were fortunate and had everything we needed. So there at Bishop Lynch and being a nurse, I realized that there are a lot of people who struggle.”

“It’s an amazing place that provides shelter and support for women and families, so they do a lot,” she says.

“There are a lot of women in situations where they are desperate for help, and they need to be safe. When I was growing up, I didn’t know all that was going on. And then as you get older, you realize that there are a lot of people that have a hard time, and women with children that need help.”

Prestidge was part of the school’s first

“I was relieved and satisfied that Jonathan’s Place would continue to succeed in serving abused, abandoned and neglected children,” she says.

“After 25 years, we established a successful board of directors, quality staffing, quality programs, and a loyal donor base.”

Despite retirement, Matthews felt there was still more to do. When

As a nurse, non-profit employee and volunteer, Prestidge has gone on to try and make a difference and continues doing that today.

Women in need has always been a special cause for Pat Ralph Prestidge.

From 1995 to 2000, she worked at Genesis Women’s Shelter helping to raise funds and keep the group’s mission going. Genesis provides safety, shelter and support for women and children dealing with domestic violence. The group also helps raise awareness of the issue and its prevalence and impact.

The cause remains important for Prestidge and she now works with the Jubilee Park and Community Center program through her church, St. Michael’s. The group operates a campus just a short drive from BL and helps strengthen families by providing services, medical care, affordable housing, and education to those in need. The park serves 1,100 residents annually.

Dallas County, which included three licensed residential cottages (housing up to 16 children in each), administrative offices and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.

LISA GILLOCK MATTHEWS ’78 Founder, Jonathan’s Place

“I believe we were all put on this earth for a reason. Each of us is here with different gifts, talents and purposes.” ~ LISA MATTHEWS

After launching a successful children’s charity in the Dallas area, Lisa Gillock Matthews decided to retire after 25 years of helping children in need. Despite that, branching out with even more efforts followed. She founded Jonathan’s Place in 1991 to provide quality housing for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

She served as founder and CEO for more than two decades before retiring in September 2015. Stepping away came after the completion of a 10year expansion project that included the purchase of 39 acres in northeast

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 1 0

she originally launched Jonathan’s Place, part of her original vision was to eventually expand services to children in a third-world country. She decided to focus on volunteering with orphanages in Panama, sharing her knowledge and resources. Matthews now lives in the country and continues her lifelong goal of helping children.

“It was time for me to move on to the final phase of my vision,” Matthews says. “Panama won my heart for many reasons, not the least of which is that it’s much closer to home where my family remains. My services are voluntary, assisting orphanages in the country by providing policy related guidance and support to their boards, donors, staff, and volunteers.”

Life at BL served as some inspiration for a life in service to children’s causes that stretches back decades.

As her community service, Matthews volunteered weekly working with disabled children. But beyond her time at the school, where she was involved with yearbook and other activities, Matthews was motivated by her faith in the pursuit to help others.

“I think my Catholic faith instilled a sense of responsibility for helping those less fortunate from the time I was a little girl,” she says. “The influence was strengthened through community service projects required at BL.” “I believe we were all put on this earth for a reason. Each of us is here with different gifts, talents and purposes.

While not the easiest route to take in the business world, I do believe I did my best to fulfill my purpose.”

CONNIE BESHARA RICKETTS ’80 Executive director, CASA of Galveston

Connie Beshara Ricketts and her husband knew the struggles of children with broken homes first hand. As foster parents, they’d taken children into their home and even built their family through the system, adopting three as their own. Her work with foster children eventually led to volunteering with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in 1999 and her passion for the organization and helping children continues more than two decades later. CASA trains community members to serve as bestinterest voices for kids in the court system who are in the temporary custody of the child welfare system.

There are 950 programs nationwide and 72 in Texas.

“When we heard about foster care, it just touched our hearts in a way I really can’t even explain,” she says.

“It’s just about giving back, supporting orphan care and knowing that what I can give I’m going to give and what I want to share, I’m going to share.”

An opportunity to get even more involved came in 2015. After a career in human services in the corporate world, she and her family looked to move back to Texas from Massachusetts. Her daughter attended Texas A&M-Galveston and the family eventually relocated there. The move brought an opportunity to work with CASA even more, and she’s now the executive director of CASA Galveston.

She oversees 12 staff members and numerous volunteers in the quest to serve children who need someone ready to advocate on their behalf.

In 2021, the Galveston chapter served more than 550 children with over 170 volunteers. She’s won numerous awards during her time as a volunteer with the organization including the Children’s Champion Award in Massachusetts in 2015, for her service to abused and neglected children. In 2020, she received the Liberty Bell Award from the Galveston County

1 1 • T H R O U G H THE DEC ADES

Bar Association, which is awarded to a non-lawyer who promotes justice in his or her community. She’s also served as a regional representative to the Texas CASA board.

Much of her interest in working with children in need began at BL, where she was involved in the Blackfriars Guild, Future Business Leaders of America and working as manager for the drill team. She was also in Student Council, serving as senior class girls president. But the school’s commitment to others may have had the most impact and that still resonates today.

“Throughout my Catholic education, one of the things that I think our faith promotes is service, you know, back to the community, back to people,” she says. “My service project my senior year was to work with children with special needs, and children who had multiple disabilities. And I remember thinking even then, not really knowing where my life would lead me, I really enjoyed that service piece to others.”

for others – helping them reach their full potential.

“When I stumbled upon the role for Helping Hands for Single Moms, I felt God tugging on my heartstrings, as if he was calling me to fulfill my purpose for him,” says Matthews, who now lives in Garland. “The cause of this organization is near and dear to me because my sister is a single mom. I witnessed her struggles and know how hard it was for her to make

“Single moms are truly the superheros of our community.

I’m thankful that I’m allowed to partner with them on their journey...” ~ CHANDRA MATTHEWS

CHANDRA RIDEAU MATTHEWS ’97 Development director, Helping Hands for Single Moms Dallas

A job was definitely a priority when Chandra Rideau Matthews and her family moved back to the Dallas area from Houston in the summer of 2021.

But she longed for more. As a manager of leadership development programs, Matthews enjoyed being a resource

sacrifices in order to provide a better life for herself and her kids. In a way, she is my why. When I see our moms, I see my family – someone that I can advocate for, help and walk alongside to let them know they’re not alone.”

Helping Hands for Single Moms assists single mothers pursuing a college education. The group lifts these moms above day-to-day struggles with a monthly stipend, free AAA membership, auto repair assistance, and other support. The vision is to help these women reach their graduation goals, become gainfully employed and reduce generational poverty one single mom family at a time.

In her role, Matthews grows the program by building community awareness, increasing recruitment and working with partners and donors. Her role includes program development, fundraising, hosting special events, speaking and interview engagements, and more. It’s not a typical job – and that’s what she loves about it.

“Single moms are truly the superheroes of our community,” she says. “I’m thankful that I’m allowed to partner with them on their journey and that I get to do it in the community I love and grew up in.”

Part of that sense of helping others came from BL, where community service is a critical part of daily life.

During senior year, Matthews served as a student aide at an underprivileged middle school. She remembers students’ smiles during those visits and loved showing someone she cared by just donating her time. Another charitable endeavor also sticks out in her mind.

“I loved getting to participate in Meals on Wheels as a student,” says Matthews, who was involved with track, choir and theater productions.

“It may sound funny, but delivering food to the elderly was more of a gift to me than for them. I felt like I was making a difference and I learned then that the simple things in life can have just as much of an impact as the larger ones can. I’m grateful that BL afforded these opportunities to us and helped connect us to the realities of

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 1 2

the communities around us.”

Beyond school, serving others was also reinforced at home for Matthews and remains a key part of her life years later.

“My parents are also huge supporters of giving back and living a life of service,” she says. “To them, well-wishes aren’t enough, action speaks volumes. So in a way, servant leadership has always been a part of my life.”

Work in the Peace Corp played a major role in Megan Gray’s life in service – not her own experience but her father Walter’s. He served in Costa Rica and instilled in her a love of travel and sharing one’s time and talents.

Walter passed away five years ago, but his inspiration remains. Gray’s mother Melissa also showed the value of community connections, church service, early life literacy through her charitable work, and caretaking of her own mother.

“Together they helped me embrace my curiosity to find connection with others and problem solve to ensure people can meet their full potential,” Gray says.

DR. MEGAN GRAY ’02 Pediatrician at federally qualified health center, assistant professor of medicine

As a doctor in the Austin area, Gray treats newly-arrived immigrant children from Central America. It can be tough work, but also highly rewarding. That often involves establishing a connection with children and parents while reassuring them she’s a partner in their care. In just a 20-minute visit, patients receive vaccines and testing for tuberculosis, anemia and other ailments. Gray also treats unaddressed injuries and children receive dental and vision care, nutrition advice and more.

“I really enjoy the challenge and the chance to so quickly set this child on a healthier path,” she says. “We don’t even begin to get into much of the traumatic aspects of their journey, but the benefit of primary care is to bring them back again and again and let that unfold. Reunification is a major challenge for families. Some of my teen patients were away from their parents for 10 years. I’m often struck by their resilience and a new appreciation for how easy our lives are here in comparison.”

“In my clinic I see incredible parents who want the best life for their kids.

I identify with that drive so much, and want to do my part to help make that possible. The shared Catholic background certainly helps me feel a connection and familiarity with them.”

Along with her daily pediatric work, Gray also teaches medical students and residents on child development,

1 3 • T H R O U G H T H E DEC ADES

immigrant health and health policy.

She also works on several advocacy projects on school health partnerships as well as in mental health access and immigrant/refugee care.

Life at BL only added to her belief in giving back. Gray competed in cross country and track, which provided the mental discipline to push herself. That helped during long nights of residency training, writing research grants and parenting. Judy Porter introduced her to the term “social justice” and David Post piqued her interest in policy and the values guiding American institutions. Jenny Carroll taught the basics of leadership through Student Council.

“I believe it was a really well-rounded education, which I can appreciate now much more looking back,” she says.

“Taking Spanish for four years turned out to be pretty instrumental for my career path. I’d recommend this for anyone going into health professions.

It’s amazing to be able to connect with my patients directly.”

Senior service offered an opportunity to test out different fields and the physician worked with her own elementary school teacher. Gray now volunteers at her own children’s school and the Austin Diaper Bank.

Looking back, Sister Cecilia Sehr’s life of service and teaching served as a major role model for scientific inquiry and going into academic medicine.

Overall, BL made a big impact in the direction of her life.

Gray says: “I think having teachers who enjoyed life and career mentoring as well as teaching has helped me do the same for the students I work with.”

VANESSA GARNICA BARKER ’11 Community engagement manager, New Friends New Life

Just two years before graduation, doctors diagnosed Vanessa Garnica Barker with diabetes. It was a lifechanging event that left her confused and even questioning God. A little self-education helped turn around her situation however. An internship with the National Kidney Foundation during college also transformed her diagnosis into a mission.

“There was purpose in my tribulation because I learned that diabetes was the leading risk factor for kidney failure with a high prevalence in the Hispanic and Latino community,” says Barker, who now lives in Richardson.

“I found this as a call to action to find light in a dark situation to empower others through health education and service. This really solidified my passion and purpose in non-profit.”

After working in other organizations, Barker eventually found New Friends New Life. The group restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. That includes access to education, job training, financial assistance, mental health services, and spiritual support for women and their children with backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty, and limited opportunities.

Barker fell in love with the organization and now manages the volunteer program through recruitment, training and project implementation. She also oversees the food pantry, clothing closet and works to provide other basic human needs to those served. Planning holidays, celebrations and leisure activities for New Friends New Life members are all part of her job as well.

opportunity to act as the hands and feet of Jesus every day to help improve and empower the lives of those affected by trafficking,” she says. “This role allows me to see the good in the world through the love our volunteers have for the mission and seeing just how much those involved genuinely enjoy serving others.”

At BL, Barker was busy – participating in cheerleading, BL Ambassadors, National Spanish Honor Society, Cinderella’s Closet Club, Student Foundation, Animal Rescue Club, and Passionately Pink. Along with her parents, the school provided an example of the importance of helping others. The significance of community service came through in theology classes, connecting with her and showing the heart of her faith.

“Love is the driving force in our faith, so what better way to show love than through giving back,” she says. “By incorporating service into our offcampus projects or just as a part of our requirements, I found these interactions to be both rewarding and inspiring through the joy of those being served.”

The Schwitter family also served as a major inspiration. Since 2006, the Schwitters have given out more than 150 scholarships to BL students and graduates seeking college degrees. Barker received one of those scholarships, and the family’s generosity had a major impact in the course of her life.

“They set such a strong foundation for giving in my education in conjunction with my parents, that it motivated me to pay it forward to others,” she says.

“Their humility and generosity set a beautiful example of something I aspired to become and hope to be.”

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, and Ruidoso, New Mexico. His work appears in numerous regional and national publications.

“There’s a real need for this work and this role presented me with the

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The Campaign for Bishop Lynch

B

ishop Lynch High School’s capital campaign, Boldly Leading... Building Legacy, is doing just that – boldly building an endowment and improved infrastructure to serve the needs of future generations of Bishop Lynch Friars. The campaign has already successfully established 29 named family scholarships to bolster the school’s endowment, and there is an opportunity to break ground on the new bistro, student commons and library next summer if enough campaign contributions can be raised in the next couple of months.

Facility Enhancements The Bishop Lynch tradition is embodied and defined by the overall student experience both inside and out of the classroom. With the addition of the Student Learning Center and BL Bistro, Bishop Lynch will virtually double the size of the school’s student commons space and dining area, granting Bishop Lynch students an unprecedented level of engagement and interaction. This will be BL’s greatest step to date in an effort to foster an all-inclusive, holistic student experience on campus.

However, the capital campaign is not immune to inflationary pressures. Due to the current market climate, construction for the capital campaign projects has taken on a new urgency. The capital campaign is adopting a phased approach to first focus on the bistro, student commons and library renovation project, and the athletics facility enhancements will be a subsequent phase of construction.

Stephen Arata ’84 is a member of the capital campaign executive leadership team. He is excited about the campaign’s initial success and looks forward to seeing tangible renovation progress on campus next summer.

1 5 • C APITAL C AMPAIG N

“There are windows of opportunity for campus construction when you are dealing with a vibrant school community. We need to get the capital campaign funds raised within the next couple of months to be able to proceed with planning for Summer 2023 construction,” said Stephen.

Like Stephen, Oliver McGonigle knows the importance of investing in the school’s infrastructure for present and future needs.

Oliver is a past parent and school board member and was integral to the series of capital improvements begun with the McGonigle Theatre over 20 years ago. He recently earmarked a matching gift for the bistro and student commons renovation. In an effort to quickly move the project forward, he will match pledges of $100,000 or more with his own gift of $25,000, up to a total of $125,000.

Endowment for Scholarships Bishop Lynch provides the highest-quality Catholic education and strives to keep it as affordable as possible.

With many families working to make ends meet, and in line with BL’s cherished Dominican tradition of inclusivity,

the capital campaign intends to significantly raise the endowment to give every qualified student an opportunity to receive a BL education.

Paul Dybala ’89 and his wife Kelly recently established the Dybala Fine Arts Joe and Johnnie Cardinale Endowed Scholarship Fund with a matching gift pledge of $100,000.

An additional pledge of $400,000 is earmarked to establish as many as four other fine arts scholarship funds over the next few years.

Paul and Kelly wanted to recognize faculty and others who have had a major impact on the fine arts program at BL. This first scholarship will provide scholarship assistance for incoming freshmen who plan to play in the band.

“Bishop Lynch has a long history and reputation of excellence in the fine arts. St. Catherine of Siena said, ‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.’ The BL fine art programs help students to do just that. These scholarships are a way to acknowledge the commitment of the fine arts faculty and staff and to support the transformative programs they shepherd,” said Paul.

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Newly Endowed Scholarships Congratulations to our generous donors on establishing the following scholarships as part of the capital campaign: The Angela Wheatley Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Fund The Bo & Bobbi Paradowski Scholarship Fund The Board of Directors Scholarship Fund The David and Niki Campisi Family Scholarship Fund The Father Sean Martin Scholarship Fund

The Thomas P. Upton Scholarship Fund The Kathy and Wally Stock Family Scholarship The Martine and David Buhmann Family Scholarship The Amy and Tom Castillo Family Scholarship The Maureen and Joe Hafertepe Family Scholarship

The Friar Connection

The James Meara ’78 Endowed Scholarship

The Gray Family Scholarship Fund

The Reese Termulo Scholarship

The John and Mary Joan Ganter Endowment Fund

The Polak Family Endowed Scholarship

The Msgr. Milam Joseph Endowed Scholarship Fund The Plugge Family Scholarship Fund The Reynolds Family Scholarship Fund The Robert Joseph and Mary Louise Bosworth Memorial Scholarship Fund The Steve and Anne Sellers Family Endowment Fund The Theresa Klein Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Kelly and Paul Dybala Fine Arts Scholarship The Katharine Tucker Endowed Scholarship The Peggy and Len Ruby Family Scholarship The Rose and Bill Persinger Family Scholarship The Rev. Msgr. Thomas Weinzapfel Memorial Scholarship The Johnnie and Joe Cardinale Family Scholarship The Longoria Charitable Lead Trust

The Bishop Lynch community is immensely proud of its past, but it is even more focused on its bright future. Through the Boldly Leading... Building Legacy capital campaign, Bishop Lynch High School can continue to give students the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.

If you would like to make a gift to the capital campaign, please contact Jim Urbanus at jim.urbanus@bishoplynch.org.

1 7 • C AP I TAL C AMPAIG N

The Fund for the Future...

The Fund for Bishop Lynch provides essential current use resources that allow deserving students the opportunity to attend Bishop Lynch, grow in their faith, learn from experienced and dedicated faculty, and become the men and women our world so desperately needs.

To make your tax-deductible donation, scan the QR code or visit W W W.B I SHO PLY NCH.O RG /T HEF UND

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Bishop Lynch Reaches

100 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MILESTONE TH

with Women’s Swim Program Victory

B

ishop Lynch High School has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and BL reached the epic milestone of 100 state championships in February 2022 when the women’s swim team earned first place at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state meet in San Antonio.

The state championship was the first for the women’s swim program, where the Friars dominated the pool, winning 10 out of 11 events.

Director of Athletics Allie Tennyson was at the state competition in San Antonio and described the moment when Bishop Lynch High School was announced as the state championship team.

“I was thrilled for the women’s swim team to be recognized as state champions. After placing second at state for the previous two years, the state championship was the culmination of all their hard work. It was a significant

moment for both the women’s swim team and Bishop Lynch High School. You could feel the Friar energy throughout the natatorium,” said Mrs. Tennyson.

Bishop Lynch’s 100th state championship record only stood for three days before the wrestling team won the TAPPS state championship later that week and brought the school’s total state championships to 101. It was the wrestling team’s 16th state championship in program history.

BL President Chris Rebuck noted the significance of the 100th – and 101st – state championship titles.

“From Bishop Lynch’s first state championship for men’s golf in 1968 to now, I am proud of our student-athletes, coaches and Friar fans for their commitment to our sports programs at Bishop Lynch. Those championship awards represent months and years of practice, perseverance, teamwork, and an emphasis on the total formation of our Friars,” said Mr. Rebuck.

Bishop Lynch High School will be publishing a coffee table book celebrating the school’s 100 state championships. With a projected release in early 2023, the book will include each state championship team’s roster, record and team photo, along with special decade and program highlights. Stay tuned for information on how you can get a copy!

1 9 • 1 0 0 T H STATE C H AMPION S HIP MIL ES TON E

Credit Ben Torres for

The 2022 state championship women’s swim team was recognized during halftime of the women’s basketball game on Feb. 11, the same night the Sports Honor Roll inductees were honored.

The Texas Catholic

One of the inductees, Chris Gage ’68, was on the men’s golf team that won Bishop Lynch’s first state championship title.

Mr. Gage and members of the women’s swim team posed for photos and had the opportunity to visit about their accomplishments and the school’s history.

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GIVING BACK: Friars Serve Others Near and Far

By Jennifer Nimmo, Director of Communications

A

s any Friar who has recited the Bishop Lynch High School mission statement knows, service plays a starring role in BL’s purpose and charge. The BL community is “Faithful to Catholic Tradition and to our Dominican heritage of scholarship and service.” and “students are taught to … work for justice in the world.” Service is also one of the four pillars of Dominican life, and it is an important part of a Friar’s total formational experience during their high school journey.

While the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures put a pause on the school’s formal Christian service program, it also inspired BL students to get up and give.

BL Debuts Reimagined Christian Service Program When volunteer outreach was paused during the spring of 2020, it gave school leaders time to reevaluate BL’s Christian service program. The result is a newly reimagined program that provides opportunity and incentives for service. Named The Heart of St. Dominic Christian Service Program, this Christ centered and student-driven program is designed to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

All Friar students will participate in service through the BL House System on quarterly house days and during mentor group meetings. In addition, the annual school-wide service day is another opportunity for all students to make a positive impact. Besides the hands-on service, all students will participate in theological reflections each quarter in theology class.

Optional Service Saturdays will be hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry starting in the 2022-2023 school year. This sponsored service will take place off campus on Saturdays.

The inaugural service fair held on May 17 provided students with the opportunity to learn about various community service organizations and needs within the Dallas metroplex.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND OPT-IN INCENTIVES

Besides making a difference in the community by completing a required number of Christian service hours, students who go above and beyond in their commitment to Christian service will be recognized on campus and at graduation. Students who log two or three times the amount of required Christian service hours for their class-level before graduation will earn a graduation stole (color indicates the level of hours reached). The recorded Christian service hours will also provide a wonderful portfolio for college essays.

Laura Gauthier, BL’s director of campus ministry, is thrilled to introduce The Heart of St. Dominic Christian Service Program during its phased rollout.

2 1 • G I VI NG BAC K

“Our new Christian service program will draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community,” said Ms. Gauthier.

For more information about The Heart of St. Dominic Christian Service Program, please visit bishoplynch.org/ service.

Sauter Sisters Feed the People and Lead by Example In the beginning of the pandemic during the stay-at-home order, Riley Sauter ’22 and her sister Bella, Class of 2023, heard about the growing homeless population in downtown Dallas. Instead of ignoring the problem, the sisters jumped into action and made 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and delivered them along with a few cases of water.

The sisters saw how the recipients of the sandwiches were so sharing and kind to one another that they continued making and delivering sandwiches each week. Thus, Feed the People was born.

“I think that the most compelling part of the whole thing is how sharing these people are – not only did it surprise us, but it was truly heartwarming. Here are these people who are completely down on their luck and starving, yet they still show each other the charity and kindness that we all strive for. It would be easy for them to take an entire box of sandwiches for themselves, but without a doubt, every time we do it, they share,” said Riley.

Now more than two years later, the Sauter sisters not only have continued feeding the homeless, but they have also grown Feed the People’s charitable operation to involve hundreds of volunteers, donated snacks and supplies from companies and a spirit of giving that has inspired the Bishop Lynch student body. In fact, several houses and mentor groups in the BL House System have adopted Feed the People and help to regularly assemble snack packs of granola bars, chips, applesauce, etc. in Feed the People’s signature brown lunch bags with FTP and a heart hand drawn on the front.

The spirit of giving has even expanded to another city. The R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 2 2

Choral music gives hope, dignity and a sense of purpose to members of the Dallas Street Choir. It is inspiring to see our students really connect with them through the shared love of music. ~ KATHY LEOS

Sauter family’s relatives in Houston were inspired to start a Houston branch of Feed the People.

As of May 17, 2022, Feed the People has made 86,550 meals for the homeless in Dallas.

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) recognized Riley and Bella Sauter in early 2022 with the Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award. The NCEA award recognizes extraordinary young people in Catholic schools who through their selfless service, innovation and commitment to social justice are changing the world. Out of 1.6 million students in Catholic education in the United States, only 10 student projects received this prestigious award.

You can follow Feed the People on Instagram @ftpdallas.

Friar Choir Teams with Dallas Street Choir for Music Ministry The BL choir’s music ministry has expanded to include those affected by homelessness – some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Kathy Leos, Bishop Lynch’s longtime choir director, saw an article about the Dallas Street Choir and thought it would be a great outreach project for the Friar Choir to visit the group and share some music.

Friar Choir student leaders initially visited a Dallas Street Choir rehearsal, and then the entire BL choir went to see the choir’s rehearsal at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Dallas this past spring.

Between performances, the students heard powerful stories about homelessness and redemption.

Mrs. Leos said her students really connected with a lot of the singers in the Dallas Street Choir. The Bishop Lynch contingent brings sack lunches for the choir members when they visit, and the students have contributed to provide music binders, reading glasses and tissues for the members of the choir.

“Choral music gives hope, dignity and a sense of purpose to members of the Dallas Street Choir. It is inspiring to see our students really connect with them through the shared love of music,” said Mrs. Leos.

The Dallas Street Choir founder and conductor is Jonathan Palant, associate dean of the arts and director of choral activities at The University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Palant came to BL in January 2022 to talk to the Friar Choir about statistics and issues surrounding homelessness, and he will be a featured speaker as part of the school’s Leyden Lecture Series next school year.

2 3 • G I VI NG BAC K

Mrs. Leos is assisting Dr. Palant with developing a curriculum for middle school and high school students called Homeless Not Voiceless, which is focused on the transformational power of music in providing hope, community and connections within the homeless population.

As the two choirs’ collaboration continues to grow, Mrs. Leos hopes to start a school-wide drive to collect toiletries, athletic socks, sunscreen, and other items for Dallas Street Choir members and others experiencing homelessness.

“The Dallas Street Choir is a great mission, and our collaboration is making a positive impact on all those involved, including our Bishop Lynch students,” said Mrs. Leos.

Monthly Service Continues with Austin Street Center Since Bishop Lynch High School began providing monthly lunch service at the Austin Street Center in December of 2019, the school has continued to serve on the fourth Friday of each month without fail. What started as a charitable initiative of Bishop Lynch’s advancement department has turned into a BL community-wide

endeavor to feed the homeless clients at Austin Street Center in downtown Dallas.

Faculty, staff, current families, and alumni are all invited to sign up to bring sandwiches, chips, fruit, dessert, and drinks to the school on the fourth Friday of each month. BL staff and volunteers then transport the food to Austin Street Center and serve the clients a mid-day meal.

Laura Pfeil is a chemistry teacher at Bishop Lynch, and she and her family make sandwiches each month for BL’s Austin Street Center service day. Mrs. Pfeil began this family tradition with her young children when they were learning about the corporal works of mercy in religion class at St. Pius.

“All the quizzing that we do over the book work doesn’t even come close to how much they have learned just by making sandwiches for the homeless. It has opened our minds and our hearts to look and find ways that we can try to help others. My children want to make sure that the sandwiches they make are made with care and with love.

They want the people to know that someone is thinking about them,” said Mrs. Pfeil.

month than the fourth Friday,” said Mr. Urbanus.

Stay tuned to Friar Facts (student and parent weekly e-newsletter) and Forever a Friar (alumni monthly e-newsletter) for Austin Street Center sign-up information.

Feed My Starving Children Service Date Set for Fall 2022 Bishop Lynch’s fourth Feed My Starving Children signature service event is set for Oct. 22, 2022, in the school’s Competition Gym. This year’s event was rescheduled for the fall after inclement weather cancelled the planned February date.

The entire BL community is invited to assemble complete nourishing meal packs that Feed My Starving Children will ship to impoverished countries. In 2020, the BL MobilePack prepared 166,752 meals that fed 474 children for an entire year.

BL President Chris Rebuck has seen the Bishop Lynch community rally around the school’s epic day of service, and he knows the impact BL’s signature service event has on children around the world.

Jim Urbanus ’73, BL’s chief advancement officer, has been involved with Austin Street Center for years and he started the school’s partnership with the homeless shelter. As a regular volunteer each month, he has seen the impact that the Austin Street Center service has on the homeless and on himself.

“It is impressive to see the impact that the BL community can make in a single day. Our BL MobilePack is one of my favorite days of the year when hundreds of past, present and future Friars gather to assemble meal packs for malnourished children around the world,” said Mr. Rebuck.

“When you see the joy in the eyes of our guests and you experience their exuberance for your friendship, you know that you are doing God’s work. At that moment, nothing is more important in the world than serving them or more rewarding than the smile they give you and the ‘God Bless You’ genuinely delivered by our guests. By taking care of our brothers and sisters in need, we elevate them … and they do the same for us. There is no better day in any

Stay tuned to Friar Facts (student and parent weekly e-newsletter) and Forever a Friar (alumni monthly e-newsletter) this fall for registration information.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 2 4

LEGACY GALA SUCCESS: By the Numbers

I

t is fitting that the 2022 Legacy Gala theme was Boots & BLing because the March 26 event at the Hilton Anatole was truly Texas-sized in every way.

Thanks to unprecedented donations and sponsorships, spirited bidding and the overall generosity of the Bishop Lynch High School community, the Legacy Gala brought in a record-breaking total of more than $620,000 to award much-needed scholarships to over 150 Bishop Lynch students.

Pictured from left to right: Steve Trent, Katy Trent, Tina Theodore ’86, Josh Theodore, Monica Austin, and Bob Austin.

2 5 • LEG AC Y GAL A

That figure wasn’t the only staggering statistic.

Check out these boot scootin’ numbers:

$100,000

440

920+

SCHOLARSHIP MATCH

SILENT AUCTION PACKAGES

SUPPORTERS OF THE LEGACY GALA

80+

160

30

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

HEADS OR TAILS TICKETS PURCHASED

LIGHT-UP COWBOY HATS

510 TICKETS SOLD FOR THE IN-PERSON EVENT

2 SEQUINS

(Too many to count!)

FABULOUS CO-CHAIRS

Katy Trent & Tina Theodore ’86

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THE 2022 LEGACY GALA A SUCCESS! Please mark your calendar for next year’s Legacy Gala on Feb. 25, 2023.

Be sure to bookmark bishoplynch.org/gala for updates.

If you are interested in sharing your time, treasure and talent with the 2023 Legacy Gala, please contact Monica Austin at monica.austin@bishoplynch.org.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 2 6

CLASS NOTES

on Cradled Panel paintings, “Time Flies While We’re Having Fun” was purchased at this year’s Boots and BLing Legacy Gala and is now part of the BL permanent collection found in Bishop Lynch High School’s alumni hallway.

BL Alumni

other streaming services. Guitarist/ singer Trini Lopez was born to undocumented Mexican immigrants and overcame all odds in 1960s America to become one of the first Latino rock stars. Check out the Facebook page @MyNameIsLopez for more information.

While competing in Houston, the Bishop Lynch wrestling team stopped

by Gallery Furniture to visit with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale ’69.

Just a few days before the Prep State Tournament at St. Thomas High School in Houston, the Friar wrestling program secured the school’s 101st state championship at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools state meet in Argyle.

A documentary on the great career of Trini Lopez, uncle of Salvador Martinez ’75, Maria Martinez McAteer ’77 and Teresa Martinez Chanaa ’78 is now out on DVD and available to stream from Amazon and 2 7 • C LASS NOTES

One of Sheilagh Caton Cooper’s ’81 “crushed can series” paintings, “Flattening My Curves,” was juried into the 37th Annual Texas & Neighbors exhibit in the Main Gallery at the Irving Arts Center. The juror selected 86 artworks from a record 880 submissions this year. The exhibit was viewed from May 14 to June 11, 2022. Another watercolor painting from the same series, “Flattening My ‘20 Curves,” was juried into the Richardson Civic Art Society Regional Exhibit at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. The exhibit dates were from April 27 to May 30, 2022.

Also, one of her Oil and Cold Wax

After 20 years of serving in various volunteer capacities including strategic planning committees, the college’s Foundation board and its Board of Trustees, Steve Matthews ’84 now serves as senior vice president of external relations for Collin College, with oversight for the district’s legislative advocacy, advancement, alumni, elections, and public relations functions. Steve previously worked in the energy industry for three decades and is a long-time community leader in Collin County.

Mark Howard ’85 has been elected to The Catholic Foundation Board of Trustees. Mark is a sales management, marketing and business development executive at Momentum Wealth Strategies.

Lt. Cmdr. Christine Gargan ’03, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012, recently received an M.A. degree from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston.

Chandra Rideau Matthews ’97 (far right) is currently the development director of Helping Hands for Single Moms - Dallas. She recently moved back to the Dallas area with her husband and son and is excited to be back in her hometown!

Stacey George ’03 and Sasha Kovacic Spivey ’03 were featured on NBC Texas Today to highlight their fun and colorful bag company, Franki Ray.

Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN® Initiative presented #IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit. This exhibit of 120 3-D printed statues celebrates contemporary women innovators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and features the most statues of real women ever assembled together. Our very own, Jenn Makins ’98 is featured in the exhibit of impressive individuals.

In conjunction with International Women’s History Month, the Bishop Lynch Veritas Board hosted the second Dine & Dialogue of the 20212022 school year, A Celebration of Women’s History, on Wednesday, March 30. To celebrate Women’s History Month and our female Friars, there was women’s history trivia, a showcase of current Friar females, testimonials from current students about the women who have shaped their lives so far, and a panel of female alumni from diverse professions, all speaking about their experiences, celebrating their successes and sharing growth opportunities they experienced along the way. Featured alumni for this event were Ariel Welch ’03, Stacey George ’03, Sasha Kovacic Spivey ’03, Camille Salazar Awayan ’10, and Vanessa Garnica Barker ’11.

Dr. Amanda Mohammed ’04 practices what she preaches taking part in a doctor-led walking group “Walk With a Doc” dedicated to encouraging healthy living.

Congratulations to Kathleen Cadigan Howard ’08 who has been elected as the next Securities Section Chair of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Pat Richards ’09 was hired by Clemson University to be their new director of football athletic training.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 2 8

ocean down slowly, over the course of a day. The other fish see it fall bit by bit. Heavy with minutes turned to hours.

Dozens of organisms will move into the body once it settles -- a new home to sustain them.

Safer inside than out.

Mercy Sanchez Green ’10 was recently featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine to discuss her vivid hair art and journey to becoming an elite Luxury Solo Artist at Novak Hair Studios in downtown Fort Worth.

WHALE POEM ERIN LITTLE A poem titled Whale Poem and written by Erin Little ’11 was posted on preludemag.com.

WHALE POEM ERIN LITTLE Brace for the gunmetal damp, the day’s malaise.

Bishop Lynch’s first Dine and Dialogue program celebrated Black History Month and featured alumni panelists Danielle Rogers ’14 and Rawleigh Williams III ’15 who spoke about their BL, collegiate and career experiences.

Megan Hertel ’16 graduated from the University of Florida in the spring of 2020 with a triple major which included a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies. After graduating, she took a position with the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, Texas, as a zookeeper. Next, Megan became an aquarist at the Caldwell Zoo in Waco, Texas. After just five months with the Caldwell Zoo, she has been offered the position of aquarium manager.

The doorway is a pit and the stairs feel ambitious.

A friend tells me it matters that I break up the day with sleep.

Skip the dull parts, with their beatdown iron taste, droopy edges.

The rain falls bronze out there.

I don’t envy it.

Beached whale blanched ashore.

When the whale dies it fells the 2 9 • C LASS NOTES

Lieutenant Junior Grade Kendall Graser ’15 completed training to become a naval aviator.

Zoe Beyer ’18 is currently studying abroad at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem, Zoe is studying Modern Hebrew and working in an Open Source Intelligence Analysis Internship. She is graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill this semester with a bachelor’s degree in Peace, War, and Defense & Global Studies, and a minor in Arabic.

Bailey Shelton ’18 got engaged to Dona Jiji in December 2021.

Since graduating from Bishop Lynch, Allegra Norman ’20, former Brigade captain, has been living the incredible life as a Kilgore College Rangerette. For Thanksgiving 2021, the Rangerettes opened the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the turkey float.

David Naguib ’21 interned for Congressman Pete Sessions at his district office in College Station. The Public Policy Internship Program at Texas A&M University helped him secure a summer internship with the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. David says BL’s dual-credit program has played a huge role in his college goals and life plans. He has been able to double major in Political Science and International Studies and double minor in Cybersecurity and Arabic Studies. He plans to graduate a year early, all thanks to dual credit.

Looking for News!

The alumni news section is one of the most popular features of Reflections.

We love hearing from you and sharing your news! If you don’t see alumni news you submitted, please be patient as it may appear in a future issue due to layout specifics and print deadlines. BLHS reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Congratulations to Zach Muller ’19 and Loyola of New Orleans on winning the men’s basketball NAIA National Championship. This was Loyola’s first championship in 77 years.

In a recent forum on university-level mock trials, Charlie Stock ’20 was listed as a 2022 new Top Performer.

He also picked up an All-American Attorney Award at the Mock Trial National Championship Tournament in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Please direct letters to the editor, address changes or other correspondence to alumni@bishoplynch.org

Lillia Farlow ’20 is continuing her softball career for the Coast Guard Academy, assisting the Bears with an explosive season start.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 3 0

Andy Zihlman Inducted into TABC Hall of Fame

As Bishop Lynch High School’s head women’s basketball coach for 45 years, Andy Zihlman ’72 has had a career filled with state championship wins, coaching awards and student-athletes who have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Coach Zihlman received the ultimate career coaching achievement on May 21, 2022, when he was inducted into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Hall of Fame at a ceremony in San Antonio.

More than 65 Bishop Lynch High School administrators, colleagues, former players, family, and friends attended Coach Zihlman’s induction ceremony where he thanked his family and the BL community in his acceptance speech.

“This is a special honor and recognition I’m very proud of as most inductees are from public schools. To represent Bishop Lynch and private schools is truly an honor. I am so thankful to Bishop Lynch for this special weekend, but most thankful to God for guiding me this whole time. My wife Teena and my children Coleen, Caroline and Kurt have been the best supporters and I’m blessed to have such a wonderful family. I also am grateful to my players and former players who have blessed me with wonderful experiences and love,” said Coach Zihlman.

Congratulations, Coach Zihlman!

Being a Bishop Lynch Friar is a tradition for the Zihlman family! Teena Muessig Zihlman ’72 is Andy’s wife and their children Coleen Zihlman Monnat ’98, Caroline Zihlman Reese ’05, and Kurt Zihlman ’08 are all BL Friars.

3 1 • C LASS NOTES

Forever Friar Loans Extensive Meteorite Collection to Bishop Lynch Isaac Gonzalez ’95 wanted to be a pilot when he walked the halls of Bishop Lynch High School. He was exposed to the profession through his father’s work as an aircraft mechanic for Southwest Airlines. After earning a degree in finance from the University of North Texas, Isaac became a pilot and started his airline career in 2000 with American Eagle.

He then progressed to Spirit Airlines, and he is currently a Boeing 737 captain with American Airlines.

It was on a flight from Las Vegas to Dallas over New Mexico in 2015 that Isaac’s fascination with meteorites began. He was flying the plane when a meteor that looked like “a beach ball on fire” passed about a mile off the aircraft’s left wing.

From Isaac’s front-row seat, he saw the flames and the meteor as it broke apart mid-air.

astronomy class – and subsequently flight school – was where he really got excited about science. Isaac’s interest in meteorites has enthralled him so much that he is even thinking about taking geology classes.

By loaning his meteorite collection to Bishop Lynch High School, Isaac hopes to inspire students to consider careers in science.

The meteorite display, “Heavenly Meteorites,” was installed in the downstairs science wing on Feb. 28, 2022.

“It was a fascinating 10 seconds,” said Isaac.

After that experience, Isaac began studying meteors and meteorites and his exploration led him to become a collector.

Isaac met a geologist who is a respected meteorite broker, and he buys all his meteorites from him. The chemical composition of meteorites is such that their authenticity cannot be manufactured. These meteorites have been discovered by amateur geologists who spend hours hunting meteorites in the desert with metal detectors.

Isaac’s impressive collection is around 30 meteorites strong, and the meteorites hail from falls in Tunisia, Nigeria, Egypt, Australia, and various locations in the United States, to name a few. One of Isaac’s meteorites was found in Chile in 1861!

“It is really something to hold an object that came from another planet or asteroid belt,” said Isaac.

Isaac took chemistry at Bishop Lynch, but his college

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 3 2

ALUMNI WEDDINGS

Allison Elliott ’01 Allison Elliott ’01 married Matt Kindley on Oct. 30, 2021, with close family in attendance with a larger reception on May 29, 2022.

Members of the wedding party included Lindsey Ashley (current BL employee), Cari Schnurr (current BL employee), Amy Gerwer Duke ’94, Tierney Hughes Gibbons ’04, Brendan Elliott ’03, Chris Elliott ’06, and Collin Elliott ’13.

3 3 • W E D D I NGS

Tommy Barton ’06 & Samantha Seaman ’07 Tommy Barton ’06 and Samantha Seaman ’07 were married on Feb. 12, 2022, at The Tower Club in Dallas, Texas. Members of the wedding party included Alex Cook ’06, Mike Grimes ’06, Parker Hall ’06, Seth Seaman ’05, Jonathan Tellez ’06, Hannah Agaston Silver ’07, Maggie Barton ’09, Mary Barton ’03, Sarah Bosworth ’07, Loren Hayes Holbert ’07, and Erica Munoz ’07.

Pat Richards ’09 Pat Richards ’09 married Stephanie Snow on May 30, 2021, in Guntersville, Alabama. Members of the wedding party included Brandtley Adams ’09, Andrew Plugge ’10, and Travis Upham ’09.

Jared Snapka ’09

Del Baker ’12

Jared Snapka ’09 married Raquel Diaz on June 19, 2021, in El Salvador.

Del Baker ’12 married Lindsey Bruce in September of 2021. Members of the wedding party included Kevan Huffaker ’12, Lucas Boyd ’12 and Cole Swenke ’12.

Cara Pritchett ’11 & Aaron Kern ’11 Cara Pritchett ’11 and Aaron Kern ’11 were married at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas, on April 23, 2022, with their reception at Glen Eagles Country Club in Plano, Texas.

Taylor Erpillo ’10 Taylor Erpillo ’10 married Trent McPeak on Jan. 22, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.

Ryan Plugge ’13

Sarah Zipper ’11

Ryan Plugge ’13 married Lauren Shirley on June 4, 2022. Members of the wedding party included Stephanie Plugge Collins ’06, Billy Collins ’06, RC Plugge ’08, Andrew Plugge ’10, and Colton Paradowski ’13.

Sarah Zipper ’11 married AJ Knickerbocker on Feb. 19, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. Members of the wedding party included Chelsea Hafertepe Duncan ’11 and Jessa Jaresh ’11.

Alexa Hardick ’10 Alexa Hardick ’10 married Kenny Tripp on May 29, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. Members of the wedding party included Kristin Pascoe ’10, Erin Hardick ’12 and Celia Hardick ’14.

Elliot Maceda ’16 Elliot Maceda ’16 married Xenia Liu on Aug. 6, 2021, in Dallas, Texas.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 20 2 2 • 3 4

ALUMNI MERCH Hello Alumni!

The Locker, Bishop Lynch High School’s campus spirit store, will be opening an online store for preorders of alumni merchandise. Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 2, you will be able to order your specific item, size and color, and we will have it ready for pickup at Homecoming.

Need it mailed? No problem! Just select shipping at checkout and we will ship your items to you as soon as they are available.

The store will close to pre-orders on Friday, Aug. 19.

If you have any questions, please email LK Pierotti ’96 at lk.pierotti@bishoplynch.org.

Shop Aug. 2-19 at thelockerbl.org.

3 5 • ALU M NI ME RC H

ALUMNI BIRTHS Welcoming the next generation of Bishop Lynch Friars

Benson Jeffrey Benson ’96 and his wife Sarah welcomed their third baby, Molly Lynn, on Aug. 24, 2021.

Fassett

Krakosky

Manansala

Brayden Fassett ’09 and his wife Louisa welcomed their first child, Samuel Shafer, on Feb. 2, 2022.

Mary Merkel Krakosky ’13 and Nick Krakosky ’11 welcomed their first child, Charlotte Jane, on Feb. 15, 2022.

Marie Eraso Manansala ’00 and her husband John Richard welcomed their twins, Renzo Zion & Mona Rae, in May 2021.

Morin

Rambo

Sanders

Arturo Morin ’05 and Emily Worland ’05 welcomed their first child, Montgomery Eloy, in June 2021.

Caty Cahill Rambo ’08 and her husband welcomed their second child, Jackson Dean, on April 17, 2021. He joins big sister Mackenzie.

Julia Marie Little Sanders ’07 and her husband welcomed their second child, Lyla Joy, on Oct. 29, 2021.

R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 202 2 • 3 6

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering those dear to our hearts

ALUMNI

Vincent E. Meinzer ’66 passed away on March 29, 2022. He was the husband of Barbara Jones Meinzer ’68 and the father of Kimberly Meinzer ’89, Vincent Meinzer Jr. ’91, Jennifer Meinzer Kemp ’94, and Nick Meinzer ’99. He was also the father-in-law of Josie Rhodes Meinzer ’99, the brotherin-law of Margie Jones Rosson ’66 and the uncle of Lisa Meinzer Tafoya ’87 and Tracey Meinzer Filbeck ’93.

Fr. Stephen Duyka ’71 passed away on June 4, 2022. He was the cousin of Ann Duyka ’67, Mary Duyka ’71, Kathleen Duyka Roundtree ’74, Monica Duyka ’78, and Julia Duyka ’80.

Joan Fletcher Sledge ’72 passed away on Feb. 15, 2022.

Mark Friend ’73 † passed away on Jan. 23, 2022. He was the husband of Genevieve Landregan ’73 and the brother of John Friend ’70, Patrick Friend ’71†, Mary Friend ’73, Christopher Friend ’78, and Laura Friend Medeiros ’82. He was also the uncle of Angela Friend Walker ’06.

Randy Hanks ’74 passed away on Dec. 25, 2021. He was the husband of Mary Fagot Hanks ’74.

Nancy Harwood ’74 passed away on May 15, 2022. She was the sister of James Harwood ’68†, John Harwood ’69 and Richard Harwood ’70.

John Wessels ’74 passed away on March 14, 2022. He was the brother of Linda Wessels Kocks ’71, Libby Wessels Offutt ’72, Mary Alice Wessels Olivas 3 7 • I N M E M O R IAM

’75, David Wessels ’76, Joe Wessels ’78, Jim Wessels ’78, Diane Wessels West ’80, and Stephen Wessels ’85.

James Zeilan ’77 passed away on May 16, 2022. He was the brother of John Zeilan ’76, Maryrose Zeilan Hamilton ’84 and Irene Zeilan Moreno ’88.

David Allegro ’83 passed away on March 8, 2022. He was the father of Mary Allegro ’19 and the brother of Margaret Allegro Sorrells ’74, Robert Allegro ’76 and Mary Allegro Jackson ’79.

Roger Pickrell ’02 passed away on Jan. 9, 2022. He was the brother of Cecilia Pickrell ’99.

PAST PARENTS

David Anderly passed away on Feb. 12, 2022. He was the father of Adam Anderly ’98. He was also the father-inlaw of Melissa Ahlfors Anderly ’98 and the grandfather of Josh Aguilar ’16.

Mildred Collins passed away on Dec. 11, 2021. She was the mother of Jane Collins ’67, Michael Collins ’70, Marie Collins McMurchie ’74, Pat Collins Shotland ’76, and Kathy Collins Burns ’78. She was also the mother-in-law of Don Shotland ’73 and she was the grandmother of Sydney Burns Kumin ’05, Sean Burns ’10, Joe Shotland ’10, and Duncan McMurchie ’13.

Rebecca Eberius passed away on May 11, 2022. She was the mother of Laura Eberius Histed ’07.

Tom Gavos passed away on April 10,

2022. He was the father of Richard Gavos ’71, Joseph Gavos ’75 and Shirley Gavos Moscrey ’77. He was also the father-in-law of Frank Moscrey ’77 and the grandfather of Tony Moscrey ’00 and Andrew Moscrey ’07.

James Golden passed away on Dec. 29, 2021. He was the father of Loriann Golden Sutton ’00.

Mary L Kindig passed away on March 14, 2022. She was the mother of Theresa Kindig Rynell ’67 and Shirley Kindig Francis ’74. She was also the grandmother of Julie Rynell ’91 and Jenny Rynell ’93.

Martha Mae Mahdak passed away on Feb. 13, 2022. She was the mother of Kathy Mahdak ’70, Karl Mahdak ’74, Cindy Mahdak Cappel ’76, Chris Mahdak Bandy ’79, and Camille Mahdak Payne ’80.

Steve Main passed away on March 26, 2022. He was the father of Stephanie Main Wastl ’08.

Lou Ann Mangelsdorf passed away on Feb. 18, 2022. She was the mother of Christopher Mangelsdorf ’92, Jennifer Mangelsdorf Martinez ’93, Ellen Mangelsdorf ’96, Julie Mangelsdorf ’99, and Greg Mangelsdorf ’03.

Salem McLean passed away on Nov. 14, 2021. He was the father of Patty McLean Cunningham ’69, Thomas McLean ’71, Paul McLean ’74†, Mary McLean Grimes ’78, Michael McLean ’79, and Evelyn McLean ’80. He was also the grandfather of Jason Grimes ’99, Michael

Grimes ’06 and Mary Grimes ’08.

Evelyn Neumann passed away on Jan. 5, 2022. She was the mother of Francis Neumann ’69, Nancy Neumann Farrar ’71, Paul Neumann ’72†, David Neumann ’74, Richard Neumann ’75†, Jane Neumann Heep ’76, John Neumann ’78, Barbara Neumann Young ’79, Thomas Neumann ’81, and James Neumann ’85.

Smith Wilchester ’69, Gayle Smith Monier-Leos ’71, Larry Smith ’74, and Daniel Smith ’83. She was also the mother-in-law of Frosty Leos ’70, and the grandmother of Caitlyn Smith Wells ’03 and Trey Smith ’06.

’03, Richard Roffino ’67†, Anthony Roffino ’69, David Roffino ’70, Marianne Roffino ’71, Patrick Roffino ’73, Thomas Roffino ’75, Frances Roffino Dill ’76, Rosalie Roffino Conoly ’78, and Catherine Roffino Fox ’81†.

Genevieve “Jenny” Jeanne Marie St. Clair passed away on Dec. 29, 2021. She was the mother of Paul St. Clair ’78, Doug St. Clair ’81 and Phil St. Clair ’86.

Jon Dillon passed away on Jan. 14, 2022.

He was the husband of Nancy Urbanus Dillon ’79. He was also the brother-inlaw of Jim Urbanus ’73, Julie Urbanus Robbins ’78, Andrew Urbanus ’82, and Matt Urbanus ’86.

Carlos Palomo passed away on Dec. 13, 2021. He was the father of Carlos A. Palomo ’69, Jimmy Palomo ’72 and Myrna L. Palomo ’78.

Lula Maye Walsh passed away on April 26, 2022. She was the mother of Tina Walsh ’77 and Kathleen Walsh Stoll ’82.

Barbara Ann Killion Rutherford passed away on Dec. 24, 2021. She was the mother of Will Rutherford III ’81.

SIBLINGS

Helen Salmon passed away on Jan. 30, 2022. She was the mother of Mary Patricia “Patty” Salmon DiTucci ’73†, Nancy Salmon Free ’76, Joseph Salmon ’78, John Salmon ’80, Paul Salmon ’81†, Margaret Salmon Seidel ’82, and Timothy Salmon ’84. She was also the grandmother of Ashley Seidel ’08, Martin Seidel ’10, Shauna Seidel ’16, and Will Seidel ’17.

Richard Schaper passed away on Feb. 24, 2022. He was the father of Rick Schaper ’77, Mary Schaper ’77, Donna Schaper Hunt ’79†, Susan Schaper Webb ’80, and Missy Schaper Trees ’83.

Steve Smith passed away on Nov. 20, 2021. He was the father of Jazmin Smith ’10.

Ruth Smith passed away on April 7, 2022. She was the mother of Laura

Camille Hart Crawson passed away April 5, 2022. She was the sister of John Hart ’67.

James Farrell passed away on Jan. 6, 2022.

He was the brother of William Farrell ’69, Kathleen Farrell Blaydes ’71, Ann Farrell Doyle ’72, John Farrell ’75, and Thomas Farrell ’78. He was the brotherin-law of Maria Longoria Farrell ’76 and Virginia Mills Farrell ’81. He was also the uncle of Colleen Blaydes Inman ’99, John M. Farrell ’00, Patrick Blaydes ’01, Holly Ramsey Blaydes ’01, Melanie Farrell Duke ’02, Rachel Farrell Russell ’03, Christian Russell ’03, Christine Farrell Howitt ’04, Colin Blaydes ’05, Bridget Farrell ’05, Kevin Farrell ’07, and Erin Farrell ’09.

Charles Cuellar Ruiz passed away on Feb. 3, 2022. He was the husband of Carol Ann Jakubik Ruiz ’67†. He was also the grandfather of Joshua Ponewash ’19 and Zachary Ponewash ’21, and the brotherin-law of Margaret Jakubik Dykes ’69 and Robert Jakubik ’70.

CHILDREN

Richard Armstrong II passed away on Jan. 14, 2022. He was the son of Richard “Gabby” Armstrong ’66.

FORMER EMPLOYEE

Sister Mary Jane passed away on April 4, 2022. She was a former employee of Bishop Lynch from 1969-1972.

SPOUSES

David Canine passed away on Jan. 22, 2022. He was the family member of Theresa Roffino ’73, Stephen O’Roark R EF LECTI ONS | SUMMER 20 2 2 • 3 8

9750 Ferguson Rd. Dallas, TX 75228

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING DATES!

BL GIVING DAY • SEPT. 22, 2022

HOMECOMING • OCT. 14-15, 2022

MASS OF REMEMBRANCE • OCT. 29, 2022

THE BL GOLF CLASSIC

• OCT. 31, 2022 (Dallas Athletic Club)

LEGACY GALA

• FEB. 25, 2023 (Hilton Anatole) BISHOPLYNCH.ORG