Pius X News Summer 2014

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VOLUME X ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2014

Pius News 16

Congratulations

to the Class of 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pius News PAGE

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Panther Players Buddy Up with Challenger Baseball

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From the Head of School

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In the News

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Around Campus

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Panthers on the Prowl

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Alumni News

Class | 40 Notes In | 42 Memoriam

GET MORE OUT OF PIUS NEWS! Look for QR codes such as the one to the right for more information on articles and content in this issue. Scanning the codes is easy - just use your barcode reader on your smartphone to scan these images for access to videos, audio, additional photographs and more! Free barcode reader apps can be found in most marketplaces, accessible from your smartphone. Or, as always, you can visit St. Pius X online at stpiusx.org.

811 W. Donovan Street Houston, TX 77091 713.692.3581 | www.stpiusx.org St. Pius X High School Administrative Team Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School Diane Larsen Academic Dean Jeff Donaruma Dean of Students Allan Minar Director of Finance Mary Linda Portner Director of Advancement Joseph Noonan Director of Facilities Board of Directors Sister Antoinette Carter, O.P. Mrs. Gina Hamala Demny ‘76 Mr. Timothy A. Fjeldal Mr. Ray Gilliam Mr. Edward Herrera ‘69 Mrs. Andrea Johnson Mrs. Pamela Lolan Mrs. Anna Mateja, Vice-Chair Mr. Jerry Nevlud ‘74 Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P., Ex Officio Mr. Barrett Reasoner Ms. Kim Ruth Sister Lavergne Schwender, O.P. Ms. Terrie Sechrist, Chair Mr. John B. Shely Mr. Ramon A. Vitulli, III

Correction: From the Head of School message in the Spring 2014 issue of Pius News, the Class of 1960, not the Class of 1963, is credited with writing the School’s alma mater.

Board of Trustees Sister Carol Mayes, O.P., Prioress Sister Antoinette Carter, O.P., Vicaress Sister Patricia Casey, O.P., Councilor Sister Julie Greig, O.P., Councilor

Credits: Front cover photo courtesy of Michael Martinez Photography (martinezphoto.com).

Photography by Martinez, Wayne Donnelly and St. Pius X High School. Printed by DiscPro Printing & Graphics, Houston, Texas.

Editor Deanna M. Werner Director of Communications

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

At St. Pius X we challenge, form & cultivate young men and women to embody social justice and service.

H

ave you ever wondered what the O.P. following my signature stands for?

Dominican sisters and friars have been known as the Order of Preachers since the 13th century and the time of our founder St. Dominic. It is an appellation we joyfully bear as vowed religious and a daily reminder of our Holy Father Dominic’s call to be men and women of the holy preaching.

Where do Dominicans preach? Where don’t they! Today, as from our beginnings, Dominicans as itinerant preachers live and preach the gospel message of Truth in a myriad of ways. Foundational to the St. Pius X High School mission is the experience of preaching through service by all members of our community. In the past I have often noted in this column the many service experiences of our students, ranging from food, toy and blood drives to the thousands of hours given yearly as part of the Christian Service Learning apostolate. At the end of every academic year in particular, I am struck by how much this tradition of serving is manifested in the lives of students and alumni outside of our campus. Here are a few compelling and illustrative examples:

• Our 2014 Underclass Awards ceremony this year was the setting for the inaugural

scholarship award from the Leather Apron Foundation (LAF). Founded in 2013 and led by a group of SPX alums—Jonathan Kolmetz ’98, Brian Wisnoski ’98, Curt Vaculik ’96 and Adam Falco ’99—the Leather Apron Foundation’s values are grounded in compassion for individuals, dedication to community, and hands-on service. LAF is committed to nurturing a community of active givers in their own backyard— the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest/Heights neighborhoods in which they grew up and are now living. Part of that nurturing took the form of recognizing outstanding service by SPX current students Ryan Davin ’15 and Molly Persha ’15 with the award of a $1,000 scholarships to each. These students have amazing stories of service at home and abroad; you can read more of their experiences on the pages of this issue of Pius News.

• One of our more recent alums is making a name for himself, serving at TAMU. Jeff Bell ‘11, describes a “call to action” while at Texas A&M. Adhering to the Aggie code “to be true to each other, as Aggies can be,” Jeff honored the pillars of community and service and joined the Big Event—the largest, single day, student-run service event in the nation. Jeff was chosen as a staff assistant and assigned a group of residents within the community to

assist. One, Ms. Galloway, turn out to be the aunt of Mason Sebastian Ott ‘02, to whom our memorial prayer garden is dedicated.

Jeff shared with me his impressions of the experience, describing it as a privilege and concluding that, “I have always had a call to serve, but I truly believe that St. Pius X challenged me to live as Christ serving others.” Other recent alums, Liz Vass ‘12 and Michelle Cusimano ’12, minister during the summer at Camp for All – an outgrowth of their pivotal CSL experience at the Camp as seniors at SPX. At St. Pius X we challenge, form and cultivate young men and women to embody social justice and service. So often I have the occasion to be proud and amazed by our students and alumni—along with many, many others unnamed—who are living the mission of the Order of Preachers. As an SPX alum, I challenge you to be Christ serving others! Where and how are you preaching?

In Veritas,

Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School

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IN THE NEWS

BOOSTER CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC A little rain couldn’t stop St. Pius X alumni, coaches and friends from teeing off for a good cause.

We’ve raised a lot of money for the athletic department, and this was a fun, great way to do it.

– Lisa Buss, Booster Club President The annual Booster Club Golf Classic took place at the BlackHorse Golf Club – North Course on Thursday, March 27. Participants and sponsors helped gross over $52,000 for the Booster Club, which provides supplemental funds to benefit all sports at SPX.

1st Place Winners

Booster Club President Lisa Buss was on-hand to discuss the event.

“Another successful golf tournament is in the books,” she said. “Our sponsors and participants have been great supporters, and we’d like to thank everyone who was involved in making today happen. We’ve raised a lot of money for the athletic department, and this was a fun, great way to do it.”

The day included driving range practice, 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner, contests, awards, beverages and an auction. The title sponsor for this year’s event was Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc.

1st place

2nd place

3rd place

Bunard Bailey Stan Jankowski ’68 Eddie Battenfield ’87 Chris Campos ’87

Jim Hardy Jennifer Burdett Jim A. Hardy Craig Adams

Kyle Stewart Kirk Fuhlkerts Graham Winters

SNOWS ENDOW SR. LAVERGNE SCHOLARSHIP In honor of the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Lavergne Schwender, O.P. in August 2013, Kevin Snow ’69 donated the initial funds to create the Lavergne Schwender, O.P. Scholarship.

In April 2014, Kathy and Kevin Snow graciously gave the School a gift of $21,000 to fully endow the scholarship.

Thank you for your generosity!

IN THE NEWS

STUDENTS AWARDED ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS AT UNDERCLASS AWARDS CEREMONY Angelo Palazzolo ’ 70 Memorial Scholarship The Angelo Palazzolo ’70 Memorial Scholarship has been awarded annually each spring since 2005.

Administered by the St. Pius X Foundation, the scholarship is given to a St. Pius X student whose history and background reflect Angelo’s own: the child of a middle-class family, sacrificing to provide a Catholic education. Since its inception, 29 scholarship grants have been awarded.

Congratulations to recipients Oscar Recinos and Maria Charles, with Trustee of the SPX Foundation Ray Vitulli and Vincent Palazzolo.

Zinni-Reed Family Scholarship In the spring of 2013, Sue and Ed Zinni and their son, Daniel ’08, established the Zinni-Reed Family Scholarship, which benefits students from middle-class families struggling to provide an SPX education for their children. In reflection on their decision, Mrs. Zinni noted, "Our son's years at SPX were filled with many positive and rewarding experiences, and he received a well-rounded, quality education. We created this scholarship so that other students could have these same opportunities."

Congratulations to recipient Jairo Suarez, with Academic Dean Diane Larsen. Not pictured: Recipient Laura Snider.

Knights of Columbus Council 2917 Scholarship In 2011, the Knights of Columbus Council 2917 established a scholarship program for eligible St. Pius X High School rising seniors. SPX is honored to partner with the Council in support of Catholic education.

Congratulations to Carlos Guajardo, Dominique Hernandez, Cassidy Lehner, Gabriela Torre and Nicholas Orozco, with Casino Night Liaison Mike Kloss ‘66, Grand Knight of Council 2917 Joe Earthman, and Trustee and Casino Night Chairman Doug Wendt.

PIUS PIUS NEWS NEWS | Summer | Spring 2014

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IN THE NEWS

Recipients Molly Persha and Ryan Davin pictured with LAF board members Jonathan Kolmetz ’98, Adam Falco ’99 and Curt Vaculik ’96.

LEATHER APRON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED The Leather Apron Foundation (LAF), composed of community-minded individuals from Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Shepherd Park Plaza, Greater Heights and surrounding neighborhoods, established a scholarship fund in 2014 to recognize outstanding young people who have demonstrated their willingness to improve their country by improving their community through service.

It’s a big deal for me, and it means a lot to be noted for doing these things, even though that’s not the point of doing them. It’s cool to give a lot and to have some given back.

– Ryan Davin ’15 LAF board members, President Jonathan Kolmetz ’98, Vice President Brian Wisnoski, M.D. ’98, Treasurer Curt Vaculik ’96, and Secretary

With the beginning of school in August 2014, St. Pius X will add another innovation to its much-acclaimed Learning for Success program with the implementation of Read 180. A reading intervention program, Read 180 identifies specific strengths and weaknesses in students and automatically generates an individualized plan of study for each.

Adam Falco ’99, designated these scholarships to two rising seniors based on the service work over their high school years.

Molly Persha has worked for five years at Ronald McDonald House helping children who are battling cancer. Ryan Davin has worked four years in a Tsunami Relief Program in Sumatra, at St. Vincent de Paul, and the Houston Food Bank.

Learn more about LAF

I enjoy every minute of working at the Ronald McDonald House. It is such a rewarding job and I look forward to it every week. It is an honor to be recognized by the Leather Apron Foundation, and I am truly grateful that they chose me for this award and scholarship.

– Molly Persha ’15

The program focuses on those areas needing strengthening and places students in appropriate reading comprehension levels. A student’s evaluation is then broken down into specific needs, such as vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, writing, etc. Once the evaluation is complete, an individualized program of instruction is created for the student. This program will place the student with peers reading and writing at the same level.

A comprehensive reading and writing program, Read 180 is taught to small classes of 15-18 students, which are further divided into three smaller groups, each focused on

a given area of concentration each day. The classes meet in a room with three separate areas of instruction, each dedicated to the requirements of the program: independent reading, instructional software programs, and small group instruction.

Over the course of a year in the program, students often improve their reading and writing abilities by as much as two grade levels. In addition, Read 180 encourages students to develop self-esteem, accountability and independence.

IN THE NEWS

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COMING SOON – ST. PIUS X WEBSITE!

St. Pius X High School will soon have a revitalized digital front door, thanks to an engaging new website that will launch in the fall of 2014.

The new website will help build the St. Pius X High School brand and connect people to the services and resources they seek.

Stay tuned for more information.

ST. PIUS X

Wins

AMA MARKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD St. Pius X High School was recognized by the American Marketing Association (AMA) Houston Chapter as the 2013 Marketer of the Year in the category of Education: Elementary/Secondary.

Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. accepted the award on behalf of the School on Monday, March 3, during AMA Houston’s annual awards ceremony at the Alley Theatre.

St. Pius X produced an integrated marketing plan based on its core values.

Individual students were highlighted in print ads, which also featured QR codes taking readers to stpiusx.org and to professional video interviews with the students. SPX increased its visibility in the Heights-Garden Oaks-

Oak Forest neighborhoods and put emphasis on a new recruiting event titled Take a Look Tuesday.

As a result, attendance at Take a Look Tuesday reached or exceeded maximum capacity throughout the fall. In addition, the number of middle school students registering to shadow St. Pius X students for a day increased 25% in the 2013 fall semester from the 2012 fall semester.

Marking the ninth year for this program, the Marketer of the Year award honors exceptional marketing by Houston-area companies, organizations and institutions.

St. Pius X High School last earned AMA Marketer of the Year in 2009.

It has also received AMA Crystal Awards for Outdoor Advertising Billboard Campaign in 2010 and Corporate Identity: Logo Design School Mascot in 2007.

we believe in Matt Martinez, Class of 2016, identifies his personal learning style in an academic strategies course.

He also balances a variety of extracurricular activities from athletics to the Raffle Promotion Committee.

St. Pius X fosters an environment in which students can learn and want to learn. Our teachers are accessible, approachable and open to suggestions from both students and parents.

stpiusx.org

Scan below to find out more

SCAN BELOW TO FIND OUT about Matt and St. Pius X! MORE ABOUT MATT AND ST. PIUS X!

THUR, NOV 13 AT 7 PM

713.692.3581

START HERE.PIUS GONEWS ANYWHERE. | Spring 2014

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2014 SPRING SHOW: MAGIC OF MOTOWN HAD YOU DANCING IN THE STREETS! Live on stage in the St. Pius X Commons on Saturday, May 17, was the music of the Temptations, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas and many more.

The 18th annual spring show starred the award-winning St. Pius X Concert Chorale and Campus Singers and began with a savory, soul-food inspired dinner.

The concert – Magic of Motown – boasted '60s classics hits including Dancing in the Street, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, My Girl, Build Me Up Buttercup, Be My Baby, For Once in My Life and many more.

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MUSIC MUSIC CITY WELCOMES SPX BAND The St. Pius X High School band took to the road for a fourday, three-night trip to Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in early April. The band was privileged to play on the steps of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and outside of the Grand Ole Opry and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

The group enjoyed a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry and also visited Music City Walk of Fame Park on Nashville’s Music Mile and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. In addition, the band attended a show at the Grand Ole Opry that included performances by Kree Harrison, The Willis Clan, Holly Williams, MercyMe and more.

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THEATRE

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WAIT UNTIL DARK Theatre SPX took a walk on the dark side with its production of the classic thriller, Wait Until Dark. A studio production under the direction of Mr. Dean Rogers, Wait Until Dark plunged audiences into periods of total darkness in which actors and audience were within arm’s length of each other – and there were screams aplenty! Sarah Leishner stepped into a role played by Lee Remick and Audrey Hepburn and was sensational as Suzy Hendrix, a blind young woman terrorized in her Greenwich Village basement apartment by a psychotic drug dealer. Harry Roat, Jr., as he was named, was creepily played by Graham Bryant (and previously played by Robert Duvall and Alan Arkin). MaxStar McDonald (Mike Tallman), Kyle Lynch (Carlino) and Aly Dib (Gloria) all added to the mayhem.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS A guy, a girl, and a man-eating plant from Outer Space. The March production of Little Shop of Horrors had it all! This all-time favorite, musical comedy was the first revival of Books and Lyrics by Howard Ashman a show previously Music by Alan Menken produced by Theatre Friday,March 7th 7:00 pm Saturday, March 8th 7:00 pm SPX under the Sunday, March 9th 2:30 pm direction of Mr. Jeff Galligan, on the 10th anniversary of its original production. Wonderful early 60s, doo-wop music accompanied the story of Seymour Krelborn (Nathan Murphy) and his search for love with Audrey (Gabrielle Williams) which is complicated

by Audrey II, a soul-singing, giant flytrap from an unnamed planet (four extraordinary puppets, voiced by Graham Bryant and manipulated by Matt Goodrum). Little Shop of Horrors also featured Riley England as Mrs. Mushnik, David Warner as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., and the trio of Lauren Hand, Kendall Chancellor and Kathleen Blute as Ronnette, Chiffon and Crystal, respectively.

Theatre SPX Presents

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International

St. Pius X High School 811 West Donovan St. • Houston, TX 77091 General Admission - $5.00 at the door Contact - galliganj@stpiusx.org

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BLUTE EARNS TOP HONORS AT UST/ARCHDIOCESAN ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS Eight Students Place in Contest St. Pius X freshman Kathleen Blute earned top honors and seven other students placed at the 10th annual University of St. Thomas/ Archdiocesan Essay Contest with a Mass and Awards Ceremony on Jan. 22 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

As a first-place winner, Blute received a $2,500 scholarship to UST, should she enroll.

Her essay was titled - John Paul II: Shepherd and Saint. Fellow freshman Julia McNulty, sophomore Olivia Selby, junior Ashley Holt and senior Samantha Jones were awarded second place for their essays. The Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza, archbishop emeritus of Galveston-Houston, gave each of the students a wall crucifix blessed by Pope Francis, made in the style of the crucifix on the staff that both Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis carried from the Vatican. Eleventh grader Jenny

Sheeren and 12th graders Miranda Turner and Lauren Hand received honorable mention.

These students received a pocket crucifix from the Vatican, blessed by Pope Francis.

DEL SARTO YEARBOOK EARNS FIRST PLACE AT TAPPS STATE MEET

A record number of 6,388 Catholic school students from third through 12th grades in 50 schools wrote essays on topics related to Saint John Paul II and how his works and words are relevant to the students’ lives. The winners were selected from 664 finalists.

I spent a lot of time researching Saint John Paul II because of this essay - something I probably wouldn't have thought to do otherwise. I was inspired by the courage and perseverance he showed in the face of adversity. I felt the least I could do was create a well-written essay in his remembrance.

– Kathleen Blute ’17

From L-R: Julia McNulty, Olivia Selby, Ashley Holt, Jennifer Sheeren, Kathleen Blute, Lauren Hand, Samantha Janes and Miranda Turner

From L-R: Chika Nwachukwu, Jenny Sheeren, Haley Shoebotham, Kaylee Zarosky, Maggie Hirtz, Tien Cao

T

he St. Pius X High School Del Sarto yearbook earned first place at the 2014 TAPPS Class 5A Academic & Art State Meet at the Waco Convention Center in April.

Current students that worked on the 2013 Del Sarto yearbook include Tien Cao, Maggie Hirtz, Chika Nwachukwu, Jenny Sheeren, Haley Shoebotham and Kaylee Zarosky.

In addition to yearbook’s award, several students placed at the state meet.

In Number Sense, April Tran took third place followed by Schuyler Link in fourth.

Other students who received fourth-place honors included Graham Bryant and David Warner in Duet Acting, Anna Laflin in Color Photography, and Maddison Hendrickson in Black and White Photography. Also placing in Black and White Photography was Madeline Lee in fifth.

Sixth-place accolades went to Sarah Leishner in Solo Acting, Chika Nwachukwu in Fashion Design and Adrianne Munoz in Seek and Sketch. Munoz also earned honorable mention in Black and White Drawing.

Only the top five students from each district advanced to the state competition.

The yearbook advisor is Georgi Beissner '87. The SPX Academic Team is co-sponsored by Trudie Dattilo and Mildred Johnson ‘77. Visual Arts is instructed by Alida Harville '87 and Beissner.

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STUDENT COUNCIL PRESENTED OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS From the executive board on down, our students have embodied social justice and service, and exemplified the qualities of good leaders.

– Alida Harville ’88, STUCO Advisor

From L-R: Treasurer Michael Bell, Public Relations Emily Clooney & Madison Bader, Secretary Ashley Holt and Vice President Utopia LaStrap

The St. Pius X student council has been recognized for outstanding achievement in leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community by the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC).

The 2013-2014 St. Pius X student council was presented awards in the areas of Outstanding Student Council; Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and Health (DASH); Pride and Patriotism; Energy and Environment; Community Service; and received

a Sweepstakes award. Sweepstakes councils must be recognized in every area mentioned previously in order to obtain the acknowledgement. TASC has 1,267 member schools. Of those, SPX is one of only 213 student councils statewide to receive the highly-esteemed honor.

“I’m extremely proud of our student council members for their hard work to obtain these prestigious awards,” said Alida Harville ’88, advisor of SPX student council. “From the executive board

on down, our students have embodied social justice and service, and exemplified the qualities of good leaders.”

SPX student council members develop proven skills in team building, problem solving, project planning, and decision making. Through their co-curricular activities, student council members serve their communities while strengthening their academic and civic skills.

OF PAWS AND PENS LITERARY MAGAZINE RELEASED

The SPX Writers’ Club released the first volume of its literary magazine Of Paws and Pens on Tuesday, March 25. Congratulations to the following students who were published in this year's issue: Olivia Castillo, Cami Dejesus, Georgia Edmondson, Mark Elizondo, Mariana Garza, Alex Hudgins, Samantha Janes, Corey Johnson, Nina Lauckner, Seth Lenahan, Eugenia Markantonis, Gabriel Mejia, Isaac Melchor, Ashlyn Mik, Claire Mouton, Grace Phillips, Rita Robinson, Lexi Rodriguez, Jade Sanchez, Jenna Shely, William Spratt, Diana Thomson, Cera Tijerina, Nghi (April) Tran, Miranda Turner, Ashlyn Wagert, Zhengyao (Yuki) Wang, Lizzie Watts and Jenelle Wrightson. The Writers’ Club is sponsored by Michelle Broussard.

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SENIORS WALK THE RUNWAY IN 2014 FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON The 2014 Fashion Show and Luncheon, sponsored by the SPX Parent Association, was a sold-out success on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Westin Houston, Memorial City.

Seniors from the Class of 2014 were featured on the runway wearing the latest collections from Macy’s including casual and dressy attire, formal/prom, college and western wear.

In addition to a spectacular luncheon and show, a Stella & Dot stylist and Montblanc were on hand for those who wanted to purchase some fashion accessories of their own.

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SUN SHINES BRIGHTLY ON FIELD DAY CELEBRATIONS On the warm, sunny Friday afternoon of May 2, St. Pius X High School students, faculty and staff stepped outside of their classrooms and offices and enjoyed some good, old-fashioned fun as part of Field Day. Events took place all over campus, inside and out, as students from all grades competed in activities like the 50-yard dash, obstacle race, softball throw, sack races, basketball free throw contest, dribble-kicking relay, 3-legged race, bean bag toss, golf ball toss, carry-the-ball relay and mind games.

Ice cream sandwiches were devoured before the entire student body gathered as one in the Herzstein Gym for an awards ceremony to close the fun-filled day.

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You can light up their future.

They are your legacy. If you will it. can keep you informed of our mission to uphold the high standards of education which you have come to know and cherish.

A bequest is a simple way to support St. Pius X while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. We can be named as the beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or financial accounts. So whether you are taking those first important steps towards planning your estate or updating your estate plan, contact us today.

Let us know.

Sharing your plans is easy and places you under no obligation. Contact us today: Mail: 811 W. Donovan St. | Houston, TX 77091 Phone: 713.579.7512 E-mail: portnerml@stpiusx.org Web: www.stpiusx.org

the

Many of our alumni, parents, and friends have included St. Pius X High School in their wills or estate plans but haven’t had the opportunity to tell us. If your plans include a bequest to St. Pius X that will one day leave a legacy for our students, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to The Torchbearer Society.

Future support from people like you ensures we continue to provide a strong Dominican, Catholic education for generation of students to come. And by sharing your intentions, we

Torchbearer Society

Carry the Light. Leave a Legacy.

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Introducing the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2014 “Don’t give up on yourself, your dreams or your faith. I hope all of us succeed in what means the most to us, and that we’re not frustrated by obstacles but we allow them to enrich us.” - Miranda Turner Miranda Michelle Turner has dreams of becoming a lawyer and she’s off to a great start as the valedictorian of the St. Pius X High School Class of 2014.

In addition to being ranked at the top of her class, Turner has an expansive range of interest and talents. She was historian of the National Honor Society, secretary of the History Club, vice president of Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas (JCDA), a member of choir, the academic team (Original Orator), the hand bell choir, the band color guard, and the golf and track teams for a season each. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a contributor to the SPX Literary Magazine – Of Paws & Pens. Turner quickly realized how to balance her activities with her academics.

“Something you have to learn fast is to prioritize,” she said. “Decide what needs to be done when and how much energy can be put into each task. Anyone can do it. Not everyone knows what they are capable of until they try.”

Turner’s interests expand beyond the SPX community as well. She has served the community in many ways including volunteering with the JCDA’s annual Easter Drive, the American Heritage Girls, where her little sister is a member, and the Magnificat House, where she completed over 100 hours of service.

Favorite Teacher - Mr. Burgin He’s awesome, in everything from his teaching style to listening to his reflections to the advisories that we did.

He’s an inspiring and insightful person, and I’m blessed to have studied under him.

Something you have to learn fast is to prioritize,” she said. “Decide what needs to be done when and how much energy can be put into each task. Anyone can do it. Not everyone knows what they are capable of until they try.

With motivation, dedication and responsibility, Turner earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, was listed on the Head of School Honor Roll, and was named to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals’ (TASSP) Academic Excellence Team for being a Top 20 Scholar in the State of Texas. She achieved the Golden Pen for four years of Excellence in Writing, received the National Choral Award, and attained Excellence in two AP classes, honors economics and two theology IV courses. Turner twice won honorable mention in the University of St. Thomas/Archdiocesan Essay Contest, earned a Superior Rating of 1 at TAPPS State Music for Mixed Sacred Ensemble Number 1, and was a NASSP Herff Jones Principal’s Leadership Award nominee.

She knew from the beginning that she would be rewarded in many ways from a Dominican education at St. Pius X. “I chose St. Pius X because I knew it would be the best opportunity for me,” Turner said. “The community and the involvement that I would have at St. Pius X was better than at any other school I could have attended.

I love how it really is a community. I felt like I was part of a family no matter what organization or class I was in. I think that is really beautiful, especially because when I came to school I was really shy and that was an enormous aspect for me, growing spiritually and socially.”

Turner will attend the University of Texas at Dallas in the fall and plans to study business administration or economics.

Schuyler Spencer Link, the salutatorian of the teachers said helped me learn the information and ensured that I didn’t the Class of 2014, purely enjoys learning. have to learn it again in my own spare time.”

Figuring out new information and learning new concepts are joys to him, and according to Link that’s one of the main reasons he was able to perform so well academically at St. Pius X.

His stellar academic career includes being named a National Merit Commended Student, earning the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and being a member of the Head of School Honor Roll. Link received the Golden Pencil for four years of Excellence in Honors mathematics and achieved Excellence in two AP courses and in Spanish IV. He also placed “I actually paid attention in class and tried fourth in Number Sense at the TAPPS State Academic Meet. to get more out of all that the teachers were Spare time was a rarity for Link who was active in National Honor throwing at me,” he said. “Listening to what Society, Student Honor Board, Theatre SPX, International Thespian

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Do your best to not sleep in class. Not only will you get demerits, but listening to what teachers say will help you learn it and ensure you don’t have to learn it again in your own spare time.

schools that I looked at didn’t feel so integrated and they seemed less family-like. SPX was also very diverse. It offered the biggest range of different people doing different things. You were able to get involved, and it was easy to find people with similar and varied interests, and learn about them.”

From freshman year until today, Link has gained a wealth of academic knowledge, developed spiritually, and maybe most notably for him, grown socially.

“I am much less awkward from freshman year to now,” Link said.

Link will attend Tufts University near Boston in the fall and plans Society, academic team (Number Sense), track and cross country. He also to study biomedical engineering. had perfect attendance in ninth and 12th grade. In the community, he volunteered over 100 hours with Camp Spike ‘n’ Wave®, which is considered to be the largest summer camp for children and teens with epilepsy in the country. He also tutored fellow peers in several subjects, including biology and physics.

“Time management was how I was able to stay so involved and still do so well academically,” Link said. “I had to stay ahead of everything, keep work up-to-date, and ensure that when I said I was going to do something, I did it.”

His choice to attend St. Pius X came easily, since Aubyn Link, his older sister and salutatorian of the Class of 2013, was already attending SPX. “Because of my sister, I had already gotten a feel for what the school was like,” he said. “Through her I was able to know a little bit more about the community and I loved it - how everyone works together. The other

On Following in Sister's Footsteps My sister shared my opinion in learning and interest in academics. It’s indicative of our family, because we’re kind of nerdy. My parents expected I would do well, but they mainly wanted me to learn and enjoy school.

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Class of 2014 College Acceptances & Scholarships The Dominican Sisters of Houston, the board of directors, administration, faculty and staff of St. Pius X High School are proud to recognize the 56th graduating class – the Class of 2014. This class numbers 159 students and includes all-state athletes, academic all-state selections, a member of the TASSP Academic Excellence Team, and all-state vocalists. The class has been accepted to 142 colleges and universities in 33 states and one abroad - 90 out of state schools and 51 in Texas. Five members of this class have been

recognized by the National Merit program and the class has earned a total scholarship value of $8 million. Fifteen members of the class have had one or both parents graduate from SPX. The class boasts five Eagle Scouts and three silver or gold Girl Scout award recipients. During the past year, the class has given more than 17,000 hours of community service for the cause of justice and to the needs of others. They have given much to the St. Pius X community and will bring even more to the world they are about to enter.

Laura Adams

Byron Barthelemy

Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio Academic Scholarship Sam Houston State University St. Edward's University Stephen F. Austin State University Texas State University University of Houston

The George Washington University Grant/University and Alumni Award Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship

Cunnar Canny Aligno

Lone Star College - eCollege

Savannah College of Art and Design Alexis Auerbach

Kaitlin Belmares Emily Bingham

Mississippi State University

Drexel University Drexel Academic Scholarship George Mason University Mason Excellence Award Hofstra University Presidential Scholarship Indiana University at Bloomington Dean's Scholarship Della J. Evans Scholarship Texas A&M University Academic Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunity Award President’s Endowed Scholarship Trinity University Murchison Scholarship Trinity Tower Award Washington and Lee University R.E. Lee Achievement Scholarship

Iliana Barron

Connor Borchgrevink

Blinn College

The American University of Paris

Baylor University Academic Scholarship Houston Baptist University President’s Academic Scholarship Louisiana State University Texas Christian University University of Alabama Alumni Scholar Award University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Kansas KU Achievement Scholarship University of St. Thomas Achievement Scholarship Cameron Austin

Baylor University Provost Gold Scholarship Louisiana State University Texas A&M University Texas Tech University University of Alabama Mary Campodonico Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship Sam Houston State University Texas Woman's University University of Houston-Downtown Ricardo Castillo Baylor University Louisiana State University University of Alabama Kendall Chancellor Hampton University Merit Scholarship Stetson University Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Hatter Scholarship Megan Chandler Stephen F. Austin State University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Texas Tech University Aubrey Cloutier St. Edward's University President’s Merit Scholarship

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Cameron Coleman

Danielle Davenport

Wayland Baptist University Basketball Scholarship

Blinn College

Jabali Coleman

Texas State University

Schreiner University Southwestern College Basketball Scholarship

Nicole Dawkins

Ray R. De La Rosa University of Houston-Downtown

Brittany Connell

Sterling DePaul

Blinn College

Baylor University Lamar University McMurry University Dean’s Scholarship The University of Texas at San Antonio

Benjamin Contreras St. Mary's University of San Antonio Chaminade Grant/St. John Paul II Grant University of Houston Amber Cook Angelo State University Blinn College Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship Life University New England College Academic Opportunity Scholarship Lyndsay Culver

Evan Devora Baylor University Provost Gold Scholarship Rugby Team Scholarship University of North Texas Excellence Scholarship The University of Texas at San Antonio Distinguished Presidential Scholarship Daryon Fields

Antioch University Seattle

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Basketball Scholarship

Ryan Culver

Thaddeus Flatt

Louisiana State University Sam Houston State University Texas Tech University

Houston Baptist University

Jessica D'Costa Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship University of Houston University of Houston-Downtown

Anisa Flores Texas A&M University Texas State University Janet Flores Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Knights of Columbus Council 8096 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship

Loyola University Chicago Trustee Scholarship Saint Mary's College Madeleva Award Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi The University of Texas at Tyler Chase Fontana Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship Sam Houston State University Southwestern University Baseball Scholarship Ruter Scholar Award Stephen F. Austin State University Temple College Texas Lutheran University Texas State University The University of the Incarnate Word Archbishop Gomez Catholic High School Scholarship Distinguished Scholar Award Andria Garcia University of Houston-Downtown Cristina Garcia Belhaven University BU Scholarship Louisiana State University The University of New Orleans Alumni Scholarship Isabella Garza Centenary College of Louisiana Challenge Award Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio Academic Scholarship University of Houston-Downtown

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Christopher Golden

Kyle Graves

Chelsea Hadash

Angelina College Texas Public Education Grant Basilian Fathers of Texas Award Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship Northwestern State University of Louisiana Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio Faculty Scholarship Texas A&M University-Kingsville University of Houston-Downtown University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The University of Tulsa Academic Scholarship/ Grants/Heritage Award

Sam Houston State University Texas Tech University

Joel Gregory

Lamar University Sam Houston State University The University of Texas at Tyler

Samantha Grosch

Lauren Hand

Jessica Gonzales

Baylor University Academic Scholarship Louisiana State University Sam Houston State University Texas State University University of Kansas Distinction Scholarship

People’s Trust Foundation Literacy Scholarship Regis University Board of Trustees Scholarship/College Catholic Award Saint Louis University Dean’s Scholarship Spring Hill College Presidential Scholar Award University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazer Gold Scholarship The University of Iowa National Scholars Award Texas Access Award The University of South Alabama Out-of-State Scholarship Presidential Scholarship Whiddon Honors Scholarship Wheeling Jesuit University WJU Merit Scholarship

Blinn College Isaac Gonzalez Lone Star College-CyFair Leslie Gonzalez University of Houston-Downtown Tyler Gossett Colorado School of Mines Merit Scholarship University of California, San Diego University of Colorado Boulder BOLD Center Participation Scholarship Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin

Louisiana State University St. Edward's University St. Edward’s Grants & Scholarships Texas State University Texas Tech University

Angel Gutierrez Texas Tech University The University of Texas at San Antonio Huong Ha University of Houston-Downtown Quan Ha University of Houston-Downtown

Astrid Kuhn Halpin

James Hancock Blinn College

Christopher Hernandez Lone Star College-Montgomery Emily Hill Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas-K.J.Z.T. Memorial Scholarship Stephen F. Austin State University Texas A&M University Texas State University The University of Texas at Austin Margaret Hirtz Baylor University Academic Scholarship Fairfield University Loyola Scholarship Texas Christian University Dean’s Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin Alexandra Hoskins Louisiana State University Texas State University Texas Tech University The University of Oklahoma

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Larry (Hangyan) Jiang

Hofstra University Dean’s Scholarship Houston Baptist University Legacy Academic Scholarship Northern Arizona University St. John's University Student Success Award St. Pius X Booster Club Scholarship University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Brandeis University

Bryan Lee

Dennis Johnson

Louisiana State University

Langston University Southwestern University Football Scholarship Pirate Award/Southwestern Grants

Olivia Lee

Samantha Janes Loyola University Chicago Loyola Scholarship St. John's University - Queens Campus Academic Achievement Scholarship Texas A&M University The University of Texas at Austin

John Johnson Rhodes College Texas State University The United States Air Force Academy Full Scholarship University of St. Thomas Presidential Excellence Scholarship Ashley Kirumba Texas Tech University University of Houston The University of Texas at San Antonio Jake Klovenski Colorado School of Mines Merit Scholarship Texas A&M University The University of Texas at Austin

Southern Methodist University Cornerstone Scholarship Southwestern University Mood Scholar Award Texas A&M University Trinity University Trustees Scholarship Schuyler Link Brandeis University Presidential Scholarship Calvin College Trustee Scholarship Carleton College Carleton Grant/Scholarship Carnegie Mellon University Tufts University Tufts Grant Neubauer Scholarship The University of Michigan The University of Rochester

University of St. Thomas Archdiocesan Essay Scholarship Presidential Excellence Scholarship University of St. Thomas - St. Paul, MN Academic Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin Ariana Martinez Fordham University Fordham Grant Joques Scholarship Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University The University of Texas at Austin Rachael McClelland Baylor University Dean’s Gold Academic Scholarship Federal Pell/Tuition Equalization Grant Need-Based Scholarship Louisiana State University Sam Houston State University Schreiner University Federal Pell/Schreiner Grant Houston Partnership Grant Trustees Scholarship St. Pius X Booster Club Scholarship Tarleton State University Texas A&M University Federal Pell/Texas Public Education Grant Gabriel Mejia St. Pius X Parent Association Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin

Karissa Macias

Ginger Middleton

Zachary Knight

Texas Woman's University

Huston-Tillotson University

Sean Mapes

Denton Lambert

The University of Texas at Tyler Achievement Scholarship

Abilene Christian University John C. Steven Award Baylor University Academic Scholarship Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University The University of the Incarnate Word Archbishop Gomez Catholic High School Scholarship Incentive Award Presidential Scholarship

Texas Christian University Trinity University President’s Scholarship University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship Utopia LaStrap Bethune-Cookman University

Eugenia Markantonis Baylor University President’s Gold Scholarship Texas A&M University Top 10% State Scholarship

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Eagle Scouts Byron Barthelemy Ryan Culver George Drewry III Jake Klovenski Andrew Prather

Girl Scout Gold Award Mary Campodonico

Girl Scout Silver Award Lauren Hand Aubrey Mushinski

Madison Miller Blinn College Houston Community College System Tyler Junior College

Texas Christian University Dean’s Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin Lindsey Neville

Christopher Monterrosa

Stephen F. Austin State University

Blinn College

Brian Newman

Marcos Mora

Baylor University Academic Scholarship Hillsdale College Football Scholarship Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University Texas State University

Northwest Florida State College Jonathan Moss St. Pius X Booster Club Scholarship Reed Moss Louisiana State University Texas A&M University The University of Mississippi Academic Excellence/ Non-Resident Scholarship Holmes Scholarship Adrianne Munoz Ringling College of Art and Design Savannah College of Art and Design Academic Honors Scholarship Achievement Honors Scholarship Student Incentive Scholarship Whittier College Gerardo Murillo McLennan Community College Baseball Scholarship

Chika Nwachukwu Houston Baptist University Academic Scholarship The King's College Presidential Scholarship St. John's University - Queens Campus Academic Scholarship Texas A&M University Jennifer Ortiz University of Houston-Downtown The University of Texas at San Antonio Clayton Owen Sam Houston State University Texas State University

Wanqing Pan Michigan State University Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship Pepperdine University The University of California at Irvine The University of California at Santa Barbara Jacob Perez Hamline University Achievement Scholarship Kristan Petrick Texas Tech University University of Alabama The University of Mississippi Samuel Pierce Rice University Football Scholarship Alexa Popovich Texas A&M University Texas Tech University Madison Poston Howard University St. Edward's University Junious Powell University of North Texas Andrew Kennedy Prather

Aubrey Mushinski

Blinn College

Baylor University President’s Gold Scholarship Texas A&M University

Baylor University Mason Ott Memorial Scholarship Texas Tech University

Matthew Palla

Christian Quintero

Blinn College McLennan Community College

Houston Community College System

Victoria Ozuna

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Anthony Ralph Arkansas State University Lindenwood University LU Scholarship Rugby Scholarship St. Edward's University Desmond Ray Tyler Junior College Lewis Reiman San Jacinto College - Central Clarissa Rivera University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Anthony Ruiz University of Houston Alessa Saldivar Texas A&M University Texas State University Briana Sherman Texas State University University of Houston-Downtown Avery Sims Quincy University Football Scholarship

Sofia Speer The Armed Services Scholarship Creighton University University Founders Award Gonzaga University Dean’s Scholarship Houston Baptist University Marquette University Ignatius/Magis Award Regis University Board of Trustees Scholarship/College Catholic Award Saint Louis University Dean’s Scholarship Southern Methodist University Spring Hill College Portier Leader Award Texas A&M University Top 10% State Scholarship Texas Christian University Founders Scholarship The University of Colorado at Denver Denver Bound Scholarship University of Houston Hunter Stevens University of Arkansas New Arkansan Award University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship

The University of Oklahoma University of West Florida Nautilus Scholarship Kelly Stewart Auburn University Volleyball Scholarship Katelyn Sullivan Kentucky Wesleyan College Presidential Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship Washington State University Cougar Academic Award Hailey Swick Baylor University Dean’s Gold Scholarship Spring Hill College Ignatian Leader Award Texas Woman's University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at San Antonio Madison Taylor Texas State University Texas Tech University The University of Texas at San Antonio

Brian Newman ’14 followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Marshall ’07, when he was named Mr. Panther at the Senior Awards Ceremony on May 23.

Marshall received the honor in 2007.

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PANTHERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL Raquel Tello East Texas Baptist University Achievement Grant Christian Leadership Scholarship Softball Student-Athlete Houston Police Union Scholarship Letay Thompson Loyola University Chicago Trustee Scholarship Oklahoma State University Nonresident Achievement Scholarship St. Edward's University Dean’s Excellence Scholarship St. John's University - Queens Campus University of Houston Academic Scholarship The University of Illinois at Chicago UIC Chicago Grant University of St. Thomas Achievement Scholarship Diana Thomson Savannah College of Art and Design Academic Honors Scholarship Achievement Honors Scholarship University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship Adriana Trejo St. Pius X Booster Club Scholarship Texas State University University of Houston

The University of Texas at San Antonio UTSA Scholarship Miranda Turner Highest Ranking Honor Graduate Scholarship Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship Saint Mary's College Moreau Presidential Scholarship-Academic Excellence TASSP All-State Academic Excellence Award Texas A&M University University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Community Scholarship University of St. Thomas Presidential Excellence Scholarship The University of Texas at Dallas Academic Distinction Scholarship Sandra Ulloa University of Houston David Varela Houston Baptist University Legacy Academic Scholarship

The following student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic endeavors at the collegiate level: Jabali Coleman Southwestern College – Men’s Basketball Daryon Fields Texas A&M University Corpus Christi – Women’s Basketball Chase Fontana Southwestern University – Baseball Deejay Johnson Southwestern University – Football Gerardo Murillo McLennan Community College – Baseball Brian Newman Hillsdale College – Football Sam Pierce Rice University – Football

Brooks Vasquez

Anthony Ralph Lindenwood University – Men’s Rugby

Texas A&M University University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship

Avery Sims Quincy University – Football Kelly Stewart Auburn University – Volleyball Raquel Tello East Texas Baptist University – Softball Jonathan Wiley Texas State University - Basketball

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George Williams

Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University The University of Arkansas Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Louisiana

James Zuniga

Joshmon Williams

Auburn University Texas State University University of Houston

Victoria Vela

Anastazia Williams

Franciscan University of Steubenville Provost Scholarship St. Edward's University Dean’s Achievement Scholarship St. Mary's University of San Antonio Madeleine Scholarship St. John Paul II Grant University of Mary Hardin-Baylor University of St. Thomas Achievement Scholarship

Lamar University Loyola University New Orleans Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio

Corinthians Walker Blinn College Daniel (Jiahao) Wang California Lutheran University Pederson Scholarship California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Pace University - New York City Zhengyao Wang State University of New York at New Paltz Ryan Webb Louisiana State University Texas Tech University University of Alabama University of Mary Hardin-Baylor The University of Mississippi

Baylor University Academic Scholarship St. John's University - Queens Campus Academic Achievement Scholarship Texas State University University of Central Florida University of Louisville The University of Texas at Arlington Freshman Honors Scholarship Yasmine Williams Dillard University Hollins University Prairie View A&M University Southern University and A&M College Texas Southern University Xavier University of Louisiana Yiyi Xu Baylor University University of Maryland

Charles A. Whiteford

Jamie Yeates

Texas Tech University University of Alabama

Baylor University Academic Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas Aggie Scholarship Top 10% State Scholarship

Jonathan Wiley Texas State University Basketball Scholarship Lauren Wilganowski Texas Tech University The University of Texas at Tyler

Kaylee Zarosky Baylor University Houston Dow Institute Scholarship Louisiana State University

And so as you depart as students from St. Pius X High School and continue your journey – remember that each step you take – the step of prayer, of study, of community and of preaching – each of these is taken on holy ground, and may the words of our own Dominican Saint, Catherine of Siena, doctor of the Church echo in your minds and hearts: 'If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze.'

- Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P.

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CLASS OF 2014 LEGACY FAMILIES The Class of 2014 added 16 legacy families to the SPX ranks on Saturday, May 24. Each of these new graduates are at least second-generation Panthers.

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13 14 {1} Graduate Isabella Garza with mother Stefanie Bowman ’87, cousin Chelsea Chance ’13 and sister Chloe Garza ’12 {2} Graduate Danielle Davenport with grandfather William Przybyla ’59 {3} Graduate Chase Fontana with aunt Monica Fontana-Guajardo ’89, grandfather Raymond Meleski ’68, father Craig Fontana ’86 and grandmother Theresa Stiborik Fontana ’64 {4} Graduate Isaac Gonzalez with grandfather Daniel Kubiak ’60, mother Cindy Gonzalez ’89 and father Joseph Gonzalez ’88 {5} Graduate Samantha Grosch with mother Suzanne Grosch ’77 {6} Graduate Chelsea Hadash with grandmother Lois Pereira ’69 and mother Lisa Hadash ’88 {7} Graduate Austin Hancock with father Pat Hancock ’73 {8} Graduate Jake Klovenski with father Jake Klovenski ’72 {9} Graduate Seth Lenahan with mother Bernadette Lenahan ’81 {10} Graduate Jonathan Moss with father Jonathan Moss ’85 {11} Graduate Aubrey Mushinski with father Richard Muskinski ’74 {12} Graduate Christian Quintero with aunt Veronica Gonzales Quintero ’75, aunt Elizabeth Phillips ’69, brother Adrian Quintero ’13, father Carlos Quintero ’85, aunt Carmen Quintero Shepperd ’83 and aunt Sandra Sisk ’76 {13} Graduate Anthony Spanos with father Joseph Spanos ’82 {14} Graduate Hailey Swick with grandmother Doris Havemann ’63 and mother Karen Haude ’89 {15} Graduate Miranda Turner with mother Chrisanne Turner ’85 {16} Graduate Ryan Webb with father Jim Webb ’86

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CLASS OF

2014

SENIOR AWARDS

{1} Ms. & Mr. Panther Gena Markantonis and Brian Newman with Academic Dean Diane Larsen and Dean of Students Jeff Donaruma {2} Mason Ott Memorial Scholarship recipient Andrew Prather with Dr. Terry Ott and Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. {3} John McMahon Teaching Chair Award recipient Ms. Alida Harville '88 with her mother, Barbara, John McMahon, Academic Dean Diane Larsen and 2013 recipient John Kaylor {4} Mr. & Ms. Del Sarto Schuyler Link and Lauren Hand with Academic Dean Diane Larsen and Dean of Students Jeff Donaruma Not pictured: Service Awards - Janet Flores and Samantha Janes School Spirit Awards - Ray De La Rosa, Kelly Stewart and Miranda Turner

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BASEBALL In the past six seasons of St. Pius X baseball, the Panthers, with head coach Adam Massiatte at the helm, have earned a pair of TAPPS Class 5A state championships (2009 and 2012), a state runner-up finish (2013), six state Final Four appearances (2009-2014) and a district championship (2011).

When asked what factor makes his teams so successful year-in and year-out, Massiatte credited his players and the guidance the coaching staff provides them.

“We don’t coach on a template, we coach to the team we have,” Massiatte said. “We really practice by seeing our mistakes, and every day is more preparation to make whatever your weakness is a little bit stronger. Keeping that mentality, letting the team make their own chemistry and be their own, and letting them know how far they can go…I think that’s a big part of it. We show them the way to do it, and then we let them be what they can be and create on their own.”

Another more recent tradition has been colliding with longtime rival St. Thomas in the state tournament. For the past three years, the Panthers and Eagles have met at state, and although the Panthers have had the upper hand in previous postseasons, beating St. Thomas in the state championship game in 2012 and the semifinals in 2013, the Eagles managed to edge SPX in the semifinals this season.

That’s not before the Panthers compiled a 21-17 record, saw two players named to the all-tournament team and had five players earn TAPPS all-state. Jerry Murillo (Catcher-Sr.) and Brian Newman (Pitcher-Sr.) garnered TAPPS Class 5A AllTournament honors. Murillo was selected first team all-state, while Mason Englet (1st Base-Jr.) and Newman were members of the second team, and Chase Fontana (Outfield-Sr.) was honorable mention all-state.

SPX baseball graduated nine seniors including Ryan Culver, Sterling DePaul, Fontana, Christopher Golden, Murillo, Marcos Mora, Newman, Matthew Palla and Ryan Webb.

All-District

Photos Courtesy of Sydney Austin Photography

First Team - Jerry Murillo, Mason Englet, Brian Newman and Chase Fontana Second Team - Matthew Palla (Infield-Sr.), Chase Broussard (Outfield-Jr.), Marcos Mora (Infield-Sr.) Honorable Mention - Jeremy Jones (3rd Base-Jr.), Kohl Ullman (Infield-Jr.) and Christopher Golden (Pitcher-Sr.)

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ON THE PROWL

ON THE PROWL

PANTHER PLAYERS BUDDY UP WITH CHALLENGER BASEBALL St. Pius X baseball had just punched its ticket to its sixth straight state semifinal appearance by defeating Liberty Argyle Christian 10-3 on Saturday, May 3. The very next day, the players were back on the diamond, but this time in a different capacity – as “buddies.”

The Panthers were volunteering with the Challenger Division of the West University Little League (WULL). Each SPX student-athlete paired up with a Challenger player and were tasked with assisting that player with their involvement in the game – from pushing their wheelchairs around the bases, to assisting players in how to hold the bat and swing, to providing protection for the player from a batted ball.

The interaction was a positive experience for everyone involved as Challenger players enjoyed the thrill of participation, and their Panther "buddies" experienced first hand some of the challenges these children face.

“As soon as we showed up with our uniforms on, all the kids had smiles on their faces.” said Taylor Salaun ’17.

“They kept calling us the White Sox! They seemed to enjoy it. Just because they may have physical and mental challenges, they still have some of the same skills that we have.”

Challenger baseball gives each child the opportunity to be part of a team, develop their physical and social skills, and – perhaps best of all – show off their baseball skills.

“It was nice to see everyone be able to go out and play baseball and have fun,” said Ben Keller ’16. “They got the day for themselves. Seeing kids missing over and over, and then seeing them finally hit the ball and smile, the crowd was cheering for them It was heartwarming. It was a really good experience.”

Each Challenger player is treated like every other player in more conventional baseball programs: all are outfitted with uniforms, use the same equipment and play their games at the same fields as other little league teams.

Kari Griggs Martin ‘94, whose daughter plays with Challenger baseball, was all smiles watching the St. Pius X players be “buddies” for the day.

“It was wonderful to see the boys on the four fields working, playing and interacting with

our special children,” she said. “It was a proud SPX moment for me, my sister, Kristene Griggs Edwards ’86, and our dear friend, Reesa Blackburn Guevara ’94.”

Watch the Fox26 story on Challenger Baseball

The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play baseball and have a rewarding experience, regardless of limitations.

“It was fun and all the kids seemed so happy,” said Colston Lloyd ’17. “They were always energetic and some of them were pretty fast. The parents and the kids seemed to really appreciate us being there. It was a good experience, and I’m looking forward to doing it again next year.

This was the fourth year that Panther baseball participated with Challenger baseball.

Photos courtesy of Joni Fichter.

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BASKETBALL BOYS BASKETBALL NEARLY COTENDS FOR STATE TITLE Under the direction of first-year head coach Russell Carr, St. Pius X basketball won its second straight district title and advanced to the TAPPS Class A state semifinals for the first time in seven years.

The team was just a game shy, or better yet, less than a second away, from competing in the state championship game.

The Panthers (23-11) led Plano John II by two points in the second overtime of the state semifinal game in Mansfield, Texas, on Friday, Feb. 28. With 0.9 seconds remaining, the officials called a foul and the Cardinals sent the game into a third overtime, eventually winning 63-62.

Carr, who won four state titles at Westbury Christian, was proud of his team’s semifinal performance.

“We were down by 18 with 4 minutes left to go in regulation,” he said. “We started making shots, and they started missing free throws. I thought the kids did a good job of embracing what we’re doing. They saw that if we do things right, we can compete for a championship.”

Follow Coach Carr on Twitter

Seniors Cameron Coleman and Jonathan Wiley earned all-tournament honors and were two of seven seniors on this year’s team. Other seniors include Jabali Coleman, Avery Sims, Desmond Ray, Madison Miller and Ricky Castillo.

Wiley was also named first team all-state by the TABC and TAPPS. Junior Jordan Jackson joined him on the TAPPS Class 5A All-State first team while Coleman and Sims were selected to the second team.

All-District First Team Jonathan Wiley, (Guard-Sr.), Jordan Jackson (Guard-Jr.) Cameron Coleman (Guard-Sr.) Avery Sims (Forward, Sr.) Second Team Desmond Ray (Forward-Sr.), Mekhi Cannon (Forward-So.) Jabali Coleman (Guard-Sr.)

ON THE PROWL

FORMER DI COACH TO LEAD ST. PIUS X GIRLS BASKETBALL The girls and I are very enthusiastic for the road ahead and ready to work to make St. Pius X into a championship-level program. I am beyond blessed to be able to impact the lives of young ladies and prepare them not only for basketball, but more importantly to succeed in the game of life. I am glad to be able to do that here in Houston, near my family, and particularly in the warm, welcoming community at St. Pius X.

Mary Gleason – a former NCAA Division I women’s basketball head coach – has been hired as head girls basketball coach at St. Pius X High School.

Gleason comes to St. Pius X after three seasons at the helm of Houston Baptist University.

There, she transitioned the Huskies from an NAIA program to the NCAA Division I level.

In doing so, Gleason led HBU to its first postseason win in a conference tournament and developed 10 players to all-conference or all-newcomer honors.

“Coach Gleason is a great fit for our school community as an educator, mentor and coach,” Athletic Director Jason Kimball said. “Her experiences as a player and a collegiate coach provide our program with an excellent leader who will produce the high-level results we expect at SPX.” Prior to HBU, Gleason served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Dartmouth, helping to engineer back-to-back Ivy League

titles in 2008 and 2009. Gleason coached numerous All-Ivy selections for the Big Green, including the 2009 Ivy Player of the Year and 2008 Ivy Rookie of the Year.

“I am very excited to be a part of the St. Pius X family,” Gleason said. “The girls and I are very enthusiastic for the road ahead and ready to work to make St. Pius X into a championship-level program. I am beyond blessed to be able to impact the lives of young ladies and prepare them not only for basketball, but more importantly to succeed in the game of life. I am glad to be able to do that here in Houston, near my family, and particularly in the warm, welcoming community at St. Pius X.” Before her time at Dartmouth, Gleason was an assistant and recruiting coordinator at Princeton, winning one Ivy League title and setting a program record for most wins in both a single season and in conference play in 2006. While at Princeton, she coached numerous All-Ivy honorees and the 2005 Ivy Rookie of the Year.

Gleason began her coaching career as an

assistant at New York University (2000-03), where she reached the NCAA DIII Elite Eight and won a pair of conference championships.

Her final recruiting class at NYU reached the Final Four as seniors.

Gleason lettered four seasons as a player at Southern Methodist University. She set the record for most career 3-pointers made and helped lead the Mustangs to the WNIT Championship game in 1993. In 1994 and 1995, SMU made its first appearances in the NCAA tournament, including earning the first tournament win in program history. Gleason received a bachelor’s degree in history from SMU in 1995.

Gleason spent three years playing professional basketball in Europe for Division I teams in Switzerland and Spain. In 1998, she was an invited participant to try out for the WNBA’s Houston Comets.

A native of Houston, Gleason is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy.

All-State

All-District

Second Team - Richelle Cooper Honorable Mention - Laura Dalton and Scarlet Rodriguez

First Team - Michelle Cooper, Laura Dalton and Scarlet Rodriguez Second Team - Anne Marie Noonan and Martha Priestley

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ON THE PROWL

PAIR OF GOLFERS EARN ALL-STATE HONORS Sophomores Rachel Hardy and Kade Stewart represented St. Pius X well at the state tournament in April as both finished in the top 10 and earned All-State honors.

by getting third,” he said. “I struggled at state last year, being a freshman, I wasn’t comfortable yet. This year I was very comfortable, and I knew I was capable of winning it. I’m looking forward to another year with

Athlete of the Week in April after winning five straight tournaments, including the individual title at the district championship. At state, Hardy tied for ninth in a field of 40 of the best girls TAPPS 5A golfers with a score of 175 (87-88).

Stewart competed at state for the second straight year.

Last season, “I wish our he became the whole team I wish our whole team could have been first freshman there, but I was honored to represent St. could have from SPX been there, to qualify Pius X at state. but I was - Rachel Hardy ’16 honored to for state and finished 25th. represent St. This season, Stewart made Pius X at state,” she said. “My an even bigger statement our coach. Hopefully we can scores seemed to go up at that with a third-place finish in a throw a really good team point, but my goal was to field of 50 of the best TAPPS together and make state as a make it to state and I did that.

5A golfers in the state. team next year. That would Doing well this year meant a He shot 150 (75-75) in a be really cool.” lot. It has definitely given me two-day tournament.

Hardy enrolled at St. Pius something to work towards “To compete at state was a X as a sophomore and is in for next year.”

Stewart was also an individual really good feeling, especially her first season as a member to do really well this year of the golf team. She was district champion, which was selected as the KPRC Local 2 his second win of the season.

SOFTBALL ADVANCES TO REGIONALS; THREE EARN ALL-STATE HONORS

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he 2012 and 2013 district champion St. Pius X softball team reached the playoffs again in 2014. While the Panthers (16-16) finished third in the district, they defeated San Antonio St. Anthony’s, 2-1 in the first round of the TAPPS 5A playoffs on Tuesday, April 29.

SPX fell to Dallas Bishop Lynch, the eventual

The golf team is coached by first-year head coach Jim Hardy. Hardy is also the director of instruction at Hearthstone Country Club.

Note: Jim Hardy is not related to Rachel Hardy, but his daughter, Lacey Hardy, was an all-district golfer as a freshman for the Panthers this season.

Watch Rachel receive the Athlete of the Week award

TAPPS 5A state champion, in the regional round in Georgetown.

For the second straight year, pitcher Raquel Tello was the top-ranked player in the district and a first team all-state selection. She will continue her softball career at East Texas Baptist University in the fall.

Junior Dana Salvato joined Tello on the allstate squad as a member of the second team, while senior Samantha Grosch earned honorable mention all-state.

All-District First Team - Raquel Tello, Dana Salvato and Samantha Grosch Second Team - Victoria Ozuna and Jaslyn Perrodin Honorable Mention - Megan Metcalf, Iliana Barron and Olivia Castillo

ON THE PROWL

TWO TENNIS PLAYERS COMPETE AT STATE Junior Michael Bell and sophomore Lisette Matta competed at the TAPPS Class 5A State Tennis Tournament at the Waco Regional Tennis Center in April.

Bell won his third straight district championship in boy’s singles, defeating Christian Kitchen of St. Thomas High School, to advance to state for the third year in-a-row. He made it to the state quarterfinals after winning his first round match against Jose Alvarez of Brownsville St. Joseph 6-4, 6-0. Bell finished tied for fifth.

In girls singles, Mata finished second in the district in order to advance to the state championship for the second straight year. She finished tied for ninth after losing in the first round.

Raquel Tello '14

Girls Soccer

Boys Soccer

All-District

All-State Second Team

Second Team - Jenna Ashworth (Fr.-Offense), Rachel Bell (Jr.-Midfield), Ginger Middleton (Sr.-Midfield) and Haley Shoebotham (Jr.-Defense)

Christopher East All-District First Team - Christopher East (Jr.-Midfield) Second Team - Daniel Flynn (Jr.-Offense), Thomas Barrera (Jr.-Defense) and Kosta Vastakis (Jr.-Keeper)

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ON THE PROWL

PANTHERS WELCOME NEW FOOTBALL COACHES Stephen Hill Head Football Coach Stephen Hill has been named the St. Pius X High School head football coach, Panther Athletic Director Jason Kimball announced Wednesday, March 12.

“Coach Hill is a proven winner at every level he has coached, and I am confident that he will continue the strong tradition of SPX football,” Kimball stated. “Replacing a long-time Panther like Coach Ware was difficult, but we are extremely excited about the Stephen Hill era of football at St. Pius X.” Hill comes to St. Pius X from Rice University where he spent the past year as the offensive quality control coach. Making a quick impact, Hill helped guide the Owls to a Conference USA title and a trip to the 55th Autozone Liberty Bowl.

year was a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Coach of the Year. Additionally, Hill led Kinkaid to the 2012 private school 7-on-7 state championship and became the first private school coach to lead his team to the state title game at the 2011 UIL 7-on-7 tournament.

Overall, Hill is 41-9 as a head coach. He led The Kinkaid School to back-to-back Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Division I state championships in 2010 and 2011 and to a state championship runner-up in 2012. In 2011, Hill’s team finished the season undefeated and ranked 37th in the state for all classifications 5A-6 man (highest ever for a private school). He was named the 2012 Touchdown Club of Houston Sportsmanship Award recipient and that same

“I am very excited about the opportunity to become a part of St. Pius X High School, where I’m allowed to focus on the three things that are most important to me - my faith, my family and football,” Hill said. “St. Pius X has a great foundation in place, from the administration, to the student-athletes, to the community support and involvement. I couldn't be happier about joining the SPX family, and I look forward to leading the football program for many years to come."

Prior to his appointment at Kinkaid, Hill directed the No. 1 offense in the Houston Independent School District for two years at Westbury High School. Hill’s teams averaged more than 35 points and over 485 yards per game.

Follow Coach Hill on Twitter

Hill also made coaching stops at Royal High School in Brookshire, Chavez High School and Memorial High School.

Hill received his bachelor’s degree in health from Eastern New Mexico University. He and his wife, Amanda, have three daughters: Kennedy (8), Campbell (7) and Reese (2).

Erik DeHaven Defensive Coordinator Erik DeHaven, former head football coach at Lutheran High North (2005-11), has been named the St. Pius X High School defensive coordinator, Panther head football coach Stephen Hill announced Friday, April 25.

“I am very excited to have Erik DeHaven join the SPX football program as our defensive coordinator,” Hill said. “I know Coach DeHaven will bring a passion and relentless work ethic to the defensive side of the ball. Erik and I both share the same goals and vision for the program, and I look forward to working with him both on and off the field.”

DeHaven comes to St. Pius X from Lutheran South Academy where he has served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator the past three seasons.

Prior to Lutheran South, DeHaven was a twotime District 4A Coach of the Year at Lutheran High North. He took a program with losing records his first two seasons to four straight winning seasons, including 9-3 and 10-2 records. During his tenure, the Lions won the school’s first district championship and ranked in the state top 10 four years in-a-row.

“I am very excited to be a part of a community that believes in excellence both on and off the field,” DeHaven said. “St. Pius X High School is a very special place and my wife and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of a historic tradition. Coach Hill is a tremendous leader and I am very excited to be working as one of his assistants.”

DeHaven began his coaching career in 2001 as a graduate assistant linebackers coach at Concordia University in Nebraska. He also served as the director of strength and conditioning

for football. Earning his bachelor’s degree from Concordia in business administration in 2001, DeHaven was an All-American linebacker and a two-time team captain. He was also named the Small College Defensive Player of the Year, team MVP and defensive MVP in 2001.

DeHaven’s first full-time coaching position came at Tolleson Union High School in Phoenix, Ariz., for two years as defensive coordinator.

DeHaven and his wife, Stephanie, have two dogs, Blitz and TD. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

ALUMNI

YOUNG ALUMS DAZZLE STUDENTS AT CAREER DAY The annual Career Day at SPX on Friday, Feb. 7, focused on broadening students’ knowledge about an assortment of industries and vocations.

Ashley N. Mayes ’01 (attorney), Chris Harrington ’03 (former NFL player/president of Lone Star Lobster), Adam Clay ’05 (pianist) and Taylor Clendennen ’05 (art gallery owner).

SPX students were able to meet an amazing group of alumni who shared their careers including Brian Wisnoski ’98 (physician),

Each alum introduced themselves, after a brief slideshow from their days at St. Pius X, and spoke about their educational and personal

backgrounds. They also talked to the students about their daily responsibilities, the type of students they were in school, how they ended up in their professions as well as explaining the profession itself, and then answered any questions the students posed to them.

From L-R: Brian Wisnoski ‘98, Ashley N. Mayes ’01, Chris Harrington ’03, Taylor Clendennen ’05 and Adam Clay ’05

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ALUMNI

FIVE DECADES OF ALUMNI GATHER FOR HAPPY HOUR The All-Alumni Happy Hour on Thursday, June 19, at the Wakefield Crowbar brought together SPX alumni of all ages for an evening to mix, mingle, and network with fellow Panthers.

Stay tuned to stpiusx.org/alumni for our next All-Alumni Happy Hour and come unwind with us after a long day at the office to meet new alumni or reconnect with old friends.

YOUNG ALUMNI PROFESSIONALS HOST SECOND SOCIAL The SPX Young Alumni Professionals hosted their second social of the year at the Brooklyn Athletic Club on Thursday, Feb. 27. The group of young alums was formed to help members of the Classes of 2000-2009 stay connected with each other and the School.

We encourage you to remain an active member of our ever-growing young alumni community! Stay connected through our website (stpiusx. org/alumni), Facebook (facebook.com/stpiusxalumni) and now Twitter (@StPiusXAlumni).

If you are interested in joining the Young Alumni Professionals board, please contact Lauren Lucas Power ’05 at powerl@stpiusx.org.

ALUMNI

PASTA THURSDAY - ALUMNI TRADITION CONTINUES Pasta Thursday continues to be a big hit with SPX alumni, as another large group gathered on Feb. 20 at Whitney Oaks Hall.

The Class of 1959 used this as a special event for their class to reunite. If you haven’t joined us yet, be sure to enjoy the authentic Italian food and great company at the next Pasta Thursday!

ALUMNI CALENDAR 7/31 11:00

PASTA THURSDAY

A.M.

Meet up with your fellow SPX Alumni for a delicious lunch! Please RSVP to Alumni Director Lauren Lucas Power '05 at 713.579.7500 or powerl@stpiusx.org if you plan to attend.

WHITNEY OAKS HALL-SACRED HEART SOCIETY

816 East Whitney Drive Houston, TX 77022

9/20

4:30 P.M.

REUNION WEEKEND Jubilee Mass at SPX Auditorium, followed by Head of School Reception.

For more info on Individual Class Reunions visit stpiusx.org/reunions.

10/11

6:00 P.M.

8/13

8/15 5:30

P.M.

1ST DAY OF SCHOOL

ALUMNI VOLLEYBALL GAME

Join us for a match against the SPX Alumni and the varsity volleyball team.

SPX'S HERZSTEIN GYM After-game celebration at Wakefield Crowbar!

954 WAKEFIELD DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77018

Please RSVP to powerl@stpiusx.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #2917 CASINO NIGHT 607 E. Whitney Drive, Houston, TX 77022

10/25

6:00 P.M.

SPX GALA – AN ENCHANTED EVENING ON THE HIGH SEAS The Westin Houston, Memorial City Honoring Beth & Jim Black 6 p.m. Cocktails & Silent Auction 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Live Auction

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CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES Johnnye Faye Shupe ’66 will be escorting pilgrimages to The Holy Land through Nativity Pilgrimages in Bethlehem beginning in 2015. Contact Johnnye Faye later this Fall at shupejohnnye@yahoo.com for information.

David Pierce ’81, who guided the Sam Houston State Bearkats to three consecutive trips to the NCAA Regionals, has been named the 23rd head coach of the Tulane Green Wave baseball program in June 2014.

Rodney Nathan ’84 lives in Houston with children Taylor, Cameron, Jackie and Olivia. Rodney manages Talent Acquisition for PROS Inc. He also sits on the Board of Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park and on the Board of The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park.

Rebecca Budnick ’08 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders on May 9, 2014. Rebecca will be attending Texas Tech University in August for a doctorate program in audiology.

Tiffany D. Elder ’10, graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in December 2013.

She has accepted a position as Cardiology Nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Brent Peavy ’10 was selected as the 2013-2014 Male StudentAthlete of the Year at Texas Lutheran University on April 30, 2014.

He played quarterback for the Bulldogs.

Harold Landreneau III ’87, son of Harold Landreneau II '60 and brother of Pilar '90, is a Democratic Criminal Defense Attorney running for Harris County Criminal Court #2.

Greg Budnick ’95 and his wife, Jaime, became proud parents of Myles Mason Budnick on May 15, 2014. Myles weighed 7 lb. 14 oz. and was 21 in. long. He is also the grandson of Patricia Budnick ’68, current SPX staff member.

Yvette De Leon ’99 will be attending South Texas College of Law in August 2014.

Maggie Gomez ’08 will finish her Physician’s Assistant program at UTMB in the summer of 2014.

Michelle Martin ’04 became engaged to Tyler Raugh.

Katherine Laible ’04 and David Moorman, II ’04 were married on May 24, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston.

Ali Russell ’05 and Jaison Sanwald were married on June 14, 2014, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston.

ALI RUSSELL ’ 05

Terry Lee Pye, Jr. ’10 graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership and development with an emphasis in construction science on May 10, 2014.

Jarvis Thibodeaux ’11 was named Xavier University of Louisiana’s 2013-2014 Student-Athlete of the Year. He plays men’s basketball for the Gold Rush.

Brittany Lopez ’12 was published twice in St. Thomas University's literary magazine, Laurels.

CLASS NOTES

Edward Desmond Taylor ’12 was recently elected president of the Howard University School of Communications. At Howard, he was selected to the Freshman Leadership Team where he completed a summer immersion internship trip to China in 2013. He is an Aaron Bonner Scholar, member of Gentlemen Drew Social Club, Texas Club, Chaplains Assistant and Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity. Desmond was also on the dean’s list for both the fall and spring of 2013. He is interning this summer at the office of Congressman Marc Veasey.

Kohl Stewart ’13 plays Minor League Baseball for the Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels. As of June 24, 2014, he holds a 1-3 record with a 2.44 ERA. Stewart was also selected as a Midwest League Mid-Season All-Star.

Branlyn Jones ’13 earned the academic honor of dean's list for the fall 2013 semester at University of North Texas - Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism.

Jamie Yeates ’14, on behalf of the National Cheerleaders Association, has been extended an invitation to be a part of the most elite cheerleading staff in the country for the summer of 2014.

Edward Desmond Taylor '12

Carrigan Johnson ’15 has been elected Jr. Texas State President of the Knights of Peter Claver. Previously, she held the position of Grand Lady of her court, and Jr. Texas Vice President, 20102014, and Jr. State Lady of Prayer, 2008-2010.

Yvonne Clark, current SPX staff member, earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counselor Education & Supervision at Argosy University, Dallas in May 2014.

HAVE A NOTE? GIVE IT HERE! PLEASE WELCOME Lauren Lucas Power ’05 as the new Alumni Director.

Contact her at @ 713.579.7500 or powerl@stpiusx.org.

JARVIS THIBODEAUX ’ 11 PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014

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In Memoriam John “Clifford” Jones ’59

Jose R. Garza, grandfather of Anthony Solorio ’15 and Ashley Solorio ’15

Gerald Campbell ’60

Thomas Hatala, father of David Hatala ’96 and Kaelen Hatala Enderby ’98

Gloria Granberry Schmidt ’60

Arthur Holland, 2009 Gala honoree and Del Sarto Humanitarian Award recipient, husband of Cathryn Holland

Patrick Eugene Stegent ’60 Jerome Jozwiak ’62 Rudolf Miculka ’62 Michael J. Spedale ’64 Marietta Virgadamo Walicki ’77 Everardo "Evie" Estrada, Jr. ’07 Joseph M. Aguilar Sr., father of Patricia Aguilar Okruhlik ’78 and Leticia Aguilar George ’84, and father-in-law of Patrick Okruhlik ’78 Sister Denise Bordages, O.P., former St. Pius X faculty member from 1967-1978, served as head of the science department, teaching physical science and geology, and was a Junior Dean Patricia Ann Robey Bradford, grandmother of Jarrin Lawton ’10 and Hayley Lawton ’16 Jose Camarena, father of Gladys Camarena Botrello ’03

Rosie Lazarone, mother of Rosemarie Lazarone Foster ’61, Josephine Lazarone Hartsell ’64 and Cathy Lazarone Boehm ’67, grandmother of Anne Marie Castell ’11 and great-aunt of Patrick Spedale, current SPX faculty member Florent Lucien Lebeuf, father of Elaine Lebeuf Atherton ’99, former SPX faculty member, and Renee Lebeuf Zimmerman ’01 Harry Le Boeuf, grandfather of Earl Silver, great-grandfather of Daniel Silver ’15 Vincent Salvadore Lovoi, grandfather of Samuel Pierce ’14, Alexandra Hoskins ’14 and Hannah Hoskins Edward Joseph Macik, father of Theresa Macik Rogalski ’85, Valerie Macik Orsak ’87 and Diane Macik Blaschke ’88 Peggy Marino, mother of Diane Marino ’78, Sheri Marino Holik ’82 and Maryellen Marino ’87 Weston A. Maynard, grandfather of Coleman Pamuk ’16

Linda Cameron, mother of Justin Milligan ’00

Mary R. Palazzolo, mother of Angelo J. Palazzolo ’70 (deceased), Jim Palazzolo and Vincent Palazzolo, benefactor to St. Pius X High School

Laura Elizabeth Marino Celeste, mother of Johnny Celeste ’61, Ronnie Celeste ’64 and Marilyn Celeste McPherson ’70

John Lee Sherman, grandfather of Briana Sherman ’14

Joe Curl, father of Jennifer Curl, current SPX staff member Charles P. Dragna, Sr., father of Nancy Dragna McJunkin ’66, Blase Dragna ’73 and Charles P. Dragna Jr. Angelina Ferraro, mother of Carl Ferraro ’65, JoAnna Ferraro Roberts and Joseph Ferraro ’83 Kathryn Ann Florance, grandmother of Kathryn Clifton Ramirez ’00 Gussie Fontenot, grandmother of Monica Silver and great grandmother of Daniel Silver ’15 James Frost, husband of Elizabeth "Betsy" Frost, father of Katherine ’07, and benefactor to St. Pius X High School. Jim and Betsy chaired the Jubilee Campaign in 2006-2007. Their success laid the foundation for the current expansion of the School buildings and grounds. In gratitude, St. Pius X named the School cafeteria in honor of their family.

Thelma Smith, grandmother of Ollie Harris ’16 Ruth Massie Stohr, grandmother of Beth Baroski Jez ’89 and great-grandmother of Zach Jez ’18 Paul Storenski, brother of Ann Storenski Kainer ’63 Dagmar Thompson, mother-in-law of Laurie Thompson, current SPX staff member Ike Steve Tomczak, Jr., father of Ike Steve Tomczak III ’95 Betty Jo Wagner, mother of Diane Wagner Konieczny ’78 and Randy Wagner ’81, mother-in-law of Patrick Konieczny ’78, grandmother of Kyle Konieczny ’08 and Adam Konieczny ’12 Bess T. Witovec, mother of Billy Witovec ’59 and Barbara Witovec ’60 (deceased)

ALUMNI

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 1966