B&G Alumni Magazine ~ Fall 2022 Edition

WE ARE VEROT...A LOOK INSIDE

Finally! We are happy to release another long-awaited edition of the B&G Alumni Magazine. Supply chain issues, paper shortages, along with a CAT 4 hurricane thrown in, have all contributed to the delay. We are looking forward to getting back on track!

The cover kicks off our theme for this year, our 60th Anniversary. Since the front doors opened in 1962, over 6,500 students have crossed the stage clutching a Bishop Verot Catholic High School diploma. And beginning on page 7, we celebrate our latest class of alumni with the Class of 2022. Their Non Excidet spirit carried them through the challenges of a pandemic and distance learning, earning them an even greater reason to celebrate. Take a look at where they are continuing their education this year along with their graduation accolades.

September 28th is a date we all will long remember, as it forever changed the landscape of our piece of paradise. The Verot family came together as they always do, helping one another and then reaching out into the community. We have received so many letters of thanks from residents grateful for our students stepping in to help strangers with clean up wherever they could. Read more on page 12. Enrollment is at an all time high creating the need for additional teachers and staff. Beginning on page 14, read about the newest members of our Verot family, including one alum. And if you know any middle school aged prospective students, be sure they start the application process early!

The fall athletic season is now behind us, but it was certainly a great one. Both Boys Golf and Cross Country hold the district title for the season. Both Golf and Cross Country teams, along with Boys Bowling, all competed at States. And the Varsity Football team ended their season as Regional Champs with a trip to the State Semifinal in Tallahassee. Check out all the teams in the Fall Athletic Guide on page 21.

As we get to work on the Winter edition, please be sure to share your alumni announcements by emailing a short write-up and picture to patty.holmes@bvhs.org. We would love to include you in our next edition.

Happy reading!

Picture far left: Coach Rode's postgame talk

Picture left: Band plays for Veteran's Day celebration

Picture below: Cast and crew of the fall play Puffs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

editor

Patty Holmes patty.holmes@bvhs.org

publisher

CONRIC pr + marketing

creative layout | design April Bordeaux, VP Design | Development CONRIC pr + marketing

principal Suzie O'Grady suzie.ogrady@bvhs.org

alumni association

Monica Hartman ’08 & Skyler Bauer ’08 alumniassociation@bvhs.org

athletic director Greg Coleman greg.coleman@bvhs.org

sports editor Ryan Murphy ’10 mtxemurphy@gmail.com

advertising information Linda Fiore • linda@conricpr.com

Black & Gold Magazine is published quarterly; fall, winter, spring, and summer by Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Inc. in partnership with CONRIC PR & Marketing. More than 6,500 copies are provided to alumni, parents, students, and friends. Every effort is made to keep our database up to date and accurate. If you are a parent receiving this magazine at home in the name of your child, please contact us so we may update our database. All address updates should be made by emailing Patty Holmes at communications@bvhs.org.

Copyright© 2023 Bishop Verot Catholic High School. All rights reserved.

MISSION STATEMENT

Bishop Verot Catholic High School builds relationships centered on faith, learning, and leadership devoted to educating the whole person, utilizing innovative technologies, empowering students through collaborative experiences, and cultivating a spirit of service while grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

60 years of education at Bishop Verot Catholic High School is not only an incredible milestone, but an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the past, appreciate the present and to look with excitement to what the future holds.

It’s remarkable to think about what 1962 must have looked like for this community. With the school campus located in downtown Fort Myers, the facilities would be the most stark contrast to the Bishop Verot of 2022. Under the leadership of Mother Bernard Mary, OSF with a student body of 26, 1962 was the beginning of something extraordinary. For the founding leaders of this amazing institution, it was a new beginning laying the foundations of the first Catholic High School in Southwest Florida. One can only imagine the excitement of the Catholic people in this area as the reality of their dreams came to fruition.

Fast forward 60 years and many aspects of the humble school, known as Fort Myers Central Catholic High School at that time, have changed. Despite the change in location, the change in leadership and the growth of the school’s population and programs, one constant remains. Bishop Verot Catholic High School is a family. It is a community of Vikings, both past and present, whose mission is to help students learn to know and love God and to embrace the school’s motto of Non Excidet, We will not Fail. As the school’s current leader I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the Sisters of Allegheny served from 1966-1982, and the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales from 1982-2010 who welcomed me into the Verot Family in 1996. The leadership of so many wonderful principals before more inspires me to do all I can do to maintain the legacy they sacrificed so much to create.

Looking ahead, the future of Bishop Verot Catholic High School is bright with a blossoming Campus Ministry department, record enrollment, successful athletic programs, a vibrant arts program and the best academic program in Lee County. As we continue to build upon the rich history of this amazing school, one thing is certain: We must Honor Our Legacy, Defend Our Traditions, and Bleed Black and Gold. We are Verot.

Blessings,

Mrs. Suzie O'Grady

Mrs. Suzie O’Grady Principal

Class of 2026 at Freshman Retreat

Non Excidet – “We will not fail”

Maria Andre Abi-Khalil † *

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Daniel Franklin Adams III

University of Mississippi, MS

Steven David Agoston † *

University of Florida, FL

Kailey Alexandra Allen † ¤

Florida State University, FL

Kennedy Jade Allen Undecided

Dominic James Ardesia Gap Year

Michael Armiras

University of South Florida, FL

Reuben Serg D Asmod †

University of Central Florida, FL

Alexander Aung Oo †

University of South Florida, FL

Andrew Ausman Gap Year

Alexandra Bianca Barriga †*

Florida International University, FL

Jeremy Barrow

Fort Myers Technical College, FL

Lucy Dawn Baxmann

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Jessica Bedoya Restrepo

University of South Florida, FL

Landen Kilday Bennett

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Saylor Berthiaume

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Madison Bowe

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Gabriela Teresa Breen †~¤*

University of Florida, FL

Lauren Victoria Broomhead

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Ethan J. Bruehl

Palmetto Prep Academy, SC

Sophie Clare Burch

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, CA

Abigail Grace Burin

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Robert Chambre Burns

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Kolton Curtis

Barry University, FL

Edviana Dedaj

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Sophia DeFelice †

Florida State University, FL

Benjamin Joseph Delmont

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Maxwell Stone DeRose

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Arielle Marie Dicang † ~ ¤ *

University of Florida, FL

John D DiGiorgi † *

Northeastern University, MA

Adriana Margaret DiMarino † * Salve Regina University, RI

Kamden Jo Caccamise † *

University of South Carolina, SC

Joseph T Citrola

Santa Fe College, FL

Jonathan William Cooper

University of South Florida, FL

JT Corr

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Diego Corredor ~ U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, NY

Zofia Alexa Costa † *

Florida State University, FL

Morgan Lee Crawford

Transylvania University, KY

Declan James DiMarino

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Reece Matthew Dinkel

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Dylan Michael Dolinar

University of North Florida, FL

Riley Elizabeth Dos Santos

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Kenneth Tyler Dunham

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Marcos Egri-Martin ~ Florida State University, FL

Bernard Sowah El-Glover

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Ainsleigh Bennett Ellis

Savannah College of Art & Design, GA

Tanner Paul Filla † ~

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Laura Catherine Flannery †

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Shayla Marie Galindez

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Nicholas Gargano

Fort Myers Technical College, FL

Kendal Skye Gargiula

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Brenna Victoria Gonzalez

Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL

Leandro Andre Gonzalez †

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Miranda Gonzalez † ¤ *

University of Florida, FL

Grace Rose Greco †

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Skiela Marie Green

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Alessio Gurdiel

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Dante Gurdiel

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Valerie Guzman † ~

University of South Florida, FL

Kailyn Haataja

University of South Florida, FL

Sydney Hatcher

Florida Southern College, FL

Dylan Michael Healy †

University of Florida, FL

Preston James Heben †

St. Petersburg College, FL

Benjamin Rafael Herrera

Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH

Megan Hintze

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Kyler Lincoln Hoffman

Marine Mechanics Institute, FL

Abigail Shea Jeffers

Florida Southern College, FL

Victor Kateregga

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Olivia Grace Kelly †

The University of Tampa, FL

Emily Rosemarie Kidd †

University of Central Florida, FL

Maria Kola

Michigan State University, MI

Alexia Maria Kramer

University of South Florida, FL

Claire Elizabeth Kupsaw † ¤

University of California Los Angeles, CA

Reagan LaMear

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Harrison William Landsberg † University of Florida, FL

Anna Theresa Latell † ¤

University of Florida, FL

Jonathon Michael Lee

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Kieran Thomas Leen University of South Florida, FL

Joseph Matthew Lentine Palmetto Prep Academy, SC

Daniel Levitin Undecided

Trevor D Horlbeck

Hillsborough Community College, FL

Olivia Mercedes Howerton

Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL

Mitra Hussain † ~ ¤

Stony Brook University, NY

Olivia Reece Irion † ¤

Auburn University, AL

Kailey Marie Jack † ~ ¤

University of Central Florida, FL

Kyle Long

College of the Florida Keys, FL

Camila Luna † *

New York University, NY

Gabriel Alejandro Maldonado †

University of Central Florida, FL

Mazur Manzanares † *

University of North Florida, FL

Maximus Alexander Mapstone ¤

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Amanda Martin ~ ¤*

University of South Florida, FL

Dylan Charles McCormick

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Brady Andrew McDonald

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Sophia Anne Miller † ¤* Princeton University, NJ

Joaquin Monge

University of South Florida, FL

Dylan Moore

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Lauren Elizabeth Moore

Savannah College of Art & Design, GA

Cayden Gage Mueller

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Camden Graham Mueller

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Maxwell James Murnane

University of Mississippi, MS

Kayla Grace Nette

The University of Alabama, AL

Jacob James O’Brien US Coast Guard

Christopher Olivera

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Kendall Rhea Olmsted †

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

David Randolph Parker

Santa Fe College, FL

Dylan Peck

Florida State College at Jacksonville, FL

Sophie Perdue † Fashion Institute of Technology, NY

Annabelle Charlotte Ramsey

The University of Alabama, AL

Austin Jake Redd

Florida State University, FL

Alan Andres Reyes † ~

Florida International University, FL

Kevin Victor RisCassi † Flagler College, FL

Talia Marianna Rodino †~* University of Florida, FL

Brady Rose

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

David Andrew Rue †¤*

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Austin Reed Santoro † University of Florida, FL

Hannah Saunders

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Isabel Grace Schrotenboer

Elise Stephanie Peters ¤ University of Florida, FL

Robert Felix Phillips † ~ Florida State University, FL

David Portu

Coastal Carolina University, SC

Charlie Powell

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Ben Raber

Fort Myers Technical College, FL

John Charles Rafacz

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Saint Leo University, FL

Isabella Sexto

Jacksonville University, FL

Kuwunda J Shamambo †~¤

University of Notre Dame, IN

Allison Emily Shaw †

Florida State University, FL

Oliviarose Lee Simons †

University of Central Florida, FL

Jasmine Victoria Simpson

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Eric James Smith

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Grace Margaret Smith † *

The University of Tampa, FL

Grace Marie Smith †~¤*

University of Florida, FL

Kaidynce LaRose Smith

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Christopher Spiezio

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Mason Stahlhut

Tallahassee Community College, FL

Colin Stanley

University of South Florida, FL

AnneMarie Lucey Swafford † ~*

Indiana University, IN

Courtney Teeter † *

Florida State University, FL

Payton Marie Teeter

Florida Atlantic University, FL

Marcos Alejandro Tejera †

Florida State University, FL

Brianna Jean Terrell †

University of Central Florida, FL

Mackenzie O’Bryan Thomas †

Florida Southern College, FL

Madison Riley Thomas †

Florida Southern College, FL

Bruce Brian Thompson

SUNY College at Brockport, NY

Jessica Josephine Thompson †~¤

Wake Forest University, NC

Andrea Torrence †

The New School, NY

Shawn Torres

Florida SouthWestern State College, FL

Vincent Martin Trunkett ¤

University of South Florida, FL

Addison Taylor Tuttle †

University of South Florida, FL

Isabella Gabriela Valerio

LIM College, NY

Case Vandevelde † * Purdue University, IN

Josiah Velazquez

Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Yesenia Villanueva ~ Florida Gulf Coast University, FL

Adam Joseph Webb

University of South Florida, FL

Cynthia Morgan Winter Lynn University, FL

Peyton Elizabeth Wittenborn † * Baylor University, TX

Ryan Radford Yates

Florida State University, FL

Bianca Zaccagna University in Italy

† National Honor Society

~ Spanish Honor Society

¤ Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society

* Science Honor Society

Hurricane Ian

By Suzie O’Grady

For anyone living in Southwest Florida, September 28, 2022 is a day they will not soon forget. As winds and rains barreled in from the Gulf of Mexico, few knew what our beautiful area would look like in the aftermath of the monster category 4 Hurricane Ian. Our friends along the coast in the beautiful communities of Sanibel Island, Ft. Myers Beach, Iona, San Carlos Park and historic McGregor Boulevard were hit with some of the most severe devastation our area has seen since Hurricane Donna in 1960.

In the days immediately after the storm, like most, I took time to assess damage to my own home and damage to our beautiful campus. While the Bishop Verot campus did sustain some damage, it became clear within the first 24 hours that the focus of the Verot community must turn outward to those closest to us. Sadly, between our teaching staff and student families, there were more than 70 displaced families as the result of Ian. Members of our administration began

to reach out to families to assess their immediate needs. In my many conversations with families who had lost nearly all their earthly possessions, what struck me most was their strong faith and their desire to help others. I spoke to many parents and students who lost so much, but simply wanted to know how they could help others. In response to the needs of our community, and the desire of so many to help others, in partnership with Mr. John Gulley, Principal at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, and Mr. David Nelson, principal at St. Andrew Catholic School, we opened Nevins Gymnasium as a distribution center for those in need. Not only did our own families come forward with donations, but others from across the State and Country sent supplies. We received truckloads of supplies from Cardinal Mooney High School and St. Mary and St. Martha Catholic Schools in Sarasota. We received a bus load of products from St. John the Evangelist in Naples. And we received donations from Bishop Verot alumni from around

the state wanting to help their fellow Vikings. Catholic Schools from around Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, California and Alabama came forward in the weeks and months after the storm by sending gift cards and cash donations to help our families. While all of the supplies coming in from around the state and country were a true reflection of the loving spirit of the larger Catholic Community, I would be remiss not to recognize the gestures of our current Vikings who were desperate to help those in need. Hundreds of current students volunteered tirelessly in the days after Ian to clean up the homes of their teachers, their classmates, their neighbors and complete strangers. Our Vikings rolled up their sleeves and put on their work gloves to haul yard debris, rip out drywall and pack up valuables to help Southwest Florida during this dark time. To say I am proud of the sacrifices made by our amazing students would be an understatement. BV

New Faculty and Stf Fall 2022 V

Gerry Braun

Gerry Braun moved to the Fort Myers area in the summer of 2021 and spent last year teaching at Gateway High School before joining the Bishop Verot family as a history teacher and head wrestling coach. Prior to the move, Gerry spent nine years in Catholic Education at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. While teaching at St. Thomas, Gerry coached wrestling and football, and founded the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society for the school. Gerry graduated from Anderson College (SC) with a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education, was an NCAA national qualifier in wrestling, and an academic all-American. After Anderson, Gerry taught for seven years in Georgia before moving back to South Florida. Gerry was recently married in October, and loves spending time with his family. His wife Lacie, and 6-year-old daughter Allie are his biggest supporters.

Trisha Calfee

Trisha Calfee joined the Bishop Verot Science Department this year. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Biology, and has been teaching high school science for 11 years. Trisha is a mom of three daughters, a wife, a daughter, and is the oldest of five siblings. Her passions are spending time with family, teaching, reading, and traveling. She is currently working on her goal of visiting all 50 states and 63 National Parks! Trisha is excited to be a part of the Bishop Verot community and is excited to see what the future holds.

Gina Clarizio

Gina Clarizio has lived in Illinois her entire life, prior to moving to Florida this school year. She is in her 26th year in Catholic education. Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature Communication and a Masters of Arts in Education in Curriculum and

Instruction. She is also AP certified from Northwestern University. She has taught every level of learner from 7th and 8th grade through the collegiate level. After having subbed and taught a few semesters in the public school system, she knew her vocation is in Catholic schools where she can teach students not only about English and speech, but most importantly about God, as He is the real teacher in her classroom. She feels extremely blessed to be here.

Greg Coleman ’98

As a 1998 graduate of Bishop Verot, Coach Coleman is extremely excited to be back home in his first year leading the Viking Athletic Program. Coleman spent the last 16 years in the School District of Lee County, most recently as the Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Lehigh Senior High School. During his six-year stint at Lehigh, Coach Coleman led his

teams to three district championships, two regional championships, and two 7A Final Four appearances. As Athletic Director at Lehigh, Coleman orchestrated facility improvements to the gymnasium, baseball/softball fields, and football/soccer stadium. Before leaving Lehigh for Verot, Coleman was a key contributor and initiated bringing ESPN to Lehigh for a National broadcast of a football game in 2022. In his 15 years as a head basketball coach at Ida Baker, Island Coast, and Lehigh, Coleman accumulated over 200 wins, was named SFABC and News-Press Coach of the Year twice, and twice was a finalist for the Jeff Sommer Coach of the Year Award. He also served as the football offensive coordinator at Island Coast, helping the Gators to a district championship and regional final appearance in 2015. Coach Coleman began his high school coaching career at Bishop Verot in 2001 as the freshman

basketball coach under Matt Herting and assistant softball coach, helping lead the Lady Vikings to the 2004 3A State Championship game. Coleman graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2005 with a BA in Social Science. He resides in Fort Myers with his wife, Stefanie, and their two kids, Alexa ’25 and Brayden ’29.

Lara Disuanco ’17

Lara Disuanco, born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, is a 2017 alumnus of Bishop Verot and joined the World Languages Department this year. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a B.S. in Digital Arts and Sciences. Lara spent time as an altar server at St. John XXIII Parish and was a cantor and reader during her enrollment at Verot. She is the oldest of three siblings and enjoys playing video games, cooking, and singing. Lara still thinks it’s very crazy that she’s a teacher now, but is excited

to work with the teachers and staff who inspired her as a student not too long ago!

Tom Frauenshuh

Tom Frauenshuh is a Florida native, music educator, and professional French Hornist who just relocated to Southwest Florida from Arizona, where he’s been performing and teaching music for the past three years. Before this he was in Las Vegas, Nevada for seven years, where he performed with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and on the Las Vegas Strip. Tom is currently performing with orchestras in the region, including the Gulf Coast Symphony and Punta Gorda Symphony. Aside from music, Tom’s life revolves around Golf and hiking/camping in Utah during the summers.

Bethann Hankin

Bethann Hankin, moved from PA to FL this year to join the Student Services

Department at Verot. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Muhlenberg College and her Masters and Post Masters Training from University of Pennsylvania in Psychological Services and Family Therapy/School Consultation. Bethann enjoys spending time with her family and exercising, as well as giving back to the community. She is thrilled to be a part of the BVHS staff.

Kyle Harding

Kyle Harding has returned to Southwest Florida where he was born and raised, after spending the past two years in Las Vegas. Kyle earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eckerd College where he also played baseball. Prior to teaching, Kyle earned certification in EMT/firefighter, nursing assistant, and personal training as well as trained in death investigation. He is excited to begin his second year of teaching at Bishop Verot.

Stephen Hayford

Stephen Hayford spent 20 years in photojournalism working for various newspapers and magazines. In that career he photographed everything from world leaders and natural disasters to crime scenes and celebrities. After leaving photojournalism he translated his documentary skills to his unique art of photographing his handcrafted dioramas. Since the early 2000’s, he has created his art for major entertainment companies such as Lucasfilm, Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Lego and others, working extensively with Star Wars. He has shared his knowledge with students while teaching at FGCU and with the Lee County School District before joining Bishop Verot Catholic High School.

Lucas Holt

Prior to teaching at Verot, Lucas worked in broadcast media as a producer for multiple radio shows. He and his wife Gina recently moved from the Chicago area and welcomed their first son into the world this past summer. Lucas has a B.S. in Public Management & Policy from the University of Arizona; an M.A. in Apologetics from Houston Baptist University; and a PGDip in Theology from the University of Oxford. He is a convert to the Catholic faith and came into the Church in 2017. He likes to run and is an assistant coach on the BVHS cross-country team.

Elizabeth Kroll

Elizabeth Kroll is originally from Pennsylvania. She graduated Cum Laude from Wilkes University with a BA in English, and she earned a MS from the University of Scranton. Throughout two decades of teaching, Elizabeth has held a variety of positions including English instructor, Content Specialist, Leadership Specialist, and Literacy Coach. When not partaking in literary exploration, Elizabeth and her family enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. This year Elizabeth feels incredibly blessed to be part of the Verot family.

Stacy Leckler

Stacy Leckler, a New York native, moved to Florida in August of 2020 with her family. This year she joined the Bishop Verot family as the Instructional Technology Coordinator. She graduated from New York Institute of Technology in 2000 with a B.S in Elementary Education. In addition, she earned a Masters of Educational Technology from Long Island University in 2005, and her Administrative Leadership

Certification in 2007. Stacy taught for 20 years in the Westbury School District on Long Island. Her focus was serving students learning English as a Second Language. Stacy is passionate about teaching and learning for all through collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Stacy is married with two children who attend Bishop Verot High School. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, supporting her children in their sports endeavors, and refinishing furniture. She is beyond grateful and blessed to be a part of the Bishop Verot community.

Christine Mastandrea

Christine Mastandrea returned to the Bishop Verot family this year in the role of Dean of Students. Christine taught Theology and coached Girls Soccer briefly back in 2013-2014 and left to pursue her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Afterward, Christine spent several years as a school counselor and assistant girls soccer coach at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Fort Lauderdale. While on the east coast, Christine earned her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University and completed a professional program in College Admissions Counseling through UC Berkeley. Prior to returning to Verot, Christine served as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem and was on the Board of Directors for Voices for Children of Broward County, a non-profit organization that provides programs to meet the needs of children in foster care and open dependency court cases. Christine is enjoying her new role as the Dean and is happy to be back in black and gold.

Pete Orsita

Pete Orsita, a New Jersey native, moved to Florida in 2021. He

graduated from Montclair State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Pete is a US Navy veteran and spent time stationed on the USS John Paul. While on board, Pete maintained and manned the Spy 1D/ Radar. He spent time in the Southwestern pacific and was later stationed in San Diego California. Pete is the son of an ordained minister. He is also an accomplished power lifter, holding four state records in both New Jersey and Florida. In addition to teaching, he also coaches football and wrestling. Pete is excited to be a part of the Bishop Verot community.

Lisa Pfeiffer

Lisa Pfeiffer was born and raised in Fort Myers and has been teaching for 29 years. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in Math Education and Florida Gulf Coast University with MS in Education. Lisa has always had a love for family, cooking and working out. She is very excited to join the Bishop Verot Community.

Eric Riemenschneider

Eric Riemenschneider has joined the Bishop Verot Practical Arts department this year for Computer Graphics & Design. He is a graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio and moved to Florida in the early 90’s. He is a graduate of Ringling College of Art & Design and has artwork featured throughout our community. He has been recognized as a Golden Apple teacher and his students have earned millions of dollars in scholarships to top art and design schools. Excited to join the Bishop Verot community, Eric and wife, Katie, have 3 sons: Clay attends

Nova Dental School, Kyle is an FGCU student/basketball player, and Rhys is a middle schooler at St. Francis Xavier School. The Riemenschneiders enjoy sports and the outdoor lifestyle of Florida.

Alissa Schenk

Alissa Schenk returns to the Bishop Verot family as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Girls Basketball Team. She graduated from Purdue University in 2014 with a B.S. in Health and Kinesiology-Athletic Training. She then went onto grad school where she got her M.S. from the University of South Florida in 2016. After that, her stints included Bishop Verot, Syracuse University, Florida Atlantic University, WNBA Las Vegas Aces, and TCU. She made her way back to Verot because of the family and community. She is originally from St. Philip, Indiana.

Michelle Weitlauf

Michelle Weitlauf recently relocated to sunny southwest Florida from the bluegrass of Kentucky. She has enjoyed careers in the military and corporate America, but her true passion is in education where she has been for the past 18 years. She has taught grades 5-12 in both private and public schools and taught in higher education for 16 years. Michelle enjoys triathlon, hiking, and weight lifting as well as spending time with her four children. She earned an MA in English from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Midway University. Michelle is excited to be a part of the distinguished Bishop Verot community. BV

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Awarded Florida Magazine Association’s Design Excellence Bronze Award for Best Department Design

INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS

Girls lacrosse

2007 State Semi-Finalist

2008 State Semi-Finalist

Girls tennis

2022 State Finalist

Girls soccer

2014 State Semi-Finalist

2004 State Finalist

State Finalist

2016 State Finalist

Beach volleyBall

Semi-Finalist

2022 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

Coach Richie Rode is in his second season leading the Verot Football program serving as the Varsity Football Head Coach. He began his coaching career in 2003 as the Offensive Coordinator at Fort Myers High School. Coach Rode served as the Head Coach of Varsity Football at Cypress Lake High School beginning with the 2016 season, where he was able to turn the struggling Panthers into a winning program. Coach Rode earned his degree from Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia where he was a triple major (Business, Accounting and Economics). Coach Rode and his wife, Bishop Verot alum, Stephanie (Healy) Rode ‘97, reside in Cape Coral and have three children, Charles, Justin ’26, and Brooklyn; and one grandchild, Jocelynn.

Varsity Head Coach Richie Rode

Linebackers Brett Barry

Running Backs Martin Byrd

Video Analyst Brent Stevens

Offensive Line Jackson Markert

Offensive Coordinator Josh Vogelbach

Defensive Coordinator Dave Villegas

Video and Film Dave Manzi

Offensive Line James Nicholson

Defensive Backs Rod Gadsen

Offensive Line Viktor Beach

Not pictured:

Defensive Line Jarod Maier, Special Teams Doug Chase, Kickers Tim Camron

Fidel Alviar – Senior

Micah Anderson

Eric Avin

Jack Benaitis

Leo Berman

Riley Bowe – Senior

Gavin Brady

Greg Caldwell

Deaglan Camron – Senior

Dwyer Camron

Jadrien Carmo

Michael Cooper – Senior

Jeremiah Dean

Dennis Forte

Athletic Department

2022 Varsity Football Roster

Ryan Gadson

Preston Hall-Senior

Ralph Hendry

Jack Janeway

DeShon Jenkins Jr.

Tyler Kelly – Senior

Ty Kolaczynski

Timmy Lawson

Bobby Leckler

Frankie Leckler – Senior

Anthony Lee – Senior

Eddie Nolan

Ryan Peterson

Justin Rode

Jake Rodriguez

Jimmy Rose – Senior

Bryce Schell

Carter Smith

MacRae Thompson

Sonny Tokotaha

Matthew Turner

Parker Turner

Charles Watts

Trevantay Watts – Senior

Wyatt Whalen – Senior

Mason Zehnder

Asst. Athletic Director Alissa Schenk

Athletic Trainer Kaitlin Nicholson

Athletic Director Greg Coleman

2022 Varsity Football Seniors

Michael Cooper

Preston Hall

Anthony Lee

Frankie Leckler

Fidel Alviar

Riley Bowe

Deaglan Camron

Trevantay Watts

Wyatt Whalen

Tyler Kelly

Jimmy Rose

2022 JV FOOTBALL TEAM

Luciano Alconero

Mason Alleva

Leo Berman

Gavin Brady

Bo Brooke

Dwyer Camron

Peyton Carter

Luke Fleming

Dennis Forte

Gavin Gay

Nathan Gulotte

Jonathon Heck

Mikhail Keenan

2022 JV Football Roster

Andrew Kusienski

Bobby Leckler

John Linn

Blake Mancini

Will Meyers

Walter Perez

Ethan Swanson

Felipe Trelles

Dominic Torres

Ayden Vannarath

Mason Zehnder

Ty Kolaczynski

2022 JV and Freshman Coaches

Assistant Coach Jackson Markert

JV Head Coach

Bruce Waddell

Assistant Coach Viktor Beach

Assistant Coach Pete Orsita

Not pictured: Assistant Coach Doug Chase

2022 FRESHMAN FOOTBALL TEAM

2022 Freshman Football Roster

Irving Ash

Liam Avin

Alex Barnum

Anden Bubar

Jadrien Carmo

Ethan Carter

Peter Ciano

Cayden Clark

Kharl Desir

Alec Dusold

Brody Evanoski

Liam Flint

Joshua Grauer

Brandon Hall

Austin Hill

Vincent Jenkins

Matteo Jimenez

Levi Lavender

Brody Lyons

Tripp Lyons

Brayden Lurie

Gio Orsita

Weston Rardin

Anthony Reitler

Justin Rode

Kayson Sands

Bryce Schell

Macrae Thompson

Andrew Torres

2022 SPORTS MEDICINE

Head Athletic Trainer Kaitlin Nicholson

2022 Sports Medicine Senior

Avery Comisar

2022 Sports Medicine Roster

Alexa Coleman

Avery Comisar – Senior

Katherine Hawkes

Jessica Kania

Kiley Lebid

Daphne O’Hara

Renee Rodriguez

2022 VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Coach Rodriguez is in his second season as Head Coach for the Volleyball program. He began his volleyball career at Mater Academy High School in Miami, Florida as a Libero and Setter. Upon graduation in ‘09 he joined the coaching staff of Mater Academy and began their Girls Junior Varsity program, leading with a very successful program start. After moving to North Carolina he began coaching Travel volleyball, working with PEAK Volleyball Academy. Coach Rodriguez took a position with USA South in 2016 and has been with the club since. He is involved with many programs at USA South, such as: Club program, AAU Tournament, Little Spiker’s and Middle School Camps. In 2018-19 Rodriguez coached the Palmetto Ridge Bears through two successful seasons and the first State Regional’s appearance for the program. He was hired as an assistant at Bishop Verot in 2019 under the Vikings previous head coach, John Leonard. Coach Rodríguez has now lived in Fort Myers for several years with his longtime girlfriend and beautiful husky. In addition to coaching volleyball he is also a certified personal trainer, serving clients across SWFL.

Head Coach

Luis Rodriguez

Not pictured:

Assistant Coaches Katherine Barry, Carla Egger, John Alvarez

2022 Senior Volleyball Players

2022 Varsity Volleyball Roster

Kaitlyn Anderson

Klaudia Beach

Taylor Benaitis – Senior

Kerrigan Habing

Ava Hemann – Senior

Caroline O’Halloran – Senior

Marissa Peck

Ella Portu

Ava Schropp – Senior

Julianne Schwartz

Delaney Shovlin

Margaret Smith

Taylor Benaitis Ava Hemann

Ava Schropp

Caroline O’Halloran

Diana Akhmetova

Aubrie Baker Nicole Blackwood

Kasey Corr Chyna Fain

Camryn Hedge Madeline Knaak

Kaelyn Smith Gianna Tufariello

Madalynn Wells Julia Wysseier

Not pictured: Head Coach Scott Neyhart

2022 CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

Coach Stowell joins Verot as the Head Coach for the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams. In his 10 plus years coaching, Coach Stowell has guided his athletes to Junior Olympic Track Titles, National Level All-American Status in Track and State Titles both individually and as a team for Cross Country with ERYRC. He believes the titles are a blessing but feels changing an athlete’s life is more rewarding. Coach Stowell, and his wife Ashley, a teacher at Fort Myers High School, have four children, Gryffin, Emelyn, Nolan, and Brayden.

Head Coach

Tyler Stowell

Assistant Coach Lucas Holt

2022 Boys Cross Country Roster

Cooper Banks – Senior

Anton

Nikolai Becher

Justin Davis

Thomas Eichten

Zachary Engel

Cael Horton

Andrew Marino

Dennis Olsen

Joseph Polsinelli

Grayson Tubbs – Senior

Zachary Zielke

2022 Girls Cross Country Roster

Mackenzie De Lisle

Carlyn Kelly

Hannah Manibo

Mia McMasters

Caroline Muddell

McKinley Parker

Denise Ramirez

Julia Reitz – Senior

Dominyka Romero

Erika Romero

Jocelyn Sweeney

Kylie Thomas – Senior

Kendell Wherry

2022 Senior Cross Country Runners

Julia Reitz

Cooper Banks

Grayson Tubbs

Kylie Thomas

2022 SWIM & DIVE TEAM

Coach Egri-Martin begins her first year as Head Coach after serving as Assistant Coach for several years. Coach Egri-Martin joined the Verot family in 2003, teaching Spanish and dance. She was certified by USA Swimming and began her coaching career with Swim Florida in 2013. In 2018 she was certified as a USA Swimming Official and joined the Verot Swim & Dive team as an assistant coach.

Head Coach

Hajnalka Egri-Martin

Assistant Coach Laya Glover

2022 Girls Swim & Dive Roster

Jordyn Bain – Senior

Tyler Bromwell

Rafael Casillas

Samantha Joanne Ciuni – Senior

Kaylei Cunniff

Ella Dinkel – Senior

Sofia Escobar

Natalie Fritsch – Senior

Tobias Gomez

Connor Greer

Quinn Greer – Senior

Sara Guzman

Ethan Holter – Senior

Ryan Holter

Lainey Hooper

Renn Horton

Grace Illum

Ryane Johnson

Delayna Jones

Jessica Kania

Samuel Kupsaw

Jacob Kurian

2022 Senior Swimmers

David Latell

Charles McGown

Samantha Mitchell

Lauren Pieretti – Senior

Alex Perez – Senior

Daniel Perez

Stephen Prendiville – Senior

Sofia Roman

Shiloh Teeter

Helen VonGruben

Jordyn Bain

Ella Dinkel

Quinn Greer

Natalie Fritsch

Lauren Pieretti

Ethan Holter

Stephen Prendiville

Samantha Joanne Ciuni

Not pictured: Alex Perez

2022 BOYS GOLF TEAM

Andy Scott is entering his tenth year coaching the Boys Golf Team. He originally hails from Kentucky and has trained with world renowned golf teachers such as Hank Haney, Bob Toski, Jim McLean, Phil Ritson, and Mac O’Grady. He has been amongst his peers and students alike as one of the top golf instructors in South Florida. His positive, simplistic approach to golf lessons has helped many players improve their games. Andy has a strong junior golf program which has produced 23 juniors to NCAA Collegiate Golf Scholarships.

Head Coach Andy Scott

Not pictured: Assistant Coach Brandon Rice

2022 Boys Golf Roster

Christian Allen – Senior

Michael Bevins – Senior

Easton Green

Griffin Henry

Caden Kellum

Kevin Kelly – Senior

Zachary Loninger – Senior

Matthew Matta

Daniel O’Hara

Dalton Payne – Senior

Paul Reilly

Stephen Wheeler

Tyler Wyman

Senior Golfers

Christian Allen

Michael Bevins

Kevin Kelly

Zachary Loninger

Dalton Payne

2022 GIRLS GOLF TEAM

Jeff enters his seventh year as the Girls Golf Coach. Jeff is a graduate of Cape Coral High School and is a Class A member with the PGA of America. He has won multiple awards including the 2006 Teacher of the Year and the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Presidents Award for growth of the game. Nixon was also named the 2012, 2013, and 2014 PGA Player Development Award recipient for the South Florida PGA. Jeff has coached over a thousand students ranging from scratch players, beginners, juniors and the disabled. Jeff’s unique ability is to be able to adapt to each student has served him well in the 10,000 plus lessons that he has given over the past twenty years. Jeff enjoys sharing his past experience with the Verot Golf program.

Head Coach

Jeff Nixon

2022 Girls Golf Roster

As Catholics, we are called to live our Christian faith every day. Good education is an essential part of learning to live our faith. Catholic churches and Catholic schools work together for the Kingdom of God.

For anyone looking for God, they are welcomed, accepted, loved and respected here at St. Columbkille Catholic Parish. 12171

Grace Ryan

Kelly

Loninger

Samantha Loninger Maddon McDonald Erin Grace Mitchell Grace Ryan – Senior

Senior Golfer

2022 VARSITY CHEERLEADING TEAM

Trinity Babcock – Senior

Trissa Babcock

Caylee Baschieri

Emily Boddison – Senior

Taylor Brindley

Jamilah Clement

Olivia Cross

Lucia Cross

Kara Cross

Molly DaSilva

Alyson Dilling

Cameron Doyle – Senior

2022 Varsity Cheerleading Roster

Ava Dusold

Chloe Engh – Senior

Sophia Evangelista

Raven Gadson – Senior

Mallory Gay

Alyssa Hansen

Sophia Iglesias

Kaitlin King

Jasmin Matchett – Senior

Yesenia Murray – Senior

Kayce Nette

Kayla Nichols

Alex Quintana

Emma Rathur – Senior

Sofia Santiago

Jordan Speake

Lillia Speas

Marisa Stambaugh

McKenzie Taylor – Senior

Cadence Timm

Makayla Wetmore

Reagan Wingate

Amy Glasgow enters her eighth year coaching at Bishop Verot. Amy was born and raised in Plover, Wisconsin and served in the United States Navy. She works for Cemex USA and enjoys working in the community. Amy and her husband Cris, have three children; Trevor ‘16, Bryce ‘17, and Harley ‘19. Cheering is a big part of her life and she enjoys coaching JV and Varsity.

Senior Cheerleaders

Head Coach Amy Glasgow

Assistant Coach Kirsten Cross

Emily Boddison

Trinity Babcock

Cameron Doyle

Chloe Engh

Yesenia Murray Jasmin Matchett

Emma Rathur

McKenzie Taylor

Raven Gadson

2022 JV CHEERLEADING TEAM

Samantha Albert

Annabella Balyeat

Elise Bolgiano

Myla Bond

Charlotte Cartee

Annabelle Grasmeier

Roni Gumiroff

Taylor Hansen

Samantha Johnston

Ellie Kahle

2022 JV Cheerleading Roster

Myhkayla Keenan

Camryn Korpi

Sienna Lodwick

Elizabeth Longenhagen

Scarlett Lyons

Gianna Mazzola

Caroline Muddell

Betty Nolan

Mikaela Perkins

Gianna Racioppi

Daniella Rodriguez

Olivia Schilling

Lanie Schlenk

Alexa Summerlot

Alahna Torrez

Brooklyn Varnell

Mia Vaske

Marin Vogt

Morgan Wilson

2022 BOWLING TEAM

Coach David Zukin just completed his sixth season as Head Coach of the Boys and Girls Bowling teams. Coach Zukin started bowling when he was seven years old and bowled in leagues for 35 years. He has bowled two perfect games. Coach Zukin is in his 29th year in education, teaching Algebra 2 Honors, Statistics Honors, and College Algebra Honors at Bishop Verot. He led the Boys Bowling team to the State Championships three separate times capturing their first District Title in 2021. He accompanied the school’s first individual female State Qualifier in 2018, making four trips to Orlando in the program’s first six years. Coach Zukin has previously assisted with the baseball program at Verot and currently is an assistant softball coach. Coach Zukin has been a high school coach for over 30 years. He has been a part of a State Championship coaching staff and a State Championship Runner-Up coaching staff while in Colorado for baseball. He moved to Florida in 2016 and currently resides in Cape Coral with his wife, Chris. He has a daughter, Laurel, who lives and works in Colorado.

Head Coach

David Zukin

Assistant Coach

Mitchell Moskowitz

2022 Boys Bowling Roster

2022 Girls Bowling Roster

Senior Bowlers

Annabeth Corrigan

Chris Davis

Mackenzie Fennell

Adam Belof

Gavin Hart

Cameron Schockling

Adam Belof – Senior Christopher Carranza

Chris Davis – Senior Carter Davis

Gavin Hart – Senior Seamus Murray Nolan Wagner

Annabeth Corrigan – Senior Mackenzie Fennell – Senior Isabella Lentz Cameron Schockling – Senior

Sophia Smith

Ellianna Trunkett Aubrey White

Breanna (Clay) Hiller ’08

Breanna along with her husband Matt are pleased to announce the birth of their third child, a daughter. Blakely Eileen was born on October 22, 2022. Breanna is an account manager with ASO, LLC and Matt is the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Bishop Verot. The couple, along with their older children, Macklynn and Hudson, reside in Fort Myers.

Community High School. He is also the head varsity volleyball coach of the men’s team. They reside in Lake Worth, Florida with their rescue pup, Kylo Ren.

Calvin ’11 and Cailyn ’12 Holmes

Calvin and Cailyn welcomed their first child, Rhett William, on November 19, 2022. Calvin has also recently joined the team at Suncoast Beverage as an assistant account manager. Cailyn continues to work for Freshpoint Produce as an account manager. The family resides in Cape Coral.

Katie and Brockton Boretti are so happy to announce their marriage. Blessed vows were exchanged among family and friends on June 10, 2022, at the Sanibel Harbour Resort, Sanibel, Florida. Following the ceremony, they celebrated their special event with a joyous reception. Katie and Brockton met at FSU while both were students there. Katie graduated with her masters in sports management and for the past 5 years has been employed by Lululemon. She is currently an Operations Manager, Guest Support Innovation. Brockton also graduated from FSU with his degree in sports management and is a high school math teacher at Wellington

Pablo has recently begun a new position as Nuclear Engineer 1 at the McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville, North Carolina. Previously, he worked as an Experimental Reactor Operator at Idaho National Laboratories in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Pablo graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 with a degree in nuclear engineering.

Calendar

Katie Mosher ’10

Pablo del Valle ’13

STAYING CONNECTED...BV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Bishop Verot alumni and friends once again gathered in the Senior Courtyard for the Annual Homecoming Alumni Tailgate. It was great to see many classes include this event in their Reunion weekend plans. In celebration of our 60th Anniversary, many alumni events have been held on campus this year, replacing our traditional Ugly Sweater gathering. Being back on our campus to celebrate the milestone and reconnect with fellow alumni has been great. The anniversary celebration will continue throughout the school year with the next big event being the 11th Annual Gala & Auction. With this year’s theme, Vintage Verot, we encourage you you to drag out the old Verot gear and join in the fun! Tickets are on sale now at bvhs.org for the March 11th event.

Follow us on Facebook to hear about our future events. We hope you and your family are staying well and hope to see you soon!

Monica Skyler

Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08

Skyler

Bauer ’08