BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE SPRING 2021
Alumna of the Year Catholics in Action 2021 Spring Athletic Guide
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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS Bishop Verot Alumni Magazine editor
Patty Holmes patty.holmes@bvhs.org publisher
Connie Ramos-Williams CONRIC PR & Marketing creative director
April Bordeaux CONRIC PR & Marketing photography
Hoffman Fine Arts Portraits Mr. Craig Hildebrand acting principal
Suzie O'Grady suzie.ogrady@bvhs.org director of development
Jeff Brown ’80 jeff.brown@bvhs.org alumni association
Monica Hartman ’08 & Skyler Bauer ’08 alumniassociation@bvhs.org athletic director
Jason Baumgardner jason.baumgardner@bvhs.org sports editor
Ryan Murphy ’10 mtxemurphy@gmail.com advertising information
CONRIC pr + marketing 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© 2021 Bishop Verot Catholic High School. All rights reserved. PUBLISHED BY
Black & Gold Magazine • 239.274.6780 Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Inc. 5598 Sunrise Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33919
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Letter from the Editor
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Letter from the Principal
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Letter from the Director of Development
Patty Holmes Suzie O'Grady Jeff Brown '80
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Alumna of the Year - Monica (Gargano) Hartman '08
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A Night to Remember
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Catholics in Action
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2020-2021 School Board
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BV Summer Camps
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Spring 2021 Athletic Guide
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Staying Connected...BV Alumni Association
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Alumni News/Calendar
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School Notes
On the cover: Alumna of the Year - Monica (Gargano) Hartman '08 Photo Credit: Hoffman Fine Arts Portraits
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.
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WE ARE VEROT...A LOOK INSIDE As we prepare for the end of another school year, we are most grateful for the blessings of the year. In these challenging times, it is easy to focus on all of the negatives – the limits placed on the school day, traditional celebrations, and extracurricular activities. Instead, we have worked to focus on the positives – rejoicing in all three athletic seasons successfully played with fans in the stands, two theater performances live on stage in the Anderson Theater before an enthusiastic audience, and the return of the celebration of Mass in St. Cecilia Parish. We are grateful for the opportunity this has given to explore new traditions, introducing events like the Senior Farewell and the Senior Caravan. In this edition of the B&G Alumni Magazine, join us in celebrating not one, but two, Alumni of the Year. At this year’s Gala, both the 2020, Mr. Matt Roepstorff ’03, and 2021, Mrs. Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08, Alumni of the Year were honored. It was great to see so many of our alumni in attendance at this event, showing support for their alma mater. Read about how Monica has contributed her time and talents on page 8 along with highlights of the Gala on page 10. We are incredibly grateful for the many sponsors who supported this year’s event, contributing to its success (page13). The Bishop Verot School Board is a great way to get involved, offering professional expertise to the administration while planning for future generations. Meet this year’s board members as well as see how you too can get involved on page 15. For many of our students, their high school athletic careers have drawn to a close with the spring season. Take a look at the spring teams, coaching staff, and senior athletes in the Spring Athletic Guide, beginning on page 17. Members of the Catholics in Action Club were able to venture off school grounds to participate in the Diocesan 40 Days for Life Walk, where they led the praying of the Rosary (page 14). And in School Notes (page 42), you can check out how the Mock Trial Club and Theater students performed at their recent competitions. And finally, keep up with your fellow alumni, beginning on page 40. The Bishop Verot Alumni Association helps keep you connected with their many events throughout the year. While there are no upcoming reunion plans to report, please consider sharing with us any plans for future editions. Enjoy this edition of the B&G Alumni Magazine!
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LETTER FROM THELETTER PRINCIPAL FROM THE PRINCIPAL On March 6th, we had the opportunity to welcome many members of the Bishop Verot community on campus for our Annual Gala, 70’s Boogie Nights Take 2. For the first time in over a year we were able to come together to enjoy a night of friendship, camaraderie, and focus on a common goal: supporting the mission of Bishop Verot. We also had the opportunity to recognize the Alumna of the Year for 2021, Mrs. Monica Gargano Hartman, and celebrate the 2020 Alumnus of the Year, Matt Roepstorff. These two amazing members of our school family have given back to Bishop Verot by sharing their time and talents serving as members of our School Board. Recognizing these two graduates was especially special for me as I can still recall them sitting in my social studies class as freshmen not too long ago. One of the greatest rewards as a teacher and administrator is watching students grow over the course of their four years at Bishop Verot and return years later. Whether it is a parent eagerly anticipating their own child’s chance to enjoy the Verot experience, a business professional supporting the school, or our vast alumni community returning to their alma mater to give back, the Verot legacy lives on. With the gala behind, it is now time to focus on bringing the 2020-2021 school year to a close. While this school year has been full of challenges due to Covid-19, we are excited to celebrate a more “normal” year-end with beloved Verot traditions such as shirt signing, Spellamania, and Baccalaureate Mass, all of which the Class of 2020 sadly missed. Once again, we will celebrate the graduates with a Senior Caravan, and Graduation will be held in Viking Stadium. These celebrations will prove to be exciting not only to the Class of 2021, but to the entire Verot family as a sign we are returning to the many rich traditions that make this Bishop Verot more than just a high school! Blessings,
Mrs. Suzie O'Grady
Mrs. Suzie O’Grady Principal
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.
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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT In early March, we held the annual spring gala, 70’s Boogie Nights. For the first time, the event was held outside on our campus grounds, and it was a great success! The generosity of all those who both attended and supported the event is greatly appreciated. This year’s event included a Call to Heart in support of Tuition Assistance. So many of our Verot families have been hard hit by the challenges of the pandemic, increasing the need for tuition assistance. During the gala, attendees viewed a powerful video from our Principal, Mrs. Suzie O’Grady, and testimonies from our current students. We invite you to view the video at the following link http://tiny.cc/BVHSvideo and consider offering your support for this important call. Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08 was named the 2021 Alumna of the Year for all of her support as a Bishop Verot School Board member, Marketing Committee Chair, and Co-Chair of the Bishop Verot Alumni Association. Coach Gill made the announcement at the Gala, which included the largest alumni attendance ever. As an alum myself, it is so encouraging to see my fellow alumni’s commitment to Verot with their involvement and financial support. If you are interested in learning more about the Bishop Verot of today or how you can get involved, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown ’80 Director of Development
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Introducing Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08
2021 Alumna of the Year
M
onica was honored on Saturday, March 6th at the Monica was committed 70’s Boogie Night Gala & Auction, as this year’s to service at Verot as Alumna of the Year. an active member of Campus Ministry and Mission Club. Following Hurricane Katrina, she traveled to New Orleans on two mission trips with the Mission Club. The first trip was fairly soon after the hurricane hit and was focused on clean up from the massive storm. The second was later in the recovery and focused on rebuilding homes for those who lost theirs in the storm. As President of SGA, she was a member of the team who began the FISH Camp for incoming freshmen. Monica also served as a Freshman Retreat and Live Jesus Retreat leader.
Coach Gill presents Monica with award
Monica joined the Marketing Committee in 2016, to provide insight and support based on her experience in marketing and communications. After serving for two years, she joined the Bishop Verot School Board, as the youngest alumni representative. Soon after, she partnered up with her friend and fellow Student Government officer, Skyler Bauer, to revive the Bishop Verot Alumni Association. As local young professionals, they realized many of their classmates were also local and rarely had the opportunity to connect. Offering an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with old classmates and network with fellow Vikings became the goal with the many Alumni Association events now held several times a year. They also wanted to encourage alumni to reconnect with the school community beyond their four years as a student.
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Monica’s commitment to service and the Verot community runs in the family. Her father, Tony, also served on the School Board for many years. Many of her siblings -Meagan ’04, Anthony ’06, John ’13, Thomas ’15, James,Vinny ’20, and Nick ’22 – have also served in leadership capacities while at Verot and can often be seen at the many Alumni events. When asked what she thought makes Verot so special, Monica shared, “The faculty and staff is what makes Verot such a special place.
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Monica is the Senior Director of Operations and Communications for Gartner’s Global Midsize Enterprise Sales Channel. She resides in Fort Myers with her husband Greg Hartman and their one-anda-half-year-old son, Benjamin. They are excited to welcome their baby girl to the family in a few months. BV
Monica with Skyler Bauer '08
You’ve got people like Miss Barbato to set you up for success beyond Verot. Athletic coaches to teach you the importance of hard work and preparation (for me that was Fr. Beattie with XC and Coach Rick Hendrix for Softball). Great religion teachers and retreats like Live Jesus to teach you the importance of your faith. Amazing teachers like Ms. Elmeer to challenge you to think outside the box. People like Coach Herting to teach you about eating healthy, but mostly to make sure you can take a joke and not take yourself too seriously. Each of them are teaching you their subject matter, but more importantly they’re teaching you the skills you need to succeed beyond high school. I still see the faculty and staff of today show that same level of genuine care I saw and felt 12 years ago when I was a student here. That is what I love most about Verot.”
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O
n Saturday, March 6, the much anticipated '70s Boogie Night Gala & Auction was held on the Verot campus. After a long, soggy, outdoor set-up, the skies cleared for what turned out to be a beautiful evening under the tent. Catered by G3 Catering, dinner was served while the violins played by father and son duo Alex ’24 and Doug Cameron.
After dinner, Kate (Stejskal) Hamstra introduced the 2020 Alumnus of the Year, Matt Roepstorff '03. With the absence of an inperson event last year, we were unable to appropriately honor him before now. Next up was Coach Gill with the announcement of this year’s recipient Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08. Jeff Brown ’80, Director of Development, also thanked the Gala Chairpersons, Jennifer Suroski and Julie Adams, for their hard work and dedication in making this two-year long planned event come to fruition.
The fun continued with the auctioning off of some great packages including a week-long stay at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara in Carlsbad, California, a mountain top vacation in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia, and beach getaway on Palm Island. The evening was a great success, with guests enjoying socializing in a safe, outdoor setting. It was fantastic to see so many Bishop Verot supporters, including current and past parents and one of the largest alumni presences ever! We are grateful for the continued support of Bishop Verot and our mission. BV
Photo above: Alex '24 and Doug Cameron. Photo right: Kate (Stejskal) Hamstra '03 and Matt Roepstorff '03.
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Jeff Brown '80, Jennifer Suroski and Julie Adams
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Mike '68 and Pat Gill
Tony and Jesse Gargano David and Frances Cerniglia
Michael and Jamie Landsberg
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Ron and Caroline Reitz
Jim '90 and Jennifer Suroski
Beth Durling '79 and Matt Adams '76
Building relationships centered on faith, learning, and leadership. These qualities are the cornerstone of Bishop Verot Catholic High School and Pavese Law. They were also qualities that Frank Pavese, Sr. held dear. As we honor our founder, we are reminded of the rich traditions he lived by and that we are proud to carry on. Frank was President of Bishop Verot High School Board, President of Catholic Adoption Society, President of Catholic Welfare Agency through St. Francis Xavier Church, President of St. Francis School Board, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus and a founding member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Community, where he remained a member until his passing.
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to our '70s Boogie Night Sponsors!
Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management Aloia Roland Attorneys at Law Edison National Bank Entech Estate Landscaping Florida Heart Associates – Dr. Brian Hanlon, MD FAC GCG Construction Heather and Madison Humann Matthew Miller – 1st Vice President – Morgan Stanley Orthopedic Center of Florida – Dr. John Mehalik, MD Smith Insurance & Bonds St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church Stevens Construction Suncoast Beverage The Schaerf Family Trust Wiltshire, Whitley, Richardson, & English, P.A. Dr. Watson’s Liquor BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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Catholics in Action
embers of the Catholics in Action Club meet weekly, sharing their faith and finding ways to minister to others. In March, they joined parishioners from across the Diocese for the Walk for Life in Fort Myers. The event began with the celebration of the Mass at St. John XXIII. Our students led the procession and joined fellow students from Ave Maria and Donahue Academy in the praying of the rosary. While many of the events students look forward to attending were not held this year, they are looking forward to a retreat on the campus of Ave Maria University this summer. BV
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2020 - 2021 Bishop Verot School Board
T
he Bishop Verot School Board is comprised of current and past parents, alumni, and community leaders bringing years of personal, professional, and educational experience to this advisory board. The School Board works with school administration in an advisory role on matters pertaining to school policy and planning for the continued growth and success of Bishop Verot Catholic High School. In addition to the School Board responsibilities, some of the members also serve on area-specific committees including the Finance Committee, Academic Affairs Committee, Development Committee, and the Marketing Committee.
The Nominating Committee of Bishop Verot Catholic High School Board is seeking new advisory Board Members for the 2021 - 2021 school year. Board terms are three years, with the availability of up to three additional one year terms. The commitment is approximately three hours a month during the school year and attendance at special events is encouraged. Each Board Member must serve on one or more Board Committees. Candidates should have at least one year of committee service for consideration as a Board Member by the Nominating Committee. The Board Committees consist of Finance, Facilities, Development, Marketing, Curriculum and Academic Affairs, and Student Life and Catholic Identity. The Nominating Committee is also actively seeking individuals who would like to serve as Committee Members. Backgrounds in finance, development, and academic affairs are a plus. Candidates do not need to be current parents or alumni, we seek anyone willing to serve and support the entire BV family. Candidates should send a letter of interest along with a brief bio or resume to Mrs. Suzie O’Grady at suzie.ogrady@bvhs.org. BV
From left to right, our 2020 - 2021 school board with their years of service: Back Row: Fr. Paul Dechant, Zachary Gill ’98 (4 years), Mr. Bill Stejskal ’71 (2 years), Jack Martin (4 years), Brad Shipley ’99 (6 years), Mr. Patrick Hartig (3 years). Front Row: Mrs. Suzie O’Grady, Principal, Dr. Judi Hughes (2 years), Monica Gargano Hartman ’08 (3 years), Matt Roepstorff ’03 (6 years), Caprice Boyd Woodburn, Chair (5 years). Not pictured: John Clinger (6 years), Marc Taglieri (5 years).
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Summer Camps 2021 B
ishop Verot Athletics offer many opportunities for Vikings in training to participate in a sport specific summer camp. Each camp is run by our High School coaches for their respective sport with its own schedule and age requirements. The camps currently offered are listed below. Please visit BVHS.org/summer-camps for more information and to register.
Coach Matt Herting’s HoopSchool Basketball Camp Several sessions available from June 1st through July 1st. Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with aftercare available. Please visit hoopschool. org for more information and registration. Viking Cheer Camp Coach Amy Glasgow July 5th through July 9th for boys and girls ages 4 - 12 Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Performance will be held Friday, July 9th at 4:00 p.m. For more information please email cheerleading@bvhs.org. John Mohring’s All American Football Camp - Session I July 5th through July 9th for ages 6 - 14 Camp runs from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost: $200. For more information please email john.mohring@bvhs.org. John Mohring’s All American Football Camp - Session II July 12th through July 16th for ages 6 - 14 Camp runs from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost: $200. For more information please email john.mohring@bvhs.org.
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Baseball Camp Coach Casey Scott June 28th through July 1st for boys entering grades 5 - 8 July 19th through 22nd for boys entering grades 1 - 6 Camp runs from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cost: $110 pre-registered; $130 for walk-up registration. For more information please email baseball@bvhs.org. Soccer Camp Coach Eric Lamboy June 28th through July 2nd - Boys and girls U8 - U15 Camp runs from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Cost - $125 pre-registered; $130 for walk-up registration. Multiple sibling discount - $110 per camper. For more information please email matchfittrainingllc@gmail.com. Softball Skills Camp Coach Chris Gatewood July 12th through 14th - for girls entering grades 1 - 8 Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Cost - $100. Multiple sibling discount - $80 additional campers For more information please email softball@bvhs.org.
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BAAEBALL SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM
Back Row L to R: Assistant Coach Rich Nizza, Joshua Corr, Tanner Filla, Kolton Curtis, Timothy Lawson, Joseph Hobson, Trevor Welch, Dylan Peck, Preston Heben, Head Coach Casey Scott, Assistant Coach Steve Cunningham. Front Row L to R: Preston Hall, Kevin RisCassi, Jack Paluck, Brayden Loughren, Andreas Mantz, Josiah Velaquez, Andrew Hanlon, Matthew Turner, Joseph De La Nuez. Not pictured: Assistant Coach Bryan Marotta.
HEAD COACH CASEY SCOTT
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Coach Casey Scott enters his second season at the helm of Bishop Verot’s Baseball program after completing 12 years of coaching at the collegiate level. Casey has also served as a member of the USA baseball task-force as a scout for the 15u and 17u National teams for the past five years. Coach Scott has served in every capacity at the college level, beginning as a volunteer, climbing to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, and then head coach. For the past two seasons, he has served as the Associate Head Coach at SUNY Cortland. Scott has also coached at the College at Brockport and was the Head Coach at Ave Maria University for three seasons. In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Coach Scott was named the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) Coach of the Year after leading the Syracuse Jr. Chiefs to the league title. Scott resides in Fort Myers with his wife, Nicole.
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BAAEBALL SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
ASST. COACH STEVE CUNNINGHAM
ASST. COACH BRYAN MAROTTA
ASST. COACH RICH NIZZA
2021 Varsity Baseball Seniors J. Henry Hobson
Brayden Loughren
Andreas Mantz
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Jack Paluck
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BAAEBALL SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Varsity Baseball Roster Joshua Corr Kolton Curtis Joseph De La Nuez Tanner Filla Preston Hall Andrew Hanlon Preston Heben J. Henry Hobson – Senior Timothy Lawson Brayden Loughren – Senior Andreas Mantz – Senior Jack Paluck – Senior Dylan Peck Kevin RisCassi Matthew Turner Josiah Velazquez Trevor Welch
2021 JV Baseball Roster Ramiro Acosta Chase Boddison Jacob Corr Curtis Couillard Justin Evers William Higby Harrison Housler Garrett Jones Tyler Kelly Justin Layne Colsen Loughren Brandon Mohs Gavin Orme Tate Reilly Richard Robinson Anthony Savage Logan Schwartz Parker Turner
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JV HEAD COACH DAVID PECK
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BAAEBALL SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 JV BASEBALL TEAM
Back Row L to R: Chase Boddison, William Higby, Tate Reilly, Brandon Mohs, Parker Turner, Justin Layne, Harrison Housler, Logan Schwartz, Head Coach David Peck. Front Row L to R: Jacob Corr, Curtis Couillard, Richard Robinson, Colsen Loughren, Garrett Jones, Justin Evers, Ramiro Acosta, Anthony Savage. Not pictured: Tyler Kelly, Gavin Orme.
St. John XXIII Catholic Church
Fort Myers, FL | 239.561.2245 | www.johnxxiii.net
Showing our continued support of Catholic Education for
Bishop Verot High School The Parishioners at St. John XXIII are always praying for you. May God’s Word be the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path! BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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sooooaaa BASEBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM
Back Row L to R: Assistant Coach David Zukin, Lillie Layne, Lauren Mills,Victoria Ash, Audrey Mills, Katelyn Mohs, Head Coach Chris Gatewood, Assistant Coach Wayne Ash. Front Row L to R: Skiela Green, Aubrey Gatewood, Sophia Miller, Payton Teeter, Ashley Smallwood, Savannah Chase, Courtney Teeter.
Chris Gatewood joined the Bishop Verot family as our Head Softball Coach beginning his tenure in the 2020-2021 season. In his inaugural outing, he led the Lady Vikings to championship wins in both the Bishop Moore Catholic Challenge and the Private 8 Conference tournament. At press time, the Lady Vikings garnered a first round seeding in the FHSAA 2021 District 3A State Series under his leadership. Coach Gatewood’s coaching career began in 2008 as a volunteer Coach in the local Little League programs, in which he continued dedicating his time and knowledge through 2014. Since then, Coach Gatewood has successfully managed an Elite Softball travel organization, most recently placing second in the 2020 USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup and placing first in the 2020 USA Elite Select HEAD COACH Softball Southeast National Qualifier. Coach Gatewood also previously served CHRIS GATEWOOD as the Assistant Varsity Softball Coach at Fort Myers High School (2017-2019) where he helped lead the team to 7A-State Champions his first year, and back to the final four the following two years. Coach Gatewood has four children, Hailey, Aubrey (’24), Kinsley and Cambrey and a granddaughter, Harper. Coach Gatewood and his wife, Jessica, reside in Cape Coral.
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sooooaaa BASEBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
ASST. COACH WAYNE ASH
ASST. COACH DAVID ZUKIN
2021 Varsity Softball Roster Victoria Ash Savannah Chase Aubrey Gatewood Skiela Green Lillie Layne Sophia Miller
Audrey Mills – Senior Lauren Mills – Senior Katelyn Mohs Ashley Smallwood – Senior Courtney Teeter Payton Teeter
2021 Varsity Softball Seniors Audrey Mills
Lauren Mills
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Ashley Smallwood
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��CROSSS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 BOYS LACROSSE TEAM
Back Row L to R: Assistant Coach Tagg Toscano, Joshua Comisar, Brayden Tooley, Dylan Healy, Aidan Feeney, David Parker. Fourth Row L to R: Frank Leckler, Thomas Sciarrone, Todd Long, Owen Rodriguez, Stephen Joslin, Michael Cooper, John DiGiorgi. Third Row L to R: Maxwell Murnane, Liam Murphy, Nathan Swartz, Kyle Long, Daniel Adams, Austin Santoro, Trey Toscano. Second Row L to R: Maddox Freshwater, Jack Cronin, Benjamin Delmont, Remelo Frontal, Andrew Vu, Christopher Spiezio, Malachi Rafacz, Paul Reilly. Front Row L to R: Dominic Collins, Renato Pantoja-Malaga, Kevin Hawkes, Justin Spiezio, David Zeszutek, Lucas Collier, Luke Fritz. Not pictured: Scotty Olian, Charles Rafacz, Maximillian Wallisch.
Tony Ventiquattro is in his third season as Head Coach for the Boys Lacrosse team. He has spent more than 15 years working in lacrosse of all levels. A high school AllAmerican for Carthage (N.Y.) High School, he played collegiately at the University of Massachusetts and SUNY Cortland. He has developed and coached high school programs, club teams, and made his mark internationally as a catalyst for the Israeli National Team and the Philippines National Team. Most recently, Tony served as HEAD COACH Associate Head Coach for the Philippines TONY VENTIQUATTRO National Team at the 2018 FIL World Championships in Netanya, Israel. The nation won its first ever international game and ended the tournament with four wins over ranked teams and a No. 10 world ranking.
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Not pictured: Asst. Coach Richard Gill Asst. Coach Blaine Preston Asst. Coach Tagg Toscano Asst. Coach Kirk Ventiquattro
��CROSSS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Senior Boys Lacrosse Players Maximillian Wallisch
Justin Spiezo
Thomas Sciarrone
2021 Boys Lacrosse Roster Daniel Adams Lucas Collier Dominic Collins Joshua Comisar Michael Cooper Jack Cronin Benjamin Delmont John DiGiorgi Aiden Feeney Maddox Freshwater Luke Fritz Remelo Frontal Kevin Hawkes Dylan Healy Stephen Joslin Frank Leckler Kyle Long Todd Long
Maxwell Murnane Liam Murphy Renato Pantoja-Malaga David Parker Charles Rafacz Malachi Rafacz Paul Reilly Owen Rodriguez Austin Santoro Thomas Sciarrone – Senior Justin Spiezio – Senior Christopher Spiezio Nathan Swartz Brayden Tooley Trey Toscano Andrew Vu Maximillian Wallisch – Senior David Zeszutek
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��CROSSS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 GIRLS LACROSSE TEAM
Back Row L to R: Sophia Pina, Avery Comisar, Madilyn Dwyer, Isabella Sullivan, Piper Kelleher, Brooke Daniels, Ava Dusold, Ava Lewis. Middle Row L to R: Francesca Donalisio, Georgiana Malik, Cecelia RisCassi, Ava Byrd, Sofia Maitz, Emily Romero, Lillian Murnane, Katherine Hawkes. Front Row L to R: Delayna Jones, Lydia Whalen, Chloe Brown, Bridget Horlbeck, Carley Gannon, Alexia Kramer, Kendall Caccamise. Not pictured: Jessica Kania, Samantha Lutz, Kaia Owens, Elise Peters, Kendall Sullivan.
HEAD COACH JOHN HULBERT
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John Hulbert is in his first season as Head Coach of the Girls Lacrosse program. Coach Hulbert has over 20 years coaching experience in lacrosse, baseball, soccer, and hockey. He most recently served as the Head Coach for Florida Golf Coast University’s Womens Lacrosse Program. Coach Hulbert also served as Head Coach for Estero High School, guiding the team to the District Finals every season. Coach Hulbert and his wife, originally from Buffalo, New York, have made Southwest Florida home with their three children since 2006.
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��CROSSS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Senior Girls Lacrosse Players Cecelia RisCassi
Madilyn Dwyer
Isabella Sullivan
2021 Girls Lacrosse Roster Chloe Brown Ava Bryd Kamden Caccamise Avery Comisar Brooke Daniels Francesca Donalisio Ava Dusold Madilyn Dwyer – Senior Carley Gannon Katherine Hawkes Bridget Horlbeck Delayna Jones Jessica Kania Piper Kelleher
Alexia Kramer Ava Lewis Samantha Lutz Sofia Maitz Georgiana Malik Lilliane Murnane Kaia Owens Elise Peters Sophia Pina Cecelia RisCassi – Senior Emily Romero Kendall Sullivan Isabella Sullivan – Senior Lydia Whalen
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TENNIS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 BOYS TENNIS TEAM
Back Row L to R: Frederick Schaerf II, Kevin Johns, Coach Mark Latell, Ryan Witham, Bryce Dean. Front Row L to R: Andrew Pino, Anders Ovren, Colin Hill, Alexander Smith. Not Pictured: David Latell.
HEAD COACH MARK LATELL
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Mark Latell is beginning his 10th year as the Varsity Boys Tennis Coach. Mark is a 1983 Verot alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. Mark moved back to his hometown of Ft. Myers 11 years ago joining the Verot faculty as a teacher in the Math department. Mark and his wife Deanna, also a Verot graduate, have five children, Danielle ’20, Anna, David ’24, Matthew, and Andrew.
SPRING 2021
TENNIS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Senior Boys Tennis Players Frederick Schaerf, II
Ryan Witham
2021 Boys Tennis Roster Bryce Dean Colin Hill Kevin Johns David Latell Anders Ovren
Andrew Pino Frederick Schaerf II – Senior Alexander Smith Ryan Witham – Senior
SAINT COLUM)3KILLE , I
I
Loovee Briings Peeoplee Toogether - Chariity Briings Chriisttians Toogether As Catholics, we are called to live our Christian faith. Good education is an essential part of learning to live our faith in a modern world. We are happy to support this and be a part of it.
Father Lorenzo Gonzalez You are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected here at St. Columbkille Catholic Parish. 12171 Iona Road, Ft. Myers, Fl- 239-489-3973 - www.stcolumbkille.com
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TENNIS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 GIRLS TENNIS TEAM
Back Row L to R: Head Coach Mary Gibson, Cornelia Ovren, Olivia Tedesco, Jackalyn Flynn, Athenna Addis, Megan Hintze, Aliza Litvak, Mackenzie Housler. Front Row L to R: Ava Irion, Samantha Traiger, Kaily Calderon, Ava Aloia, Elizabeth Manibo, Lia Wade, Ava Tedesco. Not pictured: Elizabeth Newman, Delaney Shovlin.
Mary Gibson is in her 15th season as the Varsity Girls Tennis Coach. During the past 15 years, the Vikings have won eight district and two regional titles. The team repeated as Regional Champions, allowing for backto-back State appearances in 2009 and 2010. Gibson has been named News-Press Coach of the Year three times during her tenure. In 2012, she was selected by the Florida High School Tennis Coaches Association to coach the Inaugural State of Florida High School All-Star Team for Region 7. Gibson teamed HEAD COACH with Naples High Coach Tony Kamens and MARY GIBSON brought the first All-Star title to our area. Mary has been married to husband, Gil, for 31 years and has three sons, all Vikings – Zakary ’09, Gunnar ’12, and Cooper ’16.
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SPRING 2021
TENNIS BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Girls Tennis Seniors Athenna Addis
MacKenzie Housler
Olivia Tedesco
2021 Girls Tennis Roster Athenna Addis – Senior Ava Aloia Kaily Calderon Jackalyn Flynn Megan Hintze MacKenzie Housler – Senior Ava Irion Aliza Litvak Elizabeth Manibo Elizabeth Newman Cornelia Ovren Delaney Shovlin Ava Tedesco Olivia Tedesco – Senior Samantha Traiger Lia Wade
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TRACC
IEEE
BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 BOYS TRACK & FIELD TEAM
Back Row L to R: Head Coach Jorge Fleitas, Malik Curtis, Richard Nest, Zachary Avery, Matthew Korista-Jacob, Assistant Coach Bob Pennington. Third Row L to R: John Mertz, Nicholas Richmond, Alexander Kidd, David Latell, Antonio Portes, Dylan McCormick, Chase Hill. Second Row L to R: Shane McCarty, Gregory Holzhauer, Maddox Manzanares, Cael Horton, Cooper Banks, Grayson Tubbs, Brady McDonald. Front Row L to R: Jackson Mahaney, Francisco Febles, David Rue, Dominic Maxwell, Jacob Roberts, Guillermo Hernandez. Not pictured: Assistant Coach Jeff Rehm, Ethan Bruehl, Alexander Cameron, Michael Cooper, Christopher Graves, Anthony Racioppi, Wyatt Whalen.
2021 Boys Track & Field Roster Zachary Avery – Senior Cooper Banks Ethan Bruehl Alexander Cameron Michael Cooper Malik Curtis – Senior Francisco Febles – Senior Christopher Graves Guillermo Hernandez – Senior Chase Hill – Senior
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Gregory Holzhauer Cael Horton Matthew Korista-Jacob – Senior Alexander Kidd David Latell Jackson Mahaney Maddox Manzanares Dominic Maxwell Shane McCarty Dylan McCormick
SPRING 2021
Brady McDonald John Mertz Richard Nest - Senior Antonio Portes Anthony Racioppi Nicholas Richmond Jacob Roberts David Rue Grayson Tubbs Wyatt Whalen
TRACC
IEEE
BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 GIRLS TRACK & FIELD TEAM
Back Row L to R: Head Coach Jorge Fleitas, Juliana Taglieri, Geraldine Herrera, Mackenzie Cerniglia, Assistant Coach Bob Pennington. Third Row L to R: Jasmine Simpson, Jenna Hartig, Alexandra Barriga, Olivia Regan, Trinity Thomas, Gabriella Tuffo, Hailey Albrecht. Second Row L to R: Madison Thomas, Mia Cross, Laura Baumgardner, Lauren Mills, McKinley Parker, Julia Reitz, Kylie Thomas. Front Row L to R: Samantha Joanne Ciuni, Dominyka Romero, Angela Hopkinson, Ashley Humann, Carlyn Kelly, Raven Gadson. Not pictured: Assistant Coach Jeff Rehm, Nicoy Jacas,Victoria Salzone, Ella Sarnac.
2021 Girls Track & Field Roster Hailey Albrecht – Senior Alexandra Barriga Laura Baumgardner – Senior Mackenzie Cerniglia Samantha Joanne Ciuni Mia Cross – Senior Raven Gadson Jenna Hartig Geraldine Herrera Angela Hopkinson – Senior Ashley Humann Nicoy Jacas – Senior Carlyn Kelly
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Lauren Mills – Senior McKinley Parker Olivia Regan – Senior Julia Reitz Dominyka Romero Victoria Salzone – Senior Ella Sarnac – Senior Jasmine Simpson Juliana Taglieri – Senior Kylie Thomas Madison Thomas Trinity Thomas Gabriella Tuffo – Senior
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TRACC
IEEE
BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
Coach Jorge Fleitas is in his fourth season as Head Coach of the Track & Field team. Coach Fleitas leads the Bishop Verot Cross Country program and serves as Assistant Principal of Student Affairs. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor degree in Psychology and earned his Masters in Psychology degree HEAD COACH from Carlos Albizu University. JORGE FLEITAS Jorge has coached for over 15 years at Florida’s highest level of competition. In his 18 years of coaching Cross Country and Track, his teams have finished in the top two spots eight times. Jorge and his wife Angela, a teacher at St. Francis, have two young children, Jorge Jr. and Nico.
ASST. COACH BOB PENNINGTON
ASST. COACH JEFF REHM
2021 Track & Field Seniors Hailey Albrecht
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Zachary Avery
Laura Baumgardner
SPRING 2021
Mia Cross
TRACC
IEEE
BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 Track & Field Seniors Malik Curtis
Francisco Febles
Guillermo Hernandez
Chase Hill
Angela Hopkinson
Matthew Korista-Jacob
Lauren Mills
Richard Nest
Olivia Regan
Ella Sarnac
Juliana Taglieri
Gabriella Tuffo
Seniors not pictured: Nicoy Jacas,Victoria Salzone BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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beach volleyball BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • WEIGHTLIFTING
2021 VARSITY BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Back Row L to R: Assistant Coach Allie Gerlach, Ella Porta, Julianne Schwartz, Morgan Crawford, Diana Akhmetova, Head Coach Kelly Corr. Middle Row L to R: Brooke Brazely, Milla Newmark, Marissa Peck, Analia Perry, Taylor Hedge, Lindsey Walsh. Front Row L to R: Sylah Parsons, Margaret Smith, Ava Hemann, Grace Gerlach, Sophia LaRosa, Caroline O’Halloran.
2021 Beach Volleyball Roster Diana Akhmetova Brooke Brazely Morgan Crawford Grace Gerlach – Senior Taylor Hedge Ava Hemann Sophia LaRosa Milla Newmark
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Caroline O’Halloran Sylah Parsons Marissa Peck Analia Perry Ella Anne Portu Julianne Schwartz Margaret Smith Lindsey Walsh
SPRING 2021
beach volleyball BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • WEIGHTLIFTING
HEAD COACH KELLY CORR
Kelly Corr is in her fourth season as the Beach Volleyball Head Coach. Coach Corr teaches physical education at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and is the middle school volleyball coach. Her passion and dedication to the sport has included her playing at the collegiate level and coaching for over 18 years. Kelly has four children; JT ‘22, Jacob ‘24, Kasey (12), and Kyley (10).
ASST. COACH ALLIE GERLACH
2021 Varsity Beach Volleyball Senior Grace Gerlach
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WEIIhttIFtINN BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL
2021 BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM
Back Row L to R: Assistant Coach John Mohring, Joseph Lentine, Bruce Thompson, James Rose, Edward Nolan, Jon Wedding, Tyler Bromwell, Ronin Parker, Wyatt Green, Head Coach Brett Barry. First Row L to R: Jack Wilson, David Nee, Major Miller, Ryan Gadson, Jack Paquin, Kevin Casanova, Lawson Allen, Liam Brophy, Thomas Passanisi. Not pictured: Ethan Bruehl.
HEAD COACH BRETT BARRY
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Brett Barry ’03 is in his first season as Head Coach of the Boys Weightlifting team after serving as an Assistant Coach for the past three seasons. Coach Barry has a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Valparaiso University. Coach Barry is also an Assistant Coach for the Football program.
SPRING 2021
ASST. COACH JOHN MOHRING
WEIIhttIFtINN BASEBALL • SOFTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • TRACK • BEACH VOLLEYBALL
2021 Weightlifting Seniors Kevin Casanova
Wyatt Green
Ronin Parker
Jon Wedding
2021 Weightlifting Roster Lawson Allen Tyler Bromwell Liam Brophy Ethan Bruehl Kevin Casanova – Senior Ryan Gadson
Wyatt Green – Senior Joseph Lentine Major Miller David Nee Edward Nolan Jacob Paquin
BISHOP VEROT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Ronin Parker – Senior Thomas Passanisi James Rose Bruce Thompson Jon Wedding – Senior Jack Wilson
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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
STAYING CONNECTED...BV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION It was great to see so many alumni at this year’s Annual Gala! Many were dressed in their '70s best to go along with this year’s theme of Boogie Night. Thank you to all who joined us for the Meet & Greet on Thursday, May 20 at Downtown House of Pizza (DHOP!). It is always a great opportunity to reconnect with old classmates and create new connections. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to speed on all the excitement and events within the Bishop Verot Alumni Association.
Skyler
Skyler Bauer ’08
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SPRING 2021
Monica
Monica (Gargano) Hartman ’08
ALUMNI NEWS Jessica Sallee ’12 Jessica and Austin Fee are excited to announce their marriage on November 7th this past year in Dade City, FL. The couple met while attending USF, and currently reside in Cape Coral with their four dogs.
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Jonathan Graber ’01 and Brittany Kennedy ’05 John and Brittany were married March 6, 2021 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL. Brittany is a Sr. Paralegal with Brunetti, P.A. and Jonathan is a Real Estate Manager with The Sembler Company. The couple resides in St. Petersburg with their dog, Sammy, and cat, Pumpkin.
ALUMNI CALENDAR There are currently no reunions being planned. Please check the Verot Alumni page of the website for alumni event and reunion updates at bvhs.org/alumni. Please send any upcoming reunion information to patty. holmes@bvhs.org. for future B&G publications. Thank you!
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SCHOOL NOTES Art Students Compete in the Annual Chalk Block Competition Bishop Verot Art Club members participated in the annual Chalk Block contest, as part of the Edison Festval of Light. Seniors Angela Hopkinson, Letitia Tiranayake-Siriwardena, and Rachelle Hartig won Golisano Children’s Hospital “Sunny and Sparkle” award in addition to third place. Ainsleigh Ellis, Sophie Purdue, and MacKenzie Housler won a judge’s award for their sun garden. The theme this year was CommUNITY. The girls are currently considering making their chalk block design into a t-shirt that will raise money for art therapy programs at Golisano.
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SPRING 2021
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL NOTES Mock Trial Competes Virtually This year our Vikings participated in Mock Trial via zoom. The Verot team came away with a professionalism award and a mission to master objections. The BV Mock Trial Team was awarded the 2021 Team Professionalism Award by the Lee County Bar Association. The award, sponsored by The Law Office of Karla Y. Campos-Andersen, includes a $250 scholarship for the team. Mock Trial Team members from left to right include: Mandy Wiltshire, Hayden Leslie, Caroline O'Halloran, Bennett Calvo, Alex Febles, Alonso Pagan, and Garrett Wronski. Students on the team, but not pictured here, include Lauren Juda, Steven Agoston, Grant Juda, Micah Cooper, Xavier Caangay, and Cameron Caangay.
Performing Arts Competition Students in the theater program recently attended the first Southwest Florida Theatrical Society Festival, organized by the performing arts high schools in Lee County. Students competed in a one-act (30-minute play) competition, performing a short vignette play called "Check Please: Take Two." Students also competed in individual events including a Pantomime performance, small group musical performances, duet musical numbers, and contrasting monologues in the non-musical category. Performers received comments and scores, including a Best In Show and Superior ratings, from professional theatrical adjudicators from around Lee County from Florida Repertory Theater, Broadway Palm, Melody Lane Theater, and many others.
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