Camden Catholic High School Magazine 2015

CCHSMag15_p1_15.qxp_Spring 03 CCHS Magazine 8/31/15 1:10 PM Page 15

Top Academics Danielle Saranchak Attending: The University of Scranton (double major: Math and English), Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program Accepted: Boston University, Catholic University of America, Drexel University, LaSalle University, The College of New Jersey Scholarships Received: A.J. Drexel Scholarship & Drexel Grants, Catholic University Merit Scholarship, George S. Figueroa Sr. Scholarship, Girl Scout Scholarship, LaSalle Resident Scholar Award, LaSalle Founder’s Scholarship, TCNJ Merit Scholarship, The University of Scranton Dean’s Scholarship Senior Research Topic: “The California Gold Rush”

“Always remember that you are part of something bigger than yourself, and that you are vital to its success,” said Danielle Saranchak as she addressed her class at commencement in June. Danielle was sincerely true to these words in her four years at Camden Catholic. Admittedly, “a shy, quiet freshman who barely ever participated in class,” Danielle quickly settled into her new home at CCHS from St. Stephen School in Pennsauken. She says her fellow students, and the comfortable surroundings at CCHS have allowed her to try new things and excel in ways she never knew were possible. From the Leadership Academy to Spirit Week to Christian Leadership and her many academic endeavors, Danielle has kept extremely busy, all the while finding time to enjoy her life as a high school student, achieve success, and make lifelong friends.

“Danielle is a top student who has worked to achieve success during her four years at Camden Catholic High School,” says Mrs. Heather Crisci, Principal. “She faced challenges head on and embraced the work that was placed before her. Her academic record and her involvement in various extra-curricular activities are what make her a well-rounded individual who undoubtedly will achieve the same success if not more on her journey after CCHS.” Next year Danielle takes her talents north to The University of Scranton, “I knew I wanted to go to a school where I would have similar opportunities as the Leadership Academy provided me here at CCHS,” she says. Danielle was one of only 60 students invited to participate in the prestigious Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA) at Scranton. Through SJLA she will have the opportunity to explore philosophy, theology and literature courses to fulfill her required credits. Most SJLA students receive a Philosophy degree in addition to their other degrees.

Alumni Association Recognizes Students

Annually the Alumni Association awards students, both incoming and outgoing, who demonstrate the spirit of Honor, Faith, and Loyalty.

Green and White Alumni Award: Kayleigh Whitmore The Green and White Alumni Award of $500 is given to a senior student who excels in the area of scholastic achievement, extracurricular involvement and/or service to school and community. The winner of this award was Kayleigh Whitmore, who will attend Rowan University to major in Music Education. Kayleigh is an alumna of St. Peter School in Merchantville.

The Monsignor Andrew E. Martin Award: Logan and Noah Lukasiak The Monsignor Andrew E. Martin Award of $250 is given to a senior for their love and service to Camden Catholic High School. The winner of the award was two students this year, twins Logan and Noah Lukasiak. The Lukasiak brothers were exemplary members of the Camden Catholic community during their time here, and have given back to our school and to their classmates in countless ways. They are alumni of Resurrection Catholic School in Cherry Hill.

International Program Graduates First Four-Year Student We now have completed four years of our Student-Resident Program at the Nazareth House Dormitory here on campus. The letter below, written by our first four-year-resident graduate Jason Cheng, illustrates just how impactful this experience is on our international students.

October 2 at 7pm LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE! www.camdencatholic.org

To Naz House: Naz House has her charm and magic. It turns strangers into families. I love every little bit of this place and enjoy every moment of being here. I thank you for all the love I’ve received here, I appreciate every challenge I’ve faced here, and I love all the people I’ve met here. I hope that everyone who will come here, and those who have already been here, find the same joy I did. This four year journey has been wonderful for me. The memories I had in this house are by far the best I had in my life. Thanks to everyone who worked here at Naz House. I really love you all! “Don’t waste LOVE” Jason Cheng – first four-year international student, class of 2015

13

CCHSMag15_p16_31.qxp_Spring 03 CCHS Magazine 8/31/15 1:21 PM Page 4

PROFILE 3: DISTINGUISHED ACADEMICS

Hon. Theresa Tull ’53 & Daniela Cobos ’15

It would be difficult to find an alumna resume as impressive as the Ambassador Theresa Tull’s, class of 1953. Tull served as a U.S. diplomat from 1968 through 1996, a position which took her to places such as Saigon, Laos, Da Nang, Cebu, Brunei, and Guyana. Daniela Cobos, class of 2015 graduate, seems to share Ambassador Tull’s appreciation for literature, in addition to a desire to serve others, and to achieve greatness. Cobos plans to attend New York University in the fall to double major in English and Journalism with a possible cross-school minor in Media, Culture, and Communication (Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development).

CC: What was your favorite class at CCHS? TT: World History, followed closely by Journalism.

DC: Honors Western Literature. Reading a good story is valuable and this class was filled with wonderful stories, presented by Mr. D’Antonio, who made each class livelier than the last.

CC: What was your most difficult class?

TT: Biology. It was very interesting, but I had to struggle.

DC: Honors Physics, because it involved both of my problem subjects: mathematics and science.

CC: What was your most memorable CCHS event?

TT: The installation ceremony admitting me and other Spire editors into the Quill and Scroll Society.

DC: Freshman year basketball. I had never played before, but with patience from Coach Ashleigh Whitmore and support from my team, I learned how to play and improved greatly in the game. As I am embarking on a new beginning in college, it is important for me to remember that by opening myself up to trying new things, I may be pleasantly surprised.

CC: Who was your favorite CCHS teacher?

DC: Mr. Reader because of his ability to make even the driest historical topics interesting. He also challenged me and furthered my intellect with the rigorous course load and college-level assignments.

TT: Sister Mary Coleman, World History; followed closely

by Sister Mary Laura, Journalism.

CC: How is your high school experience important to your daily life, whether that be work, professional or spiritual?

DC: I will always cherish the wonderful English skills I learned in high school, such as how to plan and write an essay in forty minutes. The family environment I felt every day for four years will always be with me. The spirituality ingrained in the school will remain ingrained in me as I continue onto this next step of my life.

TT: My high school experiences enriched my appreciation for history and literature. The public speaking I practiced with the Forensic Club gave me skills I continue to draw on when I lecture on my Foreign Service career. The journalism skills have been most useful throughout my career, which required considerable drafting and analysis.

CC: What recommendations do you have for future CCHS scholars regarding post-high school preparation?

TT: In college, whatever your major, study history, geography and literature. These will enrich your life whatever major you choose.

DC: While approaching college and adulthood may seem fun, you should never forget where we come from; you should always carry the qualities of our Camden Catholic family with you and be genuinely loving and welcoming towards everyone you meet. It will set you apart and make you beloved.

CC: What is your favorite book?

TT: My favorite novel is To Kill a Mockingbird. I also strongly recommend Rick Atkinson's trilogy about the Second World War: An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light. These are superbly researched and written histories that read like fiction. Brilliant.

DC: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, because it displays the culture of a Nigerian village, Umuofia, and its struggle between tradition and colonialism, while adeptly developing each character in the story. It is a beautifully written story with many complex themes; everyone can learn from this book.

CC: Daniela, if you picture yourself five years from now, what will you be doing and where will you be doing it?

DC: I hope to be pursuing my master's degree at New York University. Hopefully, by then, I will have a steady internship or job at a reputable magazine or newspaper, such as VICE. With God's help, I can succeed.

19

CCHSMag15_p16_31.qxp_Spring 03 CCHS Magazine 8/31/15 1:24 PM Page 9

By Nancy Werner-Kaiser CCHS English Department Chair Professor of Writing, Rowan College at Burlington County

The moment that Joseph Gianfortune heard the alluring sound of the “licorice stick” he was immediately captivated.

A 4th grader at St. Martin of Tours parish grammar school in Philadelphia, circa 1962, Joe just sat through a band instrument presentation and couldn’t wait to go home and tell his parents, Philip and Jean, that he aspired to be a clarinetist. Music, as it turned out, ran through the blood stream of Joe’s ancestors. His grandfather, also his namesake, spent every Saturday afternoon listening to live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera Company performances from New York City, his father, a classical music aficionado, boasted perfect pitch, his mother loved to sing and dance, and the four Gianfortune children each had a natural affinity and talent for the musical and performing arts.

Sister Rose Imelda, I.H.M., Joe’s grammar school band director at St. Martin of Tours, recognized a musical ear when she saw and heard one. Sister Rose pushed Joe to excel from the first moment she heard him play the clarinet, and Joe couldn’t get enough. Phil Travaline (a 1955 Camden Catholic graduate), Joe’s clarinet instructor in 4th grade, was amazed at how quickly he developed 24

his technique and musicianship. When Joe moved on to Father Judge High School in 1966 he immediately joined the band. He also studied privately at Settlement Music School with Curtis Institute of Music graduate, and professional musician, Guido Mecoli. Mr. Mecoli would influence Joe immensely because of his incredible sound and his love of teaching. Joe also remembers fondly the influence that band director Tony Marchione had on him.

Tony directed the show bands at both Father Judge and Northeast Catholic High Schools. Joe’s contribution to the overall sound of the orchestra and various musical ensembles was recognized by the band director, who began to plant the seed in Joe’s mind that he consider music as a career. And he did.

With the continuing support of his parents, particularly his father, Joe decided to attend The Philadelphia Musical Academy, today known as The University of the Arts, in pursuit of a BA in Music and Music Education. The five year program, while rigorous, helped Joe realize that music was his passion. However, while a career as a performer appeared to be the direction in which he was heading, Joe couldn’t help but remember the profound influence of the teachers in his life. He found himself yearning to influence young musicians with the same fervor that his many talented teachers and mentors had nurtured in him.

CCHS Magazine

Summer 2015