Dons Magazine Fall 2021

DONS MAGAZINE

C h a r a c t e r

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F a i t h

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K n o w l e d g e

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R e s p o n s i b i l i t y

FALL 2021

NEW BEGINNINGS

Cathedral Catholic High School Names First Female Principal

L E A DER SH I P Dr. Kevin Calkins,

President

Mrs. Marlena Conroy, Principal Ms. Carolyn Sturz,

ChiefFinancialOcer

SCHOOL DE A NS Mrs. Christy Bailleul and Mr. Jeff McMurtry, Deans of Academics

Mrs. Ashley Bascom,

Dean of Counseling

Mr. Michael Wallace, Mrs. Stacy Wells,

Dean of Students

Dean of Mission and Ministry

SCHOOL DI R EC T OR S Mr. Sal Aiello, Dr. Megan Burton,

Director of Facilities

Director of Special Education

Mr. Sean Doyle ‘80, Mrs. Kathy Garcia,

Director of Alumni

Director of Educational Technology

Mrs. Anne Majer ‘95,

Director of Marketing and Communications

Mr. David Smola, Ms. Elizabeth Tysor,

Director of Athletics Director of Admissions

DONS MAGAZINE

COVER STORY From the Artist, Leeann Remiker ’23...

When I heard Mrs. Rybicki [VAPA Department Chair] wanted for me to do this project, I was really excited. My dad is a teacher here so he knew Mrs. Conroy from when she previously worked here. He had great things to share about her.

Usually when I approach a portrait, I’ll put the whole image on a grid on my iPad and then put the grid on the paper really lightly so that I don’t scratch the paper. I grid out the image and then go in with the lighter colors. I usually start with the eyes and just bring everything out from the eyes because I feel like I can find the tones and the values in the eyes and then keep it cohesive for the rest of the face. The background has some water color. The Chapel was really fun to draw, and the tree and fabric took a long time. The emblem on the jacket also took a lot of detail. I really enjoyed doing this portrait, and I’m excited to share it with everyone!

OUR MISSION Cathedral Catholic High School is an innovative academic community of lifelong learners grounded in the Catholic faith that prepares our graduates to live God’s call and build the Kingdom.

COMMUNITY PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, Let my gifts change the world, help us live the call, build the Kingdom, Veni Sancte Spiritus.

I N T H I S I S S U E F A L L 2021 6 8 10 12 14 16

| President’s Message | Cathedral Catholic High School Names First Female Principal | Removing the Veil of Ignorance | Antiracism Efforts | @humansofcathedral | Service is Good

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Learning Compassion Focused on Wellness Silver Lining Campus Digest Athletic Achievements Visual and Performing Arts Achievements 30 | Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Thank you to Ms. Natalya Fiore and the students on the Presido Yearbook Staff who wrote several of these articles and took some of the photos.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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ear Dons Community

Over the past six years, I have come to love this Dons family. I am honored to now have the opportunity to serve as Cathedral Catholic’s fourth president. As I transition from principal to president, it gives me great comfort to know that Mrs. Conroy will be running the school. She is faithful, competent, creative, and energetic. We are blessed that she will serve as the next principal.

As for my transition, I find that my thinking has evolved already as I begin to think about how Cathedral Catholic exists more than why it exists. That’s not a bad thing; after all, Cathedral Catholic’s financial and operational efforts are vital to providing the Dons experience.

The most obvious reason how Cathedral Catholic works is the financial sacrifice and commitment our parents/guardians make to prioritize a Catholic education for their children.

Thank you. Our administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff members demonstrate on a daily basis how we exist by sharing their faith and knowledge and working selflessly for the benefit of others. Our benefactors, including the thousands of alumni from Cathedral Girls High School and Uni High, generously share their time and resources with the school.

Diocesan leadership, including pastors and extended parish communities, support Cathedral Catholic in ways that are often unnoticed yet vitally important to school operations.

How we exist, however, is not as important as why we exist. The distinguishing difference between a Cathedral Catholic education and an education at the other two high schools on Del Mar Heights Road, for example, is that we are a Catholic high school. Our faith forms and informs in ways that are transformative.

As I reflect more on why we exist, I think of the life-changing education that all students receive when they attend our school. A Cathedral Catholic education is an inclusive education.

The relationships and connections that run deep in this school family extend well beyond the years on campus. These relationships and connections are obvious in many ways—on social media, at sporting events, at the alumni golf tournament, and at churches throughout San Diego. This family is special, and I am so thankful to be part of it.

My responsibility—one of our four core values—as president is to ensure that Cathedral Catholic is financially secure and operationally functional for years to come. Ultimately, how Cathedral Catholic works will ensure our why —To form students and adults as disciples of Christ, empowered to deepen their faith and to share Jesus Christ with others.

Roll Dons!

Kevin Calkins, PhD President

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CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NAMES FIRST FEMALE PRINCIPAL

By Karen Billing, Courtesy of the Del Mar Times

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athedral Catholic High School has hired its first female principal in the school’s 65-year history.

San Diego native Marlena Conroy will officially take over as the head of the school on July 1.

Kevin Calkins, who has been principal for the last six years, will be stepping into the president’s role as Stevan Laaperi is retiring after 45 years of dedication to Catholic education.

Becoming principal at Cathedral marks a return to the campus for the Encinitas resident. Conroy previously worked at Cathedral as a teacher and an administrator for 11 years. She is coming to Cathedral from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, where she served as assistant principal and director of campus life.

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“I’m beyond excited,” Conroy said at her first day on campus on May 21. “If you could see under this mask, my smile is from ear to ear…. I can’t wait to meet the students. I come alive when I have students around me.”

Conroy is also the first Cathedral principal of Latin decent—a first-generation American, her mother is Nicaraguan and her father is Canadian.

She said it’s important for students to see a reflection of themselves in leadership positions, both as a Latina and a Catholic woman.

In her conversations with Cathedral as she was considered for the principal position, Conroy was able to reflect on her own faith journey.

As a kid, she grew up in the Catholic church and attended Catholic schools but she had a difficult

life experience and, in some ways, she felt that God was working against her. She turned away from her faith for a long time.

While a college student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she was hit by a drunk driver on Highway 101. Her car was spinning on the freeway and on that stretch, it seemed her car could only go off the cliff or through the center divide. Thankfully, her car happened to come to a stop on the only mountain of dirt in that flat section of road.

“It was the only thing that saved me from going out onto oncoming traffic,” she said, seeing the event as an example of God working for, not against her.

“That was the time I started to go back to my faith. I walked into a church and started to cry, I felt at home. And I never really looked back.”

teacher in 2004, eventually becoming Cathedral’s assistant dean and dean of students. She left in 2015 to gain more administrative experience with the hope of returning, taking a position as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Notre Dame Academy in Carmel Valley where she also taught middle school Spanish.

For the last six years she has been the assistant principal at the all-girl OLP. Being back on campus, she is thrilled to see familiar faces as well as meet new people. Many people from her last 17 years in Catholic education have reached out to offer congratulations and support.

Catholic schools have faced challenges over the last year—nationally enrollment went down by 4.6% and over 200 schools were forced to Conroy studied close during history at Cal Poly the pandemic. and never thought Cathedral, however, she would go is at capacity and into education. there is a waiting In San Diego, she list to apply. Conroy To the left, Bowie Krawczyk ‘22, Jamie McCoy ‘22, Mrs. Conroy got involved with is eager for the and Ava Thuresson ‘22 meet as Mrs. Conroy walks around during lunchtime.

Above, Mrs. Conroy greets students, including Ava Mothers Against opportunity to Enriquez ‘22, as they enter campus for the school day. Mrs. Drunk Driving and reach students Conroy welcomes students to campus most mornings. it wasn’t until she with an excellent started collaborating with and supporting teens education at Cathedral and help them grow. that she realized she had a true passion for “I 100% see myself as a servant-leader. I care working with young students. for the wellbeing of my students and staff, that She changed gears and got her teaching is the most important thing as we transition credential at National University, working into a post-COVID world. This school has faced first as a long-term sub for San Diego Court so much tragedy in the last year, on top of the and Community Schools, teaching juvenile trauma of a pandemic,” said Conroy, noting offenders. the tragic murder of teacher and coach Mario Fierro in February. “I want to help regain the joy In 2002 she accepted her first teaching position and create a foundation for us as a community, in Catholic education at Our Lady of Perpetual for how we embrace and see each other and Help in Lakeside. She came to Uni as an English connect. It’s going to be an exciting time.”

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REMOVING THE VEIL OF IGNORANCE Ms. Christine LaPorte

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Dons for Life participating in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January 2019.

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The agricultural industry, nail salons, and massage parlors. I had no idea this was going on in San Diego. Imagine working every day knowing you need to send money home to your family, they’re depending on you, but your wages are illegally garnished by a trafficker because you thought you were getting the “American Dream.”

The stress is so thick, it’s life-threatening.

My heart broke, shattered actually, as I pictured all the fresh produce that is readily available in San Diego without giving a single thought to how it arrived on the shelves. I squirmed in my seat when I remembered all the times I got my nails done and how the ladies were told to speed up their services by the man at the front of the salon who handled the money. The same goes for massage parlors. At this point I raised my hand and asked the Sisters, “This can’t be true.

All nail salons and massage parlors in San Diego are fronts for human trafficking?” Sister Christina replied, “No, not all of them. Some of them are very legitimate. But that’s where, I feel, it is the client’s responsibility to decipher whether the salon is a place of healing or abuse. One thing to look for is employee turnover. If you have a technician that you go to often, the location is probably above board.” She continued, “In some areas of California, one thing that’s being done to raise awareness of human trafficking is to ask businesses to hang a hotline poster. When businesses are reluctant to do so, that is usually a sign that their employees are at risk of being trafficked. This simple act brings the reality of human trafficking to light.” While my heart was undoubtedly heavy, I also felt a strong call to action.

As the advisor of the pro-life club on Cathedral Catholic’s campus, Dons for Life, one thing I

knew I could do was to educate our students on the circumstances confronting migrants, immigrants, refugees, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The first step is always education. We are committed to covering an “umbrella” of pro-life topics, which includes: Abortion Assisted Suicide / Euthanasia Capital Punishment Chastity Child & Human Trafficking Environmentalism Gun Violence Mental Health & Suicide Migration & Immigration Post-pregnancy Support / Adoption Poverty & Homelessness Racism The morning I spent with the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary was a turning point for me as a pro-life educator. The veil of ignorance was removed from my eyes and I am now acutely aware of the presence of human trafficking in San Diego. In Dons for Life, we believe in the sanctity of all human life, from natural conception until natural death. We promote a “right to life” mentality, which is all-encompassing and everexpanding. Being pro-life means defending the dignity of life, no matter how inconvenient or unpopular it may be. The “right to life” is the fundamental belief upon which all other human rights are based upon.

If you would like to support the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary and their apostolate, Mary’s Guest House, please visit www.MarysGuestHouse.net.

CCHS students and employees, if you would like to join Dons for Life at CCHS, please contact Ms. LaPorte at claporte@cchsdons.com.

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ANTIRACISM EFFORTS

Striving to Become a Stronger Community Kymberly Kuras ‘22

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n the serene ambiance of the chapel garden, students and faculty join together to discuss the autobiography, “How to Be An Antiracist,” by historian, Ibram X. Kendi. With their varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, members reach new understandings of what it means to be antiracist.

In order to progress towards antiracism, we must first understand what antiracism means.

According to Kendi, to be an antiracist person or community means to actively support and proclaim antiracist ideas, ones that promote the common welfare of those with every skin color, ethnicity, and cultural background.

This year, Cathedral has increased efforts to become an antiracist community, all a part of Racial Awareness Formation Time (RAFT).

Additions include: “How to Be an Antiracist,” book club, RAFT Student Listening Group, freshmen reading “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, and Dons For Life’s antiracism presentations.

The founder of RAFT and president, Dr. Kevin Calkins explains, “This is hard work. A lot of the discussions are uncomfortable and require introspection.”

Kendi’s mindset has cultivated a wider audience with the current outcry of Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and general civil unrest amongst the American people. This turmoil has established an opportunity for all of us to educate ourselves while also actively pursuing the attitude and measures of an antiracist.

In regards to our own city’s journey towards antiracism, the San Diego BLM chapter arose amidst the death of Alfred Olango in 2016.

Olango was a Ugandan refugee that was killed

by Officer Richard Gonsalves of El Cajon.

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Students need a safe space to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences concerning racial transgressions, and thus the RAFT Student Listening Group was formed. Committee member, Megan Hallinan ‘23, says she “enjoy(s) being a part of something with a message.”

Students need to read texts from an AfricanAmerican perspective; thus freshmen read a new novel this year, “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas. The book centers around a teenage girl who witnesses her friend’s malicious encounter with police brutality, her own experiences with racism, as well as her journey towards activism.

English teacher, Mrs. Mara Milligan, describes teaching this text as, “Amazing.” Student, Erika Vargas ‘24, shares, “reading this book has really helped me want to make a difference...to help others that need it most.”

Members of the RAFT Book Club are reading Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People by Helen Zia this year. They meet once a month to discuss the book.

As a way for students and faculty to gain a better understanding of the concept of antiracism, DFL has committed to hosting an antiracism presentation once per semester. Fifty people attended the first meeting and were acquainted with Glenn Singleton’s Racial Compass and many significant historical affairs. These information sessions are open to all members of the community and have been a way for the seed of antiracism to further spread.

Through these efforts the Cathedral community fosters individual and institutional growth towards the pursuit of antiracism, a feat that further requires open minds and hearts, as well as constant scrutiny over policies, thoughts, and actions.

English teachers Ms. Natalya Fiore and Ms. Paulina Gonzales (pictured left) are moderators for the RAFT Book Club for employees and students. The book club met both via Zoom and outside last year, as pictured above. Macey Milligan ‘24 is pictured to the right with her copy of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

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@HUMANSOFCATHEDRAL

Bonding Our Community Through Stories Eva Grunberg ‘21

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s we trek across campus each day, we encounter so many nameless faces, never knowing their accomplishments, dreams, challenges, or fears. The ASB-run Instagram account, “Humans of Cathedral,” showcases the Dons, one story at a time. The tales of these wildly different, but equally important, students, teachers, and staff bring our community closer together. Some faces you may have seen around campus the past four years are seniors Jillian deMerlier, Ysabella Pineda, and Donovan Davalos.

“Complicated” is how Jillian deMerlier ‘21 describes herself. While outsiders may perceive her as reserved, her closest friends are well aware that she is feisty, loud, and goofy. Above all, she is relentless.

Freshman year, Jillian tried out for the volleyball team. On the final day of tryouts, huddled with her friends—hopefully her new teammates—she eagerly awaited her number to be called. But it never was. Jillian had two options: sulk and give up, or put her time and energy into a new outlet.

She decided to join Cathedral’s crew team.

Since her decision to try something new, she has attended Nationals twice, has traveled across the country alone to train with the Olympic Development Program team, and has become Varsity team Captain. Although each endeavor has been extremely rewarding, the most fulfilling aspect of crew is that it has allowed her to connect to her father, who passed away from cancer when she was 6 years-old. Overcoming this obstacle, and honoring his memory through rowing just as he did, has made her a resilient young woman, ready to take on the world. With her dad’s memory close by, Jillian is sure to excel at her next adventure: rowing D1 for Villanova University.

“Life is crazy,” remarks Ysabella Pineda ‘21, describing not only the entirety of her 18 years of life, but also this challenging year. The 4’11 Filipina has experienced life’s unexpected twists and turns, notably in her cross- country move 14 D ONS

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from Ohio to California at age 13. The friends she had grown up with, shared countless milestones with, and expected to be in her life forever, suddenly all drifted away.

Although Ysabella’s life was completely upended, she remembers the lesson it taught her: “All people in our lives serve a purpose.

Some teach us...others help us through difficult times, and some provide us with memories of a lifetime.” Upon arriving in California, she was determined to discover the new people who were meant to enter her life and make new memories. At Cathedral, she met friends who helped her develop her passion for American Sign Language, and got a job outside of school to make use of her free time. Although, like many of us, she lost touch with friends earlier this year, she knows that prioritizing and reinforcing the friendships she already has will allow her to flourish. This year’s whirlwind of events continues to impact Ysabella’s life, but she perseveres, finding the bright side in those around her who help her become the best version of herself every single day.

“I like to make people smile,” says Donovan Davalos ‘21. As a musical theater performer, he does much more than that: with his incredible talent, he makes people laugh, cry, and cheer. However, it wasn’t until he was adopted at age eight that he discovered musical theater. When he was six years-old, he and his five siblings entered the foster system.

Through dark times, Donovan persevered, and eventually, he and his siblings finally got the family they deserved, allowing him to discover his aptitude for theater. A unique and authentic soul, he embodies kindness, acceptance, and persistence, opening himself to new friendships and setting his mind to achieve any goal. His respite from the world, musical theater, gave him a place to be himself, to grow as a performer and as a person, and brought him a family—exactly what he strives to do for others in his future.

The remarkable, diverse struggles and achievements of these humans display our community’s ability to conquer life’s adversity by seeking out positivity. But these three Dons don’t just look on the bright side—they create it.

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Keeley Giles ‘21 and Jenna Mello ‘21 organize dozens of toys donated by both students and faculty for the Christmas Toy Drive.

SERVICE IS GOOD Anna Fazio ‘22

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stand out projects are: “Christmas Toy Drive,” “Books for Butterflies,” and the “Among Us” Tournament.

The creators of the Christmas Toy Drive are Jenna Mello ‘21 and Keely Giles ‘21. They hosted a toy drive for the Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First grade students at Our Lady’s School. This year, with the recent COVID- 19 restrictions, they had to adjust the project scope. However, they were still able to deliver toys and make the kids feel special. The project of delivering gifts for Christmas and supporting the kids of Our Lady’s School was even more impactful this year due to the pandemic.

The creators of the Books For Butterflies project are Jenna Crowley ‘22, Lael Czerniak ‘22, Anna Fazio ‘22, and Marielle Lappe ‘22. Initially Books for Butterflies was a book drive to collect books for the Monarch School in San Diego, which is a school for children without homes grades K-12.

However, due to the projects going virtual, an

Amazon wish list was created and NHS members were able to purchase the books online. The project leaders delivered the books to the Monarch School in person. Additionally, NHS members created a video of themselves reading children’s books at home. These videos were posted on a YouTube channel where Monarch School students could access them and listen to the stories being read aloud. With social distancing during the pandemic, these projects were even more impactful. Spreading cheer and showing support to these kids during challenging times was a gift to all who participated.

The creators of the “Among Us “ Tournament project are Scotty Bostick ‘21 and Nick Cariquitan ‘21. In order to comply with the recent COVID-19 restrictions, the project leaders did this tournament through zoom along with collecting money through Venmo. Throughout the pandemic, the game became very popular and is a way to socialize with others safely.

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LEARNING COMPASSION

Something That Can’t Be Taught in a Class Mia Boggs ‘22

From left to right: Robin Sze ‘23 with his mentor, Jaxson Moi ‘22. Options students with their mentors at this year’s Junior Orientation. Options teacher Ms. Day at the football game with Options student Gabrielle Schlador ‘23 and her classmate, Isabella McCormick ‘22.

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ne big family. These are words that you hear the moment you walk into school here. I have found these words to be true; however, nothing has made me feel more a part of the Dons family than the Options mentor role I have taken on. The smiling faces, the continuous, contagious laughter, and the loving energy. The Options Program began in the school year of 2014- 2015 with only two students. Now, the Options Program has grown to 11 students.

With the current state of the world, there is nothing more needed than this loving energy that the Options room holds inside. Mentor, Jaedyn O’Hara ‘22, shares, “Being a mentor has impacted me in a positive way overall, because I see myself making a difference and I feel that I have benefited from helping students.”

One aspect of family is supporting each individual’s needs and celebrating their interests. As mentors we find that one of our most favorite experiences comes from the intimate conversation at the beginning of every class. Mentor Lucy Sutton ‘22 says, “I love just getting to know her during class and learning about the things she likes to do, fun things she did over the weekend, etc. I love to spend time and build a friendship with my mentee.” Mentor Hannah Ligon ‘22 explains, “I always love seeing my mentee finally begin to understand and engage in concepts in the class, especially when it came to researching topics he was interested in.”

Another aspect of family lies within spreading positivity to those who may need it. While mentors try to be a positive light for each student, I have found that the light truly comes from the

Options students themselves. As a new member of the CCHS cheer team, Gabrielle Schlador’23, welcomed me with open arms. Gabrielle is the truest definition of a cheerleader. Her love and light were the first memories I have being on a team here at Cathedral.

Mentor Jaedyn O’Hara ‘22, expresses, “Being an Options mentor brings me infinite joy and happiness. I love knowing that my students and I both take away so much from this experience!”

As a mentor myself, I have been blessed with the opportunity to mentor Madelyn Nunes ‘22. Being able to develop a relationship where every time I walk into the classroom we lock eyes and have the biggest smiles on our faces has been the greatest and most fulfilling joy for me. These special bonds and relationships are ones that we as mentors will never forget. With the current state of the world, every community needs as much love and light as possible to feel this sense of togetherness.

As best expressed by the Head of the Options Program, Dr. Megan Burton, it is so difficult to teach kindness, compassion and respect through a textbook, and the Options Program allows for the community and students to learn these things through real interaction. As all mentors can attest, nothing has taught us more than our experiences as mentors. It truly has taught us compassion, kindness and respect, and allowed for a deeper meaning to being a part of the Dons family.

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FOCUSED ON WELLNESS Prioritizing Mental Health Heather Lyons ‘22

Cathe S

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edral Catholic’s Challenge Success Leadership Team

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nhale. Then exhale deeply. Try to athletic activity, prayer, and more form a rhythm of slow breaths with improving their wellness since and tune in to the sounds of the quarantine. present.

Charlie Sutton ‘ 24 likes to make “a Taking breaks to center oneself is plan at the beginning of the week for just one of the many ways to begin the rest of [his] week to make sure [he finding calm amongst the chaos stays] on task and get[s] everything that life continues to bring. And ever done.” Xavier Gonzales ‘ 24 shares since the global pandemic, COVID-19, that he usually listens “to music...that nurturing mental health has become helps calm [him] down after a long more important than ever. day at school.”

The coronavirus made the world Teachers have also had to overcome a more disconnected one. Social stress as they were forced to distancing has given rise to new adapt to virtual and distanced challenges in bonding with friends instructional practices. Yet they have and loved ones. Students are shown remarkable persistence and prohibited from participating in manyadaptation, whether managing inactivities, and it has become harder person and online students at the to stay engaged in the virtual or same time, promoting academic distanced activities that were allowed honesty where cheating has never to continue. been easier, or reinventing activities that were previously completed in the Despite the many issues that abound, classroom. administration has worked tirelessly to better the mental health of the “Ms. [Katie] Wilson, my drama teacher, entire Dons family. One such example helped me achieve wellness because is the formation of the Challenge she is so optimistic and helps everyone Success Team. About once a month, a see the good in life,” Julia Potter ‘ 24 group of administrators, counselors, describes. For Iamani Faalave ‘ 24, teachers, parents and students meet English teacher, Mr. [Michael] Hogan with Challenge Success mentors to has improved her mental health discuss and plan ways to improve journey “by understanding how his student and faculty wellness. students feel.”

“The best way to change something Finally, counselors have made wellness is to get involved, get your foot in the resources more easily accessible to door, and hold it open for as many students. For instance, every day of people as possible! ” member Evan finals week the counselors posted Martinez ‘ 22 explains. “Challenge a prayer, relaxation tip, and links to Success gave me the opportunity to accompany them. not only help my fellow students but overall help the school’s community.” The Dons community will emerge from the pandemic strong and united Students and teachers not a part of by continuing to cultivate mental the Challenge Success team have also wellness. “We will get through this,” taken initiative to better their own Scarlett Martin ‘ 24 encourages. “Take mental health. Since the pandemic, a deep breath and realize you are not many students credit friends, alone.”

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Joelle Tran '21 and Molly Abrom '21 greet each other on a sunny Tuesday morning before walking to their first class of the day.

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SILVER LINING

Students Make the Best of Challenging Times Gabrielle Manzoni ‘21

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ays of sunshine abound despite COVID-19, as students seek out the silver lining in their lives: unexpected opportunities, new hobbies, personal revelations, and more time to focus on themselves and to spend with their loved ones.

Reflecting on another type of relationship, Hoshe Kolah ‘23 realizes “how precious a friendship is,” and he was afforded the time to, “learn more about what [he] wants to do.”

Ezekiel Human ‘23 further describes his time of introspection, where he was able to “find the true meaning of life.”

For some, the pandemic coincided with drastic changes and unforeseen events.

Shonali Subramanian ‘24 moved across the country to San Diego, which she describes as an “interesting experience” during a global epidemic. Other people, like Gable Krich ‘23, sought out and received internships and new job opportunities. Still others took a stand and joined social movements, advocating for justice during the concurrent civil unrest.

Some people found the spare time afforded by the pandemic was motivation to focus on sports and exercise. Malachi Williams ‘23 has, “been able to sleep more and workout more consistently,” while fellow student, Kaelin Manzoni ‘24 has had much more time for trail running. Maddox Garrahy ‘23 and Jackson Redfield ‘23 also found ways to explore the outdoors and spent much of their free time surfing.

Many Dons picked up new activities of interest during the quarantine. Being stuck at home provided a unique space for trying new things and diving into one’s creative and imaginative side. Some popular student diversions include scrap-booking, drawing, and writing.

Others spent their days reading for fun, or reacquainting themselves with childhood pastimes like roller skating. Student Gustavo De La Fuente ‘23, found the pandemic awarded him “the opportunity to learn how to cook,” and Emilie Carbine ‘22 similarly discovered a love for baking.

Overwhelmingly, the pandemic has brought people closer with their families. Lockdown had a way of uniting people - despite arguments over toilet paper - and made way for quality time that is so often lacking from the bustle of normal day-to-day life. Though it was difficult to be separated from friends, the pandemic has taught everyone to appreciate their loved ones and to cherish what they have.

Deep thinking and personal epiphanies have been a part of some students’ quarantine self-discovery. Sofia Martinez ‘23 shares, “I got to strengthen my relationship with God.”

Despite the challenges of COVID-19: masks, social distancing, virtual learning and limited events, students made the best of 2020. While this has been a period of uncertainty, caution, and fear, students have chosen to reflect on the bright side.

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CAMPUS DIGEST Mr. Stevan Laaperi the Sr. Claire Patrice Lifetime Achievement Award! After 45 years of dedication to Catholic education, including 9.5 years as Cathedral Catholic’s president, Mr. Laaperi will enjoy his retirement! We are very appreciative of all he has done for the Dons!

Happenings from around Cathedral Catholic

was awarded

Quinn Conway ’22 donated over 250

pairs of sneakers to the homeless through his charitable efforts coined “Nikes 4 Neighbors.”

Quinn shared a love for sneakers with his late uncle, so he raised money to purchase sneakers for the homeless in order to use their shared passion for good.

Daniel Camarena ’11

made his MLB major league debut for his childhood team, the San Diego Padres on June 16, 2021!

Congratulations, Daniel!

Coach Dawn Lee ’89

ESPN.com

Isuneh “Ice” Brady ’22 was

named San Diego Section All CIF 1st Team & Player of the Year. Ice has committed to playing at the University of Connecticut after graduation.

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coached her girls’ team on her birthday for the first time in her 23 year career... on her 50th birthday, no less. Her team came through with the best present, scoring 5 goals and shutting out the other team. 5-0 Dawn’s Dons for the win!

Don DeAngelo community for 25 years! He taught social science every day with enthusiasm and genuine care for his students.

Mr. DeAngelo’s smile and energy will be missed on campus, and we wish him well on his teaching ventures in Bermuda.

served our school

Jennifer Valente

won an Olympic bronze medal in women’s pursuit cycling!

Jennifer attended CCHS her freshman and sophomore years (2009-2011).

Phil Mickelson ’88

won the PGA Championship in May! Although he might have been the oldest to win this championship, we still remember his high school days fondly!

Congrats to the Mickelson family!

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Daniella ’22 and Gabriel ’24 Benitez were awarded the Volunteer Service Award by President Biden for their efforts to build homes for lowincome families in Tijuana, Mexico through Build a Miracle.

Usacycling.com

Courtney “CoCo” Goodson ’08,

a CCHS Dons Sports Hall of Fame member, was promoted to an Executive Officer with the U.S. Army in January 2021. She was deployed to the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan in August 2021 to aid the U.S. withdrawal.

Coco is representing the Uni/CCHS community around the world through her dedication to serving our country.

Gizel “Gizmo” Navarro ’23

represented Mexico on the Mexico Women U16 National Team in the 2021 FIBA U16 Women’s A m e r i c a s Championship.

She was a starter throughout and helped lead her team to a 3rd place finish and qualification for next year’s World Cup. D ONS

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Year in Review for

DONS ATHLETICS

Girls CIF Titles: 97 (4 Open Division)

Boys CIF Titles: 86 (11 Open Division)

——— Total ——— 182 and counting!

2020 - 2021 Season C I F T I T L E S Girls Basketball

Boys Soccer

Boys Golf

Girls Track & Field

(Open Division)

Girls Sand Volleyball (Open Division - Non-CIF)

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(Open Division)

Player of the Year Isuneh Brady ‘22, Girls Basketball

2020 - 2021 League Championships Boys Basketball

Girls Golf

Boys Track & Field

Girls Basketball

Boys Lacrosse

Girls Track & Field

Cross Country

Boys Soccer

Wrestling

Boys Golf

Girls Soccer

Class of 2021 NCAA Bound Student-Athletes 28 students signed National Letters of Intent to schools including:

Brown University

University of California, Los Angeles

Harvard University

University of California, San Diego

New York University

University of Chicago

Stanford University

University of Notre Dame

University of California, Berkeley

University of Southern California

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V ISUA L A ND PER FOR MING A RTS ACHIEV EMEN TS

Congratulations Student Angelina De Luca Silver Key - Comic Art

Lukas Fuster

Silver Key - Digital Art

Nicole Hood

Silver Key - Drawing & Illustration

Min Min Su Lah

Silver Key - Photography 2 Honorable Mention - Photography Congratulations to Zixuan Chen ‘ 22 on winning three 1st place piano awards in his age group (Division III - 15 -18 yrs) las t spring from the Music Teacher ’s A ssociation of California! Below are the competitions he competed in.

2021 MTAC San Diego Branch Concer to Competition - Zixuan played Beethoven Concer to No. 3 in C minor, Mv t I. 2021 Goodlin V ir tual Fes tival 2021 Chopin Fes tival

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Donovan Morgan

4 Gold Key - Photography 4 Silver Key - Photography 3 Honorable Mention - Photography

Pluto Wah

Silver Key - Photography 4 Honorable Mention - Photography Honorable Mention - Drawing & Illustration

Jasmine Walker

Silver Key - Mixed Media

The Memor y Project

s to Our Talented Artists!

In the spring , our National A r t Honor Societ y, AP Drawing , and a few freshman s tudent s worked ver y hard to create 20 por trait s for children living in India through the Memor y Projec t. The Memor y Projec t aims to create a kinder world through ar t by connec ting s tudent s with youth around the world that are facing challenges. Our s tudent s are paired with a child in a dif ferent countr y.

They then create a por trait of that child and The Memor y Projec t delivers the ar t.

Cathedral Catholic ’s National A r t Honor Societ y s tudent s have been involved in the projec t for the pas t several years, and they will continue the endeavor this school year with their por trait s of children in Africa.

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Thank you to our 2021 Wine & Microbrew sponsors!

The MacDonald Family

The Schnell Family The Wohlford Family

The Aquino Family The Bachman Family Mary and Andy Balo Jeff and Kim Baglio Brian and Maureen Behmer Lisa and Jeff Black Ricky and Vanessa Cambier Denise and Vince Coleman Ms. Nancy Contrino Mike and Sabrina Erwin Travis and Lory Fisher The Frias Family The Friel Family

The Galluccio Family The Greenberg Family The Guerena Family Anthony and Jana Insogna Jeffrey and Wendy Janicik The Kilroy Family Eugene and Michelle Kim Jamie and Mark Kotsay Mr. and Mrs. Stevan Laaperi The Loomba Family The Loretta Family The McGuire Family

Rudy Mendoza and Michelle Gutierrez-Mendoza Peter Meringolo and Joyce Raffo Teresa and Trevor Mihalik Rick and Stephanie Mirer The Rosenberger Family Tiffany Scarborough and Terry Beck The Straub Family The Straza Family The Van Deventer Family Amy and Jon Wilson Chris and Jeanne Woltman

Save the Date !

Cathedral Catholic High School’s Annual Wine & Microbrew Tasting and Auction!

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Thank you to those who sponsored the 2021 Alumni Golf Tournament! We look forward to seeing you all on the greens next year.

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony DeLorenzo ‘00

Matt McCausland ‘00

Mr. and Mrs. Aldon Cole

The Downing Family - Mike & Sue Greg ‘05, Ryan ‘09, Patrick ‘12

Gardner Mortgage Sam Gardner

Save the date for the 2022 Alumni Golf Tournament: Monday, June 6, 2022

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5555 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, C A 92130 (858) 523 - 4 0 0 0 @cchsdons Cathedral Catholic High School @cchsdons w w w.CathedralCatholic.org