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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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Table of contents 4 6-7
Letter from John A. Cavell, Jr bishop verot’s school boaRD
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Matt Creach ‘00 Steps in and Lives His Dreams By Dan Jackman, ‘01
12-15
Your guide to supporting verot By Dan Jackman, ‘01
16-17
Alumni Spotlight A Call to Serve: Eric Scanlan ‘03 and Casey Jones By Bob Reddy, The Florida Catholic
19-36
winter athletic guide
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alumni event calendar
40-41
school news
42-44
alumni notes
Published by
winter 2013
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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Letter from the Principal As the Bishop Verot community prepares to enter the winter athletic season, I think back on our school’s great history. In particular, I look back over the past three years with great appreciation for the opportunity to serve such a great Catholic institution and especially the people who work passionately to fulfill their roles every day. It is these people – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families – who define the true heart of our school community. Many memories take shape as alumni, students, and faculty walk through our halls. Some enjoy the memory of embracing friends after a long summer. Still others remember high fiving a special teacher after acing a difficult exam. Students old and new enjoy memories of celebrating school spirit during Homecoming week, developing lifelong friendships during Live Jesus Retreats, caravanning to state championships, and taking mission trips to give to others in need. Recently, we have seen Bishop Verot named one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the country. Our soccer team and baseball team have ranked in the top 50 nationally. Our students have continued to be honored on a national level, with multiple National Merit Finalists, Hispanic National Merit scholars, and a National Achievement scholar. Our faculty members have been recognized for excellence in the classroom and selected to write, develop, and grade the NAEP exam and multiple AP exams. We can be proud of continued improvement in every aspect of school life. We have reveled in numerous championships in athletic competition. Our ACT and SAT scores over the past three years have been the three highest sets of scores in the school’s history. Our AP passage rate is at 89%, the highest in the area. We can boast of over 35,000 hours of community service performed by our students, an invaluable service to the Southwest Florida community. In a show of tremendous support from BV contributors from far and wide, the Forever Black & Gold campaign came to fruition and enabled us to provide much needed financial support to qualified students. In addition, our alumni have helped to support the Viking Scholars program, awarding iPad’s to the top students in the school. Disappointment has come in the form of a recession that has caused budget cuts and a decrease in enrollment. These events have significantly impacted resources, increased tuition, and contributed to heavier teaching loads on faculty. Instead of dwelling on these obstacles, I prefer to reflect on what greatness may lie ahead for BV, especially should those funds increase in the future. Bishop Verot Catholic High School is truly one of the great high schools in the entire state of Florida that has thrived when given the opportunity and survived when tested by adversity. I encourage BV alumni everywhere to continue to support your alma mater. We are doing great things every day, making a difference in hundreds (if not thousands) of lives, and producing the kinds of leaders our community and state needs. My wife and I look back fondly on these past three years. We do not regret, for a minute, the decision to relocate and join the Viking community. There is still much work to be done, but know that through it all, as a community, we “Sweat Black and Bleed Gold!” Non Excidet, John A. Cavell, Jr.
MISSION STATEMENT
CONTACT INFORMATION
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 Dan Jackman, Director of Communications, at dan.jackman@bvhs.org.
on the cover
Photo Credit: Matt Creach ’00 stands in the doorway of Fancy’s, his new restaurant located in South Fort Myers. Photo Credit: Craig Hildebrand
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EDITOR
DAN JACKMAN
dan.jackman@bvhs.org PUBLISHER
CONNIE RAMOS-WILLIAMS CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing layout and design
DIANE SHROCK
CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
LAUREN WILLIAMS ‘08 Lauren@ConricHoldings.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JIM REDMOND
jrglenabby@embarqmail.com photography
craig hilderbrand craig@craigphoto.com SPORTS EDITOR
RYAN MURPHY ’10 ryan.murphy@bvhs.org PRINCIPAL
JOHN A. CAVELL, JR. john.cavell@bvhs.org
DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
RANDY ZAVADA ’77 randy.zavada@bvhs.org
director of development
gina lombardo gina.lombardo@bvhs.org alumni director
mike gill ‘68
mike.gill@bvhs.org ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
PHIL DORN
phil.dorn@bvhs.org
The mission of Bishop Verot Catholic High School is to build a community of faith and learning in the Salesian tradition, devoted to educating minds and hearts, dedicated to service, and centered on Christ.
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
Black & Gold Magazine is published quarterly; Fall, winter, spring, and summer by Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Inc. in partnership with CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing. More than 6,500 copies are provided to its alumni, parents, students, and friends.
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bishop verot School Board Chairman David Malt ’75 is currently serving in his fourth year as a member of the School Board. David is President, Owner and Managing Partner of numerous real estate companies. He has been actively engaged in real estate development, acquisition, construction, management, leasing and sales in Florida for nearly 30 years. David is a 1979 graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Business Administration. David and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Chase ’11 and Connor ’15.
vice Chairman Robert Puls ’78 is in his fourth year serving on the Bishop Verot School Board and chairs the finance committee. Robert is a Certified Pension Consultant and is the President and Owner of Progressive Pension Administrators, Inc., with more than 25 years of experience. Robert is a graduate of Florida State University. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children - Ryan ’05, Danielle ’08, and Taylor ’11. Vicki Parks, Ed. D. is in her fourth year on the Bishop Verot School Board and currently serves as Chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee. Vicki received both her undergraduate and Master’s degree from the University of Akron and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Miami. Vicki is a Principal for the Lee County Schools and prior to that was an elementary and middle school teacher.Vicki and her husband, Norman, have one grown daughter and daughter, Alexis ’13
Mary Vlasak Snell is a partner in the Pavese Law Firm in Fort Myers and has been a member of the firm since 1987. Her law practice concentrates in the area of Estate Planning, and Trust and Probate Administration, with a secondary concentration on Taxation and Corporate Law. Mary is the product of Catholic schools as a graduate of St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine, the oldest Catholic high school in Florida. Mary and her husband, Reginald, have two daughters, Emily ’13 and Caroline ’17. Ken Kavanagh is in his second year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot. Ken is now in his fourth year as Director of Athletics at Florida Gulf Coast University. Prior to FGCU, Kavanagh served as Athletic Director at Bradley University for 13 years and rising from assistant athletic director to senior associate athletic director during his nine years at Bowling Green State University. He also worked at Yale University for three years, as well as two years at the University of Notre Dame where he earned his MBA. He received his bachelors in finance from Boston College. Ken and his wife, Mary, have five children, the late Megan, Rose, Mitchell ’11, and twins Jack ’15 and Quinn ’15. Scott Gregory is in his second year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot, and chairs the marketing committee. Scott graduated from Marist College and entered active service with the Army serving in various overseas and stateside locations over a nine year period. In 1995, Scott received a Masters of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. Scott relocated to Southwest Florida in 1995 and joined BB&T Oswald Trippe and Company, specializing in commercial insurance. Scott and his wife, Brenda, have three children, Tyler ‘11, Lindsey ‘13, and Connor ‘15.
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bishop verot School Board Steve Niehaus is in his second year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot. Steve is the General Manager of GE Corporate Payables Solutions operation. His shared services organization supports the GE Business units across various global financial services, including Buy-to-Pay, Freight Audit and Payment, and Trade Payables. Steve graduated from the University of Kentucky and earned an MBA from Arizona State University. Steve and his wife, Sharon, have seven children - Amanda, Greg, Brett, Mary ‘11, Paul ‘14, Teresa ‘16, and Bernadette, and two grandchildren. Robert Graettinger is in his fourth year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot, and chairs the development committee. A Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors, Robert has been assisting clients as a Financial Advisor the past 19 years. A graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Administration, Robert and his wife, Robyn, have one daughter, Reanna class of 2013, and two grown step-sons.
Constantine Mantz, MD is serving in his first year as a member of the School Board. Constantine graduated from the University Of Chicago School Of Medicine in 1995, completed a residency in radiation oncology in 2000, and currently is Chief Medical Officer for 21st Century Oncology. Constantine and his wife, Christina, have three boys, Alex ’15, Nicholas ’18, and Andreas ’21. Adam Hall ‘94 is in his second year as a School Board member. Adam has had an active career in the educational technology industry serving most recently as President of SkillsTutor, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH). Adam co-founded Impact Education in 2000 that was acquired by HMH in 2010 . Adam received his B.A. in Economics from Columbia University in New York City, and worked at JP Morgan Chase on Wall Street prior to the creation of Impact Education. Adam and his wife, Angie, have three children: Chloe Grace (4), Charlotte Rose (Charlee) (2), and Cooper Fox (just born, October 10, 2012) Joseph Magnant, M.D. is in his first year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot. Joe graduated from Virginia Tech in 1981 and received his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia where he stayed on to complete a general surgery residency in 1990. He completed a 2 year vascular surgery fellowship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in 1992 and entered private practice in Rome, Georgia in Vascular surgery until 2006 when he relocated to Fort Myers to open Vein Specialists at Royal Palm Square. Joe and his wife, Patty, have two children, Gabrielle ‘18 and Patrick ’16.
Brett Shannon, MD is in his first year as a School Board member at Bishop Verot. Brett and his family moved to Fort Myers 20 years ago to create a pediatric orthopedic medical practice in the newly established Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida . He and his wife of 32 years, Toni Shannon, have 3 children, all of whom are BVHS graduates – Keely ’03, Brett ’06, Jimmy ’10.
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M at t C reach ‘00
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Introducing
Southern Sophistication By Dan Jackman Sitting at a large table on a Monday night, in the middle of the busy dining room at Fancy’s Southern Cafe in Fort Myers, the chatter is loud, as we discuss our plan of attack for our meal. Joined by eight of my good friends, all of whom are also Bishop Verot alumni, I am one of the Fancy’s veterans at the table - with this being my second trip to the restaurant that week. For those alumni living outside of Fort Myers, you may be wondering what the fuss is about, after all new restaurants come and go every day. Nationally, statistics show that one in four restaurants will close in the first year of operation. In a crowded Fort Myers restaurant landscape, littered with every national chain imaginable, it isn’t too often that an original concept pops up. One month into the launch of his first restaurant, Bishop Verot alumnus, Matt Creach ‘00 is showing Fort Myers his version of southern sophistication. As I wait for the others to decide between the new popular, Southwest Florida staples of fried chicken-n-waffles and shrimp-n-grits, I start giving my version of the visual tour of the room. In what I’ve officially declared a ‘Pintresters’ dream come true, I’ve got the facts down, speaking proudly as if I had played some type of role in the restaurant’s build out. Three years ago, Matt was working in land development construction when he grew tired of the uncertainty of the industry. “I took a leap; I was tired of being just a number,” Matt said. “I wanted to take control back in my life. It just seemed as though I was always at the mercy of others.” While a jump from construction to owning a restaurant may not sound like a logical step, for Matt it was a decision made easier by the fact that he could learn everything he needed to know about the industry from his family. With his father owning and operating several restaurants in Central Florida, Matt jumped into action and for the next year and a half, spent his waking hours at his father’s two restaurants. “Opening a restaurant was a dream of mine,” Matt says proudly as we sat at a table in the mid-afternoon calm -
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between the lunch and dinner rush. “My wife and I decided that it was time.” Following a yearlong search for a suitable location and with a limited budget, Matt and his brother, Daniel Creach ‘93, began the build out of the old Crazy Chef location on Daniels Parkway. Whitewashing the New York City murals and red brick, the brothers began the process of creating their vision for a restaurant with southern sophistication and an old rustic feel. “Every decorative element in the restaurant is reclaimed material or handcrafted,” Matt says proudly. During the build out process, the two brothers built every table and distressed every chair while also creating the unique focal point in the restaurant, the wrought-iron chandelier, an item picked from the yard of a Fort Myers home. On September 22nd, following a three month renovation, Matt realized his dream when he opened his doors for business. With the News-Press’ Annabelle Tometich highlighting the restaurant in her Off the Eaten Path column and personal Facebook pages announcing the venture of the two Bishop Verot brothers, the buzz about Fancy’s spread like an April wildfire in Fort Myers. “Every day just gets better and better,” Matt said of the Fancy’s performance in its first month of operation. The restaurant’s southern comfort concept has taken hold. “Bishop Verot alumni have been incredibly supportive,” Matt says fondly. “Coming from Verot, you get a support system that you don’t necessarily get just anywhere. From my classmates, Coach Gill, Donny Overholser, Mrs. Dakin, and alumni that I’ve never even met, the Bishop Verot family has been out in full force giving Fancy’s a try.” Spending the last year perfecting some of his favorite family recipes, Matt developed a menu that fit into his vision for what Fancy’s needed to be. “It isn’t just fried chicken and waffles. It’s the homemade syrup and seasonings, a mix of sweet and savory that will keep you coming back for more.” Back to my night out at Fancy’s, as the waiter delivers my not one, but two dinner plates, I begin to dig into my pork spare ribs, cheesy grits, and green beans. Matt has not disappointed.
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From the Desk of the Director of Institutional Advancement This fall, we began the final phase of our strategic planning process, mapping out the future of Bishop Verot Catholic High School. I must say, the future of education looks fascinating as we explore how the best faculty coupled with personal tablet technology and associated educational apps will revolutionize the learning process.
One thing was quite evident in the strategic planning process; we can’t proceed without you – our alumni, former parents, current parents, Catholic parishioners, and friends. Over the past five years, our general expenditures have been used to sustain day to day operations and to support the many families who had fallen on hard economic times and truly needed our support to bridge the gap in tuition payments.
Now with our future strategically mapped out, we look to the community to help us in realizing our full potential by embarking on an aggressive campaign to meet our various needs through giving programs like the Annual Fund, Adopt-a-Student, and planned giving.
The month of November marks the launch of our 2012-2013 Annual Fund Campaign, a program that was designed to allow contributors to designate funds towards technological advancements, tuition assistance, and supporting our best assets, our teachers. Funds raised from the Annual Fund will support projects like our advancement to one-to-one tablets in the classroom. The one-to-one program will require significant upgrades to our campus infrastructure and considerable investments in technology and training, none of which can happen without you.
On November 1st, we relaunched our popular Adopt-a-Student program. The program allows members of the Verot community to assist students and their families who desire the benefits of an outstanding Catholic education, but are in need of financial assistance to make that dream a reality. As a school, Bishop Verot awarded nearly $1 million dollars in financial aid last school year, funds that were used by 40% of our families. The dollars awarded through the financial aid program are not reimbursed by any entity outside the school, but fully funded through the support of individuals like you, who believe wholeheartedly in our mission.
This year also marks the renewed focus on our Legacy program through endowments and planned giving. While you may consider it out of reach, the varied options of planned giving allow for flexible terms that can meet your needs while supporting the students at Bishop Verot for years to come. Our Planned Giving article in this month’s issue provides more detail on leaving a legacy. Thank you to all those who have supported Bishop Verot over the past year, your generosity and prayers have been inspiring and have allowed us to offer the very best education to the future leaders of the Southwest Florida community. On behalf of the Advancement Department, we wish you and yours a very happy and blessed Christmas season. Go Vikes!
Randy Zavada ‘77 Director of Institutional Advancement
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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Attention Alumni,
here is your opportunity to...
Influence Rouse Impact Sway
Inspire Bring Incline
Introduce
Lead Prompt Provoke Drive
Invigorate Trigger
Affect Spark Excite Persuade
Touch
Pique Motivate animate
FAMILY LAW ONE Attorney T WO Choices
MEDIATE Peaceful Resolutions LITIGATE Fight for your Rights “The best decision occurs when the focus is on cooperation and resolution. I am prepared to fight for your rights in court when that is the best choice for you.”
exhilarate
Bishop Verot’s
Career Day 2013 Friday, February 8, 2013 Find out more about Career Day opportunities by contacting Kathy Petel at kathy.petel@bvhs.org
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
G ROSSMAN LAW &C M ONFLICT
ANAGEMENT
Serving Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties
Keith@AttorneyGrossman.com
239.210.7516
www.AttorneyGrossman.com Grossman Law & Conflict Management 7270 College Parkway, Suite 1 Fort Myers, Florida 33907
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Today’s Bishop Verot student measures among the brightest in the nation, with SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement scores well above the national average. Our students are indeed prepared to meet the challenges of a competitive university environment and have the drive and discipline to become the next generation of leaders in the Southwest Florida community. The cost of educating our students has risen as technology and other factors have dramatically altered the educational landscape. Bishop Verot has strived to limit tuition increases, especially in the last few years, to ensure that financial challenges do not become an obstacle for our families. The single most effective way that you can ensure that all deserving students can attend Bishop Verot is through your financial support. There are many ways to support Bishop Verot; your gift of a Catholic education is one that impacts students for the rest of their lives.
ANNUAL FUND
The Bishop Verot Annual Fund is the foundation of community support for Bishop Verot, supporting such initiatives as technology enhancements, tuition assistance, and campus upkeep. The campaign asks for support from our Catholic community, alumni, current and former parents and friends.
Whether your gift is $5, $50, $500, or $5,000, rest assured that every dollar donated to Bishop Verot is directly supporting our mission to build a community of faith and learning.
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ADOPT-A-STUDENT
In today’s difficult financial times we have seen up to 40% of our families requesting need-based tuition assistance, with around $1,200,000 distributed to students. This assistance is not covered by any outside group and must be attained through Bishop Verot’s fundraising efforts. Contributing to the Adopt-A-Student program will allow you to make the greatest impact in the lives of our students by ensuring a solid education in a faith-filled environment. Tuition for 2012-2013 school year is $10,625.00, which is inclusive of all fees. Consider your contribution in terms of the school year: Whatever the amount, your gift has an immediate impact on the life of a student.
Pay for the month: $1,062 • Pay for the Quarter: $2,656 • Pay of the Semester: $5312 • Pay for the School Year: $10,625
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS The purpose of an endowment is to provide ongoing support for the current and future activities of Bishop Verot and its students. It is, therefore, a perpetual, self-sustaining source of permanent funding. Each year, a portion of the endowment’s earnings are paid out, while the principal is retained for future growth. As a result, it is imperative that the endowment grow its investment assets sufficient to support an annual spending stream of the endowment in perpetuity. The two key ingredients that are required for the endowment to grow its assets are: 1) new gifts and 2) investment performance. Bishop Verot currently has nine endowed scholarship funds valued at over $1.16 million, which provide over $62,000 in scholarship each year. Jacob Alderman Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2003. A need-based award given to a deserving student Joseph Grabsch Scholarship Fund Established 2005. A full scholarship awarded to a worthy student
John & Mimi Hotchkiss Scholarship Fund Established 2004. A partial scholarship awarded for a minority student with strong academics Carl Kistel Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2000. A need-based award given to a deserving student Rob Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2000. A need-based award given to a deserving student
Edward & Esther Kuss Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2010. A partial scholarship awarded to a deserving student Dick Stahl Memorial Scholarship Fund Established 2008. A need-based award given to an incoming freshman from St. Francis Xavier School Spirit of ‘74 Scholarship Fund Established 2011. A need-based based award for a well rounded, high performing student The Bishop Verot High School Foundation Scholarship Established 1995. A need-based award given to a deserving student
STADIUM ENTRANCE
Over the last 50 years, Viking Stadium has blossomed from a simple field with folding chairs neatly carved out of a swampy section of Bishop Verot’s campus to a 4,500 seat stadium complete with the only field turf in Lee County. In the fall of 2009, Bishop Verot débuted the first phase of the expansion of Viking Stadium, made possible through the generous support of the late Duane Swanson. From the field turf to stadium lights, it was always the goal of Mr. Swanson to provide the very best for the students of Bishop Verot.
Today, we are in the final phase of the Viking Stadium expansion project, which is known as the Gateway to the Duane and Cookie Swanson Athletic Complex. The gateway project will replace the current building with a facility that will house a much expanded restroom area, large open ticket booth, and Viking apparel store.
Through the sacrifice and generosity of many Verot families and supporters we have been able to raise funds to cover nearly 85% of the total cost of the third and final phase, yet today we remain $50,000 short in the needed dollars to complete the project.
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PROVIDING FOR TOMORROW As we continue our celebration of our 50th Anniversary and prepare for the 50th graduating class this May, Bishop Verot has been looking ahead and strategically preparing itself for the next 50 years. Most of our preparations have been in the form of the next step in technology, the personal tablets and wireless infrastructure that will revolutionize the classroom and transform our campus. For those who grew up in Catholic schools, it goes without saying that the budgetary needs of Catholic schools have dramatically changed in the last 50 years. Prior to Vatican II, a Catholic education was, for all intent and purposes, free. This was only possible due to the overwhelming abundance of priests and sisters teaching in our schools and the strong support of the Catholic community. An ever decreasing number of religious available to work in Catholic schools has shifted the landscape of the school community, now entirely made up of dedicated lay teachers. The shift from religious to lay faculty and staff also brought on the associated cost of salaries and benefits. Throughout the years, Bishop Verot has relied solely on tuition to meet the financial needs of the school community. Today, with the economy still struggling to recover, nearly 40% of Bishop Verot families require some form of need-based financial assistance. Ranked as one of the Top 50 Catholic high schools in the nation, Bishop Verot Catholic High School is Southwest Florida’s premiere educational institution and thanks to the financial support of the generous Verot community, the school is able to remain committed to serving a diverse and dynamic student body. The graduates of Bishop Verot bring the tradition of excellence with them to Southwest Florida Region as they serve as doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, business leaders, and social workers.
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The school’s ability to surmount challenges and realize opportunities cannot rest solely on its tradition or the strength of its existing resources. The task of ensuring Bishop Verot’s future rests with those who invest in the school with a vision for tomorrow. As we look to embark on this exciting journey, the school must look for new ways to support the mission critical vision that will usher us into the next 50 years. This means, supporting tuition assistance, securing competitive faculty and staff salaries, benefits and professional growth; and overhauling our educational technology opportunities on campus. The Advancement Department has taken positive steps to gain momentum in our Endowment and Planned Giving programs. What is “planned giving”? “Planned giving” or legacy giving is the integration of your personal, financial and estate planning goals with lifetime or testamentary charitable giving. Bishop Verot provides many opportunities to give back, whether you are an alumnus, student, faculty/staff, parent, past parent, grandparent, foundation, or friend. There are many vehicles to make a planned gift, all of which provide their own opportunities and advantages for you and Bishop Verot.
We can help provide gift planning information to you and your professional advisors at no cost or obligation.
As you consider year-end tax and estate planning, we hope you consider the impact you can make for the students, staff, and the future of Bishop Verot Catholic High School. Please contact the Advancement office to coordinate efforts with your financial professionals regarding potential income and tax benefits of giving alternatives.
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so many ways to give Bequest
Charitable Remainder Trust
You can establish one or more trusts in your will to benefit your spouse, children, or others. Your will sets forth the trust terms and supplies funding from your estate. You can provide for the long-term financial needs of your beneficiaries through professional investment management while a provision in your Will/Trust provides a testamentary gift to Bishop Verot.
A charitable remainder unitrust is like a combination of a gift and an investment plan. You place assets in a trust, and you (and/ or another beneficiary) receive income from them - for life or a term of years - then Bishop Verot receives the remainder. These trusts can be funded with cash, securities, and even real estate.
A beneficiary designation on a qualified plan (IRA’s, 401K, 403(b), Keogh, etc.) describes how your assets will be distributed upon your death. This can include your Life Insurance and Annuity Proceeds.
The Charitable Lead Trust allows you to reduce taxes upon your estate by transferring your assets to a Trust that then pays a fixed percentage of the assets to the Bishop Verot Endowment Fund for either a set number of years or the lifetime of the donor. Once the estate taxes are reduced, the remainder of the estate is transferred to the beneficiaries.
Beneficiary Designations
Charitable Gift Annuity
This is a way for you to make a gift to Bishop Verot and still receive an income for yourself or others for life. The charitable gift amount is made immediately to Bishop Verot and invested in the Bishop Verot Endowment Fund. In return, Bishop Verot agrees to pay a high fixed rate of return for life for you and possibly another person. At the end of the agreement, the funds are used by Bishop Verot according to your instructions.
Gifts that provide Income
By transferring a gift of cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate you can retain the income from these financial vehicles for a specified term or in some cases, your life and/ or the life of your beneficiaries.
Charitable Lead Trust
Gift of Personal Residence with Life Estate Retained
With the gift of a personal residence, you would irrevocably transfer the title of your personal residence while maintaining exclusive use of the property for life. Although the property needs to be a personal residence, it does not need to be your primary residence. You are responsible for maintenance, upkeep, insurance, and property taxes, and are entitled to any income the property produces. Your immediate tax deduction equals the value of the remainder interest while bypassing the capital gains tax and lowering your estate taxes.
The information in this publication is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.
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A Call to Serve: Alumni Ordained By Bob Reddy ~ Florida Catholic
Two Bishop Verot alumni each took major steps forward in their faith formation this fall, Diocese of Venice Seminarian and Bishop Verot graduate Eric Scanlan ’03 was ordained a transitional deacon on October 4th at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Casey Jones, ordained a priest for the Diocese of Venice on July 14th at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Scanlan was one of 32 men in his ordination class from the Pontifical North American College. The diaconal ordination marks a profound change in a man as he is endowed with the gift of God’s grace to serve His people, to conform his heart ever fully to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to preach the love and truth of God. “I know and believe that God is calling me to this life and that I am exactly where I should be,” Transitional Deacon Scanlan noted. “To give one’s life to Christ, it is a beautiful thing. It is a freedom that only God can give, and that I know I can find only in Him.” Scanlan’s ordination was presided over by Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark who referred to St. Francis of Assisi who was also ordained to the diaconate and remarked, “we need only remember St. Francis of Assisi … His life helped the Word to come alive in people’s hearts and minds and lives. One of his admonitions to his Friars is timeless and appropriate for each of us today: ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.’”
“To give one’s life to Christ, it is a beautiful thing. It is a freedom that only God can give, and that I know I can find only in Him.”
“It’s a huge step, the last before priesthood, and which definitively enters me into a brotherhood that many holy men have taken on before me since the very beginning of Eric Scanlan ‘03 the Church, such as St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, and St. Francis of Assisi.” Scanlan graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a degree in Marketing and then finished with a Masters of Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2009. He was a member of the class of 2012 at Pontifical Gregorian University where he earned his degree in Sacred Theology and recently began graduate studies in Spirituality at the Tresianum or Carmelite University while remaining in residence at the North American College. He is expected to be ordained to the priesthood in about a year. Father Casey Jones was one of two men welcomed into Priesthood with blessings and applause as he became priests for the Diocese of Venice. Bishop Dewane said the men “responded to the call of Christ. Let what you teach be a nourishment to the people of God and imitate Christ in his love for others. Your willingness to serve the people of God as priests is not merely a noble effort on your part. It is a sign of hope for the Church as each of us attempts to live our baptismal promises and journey to the Lord.” Eric Scanlan ‘03 (right) inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City following his ordination as a transitional deacon.
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Father Casey Jones, who celebrated his birthday just a few days after the ordination, noted that he had trouble keeping his emotions in check. “It was a special moment that I worked so hard for but always knew I would be here. I realized that during the ordination I was spiritually changed forever as that indelible mark of consecration was placed on me. I am blessed to be chosen for this calling.” Father Jones, of Fort Myers, attended St. Francis Xavier School and Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. He attended Edison State College and later Sacred Heart National Seminary in Detroit, Mich., and Carroll College in Helena, Mont., before going on to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He celebrated his first Mass at Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers. During the ordination Bishop Dewane noted that both men answered the Call to Holiness, which comes with great responsibility and accountability. “You are joined to the Bishop in the priestly office and are called to serve God and His people.”
Casey Jones, a former Bishop Verot student, ordained a priest by Bishop Frank Dewane. The essential rite of the sacrament is the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration, an ancient tradition in the Church. By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained, giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.
The ordination ceremony includes various rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, sign of peace. The ritual of prostration symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 boys varsity soccer seniors
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justin reynolds
quade marinell
preston haytec
matt viceli
jessie mitchell
marc kratzat
jared frantz
matt bellomy
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 girls soccer seniors
morgan cole
nicole linden
ashley lofgren
Sophia Quinonez
winter 2013 girls varsity basketball seniors
bailey bAKER
AMBER PLAZA
MARIAH SCHROTENBOER winter 2013
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 boys varsity basketball seniors
luke lebreche
brian baker
mason taylor
joe paschitti
mitchell fundingsland
max williams
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
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winter 2013 senior cheerleaders
laura gardner
shelby jordan
Stefanie english
elaine sarlo
rachel whittaker
jenny abellard
megan rusnell
brianna bachman
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
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Winter 2013 boys varsity soccer
About head coach craig gembecki
Craig Gembecki h ead c o a c h
winter 2013
Craig Gembecki is beginning his second year as head coach of the program after spending the last two years as an assistant on the Junior Varsity team. During those two seasons, the JV program compiled a record of more than twenty wins, with only one loss and two draws. Gembecki was a four year member of the Varsity team from 2000-2004, winning a state championship in 2001. He is a graduate of Florida State University in 2008 with a B.S. in Finance.
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 boys varsity and Junior varsity soccer coACHES
michael larrea
artur ben
a s s i s ta n t h ead c o a c h
v a r s ity a s s i s ta n t
Marc estabrook
chris horn
g o al k ee p e r s
JV Head C o a c h
winter 2013 boys varsity soccer schedule 11/27/2012 11/30/2012 12/03/2012 12/04/2012 12/07/2012 12/14/2012 01/09/2013 01/10/2013 01/15/2013 01/17/2013
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clewiston high school cardinal mooney high school at cypress lake high school gateway charter high school at dunbar high school at labelle high school gulf coast high school at north port high school at titan stadium at riverdale high school
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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Winter 2013 boys junior varsity soccer
winter 2013 boys JV soccer schedule
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12/03/2012 at cypress lake high school
06:00 pm
12/04/2012 AT GATEWAY CHARTER H.S.
07:00 pm
12/14/2012 labelle high school
07:00 pm
01/09/2013 gulf coast high school
05:30 pm
01/10/2013 at north port high school
05:00 pm
01/15/2013 at golden gate high school
06:00 pm
01/17/2013 at riverdale high school
06:00 pm
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
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Winter 2013 girls soccer
About head coach Randy Zavada
randy zavada h ead c o a c h
winter 2013
Randy Zavada ’77 and all five of his children (’01 – ’10) are graduates of Bishop Verot. Zavada is beginning his 31st year of coaching, his 16th at Verot and 9th year as the Head Girls Soccer Coach. Over the past 8 years he has compiled a record of 12634-16, with 7 district titles and two State Elite 8 appearances. 10 of Zavada’s players have gone on to successful college soccer careers. Both Randy and his wife, Lora, are graduates of Loyola University of New Orleans. Zavada is the Director of Advancement at Bishop Verot.
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
matt burbach
sara setzer
a s s i s ta n t h ead c o a c h
a s s i s ta n t c o a c h
winter 2013 girls varsity soccer schedule 11/29/2012 11/30/2012 12/03/2012 12/04/2012 12/07/2012 12/10/2012 12/12/2012 12/14/2012 01/04/2013 01/08/2013 01/09/2013 01/11/2013
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at north port high school cardinal mooney catholic high school ida s. baker high school gateway charter high school at dunbar high school mariner high school cape coral high school at labelle high school estero high school cypress lake high school at north fort myers high school gulf coast high school
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
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winter 2013 boys Varsity basketball Team
About head coach matt herting
matt herting h ead c o a c h
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Matt Herting is entering 14th season at Verot. His career coaching record stands at 328-136. At BV, Coach Herting has a 255-118 mark, making him the winningest basketball coach in Verot history. He has led the Vikings to 8 consecutive district titles and a 14-8 record in the state play-offs including 6 appearances in the Elite 8, and a trip to the Final 4. Herting has been named SW Florida Coach of the Year on five separate occasions (News-Press ’01, ‘09, ’11 and SFABC ’06 and ’09). He has a BA from University of Sioux Falls (SD), and a MS from Mississippi State University.
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 boys basketball coaches
kyle lantz
garrett copeland
leo miller
Va r s ity A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
Va r s ity A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
Va r s ity A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
casey breen
gus simmons
kelly jordan
Va r s ity A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
winter 2013 boys varsity basketball schedule 11/29/2012 12/06/2012 12/08/2012 12/12/2012 12/18/2012 01/08/2013 01/11/2013 01/12/2013 01/16/2013 01/17/2013 01/19/2013 01/22/2013 01/25/2013 01/26/2013 01/28/2013 02/02/2013
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at labelle high school gateway charter high school hoops for heart - robert w. lundquist gymnasium cape coral high school city of palms classic - nevins gymnasium at clewiston high school dunbar high school swfl shootout - fort myers high school gym labelle high school at gateway charter high school wally keller classic - charlotte high school gulf coast high school at dunbar high school charlotte high School community school of naples fort myers high school
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winter 2013 boys junior Varsity basketball Team
winter 2013 boys junior varsity basketball schedule 11/29/2012 12/04/2012 12/12/2012 01/08/2013 01/11/2013 01/16/2013 01/19/2013 01/22/2013 01/25/2013 01/26/2013 01/28/2013 02/02/2013
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at labelle high school island coast high school cape coral high school at clewiston high school dunbar high school labelle high school 2013 bv classic - nevins gymnasium gulf coast high school at dunbar high school swfl shootout - fort myers high school gym community school of naples fort myers high school
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winter 2013 boys freshman basketball Team
winter 2013 boys freshman basketball schedule 11/28/2012 12/04/2012 12/06/2012 12/07/2012 12/10/2012 12/12/2012 01/08/2013 01/16/2013 01/17/2013 01/19/2013 01/22/2013 01/25/2013 01/26/2013 02/02/2013
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at barron g. collier high school island coast high school gateway charter high school first baptist academy lely high school cape coral high school at golden gate high school at lely high school at gateway charter high school 2013 bv classic - nevis gymnasium gulf coast high school bishop verot high school swfl shootout - fort myers high school gym fort myers high school
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
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winter 2013 girls Varsity basketball Team
About head coach mark kramer
Mark Kramer is in his third season as the Varsity Head Coach for the Bishop Verot Lady Vikings Basketball team. He is a graduate and a former player for The Pennsylvania State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. The Lady Vikings went 16-11 last season and competed for the District 4A-11 championship and reached the FHSAA State Tournament Regional Quarters. Coach Kramer resides in Fort Myers with his wife Denise and their five children; Taylor, Jessica, Cassidy, Mackenzie and Payton.
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
mark kramer h ead c o a c h
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
cheerleading
winter 2013 girls basketball coaches
TAYLOR KRAMER
scott woolam
A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
Va r s ity A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
denise york
maurine martin
j v h ead c o a c h
JV A s s i s ta n t C o a c h
winter 2013 girls varsity basketball schedule 11/29/2012 lABELLE HIGH SCHOOL 11/30/2012 LELY HIGH SCHOOL 12/03/2012 OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY 12/04/2012 AT FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY 12/06/2012 AT GATEWAY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 12/11/2012 DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL 12/26/2012 QUEEN OF PALMS - IDA S. BAKER GYM 12/27/2012 QUEEN OF PALMS CLASSIC - DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL 01/07/2013 AT DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL 01/08/2013 CLEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL 01/10/2013 AT LABELLE HIGH SCHOOL 01/15/2013 AT EAST LEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 01/17/2013 GATEWAY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 01/18/2013 AT LELY HIGH SCHOOL 01/24/2013 FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL 01/25/2013 SEACREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
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boys soccer girls soccer boys basketball girls basketball
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winter 2013 girls junior Varsity basketball Team
winter 2013 girls junior varsity basketball schedule 11/29/2012 LABELLE HIGH SCHOOL 11/30/2012 lely high school 12/06/2012 at gateway charter high school 12/11/2012 dunbar high school 01/07/2013 at dunbar high school 01/08/2013 Clewiston high school 01/10/2013 at labelle high school 01/15/2013 at east lee county high school 01/17/2013 gateway charter high school 01/18/2013 at lely high school 01/24/2013 FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL
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winter 2013 varsity cheerleaders
NIKKI BARBOUR h ead c o a c h
About head coach BARBOUR
Nikki Barbour graduated from Bishop Verot in 2000 and is in her first year of coaching the Vikings. Barbour began her coaching career as a cheerleading coach in 1997 for Cape Coral’s junior cheer program. Over the course of her 15 year career, Barbour has coached seven Pop Warner cheer teams, one of which placed top four in the nation. Barbour is excited to be back at Bishop Verot as head coach for the Vikings.
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briana hazzi
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winter 2013 junior varsity cheerleaders
winter 2013 freshmen cheerleaders
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“Little Bit” of Spirit For 28 years, little girls have cheered their hearts out as future Vikings taking part in the Little Bit of Spirit Cheer Clinic. This year, over 80 girls’ ages 5 to 14 took part in the Little Bit of Spirit Cheer Clinic to help cheer on the Vikings during the Fort Myers vs. Verot football Game.
Amelia (back row) leads the Little Bit of Spirit Cheer Clinic in 2012.
How time flies, sophomore Amelia Pagan (left), daughter of Bishop Verot English Department Chair, Stacey Elmeer, appears in this picture as a 2nd grader taking part in Little Bit of Spirit in 2004 Do you have Little Bit of Spirit pictures as a participant and then a cheerleader? Email me at dan.jackman@bvhs.org.
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Alumni calendar
Come Be a Part of the Verot Community Again…. Saturday, february 9, 2013
friday, April 12, 2013
Mardi Gras Ball BV Campus - 6:00 pm-11:00 pm
Athletic Hall of Fame Nevins Gymnasium - 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Friday, March 15, 2013
July 19, 20, 21, 2013
Texas Hold 'Em Tournament De Sales Plaza - 7:00 pm
Class of 1992 - 20 Year Reunion Contact Joyce Dolley joycester14@hotmail.com
Saturday, march 16, 2013 VikingFest BV Campus - 11:00 am
sunday, march 17, 2013
VikingFest BV Campus - 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
You can find out more information about all of these events at: www.BVHS.org/Calendar
Mardi Gras Ball ad.pdf 1 11/13/2012 2:38:56 PM
BISHOP VEROT PRESENTS the 1st annual
Saturday, February 9th
All proceeds benefitting Bishop Verot’s educational initiatives Learn more by visiting our website, www.BVHS.org/MardiGras
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From the Desk of the
Alumni President
I have always believed that there is strength in numbers. And, that a community is only as strong as the people that support it. As usual, this holds true with good old Viking pride. Over this past year, the awareness of the alumni association has grown by leaps and bounds and I couldn’t be happier. Alumni volunteers have proven to be a driving force behind the successful planning and execution of class reunions and alumni events. We have had a steady attendance at our monthly meetings. Our Viking Fest was a lucrative accomplishment that provided assistance for many of our students’ needs. Numerous class reunions that took place over the summer have brought together old and new friends alike. And recently, the fourth annual Homecoming Tailgate went off without a hitch. More than 250 alumni gathered for food and drinks in the Senior Courtyard. Everyone had a blast and we will definitely need to plan for extra food and drinks next year! With this recent success we are putting together our first ever Mardi Gras Ball. This event will take place on Saturday, February 9th, with proceeds supporting the school. Traditionally one of the key elements of a Mardi Gras Ball is the crowning of a King, so in Verot fashion, we will crown our very first “Alumni of The Year”. This is where you come in. A list of criteria has been established for the selection process and we need nominations. The decisive factors will include the following: Eligibility • The nominee will be a graduate of Bishop Verot Criteria in one or more of the following areas • Distinction in professional life and/or exemplary community service • Support of Bishop Verot through volunteer time, skills and/or resources • Show commitment to the mission of Bishop Verot which is “to build a community of faith and learning in the Salesian tradition, devoted to educating minds and hearts, dedicated to service, and centered in Christ” • Serve as an outstanding role model for the Bishop Verot students of today, exemplifying the school motto “Non Excidet”
Nominees • Anyone may submit a nomination. • Should include:submitter’s contact information, nominee’s contact information, year of graduation, a summary of why the nominee is deserving of the award, and supporting materials or details related to the nomination such as professional background, achievements, community activities, organizations, and creative work. • Deadline: Monday, January 7th • Submit to: Dan Jackman dan.jackman@bvhs.org or Marie Mengle mtmengle@ comcast.net. Thank you for all who have participated in making the alumni association a great success. You truly are the backbone of helping to contribute to the finest possible education for the future generations of Bishop Verot alumni. Looking forward to hearing back from all of you. Non Excidet,
Marie
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Marie Mengle ‘96, Alumni Association President • mtmengle@comcast.net black & gold
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National Merit Semi-Finalists Announced
In the last issue of the Black and Gold we told you about seven of our seniors selected to become part of the National Merit competition. The National Merit program has now announced that four of the seniors will continue on as SemiFinalists. Delia Brennan, Jacob Hart, Joseph Sedlak, and Austin Benacquisto join an exclusive group of students as the top one percent of academically talented high school students in the nation. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The nationwide Left to Right: Joe Sedlak, Delia Brennan, pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. Jacob Hart, and Austin Benacquisto high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. As semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, these four students have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring.
Dhyana Taylor named to National Achievement Scholarship Program
(picture) Bishop Verot Catholic High School is proud to announce that Dhyana was named to the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program, one of 1,600 Black American high school seniors in the United States. Now in its 49th year, the program aims to recognize scholastically talented young men and women for their academic achievements. Beyond her academic work, Dhyana plays an active role in the Bishop Verot community as co-captain of the Drum Line, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta, corresponding secretary and in school coordinator for the National Honor Society, and a member of Model UN. Students in the program will now go on to compete for 800 Achievement Scholarships worth more than $2.5 million.
VEROT STUDENT ATHLETES RECOGNIZED AT ART OF THE OLYMPIANS EVENT
What saves a man is to take a step.
Then another step. -C.S. Lewis
May the journey of your life be built on the foundation of Catholic Education. We proudly support the mission & students of Bishop Verot High School.
BLESSED POPE JOHN XXIII winter 2013
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Left to Right: John Gargano, Cathy Oerter, Katie Avery, Danika Thiele, and Olympic gold medalist and record-breaking track and field star, Bob Beamon, serves as the CEO for the Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence.
Bishop Verot seniors, John Gargano, Katie Avery, and Danika Thiele were recognized at the Art of the Olympian’s Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida event. The even recognizes young men and women for remaining drug free, and making positive contributions in the areas of art and athletics. This event is held in honor of the late Al Oerter; world respected not only as a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist discus thrower and talented artist, but also for his unshakable personal integrity. John Gargano and Katie Avery were nominated for the Al Oerter Trophy, and Danika Thiele was nominated for the Visual Arts Award.
TWO BISHOP VEROT STUDENTS SELECTED AS NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION SCHOLARS
Bishop Verot seniors Emma Bickel and Joseph Sedlak have been selected as 2012-2013 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. The NHRP was imitated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. This year, the NHRP will recognize 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students from a pool of over 253,000 who took the 2011 PSAT.
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Ask a Linden to take a Bishop Verot alumni group picture at their wedding and you a likely to get a picture with 50 Verot alumni. Shawn Linden ‘07 married Keri Lause ‘07 on September 22nd in Fort Myers. Shawn and Kerri met while attending Bishop Verot and have been dating since their junior year. We are always looking for updates for the Class Notes section. Email notes and pictures to Dan Jackman at dan. jackman@bvhs.org.
1972 Class of 1972
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40th Reunion
1986
May-Wong Chou
May-Wong Chou was named treasurer of the National Association of Professional Women, Naples chapter. Chou is a graduate of the University of Florida and is a Naples based family immigration lawyer and member of the Florida Bar.
big sisters, Chloe (4) and Charlee (2), who can’t get enough of their new little brother. The Halls wish to thank the Verot community for their outpouring of congratulations and well-wishes.
1992
Shawn Berner
Shawn Berner the head football coach at Fort Campbell, KY and was recently featured in Sports Illustrated’s underdog series. Shawn’s team is comprised of many players with parents deployed overseas. Ft. Campbell is one of the most successful high school football programs in Kentucky.
Rosie (Milam) Hetman-Clemente The class of 1972 met for their 40th Class reunion on October 13th at Kathy and Bill Sutton’s home. Pictured L to R: Susan PulsProia, Gary Proia, Claire Wilson McMasters, Julie McDevitt Smith, Kathy Austin Walker, Cheri Campbell, Missy McElroy Sparks, Margarita Mousset Rojas, RobbinDeyber Saul, Charles (Bob) O’Connor, Kathy Burns Sutton, Pam Miller Edwards, Bob Everett, Julie Wood Smith, Phyllis Olroyd, Linda Tepper Evans, Tom Jahnke
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Rosie (Milam) Hetman-Clemente opened Atlantic Shores Realty of Jacksonville, full service real estate company in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Rosie’s new offices opened on October 5th.
1994
Adam and Angie Hall
Adam and Angie Hall are celebrating a new addition to their family. Cooper Fox Hall made his grand entrance early in the morning on October 10, 2012 at 2:48am weighing 8 lbs, 10 oz and measuring 21 inches. Cooper is adored by his two
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
1997 Class of 1997
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15th Reunion
2000
Chelsea Adams
Chelsea Adams married Josh Kameny on September 29th in New York where the couple currently resides.
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2000
Joe McMasters
the Department of Citrus. The News-Press endorsed Dane Eagle in October, stating “His youthful energy, seriousness, calm style and Tallahassee experience will be valuable in the Lee County legislative delegation.” Dane’s campaign focused on the four E’s - Economy, Education, Environment, and Ethics. Bishop Verot alumni joined Dane at his campaign party on November 6th. Pictured left to right: Nick Rice ‘01, Raemi Eagle ‘98, Dan Jackman ‘01, Dane Eagle ‘01, JP Mohica ‘01, Aaron Parvey ‘01, Ryan Wade ‘01, Kristen Bartos ‘01, Corey Savage ‘03.)
Corey (Collins) Ruffins Joe McMasters and his wife, Elizabeth and welcomed their second daughter, Anna to the family on October 5th at Health Park hospital. Anna is happy and healthy and joins her older sister Mia, whois four. Joe has worked in the Information Systems department at Lee Memorial Health System for 5 years.
reside in Raleigh where he owns the Oak City Cycling Project, a local, independent cycling shop focused on increasing bicycle ridership through sales, service, outreach, and community.
2001
Dane Eagle
Bishop Verot alumnus Dane Eagle ‘01 was elected State Representative of Cape Coral during the November 6th election. Dane pulled well ahead of his opponent with 62 percent of the vote in the Florida House District 77 race. Dane’s political career was shaped while serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor at age 24 – the youngest in Florida’s history. In this position Dane essentially helped manage the Executive Branch of the State of Florida and its agencies while working very closely with the Legislative Branch. He served as the Governor’s liaison to the Office of Tourism, Trade, & Economic Development, the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation, and
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Corey (Collins) Ruffins, her husband, Jason, and their son, Jaxson, welcomed baby boy Carter Cash on May 23rd at 9lbs 1oz 21.5 in. Big brother Jax will be 4 in November. He plays Tball and can’t wait to start VPK next year. Corey and family have been back in Cape Coral for the past three years. Corey stays at home while running a successful home daycare business called CoCo’s Playhouse and Jason is the head golf professional at Royal Tee Golf Club in Cape Coral.
Joining David at his wedding were Bishop Verot alumni Michael Kirby ‘01, Peter Zell ’04, Jon Graber ’01, Marie Mengle ‘96, Kristine Mengle ’01, Brian Mengle ’99, and Katie (Zell) Kelley ’99.
2001-2002
Michael and Shannon Brander
2001
Michael Knox
Michael Knox recently launched “My Mobile Scoreboard” an application available on both iTunes and Google Play. The app allows families to share sports scores and updates in real time on social networks, directly linking family members and friends around the world.
2001
David Zell
David Zell married Sonya Sells in Raleigh, North Carolina on October 6. David is a graduate of Elon University and current
Michael Brander ‘01 and Shannon Little Brander ‘02 recently welcomed their first child. Sophia Lou Brander was born on
bishop verot’s alumni magazine
winter 2013
October 24th, 2012. Mike and Shannon also had their 5th wedding anniversary on October 27th, 2012, and this was a perfect gift to celebrate the occasion. Mike and Shannon currently live in Canton, Michigan.
2002
Todd Androsko
Bar. Before joining Henderson Franklin, Richard worked at a Tallahassee based law firm for three years. Vanessa recently began working at Gartner, a leading information technology research and advisory firm. Vanessa was previously the Director of Membership for the Florida Medial Association. Richard and Vanessa are both founding board members of the Southwest Florida Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Society.
2003
James Didio
James Didio and Samantha Porter were married by Father Hugh on October 27that St Francis Xavier Parish.
2006
2011
Miriam Haupt graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Microbiology and Molecular Biology and recently moved to Pennsylvania with her husband, Kevin, and their daughter, Jayla, who recently celebrated her first birthday. Miriam was recently accepted to LECOM – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Jason Hoop was elected Florida Gulf Coast University’s Student Government Senate President. As Senate President, Jason will manage and oversee the Senate which consists of 36 senators from various colleges at FGCU, while managing and dispersing a $4.1 million budget. The senate is one of three branches that make up Student Government at FGCU. Jason also appoints and manages four senate committee chairs - the outreach committee, the legislative committee, the university relations committee, and the appropriations committee. Jason is a sophomore at FGCU, majoring in Biotechnology with minors in both economics and chemistry.
Mariam Houpt Todd Androsko was inducted into the University of West Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in February 2012. In his induction to University of West Florida’s Hall of Fame, the school declared Androsko as “one of the best pitchers to ever toe the rubber for the Argonauts.” In his freshman season in 2003, Androsko made a big splash, finishing 21st in NCAA Division II with a 2.15 ERA and leading UWF with 14 starts. In his first postseason start the lefthander hurled a complete game shutout against Alabama-Huntsville in the GSC Tournament. Androsko led West Florida to the program’s first two Gulf South Conference East Division Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2010, he capped off his career honors with a selection to the GSC All-Decade Team.Pictured:Todd pictured with his dad, former Bishop Verot science department chairman, Rich Androsko.
2010
Katie Mosher
winter 2013 & gold 45 black
Jason Hoop
2012
Our thanks for the Non Excidet shout out on ESPN College Game Day from EJ Marineau while the Game Day crew was visiting Florida State University. EJ is a freshman at FSU.
Richard Akin and Vannessa Dakin Akin
Richard Akin and Vannessa Dakin Akin recently returned to Southwest Florida after living in Tallahassee for a number ofyears. Richard joined Henderson Franklin Law Firm in the Tort & Insurance Litigation and Commercial Litigation areas. Richard graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University Law School and is a member of the Trial Lawyers Section and Young Lawyers Section of the Florida
never happen. 2012 Co-Captain and All ACC Pre-Season selection, Katie led the defensive effort for Florida State racking up 16 digs in just 3 sets and keeping hard driven attacks by the Florida Gators off the floor. Katie Mosher and the Florida State volleyball team are currently tied for 1st place in the ACC with a 12-1 record and 21-2 overall record. The Seminoles are looking to hold on to that lead to earn back to back ACC Championships and a trip to the post season NCAA tournament where they made it in the Final Four in 2011. Katie Mosher and her team have not lost a home court match since she took the floor as a redshirt freshman libero last season in 2011. She is just 43 digs shy of reaching a career milestone of 1000 digs.
Katie Mosher is a redshirt sophomore libero for the Florida State Volleyball team. For the first time since October 31, 1994 (Katie would have been 2 years old at the time) the Seminoles defeated the Gators in volleyball in front of a capacity crowd. The Seminole win ended a 21 match and 18 year record that many thought could
bishopbishop verot’s verot’s alumni alumni magazine magazine
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OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF THE 29TH ANNUAL ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT TITLE SPONSORS Church of the Resurrection Vince & Suzie Nowell - Alco Fence Company SUPER SPONSORS Scot Goldberg - Goldberg, Racila, D'Alessandro & Noone John & Barbara Anthony - Stanton Doors EAGLE SPONSORS Radiology Regional Center Geoff & Jeannie Becker Adam & Angie Hall Steve & Sharon Niehaus Jeff & Jeannie Richards Gary & Myriam Sedlak BIRDIE SPONSORS Lennar Homes DRINK & BREAKFAST SPONSORS Michael Lee & Sally Palmon Tom & Beverly Fewster Paul & Debbie Bretton
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bishop verot’s alumni magazine
winter 2013
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