THE
SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
CARDINAL
The Class of 2015 Brett Barta-Texas A&M Corpus Christi Rebecca Bittick-Victoria College Kurt Chunda-Texas A&M University Kyle Chunda-University of Texas Bella Crawford-Incarnate Word University Taylor Davis-Houston Cosmetology Emily Fikac-Blinn College Destiny Garza-University of Houston
Johanna Green-St. Edwards University Morgan Hull- Texas A&M Corpus Christi Abby Irvin-Texas A&M University Kolten Knesek-Texas A&M Corpus Christi McKenzie Kresta-Blinn College Victoria Kusak-Texas A&M University Wenjie Ma- Texas A&M University Emily Malinovsky-Texas State University
Elise Patek-Texas State University Emily Pokluda-Blinn College Connor Pruitt-TSTC Waco Loni Soefje-Texas A&M University Claire Spaeth-University of Houston Cassidy Thomas-Tex. Lutheran University Kaylee Vargo-Texas Tech Samuel Wenske-TSTC Waco Sean Wenske -University of Houston
College Days are Here‌ The Class of 2015 is a diverse class of scholars, artists, athletes and servants. All 25 students have been accepted to institutions of higher education. They have competed courageously in TAPPS sports and academic events, expressed themselves in fine arts, contributed significantly to non-profits through community service work and impressed faculty and staff during their years at St. Paul High School. We wish The Class of 2015 many blessings in their new pathway. They have left a lasting impression in the halls of SPH and we will miss them. Graduation will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 6:30 in the evening at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church.
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
A Senior Prospective - Cassidy Thomas 2015 For the next four years, I plan to call Texas Lutheran University home, majoring in early childhood education. My teachers at St. Paul High School helped me tremendously as I prepared for college and although we feel we have been sheltered, the teachers made sure we knew the purpose of work! When I graduate from high school, I plan to remember my classmates by keeping in touch with them as the years go by. My classmates and I are like brothers and sisters who know everything about each other and, like all siblings, sometimes did not always get along. Although h having eight boys and seventeen girls in our class could be rough (mostly for the boys), we shared many memories and the same morals as each other. There are m many stories we will always laugh about and
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
remember as the years go by, but as I leave St. Paul I want to leave a mark. I want to tell the students at St. Paul what we have and have been given is such a blessing, a gift in disguise whether we see it or not. I feel I can trust every teacher at this school; not only do I value their advice but I look up to them. All in all, I feel the morals and advice the teachers provided to us at St. Paul is something we should cherish. Whenever I had a tough time with a life situation, our teachers would always ask, “Are you okay? Do you need to go to the nurse?” or “You don’t look yourself today.” I plan to emulate my teacher’s qualities as I pursue my career as teacher/mentor. I want to be a teacher students will remember, someone they can come to for advice. I want to help my students be successful in whatever life throws at them, learning along the way although it’s not easy to get up after you have fallen, once you do, it’s the most amazing feeling in the world. After college, I see myself raising a family in a small town. My life goal is to do the best in everything I do, appreciating the things given to me. Most of all, I want to thank Shiner Catholic School for making me the person I am today.
Induction
~Cassidy Thomas New Members (Pictured):
Brett Barta, Loni Soefje, Kelsey B Longoria, Nathan Pilat, Austin L Barton, Ryan Bell, Alexis Cappleman,Haley Clampit,Mallory Grabarkievtz, Audrey Green, JJacqueline Hernandez, Alex Hull, Kameron Knesek, Trinity Kusak, K Alyssa Kutac, Noah Leist, Ryan A Malinovsky, Sydney Mikes, and M Emma Morgan Current Members:
Kurt Chunda, Kyle Chunda, Isabella Crawford, Emily Fikac, Johanna Green, Abby Irvin, Kolten Knesek, Victoria Kusak, Wenjie Ma, Emily Malinovsky, Elise Patek, Emily Pokluda, Samuel Wenske, Thomas Bell, Alexis Cantu, Ryan Geiger, Natalie Jackson, Jed Janacek, Derek Kapavik, Shaelynn, Malatek, and Ashlyn Patek
alumni… update your contact information Please help us keep our Cardinal address book up to date. If you have moved and have a new address and phone number please send it to Ann Duke at the parish rectory: aduke@sscmshiner.org Send us your email address so we keep you informed.
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
Your Generosity Makes a Difference… Shiner Catholic School’s tradition of partnership— financial as well as educational—is what makes our school community succeed. Each year, participation in Benefactors & Blessings Annual Fund allows everyone to help make up the difference between the cost of tuition and the real cost of the education that students receive. We realize that the amount of each gift will vary with the donor's means, but these investments in our community are critical to the quality of education that Shiner Catholic School students receive. A growing number of SCS grandparents, alumni, and friends of our school lend their support, as well. If you are a member of our extended school family, you can make a valuable contribution to the education of our students by supporting Benefactors & Blessings Annual Fund. Thanks to the help of friends like you, SCS is a place where students can be met at their level, pushed to reach their potential, and develop a love of
lifetime learning and spiritual growth. The things that make SCS such an engaging place for children to learn and develop—personal attention from dedicated teachers, an engaging curriculum, arts and athletics— depend on Benefactors & Blessings Annual Fund. Because the need is great, every member of the school community is asked to contribute each year. We are grateful for the generous, continued support of current and former families, grandparents, alumni, friends, and faculty/staff. Each year we seek 100% participation from current families, faculty/staff and School Advisory Council board members.
Benefactors&Blessings g Annual Fund 2014-15
A Must Read
To many people of Shiner, Father Charles W. Kram, Jr. needs no introduction. For the sake of those who may not be familiar with him, we can summarize his early life by saying he was born in Shiner in 1929. He attended Bunjes School and St. Ludmila Academy prior to entering St. John’s Seminary in San Antonio to begin studying for the priesthood in 1946. In 1952 he was stricken with polio which left him a quadriplegic. His journey through life in the face of adversity and enormous sufferings is the topic of a newly released book written by Anthony Warzecha and entitled “Gladly Will I Glory in My Infirmities”. It is a story about the remarkable Father Charles Kram, Jr., the quadriplegic priest, who served for nearly twenty- five years as the hospital chaplain at Yoakum Community Hospital doing what he enjoyed most in life: serving God and neighbor with an enormous amount of love. By never complaining about his suffering of pain and the humiliation of his dependency, Father Kram raised suffering to the dignity of the divine. In this way, he accepted the circumstances of his life as the will of God. This paperback book is available at the parish office. The cost is only a donation of $15. The book is also available at www.leoninepublishers.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.amazon.com. Proceeds go to the Fr. Charles Kram Project.
State TAPPS Academic Meet & Art Contest Twenty-four St. Paul students traveled to Waco, Texas to compete in the TAPPS Academic Meet and Art Contest. Students competed in a wide range of subjects. The following students placed at the state level: Kolten Knesek - 5th in Calculator; Ashlyn Patek - 3rd in Number Sense; Jed Janecek 4th in Number Sense; and Kurt Chunda - 7th in Science. Shaelynn Malatek also won honorable mention in the Seek and Sketch art contest.
Pictured: Kolten Knesek, Ashlyn Patek, Jed Janecek & Kurt Chunda
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
Alumni spotlight LOCAL ALUMNI - MARY ANN PEKAR MAREK ‘53 c l a s s m a t e s
were friends and everyone Born and raised in Shiner, Texas, Mary Ann had plans to stay in Shiner the rest of her life. She believes that Shiner got along. When is the greatest place to raise a family and benefit from its asked who was her great community support. The only time she didn’t live in favorite sister, she Shiner was when she attended Alamo Beauty College in San replied “She had four Antonio after graduating from St. Ludmila Academy in favorites: Sr. Petra, 1953. Then she moved back home and started working as a S r. Fr a n c i s , S t . hairdresser. In 1955, she married Herbert A. Marek from B e a t r i c e a n d S r. Halletsville, Texas. They had five children: Gary, Allen Helen.” Mary Ann (deceased), Douglas, Patrick and Nancy. All of the Marek says, “The classmates children attended St. Ludmila Academy and graduated I think about often are the six boys and from St. Paul. As if being a mother of five didn’t keep Mary Ann busy one girl who have enough, she opened and operated Mary Ann’s Beauty Salon passed on. I get to in 1956. She worked there alongside her daughter Nancy see the remaining nine quite often and enjoy visiting till 2000. She also was a licensed life insurance agent for with them whenever we see each other.” These days Mary Ann enjoys gardening and taking Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas - KJZT. Mary Ann recalls her most vivid memory of SLA care of her farm. She remains active with KJZT and were all the spiritual benefits that come with attending a presides as their president. Her favorite past time is Catholic school. The Sisters of the IWBS strengthened visiting with her 3 grandchildren, Gil (Class of ’09 ), her faith and taught her to persevere in whatever Brett (Class of ’12 ) and Krystin, currently a freshman at difficulties life brings and to pray for the endurance to St. Paul. Mary Ann’s Cardinal spirit remains alive and withstand them. She remembers how all of her 17 well cheering on Kystin at the athletic events.
OUT OF TOWN ALUMNI - JOAN CHUNDA ‘’DIEL ‘92 Joan Chunda Diel stays very busy with her life these days in Franklin, TN, as a full time mother and wife. Joan and her husband, Michael, from Houston, Texas, have five children and are expecting number six in May. Joan home schools all her children: Magdalene (10), Patrick (8), John Paul (7), Gabriel (4), and Catherine (19 months). Life wasn’t always like this for Joan. After graduating from St. Paul in 1992, Joan earned her pharmacy degree at The University of Texas at Austin working as a pharmacist until 2009. She has lived in several cities after moving from Shiner: Austin, TX; Round Rock, TX; Leander, TX, Palmyra, NJ; and now resides in Franklin, TN. One of her fondest St. Paul memories was the big rivalry between SPH and neighbor, Sacred Heart. When she lived in Leander, Texas she vividly recalled the rivalry because her neighbor and one of her best friends was a Sacred Heart graduate. Joan’s favorite teacher at high school was Mr. Scott. She said, “He really cared and did a lot for the school.” Even though
Joan lives in Tennessee, she still keeps in touch with her St. Paul buddies: Debbie Siegel Shaver and Jennifer Machacek Peters. Joan enjoys reading, playing with her kids and running/walking. “I am thankful for my Catholic education at St. Paul. A strong Catholic background is the best gift you can give your children.”
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
Legacy Endowment Gala
On Saint Valentine’s Day, the Shiner Catholic School community came together for the 11th Legacy Endowment Gala. Those attending the Gala, which includes dinner, dance, auction and Texas Hold’em tournament, enjoyed a Valentine’s theme. The Gala is a fun way to enhance our special sense of community here at SCS. More importantly, the funds raised support the SCS and Religious Education Endowment Fund. The evening featured appetizers, a Texas Hold’em Tournament, a
photo booth with playful props. An elegant dinner featuring rib eye steaks, garlic potatoes, and green bean bundle followed by an elegant tiered red velvet confection was enjoyed by all. Los Kolaches kept the Valentine’s vibe alive with their music. This years, Legacy Endowment Gala was another success with the addition of $55,000 to the endowment. Building this endowment provides for SCS future and sustainability.
Come Grow with Us …
Think of the Possibilities New Locker Rooms?
Pre K Facility? Convent Restoration? Stations of the Cross Walkway? More Parking?
New Gym?
SLE Computer Lab?
New weight room?
Can you picture it? Shiner Catholic School has the ability to grow due in large part to the Mraz family. The Mraz Lumber Co. : Dennis Mraz, Judy Mraz Jalufka and Mark Mraz generously donated 8.37 acres located just behind the SCS campus. This blessing couldn’t come at a better time because many of SCS classes are at max capacity. SCS needs to cultivate its campus. This land addition provides SCS so many avenues to expand. The SAC Board and Parish Finance Council are exploring Shiner Catholic School’s options and needs. We will keep you posted on our plans to grow.
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPH Prom 2015
SPRING 2015
Th e Ro a r i ng 20 ’s
The Junior Class of St. Paul High School hosted this year’s Junior - Senior Prom “Celebrating The Roaring 20’s.” It was a night of feathers, fedoras, and fun! The evening began with Mass celebrated at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Shiner Catholic Church and followed by a dance at the new venue Shiner Central Station. Classmates and their guests posed for photos in front of a ’31 Model A Ford. Inside appetizers and refreshments were served. Music provided by a DJ filled the room and everyone cut a rug. Later, the seniors unanimously and unselfishly proclaimed their royalty for the evening. Maddie Darilek was crowned Prom Queen and Jacob Darilek won Prom King. Everyone was entertained by the tradition of “Senior Prophecies” declared by the Juniors followed by the Seniors announcing their “Junior Will’s”. Afterwards, dancing continued till midnight.
Announcing an easy new way to support Shiner Catholic School just by shopping at Amazon. Amazon will now donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases when you shop at AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com). Go to smile.amazon.com and choose Shiner Catholic School as your charitable organization of choice. Remember: SCS only benefits when you start at:
Let the shopping begin!
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
Distinguished Alumni
Leonard Pesek
LEONARD PESEK - Class of ’62, was awarded the honor of distinguished alumni. This was the 4th annual Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner held on February 17, 2015. Mr. Pesek has be an integral part of SCS and the many successes the school has had over the years. Mr. Pesek is also very involved with the parish. For his profession, Leonard became a tool and die maker. Mr. Pesek was instrumental in the development of the St. Paul football program and he volunteer-coached during the first few years. He has been and integral part of many of the fundraisers that take place for the school and parish. He has been the Grand Knight of the KCs multiple times and has been an officer for over a decade; ACTS team member; church usher; adoration participant; strudel bake, gala and turkey shoot volunteer; Parish Council Member; School Advisory Council Member; Eucharistic Minister; and landscapes the church and school. Mr. Pesek and his wife, Fran, are ongoing supporters of SCS in time, talent and treasure. His children and grandchildren have all graduated from a Catholic schools.
PSIA State Bound The following SCS students competed and won at the district PSIA Academic Meet at Cross Lutheran School in New Braunfels on February 28th. Students were challenged in a variety of subjects. Their placement qualified them to move on to the state competition on May 2nd at TCU in Fort Worth. SCS took home 2nd place overall against 10 other private schools. Back - Bailey Blair, Riley Johnson, Walker Jackson, Delynn Pesek, Christine Wagner; Middle - Jacob Wachsmuth, Sydney Herman, Ashlyn Pesek, Jake Yackel; Front - Sarah Barecky, Gracee Prove, Emma Jaeger, Rebecca Wagner & Grace Morgan
Duke University Talent Search Seventh grade students with strong intellectual abilities are invited to participate if they achieve a qualifying score at or above the 95th percentile on a recent grade-level test. Becoming eligible is an honor. These seven 7th graders were selected for the Duke University Talent Search. They became part of a select group to take the ACT or SAT college entrance exam. Pictured: Front-Megan Easterling, Frank Harrison Benes, Andrew Jaeger; Back-Lauren Kubenka, Macy Grabarkievtz, Matthew Malinovsky, and Sydney Hermann
save the date
Women’s Fishing Tournament Fri., July 10, 2015 Men/youth’s Fishing Tournament Sat., July 11, 2015 For entry forms, tournament rules, sponsorship and schedule visit shinerreef.com This is a fundraiser for the Religious Education Endowment Fund to benefit the Shiner Catholic School.
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
Mother Elizabeth Seton Award
Anne Pesek Anne Pesek was awarded the Mother Elizabeth Seton Award. The 18th Annual Dinner Ceremony was held on March 16th. This award honors Anne for her continued support to Shiner Catholic School and parish community. Anne Pesek is an integral part of the Shiner Catholic School family. Anne maintains the website for the church and school. Anne can always be counted on to complete any task that is asked of her and always does so with a giving and gracious heart. Shiner Catholic school is blessed to have Anne, her husband Jeff and their girls Cameron and Ashlyn as part of the SCS family.
Confirmation Twenty nine Juniors from St. Paul and Shiner High School celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation on April 12, 2015 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius. Bishop David Fellhauer lead the Mass. These young adults confirmed their willingness and desire to grow in their faith. Often called the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation strengthens and celebrates the presence of the Spirit in one’s life. These Juniors committed to being a part of the Catholic community and active adults in the Church. Congratulations and blessings to all.
29th Annual Marathon
It was that time of the year again, Shiner Catholic School Marathon Time! SCS hosted it’s 29th Annual Marathon on Thursday, April 23rd. All SCS students solicited pledges or a one time donation for the Marathon. Then on Marathon Day, they set off to run/walk the SLE football field. The students were on a mission to help raise money for their alma-mater. One hundred percent of the proceeds are applied directly to the school’s operating budget. So they ran with a purpose and conviction of helping SCS. Afterwards, the children cooled down with a popsicle. In conjunction with the Marathon were grilled chicken plates to go. These yummy plates were cooked and picked up at the Shiner KC Hall. Thank you to all who volunteered their time in this worthwhile event.
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
A R T Cardinal Band Members Earn Medals Ten students from St. Paul High School received medals at the State TAPPS Band Contest which was held at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton on March 28. Front: Sydney Mikes, Alexi Cappleman, Alexis Cantu, Kelsey Longoria, Elyssa Wagner; Back: Victoria Kusak, Cassidy Thomas, Ashlyn Patek, Joshua Haynes, and Ryan Malinovsky
f i n e
Above are examples of lino cut printmaking on 2D mixed media. High school ar t students submitted their works to State TAPPS Art Contest. Eyes Wide Open Isabella Crawford Quail - Alex Hull
a r t s
O n e - A c t - P l a y
“After Hours” was the name of the comedy play the junior high students performed during PSIA One Act Play competition. Shiner Catholic School’s 6th - 8th grade students competed at Antonio High School in San Antonio on Friday, April 24th. They placed third overall. All is quiet on the storefront as the owner of a small clothes shop locks up for the night. Little does she know that when the lights go out, activity in her store really picks up! The mannequins come alive after store hours. A pair of bungling burglars break in one evening, the mannequins derail the burglars plans and outwit them. Cast: Sarah Peters, Kora Kolle, Holly Hull, Sadie Thibodeaux, Lauryn Kubenka, Riley Johnson, Patrick Green, Catherine Brown, Angelette Siegel, Megan Easterling, Isabell Clay, Madison Stamport, Sydney Herman, and Trinity Garza Crew: Danni Blair, Walker Jackson and Sophie Kolle
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Name That Year?
SPRING 2015
1987, 1965, 1997, 1957, or 1977
Class 90 Reunion ‘65 ‘80 Time? ‘35
‘05
‘75
‘00 ‘70 Would you like to take a look inside your
Is your class up for their reunion this year?
‘30
‘85 ‘55
alma-mater? Let us know. We would be happy to give your class a tour. Call SCS 361.594.3843.
‘10 ‘50
Just FYI for planning your reunion: September 4, 2015 is Homecoming September 27, 2015 is Fall Festival October 30, 2015 Sacred Heart Game @ SHS
‘40
‘45 ‘60
Go Alumni Go!
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SHINER CATHOLIC SCHOOL STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 306 S. AVENUE F SHINER, TEXAS 77984
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Shiner, TX 77984 Permit No. 22
Upcoming Events Hello Cardinal Family, It is hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close. This year has been one of tremendous success for our students. As we pause to reflect on the many blessings this school year has given us, we look to next year with great excitement. From adding technology classes for all of our students to working on campus expansion projects, there are many wonderful things on the horizon. I extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you for the contributions you’ve made to make this year so great. May you be blessed beyond measure for all you do to contribute to the ongoing success of Shiner Catholic School.
May 11, 2015
Have a happy and blessed summer! In Christ’s love, Neely Yackel
July 10-11, 2015 Stastny-Hacek Fishing Tour.
Field Day May 12, 2015 Spring Band Concert May 19, 2015 St. Paul Athletic Banquet May 22, 2015 Class of 2015 Graduation May 24, 2015 Church Spring Picnic June 8-12, 2015 Kids Camp July 4, 2015 Half Moon Fun Run
August 13, 2015 First Day of School
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