EC Magazine Winter 2013

WINTER 2013

EC Magazine

I N S I D E E A ST S I D E C AT H O LI C

EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2013

1980

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Welcome

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From the President

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On Campus

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We Are EC

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Our Community

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In the Classroom

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Beyond Textbooks

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Events

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Making a Difference

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Class Notes

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The Clarion has become EC Magazine.

You hold a place in this line, somewhere along the Crusader continuum.

It is your magazine.

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CONNECTEDNESS

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“

It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated.

We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.

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—Martin Luther King , Jr.

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Welcome

Dear Eastside Catholic Families and Friends, More than 30 years ago, a group of parents sat around a kitchen table envisioning a Catholic school for the eastside. Through hard work and an unshakable faith in the value of a Catholic education, these determined parents founded Eastside Catholic. While our school now serves almost 900 students, the core mission has remained true to its origins. We strive daily to educate the “whole child” and instill our core values of academic excellence, quality relationships and servant leadership in EC students. These values are at the heart of an Eastside Catholic education.

As both a trustee and parent, I am blessed to experience the school from many different perspectives. Academically, our students are thriving. (Did you know that every graduate of the class of 2012 enrolled in a four-year college or university?) Socially, the campus

community is unparalleled, as displayed through the unique relationships of our Options students and peer tutors. And through servant leadership, our students find ways to honor their unique and God-given gifts to serve each other, our school and the communities in which we live and work.

To be successful, our school must continually evolve to meet the challenges of today’s global economy. With this in mind, the board of trustees and school leadership has approved a comprehensive Strategic Plan.

We will share a summary of the plan, “Quo Vadis: The Path to Preeminence,” with you in the spring. We will host a town hall meeting to invite your questions, provide answers and ensure everyone knows they can play a role in EC’s future.

The students, parents, trustees, faculty, staff and benefactors who came before us helped to make Eastside Catholic a model for education and faith development in the greater Puget Sound region. You are part of the living history of Eastside Catholic, and we thank you for your continued and generous participation in our vital mission.

God bless you and Go Crusaders!

E EC

Thomas Padilla , Chair

2012-13 Board of Trustees

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From the President

AS IF I NEVER LEFT

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attended Marycliff High School in Spokane.

Like Eastside Catholic students, my days were filled with rigorous academics, explorations of faith, and co-curricular activities. I remember with great fondness my debate coach, Sister Antonella.

She instilled in me a deep love for debate that continues today. And of course, there were friendships. A gaggle of us—me, Lilia, Irene, Patty and Barbara—spent many an afternoon at Lilia’s family’s Chinese restaurant, Songhay, talking about our dreams and plans for the future. Those days we saw our options as either going to college or entering the convent. (Times have certainly changed!)

After graduation, those being the pre-Facebook days, we lost track of each other.

Then about seven years ago, Irene contacted me when I was doing some work in Spokane. All five of us reunited in Spokane at a restaurant on Division not too far from where the Chinese restaurant had once stood. Although 35 years had passed, the connection was still there, and in many ways it felt as if no time at all had gone by. Now, every time we get together our Marycliff bonds still remain—as we forge ahead as friends.

Whether the moments are separated by decades or happen every day, connections like these have the power to replenish our reserves, enrich our lives and shape our outlooks. It is in this spirit that we are launching EC Magazine, our school’s magazine for current and alumni families. EC Magazine will keep you informed, enlightened and inspired about the progress at your school. Most important, you will be connected to your school, to one another, and to our common mission.

As Coach Jeremy Thielbahr likes to say, “Once a Crusader, always a Crusader.”

DYK? Eastside Catholic has called three different campuses home: Bellevue, Newport Hills and Sammamish.

S ister Mary E. Tracy, snjm President and Head of School

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Bathed in Color and Light The Stained Glass Windows of The Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi

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hen design plans for the permanent home of Eastside Catholic began nearly a decade ago, the very first consideration was a chapel to be situated at the heart of our campus. We envisioned a sacred space for reection, prayer and celebration of the sacraments.

It was critical to open the school with a completed chapel, and thanks to our generous donors and dedicated volunteers and staff, we did so. On August 28, 2008, the chapel was blessed

by Archbishop Alexander Brunett.

At the time of the blessing, it was not financially possible to include sacred art in the chapel. But because of the financial support and vision of Sister Mary and EC Trustee Gene Colin, this has changed. In 2011, Gene commissioned local artist Edward Arnot to create a timeless and inspiring stained glass design for a chapel that primarily serves students. The results are truly spectacular.

This original design features images of a teenage boy and girl standing with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the boy wearing a backpack and the girl a necklace with EC colors. The windows ood the chapel in color during the day and are backlit at night to be visible during evening events. With the installation of the stained glass, our chapel is truly complete. We hope it will be the sacred site of many EC alumni weddings and gatherings in the years to come.

John Luger, past parent, trustee emeritus and co-chair of the campus capital campaign and Gene Colin, past parent, current trustee and stained glass donor at the blessing and dedication of the stained glass windows.

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“This year, EC football created a bond stronger than just a team, we created a family. We went to war each week playing for our brothers and the pride of our school.” —TREY REYNOLDS, TEAM CAPTAIN

A SEASON TO REMEMBER No doubt about it, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders had an unforgettable season. This year EC football won more games than any other football team in school history, were the undefeated 3A Metro League Champions, made their first state championship appearance, were named WIAA 3A Academic State Champions and had 25 players selected to the Metro Mountain Division All League Team which included offensive and defensive players of the year. Not to mention Jeremy Thielbahr was named Metro Coach of the Year. The EC community couldn’t be prouder. Go Cru!

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ACADEMIC CHAMPS The 2012-13 football and volleyball teams were named WIAA 3A Academic State Champions by the Washington Interscholastic Association.

This is the second year in a row football has been selected.

NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE Through a community service project in support of the American Cancer Society, the 2012-13 volleyball team sought to raise student and community awareness by designating their September 24 game to honor their coach Angie McKinnell, who is battling cancer for the fourth time.

HONORING BRIAN The Brian Hill Invitational is an annual wrestling tournament hosted by EC over Christmas break.

The event was established in memory of Brian Hill who died tragically in a car accident in September 2004. Brian was a member of the wrestling team and would have graduated with the class of 2007. This year the Crusaders finished third out of 18 teams with two individual champions. Special thanks to Brian’s parents, Harold and Jean, for always making this such a special day to honor Brian and for their continued participation in the event.

EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2013

des • ti • ny

noun | 'destine | : something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; the power or agency that determines the course of events

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or 30 years, a constant at Eastside Catholic has been the Fall Destiny Retreat. Destiny involves several closely held secrets. Though rumors often fly about these secrets, (killing a goat and eating only grilled cheese sandwiches!), they are tightly guarded for future generations. You may ask, but our students will offer a sly smile and say, “Can’t tell you.”

More than 4,000 EC students have experienced Destiny since

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it began in 1982. This three-day retreat for juniors and seniors is an intense time of prayer, sharing and growth focused on students’ personal relationships with God and the people in their lives. The life-changing memories from Destiny are a continued source of community, grace and love in the lives of our students and alumni.

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EC Families and Friends,

The Irish have a saying that comes to mind. When asked ‘How’s it going?’ they will say ‘Grace upon grace!’ This indicates a faith in the God who is constantly showering us with blessing after blessing throughout our lives. That’s how I feel in my 13th year here at Eastside Catholic. It’s all grace upon grace. The blessings of God are never private, and are always meant to be shared with others.

Blessings of peace and joy to you and your families!

”

—Fr. William Heric

DYK? The cross at EC is 99 feet tall and was built from two cedar trees from the Sammamish building site.

Chaplain

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In the Classroom E C ’0 8 g r a d u a t e EC tennis coach juggler owns 18 Nicolas Cage movies Gonzaga grad ran a half marathon collects bobble heads makes some mean stuffed mushrooms joined EC faculty fall 2012

Rock the Tie DAVID DINGLER

Why did you decide to teach at EC?

Because of the community. I was planning on attending graduate school for a year but when I saw the EC job posting online I felt compelled to apply. I loved my teachers at EC and wanted to be a part of such a great place. I immediately knew during my interview and tour of the school that this would be a great place to start my career. So far my expectations have been exceeded.

Which teachers inspired you when you were a student here?

So many! During my sophomore year I knew I wanted to become a teacher because of Jock McLaughlin. He had such an energy and passion for history 12

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that I wanted to emulate him. There is a handful of other teachers that influenced the way I teach. I still say “follow the money” to my students, which is something Bobby Matthews said in senior year American Government. Micah Richardson appointed me co-editor of The Insider and taught me so much about what it means to be a leader and a responsible person. Jeff Rodenburg’s guidance and advice also had an impact on me. He was always in the courtyard willing to talk, and whenever I was in his office he would give me practical and reasonable advice. Tara Maloney helped get me through my “senioritis” during AP Biology. She told me to “just

keep paddling,” advice that also helped in college when I was feeling less than motivated. And then there was Barbara Schille. She is the reason I am a punctual person today. I did not want to disappoint her by walking in late.

What motivated you to choose teaching as a career?

Besides being inspired by Jock McLaughlin and other great teachers, I just enjoy discussing history and making it fun for teenagers. It sounds strange, having been a teen just three years ago, but I know what kind of influence good teachers had on me and I hope to pay it forward. I could not imagine doing anything else for a

“I am constantly amazed at how great these kids are to each other.”

career. I love getting a student to that “aha!” moment.

Has the culture of the school changed from when you were a student?

Every one of my friends asks me what EC is like now. It has changed in some ways, but at the core of it, EC is the same place it has always been. The campus has definitely changed. We have a beautiful building and athletic fields now. The library doesn’t leak when it rains. The power stays on 99.9% of the time and doesn’t go out randomly.

There aren’t any visible rat traps, and the students don’t have to walk outside nearly as much as they did when I was a student. This school has hallways!

The community has banded together in a new way in this new building. The school community is truly grateful for the past and the continued support from families, alums and friends who have made this new campus possible.

Are you enjoying being back at EC? Highlights? Surprises?

The biggest surprise to me is how much energy teaching takes! Advisors at Gonzaga told me that teaching was hard work but I have a new perspective and greater respect for my teachers now that I’m on this side of the lectern. The best part of my job is the students. They are amazing. They stick together and look out for each other. Standing in the

hallways, I am constantly amazed at how great these kids are to each other. That spirit has never left EC. Any big challenges as a rookie teacher?

Being a rookie is tough. Being a rookie teacher alongside your old instructors is a special challenge! They make my life easier because they’re available for guidance, and they also inspire me to work harder since I want to impress them.

What’s the story behind the bow ties?

In high school my good friend Charley O’Neil’s dad rocked the bow tie. So during my student teaching days a buddy and I started a tradition of wearing bow ties every Friday. I hear the trend is sweeping the nation.

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Beyond Textbooks

G EA RI N G UP It’s not often that a club teaches leadership and team-building skills, encourages real-world problem solving, and lets you invent cool things.

But that is just what Eastside Catholic’s new robotics programs offer middle and high school students.

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EC Students Team Up and Get Technical

The high school teams will compete in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) division of FIRST, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete head to head against (and form

alliances with) other teams. Together, the Eastside Catholic team will develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles, tackling a different challenge each year. Awards are given not only for the competition, but for community outreach, design, and other accomplishments.

Meanwhile, the middle school ro-

botics class will be exploring the needs of the country’s aging population and is challenged this year with developing “Senior Solutions.”

Through these programs, Eastside Catholic plans to inspire our students to become innovative science and technology leaders—and have some fun while they’re at it.

Your imagination is the preview to life’s coming attractions.

—Albert Einstein

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Events

Upcoming Events MA RCH 9 STARS Gala Auction

Y O U N E V E R K N O W W H AT’S I N STO R E AT T H E

STARS Gala Auction Remember when Edgar Martinez came to the STARS Gala Auction and offered to cook dinner for a group of students? Or when the instant wine cellar sold—and the family donated it back and it sold again? Remember dancing the evening away to the great sounds of the student (now alumni) band Groundhog Day? For 28 years, the STARS Gala Auction has brought the community of Eastside Catholic together to celebrate and support our great school. It’s our signature fundraiser, and we need you to make it a success. Reunite with friends and make some new memories at this year’s event.

Register now (eastsidecatholic.org/auction) and join us for a festive celebration March 9 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.

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MA RCH 13 Baseball Field Dedication MA RCH 21-24 Spring Musical Performing Children of Eden

MA RCH 23 Alumni Easter Egg Hunt APRI L 14 Grandparents Day JUNE 24 -AUGUST 8 Summer Classes & Camps Learn, create, compete, K-12 eastsidecatholic.org/summer

For more information visit eastsidecatholic.org/calendar or call 425-295-3037.

You Can Make a Difference

The EC Annual Fund helps ensure a financially strong future for Eastside Catholic.

W H AT I S I T ?

The Annual Fund represents unrestricted annual operating support that we can use where it is needed most. Students feel the impact of these gifts right away—through the addition of e-readers and equipment for robotics, band instruments or materials for our new Mandarin Chinese class.

WHY GIVE?

Your gifts support our students and ensure Eastside Catholic can retain and attract the best teachers.

We believe in our students and want to provide the best possible environment for them to succeed. Every gift makes a difference and we are grateful for your gift. We thank you for your continued participation.

MAKE A GIFT

Donate online at eastsidecatholic.org/give or call our Advancement Office at 425-295-3037.

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Class Notes

Craig Schaefer ’99

1985 Jeffrey Gregoire is a federal investigator residing in Tacoma.

1986 Rick Rochelle joined the Marine Corps Reserve eight days after graduating from Eastside Catholic. He completed graduate school in 1999, earning a Master of Science in management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. The terrorist attacks on September 11 led to multiple trips overseas and years spent away from his family. Rick was overseas more than 1,500 days and visited 19 countries (including two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan). In the last 23 years the family moved eight times. In 2013, life will change again as Rick ends his career in the Marine Corps and moves onto a second career, hopefully in the greater Seattle area.

Rick married his college sweetheart and has two daughters.

1999 Craig Schaefer married Carly (Cyr) Schaefer in August 2011. Father Heric presided over their wedding in Vancouver, Washington and a reception followed in Portland, Oregon. The wedding party included several EC alumni: Brian Thompson ’99, Ryan Thompson ’99, Jon Andersen ’99 and Tyler McLean ’99.

Craig and his wife live in Seattle where Craig is now director of development at Bishop Blanchet High School.

Matt Siderius is currently working as an administrative program assistant at Seattle

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Casey Talbot ’06

Children’s Hospital. He is engaged and continues to compete in Special Olympics.

Lisa Velte is working as an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Jongwon Yi in Tacoma. She is engaged to Joe Kosek and will be married in May at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Lisa (Wiegel) Snow ’99, will be one of her bridesmaids.

2003 Charles Billington is currently pursuing a career in law enforcement. He worked as a minor league umpire for several years prior.

2004 Kayley Thompson Billington is an instructional assistant at the Sammamish Children’s School.

2005 Jacqueline Callahan graduated from Gonzaga University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

She is working at Nordstrom Corporate in the women’s active buying office. She is an avid Seattle sports fan and never misses a Seahawks game.

April Lorenzo is an athletic coordinator at Seattle Girls’ School, a middle school located in the central district of Seattle. She is the girls varsity basketball coach and has been working at SGS for 3 years.

2006 Casey Talbot graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in economics. Casey is

currently flying jets in Kingsville, Texas at Kingsville Naval Air Station with Training Squadron 22, “The Golden Eagles.” This training is preparing him to fly and land planes on aircraft carriers. Casey’s goal is to pilot the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

2007 Kyle Schipper graduated from the University of Washington in 2011. He took a year off to travel and is living in Seattle while working towards his juris doctor degree at Seattle University School of Law.

2008 Jourdan Cruz graduated summa cum laude this past spring with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Gonzaga University. During his tenure at Gonzaga, Jourdan studied under Dr. Monica Bartlett and together they designed and carried out experiments regarding positive emotions and social behavior. Jourdan is currently reading for his Master of Science in experimental psychology at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Jourdan said, “I believe that I could not be where, or who, I am without the love and support of my family, Eastside Catholic and Gonzaga University; they have taught me the enjoyment that enriching the lives of others brings.”

Heather Hanson graduated from Seattle University in June with degrees in humanities and international studies. She is currently serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Spokane, Washington. She works as a case manager and resident supervisor at St. Margaret’s Shelter, a transitional shel-

Jourdan Cruz ’08

share your news Do you have a new job?

A new address?

A new child?

Send an email with any updates to alumni@ eastsidecatholic.org.

ter for homeless women and children. After her year in Spokane Heather says she is planning on biking across the United States with some fellow Jesuit Volunteers, then “seeing where life takes me!”

Josh Lewis graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012.

EC alumni and their current EC students

Ian Linde and Tera Jannusch began

Jared Hector ’16 and Ann Molitor ’87

dating as juniors at EC and were married on December 29, 2012. Tera graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and is now working at Children’s Hospital in Oakland, California. Ian graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in immunology at Stanford University.

Their wedding party included Josh Lewis ’09, Jason Thonnsen ’09, Miles Linde ’10 and Brad Jannusch ’14.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Leanna Amend ’13, Becky Lucas-Blackwell ’87, J.J. Luger ’17, Tami (Casne) Luger ’90, Jennifer Luger ’18, John Luger, Jr. ’91, Tina (Casne) Hall ’87, Brandon Hall ’15

Michelle Ross is a member of Holy Family Parish in Kirkland and was among 18 candidates commissioned by the New Rochelle Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, as Salesian Lay Missioners in a rite at Don Bosco Retreat Center on August 17, 2012. Ross began serving September 4, 2012 in Cochabamba, Bolivia at Hogar Maria Auxiliadora, an orphanage for girls ages seven through 18. Her work includes tutoring, guiding and generally assisting them, together with another lay missioner from Maryland. She is blogging about her experience at hishandsandfeetfortheyouth. blogspot.com. A graduate of Gonzaga University where she majored in psychology, Ross said, “It has always been my dream to live and work in an orphanage and be a Catholic, loving presence to the youth.

There is no better group than the Salesians to work with to achieve these goals. I hope to see Christ in the face of every child, build trusting relationships with the girls, lead them closer to Christ, and make sure they know how much they are worth and loved!”

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Connor Nevelle ’15, John Nevelle ’84, Adrian Nevelle ’19, Marinna Kogut ’15, Shannon (Foley) Kogut ’84, Micah Kogut ’14, Cindy (Heiberg) Ponti ’90, Whitacker Ponti ’15

Jason Thonnsen is currently at Gonzaga University pursuing degrees in sociology and psychology. He will graduate this spring and plans to work for a non-profit specializing in international relief and sustainable development.

2010 Emily Dickson is a junior at Colorado State University studying equine science and agricultural business. She stated that this is the perfect fit for her to follow her passion for horses.

In Memoriam To the following members of our EC community who have died recently, but whose spirit lives on always in our hearts.

Cameron Betts ’91 Ed Crafton, past EC faculty/ staff member

Andrew Rekdahl ’00, past EC faculty member Carol Salatino, EC parent Ann Therrien, EC alumni parent,

Peggy Fursman, EC parent Wendi Hitchings, EC parent

co-founder of the Options Program Rose Wisner, EC parent

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