EC Magazine6201WINTER INSIDE EASTSIDE CATHOLIC
EC MAGAZINE Inside Eastside Catholic WINTER 2016 ON THE COVER Members of the Crusader football team celebrate after winning their second straight 3A state football championship. Cover photo: Sy Bean, Seattle Times 4 From Our High School Principal 5 From Our President 6 Celebrations 8 In the Classroom 10 Beyond Textbooks 12 Alumni Feature 14 We Are EC 16 On Campus 17 In the Community 18 Class Notes “ Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe kindness.”them — Catechism of the Catholic Church 2015-16 BLESSING OF THE PETS 2 eastsidecatholic.org
EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 3
taught by dedicated educators, led by a team of visionary administrators and supported by an extraordinary parent base. Because of this partnership our school has been providing students with a first-class education for more than three decades. We are a different kind of Catholic school: one that prides itself on educating students holistically and spiritually while being innovative, entrepreneurial and competitive. These attributes make EC special and our teachers, administrators, students and parents make us great. Our educators are exceptional. They care deeply about keeping their teaching skills sharp and they are constantly seeking out professional development opportunities.
Our parents are dedicated. Whether volunteering their time and talents with the PFSA, PTF, the auction committees or Boosters, our parents astonish us with the amount of love they pour into the school. They spend hundreds of hours at EC, whether they are on the field or in the schoolhouse, and they keep our school culture firmly rooted in the relationships that make EC incredibly welcoming.
Currently 20 EC teachers have completed or are working towards their National Board Certification in Teaching. They are embracing our 1:1 computer program by exploring new digital platforms, attending conferences and connecting with local businesses to create meaningful partnerships. Our educators care about competition. Our teachers work tirelessly to push our students to participate in (and win) academic tournaments. Robotics, speech and debate, solo and ensemble—these are just a few examples of the extracurricular opportunities our teachers bring to the students, and who welcome the challenge and routinely blow the competition out of the water.
ARE FILLED WITH INCREDIBLE STUDENTS,
From Our High School Principal
J ustyna K ing High School Principal
Our students are amazing. They take rigorous course loads, participate in athletics throughout the year and prioritize servant leadership. They seek out opportunities to give back to the community and continually reflect on ways to share their gifts with the less fortunate. This Jubilee Year of Mercy is at the forefront of our students’ minds as they embark on mission trips, service days and community outreach programs.
At Eastside Catholic, we provide our students with an exceptional academic advantage. We are the first Catholic independent school in the Northwest to partner with Bellevue College to offer a modified Running Start program for our 11th and 12th grade students. We work with Microsoft in supporting the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools program and we are expanding computer science offerings every year. We recently hired Academic Director of Curriculum and Instruction Courtney Caldwell, who is advancing our educational breadth by collaborating with our academic departments to align and standardize our curriculum. She pushes our faculty to engage in international opportunities for professional development and leads our school in preparing our students to transition to the rigors of college with ease. These are a few of the many accomplishments we are proud of and which will continue to build upon our impressive legacy. And we did it together, opportunity by opportunity and achievement by achievement. That’s what makes us Eastside Catholic.
OURCLASSROOMS
S trategic
John T. Kennedy President hriving school communities recognize the importance of being prepared for the future by planning with creative and collective vision. The challenges of successfully operating a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school serving middle and high school students becomes increasingly complex with each passing year. External factors, including evolving technology, the economic climate, societal values, demographics and family demands are constantly being balanced with our internal factors including the financial requirements of school operations, the school’s commitment to attracting and retaining excellent administration, faculty and staff, the affordability of tuition and the depth and breadth of our programs. Taken together, all of these factors require an institution to periodically re-examine its mission and goals. While adapting to changes, everything our school does is seen in light of our mission: Eastside Catholic School is a Catholic faith-based educational community where students learn to integrate their thinking and believing in ways that encourage intellectual excellence, nurture relationships and inspire a life of leadership and service to others. In order to carry forward our mission in the face of the challenges and the exciting opportunities of the next fi ve to 10 years, Eastside Catholic School is formulating a long-range strategic plan to guide its path to the future. A strategic plan enables our school community to reaffirm our priorities and to reassess the school’s needs and strengths. Those involved in this planning process scrutinize each facet of the school and determine where and how improvements might be made. The strategic plan is a document to guide the board of trustees and the administration as they continue to identify appropriate goals and strategies for the school’s future. In order to help facilitate such a plan, I engaged Mr. Jack Peterson of Managing For Mission, a highly respected educator and former longtime President at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. He has led four strategic plans at one school and eight in other faith-based schools. Mr. Peterson is working closely with us to put into place a sound strategic planning process that will help our school continue to attract leaders for the board of trustees as well as additional quality employees; it will provide a case for increased philanthropic support while inspiring benefactors; it will assure the best use of our school’s resources; it will help the school deal with the factors mentioned above that arise from outside and within the school; and it will promote and preserve continuity during normal transitions in the life of the school. You will hear more about the strategic planning process in the weeks and months ahead. My hope is that you will accept my invitation to be engaged with us in this important endeavor through the survey process and stakeholder gatherings as well as meetings for topic teams. My goal is to engage the many constituencies that make up our Crusader community— employees, parents, alumni families and students, current and former board members and more—all with the objective of formulating a significant, forward looking and implementationoriented strategic plan. As the strategic plan comes into focus, is approved and begins to be implemented, the Eastside Catholic School of 2016 and beyond will be even stronger and more effective in living its unique, enduring mission of serving God and the Church by serving our students. May God’s grace continue to bless our Crusader community. P
lanning at eastside catholic school T From Our President EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 5
Celebrations
In 1974, a group of parents had a dream of preparing their children for a faith-based life built on a strong foundation of academic excellence, community involvement and servant leadership. After several years of hard work including selecting a site and establishing funding; recruiting a principal, students, faculty and sports teams; calling in every favor they could and personally guaranteeing the first lease—against great odds this visionary group founded Eastside Catholic High School in 1980 with 255 students and 17 faculty members.
AROUND A KITCHEN TABLE
TOUCHSTONETOUCHSTONELEGACYLEGACYLEGACY
THE COMMUNITY WE ARE TODAY When establishing the Sammamish campus, the school expanded to include grades six through twelve. We continue to be a community of kindness and service to others. Students are guided to become their best selves spiritually, academically and socially. The 2015-16 school year opened with 245 middle school students, 675 high school students and 130 faculty and staffAtmembers.thisyear’s dinner, four of the school’s original thirteen founders were honored. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Eastside Catholic School, it is with great respect and gratitude that we honor our founders. At this year’s Touchstone Leadership Awards and Dinner, we recognized the faith, tireless effort and long-term commitment of thirteen selfl ess individuals who stepped forward when called to lead resulting in the founding of our cherished school in 1980.
Founding Board of Directors (front row): Jeanne Zierten, Bob Becker, Estelle Pennylegion, Brenda Bates, Kitty Domres, Paul Domres (back row): Dominic Driano, George Raab, Richard Ellis, John Radovich, Kay Waiss ▲
6 eastsidecatholic.org
◆ BOB BECKER and his wife Mary “Pete” Becker are the proud parents of Katie ’86, Michale ’84, Mary ’83 and Kristen and have ten grandchildren including Matthew ’12, Michael ’12 and Emily ’18. His efforts were largely directed towards fundraising for the school opening and Pete opened our first counseling department. Bob is humbled by the school Eastside Catholic has become and the strong presence it has in the community. Bob spent most of his career designing buildings that bring communities together.
◆ KITTY DOMRES is the proud parent of Amy ’87, Tim ’89 and Patrick ’95. She served as founding board president from 1976 to 1980 overseeing all aspects of the opening and was described as “an unbelievable cheerleader.” She spent 20 years working in the field of development throughout the state of Washington.
◆ LORRAINE LINDEN and her husband Jim are the proud parents of six children including James ’93 and both attended Catholic elementary schools. According to Lorraine, “The founders were guided by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by the parents waiting for this dream to come true.” She received steady support from Jim who often cared for their family while she worked on the school opening. Lorraine and Jim are especially proud of how Eastside Catholic students are showing the world what their education can accomplish by carrying out the work of the Catholic Church in their communities. Lorraine continues to volunteer in St. Brendan’s school library where she was librarian for 23 years.
Committee. Dominick is an active attorney having practiced for over 50 years and retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Brigadier General, with awards that include the Legion of Merit and the Star of Solidarity from the Republic of Italy. Dominick was also named the First Citizen of the Italian Community and is the former chairman and a long-time member of the Northwest Kidney Foundation.
◆ DOMINICK DRIANO and his wife Aurora have six children, all graduates of Catholic elementary and high schools, with two being graduates of Notre Dame and Boston College. Dominick was involved in legal matters related to the school’s opening and served as the first chairman of the Development Our 2015 Honorees (left to right): Kitty Domres, Bob Becker, Lorraine Linden, Dominick Driano ▲
EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 7
How did you arrive at EC? Eastside Catholic was my first job after I completed my masters. I accepted a parttime position which included lunch duty and one history class. I had a lot to learn!
Why did you choose a career in science? I am fascinated by molecular and cellular biology. I love to work with my students as they discover the intricate nature of topics such as cell signaling, the physiology of disease and cellular respiration.
This is my 21st year teaching at EC. During my fi rst year teaching there was a ditto copier in the faculty room and we took attendance on a bubble sheet that we clipped to our door. It has been amazing to watch the school grow and change over the past 20 years. I’m most impressed with the exceptional quality of teachers at EC who are passionate about teaching and learning and who care so much about their students. Have you noticed any changes in students’ interest in science since you’ve been a teacher? When I first started teaching at EC there were two sections of science electives for the students to take after completing chemistry. This year we have 14. So many of these students are passionate about science, there is no doubt they will make amazing contributions to the field of science and medicine in the future. You take students to the annual BioExpo? Who goes and why? The student BioExpo is an annual science fair for advanced science students in our region. The EC AP Biology students compete against 350 students in 11 different categories. Each student is paired with a scientist mentor to help guide their research and project development. The categories allow students to present their research in creative ways such as molecular modeling, creative writing or by designing and executing a series of labs. Last year we had 13 prize winners!
8 eastsidecatholic.org
ScienceMinded
In the
Laurie Matthews Graduated from Notre Dame Loves hiking in the spring and summer and skiing in the winter
Favorite food Italian Favorite movie Osmosis Jones Favorite scientist Dr. Mary-Claire King Classroom
Hobbies running, reading, tennis and keeping up with her children
How many years have you been teaching at EC?
“I love the unique mixture of students and teachers that make up the EC community; perseverance and compassion are everywhere.”
EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 9
You mentioned an interesting program involving outreach to Kenya. Can you elaborate?
What surprises you most about your EC students? I love the unique mixture of students and teachers that make up the EC community; perseverance and compassion are everywhere. The teachers nurture and empower students to explore their potential with courage and confidence. The students are passionate about learning and respond with the most amazing ideas and accomplishments. I am inspired by the kindness with which the students treat each other. I am continuously impressed by the insightful ideas the students have about topics such as developing a malaria vaccine, designing new and better medications to treat disease and environmental stewardship. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
This year my students had the opportunity to investigate malaria through unique partnerships: one with a research scientist at The Center for Infectious Disease Research in Seattle and a second opportunity with high school students at the Bura Girls School in Kenya. It was fascinating to gain insight into cutting edge malaria vaccine development, as well as to learn what it is like to live with malaria as a constant health threat. My students were extremely compassionate towards the Kenyan students. It was amazing for my students to have first-hand experience of this devastating disease’s impact on a class of high school students just like them.
I’ve taught AP Biology for 15 years, this course was implemented at the request of the students in the class of 1999. After completing sophomore biology, they asked me to start a second year biology course. I went to an AP biology training institute that summer, and the students helped me build the program from there. Now we have the opportunity to partner with scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the University of Washington Department of Genome Sciences and the Center for Infectious Disease Research.
Dr. King said, “A fear that some teachers and parents have voiced is that a computer will replace the human connection. As teachers we know that
Preparing Students To Be
Good Digital Citizens011010100001010110100101110110100110011000110011101011011 G110011101011011011001Go01100110100101110110 101101100101010101010111101101010100110011101010100110011000110011101011011011010000101100110100101111101011011011001010101010010111011010101101010101011010101010011001110010110101000011001110100111110101001101100000100110010
“The shift to a cloud-based software and storage platform creates collaborative work places for students, faculty and staff which improves the overall school-wide community,” said High School Principal Dr. Justyna King. As we standardize our systems for all students, the school is able to purchase and install educational programming that can be universally accessible for an entire grade-level or the entire school. The systems also allow for personalized learning for students with specific educational needs.
In November 2014, the school’s technology committee met to solidify our technology roadmap. This year, we launched a pilot program for 1:1 laptop use starting with all sixth grade students and several classes of upper classmen. Over the summer, the school also migrated to a cloud-based software and storage platform, specifically Microsoft Office 365. Next year the 1:1 program will grow to include the entire student body. The 1:1 program replaces the shared laptop program known as COWs, or “Computers on Wheels,” which were laptop carts, stationed around the school and available on a check-out basis for classrooms. These computers were used onsite and were not available to all classes simultaneously. As shared systems, the COW login process was painfully slow for students and their work could not be easily transferred to their personal computers.
High School English Teacher Lisa Snow said, “Students spend less time looking for lost work once they are using OneNote—here students can collaborate in real time on their computers, whether at school or at home. Besides reducing the overall school dependency on paper, online textbooks have more bells and whistles—they are more interactive for students.”
EC LIBRARIAN AND DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY 10 eastsidecatholic.org
By Kelly Vikstrom Hoyt
As more and more eBooks are available and the Internet is the ubiquitous research device for students, I am often asked if books are going away. My answer is—no, books and particularly novels are here to stay. However, libraries and librarians are definitely promoters of new technology and yes, some books are obsolete and will disappear in the near future. Textbooks are rightfully under scrutiny these days. Students who weigh 90 pounds are carrying 50 pounds of books around in their backpacks every day. Technology can provide access to information that traditional libraries cannot due to space and budgetary limitations. More and more textbooks have online components or have e-versions available that enhance the learning experience. Technology is changing the way teachers teach and students learn.
Beyond Textbooks
Preparing for the Future
As the 1:1 program is expanded, all students will have access to a computer and programs that they use on a daily basis at school and at home. Work begun at school can be more effectively and efficiently managed after hours.
Improving Collaboration for Students and Faculty
{
Theatre & Music
The Drama Department is now preparing to stage their spring musical production of Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables.” You won’t want to miss it! Check the website for dates and times.
Dramatic Endeavors
Making Music
Arts: EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 11
The [computers] are really easy to use—very user-friendly,” said senior Hanna K. Junior Jack S. said, “I‘m really excited to learn in new ways.”
Eastside Catholic is committed to innovation in student learning and educational best practices. The use of cloud technology increases students’ productivity, improves problem solving skills and allows for enhanced teacher-student communication. As part of the technology team at EC, I know we will continue to evaluate and evolve our programming to best serve our students as they prepare for success in college and in the workplace.
Beginning this school year, Eastside Catholic is offering an after school string program or String Orchestra, as it’s been dubbed. This group is for students who play string instruments including the violin, viola, cello and bass. The group began with six musicians and currently boasts two violinists, one violist, one cellist and one bassist. The members rehearse twice a week after school and play their instruments purely for the enjoyment and desire to play together in an organized fashion. They perform together as a large ensemble and in small chamber groups so each student can shine and show his or her talents.
As the students grow and mature as a group, they look forward to reaching out to students who play other instruments to join in for certain pieces like piano, winds and percussion. Orchestra is open to both middle school and high school students. Angel L. (violin) said, “Eastside Catholic’s orchestra has helped me grow as a musician. I have been able to meet new people, improve my skills and gain a newfound appreciation for the arts.”
Led by Elisabeth Kirsten, who holds a bachelors of music in cello performance from California State University, Sacramento, the group performed at the fall open houses, the Christmas band concert, choir concert and Christmas assembly. Look for them to play at the spring musical, spring band concert and the choir concert in the near future. Kirsten said, “I love working with students and teaching them how to appreciate music in new and fun ways.” EC Director of Choral Music Soonja Larsen said, “I am pleased to see a group like this form on campus to give these students an opportunity to share their gifts. These six students, whether they realize it or not, are creating culture here at Eastside Catholic and what’s more, they love it.”
This past fall, drama students staged the production “Arsenic and Old Lace” in Eastside Catholic’s Black Box Theater. The play, a dark comedy set in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, was written by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. The story revolves around the Brewster family who have developed a homicidal hobby. The hero, Mortimer Brewster, is a drama critic who must deal with his crazy family and the local police. Directed by first-year Performing Arts Teacher Joshua Lewis ’08, the performance featured high school students Court Huston, Gwyn Fraley, Ethan Kusters and Caprielle Lewis. These actors were joined by 19 additional student cast and crew members in supporting and technical production roles. The sold-out show was a great success. “Beginning the year directing “Arsenic and Old Lace” was an excellent way to be reintroduced to the community,” said Lewis. “Crafting the production with the inspired minds of the students here, both on- and offstage, demonstrated the quality, talent and commitment of the students.”
the relationship between teachers and students plays a critical role in the success of a student. With the 1:1 program, we are now able to more fully engage students in interactive digital curriculum, communicate more effectively with one another outside of school and prepare our graduates to be good digital citizens ready for the realities of college-level technology.” Students at Eastside Catholic are embracing this collaborative way of learning. “I like it. It makes me a lot more organized when I have everything in one place.
Feature Q Q
Destiny Retreat Leaderto KentSuperintendent,SchoolDistrict
12 eastsidecatholic.org
I am often asked why I chose to become a teacher. My response to that question involves my willingness and ability to improve students’ content knowledge and life skills, and thus improve the quality of life for a student, family, and the broader community. On more frequent occasions, I am asked why I chose to become a superintendent. While the question differs slightly, my answer remains constant. I now have the opportunity to turn vision into reality, to set legacy goals that ensure all students are achieving at increasingly higher levels regardless of ZIP code, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status or linguistic ability, and to do so with an increased scope of influence over time. My role requires vision, integrity, passion and a general dissatisfaction with the status quo. One of the more distinct challenges has to do with finding the “sweet spot” between listening to and appeasing others. There are many wellintentioned constituents who believe their idea, product, service or advice is the “right one” to propel the organization forward and in the right direction. As a leader, I am compelled to listen to all stakeholders and keep the organization focused on the right work. However, the moment I attempt to please everyone, I will most certainly fail to meet the needs of the organization. This discernment and ability to strategically plan for the future, then, becomes one of my greatest assets and serves to mitigate one of the greatest challenges of the superintendency. Who were the teachers that influenced you at EC? I recall many adults who positively influenced me throughout my tenure at Eastside Catholic. Given my career choice and mission, quite frankly, I must admit that Mr. Jim Walters, my mentor and ninth grade English teacher, and Dr. Gary Culbert, my English literature teacher influenced me the most. From Mr. Walters, I gained a valuable understanding of self-awareness and self-evaluation. I remember him as a man who understood how to provide appropriate levels of support and still help to hold me
Alumni
Q What inspired you to pursue a career in education? Leadership influences every instructional and operational aspect of a classroom, and a teacher is accountable for leading this important work. An effective classroom teacher is also responsible for exhibiting strong leadership behaviors to assess and address student needs, engage each student as an individual and a learner, and to serve each student so that she/he continues to achieve at increasingly higher levels. As a classroom teacher, I subscribed to this very notion, which current research supports, that leadership impacts student performance. I continued to teach knowing that quality leadership at every level can make a profound difference in the life of a student, a family and a community. While I will always consider myself a teacher, the opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals is also the genesis of my desire to serve as superintendent.Thispastyear, I was selected by the Kent School District Board of Directors to lead the fourth largest school district (27,000 students) in Washington. I will serve in a manner that is visionary, honest, student-focused, data-driven, strategic, responsive, passionate, innovative, unifying and results-oriented. What are the rewards and challenges of being a school superintendent?
Dr. Calvin J. Watts ’86 Dr. Calvin Watts ’86, former junior class president and ASB vice president utilizes the core values and leadership skills instilled during his youth to help him lead the Kent School District as superintendent of schools today.
toIourselvesforassignmentmentoringthatcalledustoenvisioninthefuture.wrotethatIwantedbeaprofessional soccer player, a teacher and a computer scientist. That single experience taught me the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals and to monitor them along the way. I also realized that changing my goals was not a sign of weakness, particularly if the reasons were thoughtful and relevant. Changing or merely adjusting goals, as I learned, was an executive function that I would carry with me along life’s wonderful journey.
accountable for my actions—good, bad or indifferent. I distinctly recall a
Dr. Culbert was a tremendous influence on my decision to choose the lifelong mission of education. I recall his depth and breadth of knowledge as a teacher, along with his willingness to share it and inspire others to do the same. To this day, I can even recite excerpts from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” It was this love of language and literature and the power that reading could exert on one’s imagination that propelled me into the field of teaching. Ultimately, it was through thoughtful conversations about service to others and reflective discussions about “what I wanted to be when I grew up” that helped shape my career choices. Both Mr. Walters and Dr. Culbert reinforced the importance of leadership, service, inter- and intrapersonal communication and self-awareness. Their influence helped me to discover my own leadership skills and the fact that I must first lead myself, before I can effectively lead and influence the lives of students, teachers, leaders and communities alike. How did your experiences at EC prepare you for your career?
While no singular experience could adequately prepare me to lead the Kent School District, in my opinion, my time spent at Eastside Catholic prepared me well for life’s offerings. Specifically, my serving as junior class president and ASB vice president, as a Destiny retreat leader, and subscribing to the core values of honesty, integrity, compassion and humility were all lessons inherent to my EC educational experience. In addition, the concept of servant leadership and teamwork were firmly cemented through classroom, social, civic and athletic experiences within the EC curriculum. I also learned to fully invest my time, talent and treasure to support the needs of those whom I’ve continued to serve. I owe a great deal to the students, staff and EC community for continuing to pour these values into me early and often.
What would your family share about you?
If my wife, Robbye [rah-bee] were responding to this statement, she would want you to know that I am an avid reader, traveler, conversationalist, sports fanatic and that I continuously seek to improve. She would also admit that I am the best cook in the Watts household. She might also add that, within the past 14.5 years of our marriage, I have become a much better listener. If our 13 year old son, Devin, were to speak on my behalf, he would say that I love to learn, and to help him with his homework or support his latest indoor/outdoor project. He would say that I can be very serious, and at the same time, he would acknowledge that we both love to laugh as much as we love the Seahawks. Our son would likely describe me as a teacher and a coach. He would also state that “opening the door for Mom” was one of the most important lessons that I taught him. I would simply add that I am extremely fortunate to have this personal support system in place, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to have my personal family along with my EC family in my life.
Q Q EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 13
We Are
FAITH. FAMILY. FINISH. FOREVER EASTSIDE CATHOLIC.
Those words have become more than a motto at Eastside Catholic, defining the character of the entire school community. They were never more present, nor more poignant, than on the state’s biggest gridiron stage. The Crusaders etched another indelible chapter in the program’s burgeoning history, beating Bellevue 48-42 to claim a second straight 3A state football championship in their fourth consecutive title game appearance. But the final score is far from the full story. After striking for a quick 7-0 lead, thing s quickly soured for Coach Jeremy Thielbahr’s defending state champs. The Wolverines, winners of 11 straight games entering the season finale, began to resemble dominant teams of their storied past. As the celebration began, players and coaches pouring onto the turf in the Tacoma Dome and delirium and pandemonium filling the air, a brilliant orange banner hung proudly before the raucous Eastside Catholic cheering section. EC By Josh Suman ’04
Touchdowns came in bunches, and an inspired defensive effort left senior quarterback Harley Kirsch and his bevy of talented playmakers searching for answers.
Wherever they go, in every aspect of their lives, they will carry one mantra and an entire community with them.
The 21 seniors are the first class in EC history to end each of their four seasons at the school in the state title game. Thielbahr said, “The class of 2016 has contributed significantly to the lasting legacy of EC athletics as a whole.” There was special significance for Kirsch, who developed a close rela tionship with the Eastside Catholic community which has supported him and his family during his mother’s battle with cancer. “I’m such a lucky guy to be on the receiving end of so many people being there for me,” Kirsch said. “My family and I really appreciate how the school community has helped us get to this point. It’s amazing, it’s hard to describe. It’s so impactful and something I’ll always be grateful for.”
“The sideline and our fans were alive with energy and faith in our team. Coaches and players were focused and determined to finish our comeback,” Coach Jeremy Thielbahr said. Wellington capped it off with a 10 yard touchdown run to send the game to overtime, before providing the game-winner in overtime. It was unprecedented: a 48-42 overtime victory which included 34 unanswered points. And for the first time in school history, the football team was undefeated with a 13-0 record. A perfect season. “There are so many moments in the game where we could have given in, or fallen apart as a team. Our kids showed determination and heart and it all came from the core of EC—the core belief and love in each other and our community,” said Thielbahr.
UW commit Brandon Wellington ran 97 yards for a touchdown, setting a state record for longest kick return in a state title game, but the Bellevue margin swelled to 42-14 midway through the third quarter. Despite that, Thielbahr’s squad never wavered from the words that have come to define them.
Faith. Family. Finish. Forever Eastside Catholic. A pair of touchdown strikes from Kirsch to Hunter Bryant, buoyed by two quick defensive stops, pulled EC to within two scores. The defense, led by team captain Jonathon Webster who had 18 tackles in the game, continued to pound the Wolverines through the fourth quarter. Kirsch then found senior Matt Laris to make it 42-35 with just under six minutes left in the game, setting the stage for an epic finish. EC marched into Bellevue territory before their dream of completing the largest comeback in state title game history appeared lost. Bellevue intercepted a Kirsch pass on third-and-15, momentarily ending the Crusaders’ dream of back-to-back trophies. But a penalty on the Wolverines for a facemask wiped away the pick, and provided another moment of respite.
The future Cornell Big Red was nothing short of spectacular during his time as a Crusader, piling up statistical records, memorable victories and of course, a pair of 3A state championships. “I remember the day I first came in and now to be on the flip side and look back and say this happened and that happened; it was a good way to go out, a great group of guys and I’m definitely going to miss them and everything about Eastside Catholic so much,” Kirsch said.
Faith. Family. Finish. Forever Eastside Catholic.
What are your plans after high school?
I think the scholarship is a unique way for the Deviny family to carry on a legacy for someone who was interested in classes similar to me. I am grateful and it shows my hard work has paid off. What are your favorite classes at EC? My favorite classes are physics and calculus. I enjoy them because math always has one answer; it is a puzzle that is fun to solve. What teacher inspires you? Mr. Knott, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Severson have inspired me at EC. They are all passionate about what they teach and obviously enjoy teaching it. To have challenging classes be fun makes the learning interesting.
Molly Brown
I plan to major in mechanical engineering or automotive engineering. I want to work on the design of the internal structure of cars—the motors, for example, and how to make them more efficient.
What does this scholarship mean to you?
What are your plans after EC? I am pretty sure I will major in political science or computer programming. I am interested in pre-law as well. What does this scholarship mean to you? When I won the scholarship it made me feel special and recognized for my hard work. It was an affirmation of what I have been working to accomplish. The scholarship also motivates me to focus on my faith and my schoolwork. What teacher inspires you? Ms. Slack and Ms. Maletta inspire me to be my best. They treat students as equals and their respect for me boosts my confidence and makes me work hard. They are excellent role models and guides. What will be the main thing you take away from EC? My main takeaway will be caring for others. I came to EC in eighth grade after being home schooled and I was welcomed and included from the start. I want to make sure I continue to treat others this way going forward.
Peter E. Dorratcague Endowed Memorial Scholarship Award
What is your favorite class? My favorite class is American Government. Mr. Matthews is a good teacher and funny too. I like learning about the political parties. I also love science and reading the science articles. What are your plans after high school? I am planning on going to college close to home and I do still want to be a detective when I am done. What are some of your favorite activities? I like to go to the football games and the dances. I get together with other friends from Options and also friends who have graduated from the Options Program. Who is your favorite teacher? Mr. O’Rourke is a wonderful teacher. What does this scholarship mean to you? It means a lot to me. It shows the Dorratcague family cares so much about EC and the Options Program. Options has been a great place for me and I will miss it. Patrick Deviny enjoyed math and science. Peter Dorratcague loved the spirit and activities at Eastside Catholic. Roberta Farmer believed in a Catholic school on the Eastside. These individuals believed strongly in Eastside Catholic and left a lasting legacy that is benefiting EC students today and into the future. We thank their families and others for continuing to support these scholarships. The 2015-16 scholarship recipients embody the characteristics that these awards were meant to honor.
pppp 16 eastsidecatholic.org
Trevor Hart Patrick J. ScholarshipDevinyAward
Scholarship Recipients
Roberta M. Farmer Scholarship Award
Malia Thompson
Highlights of Boosters’ contributions include a beautiful Yamaha hybrid piano given in celebration of the school’s 35th anniversary, acoustical shells for use by the Music and Drama Departments to enhance both the students’ performances and the audience experience. Another ongoing and much appreciated program, the placing of “Another Crusader Goes To State” signs in the yards of our students who participate in state competitions, from DECA to speech and debate to golf, has continued with great success this year—a thoughtful way to encourage our students. The list goes on: support for the University of Washington marching band performance at homecoming, varsity basketball blackout spirit wear, a breakfast tailgate for volleyball playoffs and the summer alumni BBQ.
Kicking off the year with Swirl, their largest annual fundraiser, the Boosters hosted an enjoyable, community-building evening of local wine and food tasting. Funds raised at the Swirl event, along with the proceeds from the Orange Crush Store and the donations from the annual membership drive, allow Boosters to promote school spirit and foster Crusader pride.
ave you had the opportunity to hear the beautiful sounds coming from the new piano in the Chapel, or been welcomed by the new courtyard statue of Jesus, or had the pleasure of hearing the choirs’ performing with the sound-reflecting acoustical shells? The Eastside Catholic Booster Club has supported the purchase of these enhancements and much more. Their support spans all aspects of the EC student experience from ECHS clubs and activities to athletics.
A blessing and dedication of the new Christ statue was held December 14, 2015. The statue was made possible by a generous gift from the EC Booster Club and is a constant reminder that we must st rive to be a co mmunity of welcome and hospitality to all God’s people.
The Adamo Family The Barnet Family The Baxter Family The Bogdan Family The Boyer Family The Chistiansen Family The Daly Family The Delaney Family The Dougan Family The Elop Family The Faith Family The Galiotto Family The Greve Family The Hilf Family The Hill Family The Jendrezak Family The Keller Family The Kutas Family The Mackleit Family The McNabb Family The Merle Family The Miller Family The Mitchell Family The Montag Family The Standish Family The Stuit Family The Welty Family Thank You To The 2015-16 Booster Club Gold Level Donors: H Powered by Boosters EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 17
Joshua graduated from Gonzaga University in 2012. He went on to attend Providence College in Rhode Island, earning his M.Ed. in 2015.
To the following members of our EC community who have died, but whose spirit live on always in our hearts.
2008 Stephanie [Kuch] Brouder graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Purdue University in 2012 where she met her husband Kevin Brouder. They wed August 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Sarah [Parasida] Omiliak ’08 was her matron of honor. The Brouders currently live in Chicago where she works as a managing assistant at Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm.
2004 Jessica Reid and Ryan Psenski welcomed their first child, Sadie, on July 29, 2015.
Nick Tengtio graduated on December 4, 2015 from the U.S. Army Ranger School. He will be stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
IN MEMORIAM Sr. Marie Fitzpatrick former faculty member Dr. Kevin Hanley former faculty member Tom James alumni parent Gillian Shergold EC parent
2003 Christine Martin and Parker Nicolson were married on December 23 in the Eastside Catholic Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi. EC Chaplain Fr. William Heric presided. Andrew Bean and Alexandra English were married on November 14, 2015.
2009 David Carlton and Kalla Cline were married on December 31, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. Juliauna [Rossi] Conklin joined the staff at EC as the alumni relations coordinator in November 2015. She graduated from the University of Dallas in 2014. She is married to Patrick Conklin, whom she met while both were attending Eastside Catholic. Joshua Hite graduated in December 2015 from St. Martin’s University in Lacey with a masters in education with an emphasis on guidance counseling. Trent Scott and Marah Weiler were married on November 15 in Hawaii.
Parish is Duvall. EC Chaplain Fr. William Heric presided and ministered the sacrament.
Do you have a new job? A new address? A new child? Want to get involved? Send an email with any updates to eastsidecatholic.org.alumni@shareyournews
2002 Ben Roberts and Sheila Strafford were married on September 13, 2015.
Joshua Lewis joined the faculty of Eastside Catholic in the fall of 2015 as the performing arts teacher. After staging a successful production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” he is looking forward to the spring musical production of “Les Misérables.”
2010 Monica Taylor and Austin Masters were married on August 15, 2015. Connor Pomeroy and Lindsey Nichols were married on January 2, 2016.
18 eastsidecatholic.org
Dani Morgan and Tom Sowinski welcomed their new son Million Tomasz on December 12, 2015. Kaila Nakanishi and Bill Mann were married in Palm Springs on October 24, 2015.
2006 Ashley Buchanan recently opened her own business titled SMASH Events & Design by Ashley B. in the Seattle area. Natalie Cerda and Alex Thomas were married on June 12, 2015. Lauren Miller-Lemon and Jeremy Bruck were married on August 22 in Seattle. EC Chaplain Fr. William Heric presided at the ceremony. Tyler Stromberg and his wife Lindsey are expecting their first child in June 2016.
Class Notes
Andrew Bean ’03 Dani Morgan ’08Stephanie [Kuch] Brouder ’08Lauren Miller-Lemon ’06Jessica Reid ’04Christine Martin ’03
2005 Meghan Brandabur and Phil Banta celebrated the baptism of their daughter June on January 10, 2015 at Holy Innocents
2011 John Winslow was invited by Sen. Patty Murray to join her for Pope Francis’ address to Congress in September. John, a recent Gonzaga University graduate, is living in Washington D.C. during his year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
Trent
David Carlton ’09Kaila Nakanishi ’08 and Bill Mann ’08
MARCH 3 First Thursday Alumni Social, Kirkland MARCH 17-20 Spring Musical, “Les Miserables” MARCH 20 Alumni Easter Celebration APRIL 7 First Thursday Alumni Social, Bellevue APRIL 16 STARS Gala Auction APRIL 20 Candlelight Choir Serenade APRIL 30 Grandparents and Special Friends Day MAY 5 First Thursday Alumni Social, Seattle MAY 15 Options Program Alumni Reunion MAY 25 Spring Choir Concert JUNE 6 Class of 2016 Graduation JUNE–AUGUST Summer Camps and Programs JULY 22 Alumni BBQ Monica Taylor
★ Over the summer, members of more than 20 graduating classes gathered on campus to enjoy socializing, tours and delicious BBQ hosted by Alumni Josh Marti ’92.
★ Prior to the state football championship game, alumni and friends met at the Harmon Brewery in Tacoma in anticipation of the Crusader versus Wolverine rematch.
Nick
★ In November, more than 120 alumni and EC community members joined together in support of Matisse Thybulle ’15, one of the starting five players, at the University of Washington mens basketball game versus Montana.
opportunities
THANK YOU to all the alumni who attended and supported these alumni programs! for information about monthly alumni socials, future events alumni on eastsidecatholic.org/alumni or by visiting the Eastside Catholic School Alumni Facebook Reunite
For details,visit eastsidecatholic.org/calendar
Look
The EC alumni community had many opportunities to reconnect this past year.
EC MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 19
and
★ At the homecoming football game, alumni celebrated along with current families with food trucks arranged by the Booster Club, an unprecedented pregame performance by the University of Washington marching band along with our award winning marching band. UW band members included Michelle Taam ’15 and Laurel Meredith ’14.
page. Join Us! Upcoming events for 2016 Alumni
Joshua Hite
★ Kevin Schreck ’88 hosted a Fall Alumni Social at Tavern Hall in Bellevue. Members of more than 10 graduating classes enjoyed each other’s company and Kevin’s hospitality. ’10Tengtio ’09Scott ’09’09
EASTSIDE CATHOLIC 232 228th Avenue SE Sammamish, WA eastsidecatholic.org98074
Eastside Catholic School admits students of any race, color, natio nal and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, tuition assistance and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
