Over 150 family members, volunteers, staff and faculty members joined us for our annual Grandparent and Grand-Friends Day on May 4. The day began with a special Mass, followed by a delightful lunch and student-led tours of the school. Activities included a generational trivia game and a tour of student artwork, creating lasting memories for all who attended.
Ask any adult about their middle school experience, and they may scrunch up their nose and look as if they’ve just eaten a sour grape. This is not an atypical response because it is during the middle school years that we experience the most change—physically, emotionally and socially. The word puberty says it all.
I, too, have hazy memories of lunchroom seating struggles, Guess jeans jealousy, tears after my first detention, meeting my lifelong best friend, folded notes left in my locker from my first crush and the click of flipping a cassette tape in my yellow Walkman.
Middle school is a time when students wrestle with finding themselves. They can struggle with the daily effort of pretending to be confident, in being unique and independent while desperately
trying to fit in and not stand out. Middle school is a time when you find your people, find yourself and begin solidifying your identity. There’s something special about working with middle school students. It requires a finely honed set of skills and perhaps a bit of, “Are you crazy?” This work is challenging and keeps me feeling young. Over the past 12 years, I’ve transitioned from teaching about science in the classroom to talking with and helping students be better versions of themselves as an administrator. Every day is different, but the conversations mostly stay the same:
You made a mistake. It’s what you do now that’s important. I’m glad you are taking responsibility for your choices and see the effect it had on others. While you may have intended to be funny by [fill in the blank—putting a frog in someone’s locker] it had a much bigger impact than you expected. Now, what are you going to do to make things right?
Making the occasional mistake is a part of middle school. While it doesn’t define you, it is how students learn about who they are and how to deal with problems, big and small; move through conflict in social, academic and everyday environments; and practice being their best selves.
As a founding Eastside Catholic Middle School faculty member, I want our school to be remembered fondly by students. When asked about their time in middle school, I want our alumni’s faces to light up when they remember their teachers and walking the halls among the taller high school students. I also want students to remember some of our tougher conversations and how they received a second chance.
One of the best things about working at EC is witnessing our young people grow up and mature. I get to celebrate their successes as they move from middle school through high school, fist bump students in the halls and ask about their AP science class, recent sports game and college applications. I love teaching in a school that values strong relationships with my co-workers, students and their families.
While my job has changed at EC over the years, I love working with middle school students. Most middle school teachers will say they became educators because it’s their calling.
Last year, my daughter entered sixth grade as part of EC’s Class of 2029. She loves school, her teachers and EC. I am grateful to see firsthand how we’ve successfully built a supportive community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Middle School Assistant Principal
AH, SUMMERTIME! The season of boating on Lake Sammamish or catching salmon in the Puget Sound, ice cream cones, summer trips, and the deserted Eastside Catholic campus, right? Well, not quite. While students and faculty bid adieu to the hallowed halls of Eastside Catholic for a few months of relaxation and adventure, our beloved campus doesn’t exactly hibernate. Rather, it often undergoes a remarkable transformation, akin to a chameleon donning its summer colors. So, what is going on at EC this summer?
As the last finals are completed, there’s a palpable sense of relief in the air. Students and faculty rush out. Just as they flee the scene, a new group descends upon our grounds: the summer campers! Our campus becomes a bustling hive of youthful energy. Summer camps of all shapes and sizes take over. (eastsidecatholic.org/summer).
Yes, while we’re off gallivanting across the globe or catching up on Netflix (Can I recommend Shogun? It’s an amazing series.), our Facilities Team kicks into high gear—this is their time to shine (literally). In the fall, you will return to a refreshed campus, fresh paint, fresh asphalt, and more, and our gym outfitted with the latest theatrical lighting system (courtesy of our community’s generosity— Making a Difference 2022) so that we can transform the space into a theatre for our Performing Arts program.
And let’s not overlook the pièce de resistance: air conditioning. Over the past several years, we have witnessed the effects of climate change. As temperatures get warmer earlier in the spring, on a significant number of days, our upper-floor classrooms have reached temperatures high enough to have a negative impact on the learning and teaching environment. So yes, you heard that right! Our campus is entering the modern age, one cool breeze at a time. This HVAC upgrade was made possible thanks to the use
of strategic reserves authorized by the Board to ensure a safe and comfortable educational environment.
So, as you enjoy your time away, remember this: while the students and faculty may scatter like autumn leaves, come summertime, our campus rarely sleeps. It’s a veritable hive of activity, complete with a kaleidoscope of summer camps, a symphony of upgrades including theatrical lighting and the sweet, sweet hum of air conditioning.
On behalf of those of us here over the summer, let me say that we can’t wait to see you again at the end of August when the curtain rises on another exciting year at Eastside Catholic School.
Education: Michigan State University (BA); Washington Governors University (MA)
Favorite movies: Star Wars and Lord of the Rings trilogies
Favorite book: The Hobbit
Favorite music: I love to listen to all types of music but enjoy rock and folk the most
Teaching at EC for 7 years, since 2017
—Kurt Vonnegut
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan in Holland, MI, where I could ride my bike to the lake, climb sand dunes and use them for sledding during the winter. It was an excellent place to grow up and gain an appreciation for the outdoors and natural ecosystems.
Have you had any other careers besides teaching?
I have always been a teacher. Before this, I taught high school earth and environmental sciences in the Midwest for 14 years. I teach because I love telling people, especially young people, why the Earth and the universe are amazing places.
What do you love about science?
Science is learning how and why the natural
world works the way it does. While science isn’t magic, it is magical. How amazing is it that plants literally pull energy from the sun and carbon dioxide from the air? They create the food they need and the food we need to live. How amazing is it that nature wastes nothing and all things are recycled through the Earth’s systems? We live in reciprocity with all other living and nonliving things. Learning how to work with those systems rather than against them is part of how we can live our best lives. What are the most important concepts you hope students leave your classroom with?
I want students to understand that science is about finding patterns through observation, and I want to empower them to use this thinking to understand and enjoy the world around them. I want students to see the
beauty of the natural world and be inspired to explore and make good choices about how to care for our world. I also want students to know that it is okay to make mistakes, to be who they are and to know they are amazing!
Do you have an experiment that students love every year?
When I teach a unit about weather, it includes a chapter on air pressure. During this time, we conduct a lab in which students need to crush a soda can with air by heating it and cooling it quickly. I run a competition with who can crush their can most effectively—the winner receives a full can of soda.
Has your teaching style changed over time?
Initially, I took a more traditional approach
“I want students to understand that science is about finding patterns through observation, and I want to empower them to use this thinking to understand and enjoy the world around them.”
of doing more of the talking while students listened, but I quickly learned that this bored students since they weren’t engaged with the process. I now let students interact more in discussion, and I ask them questions to lead to conclusions rather than tell students answers or facts. It is much more active and interesting for me and the students. Having learning unfold in this way creates a more robust understanding of the material and creates more engagement.
What are the best and most challenging parts of teaching middle schoolers?
Middle schoolers are high-energy and require a lot of my energy which makes them fun to teach. They are at an age where they are figuring out who they are and who they want to be. Walking a small part of
that journey with students is a privilege. However, as I age, that energy level can be hard to match every day. So, the best part of teaching middle school is also the most challenging part.
What other roles do you take on at EC?
I am also the middle school science department chair. I work with department faculty members to ensure that we provide a solid science curriculum for every student in each grade.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading, gardening at home and spending time with my dog, Hope, in my backyard. I am an excellent pie baker and enjoy embroidery (although I’m not an
expert at that). I also spend my summers hiking and backpacking. I also love to walk. If I could walk and explore daily, I would walk for hours and miles.
Can you share a surprising fact (or two) about you?
I have worked as a summer park ranger at Mount Rainier National Park and hiked every trail there! And where I grew up, there is a large Dutch population (not surprising with a town name like Holland) and a tulip festival. During the festival, local high school groups clog dance for tourists. It’s a common extracurricular in the area. Thus, I “lettered” in clog dancing in high school!
F— DAVID N ICHOLAS—
Thank you for your dedication, service and many years of friendship.
acilities Technician David Nicholas has been part of a team calmly working to ensure the school’s smooth operation on our 50-acre campus and bustling hallways for nearly two decades. David joined EC at the Newport campus six months before the Sammamish campus opened. With his retirement, he leaves an indelible mark on EC.
Growing up in Snoqualmie and attending Mount Si High School, David found his calling in facilities management. He began his career at the historic Exchange Building in Seattle and then moved to Philips Corporation in Snoqualmie, where he worked for seven years. David said, “When then EC Facilities Manager Ken Fox, who I had worked under at Philips, offered me a position as a facilities technician at EC, it was an opportunity to work in a new building with up-to-date controls, and I saw it as a great chance to broaden my skill set and learn new building management systems.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, David was married for 30 years until his wife’s passing in 2020, and he cherishes his two
daughters and six grandchildren.
Reflecting on his time at EC, David witnessed the evolution of school security and access controls over the years but shared that the sense of community remained consistent. “EC continues to have that family atmosphere. We have great students, faculty and staff, and that’s what makes it enjoyable to come to work. The one thing I won’t miss is getting up extra early in the winter months to do the snow control when we have a late start, but I must admit I do love playing in the snow!
With retirement on the horizon, David said he looks forward to leisurely days spent at his property near Cle Elum. “We host several family events every year, and in between family get-togethers, I’ll take my boat out and try to find some new fishing spots.”
David offered a glimpse behind the scenes for those unfamiliar with EC’s facilities: “The four of us in the Facilities Department have been working together for at least 15 years which is kind of unheard of in this trade.” Regarding memorable moments in his role, David said, “If we’re doing our jobs right, there shouldn’t be any issues, or everyone would know about it!”
We wish David all the best in his future adventures!
“ His calm, content, welcoming personality and infectious smile always brought positivity to any room.”
“ In life you meet givers and takers … Dave is definitely a giver, always there to support others.”
“ Dave has to be one of the kindest people I have known in my time at EC. I will miss him! ”
TheBattle of the Books is an annual literary competition where middle school students dive into a curated reading list and then face off in a trivia-based competition. Teams are formed in January with regular meetings until the final school event in April.
Since January 2018, Librarian Doug Ammons has been the driving force behind this spirited competition. In his first year, former EC Librarian JoAnn Heinz volunteered to co-lead the event, and together they set the stage for its success. Under their guidance, the Battle expanded from being an Eastside Catholic only event into a larger Archdiocese-wide competition by 2020.
Doug shared, “The Battle is essentially a year-round event. We librarians review books in late spring and summer, then select the titles for the following year’s event. I read all the books before introducing them to the students. I visit every middle school classroom, usually in January, to talk about the event and share the selected book titles. We hold an initial Battle of the Books meeting where students form teams and are on their own after that. Meanwhile, the librarians craft quiz questions for the school events and the Archdiocese event in late May.”
At EC, the Battle of the Books isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering a love for reading and sharing that love with other students, winning some prizes and having fun. An end-of-year celebration rewards all the students who participate. Typically, 25 students sign up
each year, but as many as 40 have competed in the past.
Doug emphasized the fun but competitive nature of the Battle. “It’s common for some teams to read the books multiple times and take notes. I host the event over three lunch periods and don’t tell students their team scores, so there is a lot of excitement on the final day when the winner is revealed. There have been several years when we have overtime due to ties, which just adds to the excitement.”
At the Archdiocese event, competition gets kicked up a notch as students aren’t just competing against each other but representing their school. Eastside Catholic has won the competition three times, and this year, despite fierce competition, the team secured third place.
After nearly seven years of dedicated service, Doug Ammons will bid farewell to EC, his library and students. His legacy of nurturing literary passion and fostering community will endure and we wish him a fulfi lling retirement.
by High School World Languages Teacher
Connie Beuchat
Iwrote these notes on April 8, on the plane back home. I can’t stop thinking how grateful I am for having had the opportunity to bring some of our EC students to live the Spanish culture firsthand. On the trip, students approached me several times to practice their Spanish, asked me questions about the culture and showed interest in taking another Spanish class, even though they had decided not to take Spanish next year.
That is what it is all about for me: knowing students come away with a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language, culture and history and with a desire to experience and learn more.
We traveled the entire day, had a four-hour layover in Amsterdam, and arrived in Madrid at 8 p.m. Although we were exhausted from the trip, we found the energy to walk one block or so to a busy street to get something fast to eat. We came back and crashed in our rooms. Tomorrow is when the adventure begins.
We woke up rested and ready to go on our first day of adventures. We toured by bus through downtown and some nice neighborhoods, viewing monuments and fountains with gorgeous architecture, including the bullfight stadium. We visited the Museo del Prado and Museo Reina Sofía and saw incredible paintings by some of the greatest painters, including Picasso, Velasquez, Goya, Tiziano and Rubens. In the evening our students prepared a delicious, traditional Spanish meal.
We had breakfast and left for Toledo by bus at 8:30 a.m. We saw the city from afar, with its majestic buildings rising to the top and the Tajo River surrounding the city at the bottom of the hill.
When we arrived, we parked the bus at the bottom of the hill and then took several escalators to the city. Toledo is a medieval town and walking through the streets feels like traveling back to the 1400s.
We saw one of the most famous paintings by the Spanish artist El Greco, “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.” It was simply breathtaking.
After lunch, we headed back to Madrid on the same bus and had a fantastic evening, starting with the best churros y chocolate in the country (according to our tour guide, Diego). And then we learned Flamenco dancing. Our students did a fantastic job! Afterward, we attended an amazing performance of the famous Flamenco dance. It was a treat for our last night in Madrid!
Today, we woke up early to take the train from Madrid to Barcelona. The two-hour train ride was amazing, and we saw beautiful scenery, including the Pyrenees, from far away.
We visited two city landmarks, Grüell Park and the Sagrada Familia Church. Both works from the genius architect Antoni Gaudí — absolutely breathtaking! Our students were very impressed, especially with the church.
Our morning brought us more of Antoni Gaudí’s genius as we visited La Casa Milà. Also known as La Pedrera (The Quarrel), this building was designed by Gaudí for the Milà family, who commissioned it. Afterward, we visited the Picasso Museum. As we
“This experience deepened my understanding of Spanish culture and what I learned in the classroom.”
—BRIDGER CORE ’25
“Overall, this trip was not just a vacation but an educational journey filled with lessons about the world, oneself, and the beauty of exploration. It’s the kind of experience that leaves a lasting impression and creates cherished memories for years to come.”
—GINA WEIGUM
EC PARENT CHAPERONE
walked and rode the subway (Metro), some students were eager to practice their Spanish, which made the whole trip worthwhile for me. We spent a relaxing afternoon at the beach, soaking up a bit of sun and touching the extremely cold Mediterranean water. Tomorrow is our last day of touring.
Today, our last day in Spain, we had the choice to join an optional tour to the north, close to the border of Figueres, or stay in Barcelona to enjoy a free day. We all met together for our last night’s dinner.
Figueres is the birthplace of the genius painter Salvador Dalí, where he designed a museum and left numerous works of art as a tribute to his hometown. We traveled by bus and stopped in Girona, a Medieval town, where we saw a cathedral that was filmed for a scene from the series Game of Thrones.
The students who stayed in Barcelona divided into three groups, each with at least one adult, and chose activities based on their interests. We were grateful to the parent chaperones who led each group. One group visited the Olympic City, another The Botanical Garden and another explored shops and spent time at the beach.
My gratitude also goes out to our amazing teacher chaperones who made this trip possible. We couldn’t have done it without them. They were truly a joy to travel with and made a great team. Until next time. Ole!
By Varsity Head Basketball Coach Brent Merritt
The 2023-24 season began with huge expectations. Coming off a disappointing loss in the State quarterfinals last season, everyone was focused on winning the State championship. The desire to win was intense with five seniors on the team.
The team had been so close the last few years (five years in the State tournament with five fifth-place finishes) but hadn’t made it over the hump yet.
We started strong by winning six straight games before losing to Garfield at home. We continued with a win at O’Dea thanks to a huge game from Nate Krohn and a great contribution from Tate Dawson; we were without our leading scorer and rebounder, Jacob Cofie, due to injuries.
We hit a low point losing four straight games at the halfway point of the season. Senior Will Hamilton shared, “In early February, we lost four games in a row. It was by far the lowest point in our season. On Ash Wednesday, we had all come into practice, several of us with ashes on our forehead [after Mass] and Coach Troy suggested we all give up losses for Lent. We laughed at first, but ultimately it became something the entire team bought into. During time outs in games, it would come up … someone would remind the team, remember, no losses for Lent. It carried all the way through the tournament.”
The team went into the district playoffs confident. We won three games to win the District title—marking back-to-back District championship wins. Our coaching staff scouted every team in the tournament to prepare for a State run. Each game was heavily contested, but the team’s focus was the best we’ve ever seen.
We beat Lincoln of Tacoma in the quarterfinals. Mt. Spokane was our next opponent—always a tough team to play. But a twopoint victory sent us to the finals against Rainier Beach. We were 2-1 versus Beach this season and knew we could beat them. After a hard-fought game, we held the trophy high in the Tacoma Dome.
Recent alum Kayden Lamebull-Ingraham ’23 spent time with the team this season, helping the coaching staff when he could but mostly cheering on his younger brother Dash, a sophomore guard on the team. The team even ran a play created by Kayden during the championship game. Kayden shared, “I was proud to see my brother win State and hold that gold ball. Being a part of the team and helping in any way I could, even if it wasn’t on the court, will be something I will never forget.”
Ten years ago, Portland Trailblazer and EC alum Matisse Thybulle ’15 was a junior when EC played in the State championship game against Rainier Beach. Immediately after this year’s historic win, Matisse FaceTimed the team while they were still in the locker room, “Congrats, boys! You guys did what I couldn’t do. EC’s been waiting a long time. Way to go!”
It was exciting to watch our students and team celebrate this historic State title for the first time in school history, and I’m beyond proud of what this group accomplished, on and off the court.
Thisyear’s STARS Gala Auction was a wonderful night filled with community spirit and generous giving, creating a memorable evening that reminds us what makes EC special. The 39th annual event was held on March 9, at the Bellevue Hyatt where we welcomed nearly 400 guests including sponsors, donors, faculty, staff and alumni who helped us exceed our fundraising goal!
We are deeply appreciative of the philanthropy of our community, which enabled us to raise more than $1M in gross revenue. This includes more than $350,000 towards the Making a Difference initiative which focused on bolstering EC community education resources and support for students and employees grappling with mental health, a cause we are deeply committed to.
Activities at this year’s auction included the always lively and fun Live Auction with bidding on unique packages and trips, donating to Making a Difference, an uplifting performance by EC’s talented drama students and the annual favorite Dessert Dash! There were raffles, games and an online auction that opened a few days before the auction and stayed open until the Sunday following the auction so those who attended and those who didn’t could still participate.
We are thrilled with the resounding success of this year’s Gala and extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this memorable evening.
Mark your calendar for next year’s
Take a glimpse into these four alums’ experiences and triumphs as they reflect on their transition from high school cheerleading to the electrifying world of college spirit.
Cheering at the collegiate level is a more engaging experience. A typical week includes lift practice at 6 a.m. twice a week, three practices from 6-9 p.m. each week, appearances and games—we cheer for football, volleyball and basketball.
What’s the biggest difference between high school and college cheer?
I think the most significant difference is the number of fans who come to the games, especially football. I was able to cheer at the Football National Championship game and when College Gameday came to Bozeman. Montana State has a great fan base for all its sports, and even when I am walking around town, I am recognized as a cheerleader and a representative of the school. People often call out, “Go, Cats!”
The Ohio State University
I really enjoy challenging myself and cheer has given me an amazing outlet for that. I get a thrill out of learning new, difficult skills and completing them in front of a crowd. Holding a leadership role on my team for the past two years as a captain has been incredible. One specific thing I’ve learned is being able to adapt my coaching style around what my teammates need at that time. It has been such a rewarding experience and is something that I will miss about cheering in college.
How did cheering at EC prepare you for your college experience?
I learned most of my foundational cheerleading skills at EC, which definitely helped me prepare for college cheerleading. When I tried out for the EC cheerleading team as a freshman, I had just quit gymnastics, which I had done for ten years. Gymnastics was all I knew, so changing to a new sport was really daunting. EC had a great program and even better coaches who helped me make the transition from gymnastics to cheerleading an effortless process. Any memorable competitions in college?
Yes! By far the most memorable competition that I have competed in was the 2024 NCA College Nationals. My team placed first in the All-Girl D1A Intermediate Division, which is one of the biggest and most competitive divisions for college cheerleading. It was an amazing way to end my senior year and cheerleading career.
Any advice for aspiring college-bound cheerleaders?
Just try out! I think the biggest concern people have is missing out on different school activities or not being able to handle cheer and school, but, at least at MSU, we have so much support as studentathletes that it helps us excel in athletics and in the classroom.
Cheering in college is similar to cheering in high school because we get to be on the sideline for football and basketball games, but the games are way bigger, and the atmosphere is way more exciting. How often do you practice?
I practice 10 hours a week on top of three hours of team lift. I have to be mindful of my time and focus on doing schoolwork whenever I’m able to so I can have free time on weekends and in the evenings to rest or hang out with my friends and girlfriend.
What do you love most about cheering in college?
I most enjoy being able to cheer in the Big House, the largest stadium in terms of capacity in North America. Nothing comes close to the adrenaline rush I get when running out of the tunnel before games in a stadium with over 107,000 people screaming.
Any advice for aspiring college-bound cheerleaders?
Never give up, no matter how difficult balancing everything in your life is. The stress is only temporary, and the amazing memories you make from cheering in college will be what sticks with you more than anything else.
Cheering at Eastside Catholic gave me the skills and experience to pick things up quickly in college and the confidence to perform in front of any crowd and in any situation. It also taught me how to use signs properly, which is really useful in college.
Have you cheered at any memorable competitions?
I was fortunate to cheer for our women’s basketball team this year during their NCAA tournament run. The first two games were at our home court, and the energy from the sold-out crowds was amazing. Then, the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight in Portland were incredible experiences with all the different teams and fans, plus the media coverage. I’ll never forget the excitement and intensity of those four games from our courtside position.
Any advice for aspiring college-bound cheerleaders?
When I was in high school, I never thought I’d go on to cheer in college. So, my advice is don’t be reluctant to take a chance and try out. Have confidence in your skills, as well as your competition and sideline experience, and always smile and yell loudly.
THE STORY CONTINUES HERE:
Use the QR code to read an unabridged version of our alums’ responses in our #WeAreEC blog!
Karilynn (Kari) Lynn Claussen is a member of the Special Olympics Skihawks Racing Team and won three medals at the 2024 Winter State Games, in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G events.
Casey Talbot retired from the U.S. Navy in 2022 as a Lieutenant Commander and currently works at the corporate office for REI Co-op.
Do you have a new job? A new address? A new child? Want to get involved? Send an email with any updates to alumni@ eastsidecatholic.org. share your news
After 12 years in the health room at Eastside Catholic, Adra [Boas] Tiryakioglu will embark on the next chapter of her life as she retires in June. Adra shared, “My time at EC has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the friendships I have made and for the nurturing community that has surrounded my children over the years. I plan to travel, engage in volunteer work and spend quality time with my family. I look forward to the next adventure that awaits, filled with endless possibilities and new beginnings.”
Peyton James Shellooe, daughter of Becca and Chris Shellooe, along with Brielle Marie Wise, daughter of Austin and Johanna Kittridge Wise ’14 , were baptized at Holy Innocents Church in Duvall, April 28, 2024. Fr. Johnson was the celebrant.
SAVE THE DATE: The Class of 2004 will hold their 20-year reunion on Saturday, August 10. Additional details to come. For questions, please email echscrusaders2004@gmail.com.
Joshua Hite and his wife Leah Hite are expecting their first child in August 2024.
After spending a few years developing her pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapist skills, Laura [Shellooe] Soderlind landed her dream job as a dance medicine and pelvic health physical therapist at Seattle’s award-winning dance medicine physical therapy clinic, Avant Physical Therapy. She is a Seattle Dance and Performing Arts Medicine group member and volunteers for their free medical clinic. She has worked with performers of varying backgrounds, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim W’Him, CIRCA, RUBBERBAND, ZTheory, Spectrum Dance Theater and Adage Ballet Academy. Laura married Eric Soderlind in September 2022, whom she met while country line dancing.
Andrew (Drew) Beggs recently completed his active-duty army service and transitioned to working for the Department of Navy Research and Development. Andrew is passionate about mentoring future high school students who want to apply to service academies. He is married to his wonderful wife and is the proud father of his two beautiful girls, Blake (3) and Bennett (2).
Johanna [Kittridge] Wise had a baby girl! Brielle Marie was born on January 25, weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. Mom and family are doing amazing (photo), and Grandma and Grandpa are very proud!
Kat Towslee married Jake Jones in June 2023 in Austin, Texas. The couple lives in Austin and welcomed their first child in March 2024.
Alyssa [Anderson] Harrington welcomed a baby boy, Jackson, on January 21, 2024.
To the following members of our EC community who have died, but whose spirits live on always in our hearts.
Brian Haner
Alumni parent
Dr. Gary Culbert
Former faculty member
Olivia [Cerino] Faidley was married in November 2023 to Brandon Faidley. They are living in Fort Worth, Texas, where Olivia is a second grade teacher and Brandon works as a real estate agent.
Caitlin Burrows recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for World Down Syndrome Day. Caitlin participated in the NDSS Advocacy Conference meeting with Washington State legislators, including Senators Cantwell and Murray and House Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers to advocate change for people with disabilities. Caitlin also podcasts with DSC of Puget Sound while serving on their Advocacy Board.
JANUARY 5, 1944 – APRIL 23, 2024
Former EC English Teacher Dr. Gary “Doc” Culbert passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 80. A beloved and legendary teacher for many, Dr. Culbert taught English at Eastside Catholic School from September 1981 until retiring in June 2010. While at EC, Dr. Culbert held many ancillary roles, including senior advisor, Junior Statesmen of America advisor, bookstore manager and the sole boys basketball announcer for 29 years.
In 2010, more than 165 former students, parents and teachers threw a surprise retirement party for Dr. Culbert, with many guests traveling across the U.S. to join the festivities. He touched the lives of many students at EC, and one thing they may remember is the personal journals Dr. Culbert had them write and the prologue to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales that he had students memorize (and many may still remember).
Dr. Culbert attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Chicago for his graduate studies and St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where he earned his undergraduate degree in English.
Dr. Culbert’s daughter has compiled a playlist of his lectures given at the Women’s University Club in Seattle dating from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Please RSVP if you will attand the Celebration of Life Memorial on June 29 at 2 p.m. in the EC Chapel.
Congratulations to Donna Tyo, a founding faculty member at Eastside Catholic School, on her induction into the Class of 2023 WIAA Hall of Fame! Throughout her tenure at EC, Donna held various roles, including physical education teacher, cheerleader moderator and coach for volleyball, basketball and softball. She also served as the Physical Education Department Head and Athletic Director.
Eastside Catholic School
232 228th Avenue SE
Sammamish, WA 98074
eastsidecatholic.org
