Lamp Post
Holy Family High School Magazine
FALL 2022 VOL 102: NO. 2
Holy Family students tour Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome during their ten-day trip to Italy over the summer.
HFHS ADMINISTRATION
Matt Hauptly
Principal
Mike D. Gabriel '94 Assistant Principal
Joseph Galmish '91 Dean of Students
Mary Vulcani Dean of Students
Ben Peterson '01 Athletic Director
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
Eric Nakayama '93 Director
Mackenzie Altman '05 Major Gifts
Monique Dominquez Alumni Relations
COMMUNICATIONS
Jeff Beaton Director
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Matthew Hauptly Principal, President
Mr. Elias Moo Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Mr. Alex Ariniello Chairperson
Mr. Terry LaVelle Vice Chair
Mrs. Ann Marie White Treasurer
Mrs. Jody Harper Alderman
Mr. John Napierkowski
Mrs. Kimberly Siurek
Father Jason Wallace
Mr. Matt Ward '03
Mr. Federico Montoya '93
Notice of Student Non-Discrimination Policy The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver, under the jurisdiction of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L. and at the direction of the Superintendent, state that all of their Catholic schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. Furthermore, Archdiocesan schools admit handicapped students in accord with the policy on Admissions in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Administrator's Manual. These schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, handicap, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs.
Assurance Statement of compliance with the purposes of Title IX Education Act The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese, under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop, and at the direction of the Superintendent, attest that none of the Catholic schools discriminates on the basis of sex in its admission policies, its treatment of students or its employment practices.
Editor, Writer: Jeff Beaton Photography: Tamara Van Dale, Greg Stokes, Jon Yunt, Father Joe Grady, Carl Finocchiaro, and Ernesto Batres.
www.holyfamilyhs.com
On The Cover:
Holy Family Theology teacher Dave Good has taken groups of students on summer trips to Italy for 15 years. Here students tour St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
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In This Issue
Francis
Senior
Holy Family High School Magazine Lamp Post FALL 2022 VOL 102: NO. 2 3 Principal's Message 4 Fall Holy Family Night 6 Welcome New Faculty & Staff 8 Spirit Week & Homecoming 10 Appreciation Night 11 Holy Family Moments 14 Summer Trip to Italy 18 EANS Grant Funding 21 Student Spotlight, Allison Carlson 22 Alumni Spotlight, Thomas Croteau 23 Alumni Spotlight, Everett Martinez 24 Tiger Tales 26 Hall of Honor Inductees
Pope
blesses Holy Family
Riley Tuttle during the summer trip to Italy. Story on page 14.
Principal's Message
When our 744 students filled the building on August 17, 2022, it marked 100 years since Holy Family High School first opened its doors. With a proud history built by all who came before us and an exceptional group of people currently committed to making this school even better, we are experiencing a monumental year.
Our school-wide theme this year is drawn from Proverbs 22:6. "Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it." Much has changed since our founding 100 years ago. What has not wavered is Holy Family's commitment to the raising of servants, scholars, leaders, and saints. Holy Family is an institution of faith formation that uses excellent academics, arts, athletics, and extracurriculars to guide students toward a relationship with Christ and a final resting place in heaven. Everything else we do is a means towards that one end.
Whether you attended Holy Family on the Utica Street location in North Denver or at our beautiful campus in Broomfield, you are a part of the Holy Family High School tradition. Over the past 100 years, we have grown and improved. But what holds true, no matter the changes is our mission.
Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, Holy Family High School seeks to provide a Catholic learning environment that stresses academic excellence, fosters mutual respect, demands responsibility, and encourages self-growth.
With the support of our dedicated faculty and staff and the generosity of our alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends, we will continue to carry the Holy Family High School mission into the next century.
Pax Christi, Matt Hauptly Principal Holy Family High School
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Fall Holy Family Night
We began the year-long celebration of our 100th anniversary with a new tradition, Fall Holy Family Night. It was a genuine display of school spirit that showcased an engaged parent and student com munity. Teacher Steve Blair officially cut the ribbon on the new track that now bears his name. The event featured football scrimmages, a parade of fall athletes and club members, and a Powder Puff football tournament that saw the senior girls defeat the junior girls in OT.
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Steve Blair cuts the ribbon on the new Steve Blair Track.
Senior Anya Moser.
Principal Matt Hauptly, Joe, and Sugar Calabria join Steve Blair at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Holy Family cheer team stunts for the crowd.
Abram Moore, Dominic Gabriel, and Noah Vigil performing in between Powder Puff games with the Holy Family poms dance team.
Junior volleyball players Shea Owens and Kaila McCracken.
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The Thespian Society during the parade of fall athletes and club members.
Seniors celebrate the Powder Puff championship.
The boys golf team walks the new purple track during the parade of fall athletes and club members.
Senior Olivia Bertagnolli closes in on Junior Julia Hodell in the Powder Puff championship game.
Welcome New Faculty & Staff
Ernie Derrera (Math) has spent 20 years in education, 12 as an administrator, and has taught math and science. He came to Holy Family from Severance High School, where he served as Assistant Principal and Ath letic Director. He also taught in the U.S. Navy's nuclear power program during his years as a Senior Enlisted Leader. In addi tion to his teaching duties, he is also Holy Family's new wrestling head coach.
Lissette Gutierrez (Spanish) received her M.S. in Special Education from Nova Southeast ern University and a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts. Lissette is a familiar face to many of our students as she comes to us from Nativity, where she most recently served as the school's Assistant Principal. Before that role, she taught at Nativity for 20 years.
Mylene Steiblen (French) received her M.B.A. from H.E.C. Paris and her M.S. in Statistics from ENSAE Paris. Mylene comes to Holy Family from the McAu liffe International School, where she taught Advanced French. In addition, she has served as a private tutor prepping high school students for the French AP Exam for the past decade.
received her M. Ed. from the University of Phoenix and her B.F. A. from Arizona State University. She comes to Holy Family from Sobesky Academy in Wheat Ridge, where she spent nine years as a visual arts teacher.
Pam
Alissa Gutierrez (Cheer
Coach) comes to Holy Family from Mead High School, where she was the cheer head coach. Previously, she served as an assistant coach for Erie High School, helping guide the team to three state championships. She is a former cheerleader and team captain at the University of Wyoming.
Isaiah Remington (Health) re ceived his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colo rado while minoring in Sports & Exercise Science. He was a fouryear varsity member of the cross country and track & field teams at UNC. He comes to Holy Family from Frontier Academy, where he served as a Teaching Aid. He will also serve as Holy Family's cross country head coach.
Kara Crossland (Counseling) received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado (Den ver) and her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She comes to Holy Family from Summitstone Health Partners, where she was a mental health therapist. In addition, she has counseled students in the St. Vrain Valley School District for the past three years.
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MacLennan (Art)
Head
Marcia Marchesi (Vocal Music) received her Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Music Compo sition from the University of Colorado and her M.A. in Music Composition from The Univer sity of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at C.U. and St. Mary's College of Maryland and was the Director of Music at Nativity of Our Lord parish.
Nick Harris (Physical Education) received his B.S. in Kinesiology from Briar Cliff University and has been Holy Family's track & field head coach since 2019. Nick is a 2013 graduate of Holy Family and taught physical education at Carbon Valley Academy in Frederick. He began his career as a Strength & Con ditioning intern at the United States Air Force Academy.
Michelle Priola (English) received her M. Ed. from the University of Colorado and her B.A. in English from Metropol itan State University. She has over 20 years of English and reading teaching experience and was a long-term English substi tute at Holy Family last year.
Brad Frisch (Computer Science, I.T.) received his M.A. in Teach ing and Leadership from Saint Xavier University and his B.S. in Vocational Educational Studies from Southern Illinois University. He comes to Holy Family from Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, IL, where he taught computer science and business courses. In addition to teaching, Brad will provide I.T. Technical Support.
Scott Bishop (Engineering) received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Univer sity of Notre Dame and his M. Ed. from Notre Dame's A.C.E. Teaching Fellows program. He also earned his M.A. in Theater from Northwestern University. He comes to Holy Family from Notre Dame College Prep High School in suburban Chicago.
Jason Martinez (Forensics) received his B.S. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado and comes to Holy Family from Shrine of St. Anne Catholic School, where he taught middle school science. Jason is a 2013 Holy Family graduate who has previously served as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach at Holy Family.
Chelsea Incorvaia (Poms Head Coach) comes to Holy Family after seven years as the poms head coach at Erie High School, where she guided the Tigers to the 4A State Championship in 2020 and 4A Runners-Up in 2021, 2019, and 2016. She received the CSCA Dance Coach of the Year in 2021 and 2017 and has over 15 years of varsity dance coaching experience.
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Spirit Week & Homecoming
The halls of Holy Family were filled with school pride as we celebrated Spirit Week and Homecoming in late September. There is simply no better week to be in high school.
At a raucous pep rally on Friday afternoon, the junior class won the class tug-of-war battle. The pep rally also featured performances by the Holy Family band, the Poms dance team, and the cheer team.
The presentation of the Homecoming Court took place under the Friday Night Lights at halftime of the Tigers football game versus Conifer. Congratulations to seniors Colton Pedro and Julia Hofmann, who were crowned Homecoming King & Queen!
2022 Homecoming Court: Seniors Sheridan Darschewski & Sam Disberger, Cassandra Hernandez & Cesar Morales, Julia Hofmann & Colton Pedro. Juniors Maggie Mischker & Dominic Gabriel. Sophomores Sophia Tyler & Max Davis son. Freshmen Kylie Haschenburger & Browen Wills. It was a memorable week in the 100-year history of Holy Family High School.
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CONGRATULATIONS! Colton Pedro & Julia Hofmann 2022 HFHS Homecoming King & Queen
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Military & First Responders Appreciation Night
We were blessed to honor 34 current and former Military personnel and First Responders at Holy Family’s annual Military & First Responders Appreciation Night at our home foot ball game on Friday, September 16, 2022.
The event raised over $10,000 for Holy Family's Freedom Scholarship, a half-tuition scholarship awarded to a student whose parent is a First Responder, Active Military, or Military Veteran. Military & First Responders Appreciation Night is the sole funding for this scholarship. If you would like to contribute, visit bit.ly/HFMilitary22.
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Holy Family Moments
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The Holy Family Band marches in the Broomfield Days Parade on September 17, 2022.
Broomfield Police and SWAT went through a full day of active shooter training in August at Holy Family. These training sessions give first responders a feel for our building and prepare them to respond to threats in the ever-changing school safety environment.
The Holy Family Tiger mascot has returned to campus this year!
Holy Family Moments
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The new purple Holy Family track was installed over the summer in honor of teacher and coach Steve Blair.
Seniors Samantha Weiss, Gabby Altman, Alyson Paul, Marissa Gray, and Olivia Bertagnolli take in the sunrise on the first day of their senior year at Holy Family.
A new statue of THE Holy Family was unveiled at the school's front entrance over the summer. We are blessed to have many beautiful works of religious art around our campus.
Holy Family senior Matthew Hernandez won Colorado’s first-ever “I Voted” Digital Sticker Design Contest. Matthew’s digital sticker design was sent to voters once they voted in the November general election. It was also used in marketing to encourage people to vote across the state.
Holy
Faith and
Holy Family English Department faculty member Patricia Marchesi is an awardwinning author who has published several young adult science-fiction books. Her latest novel, Florissant, recently won First Place at the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Young Adult Fiction.
Holy
Holy Family’s Unity in Diversity group participated in a spiritual retreat at the St. John Paul II Center for the New Evange lization in early September. The group of 12 students is led by Kateri Williams, the Director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry.
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The volleyball team celebrates a five-set victory over Class 5A Regis Jesuit on September 12. After dropping the first two sets, the Tigers rallied to take the final three for the 15-25, 13-25, 25-22, 29-27, 15-10, victory over the Raiders.
Family's
Action class visited St. Mother Teresa’s Mission aries of Charity at their shelter for women experiencing homelessness in Denver. The class delivered basic necessities and visited with the three sisters from India and one sister from Vietnam about their love for the Lord and his poor.
Family’s cheer and poms teams hosted a Junior Tiger Clinic before the Oct. 20 varsity football game. The response was tremendous with over 100 K-8th graders participating.
Senior Josh McCabe launches a rocket designed and built in Mr. Bishop’s Engineering class.
Holy Family's Summer Trip to Italy: A Pilgrimage of Faith
Twenty Holy Family students saw scenes from their theology textbooks come to life in the forms of mysterious inscriptions, statues, sites of important biblical events, and much more on a ten-day trip to Italy this past summer.
The group was led by Holy Family Theology teacher Dave Good who has been organizing and participating in the annual trip for 15 years. Good describes it as a “pilgrimage of faith” for rising seniors to experience before their final year of high school. The trip had been paused since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but finally returned this year.
Several high schools from around the country take similar summer journeys to Italy. Holy Family’s time overseas is unique because Good himself handles all of the arrangements – Mass loca tions, tours, hotels, transportation, and meals.
The Holy Family delegation traveled to Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Rome and held daily Mass in some of Italy’s most beautiful and unique settings.
Arriving in Assisi, they visited the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Roselo, the Rose Garden, where Saint Francis once rolled amongst the thorn bushes to combat doubt and tempta tion. On contact with the Saint’s body, thorn-less roses began to bloom and still do to this day. They also hiked to the Hermitage of Carceri where they attended a beautiful outdoor Mass. In Siena, the students had the opportu nity to visit the House of Saint Cather ine and tour the Duomo di Siena and the Basilica of Saint Francis where they heard about a little known Eucharistic
Miracle from the Pastor. But they didn’t spend all their time just visiting histor ical sites. They took an Italian cooking class at Trattoria Fonte Giusta, where they learned how to make authentic pasta and sauce from Italian chefs.
“Having the kids walk in the footsteps where Saint Francis walked, literally, touching the chapels he rebuilt with his own two hands, sitting in the home that Saint Catherine of Siena was raised in, praying at the exact spot where Saint Peter is buried, those moments and experiences are just something I can’t manufacture in a classroom in Broomfield,” Good said.
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Seniors Graham Redak and Rocco Bridges in Assisi.
Students at the Basilica of the Holy Cross.
Senior Will Nolan reading during Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Cross.
The group experiences Italy’s charm and culture as Good hand picks restaurants and hotels from his long history of visiting the region. “Knowing where to eat and where to stay makes it an authentic trip for the kids,” Good said. “They learn just as much during meals and hotel stays as when visiting landmarks.”
The trip wrapped up in Rome, where they explored the Sistine Chapel, Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls, Saint Peter’s Square, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs. The stairs were originally part of Ponti us Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem and are the stairs that Jesus climbed twice to be judged by Pontius Pilate. They were also fortunate enough to attend Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
This year’s trip was also a little differ ent as rising senior Riley Tuttle uses a wheelchair, making navigating tourist attractions in Italy difficult. While in
Rome, Good also set aside time for the group to visit the Vatican and see Pope Francis at a public address.
Riley and her mother, Tami, were seated in a wheelchair-accessible area apart from the rest of the group and were struck at their proximity to the stage.
“Just seeing Pope Francis was emotional. I just cried the whole time. I was trying hard to compose myself,” Riley said.
At the end of the Pope’s address, Vatican staff informed Riley she could get in line to meet him. “We had no idea we were going to meet him,” Riley said. “I just tried to stop crying and quickly composed myself, and we got in the line.”
Good had read earlier that Pope Francis was a fan of Oreo cookies, and on the off chance that Riley would get to meet him, made sure she had a couple of small Oreo packages as an offering.
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Enjoying time in Assisi.
Senior Gianna Finocchiaro found time for shopping.
Dave Good and Senior Riley Tuttle in front of the Duomo in Florence.
Holy Family's Summer Trip to Italy: A Pilgrimage of Faith
“I brought two packs of Oreos for him, so when we got up to him, I gave him both of them, and he gave one back to me so we each could have one,” Riley said. “He seemed excited about them.”
Pope Francis then laid his hand on Riley’s head and blessed her, and she was given a small leather package that contained a rosary.
each day makes all of the work worth it. Every trip truly holds a special place in my heart.”
“The entire trip was so special because I learned more about classmates and had genuine conversations with them,”
said senior Sarah Stonehocker. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to a different country and explore the building blocks of the Catholic faith with your friends and amazing chaperones. I recommend it to everyone.”
“It was a lovely moment; he was so quiet and calm,” Tami Tuttle said. “The entire trip was amazing because of the education that came along with it. Mr. Good and the other leaders on the trip were so knowledgeable. We are forever grateful to them.”
“This was an absolutely amazing group of students to travel with,” Good said. “They engaged in learning, valued their experiences, and grew together in faith.”
“Traveling like this brings about a lot of growth in the kids. It raises their level of independence and confidence. As a teacher, the best words you can ever hear is ‘this trip changed my life,’” Good continued. “To have students say these things and see their confidence build
Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Cross.
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The group from Holy Family in Saint Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis receives packages of Oreos from Riley Tuttle.
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Students prepared for an Italian cooking class at Trattoria Fonte Giusta in Siena.
Visiting Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Father Joe celebrating Mass in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Saint Peters Basilica in Rome.
Dave Good with students in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Gathering at the Trevi Fountain on their last night of the trip.
EANS Grant Funding
Holy Family was recently awarded $1.8M in funds from the Emergen cy Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) funding program, which sends necessary assistance to private schools as they continue to ensure students' health, safety, and academic wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than $2.75 billion has made its way to private schools throughout the country, primarily religious and non profit schools, due to federal restric tions through the EANS program.
Holy Family's Director of Facilities, Matt Montgomery, and Facilities Assistant,
Mary Fountaine, were instrumental in the grant application process. There were restrictions on how grant dollars could be spent, and the duo worked internally to determine needs and then provided detailed explanations on how funds would be used.
"You have to be strategic when money becomes available. Private schools rarely qualify for grant funding, so we jumped at the opportunity," said Principal Matt Hauptly. "We strive to take advantage of every possible opportunity to better our school, and we have been so incredibly blessed with these grant dollars."
The pandemic created unique needs for all schools. The allowable uses for EANS funding were broad and included sup plies for disinfection, ventilation system improvements, educational technology, connectivity, and curriculum devel opment. Much of the funding Holy Family received was used on technology upgrades throughout the school and equipping teachers and students with the tools necessary to address learning deficiencies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tabletop shields.
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Digital Microscope for Biology and Chemistry Classrooms. Thermal camera system used to measure body temperatures at main entrance.
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Disinfecting cleaning supplies
Boards used
the classroom.
Funds
A
Sample of Items Purchased or Reimbursed through EANS Grant #1 HEALTH • A thermal camera system used to measure body temperature • Tabletop shields for desks/tables throughout the school • Walls and tables for creating classrooms in the cafeteria and gymnasium • Framed and walled tents to facilitate outdoor classrooms and locker rooms • Mobile floor cleaning units & disinfecting cleaning supplies TECHNOLOGY • Wireless Network Upgrade • Promethean Boards with document cameras • Dell OptiPlex PCs • Samsung Chromebooks • Webcams with microphones and USB extension cables for remote learning
Walled tent being used as a locker room for varsity football team.
Promethean
in
EANS Grant #1 $509,159
from the first EANS Grant were used to support the school as it moved through the pandemic and recoup costs incurred preparing it for in-person learning. Including an upgrade of school technology to better support in-person and remote learning. The grant also secured cleaning equipment to sanitize the school frequently throughout the school day properly.
vast majority of Holy Family's desktops were over a decade old, as was the WiFi infrastructure. To handle modern learning needs, especially with hybrid and remote learning, a significant portion of this EANS grant was used to upgrade the WiFi system and purchase new PCs.
EANS Grant Funding
EANS Grant #2 $1,287,400
Funds from the second EANS Grant addressed learning loss caused by hybrid and remote learning. They ultimately supported overall student learning and engagement with collab orative learning spaces and further upgraded the school's technological infrastructure.
Funds were spread across several internal departments.
Music/Theater: $54,370 (5%)
Art: $77,244 (6%)
Science: $154,488 (12%)
Mathematics: $38,622 (3%)
Language Arts: $51,496 (4%)
Athletics: $25,748 (2%)
All School: $875,432 (68%)
Seeds of Hope - $50,000
In addition to the national EANS grants, Holy Family also applied for and received assistance from Seeds of Hope. Seeds of Hope primarily offers need-based scholarships to Holy Family students. They will also provide grants for school technology upgrades or building repairs. Holy Family applied for and received $50,000 in funding to add natural gas and venting for two Science classrooms which now enable the rooms to be used for Chemistry classes. The school has been challenged recently by the high number of students wanting to take Chemistry classes. However, we were limited by the number of proper Chemistry classrooms.
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Collaborative tables and chairs being utilized in school library.
Tent used for outdoor classroom
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACES • 664 collaborative classroom chairs and desks • Collaborative tables with whiteboard tops • Collaborative library and classroom tables TECHNOLOGY • Overhaul and security upgrade of the school's technology backbone • 31 HP Pavilion, 27" Windows 11, Intel Core computers • 3 Promethean Boards HEALTH • Ventilation units • Disinfectant supplies • Medication cart & refrigerator
of Items Purchased or Reimbursed through EANS Grant #2 STUDENT
• 60 Oculus Virtual Reality systems • 60 compound microscopes • Chemistry equipment and glassware used to outfit four classrooms • Equipment for Biology and Forensics labs • 6 digital microscope cameras • 11 Kawai digital pianos • Anatomy classroom models • 6 3D printers • Laser cutting system • 30 TI-84 graphing calculators for
Sample
LEARNING
each Math classroom
Student Spotlight
'23 Allison Carlson
At first glance, Holy Family senior Allison Carlson's list of accomplishments looks like that of a typical Holy Family student. She's a National Honor Society member, a School Ambassador, and is on the girls Lacrosse team.
But her list has you double-take at the words "Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen."
Allison began competing in the Miss America Organization in 2021 at 16. She was looking for public speaking op portunities and the chance to practice interview skills and was recommended to Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen competition. In her first year of compet ing, she came in as the first runner-up and found herself coming alive onstage. Then came a day in late May of this year. Following a night of showcasing talent, interview skills, and social impact achievements, Allison was left speech less on stage during the Miss Colora do competition in Parker - she was crowned Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen 2022.
"Winning the title has been such a privilege," said Allison. "It has allowed me to meet many incredible people in my state and across the nation. I am already gaining the speaking skills I'd hoped for and so much more. I cannot wait to empower more women through the Miss Colorado and Miss America organization."
For winning Miss Colorado's Outstand ing Teen, Allison was awarded $4,000 in scholarship assistance and various in-kind tuition waivers for colleges and universities across the country.
From a young age, she always felt a strong sense of self and purpose. She wants to help other students gain this
confidence and learn why they, as individuals are important. Allison has written, illustrated, and published a children's book, Purpose Piece, and uses it to encourage purpose and hope through reading and speaking at local elementary schools.
Allison credits Holy Family for challeng ing her to try new things, which has helped her in competitive pageants.
"To win a pageant, you must have considerable interests, poise, intelli gence, good speaking skills, confidence, and the ability to persevere. To succeed at Holy Family, you must have very similar traits," she said.
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Allison reading her book, Purpose Piece, to students at Nativity.
Alumni Spotlight
'07 Thomas Croteau
For Thomas Croteau '07, his call was first heard when he was in middle school while altar serving at St. Cather ine of Siena Grade School.
"I felt a call to religious life and little by little also a call to the priesthood," he said. "Later, I found an excellent exam ple of joyful religious life being lived out by members of the Community of the Beatitudes at St. Catherine's parish. At Holy Family, I was enlightened especial ly by a number of the faculty who took their faith in Jesus Christ and fidelity to the Church seriously."
Croteau is now the Associate Pastor at a parish that just celebrated its 160th anniversary in the town of Punta Gorda in southern Belize.
"The Catholic Church has a two-fold beauty in global unity and local va riety. Being a Catholic priest is much the same in the United States as it is abroad," he said. "In Punta Gorda and the surrounding villages that are part of my parish, it is beautiful to hear God praised in the four languages spoken by the people: English, Garifuna, Q'eqchi', and Mopan Mayan."
Though the people's faith in Belize is firm, there are very few priests there.
Croteau and two other Jesuit Priests care for over ten thousand Catholics spread over the southern quarter of the country.
"Given that we are so spread out, many villages can have Mass only once every three months," he adds. "That means when they do have Mass, they don't take it for granted like we often do in the United States."
For Croteau, attending Ave Maria University after graduating from Holy Family was an essential step toward joining the priesthood. "I was especially drawn to the Jesuits who immersed themselves in the day-to-day life of the university and were joyful in the time they spent with students," he said. "I joined the Jesuits in the fall of 2011 after finishing college and began Jesuit formation, which typically takes about 11 years to complete."
He spent two years learning more about how to pray and serve others and decide whether to take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Next came three years of Philosophy stud ies at St. Louis University, followed by three years teaching theology at Jesuit College Prep in Dallas. He finished training at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California, while working on his Spanish and Mandarin.
"As a priest, my life is given to God in prayer and service, and I am very grate ful that all eleven years of training kept bringing me back to trying to grow in the love of God and neighbor," Croteau said.
Croteau says two Holy Family teachers, in particular, profoundly impacted him.
"Dr. Gumerlock was an excellent example of how discipline and respect bear the good fruit, like being able to enjoy studying something exciting like Latin with a bunch of good people like my classmates," Croteau said. "And Mr. Galmish was a great example of how confidence and humility are not mutually exclusive in the intellectual life and are both very much needed if we ask one another some of life's most important questions."
Croteau advises current Holy Family students to mature in their faith. "In your high school years, you are matur ing in all other aspects of your life, don't leave your faith behind," he said. "Be intentional about intellectually engag ing Catholicism and build the habits of going to regular confession and Mass every Sunday. You will have the best foundations one could ask for."
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Croteau minsters Baptisms in San Marcos village.
Croteau with students from San Miguel village.
Alumni Spotlight
'98 Everett Martinez
Everett Martinez knows his time at Holy Family helped take him to great heights.
Today he is the General Counsel/Execu tive Vice President for Denver Interna tional Airport. He oversees a team that negotiates real estate transactions, drafts contracts, secures bond financ ing, litigates and defends legal claims, and ensures legal and regulatory com pliance with federal, state, and local laws on behalf of the airport.
After graduating from Holy Family in 1998, Martinez graduated from the University of Colorado and Harvard Law School. He even credits Holy Family for preparing him for the rigors of Harvard Law.
“When times were stressful at Har vard, I would naturally think about my junior year at Holy Family when I was challenged academically with several advanced placement courses,” he said. “I knew I had been through demand ing situations before. In many ways, college was easier than high school, in that Holy Family challenged us to be ready for whatever the future would bring our way.”
As a sophomore transfer to Holy Family, Martinez was shy and had difficulty finding his place early on. Still, he made his mark with his work ethic and dry sense of humor and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” his senior year along with classmate Sarah Danborn. “Holy Family is a unique school. Having transferred from public school, the in creased expectations in academics and Catholic stewardship were immediately evident,” he said. “Holy Family also has an incredible sense of community. I often think about our Kairos retreat in the mountains. When we returned, I truly felt like we were not just a class of students but a family.”
Martinez recalls several teachers that left a lasting impact on him. “I loved the no-nonsense manner of Ms. Greany, and her high expectations of us, not only in her classroom but also regarding our future, adult lives. I valued the heart and kindness of Mr. Blair and his soulful message for all of us to seize the day.
I also gained a big brother and lifelong friend in Mr. Jiron, my Spanish teacher. I still speak with him to this day.”
Martinez is passionate about staying involved in the Holy Family community. “Holy Family is unlike any other school. The people you meet there will always be a part of your life,” he said. “We owe it to our school to give back by offering guidance to the students or supporting it financially. Holy Family is a home you may travel far away from, but one you should always return to.”
“I am beyond fortunate to have com munities like Holy Family and my amazing family for believing in me and expecting great things from me.”
Martinez admits that although he graduated over two decades ago, it feels like it was yesterday. His message to current Holy Family students: “Make your life count for something great and go after that greatness with speed and boldness.”
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Tiger Tales
Tiger Cubs
Christine (Wasserman) Young ‘09 and her husband, Tyler, welcomed their first child, Chantelle Bevan-Marie, on December 9, 2021.
Brooke (Borer) Midanier ‘10 and her husband, Christopher, welcomed Layla Kait Midanier on March 9, 2022.
Molly
Jose
Alex
Taylor
Taylor (Johnson) Mansfield ‘15 and her husband, Averie, welcomed their son, Levi, on July 29, 2022.
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(Seaman) Johnson ‘14 and David Johnson ‘14 welcomed their daughter, Juliette Rose Johnson, on March 28, 2022.
(Helbig) Spurgeon ‘11 and her husband, Cole, welcomed their daughter, Rowyn Gray Spurgeon, in May 2022.
Martinez ‘14 and his wife, Mayra, welcomed their daughter, Alessandra Sofia Martinez, on May 17, 2022.
Chopyak ‘12 and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their daughter, Demetria Elizabeth Chopyak, on June 17, 2022.
Moriah (Turney) Nguyen ‘13 and her husband, Brandon Nguyen welcomed daughter, Lilyana Elissa Nguyen, on August 16, 2022.
Tiger Weddings
In Memoriam
Brian
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Tell Us Your Tiger Tale!
Calling All Alumni: Send us your news (with photos, if possible) about weddings, births, new jobs, promotions, retirements, and awards – or whatever you’re celebrating – so we can share your accomplishments with our community! If you have moved, please let us know so we can update our records. Please send information one of these 2 ways: Email: Monique.Dominguez@holyfamilyhs.com Phone:303.410.1411, ext. 130
Morgan Gray ‘16 and McCann Mellett were married on July 30, 2021.
Casey Griggs ‘17 and Michael Zeman ’17 were married on May 27, 2022.
Jordan Weaver ‘11 and Morgan Helm were married on May 27, 2022.
Sarah Talamantes ‘11 and David Reed were married on July 29, 2022. Sarah and David met while attending medical school at Northwestern University and are now physicians at Stanford University.
Autumn Lujan McGoff ‘95 and Damien McGoff ‘95 celebrated their 25th Anniversary on June 14, 2022.
Brian Torczynski ’08
and 3 of his siblings, Kelly '07, Brandon '11, and Kelsie '16, graduated from Holy Family. His youngest sister, Kristi, is in the Class of 2023.
Craig "Lefty" Harris Lefty was a familiar face around the school as all four of his children graduated from Holy Family: Craig Jr. ’07, Sarah ’09, Nick ’13, and Elizabeth ’15. Many also know Lefty as the owner of Lefty's Gourmet Pizza & Ice Cream in Niwot.
Congratulations Holy Family Hall of Honor Inductees
On June 9, 2022, Holy Family inducted the second class into the Holy Family High School Hall of Honor.
Created as a way of honoring illustrious individuals from Holy Family’s long and rich history, the Hall of Honor recognizes alumni, faculty, staff, as well as friends and benefactors who have achieved a level of excellence in their support of Holy Family.
To nominate an individual or team for the Holy Family Hall of Honor visit bit.ly/HallofHonorApp23
1945 Boys Golf Team The Holy Family athletic program has a proud, winning tradition dating back decades, and our teams compete consistently for conference and state titles. This culture of state titles started in 1945 when the Boys Golf team, led by team captain Vincent Fiorella, brought home our first-ever parochial league state title. From our earlies roots, we have known success and growth only through the combined sacrifices of many hardworking people, like the young men on this celebrated golf team.
Steve Blair Steve began influencing lives in the Holy Family community as an assistant girls basketball coach in 1982 and was hired as a full-time faculty member in 1986. During his time at Holy Family, Steve taught every course in Social Studies and coached boys and girls basketball, football, track, and boys and girls cross country.
Steve is known for constantly seeking positivity and often believing in people, even when they don’t believe in themselves. His wisdom and constant support greatly impacted countless lives in our community.
Sister Mary Rose Lieb Little did Holy Family know that hiring Sister Mary Rose Lieb as Principal in1990 would forever change the school's footprint. She quickly realized that Holy Family’s survival was based on growth, and the school wouldn’t grow in a landlocked location on Utica Street in North Denver.
Her dream became a reality in 1998 as construction began on the new Holy Family High School campus in Broomfield. In her years as principal, she doubled enrollment established the endowment fund, and led the monumental move to our Broomfield campus.
Henry & Eloise Pohs Henry and Eloise Pohs were life-long supporters of Holy Family and Catholic educa tion. Henry loved announcing at football and basketball games. He was also known for painting the banners that hung in our gymnasium at the former Utica Street location and crafted the Staff of Knowledge carried by Holy Family faculty during graduation ceremonies.
Eloise enjoyed selling game tickets, helping at the concessions stand during sporting events, and volunteering countless hours. Giving back to Holy Family High School was always a part of their lives.
Frank Evans Frank Evans was one of the most dedicated teachers Catholic high school students in the Archdiocese of Denver have ever known. His accomplishments were many and varied. Frank was a man who dedicated his life to mentoring numerous young men and women in the Holy Family community and was proud of his years of service in the U.S. Navy.
Frank began teaching English and Journalism at Holy Family from 1975-1979. Eventually, he returned to the Navy after a Direct Commission as a Lieutenant in Public Affairs. The Navy was a second family for him, and he ended his career with a total of 28 years, retiring after serving as a speech writer on General Norman Schwarzkopf’s staff during the first Gulf War. In 1993, he returned to Holy Family until 2005, when he retired.
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Vincent Fiorella
See YOU 2023 April 22 Tiger Gala May18 Graduation June 8 Hall of Honor Learnmoreatwww.holyfamilyhs.com June 9 Alumni TopGolf June 10 Golf Classic June 10 Tennis Classic
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