Age Quod Agis Magazine - Summer/Fall 2019

Jesuit High School • Portland, Oregon • Summer/Fall 2019

Age Quod Agis

Class of 2019 members (Top, L-R): Jack Chesnek, Dillon Vu, Sam Wiltjer, Isaac Ambrose, Parker Wade, Grayson Rakos. (Bottom, L-R): Gary Hollands and Jorge Villatoro

Features 14 Guiding the Next Generation Career Day at Jesuit High School

18 Telling Stories & Touching Lives

Alumni profile: Allison Buckmelter ’01

20 Class of 2019 24 Graduation Award Winners

32 Showing Courage

Alumni profile: Keanon Lowe ’10

34 From Dream to Reality

Celebrating Victory Academy's 10th anniversary

Departments 2 President’s Message 3 5

Campus Corner News of JHS Jesuits

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Legacy Club

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Diversity Update

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Athletics

12

State Championships

36

In Memoriam

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Class Notes

Cover photo by Dan Falkner "I teach my photography classes to see the world anew through their work. In this image, the already beautiful canopy of the fall trees on Mary’s Way is further ignited through the use of a crystal ball sphere and a DSLR camera."

- Dan Falkner © 2019 Jesuit High School, Portland, OR — This magazine is for and about alumni, parents and students of Jesuit High School. It is published three times a year by the communications office.

Opinions expressed in specific articles are those of the individual authors. If you would like to author an article, please contact the communications office.

Letters and correspondence are welcome and can be emailed to age@jesuitportland.org or mailed to JHS Age Quod Agis Magazine 9000 S.W. BeavertonHillsdale Hwy. Portland, OR 97225

ADMINISTRATION President Thomas D. Arndorfer Principal Paul J. Hogan Vice President for Development Diane L. Salzman Superior, Jesuit Community Fr. Patrick Couture, S.J.

AGE QUOD AGIS Managing Editor Erika Tuenge ’94 Copy Editor Dan Falkner Design Alaina Buller Printer Image Pressworks

President's Message “I will lift my eyes to the mountains From where shall come my help?

My help shall come from the Lord!

So I’ll walk in the light of the path set before me For I know your love will show me the way.”

– Tony Alonso These beautiful lyrics can be heard on a regular basis at Jesuit High School as our students sing the refrain from “I Will Lift My Eyes” at our weekly Mass. The last two lines were selected as our school’s theme for the 2019-2020 academic year, our 64th year of Ignatian education at Jesuit.

Just as our community selects a school theme each academic year, every decade or so the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) selects a set of “Universal Apostolic Preferences” (the Preferences) to help guide the mission of all Jesuit works over the next decade.

The most recent Preferences were announced in the spring of 2019, after almost two years of discernment and dialogue among the Jesuits across the globe.

President Tom Arndorfer, Iesha Comia '19, Quinn Gilroy '19 and Erin Foley '19.

ing our mission, Jesuit will learn to evaluate options through these lenses and “prefer” those options that best conform to advancing God’s Kingdom on Earth.

The four new Universal Apostolic Preferences are as follows – • Promoting Discernment and the Spiritual Exercises: To show all people the way to God through the process of discernment and the Spiritual Exercises • Walking with the Excluded: To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice • Journeying with Youth: To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future • Caring for our Common Home: To collaborate, with Gospel depth, for the protection and renewal of God’s creation, our Common Home

The Preferences are a way to help us prioritize. They will assist us in lighting our path forward and in utilizing our limited resources in a focused way that aligns with the highest priorities articulated by the Society of Jesus.

You will be hearing more about the Universal Apostolic Preferences in the days and years ahead as they will continue to serve as guideposts for our actions in our community into the foreseeable future. We will carefully discern how we can best answer their call and how they can impact our mission.

We welcome the voices of our students and alumni, current parents and alumni parents, faculty and staff, friends and benefactors to join us in this dialogue and conversation.

Why are they called Universal Apostolic Preferences? Each word was selected with great intention by the Jesuits. “Universal” refers to the fact that they were designed to guide all Jesuits and their lay partners across the world in one common mission over the next decade.

As we transition into an exciting new academic year, we are grateful for your partnership to advance the mission of Jesuit High School through your generosity, your engagement, and your presence on our campus.

“Apostolic” describes the fact that the overarching goal of all Jesuit works, including high schools and universities, is to spread the Catholic faith that was initiated by the very first apostles of the Catholic Church. As a Catholic institution, we continue that spirit of evangelization not only at Jesuit High School, but at the more than 800 Jesuit secondary schools around the world.

Please join us for our weekly liturgy on Friday mornings. No matter what your tradition, come renew your faith and refresh your spirit. May God’s love continue to show us the way.

Peace and Gratitude. AMDG.

“Preferences” was chosen because these are not specific directives or a checklist to be addressed by every Jesuit work. As we consider potential choices in planning, resourcing, and fulfill-

Thomas D. Arndorfer President

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Campus Corner

Jesuit High School students help construct a basketball court in the Dominican Republic this summer. “Our goal is to help young people live a faith that does justice,” says Arrupe Center director Andrea Casey.

Lighting the Way for the Next Generation Jesuit High School kicked off the 2019-20 school year with a new hub for service, reflection, and advocacy experiences for its students.

justice in our world. It’s about entering into relationships with people who are marginalized, but also with our planet, which Pope Francis includes as one of the poor and marginalized.”

Jesuit's Arrupe Center for Justice combines the school’s robust Christian Service program with its environmental sustainability initiatives and focus on developing global partnerships.

The center is located, fittingly, in Fr. Pedro Arrupe Hall on the south side of campus. Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. served as the Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1965-83. Jesuit High School’s mission to develop students who are “men and women for and with others” comes from a famous speech Arrupe gave in 1973.

“Over the years, we’ve seen so much connection between our students who are doing service-learning projects, languageimmersion trips, and sustainability outreach. It only made sense for all of these wonderful programs to live under one roof,” says center director and 1997 alumna Andrea Casey.

“The Arrupe Center for Justice allows for a certain synergy as Jesuit High seeks to pursue the mission of the Church, which is of course the mission of Jesus Christ: to be in solidarity with those on the margins, to treat all people as our sisters and brothers, and to care for our common home,” says Principal Paul Hogan. “We are excited and humbled by the audacity of this enterprise, knowing that our students and staff will be transformed in the process.”

Christian Service has been a powerful learning experience for students at Jesuit since the program was formalized in 1984.

“Our 65-hour service requirement is more than just completing hours,” says Casey. “It is about participating in the educational and spiritual exploration of service and how it relates to social

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Campus Corner Saying Farewell Below: Mike Simons, Nick Davies, Olivia Young, Charlie Schreck and Chis Smart as they bid so long (but not goodbye!) to JHS. Mike and Charlie are retiring, while Nick, Olivia, and Chris are moving on to new adventures as educators. See more about Dr. Smart’s new role on page 29.

Go Jesuit!

Above: Erin DeKlotz, Director of Admissions, and Ambassadors Cole Soot ’21, Ana Pacheco-Lujano ’20, Alannah Connolly ’21 and Reet Chatterjee ’21 prepare to travel to several Portland area Catholic grade schools to introduce middle school students to Jesuit High School. They use a game with fun props to teach them about Jesuit.

That’s the Spirit!

Lane Laurent '21, Lillian Holland '21, Jack Ensminger '21, Zoe Quach '21, Taytem Raynor '20 and Sam Majors '20 show their school spirit while selling spirit shirts at Registration Day in August 2019.

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News of JHS Jesuits What I Did on My Summer Vacation A MESSAGE FROM FR. PATRICK COUTURE, S.J., SUPERIOR OF CANISIUS JESUIT COMMUNITY, JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

my annual eight-day retreat. These eight-day retreats made by Jesuits every year provide time to rest, pray, reflect, and draw closer to Jesus. A Jesuit’s daily life can be so busy rushing from one assignment or obligation to the next that it is important to set aside time to be with Jesus and remind ourselves why we embrace our various missions: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

The rest of my summer was filled with visiting friends and family, preparing for the new school year, and fitting in some golf. The highlight, undoubtedly, was celebrating my sister’s wedding in June. I felt honored and privileged to play a part in what was a special day for my family and especially for my sister and her husband.

Fr. Christopher Calderón, S.J. began the summer by attending the Jesuit Schools Network (JSN) Colloquium along with several colleagues from Jesuit High School. The JSN Colloquium is a conference held every three years for Ignatian educators from Jesuit schools across the country to engage in discussions on important issues concerning Jesuit secondary education, such as this year’s theme “Building Communities of Justice and Hope.” After the colloquium, Fr. Calderón headed south to Phoenix, AZ where he served at St. Francis Xavier Parish, helping with daily Masses and other ministries as well as visiting friends. Fr. Calderón also made his eight-day retreat after visiting family in Los Angeles.

Fr. Bill Ameche, S.J. continues to work with great joy in his ministry with predominately Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in training people to be missionary catechists who will teach others about the Christian faith and the Catholic Church. Fr. Bill currently works with eight parishes, and is preparing YouTube videos to assist those interested in becoming missionary catechists. Fr. Bill experienced the beauty of the Oregon Coast when he helped at parishes in Rockaway and Tillamook for seven weekends this summer. He notes that a highlight was having his brothers and sisters visit him in Portland. They apparently “have fallen in love with Oregon.”

Fr. Patrick Couture, S.J. strikes a pose at the wedding of his sister, Megan Couture, and husband, Robert Bates, this summer.

As the 2018-19 school year came to close in early June, Jesuits West prepared to celebrate with much joy and gratitude the ordination of five members of the Society of Jesus to the priesthood. Fr. Stefanus Hendrianto, S.J., Fr. Andrew Laguna, S.J., Fr. Francis Nguyen, S.J., Fr. Travis Russell, S.J. and Fr. Robert Van Alstyne, S.J. were ordained on June 8 by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample at Our Lady of La Vang Church in Portland.

After our many summer adventures, the community came back together in preparation for a new school year. I am moved with a feeling of gratitude for you, our colleagues and companions, who generously share in the Jesuit mission through your many gifts and talents. We, the Canisius Jesuit Community, are able to embrace a mission that hopefully draws us all closer to Jesus because of your commitment and generosity. Thank you and may God bless you.

The pleasure of having the ordination in Portland and the ordination dinner at Jesuit High School brought many Jesuits to our school for the first time. Hoping to offer a taste of Portland, the dinner was catered by food trucks and a selection of Northwest beer and wine. It was a wonderful day to celebrate the devotion to service of five new priests who will now embark on their new missions to serve God and the people.

Much gratitude is due to the individuals whose time, talents, and generosity helped to make the evening a special time for the Jesuits to gather.

Peace,

Shortly after ordinations, I left for Hayden Lake, ID to make

Fr. Patrick Couture, S.J.

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Legacy Club

Karin Popkin celebrates her birthday with several of her grandchildren: Travis, Hanni, Hatcher, Camden and Izzie Popkin.

'People Are Called to Be Here' Karin Popkin, former Jesuit High School faculty member and Fr. William Hayes, S.J. Legacy Club member, believes that fate brought her to Jesuit not once but twice during her career.

Karin first arrived at Jesuit in 1990 as a substitute French teacher. Classes were small with 5-6 young men and there was not much opportunity for students to have speaking partners and to learn the language from one another.

changed. “I realized during those four years that as a teacher, I am not only exposing my students to a new language, but I am supporting young people to be compassionate bi-lingual leaders for the 21st century,” says Karin.

When Karin moved back to Oregon in 2005, a position was open at Jesuit and she eagerly accepted. “I believe people are called to be here,” she says. “This is my place and the students are my people.”

The following year, she became a full-time French teacher.

“Once young women came to campus in the fall of 1993, the number of students in French classes tripled and the curriculum expanded,” says Karin. “Going coed was a positive change for the teachers and students.”

Karin returned to campus with a new passion for social justice issues and a global perspective. During her tenure, she started the Global Perspectives Club, took students abroad to study in France, and helped with Setons, Campus Ministry, Brown Bags and more. In addition, current JHS French teacher Emily Schmidt and Karin created the AP French program.

Karin took time off from Jesuit to teach French oversees in Ecuador and Thailand from 2000-2003. Her experience living abroad opened up her worldview and her teaching focus

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When Karin retired in 2011, she knew she wanted to give back to Jesuit because her experience was so impactful and moving. “I knew a Jesuit education changed lives,” says Karin. “To me, Jesuit is not just about outstanding academics, athletics, drama or the French program; it is about the formation of young people of compassion, conscience and competence.”

“It was my privilege to teach with Karin; I learned so much from her. Her positivity, generosity, enthusiasm and deep care for students was inspiring!”

– Mme. Emily Schmidt

When planning for the future Karin decided to include Jesuit in her estate plans. “I am and will always be committed to the Jesuit mission,” says Karin. “I trust my Legacy Club gift will be used to help deserving students come to Jesuit and it will make a big impact on their future.”

Learn more about the Fr. William Hayes, S.J. Legacy Club by contacting Diane Salzman, Vice President for Development, at dsalzman@jesuitportland.org or 503-292-2663.

Karin Popkin with children and grandchildren on an Oregon vacation.

donate your car

CARS FORJESUIT

You can now donate your car, truck or other vehicle in any condition and support Jesuit High School! Go online to make your donation. www.jesuitportland.org/cars

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503-291-5402

Diversity & Inclusion Beginning-of-Yea

Omar Alcaraz ’20, Ana Pacheco ’20, Daniela Rosas-Martinez ’20 and Arleth Rodriguez ’20 help prepare food for the D&I Welcome Back Potluck.

Photo by Al Kato

A Space for Building Lasting Relationships The annual Diversity and Inclusion Welcome Back Potluck was a big hit in August as we kicked off a new school year!

This event offers space for families of color, different faiths and other diverse backgrounds to come together in fellowship before the school year. New and returning families are welcomed by members of our admin team, faculty and students.

Families get to know one another and build relationships throughout the event by sharing a wonderful meal. Students and parents also have the opportunity to share their unique experiences of being part of the Jesuit community in small groups (affinity groups).

Students speaking in their Affinity Groups. Left: Rebecca Cumbai ’22, Che Lowery ’22 and Jayla Lowery ‘20. Right: Neena Ekanathan ’20, Nikhita Mathur ‘20

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r Kickoff!

Left: Enjoying the day in the sun! Che Lowery ‘22, Rebecca Cumbai ‘22, Jayla Lowery ‘20 and Ben Warrick.

Right: Students Brian Xu ’21 and Krish Aditya ’21 helped make the potluck a great success.

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Athletics Jesuit Athletics Program Named #1 in Nation Jesuit High School was named the No. 1 athletic program in the nation in August, taking home the MaxPreps Cup for the second time in the last four years.

This marks the fourth time that the school has been recognized on a national level as the top high school athletic program (Sports Illustrated named Jesuit first in the nation in 2007 and 2010).

“We are extremely honored to receive this national recognition as the #1 high school athletic program in the country,” says Athletic Director Mike Hughes.

“In Jesuit athletics, we focus on coaching for character. We find if you do the little things right, concentrating on developing men and women of conscience, competence and compassion, the wins and losses take care of themselves.”

After a huge spring sports season, Jesuit racked up 11 total state titles for the 2018-19 school year, including championship wins in baseball, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s golf, men’s tennis, men’s basketball, women’s and men’s swimming, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball.

“Our coaches, many of them on-campus Ignatian educators, understand that athletics is but one expression of the Jesuit mission of producing leaders-for-others,” said Principal

Paul Hogan. “Sports at Jesuit help us to pursue our mission by teaching character traits like self-sacrifice, teamwork, commitment, self-discipline, and love—of the game, and of each other—that serve our students for generations.”

High schools sports news arbiter MaxPreps determines the No. 1 high school sports program in the nation using a specialized point system. Schools accumulate points for finishing first or second in the state finals or finishing in the Top 25 national rankings for a specific sport. Points are also awarded based on the size of the state, the popularity of the sport, the playoff classification for the sport played and for the number of teams competing in that playoff classification.

JHS Student Awarded Beaverton Valley Times Athlete of the Year In July, Will Sheaffer ’19 was named Athlete of the Year by the Beaverton Valley Times.

During his senior year, Will earned a team state title with the men’s basketball team and an individual crown in track for the 1,500 meter race. Will also captained the men’s cross country team and led the Crusaders to a second-place finish in the state meet.

As a three-sport athlete, Will took cross training to a new level. Throughout basketball season, he continued to run a full cross-country regime in order to stay in shape for the spring track season.

“He has a level of intensity and passion that’s pretty rare,” Jesuit’s cross country coach Tom Rothenberger told the Valley Times. “He just loves to compete. He hates to lose.

That’s not a given for kids that can make shots and run fast times…He might be one of the most intense competitors I’ve ever coached. He won’t go down without a fight.”

Will continues his running career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall.

Photo by Matt Singledecker/Beaverton Valley Times

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Mick Abel

Katie Duong

Peter Murphy

Rose Booth

Oregon Sports Award Winners The Oregon Sports Awards honor outstanding achievements by Oregon’s prep, amateur and professional athletes, as well as teams, coaches and administrators. Various awards are distributed annually to highlight accomplishments and shining moments in Oregon’s sports history. In 2019, four Jesuit students received the honor of Prep Athlete of the Year.

Mick Abel ’20 Prep Baseball Player of the Year

Peter Murphy ’20 Prep Boys Tennis Player of the Year

Ace right-handed pitcher for Jesuit’s state championship squad, Mick Abel ’20 was almost unstoppable in 2019 with a 10-0 record. He was named Oregon’s Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, 6A Pitcher of the Year, and first-team All-Metro. As one of the top prospects in the nation, Mick also competed in the inaugural year of the MLB’s Pipeline Development League and was ranked as the no. 2 prospect to come out of the showcase by MLB.com.

Peter Murphy ’20 has already claimed three individual tennis state titles and two Oregon Sports Awards. He is a core member of Jesuit’s men’s tennis team, helping to continue a dynasty that has won 10 out of the last 11 state titles. According to United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Tennis Recruiting Network, Peter is a five-star recruit for the class of 2020. During his senior year, Peter looks to clinch the highly acclaimed fourpeat and solidify his plans to play tennis at the collegiate level.

Katie Duong ’19 Prep Girls Soccer Player of the Year

Rose Booth ’19 Prep Volleyball Player of the Year In her final year as a Crusader, Rose Booth dominated the court. Rose was named the Oregon Volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year as part of Jesuit’s state championship winning team, in which she was announced as the Player of the Game.

She was also named the Co-Metro League Player of the Year, Co-State Player of the Year, and was a unanimous first team All-State Tournament selection. Rose will continue her athletic and academic career at Loyola Marymount University.

Katie Duong ’19 capped off her high school soccer career by leading Jesuit’s women’s soccer team to an undefeated season and the program’s 13th state title. In addition to earning Allstate and All-Metro first-team honors, Katie was selected to compete in the High School Soccer All-American Game. After leading the West team to victory, she was a named co-MVP of the contest. Katie will continue playing soccer for the University of Minnesota this fall.

Basketball Players Sign Letters of Intent Jesuit basketball players Aiden Williams and Justin Bieker signed their official Letters of Intent on May 21. Aiden will be attending the University of Redlands and Justin will be attending the University of San Francisco.

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State Championships Athletes Earn Five Titles in Spring Spring was busy for our student-athletes! These hardworking and dedicated players took home five championship titles over the season. Meet our Jesuit High School state champions.

Men's Tennis (May) The men’s tennis team capped off a perfect season (14-0) by claiming their fourth consecutive state championship. Peter Murphy '20 won the 6A boys singles state title for the third consecutive year, and doubles team Tommy Kallgren '19 and Jaden D'Abreo '20 earned the 6A boys doubles championship.

Men’s Golf (May)

Women's Golf (May)

The men's golf team won their third consecutive team state title, led by Andrew Reinhardt '20 who claimed the individual state title. Jesuit finished 28 strokes ahead of second place finishers Mountainside High School with three Crusaders finishing in the top ten.

The women's golf team won their second consecutive 6A state title on May 14 at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks.

The Crusaders trailed Westview by 15 shots after the first round, but made a dramatic comeback on the second and final day to win by eight strokes.

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Women’s Lacrosse (May) Jesuit women's lacrosse team earned their first-ever Oregon Girls Lacrosse Association state championship by defeating the three-time defending state champions Lake Oswego Lakers 13-12.

Baseball (June) Jesuit's baseball team earned the title of 6A state champions in a hard won victory over Central Catholic. The Crusaders defeated the Rams 2-1 in 13 innings, which tied the record for most innings played in an OSAA state championship game.

Head Coach Colin Griffin ’00 led the Crusaders to a 26-5 season record and the program’s second state title in five years. Coach Griffin was recently named a High School Regional Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

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the next generation In April, 35 alumni, alumni parents and friends of Jesuit High School joined us on campus to share their career journeys with our junior class. Their inspiring stories led to active discussions and thoughtful questions. As the students begin to consider their own career path, these presentations play an important role in helping them shape the choices they make for their future.

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This August, I head back down to the University of San Diego to begin my law school career. I hope to become a prosecutor in the future.

What do you love about your job?

I love the ability to help brighten community members’ days. When someone calls 911, that is likely their worst day. I get the chance to make it slightly better by helping people feel safe, heard, and cared for. I love interacting with new people and helping people take control of their own safety. Probably the most rewarding part of my job is watching a kid smile when I hand them a sticker or a teddy bear after they have experienced trauma.

ERIN MARTINEK ’09 What college did you attend and what was your major?

I graduated from the University of San Diego in 2013 with my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a Math Concentration.

This was our teaching and education major.

During my time at USD, I went on a ride along and fell in love with police work.

In December of 2018, I completed my graduate program and received my Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership, also from the University of San Diego.

What are the challenges in your job?

Being a police officer in general is a challenging job. It is often unsafe and comes with much conflict. However, these challenges help us grow as people. We get to interact with members of society who come from all corners of the earth, including from different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and life experiences. This hands-on learning and interaction with the community has taught me how many incredible people there are in our community.

What is your occupation and job responsibilities?

I am currently a District Attorney Investigator for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in Portland. I am a certified police officer and am assigned to our Domestic Violence Unit. The responsibilities of my current assignment include conducting follow up and witness interviews, collecting evidence, and performing other tasks that help prepare and further investigate domestic violence cases that are going to court.

What advice do you have for our students?

Jesuit High School students are in such a great position to help change the world.

As a student and graduate of Jesuit, you will remember “Men and Women for Others” in the back of your mind forever.

My advice is to keep that at the forefront of your decisions while also exploring your interests and passions. As a student, the world is your oyster. I advise you to go on explorations, immersions, and abroad opportunities, take different classes, shadow people in varying careers, and learn from people who have different backgrounds from you. The knowledge you gain about the world and about yourself through these various opportunities will help you identify your passion. And, once you have identified a career where you get to fulfill your passions, work will never seem like work.

The biggest advice is to never stop learning.

It is the key to success!

Prior to this position, I worked for about five years as a Patrol Deputy for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Hillsboro, OR. While there, I helped conduct our Human Trafficking missions as a decoy, I was a member of the Domestic Violence Resource Team, the Recruitment Team, and was a Rifle Operator. I was also the only female Defensive Tactics Instructor from patrol. Through that assignment, I helped teach current and new Deputies how to defend themselves. I also taught our women’s self-defense class – Power Curves – for women in our community.

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STEPHANIE KING ’10

TAYLOR GRAY ’02

What college did you attend and what was your major?

What college did you attend and what was your major?

Portland State University - Communication Studies

Oregon State University Electrical Engineering with a focus in power.

What is your occupation and job responsibilities?

What is your occupation and job responsibilities?

My role as Project Manager of Customer Success & Operations at Resident Home allows me to do little bit of everything, including staff coordinating, data and metric analytics, and assistance with company development. I am essentially my department’s “right hand woman.”

Adaptability is key in my role!

I am an electrical engineer for PGE in the substation group. My main job responsibility is project engineer for substation design. I am responsible for all aspects of substation design including providing quality assurance and providing engineering support during construction.

What do you love about your job?

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy being able to see substations I worked on constructed, energized, and providing power.

Every day presents new challenges and opportunities. I have the privilege of watching my hard work come to fruition on a near daily basis. I get to collaborate with some of the most intelligent and creative individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. One of my favorite company perks is that I work remotely, which means I spend every day working from my home office or wherever my travels may take me.

What are the challenges in your job?

There are many challenges as a substation engineer. A problem that provides challenges is retrofitting existing substations. The challenge is installing modern technology and having it work with the older technology that is not being replaced. There is also an incredible amount of detail in designing substations. The challenge is to mitigate design errors during the design stage of a project. Any mistake in engineering can cause issues such as creating a safety hazard for construction crews, cost overruns, and delays during construction.

What are the challenges in your job?

Working for a startup comes with many challenges every single day. Rapid growth means we are constantly pivoting to address pain points, better user experience, efficient processes, etc. I don’t think anything stays the same for very long, fluidity is everything in this industry. The work I do does not come without plenty of stressors and sacrifices along the way.

What advice do you have for our students?

Have fun and enjoy life but have selfdiscipline and put in the work to be successful at whatever you choose to do in life.

What advice do you have for our students?

Don’t turn down opportunities presented to you, and always take that leap of faith because now is the time!

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MIKE SKOKAN ’84

JHS Career Day Presenters

What college did you attend and what was your major?

I attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. It is funny how life works sometimes. In 1983 the college counselor at Jesuit suggested that I apply for the Archdiocesan Scholarship at Catholic University (full tuition for 4 years).

I applied. Several months later the phone rings and it's Archbishop Power calling to say that I won the scholarship. I turned down Stanford and Georgetown to go to CUA. I was a chemistry major.

Thank you to the following presenters for sharing your time and your wisdom.

We loved having you at Jesuit!

Kevin Barton '96 Julianne Brands '08 Jeremy Burroughs '95 Craig Cooley Alecia Darm '04 Jerry Davis Patrick Duffy '68 Bart Ferguson '84 Ted Ferguson '87 Kevin Fisher '95 Gina Gladstone Taylor Gray '02 Larry Jackson '86 Callie Jackson Stephanie King '10 Mark Kreutzer '77 Mike Kroon '85 Erin Martinek '09 Trevor McBride '05 Dr. Mark Mertens '73 Sean Milstead '96 Greg Phelps '84 Lauren Phillips Dr. Mike Skokan '84 Rob Skokan '86 JB Skopil '96 Monica Spoelstra Metz Angela Steiert '97 David Tangvald '83 Marianna Thielen '00 Elliott Waksman Michael Washington '80 Andrew Weiss '12 Matt Wilcox '05

What is your occupation and job responsibilities?

I am a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician for a specialty group called The Oregon Clinic. I see patients who have lung diseases both in the hospital and in the clinic. I also manage patients in the ICU who are critically ill. I see patients who have an abnormal x-ray or a mass on a CT scan. I do something called bronchoscopy where I use a scope to go into the lung and biopsy abnormalities. I also get to teach medical residents at Providence Portland Medical Center.

What are the challenges in your job?

The work can be really busy and the hours long. Age Quod Agis is harder at 3 am. We also see much suffering and death which is taxing on the psyche and the soul.

What do you love about your job?

I like taking care of patients. I like trying to make lives better. I genuinely appreciate the relationships I have with patients whom I've cared for for years. I still even like staying up all night trying to save someone's life in the ICU.

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Nicolas and Allison Buckmelter with Academy Nicholl committee member Stephen Ujlaki at the 2018 Nicholl Fellowship Awards and Live Read presentation.

telling stories &

touching lives

BY KATHY BAARTS, ALUMNI DIRECTOR, AND CLAIRE MCCARTHY ‘14

Allison (Solberg) Buckmelter ’01 discovered her love for screenwriting while at Jesuit High School. She always enjoyed being a part of the fine arts department, playing in the pep and jazz bands and auditioning for plays, but it wasn’t until she took Jesuit’s playwriting class during her senior year that she found her passion for screen and script writing.

Allison says the screenwriting class was influential in many ways. It gave her the opportunity to write her first original script “Ice Cream,” a drama about people standing up for others which was performed during Jesuit’s One Act Plays.

One of the most pivotal moments in Allison’s career came when local screenwriter Mike Rich spoke to the playwriting class. Mike had won a Nicholl Fellowship in 1998 for his script Finding Forrester. Allison was fascinated by his journey and career as a screenwriter.

Determined to learn more, she asked, “How do I do this – how do I get to be a screenwriter?”

“Well, you just need to win the Nicholl,” said Mike. As she retold the story, Allison laughed at the younger version of herself who said, “Okay, cool. I’ll remember that.”

But Allison did remember and never lost sight of that goal. In 2018 she was honored with her own Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting. Allison and her husband, Nicolas Buckmelter, collaborated on their winning screenplay, American Refugee, which was 1 of only 4 selected for the award from 6,895 scripts submitted worldwide.

For Allison and Nicolas, the inspiration for American Refugee came from cold-war era family history and current hotbutton issues affecting the United States.

Together, they wove a beautiful story of loss and hope in a troubled time.

Next to receiving an Oscar, winning a Nicholl Fellowship is the highest honor a screenwriter can receive from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Along with widespread recognition of their talents, winners also receive a $35,000 stipend to complete another feature-length screenplay in the year following the award.

However, Allison and Nicolas did not find success overnight. They worked on a draft of American Refugee for over five years before first submitting their script for the Nicholl Fellowship in 2016. After placing in the top 50, they took the notes and feedback from the committee into consideration while editing the most recent version of the script which won in 2018.

Both high school teachers in Southern California, Allison and Nicolas juggle busy lives of working and caring for their two young children, Thomas and Greta, while still finding time to devote to their passion for screenwriting.

Since winning the award, their lives have changed in many ways. Allison and Nicolas are now represented by an agency and management company, and they have their first paid writing project: adapting a French crime thriller novel for the screen.

“It’s so different to write for a project with a deadline,” said Allison. “It makes you really focus. And, unlike novels, there are also time and length restrictions for the screen. I think that makes the dialogue better. There is no wasted space in the pages.”

Allison still loves to write and enjoys the challenges of the competitive screenwriting industry. As a screenwriting team, Allison and Nicolas complement and balance each other. On each project, they work together to create an outline. Then Allison takes the blank pages and begins the story while Nicolas improves the script with each rewrite.

“You have to give it 100 percent,” said Allison.

“You write it over and over until you get it just right.”

Allison (Solberg) Buckmelter '01 and husband Nicolas Buckmelter.

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As their own story continues to unfold, Allison and Nicolas are grateful for each other and the support that allows them to continue pursuing their passion for telling stories and touching lives through screenwriting.

Class of 2019 VALEDICTORIAN Anisha Kumar SALUTATORIANS Nolan Aylward Gregory Cowles NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Rea Agnihotri Gregory Cowles Taylor Dischinger Catherine Grimme Anisha Kumar Charles Law Charles Martin NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS Sebastian Acevedo Nivedita Baniya Akash Chinthamani

Abhishek Goel Grace Joseph Nitya Krishnakumar Catherine Mudd Mitchell Nee Sona Sridharan Kathryn Thompson Grant VanDomelen Stephan Zapodeanu NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM Sebastian Acevedo Trenton Martinez Sofia Nosak SUMMA CUM LAUDE AWARD Brian Coen Gregory Cowles Catherine Grimme Rachel Gulka

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Aspen Hawkins Matthew Hotchkiss Sara Sanders Heidi Schuler Samuel Wiltjer MAGNA CUM LAUDE AWARD Anisha Kumar Charles Law Cecelia Locati Charles Martin Grace Preble Brooke Rogers SENIOR SPEAKERS Iesha Comia Nicholas Pliska SENIOR LOYALTY AWARDS David Brown Grace Preble

FR. HENRY SCHULTHEIS, S.J. CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT AWARD Kate Thompson JESUIT SCHOOLS NETWORK AWARDS Vanessa Kunakornvanich Kellar McCarthy DEPARTMENT AWARDS Campus Ministry: Kedi Hickman & Grace White Chinese: Emerald Kan Choir: Gabrielle Hanna-Choquette Christian Service: Taylor Dischinger & Madelyn Schur Computer Science: Grant VanDomelen Diversity: Naomi Kasahun & Jesse Acosta Peinado Drama: Lilly Webb English: Conor Burke French: Rachel Gulka History: Charles Martin Instrumental Music: Robert Hereth Journalism: Jane Ferguson Mathematics: Grant VanDomelen Photography: Alyssa Hughes & Payton Schleh Physical Education: Jorge Villatoro Science: Brooke Rogers Spanish: Dechen Yehshopa Student Government: Samantha Petitt Technical Theatre: Payton Schleh Theology Studies: Jack Jensen & Kathryn Thompson Visual Arts: Marielle LeFave Yearbook: Morgan Keudell, Alaina Phillips & Madelyn Schur CLASS OF 2019 STATS 7 National Merit Finalists 12 National Merit Commended Students 207 Presidential Academic Award Winners 150 National Honor Society Members (3.60+ GPA plus service and leadership) Total Hours of Christian Service: 33,517 Average Christian Service Hours per Student: 108 (only 65 hours of service per student is required) College Bound: 99 percent +

TEACHER RECOGNITION Educator of the Year: Michelle Strear Sandy Satterberg Award for Excellence in Ignatian Pedagogy: Malia Bernards

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2019 Graduation award winners The following recognition is awarded by the president each year and presented to the recipients at Commencement. The Alumnus of the Year Award, Age Quod Agis Award, Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Award, and St. Peter Canisius Award all honor individuals whose deep dedication and commitment to Jesuit High School have left an indelible mark on the school and its community.

AGE QUOD AGIS AWARD Michael simons The motto of Jesuit High School is Age Quod Agis, “Do Well Whatever You Do.” The President’s Age Quod Agis Award recognizes individuals who have “done well” in the context of their association with Jesuit High School. This year, Jesuit High School is proud to present the Age Quod Agis Award to Michael Simons.

voted Most Inspirational Player for the 1975-76 season, and graduated with a degree in history in 1976.

Mike, the oldest of three children, was born in Englewood, New Jersey. During his childhood, his family moved frequently due to his father’s lifelong career as a distinguished Air Force officer, which included recruiting some of the first Air Force officers to teach at the Air Force Academy while stationed in Dayton, Ohio; teaching Asian history as an associate professor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; being assigned to The Pentagon for four years in Washington, D.C.; and helping write The Pentagon Papers for three years at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica.

Mike graduated from McLean High School in Virginia in 1971. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Stanford University where he was

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During the year following his graduation from Stanford, Mike temporarily worked at a local radio station doing weekly short reports of Stanford sports, coached the JV basketball team at Los Altos High School, and worked at a burger joint. Teaching had always been in the back of Mike’s mind for his future career. After observing some history classes at Los Altos, he was hired by the school as an intern geography and world history teacher for one year in 1977. During that time Mike also attended the College of Notre Dame in Belmont to obtain his teaching credentials.

Mike spent the next year as a long-term substitute teacher and continued to coach the Los Altos JV basketball team. When a history teacher position opened at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, he applied for and was offered the job. For the next 10 years, Mike taught and coached track and basketball at St. Francis. He met his wife, Michelle,

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on a blind date and the couple was married in the summer of 1989.

With Michelle’s family in Beaverton (she graduated from Valley Catholic High School), Mike heard about an opening at Jesuit High School in Portland for head men’s basketball coach in 1989. He became Jesuit’s head men’s coach that year and also taught history and coached track and field. In 1992, Gene Potter took over at the helm as head coach of the men’s basketball program while Mike continued to coach track and teach. In 2002, Gene asked Mike to help coach again. Mike, grateful for the opportunity, readily accepted.

For the next 17 years, Mike coached wherever he was needed in Jesuit’s men’s basketball program with roles ranging from JV assistant coach, freshman assistant coach and, for the last four years, freshman B coach. “I like seeing the improvement in my players during the season,” says Mike. “To me, that is one of the most rewarding aspects about coaching.”

In addition to his three decades of coaching contributions at Jesuit High School, Mike has substantially enhanced the history program.

Apart from teaching almost every class that the history department offers during his tenure at Jesuit, he started the school’s AP U.S. history and AP macroeconomics programs in the 1990s. Those programs are now thriving today. Mike is self-taught in macroeconomics, learning the subject in the wake of the Great Recession so he could better understand it.

He also taught macroeconomics, along with government/economics.

“The process of discernment and reflection is something i will take with me AND continue to use.”

“I love coming to work and appreciate the Jesuit approach to Catholicism. The process of discernment and reflection is something I will take with me and continue to use,” says Mike. “I am so grateful for the friendships I’ve developed over these past three decades. It’s been a great 30 years.”

Mike transitioned from Jesuit this summer and plans to spend time traveling with Michelle, developing his golf game, reading more, doing home projects, and fly-fishing. He will return to Jesuit as a volunteer coach.

Mike has these apt words for the class of 2019: “Find something you love and work hard at it.

It’s really rewarding.”

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John Merriman ’64 and his son, Chris

alumnus of the year AWARD john merriman '64 Each year, Jesuit High School presents the Alumnus of the Year Award to an individual whose actions and deeds represent the values of Jesuit High School as found in the Profile of the Jesuit Graduate at Graduation: open to growth, intellectually competent, loving, religious, and committed to doing justice. This year, Jesuit High School is pleased to present the Alumnus of the Year Award to John Merriman ’64.

1969 and completed his Ph.D. in history in 1972 under the guidance of Charles Tilly, American sociologist, political scientist and historian.

During graduate school, John discovered his passion for the French archives.

John fondly recalls his experience at Jesuit High School over 50 years ago. Three teachers profoundly influenced his life: Fr. Larry Robinson, S.J. introduced John to his lifelong love of history; Fr. Mike Schultheis, S.J.’s deep devotion to service significantly impacted John; and Pat Carroll provided him with solid foundations in reading and writing. In addition to his studies at Jesuit, John participated on the debate team, became accomplished in extemporaneous speaking, and played basketball.

John started his career as an educator at the University of Michigan, where he was a lecturer in history and sociology for one year before becoming an Assistant Professor of History at Yale University for the next five years and then an Associate Professor of History from 1978-83. In 1984, John was named a full Professor of History.

In 1996, John became the Charles Seymour Professor, a position he still holds to this day.

Among his many academic accomplishments, John earned Yale’s highest teaching award, the Howard F. Byrnes/Richard B. Sewall Teaching Prize, in 2000, and the De Vane Medal for Distinguished Scholarship and Undergraduate Teaching in April, 2019.

After graduating from Jesuit in 1964, John attended the University of Michigan and in 1967 was named the university’s “Intramural Athlete of the Year.” After earning his undergraduate degree in history, John obtained his master’s in history in

With his passion for the French archives, John was naturally drawn to France to conduct much of his research, writing, and teaching. He and his family took up residence first in Paris and then in the village of Balazuc in southeastern France, where

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his children were in school for three years.

In addition to his continuing professorship at Yale, John has taught at the University of Lyon and the University of Rouen. For the last 45 years, he has been an accomplished researcher, professor, and writer. John has authored and edited nineteen books, among them The Dynamite Club: How a Bombing in Fin-de-Siècle Paris Ignited the Age of Modern Terror; Massacre: The Life and Death of the Paris Commune; and A History of Modern Europe since the Renaissance, now in its fourth edition.

His books have been translated into French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. John is known worldwide for his participation in lectures, conferences, and media in the US, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Poland and China.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate in France in 2002, and the “Medal of Meritorious Service to Polish Education” awarded by the Ministry of Education of Poland in 2009. John received the American Historical Association’s prestigious annual “Award for Career Scholarly Distinction” in January, 2018.

John met his late wife Carol when they were set up on a date at a Harvard-Yale football game. Carol earned her master’s degree at Yale in Public Health and in History. She worked in Washington, D.C. at the League of Women Voters in Human Resources until she and John moved to New Haven in 1979. They were married the next year. John and Carol have two grown children, Chris and Laura.

Both graduated from Yale and will be working for humanitarian organizations in Africa this summer.

John’s lifelong love of learning is evident in his accomplishments. He is a true man for others, constantly sharing his knowledge and experiences. John loves teaching and imparting his passion for history to his students.

His research and careful historical writing serves not only the present, but also future generations.

“Jesuit meant so much to me,” says John, who attended his 50-year class reunion on campus several years ago. John’s advice for Jesuit students today is simple: “Believe in people and believe in doing good,” he says. “Life is so much more than money. Find something you love and do it!”

arrupe AWARD christopher c. smart, ed.d.

Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ served as Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1965-83. He gave one of his most famous speeches in 1973 when he proposed the educational objective to form “men and women for others.” Jesuit High School’s Arrupe Award honors and recognizes those whose service is a model of what it means to be a person for others. This year we are pleased to present the Pedro Arrupe, SJ Award to Christopher C. Smart, Ed.D.

After two years at the novitiate, Chris studied philosophy at Fordham University. He was assigned as a regent to Jesuit High School in Sacramento in 1987, where he taught ethics and American government, moderated yearbook, and coached cross country and track and field.

After much discernment, Chris determined he was being called to be a husband and father and left regency in 1989 but remained at Jesuit Sacramento. He married his wife, Kathy, in 1990 and son Ryan was born in 1992.

Chris grew up in California as the oldest of five children in an Irish-Italian Catholic family. He attended Marin Catholic High School where he played football and was involved in the drama program. After high school, Chris attended Santa Clara University and graduated with a degree in political science in 1983.

Chris became Athletic Director at Jesuit Sacramento in 1995. He also taught AP U.S. history and obtained his master’s degree in education at the University of San Francisco. In 1999, he attended the very first JSEA conference for athletic directors. Chris, who felt called to work at a coed school, interviewed for the position of Athletic Director at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon. Chris was offered the job and became Jesuit’s Athletic Director in August 2000.

From an early age, Chris aspired to be a teacher and was inspired by his grandmother and through travel and reading. Impressed with the Jesuits’ commitment to education and teaching of the whole person and rooted by his Catholic upbringing, Chris decided to enter the novitiate in August 1983.

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In 2005, Chris stepped into the position of Vice Principal of Student Life. “Working with teens is life-giving,” says Chris. “It can be challenging at

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times, but it’s a privilege to be a co-learner and co-educator with them.”

Chris became Jesuit’s Academic Vice Principal in 2012, and in 2013 was accepted into the University of Portland’s educational leadership program where he obtained his doctorate in educational leadership and learning in May 2016. During this time, Chris was encouraged to look at more leadership positions and opportunities and ultimately decided that he wanted to be a principal. With that goal in mind, he applied for and was offered the job of principal of Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland after a national search. “As a lifelong learner and mission-driven Catholic educator, I am filled with enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community of Bishop O’Dowd High School,” says Chris.

Chris leaves a lasting legacy at Jesuit High School. His countless contributions spanning Chris’ tenure include helping create a mission statement for athletics for all Jesuit high schools; creating processes and systems for how Jesuit adds programs to its myriad offerings; beginning the work of recognizing and working with the Counseling Department on student health and wellness; the creation of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model and a process for curriculum mapping so various departments can effectively evaluate curriculum in terms of Ignatian pedagogy and the profile of the Jesuit graduate; helping research and implement Jesuit’s 1:1 program; and supporting the creation and growth of the position of Vice President for Professional Development and Innovation.

“working with teens is life-giving ... it's a privilege to be a co-learner and co-educator with them.”

During his nearly two decades at Jesuit, Chris was also the director of Jesuit’s summer session program, taught speech and debate, and coached mock trial. Some of his fondest memories relate to the drama program, which he oversaw for a number of years and helped guide to even new heights.

“One of the great gifts of my time at Jesuit was sharing the JHS experience with my son, Ryan, between 2006-10,” says Chris. “Ryan’s involvement in athletics, drama, and choir provided us with the chance to have a number of great father-son experiences. Ryan was truly ‘formed and transformed’ during his time at Jesuit High School.”

Chris has the following wisdom for the Class of 2019: “Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Always trust in God.”

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››

20 ALUMNI 19 WEEKEND ››

Alumni Weekend 2019 kicked off with the Alumni Golf Classic on Thursday, September 26. In the midst of a cool, rainy fall, we were blessed with a three-day window of no rain (and partly sunny skies!). The golf tournament was wonderful -- thank you to Steve Elorriaga ’76 and Trevor McBride ’05 for their leadership. Friday was a special day as we welcomed the Class of 1969 back for their 50-year reunion. The tailgate was filled with alumni from all decades, enjoying the great food of Ernesto’s and cheering on our Crusaders. On Saturday, the alumni baseball game was played and the series is now tied 3-3 for the even and odd graduate years. Thank you to everyone who attended Alumni Weekend events. You always have a home at Jesuit High School!

Left: Welcome home, Class of 1969! We were honored to celebrate 50 years with you! Above: The tradition of alumni baseball continues to bring our alumni back to Sprunk Stadium.

Top: Fran Orlando ’14, Georgia Prim, Kristi McBride and Meredith Beary ’09 (Team Lululemon) at the Golf Classic.

Bottom: Members of the Class of 1989 enjoyed getting together before the game and then afterwards at West Coast Drinkery.

Top Left: Megan Melvin ’99 and her son show their Crusader pride! Bottom Left: Mike Hughes ’79, Dave McBride ’76 and Kathy Baarts enjoy the sunshine during the BBQ. Top Right: Brendan Cunningham ’99 and Mike Mosser ’99 catch up with James Osborne ’99 and his family at the Alumni BBQ. Middle Right: Freshman football players escorted the Class of 1969 to the field during halftime. Bottom Right: Molly Wolfsehr Boone ’99 and Susie Petrie ’99 enjoy catching up during the 20-year reunion celebrations •

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Photo by Ken Waz

showing courage on and off the field

BY KATHY BAARTS, ALUMNI DIRECTOR, AND CLAIRE MCCARTHY ’14

For a few days in the spring of 2019 Keanon Lowe ’10 was a household name. News stations and citizens across the nation praised Keanon for his act of heroism and bravery in disarming a student wielding a gun at Parkrose High School, where he worked as a security officer and coach.

“I had no idea that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students,” Keanon tweeted after the incident. “When confronted with the test the universe presented me with, I didn't see any other choice but to act. Thank God, I passed.”

In the moments following the incident, after the threat was controlled, Keanon said he immediately felt compassion for the student and spoke to him with kindness.

“I could comprehend what was going to happen next for the student, so I wanted to be there for him,” Keanon told Portland sports writer John Canzano on the radio show ‘the Bald Faced Truth’. “I was there for a reason.”

Six days later at the Senior Awards Ceremony, Jesuit High School honored Keanon with a Man for Others Award “in deep gratitude for his outstanding character, courage on behalf of the Parkrose High School Community, and service as an alumnus of Jesuit High School.”

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During the assembly, Keanon spoke to the student body about his journey to find meaning after the death of a close friend and classmate. His inspiring message to the Class of 2019 was centered on the importance of finding his purpose through service.

“Life is not about you at all,” said Keanon, “but about what you are able to do for others.”

Even as a young man, Keanon was focused on family and community. Through watching his older cousins attend Jesuit and compete under the lights of Cronin Field, Keanon knew he wanted that same experience. After talking to his mom about the possibility of attending Jesuit for high school, the family made the decision to move from Gresham to Beaverton in order to make Keanon’s dream of being a Crusader come true.

In the fall of 2006, Keanon stepped onto Jesuit’s campus not knowing anyone but determined to find a home in his new community. As a freshman football player he made enduring friendships with fellow classmates Nick Alfieri, Dominique Forrest, Jordan Lewis, and Taylor Martinek.

After attending public schools for nine years, Keanon appreciated the close community at Jesuit. He remembers that it was a breath of fresh air to come to a school where everyone was kind to each other and he was able to get to know his classmates on a deeper level.

Keanon recalls one class that set the foundation for his four years at Jesuit and beyond: Mr. Hazel’s Freshman English Class.

Keanon Lowe and family enjoy time together while cheering on the Blazers.

“I was held to such a high standard, and I wasn’t sure if I could get there,” said Keanon. “I would come early or stay late to work through the material. I ended up getting a good grade, but the whole experience was the most rewarding part. I learned so much, and it set me up for success.”

A year later, he accepted the position of head football coach and security officer at Parkrose High School in Portland. In one year as the head of the Parkrose football program, Keanon transformed the team. He propelled the Broncos from a 23-game losing streak to five wins in a single season and an appearance in the playoffs.

As a star football player, Keanon worked hard on and off the field during high school, and it paid off when he received a full-ride scholarship to play football for the University of Oregon. Keanon spent five years at the UO and was a threeyear starter for the Ducks. During his senior season, he was voted Most Inspirational Player by his teammates and, as a team captain, led the Ducks to a Rose Bowl Championship.

“Keanon’s success at Parkrose does not surprise me,” said Jesuit’s head football coach Ken Potter. “During his playing days at Jesuit, he continually made those around him better by demonstrating a work ethic second to none, a genuine love for his teammates, and an understanding of the importance of community.”

“Keanon is an all-around great guy,” said Doug Brenner ’13 who played football with Keanon at Jesuit and the UO. “He was always a great leader and would go out of his way to help the younger players. Even as a star player, Keanon remained humble.”

Keanon says he sees similarities between the Jesuit and Parkrose High School communities in the way that people know and care about each other.

“Being at Parkrose, I am inspired to do well,” said Keanon.

“There were so many adults that cared about me and helped me find success. I want to be able to carry that forward by caring about these kids and being a good role model for them.”

After college, Keanon took a position as a coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and later the San Francisco 49ers. He adjusted to the new lifestyle and appreciated the experience to work and travel across the country, but missed being home near his family.

Every day he continues to live out his message of serving others through his selfless and humble attitude. When he was presented with the opportunity to be a hero at Parkrose High School, he did not hesitate to risk his life to protect others. Keanon is truly a Man for Others and an exemplar of a Jesuit High School graduate.

In the summer of 2017, Keanon returned to Portland to coach at Jesuit for his younger brother Trey’s senior year. He was glad to be home learning from Coaches Ken and Gene Potter again and loved the opportunity to see his brother’s final year at Jesuit.

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FROM DREAM TO REALITY Victory Academy, a school for students with autism co-founded by a Jesuit parent, celebrates 10 years

BY CLAIRE MCCARTHY ’14

When Jesuit parent Tricia Hasbrook and Thea Schreiber met at an autism conference in 2003, they dreamed of a magical school to help meet the unique needs of their sons who were both affected by autism. The problem was no such school existed in Oregon.

a beautiful new school building situated on four acres of pasture property in Wilsonville. Inside, the light-filled school features classrooms and offices tailored specifically to the needs of students with autism.

After years of careful consideration, planning, and work to make the dream a reality, they launched Victory Academy in the fall of 2009, a school dedicated solely to the academic, therapeutic, and medical needs of children with autism.

“The truly unique part of Victory is we meet the student where they are,” said Co-Founder and Director of School Tricia Hasbrook. “We are able to adapt to the needs of all students with autism and specialize curriculum and therapies for each individual student.”

Over the past ten years, Victory Academy has grown from a single classroom with eight students to a fully accredited K-12 school with 80 students.

Today, visitors to Victory Academy are greeted by

Tricia’s son, AJ, attends Victory Academy while her eldest son, Nathan, is a junior at Jesuit High School. “Jesuit is everything it promised to be and more,” says Tricia. “Nathan has really grown

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as a student and as an individual.” Jesuit and Victory Academy have similarities in their holistic approach to education. “Both schools put the student first and value the development of the whole student.”

Victory Academy students receive personalized learning plans and are placed in a classroom of their peers to best serve their learning needs. The team of teachers and specialists integrate and utilize social cognition, speech and language, occupational, and behavioral therapies in the classroom.

They also offer students the opportunity to learn and practice life skills, such as cooking or doing laundry, which are not often taught in traditional classrooms.

Community based instruction is another integral part of Victory’s curriculum. Students look forward to lunch outings at restaurants to try new cuisine or afternoon trips to the movie theatre to practice leisure skills. Victory also offers extracurricular activities in athletics, art, technology, and theatre.

“Victory was started by two moms with personal experience raising children with autism,” said Co-Founder and Director of Operations Thea Schreiber. “We understand our families’ needs and we really love these kids.”

Before Victory Academy, both Tricia and Thea, like many other parents of children affected by autism, found themselves feeling overwhelmed balancing appointments with different therapists and specialists, while also worrying if their children’s needs were being met in a public school classroom. Victory Academy helps alleviate many of these worries for parents.

“Victory provides the culture and environment I want for my student,” said Lisa Handley, the parent of a current Victory student.

“I know he will be supported, he will be around peers, and his

needs will be met. I feel a sense of relief when I drop my student off because I am confident that the staff at Victory knows and loves my child.”

Like Tricia, Lisa also has ties to Jesuit High School. Her oldest son, Sam, graduated in Jesuit’s Class of 2018 and is currently playing lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania (see page 41). Sam was one of several Jesuit students who completed his Christian Service project at Victory Academy.

One of Victory Academy’s most unique activities is the Transition Program. Students 13 years of age or older can spend a few afternoons a week at an internship with a local business, typically accompanied by a Victory teacher for support. The Transition Program helps students practice their social skills, build relationships in the community, and gain confidence and work experience. Ten students have been hired by these employers and are receiving pay for their work.

The school has also begun developing a post-graduate program that would continue to help address the needs of Victory students after high school. Over the next year, Victory will focus on building more working relationships with local businesses and identifying more opportunities for community, recreation, and independent living. Their goal is to have a pilot program ready for Victory Academy’s first graduating class in 2020.

“With Victory Academy’s support, students are able to exceed expectations,” said Tricia. “Our dream is to have the post-graduate program so that our students continue to feel supported and successful at every stage of their lives.”

As Victory Academy is already one dream come true, it seems certain Tricia and Thea will make their next dream a reality too.

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Left: Victory Academy. Top: Victory Academy Co-Founder and Director of School (and JHS parent) Tricia Hasbrook and CoFounder and Director of Operations Thea Schreiber. Bottom: Victory Academy's classroom and art room.

In Memoriam The Jesuit High School community joins in prayerful remembrance of those who have died. May the family and friends of those who are no longer with us in body be held in our prayers and hearts, and may the departed rest in eternal peace with God.

Jesuit High School Alumni

George Burke Mims

Robert Beil, II '70 Herman Bernards '65 Paul Leitschuh '67

Kathleen Nemarnik

2/26/2019 7/16/2019 11/3/2018

Mother of David Nemarnik '75; Grandmother of Peter '96, Brian '00 & John '02 Orth, Emily '12 & David '14 Brugato

Julia Olivares

Friends, Family, Faculty & JHS Staff John Beaulieu

Eleanor Osborn

5/15/2019

Fritz Page

5/9/2019 1/17/2019

Jennifer Roof Mother of Jackson Parker '22

Jim Richmond

6/18/2019

Father of Lane Richmond '16

Mother of Bradley Farmer '75; Grandmother of Brian Farmer '02, James '02 & Mary '04 Whittemore

Warren Fuller

Ricki Rivelli

7/26/2019

5/25/2019

Thomas Swennes

3/28/2019

Father of Thomas Swennes '84

7/27/2019

Frances Talmadge

7/11/2019

Irene Tamlyn

6/18/2019

Robert M. Tanner

7/10/2019

Lewis Tycer

Linda U'Ren

4/2/2019

John Wallace

4/12/2019

6/27/2019

Father of Shelly '99 & Tyler '01 Wallace

Gerald Wendorf

7/31/2019

5/17/2019

Grandfather of Laine '01, Matthew '05 & Amanda '08 Gasparich

Former Jesuit, Principal & President of JHS

Linda Miller

2/11/2019

Mother of Gregory U'Ren '97

Mother of Joe Kushner '11

Michael Merriman

5/3/2019

Father of Anthony Tycer '78 & Grandfather of Marilyn Tycer '04

6/4/2019

Father of James Koenig '82

Mary Kushner

3/26/2019

Grandfather of Dominic '16 & Darian '18 Liu, & Tanner '17, Grayson '19 & Haidyn '23 Rakos

Grandfather of Matthew '18 & Eiley '22 Eichten

Herbert O. Koenig

7/7/2019

Grandmother of Jillian '03 & Dominick '08 Forni

Father of Mark '85 & Nicholas '88 Hubler

Lou Imhof

4/15/2019

Grandfather of Clair Talmadge '11

Father of Mark '72 (D) & Drew '74 Honzel

James Hubler

7/15/2019

Husband of Ann Smith, former World Languages teacher

Father of Brent Hedlund '78

Andrew J. Honzel

6/4/2019

George Smith

Mother of Kevin Grady '04

Richard Hedlund

3/30/2019

6/6/2019

Grandmother of Bianca '10 & Brandon '17 Gille

Suzanne Grady

6/7/2019

Wife of Larry Rivelli '64

Father of Anthony Fuller '80

Lilia Gille

3/11/2019

Grandfather of Molly '08, Corey '09 & Casey '12 Jones & Kevin '05, Meghan '06 & Michael '10 Page

Grandmother of Erin '15 & Megan '21 Feebeck; mother-in-law of Darrell Feebeck

Virginia Farmer

5/17/2019

Grandmother of Matthew Boileau '10

Friend of JHS

Rita Emmi

7/21/2019

Mother of John Olivares '87

Father of John J. '75 & Martin Beaulieu '76

Donald Boone

4/9/2019

Father of Steven Mims '89

7/23/2019

John Younie

Mother of Craig Miller '90; Grandmother of Haley '16 & Payton '19 Schleh

Father of Jack '71 (D) & Wade '74 Younie; Grandfather of Gavin '01, Wesley '01 & Edward '10 Younie, & Grace '11 & Oscar '13 Stevenson

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5/27/2019

Class Notes 1962

community on a number of committees and boards, including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Access and Habitat advisory committee and Visitation Parish’s Pastoral Council.

For a change of pace, he has been a crew chief and competitor in more than 50 ultra cycling events, including the 520-mile Race Across Oregon in which he holds two records.

traversing the Forest Park trails on a weekend morning!

1986

David Haggerty ’62 was introduced to volleyball when he was teaching at Monroe High School and asked to step in and coach volleyball. During his 20plus years of coaching, David began officiating volleyball first at the club level in 1995 and then at the high school level in 2003. He was recently awarded the 2018-2019 Oregon Volleyball Official of the Year.

Colonel Chris Nash, USMC, ’86 was awarded the Legion of Merit and retired after 32 years of service. Colonel Nash and his family reside in Scottsdale, AZ.

1998

1973 Melissa (Arrigotti) Cellini ’98 and Jonathan Cellini were married March 26, 2019 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. They celebrated with family, friends and Jon’s three children Aria (13), Mina (11), and Giovanni (9). The couple honeymooned at Disneyland and fill their days with adventures in parenting.

Kevin Van Dyke ’73 recently finished a 40-year run as director of the Forest Grove Rural Fire Protection District.

In addition to his many years working in public safety, Kevin served his

Matt Brischetto ’98 completed his eighth Boston Marathon on April 15, 2019, in a time of three hours and thirteen minutes. As a member of the Jesuit track and cross-country teams, Matt trained under Tom Rothenberger from 1995-1998. Over the past two decades, running has continued to be a passion of his. You can still find him

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Nina Mehlhaf ’98 has been promoted to anchor of KGW News at Sunrise, channel 8, helping to wake up Portland in the mornings Monday-Friday before NBC’s Today show. Nina is celebrating her sixth year with KGW, and now has a 2:00 am alarm clock....the earliest she’s ever had! Her daughter, Paloma, also turns 2 this year.

Class Notes 2003

Pat Evers ’03 completed his cardiology fellowship and is now a pediatric cardiologist. He signed on for one more year of training in pediatric pulmonary hypertension, a subspecialty within cardiology. Pat finished his masters in clinical and translational research, a graduate certificate in health care economics and is now working on an MBA. He and his wife, Lindsey, have a little boy named Caleb who was born last year.

2005

in Seattle. Greg’s current assignment is a Senior Manager of Program Management and ShuShu works in the Buying Office. They have entered the wonderful world of parenthood as they welcomed daughter Logan Olivia on April 19, 2019.

Nicole Sprunk Neuburger ’05 and husband Graham Neuburger (Central Catholic ’02) welcomed son Noah Don Neuburger just before midnight on April 7, 2019. He fills their days with constant love and adventure.

2008

2004

Erin (Cope) Steele ’05 and husband Alex Steele welcomed Reagan Renee Steele to the family in April 2019.

Paige (Lee) Larkin ’04 and her husband, Tim, welcomed their first child, Iona Mae Larkin, on January 16, 2019.

Greg Pender ’05 and wife Scheharazade “ShuShu” have moved between San Franisco and New York City several times with Nordstrom and are now settling into the corporate offices

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Alicia Halberg ’08 moved to Boulder Colorado to join her fiancé, Andrew, who is working on a PhD in robotics at CU Boulder’s computer science program, a program funded through the NASA Science and Technology Research Fellowship (NSTRF). After finishing at the top of her class for her Masters in Urban Planning at UW, Alicia is now in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) candidate program while working in Golden, Colorado for Jefferson County as an urban planner. Andrew is working at NASA’s

Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the DARPA Subterranean Robotics Challenge.

Alicia and Andrew were married on August 10 in Seattle, a day they had been looking forward to with great excitement!

leaders at SCU. Ryan and Stephanie currently live in San Jose, California.

2010

Justin Echevarria ’10 graduated from his philosophy studies at Mt. Angel Seminary in the spring of 2019. After participating in a spiritual program held at Creighton University that summer, he is now studying theology and living at the North American College in Rome while continuing formation and discernment for the priesthood.

Ryan Smart ’10 and Stephanie Lucas were married at Santa Clara University’s Mission Church on July 20, 2019. The couple met, as undergraduates, while both serving as summer orientation

true Portland fashion, it both rained and hailed on the wedding day, but eventually cleared up with a beautiful sunset for our ceremony and celebration afterwards. Cheers to many years full of rain, sunshine, and everything in between!”

2010 (and 1995)

Becca Spinar ’10 married Ben Olsen on May 25, 2019 at Creighton University in Omaha. Jesuit alums in the wedding party included Mary Williams (O’Donnell), Katie Reilly (Zweber), and Olivia Zuck (Cundari). Becca and Ben now live in Denver, CO.

On June 7, 2019, Ellie and Ryan Doumani ’10 got married at the Aerie at Eagle Landing in Happy Valley, OR surrounded by about 200 of their closest friends and family. “We are so lucky to have such wonderfully supportive people in our lives, and had guests fly in from as far as Lebanon, Australia, and France to celebrate with us. In

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Jennifer Xiong, MD, ’10 is an anesthesiology resident physician training at Harvard Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She recently completed her intern year, which concluded on a rotation in the Emergency Department at BWH. During one of her shifts in the ED, her supervising attending physician was Dr. Kelli O’Laughlin ’95 – a thoughtful, kind, and wonderful doctor. They were astounded and delighted to discover that we were both from Portland and had both gone to Jesuit! “It was so special to be able to connect with a fellow Jesuit alumna and work together caring for patients!” says Jennifer.

2012 Rachel (Hallett) ’12 and Nathan Knox celebrated the arrival of their baby girl, Elise Noelle, on August 1, 2019. Elise

Class Notes 2013

2018 Justin Manahan ’18 worked as a project engineer intern over the summer. He also attended a University of Portland (UP) Pilgrimage for a week to El Salvador with a group of students, including Jesuit alumna Megan Caren ‘18. He is in his sophomore year at UP where he majors in civil engineering.

weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches in length. The family resides in Watertown, NY where Nathan serves as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army. Rachel stepped aside from her position at a local elementary school as a Teacher Assistant to take on her new role at home with their baby girl. The new family of four, including 2-year-old German Shepherd named Howie, enjoy weekend adventures hiking, kayaking, and visiting new places in Upstate New York as well as Canada. They are excited to raise Elise in a home filled with love, with the spirit of new experiences, and with the grace of God – wherever the Army takes them!

Aishwarya Vardhana ’12 is excited to be making great strides in her career. After graduating from Stanford University having studied Product Design and Studio Art, Aishwarya has been living and working in San Francisco. She is a Design Lead at Knowhere, a news start-up that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to modernize the newsroom and deliver factual, unbiased reporting.

Outside of work, Aishwarya is happy to be making art, building creative community, writing and reading.

Katie Arndorfer (’13) and Max Rich (’13) are engaged! They will be married next summer. Katie is teaching high school Theology and English at Catholic Memorial High School in Boston, and Max is a Financial Analyst at Summit Partners. Katie and JHS classmate Madeline Sandquist ’13 will be living together this year in Boston.

San Diego Alumni Meetup

This spring, San Diego-based alumni and their families gathered together to share life updates and Crusader memories at one of Jesuit's regional alumni events.

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Alum Named First-Team All-American Lacrosse a perennial lacrosse powerhouse," said Sam. "I really love my team and I want to keep forming bonds and connections with all my teammates, both on and off the field."

BY CLAIRE MCCARTHY ’14

Jesuit alum and University of Pennsylvania lacrosse midfielder Sam Handley ’18 was named First-Team All American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association last spring. In the 97 year history of USILA All-American Awards, Sam is the first-ever freshmen from Penn to receive first team honors.

Sam is just as dedicated in the classroom as he is on the field. He is a business major with hopes of entering Penn's Wharton School of Business. Last summer Sam also has the opportunity to study at the London School of Business.

Sam played a dominant season last year, scoring 35 goals and 26 assists in 16 games. He was also named Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Ivy League by a unanimous coaches selection.

"Balancing my classes and the lacrosse schedule can be a bit challenging, but my teammates have been very helpful in teaching me how to manage the load," said Sam. "The time management skills and academic abilities I was able to practice at Jesuit have also been especially helpful."

"Stepping on the field at the collegiate level for the first time was a big transition," said Sam. "Every player out there is stronger and bigger than the players in high school. I knew I had to work hard to keep up with the competition."

Sam has a quiet confidence and silent determination to succeed that have made him both a formidable opponent and a well-loved teammate.

Sam made the adjustment and led Penn to the one of their best seasons in the program's history. The Quakers finished the season with a No. 5 national ranking after claiming the Ivy League title for both the regular season and conference tournament.

Fun fact: In the seventeenth century, Jesuit missionaries were the first to document the sport of lacrosse which had been played

by Native North American communities for hundreds of years.

It is fabled that French Jesuit missionary Jean de Brebeuf, one of the North American Jesuit martyrs, saw Huron tribesmen playing in present-day Ontario and was the first to use the term 'la crosse', or 'the stick' in French, to describe the sport.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to help cement Penn as

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The women's golf team won their second consecutive 6A state title in May 2019.