Avanti - Summer 2015

Avanti

SUMMER

2015

D.J. Smith justin-siena

Justin-Siena Foundation Board Chair

Justin-Siena is a Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition called to provide educational excellence in a loving, Christ-centered community that prepares students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world.

Our Legacy.

Their Future.

As a past parent and current member of the Justin-Siena Foundation Board, I am proud

ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEAL In addition to identifying our location and the year of our 1966 founding, our seal contains the history of our school. The Justin-Siena seal embodies the icons of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael (who co-sponsored the school through the 2005-06 academic year) and the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

The original Dominican black and white cross, fleury, indicates a spiritual ideal in spreading the Gospel of Christ by preaching and teaching. The five-pointed star signifies the sign of faith, which guides all Christian Brothers and Lasallian partners in their vocation of Christian education.

Finally, “Sempre Avanti” heralds the legacy of the Brothers, and more specifically, Justin High School. Italian for “always forward” these words appeared on the Justin High School seal representing a commitment to looking forward and never being complacent, while exhibiting a passion for preparing the students entrusted to their care.

to support Justin-Siena. Through my involvement over the years, I know firsthand how valuable a Justin-Siena education is and how it awakens something inside each Brave. If you haven’t already, please consider a gift to the Justin-Siena Annual Fund and join us in supporting the future of bright, capable, and deserving students.

ANNUAL fund

POSTMASTERS AND READERS Please send address changes to Office of Advancement at Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street | Napa, CA 94558, or email twing@justin-siena.org.

AVANTI is also available online at www.justin-siena.org.

Comments and/or editorial contributions can be sent to Director of Communications Eileen Mize at emize@justin-siena.org. The School reserves the right to publish and/or edit material to reflect the values of our mission.

Make your gift online at www.justin-siena.org.

Avanti

justin-siena magazine for alumni, families, and friends | summer 2015

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Highlights

VENAVER–Learning to Really See

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VENAVER, from the Spanish phrase, “come to see,” is a faith-based, intercultural immersion experience which invites participants to affirm a common bond among all people as children of God and which challenges perceived boundaries between self and others. Learn more about the history of this unique program and the impact it is having on students.

New Principal for the Braves

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Justin-Siena high school names its 14th principal in the school’s five decades. Joining the Braves community this month is Mr. John Bordelon, a Lasallian educator who is eager in his commitment to serve and to lead the Justin-Siena community in a new chapter of delivering excellence in Catholic education.

46th Commencement the Class of 2015

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On Thursday, June 4, 2015, 160 graduates crossed the podium on the North Lawn at the 46th Commencement Ceremony. We are proud of the Class of 2015 and wish them well. With 99% of the class matriculating to college, these young men and women embody our efforts to inspire faith, scholarship, and bravery.

What’s inside?

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Mission Matters

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Braves Bites

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Braves in the Arts

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Braves Report

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Braves World

Alumni Class Notes

About the Cover Members of the Class of 2015 gathered together on sacred ground to celebrate the Eucharist with family and friends at their Baccalaureate Mass. Pictured: Aidan Wignall ’15 carries the class candle, followed by Delia Bisconer ’15.

PHOTO BY THOM M CDERMOTT

Look for this icon throughout the magazine.

It means: MORE ONLINE.

calendar

Places to go. People to see!

Wed, August 19

MARK YOUR | CALENDAR

First Day of School

For a complete and up-to-date calendar of school events visit: www.justin-siena.org/calendar

Thurs, September 3

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Thurs, October 22

Braves Bash, Rally, & Bonfire

A special welcome to the Class of 2019!

First All-school Liturgy Patrons Plaza

A Braves Homecoming tradition

Fri, October 23

Sat, October 24

Sun, October 25

Homecoming Football Game

Alumni Reunion

a fall play–check the performing arts calendar online.

Off Campus–TBD Check website for info

Thurs, November 19

Wed, November 25

Mon, December 11

Dining Hall

Get in the game!

November 5–8 Justin-Siena Theatre presents

vs. Drake @ Dodd Stadium

Alumni Games

Vocation Day Alumni speaker series designed to inspire and engage.

Open House

A great day for prospective families to visit campus

President’s Circle Reception

Fri, October 23

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

Fri, December 5

Winter Concert The Chapel at Mont La Salle

AVANTI is published twice a year by the Office of Communications for Justin-Siena alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff.

Board of Trustees Mr. James Heim Chair Br. Kevin Slate, FSC Vice Chair

A Message from the Office of the President Dear Friends of Justin-Siena:

Sr. Emmanuel Cardinale, OP Mr. Thomas Durante ’93

This month Pope Francis released his encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’ – on Care of

Mr. Dennis Pedisich

our Common Home.” This 184-page document includes many important themes on

Mrs. Mel Denise Preimesberger

human interaction with God’s creation. And while most of the attention has gone

Br. Stanislaus Sobczyk, FSC, Ed.D.

towards issues of climate change, one overriding theme of the encyclical is the need

Dr. Paul Sweigert

to care for what we have been given.

Mrs. Suzanne Truchard Mr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO Mr. John Van Hofwegen Secretary & Finanacial Officer

Pope Francis of course speaks on a macro level involving many complex layers of human intersection with the environment. Nonetheless, I cannot help to think of more micro parallels that speak to our own existence here at Justin-Siena. In just over a year we will embark upon a major milestone of the school’s history as we prepare to celebrate our first 50 years.

Ms. Caroline Bettencourt Gerlomes ’79 Recording Secretary

What continues to strike a chord is that so many who have come before us care so deeply about our school –not

Administration

today, so is the same for a school community or any human family. The past consistently invades the present.

just it’s past, but it’s hope for the future. Just as decisions made in the past can impact creation as we know it

Mr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO

Sometimes those decisions are worth celebrating, and other times, we attempt to correct what were perhaps

Mr. David Holquin Interim Principal

the future.

Ms. Heidi Harrison Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

Justin-Siena has benefited from many wise decisions made in the past. Beginning with the initial decision made

Mr. Robert Bailey Vice Principal for Strategic Initiatives

Publishing Credits Editor-in-Chief/Designer: Eileen Mize, Director of Communications Photography: Thom McDermott; Eileen Mize; Kathy Kellebrew; Noel Hesser; Karin Jinbo Contributors: George Nessman; Noel Hesser; Caroline Bettencourt Gerlomes ’79; Fiorella O’Neill; Andrea Flores; Jackie Kearns; Michele Farver; Robert T. Jordan

well-intended decisions but had better short-term than long-term impacts. If only we had the ability to see into

by the late Bishop Leo Maher (whom after which our street is named) to offer a Catholic school in Napa to countless others that have led Justin-Siena through four decades of growth and have impacted thousands of students and their families.

Today, 48 years later, I am still impressed that our students, like the alums before them, appreciate the legacy that is our school. They care for our buildings and grounds, and they understand the need to protect our everexpanding legacy.

In this issue of Avanti, we celebrate leaders of the past. We also welcome new leadership that will take us into the future, and we of course take inventory of the wonderful accomplishments that make up our present.

Finally, it just happens that as Pope Francis’ encyclical letter is released, we are also debuting our first primarily digital version of Avanti. Enjoy!

For Justin-Siena,

Mr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO

A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition

feature

VENAVER Program Founders

Br. Richard Orona, FSC

Mr. Gery Short

Learning to Really See

A close look at the origins of the distinctly Lasallian VENAVER program and the impact it is having on students.

BY NOEL HESSER Accreditation Support Services Instructor of Mathematics

When Xaya Arcia ’16 was asked about the impact of his VENAVER Napa Valley Farm Workers experience, he eagerly responded: “I was glad

likely experience.

to work alongside our brothers and sisters from Sacred Heart Cathedral

Since 1988, Justin-Siena has participated in VENAVER immersions to

(San Francisco) as well as alongside our migrant workers. I learned the

Tijuana, Montana, New Orleans, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and

importance of solidarity and the importance of family, and I never felt closer

Arizona, as well as two local programs in the Napa Valley and an adult-

to my friends. But what stands out in my learning is being forever grateful

only immersion to Sri Lanka and southern India. In 2014-15, Justin-Siena

for being alive.” Xaya is typical of alumni of VENAVER immersions: all

students and teachers took part in two major immersions to the Blackfeet

emerge changed is some way.

Indian Reservation in Billings, Montana and to Tucson, Arizona with a

VENAVER, from the Spanish phrase, “come to see,” is a faith-based,

focus on immigration issues. Additionally, Justin-Siena participated in two

inter-cultural immersion experience which invites participants to affirm a

local immersions focused on Napa Valley Farm Workers and Napa Valley

common bond among all people as children of God and which challenges

Environmental Stewardship. New this year was Justin-Siena’s own “virtual

perceived boundaries between self and others. VENAVER began as a

VENAVER,” a global connection to schools in Indonesia, Ukraine, and

program of the San Francisco District of Lasallian schools in 1988 with im-

Utah through live video-conferencing, a part of the Face to Faith program of

mersions to Centro La Salle, the Brothers’ school in Tijuana, Mexico, but it

the Tony Blair Foundation (see sidebar).

has expanded into a rich network of encounters, all with the same objective 4

of awakening students’ consciousness to a world they would otherwise not

justin-siena Avanti

“From the beginning,” Gery Short, Director of the Office of Education

of the De La Salle Institute, explains, “VENAVER has been about education, not service, educating students about the lives and circumstances of their brothers and sisters in communities they rarely see.” Service is part of the experience, according to Brother Richard Orona, current Sub-Director of the Holy Family Community at Mont La Salle, but as is usually the case, “those offering service receive more than they give.” Gery Short and Brother Richard were instrumental in the brainstorming, planning, and establishing, along with Brother Michael Murphy, the first VENAVER immersion to Centro La Salle in Tijuana where Brother Richard was ministering. He ran the program there from 1988 to 1992. Our own President Robert Jordan managed the VENAVER program from 1999-2005 during his tenure at the Office of Education as Assistant Director of Education.

The common objectives of the VENAVER immersion programs as outlined by Mr. Jordan are as follows: FAITH: Through communal prayer and reflection, students identify how the holy presence of God can be found in each other and the people they meet.

COMMUNITY: Through community living and shared learning, students exercise interdependency and joint decision-making and hear and share stories of commonalities and differences with the people they encounter.

SERVICE LEARNING: Through direct service to others, students connect their service to the social, political, and economic realities of our times as well as actively answer the call to serve others as stewards of the Gospels.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Through experiencing the intense realities of life, students share their thoughts on the importance of the Gospel call to love and act justly.

SIMPLICITY: Through living in simple accommodations, students examine and evaluate their practices as world consumers by becoming aware of the living conditions and plights of others.

Delving into the complex issues of illegal immigration, students visited the border town of Nogales, Arizona on a 5-day immersion hosted by San Miguel High School.

Students begin to understand the hardships of reservation life, particularly the effects of generational poverty and the resulting problems of unemployment, addiction, and a high dropout rate for students. But the Brothers are making a difference—all the De La Salle students go to high school and a current graduate attends Stanford.

“I wanted to gain a new perspective on a different way of life,” says Katelynn Hayden ’15 when asked why she took part, “and to bond with other students doing the same.” Nina Giaquinto ’15 agrees: “My friends who have gone still talk about the Blackfeet students—I wanted to see what

As much as students may learn these truths on an academic level, there is

it was all about.” Both girls indeed had their eyes opened. “The contrast

no substitute for the awakening that can take place on a true immersion. As

between Browning, which was very depressed, and Napa was distinct,”

Gery Short asserts, “The experience triggers something in the participant—

related Katelynn. Nina added, “So many of the students we worked with

it unlocks something that can be life-changing.”

were affected by alcoholism and several lived with grandparents as a result.”

Some insights into the 2014-15 Immersion program at Justin-Siena follow: De La Salle Blackfeet School, Browning, Montana On this eight-day trip, students work at the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana, tutoring grammar school and middle school students. The group lives in community on the Blackfeet Reservation, is

Would they recommend the experience to others? “Oh yes,” they agreed, “It was a huge learning experience.” Nina adds, “Really important was learning to adapt to the needs of others, especially the children; we are still talking about them.”

El Otro Lado, Tucson, Arizona El Otro Lado, the “other Side,” is a five-day immersion into the complex

introduced to reservation life and Blackfeet culture, and sees the majesty of

world of illegal immigration hosted by the San Miguel High School, a Lasal-

nature by traveling through the Rocky Mountains and visiting Glacier Na-

lian school in the Cristo Rey network. Students sleep on the gym floor and

tional Park. Seven juniors and five seniors were led by directors Mr. Dave

prepare and eat all their meals together. They also spend time closer to the

Sugar and Ms. Pamela Gresh in February on this immersion into life on an

border in the town of Nogales, Arizona, and in the desert near Nogales.

American Indian reservation.

Students leave water in the desert on the migrant Trail, clean up trash in

“I keep coming back,” says seasoned leader Mr. Sugar, “because the

the desert, meet with the U.S. Border Patrol, experience the sentencing of

experience truly represents the Lasallian mission; I feel at home there.”

illegal immigrants in court, take a look at the border crossing, and listen to

First-timer Ms. Gresh was excited to see “a different iteration of the larger

people with a variety of perspectives. This year, six juniors, a sophomore,

Lasallian community.” She continues, “It opens the students’ eyes to what

and a senior accompanied VENAVER directors Ms. Jamie Hodgkin and

the mission really represents.”

“VENAVER” continued page 6

justin-siena Avanti

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Browning, Montana, home to the De La Salle Blackfeet School.

Mr. Andy Bettencourt ’02. “It was an intense experience of contrasts,” said McKenzie Amaral ’16, “a sad, eye-opening contrast with our sheltered existence and the horrible suffering of the immigrants. But we also met with the Border Patrol who are simply doing an overwhelming job. It is such a complicated issue.”

Christian Maldonado-Bon ’16 said that “the car rides when we traveled from place to place were especially constructive as we reflected on what we had experienced and debated the different perspectives.” “It was very impactful,” agreed McKenzie; “we saw the difficulty, the complexity of issues, and we didn’t always agree.”

“We couldn’t help but sympathize with the ordeal of the immigrants,” offered Ms. Hodgkin. “The suffering that is endured at the hands of the smugglers, families separated, even some left to die, and then it often ends in a jail sentence and deportation for these desperate people.” Mr. Bettencourt agrees, but they both understand another side. “Drugs are a big part of it—many of the immigrants are unwitting drug mules for the smugglers, and some are threatened with death if they do not cooperate,” he explains.

“It all became very real at the border, unlike anything I had ever seen,” expressed McKenzie, “A city split in half. We saw a bus of deportees dumped on a sort of turntable at the border, hopeless and defeated, our hearts breaking for them.” “I gained a new perspective of the journey to a better life—the struggle only continues once they get here, even if they can stay,” remarked Christian.

Napa Valley Farm workers Four sophomores, four juniors, and one senior joined Mr. Kevin Belton and Ms. Xiaozhen Li and a group of students and leaders from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco on a two-day immersion in the Napa Valley in March. “Because of my own background as an immigrant, I was very interested in the immigrant experience here—it really came to life for me as we worked in the vineyard,” offered Ms. Li. The experience focuses on understanding the dignity and contribution of Migrant Farm workers in the Napa Valley vineyards. Students learn about the history and issues of migrant farm workers in the U.S., in California, and specifically in the Napa Valley. As part of the immersion, students spend an entire day of serviceimmersion that includes pruning grapevines.

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justin-siena Avanti

Pia Von Strasser ’17 working with students at the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana.

Students stayed at Justin-Siena the night prior to the field day. They were placed in groups and given the task of purchasing and preparing a meal for a family of seven for under $20. Rising early on the field day, about 4:30am, they traveled to River Ranch and met with Mr. Angel Calderon for a presentation on the history of conditions of farm workers. Mr. Calderon wants students to understand that there is a great deal of very hard work by migrants that supports the glamorous wine industry around them. While conditions have generally improved since the days of the farm worker movement, there is still great need.

Kyril (Ky) Kehl ’17 said he “gained a greater respect for the workers in the field. The work was so repetitive, and after three hours, I wanted to quit so much. But the laborers work for ten or more hours.” Ky explained his reasons for taking part: “I hear about global issues, but I don’t really understand the issues in my own backyard; I gained new perspectives through this experience.” As an international student from Brazil, Marina Costa Vasconcelos ‘16 wants “to experience as many aspects of life in the United States I can; what I hear in class is one thing, but this really opened my eyes.”

Virtual VENAVER video conferencing allowed for conversations with students from around the world.

Napa Valley Environmental Stewardship On this immersion, students collaborate with the Napa Re-

Greeting students at a Lasallian school in Missouri through a virtual VENAVER.

Virtual VENAVER Unique to Justin-Siena this year is what faculty team

source Conservation District (RCD) and LandSmart for land-based

members Ms. Georgine Clarke, Mr. Simon Rebullida, and Mr.

Learning in Napa, which engages participants in real habitat res-

Robert Bailey are calling a “Virtual” VENAVER combining

toration projects that enhance their knowledge of local ecosystems,

many of the same outcomes of a VENAVER immersion with

develops leadership skills, and makes a difference on the land. Two

video-conferencing through Face to Faith, a program of the

freshmen, two sophomores, a junior, and two seniors accompanied

Tony Blair Foundation which promotes global understanding

leader Mr. Rick Landry on two separate excursions to Trubody

among students of different cultures. This blending of experi-

Ranch and Shurtleff Park. “Students meet and interview with

ences provides accessibility to a greater number of students

the RCD and gain an understanding of career possibilities in the

as it eliminates the need for costly travel and time away from

environmental field,” explains Mr. Landry; “Then they participate

school. Though not a true “immersion,” many of the desired

in the removal of invasive species along the creek.” Education

outcomes are similar.

about land use and planting and understanding the Napa Valley watershed round out the experience.

“I live here, but really don’t know about my environment; learn-

“After Christmas break, we began meeting after school for international dinners and to learn the curriculum regarding understanding other cultures and engaging in productive con-

ing about the impact of invasive species was really enlightening,”

versations,“ explained Juliette Nast ’18. Marina Costa Vas-

says Bianca Villao ’17. Kiera Connelly ’15 has participated in

concelos ’16, an international student from Brazil, continued:

the program before and is interested in pursuing a career in the life

“Respect for others and active listening were key concepts.”

sciences, either environmental or possibly medical. “I enjoy the

Training focused on the concept of compassion and was the

environmental work and getting rid of hemlock and non-native

main topic for discussion when the first global videoconference

grasses; we also planted barrier hedges which are designed to stop

began on an evening in April with students at a school in Bali,

the glassy-winged sharpshooters to protect the vineyards.”

Indonesia. The next morning, Justin-Siena students conversed

Mr. Landry has been selected to participate in a field science

with students in two schools in Ukraine, a school in Utah,

course this summer conducted by NatureBridge, a partner of the

and a Lasallian school in Missouri. “It was amazing to talk

National Park Service

about compassion in the context of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Ferguson with students who are experiencing these things first-hand,” said Marina. Djiego Cura-Igama ’17 commented on the commonalities of all the students: “They are just like us—we are more alike than we are different.” A student in Ukraine summed up the experience that all were feeling: “It is in our hands through compassion to save the world.” This VENAVER may have been “virtual,” but the resulting understanding was no less powerful.

justin-siena Avanti

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Words with Character

Mandarin program takes hold in the World Language Department with great enthusiasm from students and teachers alike.

BY NOEL HESSER Accreditation Support Services Instructor of Mathematics

When most westerners who have taken the traditional European

Ms. Harrison, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, ex-

languages like Spanish and French that are taught in most American

plains, “We need to prepare our students for success in our increas-

high schools hear that students at Justin-Siena are learning Chinese,

ingly global economy, where Mandarin is a critical language.” John

a common response is something like this: “But it’s so hard, isn’t

Robichaux, Senior Assistant Dean, Stanford University’s Stanford

it?” When I asked Juliette Nast ’18, one of the current Mandarin

Summer Session, would agree: “There is no bilateral geopolitical

students, this question, she countered, “It’s not that it’s harder, it’s

relationship that is more important to the course of the 21st Century

just initially very different.” John (Jack) Dolinar ’15 offered, “The

than that of the U.S. and China,” he said. “The ability of our bright-

characters and pronunciation may be challenging, but the gram-

est students, as well as our countries’ current and future leaders, to

mar is simpler!” The students I spoke to were all in agreement with

engage in meaningful, in-depth educational and cultural exchange is

Bianca Villao ’17: “It was intimidating at first, but it just becomes

an essential component to the successful navigation of that relation-

second nature.” They were also in agreement that this is due in

ship.” “When one considers our mission ‘to prepare students to lead

large part to the positive nature and energy of the instructor, Ms.

and serve in an ever-changing world,’” Ms. Harrison continues, “It

Xiaozhen Li (see sidebar). “Her passion drives the whole class,”

is clear that Justin-Siena students should have the opportunity to

Bianca asserts.

take Mandarin.”

Thirty brave Braves decided to tackle Mandarin I in its inaugu-

goes on in a typical period, and I was amazed at what I saw and

be a very successful close. Of those 30, there were 11 freshmen, 7

heard. I guess, given my typical perspective that Chinese is so hard,

sophomores, 5 juniors, and 7 seniors across 2 sections. Both Man-

that I expected to see students working in workbooks and approach-

darin I and II will be offered in the fall; while numbers are still not

ing the subject academically. What I observed instead was a vibrant

all in, those non-seniors I spoke with plan to continue in Mandarin

class where first-year students were speaking Mandarin, reciting

II. Why did they decide to take Mandarin? Jack, who is also taking

poetry, and writing Chinese characters, completely engaged in

Italian III and French IV, was drawn by the novelty of the language:

the experience. Knowing that the first year of any language study

“It is a new, awesome language that is so different for me; also, my

does not produce fluency in the language, and anticipating greater

brother [Nicolai ’18] is taking it, and I couldn’t let him pass me up!”

difficulty for western students in an Asian language, I asked several

Juliette, who had taken French in middle school, was also drawn by

students just what they could do at this point. Kyril (Ky) Kehl ’17

the “difference as well as the interesting culture; the significance of

produced this list, agreed upon by many others:

Mandarin is also growing.”

•

For some time, the administration at Justin-Siena has been considering a move to Mandarin in the World Languages Department.

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I recently visited the Mandarin classes to see firsthand just what

ral year at Justin-Siena, which has now drawn to what appears to

justin-siena Avanti

We can bargain back and forth as if we were in the

marketplace •

We can read a paragraph aloud with understanding

ous characters. They wrote out several characters and pointed out the radical, but I am afraid they found me a slow pupil. “And isn’t Chinese a tonal language?” I diverted. Their response? “You get used to it,” they said, helping me hear the four different tones. I was amazed that each student I spoke with had the same basic retort to the “difficulty” question—“Different, yes; hard, no. Becomes second nature, normal. You get used to it.”Some traditional approaches are used in structuring the course: a character workbook, not unlike an old handwriting notebook; a textbook with more writing and lots of cultural insights; and a grammar workbook—and they all point out that the grammar is much easier than in western languages. But there is much focus on conversation, culture, and the comparison and contrast of cultures. In class, they practice listening and speaking; outside of class, writing and reading. Ms. Li uses video clips Mikaela Dow ’16 and Juliette Nast ’18 competed in the Chinese Bridge Cup in San Francisco this spring.

•

We can recite traditional Chinese poems

•

We can hold brief conversations

•

We pray in Chinese

•

We can write a paragraph

•

We have done some calligraphy brushwork

and songs together with student presentations of simple stories in Chinese sentences.

All of the students appreciate the many cultural opportunities outside of class—field trips to San Francisco, the Chinese Club and Multicultural Club activities, Chinese food preparation, and videos.

In early spring, students Mikaela Dow ’16 and Juliette Nast com-

I asked Ky and Juliette to provide me with a demonstration of how they have approached the language through the guidance of Ms. Li—I am still endeavoring to get around this notion of “Chinese is hard!” “Aren’t there thousands of Chinese characters?” I asked.

“Well, yes,” Juliette explained. “But many are repeated, and the context really helps.”

“It is important to do a lot of memorization because everything is new and different,” Ky adds.

Juliette continues, “There are no cognates between Chinese and English as there are between European languages and English, so repetition is key.”

They went on to explain to me the use of radicals, particularly the ren radical¬, which help in memorizing and categorizing the vari-

peted in Chinese Painting/Drawing and Chinese Pen Calligraphy in the 11th Chinese Bridge Cup Contest for K-12 students organized by the Confucius Institute at San Francisco State University. In April, students Bianca and Juliette competed in the 40th Mandarin Speech Contest in San Francisco against other high school students from the San Francisco Bay Area, receiving a certificate of excellent participation.

One very clear message emerges—students “love the class” and intend to continue their Mandarin studies. Juliette is encouraging her younger brother to take the class as a freshman. Bianca plans to pursue studies and a career in International Relations and Diplomacy based on her positive experiences in French and Mandarin.

Ky speaks for all when he claims, “It was a great experience. I would definitely recommend it to a newcomer—it is an opportunity for the future.”

Meet the Instructor After just a few minutes with Xiaozhen (Vivi) Li, one can easily see why her students speak about her positive, bright character. She has quickly embraced the Justin-Siena community as if it was her longtime home and has become immersed in the life of the campus.

Ms. Li immigrated with her family to the United States from southern China during high school, settling in Alameda.

After graduating from Encinal High School in Alameda, she attended Laney College during which time she taught Cantonese and Mandarin in Saturday School in Fremont.

Then, working on Chinese and education classes at UC Davis, Xiaozhen taught Mandarin in Sunday school in Davis and interned in Mandarin classes at Davis Senior High School. She decided to pursue her MA in teaching Mandarin as a foreign language, so she went to Beijing Normal University in China for 2 years. The program required her to do an internship in America, so she taught Mandarin at The College Prepara-

tory School in Oakland. She completed her master’s thesis in Beijing on the motivation for learning Chinese language and culture on native and non-native speakers and how to maintain and improve that motivation. It was in Davis where Ms. Li met her husband, Ziming Li from northern China, who is currently a Radio-frequency engineer in Berkeley.

Ms. Li and her husband moved to Hercules when she was offered the Mandarin position. “I am so happy to have the opportunity to build the Mandarin program at JustinSiena,” Ms. Li effuses. “I love the school and have a good team with good support. I want to establish the program on a strong foundation, striking just the right balance between too challenging and just challenging enough” she explains. “I want the program to be student-centered and individualized.

And I want to dispel the myth that Mandarin is too hard!”

Based on the interviews with her students, it is clear she has achieved the perfect balance. justin-siena Avanti

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On the Should

As we near the 50th Anniversary of Justin-Sien moments and figures in the school’s hi

Nancy Nicks

Mother of Christian Nicks ’92 and Emilie Nicks Cotter ’97 who is married to David Cotter ’02.

Describe your involvement at Justin-Siena:

When Christian began at Justin-Siena in 1988, I became involved with the Parent Club. It was during my time that we began “The Great Party.” We had some wonderful themed events—I especially remember the one with a Japanese theme—we completely transformed the Clark Gym. Most significant to me was my involvement in the Capital Campaign to raise funds to build the Library, now the Gasser Center, during my tenure as Board Chair. It was a first for Justin-Siena and very daunting. But with much hard work and many “asks,” together with President Joe Bracco and many dedicated volunteers, we raised the $4 million that was needed.

I also served thereafter on the Justin-Siena Foundation Board—I was the only woman to serve as Chair of the Foundation Board. My previous work on the Foundation Board for Queen of the Valley was excellent preparation.

KEEPING UP WITH JUSTIN-SIENA

How is Justin-Siena the same from when you were heavily involved?; how is it different?

The move to a single sponsorship by the Christian Brothers is a major difference; while I loved working with both the Brothers and the Sisters, it was at times difficult to work with the joint sponsorship.

Once the Brothers became the single sponsor, their focus and commitment became so prominent—they were “all in” so to speak.

As a parent, I pushed so hard for a strong college counseling program. It is so gratifying to see this strong program now in place with a wonderful comprehensive approach and staff dedicated solely to college counseling. I am pleased that the college fair we established is continuing. It is wonderful to see the list each year of the colleges and universities to which Justin-Siena students are admitted.

The excellent faculty and wonderful students are something that has stayed the same, though different people have filled the positions.

The students have always been remarkable.

The beauty of the campus remains a constant, and I have never seen it looking better—it is maintained beautifully.

I am very impressed with the strength of the academic program 10

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and additions like Engineering and Mandarin. I am especially pleased to see a thriving choir; the theater program also remains a significant strength for the school.

What inspired you to become so involved at Justin-Siena?

The forward and creative thinking, the college-preparatory program, and the moral values rooted in a faith-based institution were initial hallmarks that drew us here. Getting to know the great students and seeing how well prepared the graduates were, along with the solid community, kept us here.

WORDS OF WISDOM:

What would you tell a prospective family about the school and why they should choose Justin-Siena?

In addition to all that I have already highlighted, I would say that the moral value system based in the tenets of the Christian Brothers and modeled by the lives and teaching of the faculty would be primary.

Second, I feel that I was always listened to as a parent, and I appreciated that. I think the many opportunities outside of classes and the college counseling program are strong reasons. Finally, I felt the school supported the same values we taught at home, helping to produce students who would become contributing members of society with a sense of giving back.

What hopes do you have for the Home of the Braves in the next 50 years?

That Justin-Siena would remain the treasure that it is for the community. I am so impressed with the way Justin-Siena has progressed, and I simply hope it will continue in the same vein of addressing the needs of the impressive student body as they arise. I trust that graduates will continue to be moral, contributing members of society with an understanding of the need to give back.

Nancy and her husband, Andrew, live in Napa, and apart from her duties as a wife and mother, service on the Boards at Justin-Siena and at Queen of the Valley was her career! During her tenure as President of the Queen of the Valley Foundation, she helped establish the bylaws and began the Endowment Fund which has grown remarkably over the years. Christian is a successful investment banker in Australia and Emilie is a partner in a large PR firm in San Diego.

ders of Giants

na High School, we pause to celebrate key istory. Meet two such individuals.

Roger LaVoie

Father of John LaVoie ’90 and Danielle LaVoie ’94

Describe your involvement at Justin-Siena:

I was Golf Coach (actually Co-Coach with Bill Keller) from around 1989-1999.

I was on the Board of Trustees from around 1990 – 1998 and was President of the board six of those years.

It was during my tenure on the Board of Trustees that the school faced a crisis in terms of enrollment because of a demographic issue which was not unique to Justin-Siena, rather it was widespread throughout the U.S.: an interruption or sharp slowdown of high school age students which would last for several years. Because of this and a combination of issues, the student body saw nearly a 50% decline over the next few years.

At that point both the Brothers and Sisters recommended hiring an outside consulting firm based in Connecticut, Catholic School Management (CSM). Everyone agreed, and we engaged them to work with us on a threeyear basis to restore the school to its former status. Richard Burke, CSM’s Founder, after a visit to Justin-Siena, identified multiple problems and proposed a 10 Point Solution that needed to be implemented over three years. At the time it seemed daunting, but everyone, Brothers and Sisters, faculty, etc., made it their priority to do whatever was necessary to save the school. And three years later, all 10 mandates were accomplished!

Also during that period we unexpectedly began receiving funds from the Gasser Foundation, where Justin-Siena had specifically been named as a primary beneficiary of their cash distributions. So there was some good fortune (or divine intervention?!) involved too. Regardless, these were trying times, but in retrospect, what occurred then set the stage for what has become a very special school.

KEEPING UP WITH JUSTIN-SIENA

How is Justin-Siena the same from when you were heavily involved?; how is it different?

A major difference took place from the time I spent on the board—the movement to a single charism under the direction of the Christian Brothers. While both the Brothers and the Sisters had so much to offer, the sole sponsorship is much more practical.

The current President-Principal model of governance was one example of a major change that was implemented as a result of the review by CSM. It is so good to see that enrollment has remained strong.

The physical plant has improved dramatically.

The academic program is impressive and innovative.

The Engineering program is a great opportunity for students, and the manner in which it was imagined and developed was thorough

What inspired you to become so involved at Justin-Siena?

I had attended Catholic schools all my educational life: St. Stephen’s Grammar School and St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, and Santa Clara University. I was a real believer in the quality of the education as well as the moral standards they provided. Our children John ’90 and Danielle ’94 both attended and excelled at Justin-Siena.

“LAVOIE” CONTINUED PAGE 15

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11

feature

A New Principal for the Braves Justin-Siena High School names its 14th principal in the school’s five decades. Joining the Braves community this month is Mr. John Bordelon, a Lasallian educator who is eager in his commitment to serve and to lead the JustinSiena community in a new chapter of delivering excellence in Catholic education.

No stranger to Catholic educa-

talent. It maintains the highest of standards while individualizing the

Bordelon has most recently served as

student experience – finding just the right tension to stretch capac-

the Vice President of Christian Broth-

ity.”

ers High School (CBHS), a Lasallian

Justin-Siena is in for a good year. When asked to speak a bit more

school in Memphis, Tennessee. Prior

about the idea of a growth-focused culture he commented, “John

to that, Mr. Bordelon served CBHS as

Dewey once defined our work as simply as can be: ‘education is

Associate Principal as well as Direc-

growth.’ A growth-focused culture measures and celebrates im-

tor of Admission and Enrollment. He

provement at every opportunity. It recognizes that growth is impos-

is a well-prepared administrator who

sible without inspired, outstanding effort. It cultivates a thoughtful,

comes to school leadership first and

supportive, research-driven learning environment that stretches

foremost as a teacher. Even as Vice President at CBHS, Mr. Bordelon continued teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History while he

capacity and builds confidence.”

Given the diverse nature of the student population Justin-Siena

oversaw enrollment and marketing activities and worked to engage

serves, Mr. Bordelon’s vast experience will serve his administration

the larger community in support of the school. As Associate Princi-

well. While he designed a summer leadership program for gifted

pal, Mr. Bordelon chaired the Academic Council and was responsible

junior high students centered on interdisciplinary and inquiry-based

for leading a team of educators in the development of a new and

learning projects, he also helped create an academic support and

formalized evaluation and coaching initiative for teachers based on

accountability system for students who struggle. Prior to his time at

growth and support. He is well versed in assessment strategies and

CBHS, Mr. Bordelon worked as a teacher at the Grizzlies Academy,

the use of data to guide instruction. He understands the diversity of

a Memphis City School in partnership with the NBA’s Memphis

learners in front of educators today.

Grizzlies Charitable Foundation, serving low-income students at

Mr. Bordelon, who describes his leadership style as “about love

least two years behind in a three-year high school program. Mr.

and humility coupled with relentless pursuit of community poten-

Bordelon was also a collegiate athlete and coach in a Division 3 foot-

tial,” is excited to guide Justin-Siena to new heights. His educational

ball program.

philosophy is aligned with Justin-Siena’s vision and future plans. He

12

is a meritocracy of boundless possibility that celebrates effort over

tion in the Lasallian tradition, Mr.

As a school with a deep sense of mission, Justin-Siena welcomes

says, “Pursuit of traditional achievement is a given, but documented

Mr. Bordelon’s commitment to Catholic education. “I find Catho-

growth is the true definition of excellence. A growth-focused culture

lic education and the Lasallian tradition, specifically, a compelling

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vocation. It is an honor to serve an institution committed to such a deep, meaningful mission with a compelling vision for its growth. Justin-Siena is truly a special community of wonderful people.”

An exemplary lifelong learner and, as such, a model for the students entrusted to his care, Mr. Bordelon holds a B.A. in History from Rhodes College, both an M.A. in Teaching and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and a M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. His commitment to lifelong learning and development makes staying current on educational research and initiatives a priority.

Mr. Bordelon enthusiastically shares his upcoming journey to the Napa Valley with his wife, Lauren, and their two young children. “Lauren and I cannot think of a better place in which to raise a family, and we look forward to investing deeply in our new hometown.”

President Jordan expressed his gratitude to the many people involved in the search process. They included parents, alumni, students, and faculty, who participated in our surveys early on in the process, as well as our stakeholder groups who offered their insights and opinions. These groups included students, faculty, administrators, program directors, parents, and alumni. Special acknowledgement went to the Search Committee chaired

Guiding Principals JUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL 1966–72 Br. Bede Van Duren, FSC SIENA HIGH SCHOOL 1966–72 Sr. Carol Quinn, OP JUSTIN-SIENA HIGH SCHOOL 1972–74 Br. Bede Van Duren, FSC 1974–75 Br. Richard Camara, FSC 1975–78 Sr. Jeremy Carmody, OP 1978–81 Br. Gary York, FSC 1981–85 Br. Dennis McManus, FSC 1985–88 Br. Martin Fallin, FSC 1988–94 Sr. Marian Irvine, OP 1994–06 Mr. Gregory Schmitz 2006–07 Br. Robert Wickman, FSC 2007–14 Mr. Noel Hesser 2014–15 Mr. David Holquin (interim) 2015– Mr. John Bordelon

by Mr. Jonathan Dyer (Social Studies). The committee included Ms. Laura Kelly-Weakley (English); Ms. Allyson Wood (Multi-Discipline); Mr. Brandon LaRocco ’98 (Mathematics and Coach); Ms. Alicia Valdivia (Director of Admissions); Ms. Veronica Favela (Current Parent); and Ms. Mel Preimsberger (Board of Trustees).

President Jordan shared, “I look forward to partnering with Mr. Bordelon in this important and sacred work and to hearing his ideas and supporting his efforts. I feel confident in his ability to lead us as a learning and faith community. I appreciate his enthusiasm for this opportunity to serve, and I have no doubt that it will translate into a commitment in making JustinSiena an even better school and experience for those entrusted to our care.”

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Bordelon and his family to the JustinSiena and greater Napa community.

Some of Mr. Bordelon’s Favorites FAVORITE COLOR: Navy FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: U.S. History FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: New Orleans Saints FAVORITE FOOD: Gumbo FAVORITE MOVIE: Rudy FAVORITE QUOTE: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” –Luke 12:48 FAVORITE BOOK: The Bear of My Heart by Joanne Ryder

John’s wife, Lauren is a primary school teacher with Dominican roots of her own being a graduate of Dominican High School in New Orleans and so, naturally, holds an affinity for our Siena heritage. Vivian will be entering the first grade in the fall and, according to her dad, loves sewing, reading, soccer, talking, homework, cheerleading, and pretty much everything else with equal passion. Benjamin will turn five this summer and, according to his dad, is an absolute train maniac with a wonderfully goofy sense of humor who makes all in the family laugh. They all look forward to being Braves!

justin-siena Avanti

13

mission matters

Redefining Online Communication Justin-Siena is thrilled to announce the debut of a new website for the Braves. Please visit www.justin-siena.org and take a tour of the new look and features, which launched Friday, June 12, 2015.

We sought input from alumni, parents, students, faculty, and staff and listened to the valuable feedback about how to improve our online communication and web presence. We tested navigational structures to learn the ways people access information and have involved many stakeholders in this all encompassing endeavor of redefining the way we communicate and connect online. All of this information has given rise to something that we really think you are going to like.

In the coming weeks and as we near the start of the 2015-16 academic year, you will learn more about the powerful tools for connecting with the Braves community. We’ll see you online!

Highlights and New Features 1. Responsive design allows content to display beautifully across all platforms – tablets, smartphones, desktops, etc. with a clean and contemporary look.

2. Comprehensive and user friendly calendar with filters to sort athletics, main school calendar, alumni, and more.

3. Role-based login portal (more information coming this summer) with easy access to searchable, password protected directories, custom calendars, quicklinks, and more. Alums will have access to class lists and other alumni engagement tools.

4. Data management where constituents can manage their own profile information to provide real-time updated addresses and

www.justin-siena.org email addresses

14

justin-siena Avanti

New Leadership

in the Office of Advancement

Ms. Paula Vlaming

Br. Kevin Slate, FSC

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Paula Vlaming as our next Director of Advancement. A Northern California native, Paula has lived in Napa since 1993. She brings a wealth of fundraising, communication, and strategic planning expertise to our Office of Advancement. Her experience with non-profit organizations, particularly in producing fundraising initiatives, aligns with our current needs at Justin-Siena. Paula is an alumnus of Marin Catholic High School, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. She is an experienced trial attorney, having served as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County for ten years. Since moving to Napa, Paula gained development and marketing expertise in local education as well as establishing her own development consulting business, Focus 501 Inc., which works with a variety of non-profit clients in the Napa Valley. Paula also practices labor and employment law with her husband at Vlaming & Associates in Vallejo.

Paula has been an active community member in Napa serving on local Boards and is also involved in the Catholic community. Paula and her husband, Mike, have three children who proudly call themselves Braves: Liam ’13, Ryan ’16, and Mia ’19.

The other important news is the return of a Christian Brother to our campus! Brother Kevin Slate, FSC will serve as Assistant Director of Advancement and will work closely with President Jordan and the Advancement team on the launch of our upcoming capital campaign and preparations for the 50th Jubilee Year, which will commence in the fall of 2016.

Brother Kevin is no stranger to advancement work having served in a very similar role in the President’s Office at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco. Brother Kevin serves on a number of Boards in the San Francisco-New Orleans District including La Salle Pasadena, La Salle Catholic College Prep in Milwaukie, Oregon, and previously at DeMarillac Academy in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. He has also served as a teacher and Campus Ministry Director at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. For the last several years Brother Kevin has served as the Director of Novices for the Lasallian Region of North America. Brother Kevin resides in the Provincialate Community at Mont La Salle. He is a graduate of De La Salle High School in Concord and Saint Mary’s College. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.

Again, please join us in welcoming Paula Vlaming and Brother Kevin Slate to our Justin-Siena family. May we welcome them with support, and may God bless them as they begin their ministry with us.

“LAVOIE” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

WORDS OF WISDOM:

What would you tell a prospective family about the school and why they should choose Justin-Siena?

I am now involved in serving on other committees for the De La Salle Institute and have gotten to know the Christian Brothers well. I have total faith in their commitment to make all of their schools absolutely the best in every way. Whether it be the quality of the education, the outside activities, or the instilling of values, there is no better place than Justin-Siena.

What hopes do you have for the Home of the Braves in the next 50 years?

My gosh, imagine if you had asked me this question in 1975. Given what’s transpired since then, perhaps only Steve Jobs could have offered a reasonable forecast. So I cannot address what a physical plant or campus will look like then, but what is important are the people: students, parents, faculty and administration. I hope they will continue to be as caring and dedicated to maintaining the same level of excellence and constant improvement in every possible way…just as they have been for the past 50. From a personal or self-centered standpoint, I pray the institution will be in the same great shape in 10 years as it is today. That is when my two young grandchildren, Sofia and Jack Nicoletti will be working on their applications!

Roger and his family live in Napa, and he is a Senior Investment Consultant with Morgan Stanley.

justin-siena Avanti

15

JOURNEY TO CHINA The 2015 Crab Feed netted a huge success with more than 600 guests filling the Fresh Catch Hall (a.k.a. Clark Gym).

More than 100 student and 45 parent volunteers served more than 2,000 pounds of crab and 140 pounds of shrimp to a hungry crowd. Watch the Justin-Siena website for 2016 registration information so you don’t miss the boat!

Thank you to all those who journeyed with us to unravel the beauty and centuruies old traditions of China. Good fortune was with us, indeed, as the generous support was overwhelming for this Lantern Festival–Journey to China. Thank you to all our donors, volunteers, and event attendees. An official list of support will be published later in 2015 in the Annual Report.

Next year, we’ll see you in Cuba.

Save the Date for 2016!

JUSTIN-SIENA Saturday, January 23, 2016

5:30 pm Registration | 7 pm Dinner | 9 pm Dancing Clark Gym | Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street

Special thanks to all of our Fund A Need donors, and most especially to Cathy and Rick Osgood and Fran and Rob Francis (pictured above with Mr. Holquin and Mr. Jordan) for their lead gifts in support of the 2015 Initiative for the Arts. Look for details on the renovations of the North Gym online and in future publications.

for more photos from the crab feed and the great party, look for our photo stream on flickr.com: braveslife

Pack your bags . . .

2016

www.JUSTIN-SIENA.ORG justin-siena Avanti

17

mission matters

Braves Among Us When asked what makes our community special, the most common answer is the people. Justin-Siena is blessed with countless individuals who are doing incredible things. Here are just a couple who are making their marks on this community and beyond.

TYLER BERTANI ’17 Transferring to a new high school as

sionalism, including outstanding direction

a sophomore is typically not an easy thing

and musical direction…and scintillating

to do—doing so and landing a lead in the

choreography” (March 4,2015).

spring musical is remarkable. But rising

Tyler played the role of Penelope Pen-

junior Tyler Bertani ’17 did just this, and

nywise, the fee collector and gatekeeper at

she did it successfully. Coming from a large

Public Amenity #9 in the spring musical

public school in Fairfield at the beginning of

Urinetown, an irreverently humorous satire

her sophomore year and knowing only a few

of the U.S. legal system, capitalism, social

people at Justin-Siena, Tyler was under-

irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy,

standably nervous. But the transition was

corporate mismanagement, municipal

so much smoother than she thought. Why?

politics, and musical theater itself. Tyler

“The loving environment, the family feel; after

was familiar with the musical from Mis-

about two weeks, I could see myself as a part

souri Street Theater, but she gained a new

of this community for the next three years and

perspective on it at Justin-Siena, especially

graduating from here,” Tyler exuded.

as she delved into the characters and satire.

“Theater helped a lot,” Tyler explained.

Her early number, “Privilege to Pee,” is a

“I was familiar with theater at Justin-Siena as my family had attended many of the productions for several years; we

following explanation to hapless souls desperate to access the filthy public

knew the quality of the program before I ever even got involved. So it was

toilet known as Public Amenity No. 9: “I run the only toilet in this part

a natural that I would take part in the class.” As a self-described “social

of town, you see, so if you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go through me,”

person,” Tyler explained that the theater class gave her a connection and a

Pennywise sings. “It’s a privilege to pee. Water’s worth its weight in gold

sense of belonging: “It has been so great—and we have grown so much.”

these days, no more bathrooms like in olden days. You come here and pay

Tyler is no stranger to theater—she has been involved in community

a fee for the privilege to pee.” Tyler humorously delivered the song with

theater in Fairfield at the Missouri Street Theater since fifth grade and

just the right amount of sassy, hard-nosed irreverence in a voice worthy

performed as Dorothy this year in their production of The Wiz.

of the recording studio. “It was not an easy character for me, especially in

Community theater is great fun and good experience according to Tyler, but there are marked contrasts to her involvement at Justin-Siena.

contrast to the role of Dorothy!”

Tyler attended St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Fairfield and her fresh-

“Auditions in community theater are nerve-wracking,” she relates;

man year of high school in the International Baccalaureate program at

“Everyone is competing as an individual, trying to be better than everyone

Armio High School. “The IB program was good, but the campus was not

else.” But at Justin-Siena, the experience was fun and community build-

a good fit,” Tyler explained; “My parents agreed and were fortunate to

ing. “Mr. Bailey invited us to try out for particular parts, and then call-

be able move me to Justin-Siena.” Was it a good decision? “At least three

backs were in groups,” she said; “We worked together as a team, reading

times a week I go home and tell my mom, ‘I am so glad to go to Justin-

scripts and singing songs. It was so much less threatening.” Tyler also

Siena,’’’ she said. “I am so thankful—it is super amazing! I would not

commented on the professionalism of all aspects of bringing Urinetown to

want to be anywhere else!”

The Lincoln Theater, Justin-Siena’s home stage. “In my previous experi-

18

campy, in-your-face ditty, which offers the

Her future? “Probably musical theater and possibly double majoring

ences, once the play was cast, there was not as much focus on growth

in economics,” she offers. “I would love to go to New York University,”

and perfecting each part; Mr. Bailey, Ms. Clark Schmeling, and Ms.

she dreams. “I feel as though I will be well prepared to take on a significant

McLaughlin worked tirelessly with us to get it right on all levels,” Tyler

challenge—the nurturing and rigorous environment at Justin-Siena inspires

noted enthusiastically. Rave reviews substantiate this: Michael Waterson

the confidence students need to move forward, to go out and do well. I

of the Napa Valley Register said it this way: “It’s got a lot of polished profes-

appreciate the loving environment and am encouraged to succeed.”

justin-siena Avanti

IAN MCFARLANE ’16

Growing up on a horse farm in Green Valley, Ian McFarlane ’16

so he subsequently committed to concentrating on riding. Part of that

was naturally destined to become a rider. Add to the mix that both his

commitment involves working on the family farm where Ian does a lot

parents are professional riders and that the horse farm is the family

of the exercise and training of the horses boarded there which involves

business pretty much seals the deal. Windfall Farm, run by Ian’s mother

teaching obedience, control, and riding fundamentals.

Gry McFarlane, is a small private Hunter Jumper Farm in the hills of

Ian is currently working on qualifying for the National Young Riders

Green Valley which has produced top amateur and professional riders

Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, in July, the premier equestrian

and Horses on the West Coast for over three decades. Ian’s father

competition in North America for junior and young riders age 14-21. “I

Duncan McFarlane, a Kiwi by birth, runs Outwoods Farm in Taupo,

need to qualify on a regional, 4-person team in both team and individual

New Zealand and rode for the New Zealand team in the 2004 Olym-

competition,” Ian explains. Ian is no stranger to such competition

pics in Athens. Ian may be an equestrian by birth, but he has embraced

having competed in show jumping events since he was very young and

the sport as his own. “I have been riding since I was very young,” Ian

having won numerous awards

explains; “I really started getting serious about it when I was 8 or 9 years old, and now it is my main sport.”

That sport is specifically English Show Jumping. Show jumping is

Riding is certainly in Ian’s future, though likely not on a college team. “College riding teams are female dominated because colleges tend to meet their female athletic quotas in areas like riding,” Ian clarifies.

a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that include

“But I hope to concentrate in college on an area that can relate to the

dressage, eventing, hunters, jumpers, and equitation. Jumping classes

management side, like business, finance, or accounting. I’ll certainly

are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the

continue to ride or possibly manage a team in college.” Ian is thinking

Olympics, and are governed in the USA by the United States Equestrian

about colleges on the east coast or in Europe where show jumping is

Federation. Ian describes the difference between hunter classes and

much more popular than in the west. He will likely pursue riding as a

jumper classes: “Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which

professional like both of his parents.

they meet an ideal standard of manners, style, and form. On the other

What has he learned from riding? “Dedication, for sure,” Ian says,

hand, jumpers are scored objectively, based completely on a numeri-

“because I do it so much; but perseverance and humility are also at the

cal score determined only by whether the horse attempts the obstacle,

top of the list. It’s a sport where you get knocked down a lot—you have

clears it, and finishes the course in the allotted time.”

to keep at it.” Based on his accomplishments so far, both in riding and in

Ian attended Holy Spirit Catholic School in Fairfield from second to eighth grade, and when he came to Justin-Siena as a freshman, he

school with a GPA above 4.0, it appears the Ian will persevere to reach his goals.

tried participating in some school sports. However, he found that in order to do riding well, he needed to devote at least 6 days a week to it, justin-siena Avanti

19

mission matters THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA ALBION COLLEGE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY AMHERST COLLEGE ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (BARRETT HONORS COLLEGE) THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AUBURN UNIVERSITY AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY BABSON COLLEGE BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY BELMONT UNIVERSITY BENTLEY UNIVERSITY BIOLA UNIVERSITY BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY BOSTON COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY BRYANT UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA MARITIME ACADEMY CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITIES: CHANNEL ISLANDS CHICO DOMINGUEZ HILLS FRESNO FULLERTON HUMBOLDT LONG BEACH MONTEREY BAY NORTHRIDGE POMONA SACRAMENTO SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO SAN JOSE SAN LUIS OBISPO SAN MARCOS SONOMA STANISLAUS UNIVERSITIES OF CALIFORNIA: BERKELEY DAVIS IRVINE LOS ANGELES MERCED RIVERSIDE SAN DIEGO SANTA BARBARA SANTA CRUZ CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) CARROLL COLLEGE (MONTANA) CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Acceptances: Acceptances:

2015 In total, 160 seniors were

accepted into 223 colleges and universities in 41 states and the District of Colum-

Meet the Class of 2015 • 160 graduates • 99% attending college/university* * One senior will attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School and

another senior will attend the Hun School of Princeton.

• 304 colleges received applications from Justin-Siena students

4-year college/university; 35 of which are ranked firsttier by U.S. News and World Report, and 26 percent of the class will attend a Catholic

• 223 colleges issued acceptances to Justin- Siena students (listed to the right)

college or university. In addi-

• 89 different colleges/universities will welcome Braves this fall

over $2.78 million in scholar-

• More than $2.78 million in scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership and/or service

achievement, leadership and/

• Class Valedictorian: Isabel Jennings (Boston College) • Class Salutatorian: John Lokey (UC Berkeley)

Breakdown of College Matriculation • 87% to a 4-year college • 13% to a 2-year college • 52% attending California colleges/universities • 48% attending out-of-state colleges/universities • 11 University of California • 24 California State University • 21 California Community College • 10 California Private Colleges • 23 Catholic Colleges • 7 Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges • 35 Top 100 National Universities MORE ONLINE: More on top scholars, college matriculation, and access to photos from all the Graduation events for the Class of 2015 can be found online: www.justin-siena.org 20

bia. 87 percent will attend a

justin-siena Avanti

tion, graduates were awarded ships based on their academic or service. Congratulations to our newest alumni!

COLGATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT COLORADO SPRINGS COLORADO COLLEGE COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY PUEBLO COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - IRVINE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - PORTLAND CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - RIVER FOREST UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE DENISON UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF DENVER DEPAUW UNIVERSITY DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DREXEL UNIVERSITY DUKE UNIVERSITY ECKERD COLLEGE ELON UNIVERSITY EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY EMERSON COLLEGE EUGENE LANG COLLEGE THE NEW SCHOOL FOR LIBERAL ARTS FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY - LINCOLN CENTER CAMPUS/ROSE HILL CAMPUS FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY SWITZERLAND FURMAN UNIVERSITY GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA GONZAGA UNIVERSITY GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY HAMILTON COLLEGE - NY HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY HOLY NAMES UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT BLOOMINGTON ITHACA COLLEGE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY LA SALLE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE LEHIGH UNIVERSITY LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE LEWIS UNIVERSITY

LINFIELD COLLEGE LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO LYNN UNIVERSITY MARS HILL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK MARYMOUNT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MILLS COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI COLUMBIA MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY, BOZEMAN THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, MISSOULA MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY (DOHENY) UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL (GENERAL COLLEGE) NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF OREGON OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY PACE UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK CITY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY PARK PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY POINT PARK UNIVERSITY PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND PROVIDENCE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND PURDUE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS REGIS UNIVERSITY RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE RHODES COLLEGE ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY SANTA FE UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SETON HALL UNIVERSITY SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY QUEENS CAMPUS ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND STONEHILL COLLEGE SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, DALLAS THE HUN SCHOOL OF PRINCETON TULANE UNIVERSITY UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY PREPARATORY SCHOOL UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA TECH WAGNER COLLEGE WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY TRI-CITIES UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON WEBSTER UNIVERSITY WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY WHEATON COLLEGE MA WHITMAN COLLEGE WHITTIER COLLEGE WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY WOODBURY UNIVERSITY

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braves bites

Maria Guzman CUSTODIAN

LASALLIAN EDUCATOR AWARD

HOLY SPIRIT AWARD

Congratulations to the following members of our dedicated faculty and staff who have been singled out by colleagues and students alike in recognition for their extraordinary efforts to advance the mission of Justin-Siena.

Fiorella O’Neill, Special Events Manager, & Maria Guzman, Custodian

Brother Lawrence Award The Brother Lawrence award is given to those staff members who serve tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make Justin-Siena a wonderful place. We had a tie this year.

• One of this year’s recipients was described as not getting enough credit for all the work done, and always in a kind way. This person is hardworking.

• Another said of our other recipient that it justin-siena Avanti

Fiorella O’Neill

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS 2015

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Celebrating the every day ways our Braves inspire faith, scholarship, and bravery throughout our community.

BROTHER LAWRENCE AWARD

BROTHER LAWRENCE AWARD

BRAVES Bites

Marisa Bartalotti GUIDANCE DIRECTOR

can’t be easy taking care of the school after a bunch of teenagers, and yet everything always looks wonderful the next day we return.

• Both individuals were described as kind, always behind the scenes, yet always with a warm smile and with eyes of faith.

• One of the recipients was described as having a deep faith and trust in God who models Christian values as an employee and parent. Both individuals were said to have exhibited a devotion to servant leadership.

Marisa Bartalotti, Guidance Director

Holy Spirit Award

The Holy Spirit Award is presented to a member of the school community who has modeled his or her life in a manner that exudes the gospel

Bob Bailey

VICE PRINCIPAL FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

extremely wonderful and positive. This person is dedicated to students and is willing to help no matter what.

• Another commented that this individual provides consistent care and concern for students and colleagues.

• A peer mentioned, this individual lives the life—all of the descriptions for the Holy Spirit are alive in her work at Justin-Siena.

• One of her students said, She is always ready to teach us about how to handle life in a nice way.

• And finally, She connects with people and really encourages personal growth.

Bob Bailey, Vice Principal for Strategic Initiatives

message. The students, staff and faculty de-

Lasallian EducatorAward

scribe this individual in this way.

• A student said this year’s recipient is

tor in a Lasallian ministry who exemplifies the

The Lasallian Educator Award honors an educa-

ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle in the 21st century, both pedagogically and spiritually.

De La Salle realized that the mission required dedicated and committed individuals who were qualified educators, who understood their own dignity as children of God so that they could pass this on to their students, who could cherish and care for their students like older brothers and sisters, and above all, who were themselves committed to a life of faith and prayer so that they could lead their students in the spiritual life, inculcating living values. This individual has been described the following way: • Exemplifying all around dedication to the school.

• Another colleague indicated this year’s recipient exemplifies the mission in so many ways, yet never seeks any recognition. This individual is always present, but typically behind the scenes. This person is faithful and studentcentered and is a multi-talented educator with many skills.

• Another said, this person lives his faith inside and out. Everyone is treated fairly and equally by this person. While holding self to high standards in bringing God’s presence to others, this individual also challenges and care for others.

• This individual is a tireless worker who always puts student’s needs first and is willing to go the extra mile for anyone he meets.

• This person is the poster boy for a Lasallian educator. He is truly that big brother to the students and when he does discipline, does with dignity. He values the worth of the students in our care and teaches them to do so as well. He is a great role model for the students - this is an individual who constantly gives himself, family, and time to the JSHS and larger community.

BRAVES MOCK TRIAL TEAM REPRESENTED NAPA WELL IN STATE FINALS Congratulations to the 2014-15 Justin-Siena Mock Trial team on their performance at this year’s Mock Trial State Finals in Riverside, March 20-22, 2015. The team did a great job and three of their four trial competitions were lost by only 1 point! The two-day competition in Riverside is grueling but the team did a great job. Both the prosecution and the defense had

mock trial participant, Connor deLeuze ’15.

Moderators for this year’s team were Patty Sugar and retired Physiology Instructor, Daphne Birkmyer. A huge thank you to our volunteer attorney coaches, Chuck Dell’Ario and Bill Hardy, who give many hours to the students so that they are outstanding in the courtroom! We are all looking forward to next year’s season with many returning Sophomore and Junior students. All are encouraged to tryout for this fun co-curricular which helps build self-confidence, great public-speaking skills and an understanding of our legal system in the courtroom.

BRAVES ENGINEERING TEAM TAKES 5TH IN CHEVRON DESIGN CHALLENGE

two competitions each.

Sophomore, Nicolai Dolinar ’17 received an MVP award for his Prosecution Pre-trial argument. Junior Joseph Bosetti ’16 received two trial MVP awards for his Defense Attorney skills. This was a team effort and performances by all attorneys, witnesses and the supporting clerks and bailiff were great. Graduates from this year’s team include Jack Dolinar ’15, Allie Downer ’15, Kent Harris ’15, and 3-year

Congratulations to Introduction to Engineering Design students Marlon Washington ’18, Laila Schnebelt ’17, and Caspar Croft ’16 (left to right above) for their 5th place finish at the Project Lead the Way [PLTW] Chevron Design Challenge on Saturday, April 18. With 16 teams from around the Bay Area in the competition and prize money at stake, these students had to work as a team and apply what they’ve been learning all year without any teacher input in the process These Braves were most certainly up to the challenge having been selected from a pool of volunteers for their keen skills and potential.

For the competition team had only a few hours to go from a design briefing to creating an original design concept with full 3-D modeling and engineering drawings. The task was to design a

The 2015 Mock Trial Team

new ladder/stepstool type of device specifically justin-siena Avanti

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braves bites for senior citizens who might have trouble using a conventional ladder. The team had to meet various design constraints of safety, stability, portability, dimensions, weight, cost, manufacturability, and marketability. In addition, deadlines throughout the day had to be met.

The day culminated with a team presentation (sales pitch) to a group of engineers and executives from Chevron and local firms.

The Braves team designed and presented “Steps to Success,” a stepstool system with trundle-type steps that pulled out from the

NOTE: The 2014-15 academic year marks the third year of Justin-Siena’s participation in Project Lead the Way. Interest in engineering continues to grow among students and participation in these sorts of competitions and events provides great learning experiences for our engineering students. Earlier this year the Justin-Siena Engineering Department hosted a FIRST LEGO League Robotics competition on campus and will be hosting their second summer of a Robotics Institute enrichment program for young students.

ONE SCHOOL, ONE BOOK – 2015 SUMMER READING

safety. It also contained a top step storage com-

School, One Book

partment for tools. The concept included a strap

selection for this

to prevent falling off and a tray to place tools

summer is The

while working.

Curious Incident

exciting to apply the skills acquired in engi-

Night-Time, by

neering class in a competitive environment.

Mark Haddon.

Ultimately, the experience was rewarding, as

All students are

we designed an item to reduce the daily chal-

expected to read

lenges of others while working collaboratively

the novel before

book in all their classes through discussions,

“I learned that time management is crucial

projects, assessments, performances, and other

when working on design briefs. As a team, we

assignments.

many parts where we would split off to work

Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the

alone in pairs to allow work to be started early

fictional account of 15 year-old Christopher

so deadlines were not as important. I mainly

John Francis Boone, a mathematical genius who

worked on the Autodesk parts, while help-

also has Asperger syndrome. The novel opens

ing with brainstorming and the presentation

when the neighbor’s dog is found dead, stabbed

a little bit. I learned that ideas should not be as

with a pitchfork. Inspired by his favorite char-

complicated when such little time constraints

acter Sherlock Holmes, Christopher sets out

are given and details are much less important

to find the killer, only to confront confounding

than the overall part. While this was a stressful

mysteries and challenges within himself and his

experience, I had some fun being able to work

family.

The Summer Reading Committee selected the novel for its appeal to readers of all ages,

have been more proud with the way the team

its humor and quirkiness, its humanity and

represented themselves and the school. “They

compassion, its realistic portrayal of character,

worked as a team, had fun, and created a fantas-

and its obvious direct connection to math-

tically charismatic and professional presentation

ematics and other disciplines. It comes highly

by the end of the day. I’m very proud of them!”

recommended by the student Literacy Club, and

Mr. Carpenter is already thinking toward next

the novel is already very popular among some

year and is confident that a Braves team could

sophomores in the Pre-AP English class. The

advance to the state competition.

novel is a fast read for most readers who, hope-

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Summer 2015 is the fourth year of the One School, One Book program. Having one book that the whole community reads together over the summer promotes literacy and communitywide discussion of issues, questions, and themes important to our families, school, and society.

Join us!

JUSTIN-SIENA SENDS TWO TO COUNTY POETRY OUT LOUD COMPETITION

Set in contemporary London, The Curious

fully, will enjoy it as both literature and “beach 24

Tony for Best Play.

school so that they are ready to engage with the

coming an electrical engineer one day, reflects,

Their teacher, Mr. Gary Carpenter, couldn’t

on Broadway, and has been nominated for the

the first day of

as a team.

with my teammates. Croft went on

debuted in London’s West End, is now showing

of the Dog in the

Marlon Washington ’18 shared, “It was

worked together for most parts but there were

The novel has been made into a play that

The One

frame and included hand rails for additional

Caspar Croft ’16, who has hopes of be-

reading.”

Poetry Outloud Napa finalist Delia Bisconer ’15 receives her certificatate from Olivia Everett ‘04.

On January 23, 2014, seven students competed in the Justin-Siena Poetry Out Loud poetry recitation competition. This competition, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, celebrates the written poetic word and encourages high school students to read, discuss, understand, feel, memorize, and recite classic and contemporary poems. The contest is rigorous and our Braves competitors were very well prepared thanks to our site coordinator and Instructor in English Mrs. Laura KelleyWeakely.

Justin-Siena named two finalists to continue to the county level of the competition: Delia Bisconer ’15 and Anais Gonzalez ’17. This

will be Delia’s second appearance and the county level as last year she not only represented the Braves at the county level, but went on the represent the county at the state level.

They will move on the Napa County level of competition. From there, one poetic presenter will move to the State of California competition in Sacramento, and from there, one Californian will compete at the national level in Washington D.C. Each winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington to compete for the national championship. A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends is awarded annually at the National Finals.

Arts Council Napa Valley announces a countywide contest for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The competition, presented in partnership with the California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.

In the 2014‐2015 school year, Poetry Out Loud celebrates its tenth anniversary, reaching nearly 2.5 million students at more than 7,300 schools nationwide in the past decade.

On February 11, 10 students from Napa County schools will participate in the Poetry Out Loud school contest at the new Lucky Penny Community Art Center. The winner of this competition will advance to the California State Poetry Out Loud contest. The California champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals on April 28‐29, 2015 in Washington, DC, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.

Congratulations to Delia Bisconer ’15 who won the Napa County Poetry Out Loud competition tonight! She will represent Napa County at the California contest in March. Pictured with JSHS Alumni Hall of Honor inductee (2014) and Arts Council Napa Valley director, Olivia Everett ’04.

CREATIVE THINKING IS THE CORE OF 21ST CENTURY LEARNING For more than thirty years the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) has provided national

recognition and opportunities for students

anything. Until April 30, students will be able to

who exhibit outstanding scholarship in the

earn points and unlock prizes and represent their

visual arts. We are pleased to announce our

school and their city by reviewing their Common

first Justin-Siena Chapter (pictured below) of

Core math skills on Khan Academy. Follow their

NAHS.

progress online: our students are under “10th

Students earn points for community service, outstanding arts scholarship, outreach, and collaborative work with other arts specialties.

The points earned can be applied to recognition

grade” for the “Learners” leader board.

AROUND CAMPUS The School

awards, such as, NAHS pins, NAHS Award

Garden is start-

certificates, NAHS embroidered patches and

ing to yield a

NAHS Honor cord. Students become members

harvest. Here

of a distinguished group of over 46,000 art

is some lettuce

students and receive opportunities for publica-

used in a special

tion in the NAHS News, and the NAHS online

salad in the Din-

Gallery powered by Artsonia. Juniors and

ing Hall.

Seniors are eligible for recognition programs and Seniors for several scholarships. Congratulations to our 30 new charter members from the Classes of 2015, 206, 2017, 2018!

GEOMETRY STUDENTS EXCELLING IN NEW BAY AREA LEARNING CHALLENGE Ms. Amanda Guerrero’s geometry students

Justin-Siena is implementing a dress code

are featured prominently and consistently

through Lands’ End effective August 2015.

on the “LearnStorm” Leader Boards. Khan

Read more about it via the Braves Store on the

Academy has recently launched LearnStorm, a

school’s website. Perhaps you’d like a Justin-

Bay Area math challenge for students in grades

Siena polo in your

3-12 designed to build their ability to learn

warbdrobe?

Kudos to Allie Huffman ’15 on the design of this year’s yearbook, Cornerstone.

The 2015 yearbook was dedicated the Mr. Bob Bailey in a special presentation on Founders Day. justin-siena Avanti

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braves in the arts

for photos

LOCK, STOCK, AND LAUGHS!

from Urinetown and other productions

This year’s spring musical, Urinetown, had some people cringing at the name and everyone loving the performance! Urinetown first opened at the New York International Fringe Festival before heading to Broadway, where it opened on Sept. 20, 2001, and garnered Tony awards for best book, best score and best direction. It also won three Outer Critic’s Circle Awards and two Obie Awards. The hero of the work is Bobby Strong, who incites a revolution after his father is arrested and sent to Urinetown; but he also falls in love with Hope Cladwell, the daughter of the corrupt CEO of the Urine Good Company.

look for our photo stream on flickr.com: braveslife

Just imagine “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” meets the Super Bowl! ComedySportz is not comedy about sports; it’s comedy played as a sport! Two teams of our student improvisers compete for laughs and points in this hilarious comedy competition. It’s complete with a referee, uniforms, artificial turf, pennants, an organist and even the National Anthem! Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Make sure to check the calendar for the 2016 performances, inlcuding a special Faculty Match.

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GALLERY SHOWCASE FOR BRAVE ART 135 visual art students had their best work in exhibition at the Spotlight Gallery in Napa Valley Museum from April 23 until April 30.

Exploring such themes as “How does art fit into the lives of our youth?” students delved into the way they dress, speak and move. Understanding that like dance, music, and theater, the visual arts give young artists a unique means of expressing themselves and exploring new ideas, subjects, and cultures. Instructor Art Ms. Monica Jacobson said, “art gives them a means to capture and communicate their passions and emotions.”

SPRING CONCERT The growing Justin-Siena Music Department finished up a successful year with the annual spring choral and band concert in the Dining Hall.

“DANCE ART” WAS MASTERPIECE The Justin-Siena Dance Department, known for its dazzling and innovative dance productions, once again brought the unexpected to the stage. After delivering blockbusters such as last year’s fairytale themed SPELLBOUND and DECADES OF DANCE before that, this group of young dancers brought visual art to life at hteLincoln Theater. This vision of acclaimed dance instructor and choreographer Lisa Clark Schmeling ’84, titled DANCE ART, breathed new life into world renowned masterpiece paintings such as da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Monet’s Impression Sunrise, van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as many other pieces by master painters such as Botticelli, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Dali, and Klimt. Musical selections featured the sounds of artists such as David Bowie, Prince, and Macklemore alongside some of the classical standards of Beethoven and Mozart. justin-siena Avanti

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braves report

College-Bound Athletes

BY GEORGE NESSMAN Athletic Director

Interscholastic sports provide students with opportunities to perform and strive in a competitive landscape. High school sports promote competition, excellence, team work and good sportsmanship for all student-athletes.

Braves athletics emphasizes two central values: the student-athlete experience and committing your best effort to the success of the team.

Importantly, sports also serve as a significant learning laboratory where students acquire knowledge, skills and real experiences that will serve them going forward. It is a basic principle of LaSallian education that we focus on the development of both hearts and minds, that is, the whole person. Athletics plays a role in the overall educational experience of the vast majority (75%) of students at Justin-Siena.

Certainly, high school sports participation offers much to our students.

Many student-athletes wish to continue their sports careers in a collegiate setting. College sports come in many shapes and sizes, but it is an essential fact that the college sports environment is significantly more intense and competitive than what is experienced in high school.

The college sports landscape is varied. Its most competitive aspect is played at NCAA Division-I. Division One draws the best of the best and can be considered elite competition on a global scale. The NCAA members also compete at D-II and D-III in which the students are quite serious about competing, but there is more balance with other elements of student-life.

The NAIA is another collegiate athletic organization sponsoring sports on a level similar to NCAA D-II and D-III. Junior Colleges also provide highly competitive athletic opportunities for students.

We wish to support the dreams and goals of our students who seek to compete in sports in college. We take pride in helping them to aspire and to prepare for the next level. We will follow with great interest and affection as a number of Braves move to college careers.

Kathleen Scavo

Nafauhu Anitoni

University of Oregon Golf

St. John’s University (Minnesota) Football

Josh McIvor

Samantha Glasson

Joseph MacNichols

Claudia Torkelson

Marymount University (Virginia) Lacrosse

Cal Poly-SLO Water Polo

Chapman University Volleyball

Cal Poly-SLO Lacrosse

Kathleen Scavo – Golf, University of Oregon Nafauhu Anitoni – Football, St John’s University (Minnesota) Joshua McIvor – Lacrosse, Marymount University (Virginia) Samantha Glasson – Volleyball, Chapman University Joseph MacNichols – Water Polo, Cal Poly-SLO Claudia Torkelson – Lacrosse, Cal Poly-SLO Gabriella Guttersen – Lacrosse, Texas Christian University Jacob Cremen – Football, Sacramento City College

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justin-siena Avanti

Gabriella Guttersen Texas Christian University Lacrosse

Jacob Cremen

Sacramento City College Football

winter review BOYS BASKETBALL Head Coach – Mike Boles Record: 3–23 The Braves basketball program was in a rebuilding mode and showed a strong sense of competitive spirit during the season.

Highlights: A buzzer beating home win over neighborhood rival Vintage was a notable victory.

Aiden Willard ‘17 was named Honorable Mention All-MCAL.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Head Coach – Andy Bettencourt ’04 Record: 20–11 The Braves captured the MCAL regular season and playoff titles. The team played with dynamic energy and was lead by a group of seniors determined to find success..

Highlights: In addition to the MCAL Titles the Braves qualified for both the NCS and the CIF-NorCal post season tournaments. Isabel Jennings ‘15 was named 2nd team All-MCAL. Morgan Malloy ’15 was named to the D IV all-state team, MCAL Player of the Year and Napa Valley Register Co-Player of the Year. Morgan also set the school career assist record with 498.

WRESTLING Head Coach – Jason Guiducci The Braves wrestling program demonstrated a great sense of team and positive energy throughout the season. A foundation is being put down for future success as the majority of the roster was underclassmen.

Highlights: The team secured a number of dual meet victories in MCAL competition. Jack England ‘15 was 2nd team All-MCAL and an NCS participant. Jacob Gardiner ‘15 was honored as the Ralph Cutler MCAL Wrestler of the Year. Jacob won the MCAL and NCS Championships and qualified for the state CIF Championship Tournament.

justin-siena Avanti

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braves report

spring review BASEBALL Head Coach –Allen Rossi Record: 17–10 The Braves started the season with five wins over other D IV opponents, not surprising as defending NCS Champions.

Highlights: The Braves captured their second consecutive North Coast Section Championship. The team knocked off a number of top end MCAL teams and had a strong record at home.

SOFTBALL Head Coach – Micah Trzesniewski Record: 10–13 The Braves advanced to the MCAL playoffs as the #4 seed. The team will also appear in the NCS Championships.

Highlights: The Braves travelled to San Rafael and got a big win securing a berth in the MCAL and NCS playoffs.

GIRLS SOCCER Head Coach – Greg Goodin Record: 2–15 The soccer team battled during the season beset with injuries and showing good spirit and heart.

Highlights: The team turned in a strong performance over Fairfield en route to an impressive victory.

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spring review BOYS GOLF Head Coach – Ray Graziani Record: 16–2 The Braves had a strong season that saw them advance to the NCS Championships after a stellar MCAL campaign.

Highlights: The Braves just missed qualifying for the NCS Team Tournament of Champions in their effort in the NCS D II tournament. Aiden Andrade ‘15 qualified as an individual and performed well at the NCS Tournament of Champions.

SWIMMING AND DIVING Head Coach – Cindy Barker The Braves performed well in dual meets and advanced two relay teams and a diver to the NCS Championships.

Highlights: Mac Armstrong-Brown ‘17 finished 2nd in MCAL in Diving and 6th in the NCS. Mac was 2nd team All-MCAL and set a school record of 387.5 points. Sam Sheekey ‘16 was named Honorable Mention All-MCAL and contributed to the school record in the 200M relay with Sam Thatcher ‘16, Joey MacNichols ‘15 and Matt Sanders ‘17. Elizabeth Hansen ‘18 was named Honorable Mention All-MCAL.

BOYS TENNIS Head Coach – Jim Reilly Record: 4–14 The Braves were close, but came up just short in some late season matches which would have sent them through to the MCAL playoffs. This group had excellent spirit and a clear sense of team.

Highlights: Sebastian Wignall ‘15 advanced to the Semi-Finals in the MCAL Singles Tournament.

TRACK AND FIELD Head Coach – Vicky Deely Thompson ’08 Record: Girls 7-2, Boys 5-4 The team recorded a strong dual meet season in the MCAL. Ten athletes qualified for the NCS Area Championships as well. This was a fun team to watch as they were clearly behind each other’s efforts.

Highlights: The girls finished 2nd at the MCAL Championships. More than ten Braves qualified for the NCS Championship Meet. Isabella de Bruin ‘16 qualified for the CIF State Meet in pole vaulting.

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braves report

spring review BOYS LACROSSE Head Coach – Kendal Shomura Record: 14–7 The Braves earned their first ever MCAL and NCS playoff berths. This team played with grit and fire all season and made a clear impression on others that it is a program on the rise.

Highlights: The team defeated Terra Linda in a home, MCAL playoff game and advanced to the MCAL semi-finals and the NCS playoffs.

GIRLS LACROSSE Head Coach – Aline Magee Record: 10–8 The Braves lacrosse team showed again their level of play is strong. The Braves played hard and turned in consistently good performances against a strong slate of opponents.

Highlights: The team played in both the MCAL and NCS Post-Season tournaments.

way to go braves!

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making headlines Braves Pole Vaulter Competes in State Meet

Track and Field Success is in the Family Genes Justin-Siena Alicia Prince ‘18 (left) broke the school record in the girls high jump while her sister, Dena Prince ‘16, right, broke the school records in both the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles.

Their father, Gary Prince ‘79, is still on the school’s record board in the JV boys 4x100 relay for his team’s time of 46.04 seconds in 1977. This was Gary’s first year assisting the Braves’ sprinters, after coaching at St. A’s the last seven years. His brother Steve Prince ‘88 still owns school records in the varsity boys 100 meters (10.84) and JV boys records in the 100 (10.94), 200 (22.94), long jump (22 feet, 11.75 inches) and triple jump (44-11).

A Whole new Look for Athletics at www.justin-siena.org

Isabella de Bruin ‘16 dons her second-place medal from the CIF North Coast Section Meet of Champions at UC Berkeley, where the top three in each event qualified for the state meet. She was the Redwood Empire subsection champion the prior to the state meet.

De Bruin, who served as team captian this season, was the only Napa County track and field athlete who qualified for this year’s CIF State Championships, although she came up short in the finals.

De Bruin had cleared a personalrecord 11 feet, 4.5 inches earlier in the season, 11-3 to win the CIF North Coast Section Redwood Empire subsection title in May, and 11-0 in June to place second at the NCS Meet of Champions.

This student athlete sets high standards in the classroom as well. Maintaining a 4.8 GPA with hopes to attend Cal Tech, Stanford, UC Berkeley, or an Ivy League school, De Bruin is already planning to major in neuroscience or neurochemistry.

Spring Student Athletes Earn All-League Honors The Justin-Siena baseball team has three players on the All-Marin County Athletic League First Team.

They are senior catcher Clay Dunkle ‘15 (.388 batting average, 26 hits, 20 RBIs), junior outfielder Cameron Michael ‘16 (.359, 28 hits, 22 RBIs, six doubles, two triples, two homers) and junior infielder Cole Peterson ‘16 (.407, 35 hits, 11 RBIs).

Senior Brendan Natuzzi (.359, 23 hits) received Honorable Mention as an infielder.

In softball, three Justin-Siena seniors were honored. Shannon Esser ‘15 (.422, 36 hits, 27 hits, 26 RBIs, four homers) made the First Team at second base, third baseman Nicole Bell ‘15 (.462, 25 RBIs, nine doubles, three homers) is on the Second Team, and center fielder Maddie Crull ‘15 (.311, 23 hits, eight stolen bases) received Honorable Mention.

In girls soccer, Justin-Siena senior midfielder Danielle Maillard ‘15 received Honorable Mention.

In February, the Braves received their championship rings. In early May, they were honored at City Hall by Mayor Jill Techel and the Napa City Council, which presented them with a proclamation, declaring May 5, 2015, as “Justin-Siena Football Day.” It marks the sixth proclamation given to the Justin-Siena football program by the city of Napa.

“It was a nice evening,” said Cotruvo. “We had a lot of kids there. We had all our parents there. It was great.”

Each of the players received a pin during the recognition ceremony. Each of the seniors on the team told the City Council where they would be going to college in the fall.

Justin-Siena (11-3 overall, 6-1 MCAL) tied for the league title and finished the year No. 25 in the CalHiSports.com Bay Area Top 25 rankings. The Braves were also No. 5 in the CalHiSports.com Division III North Bowl Rankings.

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33

alumni news

Council Members Unveil Mentorship Program

Alumni Council Jackie Kearns ’01 President Patricia Ashauer ’79 Lindsay Biggar ’08 Greg Calvelo ’89 Brianna Caron ’05 Brian Dodd ’02 Jenny Lohwasser Gass ’93 Luke Ham ’05 Jackie Kearns ’01 Michael Ledwich ‘78 Rob Lucchetti ’91 Bart Moore ’03

The Purpose:

The purpose of the mentorship program is two-fold. First, the Alumni Council was looking for a way to actively give back to the school, specifically the students.

Second we were looking for a way to enhance the alumni council and bring additional alumni back to Justin-Siena. The mentorship program was a perfect fit for both needs.

The Program: Our Mission By creating strong networks and connections, the Alumni Council celebrates the past, supports the present, and gives promise to the future of Justin-Siena.

Our Vision To provide opportunities for networking, service, and fun to a large, active, and growing alumni community.

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justin-siena Avanti

The mentorship program will be a two-year commitment for both students and mentors. Mentors will serve as an adult who is not a parent or a teacher but has walked the path of college and career and can offer their story, a listening ear and practical real world advice to many questions upperclassman have. Students will begin the mentorship program their junior year and continue though to the end of their senior year.

The Need:

We are looking for alumni at least 25 years old to become mentors. Each mentor will be matched with 3-5 students based on mentor and student application preferences. This will be a hybrid model where mentors come on campus once every other month and then meet virtually though online communication the other months.

This is a great opportunity to give back and get involved. If interested, please fill out the online application at the following link.

APPLY: http://goo.gl/forms/L4MFajlXNk

Save the Date

ALL-ALUMNI

10.24.15 All Alumni are encouraged to reconnect at Justin-Siena’s All-Alumni Reunion.

Especially celebrating the Classes of

Brother Conrad Showered with Digital Birthday Wishes

1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010

A Justin-Siena Facebook post on April 21 read: “A distinguished

Catch up with friends with an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing.

Lasallian educator in every sense of the word and a giant in the history

COME BE A PART OF THE TRADITION.

Check www.justin-siena.org for details and update.

of Justin-Siena is celebrating a birthday today! Please join us in wishing Br. Conrad a very Happy 96th Birthday! Share your favorite Br. Conrad memory in the comments below.”

So many alums chimed in and Brother Conrad was feeling the love.

More than 150 “likes” and nearly 20 “shares” in just a matter of hours speaks volumes to the impact made by Br. Conrad. Some of the many, many comments and memories are shared here. If you would like to submit a memory please email editor@justin-siena.org. They will be collected and shared with Brother Conrad.

VOCATION DAY

James Carte ’72: I wish you the happiest of birthday celebrations. My memories of you are many but the coaching for our Speech Club I still use today ... “The Ballad of the Harp Weaver” by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Thank You.

Friday, October 23

Molly LeMasters ’74: Loved the enthusiasm with

Alumni speaker series designed to inspire and engage.

Get involved by contacting Paula Vlaming in the Advancement Office pvlaming@justin-siena.org

Keep an eye out for updates on the Justin-Siena Alumni Facebook Page as well as on Twitter @JustinSienaAlumni.

Do we have your current email address?

Make sure, by emailing Tiffany Wing at twing@justin-siena.org.

which he taught us about Jack London and Call of the Wild! What a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Happy Birthday!

Mark McCrea ’75: Will always be impressed by such discipline! Happy Birthday Brother!

Laurie Henderson ’75: All the best to you! It’s been a long time - but you are unforgettable.

Tim Streblow ’75: Happy Birthday Brother Conrad!

So many great memories.....

Zachary Stockton ’76: The best teacher I’ve ever had. Period. The teacher I would like to become.

Golden hour. Weekly essays. Director and drama coach. Mentor.

Obviously, I learned nothing of sentence structure.

Jim Collins ’77: The very best English teacher I ever had. Freshman Honors English. I still hear him echoing in my head. Happy Birthday Br. Conrad.

Maggie Nolan Williams ’77: Happy Birthday Brother Conrad! Loved having you as my Freshman Honors English teacher way back in the 70s!

Rhonda Catherina ’78: Oh HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most amazing, compassionate, passionate teachers EVER!!!!

Toni Kendall ’79: Happy birthday Brother Conrad!

Have a great day! Always remember the Sshhhhhh!

Diane Williamson ’80: Brother Conrad kept the library quiet and orderly just with his look!

Kristin Blum-Corbin ’86: You were a great keeper of the parking lot! No sneaking out for lunch with you patrolling. Happy Birthday!

Michelle Schilter ’87: Happy Birthday Brother Conrad!! You always had a smile and gentle hello when I would study after school in the library. You were and are a true blessing to Justin-Siena.

Joe Herrschaft ’89: Happy birthday Brother Conrad! In your honor, we will keep it to a respectable volume in the library!

Cathy O’Connor ’90: Happy Birthday, Br. Conrad!

Wishing you the happiest of birthday wishes. So happy to hear you are doing well. Thank you for adding to the wonderful memories I have of my time at Justin.

Kelly C Wylie ’91: Have always been impressed by Br. Conrad’s historian skills - a true JSHS treasure.

Happy Birthday, Br. Conrad!

Maureen Savage ’93: Happy Birthday Br. Conrad.

You are a great man, and I appreciate all you do and have done. Hope it’s another great year.

Kim Jinks Whipple ’93: I remember Br Conrad always supporting our softball team. Thank you so much Br. Conrad.

Coleen Savage Giovannoni ’98: Happy Birthday Br. Conrad!!! I will never forget study hall in the Library with you. Wishing you the very best!

justin-siena Avanti

35

alumni news

Braves World Catch up with other alums!

1973 Tim Borman, retired city of Napa fire chief, was elected as Big SIR for SIR (Sons in Retirement) Branch No. 149. The election was held December 2 at the annual Christmas dinner installation. Tim taught school for several years and then joined the Napa Fire Department as a volunteer. More than

We love hearing from you and know that your classmates do too­­—so keep the information coming! Email your updates and information to Director of Advancement Paula Vlaming at pvlaming@justin-siena.org.

Be sure to include a photograph too!*

Justin-Siena, Napa, St. Helena

kitchen while living and work-

2009. Sean was keen to collabo-

and Vintage high schools. All

ing there as a sous chef at the

rate again on such a community-

proceeds from the event benefit

American Academy in Rome

oriented and groundbreaking

the Shannon Lemieux Memo-

from 2010-2012. As an instruc-

project. The initial goal was to

rial Scholarship Fund. Shan-

tor at Alice Water’s Rome Sus-

serve up delicious, house made

non Lemieux, a member of

tainable Food Project, Giovanni

food while expanding opportuni-

the Justin-Siena class of 2006

worked alongside Chez Panisse-

ties for at-risk youth and aspiring

passed away suddenly in March

trained chefs Mona Talbot and

young chefs. After only one year

of 2005.

Chris Boswell, as well as dozens

of operation, more than two

of interns and volunteers, to

dozen applicants had completed

prepare meals based on locally

Foodshed’s culinary intern-

sourced, seasonal ingredients,

ship program, many graduates

and was profoundly inspired by

had secured employment in the

the results.

local service industry (includ-

1986 The Office of Education at Mont La Salle in Napa is pleased to announce its newest team member, Rocio Wilson.

Upon his return to his

ing in their kitchen), and some

hometown, Giovanni reached out

had already earned promotions.

to his former business partner

Foodshed had also been featured

She joins the team with 16 years

Sean Pramuk to see if he would

in local and Bay Area press,

of experience as an Executive

be interested in joining forces

earned 38 “Five-star” reviews on

Assistant in the wine industry

again following their successful

Yelp.com, and contributed over

in Napa Valley.

management of Uva Trattoria in

$40,000 to local nonprofit On

downtown Napa from 2001-

The Move.

1988

20 years later he retired as fire chief from the city of Napa. He

Director and co-owner at

served as 2014 Little SIR and

Foodshed, Sean Pramuk, is

is replacing outgoing 2014 Big

now closer to his alma mater. In

SIR Jeff Cox.

January 2015 he and his business partner Giovanni Guer-

36

Dan Lemieux and Kevin

rera ’88 moved their operation

Lemieux ’03 hosted the

to California Blvd, just south

11th annual Shannon Nicole

of Justin-Siena. They opened

Lemieux Memorial Aquatics

Foodshed Pizza & Pasta in July,

Day, on April 18 at the Vintage

2013, in the Napa Corporate

High Aquatics Center. “The

Park. The impetus behind

Shannon” day of family fun

Foodshed Take Away actually

features the Redwood Em-

began in Rome, Italy. Napa

pire synchronized swim team

native Giovanni Guerrera first

and aquatics athletes from

conceived of the idea of start-

American Canyon, Calistoga,

ing a restaurant and teaching

justin-siena Avanti

* Information received after May 1 , 2015, will appear in the Winter 2016 issue of Avanti.

1994

Former Braves basketball star, Jim Keller, is wearing the blue and gold with pride. The Kellers are Warriors super fans and have had season tickets for the last 15 years. But Jim’s game-going history dates back to his St. Apollinaris days and then during his stint as a three-year varsity player for the Braves. He also played golf for Justin-Siena, helping them to a CIF Northern California title.

Brook’s sister, Quinn Silva-

saying, “One of the main goals

Retention Marketing at Macys.

Braga, was his. Jill and Brook

and focus areas for the next

com. She is also the finance and

spent their honeymoon in

three years will be to increase

chapter operations adviser for

Beirut, Jerusalem and Istanbul.

the involvement of alumni of all

Alpha Phi at UC Berkeley.

After Justin-Siena Jill graduated

ages. We are a fun group with a

from UC Santa Barbara in 2004

desire to give back to the Justin-

and received an MBA from

Siena community. This is my

Columbia University in 2011.

personal invitation to alumni to

Jill works at CEB as a director of

come back to Justin-Siena once

advisory services. Brook is from

a month for an hour and help

Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and

shape the future. We meet the

received a degree in journalism

second Tuesday of every month

from New York University in

and would love to have you join

2001 and works as a filmmaker

us!”

2004

and journalist. Jill and Brook have co-authored a soon-to-be published book on the adven-

2003

tures of dating. They currently reside in Washington, D.C. John Brumley, who earned a

2001

B.S. in Music from UC Davis in

And he played golf in college

2009, just earned his master’s

for USC, where he majored

in Media Art Design with a fo-

in communications, graduat-

cus on sound from UCLA. John

ing in 1999. Pictured: Jim and

was a stand-out football and

Lindsay Hoff Keller ’95

track athlete while at Justin-

(daughter of Kathryn Shifflett

Siena and involved in music as

Hoff ’70) are joined by their

well, playing piano at gradua-

children, from left, Charlie,

tion in 2004.

Andrew, Lauren, and James.

2000

Jill Andres and Brook SilvaBraga were married on Nov. 12, 2014 in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Jill’s sister and brother, Paige and Steve Andres ’02, were her attendants while

Ryan Gelow and Holly Abbiss, both of San Francisco, are pleased to announce their

2005

Jackie Kearns, new Alumni

engagement. The couple plans

Council President, currently

to be married on October 17,

works as the Program Manager

2015 in Redondo Beach. After

Ham (member of Alumni

of Accountability, Assessment,

Justin-Siena, Ryan attended

Council) and Stephanie Ham

and Instructional Technology

Loyola Marymount Univer-

welcomed to the world their

for Solano County Office of

sity in Los Angeles, where he

first child, a son. Caleb John

Education. She has a passion

earned a degree in Business

Ham was born at 6:22 am

for creating programs to help all

with an emphasis in Market-

weighing 8lbs 1 oz and measur-

students discover their career

ing, and was a member of the

ing 21 inches in length.

aspirations and finding the

Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

appropriate educational path

He works as a senior media

to attain those dreams. She

strategist at School of Thought

is also just months away from

advertising agency. Holly is a

completing her doctorate in

graduate of Washington State

Organization Leadership with a

University in Pullman, where

dissertation focus on high-level

she earned a Business Adminis-

educational leadership and grit.

tration degree with an emphasis

Jackie is excited about the new

in Marketing. She works as

focus of the Alumni Council

a marketing coordinator in

On April 28, 2015 Rev. Luke

justin-siena Avanti

37

alumni news

2011

Reform, an online publication based in the Washington, D.C. area, Gabriella regularly appears on various news networks to bring a Millennial perspective to various issues, including immigration, student debt, and free speech. Campus Reform is currently America’s largest source for college-related news and primarily covers instances of political indoctrination and bias on college campuses. As a reporter for Campus Reform,

Mary Gerlomes graduated summa cum laude from Saint Mary’s College of California in May with a B.A. in Liberal and Civic Studies. As a graduate of the “Teachers for Tomorrow” program, Mary will be pursuing her Masters in Education and a teaching credential from the Kalmanovitz School of

Gabriella connects with college students across the U.S. search-

2013

2014

Grant Wright, a Napa Valley

Beat Boxer Henry Mattei is part

College sophomore, is making

of the premier a cappella group

ence and a minor in journalism.

headlines and following in his

at USC named the SoCal VoCals.

father’s footsteps as a pitcher

The SoCal VoCals competed on

2012

for the Storm. Grant has had

April 18 at the Beacon Theater in

many great coaches in his ca-

New York City in the Interna-

reer, but the one with the most

tional Championship of Collegiate

ing for stories and publishes 2-3 articles per day and 1-2 videos per month. Gabriella graduated from George Washington this May with a B.A. in political sci-

Education at Saint Mary’s and

impact has certainly been his

A Cappella finals. The USC

Fellowship. Mary has accepted

dad, Scott Wright, a first-team

SoCal VoCal team won first place

a 6th grade teaching posi-

NCAA All-American as a star

in front of a sold-out crowd of

tion at DeMarillac Academy,

reliever for 1984 College World

3,000. They also were recognized

a Lasallian school serving 4th

Series champion Cal State Ful-

with an award for their choreog-

through 8th grade students

lerton. Grant is Napa Valley’s

raphy. Henry earned member-

in San Francisco’s Tenderloin

closer and has been a great

ship into the Honor Society and is

neighborhood.

asset to the team. Prior to Napa

minoring in jazz piano

has earned a Lasallian Educator

Maverick Hall is attending

Valley College, Grant pitched On Wednesday, April 29, 2015,

baseball team in 2013, which

Calvin Sanders (top) joined

won the District 5 champion-

about 25 other staffing industry

ship, and advanced to the Area

executives for an exclusive lunch

the Santa Rosa Junior College

1 tournament. He was named

with Karl Rove, former Senior

studying mechanical engineer-

to the 2013 All-Napa County

Advisor and Deputy Chief of

setting the world on fire in the

ing and will be transferring to

team and posted a 3-3 record

Staff during the George W. Bush

world of political journalism. At

Gabriella Morrongiello is

University of San Diego in the

with six saves and a 1.60 ERA

Administration. The lunch was

21 and still months away from

fall. He will also be returning

for Justin-Siena. He pitched

part of the annual Staffing Law

graduating from George Wash-

for a second summer internship

43.1 innings, striking out 50

Conference held in the Washing-

ington University, Gabriella

with Sikorsky Helicopters up in

batters and walking just eight.

ton D.C. area. Calvin was there

appeared on Fox News, Fox

Washington.

on behalf of his parents company,

Business, The Blaze, Newsmax

BOLT Staffing Service, where he

TV and One America News

is an intern. Calvin is a student at

Network! As a reporter and

George Washington University.

spokeswoman for Campus 38

for the Napa American Legion

justin-siena Avanti

born January 11, 1954. He grew

hear the joy and love that sur-

up in Napa, and was fiercely

rounded her.

proud of his Napa heritage.

Justin-Siena Theatre’s Com-

the Cross Country and Track

edySportz production last Feb-

and Fields teams in addition to

ruary featured a special Alumni

assisting with a theatre produc-

Match with an all alumni team.

tion. After my year at Justin-

Pictured left to right: Paul

Siena I went back to Germany

Brown ’14, Lisa Oakley ’13,

to finish school, but my love for

Daniel Brooks ’13, Sierra

California was still prevalent, so

Peterson ’13, Elaina Dimond

I went back for two semesters

’14, and Rochelle Mendoza-

of college in Fremont and Santa

Axle ’13. Keep up with Justin-

Barbara, during which time I

Siena Theatre to know when

enjoyed visits to the Home of

then next alumni participation

the Braves. I now live in Berlin,

opportunity may be!

Germany and study Media and Communication Management

Braves Around the World

at the university. Coincidently,

After Justin-Siena he went

Todd Moore ’88 passed away

on to pursue various business

on Sunday, April 12. Fellow

endeavors; including Business

alum Jennifer Madden ’90

Machine Sales and Residential/

wrote in “He was a big part of

Commercial Landscaping. Matt

the theater community at Justin-

grew up spending time with his

Siena and Napa Valley. A sweet,

family on their boat in the Delta

kind soul and so very funny and

and the SF Bay. He grew to love

talented.”

the water and yachting. As a young man, Matt enjoyed sailing in the Bay as a crewmember with the St. Francis Yacht Club.

Matt was a Master Scuba Diver and his love of Abalone diving was unparalleled. One of Matt’s greatest pleasures was being with friends and telling a good story. Matt was also blessed to have had two wonderful women

Julie Yip, former Assistant to

in his life, Lori Stohsner and Jani

the President and beloved mem-

DiCarlo. Matthew was always

ber of the Justin-Siena family,

one with the Ocean.

passed away Saturday, June 13, after a valiant battle against

my English professor lived in

cancer and just a month shy of

Sonoma for a couple of years. My

her 28th wedding anniversary.

fondness for California persists,

The love of her life (and former

so I may return for a master’s de-

Braves wrestling coach), Chino

gree, and I enjoy keeping up with

Yip, and two daughters, Emma

my host family from my time at

and Anna Yip, were by her

Justin-Siena.

In Memoriam

side every step of the way. Let Molly Cahill Singleton ’84

us all hold Julie and her family

lost her courageous 30-month

up in our prayers. May she be

battle with breast cancer on April

welcomed in the loving of hands

20, 2015, two weeks before her

of God, and may all of us who

49th birthday. Molly graduated

were blessed to know her keep

Chico State University with a

her forever in our hearts.

degree in Recreation Administration and was employed by the City of Novato Parks and Marc Probst

Recreation Department. Molly

From Germany; at JS 2009-10

finished her life the way she

Marc recently wrote to Inter-

lived it. The weekend before her

national Program Director Ma-

death hundreds of her family and

dame Bouldt with some thoughts

closest friends stopped by her

on his time at Justin-Siena. “It

home to laugh, cry, enjoy good

was one of my most impressive and exciting times of my life so far with so many great memories.

I was a junior and also a part of

Matthew Ernst Stohsner ’72 passed away on March 13, after a brief illness. He was

BIRTH ANOUNCEMENT Double congratulations to Director of Admissions Alicia Valdivia and her husband, Alex, who welcomed twin boys on March 29. Abram (left) was 2lbs 10oz and AJ (right) was 2lbs 14oz. The boys are doing well and keeping mom and dad quite busy!

food and wine, and to say one last goodbye. Molly was confined to the couch but she was happy to justin-siena Avanti

39

Legacy Circle Your Legacy Gift Makes a Lifetime of Impact

D

id you know you can provide Justin-Siena with a

much larger gift than you had previously considered, resulting in a partnership with great meaning to you and strong future benefit to Justin-Siena. For example, you can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime. You can give stock and realize larger tax savings. You can donate your house, continue to live there, and get a tax advantage all at the same time.

Justin-siena foundation

board of directors D. J. Smith, Chair Ed Farver, Vice Chair

Garrett Busch Tom Coughlan Patrick Gleeson ’85 Tim Malloy ’87 Manbin Monteverdi Robert T. Jordan, ex-officio

Your planned gift could allow you to obtain some or all of the following benefits: •

Fulfill your philanthropic goals

•

Reap income-tax savings through charitable deductions for the value of your gifts

•

Avoid capital gain taxes on contributions of long-term capital gain property

• Eliminate federal estate tax on the value of the interest in the property eventually passing to charity •

Reduce costs and time in estate planning.

One of the simplest ways to benefit Justin-Siena is to name the school in your will with a general bequest. Planned gifts can build a financial safety net for the school by building an endowment that gives lasting and ongoing support. Please contact the Director of Advancement at 707.255.0950 ext.

628 or pvlaming@justin-siena.org to find out more information or if you have already included Justin-Siena in your estate.

On May 7, more than thiry-five past and present Justin-Siena Foundation board members gathered for a special evening to honor past directors. A reception and tour of the campus was followed by dinner in the Christian Brothers Center. One of the original directors, Robert Zeller, Sr., pictured above caught up with Sr. Emmanuel Cardinale, OP, current member of the Board of Trustees and Paula Vlaming, Director of Advancement.

Congratulations to the CLASS of 2015

The Class of 2015 by the numbers:

• 160 graduates; Justin-Siena’s 46th Commencement • 223 universities/colleges issued acceptances to Braves • 99% attending college* (81% to 4 yr./18% to 2 yr./1% other) *One senior will attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School and another senior will attend the Hun School of Princeton.

• More than $2.78 million in scholarships

www.justin-siena.org

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID SAN FRANCISCO, CA

PERMIT # 83

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED JUSTIN-SIENA is a Catholic high school in the Lasallian

tradition offering a college preparatory program that serves approximately 650 young men and women in grades 9–12.

Founded in 1966 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the school is located on forty acres in the City of Napa. Justin-Siena serves a diverse student body from Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.

Repeat Champs for Braves Baseball!

Getting 3 2/3 innings of standout relief pitching from Brendan Natuzzi ’15 and quality defense, JustinSiena made two early runs stand up on the way to beating No. 1 seed Saint Mary’s-Berkeley, 2-1, in the Division IV title game. The North Coast Section championship is the second in a row for the Braves. It was Justin-Siena’s 5th NCS title and 6th Section championship overall under Coach Rossi, a nine-time Napa County Coach of the Year who in 2000 was named as the CalHiSports.com Small Schools State Coach of the Year. The Braves (17-10 overall) , the No. 2 seed who went 4-0 in the playoffs, also beat Saint Mary’s in last year’s finals, 7-2, in a game played at Saint Mary’s College’s Louis Guisto Field in Moraga.