Priorities #34: Summer 2006

PRI RITIES A Magazine of Woodside Priory School

All things just keep getting

BETTER!

The student body slogan covers the joy of graduation, a summer groundbreaking, dining hall food and much more.

Celebrating 48 Years of Benedictine Education

July 2006

Woodside Priory School Celebrating 48 Years of Benedictine Education In This Issue A new, user-friendly Web site, more construction plans, and plans to celebrate the Founding Fathers’ fiftieth anniversary in November 2006, when the first Mass was held on Priory land, all in Head of School’s Letter, page 3.

Summer at a Glance, Page 4-5

Rosemary Hewlett is honored, the Middle School writes and produces a play, former Priory Campus Minister Dean Leh visits the campus with his Native American students, and an unforgettable golf moment—that and more in Summer At A Glance, pages 4–5.

Priory has a new sister school in Kenya, and many other schools are reporting new cross-cultural activities thanks to the International Benedictine Network (B-E-NET). See Benedictine Letter, page 6.

Class of ‘61, Page 7

The Priory’s first graduating class, the class of 1961, takes another bow.

See them and read about the patrons that lent support—all on page 7.

Concerns about lifestyle choices and childhood health inspired the Priory’s Peter Agoston to give his Dining Hall menus a complete makeover. See pages 8-9.

8th Grade graduation, Pages 10-11

Eighth Graders sporting the traditional flowers and boutonnières marched in procession behind Brother Edward Englund for their commencement exercises on June 8. See pages 10-11.

Stanford University President Emeritus Donald Kennedy, now editor of Science magazine, was the graduation speaker for the Class of 2006 ceremonies. A range of events and traditions highlighted the unique characteristics of the class and each individual. See pages 12–14.

High School graduation, Page 12-14

Awards, awards, awards! As always, students were honored for a variety of achievements in academics, athletics, service and character. Pages 15-16.

Alumni from every decade enjoyed a reunion around the pool, chatting with each other, faculty and monks and enjoying the barbecue. The campus tour held some surprises, including a stop in the monastery. See pages 17-18.

MK Think, architects for the new Performing Arts Center auditorium and classrooms, describe the “green” features of the long-awaited building.

Groundbreaking is set for July 25. Campaign Update, page 19.

On the cover: Molly Magnuson and Heewan “Kathy” Lim show the enthusiasm and joy of the

class of 2006 on graduation day.

Board of Directors Abbott Matthew Leavy, OSB Father Mark Cooper, OSB Brother Edward Englund, OSB Father Martin Mager, OSB Father William Sullivan, OSB Board of Trustees Mr. Dave Arnold Dr. Kristin Brew Mr. Tim Cain Mr. Peter Campagna Mr. Wayne Davison Ms. Betsy Haehl Mrs. Susan Hafleigh Mrs. Dotty Hayes Father Eric Hollas, OSB Mr. Craig Johnson Mrs. Ginny Kavanaugh Mr. Steven Krausz Father Maurus Nemeth, OSB Ms. Janiece Bacon Oblak Mr. Dale Pfau* Mr. Hank Plain Mrs. Patti Plummer Mr. Bill Roberts Ms. Alicia Rodriguez Mr. Ray Rothrock Mrs. Kari Rust Mr. Bob Simon Mr. Mark Wilson Ms. Andrea Zulberti * Special Representative. The Priory’s new trustees and board chair will be introduced in the October issue.

Priorities magazine is published in October, April; and July by Woodside Priory School for its alumni parents, students, neighbors and friends. Contact the Communications Office at 650-851-6193 or the school at 650-851-8221.

Editor: Carolyn Dobervich Design/Production: Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Carolyn Dobervich, Jim Kirkland, Jennifer Hammer.

Thanks to the Peninsula Bridge Program and the Lowe family for providing their photographs.

Chapel Services Masses at 7:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday Hungarian service 8 p.m. third Friday (Taize) ecumenical service All are welcome.

From the Head of School Dear Priory Community, ummertime has arrived at the Priory and all of our students are away on a variety of adventures, activities and experiences. This “down time” is so very important to our students and staff, giving them time to renew and refresh themselves for what awaits them this August.

The end of the year was a flurry of enriching activities for our graduates from the High School and Middle School. The High School commencement activities provided special venues for the school community to say goodbye to the class of 2006.

They ranged from the Junior–Senior Breakfast to the Senior Last Chapel, and the Senior Dinner with their parents, where tributes were paid to each student.

Father Martin’s slide show—created with photos he has taken throughout their seven years here—put into pictures and music their incredible journey. The following week our eighth graders said goodbye to the Middle School—the wonder years—and hello to the high school— hopefully, some of the best years of their lives.

Our campaign and construction planning is on schedule, with an anticipated performing arts groundbreaking in late July. The goal is completion by late August 2007. This new building, along with the relocated and renovated library and student center (Trinity Project) is a much needed addition to our physical plant. This past year, contributions to the Trinity Project were outstanding, with 71 donors giving over $5 million in cash and pledges. We are very grateful to everyone who found it in his or her heart and pocketbook to answer the call to make this dream a reality. Trinity Project fundraising is still in full swing so that we can reach our goal of $13 million.

This summer we are launching our first new Web site since the mid-1990s, and it is much needed. It replaces a site that has been patched so many times it

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is beyond fixing. Among the features on the new site: • The home page has drop-down menus from the main navigation buttons, and portals for students, parents, staff and alumni. The portals offer a single click to the features these audiences use most frequently—thus bypassing the information meant for visitors to the site.

• Also on the home page, a search feature, quicklinks feature and site map (showing the entire navigation system) will make it easier for users to find what they want. All teachers have Web pages with basic information and links to personal sites at their request.

• Many features, such as the Middle School Week at a Glance, are designed for easier viewing.

Online admissions information is more userfriendly. Arts and athletics are more prominently featured.

• Completely new graphics compliment our website and other marketing materials. The site looks a lot like the campus itself—lively and interesting people and activities set in a lovely, tree-filled campus and rural valley. The Benedictine message is as pervasive on the site as it is on the campus.

A very attractive feature is that Kelly Sargent, who maintains the site, can more easily update and modify it. That process will go on in stages over the next year.

Finally, this coming fall we celebrate two milestones – Father Egon’s 90th birthday in October and in November the 50th anniversary of the first Mass said on the Priory campus by Father Egon.

We will be inviting you to join us in a honoring our Founding Father and the roots of the Benedictines in the Bay Area.

The campus is abuzz with pre-construction activity, the sun’s shadow is gracing the landscape outside my window, and I know the Priory is poised (in the words of our campaign slogan) ‘Now… and for the next 50 years.’

Have a blessed summer,

Tim Molak Head of School

We will be inviting you to join us in honoring our Founding Father and the roots of the Benedictines in the Bay Area.

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Summer at Female Boarders Hit 50 Percent The Priory began co-educational boarding in Fall 2004 and

by Fall 2007 will hit its goal of roughly equal numbers of boys and girls. Boarding students are typically serious about their academics, but in this photo Hope Marquardt and Melissa Fan demonstrate some of the boarders’ fringe benefits—weekend trips (this on is to Great America theme park) and hanging out with good friends.

Father Martin Blesses the Site Students, faculty and staff gathered to witness the blessing of the land at the new building site, formerly the main parking lot. While Head of School Tim Molak held the book, Father Martin Mager, OSB, Superior of the Benedictine Community, intoned the blessing. Mr. Molak also told students briefly the history of the new performing arts facilities and the tradition of blessing the land.

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A Bazillion to One! Golfers say that’s the likelihood of hitting a hole-inone, and Blaine Tehaney achieved it last spring, in his junior year. The lucky (his golf coach may prefer the phrase “highly skilled as a result of diligent practice”) stroke occurred during a practice game at Shoreline Golf Course.

Teacher Appreciation In Progress The annual, much-anticipated Appreciation Luncheon for faculty, staff and coaches, begins far in advance as members of the Parent Association plan and prepare everything from the food to the gifts. In this photo, Cheryl Neckowitz (center) and colleagues on the decorations committee, prepare dozens of shimmery gold chair covers that help transform the Dining Hall.

The event was held in May.

a Glance

Top Students In Navajo Academy Visit the Priory Father Dean Leh (lower right), former director of campus ministry at the Priory, rewarded some of his most successful students at his current ministry with a trip to the Priory and sites of interest in the Bay Area. The students are members of a special talent-building academy for Navajo youth, of which Father Dean is academy principal, at Fort Wingate, NM. Diego Avalos, class of 2000 (top) accompanied the group on a day-long field trip to San Francisco. Stanford University students who are part of a Native American empowerment program spent the day with Father Dean’s students (photo at left) and encouraged them to pursue a Stanford education, also, he said.

Rosalie Hewlett Is Honored Rosalie Hewlett, a founding patron of the Peninsula Bridge Program is flanked by student speakers at a dinner honoring her for her support. The Priory was one of the founding schools (after Sacred Heart) and is still very active in the program. The Priory brings eighth grade students of promise from less advantaged campuses for a summer of fun and learning, with the goal of helping them qualify for collegetrack math in ninth grade. Many alumni will remember another reason to honor William (deceased) and Rosemary Hewlett—they provided the support for the first comprehensive high-tech installation on the Priory campus some 10 years ago.

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Priory History ‘You Deserve the Credit.”

Prior Egon to the Class of 1961

The Class of 1961 helped build a school—

literally—where none existed. Father Egon Javor explains it well in this excerpt from his letter to the Class of ’61: “. . . When you came, four years ago, a single modest classroom, situated awkwardly on the edge of barren hills, welcomed you here. Now a series of classrooms, a chapel, a library, laboratory, Lloyd Karl Clair Dennis Merle Duff dormitory and sports fields bid you a ‘good-bye’ when you depart. You witnessed the birth of a new school and you matured together with it, taking a steadfast part in all the hardships of its beginnings.

You accepted courageously the noble aims of this new sanctuary of Benedictine education, you tried to strive constantly for excellence, you Frank Greenlaw John Anthony Flynn wrestled daily with the arduous studies, and you molded your wills beneath the healthy yoke of the school discipline.

By doing this, you were filling a vacant campus with life. . . perhaps unconsciously, you, too, became builders and co-workers in establishing Woodside Priory School, laying the foundations for its traditions and forming its spirit. Over and Csaba Hrotko Andrew Kudlacik above your individual scholastic achievements, you deserve the credit for accepting the difficult beginnings and carrying through the programs of the school with such loyalty.

Your stability, your efforts, and your pioneering spirit will remain with us here as an encouraging example for the students of generations to come. . .”

James Thomas Edward Whitney Some adults also ‘deserve the credit.’ Father Ruffo Olson Egon Javor, OSB was Prior, Father Christopher, OSB (deceased) was headmaster. Of the 16 faculty members mentioned in the yearbook, nine were Benedictine priests and/or monks—Fathers Leopold Hoffer, Benignus Barat, Achilles Horvath, Malachy Murphy, Pius Horvath, Charles Schilly, and Brother Benedict Menezes in addition to Egon and Christopher. Other pioneer faculty members Thomas Whitebone were Robert Borelli, Patrick Omlor, James Kilkenny, John O’Neill, Damon Nalty, Frank Verduccci and Fredrick W. Goode.

Other adults took a chance by providing 6 financial support to bring Benedictine education to California. Their names are boxed on this page.

These Original Benefactors Were Also Founders They were risk-takers, these patrons who decided to take a chance on a fledgling school in a small, rural community. The 1960-1961 yearbook acknowledges the following patrons: Mrs. Gertrude Allen Dr. and Mrs. Peter L. Beal Mr and Mrs. John L. Bodó Mr. and Mrs. James E Brophy Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Church Mr. and Mrs. Guilford E. Congdon Mr. and Mrs. George T. Cronin Mr. and Mrs. Howard Daschbach, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard A. David Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Dougherty Mr. and Mrs. Lawrason Driscoll Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Duff Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Howard Finn Dr. and Mrs. James A. Flippin Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Gill Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Gould Mrs. Marcia Hart Mr. Byron L. Haviside Mr. and Mrs. Rader J. Hilbe Mr. and Mrs. John Kiely Lt. Col and Mrs. Lawrence Lahm Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Lanzone Mr. and Mrs. Peter Leth-Nissen Mr. and Mrs. A. C. McCoy Mr. James J. McBride Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. E. Whitney Olson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Perrelli Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Ruffo Mrs. Madeline M. Scott Mr. and Mrs. William P. Scott Jr. Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Stadler Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Stafford Mr. William C. Stolk Mr. and Mrs. John F. Tulloch Mr. and Mrs. Richard West Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wynne Lee Watson Union Service Readak Reading Library

Benedictine Letter International Benedictine Educators Benedictine Schools Are Reaching Out With

B-E-NET

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istorically, Benedictines have been ‘rooted’ in their local communities.

With the growing shortage of monks, priests and nuns, Benedictine educators began about five years ago to develop national and international networks. International educators and youth conferences are now being scheduled every other year, respectively. Woodside Priory has been active in promoting both from the beginning.

Last November, six representative of the Priory attended the most recent international conference, at Delbarton School in New Jersey. An outcome of that conference was B-E-NET, the Benedictine Educators Network. B-e-net encourages members to spread their roots by sharing projects with partner schools.

This article is the second of two, and it focuses on a few examples of these projects.

• Woodside Priory School formed a “sister school” relationship with St. Scholastica’s Priory, a school of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in Peramiho, Tanzania, as a result of the conference. Priory students heard about the Tanzanian school in morning Chapel, and they decided to send $4,000 in proceeds from the holiday food and funds drive to Sister Pia and her students. Sister Pia responded in a letter with several photos that the funds helped with much needed school supplies and books for science classes, art classes and the library.

• Sister John Mary did not attend the conference and is not Benedictine but discovered b-e-net online and joined because “I have a passion for the Benedictine charism. . . Being a teacher of high school students convinces me beyond any doubt

Sisters Pia (left) and Placida (right) pose here with their student guide at Saint Benedict School in Newark, New Jersey. They toured this very successful inner city Benedictine high school campus—which is also Father Martin’s alma mater—while attending the B-E-NET conference in New Jersey last fall.

The global network encourages schools to spread their roots by sharing projects and ideas.

that the Benedictine tradition helps young people not only to achieve the best quality education but also to grow up the right way.” She is spearheading travel opportunities among students in Uganda (where her school is located), Kenya and Tanzania for “exposure, sharing and comparative analysis.”

The trip requires a family contribution which many are not able to make, and she encourages students to share the experience when they return with stories and videotapes.

• At Colegio Santo Americo in Brazil, two junior students are going to Germany for the month of July, and their German hosts will return for a month with host families and attending school at Colegio Santo Americo. Ten seniors participated at the first International Model United Nations in the region, held in Centro Escolar del Lago, Mexico City.

Representatives from all of the participating schools were at the Delbarton conference.

• All Benedictine and Cistercian schools in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary will be invited to a regional conference in November 2006.

B-e-net member schools from the first three nations are hosting and will encourage participation.

Read more at b-e-net.org, a beautifully designed Web site.

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Sign of the Times

Priory Dining Hall Serves Fresh, Organic Produce and ‘Homemade’ Meals

By Jennifer Kelly, Student Intern

Peter Agoston, Chef and Kitchen Manager for the Priory’s Dining Hall, thinks the school cafeteria is a natural place to help students develop a taste for a healthy lifestyle.

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or years, the operative word in most schools for planning student meals was “yum.”

Most decisions revolved around that yum factor. Today, while treats haven’t entirely disappeared, school meals and snacks are beginning to reflect the times and the health factor.

Today, there are twice as many overweight American children and three times as many overweight American teenagers as there were just twenty years ago; altogether about a third of young Americans are overweight or at risk of becoming so.

Not surprisingly, these young people may face serious health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and also lower self-esteem, depression, and other social or psychological challenges. More than two thirds of them will carry their extra weight and the associated problems into adulthood, experts anticipate.

There are other factors, but a big part of the problem apparently can be tied to the poor nutritional habits of the average American kid.

A 1997 study found that the diets of nearly half of U.S. children didn’t meet *any* of the intake recommendations in the USDA’s Food Pyramid -- they weren’t eating even an apple or two from the fruit group, or a dozen baby carrots and a sprig of broccoli’s worth from vegetables. They were, however, getting more than enough from the tip of the pyramid— half of the calories consumed by young Americans that year came from added fat or

sugar.

To Peter Agoston, Chef and Kitchen Manager for Priory’s Dining Hall, the school cafeteria is a natural place to help Priory kids develop a taste for a healthy lifestyle. By replacing frozen, processed entrees with main courses cooked from scratch, by baking instead of frying French fries, and by incorporating organic, locally grown produce into such treats as Asian beef stir fry and salad with homemade dressing, Mr. Agoston is introducing the Priory community to a new standard of eating.

He sees it as an important part of the Priory’s educational mission to educate children not just in academic matters, but also about nutrition, health, and environmental soundness.

“I had considered introducing some changes years ago, because I believe in this healthier diet and eat it myself. The ability to buy the fresh, local produce and the information about childhood illness came at about the same time, and that gave me the motivation and the capability to do it,” he explained.

There is another reason to make the change now—while Priory students may not be eating the “typical” American diet at home or at school, they haven’t left for college yet. The dreaded “freshman five” of 25 years ago is now the dreaded “freshman 15.”

These lessons don’t end in the lunchroom. Dora Marron, Dean of the Priory Middle School, has expanded the health curriculum, and given greater attention to nutrition. Last year, students (and parents) had a special study unit with a professional nutritionist in addition to the regular health curriculum. The students kept and analyzed logs of what they ate in a day, learning about the categories within the food pyramid and how to recognize a portion size, and designing healthy menus. Eighth grade girls took a special unit in body image that

included food choices.

In addition to serving healthier food, Mr. Agoston also offered a cooking class where the emphasis was on dishes that offer lots of taste with little preparation.

Other area schools are also waking up to the importance of developing sound nutritional habits early. The Palo Alto Unified School District recently considered a ban on junk food within school limits, and the East Palo Alto Charter School has a thriving school garden program. Castilleja, a private school for girls in Palo Alto has been offering a good-andhealthful menu for several years, and many other private schools are also on the bandwagon. And the multi-faceted approach at the Priory, exposing kids to delicious, healthy food, while educating them about its importance and preparation, is surely among the most promising.

Interested in more? Below are some Internet resources used for this article.

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhoodobesity [2] http://www.nih.gov/news. Search terms: WordonHealth/jun2002/childhoodobesity [3] Food Politics by Marion Nestle, University of California Press 2002, pp. 175-176 [4] http://voice.paly.net/view_story.php?id=1534 [5] http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/ mercurynews/news/local/states/california/ peninsula/14633707.htm

Recent information about obesity and childhood health provides the motivation to change school menus. Newly available fresh, local, organic produce makes it a practical option.

Fresh Fruit—Yum! Middle School students got an extra helping of nutrition studies last year working with a professional who asked them to write down and evaluate what they ate, among other things. In the coming year, the topic is being integrated into science class for all three grades.

Editor’s Note: Two articles researched and written by parent Karen Mathon for Priory Parent newsletter were used in the preparation of this article.

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Students received candy necklaces along with other humorous awards chosen to personify something special about each.

Eighth Grade Class Celebrates Graduation— High School Ahead!

“Your teachers describe you as bright, opinionated, fully of personality, fun, engaging, energy-filled, challenging, rowdy and curious. And I couldn’t agree more.”

Rick Riebhoff, Graduation Speaker

Ellie Oates receives her diploma from Head of School Tim Molak.

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hirty-six eighth graders celebrated the successful completion of their Middle School years at commencement ceremonies on June 8. As is the tradition, faculty helped the students with ties, flowers and boutonnières, and they all followed in procession behind Brother Edward Englund into the chapel.

In his address to the graduates, Mr. Molak recalled many special qualities of the class (such as their snack-seeking ability). He wished them a future “nurtured by the fruits of (their) Benedictine education, filled with smiles and laughs, good times and even better ones, and a passion for life and learning that brings a true sense of fulfillment.”

Valedictorian Elana (Lanie) Wenger reminisced with her classmates about books, television programs and activities that had helped them understand the facets of a friendship. In the beginning, she said, her class had some problems with the concept. However, the eighth grade year had been a time for forming closer bonds, beginning with the Outdoor Ed experience and ending with the good times in Washington, D.C, she said.

“We are learning to accept others for who they are, to look for their talents and not their flaws. . .

As is described in the Priory literature, ‘Together we find strength and purpose in supporting one another,’” she said.

The students selected faculty member and Director of Student Activities Rick Riebhoff as their speaker. Eighth grader Sean Zarringhalam commented that “If I could, I would choose Mr. Riebhoff for every class that I ever take. He is the teacher that made me actually understand and like math!”

Mr. Riebhoff told the students that the passion that occasionally gets them in trouble is also a strength. “. . .You live life to its fullest every day and you laugh more than any class I have ever been around.” He described a class that is one of the most academically gifted ever, that plays every game in sports like it might be the last, whose onstage performances are unforgettable, and who support each other when things get tough.

“Your teachers have described you as bright, opinionated, fully of personality, fun, engaging, energy-filled, challenging, rowdy and curious. And I couldn’t agree more.”

Students receiving special awards were: • Ellie Oates— Academic Excellence and Drama Awards • Cassandra (Casey) Montalvo—Leadership • Marisa Martinson—Dean’s Award for academic excellence, student leadership and service to the school community.

• Elana Wenger—Saint Cecilia’s Performing Arts • Cole Roberts—Visual Arts • Marie Trudelle and Joshua Nimer—Most Inspirational Athletes • Lauren Schilling and Jack Foster—Athletes of the Year • Alexandria Goodyear and Ben Kovachy—Scholar Athletes • Lauren Schilling—St. Benedict Award (the highest honor given by the school) It is traditional for faculty to write personal notes to their students, which are captured together in a plaque for each student. The Class of 2011 also received these plaques. Following the ceremonies, students, families and friends enjoyed a reception on

The Class of 2010*

Following the Eighth Grade Breakfast and presentation of the coveted “candy awards” to each student, everyone posed for a class photo behind the library. the patio outside the chapel.

Dominic R. Becker David Andrew Bessin August Alan Browning Scott Christopher DiGiorgio Wyatt Preston Farino Katharine Nell Finlay Jack Oscar Foster Ann Alixandra Franklin Alexandria Marie Goodyear Jack Thompson Hearst Samantha Hamilton Hiller Thomas Ridgway Holmstrom Sean Alexandre Klein Benjamin Light Kovachy David Henri Low Marisa Janette Martinson Cassandra Leigh Montalvo Kathryn Sara Neckowitz

David Garibotto Nimer Joshua Goodrich Nimer Eleanor Hammer Oates Alexander Thomas Peyser Kathryn Marleigh Pfau Cole James Roberts Raymond O’Neill Ross Lauren Tang Schilling John Colin Schwartz Thomas Francis Shields Brenton Robert Talbott Jenna Ellen Tehaney Maia Julianne Thielen Marie-rose Clara Trudelle Elana Michelle Wenger Sarah Jane Wookey Andrew Caskey Yoxsimer Sean Ashkan Zarringhalam

Alix Franklin and her family enjoy the patio reception following commencement ceremonies.

*Woodside Priory School identifies the class year of its students as the year they would normally graduate from high school.

This is done in order to place emphasis on the school’s seven year college preparatory program, grades six through twelve.

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Graduation—A Time of Joy and Sadness and Congratulations for

Class of 2006

The intellectual and social tools learned from teachers and classmates will lead you to success in new and unfamiliar terrain.

Donald Kennedy, President Emeritus, Stanford University Editor-in-Chief, Science Magazine

Tim Molak (left) and Father Martin Mager, OSB (right) pause with graduation speaker Donald Kennedy, president emeritus of Stanford University and editor of Science, a journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Kennedy congratulated students and parents for surviving the “annual college admissions madness. It is a process that badly needs reengineering…”

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By Judy Noice, Alumni Parent The class of 2006 graduated on Friday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m., receiving accolades and congratulations from family, friends and alumni.

Donald Kennedy, Ph.D., President Emeritus of Stanford University and Editor-in-Chief of Science Magazine, delivered the commencement address.

He told Priory graduates about the advantages they received from the school.

“You have experienced an intimate participation in a community of faith that is also a community of values,” he said. Kennedy went on to praise the Priory for making service to others part of the curriculum as well.

Kennedy assured the class of 2006 that any doubts they may have in looking forward will disappear when they discover the value of the intellectual and social tools they got from their teachers and classmates. With these tools, the graduates will succeed when they go through doors to new and unfamiliar terrain.

Stephanie Stoll and Molly Magnuson were the student speakers.

Stephanie read two “palancas” or love letters she wrote to the Priory and her classmates. She thanked the school for having a unique and beautiful learning environment which emphasized spiritual growth as well as academics.

“You introduced us to a world outside of ourselves and helped us open our minds,” Stephanie explained. “Chapel gave us all the chance to express our individuality and grow in ways we did not know we were capable of.”

Molly spoke to the audience about the most important lessons her class learned from the Priory.

One of her discoveries was that teachers are real people.

“When someone asks me what my favorite thing about Priory is, I tell that person it’s the teachers,” Molly said. “The thing that sets them apart is the fact that they’re not only amazing teachers, they are extraordinary friends.”

Another valuable lesson, Molly reminded the graduates, is life is what you make of it. For example, Molly told the audience she did not want to come to the Priory her freshman year. She cried every day for the first week, she said. “[N]ow I have come full circle,” Molly remembered, “because I cried every day …my last week of school. But it’s for a different reason…I am hesitant to leave a place I call home…I have come to realize that if you want something to be great, it will be, as long as you make the most of it.”

Awards were presented to the following students: Valedictorians—Kristof Horompoly and Myles Lam Salutatorian—Diego Moncada Father Benignus F. Barat Citizenship Award— Rachel Moody Head of School’s Award—Heewon “Kathy” Lim and Scott Bader Dean’s Award—Elyse Romano St. Benedict Award—Ben Pekarek

Students followed Brother Edward Englund and the bagpipers in a traditional procession from the center of the campus to the outdoor ceremony setting on the front playing field.

Laura Koenig and Myles Lam radiate the joy of the moment as graduation ceremonies are concluded.

Michael Mellenthin, student speaker at the senior class’s last chapel meeting, told his class that he changed over seven years from just trying to stay out of trouble to throwing himself into everything the Priory had to offer—from robotics to Model United Nations to theater.

Following graduation, faculty members form a circle and graduates pass from teacher to teacher, receiving congratulations. Here, Hilary Helfrich gets a hug.

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Members of the Class of 2006 Han-Ching Andrew Ho* University of California, Irvine

Benjamin James Pekarek* University of San Diego

Kristof Horompoly*** Stanford University

Henry Albert Plain, III University of Redlands

Beom-Jin Kim University of Wisconsin, Madison

Elyse Lorien Romano** New York University

Byung Han Kim* New York University

Katya Sarkisov University of California, Santa Cruz

Christopher George Benham University of California, Santa Barbara

Joonsik Kim** The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

William Robert Schofield Kenyon College

Michelle Perry Bradford Loyola Marymount University

Laura Tassan Koenig* University of California, Santa Barbara

Edward McGuire Cameron Chapman University

Myles Young Lam*** Stanford University

Clinton Frank Campagna* Claremont Mc Kenna College

Julia Meredith Lange University of California, Santa Barbara

Michael Christeford Cauley Willamette University

Man-On Li Pepperdine University

Jocelyn Elizabeth Chambers Boston University

Heewon Lim University of Washington

Edward Jun-Hao Tseng University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Christopher Chuek Wai Chan* University of Southern California

Molly Mackenzie Magnuson Dickinson College

Sara Rose Verhalen Dickinson College

Nicholas Daniel Chapman University of California, Davis

Arturo Jesus Maldonado Santa Clara University

Ciarra Sabeniano Villaflor-Tanakatsubo University of California, Irvine

Justin Charles Crandall San Francisco State University

Michael Alfred Mellenthin III* Stanford University

Allen Nichols Young University of Portland

Christa Anne Daley** University of California, Los Angeles

Diego César Moncada* Dartmouth College

Emily Ord Elliott Willamette University

Rachel Lynn Moody* Wellesley College

Alexander Julian Gould Purdue University

Kailani Cruz Novotny* Loyola Marymount University

Chase Rowland Haegele* University of California, Santa Cruz

Sungwoo Park University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

AracelyAceves* California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Jordan Blake Amdahl Northeastern University Scott Monroe Bader University of California, Santa Barbara Kendall Margaret Bell University of California, San Diego

Hilary Davey Helfrich University of San Francisco

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Victoria Angele Patton University of San Diego

Hyun Soo Sohn University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Stephanie Mary Stoll Alexandra Elizabeth Swan* University of California, San Diego Geoffrey James Taylor* University of California, Davis

*** Benedictine Honors ** Headmaster’s Honors * Dean’s Honors

Department Awards Theology Department World Religions: Angela Nakahara Christian Scriptures: Robert Croll Morality and Social Justice: Kelsey Corkery Mathematics Department Algebra I: Sarah Montgomery Geometry: Johan Henkens Algebra II: Tynan McAuley PreCalculus: Brian Hong A.P. Calculus AB: Laura Hohnsbeen A.P. Calculus BC: Nolan Green A.P. Statistics: Christine Ahlstrom Science and Technology Department Honors Physics: Chris Harlem Physics: Paul Gammer Biology: Liam Thompson Chemistry: Mark Simons Honors Chemistry: Chrisa Trudelle A.P. Biology: Alyssa Cheung A.P. Chemistry: Stephanie Sebree A.P. Environmental Science: William Harryman A.P. Physics: Nolan Green Computer Science: Daniel Berman English Department Introduction to Literature: Drew Bollman Transitional English and Writing and Structure: Nancy Wang Writing Lab: Marika Bannick British Literature: Sheila Mikailli Honors British Literature: David Mandle Honors American Literature: Julia Clark American Literature: Marianna Shtukina Social Studies Department World Cultures I: Claire Dennis A.P. European History: Alyssa Chung and Robert Croll European History: Tynan McAuley United States History: Sam Chavez A.P. Economics: Laura Hohnsbeen Judeo-Christian Relations: Angelo Ladeza History of Rock and Roll: Molly Dellheim

Modern Languages French French I: Maxime Rieman French II: Jordan Foland French III: Alyssa Cheung French IV: Alicia Kriewall Spanish Spanish I: Johan Henkens Spanish II: Angelo Ladeza Spanish III: Ashley Neckowitz Spanish IV: Tynan McAuley Japanese Japanese I: Yeonhee Kim Japanese II: Theresa Dai Japanese III: Annie Lin Japanese V: Tomomi Menjo Performing Arts Speech: Stephanie Sebree and Victor Aguirre Drama: Karina Gerstenschlager Advanced Drama: Natasha Hobbs Drama Through the Ages: Natasha Hobbs A.P. Music Theory: Nathaniel Rothrock Concert Choir: Dion Diederich Chamber Singers: Laura Hohnsbeen and Dion Diederich Girls Chorus: Alyssa Thunen Orchestra: Mariana Shtukina Visual Arts Glass: Tynan McAuley Art Spectrum: Annie Lin Drawing and Painting: Hope Marquardt Metals: Max Magnuson Photography: Sonal Khanna National Honor Society Grade 10 Alyssa Cheung Robert Croll Karina Gerstenschlager Brian Hong Angelo Ladeza Erik Lyon David Mandle

Father Pius Horvath, who especially enjoyed teaching in the Middle School before his retirement, delivered the closing prayer at commencement ceremonies for the class of 2010.

Choral Director and Performing Arts Chair Brandon Adams, received thank-you gifts at his final concert, performed outdoors on Thomas Church Square. Mr. Adams is leaving the Priory to develop his professional career in music.

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Tynan McAuley Ashley Neckowitz Kaori Ogawa Peter Pellionisz Greg Pfau Connor Pierson Grade 11 Nika Clark Dion Diederich Sonia Djordjevic Ellie Gold Laura Hohnsbeen Alicia Kriewall Katie Lampert Lesley Scott Stephanie Sebree Mariana Shutkina Mark Simons Kristof Szoke Anna Taylor Alexa Zappas Kattie Zappas

Maddie Turner sends the ball back into play. Her athletics recognition includes being named female Athlete of the Year.

School Awards

Reed Easley, Visual Arts Department Chair, demonstrates art glass techniques to senior Alex Gould. Ms. Easley was elected Teacher of the Year by the faculty.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award: Nolan Green Saint Anselm Book Prize: Yeonhee Kim William College Book Award: Alicia Kriewall Massachusetts Institute of Technology Award: Nolan Green Yale Book Award: Katie Lampert Wellesley College Book Award: Katie Lampert Harvard Book Award: Laura Honhnsbeen Head of School Award: Nicholas Coombs Saint Benedict Award Grade 6: Kathleen Gregory Grade 7: Devon Errington Grade 9: Christopher Harlem Grade 10: Connor Pierson Grade 11: Linda Szabados Awards presented at the Vale et Valde Dinner were not available at press time.

Athletes of the Year Middle School Lauren Schilling Jack Foster High School Hap Plain Madeline (Maddie) Turner Private School Athletic League All-League Athletes, Spring Sports Golf First Team Sam Chavez, Most Valuable Player Hap Plain, Mark Simons Second Team Eduardo Chavez Boys Volleyball Second Team Geoff Taylor Tennis First Team Naveen Dixit, Most Valuable Player John Helfrich Honorable Mention Kristof Szoke Track &I Field Second Team Emily Elliott, Kristof Horompoly Hyun Soo (Jay) Sohn Honorable Mention Chrissa Trudelle Swimming First Team Allison Frisbie Constance (Consi) Hiller

Alumni News & Notes

The Pool, Summer Sun and Visit to the Monastery are Highlights of Reunion ‘06 On Saturday June 10, five decades of Priory alumni returned to their alma mater in celebration. From as close as down the street and as far away as Japan, they gathered to renew acquaintances with classmates and reminisce. The event featured soccer, basketball, swimming, a jump castle for the children, barbecued hot dogs and burgers, and a chance to spend a day with friends both old and new.

Father Martin took pictures of each class, and Fathers Maurus and Pius and Brother Edward joined him to welcome home their former students. Headmaster Tim Molak even grabbed Ken Tehaney and Father Martin for a beer run.

The following classes had alumni in attendance: 1964, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2005.

The classes of 1976 (30th Anniversary) and 1981 (25th Anniversary) accounted for almost half the attendees between them. When the festivities were over at the Priory, they went forth to continue the celebration well into the night. (See more photos on page 18).

Father Maurus and George Postich, Class of 1996, enjoy the barbecue.

Kendall Holland, Emily Kirkland, John Martin and Holly Kabak, Class of 2001 by the pool.

The guys in the Class of 1986 are still clowning around together.

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A great turnout from the tiny class of 1966, with Andras Casplar (left) from the class of ‘64

Father Martin’s sweatshirt, Super Champions—Two in a Row, says it all.

Father Egon traded stories from earlier days with a group of alumni visitors in the Monastery lounge. Here, he chats with Danny Hart and Rupert Hall, 1981.

Pietro Parravano, l967, shares a tecchie moment with Shinji Nagamini. Mr. Parravano talked to students last spring about his work at the local and national level to preserve ocean ecology and the fishing industry—and the students were not just receptive, they were fascinated.

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The traditional soccer match kicked off in the cool morning hours.

Performing Arts Groundbreaking

Priory Architects Chose Environmentally Friendly Options

Update Trinity Project

Priory trustees give a cheer as groundbreaking day finally arrives.

T

he Priory is committed to careful stewardship of its environment. It also is in need of more building space, more parking, and more funding for facilities.

These two realities may seem to be in conflict, but they are not. With good planning, the educational and natural environments will actually improve, according to MK Think, Priory architects.

The end product will “turn a paved site into a habitable landscape that is far more environmentally sound than the one that currently exists.” says Steve Kelley, principal of MK Think. That might sound like wishful thinking—but here’s a thought...

The Priory community accomplished that same goal in the past, when the founding monks transformed the school site from a bare hillside to a wooded oasis created with native flora. These improvements promise to be the 2006 version of that original scenario: Among the most interesting “green features” of the Performing Arts auditorium and classrooms is a green roof—9,000 square feet of drought tolerant seedum. The seedum surface will blend effectively with the existing landscape and create a variety of natural solutions to normal building problems, the report says. Instead of increasing water runoff by building more hard surfaces, this roof is designed to retain water and cleanse it before returning it to normal waterways. It reduces the “heat-island” effect, and provides natural insulation—both of which create energy savings. It replaces a “dead” area with a “live” one that supports biodiversity and consumes carbon dioxide.

Does “biodiversity” translate to tiny critters invading the human space? There are multiple environmental and design effects that keep the flora and fauna planted firmly on the roof, the architects said. The technology has matured to the point where green roofs have become tested, mainstream building systems.

The buildings are designed and oriented on the site to take maximum advantage of natural ventilation, lighting and shading opportunities. The architects and builders sought out environmentally friendly solutions—from paints and sealants to insulators, mechanical ventilation, and refrigerants.

Carpets, drapes and concrete are high in recycled products, and engineered wood products help preserve old-growth forests.

In fact, MK Think succeeded in finding environmentally friendly alternatives to raw materials normally required by Portola Valley building codes, which may offer an option for future construction in the township.

The design and landscaping of the area create an outdoor classroom (the central plaza)—more learning space at no cost for much of the year. Three smaller structures in lieu of the original single, larger structure, provides greater energy efficiency in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Several months ago, Priory students interested in environmentally sound building practices proposed several possibilities to the architects, and the professionals were impressed. They see the project as a teaching tool in the school’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship.

C. Dobervich

• Performing Arts Center with all-school auditorium & new classrooms • Renovated and expanded Library & Media Center • New Student Center

$7.347 million in hand towards $13 million goal.

Board of Directors approved plans, and groundbreaking on the Performing Arts Center buildings is slated for Summer 2006.

Short term goal is $2 million in new commitments by July 2006, with a total of $5 million by Fall 2007.

Endowment $2.2 million committed towards $5 million fundraising goal.

Goal is $1 million for the Father Egon Scholarship Fund by December 2008.

On-Campus Housing Maas Family Commons housing complex completed and occupied in 2003.

Two apartments adjoining residence halls constructed and one home renovated in 2001.

Twenty-three faculty and staff live on campus.

Trustees’ long-term goal is to house 50% of the faculty on campus within ten years.

Chapel Renovation Completed by Friends of the Chapel and dedicated in 2004

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Barefoot Weather for Reunion ’06!

The youngest man in this Class of 1981 photo, standing by Father Egon Javor (third from left) is enjoying letting his feet breathe. Could Father Maurus (second from right) be hiding his feet? The group paused on the hill behind the monastery following a visit with Father Egon, founder of the school, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on Oct. 18. More reunion news and photos are on pages 17-18, and online.

Annual Report Correction

The following names were omitted from the annual fund lists in the 2004-2005 State of the School and Annual Report, which was mailed last spring. The Development staff sincerely regrets the error.

Dennis and Dale Lachtman Eighth Grade Parents and Directors’ Club donor lists Mr. Mark Frappier and Ms. Suzanne Juptner-Frappier Sixth Grade Parents and Directors Club donor lists The 6th Grade Parents achieved 100 Percent participation. Thank you and congratulations!

Woodside Priory School 302 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 (650) 851-8221 fax (650) 851-2839

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Celebrating Our 48th Year