Priorities #38: Summer 2007

PRI RITIES A Magazine of Woodside Priory School

July 2007

MILESTONES!

The Class of 2007 heads off to college and the Priory heads into its fiftieth anniversary year.

Celebrating 49 Years of Benedictine Education

Woodside Priory School Celebrating 49 Years of Benedictine Education In This Issue Students in hard hats, olé at the auction, music in Church Square and more in Summer at a Glance, pages 4-5.

Eighth graders bid goodbye to middle school to the accompaniment of a duet composed and performed by their classmates, pages 6-7.

Summer at a Glance, pages 4-5

Advised by graduation speaker Dr. Richard A. Moran to practice intellectual curiosity and make as many friends as possible, the Class of 2007 celebrated their graduation with remembrance of the past and enthusiasm for the future, pages 8-10.

It’s the time of year to recognize all the achievements of the past nine months. Find awards coverage on pages 11-12.

8th Grade graduation, Pages 6-7

See what celebrations are in store next year with the 50th Anniversary Year Calendar of Events on page 14.

A conversation with Andrew Valentine ’82, Priory alumni, parent and incoming Alumni Association Chair, page 15.

Alumni return to the Priory for fun in the sun at the annual reunion, pages 16-17.

High School graduation, Pages 8-10

Campaign Update—summary of progress on all of the Golden Jubilee projects, page 17.

An elegant and large piece of art in glass will commemorate donors to the Golden Jubilee campaign. See pages 18-19.

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 Mr. Gene Becker* Dr. Kristin Brew Mrs. Janet Brownstone Mr. Peter Campagna, Board Chair Mr. Wayne davison Ms. Betsy Haehl Mrs. Susan Hafleigh* Father Eric Hollas, OSB Mr. David Jim* Mrs. Ginny Kavanaugh Mrs. Indu Khanna Mr. Steven Krausz Mr. Rick Magnuson Mrs. Jami Dover Nachtsheim Father Maurus Nemeth, OSB Mrs. Nancy Newman 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. Ken Tehaney Mr. Paul Titterton Mr. Dan Turner Mr. Mark Wilson Ms. Andrea Zulberti * Special Representative.

Priorities magazine is published in October, April, January 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.

50th Year Anniversary Celebration Calendar, Pages 13-14

Editor: Carolyn Dobervich Managing Editor for this issue:

Nancy Flynn Design/Production: Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Carolyn Dobervich, Jim Kirkland, Nancy Flynn

On the cover: The graduating class of 2007 files into the tent for commencement ceremonies. Inset photo is Tommy Lockwood, front, with Brian Yam, back.

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,

“There is No Place Like Home”

This theme was selected for our current school year by our student government. I find this theme particularly apt. The Priory is a home in so many ways – for our boarding students from August to June, for our faculty, staff and their families who live here 24/7 and for our monastic community who not only live here but also – Ora et Labora – Pray and Work. As we move into our 50th year, we celebrate the creation of this educational environment that nurtures and enriches the whole person.

To honor this momentous anniversary year, the Anniversary Committee has developed meaningful ways to pay tribute to this special occasion and the people who have made it possible. You will soon receive in the mail a brochure of the exciting events planned to commemorate the Golden Jubilee. One highlight is the return of Taylor Eigsti, Priory alum and Grammy nominee, to perform with his jazz trio in our new Performing Arts Center. He is scheduled for Sunday, October 14. Be sure to mark your calendar because I am sure tickets will go fast.

The Golden Jubilee also commemorates fifty years of character development and education of which the Priory can be proud. Every new generation of students faces new challenges, which their time in the classroom and relationships with staff help them overcome with grace. Student stress is one of those those current challenges, leading the Priory to participate in a national consortium of schools created by Stanford University called S.O.S. - Stressed Out Students. Dr. Denise Pope, director of the program, recently came to campus to discuss the results of an assessment survey taken by our high school students. The adjectives students used most often to describe the Priory were small, caring, community, fun and hard. Our seniors echoed these same adjectives describing their experiences at the Priory during their exit interviews. These responses validate that our values and mission are lived out on a daily basis. Reflecting on our Mission and our Graduate Outcomes Statements I am pleased to see that what we preach, what we do and how our students talk about the school come together.

“Listen …with the ear of your heart.” This quote from the Rule of Saint Benedict comes to my mind as I reflect and think about two people who have been central to our “home” at the Priory, John Erkman and Barbara Falk. As most of you know we lost our Assistant Head, John Erkman, to a heart attack in early April. John left us too soon but his impact on our students, parents and alums was deeply significant. Emails and notes from the students about John make it evident that he touched people’s lives because he was a good listener and took the time to be there for students, especially in times of academic or personal need. A scholarship has been established in his name and has grown to over $110,000.

I thank everyone who contributed to his fund so that his name and legacy will not be forgotten.

Barb Falk, one of our earliest employees, will be leaving the Priory after 30 years. Barb got started in the kitchen, served as a receptionist in the monastery, and for many years has been our Registrar and Academic Assistant. Through all those different positions Barb has been the one to listen - to why students were late or leaving early, to what faculty needed or had forgotten to do, to administrators in a panic about something only Barb could handle. Barb’s relationship with the monks who have served at the Priory is very special and dear to her heart. She has graciously shown Benedictine hospitality to everyone who has come to her. Now that she has finished her “Labora” for the Priory, may her future days include plenty of family time and watching her grandchildren grow and mature.

Reflecting on the years behind us, and the one ahead, we have so much to be proud of and thankful for, especially our monks and lay staff who have served here and model daily our values and misson. It has been through the support of parents and friends, along with the workings of Divine Providence, that the Priory continues a rich legacy as a well-known and respected Benedictine school “in the Lord’s service.” I can’t wait to celebrate our Golden Jubilee in 2007-2008.

As we move into our 50th year, we celebrate the creation of this educational environment that nurtures and enriches the whole person.

There really is no place like home!

3 Tim Molak Head of School

Summer Rebuilding Together Juniors, seniors, staff and faculty put on their hard-hats on April 29 for the annual community service project, Rebuilding Together.

The day found them in Palo Alto, hammering nails and rehabilitating the home of Marie Rubino, who is pictured with them and her daughter Debbie.

Celebrating the Arts Students joined together in song at the May 16 Spring Concert. The artsfilled evening included performances from all of the Priory music ensembles as well as a gallery show of student fine arts.

Olé at the Auction A mariachi band set the scene for this year’s Cinco de Maya Gala Auction. Nearly 400 attendees bid on items at the silent auction, live auction and this year’s Fund-A- Need, “New Furnishing for New Spaces.” At the Fund-A-Need auction, 112 people pledged over $150,000 for new furnishings for the Performing Arts Center, new Student Center, and expanded Library and Technology Center.

Father Maurus’s Duck Dinner and Father Martin’s and Brother Edward’s Down East Lobster Supper both hit new highs, as did many other traditional items and the events total proceeds.

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at a Glance Teacher of the Year Ruth Benz (pictured with her husband) Ruth Benz was honored with the 2007 St. Stephen Teaching Award for her commitment and dedication to the Priory. Board member Wayne Davison praised her as “wise beyond her years, more fun than those half her age and would make Saint Benedict sit up and smile.”

Game, Set, Match PSAL MVP Naveen Dixit reaches for a tough shot at the CCS boys’ tennis playoffs.

Priory Books Available Online!

Father Egon remembers the exhilarating and unpredictable years leading up to the founding of Woodside Priory School in his book, and the Priory Community Cookbook Committee remembers the people and events and especially the delicious foods of 1957 to 2007 in theirs. Both are beautifully designed and elegantly printed. They are available for purchase online at www.woodsidepriory.com. See “Recent News” or “Quicklinks.”

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Eighth Grade Graduation The class of 2011 Bids Farewell to Middle School

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n the warm, sunny evening of June 7, the thirty-three members of the class of 2011 celebrated their graduation from middle school. The class joined in a procession into the chapel led by Brother Edward Englund, boys wearing daisy boutonnières and girls carrying single stems given to them by the faculty, per longstanding tradition.

In the quilt presented by the eighth grade to the school, photos of each class member frame images and phrases that represent the experiences of the class in its years at the Priory.

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In his welcoming remarks, Head of School Tim Molak recalled his own eighth grade graduation, and the dual feelings of excitement at being at the top of heap and apprehension while preparing for the new challenge of high school. It was through a surprising and humorous story about the Pope’s adventures driving a car in Rome that Mr. Molak passed on words of advice to the eighth graders, including the lesson that “life in the fast lane will eventually catch up with you.” In concluding, Mr. Molak thanked the class, which has “enriched the school community with your time, talent and treasures.”

Class Valedictorians William Strickfaden and Aran Nayebi discussed issues of self-acceptance and identity, and how the Benedictine values of Integrity and Individuality shaped their successful navigation through middle school. Will Strickfaden spoke about his initial feeling that he didn’t quite fit in at school. It was in considering the Benedictine value of Integrity that he recognized being true to himself was the key, and that “the beauty of the individual makes life exciting.” Aran Nayebi spoke of his transformation from feeling alien from his classmates to feeling comfortable both in his

own skin and with his peers. Aran told stories about changing his vocabulary to blend in, which drew laughs from his classmates. But it was a moment in class when his eye came to rest on the word Individuality among the Benedictine values inscribed in a plaque on the wall that helped him understand that changing himself was not the answer. The answer, he realized, was to celebrate his own individuality. He shared his discovery that “Students should accept themselves for who they are, and only then can others accept them.”

Following the Valedictory addresses, class members Connor Fitzgerald and Ariana Bickell performed a duet of their own composition entitled, “Dance Children.” Dean of the Middle School Dora Marrón noted that it was in their journey through middle school that they discovered their gift as musicians, and thanked them for “sharing the eighth grade rhythm.”

The students chose faculty member Hovey Clark as their graduation speaker. In his speech, Mr. Clark lauded the students’ unique cohesiveness as a class, saying, “As a group you have a shared, innate understanding of values, and as a class you make it safe for each person to be themselves (sic) as an individual in the community.” He encouraged the class to retain this spirit of togetherness and understanding as they move into high school, and to envelop new students with the acceptance and enthusiasm they have shown each other.

Awards Academic Achievement Award Emma Wrenn Hadley Greswold

Leadership Award Alex Brugger Alix Traeger

Dean’s Award

Kimberly Carlisle Cory Quinn

St. Cecelia Arts Award

Music: Ariana Bickell Drama: Katie Taylor, Colton Purvin, and Matt Hill

The Scholar Athlete Award Devon Errington Will Strickfaden

Most Inspirational Athletes Kimberly Carlisle Michael Wan

Athletes of the Year Alexandra Frappier Alex Brugger

The Saint Benedict Award Devon Errington

The Class of 2011* Bergren Leif Antell Brian Andrew Bevilacqua Ariana Gabriella Bickell Alexander John-Hubert Brugger Kimberly Elizabeth Carlisle Corey Kai Cheung Melanie Ann Conde Devon Elaine Errington Connor J. Fitzgerald Alexandra Gabriella Frappier Sophia Allison Goldberg Hadley Elizabeth Greswold Matthew James Hill Jordan Charles Johnson William Travis Johnson Rachel Alexandra Landers Elena Rosalia Poetsch Long David August Lyon Connor Lee Mather Aran Nayebi Caroline Anne Pillsbury Pamela Ellen Pillsbury Colton Robert Francis Purvin Matthew Christian Putnam Cory Rita Quill Ashley Karina Reyes Colin Fields Schreiner Zandalee Springs William Randall Strickfaden Katherine Claire Taylor Alix Jeanne Traeger Michael Allen Wan Emma Dorothy Wrenn

For the commencement ceremony, Connor Fitzgerald and Ariana Bickell performed a duet they composed entitled “Dance Children.”

Eighth Grade valedictorians Aran Nayebi and William Strickfaden were all smiles after graduation.

Both students spoke about the value of individuality and self-acceptance.

*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 Class of 2007

Honoring the Past and Preparing for the Future.

Seniors show the bittersweet emotions of graduation as they walk in procession to the ceremony.

Shown here are (front row from right) Will Farino, Lauren Duncan, Naveen Dixit, Theresa Dai, Kelsey Corkery and Nick Coombs; (second row, behind Naveen), Dion Diederich, right, George Somogyi, left, and (second row, behind Kelsey) Sonal Khanna. In the inset photo are Christine Ahlstrom, right, and Nika Clark, center.

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Alex spoke of his certainty that he class of 2007, the largest in the class will continue to support one Woodside Priory School hisanother long after graduation. He tory, graduated on Saturday, also marveled at his classmates’ wide May 26 at 10am. Surrounded range of gifts, and how each has the by friends and family, the 69 gradupotential to change the world, saying, ating seniors honored their years at “Rarely will you see a group of kids the Priory while preparing for the who are so intelligent and passionate adventures ahead. about what they do while at the same Richard A. Moran, Ph.D., an time being so kind and accepting of author and a partner at Venrock one another. These young men and Associates venture captialists delivwomen to my right will grow up to ered the commencement address, have a tremendous impact on the offering the graduates several pieces Dr. Richard Moran world around them.” of invaluable advice on the topic Linda recalled her journey from hesitance to “Avoid Paris(Hilton) and Collect People.” apply to the school to feeling that the Priory commu In an address both witty and wise, Moran acnity was her family. She recounted joyful memories, knowledged that while the class of 2007 faces many and celebrated how each senior has developed as an large global issues, sometimes the smallest actions individual, while not losing the ability to come towill have the most important influence on their lives. gether as a class in times of need. Remembering one He urged students to avoid time spent on pop culsuch time, Linda paid tribute to John Erkman, saytural gossip and take part in higher discourse, noting ing, “His passing has left scars on all of our hearts. that: None of us could imagine graduation without him.

“Within fifty miles of where we are sitting today Yet here we are, and I know he is here too. He will there are probably 20 Nobel Laureates, hundreds be standing with each one of us as we receive our of authors and artists and poets and inventors and diplomas today.” dreamers and visionaries ….You have the oppor As final student speaker, Nicholas Coombs told tunity to know them and learn from them. That is the story of how he was moved to recognize the where your attentions should be focused.” unique qualities of the Priory after a student at another school called it “the weirdest school around.”

In addition to occupying their minds with intelNick shared his belief that it is the very warmth and lectual curiosity, Moran advised the graduates to closeness of the community that prepares students open their hearts to new friends, saying, “there is not to move forward in the world with confidence and another time in your life that will allow you to make enthusiasm: “I think that because I have had a Priory as many friends as those that you will make in high education, I wouldn’t want to stay in one place…. school or college. No other time will give you the Priory is the start of a bigger picture of things.” shared experiences that create such bonds.”

In their addresses, student speakers George

—Nancy Flynn Alexander Schreiner, Nicholas Coombs and Linda Szabados each celebrated these bonds of friendship with fellow students and faculty.

The most important lesson that I can pass along is that great things don’t happen necessarily when you plan for them. Or wait for them. You can do great things now.

Graduation Speaker Richard A. Moran, Ph.D.

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Members of the Class of 2007

Graduation speaker Alex Schreiner is congratulated with a hug by teacher Suzanne Koppett.

Graduation speaker Nick Coombs praised the warmth of the Priory community, saying “at Priory, no matter who you are, there is always someone who cares.”

Andrew Wilson Ackerman Victor Hugo Aguirre Christine Elizabeth Ahlstrom Julie Ilana Bessin Ivy Francis Bilikam Ian Ross Brent Joshua Scott Capelle Mary Bien Castañeda Samual Fernando Chavez On Wai Jerry Chiu Julia Elizabeth Clark Nika Christine Clark Nicholas Evans Coombs Kelsey Leigh Corkery Yu-Jen Dai Dion Shin Diederich Naveen Dixit Sonia Nicole Djordjevic Lauren Elizabeth Duncan William Lloyd Farino Eric Richard David Frasch John Paul Gamboa David Seth Camburd

Eleanor Ruth Evangeline Gold Nolan Matthew Green Andrea Gutierrez William Owen Harryman Emma Maria Henkens Juliana Elizabeth Herzen Hiroki Hirano Natasha Alexandra Hobbs Laura Walworth Hohnsbeen Sonal Khanna Yeonhee Kim Alicia Haehl Kriewall Sheshank Kumar Katherine Anne Lampert Hilary Elizabeth Landers Edward David Leinwand Cassandra Imperial Limgenco Allison Juliet Ditz Littlefield Yvotte Caroline Lockey Thomas Daniel Lockwood Julio Victor Méndez-Cerame Ryan Timothy Montgomery Daniel Nagy

Vivian Daniel Nikolich Chanse Rafael Perez Christopher Mehta Pistritto Juan Carlos Reyes Marc Russell Scarioni George Alexander Schreiner Lesley Alison Scott Stephanie Adrienne Sebrée Mariana Shtukina Mark Stephen Simons Maxim Sirenko György Somogyi Linda Maria Szabados Kristof Daniel Szoke Christina Schmidt Tabacco Anna Marie Taylor Blaine Christopher Tehaney Christina Therese Trudelle Reginald Willhite, Jr. John Charles Wolfe Brian Ko Yam Alexa Kristine Zappas Katerina Alyse Zappas

Awards were presented to the following students: Valedictorians—Laura Hohnsbeen, Katherine Lampert and Anna Taylor Salutatorian—Alicia Kriewall

Father Benigus F. Barat Citizenship Award—Chrissa Trudelle Head of School’s Awards—Ian Brent and Alex Schreiner Academic Dean’s Award—Eleanor Gold

Dean of Students’ Award—Nicholas Coombs St. Benedict Award—Linda Szabados

In her speech, second graduation speaker Linda Szabados told students that they will never truly say goodbye to the Priory, saying, “. . . this wonderful place will continue to live in us for the rest of our lives.”

College and University Acceptances Academy of Art University, San Francisco American University Arizona State University Boston College Boston University Budapest Corvinus University College of the Holy Cross California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo California State University, Long Beach California State University, Sonoma Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Clark University Clarkson University Colorado State University Colorado College Concordia College Cornell University Dickinson College Duke University Elon University Fordham University George Washington University Georgetown University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Indiana University Lewis and Clark College Loyola University, Chicago Loyola Marymount University Macalester College Manhattanville College Michigan State University Northeastern University Notre Dame de Namur University New York University Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio State University Point Loma Nazarene College Princeton University Purdue University Reed College Regis College Regis University Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Rice University

Rose Hulman College Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College, Moraga Santa Clara University Scripps College Seattle University Southern Oregon University Saint Anselm College Stanford University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Tufts University University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Denver University of Illinois University of Michigan University of New England University of Minnesota University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington University of Wisconsin Wellesley College Westmont College Wheaton College Whitman College Whittier College Whitworth College Willamette University

Brother Edward Englund led students in the traditional procession from the center of campus to the graduation ceremony.

Graduates (from right) Julie Bessin, Ian Brent and Ivy Bilikam smile in the spirit of celebration at the end of the ceremony.

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Awards Presented at the Vale et Valde Dinner

Presented at the Academic Awards Assembly (Grades 6 to 11)

Theology: Kelsey Corkery A. Vernon Sohlberg Award

for English: Eleanor Gold Mathematics: Nolan Green Visual Arts: Vivian Nikolich Science: Stephanie Sebrée Computer Science: Stephanie Sebrée Drama: Laura Hohnsbeen Instrumental Music: Ian Brent Choral Music: Sonia Djordevich Languages: Teresa Dai Social Studies: Nicholas Coombs Campus Ministry: Julia Clark, Brian Yam Cashin Community Service Award: Alicia Kriewall Scholar Athlete Award: Laura Hohnsbeen

& Reggie Willhite

Department Awards

Bank of America Awards Plaques

Liberal Arts: Laura Hohnsbeen Mathematics and Science: Nolan Green

Certificates

Theology: Linda Szabados Language: Theresa Dai Visual Arts: Vivian Nikolich Science: Stephanie Sebree English: Katherine Lampert Mathematics: Maxim Sirenko Social Studies: Anna Taylor Instrumental Music: Ian Brent Choral Music: Sonia Djorjevic Drama: Alex Schreiner

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Theology Department

World Religions: Lauren Allen Christian Scriptures: Alyssa Thunen Morality and Social Justice: Ashley Neckowitz

Mathematics Department

Algebra I: Cassandra Montalvo Geometry: Avery Plough Algebra II: Tyler Starling PreCalculus: Tynan McAuley A.P. Calculus BC: Allyssa Cheung A.P. Statistics: Christian Opperman

& Leah Rappaport

Science and Technology Department Certificates

9th Grade Honors Physics: David Low Physics: Melissa Perna Biology: Claire Zbinovich Chemistry: Chris Hammond Honors Chemistry: Luke Jeffrey Oceans: Sarah Montgomery A.P. Biology: Nolan Green A.P. Chemistry: Alyssa Cheung A.P. Environmental Science: Erik Lyon A.P. Physics: David Mandle Computer Science: Avery Plough A.P. Computer Science: Stephanie Sebree

English Department

World Literature:Avery Plough Transitional English and Writing And Structure:

György Somogyi Writing Lab: Lani Wenger Short Story Writing Lab: Will Alvarez British Literature: James Hickman Honors British Literature: Jordan Foland Honors American Literature: Robert Croll American Literature: Liam Thompson Creative Writing: Byrd Bannick Journalism: Juliana Herzen

Social Studies

World Cultures I: Ellie Oates European History: Byrd Bannick A.P. European History: Sarah Montgomery United States History: David Mandle A.P. United States History: Liam Thompson A.P. Economics: David Mandle

and Nancy Wang History of Islam: Lauren Jones The History of Rock and Roll: Kyle Horton

Modern Languages French

French II : Dominic Becker French III: Jordan Foland French IV: Alyssa Cheung

Spanish

Spanish I: Lauren Allen Spanish II: Zuhayr Mallam Spanish III: Byrd Bannick Spanish IV: Whitney Greswold A. P. Spanish Language: Tynan McAuley

Japanese

Japanese I: Yoon Young Shin Japanese II: Drew Bollman Japanese III: Tim Lin Japanese V: Tomomi Menjo

The Department of Performing Arts

Speech: Greg Smogyi & Annie Lin Drama: Laurel ‘Ducky’ Detkin

& Jimmy Chang Theatre Department Award:

Nathaniel Rothrock Playwriting: Peter Benham

& Nathaniel Rothrock Master Acting Playlab: Nathaniel Rothrock Junior Music Award: Ethan Breder A.P. Music Theory: Dion Diederich Concert Choir: Jimmy Chang Chamber Singers: Robert Croll Orchestra: Colin DeMartini

The Department of Physical Education

Glass: Blake Weber Art Spectrum: Claire Watson & Zoe Ciupitu Drawing and Painting: Whitney Greswold Metals: Tynan McAuley Visual Media: Max Magnuson Ceramics: Katherine Jim A.P. Art History: Annie Lin Photography: Nancy Wang

Grade 11 Alyssa Cheung Robert Croll Molly Dellheim Karina Gerstenschlager Brian Hong Angelo Ladeza Erik Lyon Max Magnuson David Mandle Ashley Neckowitz Kaori Ogawa Peter Pellionisz Greg Pfau Connor Pierson

National Merit Scholars

School Awards

Kinesiology: Angela Pettit

Visual Arts

Ian Brent Eleanor Gold Nolan Green Laura Hohnsbeen Katherine Lampert Alex Schreiner Lesley Scott Stephanie SebrĂŠe Maxim Sirenko

National Honor Society Grade 10 Byrd Bannick Laura Christian Jordan Foland James Hickman Darcey Lachtman Angela Nakahara Christian Opperman Yoon-Young Shin

Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award: Molly Dellheim.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award:

Angelo Ladeza Saint Anselm Book Prize: Connor Pierson Williams College Book Award: Erik Lyon Massachusetts Institute of Technology Award:

David Mandle.

Yale Book Award: Max Magnuson Wellesley College Book Award:Alyssa Cheung Harvard Book Award: Robert Croll Head of School Award: Angelo Ladeza

&Tynan McAuley

Saint Benedict Award

Grade 6: Brock Burgess Grade 7: Abby Faisal Grade 9: Jocelyn Schreiner Grade 10: Sarah Montgomery Grade 11: Molly Dellheim

Private School Athletic League All-League Athletes, Spring Sports Golf

Eduardo Chavez, Most Valuable Player Sam Chavez, First Team

Tennis First Team Naveen Dixit, Most Valuable Player John Helfrich Second Team Kristof Szoke Honorable Mention Josh Capelle

Track & Field First Team Chrissa Trudelle Second Team Maddie Turner Lauren Allen Honorable Mention Robert Croll Noel Laporte

Swimming

Allison Frisbie Consi Hiller Blake Weber The 200 freestyle relay team: Elizabeth Draeger Allison Frisbie Consi Hiller Marisa Martinson

Athletes of the Year Middle School Alexander John-Hubert Brugger Alexandra Frappier High School Cami Simpson Reggie Willhite

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Woodside Priory School 2007-2008 50th Anniversary Year Calendar of Events Exciting events are in store for the Golden Jubilee Year, beginning in September with the official ribbon cutting ceremony to open the Performing Arts Center auditorium and classrooms. A speaker series, rotating art exhibits, and special curriculum additions are just a few more features of the 50th anniversary celebration. Priorities readers and others will receive a brochure over the summer with directions for making reservations.

September 10 50th Anniversary Year Golf Classic September 18 Chapel Service for Priory students and faculty followed by Official Blessing of the PAC This logo is especially designed to celebrate the Priory’s Golden Jubilee year. Logo design elements correspond with various aspects of the school’s history and the celebration.

Invoking the Benedictine slogan, Ora et Labora (Pray and Work) reinforces the Priory’s Benedictine roots. The ceremonial gold with the word “Fifty” emphasizes the year of celebration. Many people refer most naturally to the school as “the Priory,” thus the word is the most prominent in the full name, emphasizing the school’s prominence now and in the future. A special thanks goes to Jim Kirkland of Copperline Multimedia for designing this logo as his gift to the school.

Jim created the original design for Priorities magazine and is with his wife, Vicki, an alumni parent (classes of 1998 and 2001).

September 23 Family BBQ & PAC Open House and Student-led Tours September 29 Annual Fund & Trinity Project Donor Appreciation Dinner honoring major donors for 2006-2007 and donors to the Trinity Project October 14 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert featuring Taylor Eigsti, jazz pianist Post-concert champagne reception November 11 Founder’s Day Mass Dedication of Father Egon Plaza December or January Athletic Hall of Fame December Christmas Tea and Advent Vespers March 21 St. Benedict’s Feast Day May 3 50th Anniversary Year Gala and Auction June 11 Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon and Teacher of the Year Award June 14 Commencement Ceremony and 50th Anniversary Closing Celebration

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TBD Alumni Weekend Celebration

A conversation with Andrew Valentine ‘82 The incoming Chair of the Alumni Association brings a wealth of enthusiasm and a lifetime of Priory memories to his new position.

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he position of Chair of the Alumni Association passes from founder David Arnold ’84 to the capable hands of Andrew Valentine ’82. Andrew steps up as chair with a variety of Priory experiences under his belt. He grew up across the street from campus, and before even attending the school spent time playing on the sports fields (and occasionally being chased off by the groundskeeper). Andrew joined the Priory community as a student in tenth grade, and quickly became absorbed in the academic and social life of the school. He says, “Father Maurus’s AP Biology class is particularly memorable. I learned so much, although I have to admit I often spaced out watching Father Maurus’s fast-growing tropical fish, named Oscar, who ate anything we put in the tank. Father Christopher’s ethics class kept us all on the right track. And in sports, we had back-toback Varsity Soccer Championships in 1981 and 1982.” One weekend when Andrew was a Senior, he built a pew with Father Martin and signed the bottom. It still serves in the Chapel and Andrew has threatened to crawl around and find it.

Following graduation from Priory, Andrew attended Bowdoin College. In 1985 he married his high school sweetheart Alice, who had attended his Priory graduation three years earlier, with Father Martin as a participant in the ceremony. After he graduated from college in 1986, Andrew and Alice spent two years in Washington, DC, where Andrew worked as a legislative aide for Senator Alan Cranston. In 1988 they set out on a year-long trip around the world. Andrew remembers, “We stuck to developing countries in Africa and Asia and only spent about $10,000 total. The highlights were a camping safari in Africa, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), swimming across the Mekong River from Thailand to Laos, and being in China during the 1989 student demonstrations. We were there when the Tiananmen Square massacre occurred.”

Wanderlust appeased, they returned home to Northern California, where Andrew graduated from Santa Clara University law school in 1992. He

has been practicing law at the same firm he joined that year, and in his tenure has watched it grow to become the largest law firm in the world. He currently serves as both Co-Chair of the Patent Litigation Group and Hiring Partner.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Andrew is committed to serving the community.

He has been Co-Chair of Community Legal Services, an organization in East Palo Alto that provides free legal services to those who cannot afford them. And of course he will serve the Priory community as Chair of the Alumni Association. It is his role as a Priory parent that inspired him to become even more involved. His son Ryan recently completed seventh grade, and Andrew marvels at how much remains the same at the Priory, despite some big changes since he was a student. Andrew’s all-male graduating class was just over half the size of the Class of 2007, and at that time the school held a total student population of approximately 200 students. He says, “All of the good things about the Priory are still there – the complete devotion to education; the teaching of life skills (like organization); the focus on community….I am still not used to seeing girls on campus, but what a great addition. I think the diversity of being co-ed is great and it creates so many more opportunities for the school.”

Andrew anticipates the unique opportunities that the 50th anniversary year creates for reaching out to the alumni community and increasing active involvement in the future of the Priory. Last year’s Sports Hall of Fame (First Induction) was a great start, bringing together alumni from all around the country, he said. He is looking forward to Founders’ Day and the opening of the new Performing Arts Center as events for alumni to gather to celebrate the impact that Priory has had on their lives.

In the meantime, Andrew and his family, Alice, Ryan and his eight-year-old daughter Daphne, have plans to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer at their family cabin in Echo Lake.

—Nancy Flynn

Andrew Valentine, incoming chair of the Priory Alumni Association, greets a friend from his student days-Father Pius.

I would like to see the Priory alumni community grow and I would like to see many more alumni giving back to the school….Lots of small donations can go a long way – participation is what is important.

Andrew Valentine,

incoming Chair of the

Alumni Association

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Alumni Reunion Summer Sun and a Tour of the PAC Highlight Alumni Reunion Alumni from all of the past five decades and their families were among the 70 people enjoying the Priory pool and barbecue by Armadillo Willy’s at the annual reunion on June 9. Athletic alums met for their traditional soccer match before lunch and afterwards Al Zappelli and Tim Molak (Director of Admissions and Financial Aid and Head of School, respectively) took guests for an informal glimpse of part of the new Performing Arts Center (PAC). The auditorium and classrooms are scheduled for completion by the opening of school in the fall.

The group wound up the afternoon in the Father Christopher room reminiscing over decades of photos assembled by Priory librarian Susan Falaschi and perusing architects’ renderings of Priory facilities now in progress for the decades ahead.

Harvey Jones (xx) and his father (above)

biked in together. To the right (a) Father

Maurus and Mario Liszka (’76) enjoy a

chat; (b) Bryce Larson (‘00) checked out

chicken, sausage and ribs; (c) newly

appointed Dean of Students (and former

Social Studies teacher) Scott Parker with his younger son, Rowan; (d) Josh

Horowitz (‘02) and guest Bob Gregg.

On page 17, (e) Father Maurus is at the

gate to greet Martin Sullivan, Jr. (’87) with wife Mariya and children Emoree (left) and

Hallie (right); (f) Pietro Parravano (’67),

Dave Arnold (’84) and his wife, Donna, and Andras Csaplar (’64); (g) guest Talia Lin-

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coln, Kimberly Chow (’02), Samantha Nut-

tall (‘02) and Head of School Tim Molak;

(h) the school’s history in photos entertained

just about everybody; (i) Al Zappelli (left

front), Director of Admissions and Financial Aid and Interim Director of Development led a “sneak preview” walk through

part of the facilities under construction. In

the photo are (from right) Greg Hampton

(’67) and daughter and incoming freshman,

Noel Kidd (’82) and wife, Lori, and Andras

Csaplar and his wife, Bobby. To the left of

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Al is Director of Communications Carolyn Dobervich’s husband, Mark.

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Update Trinity Project* $16.1 million goal *Performing Arts Center, Library and Student Center

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The Performing Arts Center Auditorium and Classrooms are on schedule for its Fall 2007 completion date, with $10.82 million in hand toward our $14.1 million goal. A line of credit is in place if absolutely necessary to cover shortfalls. This work isn’t done yet!

A further $3.28 million is needed to reach completion of the Performing Arts Center debt-free.

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Endowment $3.5 million committed towards $5 million fundraising goal.

Over $100,000 raised for the John Erkman Endowed Scholarship Fund, in memory of Assistant Head of School John Erkman who passed away on April 2, 2007.

Over $309,000 has been raised for the Father Egon Scholarship Fund, with a goal of $1 million by June 2008.

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

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

Two Apartments Constructed, One Home Renovated; Projects completed in 2001.

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The time to contribute is now!

A Beautiful Donor Wall Is the Focal Point of the New PAC Lobby

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he magnificent Performing Arts Center Auditorium and Classrooms complex opening this fall will be the focal point of the campus—and this exquisite donor wall will be the centerpiece of the PAC lobby.

Now is the time to make or increase a contribution; once names are etched into the art glass when the campaign closes, others cannot be added, said Siobhan Lawlor, campaign director.

“This campaign is the biggest project the Priory has undertaken since it was founded. I hope many more people will want to be a part of it. Imagine bringing your family years and years from now to see this! “ she added. Funding this year is critically needed to avoid paying interest on a loan, she added.

For details on how to be recognized for your commitment to the Priory, contact the campaign office at 650-851-6116 or my email slawlor@woodsidepriory.com

Golden Jubilee Campaign Contributors St. Benedict Circle $1M and above St. Anselm Circle: $500K-$999K Directors Circle: $250K-499K Benefactors Circle: $100K-$249K Angel Investors: $50K-$99K Priory Patrons: $10K-$49,999 Society of Saints: $5K-$9,999 Innovators Circle: $1,500-$4,999

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The seven-foot structure in appreciation of contributors is lit from behind and can clearly be seen through the lobby.

Golden Jubilee Campaign contributors of $1,500 and above will be honored here.

Contributors’ names will also appear on courtyard bricks and theater seats.

Trustees and Directors: Amazing Volunteers Woodside Priory School is governed by a board of directors representing the monks at the Priory and St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, and a board of trustees composed of monks, parents, alumni, alumni parents and friends of the school. Trustees and directors serve on a variety of working subcommittees as well as attending the meetings of the boards. Pictured at this joint meeting are, from front left, Father William Sullivan, Kari Rust, Wayne Davison, Jami Doyle Nachtsheim, Janet Brownstone, Indu Khanna, and Father Mark Cooper. In the center row from the left are Andrea Zulberti, Bill Roberts, Steve Krausz, Ken Tehaney, Betsy Haehl Kriewall, Ginny Kavanaugh, Nancy Newman and Brother Edward Englund. In the back row are Patti Plummer, Rick Magnuson, Tim Molak, Dale Pfau, Peter Campagna (Board of Trustees Chair), Abbott Matthew Leavy, Dave Arnold, Dr. Kristin Brew and Father Martin Mager.

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

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Celebrating Our 49th Year