Priorities #41: Summer 2008

PRI RITIES A Magazine of Woodside Priory School

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Issue #41

ONWARD! GRADUATES LOOK TO LIFE BEYOND AS THE PRIORY LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS

July 2008

Woodside Priory School Celebrating 50 Years of Benedictine Education In This Issue Robin Hood, a Fashion Show, Two dance performances, two choir and orchestra concerts, a trip to Japan and Marine Biology ocean cruise.

Wow! Spring at a Glance, pages 4-7 Eighth graders bid farewell to middle school, pages 8-9 Spring at a Glance - pgs 4-7

Commencement speaker Assistant Secretary Andy Karsner advised the Class of 2008 to make the world a better, “greener” place, pages 10-13 Recognize and celebrate with this year’s awards winners, pages 14-15 Calendar of events, page 16 The Priory 50th Anniversary Book is Here! Buy your copy today! page 16

Class of 2008 graduates - pgs 10-13

Alum Hilary Landers ’07 shares the connection that community and spirituality has with India and The Priory, page 17 See what your classmates are doing! Class Notes, page 18 Director of Development John Baldwin and Father Martin visit Priory Alums as well as current and past parents on their trip to Asia, page 19

Hilary Landers ‘07 goes to India - pg 17

Save the date! Alum Reunion weekend, back cover

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 Gene Becker Kristin Brew Janet Brownstone Peter Campagna Lisa Carlos Wayne Davison Babak Dehnad Chris Galli Hilary Giles Betsy Haehl Father Eric Hollas, OSB David Jim Peter Kasenchak Ginny Kavanaugh Indu Khanna Steven Krausz Rick Magnuson Jami Nachtsheim Father Maurus Nemeth, OSB Nancy Newman Dale Pfau Hank Plain Patti Plummer Bill Roberts Ray Rothrock Kari Rust Ken Tehaney Paul Titterton Dan Turner Mark Wilson Andrea Zulberti Priorities magazine is published in October, February, 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.

The Priory visits China - pg 19

Editor: Sean Mclain Brown Design/Production: Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Jim Kirkland, Sean Mclain Brown, Fr. Martin, Hillary Landers, Eva Soos

On the cover: The graduates of 2008 march towards the glory of a diploma.

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,

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he 2008 semester overflowed with spectacular events, happenings, dinners, celebrations, and of course, saying goodbye to our stellar Class of 2008. While we mourn the loss of our founder, Father Egon Javor, we celebrate in the fruition of his dream with a student body, staff, faculty, parents, and trustees dedicated to the Benedictine values and the new facilities in which to house all their remarkable talent. I’d like to share with you some of highlights of the closing of our 50th Anniversary year at the Priory.

• Woodside Priory School Received Two Major Sustainability Awards for the Performing Arts Center: the 2008 ASLA/NCC Merit Award in the Sustainability Category (American Society of Landscape Architects) and the 2008 Pacific Coast Builder’s Association “Gold Nugget” Award of Merit in the Best Sustainable Project category.

• In addition to helping “green” our campus, we are in the final planning stages of installing a 150kw Solar Power installation that will allow us to offset our PGE bill by 60%. Through the efforts of Solar City and Larry Sullivan ’86, who works for the company, we have created a plan that will help the Priory be more Eco friendly.

• The Rothrock Performance Hall housed three dances, two plays, five dinners, banquets, and award ceremonies, one fundraising event (Daraja Academy in Kenya), four chapels, one graduation, a fashion show, two dance performances, three choir and orchestra concerts, the 2008 Arts Day, two art shows, our very first International Night created by one of our very own dorm students as a Senior Project (Min Pho Hong ‘08).

• Our art students helped design a 50th Anniversary mural that can be seen in Benedictine Square. It is an amazing pictorial of the Priory’s legacy. The mural was made possible through the

joint efforts of Priory art students and students involved in the Mural Music and Arts Project from East Palo Alto. (see picture on page 7).

• Front athletic field renovation – we are currently studying upgrading our front fields – one with Field Turf and one natural. This new “field of dreams” would have Father Christopher Hites smiling!

• The Class of 2008 accumulated over $1 million in scholarships and 17 of the 63 graduates received National Merit recognition.

• On June 8 we held the “Close the Curtain” event for the Golden Jubilee Campaign. It marked the end of Phase One of our three phase campaign. We raised more than $23 million in this phase and added 10 new living spaces for faculty and staff, enlarged the Priory chapel with the addition of a vestibule and Blessed Sacrament chapel, added the Performing Arts Center, 3 classrooms, the new Molak Student Center and moved and renovated the Lorry Lokey Library. It is a time to celebrate our many successes during this campaign.

“While we mourn the loss of our founder, Father Egon Javor, we celebrate in the fruition of his dream...”

As we embark on year fifty-four, I reflect on a quotation from George Bernard Shaw, “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” In that spirit, we give thanks to our community for the beautiful new facilities, and thanks for your continued support as we look forward to the next two phases of the capital campaign.

May you always Listen …with the ear of your heart.

Sincerely,

Tim Molak Head of School

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Spring

Priory students, (and our beloved monks) wowed the audience as they strutted down the cat walk like veteran models.

Top left: Brother Edward.

Bottom Left: Josef Willhite, Bottom Center: Maddie Turner.

The 10th Grade Service Project was a blast! Students did an amazing job cleaning up Ocean Beach in San Francisco, collecting more than 40 bags of garbage and debris.

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Pictured L-R: Ricky Dolezalek, Rocky Chan, and Lani Wenger

at a Glance Arianna Carughi, Nick Lamkin, and his grandfather.

Grandparents Day was a colorful, smiling time! The Priory hosted grandparents, grandkids, and family. Right L-R: Jack Hearst, Brandon and Sean Zarringalam.

The Priory Swim Team leapt into action and had a spectacular season. Bottom Left L-R: Consi Hiller, Bergren Antell, and Sammy Hiller.

The Priory La Crosse Team had a great season. Pictured: Top row (L-R): Andrew Clark, Connor Mather, Clayton Cadwell, John Jernick, Greg Biles, Colin DeMartini, Drew Yoximer, Cheyenne Mikailli. Second row: Coach Matt McWright, Ted Tseng, Colin Schreiner, Matt Putnam, Michael Wan, Christian Spelt. Bottom: Corey Cheung, Alexander Brugger, Brian Bevilacqua, Colton Purvin and David Beleson..

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Spring at a Glance The Middle School Play, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, was a romping, hilarious spectacle! Right L-R:: Krysten Pfau, Siobhan Howard, Andrew Dubbs, Lukas Sarnow, Catie Ross, and Abby Faisal Bottom L-R: Nate Ward and Tom Latta

The Japan Trip, led by Masui Sensei, Christine Tran-Hemiup, and Nodelman Sensei, was a cultural cornucopia of activities, culinary delights, and allaround good time.

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Spring at a Glance

Mix Tape: Side B Dance Performace, led by the very talented Priory Dance Instructor Kendra Anderson, showcased the remarkable dance and musical talents of Priory students.

Top Left L-R: Adrianna Cortez, Liz Thomas, and Nora Botos Right: Phillipe Royé Bottom Left: Cat Hosokawa

The new mural, designed and painted by the talented artistry of Art Faculty Teri Scott, Priory students and the Mural, Music and Art Project, is finished! When you’re on campus, be sure to see it in all its vibrant glory in Benedictine Square.

The Priory teamed with Rebuilding Together to to renovate and beautify Lloyd and Betty Oberg’s home. Rebuilding Together’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Molak said, “We did about $145,000 of renovations with a budget of only $5,000...thanks to the volunteers and all their great work.”

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Spring at a Glance The 2008 Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards event was a grand get-together!

Nine students from Ms. Muir’s Marine Biology and Oceans class had the adventure of a lifetime The students participated in an oceanographic research cruise aboard the 82 foot schooner Seaward led by Call of the Sea, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people to the sea.

Arts Day was a jubilant, colorful and expressive day filled with music, dance, performace, and more art than you could shake a stick at. Far Left: Maia Thielen. Bottom Left: Lauren Lee and Alyssa Guttman-Green.

Right: Woosik Koong.

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Auction Success!

The Priory’s 50th Anniversary auction, A Night in Monte Carlo, was a smashing success. Good food, good wine, great friends, what more could you ask for?

Some of the auction highlights: • The auction raised $558,136 • Fund-a-Need, which went to Technology, Athletics, Arts, and Science, raised more than $158,000.

• Father Martin’s 24th Grandfather clock raised $22,000.

• The Father Martin, John Greswold and studentmade canoe raised $10,000.

• Father Maurus’ Duck Dinner and Father

Auctioneer extrordinaire, Tim Molak, with students Robert Croll and Nathaniel Rothrock takes bids on the canoe.

Martin’s New England Lobster Dinner were two of the most popular auction items, helping to raise more than $20,000!

The Priory and the monastic community extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jennifer Hammer and her auction chairs and committee members for all their hard work and effort.

Priory parents, Bruce Yoximer and Jill Caskey, will be the 2009 auction chairs.

Auction Chair, Jennifer Hammer

Father Martin stands next to his 24th grandfather clock which sold for $22,000.

What would a night in Monte Carlo be without gambling?

The beautiful ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Cabana was the setting for dinner and live auction.

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Middle School Graduation

The Class of 2012 Bids

In the subdued light of the Rothrock Performance Hall,

Middle School Social Studies faculty Andrew Daniel told students to be authentic and to always have a sense of humor.

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Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance set the triumphant mood as thirty-seven eighth-grade students took the ceremonial walk that transformed them into High School students.

“Middle School is a lot like the movie Kung Fu Panda,” said Headmaster Tim Molak as the audience chuckled, “…perhaps some of you are like Po (Kung Fu Panda)—unlikely heroes when you started in 6th grade…now, through the support and guidance of your faculty masters—having passed all your courses and projects, you have attained the status of Graduate Warrior.”

In conclusion, Mr. Molak reminded the students that “Noah’s Ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic by professionals—never sell yourself short.”

“Priory promotes community; we have been taught to work together,” said Valedictorian Camilla Opperman, “We have group discussions about Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and the example of Atticus caring about everyone no matter what his or her race or social standing is. We can apply his philosophy to our own lives. However, each one of our individual talents or tastes is respected.”

Valedictorian Kat Gregory compared student

life at the Priory to a train ride: “Three years ago we got on the Priory train together. We stuck together through both easy and rough times.” In conclusion, Ms. Gregory reminded her classmates and the audience to “Take things in stride. Take a deep breath and do our personal best. What more can anyone ask of him or herself? What matters in life is the journey, not the destination. Take time to enjoy the ride. And of course, keep a sense of humor.”

Social Studies faculty Andrew Daniel was chosen by the class to give the graduation address.

Shaking his head as he stood at the podium, Mr. Daniel told the students he forgot his speech at home but not to worry because “five minutes before this event, I found a better speech on graduationspeeches.com and downloaded it, so I thought I’d just read that one instead.”

On a more serious note (not really), Mr. Daniel applauded the students for their creativity, spirit, and thoughtful manner and for their ample capacity to consume copious amounts of sugar. Mr. Daniel offered the students his top five tips to survive High School: #1 Be yourself #2 Dare to be Different. #3 There is a greater world outside your world. #4 Who cares? You should care, that’s who. # 5 Don’t be afraid of change.

Farewell to Middle School

Valedictorians Camilla Opperman (far left) and Kat Gregory (right) gave poignant yet humorous speeches imploring students to stay true to themselves, no matter what.

Bottom: Lauren Lee

Awards (given out during commencement): Academic Achievement Award

Anthony Shu Dean’s Award

Abigail Faisal Saint Benedict Award

Maddie Pierson Class of 2012 Ryan Gabriel Dee Alejandro Brett Williams Bader Kaitlin Murray Bonfiglio Wes Gregory Campagna Alana Burke Colville Abigail Grace Safia Faisal Kathleen Elizabeth Gregory Alyssa Ashley Guttman-Green

David William Hamren, III Catherine Elizabeth Hannay Miranda Ann Farrug Jones Tomoyo Joshi Natalie Maria Kobayashi Jacob Patrick Koval Nicholas Aldo Lamkin Lauren Elizabeth Lee Marlyn Elizabeth Lombera Joseph Henry Malzbender Cameron Remy Montalvo Michael Vaslow Nimer Camilla Ann Elizabeth Opperman Krysten Helena Pfau Madeleine Waters Pierson Casandra Bustos Rojas Jake William Charles Seawick Darrah John Shields

Anthony Franklin Shu Alexandra Morris Smith Stephanie Anne Tearse Eric Robert Theis Eric Matthew Turnquist Ryan Paul Valentine Nathan Gregory Ward William O’Brien White John Wallington Wookey Ryan Anderson Young Jane Caskey Yoxsimer *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.

Class of 2012 Awards:

Academic Achievement: Anthony Shu

Dean’s Award:

Abigail Faisal

Saint Benedict Award:

Maddie Pierson

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High School Graduation

The Class of

2008 Moves On

Graduates achieve the highest admittance record to Ivy-League schools

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he bitter-sweet, iconic bagpipe sounds filled the field as proud parents, grandparents, relatives and friends craned to see the Class of 2008 on the “long walk” from the classrooms to the field—representing their rite of passage from student to graduate.

The Class of 2008 student speakers, Choo-hyun Kim and Connor Waters Pierson, each spoke highly of the Benedictine tenets, specifically, the importance of Individuality and Community.

“I feel we [Class of 2008] have had a huge influence on the school,” said Choo-hyun Kim, “I honestly don’t know what the school is going to do without us.” Amid the laughter, Ms. Kim continued, “It is my hope that we will…remember the necessity of community, importance of individuality and the comfort of family.”

“I have learned that the Priory community welcomes all students, even those of us with questionable taste,” said Connor Waters Pierson. “When the visiting Benedictine committee asked about the influence of the monks, we all kind of talked about

how the monks are cool dudes in black, who float around campus shedding good vibes.” In conclusion, Mr. Pierson said, “I am thankful for the example of the monks, the faculty and my classmates who have taught me the importance of following one’s convictions and of pursuing the uncommon path.”

Commencement speaker Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Andy Karsner, encouraged students to use their talents to better the world and to value family and community.

Mr. Karsner’s call to action included the mounting energy crisis, global warming, and how the students should work toward solving these problems with a life of service to humanity.

“You don’t need to be a famous person to make a difference,” said Mr. Karsner, “common people are capable of uncommon actions.” Mr. Karsner continued, “…it’s [what’s important in life] not about Congressional endorsements, it’s about the people you meet and how you help others.”

The graduation pictures from our photographer, Jim Kirkland, are now available to purchase online at: www.copperline.smugmug.com Just click on “WPS Middle School Graduation” or “WPS High School Graduation” and select your photos to view and purchase. It’s that easy! Any questions about the photos can be directed to: Jim Kirkland at (650) 364-6844 or ennis@copperline.com

“I honestly don’t know what the schools going to do without us.”

Choo-hyun Kim, Student speaker

Choo-hyun Kim

Connor Waters Pierson

“You don’t need to be a famous person to make a difference; common people are capable of uncommon actions.”

Andy Karsner

Commencement speaker Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Andy Karsner

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Commencement speaker

The Class of 2008 Most notable about the Class of 2008 • Highest admittance record to Ivy-league schools • Earned more than $1 million in grants and scholarships • Won two league championships • Published books • Completed triathlons • Climbed glaciers • Composed original songs • Gave world class dramatic performances • Organized benefit concerts and charity walks • Founded environmental clubs

Class of 2008 Awards: Valedictorians: Alyssa Cheung, David Mandle, Kaori Ogawa, and Robert Ian Croll

Salutatorian: Tynan McAuley Rev. Benignus Barat, O.S.B. Citizenship Award: Molly Dellheim

Head of School’s Award: Connor Pierson and Nathaniel Rothrock

Academic Dean’s Award: Robert Croll Dean of Student’s Award: Max Magnuson Saint Benedict Award: Alyssa Cheung

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Daniel Sandberg Aboud Peter James Benham Ethan Breder * Alyssa Belinda Cheung *** Laura Son Christian * Robert Ian Croll ** Patrick Michael Daly Andrew Wayne Davison Molly Rose Dellheim * Rian William Draeger * Melissa Fan Edward Carl Fischer Allison Christine Frisbie Amy Elizabeth Furstman Karina Anne Petkanics Gerstenschlager* Jasmine Marie Granados Whitney Ann Greswold ** Christopher Jay Hammond * John Francis Helfrich Min Pyo Hong * Robert Lucas Jeffrey ** Ching Wei Katherine Jim Lauren Nicole Jones Choo Hyun Kim Angelo Philip Enverga Ladeza * Ting-An Lin Ting-Jui Lin * Shelley Rebecca Lowe * Robert William Luemers * Erik William Lyon ** Jasmine Madavi * Maxwell Thomas Magnuson *

David Joseph Mandle *** Elizabeth Hope Marquardt * Kostadin Dimitrov Marshavelski Jonathon Talbott Mathon Tynan Reed Kritzik McAuley ** Russell Henry McIntosh Tomomi Menjo Sheila Mikailli * Charles Lowell Munger Ashley Rebecca Neckowitz ** Kaori Ogawa *** Sungbeom Park Peter Andras Pellionisz * Angela Marie Pettit Gregory Dalton Pfau * Connor Waters Pierson ** Alexandra Marie Plain Leah Pauline Rappaport Nathaniel Meredith Rothrock * Alexandra Kin May Schilling * Robert Campbell Sherman Cameron Claire Simpson Raphael Jedidiah Sofaer Gergely Istvan Somogyi Liam Buckey Thompson * Hilary Marie Toms Madeline Rose Turner Naxin Wang ** Josef Christian Willhite Hsien-Chih Sean Wu Andrew Raymond Young Ariel Lidamarie Zommer

ADMITS FOR THE CLASS OF 2008 * INDICATES MULTIPLE ADMITS; BOLD INDICATES PLANNING TO ATTEND

American University Barnard College Bates College Baylor University Boston College Boston University * Brandeis University * Brown University * Butler University California Lutheran University California Polytechnic University, San Louis Obispo * Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University * Chapman University * Clark University Colby College College of the Holy Cross * Connecticut College California State University, Stanislaus Drew University * Emerson College Emory University Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing Fordham University George Washington University * Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Hampshire College * Harvey Mudd College Lafayette College Lewis and Clark College * Loyola Marymount University * Macalester College McGill University Middlebury College * Northern Arizona University Northwestern University New York University * Occidental College Oregon State University Prescott College Princeton University Purdue University * Rochester Institute of Technology Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute * Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Anselm College Saint Mary’s College of Moraga* San Diego State University* San Francisco State University San Jose State University

Santa Clara University * Scripps College Seattle University Southern Methodist University * Sonoma State University Stanford University * State University of New York, Fredonia State University of New York, Geneseo State University of New York, Stony Brook Texas Christian University Festooned with flowers Trinity University * and balloons, graduates Tufts University * (L-R) Katherine Jim, University of Arizona Annie Lin, and Nancy University of British Columbia * Wang are all smiles!

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 Colorado * University of Denver * University of Hawaii, Manoa University of Illinois, Chicago University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne * The Somogyi Family congratulates son/brother Greg SomoUniversity of London gyi (who will be studying and playing college basketball at University of Miami, Ohio UC Santa Barbara).

University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Oregon * University of the Pacific * University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School University of Pittsburgh University of Portland * University of Puget Sound University of San Diego * University of San Francisco * University of Southern California University of Utah University of Wisconsin Vassar College Virginia Polytechnic University Washington University Washington State University Liam Thompson received a $150,000 scholarship from the Wesleyan College Marines for college.

Wheaton College Whitman College * 15 Willamette University * Woodbury University Worchester Polytechnic Institute Yale University *

Awards

Colleges and Universities and Scientific Societies Awards George Eastman Young Leaders Award:

Claire Watson, ‘09 Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science:

Christian Opperman, ‘09 Xerox Award for Innovation and Information:

Daniel Berman, ‘09 Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Anna Lee, ‘09 The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

Arshia Ehsanipour, ‘09 The Saint Anselm Book: Sarah Montgomery, ‘09 The Williams College Book Award:

James Hickman, ‘09 The Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

Shajee Rizvi, ‘09 The Yale Book Award: Marika Bannick, ‘09 The Wellesley College Book Award: Jordan Foland, 09 The Harvard Book Award: Chris Harlem, ‘09 The Head of School Award: Kyle Berka, ‘09 Saint Benedict Award Grade 6: Melanie Biles Grade 7: Dylan Croll Grade 8: Maddie Pierson Grade 9: Kimberly Carlisle Grade 10: Elana Wenger Grade 11: Jimmy Chang Theology Department Awards Basic Beliefs & Values: Veronique Filloux Hebrew Scriptures: Aran Nayebi Christian Scriptures: Jennifer Swan Morality and Social Justice: Kate Finlay Senior Seminar: Robert Croll Mathematics Department Awards Algebra II: Avery Plough PreCalculus: Alyssa Thunen A.P. Calculus BC: Aran Nayebi A.P. Calculus AB: Erik Lyon

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A.P. Statistics: Tyler Starling Engineering: Tynan McAuley Differential Equations: Min Pyo Hong Science and Technology Department Certificates 9th Grade Honors Physics: Aran Nayebi Physics: Arnaud Kpachavi Biology: Lauren Allen A.P. Biology: Ellie Oates Chemistry: Mallory Cadwell Honors Chemistry: James Hickman Oceans: Drew Yoxsimer Astronomy: Nathaniel Rothrock A.P. Chemistry: David Mandle A.P. Environmental Science: Shelley Lowe A.P. Physics: Nancy Wang Computer Science: Alexandra Quinby A.P. Computer Science: Dominic Becker English Department Awards Grade 9 English: Kim Carlisle Writing Lab: Emma Wrenn Grade 10 English: Melissa Perna Grade 11 English: Byrd Bannick Grade 12 English: Liam Thompson

Social Studies Department Certificates World History I: Aran Nayebi World History II: Joshua Nimer United States History: Andrew MacKay A.P. Economics: Arshia Ehsanipour Modern Languages Awards French: For French I : Veronique Filloux For French II: Corey Cheung For French III: Dominic Becker For French IV: Jordan Foland A.P. French Language: Alyssa Cheung Spanish: Spanish I: Cary Hampton Spanish II: Emma Wrenn

Spanish III: Lani Wenger Spanish IV Honors: Byrd Bannick A.P. Spanish Language: Whitney Greswold A. P. Spanish Literature: Tynan McCauley and

David Mandle Japanese: Japanese I: Chih-yu (Ivy) Liu Japanese II: Aran Nayebi Japanese III: Yoon-Young Shin Japanese IV: Daniel Aboud Department of Performing Arts Choir/Singing: Concert Choir: Jimmy Chang Chamber Singers: Robert Leumers Music Theory: Ethan Breder Solo Voice: Meghan Gerhardt Musical Theater Performance: Maia Thielen Music/Orchestra: High School Orchestra: Ted Tseng Theatre/Drama: Speech: Anna Lee Drama D Period: Nora Botos Drama F Period: Will Alvarez Directing: Andrew Davison , James Hickman Drama 3: Daniel Aboud, Laurel Detkin Stage Tech and Design: Sarah Montgomery

Department of Physical Education Kinesiology: Servando Barriga

Middle School Awards Math/Science Award Grade 6: Sebi Nakos Grade 7: Simon Fox Grade 8: Nathan Ward Humanities Award Grade 6: Shivani Dayal Grade 7: Brian DiGiorgio Grade 8: Alexandra Smith St. Cecilia Performing Arts Award Theatre Arts: Krysten Pfau Visual Arts: Nicholas Lamkin Performing Arts Department Awards Drama 8 Fall: Maddie Pierson Drama 8 Spring: Miranda Jones Drama 7 Fall: Aneesha Gupta Drama 7 Spring: Maddie Gerhardt Orchestra: Ben Krausz Choir: Lukas Sarnow Visual Arts Awards Grade 6: Justin Klein Grade 7: Stephanie Brugger Leadership Award Emre Sonmez Spirit Award Eric Turnquist Jane Yoxsimer Middle School Scholar Athletes: Jake Sewick and Alyssa Guttman-Greene

Visual Arts Metals: Daniel Berman Glass: Sammy Hiller AP Art History: Jimmy Chang Drawing/painting: Jenny Liang Ceramics: Ted Tseng Independent art: Jordan Foland AP Art Portfolio: Claire Watson Art Spectrum: Lauren Schilling Photography: Tynan McAuley Visual Media: Russell McIntosh

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Cultural Crossings in India

by Hilary Landers, Class of 2007

Hilary standing outside of one of the many exotic temples in Khajuraho, India.

A

Street scene of the people of Agra.

L-R: Hilary, Door-man, and Hilary’s friend Jessica.

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n exhausted, droopy-eyed group of college students straggled off a tour bus in New Delhi, India, only to be greeted by the glorious Rajhat, the tomb of the father of the nation—Mahatma Ghandi. An elderly man in rags and a turban, sitting by the side of the road, caught my eyes. He was coaxing something in a basket that I couldn’t quite see. Being the naive tourist, I strayed from the group. As I approached the man, a huge Cobra leapt out of the basket. I had a lot to learn about this new country.

I recently had the privilege of being selected by my college advisor for a May-term travel class titled “Gender and Cultural Crossings.” The objective of the class was to “study the vast cultural differences that challenge our perceived notions of gender, race, class, caste, nationalism, and religion.” We spent a month touring Rajasthan, the northern region of India. I couldn’t help but reflect upon the sense of community and spirituality that surrounded me.

These are two values that Priory has taught me to embrace. Community was very apparent in the workplace, where it wasn’t uncommon to see whole families running businesses. Community is also a big part of the women’s movement. This was specifically evident in an organization titled Seva

Mandir. This organization works with groups of women in rural villages to conquer problems such as property law infringements, a common issue in this developing country.

In addition to community, spirituality is a value strongly upheld by Indian people. Just as the monks have developed a lifestyle based on the Benedictine tradition, the Indian people have developed a lifestyle based on Hinduism and other religions practiced within the country such as Sikhism, and the Bahá’í faith.

While I found India is filled with spirituality and community, it is also cursed with poverty. On my trip, I recalled some of Audrey Hepburn’s humanitarian work: Audrey observed a weak child playing in a corner all by herself. Audrey approached the child and asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. The child responded with one word, “Alive.” As tears slowly rolled down my face, I looked out the window, and saw a group of children by the road that probably have the same wish. Despite the heart wrenching poverty, I also feel like I have been permanently changed by the beauty, warmth and peaceful nature of the Indian people. This is something I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Dear Alum, It is an exciting time at the Priory as the 50th Anniversary class graduates. As a Priory parent and President of the Alumni Association, I have been involved in a whirlwind of activity. I attended my son’s 8th Grade Student/Parent Breakfast which was a lot of fun.

The faculty and staff did a great job acknowledging each student’s strengths and accomplishments. We look forward to having most of the class return for high school. The 8th Grade Graduation was the first in the new Performing Arts Center and it was terrific. At the Junior/Senior Lunch, I welcomed the graduating Class of 2008 into the Alumni Association. They are a great class and will be a great addition to the Alumni Association. We wish them the best as they head to college and onto other new adventures.

Alumni for this year’s reunion classes should have already received a Save-theDate card for Alumni Reunion Weekend on September 12-14. The reunion classes celebrating their reunion this year are the Classes of 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003. For reunion information e-mail alumni@woodsidepriory.com or phone 650-851-6146. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Andrew Valentine Class of 1982

Being Benedictine: 50 Years of Woodside Priory School: Now Available to Order.

Woodside Priory School was born out of the goodwill of a community. Fiftyone years ago, Father Egon Javor and six other penniless refugee monks from Hungary opened the doors of Woodside Priory and School. Today Woodside Priory School is the home of a lively, intellectual community that continues to educate in the Benedictine tradition while preparing students for their roles in the 21st century. The 50th anniversary book chronicles this journey.

For a limited time, we have a special offer: Purchase all three books (Priory cookbook, Father Egon’s memoir, 50th Anniversary) for only $85 (Shipping and handling $10 extra).

Please contact the bookstore to place your order at (650)-851-6111) or email Marilou Ayao at mayao@woodsidepriory.com. The book costs $48. (11.5×11.5 hard cover book with dust jacket, printed on glossy art paper, 85 black and white photographs.) Books can be picked up from the bookstore or mailed to you for a $7 shipping charge.

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Asia Trip T

2008

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he boarding program is a part of the rich history of the Priory. In fact, the Priory has had boarding students since the school opened more than 50 years ago; In every year since, there have been a significant number of Asian students in the program.

During the 2008-2009 school year for example, the boarding program will have 45 students, 58 percent of whom come to us from Asia.

Because the school has had such a strong connection with Asia over the years, there are numerous alumni, alumni parents and, of course, current parents who are a part of the Priory community. In order to maintain and strengthen those community ties, Father Martin Mager and John Baldwin, the school’s Director of Development, spent 17 days traveling to five cities in Asia.

Father Martin and John visited with current parents, alumni, alumni parents and prospective students and their families in Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok. They received a warm welcome wherever they went. According to John, “It was a terrific experience meeting all those folks, so far from home, who have such strong feelings for the Priory. I was particularly impressed by the love and respect that everyone, but especially his former dorm students, showed for Father Martin.”

Taiwan Alumni: left to right: Benjamin Lee ‘80, Paul Chiang, ‘88, Ronald Chen ‘77

In Hong Kong, Father Martin and Dan Heyler ‘83

Hong Kong Alumni: left to right: Alvin Lam ‘02, Raymond Fong ‘79, Max Lui ‘97, Fr. Martin, Lambert Lui ‘97, John B., Thomas Hu ‘92

Bangkok Alumni: L/R: Poom Osatananda ‘85, Tak Viravan ‘84, Jo Pathmanand ‘86, Rutt Pongsurapipat ‘98

Taiwan alumni: seated L/R John B., Fr. Martin standing L/R: Paul Chang ‘87, Andy Lin and wife, Kevin Lin

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Alumni News & Notes 1967 John Page Buehler, vintner and owner of Buehler Vineyards located in Napa Valley hillside east of St Helena continues to produce excellent wines, vintage after vintage, at prices real wine-lovers can afford.

1971 Jonathan Batkin has recently published a book entitled The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico . For more information go to www.wheelwright.org 1980 Robert T. Kidd’s oldest daughter, Lauren, is off to Tufts in September.

Pietro Parravano (Science faculty at WPS in 1980) is actively involved in the Ag Futures Alliance. The alliance’s goals include explaining to the public the role of agriculture in a sustainable society, preserving viable agriculture in “urban fringe zones,” looking after the health and quality of life for the people who work the land and the sea, showing how communities can work together on complex social challenges.

1993 William Lisac was married in ’03 to Desire and daughter, Marlena was born in ’05.

1995 Kevin Visconti graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1999. Employed for six years by Stanford University, Department of Infectious Diseases, he is now attending medical school in Tennessee.

1996 Chester Adgate Congdon, III graduated from NSC in May 2008. He and his wife, Natasza, have a three year old daughter, Sophia.

James Benjamin Hurlbut married Molly Brizgys and had a daughter, Thomasina Sarah, born September 3, 2006. As an undergraduate at Stanford University, he majored in Greek Classics. Currently, Ben is a PhD candidate at Harvard University in the History of Science Department.

1997 Young Bae Young and his wife Jiehyeong welcomed a healthy baby girl on December 27, 2007. She weighed 8.6 lbs and measured 19.7 inches tall.

1999 Andrew Leahy graduated from the Arts Center College of Design with a degree in Automotive Design. He now lives in Turin, Italy and is working for Fiat. He was married on August 18, 2007 at the San Jose Mission in Fremont, and his wife’s name is Krissa.

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2000 Michelle Ogren graduated from USF Summa cum Laude.

Edward Wilson is in transition contemplating grad school and relocation within the next six months.

2001 Sarah Havern moved to Hawaii last year where she met and married Aaron Cabrera. While Aaron is serving his second tour in Iraq, Sarah is pursuing a program in crime scene investigation at UC Riverside.

2002 Gabor Meszaros recently was promoted within Unilever Company and will work in London for one year.

Joshua Rado is working towards a Firefighter/Paramedic career. He holds his EMT certification and completed all Paramedicine requirements at WestMed College, ranking second in his class. He was employed at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City through April 2008 as an ER Intern. His goal is to become nationally licensed and to begin testing with local Fire Departments by summer’s end. Joshua is attending San Jose State College this fall to complete his Pre-Med B.S. Degree.

Lindsay Hagan is currently studying for her Master’s in City Planning at USC (’08). After Priory, she attended Occidental College and graduated with her B.A. in Sociology.

2003 Carolyn Hayes is at Michigan State pursuing a graduate degree in oboe performance.

Lee Chi-Chun is currently working towards his Doctorate of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California.

2005 Ben Archer will be the New Company Commander for the fall semester at the United States Naval Academy.

Congratulations to Ben! 2007 Mariana Shtukina received the Palo Alto Foundation/Girls Club-Boys Club pre-med scholarship for $20,000!

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Mark Your Calendar!

Woodside Priory School Alumni Reunion Weekend September 12-14, 2008 Join your classmates and former teachers for a weekend of activities: Friday Sept. 12: Saturday Sept 13:

Sunday Sept. 14:

Class Receptions in the evening.

Morning Coffee for Alumni Parents Afternoon Campus Tours Evening Dinner for Reunion Classes Mass and Brunch for Reunion Classes and Alumni Parents

Alumni Reunion Classes for 2008 1963 ~ 1968 ~ 1973 ~ 1978 ~ 1983 ~ 1988 ~ 1993 ~ 1998 ~ 2003

For reunion information e-mail alumni@woodsidepriory.com or phone 650-851-6146

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

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