Priorities #73: Winter 2020

A Magazine of the Priory · Issue #73 · Fall/Winter 2020

A Final Farewell to Head of School

TIM MOLAK

Board of Directors Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. Father John Fortin, O.S.B. Father Benet Phillips, O.S.B. Father Martin Mager, O.S.B. Father Maurus Nemeth, O.S.B.

Board of Trustees Norma Alvarez Mike Calbert Mike Carusi Dominique Filloux Kathryn Fitzgerald Cathy Gawne Phil Golden ‘76 Karen Gregory Sandy Herz Greg Hughes David Karnstedt Pam Martinson Tim McAdam Emma Morton-Bours Stephen Nachtsheim Jennifer Nash Nancy Newman Kristi Patterson Cassie Perret ‘02 Carolyn Putney Beckie Robertson Dave Schinski Sally Screven Edward Sun ‘87 Jennifer Warner Anne Senti-Willis Phil Young Jennifer Youstra Contact the Communications Office at 650-851-6131 or the school at 650-851-8221 Editor: Kelly Sargent Contributing Writers: Kindra Briggs, Kathy Gonzalez Design/Production: Jim Kirkland J. Ennis Kirkland Creative Services Photos: Cathrin Barsch, Molly Buccola, Diana A. Chamorro, Jennifer Hammer, Jim Kirkland, Father Martin Mager, Tim Molak, Charles Stauss, Geoff Westerfield Printing: Colorprint, Mark W. Allen

For the 2019-2020 school year, the ASB appropriately came up with the school theme of “ENVISION”. Are we the school that Father Egon had envisioned 62 years ago? It is something I often think about and I believe that we have surpassed what his hopes and dreams were for Priory; we have come so far not only with the physical growth and improvement of the campus, but also to nurture and assist students to live meaningful and balanced lives.

Things have changed dramatically during my 30 years here—a sometimes slow and sometimes quick evolution of the different aspects of the educational and the Monastic landscape. A landscape and culture I have loved being a part of and as the saying goes—time flies when you are having a good time. The Priory has been the best of times for me!

And now for some good news: • After seven months of braving all kinds of weather and our staff working in a temporary kitchen–while our students ate in a temporary dining area in Church Square–the doors opened to a completely remodeled dining hall. On January 21st, our students, staff, and faculty walked through the newly dedicated Spears Plaza (including a beautiful water feature which will be completed by the end of February) and into the new dining hall that includes a doublesided servery (named in honor of Julianna Szekely—long time kitchen employee who passed away 2 years ago), an expanded dining space for students, two large screen TVs and a monastic dining room that now has a majestic view of Windy Hill. For more details and photos on the dining hall, see the dedication piece within the magazine.

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On the east side of the chapel we dedicated a new meditation garden named in honor of Father William Sullivan, O.S.B. Father William held several roles at Priory including President, Headmaster, teacher, and Prior of the monastic community. His steady leadership from 1985-1996 was the beginning of a new era of excellence for the Priory as a school of choice in the Bay area. The Father William meditation garden is open to all and we welcome you to visit the reflective space anytime.

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In October, a group of Priory educators traveled to Sydney, Australia to attend the International Conference for Benedictine Educators which was last held in 2016 in Rome. They attended workshops to better understand the writings of St. Benedict and learned how to apply it to their ministry as a Benedictine educator. Priory faculty member Christine Muir Parker was a presenter and held an interactive workshop called “Faces of Cancer” which proved to be an informative and emotional experience for those who attended. The Priory continues to embrace our special charism and spirit with our fellow Benedictine schools across the globe.

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Father Martin, our master woodworker, is busy creating his cherished and unique Tall Clock for this year’s Gala.

He has decided this will be his LAST ONE–#36 of 36. This is indeed a passing of an era. There are very few places or schools that have had the honor of such a talented, productive, creative, artistic and generous person like our beloved Father Martin. Send some love his way when you can–he is our treasure and there will never be another like him. We will send out pictures of the finished masterpiece soon–mark your calendar, the Gala is just weeks away.

As the yearly traditional events like Spirit Week, Field Day, Vespers, and Founders Day have all come and gone; it’s hard to believe that the school year is at the halfway point. As the year winds down, I am reminded that these events will be my last in my role as Head of School. After 30 years of working side by side with amazing Monks and colleagues, hearing cheers and honking horns during Spirit Week and watching students battle it out during the annual tug-o-war (and yes there were years that I got in there and pulled with them) I truly am going to miss this place.

When the Class of 2020 steps across that stage to become the 60th graduating class, I too will be graduating to the next stage in my life—not my retirement but the first steps on a new chapter and adventure. What goes through my mind is this... does one ever really say goodbye to the Priory? No, never goodbye—it is a special community, a special ministry, and I will always cherish all 10,950 days that the Priory was home to my family and me.

I will continue to visit, think about WPS with pride, brag about it to new friends and random people on my travels, and then look back and smile because—Always We Begin Again.

Listen…with the ear of your heart,

Tim Molak Head of School

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Priory Community,

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4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPIRITUALITY 路 HOSPITALITY 路 INTEGRITY 路 INDIVIDUALITY 路 COMMUNITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Woodside Priory School Celebrating 62 Years of Benedictine Education

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At a Glance

32-33

BENet Australia

12-13

MS Athletics

34-35

Campus

14-15

US Athletics

36-37

Monastery News

16-17

Performing Arts

40-43

Class News & Notes

18-25

Farewell to Tim Molak

26-27

Tim Molak Tribute

28-29

20 Questions for Faculty

30-31

Visual Arts

FALL / WINTER AT A GLANCE

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1. Father Maurus greeted Noah Levine’s ‘25 canine companion at the annual Blessing of the Pets.

2. Dorm students got creative with their pumpkin carvings.

3. Sage Thomas ‘21 relaxed in her personal water ball during a festive Field Day. 4. Field Day was filled with fun and unexpected events, like when the rope snapped during the tug-o-war competition.

5. Peter Baszucki ‘25 and Kai Park ‘25 battled in the jousting ring at Field Day. 6. Maggie Cai ‘22 helped to cool her fellow classmates down with a watergun.

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8. The sixth grade class and retreat leaders volunteered at the organization There with Care to create care packages.

9. The Class of 2023 bonded in the Franklin Garden as they made scarecrows during their retreat.

10. Middle School Head Caitha Ambler explained the dress code to the new sixth grade students during orientation.

11. Assistant Head of Upper School Micah Morris greeted students during the ninth grade orientation.

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FALL / WINTER AT A GLANCE

7. Illiana Garcia ‘21 and Emily Petersdorf ‘21 encouraged students to sign up for the Photo Club at the annual H Block Fair.

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FALL/ WINTER AT A GLANCE

1. Father Matthew and Father Martin prepared handmade pizzas at the Farm to Table gala party.

2. Middle school students enjoyed the Secret Santa festivities surrounded by treats and surprises.

3. A star-studded group of middle school students and faculty shined brightly during their space themed spirit day.

4. Students painted diya lamps during the festive Diwali celebration.

5. Ada Fathers ‘20 waited patiently as her hand was painted with henna.

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6. The Diwali celebration was filled with incredible food, crafts, and the ever popular dancing.

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call at the annual Girls Football game.

8. Players and coaches gathered for a group photo at the Girls Football game which ended in a 14-14 tie.

9. Left to right: Mishal George ‘25, Maddie Kacin ‘25, and Nadia Iskandar ‘25 made great Chick Fil A cows (and a very colorful Morgan Dobrenski ‘25) at Halloween.

10. Left to right: Bella Deevy ‘21, Emma Solomon ‘21, Hayden Karnes ‘21, Leah Strickland ‘21, Makena Serughetti ‘21, and Emily Stanger ‘21 got into the spirit as an adorable Disney crew on Halloween.

11. Cowboy Father Martin and Cool Father Matthew were almost unrecognizable on Halloween.

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FALL / WINTER AT A GLANCE

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7. Faculty turned referee Jeff Wise makes a controversial

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FALL / WINTER AT A GLANCE

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1. Jadan Wenceslao ‘21 and Connor Schinski ‘22 guided their creatively blindfolded classmates during a class competition on Junior Spirit Day. 2. Freshmen students raised the honking-station to another level with their inspirational human pyramid.

3. Students sweated it out while eating spicy noodles at the Sophomore Spirit Day competition.

4. A spirited Class of 2020 enjoyed their final spirit day with an ocean-themed celebration.

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FALL / WINTER AT A GLANCE

5. Father Matthew renewed his vows in the Priory chapel with a special ceremony to celebrate his 50th jubilee.

6. Apparently sixth graders do grow in trees at outdoor education!

7. Mishal George ‘25 and Morgan Dobrenski ‘25 adventured in a cave during outdoor education in the Pinnacles.

8. Robotics students gathered for a pre-game cheer before the CalGames competition.

9. Left to right: Jess Fathers ‘22, Marco Calia ‘22, and West Currier ‘22 entertained their fellow classmates at the Sophomore Retreat.

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MS ATHLETICS

MS ATHLETICS FALL 2019 1. CROSS COUNTRY

Nava Ammari ‘26 and Rowan Prindiville ‘26 finished in the top 15 in the sixth grade race at Hallmark Park.

2. JV FLAG FOOTBALL 2-3 overall record

3. VARSITY A FLAG FOOTBALL 2-2-2 overall record

4. GIRLS LACROSSE

The team had a competitive season with several scrimmages against contending programs.

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MS ATHLETICS WINTER 1 2020

MS ATHLETICS

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5. JV GIRLS SOCCER 2-2 overall record

6. VARSITY A GIRLS SOCCER League Champions, 5-1 overall record

7. JV BOYS BASKETBALL 4-3 overall record

8. VARSITY B1 BOYS BASKETBALL 1-4-1 overall record

9. VARSITY B2 BOYS BASKETBALL 1-5-1 overall record

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10. VARSITY A BOYS BASKETBALL

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4-3 overall record

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CROSS COUNTRY

2nd Place in CCS WBAL All League 1st Team: Jason Sadler ‘20 2nd Team: Ronan Byrne ‘21, Ezster Horvath ‘21 HM: Ava Ammari ‘23, Evan Strohman ‘23, Jadan Wenceslao ‘21

BOYS WATER POLO

US ATHLETICS

FALL 2019

PAL All League 1st Team: Mark Hughes ‘20 2nd Team: Andrew Dodson ‘21 HM: Sean Kutay ‘21, Suuley Huchard ‘20

FOOTBALL

PCAL All League 1st Team: Nick Tidmarsh ‘21, Alex Yonehiro ‘21 2nd Team: David Ajanaku-Makun ‘21, Bill Liu ‘20, Eli Roybal ‘20

GIRLS TENNIS

WBAL All League 1st Team: Katie Walsh ‘20 2nd Team: Michelle Turenne ‘20, Kylie Walsh ‘21

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Qualified for CCS for the second year in a row WBAL All League 2nd Team: Kiana Cablayan ‘21, Elle Chang ‘21

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PERFORMING ARTS 16

A Christmas Carol Christmas was not as revered a holiday in December 1843, when Charles Dickens published his novella, “A Christmas Carol.” It had fallen in decline and financial hardships were crushing much of England, draining away any sense of cheer.

But it helped revive it mightily with its message of generosity, humanity, charity, kindness and redemption.

In our own times of hardship, fear, division and distrust, whatever our faith, tradition or beliefs may be, let us lean into our shared humanity, empathy, and sense of care. Be the generous hand that helps someone struggling and, if struggling, take a leap of faith and accept an outstretched hand.

“God bless us, every one!”

John Sugden, Director (Excerpt from play program)

All School Play

PERFORMING ARTS

Cookies & Classics

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Fall Concert

STUDENT STORY 18

Priory Chickens Benefit from Eagle Scout Project Erik Genet ’22 always knew he wanted to earn the Eagle Scout rank since joining the scouting program nine years ago. The Eagle Scout is the highest rank achievable in the Scouts program, and only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank. Erik debated over a few different ideas for a service project before deciding to build a chicken tractor. The idea came to him during an Ecological Design class that was taught

by Hovey Clark. Erik credits Mr. Clark for giving him the idea, and Mr. Clark became very involved in the project as the beneficiary representative since part of Erik’s project was to donate the chicken tractor to the school. Mr. Clark also had to approve and sign off on Erik’s initial project, intended deadline, and his report.

Many people may be asking, “What is a chicken tractor?” Erik happily explained that a chicken tractor

“is a mobile chicken coop.” His design has a front jack with two wheels, two retractable wheels on the back, and two doors for the chicken coop. The majority of the area is a chicken run where the chickens eat and the resulting manure acts as a fertilizer for the soil. The chicken run is surrounded by a frame of chicken wire to protect against predators and can hold anywhere between four to six chickens comfortably.

Erik originally had planned to start the project in March 2019, but didn’t anticipate all of the aspects involved beyond the actual building phase, such as the communication, writing, and editing of the proposal. So he revised his timeline and started in mid-July with a planned deadline of delivering the chicken tractor on October 6, 2019. The project did

come with its challenges, such as going through four different designs for the wheels alone and getting his designated builders to show up on build days. To add to the challenge, Erik was not allowed to build himself, only give leadership, in order to follow the Eagle Scout guidelines. “In dire circumstances I could build, but that was not a good idea,” Erik explained.

After 345 hours of multiple building sessions by a hardworking group of supportive adults and a few dedicated youths, the chicken tractor was complete.

On October 18, 2019, Erik happily delivered it via a U-Haul truck to Priory only a few weeks past his initial deadline and was still considered acceptable as some projects are completed months beyond the initial deadline. Erik was appreciative of Father Matthew Leavy who knew about his project and became a constant source of encouragement and caused Erik to self-evaluate himself in a positive way throughout the process. “Had it not been for Father Matthew’s endless (in a good way) words of encouragement, I don’t know if I would even be finished with the project by now,” he said.

On December 19, 2019, Erik officially became an Eagle Scout after completing a report, presenting at a conference, making a binder, finishing the application and taking a “test.” Erik expressed how he felt after the project was done; “I felt pure happiness when it was completed. This project had taken nearly a year of time from many people to do and complete, and I felt sort of a weight off my shoulder because I wanted to deliver it on time, but that was nothing compared to the happiness from me and the recipients like Mr. Clark and Father Matthew.”

Erik’s chicken tractor can now proudly be seen around the Franklin Garden hillside, housing Priory chickens and allowing them to feast on fresh grass in different locations. If you attend the Gala this year, you’ll also get an opportunity see another rendition of Erik’s chicken tractor as he is building a “different, smaller and lighter” version to be auctioned off.

Erik had some final words for anyone thinking about trying to obtain their Eagle Scout: “In summary, it’s a very large achievement that I believe can be accomplished by anybody, but that person has to be motivated enough to go as far as sacrificing some of their free time to work towards the rank.”

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You are cordially invited ONA

S �!I� I? �rl---;11-1 Priory Gala

Dinner Dancing Auction

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Saturday, March 28, 2020 5:30pm Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club For more information, please visit prioryca.org/gala

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Tim Molak’s Legacy

FAREWELL

Priory is his Canvas:

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By Kathy Gonzalez “He’s a creative artist, with the Priory being his canvas.” Board member Nancy Newman sums up the talents of Tim Molak with these words. In his 30-year tenure here, first as Dean of Students and then as Head of School, Tim has indeed been a creator—of Priory’s physical spaces, its superlative curriculum, its connections to other organizations, and its community deeply rooted in Benedictine traditions.

Conjure up the buildings, beginning with the Performing Arts Center in 2007.

In his chapel talk honoring Tim, Father Martin points out that this is a “project which changed the culture of the school forever—where singers, instrumentalists, actors, artists would have a space to showcase their talents.” This move took Priory to new levels and moved it beyond just academics to become a school that attracted the best performing artists. Then conjure up the Schilling Square classrooms, the LaureL STREAM Center, the Franklin Garden, the Montero Aquatic Center, the Father Christopher field, the Trudelle Family Track, the Dining Hall, ARC, and two waves of faculty housing. “Every bit of building that’s gone on since the ‘90s, he’s been in charge of it,” points out retired college counselor Betty Van Wagenen. Adds Ruth Benz, Priory teacher and faculty mentor for 20 years, “It’s hard to imagine anyone else having accomplished what he did,” and Tim’s own daughter Kate Molak Hallick adds that “The buildings on the campus are the physical symbols of my dad’s successful career.” Tim himself confirms that his favorite aspect of his job has been “to look at the campus with a group of people to envision what we want to accomplish in the future. …A 51 acre campus lets

FAREWELL 22

Upper left: At the 1998 yearbook release party.

Left: Tim always had a special connection with the monastic community, including this fun photoshoot promoting a 1950s themed gala.

Top: One of Tim’s many talents as an auctioneer at the 2013 gala.

you dream what the possibilities are to help different groups on campus.” The Molak years will certainly be remembered as a time of immense growth for the entire school.

You might imagine that someone who spearheaded so many projects would be invisible on campus, locked in meetings or poring over blueprints.

But that’s not Tim. When Nancy Newman was Dean of Faculty, she said she’d be at Tim’s desk at seven a.m., and he “was always up, positive, ready for the day, an inspiration to her and others.” Affectionately nicknamed “Tidy Tim,” (a name his family also uses for him), he’d soon be out on campus “picking up trash everywhere, putting up flags and lights over the weekends,” says long-time teacher Todd Turner.

Tim attends alumni events, performances, athletic games, parent gatherings, and is “always quick with a greeting,” adds Turner. Over the summer, Tim might buy a new faculty coffeemaker or office rug, and these are his ways of saying to faculty and staff “We appreciate you,” says Newman. “Even without money, he always thought about how to make things warmer, more hospitable.” Nate Spears, who has worked at Priory longer than Tim, illustrates Tim’s generosity: When Tim gave Nate his traditional gasoline card on his birthday, and Nate pointed to his giant van, Tim tripled the card’s value! “He always made us feel special,” says Spears. To add to that, Paul Trudelle,

science teacher at Priory for 36 years, tells a story of being Tim’s neighbor on campus. One year when Trudelle’s house flooded, Tim appeared “in yellow rain slicker with a broom to push out the water.” Tim, he says, goes “beyond the role of headmaster.”

Besides his tireless beautification and expansion of campus and his concierge-level care for colleagues and students, Tim has increased Priory’s presence on a larger stage. Since 1993, in our local community, Tim has shepherded groups of volunteers each April to renovate a local house with Rebuilding Together. “It was something I knew about and wanted to do, so I just started it,” Tim recalls. “Lenten talents came out of this,” he says about the program where everyone at Priory receives a dollar and is urged to use their talents to turn that dollar into ten or twenty to donate to Rebuilding Together for the renovation. “For people to know that someone cares enough to put time and effort into their homes feels good,” he adds. Rebuilding Together’s Associate Director Cari Pang Chen shares that Tim is consistently “providing a positive tone and grounding all the students in the importance of their service to the homeowner they are working with.” Tim is always quick to don a hard hat and work gloves, to open his wallet for every lemonade stand, and to inspire others to work alongside him.

Tim also just celebrated 25 years collaborating with Peninsula Bridge, which helps prepare

FAREWELL

Right: In 2008 Santa Tim lived up to his famous saying, “You LOOK like Santa.”

Below: Addressing graduates at the recent 2019 upper school graduation.

Lower right: Celebrating a special moment with Father Egon Javor, Father Pius Horvath, and alum parent Wayne Davidson.

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underserved students for a high school curriculum.

“We’ve had one of the very best programs in this area,” says Molak, “with great leadership over the summers.” Gulliver LaValle, Priory’s Bridge Director for over 12 years, points out that, in the tradition of Benedictine education, Tim makes sure that any extra expenses above their operating budget are covered by the Priory. “It’s recognized every year as an exemplary program in large part because of Tim’s support,” says LaValle. Priory students have gone on to work as aides, earning experience as teachers, coaches, and counselors, an invaluable skillset they carry forward with them.

Reaching further afield, Tim also worked extensively with WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Though Heads must visit schools every other year, Tim often returns annually or revisited previous schools. “It’s a great process to see how your own vision stacks up against other schools,” he says. Tim has also taken Priory to an international stage with the ICBE, the International Commission on Benedictine Education, of which Tim is the Commissioner of the North America region.

Through conferences and gatherings, Tim promotes the Benedictine values not only for Priory students, but he also cultivates leaders from within our staff through a three-year retreat. “He is an indefatigable advocate for Benedictine education in Catholic

schools,” asserts Abbot Elias, who has worked closely with Tim in the ICBE as its president. These same programs are copied at other Benedictine schools worldwide. Ruth Benz points out that “This frequency of service is way above the norm.” In fact, Tim is so well known in these organizations as well as NAIS and CAIS schools that Benz says, “I have witnessed him at several conventions entering a room and getting a welcome akin to the popularity experienced by Norm when he entered the bar on the TV show Cheers.” Ray Rothrock, former Priory Board Chair, said in his tribute speech that of the Benedictine values, Tim “struck me as the poster child for ‘hospitality’ and ‘integrity’” in his interactions with others. He has created both a national and international name for our school.”

One of Tim’s qualities that people mention repeatedly is his leadership style. In his remarks at the tribute night on January 18, Ray Rothrock said, “I have seen how [a leader] can mold an organization, its people, and its mission. … I can say, in comparison to the 70 companies that I have done, if I put the Priory on that list, that Tim Molak would be #1.” Tim could look at the grassy hillsides and instead envision singers on stage, envision kids playing gaga ball, envision robots shooting hoops in a courtyard. Rothrock recalled that when it came to funding and creating places and programs, Tim ensured him, “Ray, when it’s about the kids, we can do anything.” Mike Calbert, another

FEATURE 24 The entire faculty and staff started the school year off with their “Team Tim” hats to show their love and appreciation for their revered leader.

former Board Chair who spoke at the tribute dinner, added that “Tim’s leadership style is very authentic. …Tim never tried to be someone he wasn’t, but rather spent his energy trying to connect and understand others.” Tim is a listener who truly embodies the Benedictine dictum to “Listen with the ear of your heart.” He has developed such close relationships with scores of Benedictine monks over the decades, at Priory, St. Anselm College, and far beyond. Tim believes, “They’ve put their trust and faith in me to lead the school.” If someone comes to him with an idea, he’ll hear them out, and if it’s a good idea, he’ll make it a reality, another aspect of his creativity.

And what is Tim most proud of besides the Priory campus? Hiring the best people to develop the best programs. The academic curriculum has been designed

by Head of Upper School Brian Schlaak alongside the department chairs and professional development team.

“We’re right on target to create a school that’s great for kids and where we want to be,” says Tim. In the early years, Priory had a reputation for being the place for boys to receive a strict, structured education, but its reputation as a rigorous college preparatory school has grown steadily, with more students wanting to attend than this small school can admit. Mike Calbert confirms this assessment of the school’s program because he witnessed “a transformation of all three of my boys into mature, thoughtful, caring, intellectually curious adults for which I will be forever grateful to the Priory.

This transformation was a direct result of Tim’s vision and leadership.” Athletic Director Mark Stogner adds, “Tim has been a strong supporter of athletics and has played an important role in helping us to build a competitive middle and high school athletic program that our entire community is very proud of.” Tim, not surprisingly, is quick to point out that these academic and athletic programs are the product of a dedicated, caring, collaborative, smart staff.

Working with the Benedictines has been one of Tim’s greatest joys during his Priory years. Tim arrived when some of the original Founding Monks were still here—Father Egon and Father Christopher specifically—and learned early on about their passion and vision for the campus they loved. Father Martin and Tim forged a friendship that went beyond the many chapel services they led or the trips they took to places as diverse as New Orleans, the Marin headlands, China, Thailand, Korea, Australia, Argentina, or New Jersey. “Working with the monks is at the top of my list” of favorite things about his job, says Tim. “The faith community here has really been a blessing in my life.” The respect and admiration is mutual. Father Martin commented that “I think friendships begin with a certain chemistry that works between people, but it is solidified by working together in the good times and the rough times—in the expected as well as the unexpected. We did a lot together.”

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Tim Molak’s legacy will forever be stamped on the Priory: the buildings and grounds, the rigorous academic standards, the warm and supportive community, and the integrated and shining Benedictine values. As Father Maurus said in his chapel talk, “Tim, you worked hard. You deserve the credit and all of our appreciation.

The future of the Priory is well-established.” With wistfulness, Tim is already anticipating missing his lovely Portola Valley community, seeing coyotes and wild turkeys outside his door and trees marching up the hillside, knowing the Robert’s Market cashiers and the gas station attendants by name. “When I start to pack to move out of my house, that’s when it’s really going to hit me,” he says. He knows he’ll be back to visit often and to see the monks. Tim also hopes to do some traveling and visit other Benedictine schools he never got to previously, but he looks forward to every day being like Saturday, where he can just take his time reading the morning paper. His new neighbors down in Campbell will surely appreciate when he tidies the yard and plants or paints something, because it’s doubtful that Tim will be able to sit still for long. He’ll be busy creating a new home and community, painting on this new canvas. Back here at his Priory home, though, we’ll be missing him. Nancy Newman leaves us with this message of appreciation: “Thank you for creating a place that makes us feel that when we are driving down the Priory driveway, we are coming home.”

TRIBUTE

An Evening of Tributes to Tim Molak

By Kathy Gonzalez

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“People describe my dad as welcoming and warm,” Kate Molak Hallick said about her father’s reputation, “that he is ageless when it comes to creating connections and once he does, he makes you feel like family.” Kate was the clean-up batter at the January 18 tribute evening honoring Tim Molak as a “builder of community.”

After appetizers and wine in the Rothrock Performing Arts Center lobby, attendees were welcomed into a room aglow with fairy lights and towering flowers. Priory supporters were dressed to celebrate—except for the mob of monks in their traditional black habits. Father John Fortin, a Priory Director and former Head of School, blessed the meal and opened the evening. Emcee and former Board Chair Ray Rothrock welcomed all and recalled Tim’s vision for the campus at their first meeting. “I asked him where the auditorium was. There wasn’t one. But he knew where he’d put it (we are seated tonight in a former parking lot!)” He then invited other Board Chairs and then Trustees to stand, connecting Tim’s past and present partners. “We are all F-O-T,” he explained, “Friends of Tim.” From there, Trustee Nancy Newman spun stories of Tim’s impact on the Priory, with the focus being how he “set the Benedictine Hospitality Bar very high.” “Thank you for giving us a sense of community that is at the heart of the Priory,” she finished.

To spice things up, drama teacher John Sugden and former Priory choral teacher Tina Paulson crooned their version of “Cabaret” highlighting Tim’s impact. Wearing top hats, they sang, “Where can you go for building a dream? / The answer is clear, you see. / He loves the Priory, my friends. / Molak is Priory!” To the audience’s delight, teachers and staff formed a kickline on stage. Former Board Chair Mike Calbert, in the following unenviable spot, spoke warmly about Tim’s “heart as big as Nebraska” and emphasized that “Tim develops followership easily as people know he truly cares about them.”

TRIBUTE Former Board Chair Jamie Nachtsheim invited all to raise their glasses in honor, and then science teacher Paul Trudelle offered his salute and memories. The audience was treated to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Director’s Cut, the barbershop quartet featuring Priory Choral Director Albee Mabeza.

But the tributes were far from over. Middle School Head Caitha Ambler compared the early Molak tenure to the TV show “Wonder Years” for the way the school matured with a sense of joy and purpose.

Next the spotlight turned to Brian Schlaak, Head of Upper School, for another toast, followed by Matt McWright, retired Director of Guidance and Counseling, whose job it was to roast Tim. “Don’t you feel sorry for me just a little?” asked McWright. “I mean, Tim’s like the world’s nicest guy!” The ribbing continued from Priory’s athletic department, as Mark Stogner and Doug Sargent retold the tale of the NorCal Playoffs: As rival Branson chanted “We’re number one!” Tim “faced us as if to say, ‘Come on!

We can’t let them outcheer us!” and led them in Priory cheers to proudly chant, “We’re number two!”

Keeping with the theme of building community, Abbot Mark Cooper, Benedictine Director of St. Anselm Abbey, said that Tim’s “eyes tell you that you are important, and his interest in and courtesy to all, reassure each person of his or her dignity as sons and daughters of the Lord.” The Abbot emphasized Tim’s humility, thoughtfulness, humor, and dedication to balance. He closed by announcing the establishment of the Tim Molak Legacy Endowment with an initial gift from the Directors of $300,000. What a blessing for all and a fitting gift. Finally, Tim’s daughter Kate shared her memories and love for her father. She reminded guests that tonight was “a thank you to the place and people who have given him the platform to be the authentic, generous, committed, and compassionate headmaster and father that he is.” The tribute to Tim, appropriately, became a tribute to all for this remarkable community we call our Priory home.

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FACULTY

Get to know the faculty and staff who have been with Priory for 20 or more years as they answer these 20 fun questions!

PETER AGOSTON- 29 years

HOVEY CLARK- 23 years

DOUG SARGENT- 26 Years

REED SULLIVAN- 20 Years

NATE SPEARS- 39 Years

MARK STOGNER- 21 Years

PAUL TRUDELLE- 36 Years

TODD TURNER- 21 Years

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1. The first thing I do in the morning is …

HC: Check buoy swell data (check surf forecast) DS: Think about doing 100 pushups and 100 sit ups RS: Get in half an hour workout on the elliptical while reading romance books NS: Pray and thank God for another day

2. The last thing I do at night is …

HC: Check surf forecasts DS: Think about doing 100 pushups and 100 sit ups RS: Pickup where I left off on my romance novel PT: Read novels

3. If I could live anywhere, I would live in …

PA: Africa HC: Kauai, Hawaii RS: Holland TT: Jackson, Wyoming

4. My least favorite food is …

PA: Any meat HC: Eggplant MS: Fish PT: Squid in its own ink

5. My favorite junk food is …

PA: Crispy fries MS: Swedish Fish RS: Chicharrones TT: Peanut butter M&M’s

6. My first job was …

PA: A cook in a famous Hungarian hotel DS: Bowling alley custodian NS: At the age of 12, worked odd summer jobs (like cracking walnuts) for Father Maurus RS: Worked the deep fryer and counter at Churches Fried Chicken

DS: Mark Stogner’s impersonations MS: Douglas Ray Sargent PT: Playing “reverse charades” with family TT: Nate Spears

8. The one thing I will never do again is …

HC: A cruiseship NS: Be late on my taxes RS: My own plumbing TT: Skydive

9. I like to collect …

HC: Shiny metal objects that I find on the ground DS: Poker chips NS: Ties RS: Antique lard cans

10. The best present I ever got was …

DS: Koi fish MS: Drum set but I broke it Christmas morning RS: Tie between my two children and a full set of Dewalt power tools PT: Picture tribute book for my 60th birthday with messages from each family member

11. If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be…

PA: Roasted vegetable mix with vegan Italian sausage DS: Sushi PT: Cheese omelette and French Toast TT: Steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, and a Pepsi

12. My top two pet peeves are …

HC: Loud talkers and people who don’t recycle MS: Slow drivers and fast drivers PT: Dealing with whining and lying TT: People not waving when I am nice to you on the road, and not saying thank you when a door is held open for you.

13. The most trouble I got into as a kid was …

HC: Tearing down all the wallpaper in my room and eating it DS: Crashing my car doing a donut MS: Suspended for fighting but I did not throw the first punch!

TT: Refusing to go to school in the 7th grade

14. My favorite piece of clothing is …

PA: My down jacket MS: 2010 World Series pullover bought at Game One on my birthday RS: A red leather jacket my grandfather bought for my grandmother in the 1940s PT: Any BLUE Priory jacket or vest

FACULTY

7. ___________makes me laugh the most …

15. My first car was …

PA: Ford Escort HC: Mint green 1963 Buick Special with 640 miles on it NS: Black 1974 Monte Carlo with a vinyl top. I had it for a week and parked it at the end of the street before my Mom found out MS: 1974 VW Bug

16. The most unusual thing I’ve ever eaten is …

PA: Kangaroo, rattlesnake, puffer fish HC: Bird tongue NS: Frog legs TT: Sil (a pickled herring from Sweden)

17. My favorite sports team is the …

NS: San Francisco 49ers MS: San Francisco Giants PT: 49ers and Warriors TT: San Antonio Spurs

18. If I could do anything for a day, I would …

PA: Explore the ice caves in Iceland DS: Play poker NS: Feed the homeless TT: Fly a fighter jet

19. I’d like to meet …

PA: God, before I die DS: My grandparents NS: Denzel Washington RS: Prince

20. My favorite place in the world is …

PA: Anywhere in the wilderness, but particularly the Sierra Nevada NS: Disneyland MS: Hawaii PT: Spirit Lake in Idaho & Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island

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VISUAL ARTS

Collaborative loom weaving

by MS Fiber Arts class.

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“Walker” Metalsmithing

by Walker Rust ‘23

“A-Frame House and Airstream” AP Art and Design

by Joshua Oh ‘21

VISUAL ARTS

“Red Bowls” Digital Photography Alex Kawaja ‘23

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“Girl on Path” AP Art and Design

by Maggie Pollard ‘20 and Marie Sirenko ‘20

“Tarot Card Design” AP Art and Design

by Evan Hughes ‘21

BENET AUSTRALIA

Benedictine Wisdom Under the

Southern Cross 1

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1. Sylvia Trudelle and Kindra Briggs looked out across Sydney Harbor with views of the Sydney Opera House.

2. Lauren Donovan, Father Martin, Kindra Briggs, and Tim Molak at St. Scholastica College just before morning prayer.

3. John Sugden, Father Martin, Tim Molak, Christine Parker, and Al Zappelli in the St. Scholastica College chapel.

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4. Christine Parker engaged with participants during the workshop in her “Faces of Cancer� project.

5. BENet participants gathered at the Rosebank College Welcome Dinner.

The stars that make up the Southern Cross are central to Aboriginal stories about the birth of the world. Their stories form intricate mythologies that guide their belonging to the land and one another. The stars of the Southern Cross have also guided sailors, explorers, travelers across the seas for millennia. The stars light the sky in the darkness–they guide wayfarers to safety–to new lands–telling the story of the universe’s birth. In defining the term charism, Terry Creagh, OAM explains that it is “A story to enter, a language to speak, or a group which to belong.”

In September 2019, Father Martin Mager, Tim Molak, Lauren Donovan, Al Zappelli, Paul and Sylvia Trudelle, John Sugden, Christine Parker, and I traveled to Sydney, Australia to attend the Benedictine Educators Network, otherwise known as the BENet. The global conference is held every three years to encourage cooperation and friendship between Benedictine schools. This year the conference was attended by international educators from ten different countries.

Stories of wisdom about how to live Benedict’s Rule in the 21st century, specifically in our schools, guided our various discussions. Deepening our thinking about the story of belonging, Michael Casey, OCSO offered interpretations on two words central to our practice: honor and humility.

I felt moved by his reframing of these terms, away from external social virtues, and instead towards interior qualities. Honor means to accept others gratefully for who they are–different and various. To honor someone is to offer them dignity. This type of honor is necessary for those of us who seek to educate young minds. We must strive to honor all people so they can become their own true selves and serve a world in need of their gifts. To do this takes humility, the second word Michael Casey defined. True humility activates the grace latent within us. By allowing ourselves to be in relationship with something larger, something divine, we can connect and belong to a world bigger than ourselves.

With humility, we can enter into relationships that grow our genuine humanity.

Nowhere was this more clear than in a session offered by our very own Christine Muir Parker. She presented on “The Faces of Cancer,” an exploration of her 10th grade biology project on the pathology and humanity of the disease. Anchored in storytelling of survivors and caretakers, her workshop elucidated the importance of listening and reflecting to more deeply understand the human experience of cancer. Her interactive presentation allowed participants to think deeply about their own experiences with the difficult disease–and empowered

them to connect with others, both the Priory biology students in their reflective writing, and each other in our shared conversations during the session. The room, peopled with delegates from Germany, the Philippines, and Tanzania, among other nations ended the session with tears streaming from their faces. We were connected in our experience of loss, of hope, and of love for our immediate families and each other–the family of man. This is the hope of BENet in action. Cooperation and connection to explore our shared spirit.

As the conference closed, we all took time to consider what had touched us, what had challenged us, and what had inspired us. Paul Trudelle shares that the workshop “Who Is My Neighbour? Called to Ecological Conversion” “touched me deeply. Using the story of the Good Samaritan, we imagined the warming earth to be the suffering man. She called on Benedictine teachers to be a “good neighbor to the Earth” and inspire our students to be the “Good Samaritan” who helped the injured man. I am determined to go beyond just teaching about the science of global warming. Now I will be including so many of the novel solutions universities and governments throughout the world are trying to reduce the effects of human induced global warming.” Paul’s comment reflects the heartfelt joy we all experienced from the range of topics we were able to explore during our time in Australia. From global warming or cancer, to the work of healing and reconciliation with first nation peoples– the conference reinforced the importance of our work as Benedictine educators to create a more just world. We listened to and shared in creating stories that drew together our diverse group under one roof.

In the same way, the Southern Cross is a collection of stars that, when seen together, form a constellation that points the way homeward and the way forward. The constellation helped early explorers navigate the sometimes fearsome nature around them. In the same way, the BENet conference offers us a way to navigate education and spirituality in the 21st century. The Benedictine educational institutions across the globe connect like shining stars to form our own constellation–to connect us in a system that supports continued growth. To show us we are not alone in the night sky. We are interdependent and necessary to one another, both as a guide home to the Rule of St. Benedict and the Gospels as well as forward as intrepid educators. May the wisdom we received under the Southern Cross during BENet continue to ripple through our communities and light our way forward.

BENET AUSTRALIA

By Kindra Briggs

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CAMPUS

New Facilities on Campus for Relaxation and Fine Dining

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Father William Sullivan Meditation Garden and Stations of the Cross

On November 10, 2019, the Father William Sullivan Meditation Garden was blessed and dedicated in honor of Father William Sullivan who passed away this past summer. The Stations of the Cross that previously hung in the monastery for many years are now a beautiful addition to the garden. The meditation garden is located along the right side of the chapel and is a wonderful spot to take a few relaxing moments to yourself.

Dining Hall Renovation

After seven months of dining outdoor under tents, and the kitchen staff making meals in a portable kitchen, the newly renovated dining hall finally opened in January 2020.

On January 14th the Priory community gathered to bless and formally dedicate the new outdoor patio area to longtime Priory employee Nate Spears, and the indoor servery to Julianna Szekely who was well known for her heaping servings of food. The entire dining hall was completely rebuilt and in addition to a new kitchen, includes two serving lines, a new dish drop off location, drink stations, and a monastic dining room that has been relocated to the other side of the dining hall and now overlooks Windy Hill. Bon Appetit!

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CAMPUS

MONASTERY NEWS 36

In a recent chapel service, Father Martin, Father Maurus, and Father Matthew shared their personal reflections of Tim Molak’s presence and servant leadership from the monastic perspective.

FATHER MARTIN

Tim Molak is well known as an inspirational and forward-thinking educator, but for me there is so much more. He has been a friend of mine for over three decades, and together we have shared so many events–some spectacular and some quite challenging.

For so many years, Tim has been the leader and driving force in making it happen...in making the Priory happen.

Tim was the driving force in changing an all male school to co-ed, the building of the Performing Arts Center, Schilling Square and its environmentally designed classrooms, the LaureL STREAM Center, and the creation of homes on campus for faculty and staff have helped to make Priory what it is today.

But for Tim it has never really been about bricks and mortar. It’s always been about kids–about respect for everyone–about listening with the ear of his heart–about breaking into song unexpectedly–about Rebuilding Together–about the Bridge program. It’s all about vision.

No one has exemplified the Benedictine values of the Priory–Community, Individuality, Hospitality, Spirituality and Integrity–more than my friend, Tim Molak. As one class has said of him, “It is unanimous throughout the class, as well as the entire school, that in his career at the Priory, Tim Molak has dedicated more than his integrity and intellect: He has also dedicated his life.”

Tim, we salute you for everything. Always we begin again.

FATHER MAURUS

Tim Molak was my Headmaster of the last 18 years of my 44 year teaching career in our school. So I had ample occasions to sit with Tim and discuss some important, sometimes difficult, issues; whether as a teacher, as the Head of the Science Department, as the Maintenance Director, as a member of the Disciplinary Committee, or as a concerned member of the Monastic Community.

We might have had our differences at times, but I can’t recall a single occasion that we could not come to a good resolution, that always served the common good of our community. The same attentiveness and love and care for the Priory characterized Tim’s motivations during the last ten or so years as he turned his attention toward the physical upgrading of the Priory.

Tim’s legacy is clear. During his tenure, the Priory became one of the best Catholic Secondary Schools in the United States. The future of the Priory is well established, that he can pass on to his successor, to raise it to a new level.

Tim, you worked hard. You deserve the credit, and all of our appreciation. Thank you for your three decades of faithful service to us. May the good Lord reward you and keep you in His loving care as you venture into the next stage of your life.

MONASTERY NEWS

FATHER MATTHEW

I have been privileged to be associated with Tim for 30+ years. When I was abbot, I hired him to be the Head of School and participated in his yearly performance reviews.

I came to understand and appreciate his deep commitment to Priory’s mission as Catholic and Benedictine.

For about the same number of years I have been working with the ABCU program, that is, American Benedictine Colleges and Universities organization.

One of its purposes is to find ways to bring the message of the Benedictine wisdom tradition to the level of the students we educate. Our goal has been that each student come to know and value the Benedictine tradition as integral to their educational experience. The work has been challenging, and our efforts have been somewhat successful.

Imagine my surprise and delight upon returning to Priory to find that these very goals have been so successfully realized with our students, faculty, and staff here at Priory.

I credit this success to Tim and his tireless efforts to have Priory culture permeated with the Benedictine values and practice. It is amazing that you, our students, are so conversant with Priory’s five Benedictine values and their relevance to daily life at Priory and beyond.

Speaking of beyond, Tim has been a pivotal leader in establishing and maintaining the international organization of Benedictine Secondary Schools. In part, this organization’s yearly faculty development program is named in memory of Priory’s Br. Edward Englund who collaborated with Tim in strengthening the Benedictine wisdom traditions in every corner of the globe.

But as for Priory, were it not for Tim’s servant leadership, we might otherwise be simply one of many quality prep schools in the Bay Area. Because of Tim, Priory stands out as unique and unequalled in its program of holistic, value-centered, student-centered, Catholic Benedictine education. For this we are immensely grateful.

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Above: Visiting Benedictines from St. Anselm’s, Father John Fortin (center), from Pannonhalma, Father Hugo (second from right), and Abbot Mark Cooper (right) joined in the celebration chapel for Tim Molak.

DEVELOPMENT 38

Dear Priory Community, On January 18th over 200 members of the Priory community—current parents, alumni parents, former and current faculty and staff, alumni, former and current Trustees–crammed into the Performing Arts Center to pay tribute to the legacy of Tim Molak who after 30 years of service is retiring as Head of School on June 30, 2020. For many of those who attended the tribute event, it really was a homecoming, to the place, the community, that made a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of their children. (See Tim Molak Tribute event article on page 26.)

The speeches and tributes that night were as much about the man as the institution.

Tim’s character and personal attributes shaped and affirmed the mission. The Benedictine values are part of his DNA. Tim’s accomplishments are Priory’s achievements. The school has come a long way since Tim first stepped foot on the campus in 1989. There were challenges to face and obstacles to overcome before Priory could shine the way it does today.

Tim’s undaunting tenacity and visionary leadership were met along the way by cadres of dedicated faculty, administrators, generous benefactors, knowledgeable accomplished advisors, faithful hard-working volunteers, and pious Benedictine monks.

We are exceedingly grateful to all whose dedication to the school over the years allows us to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. This year’s Annual Fund is evidence that generosity is alive with 81% of families participating thus far. Our devoted Annual Fund Class Chairs have worked tirelessly this Fall toward 100% participation, and we fully expect to get very close by the end of the fiscal year.

Cynthia Mahood-Levin and this year’s committee of ardent Gala volunteers are getting ready to go On the Safari, March 28th. This largest social event of the year, in support of every single student, brings the entire community together for a night of festivities and fundraising at Sharon Heights Country Club. A not to be missed event!

Community-wide celebrations continue on May 8th when All Are Welcome to gather in Schilling Square for a casual BBQ and fond farewell to Mr. Molak followed by an Alumni Reunion on May 9th in the new Spears Plaza.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and thank you on behalf of the monks, faculty, staff, and students for all the ways you contribute to the success of the school. We can’t do what we do without you.

Always we begin again,

Suzanne Couch Director of Development

Trustees set the charge and lead the way with 100% participation this last Fall.

The Annual Fund Class Participation progress as of date.

Take a moment to share a memory or a tribute to Tim by visiting the “Celebrate Tim Molak� page on our website: prioryca.org/CelebrateTim. These will be printed out and presented to him in a custom designed memory box created by Father Martin.

The box will be presented at the community wide celebration Friday, May 8th, 2020, in Schilling Square where, as a community, we will thank Tim for all he has done for the school, the community, and every single student who has entered the campus in the last 30 years!

DEVELOPMENT

Share Your Memories of Tim

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE

Friday, May 8, 2020, and plan to join us for this historic Priory celebration.

Tim Molak Endowed Legacy Fund

On the occasion of his forthcoming retirement and with immense gratitude for all he has done, all he has offered of himself, the Board of Directors (Frs. Martin, Maurus, John, Benet, and Abbot Mark Cooper) approved a pledge of $300,000 to bring closer to fruition the establishment of the Tim Molak Legacy Endowment to provide each academic cycle with a year-end stipend to every employee of the Priory, those men and women who have worked alongside Tim, to make the Priory what it is today, and those in the future who will prepare Priory for an ever-better tomorrow.

Gifts to the Tim Molak Legacy Endowment may be made at www.prioryca.org/TimLegacy

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CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Tim Cain ‘78, Tim Molak, Michael Ferrari ‘96, and Garrett Bennicas ‘96 ran into one another at the Alpine Inn.

(Left to Right) Phil Dauchy ‘96, Michael Ferrari ‘96, Blair Roberts, Sara Benzinger ‘96, Drew Patten ‘96, Grant Rosenquist ‘96, Craig Nile ‘95, and Garrett Bennicas ‘96 gathered to attend the wedding of Sarah and Drew.

Katelin Rowland ‘00 (formerly Stasun) moved to Kentucky in 2019 and is expecting another baby, due April 2020.

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Charles Fracchia ‘83 became the subject of a new film chronicling his 35-year quest to obtain every autograph from the 1978 San Francisco Giants.

After three and a half years out of the cockpit, Lieutenant Commander Michael Yost ’03 is back in the air. He is transitioning from his original job as an MH-60S helicopter pilot and will be learning to fly the C-130T Hercules cargo plane for VR-55 in Point Mugu, CA. In this picture, he is in front of the fixed-wing multi-engine trainer, the T-44, as he learns to fly again in Corpus Christi, TX. Patrick Lee ‘90, Daniel Ho ‘90, and Thomas Hu ‘92 visited the Priory and met up with Tim Molak, Father Martin, Father Maurus, and Al Zappelli. All three alumni were international boarding students.

Father Martin with alums Kaitlin Bonfiglio ‘12, Conrad Casente ‘14, and Vincent Cullinan ‘18 who are all currently working at Priory.

Jackson Larango ‘13 graduated from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, and faculty members Christine Hemiup, Gabe Tang, and Kathy Gonzalez helped him celebrate at his graduation party.

John Gregory ‘16 spent January in Mexico studying Marine Ecology through CSU while working as a farrier to pay for it.

Jacey Reed ‘17 just returned from a semester in Vienna.

Olivia Treynor ‘19 was named a YoungArts finalist in writing! She went to Miami for a week in January as part of their program for winners.

Chris Gregory ‘14 and Nathanial Rothrock ‘08 enjoyed the Tim Molak Tribute event on January 18th.

Chris Delos Santos ‘15 graduated from Gonzaga University in 2019 and accepted a job at Boeing in Seattle as a financial analyst.

Gabrielle Filloux ‘15 was nominated by Broadway World for Best Actress in a Musical (Equity) for her performance as Wanda Lee in Devotion at Goodspeed Musicals and for Best Actress in a Play (Non-Equity) for Duckling Smith in Our Country’s Good at The Hartt School.

Matthew Carusi ’17 and Ryan Calbert ‘17 met up at the London Eye in England. Both are currently studying abroad; Matthew is at King’s College and Ryan is at the London School of Economics.

Ila Lane ‘19 was named Athlete of the Week in the Big West Conference for her impressive performance with the U.C. Santa Barbara women’s basketball team!

CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Michael Fitzgerald ‘16 spent last semester studying abroad in the “Semester at Sea” program, visiting twelve countries throughout Europe, Africa, and South America while learning about life at sea.

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CLASS NEWS & NOTES

In November 2019, David Lazo, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, visited Egbert Gymnasium at Münsterschwarzach Abbey in Bavaria and met Simon and Pascal Nixdorf, who attended Priory in 2018-19 through Priory’s Benedictine exchange program.

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ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME

Alumni returned to Priory over Thanksgiving break to take part in the annual alumni game.

Tim Molak shares pizza with Aidan Chandra ‘19, Joe Petersdorf ‘19, and Conrad Casente ‘14 at the annual young alumni event, Home For the Holidays.

Coach Henry Arredondo ‘02, Alex Schnabel ‘11, Erin Simpson ‘14, Molly Simpson ‘12 and Todd Turner at the Joe Montero Alumni Soccer Game.

Thanks to all the alumni who came from near and far to visit campus this past year! Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Priory, catch up with the monks and former teachers, explore the new buildings on campus, and see the Alumni Office for your Priory sunglasses!

If you know you’re going to be visiting campus and would like to arrange a tour or shadow a class, please email alumni@prioryca.org.

CLASS NEWS & NOTES

Did you get your Priory sunglasses this year?

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

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Stay Connected Follow us on our Facebook page where you can keep up to date with the latest Priory events. www.facebook.com/woodsideprioryschool Follow us on Instagram @woodsidepriorypanthers or @prioryalumni

View past performances, slideshows and other various videos on our YouTube Channel. www.youtube.com/user/paxpanther ALUMNI!

Connect on the Woodside Priory LinkedIn group at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13514369/ Let us know what you are up to. We love learning about the interesting things you are doing!

Send an email with any address updates or news to alumni@prioryca.org.