Faculty member, Tony Martinez, greets sophomore students on the first day of school.
2O23-2O24 VISTA
4
48 In Memoriam
Photo Credits
Rogelio Joseph Caedo
Jeff Hendricks
Joshua Freeman
CORRESPOND WITH US
Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield
Danielle Roumbos
Allyssa Moscotte
Christen Schaefer
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The Providence
Leadership
Scott McLarty Head of School
Rick Holifield Assistant Head of School
Joe Bennett Dean of Student Life
Marcella Berga Executive Assistant
Shanica Dale Dean of Equity & Wellbeing
Leanne Davis Director of Finance
Carlos Gallardo Director of Plant Operations
Elizabeth Hoffman Director of Human Resources
Annie Matthews ‘93 Principal
Juliette Marsh Mission Integration
Allyssa Moscotte Director of Marketing & Communications
Robert Parmele ‘02 IT Director
Shelly Schroth Director of Development & External Affairs
Scott Turner Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management
Board of Regents
Kevin Wehrenberg Chair
Leslie Goetzman ‘76 Vice Chair
Heather O’Connor Treasurer
Christina Pak Secretary
Emeritus
Stuart Posin
Fr. Francis Mendoza
Ex Officio Orest Holubec
showcasing Lakbay ng Agila
the Mt. San Antonio College Choir Invitational. ON THE COVER
Members
Kenya Beckmann
Dr. Angelique Campen
Dr. Christina Garabedian ‘03
Sr. Susanne Hartung, SP
Jodi Kasper ‘76
Dan Meyers
Scott Mills
Chuck Neddermeyer
Carol Ramsey
Alexander Tan
Singers
at
WE CAN’T DO SCHOOL
LIKE WE USED TO
When were you born? I was born when all relevant general knowledge could fit on a bookshelf. It was called the Encyclopedia Britannica. Throw in a Bible, some philosophy texts, a Shakespeare anthology, and some great novels, and this was the pretty complete home library my parents established in our home – seemingly equivalent to much of what an undergrad at a liberal arts college would learn for their degree.
Many of us were told that if we worked hard, did well in school, and earned a college degree, we would be guaranteed a job and a lifestyle better than our parents - what we used to call the American dream. The relatively predictable economic conditions that supported that narrative no longer exist. For example, we used to rely on profitable companies to avoid layoffs. Now, some of the wealthiest companies lay off employees just when growth slows.
Social media and the smart phone changed everything. In 2006, Facebook (founded in 2003) opened to everyone 13 years or older with a valid email address (you could be much younger and join, of course). Less than a year later in June 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone. Suddenly, we had all the encyclopedias, all the novels, all the research papers, as well as all the opinions, rants, pseudo-science, and half-baked ideas that could be published on the
Internet in our pockets and at our fingertips. And these devices are not designed primarily for productivity, but for engagement and media consumption. This information “flux and glut” was already an issue in 1997 and is a major reason why teachers feel that their jobs have changed so radically in the last few decades.
The Providence Class of 2036 is being born this year. Humans are notoriously bad at predicting the future, but it seems safe to assume that a whole lot will change by the time they enroll at Providence. Our current students were born between 2006 and 2010. This year Gen Z will overtake Baby Boomers in the workforce and are expected to have dozens of jobs and at least 3 different careers before retirement.
Our current students, and their generation at large, will have an
influence over what the world looks like, and we need to start thinking now about how Providence can ever more effectively prepare our students for their future not our past.
When we were kids, the teacher was the living Encyclopedia at the front of the classroom. Now massive amounts of content are accessible in an instant via the devices in our pockets. Teachers are competing for your kid’s attention with devices designed to hack their brain.
Many argue that the rise of smart phones means skills have surpassed content in educational importance, not because content isn’t important –it is critical. But skills are developed in small groups, through trial and error, and content is readily available at any moment of the day through our devices. Hence a teacher is now thought of as
Head of School, Scott McLarty, guest lectures in an 11th-grade Religious Studies class.
a “guide on the side, rather than a sage on the stage.” According to the World Economic Forum’s, The Future of Jobs Report 2023 (and many other similar lists from Forbes, Indeed, McKinsey & Company, and Future Design School) these are the Top 10 most important skills of this new age:
1. Analytical thinking
2. Creative thinking
3. Resilience, flexibility, and agility
4. Motivation and self-awareness
5. Curiosity and lifelong learning
6. Dependability & attention to detail
7. Technological literacy
8. Empathy and active listening
9. Leadership and social influence
10. Quality control
Schools need to consider how to teach these skills explicitly and measure student growth in these areas. Eight of the top 10 skills are non-technical (a mix of cognitive, self-efficacy, and social skills) and most are what we used to call “soft” skills. They are far from soft; they are necessary skills for the future. Note that technological literacy is seventh and isn’t about specific skills (those now change too quickly) but rather about a broad range of competencies related to working with (and alongside) various forms of technology.
So, what should schools be thinking about when it comes to preparing students for their future? The list is very long, but here are three ideas to consider:
• Students need to face Ill-formed questions: School is designed to give students well-formed questions where the student
knows the question, has the various resources needed to answer the question arrayed around them, and are judged based on their ability to get the right answer. In the real world, we work in groups to solve problems that are illformed. We aren’t even sure what the right question is (or if there’s more than one), we don’t know what resources are needed, and there are often multiple possible ways forward. Our work is judged on our ability to work together to get practical solutions that achieve progress toward larger goals.
• We need to talk about ethics, culture, philosophy, and religion: Weren’t we taught to avoid these topics? That’s advice for the past. Given the simple realities of Gen Z (the most diverse generation in history), the clear ethical and moral demands of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, we all need to (re)learn to talk productively across our differences and values. Schools must take the lead.
• The truly human will grow in value: As we increasingly offload certain routine tasks to AI and machine learning in the workplace, the value of the truly human will grow. Colleges and Universities will want to admit students who have formed their genuine human intelligence (think of the skills listed above). Employers will want to know how their applicants are using generative AI to make them more productive and creative as humans working with other humans in the workplace. Read Ethan Mollick’s
SCOTT’S 1 BIG IDEA
Scott’s 1 Big Idea is a brand newsletter that recently launched in spring 2024. Head of School Scott McLarty uses Scott’s 1 Big Idea as a way for him to share what’s on his mind, foster an institutional conversation about things that matter to our community, and promote dialogue between the school, our parents and guardians, as well as alumni, partner schools, and the wider community.
Subscribe and follow Scott’s 1 Big Idea Newsletter on LinkedIn. We’ll see you in the comments!
new Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI for an excellent, accessible, and quick lesson in this emerging reality.
Our responsibility as parents and educators is to partner in the process of supporting the holistic growth and development of young people. This means we must do some things differently and respond to the signs of the times. As we embark on our strategic planning process next year, let’s figure this out together.
This article was originally published by Scott McLarty in Scott’s 1 Big Idea Newsletter on April 27, 2024.
1 First Day of School - The Makhoul sisters on the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.
2 Welcome Back Rally - We always start the year off with a rally to introduce our ASB members and to set the tone for the year.
3 Pioneer Day - A Providence tradition where our classes compete in various games. This year the senior class won the Pioneer Cup!
4 Chilean Exchange Program - We hosted faculty and students from our sister school, Colegio La Providencia, in Linares, Chile.
5 Community Impact - Every year our community gathers non-perishable items for the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.
6 Dig Pink - Our club, Helping Hands, partners with our Girls Volleyball program to raise money and awareness for the Side-Out Foundation.
11 Faculty/Staff
participate in a
- Our
- Our faculty and staff
9
7 Mass Celebrations - Our community frequently gathers together to celebrate Mass.
8 David Bird & Salvatore - David Bird’s classroom is always a hotspot for students to socialize with each other and animals/insects.
Adopt-A-Family - Every year our community gathers gifts for families in need. This year we sponsored 19 families.
Retreat
members
retreat before the start of the second semester.
Theme Day
student-led productions for Theme Day were amazing. Our Spur Kickin’ Seniors won first. 13 SRLA Marathon Runners - Our Students Run LA Marathon runners trained all year to run the LA Marathon.
1o ESJ Prayer Service - Assistant Head of School, Rick Holifield, provided our community with a beautiful reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr. at our ESJ Prayer Service.
Solar Eclipse - Our community gathered in the quad to watch the 2024 solar eclipse.
MEDICAL
The first year in the new medical classroom in the hospital provided students with a unique and immersive learning environment. Some program highlights include:
• “Stop the Bleed” workshop equipped students with life-saving skills and knowledge in emergency situations.
• Dr. Campen’s presentation on ethics in the medical field. She shared insights into emergency medicine, giving our senior medical program students a glimpse into the realities of being a doctor.
• Hosted two school-wide blood drives which were not only successful in terms of donations, but also emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and promoting a culture of altruism and compassion among students.
These highlights speak to the comprehensive and impactful nature of the medical program, providing students with a well-rounded education that integrates practical experiences, community engagement, and exposure to diverse aspects of the healthcare field.
SPOTLIGHT ON ANGELA MINASYAN ‘2O
My time at PHS, particularly in the Med Program, played a pivotal role in shaping my journey towards a career in medicine. The immersive experiences, including the eye-opening hospital tours through the Medical Focus Program, ignited my passion for healthcare. Witnessing the diverse range of health careers available during these tours was transformative, and it was during one of those visits that I knew I wanted to become a doctor. The Med Program not only provided me with a solid foundation in the sciences, but also fostered a sense of community and mentorship that continues to inspire me. I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from dedicated teachers and mentors at PHS. The program’s emphasis on hands-on experiences, coupled with courses like genetics and health careers, provided a comprehensive preparation that was instrumental in my acceptance to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. I am proud of my achievements and grateful for the foundation laid at PHS, which continues to guide me in my pursuit of a fulfilling career in medicine.
SPOTLIGHT ON TOMMY BOUCHER ‘O4
Anyone who went through the Media Program in the mid-00s knows what that experience was like. I think there was no doubt that with the hundreds of hours I spent in that back room editing that it would lead me to film school. What is unique about my history with the program is that I had the ability to spend my first year after college working for the program’s former director, Mr. Joe Ingraffia. Looking back on it, I would credit this relationship in shaping my entire professional career. Mr. Ingraffia pushed me toward a training program in association with the Directors Guild of America, where I was able to get on-the-job training to become an Assistant Director. This ultimately led me to where I sit now, 15 years later, as a Producer and Production Manager. I can happily say that this journey started in media program at Providence, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
CINEMA ARTS
The Cinema program continues to offer our Pioneers unique opportunities to explore the world of film and media production. Some program highlights include:
• Visits to renowned institutions such as Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Warner Brothers Studios, and Disney Sound Studio provided students with valuable insights into the industry and real-world experience in a professional setting.
• Lauren Smith ‘26, Jack Downing ‘26, and Ralston Turcotte ‘26 won “Best Editing” for a music video that was submitted to the Pacifica-produced SCREEN Student Film Festival. SCREEN receives hundreds of submissions annually from some of the best high school filmmakers in California.
• The program regularly hosts guest speakers from the industry, offering students the opportunity to learn from professionals who have made a name for themselves in the field.
Overall, the Cinema Arts Program at our high school is a dynamic and enriching environment that empowers students to explore their creativity, develop their technical skills, and forge connections within the industry.
The Technology Program continues to grow, giving our Pioneers tangible real-world experience in the industry.
• The VEX Robotics Competition team participated in their first tournament this year. This experience not only allowed them to put their skills to the test, but also provided valuable lessons in teamwork, problemsolving, and critical thinking.
• Guest speakers from the tech industry brought realworld insight and inspiration to the students. Our speakers also offered professional feedback on projects which provided valuable insight into how their work is perceived in a real-world setting.
• Field trips to Disney Imagineering, Woodbridge University, NASA JPL, and Google offered students unique opportunities to see technology in action and learn from industry professionals.
Overall, these highlights are a testament to how much the program has evolved over the past few years.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHRIS SANROW ‘23
Before ‘Intro to AI’ was offered as a course in the Tech Program, Dr. Nicdao sent out an opportunity to enroll in a scholarship for an AI summer camp. While ChatGPT and stable diffusion had not yet become prevalent (this was the summer of 2022), I thought the industry would nonetheless be an important one to explore, given the future trajectory of tech. I was awarded the scholarship and went through the program, which introduced me to the field of natural language processing (NLP). Despite my limited prior knowledge in working with AI technology, in the four weeks it spanned, I created a “therapy bot” with my group. This summer camp experience enabled me to join the company’s incubator program, which was critical for determining the current trajectory of my career. During this program, I worked for the company to engineer and re-design their app aimed at educating the public about machine learning and AI. I was introduced to UX/UI design and explored mobile development, a field I had already been interested in, more deeply. Now, I am majoring in computer science at UCLA and I am also planning to take on a minor in digital humanities (essentially the UX design minor). Without the opportunities sourced by the Tech Program and Dr. Nicdao, I would not be so confident in taking on the career path I am currently pursuing!
PERFORMING ARTS
This year’s Performing Arts season: “Awakening,” has been nothing short of impressive.
• Our Performing Arts program collaborated with the iconic Whiskey A Go Go to host a Rock Night where our talented students showcased their musical abilities in front of a live audience.
• Our Fall Production of “She Kills Monsters” received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this powerful and thought-provoking play to life, showcasing their dedication to their craft and their ability to convey complex emotions and themes on stage.
• Our Spring Musical production of “Les Misérables” was a tour de force of music, acting, and storytelling. The cast and crew was nominated for multiple Jerry Herman Awards: Best Scenic Design, Best Production, Best Ensemble Chorus, and Best Supporting Actor (Jack Downing ‘26 as Marius Pontmercy). They won Best Ensemble Chorus.
• Our Providence Singers continue to make history with the world premiere of an original composition, Lakbay ng Agila, at Carnegie Hall. The Singers were also invited to perform at Mt. Sac Choral Invitational as well as the A Capella Scholarship Festival.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHANEL SAMSON ‘12
Chanel Samson (they/them) is a creative octopus ranging from filmmaking to music to theater. Chanel went to Liverpool Institute for Performing arts to pursue popular music and along the way created “The Secret Circus” a queer cabaret that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Secret Circus is a variety show including fire dancing, magic, juggling, music, and more. They welcome anyone under their circus tent and have had the pleasure of working with the LA LGBT Center, LA Pride, The Trevor Project, Proud Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and more. They created a visual album called “Wake Up” with Revry TV along with over 20 music videos and hundreds of shows. Speaking of videos, Chanel is a professional Director, Producer, and Editor. They began by creating music videos for themselves and other artists, which evolved into working with Puma, Jewish Queer International, HeR Interactive, and more. Chanel is currently pursuing a career writing and performing musical theater with several groups of creatives and clowns. Chanel was part of all of the creative departments at PHS which helped them explore every facet. Never let anyone tell you there’s only one career path, you never know where a creative spark will lead!
SPOTLIGHT ON NICOLE PAJA ‘23
I’m Nicole Paja and I’m a college freshman double majoring in Molecular & Medical Microbiology and Design at UC Davis. College has been going great so far, but at times it can be a bit stressful. I’ve been continuing to build my portfolio and experiment with new techniques through my design classes, where I’m working more with paper cutting and watercolor painting as I learn more about form, color, and composition. At the same time, I’ve been taking Japanese, biology, and chemistry classes. It was difficult at first to balance art projects and lab work with adjusting to a new city, but I’ve gotten used to the new area and figured out a system to get all of my work done without being overwhelmed. One of the ways I destress from midterms and finals is through art, and I’m glad to have found opportunities at school to continue crafting. A few months ago, I won a contest to create a wall design to be placed inside the Coffee House on campus. I worked with the Aggie Mental Health organization to promote conversations about mental health among the student community. The experience reminded me of helping design posters, brochures, and sweaters for clubs and organizations back at Providence. Also, I am an officer of the Public Relations Committee for the American Society of Microbiologists UC Davis chapter, so I’ll be able to continue promoting events through designs around campus.
VISUAL ARTS
Our Visual Arts Program continuosly demonstrates our commitment to excellence and provides a nurturing enviornment for our artists to create.
• Students in the AP Art History class have the opportunity to go on immersive and educational field trips to prominent art institutions such as the Getty Villa and Getty Center.
• Georgia Fernandez ‘24 hosted her own art show at the Nino Mier Gallery. The theme of the show was, “Educate a Girl and You Change the Future:” Societal Effects on Women. Fernandez worked with other female student artists from Providence (Jenna Beck ‘24, Penelope De Guzman ‘24, Kayla Flores ‘25, Georgie Harris, and Alex Spendlove ‘24) who helped curate the show.
• Thirty of our artists were recognized at the Burbank Youth Art Expo. Zoe Mandap ‘24 won Best Photography, Pearl Kutscher ‘23 won Best 11th Grade Artist, and Melissa Moon ‘24 won Best 12th Grade Artist.
• Zoe Mandap ‘24 and Sienna Roth ‘24 were awarded Honorable Mention in the 2024 California Streaming Photo Contest.
ATHLETICS
Our Athletic Department continues to grow under Athletic Director, James Jimenez, and Assistant Athletic Director, Le’Von Davis.
• Coach Cosby and his varsity Boys Basketball program continues to dominate the Prep League. They secured another league title.
• The Softball program under head coach Manny Travieso and coach Patty Workman has become a powerhouse at Providence. They secured another Prep League title.
•Aubrey Eaton ‘25 won her first ever individual CIF Championship and first Girls CIF Championship for Providence by taking the 1600M title. She also earned runner-up in the 3200M.
•Ryan Warren ‘25 palced second in the 100 Free Championship heat and placed third in the 50 Free Championship heat in the CIF-SS Finals.
• Five of our senior Softball players are continuing their athletic and academic careers at the four year level. Olyvia Rutter ‘24 committed to New York University, Grace Workman ‘24 committed to Westcliff University, Belen Benito ‘24 committed to American International College, Breanna Pelaez ‘24 committed to University of Bridgeport, and Malia Rode ‘24 committed to Sarah Lawrence College. For our runners, Dillon Yell ‘24 committed to Puget Sound to run Cross Country/Track. Lia Krumian ‘24 committed to Emmanuel College to play Basketball. Julianna Encinas ‘24 committed to Occidental College for Golf.
• The cheer squad had an outstanding competition season winning first place and the Judges’ Award at the AB Miller Competition and also placed second at the World Class Championships Cheer Tournament.
• Boys Tennis and Fencing had their inaguaral seasons this year.
• ESports and our Swim & Dive programs have grown in their second official seasons.
UCSB ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP RETREAT
During the summer, our Athletic Department partners with UCSB to host an athletic leadership retreat for our current Pioneers. The retreat serves as a jump start to build more tools needed to be successful in day-to-day life of a student-athlete. Our Pioneers stay on the UCSB campus and get strength and conditioning training, sport specific training, and leadership and mental health workshops.
SUPPORT THE PROVIDENCE FUND
Inspired by the love of Christ, Mother Emilie Gamelin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence, felt called to serve those in need and people living near her were so grateful for her help that they referred to her work as “Providence.” Her legacy lives on at Providence High School.
When you give to Providence High School, you help support the mission of the Sisters of Providence. Every gift counts and it is truly appreciated by the wonderful students who benefit from a stimulating and diverse college-preparatory education.
To learn more about how you can support, visit our “Ways to Give” page.
providencehigh.org/giving/ways
SPOTLIGHT ON LAURA RAYNES ‘11
Go Pioneers! Thanks to a fantastic choral foundation from Mrs. Bradfield, I am currently singing with Orange County Women’s Chorus (OCWC). I joined Les Dames in my Senior year of high school. The choir program under Mrs. Bradfield was quite new and she had already cultivated a fantastic choral culture at the school. The skills and musicianship she taught prepared me very well for auditioning in college. UC Irvine had an extensive choral program run by alumni and was well suited for students who weren’t music majors. It was perfect for me! I studied under Professor Joe Huszti; with his groups I was able to tour and compete in Hungary and Slovakia. Today, I’ve been singing with OCWC for two years and I’m proud to be serving on their Board of Directors. We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit that strives to bring both contemporary and classical treble music to Orange County. We perform three times per year with upcoming performances on March 23/24 and June 1/2. Last year we were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall and this year we will be going on tour to Croatia to perform and collaborate with local choirs. Choir is one of my greatest loves and I’m forever grateful for the PHS Performing Arts department for sparking my passion.
THANK YOU, JOANIE FENSTERMAKER
With mixed sadness and celebration, Providence High School announces Joanie Fenstermaker’s well-deserved retirement at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Joanie has been an integral part of our community, having served as a faculty member from 1995 to 2001 and returning in 2007 to 2024—overall, a career spanning over 20 years. While Joanie primarily taught in the Art Department in recent years, she previously taught in the Religious Studies department and served as the Campus Minister for 10 years. Joanie’s love for art, passion for the Catholic faith, commitment to our mission and values, and dedication to our students have left a lasting mark on our school.
Joannie is a true person of Providence. She has positively impacted thousands of students and hundreds of colleagues. I and our entire community are excited for her and know she will take the Providence spirit with her as she enters this new adventure. Providence is grateful for you, Joanie.
Freshmen students exploring campus before school starts.
SPOTLIGHT ON EMMA FERNANDEZ ‘26
I am one of the many individuals in this country who struggle with type one diabetes/T1D. I am also one of the very fortunate ones who have been able to do something about it. I was diagnosed with T1D in 2017 when I was eight years old and since then have been dealing with the everyday struggles that come with type one diabetes. From very early on I was interested in advocating for myself and for others like me. I created a fundraising team, participated in annual walks for a cure and became a youth ambassador for JDRF. JDRF is an organization which helps promote awareness and raise funds for diabetes research all aimed at finding a cure.
All of my advocacy work led to my trip to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2023. I was chosen out of many candidates to join JDRF’s Childrens Congress to go to DC and advocate to our legislators. In early July, I flew to DC to start my work. JDRF trained me and the other Children’s Congress members for our day on Capitol Hill. During this training I was able to meet others from around the world with type one diabetes. It was an amazing experience to meet others like myself who were eager to make a difference. My trip came to a climax when my mother and I walked up to Capitol Hill along with all the other Childrens Congress members. I entered the Hart Building where I went to Senator Diane Feinstein’s office. I had an opportunity to share my experience with T1D and the importance of ongoing legislative support to make type one diabetes a thing of the past. My fellow California delegates and I spoke of the urgency to fund the Special Diabetes Program/SDP Reauthorization Act of 2023 as the SDP will be expiring if Congress does not pass legislation. The SDP is critical to continue vital T1D research at the National Institute of Health/NIH. The SDP has contributed to technologies for glucose management available today, which make a critical impact in my life and the lives of all with diabetes. After the meeting with Senator Feinstein’s office, my fellow delegates and had the privilegeto attend a Senate Appropriation Hearing to discuss the future of the SDP and the multifaceted effects of diabetes in our country.
It was an amazing experience to witness firsthand the leaders of our great country debate and listen to the experiences of those living with T1D. I was also very fortunate to be able to meet Dr. Griffin Rogers, Director of the Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Department of the NIH. After the Senate hearing my next stop was to visit Senator Alex Padilla’s office. Once again, I lobbied for SDP support. My day on Capitol Hill came to an end when I attended my final appointment with Rep. Jimmy Gomez’s office. I was able to privately share in depth my experience of life with T1D and why support for diabetes research is vital not just for me but for the 1.6 million in this country with the condition.
Words cannot properly express my gratitude for the opportunity that I was given to advocate for JDRF and for all those with T1D. My trip to Washington DC is an experience that I will always cherish and will continue to inspire me to make a world without T1D become a reality.
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY IMPACT
Blessed Émilie Gamelin’s last words,“Humility, simplicity, charity, above all charity” continue to guide us today at Providence High School. Our Foundress’s deep love for service and generosity is what our students aspire to embody in our Community Impact Service Program during starting in 9th grade through their senior year.
Two of our extraordinary seniors, Madeline Fernandez ‘24 and Alexandra Cedeno ‘24, were honored at the 50th Annual Christian Service Awards Mass and Ceremony on March 12,2024 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles. The two awardees share their experience with service and their inspiration to go above and beyond our required Community Impact hours.
Meet Madeline Fernandez ‘24
Madeline Fernandez has volunteered over 275 hours over the last four years. She volunteers at the NICU at Providence St. Joseph’s. She has been actively involved with CMCT leadership for four years, assisting with We Care Wednesday/Thankful Thursday on campus community outreach program as well as planning masses, retreats and this year she is our ASB Religious Commissioner. She attends Charity walks, participates in Faith Leadership at Incarnation Parish in Glendale as well as serving the elderly with her non-profit Techy Teens for Seniors which she created during the pandemic to help seniors keep connected.
“My first year here at Providence was online and right from the start I began participating in We Care Wednesdays and Friendly Fridays online. I remember sending letters to first responders, teachers, and helping family members. Each and every activity I completed not only gave me service hours but it also made the COVID-19 lockdowns better. Each week I knew I had the opportunity to help someone and that simple idea is what motivated me to start my own non-profit.
In the early days of the pandemic, I saw my grandparents struggling to stay connected because they did not know how to interface with technology. As a 17-year-old, technology is part of my DNA. But for many seniors, for whom cellphones and computers were already a challenge, COVID-19 caused a nearly overnight online revolution with day-to-day services being transitioned to the Internet. It left many of our seniors struggling to access crucial resources, being further disconnected from society. I began to assist my grandparents and their friends in ordering online groceries and teaching those with Internet phones how to use applications for video calls. I scheduled weekly calls with older neighbors and family friends, and their appreciation for the help was palpable. When vaccines became accessible, many seniors did not have Internet access or emails to schedule vaccine appointments.
I found it ironic that those who needed the vaccine the most had such difficulties with access. That was the start of Techy Teens 4 Seniors. Not only do we teach seniors how to interface with technology, but we also more importantly help them feel connected. And to me that is the goal of service, connecting to others through our acts of kindness.
It doesn’t matter how big, small or courageous your acts of kindness are, being kind to someone can change their life. I know that our service program changed mine when it showed me the infectious joy of giving and I hope that together as a community we can continue to nurture human kindness, something that this world so desperately lacks.”
As Religious Commissioner, Fernandez ‘24 leads our community in masses by setting intentions for the celebration.
Meet Alexandra Cedeno ‘24
Alexandra Cedeno has served over 300 hours over her four years. She volunteers at the Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital. She leads the Black Student Union on campus planning and serving at Juneteenth events, Black History events and the annual Friendsgiving event. Alexandra leads retreats at Holy Name of Jesus School, she volunteers with LucStrong at their annual Kickball event and is active in bringing guest speakers to campus. She is also a student facilitator with Well-Aware and she serves as a mental health ambassador with Heart to Heart setting curriculum and taking a leadership role.
“When I became the first intern at the Disney Family Cancer Center, I didn’t ever plan that would impact me so deeply; all I wanted to do was learn from professionals in the field I was seeking. My time there didn’t feel like work. It was a time when I found connections with the patients and the people who worked there and when I could immerse myself in an environment where I could contribute to the wellness and care of others.
I participated in yoga sessions with cancer patients, which granted me insight into the positive impact of different yoga positions and tools and how this practice impacts the body and the process of releasing stress. Being a part of this unique experience and building relationships with patients filled me with a sense of fulfillment. It solidified my passion, leading me to want to become an Occupational Therapist. Not only did it lead me to my desired career, but it also gave me another opportunity, as a student leader, to go to different local school communities and implement a curriculum on navigating difficult conversations and mental health resources. My internships extend beyond knowledge and handson experience. But it truly allowed me to help others through acts of service. I figured this out quickly: the time you dedicate to service doesn’t have to be hours and hours on end, but it’s about your commitment to the short time you have to benefit others and yourself.
Becoming a Public Health Leader was another testament to this. Through the Los Angeles County Public Health Leadership Program, I only took two hours out of my week to impact the communities within the broad umbrella of Los Angeles County. I implemented my public health knowledge, including the need for communities’ access to healthy foods and mental health resources needed for underserved communities to impact others. Service allowed me to express my gratitude and love for the community and my interests. I remember the efforts during the pandemic to enable us to do Christian service within our inner circle. I choose to set time aside to spend my time weekly helping my grandma order groceries and spending quality time with her during the silent times. It didn’t feel like work; it made me happy to be in an environment where I could help others on their journeys.
When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like a heavyweight. Find something that makes you happy, and choose an organization or mission that inspires you. Every year, I was able to exceed my hours because of the service that I did not only to my inner world but also my outer world. My mom always taught me that service is from the heart and not from the head, and our service program encourages us to do the same with our required hours, to find the joy in giving.”
As BSU President, Cedeno ‘24 , plans and carries out events all throughout Black History Month. She also organizes a Friendsgiving during November.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2O24!
The graduating senior Class of 2024 were accepted to the following colleges and universities as of May 7, 2024
Academy of Art University
Adelphi University
American International College
American University
Arcadia University
Arizona State University-Tempe
Art Center College of Design
Azusa Pacific University
Belmont University
Berklee College of Music
Binghamton University
Biola University
Boise State University
Cal Poly
California Baptist University
California Institute of the Arts
California Lutheran University
California State Polytechnic UniversityHumboldt
California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona
California State University-Bakersfield
California State University-Channel Islands
California State University-Chico
California State University-Dominguez Hills
California State University-East Bay
California State University-Fresno
California State University-Fullerton
California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Los Angeles
California State University-Monterey Bay
California State University-Northridge
California State University-Sacramento
California State University-San Bernardino
California State University-San Marcos
Central Washington University
Chapman University
Columbia College Chicago
Concordia University-Irvine
Cornell University
DePaul University
Drexel University
Emerson College
Emmanuel College
Fairfield University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Glendale Community College
Gonzaga University
Hofstra University
Indiana University-Bloomington
John Cabot University
Kent State University at Kent
La Sierra University
Lewis & Clark College
LIM College
Los Angeles Pierce College
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University New Orleans
Manhattan College
Marist College
Marist-LdM -Florence
McGill University
Miami University-Oxford
Michigan State University
Montana State University
Mount Saint Mary’s University
New York University
Northeastern University
Occidental College
Ontario Tech University
Oregon State University
Otis College of Art and Design
Oxford Brookes University
Pace University
Pasadena City College
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Portland State University
Purdue University
Queen’s University Kingston
Quinnipiac University
Reed College
Richmond American University London
Rockford University
Rutgers University
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-Newark
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s College
Saint Mary’s College of California
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Seattle University
Sonoma State University
SUNY at Purchase College
SUNY Buffalo State
SUNY Oneonta
Syracuse University
Temple University
The American University of Paris
The American University of Rome
The George Washington University
The New School
The University of British Columbia
Thomas Jefferson University
United States Air Force Academy
University of Arizona
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 Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of La Verne
University of Maine
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Boston
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Nevada-Reno
University of New Mexico
University of New Orleans
University of North Texas
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands
University of Rhode Island
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Tulsa
University of Vermont
University of Victoria
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ursinus College
Villanova University
Washington State University
Westcliff University
Western Washington University
Willamette University
William & Mary
Woodbury University
SPOTLIGHT ON ALEX KOCHOA ‘24
Being in the heart of Providence’s performing arts program, Providence Singers, has opened up so many opportunities in Providence High School.
Not only have I been able to participate in conducting for the Tenor-Bass choir, Home Bass, I also had time to be in the school’s production, Les Misérables, playing the role of Jean Valjean. It has been a blessing to play one of my dream roles my senior year, and I can’t wait to continue growing my craft in performing at LMU. All the productions at Providence helped explore different aspects of my life, from my first play, As You Like It, to my last musical, Les Mis, I grew from the rehearsals, late nights, and cast bonding to become an experienced, confident artist that is ready to take on larger projects in society. Tonality was a result of the experiences and lessons I learned from participating in PHS’s performing arts. When auditions were announced to join the “Tonality Scholars,” I took my chances and tried out for the choir. The experiences I learned from being in a new choir for a month opened my network to different, more experienced singers that are the same age as me. As I close my senior year as a “Best Actor Nominee” in the Jerry Herman Awards, all the experiences I learned at Providence shaped me into the artist I want to become in the future.
Nora Wilson’s ‘24 oil on canvas, Villa de Vecchi.
Featured Story
A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO CARNEGIE HALL
After nearly a year of musical creation and collaboration, Providence High School’s advanced choral group, Providence Signers is set to perform the world debut of Lakbay ng Agila an original song composed by Saunder Choi and written by Joey Vargas, on April 6, 2024 at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Lakbay ng Agila, the song at the center of this harmonious and melodic project, is a musical creation that translates to The Eagle’s Flight” in Tagalog. The original song uses the poetry of Joey G. Vargas, a published author based in the Philippines and a Philippine Madrigal Singers alumnus. The song is dedicated to the conservation of the Philippines’ national bird, the Philippine eagle, currently classified as critically endangered due to years of deforestation and loss of habitat. The process of this song’s creation underscores Providence High School’s mission, vision, and values, reflects our school’ Filipino community, and uplifts the work of living artists.
The genesis of Lakbay ng Agila traces back to the musical relationship between Providence High School’s Choral Director, Marisa Bradfield, and Lakbay ng Agila’s composer, Saunder Choi. The two accomplished musicians had been acquaintances in the local choral community for years, with an additional connection through the University of Southern California where Choi earned his master’s degree at University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music in 2016, the same school where Bradfield received her master’s degree and where she is currently working on her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral and Sacred Music.
Enter vibrant student leader, ASB President, four-year Varsity Girls basketball player, and four-year choral member, Andrea Ferrer ’24. “In 2022, Mrs. Bradfield introduced a Tagalog piece called, “Leron, Leron, Sinta” (arr. Saunder Choi) that our ensemble unexpectedly loved most. A song with a completely different story and language and took months to learn...”Leron, Leron Sinta” became the pride of our ensemble. Despite the song being fully Filipino, our ensemble passionately sang a song that transcended any language barrier and made a true family, which sparked a light in me to experience that feeling once again.”, recalls Ferrer. So, when the opportunity arose to commission a new song from Choi, a musical virtuoso with whom we shared melodies before, Bradfield knew it was an opportunity Providence High School could not resist.
During their research, Ferrer and Bradfield looked for a way recreate the emotion felt when singing Leron, Leron Sinta. Bradfield recalls, “After sharing some of the
folk songs that resonated with our students, Saunder encouraged us to pause and consider a new direction— if we were going to do a commission, rather than using existing text that’s been used before by different composers, this is a unique opportunity to use new text by a living poet.”
Bradfield and Choi then met with Scott McLarty, Head of School to discuss the proposal, it’s origins, and the unique opportunity at hand. McLarty agreed,“It was an exciting moment both for our choral program and for Providence High School. Through the commission, we were not just giving our students the opportunity to perform on one of the world’s greatest stages; we are making a permanent contribution to the world of music.”
With approval and backing from Providence High School’s administration in addition to the funds from previous competitions wins and performances, the student vocalists sought to create art and share it with the world forever—a legacy befitting of a Providence Pioneer.
Choi found inspiration for Lakbay ng Agila in the same places he has for his other compositions, in climate justice, the diverse cultures, and the identities around him, including Providence’s Filipino community and in his own Filipino-Chinese identity. He then sought out Joey G.
Vargas, the poetic soul behind the Lakbay ng Agila’s lyrics. With inspiration set, poetic lyrics in place, Choi began to compose the melodic tribute to the Philippine Eagle.
“I’ve always been fascinated by choral works derived from bird songs. From Clement Janequin’s masterful use of 15th-century French as onomatopoeic “bird sounds” in his Le Chant Des Oiseaux to Francisco Feliciano’s musical reimagining of an interaction between a sparrow and its hunter in Pamugun, the innate musicality of birds has inspired millennia of musical work.” Choi cites in the Lakbay ng Agila’s Program Notes.
Thus, the song dedicated to the Philippine Eagle took flight. The six-minute melodic tribute to the majesty of the Philippine’s national bird and a poignant plea for its conservation. Choi’s composition echoes with care, love and familiarity of the Filipino culture and the Tagalog language, incorporating elements of folk song from the Philippines with a contemporary twist.
Leading up to the April 6 performance, the 50 person choral group practiced and prepared for months, finetuning their performance at a choral festival at Mt. San Antonio College weeks before they took flight to New York.
When wheels touched down in New York, the Providence Singers were ready to make history. Our Singers had a 20-minute spotlight performance in front of a packed house. Bradfield worked directly with the projectionist at Carnegie Hall to tell the story of Lakbay ng Agila through visuals which made the music come to life. The concert was a beautiful and unforgettable experience for both the Singers and the audience. It was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for our students to share their love of music with the world, and they did so with grace and
passion. Our choir was overwhelmed with the amount of support they received from not only their parents who attended the performance, but from our greater Providence High School community that also flew to New York to show support. Providence is thankful for the following individuals from Providence health system and the Sisters of Providence, who made the trip out to the Big Apple for the performance: Rod Hochman, MD, President and CEO; Dougal Hewitt, EVP, Chief Mission and Sponsorship Officer; Ana Newsom, EVP, Chief Legal Officer; Sue Georgino, Vice Chair, Providence Valley Service Area Community Ministry Board; Sr. Barbara SP, Provincial Leader, Mother Joseph Province, Sisters of Providence; and Sr. Jacqueline Fernandes SP, Provincial Councilor, Mother Joseph Province, Sisters of Providence.
Bradfield remarks with pride, “We created a new work that would now be shared with choral ensembles around the world...forever. Providence High School’s name will always live in the inscription. It is amazing to have been part of an experience that supports living BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] musicians, writers, and poets, in this project we connected with two phenomenal AAPI [Asian American and Pacific Islander] artists.”
The journey from the song’s inception to performance was nothing short of extraordinary, starting with a student question and resulting in a new creation of art added to the world. Ferrer reflects on the song’s journey from start to finish, “To me, “Lakbay ng Agila” means joy and triumph... With beautiful traditional Filipino sounds that bring you off your feet, you are entranced. Learning “Lakbay ng Agila” and being a witness from the idea’s inception to the finished song have allowed me and my classmates to represent our Filipino community and Providence High School—we sang the song with all our hearts.”
Just as Lakbay ng Agila spread its wings and took flight through Providence Singer’s voices, let us remember the power of our students and the ways they had helped create and shape the world through art all while leading with empathy, strength, and love always. Together, we could change the world—one soaring melody at a time.
Azucena Ortega’s (‘23) mural was displayed in the quad.
SPOTLIGHT ON ARIN SHAHJAHANIAN ‘15
Since graduating from PHS, I’ve pursued a career as a classical composer, pianist, and music educator. I recently completed an MM in composition at the Peabody Institute, and I’m currently a lecturer in theory and composition at Cal State Long Beach. My music has been performed by some of the world’s leading new music groups, including Dal Niente (Chicago), loadbang (Boston), International Contemporary Ensemble (New York), and Ensemble MusikFabrik (Cologne), among others. As a pianist, I will feature in an upcoming Naxos recording of the music of Du Yun, playing in the Peabody Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop. Back in my PHS days, I was always involved in the visual and performing arts; Cathy Main and Marisa Bradfield were among my early and important mentors. In fact, the first time I ever wrote actual music was for the fall play in my sophomore year. I had no idea then that it would be the path I would follow in life.
SPOTLIGHT ON ALISSA GORETSKY ‘18
Alissa Goretsky, a native of Los Angeles, California, is recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Houston Grand Opera Concert of Arias, winning Third Place, a 2024 Laffont Metropolitan Competition San Francisco District Winner, 2023 winner of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition, the 2022 First and Grand Prize winner of the Palm Spring Opera Guild Competition, 2022 Finalist of the Orpheus Competition, and a finalist in the Burbank Philharmonic Young Artist Competition (2021). She began her musical studies at the age of four playing piano and began singing in the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus at the age of eight. Alissa attended Providence High School in Burbank, CA and was an active member of the Theater and Choral department. Her passion for music and love for the stage was born at PHS. This is in part, big thank you to her then mentor, Marisa Bradfield, who encouraged her to pursue classical competitions and private vocal lessons. After Providence, Alissa graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), earning her Bachelor of Music as well as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Cesar Ulloa. She is currently pursuing her Artist Diploma in Opera at SFCM, also under the continuing tutelage of Cesar Ulloa. Alissa made her operatic debut as Gismonda in Ottone at Caroline H. Hume Hall under the baton of Corey Jameson in 2019. Her recent roles include Foreign Woman in The Consul, Mimì in La bohème, Contessa Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, and Emilia in Flavio, as well as covering the role of Sister Alice and Sister Catherine at San Francisco Opera in Dialogues of the Carmelites. Alissa has performed in Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Granada Theater to name a few. In March 2024 she performed the role of Ma Zegner in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up at Caroline Hume Hall under the direction of Elkhana Pulitzer and Baton of Maestro Steven Osgood. All Alissa dreamed of, when she was starting her Opera journey at PHS, was getting into a prestigious Young Artist Program for Opera. Happy to announce, Alissa will be a 2024-2025 Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio Artist starting this coming fall.
REUNION ROUND UP
Class of 1998- The Class of 1998 reunited on campus for their 25th Reunion! The lively celebration consisted of a campus tour, heartfelt speeches, and countless laughs. PHS Faculty and Staff, current and past, joined in the fun, too: Sister Jo Santiago, Joannie Fenstermaker, Rafael Vega, and Paul Sucgang! Special thanks to the alums who made the evening possible and to ‘98 alumna, Palig Babian for spearheading the event.
Class of 1988- The Class of 1988 celebrated their 35th reunion on campus! The evening consisted of a lovely dinner, trivia, and a campus tour led by ‘88 alum and one of Providence’s beloved teachers, Dennis Bullock! Our Assistant Head of School, Rick Holifield and Principal, Annie Matthews ‘93, joined the festivities too.
Class of 2011- The Class of 2011 reunited at Golden Road Brewery in Glendale. This close bunch had much to celebrate from exciting career developments to a class baby boom- four pregnancies and another four who welcomed new additions within the last few months! Special shoutout to ‘11 alum, Josh Manlutac for organizing this special gathering!
Class of 1973- The Class of 1973 reunited on campus for their 50th Reunion! The ladies celebrated their enduring sisterhood with a lovely brunch program, a campus tour, and amazing student performances! The PHS Cheer team choreographed a custom routine for the occasion, and two of our talented choir students performed our Alma Mater and “For Good” from the musical, Wicked. A special shoutout to the PHS faculty/staff members, past and present, who shared in the festivities: Assistant Head of School, Rick Holifield, Sister Jo Santiago, and Judy Egan Umeck ‘75.
COMMITTED TO LEGACY
Year after year, the most loyal supporters of Providence High School invest in the programs and people that ensure the next generation of Pioneers have the resources to thrive. Ginny Ficco, Class of 1962, is one of those supporters: she has given back to Providence every year for the last 31 years.
As Providence prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, the School is especially grateful for Ginny and the other consecutive donors recognized in this report for their consistent and reliable support. Your giving makes an impact!
So, what inspires someone to give back every year for 31 years? Ginny shares below what Providence means to her and what inspired her to start her habit of giving.
How would you describe your connection to the Providence community, and what does your relationship with the School signify to you personally?
Ginny: My connection is mainly with the Sisters of Providence and the amazing women in the class of 1962. Personally, the opportunities to meet with my classmates over the years has made me proud to be an alumna of a school that encouraged the development of such accomplished women.
What are some standout memories or experiences that have stayed with you over the years, and how do you believe they’ve influenced your personal and professional journey?
Ginny: The first principal, Sister Maria Theresa, insisted on commitment, follow-through, and excellence in all areas undertaken by students. That focus on doing something well carried over into my career in education leading colleagues and supervisors to note my commitment to excellence.
What lessons or values instilled during your time at PHS continue to resonate with you today?
Ginny: Our teachers exposed us to multiple opportunities to analyze, evaluate, and explain points of view with which
we may have been unfamiliar. In our currently polarized world, I frequently call on this training in clear thinking and analysis in conversations that could be contentious if I did not demonstrate an understanding of another’s point of view.
You have given to Providence High School every year for thirty-one years. What initially motivated you to start donating to your alma mater, and how has that motivation evolved over the years?
Ginny: Color me surprised to learn of the 31 years!! I have no idea what sparked my initial donation to Providence! It probably helped that although the initial donations were probably small (I had two kids in college in 1993), a gracious thank you arrived. I suspect that the regular arrival of snail mail and eventually email solicitations prompted the continuance of donations which developed a habit of giving.
What message or advice would you offer to current students and fellow alumni about the importance of giving back?
Ginny: My education at Providence started a lasting connection with the Sisters and my classmates which in so many ways are priceless treasures. As I’ve grown older, I realize the cost of providing an excellent education. Those of us receiving this fine education recognize that our $15-a-month tuition did not begin to cover the actual costs during the 1960s. We benefitted from the generosity of others and it is now our turn to support that which we treasure.
Penelope De Guzman’s ‘24 acrylic on canvas, Rejuvination.
CLASS NOTES
Linda McNeel ‘68- currently studying American Sign Language at Santa Barbara City College. This is Linda’s fourth language! She fell in love with learning languages when she studied French at Providence.
Toni Dirschel Werk ‘68- Toni moved to Malad, Idaho at the age of 66 with her husband. She is a farmer/ranchers wife. Her classmates remember her as the “horse gal,” but is now the Clerk of Session of the Malad First Presbyterian Church and the Moderator of the Oneida County Interfaith Council. She raised two outstanding sons, William and Charles Patrick, who married two outstanding, beautiful women, Victoria and Callie. She has two grandchildren, Wynn and Charlotte. William and Victoria are in Las Vegas working in the show business and the medical field. Patrick and Callie are in Malad and assist Toni’s husband in running 1000 acres of farmland along with working for the City of Malad and the Oneida County School District. Her family stays close and life is good!
Barbara Lukomski Rubin ‘69- After 28 years Barbara and Steve have merged their business, PeAk Communication Systems, Inc. with Technowledge Network, now known as PeAk-TNO under the Rubin Murphy Legacy Group. This has allowed them to retire and increase their traveling time. Morocco, Iceland, Greenland and Canada were explored in 2023 and East Africa is on the horizon in September. Barbara writes, “May all who read this remain in good health and find joy in every day.”
Gail Robillard ‘74- After 20 years practicing law and another 20 years teaching in elementary school, Gail retired in June 2021. Gail and her husband bought an RV and have spent several months traversing the United States with plans for more U.S. as well as Canadian travel. She writes a blog about their travel. They plan to move their residence from Los Angeles to the Palm Springs area in the second half of 2024 to enjoy winters there, where they will be close enough to Los Angeles to continue to enjoy time with their two adult children. Gail volunteers several hours a week for a variety of local organizations that support food security. And she is a docent for the historic Point Fermin Lighthouse.
Joy Glassmire Pierce ‘81- Joy is now a retired elementary school teacher of 34 years. She resides in Victorville with her husband of 34 years. Their son, 28, works in the medical field for UCLA’s prehospital care unit. Joy has an active life full of volunteering, crafting, reading, and traveling.
Kristi Ealy Harlig ‘82- After more than two decades in public education as a teacher, a school-based college counselor and a high school counselor, Kristi transitioned into independent college consulting. She is the co-founder of Future InSight LLC, a college consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive support to help students gain a better understanding of who they are and what they need to succeed in college and beyond. She is so excited to use her training and years of experience to guide students on their journey towards college. Kristi firmly believes that the path to higher education looks different for everyone and there are many educational pathways students can take to achieve their goals. Her key objective is to reduce the stress that is inherent in preparing for and applying to college by educating students and families about the everchanging college landscape and working collaboratively with them to find schools that offer the best academic, social, and financial fit.
Christ Kirikian ‘04- After graduating from PHS in 2004, Christ received a B.A. in Biology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2009 and an M.S. in Environmental Science with a focus in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in 2012. He spent two years (2011-2013) with the City of Los Angeles (Watershed Protection Division) collecting dry- and wet-weather water samples to assess compliance with TMDL requirements. In 2013, he applied for a position as a junior planner for a small firm named Meridian Consultants, where he has been for the past 10+ years, responsible for preparing environmental documentation pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for various urban development projects. In 2019 Christ was promoted to Principal (owner) assigned to lead our air quality, noise, and environmental monitoring practice. They work on some fun projects like monitoring noise compliance for the Coachella and Stagecoach Music and Arts Festival down in Indio. Also worked on preparing the EIR for the Landside Access Modernization Program (which is currently in construction) that includes a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover, providing guests a reliable way to
access LAX. Christ is married to Ani Ohanessian (PHS class of 2009), who is currently the Director of Philanthropy at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. They welcomed a new addition to their family, Alessia (future PHS class of 2041), who was born on October 20, 2023 at Providence.
Hala Maida ‘07- Received masters and became a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals including teens, adults, and families. Still keeps in touch with her Pioneer family! Long live the Reign!
Nerses Aposhian ‘10- Nerses was elected as the Chairman of the Board of the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks, CA in July 2023.
Nicole Mungues ‘13- Nicole has coached with Kobe Bryant, is the #1 Filipina Motivational Speaker, host of the Nikki Mungues Show, The Great AmericanSpeak Off Top 30 Finalist, and 2x World Wide Sales Champions in Direct Sales for Rainbow.
Makenna Sieverston ‘14- Makenna started a new job as a reporter at LAist (formerly KPCC). She writes stories for web and record radio pieces for 89.3 FM daily, and you might’ve heard a familiar voice on NPR newscasts, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered a couple of times now.
Peter Levitan ‘17- Peter is currently a professional trailer editor with over several dozen cuts under his belt.
Aren Aroyan ‘22- Aren moved to Florida to work for Disney.
HOMECOMING & ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE 2O24
Leading up to Homecoming, an Alumni Giving Challenge was launched, which garnered over 80 donors and nearly $23,000 in funds raised. Those who contributed to the challenge were celebrated at homecoming, showing appreciation for their generosity and support of the school.
Our Homecoming celebration was a huge success with a variety of activities for alumni and current students to enjoy. The festivities kicked off with our boys varsity basketball game, which drew a large crowd of spirited fans. Throughout the game, food trucks were on site serving up delicious snacks and meals for attendees to enjoy.
During the event, alumni shout-outs were given to recognize the achievements and successes of former students. Additionally, alumni gear giveaways took place, allowing our alums to show off their school pride with Pioneer gear!
CINEMA ARTS TAKES NEW YORK
In October 2023, Cinema Arts faculty, Christen Schaefer and Daniel Gamez, along with senior, Aidan Williams ‘24 traveled to New York City for the 2023 NYC Film Invitational competition and for the All-American High School Film Festival, where Providence alum Adriano Roy ‘22 was being honored.
The 2023 NYC Film Invitational is the world’s premier on-site student filmmaking competition challenging students to shoot and edit a short film in a tight 72-hour time-frame on the bustling streets of NYC. For Aidan Williams, a senior in our esteemed Cinema Arts Program, it was an opportunity to showcase his expertise beyond the confines of the traditional classroom experience.
Cinema Arts alumnus, Adriano Roy ‘22 wrote the short film script and led the team with the support of Aidan, and alumni, Ben Caloza ‘21, Darby Cullison ‘21, Scarlett McQuaid ‘23, Cooper Olson ‘23, Lily Olson ‘20, Gunnar Sizemore ‘23, Mason Vaughan ‘20, and Milo Evaschen ‘21, who is currently studying culture and media at the New School in New York City. It didn’t take long before Milo ushered the younger filmmakers through the New York subway and across the Hudson River.
Milo said, “We were on the ferry for like four hours shooting the movie. It’s wild. Like it’s just so odd seeing my roots, my appreciation for filmmaking and seeing them in the city I live in now. Showing them around New York and taking them on the train...showing them my world that they helped me get to is really exciting and really cool and just fun.”
Our dedicated alumni came from around the country to support Adriano and Aidan in creating the dark comedy: What You Don’t Know About Oscar Gomez’s Shoes , a film that starred Dakin Matthews, actor, playwright, director, theatrical scholar, and father of Providence High School Principal, Annie Matthews ‘93.
The collective talent, energy and tenacity of our Cinema students paid off and earned the distinction of being a finalist for the esteemed “Best Invitational- Complete Experience.”
This exceptional out-of-classroom experience exemplifies the transformative power of our Cinema Arts Program. It goes beyond traditional classroom instruction, offering our students the chance to immerse themselves in real-life filmmaking scenarios, expand their artistic vision and enhance their practical skills. They’re exposed to the fast-paced,
high-pressure environment of professional filmmaking, where they must think on their feet, collaborate effectively, and make creative decisions in real time. Participating in events like the NYC Film Invitational enables our students to problem-solve and work cohesively as a team giving them the opportunity to interact with professionals, gain insights from experienced mentors, and receive recognition for their exceptional work. Daniel Gamez said, “I would love to see more opportunities like the New York trip happen in exciting new locations like Austin and Chicago because we have alums who are studying there. I want to expose students to new environments and encourage them to see that the possibilities are endless.” Through these experiences, they develop not only technical skills but also a profound understanding of the industry, a sharpened artistic vision, and the confidence to pursue their passion for filmmaking.
When asked about his time in NYC, Aidan said, “I was so thankful for the opportunity to go on a trip to New York to compete in The All-American High School Film Festival. In Manhattan and Staten Island we had just three days to scout for locations, prep for shooting, and filming. We delivered a final cut of a short film with only 24 hours to edit and submit. This experience was like no other. I was able to experience what it was like to travel across the country and make a film. I was also exposed to professional workflows and was able to have a key role in production as the Production Manager and Sound Operator. I also had a great time working with the Cinema Arts Instructors and alumni. I will never forget the experience of participating in a unique competition with other filmmakers across the nation.
At the All-American High School Film Festival, Adriano won an award for Best Experimental Film for his film, Willy Nilly, and was nominated for Best Cinematography for the film as well. His film, Willy Nilly, explored the story of an apprehensive teenage artist set on completing her opus falling victim to procrastination and dangerous distraction—pitting her against herself and her craft.
“What inspired me to tell this story [Willy Nilly ] is something I struggle with daily which is my ADHD. The main character in my film struggles with substance abuse, which I wanted to portray as though it was a hyper fixation that distracts her from what she loves most.” Adriano shared.
SPOTLIGHT ON ISAIAH FERGUSON ‘17
I graduated from Providence High School with the class of 2017, studied animation for two years at Santa Monica College, and then transferred to the California Institute of the Arts in 2019. I graduated from CalArts in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Fine Arts degree in the School of Film and Video (Experimental Animation).
Back in December 2023, I contacted the Cinema Arts Department to ask for assistance on a stop motion animated project I was producing for fun. The project was a one-minute stop motion animated “Weird Al” Yankovic short film, featuring his debut single, “My Bologna.” Although I had all the puppets and props ready, I had no access to the equipment needed to actually film it. I was very grateful to find Providence was more than happy to help make my weird little dream a reality.
I shot the film in four consecutive days, using the Learning Commons computers and camera copy stand to animate the multiplane sequences (stop motion sequences animated on a flat surface with the camera facing downward, using paper, clay, etc. as subjects). The 3D “Weird Al” puppet sequences were shot in the following three days, using the green screen room in the Cinema Arts Department. I constructed a kitchen set in the Learning Commons for the final days of the shoot. The video was edited over the weekend following, and was finished and released on Christmas Day.
I was very surprised to find that Weird Al himself left an extremely kind comment on the Instagram upload of the video: “Awesome - thanks so much, Isaiah!” Since then, I’ve been screening the video at venues all around Los Angeles, including the Silver Lake Shorts Fest, The Great Film Club and “Hot 30” Shorts, and it has been well received by animation fans and Weird Al and comedy music fans alike.
I’m currently developing the pilot for my animated series, “Chori Choo Choo,” and am doing freelance animation work. Last year, I produced a full length 2D animated music video for Irish singer/songwriter, Gilbert O’Sullivan. The video is expected to be released sometime this spring.
I’m very grateful for the family I have made at Providence and for their continued love and support for all my passion projects beyond my time as a student there!
DONORS
At the heart of Providence High School’s success lies the generosity and commitment of our community members—parents and guardians, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends —who continue to play an instrumental role in shaping our future. The PHS community extends its deepest thanks to those who provided philanthropic support between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
A special thank you to those who have given to the Providence Fund year after year. We are proud to recognize the donors below who have contributed five consecutive years or more. With your support, PHS continues to uphold our commitment to academic excellence, foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, and provide resources that empower our students to reach their full potential. From groundbreaking initiatives in curriculum development to investments in stateof-the-art facilities, every contribution propels us forward on our journey to inspire and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.
Whether it was your first gift or tenth, thank you for being a vital part of our community.
SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE SOCIETY: $1O,OOO+
Anonymous
Theresa McQuaide Abbott ‘62**
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation**
Leslie Carroll Goetzman ‘76 and Gary Goetzman
William H. Hannon Foundation
Jennifer and Roy Huang
Heather O’Connor and Aaron Lustig*
Karen Loew Maerz ‘65 and James Maerz**
Sisters of Providence**
HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE: $5,OOO+
Kenya Beckmann
Anne Boland
The Walt Disney Company**
Kirsten and Dino Gavoni
Sue and Vic Georgino
Diana and Mike Najarian
Jodi Reif Kasper ‘76 and Dennis Kasper*
Karen and Jeffrey Sanger**
Jennifer and Sam Sarkisian
Aimee Schwimmer and Steven Schwimmer ‘89
Shirean and Harry Shirikchian
*5-9 Years of Donating, **10+ Years of Donating
PIONEERS: $2,5OO+
Sydon Arroyo ‘00
Bob Smith BMW
Andrea and Thomas Chuchvara*
Julie and James Crenshaw
Kristina Clemente Frost ‘00 and John Frost
Beth and David Fulton
Araz Derhartounian and Zhozef Gadimyan
Denise and Kirk Gutches*
Gissoo and Frazer Harrison*
Elizabeth and Joseph Hoffman
Rosemary and Robert McLarty*
Scott McLarty*
The Timothy and Judith Smith Foundation
Ellen and Alec Tan
GREEN & WHITE CLUB: $1,OOO
Anonymous (2)
Helen and George Abe
John Bwarie
Camden Asset Management, L.P.
Angelique Campen*
Evelyn and Kenneth Coopman**
Wendi and Daniel Dietrich
Walt Disney Company Foundation**
Jennifer Farah ‘04
The Gina Marie Fenton Memorial Fund
Bill Ferrell
Virginia Dalton Ficco ‘62 and Art Ficco**
Veronica Foster-Rutledge ‘64 and Harvey Rutledge*
Karen Macarah and Dan Freedman
Christy Rodriguez Futernick ‘88 and Marc Futernick
Oona and Paul Hanson
Michael Hunn
Vincent Kates
Georgette Dvoracek Katuna ‘69**
GREEN & WHITE CLUB: $1,OOO (CONT.)
Anja and Henry Kloch
Barbara Penkal Kornylo ‘75**
Kathleen Ingman and Carl Martellino
Jane Gould and Roger McNulty
Josefina and Myron Medalla
Mary and Thomas Meyer*
Jennifer Rebello and Scott Mills
Annette Zapata-Mongelli and Joseph Mongelli*
Jennifer Olson-Mullin and Brian Mullin
Maureen and Joel Ocampo
Kim and Stuart Posin**
Providence Ministries Sponsors
Carol Ramsey
Tatiana Rozenburg and Edward Rozenberg
Marcie Gilbert and Joe Sciuto
Gina and Kevin Sizemore*
Jennifer and Jimmy Spencer*
Thomas Stafford
Bonnie Sutton
Erin and Kevin Wehrenberg*
Denise and Sean Wilson*
Susan and Richard Yee**
FRIENDS OF PROVIDENCE: $1.OO+
Anonymous (17)
Linda Malouf Abraham ‘62
Julieta Yeghoyan and David Abrahamyan
Nona Rodriguez Acosta ‘81
Kelli-Ann Recker Agner ‘77 and Robert Agner*
Vahe Akopian ‘00
Viviana Del Cid Alfonso ‘91 and William Alfonso ‘91
Shayna and Gregory Alpert
Irma and Nick Amirian
Emily and Karl Arambulo
Sunny Levasseur Arford ‘61**
Denise and Adam Arteaga*
Lena Artunian and Alan Artunian ‘92
Sona and Leon Ashjian**
Suzan Ghrair and Ghassan Assaf
James Astorga*
Barbara Fotine Atkins ‘62 and James Atkins
Janine Southwood Aumont ‘79 and Eric Aumont**
Caty and Hamlet Avanesian
Margarita Bachmann
Vickie Bagwell**
Hilda Balabanian and Jack Manoukian
Nida and John Ball
Jean and Lemar Banta
Olga and Ivan Barahona*
Olga Batten
Majelane Bautista Dinh ‘06
Kathleen Beckett
Narineh Leon and Raffi Bekmezian
Sheila Florence Benson ‘64**
Tanya and Carl Benzinger
Marcella Berga
Rachel and Michael Bernstein
Nineth and Randolf Bialkowski**
Margarita and Stanley Billings**
Tina Thompson Billingsley ‘79 and Jeff Billingsley
Barbara Billington-Smart ‘65
Clara and David Bird
Alin and Nubar Boghossian
Susana Bordey
Raul Borja*
Marguerite Wozniak Boyle ‘72
Cece Braun
Kathleen Braun
Helen Brennan
Melissa Hayes Brennan ‘77 and Robert Brennan*
Kathy Martinet Buccola ‘61
Dennis Bullock ‘88**
Ryan Cadiz**
Nanette and Dean Cala*
Jaime Campos*
Karissa Caperina ‘06*
Robert Cappadonna ‘79
Joann Caputo*
Karla Hokr Carlsen ‘72 and Carl Carlsen
Janet Donovan Casella ‘66
Olga Castellanos ‘73 and Michael McGee
Lorena and Jose Castillo
Seema Sundar and Alejandro Castro
Dusty and Chris Castro*
Allison DeFrancesco Castro ‘02 and Gregory Castro ‘02**
Karen and Thomas Caverly
Valarie De La Garza and Michael Centeno
Evelyn Chaidez ‘69
Maggie and Mark Chambers**
Sandy and Tim Chan**
Barbara Chandler
Marla Schultz Chase ‘68 and Bob Chase*
Margaret Murphy Cheney ‘62
Becky Chiarodit and Mike Chiarodit ‘82*
Michelle Fodor Clapp ‘66 and William Clapp*
Steven Clark and Alfonso Zavala
Jennifer and Jason Coito
Mary Catherine Crawford Coluzzi ‘62 and Donald Coluzzi**
Trilby Conried ‘69
Maria and Emmanuel Conty**
Rita Trinkaus Cooney ‘66
Wanda and Harry Coutee
Joseph Coyne
Thomas Craven
Ami and Daniel Curtis
Annie and Jack Darakjian
Palmer Davis and Greg Fuller
Michael De Marco ‘09
John Delaney
Karen Vanblair Delgado ‘62*
Alexa Dell’Acqua ‘80
Judy and Tim DeLuca
Samuel DeMello
Fimi and Zaven Demirjian
Sean Dempsey
Jean and Matthew Domanski
Michelle Engel Douglas ‘84
Roberta and Steve Dowell
Richelle Petras Drake ‘62
Shawn Driscoll
Karen Green Drown ‘62
Amy Dutcher-Parker ‘72
Susan and Marc Edelstein
Patrice Lopez-Elman and Neil Elman*
Eliza and Lisle Engle
Leigh Hoffman Erlandson and Todd Erlandson
Rodelina and Elord Fajardo
Joanie Fenstermaker**
Kathleen Kelly Fernan ‘72 and Kevin Fernan
Carmen Ferrante and Raymond Ferrante**
Barry Finnegan
Keri Flint
Julie and Fabritzio Flores
Jonathan Fonacier ‘03*
Janet Fontaine and Nevin Harrison**
Peter Forlano
Cherie Foster ‘62
Joshua Freeman
Mary O’Donnell Freund ‘64 and Ken Freund**
Sharon Young Galindo ‘59
Laurel and Kelly Garner*
Caren Gitlin
Alexandra Glickman**
Pattie Seward Gocke ‘63 and John Gocke
Michelle Goffin Godfrey ‘75 and William Godfrey**
Goodshop
Dana and Raymond Grabowski
Gina and Kermit Graham
Joseph Granado
Carolyn Urone Greenwood ‘61**
Mary and Michael Greer
Paula Grimaud-Diniro ‘76 and Domenic DiNiro
Barbara Grossguth**
Marie O’Brien Guasco ‘71 and Stephen Guasco
Linda Gundrum
Lisa and Jon Gunn
Margaret Boyle Gustavson ‘70*
Norah Flynn and Richard Hall
Scott Hamilton ‘82
Apryl Hampton
Joe Hanratty ‘82
Linda Pixley Hardman ‘68 and Jerry Hardman*
Laju and Arjan Harjani**
Kristi Ealy Harlig ‘82 and Jeffrey Harlig
Jennifer and Link Harnsberger
Susanne Hartung
Christen Harty-Schaefer and Ken Schaefer**
Sr. Mary Hawkins, SP
Karen Hearn-Abbott ‘72 and William Abbott
Ursula and Luis Hernandez**
Claire and John Hickey**
Karen Reinhart Hicks ‘84 and Randy Hicks**
Gillian Hobson
Claire Dumer Holdaway ‘69 and Jack Holdaway
Deborah Melone Hollens ‘66 and Jim Hollens**
Marilee Hollister
Stephenie-Marie Hope ‘79*
Mary Horan ‘75**
Judith Hunt ‘64**
Carol Rando Irsfeld ‘59 and Peter Irsfeld**
Christina and Harold Jabarian
Susan Chambers Jagosz ‘09 and Michael Jagosz ‘09
Elaine Anastasia Janson ‘64**
Pamela Jensen*
FRIENDS OF PROVIDENCE: $1.OO+ (CONT.)
Lauren Jimenez and James Jimenez ‘02**
Melinda Mathison Johnson ‘65 and Jay Johnson**
Christopher Jones ‘91
Aida Kaliniyan and Hovsep Karaoglanian
Alicia Karami
Izabel and Kevin Keeshen**
Kathy and Mike Kemp
Sona Kazazian and Gary Kevorkian
Pauline Kiernan ‘73*
Karri Kirsch**
Kimberlee Kirsch**
Peggy Dalton Kohls ‘63
Madeleine Koubikian
Mary Antonelli Krick ‘65
Marla Daniels Kroll ‘77
Lisa and Robert Krueger
Lisa and Zareh Krumian
Keith Krutwig
Theresa Kubasak ‘69
Maribel and David Kuklish**
Jane and Scott Kunitz
Ramona Paris Kurasz ‘69
Michelle Laforce
Dianne Sorrell Lamb ‘60 and Eugene Lamb**
Nancy Linsday Lapic ‘61
Ivana Artukovich LeBaron ‘69
Robert Lehner
Donald Levan
Nancy Linari
Joan Linkogle**
Mary Lippman
Consuelo Llana
Geraldine Stifter Lorme ‘73 and Raymon Lorme**
Los Angeles Dodgers LLC
Cecilia and Andrew Loschin
Mary and Anton Lubeley**
Maria Theresa Luca*
Adele Pallotti Lucas ‘66
Theresa Monica Ludtke ‘60
Molly Mahony ‘73 and Paul Smith
Anto Mahroukian
Lisa and Steve Mallory
Aurora Manayan
Neha Guruji Manchandia ‘98
Nina Mancuso
Shakea and Mark Markarian
Tania Aziz Martenson ‘03
Kerry Martin**
Linda and Anthony Martinez**
Sana Matar*
Alexandra Matthews ‘71*
Anne and Richard Matthews
Annie Matthews ‘93 and Todd Rudolph**
Miranda Mayfield*
Mary McDermott ‘71**
Edith Kingsley McDevitt ‘60 and Michael McDevitt
Jennifer and James McDevitt
Patricia Simon McInnish ‘72 and Ed McInnish
Sandy Denning McLaughlin ‘67**
Nancy McNamara Trudeau ‘72*
Linda McNeel ‘68**
Theresa McNichol-Lawrence ‘60 and Don Lawrence
Rosemary and David McNutt*
Maria and Paul Mejia
Raquel Mejia
Constance Melvin ‘62**
Edward Mena ‘89
Tina and Michael Messex
Andrea Cartwright and Dan Meyers
Eric Miller ‘82**
Estelita Miller*
Avo Minasyan
Elizabeth Hermann Mitchell ‘60**
Genderzon Montejo
Kathleen Hurley Montierth ‘65 and Frank Montierth*
Patricia Blanco and Douglas Morales*
TessAnne Moran ‘73 and Michael Morgan
Allyssa Moscotte*
Mark Munoz**
Dilyn and Jordan Murphy
Azniv Nadjarian and Aram Nadjarian ‘02
Laura Pulido Nash ‘81 and David Nash**
Charles Neddermeyer
Linda Newton ‘77
James Nguyen
Donnie Dietz Nicoson ‘62
Maria Nieto ‘80
Lydia Ocampo
James O’Connor
Therese Menez Offer ‘92
Christine and Edward O’Flaherty
Margaret O’Neill ‘70*
Sophomore students using flexible furniture in the French class.
Teresita and Carlos Ortega**
Kathleen McLaughlin Ossello ‘64 and Jack Ossello
Josue Pacheco*
Sandra Zambory Page ‘59 and Arthur Page
Mabel and Emmanuel Paja
Christina Pak
Marge Palmer
Lisa Casella Pantoja ‘96
Marisa Paolone ‘96**
Steve Papazian
Kathleen Courtney Pardi ‘68**
Alison Parmele and Robert Parmele ‘02**
Diana Cholakian Pearre ‘05
Mayra Pelaez-Myers
Suzanne Perez
Sujatha Periasamy
Jeanette Fischer Peter ‘64 and Michael Peter
Mary Sortino Petersen ‘72 and Ron Petersen
Nancy and Robert Phillibosian
Joy Anne Glassmire Pierce ‘81 and Thom Pierce**
Geraldine and Rod Pingul*
Teresa Piumetti and Steve Ghermezian**
Joan and Paul Pizzello
Barbara Palumbo Poer ‘59 and John Poer**
Barbara and Rick Ponedel
Lanora Fitzgerald Pook ‘64**
Melissa Pope ‘90 and German Marcucci
Cynthia Preciado ‘00
David Pulido ‘81
Virginia Keefer Pullen ‘59
Natalie Qasabian ‘10
Fitzhashes Raagas Ranises
Ralph’s Grocery Company
Gladys and Rafael Ramirez**
Regina Shermer Reed ‘69**
Edgardo Regala
Mary Ann Reherman
Gail Reisman ‘73
Ashley and Tim Rivers
Marian Robbins
Jeniffer and Boris Rodriguez
Mary Rohan ‘73**
Murphy and Ed Romano**
Maureen Birney Rosenblatt ‘61**
Michael Ross ‘84
Aimee and Brian Roth
Danielle Roumbos
Maureen and David Rufus**
Diana and Timothy Ruiz
Connie and Tony Russo
Susan and Jason Ryan
Carla and Sam Sabounjian
Beverly Belkiewicz Saliba ‘60 and Dave Saliba
Lea and Bernard Salinas
Christina Diaz Sanchez ‘95 and Danny Sanchez ‘95
Elizabeth and Jose Sanchez
Hazel Agdeppa Sangalang ‘97
Joeline Santiago**
Grace and Romeo Santos*
Barbara Schamber ‘61
Teresa and Tom Scheerer**
Kathleen Casey Schmidl ‘67*
Andrea and Paul Schmitt
Eric Schulz ‘87
SEAOSC
Diana Cardenas and Benjamin Segura
Leticia and Juan Segura
Ana Sensenstein and Patrick Paeper
Mary Rausch Sepucha ‘61**
Sima and Vartan Seropian
Rachel and John Seward
Julie and Jamie Seyberth
Michael Shapiro
Andrea Sher
Marina Shudic ‘70
Charmaine Burke Siciliani ‘67
Suzanne Sorrell Silbertasch ‘59 and Simon Silbertasch
Jeanette and Simon Simitian*
Maura Simon*
Sisters of Providence - St. Anne Local Community**
Greg Snow
Viken Soulahian
Dianne Monteleone Southern ‘68
Laurie Smith Spagnolia ‘74 and Joe Spagnolia
Alecia and Randy Spendlove
Terence Stephenson ‘95*
Helene Thompson Stevenson ‘64 and Jon Stevenson*
Barbara Stoliker
Marguerite Story-Baker ‘64
Tracy Stroh**
Beth Eras and David Swift*
Kathleen Burke Tait ‘68
Karen and Daniel Tapper
Judy Gilson Tarantino ‘61
Pamela Walker Taxe ‘66**
Jennifer and Don Terbush*
Karen Teters ‘70
Barbara Thadeus*
Jill and Jack Thomas
Carol and Cesar Ting
Sandra Jaffa and Carlos Torres
Marti Treichel*
Tina Trivan-Lambert and Eric Lambert*
Eileen Trujillo
Betsy Sweet Truyoo ‘68 and Pierre Truyoo**
Dayna and Bryan Turcotte
Jill and Scott Turner*
Victoria Swackenberg Umans ‘62 and Don Umans
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck**
Patti Usack
Janet and Craig Valenzuela
Sylvianna Van De Water
James Varga
Carrie McNutt Velasco ‘94 and Paolo Velasco ‘94
Rosa and Alberto Vidal*
Stacy Vierheilig-Fraser ‘80 and Tom Fraser
Delia Vignale
Lucy Villanova**
Inigo Villanueva
Joyce and Hernando Villavicencio
Alima and Tom Virtue
Mary Susan and Thomas Virtue
Sheridan Soderstrom Vititoe ‘12
Catherine Wade Shepard ‘60
Julie and Jeff Wadley
James Wagner ‘83
Christine and Larry Wagner
Marianne Stifter Walters ‘69
Shanna and Richard Warren
Leah Warson and Paul Warson ‘90*
Greg Weaver and Haig Youredjian
Denise Charland Weddle ‘64**
Patricia Campbell West ‘64 and Robert West
Vicki Weston**
Teresa White ‘62*
Jovonne Whiteley
Gerald Wilkerson**
Patricia Wilkinson ‘69 and Robert Hauge*
Kit Willesee
Virginia and Richard Williams*
Gabrielle Dagan Winstead ‘84 and Dennis Winstead*
Phyllis Weber Wright ‘59 and Larry Wright*
Linda Wyatt*
Amy and Steven Yell
Toros Yetenekian
Diana Zapata*
James Ziegler**
Elizabeth Keklikian Zoryan ‘95 and Kevork Zoryan*
The Development Office makes every effort to recognize donors as they have requested. This donor roll reflects gifts received between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. If a mistake has been made, please email development@providencehigh.org and your listing will be corrected for future publications.
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
Lillian Arquilla Donation made by Janet Fontaine and Nevin Harrison
Kathleen Lawrence Berger ‘64 Donation made by Sheila Florence Benson ‘64
Eleanor Billington Donation made by Barbara Billington-Smart ‘65
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brennan Donation made by Mary and Anton Lubeley
Emmet P. Burke II Donation made by Charmaine Burke Siciliani ‘67
Helen Chen ‘19 Donations made by Barry Finnegan
Jennifer and Link Harnsberger
Kim and Stuart Posin
Louise Courtney Donation made by Kathleen Courtney Pardi ‘68
Sister Lucille Dean, SP Donations made by Marcie Gilbert and Joe Sciuto
Linda Pixley Hardman ‘68 and Jerry Hardman Sisters of Providence Sisters of Providence - St. Anne Local Community
Lucy Villanova Vicki Weston
Judy Delaney Donation made by John Delaney
Hannah Markey Dempsey Donation made by Joann Caputo
Tom Durkin
Donation made by Tanya and Carl Benzinger
Gina Marie Fenton Donation made by The Gina Marie Fenton Memorial Fund
Alice Bergman Forlano ‘60 Donation made by Peter Forlano
David Galarneau Donations made by Becky Chiarodit and Mike Chiarodit ‘82
James Wagner ‘83
Sister Renate Hayum, S.P. Donations made by Helen Brennan Sisters of Providence - St. Anne Local Community
Larry C. Keeshen Donation made by Izabel and Kevin Keeshen
Atam Keklikian Donation made by Elizabeth Keklikian Zoryan ‘95 and Kevork Zoryan
Sister Erlinda Poblete Limcaoco Donation made by Estelita Miller
Frank Luca Donation made by Maria Theresa Luca
Pam Mahony ‘62 Donation made by Molly Mahony ‘73 and Paul Smith
Joan Rusackas Maniscalchi ‘62 Donation made by Margaret Murphy Cheney ‘62
Pam Clark McDonald ‘62 Donation made by Karen Vanblair Delgado ‘62
John and Barbara McQuaide Donation made by Theresa McQuaide Abbott ‘62
Sister Alexis Melancon, SP Donations made by Linda Malouf Abraham ‘62
Barbara Fotine Atkins ‘62 and James Atkins
Evelyn Chaidez ‘69
Richelle Petras Drake ‘62
Karen Green Drown ‘62
Virginia Dalton Ficco ‘62 and Art Ficco
Cherie Foster ‘62
Pattie Seward Gocke ‘63 and John Gocke
Donnie Dietz Nicoson ‘62
Teresa White ‘62
Janet Panichi Donation made by Keri Flint
Maria Paolone Donation made by Caren Gitlin
Technology Program juniors using teamwork and problem solving skills to work on a task.
Sister Priscilla Phillips, SP Donation made by Marla Schultz Chase ‘68 and Bob Chase
Peter Schmitt Donation made by Dianne Monteleone Southern ‘68
Sister Frances Stacey, SP Donation made by Michelle Fodor Clapp ‘66 and William Clapp
Ruth and Howard Wilkinson Donation made by Patricia Wilkinson ‘69 and Robert Hauge
Nannette Wozniak Donation made by Marguerite Wozniak Boyle ‘72
Jon Wunderlich
Donation made by Elaine Anastasia Janson ‘64
Hugo Zapata Donation made by
Annette Zapata-Mongelli and Joseph Mongelli
GIFTS IN HONOR OF
Judy Anderson
Donation made by Scott Hamilton ‘82
Roger Badillo
Donation made by Nanette and Dean Cala
Conrad Davis ‘19
Donations made by Palmer Davis and Greg Fuller
Marge Palmer
Raymond Engel
Donation made by Michelle Engel Douglas ‘84
Samantha Engle ‘26
Donation made by Marilee Hollister
Edward E. Gundrum III ‘26
Donation made by Linda Gundrum
Frida C. Hayden
Donation made by Apryl Hampton
Debra King
Donation made by Helen and George Abe
Dean Risk ‘26
Donation made by Mary Lippman
Kellen Robbins ‘25
Donation made by Marian Robbins
Sr. Barbara Schamber’s 60th Jubilee Donations made by Providence Ministries Sponsors Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
Olivia Sher ‘25
Donation made by Andrea Sher
Ciaran Turner ‘24
Donation made by Karen and Thomas Caverly
Pamela Hoffman Waers ‘60
Donation made by Eileen Trujillo
Charlie Wehrenberg ‘23
Donation made by Erin and Kevin Wehrenberg
Sophomore students cheering for each other during Pioneer Day.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
50 Year Club Scholarship Fund
Sharon Young Galindo ‘59
Carol Rando Irsfeld ‘59 and Peter Irsfeld
Barbara Palumbo Poer ‘59 and John Poer
Kathleen Casey Schmidl ‘67
Phyllis Weber Wright ‘59 and Larry Wright
Class of 1975 Scholarship Fund
Mary Horan ‘75
Barbara Penkal Kornylo ‘75
Eleonora Greenhill Scholarship Fund
Sona and Leon Ashjian
Marguerite Wozniak Boyle ‘72
Claire Dumer Holdaway ‘69 and Jack Holdaway
Rosemary and David McNutt
Azniv Nadjarian and Aram Nadjarian ‘02
Marisa Paolone ‘96
Melissa Pope ‘90 and German Marcucci
Marina Shudic ‘70
Kathleen Burke Tait ‘68
Gabrielle Dagan Winstead ‘84 and Dennis Winstead
Jainee Abrera Kairos Scholarship Fund
Nanette and Dean Cala
Sandy and Tim Chan
Jennifer and Jason Coito
Maria and Emmanuel Conty
Alexa Dell’Acqua ‘80
Ursula and Luis Hernandez
Mark Munoz
Hazel Agdeppa Sangalang ‘97
Karen and Jeffrey Sanger
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
Jirapaun Scholarship Fund
Anonymous (2)
Karissa Caperina ‘06
Joseph Granado
Anja and Henry Kloch
Allyssa Moscotte
Susan and Richard Yee
Our Lady of Lourdes Scholarship Fund
Claire and John Hickey
Mary and Anton Lubeley
Aurora Manayan
James Varga
Sister Alexis Melancon, S.P. Scholarship Fund
Linda Malouf Abraham ‘62
Kelli-Ann Recker Agner ‘77 and Robert Agner
Barbara Fotine Atkins ‘62 and James Atkins
Sheila Florence Benson ‘64
Evelyn Chaidez ‘69
Richelle Petras Drake ‘62
Karen Green Drown ‘62
Virginia Dalton Ficco ‘62 and Art Ficco
Cherie Foster ‘62
Mary O’Donnell Freund ‘64 and Ken Freund
Pattie Seward Gocke ‘63 and John Gocke
Penny McQuattie Hill ‘61
Melinda Mathison Johnson ‘65 and Jay Johnson
Georgette Dvoracek Katuna ‘69
Peggy Dalton Kohls ‘63
Theresa Kubasak ‘69
Ramona Paris Kurasz ‘69
Nancy Linsday Lapic ‘61
Ivana Artukovich LeBaron ‘69
Adele Pallotti Lucas ‘66
Constance Melvin ‘62
Elizabeth Hermann Mitchell ‘60
Donnie Dietz Nicoson ‘62
Jeanette Fischer Peter ‘64 and Michael Peter
Regina Shermer Reed ‘69
Helene Thompson Stevenson ‘64 and Jon Stevenson
Judy Gilson Tarantino ‘61
Victoria Swackenberg Umans ‘62 and Don Umans
Marianne Stifter Walters ‘69
Patricia Campbell West ‘64 and Robert West
Teresa White ‘62
Sister Lucille Dean, S.P. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Vickie Bagwell
Tina Thompson Billingsley ‘79 and Jeff Billingsley
Melissa Hayes Brennan ‘77 and Robert Brennan
Janet Donovan Casella ‘66
Michelle Fodor Clapp ‘66 and William Clapp
Evelyn and Kenneth Coopman
Sue and Vic Georgino
Barbara Grossguth
Linda Pixley Hardman ‘68 and Jerry Hardman
Lauren Jimenez and James Jimenez ‘02
Donald Levan
Karen Loew Maerz ‘65 and James Maerz
Alison Parmele and Robert Parmele ‘02
Providence Ministries Sponsors
Sisters of Providence
Sisters of Providence - St. Anne Local Community
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
Patti Usack
Lucy Villanova
Marianne Stifter Walters ‘69
Vicki Weston
Tom Durkin Scholarship Fund
Tanya and Carl Benzinger
Mary and Michael Greer
Jennifer and James McDevitt
Alison Parmele and Robert Parmele ‘02
Natalie Qasabian ‘10
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Rafael Vega Endowed Scholarship Fund
Viviana Del Cid Alfonso ‘91 and William Alfonso ‘91
Margarita Bachmann
Diana Cardenas and Benjamin Segura
Marianne Carroll Carroll-Miller ‘77
Olga Castellanos ‘73 and Michael McGee
Lorena and Jose Castillo
Araz Derhartounian and Zhozef Gadimyan
Amy Dutcher-Parker ‘72
Christy Rodriguez Futernick ‘88 and Marc Futernick
Marie O’Brien Guasco ‘71 and Stephen Guasco
Scott Hamilton ‘82
Christopher Jones ‘91
Michelle Laforce
Patricia Simon McInnish ‘72 and Ed McInnish
Azniv Nadjarian and Aram Nadjarian ‘02
Mary Sortino Petersen ‘72 and Ron Petersen
David Pulido ‘81
Eric Schulz ‘87
Karen Teters ‘70
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
Reif-Kasper Endowed Scholarship Fund
Marcie Gilbert and Joe Sciuto
Jodi Reif Kasper ‘76 and Dennis Kasper
Sister Renate Hayum, S.P. Endowed Scholarship Fund
Helen Brennan
Karissa Caperina ‘06
Sue and Vic Georgino
Mary Hawkins
Ashley and Tim Rivers
Barbara Schamber ‘61
Sisters of Providence - St. Anne Local Community
Judy Egan Umeck ‘75 and Bruce Umeck
Susan and Richard Yee
REMEMBERING SR. MARILYN CHARETTE, SP
Sister Marilyn Charette, age 82, a Sister of Providence for 58 years, died October 10, 2023 at Providence Holy Cross Trauma Center, Burbank, Calif. Vigil: Thursday, October 26, 2023, 3:00 pm, at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Ave. SW, Seattle, Wash. Funeral Mass: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 2:00 pm at St. Finbar Church, 2010 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, Calif. Valley Funeral Home (Burbank) and Bonney Watson Funeral Home (Seattle) are overseeing arrangements.
Sister Marilyn was born on December 28, 1940, in Schenectady, New York to Edmond and Mary (Emerich) Charette, the second of seven children. In 1947, her family moved to Richland, Wash. When her father’s job with General Electric was transferred. In Richland, her family lived in a small house facing the beautiful Columbia River, which became their playground; boating, water-skiing, and making forts out of tumbleweeds.
In 1958, Sister Marilyn graduated high school from Columbia High School in Richland, and then attended Holy Names College in Spokane to study biology and chemistry to become a medical technologist, graduating in 1962.
The seed of a vocation in religious life was growing in Sister Marilyn since her childhood. As she continued to discern her spirituality, it became clear to her she was called to religious life. She entered the Sisters of Providence community in 1964, receiving Final Vows in 1976.
Sister Marilyn ministered for many years in hospitals in Yakima, Everett and Portland as a Medical Technologist, in the admissions office, patient transport, as a volunteer and a chaplain. In 1995, Sister Marilyn and four other Sisters of Providence began a mission in El Salvador to minister in many rural communities. This mission continues to this day. After returning from El Salvador in 1999, Sister Marilyn became a member of the religious community’s formation team, as a novitiate team member and candidate director. She always extensively volunteered in her parish and in areas of need in the community.
Sister Marilyn was grateful for her many opportunities and the enduring support from her religious community. She felt being a Sister of Providence was a way of life, following in the footsteps of Jesus, being a dedicated, loving person with priority for the poor and marginalized.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret Koner, Yvonne Plahuta, and Catherine Carbaugh; brothers, Edmond Charette, Dr. Richard Charette and Paul Charette and many beloved nieces and nephews, and by the Sisters in her community.
Eternal rest granted unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Please keep the recently departed loved ones and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Carol Faye Akin, mother of PHS faculty member, Wing Moy
Mary Ann Miller Camacho ‘62
Alicia Diaz Colombo ‘73
Kathleen Egan, mother of Judy Egan Umeck ‘75, Jim Umeck ‘77 , former faculty member, Diana Egan Middleton
Linda Reyes Fergus ‘73
Liliana Valentin Frank ‘65
Santo Gaspari, uncle of Tommy Boucher ‘04 and PHS faculty member, Michelle Boucher
Justin Gonzalez ‘03
Maria Karroum, mother of Katie Karroum ‘21 and Mark Karroum ‘23
Donna Weber King ‘62
Erin Lovelace, cousin of PHS staff member, Shanica Dale
Junell Mackey ‘66
Mary Rocco Marsh, mother of PHS staff member, Juliette Marsh.
Clarene Graham McCartney ‘66
Joselito “Joe” Munsayac, uncle of PHS faculty member, Fatima Nicdao.
Courtney Narz ‘87
Riley O’Kane ‘15
Marilyn Campbell Okos ‘66
Debora Porras ‘74*
Betsy Ramsey ‘63
Areni Shahinian ‘09
Megan St. Clair ‘05
Sister Frances Stacey, SP ‘63
Kathleen Noonan Tierney ‘66
Betty Trepanier Tierney ‘62*
Patricia Austin Walling ‘67
*Did not graduate from PHS
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