Winter 2021
INSIDE 4
MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
6
PIONEER NEWS BRIEFS
10 12 15 16 18 20
FEATURE STORIES Essential Lessons Distance Learning: Teacher Edition I Miss My Providence High Connectedness and Wellness Work2BeWell Virtual Teen Mental Health Summit Reflections From NAIS People of Color Conference
ALUMNI NEWS 22 Sacred Encounters
27 28 30 34
PHILANTHROPY Message from Director of Development 65th Anniversary PHS Athletics Fund - Let Your Pioneer Pride Fly! List of Donors WE PRAY TO THE LORD
CORRESPOND WITH US Vista is published by the Marketing & Communications Department at Providence High School. For questions or comments about this publication, please contact Allison Hastings Knowles ‘99 at Allison.Knowles@providencehigh.org.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Scott McLarty Head of School Mrs. Allison DeFrancesco Castro ‘02 Assistant Head of School Mr. Ernest Siy Dean of Students Ms. Kerry Martin Dean of Studies
2020-2021 BOARD OF REGENTS
Mr. Stuart Posin Chair Mrs. Denise Gutches Vice Chair Ms. Erica Elizabeth Secretary Dr. Emily Arambulo, DDS Dr. Christina Ashjian ‘03, PharmD Dr. Angelique Campen, MD Mr. Ken Coopman Mr. Eddie Cunningham Mrs. Leslie Goetzman '76 Mrs. Libby Ghekiere Sr. Mary Hawkins, SP Sr. Nancy Jurecki, OP Mrs. Jodi Reif-Kasper ‘76 Mr. Stephen Swofford Mr. Kevin Wehrenberg Ms. Pam Corradi Special Guest Sr. Lucille Dean, SP Emeritus Member Dr. Justin Magouirk Crowe, PhD Ex-Officio Member Rev. Francis Mendoza Emeritus Member
PHOTO CREDITS
Michelle Boucher ‘95 Allyssa Moscotte
If requesting removal from our distribution list, please include your name and address as they appear on the mailing label. or your email address if you receive this publication via email.
Winter 2021 | 3
a message from our HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Providence Community, One year ago this week, the United States identified the very first COVID patient on our shores who was successfully treated at a Providence hospital in Everett, Washington. As we start a new year, still amidst a global pandemic, it is important to remain committed to public health measures and to take heart that there are clear signs of hope. Two vaccines (with a third on the way) will go far in helping us realize our great desire to be with each other again. Our community has risen to the challenges of this time and time again. We went into this crisis uniquely prepared, with the firm confidence that Providence will provide, and with the sure hope that we can get through this together. And so we remain—confident and full of hope that better days are ahead. I hope you enjoy this issue of Vista and take heart. Providence will provide. In Providence,
Mr. Scott McLarty Head of School YOU BELONG HERE.
4 | Vista
Nicole Paja '23
Winter 2021 | 5
pioneer NEWS BRIEFS NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S BINGO NIGHT
Our Mothers' Guild hosted their annual Bingo Night virtually and even though we couldn't all be together, it was still a fun and lively evening! Thank you to everyone that participated in the evening's festivities, including the silent and live auctions.
CARE PACKAGES FOR CAREGIVERS
A group of PHS students individually put together 100 care packages to show their appreciation and gratitude to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center's caregivers. We are proud of our students who embody our mission, vision, and values. Thank you to Patrick Torpey '21, Aidan Sabers-Jensen '21, Miles Bakshi '21, Jamie Altoon '21, and Matthew Castillo '21 for supporting our healthcare heroes!
VALUES IN ACTION AWARD
Mr. David Rufus was named the recipient of the Values in Action award. Launched in 1988, "Values in Action" is the preeminent awards program in the Providence health system allowing caregivers to recognize each other for how they model our values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity. As a member of Providence's math department, Mr. Rufus is beloved by his students - past and present - as well as his colleagues. We congratulate him on this well-earned honor!
6 | Vista
VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS
Not being in the classroom has been an adjustment for PHS teachers as well as students. Faculty members have created dedicated spaces in their homes for their new "classrooms." Many juggle the added distraction of their own children who are also home as a result of distance learning at their schools or lack of childcare options. To say that this has been a challenge for many is an understatement, but putting the needs of PHS' students first has always been a priority, ensuring that students are engaged with the curriculum in the best ways possible.
Winter 2021 | 7
UNFINISHED WORK FILM FESTIVAL
Students, Amila Kapetanoviรง '21 and Isabel Petty '21 submitted an short film entry to the New Roads School's Unfinished Work Film Festival. Their short film, Disrupting a Curriculum focuses on the formation of Providence's Black Student Union and the school's role in promoting change through the curriculum.
PROVIDENCE HYE FUNDRAISER
Our Armenian student-led organization, Providence HYE, held a fundraiser at Masis Bakery in Sun Valley, California and raised more than $5,000 for the ArmeniaFund to provide aid to Armenia and Artsakh which were heavily affected by the military conflict in the Artsakh region. We mourn the lives lost as we pray for our PHS community members devastated by these events.
ON-CAMPUS BLOOD DRIVES
PHS hosted eight blood drives since the pandemic started and collected 403 units which can help save up to 1,209 lives. "We are so thankful for the support from Providence High School during this unprecedented time. We were faced with a lot of cancellations when the pandemic started and Providence High School stepped up to help us collect much needed blood units," said Rachel Paul, Account Manager for American Red Cross Blood Services.
PROVIDENCE CONNECTS
Established last fall, Providence Connects, an exclusive conversation series, was designed to connect our community with the most influential and relevant leaders across the Providence health system and beyond. We had the good fortune of being able to pick the brains of four esteemed Providence health system colleagues: Rod Hochman, MD; Lisa Vance; Deb Canales; and Erik Wexler and engage in meaningful conversations from the coronavirus and the future of technology and healthcare, to the changing nature of work and new ways of building up our communities. During this new year, we look forward to the continuation of Providence Connects as a way of further connecting our Providence communities and engaging in conversations about various relevant topics. Stay tuned for the lineup of future guests. All past episodes can be viewed on the PHS website as well.
8 | Vista
BOLD PIONEERS BEHIND THE SCENES
Since we aren't in the classroom with our students, it's nice to get a glimpse of the ways in which they're learning from home. Here are photos of Medical Focus Program student Marlon Medina '24 teaching his little sister how the stethoscope works, Natalie Ruiz '24 wearing her Providence High School uniform during her “learning from home“ school days, and another Medical Focus Program student, Lucas Valera '24, proudly sporting his Providence gear. Pioneer parents: Do you have photos of your students learning from home? Please share them with us by emailing photos to the Marketing & Communications Department at marketingteam@providencehigh.org.
ICYMI (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT): PERFORMING ARTS
Our Performing Arts department produced numerous virtual performances during the first semester, including a choral performance, mini web series, and three one act plays. The choral and instrumental music students presented an evening virtual concert entitled "Virtual Insanity" that featured music highlighting themes of hope, faith & rebirth. "Please Stand By" is a mini web series that spotlights our community of artists, including work from our choir, drama, performance extension, instrumental music, dance, and visual arts programs. Each night of "Original Works: A Weekend of One Acts" featured an ensemble of eight actors performing an original one act play written specifically for the students and performed live, followed by a talk back with the actors, playwright and director. Featuring work created in conjunction with our artists and written by talented playwrights from all parts of the country, these pieces reflected the importance of family bonds and friendship, the choices we make, and magic in the every day. Find the performances above plus information about upcoming performances on the Providence High School website!
Winter 2021 | 9
feature STORIES
Essential Lessons Ms. Kerry Martin, Dean of Studies
A
s a society, the past 10 months have forced us to examine who and what are essential. We have had to limit our movement and activities outside the home to what is essential. We have realized what jobs and workers are essential. We have reflected on what relationships and connections are essential to our mental and emotional well-being, those we took for granted and those we have always treasured. The same is true for our Providence community. Scott McLarty, Head of School, has continually reminded all of us that as a learning institution, our primary goal during this pandemic should be to learn from it. As a result, we have focused on creating intentional opportunities and conversations to reflect on what we are learning.
10 | Vista
We are learning the truth of the adage, “necessity is the mother of invention,� but having a culture of learning and innovation to begin with sure makes it easier! The alacrity with which our faculty dove into remote learning back in March of 2020 was inspiring – in the truest sense of the word. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit genuinely moved amongst us as we held a synchronous O.L.D. to practice what it would be like teaching students while they were in their homes and the faculty were all working from their various classrooms. We did not yet know how bad the pandemic would get, so there was an almost festival atmosphere on campus that day. Walking the halls and popping my head into various classrooms, I saw teachers electrified and downright giddy with learning and collaboration. There was a palpable sense
of unity and shared purpose and the power that comes from vulnerability in learning together. Later that day as faculty and staff gathered in the MPR (remember that room?) to celebrate our successful ‘dry run,’ I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude and felt the tears well up. Now, ten months later we are learning that the necessity of the pandemic, as Social Studies Chair Hani Zubi '88 reflected, has “turned obligation into empowerment and even liberation.” We are learning that some of our basic beliefs about what is feasible were shackling us to stale practices and outdated policies, like when it comes to accepting initial late work without penalty. If the work is essential to understanding a concept or practicing a critical skill, then of course we want students to do it, even if they do not do it exactly when had we planned. Our grades are supposed to reflect the student’s learning process, progress, and product - not their promptness or compliance. Physical Education Department Chair Karri Kirsch put it well when she said she simply “responded to the students’ needs” when we announced the fall semester would be BOLD by immediately revamping the PE & Wellness curriculum to address the increased need for “mental and emotional resources.” While the specifics of completing work at varying paces or overhauling curriculum brings nuanced discussions about disciplinespecific pedagogical practices and needs, we are learning to embrace the discomfort that comes when we grapple with complicated issues such as those surrounding grading and pacing. We are learning that being forced to cut down curriculum and slow pacing to focus on what is most essential illuminates the crystallized and precious core of what and how we teach. We are learning to ask, as Science Chair David Bird put it, “what do I want my students to walk away with? What do I want them to truly remember and take with them?” We are re-learning that quality will always trump quantity. Olga Barahona, Math Dept. Chair noted that “students are still learning, and in some cases the learning is deeper because the pace is slower and the opportunities for re-dos/re-takes require review and authentic learning vs. irrelevant extra credit just for points.” We are learning that slogging through the clerical and logistical complexities of best practices is worth it when we see a commensurate increase in our students’ tolerance for struggle. We are un-learning some bad pedagogical habits because it is the learning after all, not the teaching, that is the legacy of educators. We are learning that our students are our partners and they have much to teach us when we take the time to listen. Learning alongside them, with them, throughout these past ten months, has been a gift. We have always valued student voice and have sought to empower our Pioneers to use their voices to make Providence better, as evidenced by Marisa Bradfield’s recent efforts to
“elevate student voice” in allowing them to take the lead in the discernment and announcement of a meaningful change in the names of the ensemble choirs. We have never more urgently needed students’ voice as we have in the past ten months. We needed their feedback and voice to make the rapid improvements to our BOLD standards and instructional practices, but more broadly, we need them to continue being voices of change and healing in our broken world. Visual Arts Department Chair Michelle Boucher '95 has observed in her students’ art that the increased personalization of assignments has resulted in students “showing us—literally—more of their lives” as we are invited into their homes each class. Our student body has stepped up and spoken out with grace and power and compassion. We have learned so much from our student activists and social justice champions and mental health advocates. I am in awe of our students; their resilience, courage, empathy, and conviction humble me. We are learning that our emphasis on relationships and well-being, which have always been at the heart of our school’s culture, must be nurtured and strengthened and protected and can never, never be taken for granted. As World Languages Department Chair Maribel Kuklish pointed out for World Languages in particular, there is a “critical social element” to learning. While that may be overtly observable in the acquisition of a foreign language, humans are social creatures by nature and learning is an inherently social activity. Our theme for 2020-2021 is ‘Sacred Encounters’ and as James Jimenez, Religious Studies Chair remarked, “our sacred encounters are both an ongoing goal and what we are most proud of” during BOLD. Our sense of community, so essential to a healthy learning institution, does not just happen when people are nice or polite to one another. It is important to remember that authentic community does not come from and cannot survive on mere benign tolerance. It must be intentionally cultivated by a commitment to hold each other to higher standards and to hold each other up though we may stumble as we strive for them. We are learning in our commitment to becoming an antiracist school that courageous vulnerability is essential. We are learning we are capable of much, much more than we thought. We have been cracked wide open with possibility and the singular courage that comes from no longer fearing change. The most powerful lesson we are learning, which was echoed by so many in the individual reflections and surveys and discussions is that—together—we really can do anything.
Winter 2021 | 11
Distance Learning: Teacher Edition
T
he decision to continue with distance learning was not made without weighing the pros and cons repeatedly. Adjusting the curriculum, course expectations, and adapting to this new and different way of teaching has come with many challenges for our faculty members, yet the experience has also had some positive upsides and allowed for an in-depth look at the way classes were previously taught and how they can be improved.
12 | Vista
Three of our teachers (pictured above from left to right), Ms. Karri Kirsch, Physical Education Department Chair, Ms. Marisa Paolone '96, English Faculty; and Dr. Arjan Harjani, Medical Focus Program Director offered insights about their experiences since going BOLD.
tell me they go to bed at midnight or even later and that
WHAT HAVE YOU HAD TO DO IN TERMS OF AMENDING they don't necessarily adhere to the daily schedule. YOUR COURSE'S CURRICULUM? Many of them have challenges with motivation too - I Ms. Kirsch: The past four years we had made changes to our PE curriculum to incorporate social, mental and emotional health, in addition to physical health. When I first heard we were going virtual I had only a mild freak out about how we would handle online PE. Then I took a deep breath and realized we were going to be okay. I looked at our plans to incorporate physical, social, mental, and emotional health and this popped out at me - PSME. And I had an aha moment - PSME, (Physical, Social, Mental and Emotional). Psst, this is the time to take care of me. My answer was right in front of me. Now more than ever we as a department needed to make sure the students' physical, social, mental, and emotional health needs were being addressed so that is what we planned for and did.
wish I had a fix for that.
Dr. Harjani: Not seeing students' faces and not having an opportunity to engage one on one in the classroom, quad, gym, and other events has been difficult. Not getting a chance to interact with faculty, staff, visitors, parents, custodial crew, going to the park, the hospital next door, attending lunches with webinars along with doctors and nurses next door. Student attendance varies, there are tech problems, and sitting in front of a screen and missing the physicality of moving around in the classroom, which I do all the time - I hardly sit at my desk, sometimes not even for attendance, which I can do while standing at my desktop!
HAS IT BEEN MORE DIFFICULT TO GET THE STUDENTS ENGAGED AND FOCUSED, OR HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE Ms. Paolone: I have condensed the number of texts/ works studied and regarding those we are studying and OPPOSITE EFFECT SINCE STUDENTS ARE IN THE COMFORT will study, I have also cut down on workload and number OF THEIR OWN HOMES? of assessments, focusing more so than ever on the skills I want the students to hone. I have also taken many assignments and made them even more linear, so as to allow for better understanding. Dr. Harjani: I've incorporated guest speakers, reading articles from a variety of online resources and summarizing them, watering down content and making it easy for a teen to understand. I've attended webinars, joined social groups such as UNICEF, Juvenile Diabetic Foundation, etc., had students listen to podcasts and write briefs, and used discussion boards to get student perspectives.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF GOING BOLD? Ms. Kirsch: The most difficult part is not being able to see the students. Ms. Paolone: Not being able to establish student relationships quickly or at all - I am just getting to know some students at the end of the semester, as they have been very shy, uncomfortable, and/or scared. Having to stare at mostly avatars for each live block is quite difficult - I encourage students to turn on their cameras and have healthy interaction with me and their classmates, but my attempts have been pretty futile. I really, really miss the interaction that happens, uniquely, within each block. For example, there are always the blocks with the truly funny students, who bounce off your personality so well I so miss that. Many of them don't know their classmates still. I also worry about their sleep schedules, as many
Ms. Kirsch: I think we are very good at addressing what I refer to as PE trauma. I usually spend two weeks apologizing to the students for what has happened to them in the past and reassuring them that this is a very different PE class. That has pretty much been the same. The PE department is very focused on building relationships and trust with our students so that has and will continue to be the focus for us. Once we establish that trust with one another, the dread disappears and we become comfortable with one another so the guards go down and we are good to go. Ms. Paolone: Some students have newer devices and have an easier time running programs, etc. Some students only had the use of their cell phones, while waiting for their laptops to be fixed or while waiting to receive their new one. A cell phone is not at all ideal for online school. It has also been more challenging in a variety of ways - it is challenging to engage many, as most do not turn on their camera and many students are scared - some have parents in the medical field as well. Some do turn their camera on in small group settings, though it is still a very small fraction. I don't always or necessarily know what they are doing concurrently while signed on - many have more responsibilities at home now. With all the ways to post things, there is still no guarantee that students will find the info or choose to read/listen to it - I post in Teams, Schoology, and their agenda, along with making daily audio files that go over the agenda, with helpful, extra tidbits. Dr. Harjani: Students that are engaged are engaged, motivation is very minimal because the bedroom is their Winter 2021 | 13
resting/relaxing/sleeping/playing place, and the kitchen is not too far away, so there are lots of "distractions." Some students are really having difficulties because they are not "machine" controlled and their devices kind of cripple them and leave them feeling helpless in a sense. Yes, it does take more coaxing, encouragement, optimism, and push to get students interested in their engagement and learning because emotionally, it is extremely difficult for a teenager to get going on his/ her own - even with parents at home to help out, this is limited, because parents are so used to having the teachers do that while the child is away from home and at a safe location on school campus - parents know that their child is fully taken care of and is in safe hands.
Ms. Paolone: Yes, it has allowed me to focus on what is truly most important—each assignment is crucial to their progress, though over the course of a regular semester, I have at times, inundated them with some assignments that could have been condensed. Dr. Harjani: Focus more on the student relationships rather than content but not ignoring the expected curricular requirements, and allowing more "breaks" and "brakes" for students.
ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS OF MISSING YOUR STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU MISS?
WHAT (IF ANYTHING) IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY Ms. Kirsch: Clearly I miss the obvious things such as the ABOUT VIRTUAL CLASS? students and my colleagues but I don’t miss the smell Ms. Kirsch: I love being able to respond to the students' needs. I spent a lot of time this summer planning on what to do but once I met the students and heard from them, the curriculum was redesigned and the material was recreated so that it fit with what they needed. We have been able to bring in guest speakers from both inside and outside our community to talk to the students about emotional and mental health issues. Ms. Paolone: I can tell you that I have seen the gap between teachers and students, lessen - narrow. I have always tried to relate to my students and many methods are successful, but in this time, it is more apparent that we are all incredibly vulnerable, and perhaps all the time at that. Dr. Harjani: I enjoy the flexibility and adaptability, spending more time to get to connect with students. My planning style has changed and has some good points and some not, due to last minute adjustments.
HAS THIS CAUSED YOU TO RETHINK YOUR LESSON PLANS MOVING FORWARD? Ms. Kirsch: Absolutely. Before we were using someone else’s curriculum and now, we have custom built it based on the needs of our students. This has been an amazing benefit for us and I love the resources we have been able to build because they are based directly on what our students told us they needed.
14 | Vista
of the gym at all. I would however take the smell of the gym any day of the week to be able to have that face to face interaction.
Ms. Paolone: I miss every single, solitary nuance of work - the kids, their laughs, their hellos and good mornings, my colleagues, the sound of the bells, the lockers opening and closing, singing the alma mater, the lunch line scatters, the singing in the halls, the front office. Dr. Harjani: I do miss my routine, greeting students, interactions, etc. and meetings that we have in the MPR.
I Miss My Providence High Ms. Marisa Paolone '96, English Faculty
I miss my Providence High. These ten months away, A sort of dream. Many days I stop, And ponder, As it never quite seems, That I have been away from home this long. The list of things I miss, A never-ending catalog, Everything, A palpable longing. My morning drive, The turn of the key to my classroomI miss a job that never feels like work. All around, little things... Daily walks down the halls, The turning of a knob Echoed memories of my years as a Pioneer, Remain incredibly clear. I yearn for The sounds Of student lockers closing, Of morning prayers, announcements, Pep rallies, theme day, and masses together. Extraordinary energy always present, Constant laughter. The sounds of My coworkers. Their dedication, devotion, diligence All pure magic, And It only makes sense, That I miss True interaction on campus, Heavenly Each makes up our PHS family. My students. Our students.
I miss Our daily Sacred encounters. Dancing as you enter the room, hearing the music I play. Your daily salutations, Expressions of gratitude, grace each day, And everything is easier. Each face, Each laugh, Each countenance and sound throughout the learning process. Your insights, your jokes, Make me laugh, A part of my soul. How you, teach me. I hope You know How much you are missed, Valued. This time, more than ever, We are one, the same. I cannot truly claim To understand, Your daily battles, Though I pray, For you, Every, Single, Passing day. Yet We will come home. I can touch it, I can see, With ardent transparency. And, As our Alma Mater claims, We will gather. We will truly, Join the joyful cry Hail, all hail, our Alma Mater, Hail [our] Providence High!
Winter 2021 | 15
Connectedness and Wellness Ms. Shanica Dale, Personal Counselor
16 | Vista
T
he pandemic has shifted many aspects of our lives and forced us to adapt to undesirable ways of living. Social distancing and quarantining has become the new normal as we all try to navigate the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on students' mental health is apparent. Research shows that isolation has caused stress, anxiety, and depression to increase with adolescents. Students have and will experience significant milestones of adolescence during unprecedented times. Research also explains how friendships and peer connections influence a sense of self-worth during adolescence and has a significant influence on managing anxiety and depression (Goldberg, 2020).
necessary. Students should be encouraged to embrace the support available to them. This pandemic has increased the awareness of mental health for students and it is our responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. We are indeed living in unprecedented times and the need to support one another is more evident than it has ever been.
For some students, this new online learning environment has brought a measure of relief academically and socially. These students prefer the academic independence and less social pressure. This new online learning environment has allowed some students to thrive personally, and academically. However, others are facing challenges daily. The pandemic has impacted some students' social development, peer relationships, and even family dynamics. To combat this, it is important to promote connectedness and wellness. Wellness includes physical, mental, and emotional health.
How the Pandemic Affects Teenagers’ Mental Health
Wellness and connectedness can be promoted and fostered by taking current circumstances day by day. Each day should include some type of productivity, connectedness, and leisure time. Emphasizing connectedness and leisure time, it is important for students to have something to look forward to, even if for just that day. This is setting aside time to connect with others and to also do something they personally enjoy. This could be a call with a friend or family member, cooking dinner with the family, watching a favorite show/ movie, reading a book, doing some type of art, spending some quiet time to journal or meditate, getting outdoors safely for some fresh air and sunlight and/or going for a walk or jog. Depending on the comfort level, some may choose to socially distance with a friend or loved one outdoors to stay connected. To foster resiliency through this social isolation, it is important that students receive support from peers, family, school personnel and professional helpers if
RESOURCES AND REFERENCES: COVID-19 Wellness Resources for Stress and Anxiety
YouthLine • A Teen Crisis Helpline with Teen-to-Teen Support Teen & Youth Help Hotline | Teenage Advice, Crisis & Depression Helpline Emma Goldberg, “Teens in Covid Isolation: ‘I Felt Like I Was Suffocating’,” The New York Times, November 12, 2020
CALM PLACES AND OPEN SPACES WELLNESS HOUR
PHS began a new initiative called Calm Places and Open Spaces. After a brief check-in with their small group advisory, each student is provided with six different virtual room options to join. Examples include a music room where students collectively created a fun playlist with Mrs. Bradfield, an art room where students found calm by creating a project, a room focused on breathing techniques led by our student wellness committee, and rooms with physical movement like Yoga. There was also a room that invited students and adults to bring their pets and talk about how their pets have helped them during this time. The addition of this wellness hour has proven to be a great opportunity for the students (and faculty and staff!) to de-stress and connect with peers.
Winter 2021 | 17
Work2BeWell Virtual Teen Mental Health Summit
T
he Work2BeWell (W2BW) Virtual Teen Mental Health Summit was a student-led event that showcased student voices, offered breakout presentations and other resources that focused on mental health themes. Students, educators, and mental health advocates from across the country attended this virtual event.
The other curriculum module focused on critical conversations. It is a module we are calling "Heart to Heart Conversations" because it focuses on guiding students to effectively lead and participate in those difficult conversations with parents and guardians, peers, and other adults.
PHS partnered with Work2BeWell on designing and creating two curriculum modules and had the opportunity to showcase this at the summit. One of the curriculum modules that was created focused on Structural Racism and Intergenerational Trauma and provided the opportunity for students to explore their own racial identity.
The W2BW Virtual Teen Mental Health Summit provided essential awareness and resources on mental health, and was a great experience for our PHS students. Luke Simon '22, Isabel Petty '21, and Dominic Brown '22 (pictured above from left to right) represented Providence High School and shared their experiences below.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT ATTENDING THE SUMMIT?
Providence, so I was super honored and excited to be a part of this event! When I got on the Zoom, I was shocked to see that there were so many different students from places such as Oregon, Texas, and New York. Everybody on the Zoom was so nice and easygoing!
Luke Simon '22: I was very happy from the start to be attending this summit. I had already been introduced to the different kinds of Work2BeWell curriculum by
18 | Vista
Isabel Petty '21: I was really excited to attend the summit because I’m passionate about fighting the stigma surrounding mental health. Dominic Brown '22: I am so honored to have had the opportunity to attend an event that had open and honest vital discussions about teen mental health. It was awe inspiring to be in a “room” with so many bright minds intent on changing the future. You could feel the overflowing empathy exhibited by each and every person in the meeting.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE EVENT? Luke Simon '22: One of my biggest takeaways from this event was the different kind of activities that were talked about that we could use in school. I was a part of a breakout group that discussed activation. This group talked about how to be active in our Providence community in addressing mental health in young teens. Isabel Petty '21: My biggest takeaway was how many other people felt the way I do about mental health awareness. There were almost 200 people from all over the country in the Zoom meeting and it gave me a lot of hope. Dominic Brown '22: My biggest takeaway from the event was to truly address the stigma that surrounds mental health, we must employ strategic multi-faceted approaches intent on tackling each aspect of the stigma. Systematic problems require systematic solutions.
HOW CAN PHS HELP ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES? Luke Simon '22: Building on what I said in question two, the activation breakout group gave me ideas of what Providence could do and continue to do to advocate for mental health awareness with students and their families. It is no secret that these times have been challenging to say the least. However, I think it is important that we stand together and try and find the blessings within the curse. An example of one activity that was talked about is the voices activity. The voices activity was all about people sharing their stories and struggles either anonymously or not. This is important because it gives students and faculty a deeper understanding of one another. I also shared some of these activities with my SLO (student-led organization) groups. I think Providence's partnership with Work2BeWell is such a great thing, especially during these times of uncertainty.
Isabel Petty '21: I think the most important thing we can do right now is be patient with ourselves and with those around us. This time is different than anything we’ve experienced before and it’s more important than ever to prioritize mental wellness. Every student and family is in a different place right now, be it emotionally, mentally, or physically and PHS's patience is going to be crucial to a successful rest of the school year. Dominic Brown '22: Our school has the opportunity to truly make substantial change and advocate for mental health awareness. Advocacy can be watered down to three basic components: activism, education, and communication. If we as a community can work to utilize these three components, we can productively advocate for mental health awareness and acceptance. This means we will have to have difficult conversations which are the cornerstone of raising awareness. We must also prioritize kindness within our community and employ empathy which is truly the foundational element of real kindness.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU WANT TO PLAY IN ADVOCATING MENTAL HEALTH WITH YOUR PEERS? Luke Simon '22: I would like to make people feel safe and comfortable sharing their feelings. People can have a hard time talking about their struggles, so it is important that everybody is respectful and courteous. I also would like to be there for people who need somebody to talk to. I consider myself a good listener and I think a lot of people just need a friend or peer to listen to them. I also have always loved giving people compliments and making people smile, so I think that could contribute to making people feel good about themselves and inspire others to do the same. Isabel Petty '21: I want to start conversations with my peers about coping mechanisms that we can utilize during this time. Quarantine and the isolation that comes from it is hard, but we can still reach out to and connect with our friends through FaceTime or social media. It’s important that we use every resource we have to maintain our mental wellness during this time. Dominic Brown '22: I want to be a student leader among my peers. I strive to speak up for our needs and lift up the voices of the silenced. We must begin leading, organizing, fighting, educating, and communicating now. There is no better time to truly reflect on our ability to improve our mental health and the mental health of every individual in our community. I mean this with my entire being, the time for change is now!
Winter 2021 | 19
Ref lections From NAIS People of Color Conference
M
embers of our Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) task force attended the National Association of Independent School's People of Color Conference (NAIS PoCC), which is the flagship of the NAIS' commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development. The mission of the conference was to provide a safe space for leadership, professional development, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools.
The conference included seminars, a master class, and more than 100 workshops on diverse topics relevant to people of color in independent schools. It aimed to equip educators with new skills, including the knowledge and experiences to improve the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in schools, which will have a positive impact on the academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.
It is important that we as a community learn to recognize the systems that produce inequity so that we have the opportunity to address these challenges and continue to create a more equitable and inclusive environment at Providence, both in the classroom for our students and outside of the classroom for our faculty and staff. The insightful perspectives and resources from NAIS PoCC are invaluable and can help us to do better in many facets of our school community.
The NAIS People of Color Conference was a great experience that provided us with so many resources and education on dismantling structures that implement and support inequality. The content was engaging and personally inspiring to myself as a person of color. This conference has truly equipped us with tools that will allow us to better serve our school community and society.
—Ryan Cadiz Administrative Assistant
20| Vista
—Shanica Dale Personal Counselor
NAIS PoCC was an incredible opportunity for independent school educators, staff, and students. It provided us with important resources, dialogue, and challenged many to have difficult conversations facing the world and in our schools today. I am thankful to have attended and hope Providence High School continues to attend the NAIS People of Color Conference for many years to come. —Allyssa Moscotte Director of Marketing & Communications
As a member of the ESJ Leadership team, attending the People of Color Conference was an invaluable experience where I had the opportunity to examine and discuss the challenging topics of race, equity, polarization, & minimization in the workplace and within our educational system. I would encourage everyone to attend this powerful event. — Marisa Bradfield Department Chair, Performing Arts
The virtual NAIS PoCC was incredibly insightful and fulfilling. There were lots of meaningful talks that truly resonate with today’s climate. My favorite panel was about what we educators must do when it comes to convincing others, especially board members, to support social justice and racial equity actions. It made me reflect that Providence and its community is not typical, we are truly setting the bar and pushing past boundaries to create the standard. I’m proud to be a Pioneer! —Juan Lopez Interim Director, Tech Focus Program
The NAIS People of Color Conference continues to be an invaluable source of learning, inspiration, and relationships for me as an educator and Head of School. It is critical that we recognize and dismantle the structures and systems that reproduce racial inequity and division so that we might create new ways of producing inclusive and equitable communities. At Providence, this means fulfilling our mission to be "expressions of God's healing love" in direct response to the national wound that is racial injustice. —Scott McLarty Head of School
Winter 2021 | 21
sacred ENCOUNTERS
I
n continued celebration of Providence High School's 65th anniversary, we've asked alumni and faculty and staff members to share their sacred encounters with our community. Following are a few submissions that we've received. To submit your sacred encounters, please visit our website.
1959
Our Catholic faith is being lived out in the lives of our 20 grandchildren. My grandchildren are accomplishing amazing things for God and our church because I was blessed with my experience and education at Providence High School. I believe I am the person I am today because God placed me at Providence High School. Providence is where I learned about Him, His church, and, most of all, I truly felt His presence in the chapel and especially in those three special women at Providence."
FRANCES ACKART DUDLEY ‘59—"In 1955, I entered Providence a baptized Catholic; however, my family was not practicing the faith at the time. Sisters Theresa Marie, Esther and Alexis were filled with the love of God and shared Him with such joy. I experienced Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the first time, as well as retreats, special events, and Masses. I found a love for my Catholic Tradition. I promised God I would be a good practicing Catholic all because of the example of these Sisters and the school's curriculum. Sister Esther invited me to assist her in teaching the Holy Communion class at St. Finbar's parish. Over two years, I spent Saturday mornings with Sister Esther in religious education classes. I have taught religious education in some form ever since, starting after graduation at the local parish near my college. Today, 60 years later, I am a facilitator for GriefShare at my parish. God chose a good Catholic man for me. Together, with God's help, of course, we were able to raise up a wonderful Catholic family. My husband entered eternal life after 54 years of marriage. All four daughters have been married 27 through 37 years.
22 | Vista
CAROL LEX TANNER ‘59—"A cement strike delayed the completion of Providence High's original two buildings by two months in 1959. Three tents (donated by Disney? We thought they came from Barnum & Bailey - just kidding) served as homerooms with Sisters Maria Theresa, Esther, and Dorothea in charge. During the hot days of September, we rolled up the sides of the tent to allow for some air. 68 of those 81 original teens graduated four years later. Our sacred encounter is that seven of us have met for
lunch annually since our 50 th high school reunion in 2009 and now during COVID we Zoom together the first Tuesday of every month. Other Class of '59 classmates are welcome to join; contact me at cdtanner46@gmail. com."
1960's
BETTY DALTON DAHMUS '67—"I remember how much fun it was for us to dress crazy and ride to school on our bikes. It was very special to go through all four years with these special friends."
In an effort to help his family pay for this lifesaving surgery, Theresa Candido and I contacted some musicians to hold a concert in the school gym. We ended up recruiting "The Brotherhood," Phil Volk and Drake Levin, formerly with Paul Revere and the Raiders. They, in turn, recruited Lee Michaels who had the #1 hit on the radio charts, as well and Ralph and Rene Mathis. The fundraiser was such a success, a new concert was put on in 1971 by different students to help with David's continuing recovery."
PATTI FAUST HUXLEY ' 67—"Each year during my time at PHS the Art Department held the Pageant of Masters under the guidance of Ms. Gabriel Lefevre. She took a group of girls and convinced each of us that we were unique and talented in our own special way. I never realized what we accomplished until I saw the "real" Pageant of Masters in Laguna Beach. We weren't just good, we were amazing."
JUDY EGAN UMECK '75—"A truly sacred encounter of our class of '75! We started an annual "birthday" dinner at the Smoke House every November. At this event we also continue the tradition of collecting money for a scholarship fund to honor the memory of LeeAnne Schwend Willis. After several successful years of gathering and sharing our adventures, we found out one of our classmates was terminal and gathered to honor Sibby Syracuse. We were amazed at the turnout this particular year. We are truly proud of the women we graduated with and are happy to continue this journey as PHS Alums."
1970's
SANDRA PROBASCO WAIBEL '78—"In 1974, I arrived at PHS as a freshman. I never really fit in with any of the groups and was very unhappy. You see, I had a very abusive alcoholic father at home, and I dared not tell anyone what kind
DEBBI BENNETT '71—"In 1969, a relative of a Providence student by the name of David needed a kidney transplant.
Winter 2021 | 23
of environment I was living in at the time. Sister Val Fernandez saw how miserable I was and tried to take me under her wing. She became the only one I trusted, and I was so grateful for her. Mr. Van Alphen (Calculus teacher) also saw that I was having problems and understood my 'weirdness.' By the time my junior year arrived, my living situation had become intolerable, and I was angry at the world. In my senior year, Mrs. Torres and Sister Jean-Marie noticed a change in my behavior: I could not focus and felt very depressed. I was in jeopardy of not graduating. The teachers at PHS are truly caring; they gave me extra help with my classes. Mr. Vega was a steady encouraging person at the school! Thankfully, I did graduate in 1978 and went on to model in Europe before going to college. It's been a long time since 1978, but what I do remember is the feeling of not fitting in and thinking I was the only one that felt that way. As a result, I decided to donate my PHS yearbooks to the school library. Inside, I wrote pieces of my story, hoping that another student who may be in a similar experience feel encouraged.
Oscar and I "knew" each other and shared a few common friends. This was not hard when your graduating class was less than 100 students. However, the divine Providence would not change our lives until we "re-met" at our 10 year high school reunion. A small gathering at a local art studio arranged by our amazing classmates. A simple exchange of business cards led to a few phone calls, a date, a commitment, and in July of 1999 we were wed. If not for the foundations that were instilled by our families and nurtured by our loving Providence community we would not have had the basics needed to start our married lives together. We have lived in Burbank for more than 25 years, raising our two children, Aimee (22) and Jesse (19). We will forever be grateful for the time we each had at Providence. We may not be high school sweethearts—but the principles that Providence instilled led us to each other and is what we pull from today to nurture our relationship.”
A few words of advice to current Pioneers: Reach out to a PHS teacher, coach, staff member, or whoever you are comfortable with and talk with them. Know that we all have felt as if 'we don't fit in' and will never be good enough at some points in our lives. And finally, please know that wonderful things await you in life, and 'fitting in' is overrated. The magic happens when you realize that you may be very bad at 'fitting in,' but be very good at thinking outside of the box."
1990's
MARISA PAOLONE '96—"My mentor was Jan McLaughlin. Jan emulated skills and traits that are now a part of my daily work, my sacred encounters. I loved how tough, independent, articulate, and amazingly funny she was and still is. Jan conveyed concepts better than anyone I have ever known. Every time I think of her, speak with her, I am beaming.
1980's
KAREN AASEN RODRIGUEZ ‘88—“When I graduated from Providence High School in 1988, I would have never believed, if at that time you would have told me, that I would marry Oscar Rodriguez ‘88.
24 | Vista
I admired her for her tenacity, humor, reliability, consistency, and naturally, her teaching skills. Jan loved what she did…now I can say the same. Jan was always true and just plain good to me—she treated me like a young adult and wanted me to succeed. She was also a second mother - she listened always, and if necessary, offered constructive criticism, that I still hold in high esteem. She knows how valuable and precious she was in my formative years. What she gave me, I now
give to my students and that cycle within the universe continues. Though I have always been a reader, Jan made me love words - to dissect them, to write. Her sense of humor is unsurpassed, and her class made me feel alive, happy, reassured, home. We are still close. She is with me, as I channel her each day in my English classes. Jan drastically altered her voice as we read and discussed - she was grand in her physicality too. She moved about the room - she was truly, an active teacher. I had her for junior and senior English. When students tell me they love my class, that it's their favorite, that they always feel happy coming to English class, or that now they enjoy reading and writing, I am humbled, I am beyond blessed - though I remind them to pay homage to my mentor too." ALLISON HASTINGS KNOWLES '99—"When I was a junior, I attended the Close Up Washington DC trip, which was a really big deal because it was the first time I'd flown without my family and on a red-eye flight, no less! At the time, the City of Burbank offered scholarships for Burbank residents to attend this trip. I don't remember the application process, but I do recall Sr. Lucille meeting with the group of about three or four of us Burbank students to go over our speech that we would present to the Burbank City Council during their weekly council meeting. We all worked together after school to create this speech and took turns reading a section during the live and televised meeting. Sr. Lucille went to great lengths to ensure that everything was just right: that we would be sure to look presentable, and that we were wellrehearsed, remembering to make eye contact with the council members from time to time while we read from our scripts. I was so nervous to speak in public but having her sitting in the audience, rooting us on, was such a great comfort. We all went to dinner either before or after the meeting to celebrate and I remember Sr. Lucille being genuinely interested in our lives. Many years later, when I joined the PHS staff, Sr. Lucille, though no longer the principal, would email me every so often to let me know that she was proud of the work I was doing, still rooting me on but this time from afar. To this day, I look forward to her emails and visits. Sr. Lucille is very much a north star in my life and I will always treasure my time spent with her."
Faculty & Staff SONA ASHJIAN—“I had a very meaningful sacred encounter in 2011, when I had my bilateral knee surgery. After four hours of surgery, when I opened my eyes, along with my family and friends, I saw Dr. Harjani and David Rufus. They had been waiting for me to come out of surgery. After my surgery and during my rehab, they both visited and called constantly, checking in on me and asking me if I needed anything. I will never forget their kindness and friendship. That was a sacred encounter for me.” JANET FONTAINE—“A beautiful, sacred encounter was at the Senior Awards Ceremony with my son, William Harrison '18 who graduated from the Cinema Arts focus program in 2018. I am blessed that I am an alumni parent, and I am even more blessed that I am on staff as our Christian Service Coordinator. My PHS family has been a lifeline navigating this global pandemic. I'm not sure what I would do without this nurturing, compassionate, heartcentered community.” ARJAN HARJANI—"My first meeting with Sr. Lucille and Sr. Mary in the business office in 1991 when I came for an interview [was a sacred encounter]. It was Providential! I had just lost my job as a teacher at Pater Noster because the LA Archdiocese decided to close the school. Sr. Mary hired me in a matter of minutes, another sacred encounter. They both were very welcoming."
SR. ROSA NGUYEN, SP—"I believe every interaction between staff, faculty, students, families, and others is a sacred encounter when we treat each other with respect, dignity, care, and compassion. In our encounters we wish to connect with others as an image of God. Our mission and values support this kind of engagement. In my service I serve in care for each person and the common good of all."
Winter 2021 | 25
culture of PHILANTHROPY
26 | Vista
a message from our DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
W
elcome to the second half of one of the most bizarre school years in history!
I joined the Providence community last March when we gratefully accepted our son’s admission offer to enroll in the Tech Focus Program, and then I expanded the relationship by joining the staff as the Director of Development in September. Having a freshman start a new school and starting a new job during a pandemic has been an extraordinary experience. What has struck me the most is this community’s reticence to mourn what can’t be done due to the pandemic and instead try and focus on where we can find opportunities to improve and innovate. The willingness to try and, if it doesn’t work the way it was intended, admit it and find a better way is sometimes challenging as a parent of a student, but I appreciate the example it sets for our son —don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid for it to not be perfect, take what you learned from the experience and build on it to make it better—repeat until you get it right. What an incredible life lesson! That same spirit has been evident when it comes to our development initiatives. Our Mother’s Guild decided to take the very popular Not Your Grandma’s Bingo event into the virtual space. Was it the same as having everyone together looking over the card of the person next to you to see how they were doing? No, but you haven’t really lived until you have seen a Zoom chat blowing up with smack talk about how close a bingo was! Knowing that it was unlikely that we would see athletes regularly in the gym, Coach Lincoln assessed the needs
of the Athletics Department and what could be done to improve the facilities that would be more challenging if the athletes were on campus. The result was the creation of the 65th Anniversary Athletics Fund with a goal of raising $65,000 to purchase a new scoreboard, scoring table, a batting cage for baseball, softball, and golf and refinish the gym floor. We have just begun reaching out to alumni who were involved in athletics to invite them to participate, but I look forward to updating you on our progress soon. And, speaking of our 65th Anniversary, our Gala is going virtual! On May 8th we will celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students over the last 65 years, while celebrating the values that are core to the Providence community. There will be some very special guests in attendance in addition to fantastic entertainment. Attendance will be free, but VIP tickets that include a gourmet dinner, wine and 65th Anniversary swag will be available for purchase. Make sure you are subscribed to our social media feeds to get all the latest information. I am here to be of service, so please do reach out if you need more information regarding any of the above, have ideas or concerns you want to share, or just to say hello!
Mrs. Anja Kloch Director of Development Anja.Kloch@providencehigh.org
Winter 2021 | 27
LET YOUR PIONEER PRIDE FLY! 65th Anniversary PHS Athletics Fund
D
espite these trying times, PHS is committed to finding new ways to look to the future and improve our school. The Athletics Department is no exception. Our Pioneer athletes have persevered and adjusted their training in the form of staggered, physically distanced conditioning in order to prepare for the long awaited day when competitive sports are deemed to be safe. In addition, PHS Athletic Director Brandon Lincoln, along with administration, reflected on what could be accomplished now while our campus is closed. In order to best support our resilient Pioneers, they determined the following updates were in order: • repair and refinish gym floor • new scoreboard (to replace the faulty scoreboard that made last year's championship games that much more exciting) • new scorer's table • batting cage for the baseball, softball, and golf teams • replace equipment
28 | Vista
These needs total just over $65,000 so we have launched the 65th Anniversary PHS Athletics Fund. Athletics plays a crucial role in the lives of all Pioneers— it is where teenagers learn self-discipline, commitment to excellence, and how to compete while maintaining a sense of camaraderie—all of which are vital life lessons. Additionally, athletics fosters a sense of community and school spirit where all Pioneers can come together as one to cheer our Pioneers to victory! We invite you to support our current and future Pioneers with a gift of $100 or more today. Gifts of $100 or more will be recognized with a personalized felt pennant that will be displayed in the Student Activity Center to honor your generous support of the 65th Anniversary PHS Athletics Fund. For more information, please visit www.providencehigh. org/Athletics or contact Development Coordinator, Elizabeth Park, at elizabeth.park@providencehigh.org.
Winter 2021 | 29
T
he Providence High School community would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the following patrons who have graciously made donations to Providence High School from July 1, 2020 through January 15, 2021. The Development Department does its best to ensure all donors are recognized, however if we inadvertently missed someone, please accept our sincere apology and know that your generosity did not go unnoticed.
Teri McQuaide Abbott '62 Mr. and Mrs. Salvador Abuel Mr. and Mrs. Keith Adams Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Adney Mr. and Mrs. Ross Agre Mr. and Mrs. Javier Alejo Mrs. Susan Alem Ms. Sandra Alexander Ms. Patricia Alvarado Mr. and Mrs. Nick Amirian Ms. Olympia Ammon Anonymous Donor Mr. and Mrs. Hovig Arabian Dr. Emily Arambulo and Mr. Karl Arambulo Sunny Levasseur Arford '61 Ms. Patricia Arias Mr. and Mrs. Adam Arteaga Ms. Danielle Arzaga Christina Ashjian '03 Mr. and Mrs. Leon Ashjian Michael Ashjian '07 and Pateel Tavidian Ashjian '07 Mr. James Astorga Mr. Wayne Atkinson and Ms. Cheryl Hartson Ms. Sonja Augustine Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baer Mrs. Vickie Bagwell Dr. Marlene Balabanian and Mr. Gary Arakelian '88 Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Balderas Mr. and Mrs. John Ball Mr. and Mrs. Lemar Banta Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Barahona Robert Bates '79 Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Batres Mr. and Mrs. William Bautista Ms. Suzette Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Jason Beck Susan Du Plante Becker '64 Mrs. Nancy Beckon The Benevity Community Impact Fund (Biogen) The Benevity Community Impact Fund (Dolby) The Benevity Community Impact Fund (Getty) The Benevity Community Impact Fund (Netflix ) The Benevity Community Impact Fund (Warner Bros) Mr. and Mrs. Randolf Bialkowski Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Billings Mrs. Clara Bird Mr. David Bird Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bodden Ms. Anne Boland Mrs. Susana Bordey Mr. Raul Borja Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bornoff Jennifer Bornoff '95 Mrs. Cathy Boucher Michelle Boucher '95
30 | Vista
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Bourdages Melissa Hayes Brennan '77 Carole Cunha Brodbeck '72 Mr. Kristopher Brown and Mr. David Todd III Mr. and Mrs. Nick Brown Dennis Bullock '88 Nancy Brown Bussard '73 Mrs. Val Byron Mr. Ryan Cadiz Mr. and Mrs. Ron Cafferty Mr. and Mrs. Dean Cala Mr. and Mrs. Byron Caloza Dr. Angelique Campen Mr. Jaime Campos Karissa Caperina '06 Mary Cappadonna '69 Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Cardenas Jacquelynn Slatten Carlson '72 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cassity Olga L. Castellanos '73 Mr. and Mrs. Jose Castillo Ms. Josefina Castillo Ms. Margarita Castillo Allison DeFrancesco Castro '02 Mr. and Mrs. Chris Castro Gregory Castro '02 Mr. and Mrs. Froilan Casupanan Mr. Dominic Catrambone Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Caverly Mr. and Mrs. David Cedeno Ms. Heidi Cederholm Mr. Michael Centeno and Ms. Valerie De La Garza Ms. Lorena Cerritos Ms. Rachel Chaires Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chambers Mr. and Mrs. Tim Chan Ms. Barbara Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chuchvara Michelle Fodor Clapp '66 Mr. Evan Cohen and Ms. Seanna Hore Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cohen Mr. Jason Coito Mr. and Mrs. Mike Collier Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins Mr. Mando Contreras Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Conty Kendal Coopman '05 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Coopman Ms. Pamela Corradi Mr. Carlos Cortez Melinda Ward Coyne '74 Mr. and Mrs. James Crenshaw Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Cunningham Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Curtis Mrs. Ellen Curtis Ms. Shanica Dale Mrs. Rebecca Damodaran Mr. and Mrs. Craig Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Davis Mr. and Mrs. Ronald De Guzman Mr. and Mrs. Noel De Vera Sister Lucille Dean, SP Karen Vanblair Delgado '62 Alexa Dell'Acqua '80 Mrs. Cecilia Derr Mr. Erick Diaz Ms. Katherine DiMaggio Walt Disney Company Foundation Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Ms. Lina Doi Mr. and Mrs. Tim Donnelly Mr. and Mrs. Luis Duarte Mr. and Mrs. Marc Dube Ms. Erica Elizabeth Mr. and Mrs. Harold Elman Mr. and Mrs. Neil Elman Mr. and Mrs. Cesar Espinoza Mrs. Mary Evans Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fairweather Dolores Sosa Falchini '77 Ms. Amy Fasciglione Ms. Joanie Fenstermaker Kathleen Kelly Fernan '72 Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ferrante Mr. Bill Ferrell Mrs. Marie Filipian Mr. Barry Finnegan Mr. and Mrs. James Flint Mr. and Mrs. Hector Flores Ms. Michele Flynn Ms. Janet Fontaine Dr. Maricel Fortin and Mr. Edgar Fortin Veronica Foster-Rutledge '64 Kathy Dickinson Fredrickson '62 Mr. Dan Freedman and Ms. Karen Macarah Mr. Joshua Freeman Mary O'Donnell Freund '64 Ms. Sara Fruman Christy Rodriguez Futernick '88 Sharon Young Galindo '59 Mr. Daniel Gamez Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gant Carol Feloney Garibay '64 Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Garner Mrs. Elizabeth Ghekiere Ms. Mary Lou Gilliland Ms. Alexandra Glickman Michelle Goffin Godfrey '75 Mr. Jesus Godinez Leslie Carroll Goetzman '76 Mr. Richard Graff Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Graham Carolyn Urone Greenwood '61 Paula Grimaud-Diniro '76 Mary Hood Groff '74 Mrs. Barbara Grossguth Marie O'Brien Guasco '71
Kirk and Denise Gutches Dr. Tedmur Habash and Mr. Noel Habash Scott Hamilton '82 Bill Hannon Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Hannon William H. Hannon Foundation Joe Hanratty '82 Linda Pixley Hardman '68 Dr. Arjan Harjani Mr. and Mrs. Link Harnsberger Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Haroutounian Patricia Nicolai Harrington '62 Mr. and Mrs. Frazer Harrison Gloria Maraney Harrison '65 Mrs. Christen Harty-Schaefer Mr. and Mrs. Paul Haslinger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hastings Sister Mary Hawkins, SP Mrs. Mary Ann Haywood Karen Hearn-Abbott '72 Mr. and Mrs. Luis Hernandez Mrs. Claire M. Hickey Karen Reinhart Hicks '84 Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Higgins Jean Batliner Hill '71 Penny McQuattie Hill '61 Ms. Patricia Hoard Mr. and Mrs. Tracey Hodges Deborah Melone Hollens '66 Stephenie-Marie Hope '79 Karen Hudecek '65 Michele Garrier Hunstable '86 Judith Hunt '64 Dr. Maria Ignacio Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ingel Ms. Lorna Inguito Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Inocian Carol Rando Irsfeld '59 Michael Jagosz '09 and Susan Chambers Jagosz '09 Elaine Anastasia Janson '64 Ms. Pamela Jensen James Jimenez '02 Christopher Jones '91 Mr. Sami Kadi and Ms. Bana Abdel Samad Mr. and Mrs. Jon Kaplan Mr. Fayez Karroum and Ms. Maria Danhach Jodi Reif Kasper '76 and Dennis Kasper Georgette Dvoracek Katuna '69 Ms. Louann Katz-Curtis Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Keeshen Rosemary Cunha Kehl '65 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keller Elizabeth Burton Kelly '73 Pauline Kiernan '73 Carol Kiernan-Griswold '71 Mary Jo Livingston Kinney '59 Ms. Karri Kirsch Ms. Kimberlee Kirsch Mr. and Mrs. Mossig Kizirian Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kloch Allison Hastings Knowles '99 Peggy Dalton Kohls '63 Mr. David Kohn Mr. Roy Kokoyachuk and Ms. Lynn Pickett Mr. and Mrs. Harout Krumian Mr. and Mrs. Zareh Krumian Ms. Maribel Kuklish Mr. and Mrs. Scott Kunitz Ms. Julianne Kusmierczyk Ms. Michelle Laforce Dianne Sorrell Lamb '60
Mr. Eric Lambert and Ms. Tina Trivan-Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee Mr. Jose Leon Mr. Brandon Lincoln Mrs. Joan Linkogle Heidi J. Hufford Linn Mr. and Mrs. Michael Livingston Mr. and Mrs. Michael Loftus Mr. and Mrs. Todd Lohnas Mr. Juan Lopez Geraldine Stifter Lorme '73 Mrs. Betty Lowrie Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lubeley Mrs. Maria Theresa Luca Adele Pallotti Lucas '66 Theresa Monica Ludtke '60 Mr. Aaron Lustig and Ms. Heather O'Connor Mr. Ibrahim Malki and Ms. Elizabeth Sultanyan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mallo Mr. and Mrs. Primo Mamaril Mr. and Mrs. James Markey Helena Murano Marsh '65 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marshall Mr. Edward Martikian Ms. Kerry Martin Anthony and Linda Martinez Dr. and Mrs. Charles Maseredjian Ms. Sana Matar Alexandra Matthews '71 Annie Matthews '93 Mr. and Mrs. Takashi Mayeda Ms. Miranda Mayfield Ellen McManus McCarthy '81 and Mike McCarthy Mr. Sean McClenahen Mary McDermott '71 Edith Kingsley McDevitt '60 Mr. Michael McFarlane and Ms. Chandra Wilson Martina McGlynn '69 Sister Mary Catherine McGuire, SP Patricia Simon McInnish '72 Mr. and Mrs. Paul McKenna Mr. Scott McLarty Sandy Denning McLaughlin '67 Nancy McNamara-Trudeau '72 Linda McNeel '68 Mr. and Mrs. David McNutt Mr. and Mrs. Myron Medalla Kathleen Meehan '74 Father Francis Mendoza Mr. and Mrs. Jim Menke Mr. Kyle Menke Mrs. Setsuko Meyer Mr. and Mrs. John Meza Ms. Zenaida Michael Mr. Sean Mier Elaine Miller '69 Eric Miller '82 Mrs. Estelita Miller Elizabeth Hermann Mitchell '60 Ms. Carmen Monarres Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mongelli Sister Carla Montante, SP Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Montante Mr. Genderzon Montejo Kathleen Hurley Montierth '65 Mr. Douglas Morales and Ms. Patricia Blanco Ms. Nicole Morrison Ms. Allyssa Moscotte Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Mark Munoz
Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Najjarian Laura Pulido Nash '81 Mr. and Mrs. Ermin Nazareno Linda Newton '77 Mr. Joe Ngamsanga Mr. James Nguyen Sister Rosa Nguyen, SP Mr. Nick Norman Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ocampo Mrs. Lydia Ocampo Jens Oetiker '81 Natalie J. Ohrt '11 Margaret O'Neill '70 Mary O'Neill '74 Mrs. Marlene Orlando Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Ortega Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus Orthwein Mr. Josue Pacheco Mr. and Mrs. James Pagliuso Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Paja Ms. Janet Panichi Lisa Casella Pantoja '96 Marisa Paolone '96 Kathleen Courtney Pardi '68 Ms. Elizabeth Park Robert Parmele '02 Drs. Mayur and Nisha Patel Mr. Rick Patri Jeanette Fischer Peter '64 Mr. and Mrs. John Petros Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Picazo Joy Anne Glassmire Pierce '81 Mr. and Mrs. Rod Pingul Ms. Teresa Piumetti Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pizzello Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Pniowsky Ruth Bilek Podielski '63 Barbara Palumbo Poer '59 Lanora Fitzgerald Pook '64 Mr. Stuart Posin Caryl Harvey Prati '59 Mr. and Mrs. Robb Pratt Cynthia Preciado '00 Providence Hotties David Pulido '81 Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Quintero Victoria Piemonte Rabjohn '62 Kathy Thesing Ramdin '59 Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ramirez Betsy Ramsey '63 Suzanne Ramsey '70 Mrs. Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield Bradley Recker '78 and Rita Figliuzzi Recker '81 Rediger Family Foundation Regina Shermer Reed '69 Donna Spalding Reinbold '73 Gail Reisman '73 Elizabeth Reuter '07 Mr. and Mrs. Alex Reyes Nelly Vazquez Rios '98 and Daniel Rios Mrs. Ashley Rivers Joannes Pamatmat Rodriguez '03 Mary Rohan '73 Mr. and Mrs. Ed Romano Mr. and Mrs. Norman Ronquillo Mr. and Mrs. Brian Rosenberg Maureen Birney Rosenblatt '61 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Rouse Mr. and Mrs. David Rufus Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ruiz Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Salazar
Winter 2021 | 31
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Salinas Ada-Nicole Sanger '16 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sanger Mr. and Mrs. Dede Sanrow Mr. and Mrs. David Santa Cruz Mr. and Mrs. Kris Santa Cruz Sister Joeline Santiago, SSS Mr. and Mrs. Romeo Santos Mr. and Mrs. Racelito Sarmiento Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sartoris Sister Barbara Schamber, SP '61 Kathleen Casey Schmidl '67 Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sciuto Mr. Benjamin Segura and Ms. Diana Cardenas Ms. Susan Selvin Mary Rausch Sepucha '61 Mr. Ilyea Shaikh Timothy Shannon '77 Amely Gabrielle Sijo '16 Mr. and Mrs. Simon Simitian Ms. Maura Simon Sisters of Providence Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Siy Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sizemore Mr. and Mrs. Tim Smith The Timothy and Judith Smith Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Spencer Terence Stephenson '95 Mr. Michael Stevens and Ms. Melina Root Darleen Stoker '80 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stoliker Marguerite Story-Baker '64 Ligia Urcuyo Strauss '79 Mrs. Stacy Swanson Mr. David Swift and Ms. Beth Eras Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Swofford Carol Lex Tanner '59 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Tapper Mrs. Sossy Tavidian Mr. and Mrs. Don Terbush Karen Teters '70 Tim Thobe '87 Mr. CJ Thompkins and Ms. Graciela Alvarado Dianne Tomsicek-McGinnis '63 Mr. Carlos Torres and Ms. Sandra Jaffa Mr. and Mrs. Raul Torres Eileen Froelich Trujillo Mr. and Mrs. Scott Turicchi Susan Turmell-Husk '66 Mr. Scott and Mrs. Jill Turner Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Urbina Mr. and Mrs. Eric Van Gilder Ms. Catherine Van Stralen Mr. James Varga Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Vazquez Paolo Velasco '94 and Carrie McNutt Velasco '94 Mrs. Angelica Velazquez Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Vidal Dr. Delia Daniela Vignale Mrs. Delia Vignale Sister Lucy Villanova, SP Mary Ellen Hammond Villar '64 Mr. and Mrs. Hernando Villavicencio Mr. and Mrs. Donato Viray Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Wadley James Wagner, Jr. '83 Mr. Derrick Walker Margie Maker Walters '71 Marianne Stifter Walters '69 Traci Wargo-Lehman '91
32 | Vista
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Warson '90 Denise Charland Weddle '64 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Wehrenberg Ms. Livia Wells Mrs. Vickie Weston Sister Teresa White, SP '62 Most Reverend Gerald E. Wilkerson Patricia Wilkinson '69 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Williams Gabrielle Dagan Winstead '84 Mr. and Mrs. Jason Winters Mrs. Helen Wong Phyllis Weber Wright '59 Ms. Linda Wyatt Mrs. Susan Yee Mr. and Mrs. Steven Yell Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Young YourCause Trustee for New York Life Insurance Foundation Richard G. Yousko '83 Mr. James Ziegler Hani Zubi '88 Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zwart
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF JAINEE ABRERA '98
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Luis Hernandez
JACK BENADON
Donation made by Kathleen Meehan '74 Providence Hotties
SISTER REBECCA BERGHOFF, SP Donation made by Veronica Foster-Rutledge '64 Elaine Anastasia Janson '64
ROBERT AND ELAINE BRENNAN Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lubeley
RONALD BURTON
Donation made by Elizabeth Burton Kelly '73
RICHARD CHAN
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Tim Chan
SUZAN TAYLOR COOPER
Donation made by Dianne Tomsicek-McGinnis '63 Mary Ellen Hammond Villar '64
ALMARIO P. CRUZ
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Donato Viray
GENEVIEVE CUNHA
Donation made by Carole Cunha Brodbeck '72 Rosemary Cunha Kehl '65
JOANNE CUNHA '68
Donation made by Carole Cunha Brodbeck '72
Rosemary Cunha Kehl '65
NANCY WAVERLY FITGERALD '69
Donation made by Elaine Miller '69
SUE ALEXANDER GILBERT '73 Donation made by Olga L. Castellanos '73
NELSON GUZMAN
Donation made by Ms. Allyssa Moscotte
SISTER RENATE HAYUM, S.P. Donation made by Sister Lucille Dean, SP Mrs. Barbara Grossguth Sister Mary Hawkins, SP
LILLIAN AND TEX HEARN Donation made by Karen Hearn-Abbott '72
LARRY C. KEESHAN
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Keeshan
THOMAS KIERNAN
Donation made by Carol Kiernan-Griswold '71
SYLVIA LIVOTI MACALLER
Donation made by Carol Rando Irsfeld '59 Mary Jo Livingston Kinney '59 Barbara Palumbo Poer '59 Kathy Thesing Ramdin '59 Carol Lex Tanner '59 Phyllis Weber Wright '59
JOHN AND BARBARA MCQUAIDE Donation made by Teri McQuaide Abbott '62
FELIX T. MUNOZ
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Munoz
ADILIA QUESADA
Donation made by Mr. Erick Diaz
RICHARD STEPHENSON
Donation made by Terrence Stephenson '95
RUTH AND HOWARD WILKINSON Donation made by Patricia Wilkinson '69
GIFTS IN HONOR OF SISTER LUCILLE DEAN, SP
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hastings Ms. Patricia Hoard Mr. and Mrs. Michael Livingston
Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lubeley
HALEY DIAZ '17
Donation made by Mr. Erick Diaz
EMMA FLINT
Donation made by Ms. Janet Panichi
ISAIAH GALVEZ
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Quintero
SISTER MARY HAWKINS, SP Donation made by Ms. Patricia Hoard
SISTER MARY HAWKINS, SP'S 50TH JUBILEE Donation made by Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75
DEREK NOWAK
Donation made by Mrs. Mary Ann Haywood
MASON SPENCER
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee
KIARA CORA VAZQUEZ
Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Vazquez
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS 50 YEAR CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Carol Rando Irsfeld '59 Mary Jo Livingston Kinney '59 Elizabeth Hermann Mitchell '60 Barbara Palumbo Poer '59 Caryl Harvey Prati '59 Kathy Thesing Ramdin '59 Carol Lex Tanner '59 Patricia Wilkinson '69 Phyllis Weber Wright '59
CLASS OF 1975 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Donation made by Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75
TOM DURKIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Adney Mrs. Mary Ann Haywood
ELEONORA GREENHILL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Leon Ashjian Michael Ashjian '07 Pateel Tavidian Ashjian '07 Melissa Hayes Brennan '77 Mary Cappadonna '69 Mrs. Ellen Curtis Paula Grimaud-Diniro '76 Elaine Miller '69
Marisa Paolone '96 Joy Anne Glassmire Pierce '81 Darleen Stoker '80 Tim Thobe '87 Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Vazquez Margie Maker Walters '71 Marianne Stifter Walters '69 Traci Wargo-Lehman '91 Gabrielle Dagan Winstead '84
SISTER RENATE HAYUM, S.P. ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Donation made by Mrs. Vickie Bagwell Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins Sister Lucille Dean, SP Mrs. Barbara Grossguth Sister Mary Hawkins, SP Sister Mary Catherine McGuire, SP Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mullen Lisa Casella Pantoja '96 Sister Barbara Schamber, SP '61 Sisters of Providence Terence Stephenson '95 Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75 Mrs. Susan Yee Hani Zubi '88
Christy Rodriguez Futernick '88 Scott Hamilton '82 Carol Kiernan-Griswold '71 Mr. Jose Leon Mr. and Mrs. David McNutt Eric Miller '82 Linda Newton '77 Joy Anne Glassmire Pierce '81 Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Quintero Karen Teters '70 Traci Wargo-Lehman '91 Hani Zubi '88
REIF-KASPER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Jodi Reif Kasper '76 and Dennis Kasper Mr. and Mrs. Mark Munoz
SANGER VPA/CINEMA ARTS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sanger
JAINEE ABRERA KAIROS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Mr. and Mrs. Tim Chan Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Conty Mr. and Mrs. Luis Hernandez Allison Hastings Knowles '99 Elizabeth Reuter '07 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sanger Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75
SISTER ALEXIS MELANCON S.P. SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Donation made by Anonymous Kathy Dickinson Fredrickson '62 Mary O'Donnell Freund '64 Patricia Nicolai Harrington '62 Karen Hearn-Abbott '72 Karen Hudecek '65 Georgette Dvoracek Katuna '69 Martina McGlynn '69 Sister Rosa Nguyen, SP Jeanette Fischer Peter '64 Regina Shermer Reed '69 Sisters of Providence Bruce Umeck and Judy Egan Umeck '75 Mary Ellen Hammond Villar '64
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Mr. Erick Diaz Michele Garrier Hunstable '86 Elizabeth Burton Kelly '73 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Livingston Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lubeley Eileen Froelich Trujillo
RAFAEL VEGA ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND Donation made by Anonymous Robert Bates '79 Mrs. Val Byron
Winter 2021 | 33
we pray TO THE LORD
P
lease keep the following members of the extended Providence Community in your thoughts and prayers.
SARENE ARABIAN '22 and MELINEY ARABIAN '24 for the passing of their grandparent, Harout Arabian. PHS faculty member MARGARITA CASTILLO for the passing of her mother. The family of SUZAN TAYLOR COOPER '63. Suzan passed away on November 19, 2020. AMANDA DEKERMENJI '06 and MELISSA DEKERMENJI '08 for the passing of their father, Edward Dekermenji. TAMMY KATZ '77 for the passing of her mother, Estelle KatzFields. The family of former PHS student from the Class of 1962 DIANE LONERGAN IDLEMAN. Diane passed away on September 22, 2020. The family of SYLVIA LIVOTI MACALLER '59. Sylvia passed away on December 21, 2020. KATE MEEHAN '74 for the passing of her husband, Jack Benadon. DOMINIC MONGELLI '22 for the passing of his grandfather, Hugo Zapata.
34 | Vista
PHS staff member ALLYSSA MOSCOTTE for the passing of her grandmother, Maria Esperanza Morales. HAGOP SIMITYAN '03 and ROSY SIMITYAN '06 for the passing of their father, Sarkis Simityan. ROBERT TAMAYO '79, RICHARD TAMAYO '83, and GINA TAMAYO CARR '87 for the passing of their father, Ernesto Tamayo. KASSANDRA TURICCHI '23 for the passing of her grandfather, Robert Turicchi. CHARLEEN COFFEY VEGA '65 for the passing of her husband, Rafael "Ray" Vega. PHS faculty member HANI ZUBI '88 and NASEEM ZUBI '92 for the passing of their uncle, Fouad Zubi, and cousins, Aowni Zubi and Shouki Zubi.
Eternal rest grant 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.
Art by Alexandra Spendlove '24
Art by Breya Dietrich '23
D
E HI G H
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
CH
OO L
PROVI
NC
S
E
PAID
511 S. Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91505
PARENTS OF ALUMNI If your Providence High School graduate has a new permanent mailing address, please contact the Development Office with their updated mailing address.
CONNECT WITH US! @phsburbank @phsburbank @phsburbank @phsburbank For information about important dates and upcoming events, please visit our website: www.providencehigh.org.
LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 3137