THE REGIUM
6TH EDITION
The Regium is Rosary Academy’s publication for alumnae, parents, friends, and benefactors.
©2025 Rosary Academy
All rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from Rosary Academy
Rosary Academy
1340 N. Acacia Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831 communications@rosaryacademy.org
Leadership Team
Dr. Shawna L. Pautsch Head of School
Sean Basford Principal/Assistant Head of School
Nicola Huerta ’94
Assistant Principal, Student Services
Samantha Hunt Assistant Principal, Academics
Eileen Kearns ’78 Executive Director of Campus Ministry
Cléopâtre McCormick Executive Director of Finance
Kristie Rueff O’Campo ’02 Executive Director of Advancement
Tom Tice Jr.
Assistant Principal/Director of Athletics
Thank You
Thank you to Katie Tijerina ’15, Therese Vasquez ’22, Valeria Duque, and Jessica Hermosillo ‘14 for capturing many of the images of Rosary Academy’s special moments. Thank you to Alexia Mancia for being the graphic designer on this publication.
CONTENTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Message from the Head of School page 3
Year in Review page 4
How Rosary’s Core Values Cultivate page 8 a Royal Community Bella Ramirez ‘26
Celebrating Rosary’s Founding Administrators page 10
Jennifer (Kanne) Seaton ‘97
Trinitas page 12
Pathway to Success page 14
Gabrielle Lazo ’25
Celebrating a Legacy of Dedication and Service:
A Tribute to Debbie Watson page 16
Kristie (Rueff) O’Campo ‘02
Athletic Highlights page 18
Celebrating the Class of 2025 page 24
Message from the Excecutive Director of Advancement page 26
Giving Day Highlights page 29
Annual Auction page 30
Message from Alumnae Relations page 32
An Update on Milan Smith ‘24 page 38
Justine Wilson ’26
Alumnae Highlights page 40
Upcoming Events page 44
In Memoriam page 45
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US!
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Rosary community,
The 2024-2025 school year has been truly remarkable. As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply impressed by the spirit and dedication shown by our students. Every single day, a Rosary student is recognized for her outstanding contributions, both inside and outside the classroom. These young women embody the qualities of confidence, faith, and service-oriented leadership.
They are unwavering in their commitment to uplifting others, consistently demonstrating their commitment to serving the dear neighbor without distinction. Their pursuit of excellence in everything they do is inspiring. I am both honored and humbled to be part of this incredible community.
Our rich history and cherished traditions not only honor the past, but also set the stage for an even brighter future for Rosary. The 2025-2026 school year will mark a historic milestone—the 60th anniversary of Rosary. We will celebrate six decades of empowering and educating young women, and sixty years of excellence in Catholic education!
Your generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure has been integral to our past successes. As we look toward the future, your continued support will help us grow in even more dynamic ways. Our goal is to continue thriving for another 60 years and beyond. Rosary would not be the exceptional all-girls Catholic high school that it is without you. We remain financially strong, our enrollment remains steady, and our fundraising efforts have been more successful than ever. This success is a testament to the generosity of the Rosary family and your unwavering belief in our mission.
Thank you for saying “yes” through your steadfast commitment to Rosary and its mission. Your personal and financial support directly impacts everyone at this school, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Thank you for journeying with us and helping Rosary thrive as we live out our charism and core values.
I also want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to the members of our consultative school board and finance committee for their passion, dedication, and expertise. Their tireless work has been a driving force behind our success, and their guidance continues to elevate our school leadership to new heights.
I look forward to another school year filled with hope, joy, and continued growth.
Thank you again for all that you do to help Rosary shine.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Shawna L. Pautsch Head of School
YEAR IN REVIEW 2024-2025
106 9th graders joined the Rosary sisterhood at Royal Welcome in July!
Congratulations to the 2024 Wall of Fame Inductees. The 1998 and 1999 CIF Water Polo Champions, and Kaiya Watties ’27, who received the Kay Lee Memorial Athletic Fee Scholarship.
Rosary kept the Sisters of St. Joseph tradition alive and hosted the 44th annual Cracked Crab.
We welcomed over 70 alumnae back to campus to present Rosary Day rings to the Class of 2026.
Our Homecoming Court had a great time at the Homecoming Game and an absolute blast at the dance! Thanks to Servite for hosting an amazing dance and bringing our fun-loving communities together!
Rosary hosted its 8th annual Giving Day Thank you for your support!
The sophomore class served the dear neighbor and hosted the 5th annual RAD Winter Wonderful Prom for their class service project.
Mrs. Diane D’Alba was named Teacher of the Year!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Father-Daughter Dinner and Dance!
The Moms Club hosted their 3rd annual Mother-Daughter Christmas Brunch , filled with holiday fun and a festive feast.
The 22nd annual Red Wine & Gold raised over $265,000 for tuition assistance! Thank you for your support! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Grandparents Club hosted a Christmas cookie exchange for the entire student body.
Congratulations to Kayla Tolentino, our 2024 Lauri Chiaretta Scholarship Recipient.
Rosary’s 55th annual Red & Gold kicked off cheering on our Red Racers, Gold Pilots, and the White Team Sailors for this year’s theme, “The Silver Lining!”
Christina Vaughn’26 was selected as a Girls State Delegate and will attend a summer leadership program that offers a unique experience to young women in California to learn about the inner workings of government.
Rosary hosted its 2nd annual alumnae shadow day during the Red & Gold season.
We hosted the RAMUN Conference with 100+ delegates from 7 schools.
Gold team wins!
As their Freshman Service Project, our students joined Love Fullerton’s service day, spreading love the Royal way!
We thanked the Faley Family for their generous gift honoring Kathleen Faley ‘77, whose legacy lives on.
Prom 2025 , A Night Under the Lights, was pure magic as Royals and Friars lit up the night with style and celebration.
Sophomores explored career paths and built life skills during Sophomore Professional Development Day. Thank you to our alumnae in attendance. Congratulations to Madilyn Ekstrom for being honored Senior Athlete of the Year!
We celebrated our Royals’ dedication and achievements at the Recognition Assembly, honoring everything from perfect attendance to ASB Installation. Congratulations to Maurice Wilson for being named the senior class staff member of the year. Hats off and congratulations to the Class of 2025! Once a Royal, always a Royal!
MISSION
As a college preparatory diocesan Catholic high school, Rosary Academy empowers the mind, body, and spirit of each young woman in a transformative educational experience. Guided by the Blessed Mother, Rosary Academy embraces and challenges its students with an innovative instructional curriculum to achieve academic success and ignite the call to serve the dear neighbor without distinction.
Serve the dear neighbor without distinction.
CORE VALUES
FAITH
We are a community of believers, guided by the Blessed Mother and nourished by the Eucharist connecting us to God enabling us to live out the gospel.
COMMUNITY
With the Holy Family and student families as a model, Royals learn to appreciate and nurture human interconnectedness on a local, regional, and global level.
SERVICE
We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, and to give of our self fully to others.
SISTERHOOD
A lifelong bond is formed between young women, allowing them to grow as sisters in Christ who respect and nurture each other’s differences, values, accomplishments, and personalities.
Charism Prayer
Gracious and loving Father, we thank you for the blessing of our Rosary community and the gift of sisterhood.
Empower us to courageously live out the Gospel values, to be the hands and feet of Christ, in service to the dear neighbor, without distinction.
May our blessed Mother Mary continually inspire us to be young women of faith, echoing her yes to God’s will.
Amen.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
HOW ROSARY’S CORE VALUES CULTIVATE A ROYAL COMMUNITY
If you’ve ever walked the halls of Rosary, you have definitely seen the banners with Rosary’s core values draped along the rails. At Rosary, we strive to live out each one of our core values of faith, community, service and sisterhood; while many Royals exemplify these values, I have chosen only a few students to highlight.
The first core value I’ve chosen to explore is faith. According to Rosary’s website, faith is “a community of believers, guided by the Blessed Mother and nourished by the Eucharist connecting us to God enabling us to live out the gospel.” Celine Asido ’25 has demonstrated her faith throughout her time at Rosary. She has been a campus minister for four years and often serves as a lector at school Masses because she knows that “every reading is a reminder or a teaching” that she is able to apply to her own life. Thus, Celine takes the time to reflect on her reading in order to better understand and deliver it.
“Being on Campus Ministry has been nothing but spiritually fulfilling and fun—the program and people are truly a blessing and joy to experience and witness,” stated Celine. She enjoys helping out at the different Rosary and junior high retreats.
Off campus, Celine works on developing a stronger prayer life and participating in her faith in other ways like praying the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross and studying the Bible. One of the main reasons that faith is an important part of Celine’s life is because of the love God shows for us. She shared, “In 1 John 4:19, he writes that ‘We love each other because He first loved us.’ I have been so lucky and blessed to have experienced love and compassion from many people in my life—I’ve felt love; this, I’ve felt God.” We can all learn from Celine’s example by striving to illustrate God’s life, mercy and grace in our daily lives.
Then, as stated on rosaryroyals.org, community is a value “with the Holy Family and student families as a model” through which “Royals learn to appreciate and nurture human connectedness on a local, regional and global level.” Junior Parker Yee has developed a community both inside and outside of Rosary.
At Rosary, Parker is very involved, participating in organizations like ASB; Red & Gold; sports and school clubs. Off campus, Parker is a part of her church and Girl Scouts. She enjoys volunteering with her church community and creating bonds within her Girl Scouts community. Pa
Parker’s community participation is not limited to herself, though. Parker’s whole family is heavily involved in both the Rosary and Servite communities. Her mom is the Co-President of Parent Council and volunteers a lot at Servite with Parker’s dad. Both of her brothers have graduated from Servite, but they still surround themselves with fellow Friars. On living out this charism, Parker said, “Community is important to me because it has allowed me to feel included as a member of something special.” Coming to Rosary, Parker knew no one; she quickly found an amazing Rosary community ready to welcome her with open arms.
Service is “a call to be the hands and feet of Christ, and to give of our self fully to others,” as displayed on the Rosary website. As a volunteer at St. Jude Hospital, altar server, and camp counselor, Melina Gonzalez ’26 actively serves the Rosary community as well as her local community. At Rosary, she is a servant leader in ASB, PAL, Campus Ministry, CSF and Ambassadors. Within Campus Ministry, Melina serves “by being a leader, planning retreats, altar serving during Mass and making posters to uplift our school.”
Outside of Rosary, Melina spends a lot of her time serving at the hospital. She shared, “During my time at the hospital, I accompany patients as well as help the nurses in any way that I am needed.” For the past six years, Melina has been serving her church as an altar server.
She also has served as a leader for VBS and another Christian summer camp. Often accompanied with Rosary’s core value of service, our charism of serving the dear neighbor without distinction is an important motto at Rosary as well. To Melina, this charism means spreading love and kindness to all, despite their differences, and living it out has helped her build connections with the people she is serving and serving with.
Melina has also seen that her service activities help her “grow in virtues like empathy, gratitude and love.” Therefore, Melina values service because it allows her to lead by example, make a positive impact in others’ lives and grow as a person.
According to rosaryroyals.org, sisterhood is “a lifelong bond formed between young women allowing them to grow as sisters in Christ who respect and nurture each other’s differences, values, accomplishments and personalities.” Lexie Curtis ’27 has found some of her closest friends (and future bridesmaids) at Rosary.
As a sophomore, she has felt very welcomed in such a short time. As a part of sisterhood, Rosary has a Big Sister/Little Sister program where a freshman is paired with a junior and a sophomore is paired with a senior. For Lexie, she has “grown closer with my big sister and was able to be her fashion captain for Red and Gold this year, strengthening our bond.”Not only has Lexie grown close with her big sister at Rosary, but it has also given her the opportunity to grow closer with her real sister, Lily Curtis ’24, who has taught Lexie what it means to be a sister and a Royal.
While Lexie has heavily experienced and demonstrated sisterhood, she’s definitely not the only one! Lexie has seen sisterhood all over campus. Whether it’s bringing a friend Starbucks or getting close with girls during Red & Gold, sisterhood is infectious at Rosary. Lexie explained, “Red & Gold is my favorite time of the school year because it allows for new friendships to blossom and unexpected experiences to go through with sisters by your side.” Lexie will always be grateful for her sisters at Rosary who love and support her; the same goes for many Royals, who have been greatly impacted by sisterhood.
Though some people might believe that Rosary’s core values are simply selling points for a school or organization, at Rosary, our core values of faith, community, service and sisterhood are truly lived out by Royals each and every day on and off campus.
Jennifer (Kanne) Seaton ‘97
CELEBRATING ROSARY’S FOUNDING ADMINISTRATORS
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange have been at the heart of Rosary Academy since it opened as Rosary High School in 1965. The sisters have held nearly every role on campus from coaching teams to teaching classes to leading the school administration. In addition to their teaching and leadership, the sisters have been an essential touchstone for the Rosary community, pointing toward the values and faith at the center of Rosary’s mission.
Sr. JoAnn Tabor arrived the first year the Rosary building was open in 1968 after several years of holding classes in a classroom at St. Joseph and then in trailers. Sr. JoAnn Tabor recalls working alongside about eight other sisters and says that as a group, they were young, energetic and excited to set new traditions and build a new school community. The sisters lived at the mother house in Orange and carpooled to work at Rosary together. Many of the sisters who started together at that time stayed for decades.
In Rosary’s early days, students, parents, teachers and administrators all pitched in to get the campus ready. Sr. JoAnn Tabor remembers classroom desks being delivered to campus late one afternoon without any warning. The desks were just dropped off on the sidewalk on Acacia Avenue. She says lights were borrowed from St. Jude Hospital and the sisters, parents and students helped move the desks into the classrooms, “Everybody had a sense of preparing the school to be ready.”
Sr. JoAnn Tabor taught English and art and focused on helping the students develop their individual gifts and take responsibility for the world around them, “I loved teaching
literature, especially development of characters. We just had a 50th class reunion so I went to it and I had taught some of the girls. I couldn’t believe they came up and said they loved the English. They said the foundation in high school was so good.” Sr. JoAnn Tabor left Rosary and earned her master’s degree before returning to campus as vice principal and eventually principal. As principal, along with a focus on developing Advanced Placement courses, she prioritized creating a caring environment and getting to know students. “The faculty and staff had the relationships with students and the sensitivity to sense when something wasn’t right with a student and that student needed a listening ear or other extra support,” Sr. JoAnn Tabor says. The sisters and other faculty members emphasized the ongoing mission to open eyes to the world around us, both near and far, “We’re all looking out and offering a helping hand to our dear neighbor. Rosary is part of my blood and bones. I’m still interested in what they’re doing. I love to find out what’s happening.”
During the 1967-68 school year, Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno was teaching eighth grade when she got a call from Mother Felix, the general superior at the time, telling her that they needed a math teacher at the new high school. She arrived at Rosary and was told they really needed a religion teacher. And as it turned out the budget was very slim so they didn’t have coaches. The principal asked Sr. Jo Ann if she knew anything about sports, which led to her helping to coach volleyball, basketball and softball, “We were very successful in volleyball, not so much in the others.” Her dedication was legendary. She would carpool to school with other sisters, teach all day and then coach until well after dinner. “That’s when I started my Taco Bell habit,” she says. “Teach all day, coach, find something to eat. Go to bed.”
Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno. later became the dean of students, “The good thing about being dean is that you get to know the kids. The ones who are late, you get to know better.” One student who she formed a lasting bond with was Priscilla Taylor. Sr. Jo Ann E. remembers Priscilla being sent to visit her as dean because she talked too much during typing class or switched a record that a teacher played during class. Priscilla, who is now an attorney in Lake Oswego, Oregon, describes herself as a spirited high school student.
She would talk to Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno in her office and always felt that she understood that she was trying to be funny in class, rather than disrespectful. “She just took it in stride,” Priscilla says. “I never felt like I was getting punished. ”Priscilla remembers many of the sisters at Rosary being young and friendly. “They liked what they were doing, they liked young people and they wanted to engage with everyone.” Taylor says. “It was absolutely not a job for them.” After graduation, Priscilla kept in touch with Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno and they would occasionally meet. “I would just call her and we would go to dinner or go to the movies or hang out. She was just steady, a steady good example of someone who is inspired by the life of Jesus and does what Jesus did - take care of people.” Priscilla remembers Rosary as a positive, lively place to learn and grow, made more fun by the teachers who saw and appreciated her, even if she wasn’t the most dedicated student. “We were all one big family,” Priscilla says. “It’s nice if you’re a cut up of a kid to have people appreciate you. Sister JoAnn is just a real warm person; there’s something about her. ”Sr. Katherine “Kit” Gray was principal 1979 to 1981; she started an athletic advisory committee and loved the creativity and energy of Red and Gold. She considered being in the classroom important so she taught two classes while she held the principal position. Sr. Kit remembers about six other sisters on campus while she was at Rosary. The sisters taught across many subjects and held varied roles on campus, bringing their individual strengths and talents to the school, “We were not all the same and we related differently to students and faculty and staff.” Rosary was shaped by the presence of the sisters and has had to grapple with and adjust to the void left as the sisters retired.
“It’s different without sisters there,” Sr. Kit shared. “I think that our effort is to bring a spirit of inclusivity and a global worldview and a care for people that are in need. But so do our other colleagues, including the current faculty and staff. I believe they’ve responded to a call to be part of Catholic education. That’s a big choice. My trust is that people who are currently at Rosary are really embracing the mission and trying by their example and teaching to foster leadership in young women.”
The sisters made a big impression on Eileen Kearns ’78, director of campus ministry, during her time as a student. The sisters wore regular clothes and most were only identified as sisters by the CSJ cross they wore around their necks. “They were very much invested in us as people, not just as students,” Eileen said. “They would take the time to just sit with you and talk for long periods just about life.”
Eileen remembers Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno, who coached her in volleyball and softball, loved the Dodgers and brought then Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda to campus to speak to the student body. Eileen remembers Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno as a big hugger, “She made it a point to walk the hallways every single day. She gave out hugs. It was one of those things you looked forward to when you walked down the hall. And all the Sisters would stay late and visit with students - not rush out at the end of the school day.” Eileen mentioned Rosary had a garage on campus where the sisters parked their car and Sr. Jo Ann Eannareno took students there to show them how to change a tire and how to check a car’s oil during the driver’s education class on campus. The sisters took an interest in our entire family and looked for oppurtunities to connect with each one of us.
As the sisters retired, Rosary gradually lost the presence of the sisters on campus. But for about the past 10 years, Rosary has made big strides in bringing the legacy of the sisters back to campus. The main charism, or spiritual gift, of the Sisters of St. Joseph is unity and reconciliation and the second part is to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. Rosary has taken on the second part of the charism and worked hard to reconnect with the sisters, taking students to visit the mother house, hosting retreats with the sisters at the mother house and inviting sisters to campus. All of the sisters that have served at Rosary have their names on a statue in the rose garden and the students are surrounded by reminders of their love and their mission.
Eileen shared, “The sisters lived their faith. That’s what I was most impressed with - they were a lot of fun to be around. They’d laugh with us; they’d cry with us. They never yelled at you. You always felt love.”
Congratulations, Trinitas!
Congratulations to Trinitas Arts Conservatory on an outstanding year of performances, creativity, and collaboration. From auditions to curtain calls, every cast and crew member brought passion, talent, and heart to the stage, creating unforgettable moments for the Rosary and Servite communities.
This year’s productions not only inspired audiences but also earned Trinitas the prestigious JRAY Award for Musical Comedy of the Year. Your dedication to storytelling and the performing arts continues to build community, spark imagination, and leave a lasting impact—bravo!
We are proud to celebrate the exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication of our students and faculty in this year’s performing arts recognitions.
Ashley Hawley
Nominated for Student Stage Manager of the Year
Samantha DiCrisi
Nominated for Outstanding Female Vocalist
Nominated for Supporting Actor in a Female Role
Trinitas Arts Ensemble
Nominated for Ensemble of the Year
Ms. Cross & Mr. Betts
Nominated for Director of the Year
Trinitas Arts Ensemble
JRAY Award Winner –– Musical Comedy of the Year
Philip Riebli
JRAY Award Winner – Lead Actor in a Male Role
Pathway to Success
One of the many opportunities Rosary offers is the Pathways program, which is designed for students to have the most relevant and rigorous education possible for their specific field of work. The Pathway options include Medical, Law, Leadership, Performing Arts, Computer Science, Sports Medicine and Engineering. In this program, students have electives chosen based on their pathway and gain access to several internship opportunities and expand their network early on. One student in particular has used our Pathways program to gain an internship at Hydraflow, an engineering company based in Fullerton. Melanie Kamel ’24 talks about her experience with Rosary’s unique opportunities:
Which pathway did you choose & how was your experience?
As someone who has always gravitated towards math classes, I chose the Engineering Pathway. But after doing mock trial, I decided to explore my interest in law and join the Law Pathway. In these pathways, I found it really nice to have an idea of what my four years of classes would look like if I took classes to build my foundation in math and writing, as those classes were strongly applicable to my pathway. The Pathways program was an organized way to explore or further your interests even if you are not too sure about what you want to study yet. It helped me decide I wanted to major in mechanical engineering with the hopes of eventually going to law school.
How has the pathway program helped you gain an internship opportunity and eventually be admitted into the engineering program at UCLA? Since the Pathways program required at least one internship, it opened the door to my search for internships, where I eventually landed a summer internship at Hydraflow, an aircraft-part manufacturing company. In my experience, the Pathways program helped me build connections that were essential to my high school experience as well as my career goals. I loved interning at Hydraflow so much that I went back for another summer and furthered my foundation in engineering. While an internship in my desired field was only one part of my application to UCLA Engineering, it definitely helped show my interest for the major outside of just school.
What advice would you give to any students who are interested in this program?
I would tell students to explore a pathway that aligns with the classes they find interesting. I didn’t always know I wanted to explore engineering until it aligned with my interest in math. I also would say to not be afraid to switch pathways. They are designed to help you build a foundation with the subjects you find interesting as well as open the doors to different potential career options, so take full advantage of the guidance from the pathways!
Gabrielle Lazo ‘25
Kristie (Rueff) O’Campo
CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF DEDICATION AND SERVICE: A TRIBUTE TO DEBBIE WATSON ‘89
In the heart of the Rosary community, there are individuals whose dedication and passion leave an indelible mark on all they touch and everyone they meet. Today, we celebrate and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Debbie (Ramirez) Watson ’89, who has served as the Parent Council Board President with unwavering commitment, grace, and leadership for six years.
Debbie has set the standard of how all parent boards should be. It isn’t about the glory or bragging rights of being a president or chair. It isn’t even about the parents on the parent board or their individual daughters. She has made the parent board focus on the school, teachers, and every girl. Lily Yee parent council executive board copresident shares, “Debbie has made that a priority. This will impact future parent board members and, hopefully, hold them accountable to the girls they represent.”
From the moment she stepped into this role, Debbie brought with her a profound love to serve the parents, students, faculty and staff. As an alumna, her connection to the school was deeply personal, as she tirelessly worked to ensure that the values and traditions she cherished were upheld and passed on to future generations, which included her three daughters: Giovanna ’22, Julia ’24, and Michaela ’26. Her alma mater was not just a high school but a cornerstone of her identity, and as soon as Giovanna stepped foot on campus, she made it her mission to give back in every way possible.
Giovanna Watson ‘22 shares, “Seeing my mom dedicate so much of her time to volunteer work has always inspired me throughout my life and made me want to follow in her footsteps. We started with volunteering at TOPS Soccer Outreach as a family, and we all branched out into volunteer positions that resonated with us as we grew up. My younger sisters and I take various volunteer opportunities with GSROC (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange). Even when while at college, I volunteer with adults with special needs and help with other clubs and events. I wouldn’t be so involved if it wasn’t for my mom and the amazing example she has set for me. It is incredible to see my mom interacting with so many people and helping others just out of the goodness of her heart, and I hope to do the same.”
Her passion for giving of her time, talent, and treasure was evident with every initiative she spearheaded. Whether it was co-chairing Red Wine & Gold in 2018, or saying yes to becoming co-president of the parent board in 2019, Debbie approached each task with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference. Her leadership was not just about guiding others but inspiring them to see the impact of service. She fostered a sense of community among the parent community, reminding parents to take advantage of being a part of their daughter’s high school journey because it flies by and the importance to give back.
Michaela Watson ‘26 shares, “My mom has truly made Rosary a better place through her time here. She has used her love, dedication, and hard work to create magical events that gave myself and others memories of a lifetime. She always makes everyone feel special and seen by giving her all into every event, dinner, and social.”
The impact of Debbie’s service is immeasurable. Under her leadership and guidance, Parent Council was enhanced to a Parent Council Executive Board, she helped spread the good news of Rosary to dozens of prospective families, and new initiatives, like the Mother-Daughter Christmas Brunch. She was a beacon of hope and a source of strength, always ready to lend a hand and offer support.
“I admire my mom’s perseverance and compassion. She puts so much time and effort into volunteering and she does it all while being a supportive and loving parent. She takes everyone’s ideas into consideration and always pushes through any obstacles with a kind heart,” shared Michaela.
As we bid farewell to Debbie in her role as the Parent Board coPresident, we do so with immense gratitude and admiration. Her legacy is one of selflessness, commitment, and a deep-rooted love for Rosary and the community.
Thank you, Debbie, for your years of service, your passion for giving back, and the incredible impact you have made. Your contributions have shaped our community in ways that will be felt for generations. We are forever grateful for your dedication and leadership.
Pacific Coast League Champion
Most Valuable Player: Madeline Lambros
Pacific Coast League Champion
Most Valuable Player: Jada Faison
SOFTBALL
2025 Pacific Coast League Champion
PCL Most Valuable Player: Ava Phillips
PCL Most Valuable Offensive Player: Hayden Huerta SWIM
2025 Pacific Hills League Champion
DANCE
Placed 4th in pom & jazz out of 75 teams at the National Dance Team Championships
TRACK & FIELD
2025 CIF-SS Division 4 Champion
PHL Most Valuable Player: Justine Wilson
CIF-SS D4 Individual Champion
Long Jump: Jada Faison
CIF-SS D4 Individual Champion
100m: Maliyah Collins
CIF-SS D4 Individual Champion
200m: Justine Wilson
SPECIAL HONORS
2024–25 Pacific Hills League Female Athlete of the Year: Madilyn Ekstrom
Thank You
Coach Yoon & Coach Melendez
Rosary Academy proudly honors two extraordinary coaches whose dedication shaped decades of athletic excellence. Coach Richard Yoon retires after 31 seasons as head basketball coach, finishing with a remarkable 574-321 record, including an 81-39 mark in postseason play. His final year was especially memorable as he led the Royals to a CIF-SS runner-up finish and a state playoff —while also stepping into his new role as principal at St. Bonaventure School. Over his career, Yoon captured five league titles, two CIF-SS championships, three CIF State titles, and led his teams to three Open Division appearances. Dozens of his players continued on to play college basketball, and many earned MVP and Player of the Year honors. A beloved educator and mentor, he also served Rosary as a track coach, science teacher, and assistant principal, earning a place on the school’s Athletics Wall of Fame in 2019.
Coach Sean Melendez also closes an impactful chapter, stepping down after 16 years as head coach of Rosary soccer. Known for his unwavering dedication—commuting daily across Orange County— Melendez leaves behind a 144-131-71 record in one of the state’s toughest leagues. A former collegiate and pro player, he guided the Royals to 10 CIF playoff appearances and the 2025 Pacific Coast League championship. Before Rosary, he was a CIF champion coach at Christian Brothers HS in Northern California. His influence extended far beyond wins, as dozens of his athletes moved on to the collegiate level. Melendez will continue shaping young players through his roles with Slammers FC and Saddleback College.
Thank you, Coaches Yoon and Melendez, for your years of leadership, dedication, and excellence.
COLLEGE BOUND
These Royal athletes from the Class of 2025 will be playing at the collegiate level:
Daleah Cardenas – softball – CSU San Marcos
Madilyn Ekstrom – water polo – Marist University
Raquel Henriquez – soccer – Fullerton College
Tyler Jackson – water polo – University of Michigan
Sabrina Martin – softball – Chestnut Hill College
Ella Paniagua – volleyball – Fairfield University
Amelia Perez – soccer – Cypress College
Danielle Pirnat – soccer – Saddleback College
Avery Rabago – water polo – LaSalle University
Noelle Seibert – soccer – CSU San Marcos
Gianna Serrano – softball – University of Nevada, Reno
Stacy Stroud – water polo – Azusa Pacific University
Lexi Velazquez – water polo – Long Beach City College
Bella Vecchione – softball – Biola University
The Royal Standard: Athletic Distinction
Senior Athletic Awards
Stacy Stroud Athlete of Character
Nisa Avalos
2025 Pacific Coast Conference Sportsmanship Award
Madilyn Ekstrom
CIF-SS Athlete of the Year
2025 Senior Athlete of the Year
Lizzie Larson & Tyler Jackson
Multi-Sport Athletes of the Year
Demi Totah
Class of 2025 Scholar Athlete Award
Ella Paniagua
Outstanding Athlete of the Class of 2025
Madilyn Ekstrom, CIF-SS Athlete of the Year & 2025 Senior Athlete of the Year
Fall 2024 Signing Day –– Madilyn Ekstrom, Ella Paniagua, Gianna Serrano, & Bella Vecchione celebrate their commitments to collegiate athletics.
Spring 2025 Signing Day –– Sabrina Martin, Amelia Perez, Avery Rabago, Tyler Jackson, Daleah Cardenas, Stacy Stroud & Noelle Seibert proudly commit to further their athleteic careers at a collegiate level.
Demi Totah, Class of 2025 Scholar Athlete Award recipient
In March of 1997, the Rosary Booster Club, under the direction of co-presidents Bill Tegeler and Andy Hernandez, unveiled the Rosary Athletics Wall of Fame to honor the excellence of Rosary alumnae and to serve as an inspiration for current and future student-athletes. Since the event’s inception, we have more than 70 inductees.
Kelly McNeley – 1999 Water Polo
Meghan Monahan – 2000 Water Polo
Lizzie Hagen – 2003 Softball
Lindsay Nuckolls – 2003 Softball
1998 CIF Water Polo Champions
1999 CIF Water Polo Champions
Congratulations to Kaiya Watties!
WALL OF FAME WALL OF FAME
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2025
VALEDICTORIAN
Mieke Van Dijk
University of Utah
Major: Nursing SALUTATORIANS
Jeslynn Abobo
University of California, San Diego
Gabrielle Lazo
Cal Poly Pomona
Major: Architecture
Jazzlyn Sandoval
University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Biology
ROYALETTE AWARD
Celine Asido
University of California, San Diego
Major: Human Developmental Sciences
The Royalette Award is the highest honor a graduating senior can receive at Rosary. Selected by the senior class, faculty, and administration, the recipient embodies the spirit of Rosary and the values of Mary, our patroness. She demonstrates active faith, selfless service, and strong moral character. Through her leadership and example, she inspires others to live out Rosary’s mission.
ST. TIMOTHY AWARD
Natalie Redding
University of Nebraska
Major: Architecture
The St. Timothy Catholic Leadership Award is given to a young woman who has freely offered outstanding service to Campus Ministry. The Campus Ministry medal is named for St. Timothy because he was a young and timid person and became a great assistant to Paul in his ministry. Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold and courageous in his preaching of the Gospel. The awardees are selected for giving graciously of their time and talents through serving the dear neighbor as a campus minister and being living examples of the Gospel.
GENERAL EXCELLENCE
Grace Raskopf
Princeton University
Major: English
The General Excellence Award is conferred by the faculty upon the senior who has the highest all-around academic achievement. It is a highly significant honor because this student has not just specialized in one subject area, but has achieved excellence in all areas of study.
166
107 graduates college & university acceptances
$23 million in academic and athletic scholarships
*Reported as of May 12, 2025
Abilene Christian University
Arizona State University-Tempe
Auburn University
Azusa Pacific University
Ball State University
Baylor University
Biola University
Boise State University
Boston University
Cal Poly
Cal Poly - Pomona
California Baptist University
California Lutheran University
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
California State UniversityChannel Islands
California State UniversityChico
California State UniversityDominguez Hills
California State University-East Bay
California State University-Fresno
California State UniversityFullerton
California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Los Angeles
California State UniversityMonterey Bay
California State UniversityNorthridge
California State UniversitySacramento
California State University-San Bernardino
California State University-San Marcos
Calvin University
Case Western Reserve University
Cerritos College
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chapman University
Chestnut Hill College
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia College Chicago
Concordia University-Irvine
Creighton University
Cypress College
DePaul University
Drexel University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Fullerton College
Gonzaga University
Grand Canyon University
Hawaii Pacific University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana University-Bloomington
Iona University
La Salle University
Liberty University
Long Beach City College
Los Angeles City College
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Manhattan University
Marist University
Marquette University
Montana State University
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Northern Arizona University
NYU Shanghai
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Oklahoma State University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon State University
Pacific University
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Point Loma Nazarene University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Regis University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Sacred Heart University
Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s College of California
Salve Regina University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Ana College
Santa Clara University
Santiago Canyon College
Scripps College
Seton Hall University
Sonoma State University
Southern Methodist University
St. Edward’s University
St. John’s University-New York
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
Texas A&M University - College
Station
Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
The Catholic University of America
The George Washington University
The University of Alabama
The University of Tampa
The University of TennesseeKnoxville
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Merced
University of California-Riverside
University of California-San Diego
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Central Florida
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Colorado
Springs
University of Denver
University of Georgia
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of La Verne
University of Mary
University of Maryland-College Park
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Nevada-Reno
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Dakota
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of Richmond
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South CarolinaColumbia
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wyoming
Utah Valley University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Westmont College
Whittier College
William Jessup University
Wingate University
Xavier University
OUR CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES WERE GRANTED ADMISSION TO THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
Institutions in bold are where our Royals have committed to for fall 2025 as of May 10, 2025.
Vanguard University of Southern California
THANK YOU FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Dear Rosary community,
As we come to the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared together. This year has been filled with many moments of growth and joy, and I am truly grateful for each member of our community— parents, donors, alumnae, faculty, staff, and students—who have contributed to making our school a vibrant place of learning and faith.
Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your dedication and commitment to our mission has made a significant impact. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or supporting our fundraising efforts, each of you has played a vital role in enriching the lives of our entire community.
As we look ahead to the next school year, I encourage you to continue your support. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us provide the best possible education and resources for our students, faculty, and staff. Together, we can ensure that Rosary remains a place where faith, academic excellence, and community come together to inspire and empower the next generation of women.
Let us also remember that our journey is guided by our patroness, Our Lady of the Rosary. As we celebrate our accomplishments, let us take a moment to give thanks for the blessings we have received and to seek God’s guidance as we move forward.
May your commitment to our school be rooted in love, compassion, and a desire to serve one another. I look forward to seeing you in the new school year!
With gratitude and blessings,
Kristie Rueff O’Campo ’02 Executive Director of Advancement
Rosary’s 46th Annual
Cracked Crab
Cracked Crab was started in 1979 by Rosary’s first administrators, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, to bring the community together and break bread. This fun family-style feast continues to grow and be a beloved tradition for current parents, alumnae parents, faculty and staff.
Thank you to the co-chairs, Tracy Meneses and Lydia Conley, for leading the charge for another successful Cracked Crab and raising over $80,000 for the Rosary Fund, the school’s annual giving program, and athletics! And, thank you to all our volunteers who make this event happen to feed 360 guests!
CRACKED CRAB WILL BE BACK IN 2026!
Mother-Daughter Christmas Brunch
Rosary moms had a vision to start a new tradition with their daughters to plan a Mother-Daughter Christmas Brunch to create an opportunity to bond, celebrate the Christmas season, and make lasting memories! By establishing this annual brunch, they aim to strengthen the sense of community and sisterhood while creating a cherished tradition that brings joy to all involved.
Thank you to the event chairs, Arie Grajeda and Sonia Moreno, volunteers and vendors for hosting the 3rd annual Mother-Daughter Christmas Brunch this school year! Although this event is not considered a fundraiser, it successfully generated $16,000 through vendors and raffles to support faculty and staff retention.
The moms are excited to continue watching it grow and succeed. Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, at the Anaheim Hilton. We look forward to celebrating the Christmas spirit with you on December 7!
Red Wine & Gold
Annual Auction
The spirit of Rosary was alive and well at the 22nd annual Red Wine & Gold in January! We had over 400 attendees and more than $100k in sponsorships! Thank you to everyone who made the evening special! Whether you volunteered, donated auction items, or raised your lanyard, your dedication to Rosary and its future is a true blessing. We look forward to seeing you next year on Saturday, January 17, 2026!
Thank You
We are grateful to our event founders, Jack and Marquita ’75 Gyben, event chairs Becka Burke and Laura Curtis, auction chair Tracey Irving, restaurant and beer chairs Judy and Peter Searle, and décor chair Regina LeVecke ’95.
AUCTION TOTAL: $127,000
LIVE AUCTION HIGHLIGHT
Thank you to Trinité Estate for tripling the excitment with a luxurious weekend getaway for 8 guests at their stunning Sonoma villa, complete with a private tasting of their Bordeaux-style wines.Generously donated by G&C Lurton and Trinité Estate, this incredible gift helped us raise over $6,500!
FUND-A-NEED TOTAL: $36,000
FUND-A-NEED
A very special thank you to Lucero and Gabrielle Hermosillo ‘28, Sharon and Kateri Hodge ‘26, and the Martin Family for shairing about their experiences at Rosary inspiring the audience to give generously to this year’s fund-a-need for tuition assistance.
We are grateful for each of our vendors, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who supported our 22nd annual Red Wine & Gold. Because of you, over $265,000 was raised to benefit current Rosary students on need-based tuition assistance .
MESSAGE FROM ALUMNAE RELATIONS
Rosary’s vibrant alumnae community reflects the strong education, sisterhood, and faithbased values we all share. Every time I connect with fellow graduates or hear their stories, I am reminded of the lasting impact of our high school experience and the cherished memories we carry as Rosary alumnae.
As we celebrate the legacy of Rosary at our 60th Anniversary, we honor the past, present and future of our beloved school. This milestone is a testament to the enduring impact of Rosary’s education and values. It is crucial for us, as alumnae, to stay connected and give back to the institution that laid the foundation for our success. By contributing our time, talents, and resources, we ensure that future generations of Ro sary students can benefit from the same enriching experiences that shaped our lives.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our alumnae community for your active participation and unwavering support. Your involvement enriches our community and strengthens the bonds we share. A special thank you goes to our new Alumnae Board for stepping up and enhancing our alumnae experience. Through organizing more events, keeping everyone informed, and reengaging friends and classmates, you are making a significant impact. Your dedication ensures that our alumnae community continues to thrive.
Together we have created and fostered a special Rosary legacy where young women can come together in faith and sisterhood to be a community that loves, cares for and serves others. Looking ahead, we hope to connect with even more alumnae in our community. By fostering these connections, we can provide greater support to our current students and young alumnae. Your involvement is vital in mentoring and guiding the next generation, making sure they receive the same strong foundation that has benefited all of us.
I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the Royal Gala on September 13! It will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our shared legacy, and look forward to the future together.
Together we can build a brighter future for Rosary Academy.
Nikki (Wilson) Pontius ‘03 Alumnae Relations & Annual Fund Manager
REUNIONS
The Class of 1969 returned to Rosary to celebrate 55 years since graduation. It was a joyful day filled with hugs, laughter, and lots of stories from their time as students. They shared memories of old uniforms, favorite teachers, and school traditions that helped shape who they are today. Many were amazed to see how the campus has changed, while others smiled at the things that still feel the same. Being back together reminded them how strong their bond is after all these years. They took group photos, looked through keepsakes, and promised to stay in touch. Their lasting friendship and love for Rosary are truly inspiring.
The Class of 1974 came together to celebrate 50 years of sisterhood. From the moment they arrived, it felt like no time had passed at all. They laughed over old yearbook photos, shared memories of Red & Gold, and talked about how much the school meant to them. Walking through campus brought back strong memories of their time at Rosary. Many were proud to see how the school has grown while still holding onto its special traditions. It was a day full of connection, joy, and gratitude. This reunion was a reminder of the lasting friendships that started in high school.
The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40-year reunion with big smiles and even bigger laughs. Seeing familiar faces brought back memories of favorite classes, dances, and Red & Gold moments. They enjoyed catching up on each other’s lives and hearing about families, careers, and adventures since graduation. Many were surprised at how quickly the time had gone by, but the friendships felt just like they used to. Touring the campus reminded them of their high school days and how much Rosary still feels like home. It was a time to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate all they’ve done since 1984. Their bond as Royals is as strong as ever.
The Class of 2004 reunited to celebrate 20 years since they walked across the graduation stage. The energy was high as classmates hugged, laughed, and caught up on everything that’s happened since high school. They talked about old memories, shared updates about work and family, and took lots of photos to remember the day. Being back at Rosary brought a wave of nostalgia and pride. It was fun to see what had changed on campus—and what hadn’t. The reunion was full of warmth, fun, and meaningful conversations. These Royals proved that even after two decades, their connection is still strong.
CONTINUING the legacy
On May 13, Rosary hosted a reception to congratulate and thank the alumnae mothers who kept the Rosary legacy alive with their daughters. With hearts full of gratitude, we extend our deepest appreciation for their dedication to nurturing not only their daughters but also the spirit of the Rosary sisterhood that binds all young women who attend. Your alma mater’s values of faith, excellence, resilience, and compassion shine brightly through the accomplishments of your daughters.
In celebrating their graduation, we also celebrate you, dear alumnae mothers, for your invaluable contributions to our community. May the bond between mother and daughter continue to flourish, and may the legacy of love and support you’ve cultivated endure for generations to come.
Ashley Bernath –– University of Mississippi
Daughter of Melissa (Montgomery) Bernath ’95
Kate Bowen –– California State University, Fullerton
Daughter of Laura (Boecking Bowen) ’90
Kaiya Montchaikul –– California State University, Los Angeles
Daughter of Charmaine (Taguinod) Enrico ’89
Raquel Henriquez –– Fullerton College
Daughter of Julie Luna ’96
Catherine Oser –– California Baptist University
Daughter of Teresa (Pedraza) Oser ’87
Addison Patz –– Auburn University
Daughter of Jennifer (Schulte) Patz ’91
Marissa Valencia –– Syracuse University
Daughter of Nina (Vasquez) Valencia ’95
SOPHOMORE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Sophomore Professional Development Day marks a pivotal moment in the journey of Rosary sophomores as they embark on the path to explore their collegiate and career aspirations. Formerly recognized as Career Day, this event has evolved to encompass purposeful programming tailored specifically for 10th graders, as they delve into new interests and prepare for the transition to upperclasswomen.
The day commences with an inspiring keynote address, paving the way for engaging industry panels featuring Rosary alumnae and friends of Rosary. Throughout the day, a diverse array of workshops, facilitated by Rosary’s academic and college counselors, equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate their academic and professional journeys with confidence. A heartfelt expression of gratitude to all the Rosary alumnae and friends who generously dedicated their time and expertise to make this year’s event a resounding success!
Shayna Marks ’04
Keynote Speaker
Founder of Citrine Marketing Inc.
Amanda (Baduria) Mondonedo ’09
Sr V.P
Assembly Global Marketing Inc.
Carly (Trejo) Lee ’98
Co-Principal of Los Angeles Archdiocese
Carrie (Leonard) Nocella ’95
Director External Affairs
Disneyland Resort
Carla Zuniga
Private Investigator
Owner
Stirling and Zuniga Investigations, LLC
Isabella Lopez ’19 Technology Engineer Alcon
Jessica Linton ’14
Associate MGL Law
Isabella Kearns ’14 NICU Nurse CHOC
Katie Bowen ’12 Ministry
San Antonio Catholic Church
Kelly (Fogarty) Padilla’16
Project & Estimating Coordinator
B&B Plumbing
Lisa (Davis) Kasten ’87 Director of Financial Services Accounting The California State University
Macy Cendejas ’14
Sr. Talent Manager
MVE Management
Madi Sutherland ’14
Sr. Account Executive
KTM Agency
Monique (Rodriguez) Reeves ’04
Chief Revenue Officer
Rose Bowl Stadium
Kim (Hayes) Jebo ’03
Registered Dietician CSULB, Providence, 360 Nutrition & Alzheimer’s of OC
Natalie Perez ’11
Video Producer
The Aerospace Corporation
Paulina Rios ’15
Business Owner/ Entrepreneur
Sophia’s Gowns
Stephanie Kolbusz ’16
Lead Hardware Engineer
Payload Electronics at Raytheon Tech
Rachel Herrera ’88
Freelance Makeup Artist Cateyes By Raquel
Gianna (Laiola) Durocher ‘98
Oncology Nurse
Navigator/Survivorship Coordinator
Providence St. Jude
Caitlin Dinunzio ‘11
Localization Editor
Sega of America
Kate Wilson ’16
Speak to Inspire is an exceptional initiative that offers Rosary students a unique chance to gain insights into various career paths and connect with accomplished women who have walked similar paths before them. It’s a platform where alumnae and friends of Rosary share their personal and professional journeys, offering valuable guidance and inspiration to the next generation of Royals. By fostering these connections and learning experiences, Rosary empowers its students to explore their own potential and pursue their dreams with confidence. A big thank you to this year’s panelists for their time, wisdom, and dedication to inspiring others!
Manager of Major Gifts for the U.S Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Kate works as the Manager of Major Gifts for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In her role, she raises money for athletes and the programs that support them. Many Americans do not know that the Olympics and Paralympics do not receive government funding, so Kate and her colleagues are spread out throughout the country to spread that message and bring in dollars. As of recently, Kate spent 3.5 weeks in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, where she hosted donors on a curated hospitality program. Prior to her role with the USOPC, Kate worked in mental health for the Mind Health Institute and continues to champion their mission.
Suzi (Conroy) Brown ’81 Vice President, Communications
Disneyland
Resort
Suzi Brown is vice president of Communications for Disneyland Resort, overseeing internal, external, and executive communications. Since 2008, she has led media relations, crisis communications, and integrated campaigns that support the resort’s reputation and business goals.Her previous experience includes roles at Anaheim Elementary School District, Carl’s Jr., and the City of Anaheim. A Cal State Fullerton alumna and Entertainment PR instructor, Suzi also serves on the board of Goodwill of Orange County.
Aileen (Sabio) Estrada ’00
Physician Assistant Dept. of Pain Medicine
After Rosary, Aileen attended the University of California San Diego. She then went on to USC Keck School of Medicine to complete her Physician Assistant Program. Aileen currently is a Physician Assistant in the Department of Pain Medicine at Providence St. Jude Heritage. She is nearing her 11th year of service.
Carrie (Leonard) Nocella’95 Director of External Affairs
Disneyland Resort
As director of External Affairs, Carrie leads government relations, policy initiatives, and strategic community efforts to support resort operations and expansion. She also manages issues and contributes to land use planning and development projects.Carrie joined Disneyland Resort in 2007 as manager of Government Relations, following her work as an attorney in Sacramento. She began her Disney career in 1994 in Merchandise, Entertainment, and Public Affairs while attending Chapman University, where she was student body president and interned for (ret.) Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.She holds a B.A. in Legal Studies with a minor in Spanish from Chapman and a J.D. from McGeorge School of Law. Carrie represents the resort with groups like the California Attractions and Parks Association and teaches Political Science at Chapman University.
Susan Santana
Vice President, Human Resources
Disneyland Resort
As Vice President of HR, Susan leads strategic HR initiatives that enhance the employee experience and support talent attraction, development, and retention at Disneyland Resort. She began her Disney career as a college program intern and later as a management trainee in operations, eventually taking on leadership roles across operations, learning and development, and HR. Susan has gained cross-functional experience at Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney ABC Television Group, and The Walt Disney Studios. Her passion for growth and cultural connection stems from her upbringing across the U.S. and abroad. She values contributing to Disney’s evolution and shaping how the organization and its people grow together. Susan holds a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising and Consumer Studies from the University of Arizona.
Jenn McCall ’03
Water Polo Official at the Paris Olympic Games and Paralegal
Jenn began swimming and playing water polo at 13 with SoCal Aquatics. At Rosary, she was a 3-sport athlete, earning Athlete of the Year twice and leading the Varsity water polo team all four years. A top scorer in Orange County, she earned All-League, All-County, and AllCIF honors. She graduated in 2003, played water polo at the University of the Pacific, and later transferred to USC, earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology in 2008. Jenn began officiating in 2008 and quickly advanced, earning “Top Official” at the 2010 ODP Championships and officiating NCAA Championships, including the finals in 2022 and 2024. She’s been on the World Aquatics referee list since 2017 and became the first U.S. woman to officiate Olympic water polo at the Paris 2024 Games. She is a full-time paralegal, serves in leadership roles with SCAF and USAWP, and plays masters water polo with Riptide Aquatics.
Allison Lutfi ’12
RN Navigator
Diabetes
Allison is a Diabetes Nurse
Navigator at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, where she educates patients on diabetes self-management and serves as a resource for families, the community, and healthcare professionals. She holds a BSN from the University of Pennsylvania and a dual MSN from UCLA, and is certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Previously, Allison worked as a Medical Surgical Nurse at Cedars-Sinai, a Nurse Practitioner at Providence St. Jude, and has experience in Quality Management at Providence St. Joseph.
Maddie Pelayo ’16
Social Media Manager
Travis Mathew Women’s
Maddie is the creative force behind the social media accounts at TravisMathew Women’s. With a degree in Business Marketing from Loyola Marymount University, Maddie has been focusing on turning social feeds into fun brand storytelling. Always on the pulse of the latest digital trends, Maddie enjoys scrolling social and keeping up with the latest and greatest viral moments!
Lauren Hawekotte ’99 Principal & Finacial Advisor
Hawekotte
Finacial Group
After years of working with people as a financial advisor, it became clear to Lauren that building wealth and accumulating assets in and of itself does not create wellness. Financial plans, wealth, assets are all tools. They are the foundation on which we build our future. They provide the “how” and the “what” that leads to well-being. But they don’t provide the “why”. Lauren’s goal is to help you identify your “why”. To work with you in putting together a stepby-step plan for not just managing your financial life, but also helping you give meaning to your financial goals. And to live a life filled with health, prosperity, and purpose. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Managing Partner with Hawekotte Financial Group, Lauren Hawekotte provides financial management and advisory services to individuals, couples, and business owners. She brings a deep passion for financial literacy and a belief that taking a multi-dimensional approach to financial planning will ensure that all the pieces of your financial puzzle come together clearly in a way that empowers you to shape your future.
Emily (Hein) Egkan’04
Sr. Tax Manager Withum
Emily has over 14 years of experience specializing in tax for construction, manufacturing, food and beverage, healthcare and technology industries. She is an active mentor and coach for junior team members, including as a formal mentor and career coach for new staff and early career managers. She prioritizes developing a wellrounded, people-first environment and enhanced team member engagement. Emily currently serves on the finance committee at Rosary and speaks about the accounting career path to the next generation. As of May 2024, Emily is a proud member of the CalCPA Board of Directors, where she hopes to facilitate positive change in California’s accounting community. Emily has been selected as a 2024 Women to Watch award winner in the Experienced Leader category at CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum.
Shayna Marks ’04
Founder of Citrine Marketing
Shayna owns and operates Citrine Marketing Inc., a boutique social media marketing agency that specializes in brand storytelling through digital content for female-empowering brands and businesses. Outside of the 9-5, she spends her time with her two pups, friends and family, doing yoga and working on home decor projects.
An Update on Milan Smith ’24
Milan Smith graduated in 2024 but has forever left her mark on Rosary, and she discusses how Rosary has helped to shape her. Milan competed on the varsity Track and Field team for all four years of her high school career, and she even got an athletic scholarship to attend West Point Academy in New York. She was a Red & Gold captain for multiple years, and she even had her very own pickle ball club with Paige Sorensen ’24. “Milan and I had many great memories throughout high school and I’m super excited to see what she does in the future,” shares Sorensen.
What’s your favorite part about West Point?
Milan: “My favorite part is the challenge that comes along with being here. Almost everything we do is a challenge, physically and academically. This school is challenging, but it’s a good challenge that proves to individuals that they can do things they never knew they could do.”
What thing about West Point shocked you the most?
Milan: “Definitely how caring and kind people are here. Lots of times when you think military, you think of seriousness and yelling. While we do get that, the kindness and care of others override that. No one at West Point gets through this place alone, we all rely on each other for help at one point, and without a doubt help is always received.”
Has Rosary or other experiences shaped you for West Point? If so, explain them.?
Milan: “I think my entire experience at Rosary has led to my success here so far. I think Rosary prepared me with confidence in who I am which has carried through in athletics, military and classroom settings; But if I had to choose the best experience at Rosary it would be being a track team captain for two years. This two-year captain role allowed me to work on my leadership skills, which, here, is one of the most important aspects of being a student who will one day lead soldiers.”
What do you miss most about high school, California or Rosary specifically?
Milan: “I definitely miss the days at Rosary track practice where I could goof off with my good friends Paige Sorensen ‘24, Elena Saenz ’24, Justine Wilson ’26, Caleigh Steward ’26 and Lainey Goldstein ’24. I look back on all those memories and l laugh every once in a while at all our track practice antics. “Me and Milan had many good times at practice, whether we were motivating each other for our workouts, or just joking around,” says Caliegh. What I miss about California is the weather; it was a big adjustment to wake up to below 20-degree weather from the months of November to even a little into now in April.”
Who have you really connected with at West Point? Did you make lots of friends?
Milan: “One thing West Point has that is like none other is connecting you with some really amazing alumni, cadets or even staff. We often have guest speakers or high-ranking military personnel all around us. I’ve made some great connections with upper class cadets, former military officers or even just people who work in our dining facilities. As far as friends, I’ve made a lot of good friends. Without them, West Point would be not nearly as fun as it is. No one here can get through this place without at least one friend by their side, and I’m lucky to have made lots of friends that support and help me grow as a person.”
How has West Point changed you?
Milan: “I think that it has changed my work ethic. It was good before I came here, but I definitely was not expecting everything that comes with this school. You often do things that quite frankly you don’t want to do at times. Whether that’s waking up at 5:30 a.m. every day, or a mandatory physical event on a Friday morning when it’s still dark out. I’ve learned to just do things (even when I don’t want to), and not just go through the motions, but actually put effort into these things.”
Learning about Milan is great and in case you still wanted to know more here are some fun facts:
Her go-to work out song is “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield because it can always put her into a good mood. She claims that the best food at West Point is the steak and lobster that was served at Christmas dinner. Currently, her favorite subject is math, and she thinks the track workouts at West Point aren’t too tough.
Milan will be back around June 30th and she’s super excited for summer, to see all of her high school friends, and to be back in California.
Darlyne Pettinichio ’69 has retired from the LA County Probation service totaling 53 years of Service to Orange County Probation (40 yrs) and Los Angeles County Probation(13 yrs.). Currently, she is working for the 3rd time as a Volunteer in Probation with Orange County.
Venessa Verdugo ’86 wrote and performed her play called HEIRESS,’69. It is currently available on Amazon Kindle. Heiress ‘69 is based on the life of Manson murder victim/coffee heiress Abigail Folger . In 2010, Vanessa performed it at the Elephant Stages in Los Angeles. In the future, Vanessa hopes to get it put into paperback.
Sheri Carson-Beauto ’93 was selected to receive the Marquette University College of Nursing’s 2025 Professional Achievement Award, which is an award that Marquette presents each year to a College of Nursing alumnus who has modeled Marquette’s mission of professional excellence and servant leadership. Sheri obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree and Master of Science in Nursing degree (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) from Marquette University. Sheri says, “I am so proud of my Rosary High School and Marquette University Catholic Education, as it has helped form me into the person and the healthcare provider that I am today.”
Jaime (Olmstead) Humphrey ’95 is an amazing teacher at Acacia Elementary and is a favorite among students and parents.
Jaime was awarded Teacher of the Year at the end of the 2024 school year! This is Jaime’s 24th year in teaching, and she is currently teaching a 2nd/3rd combo.
Cynthia Wade-Roman / Sr. Marie Jeanne ’96 felt incredibly blessed to celebrate St. Joseph Hospital’s 95th anniversary. Cynthia visited with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and had the honor of meeting Sr. Marie Jeanne, who shared fascinating stories about Rosary’s early years and the rigins of our believed Red & Gold. We love that they can bond over their cherished Rosary memories!
Rose Melin ’96, Rose’s daughter, Emma, was recognized by the OC Register as one of the Most Influential people in Orange County for 2024. Emma is 9 years old and has dealt with life-threatening food allergies for her entire life. Emma, with the help of Rose, is an advocate for those with food allergies and has a presence on various social media platforms as “Allergic Emma”.
Kristyn (Leachman) Von Rotz ’97 was named by the OC Register as one of the 125 Most Influential people in Orange County for 2024. Kristyn is the Founder of Forever Footprints, which was founded in 2004 after the passing of her son Joseph. Forever Footprints is a nonprofit organization that provides education for medical professionals and support for women who have sufferd pregnancy or infant loss.
Emmjolee (Mendoza) Waters ’97 came to speak with the Mrs.
D’Alba’s senior religion classes. Emmjolee is the Director of Death Penalty Abolition for the Catholic Mobilizing Network and lives in Washington DC with her husband and children. Emmjolee spent two days on campus speaking with our current Royals and we thoroughly enjoyed having her here. One of our seniors shared the following about Emmjolee’s presentation: “It shows how Rosary truly sets a person up well for their future and how God puts us exactly where we need to be. It shows that our education and our upbringing really does play a part on who we become and it is wonderful to see all the amazing work she’s done.”
Bernadette (Castilla) Brouses ’97 Mary Fersch ‘08 are pleased to announce they are Partners and Owners of SCHONBUCH HALLISSY LLP, a preeminent civil defense firm with offices in Brentwood/ Los Angeles, Mission Viejo, and Westlake Village. Mary also heads the Orange County office. Bernadette and Mary have been practicing law together ever since 2015, when Mary joined Daniels, Fine, Israel, Schonbuch & Lebovits LLP in Los Angeles as an ABOTA fellow, where Bernadette was a Partner. They are looking forward to practicing together for many more years to come as Rosary Alumnus, “Sisters-In-Law,” and professional working moms.
Julie (Kwon) Lee ’98 has opened up a group mental health practice in Placentia called The Connection Corp! Julie says, “This has been a huge
dream for me and it feels amazing to see my dreams realized! I’m passionate about mental health and understanding our bodies in order to engage in preventative care vs reactive care.” They have a team of 7 clinicians, 2 being Rosary alumnae (Julie and Marie (Nisco) Jakobi ‘13) with various specialties who embody the importance of the mind/body connection and speak at various events to provide mental health education. Julie was the personal counselor at Rosary from 2010-2015 and remembers the personal counselor when she was a student and how much she supported Julie’s transition to Rosary from public school amongst other areas of difficulty. The Connection Corp provide free 20 minute consultations and wants to let the Royal community know that we are here to help!
Julie Zeoli ’00 has been named Irvine’s first-ever City Librarian for the City of Irvine. Julie says, “I am deeply honored to serve as Irvine’s first City Librarian. Public liubraries are truly the anchor of a community and contribute to essential public programs and services.” Prior to this position, Julie was the assistant library director for Yorba Linda.
Brooke (Odell) Miller ’03 was recognized and awarded the Transformational Leadership Award at Providence St. Joseph Hospital! Brooke is the OR Manager at Providence St. Joseph Hospital and has been to campus many times to speak with our current Royals.
Emily (Hein) Egkan ’04 was recognized by CalCPA as a 2024 Women to Watch Award recipient. Emily was awarded the CPA Experienced
Leader award. We are very appreciate of Emily and the time she takes to come and speak with our current students.
Katie Vogt ’05 We are grateful that Katie Vogt came to pour Pahlmeyer at this years Red Wine & Gold. She has supported the event through her work at many different wineries as her career as a winemaker progressed. She also supports the auction with great donations that have significantly contributed to the financial aid for Royals.
Janella Lacson ’10 received 4 NATAS-PSW Emmy Awards for her work at the Las Vegas Raiders. This makes Janella a 7x Emmy Award-Winning Video Producer.
Janella says, “ I’m looking forward to creating more killer content, sharing more stories, and making more memories doing what I love.”
Natalie Perez ‘11 Marissa Valencia ‘25
Natalie is a Video Producer for The Aerospace Corporation and recently created a video for The Space Workforce 2030 initiative. Part of the video included a segment highlighting youth volunteer service. Natalie reached out to current Royal, Marissa Valencia ‘25 to be featured. Marissa says “Working with Natalie was amazing. We bonded by talking about Red & Gold experiences and even though I had just met her
on the same day that we filmed, it felt like we had known each other forever because we connected through our Rosary Sisterhood. I feel so honored to be part of this initiative and so blessed to have met Natalie! Seeing her in charge of the entire production process was so inspiring!” Natalie says, “Having the opportunity to mix my work at Aerospace with my Rosary community was such a gift! Marissa is an incredible young woman and I’m honored to have been able to collaborate with her and feature her in this program.”
Natalie Pita ’14 received her MPH in health policy from Columbia University. More recently, in September 2024, Natalie completed the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship program and now work as a Legislative Assistant for California State Assemblymember Mia Bonta. In this role, Natalie helps craft and shape public policy to improve the lives of all Californians.
Chloe Fiorentino ’14
Congratulations to Chloe for being named the 2024-25 Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year! Her passion, dedication, faith and love for teaching are truly inspiring. St. Pius is lucky to have such a shining star in their community. Thank you, Chloe, for your commitment and dedication to your vocation as a Catholic School educator.
Mia Hernandez’15 works with the Rams as the Associate Manager of Partnership Management. To celebrate Latino Heritage Month, the Rams celebrated the contributions and achievements of the Latino/Hispanic
communtiy through the stories of their staff. Mia shared how her parents’ work ethic was a driving force in becoming a first-generation college graduate and how she honors her culture.
Cassie Arrington ’16 won the Minnesota Athletic Training Association’s 2025 Outstanding Athletic Trainer Recognition Award. This award is given to thletic trainers that have achieved one or more outstanding accomplshments in areas such as responding in a critical situation, active in the advancement of the prefession of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, or promoted Athletic Training through public speaking and/ or related events outside of Athletic Training profession. This is Cassie’s second year receiving this recognition.
Kate Noden ’20 graduated from Boise State University this past spring with a degree in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communications and a minor in Journalism. She will be attending grad school at The University of Alabama pursuing a degree in Journalism and Creative Media. Kate is working full time at a newspaper in Idaho, Boise Weekly, as a reporter and a digital and social media specialist. She also works part time at the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, advocating for early childhood education through digital marketing. Kate says that “none of this would have ever been possible without Ms. Barclay and the Royal Reporter instilling the passion in me. Miss and love you Rosary!”
Isabella Pasino ’20 Following graduation from TCU, Isabella started a new job as a Graphic Designer for BlueBird Creative in Fort Worth.
Elise Cortes ’17 We’re beyond grateful to have attended the second annual Giving Children Hope Women In Leadership Forum with the powerful theme “ Stronger Together: Bridging Generations Through Communication, Collaboration, and Well-Being.” From insightful discussions to valuable networking opportunities, this event provided tools, wisdom, and inspiration for all. The energy was truly incredible, especially with Elise Cortes ‘17 taking the stage as a panel speaker, sharing her incredible journey and insights with the next generation of leaders. Elise has also joined the Youth Champions Board of Directors. Thank you, Elise for inspiring women especially our students!
Caroline Linton ’21 Last summer, Caroline had a summer internship with Good Day LA. Caroline shared, “I am honored to be working early mornings with the Good Day LA crew and I know there is much to learn over the next few months.” An amazing experience for Caroline, we wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams and learn so much this summer!
Therese Vasquez ’22 started a photography business (Therese Vasquez Photography) freshman year of college at University of Dayton in Ohio. She is now a Portrait & Lifestyle photographer with a simple mission to capture the
real and authentic. Since Ohio, Therese has transferred to Loyola Marymount University and is going into her junior year. “The amount of opportunity that has been given to me is truly a gift from God.” Therese does it all from weddings, to graduation sessions, and confirmations, first communions, masses at many parishes within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.Therese’s work was selected for LMU College of Communication & Fine Arts 41st Annual Young Contemporaries exhibition at the Laband Art Gallery. This is Therese’s second year being featured in this showcase. Therese’s piece, Echoes of Devotion, received Honorable Mention. Echoes of Devotion is a photographic work capturing the spiritual and cultural rhythm of a Catholic procession in motion. Congratulations to Milan Smith ‘24 for her acceptance to Westpoint! Milan plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration and Management or Law and Legal Studies. We thank her for her future service and commitment to our country! Rosary’s support has been key in guiding Milan toward her career. “Rosary prepared me academically, physically, and confidently. With all the experience Rosary gave me over 4 years, I was able to get through training and start the school year confident and excited for the future.”
ALUMNAE Board
The Rosary Academy Alumnae Board plays a key role in keeping the Rosary sisterhood strong. By organizing events, engaging volunteers, and supporting alumnae and current students, the board helps preserve the school’s cherished traditions and fosters lifelong connections. Their efforts ensure that the spirit of Rosary thrives well beyond graduation.
2024–2025 Alumnae Board
President: Nina (Vasquez) Valencia ’94
Vice President: Cynthia Wade-Roman ’97
Parent Board Liaison: Jennifer (Shirley) Liesscheidt ’96
Volunteer Outreach: Mallory Bowen ’08, Katie Bowen ’12
Anniversary Gala: Jenna Wesseln ’08
Anniversary Gala & Events Committee: Christina Boladian ’09
Events Committee: Allison Lutfi ’12
Regional Alumnae Coordinators: Melissa Diaz ’16, Kaitlyn Trujillo ’16
Networking Chair: Chloe Park ’18
Questions about joining the board?
Contact Nikki (Wilson) Pontius ‘03 at npontius@rosaryacademy.org
In Memoriam
Alice Mary Ryan ’70
Cheryl Cryderman Tichota ‘71
Eileen Jernigan Bouton ‘75
Celina Blanchard ‘99
Dick Fumanti - Past Tennis Coach
Lord,
Our loved ones are now from this earthly dwelling, and have left behind those who mourn their absence. Grant that we may hold their memory dear, never bitter for what we have lost nor in regret for the past, but always in hope of the eternal Kingdom where you will bring us together again.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Our Lady of the Rosary… Pray for Us
Is Rosary Academy a part of your estate plan? Your generosity could directly impact a future Royal and leave a legacy. If you would like to receive information on joining the Royal Legacy Society, please contact Kristie (Rueff) O’Campo ’02, executive director of advancement at kocampo@rosaryacademy.org. MAKE A ROYAL PLAN!
@rosaryroyals
1340 N. Acacia Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92831
Rosaryacademy.org (714) 879-6302
How to Give
GIVE ONLINE
Use the secured form on rosaryacademy.org/ donate to make an impactful gift today!
SET-UP A PLANNED GIFT
Call (714) 879-6302 ext. 1107 to start the process of organizing your planned gift (bequests, beneficiary designation, retained life estates).
STOCK TRANSFER
To make a stock transfer to Rosary, email advancement@rosaryacademy.org to request the Stock Transfer Gift Form.
MAIL YOUR GIFT
If you prefer to write a check, please make your check payable to Rosary Academy and mail to:
Rosary Academy
Attn: Advancement Office
1340 N. Acacia Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE GIVING EASY
Please contact Kristie Rueff O’Campo at (714) 879-6302 ext. 1107 or kocampo@rosaryacademy.org if you have any questions.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and supporting Rosary Academy!
