SAINTS SCENE NOV 10

Saints Scene

000 S? , 0 $1 IDAY D E L en NE E HO ev S age H P T See FOR St. Augustine High School 3266 Nutmeg Street San Diego, CA 92104-5199 619-282-2184

November 2010

Vol 30 no. 3

YOUR MONTHLY REPORT ON THE ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Photography by Saints Yearbook Staff

www.sahs.org

...The Road Together

Mark of a Great School; Saints Passes the Test

By Edwin Hearn, President St. Augustine High School

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f you read a daily newspaper, you know This is Fun!—Getting into the swing of the annual ninth grade dance lessons in Dougherty Gym that just about every are Saintsman Nick Dhuyvetter (’14) with his OLP partner Courtney Govan. That’s Mike Young day there is an article or (’14) in the background. More photos see page 5. editorial criticizing the educational establishment.

The difficulties facing K-12 education across the United Edwin J. Hearn, Jr. States are unsettling and vexing. There are no easy answers. It is a complex problem with many facets from the breakdown of the family and immigration to

By John White (Parent ’11, ’13) learning styles and the necessary approaches to teach. The structural dynamics of the freshmen and -women in stocking feet shook American educational system does not allow as there ever a more noble use for simple solutions. hands, giggled nervously and plunged into of Dougherty Gym than to bring The major concern centers on the position the timeless practice of social dance lessons together first-year students from to the sounds of Buena Vista Social Club and of the United States in the world and the abilSaints and OLP in Latin dance lessons and ity of our country to compete in the future. other Latin bands. Two instructors at center the first annual Saints-OLP Freshman Social? court from Positive Energy Dance Company With so many students dropping out and/or Monday through Thursday in the first undereducated, the United States seems to be called steps and set the social tone, aiming week of October, the gym served exactly that dropping continually lower in the world rankfor the Freshman Social that Friday. purpose. Each afternoon, two long lines of ings. The educational establishment is being “Boys, shift right and change partners. reshaped by the political establishment.

Introduce yourself. Ask her name.”

The broad ranging plans of both the At Saints, Messrs. Hecht, Sipper and Dear Parents and Friends Bush and Obama Administrations – “No Dent collaborated on this year’s weeklong Child Left Behind” and “Reach for the Top” event, and on the ladies’ side, Freshman – attempt to reshape public education with Class Moderator Ms. Ilene Nagem orcheshigh-stakes testing and teacher accountability trates the OLP’s involvement. in exchange for federal dollars. While the “This is really fun, and I enjoy being a “What sculpture is to a block of marble,” said intent is commendable, the resulting process part of it,” says Mr. Isaak, who also helped Joseph Addison, “education is to the soul.” is flawed. With the “test” becoming the supervise lessons. “It’s remarkable how most important assessment tool to determine much these students learn in just an hour, he Augustinian education provided at student growth, the curriculum has been nareven the students who have never danced a Saints helps shape a young man’s charrowed. step in their life.” acter and his view of the world. Howev Test scores do have a place in education.

“All right, here we go. Take her hand, er, a stronger force than their formal education It is important to annually assess students’ and we’re going to do the basic step. And is the learning they get in the home. Therefore 5-6-7-8, forward so rock-step-together, rock- academic growth and make some compariat Saints, as in many Catholic schools, we besons with other schools. However, test scores step-together...

Principal James Horne lieve that parents are the “primary educator”. show only academic progress. They cannot

So, what do our freshmen look like as Furthermore, because we value community (Unitas), we desire to measure the other complexities that make they’re learning to dance?

Their steps are have a school environment that boasts of great parent support and up the human person, the spiritual, social or tentative.

Their grins are sheepish.

The chatinvolvement. ethical growth that is a core component of a ting never stops.

They crane their necks to The type of parental involvement that makes a positive differSaints education. keep an eye on the instructors.

They’re doing ence in student achievement is more than “volunteering.” While sup The mission of St. Augustine High School their best to pay attention to their partners. porting the school in activities such as student retreats and athletics is to incorporate the core Augustinian values And, in the middle of all of this, they’re tryis important, your concerns go deeper than this; and so should your Continued on page 6.

Continued on page 5. involvement.

We encourage parents to become directly involved in their student’s academic learning experience. Stay connected with instructors. Ask your student to share his insights and reflections as he jourFr. Gary Sanders O.S.A. neys through the semester. Current evidence shows that when parents are meaningfully involved in their student’s education, scholastic achievement can greatly improve. According to the book, The EviThank you for encouraging me Father, thank you for the gift of family To be a part of a community of faith dence Continues to Grow by Anne Henderson, the positive impact of Which challenges and loves me Where everyone is called parental involvement “is beyond dispute”.

For friends who listen to and support me To pray, to sacrifice, to love and forgive.

And for calming and guiding my restless heart On behalf of the faculty and staff, in this season of Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for entrusting to us your most precious gift, your Thank you for not always saying ”yes” Thank you for the search for Truth boys. Together we can sculpt the hearts and minds of these young To every request I make of you Which leads me to your Son Saintsmen, preparing them for our changing world.

And for heeding the needs And for his gospel message

Saints/OLP Freshman Turn Dougherty Gym Into Ballroom

Unitas Veritas Caritas

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Now More than Ever

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An Augustinian Prayer of Thanksgiving

Yours in the Spirit of Catholic Education,

James Horne Principal

Which leads to me love

Of those less fortunate than I

Thank you for the invitation To let me love myself as I am And inviting me to change Those things that do not give you honor

And, Father, thank you for the bounty You give me and those I love May it be put to our use So that we may better serve you Amen.

AUG US T I NI A N

HE RI TA GE

Augustine in the Words of Pope Benedict XVI And asks: who is your companion on your life’s journey?

Editor’s note: Saints Chaplain Fr. Bob Gavotto O.S.A., (’55) shares with us a message by Pope Benedict XVI in General Audience of Wednesday, January 16, 2008. Here His Holiness discusses St. Augustine’s last days and here is what he says to us also!

Today, I would like to talk about the great Bishop of Hippo, St Augustine. He chose to appoint his successor four years before he died. Thus, on September 26, Fr. Bob Gavotto OSA (’55) 426, he gathered the people in the Basilica of Peace at Hippo to present to the faithful the one he had designated for this task. He said: “In this life we are all mortal, and the day which shall be the last of life on earth is to every man at all times uncertain; but in infancy there is hope of entering boyhood… looking forward from boyhood to youth, from youth to manhood and from manhood to old age; whether these hopes may be realized or not is uncertain, but there is in each case something which may be hoped for. But old age has no other period of this life to look forward to with expectation: in any case, how long old age may be prolonged is uncertain…. I came to this town – for such was the will of God – when I was in the prime of life. I was young then, but now I am old” (Ep 213, 1). At this point Augustine named the person he had chosen as his successor, the presbyter Heraclius. The assembly burst into an applause of approval, shouting 23 times, “To God be thanks! To Christ be praise!”. With other acclamations the faithful also approved what Augustine proposed for his future: he wanted to dedicate the years that were left to him to a more intense study of Sacred Scripture (cf. Ep 213, 6).

Indeed, what followed were four years of extraordinary intellectual activity: he brought important works to conclusion, he embarked on others, equally demanding, held public debates with heretics – he was always seeking dialogue – and intervened to foster peace in the African provinces threatened by barbarian southern tribes. He wrote about this to Count Darius, who had come to Africa to settle the disagreement between Boniface and the imperial court which the tribes of Mauritania were exploiting for their incursions: “It is a higher glory still”, he said in his letter, “to stay war itself with a word, than to slay men with the sword, and to procure or maintain peace by peace, not by war. For those who fight, if they are good men, doubtlessly seek peace; nevertheless, it is through blood.

Your mission, however, is to prevent the shedding of blood” (Ep 229, 2). Unfortunately, the hope of pacification in the African territories was disappointed; in May 429, the Vandals, whom out of spite Boniface had invited to Africa, passed the straits of Gibraltar and streamed into Mauritania. The invasion rapidly reached the other rich African provinces. In May or June 430, “the destroyers of the Roman Empire”, as Possidius described these barbarians (Vita 30, 1), were surrounding and besieging Hippo.

Saints Players present

A Christmas Carol Thursday-November 11th 7pm Saturday-November 13th 2 pm and 7 pm Sunday-November 14 2 pm

Coronado School of the Arts (Cosa) 650 D Avenue, Coronado

$11 Per Ticket

Ticket Information Available Online at sahs.org Tickets will be sold at the door the night of each performance.

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Boniface had also sought refuge in the city. Having been reconciled with the court too late, he was now trying in vain to block the invaders’ entry.

Possidius, Augustine’s biographer, describes Augustine’s sorrow: “More tears than usual were his bread, night, and day, and when he had reached the very end of his life, his old age caused him, more than others, grief and mourning” (Vita 28,6). And he explains: “Indeed, that man of God saw the massacres and the destruction of the city; houses in the countryside were pulled down and the inhabitants killed by the enemy or put to flight and dispersed. Private churches belonging to priests and ministers were demolished, sacred virgins and Religious scattered on every side; some died under torture, others were killed by the sword, still others taken prisoner, losing the integrity of their soul and body and even their faith, reduced by their enemies to a long, drawn-out and painful slavery” (ibid., 28, 8).

Despite being old and weary, Augustine stood in the breach, comforting himself and others with prayer and meditation on the mysterious designs of Providence. In this regard, he spoke on the “old-age of the world” – and this Roman world was truly old - he spoke of this old age as years earlier he had spoken to comfort the refugees from Italy when Alaric’s Goths had invaded the city of Rome in 410. In his old age, he said, ailments proliferate: coughs, catarrh, bleary eyes, anxiety and exhaustion. Yet, if the world grows old, Christ is perpetually young; hence, the invitation: “Do not refuse to be rejuvenated united to Christ, even in the old world. He tells you: Do not fear, your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle” (cf. Serm. 81, 8). Thus, the Christian must not lose heart, even in difficult situations, but rather he must spare no effort to help those in need. This is what the great doctor suggested in his response to Honoratus, Bishop of Tiabe, who had asked him whether a Bishop or a priest or any man of the Church with the barbarians hot on his heels could flee to save his life: “When danger is common to all, that is, for Bishops, clerics and lay people, may those who need others not be abandoned by the people whom they need. In this case, let all depart together to safe places or let those who must remain not be deserted by those through whom, in things pertaining to the Church, their necessities must be provided for; and so let them share life in common, or share in common that which the Father of their family appoints them to suffer” (Ep 228, 2). And he concluded: “Such conduct is especially the proof of love” (ibid., 3). How can we fail to recognize in these words the heroic message that so many priests down the centuries have welcomed and made their own?

In the meantime, the city of Hippo resisted. Augustine’s monasteryhome had opened its doors to welcome episcopal colleagues who were asking for hospitality. Also of his number was Possidius, a former disciple of Augustine; he was able to leave us his direct testimony of those last dramatic days. “In the third month of that siege”, Possidius recounts, “Augustine took to his bed with a fever: it was his last illness” (Vita, 29, 3).

The holy old man made the most of that period when he was at last free to dedicate himself with greater intensity to prayer. He was in the habit of saying that no one, Bishop, Religious or layman, however irreprehensible his conduct might seem, can face death without adequate repentance. For this reason he ceaselessly repeated between his tears, the penitential psalms he had so often recited with his people (cf. ibid., 31, 2).

The worse his illness became, the more the dying Bishop felt the need for solitude and prayer: “In order that no one might disturb him in his recollection, about ten days before leaving his body, he asked those of us present not to let anyone into his room outside the hours in which the doctors came to visit him or when his meals were brought. His desire was minutely complied with and in all that time he devoted himself to prayer” (ibid., 31,3). He breathed his last on August 28, 430: his great heart rested at last in God. “For the last rites of his body”, Possidius informs us, “the sacrifice in which we took part was offered to God and then he was buried” (Vita, 31, 5). His body on an unknown date was translated to Sardinia, and from there, in about 725, to the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia, where it still rests today. His first biographer has this final opinion of him: “He bequeathed to his Church a very numerous clergy and also monasteries of men and women full of people who had taken vows of chastity under the obedience of their superiors, as well as libraries containing his books and discourses and those of other saints, from which one learns what, through the grace of God, were his merits and greatness in the Church, where the faithful always find him alive” (Possidius, Vita, 31, 8). This is an opinion in which we can share. We too “find him alive” in his writings. When I read St Augustine’s writings, I do not get the impression that he is a man who died more or less 1,600 years ago; I feel he is like a man of today: a friend, a contemporary who speaks to me, who speaks to us with his fresh and timely faith. In St Augustine who talks to us, talks to me in his writings, we see the everlasting timeliness of his faith; of the faith that comes from Christ, the Eternal Incarnate Word, Son of God and Son of Man. And we can see that this faith is not of the past although it was preached yesterday; it is still timely today, for Christ is truly yesterday, today and forever. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thus, St Augustine encourages us to entrust ourselves to this ever-living Christ and in this way find the path of life.

— Benedict XVI Wednesday, August 25, 2010 St. Augustine, pray for us.

Saints First To Debut New Version Of A Christmas Carol

By Robert Blodgett (Saints Parent ’12 & ‘14)

hances are, at one time in your life, you’ve had a chance to learn all about the infamous Mr. Scrooge. The crotchety old man of legend who’s persistence in believing there was no such thing as the “spirit of Christmas,” lead to an unbelievable journey about the discovery of a newfound love of people and their ability to care for others despite diversity. Well now that story comes to life, and music, when the Saints Players present a musical version of A Christmas Carol November 11, 13, and 14.

For the past century, A Christmas Carol has reminded many of the Christmas spirit of giving. This year the Saints Players will be the first group to produce this play since its premier last Christmas. Composer/lyricist, Jimmy Calire from the 70’s band America, reached out and congratulated Saints for being the first to showcase the play. Screenwriter J.B. White wrote the script adaptation, which is taken directly from the novel.

“I was attracted to the newness of the play and its fidelity to the Dickens story. Its music seemed to capture the spirit of Dickens’ world. I thought it would be good doing theatre that was fresh and new to the world of theatre,” says Mr. Joe Bernens, Saints’ director of the school’s many successful productions.

The play began as a non-musical until Mr. Calire was asked to provide music to the script. At first, the play developed into a full length 3 ½ hour play. After some careful trimming, the Calire and White story now provides a fresh look at the tale with all the memorable characters and dialogue from the novel, with much of the text directly put to music.

In addition to the play, Mr. Calire planned a visit with the students at rehearsal to provide a rare opportunity for the cast to meet a play creator. Calire will see the play’s rehearsal; grab a chance to dialogue with the actors and crew members, and share with them his insights and vision about the play. “Such an opportunity as this may never come by the students again,” says Mr. Bernens. “One thing most important when putting on a play is to remain true to the playwright’s fidelity to the story,” adds Mr. Bernens. Having him visit is a rare treat that will certainly help in our endeavor to remain true to his vision.” Mr. Calire and Mr. White also plan to attend the production in November.

The production includes contributions from both students and adults. Senior Jacob Whispell designed the logo and set, Senior Paul Williams is assisting Mr. Tim Hilgeman with vocals, Junior Thomas Davies and Freshman Alberto Serrano handled the orchestrations, and seniors Donovan Theseira and Roberto Estrella are the stage managers. Adult members of the team included Mrs. Debbie Torgeson for choreography, Mrs. Delilah Sanderville and Mrs. Erin Cullen for costuming, with a generous contribution from the Costume Shop, and Mr. Erich Watson and Mr. Rich Nixon for set construction.

Tickets are available online at www.sahs.org. and will also be sold at the door.

Knowing the Score—In an era where high school music and drama programs are shrinking across the nation, Saints ongoing performing arts experience continues to thrive and explore creative new ground.

Case in point, this fall’s Saints Players presentation (beginning Nov. 11) is an original musical adaptation of Dickens classic Christmas tale.

Because Saints’ talented actors and musicians are the first high schoolers to present the musical, composer/lyricist Jimmy Calire, a former member of the icon rock group America, recently attended a rehearsal on campus. Here, Mr. Calire goes over details with choreographer Mrs. Debbie Torgeson, a Saints alum parent with Saints Music Director Mr. Joe Bernens. See page 2 for performance dates.

Photo by Ernie Torgeson, Saints alum parent.

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io Free iss m Ad

Photo by Sam Brandon (’14).

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Composer lauds school for producing newest adaptation

Annual Christmas Concert Save the Date!

Featuring the

Guitar Ensemble, Symphonic Band and the 32nd Street Jazz Band December 9, 2010 7 pm/Dougherty Gym

King’s Court—Homecoming King, Saintsman William Wickett is the center of attention being held up by fellow Seniors (left to right): Jason Bilger, Ryan Merrill, Derek Snyder, Jesse Watson and M.J.McKinnley

New Queen—This year’s 2010 Homecoming Queen from OLP is Mariel Oberwager.

SAINTS OPEN HOUSE for parents of Class of 2015 Nov. 7, 1- 4 PM Tours: 1-2 PM Presentation: 2-3 PM Meet Dept. Chairs: 3-4 PM For More Information Contact Mike Haupt 619-282-2184 x5521

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A R O U N D T H E PAT I O

As Saints Newest Eagle Scout Adam Whelan Worked on Park Project

Traditional Family Mass on Vasey Patio Photo Essay by Ernie Torgeson

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ne of the many wonderful Fall traditions at the school is the annual Family Mass held on the lawn of Vasey Hall. Presiding this year were Fr. Bob Gavotto, OSA, (’55) and Fr. Alvin Paligutan, OSA.

Saints Tradition—The top picture Walt and Joan Horne, parents of Principal Jim Horne are shown with their grandson young Daniel Horne. Middle row, left: Taylor Tonner (’11) holding the Sacramental wine; Middle row, right Kevin Dixon (’11) and Adam Whalen (’11) participated in distributing communion.

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Freshman Retreats Stirs Unitas into Action

t took weeks, if not months, of planning.

Finally, last month 205 freshman students descended onto campus for what would become a defining retreat of their entire Saints experience. The 10th Annual Freshman Overnight Retreat took place right here at Saints, and celebrated the community that our newest students have just been welcomed into.

The freshmen participated in small group discussions, completed a neighborhood service project, and all had the privilege of sleeping on the newly updated gym floor. Not to be missed were an epic dodge ball game, pitting the class of 2014 against the Big Brothers, and a campus-wide game of Capture the Flag led by fearless dad Robert Blodgett.

The retreat also included dinner at the Big Brothers’ house, with Big Sisters and faculty leaders as guests, as well as a prayer service and one-on-one

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enior Adam Morgan Whalen (’11) earned Eagle Scout rank last spring.

Adam is a Boy Scout in Troop 950, based at Pershing Middle School in San Diego. Adam started as a Cub Scout in Pack 951 at Our Lady of Grace School in El Cajon in first grade.

Because Adam spent much time camping & hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park, he chose to do his Eagle Service project at the park. His project involved upgrading erosion control measures at several sites at the base of Cowles Mountain, which is part of Mission Trails Regional Park. Adam secured a generous monetary donation from the Surfrider Foundation to complete his project, and was assisted in completing his Eagle project by several Saintsmen who are also scouts, along with his scout troop and family.

Adam has had a great experience in scouting, and says that his favorite scouting adventure was the backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico that his troop went on last summer.

He recounts that “While [the trip was] some of the hardest times I’ve had to endure, [it] was the most rewarding as well. I learned so much about teamwork, perseverance, and how to cope with a new and challenging environment. Our leadership skills were put to the test, [and] I will always carry with me the lessons I learned from Philmont.”

Adam has continued his leadership development at Saints, and is serving as ASB Treasurer his senior year. Adam has been a member of the varsity swim team all four years, and is a Core Team leader for the New Life youth group at Our Lady of Grace Church.

In his spare time, Adam worked as a lifeguard at a community swimming pool. His scouting experience has served him well, and he has learned many skills that will benefit him and those around him in the future.

talks about each freshman student’s transition into high school.

The retreat concluded with a Family Mass celebrated by Fr. Bob on Sunday morning, and over 400 family members joined in the celebration.

Without the help over 60 Big Brothers and 100 parent volunteers this retreat experience would not have been possible. Special thanks go out to our hospitality team, made possible by the overtime efforts of Rachel Cave and Juan Ibaibarriaga, Patty Infantine -our food coordinator extraordinaire, Annalee Hulburt and Janice Rougas as event cochairs, and Brian Manns for cheerfully leading the overnight crews.

Thank you to everyone involved in the planning process, the retreat was a huge success —By Kate Crachy, Campus Ministry.

Frosh Retreaters – Top Photo (left to right): Charles Rayner, Patrick Hagan, Dallas Haupt, Ian Barringer, Tom Mezzacappa, Sam Varela, Jamie Steckbeck, Rodrigo Vazquez de Marcado and Austin Diamond; Middle Photo (L-R): Mario Coda, Adam Goodbody, Evan Critchlow (senior), Chris Barr, Davis Glazener, Daniel Pekin, Hector Castellanos, Nick Sinclair, Connor Whalen, Emilio Guerra (senior) Lower Photo (L-R): Eric Rivera, Adam Kosen, Giovanni Busalacchi, Umberto Falcone, Ulises Osuna, Emilio Lopez, Anthony Sylvester, Ivan Herholz, Tyler Herburger, Mason Brown and Kevin Bitar. .

A R O U N D T H E PAT I O

Dancing in the Gym Continued from page 1

ing to figure out what to do with their feet. There is a nervous, energetic anticipation in the air that would make grown-ups smile fondly and reach for a camera.

Parents may wonder why their presence is not required at dance lessons. The reason is simple: The youngsters do not want us there. For that matter, neither do the moderators. “You don’t want parents or even too many teachers here,” explains Mrs. Nagem, “because it’s important to the students to have a good time on their own.”

“Now you’re going to lead her into a turn. Men, you take her hand, and we start from the basic.

5-6-7-8, forward-for-the-men, back-for-the-men, basic-to-the-side, and lift-her-hand and left...and right...”

“This is really a first formal opportunity for Saints freshmen to meet their peers from OLP,” explains Mr. Sipper. “Our schools do so well academically, athletically and spiritually that we want to round it out socially. It’s a good chance for them to learn real dance steps, which – face it – everybody is going to need sooner or later. My freshman classes told me that they were apprehensive at first, but once they get in here and start moving, they’re much more interested and they have a very good time.”

“Now a dip. Men, it’s rock-step-left-arm-out-and-hold. Ladies, it’s rock-step-turn-and-leanand-trust-him. He’s not going to drop you. I promise...”

“Back when I went to OLP in the late 1960s, we started freshman dance lessons with Saints,” says Ms. Negem. “They had hundreds of us in the gym at the same time, and it was chaotic. Now we break it up so that there are about 50 students from each school per day, which is a much more manageable number. The freshmen tell me that they enjoy it and look forward to it. It’s the first exposure to Saints for many of them. For a long time the program was around traditional ballroom dancing – foxtrot, waltz, swing – and about five years ago we switched to Latin dance, like cumbia, salsa and merengue. The students seem less daunted by this than by the ballroom dancing.”

“Both Mr. Sipper and Ms. MacVay have done a lot of work in bringing these dance lessons to where they are today,” acknowledges Mr. Hecht. “Now, I’m glad to have Positive Energy working with us on this, because they do a lot more than just teach the steps. Michael adds a hint of cotillion to it by having the students introduce themselves and observe decorum. That’s important for the Freshman Social, where first-years from both schools are in the same boat, meeting in a non-threatening environment. It’s an opportunity for them to put their dance lessons into practice use while the steps are still fresh in their mind.”

“OK, that was a cumbia, and you all did very well. Give yourselves a hand.”

The Freshman Social took place on Friday, October 8, in the gym. Positive Energy guided 200 freshmen through their steps for the first hour, then they were on their own with Latin rhythms for the second hour. How did they look at the end of a week of dance lessons? Better than we parents expect. Their steps were more confident, their knees were bending, their hips were moving, and several of the most accomplished dancers won iTunes gift cards.

So, parents, are you curious? Ask your freshman to show you what he learned.

Social Media Goes Live—Twitter, Facebook or e-mail all you want, but there are few events that can duplicate the fun of an old-fashioned “live-and-in-person” sock hop in the gym. Among the Saints/OLP students participating in this year’s Saints/OLP frosh dance mixer were (top row, left to right): Christian Fessia and Kaitlyn Cook and Anthony Sylvester and Marianna Ripa; (Second row, left to right); unidentified Saintsman with Viana Pham; twirling OLP-er is Charlotte Yim; Pablo Ortega and Kaylyn Talia; (Middle lower inset photos, L-R starting from top: Ada Herrera and Branca Gonzalez; Jessica Kuhn and Joseph Zaccaro; Kimberly Ha and Julia Brekka; (Bottom row):Philip Park and Annie Calvet and Natalie Nemeth and Hector Castellanos-Gonzalez.

Photos by Saints Yearbook Staff

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Spencer Poiset

Zac Tucker

Jon Kalfaya

Brody Leonard

Patrick Smith

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Saints Scholars in the News

rincipal James Horne has announced recently that six Saints seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mr. Horne to Connor Dowling, Jon Kalfayan, Brody Leonard, Spencer Poiset, Patrick Smith, and Zachary Tucker.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students, who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

rincipal James Horne has announced recently that six Saints seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mr. Horne to Connor Dowling, Jon Kalfayan, Brody Leonard, Spencer Poiset, Patrick Smith, and Zachary Tucker.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students, who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

Saints Alumnist of the Year for 2010 is Eric Querin, a 1977 grad.

At Saints, he excelled in basketball and track and was awarded the St. Augustine Medal for Athletics. In 1983, Eric married Julia Kudas, Our Lady of Peace graduate. They have three terrific children, Christopher, Joshua and Alexa. Both Chris and Josh are Saints alumni, and Alexa is currently a freshman at OLP and like her mother became a Saints cheerleader.

As a Saints alumnus, Eric held the position of Alumni President for three years and has been active in many, many activities including the original fundraising for the new buildings. He has been call on so many times over the years to assist in any number of ways, and he always answers the call with a resounding “yes.” Eric embodies the Saints spirit in everything he does. He consistently gives 110% in every aspect of his life: family, work and community.

Photo by Ernie Torgeson (Parent of Alums).

Connor Dowling

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Eric Querin Named Alumnist of Year

Saintsman Wins Science Honor

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ichael McRoskey (’14) received national attention recently by being one of the top awardees in a student video contest at the USA Science and Engineering Festival. The Saints Freshman won the third prize award for his video entry “The Appliance of Science.”

The video contest tallied more than 100 entries, and the awards ceremony was last month in Washington, D.C., by Bill Nye the Science Guy, as part of the festival’s Expo on the National Mall.

Top prizes include an HD camcorder (first prize), in addition to cash donations assigned to the students’ school science or technology programs, WOLFRAM Mathematica visualization software, and Adobe PREMIERE editing software. The contest was sponsored by the Kavli Foundation, as part of its mission to advance public understanding of science.

You’re invited to the

Saints Tailgate BBQ Saints vs. Cathedral Friday November 12, 2009

Dinner served 5 pm to 7 pm, Game at 7 pm Mesa College Parking Lot 2

MENU

Delicious BBQ Beef Pulled Pork BBQ Sauce Mashed Potatoes Gravy Caesar Salad

Corn on the Cob Rolls Butter Soft Drinks (Water, iced tea and lemonade)

$10 Pre Sale, $12 per person after 11/5/10 $20 for 50/50 cash opportunity drawing

Bring your family & friends… lawn chairs and blankets too!

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Desserts available for purchase from Saints Cheerleaders

Get Social with the Austin Parent’s Association

For more information please call: Fiona Theseira (858) 344-2213 or Maggie Mudd (619) 850-1031 Fiona@sddreamhome.com or mjmudd2004@gmail.com

Show your spirit & wear Purple & Gold

Alum of the Year– Eric Querin (’77) is shown with award as Saints Alumnist of 2010. Others are (left to right). Eric’s wife Julia Querin (’78 OLP); son Chris Querin (‘2006); son Josh Querin (’09); daughter Alexa Querin (’14 OLP); Eric; Eddie Mendoza (’77); brother Ed Querin (’85); Dave DeCelles (’70); David Camarata (’77), Dave Knoll (’75) and Saints President Ed Hearn. Photo by Ernie Torgeson (Parent of Alums).

Great School Continued from page 1

of unity, truth and love into every facet of the curriculum. All academic departments and co-curricular programs, from our Christian Service & Retreat program, to our athletic & intramural programs, as well as our intersession and leadership programs, are required to report on how the core values are implemented into their program or department. This work is evaluated through the Philosophy and Augustinian Mission Effectiveness Committee. This evaluation Edwin J. Hearn, Jr. process repeats itself every four years. Additionally, the “Saints Experience” is evaluated through a series of Exit Interviews with members of the senior class prior to graduation. The feedback helps the Board of Directors and the faculty to monitor and improve the educational process. It also gives us confidence that we are making a difference and students are being formed around our core values. *** The true mark of any institution is its response during a tragedy. Last month, the unimaginable occurred when Saints lost Bryan Goebel ’13, a beloved student, classmate, and friend. The response of the faculty and administration was immediate, clear and inspiring. Within hours, the first of several prayer services was held, close friends of Bryan identified, and the faculty in-serviced as to schedule changes and services. The students understood the gravity of the situation; their actions captured a glimpse of the strong teaching of St. Augustine High School.

No amount of testing would allow us to measure the size and quality of our students’ hearts.

While this was a most difficult moment for Saints, it was also a truly proud one. The response from the community was overwhelming. The presence at all services was strong and heartfelt. One single email was sent to the sophomore parents requesting food for the reception following the funeral. The quantity of food that arrived was at least three times more than was needed.

Through the darkness of this tragedy, the spirit of Saints shown through for all to witness. If this was the final exam, Saints passed with honors!

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The Honor Roll St. Augustine High School Scholar Standouts

Congratulations to the following Saintsmen for having earned a grade point average of 3.20 or higher duing the first quarter 2010-2011. Roster compiled by Mrs. Jeannie Oliwa, School Registrar.

SENIORS

Class of 2011 Principal’s List GPA of 4.0 or better Gerardo Azcarraga Chris Jordan Perpetua Banaga Kevin Michael Barajas Thomas More Barrett Kevin Callahan Bauckman Conor Patrick Beck James Robert Birkett Christopher Burton Catt Tyler Christian Connolly Darren Thomas Critchlow Evan James Critchlow Evan David Crower Sean Leonard Davey Kevin Thomas Dixon Michael Sean Ebeling Jose Luis Escamilla Joseph Taylor Evans Ryan Monroe Foletta Jorge Salgado Garcia Tyler Berton Hodgdon Antonio Sebastian Jimenez Jon Matthew Kalfayan Christian Michael Kondan Michael John LoCoco Vitorio Nicklaus Guiseppe Lorenzini Brian Sullivan Maloy John Reilly Marin Brandon Cole Martelli Christopher Logan McConnell Gabriel Moreno Alexis Osuna Brian Jacob Panish Michael Day Phillips Spencer James Poiset Matthew Ponteprino Rush Ryan Phillip Rust Vito Anthony Ryan Adam Thomas Secord Connor Dean Smith Patrick Gromer Smith Derek James Snyder Raymond Sami Totah Zac Spencer Tucker Nicholas Daniel Valentini Adam Morgan Whalen William Arthur Wickett Patrick Michael Wynne First Honors GPA of 3.60 to 3.99 Teague Kristian Ashcraft Nicholas Andrew Church David Alexander Cook Joseph Wesley Cook Giancarlo Cortes John Ryan Croke Connor Mac Niallais Dowling Davis Steven Hovland James Gonzalez Joaquin Nicholas Yiannis Kotselas Brody James Leonard Alexander Nathan Noel Lower Carlos Cristobal Martinez Austin Jacob McCalley Ryan James Mendoza Chase Alan Mohan Minos Anthony Raffi Oghassabian Vijay Hitesh Patel Matthew Joseph Pekin Michael Dylan Robertson Matthew Richard Ryan Carlos Hiram Soto Geoffrey Alan Supplee Ryan James Villard Jesse Ian Watson Second Honors GPA of 3.20 to 3.59 Eduardo Ackerman

Nolan Cornelius Alisasis Andrew Anthony Angulo Dylan James Armstead Victor Joseph Asaro Andrew Herbert Barrack Richmond Ignacio Campano Cesar Cardenas Hayden Gerard Cave Brandon Landeros Colchin Jack Peter Corrao III Michael John Coyne Joseph Anthony Dagostino Christopher Alfonso Derr Grant James Dexter Joseph David Dray Roberto Encinas Gilberto Fimbres Julian Ricci Garcia Sean Howard Halbo Ghassan Victor Hanhan Johnny Jackson IV Miguel Rey Locsin Kevin Michael-James McKinley Lucas Hanks Morales Joshua Albert Mottale Ricardo Noriega Dylan Christopher Pliskin Sebastian James Revels Steven Michael Salanger Donovan James Theseira Tobias Guillermo Valdez Paul Ian Westermeyer Jack Brooke Winters

Ian Amadeus Bobolia Matthew Christopher Camarata Stefan Taylor Carnahan Roberto Carrillo Rivas Eloy Celis Sanchez Edwin Flores Corpus Jr. Pietro Anthony DeLuca Austin Dean Diamond John Punzalan Dompor Chad Alexander Fitzgerald Ryan Raymond Garofalo Irish Joseph Giron Derek Roman Pharaoh Graham Peter James Hulburt Lorenzo Juarez Lars Thomas Leweck Joshua Ignacio Macias Alejandro Ryuichi Miyai Nicholas Bennett Morrell Daniele Giovanni Narelli Anthony Patrick Nava Jesse Eduardo Noriega Luke Christopher Nowland Dominic Gabriel Padua Samuel Joseph Parada Drew Alan Peterson Jr. Patrick Thomas Plein Anthony Santino Prato Daniel Gregory Ramirez Karl Michael Cameros Reyes Eric Mario Rivera Blaine Patrick Safir Bryan Joseph Tarantino Stanley Andrew Tryka

JUNIORS Class of 2012

Second Honors GPA of 3.20 to 3.59 Gerald Comia Alisasis Jose Javier Arreola Luis Carlos Astiazaran Juan Ignacio Ballinas Rangel Ted Vincent Bendrick Reagan Hunter Brandon Mason Anthony Brown Robert Etienne Caya Cole Donovan Christy Christopher Joseph Condon Sean Christian Connors Luke Samuel Daly-Kulani William Robert DeCino Andrew Richard Deeb Daniel Clyde Farias Jacob Christian Fulton Andrew Raymond Healey Timothy John Hilgeman Joseph Michael Kennedy Robert Alan Kinslow James Eliot Lowell Anthony Najib Mansour Kenneth Alan McClenahan Thomas Michael Mezzacappa Spencer Herbert-William Morgan Billy James Ramirez Dominick James Sawaya Kyle Patrick Schaar Daniel Joseph Shaw-Cedeno Mario Sutka Dominic Arthur Vetuschi Joshua Guillermo Vidals Kevin Waylon Yim

Principal’s List GPA of 4.0 or better Patrick Joseph Bones Dominic Joseph Carusillo Spencer Riley Castillo Cullen Quinn Conaty Maximiliano Cortes Thomas Aubert Davies Carlo Raphael Fulgencio Escudero Austin Gabriel Farres Oriol Adrian Gutierrez Jonathan Paul Heid Michael Joseph Infantine Daniel William Johnston Connor Michael Keefe Nicholas Austin Kemme David Evan Lloyd Heriberto Martinez John Conrad McGarry Juan Manuel Moreno IV William Patrick Morstad Ryan Alexander Muir Brian Thienan Nguyen Jason Nunez Matthew Stephen Palmer Raul Pareyon Alexander John Payne Nathan Timothy Penick Derek Lee Price Nathaniel Douglas Rains Neil Everett Rens Nicklaus Karl Ruppert Gerard Paul Liang-Ren Shen Bernard David Skomal Alexander Tyler Swider Ryan Theodor Tweed Andrew Sebastian Vazquez John Patrick Wilson Augustus Joseph Woestman Jason Sacamay Yudiono Ronald Rudolph Zappardino First Honors GPA of 3.60 to 3.99 Daniel Adam Acevedo Michael James Barr

Saints Scene Your monthly report on the St. Augustine High School Experience

SOPHOMORES Class of 2013 Principal’s List GPA of 4.0 or better Michael Athanasios Balourdas Robert Edmund Hubbard Baughman Joel Sinlao Bautista Patrick John Dixon Patrick Cristobal Gerardo Diego Francisco Healy Gregory Thomas Heid Robert Milton Jertberg III

First Honors GPA of 3.60 to 3.99 Alberto Acosta Taylor Brant Ahearn Jose Sebastian Alberdi Kyle Grohmann-William Beddow Michael Francis Cali Spencer Filippone Calvert Timothy Luke Chapman Abelardo Corral Edrick Drachenberg Jose Armando Fernandez Guerrero Connor Gregory Filley James Sullivan Filley Daniel Patrick Flanagan David Stephen Francis Jr. Andrew Thomas Gaylord Alexander John Gerick Will James Marcial Gonzalez Huy Nang Ha Nicholas John Hessling Tyler Berend Hofstee Austin Gannon Hyatt Tristan Juarez Robert Daniel Kielty Kostas Yiannis Kotselas Alex Richard Larson Patrick James Lavelle Andrew Patrick Leyva Gregory Scott Lowe Joseph Thomas Maalouf Michael Alexander Martin Matthew Peter Meda Nicholas Stephen Nadhir Matthew Zachary Palpallatoc Nicolas Alejandro Quiroga Joseph Clifford Ramm Cameron George Roberts Juan Miguel Rodriguez- Lynch Stephen Coleman Rougas Joseph David Saad Adrian Llevares Santos Austin Joseph Schmid Jose Oscar Valenzuela Scott Anthony Walsh Mark Robert Wolford Jr. Adrian Xavier Zavala Zachery Christopher Zickert Second Honors GPA of 3.20 to 3.59 Robert Frederic Aragon Leelye Ashenafi Garrett Philip Barclay Daniel Enrique Bartolome Noel Melodias Benitez Flavio Rene Borquez Damian George Carusillo Dominic Manuel Chavez Robert Frank De Cort Jr. Cooper Stephen DeGraw John Paul Dixon Rico James Dominguez Kyle Anthony Edmonds Antonio Jose Diamsay Faustino Diego Francisco Gonzalez

Publisher: Edwin J. Hearn, Jr. Saints President Editor-in-Chief: James Horne Saints Principal Senior Editor: Steve Chipp (’68), Alumni Director Managing Editor: Thomas Shess, Alum Parent (’05) Thomas.Shess@gmail.com

Staff Writers: John White and Robert Blodgett, Saints Dads Art Director: Carol Sherwood

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Jordan Joseph De Jesus Lapira Jason Luab Mapa Joseph Edward McCabe Luis Andrés Miranda Joseph Le Moser Nicholas Colwell Munoz Kevin Osman Benjamin Jackson Piorkowski Darren Joseph Poland Xavier Aloysius Nerona Redondo Cole Richard Schenewerk Ryan Michael Stamper Evan Daniel Suda Scott Francis Szafranski Andrew Dominic White Thomas Jefferson Wickett James Joseph Zehentbauer

Steven Michael Grosse Jose Mario Hank Alejandro Joseph Ibaibarriaga Francisco Koichi Ishino Max James Kaderabek Brynton Jevon Lemar Ross Gordon Lemmel Anthony Vince Cala Llevares Charles Xavier Madruga Raynald Mari Marte Thomas Harold McCarthy Kyle Francis Mishky Ryan Denver Neck Matthew Ryan Ness William Macaspac Raines Carlo Salomon Ruiz Austin Andrew Siragusa Kevin Patrick Skinner Luke James Totah David Trung-Hieu Tran Ian Michael Trolinger Nicholas Alexander Vitha John Daniel Yourg

FRESHMEN Class of 2014 Principal’s List GPA of 4.0 or better Santiago Alcala Jacob Burton Alvord Tomas Arellano Roc Frank Beas Kevin Christopher Bitar Nickolas Anthony Camarata Braulio Saul Castillo John Charles Downey Brian Patrick Duggan Nathaniel John Fisher Jose Fernando Galan Diego Garcia Rodrigo Garcia Davis Hall Glazener Ryan A Goff Tyler Joseph Rex Hadzicki Matthew Kane Joseph Dillon Kelliher Keefe Matthew James Kubasak Max Alexander Bondoc Lalangan Gabriel Alexander Lopez Kim Johnson Mahoney Joseph Fitzgerald Mazzeo Michael Paul McRoskey Kyle Matthew Meneses Matthew Hayden Morton Matthew Joseph O’Connor Patrick Michael O’Connor Philip Gordon Greub Park Daniel Reid Pekin Charles Christopher Rayner Christopher Jonas Rice Timothy Ryan Bautista Sacamay Christopher Aaron Shelton Timothy Joseph Liang-Yong Shen Christopher Thien Phuc Tao Travis Buchanon Wilkie Steven Charles Yevchak First Honors GPA of 3.60 to 3.99 Robert Sebastian Aguais Patrick William Anderson John Joseph Matthew Bacino Gregory Thomas Barajas Kieran James Berton Samuel Stephen Buse Bernardo Edgar Cervantes Benjamin Carr Concannon Luke Anthony Charles Correnti Michael James Curtis Anthony Daoud Nicholas Alan Dhuyvetter Paul Huy Doan Ryan James Engelbrecht Ryan William Faupel

Blake Ferguson Enrico Antonio Garcia Julio Esteban Garcia-Granados Patrick Martin Hagan Sean James Hicke Jacob Daly Keane Ariel Delmundo Kenney Jeffrey Patrick Maasch Joseph Joshua McGuire Brendan Thomas McNamara Evan James Nichols German Padilla-Choy Nathaniel Soliman Nepomuceno Pascual Christian-Moreno Polak Joseph Fitzgerald Preimesberger Esteban Geovanny Quesada Ramon Alejandro Riesgo William Gromer Smith Lukas Byron Stauderman Jamie Patrick Steckbeck Tyler John Tanaka Justin Charles Toscano Samuel Laurence Varela Nathan Evan Watson Connor Joseph Whalen Joshua Connor Wharry Konrad William Woestman Second Honors GPA of 3.20 to 3.59 Eduardo Luis Acosta Diego Alcocer Nicholas Adams Allard Michael Ikenna Arinze Aaron James Balin Christopher James Barr Ian Andrew Barringer Jonathan Michael Bruner Kevin John Burnham Giovanni Michele Busalacchi Rodrigo Alonso Chavez Mario Adolfo Cota Cheyne Robert Davis Christopher Coil Dunn Marlon Isaac Espinosa Iztac David Flores-Ortiz Christian Edward Franco Cole Patrick Habib Javier Ignacio Haro-Lopez Ryan Gibson Harris Connor Patrick Haupt Tyler Joseph Herburger Ivan Haley Herholz Adam Dale Kosen Christian Edward Legaspi Trevor Newcomb Leweck Lawrence Liu Sebastian Antonio Lopez Matthew Edward Marty Adam Joseph McGrath Joshua Luis Morones Derek Anthony NavarroAnderson Pablo Ortega Ulises Osuna Justin Daniel Page John Murray Peterson Jordan Spencer Richardson Matthew James Roberts Cody John Russell Nicolas Jake Schiele Nathaniel Lucier Sennett Salvatore Silva Edward Michael Simpkins Nicholas Alexander Sinclair Guy Feeney Stevens Anthony Giovanni Sylvester Joseph Drew Tellarico Sergio Valdez Daniel Wan Woo Michael Joseph Young

Chief Photographers: Ernie Torgeson & Pat Healy Circulation Director: Casey Callery, Director of Community Relations and Special Events.

Austin Parents Assn. Editor: Theresa “TK” Kosen Editor Emeritus: John D. Keller O.S.A. (’55) Correction Policy

While every effort is made to be accurate, we occasionally err. We do apologize to those impacted and kindly ask that you notify the Managing Editor so we may choose to publish corrections or amplifications in future issues.