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ALUMNI: Letter from Greg Calcagno ’83, upcoming events, class news, In Memory and Little Lancers

FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Dear Alumni,

Lancers for life! I’ve seen alumni use this phrase as a hashtag and show it in their actions. The three words perfectly encapsulate Lancer friendships and how, no matter the distance or years passed, alumni stay close to our hearts.

Class of 2020 alumni were reminded that they are Lancers for life when we hosted a Recognition Ceremony and Lancer Senior Picnic one year after their virtual graduation. The Alumni Association welcomed them back to campus to reunite with former classmates and commemorate their graduation. They posed for pictures where they first forged their friendships and shared stories and laughter, proving that their tight bonds transcend their abbreviated senior year.

Class of 1960 celebration

Class of 1980 celebration The Lancers for life sentiment was on display when we honored our rich history and traditions during the inaugural Founders Day Celebration on May 4. Alumni shared throwback photos and fond memories while giving shout-outs to their favorite teachers, coaches and moderators. Thanks to alumni and community giving, we surpassed our goal and raised more than $276,000. The creative ways alumni paid tributes to Lancer legends and financially contributed to the event represent examples of Lancers for life in action.

Three days of Reunion Weekend events in early September brought alumni back to campus with big smiles and warm hugs, showcasing how Lancers keep their connections to one another for life. Alumni enjoyed the school spirit and traditions on display at the Friday SF Kick-Off before the first home football game. Classes ending in “1” and “0” returned to their alma mater for the Saturday Grand Reunion in their honor. And, new this year, Holy Cross and Saint Francis alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago were honored during the Golden Grads Mass and Brunch. We toasted their imprint on our school and on their fellow classmates. Check out Grand Reunion and Golden Grads Mass & Brunch highlights sfhs.com/reunion.

Whether you return to visit campus, stay connected and updated about Lancer news, or contribute to student support programs for students facing economic hardship, you are a treasured part of the Saint Francis family and truly Lancers for life!

Our tradition continues … Go Lancers!

Greg Calcagno ’83

Alumni Director gregcalcagno@sfhs.com Twitter: @SFHSalumni Facebook: Saint Francis High School (Mountain View) Alumni Instagram: @sfhs_lancers_alumni LinkedIn: Saint Francis High School Alumni SFHS.com/alumni/giving

Class Notes

Stay Connected, Lancers! Visit sfhs.com/alumniconnect to: • Update your contact info to learn about SFHS alumni activities and opportunities • Submit Class Notes and share your latest news

Mark Schmitz ’78 and his wife, Wendy, welcomed their first grandchild, Landon Howard Thomas.

Anne Gavin ’83 married Gary Dempster at Drumtochty Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Anne and Gary live in Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland, with their dog, Erin, and horse, Topper.

Sgt. Frank Hagg ’03, a Santa Clara police detective, was undefeated at the 2021 United States Police and Fire Championships (previously known as the California Police Olympics) Brazilian Jujitsu competition. Frank won gold in the men’s 170 pound-and-under weight class for the 35-and-older division and the open division. No points were scored against Frank during the competition.

Brandon J. Rolle ’05 is a composer, conductor, teacher and the cofounder and artistic director of the Impulse New Music Festival. His debut album, Glitch Portraiture, integrates technology with acoustic performances and features electroacoustic chamber works. Brandon holds a PhD in music composition from UC Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts degree in music composition from Mills College.

Holy Cross Impact:

Joe Verceles ’90

“Looking back at what Saint Francis means to me goes beyond my four years of high school. My parents sacrificed to send me and my siblings to Saint Francis to allow us to get an education based on Catholic values. I started attending Saint Francis sporting events while I was in elementary school and by my freshman year, I felt like I was already part of the community. I developed great relationships with friends and teachers that prepared me for the rest of my life. I played basketball and baseball for four years and learned to be a team player. I honed leadership skills that I still use today in my career.

“For over 20 years, I have been an active member of the Saint Francis Alumni Council, and I enjoy giving

Emily ’24 and Joe ’90

back to the school and connecting with alumni. Today, I get to experience Saint Francis again through my daughter Emily ’24. I enjoy seeing it through her eyes.”

David Calcagno ’08 married Alora Anderson in San Francisco in June 2021. Braden Bishop ’12 is an outfielder for the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate. Braden founded the nonprofit 4Mom in honor of his mother’s battle against Alzheimer’s disease. The nonprofit raises money to combat Alzheimer’s disease by advancing awareness, supporting caregivers and funding research. Braden, his wife, Brianna, and their son, Boston, live in Lincoln, Calif.

Ryan Frizzell ’12 earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in legal studies from UC Santa Cruz and is pursuing a master’s degree at UC Irvine’s criminology, law, and society program.

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Class Notes

Patrick Carroll ’13 and Adam Poltrack ’16

Patrick Carroll ’13 and Adam Poltrack ’16 graduated from the United States Marines Corps Officer Candidate School and were commissioned as second lieutenants. The two Marines are training at the Basic School at Quantico, Va.

Chad Lee ’15 was commissioned first lieutenant at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing and is a registered clinical nurse in the medical-surgical unit. Chad was deployed to Los Angeles County when his medical team was hand-selected to assist hospitals struggling to cope with a COVID-19 surge.

Raquel Mendoza ’16 received the Biological Sciences Academic Achievement Award, summa cum laude honors recognition, and was the student commencement speaker when she completed her Bachelor in Science from Notre Dame de Namur University. Raquel is pursuing a Doctorate of Audiology at San Jose State University and is the advancement project coordinator for the San Jose Evergreen Community College District.

Holy Cross Impact:

Cathy Ottobani Paulson ’94

“When I think about the impact Saint Francis has had on my life, the one word that comes to mind is family. This is the home where my mother and siblings spent their high school years. The Quad is where I met my husband. My Lancer family grew to include the teachers who encouraged my love of learning and the lifelong friends I made along the way.

“Like a good parent, the school community provided support and countless opportunities for growth and personal development. The education I received extended beyond algebraic equations and MLA format. I learned how to persevere and work hard, developed confidence in myself in student council and cheerleading, and explored my own relationship with God on yearly retreats. Now that my own children have

Maggie, Cathy ’94, Joey ’25, Olivia ’23, Kurt ’93

joined the Saint Francis family I cannot wait to see how they, too, will experience what it means to be a Lancer.”

Ryan Higgins ’18 was drafted in the ninth round by the Baltimore Orioles. Ryan, a Fresno State infielder and elite Mountain West Conference slugger, led the Bulldogs in home runs, batting average and runs batted in.

In Memory

Patrick Allen, husband of Charlene Torley Allen HC ’63, father of Katherine Allen Primas ’92 John Charles Rackers II, husband of Marlene, father of Megan Rackers Morris ’86, John III ’87 and Mark ’92

Lauren Lee ’18 is an in-flight customer service representative for Southwest Airlines. Lauren resides in Santa Clara but her work enables her to travel extensively throughout the United States.

The USC Thornton School of Music Jazz Night performance included a piece composed by Eli Serepca ’19. Eli’s original composition was performed by USC’s Edwin Livingston Combo.

Silvina Avila, mother of Maria Sousa (educator)

Jean Doyle (former health room volunteer), mother of Christine ’80

Gretchen Gearhart, daughter of Joyce Corboline Gearhart HC ’62

Albino Genevro, father of Paul ’81

Charles Geschke, husband of Nan; father of Peter ’83, Kathy Orciuoli ’86 and John ’88

Fred Herkenhoff ’60

Venkataramana Kakitapalli, father of Akul ’21

Amy Landphere Meyer ’82, wife of Tim, daughter of Fern and Will Bailey, sister of Mike Landphere ’79, Ed Landphere ’84, Stephanie Hodges ’85, and Matt Bailey ’93

Bill Miller, husband of Nancy; father of Andy ’98

Terry Moore ’85, brother of Jennifer Creager ’84 and Cathleen ’88

Marylynn Louise Ackerman O’Neill, mother of Karen Quaglia; mother-inlaw of Tom Quaglia ’75; grandmother of Katherine Quaglia ’05, Nicholas Quaglia ’08 and Olivia Quaglia ’10

Marty Sinatra ’59

Kevil Smith, mother of Steve (educator); mother-in-law of Marybeth Haruff-Smith ’81; grandmother of Michael Haruff, Anthony ’19, Francesca ’21

Marge Smith (former educator), mother of Mark, Jennifer Smith Morton ’89 and Kathryn Smith Heilmann ’84

Chris Tesoriero ’00, son of Christian Stetz and Theresa Stetz; brother of John ’98 and Deanna Tesoriero Lorraine ’02

Stanton and Jeanne Tothero, parents of David ’76 and Nancie Tothero Roth ’78

Tormey Ward, husband of Carol, father of Mike ’81, Sheila Ward Asher ’82, Linda Ward Spingler ’83 and Brian ’85

Cambria Yauger, sister to Kelly Curtis; sister-in-law to Jason Curtis; aunt to Maggie Curtis ’21 and Erin Curtis ’24

Cleopha Zauner (former parent volunteer and school nurse), wife of John; mother of Mike ’85 and Jennifer ’89

Leia, daughter of David ’99 and Alison Bo Joseph Russell, son of Joseph and Adrienne Bateson ’03 Riccardi

Lotus, daughter of Matt and Lea Knopf ’05 Elder

Little Lancers

If you are the proud parent of a Little Lancer, please email LittleLancer@sfhs.com to receive a Lancer gift for your baby. Please include your address and the names of all family members.

Connor (3.5) and Luka (1.5), sons of Collin ’03 and Sandra Bagoje-Cook ’03

Karthik Morgan, son of Scott Tarbell and Natasha Iyer ’08

Caroline (5) and Anders (1), children of Kerry and Shannon Cozzo ’00 Mahon

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