SUMMER 2017
Congratulations, Class of 2017! ON JUNE 4, THE SAINT MARY’S community celebrated the spirit, talents, and achievements of the Class of 2017 during the school’s graduation ceremony, held at Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Antone Olivier ’70 was the Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon program, which included remarks from school President Brother Edmond Larouche ’66 and Principal Pete Imperial, both of whom spoke of the need for educated, committed, and faith-filled leaders to address the challenges facing our country and the world. “We pray you will have the opportunity to do the great and wonderful things you dream of doing throughout your lives,” Brother Edmond told the graduates. “May the human and educational foundation you have received from your parents, your families, and from Saint Mary’s, enable and empower you to be voices for hope, voices for peace and justice, voices for truth, and voices for love,” he added. “There is great need for good people,
willing to sacrifice and work for a better world. Please be those people.” In addition to recognizing the support for the Class of 2017 provided by members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, and parents and caregivers, Brother Edmond acknowledged the important role played by all those who contribute to Saint Mary’s tuition assistance fund. “We thank you for having allowed us to remain true to our Mission,” he said. “You should know that tuition assistance made it possible for 60 members of this class to attend Saint Mary’s and to graduate this morning.” The talented and accomplished members of the Class of 2017 were accepted into some of the country’s most prestigious colleges and universities—from the UC and CSU campuses to public and private institutions in California and throughout the United States. Together, the graduates were awarded nearly $15 million in academic
and athletic scholarships by colleges and universities, as well as private sources. The class includes two National Merit finalists— Seth Howell and Naama Weksler, dozens of scholar athletes, including some who will go on to play collegiate sports, as well as many gifted musicians and artists. “You are growing up quickly and growing up into a world that is extraordinarily challenging,” Principal Imperial told the graduates. “We know we have issues to grapple with around nationalism, climate change, health insurance, and the economy. All these things are going to be yours to deal with,” he added, noting that the foundation the graduates have received at Saint Mary’s prepares them well for these challenges. Referencing the country’s growing economic inequality, Imperial urged the students to remember they have the social and moral responsibility to help those less fortunate, “not because we are better, but >> Continued on Page 2
Congratulations, Class of 2017! We are proud of you!
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Congratulations to Seth Howell and Naama Weksler for being named National Merit finalists. Naama was recognized and awarded the school award in Science and for General Academic Excellence. Seth also was recognized by Saint Mary’s for his contribution in the areas of Performing Arts, Music, and Service.
because we are their brothers and sisters.” No commencement ceremony would be complete without advice for the graduates and this year’s was no exception. Imperial took the opportunity to counsel the graduates on a range of topics—from academics to health and wellness. Near the end of his remarks he shared his final, and perhaps his most heartfelt, advice: “Graduate from college. “It doesn’t matter where you go. It matters what you learn and that you get a degree,” Imperial told the graduates. “You can help make careers better, your families and lives better, and the world better. We need you.” The celebration concluded with the traditional singing of the “Bells of Saint Mary’s,” led by the school’s newest alumni, the Class of 2017.
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Members of the school’s orchestra and chorus provide beautiful music at the Baccalaureate Liturgy.
0 Nicole Fernandez, Christian Feraria, and Daniella Espinoza at the Baccalaureate Liturgy.
0 Antone Olivier ’70 welcomes graduates, left to right: Katelyn McCarthy, Roger Levaux, and Donye Green to open the Senior Presentation with prayer.
0 Adrianne Nguyen, recipient
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Left to right: Jared Flint, Hailey Lompa, and Avi Tal Wilson-Perteete after graduation.
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of the school award for Community, receives communion at the Baccalaureate Liturgy from Christina McNichol.
CLASS OF 2017
Class Awards The following members of the Class of 2017 were honored for their academic and athletic accomplishments and their commitment to service.
The Saint John Baptist De La Salle Certificates Of Academic Distinction English: Sophia Maeve Cich and Claudia May Nehme Spanish: Raquel Tessiana Butner and Claudia Madeline Sanchez French: Roger Rene Levaux and Naama Weksler Social Studies: Brandon Arch McWilliams and Alistair W. Sherris Watt Religious Studies: Emma Homertgen and Katelyn Jane McCarthy Mathematics: Maya Khoury and Owen Martin Woo Science: Roger Rene Levaux and Adrianne Doroliat Nguyen Philosophy: Alinda Amuiri and Ethan Shay-Cowell Visual Arts: Nicole Alessandra Fernandez, Ethan Shay-Cowell, and Mia Nicole Young Drama-Performance: Elizabeth Jordan Safir Drama-Technical: Paloma Mia Beltran Cruz Instrumental Music: Johnnie Nicholas Conner IV Choral Music: Alistair W. Sherris Watt Dance: Iyari Del Milagro Falcon
Choral Music: Ella Catherine Brydon Dance: Claudia May Nehme Creative Writing: Michelle Martinez Journalism-Yearbook: Sukai Janine Crutchfield Billinge Salutatorian: Paloma Mia Beltran Cruz Valedictorian: Gianni Louis Bloom
Academic Awards Visual Arts: Faith Emmanuelle Biaco Rimando Performing Arts: Seth Montgomery Howell Mathematics: Roger Rene Levaux World Languages, French: Claudia May Nehme World Languages, Spanish: Cristian Jose Garcia English: Brandon Arch McWilliams Social Studies: Samuel Burke Trotter Religious Studies: Nicole Alessandra Fernandez Laboratory Science: Naama Weksler General Academic Excellence Award: Naama Weksler
Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talent And Service Awards
Highest School Awards
Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Noelle Simone Shaw, Kennedi Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;jon Villa, and Owen Martin Woo Athletes of the Year: Carolyn Elise Gill and Sanjay Marcus Kettels Music: Seth Montgomery Howell
Award for Faith: Emma Homertgen Award for Service: Seth Montgomery Howell Award for Community: Adrianne Doroliat Nguyen
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Tia Cross and Sukai Crutchfield Billinge in line to enter Senior Presentation.
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Alex Heckmann and Lindsay Hemp at the Baccalaureate Liturgy.
0 Left to right: Jose Jasso, Claudia Nehme, OgheneFegor Uwuseba, and Thomas Baumgartner prepare to present the gifts during the Baccalaureate Liturgy. GOOD NEWS FROM PERALTA PARK
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CLASS OF 2017
Valedictory Address 1
Gianni Bloom delivers his valedictory speech to the student body during the Senior Presentation.
Delivered by Gianni Bloom GOOD MORNING, SAINT MARY’S: Board of Trustees, Brother Edmond, administration, faculty, staff, parents, guardians, family, friends, and the Class of 2017. Our auspicious futures will be possible because of all we have learned together and all those who have made our learning here possible: Thank you. My job today is to give a glance into what’s to come, to share a plethora of clichés and maybe a few corny jokes that may only draw awkward cry-laughs from a few of the parents before we shake Brother Edmond’s hand and receive that coveted piece of paper. Sitting below me is an intelligent, powerful, and gritty group of young adults. In four years, I’ve watched these incredible people prepare to push on a world with a concrete foundation and steel-reinforcement. Our time is not limitless. The hour hand will spin as we continue to push our concern for the poor and social justice, our faith in the presence of God, our quality education, our respect for all persons, and our inclusive community. Our core Lasallian principles 4
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will thrive through us as our clocks tick and perhaps that will make the hands rotate a little slower. For our summer reading going into our junior year, all of us were asked to read Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. The book introduces the 10,000-hour rule. You may have heard of it even if you haven’t read the book. (I know a number of us seniors have only skimmed through the SparkNotes version.) Humor aside, Outliers considers the meaning of success, to whom it is available, and how to achieve it. The 10,000-hour rule is this idea that in order to become world class—to become an expert in any field— one must first put in 10,000 hours of work. It’s a daunting prophecy, really. I mean we’re here celebrating more than 12 full years of education: 14,400 hours. These hours represent a promise that if you put in the work, and commit the time, you’ll get what you desire. But the reality is not quite so simple. Not everyone’s 10,000 hours are created equal. For some, it’s cause to not even try. Not for this Senior Class of 2017. Regardless of all the outliers that may
frustrate our paths to success, happiness, whatever the elusive ideal is that some part of all of us chases after, we roll up our sleeves and keep tallying the hours. Whether or not you believe in 10,000 hours being this magical number where you achieve all of your goals does not actually matter. This concept of accumulating hours is more of a way of living, rather than a destination. The Class of 2017 will always be building, growing, and improving. I won’t stand at this podium in my cap and gown and promise you that we contain the creator of the next “Snapchat” or the next pro bowl MVP. But I can promise you that we’ll have some of the best parents, the best influencers in our communities, the best people. I’ve logged four years’ worth of hours with you while we discovered who we are and how we want to shape this world. We’re still figuring a lot of that out. But if our growth and influence in high school is any indication, we will fare well. A story that I feel beautifully encompasses this class is the story of our senior sunrise. Let me paint the picture for you: It’s a Friday morning, about 4:30 am, and I’m sitting off the side of my bed with my face in my hands, mad at myself for choosing such a loud Drake song to be my alarm. The bad part about watching the sunrise is that it requires you waking up before the sun rises. I shower, brush my teeth, get my backpack, basically all the stuff you don’t want to be doing at 5 in the morning. I make my way out of the house and go to pick up a couple of friends. More accurately, I went to sit in my car, parked in front of my friends’ houses for 20 minutes at a time until they each eventually woke up. An hour or so in and this feels more
like an ordeal than an activity. Finally, everyone is in the car so I drive for a while. I think everyone else in the car was asleep, but I don’t remember too well because I was in and out myself. (Relax, that was a joke, mom.) So, as I keep driving. the road keeps getting darker. I’m sure we’re almost there, bumpier, but there’s no way we’re not close, darker, bumpier, darker, bumpier. Oh! We passed it. So we turn around and at last we find it and I turn into the little parking area and take one of the last open spots. We all get out of the car and drag our feet over to the other seniors who are already there and it’s strange because none of them are standing where the view is. We soon find out that’s because a much bigger school has decided to have their senior sunrise at the same location, on the same morning. Disappointed, tired, cold, it’s crowded, loud—not a great way to start senior year. But then something happens: Brandon and Marcus climb a tree, a big tree, and they’re just sitting at the top of it hanging out. And a lot of people were kind of whispering to each other and giggling and things of that nature, nothing malicious, a lot of us just noticed it was a different, maybe unusual thing to be done at a senior sunrise. Soon after they climbed the tree, other Saint Mary’s seniors started to dance, to sing, to laugh, to meet people from the other school.
The singing of the school alma mater.
And, by the time the sun had risen, the air felt light from our happiness. We had changed the entire situation for ourselves in a matter of hours. It felt not as if the sunrise uplifted our spirits, but as though our rising spirits had lifted the sun. I mention that particular story because it illustrates the messiness that can accompany change. Change is a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, all of it attributable to the cocoon through which the butterfly breaks. As we leave behind most of what we have always known, to move to uncharted cities with unfamiliar faces, our cocoons are forming. The changes that we will face lie in the circumstances around us. On the other side of the unwanted goodbyes and uncertain futures, we emerge as who we are supposed to be. The butterfly is the result. Between us and the people we strive to become stand the hours we will spend in the cocoon. Change is not always going to be something we are entirely happy about. But, Like Brandon and Marcus, climbing the tree will bring us new songs to sing, new people to meet. I reflect on our first day together, when we stood wide-eyed at the freshman entrance on Monterey Avenue and had the impossible idea that four years would feel like a long time. I’m certain that each of us has our few things that we wish we had done. A person we wish we had talked to more, a club we
wish we had joined, something we always told ourselves we might do later. Everyone here had a moment in the past few months where we just wanted time to stand still. Sooner than we can imagine, we’ll be having the same feeling at our college graduation, at the start of our careers, our weddings, the birth of our children. These moments are everywhere. In times of change, we will always wish we could change time. This idea is not meant to be sad, but rather inspirational: to lead our lives with the knowledge that it’s moving faster than any of us would like and live successfully, not focused solely on outcomes but rather on what we do with each and every hour to ensure not a single moment goes to waste—that every hour is lived to its fullest. In times of change we will always wish that we could change time. Class of 2017, we have that opportunity now. We have most of our lives ahead of us, so while we both look forward to and fear this upcoming change, let’s forget about the club we wish we had joined and focus on the one that we are going to join; not consider what would have happened had we talked to a certain person, but rather what is going to happen when we talk to the next one. We can’t change time, but we can choose how we spend it. Thank you, and give it up for your Saint Mary’s Class of 2017.
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1 Elizabeth Safir and brother, Nick ’06.
7 Tony Torres and brother, Francisco ’11.
0 Olivia Brown and brother, Sean ’15.
0 Noelle Shaw and her Mom, Rianna ’01.
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Lily House and her mom, Beth Fisher, Saint Mary’s staff member.
3 Julian Acuna and his brother, Alex ’09.
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Ben Upshaw with sister, Carina ’16, and their mom, Balbina.
0 Jessica Pena with her brothers (left to right) Joshua ’14, Diego ’19, and David ’21 .
0 Carolyn Gill and proud parents, Carl and Gwendolyn. 1
Emma and Michael Homertgen, both members of the Class of ’17.
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CLASS OF 2017
Salutatorian Address Delivered by Paloma Mia Beltran Cruz Good evening Saint Mary’s: Board of Trustees, Brother Edmond, administration, faculty, parents, and the Class of 2017. Thank you all for coming to attend the Class of 2017’s Baccalaureate Mass. As this year’s Salutatorian, I have been given the responsibility to recall and reflect on the Class of 2017’s four years on campus. For some of us, this graduation day has been a long time coming. Others are scared for a future without close friends by their side. And there are those of you who have not accepted the fact that four years have really passed by. Despite how you may be feeling, congratulations! You did it! You made it through hours of frustration with projects, fought off the calling to binge watch a Netflix series, and single handedly survived the deadly and contagious disease known as senioritis. Though your hands may never recover from frantically typing papers at the last minute, all your hard work has paid off. And to whoever told you that you couldn’t finish high school, you have proved them wrong. As a class, we stand on the brink of finishing high school with our hearts and minds filled with aspirations. Even though many of us do not want to recall freshman year, do you remember how old seniors looked when we were freshmen? How naive each one of us was to the realities of high school? Perhaps you remember hearing about college and thinking, “Pfff... That’s so far away, who cares?” Surprise! It’s already here. Or how enthusiastic everyone was on Fridays to run “The Mile?” I remember in the freshmen girl’s locker room complaining about the boy’s Axe deodorant and how some of our classmates became a little too competitive during kickball. Who knew the sport was so emotional? I apologize to you who have remembered suppressed memories about freshman year. I, too, regret thinking Taylor Lautner was to be my future husband. 8
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At this point, I could dissect the significance of the Five Lasallian Core Principles, take a page out of Brother David’s lengthy presentation on Saint John Baptist de La Salle, or revisit the themes we explored on Senior Retreat Journey’s 28, 29, 30, and 31, but these messages have already sunk in. We already demonstrate these messages in our everyday actions. I see every individual in my class on campus supporting, challenging, and loving their friends and classmates. We understand deeply what it means to be part of the Lasallian Community. With the passing of Mr. Shum, our community mourned the loss of a prominent soul that influenced each one of our lives. With the strength of our community, the love we share for one another, and faith, we supported each other and grew together as a community. Likewise, after the Pioneer Valley incident, our community did not stand for the harassment of a classmate and parent. We gathered together at the cross—the center of our school—and expressed our concerns, anger, and frustration. We stood up for each other by challenging the dress code, promoting the creation of new clubs, sharing concerns around our polarized political climate, and advocating for the arts. These actions are not incidental. Rather, they exemplify the Class of 2017’s strongest characteristic: Speaking our truth to power. As injustices happen worldwide, nationally, and on our campus, our class speaks up on behalf of those who do not have a voice. As the faculty and administrators are aware, we were a handful. “Sorry, Banks.” But Remember, this: Our unwavering spirit is our gift. Now more than ever, with the world
becoming smaller every day, whether in your neighborhood, school community, friend group, or family, the power to challenge inequalities is in our hands. Before I finish, I want to thank all the families for supporting their student’s academic, social, and spiritual journeys. You sustained us through periods of self-doubt, cheering us on from the sidelines, attending our performances, putting up with our endless hours of clearing out your fridge, and encouraging us to pursue our passions. Parents, it’s finally time to say farewell. I know some of you have been counting down the days for us to leave, while others will be sobbing the moment we depart. We will never forget the sacrifices you have made for us. Thank you for all the hard work you have done to send the Class of 2017 to Saint Mary’s. Faculty and Administration. Thank you for your dedication, passion, proficiency, and ability to figure out how to use PowerSchool. As teachers, you follow the example of de La Salle by providing us with a human and Christian education. You have taught us the basics of math and English, all the way to exploring the complexity of biases. You
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Paloma Mia Cruz shares a celebratory moment with Dr. Pete Imperial after her salutatory address.
challenge each and every one of us because you see the potential we all possess, even if we cannot see it. We will miss Doc’s root beer and pretzel parties; never forget the intensity of taking AP Literature with Ms. Canga; and shall always recall the iron fist of Ms. Pacatte. Of course, the theatre kids will never forget the motivating speeches given by Mr. Olivier, and the dancers, the inspiring, passionate spirit from Ms. Paulson. At our college orientations, we will be surprised when there is no Dr. Imperial to go on a tangent about his trip to Prague. It will be uncomfortable to be on a campus without the philosophical twins, Sutphin and Pally, challenging us to question our entire existence. Next year, we will wonder whom to go to for advice without Ms. G. and Filson around. And I don’t think we will ever find someone who can draw Europe as well as Mr. Rogers. You have helped us not only grow as students, but as individuals. Class of 2017. Thank you for becoming a second family. We have deepened our friendships on and off the field, developed our unshakeable class spirit at rallies, chanted the empowering ‘1-7’ cheer, laughed at Uche’s new sports anchor title for the day, and listened to each other’s perspectives in and out of the classroom. We have also had to say a painful goodbye to the famous “Teriyaki squirrel” provided by Steve and his amazing “$1 for four cookies” special. For some of us, it will be difficult to start each morning without our radio hosts, Gianni and Sohrob. Or the energy from Carolyn and Kayla as they fill the room with school spirit. Not being able to see Julian and Mia slay the makeup game is going to force me to watch Instagram makeup tutorials. Having class without an analytical perspective from Sanjay, Ethan, or Kendall will leave many of us wondering if we have really dissected an issue. We will miss discussions with Haven, Nikki, and Noah about the gender binary. It will be hard to have prayer in the absence of Avi and Dahrian’s long and intense intentions. And
I know for me it will be painful to go to class without my friends, especially having a friend, who shall remain nameless *cough* Seth, to make sarcastic comments with. Through these four years, we have honed our talents on the field, choreographed seamless dances, spent hours on lighting design, studied difficult concepts, perfected our monologues, and captured the world on a canvas. As a class and as individuals, we have become stronger and accomplished a lot. And for all of us, we are just beginning. This is our last time as a class in this auditorium. It is a bittersweet ending as we go our separate ways to begin a new journey. Some are flying across the country and others will be just a couple miles away. But know this is not goodbye. We will always be connected. We will always carry our core values. We will always challenge the Status Quo. Because we will always be Panthers. Thank you.
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Front row: Daniella Espinoza and Daniel Zuniga. Back row, left to right: Christian Garcia, Dane Quartel, Caetano Brito, Samuel Trotter, and Cole Nelson.
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Elijah Frendberg-Mates (left) and Marcus Ariel present their diplomas.
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CLASS OF 2017
College And University Acceptances Academy of Art University American International College American University Arizona State University Bethune-Cookman University Boise State University Loyola Marymount University Macalester College Marquette University Marymount Manhattan College McNeese State University Miami University, Oxford Mills College Montana State University, Bozeman Mount Holyoke College New York University Northern Arizona University Notre Dame de Namur University Nova Southeastern University Occidental College Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pitzer College Portland State University Presentation College Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Saint Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of California Salve Regina University San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Santa Fe University of Art and Design Santa Monica College Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Seattle University Seton Hall University Shaw University Sonoma State University Southern Oregon University Spelman College St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University - Queens Campus Suffolk University Syracuse University Temple University Texas Southern University The Catholic University of America The College of Wooster The Evergreen State College The George Washington University 10
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The New School - All Divisions The Ohio State University The University of Arizona Trinity College Trinity University Tulane University University of Auckland University of British Columbia 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 Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Briar Cliff University Bucknell University California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, Pomona California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo California State University, Bakersfield California State University, Chico California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, East Bay California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Bernardino California State University, San Marcos Chapman University City College of San Francisco Clark Atlanta University Clark University Colgate University College of Mount Saint Vincent Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Connecticut College
Contra Costa College DePauw University Diablo Valley College Dominican University of California Drexel University Duke University Eastern Washington University Eckerd College Emerson College Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University
Gonzaga University Goucher College Grambling State University Hampshire College Hampton University Hawaii Pacific University Hofstra University Holy Names University Howard University Humboldt State University Huntingdon College Illinois College Indiana Tech
Ithaca College La Salle University Langston University Lewis & Clark College Lincoln University Louisiana State University University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado at Denver University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Denver University of Florida University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Louisiana University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan University of Missouri Columbia University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno University of New Mexico University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Portland University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of the Pacific University of Southern California University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison Vassar College Virginia Tech Viterbo University
Wartburg College Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Westmont College Whitman College Whittier College Willamette University Xavier University of Louisiana
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1]72 Founder’s Day Founder’s Day is a celebration of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Christian Brothers and Lasallian educators at Saint Mary’s and throughout the world. This annual event includes a Liturgy, lunch for the entire school community, and organized games on Brady Field. Yearbooks are also distributed on Founder’s Day—a muchanticipated annual tradition.
7 Lasallian Educator of the Year honors went to Joseph Palladino (shown with his wife, Emlyn). Joe is a 13-year member of the faculty. He teaches epistemology, social justice, and world religions.
7 Rallies are a time for Panthers to show their class pride and school spirit.
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2 Diversity Fair More than 30 countries and cultures were represented at display tables around the campus Cross during the school’s Diversity Fair on May 11. The theme for the annual event was, “The Faces of Saint Mary’s: One Voice, One Family, One Table.” The day included Tinikling, a Philippine folk dance with bamboo poles. Experienced and novice dancers joined in the fun.
1]7 Congratulations to all of our artists, musicians, and dancers for a month of incredible art work and performances featured at several campus events this Spring, including the AP Art Show; the Music Concert, featuring the Jazz Band, Orchestra, Beginning Band, and the Chorus; the Dance Concert; and the Advanced and Freshman Theatre Arts Showcase.
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YEAR IN SPORTS
Go Panthers! Football: Despite finishing 4-6, the football team advanced to the NCS Division III playoffs. Sam Hines, III was named to the First Team, All-League as an offensive lineman. Miles Joyner earned First Team, All-League honors as a defensive back. Connor Banks was named the new Varsity Head Coach for the 2017 season.
Fall Sports Cheer: Our cheer team continues to grow, with nearly 40 students participating in the JV/Varsity Cheer program during Fall and Winter seasons. Cheer will be an official California Interscholastic Federation/North Coast Section (NCS) sport in 2017-2018, with our cheer program participating in competitions in the Spring of 2018. Cross Country: The JV women won the TriCity Athletic League (TCAL) championship. The men’s and women’s varsity teams each finished third, with both teams advancing to the NCS Cross Country Championships. Owen Woo, Julia English, and Genevieve Wiley were named to the First Team, AllLeague.
Golf (Women’s): The team finished second in the TCAL. Seniors Julia English and Julia Lorch were both named to the First Team, All-League. Tennis (Women’s): The women’s tennis team won the TCAL Championship and advanced to the NCS playoffs quarterfinals. Alyssa Kaumbula-Docherty, Rachel Cohen, and Claudia Nehme were selected to the First Team, All-League. Morgan Hill received a Tennis scholarship offer from American International College. Volleyball (Women’s): The team was the TCAL Champion for both regular season and the tournament and advanced to the NCS playoff quarterfinals. Junior Tori O’Sullivan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, with seniors Cristina McNichol and Nicole Fernandez making the
First Team, All-League. Rising junior Izzy Ultsch was named to the Second Team, All-League.
Winter Sports Basketball (Women’s): The women’s basketball team finished second in the TCAL, then went on an incredible run, advancing to NCS Division III semifinals, then to NorCal Division III finals. The team was led by Carolyn Gill and Kennedi Villa, both of whom signed Division I offers, to CSU Fullerton and San Diego State, respectively. Named new Head Coach for 2016-2017, Chris Toler, was proud of the Panthers’ determination, and is expecting great things for the 2017-2018 season. Carolyn Gill and Kennedi Villa were named to the First Team, All-League, with junior De’Janae Evans and freshman Kayla Roseman earning Second Team honors. Basketball (Men’s): A very young team struggled in 2016-2017. The 2017-2018 season looks bright, with Rich Buckner named Varsity Head Coach for the new season. Soccer (Men’s): The men’s Soccer team finished a strong second place in the TCAL, advancing to NCS playoffs quarterfinals. Seniors Cristian Garcia and Jose Villaneuva were selected to the First Team, All-League, while AJ Heckmann took Second Team honors. Soccer (Women’s): The women’s soccer team finished second in the TCAL, falling 1-0 in the TCAL championship game. The team advanced to NCS playoffs for the fifth year in a row. Seniors Dani Espinoza, Emma Homertgen, and Elise Kruger were all named to the First Team, All-League. Freshman Marlee Smith was selected to the Second Team, All-League.
Spring Sports
0 Congratulations to Saint Mary’s athletes as they sign with their respective college/university. Front to back: Janai Denard (Texas Southern), Sanjay Kettels (UC Berkeley), Owen Woo (Pitzer), Morgan Hill (American International College), and Avi Wilson-Perteete (University of Nevada – Las Vegas).
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Baseball: The Baseball team took the TCAL Championship title in the highly competitive Rock Division. Led by League MVP Gianni Bloom and First Team All-Leaguers Ryan Jenkins and Miles Williams, the team
advanced to the NCS Division IV playoffs as the Number 1 Seed, but fell in the NCS semifinals in a close game. Returning starters Nic Vamis, Spencer Helvig, and Lucas Mendoza were named to the Second Team, All-League, while pitcher Daniel Colwell was named TCAL Pitcher of the Year. Golf (Men’s): The men’s golf team won the TCAL Championship, with seniors Tony Torres and Tom Baumgartner earning First Team, All-League honors. The golf team advanced to the NCS, with Tony Torres ultimately advancing as an individual qualifier to the Division 1 championship tournament. Softball: The Softball team won the NCS Division IV title 1-0 after a highly successful season. The team was led by First Team All-League seniors Janai Denard and Taylor McCracken, as well as sophomore Reyna Heredia. After finishing second in the TCAL, the team went on an incredible string of victories, advancing all the way to the NCS Division IV championship game against Del Norte and claiming Saint Mary’s first Northern California Softball Championship. Swim/Dive: The swim team has an incredibly bright future, with winners in individual and relay events at the TCAL swim meet. Freshman swimmer Alejandra Robins won the TCAL Championship in both the 200 freestyle and the 100 fly, while several relay teams missed making the NCS finals by less than half a second.
Tennis (Men’s): The men’s tennis team won the TCAL Championship and advanced to the NCS Division team tournament playoffs. Led by First Team, All-League selections Max Kramer, Christian Feraria, and Michael Homertgen, the team expects great things in 2017-2018. Track and Field: For the 31st year in a row, the Saint Mary’s men’s and women’s track & field teams won the TCAL Championship in 2017! The women’s track team went on to finish as champions of both the NCS Bayshore Meet and the NCS Meet of Champions, its third title in four years. Individuals advanced to the CIF state meet, where Sanjay Kettels won the State Long Jump Championship on his final jump! As a junior, Kali Hatcher finished second in the CIF state triple jump, while medaling in two other events. Freshman Malcolm Clemons had an incredible state meet, medaling in both the triple and long jumps. Finally, Owen Woo capped a great season as TCAL 3200m champion, finishing ninth fastest in the state.
0 Congratulations to Sanjay Kettels, who jumped a school-record 24’ 3 3/4” on his final attempt to win the California State Long Jump Championship. Sanjay will be attending UC Berkeley in the Fall.
Volleyball (Men’s): The men’s volleyball team advanced to the NCS playoffs for the second year in a row under the leadership of Coach Gary Hodge. Patrick Godfrey was instrumental in the team’s success and made the TCAL First Team, All-League. GOOD NEWS FROM PERALTA PARK
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Saint Mary’s College High School 1294 Albina Avenue Peralta Park Berkeley, CA 94706-2599
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Calendar of Alumni Events September
December
• Parent Annual Fund Campaign Begins
19 C lass of ’52 & Friends Christmas Lunch
• “ Food for the Journey” Campaign Begins 25 Annual Golf Tournament 30 Homecoming
October • Alumni Scholars Program Begins 27, 28, & 29 Fall Drama Production
November
20 College Alumni Day – 2:15 pm 23 Class of ’07 Reunion Social
December 17 • Class of ’06, 10th Reunion
2018 January 28 Super Bowl Pool February 3 Crab Feed & Silent Auction
• A lumni Memorial Mass – Date to be Announced 4 Class of ’77 Reunion To register for events listed and for more information, please go to www.saintmaryschs.org/alumni