St. Pius X School Mission
St. Pius X School serves God in Communion with the Roman Catholic Church by fostering moral, social, and intellectual growth within a college preparatory setting to teach young people to be ethical leaders in service to others.
Spring 2024 Honors Recipients
Mike Deely Head of School
After a long journey, sometimes we stop and look back and realize how far we have traveled. During the last two years, we have made a steep climb to bring ourselves to a new place. With the full middle school in place, a new strategic plan completed, and an updated master site plan created, we are now past creating a new vision to strengthen St. Pius X, and are now making it happen by living through our mission statement.
St. Pius X School serves God in communion with the Roman Catholic Church by fostering moral, social, and intellectual growth within a college preparatory setting to teach our young people to be ethical leaders in service to others.
Our driving mantra is Mission Forward. We are letting our mission drive our decisions. In fact, every morning we read it over the PA after prayer and pledge. We do this to reinforce our commitment to building a strong future that is centered on the needs of our students and families in connection to our relationship with God. Each pillar of the strategic plan is directed by the mission.
Make Pius a place that draws kids closer to God. We are reorganizing our Campus Ministry. Christian Leadership Classes under a new Director of Campus Ministry will develop student leaders, passionate to serve others, who can then partner with our school.
Make Pius better. We have set up a plan to make more students than ever at St. Pius X eligible for college credit by increasing our offering of AP courses and offering more dual credit options.
Make Pius modern. We are working on an ambitious plan to improve the overall physical plant of the campus. An upgraded theater, a new athletic stadium, and a robotics and STREAM Center are our next initiatives.
Make Pius available for more families. We have increased our percentage of eligible families for financial aid to forty percent. We want to make a Catholic education an option for as many students as possible.
As Pope Francis loved quoting Father Serra, “Siempre Adelante!” At St. Pius X, our mission pushes us to always move forward. We thank you for your support and prayers and invite you to continue to work with us as we go forward.
Fr. John Trambley President of School
Dear St. Pius X Family,
Our mission is to serve God in Communion with the Roman Catholic Church by fostering moral, social, and intellectual growth within a college preparatory setting to teach young people to be ethical leaders in service to others. Serving God and serving others is how we move forward in our mission at St. Pius X School.
St. Paul helps shed light on the nature of this service in his first letter to the Corinthians. “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.” (1 Cor 12:27-28) Some are called to be teachers; a noble vocation that fulfills the role envisioned by St. Paul.
Teaching itself is serving God and others. Our teachers are supported through gifts of assistance by our many benefactors. This year, with the help of generous donors, we completed our transition to the use of iPads for all teachers and students in all grades. This allows the power of the internet to support each lesson in the classroom.
Our service hours show the service of God and others as well. Our students are engaged in many different service projects throughout the school year and even during their vacations. Examples of service include parish projects, the Junior Service Retreat, the packing day, and our annual food and toy drives. Do you have additional ideas for service projects in the community? Share them with me at jtrambley@spxabq.org.
Serving God and others is our mission at St. Pius X School.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. John Trambley, President of School
Julie Cook Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Fueling Our Mission: The Role of Fundraising at St. Pius X School
The philanthropic generosity of the SPX community ensures that financial resources are available to support academic excellence, moral formation, community service, and the long-term growth of St. Pius X School. The school is committed to shaping young people into ethical leaders in service to others—all within the context of Catholic teaching and values.
Here’s how fundraising aligns with and supports our mission:
Tuition Assistance: Fundraising helps provide scholarships and financial aid, guaranteeing access to a Catholic education for families of all backgrounds. This inclusivity strengthens the school’s community and makes sure that students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can benefit from moral and intellectual growth rooted in Catholic values.
Academic Programs and Faith Formation: Funds raised enhance the school’s curriculum by supporting advanced courses, student support services, and faculty development. Strong academic programs empower students to grow intellectually, while Catholic identity is reinforced through religious education, retreats, and campus ministries that nurture moral and spiritual development.
Service and Social Responsibility: Through fundraising, we offer service learning and community service initiatives that help students practice social responsibility. These initiatives teach students to live out their faith and develop leadership skills to serve others, aligning with the school’s mission to shape ethical leaders.
Facilities and Technology: The first buildings on our campus were constructed in 1951 when the first cornerstone of St. Joseph College was installed. Nearly 75 years later, our responsibility is to give students access to modern learning environments by upgrading teaching, performance, and athletic spaces, labs, technology, and grounds to prepare students to succeed after they graduate from St. Pius X.
Long-Term Sustainability: The Annual Fund is the lifeblood of all private schools, providing steady, flexible funding necessary to maintain and enhance school operations and educational offerings. Support of endowment funds through estate plans and current gifts guarantees the long-term financial stability of our school and sustains our mission for future generations.
We invite you to participate in the financial success of St. Pius X School in whatever way is meaningful to you.
St. Pius X School Masthead
St. Pius X High School, Inc. Board of Trustees
Dr. Noreen Duffy Copeland, President
Fr. Michael Demkovich, O.P. ’72, Vice President
Robert Robeda, Treasurer
Marijo Rymer ’64, Secretary
Msgr. Lambert Luna
SPX Real Estate Corporation Board of Trustees
Jerry Sais, President
Bob Arguelles ’74, Vice President
Rev. Rick Zerwas, Treasurer
John Menicucci ’70, Secretary
St. Pius X High School
Mike Deely, Head of School
Fr. John Trambley, President of School
Paul Horton, Assistant Head of School
Dcn. Tim Parker, Assistant Head of School
Barbara Ducaj ’79, Assistant Principal
Julie Cook, VP of Institutional Advancement
Connections 1956 Magazine
Jennifer Maldonado ’91, Editor-in-Chief, Director of Communications and Alumni Relations
Louis Maes, Graphic Designer
Campos Photography
XL Sports Photography
The Alumni Council
The Alumni Council Returns to St. Pius X
Joe Abbin ’60
Phyllis Schubert ’66
Gemma Menicucci Morris ’67
Barbara Hernandez Studerus ’77
Gina Sada Rightley ’81
St. Pius X School is excited to announce the reinstatement of the SPX Alumni Council, a dedicated group of alumni focused on strengthening the bond between alumni and our beloved alma mater. This announcement reflects our commitment to fostering lifelong connections, supporting current students, and celebrating the legacy of SPX. The newly established Alumni Council consists of passionate and accomplished members of the SPX community, each bringing unique expertise and a shared love for being a Sartan. These individuals will serve as ambassadors for alumni engagement, leading initiatives, organizing alumni events, and implementing programs that honor the spirit of St. Pius X while ensuring its continued growth. The council’s vision is to create opportunities for alumni to reconnect to St. Pius X, give back to the school, and support future generations of Sartans. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. A special thank you to the following alumni who dedicated their time in the selection process: Chuck Reynolds ’64, Lynne Peckinpaugh ’64, Eddie Castoria ’64, Patty Guiterrez ’74, John Cordova ’76, Edward Larrañaga ’84, and Dalia Delgado Baca ’91.
Welcome back, Alumni Council!
Amy Fink McCarty ’86
Jennifer Herrera Maldonado ’91
Leslie Radigan ’91
Debra Salter Deller ’93
Alumni Plaza Now Open!
We invite you to the grand opening of the Cynthia and Manuel ‘65 Chavez Alumni Plaza on Friday, March 28, 2025. This vibrant new space will soon become the central hub of our campus community. The celebration will include a ceremonial ribboncutting and a special blessing.
With a giant “X” monument visible from across the Rio Grande, the plaza features grassy areas, spacious walkways, and picnic tables. It is designed to foster connection among alumni, students, and faculty, making it a true centerpiece of St. Pius X School.
Be sure to mark your calendars for this momentous event and stay tuned for more exciting details in early spring!
Katherine Hodock Clouser ’03
Jenaya Hakeem Howard ’04
Stephen Armijo ’07
Kristin Padilla Ramos ’10
Gabe Calvo ’17
Triumphs and Challenges at the St. Pius X Alumni Games Alumni Games
The St. Pius X alumni community rallied again for the Annual Alumni Games as the Sartan Volleyball, Girls Soccer, and Boys Soccer varsity teams took on their alumni counterparts in a series of competitive matches.
The opening night of the Alumni Games set the stage with an exciting volleyball showdown between the current Sartan team and seasoned alumni, many of whom are currently playing in college. St. Sebastian Gym was alive with Sartan energy as both sides displayed remarkable skill and determination. After three intense sets, the alumni emerged victorious, securing a 2-1 win. The match was a testament to the enduring talent and camaraderie within the St. Pius X volleyball program. Fans were treated to dynamic sets and powerful serves, capturing the essence of the sport in a series of action shots.
The excitement continued into Saturday with a highly anticipated women’s soccer matchup. The current St. Pius X Sartans faced off against their alumni predecessors in a game filled with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The energy of the current squad prevailed, as they claimed a 5-1 victory. The alumni team showed their enduring love for the game and our beloved alma mater, making it a game to remember.
The games culminated with the return of former men’s soccer Coach Mike Strati, a 1991 St. Pius X graduate. Strati, a member of the 1990 championship team, who led the Sartans to state championships in 2007 and 2008, took the helm of the SPX Men’s Alumni team. In a highly competitive match against the 2023 defending state champions, the alumni held their own, keeping the game close throughout. Despite their best efforts, the current team edged out a 5-3 victory, but not without acknowledging the strategic talent and leadership that Strati brought to the alumni side.
This weekend of athletic showdowns not only showcased the skill and determination of both current and former Sartans but also highlighted the enduring legacy of sportsmanship and school spirit at St. Pius X.
The Tradition Continues St. Pius X Grandparents’ Day
In its second year since being revived, Grandparents’ Day at St. Pius X returned with even more enthusiasm and delight. Over 600 grandparents of high school and mid-school students gathered on a picturesque fall morning, filling the campus with love and excitement.
The celebration began with a beautiful Mass, presided over by Archbishop Wester, setting a meaningful tone for the day. Following the Mass, grandparents were invited to explore the campus during an open house, where they enjoyed refreshments, met with faculty, and took in the stunning views of the school grounds.
A highlight of the day was the chance for grandparents to meet teachers and get a glimpse into the dynamic learning environment of St. Pius X.
“Nana Jessie” Romero, grandmother to David Bunnell ’26, Austin Bunnell ’30, and SPX alumna, Megan Dennis ’21 expressed her love of attending every year, “The Mass with Archbishop Wester presiding was my favorite part, I loved it! All the kids are amazing, and I appreciated witnessing them soak everything in. I enjoyed meeting my grandsons’ teachers and gathering with other parents, grandparents, and the kids over treats. This day has been such a pleasure throughout the years. This year, there was so much one-on-one time with teachers, and they were all so welcoming and gracious. After the event, my grandsons were still hungry, so we enjoyed breakfast at a local restaurant. Such a beautiful morning and a tradition I look forward to it every year!”
St. Pius X extends its deepest gratitude to our Sartan grandparents who brought so much love, history, and joy to an event that won’t soon be forgotten. Thank you, to all our grandparents, near and far who continue to enrich our community with their wisdom, stories, and unwavering support.
Joann Armijo Barabe ’64
Passed away on June 6, 2024
Wife of Paul Barabe ’64 (deceased)
Mother of Jon-Paul Barabe ’02, Melissa Barabe Pacheco, and Jennifer Barabe Snyder.
Sister of Charlene Armijo Knipfing ’60 and Pricilla Armijo Palmisano
Aunt of Tina Knipfing ’86 and Trey Knipfing ’91
Jeanne Ann Maloof Barkoff ’79
Passed away on September 28, 2024
Mother of Dr. Jeremy Barkoff ’06, and Jonathon Barkoff ’10
Sister of Deborah Maloof Koury ’72
Family of Dr. Jason Koury ’01 Tamara Koury Plummer ’04
Norlene Mare Becker
Passed away on August 14, 2024
Mother of Mary Becker Taul ’75, Joan Becker Mondragon ’76, David Becker ’77, Sr. Sophia Becker ’78, and Patricia Becker Tonkinson ’79
Chelsea Bristol ’08
Passed away on July 7, 2024
Pat Candelaria ’81
Passed away September 1, 2024
Husband of Karen Holmes Candelaria ’81
Brother of Tina Candelaria ’83
Terrance (Terry) Dolan ’72
Passed away on August 4, 2024
Brother of Patricia Dolan Selby ’64, Kathlyn Dolan ’65, and Michael Dolan ’77
Family Member of Francis Dolan ’00 and Nicole Dolan ’05
Geoffrey Dorn ’69
Passed away on May 15, 2024
Husband of Marilyn Therese Grummer Dorn ’69
Brother-in-law of John Grummer ’65, Ann Grummer Simms ’66, Eileen Grummer Paez ’67, Janet Grummer Pedneau ’72, Ralph Grummer ’73, Martin Grummer ’75, Judi Stallings ’80, and Larry Grummer-Strawn ’82.
Robert Van Stan Eldredge
Passed away on April 3, 2024
Father of Van Eldredge ’83, Kendra Eldredge Moulton ’84, Scott Eldredge ’87, Keith Eldredge ’88
Grandfather of Jacob Moulton ’12, Spencer Tejeda-Hickman ’12, Emily Moulton ’14, Haille Eldredge ’19, and Noah Eldredge ’22
Vicente F. Fuentevilla
Passed away on April 15, 2024
Father of Juan Fuentevilla ’82 and Agnes Fuentevilla Padilla ’84
Grandfather of Michaela Fuentevilla ’07, Angelica Fuentevilla ’15, Lourdes Padilla ’16, Danilo Padilla ’19, Isabel Fuentevilla, Charissa Fuentevilla and Adrian Anaya
Judy Ann Geier
Passed away on October 13, 2024
Mother of Jennifer Geir ’08 .0625
In
Robert (Bobby) Gibbs
Passed away on October 16, 2024
Father of Lesly Gibbs Stern ’80
Grandfather of Taylor Stern ’10
Alexander Giomi Hughes ‘02
Passed away on September 14, 2024
Son of Sylvia Giomi ’73
Family of Andrew Giomi ’68, Rita Giomi ’70, and Julie Crespy ’75
William (Bill) Patrick Landgraf ’91
Passed away on June 16, 2024
Dr. Trini Lopez, Former Faculty
Passed away on August 6, 2024
Ascension (Chona) Mares
Passed away in October 2024
Mother of Dr. Frank Mares MD ’69, and Dr. Gary Mares DDS ’74 (deceased)
Grandmother of Mike Mares ’05 and Michelle Baumann Mares ’06
Margaret (Molly) Doberneck Massie ’83
Passed away on August 7, 2024
Sister of Susan Doberneck ’77, Elizabeth Doberneck ’79, and K.M. Doberneck ’86
Ina May Miller, Former Faculty
Passed away on September 12, 2024
William (Mark) Mitchell ’80
Passed away on May 5, 2024
Sister of Judy Mitchell ’77
Enriqueta (Keta) Portillo
Passed away in June 2024
Mother of Raoul Portillo ’77, Gabe Portillo ’82 and Martin Portillo ’80
David R. Roddy ’03
Passed away on May 31, 2024
Brother of Tony Roddy ‘04
Brother-in-law of Marisa Martinez Roddy ‘04
Uncle of Isabel Roddy ’22
Kent A. Salazar ’66
Passed away on September 8, 2024
Fr. Fred Wajda, Former Faculty
Passed away on August 21, 2024
To honor an alumnus or a family member, please email spxalumninews@spxabq.org
Sartan Alumni Reunite for Milestone Celebrations
The St. Pius X campus came alive with faith, friendships, and memories as alumni from the classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, and 2004 celebrated their milestone reunions. For some attendees, this was their first visit back to the campus on St. Joseph’s Drive, while for others, the familiar halls and classrooms felt like a warm homecoming.
In anticipation of the opening of Alumni Plaza, the 2024 reunion celebrations were held in the St. Cecilia Fine Arts Center. The Class of 1984 had the honor of celebrating the first alumni Mass in the new chapel. For each class, the reunion was a reminder that the bonds of friendship and shared history of being a Sartan extend beyond the building and location.
Class of 1964
Class of 1974
Class of 1984
“The Class of 1964’s 60th reunion was immensely successful. We still feel as young as we were at our first reunion… well maybe just a little bit older, but we still love getting together!”
Chuck Reynolds ’64
“We had a great turnout, and it was just so wonderful to see everyone happy and healthy!”
Patty
Gutierrez ’74
Class of 2004
“It was great to see friends from both far and near, and we loved the drop in by Mr. Zuber and Coach Turcotte… We haven’t changed a bit!”
Beth Sims Tate ’94
“I am always so amazed at how I can spend some time, at a class reunion, with a classmate I don’t really know too well, and leave feeling like I just made a new friend. It is a blessing to have spent time with all those who attended this year. Mass in the new Chapel with our class was so special.”
Ed Larrañaga ’84
“It was amazing to reunite on campus and be able to celebrate all we loved about our time there together. It was also very special to get to show our families where we got to call home for 4 years and have them share a little piece of our history.”
Jenaya Hakeem Howard ’04
Class of 1970
TBD
Please contact John Menicucci at jam@bergerbriggs.com
Class of 1975
September 19-20, 2025
Please contact Paul Clifford at 505-610-0515 or pmclifford@comcast.net
Class of 1985
September 19-21, 2025
Please email SPXforty@gmail.com for more information.
Class of 1995
June 6-8, 2025
Please contact Chris Maxwell at 505-804-3191 or CMaxwell@bankofalbuquerque.com.
Class of 2005
TBD
Please contact Jessica Montaño at jessicaleemon@gmail.com
If you are a member of the 1965 or 2015 classes and are interested in planning your reunion, please contact the St. Pius X Alumni Office at alumni@spxabq.org or 505-8318460.
St. Pius X Football Roster
Seniors
Head Coach
Curtis Flakes II
Juniors
Joziah Chama
Joseph Chavez
Prestin Day
Collin Foster
Diego Gonzales
Daegan Marsh
James Martinez
Nathaniel Miera
Kolbe Padilla, Captain
Tony Ruiz
Preston Terrazas
Ramon Torres
Logan Underwood
Sophomores
Chris Aguilar
Joaquin Aragon
Isaiah Barboa
Andrew Bujanda
Isaiah Carpenter
Cayl Cox-Liggins
Chace Dabney
Phillip Delgado
Curtis Flakes III
Nick Gomez
Carlo Lowrey-Garcia
Ethan Machtinger
Richard Medina
Chase Nelson, Captain
Hershul Olloway Jr.
Lucas Saavedra
Matthew Sanchez
Xavier Sanchez
Trevor Wunsch
Freshmen
Margarito Aragon
Isaiah Barela
Dominic Bellisario
Jonas Bouvet
Carlos “Bobo” Bustamante
Nicholas Casco
Miguel Cuellar
Joseph Filip
Isaiah Frias
Aiden Garcia
Jack Gribble
Max Gribble
Kane Huffmyer
Jaxon Jeter
Owen Keetso
Antonio Martinez
Joaquin Martinez
Christian Morales
Hayden Mortimer
Max Rebollo
Dane Russell
Chad Tsosie
Joshua Vallez
Damien Vargas
Eighth Graders
Tristan Bacon
Damacio Brito
Joshua Fisher
Connor Foster
Alex Gomez
Terrance Habish III
Charlie Hollowwa
Reed Hopkins
Luke Jones
Hunter Marsh
Noah Montoya
Elijah Padilla
Nolan Peyton
Robert Tollardo
Managers
Hayden Maestas (11)
Sophia Trujillo (11)
Andrew Bujanda (10)
Jaylen Olloway (8)
Chrissy Nelson (6)
Sam Menicucci
Jonathan Cappon
Jax Mulville
Michael Deller CAPTAIN
Jacob Silva
Leandro Garcia
Jacob Solin
James Lockheart
Bryan Thomas CAPTAIN
Jacob Madrid
Thomas Valenzuela
Valente Marquez
Hunter Vallejos
Angel Martinez
Senior photos by Dean Gutierrez of VarsitySportraits
St. Pius X Football Recap
Season Stats
Overall Record: 10-3
District Record: 6-0
District Champions
State Results: #2 Seed
State 4A Runner-Up
ALL-STATE
1st Team Offense
Bryan Thomas (12), Tight End
Cayl Cox-Liggins (10), Wide Receiver
Curtis Flakes III (10), Wide Receiver (Slot)
Hershul Olloway Jr. (10), Running Back
2nd Team Offense
Chase Nelson (10), Center
Honorable Mention
Thomas Valenzuela (12), Punter
Isaiah Carpenter (10), Quarterback
1st Team Defense
Kolbe Padilla (11), Inside Linebacker
Chase Nelson (10), Defensive Tackle
Curtis Flakes III (10), Defensive Back
2nd Team Defense
Jacob Madrid (12), Defensive End
Joaquin Aragon (10), Strong Safety
Hershul Olloway Jr. (10), Free Safety)
Honorable Mention
Michael Deller (12), Inside Linebacker
Leandro Garcia (12), Defensive Tackle
Cayl Cox-Liggins (10), Defensive Back
ALL-DISTRICT
Offensive Player of the Year
Hershul Olloway Jr. (10)
Coach of the Year
Curtis Flakes II
The SPX Varsity Football Team finished the season with an impressive record of 10-3, resulting in a trip to the State Championship game and a District Championship title. At the start of the season, the Sartans faced challenging competition, suffering losses only to 6A schools West Mesa and Organ Mountain.
The Sartans concluded the regular season by winning the District Championship, which secured the #2 seed in the playoffs—two years ahead of schedule. In the playoffs, the Sartans faced the #1 seed and reigning state champion, Bloomfield. They began the game with a strong performance and demonstrated great effort, although they ultimately fell short.
The Sartans’ success is primarily due to the coaching staff’s dedication and the exceptional talent of the players, many of whom have received All-District, All-Metro, and All-State honors.
1st Team Offense
Bryan Thomas (12), Tight End
Tony Ruiz (11), Offensive Lineman
Isaiah Carpenter (10), Quarterback
Cayl Cox-Liggins (10), Wide Receiver
Curtis Flakes III (10), Wide Receiver
Chase Nelson (10), Offensive Lineman
Hershul Olloway Jr. (10), Running Back
1st Team Defense
Michael Deller (12), Linebacker
Kolbe Padilla (11), Linebacker
Joaquin Aragon (10), Defensive Back
Cayl Cox-Liggins (10), Defensive Back
Curtis Flakes III (10), Defensive Back
Chase Nelson (10), Defensive Lineman
Hershul Olloway (10), Defensive Back
2nd Team Offense
Michael Deller (12), Offensive Lineman
Leandro Garcia (12), Offensive Line
Angel Martinez (12), Returner
Thomas Valenzuela (12), Punter
Ramon Torres (11), Offensive Line
2nd Team Defense
Leandro Garcia (12), Defensive Lineman
Jacob Madrid (12), Defensive Lineman
Jaz Mulville (12), Defensive Lineman
Thomas Valenzuela (12), Kicker
Collin Foster (11), Defensive Back
Honorable Mention
Jonathan Cappon 12), Defensive Back
Joseph Chavez (11), Long Snapper
Logan Underwood (11), Wide Receiver
ALL-METRO 1st Team Defense
Michael Deller (12), Inside Linebacker
Kolbe Padillia (11), Outside Linebacker
Curtis Flakes (10), Cornerback
Hershul Olloway (10), Safety
2nd Team Defense
Chase Nelson (10), Defensive Lineman
1st Team Offense
Bryan Thomas (12), Tight End
Tony Ruiz (11), Guard
Isiah Carpenter (10), Quarterback
Cayl Cox-Liggins (10), Wide Receiver
Hershul Olloway Jr (10), Running Back
2nd Team Offense
Chase Nelson (10), Center
Curtis Flakes III (10), Wide receiver
All Academic Player of the Year
Logan Underwood (11)
Special Recognition Player of the Year
Jacob Solin (12)
RED vs GREEN ALL-STARS
Michael Deller (12), At Large Bryan Thomas (12), Receiver
St. Pius X Volleyball Roster
Seniors
Head Coach
Jordan Russell
Juniors
Alyssa Bendinskas
Aliyah Lucero
Jasmine Martinez
Maya Perea, Captain
Sierra Sanchez
Mireya Sauceda
Ava Robertson
Sophomores
Lizzie Coash
Sophia Eakes
Olivia Forrester
Samone Gutierrez
Sienna Harrington
Aubri Hooee
Marisol Lujan
Kayla Padilla
Freshmen
Beatrice Canlas
Kayla Chavez
Faith Cordova
Hope Cordova
Daneyah Davila
Lily DiLorenzo
Feliz Flores
Grace Grady
Capri Granados
Isabella Granillo
Aspen Griebel
Celia Horton
Valentina Lopez
Roslyn Marquez
Laila Martinez
Zoe Martinez
Sami Nunez
Morgan Ponte
Isla Sanchez
Sarah Stone
Katelyn Sweetin
Olivia Wingfield
Eighth Grader
Paiz
Jordyn
Maya Baca CAPTAIN
Lourdes Gonzales CAPTAIN
Theron Stafford CAPTAIN
Eliana Torres CAPTAIN
Sylvianna Ybarra CAPTAIN
St. Pius X Volleyball Recap
Season Stats
Overall Record: 24-3
District Record: 8-0
District Champions
State Results: #1 Seed
4A State Champions
ALL-DISTRICT
Co-Players of the Year
Alyssa Bendinskas (11), Outside Hitter
Maya Perea (11), Libero
Coach of the Year
Jordan Russell
1st Team
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
Lourdes Gonzales (12), Defensive Specialist
Alyssa Bendinskas (11), Outside Hitter
Maya Perea (11), Libero
Katelyn Sweetin (9), Middle Blocker
2nd Team
Sierra Sanchez (11), Setter
Mireya Sauceda (11), Outside Hitter
Grace Grady (9), Setter
3rd Team
Theron Stafford (12), Right Side Hitter
Eliana Torres (12), Right Side Hitter
Jasmine Martinez (11), Right Side Hitter
Ava Robertson (11), Setter
All-Academic
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
Lourdes Gonzales (12), Defensive Specialist
Theron Stafford (12), Right Side Hitter
Eliana Torres (12), Right Side Hitter
Sylvianna Ybarra (12), Defensive Specialist
Alyssa Bendinskas (11), Outside Hitter
Maya Perea (11), Libero
Ava Robertson (11) Setter
Sierra Sanchez (11), Setter
Sienna Harrington (10), Outside Hitter
Grace Grady (9), Setter
Katelyn Sweetin (9), Middle Blocker
St. Pius X Varsity Volleyball concluded their season on a high note as “Back-to-Back” 2024 State Champions! The Sartans finished the year with an impressive record of 24-3, with all three losses coming from 5A opponents. The team was named the 2024 District Champions, achieving an undefeated 8-0 record and sweeping every district opponent in three straight sets. The Lady Sartans only dropped an impressive total of four sets to 4A opponents over the entire season.
Their perfect district performance and challenging schedule earned the Lady Sartans the number one seed in the NMAA State Tournament. They faced Valley, Hope, and Silver City, ultimately making it to the State Finals against the Artesia Bulldogs. The girls played with poise and control, defeating the Bulldogs in three sets with scores of 25-16, 25-10, and 2511. This victory marks St. Pius X’s 10th State Volleyball Championship, ranking them #4 in the state among the top 5A and 6A teams.
Congratulations, Ladies!
ALL-METRO 1st Team
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
Alyssa Bendinskas (11), Outside Hitter
Maya Perea (11), Libero
2nd Team
Lourdes Gonzales (12), Defensive Specialist
Sierra Sanchez (11), Setter
Grace Grady (9), Setter
Katelyn Sweetin (9), Middle Blocker
3rd Team
Mireya Sauceda (11), Outside Hitter
Senior All-Academic
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
Lourdes Gonzales (12), Defensive Specialist
Theron Stafford (12), Right Side Hitter
Eliana Torres (12), Right Side Hitter
Sylvianna Ybarra (12), Defensive Specialist
Senior Student-Athlete
Representative
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
RED vs GREEN
ALL-STARS
Maya Baca (12), Middle Blocker
Lourdes Gonzales (12), Libero
Theron Stafford (12), Right Side Hitter
St. Pius X Boys Soccer Roster
Seniors
Head Coach
A.J. Herrera
Juniors
David Bunnell
Mateo Certain
Didier Herrera
Gabe Hess
Ethan Wright Sophomores
Christopher Aguilar
Joaquin Aragon-Roybal
Christopher Ascevez
RJ Bacon
Jude Benavides
Kenneth Calderon
David Cerrato-Zalud
Adam Contreras
Carson Doherty
Connor Doherty
John Fresquez
Jayden Gallegos
Alex Lucero
James McGonigle
Landon Mileshosky
Tyler Mudd
Elijah Quinto
Nico Reyes
Christopher Ross
Hayden Toulouse
Daniel Trujillo
Dominic Vollbrecht
Jeremiah Woodhouse
Freshmen
Braedon Bauman
Elijah Campbell
James Gulley
Anthony Gustamantes
Diego Herrera
Ryan Jackson
CJ Justus
Mateo McMahan
Caiden Monaghan
Santiago Munoz
Dillon Muxworthy
Frankie Nayder
Jacob Roberts
Javier Suarez
Sebastian Trujillo-Giordano
Lance Yarbrough
Trent Yarbrough
Rosten Vick
Eighth Graders
Vincent Cichy
John Johnson
Xavier Leyva
Romelio Márquez
Hayden Miller
Connor Sweetin
’99
Frank Barela CAPTAIN Konnor Bogart
Noah Devany
Tim Dyson CAPTAIN
Gavin McAtee MANAGER
Julian Lovato CAPTAIN
Logan Zerbe
Season Stats
Overall Record: 19-4
Metro Runner-Up
District Record: 8-0
District Champions
State Results: #1 Seed
4A State Runner-Up
ALL-DISTRICT
Players of the Year
Frank Barela III (12), Goalkeeper
Julian Lovato (12), Defender
ALL-METRO 1st Team
Frank Barela (12), Goalkeeper
Konnor Bogart (12), Defender
Noah Devany (12), Forward Tim Dyson (12), Defender
Julian Lovato (12), Defender
Logan Zerbe (12), Midfielder
Mateo Certain (11), Forward Kenneth Calderon (10), Midfielder Nico Reyes (10), Forward Diego Herrera (9), Midfielder 2nd Team
Didier Herrera (11), Midfielder
Landon Mileshosky (10), Defender
Honorable Mention
Ethan Wright (11), Forward Anthony Gustamantes (9), Defender
Lance Yarbrough (9), Forward
RED vs GREEN
ALL-STARS
Noah Devany (12), Forward Julian Lovato (12), Defender
St. Pius X Boys Soccer Recap
The St. Pius X Boys Soccer team entered their 2024 season as the defending 4A State Champions. They notched very impressive early victories over Rio Rancho, ABQ High, and Atrisco Heritage, before falling in penalty kicks to La Cueva in the Metro Championship. The 2nd place finish was the program’s best finish in Metro since 2009.
The team then traveled to Washington DC, where they would take on some of the top teams in the country. After hard-fought battles against Gonzaga and St. Albans High Schools, the boys finished the road trip with a win over St. Andrew’s Episcopal.
After resuming season play, the boys continued the momentum and won 15 straight games. During this streak, they outscored their opponents 84-2 with 13 shutouts. Notable wins over Academy, Los Alamos, Artesia, and Hope Christian, earned the team the top seed in the state tournament for the second straight season.
The boys advanced to their second consecutive state championship, with a 2-0 win over Artesia and a 5-1 win over Hope Christian. The championship was a grueling match with Albuquerque Academy. Ending in a 2-2 tie after regulation and overtime, the final was again decided by penalty kicks.
Although the Sartans did not achieve their ultimate goal, they had another successful season, finishing in the top four in the state for the second consecutive year. The 2025 graduating class will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most influential in recent history, helping to restore the program’s status as one of the best in the state.
St. Pius X Girls Soccer Roster
Seniors
Head Coach
Juniors
Kaylee Perea
Alicia Sapien
Sophomores
Bella Bustamante
Vanessa Cichy
Evangeline Garcia
Maddilyn Garcia
Dominica Lujan
Aubrey Rodela
Marizia Valdez
Madeline Warren
Freshmen
Emily Armijo
Mia Hennessy
Penelope Lee
Zoe McMahon
Elizabeth Ouellette
Catherine Sedillo
Amara Torres
AnaLucia Torres-Rael
Ellie White
Eighth Grader
Viviana Chavez
Nick Madrid ‘07
Analisa Aragon Izabella Cotinola CAPTAIN
Audrey Mileshosky CAPTAIN
Kiley Patalan CAPTAIN
Carina Suarez CAPTAIN
St. Pius X Girls Soccer Recap
Season Stats
Overall Record: 14-9
District Record: 8-0
District Champions
State Results: #5 Seed
4A State Semifinalist
ALL-DISTRICT
Player of the Year
Carina Suarez (12), Forward/Defender
1st Team
Izabella Cotinola (12), Midfielder
Audrey Mileshosky (12), Defender
Kiley Patalan (12), Goalkeeper
Carina Suarez (12), Defender
Alicia Sapien (11), Defender
Vanessa Cichy (10), Forward Maddilyn Garcia (10), Midfielder
Amara Torres (9), Midfielder
2nd Team
Analisa Aragon (12), Forward Aubrey Rodela (10), Forward/Midfielder
Marizia Valdez (10), Forward
ALL-METRO
1st Team
Maddilyn Garcia (10), Midfielder
2nd Team
Carina Suarez (12), Defender
ALL-ACADEMIC
Izabella Cotinola (12), Midfielder
Audrey Mileshosky (12), Defender
Carina Suarez (12), Forward/Defender
Alicia Sapien (11), Defender
RED vs GREEN
ALL-STARS
Kiley Patalan (12), Goalkeeper
Carina Suarez (12), Forward/Defender
The 2024 Girls Varsity Soccer season was defined by significant growth and development among our Lady Sartans. The team faced challenges together and emerged stronger after every match. The Lady Sartans were highly competitive in every game this season, showcasing several outstanding performances and achieving close scores against some of the top teams in the state.
The five class of 2025 seniors led by example, and the returning players are motivated for next season with the addition of new and talented players. As the team continues to grow, the program’s culture is firmly established and is on track to become the top team in New Mexico next year while also sustaining the remarkable success of St. Pius X soccer.
St. Pius X Cross Country Roster
Seniors
BOYS
Juniors
Liam Brown
Andres Calbert
Quinnlin Wilson
Sophomores
Ryan Castillo
Paul Diego
Freshmen
Silas Brown
Gomez
Hoisington Brandon Manzanares Samuel Stafford
Eighth Graders
Kyrie Konico John Paul Rimbert Mateo Sanchez Levi Lopez
Head
GIRLS
Juniors
Sophomores
Stella Copeland
AnaGrace Garcia
Alison Ortiz
Takira Konico
Olympia Neiman
Clare Rimbert
Freshmen
Eleni Andritsos
Mia Cahill
Kaylee Gray
Marisa Rael
Eighth Graders
Lily Sandoval
Caitlin Tierney
Olivia Weber
Silas Cerami Liam Chavez Max Lopez Miguel MaldonadoLucero
Jessica Castro Brooke Kelly Elena Valencia
Valente Marquez Justin Martindale Sam Menicucci Joshua Robbins
Season Stats
Boys District: Champions
Girls: District Runner-Up
State Results Boys: 4th Place
State Results Girls: 9th Place
ALL-STATE
Brooke Kelly 8th (12)
ALL-DISTRICT
Liam Chavez, 1st (12)
Max Lopez, 4th (12)
Brooke Kelly, 2nd (12)
Josh Robbins, 5th (12)
Liam Brown, 2nd (11)
Stella Copeland, 9th (10)
Silas Brown, 6th (9)
Mateo Sanchez 7th (8) DISTRICT RUNNER OF THE YEAR
Liam Chavez (12)
BOYS DISTRICT COACH OF THE YEAR
Jeff Turcotte
ALL-METRO
Brooke Kelly, 7th (12)
ALL-HARRIER
RED vs GREEN
ALL-STARS
Liam Chavez (12)
Brooke Kelly (12)
Josh Robbins (12)
St. Pius X Cross Country Recap
This season, the St. Pius X Cross Country Team has arguably fielded the best boys team in recent history. Starting in the summer, with record mileage, the boys came into the season with a great base that paid dividends throughout the season. As the season progressed, the team had very low spreads in pack time, varying 30 seconds from the number one runner to the scoring number five. This kind of team running landed the Sartans their best-ever finish 4th place finish at the Metro Championships, 3rd place at the prestigious Academy Extravaganza, and top performances in all other pre-district meets. This team of seniors was also the first ever group to win the district championships during all four years at St. Pius X, placing 6th in the top ten, which is considered all-district. The boys also had a valiant effort at the state, finishing 4th.
In a rebuilding year, the girls put in hard work and welcomed some newcomers. Joining the boys running long miles and tough workouts, the girls topped off their season as District Runner-Up and 9th at the State Meet. Brooke Kelly was an inspirational leader as a senior, enjoying her best season as a Lady Sartan.
Both teams are very young, and great things are expected in the coming seasons.
St. Pius X Cheer
Seniors
Head Coaches
Shalyn Caudill ’19
Ashlyn Villanueva
Juniors
Lillian Miksch
Eliana Saiz
Mikayla Strickland
Abra Telles
Sophomore
Sarah Butler Freshmen
Carly Camilli
Kelsey Carlin
Bryanna Chacon
Lauren Mercer
Shane Pruitt
Cecilia White
Eighth Grader
Esperanza Jaure
Eva Chaidez
Erica Martinez CAPTAIN
Ava Mudd CAPTAIN
Anna Nunez
Isabella Pacheco Olivia Sholtis
Diana Flock CAPTAIN
photos by Anchored Memory Photography
Seniors
Head Coach
Maria Lucero
Juniors
Mikayla Paiz, Co-Captain Sophomores
Kaylah Haddad
Isabelle Soto
St. Pius X Dorados
Freshmen
Delilah Muxworthy
Kiara Ortiz
Jaycee Vallo
Eighth Graders
Katerina Hess
Isla Mudd
Jayla Sanchez
Victoria Standlee
Seventh Graders
Marina Martinez-De la Garza
Eliana Gomez
Alexis Hoisington
Addison Harrington CAPTAIN Aili Johnson CAPTAIN
photos by Maria Lucero
St. Pius X Boys Basketball
Seniors
Head Coach
Ryan Myers ’09
Senior
Sam Menicucci, Manager
Juniors
Marcos Chavez
Noah Faux
Quinnlin Wilson
Kenneth Zamora
Sophomores
Isaiah Barboa
Isaiah Carpenter
Leland Chacon
Cayl Cox-Liggins, Manager
Curtis Flakes III
Nicholas Gomez
Hershul Olloway Jr.
Aaron Rodriguez
Luke Wrobel
Freshmen
Xander Faux
Eli Gallegos
Christopher Justus
Dorian Kuria
Zachary Lujan
Brody Marquez
Caiden Monaghan
Christian Morales
Isaiah Olivas
Julian Pacheco
Santiago Peralta
Matthew Portee
Novik Richards
Steven Vasquez
Trent Yarbrough
Eighth Grader
Alexander Sims
Jackson Carrigan
Mason Montoya CAPTAIN
Jacob Garcia CAPTAIN
Lorenzo Sandoval MANAGER
Leandro Garcia James Lockhart
Carson McConnell CAPTAIN
Joshua Darling
Brandon Sanchez
Seniors
Head Coach
Bree Rode
Juniors
Madison Barker
Mikaela Trujillo
St. Pius X Girls Basketball
Sophomores
Leia Aguon
Claire Lieuallen
Zia Valdez
Maddie Warren
Freshmen
Kaylee Gray
Milana Sanchez
Marissa Sapien
Eighth Graders
Dielissandra Molina
Jaeyln Olloway
Olivia Weber
Seventh Grader
Amiyah Cunningham, Manager
Catalina Anaya CAPTAIN
Bella Candelaria CAPTAIN
Jayna Castillo Izabella Cotinola Macy Freeze CAPTAIN
Ariana Sandoval
Thomas Valenzuela MANAGER
Kam Aragon
St. Pius X Wrestling
Seniors
Head Coach
Monte Wallace
Juniors
Mycah Gachupin, 139
Randy Goodman, 139
Anthony “TJ” Maldonado, 160
Matthias Marquez, 121
Mariana Montoya, 185
Dane Padilla, 107
Valentine Popadiuc, 152, Captain
Tony Ruiz, HWT
Sophomores
Miles Blanton, 121
Amari Jaramillo, 114
Ethan Machtinger, 189
Sophia Pacheco, 132
Ashante Roybal, Manager
Freshmen
Livy Chavez, 107
Thiago Gonzales, 107
Kenjiro Henry, 160
Zachary Katz, 145
Matthew Longdon, 127
Marek Lovato, 121
Alfredo Martinez, 114
Samantha Nunez, HWT
Avi Phlieger, 121
Marisa Rael, Manager
Dane Russel, 189
Lance Yarbrough, 133
Eighth Graders
Zach Brito, 145
Sebastian Campos, 121
Connor Foster, 152
Reed Hopkins, 133
Isabella Vallejos, 126
Oliver Windom, 172
Claudia Aragon, 138 CAPTAIN
Zia Budagher, 165 CAPTAIN
Andy Gutierrez, 152 Abigail Rael, 132 CAPTAIN
Jacob Silva,189 CAPTAIN
Santiago Aragon Roybal, 172 CAPTAIN
Seniors
St. Pius X Swimming
Head Coach
Daryl Wells
Juniors
Amorah Holmes
Danira Madrid
Audrey Phelps
Sophomores
John Carney
Madelyn Garcia
Alicia Garcia-Haynie
Madison Sanchez
Griffin Wells
Branson Whitson
Freshmen
Isaiah Barela
Sydney Dexel
Elizabeth Ouellette
Lucy Pouska
Eighth Graders
Rika Garcia
Charlie Hollowwa
Joshua Caintic
Ava Marie Machtinger CAPTAIN
Justin Duran
Dominic Martinez CAPTAIN
Rylie (Santi) Lopez CAPTAIN
Hayden Tate
Brody Dexel
Isaiah Martinez
St. Pius X Academic Decathlon
Seniors
Teacher/ Moderator
James Penn
Senior
Bridget Braun
Junior
Kathryn Egberg
Sophomores
Nikko Esquibel
Madelyn Garcia
Gloria Guerin
Ethan Ong
Freshmen
Eleni Andritsos
Marisa Sapien
Serafina Apodaca
Andrew Baldonado Santos Barela Jonathan Cappon Jacqueline Cattaneo
Xavier Apodaca
Seniors
St. Pius X Sports Medicine
Athletic Trainers
Ashley Dapson MS, LAT, ATC
Kylee Dorsey LAT, ATC
Juniors
Marcos Chavez
James Martinez
Savannah Ellison
Athena Martinez
Addison Harrington
Abigail Rael
Rylie Lopez
Thomas Valenzuela
Macy Freeze
Ava Mudd
Mid-School Activities: Christmas Show/Dances
A Message from Mr. Horton
As we continue to seek and promote peace during this advent season, I give God thanks for the blessing of our new full St. Pius X Middle School Program. I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. It’s been a semester of growth, laughter, and meaningful moments, and I am so honored to be a part of this remarkable journey with each of you. Our students have truly shined, both in and out of the classroom. Our recent Christmas play and Christmas concert were beautiful testaments to the dedication and talent that our young learners possess. Watching the students come together, embracing their roles and supporting one another, reminded me of the power of collaboration and faith. It was a reflection of the spirit of community we’ve nurtured here, where each individual contributes to something far greater than themself.
The middle school dance, filled with laughter and joy, was another highlight. It wasn’t just a celebration of fun; it was a celebration of the friendships and connections that make our school such a warm and inviting place. The students’ energy and enthusiasm were infectious, showing the strength of their spirit and camaraderie.
Our sports teams also deserve a special mention. The students displayed exceptional sportsmanship and determination on the court, the field, or the track. The lessons they learned through teamwork, perseverance, and discipline will stay with them for a lifetime, shaping them into leaders both on and off the field.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, let us remember that every step forward is a testament to the dedication of our students, teachers, and families. I couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’ve made together. We are truly blessed to be part of such a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring community.
In Christ,
Mr. Horton, St. Pius X Head of School - Middle School
Christmas Show
Dances
Mid-School Activities: Athletics
St. Pius X Launches Middle School Athletics with a Stellar First Season
The introductory season of Middle School Athletics in the Fall of 2024 has exceeded expectations at St. Pius X School. There have been a large number of young athletes participating and showcasing their talents while establishing a reputation for Sartan Middle School Athletics right from the start. This fall, the program began with five volleyball teams, one coed soccer team, one coed golf team, one coed cross-country team, and a mid-school Dorados dance team. Now, as we enter the winter season, we have three girls’ basketball teams, two flag football teams, one coed swim team, and one coed wrestling team, totaling over 175 student-athletes! We have been truly impressed not only with the victories achieved by our teams and the lessons learned from losses but, most importantly, with the good sportsmanship and perseverance our young athletes have displayed. The future of St. Pius Athletics looks very bright.
Looking ahead in Middle School Athletics, we are excited to start boys’ basketball, track and field, baseball, and softball. If you are interested in coaching or have any questions about middle school athletics, please contact Jordan Russell at jrussell@ spxabq.org.
Around the X Academics: Honors Convocation
St. Pius X Honors Academic Excellence at Fall Convocation
and NHS Induction
The tradition of academic excellence at St. Pius X School was on full display at the Fall Honors Convocation, where five seniors and twenty-two juniors were inducted into the St. Pius X Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). To be invited to apply for NHS membership, students must demonstrate exemplary character, service, and leadership, along with maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. At St. Pius X, NHS members also strive to embody the school’s motto, “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge.” Students are eligible to apply at the beginning of their junior and senior years.
Ava Marie Machtinger, president of the St. Pius X NHS Chapter, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and introducing Father John Trambley, who delivered the invocation. Father John recited verses from the book of Sirach, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, reflection, and spiritual guidance. The invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by NHS Vice President Addison Harrington.
Following the prayer and pledge, Ms. Dawn CdeBaca, the NHS Chapter moderator, addressed the students, encouraging them to embrace NHS’s core pillars: scholarship, character, service, and leadership. Congratulations to the following new members:
Thomas Atencio
Miranda Barela
Alyssa Bendinskas
Konnor Bogart
Sabine Correa-Bruzzese
Valerie Gurule
Isabella Harris
Ella Hill Danira Madrid
Hayden Maestas
Anthony “TJ” Maldonado
Zoe Mangrum
Daegan Marsh
Manuel Morales-Hernandez
Ava Mudd
Jax Mulville
George Ochs
Maya Perea
Audrey Phelps
Ava Robertson
Daniella Romero
Sierra Sanchez
Lorenzo Sandoval
Theron Stafford
Emily Stone
Logan Underwood
Ashton Warren
In addition to the NHS inductions, students were recognized for their accomplishments in communication, foreign languages, academic decathlon, community service, and more. One notable honoree was senior Eliana Marquez, who received the prestigious West Point Leadership Award.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the prestigious gold academic letters. Twenty-three juniors and nine seniors received their gold academic letters, while forty seniors were awarded their second-year pins for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 for four or more semesters. These honors and academic achievements reflect the continued dedication and academic success of St. Pius X students.
Around the X: Campus Ministry
All-School Rosary
St. Pius X Students gathered as a community at the first All-School Rosary of the school year to reflect on the mysteries and make time for our Lord. Fr. Trambley and Mrs. Olguin organized the schoolwide event with the support of Campus Ministry and Liturgical Choir.
Thanksgiving Mass
The Thanksgiving and Native American Mass was a heartfelt celebration led by Archbishop John C. Wester, Father John Trambley, and Deacon Tim Parker, honoring our Native American students and their families. In preparation for the Mass, the Sartans organized the annual food drive, benefiting Our Lady of Sorrows, Barrett House, the St. John XXIII Social Concerns Committee, Catholic Charities, St. Felix Pantry, and St. Bernadette.
A special thank you goes to seniors Santos Barela and Zia Budagher for coordinating the food drive with the support of the National Honor Society. Their efforts, along with strong participation from our middle school, enabled us to surpass the total collected last year, showcasing the true spirit of our community coming together to make a positive impact.
Around the X: Campus Ministry
Father Huber ‘04
Fr. Steven Huber, ’04, celebrated a Mass in our new chapel for faculty and staff while he was home for his 20-year high school reunion. In addition to the Mass, he spoke at a Faith Formation event. Fr. Huber, CSB, is the Parochial Vicar and the Vocation Director for the Basilians at St. Anne Catholic Community in Houston, TX.
Christmas Mass
On December 12th, the St. Pius X Family gathered to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Trambley and Deacon Parker. In honor of the Virgin Mary, our students participated in the annual toy drive organized by the Campus Ministry, collecting 16 bikes and four flatbed dollies filled with stuffed animals, games, puzzles, and this year’s most popular toys. The toys were donated to Our Lady of Sorrows, Barret House, Holy Family, and the Shrine of St. Bernadette to help make the Christmas wishes of the children in their parishes come true.
Around the X: Fine Arts
Full Circle: Stephen Armijo’s (’07) Journey Through
The Crucible
For producer and director Stephen Armijo ’07, this year’s fall production of The Crucible represented a significant full-circle experience. During his senior year at St. Pius X, he was cast as Giles Corey, an English-born farmer accused of witchcraft. At that time, it was his last show at SPX, and he focused mainly on his character rather than the production. Since then, he has taught and directed the play. Set in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a fictionalized account of a community in chaos. When asked about the depth of the play and its characters, Mr. Armijo remarked, “The Crucible is about a community destroying itself. There’s a lot of substance for the students to work with, and they had to invest themselves in their characters fully. The cast excelled; their performances were robust.”
In his third year overseeing the drama program at St. Pius X, Mr. Armijo has developed the program to a level capable of producing such a complex play with sensitive and controversial themes. The material demands performers who are willing to commit time and energy. Senior Kameron Swanson and junior Emily Stone delivered standout performances as the Proctors, portraying the trauma of a marriage in crisis. Sophomore John Carney as Nathaniel Hale and newcomer senior Isabelle Gauthier as Abigail Williams also delivered memorable performances.
In addition to teaching at St. Pius X, Mr. Armijo is engaged in the local theater scene and has been a storyteller and performer with Blackout Theatre since 2018. His most recent venture is Nite School: The Whole Enchilada—Food and Drink in New Mexico, a web series with a comedic flair exploring the history of food and culture in New Mexico.
Frightful Fun and Festive Tunes: The Annual St. Pius X Halloween Show Hits the Stage!
The sights and sounds of Halloween once again graced the stage at the annual St. Pius X Halloween Show. The performance opened with ghostly visuals in green, black, and white, telling the story of Lydia Deetz and her malevolent ghost, Beetlejuice, through dance and song.
Next, the Dorados took the stage with an energetic floor routine, followed by a lively tribute to Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic,” complete with the signature red pajamas and gold chains. As the lights dimmed and excitement filled the air, the drumline delivered their annual haunting rendition of the movie The Purge
After this performance, emcee Mr. Stephen Armijo, class of ’07, introduced an intense and thrilling scene titled “The Babysitter: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz.
The grand finale dazzled audiences with eerie melodies as the band and orchestra performed various selections from Halloween Melody.
Around the X: Fine Arts
The “Golden Ones” Shine Bright at the Dorados Christmas Dance Showcase
Christmas came early at St. Pius X as the Dorados held their annual Christmas Dance Showcase to a packed house eager to cheer on our beloved “Golden Ones.” The show opened with an ensemble performance of “Game Day” and, in keeping with tradition, featured several solo, duet, and small group performances, all centered around a Christmas theme, culminating in the grand finale of “Oh Santa!”
This talented team, composed solely of middle school dancers, is coached by Maria Lucero, who has over 16 years of experience in teaching dance. Coach Maria has performed for the NBA, in films, and at televised award shows, including the VMAs and Latin Grammy Awards. This is her first year coaching at St. Pius X.
Coach Maria stated, “I believe in this school. I believe in this program, and I believe in these dancers.”
An Enchanting Evening: The Sounds and Sights of Christmas
The Christmas spirit was alive at the annual Christmas show, The Sounds of Christmas, presented by the St. Pius X Performing Arts Department. The performance began with musical acts from the first-year band and orchestra. Next, the high school band joined forces with the second-year middle school band for a lively showcase featuring trumpets, guitars, and percussion instruments. The first act concluded with a dramatic ode to Christmas performed by the high school orchestra, spotlighting the violin, viola, and cello.
Act II commenced with several comedic Christmas scenes written and performed by students. The highlight was “Christmas Gone Wrong”, a skit about a group of elves who think Santa has been murdered and try to find the suspect. The grand finale was delivered by the choir, singing beloved holiday tunes. Notable performances included “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” sung by Sandra Allison and Griffen Wells, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” performed by Zia Budagher, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featured by Kateri Tellas.
Around the X: Homecoming 2024
Celebrating the Sartan Spirit
Students, alumni, and the entire SPX community celebrated Homecoming Week in an outpouring of true Sartan spirit. The week launched with the annual Homecoming parade, which featured the introduction of the court and the parade of fall sports and ended with performances by the Dorados and the Cheer Team.
Festivities continued with the time-honored bonfire, lit by the SPX Cross Country Team and followed by an impromptu dance party on campus.
The Alumni Department and the SPX Athletic Booster Club hosted the annual pre-game tailgate on the night of the game. The event was filled with food, fun, and fellowship as alumni and families reunited in anticipation of a thrilling victory, where SPX faced off against the Valencia Jaguars. The Sartans took the win, sparking enthusiastic celebrations across the stands. At halftime, Jackson Carrigan and Bella Cotinola were crowned King and Queen. The High Court also included First Prince Frank Barela, First Princess Theron Stafford, Second Prince Santiago Lopez, and Second Princess Maya Baca. Additional members of the court included Joshua Caintic, Liam Chavez, Max Lopez, Carson McConnell, Luke Montoya, and Hunter Vallejos for the boys, as well as Zia Budagher, Jacqueline Cattaneo, Savannah Ellison, Diana Flock, Erica Martinez, and Abigail Rael among the girls.
Homecoming Week at St. Pius X was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sartan community, uniting students and alumni in a shared legacy of tradition, achievement, and pride.
