Connections Magazine: Fall/Winter 2024

St. Pius X Middle School Students

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.

Fall-Winter 2024

Record Board

Academics

DIVISION III National Final Results

State Results

• AcaDec State Championships • AcaDec State Runner-Ups • AcaDec State 3rd Place Finishes

22 4 2

• AcaDec National Championships • AcaDec National Finals Top 3 Placements: • AcaDec Nationals Super Quiz Relay Top 3 Placements:

Spring 2024 Honors Recipients 43 27

Class of 2025

• First Honors • Second Honors

• State Championships • State Runner-Ups • District Championships • First-Team All-State Honorees

33 27

Class of 2027

• First Honors • Second Honors

41 25

Class of 2028

• First Honors • Second Honors

10 12

District VII Honor Orchestra Band & Choir Members (2011-2023)

44

Visual Arts • Scholastic Art Awards (2019-2024) • American Vision Award (2019-2024)

92 79 261 634

63 22

Campus Ministry

Class of 2026

• First Honors • Second Honors

6

Athletics

Class of 2024

• First Honors • Second Honors

1 5

72 1

• Community Service Hours Served (2005-2024) 316, 620 • Community Service Hours Served (2023/2024) 18.300 • MADAH Meals Prepared 2,711,460 • MADAH Meals Prepared (2024) 56,960 • 2024-2025 Members of Campus Ministry 47

Fine Arts Band

• State Superior Awards • Heritage Festival Awards (2011-2024) o Gold o Silver o Bronze • NM All-State Music Festival Honorees

25 8 6 3 30

Choir

• NMMEA All-State Choir Singers (2018-2024) 38

Scholarship Dollars Earned by the Class of 2024

$8,143,557

Table of Contents

Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Mike Deely, Head of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Fr. John Trambley, President of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Julie Cook, Vice President of Institutional Advancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 The Alumni Council Returns to St. Pius X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni Plaza Now Open! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Triumphs and Challenges at the St. Pius X Alumni Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 St. Pius X Grandparents’ Day The Tradition Continues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 In Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Reunions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Sartan Alumni Reunite for Milestone Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 2025 Reunion Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 St. Pius X Football Roster/Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 St. Pius X Volleyball Roster/Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 St. Pius X Boys Soccer Roster/Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 St. Pius X Girls Soccer Roster/Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 St. Pius X Cross Country Roster/Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 St. Pius X Cheer Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 St. Pius X Dorados Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 St. Pius X Boys Basketball Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 St. Pius X Girls Basketball Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 St. Pius X Wrestling Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 St. Pius X Swimming Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Class Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 St. Pius X Academic Decathlon Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 St. Pius X Athletic Sports Medicine Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Around the X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-38 St. Pius X Honors Academic Excellence at Fall Convocation and NHS Induction . . . . . . . . . 30 All-School Rosary/Thanksgiving Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Father Steven Huber (’04)/Christmas Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Stephen Armijo’s (’07) Journey Through The Crucible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Annual St. Pius X Halloween Show Hits the Stage! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The “Golden Ones” Shine Bright at the Dorados Christmas Dance Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 The Sounds and Sights of Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Celebrating the Sartan Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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Leadership Mike Deely Head of School Dear St. Pius X Community, 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.

Community of Faith: 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.

Community of Excellence: 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.

Community of Hope: 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.

Community of Love: 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.

Sincerely in Christ,

Mike Deely, Head of School

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

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Leadership 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

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

Dr. Noreen Duffy Copeland, President Fr. Michael Demkovich, O.P. ’72, Vice President Robert Robeda, Treasurer Marijo Rymer ’64, Secretary Msgr. Lambert Luna

Connections 1956 Magazine

SPX Real Estate Corporation Board of Trustees

Jennifer Maldonado ’91, Editor-in-Chief, Director of Communications and Alumni Relations Louis Maes, Graphic Designer Campos Photography XL Sports Photography

Jerry Sais, President Bob Arguelles ’74, Vice President Rev. Rick Zerwas, Treasurer John Menicucci ’70, Secretary

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The Alumni Council The Alumni Council Returns to St. Pius X 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.

Joe Abbin ’60 Phyllis Schubert ’66 Gemma Menicucci Morris ’67 Barbara Hernandez Studerus ’77 Gina Sada Rightley ’81

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!

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Katherine Hodock Clouser ’03 Jenaya Hakeem Howard ’04 Stephen Armijo ’07 Kristin Padilla Ramos ’10 Gabe Calvo ’17

Alumni Games Triumphs and Challenges at the St. Pius X 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.

5

St. Pius X Grandparents’ Day The Tradition Continues 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.

6

In Memory Robert (Bobby) Gibbs Passed away on October 16, 2024 Father of Lesly Gibbs Stern ’80 Grandfather of Taylor Stern ’10

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

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

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

William (Bill) Patrick Landgraf ’91 Passed away on June 16, 2024 Dr. Trini Lopez, Former Faculty Passed away on August 6, 2024

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

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

Chelsea Bristol ’08 Passed away on July 7, 2024

Margaret (Molly) Doberneck Massie ’83 Passed away on August 7, 2024 Sister of Susan Doberneck ’77, Elizabeth Doberneck ’79, and K.M. Doberneck ’86

Pat Candelaria ’81 Passed away September 1, 2024 Husband of Karen Holmes Candelaria ’81 Brother of Tina Candelaria ’83

Ina May Miller, Former Faculty Passed away on September 12, 2024

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

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

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.

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

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

Kent A. Salazar ’66 Passed away on September 8, 2024 Fr. Fred Wajda, Former Faculty Passed away on August 21, 2024

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

To honor an alumnus or a family member, please email spxalumninews@spxabq.org

Judy Ann Geier Passed away on October 13, 2024 Mother of Jennifer Geir ’08 .0625

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Reunions 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.

“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!”

Class of 1964

Patty Gutierrez ’74

Class of 1974

Class of 1984 8

Reunions

“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 2004

2025 Reunions

“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

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.

“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.”

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.

Ed Larrañaga ’84

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St. Pius X Football Roster Seniors

Senior photos by Dean Gutierrez of VarsitySportraits

Jonathan Cappon

Michael Deller

Leandro Garcia

James Lockheart

Jacob Madrid

Valente Marquez

Angel Martinez

Sam Menicucci

Jax Mulville

Jacob Silva

Jacob Solin

Bryan Thomas

Thomas Valenzuela

Hunter Vallejos

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

CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Sophomores

Freshmen

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

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

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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)

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

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

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

1st Team Offense

2nd Team Offense

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

Chase Nelson (10), Center Curtis Flakes III (10), Wide receiver

2nd Team Defense

Logan Underwood (11)

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

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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

All Academic Player of the Year 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

Maya Baca CAPTAIN

Lourdes Gonzales

Head Coach Jordan Russell

Juniors Alyssa Bendinskas Aliyah Lucero Jasmine Martinez Maya Perea, Captain Sierra Sanchez Mireya Sauceda Ava Robertson

CAPTAIN

Theron Stafford CAPTAIN

Eliana Torres CAPTAIN

Sylvianna Ybarra CAPTAIN

Sophomores

Freshmen

Lizzie Coash Sophia Eakes Olivia Forrester Samone Gutierrez Sienna Harrington Aubri Hooee Marisol Lujan Kayla Padilla

Beatrice Canlas Kayla Chavez Faith Cordova Hope Cordova Daneyah Davila Lily DiLorenzo Feliz Flores Grace Grady Capri Granados Isabella Granillo

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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 Jordyn Paiz

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

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!

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

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

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St. Pius X Boys Soccer Roster Seniors

Frank Barela CAPTAIN

Konnor Bogart

Head Coach A.J. Herrera ’99

Juniors David Bunnell Mateo Certain Didier Herrera Gabe Hess Ethan Wright

Sophomores Christopher Aguilar Joaquin Aragon-Roybal Christopher Ascevez RJ Bacon Jude Benavides

Noah Devany

Tim Dyson CAPTAIN

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

Julian Lovato CAPTAIN

Gavin McAtee MANAGER

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

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Logan Zerbe 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

St. Pius X Boys Soccer Recap

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

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.

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

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St. Pius X Girls Soccer Roster Seniors

Analisa Aragon

Izabella Cotinola Audrey Mileshosky CAPTAIN

Head Coach Nick Madrid ‘07

Juniors Kaylee Perea Alicia Sapien

Sophomores Bella Bustamante Vanessa Cichy Evangeline Garcia Maddilyn Garcia Dominica Lujan Aubrey Rodela Marizia Valdez Madeline Warren

CAPTAIN

Kiley Patalan CAPTAIN

Freshmen Emily Armijo Mia Hennessy Penelope Lee Zoe McMahon Elizabeth Ouellette Catherine Sedillo Amara Torres AnaLucia Torres-Rael Ellie White

Eighth Grader Viviana Chavez

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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

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.

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

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St. Pius X Cross Country Roster Seniors

Silas Cerami

Liam Chavez

Max Lopez

Miguel MaldonadoLucero

Jessica Castro

Brooke Kelly

Head Coach

Freshmen

GIRLS Juniors

Eleni Andritsos Mia Cahill Kaylee Gray Marisa Rael

Jeff Turcotte

Ella Hill

Valente Marquez

Justin Martindale

BOYS Juniors Liam Brown Andres Calbert Quinnlin Wilson

Sophomores

Sam Menicucci

Freshmen Silas Brown Diego Gomez Ethan Hoisington Brandon Manzanares Samuel Stafford

Joshua Robbins

Eighth Graders Kyrie Konico John Paul Rimbert Mateo Sanchez Levi Lopez

Ryan Castillo Paul Diego

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Elena Valencia

Sophomores Stella Copeland AnaGrace Garcia Alison Ortiz Takira Konico Olympia Neiman Clare Rimbert

Eighth Graders Lily Sandoval Caitlin Tierney Olivia Weber

St. Pius X Cross Country Recap

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)

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.

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)

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St. Pius X Cheer Seniors

Eva Chaidez

photos by Anchored Memory Photography

Diana Flock CAPTAIN

Erica Martinez CAPTAIN

Head Coaches Sophomore Shalyn Caudill ’19 Ashlyn Villanueva

Juniors Lillian Miksch Eliana Saiz Mikayla Strickland Abra Telles

Sarah Butler

Freshmen

Ava Mudd CAPTAIN

Anna Nunez

Eighth Grader Esperanza Jaure

Carly Camilli Kelsey Carlin Bryanna Chacon Lauren Mercer Shane Pruitt Cecilia White

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Isabella Pacheco

Olivia Sholtis

St. Pius X Dorados Seniors

Head Coach

Freshmen

Maria Lucero

Delilah Muxworthy Kiara Ortiz Jaycee Vallo

Juniors Mikayla Paiz, Co-Captain

Addison Harrington CAPTAIN

Aili Johnson CAPTAIN

Sophomores Kaylah Haddad Isabelle Soto

Eighth Graders Katerina Hess Isla Mudd Jayla Sanchez Victoria Standlee

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Seventh Graders Marina Martinez-De la Garza Eliana Gomez Alexis Hoisington

photos by Maria Lucero

St. Pius X Boys Basketball Seniors

Jackson Carrigan

Joshua Darling

Jacob Garcia CAPTAIN

Leandro Garcia

James Lockhart

Carson McConnell CAPTAIN

Head Coach Ryan Myers ’09

Mason Montoya CAPTAIN

Brandon Sanchez Lorenzo Sandoval MANAGER

Senior

Sophomores

Freshmen

Sam Menicucci, Manager

Isaiah Barboa Isaiah Carpenter Leland Chacon Cayl Cox-Liggins, Manager Curtis Flakes III Nicholas Gomez Hershul Olloway Jr. Aaron Rodriguez Luke Wrobel

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

Juniors Marcos Chavez Noah Faux Quinnlin Wilson Kenneth Zamora

Eighth Grader Alexander Sims

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St. Pius X Girls Basketball Seniors

Catalina Anaya CAPTAIN

Kam Aragon

Bella Candelaria CAPTAIN

Jayna Castillo

Izabella Cotinola

Macy Freeze CAPTAIN

Head Coach

Sophomores

Eighth Graders

Bree Rode

Leia Aguon Claire Lieuallen Zia Valdez Maddie Warren

Dielissandra Molina Jaeyln Olloway Olivia Weber

Juniors Madison Barker Mikaela Trujillo

Freshmen Kaylee Gray Milana Sanchez Marissa Sapien

Ariana Sandoval

Seventh Grader Amiyah Cunningham, Manager

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Thomas Valenzuela MANAGER

St. Pius X Wrestling Seniors

Claudia Aragon, 138 Santiago Aragon CAPTAIN Roybal, 172 CAPTAIN

Zia Budagher, 165 Andy Gutierrez, 152 Abigail Rael, 132 CAPTAIN CAPTAIN

Jacob Silva,189 CAPTAIN

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

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St. Pius X Swimming Seniors Head Coach

Freshmen

Daryl Wells

Isaiah Barela Sydney Dexel Elizabeth Ouellette Lucy Pouska

Juniors

Joshua Caintic

Brody Dexel

Justin Duran

Rylie (Santi) Lopez CAPTAIN

Amorah Holmes Danira Madrid Audrey Phelps

Sophomores John Carney Madelyn Garcia Alicia Garcia-Haynie Madison Sanchez Griffin Wells Branson Whitson

Ava Marie Machtinger CAPTAIN

Isaiah Martinez

Dominic Martinez CAPTAIN

Hayden Tate

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Eighth Graders Rika Garcia Charlie Hollowwa

St. Pius X Academic Decathlon Seniors

Serafina Apodaca

Xavier Apodaca

Andrew Baldonado

Santos Barela

Jonathan Cappon Jacqueline Cattaneo

Teacher/ Moderator James Penn

Senior Bridget Braun

Junior Kathryn Egberg

Sophomores Nikko Esquibel Madelyn Garcia Gloria Guerin Ethan Ong

Freshmen Eleni Andritsos Marisa Sapien

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St. Pius X Sports Medicine Seniors Athletic Trainers Ashley Dapson MS, LAT, ATC Kylee Dorsey LAT, ATC

Juniors Savannah Ellison

Macy Freeze

Addison Harrington

Rylie Lopez

Athena Martinez

Ava Mudd

Abigail Rael

Thomas Valenzuela

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Marcos Chavez James Martinez

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

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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.

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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

Sartan Excellence

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Around the X: Fine Arts

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.

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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.”

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Around the X: Fine Arts

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.

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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.

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