June Communi-k 2019

A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication

June 2019

Communi-K LEARNING, FAITH, LEADERSHIP

Cover Story

GRADUATION

page 12

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

page 3

ALUMNI UPDATES page 8 JO

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IN THIS ISSUE President’s Letter Principal’s Letter Lancer for Life Farewell Cambodia Ireland Field Day Alumni News

IN THE NEWS News and Press Releases

Prom

Find all the latest news on our website or follow us on social media. Click below to listen to retreat playlists on our Spotify, connect with us on LinkedIn, or see our latest photos and recaps.

Mock Trial

Check out our podcast here!

Lancer Golf Classic

Murder Mystery Graduation Cat Dissection Student Government

ON THE COVER

International News

The Kennedy Catholic community celebrates the Class of 2019.

AVID Seniors FOUND Reflection Rotary Students Fine Arts News

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Read an excerpt of the Valedictorian speech and look through photos on page 12.

A Note from Mike Prato, President

“” She knew she could count on those around her to help get her through.

“We are placed in our different ranks and stations, not to get what we can out of them for ourselves, but to labor in them for Him. As Christ has worked, we too, have but to labor in them for Him. As Christ has His work, we too, have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.” St. John Neumann.

This time of the year, it is easy to tire of our vocation; what it takes to be a dedicated faculty or staff member of a Catholic school.

Speaking for myself, a moment to take a deep breath after a long school year cannot come too soon. When we are tired, it is easy to overlook St. John Neumann’s reminder.

I found myself reflecting upon the message of this year’s Baccalaureate Mass speaker.

She, like many of our students, comes to school with enormous life challenges.

Compound that with the stress that accompanies a senior facing graduation and the uncertainty of the future, and one can only imagine the potential fallout.

In her situation, she talked about the safety of her school, the availability of faculty and staff to help, and the role her classmates played in their support of her. While the life challenges remained, she said, “My ability to embrace those difficulties the last two weeks of school can best be described as the work of my Lancer Family.” In other words, she knew she could count on those around her to help get her through.

At Kennedy Catholic, we intentionally seek families, faculty and staff, and of course, students who see themselves as willing to labor for Him, which begins with a true love for each other. This young woman was an exemplary example!

My summer prayer is for us all to practice laboring for the greater good of the other.

You will see great joy emerge, even in the face of insurmountable odds!

Have an amazing summer.

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A Note from Nancy Bradish, Principal

“” My hope is your faith has made you fearless.

An excerpt from the reflection given for Senior Breakfast: As I sat in my office and tried to prepare, words were not coming. I started to get anxious. Until I rested my hand upon this… my bible I have had since high school. I knew that that I could draw strength from my faith and trust the Holy Spirit to guide my words.

And when I reached to open the Bible, to seek inspiration, the pages fell open to the words I shared with you that {first day of Freshman Orientation} day from Matthew 7- “ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you.” I think that message applied not only to you then, as you began your year in a new school with new friends and new experiences, but are even more appropriate today.

Each of you has spent the last four years completing projects, taking tests, working in groups, presenting reports, writing papers.

You have competed and performed. You have participated in and led retreats.

Each time you were brave enough to raise your hand and ask a question, bold enough to try out for a part or team you demonstrated 4

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your faith. When I watched you at orientation start a conversation with someone new, and discover you had something in common, it was faith. When I witnessed you as upperclassmen making sure the new kids were cared for and welcomed, it was faith. When you stood by one another in times of joy or struggle, it was faith.

My hope is your faith has made you fearless.

Each of you will walk across the stage tonight and start the next part of your story. Whether it will be a 4 year or 2 year school, military service, missionary work, or joining the workforce, it will take fearlessness to begin. We have helped you grow in faith and pushed you to explore your relationship with Christ and to listen for His voice. What is His plan for you?

What we want of you today is just to continue to ask, seek and knock. Be ready and willing to hear the answer, find the new path and pass through the new door.

My prayer for you – to be faithful enough to ask, fearless enough to seek and bold enough to knock, for those who ask, receive, those who seek, find and for those who knock? The door is opened.

LANCER FOR LIFE MAGAZINE COMING SOON! Watch your mailbox for the 2019 edition of the Lancer for Life magazine arriving in June!

Please contact Rebecca Nuffer if you would like to receive the magazine so we can add your address to our mailing list.

FAREWELL Thank you to these dedicated faculty members who served in our community and are now moving on to new adventures—we are so greatful for you! Fr. Jose, Ms. VanderPlas, Dr. Gabert, Ms. Staley, Ms. Parker-Haas, Ms. Banks, Ms. Reddy and Ms. Harrington

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CAMBODIA SERVICE IMMERSION Next week, fifteen Kennedy Catholic students will embark on a two-week experience of a lifetime to Cambodia. Over the course of this year, students have studied the history and culture of Cambodia, and challenged themselves to deepen their understanding of service, faith, social justice, and simple living. This trip provides a distinct opportunity to put into practice lessons learned in the classroom: the intrepid travelers will bicycle through villages and rice fields outside Battambang, watch the sunrise over the temples of Angkor Wat, engage with educational and youth-leadership programs in Siem Reap, tour the historic gems in Phnom Penh, compete in a dance-off at early morning aerobics at Olympic Stadium, take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, experience the devastation of the Killing Fields and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, and witness the powerful use of the arts as a tool for human development and social change. We are most excited, however, to stay with our gracious host families in the farming village of Banteay Chhmar, and to develop relationships within their community. We are so grateful to have this opportunity to learn, serve, and grow alongside the Cambodian people.

Learn more about our incredible trip on our blog here.

IRISH STUDIES After nine months of study, planning, service, and anticipation, Mrs. Parker-Haas and the Irish Studies 2019 class is ready to head to Ireland on June 21. Students served over 40 hours at the Bethany Presbyterian Church Wednesday Night Dinners and studied the history of Ireland and the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants. All of this work culminates in a twoweek trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland to meet those involved in Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement, the Troubles, and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Please pray for our students as they head off on this once-in-a-lifetime journey!

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FIELD DAY AND MOVING UP ASSEMBLY This year’s Field Day was a success, complete with bouncy toys, ice cream trucks and the traditional Moving Up assembly!

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ALUMNI NEWS & other!

ALUMNI PROFILE: MICHÈLE HEFFRON ’79 With a passion for people and a passion for her community, Michèle Heffron ’79 has spent her years of work building up her skills and talents to take her to her current position as Executive Director of One Love Foundation in the Greater Seattle area. With a talent for creativity, an interest in advertising, and hands-on experience fundraising for organizations whose mission resonates with her, Michèle knows she’s finally made it to her true purpose.

Upon entering college, Michèle’s talent for creativity guided her to a home in the Department of Fine Arts at Eastern Washington University. There, she studied dance, music, and theatre, leading to an incredible opportunity to branch out of her home state of Washington and spend a summer traveling South Korea performing for the US armed forces. It was a very real experience for her, and incredibly eye-opening.

Travelling throughout the entire country, even to the demilitarized zone, Michèle and her friends learned all about life in South Korea, and how to be in close quarters with each 8

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Lifelong friendships are made in high school, and that is something Michèle can attest to. After all, it was through one of her good friends she was introduced to the One Love Foundation. These friends have supported her through the years, given her encouragement, and have always been there to laugh about a hard day or offer advice.

Her group of friends has also evolved through the years, growing to include her two now-adult children, who she is beyond proud of. They are an inspiration to her, just as she is to them.

Taking her relationships and all of the positive influences around her, Michèle channels that energy into her work with the One Love Foundation. With a mission to educate young people on the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, One Love empowers young men and women to make the best choices for themselves. As Executive Director for the Greater Seattle area, it’s Michèle’s mission to engage with her community and use her compassion to oversee a staff who facilitate workshops for middle and high schools, universities, law enforcement agencies, corporate partners and youth-facing organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest region.

Now, Michèle is finding a new way to build on her Lancer legacy of friendship. She’s bringing her foundation and their mission to the Lancer campus to help current students see their own self-worth and the importance of a healthy relationship. In paying her own work forward, she’s modeling the mentorship she remembers from faculty and staff like former teacher and administrator Sister Rose Marie and former teacher Ms. Batt. By taking a more active role with her alma mater, Michèle hopes to make a positive impact and help a community where she found so much of herself.

& EVENTS HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

LANCER REUNIONS

Happy Birthday to our June alumni! We wish you a wonderful year ahead! Click here for the full list.

The classes of 1974, 1977, 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2009 have all gotten a jump start on planning. More details can be found on our website. Contact Rebecca Nuffer with any questions.

To make sure your name is included, head over to our Alumni Page and fill out the form under, “Help Us Update Our Records.”

1974: It’s the Class of 1974’s 45th Reunion this summer! Join us on June 8 from 3-7pm on the outside deck at Smarty Pants Garage in Burien. Tickets are $10 at the door with sliders and salads provided. Cash bar available. For an accurate count, please RSVP to Pam Miller (millerp747@gmail.com) or Joe Slye (jgslye@ comcast.net).

1977: Save the date - August 16 at 6pm. Join us for a reunion gathering on Mercer Island for our 42nd Reunion. RSVP to Chris Pallis (chris@pallis.net)

JOIN US FOR LOCAL LANCERS Celebrate summer and meet up with the Lancer Family at Optimism Brewing in Capitol Hill on Friday, June 14 from 5-7pm. Spend time with old friends from all classes and enjoy your first drink on us! Plus, enter our raffle to see if you’re the lucky winner of Lancer alumni swag!

Event is limited to those 21+. Entry is free for all Young Alumni (graduates from the past ten years), $5 fee for all others. Tickets include one drink ticket and are available here. Young Alumni can RSVP to Rebecca Nuffer at nufferr@kennedyhs.org, or check in at the event!

1979: Join us the weekend of August 9-11 for our 40th Reunion! August 9 is golf at Maplewood followed by a no-host social at 4:30pm, August 10 is the 40th reunion celebration at Glen Acres Country Club from 6pm - 12am, and August 11 is a car show and family bowling at Kent Bowl. Advance ticket sales thru 7/15 for Saturday night are $50 – limited tickets available at the door for $60. Contact Sue (Marsland) Hearron(hearrons3@comcast.net or 206.225.4870) for more information or to make a donation to the Class of 79 Reunion Fund.

1989: Save the Date! Your reunion is set for September 20-22, 2019.

2009: Save the Date for October 5! More information will be coming later, but for any questions contact the reunion committee (jfkreunion2009@gmail.com).

1972 and All School Reunion: Celebrate annually on the 3rd Saturday of July! This year, meet us in the backyard of The Roanoke Tavern on Mercer Island on July 20 from 2-5pm. For questions, contact Jeff Crompe at jrc441@comcast.net. www.kennedyhs.org

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LANCER GOLF CLASSIC

Kennedy Catholic

g o l f classic

Join us on Friday, August 16 for a day out on the links with the Lancers! Grab your clubs and some friends and sign up with a foursome. You’ll enjoy a memorable day at Washington National Golf Club, complete with on-course games and trivia, as well as breakfast and lunch. While you’re out enjoying the sun, you’ll also be golfing for a good cause and supporting student scholarships for a Lancer in need!

For more information or to register today, visit our event website.

PROM On May 25, seniors dressed up for a night at AXIS Pioneer Square to celebrate Prom.

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MOCK TRIAL The Honors Social Justice & Public Policy classes spent much of the month of May in mock trial. This gave students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of court cases and how to defend and refute in front of a court.

RUBE GOLDBERG

MURDER MYSTERY

Ms. Walker and Ms. Schulze’s science classes created Rube Goldberg machines last month, learning about chain reactions.

Students created machines with many different chain reactions, helping a marble eventually ring a bell at the very end. This was undoubtedly an exciting way to close out the year.

Last month, Ms. Parker-Haas hosted her final Murder Mystery party. This popular event was complete with costumes and themed drinks and snacks. Thank you, Ms. Parker-Haas for making the library a welcoming place.

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CLASS OF 2019 GRADUATION The Class of 2019 celebrated their Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation on May 31. Many students won awards for their dedication to studies, service and more. We are immensely proud of the many accomplishments of this senior class and cannot wait to see where life takes them.

Click here to see photos.

An excerpt from the Valedictory address: “We’re sure many of you have had at least one adult tell you “You are the future. You will do great things and change the world.” But we don’t necessarily agree. You see, we aren’t just the future. We are the present moment; the here and now; and we are all the moments that have led to today.

We are the collection of memories we’ve built over four years; the big and little moments of joy and pain, triumph and defeat. We are every struggle we’ve made it through, from late night essay writing to early morning band practice, and every hurdle we’ve overcome, whether personal, academic, or spiritual. We are the swooping feeling in our stomachs before a performance, the adrenaline rush before a big game, the sigh of relief after a difficult exam. We are the deep-rooted resilience to stomp the dust from our boots when we fall and to start up the mountain again, and we are the birds-eye view of the sun breaking over the horizon from the peak. We don’t need to wait to change the world, we are changing it right now.

Indeed, when we think of our graduating class of 2019, it is with nothing but gratitude and appreciation for each individual. All of us have different talents that make us special, but we also share a common gift: our willingness to use these talents in service of others. It is our humility and inclination towards service that sets us apart in this world, making us not just better learners, but better people. We have learned a lot over four years here, from how to not have a conversation in the middle of the hallway to how to precisely write a sentence without the word “is”. But the most important thing we have learned is how to love without restraint. Through our highs and lows and in-betweens, we will always put love first, no matter what. And with love as our constant, we will not go wrong.”

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CLASS OF 2019 AWARDS

Goodwin Loyalty Award: Alyssa Nguyen and William McGaughey

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award: Isaiah Morales

Rev. Michael Batterberry Solidarity Award: Falisha Hola

Brian McCluskey Integrity Award: Jalen Garmoe and Ava Devitte

Lanigan-Kelley Award: Tatiana Leahy and Daniel Cavazos

Service Above Self Award: Paisley Steadman

Carl J. Velling Student-Athlete Award: Alyssa Nguyen and Aaron Barber

Val Kirk Student-Athlete Award: Marissa Tweedy and Ben Kinerk

Top Ten Students: Aurora Cato, Chloe Dahleen, Emma Dahleen, Hannah Dahleen, Grace Gotz, Lynn Nguyen, Hanna Rasmussen, Paisley Steadman, Samantha Schrantz, and Rosario Tarabi

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP 2019-2020 ASB Officers: President: Angel J. VP: Maalik B. Secretary: Emiliano H. Treasurer: Garrett B. Staff Directors: Justin B., Pearl M., Audrey P., and Grace G. ASB Coordinators: Sydney E., Penny N., MJ E., Margaret B., Sandy G., Hanna S., Robby R., Abiso M., and Katrina T. Senior Class Officers: President: Phuong Phan VP: Darla Doell Secretary: Anna Atkinson Treasurer: Brandon Ducusin

CAT DISSECTION To conclude their year of learning, Ms. Bacher’s Anatomy and Physiology classes dissected cats.

This dissection helped students relate both the external and internal anatomy of a cat to that of a human, with the opportunity to review anatomical plans and terminology.

Senior Class Coordinators: Aidan M., Ethan G., Minh N., Jennifer M., Natalie D., and Kateri R. Junior Class Officers: President: Sosna A. VP: KJ S. Secretary: Ryan K. Treasurer: Lucas R. Sophomore Class Officers: President: Ave D. VP: Ian B. Secretary: Lillian S. Treasurer: Elaine S. Congratulations to these new officers!

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SERVICE HOURS This year, juniors served over 30 hours each, totaling 8,259 hours to agencies like White Center Food Bank and Westside Baby. While we don’t have a required number of hours for seniors, most have served many hours in Community Service Class (2,184 hours to partner schools).

Thank you Lancer Nation for all your combined service hours! (totaling over 14,600!)

AVID SENIORS Congratulations to Kaleb, Robert, Amman, Julie, Angel and Jaela for finishing year four of AVID! AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an elective class designed to prepare students for advanced high school classes and college.

TITRATION In May, Ms. Lazerte’s UW Chemistry class completed a lab on Titration in which students used the known volume and concentration of something to determine the concentration of something else. As students added base (phenolphthalein) to acid, it gradually turned pink, indicating neutrality.

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INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL GRADUATION RECEPTION The Office of International Education hosted a graduation reception for international seniors on May 30. This special event brought together over 80 people including President Mike Prato, graduating seniors, their families, host families, and teachers.

Office of International Education Website

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L NEWS

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE As part of the end of year activities, international staff and students enjoyed a day at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines for a barbecue, games and beachcombing with students.

CLASS OF 2019 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROFILES Can (Henry) Vu Country: Vietnam Decided to attend: University of Washington Accepted by following colleges: Boston University, Fairfield University, George Washington University, Syracuse University, University of Denver, and University of Washington Siyan (Nicole) Xiong Country: China Decided to attend: Villanova University Accepted by following colleges: Villanova University, University of Washington, and University of California, Davis Chengyuan (Nelson) Chen Country: China Decided to attend: University of California, Davis Accepted by following colleges: University of California, Davis, University of Florida, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick Watch this video to learn more about other student’s college admissions.

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FOUND REFLECTION - ISAIAH M. I’m winding down the last two weeks of my high school career. How crazy. As I write this, I am reflecting on Lancers Against Cancer, the last major event before graduation. I loved the event last year, and wanted to stay up through the night again this year. At about 1:35am, I was looking for a friend who I wanted to catch up with. I asked her best friend where I might find her, and she said she may be in the chapel. I went to check, and I found her there.

But, I also found Her, as in the altar, the chandelier, the piano, the pews. I saw God’s Church dazzling in the night sky, glittering with life like the distant stars. I’ve never seen the chandelier so bright in my life, and I stood there awestruck by its beauty. I could easily call that chapel home right then and there, and I definitely would have stayed there the rest of the night if I could have.

With only a few days left of high school, that evening gave me a great reminder that home will always be the church, even at Kennedy Catholic, my home for the past four years. It reminds me of how Bishop Mueggenborg once asked, “Where is your center of gravity?” Are we centered on what is really important—our true home? Or do we allow ourselves to stray from our center, seeking other things we deem more important?

I cannot live without home anymore, hence I am excited for the next chapter of my life, as I travel to different homes around the country to lead retreats. But, wherever you may be next year, from UW to Rochester, Hawaii to Montana, make sure you find your true home to keep you grounded, no matter how far you actually are from home.

Keep your focus on your center of gravity and remember you always have a home waiting for you, no matter where you are.

ROTARY STUDENTS 2018-2019 Each month the Burien White Center Rotary recognizes students who: • Continuously provide service to the local community and/or in the community outside the school • Maintain a positive attitude toward others and toward learning • Act respectful to peers and teachers • Work to improve and/or maintain good grades • Practice good citizenship • Actively participate in classroom discussions and activities Congratulations to this year’s winners: Isabel M, Michael S., Tallulah R., Charles B., Laure T., Harrison B., Mikayla M. Jalen G., Claire C., Hunter H., Falisha H., Man P., Carly E., and Amman M. Congratulations to Paisley S., and Carly E., for winning the 2019 Burien Rotary Scholarships.

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ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCHES FOR HOMELESS Every Tuesday in May, the St. Vincent de Paul club met after school to make lunches for the homeless in our area. The St. Vincent de Paul club puts in countless hours of service throughout the school year to make the world a better place—thank you!

FRENCH REGIONS

BREADS AND SPREADS

The French 3 class researched the different regions of France this year. They first created a Region Box for one of the French regions and then took part in a scavenger hunt to learn about the different regions.

The final step was creating a travel vlog of a trip to a specific region, including their arrival at the airport, a road trip through the region, and finally their overall impressions of the people and culture of the region.

Ms. Lewis’ French 3 class had a “Breads & Spreads” tasting event, in which students bravely tried typical French spreads such as pâté, truffle mousse, herbed chèvre (goat cheese), and olive tapenade. The final taste of the day was some Nutella on brioche bread. This activity helps students get out of their comfort zone, trying and analyzing cuisines from a different country.

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HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY COACH OF THE YEAR Every year, the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association selects one high school varsity coach that embodies the spirit and expectations defined by WIAA as teachers in an extension of the classroom; is a positive example and role model of sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and competitive spirit; coaches home games in NBUA’s jurisdiction; treats umpires with respect; and lastly has respect for the game of baseball. This year, the association selected Dale Dolejsi as the recipient for this award. We are proud of Mr. Dolejsi and his accomplishments, showing sportsmanship and compassion on and off the baseball field—congratulations!

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Congratulations to all of the students recently accepted as members of the Kennedy Catholic Excalibur Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Thirty-six new members were initiated into the NHS in a ceremony on Wednesday, April 10 in the Kennedy Catholic chapel.

The National Honor Society is a service organization established in 1921 to recognize and encourage academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy – specifically character, service, scholarship, and leadership. Members of the NHS wear honor cords on their robes during the graduation ceremony.

The following students were inducted into the NHS: Karanja A., Sosna A., Olivia B., Mia C., Julia D., James H., Zoe K., Caroline K., Hope K., Scott M., Jennifer M., Angeline N., Lily N., Stephanie N., Jake P., Natalia S., Erika T., Karen S., Max V., Aimee W., Megan W., Angie A., Emily B., David B., Mary Jeanne E., Brian N., Diana N., Minh N., Hanna S., Nicholas S., Anita S., Joseph T., Dennis Z., Riley D., Ashley N., and Clayton N. Special thanks to the five stellar National Honor Society officers who worked with faculty adviser Mr. Barbarossa to prepare a memorable initiation ceremony for the new members.

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CHOIR NEWS May was an active month for our choir students! Performances included Grandparent’s Day Mass, the Fine Arts Gala, the spring concert, Baccalaureate Mass, and culminated with graduation. Awards were distributed to graduating seniors at the spring choir concert.

Congratulations to Emily D. - outstanding senior vocalist, Jenna V. - director’s award for choir, and Laure T. - fine arts department award.

We wish to thank all of those parents, alumni, current students and faculty, and everyone who came to hear us sing this year. Supportive audiences are critical to our success and we appreciate everyone for helping us along the way.

ELEMENTARY BAND PROGRAM What a whirlwind of concerts it’s been. The Band Festival was a joyous event. Congratulations to Fernando R. and Max A. for being selected for the Arnold Scott R. Cambronero Music Scholarship! 2019 Honor Band (pictured above) had their last performance at the Kennedy Catholic Instrumental Music Concert. What is next? Elementary Band Camp on July 8-12. www.kennedyhs.org

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LANCER ACTS FEATURES THREE STUDENT WRITTEN PLAYS LancerActs, an evening of student-directed one-act plays, were presented in the Little Theater on May 17-18. For the first time, this year’s program consisted entirely of world premier plays written by Kennedy Catholic students!

The shows included The Kooky Cookie by Miriam F., When I’m 16 by Stephanie N., and The Guilty Party by Jacqueline S. Upwards of 30 students appeared in the three shows, which varied dramatically in both style and content.

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