HOMECOMING 2015
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Make an SMCHS EDUCATION possible for all generations of EAGLES You are invited to take part in Santa Margarita’s “PROJECT 1000” challenge. Help us reach our goal of 1,000 gifts from our alumni family in support of our annual Eagle Fund during the 2015-2016 school year. Eagle Fund supports: • Enhanced programs, resources and services for students • Provides tuition assistance • Retains a premiere faculty • Maintains our exceptional campus
Steve Luxenberg ’00, alumnus and dad of future Eagles, proudly supports the Eagle Fund 2 | WINGS MAGAZINE
Every gift matters, no matter the size. Give today at www.smhs.org/project1000
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND PRESIDENT Dear SMCHS Community, The 2015-16 academic year got off to a great start with a high enrollment of over 1750 and remains strong as we approach the end of first semester. Hard to believe that the freshmen who will arrive next fall are in the Class of 2020; the twenty- teens will be gone! The faith life of our campus is vibrant and alive. By the time you will read this we will have had three all-school Masses: the Welcome Mass, Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and our Thanksgiving and Remembrance celebration. The Immaculate Conception Mass, celebrated on December 8th by our own Bishop Vann, will celebrate the beginning of the Church’s Year of Mercy. The second week of December will also find our Advent Reconciliation services as we prepare for the great feast of the Nativity. Seniors are coming to the close of the college application process and now await responses from the places they are interested in attending; a tense time but our students are headed to some fantastic schools! Currently our counselors are holding meetings with juniors and their parents as they begin the process and so that we can insure that they are on the right path towards college. For all students, first semester finals are administered the week of December 14th. Talon Theatre produced a wonderfully engaging play, “Museum,” as their fall show. The vocal and instrumental music programs all had super fall concerts. As we look to the spring, the combined music concerts will once again return to the Segerstrom in Costa Mesa. In athletics, our girls’ programs have had phenomenal success with golf finishing the regular season undefeated and league champs; tennis again finished atop the league standings and volleyball swept to the Trinity league title and into the CIF playoffs. Now we look to the winter sports for continued excellence! As a school community of faith we have a lot to be thankful for. Our Lord has blessed us with dedicated faculty and support staff, along with students who want to learn and excel in the classroom, in athletics and in many clubs and organizations. As a community, our students give countless hours in service through their Christian Service projects and on their own. The values of the Gospel are alive and well at SMCHS as we all strive to live our charism, to bring the love of Christ to our world. Thank you for your support of Santa Margarita; please always keep us in your prayers! Caritas Christi,
Ray Dunne, Principal
Dear SMCHS Family, As I reflect upon 2015, I am overcome with the feeling of gratitude. I feel abundant gratitude for the all of the people who have been a part of this school and walked on this campus since its opening in 1987 - the many students, parents, faculty and staff. SMCHS is a place where goodness happens each and every day. I feel we are all so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community. The White Rose Gala in October was not only a reminder of our community’s spirit, but it was also a huge success. It served as an opportunity to strengthen the SMCHS family while raising funds for campus and program improvements to prepare our graduates for life in the 21st century. As we journey toward Christmas, I’m reminded why it has always been my favorite time of year – it’s a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus, gatherings with family and friends and helping the needy in our communities. It is my prayer for each of you during this holiday season that you are able to cherish the moments and treasure the people in your lives. May 2016 be a year to remember with your family and friends. Live life and enjoy it! Thank you for entrusting your children to SMCHS. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! P.S. - I hope to see to you at sporting events, the spring production of “Guys and Dolls” (April 21-24), or at the SMCHS Golf tournament (March 21).
Andy Sulick ’91 President
STAY CONNECTED Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/smchseagles and at facebook.com/smchsgraduates us on Twitter @SMCHSEagles Follow and @SMCHSAlumni Join us on Instagram @santamargaritaeagles Connect with us on www.linkedin.com/in/smchs
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TIME:
SPORT:
RSVP:
9:00am
Girls Lacrosse
garciav@smhs.org
10:00am 10:00am 10:00am 11:00am
Boys Lacrosse Softball Girls Volleyball Girls Soccer
garciav@smhs.org fitzpatrickj@smhs.org dallyk@smhs.org moralesc@smhs.org
11:00am
Boys Volleyball
deblasioj@smhs.org
11:00am Swimming 12:00pm Girls Basketball 12:00pm Girls Water Polo 1:00pm Boys Basketball 1:00pm
blancron@smhs.org debuskc@smhs.org weathersbyb@smhs.org reinertj@smhs.org
Tennis
williamsd@smhs.org
1:00pm
Baseball
bacanid@smhs.org
1:00pm
Boys Water Polo
mitchellp@smhs.org
WINGS FALL | WINTER 2015
10 PHILANTHROPY
14 COVER STORY
16 ATHLETICS
18 EAGLES ON TOUR
20 CREATING CHANGE
24
REUNIONS
PRESIDENT J. Andrew Sulick ’91 PRINCIPAL Raymond R. Dunne
26 CLASS NOTES
CONTRIBUTERS Lori Gardner, Jaimee Lieske ’08, Sean Zeitler ’01, Chris Popovec ’11, Laurie Beach
Santa Margarita
ALUMNI RELATIONS Lori Gardner
PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Russell, Steve Wylie, Lisa Renee Photography, Andrew Hoang ’16, Threaded Films, Zimbio.com
22062 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 949-766-6000
EDITORS Lori Gardner Jaimee Lieske ’08
WINGS is published by the Office of Communications at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Owen Bordages ’97
CONTACT US For story ideas email the Office of Communications at pr@smhs.org or call us at 949-766-6000. You can also read more about Santa Margarita Catholic High School at www.smhs.org
catholic high school
Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a college-preparatory education emphasizing the formation of the entire person. SMCHS strives to develop students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of our world. Students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Teri Beauchamp Chris Popovec ’11 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Amanda Coronado ’98
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AROUND THE NEST
SMCHS Hosts SOCOMUN
SOCOMUN members
Model United Nations has blossomed into a successful program at Santa Margarita, giving students the opportunity to discuss world issues in a forum that replicates the United Nations assembly in New York. On Sept. 26, Santa Margarita was honored to host nearly 1,300 students from 26 different high schools at the South Orange County Model United Nations Conference (SOCOMUN). This event is recognized as the largest oneday MUN conference in the world. Santa Margarita students, Parnia Abrishamchian ’17 and Cecilia Nepple ’17 were responsible for organizing the event, held just days after the 70th session of the real United Nation’s General Assembly. Santa Margarita MUN Director, John Remmell, believes that students received a tremendous amount of experience at this event due to the fact that it is a training conference, where students serve as delegates discussing global issues such as state-sponsored terrorism, HIV/AIDs, drug control, deforestation and child labor. “This is the first Model UN conference of the year and trains students how to properly participate in MUN,” said Remmell. “Other schools trust us to do a good job of getting their delegates trained and excited about the MUN experience.” At this conference, students received invaluable experience that will lead to increased success in future conferences and prepare them for their future careers.
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A Successful “Walk in the Park” On Sunday, Oct. 18, the Santa Margarita Eagles for CHOC Club participated in the annual CHOC Walk in the Park presented by the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Over 30 walkers from the club joined 1,500 additional walkers to celebrate the 25th year of this very important initiative. The team for Santa Margarita raised over $3,200 of the $2.4 million dollars that will support Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The funds raised at this event support education, research and adoption and utilization of the latest technologies to advance the health and well-being of children. This was the 15th year that Eagles for CHOC has supported the CHOC Walk and the hope that they bring to a countless number of children in Orange County. Eagles for CHOC is the oldest and largest active service club on campus and supports events and causes throughout the year that support Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Eagles at Forefront in Global Platform Each school year gives Santa Margarita students the opportunity to attend events that give a glimpse into the positions that these young leaders seek to occupy. On Sept. 24, a group of students were given the opportunity to attend the World Affairs Council of Orange County at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. The event highlight was an appearance by former ambassador to Turkey, Francis J. Ricciardone, who spoke to the importance of international coalitions with the mission of defeating terrorist organizations such as ISIS. Ricciardone’s address was followed by a question and answer session for students. “World Affairs Council was an amazing experience for me, especially since I’m from Turkey,” said junior Bora Yuksel ’17. “I had the opportunity to listen to the opinions of other people in the conference and had the opportunity to personally talk to Mr. Ricciardone.” The knowledge that these students were able to accumulate at this event increases their awareness of foreign policy and future developments in our world.
’Tis a Green Summer for the Choir To kick off the summer, members of Santa Margarita Catholic
The choir was given the opportunity to sing at a Mass
High School’s choir embarked on a performance tour of
at the Knock Basilica and share a joint concert with the
Ireland from June 11-19, 2015. The tour, led by Performing
Galway Gospel Choir at Holy Trinity Church. A special Mass
Arts Director Francisco Calvo, consisted of seven concerts
celebration at Limerick’s Mount St. Alphonsus Redemptorist
and various guided tours of the cities of Westport, Killarney,
Church and a subsequent tour of Killarney was the highlight
Timahoe-Portlaoise and Dublin.
on the second leg of the trip. What made the third destination
The first destination of Westport saw the choir visit three
of Timahoe-Portlaoise memorable was the fact that Santa
distinct sites: the Roman Catholic pilgrimage site of Knock,
Margarita Principal Ray Dunne was able to celebrate his
the historical site of Ballintubber Abbey and Holy Trinity
proud Irish ancestry by joining the choir on their trip.
Church.
“To travel to the land and village my ancestors came from with the young men and women of the SMCHS choir program, who like the Irish dew when sun first hits it, sang with a sparkle in their eye, was a highlight of my life,” said Dunne. The choir enjoyed the capital and the largest city in Ireland on the final leg of the trip. The stay in Dublin consisted of a concert at Christ Church Cathedral with additional tours of Georgian Squares, St. Stephen’s Green, the Book of Kells Exhibition, and the entrance to Trinity College. The journey to Ireland concluded with a concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Right: The SMCHS Choir at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland Below: The SMCHS choir pictured at The Rock of Dunamase in County Laois, Ireland
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ALUMNI IN THE MILITARY
Eagle Alumni Who Serve Our Country Past, Present and Future JASON ORTIZ ’91
Jason Ortiz ’91 began his 20-year active duty career attaining a B.S. in business management from the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 1996. He selected USAFA for its renowned education and leadership development that
PAUL FERGUSON ’94
aligned with his personal and professional goals. After graduation, Ortiz was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Medical Service Corps, which is responsible for the operational and business aspects of the worldwide Defense Health System. Ortiz has had four different duty stations in St. Louis, Washington D.C., Korea and Maryland. Ortiz’s most prestigious accomplishment in the Air Force was developing and executing a plan to deploy over 1,000 “charged and ready” medical equipment items to the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. One of his fondest moments was an F-16 fighter ride in Korea after being promoted to Captain, O-3, where his father pinned on his rank. Fulfilling his desire to improve domestic public health contingency response
capability, Ortiz transferred to the United States Public Health Service to continue his active duty and serve at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. For the next 13 years, he led the deployment and modernization of the 21-site ICE electronic health record system (EHR) in 12 states and was commander of four different ICE medical clinics, including the 90-person prison clinic in San Diego. His biggest accomplishment was the deployment of the HER on time and under-budget, a first in the federal government. He holds a master’s degree in computer systems management, is a Fellow in the Health Information Management Systems Society and is a qualified member of the College of Health Information Management Executives. He has received several major awards in his career
Europe, overseeing contractors. The assumption of command ceremony for Ferguson began a new chapter for DCMA’s UK-based operations. Following the consolidation of the agency’s northern and southern Europe contract management offices (CMOs) into the new DCMA Europe command in 2014, it was decided to stand up the agency’s UK operations as an independent command under the DCMA Europe CMO.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ONE OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS DURING YOUR SERVICE?
HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AFTER SMCHS?
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Ferguson ’94 has spent his time since graduating from Santa Margarita Catholic High School proudly serving our country in the United States Air Force. Ferguson was recently assigned to the United Kingdom where he commands the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), United Kingdom. This agency administers contracts throughout the UK and Northern
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I was appointed to both the US Air Force Academy and the US Naval Academy when I graduated but chose to attend USAFA (and serve in the Air Force) because my dream was to be an Air Force pilot. Unfortunately, that dream didn’t happen. I sustained a traumatic brain injury while at USAFA, spent the better part of a month in a coma and a year in rehab. I had to fight like heck just to get back into USAFA, but when I did, one of the conditions was that I could not fly. C’est la vie. Life has gone on.
Well, my proudest moment — that’s tough. Graduating from USAFA was a proud moment. So too was returning from deployments and seeing my family again. So too was being promoted to lieutenant colonel. That ceremony was special to me. It was held in the shadows of the Air Force Memorial, just outside Arlington National Cemetery. I used that opportunity to speak about the friends I’ve loved and lost, friends who died serving our nation and friends who rest at Arlington… less than a mile from the spot I was standing. In that ceremony, I told the audience that I am blessed to stand on the shoulders of giants. I believe that. Serving this nation is a team sport and I am proud to play a small role on a team full of superstars.
JOSHUA CANTY ’14 including the 2013 Top 100 Federal IT Professionals by Federal Computer Weekly. Ortiz retired after 20 years active duty as a USPHS Commander (O-5) on July 1, 2015 as the first Santa Margarita active duty retiree. Ortiz can now be found working in San Diego for Sharp Healthcare System working in the information systems department supporting ambulatory specialty systems and their population health initiative. He continues to support organizations assisting in hiring veterans and is enhancing Sharp’s veteran hiring program. He resides in San Diego with his wife Laurie and two children, Dominic (12) and Livia (9).
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU RELOCATED FOR YOUR JOB?
My family and I are on our eighth assignment, not counting my temporary duty travels. Each place we’ve lived has been our favorite… which is to say each place we’ve lived has been great! I mean that seriously — each location has been better than the last. Moving around like we have has been wonderful. That mobility has afforded us some great life experiences and we’ve made friends all around the world. It’s really cool!
Joshua Canty ’14 attends the University of San Diego where he studies engineering. He is currently enrolled in the Naval ROTC program at USD, which mimics the Naval Academy, but allows him to have the military and college life at the same time. When Canty attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School he was a two-sport athlete, playing football and baseball all four years. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE A FUTURE WITH THE U.S. NAVY?
During my sophomore year, I came to the realization that I was not going to become a professional athlete, but still had aspirations to do something great with my life, and I thought serving my country at the top level in the United States Navy would be a dream come true. I shocked my parents with the news as there is not a long history of military service in our family, except for my grandfather who served in the Navy for three years during peacetime. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST THING FOR YOU SINCE YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE U.S. NAVY?
Thus far, I have been able to manage everything. I want to be a Navy Seal more than anything, so that alone gives me enough motivation to stay focused and stay on target. There may be challenges ahead in my journey, and I know there will be obstacles as well, but the type of person I am won’t stress me out but rather fire me up. With my faith in God, I believe that he wouldn’t put tough challenges in my way if he knew I couldn’t accomplish them. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS EXPERIENCE TAKE YOU?
The Navy will allow me to accomplish my goals and I hope to serve our country as a Special Warfare Officer– Navy Seal. I look up to those men and women and the top notch in their assignment; I strive to be along their side someday soon. I know having the opportunity to become a Naval Officer will outrank any other career experience I can imagine.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS OF RETIRING FROM THE MILITARY? IF NOT, WHERE WILL THIS ROAD TAKE YOU?
I’m living the dream, commanding oversees! What’s not to love? I plan to serve as long as the USAF allows me to. I will retire - I just don’t know when!
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PHILANTHROPY
Thank you! Building Community The generosity of families, alumni, parents and friends has propelled Santa Margarita forward to provide a campus where students can discover, achieve and soar. On Thursday, June 11, an event was held to bless the new Pursuing Excellence Monuments in the school’s Strader Grotto. The monuments honor the legacy of philanthropy of Santa Margarita’s contributors with lifetime giving levels of $25,000 or more since Santa Margarita’s beginnings. Art Birtcher, one of the school’s founders, was in attendance and shared his thoughts on how Santa Margarita has benefited from the philanthropic actions of its benefactors. “It is great for all students, parents and visitors to see just how many wonderful and generous people it really takes to make a dream come true,” said Birtcher. “I hope it is an incentive that many acting as one can make a difference.” The evening was complete with special tours of the campus, an address by Santa Margarita President Andy Sulick ’91 and the blessing of the monuments by Rev. Martin Benzoni. In addition to Birtcher, a number of benefactors were in attendance. Rick Ptak, father of Brittany Ptak ’13 and Ryan Ptak ’15, was one of the individuals honored for their contributions. “It was great seeing and meeting all those families that helped start the school from its inception, and those who are carrying the torch forward,” said Ptak. “The Eagle family is strong and my family and I are proud to be a part of it.” The Pursuing Excellence Monuments will serve to honor past benefactors and will surely inspire future eagles, family and friends to support the mission of Santa Margarita and the opportunities that are provided to every student.
Katie Minardi ’98, Meredith Moody, Rick Hagmann ’91 and Kelly Crean ’93 with her daughter Coral.
Rick Ptak, Karen Hayden, Michelle Ptak, Susan and Timothy Strader. 10 | WINGS MAGAZINE
Celebrating Community, Supporting Our Vision The Moiso Family Pavilion was the venue for a spectacular evening of dinner, dancing and fundraising.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Santa Margarita community came together for a celebratory evening in support of the school and students at the 2nd annual Blue and Gold event. This year’s Blue and Gold event, “The White Rose Gala,” was held on campus and was attended by 550 Eagle parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Event Chairs Semra Nogueira and Lauren Ramirez, together with the Blue and Gold Committee and Advancement Office, created an extravagant evening that featured silent and live auctions with fabulous prizes, dinner prepared by Sapphire Catering and dancing to a live band. The event raised close to $214,000 for the school, with $121,000 of that total specifically designated for tuition assistance. Through the fund-a-student portion of the auction, guests raised their bidder cards giving the gift of a Santa Margarita education through contributions to the school’s tuition assistance fund. Santa Margarita alumni, Andy Blye ’13, Tom Blye ’15 and Raquel Orellana ’15, spoke prior to the fund-a-student segment and asked guests to provide the gift of a Santa Margarita education to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Santa Margarita. All three alumni credit their educational success at their current universities to the education they received at Santa Margarita, which was made possible through tuition assistance and scholarships. “I ask you to remember those who helped you along the way of your own path, those men and women, seen and unseen, whose actions helped you get to where you are now,” said Orellana. “This is a tremendous opportunity for you to be to someone as they were to you.” One of every five students at Santa Margarita depends on tuition assistance to attend the school. In addition to tuition assistance, proceeds from Blue and Gold benefit the school’s arts, academics, and athletic programs while enhancing educational opportunities for all students.
Semra Nogueira and Lauren
Ramirez, 2015 Blue and Gold Committee Chairs
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FAMILIES
BUILDING LEGACIES “Be an example to others of all that is good in this world, for others will copy you and they also will become good examples.” - Unknown
O’Connell Family and Sperry Family The O’Connell and Sperry families are Eagles who are propelling forward a legacy of philanthropy for the Santa Margarita community. From the very beginning, the O’Connells were involved in giving to a school that their sons and daughter would eventually attend. A school that hadn’t even been built yet. That school, of course, was Santa Margarita Catholic High School. As one of the school’s founders, George O’Connell of O’Connell Landscape Maintenance, was on the original capital campaign cabinet and was also the chair of the Development Committee. His children (Brady ’01, Krysti ’03 and Kevin ’05) would all become Santa Margarita graduates. With five Santa Margarita graduates (Brian ’00, Christie ’02, Kathryn ’04, Kevin ’04 and Michelle ’08), the Sperrys began their journey ten years after the school started. Rand Sperry, cofounder of Sperry Commercial, was quick to get involved with Santa Margarita after being told about the school from family friends. From serving as the president of the Consultative School
Board, to chairing the Facilities Board, to being a member of the Development Board and more, Sperry became a prominent figure in the Santa Margarita community. “It was the culture of the school to be involved, and everyone’s desire to make it better was contagious,” said Rand Sperry. “The families, staff and faculty all work so hard behind the scenes to make it the great school that it is.” Fast forward to 2015 and the legacy of philanthropy has come full circle for both families. Following in their fathers’ footsteps, sons Kevin O’Connell ’05 and Brian Sperry ’00 now serve on Santa Margarita’s Consultative School Board. O’Connell joined in 2013, while Sperry joined in 2015. Both look to continue their fathers’ work and lead by example for future families to come. “Carrying on the family legacy is important to me,” said Kevin O’Connell. “Santa Margarita gave me a lot and it’s important for me to be able to give back and help guide the school so others will have the same education I did.”
Pictured above L to R: Brian Sperry ’00, Rand Sperry, George O’Connell and Kevin O’Connell ’05 12 | WINGS MAGAZINE
The Neilon Family When it comes to being a force for good in the world, Santa Margarita Catholic High School family, the Neilons, are a shining example. Last year during National Giving Day, the entire Neilon family contributed to Santa Margarita, including their son Tyler Neilon ’14, who now attends USC, and their son Brett Neilon ’17, who is a junior at Santa Margarita. Giving from current students and recent graduates is not a consistent trend and that is what makes the Neilons’ gifts all the more unique. Parents, Cora and Mike Neilon show continuous involvement to Santa Margarita initiatives and their contributions know no bounds. Cora has volunteered on the annual gala committee and has been an active member of the Mothers Club. Both Cora and Mike have been active in the football and basketball programs and their philanthropy touches Santa Margarita in the most meaningful ways. Cora believes that the benefit of living overseas for several years has played a role in immersing her boys into a giving culture. When the boys were young, Cora and Mike involved them in important service initiatives that provided support to those in need. In order to expose their boys to the impact that their giving could achieve, they served in many locations such as delivering rice and food items at an orphanage in Cambodia. In addition, the Neilons were in Japan during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the strongest earthquake to ever hit Japan which claimed more than 15,000
lives. Tyler and Brett have vivid memories of the event and the immediate action that their parents took to initiate a meaningful response from their family. This left such an impression on Brett that it prompted him to create and sell emergency preparedness bags, which he calls Grab ‘n Go bags. The bags contain leather gloves, emergency survival blanket, LED headlight, a whistle and five pouches of drinking water. Brett took helping others a step further and donated the profits from the packets to the Santa Margarita Eagle Fund during National Giving Day. “We’ve been blessed to teach the boys from a young age how important it is to give back,” said Cora. “We chose Santa Margarita because it is a caring and philanthropic community.”
L to R Cora Neilon, Brett Neilon ’17 and Mike Neilon
Tyler Neilon ’14
I chose to give back to Santa Margarita because it was a school that significantly helped me get to where I am today. Along with the faculty that provided me with the proper guidance and care, I met some of my closest friends, won a CIF championship in basketball and was propelled academically to the University of Southern California. Having lived in Japan for 13 years, I view that country as home. After the huge earthquake in March of 2011, I was able to go up to the tsunami and earthquake stricken region and help rebuild. Our work was pretty small and limited, but once we finished all of the people we helped gave us hugs and were so happy. It was important to me because Japan and its people had been the most gracious hosts to my family during our 13 years there. Being able to give back to the country in a time of need was extremely important for me as a way of saying thank you for teaching me so much.
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let the games begin
HOMECOMING 2015 Although the tremendous amount of pride and excitement surrounding Homecoming has not changed in the 28-year history of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, the past few years have found ways to make the festivities bigger and better than ever. What started off as a small-scale dance after a football game has evolved into a week-long celebration with added spirit days, a rally and a tailgate party. Clever themes, modern technology and the incorporation of alumni have made for an unforgettable celebration year after year. This year’s Homecoming, “Let the Games Begin,” went for the gold with an Olympic-themed celebration, as the torch was passed along the spirit-filled events honoring 28 years of blue and gold. Friday, Oct. 9, featured a tremendous display of pride and unity as each student was given an LED wristband, the same brand used at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, to light up the Moiso Family Pavilion in the opening ceremony themed Homecoming rally. Santa Margarita track standout and Olympic hopeful, Ryan Martin ’07, surprised students at the rally by lighting the torch that would symbolize the start of the weekend’s festivities. Martin received two AllAmerican titles at UCSB for track and field and is now a runner for Asics. That evening, over 900 alumni, families and friends enjoyed a pre-game tailgate before packing Saddleback Stadium for the Eagles match-up against St. John Bosco. Even though the Eagles weren’t awarded the gold, falling to the Braves 59-14, the halftime show was worth a place at the top of the podium. Two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, Amy Rodriguez ’05, made a special appearance to continue the theme of the weekend. Donning her gold medals, Rodriguez sent the Eagle faithful into a frenzy of excitement as she carried the torch to the middle of the field alongside last year’s Homecoming Queen Alexandra Heinen ’15. Representing the Homecoming Court was sophomore princess Margaret Driscoll ’18, junior princess Delaney McCabe ’17 and senior princesses Mackenzie Marks ’16, Charlotte Driscoll ’16 and Samantha Drust ’16. Together, Rodriguez and Heinen helped crown Marks as the 2015 Homecoming Queen.
The next evening, Santa Margarita students danced the night away at the Homecoming Dance held in the Moiso Family Pavilion. In a rather fitting notion, Junior World Champion and record holder, Grant Shoults ’16, was named the Homecoming King. With state of the art lighting, special effects, and music provided by DJ Chris, Homecoming 2015 concluded with an over-the-top evening that brought home the gold!
Olympic rings lit up the gym during the Homecoming rally 14 | WINGS MAGAZINE
The 2015 Homecoming Court, left to right: Charlotte Driscoll ’16, Margaret Driscoll ’18, Mackenzie Marks ’16, Samantha Drust ’16 and Delaney McCabe ’17
Ryan Martin ’07 with the
Olympic torch
Tailgaters enjoyed a catered barbecue feast
Mackenzie Marks ’16 and Grant Shoults ’16
Olympic gold medalist Amy Rodriguez ’05 with a group of spirited Eagles
Game On! FALL/WINTER 2015 | 15
ATHLETICS
LADY EAGLES ACHIEVE
TRINITY LEAGUE TRIFECTA Girls Golf Kicks Off Fall With Perfect Season
Girls varsity golf team
Congratulations to the girls varsity golf team for capturing the 2015 Trinity League Championship after completing an undefeated season, 14-0. The title marks the first league championship of the 2015-2016 school year and the 188th league championship in SMCHS history. The title also marks the 11th league title for the girls golf program. A number of Eagle golfers were named medalists throughout the season: freshman Kiara Boggs ’19 (four times), senior Taylor Chang ’16 (four times), sophomore Rylie Edwards ’18 (three times) and senior Morgan Yurosek ’16 (two times). Edwards earned the OC Varsity Athlete of the Week after she survived a three-hole, suddendeath playoff at Dad Miller Golf Course to win the Trinity League Individual Championship. She started the final round in fifth place, four strokes off the lead, but finished with a 1-under-par of 71 to tie for the lead and earn the 2015 Trinity League title.
Girls Tennis Wins 10th Consecutive League Title Congratulations to the girls varsity tennis team for securing their 10th consecutive league championship. Quietly one of the most successful athletic programs on campus, the girls tennis program clinched their first league title in 1992. The program waited 14 years to see another championship in 2006, which was the start of their current streak. This is the second league title of the 2015-2016 school year and marks the 189th league championship in school history. Since 1987, the Eagles have been a part of the Olympic League, Angelus League, Sea View League, Serra League and currently the Trinity League. Never shying away from competition, the Eagles schedule opened against University (#4 in Orange County), Corona del Mar (#1 in the Orange County) and San Clemente (#3 in Orange County). The Eagles also scheduled Northwood High School (#8 in Orange County and #10 in CIF-SS Division 1). Battle tested, the Eagles were able to weather a 0-4 start to the season by rattling off six consecutive wins and winning 11 of their last 12 matches in order to be crowned the 2015 Trinity League Champions.
Girls varsity tennis team
Girls Volleyball Makes it 190 League Titles Congratulations to the girls volleyball team for securing the outright 2015 Trinity League Championship after defeating Orange Lutheran, 3-0. After sharing the league title last year with Mater Dei, the 2015 Eagles were able to weather a mid-season funk and finish the year at 30-3 overall and 7-1 in Trinity League play. After a second place finish at the Durango Tournament in Las Vegas, the Eagles would go on to win their next four matches before falling to Mater Dei, 3-2 on Oct. 8. Using that as a rallying call, the Eagles finished the Torrey Pines Tournament with a record of 4-2 before winning their next six games, dropping only one set in the process. This marks the 11th League Championship for the girls volleyball program, the third league title of the 2015-2016 fall season (girls golf, girls tennis), and the 190th league championship in history of Santa Margarita. 16 | WINGS MAGAZINE
Girls varsity volleyball team
Shoults ’16 Swims to Gold
Senior Grant Shoults ’16 recently earned a gold medal at the 2015 FINA World Junior Championships in the 400 meter free with his time of 3:48.91 back in August. Shoults would team up later with fellow Americans Maxime Rooney, Sean Grieshop and Grant House to bring home a gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle relay. Shoults split a new lifetime best of 1:48.10 as a part of the world junior record time of 7:13.76. Shoults went on to back up his gold medal victories by adding a silver medal in the 200 free with his time of 1:48.42.
FROM THE EAGLES NEST TO THE PIRATES BULLPEN MLB pitcher, Jared Hughes ’03 had a tremendous 2015 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates won 98 games and had the second best record in all of Major League Baseball due in part to their fantastic bullpen. With appearances in 76 games and an ERA (Earned Run Average) of 2.28, Hughes was an anchor in a bullpen that was ranked as the best in Major League Baseball with a league low ERA of 2.67 combined amongst all relief pitchers. Congratulations to Hughes on a great 2015 season with more success to come in 2016.
KJ Costello ’16 and Dylan Crawford ’16 Named to 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour visited Santa Margarita Catholic High School on Oct. 27 to name quarterback KJ Costello ’16 and receiver Dylan Crawford ’16 to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Costello and Crawford become the second and third Eagles to be named to the U.S. Army All-American team. Max Tuerk ’12 was the first U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection in the history of the school. Santa Margarita honored Costello and Crawford before their teammates, media, fans and family during a jersey presentation in the Eagle Athletic Center. In teams of five, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour teams travel across the country from late September to mid-December to announce all 90 of the chosen players. For the last 15 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Lattimore and Andrew Luck all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 in San Antonio. The game will air at noon on NBC. FALL/WINTER 2015 | 17
PERFORMING ARTS
Touring Group Captures the Spirit of SMCHS and delights audiences with
When it came time for Director of Theatre Arts Amy Luskey-Barth to decide on this year’s theme for the SMCHS ‘Encore’ musical revue, she decided to search close to home. Now in its fourth year, LuskeyBarth decided the revue’s theme would represent the spirit of Santa Margarita itself. With an enthusiastic and creative cast and crew, a 30-minute production called “When Eagles Soar” was born and featured popular songs that reflect life at Santa Margarita. Wanting to be certain that the show represented every aspect of the school, Luskey-Barth reached out to teachers, students and staff for their input on what makes up the Santa Margarita community. Starting with the cast and crew, she asked
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each member to consider how they “found their wings” at Santa Margarita. “I wanted the students to have a personal connection to the story,” said Luskey-Barth. “The students are truly what gives this show its heart.” From ice hockey, to ASB, to campus ministry and more, each studentperformer incorporated their passions into the show through costumes and imagery, as well as helped to represent the passions of their peers. “Santa Margarita is a place where you can pursue your dreams,” said Mickey Galvin ’16, ASB president and studentperformer. “This production really shows all the different opportunities here for students.”
After only one month of rehearsals, Encore hit the road and toured their show at six local elementary and middle schools. With Technical Director Mike Ritchey designing a collapsible set, “When Eagles Soar” became the first Encore show to ever go on tour. Each performance was a true team effort with the cast and crew loading all of the props, instruments and technical equipment onto a truck and building the stage at every school. There was no denying that their dedication paid off, as each performance was met with countless smiles, singing along and applause. Encore’s next performance of “When Eagles Soar” will take place at Winter Open House on Jan. 14.
ACADEMICS
Alumnus Provides New Counseling Support Blake Oldfield ’99 has taken on a new role at Santa Margarita Catholic High School as the School Psychologist. Oldfield will provide direct support and intervention to the students, families, faculty and staff when needed. His goal is to help improve academic achievement, create a safe and positive school environment, encourage and support positive behavior and mental health and provide service to our diverse learners. His role will support the administration and assessment for those students who may require additional academic support in the classroom. Oldfield has also partnered with the athletic department and training staff to help design and implement a comprehensive concussion protocol/policy that our student-athletes will benefit from. The culture of today’s student population has morphed and many of these young men and women have placed incredibly high expectations on themselves (educationally/athletically/socially). Unfortunately, with these expectations come an immense amount of pressure and stress. Many of these young minds are encountering this level of stress for the first time and lack the emotional knowledge and coping skills necessary for dealing with these demands. Oldfield’s hope is to help support and nurture their emotional needs so that they can achieve their full potential and achieve their goals.
Eagles Helping Eagles Achieve Academic Success National Honor Society is an important program that has been in place at Santa Margarita for the past 28 years. The program allows students to reach out to other students for tutoring. Membership in NHS allows tutors to share their knowledge of a particular subject area, and express their desire to help their classmates. All NHS members work several shifts per semester in the Borchard Library’s tutoring lab, assisting their peers with a particular subject that they may be struggling with. Santa Margarita started its chapter of NHS with the charter class of 1991, and to this day the members have continued to
live out the school charism of “Caritas Christi” by helping their peers achieve academic success. NHS Secretary and Treasurer Lauren Walker ’16 is thankful for the opportunity to be a mentor to her fellow students. “Being able to tutor younger students after school has given me a way to interact with students from across the campus and be a role model for them,” said Walker. “My past experiences drove me to be a tutor these past two years, and pass on the tradition of being a free and helpful tutor for any student who needs help.” It is often easier for a student to seek out academic assistance from a peer rather than a teacher. Through NHS, students receive the opportunity to collaborate in order to succeed in a challenging academic setting. This is a concept that is supported by NHS co-advisors Coleen Barry and Mark Van Ness. “Parents have the added comfort of knowing that their students can seek tutoring help when necessary,” said Barry. “Students helping fellow students academically supports our academic programs and the personal contact between students reinforces a community built on the love of Christ!”
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SERVICE
EAGLES RISE BY
LIFTING OTHERS
THE LUMEN CHRISTI PROJECT is a two-year service project that is completed during a student’s junior and senior year. The project requires students to partner with a non-profit agency in order to gain hands on experience and give back to the community.
ERIN SMITH ’16
Erin Smith ’16
DANNY JUERGENS ’16 As a member of Santa Margarita’s Next Step Club, a board member on Drug Use is Life Abuse’s board of directors and a former intern for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, senior Danny Juergens ’16 considers her work with drug prevention programs as more of a passion than just a project for school. Now in her third year with Santa Margarita’s Next Step Club, an educational program operated by Drug Use is Life Abuse, there was no question about what Juergens would focus on for her Lumen Christi project. Motivated by a family history of addiction, she was inspired to try and help others avoid similar situations. Through Next Step, Juergens and fellow club members travel to local middle schools to educate them on drug abuse and prevention through presentations, hands on demonstrations, small group discussions and parent involvement. The club also hosts an annual holiday party at the 20 | WINGS MAGAZINE
Senior Erin Smith ’16 never imagined that an initiative started for her Lumen Christi project could have such an impact on so many individuals. As a result of her service with Special Olympics, Smith created the first Unified Sports Program at Santa Margarita through the SMCHS softball team. According to the Special Olympics website, Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. Smith attended the Special Olympics World Games this past summer in Los Angeles and became a part of the worldwide initiative to give opportunities to athletes with intellectual or physical disabilities. Hearing speeches from Michelle Obama and Tim Harris gave Smith the pride in her own initiative and the desire to create meaning for all those involved. Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana for at-risk children whose parents are in court-ordered parenting programs. Since joining the club, Juergens has been presented with numerous opportunities to continue staying involved in drug prevention education. In February 2015, she was chosen to travel with the OC Sheriff’s Department to attend the 2015 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. There she was able to attend different sessions on drug prevention and legislation led by nationally known experts and policymakers. “It was the best week of my life,” said Juergens. “I learned so much valuable information for my Next Step presentations. I’m constantly quoting all of the speakers I heard.” From there, Juergens was asked to join the Drug Use is Life Abuse board of directors and was also
Through her program, Smith and her teammates work with special-needs athletes from the local Special Olympics team based out of Laguna Hills: partnering with them one-on-one and enhancing their softball skills. In January and February, players come together for meaningful practices that create a sense of community and acceptance. “The main idea of the program I started was the one-to-one ratio,” said Smith. “Having a Santa Margarita student and an athlete work together gives the athlete specialized attention and creates a meaningful relationship.” Smith reveals that the work she has done has been a tremendous eye-opening experience. She looks forward to attending a university where she can remain involved with Special Olympics initiatives. “I love the fact that (through Special Olympics) everyone is a winner and everyone is happy,” said Smith. offered a summer internship with the OC Sheriff’s Department, where she was able to assist in planning drug prevention events such as the well-known Red Ribbon Week. She hopes to return to her internship next summer and possibly even start a drug prevention agency in college.
Danny Juergens ’16
SYDNEY FREDETTE ’17 Junior Sydney Fredette ’17 was only eight years old when she lost a close friend to cancer. Inspired by her friend’s desire to always give back, Fredette decided to start a club called Be the Change, which focuses on helping children in need. At age nine, Fredette’s love of stuffed animals, specifically Build-A- Bear, became the heart of her club. Taking bears from her own collection and asking for bears from friends, she started collecting BuildA-Bears for homeless children. From there she created special events to continue giving away the bears, such as a ‘birthday club’ which gives Build-A-Bears to children at the Boys & Girls Club on their birthdays. In 2014, Fredette brought Be the Change to SMCHS so that her classmates could be a part of her mission. Now, with over 40 Santa Margarita members, Be the Change continues to host several events throughout the year to create magical, memorable moments for children in need. The club’s largest event, Beary Merry Christmas, takes place every December. To spread the holiday spirit, Be the Change teams up with OC Focus to host a special Christmas party for homeless families in Anaheim. Prior to the event, Fredette holds donation parties to collect toys, shoes, food and Build-A-Bears for the families. At the event, children get to pick out their own Build-ABear and their families are given a hot meal, as well as a chance for the parents to pick out toys, clothes, and shoes to give to their children on Christmas day. Fredette and her club have hosted more than 1,600 children and their families at the Christmas events. Since the start of Be the Change over nine years ago, Fredette has collected and given away more than $60,000 worth of donations and, with the help of a passionate friend, has expanded the club to the east coast.
CONNOR AMBROSE ’16 Santa Margarita Catholic High School senior Connor Ambrose ’16 has a passion for giving back. From food and clothing drives, to tennis camps for underprivileged children, to volunteering overseas, Ambrose has been involved with several service projects during his high school career. In 2014, Ambrose became a part of Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that provides free surgeries for cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities in children. Since then, he received several opportunities to attend medical missions and help children in need. To prepare for the missions, Ambrose had to receive special training at the International Student Leadership Conference, which he attended in Ireland, Virginia and at Chapman University. He would then embark on his first medical mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he was one of only two high school students in attendance. There he observed many surgeries and taught children and their families about dental care, nutrition, clean water and burn prevention. “It was amazing to see the kids come out of surgery with their new smiles,” said Ambrose. “They had a new sense of confidence.” As a result of his dedication to the organization, Ambrose was recently chosen as one of only nine students nation-wide to serve on the National Leadership Council of Operation Smile. The council will help to fundraise and spread awareness about the organization. Ambrose will continue his work abroad when he embarks on a medical mission to South America in 2016.
Sydney Fredette ’17 FALL/WINTER 2015 | 21
ALUMNI IN MEDICINE
Healing Is Their Primary Care Answering the call to serve in the medical field, these SMCHS Alumni are making a positive difference in their community.
Charles Gabbert ’97, M.D. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BE A DOCTOR?
Always interested in the biological sciences, I kept the possibility of studying medicine in the back of my mind upon entering undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame. There were numerous moments that inspired my career decision, but the first was a difficult political science class. I could barely recall the amendments, let alone write papers on them. Feeling somewhat lost, for I knew I was to become the next Perry Mason, I engaged in a new volunteer activity that would forever change my life. My Spanish professor headed a program that allowed students to volunteer as Spanish-English translators at a local community health clinic in South Bend. I was fairly decent in conversational Spanish, so I decided to spend a few days volunteering. Almost immediately, I became enamored with the physician-patient relationship and the opportunity to positively engage with otherwise complete strangers. I started to deviate from the translator role and began to shadow a busy family physician in the clinic. His patients adored him and he never looked to be thanked or commended. He was merely fulfilling his passion. From that moment on, I knew medicine was a better fit for me both academically and personally. HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT FIELD OF MEDICINE YOU WANTED TO PRACTICE—AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FIELD?
I am currently practicing gastroenterology, particularly interventional endoscopy, as a physician member of Dignity Health Medical Foundation based in Northern California. My field of expertise is that of bile duct and pancreas disorders, along with enteral stent placement and the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding. Relationships with professors during my residency and fellowship years basically paved the way for this decision. At UC San Diego, as an internal medicine and pediatrics resident, I was lucky enough to have a prominent hepatologist named Jeffrey Schwimmer M.D. as my attending physician on general medicine rounds for one week. I was fortunate to do a few
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research projects with him on pediatric fatty liver disease that led to national presentations and manuscripts. Thinking I would pursue liver disease further, I applied for a gastroenterology fellowship following residency and was lucky enough to be a match at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. While there, I formed a relationship with some of the world’s most respected endoscopists and found myself wanting to mirror them in every way. For that reason, I pursued advanced endoscopy under the mentorship of Drs. Adam Slivka and Jennifer Chennat. While I often perform upper endoscopy and colonoscopy to evaluate a variety of GI complaints and disorders, I also perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). These procedures can treat a number of interesting bile duct and pancreas conditions (stones, strictures, pancreatitis, cysts). TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PATIENTS—HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO HELP?
My most memorable patient was undoubtedly a 23-week old premature newborn during my time in the NICU. On my first night
on call as an intern, I helped to deliver the premature baby en caul, which means the infant is born inside the amniotic sac. Following his removal from the membrane, I performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical intubation under supervision. The procedure fortunately went very well, and then I proceeded to assist with placement of umbilical catheters for arterial and venous access. The infant barely weighed one pound and could fit in the palm of my hand. Stricken by nerves and pure adrenaline, I can recall my heart beating faster than his at the time. He ended up doing great and left NICU roughly four months later. I checked in on him every day for those four months. He was my pride and joy. When I spent a day in clinic two years later, and the boy randomly came in for a follow-up visit, I almost fainted. He was off oxygen, growing rapidly and full of energy. His mother hugged me and asked him if he remembered me, to which he responded “No.” We laughed and then suddenly I burst into tears. It was an overwhelming moment that made me realize that I am doing what I am meant to do.
Megan Hickey Barbosa ’04, MSN From a very young age, Megan Hickey Barbosa ’04 knew she wanted to work in the healthcare industry. In her early years at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, she thought about being involved in physical therapy or being a doctor, but later decided in college that she instead wanted to work hands-on in patient care and pursue a career in nursing. Barbosa received her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in health sciences, and then continued her education at the University of San Diego, where she graduated with a master’s degree in nursing in 2010. Today, you will find Barbosa in a demanding role at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, working as a nurse in the Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Clinic, a place all too familiar to her. At only 18 months old, Barbosa was treated for cancer and spent years of follow up visits there. Now working alongside some of the same nurses that were there when she was a patient, Barbosa is making a difference in the lives of children affected with cancer and blood disorders. During her 12-hour shifts, she’s facilitating patient flow, administering chemotherapy, or doing whatever it takes to care for the 60 to 80 patients a day who come for treatment. Barbosa is also in a new administrative role and knows that her work in the ever changing field of nursing will continue to help patients with better care, treatments and cures. Barbosa is passionate about continuing her education, working bedside, and one day hopes to teach in the hospital and part-time for a nursing school. Her summers are still filled with the opportunity to serve as a pediatric oncology nurse at “Camp Reach for the Sky” provided by The Seany Foundation, the same camp she once attended as a patient.
Barbosa is making a difference
in the lives of children affected with cancer and blood disorders.
FALL/WINTER 2015 | 23
REUNIONS
Class of 1995
Celebrating 20 Years On Saturday, July 25 the Class of 1995 celebrated 20 years since they graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School. However, one night was not enough for these former classmates; they had a weekend full of memorable events. The 140+ former Eagles enjoyed a beautiful night walking down memory lane at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. The hotel was bustling full of hugs, laughter and many memories both past and present. One highlight of the evening was the number of past Santa Margarita faculty members who attended. A special thank you to the Class of 1995 Reunion Chairs Joleen Austin Bassett ’95 and Tiffany Blackburn King ’95 and their committee for putting together a wonderful reunion weekend. The festivities started on Friday evening with a social event held at the Boathouse Collective Restaurant in Costa Mesa, a campus tour on Saturday morning, followed by the official reunion in the evening. In addition, many classmates joined other Eagle alumni and their families at Angel Stadium on Sunday to watch the Angels beat the Texas Rangers. Classmates traveled from all over to be together, reconnect and reminisce about old times they shared together at Santa Margarita. Reunion Chairs
Joleen Austin Bassett ’95 and Tiffany Blackburn King ’95
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CLASS OF 2010 More than 100 alumni from the Class of 2010 celebrated their five-year reunion on Saturday, June 20 at Dave and Busters in Irvine. The alumni danced and played pool while taking the time to catch up with one another. The Class of 2010 will now await their ten-year reunion to see what the next chapters in their lives will produce. Thank you to Brandon Blanchard ’10 who helped the alumni office organize this memorable event.
Celebrating Sarah On Saturday, July 18, Santa Margarita Catholic High School celebrated the 7th Annual Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Run. The run is held in memory of alumna Sarah DeMille ’05 who passed away in 2006 during college in an automobile accident. During her time at SMCHS, DeMille was a dedicated four-year cross country runner. Coaches describe her as having had a special spirit, one that was contagious and showed her dedication and beliefs in hard work and commitment in everything she did. DeMille also left her mark at Applied Medical, the company where she spent two summers working as an intern. The company began a scholarship in her memory. Each year, two scholarships are offered to one female student and one male student who possess DeMille’s qualities. This year’s event secured more than $20,000 for the scholarship fund. More than 350 alumni, students, families, and friends filled the SMCHS cross country trail in support of the memorial run. The morning also included a “Future Eagle” Fun Run for runners 10 years old and younger, a pancake breakfast, a vendor area and opportunity prizes to help raise funds for the scholarship. New to the 2015 event was a “Virtual Runner” program that gave participants the opportunity to support the annual memorial run from the comfort of their homes.
The Class of 2005 reunited once again on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Dana Point Yacht Club to celebrate their 10-year reunion. The Class of 2005 CLASS OF 2005 committee did an outstanding job of gathering their classmates together. More than 140 guests filled the yacht club to reminisce about high school memories and to talk about what is filling their lives today while enjoying a beautiful fall evening overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The graduates dined and danced the night away and are looking forward to the next reunion.
Taylor Comroe ’15 took first place overall with a time of 18:09. Rachel Roesgen ’12 was the first female to finish with a time of 19:30. “The tremendous support from our wonderful alumni, students, families, sponsors and community is greatly appreciated and is instrumental to the success of this event. “It is amazing that we can honor Sarah each year with such a wonderful event,” said Director of Alumni Programs Lori Gardner. Sarah’s mother, Mary Jane DeMille, said the run has been a wonderful way to honor her daughter. “I am in awe of this remembrance of our daughter Sarah and how, through all of the coaches, staff, volunteers, sponsors and hard work, it has continued to grow,” said Mary Jane DeMille. “The memorial run has come to represent for us all of the birthdays, graduations, achievements, weddings and births that we will never have the opportunity to celebrate. For that reason, we cherish this opportunity to celebrate her life and the incredible person she became in her short time here.” Next year’s run is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2016.
2014 Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Run Sponsors MEMORIAL SPONSORS:
Toyota of Huntington Beach – Robert, Mary, Alison ’04, Stephanie Miller Russell and Lazarus- Chris, Helene, Christina ’02, Stephanie ’05, Jessica ’07 and Natalie ’09 Shulman, Hodges, & Bastian, LLP
SILVER SPONSORS: RSM Honda
BRONZE SPONSORS: Marque Medical Lake Forest Dental Center The Imburgia Family (Pat, Lori, Rachel ’13, Joseph ’15 and Sarah ’16)
PLATINUM SPONSORS: Dr. David Grant ’94 D.D.S Applied Medical
Rachel Roesgen ’12
Taylor Comroe ’15
Threaded Films – Steve Luxenberg ’00
FALL/WINTER 2015 | 25
Class Notes 1990s MINDI RUSK WAGGONER ’98 married Steven Rusk, a California Highway Patrol officer in August 2015. They have one son, Rylin (5). AMANDA STRINDBERG CORONADO ’98 and husband Michael are the proud parents of their second child, a daughter. Alessandra Rose was born on Thursday, June 25, weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces.
LINDSAY MARTIN BOYLE ’99 lives in Boulder, CO with her husband John and their three kids, McKenna (7), Cooper (4), and Beckett (9 months). Boyle is the senior manager of product quality experience for Medtronic Neurosurgery, and handles all medical device reporting of deaths or serious injuries to FDA and other global notified bodies. In her free time, she and her family are avid mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders (except for Beckett, since he can’t walk yet). She misses the ocean, but the mountains aren’t too shabby either.
2000s BRYAN KRETZMER ’00 and wife Annie welcomed their daughter Grace Clare Kretzmer on September 19, 2015. Their son, Jordan (5), just started Kindergarten and daughter, Gianna (3), started PreSchool at Serra this fall.
SEAN ZEITLER ’01 and wife Meghan welcomed Emma Shea Zeitler on July 23, 2015. She weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces, was 19 inches long and arrived two weeks early. Emma is pictured with mom and sister Morgan (2). They live in Lake Forest, CA. ELIN MANNIX LIGHTBODY ’02 and husband Sam welcomed their first child, Reagan Elizabeth Lightbody, on November 19, 2014. She was born weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Reagan loves playing with her cat, Dolly Pawton. Elin, Sam, Reagan and Dolly currently live in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. MICHELLE HULL HYNCIK ’04 played varsity soccer at Harvard University where she earned a degree in Government magna cum laude in 2008. She then attended Columbia University School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor as a James Kent Scholar in 2011. She is currently Legal Counsel with Major League Soccer in NYC, New York, and is a member of the State Bars of California and New York. She recently married Adam Hyncik, a Portfolio Manager with an Investment Management Fund.
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KATELYN EMERY ’06 got married on Nov. 1, 2014 to James Donahue, alongside their best friends and SMCHS alumni SHERRY APAT ’06, KATIA CORREA ’06, APRIL GLENN ’06, and ERIN WEATHERWAX FRILLES ’06. The couple resides in San Diego. SEAN ALDRIDGE ’05 married Victoria Young on her family ranch in Southwest Colorado on June 14, 2014. His brother, KYLE ALDRIDGE ’07, was the best man and BRANDON FULLER ’05 was one of the groomsmen. Kyle’s wife, Hannah, and Sean’s sister, KENDALL ALDRIDGE ’14, were bridesmaids. In attendance were both JJ MAXWELL ’04 and RYAN MAXWELL ’07 in addition to COURTNEY HURLEY ’05 and KYLE HURLEY ’07. It was a spectacular setting and a blessed day. Their wedding was featured in Luxe Mountain Wedding magazine. You can view the magazine online. THOMAS HART HULL ’06 was a three year starter during his four years as a varsity football player at Harvard University, earning two Ivy League championships and a Biology degree in 2010. He has coached junior varsity football at Our Lady of Fatima and assisted in leading its youth group. He is currently a third year medical student, class of 2017, at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (one of four Catholic medical schools in the United States).
SMCHS sweethearts, J. MATTHEW SPILLERS ’08 and MEGAN WOODS ’08 recently got married in San Clemente, CA on October 25, 2015. Megan’s sister CASEY WOODS ’11 served as maid of honor, and fellow Eagle, ELIZABETH HEISLER ’08 was a bridesmaid. On J. Matthew’s side, GERALD ESPINOSA ’08, JUSTIN DANH ’08, SCOTT FULLERTON ’08 and CHASE LAAKSO ’08 all were groomsmen at the wedding. In attendance were mother of the groom, Lucia Wooley (SM dance teacher for 18 years) and father of the bride, Michael Woods (SM history teacher for 18 years). Additionally, SM graduates ANDREW TRAN ’08, JUSTIN COUCH ’08, ERIK BROWN ’08, MICHAEL CRAIGMILE ’08, LAUREN LOPEZ ’08, MEGHAN SHAIN ’08, STEPHANIE GOFF SCHLINKERT ’08, and ANDREW REIGER ’09 all attended the ceremony and reception. Faculty and staff in attendance included Dan Trotter, Isaac Huerta, Meredith Moody, John Remmell, Susan Bremer, and former teachers, Greg Young, Stephen Schumacher, MEREDITH HOFF SCHUMACHER ’01 and Tracy Vosper. Former SMCHS ASB Director Jeff Nowlin officiated the ceremony. The San Clemente Municipal Golf Course provided a beautiful setting on a sunny day for this wedding almost 10 years in the making. J. Matthew and Megan Spillers now live in Anchorage, AK.
class notes CHANTEL CIPOLLA ’10 recently started a small business Chantel & Bella that specializes in a wide assortment of delicious sweet treats including cupcakes, cookies and cakes. Email: ChantelandBella@gmail.com or visit www.ChantelandBella.com for more information. KRISTA URY ’11 graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame in May of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She is currently working at the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
CHRISTIAN THIERJUNG ’13, a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, has been a standout on the men’s soccer team. On October 27, he was named as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Player of the Week and Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week. Earlier that week Christian scored three goals, a “hat trick,” in a 4-3 2OT win over San Diego State University. JP JENNINGS ’13, a vocal studies major at Oberlin College and Conservatory, is chasing his career aspirations to become a professional conductor and work with symphony orchestras and opera companies all over the world. Jennings started The Oberlin Mozart Players in May 2014 to showcase Mozart’s music and to gather with other musicians to play and study the “underperformed” master. The group has expanded from 20 members to 45. In the midst of a six concert season, performances will include Mozart’s 35th, 38th, and 41st symphonies; Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for violin and viola featuring violinist Jinjoo Cho (Cleveland Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra), and violist Michael Strauss (principle violist, Indianapolis Symphony); Beethoven’s 1st and 5th symphonies; and a complete performance of Haydn’s The Creation. The group is in the process of planning an educational outreach and a three-concert tour of Southern California in January 2017. BILLY HAINES ’14, REILLY PLOCHER ’14, JUSTIN CABRERA ’14, ALEC MCNIFF ’14, KAYLEIGH MEECH ’14 and SCOTT WESIERSKI ’15 visited Haiti during the summer as part of the Mission of Hope team. They went into villages and collected data for Mission of Hope with the ultimate goal to empower the people of Haiti to support themselves. They painted houses, planted trees, spent time entertaining children and attended crowded worship services. The SM grads were very happy to share these lifechanging experiences together.
RYAN MELOSINI ’15 is one of the newest members of the Princeton Nassoons, Princeton University’s oldest and most prestigious A Cappella singing group. He was selected out of 75 freshmen men who auditioned. He will be on stage performing with them soon, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in NYC this December.
Principal Ray Dunne and SM graduates had a reunion at the University of Oregon at Track Town Pizza. Pictured in the photo: TYLER WOOD ’15, RYAN SHRAMO ’15, KATELYN PETERS ’15, KATIE STANTON’15, BRENTEN KELLY ’12, DANIELLE FIELD ’15, HARRISON LANDERS ’15, SPENCER TYLER ’12 and CHRIS POLIQUINN ’12.
Recent graduate KATIE MCLAUGHLIN ’15 earned a gold medal as a part of the 800-meter freestyle relay at FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia in August 2015. McLaughlin was partnered with some of the biggest names in the swimming world, including world record holders and gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Missy Franklin. Swimming the third leg of the relay, McLaughlin split an impressive sub-two minute effort with her time of 1:56.92. McLaughlin maintained the US’ lead after taking over for Missy Franklin (1:55.95) and Leah Smith (1:56.86). Italy took home second place (7:48.41) and bronze went to China (7:49.10). After her successful swim, McLaughlin was selected to the 107 member 2015-2016 National Swim team in the 200 FR, 100, and 200 FL. The USA National Swim Team roster is comprised of the top six swimmers in each Olympic event.
In Loving Memory “He will raise you up on Eagles Wings” Santa Margarita would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the following member of the Eagle community. We will always hold you close to our hearts.
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ryan david zalta ’92
We LOVE to hear from our Eagle Family. Send us your class note to be featured in the next issue of WINGS magazine. Please email your information to alumni@smhs.org Please update your contact information at www.smhs.org/alumnidirectory FALL/WINTER 2015 | 27
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HS
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please direct them to update their information at www.smhs.org/alumnidirectory
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER 22 All Sport Alumni Games
8:30am SMCHS
JANUARY 2016 14 Winter Open House 7:00pm SMCHS
23 Freshman Entrance Exam 8:00am SMCHS
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28 Catholic Schools Week Mass 8:30am SMCHS
APRIL 2016 17 Mothers Club Fashion Show 4:00pm SMCHS
25 Town Hall Meeting 6:30pm Athletic Banquet Center
21- Spring Musical - “Guys & Dolls” 24 Eagle Dome | April 21-23: 7:00pm | April 24: 2:00pm
MARCH 2016
JUNE 2016 2 Baccalaureate Mass
21 Eagle Classic Golf Tournament Coto de Caza Golf Club
Career Day SMCHS
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FEBRUARY 2016 10 Ash Wednesday Mass
5:00pm Moiso Family Pavilion 3 18
SMCHS Graduation 10:00am UC Irvine - Bren Center Class of 2011 Five-year Reunion
For more information: www.smhs.org/eaglegolfclassic