Between the Lions Winter/Spring 2021

BETWEEN

Lions

the

WINTER/SPRING 2021

NEWS and UPDATES for the St. Pius X Catholic High School Community...

Thank you,

MR. SPELLMAN

A school is nothing but brick and mortar. , Its the people inside who make a difference.

This magazine is produced by the St. Pius X Catholic High School Office of Advancement.

John Favier President Edye Simpson, Ed. D. Principal Jenn Sedlack Director of Advancement Mary Vallés Jones Associate Director of Advancement Karoline Rumps Brennan ’82 Director of Alumni Relations Deanna Jones-Puig ’01 Communications Manager Mary O’Brien Beyer ’82 Advancement Coordinator Catherine DeWitt Rice ’00 Special Events Coordinator Kyle Snipes Communications Coordinator St. Pius X, an archdiocesan high school, provides a college preparatory education for the formation of the mind, body, and spirit of each student in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Billy Howard Photography, LifeTouch, and the numerous students, parents, faculty, and staff who submitted photos used in this publication.

From the President

Dear Golden Lion Families, Isaac Newton famously quipped, “If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” It goes without saying that Steve Spellman is a giant at St. Pius X Catholic High School, and our community sees better and farther because of his legacy. When he became our principal, he understood that St. Pius deserved to be a Catholic school that excelled in all that it endeavored, from academics to the arts to athletics to its spirituality. Steve’s vision included embarking upon three Capital Campaigns, supporting our outstanding faculty and staff, and assuring our students that their futures would be wide open because of the exceptional education they experienced in our halls.

Yes, we stand on his shoulders and look forward to a bright tomorrow, but Steve reminds us of another of Sir Newton’s essential laws: acknowledge the reality of gravity and stay grounded. If you ask Steve if St. Pius would have grown to be the shining example of Catholic education in Atlanta these past twenty years without his leadership, I’d venture to guess he would say “yes.” But we all know that Steve’s groundedness is humility in its finest form. He is genuine and sincere, filled with optimism. He is never selfaggrandizing and always pointing out the labors and successes of others. Steve is a family man, constantly sharing with us stories of his kids (and now grandkids), sitting next to Maureen at Friday night football games, and remembering to embrace his time at home as a precious gift. We all know how his Catholicity is at the core of his being. Every day he was in our chapel, taking advantage of the source and summit of our faith: the Eucharist.

This is the greatest of all of Steve’s gifts to our community. Steve never forgets that “We are the Lord’s,” and he lives each day embodying that motto.

All of this is the proof that he is a giant: Steve’s humility and faith highlight the underlying excellence of his own character. It was his trust in this community that made his years beyond successful. It was his guidance that reminded us of our reliance upon God. And it is now his tenure that has become our tradition going forth. Steve Spellman is the very epitome of what it is to be a Golden Lion: work hard, love others, and trust in the Lord.

We all should be thankful we can see the golden sun on the horizon so well because of him.

Peace,

John Favier President

03

From the Principal Dear St. Pius X Families and Friends, I want to take this opportunity to personally congratulate Steve Spellman on his retirement from St. Pius X Catholic High School and the Archdiocese of Atlanta. During his 20-plus years of hard work, dedication and service, Steve has touched the lives of administrators, teachers, parents, community members and leaders and more importantly those who are closest to his heart: his students. Steve was not just a principal, he is a legend, and he significantly raised the bar for success. He has left us with amazing memories that we cherish and will last us a lifetime. We thank him for bringing out the best in all of us!

For over 20 years, Steve has dedicated himself to the St. Pius community and has made this school the great institution that it is today. He attended hundreds of theater performances, games and competitions. From Quiz Bowls to basketball games, he has supported all of our students whether in the academic, sports, or the arts arena. Steve is very proud of this community, calling us his family, and of course we reciprocate that feeling. Steve not only believes in the students, he also supports the faculty and staff. He believed in me as I came to Pius many years ago as an energetic former classroom teacher. He has nurtured me during my years here and taught me what it means to lead a Catholic school, firmly focused on our mission. Mr. Spellman often uttered the phrase, “it’s just another day in paradise.” Those words will always remind me of his character, gentle nature, and amiable personality. This one statement was enough to fill me up with great strength and

04

courage to make it through the day, whatever crisis might be at hand. Steve showed me that Catholicism does not waver in the face of threats or animosity. Instead, we all are called to remember the suffering Christ experienced and join Him as we suffer our own crosses day to day. I am certain all of us have many “Steve Stories” that we can share.

Though we are sad to say goodbye to our beloved principal, Steve Spellman, we are happy that he will finally have some time for his family and friends. We will forever remember Steve’s dedication, accomplishments and personal integrity. We’ve learned from him to stay true to our mission...that is what makes St. Pius a school of strength, excellence, and faith. People like him truly make the workplace a joy. Steve, you will always remain in our hearts and don’t forget us; we won’t forget you!

Blessings,

Edye Simpson Principal

Farewell Mr. Spellman Celebrating the Retirement of Our Beloved Principal In December 2019, Principal Steve Spellman announced he would retire at the end of the school year. With much excitement, a core group of faculty and staff began meeting in secret to prepare for a retirement party which would include the entire St. Pius X community! By now, everyone is well versed in what happened next...March 2020. Steve shared his plans and God laughed; He had something else in mind!

For 20 years, Mr. Spellman led the school in true servant leader form and when the school faced its most serious dilemma yet, a global pandemic, Mr. Spellman delayed his own retirement to ensure the students could continue learning and faculty would feel secure in their careers. He made sure the school was prepared for anything (quite literally) whether our return be virtual or in person.

Always pushing attention off to others, he never wanted a big retirement party and this past December, he quietly left campus as president for the last time. Unexpected virtual days meant campus was even quieter than normal; likely, exactly how Mr. Spellman would have wanted.

Hired as the seventh principal of St. Pius X in 2000, Mr. Spellman brought 30 years of experience as a teacher and senior administrator in the Gwinnett County School System. He led the school through five strategic planning processes and three capital campaigns to further the legacy of St. Pius X, helped implement the first-ever President-Principal model within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and oversaw the school’s accreditation through AdvancED. During his tenure, Mr. Spellman has awarded thousands of diplomas to graduates and hired dozens of faculty and staff members, including countless St. Pius X alumni, who continue to maintain the school’s reputation of academic excellence. For the 2009-2010 school year, he was awarded the first Archdiocesan Principal of the Year.

This year, he will be honored by Archbishop Hartmayer as Employee of the Year.

While his list of accomplishments is long and distinguished throughout his 51 years in education, what most will remember about Mr. Spellman is his genuine love of the St. Pius X community. One of his favorite sayings is, “A school is nothing but brick and mortar; It’s the people inside who make a difference.”

For over 20 years, Mr. Spellman has been that difference.

Every handshake, bear hug, and slap on the back demonstrates the care and concern he has for each of us as a person. He’s taught us kindness, compassion, humility, and respect. He attended nearly every performance, competition, dance, exhibit, and game, often with Mrs. Maureen Spellman ’70 and his family by his side. Regardless of whether it was after a full day at school or on the weekend, he was there with a smile.

Most importantly, he’s a true role model for our Catholic faith. He attends Mass every morning in the chapel, and through both words and actions, he’s encouraged us to grow stronger in our relationship with Christ. Through his example and dedication to the students, he teaches us the immeasurable value of a quality Catholic education and he fully represents our school’s motto, “Domini Sumus: We are the Lord’s.”

Simply put, St. Pius X is a better place because of Mr. Spellman. We may not have been able to send you off in a helicopter from Maloof Field, but we will be forever grateful for our 21 years with you. Now go enjoy “another day in paradise” with your family!

THANK YOU

hot chocolate mix

Ch

s

m

hot chocolate mix

ristma

s

m

e Far m

e Far

g Steve’s Bi

Ch

s

Tre

g Steve’s Bi

hot chocolate mix

Tre hot chocolate mix

e Far m

m ristma

s

Tre

e Far hot chocolate mix

Ch

ristma

g Steve’s Bi

Ch

s

Tre

g Steve’s Bi

ristma

s e Far m

e Far hot chocolate mix

Ch

ristma

Tre

Tre

g Steve’s Bi

m

ristma

e Far

e Far m

Ch

s

Tre

Tre hot chocolate mix

ristma

g Steve’s Bi

Ch

s

g Steve’s Bi

ristma

g Steve’s Bi

Ch

hot chocolate mix

Thank you, Mr. Spellman. On the following pages, please enjoy a select number of messages and memories we received in honor of you and your years of dedicated service and love of St. Pius X: I am the last of the Harvey children to go to St. Pius X and the last grandchild to go as well. In 1960, my grandma Peggy Galvin graduated as one of the first classes and my grandpa went to Marist (as did my dad’s brothers). When given the choice between Marist and Pius, my dad chose Pius because he said “there was a familylike feel that Marist could not beat.” I later asked him what gave him that feeling and he said the principal, Mr. Spellman. As a freshman, I’ve only seen Mr. Spellman a few times, but he makes me feel wanted at this school and I’m proud to be a Golden Lion because of him. Thank you, Mr. Spellman, for creating such a nice atmosphere for me and my family.

Go Lions! The whole Harvey family is always praying for you!

- Lucy Harvey ’24 I still remember walking into school the first day of senior year and getting a big hug and a warm greeting from Mr. Spellman. That hug and greeting set the tone for me to have a great attitude about St. Pius X and my senior year. I will never forget the excitement I had to start my year that day.

- Aaron Parr ’06 Thank you so much for agreeing to serve during the pandemic. I can only imagine the countless, often thankless hours you gave during this time for the betterment of the entire school community. In addition to steering SPX through an unprecedented crisis, you have provided our children with a living model of selfless service for the greater good. From the entire Webb family, we wish you a peaceful, joy filled retirement-you deserve nothing less!

- Robyn Webb ’88 I remember coming to St. Pius X for an open house when I was a middle schooler and I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Mr. Spellman and Mr. Barwick about St. Pius. Mr. Spellman made me realize that I wanted to be a Golden Lion. Thank you so much for all you have done for the school and its community. You have touched many lives, all for the better. Being a Golden Lion, even though I’ve only been here for a little while, has been the best decision of my entire life. Pius has helped me discover who I am as a person, and who I want to be in the future. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be at Pius today. Thank you so much for impacting my life so greatly.

- Chandler Panarese ’23 I had heard of Steve Spellman from the two times he was Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year in the 80’s. Steve offered me a coaching job at South Gwinnett High School when he was

Head Football Coach at the time. He quickly moved up to County Athletic Director before moving into the Assistant to the Superintendent position. He did an incredible job at all levels.

Then, years later, he asked me to participate in a SACS study at St. Pius. After one day here, I asked him to remember me if he ever had a math position open. Years later, I heard of an opening, applied, and Steve hired me. Steve has always been an outstanding mentor of mine. His even keel approach to all situations is phenomenal and his fantastic and positive personality have endeared him to all those he meets. The entire St. Pius community will greatly miss him. Thank you Steve for all the great memories at Gwinnett County, and offering me such a great opportunity here at St. Pius. Thank you for your outstanding and thoughtful leadership and friendship over the last 40 years. You’ve had an incredible career.

God bless you!

- Doug Wagner Thank you so much for your hard work and faithful leadership, Mr. Spellman! You have been such a great person to lead St. Pius for all these years. I appreciate everything you have done.

You have always been kind and friendly to all the students in the halls. We will miss you next year! Thank you.

- Jake Connell ’21 Thank you, Steve, for your amazing support of all aspects of the school. Throughout it all you put the mission of the school first and foremost.

You were an incredible leader and deserve to enjoy every bit of retirement.

- Ryan McClay Although you have spent 20+ years at St. Pius, we have only had the privilege of sharing your last (and probably most challenging) year with you. As an incoming family of SPX we have been blessed with your leadership. We are so grateful to you for staying on for the beginning of the 20-21 school year. Your strong wisdom and steady guidance helped lead us through one of the toughest times we will (hopefully) ever know. Thank you for your time served in this wonderful community. Your constant presence over the last few months has been comforting and reassuring for this new SPX family. Thank you and God bless you on your next (well deserved) chapter!

- The Landers Family (Olivia ’24) I was asked to serve on the committee to find a new principal for St. Pius. We interviewed a number of people but were unanimous in our choice of Steve Spellman. At that time I had planned to retire after one more year but Steve

was so much fun to work for and with I just had to stay on an extra year. When the students got t-shirts which said “Happy Birthday, Mr. Spellman” and wore them on his birthday, I knew I had made the right choice. If ever anyone deserves to enjoy retirement, it is you. Well done! Well done!

- Betsy Smith I will always remember the day after my father died. I was in my classroom (which is now the Roar Store) in February 2002 putting together lesson plans for a week. I flew out to Pittsburgh later that day. It was before 7 a.m. when Steve walked into my classroom and said something like, “You are strong and you WILL take care of your mother. Go be with her. These plans can wait.” He hugged me and was so sympathetic.

Thanks for all you have done for the SPX students, families, faculty, staff and coaches. I remember my 27 years at St. Pius with the most fond memories of my life. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for you! I love you Steve!

- Debbie Guilbeau You always find a way to bring joy to our school and put a smile on everyone’s faces. Thank you for everything!

- Henry Cozart ’21 Steve, I will always remember fondly the 20 Annual Fund campaigns where we continually raised money-even during a recession-the Donor Dinners with the Archbishop, Christmas parties, faculty get togethers, too many galas to count, and a gazillion other ways our paths crossed over the years, including three capital campaigns: one that had us eating lunch in the gym, one that grew out of a corn field(!), and one stalled by a pandemic! Working with you and for you will stay with me always. My favorite memories of you? One, your first glance in the cafeteria at the start of a new event, (my favorite?

“Big Steve’s Christmas Tree Farm”) and two, your ear to ear smile as you stand in the Pius foyer during the change of classes and hand out hugs to the students (and faculty)! Thank you for always making me feel important, intelligent, and well loved!

- Mary Valles Jones Little did you know when you came to PiHi that you would inherit a crazy “liberry lady” like me! However, you handled it with grace, gritted teeth and always a smile and a hug. I treasure my time with you at Pius. The fact that your door was always open and you were always willing to listen to our concerns, complaints, compliments, and anything else we needed to tell you made us feel heard and understood. Thank you for

*Please understand, some messages may have been edited to save space. Mr. Spellman received all messages in full upon his retirement.

that. The fact that you had to retire multiple times speaks volumes - you care and are not willing to let things fall apart. I hope your retirement brings you and your family great joy and the opportunity to do all those things you always thought you wanted to do but never had the time.

- Carolyn Chandler I’ll always remember Mr. Spellman being in the hallways between classes, greeting students, knowing EVERYONE and genuinely asking how they were doing and knowing about their families. The depth of family and community knowledge he has is irreplaceable. You believed in me as a student, and you believed in me as an employee when I needed it the most and welcomed me home to St. Pius. My life has been forever changed for the better because of you.

I’m glad to have been a student under you, and I’m honored to have been an employee under you. And if you need technical support in your retirement, you can always reach out to me.

- Daniel Foley ’06 A memory that I have often repeated is what a senior said to me years ago about Mr. Spellman: “it is so hard to be bad when he is so good.” Mr Spellman began each of his days by praying at Mass and receiving Christ in Holy Communion.

For the rest of the day he made it easier for us to believe in the love of God because of the way he loved us. Dear Steve, No words fit you better than Saint Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “You, yourself are our letter written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ.” Your presence at daily Mass bore fruit in your ability to make us feel so special in your presence. As one teacher said to me: “I would take a bullet for Mr. Spellman!”

In almost 77 years of existence and 48 years as a priest I do not think I know a finer man than you!!!

- Father Richard Lopez Thanks for taking a chance on an inexperienced teacher like me. You changed my life for the better.

- Cary Blackburn ’85 There are too many stories to mention but what stands out to me is Steve’s faith. Going to daily mass and leading by example is a tremendous gift that he will leave with the St. Pius community. Thank you so much for all you have done for St. Pius. Your leadership and love for the students was inspirational. Thanks for your dedication in guiding this ship through rough waters the past couple of years. Hope to see you around campus sometime. Enjoy your well deserved retirement!

- Ricky O’Connell ’89 It has been a pleasure having you as a principal for the past four years. You have inspired me to not only keep pursuing an education, but also to see the joy in learning. Thank you for

08

going above and beyond to make sure that our community is an accepting and cheerful place.

You are a blessing!

- Eva Davis ’21 With all of the Covid craziness that has occurred this year, Mr. Spellman has been a light in my life that I never knew would give me so much joy. Mr. Spellman is a monitor who takes people’s temperatures at the door I enter every morning.

He greets my sister and me with enthusiasm and happiness when we arrive. Just the other day, he acknowledged the fact that I am always smiling, even under a mask. The fact of the matter is, I could say the same about him. He always takes the time to ask me how I am or start a conversation. The connection he has with each and every St. Pius student is remarkable, and I applaud him for his dedication towards the development of his relationships with the students. You have been an inspiration and role model to the faculty, students, and especially myself throughout the time you have spent at St. Pius. You always look for the good in every situation, and you continue to encourage and support everyone around you. May you continue to thrive and prosper throughout your retirement. Never stop being your amazing self.

You will be missed greatly.

- Hadley Nelson ’21 When visiting Pius as a prospective school for our first child, Mr. Spellman had me at “hello”.

He said, “we want your accelerated student, we want your average student, we want your student who needs a little more support. We want them all. At Pius we want your whole family to be a part of our family.” And that’s just what we are doing - sending our whole family and we love being a part of the Pius family. Thank you for making Pius our home.

- Heather Williams One of our favorite memories of Steve is from the first day of freshman year. He had the entire freshman class in the Young Center and showed slides depicting all that the previous senior classes at SPX had accomplished, both big and small. It was hard to believe that our child would be a part of something so wonderful-the experiences, the friends, and the accomplishments. When Steve had finished his slide on the most recently graduated SPX senior class, his next slide was a blank slide with nothing on it. “This,” he said, “is what you’ll need to fill out.” He challenged the kids to do great things-and they did. You truly are the spirit of SPX. The building and facilities will change, but not your presence. You are an exceptional example to our kids, and there is little you can do for someone that is nicer than doing something for somebody’s children.

- Holly A. Covington (Adam ’14) The pics we sent in of the Spellmans are from a 2006 trip to Ireland (my kids were three and 5 months)- we had never met them and did not know them, we had only heard stories about

them from mutual friends and this was well before my kids were ever at SPX. Today, the kids are SPX students Caroline ’21 and David ’24. When I met the Spellmans that first time, I remember thinking, “wow, these are some truly genuine, nice, and FUN people!” And that still rings true to this day. We still joke about meeting for the first time “across the pond” so many years ago and sharing a pint. At the time I also remember thinking, I KNOW I want my kids to go to SPX when they finally get to high school, and I SURE HOPE Steve Spellman is still there, I want my kids to know this man!

- Amy McBride Sims ’86 My favorite memory was betting him yearly on the UF v UGA game. Loser always had to wear the opposing team’s tie in school. Steve, THANK YOU! You are still the best principal I ever worked for. You “got it.” Your warm demeanor but firm leadership was always appreciated. You made me a better teacher and head football coach. God bless!

- Bryan Pinabell “Here at St. Pius we have two goals for your child. #1 to get into heaven. #2 to get into college.” I thought, me too! Pius is home, and Pius is family. Thank you. Thank you for your legacy. My children are fortunate enough to attend this fine school that you built.

- Lisa Crosby I will never forget your first year as principal, which was my senior year at SPX. The class of 2001, not known for creative antics, decided it was very bold to walk out of class during the last periods of the day and have a dance party in the Senior Lot. I will never forget you coming to Mr. Gary Turner’s class (yes, I went to class - we had a quiz!) and getting me out of class, handing me that megaphone, and telling me I needed to call my class back in from the parking lot. It was my most embarrassing, yet most memorable, act as Class President.

The best part of the story is that you saved the apology letter Yvonne and I wrote to you on behalf of our class and gave it back to me when I finished my tenth year as a teacher here. I’ve rarely laughed so hard. Thank you for great memories, many life lessons, and lots of great bear hugs. I’ll miss you!

- Alison Bruckert Wright ’01 I remember I was sitting at a basketball game with the Spellmans when Mr. Spellman got word that UGA Coach Kirby Smart was coming to the boys’ varsity game. He had to go down and check on Coach Smart. Later on I saw Mrs. Spellman chuckle and asked what was so funny and he said that Steve texted her saying “Do you see me?” as he was chatting it up with Kirby Smart. Words really can’t express the gratitude the Hong family has for your leadership and sacrifice. Very few people would have done what you did in 2020. We will miss you!

- Ed Hong

Campus Ministry

News and Updates from Campus Ministry

Encountering Christ in the Sacraments For many tenth graders in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is a major moment in their lives.

Beginning preparations as early as freshman year, students at St. Pius X participate in formation at their parishes. The sacraments are outward signs of an inward grace - an invitation to really and truly live in the divine life God extends to us as His children.

Confirmation is not just one sacrament among many, but “necessary for the completion of baptismal grace” (CCC 1285) as the third sacrament of initiation.

For this year’s class of confirmandi, being prepared in a time of a global pandemic changed the pace. Many students continue to experience confirmation preparation classes and catechesis virtually since the prospect of group gatherings seems too risky. “A lot of our Sunday [catechesis] was changed virtually,” says freshman, Tasha Tang. Tasha is a parishioner at Our Lady of Vietnam in Riverdale. Her formation predominantly comes out of TNTT (an acronym in Vietnamese that translates to Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement), a popular youth group setting in her parish that typically can encompass several hundred youth across the Archdiocese.

For one sophomore, confirmation was a major highlight, guided by the witness of her confirmation saint. “My confirmation saint is St. Teresa of Calcutta,” explains Chloe Burgoon, Class of 2023. “I chose her to be my saint because I was inspired by her work and devotion to visit and care for even the most neglected and unloved people…

St. Teresa stood out as a special person because of her burning love and compassion for charity and comfort to the sick and dying. All of her work to improve the lives of these people was incredibly telling of the selfless and faithful person she was.” Chloe explains that while confirmation preparations were mostly completed online or in smaller groups, it gave her freedom to speak about her faith and the goals she has in growing her relationship with Christ. After her confirmation Chloe explains, “I’m looking forward to participating in Mass as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.” Please continue to pray for all of our students who have been confirmed this year, and will be confirmed this spring.

Parent Faith Formation - Realizing Responsibility in Forming the Domestic Church While students prepare for sacraments, completing weekly catechesis on top of their other responsibilities, it can be a real temptation for families to experience a spiritual fatigue. The unknown nature of the pandemic has worn out many individuals, especially affecting the spiritual health and well-being of families.

This year has been a year of realizing with greater certainty that the family bears the image of the domestic church, a phrase given by Pope St. John Paul II in his Letter to Families. Recognizing a need for parents to receive encouragement and formation to continue their role in forming the domestic church, Campus Ministry is taking the spring semester to host monthly faith formation nights.

After a positive response from our weekly fall formation handouts in eSpiritus, families have been excited about the possibility to dive deeper as a community. Being a parent in any age is a challenge, but today’s world certainly poses unique circumstances that bring families to their knees. We are not meant to journey alone, and often that means reaching our head above water to connect with other families who are also fighting the good fight of faith.

In response to this need, we are offering family formation nights.

The first evening will be held on February 10, 2021 and the topic is Theology of the Home. For more information, please contact the Campus Ministry Department.

09

As president, what are your goals and what do you feel is the most important aspect of your position?

I want to meet more and more of our wonderful community.

I look back through past yearbooks and recognize hundreds of former students at a glance. However, I have not interacted as much with parents, grandparents, benefactors, and longtime community members. There is such a rich legacy of St. Pius families throughout the Atlanta area, and I long to learn more of how our school is intertwined in so many areas of local life. Consequently, I feel that representing St. Pius with dignity and pride, highlighting our Catholic identity, is the most important aspect of being president.

Getting to Know Our President: Mr. John Favier Can you please share a little about yourself and your connection to St. Pius X?

St. Pius X became my second home in 2004 when Sarah, my wife, and I moved to Atlanta. We were newlyweds, ready for the next great adventure in life. It just so happens, I think I found my lifelong vocation at that young age when Steve Spellman hired me to teach Church History in the Theology Department. I had studied Theology as an undergrad and graduate student at Georgetown and Yale, respectively, and then I taught religious studies as an adjunct faculty member at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida.

But I knew that teaching at the high school level was my ultimate goal. Since then, Sarah and I have welcomed two wonderful children into our family: Sydney, 13, and Adrian, 10. Sometimes it’s hard for me to imagine just how much of my life has been spent in these hallowed halls.

In your words, what are the main responsibilities of the president?

The president has the weighty responsibility of keeping our community focused on our mission. That is the most basic task that should permeate all we do as a school. At times, we can grow very focused on specific duties and activities, losing sight of the overarching purpose. But St. Pius is the family that it has become because we all share in that common mission of forming the mind, body, and spirit of every one of us within the Catholic faith. If something appears to try to steer us away from that, the president redirects our course and assures us Christ is the focal point.

Fortunately, St. Pius has a rich tradition of staying on target, so the president seeks to cultivate the fruits of decades of excellence and further strengthen our future, be it through outreach, advancement, admissions, or faithful direction.

10

What is your favorite SPX activity?

To be honest, I have a special place in my heart for the fine arts. After being technical director in the theater for nine years, it’s hard for me not to feel deeply connected to the tremendous work of that talented department and the students who put their talents in the spotlight. I’ve also always been a lover of learning, so hearing about how our students excel in their various courses brings me joy. And now I’ve been attending more athletic events—I must admit the passion and energy our young student-athletes throw into their specific sport amazes me. But it is our community’s desire to pray together that speaks most dearly to me. (I think I just cheated and said that I love it all! But I do!)

What does the mission of St. Pius X mean to you and how will you ensure it continues to be woven into every aspect of campus life?

Our mission means that every student graduates from St. Pius terrifically prepared to start their next journey in life with confidence and a leg up. Time and time again, alumni return to visit exclaiming how well they are succeeding in college, and they owe it to their Pius teachers. St. Pius must always select the best faculty and staff and give them the tools to propel our students in all aspects of their academic, artistic, athletic, and spiritual lives. It is a lofty goal, but it is one we have been accomplishing for 63 years. God willing, St. Pius X Catholic High School will continue to accomplish it for another 63 years, and more!

Getting to Know Our Principal: Dr. Edye Simpson Can you please share a little about yourself and your connection to St. Pius X?

I received my Bachelor’s of Education at Albany State University, my Master’s Degree in Education at Brenau University, my Specialist in Education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, and my Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Sarasota Florida.

I have two children, Chandler Simpson, a 2018 graduate of St. Pius X and Skyla Simpson (15).

Prior to my career at St. Pius X, I was an elementary teacher in Atlanta Public Schools and DeKalb County Schools, as well as the Reading Specialist for the State Department of Education.

I was hired at St. Pius X in 2003 for the position of Dean of Students.

In your words, what are the main responsibilities of the principal?

The main responsibilities of the principal are to provide leadership, strategic direction and coordination within the school. It’s very important to create a vision of academic success and promote a climate that’s conducive to learning for students and teaching for teachers, all within the context of the Catholic faith.

As principal, what are your goals and what do you feel is the most important aspect of your position?

My goal as principal is to create a school culture that promotes the ongoing improvement of learning and

teaching for students and faculty with the firm foundation of the Catholic faith. The most important aspect of my position is to be accountable and set the tone for the daily operation of the school.

What is your favorite SPX activity?

My favorite SPX activity is any extracurricular that the students are involved in. I enjoy attending all the activities where our students share their gifts and talents with the school. More importantly, I love seeing how they interact with one another and how much fun they have.

What does the mission of St. Pius X mean to you and how will you ensure it continues to be woven into every aspect of campus life?

The St. Pius X mission means that our students have a religious purpose, a strong academic foundation, and an awareness of who they are as a person. Our mission guides our students’ lives on campus but it also prepares them for a lifetime of service and dedication to others. I will keep faith and prayer at the forefront of the school to ensure the mission is woven into every aspect of campus life.

“

I have great confidence in the leadership team of Mr. Favier and Dr. Simpson, and look forward to working with them to fulfill the mission of the school.

Hal Plummer Superintendent of Catholic Schools

11 09

Successful #iGiveCatholic Campaign Supports St. Pius X

IN ONE SINGLE DAY OF GIVING... $110,909 raised 313 donors 18 faculty and staff donors #12 nationwide for amount raised #13 nationwide for number of donors #1 in Atlanta for amount raised

On December 3, Golden Lions joined together from across the nation to support St. Pius X in the annual #iGiveCatholic day of giving. In a year of unprecedented expenses, coupled with lost revenue from rental fees and arts and athletic ticket sales, dollars raised from this campaign for the Annual Fund are needed more than ever.

The generosity of over 300 donors helped fund plexi-glass shields for student desks and faculty, desks to replace tables in classrooms, air purifiers for classrooms, masks for faculty and students, an air system filtration upgrade, hydrostatic sprayers for cleaning, additional cleaning crews, and substitute teachers.

Our most sincere appreciation to all who joined us with a gift this year.

Supporting Pius Students Through Your Business If you own a business, you have the power to make a big difference in the life of a Pius student in need. The GRACE Scholars program allows S corporation, LLC and partnership owners to take advantage of an education tax credit of up to $10,000, which, in turn, is used for student scholarships. These businesses are pass-through entities, and 95% of businesses are pass-throughs. For eligibility, you can be the sole or partial owner in the company. You can request a lesser amount even if you qualify for the $10,000.

To register, visit gracescholars.org or send your questions to askgrace@ gracescholars.org.

12

SCHOOL PROFILE CLASS OF 2020 STATS

Information on the following pages was printed in the recent Annual Report and reflects the 2019-2020 academic year. To view the report in its entirety, please visit spx.org/annualreport. Thank you to our entire community for continuing to help us maintain the level of excellence expected by our school.

IN-STATE: 50% TOP FIVE: University of Georgia Georgia State Georgia College Georgia Tech Georgia Southern

TUITION $13,700 Catholic Rate $15,200 Non-Catholic Rate $15,855 Cost to Educate

OUT-OF-STATE 50% TOP FIVE: Auburn University University of Tennessee University of Alabama Clemson University University of South Carolina

ACADEMICS

FINANCIAL AID

SAT Range for the mid-50% of Class of 2020: 1110-1330 ACT Range for mid-50% of the Class of 2020: 23-30 Number of AP exams taken in 2019-20: 993

Average award: $7,000 Students assisted: 121 (11% of student body)

Seniors completed 1,490 applications to 226 schools. They were accepted at 182 colleges and universities and matriculated to 72 schools. The group earned $16.7 million in scholarship money (not including HOPE or athletic scholarships).

ENROLLMENT 1,106 students 539 male 567 female

98%

Faculty and Staff Participation

ENDOWMENT VALUE

68%

$9,666,677 Held by the Archdiocese of Atlanta: $3,877,032 Beneficial interest held by The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia: $4,100,474 Additional funds held by The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia: $1,689,171*

Parents Participation

637

Alumni Participation

ANNUAL FUND GIVING

350

Grandparents Participation

$1,116,905

Total Raised

*These funds are not included in our financial statements.

2020 GRADUATES ATTENDING 4 Year Colleges; 99% 2 Year Colleges: 1%

ATHLETICS PARTICIPATION

FINE ARTS PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

838 students (76%) 424 middle school students (61 teams at all levels)

NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM HONOREES Scholars: 2 Commended Students: 14 National Hispanic Scholars: 5

560 students (51%)

MINORITY ENROLLMENT 272 (25%)

13

FINANCIAL SUMMARY The following Summary of Contributions includes all gifts received by St. Pius X Catholic High School from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. To all of our supporters, your thoughtful generosity and volunteerism is appreciated and serves as a testament to your spirit of commitment to St. Pius X. Thank you.

SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTIONS

REVENUES $13,924,138 $210,000 $334,288 $4,514,163 $1,634,446 $740,635 $69,504 $302,207 $1,136,274 $22,865,655

Net Tuition Revenue Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Subsidy Fees Advancement Scholarship Donations Bookstore Arts and Athletic Gate Investment Income Cafeteria, Plant Rental, and Other Income Revenues from Operations

EXPENDITURES $11,549,810 $429,114 $1,581,676 $557,738 $410,617 $324,229 $846,837 $1,326,592 $17,026,613 $752,150 $17,778,763

14

Salaries and Benefits Instructional Student Services Administrative Advancement Utilities Maintenance Depreciation Expenditures from Operations Deposits to Reserves and Endowment Total Expenditures

School Fundraising: $1,116,905 Annual Fund $2,901,829 Ring the Bells Capital Campaign $495,429 Other Restricted Gifts: $1,634,446 Endowed and Funded Scholarships $73,843 Program Directed Giving $6,222,452 TOTAL SCHOOL FUNDRAISING Parent Organization Gross Fundraising: $459,817 $78,177 $26,433 $92,312 $656,739

Athletic Association Mothers’ Club Home & School Association SPAS TOTAL PARENT ORGANIZATION REVENUE

COST TO EDUCATE

$15,855 Cost to Educate $13,700 Tuition $2,155 Shortfall

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 2019-2020 President: Billy Egan

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 2019-2020 Presidents: Betsy Westenberger and Martin Planas

SOURCE OF FUNDS $23,200 Membership $3,233 Other $26,433 TOTAL SOURCES USE OF FUNDS $24,870 Parent, Student, and Faculty Services $24,870 TOTAL USES

SPAS

2019-2020 Presidents: Maria Solsrud SOURCE OF FUNDS $44,265 Membership $13,802 Sponsorship and Program Ads $28,740 Fine Arts Fees $5,505 Other Revenue $92,312 TOTAL SOURCES

USE OF FUNDS $51,011 Student Services $13,806 Administrative and Other Expenses $64,817 TOTAL USES

SOURCE OF FUNDS $133,725 Membership $53,703 Concessions $17,251 Golf Tournament $10,504 Basketball Tournament $61,832 Sponsorship and Program Ads $163,755 Coca-Cola Sale $2,380 Physicals $10,580 Banquets $6,087 Other $459,817 TOTAL SOURCES USE OF FUNDS $199,398 Team Expenses $103,802 Coaches’ Supplements $22,002 Concessions $19,488 Program Printing $117,656 Coca-Cola Sale $8,944 Golf Tournament $20,533 Basketball Tournament $32,405 Fundraising and Administrative $524,228 TOTAL USES

MOTHERS’ CLUB 2019-2020 President: Rhonda Ficco SOURCE OF FUNDS

$9,725 Membership $52,510 Marketplace $11,363 Used Uniform Sales $4,579 Other Revenue $78,177 TOTAL SOURCES

USE OF FUNDS $45,279 Scholarships $1,750 Student and School Contributions $4,210 Parent, Student, and Faculty Services $5,373 Service Projects $11,214 Fundraising and Administrative $67,826 TOTAL USES

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS The devoted parent organizations of St. Pius X are key components in the success of the school. Financial and volunteer support from parent organizations help to fund and enhance extracurricular and other student activities, parent programs and hospitality, scholarships, and other special needs. We thank the St. Pius X parent organizations for their extraordinary contributions during the 2019-2020 school year.

15

ALUMNI GIVING Reflecting a continued commitment to supporting the financial needs of the school, 637 graduates participated in the 2019-2020 Annual Fund. The amount contributed by alumni was $214,536. We are grateful to all of our alumni for their continued support of St. Pius X.

TOTAL ST. PIUS X ALUMNI

13,118 TOP FIVE CLASSES FOR PARTICIPATION 2020: 16% 1959: 10% 1963: 9% 1969: 9% 1980: 9%

TOP FIVE CLASSES FOR TOTAL GIVING: CLASS OF 1980: $18,810 CLASS OF 1978: $14,200 CLASS OF 1974: $11,225 CLASS OF 1988: $10,325 CLASS OF 1977: $9,870

16

CLASS OF ’59 Total Support: $2,085 Participation: 10%

CLASS OF ’72 Total Support: $4,700 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’60 Total Support: $1,725 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’73 Total Support: $3,687 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’61 Total Support: $1,800 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’74 Total Support: $11,225 Participation: 7%

CLASS OF ’62 Total Support: $3,565 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’75 Total Support: $4,115 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’63 Total Support: $2,680 Participation: 9%

CLASS OF ’76 Total Support: $8,435 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’64 Total Support: $3,700 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’77 Total Support: $9,870 Participation: 7%

CLASS OF ’65 Total Support: $4,200 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’78 Total Support: $14,200 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’66 Total Support: $4,515 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’79 Total Support: $9,648 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’67 Total Support: $4,675 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’80 Total Support: $18,810 Participation: 9%

CLASS OF ’68 Total Support: $5,400 Participation: 7%

CLASS OF ’81 Total Support: $3,918 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’69 Total Support: $9,290 Participation: 9%

CLASS OF ’82 Total Support: $5,160 Participation: 7%

CLASS OF ’70 Total Support: $7,225 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’83 Total Support: $1,350 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’71 Total Support: $1,925 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’84 Total Support: $3,130 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’85 Total Support: $9,670 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’94 Total Support: $7,200 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’03 Total Support: $415 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’12 Total Support: $205 Participation: 1%

CLASS OF ’86 Total Support: $7,026 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’95 Total Support: $800 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’04 Total Support: $100 Participation: 1%

CLASS OF ’13 Total Support: $615 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’87 Total Support: $9,450 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’96 Total Support: $4,200 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’05 Total Support: $575 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’14 Total Support: $195 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’88 Total Support: $10,325 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’97 Total Support: $3,275 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’06 Total Support: $780 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’15 Total Support: $10 Participation: .3%

CLASS OF ’89 Total Support: $8,339 Participation: 6%

CLASS OF ’98 Total Support: $2,010 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’07 Total Support: $750 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’16 Total Support: $50 Participation: .7%

CLASS OF ’90 Total Support: $6,220 Participation: 8%

CLASS OF ’99 Total Support: $4,620 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’08 Total Support: $2,720 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’17 Total Support: $275 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’91 Total Support: $6,544 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’00 Total Support: $3,740 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’09 Total Support: $2,260 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’18 Total Support: $185 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’92 Total Support: $3,300 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’01 Total Support: $4,760 Participation: 5%

CLASS OF ’10 Total Support: $560 Participation: 3%

CLASS OF ’19 Total Support: $35 Participation: .7%

CLASS OF ’93 Total Support: $8,075 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’02 Total Support: $3,700 Participation: 4%

CLASS OF ’11 Total Support: $900 Participation: 2%

CLASS OF ’20 Total Support: $255 Participation: 16%

17

St. Pius X News Coach Standard to Leave Pius

Beloved head football coach, current parent and alumnus Paul Standard ’80 announced his departure from St. Pius X to become head coach of the Gilmer County High School football team this fall. Since 2001, Coach Standard has led the Pius football program to 174 wins including two state runners-up, eight region Championships, four semi-final appearances, and a 25-17 playoff record. The next issue of Between the Lions magazine will include a feature article on Coach Standard and his remarkable influence here at St. Pius.

2021 HOBY Program & Nomination

The Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation sponsors an annual seminar in each state and in many foreign countries for high school sophomores. Representatives from each participating school must demonstrate leadership, cooperation, sensitivity for others, and the desire to share and grow in these qualities. This year the St. Pius representative to the 2021 state Hugh O’Brian Youth Seminar, chosen by a panel of faculty and administration is Kathleen O’Shea ’23. Congratulations, Kathleen!

Fries Retirement

A Golden Lion since her graduation from the school in 1963, Pat Fries has always been a part of St. Pius X. In her years as a student, she watched the school grow as it was being built. She watched her children graduate from the school in 1984, 1986, and 1990. She started working as a volunteer then moved into the role of Dean of Students Administrative Assistant, serving at the school for 40 years. In December, she announced her retirement. We are so grateful for her kindness, knowledge, and patience...and her spring break and summer countdown signs! The main office will not be the same without Pat Fries, but we wish her all the best in her well deserved retirement.

Virtual Grandparents’ Day

This year we celebrated our third annual Grandparents’ Day on Friday, November 13, 2020. The virtual event included a special Mass celebrated by Father Rey and a beautiful video featuring the students’ personal messages to their grandparents.

These sentimental messages expressed the love and admiration the students have for their grandparents and also included their favorite things or memories about them.

Students were able to let their grandparents know that they were missed and that we are praying for them to stay healthy and safe. The event was posted at www.spx.org/ grandparentsday2020 and is still available to be viewed and enjoyed. We thank God for the blessing of grandparents!

RoboLions Aim for World Championship

RoboLions

18

The RoboLions are at it again! A world wide pandemic cannot keep these industrious and talented students down. Despite two team members graduating in 2020, the group is excited to have three new members. On November 21, the RoboLions competed in the Carroll County VEX Robotics Competition. Three robots competed, and one of our teams won the prestigious Design Award for their innovative design, beautiful engineering notebook, and teamwork.

Congratulations to Cody Nelson, Eli Black, Markus Paxton, Nathan Lathrop, and Zainab Hicks. While virtual school and quarantines have limited the number of meetings allowed, RoboLions president Cody Nelson has worked tirelessly and with the generosity

of his family has hosted meeting builds at his home. The team is hard at work, along with the coaches, to research and prepare for upcoming virtual competitions. They will compete at the Ola High School competition in March and then set their sights on the State Competition. The students’ have set a goal to compete in the World Championship this year as well. The RoboLions are grateful for the continued grant support from Clipper Petroleum.

College Applications Update

As of January 25, 2020, seniors have submitted 1,780 applications to 239 colleges.

2021 Governor Honors Program

One of the highest honors a sophomore or junior can receive is to be selected to participate in the Governors Honors Program. This program, sponsored by the Georgia State Department of Education, brings together the finest students in academics and the arts. These students spend four weeks in residence on a college campus where they pursue studies in their particular field of interest as well as explore other areas. The students are selected through a rigorous process that includes examination of grades, standardized test scores, an interview, and, in some areas, an audition. This year, the St. Pius nominating committee has elected 10 student representatives for the next round in GHP program. From these ten students GHP will determine semi-finalist for the State interviews in February. The 2021 St. Pius GHP student representatives are Maximillian Brogi (English), Victoria Celedon-Garcia (English), Sarah Rakoski (English), Jacob Fleming (Math), Lucy Vrazel (Band-Percussion), Gracie Rosenberg (Theater), Samuel Grass (Spanish), Anna Pichanick (French), Lindsey Nelson (French), and Gabriella Harris (Dance).

Wrestlers Recognized by USMC

The following young men were recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps as High School Scholar All-Americans:Andrew Soha, Bishop Marshall, Brett Baker, Sam Grass, Joel Chatfield, and Ryan Law. This award was based on their GPA from spring semester ’19-20. Minimum GPA for recognition was a 3.5.

Student Artwork Selected for Drexel Photography Exhibition

Congratulations to Molly Foy, whose photograph has been selected for the 2020 Drexel University High School Photography Contest Exhibition. Entries were submitted from the entire United States. To view Molly’s photograph alongside that of other entrants, please visit drexel.edu.

Poetry Contest Held at St. Pius X

The national Poetry Out Loud competition is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and was held in the Young Center of St. Pius X Catholic High School on December 3, 2020. Chloe Burgoon, Katie Cavanaugh, Avery Jones, Stella Lampert, Molly Pitra, Grace Rosenberg, Kelly Rousseau, and Logan Yates competed in the school competition. These students had already won at the classroom level. The school competition required each student to memorize and recite poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology. Gracie Rosenberg, Molly Pitra and Kelly Rousseau were the top winners. Gracie Rosenberg will go on to represent St. Pius X at the regional Poetry Out Loud competition in February. The regional competition will be virtual this year.

Congratulations to all of our Poetry Out Loud students!

Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now). The organization’s mission is simple: work to provide basic dietary needs to families who are food scarce so that children remain in school and are afforded the opportunity to move beyond poverty.

This year students packaged 37,800 meals which will go to one of the many nations Rise Against Hunger serves. To learn more about the organization, you can visit: https://www. riseagainsthunger.org/.

Commended Students. We are pleased to announce St. Pius X has 12 Commended Students this year.

Congratulations to the following students: Ashleigh Clark, Ansley Davis, Ellie Finch, Katherine Kremer, Nathan Lathrop, Sophia Lentine Brown, Cody Nelson, Hugh O’Reilly (semi-finalist), Carter Scott, Sophia Ripoll, Benjamin Whitaker, and Benjamin Wiley (semi-finalist).

Students Honored by National Merit Scholarship Program The National Merit Scholarship Program provides opportunities for scholarships to outstanding students throughout the country, who succeed in their studies and perform with excellence on the PSAT examination. Awards are presented to commended students, scholarship semifinalists, and scholarship finalists.

Over 1.5 million juniors entered the Merit Program competition.

Only students who place among the top five percent are named

Poetry Out Loud

Theology Department Teams Up with Rise Against Hunger The Theology Department brings curriculum to life by implementing annual school wide days of mercy. These service days bring together students to show how important volunteering is to our Catholic mission. This fall, the group was thrilled to be able to continue their work with Rise Against

Standard

Rise Against Hunger

Fries

Foy

19

Fine Arts News

Our artists continue to shine...

The Show Must Go On...St. Pius X Arts Society Supports the Fine Arts

By Tracy Moore, St. Pius X Arts Society President This year our lives were dramatically impacted by the pandemic and now, more than ever, we need art to lift our spirits and give us hope. Creative and innovative ideas came from the Fine Arts Department allowing our students to continue to study their discipline in person. For the first time ever, productions were live streamed and filmed on the Young Center Stage to provide a virtual viewing experience.

Additionally, the theatre department held their first outdoor production in the St. Pius X courtyard with Elephant’s Graveyard.

St. Pius X Arts Society has been blessed by our donors even during the economic hardships we see today. Our donations and membership have been as strong this year as years’ past and these numbers speak volumes for the many generous friends of the arts. To everyone who contributed to the St. Pius Arts Society by volunteering or being patrons of the arts, we are grateful.

In the first semester, SPAS funds provided safety equipment for the students, technical equipment for virtual classes, the TV in the Young Center lobby, and a Marimba for band.

The safety equipment such as masks for singers and new microphones allowed chorus students to rehearse in the classroom. The Marching Golden Lions continued to play during home games and compete in regional competitions because of the instrument covers provided. Laptops and other technical equipment have been purchased for virtual classes and to create the amazing virtual Christmas Concert.

This year we are also excited to have online ticketing for performances.

Our wonderful SPAS Board is working to support and encourage our students, the instructors, and the entire Fine Arts Department. The vice presidents serving on the board contribute so much to the entire SPAS Community, and we thank you for your positive attitude, time, and sharing of your talents!

20

Join SPAS! SPAS members are part of a caring community who are involved in supporting the arts both financially and by volunteering.

There are many opportunities to volunteer time assisting with events or possibly becoming a member of our board. Learn more about our organization by visiting www.spx.org/spas

Dance Updates

We are thrilled to have Madison Schrama on the dance faculty this year. She earned her degree in dance from the University of Georgia. Prior to St. Pius X, she taught at the Georgia Academy of Dance in Peachtree City. Working alongside Mrs. O’Connor, she is the Assistant Director and a Dance Team coach. Ms. Schrama teaches the Dance II and Dance III classes. She offers a wellrounded curriculum and teaches a variety of techniques with such grace and enthusiasm!

We are lucky to have her, and we look forward to featuring her choreography in the Christmas Concert, as well as the Spring Dance Concert.

The St. Pius X Dance Company premiered original works in November. At the start of the school year, the Company was challenged to create choreography relevant to their lives and experiences. Taking the process a step further, they created storyboards, wrote about their themes, created speeches, and put everything into a dance film. Bringing to light the many issues we have encountered in 2020, the dancers created three original and powerful dance films. Choreography by guest artist, Rachel Truitt, was also featured in this video compilation.

The St. Pius X Dance Team kicked off their performance season. This troupe of 18 talented dancers has been working since October. We are happy to welcome back our guest choreographer, Vincent Anthony. His choreography, along with Ms. Schrama’s will be featured this season. The team captain is Lila Grass ’21, and Alessandra Morales ’21 is

the team assistant. Rounding out the student leadership team, Gabrielle Harris and Karla Perez, both juniors, are the lieutenants.

The Dance Company and the Dance III classes were featured in the Christmas concert in December. Ms. Schrama created upbeat jazz and hip hop dances to holiday favorites.

Jordelle Beja ’21 performed the Sugar Plum Fairy variation from The Nutcracker.

Students attended after school rehearsals and were filmed. Although this year’s performance was virtual, we always enjoy to getting into the spirit of Christmas through dance!

St. Pius X Theatre Charters Thespian Society

Nina Dolt (Service Events), and Bianca Cardona (Secretary). All interested students are welcome to attend.

Musicians Perform for the Holidays In addition to the Fine Arts Department Christmas Showcase, the Beginning and Intermediate Guitar classes released a total of 12 video performances for the holidays.

The Intermediate Guitar classes spent the better part of two months recording music and putting together music videos for some of their favorite Christmas songs. It was a massive undertaking, but rewarding nonetheless. The Beginning Guitar classes recorded in-class/virtual performances of “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silver Bells,” and “Blue Christmas.” You can view all of the videos by clicking the Vimeo icon at www.spx.org/guitar.

For the first time in its history, St. Pius X Theatre has chartered a Thespian Society Troupe. The International Thespian Society is an honor society that recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre: performance and production. Each Congratulations to Tech Crew student is honored on a national level and On behalf of Mr. Keith Cordell, Ms. Lindsey gains access to opportunities and resources Farrell, and the SPX Fine Arts department, beyond those of their school. we’d like to send out a huge roar to our fabulous Tech Crew! This fall, theatre’s one-act SPX Troupe 9021 has inducted 19 students play Elephant’s Graveyard entered into the into the newly chartered troupe. Inducted Georgia Theater Conference R. Lynn Wooddy Thespians elected the following officers: One-Act competition. The results are in, and William Stovall (President), Gracie Rosenberg the SPX Tech Crew won Best Technical for (Historian), Kinsley Kler (Social Media/ the entire competition! This is a great win for Advocacy), Molly McIntosh (Social Events), our crew, and we’re looking forward to many wonderful things to come from these young men and women.

Congratulations, Elephant’s Graveyard Tech Crew!

21

Athletics News

Golden Lions stats, scores, and news

Fall Sports Wrap-Up The school year ushered in a new era in St. Pius X athletics, as it moved up a classification to AAAAA for the first time in school history. Although competing against schools with larger student populations, the Golden Lions still managed two state championships and four region crowns. Boys’ and girls’ cross country won state titles, while football, softball and volleyball joined the lady harriers hoisting the region championship cups.

Boys’ cross country raced to its third GHSA title in a row and twelfth in school history behind a thirdplace finish from Ryan Boyle. The team placed four runners in the top 15 including Patrick McDonald (6), Logan Wiley (11) and Truman Thompson (15). All four runners were named to the all-state team. Gram Russell joined McDonald, Thompson and Wiley on the all-region squad. In addition to the student-athletes’ individual honors, Ryan McClay was named AAAAA boys’ coach of the year by the Georgia Track & Field/ Cross Country Coaches Association.

After capturing the region crown, the girls’ cross country team ran to its second consecutive state championship and fifth overall. Mary Brady, a Georgia Tech-signee, won the individual state crown with teammate Hannah Schemmel finishing in second-place at the state race in Carrollton. Grace Von Biberstein and Catherine Breault finished eighth and ninth, respectively, as the Golden Lions placed four runners in the top ten. The four runners were selected to the all-state team and were joined on the all-region team by Cala McEachron and Jessica Sheehan.

Football completed its season with a 9-2 record and advanced to at least the second round of the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The Golden Lions won the Region 5-AAAAA Championship with an undefeated record, the sixth time since 2009. The region crown was its eighth since 2009. The team was led by Region Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Dennis O’Shea. Mason Benefield, Charlie Long and Camden Wooden were named first team all-region on offense, while Shug Bently, Jack Kelly and Casey Ver Meulen were added to the defensive first team. Secondteam offensive all-region team members included Jack Graham, Ryan Kirschner and Dustin Papuga.

Joel Chatfield, Cameron DeBose, Joey Sanfilippo and Walker Stevens were named to the region’s defensive second team. Receiving Honorable Mentions were R. J. Brewster, Jacob Hull, Luke Jacobellis, Paul Quigley, Jack Parker and Colby Wright. In addition to the all-region selections, Benefield, Bentley and Tchienchou were named to the All-DeKalb County team by the AJC, with Tchienchou also receiving All-State honors.

Volleyball advanced to the state semifinals for the sixth year in a row, and twelfth out of the last 14 years. The team finished 35-4 and Region 5-AAAAA champions for its sixth straight region title. Emma Farrell was named Region Player of the Year and was joined by Ana Boyd, Kate LaRocco, Annemarie Rakoski and Lura Underwood on both the all-region and all-state teams. The Golden Lions also traveled to McGill-Toolen in Alabama for the annual Catholic Cup competition and came home with the crown for the second time in four years.

The softball team won the Region 5-AAAAA championship for its first region title since 2011, finishing with an undefeated record in the league. The Golden Lion Nine finished with a 11-9 record, while advancing to the state tournament for the second straight season. Lola Frankowski, Elizabeth Hong, Natalie Mohr and Nina Parker were voted to the allregion first team by the region coaches. Rachel Austin and Lindsey Broadway were selected to the second team, while Taylor Monoghan, Jessica Mooney and Ava Peebles received Honorable Mention selections.

Winter Sports Update As the fall sports season ended, winter sports started in full gear. As of mid-January, boys’ basketball, ranked No. 1 in 5A in the state, is off to a 13-1 start and 5-0 in the region. Girls’ basketball opened 12-1 and 6-1 in region play and sits in the No. 6 spot in the state polls. Wrestling finished in second place in the Region Duals in mid-January. Swim and Dive continue its push to the state meet in early February.

The competition cheer season was moved to the winter this year due to COVID-19 protocols.

Boys’ basketball won its first nine games including wins over Blessed Trinity and local rival Lakeside.

The team also knocked off Lovett, which featured a Georgetown-signee. The Golden Lions traveled to Nashville over the holiday break to participate in the Next Level Hoops Fest where it dropped an opening contest to Ensworth (TN), a team that has two Division I-signees. The team bounced back to take fifth-place by winning the remaining two contests.

Trey Acklin was named to the All-Tournament team.

The cagers have raced to a 5-0 record in the region, defeating No. 7 Lithonia 59-52 in their closest contest to date. Brookes Kahlert had 18 points in the win over the Bulldogs, while Jack Verrill pulled down seven rebounds. The night before, St. Pius X took a 57-41 win against Southwest DeKalb as Acklin and Cal Petersen both dropped in 17 points. The team will look to win the region championship for the fifth straight season as it moves into the state tournament in mid-February.

The girls’ basketball team opened the season with ten consecutive wins before dropping a region contest to No. 5 Southwest DeKalb. The team had wins over 7A No. 9 Grayson and 4A No. 1 Jefferson over the holiday break. Kate McBride scored a career-high 32 points in the win over Grayson. McBride recorded a double-double against Jefferson with 21 points and 15 rebounds, with Kelly Stephenson adding 12 points and Georgie Dooley grabbing nine boards in the win over the Lady Dragons.

In the lone loss of the season to the Panthers, the ladies had three players in double-figures with Karis Coleman leading the way with 14 points. Alexa Kenah added 13 points and McBride chipped in 12 in the loss. The Golden Lions sit in second place behind the Panthers in the region standings at press time and look to take their second straight region title before heading into the state tournament for the eleventh consecutive year.

boys have been led by Villanova-signee Henry Halloran as well as Noah Daniels as the two have combined for multiple wins in each meet. Daniels, Halloran and Zach Sutter all won their individual events versus Lakeside. The 200-free relay team of Jake Fjelstul, Maddox Smith, Halloran and Sutter took the win in the Chamblee meet.

The ladies swim team has placed several state meet qualifiers. Samantha Feild and Morgan Jenny have captured numerous individual events in the meets.

Libby O’Donnell posted two event wins and Feild three wins in the meet versus Dunwoody . The 200 medley relay team of Kathleen O’Shea, Sydney Reynolds, Maggie White and O’Donnell raced to the win over Dunwoody. Julia Herring shattered her own school-record and GAC pool record earlier this year. The state meet will take place in early-February at Georgia Tech.

Competition cheer has placed second at both the Buford Cheer Classic and the Dacula Classic earlier this year. The team will have two more events before traveling to Columbus for the state meet in midFebruary.

In addition to the winter sports, spring sport practices have begun and soon all teams will be in their respective seasons. Unlike last year, the hope that the spring season will continue to completion in May is high as the GHSA continues to monitor and adjust COVID-19 protocols during the season.

Wrestling has put together several dual and tri meet wins this year. With wins over Parkview, North Atlanta, Riverwood, Dawson County and Berkmar, the team has beaten several schools in higher classifications. Over the Christmas break, the team participated in several traditional meets. Joel Chatfield finished the holiday break 13-2 with eight pins and Zani Patasin went 16-1 over the break, while Will Pentecost recorded 12 wins. Gene Smith also recorded 16 wins against one loss over the holidays.

The grapplers finished in second place in the region duals on January 16.

Swim and Dive has been in the pool since early November and has had several strong team and individual performances. The teams swept Marist, GAC and split with Lakeside and Dunwoody. The Gabriela Morales

23

Home & School Association

Home and School Association Supports Students, Faculty, and Staff By: Brian Mulligan

As the 2020-2021 school year dawned, the St. Pius X Catholic High School Home and School Association, as with all other organizations within the St. Pius X family, sought to support our students, teachers, administrators, and staff as everyone adjusted to the “new normal” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Pius X

One initiative, to mark both the beginning and the beginning of the end of their respective academic endeavors at St. Pius X, was to sponsor the annual breakfasts for the freshman and senior classes. These efforts extended beyond the student body as Home and School assisted with meals for teachers and their families who became ill with COVID-19. In addition, Home and School was also able to provide a gift of appreciation to all faculty members at Christmas.

Home and School’s most impressive contribution thus far may be delivering the annual Career Day program to our students.

The challenges created by the pandemic resulted in a substantial change in format going from an in-person presentation to a completely virtual program.

The student audience response was overwhelmingly positive. There were over 25 virtual presenters in this year’s program including seven alumni (five of whom were new to the program this year). Based on a survey of students, the average presenter received a 4.3 (out of 5) rating. The virtual format allowed for presenters outside of Atlanta to participate as well. The students enjoyed hearing from St. Pius X alum Kurt Williams, a news anchor with WTKR, the CBS affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia. Kurt had an entertaining and informative video taking the students behind the scenes of the news desk.

Blood Drive Enlists the Support of SPX Community Written by Golden Lines Staff Writer Ellie Ballew

Would you be willing to give a pint of your blood to save three lives? Dozens of students and faculty answered that question with a resounding “yes” on Wednesday, October 28 when they participated in the bi-annual Red Cross blood drive.

Surpassing the goal of 80 pints of blood, St. Pius X collected 100 pints which will go on to save 300 lives. The school has participated in this event for several years, but modifications had to be made this year due to the pandemic. For example, faculty organizer Mrs. Katie Stilson said that she and fellow organizer Mrs. Mary Pat Martin “changed from scheduling in-person to scheduling online, so we made up a form to help screen people to make sure they were eligible so that the Red Cross wouldn’t turn them away.” In preparing for the blood drive, the layout also had to be changed to allow for social distancing while giving blood and during recovery.

The American Red Cross relies heavily on the St. Pius community because the school has a long history of successful blood drives. The Red Cross also said that “this is by far the biggest

24

Throughout the first semester Home and School has continued to fulfill its primary mission of providing support to the St. Pius X Catholic High School community during a very challenging time. We must acknowledge the outstanding leadership and guidance of Steve Spellman, who always provided a clear vision of St. Pius X’s mission, and was crucial in accepting feedback from the Home and School Association in a welcoming and constructive manner.

!

2020 Career Forum 26

Virtual Presentations (from across the United States)

7

Alumni Participants

4.3 of 5

Overall Rating by Students

education drive they have been able to run since COVID changed our world.”

A first-time blood donor, senior Grace Mount said that she’s “wanted to donate for a while but wasn’t able to last year” and she “expected it to hurt more than it did.”

Kate Fredrickson ’22 chose to participate in the blood drive because “my whole family gives blood” and believes that “it’s a good thing to do especially with going to a Catholic school” Mrs. Martin wanted to send a huge thank you to “all of our students, faculty, and parents for donating their time and blood. We could not do it without each and every one, even those who tried to donate [but were unable]. You are greatly appreciated! I am always so touched by the motivation and determination of our donors willing to accept feeling uncomfortable and even sick at times in order to literally give of themselves to save the life of someone they will never meet. This is what I find so beautiful!”

She and Mrs. Stilson especially wanted to recognize the Home and School representatives Mrs. Wynne Callaway and Mrs. Monica Wright for all of their “blood, sweat, and tears” while coordinating volunteers and helping organize the event.

Mothers’ Club, Serving our Faith, Faculty, Community, and our Spirits By: Rhonda Ficco and Cheri Montello St. Pius X Mothers’ Club has been meeting in friendship, sharing in faith and working in service together for the good of our community since 1987.

Save the Date!

Mother’s Club Women’s Retreat Saturday, February 20, 2021; 8:00am-1:00pm Reflect, Rest and Renew your mind, body, and soul.

Our Mothers’ Club retreat’s main objective is to give us a day of belonging, have some fun, and find time for spiritual devotion. We just take time this day to reflect and spend time together. We hope you can join us this year.

Mothers’ Club Women’s Sorority Night Tuesday, April 13, 2021; 6:30 p.m.

Sorority Guidance and Recommendations Committee each spring provides key information to help senior girls navigate the college sorority recruitment process. Many college sororities require a recommendation from an alumna. We provide a list of sorority alumnae willing to write these recommendation letters. We also include some general information about sororities and the recruitment process.

Our heartfelt farewell to Steve Spellman. Mothers’ Club has been truly grateful for Steve Spellman’s support throughout his duration as our principal and president at St. Pius X. As he departs, we pray that he and his wife Maureen enjoy their time with their family as this new chapter of their lives begins.

One of the best things we do at Mothers’ Club is help one another. We have several committees whose sole focus is bringing all of our members together to do just that.

One such committee is our Mothers’ Club Ambassador Program. The work of this committee is to welcome new families to our St. Pius community. We focus on providing new Pius moms with important information so they can successfully navigate the high school years. We start this process in the summer before school starts so all new families feel at home by the time school begins.

Mothers’ Club Social Committee Sometimes we just want to have some fun, as so much of our focus is on service to others. This is where the Mothers’ Club Social committee shines, planning coffee socials or just a night out with other members for us to relax and have a great time. We hope that we can get back to that in 2021.

25

Greetings my fellow alumni of St. Pius X! It has been a great experience being a member of this alumni board for the past four years, and an honor serving as the president this year.

You can say serving on this alumni board, like graduating from St. Pius, is a family tradition.

My father Michael Fannon ’74, served on the board for six years, and my mother, Paula Thomas Fannon ’82 and sister, Danielle Fannon Barnes ’07, both served as past presidents. One thing that makes St. Pius such a special place is it’s a family that will always welcome you back no matter how long you have been apart.

the event and raised the most money that we ever had for the St. Pius X Alumni Scholarship Fund. Giving so much back to St. Pius is what it is all about! We could not have succeeded without our amazing host Michael Trujillo ’01 and our Director of Alumni Relations Karoline Brennan ’82. While our trivia night has been postponed for 2021, we are proud to put on a new event called “All Roads to Lead St. Pius. X.” This all-virtual event’s goal is for participants to take the journey to St. Pius X whether they run, walk, swim or bike! Make sure you check out our social media pages for more information about the event.

As I am sitting down to write this, I can’t help thinking 2020 was one for the books. When the clock struck twelve on January 1, 2020, did anyone think this was the year puzzles would be constantly out of stock? A crazy year where so much of our “normal” was taken away from us and forced us to change how we live our daily lives. One great positive of this new normal was our virtual alumni board. Hosting our meetings online allowed us to welcome new board members from all over the United States.

A new and unique experience that may never have happened without the year 2020.

Before ending this letter, there is one special man I need to say thank you to. When I think of St. Pius, I always think of Steve Spellman for what he has done for this school. He has truly put his heart and soul into this school over the years and he is the reason why St. Pius is always one of the top high schools in Georgia. As a senior, I was named the 2009 Principal Award winner and it meant so much to me because the award was in honor of our beloved principal, Mr. Spellman. Mr. Spellman: there are not enough words to thank you for what you have done for St. Pius and we will all miss your dedication and your smile in the hallways. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Our board hosts many things that I have been very proud of including our amazing homecoming reunions, service projects, Mass with Father Lopez, and golf tournaments, but one thing sticks out the most and that is our Trivia Night. Our 2020 trivia night was one for the books! We sold out of tables days before

Sincerely, Megan Fannon ’09

St. Pius X 2020-2021 Alumni Board Alex Catroppa Azzarello `95 Karoline Rumps Brennan `82 Fran McLellan Buis `83 Teresa Hungeling Ebbs `98 Nikki Cline Elmore `10 Megan Fannon `09 Mark Faubert `92

Siobhan Rieger Finnegan `85 Kyle Frazier `09 Brian Gee `10 Betz Hamilton `05 Maggie Gonzalez Hoback `89 Julia McDevitt Jones `85 Fran Kassinger `68

William Laube `72 Maria Rodriguez Miller `87 Jaymee Marston Morris `02 Meghan Lammers Palmer `06 Eddie Peters `70 Katrina Schweitzer `15 Smith Sheehy `13

While the pandemic has presented its share of challenges, there have also been many silver linings. We added “virtual” members to the St. Pius X Alumni Board allowing for alumni across the country to serve our alma mater. 2021 kicked off “All Roads Lead to St. Pius X” to bring our alumni and St. Pius X community together, from wherever you are, to get moving, reconnect, and raise funds for the St. Pius X Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

In true Golden Lion spirit, we are forging ahead with plans for a 2021 Homecoming-Reunion Weekend to include reunions for the classes ending in 0,1,5 and 6. God willing, we will be in a safer place to gather together this fall and come home to St. Pius X. Be well. Stay safe. Domini Sumus. We are the Lord’s.

Karoline Rumps Brennan `82 Director of Alumni Relations

Bill Smith `97 Cathy Hollis Underwood `91 Michelle Valdez `06 Tommy Williams `90 Ralph Williams `80 Mary Pat Conboy Wilson `83

Alumni Spotlight The following alumni are a true testament to the mission of St. Pius X, to provide a college preparatory education for the formation of the mind, body and spirit in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. These alumni have given back to those in need and shared their talents and faith in the Atlanta community and beyond!

Dana Fugaro `97 In 2013 Dana Fugaro, ’97 left a lucrative marketing career in search of something more personally fulfilling.

Fortunately, she felt a call to nursing, a career with an overabundance of purpose. After completing her master’s, she quickly acquired experience in emergency room, intensive care, and neurology operations, eventually accepting a full-time RN position at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital in cardiac procedure.

At the onset of COVID-19, there was an influx of suffering ICU patients; Dana immediately volunteered for a temporary transfer. “That was the scariest day of my life; we were still trying to figure out how the virus was contracted.” Now in the midst of a ferocious second wave, she’s ready for the call. “It’s still scary, but I have to trust my equipment. I offer it up…get through it with prayer.

If anything good has come from this pandemic, it’s that we’ve restored our connections to the simpler things in life, especially time with our families.”

Please keep Dana and all of our healthcare personnel in your prayers.

“

On vaccine day, I celebrated with my Uber driver who was essential in getting me there safely. He started cheering, and I started crying. It was very emotional to know we were together taking steps to end this terrible virus. It was scary but the right step for my patients, my coworkers, and hopefully finds me with my family again soon.”

27

Alex Liedtke ’89

Scholarship Founded by Friends By: Ricky O’Connell ’89

I met Alex Liedtke my freshman year at St. Pius X. He had come from St. Thomas More, and I from IHM. Like most nervous new freshman, we initially stayed in our comfort zones with our elementary school friends. Little did I know, Alex would become my lifelong best friend. Our experiences at Pius were the foundation of our friendship, and we developed a bond that was more like a brotherhood.

After graduating from St. Pius, we stayed in-state for college, and our friendship continued. To my parents and siblings, Alex soon became like another member of our family. Over the years, Alex and I took dozens of trips together and attended more Falcons and Braves games than I can count.

One of our favorite things to do each year was the St. Pius X Alumni Golf Tournament. We played for at least 20 years in a row.

To be able to establish a scholarship in Alex’s name to help a student in need each year is the perfect tribute to Alex, and a way to keep his spirit of generosity and faithfulness alive within the St. Pius community.

“

he didn’t hesitate to hop out of bed and drive to our house. My wife watched in equal parts hysterics and horror as Alex and I held tennis rackets over our faces while (successfully!) trying to outwit the bat and put it outside.

In 2006, Alex began a 14-year-long battle with brain cancer.

It was tough to watch from the sidelines, but I was with him and tried to help as much as I could. In recent years, I accompanied him on multiple trips to MD Anderson for treatments. Although we were in Houston for an unpleasant reason, I cherish those times together, laughing, crying, and just hanging out as old friends. Through it all, he never complained. Not once! To never ask “Why me?” was truly remarkable.

On April 16, 2020, Alex passed away. I was devastated, and I found myself complaining to God and asking “Why him?,” which I realized were the exact opposite of the principles that Alex lived by. Even after losing him, he was still teaching me about how to live. Alex’s loyalty, generosity, and his devotion to his Catholic faith were a source of inspiration to me and so many others. He truly had a heart of gold, constantly looking for ways to make the lives of those around him better. I will always be honored and grateful to have had a best friend like Alex.

This year, I played in the Alumni Golf Tournament with a different group and a heavy heart. My friends in the foursome

Looking back, Alex has been a part of every important life moment. When I proposed to my wife during a big family trip to Paris in 2000, Alex was in Europe on business and came over to join the family celebration. On our wedding day, he stood beside me as a groomsman. When my wife and I had our second child, Alex happily agreed to be his Godfather (and he was a great one!). To our three kids, he was “Uncle Alex,” and they adored him.

My favorite thing about Alex was his devotion to his friends and family. If you needed him, he was there. When my wife and I were newlyweds, one night we discovered a bat had flown into the house. Not knowing what to do, I called Alex. It was midnight and he’d been sleeping, but

28

knew I was having a difficult time ad tried to cheer me up, but it wasn’t the same without Alex. Amazingly, our foursome won the tournament for the first time! Without a doubt, Alex was with me that day, as I made some crazy good shots that I had no business making. Thank you, Alex.

In the months after Alex died, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could do to honor him. As I reflected on the ideals he lived by, I decided the best way to honor him was to start a scholarship in his name at St. Pius. After all, St. Pius is where we had met, and it’s a place that meant so much to both of us. To be able to establish a scholarship in Alex’s name to help a student in need each year is the perfect tribute to Alex, and a way to keep his spirit of generosity and faithfulness alive within the St. Pius community.

I want to thank all the people that have helped make this scholarship a reality: Tricia Pawley Mueller ’89, the one friend who felt as much pain as I did when Alex passed and who has helped me with this scholarship; Maggie Gonzales Hoback ’89, who created a wonderful painting to memorialize my friendship with Alex; the classmates of 1989 who generously donated to this fund; and to the donors who never knew Alex but were motivated to contribute after hearing his story.

I thank you all! I especially thank Alex’s parents, Reine and Carmen Liedtke, for raising such a wonderful son who I am privileged to call my best friend for the rest of my life.

Memorial Scholarship Information The love and efforts of Ricky, his classmates, friends and family have resulted in more than $62,000 raised in three months.

According to Steve Spellman, “I have never seen such an outpouring of support for a young alum as in these efforts to honor Alex. What a tribute to his memory and obvious validation of a life well lived as so many have come forward to ensure that his name will remain in perpetuity at SPX and continue to support the school he loved.”

If you are interested in donating or starting a scholarship, please visit spx.org/support or contact the St. Pius X Advancement Office.

The Memorial Scholarship, held at the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia, is a pool of funds endowed by gifts from various donors to memorialize deceased individuals. When a loved one passes away, families may ask that donations be made to the St. Pius X Memorial Fund in memory of the deceased. If donations to an individual do not reach $25,000 (in which case an individual endowed scholarship would be created) then the monies are pooled with other gifts in the Memorial Scholarship fund. This endowed pool is held in perpetuity while the interest from the principal provides student scholarships.

29

Faculty Feature

Getting to know...Ms. Ashley Curlette ’02

Education after St. Pius X:

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and my master’s from Piedmont College.

Family:

I’m the oldest of six children, but only one went to St. Pius X (Lauren Marriott ’05). I also have a daughter in the second grade at IHM.

What were the challenges and silver linings for you while producing a yearbook during COVID?

School shut down during our most frantic time of the year, about two weeks before our final deadline. Normally the staff would be spending lots of extra time at school in the evenings and on the weekends racing to finish our spreads, so having to work remotely from home made everything so much harder.

On top of that, we decided back in the fall that we would take on an additional project and include a brand new augmented reality feature that allowed us to attach videos to certain photos. Readers were able to scan some pictures marked with icons and watch a video or slideshow come to life on their phones.

We dedicated the yearbook to Mr. Spellman, so this feature helped us enhance his dedication spread by attaching a 50-minute video of students, faculty, and staff thanking him for his 20-plus years of service at St. Pius. While we didn’t get to present the yearbook to him the way we would’ve liked, at least he and his family have the video to keep forever.

Ashley and Emily. Go Braves!

30

You’re known for your love of sports and have been a St. Pius X Cross Country coach for many years. What were your highlights during the pandemic?

When baseball season started again so I could watch the Braves!

Watching them advance to the NLCS for the first time in almost 20 years was worth the wait.

Outside the Journalism classroom, what keeps you busy?

I love to read, cheer for Atlanta sports teams, and hang out with my daughter. I’m also an assistant coach for the cross country teams and help with marketing and admissions at IHM.

What brought you back to St. Pius X?

When Ms. Braham left the position to become the Dean of Students, she asked if I was interested in the job. I wasn’t sure at first because I was pretty content at the time teaching English at a local public school, but I ultimately decided I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to St. Pius. I’ve grown to absolutely love teaching journalism and advising our student publications, and working here has helped me grow in my faith as well.

Favorite memory of St. Pius X as a student:

I loved the raffle the school hosted every year! It was such a big event, and seeing the faculty dressed up and performing in the gym was always so much fun.

Any advice for our St. Pius X young alums?

Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to former teachers, whether it’s to seek advice or just to say hello. There are so many wonderful people at St. Pius who genuinely care about you as a person and are willing to offer help in any way that we can.

This was at my brother’s wedding in 2016. From left: Ashley (’02), Grace, Lauren (’05), Andrew, Lindsay, and Tyler.

Lion Lines

What have you been up to since graduation? Drop us a line at alumni@spx.org so we can share it with the St. Pius X community!

St. Pius X math teacher, Andrew Lauer, and his wife Ana, welcomed baby number four!

Roslyn Simone Lauer was born December 21, 2020 weighing 8 lbs one ounce and 21 inches long.

St. Pius X World Language teacher Adi Brkic and his wife Antonela welcomed their first child, Phoenix Luka Brkic born November 12, 2020 weighing in at 7 lbs 3.2 oz and 20 3/8 inches long.

Abby Bettencourt, St. Pius X Director of Campus Ministry, her husband Taylor and 4-year old son, Francis, welcomed Patrick Barnaby Bettencourt on September 28, 2020, weighing in at 9 lbs 4 oz.

Lauer

Graham Watt, ’07, married Kaitlin Brennan on September 5, 2020 in Avon, Indiana.

Graham works for Angie’s List and Kaitlin is a high school Spanish teacher.

Kathie Lyons, former St. Pius X Advancement Coordinator and parent of alumni, married John Bunker on Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Brookhaven, Georgia. Kathie is the mother of Molly Lyons Werner `04 and Patrick Lyons `11.

Watt

Brkic

Bettencourt

Lyons

31

Czarnomski

Mohr

Hatter

LaPorte

Callie (Cardenas) and Joe Mohr ’15 welcomed their son Hudson on October 30, 2020.

Michael Czarnomski ’11, has joined his family’s business, Hannah Solar Government Services, a solar energy company that designs and builds renewable energy and micro grid systems. While headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Michael travels extensively. His travels took him to Meck Island in the Kwajalan Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Meck is part of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. Michael was on the team that brought solar energy to this remote island that is located 2100 nautical miles southwest of Honolulu.

Moon

Kevin Hatter ’08 married Jen Liss on September 10, 2020. They had to cancel their original date (May 2020) and backup date (September 2020) due to the pandemic. They opted for a parents-only ceremony and photo shoot. They are now happily married and living in Alpharetta with Nilla, their cat.

Kevin is the Deli Manager at Publix and Jen works for Veeam, a Cloud Data Management company.

On November 28, 2020 Kathleen LaPorte `10 married Chad Conley at a small family ceremony held in the North Georgia Mountains. Emily Cox, class of 2020, served as the maid of honor.

Natasha ’10 and Dusty Moon ’07, welcomed Ezra Emmanuel Alonso Moon born June 23, 2020 at 7:07 pm, 8lbs 7oz.

Brian Gee `10 and his wife, Hannah, welcomed Caleb Parker Gee on December 19, 2020.

32

Gee

Bright

Singletary

Emily Berg Singletary ’12 and her husband Zach welcomed their son Noah Graham on October 31, 2020. Noah was born weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces.

Avery Katherine, daughter of Rebecca Polzin Bright ’12 and William Bright, was born Nov 13, 2020.

Andrew Polzin married Kasey Petrea Oct 10, 2020. Andrew is the son of Jen Polzin, St. Pius X Attendance Office, and brother of Becca Polzin Bright `12 and Kate Polzin `20.

Polzin

Abbie Heath ’12 married Eric Babin of Baton Rouge at Our Lady of Fatima, Lafayette, Lois. On August 1, 2020. Amid the pandemic, the sacrament of marriage was blessed and celebrated with immediate family only.

Holly Kilpatrick `12 married Cooper Audley on May 2, 2020. The couple celebrated with a beautiful backyard (COVID) wedding.

Kilpatrick

Heath

33

Megan (Schwartz) `12 and Caleb Shelley welcomed Brewer Michael Shelley on October 30, 2020 weighing 8 pounds and measuring 21.5 inches long. He is named after his late grandfather Michael Schwartz who passed away in December of 2019.

Darby Reddaway `15 married Nicholas Allison on November 28, 2020 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Johns Creek. The couple met studying abroad in New Zealand while they were students at Georgia Tech.

Katy Gilbert Moss `12 and husband, Jay Moss, welcomed Caroline Mae Moss on October 7, 2020 weighing in at 7.7 lbs, 20 1/4 inches long.

Joe Reichard `15 married Mallory Huff on September 26, 2020. Joe received his Master of Accounting, in April 2020 from the University of Georgia and is working for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta.

Shelley

Reddaway

Moss

What have you been up to since graduation? Drop us a line at alumni@spx.org so we can share it with the St. Pius X community!

Reichard

34

Thomas `13 (Rocco Thomas `12), and Taylor Moore (deceased)

In Memoriam

Gerry Nasuti, December 8, 2020 Mother of Martha Nasuti Campbell `71, Lucia Nasuti Smeal `73, and Bert Nasuti `75

We remember our loved ones

Sister Jeanette Abi-Nader HM, October 27, 2020 St. Pius X teacher from 1972-1983 Judy Killmeyer Ackerman `60, Sept. 30, 2020 Sister of Linda Killmeyer Bell `61 (deceased) Glenn Anderson, December 17, 2020 Father of Dena Peck, SPX Study Support Department Chair, Deborah Hopkins (parent of alumni) and grandfather of Andrew Hopkins `16, Caroline Hopkins `20 and Jake Peck `24 Mary Lou Bickes, October 3, 2020 Mother of Byron Bickes (deceased), Sue Bickes Kranyecz ’68, Joey Bickes ’69, Kathy Bickes Rice ’72, Tom Bickes ’74 (May May Bindewald Bickes ’75), Jim Bickes ’78 and grandmother of Christy Rice Marsh ’98, Jessica Bickes Clayton ’99, Gene Rice ’01, Mandi Bickes ’04, TJ Bickes ’11, and Ann Caroline Bickes ’13

Bobby Griffin `71, October 16, 2020 Brother of Janet Griffin Stone `62 and John Griffin `66 Dwi Hardjono, December 26, 2020 Father of Kevin Hardjono `11 Elizabeth Kane Hosch `67, September 7, 2020 Sister of Mary Cornwall `66 Elizabeth Morgan Howington, Sept. 15, 2020 Mother of Morgan Tracy Mays ’09 Julie Britz Hustead `75, September 20, 2020 Sister of Matt Britz `74 Jesse James III, October 18, 2020 Husband of Stacey Kelly, St. Pius X SAGE employee

Ben Bright, December 9, 2020 Husband of Candace Forbes Bright ’03

Barbara Johansen, September 21, 2020 Mother of Janice Johansen Spieker ’76, Alex Johansen, Laura Johansen Jeffcoat ’81, Kristen Johansen Kilguss ’84, and Emily Johansen Peroraro ’89

Patrick DeCelles, November 10, 2020 Father of Steve DeCelles `74 and grandfather of Katie DeCelles Gifford `00

Ellen Casey Maknauskas `63, October 21, 2020 Sister of Pat Casey Poulos `65 and Molly Casey `69

Beatrice Burke Dismer, September. 6, 2020 Mother of Blaise Dismer `70, Joan Dismer Childs `71, Jeanne Dismer `75, Terri Dismer Bickley, and Erika Dismer Doster

Dan McGraw `81, October 2, 2020 Brother of Mike McGraw ’79, John McGraw ’80, Ann Marie McGraw Carswell ’84, Charlie McGraw ’86, Jim McGraw ’87, Erin McGraw Wade ’88, David McGraw ’90 and uncle of Katherine McGraw ’18 and Kelly McGraw ’22.

David Edwards, August 25, 2020 Father of Foster Edwards ’99 (Corrinne Plumer Edwards ’05), Frank Edwards ’02, and Mary “Addy” Edwards ’07 Keith Fox `76, September 20, 2020 Brother of Kevin Fox ’75 (deceased) Jamie Goode, January 20, 2021 Father of Dan Goode `76, Marian Goode Rosenberg `77 (SPX Instructional Technology and Library Media Services Chair), Mike Goode `79, Kathy Goode McGonegal `81 (Phil McGonegal `81), grandparent of Claire Rosenberg `11, Leah Rosenberg `14 and sister of Sister Margaret Goode `60 (deceased)

Marlene McHale, September 10, 2020 Mother of Kathy McHale Newbern ’81, Tom McHale ’83, Mike McHale ’85, Angela Shook, and Michelle Besal Mark Moon, October 31, 2020 Husband of Teresa Moon and father of Rocky Moon `05, Dusty Moon `07 (Natasha Kesler `10) and Cole Moon `10 Ryan Moore `05, November 19, 2020 Son of Kathleen and Francis (deceased) Moore and brother of Shannon Moore

Jeanne Pick, August 20, 2020 Mother of Doug Pick ’87, Sharon (Ron) Philpott, parents of SPX alumnus and grandmother of Chris Philpott ’08 Jay Reynolds, October 4, 2020 Father of Nina Reynolds Warren ’69, Patrice Reynolds ’72, Bart Reynolds, Terri Cronk, and Colleen Crupie Sean Repasky ’16, September 23, 2020 Son of Lynne and Ken Repasky and brother of Samantha Repasky ’18 and Jenna Repasky Elizabeth Rudell, December 12, 2020 Mother of Therese Rudell, Chip Rudell `71, Lee Rudell `74, Christopher Rudell, Libby Walden Rudell, and Mark Rudell Jonathan Stanton `09, September 29, 2020 Son of Donna and Tony (deceased) Stanton and brother of Elissa Stanton ’13 Ellen Stapleton, November 8, 2020 Mother of Mary Ellen Stapleton Harris `69 Deacon Richard Matthias (Dick) Suever, December 26, 2020 Husband of Ann Suever (deceased) and father of Rick Suever `72, Karen Suever Kimmey `73, Suzi Suever Borchgrevink `74, Patty Suever Stephens`75, Kathy Suever Grey `76, David Suever `77, Peggy Suever Flynn `80, Jay Suever `84, and grandfather of Christina Stephens Evanina `01, Matt Stephens `03 and Emily Stephens `14. He was preceded in death by sons, Paul A. Suever and Robbie Suever `86 Leonard Rockett (Rocke) Thompson, Nov. 11, 2020 Husband of Beth Thompson, former SPX long-time faculty member, and father of Kore Thompson Breault `87, Jon Thompson `93 and grandfather of Catherine Breault `21 and Margaret Breault `23 Sam Wheeler, October 15, 2020 Brother of Jenn Sedlack, SPX Director of Advancement, brother-in-law of Phil Sedlack `88 and uncle of Dillon Sedlack `21

Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord.

Let perpetual light shine upon them; for their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed. May they rest in peace.

Amen.

35

St. Pius X Catholic High School 2674 Johnson Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30345-1720 404/633-4290 www.spx.org

February

15 Presidents’ Day - No School 17 Ash Wednesday: All School Mass

12 15 16 25 31

1 2 5-9 12 23 24 30 3-14 5-7 13 15 18 25-27 27

March

Foreign Language Exams Faculty and Staff Retreat: No School for Students Summer Uniforms Begin Spring Blood Drive All School Mass

April

Holy Thursday: Noon Dismissal Good Friday: No School Spring Break Classes Resume Volunteer Appreciation: All School Mass Junior/Senior Prom Honors Assembly

May

AP Exams Senior Exams Baccalaureate Mass Graduation Junior Move-Up Mass Underclassmen Exams Last Day of School

Please note, this calendar may change, visit www.spx.org for the most current calendar.

Do you have news to share? We would love to hear from you!

If you have news to share with the St. Pius X community, please contact Deanna Jones-Puig, Communications Manager, via email at djones@spx.org.

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No.104 Atlanta, GA