A MAGAZINE OF THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF OREGON MINISTRIES CORPORATION
SPRING | SUMMER 2022
Strive for Excellence
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 At the onset, this phrase seems way too daunting, impossible and totally out of reach. How could we ever hope to be as perfect as God? Yet, I am drawn to a message I learned from the book "Poverty of Spirit" by Johann Metz. I read it when I was a novice almost 40 years ago. Metz purports that Jesus was the most perfect human being because Jesus understood what it meant to be truly human. Jesus did not try to be anything but His truest self. In the natural scheme of things, roses are roses, daffodils are daffodils, sequoias are sequoias and skunk cabbages are skunk cabbages. Not one of these creations attempts to be anything other than itself. However, we as human beings, are often conflicted about who we truly are. We try to become something or someone other than what we were created to be. And, in doing so, we are often miserable. Jesus, Our Blessed Mother, the saints and other great heroes of our time tap into the creativity, the uniqueness, the excellence that God intends for them. When they grasp this, they are radiant examples of centeredness, clarity and calm. I think of people like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Fr. Stan Rother and Sr. Ita Ford (martyrs who stood in solidarity with the poor of Latin America), and so many more who grasped who they were meant to be and strove for excellence pursuing that perfect creation. May we all strive for excellence and strive to be perfect – not so much in light of never erring or being flawless, but more so in that we become the unique, excellent, perfect creations that God intends us to be! Blessings always as we journey toward excellence and perfection! - Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen President, SSMO Ministries Corporation
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Striving for Excellence while on the journey of hope in new life. On our journey through life, we can all move toward excellence by acknowledging we need to walk with the Spirit to go beyond what is required. Walking in a spirit of excellence does not come naturally. However, believers can excel in their joy by reading the signs of the time. In this world of signs, the preeminent signs are the Sacraments. We know, in the Church, a sacrament is a visible sign instituted by Christ which reveals and communicates grace. Christ our Lord instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. This sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, in which Christ is present as priest and victim, represents the new covenant. Our Lord, through His death and resurrection, reconciled us with God. Each Sunday, we celebrate the greatest of the Sacraments and the center of Church life, the Eucharist. Going forth from this celebration, we strive to live a life for God. In this broken world, the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon vow to live for Christ. The only way to Christ is to follow Him who died for us. Each day the Sisters enter into the perfect Sacrament of the Eucharist. Like every person, our life is best lived through a balance of body, mind and spirit. As Sisters, we also strive to balance our lives with prayer and the needs of our physical and social spheres. The Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon pray for you as we navigate the changes of society, climate and culture. Our foundation is in the spiritual realm even as our feet are planted firmly on the earth. As we balance our lives, we have an excellent opportunity to trust in God. Whatever our plans may be, we know we are part of His plan. We can trust in the Lord, that when we are part of His plan, our lives will be excellent. When we are grounded in God, we overcome our fears and are filled with hope. May your trust in Him lead you to excellence. - Sr. Michael Francine Duncan Superior General, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
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The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have instilled four core values on this campus. Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation
Sister Michael Francine Duncan, Superior General
Live Valiantly Strive for Excellence Honor the Unique Gifts of Each Person Celebrate God and Life
Editor:
Their core values motivate and guide everything we do as stewards of their sponsored ministries.
Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Brad Hilliard, APR Photographers/Videographers: David Cherrytree
The next four issues will be a series that takes an intentional look at each of the core values. The first issue of the core value series is Strive for Excellence.
Lizette Santiago Allison Weseman Contributors:
As you read these articles about the Sisters and their sponsored ministries’ pursuit of excellence, you will notice a theme that fuels this important core value – teamwork.
Lizette Santiago Sr. Denise Klaas Sr. M. Juliana Monti Sr. John Therese Miller Beckie Hocker
Note how, guided by 136 years of examples set forth by the Sisters, teamwork enables everyone on this campus to eagerly Strive for Excellence for the students, residents and communities we serve.
Ma Lorpetti Christine Tagatac Maria Park Cordeila Agum SSMO Foundation
Why do we work together to Strive for Excellence? It can be a little different for everyone, but one reason I believe it is important comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
Sr. Sara Goggin
The award-winning Spirit magazine is published on behalf of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things,” Philippians 4:8 (New International Version).
sponsored ministries. All rights reserved.
God encourages us through His Word to learn, to think about and to put excellent and praiseworthy things into practice. Through Him may we all find our ability to Strive for Excellence.
Questions, comments or address changes: SSMO Ministries Corporation
Enjoy this issue of Spirit Magazine
4440 SW 148th Avenue | Beaverton, Or 97078 503-644-9181 | spirit@ssmoministries.org
Have a blessed day, Brad Hilliard, APR Editor
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Standing on the Shoulders to Strive for Music Excellence
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Music Excellence is for Everyone at Valley Catholic Music School
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Striving for STEM Excellence
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Take 5
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VC Excellent Achievements
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Alumni Notes
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In Memory: Sister Jean Marie Van Dyke
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In Memory: Sister Kathleen Boyd
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Memorial Day Prayer
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Standing on the Shoulders to Strive for Music Excellence “I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me / I am grateful for their vision, for their toiling on this earth.” - Lyrics from “Standing on the Shoulders” by Joyce Johnson Rouse
The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have proudly stood on one another’s shoulders – striving for music excellence – since their earliest days. Mother Seraphim, an accomplished musician, was instrumental in making sure a music studio was included in the plans for St. Mary’s Institute as early as 1893. Later, she insisted that a suite of music rooms be incorporated into the Motherhouse during its construction in the 1930s. The Sisters carried her vision forward by making sure music rooms were included in the high school construction, completed in 1969, and in the elementary and middle school when it was built in 2011. The Sisters have always made room for music and have worked together to make it thrive for 136 years. Three Sisters – Sr. M. Juliana Monti, Sr. Denise Klaas, and Sr. M. John Therese Miller – emulate the joy, dedication, and passion of Mother Seraphim, Sister Colette Lorch and many others, as they share stories, laughs, and a few happy tears about the beautiful memories of lessons, ensembles, music tours and, most importantly, the children who found their own love for music. “Music education was a passion and a necessity for Mother Seraphim,” said Sr. Juliana. “Music and art have always been important ways for us to serve God and tell our story.” “Fine arts has been a key here from the beginning,” added Sr. Denise. “Our early Sisters expected excellence and worked hard to achieve it. They developed programs,
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Top Left to Right; Sr. Denise Klaas playing violin in the Chapel, Beckie Hocker (far right) and The Flutissimos, Orchestra performance by students, Sr. John Therese sings in the Chapel, Sr. Denise Klaas directing the VCES Orchestra.
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built curriculum, and taught one another; they worked together to build the program.” Together these three Sisters, pictured gathered around the Wicks pipe organ in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel, have provided nearly 140 years of excellent service to the music school. Their humility is evident when they share stories, rarely about themselves. They prefer to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Sisters who came before them and they literally glow as they talk about the important contributions of the other two Sisters. Sr. Juliana and Sr. Denise love sharing how Sr. John Therese brought the beauty of the harp to the Valley Catholic Music School. They note she established a high school orchestra and string ensemble – which were soon added in the middle and elementary schools as well. They fondly talk about her efforts to start the high school music appreciation class and how she shared her gift of music with so many students. Sr. Denise and Sr. John Therese beam while sharing how Sr. Juliana made sure children as early as fourth grade could learn and appreciate violin. They lively talk about how she procured handbells through a grant and started the handbell choir. They admire her for adding music theory to the K-12 music curriculum and introducing middle school students to band, choir, and orchestra.
> Student piano recital.
Sr. John Therese and Sr. Juliana are elated to share how Sr. Denise poured herself into building ensembles, including the Marian Singers. They complemented her willingness to give of her free time and how it inspired her students to, in turn, give up their recess so they could learn to play music. The Sisters sincerely appreciated her willingness to take over the elementary school orchestra and how she pursued excellence through each student’s growth. These Sisters also believed that music instruction did not stop in the classroom. “We got those kids out in the public and made sure they performed,” said Sr. Juliana. The students performed in solo competitions, festivals, school plays, the Valley Catholic Summer Music Camp, even going on tours – performing all over the West Coast from Oregon, Washington and California to Victoria, British Columbia and Hawaii. “We didn’t show up at a competition to just perform,” stated Sister Denise. Sr. Juliana chimed in saying, “We prepared our students to do their best, and often times that led to winning.”
> Sr. M. Juliana Monti playing the Wick's Pipe Organ and Sr. John Therese playing the harp in the Chapel.
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The Sisters discussed how they literally competed all over. It was important to them to challenge their
> The Sisters enjoying music together.
students, get them a little nervous, and prepare them “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity the Sisters to thrive. That preparation meant many music school have given me to continue their legacy of music for students returned home from competitions with medals, Valley Catholic students and so many people in the ribbons, and trophies that proud parents could display surrounding community,” Beckie said. “Our dedicated in their homes. instructors and I will always strive to provide people with the gift of a lifelong love and appreciation of music “If you are going to do it, do it right. That has always by staying true to the Sisters legacy of excellence.” been our belief and why we always worked toward improvement,” Sr. Denise acknowledged. “It is such a The Sisters marvel at how Beckie and her team of 14 blessing when a child gets it. The joy and appreciation accomplished musicians and educators, which includes of music just pour out of both you and them.” Sr. Juliana, have found so many ways to keep music classes going and keep the students performing during Teamwork between the Sisters has always been key the past two years. to striving for excellence. These Sisters built a legacy of working together, learning from each other, and As the Sisters reflect on all these accomplishments, they preparing others to stand on their shoulders. Because of smile at the thought of how pleased Mother Seraphim their dedication, music education and the music school would be to hear the joyful sounds of music still pouring continue to move forward. from her suite of music rooms inside the Motherhouse. “Beckie has done so much to carry the legacy forward,” said Sr. Juliana as she praised the innovative leadership that Beckie Hocker, current Music School Director, has brought to the school. “She has found excellence even through COVID,” she says.
With the conversation reaching a crescendo, Sr. John Therese brought everything back to why they have so much passion and energy for music education by quoting Isaiah 38:20 – “We shall sing to stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the House of the Lord.”
From Beckie Hocker’s perspective, the guidance and “We strove to prepare them and ourselves for that,” trust the Sisters have placed in her drive her to humbly she said. lead the music school’s continued pursuit of excellence.
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Music Excellence is for Everyone at Valley Catholic Music School Did you know the Valley Catholic Music School is both open to the public and available for students of all ages? Everyone, no matter age or skill level, is welcome to find the joy of music for a lifetime at Valley Catholic Music School. One of the music school’s excellent benefits is the opportunity to learn from 14 very accomplished musicians. Their excellence in music achievement means students get to explore their joy of music from the very best instructors. Henriët Fourie, voice and piano – Fourie has been a featured soloist for a number of concerts and festivals Mila Bada, piano – Bada graduated from Philippine – including the Chicago Symphony and Elgin Symphony Women’s University, the oldest university in Asia. The Orchestras. She is a certified Suzuki Voice Teacher who university is home to the world-renowned Bayanihan enjoys teaching students of all ages and abilities. Dance Troupe in which Bada has participated in dance, choir, and instruments. Junko Gilliland, piano – Gilliland started learning piano at 2 years old and is trained as a concert pianist. She has Justin Bulava, clarinet and saxophone – Bulava plays a degree in music therapy from Marylhurst University. a wide-range of instruments. When he is not teaching music school students, he is often found composing Collin Heade, cello – Heade has performed with Oregon music and organizing concerts. Chamber Players and Oregon Arts Orchestra – including multiple European tours. This world-wide performer is also an award-winning composer and conductor. Check out a few of their excellent achievements:
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> Beckie Hocker teaching young students.
> Junko Gilliland and Sr. M. Juliana Monti lead a class. 5
> Misty Williams instructs a student. 6
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> Mila Bada
> Justin Bulava
> Henriët Fourie
> Junko Gilliland
> Collin Heade
> Sue Lewis
> Seung Min Oh
> Chris Swanson
> Albert Palmeter
> Rebecca Schappert
> Misty Williams
> Anson Wright
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Currently, he is the conductor for The Westside Community and Youth Orchestra. Beckie Hocker, music school director and flute – Hocker has been featured in many choirs as an ensemble and soloist in both voice and flute. Her greatest passion is working with students of all ages to teach and share her love of music. She embodies what it means to cherish the gift of music for a lifetime. Sue Lewis, violin – Lewis, an arranger and violinist with the Mango Nights Jazz Ensemble, has won two distinction medals for violin performance and music theory, and a merit award for viola performance from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London, England. Sr. M. Juliana Monti, voice – Sr. Juliana, a 2013 Jubilarian, has been teaching music and serving in music education for 50 years. In 2012, Sister was honored as the Performing Arts Educator of the Year by the Beaverton Arts Commission. Seung Min Oh, piano – As a native South Korean, Seung Min Oh started learning piano at the age of 4. She has won several awards for excellence in organ and piano in both South Korea and the United States. She earned her doctorate in Organ from Indiana University in 2011. Albert Palmeter, piano – Palmeter has taught piano, theory, and composition for more than 40 years. The UCLA graduate has won multiple piano competitions and performed in the Tempe Symphony Orchestra. He will be the instructor of a new Theory and Composition course starting this summer.
Rebecca Schappert, piano – Schappert has been a piano teacher for more than 40 years. She has taught at multiple universities and played for the Boise Philharmonic. She is an Oregon Music Teachers Association member with a concentration in Syllabus training. Syllabus is a music curriculum that covers technique, music theory, sight reading, rhythm reading, and repertoire. Chris Swanson, violin – Swanson started Suzuki-method violin at the age of 4. He has taught violin to students aged 3 to 68 in both the U.S. and Japan. Swanson has more than 30 years of experience performing and recording orchestral, chamber, film, musical theater, and early music. Misty Williams, harp – Williams, a lifelong musician, has more than 25 years of experience teaching harp performance, technique, music theory, and arrangement. She also toured several countries as a soloist and member of the University of Arizona’s world famous HarpFusion. Anson Wright, guitar – Wright is a jazz guitarist, novelist, poet, and composer who has performed all over the world. He has three feature CDs, authored three books, and taught at several schools in the U.S. Ready to explore the joy of music at Valley Catholic Music School? Scan the QR code to learn about music camps, lessons, The Flutissimos, recitals and performance opportunities and more. Valley Catholic Music School – the love of music, for a lifetime.
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Striving for
STEM Excellence.
Reimagining the Future.
Wednesday, March 28, was not the typical school day for Valley Catholic Middle School students. Instead of a normal class schedule, students participated in the school’s first ever Women in STEM day. Students explored the many possibilities available in different industries for a STEM-related career field. In a collaborative effort to inspire young people to pursue careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), 32 women from STEM-related fields (including a few Valley Catholic School Alumni) shared their journeys with the students through insightful presentations and hands-on STEM activities.
View more photos.
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"I think it is important that students are exposed to learning opportunities related to STEM. If they see what else is out there, they have the time to decide if they want to continue STEM classes in high school and college,” says Melissa Iserson, Director of Design Thinking. “Research shows girls lose interest in engineering and technology careers as soon as they enter high school.
I think providing this learning opportunity to our middle schoolers is extremely important and encourages them to dream big.” The star-studded lineup of presenters included professionals from OMSI, OHSU, Google, Nike, Intel, Tektronix, Vernier, OSU, and Warner Bros. VCS alumni, and two-time Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis (’03) and Disney Imagineer and Wonder Woman game producer Jesyca Durchin Shnepp (’87) came back to campus with captivating presentations. They were two of the eight presenters who graduated from Valley Catholic. In 2018, Valley Catholic Middle School became the first school in the Pacific Northwest to be certified as an AdvancED (Cognia) STEM Certified School. The certification validated the school’s mission to provide students with opportunities to be innovative, creative and systemic problem-solvers across STEM disciplines. Last June, Valley Catholic Middle School was one of the organizations selected to receive a grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation for support of Women in STEM fields. The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation awarded the middle school $25,000. “We are grateful to the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation for this funding, and proud to be acknowledged by a foundation that understands and celebrates the value of science in education,” says Valley Catholic Middle School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer. “I cannot echo enough how wonderful it is to work on this campus and work with people who share the same mission that we have of providing students the absolute best educational experience out there.”
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Take 5 Welcome to Take 5 – a Spirit Magazine feature that asks five questions to people about their connection to the theme of the magazine. The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus has a history of striving for excellence. For example, the Sisters opened Maryville in 1963 with a mission to serve with love. They understood that ministering to the sick and incapacitated would require love, attention, affection, and patience. They saw this as an opportunity to follow Christ’s model to serve cheerfully, willingly, kindly, and helpfully at all times.
Now, almost 60 years later, Maryville nurses and caregivers continue to provide a peaceful, caring and loving home for their residents. For this edition of Take 5, we ask a Maryville certified nurse assistant, a caregiver and the director of nursing what striving for excellence means to them.
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Ma Lorpetti Tagatac “Pretti”
Maria Park
1.
1.
Give us the basics. What do you do at Maryville and how long have you been in that role? I am a lead caregiver at Maryville and have been in that role for almost two years.
2.
What does Strive for Excellence mean to you? Strive for excellence is doing something as well as you possibly can and paying attention to details for our residents. I believe that doing all I can to help those in need is the best way for me to find my best achievement.
3.
I am a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Maryville and have worked here for nearly 10 years. 2.
3.
5.
Share a favorite story or personal moment from your time at Maryville. My favorite moment in Maryville Memory Care is when residents start waking up in the morning. They open their eyes for another day and many of them thank the Lord that they are starting the day with me by their side. I love being the first person to greet them for the day. That time spent by their side, answering their questions and preparing them for a new day is special to me.
What is the most excellent thing about working at Maryville? The best thing about working here is that everyone is very caring and nice. The residents are happy and the staff is friendly. We all work together to make Maryville an inviting place to live and work.
4. How would you describe Maryville to a friend? Maryville is a magical place where vulnerable adults find the peace and care they need each day to live their lives happily.
4. How would you describe Maryville to a friend? Maryville is home. You spend time with family, friends, and relatives. You get to show how much you care for the residents and you see the appreciation from their family and friends. The relationships are truly special and you experience that every day. It is a comfortable and peaceful place for your loved ones.
What does Strive for Excellence mean to you? To strive for excellence means doing all you can to make our residents comfortable, safe and happy.
What is the most excellent thing about working at Maryville? The most excellent thing about working at Maryville, especially in the memory care unit, is that the residents become your family. The relationships you get to build with them are so special.
Give us the basics. What do you do at Maryville and how long have you been in that role?
5.
Share a favorite story or personal moment from your time at Maryville. A special moment for me is being there for someone’s last moment – to help them be comfortable and peaceful through those final moments of this life. It always pulls at my heart and makes me proud to be a CNA. Thanks be to God!
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> Cordelia Agum
> Ma Lopretti Tagatac
> Maria Park
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Cordelia Agum
1.
Give us the basics. What do you do at Maryville and how long have you been in that role?
good examples of this are the sponsorship programs that are available for CNAs and Medication Aides.
I am the Director of Nursing here at Maryville. I started in September of last year. 2.
4. How would you describe Maryville to a friend? Maryville is a fun-loving organization. We work hard, we take care of each other and we create a peaceful atmosphere for our residents to live comfortably.
What does Strive for Excellence mean to you? To strive for excellence is to pursue a balance of high performance and quality health care for our residents. I believe this is best accomplished with a focus on innovation, leadership, and compassion.
3.
5.
Share a favorite story or personal moment from your time at Maryville. The Morning Prayer is always a special moment of the day for me. It is a humble way for me to make sure God is in charge for the rest of the day.
What is the most excellent thing about working at Maryville? I really appreciate Maryville’s commitment to investing in our staff. The environment here is set up for us to thrive. Some
These are just a few excellent examples of what it means to work in Maryville’s peaceful, compassionate, and caring environment. As you can see, the Sisters' mission for Maryville – to serve with love – remains evident in today’s staff nearly 60 years later.
These are just a few of the examples of people who Strive for Excellence at Maryville and on the SSMO campus. The campus history is full of excellent achievements in service to the Sisters' sponsored ministries.
Ready to strive for excellence in a peaceful, compassionate health care setting? Maryville is hiring. From CNAs to Caregivers and Housekeepers to Maintenance Techs, Maryville has great jobs, great benefits, and great training programs ready for you. Scan the QR code or visit maryville.care/careers to learn more and apply today.
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VC Excellent Achievements Excellent achievements can be found all over Valley Catholic School. Check out these recent excellent achievements.
> Charisma earned their seventh championship since 2010.
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Future City Competition 2022 In an effort to address waste- and pollution-related on January 22. A team of five VCMS students, who named challenges – that may exist 100 years from now in urban their team “Land of Tomorrow” advanced to the environments – Valley Catholic Middle School students national tournament and presented their city virtually in were tasked with engineering a waste-free city that uses late March. the principles of a circular economy. Circular economy principles involve sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, “A competition like Future City is a wonderful opportunity refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products for students to work together. The competitive nature of as long as possible. Students joined in teams to research, the team project brought out a wonderful focus and drive design and find solutions to the challenges of the world’s in the students to work together towards a shared goal,” recycling habits. said Anna Harrison, a STEM teacher at VCMS. “They had to research and break down the information they found “Students put into action some of the principles they and brainstorm ways to positively help the environment. learned in class such as research. Students researched I loved seeing some of the students really take the circular sustainable materials and how these materials can be economy approach to heart, and become very passionate transformed into final products that will help transform about the impact we have on the world.” our society from a linear one to a circular economy,” said Yvonne Ayesiga, Ed.D., Director of Student Affairs at Valley The Future City project is one of the hands-on and Catholic Middle school. “In addition, our students get to collaborative learning experiences Valley Catholic Middle practice their presentation skills by creating presentations School offers to students interested in STEM curriculum. to showcase their finished product, while explaining how Congratulations to the entire Valley Catholic team their materials and products fit into a circular economy.” Oliver Strayer, Pretham Nandakumar, Mithran Ganesan, Zane Hemphill and Gabe Moreno - and to our faculty Four teams represented Valley Catholic Middle School for their excellent work and support at this year’s Future at the Virtual Future City Regional Competition held City competition.
> Team Land of Tomorrow SPRING / SUMMER 2022
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> Henry Tierney
> Drew Klopcic
Track and Field Athletes Set New School Records. Three Valley Catholic School records were set at the first track and field meet of the season, the Barlow Ice Breaker Invitational. Freshman Drew Klopcic leaped to 18 feet and 7 inches in the long jump and senior Henry Tierney finished the 1,500-meter run in 4:02.03 and finished the 800-meter run in 1:55.31. “It was my first meet and I was nervous,” said Drew Klopcic, a Freshman at Valley Catholic High School. “I just told myself to just fly.” Both Klopcic and Tierney plan to continue their streak of record-breaking performances as they prepare to compete at the OSAA Track and Field State Championships held at Hayward Field on the campus of University of Oregon in Eugene. “My goal is to win both those events at state,” said Henry Tierney, the school record holder for the 1,500-meter and 800-meter runs. “I would love to set a new school record for the 400-meter and 3k run as well.” The state track meet was held after the magazine’s print deadline. Visit valleycatholic.org or follow VCS on Facebook or Instagram to see how these excellent athletes performed.
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Charisma State Champions in 2022 Charisma’s performance of their routine, “Writer’s Block,” earned first place honors at the 2022 Oregon School Activities 4A/3A/2A/1A State Championship. Charisma was also recognized for their classroom achievements, ranking second in the all-state academic list with a 3.92 team GPA. Head coach Dr. Jessica Anderson was named 4A/3A/2A/1A coach of the year by the Dance and Drill Coaches Association. This is the seventh state championship for the team since 2010.
Valley Catholic Elementary School puts the fun in “Fundraising” Earlier this year, VCES raised $36, 269 for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. It was the highest amount of funds raised out of all the participating schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This is the sixth year the elementary school has participated in the challenge. Students took this year’s theme head on as they committed to serving others with acts of kindness and exercised for an hour each day. In March, VCES students ran and walked to help raise money for this year’s Jog-a-thon. The school raised more than $42,000. This event brings parents, students and staff together to raise money for the school while promoting exercise, good sportsmanship, and fun. “It is important to us because it is an opportunity for every single student to be a part of their school community by running, walking, and/or fundraising,” said Melissa Doxtator, Valley Catholic Elementary School Principal.“ More than any money we receive, the day is about building community across grade levels and working together for our school.”
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Congratulations Valley Catholic High School
CLASS of 2022!
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Congratulations Valley Catholic Middle School
CLASS of 2026!
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Alumni Notes
Rebecca Anctil (’10) married Ryan Sidley on Sept. 9, 2021 at Sparks Lake in Bend, OR. The couple resides in Portland with their two dogs. They enjoy exploring the city and weekend adventures to the wilderness. Valley Catholic alumnae Sarah Anctil Adel (’05), Emily Anctil Lorentz (’10) and Jillyn Suratt (’10) were part of the bridal party.
Gabby Rosenthal Coleman ('14) and her husband Sam Coleman welcomed their son, Kaiden James Coleman to the world on April 29, 2022. The couple resides in St. Paul, OR where Sam is a seventh generation farmer. Gabby graduated from Oregon State in 2018 with a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences. Their oldest daughter Evelyn is 15 months old.
Addie Flemmer (’14) married Brennan Bailey on Oct. 1, 2021 at the Winn Homestead in Weston, OR. The newlyweds live in Hillsboro. Addie graduated from Corban University and will be returning to school to study Physical Therapy. Brennan is a civil engineer for the Forest Service. VCS Alumni, Isaac Flemmer (’19), Petra Flemmer Thormaehlen (’17) and Grayce Kelly Moody (’14) served as attendants. In April, Daniel Hardy ('18) was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. The recent Montana State graduate was a Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Sky at defensive end for the Bobcats last season. Congratulations to Daniel on his excellent achievement.
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Capt. Carly Verboort (’10) married Capt. Andrew Stewart on Oct. 4, 2021 at Crag Rat Mountaineer Hut in Hood River, OR. The couple lives in Puget Sound, WA. Carly navigates tugboats, helping large cargo vessels, such as the ones piloted by Andrew, navigate to port. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree from California State University Maritime Academy. In lieu of wedding gifts, the couple donated more than $5,000 to Crag Rats, a nonprofit mountain rescue organization, and other charities.
Henderson Walsh (2 years old) has a new baby sister. Hannah Wilson Walsh (’14) and Liam Walsh (’14) welcomed Frances Rose Walsh to the world on March 28, 2022. “Frankie” weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
Welcome back to campus! Kaylynn Bush (’15) is the new Alumni Relations Manager for the SSMO Foundation. She recently returned to Beaverton, after five years in Eugene coaching college basketball and working toward her master’s degree at Bushnell University. She graduated in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. She is thrilled to be back on campus in her new role. Connect with Kaylynn at alumni@valleycatholic.org. Go Valiants!
Send your alumni update to alumni@valleycatholic.org to be included in a future issue.
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In Memory: Sister Jean Marie Van Dyke March 14, 1939 – December 11, 2021
at Sacred Heart in Klamath Falls and at St. Thomas More Parish in Portland, and director of faith formation at Our Lady of Lourdes in Vancouver, Washington. Sr. Jean Marie’s volunteer service and passion were for Rose Haven Women’s and Children’s Shelter. For years, she served in the Rose Haven kitchen and engaged guests in caring, meaningful conversation. Compassionate service — to the poor, to her community and to those she encountered in ministry — highlighted Sister Jean Marie’s life. She joyfully shared her talents of sewing, baking, cooking, organizing, and nurturing plants back to life. Her family, her religious community, her students, those she encountered in ministry, and, especially, the guests of Rose Haven Women’s and Children’s Shelter, benefited from her generous care. On March 14, 1939, Petronella “Nellie” Vandehey and Theodore Mathias Van Dyke welcomed Joanne Theresa into their growing Verboort family. Joanne would eventually have 15 siblings. She graduated from St. Paul elementary and high schools, after which she entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon accepting the name Sr. Jean Marie on Aug. 15, 1958.
She is survived by her Sisters in community; by her sisters Joyce Van Dyke, Berneice (Dan) Bailey, and Doris (Jim) Herinckx; her brothers Norbert and Norman (Betty) Van Dyke; her nephew Gene Waibel, niece Annette Evans, cousin Sister Charlotte Van Dyke; and her many friends. Sister Jean Marie’s siblings Maurice Van Dyke, Edmund Van Dyke, Richard Van Dyke, Carl Van Dyke, Gerald (Helen) Van Dyke, Wilbert Van Dyke, Eileen McMahan, Ethel Duyck, Leslie Van Dyke and Martha Waibel preceded her in death.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Marylhurst College in 1963. As Sister Jean Marie’s ministries changed, she furthered her education at many institutions including Portland State University, Gonzaga May Sr. Jean Marie rest in God’s loving embrace. University and Rock Creek Community College. In 1974, she earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Portland. In 1998, she earned a certificate in liturgical training from the University of Santa Clara. Sister Jean Marie taught at Holy Cross, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Pius X, and St Agatha, Portland; Sacred Heart, Tillamook; St. Boniface, Sublimity; St. John the Baptist, Milwaukie; St. Mary, Stayton; and St. Cecilia, Beaverton. She was principal at Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Agatha in Portland, and at Sacred Heart, in Klamath Falls. In 1985, she became the first Sister of St. Mary of Oregon to serve as director of religious education at St. Patrick Parish in Lakeview. She would later serve as pastoral associate
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SPIRIT MAGAZINE
In Memory: Sister Kathleen Boyd July 9, 1939 – April 21, 2022
From 1985 to her retirement in 2005, Sr. Kathleen served in many roles. She managed financial records for St. Mary of the Valley Music Department and Valley Catholic High School, served as the Motherhouse Insurance Officer, and ministered as receptionist at both the Motherhouse and Maryville. From 1996 to 2000, Sr. Kathleen directed the upgrade of the SSMO Development Office Data Management program. However, though these professional accomplishments were significant, Sr. Kathleen recalled the best year of her life as the time she served in the bakery of the SSMO Motherhouse. As a skilled artist, Sr. Kathleen produced collections of art works. Combining watercolor or colored pencil with calligraphy, she created bookmarks and beautiful pieces to adorn the walls of the Motherhouse. Her great artistic talents were a source of joy for the Sisters and her friends. Sr. Kathleen filled every room she entered with humor. “Laughter is good for the soul,” she would say. Then she would add, “Laugh at yourself once in a while. God does – just look in a mirror!”
Born in Beaverton, Oregon, on July 9, 1939, Kathleen Mae Boyd graduated from St. Cecilia Elementary School in 1953 and St. Mary of the Valley Academy in 1957. Entering the workforce on the cusp of the computer age, Sr. Kathleen worked in data management at the Portland Police Department, Tektronix, and Portland Data Entry Service Bureau. She furthered her expertise through the Tektronix education program. In 1983, Sr. Kathleen entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. She professed final vows on August 15, 1990 and celebrated her 25th Jubilee in July 2008. Her ministry focused on many business aspects of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus.
Through her shared talents, compassion, prayer, service, and presence, she strove to radiate the charism of the SSMO Community, to be a compassionate joyful servant of the Lord. Sister Kathleen passed away on April 21, 2022. She is missed, loved and survived by her Sisters in Community, her brother Mervyn, her sister-in-law Barbara Boyd, Maryville caregivers and nursing staff, and many dear friends. Her parents William and Veronica (Tatom) Boyd, her sister Germaine Woolsey, and her brothers Elmer, Donald, LeRoy and Bernard Boyd preceded Sr. Kathleen in death. May Sr. Kathleen rest in God’s loving embrace.
SPRING / SUMMER 2022
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STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Strive for Excellence by building a better tomorrow Scan the QR code or visit freewill.com/ssmofoundation for a free estate planning tool that will help you create a plan to protect your future and provide for the people and charities you care about most. In as little as 20 minutes, you can make a generational impact on your family and the lives of the people who are served by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their sponsored ministries at Valley Catholic School and Maryville.
Coming this fall
2022 Gala Details to come
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SPIRIT MAGAZINE
A Memorial Day Prayer My dear friends I greet you in peace and offer you our SSMO Memorial Day Prayer. Almighty God we praise you and thank you on this Memorial Day. We thank those who have served our country with service and dedication. Let us never forget and always remember those who have gone before us. We pray that they are in the light and love of Your glory. Listen to our Sisters prayers as we remember all who have served our nation and world in military service. We owe our thanksgiving to those who have served our country with integrity. Our prayers go out to those who continue to guard and protect our nation, and we lift them up to You for protection. We petition our Lady of Peace, Mary Mother of God in this perilous time, to bring peace to our world. Let us always remember the courage and perseverance of those who willingly serve humankind in selfless acts for our welfare. In your Name, we thank you Lord. Amen.
Blessings to you and your family this Memorial Day from the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. SPRING / SUMMER 2022
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