St. Pius X Connections Summer 2018

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Keeping the Promise: A Chapel for SPX Class of 2018 Shines

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It is with great pride that we present the Class of 2018 and celebrate their success. These 168 students earned more than $16.2 million in college scholarship offers and have provided 23,600 hours of community service over their four years of high school. As they enter the wider world, ready to make an impact, we pray for their continued peace and success.

Saint Pius X High School 5301 St. Joseph’s Dr. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120-1712 (505) 831-8400 www.saintpiusx.com A d m i n i s t r at i o n Principal Dr. Barbara Rothweiler Assistant Principal - Academics Barbara Neff Ducaj ’79 Assistant Principal - Instruction Orlando Rodriguez Assistant Principal - Dean of Discipline San Juan Mendoza

Successful Sartans in science are featured in this issue of the magazine.

Learn about the new medical technology company based on the development of a breakthrough microscope that can image living cellular tissue by Gabriel Sanchez ’01, Ph.D. Share the excitement of Olivia Chavez ’11 and Valerie Perea ’14 as they pursue doctorates at Boston University and The Scripps Research Institute. And join medical school student Eric Rightley ’09 as he brings the reality of med school and life-saving CPR training to SPX students.

Also explore in this issue our plans for a new chapel on the St. Pius X campus and learn how you might get involved.

Sincerely,

Barbara M. Rothweiler, Ph.D. Principal

Business Manager Donna Perl Chaplain Fr. Chike Uba Director of Marketing and Enrollment Jeff Turcotte Director of Activities Mike Mares ’05 Director of Athletics Jim Cook ’83

Director Bobby Wallace

Sartans in Science .................6

Graduation................................1

Wide-ranging curiosity and a strong foundation in science lead these alums to discovery.

SPX Sports...............................15

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Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Jean Marie Skipp ’87

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Editor Melissa W. Sais

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St. Pius X High School celebrates the successful Class of 2018 and plans for a new campus chapel.

St. Pius X Connections is published by the St. Pius X High School Advancement Office.

The mission of St. Pius X Connections is to provide alumni and friends of SPX with news, information, and inspiration regarding the school and each other.

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Keeping the Promise: A Chapel for SPX Class of 2018 Shines

Graduation2018 St. Pius X High School Class of 2018 was offered more than $16.2 million in college scholarships as it celebrated the school’s 59th Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony on May 18 at the Santa Ana Star Center. Archbishop John C. Wester celebrated Mass with the Class of 2018, whose 168 members provided more than 23,600 hours of community service over their four years of high school.

SPX Seniors Earn Honors

Jacqueline Pinon and Daniel Stotzer

Daniel Stotzer is the St. Pius X High School Outstanding Graduate of the Class of 2018. Using the motto of St. Pius X, “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge,” the faculty looked for a student whose life truly embodies these traits and completed a multi-step voting process to choose Stotzer as the honoree.

In addition, Stotzer and Jacqueline Pinon were chosen 2018 Senior Choice Award Winners, an award in which seniors are asked to vote for the two students whom they most respect and admire as good people and as good Christians. Pinon and Stotzer represent the all-around ideal St. Pius student for their intellectual integrity, respect and caring for their peers, sensitivity, congeniality, and leadership. They have been active in student council, campus ministry, sports and other student activities. They are committed to their Catholic faith, to St. Pius X, and are held in the highest esteem by their classmates.

Stotzer also is the Class of 2018 Valedictorian. After receiving a standing ovation in welcome from his classmates at the graduation ceremony, Stotzer concluded his address by saying, “Find something to be thankful for everyday. Today I’m grateful to have known all of you.” He plans to attend Benedictine College.

The SPX Theology Department named Nathan Barkocy and Yvette Pino recipients of the 2018 Primo Contreras Award for demonstrating joy in serving others outside the school community, a love of St. Pius X High School, and exemplary character. Pino, known for living her faith and helping others in kindness, is a four-year member of Soul Club, helped with retreats, and taught Catechism at her parish. Barkocy, known for his joy, love of life, and reconnecting people with their faith, is a four year member of Campus Ministry; a leader of senior, 5th grade, and underclass retreats; a participant and lector for daily mass at SPX; and active in multiple ministries at his parish.

Nathan Barkocy and Yvette Pino

The Class of 2018 made contributions of $20.18 in honor of their graduation year in support of tuition assistance for future generations of Sartans. SPX Senior Class President Carlos Gonzales presents the Class of 2018’s Connect 18x total contribution of $3,090.27.

St. Pius X also honored its Top Ten students at the graduation ceremony for earning the best grade point averages in their class over four years of high school. They are, from left, Jensen Davis, Claire Hennessy, Valedictorian Danny Stotzer, Salutatorian Jacqueline Pinon, Sophia Beckett, Noah Lucero, Samuel Gervais, Theresa Moorhead, Adam Armijo and Alexa Rosenthal.

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Graduation2018 The Class of 2018

Academic Awards

Alexis M. Acosta Steven Michael Anderson Gabrielle Angeline Aragon Adam Aaron Armijo Kassandra Nicole Ascevez Sydney McCanna Ashcraft Caleb Matthew Baca Julianna M. Baca Philip Edward Barela-Hudgell Nathan Edward Barkocy Estevan Miguel Bazan Sophia Lewellyn Beckett Sophia Marie Bell Brooke Avery Bower Max Ryan Brutyn Adriana Evangelina Bustillos Margaret Anne Carpenter Amethyst H. Carrillo Julia Monet Chavez Marisa Paula Chavez Jenna Marie Coe Robert Francis Coyle III Thomas Roger Curtin Alexandra G. Dark Jensen Nicole Davis Jasmine Jenee Day Emily Taylor Deakin Madison Grace DeAngelis-Monnet Nicholas Christian Deprest Calvin Gregory Dexel Julia A. Eix Jacob Marcelino Encinias Briana Renee Enriquez Spencer Dalton Farley Addyson Marie Funchess Katerina M. Gallegos Brisa D. Gamboa Carleigh Elizabeth Garcia Gabriel Anthony Garcia Julian Dominic Garcia Nickolas Anthony Garcia Noel Alexandria Garcia Roman E. Garcia Trevor Patrick Garcia Abigail Leigh Garcia-Huff Ashlee Ryann Garrett Tyler Kennedy Garrett Heather Marie Gaudette Ava M. Gervais Samuel John Gervais Dominique J. Gomez Carlos Lorenzo Gonzales Deluvina M. Gonzales Garrett Amado Gonzales Manuel Gonzales IV Nathaniel C. Gonzales

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized Daniel Stotzer as a National Merit Finalist and Frankie Coyle with a Letter of Commendation in the scholarship competition.

Coyle also was recognized for his appointment to the United States Military Academy with the West Point Leadership Award.

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The National Hispanic Recognition Program, sponsored by College Board, named five Hispanic St. Pius students as National Hispanic Scholars: Adriana Bustillos, Jensen Davis, Jacqueline Pinon, Haley Rizek, and Sara Roach.

Ben Walden and Jasmine Day received the Renaissance Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Fine Arts department and granted to students who have excelled in multiple areas of the Visual and Performing Arts.

Daniel Stotzer and Sam Gervais received the Social Studies Department Award for Excellence for excelling in the social studies program and exhibiting a passion for history and government.

The Chi-Rho Yearbook Award for students who have excelled creating the yearbook was presented to Claire Hennessy and Addyson Funchess.

Ely Teran received the National French Contest Award for his co-State Champion recognition and for ranking sixth in the nation, competing against over 18,000 students in his category and earning a Silver Medal.

The St. Pius X Academic Decathlon Team was honored for its 17th State Championship and a National seventh place finish. Individually, Bryan Martinez won the National Silver Medal in interview and placed sixth in science; Carson Stock won the National Bronze Medal in interview and was the highest individual scorer in New Mexico at the State Championship; Jasmine Day won the National Team MVP Scholarship, placed eighth in essay and ninth in art; Margaret Carpenter nationally placed eighth in math and 10th in interview; Caitlin Vigil placed in the top 20 in interview nationally.

Seniors honored for success in Model United Nations are Phillip Barela-Hudgell, Katerina Gallegos, Analissa Gutierrez, Jordan Kroeter, Jacob Lewine, Deb Michel and Nic Santistevan.

Top to Bottom: Nation Merit Scholarship Program, National Hispanic Recognition, French Award, Social Studies Award, Decathlon Team, DECA.

Graduation2018 DECA students honored for completing a successful year and donating nearly $15,000 in snack shop proceeds to the school are Max Brutyn, Nathaniel Gonzales, Luke Gutierrez, Jordan Martindale, Konnor Martinez, Grace Melloy, Nam Nguyen, Chris Padilla, Jered Pino, Lexi Rue and Johnny Vigil.

Service Awards Taylor Reed received the Marcita Marek Award for displaying the qualities of athletic leadership and service that St. Pius physical education teacher Marcita Marek valued. The award was established by Marek’s family to recognize her interest in promoting peer education and involvement in athletics.

Multiple students received Community Service Awards. Completing 120 hours or more of service to the community and receiving a first year letter in community service is Ashley Perry. Receiving a Gold Medal award for completing more than 500 hours of service are Abigail Garcia-Huff, Matthew Gonzalez, Michael Gonzalez, Analissa Gutierrez, Noah Lucero, Alexa Rosenthal and Nikalus Skipp. Receiving a Silver Medal award for completing more than 400 hours of service are Nicholas Deprest, Nathaniel Gonzales, Nichole Gutierrez, Danielle Keim, Renea Maes, Briana Salcido, Daniel Stotzer and Benjamin Walden. Receiving a Bronze Medal for more than 300 hours are Briana Enriquez, Gabriel A. Garcia, Heather Gaudette, Taylor Nigg, Christopher Padilla, Ashley Perry and Nicholas Santistevan.

The SPX Native American Leadership Award is given to senior Native American students actively participating in the SPX Native American Club, and demonstrating leadership in both school and community. Honored this year are Amethyst Carrillo, Jeneca Lucero, Cameron Ward, Shea Ortiz and Yvette Pino. Ward also was selected to receive a plaque in honor of her service as a leader in Native American Club.

Athletic Awards Nikalus Skipp and Arianna Martinez each received the St. Pius X Scholar-Athlete Award and the U.S. Army Reserve Scholar-Athlete Award. The requirements for these awards include Top to Bottom: Manager Award, Marcita Marek Award, Native American Club, Yearbook, Community Service, Renaissance Award.

The Class of 2018 Matthew James Gonzalez Michael Christopher Gonzalez David Jacob Graston Analissa Marisol Gutierrez Luke Michael Gutierrez Nichole Alexis Gutierrez Sean Timothy Harrington Brandon M. Harris Miranda A. Hart Claire Elizabeth Hennessy Cindy Marie Herrera Clare Marie Houliston Fouad Hourani Aidan Grant Hulting Megan Elizabeth Ielacqua Simone Polaco James Tomas Fernando Jeantete IV Joshua Wallace Kawane Jeannette Danielle Keim Jordan Kelly Kroeter Miranda Victoria Labastida-Maldonado Santana Marie Larrañaga Jacob Martin Lewine Matthew Elias Lobato Susannah P. Lohman Jordyn Ashlie Rae Lopez Jeneca Emily Lucero Noah Mark Lucero Cassandra Marie Luna Renae Bernadette Maes Joshua M. Maestas Alyssa Danielle Marquez Jordan Allyse Martindale Arianna Renee Martinez Bryan Gregory Martinez Isabella Faith Martinez Konnor Francis Martinez Monet Matisse Martinez Grace Michelle Maynard Anna Terese McCarthy Ryan Douglas McGaha Grace Celeste Melloy Deborah Elizabeth Michel Diego Jacob Montoya Teresa Mary Frances Moorhead Samantha Ann Multari Nebnoma Alex Nana Chad Joseph Nathe Nam N. Nguyen Taylor Brooke Nigg Haley Mae O’Hara Niklaus Bryce Orosco Michael Joseph Oritz Shea Lynn Ortiz Katiana Sarita Otero Christopher Lee Padilla St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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Graduation2018 The Class of 2018 Jose A. Padilla Angelo Amrey Paisano Kitu-Puyu Noah Paisano Sophia G. Parrino Nicole Marie Peery Ashley Marie Perry Kelsey Elizabeth Piersol Jered Jerell Pino Yvette Mary Pino Jacqueline Marie Pinon Jordan Nicole Puentes Natalie Qumsieh Joshua David Ramirez Taylor V. Reed Justin Bailey Rivera Haley Marie Rizek Sara N. Roach Alexa Mary Rosenthal Alexis Rose Rue Amanda Marie Salas Briana Michaela Salcido Jared Seth Samora David Leonard Sanchez Joshua Matthew Sanchez Luke B. Sanchez Shamyra Amber Sanchez Andres Jacob Sandoval Brock William Sandoval Domonique Alyssa Sandoval Nicolas R. Santistevan Izaiah Andres Sedillo Nikalus George Skipp Saville Adrianna Solis Michael Francis Statzula Carson David Stock Daniel Joseph Stotzer Victoria Marie Strosnider Preston Reid Sutherland Annika Riley Tedstrom Kori Dannell Tellez Ely Jesus Teran Jasmine Tran Grant Joseph Van Winkle Alexander Lee Vargas Samantha B. Vazquez Arias Marisa Daniele Velasquez Benjamin Anthony Vigil Caitlin Brianna Vigil Daniel Kenneth Vigil II Garrett Manuel Vigil Johnny I. Vigil Benjamin Justo Walden Mason Robert Walker Cameron D’Anza Ward Brittany Marie Weber Grace Elizabeth Widner 4

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

being an honor student and a varsity multi-sport athlete or a year-round varsity athlete of exceptional leadership and performance. Martinez is a volleyball, basketball, and track and field athlete.

Skipp is a football, basketball and track and field athlete. Martinez also was recognized for her appointment as a cadet in the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2022.

Jordan Martindale received the Danny McKay Memorial Manager of the Year award. Michael Statzula was honored with the Outstanding Sports Medicine Student of the Year award.

Also honored as a student-athlete is Danielle Keim who received the Gold Level Graduating Seniors Award for figure skating from U.S. Figure Skating.

Recognized by the SPX Athletic Department as the overall Athletes of the Year demonstrating the highest skills, leadership, teamwork, coachability and work ethic of athletes in all sports are volleyball and track and field athlete Haley Rizek and football and baseball athlete Ryan McGaha.

Top to Bottom: Athletes of the Year, Scholar Athletes, Athletic Training.

Class of 2018 College Acceptances Air Force Academy

Holy Cross

Southwestern University

University of Idaho

Alma College

Illinois College

St. Edward’s University

University of Iowa

Arizona Christian University

Juniata College

St. Louis University

University of Kansas

Arizona State University

Kansas State University

Texas A&M

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Baylor University

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Texas Christian University

Bellarmine University

Long Island University Brooklyn

Texas State University

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Benedictine College

Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago

The Catholic University of America

University of Northern Colorado

Boise State University Boston College

Lubbock Christian University

The Ohio State University

University of Pennsylvania

Butler University

Lyon College

The University of Alabama

University of Pittsburgh

California Polytechnic State University

Marquette University

The University of Arizona

University of Portland

The University of Kansas

University of San Diego

California State Dominguez Hills Carroll College Chapman University College of Idaho Colorado State University Concordia University Creighton University Culver-Stockton University DePaul University

Mars Hill University Maryville University Michigan State University Montana State University New College of Florida Nichols College Northern Michigan University Oklahoma Christian University Oklahoma State University Oregon State University

The University of Oklahoma The University of Tampa The University of Texas at Austin The University of Alabama The University of Vermont Trinity University University of California Riverside University of California Santa Cruz

University of Notre Dame

University of San Francisco University of Seattle University of South Florida University of St. Francis University of the Incarnate Word University of the Pacific University of Utah University of Colorado Springs

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Utah State University

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Vanderbilt University

Pacific Northwest College of Art Point Loma Nazarene University

University of Colorado Boulder

West Point Military Academy

Saint Mary’s College

University of Dallas

Fort Lewis College

Saint Vincent College

University of Delaware

Western State Colorado University

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Saint Xavier University

University of Denver

Westminster College

Sam Houston State University

University of Hawaii

Wheaton College

Gonzaga University

Seattle University

University of Houston

Xavier University

Earlham College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ferrum College Florida Institute of Technology

Our Lady of the Lake University

Weber State University

SPXEvents Generosity Abounds at

St. Pius X Mardi Gras

The 2018 St. Pius X High School Foundation Mardi Gras Gala saw the community respond with tremendous generosity as the event supporting tuition assistance for deserving St. Pius X High School students raised more than $131,680.

Generous SPX supporters and the night’s premier sponsors Dorothy and Larry Rainosek of Frontier/Golden Pride restaurants encouraged abundant giving at Mardi Gras by issuing their own matching gift challenge of $25,000.

Honored with awards at the gala were Vincioni Award recipients Dalia Delgado Baca ’91 and Joseph Baca, for their tireless response to needs at SPX, and Outstanding Alumni Awardees Barbara Cordova Hurley ’77 and Lonny Hurley ’77 for their long-standing support of the school and the foundation. Honored with the Principal’s Award for outstanding leadership, love and support of St. Pius X High School was the SPX Foundation Board of Directors: President Joe DeBlassie; Past President Eddie Castoria ’64; President Elect Tony Pino ’74; Secretary Shannon Kawane; and directors Darren Beckett; Kara Kupper-Dannenberg ’88; Gary Wayne Glass, Ph.D. ’63; Ron Hensley; Lonny Hurley ’77, Emeritus; Joe Menicucci ’98; Jerry Sais; Frank Schubert, Ph.D. ’78; and Christopher Skipp ’86.

The event was graciously sponsored by Frontier/Golden Pride, Gateway Financial Advisors Inc., Construction Truck Equipment LLC, Linley ’84 and Mike Daly, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, Abrazo Homes, Bank of America, Beckett Child Development Services, Berger Briggs Real Estate and Insurance Inc., RAKS Building Supply Inc., Rizek Design and Remodeling, RX Innovations, SPX Class of ’64, Tinnin Hunt Club, Vigil & Associates, Coleman Vision, SPX Alumni Council, and SPX Fine Arts Boosters

St. Pius X Feeds the Hungry The St. Pius X Making a Difference Against Hunger effort packaged 212,900 meals during Holy Week for families in New Mexico and Haiti. St. Pius X students were helped by elementary and middle school students from Albuquerque-area and Grants parochial schools in the day-long event that drew 2,147 student volunteers. Over the past year, St. Pius X students raised about $20,000 to fund the effort.

This year’s sponsors of the effort include the Catholic Foundation, Sunbelt, Construction Technology Specialists Inc., Black Duck, Donut Mart and Nothing Bunt Cakes.

Of the food packaged, 70 percent stays in New Mexico to be distributed through St. Felix Pantry; Rio Grande Food Pantry; the St. Vincent de Paul Societies of Nativity, Queen of Heaven, Holy Ghost, Sacred Heart and St. Francis X parishes; Wherry Elementary School; The Storehouse; and Catholic Charities. The other 30 percent is sent for distribution in Haiti.

Area schools participating included St.Therese, San Felipe, Holy Ghost, Annunciation, Assumption, Queen of Heaven, Holy Child, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Terese in Grants.

Mark your calendars for next year’s

Mardi Gras Gala March 2, 2019!

Sartan Open Swing for SPX

The 17th Annual Sartan Open benefiting the St. Pius Athletic Booster Club raised more than $27,000 in support of SPX sports.

Pictured is the Tremco Team, the tournament’s first place winners and the cap sponsors. The tournament held May 4 at Los Altos Golf Course drew 23 teams and 93 players.

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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SARTANS

in SCIENCE For St. Pius X High School alumni Eric Rightley, Valerie Perea, Olivia Chavez and Gabriel Sanchez, wide-ranging curiosity and a strong foundation in science have led to advanced study at the nation’s top universities, exciting discoveries and ground-breaking inventions. And while they’re at the forefront of learning and discovery, they all continue to carry on the SPX tradition of giving back to to their communities by volunteering their time and talent.

A love of learning has carried Gabriel Sanchez ’01 from coast to coast and into the future as he works to grow a medical technology company based on his development of a breakthrough microscope that can image living cellular tissue without cutting into that tissue.

Zebra Medical Technologies is an early-stage medical device startup headquartered in Silicon Valley and based on Sanchez’s work in the Stanford University Ph.D. program.

Sanchez studied mechanical engineering as an undergrad at MIT, where he says he “got hooked on the application of engineering in biological spaces.” He moved on to Stanford and started research in biomechanics and biologic imaging for his master’s degree. Inspired by scientific research, he decided to pursue a doctorate.

“Initially it was science driven,” he says by phone from his shared space in Mountain View, Calif., at the prestigious Fogarty Institute of Innovation, an incubator for medical device innovation that helps early-stage startups get their products to market. “I worked in a lab on human movement and movement disorders like cerebral palsy. These disorders are best observed on a cellular level, but it’s impossible to image that tissue without cutting it from the body. I thought, what if we could stick a needle the size of a flu shot into the tissue and get a picture and really see the difference between healthy and disordered tissue.”

That thought led to the development of a microscope to image the anatomy and pathology of living cellular tissue, making the cellular scale data that currently is collected by cutting tissue out of the body and staining it, now able to be seen through something only as invasive as a needle.

While the aim is to transform patient care across multiple medical regimes, the company’s current focus is to improve the diagnostics and treatment of skin cancers. Sanchez says skin cancer diagnosis is an ideal place to launch the microscope. Skin cancer is now diagnosed by biopsy, cutting out the suspicious tissue to test it, often leaving scars and damage that patients would prefer to avoid. Also, early diagnosis is key to positive outcomes. These factors make it an ideal launching point for the handheld Zebrascope. “It’s a clinical tool that could affect millions of people,” he says.

Gabriel Sanchez

Zebra Medical is now working to prove its feasibility, demonstrate that the device works, and raise funds to conduct clinical trials and apply for FDA clearance. Sanchez, CEO and co-founder with Scott Delp and Mark Schnitzer, says it will be another 18-24 months before the device is available, and to get insurers to cover it can be a several year effort. “We believe that ultimately it has real inherent value and that’s going to shine through,” he says.

Ever learning, Sanchez now takes on learning to operate and grow a business in a highly regulated sector, drawing on the assistance and mentorship provided through the Fogarty Institute. “The technology is based on my work at research, but now trying to execute and commercialize is a separate set of skills and challenges,” he says. “I’m learning on the fly how to manage and run a business in a medical area and trying to grow as fast as possible.”

Describing himself as an active and dynamic learner, Sanchez says he credits St. Pius X High School’s high quality education, high expectations of students and engaged teachers like SPX math teachers Barbara Ducaj and James Penn for challenging and inspiring him.

“I fell in love with mathematics,” he says. Ms. Ducaj would give challenge problems that he’d spend all weekend trying to crack and then talk solutions with her the next week. Mr. Penn worked with him outside of class to learn and prepare for the AP Calculus BC test, a course which St. Pius didn’t at that time offer, but that Sanchez felt he needed. He did well on the AP test and got into advanced math at MIT.

“If you’re willing to listen and seek their advice, they’re willing to teach,” he says. “They’d go as far as I was willing to go.

“On a deeper level, I really enjoyed being at St. Pius as a Catholic school because I felt I had God-given talent and I felt compelled to do something with it. St. Pius was a really supportive community for that.”

Sanchez remains active in his Catholic faith, teaching religious education at St. Raymond Parish in Menlo Park, Calif., and preparing his son, Levi, 8, for his First Holy Communion. He and his wife Jennifer also have a daughter, Naomi, 5.

“Science and religion are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary ways to understand the world we live in and I draw strength from both,” he says. “What science has discovered about the world is real, but that doesn’t make it less divine. I’m learning in both ways constantly.”

Sartan Develops Breakthrough Medical Technology

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St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

OLIVIA CHAVEZ

A hunger for science and a passion for sharing it with others carry Olivia Chavez ’11 forward as she works towards a doctorate in biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine.

Studying the movement and interaction of proteins that carry fat particles in the blood and how that impacts heart disease and obesity particularly in people with diabetes, Chavez combines her interests in research and in improving the lives of people. She also studies the structure of a new vaccine for chlamydia.

Chavez earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at New Mexico Tech. While earning her master’s, she worked in Laguna Pueblo looking at soil contaminated by uranium mines. The effort combined work in biology and geology, and concern with how they impacted the people on the pueblo.

“From then I knew I wanted interdisciplinary work, not just straight biology,” she says. “I knew I wanted to do research and to help people, so it made sense to follow medicine.”

Biophysics is a good career field with many research options, but Chavez, whose electives at St. Pius X High School were always filled with multiple science classes, has interests that run the gamut from entomology to astrobiology.

Chavez became fascinated with science at a young age. “I think I was always doing science, even though I didn’t realize what it was,” she says. “We’d go camping and I was always sketching plants or I’d try to see how many different kinds of beetles I could find.”

To facilitate her interest, Chavez’s parents enrolled her in science camps every summer — zoo camp, bosque camp, lung camp. “At lung camp we saw the direct effect of cigarette smoking on the lungs, did experiments, and swabbed the hospital for bacteria,” Chavez remembers. “I thought, ‘That’s so gross, but wow!’ I got my first microscope at that camp and a dissection kit I used through college.”

The interest continued into high school and solidified. Although she signed up to hear the makeup artist’s presentation at the SPX Career Day, it was full and she got shifted to the microbiologist who had just discovered a new archaebacteria in Africa.

“I came home saying I want to discover something,” she says. “When I got to New Mexico Tech, I told my dad about my first microbiology course, and he figured out the professor was the microbiologist who had inspired me at Career Day.”

A few years later, that microbiologist, Dr Thomas Kieft, offered her a position in his lab and she eventually earned her master’s with him researching the soils in Laguna. “He was my inspiration!” she says. “He’s my scientific mentor and I met him at SPX Career Day.”

Chavez credits St. Pius X science teachers Robert Lah, Joan Leyba, Deborah Green and Jonathan Ball for recognizing her love of science, opening doors for her and pushing her to excel. “My science teachers had an awareness; they saw that I was able and willing to soak it all in,” Chavez says.

Chavez started her Ph.D. program in Fall 2016 and hopes to complete it by 2022. “It depends on many factors — the success of experiments, your work being included in a high-impact publication, funding — all of those can launch you forward or hold you back,” she says.

She envisions working in clinical or industrial research in biophysics, but also sees a future in sharing her knowledge and giving back.

“My big passion is sharing science with other people,” says Chavez, who started a science day volunteering program in which New Mexico Tech students talked at local schools about science. “We have inquisitive minds in New Mexico, but we’re not always given access and opportunity. I want to give back in that way.

“There is so much opportunity for science in New Mexico,” Chavez adds. “We have such unique geology, minerals and plants. New Mexico has so much to offer, why shouldn’t it be studied and discovered by the people who know it most intimately? So while I want to make discoveries and publish papers, I also want to come back and share that. My parents pushed us to go into what we are passionate about; it would be cool if I could come back and be a part of that for someone else.”

Love of Science Leads to Biophysics

VALERIE PEREA As Valerie Perea ’14 begins her doctorate program this fall at The Scripps Research Institute, she’ll take many things with her — her bachelor’s degrees (summa cum laude) in biochemistry and Spanish, her recent lab work studying sugar as a drug delivery system, her experience as a high school senior competing at the international science fair, but most importantly, her faith.

“I think when you are a person of faith in science, you have more creativity,” Perea says. “You see things happening with a purpose and you understand this didn’t ‘just happen.’ That’s the thing I’m most glad I took from Pius, my faith experience.”

Knowing she’s a person of faith, fellow students seek her out at times “People ask me about it in my labs, I’ve even taken them to church,” she says.

She has stayed connected to her faith and to service by teaching catechism at St. Joseph of the Rio Grande parish with her mother, St. Pius math teacher Diana Perea. She also has continued the ideas of community service instilled

at SPX by serving as a mentor to women at the University of New Mexico navigating the college experience.

At St. Pius X High School, Perea was an instrumental member of the senior retreat team and qualified for the international science fair with a joint project on the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Also a talented artist and musician, she sang the National Anthem to start St. Pius athletic events and earned the SPX Fine Arts department’s Renaissance Award.

Continued on Page 8 St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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Perea appreciates the impact of SPX science teachers Debora Green and Rebecca Giron and their passion for science and for asking better questions. She also credits the influence of social studies teacher Dan Cappleman. “He demanded that we have respect for each other, for the subject and for the classroom; he carries himself in a way I admire,” she says.

Perea began her undergraduate years at UNM as a pre-med major, but a literal change in path changed her career path. A construction project in one building moved her lab class into another and placed her near the office of UNM’s Initiative for Maximizing Student Development, a pre-Ph.D. program. The program offers financial support, scientific education, and mentoring to prepare students for graduate school in STEM-related fields.

The staff there introduced her to the program and talked to her about pursuing a doctorate. The idea took hold. “It was a hard decision because I was really changing my course from med school,” she says. “I decided (by realizing) that I got frustrated with the idea of being able to prescribe (as a doctor) but not being able to work on causes and cures for disease.”

Last summer Perea took part in a program for undergrads at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif., studying circadian biology and how disrupting the sleep cycle could cause disease. At the 2018 UNM Department of Biology Annual Research Day, Perea received an honorable mention award for her oral presentation on that work titled “Identifying Substrates of Circadian Clock Regulated CRY1 or CRY2 Dependent SCF-FBXL3 Mediated Degradation.”

Living Faith and Science

For fourth-year medical student Eric Rightley ’09, giving back to St. Pius X High School rejuvenates him as he pursues a medical career and encourages high school students considering the field of medicine with the MD2B Club.

“It’s fun to go back to high school and be around people fresh and excited about medicine,” he says. “Med school is taxing and cumbersome, so having an outlet like this reminds you of how excited you were to go to med school.”

Rightley, with the help of science teacher Brooke Landavazo and Gina Rightley An SPX student learns CPR. ’81, SPX Dorados coach and also his mother, started the MD2B Club this year for students interested in learning more about medical careers. Along with hearing from guest speakers, the club learned and taught compression-only CPR to the entire student body, faculty and staff during a day-long Project Heart Start NM training this spring. Providing the training was one of the pre-medical career club’s goals. The training included compression-only CPR, use of an AED, and what to do in a choking emergency.

For Rightley, training the club members, who would go on to train the entire school was an exciting prospect. “The chances of it being put to use are

ERIC RIGHTLEY multiplied by number of people who take class,” he said. “Someone may end up saving a life because of a friend who taught them.”

Rightley will continue to moderate the club in the coming year and hopes to get a field trip to the medical school on the club’s schedule. He’ll also be looking for other medical students and doctors to present and join in the effort.

Rightley earned a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology at Tulane University and started medical school at the University of New Mexico in 2015. He will graduate in 2019 and continue with a residency in internal medicine.

Learning about the reality of the path to a medical career is an important aspect of the club. “A lot of people want to be a doctor, but the path is really long and hard, and very trying,” he said. “A lot of people go into college saying they are pre-med without a full understanding of what that means.

It’s good to understand the reality of situation and be able to balance that out with the awesome things that you can do.”

Rightley’s decision to pursue a career in medicine came from what he calls the one epiphany in his life. As a junior at St. Pius X he was taking anatomy, enjoyed it and considered becoming a doctor. Then his friend, Cameron Ringer, was in a car accident and he later passed away from the trauma of the accident. “When we were all waiting in the ER, that was the deciding moment,” he says. “I was playing hockey at that point and I felt that same feeling of, ‘Just put me in, I’ve got to get in there.’ Life is too important to not be able to help. That was the moment.”

Med Student Gives Back to SPX

Tristani Retires

Jorge Tristani describes himself as visually oriented. That’s why he loves teaching AP Art History. It also may have impacted his stellar success as a coach in sports where vision is key.

Tristani retired this May after 35 years at St. Pius X High School. Along with art history, those 35 years include lesson plans for Spanish, Russian, 8

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

mechanical and architectural drawing, and photography, along with 15 state championships in boys soccer and one in boys golf.

Tristani came to teaching through soccer. An architect with a master’s degree from Columbia University, Tristani grew up in Puerto Rico with deep ties to New Mexico — he is the grandson of Dennis Chavez, New Mexico’s influential U.S. senator from 1931 to 1962. Tristani

made Albuquerque his home and was coaching club soccer in the city when he met a St. Pius parent who told him about the soccer position at SPX, a new sport for the school.

As he started coaching at St. Pius X, teaching vacancies in drafting and Spanish arose. “I became a teacher by accident,” he says. “That set of circumstances led me here; I didn’t plan that.”

Continued on Page 16

PlannedGiving Make St. Pius X High School a Lasting Part of Your Sartan Legacy It’s easy to give to future generations of St. Pius! Just use the following language in your estate planning to create a valued Sartan Legacy for generations to come.

They Have Plans for a Sartan Future.

I hereby direct for charitable purposes $_______________ (or ________ percent of my residual estate) (or ________ percent of my retirement plan) (or ________ percent of my life insurance policy) (or________ percent other, i.e., Charitable Trust, etc.) to the St. Pius X High School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, for the benefit of St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This gift shall be used for ______ General Purposes

______ Tuition Assistance

______ To support the existing endowment of ___________________________________________(Specify) ______ To create the ________________________________ Endowment as a permanent endowment for the benefit of St. Pius X High School. (Amount required to establish a permanent named endowment fund is $30,000.)

As with any decision involving your assets and/or estate, we urge you to seek the advice of your professional counsel when considering a gift to the St. Pius X High School Foundation, Albuquerque, NM. For Your Estate Plan For St. Pius X Foundation

St. Pius X High School Foundation Sartan Legacy Society Gift Notification

When you have named St Pius X in your estate plan, let us know! Inspire others with your generous example. Complete the following information and include it in the reply envelope.

I hereby notify the St. Pius X High School Foundation in Albuquerque, N.M., that I have named the Foundation as a beneficiary of my estate plan.

The estimated amount of my gift for charitable purposes is $__________________ (This dollar figure is optional for St. Pius X High School Foundation planning purposes — we will never disclose publicly any amounts you indicate in this notification.)

Should I change my intent toward the St. Pius X High School Foundation, or should the dollar value of my estimated estate gift significantly increase or decrease, I agree to notify the Foundation of the change.

I hope that my Sartan Legacy Society Gift Notification will encourage others to contribute, currently or through their own Estate Planning, to the St. Pius X High School Foundation for the benefit of St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, N.M. Signature(s) _____________________________________________________ Date __________________ ______ I/We wish to remain anonymous as a member of the St. Pius X High School Legacy Society. ______ Please list my/our names on the public roster of the St. Pius X High School Legacy Society as: _______________________________________

______________________________________

As with any decision involving your assets and/or estate, we urge you to seek the advice of your professional counsel when considering a gift to the St. Pius X High School Foundation, Albuquerque, NM.

We Have Plans for Future Sartans.

Darren Beckett Eddie Castoria ‘64 Ron Fernandez ‘84 Lonny Hurley ‘77 Michael A. Olivas ‘68 and Augustina H. Reyes Tony Pino ‘74 and Julie Pino ‘75 Chuck Reynolds ‘64 Marijo Rymer ‘64 Al Schubert ‘75 Frank Schubert ‘78 Joe Schubert ‘70 Please join us in creating a Legacy Plan for future generations of Sartans.

Some of us have designated percentages of our retirement plans, life insurances or life income trusts to St. Pius. Others have made dollar amount or percentage bequest provisions. All of us believe in a future where every aspiring Sartan family has the chance to experience the Catholic, values-based, college-preparatory education that only St. Pius X High School provides in Albuquerque.

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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Gutiérrez Elected Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez ’82 was elected by clergy and laity as the 16th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania in 2016. The diocese is the second-oldest Episcopal diocese in the U.S., founded in 1784, with 44,000 members and 145 parishes in Philadelphia and five surrounding counties. The election makes Gutiérrez the only U.S.-born Hispanic leading an Episcopal diocese today, and among the first in the church’s history.

Gutiérrez has a deep love and fondness for his time as a student at St. Pius X High School, remembering people like Fr. Andrews, Fr. Glass, Fr. Kline and Sr. Linda for their special presence. “We learned to live together and to know one another,” Gutiérrez said by phone from Philadelphia. “They prepared us not only for the world, but for service. There was an understanding and an expectation that more was required of us.”

Gutiérrez went on to the University of San Diego and then to the University of New Mexico to earn bachelor’s degrees in history and political science and a master’s degree in public administration.

“My college degrees, I have pride in accomplishing them,” Gutiérrez said. “But I think of St. Pius and there’s a place in my heart for my time there. It was a crucial time in my life that holds a place in my heart rather than a place on my wall.

“The focus on faith and focus on community really is something. Very few schools are able to both hold you and propel you out. Pius does that.

I’m proud to say I’m a graduate of St. Pius.”

D

2018Homecoming Monday, October 1 8:15 a.m.

Parade

Tuesday, October 2 8 a.m.

Homecoming Court Blessed at Mass

Wednesday, October 3 8 a.m.

Coronation

6-9 p.m.

Bonfire

Thursday, October 4 4-7 p.m.

Football Game, SPX v. Pojoaque, Milne Stadium

o you remember little Sol Gutierrez?

She certainly remembers SPX with great affection!

Sol is the little girl from Ecuador who visited St. Pius X in 2004 on her way to the first of what became nine back surgeries to correct her severe scoliosis. St. Pius X students raised over $12,500 to help pay for that first surgery, truly a loving gift. Without that generosity, she would not have grown up to be the vibrant, intelligent, talented young woman she is, whose greatest dream is to attend her beloved “San Pio” as a student — and become once again a part of the Pius family. In January 2019, that dream will come true.

St. Pius X has admitted Sol to attend SPX as a senior for the Spring 2019 semester, at the request of former St. Pius X teacher Lynne Franchini Peckinpaugh ’64. Sol will attend regular classes and be involved in student activities like music and choir. While Sol is here, there will be several opportunities to visit with her.

Alumni can again show her their love by helping to make the arrangements necessary to make her stay fulfilling and enjoyable.

Committee members Peckinpaugh, Eddie Castoria ’64 and Jenaya Hakeem Howard ’04 are working to make that happen. If you’d like to help, contact Castoria at nightjumper5@gmail.com to learn more.

One of the committee’s tasks will be to raise the funds to pay for Sol’s travel to and from Albuquerque and other expenses.

You can help now by donating directly to the Sol Gutierrez Fund at gofundme.com/sol-gutierrez-fund. You can also send checks payable to “Sol Gutierrez Fund” to Sol Gutierrez Fund c/o Eddie Castoria, Treasurer, 12509 Woodland Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Or go to any Wells Fargo Bank branch in the US and ask to make a donation to the Sol Gutierrez Fund.

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St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

1961

WHY A CHAPEL? We have so many other needs…why focus on a Chapel?

We’ve spent years working out of a portable Chapel that has seemed to serve our needs… why spend so much on a new one?

S

t. Pius X High School prides itself on the breadth and balance offered in its curriculum.

For those students interested in business and entrepreneurship, the school offers participation in the nationally recognized DECA program, allowing participants to plan and manage a business at all levels.

Our fine arts department provides space and resource devoted to concentrations spanning from visual arts to music theory to dance. The St. Pius X STEM lab promotes educational excellence in key academic disciplines whose importance grows greater and greater.

While vital to our purpose, our continued emphasis on providing an unparalleled educational experience only addresses one half of our mission. It is imperative that we offer this education on a campus centered around faith and community, serving God and others as our founders first intended. And while our spirit of love and respect lives within each one of our students, we have woefully lacked a proper space to grow and recognize this essential component of a Catholic education.

Just as we have classrooms devoted to individual educational discipline, is it not as equally important to have a classroom committed to religion and reflection?

One of the most impactful places to teach children

faith is in a church; a permanent symbol of what defines a Sartan and one demonstrating the emphasis we place on faith and the sacraments. For far too long, the construction of a chapel on campus has been an afterthought.

Accordingly, we have prioritized the construction of a chapel as the first phase in a long-term development plan for St. Pius X High School. The “Keeping The Promise” capital campaign continues the hard work started by a handful of our most supportive and devout constituents and will honor these efforts by putting a shovel in the ground in the months to come.

While this chapel will finally become a reality, the support of the community is of critical importance so that we may not just address this project, but so that we may begin the necessary improvements elsewhere on campus.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with this project by reading the pages that follow, and should you have any further questions, reach out to any member of our campaign cabinet listed herein. In time, we will be personally inviting every member of the St. Pius X family to invest in generations of Sartans to come.

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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T

ony Pino ’74 has graciously agreed to serve as the General Chair for St. Pius X’s “Keeping The Promise” Capital Campaign. We sat down with Tony to learn more about his passion and commitment for Sartans past, present and future.

What is your relationship to SPX? I am the first of seven in my family to attend St. Pius X. Jesus Gonzales Aller (’75), a foreign exchange student from Spain, also lived with our family while he attended St Pius for two years. My wife Julie (Lyle) Pino (’75) is one of six in her family to attend. Our boys Lyle (’00) and Curtis (’02) also attended.

Julie’s parents, Tom and Janet Lyle, were early supporters of St. Pius, joining the 190 or so families in making at least a $1,000 donation to help the archdiocese buy the property where the original campus in Albuquerque’s Uptown was built. My dad was President of the St. Pius School Board in the late ’70s and early ’80s when the faculty retirement program was established.

Why is St. Pius X important to you?

St. Pius X has played an important role in giving our family the foundation and passion to be successful in life while also teaching us to be thoughtful and caring people. I have found this to be a common theme among so many community leaders – both in Albuquerque and beyond – who either personally attended St. Pius or have had children attend the school.

Why did you accept the position/responsibility of serving as the campaign general chair?

I accepted the position because I believe that the all the goals of the school’s long-term plans are attainable. I’m confident in the generosity of people who have benefited from St. Pius.

Specifically, I see the chapel as a project that will set the tone for success in all fundraising endeavors, providing an opportunity for me and others to give back in a very significant way.

Why is a chapel important?

Having a dedicated and worthy place of prayer on campus demonstrates the importance we place on our faith and the sacraments. Just having a beautiful chapel on campus will remind us of the presence of the Lord.

What would you tell an incoming freshman/family who is considering attending St. Pius X High School?

I would tell an incoming freshman that they are blessed to have the opportunity to attend the best high school in Albuquerque.

If you apply yourself, you will graduate with the confidence and moral character you need to be successful at whatever you choose to do when you graduate. I would encourage the students and their parents to “go all in”; participate in sports, drama, music and all that the school has to offer.

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St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

While believing “where two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is among us”, we regularly offer prayer throughout the campus and come together as a Catholic community to celebrate Mass in the auditorium. Neither St. Pius X High School nor the neighboring Archdiocesan Center hosts a sacred place or Chapel for our community to celebrate the sacraments, explore and absorb the Gospel message, offer comfort, or simply be a place of quiet prayer and meditation in the sacramental presence of Jesus. It is time to build an appropriate chapel as a focal point on our campus for our school community, our alumni, neighbors, friends, the Catholic community and all who care to worship with the St. Pius X family.

To seek to live in harmony and sustainably with the Earth is a guiding concept of the design. Every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature, whether an ordinary sunrise, a starling on a power line, a tree in a park, or a cloud in the sky, a view of the river or the mountains. Accordingly, the design of

Perhaps as important as any feature, this the Chapel itself is informed by its context design will preserve as much of the view to within nature, within the Rio Grande Valley, the east from the main campus as possible adjacent to the Sandia Mountains and in the by moving the Chapel site as far south as path of the flowing Rio Grande River. In the possible. The view to the east presence of these natural is an incredible asset valued by elements the Chapel is in the many and recalled by alumni. peaceful presence of nature To seek to live It is an asset that needs to be and the Creator. in harmony and preserved to the greatest extent sustainably with possible.

During the design process, it was deemed important the Earth is a Not only will the Chapel to have the Chapel situated guiding concept in a prominent location provide a sense of connection of the design. to the foundation of a Sartan of the overall campus education, but it will provide plan, reflective of its status a sense of connection with and place in Catholic the city as well. As the only Catholic high education. Located just off the main axis of school in Albuquerque, it is crucial that, as the orthogonal campus layout, it becomes a a community, we work together to ensure strong element within the composition of the the future success campus, defining and providing a terminus on the east edge of the campus. The chapel of this cornerstone institution, St. Pius X will be seen from miles around, visible as you High School. enter the site from both St. Joseph’s drive and when traveling south on Coors beginning at JOE MUHLBERGER Montano and west on Interstate 40.

Architect, Class of ’78

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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CAMPAIGNPrayer od our Father, we ask you to bless us and inspire us as we strive to build a house of prayer to your honor and glory at St. Pius X High School. Fill us with the spirit of your Son, Jesus Christ, who was aflame with zeal for the “House of the Lord.” Send us the Holy Spirit to fill us with the gift of wonder and awe in your presence, a presence that will dwell in our new chapel, guiding us and blessing us for generations to come. Touch the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them a spirit of generosity, remembering that a “day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Loving Father of us all, look kindly on our chapel development campaign, granting our humble petition through Christ our Lord. Amen. –Archbishop Wester

COMMEMORATIVEOpportunities Your gift to St. Pius X will make a lasting difference for generations of Sartans to come.

You may be interested in a naming opportunity to commemorate your gift or the collective gift of your family. A gift may also be made in honor or in memory of someone as a lasting tribute. Your gift may be recognized by names on a plaque or donor wall.

MAIN ENTRANCE

EXTERIOR GARDEN

TABERNACLE

SACRISTY

EXTERIOR GARDEN BENCHES/ SEATING

CHAPLAIN’S OFFICE

CAMPAIGNLeadership Honorary Chairs Archbishop John C. Wester Mayor Tim Keller ’96 General Chair Mr. Tony Pino ’74

CHIMES/BELLS For additional information concerning these commemorative opportunities, please call Bobby Wallace, Director of Advancement, at 505.831.8423.

Campaign Cabinet Mr. Pat Arguelles ’78 Mrs. Dalia Baca ’91 Mr. Roberto Espat Mr. Ron Hensley Mrs. Mary Jury ’79 Mr. Scott Lardner ’79 Mr. Carlos Martinez ’65 Mr. Justin Taibbi ’94 Mr. Alan Vincioni ’75 Foundation Board President Mr. Joe DeBlassie Development Counsel Steier Group

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St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

SPXSports Sartan Champions in Golf and Track Sartan Girls Golf took the Class 5A State Championship with a 23-shot victory. The first-time champs put up a season record of nine tournament wins and were District 5-5A champs. Earning All-State honors were Ashlee Garrett and Cindy Herrera. Named All-District were Ashlee Garrett, Kori Tellez, Sarah Brown and Jordan Martindale.

Aidan Thomas is the individual Boys Golf 5A State Champion.

He shot a 4-under 68 on the tournament’s second day and finished at 5-under to win it by 8 shots.

Track and Field brought home four individual state championships from the 5A State Meet: Ava Gervais, triple jump, 36-06.50; Arianna Martinez, fourth straight high jump state championship, 5’4”; and Haley Rizek, 300m hurdles and javelin. Rizek also broke a state record among all classes during her preliminary 100m hurdle run at 14.39 seconds.

The SPX Dorados Dance Team was named the 5A State Runner Up at the NMAA Spirit State Championship. This is the second year in a row that the Dorados have brought home the red trophy.

At the 5A State Wrestling Tournament, Steven Sanchez, Diego Pavia and Matthew Sanchez each placed second in their class. Coach Damacio Page was awarded District 5-5A Coach of the Year Award. At the District Tournament, Diego Pavia and Steven Sanchez placed first and Teddy Coyle, Christian Solis and Robbie Espat placed third.

Baseball beat Deming 12-2 to reach the semifinal game of the 5A State Championship, where they fell 9-7 to Farmington. The team ended ranked third in the state with a 19-10 record. Named First Team All-District were Mason Ashcraft, Josh Lackner, Jake McCoy, Ryan McGaha, Grant Smith and Hayden Walker; Second Team All-District Austin Jaramillo and Nate Sanchez; and Honorable Mention Mike Statzula and Brayden Peyton.

Girls Basketball advanced to the 5A State Tournament quarterfinals to meet Kirtland Central, but suffered a 46-42 loss. They finished with a 19-9 record. Taylor Reed was a First Team All-District selection and was selected to play in the 5A/6A North/South basketball game. Katrina Kelley and Maya Trujillo were Second Team All-District selections.

Boys Basketball advanced to the quarterfinals of the 5A State

Tournament to meet Espanola Valley, but lost 61-41. The team finished with a 16-11 record. Players named All-District: Daniel Vigil, Matthew Gonzalez and Nick Garcia.

Girls Tennis finished third in district with a record of 8-3. The team lost in the state tournament quarterfinals to Los Alamos 5-4.

Alexis Acosta and Christine Bui finished third in district in doubles and fourth in the state tournament.

Boys Tennis also finished third in district with a 6-6 record. They lost in the state quarterfinals to Albuquerque Academy.

SPX Cheer placed sixth at the 5A Spirit State Championship.

The team earned third place awards at the SXW Competition and the Cleveland Challenge.

Boys Swimming placed second at the Santa Fe Prep Griffin Invite.

Girls Swimming placed second at the Bill Hudson Memorial Invitational in Los Alamos.

Softball ended the year with an overall record of 4-23 and a district record of 1-7.

St. Pius X High School athletes signed letters of intent to play college sports at a school assembly on April 25, including eight signing to attend Division I universities. They are: Alexis Acosta, Wheaton College (Division III), Tennis; Brooke Bower, University of Texas at Austin (Division I), Dance; Julia Chavez, Trinidad State Junior College (NJCAA), Volleyball; Calvin Dexel, Oklahoma Christian University (Division II), Swimming; Julian Garcia, University of New Mexico (Division I), Soccer; Ashlee Garrett, Long Island University Brooklyn (Division I), Golf; Miranda Hart, Michigan State University (Division I), Soccer; Cindy Herrera, Missouri Western State University (Division II), Golf; Alyssa Marquez, Our Lady of the Lake University (NAIA), Volleyball; Arianna Martinez, United States Air Force Academy (Division I), Track & Field; Bryan Martinez, Regis University (Division II), Cross Country; Jordan Martindale, Mars Hill University (Division II), Golf; Alex Nana, Grand Canyon University (Division I), Soccer; Nicole Peery, California State Dominguez Hills (Division II), Volleyball; Jacqueline Pinon, Vanderbilt University (Division I), Cross Country/Track & Field; Haley Rizek, University of Pennsylvania (Division I), Track & Field; and Nicolas Santistevan, Concordia University Nebraska (NAIA), Football.

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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In Memory Christopher Andrews of Albuquerque died Sept. 20, 2017.

He is survived by his father Chuck Andrews ’65 and wife Dian, and mother Patsy McGovern ’65.

David ’86; 10 grandchildren including Adam Burnett ’06, Kevin Burnett ’08, Amanda Graham ’10, and Christopher Graham ’13; and two great-grandchildren.

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Linda Chavez, age 91, died April 19, 2018. She entered religious life on Sept. 7, 1947, and was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 70 years.

She taught at St. Pius X High School in her hometown of Albuquerque from 1969 to 1989 and was inducted into the St. Pius X Hall of Honor in 2004. She survived by her sister, Priscilla Chavez.

David Michael Graston, age 51 of Albuquerque, died Dec. 31, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Victoria; and his sons, Jacob ’18 and Miguel.

Thomas (Tom) H. Cozart, age 77 of Albuquerque, died Feb. 25, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosemary (Tanny) Cozart; and his two children, Kristin Cozart South ’83 and Sean Thomas Cozart ’96.

Dr. James D. Cramer, age 80 of Albuquerque, died Dec. 28, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Geraldine (Geri) Cramer; and his children, their spouses, and their children: Karen (Cramer) Bovee ’80, Kevin Bovee, Eric Cramer ’82, Denise Cramer, Jessica Bovee ’07, Michael Bovee ’10, Taylor Cramer and Ryan Cramer.

Richard Lynn Donaldson II, “Dickie,” age 76 of Albuquerque, died Jan. 4, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Donaldson ’63; daughters Mandy Donaldson Pitre ’93 and Jamie Mulville ’95; and three grandchildren.

Donald Fogg, age 88 of Albuquerque, died Jan. 6, 2018.

He is survived by daughter Ellen; sons, Alan ’75 and Thomas ’77, and nine grandchildren.

Joe R. G. Fulcher, age 89 of Sea Island, Georgia, died October 6, 2017. He is survived by daughters Joan Fulcher Bradley ’70, and Leslie Fulcher Cylke; sons Michael Lee ’72 and Charles ’79; five grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Ron Gattas of Albuquerque died Oct. 14, 2017. His survivors include Linda Gattas ’65, Stephen Gattas ’76 and Joyce Gattas ’63.

Ramon Michael Gonzales, age 62 of Albuquerque, died March 9, 2018. He is survived by Ross K. Henke, sisters Frances V. Gonzales ’68 and Patricia V. Vanderkrabben ’69.

Dorothy E. (Dottie) Graham, age 89 of Albuquerque, died Feb. 3, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Francis (Frank) Graham; their children, Rita Graham, Donna Burnett ’72, Paul ’75, Andrew ’78, Michael ’81, and

Tristani Retires Continued from Page 9

Tristani coached boys soccer from 1983 to 2006, producing nationally-ranked teams, 15 state championships and several High School All Americans including SPX current boys soccer coach A.J. Herrera, the 1998-99 Parade and NSCAA National Player of the Year.

“Coach Tristani is somebody that I have always looked up to,” Herrera says. “He holds himself and others to high standards and treats others with respect. He was instrumental in my 16

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

Alfred De Guio, age 85 of Albuquerque, died Feb. 2, 2018.

He is survived by his three children, Fred, Chris and his wife Deidre ’84, and Lisa; five grandchildren including Benjamin ’15, Chase ’17, and Christy De Guio ’20.

GC Hollowwa, age 97 of Albuquerque, died Feb. 20, 2018.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara; two sisters, Josephine Bridges and Naomi Hollowwa; sons Kerwin ’70, Chris and John; daughter Barbara ’68; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Virginia Q. Lujan age 86 of Albuquerque, died March 29, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Edward Lujan; children, Larry Lujan ’72, LouAnne Byrd ’74, Jerry Lujan ’77, and Joe Lujan ’79; 10 grandchildren including Joe Lujan ’00, John Lujan ’03, Jake Lujan ’08, Josh Lujan ’09, Kelley Lujan ’10 and Jared Lujan ’14; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Geraldine Ortiz Meyer ’64 died Jan. 21, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 30 years Michael Meyer, three sons, Isidro, Steve and Duane, sister Lorraine Sanchez and brothers Fred and Michael.

Arturo Montoya, age 80 of Albuquerque, died Feb. 21, 2018.

His survivors include his children Liz Lucero, Carmen DuPree, and Art Montoya; grandchildren Vanessa Lucero ’04, Dominic Lucero ’08, Breanne (DuPree) DeHerrera ’08, Eddie, Amber Dupree ’12, Justin, Gabe Montoya ’12 and Diego; and four great-grandchildren.

Thalia Ritschel, age 92 of Aurora, Colo., died March 25, 2018.

Thalia is survived by her daughter Katherine Ward; her son Dennis Ritschel ’79; and two grandchildren.

Dr. Mario A. Rivera, age 70 of Albuquerque, died Dec. 22, 2017. His survivors include his wife of 30 years, Ana V. Rivera; and three daughters, Alyssa ’06, Sara ’08, and Gabriella ’15.

Albuquerque District Court Judge Rozier Edmond Sanchez, age 86 of Albuquerque, died Dec. 22, 2017. He is survived

development as a player and I owe much of my success to him. I am grateful to call him my mentor and even more grateful to call him my friend.”

Tristani, who was inducted into the 2006 Albuquerque/New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame, also coached boys golf from 2004 to 2018 and earned a state championship in 2016. This year St. Pius X junior Aiden Thomas earned the 5A boys golf individual state crown.

Tristani also is known for his artwork:

by his wife of 61 years, Victoria; five children, Mary Sanchez-Lanier ’75, Carol Johansen ’76, Robert ’79, Catherine Praiswater ’82 and Linda Vigil ’84; eight grandchildren including Rachel A. Johansen ’05 and Christopher J. Johansen ’08, and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Priscilla Fortune Sanchez and his brother Archbishop Robert Fortune Sanchez.

Sean Michael Sategna ’95, age 41 of Albuquerque, died March 31, 2018.

Antonin Klement Josef Smrcka, age 86 of Albuquerque, died Aug. 14, 2017. He was a science teacher at St. Pius X High School in the 1970s. He is survived by his daughter Julienne.

Eleanor M. Sullivan, age 80 of Albuquerque, died Nov. 15, 2017. She was an English teacher at St. Pius X from 1981 to 1984. She is survived by her children Donald J. Sullivan ’83, Theresa Mary Sullivan Mooney ’84 and James K. Sullivan ’87, and three grandchildren.

Norman Smith Thayer, Jr., age 84 of Albuquerque, died March 2, 2018. His survivors include his wife, Martha Ann Thayer, his son, Murray Norman Thayer ’83 and daughter-in-law Annette DiLorenzo Thayer ’84.

Gabriel Jude Kolbe Tudor age 24 of Rochester, Minn., died Dec. 15, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother Michelle Vison ’80 and his brother, Jacob Schmader. His survivors include his parents, Dr. Gregory and Mary Beth Tudor; and 11 siblings.

John “Mark” Wiesen II, age 68 of Albuquerque, died Nov. 14, 2017. He is survived by sons John Mark “Trey” Wiesen III and Charles W. “Chas” Wiesen; siblings, Julianne Kubick, Nancy Barry ’65, Mary Beth Corgan, Jim Wiesen, and Kathy Wiesen Sanchez; and his girlfriend, Dolores Maria Vigil.

Richard Michael Wing, age 81 of Albuquerque, died Nov. 3, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia; children Richard Wing ’77, Cindy Wing ’78, Dennis, James (Therese Wing ’79), Mary ’82, Billy, and Patrick; 17 grandchildren including Vincent G. Wing ’12; and four great-grandchildren.

Send your “In Memory” contributions to msais@spxabq.org.

photogravure printmaking. The Albuquerque Art Business Association named him a Local Treasure in its celebration of artists who excel and give back to their communities. Retirement will allow him to spend more time at the print shop.

Tristani says he will miss his students and fellow teachers. “I never felt like I was coming to work,” he says. “I was coming to have fun and see the kids try to learn something. It never felt like a chore.”

AlumniNotes 1990s Ryan Pate, MD ’95, has joined the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine as chief of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery and assistant professor of surgery. He is a member of SIU Medicine, the school’s group practice.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is also a member of the International Congress for Joint Reconstruction.

Daniel Gallegos ’96 will run for judge on the New Mexico Court of Appeals during the November general election. He is seeking the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Jonathan Sutin. Recommended for the appointment to the appellate court by the bipartisan New Mexico Judicial Nominating Commission, Gallegos has served at the N.M. Court of Appeals as a staff attorney, as an assistant district attorney in the 13th and 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s offices, and in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. He is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve JAG Corps, and is a veteran of three deployments. He earned his B.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, his M.S. from the University of New Mexico, and his J.D., cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School.

2000s Chris Brennan ’04 with his band Reviva produced the song and music video “Take Me Away,” presenting situations faced by undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe called attention to the song in February to tell the story of undocumented youth brought to the U.S. by parents. Brennan is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Peace Studies program, and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and educator who spent much of his service on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. He wrote a grant proposal and received a Fulbright scholarship for Reviva to go to Nicaragua for an exchange of music and culture. The band members played several concerts and gave music lessons to the youth there and donated instruments.

Actor and filmmaker Lauren Myers ’04 in 2017 and 2018 played supporting roles in the films 12 Strong, The Space Between Us, and Only the Brave. Among a long list of credits,

she also played Jeannie on the television series Manhattan and appeared in an episode of Better Call Saul.

2010s Caitlyn Martinez ’14 is a four-year letterwinner on the 31-4 Regis University volleyball team that made it to the NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship Tournament in 2017, losing in the quarterfinals. Martinez earned 2017 All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Second Team honors, was named to the 2014 RMAC Tournament All-Tournament Team and made the 2017 Academic All-RMAC Honor Roll.

Elias Limon ’15 broke the Colorado School of Mines men’s school indoor record for the 200M in February with a time of 21.67. He now holds indoor program records in the 60-meter dash (6.89), 200-meters and 4x400-meter relay (3:13.66).

2018Reunions Class of 1968

50th Reunion – July 7-8 Contact: Michael Olivas at molivas@uh.edu or (713) 743-2078

Class of 1978

40th Reunion – July 14-15 Contact: Cory-Jeanne Houck-Cox at cjhouck_nm@yahoo.com, Jackie Sanchez at ucjackie@gmail.com, Chris Gillooly Lardner at christinel@nmhi.com, Joann Keleher Wylie at joannkw@att.net or Frank Schubert at frankdschubert@gmail.com

Class of 1983

35th Reunion – June 29-30 Contact Roxanne (C’deBaca) Burgos at roxanne.burgos@gmail.com or Lori (Martinez) Stewart at lstewbage@yahoo.com

Class of 1988

30th Reunion – August 3-5 Contact Rob Rock at robert.rock@sbcglobal.net or 310-592-5548 or search for the ’88 Facebook page

Class of 1993

25th Reunion – July 7 Contact Sofia Marrufo at sofiamarrufo@hotmail.com or search www.eventbright.com

Class of 1998 20th Reunion – August 3-5 Contact: Mark Solomon at msolomon14@gmail.com or search for the ’98 Facebook page

Class of 2008 Distance runners Julie Gianinni ’14, University of San Diego, and Kelli Reagan ’14, Yale University, met up running this spring.

Both graduated this May. Share your news! Send your Alumni Notes to the editor at msais@spxabq.org

10-Year Reunion – Sept. 14-15 Contact Jenelle (Moya) Carbajal at jenellechan26@gmail.com or search for the ’08 Facebook page

Visit saintpiusx.com/alumni/reunions for more information and links to all this summer’s reunions.

St. Pius X Connections • SUMMER 2018

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For alumni, donors and friends of St. Pius X High School SUMMER | 2018

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CONNECTIONS St. Pius X High School 5301 St. Joseph’s Drive NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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SPX Jamie Tinnin

For the benefit of the St. Pius X High School Foundation and the Rotary Del Sol Foundation.

Memorial Shootout 18

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27, 20 r e b o t c O , y a e Date: Saturd

Join us on Saturday, October 27, for the 2nd Annual SPX Jamie Tinnin Memorial Clay Shootout at Tinnin Hunt Club in Bernardo, NM. For more information regarding volunteering, sponsorships or team registration contact the SPX Advancement and Alumni office at 505-831-8406.