The SpiritMagazine - Fall 2026 by St. Laurence Catholic School

THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2025-2026 The 2025-2026 school year was one of celebration, gratitude, and countless blessings for St. Laurence Catholic School. Inspired by our parish's 40th Anniversary theme, "Let the Church Say AMEN!" our students, faculty, staff, families, and supporters came together to celebrate God's faithfulness while continuing to build upon the strong foundation that has shaped our school for generations. Throughout the year, our Saints excelled in the classroom, served our community with joyful hearts, showcased their many talents, strengthened their faith, and created memories that will last a lifetime. As you look back through these highlights, we hope you will join us in saying "Amen" for another remarkable year and for the many ways God continues to bless St. Laurence Catholic School.

Saints Summer Social & Signing Day New Saints officially joined the St. Laurence family during our annual Saints Summer Social and Saints Signing Day. It was a day filled with excitement, new friendships, and the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Thank You Knights of Columbus! The Knights of Columbus generously donated their time and muscle to help the Advancement Office relocate storage supplies from an off-campus unit to a new oncampus space, reducing expenses and helping SLCS be a good steward of its resources.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP At the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston's annual Opening Schools Mass and Convocation, our incredible principal, Mrs. Suzanne Barto, was honored with the Archdiocesan Leadership Award. This esteemed recognition is presented annually to an outstanding leader who advances the mission of Catholic education by uniting people, programs, and purpose. Mrs. Barto exemplifies these qualities each day through her faithful leadership, unwavering dedication to our school community, and steadfast commitment to the success of every student. We are grateful for the countless ways she serves our students, faculty, staff, and families, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.

Back to School A new school year began with bright smiles and eager hearts! Students returned to campus excited to reconnect with friends, meet new teachers, and begin another unforgettable year at St. Laurence Catholic School.

Saints say AMEN! to the Annual Fund The 2025–2026 Annual Fund officially kicked off with smiles, Saints pride, and plenty of "AMEN!" Students celebrated the generosity that strengthens St. Laurence Catholic School year after year.

Continuing Fr. Drew's Legacy Following the passing of Fr. Drew on September 12, 2024, his family established the Fr. Drew Memorial Scholarship to honor his extraordinary legacy of faith, service, and love for the St. Laurence community. Fr. Drew faithfully served as pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church for 25 years and celebrated 50 years of priestly ministry, touching countless lives through his compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to Catholic education. Awarded annually, the scholarship provides tuition assistance to a current St. Laurence Catholic School family who demonstrates financial need while actively living their Catholic faith through parish involvement, service to others, and a commitment to Catholic education. During the 2025–2026 school year, the Hamm family (Alex Hamm, class of 2027) was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Fr. Drew Memorial Scholarship. Deeply involved in both the parish and school communities, the Hamm family exemplifies the faithfilled values Fr. Drew cherished throughout his ministry. Mrs. Hamm also joined the SLCS faculty during the 2025–2026 school year, making this inaugural award especially meaningful. The establishment of the Fr. Drew Memorial Scholarship ensures that his legacy will continue to impact St. Laurence Catholic School students and families for generations to come.

Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally School spirit was on full display during the annual Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally. Students enjoyed performances, music, and a special appearance by Orion, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys mascot, who challenged Leo to a spirited dance competition.

SLCS Open House The annual SLCS Open House welcomed prospective families to campus for a firsthand look at the St. Laurence Catholic School experience. Guests toured the school, met teachers and staff, visited classrooms, and joined our community for the SLCS Family Mass.

Saints Give Week Saints Give Week is a beloved St. Laurence Catholic School tradition that celebrates the many ways we are called to be good stewards. Throughout the week, students explored the gifts of Time, Talent, Treasure, Thanksgiving, and Trust, learning that generosity is about serving God and others each day.

TEFA Lunch & Learn More than 100 members of the St. Laurence community attended a free Lunch & Learn featuring Dr. Mazie McCoy, Superintendent of the Catholic Schools Office, to learn more about the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). Families enjoyed an informative presentation about the program and its opportunities for students, followed by a complimentary lunch generously sponsored by the Valerio family.

Saints Slam The inaugural Saints Slam tipped off another exciting Auction & Gala season! Hosted by the generous Rochestie family at One World Academy, families enjoyed basketball games, skills and drills, and plenty of fun while building excitement for the months leading up to Saints Kaleidoscope.

ASC Family Survey Who says surveys can't be fun? The Advisory School Council turned heads at afternoon carpool by sporting inflatable costumes to remind families to complete the annual family survey. The lighthearted campaign made for a memorable afternoon and highlighted the importance of hearing every family's voice.

Week of the Young Child Laughter, imagination, and discovery filled the Early Childhood Campus during Week of the Young Child! Students celebrated with an exciting lineup of activities, including the ECC Carnival, a fun "Mother Goose" performance, and hands-on experiences that showcased the fun and importance of learning through play.

Principal/Teacher for the Day Teacher for the Day and Principal for the Day continue to be two of the most anticipated Auction & Gala experiences! Students love taking charge of the classroom (or school!), making morning announcements, visiting classes, leading lessons, enjoying a special lunch, and experiencing a day of fun-filled leadership, all while supporting the mission of St. Laurence Catholic School.

New Parent Mix & Mingle Each spring, our newest St. Laurence Catholic School families are welcomed to campus for the annual New Parent Mix & Mingle. Parents have the opportunity to learn about everything from uniforms and BASC to carpool procedures and volunteer opportunities, while meeting school leaders, connecting with other new families, and beginning friendships that will last for years to come.

Hosting the Catholic Schools Office Legacy Luncheon On January 21, 2026, St. Laurence Catholic School had the distinct honor of hosting the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic Schools Office Legacy Luncheon. This annual event celebrates Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese that are observing milestone anniversaries and brings together school leaders for a day of fellowship and recognition. SLCS proudly welcomed Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S., Catholic Schools Office leadership, and representatives from the honored schools. Our talented student choir and band provided beautiful musical entertainment throughout the luncheon, while Churrascos and the Deshon family generously donated the meal and exceptional service. The SLCS PTO helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful decorations, showcasing the hospitality and spirit of our school community. Hosting the Legacy Luncheon was a tremendous privilege and an opportunity to highlight the welcoming spirit and excellence of St. Laurence Catholic School as we prepare to celebrate our own milestone anniversary.

Freedom Shrine Dedication One of the highlights of Catholic Schools Week was the dedication of St. Laurence Catholic School's new Freedom Shrine, a lasting gift from the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Texas (ECSL) that will inspire generations of Saints to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the responsibilities that come with them. The Freedom Shrine features beautifully preserved replicas of many of America's most significant historical documents and serves as an educational resource that encourages patriotism, civic responsibility, and a spirit of service. The dedication ceremony brought together students, faculty, families, community leaders, veterans, and members of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Texas for a meaningful celebration. Principal Suzanne Barto welcomed guests, while Student Council members led the opening prayer. Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon presented the official Catholic Schools Week 2026 Proclamation, and students proudly participated in a Flag Ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a stirring performance of the National Anthem by the 7th and 8th grade band and choir. The event also celebrated the strong partnership between St. Laurence Catholic School and the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Texas. During the ceremony, the school received a flag that had flown during the Exchange Club's 2025 Field of Honor in memory of Fr. Drew Wood, beloved pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church. Presented to the school by Exchange Club President Juli Fournier, the flag now holds a permanent place on campus as a tribute to Fr. Drew's legacy and the shared values of faith, service, and community. Dr. David Lanagan, a longtime member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Texas, also shared remarks during the dedication, emphasizing the importance of preserving our nation's history and passing those lessons on to future generations. The celebration concluded with a

spirited performance by the SLCS cheerleaders as Catholic Schools Week festivities continued. St. Laurence Catholic School extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Texas for this generous gift and to everyone who helped make the dedication possible. The Freedom Shrine will remain a lasting reminder of the blessings of liberty and the call to live as faithful, responsible citizens, inspiring our students to honor the past while helping shape the future.

Annual Alumni Mass SLCS welcomed back more than 40 alumni to our annual Alumni Mass in May. See additional alumni updates on page 60.

Grade Level Spelling Bee Winners The annual St. Laurence Catholic School Spelling Bee challenges students to think quickly and stay composed under pressure while showcasing the results of weeks of hard work. After advancing through classroom competitions, students compete in elementary and middle school divisions, with the top finishers earning the opportunity to represent SLCS at the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee. This year's competition featured an unforgettable moment in the 3rd–5th grade division, where sisters Aanya and Mila Joseph battled through an incredible 37 rounds before a champion was crowned - a testament to their perseverance and preparation. Whether competing for a championship or taking the microphone for the very first time, every participant demonstrated courage, determination, and a love of learning. We proudly congratulate our winners and celebrate every student who embraced the challenge and represented St. Laurence Catholic School with excellence. Thank you, judges: Jessica Bardin, Nicole Chelly, Terri Duncan, Sharon Ehrenkranz, Marisa Vela 1st Grade 1A, Castiel Sherin 1B, Vanessa Pascua 1C, Dylan Riel 2nd Grade 2A, Zachary Powell 2B, Ava Skye Casantosan 2C, Sofia Verde

3rd–5th Grades 1st Place, Aanya Joseph 2nd Place, Mila Joseph 3rd Place (tie), Sarah Powell, Catherine Weihe 6th–8th Grades 1st Place, Hudson Ho 2nd Place, Aaron Madhu 3rd Place, David Zeng

Oratorical Winners Each year, the St. Laurence Catholic School Oratorical Competition gives students the opportunity to strengthen one of life's most valuable skills: effective communication. Students in grades 1–8 memorize and present poems, speeches, or literary selections, progressing from classroom presentations to a school-wide competition. Our youngest Saints in Pre-K and Kindergarten also build confidence by sharing memorized pieces with classmates and parents during Week of the Young Child. Standing before an audience takes courage, and our students rise to the challenge with remarkable poise, preparation, and enthusiasm. Through this tradition, they learn to communicate with clarity, think critically, and present themselves with confidence — skills that will serve them well in high school, college, and beyond. We celebrate each participant for embracing this opportunity to grow, and we congratulate our school-wide winners for their outstanding performances and commitment to excellence.

1st & 2nd Grade Winners 1st Place, Miguel Escudero, Eliza Vela 2nd Place, Charlotte Wade 3rd Place, Noah Bardin

5th & 6th Grade Winners 1st Place, Aaron Madhu 2nd Place, Hudson Ho 3rd Place, Hanna Stephens, Skylar Li

3rd & 4th Grade Winners 1st Place, Camila Sanchez 2nd Place, Theo Olfindo, Alex Moncada, Camila Jodlowski 3rd Place, Austin Dunbar

7th & 8th Grade Winners 1st Place, Amalia Herrera Lopez 2nd Place, Madeleine Chang 3rd Place, Trevor Le

SLCS BAND CELEBRATES A SUPERIOR YEAR Mrs. McNeil, Band Director

It was an award-winning year for the SLCS Band! Throughout the year, our talented musicians shared their musical gifts at pep rallies, Grandparents Day, the Festive Sweater Christmas Concert, Heritage Day, the CSO Legacy Luncheon, the Spring Concert, and other special events. From classic rock favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” to multicultural selections from Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and America, our Saints had many opportunities to entertain audiences throughout the year. In December, five Saints, Andrew Dangel, Simon Nguyen, James Wyble, Alain Pinto, and John Weihe, earned placement in the ATSSB Region 13 Middle School Bands. This tremendous accomplishment gave the students the opportunity to perform in the Region Band Concert and Clinic in April. Our seventh and eighth grade Symphonic Band and Jazz Band truly had their day to shine at the Houston Symphonic Band Concert and Sight-Reading Contest in March. The Symphonic Band performed “Firedance,” “Ave Verum Corpus,” and “March of the Irish Guard,” earning a First Division (Superior) rating, the highest rating possible. The musicians followed that achievement with another First Division (Superior) rating in sight-reading, where students had just eight minutes to study a piece they had never seen before and only one opportunity to perform it. Judges praised the band’s “great musicality” and “confident sightreading.” The Jazz Band continued the success with performances of “Basin Street Blues,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” and “Moondance,” also earning a First Division (Superior) rating. Judges praised the musicians’ energy, beautiful sound, and impressive solos. One Saint made an especially strong impression on the panel: Val Garcia earned a medal for Outstanding Soloist. Congratulations, Val! We closed the year on a high note as the Band joined the SLCS Choir to perform the National Anthem at Constellation Field during the final week of classes. What a wonderful way to kick off summer and celebrate a phenomenal year of performances, honors, and awards! We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in 2026-2027 as our musicians take on new opportunities, including participation in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

LEOS CLUB Living a Legacy of Service At St. Laurence Catholic School, service is more than an expectation. It is a way of life. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Leos Club, where 125 seventh and eighth grade students dedicated their time, talents, and hearts to serving others throughout the 2025-2026 school year. As the youth branch of Lions Clubs International, the Leos Club provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This year alone, SLCS Leos contributed an incredible 1,300+ hours of service, volunteering before school, after school, in the evenings, and throughout many weekends. Their commitment reflects a genuine desire to live out the Gospel through acts of generosity and compassion. Whether preparing campus for school events, assisting with parish ministries, supporting the Advancement Office, or serving local organizations (such as Rainbow Room, GiGi's Playhouse, Mamie George, and the Lions Club), our Leos embraced every opportunity to help. No task was too big or too small. Behind countless events that make SLCS so successful are students quietly setting up chairs, greeting guests, packing donations, organizing supplies, serving meals, and lending helping hands wherever they are needed. The impact of the Leos Club extends far beyond the number of service hours completed. Through each project, students learn responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and the joy that comes from putting others first. They discover that even simple acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and in the strength of our community. We are incredibly proud of our Leos for modeling servant leadership and demonstrating what it truly means to be Saints in action. Their dedication continues to enrich St. Laurence Catholic School while inspiring others to answer the call to serve. Special appreciation goes to staff sponsors Jo Ann Vallot and Edward Lincecum for their tireless guidance of this organization. Camilo Abedrop Lainey Adair Sebastian Alcala Rhys Bailey Katie Baker Sarah Baker Audrey Barrey Sophie Barto Isabella Baudy Emma Beltran Adam Bradicich Natalie Bryant Sophia Bui Brody Byrne Iker Calatrava Elise Cass Esteban Castro Madeleine Chang Felipe Cividanes Erik Clowney Vera Cobb Isaiah Collado Matthew Correa Skylar Corson Andrew Dangel

Aubrey Drapp Kourtney Drapp Thomas Dye Gavin Fikac Eden Fotso Maximus Franciocci Valentino Garcia Daniel Garcia-Prats Marisa Garza Ainsley Gilliam Leah Gonzalez de Cosio Mackenzie Green Sebastian Green Erika Greer Jesus Guerra Thomas Hadley Alex Hamm Emma Hansen Eli Henkel Lincoln Hernandez William Hernandez Amalia Herrera Lopez Jack Hudson Luke Hudson Ashlynn Hull

Lewis Jamison Tyler Justice Alex Kelley Taim Khayat Caitlyn Kon Lila Lacy Josh Lapus April Lara Camille Lardizabal Henry Lasala Arryana Lauer Trevor Le Lexton Lee Weilong Lee Gabrielle Limbacher Scarlet Lin Susie Lincecum Evan Lo Andrew Lojo Stella Luster Molly Maddan Sophie Manuel Quintin Marinas Samantha Marinas Austin Mathews

Nina Maulit Ian Maysonet Ethan McBride Scarlett Mercker William Morehead Juliana Nero Simon Nguyen Zoey Ocampo Emma Ostera Adriana Panchamia Adrian Pereira Isabel Perez Claire Phillips Henry Pilkinton Alain Pinto Amelia Pittman Gabriella Ponce De Leon Ashlyn Raj Lucas Rebollido Isabella Resuriz Kelly Riepe Chiara Rivera Claire Rivera Joey Rys Victoria Salceda

Belinda Shi Sophia Simmons Nolan Sisley Avery Smith Lucas Tenorio AnnMary Tharayil Graham Thomas Kyler Thompson Catherine Torregoza Elijah Trevino Liam Vandermeer Abby Venegas Parker Vu Harrison Wade Walker Wade Catherine Waldron Gavin Wedemeier Mia Wehbe John Weihe Ethan Weldin Xavier Wilde Vada Wimberley Reese Winkler James Wyble Sophie Zambrano David Zeng

STUDENT PRESS CLUB The Voice of the Saints Founded in 2023 by SLCS alumna Jacqueline Lundy (Class of 2025), the Student Press Club gives middle school students the opportunity to become writers, reporters, editors, and storytellers through the publication of Voice of the Saints, the school's quarterly student newspaper. Under the guidance of advisor Mrs. Beth Dodson, the club meets five times each year to produce four editions of the newspaper. Open to students in grades 5 through 8, the club typically includes 12 to 22 members, led by four student officers. Student journalists research topics, conduct interviews, write articles, and collaborate to produce each issue. From teacher spotlights and school news to games, trivia, word searches, and features on school, parish, and community events, Voice of the Saints keeps our school community informed while showcasing the creativity and talents of its young journalists. Beyond creating a fun publication for students and families to enjoy, Student Press helps develop valuable skills in writing, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and journalism. Through every article and interview, these aspiring reporters gain confidence as they learn the importance of asking thoughtful questions, sharing accurate information, and telling the stories that make St. Laurence Catholic School such a special place.

CHESS CLUB SLCS chess players proudly represented our school at the 28th North/Central Texas Grade Championship, demonstrating incredible focus, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the threeday tournament. Our Saints delivered an outstanding performance across multiple grade levels. Everett Laqua won three of his six games in the 2nd grade competition. Gabriel Ozoh and Otavio Carrillo earned 6th place as a 3rd grade school team, while Byron Grisham, Elly Wong, and Nellie Bishay placed 5th in the 4th grade division. Clare Torregoza, Isabelle Hardison, Natalie Bishay, and Sarah Powell earned an impressive 4th place finish as a 5th grade team, and Skylar Li and Zoe Wong placed 6th in the 6th grade division. Zoe also tied for 7th place individually!

ACADEMIC DECATHLON EXCELLENCE Congratulations to Hudson Ho, Skylar Li, Adam Ramirez, and Aiden McMahan for representing St. Laurence Catholic School with excellence at the 2026 Academic Decathlon! These dedicated students devoted countless hours outside the classroom to studying and preparing for the competition, demonstrating an impressive commitment to academic achievement. We are especially proud to recognize three Saints who earned individual awards: Adam Ramirez, 3rd Place, Social Studies Aiden McMahan, 3rd Place, Science Hudson Ho, 3rd Place, Math Special thanks also go to their parents for the encouragement, guidance, and support they provided throughout the year.

SLCS ESTABLISHES TRI-M Music Honor Society

SLCS celebrated an exciting milestone in music education during the 2025-2026 school year with the establishment of our first Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter! A program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Tri-M is the only national music honor society for middle and high school students in the United States. The organization recognizes students who demonstrate excellence both academically and musically while encouraging leadership, character, and service through music. SLCS proudly inducted its inaugural members during a special ceremony, with Ashlynn Hull and James Wyble (Class of 2026) serving as Co-Presidents, and Iker Calatrava and Alain Pinto (Class of 2027) serving as Co-Vice Presidents. Sponsored by Mrs. McNeil and Ms. Bonno, the new chapter gives our talented Saints another opportunity to grow as musicians, develop as leaders, and use their musical gifts in service to others. Congratulations to our inaugural Tri-M members on becoming part of this special new tradition at SLCS!

2025-2026 INDUCTEES: Sebastian Alcala Thomas Alldredge Isabella Baudy Olivia Bock Iker Calatrava Esteban Castro Matthew Correa Andrew Dangel Allie Do

SAFETY PATROL

Thomas Dye Leonidas Eshaghy Silas Garcia Val Garcia Sauyer Girgis Mackenzie Green Jonathan Gushiken Alex Hamm David Hernandez

Ellie Hill Hudson Ho Ashlynn Hull Arryana Lauer Charlize Lauer Amalia Herrera Lopez Ethan McBride Aiden McMahan Simon Nguyen

GARDENING CLUB

Alain Pinto Adam Ramirez Lucas Rebollido Catherine Whaley Alessandra Wilde Zoe Wong James Wyble

KSTL-TV

THE CLASS OF 2026 St. Laurence Catholic School is proud to celebrate the graduating class of 2026. The students from this class have grown in their knowledge and faith and have been on our campus for a combined 500+ years! Valedictorian | Marisa Garza Salutatorian | Daniel Garcia-Prats Camilo Abedrop Sebastian Alcala John Baker Katie Baker Sarah Baker Sophie Barto Emma Beltran Casey Bilodeau Brody Byrne Madeleine Chang Erik Clowney Isaiah Collado Skylar Corson Andrew Dangel Jaxson Domingue Aubrey Drapp Thomas Dye Gavin Fikac

Vince Gaia Daniel Garcia-Prats Marisa Garza Ainsley Gilliam Daniela Gutierrez Thomas Hadley William Hernandez Austin Hilton Gus Hirsekorn Luke Hudson Ashlynn Hull Jose Izquierdo Lewis Jamison Tyler Justice Alexander Kelley Caitlyn Kon Lila Lacy Joshua Lapus

Camille Lucia Lardizabal Henry Lasala Arryana Lauer Trevor Le Lexton Lee Gabrielle Limbacher Molly Maddan Quintin Marinas William Morehead David Nguyen Simon Nguyen Adrian Pereira Isabel Perez Claire Phillips Henry Pilkinton Amelia Pittman Gabriella Ponce De Leon Ashlyn Raj

Lucas Rebollido Kelly Riepe Chiara Rivera Claire Rivera Nolan Sisley Avery Smith AnnMary Tharayil Kyler Thompson Catherine Torregoza Elijah Trevino Elizabeth Venegas Robert (Harrison) Wade Walker Wade Catherine Waldron Xavier Wilde Vada Wimberley James Wyble Bella Zaccardo

Medal of Excellence | Madeleine Chang, Daniel Garcia-Prats, Marisa Garza, Ashlynn Hull, Caitlyn Kon, Lila Lacy, Joshua Lapus, Camille Lardizabal, Trevor Le, Molly Maddan, David Nguyen, Simon Nguyen, Ashlyn Raj, Claire Rivera, Catherine Torregoza Guedry Award | Molly Maddan

St. Agnes Academy Merit Scholarship | Molly Maddan

Knights of Columbus Scholarship | Ashlyn Raj

Strake Jesuit Ignatian Scholar Award | Daniel Garcia-Prats

St. John XXIII College Preparatory Roncalli Scholarship | Catherine Torregoza

WELCOME NEW STAFF Mrs. Jessica Aresta-DaSilva, Middle School Art Teacher Mrs. Aresta is excited to be at St. Laurence Catholic School teaching middle school art. It is her joy to help students grow in creativity and excitement for the projects created in class. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts and loves being able to share her passion for art with the school community. Her family is also part of the Saints community, with Jackie (Class of 2034) and a toddler at WCP. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, traveling, and reading.

Mr. Howard Grant, P.E. Teacher Mr. Grant (Class of 2012) joined the SLCS staff as a P.E./Health teacher for the 2025-2026 school year! The role suits him well because during his time as a Saint, he played soccer, basketball, football, and ran track & field. After SLCS, he attended Strake Jesuit and the University of Texas at Arlington. Fun Fact: Mrs. Barto was his SLCS Kindergarten teacher!

Mrs. Maria Hamm, Pre-K Teaching Assistant Maria Hamm has been a parent at SLCS for 7 years and during the 2025-2026 school year, she also became a staff member! She was honored to work as a teaching assistant alongside Ms. Munson in Pre-K. After being on the parent, volunteer, PTO board member sides of SLCS, she was thrilled to share her experience and talents as a member of the faculty.

Sister Bernadette Nguyen, 7th/8th Grade Religion Sister Bernadette is a native Houstonian and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province. She has been a religious sister for more than 25 years and has had the opportunity to teach many grade levels and serve as a school administrator. While she has loved each role, teaching middle school is her favorite. Before coming to SLCS, she had the privilege of living in Rome and was able to meet both Pope Francis and Pope Leo. It was a beautiful experience that deepened her love for the Church and her vocation.

Mrs. Veronica Solis, 6th Grade ELA/R Teacher Mrs. Katelyn (Martin) Haddad, BASC Manager Mrs. Haddad feels blessed to be back at SLCS, a place that has always held a special place in her heart. She attended SLCS from Pre-K through 5th grade and is grateful for the opportunity to now serve the community that helped shape her. She graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In June 2025, she married her high school sweetheart, Anthony Haddad (Class of 2016), whom she met through Life Teen at St. Laurence Catholic Church.

Mrs. Kathy Janik, 1st/2nd Grade Teaching Assistant Mrs. Janik has been an educator for 20 years, spending five years teaching 1st grade and 15 years teaching 3rd grade in FBISD. She and her husband are the proud parents of two sons, Michael Ryan and Tate, as well as an adorable Yorkie named Charlie! The Janiks are a proud Aggie family, with all four family members graduating from Texas A&M University. Mrs. Janik loves working with children and has a true passion for education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, going to the beach, and cooking.

Originally from El Paso, Mrs. Solis moved to the Sugar Land area in 2000 and has proudly called it home ever since. Before teaching at SLCS, she spent three decades teaching in area public schools. She and her husband have been married for 30 years, and their son is a proud SLCS alumnus (Class of 2016) who went on to attend Strake Jesuit and the University of Texas at Austin. St. Laurence Catholic School has long held a special place in her family’s heart, and she feels truly blessed to now be part of the faith-filled and supportive SLCS community.

Mrs. Laney (Ballinger) Tull, 2nd Grade Teacher Mrs. Tull (Class of 2011) joined the staff of SLCS because coming to work at the school where she grew up felt like coming home. She has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember, a dream that began during her own years as an SLCS student. After graduating from St. Laurence, she attended St. Agnes Academy and later the University of Houston. Today, she loves the strong sense of community and welcoming spirit that make SLCS so special. Most of all, she enjoys seeing her students’ faces light up when they learn something new or have the opportunity to discuss their faith.

Mrs. Mary Bridget Maddan, Librarian Mrs. Maddan has worked in education for nearly 20 years and loves helping students discover the joy of reading and learning. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education from Denison University and a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from the University of South Carolina. She and her husband are the proud parents of four children: Erin, Jack, Molly (Class of 2026), and Claire (Class of 2029). When she isn’t at school, Mrs. Maddan enjoys running, swimming, and yoga and, of course, reading.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRIESTS St. Laurence Catholic Church joyfully welcomed Fr. Wayne Ly and Fr. Rajesh Babu as Parochial Vicars in July and August of 2025.

Fr. Wayne Ly

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 2021, Fr. Wayne previously served at St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood. Born to Vietnamese parents and raised in the United States, he has quickly become a cherished member of the parish and school communities. Through his joyful spirit, engaging homilies, and genuine care for others, Fr. Wayne continues to inspire our students, families, and parishioners as they grow together in faith.

Fr. Rajesh Babu, M.S.F.S.

Originally from India and a member of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Rajesh quickly became a beloved part of the parish and school communities. Through his joyful spirit, compassionate ministry, and dedication to helping others grow in their relationship with Christ, he has already made a meaningful impact on the lives of our students, families, and parishioners.

2025-2026 Saints Altar Servers Sebastian Alcala Savannah Bardin Sophie Barto Emma Beltran Natalie Bishay Adam Bradicich Ariana Bryant Natalie Bryant Thomas Carter Noah Castellanos Drake Chambers Madeleine Chang Erik Clowney John Coffman Andrew Dangel Erik Dolar Samantha Dy Benton Fikac Marisa Garza Alexandra Hamm Emma Hansen Evan Hansen Dylan Henkel Hudson Ho Matthew Hovde

Lewis Jamison Aanya Joseph Trevor Le Weilong Lee Trevor Leiber Skylar Li Sarah Lincecum Susie Lincecum Claire Maddan Aaron Madhu Quintin Marinas Samantha Marinas Simon Nguyen Victoria Pachuilo Adrian Pereira Alain Pinto Ashlyn Raj Lucas Rebollido Ethan Tharayil Graham Thomas Toby Trevino Ellie Valenzuela Gracelynn Vu John Weihe James Wyble

A Grateful Farewell to Fr. Jaison After 11 years of faithful service to the St. Laurence school and parish communities, Fr. Jaison Thomas, M.S.F.S., departed in 2025 to begin a new chapter as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Sugar Land. Parishioners gathered at the Ave Maria Center on June 29, 2025, for a farewell reception ahead of his final day at St. Laurence on July 1. The celebration honored his years of spiritual leadership, warm and welcoming presence, and dedication to building a strong parish family. It also provided an opportunity for parishioners to express their gratitude and wish Fr. Jaison many blessings in his new ministry. Fr. Jaison's impact on St. Laurence Catholic Church and School, and on the countless lives he touched, will be remembered with deep gratitude.

4TH GRADE

Refugee Family Outreach Fourth grade students partnered with refugee families supported by the parish Social Concerns Ministry. Through relationship-building, service, and personal sacrifice, students raised approximately $1,500 to purchase gifts and recreational items for refugee children while contributing more than 350 service hours.

5TH GRADE

Books Between Kids Book Drive Fifth grade students organized and promoted a schoolwide book drive benefiting Books Between Kids. More than 3,000 books were collected and donated to children throughout the Houston area, generating approximately 50 service hours.

6TH GRADE

Mamie George Community Center Sixth grade students spent a day serving at the Mamie George Community Center, assisting with food distribution efforts and spending time with senior citizens. The experience generated 336 service hours while teaching empathy, humility, and service.

8TH GRADE

Houston Food Bank Eighth grade students served at the Houston Food Bank, helping inspect, sort, and prepare food donations for distribution to families in need. The project generated 336 service hours and provided a firsthand look at hunger relief efforts in our community.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Share God's Bounty

Middle school students led Share God's Bounty, a school-and-parishwide Thanksgiving outreach program. Through the donation of approximately 3,500 food items, students helped provide complete Thanksgiving meals to 500 families in need. The project generated more than 220 student service hours and over 1,000 volunteer hours from students, families, staff, and parishioners.

SERVICE PROJECTS BY THE NUMBERS 1,600+ student service hours 2,500+ total volunteer hours including parent volunteers and staff 500+ Thanksgiving meal kits distributed 500 lunch kits assembled 3,166 books donated 6,500+ food items collected $3,000+ raised for charitable causes Service opportunities in every grade, Pre-K–8

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK SLCS IS DOING IN OUR COMMUNITY 31

PARENT COMMUNITY Parent Teacher Organization Dear Saints, The PTO is truly grateful to be part of the St. Laurence Catholic School community as we work together to build a legacy. As a parent, you are automatically a member of the PTO, and together our efforts help our children grow academically, spiritually, and socially while strengthening the SLCS community. Throughout the year, the PTO is honored to support our students, faculty, and families in countless ways. Our Fundraising Committee manages the Saints Boutique year-round and hosts the beloved Boo Bash, our signature fundraising event. Our Hospitality Committee welcomes teachers back each August with treats and encouragement and hosts the cherished Family Rosary in October. Room Parents help foster communication through monthly newsletters while coordinating classroom celebrations, teacher birthdays, and special events. Service is at the heart of who we are. Working alongside the school and parish, PTO volunteers support grade-level service projects including Rice & Beans, Share God's Bounty, Lunches of Love, Job's Tears Chaplets, and the Book Drive. We also help make many favorite SLCS traditions possible, including Grandparents Day, Family Mass, Father/Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Pop-Up, Field Day, Hoops & Dogs, 8th Grade Awards Reception, and the 8th Grade Luau. Behind the scenes, volunteers assist with carpool, lunch duty, classroom projects, and Red Folder support. One of our most meaningful ministries is our PTO Prayer Group. This dedicated group of parents gathers each Thursday to pray the Rosary for our students, families, faculty, and school community. Because of your incredible generosity, the PTO was also able to present our faculty and staff with $11,040 in year-end appreciation gifts this past May. Every dollar donated went directly to our teachers and staff as a tangible expression of gratitude for all they do. We are also pleased to share the completion of a project to enhance the SLCS stage with a collection of beautiful, interchangeable backdrops. Designed to complement a variety of student performances and school events, these new backdrops will help create a polished and engaging setting for our students for years to come. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our parent community. By signing up to volunteer through VIPS, you'll receive information about the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the year and can choose the level of involvement that works best for your family. Whether you volunteer once or many times, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. We also invite all parents to attend our monthly PTO meetings in the Ave Maria Center. Most meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:15 a.m., last 30 minutes or less, and provide updates on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Meeting information is shared in the weekly newsletter, and minutes are available on the SLCS website for those who are unable to attend. As we begin another exciting school year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cristina Dangel, Oriana Hadley, Brooke Hudson, and Kiki Le for their many years of faithful service to the PTO Board. We are deeply thankful for the time, talent, and love they have shared with our school community. We also extend a warm welcome to Brittany Hodge as she joins the PTO leadership team, and we look forward to all God has in store for the year ahead. We are excited to continue building a legacy together and remain committed to making this school year one filled with faith, fellowship, and service. Thank you for being such an important part of the St. Laurence Catholic School family. With gratitude and blessings,

Katherine & Mary Katherine Hovde and Mary Wade PTO Co-Presidents 25-26

VISIT THE PTO WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

2025-2026 PTO EXECUTIVE BOARD Co-Presidents: Mary Wade, Katherine Hovde Treasurer: Priscilla Hill Secretary: Brittany Hodge ECC Coordinator (Lead): Yulia Verrett ECC Coordinator: Bonnie Inamdar Elementary Coordinator (Lead): Barbara Eshaghy Elementary Coordinator: Brooke Hudson Middle School Coordinator (Lead): Dani Cobb Middle School Coordinator: Tiffany Winkler Fundraising (Lead): Caroline Whaley Fundraising: Kelly Goff Fundraising (Saints Boutique): Oriana Hadley Programming (Lead): Amie Jin Programming (Field Trips, Dances, VIPS): Kristina Mickens Programming (Bulletin Board): Dani Kurtin Hospitality (Lead): Andrea Colomer Hospitality: Moni Hemphill Hospitality: Cecile Huyen Phan Hospitality: Edith Busby Hospitality: Kiki Le Hospitality: Tammy Luster Teacher Appreciation Co-Leads: Cristina Dangel, Jenny Harvey Teacher Appreciation: Monica Nero Teacher Appreciation: Erika Buchanan Teacher Appreciation: Susie Eubanks Teacher Appreciation: Shelly Olmo Prayer Liaison: Andrea Cashiola Service Projects: Tanya Leiber

SAINTS ATHLETICS 2025-2026 Saints Sports Review Betsy Brown and Glen Fucik, Athletics Co-Directors

VICTORIOUS! A HISTORIC YEAR OF DOMINANCE AND HEART From the scorching summer heat of early August through the thrill of spring finals, the 2025–2026 school year proved to be an unforgettable chapter in St. Laurence athletic history. Demonstrating unmatched heart and dedication, our student-athletes pushed their limits on the field, court, and track. Out of the 11 sports St. Laurence competes in, an astonishing 9 teams fought their way to the championship games, bringing home a total of 6 championship titles. A special thank you goes out to the Class of 2026. Your outstanding leadership, resilience, and commitment across every sport set a new benchmark for what it truly means to be a Saint.

Cheerleading The Saints cheer team set the tone for the entire athletic year, bringing high energy and spirit that lifted every team across all seasons. Kickstarting their training in the middle of summer at camp, their passion and commitment remained unmatched. Cheering on volleyball, football, cross country, and soccer with boundless enthusiasm, the squad served as the heartbeat of the school. Their national-level recognition this season is a true testament to their hard work and dedication.

Cross Country Pounding the pavement through six grueling meets, the cross-country team showcased exceptional grit during scorching afternoon practices. Their relentless drive resulted in multiple individual wins and top finishes throughout the fall season. When the final meet concluded, their determination paid off in massive fashion as they claimed titles for both the boys’ and girls’ programs. Cross country was victorious, securing two championships for the Saints.

Volleyball Our varsity volleyball team staged a phenomenal campaign, putting on a clinic in dominance from start to finish. The team marched through their schedule with an extraordinary 15–0 undefeated record, winning most of their matches in straight sets.

After capturing the IWA Tournament, their unmatched chemistry and focus propelled them through the postseason. Volleyball won the championship in dominating fashion, standing victorious as the top team in the league.

Football The Saints football team authored a storybook transformation this season, turning years of struggle into an unforgettable journey. Bonding through August heat and thunderstorms, the squad united behind a powerful offensive line and a relentless defense. Driven by an explosive attack and led by key performances on both sides of the ball, the team completed a pristine 8–0 undefeated season. With faith, teamwork, and heart, football finished as championship winners, proud and victorious.

Soccer Soccer battled through tough weather and intense August heat, growing stronger and more cohesive with every single practice. Following a 2024 championship appearance, this season became a story of growth and rebuilding for both JV and varsity squads. Though they narrowly missed the postseason, both teams demonstrated inspiring teamwork, resilience, and a drive to improve daily. Their perseverance laid a strong foundation for future success.

CELEBRATING THE 2025–2026 SAINTS CHEERLEADERS During the 2025-2026 school year, 16 dedicated middle school girls from 6th through 8th grade made up the heart and soul of the St. Laurence Catholic School Cheerleading Team. Their season kicked off with cheer camp, where they spent time building their skills, confidence, and team spirit. Throughout the year, these young athletes could be found on the sidelines of football, volleyball, soccer, and basketball games, leading the crowd and lifting school spirit. Beyond the field and court, they played an important role in school events, including Grandparents Day and pep rallies, bringing joy and enthusiasm everywhere they went. A major highlight of the year was their impressive Best Performance win at the St. Thomas Cheer Competition, an achievement that reflects their hard work, discipline, and teamwork. In January, the team continued the tradition of mentoring future cheerleaders by hosting their annual Cheer Clinic, which welcomed more than 85 enthusiastic young participants. It was a wonderful opportunity to pass on the St. Laurence spirit to the next generation! We’re incredibly proud of these young ladies - not just for their cheers and stunts, but for the leadership, dedication, and positivity they brought to our school community all year long. Way to go, SLCS Cheerleaders! Dani Cobb & Bonnie Inamdar SLCS Cheer Coaches

BOOSTER CLUB Supporting Our Saints BOOSTER CLUB BOARD PRESIDENT

Marcie Justice

VICE PRESIDENT

Wendi Lojo

SECRETARY

Kristin Berry

TREASURER

April Thomas

MEMBERSHIP/SIGNS

Denise Jonathan Benita Panchamia

MERCHANDISE

Elizabeth Madden Cara Millas

VOLUNTEERS

Rebecca Phillips

CONCESSIONS Tammy Luster

SPECIAL EVENTS Luana Pereira-Yoo

SPIRIT STORE

Alana Richter

SPIRIT STORE COMMITTEE

Randa Ellis Susana Eubanks Lea Weisz

The Booster Club continued its strong tradition of supporting SLCS Athletics throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Through fundraising, volunteerism, concessions, spirit initiatives, and special events, Booster Club members worked throughout the year to strengthen our athletic programs and build school spirit across the SLCS community. One of the most visible examples of that support can now be seen inside the SLCS gym! This year, the Booster Club helped fund the replacement of the gym bleachers, providing an important improvement to a space that welcomes our student-athletes, families, and fans throughout the year. Fans also had something new to enjoy on game days with the opening of the “Saints Snacks” concession stand, serving up favorite treats during home games. In addition to supporting these special projects, the Booster Club continued its annual financial contribution to the SLCS Athletics Department, helping provide valuable resources and opportunities for our student-athletes and athletic programs. The Booster Club also hosted the annual Winter and Spring Sports Banquets, bringing the Saints athletic community together to celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes and recognize the many people who make each season possible. These special evenings honored our athletes for their hard work and dedication, while also recognizing the coaches who lead and encourage them and the parents whose time, support, and commitment are so important throughout every season. The Boosters continued to give Saints families even more ways to show their school spirit! A new online Parent Apparel Store made it easier for parents to shop for SLCS gear throughout the year, while the school Spirit Store expanded its offerings with new favorites including hair bows, football toys, hat bands, and more. We are incredibly grateful to the Booster Club Board, volunteers, families, and supporters whose time and generosity make all of this possible. Thank you for continuing to champion our Saints, strengthen our athletic programs, and build school spirit throughout our community!

STAFF ADVISOR

Christina Stanton

ATHLETIC DIRECTORS

Betsy Brown, Glen Fucik

Your purchase of a Booster Club membership supports our efforts across all grade levels to build school spirit, support physical education, and encourage our student-athletes.

Mr. Osborn and Mrs. Chelly

COUNSELORS’ CORNER The 2025-2026 school year was a busy and rewarding one for our school counselors as they nurtured the social, emotional, and personal growth of our students while serving as valuable resources for teachers and parents. In addition to their daily counseling responsibilities, Mrs. Chelly and Mr. Osborn continued building their collaborative fifth grade Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) class and introduced a new Reflection class. They also partnered with theater students to launch an engaging school-wide SEL initiative, using beloved television shows as a creative way to teach important life skills and encourage meaningful conversations. This year also brought the introduction of “Education in Virtue,” a Catholic program developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Woven into the school year, the program helped students learn about and practice virtues while connecting social-emotional growth with their Catholic faith. Through lessons, conversations, and fun initiatives like “Manners Mondays,” students were encouraged to put virtues into practice in their everyday interactions with others. Throughout the year, students also participated in monthly classroom guidance lessons and special programs, including Red Ribbon Week and Vocations Day, all designed to support their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. As they look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, Mrs. Chelly and Mr. Osborn look forward to expanding these programs and continuing to serve the students, families, and faculty of St. Laurence Catholic School.

FINANCIAL REPORT July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 2025-2026 Finance Committee Ryan Dunbar, Chair Members: Silas Girgis Travis Kisner Natalia McWilliams Philip Richard Ex-Officio Members: Suzanne Barto Mary Lou Cabello

With the continued guidance of the Advisory School Council and Operational Vitality/ Finance Committee, St. Laurence Catholic School remains committed to responsible financial stewardship while providing an exceptional, faith-filled education for our students. The thoughtful stewardship of our faculty and staff, combined with the generosity of our families and greater community, helps SLCS use its resources wisely while continuing to invest in our teachers, academic programs, technology, facilities, safety, and the many opportunities that enrich the student experience. As is common among private and parish schools, tuition and fees alone do not cover the full cost of educating each student at SLCS. Using the Archdiocese’s prescribed cost-per-student formula, which includes specific designated revenue and expense categories, tuition and fees covered approximately 92% of the calculated average cost per student during the 2025-2026 school year. This left an approximate 8% gap to be supported through fundraising and other sources of income. Careful management of our resources, together with the generosity of our families, alumni, grandparents, parishioners, Community Partners, and friends, allows SLCS to maintain tuition below the full cost of an SLCS education while continuing to provide the excellence our families expect. The financial strength of our school is truly a shared responsibility. From staff members who thoughtfully steward departmental resources to families and supporters who generously give their time, talents, and financial support, each plays an important role in keeping SLCS operating efficiently and ensuring that resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. Throughout the pages of this magazine, you will see what happens when an entire community comes together and says “AMEN” to the mission of Catholic education. Every gift, volunteer hour, partnership, and act of responsible stewardship strengthens our school and helps provide opportunities for our Saints today while ensuring a strong foundation for generations to come.

Why We Fundraise

FUNDING SOURCES

Average Income per student $10,221

Tuition and Fees (79%)

Cost to educate a SLCS student $11,073

Athletics, PTO, Others (3%)

This creates a gap per student of $852

For the faithful stewardship and generosity that allow St. Laurence Catholic School to continue thriving, we can only say: AMEN!

Fundraising (13%) Subsidies (3%)

Investment Income & Grants (2%)

USE OF FUNDS Employee Salaries and Benefits (71%)

685 students

Facilities Operations and Maintenance (8%)

Total Gap $583,620

Athletics, PTO, and Other (4%)

Educational/Instructional Support (4%)

Other Services & Expenses (7%) Administrative Expenses (6%)

CIRCLE OF SAINTS Leadership Begins with Generosity The Circle of Saints recognizes the families and individuals whose annual gifts of $2,500 or more provide transformational support for St. Laurence Catholic School. These dedicated donors are among our most faithful stewards, leading by example and inspiring others through their commitment to Catholic education. Last year, 53 Circle of Saints families contributed more than 63% of the total Saints & Angels Annual Fund, providing critical support for our students, teachers, and programs. Their generosity is a powerful reminder that leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish ourselves, but by the opportunities we create for current and future generations.

APOSTOLIC ANGELS

COMMUNION OF SAINTS

Judith G. Munzig Jeff and Molly Wolfe

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Helen and Bob Balhoff Bardin Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Cass Sandra and Raymond Chang Chelly Family Chiu Family Andrea and Alberto Colomer Matthew and Cristina Dangel Thien-An Do and Khuong Pham Eric and Ghislaine Fotso Francis Commercial Properties, LLC Josh and Katie Gilliam Kyle and Nikki Goszyk Ross and Katherine Hovde Bamrom and Denise Jonathan Travis and Jenna Kisner Knights of Columbus – Council 11343 Jeremy Lam and Supitcha Momsun-Lam Matthew and Ashley LeGrand Jonathan and Tara Lin Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lovely Greg and Christine Lukin Mr. and Mrs. John McWilliams George and Cara Millas Kris and Bobby Neelon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Offner Catherine and Josh Sanders Nora Sessions Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Vilandos Mr. and Mrs. Nam Vu Karen and Waldo Vuong John and Susan Weihe Rodney and Tiffany Winkler

gifts of $15,000+

FOUNDERS CIRCLE gifts of $10,000 - $14,999

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Randy and Carol Limbacher Toby and Jocelin Mathews

TRINITAS LEGACY gifts of $5,000 - $9,999

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Michael Brooks and Monica Huynh Thai Do and Rachael Chen Silas and Artesia Girgis Raymund and Ly Guerrero - In Memory of Grandma Mr. Andrew Robert Lane and Ms. Cynthia Ann Lane Marilyn Luster - In Honor of the Luster Girls Elizabeth and Kevin Madden Tim and Elaine Riepe Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tevis

gifts of $2,500 - $4,999

Donations to Annual Fund help SLCS continually improve security, technology, teacher training, and other student services.

SAINTS SUPPORTERS Donor Report

WINGS OF A DOVE gifts of $1,000 - $2,499

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Phuong and Timothy Black Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bradicich John and Rebecca Cappello Andrea and Mark Cashiola Charles L. and Rosemary Moore Conlon Pedro and Cathy Desdier Mr. and Mrs. Derek Goff Maria Jose and Francisco Gonzalez de Cosio Mr. and Mrs. Justin Grisham Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Guerra Christopher and Oriana Hadley Deacon and Mrs. Dennis Henderson Heather and Edgar Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Holy Mike and Polly Hrebenar Mr. David Lan and Mrs. Ying Ma Mr. and Mrs. Omar Maglalang Mike and Connie Masera Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Mercker Tony and Elaine Miller Rony and Tara Ninan Jamie and Shelly Olmo Matt and Becca Phillips Taylor and Agathe Rochestie Brandon and Stephanie Sisley Mr. and Mrs. Brad and Rachel Smith Mary Lou Sotolongo Sue and Martin Sowell Dr. Christopher and Mrs. Kathryn Stephens Joe and Romaine Tierney Eric and Lauren Tisius Scott and Yulia Verrett Simon Vo and Do Nguyen

MESSENGERS OF HOPE gifts of $500 - $999

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Alcala Rob and Mindy Barends Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Suzanne Barto Diego and Lorena Beltran Ms. Judy Berckman Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bimer Andre and Xiomara Boagni Robert Boagni

Andrew and Fe Brooks Kevin and Carla Casey Melissa and Paul Delumpa Nolan and Veronica Diers Ryan and Clare Dunbar Hung Duong and Aileen Jamir Brendan and Barbara Eshaghy Matthew and Christine Hall Timothy and Michelle Hannah Mark and Sarah Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Amay Inamdar Victor and Shay James Eric and Amanda Junker Kevin and Tracy Kalily Frank and ShaLa Kiolbassa Georg and Grace Lardizabal Lee Lazarte Cuong and Diana Le Anthony Lobrin and Ana Alvarez Reginald and Irene Lomeda Tim and Anne Lootens Andrew and Stella Mercker Sara and Greg Montgomery Katherine O'Dell Keith and Tammy Pachuilo Michael and Catherine Powell Melanie and Eric Reynolds Philip and Audrey Richard Mr. and Mrs. David Rivera David and Charlene Sabonghy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Samson-Metzger Mr. and Mrs. Nathan and Alison Shaw Veronica Solis Mr. and Mrs. Chris Stipes Jack and Kathy Strandburg G. Phillip Tevis Tijerina Family Leo and Sandy Vu Mary and Jason Wade Mr. and Mrs. Michael Whaley Mr. and Mrs. William J. Whelan III Chase and Brittany Zalman

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE CLUB gifts up to $499

Anonymous Friends of SLCS Alexander Family Melissa Alvarez

Leslie Annicchiarico Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Ayles Rodrigo Barrey Jean Bauer Mark & Dianne Bernet Tom and Genevieve Beverick Prudy and Ed Bishay Mr. and Mrs. Justin Bond Johanna Bonno Ryan and Mandy Boudreaux Brazos Primary Care Associates Jose and Samantha Breton Eileen Brinkman Betsy and Jeff Brown Sean and Erika Buchanan Leslie Buckle Brendan and Cindy Burgess Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Busby Irene and Christopher Carrillo Claud and Joy Casantosan Edward and Monica Castellanos German Castro and Anyela De La Hortua Clay and Ashley Chambers Stephanie Choo Alberto and Juliana Cividanes Tres and Dani Cobb Steve Coda Carla & Michael Collado Brenna and Emmett Conlon Dr. Julia Conlon Susan and Caleb Conrad Todd and Barbara Corson Gerald and Shirlie Crotwell Alby Cruz Michael and Juanita Dangel Maria De Los Santos Maria del Carmen Breton Amanda DeSouza Mr. and Mrs. Keith Dolar Dominican Sisters Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dozier Brian and Jennifer Dufour Manolito and Jeniffer Dy Dan and Randa Ellis Mike and Susie Eubanks Lori and Mike Fields Fikac Family Marc and Jennifer Folsom Stephanie Fontana Leticia Garcia

Matt and Mary Garcia-Prats Gabriela Garza Alex Garza and Shelley Stavinoha-Garza Lawrence and Victoria Glaser Howard Grant Adriana Gutierrez Marla Gutierrez Kari and Andrew Hall Maria Elena Hamm Sheri Hanzo David and Jenny Harvey Patti & Mike Hendrix TJ and Leila Henkel Joseph Hernandez Dr. Johana Lopez and Mr. Juan Herrera Mike and Marcy Hill Kurt and Shelly Hirsekorn Dollar Hoang and Anh Pham Chad and Brittany Hodge Shane and Brooke Hudson Wes & Amanda Hudson Veronica Hunt Kathy Janik Hubert and Amie Jin Lori and Rick Johnson Rita Jonas Gary and Marcie Justice Zoe Kaiser Nicholas and Tiffany Kang John and Tina Kelley Dr. Amanda and Mr. Thomas Kennedy Kyle and Cecile Knight Mr. and Mrs. Austin Kososki Mr. & Mrs. Madhu Krishnamurthy Glen and Teresa Krueger Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Dani Kurtin Deidra and Jeff LaCroix Martin and Marianne Lacy Sarah Laqua Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Lawson Trinity Le Xuan and Kiki Le Jason and Tanya Leiber Jerry and Marlene Leiber Christopher and Stephanie Limbacher Mr. Richard and Mrs. Sandy Lizardi Kenneth and Wendi Lojo Stanley and Laura Lopez Baldwin Luu and Katie Chan Mary Bridget Maddan Richard and Karen Manuel Mr. & Mrs. Ryan and Kristina Marinas Marietta Martinez Patricia and Brian McCabe Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin McCrary

Cassandra McKeel McMahan Family Coleen McMenemy Raymond and Lee Mercker Kristina Mickens Alex and Adrian Moncada David Moncada and Marcela Breton Dawn Mondello Stephen and Gabriela Montoya Mr. & Mrs. Ryan and Jessica Morehead Sarah Munson Charlene Nangcas Erica and Daniel Nowak Stephanie and John Nuckols Mary B. Oliver Bill and Cassie Oppman Nick and Beverly Pantuso Eugene and Rebecca Pascual Mary and Eugene Pascual Darrell and Judy Pavlicek Janelle and Christopher Pennington Andre and Ansley Pereira Ms. Dawn Peters Mr. and Mrs. Alton Pinto Kristin Pridgen Cody and Allison Radley Rebollido Family Ruth Riha My and Michael Ritchie Mark Robert and Regina Maulit Ms. Laura Romano Darrin Rousse and Marta Bermudez Mr. and Mrs. Tiago Salies Erin Serice Anpu Simon and Meera Kurian Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Sims Travis and Krystall Smith Carolina Sommerstad Lowell and Christina Stanton Monica and Ryan Sulit Tommye Szafarz Jimmy and April Thomas Ms. Tommasi Veronica and Espelito Torregoza Diana Tovar Michael and Britny Trevino Laney Tull Stephanie Valentz Denisa and Robert Valenzuela Jo Ann Vallot Marc and Corinne Vandermeer Mr. & Mrs. Julian Vela Adriana and Edward Venegas Anna Vo Laura and Austin Walker Ken & Annie Webb

Chad and Lea Weisz Justin Wendt and Cathleen Gentry Toni Weyand Jill and Michael Wilde Dr. Sarah Jahansouz Wray and Mr. Michael Wray Jayro Yoo and Luana Pereira Yi and Zhichao Yu Ms. Yanina Zambrano Dunnia, Joseph, and Addison Zator Lingyi Zeng & Wen Jiang Nick and Katelynn Zerante

RESTRICTED GIFTS: Athletics Colton Bach Emmanuel Franciocci ECC Anonymous Friends of SLCS Texas Commission on the Arts Fr. Drew Memorial Scholarship Kist Family SPICE Anonymous Friend of SLCS Gilliam Family John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation Safety & Security Rachel Alcocer Bilodeau Family Bly Family Bradicich Family Buchanan Family Steve Burn Cappello Family Castillo Family Cashiola Family de Lachica Family Kyle Depew and Sheila Kraft Edgar and Heather Hernandez Eshaghy Family Giannetti Family Hall Family The Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation Mike and Marcy Hill Jacob Marcel Richard Memorial Foundation Junker Family Marwan Kateb Rich and Rose Kleczynski Kisner Family Lin Family Lirette Family

Baldwin Luu and Katie Chan Madden Family McMenemy Family Mercker Family Millas Family Nowak Family Ocampo Family Offner Family Sabonghy Family Stipes Family Werner Family Whaley Family Winkler Family Zalman Family Zehnder Family Technology & Facility Upgrades Jacob Marcel Richard Memorial Foundation Tuition Assistance Anonymous Friend of SLCS Ladies Guild of St. Laurence

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Burns & McDonnell Cantor Fitzgerald Celanese Chevron EOG Resources Fidelity Investments Genentech J.P. Morgan Chase Kinder Morgan Oxy Plains All American / PAA ServiceNow, Inc. Shell Texas Instruments UBS UnitedHealth Group

GIFTS IN-KIND: Alcala Family Allison Wen - Safari Texas Ranch Alvarez Family Annemarie Fikac Bailey Family Barends Family Lundy Barrey Berry Family Beverick Family Bilodeau Family Bly Family

Boagni Family Bock Family Bradicich Family Marcela Breton Brooks Family Buchanan Family Busby Family Cappello Family Casantosan Family Cashiola Family Catania Family Chambers Family Chiu Family Churrascos Memorial City Cindy Burgess Cobb Family Coleen McMenemy Colomer Family Correa Family Deb Hernandez Delumpa Family Denise Newsham Depew Family Deshon Family Desiree Villarreal Doris Mendiola Drapp Family Ellis Family Eshaghy Family Eubanks Family Executive Travel Extreme Sports Fields Family Fleet Feet Houston Folsom Family Fr. Reginald Samuels Fr. Wayne Ly Fullness of Truth - Mark Kohlschmidt Gaia Family Garcia Family Girgis Family Goff Family Grisham Family Hall Family Hardison Family Hemphill Family Hernandez Family Higdon Home Interiors - Susan Higdon Hill Family Houston Orthodontic Specialists Houston SPCA Hovde Family Hudson Family Hungry's

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa Inamdar Family Izzy Hunt J Burk Home Inspections - Josh Burk James Family Janice Jorgesen Jim Adler & Associates Jin Family Johanna Bonno John Maklary Jonathan Family Junker Family Kang Family Karam Family Kari Hall Kathy Strandburg Kelley Family Kisner Family Knight Family Knights of Columbus - Rev. John T. Weyer Council #11343 Kristin Pridgen Kurtin Family Landry Family Landry's Laney Tull Lauer Family Laura Lopez Laura McNeil LeGrand Family Leiber Family Leslie Buckle Leticia Garcia Limbacher Family Lin Family Line Fitness Lirette Family Lovely Family LUCHO - Hector Villarreal Lukin Family Lululemon - First Colony Mall

Luster Family Madden Family Madhu Family Mary Garcia-Prats Massage Envy Greatwood Melanie Reynolds Mercker Family Meriton/Judy & Mark Bradicich Millas Family Morehead Family Murray Family Native Citizen Furniture and Design - James Hunter Neelon Family Nero Family Nguyen Family Nowak Family Ocampo Family Offner Family OptomEYES Vision - Rosa Nguyen, O.D. & Von Pham, O.D. Panchamia Family Pascual Mata - proud SLCS Grandfather Phoenicia Specialty Foods Pilkinton Family Pittman Family Poppy + Pearl - Nicole Varisco Porsche River Oaks Porsche West Houston Powell Family Radley Family Rahim Family Rambalack Family Retro Gym Richard Family Riepe Family Rivera Family Robin Jackson Photography Rochestie Family Sabonghy Family Salceda Family Salies Family Sami's Catering Samson-Metzger Family Sanders Family Sarah Munson ShaLa Kiolbassa Sheri Hanzo Siler Family Simmons Family Simon Family Sims Family Sister Marie Thomas Bui

SLCS 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers + Assistants SLCS 3rd Grade Parents SLCS 3rd Grade Teachers SLCS 4th Grade Parents SLCS 4th Grade Teachers SLCS 5th Grade Parents SLCS 6th Grade Parents SLCS 7th Grade Parents SLCS 7th Grade Teachers SLCS Athletic Department SLCS Booster Club SLCS Kindergarten Teachers + Assistants SLCS Librarians SLCS Office Staff SLCS Pre-K Teachers + Assistants SLCS Spanish Teachers Smith Family Sol Family Sowell Family SPENGA St. Agnes Academy St. Laurence Catholic School St. Laurence Social Concerns Ministry Stephanie Fontana Stipes Family Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and the Fikac Family Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Cheerleading Sugar Creek Country Club Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center Sugar Land Space Cowboys Sulit Family Suzanne Barto Swim Labs Sugar Land Tacardon/Pham Family

The Edited Traveler - Jared Goldstein Theresa Rebollido Thompson Family TOOTSIES Trevino Family Trina Hill University of Houston - Sara Jahansouz Wray Urdaneta Family USA Ninja Challenge Sugar Land Valdes Family Veronica Hunt Verrett Family Vuong Family Wade Family Walker Family Waxing the City Wedemeier Family Wehbe Family Weisz Family Whaley Family Winkler Family Wray Family Yoo Family Zalman Family

GIVE BACK & SPIRIT EVENT DONORS Books & More Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Cordovan Art School Magpies Gifts Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse Sugar Land The Creamery Teahouse

SLCS invites parents to join our Advisory School Council, teachers, and staff in reaching 100% participation in 2026-27! SCAN NOW TO MAKE YOUR DONATION.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH PURPOSE Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the St. Laurence Catholic School Advisory School Council embarked on one of the most important projects they would undertake during their tenure: developing a new five-year Strategic Plan that will guide our school through 2032. Building this roadmap was not a quick task. It required months of prayer, discussion, research, collaboration, and discernment. The process began by reflecting on the successes of the previous Strategic Plan and evaluating the many goals our school has accomplished over the past five years. From there, the Council conducted a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, gathering valuable feedback from school leadership, faculty, staff, and parents. Those conversations helped identify both the opportunities ahead and the challenges we must thoughtfully address. The resulting Strategic Plan is more than a list of goals. It is a living document that establishes measurable objectives, assigns responsibility, outlines timelines, and creates accountability as we continue striving for excellence in Catholic education. While our mission remains unchanged, the new plan provides an even stronger framework for achieving it. As we are preparing to celebrate our 35th Anniversary and look ahead to our 40th Anniversary, this new Strategic Plan serves as our roadmap for the future. It reflects our commitment to remaining faithful to our mission while continually strengthening our Catholic identity, academic excellence, operational vitality, and partnership with our parish. The Advisory School Council's dedication throughout this year-long process ensures that St. Laurence Catholic School is not simply preparing for next year, but thoughtfully planning for the next generation of Saints.

2025-2026 Advisory School Council Silas Girgis, President Philip Richard, Vice President Ryan Dunbar, Treasurer Leila Henkel, Secretary Suzanne Barto, SLCS Principal

Mindy Barends Clay Chambers Travis Kisner Mary Lovely Natalia McWilliams George Millas Alton Pinto Josh Sol

The ASC functions as an advisory board to the Principal and Pastor and, as such, identifies goals for the future of the school; drafts, reviews, and evaluates policies; approves and reviews the school budget; participates with the Pastor in leadership review; and provides opportunities for appropriate communication with school families. The Council is made up of parents and parishioners who dedicate their time toward supporting SLCS. The council is charged with developing and executing the school's strategic plan—focusing on mission, leadership, academic excellence, and operations—as well as evaluating the school’s current needs, and providing guidance to ensure future requirements are met. Meeting these goals requires strong leadership and a committed team who fully support and believe in the mission of SLCS. Each spring we seek new members willing to invest their time to provide professional insight and expertise. If you are interested in lending your time and talents, please look for an announcement in the school newsletter later this year.

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2630 AUSTIN PARKWAY, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479 TEL: (281) 980-0500 • STLAURENCESCHOOL.ORG

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