Spring 2022 Pius News

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Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching - this is Dominican education at St. Pius X High School. Inspired by Veritas, young men and women embrace academic excellence and integrity, celebrate the community’s diverse gifts and heritage, and embody social justice and service. OUR MISSION SPRING 2022 PIUS NEWS IGNITE YOUR STORY

Table Contentsof 05 Underclass Scholarships 06 Senior Awards 09 Valedictorian & Salutatorian 10 Commencement Ceremony 11 Legacy Families 12 Winter & Spring Athletic Recaps 15 Signing Athletes 16 Veritas Stargazing Soiree 17 New Family Picnic Event/ Veritas Ring Ceremony 18 Rosary Garden Revitalization 19 Spring Veritas Theatre Productions 20 In the Media 22 Pollinator Playground Garden 23 Lenten Liturgies 24 Panthers in Print/Sadie’s Dance 25 Panther Pride Day/Field Day 26 Senior Prom & Project Prom 27 Spring Alumni Events 31 Class Notes 32 Alumni Giving Campaign 33 In Memoriam Inside CHECK OUT WHAT’S 270714 School2021-2022Board  Marisa Cruz-Hurd ‘94  Joan M. Gallagher  G. Sean Jez  Roberta Konicki  Paule Anne Lewis  Jerry Nevlud ‘74  Mary Jean Olsovsky, O.P.  Melissa J O’Neil  Donna M. Pollard, O.P.  Tracey A. Prince  Ginger Przybyla  Monica Silver  Deidra Smith  Ray Vitulli  Richard Worley ‘95 Dominican Sisters Board of Trustees  Sr. Donna M. Pollard, O.P.  Sr. Mary Jean Olsovsky, O.P.  Sr. Kitty (Antoinette) Carter, O.P. Foundation2021-2022 Board  Jim Black  Marisa Cruz-Hurd ‘94  Thomas Bradley Edwards, M.D.  Jose Enriquez  Ray Gilliam  Erik Konicki  Anna Mateja  Mike O’Connor  Donna M. Pollard, O.P.  Kevin Roberts  Adriane M. Schultea ’96  Lavergne Schwender, O.P.  Star Stefka-Borg, CPA  Patrick Svrcek  Ray Vitulli  Brian D. Walton  Robert E. Wolf

As the St. Pius X community, we may not all be connected to one another by blood; however, we are bonded by much more – our mission and our Dominican heritage. So, as we celebrate our legacy, we also embrace our future, which, thanks to you, is filled with joy and hope!

Interim Head of School

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education and has stretched us in how we work together as a school community. Time and time again, this community has embraced the challenges, yet kept its focus on a total commitment to students as individuals. This is a hallmark of a St. Pius X High School education and of our community. This issue of Pius News recognizes the achievements of our students, highlights our amazing faculty and staff, and honors the resiliency of our SPX families. You will see some of the legacy families from the class of 2022 – a small part of our larger legacy. These newest alumni – the 131 young men and women of our 64th graduating class, carry with them our Dominican charism as they Teach Truth and Preach Justice in the world they are about to enter.

Peace and prayer, Donna M. Pollard, O.P.

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

AgainTogether

Learning for Success stpiusx.org/learningcenter

Pius News SPRING 2022

Since the 1980s, SPX has been commended for its determination to help students with a variety of learning differences maximize their potential. With the inception of the Learning for Success program in 2007, St. Pius X became the first Catholic high school in Houston to formalize and fund such a program. Today, the Paul A. Gilliam ‘98 Learning Center offers a complete structure of support designed to meet the needs of individual students in an environment that supports Christian values.

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5stpiusx.org Pius News SPRING 2022 Underclass Scholarships HONORING OUR STUDENTS On May 16, we gathered at our Underclass Awards Ceremony to honor our underclassmen and women, presenting our most prestigious scholarships. Congratulations to all our awardees! Carrie Adams ‘23 Standing Ovation Scholarship Zachara Perkins ‘24 Sr. Lavergne Schwinder, O.P. Scholarship Adrian Kithas ‘24 Allan Minar Scholarship Heaven Gutierrez ‘24 Carmen Garrett Armistead Endowed Scholarship Hannah Pampell ‘24 Dominican Sisters of Houston Scholarship Menton Lewis ‘23 “1968 is Great” Scholarship Sarah Woods ‘23 Beth Black Memorial Scholarship Edward Vosko ‘23 Coach Bob Hutson Memorial Scholarship Anna Cabrera ‘24, Juan Pablo Contreras ‘24, Johnston Pham ‘24 Angelo Palazzolo ‘70 Memorial Scholarship Brooke Brawner ‘23 Class of 1969 Scholarship

6 stpiusx.org Pius News SPRING 2022 A CELEBRATION OF PERSEVERANCE Senior Awards 1. Parents Association Scholarship - Olivia McGee 2. Booster Club Scholarship - Maya Cortez and Matthew Goeddeke 3. Matt Cusimano Rugby Scholarship - Max Bright and Grant Stringfellow 4. Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce Scholarship - Piper Applewhite, Claire Carbajal, Lailah Reyes, Samantha Fox 5. Powell Learning for Success Scholarship - Omar Holguin 6. Mason Sebastian Ott Scholarship - Rosita Winden 1 2 3 456

MR. PANTHER AWARD KYLE WINKLER MS. PANTHER AWARD OLIVIA MCGEE

DEL SARTO AWARD AND MR. & MS. PANTHER AWARDS 7stpiusx.org

The Del Sarto and the Mr. and Ms. Panther Awards are considered to be outstanding St. Pius X High School awards and the highest senior honors. The recipients of these awards are nominated by the faculty. The students recognized persevered to earn substantial academic accomplishments, have outstanding records of leadership, participation and achievement in many school events and activities, and have manifested pride and interest in their school. These students represent St. Pius X High School as positive people of integrity and Veritas spirit.

Pius News SPRING 2022

DEL SARTO AWARD ARDEN DABNEY

The sixteenth John T. McMahon Teaching Chair scholarship recipient was Erin VanWassenhove. We congratulate and thank Erin for the tremendous impact she has made on our community and our students.

JOHN T. MCMAHON TEACHING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT CLASS OF 2022 HONOR GRADUATES

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Pius News SPRING 2022 Valedictorian COLIN JACOB COVINGTON SUMMA CUM LAUDE Attending•UniversityNextofTexas, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Awards & Scholarships Received •Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) All-State Academic Excellence Team Scholarship •University of Texas Engineering Scholarship •Louisiana State University Academic Scholars ActivitiesScholarship&Community Engagement • National Honor Society • Community service projects • Boy Scout and Eagle Scout service projects • SPX athletics: baseball and soccer • Volunteer at First Methodist Houston, teaching Hispanic children in need during summer and participating in food distribution Salutatorian MEGAN KATE DOMINGO SUMMA CUM LAUDE Attending•UniversityNextofTexas, majoring in Computer Science Awards & Scholarships Received •Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of Greater Houston •ColoradoScholarshipSchoolofMines Merit Award Activities & Community Engagement •National Honor Society - 21-22 President •Student Ambassador for four years •SPX athletics: softball, tennis, and volleyball •Student Council - Class Secretary for four years •Volunteer at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, aiding with vacation bible school, volleyball camp, and food pantry assistance 9stpiusx.org

stpiusx.org Pius News SPRING 2022 Commencement Ceremony CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2022! 10 SUMMA CUM LAUDE GRADUATES7 MAGNA CUM LAUDE GRADUATES10 CUM GRADUATESLAUDE11 DISTINCT UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE/ACCEPTANCES155 CLASS MEMBERS IN THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY48 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS PERFORMED8000 AMOUNT COLLECTIVELY EARNED IN SCHOLARSHIPS$11M

Piper Applewhite ‘22, Stephanie Peairson Applewhite ‘96 (mother), Alice Tarnowski Simms ‘72 (grandmother)

Leann Salvato Salmons ‘95 (mother), Kendall Salmons ‘22

Marcus Bollom ‘71 (grandfather), William Bollom ‘22 Justin McKoy ‘22, Roger McKoy ‘82 (father)

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Legacy Families

CELEBRATING GENERATIONS OF SPX ALUMNI

Chloe Darnell ‘20 (sister), Sophie Darnell ‘22, Hana Darnell ‘20 (sister), Steven Darnell ‘85 (father)

Wendy Myers ‘84 (mother), Mattie Carlson ‘22, Mel Myers ‘61 (grandfather), Melanie Myers Butts ‘87 (aunt)

Sam Vitulli ‘15 (brother), Emma Vitulli ‘22, Ramon Vitulli ‘18 (brother) Not pictured: Nick Vitulli ‘12 (brother), Ramon Vitulli ‘63+ (grandfather), Donna Aquilina Vallone ‘63 (grandmother)

The class of 2022 had 12 legacies, growing our alumni family. Each of these new graduates had at least one parent or grandparent graduate from St. Pius X High School.

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Thomas McGee ‘84 (father), Abigail McGee ‘19 (sister), Olivia McGee ‘22, Thomas McGee ‘21 (brother), Colleen McGee, SPX faculty member (mother)

Angel Gutierrez ‘96 (father), Alexander Gutierrez ‘22, Natasha Simmons Gutierrez ‘96 (mother)

Edward Battenfield, Sr. ‘68 (grandfather), Rita Holik Battenfield ‘68 (grandmother), Burke Battenfield ‘22, Ciro Bua ‘66. Not pictured: Edward Battenfield ‘87 (father), Kimberly Bua Battenfield ‘87 (mother), Edward Battenfield ‘19 (brother)

Diane Bashinski Amalfi ‘72 (grandmother), Ted Bashinski ‘74 (great-uncle), Ray Bashinski ‘75 (cousin), Deborah Bashinski Rekieta ‘76 (greataunt), Alina Solice ‘22, Kathleen Bashinski Czajkowski ‘77 (great-aunt), Angela Amalfi Solice ‘98 (mother), Christopher Amalfi ‘99 (uncle)

Stephen Benys ‘85 (father), Jaxsten Benys ‘22, Braeden Benys ‘20 (brother)

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Congratulations to Parker Milligan ‘22 and Parker Jackson ‘22 for placing Honorable Mentions in All State. Girls Soccer Spring 2022 brought the best season in the history of SPX girls soccer. An emotional ride took them to becoming State Finalists! VYPE Coach of the Year, Laura Flores, encouraged the team to dream big. Together, they came within 90 minutes of the State Championship. Wins over St. Dominic Savio Catholic (7-0), San Antonio Christian School (1-0), and St. Agnes Academy (2-1) propelled the Panthers to the State Championship Match along the way. The team practiced tirelessly, fought hard, and inspired the campus with victory after victory throughout their memorable and historic season! Congratulations to Emma King ‘24, Margo Matula ‘23, and Tessa Dabney ‘25 for placing 2nd Team in All State. Tennis The tennis team improved greatly during this season. The team practiced hard and gritted out more wins, sending Granger BeringJames ‘24 to the State Tournament as an alternate and Jefferson Page ‘22 into the main bracket. Jefferson finished in 3rd place after a hard-fought match.

Pius News SPRING 2022

The SPX boys basketball team grew over the course of the season, eventually punching their ticket to the playoffs! Led by underclassmen Vincent Doucet ‘23 and Bryson Wheatfall ‘25, it was a fast-paced season with some big wins. The Panthers ultimately fell in the Area round but fought hard and will look forward to a season with a team full of playoff experience! Congratulations to Bryson Wheatfall ‘25 for placing an Honorable Mention in All State. Girls Basketball SPX girls basketball had a season to remember, bringing home a tournament win and a playoff berth! Led by VYPE Private School Girls Player of the Year, Zachara Perkins ‘24, the Panthers dominated on route to a 21-11 record. Though they fell in the Area round of playoffs, the girls basketball team has a lot to look forward to next year! Congratulations to Zachara Perkins ‘24 for placing 1st Team and Farren Donald-Wright ‘22 for placing an Honorable Mention in All State. Swimming This season, the SPX swim team flourished! Despite new changes to their schedule, the swim team broke barriers and climbed to new heights! Stephanie Birkelbach ‘23 broke the school record (her own!) in the 500 Freestyle with a new time of 5:15.53! At the 2022 State Invitational, all four competing female swimmers placed Top 10 in both the medley relay and freestyle relay. Maddie Davis ‘23 was awarded Most Improved and Victoria Robertson ‘23 was awarded Most Dedicated at the SPX Winter Sports Banquet. Boys Soccer It was a big playoff season for the SPX boys soccer team in a year filled with growth! After making their way through a District gauntlet, the Panthers gave it their all in a back-and-forth match with Central Catholic. Though they fell 4-2, it was a great season for the Panthers as they grew their ownership of the sport!

Athletic Recaps WINTER AND SPRING Boys Basketball

The softball season provided an opportunity for our young team. An inexperienced squad finished the season with a 15-15 record and 6-2 in district play. Having lost three tremendous players to college, fresh faces played a tremendous role in lifting the program and keeping the standard. They look forward to next season, with nearly all players reuniting! Congratulations to Victoria Hunter ‘23 and Sophia Erazo ‘23 for placing an Honorable Mention in All State. Photos courtesy of Wayne Donnelly and Michael Starghill Photography

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Track & Field

SPX baseball boasted two No-Hitters throughout the season, with Casan Evans ‘24 and Kyle Winkler ‘22 combining for a No-Hitter against Second Baptist HS, and Casan Evans ‘24 solo No-Hitting Concordia Lutheran HS! Congratulations to Casan Evans ‘24 for placing 1st Team and Jackson Mobley ‘23 for placing 2nd Team in All State.

Softball

The 2022 baseball season ended in the second round of TAPPS D1 playoffs. Although the season culminated on a note of disappointment, there was plenty to be proud of with these Panthers. Varsity baseball finished the regular season 16-12 with an 8-4 record for second place in the district. Along the way, SPX baseball ran into some powerful teams within Texas and took care of business. SPX baseball defeated: the #6th ranked 6A UIL Clear Falls, the #8th ranked 5A UIL Friendswood, the #1 ranked D1 TAPPS Concordia Lutheran (twice), the #3 ranked D1 TAPPS St. Thomas (three times), the #3 ranked D2 TAPPS Lutheran South Academy, and the #4 ranked D2 TAPPS Second Baptist Academy.

The track team had a young squad this year, but our Panthers worked hard and grew all season! The girls team overcame several obstacles, setting personal records along the way and qualifying two relays to Regionals. The boys team had several good showings, collecting medals throughout the season. Two athletes qualified for Regionals and Joshua Mitchell ‘24 qualified for the State Meet in Long Jump, where he finished sixth! Rugby SPX rugby put up another winning season, with its largest squad in program history at 34 players. While picking up big wins against Strake Jesuit, Dallas Jesuit, and Lake Travis, the team found a new mascot- saving a beloved stray dog they named Buster. With Buster on the sidelines, the rugby team fought their way to a runner-up finish in Single School Competition.

It was big season of progress for the golf team, with both boys and girls sending players to Regionals! The boys sent three individual qualifiers to Regionals during a season in which they consistently flirted with the top of the table, eventually winning the Incarnate Word Invitational. The girls team grew to be serious contenders in their district. Paige Vaglienty ‘25 won the Klein Cane Tournament towards the end of the season and the entire team moved on to Regionals after a 4th place finish at the District Tournament.

Golfstpiusx.org

Baseball

It was a season full of highs and lows, as the team was in a building year, but the Panthers fought hard all year! With a large freshmen class of players who had never played the sport before, the team showed great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn a new sport quickly. Led by their remaining seniors, the SPX girls lacrosse team found the determination to fight a powerful and competitive season! Congratulations to Alex Konicki ‘22 for placing an honor in All State. Boys Lacrosse

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It was a historic season for the SPX boys lacrosse Team!

For Buster! MEET

inplacingNygren‘22toCongratulationsReedPollardandKaid‘22for1stTeamAllState. THE SPX RUGBY TEAM’S FAVORITE PUP

Girls Lacrosse

placingNygren‘22toCongratulationsReedPollardandKaid‘22for1stTeam

During a routine Spring practice, the SPX rugby team encountered a stray dog in a park. When it wandered into a nearby yard, the dog was attacked by two other dogs chained on the property. The team quickly stepped in and got the dog to safety. Burke Battenfield ‘22 contacted his sister with the Animal Justice League. The boys fell in love with the dog almost instantly and named him “Buster.”

In games following the rescue, the rugby team united around the chant, “For Buster!” before their games and declared him their official team mascot. The family of player Grant Stringellow ‘22 fostered Buster. Our rugby pup has won the hearts of many in the Houston community, and was featured on FOX 26 News, KPRC Houston Life, and in articles in the Texas Catholic Herald and The Leader News.

“It’s really special,” SPX rugby team member Hayden Llorens ‘22 reflected mid-season. “He’s a fighter. We’re fighters, so we are all just trying to stay in the fight and win.”

The Panthers opened Divisional play with strong wins and finished the regular season with a double-overtime loss to Emery, only to see Emery Weiner one week later in the Regional Semifinal Playoff game. The Panthers took it to Emery Weiner and held off the Jaguars 14-12. This marks the first-ever victory for the SPX boys lacrosse team over the Jaguars! Despite the loss of their Regional Final match, the Panthers had one more opportunity to get to the State Final Four with a game against Austin’s Rouse High School. In a back-and-forth battle, the Panthers pulled out the win 11-10, giving SPX its first State Final Four appearance in program history. In the State SemiFinal, against eventual State Champions Trinity Valley, the Panthers lost a hard-fought battle 17-6. Overall, it was a season to remember, with big firsts and huge wins!

Athletes SPX SIGNING DAY This spring, St. Pius X High School was proud to watch seven of its incredible student-athletes sign to the school of their choice. Congratulations to these athletes and their parents as they move on to ignite their story and power at the next level!  Miles Daughtry Baseball, Texas Lutheran University  Michael Fite Rugby, Sam Houston State University  Alex Gutierrez Rugby, Sam Houston State University  Carson Hintz Football, Arkansas State University  Parker Milligan Soccer, Soccer Management Institute  Jefferson Page Tennis, Oglethorpe University  Kayleigh Schultea Volleyball, Sam Houston State University stpiusx.org 15

Pius News SPRING 2022

Signing

Each year, our incredible Panther Family gathers for this fundraiser for the St. Pius X Foundation. Co-chaired by Roberta Konicki (Alex ‘22 and Abby ‘22) and Jill Davis (Jack ‘23 and Drew ‘25), our 2022 gala was a sparkling success. Raising an incredible $362,000 for the SPX Foundation, the Veritas Stargazing Soiree was our most successful gala in the school;s history! Friends, alumni, and community members, enjoyed an unforgettable evening dancing the night away to the sounds of Houston-based band, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Save the date for our next St. Pius X Foundation gala on Feb. 11, 2023! A Celebration of 65 years Pius News SPRING 2022 16 stpiusx.org

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Veritas CeremonyRing ANNUAL

On Mar. 27, incoming Panthers and SPX faculty/staff gathered on campus for BBQ, games, and fun during our New Family Picnic! We were honored and excited to celebrate the future class of 2026. Accepted students and their families enjoyed the opportunity to visit campus, get to know other future Panthers, and mingle with SPX faculty, directors, coaches, andleadership.and SPX and JUNIOR EVENT

On Apr. 24, we passed the torch of leadership to the Class of 2023 at our annual Veritas Ring Ceremony. Fr. Felix Osasona M.S.P., celebrated an inspiring Mass alongside our Concert Chorale and theology department. In line with this important tradition, SPX leadership presented juniors with their rings and Torchbearer pins as a symbol of their responsibility to exemplify the Dominican ideals of Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching.

New PicnicFamily INCOMING FAMILY EVENT

On Feb. 27, senior Colin Covington renovated the Marian Rosary garden for his Eagle Scout service project. This laborious project for Eagle Scouts is designed to create a positive community impact. “A lot of kids from my troop volunteered at church,” Colin said, “but I wanted to branch out and expand the outreach of our troop.” Colin says he was excited to give back to St. Pius X High School after being a part of the school community for four years, and hopes people want to come out and pray in the beautified area. With the help of friends, family, and generous volunteers, Colin added fresh gravel, assembled two new benches, planted six flowering plants, removed trash, and power washed the stepping stones and concrete benches.

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Colin’s mother, Libby Covington, reflects, “I am so proud of him. It’s so meaningful, as he’s spent the last few years here at St. Pius X.” She echoes her son’s hope that SPX visitors, students and community members will enjoy the renovated space and pray.

Rosary Garden Revitalization EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT

Pius News SPRING 2022

Spring ProductionsTheatre

Pius News SPRING 2022

Veritas Theatre offered two incredible productions in the spring semester. In February, we enjoyed the contemplative dark comedy of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, set in a time-bending, seriocomically imagined world written by playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. In May, Veritas Theatre presented based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game. A special thanks to our amazing theatre directors, John Magalhaes Angela Washenfelder, all Veritas Theatre sponsors, and every supporter who purchased a ticket to a showing. Your support to our students is invaluable! Last presentedworldthe

VERITAS THEATRE DAZZLES

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SPX Students on Good Morning America Pius X High School students know the value of engaging with and giving back to their local community. a group of underclassmen took part in planting the largest rooftop garden (“SkyFarm”) in Texas at POST Houston! Our students represented Veritas spirit and Houston pride on Good Morning America and ABC13 News.

St.

On May 20,

Logan Landry ‘23 holds a GPA of 4.55 and maintains outstanding achievements in the classroom and on the field - with the Dominican Preaching team, football, rugby, NHS, and more! 20, 2022

IN THE MEDIA

Abby Konicki ‘22 and Alex Konicki ‘22 boast GPAs of 3.84 and 3.93 and impressive athletic and community involvement - including cheer, lacrosse, NHS, Dominican Preaching team, and more!

St. Pius X High School had three students in the 2021-22 school year highlighted on FOX26’s “Making the Grade” segment. “Making the Grade” puts a spotlight on Houston students who excel in athletics and academics. Following a virtual interview, Nate Griffin came to campus to film live highlights with our students and their families, coaches, friends, and teachers.

Making the Grade

Nov. 15, 2021 Apr.

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On Feb. 1, SPX students partnered with St. Rose of Lima Catholic School to plant a Pollinator Playground Garden on the St. Rose campus. With education and guidance provided by the Houston Zoo, our students helped the middle-schoolers prepare an environment-friendly garden that will enhance the grounds for years to come. The goal of this project is to educate the public about the importance of native planting and to promote a love of nature and God in the students and their families. In June, Principals Rachel Ware and Bernadette Drabek ‘82 had a buzz-worthy reunion at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School campus as SPX gifted St. Rose of Lima a commemorative plaque to mark the planting of the garden!

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COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pollinator Playground Garden

THE BEAUTY

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LiturgiesLenten OF OUR SCHOOL

We marked the beginning of Lent on Mar. 2 with the celebration of a beautiful Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Fr. David Parker, L.C. asked us to “consider what it truly means for our lives and our actions when we say that God loves us.” We thank our student vocalists, Dominican preaching team, and handbell choir for elevating our school liturgy, as well as Fr. Parker, L.C. for celebrating the Mass with us. On Apr. 13, our Dominican Preaching team and Director of Campus Ministry led us in a reverent prayer service as we observed Holy Week and prepared our hearts for Easter with scripture and song. Liturgies stpiusx.org

chapterSPXcounselorDr.Clark’swritingappearsin11of It’s Never Too Late, a book written to encourage everyone to pursue their passion and embrace their purpose through personal tes timony. Dr. Clark has been writing since 1992 to inspire others to believe that there’s always hope.

WINTER FUN FOR ALL The Sadie’s Winter Formal Dance on Feb. 11 was a night to remember! Students danced the night away under frosty lights, enjoyed oldfashioned ice cream and delicious lattes, and had tons of fun in our 360-photo booth. Thank you to all the faculty, staff, and student leadership volunteers who worked hard to make this event a success!

Dr. Yvonne Clark Jennifer Bucciero Boyles

Our Director of Counseling Mrs. Boyles co-pub lished the illustrated children’s book, Daddy Is Cool Like That, with her mother, Mary Ann McMahon. This book, dedicated to her own father, tells the heart warming story about a daughter and her father, who were affected by an MS diagnosis and ultimately pre vailed in love and hope.

DR. CLARK AND MRS. BOYLES PUBLISH BOOKS Pius News SPRING 2022

Sadie’s Dance

Panthers in Print

We had a blast celebrating Field Day on Mar. 25! Students enjoyed delicious street fare from six food trucks and tons of activities including a petting zoo, cornhole, inflatable slip-n-slide, bounce houses, ultimate frisbee, and so much more. Thanks to meeting a raffle goal, the school enjoyed a riveting Powder Puff football game - which the juniors won!

On May 6, we celebrated our third and final Panther Pride Day of the school year on Parsley Field, enjoying food trucks, a 22-foot water slide, foam party, field games and more under the sun. Congratulations to our Class of 2025 on defeating the seniors in the Seniors vs Freshmen dodgeball game!

STUDENT LIFE ON CAMPUS

STUDENT LIFE ON CAMPUS

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Panther Pride Day Field Day

Senior Prom RETURN TO IN-PERSON CELEBRATIONS & Project Prom The 2022 Enchanted Forest Senior Prom was unforgettable! It was a joy to return to an in-person, traditional prom dance, and this evening quickly became a favorite memory for many of the class of 2022. After dancing the night away and enjoying delicious small plates (and an ice cream sundae bar!), the senior class moved to Dave & Buster’s to finish the night strong with Project Prom. Congratulations to our Prom Queen and King, Rosita Winden ‘22 and Ellis Wehrer ‘22! We are so grateful to our faculty and parent volunteers who made these incredible events possible. Pius News SPRING 2022 26 stpiusx.org

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SPRING ALUMNI EVENT SPX

Alumni Easter Egg Hunt alumni families had a hoppin’ good time at the annual Alumni Easter Egg Hunt! Everyone enjoyed food generously donated by Chick-fil-A (N. Loop 610 & Shepherd), face painting, music. Over 2,000 eggs were placed for the hunt! New to this year’s hunt was the addition of the Golden Egg. One child from each age group went home with a brand new bike! Thank you to all the Panther families who joined us.

ofTorchbearerTruthAward SPRING ALUMNI EVENT MyersStanMcKennaPreviouscommunity.alumniwitnessanexampleofengagedandcommittedLinda‘68/’68.ofDirectorsOntogivenDominicanamongprofessionsPillarswhodistinguishedEstablishedin2015,theTorchbearerofTruthalumniawardisgiventoanSPXalumnusservesasanoutstandingexampleoftheFouroftheDominicancharisminboththeirchosenandtheircommunities;whoareleaderstheirpeers,exemplifyingVeritasaswellassocialjusticeteachings;andwhohavesomemeasureoftheirtime,talentortreasureSt.PiusXHighSchoolortheirchurch.January28,2022,theSt.PiusXAlumniBoardofpresentedtheseventhannualTorchbearerTruthAwardtoHumphreyandLindaKappeHughesTheawardwaspresentedtoHumphreyandduringaschool-wideliturgyforstudentstowhohavegivenbacktoSPXandthegreaterTorchbearerofTruthrecipientsincludePat’64,GeraldSchattle’69,JohnS.Parsley‘80,Jankowski‘68,Juliane“Juli”PhillipsCrow‘90,Mel‘61andVicVirgadamo‘60. JAN. 28, 2022 Pius News SPRING 2022 28 stpiusx.org

SoireeStargazingVeritas SPRING ALUMNI EVENT CareerWeek SPRING ALUMNI EVENT FEB. 5, 2022 ALUMNI STRIKE A POSE AT THE 2022 SPX FOUNDATION GALA APR. 19-22, 2022 Campus was abuzz for Career Week with various activities, panels, and sessions to help students imagine and explore opportunities for the future. SPX Alumni came out in full force to engage stu dents through panel discussions in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, law and medicine. We welcomed back: •MildredDickelJohnson‘77, RNandSPX faculty member •Juli Phillips Crow ‘90, Ad litem/Visiting Associate Judge, Harris County Juvenile and Family Courts •LoriMummeyWoods‘92, RNC-LRN,Houston Methodist - The Woodlands •Alfred Ng Ng ‘04, Manager of Finance and Business Planning, Atlantic Methanol Companies •AlexSmith‘05, AssistantDirectorofCareer Development, South Texas College of Law Houston •Ashley Assurance Associate, of Law ‘13, Senior Assurance Pricewaterhouse Coopers Pius News SPRING 2022 29stpiusx.org

Alumni and families enjoyed complimentary beer and wine before SPX’s production of Clue, and then enjoyed some more during intermission. This new alumni event has become quite the Friday night out and we are excited to continue the fun with new productions next school year! Alumni Night at Veritas Theatre SPRING ALUMNI EVENT YearbookSigningParty SPRING ALUMNI EVENT MAY 24, 2022 APR. 29, 2022 Pius News SPRING 2022

Their first date was the 2012 Homecoming Dance. Ten years later, Victoria Chavez ‘15 and James Zuniga ‘14, were married on March 19, 2022. With family and friends gathered together, Victoria and James celebrated their marriage with Deacon Dan O’Dowd from St. Jerome Catholic Church. James is the son of Ruben Zuniga, a former SPX staff member. graduated from Texas Tech University with a master’s degree in Nursing. Tiffany Elder ‘10

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Master Sargent Manuel A. Pantoja ‘94 retired from the United States Army after 21 years of service on March 30, 2022. After graduation, Manuel attended the University of Houston and joined the Army. In his 21 years, he’s had a total of six deployments with three being combat deployments: the initial invasion into Iraq, OIF 1 March 2003-March 2004; Iraq, OIF 3, February 2005-January 2006; and Afghanistan, OEF 10, June-December 2010. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University in 2011. He currently is working as a government employee for the Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio, TX as an Antiterrorism Security Specialist. JBSA is the largest Joint Base in all of the Department of Defense. He and his wife Darlene currently reside in San Antonio. completed his Master of Defense and Strategic Studies at the University of Texas El Paso in December 2021. He graduated with honors with a degree in History & Political Science from the University of Houston. His love for linguistics has served him well with three internships at the US Dept. of State in Canada, Mexico City and Portugal. He is currently an intelligence analyst for United Health Group’s Global Division here in Houston. He hopes to continue his career with the US Dept. of State.

Manuel A.

Pantoja ‘94

Cameron Garcia ‘13

CLASS NOTES Pius News SPRING 2022 31

At St. Pius X High School, alumni giving is a vital part of everyday life. Investing in SPX is about more than simply giving back to your school. It’s about supporting a legacy of service, leadership and development of the individual person. This year’s Alumni Giving Campaign showed your commitment to our mission.

Thank you, SPX alumni, for raising the bar, spreading the word, and answering the call so generously to strengthen and drive our mission forward. This is a community that truly believes in contributing to something greater than ourselves; a legacy that will change lives. Thanks to 145 supporters, we raised over $13,028 for the Alumni Tuition Assistance Fund. Your generosity is paving the way for current and future generations to know what it means to be a Panther. Thank you for sharing your pride.

YOU ARE A PANTHER FOREVER! UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS Pius News SPRING 2022 32 stpiusx.org Save the Date!

We pride ourselves on our incredible alumni community. We hope you will consider joining us at one of our upcoming 2022 events. Thank you for being an important part of the past, present, and future of St. Pius X High School.

Seth Gould Son of Eddie and Theresa Hamala Gould ‘67/’67 Lynn Krailo Mother of Michael Krailo ‘96 and Michelle Krailo Bell ‘03 Bernadette Stalinsky Williams Sister of James Stalinsky ‘60 Walter G. Eyring Father of Mark Eyring ‘63, Dianne Eyring Jarvis ‘65 and Susan Eyring Marlin ‘66

Gertrude Arnold Wife of Joey Arnold ‘62

In Memoriam

Louis Krolczyk ‘75 Brother of Anton Krolczyk ‘69 Frederick Joseph ‘97 Mary Rose Zuckero McGowen ‘59 Sister of Dominic Zuckero ‘62 Johnny Rumfolo ‘60 Brother of Annette Rumfolo Noski ‘63 and Louis Rumfolo ‘66 Eddie Macaluso ‘66 Brother of Mike Macaluso ‘60+ and Joe Macaluso ‘62 Jerry Drabek, Sr. Father of Jerry Drabek, Jr. ‘77, Larry Drabek ‘80, and Gary Drabek ‘85, father-in-law of Bernadette Lombardo Drabek ‘82, grandfather of Angela Drabek ‘04 and Alizabeth Drabek Vasquez ‘07

stpiusx.org 33

Friends & Community IN MEMORIAM Pius News SPRING 2022

NEVER FORGOTTEN

John Marek ‘69 Brother of Alice Marek Hobizal ‘64 and Bruce Marek ‘66, brother-in-law of Robert Hobizal ‘64, uncle of Jon Marek ‘98, cousin of Stan Marek ‘65, Tommy Marek ‘69 and Paul Marek ‘71. Mike Frank ‘72 Brother of Jeanne Frank Hines ‘70 Angela Marek McClanahan ‘72,and Nick Marek ‘01

A bequest is a simple way to support St. Pius X while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. We can be named as the beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy or financial accounts. Whether you are taking those first important steps towards planning your estate or updating your estate plan, contact us today. They are your legacy.

YOU CAN LIGHT UP THEIR FUTURE.IFYOUWILL IT.

Find us on social media! Facebook: facebook.com/SPXHS | Instagram: @stpiusxhouston | Twitter: @StPiusX Parents of Alumni: If you are still receiving your SPX student’s Pius News although he/she no longer lives with you, let us know so we can change our records and send the magazine directly to him/her. Please contact the Advancement office at yeagerj@stpiusx.org or at (713) 579.7511 Many of our alumni, parents, and friends have included St. Pius X High School in their wills or estate plans but haven’t had the opportunity to tell us. If your plans include a bequest to St. Pius X that will one day leave a legacy for our students, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to The Torchbearer Society.

Future support from people like you ensures we continue to provide a strong Dominican, Catholic education for generations of students to come. By sharing your intentions, we can keep you informed of our mission to uphold the high standards of education which you have come to know and cherish.

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