35 minute read
STUDENT LIFE
BOYS WATER POLO
Ateam’s record does not reflect the growth of a team. This team had 3 returning players who had played at the JV level two years before this season and the rest of the team were all brand new to the sport. The team grew every day and game to become a competitive team that could challenge our league by the end of the season. This young team shows promise for the return of a winning team at Cardinal Newman. Led by Junior Nate Neihaus (1st Team All League) and Riley Drake (2nd Team All League) the Cardinals Men’s Team finished 5th in league.
GIRLS WATER POLO
Astrong season ending in an NCS Quarterfinals Game doesn’t speak to the contributions this senior class had on the Women’s Water Polo team at Cardinal Newman. Led by seniors Julia Lubas, Sophia Green, Abigail Cunningham, Meghan Do, Gianna Ratto, and Maguire Hansel this team went from being 0-14 as Freshman to playing a competitive game against one of the best women’s programs in the division in NCS. The team finished with a record of 16-10 and was given the 7 seed in NCS and finished second in the Vine Valley League. The Cardinal Newman team had three first team all league players: Julia Lubas, Sophia Green, and Hayden Hansel. The team also had two second team members: Abigail Cunningham and Meghan Do.
The Women’s team will be losing 7 seniors this season but will be returning several strong players including the team’s leading goal scorer in Hayden Hansel. The team looks to continue its success going forward with a deep group of underclassman looking to step up into important roles vacated by the outgoing seniors.
CHEER
Cardinal Newman Cheer has provided not only an opportunity for athletes to show their spirit, athletic skills, and school leadership-but it directs and impacts a positive school culture that is shaped by its school community and the cheer world. As noted by Bill Seely, President of USA cheer Corporation, “[Cheerleading is] a unique activity that helps bring together school and community in a very unique way – around sports.” Over these past few years-Athletes have participated in Welcome back CN Events, Cheer Factor (Rob and Joss in the Morning” Froggy 92.9), Heroes of October, and with La Crema Winery in their Sonoma County Wine Auction fundraiser for charitable causes, including post-fire housing, and Breast Cancer awareness fundraisers. Cardinal Newman cheer has pushed and worked hard in spreading the High School spirit program by connecting the crowd to the game, a community to a school, and the Newman spirit to groups beyond the Newman community.
This Summer, Cardinal Newman Cheer brought together our local cheer community by hosting two Summer junior Camps. Coaches and athletes came together to provide a fun cheer camp experience that focused on building strength, skill, and confidence while instilling the importance of respect and sportsmanship. We had over 30 cheerleaders attend and perform in front of parents, other summer campers and coaches. Athletes then went on to perform at the first two Varsity football games with much success. Newman Cheer looks forward to working with these promising athletes again next summer.
The summer also brought new changes in the coaching staff. Coach Elizabeth Stimmel, over these past eight years, is honored to have reshaped the Cardinal Newman cheer program by instilling the importance of: integrity, work ethic, mutual respect, accountability, and a high level of commitment. This year- Mrs. Stimmel transitioned to Cheer Director and introduced new coaches: Danise Salinas, Skylear Palace, and Mackenzie Stoesser who are honored and excited to continue connecting school spirit and community.
“The world’s greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have been consistent in their efforts.”
WOMEN’S VARSITY TENNIS
With only 5 returning players from last year’s team, including the loss of top returning singles player and Co-Captain, Sydney Bellman (12) to a preseason injury, first year Head Coach, Rich Aguirre, and Assistant Coach, Benjie Swenson-Aguirre, knew 2021 would be quite a challenge for the Women’s Varsity Tennis Team. Not Surprisingly, the young team of 22 energetic and determined players were up for the challenge, finishing in 3rd place in the North Bay League with an overall record of 8-4. The team showed much improvement up and down the lineup throughout the season as 6 players earned All-League honors. Singles play was led by Kaylin Smith (11), Isabella Blakely (11), Co-Captain Colbi Jacobs (12) and Suzanna Hextrum (10). Doubles was led by Hannah Salisbury (11), Bridget Salisbury (11), Catalina Coleman(11), Makena Mwiti (11), Isabella Finnterty (10), Madailein Hargarten (11) and Mackenzie Dennis (10). All-League honors were earned by the following players: All-league First Team Singles: Kaylin Smith, All-League Second Team Singles: Isabella Blakely, All-League First Team Doubles: Bridget Salisbury and Hannah Salisbury. All-League Second Team Doubles: Catalina Coleman and Makena Mwiti.
In the postseason NBL singles tournament, Kaylin Smith won the Consolation flight and Suzanna Hextrum finished in the top 8. In the NBL doubles tournament, CN was represented by Kaylin Smith, Isabella Blakely, Catalina Coleman, Makena Mwiti, Mackenzie Dennis and Suzanna Hextrum with Smith and Blakely taking 4th place honors.
The team would like to thank all our friends and families, especially team parent Carrie Smith, for supporting us on and off the courts throughout the season. With only 2 seniors graduating this year, the future looks very bright for the Women’s Varsity Tennis Team!
VARSITY WOMEN’S GOLF
“A strong showing in the Division 1 NCS Championship was a great way to cap another dominant season for the Cardinal Newman Girls Golf Program. Competing at the Div 1 level for the first time in school history, juniors Gabby Sinatra (73) and Lillie Dayton (81) led an overall team effort, finishing with a total of 477 which placed 14th out of the 21 participating teams. Cardinal Newman was the smallest school competing (by enrollment) with nearly 700 less students than the next smallest school. Competing locally in the NBL Oak Division, Cardinal Newman finished a perfect 8-0, winning by an average margin of 49 shots. As a result, Lillie Dayton (40.5 average) and Gabby Sinatra (40.43) were named coleague MVP’s and Tori Leighton (43.5) was named to the First Team All League. The excitement, positivity and enthusiasm for golf shown by ALL members of the team from day one was a reward in itself and speaks to the high character of these girls and the CN family.
The future looks bright and this year’s 16 player roster is reflective of the overall growth in Golf. Coupled with the loss of only 3 seniors and a solid incoming freshman class, 2022 will have high expectations for CN. A huge thank you to The Fountaingrove Club and Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club for allowing us to use your facilities throughout the season, junior golf at all levels can not succeed without the support of local courses. And finally, the deepest thank you to our 3 seniors who will be dearly missed, Izzy Wright, Jocelyn Thomas and Tori Leighton, your contributions are irreplaceable.”
CROSS COUNTRY
The 2021 Cardinal Newman Cross Country season has been a very positive and productive one going into the league championship on November 13. The girl’s team has recorded a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, and is in second place. It is one of the school’s best records in Cardinal Newman Cross Country history. The team is led by one senior, six juniors, and one freshman. At the beginning of the year there was only one girl on the team but throughout the season the team has grown in numbers of runners and with their progress and success. The boy’s team has a record of 2 wins and 3 losses, and is in 4th place. There are 4 seniors, two sophomores, and 2 freshmen. Like with the girl’s team, we started with one boy and have seen it grow in participation number and in progress all year long. Both teams will be moving on to the North Coast Section Meet in Hayward on November 20. Coaches Hetu and Halpin have truly enjoyed their time with these excellent scholar athletes.
PARENT ASSOCIATION COFFEE SOCIALS
Mark your calendars and plan to attend a Parent Coffee Social to meet other parents, and reconnect with old friends. CN Faculty and Staff will try to attend as they can. All Coffee Socials will be held in the ACC (unless otherwise indicated differently) and will be held from 8:15 – 8:45am.
Friday, January 28, 2022 Friday, February 25, 2022 Friday, March 25, 2022 Friday, May 27, 2022
Hope to see you there!
OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
Stay connected with all that is happening at Cardinal Newman by ‘liking’ ‘following’ or visiting these official Cardinal Newman social media sites.
Cardinal Newman.SantaRosa
https://www.facebook.com/CardinalNewman.SantaRosa
http://twitter.com/CNHighSchool https://twitter.com/NewmanASB
YOUTUBE
Cardinal Newman High School Santa Rosa, CA
http://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCq4G7ngOXFJR07pmUxWxoVw INSTAGRAM
cardinal_newman_hs
https://www.instagram.com/cardinal_newman_hs/
cardinalnewmanasb
https://www.instagram.com/cardinalnewmanasb/?hl=en
cnboosters (and alumni)
https://www.instagram.com/cnboosters/
cardinalnewmanathletics
https://www.instagram.com/cardinalnewmanathletics/ Although we had to cancel this year’s Fun in the Fall at the very last minute, we did still host our Fall Raffle! Thank you to all the wineries and local businesses that contributed to our raffle prize list! And Congratulations to the Raffle Prize Winners!
Todd & Nancy Brandt
Trione Winery Certificate for a Tour and Tasting for up to 6 people
Melanie Martin
Rodney Strong 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
Steve & Jenny Jannicelli
Rodney Strong 2018 Reserve Chardonnay Magnum
Harrison Tavares
Rodney Strong VIP Reserve Wine Flight Tasting for 4
Karen & Greg Moyers
K Squared Cellars 4 bottles of wine with chocolate and wine tasting for 6 people
Toby & Jen Maida
The Farmhand Gift Certificate
Neil & Ana Dougherty
Balletto Vineyards Tour and Tasting plus a bottle of Pinot Noir
Maria & Trevor Frampton
Bennett Lane Winery case of wine
Valerie Martin & Rob Lazark
GRAND PRIZE – 4 Warrior Tickets to game at Chase Center
CARDINAL NEWMAN’S MOMS IN PRAYER
Cardinal Newman’s Moms’ Prayer Group is a ministry designed to encourage Cardinal Newman moms to pray for their children, teach ers, school, and community. Cardinal Newman has a moms’ prayer group and we invite you to join us! Please reach out to: Michelle Egan - michelle.egan7@gmail.com or Edna Lefort - edna.lefort@gmail.com for prayer meeting details.
SAVE THESE DATES!
JANUARY
Ursuline Alumnae Association Crab Feed
Saturday, January 22, 2022 The 11th Annual Ursuline Alumnae Association hosts their annual all-you-can-eat Crab Feed benefiting the Ursuline Alumnae Scholarship Fund in support of tuition assistance for students attending Cardinal Newman High School. Always a sell-out, this annual event brings together our school families, alums from both Ursuline and Cardinal Newman High Schools, faculty and staff for a scrumptious crab dinner with all the sides! You won’t go home hungry! And, you’ll enjoy auctions and raffles too! Don’t miss this popular event! Stay connected by visiting www.UrsulneAlumnaeSR. org/Events
Father/Daughter Dinner & Dance
Saturday, January 29, 2022 The Father/Daughter Dinner Dance hosted at Vintners Inn is always a popular event and brings together Fathers and Daughters for an evening of good food, laughter and memory making.
FEBRUARY
Mother/Son Mass & Brunch
Sunday, February 27, 2022 The Mother/Son event hosted on the Cardinal Newman campus, offers mass, food and fun games for our moms and their sons.
MARCH
Spring Legacy Gala
Saturday, March 19, 2022 Delight in the evening’s merriment and festivities, as only our Cardinal Newman Community can! Sip and savor an array of adult libations and tasty treats, while perusing a robust silent auction. Settle into the beautiful dining room at Vintners Inn for a 3-course dinner with local wines poured tableside. Partake is a rousing live auction, raffles and final paddle raise for a cause. Cap off your evening with a high-energy after party with a live band and dancing ‘til the late hours. You will enjoy a spectacular evening while supporting the students at Cardinal Newman at our Spring Legacy Gala – the school’s major fundraising event! Become a Sponsor at CardinalNewman.org/Events
FREE Tuition Raffle
Saturday, March 19, 2022 This is your chance to win FREE tuition for a year! The odds are great with only 300 tickets sold. Don’t miss this opportunity! Drawing will be held at the Spring Legacy Gala on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Buy your FREE Tuition Raffle Ticket at CardinalNewman.org/Events
APRIL
Mother/Daughter Event
Sunday, April 3, 2022 A special day for moms and daughters, this event hosted at Vintners Inn, offers an opportunity for moms and their daughters to enjoy a day focused on them!
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
Saturday, April 9, 2022 Supporting our Athletic Department, this event hosted on the Cardinal Newman campus, offers a rousing good time including a BBQed dinner, silent auction and of course, a Poker Tournament!
JUNE
Alumni Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 9, 2022 Hosted each year to bring together our Cardinal Newman Alums, this event, held at Windsor Golf Club, offers our community a great day on greens, in addition to a dinner and live auction. All are invited!
ENGRAVED TILE FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTING CN ATHLETICS PROGRAMS
Recognize a family, student or team and purchase your Engraved Tile which will be install on the CN Field House walls. Many options available.
Visit our website at
CARDINALNEWMAN.ORG/ENGRAVEDTILES
to personalize your tile and make your purchase.
Our Cardinal Newman High School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the launch of our New Faculty/Staff Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund that will support tuition assistance needs for Faculty & Staffs’ students who are attending Cardinal Newman High School. This new endowment offers additional support for our faculty & staff in order to help ensure their children have the educational opportunities
Cardinal Newman High School 4320 Old Redwood Highway Santa Rosa, CA 95403 offered at Newman. Those interested in supporting this endeavor, may make a gift to the New Faculty/ Staff Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund by sending a check to the address below payable to Cardinal Newman High School with a note in the memo stating ‘New Faculty/Staff Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund’, or using the website link to make an online gift.
Or give online at www.CardinalNewman.org/Donate. Please indicate your gift is in support of the New Faculty/Staff Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund. Thank you!
TODD BRUNO, ‘88
IN THE NEWS
ATTENTION ALUMS!
We need to hear your stories! Please share your updates or your friends, who may be shy, for future alum newsletters. Todd Bruno, spent 20 years as a federal law enforcement officer with the National Park Service mostly in Yosemite. He moved up to Glacier Bay National Park, 3.3 million acres of Alaska’s Inland Passage, in 2007 and transitioned to a boat captain position, running the park’s research vessel for 7 years. Now he works out of the park carpentry shop, creating and fixing. In a few years, he hopes to retire and find some work using the skills he developed. As a side business he manages a vacation rental next to Yosemite and enjoys spending a couple of months every winter down there enjoying some warmer weather. Check the following link to see: yosemitetreehouse@ gmail.com
Update your contact information by emailing us at badger@cardinalnewman.org or rutherford@cardinalnewman.org
Stay in touch so we can too! EVAN CASTRO, ‘11
The new Executive Chef at Bricoleur Vineyards is our own Evan Castro, class of ‘11, who was Sous Chef previously. They pair food and wine with care, making for a special experience. When asked how he was doing in this challenging role, he replied: “I am doing well, been a crazy year with the whole pandemic experience. We are open 10-5 Thursday through Monday, we offer two different flights. We offer what is called our roots experience, which is four wines paired with four bites or we have the sip and savor experience which is six wines with six bites.” The winery, off of Starr Road in Windsor, is a small escape not far off the beaten path. Evan enjoys the path he is on.
JADE BUHMAN, ‘16
Returning to coach the Freshmen Volleyball at CN this Fall, Jade Buhman shows she continues to understand service and sport. A four year letter winner here for Coach Anna Waller, Jade went on to UC-Davis, where she played club and graduated this past spring with a degree in Sports Medicine. She worked as a trainer for the Aggies and credits Monica Mertle’s class at CN on Athletic Training as the start of her Sports Medicine journey. She is preparing to apply to Medical school in the Spring, working at the Pulmonary Clinic for experience. She also plans to reconnect with the Redwood Food Bank, which was her CBSL project, to support again.
Jade’s enthusiasm is appreciated by the Frosh Cardinals and Coach Waller. Thanks Jade!
MAURITSON FAMILY
Our first three generational family of CN graduates: Tom Mauritson, ‘68, Lucas Mauritson, ‘22, and Bob Mauritson, ‘89. The North County family, long involved in agriculture, spans CN history, from 1964 to present. Photograph by Leah Mauritson, ‘24.
IN THE NEWS
STEPHEN TOMASIN’S OLYMPICS
Tokyo 2020, held in July 2021, came with challenges. Covid testing, staying in a team bubble, required to leave after your competition was over, were not the usual experience of an Olympic Games but for Stephen Tomasin, ‘12, it was the Olympian time of his life.
A long time US team member for Rugby 7’s, the fast and quick playing game with contests around the world, Stephen had just missed out on playing in the 2016 Games in Brazil. When matches and practices were suspended in March 2020, first he was locked out, feeling locked up, and left to wonder if his Olympic dream would come true.
In Spring of 2021, the team was able to get back to training together, staying together, and hoping they would be on a plane to Japan in the summer. Arriving in Osaka, they had a training camp for both the Men’s and Women’s 7’s teams, then went to the Olympic Village for the Opening Ceremonies. Waiting for their turn in the parade, Stephen said he was with the US baseball and basketball teams beforehand, sharing the excitement of the Games that had been suspended and then restored. Athletes respect athletes, and the famous and the unknown shared photos and happiness together.
When their opening match against Kenya came, they found themselves facing off in an empty stadium, where instead of crowd roars, they could hear the other team clearly. Digging deep, they won a physical game. Next, they knocked off Ireland, guaranteeing an advance into the final round; South Africa edged them in the group final though and they faced Great Britain in the quarterfinals. After leading at halftime, the British team came back to win 26-21, with the US missing out on the medal games. Bouncing back by beating Canada, they faced South Africa for 5th place but came up short.
While disappointed with the team’s overall results, especially when they had been close to a medal, Stephen said it was a wonderful experience being an Oympian. He plans to be playing again in Paris 2024 as the US reloads with new players, as many older ones step out. He also wants to be playing in LA 2028 when the Olympics come back to California. As he is only 27 now, he feels he is coming into his prime and is ready to take an increased leadership role. Having overcome injuries, he is working on maintaining fitness and health, staying safe, and supporting his teammates.
As Cardinal Newman’s only international rugby player and Olympian, Stephen has shown what is possible with effort, determination, and self belief. He remains the modest person he was in high school; he is also highly confident in his ability and appreciates the support he received here, where after a standout football career, his rugby began.
ALUMNI TAILGATE PARTY & HOMECOMING GAME
Homecoming 2021 returned with beautiful weather on October 15th. The pregame gathering began at Jake’s Place, hosted by Advancement, Terri Derr and Kathy Badger ‘83, who provided food and fun, thanks to celebrity chefs Lance Badger ‘83 and Jim Derr. Over 50 alums gathered to enjoy a barbequed meal before heading to the Homecoming football game. Tours of the new classroom building, with help from Board members, were available, allowing the recently opened rooms to be viewed. The game went well for the Cardinals, 34-10 over Maria Carrillo. Halftime saw a parade of golf carts, one decorated by each class, proceed ahead of the four cars from Hansel Autogroup carrying the eight Queen nominees, escorted by their fathers. A red rose revealed the selection of Ari Johnson ‘22 as newest Homecoming Queen. The next night, the Dance was hosted outside in the new courtyard.
YOUNG ALUMS SOCIAL GATHERING
AN INVITATION TO THE CLASSES OF 2018 TO 2021
On Friday, December 17th from 1-3pm, come to the new Classroom building at CN for a look around and to connect with other recent graduates. After making it through the fire in October of ‘17, the challenges did not end but work has continued and the new 19 room class building opened in September this year. With indoor limits due to Covid, including masking requirements, the new courtyard has hosted a rally, a Mass, and the Homecoming Dance.
We welcome you back to campus and the opportunity to see for yourself the work completed and the work in progress. Your own growth can be shared with each other in a social setting of the holiday season. Wear a Christmas sweater and enjoy hot chocolate and coffee, maybe even a mocha.
See you on the 17th! MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Our Cardinal Newman High School community mourns the loss of the following alums who have passed during this last school year - July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. May their souls rest in eternal heavenly peace.
Christopher J. Hyland, CN ‘68 Mark A. Stensgard, CN ‘81 Jim H. Anderson, CN ‘85 Sean Nurmi, CN ‘91 Dan G Ciraulo, CN ‘94 Paul A. Garcia, CN ‘01 Philip Beiting, CN ‘09
CLASS OF ’81 REUNITED FOR BREW BIKE FUN!
Our Cardinal Newman/Ursuline Class of '81 held our second afterreunion Brew Bike Tour in Downtown Sacramento. After the three-hour drinking establishment tour, the group headed to dinner where the fun and great conversation continued. Classmates and their spouses traveled from as far away as Morgan Hill, Lodi and believe it or not, Thailand. The rest of us were local but one thing is for sure. The class of '81 is a tight knit bunch!
On the Brew Bike starting on the left and going clockwise. The leader of the class of ‘81, Tom Nunes, Gavin Diprile, Stacey Russell-Diprile, David Amen, Tina Amen, David Dommen, Karen Nunes, Patrice Fellenz-Ladage, Ron Ladage, Gregg Hall, Ronda Campbell, Kari Hall, Jeff Campbell, Fai and Dan Wylie. On their own bikes, Laura Murphy-Strech and husband Michael.
THOSE WHO SERVE
By Graham Rutherford
As CN’s first class graduated in 1968, Selective Service still conducted a required military service lottery with possible deferments. By 1973, this draft process, which had existed since 1940, was ended and a voluntary Armed Forces began. Over nearly sixty years, CN graduates have served the United States of America in a variety of roles and branches. We have worked over the past year to identify all CN students with military experience; the list is still incomplete and we would appreciate being informed of anyone who is missing from the list, when they served, and with whom. We have included some pictures, and hope to have more to share in coming editions.
On Veterans Day this year, speakers from our community came to explain their service roles to current students and why it mattered. Our thanks to:
Pat LaFortune, retired CN teacher, Army, Vietnam Vet; Jeff Scharfen, retired CN teacher, son of a Marine Officer, father of a Navy Officer daughter; Phil Kreck, CN ‘97, West Point ‘01, Army, Iraq Vet; Edward Rutherford, CN ‘10, Marine Corps, Afghanistan Vet; Stacey Almy, daughter of an Air Force pilot, mother of Spencer Almy, CN ‘16, Naval Academy ‘20, Marine pilot, and Mimi Almy, CN ’19, Naval Academy ‘23; Major David Scheone, Chaplin, Army and Air Force; Staff Sergeant David Peltier, Coast Guard and Air Force; Lieutenant Commander Erin Sheridan, Coast Guard; Phil Sustatia, Army, Vietnam Vet.
By learning about Veterans Day, from those who served, we hope our students can better appreciate a day often misunderstood with Memorial Day or seen as a shopping holiday. The Cardinal Newman Veterans Plaque recognizes “those who served in times of Peace and War”; it was planned and paid for by a Government class in 1991, with an olive tree; a flag was installed in 2008 to recognize a Veteran father. Philip Bertoli, USMC, CN ‘68, Vietnam
Hal McGuirk, US Navy, CN ‘68, enlisted in 1969 to avoid being drafted and be able to pick his branch of service; after boot camp, he was assigned to electronics training. His first duty station was in Winter Harbor, Maine. A radio listening station for the Soviet bloc countries, his specialty was cryptography equipment repair. Then he went to USS Kitty Hawk, where he was transferred to the Information Warfare detail, until he returned to civilian life, after 6 years in the Navy.
Bill Driscoll, US Coast Guard, CN ‘71, enlisted 1972 and served at various duty stations in Bodega Bay (twice), San Francisco (twice), Monterey, San Diego, Pensacola and Panama City, FL, and finally Portsmouth VA, retiring in 1995 as a Chief Boatswain Mate. He drove rescue boats and was 2nd in charge of the 82-foot Cutter in Bodega Bay in the late 80s. He also patrolled on larger cutters around the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean, doing Law Enforcement and other missions. Retiring to Pensacola FL, he ended up being the Dockmaster for Naval Air Station Pensacola, for 10 years dealing with Naval Ship movements. Currently, he is fully retired and lives in Pensacola with his wife Irene.
Mark O’Hair, US Army, CN ’76, Captain Troy Blank, USMC, CN ‘82, twenty-three years of service, ‘85 to ‘08, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, Okinawa, Japan, and in Saudi Arabia, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, back to Camp Pendleton to be a Drill Instructor, then Separations Personnel Chief for Overseas Marines, next he served in Iraq, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2008, the highest enlisted rank.
Christopher Jones, US Navy, CN ‘82, stationed at San Diego, CA, Great Lakes, IL, Mare Island, CA, New England Recruiting Station, he also served on the USS Standley, USS Horne, USS Gonzalez, and USS Mason. He rose to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.
Sepp Becker, US Army, CN ‘83, retired after serving from 1988 to 2000 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Raymond Giampaoli, US Army, CN ‘83, enlisted 1984 US Army Reserves, commissioned 1987 1LT, Infantry, US Army Reserves, Special Forces course graduate 1991, retired as Captain, Civil Affairs, US Army Reserves,1998.
Joseph Scalione, US Air Force, CN ‘84, US Air Force Academy ‘88, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Germany, Washington, DC, South America, and California. He rose to Major when we last had an update.
Bill Driscoll Conor Shaw
Chad Dorr, US Naval Academy, ‘88, CN ‘84, commissioned as a Naval Helicopter Pilo t, retired as a Commander in ‘09, after a twenty-one-year career that took him to places he had never expected to go.
Alfred Shwayhat, US Navy, CN ‘84, a Captain, naval flight surgeon, surface warfare medical department officer and Fleet Marine Force medical officer. Chief of endocrinology at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, he previously served as the Health Services Department head aboard USS Carl Vinson, from which he led medical relief operations for the carrier task force in the immediate aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. He remains dedicated to his patients and his children, and is our highest ranking Alum.
Chuck Quinn, US Air Force, CN ‘84, 1989-2000, separating as a Captain, Commander on the C-130 Hercules.
David Skanchy, US Army, CN ‘85, Us Army Medical Services Corp, held the rank of Captain in 2002, working at Walter Reed Army Hospital and the Forensic Toxicology Lab at Fort Meade, MD. Schuyler Robertson, US Army, CN ‘86, enlisted 1986, 82nd Airborne, National Guard 1990 to ‘95, Rejoined National Guard ‘07, deployed to Iraq 2009 and Afghanistan 2014, retired from National Guard in 2020. Served as a security contractor providing diplomatic security from 2016 to ‘19 in the Middle East, currently a Tactical Medic for US Government.
Andy Bean, US Army, CN ‘88, ROTC, commissioned into Army Reserves ‘92 to 2001.
Sean Ramirez, US Army, ‘88, is currently serving at Fort Bragg, NC. He was a post-9/11 inspired recruit at 35 years old and has served for 16 years so far. He has seen service in many places.
Tony Hardina, USMC, CN ‘89, helicopter pilot for the Marines from carriers and on land, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Chris Stafford, US Navy, CN ‘90, after college and Med school, began serving as a Navy Doctor for fourteen years, 1998-2012, based at the Naval Medical Center San Diego with two deployments, Iraq with the Marine Corps and Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center in Germany with the Army, retired as a Commander. Both sons graduated from CN, Jack ‘16 and Bennett ‘20; wife Kathleen, UHS ‘88, and he recently moved to South Carolina for a new hospital opportunity. Rueben Pacheco, USMC, CN ‘91, entered the Marine Corps in 1992, stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, CA, also deployed to Pohang, Korea, left active duty in 1996. In 1997, joined Marine Corps Reserve and served with HQ Company, in San Bruno, CA, as a Radio Chief and Martial Arts Instructor, while also being the wrestling coach at CN. Post 9/11, deployed to Djibouti, Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco. Retired from Marine Corps Reserve in 2012 with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, transitioning his service to the United States Border Patrol as a Use of Force Instructor, now a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent near El Paso, Texas.
Jay Becker, US Army, CN ‘92, Combat engineer, Fort Campbell Kentucky, 1993-1996
Nolan Sheahan, see page 54
Stephen Conor McCarthy
Brian August, US Army, CN ‘92 Lichen Pursley, US Air Force, CN ‘93, retired in Feb 2018 as a Lieutenant Colonel at Creech AFB, NV (near Las Vegas) after twenty years. He currently works for the company that made the plane that he was flying at the end of his career, the MQ-9A Reaper.
David Walsvick, US Air Force, CN ‘95, served 20022004, officer in the Air Force Reserve from 2008 to present.
Phil Kreck, US Army, CN ‘97, US Military Academy ‘01, Ranger and Airborne qualified, stationed first in Hawaii before going to Iraq, Army Special Forces Direct Action Team (Ft. Bragg, NC) & NATO (Pentagon, Arlington, VA), active duty until 2006, Reserves until 2011, including posting in Japan. For the last decade, he has travelled extensively, working with people in other countries, including teaching an economics class for a high school in Kenya, and for defense contractors.
Mark Righetti, USMC, CN ‘97, joining the Marines in ‘99, Mark deployed to Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, CA,
Ben Yarborough, US Army, CN ‘92
Ron Crane, US Army, CN ’92
Rueben Pacheco Alfred Shwayhat
Lt. Colonel Andrew D’Ambrogi, USMC, CN ‘98, is the Commanding Officer of VMA 211, one of the new F35 jet squadrons. He is currently deployed on a joint venture with the Royal Navy on the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, a first-time joint venture with the US. They departed Great Britain for a world tour through the Mediterranean, Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, in May ‘21. Previous to departure, the Queen herself paid a visit to him and his UK counterpart before they embarked (see photo). His father is Mark D’Ambrogi, CN ‘77, and he is married to Anastasia Mahoney D’Ambrogi, UHS ‘98.
Quinn Nichols, USMC, CN ‘98, US Naval Academy ‘03.
Edward Piasta, US Army, CN ‘98, ROTC at Marquette University, commissioned in 2002. After law school in 2006, served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, now a Lieutenant Colonel. Two tours in Iraq, currently serving as Chief of Military Justice for the Georgia National Guard. He also manages the law firm Piasta Newbern Walker, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia.
Steve Lazzini, USMC, CN ‘99, did communications installation stationed at Camp Pendleton; he also was on USS Juneau for six months, stopping in Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Korea, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Bob Anderson, USMC, CN ‘00, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, also overseas three times, including two tours in Iraq. He was a Sergeant when he left in 2004 after completing his enlistment.
Brady Bennets, USMC Gunnery Sergeant, CN ‘01, has served from Dec 2008 to the present, planning to reach at least twenty years. He has been stationed at San Diego, CA, Pensacola, FL, Biloxi, MS, Jacksonville, NC, San Diego again as a Drill Instructor, Quantico, VA, currently back in Jacksonville, NC. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, January 2021 at Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, in Quantico, VA, who are responsible for flying the President, Vice President, and foreign dignitaries in the Washington, DC, Capital Region. He also deployed twice to Afghanistan. He is married to the former Corinne Beck, of Panama City, Florida.
Theresa Piasta, US Army, UHS ‘02, Army ROTC at MIT, graduated Wellesley College, 2006 Active Duty, promoted to Captain in 2009 in Iraq, 2010 entered Reserves until 2012. Becoming a VP for JP Morgan in Investment Banking, she is currently a Senior Solution Engineer with Salesforce. Frank Piasta, US Army, CN ‘05, after graduating from Yale, entered Officer Candidate School in 2011, assigned to Fort Stewart, GA, deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 as the commander of an infantry platoon. He achieved the rank of Captain with Ranger Tab, leaving active duty in the fall of 2014 and moved to Dallas, TX with his wife Christina. They have a two-year old daughter. Frank is a Vice President at CBRE Capital Markets.
Zac Ragsdale, US Navy, CN ‘06, is a Petty Officer First Class with 8 years of service, stationed at Coronado, CA. He has deployed twice to the Middle East and once to Africa. He married his wonderful wife Jenna in October of 2018 and they currently live in San Diego with their two dogs.
Misa Scharfen, US Navy, UHS ‘08, JD ‘15, commissioned April 2015, Naval Justice School, stationed in Washington, DC, on USS Carl Vinson, then as Flag Aide to Commander, Naval Legal Service Command/Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy. Lieutenant Scharfen is currently Victims’ Legal Counsel in Hawaii. Brennan Would, US Navy, CN ‘10, First Class Petty Officer, part of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) as a Special Boat Operator (SWCC) since 2012, has been assigned overseas 3 times, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, the Pacific, deploying again in October ‘21. He stated: “Between the camaraderie with the people I work with, the places I have been, and the work we have done operationally, I have been fortunate and honored to be where I am today.”
Matt Patin, USMC, CN ‘10, 2010 to 2013, married with several children.
Edward Rutherford, USMC, CN ‘10, Camp Pendleton, 2011 to 2015, mechanic, HIMARS, Afghanistan, marksmanship instructor, one year old daughter.
Ian Geary, USMC, CN ‘10, Camp Pendleton, 2012 to 2016, Afghanistan, combat engineer.
Josh Schreeder, US Army, CN ‘11, entered in 2013 at Fort Jackson, SC, then Fort Bliss TX, Fort Carson, CO, and Fort Stewart, GA, in Afghanistan twice, also Korea. A Staff Sergeant in Field Artillery, he is a Joint Fire Support Specialist. Married with one son and a daughter on the way.
Brady Bennets Zac Ragsdale Lt. Colonel Andrew D’Ambrogi Brennan Would Josh Schreeder
Nolan Sheahan, USMC, CN ‘13, Air Force Academy ‘17, commissioned as a Marine Corps officer upon graduation, platoon commander, Multichannel Transmissions, then Battalion Communications Officer, deployed to Norway in support of Marine Rotational Force-Europe, promoted to Captain in October ‘21, serving as Communications Company Commander.
Adam Van Prooyen, US Army, CN ‘14, US Military Academy ‘18,
Sam Hamilton, USMC, CN ‘14
Austin Peccorini, USMC, CN ‘14,
Mac Dougherty, US Coast Guard, CN ‘14 Bianca Vega Stromer and Tyler Stromer, both US Army, CN ‘14. During their military careers, they still found time for each other, despite many obstacles. Bianca served 6 years in the Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Specialist based in Mountain View, CA, also two rotations at Fort Polk, LA and one rotation at Fort Irwin, CA, providing realistic pre-deployment training scenarios for units, including those from foreign countries, training alongside the British Army. Tyler served a total of 7 years as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Two of those 7 years he spent deployed overseas. A Sergeant, his time was cut short due to an injury he sustained on his second deployment. He was medically discharged with honors June 2021. They married June 15, 2019 and welcomed their son Brantley Andrew Stromer on September 10, 2020 at Fort Hood.
Troy Hemphill, US Army, CN ‘14
Gabby Singler, US Air Force, ‘CN ‘15, US Air Force Academy ‘19, transferred to the US Space Force in 2021, stationed at Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, CA, becoming a part of the newest branch of the US military. Conor McCarthy, US Air Force, CN ‘16, enlisted in February of 2020. He completed his basic training and job training in Texas. He is working in the Intelligence field and is stationed overseas. He recently received an award for Intelligence Squadron Performer.
Derek Raffo, USMC, CN ‘16, from 2016-2021, retired as a Sergeant, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, at Quantico, VA, as part of the Marine Corps shooting team Weapons training battalion, then to Camp Pendleton, CA. Jack Murray, US Naval Academy ‘22, CN ‘17
Noa Dau, US Navy, CN ‘17
JP Destruel, US Army, CN ‘16
Spencer Almy, USMC, US Naval Academy ‘20, CN ‘16, is in flight training in Florida currently to become a Marine pilot.
Conor Shaw, US Air Force, US Air Force Academy ‘21, CN ‘17, is attending the Air Force Institute of Technology graduate program, studying Operations Research. Patrick McDermott, US Air Force Academy ‘22, CN ‘18, after graduating, he will begin training as a member of the Air Force’s Special Warfare Operations, as a Combat Rescue Officer.
Gary Munsell, US Naval Academy ‘22, CN ‘18
Lillian Larson, US Air Force Academy ‘23, CN ’19
Mimi Almy, US Naval Academy ‘23, CN ‘19
Jack Fortman, USMC, CN ‘19, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Derek Raffo Gary Munsell Lillian Larson
Tyler Stromer and Bianca Vega Stromer
Patrick McDermott
CARDINAL NEWMAN HIGH SCHOOLS ANNUAL REPORT
July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
GRATITUDE
THOSE WHO GIVE – THOSE WHO SERVE
‘GOD SHALL CALL ON ME, AND I WILL HEAR THE LORD’
- St. John Henry Newman
CARDINAL NEWMAN HIGH SCHOOL
GIFT RECOGNITION SOCIETIES
Merici-Newman SOCIETY $100,000 and Up
...our best SOCIETY $50,000 - $99,999
Heritage Gift SOCIETY $25,000 - $49,999
Patron Gift SOCIETY $15,000 - $24,999
Benefactor Gift SOCIETY $5,000 - $14,999
Gold Circle Gift SOCIETY $1,500 - $4,999
Cardinal Gift SOCIETY $500 - $1,499
Friendship Gift SOCIETY $1 - $499
To the following families, individuals and organizations, we express our sincere thanks. We are humbled. You honor us greatly with your gifts of cash, in-kind services, and faithful commitments toward pledges to Cardinal Newman High School and the Angela Merici John Henry Newman Foundation.
