The Sentinel Shield Fall 2014

THE SENTINEL SHIELD

MAGAZINE OF SETON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY | FALL 2014

60 YEARS

EXPECT GREATNESS SETON CELEBRATES

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

A SAINT FOR ALL AGES

When I was a young mother, the only time could find for myself was early in the morning. Even though I had this time for myself, I found still had to multi-task to get a walk in, time for a rosary, and a time for personal prayer. While on my early morning walk, I said my rosary and as I showered, I took this time to thank God for all His blessings, asked for His help in doing His will throughout the day, and asked Mother Seton to join me in this prayer.

I first became fully aware of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton when she was pronounced a saint in 1975. We had just found out we were expecting our son and after five years of trying, it looked like we had a viable chance at carrying the baby to term. The doctors encouraged us not to tell anyone we were expecting until we passed four months, so we kept it a secret until Christmas. During that time, I read about the new American born saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She seemed so real to me, a mother, a teacher, and her deep belief in the real presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. I asked her to join me in my daily prayer to do God’s will. Time passed, two years and four days after the birth our son we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter Meredith, who graduated from Seton in 1996.

As our life evolved there were many times I reflected on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life. She was a flesh and blood person who knew what it was like to have her husband’s company fail, to have family issues to contend with, and to have to work to support her family after her husband’s death.

After 38 years, I still call on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to pray with me for the grace and guidance to do God’s will. I never dreamed would be the principal of a preparatory high school named for her. I never thought would work to preserve and pass on her charisms of love, faith, courage, and determination to the Seton Catholic Prep (SCP) community. Today, when pray, I add my thank you to God that I am blessed to be here to serve SCP as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Pat Collins

CONTENTS

2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK A Saint for All Ages

4-5 SENTINEL NEWS

6-7 CHARISM: LOVE

The Ripple Effect: One Small Action Can Make a Big Impact

8-9 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Upholding The Tradition: Meet The Seton Catholic Class Of 2014

10-11 COVER STORY

Reflections on Seton’s 60th

13-14 FEATURE STORY

Seton Education is a Family Affair

14 ATHLETICS

Coach Eric Larkin On Building a Wrestling Dynasty

15 FINE ARTS

SPOTLIGHT: Lizzy (Pabst) Sobczyk

16-18 ALUMNI NOTES

Sentinels Take the Crown and the Newsroom

19 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

On the cover: Seton Catholic students circa 1960s gaze at a portrait of Elizabeth Ann Seton who was beatified on March 17, 1963 by Pope John XXIII. She was canonized as the first native-born citizen of the United States on Sept. 14, 1975 by Pope Paul VI who said, “...Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.” Known as “Mother Seton,” she is the foundress of the Catholic school system and the first congregation of religious sisters in the U.S., initially called the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s.

(Photo from Seton Catholic archives)

THE SHIELD

FALL 2014

ADMINISTRATION

Principal Patricia Collins

Assistant Principal David Sorkin

Dean of Students Julie Grindey

Director of Admission Chris Moore

Director of Athletics Bob Bitler

Director of Campus Ministry Rob Curtis

Director of Counseling Jerry Mullin

Director of Finance Bob Esposito

Director of Student Activities Beth Pattock

Chaplain Fr. Chris Axline

Seton Catholic Preparatory 1150 North Dobson Road • Chandler, AZ 85224 • 480.963.1900 • SetonCatholic.org

ADVANCEMENT

Director Paula Osterday

Assistant Director

Becky Sanchez

Communications & Marketing Manager

Sheri Collins-Merkel

Alumni Relations Manager

Krista Cunningham

Advancement Associates

Karen Hill, Lucille Ruchensky

THE SHIELD

Assistant Director, Advancement

Becky Sanchez

Communications & Marketing Manager

Sheri Collins-Merkel

Editor Kim Cecere, On Point Communications

Designer t-squared design

Printer ExpressIt Print

ADVISORY BOARD

Corky Silver, President

Eddie Cook, Vice President

Larry Dorsey, Secretary

Patricia Collins, Principal

Fr. Chris Axline

Nelsonja Bastian

Chris Buneo

Susan Fugger

Jim Hayden

Christine Klee

Brandy Martinez

Fr. Dan McBride

Fidencio Rivera

Tom Walentitsch

Shannon Wilson

Rich Zawtocki, Liaison, Board of Trustees

OUR MISSION To provide a college preparatory curriculum within a Catholic faith community focusing on academic excellence, leadership and loving service to others.

2013-14 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. Gabe Ortiz ‘88, Board President, Medtronic Inc., Medical Device Sales

Mr. Ryan Corry ‘04, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Development Officer

Mrs. Carol Dobson, Dobson Family Farms, Owner

Mrs. Tracy Dorsey, CPA, Seton Catholic Prep and Resurrection Parish volunteer

Mr. Sal Flores, Flores Wealth Management, Registered Principal

Mrs. Jill Sciarappo, Intel Corporation, Strategic Marketing

Mrs. Kim Silver, M.Ed, CPA

Mr. Steve Smitham, Retired COO of Jennings, Strouss and Salmon P.L.C., CPA

Mr. Rich Zawtocki, Zawtocki Law Offices, Attorney at Law

Mrs. Pat Collins, Ex-Officio

Mrs. Paula Osterday, Staff Support

Mrs. Brandy Martinez, Staff Support

The Sentinel Shield Magazine is published bi-annually by the Seton Catholic Preparatory Advancement Office SetonAlumni@SetonCatholic.org

Note: Are you receiving multiple copies of The Sentinel Shield?

If so, please contact Lucille Ruschensky in the Advancement Office at 480.963.1900, Ext. 2031 or by emailing lruchensky@SetonCatholic.org

Of all the gifts you have given, a bequest in your will may be the most meaningful one you will ever make. Through a bequest, you can remember loved ones in special ways, perpetuate your values and help shape the future of Seton Catholic Preparatory. For more information, please call Paula Osterday, Director of Advancement 480.963.1900 Ext. 2011

SENTINEL NEWS

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE

The Seton drama trip to Broadway was a hit! Our Sentinel fine arts students participated in actor workshops and met Broadway actors. They attended performances of Les Misérables and Aladdin. They also visited many New York landmarks, including the 9/11 Memorial Museum and The Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native-born American Saint canonized in Rome on September 14, 1975.

IT’S NEVER EASY TO SAY ‘GOODBYE’

Seton Catholic Prep would like to wish a fond farewell

to retiring teachers Zetta Ambruster, English, 10 years; Elizabeth “Betty” Krings, Math, 15 years; and Maria Vinaras, World Languages, six years.

Thank you for your dedication and loving service to the Seton Catholic community!

A WARM WELCOME GOES OUT

Please welcome the following outstanding teachers to the Seton Catholic Prep community:

Quentin Beatty, BS , MA

Todd Decker, BA, MA

Michael Foor, BS

Lindley Henson, MS

Olga Hoff, BS

Melissa Tole, BA

A warm welcome also goes out to Jack Barten as Seton’s new Campus Security Specialist. Barten retired in 2011 as police sergeant from the Chandler

Police Department after 31 years of service in law enforcement.

“It is a privilege to welcome Jack, his wealth of experience and expertise in professional law enforcement to the Seton community. Over the years, Seton has had a close working relationship with the Chandler PD. Adding a full-time Campus Security Specialist was a natural extension of our efforts and Jack is a natural fit,” said Julie Grindey, dean of students.

REJOICE! FR. CHRIS IS FULL TIME

It is official. Fr. Chris Axline is our full-time chaplain! Be sure to congratulate him when you see him out and about campus.

“This year, I am blessed to be able to be a full time presence on campus as a teacher and spiritual guide so that I may aid the students, staff and families of Seton Catholic to come to know Christ in deeper and more profound ways,” said Fr. Chris. “May Christ’s peace be with you all!”

Fr. Axline attended St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Chandler while attending the Pontifical College Josephinum. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 2007 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies. He now lives at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert and celebrates Mass there on weekends.

“ It is a privilege to welcome Jack, his wealth of experience and expertise in professional law enforcement to the Seton community.”

LATEST TRIP TO TULLEMORE FOSTERS RELATIONSHIP WITH ‘TWIN SCHOOL’

Seton Catholic Prep has a longstanding relationship with a Twin School in Tullamore, Ireland. During the summer, a group of 10 Sentinels journeyed across the Atlantic to spend a week with families and students of Sacred Heart School. The Twin School relationship is the result of the Sister City affiliation between Chandler, Ariz. and Tullamore, Ireland.

The Seton students selected by the Chandler-Tullamore Sister City organization as Chandler student ambassadors spent last school year working at various Sister City events and fundraising to help pay for the trip.

The Sentinels were treated to a guided tour of the Charleville Castle in Tullamore. The visiting students loved the fact that our Twin School students have a castle right in their town. The Charleville Castle plays a prominent role in several scenes in the movie Becoming Jane.

A day trip to Dublin gave Seton students the opportunity to tour Croque Park, the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) hurling, camogie, rugby and Gaelic football championships. A day trip to Galway, where Irish is the official language, allowed them to tour the Claddagh Region, birthplace of traditional Claddagh rings.

While there, Seton students attended a hurling match between County Offaly (where Tullamore is located) and County Kilkenny (multi-year All Ireland Champions). Barbecues, traditional Irish music, dancing evenings and movies in the Sacred Heart School added to the experience —and deepened the wonderful relationship between the Seton Sentinels and the Sacred Heart Tasmanian Devils!

Students at the Loch Burrah Park Sculpture Park u

Top: Aoife Doheny, Sacred Heart student

Middle (left to right): Marie

SETON SOPHOMORE LIVES MEDICAL DREAM AND LIFE OF SERVICE

For Seton Catholic student Nicole Gehret class of 2017, summer vacation 2014, was a meaningful experience for this young woman who aspires to be a doctor. Selected for the competitive Dignity Health East Valley Summer Volunteen Program at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Gehret fulfilled a commitment to community service as well as gaining valuable experience in the medical field.

More than 300 applications were received from high school students throughout the area and 91 students were selected for the nationally-recognized Volunteen program. To be considered, students must have a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) and serve a minimum of 40 hours over the summer.

Gehret, a Seton honor student with a 4.0 GPA, completed more than 80 hours of service as a Volunteen this summer. These hours are in addition to the nearly 500 hours of community service she has performed for the American Red Cross, Catholic Community Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul.

”A career in medicine provides the opportunity to serve others in a way that is enormous and life changing,” said Gehret.

“We applaud Nicole’s tireless efforts in going above and beyond to demonstrate academic excellence and loving service to others,” said Principal Pat Collins.

p Retirement party. Dr. Krings, retired, with the Math department: Elizabeth Griffith, Michael Mead, Dr. Elizabeth Krings, Cecilia Sanders, Jackie Peterson

Tucker (Seton Catholic student), Aoife Hand (Sacred Heartstudent)

Bottom: Isa De Guzman, Seton Catholic student

t Nicole Gehret

p Father Chris

“This was a great opportunity to spread and show kids the positive impactkindness and understanding canhaveonaperson’slife.”

ONE SMALL ACTION CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT

What do you get when you cross a classroom of creative fifth graders with a teacher who is open to out-of-the-box thinking? The answer is a remarkable video, one sure to change the lives of anyone who watches it.

Krista Krein, ‘08, challenged her students at Augusta Ranch Elementary School in Mesa, Ariz. to make a positive change in the lives of their classmates. After a lesson about character traits and bully prevention techniques, the students decided there wasn’t as much of a difference between bullies and victims as they once thought.

“The kids were active participants in our ‘character counts’ unit,” said Krein. “They performed skits and determined different ways to deal with bullies. It was their idea to use technology to tell our story. We had no idea it would impact so many people.”

The students spent several weeks making a video about the effects of bullying. They wrote scripts and came up with costuming and staging. Not only did the exercise change the way Krein’s students perceived the impact of bullying, they also posted the video online to share with friends and family outside of school. The response was amazing!

The calls started pouring in. Media outlets interested in hearing about the powerful anti-bullying video, contacted Krein. She and her students were interviewed by several local television stations, including ABC-15 and CBS-5. FOX News is also planning to air coverage about the video project on their national newscast.

Produced at the end of the 2014 school year, to date, the video has received more than 6,700 views on YouTube.

helped me become the person am today.”

After graduating from Seton, Krein attended Northern Arizona University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Psychology. Offered a teaching position with the Gilbert Public Schools shortly after graduation, Krein has been teaching in Gilbert for the past three years.

The video project provided Krein a great opportunity to facilitate discussions with her students about accepting each other for who they are, empathy, and the love necessary to end bullying. She spoke with students about ways they can collaborate to end bullying, a problem that affects as many as one in three elementary, and high school students each year. Through their lessons, the students determined that the bully and the victim are often two sides of the same coin.

“While researching this project, students discovered that bullies often feel lonely, scared and helpless and although they may seem strong on the outside, deep down bullies may be a victim in their own lives. Bullying is one of the most worrisome issues for kids today,” said Krein. Bullying, which includes face-to-face and cyber bullying, has devastating effects on kids including school avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety and depression.

Bullying usually peaks in middle school, when students are making the transition from children to young adults, which is why a program like Krein’s can make such a difference. Krein went on to explain that bullying prevention programs are known to decrease bullying in schools up to 25 percent and are especially impactful when the whole community exemplifies there is no tolerance for this kind of abusive behavior.

It is powerful to imagine the four charisms set forth by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton of Courage, Determination, Faith and Love are instilled in six decades of Seton Catholic alumni. The 2014-’15 school year not only marks Seton’s 60th anniversary, it marks the Year of Love. This spiritual gift, like the others, is what guides our students to become leaders —and to inspire others. It also holds significance in all the Bible teaches us about love: Love is patient and kind (First Corinthians 12:4-8). Love one another (John 13:34-35). God so loved the world (John 3:16). Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-45). So when it comes to Love, here is how one Seton Catholic graduate pays it forward.

“Working on this project was a labor of love for me and for the kids,” said Krein.“The results have been overwhelming and have impacted everyone involved. This was a great opportunity to spread love and show kids the positive impact kindness and understanding can have on a person’s life. I love my students and want to help them to understand they can make a difference in the world.”

There were many positive outcomes as a result of this project. Providing a place for students to express what they were feeling strengthened their sense of community both inside and outside the classroom. By using social media to share, Krein reinforced the idea that using technology to reach the masses with a positive message is just as easily as it can with a negative one.

“Attending school at Seton gave me an appreciation for the sense of community and high standards that have molded my beliefs,” said Krein. “I wanted to instill these same character traits in my students. For me, knowing that I could always count on my classmates, teachers and administrators was invaluable and

Concerns about bullying have inspired a month-long observance in the U.S. Introduced in 2006, October is National Bully Prevention month. Each year participation in this program grows with hundreds of schools and organizations across the nation signing on to raise awareness.

Once the fifth graders’ project was complete, Krein noticed a difference in her students. The seed had been planted. The kids were kinder to each other, more understanding and more tolerant of differences. The transformation was immediate.

“I am so proud of this project and of my students,” said Krein. “When I was at Seton, I had an incredible experience which has helped me become the person am today. hope my students look back at this experience when they are older and appreciate the impact they made on each other, themselves and on me.”

To watch the powerful Augusta Ranch Elementary School anti-bullying video visit http://youtu.be/gvuEu8N_KJc. =

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

UPHOLDING THE TRADITION: MEET THE SETON CATHOLIC CLASS OF 2014

On a quiet Tuesday in May when Seton’s class of 2014 graduates crossed the stage at Mesa Arts Center to accept their diplomas, they made history. The 137 seniors marked Seton’s 60th graduating class. And that’s not all. Fifty percent received one or more scholarship, earning this impressive group of grads nearly $6 million in scholarships and other funding to top national and state universities. These include the U.S. Naval Academy, University of Notre Dame, Regis University, George Washington University, Santa Clara University, California Polytechnic, Colgate University and Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

Presiding over the milestone evening were Emily Jackman, valedictorian, and Elizabeth Hopwood, salutatorian. Here are just a few of the Seton graduates, the specific scholarships they earned and the colleges they selected:

Elise Goitia earned the most in total scholarships from multiple colleges from Seton’s graduating class. She attends Knox College, a private liberal arts college in Galesburg, Ill., where she received the Ellen Browning Scripps Scholarship. Goitia chose Knox College for its distinguished Creative Writing program.

Goitia is the recipient of the 2014 Conference Choice Award from the national San Diego State University’s Writer’s Conference. She has written three Young Adult book series. Her submission of Lark, the first book in her second series, caught the attention of literary agent Pam Gruber, earning her the Conference Choice Award and recognition from “the Big Five” book publishers.

U.S. Naval Academy University of Notre Dame Regis University

George Washington University

Santa Clara University California

Colgate University Barrett The Honors College at Arizona State

U.S. Naval Academy University of Notre Dame Regis University

Santa Clara University California Polytechnic Colgate University

t

When Seton’s class of 2014 graduates crossed the stage at Mesa Arts Center to accept their diplomas, they made history.

James Ariola attends Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., where he received the Ignatius Scholarship. In determining Ignatius Scholars, the committee at Marquette reviews a student’s academic work, rigor of curriculum, community service and leadership among other factors. In addition, Ariola was awarded a scholarship through the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. Nearly 40,000 high school students across the country enter to win a share of $2.2 million in educational scholarships awarded through the VFW. Ariola’s winning essay was on “Why I’m Optimistic about our Nation’s Future.”

Janek Benigno attends the University of San Diego (USD) as an Alcalá Award recipient, the most prestigious of the university’s merit scholarships. Only a handful of 14,000-plus applicants are selected to receive this four-year scholarship. The merit scholarship rewards Benigno’s achievements at Seton Catholic Prep and recognizes his potential to contribute to USD’s campus community. In addition, Benigno was awarded first place in the nation in the “We The Students” Scholarship Contest through the Bill of Rights Institute. =

Arizona State University U.S. Naval Academy University of Notre University

x

George Washington University

Santa Clara University

California Polytechnic Colgate University Barrett The Honors

Fifty percent received one or more scholarship, earning this impressive group of grads nearly $6 million in scholarships and other funding to top national and state universities.

AROUND THE WORLD AT SETON

Eleven students from Seton’s Chinese Mandarin program received Young Leadership and Talent Awards presented by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton during a 35th anniversary ceremony of the Phoenix and Taipei, Taiwan Sister Cities relationship.

The Seton students were honored at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new exhibit at Phoenix City Hall by Master Chen Yang Chun, a Taiwan national treasure artist. Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee Chair Lin Ling Lee selected Seton Catholic Prep for this honor in celebration of the 35th anniversary.

As talk of the highly anticipated sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron revved up, French III students at Seton Catholic creatively gave the Avengers some French adventures of their own— and in the process, won first place at the Arizona State University Foreign Language

Fair in the student-written play competition. The winning play was titled, On a oublié l’anniversaire de Pepper! (We Forgot Pepper’s Birthday!). To make up for almost missing Pepper’s birthday, the Avengers decide to whip up some crème brulée for her. =

q Janek’s grandmother Clara Benigno, Fr. Chris and Janek Benigno

Far left: Elizabeth Hopwood, Marie Hodges and Cole Dieterle

Near left: James Ariola, Fr. Will and Aaron Martin

p Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee Chair Lin Ling Lee, Chris Williams, City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Nicholas Hodges, Micah Marrietta, Julian Soley, Nathan Zimmerer, Seton Catholic Assistant Principal David Sorkin, Eduardo Gamez and Seton Mandarin Instructor Wen Chyi Chiu

REFLECTIONS ON SETON’S 60TH... and

Two Decades of Service from Librarian to Principal

For more than two decades, Pat Collins has served Seton Catholic Prep in various capacities. She has been the librarian, technology committee chair, media specialist, substitute teacher, senior trip adviser and chair of numerous Western Catholic Education Association accreditations. It all began in 1992 when her daughter, Meredith, entered Seton Catholic as a freshman. Meredith graduated from Seton in 1996, but Pat’s volunteerism and work for the school didn’t end there. At the end of the 2004-2005 school year, she took over the role of principal from Dr. Riley, a position she has held ever since. During the ensuing years, she has watched a new chapel, football field and fine arts building become a reality. She has seen Seton students excel in athletics, reach for the stars in fine arts productions, and witnessed their spiritual growth upon their return from Kairos. “What more could anyone ask for in life?” asks Collins.

The Sentinel Shield sat down with Seton Catholic Prep Principal Pat Collins to talk about her more than two decades of service at Seton, the significance of 60, what’s ahead for Seton… and books, of course!

SS: What was your first year at Seton like in 1992?

PC: My first year at Seton Catholic was a year of volunteerism. had just finished a Master’s in Library Science at the University of Texas, Austin and had seen how computers where going to affect libraries and education. Hence, I felt it my mission to take Seton forward by automating the library circulation system, getting all the books in a central database and establish a network, which I started immediately as soon as Meredith began. The next year, Brother Casey hired me to be the librarian and pointed out the clause in my contract that stated, “And any other duties assigned by the principal.” True to Catholic school tradition, I found myself, as the other teachers on campus did, called upon to use my talents and gifts in a myriad of ways.

SS: No doubt, you’ve seen and experienced a lot during your tenure at Seton. What are the memories you’ll cherish forever?

PC: My most cherished personal memory was our daughter’s graduation in 1996. The gym had just been finished and her graduating class was the first and ultimately the only class ever to have their graduation in the gym. Bishop O’Brien was there

to hand out diplomas, the heat was horrendous, but the “Seton Pride” in the accomplishment of having a gym for graduation was palatable.

also have many other found memories including, saying novenas with my dear friend Sister Joan Marie Madden. I was blessed to be the advisor for the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapter of the National Honor Society and work with students on a more personal level. Being the librarian, it was a privilege to work with our wonderful teachers and all the great students. can honestly say that the memories are endless and I cherish them all.

SS: What do you think are the most significant milestones in the history of the school?

PC: Undoubtedly, the fire on the first campus stands out as most significant to the school’s history. The Seton community came together keeping the school open and relocating it to our present site. That had to be close to a miracle.

Rebuilding our campus on the new site is another significant milestone in the history of the school. With this move, we have developed a master plan that will assure we will meet the needs of our students spiritually, academically and physically.

SS: In addition to the charism, what are the greatest gifts a student receives from a Seton Catholic education?

PC: Rather than thinking of Seton as providing gifts for our students, I like to think of our students and their families as God’s gift to Seton. Yes, our qualified teachers provide an academically challenging curriculum. Yes, we provide a safe supportive environment that encourages Seton students to step out of their comfort zone. Yes, Seton students receive an education that promotes a strong moral compass by which to gauge the world and a strong Catholic faith community to help support them throughout their lives. Yes, we prepare our students well for college and beyond, but the students and their families are at the core of why it all works.

“ Our mission to prepare students for college includes the mind, body and soul. ”

SS: How is Seton preparing the 21st Century learner?

PC: Within the master plan for the rebuilding of the historic campus are the initiatives that will prepare our students for their future. Through our engineering program, scheduled to start with the freshman class of 2015, we address the need for all students to further develop skills deemed necessary for the 21st Century learner: collaboration, communication and critical thinking. These skills are relevant for any choice of study or career. Another program included in our master plan is the Joseph Patterson Activity Center. We envision this center will be open from 3:30 to 6 p.m. daily. The programs offered will be open to all Seton students and will include tutoring, computer access, physical training and a healthy living program monitored by a team of skilled professionals.

SS: They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. What has remained the same for Seton six decades later?

PC: Whenever a roomful of Seton alums gets together, I am struck by the solidarity of the group. The first Seton students stood in solidarity against discrimination by swimming at the Chandler public pool on those days all of them could swim together. Today, our students still stand together in solidarity. It does not matter if they graduated in 1958 or 2014, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s charisms have touched each of their lives, and they carry faith, courage, determination, and love wherever they are.

SS: What is unique about the college preparatory experience at Seton?

PC: What makes Seton stand out from among the other college prep schools is that our mission to prepare students for college reaches beyond the classroom. Our mission to prepare students for college includes the mind, body and soul.

We expose our students to multiple teaching styles and methods. These range from project based to lecture, and from group work to flipped classes. We know that students need to be able to adapt their learning to the different types of teaching. This is why freshmen at Seton take study skills where each of them identifies their method of learning. We also know the importance of socialization; we encourage and support our students in activities, sports, and the fine arts. We approach our service to others with a servant’s heart. We are a Catholic faith community who are blessed to be guided by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s charisms of courage, determination, faith and love.

SS: As a librarian at heart, we have to ask: What book(s) do your recommend to all high school students?

PC: I am a strong proponent of reading the classics and the great books. am not a purist in the sense I encourage students to read only the “old” classics, as I do believe a well-rounded college preparatory program has students read contemporary books that fall under the classical heading. There are reasons why we refer to books as “classics” and giving our students the opportunity to discover and discuss these reasons under the tutelage of excellent teachers is integral to providing an academically challenging college preparatory curriculum.

SS: What are you reading right now?

PC: During the school year you will find most of what I read to be school related. I primarily focus on articles that address educational, theological and teenage brain issues. I do have to confess that I am an ardent reader of the Sunday New York Times. =

60TH ANNIVERSARY ONLINE

For more on the history of Seton Catholic and a historic timeline, check out the 60th Anniversary page at SetonCatholic.org/60th_annivesary Alumni: Be sure to complete the online alumni form. We want to hear from you!

p Pat’s daughter Meredith, 1996

p Pat with sports legends Tommy Lasorda and Ann Meyers Drysdale, 2014

p Pat looks on as Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted blesses the cornerstone of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel 2006

p Pat presents Kate McBryan ‘03 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 2013 Hall of Fame

SETON EDUCATION IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Mark and Sylvia Stoll were part of Seton Catholic’s inaugural graduating class in 1958. Since that time, they have watched four children and four grandchildren graduate from Seton Catholic, and they currently have two grandsons enrolled at the school. For Mark Jr. ‘80, Andrew ‘83, Paul ‘84, Heidi ‘96, Vanessa ‘11, Mark III ‘13, Alexi ‘14, Jacob ‘14, Victor ’16 and Jonah ‘17, Seton is an important and meaningful part of their family’s legacy.

Mark Sr. and Sylvia met in the fall of 1954, when they were encouraged by Seton’s founder, Fr. Joseph Patterson of St. Mary’s Parish and the Sisters of Charity, to enroll at Seton. Sylvia was an Arizona native and Mark Sr. had recently moved to the East Valley from Iowa. When she enrolled, Sylvia had already completed her first year at Chandler High School but opted to repeat ninth grade so she could be a part of the Seton program.

In the mid-1950s, Chandler was a rural area with many low-income families. Seton was founded to serve the youth of St. Mary’s Church, many of whom came from migrant and farming families. The original school campus was located in an agrarian area, primarily surrounded by cotton fields and sheep. The year Seton opened its doors its freshman class consisted of merely 20 students.

After graduating from Seton, Sylvia went away to earn her teaching certificate at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa. and Mark Sr. started his career in the masonry business. Two years

later, Sylvia returned to Arizona to start teaching at St. Mary’s School. A friendship that started in high school soon grew into a budding romance, and Mark and Sylvia were married, settling in Chandler and starting a family.

For each generation of the tight-knit Stoll family, Seton represents tradition. “There was never a question where my siblings and were going to go to high school,” said Paul. “The school is a natural fit for our family. My kids, my nieces, and my nephews are all products of Seton, too. I can’t imagine any other educational institute being so instrumental in our upbringing.”

Even though it was often a sacrifice, one of the resounding reasons Sylvia and Mark Sr. opted to send each of their children to Seton was for a quality education intertwined with Catholic morals and values.

“My mom wanted to send us to Seton because she didn’t feel she could provide us with an adequate amount of faith education on her own,” said Heidi. “Faith instruction was a high priority to my parents and Seton was a trusted source to gain spiritual knowledge.”

“ There was never a question where my siblings and I were going to go to high school,” said Paul. “The school is a natural fit for our family.”

Heidi remembers going to the school to watch her brothers play football when she was a very young girl. “Seton always seemed like a home away from home to me and now I get to return and watch my nieces and nephews participate in sports and activities. It feels like we have really come full circle for our family.”

Seton had a significant impact on Heidi and her postgraduation aspirations as she is currently working for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

For the rest of the Stoll family, togetherness does not stop with education. In addition to attending the same high school, many members of the Stoll family also work together in the

family business, Stoll Masonry in Chandler. Mark Sr. started the company with a partner more than 50 years ago and Mark Jr., Andrew and Paul purchased the company from their father about 10 years ago.

In 2011, Mark Sr. and Sylvia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a special Mass and blessing in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel. Surrounded by all of their children and grandchildren, this was a wonderful celebration of their faith and love. It was a perfect opportunity to relish in an unwavering relationship that started at Seton nearly six decades earlier.

For the Stolls, Seton has provided a warm, caring community of people who treat each other like extended family. The education is superior and prepares graduates for the challenges they will encounter in college and beyond.

“Looking back, I am not sure we really understood the quality of education we were receiving at Seton,” adds Heidi. “But the lessons we learned, the compassion we were shown and the stability the school represented provided us with a great springboard for the future. And for this we cannot express enough gratitude to the teachers, staff and administration at Seton.” =

p Mark Sr. and Sylvia celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary u

Top Row: Mark III, Victor, Diana, Mark Jr., Sylvia, Mark Sr., Andy, Vanessa, Theresa, Jacob, Alexi;

Bottom Row: Matthew, Cassie, Heidi, Paul, Kristine, Jonah; Front: Abby

t The 50th wedding anniversary mass

p A family shot from the mass

COACH ERIC LARKIN ON: BUILDING A WRESTLING DYNASTY

Wrestling national champion, Eric Larkin, was named head wrestling coach at Seton Catholic Preparatory in May of 2012 and will enter his third season as a Sentinel coach this winter. Larkin attended Arizona State University (ASU) and is one of the top wrestlers in ASU history. He is the only Sun Devil to receive the most prestigious award given to wrestlers, the Dan Hodge Award, which is considered the Heisman Trophy of amateur wrestling.

In 2003, Larkin was the NCAA Division 1 National Champion. He finished in the top four at the NCAA tournament four times: fourth as a freshman, third as a sophomore, second as a junior and first as a senior. Larkin shares this feat with only two other Sun Devils. He is a four-time All-American, four-time Pac-10 champion in his weight class and was awarded the Pac-10 Wrestler of the Year in 2001, 2002 and 2003. He received the Pac-10 Medal of Honor in 2003 and was nominated for the 2003 ESPY Award for Best Collegiate Male Athlete.

Larkin’s impressive accomplishments at ASU landed him in the ASU Sports

Hall of Fame in 2013. At the 2000 Olympic trials, Larkin came in third and then second in 2004. After graduating from ASU, he joined the ASU coaching staff until 2008. He married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, in 2001. They have five boys: Kaden, 12, Kaleb, 11, Kyler, 9, Konner, 5, and Kash, 3. Larkin works for Arion Care Solutions, which provides services for individuals with disabilities.

Here, Eric Larkin talks to The Sentinel Shield about his plans for building a wrestling dynasty at Seton and what inspires him to achieve greatness.

SS: How old where you when you started wrestling? What got you interested in it?

EL: I started wrestling when I was in 7th grade, and I was 12 years old. My parents were both from families of wrestlers (mom’s five brothers, my dad and his brother). Also, South Tucson, where I grew up, is rich in the tradition of wrestling. Once I tried it, I loved it.

SS: How is wrestling different from other sports?

EL: Wrestling is very demanding physically and mentally. One of the ways that wrestling is different from other sports is the pressure a wrestler feels is higher because it is you and your opponent on the mat and that is it. read some article a while back and it said, “An NCAA basketball final has 20,000 fans in the stands but 10 players on the court. An NCAA finals wrestling match has 20,000 to 40,000 fans, and it’s you and your opponent on a raised mat for seven minutes to prove you are the best in the country.”

SS: What is your coaching philosophy?

EL: My coaching philosophy is consistent hard work will bring success. If you want to be successful at wrestling, it has to become a way of life. In order to be successful at any sport, it has to come from your own drive and passion. Coaches and parents can only do so much by giving the athlete the opportunities and tools to use, but the heart must come from the athlete.

Spot Light

LIZZY (PABST) SOBCZYK INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BROADWAY STARS

SS: What is your vision for the Seton wrestling team?

EL: My vision for the Seton program is simple. Build these kids into student-athletes who are very prepared to be successful in college. If that is the main focus, then all the wrestling accomplishments will come.

SS: What inspires you to achieve greatness in your sport? How do you inspire your athletes?

EL: My five sons inspire me to achieve greatness. The system that we as a coaching staff will have in place will make it really hard not to be a successful student athlete. It will be exciting to see it happen, if they want it. feel that each athlete is inspired by different things. Talking to them on an individual basis is very important to me. We try to take time as coaches to do that as often as possible. It’s easier to do with a small team, and that’s what I like about coaching at Seton. =

During her tenure at Seton Catholic Prep, Elizabeth (Pabst) Sobczyk ’02, or “Lizzy” as her friends know her, was involved in 10 theater productions including My Fair Lady, Bye, Bye Birdie and Pride and Prejudice. After graduation, she knew theater was something she wanted to pursue as a career but in just what area she had not determined.

After enrolling at Grand Canyon University (GCU) as a theater major, Sobczyk found her true calling through a new degree program introduced at the school; she was in the first class to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Education form GCU this past April. The program was a perfect fit, allowing her to capitalize on her love of theater and interest in working with children.

Sobczyk put her education to good use when hired by Seton, she directed both the 2013 and 2014 Summer Musical Theater Camps. Held in the Fine Arts and Academic Classrooms Building, the camp hosted more than 120 school-aged children each summer. Through the pro-

SENTINEL COLLEGE ATHLETES

We are beaming with Sentinel pride! These class of 2014 student-athletes have gone on to play at the college level:

gram, students were inspired to share their God-given talents in an encouraging and creative environment.

“I’ve always loved working with kids and putting on shows with all of my nieces and nephews,” she explains.

“Being a part of Seton’s summer camp was very rewarding.

Watching the participants’ transformations from nervous and shy kids on day one to outgoing, confident performers on the final day is remarkable. Sharing my passion for musical theater and seeing the students open themselves up to new experiences is beyond amazing.”

The musical theater camps were the first time she got to work in the state-of-the-art fine arts facility. “The new building is beautiful,” Sobczyk said. “I am so grateful I got the chance to teach there. It really steps up the level of professionalism and offers a great place for the camp kids to experience the ins-and-outs of an actual working theater.”

After graduation from GCU, she landed her dream job; she works for Paradise Valley Unified School District as a Drama Specialist. This newly created position’s

goal is to integrate arts into the district’s curriculum and inspire students in grades five through eight to explore the fundamentals of music and drama performance.

And there are other changes in her life right now.

On August 2, she married her high school sweetheart, Marcus Sobczyk, also from the Seton class of 2010. Lizzy and Marcus met during their sophomore year. Marcus is currently finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communication at Arizona State University.

“My experiences at Seton could not have been better,” she added. “The small, supportive community allowed me to be creative, take chances, and thrive without the fear of failing. The teachers and administration at Seton were so compassionate and encouraging. They made me want to be in education so I could make a difference in students’ lives too!” =

“ My experiences at Seton could not have been better. The small, supportive community allowed me to be creative, take chances and thrive without the fear of failing. ”

Julia Barcello – Girls Basketball Colgate University, N.Y.

Heather Heild – Girls Basketball University of Alaska Fairbanks

P. J. Del Rio – Football/Track Mesa Community College (MCC)

Kyle Johnson – Football Hamline University, Minn.

Erick Wendt – Baseball Edgewood College, Wis.

Forde Makas – Golf Scottsdale Community College

Alexis Falatyn – Girls Volleyball MCC/Colby College, Kan.

Sarah Serrano – Girls Volleyball Benedictine University, Ariz.

Kelsey Moore – Girls Soccer University of Chicago Halle Brady – Cross Country/Track University of Portland Aaron Martin – Baseball North Central College, Ill.

Eric Larkin, Quentin Hovis (State Champion, 113 lbs.) and Jack Cardinal at Nationals in Fargo, N.D., summer 2014 u

Seton Catholic’s Julia Barcello celebrates victory after the DII State Girls’ Basketball Championship game between the Sentinels and the Cienega High School Bobcats at Jobing.com in Phoenix on March 1, 2014. [Photo by Greg Herriman]

u

NOTES ALUMNI NOTES

1964

The class of 1964 will celebrate their 50th reunion during homecoming weekend in October. They will attend the football game, mass and Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and tour the new Fine Arts Building. They will enjoy their 50th reunion at Serrano’s in Chandler on Saturday and conclude the festivities with a farewell brunch at AJ’s restaurant at the San Marcos Hotel Sunday morning. About 18 classmates out of the 23 graduates anticipate attending this special weekend.

2002

Daniel Beauchamp currently a captain in the army, married Captain Julia Basford at St. Andrews Church in College Park, Md. with Father Vincent Cushing officiating the wedding. Daniel recently graduated from residency from Walter Reed National Military Center in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Daniel and his new bride now live in Ft. Bliss, Texas where he will work as an attending Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor and Julia as an Intensive Care Unit nurse.

Dr. Annie Adams and her husband, Chris, welcomed the birth of their son, Kellan. Congratulations! Annie is a veterinarian at the University Pet Clinic in Tucson, Ariz.

PAGEANT CROWN CONNECTS WINNER TO CULTURE... AND MOM

When Raeging Storm Miles ’12 was a little girl, her mother wanted her to participate in beauty pageants but every time they were inspired to enter a contest, something happened and she was unable to compete. In the spring of 2011, Miles told her mother about competing in the Ms. Gila River Royalty Pageant. Unfortunately, Miles’ mother, Gracie, passed away unexpectedly that April, which affected her desire to compete.

“

When they called my name as Ms. Gila River I was absolutely stunned.”

Later that year, she decided to honor her mother’s legacy by entering the 2012 Ms. Gila River pageant. After months of research, networking and application submittals, her dream to enter—and win—her first pageant came to fruition. “When they called my name as Ms. Gila River I was absolutely stunned,” said Miles. “I couldn’t move and I am pretty sure my mouth was hanging wide open. I heard my friends and family cheering me on, and I could have sworn heard my mom yelling, too.”

Using her Ms. Gila River title, Miles increased awareness of and promoted higher education to students on the reservation. She spent a year traveling to numerous schools speaking with children about setting goals for their future and the importance of making higher education part of their plan.

Currently she is attending the University of Arizona in Tucson where she is studying social behavior and human studies. Miles hopes to one day use her degree to help children on the reservation learn more about themselves and their culture.

2004

Ryan Corry and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their first child, Brennen, in May of this year. Congratulations!

q Brennen Corry

Dan Koestner married in May. He graduated from ASU with a degree in business management and just started his first year of medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, Ariz.

Betsy Elkins Fowler and her husband, Mike, welcomed their first child, Maxine Mary, on March 21, 2014. Congratulations! Betsy just completed her Masters in Educational Administration from ASU and is currently a mentor teacher at ASU Preparatory Academy in Phoenix.

2005

Matt and Laura (Tessier) Magnus both class of ‘05, married in February 2011. Their daughter, Arabelle Therese, turns 2 in November, and they welcomed their son, Jude Thaddeus on July 2. Matt, a lieutenant in the Marine Corps, graduates from The Basic School in Quantico, Va. on September 24 and will then serve as a judge advocate general. Prior to moving to Virginia, Laura resigned as a lobbyist and political consultant in Phoenix and now loves being a stay-at-home mommy!

2006

2008

Gregory Dodaro graduated from Creighton Medical School in Omaha, Neb. on May 17, 2014. He now starts a three-year residency program at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix specializing in internal medicine. pGregory Dodaro

Jessica Lockhart is engaged to Jeremy Kincaid. Their wedding date is December 13, 2014. Congratulations!

Tricia Elkins Irwin recently left her position as operational manager at Madewell to stay home full-time with her two children, Conor, 5, and Eleanor, 18 months. Her husband, Adam Irwin, works as a microbiologist for Procter and Gamble.

Blake Corry graduated from ASU with a BA in Business Finance in 2010 and completed a Masters in Taxation in 2011. In 2012, he married Jackie Gannon. Blake then graduated valedictorian from Chapman University Fowler School of Law in taxation this past May. Congratulations!

2007

In the last three years, Joseph “Joe” Koestner joined the Marine Corps, got engaged and married, and “settled” in San Diego. His wife is now pregnant, and they are in the midst of purchasing a home. Joe is a crew-master on the KC-130J (the cargo plane used by the USMC) and currently a corporal. Congratulations and thank you for your service to our country!

Lauren Marie Harrigan u

Ryan Harrigan is in the United States Coast Guard, stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, and is currently in flight school. Thank you for your service to our country!

p Ryan Harrigan

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Shauna (Casey) Anderson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May 2012. She married Lieutenant Jim Anderson in October 2012. They have two children, Fiona Margaret Anderson, born June 21, 2013, and Keira Rose Anderson, born Aug. 9, 2014. They reside in Clovis, N.M. and are stationed at Cannon Air Force Base.

2009

Thomas Elkins is finishing his final year in chemical engineering at ASU and interning at Freescale.

2010

Lauren Marie Harrigan graduated from the University of Connecticut on May 11, 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in economics. She currently lives in Enfield, Conn. and works in management for Target Corporation.

p Daniel & Julia Beauchamp

p Kellan Adams

p Wedding dress shopping all in the Seton family: Cousin Madyson Jensen ‘11, mom Denise Lockhart ‘80, Jessica Lockhart ‘06 and aunt Renae Jensen ‘84.

p The Magnus Family

Mark Your Calendar

SENTINEL GRACES THE NEWSROOM

Since her freshman year at Seton Catholic Prep, Adrianna Amato ‘08 knew she wanted to be a journalist. Writing for the Seton newspaper and eventually becoming Editor in Chief increased her love for the craft. During her senior year, Amato reported for the East Valley Tribune, covering high school football on Fridays. When she signed up for SCTV with former faculty member Matt Kochis (now assistant football coach), she discovered her passion for broadcast journalism. She went on to pursue it at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), the first formal journalism school in the United States and considered among the best in the world.

Amato worked at KOMU in Columbia, Mo. for four years while at Mizzou earning her Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science. Upon graduating, she began her professional career with Gannett at WFMY in Greensboro, N.C., producing the 5 p.m. news.

In July 2014, Amato returned to the Valley of the Sun to accept an offer with KPNX Channel 12 to produce the news. “I feel blessed to be working at Channel 12, the station I grew up watching and

where I spent much time representing the State Champion Sentinel Spirit Line on Friday Night Fever (FNF) and Arizona Midday,” said Amato.

Longtime 12 News sports anchor Bruce Cooper fondly calls Amato “Seton Catholic” when he greets her in the newsroom. At press time, the Sentinels were featured on 12 News FNF!

2013

Cedric Santos a junior at ASU, is conducting his third annual charity drive to collect school supplies for the orphaned and abandoned children in the Philippines. Cedric had the opportunity to meet the children who received supplies and could not believe how grateful they were. He works with Father Ronilo Javines of the St. Don Bosco Parish in Tondo, and they coordinated this project with the Tulay ng Kabataan (Bridge of Youth).

Molly Elkins is currently a junior at ASU pursuing a pre-med biological sciences degree. She also coaches club swim for the Mesa Aquatics Club.

While continuing her college education, Megan Molloy recently accepted a full time position with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.

p Megan Molloy

Colleen Sikora is a junior at NAU. She produces and anchors Northern Arizona’s only local newscast, NAZ Today (NAZToday.com). She is also a member of the Omega Phi Alpha sorority at NAU.

Stanci Snow had the honor of interning with Senator John McCain’s office this summer.

p Stanci Snow with Senator McCain

Daniel Garlid played baseball for Mesa Community College. This summer they had an amazing season, winning the National Junior College Div. II World Series!

2014

In June, Jack Lawless and Dillon Stanley won first place in the USA Volleyball’s Boys Junior National Championship in Houston, competing on the men’s volleyball club Spiral 18U. Congratulations!

p Jack Lawless and Dillon Stanley

x Daniel Garlid

Have alumni news to share?

We want to hear from you! Email SetonAlumni@SetonCatholic.org. Alumni Notes may be edited for length and clarity. Photos must be high resolution, so please adjust camera settings accordingly.

SEPTEMBER 28

FOUR!

21st Annual Sentinel Booster Club Golf Classic

Sunday, Sept., 28 Ocotillo Golf Resort

OCTOBER 3

GO SENTINELS!

Sentinel Homecoming Football Game

7 p.m. kickoff

Friday, Oct. 3 Seton alumni receive free admission to the game!

OCTOBER 4

COME HOME

11th Annual Alumni Mass & Hall of Fame Induction

12 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel

OCTOBER 7

DISCOVER SETON

Catholic High School Information Night

5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 Fine Arts Theatre

OCTOBER 23

CURTAIN CALL

Fall Play: Fair Exchange

7 p.m., Thurs. Oct. 23 through Sat., Oct. 25, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, October 26, Fine Arts Theatre

Performance for elementary schools is 9:30 a.m., Wed., October 22

OCTOBER 27

TABLE TALK

Educational Speaker Series: Community of Concern, Conversations that Count

7 to 9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27, St. Andrew the Apostle 8:15 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, Fine Arts Theatre and 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew

NOVEMBER 11

LET US REMEMBER

2nd Annual Seton Catholic Veterans Appreciation Day & All School Rosary

Tuesday, Nov. 11

NOVEMBER 13

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

Open House and Guided Tours of SCP Campus

4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

2012

p Cedric Santos