The Sentinel Shield Fall 2017

THE SENTINEL SHIELD

MAGAZINE OF SETON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY | FALL 2017

A House is a Home

Introducing Seton Catholic’s House System

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

MAY CHRIST DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH.

— Ephesians 3: 17

Dear Seton Community:

Iam so excited to be joining Seton Catholic Preparatory as we usher in a new tradition in our 63-year history: a new House System. I want to start off by thanking Mrs. Pat Collins for her leadership and dedication to our school community. It has been a pleasure getting to know Mrs. Collins throughout the transition process and I am grateful for her continued support.

Our focus charism for this year is Faith. Together with the faculty and staff, we share the fundamental belief of helping our students develop their relationship with Christ through their experience at Seton Catholic. fervently pray that Christ will dwell forever in our students’ hearts, sparking a love of service to others, a dedication to our mission of academic excellence, and leadership throughout our society and Church.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, said: “Faith is not a philosophy, but an encounter with Christ.” As Seton Catholic continues to expand our population and campus, the House System will provide students the opportunity to continue their developmental journey through participation in small communities. believe the House System creates yet another avenue where students, faculty, and staff, will grow in faith and encounter Christ as they strengthen their bonds with each other. want to thank our administrators and teachers for having the foresight to organize and implement the House System. I especially want to thank the House leaders for serving their Seton community.

I am grateful to be serving as your principal, and I will continue the work of all the great leaders who have come before me.

Sincerely,

Victor Serna

2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

May Christ Dwell Forever in Our Students’ Hearts

4-5 SENTINEL NEWS

6-7 CHARISM: FAITH Campus Ministry Answers, ‘Why?’

8-9 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

‘Talent and Distinction’ Define 2017 Grads

10-11 COVER STORY

House System Marks New Tradition

12 FEATURE STORY

Pat Collins Comes Full Circle

13 FINE ARTS

4th Generation Musician Halle Lecker

14-15 ATHLETICS

Q&A with Athletic Director Matt Mayo

16-22 ALUMNI NOTES

Hall of

23 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

THE SHIELD

FALL 2017

ADMINISTRATION

Principal Victor Serna

Assistant Principal Dr. David Sorkin

Dean of Students Julie Grindey

Dir. of Admissions Guillermo Vidaurri

Director of Athletics Matt Mayo ’98

Campus Minister Holly Forseth

Campus Minister Jennifer Kohl

Director of Counseling Jerry Mullin

Director of Finance Bob Esposito

Director of Student Activities Beth Pattock

Chaplain Rev. Chris Axline

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

Director

Becky Sanchez

Mission Advancement

Officer Brian Rosario

Communications &

Manager

Joyce Valdez

Alumni Relations Manager

Maggie (Mitchell) Brown ’02

Advancement Associates

Karen Hill, Lucille Ruchensky THE

Director Advancement

Becky Sanchez

Communications & Marketing Manager

Joyce Valdez

Managing Editor

Kim Cecere

On Point Communications

Designer t-squared design

Printer International

Minute Press, Chandler

President Craig Echeveste

Vice President Jennifer Ellis

Secretary Ray Ciferno

Rev. Chris Axline

Ken Hamada

James Johnson

Norm Mendoza

Lori Shipley

Sandi Wilson

Ex-Officio Victor Serna

Staff Support

Brandy Martinez

Board of Trustees Liaison

Rich Zawtocki

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

2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President Gabe Ortiz ’88, Medtronic Inc., Medical Device Sales

Carol Dobson, Dobson Family Farms, Owner

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

Sal Flores, Flores Wealth Management, Registered Principal

Kim Silver, M.Ed, CPA

Ex-Officio

DIOCESE OF PHOENIX CATHOLIC SCHOOLS LEADERSHIP

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares

Vicar of Evangelization Rev. John Parks

Superintendent Harry Plummer

Asst. Superintendent Colleen McCoy-Cejka

Asst. Superintendent Domonic Salce

BIDDING ADIEU

Seton wishes a heartfelt farewell to Tim Smith, Fine Arts, and recent retirees:

Principal Pat Collins; Bob Bitler, Physical Education; Karen Hiller, Fine Arts; and Sr. Marie Theresa Rishel, Mathematics.

SETON SENIOR SELECTED FOR ASU SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM

Max Muehlhausen ’18 was among 28 high school journalists from across the country selected for the ASU Summer Journalism Institute at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students from Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, and New Mexico participated in the two-week program, held in June at the ASU Downtown Campus. The budding journalists attended classes on reporting, writing, multimedia journalism, videography, and video editing—all taught by Cronkite faculty. At the end of the program, the students produced a polished, 30-minute newscast.

Muehlhausen applied for the Institute because he is considering following his father into the communications field. His father, Timothy Muehlhausen, is a vice president of programming for CBS Radio, which operates three stations in the Phoenix market.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS FOR DAVID SORKIN, AMANDA BELL

Assistant Principal Dr. David Sorkin and Theology Teacher Amanda Bell have distinguished themselves and Seton Catholic with their respective professional and academic accomplishments.

Sorkin spent the summer as an adjunct faculty member with the University of Notre Dame’s Remick Leadership Program. In his ongoing role with the program, Sorkin is responsible for teaching graduate students their capstone course in preparation for a conference presentation. He said, “I work with students as they take up their inquiry and intervention during year two of their studies. It is an amazing opportunity to work with Catholic school leaders from across the country.”

Bell, meanwhile, earned a Master of Arts in theology and Christian ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and is close to completing a second master’s in education.

SETON DECATHLETES TAKE STATE; PLACE IN TOP 5 NATIONALLY

Seton’s Academic Decathlon Team captured the Arizona Academic Decathlon 3A State Title and represented Arizona in the national tournament in April. The state tournament, held in March at ASU West in Glendale, attracted 40 teams from throughout Arizona. Canyon del Oro of Tucson won the overall state title, and Seton placed eighth among all teams. The Sentinels outscored its nearest 3A Division rival, Kingman Academy, by more than 5,000 points. Seton went on to compete in the U.S. Academic Decathlon online championship for medium schools, placing fourth in that competition.

The Sentinels are coached by Todd Decker, who has coached Academic Decathlon at Seton and other schools for more than 25 years. Decker is the most senior Academic Decathlon coach in the state and one of the longest-serving coaches in the country. Decker wrote a Seton 360 guest blog about what it means to be a decathlete and why he loves coaching the cerebral sport. To read it, go to setoncatholic.org/blog and click on the “Academics and Programs” link.

¡OLÉ! WORLD LANGUAGES STUDENTS SCORE IN SPANISH AND LATIN

Seton students scored 38 medals in the National Spanish Examinations and earned three first-place finishes at the Arizona Junior Classical League convention. Sentinels received four gold, 10 silver, and 24 bronze for a total of 38 medals in the Spanish exams. The gold medalists were Marisol Luchetti, Audrey Stevenson, Alexander Bellin, and Christiana Hietter. Sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, the exams measure achievement in vocabulary,

WELCOME ABOARD!

Please join us in welcoming the following outstanding teachers, coaches, and staff to the Seton Catholic Prep community:

ƒ Barbara Babb, M.Ed. Science Department

ƒ Maggie (Mitchell) Brown ’02, B.A. Alumni Relations Manager

ƒ Gregg Buchanan, B.A. Athletics Department

ƒ Jeff Clubb, M.A. Social Studies Department

ƒ Christina Huff, B.S. Science Department

ƒ Ainhoa Madariaga, M.A. World Languages Department

ƒ Victor Serna, M.A. Principal

ƒ Doug Slater, B.A. Fine Arts Department

ƒ Guillermo Vidaurri, B.S. Director of Admissions

grammar, and reading comprehension. More than 165,000 students nationally sat for the tests in the spring.

About 250 students attended the Junior Classical League conference this spring, competing in such events as Latin oratory, mythology, literature, ancient geography, and Roman history. Seton’s first place winners were Noah DeCaro, Cara Self, and Jackie Schisler.

u Max Muehlhausen worked in a state-ofthe art studio at the Summer Journalism Institute.

t David Sorkin u Amanda Bell

t Seton’s Academic Decathlon Team outscored Kingman Academy, its nearest rival, to claim the 3A state title.

t Seton students display their National Spanish Examinations medals.

x A trio of Sentinels placed first in the Junior Classical League competition.

q Bob Bitler and Pat Collins

q Sr. Marie Theresa

q Karen Hiller and Tim Smith

CAMPUS MINISTRY:

Snacks and spiritual sustenance

FAITH

“Study Jesus Christ. When we study him, we get to know him. As we come to know him, we love him. And because we love him, we desire and strive to imitate him.”

— Blessed Fr. Basil Moreau

by Holly Forseth Campus Minister

This year, Seton Catholic Prep will focus on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s charism of Faith.

As a Catholic school, developing faith is always one of our top priorities, but this year we will be focusing on two questions: “What is faith?” and “How do we live out our faith?”

One of the issues our students grapple with as they enter into their teen years is discovering their place in the world. This is their time to question and probe and seek. This is their time to ask “Why?” In Seton Campus Ministry, we hear lots of “whys.”

The students are finally moving beyond the “we believe because we are told to believe” phase in their lives and are struggling to discern what their faith means to them. Often, we will hear Fr. Chris Axline engaged in deep theological conversations with our students who simply come for a snack from the Campus Ministry treat basket. They come looking for food, but they stay to be spiritually fed.

One of the most basic questions our students ask is, “Why do we have to go to Mass every weekend?” They see church as an affront to their plans for the day, an interruption of sleep or brunch, or a planned activity with family or friends.

Questions such as these are our favorite questions because it means they are seeking ownership of their faith in God:

Student: “Why do we have to go to Mass every Sunday?”

Campus Ministry: “Well, because the church teaches that we must.”

Student: “But why?”

Campus Ministry: “Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.”

Student: “But why?”

Campus Ministry: “Because when we receive the Eucharist, we receive Jesus into our bodies and into our lives.”

Student: “But why do we need to do that? Isn’t Jesus always with us?”

Campus Ministry: “Well, yes, he is, but sometimes we forget. Going to Mass reminds us who Jesus is and who we are. Mass gives us the strength to enter into another week with Jesus close by our side.”

The kids keep asking “Why?” and we happily keep answering, because the asking is what brings us closer to God. God gave us our intellect for a reason. He wants us to use it. Faith in God is a tricky thing because there is nothing concrete

about it, which is why we call it faith. Yet, the more we get to know our God, the more we find that faith in God makes perfect sense in our lives and in this world.

As Blessed Fr. Basil Moreau reminds us, “Study Jesus Christ. When we study him, we get to know him. As we come to know him, we love him. And because we love him, we desire and strive to imitate him.”

Jesus came so that we may understand God better, and the more we get to know God, the stronger our faith becomes. The stronger our faith becomes, the stronger our love becomes, and if there is one thing our kids need in their lives, it is God’s love. =

We must understand that we do not make God present. God is present. Period. The most we can do is to make this presence known. And taking our example from Jesus himself, that can be done only in the context of friendship and love.

—

Bill Huebsch,

“A New Look at Grace: A Spirituality of Wholeness”

t Seton students celebrate their faith during an all-school Mass last year.

Define the Class of 2017 ‘Talent and Distinction’

May 16, 2017, was a day like no other for the 123 graduates of Seton Catholic Prep’s class of 2017: 70 percent received at least one scholarship, totaling $11.2 million over four years to state, private, and Ivy League colleges and universities. A partial list of schools offering one or more scholarships to Seton graduates includes Boston College, Brown University, Cornell College, Creighton University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Gonzaga University, Marquette University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, University of Notre Dame, and Yale University.

“We are immensely proud of yet another Seton graduating class poised to lead and to serve,” said Assistant Principal Dr. David Sorkin. Prior to the ceremony, he said, “I am honored and privileged to take the stage among such talent and distinction on graduation night.” The following are just a few forever-Sentinels that graced the graduation stage that night:

Valedictorian Ben Leach attends Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he plans to study biomedical engineering. Beyond college graduation, Leach has his sights set on developing new prosthetics to help improve people’s lives. At Seton Catholic, Leach was involved in theater, playing the lead role of Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” during his senior year. He also served as a Seton Ambassador

and as an officer for the National Honor Society and National Junior Classical League chapters.

Salutatorian Nicole Gehret is a student at Brown in Providence, R.I., where she received a full-ride scholarship to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). The PLME combines undergraduate education and professional medical studies in a single eight-year program—the only combined baccalaureate-MD program in the Ivy League and a route of admission to the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown. Following medical school, Gehret plans to become a neurosurgeon. While at Seton, she was selected and completed over 80 hours of service for the Dignity Health East Valley Summer Volunteen Program at Chandler Regional Medical Center.

Luke Bastian attends MIT in Cambridge, Mass. on scholarship, where he plans to study civil or environmental engineering. While at Seton, he played three varsity sports all four years: cross country, soccer and track. He served as the captain of all three his senior year. Bastian was president of the Spanish Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, as well as a Seton Ambassador and member of the National Honor Society. In addition, he was a top scorer on the school’s Academic Decathlon team, earning a personal fourth-place finish overall at nationals. =

(Featured Students Photos courtesy of Lamar Studios)

Luke Bastian

Nicole Gehret

Ben Leach

Welcome to Your House

The start of the 2017-18 school year marked a new tradition in Seton Catholic Prep’s 63-year history: A House System welcomed students to deepen the sense of community and shared commitment to excellence.

Created by the students for the students, the new House System also provides abundant student leadership opportunities.

The House System conjures images of Hogwart’s infamous Sorting Hat, which determined the appropriate houses for Harry Potter and his classmates. At Seton, each student is assigned to one of 15 Houses named after a patron saint. Each House comprises 40 freshman through senior students (five boys and five girls in each grade) who will remain in the same House during their years at Seton. Faculty and staff are also assigned to a House.

The house system originated in England as a way to organize students into boarding school buildings. According to Assistant Principal Dr. David Sorkin, the idea for Seton’s House System sparked among Seton administrators as a way to ensure students remain connected—and Seton’s sense of community remains strong—as the school grows and evolves. Drawing on his experience in implementing a house system as dean of students at an academy school in Minnesota, Sorkin and Director of Student Activities Beth Pattock went to work. They researched best practices and contacted administrators at schools on the East Coast with house systems. In September 2016 with a customized plan in place, they turned it over to Seton students for development.

According to Pattock, because the Seton House System is a student-run, school-wide program, “It was crucial to have the students make every decision every step of the way.” During bi-weekly meetings throughout 2016-17, Pattock proposed questions ranging from Christian service hours and the bell schedule, to house philosophy and mission, liturgical participation, intramurals, point systems, student house placement, and leadership workshops. The founding members addressed each of these areas (and many more!) and designed the program.

Founding member Rhetta Eubanks ’17 was on the House System Creation Team. This team, which included the Executive Student Council and some members of the Senior Student Council, developed the mission statement and had the final say on most decisions associated with the House System, according to Eubanks. She added, “Students from Dr. Sorkin’s Principles of Leadership class did a lot of the logistical work for the House System.”

Together, students named the Houses for patron saints and determined their distinctive symbols and colors for House crests. Further, students created the “House Council” organizational structure: There are 30 Senior House Leaders, 30 Junior House Leaders, and two Speakers of the House.

“Since each House has a male and female leader, the senior team of 30 are the co-leaders of the system with equal voice,” said Sorkin. “One significant change,” he added, “is that students must apply to be a House Leader and complete an interview. This is different from the previous student council system that included a class-wide vote. The new governing body will work in concert to design activities and events that foster the House mission of faith and solidarity.”

students are authentically engaged because of personal passions and serving with friends. Consequently, some service hours will be completed as a House through a selected project. Each House is responsible for one liturgy service hour to be completed at an all-school Mass or reconciliation service. “As a Catholic school, it is critical for our students to engage their faith, which is also a part of the House mission, and serving the community in liturgy is one way to achieve this,” said Sorkin.

House activities will include prayer, competition, and various community building activities such as intramural-type sports and academic competitions. Community-building activities will include seasonal activities and House nights at sports and fine arts events.

“The new governing body will work in concert to design activities and events that foster the House mission of faith and solidarity.”

— Dr. David Sorkin

“The biggest adjustment is to our bell schedule,” said Sorkin. Students worked with administration to determine the amount of time per House period and how often the Houses will meet. During the school year, Houses typically meet once per week on Monday afternoons.

“Students were conscious of the need to balance meeting time with maintaining academic class time, and I’m really proud of their diligence in striking a good balance,” said Sorkin.

Along with the modifications to student government, service hours and the bell schedule, the House System not only deepens the sense of community, but also nurtures the feeling of Seton pride.

“Through this experience, learned even more about the importance of community to Seton Catholic and how much I love my, now former, school,” said Eubanks, a freshman at Notre Dame. “I am excited to see the impact of the House System on the Seton community.” =

The mission of the Seton Catholic Preparatory House System is to provide a student-led community fostering faith and solidarity.

Student Christian service hours are also changing as a result of the House System. According to Sorkin, research shows the power and meaningfulness of service learning comes when

COMING FULL CIRCLE

Pat Collins returns to her librarian roots as Seton archivist

nce a Sentinel, always a Sentinel” has a personal meaning for Pat Collins, Seton’s recently retired principal. After 25 years of service to the school, the last 12 as principal, Collins, who holds a master’s degree in Library Science, is returning to her “librarian roots” at Seton in a new role that is near and dear to her heart: school archivist. Through collaboration with the Chandler Historical Museum, Collins is creating the new position based on her belief in the longevity of Catholic schools.

“I have always felt having an archivist was something missing from Catholic schools,” explained Collins. “Archiving is a way to show respect of your school’s history and to keep the stories alive.”

When Collins became a Seton parent in 1992 (daughter Meredith entered as a freshman), she was accustomed to having archives in schools. The family had lived in Illinois where the Collins kids attended Avery Coonley, a private school founded in 1906. Collins remembers the historic charm of the school vividly: “The kids were on antique tables designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son-in-law. Every classroom had a fireplace with decorative tiles that told the story of the school.”

“ARCHIVING IS A WAY TO SHOW RESPECT OF YOUR SCHOOL’S HISTORY AND TO KEEP THE STORIES ALIVE.”

– Pat Collins

While the historic preservation of Avery Coonley made a lasting impression on Collins, she also credits her love of organizing—librarians call it “cataloging”—as the reason she has come full circle at Seton. Collins had just completed her master’s degree when she came to Seton and knew computers were about to dramatically change libraries. Hence, she felt it was her mission to automate Seton’s circulation

system. She successfully logged all the books into a central database and established a network. The following year, Seton principal Brother Casey hired her as the school librarian.

This librarian-turned-principal once used bins to organize her kids’ toys by shape and color. So now it is only natural her thoughts are consumed with “how best to catalog” Seton’s historic documents, photos, memorabilia, transcripts of valedictorian speeches, and oral storytelling from retired teachers and Golden Sentinels.

Collins will work with Seton librarian, Michelle Nowak, her staff, and school IT to develop a database and with the Chandler Historical Museum to house memorabilia such as letterman jackets. Original editions of community newspapers, school newsletters, yearbooks, building plans and photos will be housed at Seton with copies scanned for the historical society. According to Collins, implementing the library-style cataloging system will allow people to easily access items.

“Seton Catholic is proud to be part of Chandler’s history,” she said. “We are honored to have provided young men and women who speak to Chandler’s dedication to strong schools.”

Collins also has a new office on campus: Tucked behind administrative offices and storage in an area that once served as the part of the old chapel, there is a small room with stained-glass windows that emit diffused light. This space was once the sanctuary of the old chapel, now it beckons a desk with a vintage lamp alongside a computer system. Soon, acid-free boxes in various sizes will be placed on the shelving against the back wall. It is as if the intimate space was waiting for this moment.

“It’s perfect,” said Collins. “We will be able to adjust for the right temperature and keep humidity consistent so pictures, past yearbooks and other items do not deteriorate with time.” She continued, “I want to turn our archive into an area that reflects our Seton Pride. With everything going paperless, it is more important we actively work to preserve our story.” =

Spot Light

HALLE LECKER ‘MUSIC IS IN MY DNA’

At 17, Seton senior Halle Lecker has a string of musical accomplishments to her name. It all began at the age of 4, when she started taking piano lessons from the esteemed Yamaha School of Music. However, one might say it began much sooner; Lecker is a fourth-generation musician. Her great-great grandfather on her mom’s side played the violin; her great grandfather, piano, and bass; and her grandfather (who she lovingly calls, “Tata”), saxophone, flute, and vibes. “Tata” is Ricardo Oropeza, a career musician who still practices eight hours a day at 84— and performs about eight gigs a year. With two Sentinel granddaughters (Halle’s sister Raquel graduated in 2008), Oropeza has performed with former music teacher Tim Smith at Grandparents’ Day luncheons since 2006.

FINE ARTS

“MUSIC IS A WAY TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AND SHARE YOUR STORY.”

– Halle Lecker

The classically trained Lecker composed her first original work, “The Rose Mascarade,” at the age of 9 and one year later, her second composition, “Bluesing Myself.” The latter was inspired by the death of her grandmother and featured both piano and saxophone. In Yamaha national competitions, Lecker received

Mentions for both compositions. She went on to graduate from the International Yamaha Education Program in 2014 and continues to be a guest performer at annual recitals.

Also in 2014, Lecker joined the Phoenix Girls Chorus (PGC), singing second soprano. In three short years with the PGC, she performed in Spain, Vancouver, and New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. At home, she performed eight to 10 concerts annually with the PGC, including holiday performances with the Canadian Tenors and Phoenix Symphony. Lecker also shares her talent in the community, playing piano at church, elder care facilities, and hospitals.

All the while, Lecker’s activities—and academic excellence—at Seton have never waned. A cheerleader for the last three years, she is a proud member of the 2016 State Title squad and the 2017 Nationals 4th place showing. She is a Seton Ambassador, plays tennis, dances, and reigned at homecoming in 2016 and prom in 2017. In addition, she was awarded a $120,000 scholarship from world-renowned Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, the nation’s oldest technological research university.

And did we mention Lecker has been granted a performance interview at Juilliard?

Balancing “the music” with all-things-school may sound daunting to some, but for Lecker, piano has taught her a valuable skill—a virtue, in fact—not often learned by the young: patience.

“When I was young, I got frustrated when I couldn’t play a song correctly,” said Lecker. “In order to keep moving forward and improve my skills, I needed to learn how to be patient. As I grew up, I learned that patience is something I will need for all of my activities.”

Regardless of where all of her activities and talents may lead, one thing is for certain: Music will always play a central role in Lecker’s life. “Music is a way to express yourself and share your story,” affirmed Lecker. “Music is in my DNA and connects me in a special way with my Tata.” =

Honorable

q Halle Lecker at prestigious Juilliard in New York City

t Front and center, Halle Lecker with the Phoenix Girls Chorus

CERTIFIED SENTINEL: ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MATT MAYO

Athletic Director Matt Mayo ’98 can point to many highlights last year, from Seton hosting its first track and field invitational, to a bumper crop of college signings. Mayo also was recognized as a certified athletic administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 7,600 individual members.

To earn the certification, he demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The certification process included an evaluation of his experience, professional contributions, classes, and a rigorous written examination. Mayo, who is entering his third year as Seton athletic director, is part of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

COLLEGIATE SENTINELS

Congratulations to these 2017 student-athlete graduates who are now competing at the college level:

Mary Grace Blaser – volleyball Northwest Christian University (Oregon)

Mary Joy Carrieres - soccer Grand Canyon University (Arizona)

Mari Flores – softball St. Edward’s University (Texas)

Shelby Gertson - swim Lewis University (Illinois)

Sam Higginbotham – volleyball St. Ambrose University (Iowa)

Liz Holter - basketball University of the Incarnate Word (Texas)

“It’s hard to find a school that offers students the support and environment where they can achieve as athletes and scholars. That’s what we try to do here.”

SS: You served as assistant A.D. for a couple of years before being promoted to athletic director. Before that, you were a student here. Did you feel like you were back at high school when you returned to Seton professionally?

MM: Not really because so much of the school was new and different. When I was a student, it was only the Historic Campus. The chapel, Fine Arts and Academic Building, and athletic facilities were built after I graduated. In fact, we never played our home football games here. We played at Corona del Sol High School.

SS: As far as facilities, so much has happened since you became athletic director.

MM: It’s been really exciting to see the continued development of our facilities. Last year, we dedicated the new track and field and made improvements to the ball field. This year, we were able to add stadium-style bleachers, field netting, and scoreboard signage. This coming year, we are looking to continue making improvements to the baseball and softball fields. We really try to make sure every sport at Seton is given the opportunity and resources to be successful.

SS: How is Seton doing as far as athletics programming?

MM: We’ve seen lots of growth there, too. We have more coaches and programs than we’ve ever had. Our newest program, Boys’ Volleyball, has really thrived under Coach

Courtney Knecht – basketball University of Puget Sound (Washington)

Cooper Moore – baseball University of Puget Sound (Washington)

Carson Pinter – basketball Occidental College (California)

Matt Schwab – golf University of Hartford (Connecticut)

Luke Thompson – basketball St. John’s College (Minnesota)

Eva Toon – golf Elmhurst College (Illinois)

Nick Price. They took state in 2015-16 and had a great season last year, too. Our Varsity Girls’ Basketball team under Coach Karen Self won their ninth state title last year and is nationally ranked. Boys Swim and Dive finished as state runner-up. The quality of our programming is reflected in the number of kids who signed letters of intent: Last year, 15 signed to play collegiate sports, including four Division signings. That’s pretty impressive for a school our size.

SS: It’s obvious you’re proud of our student athletes. What makes them stand out?

MM: We’ve always had a really good mix of kids who get it—academically and athletically. For example, Luke Bastian, a three-sport athlete last year, was a member of the Academic Decathlon Team. One of our 2016 grads, Brandon Garcia, was named a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete his senior year and made the Notre Dame football team as a walk-on. It’s hard to find a school that offers students the support and environment where they can achieve as athletes and scholars. That’s what we try to do here.

SS: What does a high school athletic director do, exactly?

MM: We have a variety of responsibilities, including enforcing eligibility policies, hiring and evaluating coaches, working with parents and volunteers, and

Lindsey Wilson – softball Florida Southern College (Florida)

LeeAnne Wirth – basketball Gonzaga University (Washington)

Jenn Wirth – basketball Gonzaga University (Washington)

scheduling transportation. For home events, we work with staff and departments to see that everything is ready and make sure the visiting coaches and officials have what they need. People may not know we host more than 200 matches a year on campus. We rely heavily on volunteers to sell tickets and perform other game-day tasks. Volunteers really play a critical role.

SS: What’s in store for Seton athletics in 2017-18?

MM: We’re looking forward to more facilities improvements. We’re planning on hosting three invitational track-andfield meets next season. We expect to see more growth in our summer sports camps. We hired a new assistant athletic director, Gregg Buchanan, who will be a great addition to the department. Our previous assistant athletic director, Brian Stephenson, will teach health and physical education full time and continue as baseball coach. We’ve also hired some great new coaches: Denise Underwood, swim and dive, and Kerry Camberg and Kent Nowak, cross country. And, we’ll be working with the Sentinel Booster Club on some new sponsorship opportunities. =

x Seton Athletic Director Matt Mayo

7 inducted into Seton

HALL OF FAME

Established in 2003, the Seton Catholic Prep Hall of Fame Awards are given in recognition of demonstrated commitment to the standards of excellence for which Seton is known. Through meritorious service, noteworthy civic and philanthropic endeavor, and/or exceptional personal or professional achievement, the honorees have brought distinction to themselves, their colleagues, their communities, and thereby, to Seton. Members of the Seton community are encouraged to nominate individuals who exemplify and embrace such excellence.

For more information about the Hall of Fame and other alumni programs, visit setoncatholic.org/alumni.

On Sept. 24, seven Sentinels were welcomed into the Seton Catholic Prep Hall of Fame, which was celebrated Homecoming Weekend with an alumni Mass and reception. Congratulations to our 2017 honorees!

ANDREW BELUS

The fleet-footed Andrew Belus was the consummate leader at Seton. He lettered four times in cross country and three times in track, and served as captain of both squads. He broke Seton records in the 5K and two-mile events and went on to run for Northern Arizona University. In his final season with the Lumberjacks, he ran a season best 8K time of 24:58 at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational; finished 11th at the Big Sky Championships as NAU’s fifth runner (25:18.67); and earned his first All-Region award with a 25th-place finish (31:16.1) at the NCAA Mountain Regionals in Provo, Utah. A microbiology major at NAU, he was named to the Big Sky All-Academic team in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Today, Belus is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, camping, and climbing in Colorado, where he now resides.

KIM (ZADROZNY) HIGGINBOTHAM

This softball star is no stranger to hallowed halls, having been inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Kim (Zadrozny) Higginbotham lettered all four years in softball and played soccer, balancing athletics with academics to remain a well-rounded student. Higginbotham earned all-region, all-conference, and all-state honors in softball and played four seasons at ASU, where she was named a PAC 10 Academic All-American. She went on to inspire young athletes as head softball coach at Chandler High and in her current position as athletic director at Bourgade Catholic High. Other career highlights:

.462 career batting average as a Sentinel

2002 Arizona Republic “Player of the Year” (small high school)

East Valley Tribune

4A-2A high school “Player of the Year”

2002 AIA all-tournament team member

Pitcher for the 2002 3A state championship team

Set Seton record for batting average in 2001

JOANNA (USHER) MURPHY

Guarding the rim like a mama bear guards its cub, this towering Sentinel was a defensive force in basketball. Joanna (Usher) Murphy put up a phenomenal 75 blocks as a sophomore, 110 as a junior, and 70 as a senior, setting an AIA division record that still stands. After graduating from Seton, the 6-foot-5-inch-tall Murphy played center for UC-Irvine for four years. She is now a senior accountant with ASML of Chandler. Other career highlights:

Four-time Big West Scholar Athlete at UC-Irvine

Big West All-Academic collegiate team, 2004, 2005, and 2006

High school all region and all state honoree

Dairy Council of Arizona honoree

Seton Award of Academic Excellence for 96% or higher cumulative GPA

Outstanding Seton Female Student Athlete of the Year (Coach “Ed” Mulvey Award)

CHRISTINA ‘TINA’ WIRTH

Wikipedia may not be 100 percent accurate, but its entry about “Wonder Woman”

Christina Wirth reads right on the money: “While at Seton Catholic, Wirth compiled 2,550 points, 1,173 rebounds, 312 steals, 266 assists, and 120 blocks. In competitive play, she led Seton Catholic to a state runner-up finish and a 28-7 record as a senior in 2004-05. Her statistics as a senior included an average 25.3 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, 2.2 steals per game, and 2.2 assists per game.” Wirth received a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where she was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament MVP in 2009. She went on to play pro with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and the European Professional Basketball League. In 2013, she left the glittering world of professional sports to join Varsity Catholic, a division of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Other highlights:

2005 Gatorade Player of the Year while at Seton

2005 McDonald’s

All American (winner of the team ball competition)

2009 NCAA

All American

DR. MICHELLE DOROZ

Dr. Michelle Doroz is a boardcertified family physician with Flagstaff Family Care Clinic, a leading Northern Arizona practice that specializes in preventative care for patients of all ages. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and her medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her professional experience includes a stint as a family-practice doctor at Winslow Indian Health Care Center. Seton’s mission of “loving service to others” is reflected on her résumé:

International Medical Relief physician volunteer — member of medical team for mission to Kolkata, India

Wilderness Medicine Institute Guatemalan Wheelchair Trip — delivered and fitted wheelchairs for handicapped Guatemalan children

Flying Doctors of America physician volunteer — participated in a volunteer medical/dental mission to the remote Andean village of Ccapi, Peru

Hope Clinic — resident physician volunteer in a clinic for the homeless and uninsured

ERIN BELLEFEUILLE

Remembered by all as cheerful and generous, Erin Bellefeuille died unexpectedly on Nov. 13, 2012, while performing missionary work with a school in Mexico. She was a consecrated member of Regnum Christi, an apostolic movement at the service of mankind and the Church. She loved her friends and family tremendously and prayed for them always. Renee Pomarico, a friend who worked with Bellefeuille in Rhode Island, said at the time of her death, “Today a dearly beloved friend, sister, and companion has gone to the Father’s house. Erin was a compassionate friend who constantly showed interest in the needs of others. She lived her life with sincerity and joy, prayerfully seeking to please the heavenly Father.”

”SHE (ERIN) LIVED HER LIFE WITH SINCERITY AND JOY, PRAYERFULLY SEEKING TO PLEASE THE HEAVENLY FATHER.”

BERNARD ‘BERNIE’ MCBRYAN

Father of six Seton grads, Bernard “Bernie” McBryan was a busy dad and Boeing engineer when he, along with his wife Pam, started the Seton Robotics Club in 2002. Through the years, he has contributed his time, talent, and personal resources. He has also inspired many Sentinels— and all of his children (see below) —to study science and engineering. For the past four years, he and his family have worked with Seton Robotics to modify Power Wheels for children with disabilities. All of Bernie and Pam McBryan’s six children have (or are working toward) successful STEM careers:

ƒ John ’02: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science; game and website developer

ƒ Kate ’03: Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering; works at University of Maryland Neutral Buoyancy Lab

ƒ Angie ’05: Doctorate in Biomathematical Modeling; Texas Tech University professor

ƒ Emily ’08: Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering; works at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston

ƒ Sarah ’13: Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering; working on master’s degree with prosthetics emphasis

ƒ Teresa ’15: Aeronautical Engineering student; intern at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland

t Bernie McBryan (far right) works with Seton Robotics students to modify Power Wheels for children with disabilities.

p Joanna (Usher) Murphy “ruled the block” on the basketball court.

p Fueled by faith, basketball star Tina Wirth is on the FOCUS team. (courtesy of Mt. St. Mary’s University)

p After a stellar softball career, Kim (Zadrozny) Higginbotham continues to inspire young athletes. (courtesy of ASU)

p Andrew Belus excelled in athletics and academics at NAU. (courtesy of NAU)

SETON EXPANDS ALUMNI RELATIONS POSITION

The Seton Advancement Office has expanded the duties of alumni relations manager and appointed Maggie (Mitchell) Brown ’02 to the position. Brown comes to Seton from the University of Phoenix, where she was an academic counselor.

The expanded position includes increased participation and engagement of alumni, both locally and nationally; more career service and networking opportunities for current students and alumni; and enhanced communications from the Alumni Association to all Seton grads.

Seton is grateful to former Alumni Relations Manager Krista Cunningham ’96 for her dedicated service to our alumni and the entire Sentinel community.

1996

Sean Sylvester and his wife of 17 years, Aryn, are leaders with Restore Dignity, a nonprofit organization focused on providing survivors of traumatic events with the support and tools needed to heal. Sean is president of the board, and Aryn coordinates the organization’s

“Grief to Grace” retreats, which help survivors confront the trauma associated with abuse. The organization also sponsors informational and training workshops for such groups as mental health professionals, pastoral care ministers and leaders, and school officials. The Sylvesters are also certified natural family planning teachers with the Diocese of Phoenix. For more information about Restore Dignity, visit restoredignity.org.

1996 & 1999

Ken Early ’96 and his wife Erica (Valenzuela) Early ’99 are enjoying their new twins, Matthew and Avianna, who are thriving despite being born prematurely in January. Early owns and operates the Green Light Garage, a highly rated automotive repair shop in Mesa that doubled its space last year because of customer demand. Many of his customers are Seton alumni and family members. For more information about his business, visit thegreenlightgarage.com.

2000 & 2002

Traci (Krakora) Esposito ’00 and Greg Esposito ’02 welcomed Rosellani Mac with open arms in October. “She’s a future Sentinel,” the proud parents declared.

p Traci and Greg Esposito with future Sentinel Rosellani

2001

James Austin Woods, an attorney specializing in criminal law, civil litigation and trial practice, is a founding partner of Woods Law Offices in Phoenix. Woods is also a professional musician and president of Bright Angel Records, an Arizona music label. He also wrote the music for “The Axiom,” an independent horror film produced and directed by his brother, Nicholas Woods. The film about a terror-filled rescue mission is scheduled for release in October.

t Sean and Aryn Sylvester aid victims of abuse.

x Ken and Erica Early are thankful for their large, beautiful family.

p “Legal eagle” Patrick Tighe

t Christine Slomski works on behalf of neglected and abused children.

q Margaret Eileen Molloy, who will be six months in October, and her parents Matthew and Molly Molloy

2003

Christine Slomski is the new marketing manager at Voices for CASA Children, a nonprofit organization serving foster children in Maricopa County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Slomski develops and implements strategic marketing initiatives to build community awareness of VOICES and Maricopa County’s CASA program, whose volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in court. Slomski said, “I’m excited to raise awareness for this incredible program and help even more children who need that adult voice and support.” Slomski graduated summa cum laude from Gonzaga University and is pursuing a master’s degree in professional counseling from Grand Canyon University. For more information about Voices for CASA, visit voicesforcasachildren.org.

2006

Patrick Tighe received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a law degree from the University of Michigan. He earned the master’s and law degrees concurrently. In September, he began clerking for Judge David Campbell of the U.S. District Court of Arizona. The clerkship will conclude in September 2018, at which time Tighe will join the Arizona law firm of Snell & Wilmer, a full-service business law firm with locations throughout the western United States and in Mexico.

2006

Dr. Matthew Molloy and his wife, Molly, welcomed their first child, Margaret Eileen, on April 18. Little Margaret is in good hands, as Dad begins his final year of a pediatrics residency at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore.

McKenna Ronan { Caolan Ronan u

2007 & 2011

q Christine (Remmel) Lezcano

Caolan Ronan ’07 has accepted a position as junior staff attorney at the international law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft in Charlotte, N.C. He received his law degree from Elon University in Elon, N.C. McKenna Ronan ’11 is following in her brother’s footsteps: in August, she began her legal studies at Campbell Law School in Raleigh N.C.

2008

Good Sport

Christine (Remmel) Lezcano recalled how fun the Senior Week Pie Toss was when she attended Seton, so she stepped up to the “pie plate” when asked to volunteer for this year’s activity. She wisely donned a shower cap and towel to prevent her long blonde hair from becoming a sticky mess.

z Rachael Pearson’s classroom is bright and welcoming.

2011

Amanda Prahl will receive a Master of Fine Arts in dramatic writing next year from Arizona State University. She has been published twice by “HowlRound,” an online theater journal. Her most recent article, a review and analysis of “Anastasia” on Broadway, garnered attention from the production itself.

On March 25, 2018, ASU’s Lyric Opera Theatre will present a stage reading of her musical, “Til Death,” at the Kerr Cultural Center as part of its 2017-18 season. To read Prahl’s articles in HowlRound, visit howlround.com.

2012

Rachael Pearson is entering her second year of teaching with the Kyrene School District. She graduated in 2016 from Northern Arizona University, where she is currently studying for a master’s degree in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

2012

Megan (Molloy) and Eric Pfaffenberger welcomed their first child, Jaxon Rivers, in June.

u Swaddled in grey, Jaxon Rivers Pfaffenberger already looks like a fashion trend-setter.

ALUMNI NOTES

2014

Kayla Casey, a student at Northern Arizona University, is active with GIVE Volunteers, a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy, sustainable “voluntourism” and purposeful travel. Casey was part of a group of college students who spent two weeks this summer in northern Thailand, where they taught English to local children, established a small sustainable farm, and promoted healthy elephant tourism. She followed up that trip with another four-week GIVE experience in Zanzibar, where she tutored local children and adults in English, and helped continue construction of a school. Casey topped off the eventful summer by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with 15 other GIVE volunteers! For more information about the organization, visit givevolunteers.org.

t Kayla Casey rests atop Mount Kilimanjaro, the planet’s tallest free-standing mountain.

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.

p Amanda Prahl

2013

Lindsay Odil received a bachelor of science in neuroscience this spring from Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Va. While at CNU, she conducted laboratory research that may one day lead to medical treatments to curb or cure addictions. The research was featured in the “Newport News Daily Press” and can be viewed at dailypress.com.

2015

Olivia Burdick, a junior at St. Edward’s University in Austin, was named a Heartland Conference “pitcher of the week” this past season. She was recognized for throwing 9.1 scoreless innings in a no-decision softball game against Oklahoma Christian. Burdick allowed just six hits while striking out six batters and holding opposing batters to a .188 batting average. Burdick, who played for Coach Jerry Mullin at Seton, is majoring in kinesiology and physical therapy.

t q Olivia Burdick is outstanding in the circle for St. Edward’s Hilltoppers.

Lindsay Odil and her mother, Dawn, received a Seton fan for visiting the Advancement Office this summer. Next time you are on campus, pick one up!

Mark Your Calendar

OCTOBER 5-8

ALL THE WORLD’S A GRILL

Fall Play: “Barbecuing Hamlet”

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 7

3 p.m. matinee

Sunday, Oct. 8

Fine Arts Theatre

DECEMBER 7 & 14

CHRISTMAS FANS

Fine Arts Nights

OCT. 28 & NOV. 8

WELCOME, JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS!

Two Open House Events

9 a.m.-noon

Saturday, Oct. 28

6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Seton Campus

NOVEMBER 10

SALUTE TO HEROES

Veterans Appreciation Day & All School Rosary

8:15-9:30 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 10

Msgr. McMahon Gymnasium

DECEMBER 8

MASS FOR MOMS

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Annual Mothers’ Mass

11:15 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 8

Msgr. McMahon Gymnasium

JANUARY 16

INSPIRATIONAL EVENING

IN MEMORIAM

The Seton Catholic Prep community extends its deepest sympathy to friends and family members of the deceased. May they rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

If you are aware of a member of the Seton Catholic Prep community or alumni who recently passed away, please notify the Seton Advancement Office so we may remember them in this column. Send an email to SetonAlumni@SetonCatholic.org or call 480-963-1900, extension 3011.

Carl Tighe Seton past grandparent

September 2017

Carl Aglio Seton past parent March 2017

Quentin Beatty Seton teacher March 2017

Walter Bradsky Seton grandparent March 2017

Linda McDonald Seton past parent March 2017

Kathleen Pfaffenberger Seton grandparent April 2017

Steve Saville, ’79 July 2017

Eva Serrano Seton past parent and grandparent April 2017

Elizabeth Stevason Seton parent May 2017

7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7 Instrumental

6-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 14

Dance and Choir

Fine Arts Theatre

Educational Speaker Series

Sarah Swafford, author of “Emotional Virtue”

7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Fine Arts Theatre

JAN. 29–FEB. 4

CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

National Catholic Schools Week

Starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week.

Seton activities include a cornhole tournament, the annual student walk-a-thon, and a variety show.

FEBRUARY 1

HONORING GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents’ Mass & Luncheon

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church Luncheon in the Msgr. McMahon Gymnasium

Red, Gold…and Blue! Congratulations!

Seton Catholic Preparatory has been named a 2017 Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor from the U.S. Department of Education!