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

CONTENTS

MAY CHRIST DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH.

2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK May Christ Dwell Forever in Our Students’ Hearts

INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE AND LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

4-5 SENTINEL NEWS

— Ephesians 3: 17

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

8-9 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Dear Seton Community:

‘Talent and Distinction’ Define 2017 Grads

I

am 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.

10-11 COVER STORY House System Marks New Tradition

LEARN MORE about including Seton Catholic Prep in your estate plan to keep the Seton experience within reach.

12 FEATURE STORY

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. I 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. I 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. I 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.

Pat Collins Comes Full Circle

13 FINE ARTS 4th Generation Musician Halle Lecker

14-15 ATHLETICS

VISIT

Q&A with Athletic Director Matt Mayo

SetonCatholic.myplannedgift.org

16-22 ALUMNI NOTES Hall of Fame Inductees and More

TODAY!

23 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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, On the cover: Fifteen Saints, One Mission: (l to r) Saints Joan of Arc, Rose of Lima, Peter, Augustine, Teresa of Calcutta, Sebastian, Katherine Drexel, Juan Diego and Michael comprise the new House System along with Saints Anne, Cecilia, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, Patrick and Thomas Aquinas.

Victor Serna

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Seton Catholic Preparatory

FALL 2017

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

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

ADMINISTRATION

ADVANCEMENT

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ADVISORY BOARD

2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Principal Victor Serna

Director Becky Sanchez

Director Advancement Becky Sanchez

President Craig Echeveste

Ex-Officio Victor Serna

Vice President Jennifer Ellis

Mission Advancement Officer Brian Rosario

Communications & Marketing Manager Joyce Valdez

Staff Support Brandy Martinez

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

Communications & Marketing Manager Joyce Valdez Alumni Relations Manager Maggie (Mitchell) Brown ’02 Advancement Associates Karen Hill, Lucille Ruchensky

Managing Editor Kim Cecere On Point Communications Designer t-squared design Printer International Minute Press, Chandler

Secretary Ray Ciferno Rev. Chris Axline

Board of Trustees Liaison Rich Zawtocki

Ken Hamada James Johnson Norm Mendoza Lori Shipley Sandi Wilson

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

DIOCESE OF PHOENIX CATHOLIC SCHOOLS LEADERSHIP

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

Rich Zawtocki, Zawtocki Law Offices, Attorney at Law

Carol Dobson, Dobson Family Farms, Owner

Ex-Officio Victor Serna

Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares

Staff Support Brandy Martinez

Vicar of Evangelization Rev. John Parks

Tracy Dorsey, CPA, Seton Catholic Prep and Resurrection Parish volunteer Sal Flores, Flores Wealth Management, Registered Principal Kim Silver, M.Ed, CPA

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted

Superintendent Harry Plummer Asst. Superintendent Colleen McCoy-Cejka Asst. Superintendent Domonic Salce

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

SENTINEL NEWS q Bob Bitler and Pat Collins

WELCOME ABOARD! Please join us in welcoming the following outstanding teachers, coaches, and staff to the Seton Catholic Prep community: Barbara Babb, M.Ed. Science Department

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

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

SETON SENIOR SELECTED FOR ASU SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM

SETON DECATHLETES TAKE STATE; PLACE IN TOP 5 NATIONALLY

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.

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.

q Sr. Marie Theresa

q Karen Hiller and Tim Smith

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS FOR DAVID SORKIN, AMANDA BELL

​Gregg Buchanan, B.A. Athletics Department Jeff Clubb, M.A. ​ Social Studies Department Christina Huff, B.S. Science Department Ainhoa Madariaga, M.A. World Languages Department Victor Serna, M.A. Principal Doug Slater, B.A. Fine Arts Department Guillermo Vidaurri, B.S. Director of Admissions

t Seton students display their National Spanish Examinations medals. x A trio of Sentinels placed first in the Junior Classical League competition.

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.

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t David Sorkin u 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.

¡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,

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.

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CHARISM: FAITH

FEATURE STORY

Snacks and spiritual sustenance

CAMPUS MINISTRY:

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.”

T

his 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?”

by Holly Forseth Campus Minister

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.”

— Blessed Fr. Basil Moreau

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

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.”

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God is present.

Period.

The most we can do is to make this presence known.

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.

We must understand that we do not make God present.

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

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.

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”

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. =

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE (Featured Students Photos courtesy of Lamar Studios)

Luke Bastian

‘Talent and Distinction’ M

ay 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

Boston College • Brown • Cornell • Creighton • Dartmouth • Duke • Gonzaga 8

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Nicole Gehret

Ben Leach

Define the Class of 2017 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. =

Marquette • MIT • Stanford • SUNY Polytechnic Institute • Notre Dame • Yale THE SHIELD

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Welcome to Your House THE SHIELD

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

10

T

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

COVER STORY

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.

— 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, I 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 a​m excited to see the impact ​of the House System o ​ n the Seton community.” =

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 THE SHIELD

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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

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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’

A

t 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.

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

Honorable 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.

FINE ARTS

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

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.” =

q Halle Lecker at prestigious Juilliard in New York City

Pat Collins returns to her librarian roots as Seton archivist

“ O

FEATURE STORY

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

COMING FULL CIRCLE

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CERTIFIED SENTINEL:

ATHLETICS

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MATT MAYO A

thletic 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.

x Seton Athletic Director Matt Mayo

“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

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

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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 I 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?

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. =

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

Mary Grace Blaser – volleyball Northwest Christian University (Oregon)

Shelby Gertson - swim Lewis University (Illinois)

Courtney Knecht – basketball University of Puget Sound (Washington)

Matt Schwab – golf University of Hartford (Connecticut)

Lindsey Wilson – softball Florida Southern College (Florida)

Mary Joy Carrieres - soccer Grand Canyon University (Arizona)

Sam Higginbotham – volleyball St. Ambrose University (Iowa)

Cooper Moore – baseball University of Puget Sound (Washington)

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

LeeAnne Wirth – basketball Gonzaga University (Washington)

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

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

Carson Pinter – basketball Occidental College (California)

Eva Toon – golf Elmhurst College (Illinois)

Jenn Wirth – basketball Gonzaga University (Washington)

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15

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME:

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS HALL OF FAME:

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

7 inducted into

Seton

HALL OF

FAME

E

stablished 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

BIG SKY ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

2009, 2010 & 2011

JOANNA (USHER) MURPHY

CHRISTINA ‘TINA’ WIRTH

DR. MICHELLE DOROZ

ERIN BELLEFEUILLE

BERNARD ‘BERNIE’ MCBRYAN

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:

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:

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:

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.”

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:

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)

Pitcher for the 2002 3A state championship team

2005 Gatorade Player of the Year while at Seton 2005 McDonald’s All American (winner of the team ball competition)

Set Seton record for batting average in 2001

2009 NCAA All American

16

THE SHIELD

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

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

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)

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

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

John ’02: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science; game and website developer Kate ’03: Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering; works at University of Maryland Neutral Buoyancy Lab Angie ’05: Doctorate in Biomathematical Modeling; Texas Tech University professor Emily ’08: Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering; works at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston Sarah ’13: Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering; working on master’s degree with prosthetics emphasis Teresa ’15: Aeronautical Engineering student; intern at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland THE SHIELD

17

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

ALUMNI NOTES

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.

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

1996 & 1999

2003

2006

2006

Sean Sylvester and his wife of 17 years,

Ken Early ’96 and his wife Erica

Christine Slomski is the new marketing

Patrick Tighe received a bachelor’s

Dr. Matthew Molloy and his wife, Molly,

Aryn, are leaders with Restore Dignity,

(Valenzuela) Early ’99 are enjoying

degree from the University of Notre

welcomed their first child, Margaret

a nonprofit organization focused on

their new twins, Matthew and Avianna,

2001

manager at Voices for CASA Children, a nonprofit organization serving foster

Dame, a master’s degree in public policy

Eileen, on April 18. Little Margaret is

providing survivors of traumatic events

who are thriving despite being born

James Austin Woods, an attorney

children in Maricopa County and Court

from Harvard University’s Kennedy

in good hands, as Dad begins his final

with the support and tools needed to

prematurely in January. Early owns

specializing in criminal law, civil litigation

Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

School of Government, and a law degree

year of a pediatrics residency at Johns

heal. Sean is president of the board,

and operates the Green Light Garage,

and trial practice, is a founding partner

Slomski develops and implements

from the University of Michigan. He

Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore.

and Aryn coordinates the organization’s

a highly rated automotive repair shop

of Woods Law Offices in Phoenix. Woods

strategic marketing initiatives to build

earned the master’s and law degrees

in Mesa that doubled its space last

is also a professional musician and

community awareness of VOICES and

concurrently. In September, he began

year because of customer demand.

president of Bright Angel Records, an

Maricopa County’s CASA program,

clerking for Judge David Campbell of

Many of his customers are Seton

Arizona music label. He also wrote the

whose volunteers advocate for abused

the U.S. District Court of Arizona. The

alumni and family members. For

music for “The Axiom,” an independent

and neglected children in court. Slomski

clerkship will conclude in September

2007 & 2011

more information about his business,

horror film produced and directed by

said, “I’m excited to raise awareness for

2018, at which time Tighe will join

Caolan Ronan ’07 has accepted a

visit thegreenlightgarage.com.

his brother, Nicholas Woods. The film

this incredible program and help even

the Arizona law firm of Snell & Wilmer,

position as junior staff attorney at the

about a terror-filled rescue mission

more children who need that adult

a full-service business law firm with

international law firm of Cadwalader,

is scheduled for release in October.

voice and support.” Slomski graduated

locations throughout the western

Wickersham & Taft in Charlotte, N.C.

summa cum laude from Gonzaga

United States and in Mexico.

He received his law degree from Elon

2000 & 2002 Traci (Krakora) Esposito ’00 and Greg Esposito ’02 welcomed Rosellani Mac with open arms

THE SHIELD

t Sean and Aryn Sylvester aid victims of abuse.

in October. “She’s a future Sentinel,” the proud parents declared.

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

McKenna Ronan { Caolan Ronan u

University and is pursuing a master’s

University in Elon, N.C. McKenna

degree in professional counseling from

Ronan ’11 is following in her brother’s

Grand Canyon University. For more

footsteps: in August, she began her

information about Voices for CASA, visit voicesforcasachildren.org.

q Christine (Remmel) Lezcano

legal studies at Campbell Law School in Raleigh N.C.

“Grief to Grace” retreats, which help

2008

survivors confront the trauma associated

Good Sport

with abuse. The organization also

Christine (Remmel) Lezcano recalled

sponsors informational and training

how fun the Senior Week Pie Toss

workshops for such groups as mental

was when she attended Seton, so she

health professionals, pastoral care

stepped up to the “pie plate” when

ministers and leaders, and school

asked to volunteer for this year’s activity.

officials. The Sylvesters are also certified

She wisely donned a shower cap and

natural family planning teachers

towel to prevent her long blonde hair

with the Diocese of Phoenix. For more

from becoming a sticky mess.

information about Restore Dignity, visit restoredignity.org.

18

p Traci and Greg Esposito with future Sentinel Rosellani

1996

ALUMNI NOTES

p “Legal eagle” Patrick Tighe THE SHIELD

19

ALUMNI NOTES

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 z Rachael Pearson’s classroom is bright and welcoming.

2011

2012

Amanda Prahl will receive a Master of

Rachael Pearson is entering her second

Fine Arts in dramatic writing next year

year of teaching with the Kyrene School

from Arizona State University. She has

District. She graduated in 2016 from

been published twice by “HowlRound,”

Northern Arizona University, where

an online theater journal. Her most

she is currently studying for a master’s

recent article, a review and analysis

degree in elementary education with

of “Anastasia” on Broadway, garnered

a reading endorsement.

attention from the production itself.

On March 25, 2018, ASU’s Lyric Opera

p Amanda Prahl

Theatre will present a stage reading

2012

of her musical, “Til Death,” at the

Megan (Molloy) and Eric Pfaffenberger

Kerr Cultural Center as part of its

welcomed their first child, Jaxon Rivers,

2017-18 season. To read Prahl’s articles

in June.

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.

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

20

THE SHIELD

THE SHIELD

21

ALUMNI NOTES

2017

CALENDAR

Mark Your Calendar

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

2013

2015

Lindsay Odil received a bachelor of

Olivia Burdick, a junior at St. Edward’s

science in neuroscience this spring from

University in Austin, was named a Heart-

Christopher Newport University (CNU)

land Conference “pitcher of the week”

in Newport News, Va. While at CNU, she

this past season. She was recognized

conducted laboratory research that may

for throwing 9.1 scoreless innings in

one day lead to medical treatments to

a no-decision softball game against

curb or cure addictions. The research

Oklahoma Christian. Burdick allowed

was featured in the “Newport News

just six hits while striking out six batters

Daily Press” and can be viewed at

and holding opposing batters to a .188

dailypress.com.

batting average. Burdick, who played for

OCTOBER 5-8

OCT. 28 & NOV. 8

NOVEMBER 10

DECEMBER 8

ALL THE WORLD’S A GRILL

WELCOME, JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS!

SALUTE TO HEROES

MASS FOR MOMS

Fall Play: “Barbecuing Hamlet”

Two Open House Events

Veterans Appreciation Day & All School Rosary

9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 28

8:15-9:30 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 10

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Annual Mothers’ Mass

6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Msgr. McMahon Gymnasium

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 7 3 p.m. matinee Sunday, Oct. 8

Seton Campus

11:15 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 8 Msgr. McMahon Gymnasium

Fine Arts Theatre

Coach Jerry Mullin at Seton, is majoring in kinesiology and physical therapy.

DECEMBER 7 & 14

JANUARY 16

JAN. 29–FEB. 4

FEBRUARY 1

CHRISTMAS FANS

INSPIRATIONAL EVENING

CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

HONORING GRANDPARENTS

7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7 Instrumental

Educational Speaker Series

National Catholic Schools Week

Grandparents’ Mass & Luncheon 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

6-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 14 Dance and Choir

7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week.

Fine Arts Nights

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.

22

THE SHIELD

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

Fine Arts Theatre

Sarah Swafford, author of “Emotional Virtue”

Fine Arts Theatre

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

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

McMahon Gymnasium

Elizabeth Stevason Seton parent May 2017 THE SHIELD

23

Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ

1150 N. Dobson Road Chandler, Arizona 85224 SetonCatholic.org

Academic excellence.

A world of opportunity.

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!

SETON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY 2017 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL AWARD WINNER EXEMPLARY HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS CATEGORY