The Sentinel Shield Fall 2018

THE SENTINEL SHIELD

50 KAIROS

IN CELEBRATION OF A MILESTONE

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

—Matthew 22: 37-40

Dear Seton community,

It is an honor to serve as your principal at Seton Catholic Preparatory. When asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus tells us to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, and we believe, it is LOVE that fulfills the Great Commandment (CCC 2055). I am filled with hope as I envision a world that consistently lives this out.

We believe as Catholics that love is to will the good of another (CCC 1766). The world is a large place, but it starts with each one of us. We can choose to express love in our homes, businesses, communities, countries, and so on. I began the school year by challenging our students to be great Sentinels who watch out for one another from a place of love. I challenged them to be great Sentinels and guard against the evils that destroy what we love. I challenge you to join us in doing the same. We can change this world by committing to focus on love.

How great it is to celebrate St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s charism of Love in the same year that we as a school welcome Kairos 50. The Kairos retreat program allows participants to take time to reflect on God’s loving presence in their lives. Giving ourselves the time to reflect on our relationship with God is a blessing, and I am excited for the future generations of Sentinels who will experience Kairos when it is their time.

I ask that you join me in praying for our future retreatants and in a special way I ask that you pray for all of our past retreatants.

Sincerely,

Victor Serna

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Embracing St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s charism of Love

SENTINEL NEWS

CHARISM: LOVE

A Lady Sentinel’s Division I journey

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Class of 2018: What kind of seeds will they plant?

COVER STORY

Kairos 50: Celebrating a milestone

FEATURE STORY

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees

FINE ARTS

The alumna behind Chandler Youth Theater

ATHLETICS

Q&A with Baseball Coach Brian Stephenson

ALUMNI NOTES

Success

SENTINEL NEWS

WELCOME ABOARD

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

Michael Chiurco

Head football coach, Physical Education

Bachelor of Science, Ohio State University

Cole Dieterle

Physics

Bachelor of Arts, Arizona State University

Gail Hartman

Theology

Masters of Arts, University of Mary and University of San Francisco

Patricia Martin

Ceramics

Bachelor of Science, University of Phoenix

Richelle Martin

Social Studies

Master of Arts, University of Arizona

Greg Neely

Engineering

Master of Science, University of California Berkeley

Jim Pogge

Director of Advancement

Bachelor of Arts, St. John’s University; Master of Arts, University of Nebraska, Omaha

Katherine Price

English

Master of Arts, Southern New Hampshire University

Patrick Reardon

Social Studies

Master of Arts, Northern Arizona University

RETIREMENT

Seton wishes a heartfelt farewell to David Richard, who was on the technology team and also taught several subjects during his 35 years with Seton Catholic.

BRIAN ROSARIO SELECTED FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Mission Advancement Officer Brian

Rosario graduated in June from the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative (TLI), a Phoenix Diocese program for young Catholic professionals.

Thirty-four individuals representing a wide range of fields, including corporate, nonprofit, education, health, finance, and law, were selected for TLI’s first cohort.

The Initiative is a five-month leadership program oriented toward the development of Catholic professionals

to advance the mission of the Church and serve the common good in secular society. Rosario joined the Advancement Office in 2017 with the goal of helping Seton move forward with the build-out of a new campus.

SETON RECEIVES BUSINESS AWARD FROM CHANDLER CHAMBER

Seton Catholic Prep was honored as the Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s “Medium Business of the Year” during the chamber’s 31st Annual Community Awards Gala in June.

Seton was recognized for its selection as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School and for providing quality education to students from throughout the East Valley for 64 years.

The Chamber sent a “prize patrol” to the campus to announce Seton’s selection, and videotaped the presentation for its @ChandlerChamber Facebook page.

Seton is a longtime member of the Chamber and actively participates in

the organization’s activities. According to Chamber officials, it is the first time a school has been honored in the medium business category.

ADMISSIONS OFFICE RELOCATES TO HISTORIC SETON CAMPUS

The Admissions team began the school year in a new space designed to be more convenient for prospective students and their families.

The Admissions Office was relocated from the Academic and Fine Arts Building to renovated space on the Historic Campus that once housed the computer lab and a theology classroom. The 1,200-square-foot space includes an office for the director, a conference room, a storage room, an administrative area, and a visitors’ lounge.

The new office is a short distance from the library and the administrative

building. The former office was converted into classroom space for the English Department.

David Richard, known for joking “get out of Dodge” before a school break, was presented with a retirement cowboy hat.

Mission Advancement Officer Brian Rosario

Guillermo Vidaurri, Fr. Tim Seavey, Assistant Principal David Sorkin, and retired Principal Pat Collins, proudly represented Seton Catholic at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce gala

Seton students and volunteers move the Sentinel mascot to the new Admissions Office on the Historic Campus.

SETON FAMILIES FOLLOW PILGRIMS’ FOOTSTEPS

This summer, three Seton Catholic Prep families embarked on a centuries-old pilgrimage to the cathedral where the remains of St. James the Apostle are said to be enshrined.

The Doroz, Gryskiewicz, and Muehlhausen families traveled to Spain in June to experience the “El Camino de Santiago” (the Way of St. James), a religious journey popularized by the 2010 film “The Way” starring Martin Sheen. The pilgrims’ path is a network of trails that wind through Spain and end in Compostela, the saint’s burial site.

Members of the Doroz family (James ’90, Nicholas ’18, Sophia ’21, Michelle ‘92 and Christina) walked 135 miles from the city of Ponferrada to Santiago. The

Gryskiewicz family (Jakob ’18, Jarek ’19 and Kitt) and the Muehlhausens (Tim, Beth, Max ’18 and Sydney ’21) completed the last 62 miles of the pilgrimage between Sarria and Santiago.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Camino has existed as a Christian pilgrimage for more than 1,000 years.

Christina Doroz said, “Each day walking the Camino brought new challenges, and each day those challenges were met. When we encountered difficulty, we’d say, ‘the Camino will provide what we need.’ It provided us every day with friends who were there each step of the journey. What a huge blessing!”

SENTINEL TRIO EXPERIENCES SENSATIONAL SUMMER

Some teens are content to spend the summer “chilling,” be it around the pool or on their cell phones. Others, such as Seton Catholic Prep’s William Hamada, Antonio Galindo, and Matthew Halfmann, took advantage of summer break to expand their horizons and explore careers.

Hamada ’20 attended a pre-engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis; Galindo ’19 studied video game design at the University of Southern California; and Halfmann ’19 spent three weeks in China as a youth ambassador for Mesa Sister Cities.

Hamada gained valuable academic and career experience during the threeweek pre-engineering institute, which combined traditional undergraduate classes and labs with field trips and guest lectures. The excursions included visits to Monsanto, Boeing, the St. Louis Science Center, and the top of the St. Louis Arch, where Hamada and the other aspiring engineers could study its unique design.

Galindo attended a four-week summer program in Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Southern California, where he studied video game design. Galindo visited such well-known video game companies as Activision and Grab Games as part of the curriculum, while finding time for southern California theme parks and an LA Dodgers’ game. He earned

an “A” in his course, “Introduction to Video Game Design,” and three college credits toward his bachelor’s degree in computer science with an emphasis on game design.

Halfmann and another Mesa student were the first youths selected to visit Kaiping, China, under the Mesa Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. One of Mesa’s five sister cities, Kaiping is located on the Pearl Delta and has a population of about 650,000. While in China, Halfmann learned the Dragon Dance, dined on Dim Sum cuisine, and was interviewed by a Chinese radio station. Halfmann was an outstanding cultural representative for Arizona, Mesa, and Seton Catholic.

Seton students and alumni in Santiago (left to right): Sophia Doroz ’21, Sydney Muehlhausen ’21, Jarek Gryskiewicz ’19, Jakob Gryskiewicz ’18, Max Muehlhausen ’18, Nicholas Doroz ’18, Michelle Doroz ’92, and James Doroz ’90

Antonio Galindo explored video game design at a USC summer program.

Matthew Halfmann, third from left, visited China as a Mesa Youth Ambassador.

William Hamada studied engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

CHARISM: LOVE

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Seton Catholic instills in its students the charisms, or spiritual gifts, set forth by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. The charisms are COURAGE, DETERMINATION, FAITH and LOVE. Each school year, Seton focuses on a single charism, integrating it in all we do. In this way, the Seton experience explores all of the charisms from freshman through senior years. These spiritual gifts are what set Seton students apart and guide them to not only become leaders, but to inspire others.

HOOP DREAMS: COURAGE NETS SPORTS HONOR

During a red-carpet gala that attracted Arizona’s top prep athletes and celebrated pros, Kendall Krick ’18 received the AZCentral Sports Courage Award. The prestigious honor not only acknowledged her grit on the basketball court but is also a shining example of this year’s charism: Love.

As a four-year starter with Seton Catholic Prep’s Lady Sentinels, Krick led the team to a “three-peat,” three consecutive state titles. Krick, who averaged 11.7 points

and 3.9 assists per game last season, earned a Division I scholarship to play with Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. That comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever seen the tenacious point guard in action. What is surprising is how she got there, a journey first reported by Richard Obert, a veteran sports reporter with The Arizona Republic.

When she was in second grade, Krick was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, an uncommon inflammatory disease

characterized by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the condition can affect adults and children. In adults, dermatomyositis usually occurs from the late 40s to early 60s. In children, it most often appears between 5 and 15 years of age. The cause of the disease is not known.

Mayo’s website goes on to say, “Progressive muscle weakness involves the muscles closest to the trunk, such

Kendall Krick, right, and her best friend and teammate, Sarah Barcello, are looking forward to the upcoming basketball season at Marist College in NewYork.

Photo courtesy of Michael Mead

as those in your hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck. The weakness affects both the left and right sides of your body, and tends to gradually worsen.”

Krick was diagnosed with the disease in the second grade, when her parents noticed that their normally athletic child had trouble shooting a basketball and changing directions on the soccer field. Her failed attempts often ended with falls, tears, and frustration.

Her parents took her to the family doctor, which led to more visits with multiple specialists before the diagnosis was made. There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but it can be treated: In Krick’s case, the treatment is a weekly injection of a chemotherapy drug called methotrexate.

Krick’s father, Jim, has given her the shots since the childhood diagnosis. The medication leaves Krick feeling weak and nauseated, but she always powers through the side effects in time for the next tipoff.

“She doesn’t use it as an excuse,” her mother, Sylvia, said. “She pushes herself.” Marist’s athletic trainer was expected to administer the injections when Krick plays for the Red Foxes, relieving her Dad of a task he has lovingly performed since his daughter was in pigtails. However, Sarah Barcello ‘18, who is Krick’s best friend, teammate, and college roommate, has been trained to give her the shots, according to Krick’s parents.

“To be an athlete with a disease that attacks your muscles is mind boggling,” Seton Coach Karen Self told the reporter. “Her determination to excel, despite this condition, has resulted in an athlete with incredible work ethic and a Division I scholarship.”

A Priest’s Love for Parents Inspires New Scholarship

The Rev. Joseph Hennessy established the Pat and Mary Ellen Hennessy Scholarship at Seton Catholic Prep out of love and respect for the parents who instilled in the Irish-born priest a sense of wonder and a passion for books.

The first recipients of the scholarship are Josephine Carbajal and Lilly Probst, members of the Seton Catholic class of 2023. The scholarships cover half of Seton’s tuition and will be awarded annually to two incoming freshmen.

“This gift would not be possible if not for the generosity of Father Hennessy,” said Seton Principal Victor Serna. “Father Joe continues to honor his parents by providing these scholarships for families who make the tremendous sacrifice to attend Catholic schools.”

Hennessy, a book author, blogger, and one of the founders of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Chandler, was born in Ireland in 1939 to Patrick and Mary Ellen (O’Sullivan).

“My mother was a deeply religious person and grounded me in the fundamentals of our Catholic faith and traditions. Dad was a man who enjoyed the fullness of life and gave me the precious gift of wonder,” Father Hennessy said.

For more information about the scholarship, contact Admissions Director Guillermo Vidaurri at 480-963-1900, extension 2008, or email GVidaurri@SetonCatholic.org.

The Pat and Mary Ellen Hennessy Scholarship is intended to help East Valley students afford a Catholic education at Seton Catholic. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and must be active in their school and parish. The goal of the scholarship program is to award deserving students who have accomplished the most with the least amount of resources. The application form, which is due June 30, can be found at setoncatholic.org/admission/affordability.

Josephine Carbajal and Lilly Probst are the first recipients of The Pat and Mary Ellen Hennessy Scholarship.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Class of 2018 Ready To Make The World a Better Place

Consider the sum, $9 million. With that much money, one can buy a luxurious Italian villa, a private island in the South Pacific…maybe a ghost town in the California desert.

Fortunately, colleges and universities across the country found a better use for that kind of money by investing in Seton Catholic Prep’s class of 2018. Sixty-eight percent of Seton Catholic’s 127 graduates last year received at least one scholarship; the combined four-year total for all graduates was $8.9 million.

Institutions that welcomed Sentinels to their campuses this fall include Arizona state colleges, as well as Fordham, Loyola Marymount, Gonzaga, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Lake Forest, the University of Rochester, Creighton University, Texas Christian, and many more. Add to the list such lesserknown but equally respected colleges as Wentworth Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the California Institute for the Performing Arts. The graduation ceremony was held May 15 at the Mesa Arts Center, which overflowed that evening with proud parents embracing sons and daughters, friends taking selfies,

and teachers dabbing tears from their eyes.

Bridget Hodges was the valedictorian, Archie Spindler was the salutatorian, and Danielle Manella was chosen to deliver the class prayer.

Hodges used her speech to encourage the class to consider its legacy: “What exactly is a legacy?” she asked. “According to one of my favorite musicals, ‘Hamilton,’ it is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.

“I challenge you…to ponder this statement as you head off into whatever your future might hold. What legacies do you want to leave behind for the rest of your life? What kinds of seeds will you plant? What garden will grow in every place you set foot?”

Commencement was also a special evening for Principal Victor Serna who had just completed his first school year as Seton Catholic principal.

“We are incredibly proud of the Seton class of 2018,” he said. “Our graduates appreciate the opportunities that have been presented to them and will do their utmost to make the world a better place.”

Archie Spindler

Danielle Manella

Bridget Hodges

FEEDER SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT Seton Banquet Honors Middle-School Scholars

The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Excellence was presented to 12 seventh-graders in May at Seton Catholic Prep’s first Seton Scholars Banquet.

The award recognizes girls and boys who are excellent students and meet other criteria in the areas of conduct, attendance, extracurricular activities, leadership, and service to others. The recipients each received an academic medal, certificate, and a $475 scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year at Seton Catholic.

Congratulations to the recipients, pictured above: First row - Jacob Massoud, Summit School at

Ahwatukee; Stacy Becerra, Queen of Peace Catholic School; Briceida Castillo, St. Mary-Basha Catholic School; Ethan Ashihundu, St. Mary-Basha Catholic School. Second row - Maura O’Malley, St. John Bosco Catholic School; Cole Fletcher, St. John Bosco Catholic School; Stephanie Cosentino, Christ the King Catholic School; Joaquin Alonzo, Christ the King Catholic School. Third row - Paula Parian, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School; Ryan Kralik, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School; Matthew Oliver, Dobson Academy; and Emily Mayer, Dobson Academy.

KAIROS 50: Celebrating a Golden Milestone

By Victor Serna Seton Catholic Prep Principal Editor’s

We are about to mark a milestone at Seton Catholic Prep: the 50th Kairos retreat. Not the 50th anniversary of Kairos, mind you, but the 50th time Seton students have contemplated God’s role in their lives while surrounded by nature.

According to Webster’s, the word retreat is “an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable, or a place of privacy or safety.” Kairos is a Greek word meaning in “God’s special time” or in the “fullness of time.”

Kairos is all that and so much more. As with any spiritual retreat, Kairos allows participants an opportunity to get away and focus on God’s loving presence by profoundly encountering Christ through their own lives and through the lives of others.

Kairos was introduced to Seton Catholic in the fall of 1996 by Sr. Jeanne Bartholomeaux, who had conducted the retreats at her previous school, Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson. Matthew Kochis ’96 fondly recalled Kairos 2, which was held at an old seminary in Tucson: “Back in the day, Seton owned an old yellow bus. We took it down to Tucson and it wouldn’t start when it was time to go. Mr. (Martin) Sprinzl drove it, an old three-speed manual double clutch. No AC!”

Kairos, which is now held in the cool pines of northern Arizona, is optional for students. However, most choose to be part of it, with senior-class participation rates averaging about 75 percent. The four-day, three-night retreat includes seniors, juniors, senior student leaders, juniors who will be leaders the following

year, and an adult team.

All of the activities are prepared by student leaders who follow the Kairos program outline, which is the same used by Catholic high schools throughout the United States. Retreatants participate in talks, reflections, team-building, prayer, Adoration, Reconciliation, and Mass.

note: Mr. Serna is very familiar with Kairos, having served as adult director of three retreats at his previous school, Bishop Mora Salesian High School of Los Angeles. He also attended Seton Catholic’s Kairos 49 as an adult leader.

TylerAsh and Madison Welp, ‘19, were Kairos 49 retreatants.

As a result of my Kairos experiences at Seton and Salesian High School, I was amazed to learn that students from two totally different schools have much in common. Whether they come from East LA or the East Valley, young people welcome the opportunity to talk about their joys, hopes, and sorrows. They are eager to openly reflect on their relationships with friends, family, and God.

Seton will host Kairos 50 at Shadow Pines near Heber from Oct. 24-27. So what can parents and students expect from their loved ones when they return?

To begin with, the retreatant will come back as the same person they were before they left. There is no physical change to the retreatant - except possible weight gain from the abundance of food and snacks. There is no magic wand that is waved at Kairos to automatically turn every participant into a perfect angel.

Instead, they will have their own experience based on how open they approach the opportunity in mind and in spirit. Their perspective on God’s love may change, and they may develop a greater appreciation for their relationships.

Cole Dieterle ’14, who is now a physics teacher at Seton, wrote about his experience in a student essay: “That retreat was the best weekend of my life. Away from reality, and with no one but God, I came to learn more about myself than I would ever know otherwise.

“If I could, I would spend my entire life on Kairos. Sometimes my memories go back to that weekend, and I miss it . . . If I want to return to Kairos, a moment quite unlike real life, I need to make real life like Kairos. “

When discussing the power of a Kairos retreat, Rev. Chris Axline cites Hebrews 11:1, which says, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”

Father Chris, who attended multiple retreats when he was Seton Catholic’s chaplain, said Kairos is a rare opportunity for students “to profoundly encounter Christ in a unique way.” The retreat will challenge them to examine their lives and see how He is present, even during hard times. Students will learn how others overcame life’s difficulties and found Christ. “That is a very powerful and profound experience for anyone!” Father Chris declared.

As Kairos draws to a close, students will be asked to continue living their “Fourth Day,” which refers to how they felt on the final day of the retreat.

If you have had the honor of experiencing Kairos, please pray for future retreatants and give testimony to God’s love through your action. Live the Fourth!

“Kairos was the first time I was given a leadership role. I had never really thought of myself as a leader before that. It was the start of my life in ministry.”

-Jennifer Kohl ’98, Seton Catholic Campus Minister

“After Kairos, I changed. I felt like I had become a good Christian and I now did those good Christian things because I wanted to and because they were part of the new person that I was.”

−Cole Dieterle ’14

“I knew very little about Kairos so I thought that I might as well give it a shot. The impact this retreat had on me was indescribable. It was like a ton of bricks had fallen on top of me. I had never felt so loved by my parents and by God than I did when I came home from that retreat.”

−Ian Wintering ’11

“After my experience at Kairos, I feel as though I’ve taken down my barriers and fully committed myself to my relationship with God…I was led more deeply into my Catholic faith by allowing myself to open up to the guidance and care of others.”

−Kaytlin Converse ’17

“Kairos is still impacting my life today. Best retreat ever!”

−Libby Spanovich ’99

Father Chris Axline celebrrates Mass at a past retreat.

FEATURE STORY

MEET YOUR 2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The Seton Catholic Prep Hall of Fame Awards, established in 2003, recognize outstanding alumni who are committed to upholding Seton Catholic’s high standards of excellence. Honorees have brought distinction to themselves, their communities, and thereby, to Seton Catholic through meritorious service, noteworthy civic and charitable endeavors, and exceptional personal or professional achievement.

Members of the Seton community are encouraged to nominate individuals who exemplify and embrace such ideals. For more information about the Hall of Fame and other alumni programs, visit setoncatholic.org/alumni or contact Maggie Mitchell Brown ’02, Alumni Relations Manager, at mbrown@setoncatholic.org.

On Sept. 29, four Sentinels were welcomed into the Seton Catholic Prep Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend.

Congratulations to our 2018 honorees!

Gabriel Ortiz, Class of 1988 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

Ortiz has had a full career in the medical field, starting as a pharmaceutical rep and working his way up to vice president of sales for his current company, Prosidyan, which produces fiberbased, bioactive glass products. Ortiz said he developed many of the skills he needed for a successful career while at Seton Catholic. Grateful for the education he obtained at Seton, he realized he could impact the school as an active alumnus. Ortiz joined Seton’s Board of Trustees and has since become president of the board. Ortiz has dedicated his resources, time, and energy to his alma mater and has won awards for his involvement in the school and community. Ortiz truly has distinguished himself as a Sentinel worthy of our Hall of Fame.

Andres Contreras, Class of 1988 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

Contreras has dedicated his life to helping others. Staying true to his Christian service roots, he has made a career working at Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., an all-encompassing organization for the underserved. Contreras is currently the organization’s executive vice president of social services and education. He has 26 years of experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, as well as involvement in local, state, and federal governments. Contreras has always striven to develop and oversee programs that positively affect people’s lives, and exemplifies Seton Catholic’s mission of “leadership and loving service to others.”

Renae Richardson Jensen, Class of 1984

Distinguished Athlete Hall of Fame

Renae Richardson was a force while attending Seton Catholic. She was National Honor Society president, received academic excellence awards, and was valedictorian of her class. While she distinguished herself academically, her athletic accomplishments were equally impressive. She played basketball for Seton Catholic at a time when the girls’ basketball program did not get the recognition it currently enjoys. During her senior year, Richardson was the leading scorer with about 20 points per game, earned accolades for most improved player, and won the Coach’s Award for All-Around Player, Most Valuable Offensive Player, Most Valuable Player, and the Father Hurtado Award for Senior Scholar Athlete. To this day, Richardson remains a shining example of a well-rounded student athlete.

Armand Ortega, Past Parent Distinguished Service

Armand Ortega always wanted the best education for his son, Shane. For Ortega, that meant rigorous academics combined with religious education, which led him to Seton Catholic. Ortega also wanted his son to have the opportunity to compete in athletics because he feels that sports offers students the opportunity to learn lifelong lessons about dedication, perseverance, and determination. When Ortega heard that the Christian Brothers wanted to begin a wrestling program at Seton Catholic, he contributed the funds needed to start the program. Ortega’s generous contribution funded the wrestling program for the first years of its existence. The program flourished and produced some of Seton Catholic’s first AIA state champions. Ortega’s gift opened the door to the creation of other Seton sports teams, allowing boys and girls the opportunity to pursue their passions.

FINE ARTS SPOT LIGHT

AUDREY PFEIFER FINDS HER PERFECT ROLE

Like many talented actors her age, Audrey Pfeifer ’15 has wondered what it would be like to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles or New York City.

It is a fleeting thought that fades like a desert mirage when she sees the impact of the children’s theater program she established less than a year ago.

Pfeifer is the founding director of Chandler Youth Theater (CYT), which has already put on three productions, is in rehearsals for a holiday musical, and sponsored a successful summer theater camp.

Pfeifer launched the program in February 2018 because Chandler and surrounding smaller communities lacked an affordable, quality children’s theater program. Other East Valley cities offer youth theater, but busy parents may not have the time to drive their little thespians to and from those programs. “Instead of them bringing kids to theater, we wanted to bring theater to them,” Pfeifer said.

The program operates under the umbrella of improvMania, which is owned by Chandler resident David Specht. CYT’s growth has even surprised Pfeifer, who describes it as more collaborative than traditional children’s theater programs.

“We love to see what ideas the kids have and what they can bring to the table. We like to include everyone,” she said.

CYT’s first production was “Willy Wonka Jr.” in the spring, followed by “Peter Pan Jr.,” and “Shrek Jr.” Fans of the Peanuts gang will want to catch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” during the holiday season. For the performance schedule and ticket prices, visit improvmania.net.

Crazy schedules don’t intimidate Pfeifer: She launched CYT while pursuing a theater degree and certificate in secondary education from ASU, performing with ImprovMania Mainstage and other Valley productions, and planning her own wedding.

A product of children’s theater herself,

Pfeifer was active in Drama Club while at Seton. Her credits include Violet in “Play On,” Woodstock in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and the witch in “Into the Woods.”

She recalled, “The witch was my dream role. I wanted to be a complex character.”

Pfeifer appreciates everything she learned as a Sentinel and comes back every summer to help run Seton’s Summer Music Theatre Camp for children.

“Children’s theater can teach a child so much” Pfeifer says, including confidence, problem solving, focus, and creativity. Occasionally, she hears from friends and acquaintances who are struggling to find success as performers in New York or California.

“They have no money, and the rejection is just awful,” she said. “I’m happy where I am.”

‘WE IS GREATER THAN ME’ BASEBALL COACH SHARES WINNING PHILOSOPHY

Is a regional three-peat in the future?

A state championship, maybe? The Seton Catholic baseball team ended a phenomenal season with a second consecutive regional title, so it’s not surprising that the questions are crossing the lips of some Sentinels fans. Coach Brian Stephenson, who was also named 4A Desert Sky Coach of the Year, just wants to savor last season a little bit longer.

And what a season it was: Seton Catholic captured the regional title against Marcos de Niza, won 17 games in a row, and at one point was ranked No. 5 nationally by Baseball America. The season came to an end when Seton was eliminated in the Final 6 of the 4A state championship

tournament, but the team left the field, heads held high.

SS: You’ve been a high school baseball coach for more than 15 years, including stints at Yuma, Westwood, and Desert Mountain, where you brought home a state championship your first year as head coach. Is there anything about Seton that stands out?

CS: I have special memories of all the teams I’ve coached, but what really stands out about Seton is the boys’ commitment to character. They really value the community and their faith.

SS: Not only were you named Desert Sky Coach of the Year, but many of your players earned post-season honors.

CS: As a coach, it’s nice to be recognized, but it’s even more exciting when your players receive recognition. We had three first team All-State players: Mike Kenney, Luke Bell, and Matt Masciangelo, who was also named 4A offensive player of the year. Mark Ossanna was named All State, second team. In addition, we had seven All-Region players: Masciangelo,

SS: To what do you attribute the team’s success?

CS: Our team was successful because we were very balanced and had production from all nine players in our lineup. It also helped that we had a deep pitching staff.

SS: Are there any moments from last season that stand out for you?

CS: Winning the Region Championship, of course. We also had a big road win against Salpointe Catholic (Tucson), and winning two home playoff games.

SS: What is the outlook for next season?

CS: We’re excited about the growth of our juniors, and we’ll return all of our pitching staff as well as five starters. We’ll continue to focus on the process. We have been able to increase our winning each of the last three years by focusing on the process.

SS: How do you motivate and inspire your players?

Kenney, and Bell, plus Mason Larusso, Morrison Dietz, Ryan Johnson, and Mark Ossana, who was named Region Player of the Year.

Varsity Baseball Coach Brian Stephenson and players inspire each other.

CS: Our coaching staff motivates them by challenging them

practice daily. They also motivate themselves because of the relationships they have with each other.

SS: What is your coaching philosophy?

CS: The foundation of our program is based on the philosophy, “We is Greater than Me,” combined with core values of a positive attitude and effort. We believe that when one is surrounded by a positive attitude the collective effort is at its best. We also teach the most important play is the next one. Our players can take these values with them and will find they help them during the game called “Life.”

Seton’s baseball field was named the Arizona Interscholastic Association 4A “field of the year” by the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association. Congratulations to Grounds Manager Goose Gosewisch and his crew!

COLLEGIATE SENTINELS

The following 2018 graduates are now competing at the college level. Congratulations!

Macey Arseculeratne – soccer

Western State – Colorado University, Gunnison, Colo.

Sarah Barcello – basketball

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Morrison Dietz - baseball

Gateway Community College, Phoenix

Kendall Krick - basketball

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

Mason Larusso – baseball

Phoenix College, Phoenix

Mark Ossanna – baseball

Phoenix College, Phoenix

Archie Spindler – swimming

Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.

Lauren Tewes – volleyball

South Mountain Community College, Phoenix

Mark Ossanna and Lauren Tewes were among the 2018 graduates who signed to play at the college level. Ossanna will play baseball for Phoenix College, and Tewes will play volleyball for South Mountain Community College.

to compete in

ALUMNI NOTES

1978

Stephen Ryan has written an autobiography that looks at his fascinating, God-filled life. By writing “So That’s What God Looks Like,” Ryan hopes to help others recognize God in their own lives. Ryan is an author, multilingual editor, spiritual director, and retreat leader who spent 25 years with an international ministry.

While in Great Britain from 19972005, Ryan was made a member of the Catholic Writers Guild for England and Wales and served as master of ceremonies for the international “Path to Rome” conferences. He and his wife, Barbara, now reside on a ranch near Tombstone. The book can be purchased on Amazon, and if you indicate during the purchase that you are a Sentinel, he will make a donation to Seton.

1987

Mary Therese (Ryan) Ceballos is a customer service manager with Pittsburgh-based PPG Aerospace, a position that gives her the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world. She recently traveled to Europe to visit company facilities in Shildon, England, Gonfreville, France, and Hamburg, Germany. Previously, she was employed at Banner Health/Sonora Quest. She currently resides with her family in Sylmar, Calif., where PPG’s aerospace division is located.

1994

Admissions Counselor Erminia Olivas received the 2018 Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, as voted by faculty and staff at the end of the school year, for her dedication and leadership in upholding the mission of Seton Catholic. In presenting the award, Principal Victor Serna and Assistant Principal Dr. David Sorkin commended Olivas for her dedication and hard work.

“Mini” is the fifth in a family of eight children who graduated from Seton and St. Mary-Basha Catholic School.

1998

Looking for a book that reflects a Catholic perspective? Beth Ruggiero, who left teaching to raise her children, writes a blog where she reviews literature for children and young adults and discusses the Catholic values in each book. Her mother, Colleen Mitchell, a former Catholic school teacher, also lends her expertise to the blog, “Lit By the Tree.” They have given their stamps of approval to such books as “The Empty Pot” (“a great book about honesty and integrity”); “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” (“so cute and my kids love it”); and “A Long Walk to Water” (“so great for older kids”). The reviews also include additional resources, information, and lessons. To start enjoying the blog, visit litbythetree.com.

1999

Crain’s New York Business magazine selected Meaghan Brown for its “40 Under 40” list of rising business stars and community leaders. Brown, who earned a master’s degree from St. Joseph’s University, is the senior vice president and chief development officer for United Way of New York City. Crain’s profiled all of the 2018 honorees, noting that Brown has a “sense of the real and deep needs” of the poor. She was named to her current position in January, following a successful year during which she helped raise $30 million from 47,000 individual and corporate donors. United Way of New York City runs programs that help move lowincome New Yorkers from barely surviving to thriving. Her father, Neil Brown, said, “Meaghan has a big heart and caring for people is her highest priority. Her education at Seton helped lay the foundation for the work she is doing to strengthen her community.”

2001

Hugh Hermes, who has served with the U.S. Air Force for 16 years, has been promoted to master sergeant. Hermes has flown more than 180 combat missions during his Air Force career, including missions over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Hermes is stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

2001

Caitlin Mickle Gonzales has turned her suffering into service for others. After giving birth to a stillborn baby, she and her husband, Paul, helped establish Heaven’s Hummingbirds. The perinatal bereavement support group, which is associated with the Dignity Health Foundation of the East Valley, ensures that no family has to face a similar tragedy alone. Gonzales’ work with Heaven’s Hummingbirds includes facilitating a support group for bereaved parents, giving talks, and fund raising. She said, “My hope is that every family knows their baby will not be forgotten, that they mattered, no matter their gestational age. My heart belongs to the bereaved and their children, and I feel blessed to be able to work with these amazing families.”

2001

Suzanna Kennedy Olsen is a producer of Disney XD’s “Duck Tales,” a reboot of the classic television series featuring Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck, and Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Olsen was recently profiled in “Animation Magazine,” which followed her on a typical, busy day. The magazine showed Olsen rising early to get her little girl ready for day care and meeting with her production team, art directors, and artists. Olsen even found time to squeeze in a workout at the gym. Olsen has been a producer with the Walt Disney Company for eight years and resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Michael and daughter, Rose.

Stephen Ryan and his wife, Barbara, returned to Arizona after many years living abroad.

Beth Ruggiero and her mom, Colleen Mitchell, are successful bloggers.

Assistant Principal David Sorkin, left, and Principal Victor Serna presented the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to Erminia Olivas.

MaryTherese (Ryan) Ceballos has a successful career in customer relations.

Caitlin Mickle Gonzales helps bereaved parents deal with the loss of an infant child.

Meaghan Brown is making a difference in the lives of many NewYorkers.

2002

Jessica Ballard recently completed her eighth Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. Known as R2R2R, the 40-plusmile route is a grueling trek from the South Kaibab Trail to the North Rim and back up the Bright Angel Trail. Ballard is an avid hiker and runner who has completed 15 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. Her next big challenge is a marathon in Athens, Greece. Explaining her passion for running, Ballard said, “It’s invigorating being disconnected from the outside world and connecting with God while your body is pushed to the limits. Sometimes we forget how strong we are until we have no choice.”

2008

Joseph Juliano graduated in May from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Juliano, who earned his Bachelor of Science from ASU, is now a medical resident in ophthalmology at USC, specializing in retinal surgery.

2011

Two more Seton sweethearts have tied the knot: Kayla Bustos and Brett Refner were married in June. They met while students at Seton and even attended prom together. More than three dozen Seton alumni attended the wedding, including Kayla’s father, Mark Bustos, ’87.

2011

Mariam Polo-Petros is pursuing a master’s degree in global management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is employed by Scottsdale-based ADF International as the assistant to a group of lawyers who defend religious freedom, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life on a global scale. She recently relocated to Washington, D.C., to be closer to her legal team, as well as the United Nations and the Organization of American States; ADF works closely with those organizations on international human-right issues.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUM’S VOLCANO HOUSE SURVIVES NATURE’S WRATH (SO FAR)

The eruption of the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s big island fascinated the world, Shane Ortega ’93 included. Ortega, however, has more than a passing interest in what the volcano does next.

Ortega owns the historic Volcano House, which is perched on the rim of the Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcano began erupting in May, sending cascading lava over hundreds of houses, cars, lakes, and even filling a bay. Miraculously, the Volcano House is still standing despite boulders blasting into the parking lot and steam eruptions close enough to take the wrinkles out of a shirt. The eruptions could continue from months to years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Ortega was forced to close the 140-year-old lodge, which housed in its original building such famous guests as Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and French microbiologist Louis Pasteur.

As of press time, Ortega had not reopened the Volcano House, whose mailing address says it all: 1 Crater Rim Drive.

Ortega’s father, Armand, recently was inducted into the Seton Catholic Prep Hall of Fame. The Ortega family owns and operates concessions in national parks throughout the country, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Muir Woods, Carlsbad Caverns, Hot Springs, and Golden Gate Park.

The Seton alum, who earned an MBA from Stanford University, currently lives in Sedona with his wife and seven children.

Shane Ortega has not forgotten the values Seton Catholic instilled in him, including “loving service to others.” After shuttering the Volcano House because of the eruptions, he offered its staff employment at other Ortega properties – airfare included –and waits for Nature to take its course.

An aerial view of the iconic Volcano House illustrates its proximity to the Kilauea volcano.

The Grand Canyon proved no match for Jessica Ballard, an elite marathoner and hiker.

Kayla Bustos and Brett Refnermade the leap from prom dates to husband and wife.

Mariam Polo-Petros is employed by Scottsdale-based ADF International and now calls Washington, D.C., home.

Joseph Juliano is continuing his medical career as a resident at USC.

ALUMNI NOTES

2013

Raymie Humbert graduated with a Master of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University in May. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish in May 2017 after attending ASU’s Honors College.

2013

Jessica Nowak Goguen’s wedding party was packed with Seton alumni. Goguen shared the bridal spotlight on April 5 with Samantha Nowak ‘15, Jennifer Sant ‘13, Jessica Nowak Goguen ‘13, Madeleine St. Peter ‘13, and McKenna Wiegand ‘13. Jessica and her husband, Joshua, reside in Mesa. Joshua is a sergeant in the Army and Jessica is a project manager at Pure Energy Solar.

2014

Marie Hodges has written a book titled, “Hay! and Other Painful Things Found in My Boot,” a comic ode to horses illustrated on Post-it notes. Hodges said she started doodling on the sticky notes out of boredom while attending one of her sister’s daylong horse shows. Her sister, Bridget Hodges 18, is also a horse enthusiast. “I began making comics about horse shows and sticking them to her as a joke,” the elder sister was quoted in an online interview with ASU’s Barrett, the Honors College. Eighteen months later, she had enough drawings for a selfpublished book that is available on Amazon. Hodges graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Honors College and is specializing in cardiac care. Despite her love of animals and creative nature, she said nursing is the only career for her. “Nursing is a dream career for me and there’s really nothing else I would rather do,” she said.

2017

Kaytlin Converse is studying economics at King’s College in London. She is so committed to the study of economics that she returned to Arizona to study the U.S. financial markets at ASU during a four-month break from King’s. The college was founded in 1828 and counts John Keats, Florence Nightingale, and Desmond Tutu among its graduates. Converse said her interest in economics was sparked by Seton teachers, including Karen Self, who was named 2015 Economic Education Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Council on Economic Education.

2017

Dominique Oliver spent her spring break with Orchard: Africa, a Chandler-based organization that serves community churches and programs in sub-Saharan Africa. During her week there, Oliver taught classes for adults, worked with an afterschool feeding project, and volunteered with an orphan intervention program. She was deeply moved by the villagers’ love for God despite their difficult circumstances. Oliver, who attends Grand Canyon University, hopes to return to Africa someday.

2017

Eva Toon was a standout golfer during her freshman year at Elmhurst College, located outside Chicago. One of Toon’s best performances was at Benedictine University’s Fall Classic at St. Andrews Golf Course, where she finished in the top ten. Toon ended the two-day tournament with a 174, taking home eighth-place in the standings. Toon is looking forward to another successful season on the links at Elmhurst, where she is majoring in biology with double minors in business and chemistry. Aside from golfing, Toon is enjoying the four seasons and all that the Chicago area has to offer.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kathryn (Katie) Circello ’06 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed identical twin boys on March 9. Big brother Parker is excited to have Harrison James and Benjamin Charles join the clan.

Congratulations to Mary Ruiz ’12 and Beta Aunario who tied the knot in December.

Katie (Dodaro) Mahoney ’03 and her husband, Devin, celebrated the birth of their first child, Connor Caffrey Mahoney, on April 29. Congratulations!

THANK YOU TO REUNION CLASS OF 1988!

The class of 1988 is spearheading a new scholarship program at Seton Catholic Prep: the Alumni Scholarship Fund! As their reunion gift to Seton Catholic, the classmates pooled funds to provide need-based scholarship for Seton students.

The class of ‘88 challenges other Seton classes to launch their own scholarship funds so deserving students can achieve the dream of a Catholic education.

The class was motivated to create the scholarship fund because of Seton’s many recent achievements, including its selection as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School in the “Exemplary High Performing” category by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program

Every student deserves The Seton Experience! Learn more about the Alumni Scholarship Fund at setoncatholic.org/ advancement-office.

Raymie Humbert earned his master’s degree from ASU, where he was active in Academic Bowl.

Jessica Nowak Goguen’s bridesmaids were pretty in pink.

Marie Hodges’ book will amuse horse lovers and non-horse lovers alike.

Dominique Oliver made quite an impression with the village children while in sub-Saharan Africa.

Kaytlin Converse is gaining a global view of economics at King’s College in London.

Eva Toon received a scholarship to play golf for the Elmhurst College Bluejays.

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 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. If you would like to honor your loved one with a memorial contribution to Seton Catholic, please visit setoncatholic.org/advancement-office.

Charles Barone Seton past parent

August 2018

Maria DeTeige Seton past parent

August 2018

Manuel Gonzales, ’58 March 2018

Jacqueline McAuliffe, ’15 June 2018

Bridget Mullin Seton past parent and grandparent

March 2018

Frances Olivas Seton great-grandparent

February 2018

Matt Powers Seton parent

July 2018

Lupe Casares Rael Seton past parent and grandparent

May 2018

Sheila Refner Seton past parent

July 2018

Thomas Ryan Jr. Seton past parent

August 2018

Mike Tulumello Seton past parent

June 2018

FALL/WINTER CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 3

Open House

10 a.m. – noon

Saturday, Nov. 3

Seton Campus

NOVEMBER 12

Veterans’ Appreciation & All School Rosary

8:15 – 9:45 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 12

Seton Football Field and Gym

DECEMBER 2

Open House

Noon – 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 2

Seton Campus

DECEMBER 5

Annual Mothers’ Mass & Feast of the Immaculate Conception

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

Seton Gym

DECEMBER 6 & 13

Christmas Fine Arts Nights

7 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 (instrumental)

6 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 (dance, drama and choral)

Seton Fine Arts Theatre

JANUARY 28

Dr. Andrew & Sarah Swafford presentation

8-10:30 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 28

Seton Campus

JANUARY 31

Grandparents’ Mass & Luncheon

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 31

St. Andrew’s Church and Seton Gym

FEBRUARY 8-10

Winter Musical Opening Weekend

7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9

3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10

Performances continue 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16

Seton Fine Arts Theatre

Academic exclellence. A world of opportunity.