SHIELD THE SENTINEL
Magazine of Seton Catholic Preparatory
HOPE SAVES
The Hope Squad offers struggling students a listening ear
THE SENTINEL SHIELD
Magazine of Seton Catholic Preparatory
ADMINISTRATION
Principal: Victor Serna
Assistant Principal: Pamela K. Hollerbach
Chaplain: Rev. Ian Wintering ’11
Dean of Students: Cynthia Kubasak
Co-Director of Counseling: Nan Hillebrand
Co-Director of Counseling: Leah Kochis
Director of Campus Ministry: Robbie Peñate
Director of Admissions: Erminia Olivas ’94
Director of Advancement: Tony Rodriguez
Director of Athletics: Jim Shewbridge
Director of Finance: Linda Surovick
Director of Administrative Services: Brandy Martinez
Director of Plant Operations: Mario Hernandez
ADVANCEMENT
Director: Tony Rodriguez
Assistant Director: Patricia Glasser
Alumni Relations Manager: Maggie Brown ’02
Advancement Associate: Karen Hill
2023-2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President: Rich Zawtocki, Zawtocki Law Offices, Attorney at Law
Vice President: Joe Wallace, Spotlight Signs and Imaging Solutions, Owner
Alex Boyle
Eddie Cook, Maricopa County Assessor
Carol Dobson, Dobson Family Farms, Owner
Rhindi Eubanks Garcia ’87, St. Mary Basha Elementary School, Vice Principal Sal Flores, Past President-Emeritus, Flores Wealth Management
Very Rev. Dan McBride, V.F., St. Mary’s Parish, Pastor
Gabe Ortiz ’88, Past President-Emeritus, Artoss, Inc., Area Vice President of Sales-West
Ross Robb, RLR Ventures, LLC, Owner and President
Ex-Officio: Victor Serna, School Prinicpal
Ex-Officio: Tony Rodriguez, School Director of Advancement Staff Support: Brandy Martinez
2023-2024 ADVISORY BOARD
President: Bridgette Cosentino
Vice President: Bryan Davey
Julie Albanese
Carey Anthony
Jacque Kochis Chapman ’98
Perry Gordon
Norm Mendoza
Jason Pastore
John Schurz
Marjean Steinkamp
Rev. Ian Wintering ’11
Board of Trustees Liaison: Rich Zawtocki
Ex-Officio: Victor Serna
Staff Support: Brandy Martinez
DIOCESE OF PHOENIX LEADERSHIP
Bishop: Most Rev. John P. Dolan
Auxiliary Bishop: Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares
Bishop Emeritus: Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted
Superintendent: Domonic Salce
Assistant Superintendent: Mary Bartsch
Assistant Superintendent: Dr. Anthony Garibay
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Summer 2024
Dear Seton Community,
Ilike to reflect on the highs and lows of the past school year.
I do this to keep track of the blessings encountered so that they do not get overshadowed by the challenges. I am most grateful for the people who love Seton Catholic and do what they can to make our school better through their presence and efforts. This includes our current and past students, their parents and families, our current and past faculty and staff and our general community members who remain loyal members of the Sentinel family.
I am also grateful for the many benefactors who continue giving their time, talents and treasure to support our mission and vision. Seton Catholic has invested over $7 million in modernizing our campus over the past five years, and we are currently undertaking an additional $2 million worth of improvements this summer. The majority of the funds to make these financial investments have come from donors. Our people and benefactors are true blessings from God.
Thank you all for your support, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Victor Serna
THE SENTINEL SHIELD
Magazine of Seton Catholic Preparatory
Managing Editor: Tony Gutiérrez
Contributing Writers: Gina Keating
Contributing Student Writers: Trinity Hart ’24, Sarah Monsegur ’24, Matthieu Pangan ’25
Printer: International Minute Press Chandler
NOTE: Are you receiving multiple copies of The Shield? If so, please contact Tony Rodriguez, director of the Advancement Office at 480-963-1900 x2031 or ARodriguez@ SetonCatholic.org.
STUDENT LIFE Europe comes to Seton
Exchange
Tprograms bring students from Germany, Ireland to campus
By Tony GuTiérrez
wo different programs brought students from Europe to the Seton Catholic Preparatory campus during the school year. A last-minute arrangement with a school in Germany and an ongoing partnership with another school in Ireland allowed students from those countries to experience American education, Seton style.
Students from Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium in Nagold — a town in southwestern Germany just outside the Northern Black Forest — had already made arrangements to stay with host families from the Chandler Unified School District. However, unforeseen circumstances prevented them from being able to attend classes with their Chandler counterparts.
“They reached out, and we went to work finding kids to match them with so the German students could attend school with them,” said Assistant Principal Mrs. Pam Hollerbach, who coordinated the exchange. “Otherwise they weren’t going to be able to come on their trip, and they’d lose their deposits and airfare.”
The 22 German students attended classes Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 23-25, 2023 which also fell during Homecoming Week. Some of the guests continued to participate in Homecoming activities, attending the pep rally, football game and dance.
“It was an amazing experience to get to know someone from a different country, see our similarities and differences because we grew up in different countries and listen to each other practice piano at our different levels,” said rising Senior Sarah Mohs, who escorted Helen Grund on campus. “We talked about some of the class differences and some of the different sites that are in Germany compared to Arizona.”
The Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium does not offer elective classes the way Seton does, so many of the visitors were surprised by that, as well as by attending the same class multiple days in a row.
“The kids really loved having students from a different community to talk to them about what’s it like there, comparing notes how school is, what life is like,” said Hollerbach, adding that the German guests “said everyone was super friendly and very welcoming. They wish they could have stayed longer.”
Hollerbach also serves as an advisor of the Irish Exchange Program. The 12-year-old program is part of the Sister Cities program between Chandler and Tullamore, County Offaly, in the middle of Ireland. Every spring, Sacred Heart School Tullamore sends students to stay and attend classes with Seton students. After the end of Seton’s school years, Seton students visit Ireland and attend school and stay with their Irish counterparts.
“There was one or two repeat students that came, so when anybody wants to do something for a second time, that speaks to the success of the program,” said Hollerbach. “They were very excited to go to Sedona and see the Red Rocks.”
Students attend Sacred Heart School for six years, the equivalent of seventh through 12th grades. When the Irish students visited Arizona March 14-20, activities included attending a potluck swim party organized by the Irish Exchange Program and participating in the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade, among other activities.
“I had to adapt to the new routine but it was really cool to see how they saw our school and live, and it’s very different from how we see our lives,” said rising Junior Katie Mullin, who hosted Vlada Ivasenko from Sacred Heart.
LEFT: Guests from Sacred Heart School inTullamore, Ireland, join their Seton hosts at the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 16 with Grand Marshal Thomas Byrne, Ireland’s Minister of State forTourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. • RIGHT: Guests from Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium in Nagold, Germany, join their Seton hosts in front of the Mary statue in the Sister Joan Marie Madden courtyard during their Oct. 23-25 visit. (Courtesy Photos)
Although Sacred Heart is an all-girls school, a few boys from another school nearby also participate in the program. When matching host families, organizers try to match students by shared interests such as art, science or music. Program members who don’t host guests at their homes will sometimes escort them through campus or help organize the lunches or other events.
When the Seton students visited Ireland May 24-June 1, Vlada returned the favor by hosting Katie.
“Vlada lived right near the school, so we’d walk to and from the school every day. That was a fun experience getting to walk through the town every day,” recalled Katie. “The nature was so beautiful. Being in rural Ireland was really cool to see all the green and the animals.”
While visiting Ireland, Seton students learned Irish dancing, made Irish soda bread and had a movie-and-pizza night. The also participated in some of their Irish counterparts’ extracurricular activities.
“We went out to this mountain and little river, and you could see all of Tullamore. It was really cool to see all the Irish green,” said rising Junior Matthew Albanese. “I learned how to make connections with people living across the world and how to share cultures with one another.”
The Seton students and advisors also experienced part of the Irish spiritual life, visiting some of the old cathedrals in Cobh and Dublin and attending Mass at the town parish, the Catholic Church of the Assumption.
“When we went to Mass, the priest thanked all of us for coming to Sacred Heart and made a beautiful statement about how this type of program is the root of what the Gospel was about that day,” said Hollerbach. “I thought that was really special.”
Homecoming Court
Therapy Puppies
Arizona March for Life
Seton students joined their Irish hosts in playing in a rugby match in Tullamore.The matches are held at a standing time and open to whoever can make it. (Courtesy Photo/Leah KoChis)
Seton students join their Irish hosts at Sacred Heart School in making Irish soda bread. (Courtesy Photo/Leah KoChis)
Hugo Rodríguez and Daniela Fimbres were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during the Homecoming Game Oct. 27. (Courtesy Photo)
Therapy support dogs from My Lab Puppies visited the Seton campus Dec. 11-13 to help students ease their nerves before taking their finals. (Madi Lenz/sentineL student Media)
Approximately 50 Seton students and teachers joined pro-lifers from throughout the state at the Arizona March for Life March 1 outside the State Capitol in Phoenix. (ray Medhus/seton Media)
ACADEMICS Welcome Back, Mr. Leach
By MaTThieu PanGan ’25
The Seton community welcomed back alumnus Mr. Benjamin Leach ’17 to work as a science teacher in 2023.
Mr. Leach currently teaches biology and physics, teaching mainly Freshmen and Juniors.
He graduated from Seton as valedictorian in 2017 and went on to study biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
“Irealized that the two things I loved were helping others and learning. The combination of the two were teaching.”
— Mr. Benjamin Leach ’17
While working his last job at a research lab, he realized he wanted take a different career path.
“I realized that the two things I loved were helping
was the No. 1 choice in his heart. What sets Seton apart from other schools in the Valley were its close-knit community.
“All the teachers here were incredibly supportive, and the students are great too,” said Mr. Leach. “The spirited community of this school is the perfect place — not just me — but for anybody that wants to come here.”
As a student, Mr. Leach was heavily involved in the National Honor Society, Latin Club, Seton Ambassadors and the theater program, playing the role of Tevye in the school’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” his senior year.
Now, as a teacher, he has re-entered Seton student life, serving as an advisor to the Irish Exchange Program. Returning to his theater roots, Mr. Leach participated in the play “Footloose.”
Now teaching at Seton, Mr. Leach looks to build on this opportunity to create new relationships with current students and teachers.
Matthieu Pangan is a student journalist who wrote
Other New Faculty
not solely due to connections to Seton as a student but because of his qualifications and characteristics as a teacher.
“He is a quick learner and is very proactive,” said Science Department Chairman Mr. Ryan Horn.
Mr. Leach is well liked and respected among other teachers at Seton. He is happy to work with teachers that previously taught him as current colleagues.
“He was one of my best students,” recalled Engineering teacher Mr. Michael Foor. “It is a pleasure to work with him.”
While there were many other schools in Arizona where Mr. Leach could have taught, he knew Seton
After working in research, Mr. Benjamin Leach ’17 came to Seton to teach Honors Biology, Honors Physics, Physics and Chemistry (Madi Lenz/ sentineL student Media)
Mrs. Sandra Figueroa Math
Mr. Carter Aby English
Mrs. Alejandra Highwood Math
Mrs. Susan McDonald Theology
Graduation 2024
GRADUATION AWARDS
Valedictorian: Brandon Forseth
Salutatorian: Sydney Schurz
Baccalaureate Welcome: Julian Garcia
Graduation Convocation: Sydney Hunter
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards: Ava Kohl and Alejandro Burns
CAMPUS MINISTRY AWARDS
Determination: Xavier Bricher Courage: Lexi Walper
DEPARTMENTAL SENIOR MEDALS
Business: Nico Badding
English: Lexi Walper
Fine Arts — Dance: Daniela Fimbres
Fine Arts — Drama: Sydney Hunter
Fine Arts — Media: Trinity Hart
Fine Arts — Visual: Ava Kohl
Fine Arts — Music: Xavier Bricher
Mathematics: Joseph Steinkamp
Physical Education: Rylie Kelly
Science: Brandon Forseth
Senior
Social Studies: Sydney Schurz
Theology: Analeese Salazar
World Language: Emily Quinlan
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
National Indigenous Recognition: Jackson Bruening
National Hispanic Recognition: Diego Castillo-Jimenez, Alejandro Burns, Mason Erpenbeck, Dominic Henderson, Julian Garcia, Elsa Laredo, Emilio Llanas, Luke Padilla and Santiago Sanchez Chavez
Letter of Commendation: Mason Erpenbeck
Finalists: Julian Garcia
Graduating
Brandon Forseth delivers hisValedictory speech during the Graduation ceremony May 20. (LifetouCh)
The graduating class of 2024 gathers together in front of the sanctuary of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Chandler prior to the Baccalaureate Mass May 19. (LifetouCh)
Clockwise from Bottom Left: Rising Senior Conor Byrne and graduated Senior Layla Massoud as“Willard”and“Rusty.” • Rising Juniors Grace Cannon (left) and Katie Mullen (right), with Layla, as Ariel’s friends. • Graduated Senior Katie Belvel and rising Senior Paul Ryan as“Ariel”and“Ren.”• Graduated Seniors Gabe Herrera and Sydney Hunter as“Chuck”and “Betty.”• Graduated Seniors Karilyn Debelo and Xavier Bricher as“Mrs. and Rev. Moore.”• Seton Principal Mr.Victor Serna played the principal in the play. (sarah Monsegur/sentineL student Media)
Seton ‘cuts loose’ with spring show
By Sarah MonSeGur ’24
Ren McCormack, a teenage boy with a passion for dancing, moves from Chicago to the remote town of Bomont, Georgia, where dancing is outlawed. In the midst of his pursuit to lift the ban, he falls for Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the highly influential reverend. Seton’s theater program brought this story to life recently with its production of “Footloose.”
Students and faculty began preparing for the spring musical as soon as classes resumed after winter break in early January. Their hard work paid off when “Footloose” ran from Feb. 16-24 in the Seton Theater.
The play featured Junior Paul Ryan as “Ren” and Senior Katie Belvel as “Ariel.” Mrs. Stanci Smith ’13, the head of Seton’s theater department, directed the show along with a studentled stage crew and tech teams who worked to ensure that the production ran smoothly along with the necessary elements of light and sound.
“The first time I did ‘Footloose’ was actually 20 years ago. I was 10 years old,” said Mrs. Smith. “It was really the first show that I remember that made me love musical theater and dancing. That was the CD I used to put in and make up dances to.”
The process of putting “Footloose” together took time and lots of cooperation. Weeks upon weeks of auditioning, casting,
rehearsing and building resulted in the musical that was performed in the span of around two hours. Student actors began preparing for their roles as soon as the cast list for the show was announced.
“I immediately went on a Zoom call with my vocal coach and made an action plan,” said Katie.
Often, when going to a theater production, the audience doesn’t see much of the people working behind the scenes. However, putting on the show requires the skills that members of stage and tech crew offer.
“We mainly communicate using headsets,” said Sophomore Leo Kelly, who is a part of the tech crew. “We also plan ahead, so sometimes I’ll place my spotlight where it needs to be next.”
Katie appreciates having been involved in the Seton theater program since it resumed in 2021 after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Being a part of it [Theater] is so fun, and it is such a rewarding process, going through a couple months of rehearsal and feeling like it’s a mess till getting to tech week and getting to see the show come alive with costumes, makeup, hair, everything,” said Katie. “When you hear the clapping of the audience for the first time, everything was worth it.”
Sarah Monsegur ’24 served as managing editor of the Sentinel Student Newspaper during the Spring 2024 semester. This article is adapted from an article she originally wrote for the student newspaper.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’
Rising Senior Sarah Mohs as“The Director”chastises graduated Senior Sydney Hunter as“The Stage Manager”during the Fall production of “The PlayThat GoesWrong”Oct. 13-15. (Madi Lenz/sentineL student Media)
Fine Arts Festivals
The Fine Arts Festivals held in theWinter (Dec. 6-7) and Spring (April 2425) allows students to showcase their talents developed in the Fine Arts classes. Performances included those from the Choir, Musical Theater, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Piano and Dance programs. Students’work created in theVisual Arts classes, such as Ceramics, Art, Photography and Graphic Design were also displayed in the lobby of the Fine Arts building for attendees to appreciate. • Above, rising Senior Zach Bellin channels the late Jimmy Buffett by leading the Guitar class in singing the recently deceased singer’s classic“Margaritaville.”(sienna rennard/sentineL student Media). • Below, a depiction of the Blessed Mother by graduated Senior Hector Acosta and a fish by graduated Senior Mike Esparza are displayed with other pieces. (John PauL garCia/sentineL student Media).
Choir at the Capitol
First place Band win
Seton Catholic Preparatory Band, pictured above with Band Director Mr. Doug Slater, placed first at theWorldstrides Anaheim Heritage Festival April 5 in Anaheim, California.The students also went to Disneyland. (Courtesy Photo/doug sLater)
Company Dance
The Seton Choir — led by Choir Director Mrs. Stanci Smith — sang the National Anthem Jan. 31 at the Arizona State Capitol for the statewide Catholic SchoolsWeek Pep Rally. (Peter KufahL/sentineL student Media)
The
Members of Seton’s Company Dance program — led by Ms. Angela McGinty — performed at the school pep rallies, as seen above during the Unified Field Day Pep Rally Feb. 2. (Madi Lenz/sentineL student Media)
ADVANCEMENT
Ongoing construction strengthens Catholic identity
By Tony GuTiérrez
Once the new school year begins, visitors to Seton Catholic Preparatory will know the school’s namesake and patroness. With construction over the summer to the front entrance of the campus expected to be completed by Aug. 1, a life-size statue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will stand visible to all visitors on passersby on Dobson Road.
“It’s easy to miss Seton as you drive south on Dobson Road, and we wanted to have a profound space to face the outside world,” Principal Victor Serna said in an e-mail. “By making the statue of our patroness the focal point of the design, we proudly pronounce who we are, and anyone who passes by will know without a doubt that we are a Catholic school.”
An anonymous donor provided the funds to purchase the life-size statue of St. Elizabeth from Italy. It arrived on campus on Feb. 14. Serna described the gift as “providential” as the design for the front entrance was still in its initial stages.
“The front entrance renovation is transforming the school and the space, setting the entire tone of what Seton’s all about. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that captivates guests and passersby alike,” said Advancement Director Tony Rodriguez. “When you see St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as the focal point of the entrance, it tells you we are a very strong Catholic school.”
Also strengthening the school’s Catholic identity was the building of a grotto for a statue of Mary in the Sister Joan Marie
Courtyard. The statue had previously been located behind a wall, making her presence unnoticed. The statue itself is one of only two items still on campus to have survived the fire of 1980.
“We found old photographs from the original campus and decided to build the current statue’s space to resemble where it used to sit,” said Serna. “It is now a beautiful courtyard that gets many visitors throughout the day.”
Continuing with Seton’s “Founded in Faith — Building on Excellence” Capital Campaign, the locker rooms in the McMahon Gymnasium have been completely demolished, with new ones being built that include upgraded offices for coaches and lockers and showers for studentathletes.
“In order for us to remain competitive in education and particularly in Catholic education in the East Valley, it’s important for us to continue to renew our facilities and make changes as time goes on,” said Sal Flores, chairman of the Capital Campaign and a past president and current member of Seton’s Board of Trustees.
The forthcoming Event Center will be connected to the gym through a hallway. In addition to serving as an additional space for athletic events, the Event Center will also provide a venue for worship during all-school liturgies and for galas and other large gatherings.
Having just one gym for all the athletic programs that go on isn’t enough space. We have athletes here from 5:30 a.m. to
Libby Fogerty from the Class of 2024 and Jeremiah Krick from the Class of 2026 welcome the statue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton that will be installed at the front entrance of the school.
As a part of the“Founded in Faith — Building on Excellence”Capital Campaign, the locker rooms in the McMahon Gymnasium have been completely demolished, with new ones being built that include upgraded offices for coaches and lockers and showers for student-athletes.
10:30 p.m. because we have just the one gym,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going to mediate all athletic activities we have plus all the other activities we can do, like the school Masses. It really is the future.”
The 56,000-square-foot Event Center will be built where the current Senior parking lot is located, between the Historic Campus, Fine Arts Building and gymnasium. Other lots on the campus are currently being considered to be used as future parking spaces.
“This event center is not only going to benefit our school community but our East Valley community as a whole. It’ll also make us more competitive athletically across the East Valley, and a destination place for young people that want a Catholic education,” said Flores.
As campaign chairman, Flores said his role is to “invite and inspire” the Seton community to help raise money and to share in the growth to make the Event Center a reality.
“We want to make a Catholic education available to all,” he said. “We continue to meet the goals of funding this Event Center to make it a place for all of us to share in. I ask that people continue to contribute and pledge their hard-earned resources to make this a reality.”
Set Sail with Seton Gala
Seton’s annual gala,“Set Sail with Seton”brought 500 members of the community together to“Yacht Rock the Night Away”Sept. 16, 2023, and raise approximately $220,000 to support the Event Center.
Community Walk-a-Thon
Despite the rain, members of the Seton community came together to support the school through it’s annualWalk-A-Thon Feb. 10, raising more than over $2,000 to support the renovation of the front entrance.
Seton Catholic Golf Classic
The 164 participants at this year’s Seton Golf Classic April 26 at Ocotillo Golf Course raised more than $23,000 to go towards the renovation of the front entrance.
The statue of Mary is installed in a grotto in the Sister Joan Marie Courtyard and blessed during a ceremony Sept. 13, 2023. (Photo by Peter KufahL/sentineL student Media)
SEEDS OF H PE
HOPE SQUAD DEDICATED TO HELPING STRUGGLING STUDENTS
By Gina KeaTinG
Out of tragedy comes hope. When one member of the student body at Seton Catholic Preparatory died by suicide on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were moved into action.
The Hope Squad — a peer support suicide prevention program — was inaugurated this year in response to the mounting mental health challenges faced by teens.
“There were definitely students coming to counseling with suicidal ideation, either because they were already struggling, or it triggered them,” said Co-Director of Counseling Leah
Kochis, adviser to the Hope Squad.
Students nominate members, who are trusted peers that learn how to listen without prejudice and are introduced to a curriculum of classes designed to help them recognize a struggling student.
For an hour twice a month, squad members meet and learn skills to recognize signs and risks of suicide by listening, asking pertinent questions and looking for anyone who appears isolated or alone.
The program focuses on outreach to increase feelings of belonging, but they are not trained to be counselors.
“We know kids will go to each other first before an adult,” Kochis said. “We are teaching them to be good human beings
Information about Suicide
• When a young person is suicidal, they do not want to die. They want the pain and sadness to go away.
• Suicidal youths often give both verbal and non-verbal warning signs.
• Not talking about suicide may prove deadly if someone is already thinking about doing so.
• If someone reveals to you that they are thinking about suicide, do not keep it a secret.They may be upset at first, but by getting them the help they need, you may be saving their life.
• Some may disregard suicidal behavior as just someone looking for attention. All suicidal threats must be taken seriously.
• SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE!
and care for one another and share God’s love by paying attention to others.”
Squad members learn the importance — and how to share the benefits — of feeling connected, managing stress, creating a safe school environment and expressing genuine concern.
It’s allowing their feelings to have a voice.
“A lot of times kids will throw out a comment. Following up and asking them questions is crucial, and to persuade them to go to a trusted adult, teacher, counselor or parent,” she added. “I can’t tell you how many students heard things in conversations and then told me. We were able to get these kids help so they didn’t continue to struggle.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated in March of 2022 suicide was the second leading cause of death in Arizona from ages 10-34. Overall, it’s the 10th leading cause of death in Arizona.
“I saw a significant increase in mental health struggles with our students after COVID,” Kochis said. “I’ve been a counselor at Seton for 17 years, and students have struggled more with mental health in the past four years than I’ve ever seen here.”
Rising senior Lucas Long Garcia, one of the program’s 20 members, said the lockdown was tough on himself and his
Seton Catholic Preparatory Chaplain Father IanWintering ’11 formally commissions the members of the Hope Squad during an Oct. 23, 2023 memorial Mass for a student who died by suicide in 2020. (noah singson/sentineL student Media)
friends.
“It was certainly a struggle not being able to see the friends you got to see almost daily,” he said. “I was especially bummed about the upcoming baseball season getting canceled (I had been practicing all year).”
Kochis and her Seton colleague, literature teacher Katie Price, traveled to Utah for training where a principal in that state founded Hope Squad in 2004 to help address student suicides.
It was when Kochis viewed the documentary, “My Ascension,” when she knew it was time act. The movie highlights the journey of Emma Benoit, who, in 2017, was a popular high school cheerleader who tried to take her own life but was paralyzed by her attempt.
The Seton student body will get the opportunity to meet Benoit when she joins them via Zoom for Hope Week in September, which is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The week on campus will highlight the value of every student by doing little things around campus. In this past school year, the squad used sticky notes to cover lunch tables with positive and uplifting messages, as well as having students express hope on posters around campus.
Through community, outreach and education, Seton is stripping away the stigma, shame and guilt of mental illness.
Rising Sophomore Claire Kochis said the squad classes helped her learn how to reach out with love and compassion.
“I wanted to be involved because I think mental health is something that is often overlooked and needs to be focused on
Suicide crisis lines
Crisis Text Line: 988
Teen lifeline: 602-248-8336 (TEEN) Solari crisis line: 844-534-4673 (HOPE), or text “HOPE” to 4hope National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
more,” she said. “I want to help people understand that it is OK to talk about mental health, and that it is OK not to be OK, and that there is always help. I think Hope Squad gets us one step closer to making our peers feel loved.”
Members can be identified when they wear their bright yellow Hope Squad shirts. And it’s not just the color that captures attention, but the message on the back: “Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it.”
Rising Sophomore Avery Zils said members identified several risk factors on campus, which include family problems, mental illness, platonic and romantic breakups and bad grades.
“‘Hope’ is a powerful feeling that inspires us to believe in brighter outcomes and see beyond our difficulties,” she said.
“In today’s society, I believe that teens are most stressed out by their uncertain futures and academic/athletic pressure.”
Avery said countering suicide is our Catholic faith — believing “life is the most precious thing on earth.”
“It brings me so much joy to think about how fortunate I am to be alive,” she added. “Through Hope Squad, I have the opportunity to share this feeling with others.”
In addition to launching the Hope Squad program, Seton has partnered with other nonprofit prevention and intervention organizations such as Teen Lifeline and Kid in the Corner.
Kid in the Corner was launched due to another death by suicide. Students take a penny pledge to reach out to the “kid in the corner,” take care of their own mental health and let others know they are safe and caring to talk with.
Hope Squad made pins out of the pennies for students to put on their school lanyards, and on the back of every student’s identification is the number to Teen Lifeline.
Rising Junior Nick Zadel said social support and connection are key factors in preventing death by suicide.
“Developing a strong relationship … that is not forced is crucial, not only to their recovery, but also confidence and social skills to make more friends in the future,” he said.
Personally touched by the weight of losing family members, Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix formed the Office of Mental Health Ministry in 2022 when a third sibling died by suicide. Mary Permoda, director, said programs like Hope Squad covers the bishop’s three areas of focus: education, accompaniment and advocacy.
“God gave us community; we are here to help and love each other and support one another,” adviser Kochis said. “No matter how hard it is, there is hope out there. You can get help, and you can feel better. It’s okay to ask for help.”
This infographic reports 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control. (aMeriCan foundation for suiCide Prevention)
Hope Squad adviser Mrs. Katie Price (far left) joins members Analeese Salazar, Avery Zils, Claire Kochis, Kadence Spanovich and Saane Fatai in distributing Life Savers during a break. (Courtesy Photo)
Hope Squad member Elliott Chan crosses himself during the club’s commissioning Mass Oct. 23, 2023. (noah singson/sentineL student Media)
Graduating seniors Alejandro Burns, Parker Stoft, Zach Albanese, Caitlin Bennally, LexiWalper, Rylie Kelly, Daniela Fimbres, Jackson Bruening andVictor Nichols lock arms during Signing Day April 26 at the McMahon Gymnasium. (tony gutiérrez/sentineL Media)
Graduating athletes commit to colleges
By TriniTy harT ’24
Being recognized for the hard work they’ve put into their bodies and athletic feats and talents, nine graduating seniors committed to competing at the collegiate level. All nine participated in a Signing Day April 26 at McMahon Gymnasium.
“Coach Karen Self has made the biggest impact ever. I was really fortunate to have her as a coach so early on,” said Caitlyn Benally, who signed with Fort Lewis College in Colorado for basketball. “I think she greatly prepared me for college.”
Caitlyn wasn’t the only one who felt encouraged and impacted by her coach though, as Jackson was also appreciative of the mentoring he received from his coaches.
“They are great role models. A lot of coaches in club ball are focused on the game part, but my coaches are super involved outside of just baseball,” said Jackson Bruening, who signed with Pitzer College in California for baseball. “They ask questions and get super close with the players, but also help
give the players confidence.”
Coaches aren’t the only ones who make an impact on players. Having support from family and friends is also important in an athlete’s life.
“My older brother played baseball in high school and I looked up to him. We would play catch together in the backyard or we’d go to the batting cage and he’d throw a fronttoss to me,” said Lexi Walper, who signed with Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas for softball. “That always meant a lot to me. I feel like I can always go to him because he went through it and experienced it, too.”
Teammates start as random people who are brought together by the sport but grow together as a family.
“The most recent trip to California was one of my favorite memories with the team. We won and it was great bonding time,” said Caitlyn.
Softball Coach Mullin retires after 38 years
Seton Catholic Preparatory’s Head Softball Coach Jerry Mullin announced his coaching retirement after 38 years at the helm of the Sentinels Softball program, leaving behind an incredible legacy both on and off the field.
“I want to thank Coach Mullin for his dedication and passion for Seton Catholic and the Softball program for nearly 40 years,” said Principal Victor Serna. “He has been a strong supporter and professor of our Catholic values and mission, as well as being a pillar of our community no matter what role he has served. I am grateful for his continued support as he will remain a member of our Counseling Department.”
Coach Mullin arrived at Seton Catholic in 1985 and took over the Softball program for the 1986-87 school year, transforming it into a small-school powerhouse by the mid-90s by winning 10 titles over a 15-year span from 1996 to 2010.
Mullin added 14 regional titles, with the latest coming in the 2021 season. He has been named Region Coach of the Year eight times, an All-Star coach three times, and was twice named Small School Coach of the Year. His career culminated with his induction into the Arizona High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023.
“The first word that comes to mind when I think about Coach Mullin’s career — legendary,” said Athletic Director Jim Shewbridge. “He has been the heart and soul of Seton Catholic Softball for nearly four decades. A lot of athletes went on to compete at the next level, including 2023 graduate Sierra Daniel who is playing for LSU. His leadership and dedication to Seton Catholic Prep will surely be missed.”
Coach Ed Mulvey Award
Caitlyn Benally
Father Peter McGloin Award
Alejandro Burns
Jim Relph Award
Ryan Creech
Libby Fogerty
Father Joseph N. Patterson Award
Bella Gump
Harold “Hal” Kirkegaard Memorial Sportsmanship Award
James Williams
In addition to the successes on the field, his program has also been outstanding off the field, with numerous academic and sportsmanship awards for his players and the program itself — a testament to the values instilled by Coach Mullin.
“I want to congratulate Jerry on his incredible career and thank him for his guidance and the exceptional standard he has set for everyone,” said Karen Self, Head Girls Basketball at Seton Catholic, who has worked with Mullin since the ’90s.
“There are just no words to express what he means to the Seton community. He leaves an incredible legacy and I feel so blessed to have worked beside him for over 30 years.”
Mullin has also been a part of Seton Catholic’s faculty during his coaching career and is currently one of Seton’s counselors, a role he will continue in despite his retirement from coaching.
Seton named Ian Rodgers as the school’s new head Softball coach to replace Coach Mullin. Rogers will begin his role for the 2024-25 school year.
“We couldn’t be more happy to have Coach Rodgers as part of our program here at Seton Catholic,” Shewbridge said. “He has been a part of building strong club programs here in the East Valley and, most importantly, is a man of integrity that plans on building upon the legacy that is Seton Catholic Softball.”
Rodgers comes to Seton Catholic with success as a head coach in the Softball scene over the past several years, most recently with the Athletics Mercado 14U East Valley program. He hopes to build off of Coach Mullin’s foundations, continuing to bring success to the Softball team both on and off the field.
United States Army Reserve Senior Scholar Athlete Awards
Julian Garcia
Kylie Monks
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Student Award for Athletic Excellence
Zach Albanese
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Student Award for Scholastic Excellence
Aiden Mendoza
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Student Award for Musical Excellence
Katie Belvel
Coach Jerry Mullin retired as Seton Catholic Preparatory’s head Softball coach after 38 years. (seton CathoLiC PreParatory)
Running Records Broken
Graduated Senior Zach Albanese (pictured above) placed first in the Division III Cross Country state championships. He also broke the 1600m and 3200m Track records. Graduated Senior Parker Stoft broke the 800m record. Zach and Parker, along with Graduated Senior Milo Llanas and rising Junior DavidWilliams broke the 4x800 record.
First Female Football Player
Graduated Senior Rylie Kelly made history in Fall 2023.The star soccer player shared her talents with the SentinelVarsity Football team as a kicker. (ardyn sChMidtKneCht/sentineL student Media)
Coach Self’s 800th win
Committed Athletes
Zach Albanese
Cross Country
Arizona State
University
Sun Devils
Tempe
Caitlyn Benally
Basketball
Fort Lewis College
Skyhawks
Durango, Colorado
Alejandro Burns
Volleyball
Calvin University
Knights
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jackson Bruening
Baseball
Pitzer College
Sagehens
Claremont, California
Daniela Fimbres
Dance
Ave Maria
University
Gyrenes
Ave Maria, Florida
Rylie Kelly
Soccer
Scottsdale CC
Fighting
Artichokes
Scottsdale
Victor Nichols
Soccer
Cornell College
Rams
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Parker Stoft
Cross Country
Mesa CC
Thunderbirds
Mesa
Lexi Walper
Softball
Trinity University
Tigers
San Antonio
< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Part of being a family is seeking out advice from those who are more experienced. Hayden Estes ’23, was one of these people to Jackson.
“Hayden Estes was super inspirational for me,” he said. “He helped guide me through those early years, especially when there were times when I was struggling in games and he gave me some advice to help fix that.”
Being a part of their teams at Seton has been a familial stability that has provided memories and mentorship, which they will take with them when they leave. These athletes cherished the past and are now looking towards the future.
“When I visited, I really loved the campus. I loved the coaches and all of the players,” said Lexi. “I went and visited another school in Chicago, and it didn’t have the same feel. I knew Trinity [University] was where I was supposed to be because it felt right.”
Caitlyn, Jackson and Lexi all shared their advice to other student athletes planning on committing to college in the future.
“Division doesn’t matter. You play in college either way and you should be more on the lookout for what you want in college instead of what everyone else wants,” Caitlyn said.
“Stay consistent. The first thing you have to do is set a goal. Stay consistent with practice and push yourself to be really good. That’s all you can really do,” said Jackson.
“Don’t rush the process of recruiting and try not to compare yourself to other people around you because it’s really easy to look at other people, especially if you’re a junior and you’re looking to the committing stage of your career. Your time will come. Trust the process,” Lexi said.
Trinity Hart ’24 served as Editor-in-Chief of the Sentinel Student Newspaper during the Spring 2024 semester. This article is adapted from an article she originally wrote for the student newspaper.
Head Girls Basketball Coach Karen Self won her 800th career game against Notre Dame Prep Nov. 21, 62-44, at McMahon Gymnasium.The state Hall of Fame coach was also honored by the City of Chandler with “Karen Self Day”being proclaimed April 15. She is only 14 wins away from becoming the winningest girls Basketball coach in Arizona.
CATHOLIC IDENTITY
Alumnus now Seton’s Father
Father Ian Wintering ‘11 returns to Seton as chaplain and teacher
By Tony GuTiérrez
This year’s face of Seton’s spiritual life may be new to the role but he’s not new to the campus — although he’s traded his red polo shirt for clerics.
Two years into his priesthood, Father Ian Wintering ’11 became the school’s new chaplain, splitting his time between Seton and Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale. For the 2024-25 academic year, Father Wintering will be at Seton full-time, joining the faculty in addition to serving as chaplain. He’ll teach two sections of Moral Theology for Seniors in the Fall and two sections of Vocations for Juniors in the Spring. With a background in communications, he’ll also teach the Broadcast Journalism class, serving as advisor to the school’s SCPTV program.
Father Wintering discussed the role Seton played in his ongoing spiritual journey with The Sentinel Shield recently. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Can you share how your experience at Seton helped plant that seed for you in your vocation?
I had always grown up Catholic but there was never any personal connection there until Kairos happened. It was on that Kairos, I started to question if I really wanted to take this faith seriously, then what does that mean for my life? Ultimately, the priesthood kept coming up, which I obviously rejected.
I ran from it for a number of years. But the key factor — other than the Kairos experience — was having a full-time chaplain here. Father Will Schmid was here, and he was somebody that I could regularly talk to — a priest that actually knew who I was. He actually got to know me on a personal level, which meant that I got to build that relationship, and I can go to him and talk to him about things.
Over the course of the years, even after I graduated, he really started to challenge me. He challenged me to go
on a mission trip to really discern these things and to encounter the Lord.
On that mission trip, there was a man named Dan Nguyen who also was a theology teacher at Seton at the time. He asked me if I had ever considered priesthood, and I said “yes,” but that I didn’t want to think about it right now. I wanted to wait until I got my degree. He challenged me in many of the same ways that Father Will did, where he said, “Well, if you thought the God of the universe was potentially maybe calling you to the priesthood, why would you hesitate on that? Why wouldn’t you give that a shot? Is he not a good God?”
That broke down everything for me, and I realized I was running from Him in an irrational way out of a fear. He told me, “Fear is not a tool of God. You don’t discern through fear. It’s good to
recognize that fear but don’t make a decision based off of that fear.”
How did serving at San Francisco de Asís Parish and School in Flagstaff prepare for serving at Seton?
When Father Will first asked me to teach there when I got assigned there, he said, “Don’t stress out about what you’re teaching because at the end of the day, what’s important is that you build that relationship with them. They’re not going to remember what you taught them but they are going to remember how you impacted their life.’”
By the time I left, it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do because in forming that relationship centered in Christ with these kids, it was really hard to say goodbye. I learned a lot about what it means to be a spiritual father,
Father IanWintering‘11 lifts the gifts during the consecration of the Eucharist during a House Rotations Sept. 12 Mass at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel. (noah singson/seton student Media)
Kairos 61 and 62
Reconciliation Services
PASS Days
what it means to give of myself for them but also what it means to let go. There was this beautiful sense of detachment to be able to say, “I now have to let you go. I’m surrendering you over to Jesus Christ,” and move on to where the Lord calls me now.
I feel very prepared, blessed and honored that the diocese and the bishop recognized those gifts that I have for teaching and for working with the youth to be able to come here to Seton and hopefully do the same thing that I received when Father Will was here as a chaplain.
What was it like for to receive that call from the bishop’s office saying your next assignment is going to be at Seton?
To be able to go back to my home school, how often does that happen? That’s very rare. For example, a priest never gets assigned to their home parish, and that’s essentially what’s happening here is that they’ve brought me back home. Even though this last year was a struggle being a split between the two, what I found is just coming back here, it was so much easier because I already know half the faculty, I already know the campus like the palm of my hand. There was no friction in coming back here. It was very easy to do that.
What’s it been like for you to be here this last year and experience your alma mater from the other side?
It really helped me to recognize that this school really is a good school. Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize that when you’re a student here because you hate everything. But as you grow older, you start to recognize the good that really is happening here, especially behind the scenes with the faculty. There is something here at Seton.
It sends a powerful witness. I’m not the only one here that is an alum that works here. There’s several, and I think having kids recognize a lot of these alumni are coming back to work here really speaks volumes to the culture that is at this school.
What were your biggest infractions when you were a student?
They weren’t big things — 90% of the time had to do with shaving, just because I grew facial hair so fast. There were days where I would shave in the morning on Monday, and I would be called into the office on Tuesday because the teacher told me that it needed a shave. There were those little plastic razors in that drawer, and I had to grab one, and I had to go into that bathroom and shave.
Every Fall and Spring semester, a team of students and adult volunteers lead the Kairos Retreat for juniors and seniors. Above, the Kairos 61Team is commissioned during a Mass Sept. 12. (terry LiCht/seton Media)
Seton gave students the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Penance during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Above, Father Edward Urassa, parochial vicar at nearby St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Chandler, gives Absolution March 5. (tony gutiérrez/seton Media)
Houses, such as the House of St. John the Baptist above, take turns volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank during PASS (Prayer and Service at Seton) Days, serving more than 1,000 families each time. (Courtesy Photo)
Father IanWintering ’11 answers seniors’questions during a presentation in their Vocations class Nov. 21. (Madi Lenz/sentineL student Media)
Can you tell me about your time as a student here when you were involved in SCTV [Seton Catholic Television]?
It was totally janky camcorder cameras. The classroom was a closet that’s on the other side of where the Finance Office is. It was really small. There was five of us in SCTV, plus Mr. [Matthew] Frable. All the room was was a series of desks along the wall with computers. We operated off of the “SNL” model — we’d have a host that would transition between various different skits. Some of them were informative, and some of them were just silly. We’d have repeating jokes or skits that would create a little miniseries that would go throughout it. Some of it was good. A lot of it, I’m glad is not on the internet.
At the time we had to burn it onto DVDs, and then they had a DVD player in the office that would transmit the signal to all these tiny little tube TVs in the corner of the classroom walls. So, we would have to physically put the DVD in and click play, and then it would start to play in all the classrooms.
Before I entered seminary and after I graduated, I was a volunteer here for the SCTV program. I helped out with that for a year. Then we started this whole film festival thing that went on for a couple of years, where we used the theater. Kids would make movies, and then we’d have an “Oscar” night where we would hand out awards.
What other kind of things did you do as a student?
Philosophy Club — that was run by Mr. [Michael] Vetti, and Ms. Lita Arroyo.
How are you preparing for your classes?
My priority, and the thing that I’m most excited about, is building those relationships. Even if I was here full-time this last year, if I wasn’t teaching, it’s still hard to build meaningful relationships. If you think about the average time that a student spends at a school, 90% of it is going to be in a classroom. So, if I’m not in the classroom with them, the only time I really have to build relationships with them is between classes or at lunch or at sports games, which is not the same as if I were in the classroom with them every single day for an hour a day or more than an hour on Thursday and Fridays. For a whole year? That’s a game-changer. That makes a radical difference. Even the kids that I don’t have, if I build a reputation in this classroom, then that spreads to the other students. It gets students excited to come into this classroom.
How has serving at Seton is helped you grow in your own vocation as priest?
It’s a growth in the aspect of spiritual fatherhood, of being there for these kids and to help them grow in relationship with God. Hopefully, through me, the Lord can really touch these kids’ lives and draw them closer to Himself and potentially bring about vocations to religious life and to priesthood.
In the short time that Father Will was here, we had a number of vocations come out of Seton. But there hasn’t been any from this school since then. There is a value in having a priest there, a witness as somebody who can stand out and say, “The Lord might be calling you.” To have a priest present, to have a religious sister present, these things really do make an impact on that. I just really look forward to that, and I think that will ultimately be the greatest value that having a priest full-time can bring.
Forge Retreat
Sentinel Summit
May Crowning
The Forge Retreat Jan. 19 drew boys from all grades to build brotherhood with each other and learn how to grow as men. (ray Medhus/seton Media)
This year’s all-school retreat Jan. 30 —“Encounter: A Summit to the Source”— focused on Jesus in the Eucharist. Above, Deacon Mark Veazie, Associate Director of Diaconal Education and Formation for the Diocese of Phoenix, leads a breakout on the Eucharist being foreshadowed in the Old Testament. (noah singson/sentineL student Media)
To honor Mary, the mother of God, during her month, Graduating Seniors Hector Acosta andTrinity Hart placed a crown of flowers on a statue of Our Lady during a May Crowning April 30. (ray Medhus/seton Media)
Going to bat for faith
Catholic values helped form alumni drafted into MLB
By Tony GuTiérrez
From Babe Ruth’s support of Catholic orphanages to Roberto Clemente’s tragic death during a Catholic relief mission to Nicaragua, Major League Baseball’s Catholic roots run deep.
Continuing that tradition, three recent Seton Catholic Preparatory High School alumni — Ryan Johnson ’19, Luke Bell ’19 and Josh Hansell ’20 — credit their Catholic faith in helping them get drafted in Major League Baseball’s annual amateur draft, held last July.
“I join their parents and the entire Seton Catholic community in being proud of what Ryan, Josh and Luke have accomplished. The three were excellent student-athletes who excelled academically and athletically at Seton,” said Principal Victor Serna. “As students at a Catholic prep school, they each grew their God-given gifts by completing Christian service to others, managing a rigorous course load and leading their peers on and off the field.”
Johnson, a second baseman from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., signed with the Houston Astros. Bell, a pitcher from Xavier University in Cincinnati, committed to the Chicago White Sox. And Hansell, a pitcher from Arizona State University in Tempe, joined the Kansas City Royals.
“They’re going to get an opportunity to do something they’ve always wanted to do. They all were great students,” said Seton’s Head Baseball Coach Brian Stephenson. “They were great teammates, always going above and beyond to help their teammates. With their work ethic and the type of kids they are, I believe in them, and I’m looking forward to one day watching those guys.”
Johnson spent the last year playing for the Asheville Tourists — a minor league team in the Astros’ farm system based out of Asheville, North Carolina. He has been playing baseball since he played club as a kid with his dad, James Johnson ’87, serving as coach. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and School in Tempe before enrolling at Seton in 2015.
“The academics got me ready for college — I went from a really good high school and then to a good college. College is still hard but if I wouldn’t have had Seton, I would have been drowning in the school work,” said Johnson in an interview from his room near the Astros’ training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. “Seton’s also a great place with great people, and it’s awesome to have those role models of teachers and coaches.”
At Seton, Johnson started as a courtesy runner, eventually hit .442 with a .553 on base percentage, 76 hits, 79 RBIs and 13 home runs.
“He came in as a freshman, his work ethic was unmatched,” recalled Stephenson. “He’s continued to get better every year.”
As talented as Johnson is, Stephenson said, his biggest influence is his character as a human being, noting that he regularly returns to Seton over the summer to help the team’s current players.
“Seton’s a great place with great people, and it’s awesome to have those role models of teachers and coaches.”
“He’s getting himself prepped for the draft, and he took time out of his busy schedule to come to our summer camp and help with a lot of our current players,” said Stephenson. “That’s just who he is. He’s represented our school while he was here, and he continues to do so in a first-class way. You want all your players to act like this guy.”
— Ryan Johnson ’19
For Johnson, giving back to the community is a natural outlet from his Catholic upbringing.
“I’m hopefully able to help these guys get better but it also helps me. It takes you back to where you came from, and it’s awesome to reflect on those times,” said Johnson. “That’s the values Seton gave me — to give back, to want to help others and to make their lives better.”
Ryan’s dad recalls his son’s freshman year at Pepperdine University, when he moved home along with a few teammates during the COVID pandemic.
After signing with the Houston Astros July 10, 2023 Ryan Johnson ’19 shakes hands with team Scouting Director Kris Gross. (Courtesy Photo/houston astros)
“Whether he’s 0-4 with four strikeouts or 4-4 with home runs, he’s just the same person — level, focused and does the right thing,” recalled James, himself a Seton alumnus from 1987 who currently also serves as the school’s head girls’ volleyball coach. “That’s a huge part why he’s so successful, and he knows the task at hand is to be a better person.”
Throughout his time away from home, Johnson has maintained his faith life. While at Pepperdine, he discovered a Catholic parish near campus that he would attend regularly, even occasionally bringing his roommates along even though they weren’t Catholic.
“I went every Sunday, so they wanted to see what it was like. I loved that they would come with me,” he said.
During his interview, just before his first Sunday in Florida, Johnson said he’d already looked up two parishes within a mile that he could attend the next day. Every day he prays, ending his prayer with “God’s will be done.”
“That’s how my whole career has gone so far. I’m going to work as hard as I possibly can, and I pray that I’ll be able to make it one day. But if not, I know there’s a greater plan for me, and that’s just helped me to keep going,” he said.
On his former teammates and close friends also being drafted, Johnson is excited about the prospect of a future match-up between them.
“I’ve always thought about that — even in college, because there’s always that chance that you might play each other,” he said, adding that if he ever goes up to bat against his classmate Bell, the pitcher, “I hope I’ll be better. But if he gets me, I’ll tip my cap, and I’ll be happy for him, too.”
“I couldn’t have asked for better people to play with in high school and just to learn with and to grow with,” Johnson added. “I hang out with all my buddies from high school when I’m at home. It’s so exciting, and I can’t wait to see what they do in their careers, as well.”
Bell has been playing for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers — the Single-A affiliate of the White Sox —, based out of Kannapolis, North Carolina. He has deep baseball roots, being a fourth-generation professional baseball player. His father, the late Mike Bell, played for the Cincinnati Reds and his uncle David Bell is currently the Reds’ manager. His grandfather Buddy Bell played in the 1970s and ’80s, and his greatgrandfather Gus Bell played in the ’50s and ’60s.
Homecoming Alumni Tailgate
Alumni Hall of Fame
Young Alumni Forum
Luke Bell ’20 pitches for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the Single-A affiliate of the ChicagoWhite Sox. (Courtesy Photo/KannaPoLis Cannon baLLers)
The Homecoming AlumniTailgate Oct. 27 drew alumni and their families to the Cafeteria to enjoy a meal and family friendly activities before the football game. (ray Medhus/seton Media)
The 2023 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees on Nov. 11 included: James Johnson‘87 and Rindi Eubanks-Garcia‘87 for Distinguished Alumnus, past parents Laura and Fred DeCaro for Distinguished Service and — posthumously, Martin Contreras‘83 for Distinguished Athletics. (ray Medhus/seton Media)
Recent alumni shared their experiences and advice with current Sentinels during aYoung Alumni Forum Jan. 3. Pictured above, Armin Abdollahzadeh ’23 discusses college life at Arizona State University with members of the Class of 2024, as Aleah Garcia ’23 (left) and Ava Loew ’23 (middle) look on. (tony gutiérrez/seton Media)
Diaconate Ordination
John P. Dolan ordained Connor Companik ’14 (pictured with his family) a transitional deacon May 26. (Courtesy Photo/the CathoLiC sun)
Diocese of Phoenix Bishop John Dolan ordained Connor Companik ’14 to the transitional diaconate at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral May 26, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The bishop also ordained Jacob Chavez.
“Go therefore and proclaim the Gospel with your lives and with your heart,” Bishop Dolan said during his homily. “Do the will of God and offer charity from your heart. Serve others with joy as you would serve the Lord Himself.”
It was during Dcn. Companik’s junior year at Seton when his faith deepened and he first considered the priesthood.
“During a retreat that year, … I saw one of the alumnus leaders — a friend of mine from when we went to school together — announce that he would be joining the seminary the following year,” Dcn. Companik wrote for the diocese’s vocations page. “This moment was really important for me because it … made the seminary a real possibility for me and stirred up that desire I had deep within.”
This article has been adapted from a previous version published by The CaTholiC Sun
Golden Sentinels
and John Mendoza. (Seton Media)
In the last edition of the shieLd, alumnus Steve Haler ’73 was incorrectly identified.
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“You come from that family, they’re one of the best baseball families in the history of the game,” said Stephenson. “He just had that confidence, and it rubbed off on the rest of our team. He’s been around a lot of baseball at the highest level, and he used that to his strength. He was just super confident.”
At Seton, Bell pitched an ERA of 3.75 in 179 innings pitched. Bell was a part of more than 75 wins during his high school career. He had been named to the All-Region Team three times and to the All-State Team twice.
“Luke won 27 baseball games for us in his career, which is a school record,” said Stephenson. “Every big game we played in, we gave him the ball. I slept good at night when he was pitching the next day because I knew we had a good chance that day.”
Hansell currently pitches for the Columbia Fireflies based out of in Columbia, South Carolina — the Royals’ Single-A affiliate. While at Seton, he had an ERA of 3.91, with 43 innings pitched in a career that was cut short as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all activities, including sports.
“We got cheated with Josh because that was the COVID year. His senior year, he was going to be one of the best pitchers in the Valley — he was that talented,” recalled Stephenson. “When Luke left, Josh was the next guy in line. We went from Luke Bell to Josh Hansell — we were pretty fortunate to have both guys pitching for us.”
Like Bell, Hansell also comes from a baseball family. His father Greg Hansell pitched for several MLB teams in the 1990s.
“One of the things that they all did, they were always there. They were great teammates, always going above and beyond to help their teammates,” said Stephenson. “When you’re as talented as those three guys, and when your best players are your best teammates, they were also our best leaders, which is pretty special.”
Stephenson remained in touch with the three alumni and congratulated all of them when they were signed. With the Seton work ethic instilled in them, he looks forward to watching them play professionally.
“They’re playing a game they love at the highest level. They’re going to enjoy it,” he said. “It’ll be pretty special someday to see Luke and Josh maybe one day facing Ryan in pro baseball.”
This article has been adapted from a previous version published by The CaTholiC Sun, the online news outlet for the Diocese of Phoenix.
Hansell
for the Columbia Fireflies, the Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, May 31, 2024. (Courtesy
Josh
’20 pitches
Photo/ CoLuMbia firefLies)
This year’s Golden Sentinels Dinner March 7 recognized the Class of 1974, includingTom Coon, Mary Cordiero
Bishop
IN MEMORIAM / CALENDAR
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
ALUMNI
Alison Cooper Jessee
Class of 2011
August 2023
Wendell Sabal Class of 1990
May 2024
James Terrill Class of 2015
May 2024
PARENTS/
GRANDPARENTS
Charles Campbell Current Parent
May 2024
Dr. James Cernaka Current Parent
March 2024
Rob Collins Past Parent
May 2023
Geraldine Eagan Past Grandparent
August 2023
AUGUST
Aug. 5
Student Orientation
Back to School Night
Aug. 7
First full day of classes
Aug. 30
New Student Retreat
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 7
Paint the Town Red & Gold Gala
Sept. 27
Beautifully Rooted Girls Retreat
OCTOBER
Oct. 11-14
Fall Break/No School
Oct. 15-18
Kairos 63
Oct. 25-27
Fall Play
NOVEMBER
Nov. 8
Homecoming Alumni Tailgate
Nov. 9
Alumni Hall of Fame
Nov. 11
Veterans’ Day Rosary
Nov. 20
Advent Reconciliation
DECEMBER
Dec. 11-12
Winter Fine Arts Festival
Dec. 12 Mothers’ Mass
Dec. 19
End of Fall Semester
JANUARY
Jan. 6
Spring Semester Begins
Jan. 27-31
Catholic Schools Week
Jan. 30
Sentinel Summit
Jan. 31
Unified Field Day
FEBRUARY
Feb. 7-9
Spring Musical
Feb. 22
Community Walk-athon
Feb. 28
Forge Boys Retreat
MARCH
March 10-14
Spring Break
March 18
Golden Sentinels Reception
March 19
Lenten Reconciliation
Angel Farfante Past Grandparent
March 2024
Virginia Gorslin Past Parent
April 2023
Linda Henson Past Parent
March 2023
Eleanor (Ellie) Rael Past Parent
April 2023
Judy Sweador Past Grandparent
March 2024
March 25-28
Kairos 64
APRIL
April 12
Prom
April 17-21
Easter Break
April 30-May 1
Spring Fine Arts Festival
MAY
May 4
Senior Brunch
May 19
Baccalaureate Mass
May 20
Graduation
May 22
Spring Semester Ends
JUNE
June 2-27
Summer School
1150 N. Dobson Road Chandler, Arizona 85224
SetonCatholic.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Parents, if your child has finished college and you are receiving his/her Seton Catholic Preparatory mailings at your home, please notify the Advancement Office of his/ her new address so the Shield and other mailings can be sent directly to him/her. Call 480-963-1900 ext. 2007 or email arodriguez@setoncatholic.org.
