Brandi Berger Aline Blasizzo Sarah Clester

Hannah Curry Clare Friesenhahn

Mary Grace Gagnon Anastazia Gilman

Mary Glatt Jordan Gross

Joe Knotts Catherine Lewanski

Erin Macleod Daniel Martinez Lindsay Mechtel

Tristan Monsisvais Paul Mueller

Hannah Musser Flavio Navarro

Sean Pierce Jacob Sorgi

Alex Wainscott Valerie Wood

Cassidy Zgabay

The Class of 2013 Our Founding Class

 

• ALABAMA University of Alabama • CALIFORNIA Pepperdine University • COLORADO Colorado School of Mines United States Air Force Academy • CONNECTICUT United States Coast Guard Academy • FLORIDA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Full Sail University • GEORGIA Savannah College of Art and Design • INDIANA University of Notre Dame • NEW YORK Siena College United States Merchant Marine Academy • NORTH CAROLINA High Point University • OHIO Miami (Ohio) University University of Dayton • PENNSYLVANIA Arcadia University Duquesne University Robert Morris University

• SOUTH CAROLINA Limestone College • TEXAS Baylor University Northeast Lakeview College Our Lady of the Lake University Schreiner University St. Mary’s University Stephen F. Austin University Texas A & M – College Station Texas A & M – Galveston Texas Christian University Texas Lutheran University Texas State University – San Marcos Texas Tech University University of Dallas University of Houston University of Mary Hardin Baylor University of North Texas University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at San Antonio UTSA - College of Engineering University of the Incarnate Word • WISCONSIN Marquette University

St. Thomas Aquinas Awards, for distinguished academic achievement History Scholar ……………………………… Cassidy Zgabay Theology Scholar…………………………… Mary Grace Gagnon Science Scholar ……………………………… Paul Mueller Math Scholar……………………………… Hannah Curry English Scholar……………………………… Anastazia Gilman Foreign Language Scholar………………… Mary Glatt Art Scholar……………………………… Tristan Monsisvais

The +Michael Travis+ Core Virtue Awards, named for our beloved colleague, for exemplary observation of our core virtues

Humility……………………………… Hannah Musser Faith……………………………… Clare Friesenhahn Courage……………………………… Anastazia Gilman Love……………………………… Valerie Wood Archbishop’s Medallion…………………… Mary Grace Gagnon National Merit Scholars, Commended … Hannah Curry, Mary Glatt, Anastazia Gilman Salutatorian……………………………… Anastazia Gilman Valedictorian: ……………………………… Hannah Curry

Sarah Anderson, Science B.S., Texas A&M University Dr. Paul Foster, Ph.D., History B.A., University of Notre Dame M.A., Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania Ph.D., Catholic University of America Dr. Jacob Friesenhahn, Ph.D. Theology B.A. University of Dallas Ph.D., Southern Methodist Deacon Robert Gorman, Ph.D., Theology B.A., Seattle University M.A., University of Oregon Ph.D., University of Oregon Peggy Harkins, Faith formation B.A., University of Dallas M.Ed., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio M.A., St. Mary's University Dr. Christina Kenney, MD, Science B.S., Texas Tech University M.D., University of Wisconsin

Mary Ledford, Latin, yearbook B.A., University of Oklahoma M.A., University of Oklahoma Silvia Lorenzen, Spanish B.A., UNAL - Monterey M.A., UT-Pan American Suzanne Meche, Mathematics B.S., University of Texas at Austin M.Ed., Southwest Texas State Heather Patillo, English B.A., Colorado State University M.A., Chapman University Bianca Pitman, Art B.F.A., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio Dr. Alyssa Robson, counselor B.A., Rice University M.A., Rice University Ph.D., Rice University Martha Sweeney, mathematics B.S., University of Texas at Austin M.A.T., Univ. of Texas at Austin

Amy Thomson, English B.A., Trinity University M.A.T., Trinity University Lisa Tobias, Science B.S., Bates College M.A., Barry University Michael Travis, emeritus B.S., Bridgewater State University M.Ed., Bridgewater State Sharon Strickland, college counselor B.A., St. Mary’s University M.Ed., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio Laura Sullivan, business manager B.B.A. Southwest Texas State Ed McCabe, CPA Ass’t Principal, Athletic Director B.B.A. Southwest Texas State MBA, Southwest Texas State Andrew Iliff, Principal B.A., University of Notre Dame M.Ed., Trinity University

Faculty and Staff

Awards and Commendations

Arcadia University Baylor University Colorado School of Mines Duquesne University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Full Sail University High Point University Limestone College Miami (Ohio) University Our Lady of the Lake University Pepperdine University Robert Morris University Schreiner University Siena College St. Mary’s University Stephen F. Austin University Texas A & M – College Station Texas A & M – Galveston Texas Christian University

Texas Lutheran University Texas State University—San Marcos Texas Tech University United States Air Force Academy (Official Congressional appointment) United States Coast Guard Academy United States Merchant Marine Academy University of Alabama University of Dallas University of Houston University of Mary Hardin Baylor University of North Texas University of Notre Dame University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at San Antonio UTSA - College of Engineering University of the Incarnate Word

 

12:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish Church

Celebrant…. Msgr. Larry Christian, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Con-celebrants…Father Martin Leopold, Moderator of the Curia

Msgr. Larry Stuebben, retired, former Moderator of the Curia & Head of 1987 Papal Visit to Texas

Msgr. Albert Hubertus, former student of St. Joseph’s School Father Tony Pesek, Pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Church

and Father Don Cowie, SM

Music by the JPIICHS Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Christina Kenney

Prelude to Mass............... “Sanctuary” (traditional)

Processional hymn............... “God with Us,” (Marc Bird, Steve Hindalong)

First Reading............... Sirach 2:1-11 Read by Brandi Berger “Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not.”

Responsorial Psalm............... Psalm 37: “Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.” Read by Aline Blasizzo

Gospel............... John 15:9-17 “Remain in my love.”

Prayers of the Faithful........ Written by the Class of 2013, read by Hannah Musser

Offertory hymn............... “Holy is His Name” (John Michael Talbot)

Communion hymn............... “How Beautiful” (Twila Paris)

Alma mater............... Alma Redemptoris Mater

Archbishop’s Medallion........ Presentation by Superintendent Patricia Davis

Blessing of the Graduates.... Deacon Gorman, Father Christian

Recessional hymn............... “The Summons” (John Bell)

St. Michael’s Prayer............... Led by Joe Knotts

*******************

Post-Mass............... Mr. Iliff

ALL ARE WELCOME AT A RECEPTION BETWEEN MASS AND GRADUATION.

IT WILL BE HELD IN THE FAITH FORMATION BUILDING.

EXIT THE SANCTUARY AND TURN LEFT. FOLLOW THE SIGNS OUT OF THE BUILDING AND INTO THE FAITH FORMATION BUILDING.

Baccalaureate Mass

Commencement Exercises

3:00 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish Center

ALL GUESTS ARE ASKED TO BE IN THEIR SEATS BY 2:50 p.m.

Entrance............... Pomp and Circumstance, Elgar performed by Coker Brass

Processional order............... Cross bearer; Shield bearer; Sword Bearer; the Rock. Invocation and welcome............... Cassidy Zgabay, Senior Class President National Anthem............... performed by Sarah Clester, Mary Grace Gagnon,

Mary Glatt, and Valerie Wood Salutatory Address............... Anastazia Gilman, Salutatorian Proclamations from the Cities of Schertz, New Braunfels, and the State of Texas Michael Carpenter, Mayor of Schertz Gale Pospisil, Mayor of New Braunfels Valedictory address............... Hannah Curry, Valedictorian JPII traditions............... Andrew Iliff Commencement Address............... J. Michael Belz

President, Catholic Life Insurance Conferring Diplomas............... Dr. Foster, Dr. Kenney, Andrew Iliff

Tassel moving............... Andrew Iliff Benediction............... Deacon Robert Gorman Recessional............... Prelude to Te Deum, Charpentier

performed by Coker Brass

The John Paul II Catholic High School Community would especially like to thank Mr. Michael Belz for accepting our invitation to deliver this year’s commencement address.

Catholic Life Insurance is a key supporter of Catholic education in Texas. We are pleased to have him as our guest.

We also offer a very special thank you to our superintendent, Patricia Davis,

for being with us this afternoon, and for her support of JPII.  

BRANDI BERGER University of Houston High Point University

Academic Scholarship Siena College Presidential Scholarship Siena Grant Duquesne University Academic Scholarship Arcadia University Distinguished Scholar Award Knight Scholarship University Grant St. Edward’s University President’s Merit Scholarship

University Grant Your Community Impact

Scholarship VFW Post 5623 Scholarship

ALINE BLASIZZO Stephen F. Austin University Texas Tech University

SARAH CLESTER

Texas State University HANNAH CURRY

University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship -

Full out-of state Engineering Leadership Scholarship

Colorado School of Mines James E. Casey Scholarship Texas Highest Graduate Award

CLARE FRIESENHAHN

University of the Incarnate Word Catholic High School Scholarship UIW Presidential Scholarship

UIW Alumni Scholarship UIW Direct Admit to Nursing School Scholarship

San Antonio Coalition for Life (SACFL) Youth Essay Contest Bracken Bowling Club

MARY GRACE GAGNON University of Dallas President’s Scholarship Texas A&M University – College

Station Texas A & M University at

Galveston Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship Texas State University – San Marcos Comal County A & M Mothers’ Club Catholic Daughters of the Americas-

Texas State Court Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Court #2085 Knights of Columbus Garden Ridge Lions Club

ANASTAZIA GILMAN

University of Dallas Trustee Scholarship Betty Leventz Memorial

Scholarship University of Alabama

Presidential Scholarship Full out-of state

Texas A&M University – College Station

Texas Christian University Dean’s Scholarship

MARY GLATT

University of North Texas UNT Excellence Scholarship

JORDAN GROSS

Austin Community College JOSEPH KNOTTS

Northeast Lakeview College = acceptance to university = Scholarship, award from university = general scholarship, award

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

 

 

CATHERINE LEWANSKI University of the Incarnate Word Archbishop Gomez Catholic

High School Scholarship Dean’s Scholarship Kenedy Foundation Our Lady of the Lake University Faculty Scholarship

ERIN MACLEOD

University of the Incarnate Word Distinguished Scholar Award Bishop Carmody Catholic

High School Scholarship Baylor University Merit Scholarship

DANIEL MARTINEZ

Full Sail University LINDSAY MECHTEL

Palo Alto College Alamo Colleges Foundation

Scholarship San Antonio Livestock Exposition,

Inc. Scholarship Alamo Area Youth Horse

Association Scholarship TRISTAN MONSISVAIS

Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD Academic Achievement

Scholarship SCAD Academic Honors

Scholarship SCAD Artistic Achievement

Scholarship University of Texas CAP

(Coordinated Admission Program)

PAUL MUELLER United States Air Force Academy

official Congressional appointment Full Tuition, room & board

United States Coast Guard Academy official Congressional appointment

Full Tuition, room & board United States Merchant Marine Academy Full Tuition, room & board University of Notre Dame University of Dayton Trustees’ Merit Scholarship Marquette University Ignatius Academic Excellence

Scholarship Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Embry-Riddle Scholarship Miami University RedHawk Excellence Scholarship Navy ROTC Scholarship

HANNAH MUSSER

University of Texas at San Antonio Terry Foundation Scholarship Texas State University

FLAVIO NAVARRO

University of the Incarnate Word Catholic High School Scholarship

SEAN PIERCE

Texas Lutheran University Limestone College

JACOB SORGI

Duquesne University Academic Scholarship Robert Morris University

ALEX WAINSCOTT

Northeast Lakeview College = acceptance to university = Scholarship, award from university = general scholarship, award

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

 

 

VALERIE WOOD Texas Lutheran University Presidential Scholarship Pacesetter Scholarship Schreiner University Presidential Scholarship

San Antonio Regional Scholarship Our Lady of the Lake University Faculty Scholarship Challenge Award St. Mary’s University Trustees’ Scholarship Madeleine Scholarship University of the Incarnate Word Presidential Scholarship Bishop Carmody Catholic High School

Scholarship University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Freshman Honor Scholarship Texas A & M University – College Station University of Texas at San Antonio 2008 Alamo Regional Science and

Engineering Fair Scholarship 2009 Alamo Regional Science and

Engineering Fair Scholarship CASSIDY ZGABAY

Texas A & M University – College Station

University of Texas at San Antonio Pepperdine University

University Alumni Grant Pepperdine Grant

University of Dallas Trustee Scholarship

Texas Christian University Dean's Scholarship

= acceptance to university = Scholarship, award from university = general scholarship, award

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

In  total,  as  reported,  the  23  graduates  of  

John  Paul  II  Catholic  High  School  

have  amassed  $3.1  million  in  scholarships,  awards,  

and  offers.  

 

 

PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2013 Theresa and Bruce Berger Joyce and Alain Blasizzo Stephanie and Floyd Clester Audrey and Jon Curry Colleen and Cary Friesenhahn Mary Jane and George Gagnon Elaine and James Gilman Amy and Raymond Glatt

Anita Gross and Robert Gross Jeanne and Timothy Knotts Amanda and Jan Lewanski Jeff Zunker and Jennifer Macleod Mary and Ralph Martinez Katherine and John Mechtel Eileen and Frank Monsisvais Theresa and William Mueller Lisa and Michael Musser Flavio Navarro & Martha Lara Cordova

Kathleen and Gary Pierce Laura Sorgi Adriana Bazan JoAnn and Joseph Wood Tammy and Craig Zgabay THANK YOU, PARENTS!

Special Thanks

The Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S. Archbishop of San Antonio

The Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, STD Archbishop of Los Angeles

Bishop Oscar Cantu Bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico

Father Martin Leopold, Moderator of the Curia Ruben Hinojosa, CFO, Archdiocese of San Antonio Brother Ed Loch, Archivist, Archdiocese of San Antonio Superintendent Patricia Davis Sister Carla Marie Lusch, SSND Msgr. Dennis Darilek Father Tony Pesek Father Jose De La Rosa Father Alejandro Del Bosque Jacqueline Palermo Deanna Sanchez JoAnn Wood Robert Whitworth Gilbert Saenz, Principal, Antonian College Prep H.S. Gil Hine Mark and KK Stevenson Don Maxwell Valerie Bowen Laura Sullivan! Joni Coker Dr. Marc Walker Roy Linnartz Liz Grow

2012-2013 SCHOOL COUNCIL President -- Jim Gilman 2007- Vice President -- Ray Glatt 2010- Treasurer -- Wendy Rybicki 2011- Secretary -- Mary Kelly 2011- Patrick Cronin 2007-

Audrey Curry 2011- Msgr. Dennis Darilek 2007- George Gagnon 2010- Deacon Robert Gorman 2007- John Torrez 2011- Dr. Alex Urteaga 2007- Craig Zgabay 2007-

Father John Mary Foster The Mission of Divine Mercy Peggy and Dan Harkins Msgr. Eugene O’Callaghan The Pioneers of St. Joseph’s Chapel and School Art Gonzales, Kristen Beeghley, Erica Wendell, Bud Dahlmann, Bob Olivera, Nick Hunter, Joe Martinez & Colton Hermes Mary Ann Gonzalez Melinda Miniel & Candy Quinones Hal Baldwin Michael Carpenter Ken Funderburgh Jackie Travis Tim Drolet Veronica Riordan Catholic Life Insurance Carlos Enrico Casey Friesenhahn John Dulske & Msgr. Mike Yarbrough, Holy Trinity Matt Grochett, Herff Jones Knights of Columbus Council #4183, New Braunfels Knights of Columbus Council #6856, OLPH Andrew Bennett, PT, Dr. Michael Vrana, & Marli Carollo Jeff Zunker, Astek Environmental Joe Wood John Lovett, River City Builders Cary Friesenhahn, Friesenhahn & Marbach Cnstrn. OUR PRIESTS!

The thank you section of any program seeks to share gratitude and thanksgiving for the many persons and groups that made that event possible. In our case, the efforts of many people – through the direction and graces of the Holy Spirit – have made our school possible. Certainly, prayers consistent and earnest have been offered on behalf of our school and students, in union with those of Mary our Mother, many saints, and soon to be saints. We would like to offer up as many of the special people (that we can remember!) who over the past ten years have worked to bring us to this time and place. Nolite timere............. the JPIICHS Community

 

 

  SENIOR CLASS GIFT Through their own fundraisers, and the generosity of the Knights of Columbus Council 4183, the Class of 2013 has donated to JPII a set of custom-built trophy cases for the lobby of the school. The gift will be formally dedicated in the fall during Founders Weekend.

TRADITIONS The Rock is in place on stage, and normally sits at the front door of the school. All members of the community are asked to touch the rock upon entering and leaving campus, as a reminder to be the rock, the cornerstone of our faith and of our school. The sword and shield are symbols of the Guardian, our school’s mascot. The sword and shield are held by different classes and solidarity teams as a part of competitions held throughout the school year. The Guardian mascot is modeled after our Guardian Angels and St. Michael. The blue and white cords worn by the Class of 2013 are Founder Cords. Given to our founding classes, the cords represent St. Mary and St. Joseph. The white invokes St. Joseph the builder and the serious work of building a school after the model of the Holy Family. The blue invokes St. Mary and her “Yes,” her fiat, which mirrors the yes of our students to the call to serve at JPII. The core virtues of the school are humility, faith, courage, and love. Through much prayer and deliberation, these were given to the school by the founding board. These form the charism, or spirit, of the school. Nolite Timere! which means: “Be not afraid!” These words used repeatedly in scripture, and by Jesus in the New Testament, to assure us that God is with us. Pope John Paul II echoed these words in his visits with the youth in the United States and throughout the world. In a world of confusion and anxiety, the words of the Master and of his Servant, the Pope, ring loud and clear. Young people need not be afraid to embrace truth itself, which is not just an idea, but even more importantly, a Person: Jesus Christ who calls us to the adventure of a holy life. John Paul II frequently added to his appeal of “Nolite Timere!” the following rallying cry: “Aperite plene portas Christo!” “Open wide the doors the Christ!” Young Catholics and Christians are called to embrace the life of the mind with great courage and with right judgment in great trust, reverence and wonder of God’s love.

What we built ! - by all of us

In August 2009… JPII was a stack of textbooks, 40 Macbook computers, some desks, nine classrooms and offices, and a lot of ideas on a page. In May 2013… JPII is 150 families, 20 of the best teachers in the area, 17 sports teams, 3 play-off appearances, 6 individual state champions, 18 clubs, 3 National Merit Scholars, $3.1 million in scholarships and awards, 8 AP Classes, Homecoming, 12 Solidarity teams and 12 saint intercessors, Founders Weekend, Casino Night, retreats at the Mission, Camp HEB, and St. Hedwig, 185 Masses and counting, St. Joseph’s Chapel, St. Michael’s Chapel, the best liturgical music group in the state, five student government groups, Field Day with color throw, the best Catholic school debate team in the Archdiocese, an whole art wing, galas featuring prominent Catholic leaders like George Weigel and Karl Keating,

and today 23 shining new alumni. Now, we are Guardians.

Most especially, day-by-day, year-by-year, we are becoming who we hope to become, a school founded in humility, faith, courage, and love,

a place for all to encounter Christ and know Him. Thank you, Class of 2013!

We are John Paul.