The Magazine of Santa Margarita Catholic High School - A Diocese of Orange School SPRING 2012

Building For The Future

New Academic Services Center Supports 21st

Century Learning

A Message From Principal Raymond R. DunneDear Supporters of SMCHS:

The 2011-2012 academic year has been one filled with exciting moments and great accomplishments.

We began this school year with the opening and dedication of our new Academic Services Center, a two-story academic building which houses our academic and counseling offices, a magnificent Eagle TV studio and digital media classrooms along with Auxiliary Studies Program offices and classrooms and new World Language classrooms. The classrooms are ‘state-of-the-art’ with interactive whiteboards and netbooks for our students. Bishop Tod Brown was on campus to bless the new building in September.

Over summer we remodeled the Campus Ministry Center and Activities offices to provide functional space to better serve our student body. The renovation included converting two classrooms into additional office and work space as well as the addition of an activities youth center and campus ministry lobby providing a welcoming place for students to gather.

The fall also saw the completion of our WCEA/WASC accreditation self-study and the visit by the accrediting committee. The report, a result of the dedication of our faculty, staff, parents and student body, was well received by the visiting committee who had nothing but praise for our outstanding academics, arts, activities and athletics.

The committee recognized all we do to make Caritas Christi more than a motto but the true charism of our campus. They noted that each day we make a concerted effort to not only bring the love of Christ to one another, but to be the love of Christ to all we encounter.

SMCHS athletics continue to shine. In the fall, we celebrated the CIF Pac-5 and state football championships as well as the school’s first Army All-American senior Max Tuerk. Winter brought the state ice hockey championship and a final eight finish in the national championship tournament. In addition, the girls’ soccer team won the CIF regional championship. These accomplishments and more demonstrate it is a great day to be an EAGLE!

Caritas Christi,

Dear Friends:

As you read this edition of Wings you will see many of the programs that distinguish Santa Margarita Catholic High School as a leader in Catholic college preparatory education in this region. Our alumni and current families know that our central core is a spiritual foundation that began with Bishop William Johnson and continues with the leadership of Principal Ray Dunne, Religion Department Chair Maria Johnson, Director of Campus Ministry Nancy Hormuth, and the new partnership we have with the Sacred Heart Sisters. The article on page 18 brings to life their

ministry and is followed by a must-read story reflecting on Kairos and its 100th senior class retreat. The good news of our Lord leads our learning community.

Our cover story describes the new home for our academic administration and support services. Remaining true to the Spanish architectural theme of the campus, the Academic Services Center is also the home to our World Language Department and Digital Media classrooms and studio. Technology innovations are key components in both

our language classrooms and television studio but will never replace faculty as teachers in the classroom. Our future is one that does not separate teachers and students with wires but joins them with links that bind them to a common quest for knowledge and service to one another.

Our alumni continue to raise the bar to even greater heights as involved citizens serving a global community. With each graduating class our alumni numbers continue to grow, but more remarkable is the individual networking and career advancement that I witness through our alumni office and the power of Facebook and other social networking sites. Our staff knows that we have just begun to tap into the supporting resources of our alumni and their commitment to education. The entering Class of 2016 is one of our largest due to the outreach of our graduates and the stories they share about their Santa Margarita experience.

I hope you enjoy Wings. We appreciate everyone who has given generously to make a difference in our school. The support we receive from donors allows our charism to come alive and spread to the families we serve and the young minds we engage in life-long learning.

Sincerely,

A Message From President Paul M. Carey

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WINGS is published by the Office of Advancement at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

President Paul M. Carey

Principal Raymond R. Dunne

Director of AdvancementBryan Kretzmer ‘00

Alumni RelationsLori Gardner

EditorAmanda Coronado ‘98

Layout and DesignAnne Mahoney

ContributorsCaitlin Birck ‘08, Kathleen Dally, Lori Gardner, Bryan Kretzmer ’00, Katie McCurdy ’02, Chris Robinson and Sean Zeitler ’01

Professional PhotographersJune Abrams ’97 Memories by June, Robert Russell, Steve Wylie, Oliver Yu ’04

Contact Us E-mail the Office of Advancement at advancement@smhs.org or call us at 949.766.6080. You can also read more about Santa Margarita Catholic High School at www.smhs.org

Please submit name and address changes as well as Class Notes updates by e-mail to the alumni office at alumni@smhs.org

Calling all Eagle Alumni contributors! Can you offer your writing or photography skills to assist in the publication of this magazine? Contact the Editor at pr@smhs.org

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

22062 Antonio ParkwayRancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

949.766.6000

On the cover:

The new Academic Services Center.

D E P A R T M E N T S24 With Gratitude Honor Roll of Donors

39 Alumni News Class Notes

44 In Loving Memory We Remember

3 Eagle Football Soars Eagle Football Captures CIF Pac-5 and Division 1

State Championship

8 Eagles on Ice Ice Hockey Program Wins State Title, Earns National Attention

14 Cover Story: A New Home Academic Services Center Opens with Blessing

from Bishop Tod D. Brown

18 Sisters in Action Sacred Heart Sisters Provide a Religious Presence on Campus

30 Milestone: Charter Class of 1991 The Charter Class Proudly Celebrates 20-Year Reunion

F E A T U R E S

5 Eagle Athletics Student Athletes Rise to New Heights, Coach DeBusk

Makes an Announcement, and TOPSoccer Event Scores a Goal With Special Athletes

16 Star of the Show — Encore! Showcasing Our Fabulous Talent with a Celebration of

25 Years of Academic, Artistic and Athletic Achievements

20 Kairos Turns 100 Santa Margarita Celebrates 100th Kairos Retreat

36 Featured Alumni Santa Margarita Alumni Continue to Achieve Success

I N T H I S I S S U E

wings | SPRING 2012

C O N T E N T S

Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a college-preparatory education emphasizing the formation of the entire person. SMCHS strives to develop students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of our world. Students are challenged to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.

2011 CIF DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONS

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2011 CIF DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONS

Eagles Soar

he Eagles made history as they soared to CIF and state championship wins during the 2011 football season. Despite finishing second in the arduous Trinity League, the Eagles

caught fire as they entered the playoffs and rode that wave all the way to the state championship game, ultimately earning the team a Top 25 national ranking.

“Our team believed in one another and the entire Santa Margarita community believed in us,” said Head Coach Harry Welch. “I am so proud to be an Eagle.”

The 2011 team set a number of records including single game, single season and team records. Behind one of the most dominant offensive lines in California history, the Eagles showcased the dangerous quarterback-running back tandem in juniors Johnny Stanton and Ryan Wolpin. Complimented by a talented receiving corps anchored by River Cracraft and Sean Modster, the Eagles had a multi-faceted offense that could beat you on the ground or in the air.

After a hot 5-0 start, the Eagles encountered their first hiccup with a 21-14 loss to Mater Dei in their first Trinity League game. The resilient team bounced back and rattled off three consecutive league wins before their final game of the regular season, a 43-42 overtime loss to Servite in a classic Trinity League thriller. The Eagles went into the playoffs and fired off a series of convincing wins, including a 49-16 win over a talented Long Beach Poly team. After prevailing 21-20 in a showdown with crosstown rival Mission Viejo, the Eagles then went on to defeat the Tritons of San Clemente in the CIF-SS Pac-5 Championship game at Angel Stadium. The win over San Clemente marked the first CIF Championship for the Football program since 1997. The Eagles went on to represent the south in the CIF Division 1 State Bowl game at the Home Depot Center, the first appearance in a state championship game in Santa Margarita history. The Eagles came out on top in a see-saw battle over Bellarmine Prep of San Jose by a score of 42-37. With the Bells tying up the game with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Eagles answered with an NFL-like drive by marching 80 yards under two minutes. Presented with a chance for a potential go-ahead field goal, Welch opted to go for it on fourth down, a decision that did not backfire. ►

FOOTBALL CAPTURES CIF PAC-5 AND

DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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“I was thinking field goal, but he’s [coach Harry Welch] a good kind of insane,” Stanton said about going for it on fourth down instead of kicking the potential game-winning field goal. “He has so much confidence in our offense, I knew we were going for it.”

After a Stanton 1 yard go-ahead touchdown, the Eagles assumed the lead with only seconds left to negotiate. A determined defense handled business on the Bells’ final drive with a sack by senior Chris Frost and company, sealing the deal on the Eagles first-ever state championship title as the clock hit all zeros.

With the Eagles rise to the top, the team garnered abundant media attention making headlines on news and sports enthusiast websites across the country as well as landing coverage in daily papers and TV spots. ABC 7 Sports

reporter Rob Fukuzaki recognized Coach Welch honoring him on Sports Zone as the 2011 ABC7 NFL High School Coach of the Year.  The Eagles also were selected as one of two county teams for The Orange County Register’s Tough Knocks video series. The show chronicled two teams through their entire season. As luck would have it, our Eagles took captivated viewers on a journey to the high school football promise land, the state championship game.

At the conclusion of the improbable 2011 season, the team began to reap the accolades of a successful campaign.

Santa Margarita played host to the Max Preps Tour of Champions as the Army National Guard presented the team with a trophy for being one of the top teams in the U.S. The Eagles were also honored by California Sen. Mimi Walters, Saddleback Church’s renowned Pastor Rick Warren, as well as the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council and Oakley.

This may have been the first time the Santa Margarita Football program appeared in a state bowl game, but it marked the third journey to the big stage for the captain of the ship. Head Coach Harry Welch has guided three different schools to three state championship games, posting three wins in the process.

“I have been blessed to be with three great communities, three outstanding schools, and three teams who strove for perfection and settled for excellence,” Welch said.

Not only did Coach Welch convoy three teams to the promise land, he has also helped develop some of the finest individual talent. The Eagles named their first ever U.S. Army All-American in Max Tuerk this season, who also made the ESPNHS All-American First team, both nationally-based selections. More locally, seven Eagles were named to the Orange County Register’s first team, four of which are returning next year. First team honors went to Ryan Wolpin, Johnny Stanton, Riley Sorenson, the aforementioned Max Tuerk, Chris Frost, Connor O’Brien, and John McGrory.

The entire Santa Margarita community and beyond followed the Eagles and their rise to the top. The success of the 2011 team brought a renewed sense of school spirit amongst the community including bringing many Eagle alumni out for Friday night lights.

“It was the most school spirit and energy I have felt in my four years at SM,” said senior Dani Zakett who came out to every football game this season. “Everyone went to the games and everyone supported the team.”

Like years past, the Strader Grotto was packed with players, families, and former Eagle football players alike for the post game prayer and reflection. The team continued tradition by celebrating their wins at the local BallPark Pizza. Owner as well current and alumni parent Jim Poettgen, a member of the freshman football and track and field coaching staffs, kept the lights and ovens on at BallPark late welcoming the boys with complimentary pizza after each game.

“I can remember the young football players that entered BallPark after every home game, from Carson Palmer and the Finnerans back in the 90’s, to this year’s Stanton, Wolpin, and Max Tuerk and the gang,” Poettgen said. “All of them have respected and thanked me for feeding them and keeping a safe place open for them after the game. That makes it all worthwhile.”

With this historic season now in the books, the Eagles will look to build on their recent success and continue the tradition that was built on the shoulders of former players and coaches in the years past. When asked what his message to the 2012 team would be Welch said, “It is much more difficult to maintain excellence at the highest level than it is to achieve it. The challenges for this year will be greater than any before.”

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SENIOR MAX TUERK MAKES HISTORY AS SM’S FIRST U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN

Santa Margarita Catholic High School football standout Max Tuerk was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game was televised on NBC and featured the nation’s top 90 high school football players.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection tour team and Santa Margarita Catholic High School recognized Tuerk at a November ceremony at the school.

Three soldiers from the Army attended the celebration as well as Santa Margarita alumni special guests Kris Farris ’95, UCLA Outland Trophy winner and retired NFL offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, and U.S. Army Lt. Brian Shumway ’04 who served in Iraq. In front of a filled gymnasium with hundreds of cheering Eagle fans, Tuerk received his bowl jersey.

Tuerk is the first U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection in the history of our school joining an elite group of All-Americans.

“This is a great honor and one that I do not take lightly,” Tuerk said. “My grandfathers served in the U.S. Army and I understand the sacrifices and courage it takes to be in the U.S. Army. I realize the freedoms I enjoy are not free and for this I am grateful to every member who is serving our country or has served in the past.”

In addition to his U.S. Army selection, Tuerk was one of only two Golden State athletes named to the ESPNHI All-American first team and was one of seven offensive linemen named to the 2012 U.S. Under 19 National Team. As a member of the 2012 Under 19 team, Tuerk was invited to the third annual International Bowl

on Feb. 1 — National Signing Day — in Austin, TX.

Head Football Coach Harry Welch describes Max as intense player with passion for the game.

“Max is the kind of human being if he were your neighbor you would be very proud and comfortable and if you were an opponent on the football field, you might fear for your life,” Welch said.

Tuerk, a senior, received nearly 30 scholarship offers from schools across the nation including Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, Nebraska and Notre Dame among others before committing to USC. The 6-foot-6, 294-pound athlete is touted as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen.

very kid dreams of it, whether it is hitting a walk-off home run, shooting a buzzer beater, or kicking the game-winning field goal. Three years ago, John McGrory might have had dreams of kicking the game-winning goal as well, but it would have been in injury-time or penalty kicks, not on the football field.

McGrory’s story is filled with triumph, but also tragedy. The soccer player who never kicked a football before lost his mother Janice to a lengthy battle with cancer his sophomore year of high school. While at soccer practice soon after losing his mother, McGrory was approached by a football coach to see if he had an interest in kicking for the football team. Fast forward the clock two years later and the Eagles gained a senior kicker who is the CIF. Southern Section record holder and came within nine kicks of becoming the California State record holder with his 106 consecutive makes.

McGrory’s first year of football was flawless, making 58 of 58 kicks in his rookie year of wearing a helmet and pads. His senior year was more of the same, nailing his first 48 kicks through the regular season and into the playoffs. In the first round of the 2011 playoffs, McGrory missed his first kick against Bishop Amat, putting an end to the streak at 106 and wiping out any notions of breaking the national record of 134 set in 1968. Like any strong athlete, McGrory shook it off and forged ahead as he kicked his team all the way to a CIF Pac-5 Championship and the school’s first-ever Division 1 State Championship, making 120 of his 121 career kicks.

Following a stellar season, McGrory was selected to play in the inaugural Competitive Elite Sports Literacy Classic. The all-star game at Whittier College features athletes from California private schools who are as determined in the classroom as they are on the gridiron. The low scoring event came down to the foot of the south all-star team’s kicker, Santa Margarita’s John McGrory. From 45-yards out, McGrory booted the game-winning field goal as the south team took the inaugural Literacy Classic by a score of 19-16.

McGrory’s post-season accolades include being inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as a high school scholar athlete and receiving the Zug Cup Award. First Friday Friars, a Catholic men’s organization, presents the Zug Cup to an Orange County Catholic high school senior football player who excels in football, academics and community service. Both honors came with $1,000 scholarships for college. McGrory plans to play football in college and is currently weighing his options.

The king of kicking closed out his senior year as one of the best high school kickers in California history and solidified himself in the Eagle football record books. Not bad for a soccer kid who decided to play football his junior year.

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K I N G O F K I C K I N GIN THE WAKE OF HIS MOTHER’S DEATH, JOHN McGRORY KICKS HIS WAY INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

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SPRING 2012 7

On May 1, 1997 a new friend and dedicated employee joined the Eagle family, Coach Vince Pattee.

Coach spent thirteen years supporting the athletes and coaches in more ways than one. As the school’s equipment manager, he could be found doing everything from setting up for home games for each sport, lining the fields, teaching a summer PE course, packing up the football team and getting them on the road or even putting on his kicking coach hat in the afternoons and teaching the boys how to kick a football. “Coach P” was always there if you needed an extra t-shirt, a hat, a ride in his cart, or just help finding a lost piece of equipment so you didn’t have to run extra laps at practice.

If you needed a laugh, Coach was there to tell you a joke or funny story. If you needed advice, Coach P had words of wisdom to share. And if you needed a person to vent to – Pattee offered a listening ear and shoulder to lean on.

“Whatever your needs were he made sure you were taken care of,” said Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Jacot who worked with Pattee for 11 years. “With Coach P it was all about you. Whatever your needs were, he made sure you were taken care of. He could have done what he was doing at any other high school, and they would have been truly blessed to have him, but God chose to place him here with us at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.”

Pattee was more than just an athletic coach – he was a “life coach” deeply loved by the entire Santa Margarita community.

“My father loved coaching, teaching and spending time with the students,” his

VINCE PATTEEAPRIL 8, 1936 – NOVEMBER 24, 2010

Longtime SMCHS Coach and Friend

son Brooke Pattee said. “A few minutes spent with my father and you could learn a lifetime of knowledge.”

Everyone that met Vince would feel the same. His contagious smile, infectious personality and fiery passion are greatly missed.

GIFT FROM DEPILLO FAMILY HELPS PROVIDE STATE-OF-THE-ART ATHLETIC DISPLAY BOARD

system, standing 17 feet tall by 25 feet wide, is used by all sports played on the school’s athletic fields.

The full-color LED Daktronics display board was made possible through a donation from the DePillo family, who also donated money for the school’s marquee at the entrance of campus. With the opening of the school’s Eagle Athletic Center last spring, the message board only further enhances Santa Margarita’s athletic facilities.

“This was a natural addition to round out the athletic facilities,” said David DePillo, father of Santa Margarita junior Jenna DePillo and Joseph ’07. “It’s a pleasure for us to continue to provide our support. Our kids have had an invaluable education here and it’s great to give back.”

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is now home to one of the most advanced high school athletic scoring and display boards in Southern California.

The multimedia message board has the capability to display instant athletic scores, times, video clips, photos and graphics.

Now when athletes cross the finish line during track races, they no longer have to wait to get their time. Official times are instantly posted on the message board. The new

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he Eagles have laced up their skates and taken the ice. Three years ago, Santa

Margarita Catholic High School unveiled an ice hockey program. The team is part of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League, designed to grow hockey talent close to home while working to achieve California Interscholastic Federation Status. Launched in 2008, the league is the first of its kind in Southern California.

Even though they are still a young team just finishing their third season, the Eagles leapt out of the gate quickly becoming a close-knit, successful group. This season, the Eagles captured the

inaugural ice hockey state title with a 4-1 win over Bellarmine Prep of San Jose at the Honda Center, ironically the same school the football defeated in the state championship game this fall. The team proudly represented the state in late March at the USA Hockey High School National Championship in Utah opening with three wins and finishing in the elite eight after a loss in the quarterfinals. This is the team’s second national appearance in just three short years. The Eagles also have brought home three league championship titles.

“SMCHS is proud of the new hockey culture in our school. Our students are laying the platform for a rich history of success stories on and

off the ice,” said Assistant Ice Hockey Coach Mitch O’Brien. “Because of the success of our ice hockey team, the school has the ability to attract foreign and local students that might have gone to other schools. The opportunity to participate in a local, competitive program while receiving a state-of-the-art education proves to make SMCHS a wonderful prospect for future players in our hockey program.”

Still in its infant stages, the team is attracting a talented pool of young players both close to home and across the globe. Last school year, defenseman Joona Kunnas moved here from Finland to play hockey for Santa Margarita. Following the season, Kunnas was selected in the sixth round of the United States Hockey League draft by the

Eagles on IceICE HOCKEY PROGRAM ACHIEVES SUCCESS, WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

“It’s so much fun to skate and hear your classmates going crazy in the stands. It means something to play for your school. It makes you want to work even harder.”

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Ice Hockey

Tri-City Storm in Kearney, NE. The USHL is the No. 1 producer of NCAA Division 1 ice hockey players. A number of other players have also gone on to play professionally.

This year’s team includes the addition of freshman Eemil Selanne, son of Ducks player Teemu Selanne, as well as junior Annie Pankowski who played on the U18 women’s ice hockey team at the World Championship in the Czech Republic earlier this year.

“Santa Margarita is on the cutting edge of this,” said Jeri Rosenbaum who hosted Kunnas while he attended Santa Margarita and has a son on the team. “High school ice hockey will eventually become like high school football. To be associated with a professional ice hockey team like the Ducks speaks volumes of the school and the program.”

Currently only a handful of teams compete in the Southern California area ( JSerra, Servite, Orange Lutheran and Damien of La Verne) so the team travels often playing in high caliber tournaments across the country.

The Anaheim Ducks have been instrumental in starting the varsity program at SMCHS. The Ducks administrate the league, provide uniforms and assist with equipment costs.

The team practices four to six times a week at rinks in Lake Forest and Westminster. The 12 regular season games are played at The Rinks-Anaheim ICE, the Ducks practice facility, with the championship game in late February at the Honda Center, home of the Ducks.

The sport initially launched with just a varsity team, but interest grew quickly and after the first season a junior varsity team was added. Now in its third season as a SMCHS club sport, the program has expanded from 16 to 38 players.

Santa Margarita fans have embraced the blue and gold on the ice with the Eagles frequently playing in front of capacity crowds with hundreds of cheering fans. Playing hard-hitting, rivalry hockey in front of overflowing crowds is truly a rush, the players say.

“I thought I would never have

the opportunity to play ice hockey for my high school,” said Santa Margarita graduate Timmy Martin ’11 who played on the team both his junior and senior years at SMCHS. “It’s so much fun to skate and hear your classmates going crazy in the stands. It means something to play for your school. It makes you want to work harder.”

The varsity team is led by Coach Craig Johnson, whose professional career includes 10 years in the NHL and four years playing in Europe. Johnson played for the United States Olympic Team in 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway and represented the United State in four world championships from 1993-2011.

“I am so proud of the kids on the team,” said Johnson, a former Ducks player. “They all work so hard and are extremely dedicated to the school and the success of the program. To accomplish what we have thus far is truly remarkable.”

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TOPSoccer FestChildren with special needs had the

opportunity to play soccer and celebrate the season with Santa Margarita Catholic High School soccer players.

On Dec. 17, the Santa Margarita girls’ soccer team along with Cal South TOPSoccer, hosted its annual Holiday Fest for young athletes with physical and mental disabilities. Festivities such as face painting, balloon art, photo opportunities, holiday treats, giveaways, and interactive games offered participants a chance to ring in the holiday spirit while being active.

Cal South TOPSoccer is a community-based soccer program for young athletes with physical and mental disabilities. This is the fourth year SM hosted the program. Event chair and soccer parent Lynda Wulf is in her third year helping with this event and loves the smiles the event brings.

“The most rewarding part of the event is the pure joy that the participants share with our girls and families. They are absolutely genuine and express themselves so openly, it’s just wonderful to experience that freedom with them.” Wulf went on to say, “It is a valuable opportunity for our girls to reach out to the community during the Christmas season and represent the values of the SMCHS girls soccer program.”

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Longtime Santa Margarita Catholic High School Head Boys Basketball Coach Jerry DeBusk retired his clipboard and whistle. After two decades of coaching boys basketball for the Eagles, the veteran coach recently wrapped up his final season.

“I feel truly blessed to have been the Head Coach of the Eagles,” said DeBusk. “It’s been a wonderful ride.”

During his 20 years as head coach at Santa Margarita, DeBusk led the Eagles to two state championships in 1998 and again in 2008, five CIF championships and seven league titles. His success on the court earned him both CIF Coach of the Year and Orange County Coach of the Year honors. The longtime basketball coach amassed a 467-136 record while at Santa Margarita and has an overall record of 640-254. Before taking over the Eagles in 1992, DeBusk coached at both Chapman University and Newport Harbor High School.

“I have been very fortunate to work with one of the best basketball coaches in the state,” said Athletic Director Richard Schaaf. “He will be a tough act to follow.”

Principal Ray Dunne praised DeBusk for his leadership and service.

“For twenty years, Coach DeBusk has run an excellent basketball program at SMCHS,” Dunne said. “He has imparted his knowledge and love for the game to hundreds of players. On behalf of the entire SMCHS community I thank him for not only being a tremendously successful coach, but a wonderful mentor and role model for his players by being a man of impeccable character.”

DeBusk will remain a teacher at Santa Margarita assisting students with various learning needs through the school’s Auxiliary Studies Program.

AFTER TWO DECADES OF SUCCESS ON THE COURT, COACH DEBUSK SAYS FAREWELL

AQUATIC CENTER SUN SHADE MADE POSSIBLE BY A GIFT FROM SUZANN CROWE

Spectators visiting the school’s Aquatic Center can seek relief from the summer sun thanks to a generous gift. Alumni parent and longtime aquatics volunteer, Suzann Crowe, donated funds for the center’s new awning providing shade for the complex’s 450-spectator bleacher seating.

Crowe’s sons, Tyler Silber ’04 and Mason Silber ’08, participated in both the water polo and swimming programs while at Santa Margarita. Since then, Crowe has remained involved in the programs coming to nearly every meet and game. She helps run home meets and games and is always there to cheer on the kids and offer them homemade chocolate chip cookies.

“This is about more than just steel and fabric,” said Head Swim Coach Ron Blanc at a short ceremony honoring Crowe before a recent swim meet. “This is a thank you for everything you’ve done for the program.”

The school’s Aquatic Center opened in 2007 complete with an Olympic-sized pool, stadium seating, state-of-the-art timing and scoreboard systems, office space for team rooms, and a concession area.

“The swim team is a family,” Crowe said. “We’ve become family and I wanted to give back to that family.”

une 16, 2011, a regular Thursday morning. For most of us, it was an ordinary day. For Santa Margarita’s Beau Hossler, it was anything but ordinary. Most students were sound asleep; taking advantage of their first week of summer break. One sophomore had bigger things to worry

about than a little extra shut-eye. He was worried about which club to play on the 10th hole. That would be the 213-yard Par 3, over water, which was staring him in the face. Oh, by the way, he happened to be playing in the 111th United States Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. At 16 years old, he was by far the youngest player in the field and second youngest of all time to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Wings magazine staff (Bryan Kretzmer ’00, Advancement Director) sat down with current SMCHS junior Beau Hossler to chat about his U.S. Open experience, thoughts on golf, future plans, and most importantly, how he might be able to get himself to the Masters.

ON THE US OPEN EXPERIENCE

Bryan: A United States Golf Association set up is traditionally extremely difficult. Did the course intimidate you? Beau: I wouldn’t say intimidate, but it was definitely not an easy course. It played really long, the rough was super thick, and the greens were slick. Every guy out there had to deal with it though, so a lot of your success comes from your preparation. I felt prepared going in.

Bryan: When you were there, did you find yourself sitting back and thinking, “Wow, I’m at the U.S. Open and these are my idols that I’m up against?”Beau: At first, for sure. The first time I walked through the locker room I saw these guys who I normally see on camera — it was a bit overwhelming. But then you see they are just normal dudes, they just happen to be great golfers.

Bryan: You got your drivers license shortly before you went out to the Open. I heard they gave you a Lexus to drive for the week. Beau: Yeah, an RX70 with 9 miles on it.

Bryan: Did you feel good driving that around Maryland?Beau: I didn’t tell them I failed my license test twice.

LIVING THE DREAMAT 16, BEAU HOSSLER BECOMES SECOND YOUNGEST TO QUALIFY FOR THE U.S. OPEN

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Bryan: Probably for the better.Beau: For sure.

Bryan: You play out of Mission Viejo Country Club and spend most your time there. Do people over there treat you differently after this experience?Beau: A lot more people want to talk to me, which is great because I love talking about the sport, but I have to get work done when I’m at the course. I’ll throw the iPod on and go to the end of the range to work on stuff. But when I’m inside at the Grille, I’ll talk to anyone.

Bryan: After going through this once, playing the course, dealing with the crowds and media, do you think you can win a U.S. Open?Beau: Not a doubt in my mind. I love difficult courses and set ups and I will draw from this experience for the future.

ON GOLF AND FUTURE PLANS

Bryan: Who is your favorite golfer?Beau: Phil Mickelson for sure. He’s aggressive and he isn’t afraid to fail. I try to pattern my game after his. He plays to

“The first time I walked through the locker room I saw these guys who I normally see on camera — it was a bit overwhelming. But then you see they are just normal dudes, they just happen to be great golfers.”

win and never backs down from a shot he knows he can make. I got a chance to talk to him at the Open and was so impressed with the way he handled himself off the course. He was nice to everyone, would take time to talk to people whether they were media, other players, or just the average fan.

Bryan: Other than Mission Viejo CC, what is your favorite local course to play?Beau: Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. I qualified for the U.S. Amateur a few years ago there so it is meaningful to me. The layout is very unique for an Orange County course.

Bryan: On paper, this year’s SM boys’ golf team should be one of the better we have had. What are the expectations for this season?Beau: First and foremost, to play the best we can every time we are out there. We have a lot of talent and experience returning. Obviously the goals are to win league, CIF and state and we have the talent to do it.

Bryan: To give all of our readers an idea of how much dedication and sacrifice it takes to get to your level, let’s talk practice. How many hours a week?Beau: I practice six days a week, about two and half hours per day. Lots of weekend tournaments. My grades are important to me so I have to spend time getting homework done and studying as well. It’s about prioritizing.

Bryan: Clearly you are on track to go wherever you want on a golf scholarship. What colleges are you looking at right now?Beau: I recently committed to the University of Texas, the country’s top-ranked team for golf. Stanford, UCLA and ASU were also at the top of my list, but I feel really good about my decision.

Bryan: PGA Tour one day?Beau: Of course, that’s the ultimate goal. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I believe that I can get there. Being at the U.S. Open showed me that I could play and succeed at that level. It takes dedication and motivation and I have both of those things.

Bryan: Beau, this has been a pleasure to sit down with you. Anything I can do for you? Beau: It would be great if you could throw a percentage or two on all my grades.

Bryan: My friend, I think you will be just fine.

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he Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, bishop of Orange, joined the Santa Margarita Catholic High

School community to bless the school’s new $6.4 million, 23,897-square-foot Academic Services Center, which opened to students this school year. The Sept. 9 dedication also kicked-off the school’s 25th year, a 16-month celebration planned to honor the past, present and future of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

“Now in our 25th year, Santa Margarita has continued to grow and change with the times so that we may provide our students with the most up-to-date facilities all built on a solid

foundation of a faith-based education,” said Principal Dunne as he welcomed the Santa Margarita community to the blessing ceremony.

The two-story building centralizes the school’s academic offices housing the Counseling, Auxiliary Studies Program Center, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Online Learning and Assessment Departments under one roof. Ten “smart classrooms” are outfitted with interactive whiteboards, netbooks where students can access e-books and specialized lighting and audio technology. Node chair desks provide a dynamic learning environment designed to allow students

to easily transition from one mode to the next whether it’s wheeling into groups, utilizing their netbooks at their desks or swiveling around to watch a presentation. The center also includes the school’s Digital Media Studio, a learning lab for television and film production classes and home to the student-run news show Eagle TV. The studio features a HD (high definition) control room and advanced audio, video, lighting, cameras and editing equipment on par with studios on college campuses. Students attend French, Ancient Greek, Latin, Spanish and Chinese classes in the new building.

The new center is on track to become the second LEED-certified building

BISHOP BROWN BLESSES SANTA MARGARITA’S

ACADEMIC SERVICES CENTER KICKING-OFF THE SCHOOL’S 25TH YEAR

N E W H O M E O F

A C A D E M I C S E R V I C E S

T

SPRING 2012 15

(an internationally-recognized green building certification) in the Diocese of Orange and Rancho Santa Margarita, representing a commitment to the environment. The first LEED building in both the diocese and city of Rancho Santa Margarita is the school’s Eagle Athletic Center, which opened in spring 2010. The materials used to construct the academic building contain renewable resources and conserve energy.

“Today we ask God’s blessing on this academic building,” Brown said during the short ceremony attended by Santa Margarita friends and families and broadcast live through the school’s Eagle Television program. “The students of this school will come to these offices seeking knowledge and counsel, guidance and learning. In the Media Center and Studio, they will discover new technologies of communication. In this World Language Center, they will deepen their knowledge and respect for the diverse cultures of the world.”

In English, Spanish, Latin, French and Chinese, students asked the Lord to watch over them and guide them in their studies and faith.

The 21st century tools in the new building promote interactive learning.

“Some students are visual while some are hands-on,” said Spanish teacher George Cou. “The new tools allow students to test out the ways they feel they learn best.”

Junior Samantha Lieske is grateful she no longer has to lug around her heavy Spanish book.

“The new smart boards, e-books and ‘spinning desks’ make learning fun,” she said.

Junior Jamie Vought, who plans to study film in college, says he was blown away when he first set foot in the school’s new Digital Media Studio.

“It’s professional grade stuff,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting it to be that awesome. There are so many resources at this school to help us succeed.”

Following the blessing of the Academic Services Center, the Santa Margarita community gathered for the annual Welcome Mass celebrated by Brown in the Moiso Pavilion. Santa Margarita alumni, parents and school founders brought symbols to the altar at the beginning of mass representing the history of the school. The keepsakes included the first yearbook, the branding iron representing the gift of the land donated by the Moiso family, the school seal, a heart made of flowers representing the school motto “Caritas Christi,” the love of Christ, a flag flown over Iraq in honor of the school, a time capsule filled with letters from the school’s founders and an Eagle, the school mascot.

The conclusion of mass included naming Brown an honorary alumnus of the school and presenting him with a crystal eagle.

“Bishop Brown, we felt that this is a most appropriate moment to recognize and honor you for your ministry and leadership of the Church of Orange and for your unwavering support for Santa Margarita Catholic High School in so many ways, but in particular for helping us to continue to grow by all the

construction we have undertaken these past five years,” said President Paul Carey.

The Academic Services Center is phase three of a campus build-out that included the completion of an $8.7 million, three-story athletic center in spring 2010 and the addition of a $5.2 million aquatic facility in 2007, with a 50-meter Olympic swimming pool.

Special guests including school, diocesan and city officials as well as benefactors celebrated the opening of the Academic Center with a luncheon in the school’s banquet center after mass.

School founder and alumni parent, Tony Moiso, who donated the land Santa Margarita sits on, expressed his gratitude at the luncheon for being a part of “something special.”

“The builders can only create the venue,” he said. “It’s all of you who create this wonderful place. Thank you for what has gone on here for a quarter of a century. The impact this place has had is tremendous. Thank you for taking Bishop Johnson’s and Monsignor Paul Martin’s dream and making it real, making it happen. It’s been my family’s blessing to provide the land. Our commitment continues and we hope to be here for the next 25 years so that when we reach the 50th celebration we can look back at even greater success.”

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SPRING 2012 17

Santa Margarita Catholic High School celebrated the school’s academic, artistic and athletic achievements at “Star of the Show: Encore.” More than 300 students, faculty and alumni performed in the fall production featuring a collage of talents including dance, song, theatre and comedy routines. The progressive entertainment concert included performances at multiple locations on campus with the finale in front of the school’s Academic Services Center, which opened this fall.

As part of the school’s 25th year celebration, the production took concertgoers back in time with students performing excerpts from school plays and musicals throughout the years. A video containing footage of the school’s early days was shown.

The production showcased the holistic education Santa Margarita offers incorporating the arts, athletics and academics into one show. Highlights from the evening included varsity football players carrying out their “quick drill,” a series of quick movements performed in sync on the field before and after each game and practice; a junior track star and International Baccalaureate student playing a Bach piece on the cello; and students and faculty singing “O Sole Mio” in Italian, French, Chinese, Spanish and English.

“It’s about educating the mind, heart and body,” said SMCHS Performing Arts Director Francisco Calvo.

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ou won’t find them wearing black and white habits, scolding a student or carrying a ruler. Rather,

they can be found on campus in their signature ivory skirts and white blouses complete with a silver Sacred Heart pin laughing with students, sharing their love of God and even playing Christian rock songs on the guitar.

The Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart and Santa Margarita Catholic High School recently formed a partnership creating a greater religious presence on the school’s campus. Through the partnership, the sisters are to be present to the school community and serve as a witness to religious life.

They work to promote the school’s charism Caritas Christi, the love of Christ, by spreading God’s love through prayers, stories, advice, smiles, hugs and teachings.

The new relationship includes Sister Virginia Stewart as the school’s part-time faith formation facilitator. While sisters from the order visit campus periodically throughout the year to attend school masses, help lead faith formation events, and collaborate with faculty and staff; Sister Virginia is a consistent presence on campus.

In her role, Sister Virginia helps plan liturgies and campus ministry fellowship evenings, serves as a guest teacher in religion classes, helps with the school’s Rite of Christian Initiation

Program for Adults and works to strengthen the faith life of the school.

“The partnership we celebrate today will help bring our students to the love of God the Father and Caritas Christi,” said Principal Ray Dunne at a prayer service held last spring in the Sacred Heart Chapel to celebrate the new relationship.

At the ceremony, Santa Margarita President Paul Carey thanked Sister Virginia for her love and care.

“You nurture this partnership with smiles and hugs,” Carey said. “It will grow deep roots and wide wings because of the joy you bring to our community.”

The main role of the sisters on campus is to help spread Jesus’s love, said

Sisters in ActionTHE SISTERS OF THE SOCIETY DEVOTED TO THE SACRED HEART

AND SANTA MARGARITA HAVE PARTNERED TO CREATE

A GREATER RELIGIOUS PRESENCE ON CAMPUS

Y

SPRING 2012 19

skills on the guitar. Sister often plays for the students at the school’s Campus Ministry Fellowship gatherings.

“When she showed up and pulled the guitar out I thought, ‘This should be good,’” he said. “I was surprised she even knew how to hold it. I’d never seen a nun rock out before.”

Before meeting Sister Virginia, Allie DiBernardo ’11 had never interacted with a nun.

“It’s nice to see females dedicated to God,” she said. “When you see someone so dedicated to God and so happy, it helps you grow spiritually in your own faith.”

During the school day, students poke their head into the school’s Campus Ministry office to say hello to sister, ask for prayers or even share a funny story or joke.

“There is a great spirit of community here that I am so blessed to be a part of,” Sister Virginia said.

Sister Mary Tomasella, assistant superior general of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

“Our hope is that the students will better know Jesus through us,” Tomasella said.

The school hasn’t had a nun on campus since 2005 with the passing of Sister Anne Perrin, a longtime math teacher at the school. Nationwide, religious staff - sisters, brothers, priests and deacons - make up 3.7 percent of faculty and staff at Catholic schools, compared to 90 percent in the 1950s. The sharp shift is partly attributed to the decline in the number of women and men entering religious orders, according to the National Catholic Educators Association. Just 2 percent of faculty and staff at Catholic high schools in Orange County are priests and religious compared to 12 percent in 1992.

The sisters are hoping their contact with teens might spark interest in religious vocations.

“We certainly hope that through our presence young people would be inspired to give their lives to God,” Tomasella said.

The sisters are also hoping their presence will help dispel stereotypes of

nuns being strict and unapproachable. “There is joy in giving your life

to God,” said Sacred Heart Sister Rosemarie Karl.

Sister Virginia’s laughter, hugs and smiles on campus show just that.

“Her smile is addicting,” said Briana Mejia ’11. “She is just so happy.”

Troy Pigneri ’11 said he was impressed by Sister Virginia’s

“When she showed up and pulled the guitar out I thought, ‘This should be good.’ I was surprised she even knew how to hold it. I’d never seen a nun rock out before.”

Sisters of the Sacred Heart

Founded in Hungary in 1940 by Sister

Ida Peterfy, the Society Devoted to

the Sacred Heart religious community

is dedicated to the loving Heart of our

Lord Jesus. The Sacred Heart Sisters

are religious women consecrated

to God through the public vows of

chastity, poverty and obedience.

They strive to make the love of God

known to all they encounter. The

order’s motherhouse is located in

the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

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Since 1996, thousands of Eagle graduates have participated in Kairos. Last school year, Santa Margarita celebrated its 100th Kairos retreat.

A Jesuit program that began over 40 years ago, Kairos is a four-day retreat for senior students aimed at deepening their faith with God and one another. Santa Margarita was the first Catholic high school in Orange County to offer the Kairos retreat, with the school’s first Kairos retreat held in 1997 at Mission San Luis Rey with 12 retreat-goers. Former Santa Margarita principal Dr. Merritt Hemenway brought Kairos to Santa Margarita after learning about it at a Catholic educators’ convention.

Hemenway came back to SMCHS to welcome home seniors on Kairos 100 and celebrate the school’s milestone by sharing Kairos photos and memories with students, parents and alumni at a celebration on campus. While principal at Santa Margarita, Hemenway attended 45 Kairos retreats.

“Kairos is a gift that truly is beyond all of us,” Hemenway said. “We just follow the script and trust that the Lord touches all of you. The thing you discover is God’s love.”

Over the years, the retreat has grown with about 50 students attending each of the five Kairos retreats offered

throughout the year. The retreats are now held at the Whispering Winds Retreat Center in Julian, CA. The getaway includes talks, small group sharing, mass, meditation, music, bonfires, prayer, swimming and simply enjoying the 250-acre property nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains. The word Kairos means “right” or “opportune moment” in Greek.

“Kairos allows our teens to get away from their everyday lives and just be with God,” said June Quinn, the school’s retreat coordinator. “Our teens are able to take a deep breath and let go of the things going on in their worlds.”

The retreat prepares teens for college and beyond reminding them that God will always be there for them, Quinn said.

“Through the challenges God promises to walk every minute with you,” retreat leaders remind the students.

Michael Cotugno ’11, who attended Kairos 98 and helped lead Kairos 100, said the retreat strengthened his friendship with God.

“I learned more about God as a personal God — God as a friend,” he said.

Some students find God in the deer grazing in the evening, others in the winds rustling through the trees and some in the silence. As part of the retreat, students spend one afternoon in quiet eating lunch.

KAIROS"Love is shown in deeds more than words."

SPRING 2012 21

Celebrating 100 Retreats

“I tell them God comes in a whisper and if we are too noisy we won’t hear him,” Quinn said.

Megan Strader Meihaus ’97, who attended the school’s second Kairos, said the silent lunch wasn’t easy for an otherwise chatty teen such as herself.

“I remember the period of mandatory silence being very difficult, but I think it was a good lesson in self-discipline and self-discovery,” she said.

Teens also come away from the retreat with newly formed friendships with classmates.

“Kairos was a great opportunity for getting to know other members of the senior class on a much deeper level,” Meihaus said. “Getting away from the stress of our usually busy schedules gave us a chance to focus on our faith and friendships and just be ourselves in a much more relaxed environment.”

Kairos By the Numbers Number of Days of the Kairos Retreat

Number of retreat goers on Santa Margarita’s First Kairos Retreat

Number of retreat goers on the 100th Kairos Retreat

Average number of students who now attend each Kairos retreat

Number of acres at the Whispering Winds Retreat Center, where SM Kairos retreats are now held

Estimated number of Santa Margarita students to attend Kairos

Jimmy Byron ’11, who attended the school’s 100th Kairos retreat, said the experience was one he will never forget.

“Everyone says Kairos is the best thing you will do at SM, but you don’t know why until you go,” he said. “You are able to learn more about yourself and

one another. By knowing one another and knowing yourself, you know God — and by knowing God you know love.”

Students are encouraged to continue to “live the fourth” (day of Kairos) long after the retreat is over and the “Kai high” has waned.

“The Kairos experience is not over, it is just beginning,” Principal Ray Dunne told the Kairos 100 retreatants at the “Sending Out Ceremony” where students are greeted by their families following their return from the retreat. “From this day forward you begin a new relationship with God, yourself and your family.”

What is Kairos? Kairos is a Christian retreat program for high school and college students that takes place around the world. The retreat is a four-day, three-night experience and provides participants the chance to contemplate God’s role in their lives. Kairos is the Greek word in Christian scripture for “momentary time,” sometimes referred to as “God’s time.”

1000s

35

12

4

50

250

Johnny Stanton, Class of 2013, realizes that taking a full load of honors courses, holding the position of junior class vice president and playing two varsity sports isn’t easy, but he is successful both on the field and in the classroom.

The fall 2011 semester Johnny earned over a 3.8 GPA while having a stellar season as the starting quarterback.

While Johnny hopes to play professional ball – he’s focused on academics as much as athletics, hoping to one day work in the medical profession.

“It’s about good time management,” Johnny says. “It isn’t easy, but my teachers have been a huge help. At Santa Margarita, I am constantly challenged which will help prepare me for college. It’s the perfect blend of academics and athletics.”

Give Them Roots. Give Them Wings.EAGLE FUND

The Eagle Fund is Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s annual giving program. The fund bridges the gap between the cost to run the school and tuition revenue. Like most private schools, tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of a Santa Margarita education. Gifts made to the Eagle Fund can be designated for tuition assistance, to enrich the classroom experience, or provide support to where it is most needed—giving the students, faculty, staff and coaches of Santa Margarita the ability to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially.

The Eagle Fund makes possible an outstanding educational experience, enabling our students to pursue their passions and believe in their dreams.

For more information about giving please contact the Office of Advancement at 949.766.6080.

GIFTS BY MAIL Please use the attached envelope.

GIFTS BY PHONE 949.766.6080

GIFTS ONLINE www.smhs.org/eaglefund

Dinara Shalhoup, Class of 2015, was 6 years-old when she traveled across the globe from Kazakhstan to immigrate to the United States.

She chose Santa Margarita Catholic High School for its educational rigor and excellent swim program.

“It requires you to focus on your stroke and mentally challenges you,” she said of swimming.

School doesn’t come easy for Dinara, who receives academic support through the school’s Auxiliary Studies Program, which facilitates success and independence accommodating students’ unique learning differences and needs. Following the first semester of her freshman year, Dinara was all smiles upon earning A’s and B’s, a feat she never thought would be possible.

Daniel Maher, Class of 2012, is a solid student taking AP and honors courses while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. He gives back to his community through volunteer work at local hospitals and has excelled in athletics playing baseball for the Eagles for the past three years.

“I’m well-rounded and I owe that to Santa Margarita,” Maher said. “This school has allowed me to follow my dreams and provided me the support and

tools to achieve them.”

When Maher isn’t working hard on his studies, he brings smiles and laughter to hospitalized patients. He was inspired to become a volunteer after a childhood friend died of cancer. Maher dreams of one day working in the healthcare field, perhaps as a nurse or doctor.

22 wings

SPRING 2012 23

Santa Margarita Catholic High School supporters celebrated the school’s 25th anniversary at Valentasia, the school’s annual benefit gala. SMCHS parents, alumni, faculty and staff came together for an elegant evening of dining, dancing and bidding at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa on Feb. 11. The celebratory fete brought in more than $250,000 for the school with $113,000 of that total specifically designated for tuition assistance.

President Paul Carey, joined on stage by Principal Ray Dunne and Superintendent Greg Dhuyvetter, thanked those in attendance during the champagne toast and recognized event chairs and sponsors Monica Furman, Oonagh Linzmeier and Margarita Solazzo, parents of SM students.

“Our hearts are filled with thanks to all of you for your wonderful gifts, your tireless service to our school community and your prayers,” Carey said.

St. Regis Executive Chef Frederic Castan, an alumni parent whose sons George and Brian graduated from Santa Margarita in 1996 and 1999 respectively, tantalized guests’ taste buds with a custom three-course menu including filet and jumbo prawns.

Following dinner, Associated Student Body senior class president Jameson Sansone thanked the nearly 600 guests for providing him the

gift of a Santa Margarita education through donations to the school’s tuition assistance program. He then asked attendees to consider raising their paddles to help give other students the ability to attend Santa Margarita.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me, but one thing I can be rest assured in is that I will have the skills, character, morals and faith to be successful in life. I owe that to Santa Margarita,” he said.

The live auction followed featuring an assortment of unforgettable experiences and trips, memorabilia, fine dining and wine galore.

A collection of 49 select and premium wines accompanied by a designer wine rack went for $3,400, a five-course chef ’s dinner for 10 paired with wine at Sapphire Laguna was purchased for $3,500 and the coveted Eagle football helmet signed by the 2011 CIF and State Championship team earned top dollar at a price tag of $4,500.

The 10-piece Rembrandt Band had guests dancing the night away closing out the celebration. As guests departed, a decadent chocolate bar awaited them with chocolate confections for all.

The honoree of the evening was Randy Redwitz, who received the Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Award presented by SMCHS philanthropists Art and Gaye Birtcher. The award seeks to honor an individual whose lifetime of work gives praise to the wondrous Love of Jesus. Randy and his wife Claudia are school founders and longtime Santa Margarita supporters. Four of the couple’s five children are graduates of SMCHS. Since the school opened, Randy has worked to maintain the school’s fiscal health. Always striving to push the school forward, he promoted development of the school’s master plan by securing funding to finance campus projects including construction of the pool, Eagle Athletic Center and Academic Services Center. From 1990 to 2010, Randy served as the school’s business manager. He continues to provide his expertise and guidance as the school’s financial consultant and fiscal architect. During Friday Night lights, Randy can be found on the football field as a member of the “chain gang.”

Santa Margarita Celebrates 25 Years at Valentasia Silver Anniversary Gala

FOUNDER RANDY REDWITZ HONORED AT VALENTASIA

Caritas ChristiGifts of $100,000.00 +The DePillo Family Foundation David & Deborah DePillo

SaintsGifts of $50,000.00+ Suzann Crowe

Principal’s CircleGifts of $20,000.00 +The Bradley J. Dillahunty ‘02 Memorial ScholarshipChristopher & Monica FurmanRoger KirwanRalph & Oonagh Linzmeier

Golden WingsGifts of $10,000.00 +ASICS America CorporationJohn & Cynthia CannonScott & Beatrice HegerTom & Robyn JankovichSoo Lee MalchowMothers Club-SMCHSGreg & Christine PellizzonJohn & Kathleen SmeadThe Caritas Corporation Robert R. RedwitzThe Muzzy Family Foundation Steve & Cathy MuzzyMichael & Sheree TimmonsVon Der Ahe Foundation

PartnersGifts of $5,000.00 + Robert & Rosemary ChavezThe CJ Hubbard FoundationThe Robinson FoundationUS Bank

BenefactorsGifts of $2,500.00 +Allergan USA, Inc.Claude & Amy BouclyJames & Cindy CapretzEdward & Maria DelaneyEvalyn M. Bauer FoundationLawrence & Joan LukeJoseph & Gretchen ManoogianLawrence & Donnette MoothartIgor & Jill NoriegaScott & Jennifer O’BrienPaul & Sharen PeyrebruneRobert & Claudia RedwitzWilliam & Kelly RheeRobert & Bettina RussellVictor & Shawn SanvidoJames & Kathleen SchaefferShulman Hodges & Bastian, LLPMichael & Kathlene SmithTall Oak Learning, LLC Joseph & Jillanne FoxBart & Deborah Thomsen

EaglesGifts of $1,000.00 +Action Marketing, Inc. Kevin & Moragn BoneRobert & Wendy AndersonAngeles Shooting Ranges, Inc.AnonymousAnonymousJohn & Jan BennerGeorge & Esther BlancAudrey BradyAlex CablePaul & Rose CareyEdmond & Sarah ConnorGary & Julie CrispD. Edwards, Inc.James & Suzan DillahuntyRaymond DunneFrank & Stephanie EspinosaFreedom Communications, Inc. The Orange County RegisterDaniel & Cynthia FullerPeter & Miriam GreaneyShawn & Antoinette HigginsBryan & Johnna HoynakIslands RestaurantKen & Debbie KadziauskasCharles KaminskasStephen & Rebecca KaneBrian & Rhonda KellyThomas & Debbie KoosMark & Kimberlee KrouseRobert & Lisa LakeSteven & Linda LathropMark & Kimberly LewisChris & Georgiann LoftusJeff & Donna LoftusGregory & Trudy LouchartJohn & Katherine MangiolaScott & Gail MartinLawrence & Giovanna MastrovichMichael & Tracy MatrangaBongkee & Junghwa (Daisy) MinJiri & Rosemary ModryJoseph & Linda MukleviczJames & Maria NaumanKeith & Sally PalmerJong & Hyun ParkWilliam & Patricia PollakDennis & Annmarie PopovecGerald & Lisa ReedDana & Peggy Anne RockeyAlan & Janet SchryerBert & Cynthia SelvaJohn & Laura ShafferHenry & Franca StiepelChristopher & Susan StraussRobert & Roxane TancrediWilliam & Alicia TaylorRobert & Elizabeth ThiergartnerToyota of Huntington BeachTritek Circuit Products, Inc.Richard & Susan TwellmanMurray & Jan TysingerChris & Sheryl Van RuitenJames & Debra VioletteMark & Kate WelsDaniel & Sharon WhelanWayne & Ella Wu

Blue & Gold Gifts of $500.00 +Ace Technologies Mark & Lorraine BreisacherMark & Cindy AngelichAlan & Shelley BaumgardnerDonald & Elizabeth BendixJohn & Laurie BiehlGreg & Sonia BishopJohn & Nancy ButlerCraig & Cara CalentinoTim & Sheryl CampbellHerbert & Jenny ChiuChun-Ha Insurance Services, Inc. Ki ParkRobert & Jamie ClauserAlbert & Monica ClercJames CorbettBrian & Devin CroninJeffery & Sue CzechStefan & Mary DrustFox, Engineering ConsultingRobert GaultGotschall Family Foundation Susan Gotschall GarciaPhilip & Lisa GreubelFred & Alma HelmsIra HermanMichael & Cynthia HessNancy & David HormuthPatrick & Lori ImburgiaWesley & Kim IseleyMichael JalatyAllan & Sabrina JansenSteven & Elaine JarosRicardo & Haydee JimenezMichael & Lori KilanderScott & Michele KnutsonMichael & Janis KosmalaJames & Barbara KrouseThomas & Jill LagattaVincent & Lisa LeeJohn & Michelle LencioniRobert & Sarah LieskeGeorge & Doreen LohnesSteve & Lisa LoweThomas & Catherine MadiganMichael & Cynthia MaherJohn & Christine MaloneyRichard & Kathryn MartinJohn & Patricia McDonoughJack & Grace McGannonJohn & Susan MillerRandy & Anne MooreDarrell & Betsy OlsonPeter & Jenny PaikKenneth & Pamela PetersenJohn & Lisa PopeDoug & Lavon ProchnowPVT Land Company LTD.Bruce & Donna ReynerStephen & Suzette RhorerJames RidensLouis & Karen RiggioneMark & Leslie RosenthalLaurence & Pam SchulerLinda ShepardPatricia Sobczak

Thomas & Margarita SolazzoJohn & Lori StantonRobert & Jennifer StocktonMark & Kathy SwannieThe Johnson TrustJay & Jean WeilRussell & Judy Wilson

FriendsGifts of $250.00 +Stephen & Andrea AldridgeScott & Tammy AlmquistStan & Kari AndrakowiczGregory & Jennifer BeckAlbert & Lorraine BinsfieldJohn & Stacy BowerClive & Keri BuckleyKelly & Nola CameronPatricia CampbellEric & Jennifer CarlsonMark & Christine DeckerDaniel & Tanya DomierDennis & Suzanne DwightEcstasis Consulting LLCRobert & Heather FecarottaStephen FerraroGabriel & Maria FerrucciPauline FrancisJohn & Marsha FreemanJohn & Victoria HigginsJohn & Anita HoetkerBradley & Cheryl HowardHendrik & Catherine HuebscherIntegrated Healthcare ServicesRaymond & Nancy KannTony & Erika KerryArthur & Terri KilkutsMichael & Lucille KorhanEric & Kathleen KrogiusPaul & Cecelia LigockiAmy & Steven Luskey BarthJames & Christine MatthewsMark & Maribel MaushundGerard & Trudi McKenzieJames & Denise MeeksCletus & Gynjer MenkeAnn MeridthKendall & Linda MillerMission Flavors and FragrancesBrian & Christina MuraiTom & Mary NormandinO’Connell Landscape MaintenanceRaymond & Andrea OwenCraig & Flavia ParrinoPaul & Gina PellizzonGreg & Lynne PowersTimothy & Kathryn PragerPaul & Anne RedmondRichard & Laura RoesgenRudy & Wendy RuizMark & Stephanie SandellSanford Studios, Inc.Milad & Madona ShaheenJoseph & Ninik SobekSouth Coast Medical GroupRobert & Carol SummersMichael TrilloPhilip & Julie VandermostLuis & Teresa VillaLuke & Maureen WatsonRandall & Susan WoodworthJaeook & Inho YoonMike & Karen Zanaboni

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Honor Roll of Donors*To the following families, individuals and organizations–thank you! Your generosity throughout the year has a huge impact on the success of our school and students. We cannot thank you enough! * Donors acknowledged for gifts made July 1 2010 through June 30 2011.

Donors Gifts of $1.00 +Kevin & Barbara AbbottJeannine AbtsJames & Christina AdamsNita & Leslie AdamsonDougall & Ann AganJohn & Susan AndersonFrank & Dorothy AndrewsAnonymousAnonymousTim & Kris ArendtMichael & Susan ArmstrongBehrouz & Patrice AzarvandStuart BaronVincent & Susan BattitSteven & Laurie BeachPeter & Joanne BealStephen & Amy BeckerDavid & Audrey BeckmanJeffrey & Amy BeltAlexa BendixChris & Pei-Ling BerryRonald & Patricia BertolaBiehl Et Al Certified Shorthand Reporter, Inc Laurie BiehlWilliam & Marla BierbowerJonathan & Cindy BobrukThomas & Clara BoivinAnn Brady-LozierPatrick & Suzanne BreslinDiana BrinksJeffery & Lia BroueletteJim & Margie BrummVictor & Ellen BurrolaAllison BushMark & Kayla CampbellWilliam & Rona CampbellJames & Naomi CantyFrank & Carol CarfioliMarc & Laura CarignanCarlson Family TrustTimothy & Jill CarrollCars 4 Causes Eric & Carolyn Rioux KearnTom & Laurie CaseyMichael & Dianne CastnerLes & Regina ChanMichael & Roberta ChapmanStanley & Grace CheungSara ChristianCory & Gina ChristiannsenCharles & Mary ClarkTeri ClementsBrian & Gloria CliftonAlfonso CoRobert CollierJames & Lauren CotugnoAlbert & Trudy CouttsGregg & Carrie CrawfordMark CruzKelly & Brenda CurranMark & Brenda CzajaDDK CommunicationsSantiago & Rosa De La RivaEdward De OliveiraRobert & Monica DeanJerry & Pamela DeBuskGeorge & Karen DeHuffChristopher & Alayne deRecatDesper Family Foundation David & Yolanda DesperGeorge DevarianMadho & Maria DhouniPatricia DiazlealAnn DiemerJohn & Joyce DiemerMiranda Diemer

Dean & Dione DierksJames & Lisa DiMarzioPaul & Marilyn DryschKaren DuggerEmmett & Tanya EbnerMatt & Rebecca EngelGlenn & Chris EtowEureka Specialties, Inc. James & Barbara KrouseJonathan & Marcia FeuchtJolene & David FinnJohn & Dena FinneranCharles & Denise FischerDennis & Joy FonsecaKevin & Carrie FoyThomas & Dawn FranzaDavid & Jo Ann FrattoneMichael & Christine FrenchBrian & Lynn FuesFrank & Janelle FurstingerMichael & Michelle GaddieShannon & Linda GaffneyCarita & Milo GarciaMichael & Lori GardnerMark & Annette GeigerMichael & Linda GentheSasan & Beth GhaffariElias & Maha GhattasBridget GoddardJames & Sherri GoecksJoseph & Lyana GordonTim & Arlene GornySusan GrandeRoger & Ann GreeneDavid & Nicole GuyotAdam & Renee HahnChristopher & Mary HainesEric & Kim HamannBob & Teresa HeislerPhilip & Nancy HigbeeDonald & Patti HillDavid & Elke HirschmanPeter & Ligia HlavinJames & Delene HoffJohn & Monica HolcombThomas & Lorraine HoonTodd & Shaylon HummerIt’s All About the CakeDaniel & Kimberly JanDan & Karen JohnsonRiel & Beverly JohnsonJoseph & Allison KalmanEric & Carolyn Rioux KearnSteven & Dolores KellyRobert & Cynthia KennedyArthur W. Kilkuts, D.M.D.John & Tricia KingsleyMichael & Maria KraftDerek & Marilyn KrebsJoseph & DeAnne KristofChris LeavellDepei & Jing LiuMartin & Jacqueline LoughlinVincent & Denise LupenskiSuzanne LusterSteven & Heidi MachugaJeff & Lisa MarquartSandy MathisSelden & Marianne McKnightCharles & Jane McLaughlinJames & Beverly McNamaraMichael & Madeline McPhersonKathy MedeirosMohammad & Maria MehrazarinMichael & Anna MerrillAndrew & Michele MerrittDelia MetoyerJoseph & Beatrice MicalizioMarc Miller

Robert & Mary MillerMarco & Karen MohajerDean & Taryn MollEmil & Michele MondaPatricia MoranJon & Mariam MottAmir & Atoosa MozafariTerri MullerMartin MurphyChuck & Jennifer NaughtonLouis & Marie NicotraMichael & Margie NishinaAnn NunesKevin & Leslie O’BrienRick & Ann PalmerJohn & Frances PapandreaJeff & Lisa ParsonsScott & Maureen ParsonsRandall & Deanna ParsonsRodrigo & Sandra PascualGlenn & Marilyn PasswaterDonald & Elizabeth PearlArthur & Laura PetrieMichael & Michelle PiersonRobert & Denise PigneriTodd & Kathleen PlocherRichard & Margaret PorterWilliam PorterRichard & Sharon PreusseProfessional Financial ServicesTodd & Francie PrukopPtak Family Trust Richard & Michelle PtakOscar & Keri RaveloBurdick & Lori RayThomas & Diane RestelliMichael & Susana RiegelsbergerDennis & Loretta RiegerChristopher & Susan RitterhernJeffrey & Lorin RobinsonCraig & Ann RommelArthur & Karen SaylesDaniel & Karen SchiefelbeinMark SchriverJohn & Gloria SeftonBrad & Camille SeibelSerra Catholic SchoolJeff & Sheila ShainWillard & Nancy ShearonPatrick & Saralee SheehanShell Sea’s Pool’s and Spa’s, Inc. David & Dawn ScelsiShepard Family Trust Linda ShepardBernard & Vanessa SilvanSteven & Marie SlavinPatti SmithThomas & Shirley SmithBernie & Patricia SmokowskiIhab & Maggie SolimanSomers RanchesWilliam & Leanne SpaideCarl & Maria SpangenbergGeoff & Caroline SpencerIan & Kellie StadeChristopher & Suzanne StamosPatrick StokerVictor & Christen StreufertEdward & Shari SudaDorothy TakahashiAlfredo TalaveraRobert & Victoria TellesThe Reed Family Trust Gerald & Lisa ReedMartial ThirskDavid & Anna TobiaRichard & Carolyn TooheyCarolyn TothChris & Marjorie Trujillo

Tustin CadillacTustin ToyotaDaniel & Donna UptonFrank & Rhonda UryMichael & Clara VanderpooolDonald & Tammy VawterDavid & Judy VelasquezWilliam & Michele von BlasingameTony & Beth VoornemanWilliam & Teresa WalshBenny & Polly WanMark & Shayne WebsterRichard & Jane WeddingtonWilliam & Deardra WelchMartin & Nancy WhelanJeffery WhiteWilliam & Joanne WilhelmAndy & Jennifer WilliamsKenneth & Kathleen WilsonJong WonLarry WoodWilliam WorthenRainer & Lynda WulfSteven & Kimberly ZaccagniniFrank & Joni Zarka

Matching Gift CompaniesBank of AmericaEdison InternationalExperianGrainger Matching Charitable Gifts ProgramNorthwestern Mutual Life Foundation, Inc.Oracle CorporationThe Capital Group Companies Charitable FoundationThe Coca-Cola FoundationUnilever United States Foundation, Inc.Union Bank FoundationWells Fargo Community Support Campaign

AlumniJazmine Armijo ‘00Brian Baumgartner ‘00Pierre Bergougnan ‘95Brendan Brown ‘07D.J. and Brianne (Wedertz ‘98) BurkeBrad ‘96 & Elaine ByszewskiDave and Jessica (Casper ‘98) CapekJoey and Cheryl (Bender ‘00) CericolaJoshua ‘98 & Cameran DavisChristopher Devitt ‘04Lauren Donaghy ‘09Brian ‘97 & Heidi EstesJason and Lisa (Gantz ‘00) FarnanKristofer ‘95 & Elizabeth FarrisJohn and Amanda (Peyrebrune ‘95) FlanaganGianna Gruenwald ‘95Griffin and Allison (Henisey ‘98) HowardNora Jans ‘95Michael King ‘06Jennifer Lovatt ‘03Steven Luxenberg ‘00Stephen and Clare (Peyrebrune ‘01) MangChristopher ‘00 & Ashley McCormickJennifer McDonald ‘00Amanda McDorman ‘96Stephen McNutt ‘00Blaire Paiso ‘10Kerry and Mary (Sabin ‘96) PersonGregory ‘00 & Erin RaithKevin and Lauren (Di Cianni ‘00) ServinoBrent and Renee (McKay ‘95) SnyderNicholas ‘98 & Katherine SuhrMirko Tancredi ‘14Brent Villalobos ‘98Stefani Welsh ‘06Sean Zeitler ‘01

25 SPRING 2012

2 wings

anta Margarita Catholic High School graduated its twenty-first class of seniors with a com-mencement ceremony at the UCI Bren Center celebrating the wonderful accomplishments of

the class.The June 3 celebration was attended by the Most

Reverend Bishop Tod D. Brown, who addressed the graduates and presented them their diplomas, Reverend Gerald Horan, vicar of faith, Greg Dhuyvetter, superintendent of Catholic schools, and SMCHS administrators including Principal Raymond R. Dunne and President Paul Carey.

“Each of us has the ability to make a difference in our world. I hope we all make a difference not just in our community, but across the globe,” said salutatorian Kian Mehrazarin in his opening comments at graduation. Kian scored a perfect score on the ACT and attends Stanford University.

“There are no limits to your possibilities at this moment,”

Class of 2011Santa Margarita Celebrates

said Superintendent Greg Dhuyvetter. “There is no limit for your capacity for love, gratitude and service. Embrace the beauty and expansiveness of your dreams and remember the school where so many of your dreams were born.”

Another warming message to the students came as Principal Ray Dunne reflected on favorite memories. “You are ready to move ahead,” he told the class. “Make each day count. Our Lord has so much love for each of you and will continue to be at your side.”

Valedictorian Kishen Patel gave his classmates three pieces of advice: Relax. You’re smart and talented. Somebody loves you.

This was the same advice his favorite Santa Margarita teacher, Mr. Gerlach, gave before every Latin test.

“For every chapter in your life turn to your experience at Santa Margarita to guide you,” Patel said.

Bishop Brown left the students with a strong message: “For us, you are our hope, you are our hope because you are the future,” he said.

S

SPRING 2012 27

Cassidy Pearl was named the school’s 2011 Caritas Award recipient. The award, a tradition at Santa Margarita, recognizes the student who best exemplifies the school’s charism of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ.

The recipient of the award is recognized at graduation and sits on stage along with the valedictorian and salutatorian. The Caritas Award recipient is selected by the entire faculty and staff.

Pearl attends UCLA where she is studying international relations. At Santa Margarita, she was involved in the school’s Model United Nations program, sang in the choir, served as a peer minister helping to plan school masses, retreats and other faith-filled activities and was president of the Green Machine Recycling Club helping to initiate and grow a campus wide recycling program.

In recognition for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship, Pearl received a certificate of commendation from the President of the United States on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

“She is very humble about all she has accomplished and goes about all she does in a very quiet way.”

Dr. Mary Beth Dougherty, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction

“The quiet dignity of her daily demeanor belies her intense dedication to the concept of service and all that it entails. From organizing the National Honor Society drive to fulfill the Christmas wishes of the needy, to emptying the messy classroom recycling bins, she does so without complaint, often without help, and always with the positive attitude of one who understands the concept of service. She is unfailingly kind and respectful.”

Ms. Coleen Barry, English teacher

Past Caritas Award Recipients

Nicole Villa (2010)

Chloe Manese (2009)

Megan Woods (2008)

Tommy Mina (2007)

John Maltese (2006)

Matthew Steinbach (2005)

Mark Khouzam (2004)

Nathaniel Imperiale (2003)

Tai Baird (2002)

Bridget McAvoy-Hein (2001)

Vincent Prietto (2000)

Stacey Fikert (1999)

Natalie Atkins (1998)

Patrick Fisher (1997)

Brian Meihaus (1996)

Nikki Buffa (1995)

Jeff McGuire (1994)

The Caritas Award

Head of the Class

Kishen Patel, Valedictorian

GPA: 4.92

College: Yale University

Academic honors: AP Scholar with Honors, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Richard Hunsaker Scholarship recipient

Activities: Model United Nations, ASB Spirit Commissioner, Eagles for CHOC

Service: Math tutor at The Tutoring Center in Laguna Hills; Presi-dent of the Third World First Club, which organized a concert to benefit schools in Kenya and an orphanage in Nicaragua; volunteer math tutor at the Ruiru Rehabilitation Center for AIDS inflicted orphans in Kenya during the summer of 2010

Athletics: Lacrosse

Major: I plan to do a double major in Economics and Electrical Engineering or Economics and Computer Science/Mathematics.

Advice for underclassmen: Do something you love and do it the best that you can.

How do you think your experiences here at Santa Margarita will help you in the future? Santa Margarita has given me so many opportunities. The activities I was involved with at SM have broad-ened my mind and allowed me to engage in so many new things. All of these experiences have made me excited to take on challenges.

What did it take to get where you are today? It took lots of support and encouragement from my friends and family.

 Kian Mehrazarin, Salutatorian

GPA: 4.88

College: Stanford University

Academic honors: AP Scholar with Honors, achieved a perfect score on the ACT, National Honors Society

Activities: Model United Nations, Mock Trial

Service: Club officer of the Santa Margarita Third World First Club, which puts on the Rock for Peace concert – an annual benefit that in five years has raised more than $62,000 for humanitarian relief in Africa, Asia and South America

Athletics: Track and Field

Major/Career Aspirations: I’m thinking about majoring in biology or philosophy. I would like to go into medicine or law in the future.

How do you think your experiences at Santa Margarita will help you in the future? At SM I learned how to balance school and my personal life. SM has a sense of community. I made a lot of close friends that I miss.

How did you get to where you are today? My teachers, they made learning fun and encouraged us to care.

Favorite high school memory? Rock for Peace was one of my favorite memories because there were a lot of people working together for something meaningful that truly made a difference in the lives of others. I also enjoyed the Kairos retreat because it was a time when our class really came together.

FROM THE CLASS OF 2011: KISHEN PATEL, VALEDICTORIAN

AND KIAN MEHRAZARIN, SALUTATORIAN

28 wings

SPRING 2012 29

Santa Margarita Catholic High School recent graduate Alexandra Kubiak was selected as a recipient of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship. The honorees are part of a group of just 0.5 percent of test-takers nationwide.

National Merit Scholars are finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. These scholars may use their awards at any accredited U.S. college or university.

 Kubiak used her scholarship toward her education at Princeton. She plans to pursue a career in science.

During high school, the standout student played soccer, participated in the school’s theatre program, was a member of ASB, taught soccer to children with mental and physical challenges and served as treasurer for the campus club Coat a Kid, which provided clothing to children in need. She graduated with an International Baccalaureate diploma, a rigorous academic program offered at SMCHS and select schools worldwide.

“Balance is key,” says Kubiak. “You have to keep focused and pursue what you’re passionate about.”

Class of 2011 Fun Facts

368 Graduates

Performed 32,706 hours of Christian Service

Earned a record-breaking $21.1 million in scholarship offers

46 Earned International Baccalaureate Diplomas and 126 IB Certificates

1 National Merit Scholar

25 Students attend school on an athletic scholarship

4 Ivy League Athletes

One graduate joined military service

1 set of triplets

8 sets of twins

Where did they go?California Public Colleges: 33%

California Private Colleges: 12%

Out-of-State Public Colleges: 30%

Out-of-State Private Colleges: 23%

International Colleges: <1%

Unknowns: <1%

Four-year Colleges: 87%

Community Colleges: 13%

Catholic Colleges: 15%

When Aria’s father was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer, she didn’t let her grief stop her from taking action. Instead, she fought back.

Bendix started Santa Margarita’s Breath of Hope Club to raise awareness and money to fight meso. She traveled to Washington D.C. to urge the House of Representatives to establish National Mesothelioma Day (it became officially recognized in 2010) and has testified before Congress urging a ban on asbestos, which scientists believe trigger the disease.

“My dad did not die in vain,” she said. “He came into our lives for a reason and we have to take our experience to make people aware of the disease and hopefully make a difference.”

Because of these efforts coupled with her academic achievements, Bendix was named one of The Orange County Register’s Top 10 Graduates Who Will Change the World. Bendix attends Harvard University and continues her fight against Meso. Her sister, Isabella, a freshman at SMCHS, has followed in her sister’s footsteps taking over the Breath of Hope Club. Through the club’s efforts, more than $9,000 has been raised for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

ARIA BENDIX ‘11:

GRAD WHO WILL

CHANGE THE WORLD

SANTA MARGARITA

PROUD OF NATIONAL

MERIT SCHOLAR

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1991The landscape in Rancho Santa Margarita has changed since September 2,

1987 when 216 students walked onto the 42-acre campus to begin their journey

at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The campus, once just a few buildings

surrounded by mostly vacant land and hillsides, has expanded to include the

Eagle Athletic Center, a beautiful Olympic-size swimming pool, the Academic

Services Center which houses the school’s Eagle TV studio, and a new orchard

– just to name a few of the newest amenities.

The students, families, teachers, staff and founders that graced the campus

on that opening day in September forever changed the school. They arrived with

enthusiasm for being part of something new, something special, something that

would develop into more than was ever imagined. They offered their time, talent

and treasure to make the dream of a Catholic high school in South Orange

County a reality.

Now home to 7,700 graduates, Santa Margarita continues to benefit from

early developments and add more chapters to the school’s heritage of developing

well-educated students spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially.

The first students to cross through the gates of this campus will always be

an integral part of Eagle history. They were the first. They attended the first

school mass, were the first to study in the school’s library, served on the first

ASB, cheered on the Eagles at the school’s first football game and were the first

graduates!

The Charter Class once again achieved a first, celebrating the school’s

first 20-year reunion this past summer. Classmates gathered at Mozambique

Restaurant in Laguna Beach on Saturday, Aug. 13. They were joined by charter

class faculty to reminisce about the beginnings of this wonderful school and share

those special memories they made together. The reunion planners put together a

great weekend with activities including a campus tour and beach day for families.

Charter Class Celebrates

20 Year Reunion

SPRING 2012 31

Charter ClassAlumni Profiles

planned in late January 2009. Blattman truly believed it was an honor to give her father the gift of life. Her son Bryce calls his mom “An Every Day Hero.”

Bender is considered a “miracle” patient and is currently being studied as he takes no steroids and a very low dosage of anti-rejection medicine. His situation is one that is quite unique to transplant patients.

Blattman is a stay-at-home mom, married to Bryan Blattman and has two boys Bryce, 9, and Brody, 5. She has very fond memories of being in the charter class.

“As a member of the charter class you learned adaptability and that skill took me through my college years. At SM you were in a small, close and secure situation and I learned confidence that allowed me to spread my wings and fly,” Blattman said.

Lives: San Clemente

Married: Bryan Blattman

Children: Bryce, age 9 and Brody, age 5

SM Activities: Softball, Mock Trial and voted “Best Looking”

Favorite teacher: Mrs. Fran Campbell who taught Math

Cindee Bender BlattmanFamily has always been important

to charter class graduate Cindee Bender Blattman. Now more than ever the meaning of family has become an unbreakable bond.

In 2009, Blattman gave her father an amazing gift — a kidney. Tom Bender had been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and in 2008 his kidneys were starting to fail. His only option became a transplant. When Bender gathered his tight-knit family of his wife and three daughters to share the news that had been kept a secret for two years, Blattman immediately said, “You can have mine.”

Tom Bender was 69 years old and one of the oldest candidates to receive a kidney, but having a 6 point matched daughter made his prognosis excellent. Blattman’s husband Bryan was also a 4 point match and was ready to support Bender if need be. After many trials and medical tests the surgery went as

Dr. Lisa Valle Dr. Valle keeps busy with her life as

a physician specializing in obstetrical and gynecological care for women. The Santa Margarita graduate works at her private practice in Orange, California.

In addition to her practice, Valle lectures, writes and even has appeared on the TLC and Discovery Health channel as a medical expert on television shows such as “Twins by Surprise” and “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant.”  In her free time, she maintains her blog TheNestingCorner.com for expectant mothers. She is currently writing a book regarding celebrations of pregnancy and births around the world. She recently served as one of the 20- Year Reunion organizers for the Charter Class of 1991.

Valle believes in treating the “whole person” and seeks to educate her patients about ways they can take more responsibility for their well-being.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles graduating with honors. In 2001, she attended medical school at Ohio University ►

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Patrick KeanePatrick Keane is in the funny

business. His comedy career has landed him the spotlight on stages across the country. Been to the Improv or Comedy Store in Hollywood lately? That’s where you might find this comical character.

Keane’s love of comedy began during his years at Santa Margarita. His classmates and teachers might recall him as a “pain” back then, but he certainly has emerged as a “funny guy” that people revel in. The key to getting laughs?

“I try not to be funny and it usually works.”

Keane has performed standup at hot spot comedy clubs including Crackers in Indianapolis, Go Bananas in Cincinnati, and Zanies in Chicago, but his most memorable gig was being the warm-up act for fellow comedian, Nick Swardson,

College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio. Valle completed the first half of residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, Texas and later transferred and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, Fresno Medical Education Program.

Wearing many hats is nothing new to Valle who has held various jobs since she was 14 years old. Everything from babysitting, folding newspapers for the Saddleback Valley News, doctor’s office file clerk, architectural firm assistant, working at Disneyland, library assistant, and telemarketer amongst many others.

She may have been a bit shy in the early years, but spent her time at Santa Margarita involved in yearbook, pep club and served as a features editor for the school newspaper as well as a commissioner of ecology, health and safety for four years for student council.

We anxiously wait to see what new projects Lisa will be involved in next!

Lives: Newport Beach

Words to live by: I really believe that everything happens for a reason. It’s the challenges that allow us to grow and evolve.

On being a doctor delivering babies: A truly spiritual experience.

On being on TV: Never say never. If you told me 20 years ago that I would be on a television show, I would have said, “Never in a million years!”

Key to success: An unwavering belief in yourself, persistence, and hard work

Hobbies: Drawing, painting, cooking classes, and spending time with friends and family.

On being a part of the charter class: In one word, gratitude. It has been a privilege and honor to bring my charter class family together again for our 20 year reunion.

Favorite SM teachers: Mr. Voekel and Father Martin

at a sellout show at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre where rock legends Jimi Hendricks and The Grateful Dead among many others have performed.

The charter class grad has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “The Bob and Tom Show,” “Comics Unleashed,” and the Montreal Comedy Festival. He was also a cast member on My TV Network’s “Tony Rock Project”.

When Keane isn’t working on shows or telling jokes at local comedy houses, he continues to write and re-write his comedy submitting his work to all the “big names” in Hollywood. He hopes to land a job as a writer for one of the big comedy shows and perhaps even one day have his own comedy show.

Lives: Los Angeles

SM Activities: Football, student council, spirit club commissioner, cheerleader, singing in the choir

Influences: Bill Murray and Gene Wilder

Favorite stand-up comedians: Chris Rock, Lewis Black, Gary Shandling, and Jerry Seinfeld

Other SM siblings: Katie Keane ’94 and Dennis Keane ‘96

When he’s not telling jokes: Practices magic and participates in a local ballet company in Los Angeles.

For Patrick’s performance schedule you can find him at www.citizenkeane.com or on Facebook.

Charter ClassAlumni Profiles

SPRING 2012 33

A L U M N I S N A P S H O T SClass of 2001: 10-Year Reunion

The Class of 2001 reunited on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at the Balboa Yacht Club to celebrate their 10-year reunion. Class of 2001 co-chairs, Meg Harty Tennant and Aishling McCullagh Wendell, did a great job of gathering friends together to celebrate. More than 140 classmates attended the event. The beautiful October night was filled with lots of laughter, good food, music and fellowship. Classmates even got a chance to reconnect with a few of their past teachers too.

Former Kings and Queens Attend Homecoming SMCHS was proud to present the 2011 Homecoming Court at the Homecoming

football game against Orange Lutheran on Oct. 21, 2011 at Saddleback College. Hundreds of Santa Margarita alumni, students, parents and friends gathered for the school’s annual tailgate party before heading into the game. The Eagles defeated the Orange Lutheran Lancers 28-10. In honor of our 25th year celebration, we welcomed back five past homecoming kings and queens to join us as we crowned our newest queen, Kaitlin Propeck ’12.

Our five honored guests were Brian Hauke ’92, Cicely Poettgen Izadi ’95, Dave Reskey ’95, Brooke Fitzgerald Nojima ’98, and Craig Smith ’00 along with last year’s Queen Hope Blain ’11. In her absence, Ashley Yergler ’04 contributed her tiara to crown the new queen as a symbol of her presence.

Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Race

The third annual Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Race took place on Saturday, July 23 at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in honor of Sarah, a 2005 graduate and Lady Eagle runner. More than 120 participants of all ages laced up their running shoes and enjoyed an early morning run followed by a pancake breakfast. Junior Jeffrey Spraker of Dove Canyon was the male winner with a time of 17:32.1 and junior Caylie Connelly of Rancho Santa Margarita had the fastest time for women at 21:07.3.

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Soaring SocialOur first “Soaring Social” Wine Tasting event was hosted by Kris Riggs ’98 who

owns American Vines was on Nov. 10, 2011 at Casa Ranchero. Pictured below are Bryan Kretzmer ’00, Katie McCurdy ’02, Megan Clark Dickson ’94, Thomas Dickson ’93, and Rob Kretzmer ’03. A great time was spent with SM alumni, friends and families. Look for our next event in Spring 2012.

Class of 2006: 5-Year ReunionThe class of 2006 celebrated five years this past July. Chairperson Amanda

Neilson did a great job organizing the event at Dave and Busters in Irvine. DJ Chris got the music going and the whole group danced the night away! More than 90 alumni reconnected.

SAVE THE DATE!5 Year Reunion Class of 2007 June 30, 2012 Dave & Buster’s Irvine

10 Year Reunion Class of 2002 October 6, 2012 Balboa Yacht Club

20 Year Reunion Class of 1992 July 14, 2012 El Adobe, San Juan Capistrano

Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Race July 21, 2012 SMCHS

Career Day September 2012

Homecoming Game & Tailgate October 26, 2012 Saddleback College

SPRING 2012 35

3 on 3 for JoeyThe “3 on 3 for Joey” basketball tournament was at Santa Margarita Catholic

High School on Saturday, May 28. The tournament raised more than $10,000 to help families who face financial, emotional or medical crisis unexpectedly. The tournament brought more than 190 participants (45 alumni). The event is held in memory of Joey Campbell ‘00, a three-year basketball player who loved life and basketball. In the past two years, the fund has assisted eight families with a grant from the Joseph E. Campbell Benevolent Fund.

Gift of the Heart Tournament

Santa Margarita Catholic High School hosted the 8th Annual Gift of the Heart Foundation Flag Football Tournament on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011. Funds from the tournament go toward medical and therapy expenses for Damien Minna ’97, who suffered a spinal cord injury in August 2004, and through rehabilitation continues to make progress. Last year we were happy to report Damien was able to work his wheel chair and even talk on the phone. Now he is using both hands simultaneously and has feeling back in some nerves. He continues to make progress with his laser treatments and is still hopeful that he will walk again soon!

The tournament was attended by more than 100 alumni, friends, current students and regular tournament supporters to see who would reign as flag football champions. The competition was fierce with the winner from the previous two years dethroned.

Damien made a very special announcement before the tournament tip off, proposing to his long time support and girlfriend Rebecca. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Alumni Career DayOn Monday, Nov. 21, 2011

SMCHS hosted its Fourth Annual Alumni Career Day. The Alumni Office and Class of 2013 thank our alumni who came back to the nest for a successful event.

Class of 1994Megan Clark DicksonKimberly Farris-BergMajor Paul FergusonClass of 1995Kris FarrisChris KelishesClass of 1996Chris AbbamantoBrian MeihausSarah Walker OllenburgerClass of 1997Drew BordagesNick MauroClass of 1998Scott Feyka 

Class of  2000Dani DiLoretta KellySteve LuxenbergClass of 2001Christian BunteChad KurthyWill MilliganDevon PoerClass of 2003James HarveyJared HughesMatt McConnellClass of 20041st Lt. Brian Shumway

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F E A T U R E D A L U M N I

elly Crean’s acting career began early. The 5’10 blond with the Hollywood smile caught her first break during her days as a high school student at Santa

Margarita Catholic High School. After a six-hour shoot for Encyclopedia Britannica commercial, the budding actress was hooked on life in front of the camera. Crean kept busy in the arts as a student at Santa Margarita getting involved in Talon Theatre and singing in the choir. After high school, she attended Chapman University where she studied film and television while minoring in acting. Soon she was landing gigs on the big screen.

In her latest project, Crean plays a reporter in the hit movie “Soul Surfer,” the inspiring story about Bethany Hamilton, a young girl who is attacked by a tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii. Bethany overcomes all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. Veteran director Sean McNamara wanted to do a story like Bethany’s for years and when the chance to work with this strong, sweet and religious young lady arose, he worked nonstop to get the project produced under a deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. Traditionally, stories with religious overtones are ones that may get passed by in bigger studios, but McNamara’s enthusiasm for this heart-warming story of courage quickly caught on.

Crean said the entire cast was 100 percent behind the project working to tell Bethany’s story of faith and fortitude. The film stars Hollywood A-listers Carrie Underwood, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.

“It was wonderful to be part of a great story and to work with an all-star cast,” says Crean. “This is definitely the biggest film I have done so far. The movie was such an inspiration to make. Everyone was so down to earth and genuine, even

Dennis Quaid would play guitar on breaks on the set. I got to meet Bethany and her family and they are amazing people.”

Crean’s other roles have included starring in films including “Bratz: the Movie” and “Opposite Day” as well as appearing on TV including appearances in “Port Charles,” “CSI Miami” and “Days of Our Lives” to name a few.

For now Crean is enjoying acting, but she dreams of one day becoming a producer. Dedication and perseverance

have gotten the Laguna Hills resident to where she is today, she says. Crean continues to attend acting classes two times a week at the Actors Workshop, where she has been studying for 12 years.  

In May, she married Corey LaFrance in the Bahamas. In addition to her acting career, she and her husband own a bike shop in Laguna Hills specializing in service and repairs. The bike garage even offers self-service stations and roadside assistance for bikers.

“It’s the Pep Boys of bike shops,” Crean jokes. When Crean isn’t busy acting or at the bike shop, she

enjoys spending time with daughter Crystal and volunteering with the Alzheimer Association or various children’s charities.

She continues to live out what she says is the message of “Soul Surfer:” Never lose focus of your dreams.

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On the Big ScreenKELLY CREAN ‘93 LANDS ROLE IN “SOUL SURFER”

SPRING 2012 37

lay Thompson ’08 had a dream his senior year at SM, one that many aren’t fortunate enough to make

happen. But on June 23 at Prudential Center in Newark, Klay realized his lifelong dream as he was drafted in the NBA first round as the 11th pick for the Golden State Warriors. Surrounded by his family and best friend Anthony, the 6’7” junior shooting guard from Washington State University stood next to NBA commissioner David Stern and accepted his position as an official NBA player becoming SM’s first athlete to make it to the NBA.

This past July we had Klay back on campus to teach a shooting clinic to basketball campers and current SM basketball players. Klay took the time to answer questions, sign autographs and take photos with participants. Alumni Director Lori Gardner chatted with Klay about basketball, from Santa Margarita to the NBA.

What are your favorite memories of Santa Margarita? Klay: My fondest memories of Santa Margarita were playing freshman football and winning the state championship basketball game my senior year.

When you were playing basketball during your four years at SM did you ever think about an NBA career?Klay: In the beginning my goals were always to make it to the varsity team

and maybe to go back and play football. I loved playing football too! As my senior year approached, I really began to see that I may have a future in the NBA and shifted my dreams to getting to the NBA.

I know you and Coach DeBusk have a great relationship, can you tell me something that coach has taught you that has stayed with you?Klay: Coach DeBusk taught me a lot about respecting the game of basketball. DeBusk was a huge proponent for making players on his team be good time managers. This is definitely necessary when you need to practice long hours and travel for games. One last thought, coach would always tell us, “Treat every game like it is your last.”

Klay, you are the first SM basketball player to move to the NBA, how does that feel?Klay: I was actually shocked when I found that out. We have had so many good players over the years at Santa Margarita that could play basketball that

I would have never believed I was the first one. This really means a lot to me. I will continue to support my alma mater when I can in the upcoming years. I have been active at Washington State in the summertime helping with summer camps for kids. I see myself back on campus as I was today teaching some shooting clinics or a camp.

What was draft day like?Klay: There was so much anticipation and nerves. The day seemed to go on for so long and then they called my name and it was just a few seconds. It most definitely is the best day of my life.

Were you excited to be picked up by a California team? Klay: I always wanted to play for a California team or for Portland. I am excited to play close to home. A real dream, of course, would’ve been to play for the Lakers, but they didn’t have any first round picks. My family is “pumped” about me playing ball for the Golden State Warriors.

So Klay, you are going to be famous…what are your thoughts on the media and how you will handle the fame, maybe some words of wisdom?Klay: I need to always be friendly to the media and treat the media with respect. My words of wisdom, “Be respectful.” Those are words my dad shared with me.

A High School Dream FulfilledKLAY THOMPSON ‘08 PLAYING IN NBA

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Klay ThompsonAge: 21Hometown: Ladera Ranch, CACollege: Washington State

University

Personal Stats:6-7 Height 8-8 Reach206 Weight 6-9 Wing Span

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ongtime Santa Margarita religion teacher and 2000 graduate Craig Smith, with his contagious laugh and smile, recently left the Eagle’s Nest to pursue his

Ph.D. in religious education at Fordham University. Craig chatted with Alumni Director Lori Gardner about life as an Eagle, once as a student and later a teacher. He’s now back in the classroom in the Big Apple.

Q: What are your fondest memories of SM as a student?A: There are just so many fond memories looking back on my time at Santa Margarita: the school masses, Kairos, tennis and the joy of class. But I have to say what stays with me longer than the specific memory of events is the memory of how I felt. I always felt loved, safe, cared for and appreciated.

Q: What activities were you involved in at SM as a student?A: Well, you name it, I did it. Some of my favorites were ASB and Campus Ministry. There is such a great value in giving young people the opportunity to lead and grow. It was through Kairos and religion class that I really started to see myself as a valued person and valued member of the Catholic Church. It was in those years that I began to understand my Catholic faith and the responsibilities that go with that. I can trace my current career path to those seeds planted at Santa Margarita all those years ago.

Q: What made you decide to come back to SM to teach?A: After college and graduate school, I knew that I had to return to SM and pay it back by paying it forward. I wanted to be the teacher that so many had been for me. I just could not think of beginning my career in ministry in any other way. I had to return to my alma mater to give thanks.

Q: What was it like transitioning from student to teacher?A: At first, the transition was a little awkward. Calling teachers by their first name, writing detentions and hearing “Mr. Smith” were all pretty significant adjustments. But at the same time the transition was so simple; I had come home. I had returned to a place filled with joyful memories and to a community still so alive with the Holy Spirit.

Q: Share some of your fond memories of teaching at SM?A: I never could have hoped for the joy that this job would bring to my life. I really enjoyed performing in rallies, coaching tennis and participating in campus ministry, but nothing compares to being a teacher. G112 was my second home. Teaching religion on a daily basis was the best way to spend the day. We had fun, learned a lot and laughed often.

Q: What are some things you were involved in here as a teacher, advisor, etc?A: Once again, you name it, I did it. I coached girls’ tennis, served as advisor for both the Ping Pong Club and Pep Squad, worked with Campus Ministry, assisted with student activities and more. Many of these activities are what gave me so much joy. Although I gave a lot, I got so much more in return.

Q: What are you doing now? A: I live in New York City on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Religious Education at Fordham University. And as the Lord would have it, I am also working here at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus as a student affairs administrator for residential life. This is a whole new world, but one that is rather exciting. It is very nice to remain in a Catholic educational setting.

Q: What are your long term goals?A: After completing the Ph.D., I hope to return to California and become a professor of religious education at a local Catholic university. My alma maters of University of San Diego and Loyola Marymount University would be dream jobs. There is something about the call to come home that has always been rather strong in my life. I would also welcome the opportunity for a third Eagle chapter in my life. The first two were so joyful and transformative.

Leaving the NestCRAIG SMITH ‘00 PURSUING Ph.D.

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SPRING 2012 39

Todd Sedano (Turco) ’93 is the director of the Software Engineering Program for Carnegie Mellon University’s Silicon Valley campus. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations, he teaches software development, entrepreneurship, and improv to graduate students. Todd also runs “Improv for Engineers” workshops that allow engineers to develop leadership skills. Outside of the office, Todd performs improv comedy. Todd earned both his master’s in software engineering and his undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Carnegie Mellon University. Todd and his wife Karie reside in Santa Clara, California. They are proud parents to 3 year-old daughter Claire.

class notes93

Major Paul Ferguson ’94 was appointed to serve as 2011 ambassador to represent his service unit along with eight other military members in San Antonio. As an ambassador, he represents the military at San Antonio area community events, including visiting local schools, participating in parades and getting involved in the area Fiesta.

Scott Hughes ’94 married Leslie Davies on June 26, 2010 at Rancho Las Lomas in Trabuco Canyon. Scott and Leslie welcomed their first child, a little girl they named Penelope, in June 2011. The couple recently moved into a new home in Coto de Caza and look forward to sending their little girl to SMCHS.

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95Marisol (Macias) Arietta ’95 and husband Stephen welcomed their son, Bryce Robert, born on April 5, 2011. Taylor and Brandon are proud siblings. The family resides in Santa Clarita, CA.

Oakley Phromyothi Boren ’95 works for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation in downtown Los Angeles as communications manager. She recently led the organization into the social media foray, handling multiple twitter and Facebook accounts. Oakley joined the USC Alumni Club of Long Beach Board as technology director. She manages the club’s twitter account and website, designs event fliers, and assists with communications and fundraising. Oakley takes Italian lessons in Irvine and is cooking her head off for her blog at http://food.oakmonster.com.

96Sari (Orlando) Ward ’96 and husband Brian recently moved back to Orange County from San Francisco. They reside in Beacon Hill in Laguna Niguel and are the proud parents of sons Pierce Jackson and Beckett Mason. Sari is a Realtor with Prudential California Realty, working together with her mother Maryann Orlando and her brother Greg Orlando ’99. Sari is looking forward to reconnecting with her SMCHS classmates! 

Christina (Copes) Tortomasi ’96 along with husband Jeff and son Logan welcomed baby girl Alexa Rose in January 2011. Christina currently teaches second grade in Newport-Mesa Unified. The family resides in Laguna Niguel.

97Lauren (Haag) Stine ’97 and her Los Angeles firefighter husband Christopher welcomed baby Caitlyn Michelle Stine on April 26, 2010 at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. Caitlyn weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and was 18 inches long.

Mara (Flint) Francis ’97 and her husband Woody welcomed baby Anderson Elyse Francis “Andie” on Sept. 4, 2010. The couple resides in San Diego. Mara works for Pepsi in marketing and her husband is an executive officer for the SEAL Team 7 in the US Navy.

Mark Nix ’97 graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2001 with a degree in recreation administration. He currently manages Fountain Valley’s Recreation and Community Services Department. Mark lives in Mission Viejo with his wife and son and is a member of the Mission Viejo Activities Committee.

June Abrams ’97 teaches ceramics at Foothill High School in Tustin (her favorite class at SMCHS) and continues to grow her photography and videography business, Memories by June.

98Edward Brown ’98 has turned his love of people into helping tens of thousands of residents be able to afford their prescriptions at pharmacies throughout California. When Ed is not visiting pharmacies, he can be found at community clinics, children’s hospitals, and health fairs talking about his company’s discount program.

Gwynne (Langley) Rivers ’98 and husband Nate announce the birth of their son Benjamin William born on Oct. 28, 2010 at 4:56 am at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 20 inches long. He’s a champion eater! The couple resides in Forest Park, IL. Gwynne teaches history part-time at a local community college and working on her doctoral dissertation in addition to her job as mom.

Mike Roache ’98 along with wife Shannon and big sister Ashlyn welcomed Brody Michael on June 16, 2011 at 11:24 am. He was born at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20.5 inches.

Leasa (Gouin) Bitterlin ’98 and husband Dane welcomed their second daughter into the family. Paige Lila was born April 7, 2011 in La Jolla, Ca. Her big sister Ava, 2, is thrilled with her arrival. The family resides in North San Diego County.

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Clare (Peyrebrune) Mang ’01 and husband Stephen are excited to announce the birth of their daughter Grace Sharen Mang.  Grace was born in Columbia, Maryland on Jan. 11, 2011 weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.  She is a healthy and happy baby girl.  

Megan (Genovese) Acosta ’01 met her husband Jonathan during a semester visit to UCLA while she attended UC Berkeley. After graduating from college, they followed each other to law school at Pepperdine University School of Law. They currently reside in Newport Coast where Megan is an estate planning and tax attorney with Paul Hastings, LLP and Jonathan, also a licensed California attorney, is pursuing his Olympic beach volleyball dreams. During their spare time, they visit Jonathan’s family in Puerto Rico.

Stephanie (Kanda) Pasternack ’99 recently accompanied senior management from Cymer, Inc. in San Diego to the NASDAQ in Times Square where she participated in an Opening Bell Ceremony commemorating the company’s 25th anniversary. She was recently promoted to senior analyst, treasury and investor relations, at Cymer. She resides with her husband in San Diego, California and recently celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary. 

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00Non Talbot Wels ’00 received a bachelor’s in English literature from Concordia University in Irvine after traveling abroad for a year in the UK and studying literature at the University of Swansea in Wales. As a freelancer, he’s been able to work various jobs, as well as live in a number of different places including Brooklyn, Alaska and New Jersey. In June 2010, he married Jessica Snider Dobson in a quaint, appropriately book-themed wedding. Recently, Non started his own business, Subject + Verb Writing Company, which provides writing, editing and proofreading services to small businesses, nonprofit organizations and universities.

Jordana Riela ’00 got engaged to Nick Chapman on Dec. 22, 2010. The couple tied the knot in October 2011 in Santa Barbara at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The reception was held at the Four Seasons Resort.

Brandon John Smith ’00 is pleased to announce his marriage to Amanda Jean Darby on July 17, 2010. The wedding was held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Seattle. The couple honeymooned in France,

Spain, and Greece and now resides in Green Lake, a neighborhood in Seattle. Brandon has been a software engineer for Amazon.com since his graduation from UC San Diego in 2004. His position at Amazon has allowed him to travel to places like France, India, and across the US to help train and recruit. Brandon was a member of the Kindle development team. Amanda currently works for the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health.

Lisa (Gantz) Farnan ’00 married Jason in June 2010. The wedding included groomsman Ryan Gantz ‘03, matron of honor Cara Shiel Krenn ‘00, maid of honor Nicole LeBon ‘00, bridesmaid Danielle Cavanaugh Rank ‘00, Craig Smith ‘00 and Bryan Kretzmer ‘00 all pictured with the bride and groom. The couple enjoyed visiting Tahiti and Bora Bora on their honeymoon. When they met, through a mutual friend in San Diego, Jason had just relocated from New York and Lisa was teaching at SMCHS. Lisa currently works at Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The couple recently purchased their first home in Encinitas and enjoys taking their dog, Koopa, to the nearby San Diego beaches.  

Holly (Crouch) Llinas ’01 married Brandon on March 12, 2011 in Indian Wells, CA. Many alumni from the Class of 2001 were in attendance including Mike Hulse with his fiancé Amy Chen, Evan Buyze with his wife Gilda, Jenna Thompson, and Nicole Kono.

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Pictured with the new bride at the reception are Mike Hulse ‘01 with his fiancé Amy Chen on the left and Evan Buyze ‘01 with his wife Gilda on the right. 

Christie (McClain) Davidson ’01 and husband Eric proudly announce the birth of their second child. Jack Thomas Davidson was born Feb. 9, 2011 in the middle of an arctic freeze that hit North Texas!  He was 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was welcomed with much love from big sister Meredith Rose. Jack is a happy baby and loves watching his big sister! The Davidsons live in Fort Worth, Texas and Christie works for Johnson & Johnson. Even in the heart of Texas, they still cheer on the Ducks!

Megan with Stacey Kaszton, Aishling McCullough, Alexandra Prates Vitamins, and Nicole Halen (left to right, all from the Class of 2001.)

SPRING 2012 41

Edward Bixler ’01 and Angela Ordaz ’01 were married on March 26, 2011. They were joined by many fellow Eagles from the Class of 2001 to celebrate their special day! Alumni included in the picture are Steve Johnson ’01, Kevin Bishow ’01, Nicole Kono ’01, Edward Bixler ’01, Angela Bixler ’01, Manny Cueto ’01, Stacie Rego ’01, Robert Rios ’01, Jenna Thompson ’01 and Marie Brown ’01. Other alumni and current student guests included Alana Prouty ’01, Janess Wickham Scifers ’01, and current SMCHS student Sebastian Metoyer ’13.

Christine (Carrigan) Joines ’01 and husband John welcomed their first baby, Jakob Michael Joines, on July 13, 2010.  He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. His uncle Matthew Carrigan is a senior at SMCHS and his godmother Jennifer Philp is an alumna of the class of ’01.

Christian Bunte ’01 turned his love of Cabo San Lucas and making nachos into a thriving business. As a college project for a class at USC, Christian had to make a business plan for the USC Entrepreneur Program. Christian and his father worked to develop and perfect their product, kettle-cooked tortilla chips they named Cabo Chips, and launched Christian’s business plan into action. The chips were first sold at resorts and bodegas in Cabo San Lucas as a healthy snack alternative. When sales down south began to soar, the company moved into the US market. Today you can find Cabo Chips in 30 major supermarket chains in seven states.  When not in the Laguna Hills manufacturing plant, Christian can be found on weekends at food shows or in a local grocery stores sampling the delicious chips.

02Tai Baird ’02 recently accepted a teaching position on the island of Lanai, in Lanai City, Hawaii. Tai teaches 15 first grade students and lives among a community of 3,000 people. She welcomes any Santa Margarita alumni to come visit her in Hawaii anytime!

03Jared Hughes ’03 made his major league debut this past baseball season, pitching in 12 games and throwing 11 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jared started off his MLB career by pitching 8 scoreless innings. Jared recently married Kelly Charhut ’03 his high school sweetheart.

Kelly (Routy) Autera ’03 and Tyler Autera ’03 were married on May 6, 2011. The wedding was held at Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda with the reception following. Kelly and Tyler met in 2000 while attending SMCHS. Kelly graduated from CSU Fullerton in 2008 with a B.S. in child and adolescent development. Tyler graduated from CSU San Diego in 2008 with a B.S. in biology. The couple honeymooned in Bali, Indonesia and now resides in San Diego, California.

04Mike Lopez ’04 retired last spring as the SDSU Aztec mascot after three unbelievable years. Mike never thought he would be on TV or in magazines, but will leave his legacy behind to share with his family and friends.

Annie Mai ’04 was recently named the Assistant Coach for the women’s basketball program at UC Irvine. Mai played for the Anteaters and ranks sixth all-time in career assists. She graduated from UC Irvine in 2008 with a degree in sociology and a minor in education. Annie returned to UCI during the 2010-2011 as the director of operations for the women’s basketball program. Mai helped the team to a 26-7 overall record and a 2010 CIF Championship. She had the opportunity to coach three Eagles players that play Division I basketball.

Barbara Pando ’04 graduated from San Jose State University on May 28, 2010 with a bachelor degree in hospitality management with an emphasis in resort management. As of early January 2011, she will be living in Marbella, Spain earning her Post-Graduate Diploma in International Hotel Management from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management. The school is ranked as one of the top three universities for international hotel management in the world.

Cheryl (Collins) Smith ’04 graduated from Gonzaga University in 2008 with a degree in public relations. She currently works for a law firm in Irvine. In 2010, Cheryl married Mike Smith with the following fellow SM students in attendance: Kathleen Linzmeier ’04 (maid of honor), bridesmaid Callie Goldberg ’04, Alison Miller ’04, Kate Hirshboeck ’04, and Jocelyn Apat ’04. Jocelyn is not pictured because she took the photo.

Photo Courtesy of UCI  

Andrew Hughes ’05 graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL in 2009 with a bachelor’s in aeronautical science. After graduation, he returned to Orange County and worked as a flight instructor at John Wayne Airport. In June 2011, Andrew began working for American Eagle Airlines in Dallas, TX as a first officer flying people around the country and enjoying his office with a view.  

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Ashley (Fuller) Clark ’05 and Timothy Clark ’01 married Sept. 18, 2010 in San Diego, California. The ceremony took place at the Immaculate Catholic Church at the University of San Diego and the reception followed at the Catamaran Hotel in Mission Beach. Ashley and Timothy were married by Father Craig Butters and were joined by an entire bridal party of Santa Margarita alumni. Bridesmaids included Jennifer Joy ’04 (Maid of Honor), Brynne Fuller ’13 (Maid of Honor), Erin (Thomason) Bebereia ’01, and Megan Clark - Dickson ’94.  Groomsmen included Erik Anderson ’01 (Best Man), Kevin Clark ’93, Joe Cavallo ’01, Dan Bebereia ’01, Thomas Dickson ’93, Brett Fuller ’02, and Brandon Fuller ’05. Other Santa Margarita alumni in attendance were Patricia Alleborn ’05, Lance Nassau ’05, Garrett DiCorpo ’04, Ross Wilbur ’02, Erin Campo ’01, Dan C’de Baca ’02, and Bill Furlong ’02. Timothy is graduating from University of San Diego School of Law in the spring and currently works at Morris, Polich, and Purdy in downtown San Diego. Ashley received her teaching credential from Chapman University and currently works at a private school in La Jolla.

06Elyse (Platt) Wheeler ’06 and husband Dekan married in November 2010. They met while studying at Loyola Marymount University. Elyse and Dekan moved to the Midwest last spring to follow her career aspirations as an Electronic Systems Engineer. Dekan is a Film Editor. They are very excited for this new adventure!

Brittany Adame ’06 now lives in Flagstaff, AZ where she teaches 6-12th graders health and physical education at a small charter school.  She loves her new job and is very thankful for the opportunities life gave her.

Jordan (Laakso) Rodriguez ’06 and Daniel Rodriguez ’06 were married on July 22, 2011 at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. They met during their sophomore year in science class at SM. The bridal party and guests included many SM alumni: Ashley Laakso ’02 (maid of honor, sister of the bride), Alyssa Macias ’04 (bridesmaid), Lauren Rodriguez ’09 (bridesmaid, sister of the groom), Corrin Rodriguez ’10 (bridesmaid, sister of the groom), Robert Moran ’06 (groomsman), Chase Laakso ’08 (groomsman, brother of the bride), Brook McCall ’06, Diana Hunt ’06, Aubrey Heim ’06, Lauren Ingram ’06, Julie Hunt Cochran ’06 and Cami Poblete ’06 (photographer). Jordan graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and is working as a sales/marketing coordinator at Riviera Magazine in Costa Mesa. Daniel is a manager at The Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano. The couple resides in Aliso Viejo.  

Caitrin (Connolly) Olszewski ’06 married Michal Olszewski on June 25, 2011 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Chicago, IL. SM alumni guests included Allison Arnold ’06, Trudy Chancellor ’06, Kelly Norris ’06 and Chanel Brown ’06 (who caught the bouquet!). Caitrin and Michal met during their freshman year of college at Loyola University Chicago where they both received bachelor’s degrees in

2010; Michal double majoring in biology and french with Caitrin majoring in social work. This past August 2011, Caitrin received her master’s degree in social work with concentrations in both medical and geriatric work. The couple currently live in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago but are prepared to move (hopefully back to California, or at least someplace with less snow!) within the next year for Michal to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biology.

SPRING 2012 43

Alyson Miller ’07 was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army on May 22, 2011. She will serve her time in the California National Guard, B/1-126th Aviation Regiment, as a CH-47 helicopter pilot. Alyson recently graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s in mathematics.

Bobby Collins ’07 is a senior at Chico State University majoring in history. His roommate is Brian Martinez, a football teammate and 2007 SM grad. Since graduating SM, Bobby has helped coach the Eagles freshman football team each summer. The 2007 freshman teams were the undefeated Trinity League Champions.

Ally Beck ’07 was on fire her senior season at the University of Maryland! Ally scored 51 goals, the second highest on the team, ranked seventh in assists (17) and even posted a career best 6 point game. She was named the Women’s Varsity Southern Division Player of the Week in March 2011 and was named the Most Valuable Player in leading her team to the 2011 Eastern Athletic Conference Championship.

Mackenzie Maurer ’08 was recently honored as the proud recipient of the St. Catherine Medal for Student Achievement recognizing her outstanding leadership and services to the University of San Diego. She received this award on behalf of the Kappa Gamma Pi, The National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. Brian Maurer ’10, our 2010 Eagle Alumni Scholarship Winner, was recently honored at the University of San Diego Honors Convocation for having one of the highest GPA’s in his class.

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08Jaime Serna ’08 had another great 2010-2011 season with the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. He played well all season and helped his team advance into the NCAA Tournament. Jaime was one of the leading scorers on last season’s team, averaging eight points a game and 4.4 rebounds.

Caleigh Haber ’08 finished her externship at Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco and graduated on January 22, 2011 from the California Culinary Academy as a pastry chef.

Logan Harrell ’08, a senior defensive tackle for the Fresno State Bulldogs had an outstanding season receiving two honors during the 2011 season. In September, he was named by the College Football Performance Awards as National Defensive Lineman of the week in as well as the Verizon WAC Defensive Player of the Week.

Stephen DeMille ’08 and Ryan Canty ’09 started a lifestyle company which focuses on surfing skating and snowboarding. They design mens hoodies, crew necks, hats shirts and are in the process of designing a brand new line of girl clothes as well. Follow them on facebook at www.facebook.com/REELLIFESTYLES

Rob Kelly ’09 was named the Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Year for his outstanding 2011 season of baseball play at Saint Anselm College. While he attended Santa Margarita, Rob received all Trinity League honors. His stats in Saint Anselm are none to be missed as well. He led the league with 12 home runs, 113 bases, and a batting average of .364. Rob started in all 45 games this season and successfully hit in 39 games.  Rob uses a wooden bat, which certainly will help his quest to play professional baseball someday! Rob not only plays positions on the Hawk’s team, he pitches as well. He pitched three complete games including one shutout this past season. Rob has played in the summer league in 2010 for the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League’s North Fork Oysters, but will suit up this summer with the Cape Cod League and hopes to make a go on the pitcher’s mound! The MLB has their eye on Rob with his talented bat and flexibility. He hopes to continue to get interest from more clubs.

AJ Cruz ’09, junior defensive back at Brown University, was named to the All-New England football team. AJ is known as one of the top all-around players in the nation and is also a three-time all-Ivy player after earning first team all-Ivy honors for the second straight season.

Brian, Mackenzie and little brother

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Gavin Escobar ’09, tight end for San Diego State, was named first team all-Mountain West. Gavin was named to the first team after being picked as a second-team selection his freshman season. Gavin had 47 catches for 710 yards during the 2011 season, with a team-high seven touchdown receptions. Gavin’s 47 catches and the 710 yards are the most by a San Diego State tight end since Kerry Reed-Martin (49 receptions, 719 yards) in 1987. Gavin’s 59.17 receiving yards per game ranks third in the country among tight ends.

Tarah Taylor ’09 shot her personal best on Sept., 12, 2011 at the Country Club of Spartanburg in South Carolina. Tarah followed up on Tuesday, Sept., 13, 2011 with a 73 to secure herself a co-championship at the Terrier Intercollegiate. This is the first collegiate tournament win for Tarah who attends Wofford College.

11Lauren Bohaboy ’11, Notre Dame’s freshman forward, was named freshman the Big East Conference Rookie of the Week on Oct. 3, 2011. Lauren is Notre Dame›s first Big East Rookie of the Week selection since Oct. 27, 2008. In addition to her conference award, Lauren was the second Notre Dame Player this season to earn a place on the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week. She rounded out the Fighting Irish conference honorees, claiming a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team after chalking up six goals and 15 points this season. Lauren also was named California State Player of the Year.

Samantha Tinsley ’11 was named women’s volleyball player of the week on Nov. 14, 2011 for her outside hitting for Saint Mary’s. Samantha was named to the All-West Coast Conference Freshman Team and to the Saint Mary’s All-Tournament Team. She finished her season tied for fourth on her team with 216 kills, 239 digs and recorded 11 matches with 10 or more kills.

Taylor Krebs ’11 was named America East women’s soccer Rookie of the Year for their conference. Taylor also made the America East All-Rookie Team. Taylor finished fifth on the team at Boston University with six goals and two assists for 14 points. Taylor was named America East Rookie of the Week on August 29, 2011 and to Soccer America’s Team of the week on August 31, 2011.

“He will raise you up on eagle’s wings.”In Loving Memory

Remembering Mr. Jim Nielsen

A remarkable teacher, colleague and friend, Jim Nielsen passed away in December from complications from an infection that quickly led to illness. He was 57.

A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Nielsen was in his 17th year of teaching at Santa Margarita. He was currently teaching freshman Religion 1 The Bible, but had taught all grade levels of religion during his time at Santa Margarita.

With a Bible as his constant companion, Nielsen was regarded as a prayerful and thoughtful man whose ever-present smile was infectious.

A resident of Santa Ana, Nielsen is survived by his wife, Debbie, and sons, James, 29, a 2001 graduate of the school, and Joseph, 26.

“He was so spiritual, extremely loving and dedicated — his students just loved him,” said Campus Ministry Director Nancy Hormuth. “He was passionate about his faith and prayer.”

His dedication to helping students

discover the voice of God in their hearts demonstrated itself through prayer, meditation, the Liturgy of the Hours, and his passion for the Eucharist. A few years ago, Nielsen traveled to Israel and Turkey, journeys that enriched his own spiritual life, and he enthusiastically shared his experiences and photos with students as he taught Scripture and the Catholic faith.

Nielsen was instrumental in running the school’s Eucharistic adoration program, always making sure there were enough volunteers so students, faculty and staff could quietly sit before the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday in the school’s Sacred Heart Chapel. Deeply devoted to prayer, Nielsen could often be found during his off periods and before and after school praying in the school’s chapel. In one of Nielsen’s memorable

Christopher Phillips ’00Megan Grant Burke ’97 Steven Johnson ’01

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THE SANTA MARGARITA COMMUNITY JOINS IN PRAYERFUL

REMEMBRANCE OF OUR ALUMNI, FACULTY AND STAFF

WHO HAVE RECENTLY ENTERED HEAVEN

visual metaphors, his own adaptation of the Trinity triangle, the individual is placed in the middle of the triangle, fully embraced by God.

“We are comforted and assured that Jim Nielsen now rests in that triangle, in union with the God who sustained him throughout his life,” said Religion Department Chair Maria Johnson.

Mr. Nielsen’s life was celebrated Jan. 26 with a memorial mass at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church overflowing with students, alumni and friends who came to honor a man who continues to inspire us to deepen our relationship with God.

“He spent his life setting an example, not only being a great man, but a great man of faith,” said his son James. “If I turn out to be half as good as a man as he was, I am positive my father would be proud.”

Megan Sabatasso ’04 Elvis Kechechian Ice Hockey Coach

Vince Pattee Football Coach

SPRING 2012 45

wings 46

Parents of Alumni:If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumni@smhs.org. Thank you!

APRIL

26-29 Spring Musical: Les Miserables www.smhs.org/lesmiserables

30 25th Anniversary Eagle Golf Classic www.smhs.org/eaglegolfclassic

MAY

9 Marian Mass 10 a.m. Moiso Pavilion

JUNE

1 Commencement 10 a.m. UCI Bren Center

30 5-Year Reunion Class of 2007 Dave and Busters, Irvine Spectrum www.smhs.org/fiveyear JULY

14 20-Year Reunion Class of 1992 El Adobe, San Juan Capistrano www.smhs.org/20year

21 Sarah DeMille Memorial 5K Race SMCHS Track www.smhs.org/sarahdemille

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Santa Margarita Catholic High School22062 Antonio ParkwayRancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Find us on facebook! www.facebook.com/SMCHSEaglesAlumni: www.facebook.com/SMCHS

NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSANTA MARGARITA

CATHOLIC HS

Upcoming EventsSEPTEMBER

4 25th Anniversary Celebration Opening the Gates www.smhs.org/25th

9 25th Anniversary Event Family Fun Day www.smhs.org/25th

OCTOBER

6 10-Year Reunion Class of 2002 Balboa Yacht Club, Corona del Mar www.smhs.org/10year

26 Homecoming Tailgate Party Saddleback College www.smhs.org/homecomingtailgate

NOVEMBER

2 Remembrance Mass In memoriam of our deceased alumni and friends of SMCHS 10 a.m. SMCHS Moiso Pavilion