THE GAEL GAZETTE Bishop Gorman High School Alumni Newsletter | Spring 2014
m at t h e w ' s c l o s e t t u r n s 2 0
I h o m e c o m i n g 2 0 1 4 I S i s t e r F o r s t e r ' s 9 0 t h b i rt h day
notes of interest Dear Alumni and Friends Can you believe it … it is already 2014 and what an incredible year for all of us here at Bishop Gorman. As we finish up the 2013-2014 school year with Knight of the Gael, Easter, Prom, Passport and Graduation there never seems to be a lack of excitement around here! Celebrating our 60th Anniversary this year is a milestone that all Gaels, old and young can be proud of, which we are commemorating with a book honoring this historic event. This amazing book, full of pictures and personal interviews with the people that shaped Bishop Gorman into the outstanding school it is today, will be available at “Homecoming 2014” on October 17th (see page 11 for more information). Here at Bishop Gorman we are very proud of our high-achieving students, nationally ranked programs, outstanding faculty and staff that are all part of the Bishop Gorman story. Many of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the annual support of donors, friends and families of our School. These friends include longtime supporters, businesses, BGHS alumni, faculty, and staff—many of whom are regular contributors and devotees that are constantly exceeding expectations. We can’t thank you all enough. With great enthusiasm we have officially launched our new capital campaign, Legacy Now, which will provide much needed support to Tuition Assistance, Faculty Enrichment and Capital Replacements (see page 10 for more information). With this campaign we have some extraordinary news, thanks to the generosity of the families of Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and the Engelstad Family Foundation. All gifts made by December 31, 2014 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5 million. What does that mean? This is YOUR opportunity to make your gift have twice the impact on the Bishop Gorman community! We have so many things to be thankful for and we hope that you join us in celebrating the wonderful community we have built over the last 60 years by joining us at all of our upcoming events that you will find listed throughout this Gazette. Go Gaels! The Advancement Team
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Spring 2014
contents
s p r i n g 2 0 1 4 | THE GAEL GA Z ETTE
7 Matthew's Closet Turns 20!
4 Legacy in Action See our students in action as they performed in the musical Bye Bye Birdie and BGHS seniors signed letters of intent to colleges all over the country
7 Faith on Campus 8 Advancement Knight of the Gael honoring Al '68 and Kathie Faccinto
11 Alumni Spotlight 12 Homecoming 2014 It's that time again, and it's our 60th anniversary, mark your calendars for all the exciting events!
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13 Gael Gatherings Don't forget to join us.
14 Roll Call Come Celebrate Sister Forster’s 90th Birthday at the June Third Thursday in Ryan Hall.
The Gael Gazette
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legacy in action
Gaels Theatre Guild Presents
The theatre department once again delivered an outstanding performance with this season’s Spring Musical performance of Bye Bye Birdie, directed by Elena Ferrante-Martin. The cast and crew which included alumni Vanessa Villanueva '07, Angela (Botti) Knapik '08, Angela (Coury) Blagg '99, Aurora (Driscoll) Barker '07, and Julie (Von Tobel) Roach '76, performed six nearly sold out performances at the Jim3 House of Performing Arts. So it is no surprise that the Gaels Theatre Guild Thespians received high honors this year once again winning State Champions for the 4th year in a row! Twenty-three students in four events received “Accomplished” ratings and qualified for the International Thespian Festival in June! Legacy students who participated in Bye Bye Birdie include: Louis Hillegass IV '14 (Louis Hillegass III '85), Anna Carothers '14 (Elisa (Zupancic) Carothers '82), Spencer Bisek '14 (Daniel Bisek '85), Emily Sullivan '17 (Christopher Sullivan '84), Delaney Malm '15 (Christopher Malm '81), Olivia Perry '15 (Gina (Silvagni) Perry '72), Kristin Hill '15 (Idalys (Martinez) Hill '82),Veronica Matthews '17 (Carolyn (Brady) Matthews '84 & Thomas Matthews '83), Julia Matthews '16 (Carolyn (Brady) Matthews '84 & Thomas Matthews '83), Emily Rino '17 (Jennifer (Case) Rino '79), Samantha Buckley '17 (Jill (Albiser) Buckley '89), Victoria Lambert '17 (William Lambert '87), William Reilly '17 (Brigid Higgins '79).
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Spring 2014
On March 7th and 8th, Bishop Gorman’s Mock Trial team competed against seven other teams, from Northern Nevada and Southern Nevada in the Nevada State Championship held at the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas. Winning every ballot in all five rounds, team members Clark Adler ’15, Taylor Ellis ’15, Lauren Ripandelli ’15, Danielle Maatouk ’14, Jason Moore ’14, James Lau ’15 (Suzanne Lau '80), Alexandra Russell ’15 and Brianna Dougherty ’17 brought home the State Title for the second year in a row while Clark Adler ’15 was named Best Counsel. This win is the sixth Mock Trial State Championship for Bishop Gorman in the past seven years.
legacy in action
Mock Trial Wins State Title 2 Years In A Row!
As the State Champions, the team receives a new case and will begin preparing for the national competition which will be held May 8-10, 2014 in Madison, Wisconsin. In the past few months the team prepared diligently and was coached by local alumni attorneys who volunteered countless hours on a weekly basis. Bishop Gorman teacher and Mock Trial moderator, Kevin Nixon, said “I am very proud of our team, each member performed at the highest level in all five rounds. They knew their case inside and out and their performance was exceptional.” The team’s lead attorney coach Chris Hamner ’95 and Kevin Nixon.
The Mock Trial along with their attorney coaches: John Giordani, Nick Portz ’02, moderator Kevin Nixon, Chris Hamner ’95, Emily Montgomery ’02 and Kelly (Przestwor) Giordani '02, not pictured.
Gaels Serve the community On Sunday, March 16th, St. Vincent’s Lied Dining Room was a busy, busy place! Hundreds of homeless clients came to enjoy a fabulous St. Patrick’s Day meal served to them by Bishop Gorman volunteers. Mrs. Vicki Fertitta has sponsored this special meal, along with one in the summer, and another near the holidays for the last few years, and it is a wonderful day intended to make those who are down on their luck feel valued and special. As always, our Bishop Gorman students were fabulous volunteers and when they weren’t serving meals, drinks, or bussing tables, they spent time talking with many of the clients. This is always a very worthwhile experience and you leave there with a new appreciation for what we are blessed to have. The day was a huge success!
The Gael Gazette
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legacy in action
keeping with tradition
and winning State Championships! The men’s basketball team finished the season in style, winning the State Title in Reno. It was the third State Championship in a row for the team and the 5th in the last 6 years. The team is currently nationally ranked and will finish top 10 in the country. The Gaels had several individual honors this year. Nick Blair ’15, Obim Okeke ’14, Chase Jeter ’15, and Stephen Zimmerman ’15 were all named to the Sunset Southwest All-League team. Noah Robotham ’14 was named the Sunset Division MVP. Stephen Zimmerman and Chase Jeter were also named 1st Team All-State and Noah Robotham brought home the State Player of the Year Award. In addition, Noah Robotham finished his Bishop Gorman basketball career with 112 wins in four years, the most in school history.
Congratulations to our class of 2014 signees! National Signing Day took place on February 5th at Bishop Gorman. Seventeen athletes signed their national letters of intent to various universities around the country, bringing the total to 27 for the year. Women’s Swimming: Kasey Marks: St. Francis University, PA; Catie Miller: Duke University, NC Men’s Lacrosse: Steven Coyle: Trine University, IN; Zach Taylor (Delia (Andrade) Taylor '80 & Randy Taylor '80): Depauw University, IN Men’s Soccer: Sean Keith: UNLV Women’s Soccer: Kaila Brinkman (Wendy (Norton) Brinkman '91): UNLV; Charlotte Brascia (Michael Brascia '81): University of Arizona, AZ; Claire Standaert: Vassar College, NY Track and Field: Randall Cunningham: USC Football: Tryson Mook: Colorado Mesa University, CO; Armand Perry (Archie Perry '88): Arizona State University, AZ; Zach Singer: Kent State University, OH; Dylan Weldon: Columbia University, NY; Nick Gates (Sonya (Stockton) Gates '83): University of Nebraska, NE; Ismail Segura: Graceland University, IA; Kenyan Coker: Graceland University, IA; Riley Hoff: Colorado School of Mines, CO.
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Spring 2014
faith on campus
Matthew’s Closet, is 20 years old! Matthew’s Closet is one of Gorman’s best kept secrets, it is a place where great things happen on a weekly basis. The organization is unique for the mere fact it is entirely dependent on the Bishop Gorman community to keep it going. Matthew’s Closet serves several agencies throughout the city and over the years has helped thousands who have come through their doors. Each Thursday, Bishop Gorman students distribute clothing donated by our families, alumni and friends to those in our community who need it the most. To celebrate its 20th anniversary Matthew’s Closet held an Awareness Week March 3-7, 2014 where several activities on campus helped students recognize the difference they make when they participate at Matthew’s Closet. ASG and the Matthew 25 Board worked together to spread the word about Matthew's Closet to help collect jeans, socks and underwear. During Matthew's Closet Awareness Week, 725 pairs of jeans and over 1600 pairs of socks and underwear were donated. The senior class won a free dress day by collecting the most socks and underwear. The Spanish Honor Society did their own sock drive bringing in 555 pairs of socks. It truly is amazing, when the Bishop Gorman community comes together, how they make incredible things happen. Alumni and parents are also encouraged to visit Matthew’s Closet at any time as they can always use a helping hand. For more information on how to volunteer at Matthew's Closet, contact Mrs. Martinez in Campus Ministry at ext 4029.
The Gael Gazette
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advancement
Bishop Gorman High School
32nd Annual Knight of the Gael
Honoring Al ’68 and Kathie Faccinto On Thursday, March 27th parents, alumni and friends gathered to honor Al ’68 & Kathie Faccinto at the 32nd Annual Knight of the Gael. Along with their children Missy '93, Tina '96, Katie '99, Taryn '00 & Destinie '13 and about 650 guests, we celebrated a couple who for decades have been loyal supporters, avid fans and generous donors. Their commitment to Bishop Gorman is seen and felt by all. We are proud to call them Gaels and forever grateful for their ongoing support. The evening included a lively cocktail hour and silent auction followed by a delicious dinner by Red Rock Casino and great wines provided by Wirtz Beverage Group of Nevada. After dinner, guests were treated to a special performance by the Gaels Theatre Guild, an update on all the happenings at BGHS and a tribute to the honoree. Thank you to all who participated in this great tradition. We couldn't have done it without the help of our partners, Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, Station Casinos, Wirtz Beverage of Nevada, Destinations by Design, Bernhard & Williams Photography, Encore and Five Star Creative. Thanks to our auction donors Jodie and Stu Berger, Piero's, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Gustav’s Master Chef Catering, Michael Mack, MGM Resorts International, and Palms Casino Resort. A very special thanks to our many volunteers and student performers that helped make the evening extra special. Thank you to Mrs. Elena Ferrante-Martin and the Gaels Theater Guild; Mr. Geoff Neuman and the drum line; Mrs. Sandy (Sagel) Young '75 and the senior varsity cheerleaders and especially our MC for the evening, Student Body President, Nick Hatton ’14.
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Spring 2014
advancement
Passport 20 14 Bon Voyage!
Tickets:
Friday, May 16, 2014 Pool side at Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
$ 100.00 per person or
Mon Ami Package: 4 tickets at $75 each in advance
Tasting, Entertainment & Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dress Summer Chic Must be 21 or older to attend
Spring Fashion Affair
(purchased prior to May 2)
Purchase Tickets at: www.bishopgorman.org or call (702) 476-4032
T
he 2nd Annual Spring Fashion Affair was a day full of fun & fashion for a good cause! On Saturday, March 8th, nearly 100 parents, alumni and friends gathered at Saks Fifth Avenue to enjoy drinks & treats, minimakeovers, shopping and a runway fashion show featuring the latest trends for Spring, including prom dresses on student models. The best part of the day? Proceeds from a portion of the event sales were generously donated back to Gorman students! A very special thanks to our event sponsor, Saks Fifth Avenue and all of the raffle donors: The Capital Thank you to our senior student models: Grille, Let’s Talk About Your Hair, Sexee Lashes, Grimaldi’s Lucy Fu, Rebecca Ross (Patricia (Edicola) Pizzeria & Casting Call. Ross '80), Shannon Hale (Diana (Haggerty) Hale '75), Sophia Abdou (Nahed (Helmi) Abdou '85) Jillian Blanchette (Jill (Stinar) Blanchette '81), Stephanie Ghanem, Carley Pasqualotto, Zach Telles (Vince '82 & Kathryn (Etter) Telles '83) and Pierce Wasserkrug.
We hope to see you next spring! The Gael Gazette
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advancement
F
or 60 years Bishop Gorman High School has celebrated a tradition of excellence in education. Since moving to the Summerlin campus, our great tradition has thrived, giving our alumni and community much for which to be proud. Our students are excelling and challenging themselves in new and unique ways and we are committed to providing them with the best teachers, facilities and opportunities possible. It is our goal to make a Bishop Gorman education available to all those students and families who desire a quality Catholic school experience. Today, our priorities are to build on the foundation that has been laid by addressing the needs that ensure we can continue to provide a quality Catholic education in Las Vegas. Through participation in the legacy now capital campaign, you can make a difference by: •
Providing tuition assistance to deserving students
•
Increase our faculty and staff enrichment opportunities
•
Fund upcoming capital repair and replacements
•
Future expansion that will take our campus to the next level of education with a student union, an additional auxiliary gym, aquatic center and administration offices.
M
ake your gift count! Thanks to the generosity of the families of Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and the Engelstad Family Foundation all gifts made by December 31, 2014 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5 million. What does that mean? This is YOUR opportunity to make your gift have twice the impact on the Bishop Gorman community!
An investment in Bishop Gorman is an investment in the future. Help us to make a lifelong impact on generations to come. This is our legacy now! Please contact the Advancement Office for more information at 702.476.4032 or email at advancement@bishopgorman.org
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Spring 2014
alumni spolight
Come Celebrate Sister Forster’s 90th Birthday
at the June Third Thursday on Campus Where:
"
When: Time:
Bishop Gorman High School Ryan Hall, 2nd floor of ATC Thursday, June 19, 2014 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
...the significance of publications like this book is tremendous. Because it helps us remember what was great and why it was great.
Coming Soon! Get your copy at
Homecoming October 17, 2014
The Gael Gazette
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Reunion this year? Call Your Class Rep & Get the Details! Class of 1959 – 55 years Mikey Bilbray mmbilbray@hotmail.com 702-240-8025 Class of 1964 – 50 years Diana Costello-Mason dcmason@lv.rmci.net 702-896-0590 or 521-8466 Pat Russell patrussell@embarqmail.com 708-435-2259 Class of 1969 – 45 years John Mowbray jmowbray@fclaw.com 702-692-8001 Class of 1974 – 40 years TBD, for more information contact Pam Langsam, 476-4033 plangsam@bishopgorman.org Class of 1979 – 35 years Leah Cashman leahlv@me.com 702-221-2194 Class of 1984 – 30 years Chris Sullivan thisisyourleader@yahoo.com 702-610-8012 Matt Leatham matthew.leatham@yahoo.com 702-417-5993 Class of 1989 – 25 years Bryan O’Reilly bor@lwpdevelopment.com 702-812-3332 Class of 1994 – 20 years Milo Kostelecky milokosto@aol.com 702-743-7500 Class of 1999 – 15 years JC Perea jc.perea@outlook.com 702-580-2115 Class of 2004 – 10 years Shana (Brouwers) Gullickson shanaselene@gmail.com 12
Spring 2014
60th Anniversary hOMECOMING 2014 fRIDAY, october 17TH On-Campus mORNING Activities! 9:30am Alumni Memorial Mass in the Alumni Memorial Chapel 10:30am Coffee & Campus Tours in Tiberti Commons 11:30am Pep Assembly in the House of Glory!
Pre-Game Party Details! 5:00pm Pre-Game Festivities on the upper practice field BEER, WINE, FOOD, & ROOM FOR ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY 7:00pm Kick-off
Need more details? visit the website www.bishopgorman.org
A special
Thank You
June 19th // On Campus! 5959 S. Hualapai Way
to our 2013-2014 Third Thursday Sponsors!
Join us on campus for the end of the year June Third Thursday! We'll get together at Ryan Hall inside the ATC
from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
and share in complimentary cocktails and appetizers! Catch up with old friends and help us celebrate our special guest Sister Forster on her 90th Birthday!
Don't Forget to join us at ; Spring Arts Spectacular May 2 & 3, 2014 3 Jim House of Performing Arts The Spring Instrumental Music Concert Saturday, May 10th at 6pm Jim3 House of Performing Arts PASSPORT 2014 —French Riviera Friday, May 16th at 7:00 p.m. Wine Tasting, Entertainment & Silent Auction Red Rock Casino Resort Spa 2014 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY with our Golden Grads Class of 1964 Sunday, June 1st at 12:00 p.m. Orleans Arena Questions? Call us! 702-476-4032
Own a business? Want to sponsor a Third Thursday? Call us! 702.476.4033 or alumni@bishopgorman.org The Gael Gazette
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roll call
1980s
Michael C Lenzie ‘85 was promoted to president of Nabco Entrances Inc. effective January 1, 2014. The company is headquartered in Muskego, Wisconsin.
1990s Kristen (Russell) '99, Mike Oliver '99 and big sister Addison “Class of 2029” welcomed a healthy baby boy, Easton Russell (8 pounds, 3 ounces and 19 inches) on September 18, 2013. Easton's godmother is Whitney Oliver '03. Dustin Watters ‘94 and his wife Kristine welcomed Brayden Jay Watters on September 7, 2013. He weighed 7lbs. 15oz. and was 20 inches long. He joins big sister Karoline and brother Dalton.
Justin Kaye '95 and his wife, Jacalyn, are proud to announce that their sons Kayson, 17 months and Kohen, 5 weeks old at the time, were featured in the Best Newborn Photographers Magazine this past fall, just in time for Thanksgiving.
2000s Courtney (Bonnici) Wadhams ’05 and Danny Wadhams ’05 were married on March 29, 2014 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. The bridal party included BGHS Alumni: Marisa Szeczyk ’05, Katie (Wadhams) Spanish ’99, Lauren Blaney ’04, Colette DeFilippis ’04, Noelle Kessler ’04, Lauren (Weir) Parker ’05, Ashley Thompson ’05, Jimmy Wadhams ’02, Nathan Wadhams ’95, Kyle Bonnici ’04, Blake Sartini ’03, Lorenzo Sartini ’06, Demarco Murray ’06, and Michael Brozek ’05. 14
Spring 2014
Philip Erwin and Amanda HawkinsErwin '01 were married on February 1, 2014 at Spanish Trail Country Club. Alumni in the bridal party included; Krissy Hawkins '03, Stephanie Hawkins '06, Carly (Besuden) Aldrian '01, Leslie (Thompson) Brodie '01, Michelle (Nazarechuk) McArdle '01, Brittany Morse '01, Danielle (Hamrick) Chemouny '01, Kelly (Przestwor) Giordani '02 and Samuel Mirkovich '01. Kristen (Custino) Menor '00 and her husband, Michael Menor, welcomed their fourth child & first daughter, Kylee Lynn Hi'ilani Menor. Their sons, Michael (12), Jordan (9) and Mateo (3) are very excited to welcome their sister.
Courtney (Tiberti) Forgey '02 and her husband Aaron Forgey welcomed their first child, Caterina Rose on December 5, 2013 at St. Rose San Martin Hospital, weighing 7lbs. 10oz. and 20 1/4 inches long. She is the first grandchild to proud grandparents Jelindo Tiberti '78 and Sandee (Melvin)Tiberti '78.
Proud to share the news of my marriage to my best friend! Amanda "Mandy" Costa '01 married Dean Hochstetler on October 4, 2013.
Noelle Kessler '04 and Ryan Festa were engaged on December 7, 2013 during a trip to San Francisco. They are excited to plan for their 2015 wedding! The couple currently resides in Los Angeles.
Donn Roach '08, son of Julie (Von Tobel) Roach '76 made his major league debut with the San Diego Padres April 2, 2014, facing seven batters against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Oscar and Meghan (Pink) Poort '02 just had their 4th baby! Benjamin was born September 30, 2013, weighing 9.5lbs!
Jackie (Arbelaez) Roberts '01 and husband Todd Roberts welcomed their first child, Levi Allen, on February 13, 2014. He was born a healthy 7lbs 5oz and 18.5 inches long.
2010s Alyna (Drury) Kakol '10 and Gavin Kakol were married by Father Bill Kenny at Christ the King on August 3, 2013. Alumni in attendance were Maid of Honor Laura Zufall '10, Daniella Esquivel '10, Greg Morgan '10, Nick Dopudja '10, Catherine Ho '10, Gabriella Shoemaker '10, and Brandon DeLeon '10.
In Our Prayers
roll call
Robert Nieto '04 and his wife Susanne Nieto welcome their new baby, Jaxson Thomas born August 24, 2013 at 7:52 am, weighing at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches. He looks and acts just like his dad!
Michael Chituras Ruiz '99 passed away January 29, 2014 at his home in Rohnert Park, CA after a two-year battle with cancer. He graduated with a degree in hospitality from San Francisco State and was an avid golfer, soccer player, and 49ers fan. Mike will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, ever present smile and positive attitude. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jonathan Harris '04, and is survived by his wife, Andrea; his dad, Randy Harris '78; and brothers, Joseph '16 and Josh. In memoriam donations can be made to the National Cancer Institute at MikeyStrong.blogspot.com Wendy Johnson Falahi '86, passed away on December 13, 2013 surrounded by her loved ones, her husband Ron Falahi, her Aunt Patti Savage '76 and best friend Colleen Weiksner Post '86. Wendy was a graduate of UNLV and a life time resident of Las Vegas. She was the Vice President of Operations for Psychemedics Corporation. She was preceded in death by her parents Marylou and James Johnson and her brother Jimmy John. She will forever be remembered in our hearts. Maria Harouff, loving wife to Ken Harouff '85, passed away on March 29, 2014 after a battle with cancer. They were married 17 years and had three children: Bronson 16, Gabriel 15 and Evelynrose 10. She was a Saint and we know She is with God.
In memory of Jackie Gaughan, Loyal supporter, avid fan & the first Knight of the Gael honoree.
The band Tenasie headed by Tenasie Bowe '12, was nominated for the Best County Duo or Group Award at the 2013 Nashville Independent Music Awards and WON!
Thank you for being the foundation of such a great tradition.
The Gael Gazette
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PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
Bishop Gorman High School 5959 South Hualapai Way Las Vegas, Nevada 89148
PAID
www.bishopgorman.org
LAS VEGAS, NV PERMIT NO. 37
Campus Store! New Prices in Town! Reductions on spirit gear f o r t h e e n t i r e fa m i ly
Take advantage Of
20% – 40% OFF oN selected items
Stop by the campus store and see what’s just for you! Monday-Thursday: 7AM - 2:30PM & Friday: 7AM - 2PM
We don’t know what’s new, unless you send us a clue! We only print Roll Call news that is submitted by alumni or their families. We need to hear from you in order to tell your friends what you’re up to! Please make sure to include your full name and graduation year with all submissions. We reserve the right to edit or omit entries for space, clarity and other considerations. Photos will not be returned. E-mail your news and photos (JPG/TIF attachments, 300dpi) to: alumni@bishopgorman.org or mail to: Bishop Gorman High School Attn: The Gael Gazette 5959 S. Hualapai Way | Las Vegas, NV 89148