THE GAEL GAZETTE Bishop Gorman High School Alumni Newsletter | Winter 2013
g a e l s WAL K T H E WAL K
I BGHS breaks 80yr record I
b l e s s e d b y o u r pa s t
notes of interest The Gift of Faith As we prepare for a new year, many of us make resolutions to be better or make changes that will make our lives more fulfilling. We have faith that it will all work out and that we can be accountable for our promises to ourselves and others. I have recently rediscovered the meaning of faith during my latest life-journey that has led my family and me to our new extended family here at Bishop Gorman High School. I am the new Alumni & Parent Relations Coordinator at Bishop Gorman, for those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I look forward to meeting all of you. I attended Valley High School and my parents owned Swenson’s Ice Cream. Living here was so special to me that I actually wrote a young adult fictional series about growing up in Las Vegas. My intent is for everyone in the world to see and understand how special and amazing this incredible town really is, above and beyond the Strip. Recently I found my way back home to Las Vegas after feeling very frustrated and exhausted from always looking for that perfect place to live and be content as a family. Over the last twelve years we have lived in a few different states, but none of them ever left us with any sense of home, gratitude or contentment. Not growing up in a very religious family, I always kept God and my faith somewhere tucked away inside my heart. Recently, lost and confused, I decided it was time to ask for help and guidance. My own family was struggling and we had no faith in our lives. Our son was lacking any sort of religion, I felt as if I had failed him because my own absence of faith, I didn’t think I needed it to live a fulfilling life. Had I made the wrong decision? I needed someone to talk to and whom better for the job than God himself, someone I had shut out and not spent much time with but I knew no matter what the circumstances, He would be there. This introspection eventually led to the realization that it was time to go back home to Las Vegas. I had a strong feeling that this move would help my son and our family reconnect with God and our faith. I knew I wanted to give back and make a difference in others’ lives and reconnect my family’s faith in God and Jesus Christ. Being at Bishop Gorman I am rediscovering God’s message and share it daily through posting the daily Gospel on Facebook. I believe that faith is something we are all born with, a gift from God. It is like a seed that grows inside of us, without faith we would never grow, we would never believe or trust, or feel safe and secure. Faith allows us to believe in the unknown, that everything will be okay and work out no matter what the situation. Faith is a gift from God that is with each and every one of us with every step we take. I am grateful for God’s presence in my life and pray I continue to have faith in his plan. As you read through this issue of the Gazette you will see how faith affects so many lives. How our students, alumni, faculty and staff live their faith and how being at Bishop Gorman impacts their faith journey. Pam Langsam Alumni and Parent Coordinator
a i th
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getting up close with our own alumn and chaplain, father bill about "faith"
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contents
w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 | T H E GAEL GA Z E T T E
protecting and guiding students through the years
4 Legacy in Action
see our students in action as they participated in the national alzheimer's walk, nevada youth forum and nevada legislators
6 Blessed by Our Past 8 Giving Back helping out others is just a little something we can do to give back... and our students do it especially well
9 Alumni Spotlight 10 Advancement which is your college alma mater? we’d like to know what college you graduated from after your bishop gorman days!
12 Homecoming 13 Gael Gatherings
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third thursday is going strong - invite your friends, it's a gathering for all gaels! homecoming was a blast! and a blast from the past for some!
14 Roll Call
The Gael Gazette
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legacy in action
N e v a d a
Y o u t h L e g i s l at o r s On Saturday, October 26, 2013, over 300 Bishop Gorman students, faculty, staff, family and friends “Walked the Walk” to End Alzheimer’s at the Fashion Show Mall. Team BGHS Walks the Walk has become a Bishop Gorman tradition in the past nine years where the school community unites in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. This year, the BGHS community walked in honor of Jessie Foy, the mother of Margaret Foy, a longtime Bishop Gorman faculty member and team cocaptain. Mrs. Foy, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and particpated in the walk each year, passed away in February.
Congratulations to Nicholas Nielson '15 (Mary Alice (Bauchman) Nielson '80) and Rose Asaf '15 on being named to the 2013-2015 Nevada Youth Legisture. The Nevada Youth Legislature, created by the Nevada Legislature in 2007, is a unique opportunity for the young people of Nevada to learn about, affect, and serve our state government. Youth legislators represent each of the 21 Senate districts. They meet monthly and hold town hall meetings and hearings on topics relevant to the youth of Nevada.
Youth Forum On November 13, 2013 nearly 1,000 Las Vegas high school students gathered at the 57th annual Sun Youth Forum to discuss hot-button issues such as abortion, gay marriage and gun control. Founded in 1955, the Sun Youth Forum gives local teenagers an opportunity to share their opinions with their peers and community leaders. Although 28 moderators were present, the students directed their own discussions. They debated one another, thoughtful ideas were presented and then countered with rebuttals that were cordial and on-point. We congratulate the following students who participated in this year’s Sun Youth Forum: Rebecca Arteaga ‘14, Connor Buckley ’15 (Shawn Buckley '77), Megan Gray ’14, Nick Hatton ’14, Hannah Rogers ’15 (Perry Rogers '87), Chris Shea ’14, Jennifer Teng ’14.
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Winter 2013
Athletics & Activities On November 13, 2013, Bishop Gorman held the NCAA Fall Signing Day, the first of three signing days of the year. This was a special day for senior student athletes who are receiving scholarships to attend college. Students who signed Letters of Intent were:
legacy in action
keeping with tradition
Baseball Bronson Bowe: Cumberland University, TN Cole Krzmarzick: University of Nevada Reno, NV Michael Blasko: University of Nevada Reno, NV The fall sports season Gorman has come to an teams were very successful and took home several individual awards.
at Bishop end. Our this season team and
(W) Tennis: 2013 Division 1 State Champions - three in a row. (M) Tennis: Sunset Southwest League Champions. Dylan Levitt '17 was the State Individual Champion. (W) Golf: Sunset Region Champions, 3rd place in the State Tournament. Cross Country: Jacob Holland '15 and Robert Daseler '16 (Frank Daseler '76) both qualified for the State Meet and competed in Reno. (W) Volleyball: Sunset Southwest League Champions. Advanced to State Semi-Finals. (W) Soccer: Sunset Southwest League Champions. Sunset Regional Finalist. Kaila Brinkman '14 was the Sunset Southwest League MVP. (M) Soccer: Tristan Blackmon '14 was the Sunset Southest League MVP.
Equestrian Taylor Serrano: Kansas State University, KS Golf Bryce McEachern (Christi (Thomas) McEachern '86): Graceland University, IA Softball Shelby Estocado: University of Tulsa, OK Dayton Yingling: University of Detroit Mercy, MI Swimming Catie Miller: Duke University, NC Amy Lubawy (Matthew Lubawy '82): University of Tennessee, TN (W) Volleyball Emma Kirst: University of Utah, UT Victoria Harris: Georgian Court University, NJ
Football State Champs! On Saturday, December 7, 2013 the Bishop Gorman Gaels football team once again made Nevada state history! After all, they played for a mark that had not been accomplished in more than 80 years. Winning their fifth State title, our Gaels demonstrated once again that hard-work and perseverance leads to Victory! Playing against the Reed Raiders, the Gaels took the win at 48 to 14. Plenty of fans came out in the cold weather to cheer on the team! The Gael Gazette
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faith on campus
Protecting & Guiding Students Through The Years
Our icons have grown in number since we have moved from the Maryland Pkwy. campus. You will notice some
Remember that an icon has no value in itself if the believer doesn’t have faith in God. They are
familiar ones that have been with us over the years and new ones that will continue to guide our students throughout the decades. 6
Winter 2013
not just a reminder of a holy person but manifest the presence of God's light.
Quest is a retreat for freshmen and sophomores. It is woven around the theme of the Three Circles of Love: Love of Self, Love of Others, and Love of God. The name Quest implies “searching for” and “seeking out”. This retreat is designed to bring young people together and invite them to search for and seek out a deeper understanding and appreciation of themselves, others, and God.
faith on campus
Finding Faith Kairos& Quest
Q K
“Quest for me is an experience like no other. Getting away from the everyday pressures and hectic schedules that we as teens have, Quest gives people a chance to be able to create new friendships and closer relationships with God, others, and most importantly, themselves. I would highly encourage the incoming freshmen and sophomores to allow themselves this opportunity,” — Tamara Reuter '15 Attended Quest as a sophomore Over the years, you may have heard one or both of these names cross your path. But some of you may not know what Quest and Kairos mean or how significant they are to Bishop Gorman. Kairos and Quest first started at Bishop Gorman in 1994. Since then the students have been on sixty-three Kairos retreats and fifty-six Quest retreats. Campus Minister, Kim Martinez, facilitates these retreats for our students, which allow them to learn to love themselves by realizing God’s deep and unconditional love for them during a time when they need it most, their tumultuous teen years. It gives them a deep sense of their self-worth and how fulfilled their lives can be. Kairos is a nationally recognized intensive four-day retreat program for high school junior and senior students. It is a Greek word that stands for “time.” During this time, you learn more about yourself, relationship with others and your relationship with God. Other activities during the retreat seek to promote and build community, foster trust and openness, and encourage reflection and faith.
Both retreats are student-led with the leadership team drawing from their own experience to provide guidance during the retreat. Selected students from previous retreats are chosen to become members of the leadership team. These retreats are offered at various times throughout the year with the hopes that it will help the students make the most out of their high school years. Bryce Foster ’15 transferred to Bishop Gorman as a junior, “Attending Kairos as a transfer student allowed me to connect with my new community and make new friends. It gave me a chance to get a better understanding of God, my relationship with others and most important, myself. I also had the opportunity to chaperone a Quest retreat and I highly recommend students to attend Quest and Kairos to make new friends, become closer with some you may already know and get away from the everyday pressures of our hectic lives.” For more information on these retreats or any of our Campus Ministry programs, visit www.bishopgorman.org
“I attended Kairos in the winter of my junior year, the same year I lost my step-dad to cancer. The experience I had on Kairos was nothing short of life changing. I was able to heal and strengthen relationships with others, God, and really figure out the kind of person I wanted to be. That experience has stayed with me to this day, and I am constantly striving to live the tenets of this retreat in my day to day life. I work in Catholic education because of my experience on Kairos, and without it I would not be the man I am today.”
— Matt Schambari ’99
President of Archbishop Murphy High School Washington
The Gael Gazette
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giving back
Helping Our at Matthew’s Community Closet
Santa once again visited Matthew’s Closet on December 12, 2013. Dozens of kids, parents and grandparents visited Matthew’s Closet at Christ Church Episcopal, to have free Christmas pictures taken with Santa. Many BGHS students came out to help, as the school’s Photography Club orchestrated the photo opt for all the family’s that otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity. It was a fun and exciting event for all.
Matthew’s Closet was founded in 1996 by Bishop Gorman students. It is a free clothing bank for homeless and low-income families in the Las Vegas area. Servicing the homeless directly and personally by distributing free clothing, toiletries, and other useful items, the program is funded and staffed entirely by the Bishop Gorman community.
The Memory Project
Pictured: Zach Telles '14 (Kathryn (Etter) Telles '83 and Vincent Telles '82)
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Winter 2013
The Memory Project is a unique initiative in which art students create portraits for children and teens around the world who have been neglected, orphaned, or disadvantaged. Given that kids in such situations tend to have few personal keepsakes, this program aims to provide them with special memories that capture a piece of their childhood. Students and teachers at Bishop Gorman are currently hard at work completing portraits for The Memory Project. A total of 40 of our student artists are creating drawings, paintings, and digital portraits of children in Cambodia to send to them for the New Year. Mrs. Lora (Crammer) Feely '98 and the Visual Arts Department are grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of others through the gift of art! The Memory Project began in 2004 and to date, the project has created nearly 50,000 portraits for children in 34 countries.
alumni spolight "Never give up on God because God NEVER gives up on you!"
Father Bill Kenny: Getting up close and personal with our own Alumn & Chaplain, Father Bill about “Faith”
Why did you decide to devote your life to God? – “I saw how
What advice do you offer the students when it comes to faith
positive and rewarding it was to my Uncle, Father John Kenny,
in God and Jesus Christ? – “This question can be answered on
the founding Pastor of Our Lady here in Las Vegas. I loved how
two levels: "FAITH" as a religious denomination; and "FAITH" as
he spread God’s message of love and kindness to others and I
personal relationship to God. Concerning the first (FAITH as a
wanted to do the same. Then Sister Elizabeth Marie, my religious
religious denomination), I tell them that if they have been raised in
teacher during my sophomore year, opened my heart to all the
the Catholic faith (or for that matter 'ANY' faith), I ask them to get to
possibilities of religion and possibly being a priest. The following
know their faith and its teachings -- no longer as a child, but now as
year, I transferred to a Catholic seminary high school where I found
an adolescent. Don't leave or give up on the faith that is the faith of
that my true calling was the Priesthood.”
your parents, grandparents and other relatives too quickly. It was
What was your experience like as a Bishop Gorman student? And what is your favorite memory? – “I loved Gorman and I am still very good friends with many of my fellow classmates. My Theology classes intrigued me so much for the mere fact that it allowed me the freedom to think deeply about my faith and ask questions that brought me closer to God. I didn’t actually graduate from Gorman because I left for the seminary, but I have always felt like I am a Gael. One of my favorite memories was being part of the Theatre Club, not as an actor but on the production side backstage.”
God's plan that you were born into that family along with all of the traditions of that family, including religion. Secondly, looking at FAITH as a personal relationship to God, I encourage them to "try" God not as a text book teaching, but as a personal friend. Trust in God; spend time with God in prayer, meditation, and Bible reading. Never give up on God because God NEVER gives up on you! Some of the great saints (including 'saint-to-be' Mother Teresa of Calcutta) had long bouts of unbelief, doubts, and questions. This is okay; Socrates said "The unexamined life is not worth living!" What is your favorite part about being the school's Chaplain? – “I enjoy the interaction with the students and the fact that they challenge me preserves my youth. They have such a wonderful spirit about them with positive attitudes towards life and learning. I find their refreshing honesty keeps me on my toes and allows me to stay focused. It really is fun and I feel very blessed to be part of the students’ lives.”
The Gael Gazette
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advancement
The 28th Annual Bishop Gorman Golf Classic was Friday, October 11th, 2013 at Badlands Golf Club. This tournament was SOLD OUT, making it one of our most successful tournaments so far! Money raised from the Golf Classic supports our students and school by providing funds to help enhance the technological resources on campus. Many thanks go out to all of our parents, alumni & friends who were a part of this event and helped to make it a success! A special thanks our Title Sponsor: Golden Gaming and other Major Sponsors: Wirtz Beverage of Nevada, Par-4 Golf Management, Par-3 Landscape & Maintenance, Bentar Development, G & G Sytems, Blackboard Transact, CC Construction, Frazier Masonry, Tippetts Mechanical, OMEX, Chapman Dodge, Red Rock Harley Davidson, Robco Electric, GM Monarch West, Rafael Construction, Extreme Commercial Concrete, Vergith Contracting, YESCO and Lance & Roxanne Shoen. Between the beautiful weather and all of the great people at the tournament, it was a fun day for all! The day was especially exciting for our tournament winners. Congratulations to the foursomes of Konami Gaming and Westfield Nevada Eye & Ear!
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We’re looking forward to the 29th Annual Golf Classic in Fall 2014 and hope to see you all there! If you would like to be on the Committee for next year’s Golf Classic, please call the Advancement Office at 476-4032.
In honor of Bishop Gorman's 60th Anniversary next year, a Commemorative Book is being written about the history of our school. We would like
You
to be a part of this special endeavor!
Please take a moment to reflect on your time at Bishop Gorman and send us your memories. We want to hear your funny stories, most dramatic moments, and what about Gorman has had the most impact on your life! Post your pictures and comments on Facebook or send us an email to: alumni@bishopgorman.org
“
any amount given, large or small brings us together as a community.
”
- Pam & Tim Tolan current parents
because a gift of
education is important to me www.bishopgorman.org
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Winter 2013
College Alma Mater?
Want to help guide the College choice of a current Gael? Or connect with others Gaels who are alumni of the same university?
Save The Date!
We’d like to know what College
YOU
graduated from after your Bishop Gorman days!
advancement
?? ? Which Is Your
Knight of the Gael
March 27, 2014
Let us Know!
702-476-4032 alumni@bishopgorman.org
Spring Fashion Affair
at Red Rock Resort
Placement Exam Checklist Saturday, January 11th
Register online at www.bishopgorman.org (walk-ins also welcome!) Fill out an online application Bring pencils, no calculator
Save The Date! Saturday
March 8, 2014
Arrive early to Bishop Gorman Take Test! Score Well! Register for classes March 31st-April 4th
Become a runway
.
hors d’oeuvres
.
live music
GORMAN GAEL! The Gael Gazette
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Homecoming 2013 We're The Team That's Always The Best! The GAELS of BGHS! We're Glad You Joined Us!
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Winter 2013
gael gatherings
JANUARY 25th // 6593 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Don’t miss out On these upcoming Spring Events! January 25, 2014 Bishop Gorman vs. Findlay Prep
PREGAME PARTY WITH US!
6683 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119
Party at Miller’s Ale House Saturday, January 25, 2014 12:00PM - 2:00PM Tipoff 2:00PM at South Point Arena
WEAR YOUR ORANGE & BLUE! February 20TH // 11760 W. Charleston Blvd,
LOVE is in the air! Come join us for Third Thursday with some delicious tapas and traditional Spanish food while catching up with old friends! 6pm - 8pm Alumni Sweethearts We’d love to see you there!
February 20, 2014 Third Thursday at Toros February 28th – March 2nd 2014 Spring Musical: Bye Bye Birdie March 8, 2014 Spring Fashion Affair March 27, 2014 Knight of the Gael April 30, 2014 Spring Cocktail Event May 16, 2014 Passport 2014
roll call
1960s Daniel "John" Morgenstern '61 and Joan Eileen Mulgrew '63, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on August 11, 2013. John & Joan, are the proud grandparents of, Meghan Rux ‘14 & Danielle Rux ‘17. Proud parents and grandparents of daughter, Rebecca; and son, Kevin, and grandchildren Daniel, Eleana, Jazmin, and great-grandson Walter.
Jennifer (Gilroy) Sarna ‘99 and husband, Keith Sarna, welcomed their first child! Zachary Ryan was born on August 9, 2013.
Jennifer Landaz '97 married Chris Chapman on July 9, 2013 at the Sheraton in Kona Hawaii! Alumni in the wedding party included; Paul Landaz '93, Rashonda Smith '97 and Rosanne Sorboro '97
1980s Christine Herold (Castaneda)'83 & Matt Leatham '84 have announced their engagement to be married. After 28 years and a little help from Facebook, they have rekindled their high school romance, and believe they are true soul mates. They are planning to be married in 2014.
1990s
2000s Mark Miller '92, is a professor at the University of San Francisco. This year, he and his wife, Eveline, welcomed their daughter, Adrienne, into the world. Also Mark's book, The Quest for God and the Good Life, was published by Catholic University of America Press.
Jason T. Eberl '92, Ph.D., has been appointed as the Semler Endowed Chair for Medical Ethics in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. He recently completed a research fellowship at the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Anthony Miles '92 and Jennifer Brekke-Miles '92 announce the birth of their son, Matthew Joseph Jude, on February 10, 2012. Matthew was born at St. Joseph Medical Center in Maryland.
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Winter 2012
Christopher Pandelis '96 and Leslie (Denton) Pandelis '97 became proud parents of Jack Denton Pandelis (class of 2031) on May 18, 2013.
Andrea Acosta '00 married Bill Feldberg on March 13, 2013 in Las Vegas. Their intimate wedding was shared with close family members and friends.
On July 28, 2013 Dr.Victor Arbelaez '00 and Dawn Ritzo-Arbelaez '01 welcomed their son, Aiden Victor, at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas. Aiden was a healthy 6 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long.
Justin Bell '01 and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their new son, Xavier, on August 20, 2013.
roll call
Courtney (Tiberti) Forgey '02 and Aaron Forgey were married on July 21, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Community by Fr. Bill Kenny in front of their families and friends. The bridal party included Gorman Graduates; Angelo Tiberti '05, Elisa Tiberti '11 and Kristin (Glover) Creel '02.
In Our Prayers
Michelle Dominguez, M.A. '07, after graduating from Boston University School of Medicine with an M.A. in Medical Sciences, has now become an Adjunct Faculty member at MCPHS University. She teaches three General Chemistry Laboratory classes at MCPHS University, while continuing to teach her second year of General Chemistry Laboratory classes at Boston College as a part-time faculty member.
Aurora Driscoll '07 married Leland Barker on June 14, 2013 in Henderson, Nevada.
Tara Michelle Carbone '08, graduate of Syracuse University (BFA), will be performing in the Broadway national touring company production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. She also recently acted on camera in ABC Entertainment's annual Upfront, on location at Alice Tully Hall in the heart of Lincoln Center in New York City.
Brittany Bell ‘09 received a national award from Pi Beta Phi® Fraternity for Women’s prestigious Jean Wirths Scott Leadership Award for Outstanding Change Leadership. Brittany recognized she was in a position to affect positive change, not just within her own chapter, but also on a larger scale in the University’s Panhellenic community.
Mike Luthiger '79, passed away at home in Temecula, CA surrounded by his family, following a courageous, ten year fight against cancer. Mike earned a BS in Hotel Administration at UNLV in 1986 and is survived by his wife, Dorene; son, Michael; daughter, Andrea; stepdaughter, Angel; three grandchildren, his mother, Erica; and four brothers, Walter '78, Peter '80, Marcus '82 and Richard '83.
Eric L. Bolden '78, passed away suddenly on April 25, 2013. A resident of Centennial, Colorado for over 20 years, Eric worked as a Senior Network Engineer for Virtela Technology Services, Inc. Eric was an avid international traveler, skier and cyclist. He is survived by Lois E. Bolden and Carol C. Peterson-Bolden '85. Larry C. Bolden, his father and former BGHS Board Member, preceded him in death.
The Gael Gazette
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Bishop Gorman High School 5959 South Hualapai Way Las Vegas, Nevada 89148
www.bishopgorman.org
PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LAS VEGAS, NV PERMIT NO. 37
'Tis the season for love, faith, hope, and peace! 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.
Visit the Campus Store and pick up your blessed bracelets and other spirit gear for the entire family!
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