Spring/Summer 2014 www.bmhs-la.org
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Features 6
Bishop’s Global Reach
10
Graduation 2014
12
The College Life
14
Students, teachers, and alumni live, work, and play all over the world, making BMHS a global community.
Another outstanding group of students leave their mark on the BMHS community.
The alumni in our Class of 2011 project finish their junior year in grand style.
The Thompsons Stephen, Jr. ‘15 and Ethan ‘17 Thompson are not the only members of their family to excel on the court at BMHS.
Departments 4
From the Principal
16
Around Campus
20
Class Notes
24
In Memoriam
The Latin word Veritas is defined as “truth.” In Roman mythology, Veritas was the goddess of truth, a daughter of Saturn and the mother of Virtue. Veritas is also the name given to the Roman virtue of truthfulness, which was considered one of the many virtues any good Roman should have possessed. “Veritas” is included in many university mottos as well, including Yale University’s Lux et Veritas (Light and Truth). Veritas is also the motto of Harvard University, and the Dominican Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The BMHS motto is “justice, truth, honor” and the case can be made that all pursuits, if they are valid, must first be rooted in truth. We, as a school community, certainly strive to achieve that goal. Principal: Rosemary Libbon, Principal Director of Development: Andy Marafino Director of Outreach: Dione Dierks Asst. Director of Development: Amy Traxler Publications Director: John Hong Editors: Andy Marafino, Dione Dierks, Amy Traxler Photographers: John Hong, Andy Marafino, Dione Dierks, BMHS Yearbook Staff, Lifetouch Cover Design: John Hong Printer: Shanahan Printing & Graphics, Inc. Published by Bishop Montgomery High School for alumni, students, parents, and friends BMHS © 2014 Bishop Montgomery High School For more information, address corrections or to send comments or suggestions, please contact: Andy Marafino, Director of Development Bishop Montgomery High School 5430 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503 (310) 540-2021 ext. 246 / amarafino@bmhs-la.org www.bmhs-la.org
SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 3
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Friends of Bishop Montgomery,
E
ach month our Bishop Montgomery community comes together in the gym to celebrate Mass, always a very sweet and powerful experience, a sign of God’s power and goodness. I am always reminded of how much I love not only the individuals gathered together in that gym, but how much I love this community. Our students come to us from many places not only in the greater South Bay, but also from many places in the world. Each student brings a different story to Bishop Montgomery and the history of that student, the journey that has brought that student to our school, each of their varied backgrounds and experiences, add to the richness of our community.
Though each student brings his or her own story to Bishop Montgomery, I remind them that as they grow in high school life, they will each continue to write their own stories—and define who they will become because of their daily choices. And so, I pray daily that that each of our students will choose to write a story that proclaims that they are a child of God, made in His image, that He is in them and that He has plans for them, that they each matter, each have something to contribute, and that the community would be different without one of them.
4 • VERITAS
I pray that they put aside childish things, that they choose to write a story defined by good choices, that they own their decisions, knowing that God has given them the free will and the power to choose who they want to be. I pray that they choose to write a story in which they do not seek to hurt others but instead to heal; a story in which they do not seek to discourage others but to inspire; a story in which they do not seek to diminish others but to lift them up.
are bound together in Christ’s love, nourished by that love, moved by that love, inspired by that love, made better by that love—a love that is faithful in the face of difficulties, respectful, generous, kind, willing to sacrifice for others—a love that proclaims that to be filled with love, we must empty ourselves of our selfishness. And finally, I pray that they each choose to write a story in which every moment of their life proclaims that they know that they are each God’s great work, and that he has great plans for them.
“I am always reminded of how much I love not only the individuals gathered together in that gym, but how much I love this community.” I pray that they choose to write a story in which they have the courage to use their voices to speak for those who have no voice, the courage to stand with those who need someone to stand with them, the generosity to give to those who hurt physically, emotionally, spiritually, to help those who do not enjoy the many blessings that they do. I pray they choose to write a story in which they are generous not only with material things, but generous in spirit.
Because of our students, great things happen at Bishop Montgomery. Sincerely,
Rosemary Libbon Principal
I pray that they choose to write a story that proclaims that they each know and understand that we here at Bishop Montgomery
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
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Students from Drama Lab visit New York’s Central Park in March.
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BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
COVER STORY
Bishop Montgomery: A Global Community
M
ark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Bishop Montgomery has always distinguished itself as a school where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially in an environment that celebrates diversity; it is a school where students graduate ready to face the challenges of the world with an open mind and a desire to help others. The development of students, however, does not only occur on campus, but far beyond the borders of Torrance, California. Bishop Montgomery’s reach has never been more evident than it is today, when a growing number of alumni are living and working overseas, and students and teachers are traveling the globe, discovering all that the world has to offer. While most of us travel for enjoyment and enrichment, trips outside of our locale can also bring about life-changing opportunities and experiences. And, whether we realize it or not, these moments inevitably broaden our thinking… often in ways unimaginable. In the last few years, the number of students, teachers, and alumni traveling the globe for work, school, family, and pleasure has grown tremendously. During the 2013-14 school year, clubs and organizations on campus added trips around the country to their list of activities, with even more planned for the coming years. In fact, trips have already been approved for the BMHS Band to go to London, the French classes to go to Paris, and leadership students to visit Washington, D.C. Teachers and staff have traveled overseas to bring their experiences and education back to their classrooms. Many alumni are living and working all over the globe. And, not only are we seeing the world, the world is coming to Bishop Montgomery. A record number of international students have arrived on campus, making BMHS a true global community.
This year, 62 international students from eight countries call BMHS home. To help these students acclimate to the American school system, the Bishop administration, working with English teacher Gabe Bitto, implemented a new English Language Development course this year. With the goals of having these students polish their English skills and understand daily life in the United States, Bitto has spent much of his time assessing each student. Despite dealing with students with varying degrees of English proficiency, his goal for the students remains the same. “It is more important that the students understand English, not that we get through a certain amount of material,” Bitto explains. “They are not used to an academic program where it is okay to work at their own pace.” For these students, the desire to receive an American education is a small price to pay to be away from their families for an extended period of time. The gain for Bishop Montgomery, though, is immeasurable as the trend in instruction and education requires students to stretch beyond the immediate classroom and delve into the global community that is now no more than a mouse-click away. Or, fortunately at Bishop, as close as the student sitting in the adjacent desk, storing books in the locker above, or taking a swing at home plate during a baseball game in PE. For Bishop’s students, this unique opportunity for interaction and
friendship with students from around the globe helps broaden their perspectives without ever having to step off campus. With a blend of very diverse cultures, Bishop is successfully building a community of acceptance and creating a multi-faceted learning environment-- the ideal learning platform for future college students and employees in the 21st century. In addition to bringing a rich diversity to campus, the international students also contribute to the academic prowess for which our scholars are known. Their success stories (sidebar, page 9) are abundant, with many students enrolling in Honors and AP courses during their tenure at Bishop. “Each [international] student here is highly motivated,” guidance director Doug Mitchell says. “The fact that they leave their families to get an education here speaks to that [motivation]. They are all interested in music, art, athletics, and other extra-curricular activities, and Bishop gives them the opportunity to expand on those interests.”
ABOVE: Students visit San Diego State University during one of last year’s college tours.
While international students have been seeking Bishop as an educational destination, several BMHS students have taken advantage of the opportunity to travel abroad and learn more, especially in regards to foreign business and culture. This summer, senior Kira Coyne ’15 gained invaluable insight when she spent three weeks interning for Hong Kong Deco, an interior design firm that showcases designer brands for marketing purposes. During her internship, Coyne worked with the company’s website and traveled the Asian region scouting locations for showrooms. “Working with the website allowed me some freedom,” Coyne said. “I also enjoyed being right in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. It was great to be submerged with businessmen and [business] women while learning as much as I could.” During the past years, students in clubs and organizations have also been traveling throughout the United States on school-sponsored trips. Though the groups’ destinations vary, the objective is always to provide the students with enriching educational experiences. Students in two of the campuses largest groups, Drama Lab and the BMHS Band, took trips last year. Twenty-two members of Drama Lab, along with moderators and alumnae Megan Ashby-Moreau ‘01 and Melissa Rhoades-Rudder ‘01
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SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 7
Bishop Montgomery: A Global Community
ABOVE: Teachers John Fitzsimons (l) and Robert Lee (r) at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
This June, two teachers, John Fitzsimons and Robert Lee ’02, embarked on a life-changing trip when they traveled to Israel as part of the Holy Land Democracy Project (HLDP), a program sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Founded by Dr. Daniel Lieber, the head of Oncology at St. John’s Medical Center, and headed by Rabbi Hal Greenwald of the Jewish Federation, the project takes educators from charter, private, and religious schools to Israel for a first person experience with the Holy Land where they are trained to teach the HLDP’s 5-lesson course called The Many Faces of Israel. The course focuses on, among other things, the Israeli people, their culture, and the challenges they face with their political situation. One of the main purposes of the trip is to equip the educators to teach the course to their students upon their return. More importantly, however, the trip, the course, and the experience are designed to bring the Jewish and Catholic communities closer together. It is here, according to Dr. Lieber, where Fitzsimons has played a major role in the project’s growth over the last decade. “John was one of the first teachers involved in the project,” Lieber explains. “He has been an integral part of the program because he has become an educator for Jews like me. We have learned so much about Catholicism and Christianity from him, and honestly, it has been a great honor to learn about Catholicism from someone I consider a friend.”
traveled to New York City. The trip afforded the students the chance to experience Broadway and appreciate the many facets of New York City that make it a hub of worldwide entertainment. In addition to seeing Broadway plays Newsies, Once, and Bullets Over Broadway, the students met performers from the shows and attended a talk-back with cast members of Newsies. They also attended a workshop with Mary Boyer, a working actress recently seen in Orange is the New Black. In addition to exposure to a variety of musical theater styles and face time with actors, musicians, and dancers, the group found time to do some sight-seeing. Visits to Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Central Park rounded out their trip to the Big Apple.
For Fitzsimons, it was his fifth trip to Israel as part of the project; however, this time held special meaning in many ways for the veteran religion teacher. It was his first time making the journey as part of the HLDP’s staff, serving as a master teacher. In addition to helping develop the curriculum for the course, Fitzsimons, along with Rabbi Hal, was responsible for teaching the educators the program, something that had a tremendous impact on him. “To be part of the project as a master teacher and to be treated as a member of the Jewish federation was pretty remarkable for me,” Fitzsimons said. “I feel honored to be considered a spokesperson for the project while also serving as a representative of Bishop Montgomery.”
Like their thespian counterparts, members of the BMHS Band took to the road last year and headed north to share their musical talents. The group, under the direction of Eric Hankey, traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area in March as part of the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. The members of the band performed at concerts at Cabrillo College and San Francisco’s famous Band Shell and were able to do some sight-seeing as well. “We travel so our students can learn that they are part of a very big world, full of people with very different backgrounds and cultures - but that we are all very much the same,” Hankey says.
In addition to being a master teacher, Fitzsimons is also proud of the role that the Bishop community has played in the growth of the Holy Land Democracy Project. BMHS is considered the project’s flagship school due, in part, to its involvement since the program’s infancy. “[Secondary School Superintendent] Msgr. Sal [Pilato], [BMHS Principal] Rosemary [Libbon], and BMHS were leaders and supporters in the early stages of the program when the viability of the project was still in doubt,” Fitzsimons explains. As proud as Fitzsimons is about both his and Bishop’s involvement in the project, the Jewish Federation is just as honored to have Fitzsimons as part of their community. “John has taught us about Catholicism, but he has also helped others understand the Jewish community,” Lieber says. “In so many ways, he serves as a bridge between the two religions.”
Veteran guidance counselor and alumna Celeste Adams ’94 organized two college tours last year with approximately 40 students participating in each. In the fall, students visited San Diego to tour UCSD, San Diego State, and USD. In the spring, Adams took students to Santa Barbara to visit UCSB and Westmont College. The all-day trips included guided walking tours of the campuses provided by the respective admissions departments. “I always tell my students that they need to visit colleges to really know if a place is for them,” Adams says. “Exposing them to different campuses expands their options and allows them to envision themselves going to a particular school.” Adams’ goal is to expand the program with extended trips to San Francisco, Arizona, Texas, and the East Coast.
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Lee, who teaches Honors World History, saw his first trip to Israel as a way to learn as much as possible about the people and culture and bring these observations to life for his students. What he experienced, however, was even more than he could have imagined. “What I found,” Lee explains, “were a vibrant people with a diverse political, social, and economic landscape. Obviously, Israel’s political realities make foreign policy a huge issue, but the people have a very exuberant and optimistic view about [Israel’s] future.” Walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the Via Dolorosa and
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
The World Comes to Bishop
T
his year, 62 international students, representing eight countries – China, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, and
Vietnam – are thriving on campus as they acclimate to life far away from home. Despite the fact that they are living in a country foreign to them, these students are finding that being a member of the BMHS community has made their transition a little easier. Two of these students, seniors Jan Caldr ‘15 (left) and Yidan Yuan ’15 (right), are not only succeeding
in
their
classes, but have also become
ambassadors
for their fellow international classmates. When Yidan arrived
visiting places like Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, and the Sea of Galilee were awe-inspiring experiences; but, for Lee, meeting the people of Israel was the highlight of his travels. Always one to keep an open mind, Lee found that much of his previous knowledge of Israel were really generalizations taught by the media. As a first-hand visitor to Israel, Lee acknowledges that the direct manner in which Americans speak can often times “ruffle the feathers of the sensitive,” but he quickly realized that the Jews enjoy life and commenting on it. “They love food, music, debate, art, sports, and, most of all, debate,” Lee quips. “Everything you need to know about Jewish culture can be seen in debate; they acknowledge the dignity and worth of all people in hearing their point of view.”
as a freshman, she estimates that she was reading English at a 6th grade level. Sitting with her now, one would think that she is a native speaker. A talented student and artist, Yidan has worked hard to be proficient in English (she is taking Honors British Literature this year and carries a 4.3 GPA), and now says that English comes quickly to her. “Coming to America and [to] Bishop has opened up doors to communicate with others,” Yidan explains. “I now have the courage and confidence to express myself in many ways.” Yidan came to America for an education in a place that allows her to express her talents, something that is not necessarily standard in her native China. Her dream college is Stanford, but for now, Yidan is happy at BMHS getting to know her classmates and teachers and growing as a person. Jan has been studying English since the sixth grade, but his skills have developed quickly since coming to the United States a few years ago. Now in his second year at Bishop, Jan says that he has started to think in English rather than his native Czech, something that has helped him achieve a 3.83 GPA. He also credits his progress to the fact that he has had to grow up quickly without his family close by. “Being by myself has been a lot of work and a lot of stress,” Jan explains. “Because of this, I have evolved as a person more [in America] than I ever could have at home.” With an eye on majoring in business in college, Jan is happy to be in the structured atmosphere that Bishop offers and is grateful to be experiencing a substantially different educational experience than he ever has before. “Bishop has helped me be a better, more patient person,” Jan says. “I have gained unbelievable life experiences here at Bishop and in the United States.”
In addition to Fitzsimons and Lee, several other BMHS teachers and students have traveled to Israel over the years as part of the project. Bishop’s reach with the project extended even further this year when Fitzsimons’ niece and BMHS alumna, Colleen Fitzsimons ’06, traveled to Israel with the group as a teacher (she teaches at Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena). It was her second trip to Israel as part of the project, having previously served as a chaperone a few years ago as an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame. Like Colleen, Bishop graduates travel the globe not only for enjoyment, but also as part of their schooling (see page 12) and their jobs. Alumni can be found living in each of the 50 states, and about 50 graduates call another country home. Temu Obar ’03 has been teaching English in South Korea for the last few years and former Knights’ basketball star Errick Craven ‘01 continues to play in both France and the Ivory Coast. Most recently, two graduates in the Marines, Jason Silva ’02, and Chris Dippel ’07, were given opportunities to serve overseas and willingly accepted.
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For Silva, a Staff Sergeant who is stationed at Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan, the decision to move was relatively easy. Given a few options, two of which would have taken him away from his wife, alumna Sheena Chew-Silva ’02, and their two children, Hayden and Logan, the family (above) decided that Japan would be their home for the next three years. “I saw it as an opportunity not only to further my career, but to provide an amazing opportunity to travel with my family and experience a culture unlike any other,” Silva explains. While Silva serves as the Inspector Chief for the Marine Corps Installation’s Pacific Inspector General’s Office, he and his family are looking forward to embracing the Japanese culture and the opportunity to experience daily life abroad. Not far from Silva, Marine 1st Lieutenant Dippel (below) is serving on Robertson Barracks in Australia as a logistics officer. Although he is kept busy getting the rotational force to Australia and sending them back to the United States, he has found time to use his travels as an educational experience. While on the other side of the world, he climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge, jumped crocodiles, and trained with the Australian military. “The biggest difference between Australia and the States is learning the Australian expressions and getting used to the metric system,” says Dippel. Whether a student, teacher, or alumnus traveling at home or abroad-- or an international student traveling to BMHS-the opportunity to explore the globe never ceases to offer invaluable and unparalleled learning experiences. While Twain’s quote still resonates in today’s world, Lee’s reflection on his trip to Israel is arguably just as timeless: “Every opportunity to travel helps one define their way of life and compare it to another, leading to questioning. It is in this questioning that [people] and societies evolve and progress.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 9
FEATURE
The Class of 2014: Impressive in Many Ways
Bishop Montgomery's Class of 2014 graduated on Friday, May 30, officially becoming members of the Bishop Montgomery alumni community when they crossed the stage and received their diplomas. The Class of 2014 saw a senior year marked with an outstanding number of honors-at-entrance awards and merit scholarships from colleges and universities across the country, as well as other scholarships and recognition from local, state, and national businesses and organizations. Of the 237 seniors, 236 will attend college and one will take a gap year. Below are the Class of 2014 statistics. On the facing page is the list of schools to which the graduates were accepted and where they will be attending.
• 236 (99.5%) • 186 (78%) • 50 (21%) • 212 (89%) • 203 (96%) • 65 (28%) • 36 (15%) • 34 (14%) • 46 (20%) • 2 (> 1%)
Seniors attending college/university Seniors attending a 4-year college/university Seniors attending a 2-year college/vocational school Seniors who applied to 4-year colleges/universities Seniors accepted to 4-year colleges/universities Seniors attending Cal State System Seniors attending UC System Seniors attending Private, In-State Seniors attending 4-year, Out-of-State Seniors attending 4-year, Out-of-United States
“We must always remember where we came from. No matter where you go or how successful you become, all of you, each one of you, will always be a Knight.” Marc Gehrig ‘14, Valedictorian
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BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 2014 College Matriculation Members of the Class of 2014 were accepted to: Academy of Art University Adelphi University *University of Alabama The American University of Paris Arizona State University University of Arizona *Auburn University Azusa Pacific University *Baylor University Biola University Boise State University *Boston College *Boston University Bradley University *Brown University *UC Berkeley *UC Davis *UC Irvine *UCLA UC Merced UC Riverside *UC San Diego *UC Santa Barbara *UC Santa Cruz California Lutheran University Cal Poly Pomona Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Cal State, Bakersfield Cal State, Channel Islands Cal State, Chico Cal State, Dominguez Hills Cal State, East Bay Cal State, Fresno Cal State, Fullerton Cal State, Humboldt Cal State, Long Beach Cal State, Los Angeles Cal State, Monterey Bay Cal State, Northridge Cal State, Sacramento Cal State, San Bernardino Cal State, San Diego Cal State, San Francisco Cal State, San Jose Cal State, San Marcos Cal State, Sonoma Cal State, Stanislaus *Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America Chaminade University of Honolulu Chapman University *University of Chicago Claremont McKenna College *Clark University Clarkson University *Clemson University *University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University Concordia University - Irvine *Cornell University Creighton University University of Dallas University of Dayton
Delaware State University *University of Denver DePauw University Dominican University of California *Drexel University El Camino College Emerson College *Fordham University Fresno Pacific University George Fox University George Mason University *Georgetown University Golden West College Gonzaga University Grand Canyon University Hampton University *Harvard University University of Hawaii Hawaii Pacific University Hillsdale College Hofstra University Hope International University University of Houston Howard University University of Illinois University of Kansas University of La Verne Langston University Long Beach City College Los Angeles Harbor College Loyola Marymount University Loyola University New Orleans Manhattanville College *Marquette University Marymount California University Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University *University of Massachusetts, Amherst *Miami University (OH) *University of Miami *University of Michigan Miles College Mills College University of Mississippi Mount Saint Mary's College University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno University of New Mexico College of New Rochelle *New York University *Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northwest Nazarene University Northwest University Notre Dame de Namur University *University of Notre Dame Occidental College Ohio Wesleyan University Oregon State University University of Oregon Pace University University of the Pacific
ABOVE: Eight members of the Class of 2014 matriculated to Cal. (L to R): Teena Roshini ‘14, Sarah Dargen ‘14, Bryce Watts ‘14, Madison Miller ‘14, Alexandra Ruiloba ‘14, Matt Kurata ‘14, Claire Thatcher ‘14, Adam Balderas ‘14.
Janelle Odionu ‘14
Katelyn Taira ‘14
Cornell
Washington University in St. Louis
*University of Pennsylvania *Pepperdine University Point Loma Nazarene University Point Park University Portland State University University of Portland University of Puget Sound *Purdue University University of Redlands Regis University *Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute *Rice University Ryerson University Saint John's University Saint Mary's College of California *University of San Diego University of San Francisco Santa Barbara City College Santa Clara University Santa Monica College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Seton Hall University Skidmore College University of South Carolina *University of Southern California
Southern Illinois University *Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. Edward's University St. John's University University of St. Thomas Stevenson University Suffolk University Temple University *The Ohio State University *Tulane University Tuskegee University Vanguard University of Southern California Villanova University Washington State University *Washington University in St. Louis *University of Washington West Los Angeles College West Texas A&M University Westmont College Wheaton College Whitworth University William Jessup University Xavier University York University
Bold indicates school attended by a members (s) of Class of 2014 *indicates US News & World Report Top 100 National University
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SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 11
FEATURE
The College Life: Junior Year The ‘kids’ in our Class of 2011 Project have completed their junior year. They are growing up and ready for their senior year. Laura Bell ‘11 • UC Davis If taking advantage of the infinite opportunities that are available is part of what college is all about, then Laura Bell is having as full a college experience as one could possibly imagine. In the last two years, she has interned in a kindergarten class, shadowed doctors in a Bolivian hospital, volunteered with the Red Cross, worked as a research assistant on an autism study, interned in an operating room, volunteered at a student-run clinic, worked as a Child Life intern, and volunteered at a local senior center. Oh, she is also continuing as a double major in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior (NPB) and Psychology. With everything going on, it is no surprise that her junior year was not without some stress. “Junior year [was] the most challenging and the most defining of my college years,” Bell says. In addition to taking more in-depth courses in her majors, Bell took on a paid job at the Infant Sibling Study at UC Davis’ MIND Institute (an autism study). She also began an internship at UCDMC’s operating room and continued to serve on the board of the campus’ American Red Cross Club. In July, Bell traveled to La Paz, Bolivia (pictured) to study abroad through a joint program between Child Family Health International and UC Davis. While there, she studied Pediatric Health and Adolescent Medicine, took Spanish classes, and shadowed doctors. Bell admits that, at first, her schedule was “a nightmare,” but fortunately she was able to use it as a learning experience. “[My schedule] ended up being ernormously beneficial because it forced me to improve my time-management skills in order to maintain a good work-life-school-sleep balance.” Bell admits that the most difficult part of her junior year was not her schedule, but the pressure she felt to decide on a career direction. “For the past year and a half, I have gone back and forth over whether medicine was the right path for me,” Bell says. And while she has spent much of college envisioning herself as a doctor, Bell realizes that her personality is more compatible with a career in clinical psychology or social work. “Because I wasn’t sure about my future career,” she says, “I had the opportunity to experience a lot of really different things, all of which have been immensely important in shaping the person I am today.”
Daisy Franco ‘11 • Georgetown University For Daisy Franco, junior year was much like what most students at a similar point in their college studies experience: a lot of work and very little free time. She used her junior year not only to delve more into her major classes (she is an International Politics major in Georgetown’s prestigious School of Foreign Service), but to focus on internships as well. “All of my major classes require more work and dedication,” Franco says. “[Junior Year] is also the year where you should intern...but I’m enjoying everything I do.” In the fall, she interned with Inter-American Dialogue, a Latin-American policy thinktank which focuses on Latin American policy. She also continued her work coordinating a court program for young kids on parole in the Washington, D.C. area. She did all of this and still made the Dean’s List! Franco spent the second semester studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (pictured), learning Portuguese, and interning at Rede Nami, an NGO that works with women’s rights. For Franco, studying abroad gave her a different view of the world. “I’m in a new country, learning a new language, and getting a different, non US-centric view of my area of study,” she wrote in June. When asked how she has changed as a student, Franco wrote: “I am definitely more confident now. I have learned how to work better as a student and how to approach and connect with professors. I still make some mistakes, but I feel more confident with my abilities as a student now.” Franco is on track to graduate in May 2015 and is exploring her post-graduate options. She is considering the peace corps and is also planning on taking the LSATs with an eye on law school to study immigration law. Although she has no solid leads on which way she will head, Franco is sure of one thing. “I know I want to work before grad school or law school, so I can get an idea of what I want to do and what does not work.” For anyone familiar with this bright, passionate, and kind young woman, this well-thought out approach comes as no surprise.
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BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Tyler Harvey ‘11 • Eastern Washington University Of the five graduates in our study, Tyler Harvey’s story is a bit unique. He will be a senior academically in the fall, but only a junior athletically, thanks to a redshirt year as a freshman. This past year, Harvey gained national recognition for both his play on the court and his work in the classroom. On the court, he was named 1st Team All-Big Sky and 2nd Team National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 6 after averaging a team-high 21.8 points for the Eagles. In fact, his per game average and his 677 points scored were both good for 3rd in school history. On a national level, Harvey ranked 6th in the country in 3-pointers made per game (3.52), 16th in 3-point percentage (43.3%) and 8th in free throw percentage (89.7%). Despite having the hectic schedule of a Division I athlete, Harvey was outstanding in the classroom as well. A communications major, Harvey carries a 3.7 GPA and was recognized for his academic prowess by the NABC Honors Court. “It was truly a humbling experience to get the national recognition that I did throughout the year,” Harvey says. With such a rigorous schedule, Harvey knows that hispriorities must be organization and motivation. He gets most of his studying done on airplanes when the team is on the road, and utilizes the professors during their office hours, something he knows they appreciate. One of the biggest challenges he faces, though, is motivating himself to do his homework after a long day of basketball and classes. “It’s all part of being a student-athlete,” he says, “and no one said it was going to be easy.” It is no surprise that Harvey is on track to graduate in the winter with an eye on beginning work towards a master’s degree. “I truly believe that if you work hard and trust in God, everything will fall into place.” Special thanks to the BMHS Jr. High Summer Academy Sports Writing class for helping in the writing of this article. The students were: Dominick Allman, Ian Flores, Mateo Portilla, Sam Stockhausen, Robbie Vaughan, and Tristan Yeomans.
Cody Lee ‘11 • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo For many college students going into their senior year, there is a hope that starting a career in their field of study is just around the corner. For Cody Lee, that hope is more of a reality. Since he began his mechanical engineering studies as a freshman at Cal Poly, SLO, he has interned at Northrop Grumman Space Technology in El Segundo every summer, and he plans on working there full-time upon graduation. Although his internship will likely keep him from graduating in four years (he was unable to take summer school classes), the experience he has gained has been both invaluable and a nice complement to his classes. ““Even though [junior year] was more demanding than the previous years, it was my favorite,” Lee explains. “I took classes that I could see having a practical application in the real working world.” Like his fellow BMHS classmates in this project, Lee spent his junior year keeping busy with both classes and extra-curricular activites. Lee serves on the executive board of his sccial fraternity and this past year he joined both a mechanical engineering fraternity and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In addition to these obligations, Lee says that he “was constantly challenged with group projects, long homework assignments, and labs,” and learned to manage his time. Following graduation, probably in the winter of 2016, Lee plans on a master’s degree at UCLA through a Northrop-sponsored program. This, he says, “will differentiate [me] in the work place.”
Kevin Paredes ‘11 • Southwest Baptist University After a sophomore year lost to injury, Kevin Paredes was determined to get back on the football field at Southwest Baptist. After working hard to rehab a knee injury, Paredes appeared in 8 games for the Bearcats, amassing 6 catches for 67 yards as a junior. Getting himself healthy demanded much of his time, but it proved to be a tremendous learning experience for him. As a business management major, his junior year required more time management than ever before. “I didn’t know how important setting goals really was as a sophomore,” Paredes says. “Now that I’m taking [major classes] that require more engagement and discussion, I had to make sure I was on top of all the material. [Time management] has helped me tremendously, and being able to apply it to both school and life has made wonders.” His management skills will be put to the test his senior year as Paredes prepares to write a 50-page audit for one of his classes. “I’m really looking forward to that,” Paredes says with a hint of sarcasm. Outside of the classroom, Paredes worked at Absolute Fitness and found that he enjoyed working for a small business. Having great respect for small business owners, Paredes took a job this past summer in the sales department of South Bay Show Homes and found the experience to be invaluable for his area of study. “There was a change in ownership... so I’ve been able to experience what a business looks like in its early stages,” Paredes explains. On track to graduate in the fall of 2015, Paredes is anxious to learn even more about the world of business.
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ABOVE: (l to r): Mark Woods ‘00, Paul Leach ‘00, Sam Prouty ‘00, and Alex Tanase at the 10th Annual BMHS/Morgan Miranda Golf Tournament.
FEATURE
Thompson Brothers Keep Up A Family Tradition
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ishop Montgomery basketball standout Stephen Thompson, Jr. ’15 has put up some impressive numbers in his first three years on campus. Last year, he was joined at the school by his younger brother, Ethan Thompson ‘17, a sophomore who got off to a tremendous start building his own high school résumé. By now, most fans of the basketball team are well aware that the Thompson brothers are doing their best to keep up with the accomplishments of their father, Stephen, Sr., a two-time LA City Player of the Year at Crenshaw, an All-American at Syracuse, and a professional in the NBA. What some people may not know is that they have another pair of big shoes to fill when it comes to their success at Bishop Montgomery: their mother, Amy. From 1985-1988, Amy Thompson (Amy Bayona ’88) had an outstanding career of her own while attending Bishop Montgomery. On the volleyball court, Amy was a four-year varsity player and all-league performer who went on to play at Northern Arizona University alongside her twin sister, Adrienne ’88. In fact, Amy and Adrienne followed in the footsteps of their older sister, Abby '85, who starred at Bishop Montgomery and Northern Arizona as well. As a former student-athlete, Amy is thankful for the role athletics has played in her life, both personally and professionally. For the last 13 years, she has worked at Valor Christian Academy, a K-8 school in Redondo Beach where she is the Vice Principal. She often finds herself drawing on her own experiences on the volleyball court in her role at work and as a mother. “I’ve learned perseverance, how to be a leader, and when to let others lead,” she explains. “I’ve learned empathy, compassion, goal setting… I could go on and on.” In the end, Amy draws on all of her experiences (and those of her husband) to point Stephen, Jr. and Ethan on the right path. “Bishop Montgomery prepared me for life after high school by setting a high standard of expectation in the classroom and on the court,” recalls Amy. “This standard of excellence mirrored the standards my parents expected of me at home and are the same expectations I have for my own children.” On the court last year, Stephen, Jr. was outstanding for the Knights. He led the team in scoring (22.0 ppg) as the Knights won the Del Rey League title and the Division IV state championship. In the Knights’ state playoff game against Oaks Christian, he scored a career-high 33 points in the team’s win. His 31-point effort in a win at Serra was perhaps his most impressive performance of the season. He not only helped the Knights clinch the league title, but he did so by displaying a basketball IQ that has made him one of the top recruits on the west coast (he recently made a verbal commitment to Oregon State). To top things off, his 748 points scored on the season are a new single-season school record. Following the season, the accolades came pouring in. He was named 1st Team All-Del Rey League, 1st Team Daily Breeze All-Area, 2nd Team All-CIF (Open Division), 1st Team All-Junior All-State, 1st Team All-State Division IV, and 2nd Team All-State Elite. Few freshmen in the boys’ basketball program’s impressive history had a year like Ethan had in 2013-14. He averaged a modest 7.5 points per
game, but his presence was especially felt in the intangibles he provided the team, something that did not go unnoticed by his brother. “Ethan is a great player,” explains Stephen, Jr. “He has a great feel for the game and we have a special connection on the court.” In the state championship game, Ethan scored a season-high 14 points as the Knights rolled to a 41-point win, the largest margin of victory in a California state title game. Ethan joined his brother on the All-Del Rey League 1st Team and also was named 2nd Team Daily Breeze All-Area and 1st Team All-Freshman All-State. He is also quick to point out how much it means to play on the same team as his brother: “High school was a little overwhelming at first,” explains Ethan, “but [Stephen] helped me fit into my role on the team and in the school pretty easily.” The remarkable numbers Stephen, Jr. and Ethan put up on the court in 2013-14 are all points of pride in the Thompson household. Through all the basketball success, however, the soft-spoken brothers are both very clear about which numbers are most important to their mom and dad – their GPA’s. “Our parents always put academics first,” explains Stephen, Jr., who carries a 4.3 GPA. “Before we went to any games or practices, we had to have our homework done.” When asked if they ever missed a practice or game because their homework was not finished, Ethan, who has a 4.0 GPA, smiled and simply responded: “Nope. We always got it done because we wanted to play and make our parents proud.” For Amy, seeing her sons compete in the same gym where she played not only brings back great memories, but reinforces her decision to have Stephen, Jr. and Ethan attend her alma mater. “[My husband and I] wanted them to enroll in a high school that would continue to inculcate Christian values, challenge them academically, and provide excellent coaching in basketball,” she explains. When she takes her spot in the top row of the bleachers at every home basketball game, Amy fondly recalls the special feelings of “school spirit, unity, and Knight Pride” that she experienced as a student-athlete and knows her family made the right decision. Since the boys began attending Bishop, Amy has seen them grow as athletes, students, and as young men. “They seem to be more confident and outgoing as they mature,” explains Amy, “all while maintaining a humble heart.” When Stephen, Jr. and Ethan Thompson walk out on the basketball court at Bishop for a game, they do so carrying a little bit of each of their parents with them. They are well aware of their dad’s accomplishments on the court and play much like he did – with a quiet, controlled confidence. Their calm demeanor, however, should not be confused for a lack of competitiveness. According to the basketball coaching staff, you will not find two more fierce competitors than the Thompson brothers. What separates Stephen, Jr. and Ethan from others, though, is that they compete without arrogance and without grandstanding. They are the same qualities Amy learned playing volleyball for the Lady Knights. Stephen, Jr. and Ethan have no other choice but to play this way. After all, their mom ruled the court at Bishop Montgomery long before they did.
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AROUND CAMPUS
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Students vs. Faculty Volleyball Match
Bishop Montgomery volleyball players (l to r) Justin Arevalo ‘14, Tessa Allen ‘15, and Andre Labayen ‘14 do a little trash-talking to Boys’ Dean Mr. Flores ‘84; but in the end, it was Mr. Flores and the faculty who had the last laugh, defeating the students in the annual Students vs. Faculty Volleyball Match during Spring Spirit Week. Like the Spurs in the NBA Finals, age, experience, and teamwork won out over youth.
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Fr. Allen Ramirez ‘64
We are excited to announce that alumnus Fr. Allen Ramirez ‘64 is the new chaplain at BMHS. Fr. Allen will
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celebrate Masses, be available for reconciliation, and work with Campus Ministry on a variety of projects. We are excited to welcome back Fr. Allen to campus!!!
3 Vincent Miramontes ‘14 Vincent Miramontes ‘14 was recognized in the spring by the Arts Council of Torrance, winning the 2014 Torrance Drama Recognition Award. He performed a monologue as the Mad Hatter, and received recognition and certificates from the Arts Council of Torrance, the City of Torrance, the California Legislature, the California State Senate, and the County of Los Angeles (Commendation for the Arts).
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
This July, BMHS launched its new Summer Academy, welcoming over 200 junior high students on campus for academic classes and athletic camps. Some of the middle schoolers quickly settled in and spent their mornings in classes like Harry Potter for Muggles, Math-Magicians, Introduction to Athletic Training, and Screenwriting 101. Others chose to head to the athletic facilities and participate in the youth sports camps. And, a good number of the students chose both-- a combined academic and athletic experience. With over 18 classes and 11 camps to choose from, the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders had the opportunity to tailor the academy curriculum to their own interests. Yzabella Ramirez, a sixth grader at American Martyrs School, chose her classes through a compromise with her parents. “They wanted me to do serious subjects, but I also wanted to have fun,” she explains. “So, I took one English class with reading and writing, and one fun class called Cool Crafts. It was a fair trade.” Other students, like Olivia Pilon, an eighth grader at St. Lawrence Martyr, participated in one academic class in the morning, and then headed out to the field for a track/cross country camp. For Pilon, it was a nice balance that, as her mother and BMHS English teacher Amy Meehan says, kept her brain and body strong during the downtime of summer. “I was looking for an opportunity to keep her active over the summer, and since we live so close to Bishop, it was a perfect fit. And, it helped that she loved every minute of it.” And, it seems that the students were not the only ones having a good time. The Bishop faculty enjoyed the opportunity to interact with younger students. Jamie Kamiya-Haagsma, a Bishop alumna and current athletic trainer for the school, taught Introduction to Athletic Training. Her class included six boys and two girls, all of whom were eager to learn more about sports medicine and what goes into keeping athletes mentally and physically healthy. For Haagsma, the chance to share her passion and knowledge of athletic training has been rewarding. “I really like teaching young students about my job and showing them, hands-on, what an athletic trainer does. They’ve learned first aid, how to wrap injuries, and even met with a local doctor and had a hospital tour.”
Photo by: Jason Koerner and Larry Levin
Summer Fun at BMHS
Recent graduate Angela Francis ‘14 was named by the United States Department of Education as a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar. She was one of only 141 high school seniors to be “recognized for outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.” Francis was honored for her accomplishments in Washington, D.C. in lateJune. An accomplished and published photographer, Francis had her photography showcased at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. during her trip in June. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artistically talented graduating high school senior!
For veteran teacher Melissa Rudder, her Academy classes provided a welcome opportunity to use her creativity, and teach subjects she would not normally cover with her regular curriculum: “I loved the freedom and encouragement to do fun activities in class,” says Rudder who teaches Honors and AP English. In her Harry Potter for Muggles class, the junior high students made origami snitches and competed for Hogwarts house points in between discussions on mythology and story arcs. In Hunger Games and the American Culture, students balanced analyzing text and developing themes in writing with group activities and lively conversations on pop culture and celebrity worship. “My favorite part was on the last day when we made a board game. We were divided into three groups and each group got to create our own Hunger Games character… then, we played against each other,” explains Ramirez, one of Rudder’s students. “It was really fun.” The junior high students represented over 25 schools from the South Bay and Los Angeles area, including schools as far north as St. Jerome in Westchester and as far south as St. Cornelius in Long Beach. A majority of the students in attendance,
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however, represented local South Bay middle and elementary schools including St. James in Torrance, and St. Lawrence Martyr and Riviera Hall Lutheran School, both in Redondo Beach.
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AROUND CAMPUS
For athletic scores and news, follow us on twitter @BMHSKnights
Photo: Daily Breeze
Winter/Spring Athletics
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BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Photo: Yvette Monteilh Photo: Patricia Grant
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Teams Add to a Rich Athletic History 1
Justin Bibbins ‘14
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Girls’ Basketball
Two more banners were raised in 2013-14 at BMHS. The boys’ basketball team captured the program’s 3rd state championship with a record-setting 85-44 victory over Moreau Catholic. The 41-point win set a new state record for largest margin of victory in a state title game. Among his many awards, Justin Bibbins ‘14 was named Division IV State Player of the Year. Head Coach Doug Mitchell was named State Coach of the Year after leading the Knights to a 28-6 record. Stephen Thompson, Jr. ‘15 was named 1st Team All-State (Div. IV) and 1st Team All-Junior All-State. His brother, Ethan Thompson ‘17, was named 1st Team All-Freshman All-State. Girls’ hoops won their 5th CIF title with a 46-43 upset of JSerra in the Division 4AA finals. Janelle Odionu ‘14 was named CIF Player of the Year and classmates Christine Delapina ‘15 and Chelsea Lidy ‘15 were both named 1st team All-CIF. The Lady Knights finished 24-9 under Head Coach Bridgette Reyes.
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Spencer Higgins ‘15
Boys’ tennis captured their fifth straight Del Rey League title. The Knights, coached by Dan Wooten, were led in singles play by Spencer Higgins ‘15, who was league runner-up. The top doubles tandem of Austin Gabriel ‘15 and Jonathan Judan ‘15 were league champions for the 2nd consecutive year.
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Peter Sarmiento ‘14
Boys’ volleyball, coached by Kevin Norman, were co-champions of the Del Rey League and had an exciting playoff stretch. They reached the CIF Division IV finals for the 2nd straight year, eventually losing to Cathedral. The Knights reached the 2nd round of the SoCal Regionals. They were led by 1st Team All-Del Rey League picks Travis Pyrek ‘14, Peter Sarmiento ‘14, Andre Labayen ‘14, and Drew Beimel ‘15, and 2nd team picks Justin Arevalo ‘14 and Ian Rivera ‘14. Pyrek and Sarmiento were named 1st Team All-CIF.
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Chase Bennett ‘14
The boys’ golf team had another successful year. The Knights were led by Chase Bennett ‘14, who captured the individual league title. He will play next year at Hope International University and will be joined by his teammate Grant von Kanel ‘14.
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Valerie Belanger ‘14
Valerie Belanger ‘14 was the top swimmer for the girls’ team. At the Del Rey League finals, Belanger captured the league title in the 100 yard butterfly.
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Girls’ 4x100m Relay Team
On the track, the girls’ 4x100m relay team turned in one of the top performances of the season. The girls (l to r: Angela Francis ‘14, Zia Norris ‘17, Maddie Grant ‘17, and Bernadette Amofa ‘17) qualified for CIF Finals where they finished 7th overall.
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CLASS NOTES
1964
Submit your class notes and photos for publication in Veritas:
Dr. Robert Vazquez ‘64 recently retired from pharmacy work. He is currently serving as a deacon at St. John Chrysostom in Inglewood.
2. Email the Development/Alumni Office at alumni@bmhs-la.org
1. Submit news online through the alumni portal at www.bmhs-la.org 3. Message us on Facebook on the Bishop Montgomery High School page 4. Call us at 310-540-2021 ext. 246
1966
5. Mail you news to: Development Office, 5430 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503
1975 Class of 1975 (40th Reunion) When: July 15, 2015 Where: BMHS Schneider Retreat Center Contact: Cathy Altobelli-Bencomo ‘75 at cathybencomob@yahoo.com
The Class of ‘66 Turns 66!! Even though it was not a traditional reunion year for the Class of 1966, they went ahead and hosted a reunion in the Student Activity Center on campus on June 28 - The Class of ‘66 Turns 66. The event featured dinner and dancing to the music of The Sound Waves, the surf band led by alumnus John Metcalf ‘65. In addition to catching up with friends and classmates, the class held an auction to raise money for the school. Special thank you to the reunion committee for making it a special night back on campus! (...and it is good to see some photo-bombing going on!) The reunion committee members were: Pauline Ayala ‘66, Eileen Bannan-Hanson ‘66, Conna Condon ‘66, Maureen McSweeney-Gill ‘66, Diana Moreno-Lilley ‘66, and Patti Raso ‘66.
1974
More information on class reunions and BMHS events on the alumni page at www.bmhs-la.org or by following us on: Facebook Bishop Montgomery High School Twitter @BMHSKnights & Instagram @BMHSKnights
The Class of 1974 40th Reunion! The Schneider Retreat Center at BMHS was transformed into a Hollywood movie premier-like atmosphere for the 1974 reunion on July 19. Over 150 guests enjoyed a summer evening spent visiting with classmates, catching up with friends, and taking a tour of campus. Special thank you to the reunion committee for making it a special night! The reunion committee was: Pattie Ault-Ryan ‘74, Sharon Connaughton-Decker ‘74, Michael DeFrance ‘74, Renata Dobrovolskis-Coury ‘74, Leonard Hinzo ‘74, Meg McSweeney ‘74, and Sharon Wurth-Johnson ‘74,
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BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
1976
1989
1994
The Class of 1989 25th Reunion!
The Class of 1994 20th Reunion!
In June, Bill Bordley ‘76 was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. Bordley was a 2-time All-American at USC and was the winning pitcher in the 1978 national title game for the Trojans. He had a career record at USC of 26-2 with an ERA of 2.58. He still holds the USC record for highest career winning percentage at .929. The Class of 1994 held their 20th reunion on August 2, 2014 at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach.
Carl Williams ‘76 has lived in Lake Tahoe since graduating from LMU in 1980. He has been a professional Ski Patrol at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe since ’80-81 and has worked in the Guest Services department at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe since May 1981. Come visit!
The Class of 1989 held their 25th reunion on August 2, 2014 at the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach.
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Class of 1984 (30th Reunion) When: October 25, 2014 Where: Bishop Montgomery campus Visit the class’ Facebook page Bishop Montgomery Class of 1984
1988 Maria Wong-de Castro ‘88 became a BMHS parent this fall. Congratulations to her son, Derek de Castro, as he becomes a Knight in the Class of 2018!
During the summer, the artwork of Suzanne Brown-Gibson ‘90 was displayed at Torrance’s Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center. The solo exhibition of paintings depicted images inspired by and featuring children and families exploring the marsh. The exhibition, called Through the Eyes of Children, ran from July 15 - August 22.
1992 Jennifer Winarski ‘92 works as the Director of Nursing for BrightStar Care Naperville/Oak Brook, Illinois.
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Monique Prue ‘94 with her daughter, Fiona.
1997 Valerie Reynaga-Valencia ‘97 and her husband welcomed daughter Iliana Vanessa on October 24, 2014.
1998 Rashad Peters ‘98 opened a new business, Poise Fitness in Hermosa Beach. Visit him at www.poisesouthbay.com
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CLASS NOTES
1999 Andrew Abeita ’99 and Erika GutierrezAbeita ‘00, welcomed son Nathan Joseph on March 14, 2014. Melissa Ingram-Jordan ’99 and her husband, Sid, welocomed son Caleb Allen on March 10, 2014.
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Vanessa Blackwood-Pettit ‘01 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed son Fletcher Knox on November 21, 2013. T.J. Tallie ‘01 recently completed his PhD in History at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign! He will start as an Assistant Professor of African History at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia this fall. “I wanted to keep [BMHS] apprised of my graduation, and also to say thank you for the emotional, spiritual, and academic support I received while at BMHS.” Adrian Young ‘01 received his Ph.D. from the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in May 2014. He is currently an assistant professor of biology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He received is B.A. in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley.
2004 Marina Barreras-Hernandez ‘00 recently opened Born Free Children’s Boutique in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore promenade (191 Park Avenue, Long Beach 90803). They carry a large selection of eco-friendly baby/toddler gear. Their website is www.bornfreeboutique.com.
Class of 2004 (10th Reunion) When: October 4, 2014 Where: Lazy Dog Cafe - Torrance Complete information at: www.bmhs2004reunion.com
2006 Dr. Ivan Sanchez ‘06 opened a chiropractic facility, South Bay Beach Chiropractic, in Redondo Beach. Learn more about Dr. Sanchez at www.southbaybeachchiropractic.com.
2007
Drake Munoz ‘07 and Lauren HernandezMunoz ‘07 were married on July 26, 2014.
2008 Michael Kim ‘08, who graduated last year from West Point, completed Ranger School and is currently stationed in Missouri.
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Devonte Donaldson ’01 and his wife, Danae, welcomed son Donato on February 18, 2014. Devonte is competing as a professional boxer in the lightweight division.
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Benjamin Thomas ‘04 graduated in May from the UC San Francisco School of Medicine. He was one of three students in his class inducted into the Gold Headed Cane Society and was featured on the UCSF main homepage (in photo). He will be pursuing his residency in Emergency Medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.
Two members of the Class of 2009 began their quest to fulfill their dreams of playing professional sports. Chandler Jones ‘09, above, was in Cleveland Browns camp before suffering an injury. At publication time, he was in talks with several other NFL teams. Justin Cobbs ‘09 spent his summer playing for the Memphis Grizzlies summer league team. He will continue his dream when NBA camps open.
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
2010
HOMECOMING 2014 10.24.14
Addison Ector ‘10 traveled to New York following high school to pursue a dance career. He studied at The Alvin Ailey School and works as a professional dancer with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Maurice-Ravel Crear ‘10 graduated with honors from The Art Institute of California with a Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design. He is also an Alpha Beta Gamma International honors member and the recipient of the Class of 2014 “Best Graduate Portfolio” in Game Art & Design. Maurice will be starting his career as a U.I. Designer at NHN Entertainment Labs.
2011
Join us for some food, fun & football!! Food Trucks 4:00-7:00pm Knights vs. Verbum Dei 6:00pm
2012
2013 Brian Marafino ‘13 made the Dean’s List following his freshman year at the University of South Carolina. He is a Sports Management major with a minor in Spanish.
After an outstanding sophomore season at LA Trade Tech, Kyle Reid ‘11 signed a letterof-intent to continue his basketball career at Eastern Washington University, joining fellow BMHS alumni Tyler Harvey ‘11 and Ognjen Miljkovic ‘13. Reid, a power forward, averaged 14.8 points and 9.6 rebounds and earned AllSouth Coast Conference honors.
Had a baby? Get a bib! We’d love to include a photo of your baby in a future issue of Veritas. Please request your bib and email a photo and some details about the baby and your family to alumni@ bmhs-la.org.
Go Knights!
Andy Burschinger ‘12 was named All-South Coast Conference after an outstanding season at El Camino College. In conference games, he went 5-1 on the mound with a team-best 2.33 ERA in 38.2 innings. He helped lead the Warriors to the State Playoffs. Overall, Andy went 7-2 on the season with a 2.31 ERA and 49 strikeouts. He will continue his playing career at Chico State in the spring. Kris Swanson ‘12 had his short story, “Why We Live,” published in El Camino College’s 2014 creative arts journal, “Myriad.” Kris is moving on to Chapman University where he will double-major in Creative Writing and Screenwriting and minor in film editing. Kris’ classmate, Corrine Kosidlak ‘12 also had some of her writing featured in the El Camino creative arts journal. She had two poems, “The Beautiful Things He Didn’t Deserve” and “Unworthy, I Know,” published. Corrine also served as one of the editors of “Myriad.”
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Danielle Shanahan ‘13 completed a very solid freshman year at Loyola Marymount University. She qualified for the NCAA Track & Field Prelims in Arkansas in May, finishing in 40th place in a time of 17:14.56.
ONLINE STORE
The official BMHS online store has items for you and your whole family. Show your Knight Pride with a t-shirt, sweatshirt, hat, bag, or iPhone case! Shop at: www.bmhs-la.org or www.B1selfshops/bmhs 20% of every purchase goes back to BMHS!
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IN MEMORIAM
Rev. Bill Stoeger, S.J. ‘61 of Los Gatos, CA, died March 24, 2014 Rev. Bill Stoeger, S.J. died on March 24, 2014 after a battle with cancer. He most recently served as a staff scientist for the Vatican Observatory Research Group in Tucson, specializing in theoretical cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and interdisciplinary studies relating to science, philosophy and theology. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1961, and in 1967 completed his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Spring Hill College. In 1969 he was awarded an M.S. in physics from UCLA. After lecturing briefly in the physics department at the University of San Francisco, he began theological studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley where he finished an S.T.M. and was ordained to the priesthood in 1972. He then pursued doctoral studies in astrophysics at Cambridge University and completed his PhD in 1976. From 1976 - 1979 he was a research associate with the theoretical gravitational physics group at the University of Maryland. He joined the staff of the Vatican
Observatory in September 1979. Besides his research and writing in cosmology and astrophysics, Fr. Stoeger was active in lecturing and teaching at the University of Arizona, the University of San Francisco, and at Vatican Observatory Summer Schools. He was a member of the American Physical Society, the American Astronomical Society, and the Society for General Relativity and Gravitation. He served on the Board of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, as Secretary of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, and co-editor of the series “Philosophy in Science.” His sensitivity to others was shown in finding the right words for Masses, in the regular calls he received to give retreats, and in the lives of the many people to whom he gave spiritual direction. He is survived by his brother, Rev. Jack Stoeger, and sister Rosemary Bruscino.
Rev. Gary Klauer, OFM Conv. ‘63 of San Pablo, CA, died April 22, 2014 Rev. Gary Klauer, Vicar Provincial of the Conventual Franciscan friars of St. Joseph of Cupertino Province, died on April 22, 2014. Fr. Gary had been suffering from a liver condition, but felt well enough to travel to the Philippines for the profession of religious vows for two novices from Vietnam. During a cruise following the profession, he suddenly fell ill and was sent to a hospital in Vietnam. He was then flown back to the U.S., under the care of medical personnel from Vietnam, to a hospital in his home city of San Pablo. Fr. Gary professed his solemn vows in 1969. He attended Loyola University in Chicago and was ordained to the priesthood on April 5, 1975. Fr. Gary returned to Bishop Montgomery in 1975 and taught at the school until 1988. While at BMHS, Fr. Gary taught a variety of subjects, including religion and Spanish, and also served as Vice Principal of Activities and athletic team chaplain. Over the years, Fr. Gary celebrated many weddings, baptisms and funerals for alumni and was an active supporter of many athletic and fundraising events at Bishop.
From 1988-1997, he ministered as a chaplain at Little Company of Mary Hospital and from 1997-2007, served as pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Hermosa Beach. Fr. Gary then moved to San Pablo where he was pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church from 2007 to his death. Fr. Gary was a founding member of the California Province of the Franciscans in 1981. He was an avid sports fan who was known to travel to South Bend just to attend a Notre Dame football game. Fr. Gary was also known for his phenomenal capacity to remember everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. In 2001, he was among the first to be inducted into the Bishop Montgomery Hall of Fame for his many years of teaching and support of the school. The Father Gary Klauer Memorial Scholarship has been established at BMHS in his memory. Fr. Gary is survived by his siblings Sally Wright, Diane Kurz, Patricia Klauer ‘73, Joe Klauer ‘75, and Barbara Klauer-Redmond ‘78 and many caring Franciscan brothers.
Nick Boden ‘67 of Dublin, CA, died June 13, 2014 Nicholas Boden Jr., former student and faculty member, died of natural causes at his home in Dublin, CA on June 13, 2014. After graduating from UCLA with a B.A in English and serving in the National Guard, he began his teaching career at BMHS in 1972 in the English Department, which he later chaired in the 1975-76 school year. He also coached football and volleyball. He also earned Master’s degrees in both English (LBSU) and Education (CSUSB). He continued his profession in high school and college classrooms in Huntington Beach and Moreno Valley, and in administration as a principal in Riverside and Morgan Hill. After retirement, he continued to have a positive impact through his work with
students at University of Phoenix. He was always well respected and, in 1995, he was named Moreno Valley USD’s Teacher of the Year. He spoke fondly of his experiences at Bishop Montgomery, the influence of his English teacher Mr. O’Keefe, and his classmates and football teammates whom he had reconnected with in recent years. Nick is survived by three children Jana Boden, Matthew(Michelle) Boden, and Marisa (Ryan) Urdiales, five grandsons, partner Debi Kopmann, mother Louise Boden, former wife Cindy Shall-Boden ’70, and three sisters, Diane BodenHuttinger ’61, Mary Ann Boden-Benson ’63, and Suzanne Boden-Wilson ’72.
Larry Brislin ‘67 of Yucca Valley, CA, died May 26, 2014 Larry Brislin died on May 26, 2014 from complications from prostate cancer. Prior to retiring, Larry was a teacher and law attorney. His interests included history and working on his farm. Larry was a 2-year letterwinner in football at BMHS and loved sports, especially the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angelas Dodgers. Education was also very important to Larry. At the time of his death, he was working on his masters thesis in history. The
24 • VERITAS
recipient of multiple degrees, his latest was a Bachelor of Arts in history from California State, San Bernardino where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He is survived by wife Marsha Brislin-Ciniello, daughter Jamie, sons Matt and Bryant, sister Theresa Watkins, and two grandchildren.
BISHOP MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
Gordon Garrett, Jr. ‘76 of San Pedro died July 15, 2014 Gordon Garrett, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep at his home on July 15, 2014. Also known as Lightfoot, he is survived by his parents, Gordon, Sr. and Ruth Garrett and his sisters Melinda GarrettSabosky ‘78 (married to alumnus Tim Sabosky ‘72), and Heidi Garrett-Strohm ‘78. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro.
Mark Ponsford ‘76 died April 26, 2014 Mark Ponsford died on April 26, 2014. While at Bishop Montgomery, Mark was a member of the cross country team. He is survived by his siblings, Tom Ponsford ‘72, Carol Ponsford-Lake ‘74, Michelle Ponsford-Glowacki ‘75, Diane Ponsford-Long ‘77, Robert Ponsford ‘79, Steve Ponsford ‘81, and Frances PonsfordBurnett ‘82.
Kathy Dieter of Redondo Beach, CA, died May 20, 2014 Longtime staff member, and past BMHS parent, Kathy Dieter died peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends on May 20, 2014. Kathy died only six months after her beloved husband, Deacon Frank Dieter of St. Lawrence Martyr Church. She made it to Heaven just in time to celebrate their 62nd anniversary on May 24. Kathy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was actively involved in the St. Lawrence Martyr and Bishop Montgomery communities. At BMHS, Kathy managed the bookstore for over 25 years and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in the Spring of 2007. Kathy Dieter was also the loving mother of three BMHS alumni, Deborah ’80, John ’84, and Diane ’88. Perhaps her greatest impact, however, came with the work she and Frank did with All Life Charities in Wilmington.
For decades, Kathy and Frank dedicated their lives to helping the poor and homeless. All Life Charities extended to the campus of BMHS each year as well, and still does today. Each year over the holidays, Kathy organized food and money drives to help feed those in need. In 2007, when asked about some of her favorite BMHS memories, Kathy did not hesitate to point out the outpouring of giving from the students and faculty. “The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are so special here because the spirit of service is unbelievable,” said Kathy. “Each year, students and teachers provide hundreds of dollars and hundreds of meals to help feed the homeless.” Anyone interested in making a donation to All Life Charities in Kathy’s memory may do so by sending a gift to: All Life Charities / 416 Avenue E / Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Giovanni Rubalcava ‘13 of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, died August 26, 2014 Giovanni Rubalcava died in his sleep on August 26, 2014 at the age of 19. He completed his freshman year at California State Universty, Dominguez Hills and was recently awarded a scholarship to attend Robert Morris University in Chicago. He is survived by his mother, Gina Macias-Diviak, father, Jaime Rubalcava, step-father, Dennis Diviak, sister, Gia, step-sisters, Cassie Diviak and Vanessa Diviak, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
• Frank Aguirre, former BMHS teacher and coach, 1970-1972 • Sandy Butterfield, mother of Joshua Butterfield ‘91. • Efrain Fierro, father of Fabian Fierro ‘95 & Eric Fierro ’99. • Richard Forsythe, father of Susan Forsythe-Giandomenico ‘82 & Steve Forsythe ‘83
• Larry Lepore, father of Steve Lepore ‘68, Larry Lepore ‘71 and Ralph Lepore ‘72. • Mae McElroy, mother of Pat McElroy ‘71. • Anthony Tonsich, father of Nicholas Tonsich ‘79. • Sonny Yanes, father of Jim Yanes ‘91 and Jeanine YanesNunamaker ‘94.
• Marge Gerard, mother of Joe Gerard ‘72, Amy Gerard-Bandy ‘73 and Peggy Gerard-Mendez ‘75.
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SPRING/SUMMER 2014 • 25
Graduation 2014
Flowers mark the graduation seat of senior Ryan Maffioli ‘14, who was battling cancer in May. We are happy to report that Ryan is recovering.
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