“Who are those guys anyway?” Identify the students above, submit your guesses, and the winner will be chosen in a random drawing in July. Contact the Development Office with your guess: alumni@centralcatholichigh.org • 503.230.1056
Congratulations to Katie (Lesseg) Colhoff ’03 for correctly identifying the students in this picture which was published in the spring issue of the Central Catholic Magazine. Open Mic Night crew: Back row left to right: Logan Fox ’03, Peter Erickson ’03, Sean McKernan ’03, Dylan Beamer ’03, Nic Raethke ’03, John Herboth ’03, Front row left to right: Megan Gill ’03, Eric Herboth ’03, Zack Poitras ’04, and Sam Torrey ’05
R E U N I O N S
Class of 1948 • 70-Year Reunion Saturday, August 4, 2018 5:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus Class of 1958 • 60-Year Reunion Saturday, August 4, 2018 5:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus Class of 1968 • 50-Year Reunion Saturday, August 4, 2018 5:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus Class of 1978 • 40-Year Reunion Friday, August 17, 2018 2:00 p.m. • Golf 5:00 p.m. • Dinner Sunday, August 19, 2018 10:00 a.m. • Mass followed by brunch Class of 1988 • 30-Year Reunion Class of 1998 • 20-Year Reunion Please contact Luciana Fischer ’88, Director of Events, 503.230.1056 ext. 1229, if you are interested in organizing your reunion. ••• To register or for more information, call 503.230.1056 or visit centralcatholichigh.org.
Features: On the Cover
Graduates smile with their diplomas after crossing the stage at the Chiles Center. Read more about the Class of 2018 and their accomplishments on page 10.
Volume 25 • Number 2 • Summer 2018 Central Catholic Magazine is a publication of Central Catholic High School 2401 SE Stark Street • Portland, Oregon 97214 503.230.1056 • centralcatholichigh.org
Campus Highlights Page 3
Leadership Rev. Msgr. Timothy Murphy ’58, President Emeritus Colin McGinty, President John Garrow ’76, Principal Mike Pinder ’77, Director of Development Board of Directors Gina Hill, Chair Elise Brown, Vice-Chair Matt Chapman ’68 Tim Fleischmann ’79 Harry Hanna ’93 Fr. Jeff Eirvin Therese Leineweber Colin McGinty Jonathan McGowan ’92 Molly Paustian ’85 Sarah Petrone ’94 Ellen Ridgeway Char Riley Paul Scarlett Bill Winter ’58 Bro. William Dygert CSC, Ex-Officio Jo Willhite, Ex-Officio Publisher/Layout and Design Jolyn Winczewski Director of Scholarships and Publications Contributing Writers Kate Bethell ’03 Christina Kempster ’09
Remembering Monsignor Arthur Dernbach Page 4
Alumni Profile: Nick Stokes ’05 Page 8
Editing Team Luciana Fischer ’88 Cindy Hart Christina Kempster ’09 Elaine Payne Contributing Photographers Todd Arnold GradImages Christina Kempster ’09 Jason Quigley Central Catholic High School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, The Western Catholic Education Association, and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Graduation 2018 Page 10
Central Catholic Mission Statement
Central Catholic High School is a college preparatory school committed to educating students from diverse backgrounds in a Catholic community, challenging each individual to live as a Christian witness in service to others. Notice of non-discrimination as it applies to students and employees at Central Catholic High School:
Central Catholic High School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school administered programs. Likewise, Central Catholic High School does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender.
Alumni Updates Page 20
From the President It feels to me as if this school year passed by in the blink of an eye. Reflecting on the year however, I am reminded just how much has happened. Here are a few highlights: Alumni, student athletes, and members of our Board of Directors attended a blessing of the newly restored Joey Harrington Field this spring. We were pleased to celebrate the replacement of the well-worn turf and the addition of a cardinal and gold CC at center field. Open Mic Night celebrated its twentieth year as we held our largest event ever at a sold out Revolution Hall. This incredible program, which we highlighted in the spring issue of the Central Catholic Magazine, encourages students to overcome jitters and get up on stage to share their passions and talents with fellow schoolmates. The diversity and scope of talent presented that evening was a testament to the incredible dedication of so many gifted individuals. Our Constitution Team competes in the We the People program (which promotes civic competence and responsibility for students in elementary and secondary high school around the nation) and had yet another great year, placing third in state. Our students have also been partnering with All Saints School, volunteering to mentor the competitors on their team. What a wonderful way to pay it forward to the next generation of civic-minded students. Our Robotics Club has become so popular that we added a robotics class to the curriculum for the upcoming year. I would have never dreamed of building circuit boards, making parts on a 3-D printer, or creating remote control robots for competition when I was in high school, but that is exactly what our students are doing. Central Catholic is well situated to be a force to be reckoned with! Our fine arts department successfully put on two outstanding productions, The Diary of Anne Frank in the fall and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this spring. If you missed either, I encourage you to keep an eye on our website and catch one of next year’s performances. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Speaking of the website, we made the decision to update our online presence and will be unveiling a new mobileresponsive website design this fall. Our website is one of the most important ways of staying connected with you, our alumni, parents, and friends of Central Catholic. We want to make it easier for everyone to keep up with what is going on at the school and allow you to keep us up-to-date with what is happening in your life.
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I am excited to be welcoming 221 talented incoming freshmen to Central Catholic in the fall. In reviewing their applications, I was amazed at how much these young men and women have already accomplished in their young lives. I am confident they will be a great fit for Central Catholic and will make our community even better than it already is. Our alumni, parents, and friends once again stepped up and provided much needed financial assistance for these very deserving and talented students. When I say we could not do it without you, I am being literal. Each year, our Annual Appeal raises nearly $2 million, which directly benefits these deserving students and their families. As I reflect on this, I cannot think of a better investment than in the development of these young minds; after all, they will be our community’s future business, civic, and spiritual leaders. Thank you to all who made this investment. Finally, with a mixture of sadness and appreciation we graduated the 217 members of the Class of 2018. We are sad because we will miss them, but we are also grateful for the contributions they made to our community and the mark they left. This dynamic class experienced challenges, but also great achievements and successes. I know they are ready for the next chapter in their lives and I am certain they will have a deep and important impact on the communities in which they settle. Personally, I am grateful for the warm reception I received from the many alumni, parents, and friends whom I had the privilege of meeting this past year. Central Catholic is clearly a uniquely special community and I am extremely grateful to be a member of it. As incredible as this past year has been, I know that next year will be even more dynamic. It’s a great time to be part of Central Catholic, make sure to stay connected. Sincerely,
Colin McGinty, President
Cameron Thompson, Caitlyn Wiley, Dr. Sara Bruins, Colin McGinty, and Clarice Wong at the Senior Recognition Assembly.
Jordan Roth ‘21 and Molly Shannon ’21 enjoy an ice cream cone during Food Cart Friday.
Campus Highlights
Congratulations to our Boys’ Track and Field team on their third place finish at the State Championship Meet!
We have completed our renovation of Harrington Field. Msgr. Murphy ‘58 blessed the finished project in April.
Students sampled delicious dishes from all over the world during the International Days Food Fair.
A group of our students experienced a whirlwind tour of Japan during spring break.
Bella Scarlett ’19 and Elijah Crawford ’18 smile for a picture at Prom: A Starry Night.
A group of our young woman place flowers at Mary’s feet during our May Crowning.
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Monsignor Arthur Dernbach
In loving memory • December 19, 1926−March 17, 2018 Central Catholic recently said goodbye to an alum, priest, teacher, and principal whose legacy will live on in our hallways for years to come. Monsignor Arthur Dernbach ’44, a Portland archdiocesan priest for 65 years and revered teacher and principal at Central Catholic High School, died March 17, 2018. He was 91 years old. Arthur Dernbach was born December 19, 1926 in Portland, Oregon to John and Mary Dernbach. He was the youngest of fifteen children. The family belonged to St. Stephen Parish in southeast Portland and Arthur attended school there. Art’s nephew, Mike Dernbach ’67, said a neighbor once shared that it was always amazing to visit the Dernbach home in the morning and see the 15 lunches lined up on the kitchen counter ready for the 15 siblings to start their day. In 1940, Arthur headed off to the new high school for boys in the area, Central Catholic High School. He was very involved during his years at 24th and Stark. His hard work, enthusiasm, determination, vision, and concern for the community led to his being awarded the the school’s highest honor at graduation, the Holy Spirit Award. He was an accomplished athlete on the football and basketball teams. He was a tall man, coming in at over six feet. During Art’s senior year, the Scepter writes of the football team winning the Portland Catholic football crown for another year. “Four thousand fans gathered in Multnomah Stadium to see the Rams wring out a 6 to 0 win over Columbia Prep.” Father Dernbach was a center on the team. He was a tremendous asset on the basketball team as well and was the second highest scoring player on the court his senior year.
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Art was also a member of the Scepter staff, Monogram Club, and was on student council. His senior year, he was student body president, which entitled him to a monthly column in The Rampart. His wit appears in his “Prexy Posts” where he informs the student body of “news from the government of that little city located on top of the graveyard.” Between 1940–1944, when Art was a student, it cost $50 per year to attend Central Catholic. Art helped pay for tuition by working on weekends cutting grass and stuffing pages into the Sunday Oregonian. During the summer, he worked as a substitute firefighter and a longshoreman while men were off fighting in World War II. The war marked Father Dernbach’s time at Central Catholic. It became front page news in The Rampart in December 1941 when the student body president at the time enlisted in the Coast Guard. There were bond drives and war chest drives and letters from classmates who left school to join the war effort. “For Christ and Country, Fourtyfour, forward!” reads the yearbook. The Scepter staff of 1944 writes a melancholic farewell to their classmates: “We know not what the future holds in store for us. Nor can we know, since we pursue life’s course in a world so vastly different than we have ever experienced it before.” After graduating from high school, Monsignor Dernbach joined the Navy and sailed to Japan at the tail end of the war. He told the Catholic Sentinel in 2010 that the Navy “settled” him. While in the service, he regularly prayed the rosary and read passages from the New Testament. He says he would pause over the words of Jesus, “I will make you fishers of men.” He says it was then that his life path became clear.
Father Dernbach was one of the first Central Catholic students to enter the priesthood. He started his seminary studies at Mount Angel in 1946. After college, Archbishop Edward Howard sent him to Rome for advanced seminary studies at the North American College. He was ordained in Rome in 1953. Father Dernbach returned to Portland with an assignment at his alma mater, Central Catholic. He taught in the science department from 1954–1967 and he was best known as the junior chemistry teacher. John Harrington ’66 remembers Father Dernbach addressing the class on the first day with: “Welcome gentlemen, to junior chemistry. There are over 100 elements in the periodic table and by the end of this year you will know them all.” Dernbach would also eventually serve as the vice principal in charge of guidance at Central Catholic. He always made time for students and gave a warm smile to all he met. Father Dernbach received his Master of Education from the University of Portland and was the principal at St. Mary’s in Medford for seven years. In 1974, he became the Archdiocese Director of Education, overseeing Catholic schools as well as parish catechetics. In 1978, he once again returned to Central Catholic, only this time as principal. Although he served in this role for only four years, he led the school through a critical point in its history. Monsignor Dernbach was at the helm when the school went co-ed in 1980. He told the Central Catholic Magazine that the decision to admit girls was beneficial to the school’s bottom line and led to a more positive atmosphere. Throughout his ministry to schools, he helped at parishes on the weekends and served as a chaplain. He said, “If you’re a priest and a teacher, it’s a good life, but a busy life.” In 1983, Monsignor Dernbach became the pastor at St. Thomas More where he served for 14 years. That was followed by an assignment at St. Boniface in Sublimity for four years.
In 2008, the Pope named nine priests in the archdiocese Monsignor, and Archbishop John Vlazny had the privilege of bestowing the title on Father Dernbach. At the time, Archbishop Vlazny wrote in the Catholic Sentinel: “He was an outstanding pastor and he served with distinction as a Catholic high school instructor and principal. He has always been exemplary in his ministry and relationships. This recognition is long overdue.” Bound together by their mutual love of Central Catholic and their brotherhood as priests, Monsignor Dernbach and Monsignor Murphy ’58 shared a special bond for many years. Father Murphy saw Monsignor Dernbach as a mentor and friend. Their paths in life shared a striking resemblance, from their years as Central Catholic students, teachers, and administrators, to their work as parish priests, to both being recognized as monsignors during the same year. John Harrington remarked on how significant it was for the 90-year-old Monsignor to be at the Mass celebrating Father Murphy’s milestone of 50 years a priest. Monsignor Dernbach sat in his wheelchair in the front row and during Communion many alums and friends stopped to greet him with a handshake or a hug. Monsignor Dernbach beamed at everyone he met, he knew he was back at his beloved Central Catholic. Two great pillars of our community with their congregation, one final time together. Monsignor Dernbach was a hardworking teacher and administrator, a devoted parish priest, and lived a life in service to others. He had a great sense of humor and spirited laugh. He enjoyed fishing for salmon out of Astoria, golfing, and playing a round of poker with priest friends and Central Catholic classmates on his days off. We thank you, Monsignor Dernbach. May your reward in heaven be great. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ - Matthew 25:21 Summer 2018 | 5
Welcome to the Board of Directors Name: Fr. Jeff Eirvin Occupation: Director of Vocations Organization: Archdiocese of Portland Description of Organization: The Archdiocese of Portland provides support to our parishes, schools, and religious institutions in their efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Professional Background: 2000-2005 Graphic Designer, DHX Advertising, Portland, Oregon, 2012 ordained to the priesthood Education: Missouri State University; Oregon State University, BFA, Graphic Design; Mount Angel Seminary, Certificate of Philosophy; Pontifical North American College; Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, STB, Theology; Pontifical Gregorian University, STL, Dogmatic Theology Central Catholic Connection: As the Director of Vocations, I have visited the freshman and junior Theology classes to teach about vocations and our universal call to holiness. I also work at the Pastoral Center, which is a few blocks from Central Catholic. What do you like best about School Board work: I like to collaborate with others in a common mission of Catholic education. I learn so much from the others around the table. What would you like to see as a legacy of your service to Central Catholic: I hope to preserve the great tradition and mission of Central Catholic while helping the institution deepen its Catholic identity so that our students will be better equipped to live their Christian faith with confidence in today’s society. Most important lesson learned serving on the School Board: Our young people are faced with a lot of challenges in today’s secular culture. It is very important that our students know they are heard and supported as they grow in knowledge and mature as young adults. Yardstick of Success: Fidelity Mentors: Rev. Msgr. Joseph Betschart, Rector of Mount Angel Seminary; Rev. Jim Rafferty, staff member of the Institute for Priestly Formation; my parents; and my brothers Word that Best Describes You: Patient Pet peeves: Dirty dishes left in the kitchen sink Greatest passion (besides Central Catholic): Being with God in silence. And hiking in Oregon! Favorite quote: God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful. - Mother Teresa Most influential book: A Man for Others: Maximilian Kolbe, Saint of Auschwitz by Patricia Treece Favorite cause: Unbound, which is an international nonprofit founded by lay Catholics grounded in the Gospel call to put the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first. Favorite movie: A River Runs Through It Favorite Musician: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson Most treasured possession: The crucifix I wear around my neck. I received it at my confirmation. Favorite vacation destination: Italy Favorite restaurant: Piazza Italia Favorite way to spend free time: With family
Au Revoir and Good Luck We offer our sincere thanks to our two retiring faculty members for their many years dedicated to the Central Catholic community.
Marilyn Lucas
When the school went co-ed in 1980, Marilyn Lucas was hired to teach French and typing to the growing student population. And so launched this charming and stylish woman’s 38-year tenure as a teacher at Central Catholic. Mimi (as she is known) says she has always had a love for languages. She studied French in college and lived in Spain with her young family in the seventies, buying a partnership in an old mill in the Pyrenees Mountains. Marilyn and her husband taught English during their three years in Europe, most notably to the Spanish Olympic Ski team. “I will just say, they were better skiers than they were speakers of English.” When they returned to the states, Marilyn says she was at a turning point in life. “I wanted to contribute to the community in some way. I wanted to share my love of languages with others.” She got to work studying French and Spanish so that she could teach, and in 1980, Father Wayne Forbes came calling. Marilyn helped usher French back into the curriculum in the eighties and has also taught Spanish over the years. She says some of her most memorable moments included making crêpes with students in French class and teaching her Spanish classes how to salsa dance. “My greatest joy is knowing that I have inspired students to become part of the global community.” Marilyn says she will make the transition to retirement by substitute teaching here and at the French American School. She hopes to spend time volunteering at Adelante Mujeres, a nonprofit that works to educate and empower low-income Latina women and families in Oregon. She will head to Barcelona, Spain this fall to spend a few months with her daughter, Shannon, and her family.
Dean Heuberger
The kind and calm leader of our Student Support Services will retire “again” after eight years at Central Catholic. When Dean retired the first time, it was from Yamhill-Carlton High School in 2010, having spent 32 years teaching and coaching there. In the summer of 2010, a new position at Central Catholic piqued his interest, Student Support Services Coordinator. “I wasn’t sure about working full time again, but I happened to see the position at Central Catholic and made a call. Long story short, I met with John Garrow and I felt like his vision for inclusion of students with learning differences was what should be happening in Catholic schools. [. . .] A two year commitment, in my mind, turned into eight years very quickly.” During his eight years in our community, he was an instrumental part of developing our Student Support Services program, which is designed to assist students with learning challenges to succeed with support within the regular curriculum. Dean also helped get the Rams Program off the ground. “The Rams Program is just one part of including all, regardless of differences. The program not only benefits the students in our Rams program, but the entire school community.” Dean says he definitely will be on campus next year, if only for a few hours of work each week. But he and his wife, Kris, are looking forward to hanging out with their kids and 13 grandkids and having the freedom to attend all of their activities.
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A Lasting Legacy The Kevin Turina ’75 Memorial Scholarship
“I didn’t want his name forgotten,” says Colette Turina, a Central Catholic parent from 1969-1979 and long-time Central Catholic supporter. Forty-four years ago, Colette and her husband, Don, set up a scholarship in memory of their son, Kevin, who died during basketball practice in the Memorial Gym at Central Catholic. We sat down to talk with Colette and her son Steve ‘73 about the lasting legacy they created at Central Catholic to honor Kevin. The Kevin Turina ’75 Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a junior with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher who, like Kevin, participates in athletics, shows willingness to cooperate, is polite and kind, and is generous in offering services to the school and others. Each year, Colette has a hand in selecting the recipient (a practice that is no longer in place but was grandfathered in for Colette from the early days of our scholarship program). She says she always looks forward to going through the applications and has read every single one the school has given her. “I prefer the ones that aren’t typewritten,” she said with a hearty chuckle. “She does spell check (each essay),” Steve adds. And then to his mother, “You brought in one person’s essay and I think you had it red-lined for him and you gave it back to him. But, you still gave the scholarship to him.”
each recipient to a breakfast on campus to meet the representatives behind the scholarships they receive. This year, more than 370 people streamed into the cafeterias for the event. It has become an opportunity to build community and allows us to honor the legacy these families have created with these scholarships. This is the fortieth year that we have presented endowed, merit, and memorial scholarships. This year we awarded over $290,000 to our students and their families. Congratulations to all of the students receiving awards. And a big thank you to everyone who makes these scholarships possible. If you would like more information about setting up an endowed scholarship, please call Jolyn Winczewski at 503.230.1056 ext. 1126 or e-mail jwinczewski@centralcatholichigh.org. •••
Steve Turina Tells Tales
“One of (Colette’s) claims to fame at Central Catholic: My brother, Mike (’72), was a very good basketball player here. He played varsity. He was a very good free throw shooter and he’d get fouled constantly. There was a time in the old gym when my mom and dad would always sit across from the scorer’s table, basically off to the right. She had her own method of cryptic notes she kept; meticulous information she kept in a spiral notebook. Everybody knew who she was. She was at every game. There was a discrepancy between the two books and they had to figure out what to do. They decided to go over and confer with her for a verdict.” “Another fun story was, of course (the school) was built on a graveyard. They moved all the graves when it was built, at least all that they knew about. [. . .] But, what some of the guys would do was, the field was grass then and well-worn because there was only one field for everything going on. Guys would go up to the butcher shop and get a good femur bone from there, bury it, and get the freshmen all wound up like ‘Bones are coming up out of the ground.’”
“Probably,” Colette replies. “I mean, if you are going to do something, do it well.” This year, after reading through each application, Colette chose Ricky Bui ’19 as the award recipient. Colette says he stood out because of the service he has performed at Oregon Food Bank, Blanchet House, St. Francis Dining Hall, and a youth basketball camp. She liked that his essay reflected an appreciation for his teachers, coaches, and those in his life who have encouraged him to succeed and shared their time and talents with him. In May, Ricky joined Colette and Steve for the annual Endowment Scholarship Breakfast. In the last two years, we have transitioned away from the more formal awards presentation and now invite Kevin Turina plays forward on the JV Basketball team.
Colette Turina, scholarship recipient Ricky Bui ’19, and Steve Turina ’73 visit after the breakfast.
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Alumni Profile:
Nick Stokes ’05 It’s a rare gift to truly live your passion—to not only make a living doing what you love, but to spend your remaining waking hours focusing on that same thing, too. For Nick Stokes ’05, that is exactly how he describes his days. A skilled artist, Nick is employed full-time as an art director at the esteemed Wieden+Kennedy advertising agency in Portland, and still finds the time to execute his craft as a freelance illustrator and designer. Nick comes from a family of artists, so it was second nature for him to be doodling the days away, carrying a sketch pad around as a kid. But it wasn’t until his years at Central Catholic, when history teacher Bill Sprinkle saw some of Nick’s illustrations, that he realized art might be able to offer him more than just a hobby. An artist himself, Mr. Sprinkle gave Nick illustration lessons after school, teaching him new techniques, skills, and tools, and even gifting Nick a box of his old art supplies, which Nick still has among his possessions these thirteen years after graduating. 8 | Central Catholic Magazine
Although Nick is quick to point out the scholastics of high school were challenging for him, almost as a reflex, he spouts off a long list of teachers in addition to Mr. Sprinkle—spanning subjects from art to science—who were awesome, supportive, and amazing role models for him. But it was Bill Sprinkle who was instrumental in setting Nick on his life’s course. “Mr. Sprinkle really was the one who said, ‘You should pursue this and continue down that path,’” Nick said. “He used to always have his artwork up on the walls—his stuff was incredible. He was a good character, an interesting person to have in life.” While Nick says, in retrospect, he maybe should have gone to art school, after graduation he enrolled at the University of Oregon along with many of his friends from his years at All Saints and Central Catholic. “I excelled at the University of Oregon because the education [at Central Catholic] was so much better than I think public school kids had. As I met other
BY KATE BETHELL ’03
people I was like, ‘Wow, I’m way more prepared for a state school than I expected to be.’” He never wavered in his dedication to art, however, and after college Nick started doing freelance illustration and design. He worked diligently to build a client base, and soon added work for Nike, adidas, and Habitat Skateboards to his portfolio. “I’d just wake up every day, draw every single day till I pretty much went to bed, and then I ended up at Wieden+Kennedy, and I kind of accidentally fell into it,” Nick said. Don’t let his humble nature fool you, as the “it” Nick referred to was a special program called WK12, a school of sorts, built into the advertising agency that took 13 creative minds from across the country and immersed them into a year of ad and art projects, along with networking in the design community. The program was only in existence for nine years, and Nick was in the final class. After his graduation from the program, the agency hired him on, and he started working on accounts like
like a series of skateboards he created for Habitat Skateboards and a line of t-shirts for Nike.
Coca-Cola, Nike, and Procter & Gamble. Now four years later, he splits his time as an art director between the KFC and Travel Oregon accounts.
“I got an e-mail from [Nike] asking me to do a line of t-shirts, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, Nike reached out to me asking me to do t-shirts! That’s like the coolest thing in the world!’ But then I realized, ‘Oh it’s because I grew up loving Nike, and my style of illustration was influenced by people who did Nike stuff—so then I started drawing like Nike and then Nike ended up hiring me in the end.’ It came full circle.”
As an art director, Nick works alongside a copywriter, establishing the art style and aesthetic for the advertisement or campaign, helping clients solve problems or sell products. Nick said his job is like quality control, ensuring a project keeps its artistic integrity from beginning to end. “I had an old creative director who had a great analogy, where it’s like if you’re an archaeologist and you see a little bit of a bone coming out of the dirt, it’s your job to use those fine brushes and whatnot to brush off the dust lightly while keeping the bone intact as much as possible, and that’s kind of what it’s like as an art director. You have the idea, you try to get it to the finish line; keep it as whole as you originally hoped it would be.” When asked about his favorite project, Nick cheerfully described his role in creating a 90-second animated video for Travel Oregon intended to inspire people to experience the beauty and nature of Oregon. “If you go out somewhere like Mt. Hood and you take a picture, it’s never as good looking as when you’re actually looking at it in real life. The photo never does it justice, so we thought ‘What if we do an animation for the project and kind of overexaggerate what Oregon is like to kind of capture the emotion and feeling of what it’s like to be in Oregon?’” Nick and his copywriter partner created a script and Nick literally drew out the entire spot, crafting
See more of Nick’s work on Instagram: @nick_stokes_design
characters and setting it to music. They then hired an animation team to bring the vision to life, including hand-picked artists. The finished product is a campaign called “Only Slightly Exaggerated,” and it’s currently live on the Travel Oregon website. Oftentimes when one settles into a career and establishes a director-type role, they no longer actively do the work that started them down the path. That’s simply not the case for Nick. “I still do illustration work, that’s still a part of my life. It’s great having both. As an art director, I feel like you can be more holistic and cherry-pick all the right players to get the vision you’re looking for, while as an illustrator, it’s you thinking and then executing, it’s like an individual versus a team effort.” He has enjoyed working on projects outside the agency including for clients tied to his interests,
Instead of making plans for the future, Nick is living in the moment, enjoying all the doors advertising seems to be opening, as well as taking full advantage of the energy and passion he has to continue doing his own drawings. “I spend a lot of my time working and just trying to get better at what I do, so I always like to be prepared when something comes around,” he said. “But I don’t know—working in this industry—I had never worked in film or TV or with actors or directors or directors of photography, so I think that’s piqued my interest in film and television for sure. I don’t know if that’s a direction I’ll go in, but it’s definitely something I’m more interested in and interested in pursuing. And I still love illustration. That was my passion, since I was a kid, and doing more collaborations with a lot of different companies—just kind of keeping both of those careers going.” For a high schooler unsure of whether there was a role for his creativity in the “real world,” it’s refreshing to hear how continued dedication, opportunity, and encouraging mentors turned a beloved hobby into a vocation.
Nick’s slightly exaggerated illustrations are brought to life in a Travel Oregon ad.
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CLASS OF 2018 Valedictorian Ian Charles Kelleher
Students in the Class of 2018 217
Salutatorian Meley Tesfay Habtegiorgis
Average GPA of the Class of 2018 3.51
Seat of Wisdom Award Sydney Noel Caleen Meley Tesfay Habtegiorgis Ian Charles Kelleher Anthony Michael Martin Anna Diep Nguyen Jennie Ellen Wuest
Christian Service hours completed 24,111
Archbishop Edward D. Howard Christian Service Award Morgan Faye Maxwell Meley Tesfay Habtegiorgis
Attending college next year 98%
Christ the King Award Sydney Noel Caleen Holy Spirit Award Rickey Dewayne White, Jr. Insignis Award Gabrielle Nicole Horne Samantha Lynn Longo Gabrielle Marisa Mueller National Merit Scholars Finalist Gautam Daniel Singh Commended Students Ian Charles Kelleher Christian Avery Lawrence Quinn Conner Sweeney National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Jennie Ellen Wuest Scholar Athlete Award Dylan Beall Gabriel Kiora Raeann Ridgeway Cameron Cole Thompson
Students who performed more than 100 hours of service 92
Ashley Wyatt and Joyce Khouri
Top college choices University of Oregon (35) Oregon State University (25) Portland Community College (16) University of Portland (9) Portland State University (8) Notable college choices Berklee College of Music Brown University Bryn Mawr College Duke University Stanford University Yale University
Allison Selmar-Stich and Caleb Kenyon
Scholarship amount offered to the Class of 2018 $30 million College credits earned through the PCC Dual Credit Program 1987 Graduates attending Catholic colleges 37 Graduates whose parent(s) are Central Catholic alumni 34 Bryce Opperman and Noah Demer
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2018 GRADUATES
Mya Thomas and Jada Pierce
Elizabeth Grace Aguon Jordan Leoncio Alonso Alexander Edward Altenhofen Isaac Grant Amaral-Artharee Liam Frederic Anderson Michael Thomas Anderson Olivia Amie Anderson * Aaron Scott Arvidson Marycarmen Ayala Valenzuela Michael James Barron Brandon Pulanco Bravo Eric Dean Brecht Ann Clarice Brennan Tu-Nhi N. Bui Tully Moran Bush Likeia Karde-Surrael Bybee Sydney Noel Caleen * Elizabeth Claire Cass * Max Singer Chait Reece Matthew Cole Nathan Jeffrey Compton Jaden Byron Corrado-Wilkins * Heath Harrison Cotter Elijah Lamar Crawford John Maurice Culhane Stephanie Fidelis Dakin Keanen Edward Darden Robert Louis Delegato Noah Ethan Demer * Vincent Lewis DePinto Maxwell Lincoln Diess Grace Marie Dooley-Gonzales Ronan Timothy Dooney * Julie Duong * Emma Kalaniopua Dyer Linnet Marie Edwards * Olivia Elise Erickson Nazehr Malik Fair Chase Aaron Faris Tupou Moelika Feimoefiafi Ross Adrian Paddock Ferguson Sydney Leanne Fisher * Bennie Leon Flowers III Charles Kenneth Folkestad III William Joseph Fricke Nymewae Calypso Friend Dylan Beall Gabriel Anthony Jerome Gianotti * Alexis Renee Gorretta * Daniel Finney Gotkowitz * Kimberly Granados Gonzalez Jonathan Joseph Gritzmacher Camille Maria Guerrero
Jaida Mitchell and Cyrus Swan
Brandon Bravo, Ian Kelleher, Anna Nguyen, and Daniel Pouch
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Meley Tesfay Habtegiorgis * Julian Micah Hamley Joseph David Henderson Kai Roderick Henderson * Malone May Hiebert * Austin Robert Hill * Martin Kei Dermer Hill * Tanner Jay Hillman * Sarah Elizabeth Homberg * Austin Damon Honda Willett Gabrielle Nicole Horne * Faith Lee Houck-Wylie * Donald Wesley Hunter, Jr. * Grant Thomas Hutson Michelle Isabella Marie Ivezic * Aidan Preston Johnson Aydia Corrienne Johnson Henry William Ortiz Johnson Max Alexander Johnson Owen Henry Peter Johnston Sydney Alexandra Jones Greyson Daniel Jouno Nicholas Fisher Kallen Hunter Patrick Lagassé Karnopp Henry Christopher Kayser Tess O’Brien Kehoe Ian Charles Kelleher * Lucas Michael Kennedy * Nicholas Athens Kent * Caleb Roy Kenyon * Gouies Wadie Khouri Ava Elizabeth Kirby * Olivia Ayanna Rose Klang Anthony Joseph Kollman Nolan Mathey Kriska Cristian Michael Lahti Grant Michael Lance Anders Grey Langhus Hannah Marie Lavier * Christian Avery Lawrence Caitlin Frances LeDoux Zachary Michael Leeper Dylan Thomas Lefor Paula Jerome Levy Ariel Beatrice Lewin * Jasmine Thomasina Lewin Fiona Marie Lindsay * Vincenzo Terry Logan * Henry Robert Lohman Samantha Lynn Longo * Jalen Darnell Patrick Lowery William Michael Lupfer Joseph Robert Francis Lynch *
Kristen Regalado, Heidy Rangel-Valenzuela, and Camille Guerrero
Oscar Marquez Anthony Michael Martin Isaac Christopher Martin Sam Mosler Matterazzo * Morgan Faye Maxwell * Kevin Damien McDonald * Madison Jean McDonald * Daniel Reid McDougall * Colleen Marie McMonagle * Dillon Finn McNeil * Charles Stäger Meade * Marcus William John Mildenberger Amaha Teodros Million Jaida Raelene Mitchell Elizabeth Hogan Moran Benjamin Joseph Moss * Gabrielle Marisa Mueller William Hughes Mundy Matthew Robert Murphy Andrew Paul Myers Haley Marie Neal Evan Gorman Nelson * Jake Prescott Weber Nelson Aaron Joshua Ness Anna Diep Nguyen * Cathy Nguyen Michelle Pham Nguyen Phuocan Tien Nguyen Julia May Nicolls William Owen Nisbet Peter Clark Norrie Grace Frances O’Connor Hailey Elizabeth O’Donnell Chigozirim Joshua Okafor Olakitan Andre Oladapo Morgen Aubrey Olsen Bryce Xavier Opperman José Alfredo Ortiz-Angeles Henry Carleton Ozyjowski Mario Abraham Palma Hernandez Griffin Elling Palmer * Matthew David Paustian Diego Jose Pereira Lexie Michelle Peterson Nicholas Ole Peterson * Maija Linh Teona Pham * Jada Simone Pierce Madeleine Josephine Pinomesa * Emma Raye Pitzer * Daniel Glynn Pouch Nicholas Andrew Prentiss Juan Luis Pulido, Jr. ZiHeng Qu Rowan Gabriel Ramsay Heidy Rangel-Valenzuela Kristen Leah Regalado Cardero Kiora Raeann Ridgeway * Grayson Jacobson Robbins Matthew Terry Robinson * Griffin Kincaid Rogers
Grace Anne Rosebrook Accalia Christine Rositani Joshua David Rossi Hailee Sue Lan Ryan * Jacob Michael Ryan * Annalise Rose Sacamano * Malakai Vave Salu Connor Micheal Schaefer Frances Margaret Schuver * Allison Nicole Selmar-Stich Sarah Ann Senko Llaelyn Sierra-Cortez Zachary Weisenberg Simmons Gautam Daniel Singh Kylie Ann Smith Alex Joseph Soo * Alissan Korrin Speidel Sydney Caton Spencer William Marcel Sprouse Grace Adeline Steele * Theodore Ray Stephenson * Kayla Christine Stickel Kobe Payton Stout Micheal Barton Sutton Cyrus Cooper Swan Quinn Conner Sweeney Midori Sydney Tanada Keegan Chase Taylor Aidan Blades Tebeau Julian Scott Thielman Mya India Gonzales Thomas Cameron Cole Thompson * Neil Francis Toyooka Jason Huy Tran Hannah Lorrissa Veary Daniel John Warila Maya Joyce Webb * Eden Delaney Carlson White Hannah Keegan White Rickey Dewayne White, Jr. Caitlyn Elise Wiley Korbin Dallas Williams Eli’Jah Eugene Charles Winston Clarice Jade Wong Joshua Allan Binarao Wood * William Alexander Woolverton * Jennie Ellen Wuest * Ashley Nichole Wyatt Fangzhaou Yang * Ezra Derege Yemane-Berhan Holden Michael Ziels
Teacher of the Year Nathan Patla with Maija Lihn Pham
Graduating with Honors (Grade Point Average of 3.8 and above) * National Honor Society Membership Exceeded 120 Hours of Christian Service
Tess Kehoe, Vincent DePinto, Duke Paustian, and Addie Pinomesa captioin
Lizzy Moran and Dillon McNeil
captioin
Max Diess, Andrew Myers, and Jake Ryan captioin
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Valedictorian: Ian Kelleher This year’s Valedictorian is Ian Kelleher. During his time at Central Catholic, he accumulated an impressive 4.52 GPA. He took on courses like AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Calculus II. However, when asked about his favorite class, he chose Christian Relationships, which is a senior Theology course, calling it applicable and enlightening. “No matter what career you choose to pursue, you will be interacting with others. While math and science courses prepare you soundly for future academic endeavors, Christian Relationships teaches you the value of social skills and the necessity of balance and respect in all of your relationships.” Ian balanced his studies with activities like soccer, participating in the We the People Constitution team, and volunteering at the Oregon Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was also a Rambassador, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Search leader. Two of the things he loved best about Central Catholic were the size of the student body and the dedication of the faculty. He says, without question, his favorite teacher was Mr. Halligan. “He is the prime example of what it means to be an active civil participant in our country, and even more so, a great man. In just three semesters of his US History, Government, and Comparative Politics classes, I became engaged, educated, and interested in topics I had very little prior exposure to. What he has taught me, through his lessons and overall character, has played a tremendous role in my development throughout high school.” In the fall, Ian will be heading to Durham, North Carolina to attend Duke University. He isn’t quite sure what he will study but is excited to explore new and unfamiliar topics including energy, the environment, and statistical science. 14 | Central Catholic Magazine
Salutatorian: Meley Habtegiorgis Meley Habtegiorgis is our Salutatorian and is also the recipient of the Archbishop Howard Christian Service Award. Meley performed more than 480 hours of community service during her years at Central Catholic. Since her sophomore year, she has volunteered at Lines for Life’s YouthLine, a peer-to-peer youth crisis and support service. She says mental health plays a significant role in all of our lives and she wanted to gain the skills necessary to be a more effective support system. During her time at Central Catholic, Meley was the Assistant Director and Light Board Operator for the theatre department sophomore through senior years. Additionally, she was a Math Club officer, peer mediator, and a member of the National Honor Society. She also played on the varsity racquetball team her freshman and sophomore years. She says it’s difficult to choose a favorite class at Central Catholic but she really enjoyed AP Psychology. “Through that class, I learned about the way we think and interact. It reinforced the importance of accepting every person’s experiences, and how different parts of our lives play out in our socialization. I began to reevaluate certain aspects of my life and to pay attention to how I am feeling, who I am as a person, and how I impact others.” In her speech at graduation, Meley said, “During our time at Central Catholic, we have learned all the skills necessary to be successful: to act with courage, to care for others, and to think creatively. Now, we must put these skills into practice.” Meley will be attending Stanford University in the fall. She plans to one day become a psychiatrist or work in the field of neuroscience.
Keynote Speaker: Dick Clark ’78 The keynote speaker for the 77th annual commencement was Dick Clark ’78. Dick has spent his professional life serving the Portland community. He has worked for the Portland Rose Festival as the Director of Public Relations and Executive Director. He served as the Development Director of Providence Cancer Center and then Director of the Providence Together Campaign, which raised more than $74 million. He is currently the CEO of the Portland Clinic. Dick has been married to his wife, Liz, for 37 years. Monsignor Murphy ’58 married them in 1981. He has two children, Scott ’04 and Kate. Dick has stayed connected at Central Catholic since graduating 40 years ago. He served on the school board in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was the board chair from 2000-2002, and served as a Development Committee chair during one of our early capital campaigns. He also points out that he is still balancing his checkbook the same way Nick Sinnott ’66 taught him to do it in personal finance class. His message: Congratulations to the Central Catholic High School Class of 2018. We are very proud of you for reaching this milestone in your lives. Tonight, you sit on the edge of your seats ready to receive your diploma and to get going with the rest of your lives. You have earned that right. It has been 40 years since I was in your place, but I still remember my graduation evening celebrating with my Central friends and seeing the world in front of me and not thinking of looking back. I hope and pray you have a safe and fun time in the next few weeks soaking in these experiences, and encourage you to live in the moment, both tonight and throughout the coming summer months. I am honored and humbled tonight to offer a few thoughts to reinforce the wisdom imparted by the fine faculty and administrators of Central Catholic over the last four years. Life is full of chapters of time. There will be many highlights for you in the years ahead, new relationships and friendships, new jobs, places to discover around the nation and world. Inevitably, as part of God’s plan, there will also be deep challenges, heartaches, and struggles. You have already experienced some of them in your lives, both individually and as a collective, and you can draw strength from your resiliency and faith in God that you will be able to navigate future dark days. You can find inspiration from reading and listening to others share about their life experiences. Tuck away small phrases to keep yourselves grounded. One of my favorite phrases is: “Showing up is 80 percent of life.” That phrase could mean different things to different people. For me, it means you make commitments and promises and you keep them. You hear of someone in distress and you respond even when you don’t know what to say or do. It means you are present for people to listen and understand in good times and bad times. During the last 40 years, I have been blessed and inspired to be surrounded by many friends from my graduating class and the greater Central Catholic community. In fact, members of this Central community not only offer the initial 80 percent of showing up, they go the extra mile and offer the additional 20 percent and beyond. Central grads are inspiring in their service to others. Here’s a shout-out to my lifelong friend, Bill Mildenberger, father of your fellow grad Marcus, who sponsors educational opportunities for kids in Nepal. Equal praise goes to Monsignor Tim Murphy for showing up and always offering more than 100 percent. Father Tim married my wife and me 37 years ago. He celebrated the funeral Mass for my mother. And, he has prayed faithfully for my family over the years. And, believe it or not, he was on time for most of those events. These Central grads and more made an impression on my life. Being a graduate of Central Catholic is a door opener for you. Regardless if you stay in the Portland area or move across the nation or relocate somewhere in the world, you will benefit from being associated with Central Catholic High School.
With the benefit of the values and education you learned at Central, consider what you can give back. Strive to offer 100 percent effort as other Central grads have. Donate time to a worthy non-profit. Take time to listen to others in person. Social media is great for scheduling meet-ups and sharing photos, but nothing beats being in the same room talking to another person. You see, relationships matter. There was a memorable movie released in 1994 called Forrest Gump. One of the movie’s most famous lines is “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.” In my case, I modified it to “Life is like a can of Almond Roca candy. You never know what you are going to get.” For you current graduates, selling Almond Roca was the student fundraiser at Central for many years. Imagine getting a week out of classes and going door to door selling overpriced cans of candy to strangers. Regardless of the weather, you needed to meet your quota or consider not returning to school. Thankfully, grandparents usually bailed us out with buying extra quantities of the candy. They still probably have some cases of it in their basement. While we pitied ourselves for this annual plight, we learned courage, tenacity, and communication skills. Those traits imbedded in me from selling candy would later turn out to be a key factor in me landing not one but two jobs that were really stretches for me and for saving my wife’s life. My story picks up about 10 years after graduating from Central. I was working at the Portland Rose Festival. In my second year there, I had the opportunity to apply for the marketing director to sell floats for the Grand Floral Parade. I had no formal sales training but I said in the interview that I had sold Almond Roca at Central and “if you can sell that candy, you can sell anything.” My boss was desperate and understood the local tradition of selling Almond Roca, so he promoted me into the job. For the next 15 years, I sold a lot of parade floats and large corporate sponsorships and eventually served as the executive director for the Rose Festival. About 25 years after graduating from Central, I wanted to move into health care fundraising at Providence Health and Services. Again, my Central ties came into my life. Fortunately for me, the chief fundraiser for Providence had a husband who was a Central Catholic grad (Bill Winter ’58). She [Carolyn] figured if I could sell Almond Roca and floats for the Rose Festival Parade, then I should be able to raise money for a new Cancer Center. Together, we raised $40 million for that new building. Many Central alums contributed to the effort. And as God’s plan would have it, my wife was one of the first cancer patients to be served by the fine doctors there. She is now celebrating her tenth year as cancer free. My story reaches current days when another Central Catholic alum reached out to ask about my interest to take all of my work and community experience and succeed him as CEO of The Portland Clinic. The moral of this story is that you can do anything with the education, contacts, and skills you gained at Central Catholic. My graduating class from 1978 has produced two mayors of major cities in the US, accountants, doctors, lawyers, and business owners. Many of my classmates are proud parents and prouder grandparents. All of them are good citizens of the community. As your story continues to unfold, I hope you will always remain tethered to Central Catholic in your life. For some of you that will mean maintaining the bonds of friendship that you will undoubtedly be celebrating tonight and throughout the next few weeks; for some of you it will mean sending your future children to this school; for some of you it may mean returning to deliver a commencement address. Whatever form it takes, be it big or small, I encourage you to not only show up, but give 100 percent to all of your commitments, family, friends and community. You will certainly learn and benefit more than you ever can imagine. Always remember, we are Central Catholic. We are strong together.
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And the Award Goes to... Each year, Central Catholic honors those students who have impacted the school in a positive way, committing their time, energy, and talents to serving our community and beyond and living the mission of Central Catholic. We distinguish them with our highest honors: the Christ the King Award, Holy Spirit Award, Archbishop Howard Christian Service Award, and the Insignis Award.
Holy Spirit Award
Christ the King Award
Central Catholic High School bestows the Christ the King Award for Christian Witness to Faith on the senior who has excelled in both the knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith. The award is granted to a senior who has demonstrated at school and in their parish a diligent application of faith. The recipient is dedicated, enthusiastic, and willing to help others. Academically, the recipient has achieved a respectable grade point average in all areas of coursework but especially in the area of religious studies. Sydney Caleen During her time at Central Catholic, Sydney Caleen has been very active in Campus Ministry, as well as God Squad (our music ministry group). She also served as a Eucharistic Minister, altar server, sacristan, and Search leader. She played JV II soccer, JV softball, and swam for the JV swim team. She was a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, A Capella Club, St. Cecilia Society, Rambassadors, National Honor Society, Rho Khappa, Mock Trial, and participated in spring musicals and Open Mic Night Club. She says the thing she liked best about attending Central Catholic was the community. “I love how many different people show up at Open Mic Night to support the musicians. [. . .] Even though not everyone may be friends, there is a chance for everyone to be themselves and find a place.”
Central Catholic salutes outstanding leadership by bestowing the Holy Spirit Award. This award is given to a senior who has exhibited hard work, enthusiasm, determination, vision, and a concern for the good of their peers and the good of the school community. The student has been highly involved in the life of the school. Most importantly, the recipient of this award has led by simple example. In conferring the Holy Spirit Award, we affirm the qualities of leadership in the hope that the recipient will inspire others to these ideals. Rickey White During his time at Central Catholic, Rickey White played football, was a Rambassador, a member of African American Students United, and a peer mentor in the Rams Program, which provides an inclusive Catholic education to high school age students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Rickey says mentoring students the past two years in the Rams Program has changed his life. “Being a mentor has helped me understand how to work with others. It has shown me how to have a positive attitude when dealing with tough situations. I have learned just as much from the students I mentor as I think they have from me.” He says the best part about attending Central Catholic was the staff and teachers. “Everyone in the building is trying to help you succeed in one way or another. Everyone will go out of their way just to help a student out, which to me is a priceless experience, because you don’t always get that level of support at other schools.” Rickey heads to Western Oregon University in the fall and hopes to earn a degree in either business or education and will play football.
This spring, Sydney was recognized as a Person for Others. This recognition is presented weekly to students who are living out the school’s mission statement. In the nomination letter, a classmate wrote, “This person’s nomination is a long time coming. She is always a kind and thoughtful soul. In the midst of AP testing and senior year stress, this person took the time to make a study guide for an AP test and then openly shared it with classmates so that everyone could have a helpful study tool. This person’s generosity is much appreciated.” In the fall, Sydney will be attending Oregon State University’s Honor College and majoring in education.
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Archbishop Howard Christian Service Award
Each year, Central Catholic honors two seniors who have exceeded the Christian Service requirement, not only in the number of service hours completed, but more significantly, in their overall attitude and consummate commitment to the human beings that survive in the
margins of our society. During their four years, these students have embodied the wisdom of Jesus Christ, our ultimate example of sacrifice for the common good. This award is made in the name of Central Catholic’s founder, Archbishop Edward D. Howard, who believed that dedicated students ought to live their lives for others. Meley Habtegiorgis Meley Habtegiorgis performed nearly 500 hours of service throughout her years at Central Catholic. During her freshman and sophomore years, Meley was interested in social work and sought out an organization where she could directly work with people. She began volunteering at Buckman Elementary School’s after-school program, Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN). This program offers families a low-cost and educationally enriching after-school care. Her junior and senior years, Meley began volunteering with YouthLine. She says her work with this organization has taught her the value of meaningful relationships and supporting those around you. Read more about Meley, who is also our Salutatorian, on page 14. Morgan Maxwell During her time at Central Catholic, Morgan Maxwell performed more than 1,100 hours of service. During her junior and senior year she began working with Voices Unlimited. This group provides a choral experience for adults with special needs while also offering opportunities to socialize and develop friendships in a safe, positive setting. Morgan says working with Voices Unlimited has taught her a lot about patience. “Having a younger brother that requires a lot of patience, it has helped me understand him better and communicate more effectively.” Around school, Morgan played soccer for four years, was a manager for the football team, a Search leader, and was a yearbook photographer. She says her favorite teacher was Mr. Griffith. “Whether he is screaming at the top of his lungs, telling us stories, or cracking jokes, he is one of the most informative and exciting teachers to be around and learn from.” In the fall, she is heading off to Oregon Institute of Technology to play soccer and study pre-med. She hopes to one day become an emergency room doctor or trauma surgeon.
The Insignis Award
The Insignis Award is given in recognition of devotion to the mission and philosophy of Central Catholic. The recipient of this award is an outstanding example of a student who, through their four years on our campus, has exemplified what it means to live out the entire mission of Central Catholic High School. In fact, students who have been nominated for the Insignus Award have strengthened the Central Catholic student body and community through their presence, setting a positive example through their dedication to our
Mission. This year’s recipients are Gabrielle Mueller, Sammy Longo, and Gabby Horne. Gabrielle Mueller Gabrielle Mueller has led by example in our halls over the past four years. She has been a Rambassador, played soccer, led Search, and has worked as a peer mentor in our Rams Program. She has loved being a part of the Central Catholic community, supporting Open Mic Night, and going to baseball games (she says she only missed one this season). Gabrielle performed her senior service at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital working with Go Baby Go, a community-based outreach program that works with families and clinicians to provide pediatric equipment to children with disabilities. “This work allowed me to have my first hands-on experience in a hospital and assured me that I was making the right decision to pursue a career in nursing.” In the fall, Gabrielle will attend Boise State University and study public health and nursing. Sammy Longo Sammy Longo has made her presence known on our campus through her work with Campus Ministry, affinity clubs, and Open Mic Night Club. Sammy has been a Eucharistic Minister all four years and was a sacristan and a Search leader as a senior. She has participated in Latino Students United and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA) since she was a freshman and this year was elected by her classmates to be the president of both clubs. As a sophomore, she started working with the diversity leadership committee and Equality Alliance. She is also a Rambassador, a member of the National Honor Society, and Rho Kappa. She says that her favorite activity though has been Open Mic Night Club. “I love the community here at Central Catholic. If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I could pay for tuition a couples times. In all seriousness, the community is so close-knit and supportive of each other. I have made so many connections with classmates and teachers that I believe are unique to [our] high school experiences. I will really miss seeing my Ramily every day next year.” Sammy will become a University of Portland Pilot in the fall and plans to study engineering. Gabby Horne Gabby Horne has been a leader on our campus over the past four years as she represented her classmates on Student Council. She was on class council freshman and sophomore years and was an Associated Student Body officer junior and senior years. She played JV soccer and JVII basketball and was a member of the track and cross country teams. She was also a member of the Children’s Cancer Association Student Committee, National Honor Society, and participated in the spring musical her senior year. “Joining the spring musical was my highlight of senior year. I loved hanging out with a new group of kids and making new friends through the experience.” Gabby will be attending The University of Alabama Honors College next year and plans to major in advertising and communications. “After college, I hope to work on marketing campaigns or further my interests in graphic design.” Summer 2018 | 17
Graduation Remarks from Principal Garrow ’76 Class of 2018, Central Catholic has completed our four-year task of providing you a Catholic, college prep education. We have done our best to fulfill the mission statement that is so important to us. The 217 graduates represented in this audience are once again spreading out over the globe to begin their next chapter. You have chosen destinations far and wide. A few of you will be taking gap years to pursue varied interests. Others are staying close to home to attend PCC and the University of Oregon. Some are going into jobs or apprenticeships. Others are taking advantage of amazing scholarships and offers to attend Yale, USC, and my favorite this year, Finlandia. (Anyone not related to Malone ever heard of it?) For those who like the east coast, you will be attending Brown, Duke, and Fordham. Alabama and Southern University cover the southeast. London, for the international set. Each year, I am privileged to deliver a brief address to the graduates. This is my ninth year as principal at Central Catholic and my 36th year in high school education. After 36 years, you might think I don’t have much more to learn, but this year in my remarks I will focus on what I feel you graduates have taught me; a bit of a flip from the “What we hoped you learned in high school” messages that are standard fare. So….what did I learn by having you as students for the past four years? The Class of 2018 has demonstrated to me that those who wish to network have technology and social media on their side. And for social movements of all kinds, that is what high school students did in 2018. For those who feel otherwise, (not many in Portland, Oregon, I’m guessing) social activism is not dead, it is alive and well. Next, a reference point. I am now 60 years old. I was 10 in 1968, which to me was one of the most turbulent years in US history. It was the year of Vietnam War, the assassinations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy, and social protests galore. Like most 10 year olds, I was not super aware of what was going on. As I grew older and watched my four older brothers come of age before me, I had a front row seat to what social activism looked like in the 18 | Central Catholic Magazine
Olivia Erickson, Eden White The trauma of suicide and the power of keeping the topic front and center. This is such a serious mental health issue for your generation, but I am seeing it become a social justice issue, as those with suicidal thoughts are marginalized like so many others and need to know it is okay to come forward to get help.
1960s and early 70s, and what it meant to challenge the status quo. (Picture some epic arguments between my WWII veteran father and Vietnam era draft age brothers.) Fast forward 50 years to 2018. I continue to watch and learn from those around me, this time from you students. Here are some important things you have taught me this year about what it means to be out in front of social issues: Elijah Crawford The importance of sharing the lived experience of violence against African American men, the courage to act in the face of criticism, that protest is patriotic, and that the First Amendment may be the most powerful words James Madison ever wrote. Julia Nicolls, Annie Brennan The power of student voice, networking and community organization, and attempting to hold those in power (my generation) accountable for gun violence. Rickey White, Madison McDonald, Gabrielle Mueller The power of inclusion, caring so much and so well for our Rams Program students. Bringing the idea of a program into being by being front-and-center in helping a marginalized population. Michelle Ivezic The power of prayer, devotion to God and daily Mass, fighting for the lives of the unborn, and that all life is sacred.
Collectively, all of you have shown me what it means to dream about what you want the world to look like, and then be willing to fight to make those dreams become a reality. I saw how, as a class, you not only acted on behalf of yourselves, but you became allies in others’ causes. I learned your activism makes people uncomfortable (based on some phone calls I got this year, I would even say very uncomfortable). You cause controversy when you don’t just go with the flow. Jesus, of course, was the activist who set about to affect change. He made many feel uncomfortable in his day and his words can still have that effect on some. Being an activist for social justice, helping those who need it, is acting very much like Jesus, and is very Catholic. In the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus is being questioned and called on his behavior, (which was making those in power very uncomfortable in his day) he has to answer a question about what is the greatest commandment of God. He says “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” I conclude with a return to the beginning and say thank you for teaching me, a now 60-year-old dog, some new tricks. As you go forth, Class of 2018, many of you as the new activists of your generation, my request to you is simple: continue to fight for matters of importance. Especially seek justice for those who cannot seek it for themselves. Remember also to seek to root all of your actions for social justice in prayer, in the gospels. As Jesus said in scripture, continue to love God, and especially continue to love and act on behalf of your neighbor.
o R man Holiday
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
PRESIDENTS’ DINNER AND AUCTION Central Catholic High School’s TwentyThird Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Auction, Roman Holiday, was a memorable and record-breaking celebration. We are happy to share that through this community’s generosity, we raised more than $525,000! The live auction, emceed by KGW meteorologist, Rod Hill, included trips to Italy, Jamaica, and Mexico, as well as tickets to see Justin Timberlake and Kevin Hart. The paddle raise, which directly supports tuition assistance, began with a video message from President Colin McGinty. He shared the story of Central Catholic parent Angeline McKinney-Craig and her family, who appealed for additional tuition
Duke and Deanna Johnson relax at their table after a delicious Italian dinner.
assistance this last year. “Her letter stood out to me because of her commitment to her children,” McGinty said. Angeline has nine children; five are adopted, and two of her daughters will be at Central Catholic next year. Through her appeal letter, her strength, positivity, and resiliency was apparent. “I want to be able to raise these kids the best way I can. I want to be able to raise them to be not just successful in life, but to be good citizens, to have good hearts. That’s the big thing I want the kids always to learn, you have got to give back,” Angeline told us. Central Catholic has been able to continue to give financial support to Angeline and
Teacher and volleyball coach Rick Lorenz bids on items in the Silent Auction.
her family and many others like them through the generous support of our community. “I really want the people to know how much [their support] means to me,” Angeline said. “It means so much. I pray for the school and the staff. I pray for all the donors. Please know that it means so much to our family. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” After the video concluded, we raised over $210,000 in just 15 minutes. An amazing testament to our school and its commitment to serving those who seek a Catholic education. Save the Date! 2019 Presidents’ Dinner and Auction April 27, 2019
Event Director Luciana Fischer ’88 and President Emeritus Monsignor Murphy ’58 stop to smile for the camera.
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Alumni Updates
John Buxman ’57 writes, “I was the oldest of seven children, one of whom became a priest. My wife, Elaine and I have three children. Currently, we spend some of our time cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood to the less fortunate (20-25 cords per year).”
Robert “Greg” Rinehart ’74 wrote to tell us “what’s up with him.” He retired from the military in 1994 after 20 years of service in the Navy as a Yeoman. From 1995-2015, he worked in government service, delivering aircraft parts up and down the flight line at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. He fully retired in January 2016.
John L. Cook ’78 (left) is in his sixth and final year serving as Mayor of Tigard. John is also the president of the Oregon Mayors Association. The Class of 1978 has two current mayors among its ranks; Steve Patterson ’78 is the Mayor of Athens, Ohio. Shown above, both men at the National League of Cities conference in Nashville.
Amy (Vukovich) Dale ‘04 and husband Adam welcomed daughter, Camryn Jean, on September 21, 2017. She joins big brother Maddux Daniel. Will Murphy ’94 and wife Evelyn welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Louise, on October 1, 2017.
Marriages Meghann Pierce ‘03 and Ty Cody September 29, 2017 Parish of the Annunciation Minneapolis, Minnesota Meghan Shea ‘09 and Scott Karlson May 12, 2018 Oregon Golf Club West Linn, Oregon
Kate (Schleining) Charters ’02 and husband Sam welcomed a son, Gabriel Matthew, on July 25, 2017. Gabe joins big sister Lilly.
Brandi (Wildfang) Simmons ‘99 and husband Andy welcomed a daughter, Sadie Dee, on October 3, 2017. She joins brother Jackson (4).
Did you spot Scott Montanaro ’04 on Jeopardy! in May? He participated in the Teachers Tournament. He is currently teaching AP psychology and Modern World History at Wilson High School.
Kevin Stratton ‘09 and Anna Groven June 2, 2018 Holy Family Church Kirkland, Washington Max Virnig ‘09 and Kelsey Franklin June 16, 2018 The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club Aloha, Oregon William Schlotfeldt ‘11 and Fatima-Joyce Dominguez April 7, 2018 Santa Teresita Church Mangiloa, Guam 20 | Central Catholic Magazine
Matt Vancil ’00 and his wife Angela welcomed a daughter, Leona Jan, on April 9, 2018.
Shannon (Deyerling) Deems ‘07 and her husband Tyler welcomed a son, Owen, on May 15, 2018. He joins brother Elliott (2). Shannon is a special education teacher with the GreshamBarlow school district. Tyler is the finance director for the city of Sandy.
In Memory
Mark Ferguson ’09 and wife Sam (Krause) ’09 welcomed a daughter, McKinley Jean, on April 23, 2018.
Head football coach Steve Pyne poses with two of his former players who are now playing in the NFL, Alex Balducci ‘12 of the Washington Redskins and Brennan Scarlett ‘11 of the Houston Texans. Both alums were on campus for a blessing of the newly renovated field. Brennan generously donated the funds to add a cardinal and gold CC to the 50-yard line.
Peter Bergmann ‘14 was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant placement. He will head to Taiwan for his placement after graduating from the University of Southern California.
Ryan Nall ’14 is on his way to the NFL. He decided to forgo his senior season at Oregon State University and signed a free agent deal with the Chicago Bears.
REGISTER TODAY!
2018 RAM OPEN FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018
Heron Lakes Golf Course • Noon Shotgun Start
Four-person scramble followed by dinner and awards ceremony. $150 per person includes green fees, cart, dinner, two drink tickets, tee prizes, and more. Register online: centralcatholichigh.org. Interested in being a hole sponsor? It’s just $100 and tax deductible. Call 503.230.1056 for more information.
Clarence Joseph Dieringer ’45 June 2, 2016 Fred Leo Dobler ’45 March 1, 2018 John Leo Moore ’46 March 26, 2018 Clair Lawrence Kuppenbender ’48 September 15, 2015 Alan Joseph Rousseau ’48 May 3, 2018 Gilbert Frank Staender ’48 August 27, 2016 Joseph Philip Cipriano ’49 November 5, 2011 John Daniel Scott ’50 May 31, 2018 Wayne Arthur Moritz ’53 November 10, 2017 Donald Eugene Weber ’53 April 28, 2018 Thomas Michael “Mike” Speer ’54 April 9, 2017 Ronald Jack DeFrancisco ’55 October 3, 2013 Judge Lawrence Francis Newman ’55 July 3, 2017 William Jacob Tromp ’57 March 15, 2018 Matthew Patrick Gloege ’59 March 6, 2018 Jack Albert Mattice ’59 March 6, 2018 Kevin Joseph Dooney ’62 May 6, 2018 Robert Patrick Gillaspy ’62 February 17, 2007 Duane Martin “Duke” Dukart ’64 February 17, 2018 William Warren Kemp ’70 May 21, 2017 Garrett Allan Neal ’70 June 10, 2018 Rev. Patric Stevenson Harkins ’71 June 8, 2018 James Victor Carl ’72 October 6, 2017 Stephen Thomas Walsh ’74 January 13, 2018 Sean Michael Dooney ’79 May 6, 2018 Kevin Michael Harris ’81 February 9, 2018 Jay Ernest Weinberg ’82 March 15, 2018 Cecily Helene (Justis) Mosby ’89 June 9, 2018 Joshua James Lukosh ’18 May 24, 2018 Summer 2018 | 21
Central Catholic
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HIGH SCHOOL
2401 Southeast Stark Street • Portland, Oregon 97214
Upcoming Events August 3
Ram Open Golf Tournament Noon Shotgun Start Heron Lakes Golf Course
4
70-Year Reunion Class of 1948 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
4
60-Year Reunion Class of 1958 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
4
50-Year Reunion Class of 1968 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
November
3
Labor Day Holiday No School
7
Open House 1:00–4:00 p.m.
1
Grandparents Day 8:00 a.m., Cafeteria
28
Football vs. Jesuit 7:00 p.m., Jesuit High School
12
Statewide Inservice No School
1
All Saints’ Day Liturgy 9:30 a.m., East Gym
18
Fall Concert 7:00 p.m.
2-3
Fall Drama Production 7:30 p.m., PAC
20
Twentieth Annual Women’s Wine Tour 11:00 a.m.
4 Fall Drama Production Matinee 2:00 p.m., PAC
26
Homecoming Football Game 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium
8-10 Fall Drama Production 7:30 p.m., PAC
17, 19 40-Year Reunion Class of 1978 24 Freshman Orientation 27
October
September
9-19 Food, Coat, Blanket, and
Penny Drive
12 No School Veterans’ Day Holiday
First Day of School
22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday 26
Digital Learning Day Campus Closed
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