Central Catholic magazine
WELCOME CLASS OF 2028!
Number of Students
On the Cover
Vivian Tuong Vy Nguyen sings the National Anthem at the 2024 commencement ceremonies.
31 • Number 2 • Summer 2024
Central Catholic Magazine is a publication of Central Catholic High School
2401 SE Stark Street • Portland, Oregon 97214 503.230.1056 • centralcatholichigh.org
Leadership
Rev. Msgr. Timothy Murphy ’58, President Emeritus
Colin McGinty, President
Danyelle Ramsey, Principal
Ellie Dir, Vice President of Advancement
Board of Directors
Molly Paustian ’85, Chair
Dena Dooney ’88
Dave Gorretta ’87
Colin McGinty, Ex-Officio
Phil Moran ’76
Connie Ozyjowski
Peter Rauch ’95
Jo Willhite, Ex-Officio
Publisher/Layout and Design
Jolyn Winczewski Director of Scholarships and Publications
Contributing Writers
Ellie Dir
Jeanie-Marie Price
Editing Team
Ellie Dir
Cindy Hart
Taryn Lange
Elaine Payne
Jeanie-Marie Price
Contributing Photographers
Jumoke Askari ’25, Photography Intern
Tom Cook Photo
GradImages
Sophia Limbeck ’24, Photography Intern
Jim Nagae
Jeanette Pelster Stumptown Booth
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.
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.
WELCOME MESSAGE
Dear Central Community -
Just a few weeks ago I had the honor of watching my twenty-first class of seniors walk across the commencement stage and enter the next phase of their lives. It was an inspiring, powerful, and humbling experience, made even more so by the fact that it marked my own transition away from Central Catholic and onto what’s next.
It’s not a cliché to say that “life is a journey.” Many people cross our paths and they all have an impact in one way or another. This has been my experience over the past 21 years at Central Catholic High School from players, coaches, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Of course, not every member of the Class of 2024 was a football player, or even an athlete, but I can guarantee that every one of them poured themself into Central Catholic and that the community here poured itself into every graduate.
I have centered our football program on this mantra: “How are we going to do it? Together...Count On Me!” It is my belief that by focusing on what we can accomplish together as a whole, rather than as individuals, there are no limits to what we can do. It is through this mantra that we have built a championship program we can all be proud of. Not just when we win, but in everything we do.
To the scholars, the artists, the thespians, the leaders, and the athletes who have ever crossed the stage with a Central Catholic diploma in hand–you are the WHY of Central Catholic. Your commitment to rigor, discourse, discovery, faith exploration, and loving each other are a blessing to this community.
Thank you for impacting me; my wife, Erica; and our children, Zach ’16 and Allison ’17, over the years and for allowing us to be a small part of this great community. Go Rams!
Love,
Coach Steve Pyne
Friday, August 2, 2024
Glendoveer Golf Course • Noon Shotgun Start
Four-person scramble with boxed lunch and swag bag followed by an awards dinner.
The event is sold out. Call to be placed on the waiting list.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:
There are more opportunities for sponsorship! Contact Dustin Daniel, Manager of Alumni Engagement, at 503.230.1056 ext. 1243 or ddaniel@centralcatholichigh.org for more details on sponsorship opportunities.
R E U N I O N S
Legacy Classes Classes of 1942-1949
70-Year Reunion Class of 1954
60-Year Reunion Class of 1964
50-Year Reunion Class of 1974
40-Year Reunion Class of 1984
August 3, 2024 • 2:00-6:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus
Mass | Appetizers | Drinks | Photos | Campus Tours Check
Two Beloved English Teachers Retire
Liz Danek started her 36-year-long teaching career in San Pedro, California where she taught at Mary Star of the Sea for three years before spending seven years in Munich, Germany at the Volkshochschule. She joined the faculty at Central Catholic in 1998, spending the past 26 years impacting generations of Central Catholic students in her English classes. With countless classroom and school memories to draw from, teaching Othello to sophomores, as well as creative writing and a short essay series with graduating seniors, have been her favorite things to teach. Her impact is widespread; here are just a few reflections from former students:
“Ms. Danek made me feel as though my thoughts were valuable. She gave me the confidence to share stories with people: the good, bad, and in-between.”
- Patricia Fox ’13
“I was lucky enough to have Ms. Danek for both freshman and senior English (we both started at Central Catholic in the fall of 1998) and I can say with complete confidence that she was both my favorite teacher at Central Catholic and the teacher who had the biggest impact on me. She was funny, witty, entertaining, and could confidently manage a class (with an occasional frustrated or astonished word in German mixed in here and there). She shaped my writing style, helped me become more confident, and made English my favorite class. I’m wrapping up my sixteenth year as a high school counselor now and firmly believe that Ms. Danek helped lead me down this fulfilling path.”
- Danny Bradach ’02
Murray Ferguson has taught for 40 years, first at Stanfield Junior High in Eastern Oregon, then at Yamhill-Carlton High School for 29 years before joining Central Catholic in 2014. Murray served as the English Department chair from fall of 2018 to spring of 2021. He loves to teach students to bring out their own unique stories through personal narrative writing, and a favorite extracurricular memory was a service trip with Central Catholic students and colleagues to the Dominican Republic in 2017. He'll miss the everyday interactions and friendliness of co-workers and students of the Central Catholic community.
“Mr. Ferguson gave me the confidence in my writing that I had previously lost. Now I am in college excelling in my writing.”
- Xavier Simpson ’22
“Mr. Ferguson helped me to find a passion for reading. He would give us time in class to read our novels for our thesis, and provide us with enriching feedback on our essays. When I wrote my capstone thesis for undergrad, I was prepared and ready to analyze the literature ahead of me, craft my thoughts, and ultimately submit and graduate. That thesis that I wrote in junior year English is still one of my proudest achievements. Not because of the grade I got, or the amount of feedback—but because of the love for reading that developed because of the process, and the genuine nature and richness of the feedback that Mr. Ferguson provided.”
- Stephanie Galati ’16
This spring, more than 50 students worked tirelessly for months to prepare for the spring musical, The Secret Garden, delighting the nearly 2,000 individuals who attended one of the nine performances.
Our community came together for faith and fellowship many times this winter and spring, including to celebrate the Easter Season at a special Easter Mass, where Tony Angelo ’24 and Andreas Nicolaidis ’26 shared about finding joy in Jesus
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
Central Catholic hosted its first-ever STEM Fair, which included students from local middle schools and a panel of industry-expert judges, including alumni Sara Lusk ’09 and Katie Moran
On April 14, more than 200 mothers, sons, and special friends gathered at the Downtown Portland Hilton for the annual Mother
and Mass.
On March 9, our Men’s Basketball Team beat Roosevelt High School to claim the OSAA 6A State Basketball title.
Son Brunch
Faculty member Sara Stauffer ’01 was presented the 2024 Sr. Maureen Kalsch Award for Educational Excellence by Eloise Merlino ’24.
On February 9, our students gathered for an assembly celebrating Black History Month and Lunar New Year. Among other things, the assembly featured a performance by the White Lotus & Lion Dance Team.
Central Catholic Women’s Alpine Ski Team clinched First Place in the Giant Slalom at the 2024 OISRA State Championships, held on March 7 at Mt. Hood Meadows. Senior standout Hannah Currier led the charge, guiding the Rams to victory.
Over spring break, three groups of students traveled for very different experiences: band students performed at Disneyland, art students toured Italy and France, and (pictured here) another group traveled to the Dominican Republic with Education Across Borders. While there, they completed service projects, learned about Dominican culture, and fostered relationships with the local community.
On June 13, more than 200 donors, students, and family members attended our annual Scholarship Luncheon, celebrating our scholarship benefactors and the students who are impacted by their generosity.
Steve Bramucci ’97 returned to campus in February for Central State of Mind, speaking with students–including more than 100 middle school students from local Catholic schools–about his personal experiences as a Central Catholic student, author, world traveler, and someone who learned to thrive with ADHD.
On May 16, students, alumni, and staff gathered for the second annual Alumni & Student Affinity Luncheon celebrating our Asian, Desi, Pacific Islander community.
This spring, Central Catholic launched its first-ever Women’s Flag Football team. In its inaugural season the team took second place (out of 32 teams) in the state competition held on the Nike campus May 11, 2024.
On February 24, more than 150 Central Catholic dads and daughters celebrated their special relationship at the annual Father Daughter Dance.
On May 1, mothers, daughters, and those who fill a motherly role gathered for the annual Mother Daughter Crowning of Mary ceremony to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, as our role model and the Queen of Peace.
New Head Football Coach Charlie Landgraf visited with football players and families in April, sharing his excitement and intentions for the season built on the philosophy of: Connect. Teach. Develop.
On February 29, students, alumni, and staff gathered for the second annual Alumni and Student Affinity Luncheon celebrating our Black community. It was a wonderful event, marked by alumni sharing reflections and insights with students on their time at Central Catholic and chosen career paths.
the rammys
TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL PRESIDENTS’ DINNER AND AUCTION
Thank you Sponsors and Advertisers
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Matt Donegan
Sause Bros. | Matt Hainley ’78
Joe Van Haverbeke ’58
GOLD SPONSORS
Hunt Painting | Bill Hunt ’66 and Stephen Hunt ’89
JGP Wealth Management
Leonard Adams Insurance Inc. | Sean ’79† and Sheri Dooney
Miller Nash LLP
Northwest Pump & Equipment Co. | Mark Mathews ’73
Pacific Office Automation
Tiffany Weston-Mork ’96
Troutdale Sand & Gravel | Brian Moran ’77
SILVER SPONSORS
Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
DDI Benefits | Dena Dooney ’88
Dave ’87 and Julie ’87 Gorretta
Honl Tree Care | Chad Honl ’90
The Howells Group/Third Truth Coaching
Umpqua Bank
University of Portland
Wilson Rogers & Associates | Scott Wilson ’73 and Steve Latimer
FULL PAGE ADVERTISERS
Fisher Roofing
Northwest Control Company, Inc. | Boiler and Combustion Services
HALF PAGE ADVERTISERS
Javier’s Tacos
Lara Media Services | El Grito
Parr Lumber Co.
Providence Health Systems
Timmco Insurance | Susie ’95 and Derek Ames, Brian Timm ’98, John Timm ’68
Windermere Realty Trust | Maria Kaiel Fitzgerald ’00
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
Blanchet House of Hospitality
Chartwells
Uniglobe Travel Partners - PNW
Wedbush Securities | Jeff Hegstrom ’81
$500,000+
Amount Raised to Support Tuition Assistance
425 Total Number of Guests in Attendance
276 Online Auction Participants
Special thanks to Board Chair Molly Paustion ‘85, who gave welcoming remarks, Emcee Crystal Thornton, Auctioneer Patrick Siver, and students Mallory Robertson ’24 and Brady Beam ’25, who provided sponsor recognition, and everyone who donated items, packages, and experiences.
Scan the QR code to watch “Central Catholic: A Place of Hope, Opportunity, and Belonging” which was shown at the event.
Thirtieth Annual Presidents’ Dinner and
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2024
Valedictorian
Jacob Walker Berry
Salutatorian
Zoe Isabella Vanderwal
Seat of Wisdom Award
Cielo Itzel Barroso Espidio
Jacob Walker Berry
Michael Robert Hanna
Noah Rudolph Leger
Henri Jude Phillips
Zoe Isabella Vanderwal
Archbishop Edward D. Howard
Christian Service Award
Emily Citlaly Juarez-Barron
Vivian Tuong Vy Nguyen
Christ the King Award
Joshua Landon Wildeman
Holy Spirit Award
Katherine Diep Nguyen
Insignis Award
Andrew Seth Colner
Maia Dionne Cruz
Nakya Monique Jones
Sophia Joselyn Limbeck
Yanci Manzo Hernandez
Akylah NyKarah McNack
John Charles Morris
Mallory Bian Robertson
Delainy Jane Williams
Daniel John Zavage
Equity and Liberation Award
Ian Matthew McGehee
Kamila Nirell Villanueva Messner
Scholar Athlete Award
Anthony Lewis Angelo
Philanthropy Award
Samuel James Schuver
Scholar Athlete Award
Anthony Lewis Angelo
Ella Anne McGillis
Students in the Class of 2024 208
Average GPA of the Class of 2024 3.71
Christian Service Hours Completed 23,994
Students who Performed More Than 100 Hours of Service 114
Attending College Next Year 94%
Highest Number of Graduates Attending University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Gonzaga University
Portland Community College University of Utah
Notable College Admits
Boston University
Carnegie Mellon University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Howard University
New York University
Spelman College
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Los Angeles University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania
International Universities
Graduates are Attending
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
London College of Fashion
McGill University
Universidad Anáhuac en Merida University of British Columbia
College Credits Earned Through the PCC Dual Credit Program 475
Graduates Attending Catholic Colleges
18%
Graduates Whose Parent(s) are Central Catholic Alumni 23
Graduates who Maintained a Cumulative 3.5+ GPA 150
2024 GRADUATES
Clyde Vincent Allen
Henry Joseph Allen *
Cameron Davis Ames *
Benjamin Stuart Anctil
Anthony Lewis Angelo *
Robert Harris Armstrong
June Arney
Robert Wiley Baker
Terra Rosa Balderas
Lazarus Nikitas Bambakidis *
Cielo Itzel Barroso Espidio *
Gabriella Mae Bartlett
Tarynn Elise Batiste
Gillian Claire Beaulieu *
Roan Marshall Beaupre
Zachary Lambert Beran
Jacob Walker Berry *
Miles Zack Berry *
Charlie Burtis Boudreau
Peyton Robert Brizendine
Aidan Matthew Broughton *
Nina Rose Bruce
Morgan Kay Brunner
Alex Louis Burke
Matix Michael Carpenter *
Samuel Robert Cedros
Sarah-Marie Thuong Chu *
Andrew Seth Colner
Riley Anne Connor *
Joshua Mason Coplin
Eric Alexandre Cotten *
Lucy Caroline Cratsenberg *
Pace Declan Crimin *
Travis Cashin Crofut
Maia Dionne Cruz *
Hannah Lockhart Currier
Micah Christian Daellenbach
Emma Catherine Daniels *
Henry Lawrence Davis *
Ryan Jay Davis *
Henry Pomeroy Davison
Emma Miso DeAinza *
Patrick Michael Denney
Karhma Joy DeWeese *
Alaina Kathryn Doherty
Carson Atticus Drews
Trigyal Tashi Drongpa
Gavin Neal Dunn
Chevanon Sesavej Edgar
Yasmeen Ali Edgar *
Gracyn Haley Epstein
Nathaniel Newton Ernst
Alina Andrea Filip
Dexter William Foster
Jack Theron Fry
Natalia Monserrat Garcia-Salvador
Penelope Olivia Garza *
Cade William Gehlen
Cameron James Giles
Juliana Raquel Gordon *
Palmer Christian Grorud
Kylee Cooper Hanel
Michael Robert Hanna *
Owen Stuart Hanson *
Allison Louise Hatten
Owen Istvan Hawkins *
Fletcher Eugene Heinle
Ethan Jay Henshaw *
Charles David Hepp
Lauren May Herriges
Harrison Jens Humphrey *
Gracie Lane Huston
Aiden Thomas Ram Kaveen Illias
Isabelle Rose Isaacs
Alexander Peter Jackson
Jayda Marie Jackson
Jordan Emilio Jenner
Norah Grace Johnston
Nakya Monique Jones *
Ty Garrett Jones
Emily Citlaly Juarez-Barron
William Francis Kane *
Langston Clyde James Kaptur *
Jeremiah Timothy Polamalu Katsuta *
Madina Dakar Aicha Keita
Eamonn Pierce Kelley *
Vivianna Elizabeth Kerin
Clare Anne Kern
Lukas Alexander Kern
Timothy Judson Khaw
Andrew Joseph Kralj *
Savanah Marie Kriesien *
Rishi Francis Kulkarni
Henry Alexander Langen
Talay Vaughan Larson
Noah Rudolph Leger *
Ava Simone Lewis *
Kaya Simone Liden
Sophia Joselyn Limbeck *
Finnegan Henry Longstreet
Jackson Patrick Lougen
Neve Christine Machen
Mollie Corinne Marie Mackey *
Yanci Manzo Hernandez *
Olivia Corrina Marasco
Zachary William Maris *
Spencer Thomas Marron
Maximilian Wright Marsal
Bethlehem Rose Martin
Sophia Rose Marx *
Lucy Madeline Mason
Riley Matsumura
Nikolas Presley May *
Austin Comas McCall
Stella North McDermott *
Ian Matthew McGehee *
Ella Anne McGillis *
Grant Bracken McKey
Alayna Rose McLain *
Akylah NyKarah McNack *
Joseph Paul Medak
Emmet Nathanial Meigel *
Grover Huxley Melo
Eloise Jane Lavallee Merlino
Abigail Rae Miller
Julian Lee Miranda-Goeller
Evie Doreene Mitchell *
Timothy Mitchell, Jr.
Martin Michael Mitchoff
Kylie Marie Moller *
Nathan Niles Monroe-Ramberg
Pablo Morales-Cortez
John Charles Morris
Connor James Mullen *
Nadia Gabriella Murray Ceriello
Joshua Chaud Naumoff
Cru Taylor Newman
Joanna Trinh Nguyen *
Katherine Diep Nguyen *
Vivian Tuòng Vy Nguyên *
Marilyn Jane Nickerson *
Henry Nicholas Nuss *
Madeleine Margaret Oldread
Henry Dieringer Osborne
Harper McKenzie Ouderkirk *
Israel Palacios
Lillian Rose Paumier
Thomas Charles Pempel
Dean Henry Peterson
Grace Ziyi Pettey *
Patrick Sherman Phelps
Henri Jude Phillips *
Isaiah Jorome Preuitt
Brian Pulido-Barrita
Aerion Purifoy
Sabina Gladys Quinteros *
Evelyn Ann Ramsey *
Sophie Grace Rasmussen *
Zoe Rebecca Rector *
Katherine Milagros Regalado
Diamond Mya Rendon-Van Scoit
Valeria Margarita Restrepo *
Stanley Gibril Riley
Milo Robert Rios *
Mallory Bian Robertson *
Nazario Joaquin Rojas-West
Gisselle Romero-Miranda
Sarah Abigail Rosenbaum
Julianne Mae Miesen Rotchford
Ella Marie Ryan
Derek James Salter
Henry Calvin Sanders
Joseph Patrick Scardina
Michael George Schline
Dean Douglas Schmick *
Samuel James Schuver
Daphne Rose Scotto di Carlo *
Caleb Thomas Shore
Walker Hamilton Sims *
Kendyl Marie Smith
William James Alexander Soles
Hayden Julka Stanford
Jack Bradley Stewart
Sante Dario Russell Storm *
David Chen Strongin
Zoe Eden Sullivan *
Xinyu Sun
Ty Joichi Takashima
London Curran Talbott
Ronald Stephen Thornton III
Nathan Minh Tran
Emily Reed Brumder Twichell
Zeke Asher Van’t Hof
Zoe Isabella Vanderwal *
Matthew Primo Vanhoomissen *
Kamila Nirell Villanueva Messner *
Karson Mackenzie Walker *
Violet McLean Walker
Quinlyn Joy Walsh *
Abby Nicole Wieland *
Joshua Landon Wildeman
Delainy Jane Williams *
Stefan Alexander Woicke *
Yasmin Anntoinette Woodard
Stella Christine Wright
Daniel John Zavage
Marley Benjamin Zeller
Nora Sophia Zemp *
Graduating with Honors (Grade Point Average of 3.8 and above)
National Honor Society Member
Exceeded 100 Hours of Christian Service
Celebrating Our Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Jacob Walker Berry is this year’s Valedictorian with a GPA of 4.48. He will attend the Honors College at Oregon State University (OSU), studying Engineering. This spring he was awarded the Presidential Scholarship by OSU.
Zoe Isabella Vanderwal is this year’s Salutatorian with a GPA of 4.47. She will attend the Honors College at Colorado State University, studying Environmental Engineering. She received Colorado State’s Green and Gold Scholarship and the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship. We asked Jacob and Zoe to share some reflections upon graduation.
Who is your favorite teacher/coach/staff member and why? (ZV) Christi Smith-Ryan for always believing in both sides of the student athlete. The confidence she gave me helped me in both the classroom and on the track.
(JB) Mr. Workman, for the greatest bad jokes and the ability to force difficult concepts into our brains.
What was your favorite class and why?
(JB) AP Chemistry. Whether we were making and analyzing acid-base batteries, or finding the rate of a reaction with a colorimeter, labs were always complex and intriguing.
(ZV) I’ve taken a lot of good classes throughout my four years, but one of my favorites was Music Production Lab with Mr. McLean my Junior year. I had a lot of fun experimenting in the music room and playing music with some really talented people.
What are some of your favorite memories of the past four years?
(JB) My favorite memories are with friends: interesting lunchtime discussions, hours hanging in a hot tub, hiking in Forest Park, and the Great Escape. I have also enjoyed watching Shine presentations and getting to know more about my senior classmates’ passions and identities this year.
How do you think you have made an impact in this community?
(ZV) I think that the STEM Club, which I helped build at Central with the help of Ms. Warner and Olivia Mendez ’25, was a very important addition to the school. I hope that in the coming years, STEM Club will continue to grow and we will continue to support middle school through high school students in their STEM endeavors.
What advice would you give your freshman self?
(JB) You only have four years of high school, so put yourself out there, try new things, branch out and be open to meeting new people.
(ZV) If you focus too much on the future, you’ll blink and four years will have gone by. Focus on the present and say yes to every opportunity you can.
What advice would you give your classmates?
(ZV) Accepting who you are is the best way to become who you want to be.
(JB) Don’t be afraid to try new things. Explore opportunities and search for something you can be passionate about. Find and surround yourself with people who build you up as your authentic self.
The good thing about time is, even though you may perceive it differently, it passes at the same rate always. And that means that you always have the same potential for change and for new experiences and emotions and dreams and achievements that you had an hour ago, a week ago, four years ago. ”
- Zoe Vanderwal
’24
Alumni Lighting the World
“Central Catholic, Where Character Matters:” is a phrase that has become synonymous with all we do inside and outside of the building, and for what you can expect from our alumni. We are, in fact, a school that anchors itself in six core values that are tenets of character development: Faith and Love, Community, Academic Excellence, Diversity, Compassion, and Integrity. And we believe that graduating students centered in these values prepares them to change the world.
There are countless examples of Central Catholic alums who are igniting change and possibility through their work and their passion. We recently connected with six more recent graduates who are making meaningful impacts.
SISTER ELIZABETH WIECK ’12
Sister Elizabeth was able to attend Central Catholic thanks to the generosity of others. While her time was not always “easy,” it was rewarding and laid the path for a life in service to God.
After graduating from Central Catholic in 2012, Elizabeth received a full-tuition scholarship to attend Aquinas College in Nashville, TN, where she began to study nursing. But God had a different plan. A friend invited her to attend a spring break mission trip with the Home of the Mother religious community in Ecuador. After spending a week in Ecuador, she was then invited to spend a month at the sisters’ motherhouse in Spain, which led to her leaving college to enter the convent and pursue a life devoted to faith and service.
After going through the first years of formation, living first with the sisters in Florida and later in Spain, she made her first vows in 2016 and was sent to Belmonte, Spain, where she served at a boarding school for girls from broken homes. More than a “boarding school,” Our Lady’s
house is a home for girls who need healing, love, and education. While there, Sr. Elizabeth “learned what it means to be a spiritual mother: we acted basically as physical mothers in the sense of washing the clothes, helping out with homework, playing with the girls, etc; but our biggest mission was to help them to have a relationship with Jesus and Mary. I spent three years in that community, which have helped me to learn how to love.”
After five years of temporal vows, she made her perpetual vows on September 8, 2021, and couldn’t be happier, “... now that I belong to God forever.” Today, Sr. Elizabeth is in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland with the Home of the Mother working in the schools. This work includes helping in religion classes to prepare children for their First Communion or Confirmation and teaching students the importance of faith and having a relationship with God.
“I am grateful for the high level of education that I received at Central Catholic. I now understand how important it is to be demanding with students since they can give so much more than what you expect of them. If you expect them to give little, they will give you nothing. If you expect them to give you a lot, they will give you more than you ever dreamed of. Not only that, but the most demanding teachers who we always complain about in high school are the ones we later remember with greatest affection. Why? Because we realize, deep down, that they are the ones who are truly looking for our good, who want our success in life, and who care about us enough that they are willing to be “unpopular” in order to help us achieve it.” Learn more at: homeofthemother.org.
TALK A MILE:
LIAM FOGARTY ’22
Liam Fogarty ‘22 was a rising junior at Central Catholic in the Summer of 2020 when Portland— and the nation—were experiencing civil unrest. Concerned that many conversations happening about the Black community and policing lacked the voices of those with the most to gain or lose, Liam and his parents looked to one another for what they could do locally to ignite positive change.
The result: Talk A Mile, a nonprofit organization that connects young Black leaders with local police trainees to improve the community one conversation and one mile at a time, and with a focus on building a better, safer community in which to live, work, and thrive.
Since its inception, Talk A Mile has held six events where over 100 Portland Police trainees (representing 100% of new Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers in 2022, 2023, and 2024) have walked a mile with over 100 young Black leaders, including many Central Catholic students. Currently, Talk A Mile is in dialogue with PPB about expanding the program to include the command staff in the program.
“I think what connects Central Catholic and Talk A Mile so well is that our program requires ambitious and socially conscious students to truly be effective, and thankfully our school is full of them. It has been amazing seeing the growth of Talk A Mile within the Central Catholic community and I am honored that so many fellow students have had a positive experience.”
Currently, Liam is a sophomore at the University of Oregon studying accounting. Learn more at talkamile.org.
MUSIC CECILIA: TAYLOR (KENDIG) GONZAGA ’13
Already known as a stunning vocalist while still a student at Central Catholic, it was clear Taylor (Kendig) Gonzaga ‘13, had a passion for music and performance. It was after graduating from the University of Portland, where she met her husband and business partner, Tanis, that she took that passion and turned it into a work of art.
Created out of love and hard work, Music Cecilia is her new Pacific Northwest media and performing arts company with a mission to deliver engaging and relevant art to the people. The organization also seeks to increase opportunities for emerging artists, break down barriers, and explore innovative ways to integrate new forms of media into a very traditional art form, while also directly engaging with the power of the human voice that is reflected in all genres of music.
In addition to Music Cecilia, Taylor runs a thriving home voice studio, a YouTube channel, and also serves as a frequent guest instructor with Vancouver's Journey Theater. She remains deeply connected to her Catholic faith, serving as principal cantor and resident director of music for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish in Camas and providing masterclass instruction to high school students, including those from Central Catholic.
"My identity as a performing artist and entrepreneur first took shape through the arts programs at Central Catholic. My ability to find a safe and loving artistic environment, forge friendships with like-minded peers, and take part in theatrical productions/music performances on campus helped me become who I am today. I left the community as an alumni feeling empowered as I made the decision to make music my career. Now I work to spread a spirit of inclusivity, love, openness, and faith through my endeavors in music, so that all feel welcome to participate in it, and through partaking in this beautiful art form, come closer to God himself. Participating in the arts at a school that also deeply values faith reinstilled the belief in me that singing is truly praying twice." Learn more at operacecilia.com.
BIG YARD FOUNDATION: BRENNAN SCARLETT
Brennan Scarlett ‘11 was a standout on the football field, so it was no surprise that his hard work and determination landed him in the NFL after playing collegiately at University of California, Berkeley (’15), and Stanford University (’16). But it was his commitment to service and giving back that was lesser known–or celebrated–until more recently when in 2018 he founded the Big Yard Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes literacy within the Portland, Miami, and Houston communities.
The name of the nonprofit is an homage to where his father was raised–in the countryside of Cousin Cove, Jamaica in a community called Big Yard (Pronounced BIG YAWD)–where the community was woven tightly together. The foundation’s mission is to empower disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities in Portland through three main pillars: Literacy, Creativity, and Physical Wellness. Over the past six years, Big Yard has implemented its service strategy through free book fairs at local elementary schools and a slate of community-oriented events that address its core pillars.
Big Yard is gearing up for its grandest youth initiative yet: Big Yard Academy, slated for summer 2024 and developed in collaboration with the University of Portland. This ambitious program combines two weeks of immersive flag football training with a comprehensive STEAM education curriculum tailored for middle schoolers.
Earlier this spring, Brennan and his foundation completed an immersive art collaboration project with artist John Rivas and six Central Catholic students who designed an original piece of art that became the centerpiece of the foundation’s June 8 fundraiser. In addition, the artwork graces the packaging of 100 limited edition coffee canisters from Portland-based coffee company Deadstock Coffee.
“It is an honor to be able to come back to Central Catholic and walk the halls again. This community laid the groundwork for my educational, athletic, and personal aspirations, nurturing the vision of who I wanted to become. The Central Catholic administrators,
ALUMNI LIGHTING THE WORLD
teachers, coaches, student body, and Monsignor provided me so much inspiration that has continued to serve me throughout my journey. I consider it a blessing that I now have the opportunity to give some of that inspiration back through this collaborative experience between the Big Yard Foundation and renowned artist John Rivas."
Since its founding, the foundation has served more than 800 students and put more than 2,000 books into the hands of young people. In addition to the foundation, Brennan founded Scarlett Creative Co., a creative agency focusing on organic storytelling within sport. Learn more at bigyardfoundation.org.
WILL THE REDHEAD: WILL NIELSEN ’15
Will Nielsen ‘15 used his time at Central Catholic to explore his creativity through our photography and theater programs. And, as someone who often felt on the outside, faced with challenges within the Catholic community, his time also sparked a journey filled with self-discovery and resilience.
It was during high school that Will used his talent and passion to build a business, capturing senior portraits for fellow students. That business, and the consistent practice of shooting and editing images, not only helped him to hone his skills but also paved the way for an opportunity to work with Portland’s Artslandia magazine. Following graduation, his path took him to the University of Oregon where he studied advertising and built a strong network of fellow UO alumni. It was this network that helped launch his career, first on the brand team of Squarespace, working in their photography studio; then, after a move to Los Angeles, as the in-house photographer for national salad-focused restaurant chain, Sweetgreen.
“Starting my career in the advertising industry right after college was a stroke of luck. I crossed paths with incredible colleagues who have not only become friends but also valuable connections. Many of them have reached out to hire me for projects in their current roles at various companies.”
Today, Will splits his time between New York and Los Angeles, as a highly sought-after professionally-represented freelance photographer. His art has been used to amplify the biggest brands, including Burberry, Nordstrom, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Sweetgreen, Teen Vogue, and The Webster. He derives inspiration from sound, movement, and nature. “I used to focus primarily on portraiture, but nowadays, my portfolio is a blend of portraiture, lifestyle, food, and product photography. The way in which I see myself making a difference is through putting my subjects on a metaphorical pedestal, allowing them to see themselves at their best.” Learn more at: willtheredhead.com.
LASH LAB PDX: AMANTHA HOOD ‘13
During the pandemic, Amantha Hood ‘13 did something many others could not–grow a business, started in her living room, into a successful and profitable operation that will have a significant and lasting impact on the Portland community.
A Portland native, Amantha realized long before graduating from Linfield College in 2017 that Portland lacked skincare services for women of color. Armed with her college degree and esthetician license, she founded Lash Lab PDX LLC and Portland’s first-ever multicultural esthetics institute, Champions Beauty Institute–not only building a business, but also a career path for more than 100 individuals and growing.
“Champions is filling an equity gap in esthetics curriculum standards. By molding and graduating students educated in all skin types, we increase the number of estheticians that can confidently service all of Portland’s population. It starts with this program, but my hope is to eventually influence the standards for curriculum requirements statewide, and nationally. I am excited to give back to Central Catholic by opening my doors to students who are interested in learning about entrepreneurship and a career in this exciting field.” Learn more at cbi.life.
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
Bill Wilson
Jim Etzel ’81 was named one of the Portland Business Journal’s 2024 Executives of the Year. Jim has more than 30 years of diverse leadership experience in sports, live events, marketing, brand experiences, and management, serving as the CEO of Sport Oregon since 2018.
David Lester ’94 and his wife, Genesee McCarthy, welcomed a son, Felix, who joins sisters Amani (4) and Marielena (2).
Julia Markley ’92 was named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence for 2024. They wrote this of Julia, “(she) is a high-powered litigator, representing businesses on trademark, patent, IP, and other issues, who believes in lifting other women and BIPOC members of her profession. She is the founding president of the Oregon Filipino American Lawyers Association and the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association and a member of the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation. Her work has been recognized by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, along with Super Lawyers Magazine and Best Lawyers in America.” Julia is a partner at Perkins Coie.
Kevin Lax ’03 was awarded an Emmy at the second annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards on December 16. Together with Bob Lydecker and Alex Nickson, they won in the category of Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program with the Netflix series, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
Oregon State University recently named Ryan Gunderson ’03, who was serving as UCLA’s quarterbacks coach and is an OSU alum, as its new offensive coordinator.
Max Marcos (Pinder) ’11 recently had his music single, Waiting for Thunder, released on Spotify.
Mark ’12 and Emily-Rose (Wiitala) ’12 Galati welcomed a son on January 16, 2024, Leo John Galati. His parents hope, “he will follow in our footsteps and attend Central Catholic as a fifth generation student.”
Erin Dooney ’15 married Andrew Joyce on April 27, 2024 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Sarah (Bright) Packebush ’16 and her husband, Thomas, welcomed a son Emmett Alexander Packebush on March 23, 2024.
Kitan Oladapo ’18, a safety, was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft. After a standout six-year career at Oregon State University, Kitan was selected in the fifth round, number 169 overall.
What’s new with you MATTERS to the Ramily.
Were you recently promoted or started a new job? Newly married or recently added to your family? Started a new educational or life journey? Let your fellow Rams know what is happening in your life.
In Memory • Alumni
Robert James Rogers ’46 | June 1, 2024
Rev. John Wayne Brouillard ’47 | May 23, 2024
Peter Francis Zinsli ’48 | July 8, 2023
Martin Andrew Smith ’49 | April 14, 2024
Joseph Charles Schreiber ’49 | December 7, 2022
Ronald Lawrence Legg ’52 | January 25, 2024
James Adelbert Rees ’52 | June 7, 2024
Gordon Eberle Dickey ’53 | February 4, 2024
Chester Louis Howlett ’53 | May 16, 2024
Kenneth Samuel Harris ’56 | January 12, 2024
Richard Lawrence Hurd ’56 | February 29, 2024
Terrence Earl Hutchinson ’56 | March 8, 2024
Dennis Michael Virnig, Sr. ’56 | January 9, 2024
Russell “Dennis” Berry ’58 | June 12, 2024
James Lee Bettger ’58 | March 28, 2024
Edward Martin Fessler ’58 | January 29, 2024
David Allen Kolander ’58 | January 24, 2024
Francis John Fitzpatrick ’59 | February 4, 2024
Michael Joseph Lavin ’59 | November 22, 2023
Edward Alphonse Barbier ’60 | January 12, 2024
Nicholas Douglas DuBravac ’60 | April 6, 2024
Michael Joseph Adams ’63 | November 11, 2023
Leonard John Cleary ’63 | March 2, 2024
Michael George Fisher ’63 | January 17, 2024
Alton Elmer Lucas ’63 | July 6, 2023
Walter James LeDoux ’67 | January 17, 2024
William John Beck ’68 | March 31, 2024
David Charles Moffenbeier ’69 | February 6, 2024
Nicholas Edward Wehage ’77 | April 7, 2024
Patrick Steven Mowrey ’78 | July 3, 2021
Dominic “Nick” Victor Borges-Silva ’86 | 2024
Alonso Stuart Rager ’91 | June 30, 2023
Nicholas James Pronesti ’03 | January 12, 2024
In Memory • Family of Alumni
Shawn Alderman | February 5, 2024
Antonette Cicchetti Amato | January 19, 2024
Jeffrey Lynn Barron | April 17, 2024
Patricia Joan Cecchi | April 7, 2024
David Vincent Cleaveland | November 5, 2023
Priscilla Marie Dinehart | 2024
Maureen (Gilroy) Dooley | December 24, 2022
Jo Ann Galarneau Doyle | June 18, 2024
Dominic Anthony Dulcich | November 4, 2023
Lori Urbanski Duffy | March 4, 2024
Barbara Curry Dutton | August 26, 2023
Lucy L. Hardiman | June 4, 2024
Roberta (Gill) Hefler | January 8, 2024
Forest Glen Honl | February 26, 2024
Rick “Pasha” Horiuchi | December 13, 2023
Kimberly Deneen Jones | October 1, 2023
Dolores “Dolly” Judge | January 16, 2024
James Michael Kearney | November 27, 2023
Jason Marcel Kies | November 2, 2023
Richard “Kris” Kriesien | January 28, 2024
Elaine Hartung Leslie | April 13, 2024
Constance Louise Marbott | January 15, 2024
Crystal Lynn Mischel | November 6, 2023
Eileen Rose (Fromwiller) Mooney | May 28, 2024
Mary Teresa “Little Mary” Mozena | April 16, 2024
Joel Francis Murray | June 26, 2024
Barbara White Navarra | February 14, 2024
Daniel Garcia Nelson | November 24, 2023
Esther Julia Niehaus | June 7, 2024
Norma Jean Panowicz | 2024
Joseph Garland Riordan | February 27, 2024
Elizabeth Frances Sewell | June 2, 2024
Martin Andrew Smith | April 14, 2024
Lois Irene Sykes | April 4, 2024
Joan Marie Toon | November 1, 2023
Carol Ann (Poleo) Torchia | May 23, 2024
Sonia Anne Trebelhorn | April 16, 2024
Jean Hart Volz | December 22, 2023
John Stanley Wuitschick, Sr. | August 10, 2023
Donald James Zarosinski | March 14, 2024
Central Catholic High School
Women’s Wine Tour
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Students4Students kicks off on September 30. A key part of supporting our students who don’t have individuals in their lives with the capacity to donate is by having a pool of alumni, parents, donors, and friends who students can call on for donations. If you are interested in joining our Students4Students donor pool, please contact Taryn Lange, Manager of Events and Volunteers at 503.230.1056 ext. 1229 or tlange@centralcatholichigh.org. Go Rams!
CENTRAL CATHOLIC 2024
OPEN
HOUSE
Sunday, October 13, 2024 • 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Do you, or someone close to you, have a student in your home/family/ circle who will be a high school freshman in the fall of 2025? If yes, please have them save the date for our Annual Open House, where they will meet our faculty, tour the school, engage with current students, experience faith and service on campus, and learn about clubs, athletics, arts, and other ways to get involved at Central Catholic.
Central Cat holic
Upcoming Events
September
October
November
