Central Catholic Magazine Winter 2024 by Central Catholic Magazine

Central Catholic magazine Winter 2024

THE POWER OF STORY

N T R A L

RAM OPEN A

C T

Save the Date: Friday, August 2, 2024 Glendoveer Golf Course • Noon Shotgun Start Four-person scramble with boxed lunch and swag bag followed by an awards dinner. Cost: $150 per person/$600 per foursome Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

Who are those RAMS anyway? Who are these students? Identify the individuals above and submit your guess. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing in March. Submit your guess to Ellie Dir, Vice President of Advancement: edir@centralcatholichigh.org or 503.230.1056 ext. 1258. Congratulations to Katie Kehoe ’14 who correctly guessed “Who are those Gals?” in the President’s Report picturing the ladies from the 2012-2013 Social Justice Club! Top Row, left to right: Kylee Esparza ’13, Leighton Murphy ’13, Quinn Pruitt ’13, Maddy Price ’13, Madi Clifford ’13 and Katie Kehoe ’14. Front row, left to right: Debbie Bui ’13, Sarah Lance ’13, and Jackie Sheridan ’13.

There are more opportunities for sponsorship! Contact Ellie Dir, Vice President of Advancement, at 503.230.1056 ext. 1258 or edir@centralcatholichigh.org for more details on sponsorship opportunities.

Save the Date! Marquee Reunions

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 • 3:00-6:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus Appetizers | Drinks | Photos | Campus Tours Check the website for updates: centralcatholichigh.org/alumni/reunions

Features: On the Cover Junior, Shelby Knutson ’25, takes a break from working on a writing assignment.

Volume 31 • Number 1 • Winter 2024

Staff Profile: Christi Smith-Ryan

Central Catholic Magazine is a publication of Central Catholic High School 2401 SE Stark Street • Portland, Oregon 97214 503.230.1056 • centralcatholichigh.org

Page 3

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 Mike Laber Connie Ozyjowski Peter Rauch ’95 Jo Willhite, Ex-Officio

Faculty Profile: Cathy Warner Page 5

Publisher/Layout and Design Jolyn Winczewski Director of Scholarships and Publications Contributing Writers Ellie Dir Jeanie-Marie Price Jasmin Ruiz Sara Wright Editing Team Ellie Dir Cindy Hart Taryn Lange Elaine Payne Jeanie-Marie Price Jasmin Ruiz Sara Wright

the rammys

Presidents’ Dinner and Auction Page 8

Contributing Photographers Jumoke Askari ’25, Photography Intern Luca DiMezza ’25 Jim Nagae Jeanette Pelster Jeanie-Marie Price Jasmin Ruiz

Storytelling Page 10

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.

A Conversation with Steve Bramucci ’97 Page 18 Winter 2024 | 1

CATH L A TR

President Colin McGinty was joined by current Central Catholic parents Allison and Jason Beam at a recent holiday gathering.

Dear Alumni and Friends, With this being our year of storytelling, I could not be more excited by the narratives that are emerging from our campus community–many of which you will read about in these pages. From the incredible successes of our fall sports teams, including men’s and women’s cross country and volleyball all winning their respective conference titles, to football winning the state title; to dizzying artistic expressions like the fall play, Christmas concert, and art exhibitions; to admissions events focused on the arts, math, leadership, and STEM; to classrooms buzzing with rich conversations and activities; and the faith formation of our faculty, staff, and students through our monthly liturgies, retreats, and service work (and this only scratches the surface); Central Catholic is buzzing with incredible amounts of positive energy. With all of the activities happening at Central Catholic, it can be hard to hit the pause button, but, over this past summer, we did just that. Working with our partners at Weinstein PR, we had the opportunity to deeply engage in some reflective work to identify ways we could better articulate our story and our core values. In our cover story on page 10, we share more about this work and how some of our teachers and staff reflect those values. I think you will find that we have “found our voice” for sharing the good work being done at Central Catholic in what can be a very noisy world. We are working hard to proudly share our story more broadly–and to help with this–we’ve created a video that does just that. If you have not had the opportunity to view it, I hope you will scan the QR code below to immerse yourself in Central Catholic. I hope it gives you as much of a sense of pride and belonging as it does me. And, I hope you will share it with others. As we spend this year celebrating the power of story, I also hope you will continue to share your Central Catholic experience with us, and with your colleagues and friends. There is nothing more powerful you can do in support of our mission and work. Go Rams!

Colin McGinty President 2 | Central Catholic Magazine

cchsrams.pub/youbelong

I V I OF G

IC OL

CEN

WELCOME MESSAGE

Annual Ramily Christmas Week of Giving Wrap-Up Week of Giving is at the heart of what we do at Central Catholic High School–prepare the hearts and minds of our students to be the light this world needs. For over 25 years, Central Catholic High School has led a Week of Giving to provide critical support to members of the Portland Metropolitan area who are in need; and this year the need in our community was greater than ever. In total we collected: 15,074 Non-perishable Boxed and Canned Foods 222 Toys and Gifts 729 Coats and Sweatshirts 277 Blankets 850 Socks, Shoes, and Boots The donations supported St. André Bessette Catholic Church, Blanchet House, Catholic Charities, and the St. Vincent de Paul conferences at All Saints, Holy Redeemer, St. Rose, St. Cecilia, Holy Trinity, St. Clare, St. Ignatius, St. John Fisher, St. Anthony, St. John the Apostle, St. John the Baptist, and St. Rita. Thank you to all who contributed!

STAFF PROFILE

Christi Smith-Ryan

Transforming our Student Body, One Rep at a Time If the air in the Sanders Family Weight Room seems positively charged, it’s because Central Catholic’s enthusiastic Strength & Conditioning Coach Christi Smith-Ryan is there, drawing on her deep expertise and boundless energy to help some 200-plus students per day set and achieve their goals. “Her positivity is infectious,” says Athletic Director Laura Jaeger, “And her enthusiasm brings out the best in each of our athletes.” Named 2023 Oregon State High School Strength Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association this past summer, you could say that Christi is continuing a lifelong winning streak. In 2012, she was voted Greatest Female Athlete My number of All Time by her alma mater, The University of Akron (UA), one goal is in recognition of a laundry list of achievements, which include strength for all. breaking records in every event in which she competed, becoming UA’s first NCAA Division 1 Champion as a Heptathlete, and their first athlete to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials. She’s been inducted into the school’s Track & Field Hall of Fame no less than seven times.

“

”

Christi first came to Central Catholic in 2014 as an experienced assistant track & field coach, after having worked in that role at Ohio University, Kent State University, and The University of Iowa, and having spent time as a strength and conditioning intern at the University of Oregon. In 2017, she was promoted to Head Track & Field Coach at Central Catholic, before transitioning to Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2021. As the first female ever to serve as a strength and conditioning coach at Central Catholic, and one of too-few Black women in her field, Christi is invested in creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming space for every student who walks into the weight room. “My number one goal is strength for all,” she says. “This environment is for everyone, no matter your role here at Central Catholic. Everyone has an open invitation to our million-dollar facility.” About her colleagues, she says “I love being here. Working with female leaders like [Athletic Director] Laura Jaeger and [Principal] Danyelle Ramsey is a breath of fresh air.” For her students, Christi wants the same thing she strives for on a daily basis: “I want them to be the strongest version of themselves, in every sense of the word.”

Winter 2024 | 3

Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman|Music by Lucy Simon|Based on the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

March 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 7:00 p.m. March 10 and 17 2:00 p.m. Matinee Adults: $15 | Seniors: $12 | Students: $10

Tickets and Information:

cchsrams.pub/springmusical Director: Avery Heater Music Director: Chris McLean ’94 Vocal Director: Audrey Sackett Assistant Director: Katy Burns

Original Broadway Production produced by: Heidi Landesman Rick Steiner, Frederic H. Mayerson, Elizabeth Williams, Jujamcyn Theaters/TV ASAHI and Dodger Productions Originally produced by the Virginia Stage Company, Charles Towers, Artistic Director

FACULTY PROFILE

Cathy Warner

Advancing Academic Rigor, Inspiring Innovation and Collaboration Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering, or STEM, as it is commonly referred to, have been a stronghold in Central Catholic’s curriculum for years. In January of 2023, when Cathy Warner joined the faculty, the area of STEM gained a champion who, day-in and day-out, is igniting excitement and passion across campus. Cathy, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master of Education from Portland State University, came to Central Catholic after balancing raising her two children with teaching at the high school and community college levels. She was attracted to Central Catholic because, as she says, “I wanted to be in a place that prioritized academic rigor, within a Christian school setting–Central Catholic is that place.” Under Cathy’s leadership, in addition to the honors and AP courses already offered, this year we added STEM classes, a STEM Club, STEM guest speakers open to the entire school, and a STEM fair for high school and middle school students. While the focus is on academic rigor, what strikes Cathy most is, “How much fun the students have solving problems–this is what science should be.”

Patrick Mordhorst, Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction says this about Cathy and her impact, “It is impressive to see how engaged the students are in the challenges Cathy presents to them in class. She has really helped them recognize how the struggle is part of the journey, and through assessment and refinement, better products are created. We are exceptionally fortunate to have Cathy on our team, and look forward to the continued development of the STEM program with her passion.” Cathy is relentlessly focused on deepening Central Catholic’s STEM program, bringing back robotics, competing at the Northwest Science Expo, and increasing working spaces on campus that foster greater collaboration and innovation. In 2020, Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer, now in remission. Her passion for STEM at Central Catholic can be described as fierce. “After going through one of the hardest segments of my life, I live every day as if it’s my last and I want to give these students my all– they deserve the best.”

Winter 2024 | 5

On November 7, students and families gathered to recognize our most recent Academic All Stars who earned 3.8 GPAs or above during the 2022-2023 school year. Also honored were inductees into the National Honor Society.

CAMPUS For the second year in a row, all of the fall sports teams earned state playoff competition rights. The Women’s Cross Country team celebrated a fifth place finish, the highest-ranking finish in the program’s history. It was also the first time in the program’s history the team competed at regionals.

Sunny skies shone over Stark Street as we celebrated the success our students had fundraising through Students 4 Students with Ramapalooza!, which featured a dozen local food carts and more!

HIGHLIGHTS

As we broaden our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) offerings, a STEM Club was established. The first STEM Club Lunch and Learn featured Sarah Lusk ’09 who shared her experiences of becoming a scientist at Oregon Health & Science University.

Forty-three students spent weeks preparing for the fall production of The Crucible.

Central Catholic students in the Presidential Character in Leadership Academy (PCLA) hosted more than 250 Catholic middle schoolers for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

Our Cental Catholic football team took home the State Championship title–their fifth in 10 years–making Head Coach Steve Pyne the first coach in OSAA history to win five football state championships.

In October, a group of students participated in the Ignatian Family TeachIn for Justice in Washington D.C. They met with elected officials to advocate for critical issues, attended workshops, heard from speakers, and visited sites important to our nation’s history.

PRESIDENTS’ DINNER AND AUCTION

the rammys Twenty-Ninth Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Auction

$25,000 RAFFLE

Tickets: $100 each or six for $500

April 12, 2024 | Avenue Portland

buy your raffle tickets here

5:00 p.m. | Happy Hour and Silent Auction 6:30 p.m. | Dinner and Program buy your tickets here

cchsrams.pub/rammys

$125 each or 10 for $1,250

Choose from one of three prizes:

cchsrams.pub/rammys

Join our Online Silent Auction

1. 2.

Noon, April 4, 2024 - Noon, April 15, 2024 Step 1: Register as a new bidder or log in to your Greater Giving account from a previous year Step 2: Bid on the packages you enjoy!

$10,000 in Visa Gift Cards and $15,000 in Travel Vouchers (Travel must be booked within two years of receipt) $25,000 to Endow a Central Catholic Scholarship Name an endowed scholarship, benefiting students at Central Catholic for generations to come (School chooses recipients based on award criteria mutually agreed upon by school and raffle winner). $25,000 in Central Catholic Tuition and Fees Funds will be credited to the selected student’s account and can be used for tuition, fees, and co-curricular fees. (Funds cannot be applied to the lunch account. Funds can be rolled over to the next school year, but no remaining funds can be distributed upon graduation.) Only 1,500 tickets to be sold! | Retail Value: $25,000

Drawing will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Twenty-Ninth Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Auction at AVENUE Portland (631 NE Grand Avenue) at approximately 7:00 p.m. Need not be present to win! Winner is subject to all Federal and State income taxes based on the market value of the prizes awarded. Winners must supply their social security number and submit a W-9 form to claim their prize. Must be physically in the state of Oregon and 18 years of age or older to purchase.

8 | Central Catholic Magazine

support the

auction Last year, the Presidents’ Dinner and Auction raised nearly $400,000 in support of tuition assistance and special projects. Currently, over 40% of our students receive some form of financial aid. Attending, sponsoring, and/or donating items for the auction provides critical help to students who otherwise would be unable to attend Central Catholic.

ways to help: Advertise your Business:

Promote your business or give recognition to your family in the printed auction program, on the online auction, and during the live event. Program ads range from business card-size to full-page size.

Become an Auction Sponsor:

Help underwrite the auction with an event sponsorship. Sponsorship includes event tickets and special recognition during the in-person event as well as recognition during the online auction. Sponsors will also receive other special promotional and event benefits.

Donate Goods and Services:  Airline Miles  Vacation Homes/Condos/Hotels  Hawaii/Mexico/Carribean  Europe  Sunriver/Black Butte/Brasada  Nashville/Las Vegas/New York  Palm Springs/San Diego/Napa  Gift Cards  Wine/Beer/Spirits  Concert Tickets  Theatre Tickets  Sporting Events  Golf: Trips/Rounds/Equipment  Theme Baskets  Unique Experiences  Landscaping Contact Taryn Lange at auction@centralcatholichigh.org

or 503.230.1056 ext. 1229 to inquire about donating

to or supporting the auction. Thank you!

FULL PAGE PHOTO

STORYTELLING Storytelling. It may be the one activity that is common across all age levels, backgrounds, religions, and geographies. It is how we build understanding. It is how we define our experiences in the world around us. It is how we connect more intentionally. It is for those reasons and more that the theme for the 20232024 academic year is ”Storytelling.”

STORYTELLING HOW WE GOT HERE

WE HEARD THINGS LIKE:

Ask almost any alum, parent, student, or faculty/staff member about their Central Catholic experience and you’ll quickly learn that for generations, the school has had a positive lifelong impact on them. That doesn’t mean each of their stories is the same. Each is unique and a piece of the school’s larger story. And, while so much about these stories has changed over the course of our 85-year history, much of what you will hear remains the same: we are a Catholic high school that prepares the hearts and minds of our students.

“Central is a wonderful little island of diversity – in race, thought, and action.”

It is these stories of what makes us different, and what also binds us together, that compelled President Colin McGinty to build on the important visioning work completed in 2020. He wanted to develop a shared language that gets at the heart and soul of Central Catholic—language that both honors our past and celebrates our future—anchoring us in our commitment to be in service to current and future students. And it’s why this past summer he, along with the Board of Directors and members of the leadership team, partnered with local communications firm, Weinstein PR, to listen to and engage with a representative group of key stakeholders to better refine how we talk about what makes Central Catholic central to our community. Twelve listening sessions were held, complemented by two online surveys, where groups of faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni shared their perspectives and helped identify themes as they relate to a shared storytelling framework for Central Catholic.

MANY QUESTIONS WERE EXPLORED INCLUDING: What qualities make Central Catholic special to you? What makes Central Catholic different? Since Central Catholic was founded by the Archdiocese as a school for boys in 1939, so much has changed. What do you think is the primary purpose of Central Catholic’s existence today? What is its reason for being? What is Central Catholic’s value to the greater Portland community?

“Teachers are committed to the well-being and success of their students. They take the time to get to know every individual on a deep, personal level, and offer a hand to anyone needing help.” “We heard it was centered on sports and not as academically rigorous. My son was AP everything and challenged. It is way more rigorous here than we thought.” “Catholic identity is about the bigger picture. Our faith reminds us that we have a responsibility to understand what is happening outside ourselves and to respond with love and kindness, as Jesus teaches us.”

AS A RESULT OF THE LISTENING SESSONS, CENTRAL CATHOLIC REFINED ITS VISION TO: We envision a future where every student becomes the best version of themself, and goes on to have a positive, and purposeful, impact on the world.

AND WE SET THESE CORE VALUES AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING WE DO: Faith and Love Community Academic Excellence Diversity Compassion Integrity

FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS WERE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE A BRIEF NARRATIVE ON OUR VALUES: Through their expressions, we hope you garner a stronger sense of how we live out our values each day–and also see reflected a piece of your own Central Catholic experience.

Winter 2024 |11

STORYTELLING FAITH AND LOVE

COMMUNITY

We instill principles

We foster a feeling

central to the teaching

of belonging and

of Jesus to inspire a life of

connectedness through

virtue and moral integrity

our shared vision, values,

rooted in Catholic values.

and beliefs.

We believe that

We are a community within

God is love.

the building and well beyond, with deeply connected families and alumni.

Rina Delos Reyes World Language Teacher

Dr. Nathan Patla Science Teacher

The best teaching advice I ever received was to create a classroom space of love and care. This advice carries with me throughout every student I meet. When I was younger, my favorite teachers were the ones that made me feel like I was seen and heard. Now that it is my turn to be a teacher, I stand by the door to greet my students, I remember their names, and get to know their favorite things. I bring my lessons to life by bringing in their interests and giving them the opportunity to grow and make mistakes. I have faith in my students to reach their potential, as my previous teachers did for me.

Chemists say that chemical reactions occur because atoms move around willy-nilly and bump into each other so much that they eventually connect to form something new. I’ve found the same happens in a classroom. Students enter and their energy and smiles and laughter bounce around until this random joy coalesces into a new community that has its own unique identity and quality. Honestly, it’s a little miraculous how individuals move into a space, open and giving, and grow closer and change, even a little, for the better, taking with them a little of the communal chemistry they built and shared for that short space of time.

12 | Central Catholic Magazine

STORYTELLING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

DIVERSITY

We meet all students

We mirror the wider

where they are when they

world through the richness

enter, and develop them as

of our racial, spiritual,

leaders, critical thinkers,

neurodiverse, and

and lifelong learners.

socioeconomic differences.

We believe in everyone’s

We support and empower

potential to make a lasting

students from all backgrounds

impact in the world.

and lived experiences.

Emma Vaughan Mathematics Teacher

Drew Holguin Counselor

Being a teacher, I have high standards for my students but I choose to meet my students where they are at so they can begin to strive for excellence on their own. One of my Central Catholic students put this best, “Mrs. Vaughan cares what we learn, but more on HOW we learn.” I hold this quote with me every day as I approach the classroom. Teachers here at Central Catholic care deeply about the experience of the student and in turn, those students build a foundation of a love of learning. Students are held to a high standard and are given support to reach those standards.

I was born and raised in North and Northeast Portland so I have been exposed to what a diverse community looks like. Furthermore, I have spent almost 15 years working in different educational settings in the state of Oregon which has also provided a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity. While no community lacks imperfection, I have been blown away at the diversity here: racially, religiously, ethnically, socioeconomically as well as a diverse student body of learners has been inspiring to say the least. We all thrive together the more diversity that exists. I like to compare it to our ecological environment. All living things rely and grow when diversity is centered resulting in a thriving community.

Winter 2024 |13

STORYTELLING COMPASSION

INTEGRITY

We speak with kindness,

We believe character

listen without judgment,

matters more than anything.

and accept others for who they are.

We adhere to principles rooted in Catholic social

We act in service to others,

teaching in our thoughts,

especially those in need.

actions, and decisions.

DeAndre Smith ’17 Registrar/Executive Assistant As I walk through the hallways, I hear everything from laughter to cheers to whines. As I pay attention to the students’ body language I can see that it has been long days, and a few too many long nights. The wave of anxiety from coming home late from practice, with homework assignments left to finish. The exhaustion from having extracurriculars keeps you away from home. The joy of creating friendships and memories that may last forever. Through it all, they still show up cracking smiles and giggles, remaining their best selves from the Missy Mack Gym, to the Harrington Field, to the loud but enlightening classrooms. I know how challenging, but also how magical these hallways can be. I know; I once walked them.

14 | Central Catholic Magazine

Candy Guzman Renfro World Language Teacher As a Latina Spanish teacher at Central Catholic, I prioritize integrity in my classroom, aiming to instill language skills alongside a deep respect for cultural differences. Students confront challenges, from resisting plagiarism to understanding diversity. In candid moments, I’ve shared my journey, embracing my identity as an American, Mexican-American, Hispanic, and Latina. Integrity, for me, goes beyond academic honesty; it fosters an environment where authenticity thrives. Witnessing students grow, anchored in integrity, is a proud reminder that education transcends conjugations and vocabulary. It’s a canvas where diverse stories and unwavering principles paint a richer understanding, shaping individuals for a globally connected society.

STUDENT FUNDRAISER

WE ARE RAMILY! Students 4 Students Fundraiser

Students 4 Students (S4S), our annual student fundraiser that supports tuition assistance and activities, was held September 22 through October 27, 2023. Students were divided into teams this year to create a competitive spirit with weekly team challenges and group prizes to boost participation and fun. To celebrate their fundraising efforts, the entire school celebrated with Ramapalooza! on Halloween with food carts on 24th Avenue and games in both gyms. S4S proved to be a huge success and we appreciate all of our students for their hard work and our faculty and staff for their support and encouragement. We are especially grateful to all of our alumni, parents, families, and community members for your generosity.

BY THE NUMBERS

Total donors: 938 Number of first-time donors: 361 Most donations collected by one student: 13 (Tie between Sam Schuver ’24 and KK Sombe ’26) Highest amount raised by one student: $2,109 (Timmy Gobel ’27) Smallest gift: $5 Largest gift: $2,000 Average gift: $111 Total raised: $118,301 Total raised going toward supporting student success:100% Advisory with highest participation: Anthony Gray’s

OVERALL WINNING TEAM:

Team Flamingo Nation led by Matt Horne ’88, Dean of Student Life and Emma Vaughan, Math Teacher, with Advisories taught by Todd Bowman, Angi Dankenbring, and Megan Quigley “There’s an old adage that says: “When you get to the top of the ladder, reach back and help the next one up. Giving to Students for Students is our way of helping the next generation of Central Catholic students continue their education.” -Suzanne Sarin Shepanek (mom of Max ’03 and Emma ’11)

Winter 2024 |15

CAMPUS NEWS

REMEMBERING STEVE HALLIGAN Beloved teacher and coach, Steve Halligan, passed away on November 12, 2023. He began his career at Central Catholic in 1976, teaching history and government and coaching basketball. As a dedicated teacher and coach, he showed generations of students how to be productive citizens of our country and our world, while guiding Ram basketball teams to five conference championships and the state title in 1994. Known as a passionate (and sometimes fiery) coach, it was his effectiveness as an educator that most impacted thousands of Central Catholic students. He challenged students to think critically and to become active, informed citizens with the confidence to share their opinions. Students who had Steve as a teacher left Central Catholic with a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a democratic society. In 2022, he was inducted into the Central Catholic Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Steve’s former colleagues describe him as a caring mentor for new teachers and as a catalyst for expanding the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, adding AP US History (APUSH) and AP Government and Politics to Central Catholic’s curriculum. Steve is survived by his wife, Teresa, his daughter, Carli Halligan ’98, his son, Tony Halligan ’02, his granddaughters, Kya and Kadin Halligan, his grandson, Isaac Bartels, and his two sisters, Sherry Halligan and Vicky McGahan. While Steve impacted countless individuals, in the spirit of storytelling and community, here we share a few reflections from his students and colleagues: “Mr. Halligan’s love of learning and passion was infectious. His classroom was so rich with discussion and provocation as we grappled with the gravity of our nation’s actions and explored all the painful and beautiful components of history. I will forever be grateful for the love with which he led and the heartfelt compassion and candor with which he taught.” – Siobhan O’Malley ’10 16 | Central Catholic Magazine

“I knew I was going to learn something new every day when I walked into Mr. Halligan’s class. And I knew I would learn something about being a father, a coach, a colleague, or just being a man, each time I walked into his basement office.” – Auggie Ford ’93 “Steve was a colleague, a mentor, and a close friend. I appreciated his humor, his integrity, and his wisdom, and I can’t count the number of times I sought his advice. I miss him dearly.” – Geoff Stuckart, Social Studies Teacher “Coach Halligan taught me many valuable lessons. His enthusiasm was unmatched each and every day, and you could tell that he truly loved what he did. He taught us how to work hard, be focused, and ‘play for your teammates.’ He instilled a lot of confidence in me and helped shape me into the person that I am today.” – Corey Allen ’05 “One of the only times Steve ever felt the need to talk to me about what I was teaching in my APUSH class happened about eight weeks into my teaching career at Central Catholic. During the middle of teaching class, he walked from room 113 to my class in room 105 and said, ‘Are you teaching all of the documents?’ my response was, ‘Most of them,’ and his response, ‘All of them need to be taught.’ Years later, we discussed this, and we both laughed. Steve modeled what being a great husband, dad, and grandfather meant. We spoke every day, and he was the happiest when talking about his family, followed by modeling what it meant to be a phenomenal educator and teacher.” – Stacy Gran, Social Studies Teacher “I was endlessly inspired by Mr. Halligan and his dedication to democracy. I want to be a social studies teacher because of him and to continue his political legacy as best I can. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Halligan, for being an inspiration to every kid in his classes and helping the future of American democracy one kid at a time.” – Bella Maffei ’19

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE Mike and Toni ended up dating all through high school and both were active in drama, including one production, Lute Song, where he played her father. He recalled, “In those days, Central Catholic’s drama productions were held in the gym. Toni’s voice, which was powerful, would just blow the doors off the place.” He also recalled a vocal competition held at the Paramount Theater, (now known as the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall) in which Toni participated. This competition was attended by representatives from various colleges, and ultimately, she received offers to attend The Juilliard School (a prestigious music school), as well as a four-year full-ride scholarship to Gonzaga. Surprisingly, she accepted neither, preferring to go straight to work after graduating from Holy Child in 1960. Her mother worked at Crown Zellerbach and Toni joined her after graduation, working there for the next 28 years. Two years after Mike graduated from Central Catholic, when he was 19 and Toni 20, they married. Toni worked while Mike earned his degree from Portland State University, and over time, Mike built a career in real estate development. Their son, John, was born in 1964. Sadly, Toni passed away on Christmas Day in 2002, barely one month after her 60th birthday. “I met her when I was 14 and we were together for 47 years,” Mike said. “It was a true partnership.” In 2003, in pondering a way to honor Toni’s memory, Mike decided to endow a scholarship in her name. “Holy Child Academy no longer existed,” he said, “and Toni loved being around Central Catholic. She spent so much time at Central Catholic–those plays take hours and hours and hours of time–and she did that for four years. And of course, we both adored Fr. Juliano. It made sense to me that she would want Central Catholic students to have the same great experiences we did.”

ETHEL “TONI” NELSON

Memorial Scholarship If you talk to Central Catholic grads of a certain era, you’re likely to hear some “meet-cute stories.” You know, the ones where a young lady from one of the all-girl Catholic high schools is chosen to be a cheerleader for Central Catholic, or tries out for a play at Central Catholic and is chosen for a part? Said girl meets Central Catholic guys and begins dating one of them. They fall in love and a few years later, they get married. This is one of those stories. Mike Nelson ’61 was 14 years old and an eighth grader at St. Rose School in northeast Portland when one day, while he was playing tennis, a ninth grader at Holy Child Academy–the all-girls high school across the street–caught his eye. Ethel Fay Jenson–or “Toni” as everyone called her–was already making a name for herself at Central Catholic where she was active in the school’s drama productions. Toni was a singer and her vocal talents were put to good use in Central Catholic musical productions, which were directed by Fr. Anthony Juliano.

Mike continues to contribute to the Ethel “Toni” Nelson Memorial Scholarship and advises today’s students to find ways to give back to Central Catholic, encouraging them “to cherish every moment,” adding, “Central Catholic gives you all the tools you’ll need to navigate your life, so pay attention and use them.” He also speaks from experience when he says, “Nurture your faith. Hang on to that, as it might be the only thing you’ve got in times of uncertainty.”

We are grateful to Mike and to all those who have endowed scholarships or legacy funds at Central Catholic High School. If you are interested in endowing a fund to honor a loved one, contact Ellie Dir, Vice President of Advancement at 503.230.1056, ext. 1258 or edir@centralcatholichigh.org.

Winter 2024 |17

A PASSION FOR WRITING: A Conversation with Steve Bramucci ’97

ALUMNI PROFILE If you go to his official biography online, you’ll read that Steve Bramucci ‘97 is a novelist, travel/food writer, adventurer, teacher, and storyteller. But ask folks who have been around Central Catholic for a long time and they’ll tell you that Steve was known in high school as being fun-loving, kind hearted, (maybe sometimes slightly distracted), and a force of positivity. It is the seeds planted while at Central Catholic that ultimately led him to his calling. Late last year, Steve published his third novel, Race for the Ruby Turtle, a heartfelt middle grade ecoadventure full of friendship and self-discovery. His first novel was The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo!, a story of exploring a long-forgotten pirate graveyard in Madagascar. He’s written for National Geographic Books, AFAR, Outside, the Orange County Register, and dozens of other outlets. He’s the founding editor of the LIFE section at Uproxx.com, a website that boasts more than 20 million unique visitors each month.

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have also come from that same place. So this was both a chance to get to know myself better and to write a book a younger me would have loved–a pretty special opportunity, in retrospect. CCHS: What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your career and what surprises you most?

High school is for making (relatively minor) mistakes and moving on from them. To do that, you have to give yourself grace.

We recently asked Steve to share his thoughts on his career, life at Central Catholic, and more with us. CCHS: What was your experience at Central Catholic like? SB: To paraphrase Walt Whitman, my time at Central Catholic contained multitudes. High school was amazing, and also terrifying. There were moments of tremendous joy mixed with a fair bit of pain. Lots of confusion—that was as close to a constant as anything else— but I’d suggest that the high school experience ought to have plenty of confusion. You’re figuring out how you feel about the world and starting to decipher your place in it. It’s big stuff. CCHS: What was your path to becoming an author? SB: That story actually started at Central Catholic. I was cut from the JVII basketball team my sophomore year. The way I remember it, I was the best player in those tryouts, but I’d never been able to harness the combination of my ADHD and the nerves created by competition to perform better in games. I would dribble off my foot, telegraph passes, and miss layups. So they really had to cut me sophomore year, because I’d been such a wreck in games as a freshman. But it devastated me. I sobbed for weeks. Basketball had been my whole identity up to that point.

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SB: In the past three weeks, I’ve written articles online, edited articles, written scripts for a TV show, pitched a cartoon, sold three new books—it’s a lot and it’s fun, but it’s also a lot to keep track of. Plus, I’m a dad and a husband and I want to do those things well too. Plus, I like to surf and camp and cook, and I’m not sacrificing all of those things I enjoy to work more. So balance—that’s the most challenging aspect of my career.

As for the most rewarding part, that’s easy—it’s when someone really and truly loves your book. It’s amazing—bizarre even—to think that someone is giving me a piece of their one life on earth by reading something that I wrote. What a staggering privilege that is. CCHS: What do you think the future looks like for those interested in becoming an author? SB: It will change, to be sure. AI (Artificial Intelligence) will shake things up drastically. But humans have been telling stories for just about as long as we’ve been humans, and that’s not likely to change. So if you feel compelled to tell stories for a living, you should try! CCHS: If you could share one insight with Central Catholic students what would it be? SB: If you can leave high school comfortable and confident in your skin, and feeling like you have a genuine sense of self, I think that’s worth more than just about any award, scholarship, or trophy. CCHS: If you could go back and give your 17-year-old self some advice—what would it be? SB: I would tell myself to be nicer to myself. High school is for making (relatively minor) mistakes and moving on from them. To do that, you have to give yourself grace.

A few years later, I decided I wanted to write. And the pain of getting cut was still raw enough that I could remember it. I knew writing was a tough path, but I also told myself, “I failed with basketball, I’m not going to fail with this. I’m not going to feel like that again.” Of course, life is never that black and white and I have had plenty of failures as a writer. But I’m still here, still on a path, still in the game, and I’ve finally proven I can deliver under pressure. CCHS: Why was it important to you to highlight ADHD/your own experiences in your latest book, Race for the Ruby Turtle? SB: Mostly because it’s a book I wish I’d read as a kid. But also because I had never fully reckoned with it myself. I’d never come to grips with how ADHD shaped my life. So many of the good things in my life have come from how my brain is wired, but the biggest mistakes

Winter 2024 | 19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Karen (Moore) Sales celebrates a life-saving liver donation from Shannon Hughes ‘88. Center photo features a liver-shaped cake made to thank the Live Donor Liver Team at the UW Medical Center.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: SHANNON HUGHES ’88

The Power of Friendship | Trusting That Small Voice in Your Head | Finding the Courage to Leap Shannon Hughes ’88 remembers meeting Karen Moore (now Karen Sales) in the fall of their freshman year at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. They had friends in common, were both business majors and members of one of the many clubs on campus, and both pledged sororities. But, as often happens after college, their lives went in different directions. Fast forward to 2023, when after contending with a series of health challenges, Karen learned that she would need a lifesaving liver transplant. Having been placed on the waiting list for a new liver, she took her story to social media in hopes of expediting the process of finding a donor. And while Shannon had not seen her college classmate in more than 30 years, when she saw the post she was immediately struck by the enormity of Karen’s condition. Here was a woman her own age, with children, who could die waiting for a lifesaving transplant. And that began a thought that quietly persisted, “Maybe I can help.” But how? That steady voice in her head led her to the internet where she began researching liver transplants and organ donations involving a living donor. She learned that a person can donate part of their liver and that both sections (both the donor’s and the recipient’s) will grow back to nearly normal size in a matter of months. “The most important thing I learned, and that I want people to know, is that a living liver donation helps with overall liver organ scarcity because transplanting one recipient with a liver from a living donor will ultimately allow another patient on the deceased donor liver waiting list to get a transplant too.”

After much thought, a lot of prayer, and some deep conversations with her husband, she went through a rigorous evaluation to see if she was a match. She was. “The thought of deliberately undergoing a major operation like this was scary and felt a little reckless,” she said. “But knowing that I could do something that might save someone’s life was so motivating for me. I didn’t have children, but this gave me a chance to give life in a different way. And while it’s an incredible gift to sign up as an organ donor when you pass away, by donating while I was still alive, I had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of my gift to Karen and her family.” On September 22, 2023, at the UW Medical Center, Hughes donated 65% of her liver to her college classmate. The operation was a resounding success. Hughes shared, “Almost immediately, Karen showed improvement. She looked better. She felt better, and she was able to return home earlier than expected.” And three months later, Shannon is also recovering well, with her own liver grown back to nearly full size. Shannon is grateful for the experience and credits the values instilled at Central Catholic for giving her the courage. “Central Catholic requires students to step outside their comfort zone to serve others. Whether I was cold-calling businesses to sell Almond Roca, volunteering as part of a service project, or writing letters to those going through Search retreats, I learned early on to serve others and that both the giver and recipient can benefit. Through this experience as a donor, I found it is incredibly meaningful to be able to impact someone’s life in such a profound way.”

To learn more about live organ donation visit: unos.org/transplant/living-donation/ 20 | Central Catholic Magazine

ALUMNI NEWS • IN MEMORY Tracy Cone ‘90 pictured here at race’s start, completed The Canyons Endurance Run, a 100K (62 mile) race, along with her training partner, Brian Daly (son of Patrick Daly ‘61). She reports that, “The race started at 5:00 a.m. and I finished at 11:39 p.m., just 21 minutes before the cutoff. It was really fun and my husband Andres was a great support crew.”

Ellie McElligott ‘17 (left) and Emily Pinder ‘17 joined over 100 other alumni and friends at the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Wine Tour in October. Ellie is a nurse at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Emily is Audit & Assurance Senior at Deloitte.

William Edward Winter, Sr. ’58 | January 2, 2024 Raymond Louis Classen ‘61 | August 22, 2023 Edward Francis Mosey ’62 | December 29, 2023 Frank Joseph Keller ’72 | November 24, 2023

Harris Christensen ‘22 recently completed a media and marketing internship with the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, Calif.

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. Submit a class note to: cchrsrams.pub/alumninews

Winter 2024 |21

Central Catholic

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 441

HIGH SCHOOL

2401 Southeast Stark Street • Portland, Oregon 97214

Upcoming Events February 14

Ash Wednesday Mass

15-16 Central State of Mind 19

Presidents’ Day Holiday No School

Father/Daughter Night

MUSE Concert

March 5-6

Cha Cha Cha! Restaurant Nights*

8-17

Spring Musical Production The Secret Garden March 8, 9, 15, 16 7:00 p.m., PAC March 10, 17 2:00 p.m. Matinee, PAC

25-29 Spring Break 28

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

April 1

Easter Monday - No School

Mother/Daughter Brunch

Teacher Professional Development Day No School

3-4

Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe Restaurant Night*

Alumni and Student Asian Desi Pacific Islander and Arab Affinity Luncheon

Easter Season Mass

Twenty-Ninth Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Auction

Wellness Wednesday No School

End of the Year Mass

Memorial Day Holiday No School

The Rammys

5:00 p.m. • AVENUE Portland

Cha Cha Cha! • March 5-6 Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe • April 3-4

For the most up-to-date information on events visit: cchsrams.pub/calendar

* Restaurant Nights are fundraisers where local restaurants donate a percentage of the sales from that day to Central Catholic High School.

facebook.com/centralcatholicportland

June

Restaurant Nights*

For athletic schedules, visit: cchsrams.pub/athletics

instagram.com/cchsrams

May

Baccaulaureate Mass 11:45 a.m. Missy Mack ’88 Memorial Gym

centralcatholichigh.org

twitter.com/ccrams

Graduation 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium

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