Friday, August 2, 2019 Glendoveer Golf Course • Noon Shotgun Start
Four-person scramble followed by dinner and awards ceremony. We will be treating golfers to a box lunch at the start to get them energized, and to a celebratory barbeque at the end. There will be great raffle prizes and gifts, and challenges along the way! Cost is $150 or $600 for a foursome.
“Who are those guys anyway?”
This year, proceeds from the Ram Open will benefit the Alumni Food Drive for St. Vincent de Paul, please consider supporting this great cause! Sponsorships are available at many levels, for more information see the website or contact Sara Wright at swright@centralcatholichigh.org
Identify the individuals above, submit your guesses, and the winner will be chosen in a random drawing in July.
Register Today!
Contact the Office of Advancement with your guess: alumni@centralcatholichigh.org • 503.230.1056
Class of 1949 • 70-Year Reunion Class of 1959 • 60-Year Reunion Class of 1969 • 50-Year Reunion Class of 1979 • 40-Year Reunion Saturday, August 3, 2019 • 5:00 p.m. Central Catholic Campus Register online: centralcatholichigh.org.
Who are these gals anyways?! This photo published in the winter issue of the Central Catholic Magazine left you scratching your heads. No one was able to identify Arianna Evans ’89 and Courtney Seeronen ’90. Better luck this time around, Rams!
R E U N I O N S
••• Off Campus Reunion Information Class of 1989: • August 10, 2019,
Backstage Bar • McMenamins Bagdad Theater 4:00 p.m. until close • No-Host Food and Drinks Contact Jason Seivers ’89 at jason.seivers@gmail.com for more information, or find the Class of 1989 Facebook page.
Class of 1999 •September 14, 2019
Details are in the works! Contact 99ramsreunion@gmail.com for more information.
Class of 2009 • August 9, 2019
Backstage Bar • McMenamins Bagdad Theater 7:00 p.m. • No-Host Food and Drinks Contact Christina Kempster ’09 or Grace Laskowski ’09 at 503.230.1056 for more information, or find the Class of 2009 Facebook page.
••• Please contact Sara Wright, Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, swright@centralcatholichigh.org or 503.230.1056 ext. 1243 if you are interested in organizing your reunion. See the Reunion Guide on the alumni page of the website for more information.
Features: On the Cover
Cinclair Mathies ’19, Bella Scarlett ’19, Myzell Lambert ’19, and Ella Burgess ’19 are all smiles after Baccalaureate Mass. Read more about the Class of 2019 and their accomplishments on page 10.
Volume 26 • Number 2 • Summer 2019 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 Ellie Dir, Vice President of Advancement Board of Directors Gina Hill, Chair Matt Chapman ’68 Rev. Jeff Eirvin Tim Fleischmann ’79 Harry Hanna ’93 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
Ram Roast Coffee Page 4
Faculty Profile: Steve Halligan Page 6
Editing Team Cindy Hart Alaina Hill Christina Kempster ’09 Elaine Payne Sara Wright Contributing Photographers Christina Kempster ’09 Awar Meman ’19 Chris Reich 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. Central Catholic Mission Statement
Graduation 2019 Page 10
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 Profile: Lara (Mack) Tennant ‘84 Page 18
From the President Transition is a theme for this time of year at Central Catholic High School. We just said goodbye to 195 incredible seniors who are off to take on the next chapter of their life’s journey. They shared their gifts with us these past four years and have left their mark on the school. Now they bring Central Catholic with them as they transition to college, begin their careers, and explore other parts of the world. I am proud knowing that these incredible young men and women will have a powerful and positive impact in the communities where they end up. It is also a time of year when we experience transition for many faculty and staff, some whom have been at the school a short period of time, others much longer. After 43 years of coaching, teaching, and being a source of inspiration for many, Steve Halligan retired at the conclusion of the school year. The reach of his impact and influence was on full display in May when we hosted “Halligan’s Last Lecture.” Over 200 current and former students, past and current parents, co-workers, family, and friends gathered to hear Steve share some parting thoughts and comments. It was an incredible evening and was a proper tribute for a man who has dedicated his entire professional career to the students and community here. In addition to the Last Lecture, over 85 individuals and families contributed money to help establish the Steve Halligan Endowed Scholarship. Thank you Steve for all you have done to support our school and its students for these many years. In addition to Steve’s retirement, we also have recognized and thanked our principal John Garrow ’76 for his ten impactful years of service to his alma mater. After spending 25 years in the Reynolds school district as a teacher, coach, and later an assistant principal, John returned to Central Catholic in the fall of 2009. (Read more about John’s career in the article to the right.) John, I will miss your partnership and will always be grateful for your friendship and the impact you have made on our school. Transitions are hard because, in the case of people, it means we say goodbye to individuals who we appreciate and respect. But, it is also a time of excitement as we get to say hello and welcome new people to new roles. I was thrilled to announce earlier this spring that Danyelle Ramsey accepted the offer to become the school’s new principal. Danyelle Ramsey is not an unfamiliar face to our community. She came to Central Catholic over 14 years ago as a member of the theology faculty and most recently has served as a Vice Principal and Director of Campus Ministry. She is a proven leader and shares my vision of a school with a dynamic and forward looking culture rooted in a Catholic worldview. Speaking of the future, this next year marks the anniversary of one of the biggest transitions in the history of Central Catholic. The 2019-2020 school year will mark a time in our history when our school will have been co-educational as long as it was an all-male school. As a person who attended an all-male high school, I have enjoyed and can relate to the stories that have been shared with me about the year Central Catholic went coeducational. I think it is safe to say that the school is a better place for having made this transition. Finally, as I like to do, I want to say “Thank you” to you, our loyal and supportive community. Central Catholic is an incredibly important asset to our community and beyond. Because of people like Steve and John, and the many dedicated faculty and staff members at the school, we continue to prepare young men and women of great character to be leaders in our community. Each and every day, I am shown the incredible potential of all of our students. I am reminded of the importance of the high school years in the development of young people. Their work, our work, is made possible because of the support and encouragement of the many people who remind us of the impact Central Catholic has had in their lives—and for that I am very grateful. Summer is a time for the school to catch its breath and begin to prepare for next year. I am eager for both; catching my breath for sure, and equally excited for the new year and all that it will bring. Gratefully,
Colin McGinty, President 2 | Central Catholic Magazine
Thank You Mr. Garrow After ten years of dedicated service as Central Catholic High School’s Principal, John Garrow ’76, retired at the end of the school year having spent 35 years in education. John says that he feels a deep sense of pride looking back at what has been accomplished during his tenure, citing the school’s commitment to its Catholic identity, college preparatory academics, and a culture of diversity and inclusion. John served our community with an incredible commitment to the school’s mission and led by always remaining focused on the student. Anyone who interacted with John over the past ten years knows that he was unwavering in his commitment to student support at the school and beyond. He understands from personal experience what a compassionate and inclusive learning environment can do for students with learning differences. As principal, he was instrumental in focusing the school’s efforts toward providing an inclusive Catholic education to all who seek it. With his leadership, Central Catholic has implemented a more robust student support program and introduced the Rams Program. The primary goal of the Rams Program is to provide an inclusive Catholic education to high school-aged students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program, now in its third year, has forever changed our community—opening our hearts to an even bigger idea and understanding of what it means to call ourselves a Catholic institution. John holds degrees in education and social science from Southern Oregon State College (now Southern Oregon University), and he received a master’s degree in education and his administrative credentialing from the University of Portland. He spent 25 years in the Reynolds school district as a teacher and coach, and later as an assistant principal. He returned home to Central Catholic in 2009. In retirement, John plans to teach a class for administrative candidates at the University of Portland. He will continue to volunteer with Dragon Boats and Club Impact. John also plans to invest his time working on an idea for a sustainable housing model for adults with special needs. He is also looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Debbie, and daughters, Molly and Abbey, visiting the Oregon coast, and catching more Timbers games. We asked John what it means to him to have spent the last ten years of his career at his alma mater. Here is his response: • It has meant, I can walk down the hall and send my brothers a photo of them from their composite on their birthday, like I did this morning to Dan, ’69, 50 years postgraduation. Or walk up the stairway to the second floor of the Murphy Center, and see my dad, Class of 1945 and his photo from his football years. Family connections are everything, it binds us as a community of Catholics. • Being here for ten years has also provided me a vehicle to remind current students, who are the first in their family, that they too will have these moments someday– 20, 30, or 40 years later, if their kids happen to go here someday. • Central Catholic’s history as a high quality Catholic school in Portland is so strong. I took it as my mission to both preserve that reputation and to do my best to enhance it with new programming. • Teaching and working with young people is a great career–an amazing career– but more than career, it is a calling. In reflection, being here, and being a principal, has given me the ultimate gift. I have seen so many great teachers and support staff with the calling, all working with young people who have chosen Central Catholic as the vehicle to exercise that calling. • One of the sayings that stuck with me from a very young age, from my Catholic schooling, was the nuns at St. Rose, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, telling me, “Mr. Garrow, actions speak louder than words!” I could put into action what I thought it meant to live the Gospels. Bringing in a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, adding Student Support and the Rams Program, supporting LGBTQ and other marginalized students as they navigate their way in the Church. These all have been great opportunities for me to take action. • Finally, it has meant so much to me as a Catholic. It has given me a new and very tangible way to express what it means to me to be a Catholic. I have been able to put it into words often, most recently at this year’s graduation, but more than that, I have been able to put it into action.
For the first time since 1952, our boys’ ski team became State Champion and Tucker Scroggins ’19 was the overall men’s individual champion!
Campus Highlights
Our spring musical was a blast from the past as students performed John Hughes High: The 1980’s Teen Musical.
Awar Meman ’19 received two Gold Keys from the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for his photography titled “Flower Boy” and “Ahki” (Brotherhood).
We are so excited to welcome the class of 2023 to campus in August.
Boys’ swimming took second at the State Meet. Pictured here: Head Coach, Lauren Nelson; Spencer Adrian ’19; Alex Hatzikos ’19; Kevin Keil ’20; and Mateo Lennertz ’20.
Students celebrated International Women’s Day with a photo op in the Weston Commons.
Our Constitution Team earned third place this year in the We the People State Competition.
After 13 innings and 322 pitches, the Rams took second in the baseball state championship.
Congratulations to our 2019 Rose Festival Princess, Ellie Hylland ‘19!
Summer 2019 |3
Central Catholic
Ram Roast
COFFEE
In an upstairs hallway of the Monsignor Murphy Center, a new coffee cart is open for business. Students and peer mentors in the Rams Program are busy brewing coffee, tracking orders, and making drinks. Ram Roast Coffee launched at the beginning of 2019. This school-based cart was created to give hands-on, real world experience to our Rams Program students as they practice professional skills, communication, and customer service. It is so important for our program to teach and apply these skills because research shows that around 75 percent of people living with disabilities are unemployed and three times more likely to live in poverty. “It is critical to help students with disabilities plan and prepare for employment and independence after high school,” says Rams Program Coordinator Mary (Wilson) Mauldin ’10. “An opportunity to learn and practice a variety of vocational skills through Ram Roast Coffee helps us to set our students up for success.” The Ram Roast Coffee cart and equipment were provided through grants from the University of Portland and the Winter Family Charitable Giving Fund. It had its “soft opening” during first semester finals week in January and has been available for the remainder of the school year to faculty and staff by drop-in and through an app created by one of our students.
When we stopped by the coffee cart, Hannah Galati ‘22, Matthew Andersen ‘22, and peer mentor Paige Cooper ‘19 greeted us with big smiles. With some coaching from Paige, Hannah takes our order for two teas and accepts the payment. A small group of students is working through a list of online orders and delivering them to staff around the school. Paige is a senior and has been a peer mentor in the Rams Program since she was a sophomore. Now five semesters into mentoring, she says she loved working with students this year at the cart. “It’s always fun to see the students engaged and excited to do the work,” she says. “I think getting them acclimated with working a job and putting those interpersonal skills to work and interact with somebody that
is asking them for help, instead of them asking us for help [is valuable]. It gets them ready for what’s going to happen after Central Catholic.” Mary says she has been blown away by the support from the wider community. This spring, the Rams Program had the opportunity to visit Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers, owned by Central Catholic parent Dave Griswold. Students and their mentors learned the ins and outs of how coffee is grown, shipped, roasted, and packaged and the team at Sustainable Harvest demonstrated the art of cupping. The Rams Program also had the opportunity to partner with BC Graphics to make a Ram Roast Coffee t-shirt. With the help of parent Donna Prosser the students were able to turn their hand drawn graphic into a digital schematic that they could screen print. The group traveled to BC Graphics to physically pull the screen print on their shirts. “Both of these trips provided our Rams students various ways to share their gifts and talents in the community. They have worked hard all year learning and practicing the needed skills to run Ram Roast Coffee,” Mary said. ••••• If you would like to learn more about supporting this inclusive program at Central Catholic, please contact Mary (Wilson) Mauldin ’10: mwilson@centralcatholichigh.org.
Summer 2019 | 5
that, word got out and then I had a reputation. No one was going to challenge me anymore.” Following those busy early years, Steve transitioned to working exclusively in the social studies department and has since taught core classes like U.S. History and electives including Economics, Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology. He says the event in his life that sparked his love for history was the Kennedy assassination when he was just 10 years old. “I remember that weekend sitting just watching everything on TV for three solid days. That just got me. Why did this happen? I don’t get it. So I became passionate about that then. History and government and policy just became my dedication.
FACULTY PROFILE:
Steve Halligan
BY CHRISTINA KEMPSTER ’09 After 43 years of teaching and coaching at Central Catholic, beloved social studies teacher Steve Halligan retired at the end of the school year. Steve’s passion for the subject he teaches and the students he has nurtured and coached along the way has made a real and lasting imprint on this community. What’s the secret to 43 years on the job? Steve says, “Central has a soul that just gets into you if you let it. I found a place where I truly felt at home and at peace.” Steve graduated from Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University). He went there to play baseball—and by senior year, he says he still didn’t know what he wanted to choose for a career. Then he got a call that changed the trajectory of his life. “A teacher and coach that I had in high school called me and said, ‘You would be great [as a teacher.]’ [. . .] I had thought about all the different things that I had done—in terms of coaching peewee—and being in parks and rec, and always being with people and I thought, ‘Yeah, maybe I can do that’.” After graduating, Steve says he applied to fifty different schools around the Portland metro area. “I was actually interviewed for a job [at Central Catholic] and didn’t get it. Then a teacher resigned in the middle of the summer, so they called me back in July of 1976 and I’ve been here ever since.” Looking back, he can’t help but laugh at all he took on during his first year at Central Catholic, including U.S. History, Modern Issues, basic Math, P.E., and Wellness. On top of that, he coached football, basketball, and baseball. “I couldn’t say no ‘cause I wanted a job. [. . .] I was one day ahead in all of those classes.” At the time of Steve’s arrival, the school was still all boys, an environment he described as fun, different, and often times less professional. “I’m 23 and I’m teaching 18 year olds who think they know everything. In my Modern Issues class, there was a senior kind of egging me on. He says he can take me in a wrestling match. And I say, ‘No, you couldn’t’. And so, we wrestled in class. Within five seconds (he snaps his fingers), I pinned him and he couldn’t get up. I think after 6 | Central Catholic Magazine
I remember growing up in the sixties and into the early seventies. That’s a huge decade. We never in my history classes [growing up] talked about civil rights, never talked about the Vietnam War. Ever. So when I became a teacher I thought, ‘You know what, they need to talk about life and what’s going on.’ I never shied away from any controversial topics.” In his classroom (most will remember it as Room 113), Mr. Halligan created an environment of learning that encouraged open and honest discussions and a safe space for students to express their opinions and become critical thinkers. Parent Kristina Kallen told us, “Mr. Halligan embodies everything we tried to teach our children: truth matters, integrity counts, intellect without compassion is empty, and look at all sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion. For the Kallens, Central Catholic is Steve Halligan. Thank you Steve for opening minds and hearts through the years!” Nicole Gorretta ‘16 brought up a point that is hard to ignore about Steve’s long and storied history at Central Catholic, he taught generations of her family and other families as well. Steve taught her parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. “All of us are happy that we had the chance to have him as a teacher. Mr. Halligan always had tons of enthusiasm in class and really made learning enjoyable. He isn’t just passionate about what he teaches, but he truly cares for each and every one of his students.” In 2018, for the CC Magazine we asked Steve: of the many accomplishments you have had at Central Catholic, what one are you most proud of? He told us, “I am most proud of the multitude of students, faculty, alumni, and friends that still call me ‘Coach.’ To me it is a term that symbolizes the impact I’ve had on their lives, directly and indirectly.” Steve coached at the JV level for many years and was head baseball coach from 1979 to 1984 and head basketball coach from 1985 to 2006. He says he modeled his coaching style after the relational but tough coaches he had over the years. One of his players, Mark Moreland ’82, remembers Steve’s fiery and competitive spirit on the court. “Steve ‘Get me another clipboard’ Halligan. To say Steve was a fiery coach in his youth would be a simple understatement. Too bad Sr. Jerome is not here to corroborate— but Steve went through several clipboards (especially when I found myself in the wrong spot defensively). He had the killer competitive spirit that we all inherited from our coach.” Steve told us that he always loved the strategy, passion, and competitiveness of basketball. “High energy, that’s me,” he said.
As the head basketball coach, he led the Rams to their first and (so far) only state championship and claimed five Mt. Hood Conference championships during his tenure. When we took the title in 1994, Steve told us it was validation of how he coached. “I wanted to win every year, and I wanted to win the right way. I wanted to help young men become better men and win at the same time. I was a part of building all of that. I think you can still see the aftermath of that.” Scott Brantley ’95 was on that championship team and says there are so many great memories with that team, but the one that sticks out the most is the van ride back from the Coliseum after the win, and the team singing ‘We are the Champions.’ “Steve was a tough coach and teacher, but it was all out of his love for all of his students and players. Coach knew how to get the most out of everyone,” Scott told us. Another team that stuck out for Steve over the years was the 1982 varsity baseball team. That year, the Rams were ranked fourth in state, but there was an anomaly standing between them and the playoffs. “[That year,] we had a playoff system in the Metro league where, if we won that last game, there was a possibility that we would not make the playoffs, but if we lost the last game, there was a guarantee that we make the playoffs.” Steve says that rather than practicing the last day before the game, the team sat down and had a meeting. “And we talked. ‘You’ve worked all your life to go to the state playoffs, so here are our options. What do we do? We can go out there and not play our best. We can put people in different positions and probably lose, or we can go win. It’s up to you, this is your team. What do you want?’ They sat there and talked about it. They said, ‘You’ve always taught us to do our best. So that is what we are going to do’.” Michael Flatters ’82 still remembers that game. He said, “We went out and beat Beaverton and eliminated ourselves from the playoffs. I threw the last out of the game, and despite a number of my friends from other high schools asking me why I didn’t throw it away, I never questioned our motive.” You can’t really talk about Steve’s career at Central Catholic without mentioning his faithful scorekeeper, office mate of thirty years, and friend, Sister Jerome Zerr. “She is one of the most decent people I have ever met. Very loving, very forgiving,” Steve said. “I think without her and Father Murphy and guys like Tom Welter who just continually gave me chances to grow up—I probably would have been asked to leave. I probably wouldn’t have been rehired several times because my passion got the best of me in my younger days. But, their just continued support allowed me to grow up and become a better person. So I can’t thank them enough.”
With retirement on the horizon, Steve told us he was very much looking forward to not waking up early every day. Many don’t know that Steve started his day at Central Catholic at 6:15 a.m. because he liked to smoothly transition into the day ahead. With all the new time he will have on his hands, he wants to start trying new things and revisiting old hobbies. “I want to do things that I’ve never had the chance to do. I inherited a piano from my mom. I know how to play the guitar but I want to teach myself how to play the piano. Do some photography. All kinds of things that I’ve just never had the chance to do.” He says he also plans to help out with his grandchildren. Steve has been married for 43 years to his wife, Terry, and they have two children, Carli ’98 and Tony ’02, and three grandchildren. It should come as no surprise that more than 200 people came back to Central Catholic for Steve’s “Last Lecture;” a part of our Stark Talk series. The evening was a special moment of recognition of Steve’s profound impact on our community and an opportunity for him to dazzle us all again with his wit, grace, and intellect. This spring, more than 85 individuals and families stepped up and contributed to the Steve Halligan Scholarship Fund. The scholarship hit the $25,000 endowment mark in June thanks to our community’s generosity and admiration for Steve. So here’s to you, Mr. Halligan, Coach, Steve. It is hard to encapsulate such a legacy. We’d like to conclude with a message from Paul O’Malley, Director of Admissions. “You are a man of unrivaled integrity, you are the standard of excellence in teaching and coaching, you are a pillar of this school’s storied history, and you will be GREATLY missed. Know, however, that as you move on to the next phase in your journey that you will always be remembered and, dare I say, revered. I’m sure there are those few students over the last 43 years who challenged you and made you question your vocation. I hope you’ll focus on the thousands of others whom you beckoned to be better versions of themselves, whom you coaxed to be deeper thinkers and better citizens, and whom you thrilled with the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Your passion for teaching and your compassion for others will be an endearing memory.” Thank you, Steve, for your unwavering commitment to Central Catholic over the past four decades. The impact you have had on this community will carry on for years to come.
After retiring from coaching, Steve helped Central Catholic expand their Advanced Placement (AP) program by adding AP U.S. History and later, AP Government and Politics. Monsignor Tim Murphy ’58 looks to the implementation of AP U.S. History into the Central Catholic curriculum as a good gauge of Steve’s impact on the community. “…Think of the challenges and opportunities he has provided our students in the classroom setting; more specifically, Room 113. Rather than trying to use as a barometer the wins and losses over the years of his basketball and baseball coaching, better to take the academic side first and then to think of the sports teams’ records as a bonus.” Summer 2019 | 7
Congratulations! WELCOME PRINCIPAL RAMSEY
This fall, Central Catholic High School will welcome its first laywoman principal, Danyelle Ramsey, to lead the school into its next chapter. Danyelle is no stranger to our community. She has worked at the school for the past fourteen years; first as a religion teacher, and most recently serving as Assistant Principal and Director of Campus Ministry. In the classroom, as well as in her work through Campus Ministry, Danyelle fosters and encourages students and staff to live a life of faith, hope, and love. She is an experienced leader, committed to building a positive Catholic school culture. “Danyelle is a proven classroom teacher and an effective school administrator. She has repeatedly demonstrated her abilities as a leader in our community, most recently by guiding the school through our accreditation,” said President Colin McGinty. “Her commitment to our students is unwavering, and I am very confident she will be a great principal for our school.”
the school. It also gave the students the valuable opportunity to thank their benefactors in person. As an Archdiocesan school, an integral component of Central Catholic’s mission is inclusion; educating students with financial need is one way of honoring our mandate to include students from all socio-economic backgrounds. To that end, beginning in 1979, when Central Catholic’s endowment was established, an interesting cross-section of benefactors, encompassing alumni, current and past parents, grandparents and other friends of the school, have stepped up to endow scholarships. At present, Central Catholic hosts 104 named endowed scholarships, with another twelve in the process of becoming fully endowed. In his remarks, Paul O’Malley, Central Catholic’s Director of Admissions, thanked the donors for their generous example, while reminding the students, “You have an opportunity to see philanthropy in action, sitting right in front of you. It is our hope that in the years to come, you will follow in their footsteps, paying it forward to future generations of Central Catholic students.” We are grateful to the hundreds of donors who have endowed scholarships and encourage anyone interested in endowing a scholarship to contact Ellie Dir or Jolyn Winczewski in the Office of Advancement for more information.
In her new role, Danyelle says she will “work to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment in which all students gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for academic, career, and social development. It is my hope that each student becomes a lifelong learner, creative thinker, and compassionate and responsible individual. I look forward to helping each stakeholder in our community see themselves as an essential part of building the vision of Central Catholic as we grow into the future.” A native of Baker City, Oregon, Danyelle graduated from the University of Portland in 1997 from the School of Education. She received her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2009 from the University of Phoenix and an Administrative License from the University of Portland in 2013. Danyelle and her husband, Kevin, have three daughters, Emma ‘19, Eleanor ‘21, and Evelyn ‘25.
MSGR. MURPHY RECEIVES LEAD. LEARN. PROCLAIM. AWARD
Msgr. Tim Murphy ’58 was honored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) in April at a ceremony in Chicago where he was presented with the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award during the NCEA annual national Convention and Expo. This award recognizes the outstanding efforts, contributions, and achievements of its recipients in Catholic school education. He was chosen from more than 150,000 teachers and administrators, as well as diocesan leaders and organizations dedicated to the nation’s Catholic schools.
Paul Krebs, Claire Krebs ’22, Bill Winter ’58, Melinda Lee, and Lexi Lee ’22 smile for a photo at the Scholarship Breakfast.
2019-2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
On May 15, 2019, Central Catholic High School was privileged to host more than 300 guests at the annual Scholarship Breakfast. Among the guests were student recipients and their parents seated with scholarship donors and representatives, all coming together because of Central Catholic’s extensive scholarship program. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and their parents to meet their donors and donor families and learn about the history of the scholarships, their connection with Central Catholic, and the importance of philanthropy in the culture and history of 8 | Central Catholic Magazine
On receiving the award, Msgr. Murphy said, “To have been on the receiving end of a Catholic education, almost from the womb, and then to know that you can impact others to the same extent with lifelong effects, leaves you grateful for its place in people’s lives.” Thank you Monsignor Murphy for all you continue to do for Central Catholic and congratulations on receiving this well-deserved honor. Photo above: (Front row, Left-right) John Harrington ’66 and his wife Valerie, Jeanie Ray-Timoney, Gary Beckley, Marilyn Weston, Msgr. Tim Murphy ‘58, Joe Weston ’56, John Garrow ‘76, and Christina Kempster ‘09 (Back row, left-right) Fr. Patrick Marshall, Bill Murphy ‘58 and his wife Jane, Colin McGinty, Bishop Peter Smith, Grace Laskowski ‘09, Neil Murphy ‘53 and wife Karen, Br. William Dygert, and Bill Winter ’58.
just one certain view on things. You are learning about the bible, but its different theories behind it and you get to go deeper. CCM: Tell us about the decision-making process. How did you, as a family, come to the decide to send Marcus to Central Catholic? Barry: We wanted Marcus to be in a smaller setting, smaller school. Like he said, he was supposed to go to a big public school. I’d rather him be here, in a smaller setting, where teachers can get to know students better and build those relationships. Another important thing for us was the diversity here. CCM: How has the transition from middle school to Central Catholic been? Barry: The biggest transition for him early on was he had to learn how to advocate and communicate for himself. I think his teachers and his school counselor did a great job supporting him in that area and encouraging him to speak up and ask questions. You really want to build those relationships and get help whenever it’s needed. So I think he’s done really well with that.
WELCOME TO THE RAMILY
BARRY DILLARD AND MARCUS DILLARD ’22 We are happy to introduce you to two newer members of the Ramily, freshman Marcus Dillard and his dad and Central Catholic teacher, Barry Dillard. This spring, we talked to the pair about the transition from public school to a Catholic school and what advice they have for other families who want to join our Ram Fam. CC Magazine: Tell us about yourself. Marcus: I’m Marcus Dillard and I’m a freshman. Right now, I’m going to start track and field training. In track, I do the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump. I am in African American Students United and I played football in the beginning of the year. CCM: What is something that surprised you about Central Catholic? Marcus: It was a lot more welcoming than I expected. The school that I was going to feed into was a big school so it was good to be welcomed into the smaller community here. A lot of my friends were like, “Why are you leaving?” But, honestly, I think coming to Central Catholic was the best decision for me. I knew a couple of people when I started at Central from doing CYO Track and Field. But other than that, no one else from my school came. I’ve tried to branch out as much as I can. I’ve been trying to participate in class so that other people recognize me and have a positive view of me. I was on Homecoming court so that was exciting. That was a big one for me. CCM: What has been a highlight of your year thus far? Marcus: Meeting new people has been the biggest highlight for me. And I really like my new teachers too. The classes that I’m in are a good fit for me. I like [my] Theology class a lot because it’s not
CCM: What is your advice to another family thinking about Central Catholic? Barry: I would say go to Open House, ask questions, and find out what Central Catholic is about. Have your child come in and be a Ram for the day [Spend-a-Day]. Check out the atmosphere, the academics, the spirit of the school, and see how Central is totally a place where they embrace students. So they can feel that and see that for themselves. Also sitting down at home—figuring out with your student what they want to get out of high school. What kind of experience do they want?
JOIN OUR RAMILY! To learn more about becoming a Central Catholic Ram, contact Paul O’Malley, Director of Admissions: 503.230.1056 ext. 1112 pomalley@centralcatholichigh.org centralcatholichigh.org Summer 2019 | 9
10 | Central Catholic Magazine
CLASS OF 2019 Valedictorian Thomas Brien Gray
Students in the Class of 2019 192
Salutatorian Reily Simone Killam
Average GPA of the Class of 2019 3.55
Seat of Wisdom Award Hans Armin Bestel Gianni Robert Galasso Thomas Brien Gray Reily Simone Killam Keira Allison Malone Ira Morris Waldman
Christian Service hours completed 21,984
Archbishop Edward D. Howard Christian Service Award Wendy Ying Li Emma Sophia Ramsey
Attending college next year 96%
Christ the King Award Ricky Anh Bui Holy Spirit Award Brian Albert Betcone Insignis Award Brian Albert Betcone Isabelle Estelle Maffei Thomas Brien Gray Megan Clare Shannon Travis JoiZion West, Jr. Diversity and Inclusion Award Brian Albert Betcone Elizabeth Grace Gessesse Philanthropy Award Thomas Brien Gray Scholar Athlete Award Megan Katherine Potter Travis JoiZion West, Jr.
Students who performed more than 100 hours of service 80
Slade Tomlinson and Morgan Ruff
Top college choices Oregon State University (25) Portland Community College (16) University of Oregon (16) University of Portland (8) Gonzaga University (7) Notable college choices American University Dartmouth College New York University United States Military Academy Westpoint McGill University Scholarship amount offered to the Class of 2019 $21 million
Sunil Klein and Fritz Kabeiseman
College credits earned through the PCC Dual Credit Program 1,493 Graduates attending Catholic colleges 39 Graduates whose parent(s) are Central Catholic alumni 21 Graduates who maintained a cumulative 3.5+ GPA 115
Megan Potter and Bella Scarlett
Summer 2019 | 11
2019 GRADUATES
Shaianne Tran and Savannah Benagni
Conor Ruskin Adams Spencer William Adrian * Benjamin Michael Anderson * Henry Alden Anderson * Jamie Caroline Arpan * Camelon William Bain * Savannah Marie Aiko Benagni Ava Quynn Benedetti Tristen Daniel Bennett Andrew Roy Benson Hans Armin Bestel * Brian Albert Betcone * Miabella Rose Bishop Alejandro Rafael Bobenrieth * Khalen Tremaine Bostic Grace Isabelle Bowman * Tennison Sofia Brady-Steen Hailey Marie Brooks Benjamin Walker Brown Clayton Crosby Bruce * Ricky Anh Bui * Ella Jean Burgess * Payton Claire Bush Owen Patrick Caleen * Daniel Joseph Cappalonga * Ethan Robert Carman * Carissa Hope Catterall * Tavish Mills Chandler * Felipe de Jesus Chavez-Perez * Xinyi Chen Madeline Mae Child Seryna Lauren Chin * Bryan Thomas Cochran Shion Starr Miyamoto Conaway Michael Joseph Conley * Michael Thomas Conratt * Christian Thomas Cooney * Madeline Grace Cooney Paige Avalon Cooper * Andrew Peter Corrado Jackson Paul Curley Gregory Myron Michael Curtis Aidan Dean Czuba Sally Jean Czuba * Blake James D’Ambrosio Emily Victoria Dalebroux Lachlan Dexter Davidson
Eliot Joseph Defrancesco-Evans * Aiden James Doherty * Evan Derick DuVivier Sierra Natalia Dyer Ekenenye Ifeanyi Enemuo Luke Gassan Farah Emma Lynn Faris * Samuel Tien Faulkner * Solomon David Fechter Anna Christine Ferroggiaro Tajo Luis Fisher Germaine Trynezz Flentroy II Max William Fruits * Gianni Robert Galasso Joseph Anthony Galati Airianna Hazel Gaslin * Lucinda Katherine Gaslin Nicolas Blake Georgaras Elizabeth Grace Gessesse Tony Daniel Gold Thomas Brien Gray * Abigail Lee Grebisz Gavin Edward Griswold Thomas Allen Gritzmacher Carson James Grosse Sophia Dee Grube * Sebastian Gudino-Jimenez Ella Elizabeth Guettler * Xitlalic Guzmán Madeline Elizabeth Gwynn * Jared Matthew Hainley, Jr. Thomas Connor Halterman Hayley Frances Harrison * Alexander William Hatzikos * Kevin Eduardo Hernandez Claire Elizabeth Hery * Hoaibao Duy Ho Zachary Douglas Horton Elisabeth Grace Hylland Kevin Allen James, Jr. Georgi Nell Remsen Jaquiss Daniel James Jefferies Maximillian Pierce Johnson Emma Katherine Mae Johnston * Brett William Josephson Grant Emery Josephson Fredric Palmer Kabeiseman *
Conor Adams and Mia Bishop
Back Row: Abby Grebisz, Sally Czuba, Solomon Fechter, Peyton Shaffer, Issaiah Petrasy, Nicholas Scardina, Front Row: Hayley Harrison, Megan Shannon, Greta Puetz, Grace McElligott
12 | Central Catholic Magazine
Zach Horton, Sharlene Montes-Tacuba, Maylani Montgomery, Kimberly Pulido, Miriam Martinez
Wheaton Henry Scheidler Kearney * Logan Milot Kelly Ryan James Kelly Isabelle Violet Kemp * Reily Simone Killam * Rachel Amber Kim * Sunil Stephen Klein * Lily Rose Dawkins Knutsen Alyssa Marie Koberstein Liliane Kwizera William James Lagomarsino Myzell Shallett Lynn Lambert Carson Derek Lamprecht Thoai Quang Le Hanna Thu Thuy Lee * Sydney Ray Lenz Wendy Ying Li * Yiran Li Yun-Sheng Liu Isabella Estelle Maffei * Keira Allison Malone * Stella Elisabeth Rose Marcum * Hayden Richard Martell Miriam Martinez Axl Cristo Martinez Princess Mya Katalyna Mason * Cinclair Sachiko Mathies * Norman Earl Matthews III Grace Anne McElligott * Awar Abdulrahman Meman * Henry James Merten * Kai Christoph Mills * Jake Crawford Mollet Sharlene Andrea Montes-Tacuba Maylani Janel Montgomery * Troy Anthony-Lamont Moore Carlos Eduardo Moreno Vega * Gyllian Irene Mullen * Anna Elizabeth Murphy * Patrick Imre Muskát * Madisyn Anne Marie Myers Amy Truc Nguyen * Angela Tran Anh Nguyen * Paul Kevin O’Rourke Tyson Edward Parker Thomas Stanley Mortimer Pechey Issaiah Raymond Petrasy * Julien Jacques Michel Plomion Megan Katherine Potter * Cole Rosales Powers * Greta Brooks Puetz * Kimberly Pulido Anh Phuong Quach
Trenton Jonathan Rainforth Danny Ernesto Ramirez Orozco * Emma Sophia Ramsey * Paitlyn Anne Raze * Clayton Guittard Reich Duncan Russell Robbins Beatrice May Roberts Maria Louise Rose * Morgan Star Ruff Caitlin Maurine Ryan * Michael Kelly Ryan Gabriela Chau Sanchez * Sahir Sandhu * Nicholas James Scardina Isabella Susan Scarlett Emily Clare Schlegel * Steven Bernard Sciborski III Sean Christian Scott * William Tucker Scroggins Madelaine Marie Seyer * Payton Michelle Shaffer * Megan Clare Shannon * Michael Connor Shobe Riley Montgomery Skyles * Bennett Quenton Smith Conner Michael Smith Erin Lorraine Smith * Hannah Marie Smith Johann Laureano Soriano Hernandez Brady Michael Standring Brianna Renata Sundquist * Sophia Rae Swartley Peyton Cole Symes * Slade Anne Tomlinson Peter Augustus Chartz Tooley * Shaianne Bao-Yen Tran Trafford Armagnac Turkiewicz Henry Marcus Vasend Ira Morris Waldman * Megan Marie Walton * Malia Lynne Weiss Travis JoiZion West, Jr. * Madeleine Rose Wonacott Lauren Elizabeth Wright *
Myzell Lambert, Khalen Bostic, Cinclair Mathies
Graduating with Honors (Grade Point Average of 3.8 and above) * National Honor Society Membership Exceeded 120 Hours of Christian Service Cam Bain, Savannah Benagni, Ava Benedetti, Tristen Bennett
Caitlin captioin Ryan, Michael Ryan, Madeline Cooney, Henry Merten
captioin
Drew Corrado, Shion Conaway, Sahir Sandhu, Bea Roberts captioin
Summer 2019 | 13
Valedictorian: Thomas Gray During his time at Central Catholic, Valedictorian Thomas Gray accumulated an impressive 4.48 GPA. Thomas says he loves the community here at Central Catholic and believes the more he became involved, the better his experience was. Thomas was a four-year varsity golfer, ran cross country, and was a member of Mock Trial, Student Council, Rho Kappa, and National Honor Society. He also participated in Constitution Team and Con Club and was a Con Club coach this year. He served as a Rambassador, Liturgical Minister, and a sophomore and Search retreat leader. Thomas gave his time and talent to The First Tee, a youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its values to young people. This program combines two of Thomas’ passions: golf and working with kids. He said that one of his favorite parts of his volunteer experience was sharing the values that golf has taught him with the next generation of golfers, like honesty, sportsmanship, and respect. This fall, Thomas will head to the University of Washington to study engineering. He is one of only 100 students receiving the first-ever Amazon Future Engineer scholarship. He will also receive the Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies which provides full tuition and housing for caddies who have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, and outstanding character. 14 | Central Catholic Magazine
Salutatorian: Reily Killam Reily Killam is this year’s Salutatorian with a 4.44 GPA. During her time at Central Catholic, Reily says she has been able to pursue all of her interests from science to music and stained glass. Outside the classroom, Reily played volleyball both for the school and on a club team, was a member of the Asian/Pacific Islander Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Women’s Coalition, and Math Club. She sang in the Acapella Club and at school liturgies, and participated in National Honor Society and as a Rambassador. In her speech at graduation, Reily said, “I think Central Catholic prides itself on our community for a reason, because there is never a time in your life when you are truly alone, or you cannot ask for help from those around you. This class and this room is full of love and support and it’s constantly there should anybody ever need it.” In the fall, Reily will head to the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon. She says she will likely change her mind many more times about her major, but for now she plans to double major in physics and biology with a concentration in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. “I would love for this path to take me through graduate school to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer or something in the medical field.”
Class of 2019 Outstanding Teacher: Liz Danek Each year, the senior class votes and presents an Outstanding Teacher Award to a member of the faculty. This year that title was bestowed upon English teacher Liz Danek. Liz has been part of the Central Catholic community since 1998. She has taught every level of English in the last twenty-one years as well as creative writing. Emma Ramsey ’19 presented Liz with the award saying, “She pushes her students to creatively and objectively live and exist in this world. [She] has allowed and encouraged self-discovery in one of our most pivotal years. [. . .] Not a day will go by where I am not thankful for this teacher and the unforgettable lessons— not only about sentence structure and grammar—but how to exist courageously and how to embrace the crazy beautiful thing that is life.” At commencement, Liz was speechless when she accepted the award. She thanked the seniors and promised them a note when she could articulate what it meant to her. That note made it to our graduates and we would like to share it with all of you: I’ve learned a lot from you, seniors…I’ve learned you ask great questions—albeit mostly off topic like in the middle of a discussion on a gothic short story: “How do I get chipotle stains out of my T-shirt?” and last week: “What’s a 401k and when do I open one?”
And then after I explained that you don’t ask a person of a certain age that question, someone always asked, “So how old are you?” But, I’ve also learned that you know when something’s not right, AND you’re willing to speak up, willing to speak out. I always enjoyed when you entered the room ready to discuss something you learned or talked about in another class or a Brown Bag discussion, when you were fired up about a current event or questioned the reasoning behind something seemingly absurd or frustrating. You were unfiltered and sensitive, and you needed more space to vent. To coin a phrase in this “post-literate world,” I’ve learned that you are indeed poets and romantics—that you’re inventive, imaginative, and you love words—written, spoken, sung (but don’t leave your day jobs yet. Your punctuation is another matter. You’ll get that by trial and error. Good luck.) Seniors—I thank you for illuminating my world and I hope you realize in good times and bad, you have a place with us forever. And when you need a chat or a laugh to lift your heart, remember we’re here. And in case we’re not, create your own “Travis Time.” Put on a little music and dance, dance, dance. A beautiful lesson… THANK YOU again, Seniors! God bless you and keep you safe and wise.
Answers: Oxiclean, an investment plan, and as soon as possible. Or there were the astute comments/questions that usually happened before the final bell: “Did you color your hair? It looks…better.” Summer 2019 | 15
The Class of 1950 Endowed Scholarship Joe Galati, Hanna Galati ’22, Cork Stickel ’50, and Mary (Wilson) Mauldin ’10 at this year’s Scholarship Breakfast.
“This is an unusual class,” says George Galati ’50. “You have to look at it through the lens of history. Here’s what happened. These guys were born in 1932. We are depression babies. We went to Central Catholic from 1946-1950. [. . .] After graduation, the Korean War starts. So all of us went out to the Selective Service Board and registered for the draft. That says something about this class. It’s duty, duty, duty.” For George, and for many of his classmates, these values of service and duty were motivating factors in giving back, to Central Catholic over the years. The Class of 1950 has been gathering now for the past 15-20 years, and a few years back, the group decided to start directing their donations to a Class of 1950 Endowed Scholarship.
goal of which is to provide a Catholic education to high school-age students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. “Along comes my grandchild, Hannah, who has Down syndrome,” says George. “When [our family] was informed about a special needs program at Central Catholic, I thought to myself, ‘There is a need here’.” So at one of their class gatherings, George petitioned the group to direct The Class of 1950 Endowed Scholarship to benefit Rams Program students and their families. His classmates agreed. This year, Dave and his classmate, Cork Stickel ’50, represented their class at the school’s annual scholarship breakfast. The
For Dave Andresen ’50, supporting Catholic education is a no-brainer. “Why have [an education] if it’s not Catholic? Everyone needs that moral compass and religious background. You have got to get [students] while you can and you can get them here. So I think all the guys are for that.” While the Class of 1950 worked to get their scholarship endowed, Central Catholic introduced a new inclusive program to the school—The Rams Program—the primary 16 | Central Catholic Magazine
two were able to meet this year’s recipients of the Class of 1950 Scholarship: Nate Trevino ’20 and Hannah Galati ’22 along with their parents. Nate’s mom, Sandy St. Clair, shared with the two men what an exceptional program Central Catholic has created and the real impact it has had on her son. “There are no words to describe how Central Catholic has changed his life. I wanted him to be a hundred percent included and Central was offering that. [. . .] Nate is so independent and confident. I don’t know if he knows that he is different. He knows that he is a part of something here. So, thank you both.” It was a special moment to watch as these men, who graduated from Central Catholic almost seventy years ago, witness the huge strides the school has made in regard to inclusion—and were recognized for the important role they are playing to ensure that Rams Programs families can make it work financially. “I just wish we would have started [the scholarship] sooner,” Cork concluded. •••••
Nate Trevino ‘20 and this mom, Sandy St. Clair, pose for a photo before Prom.
If you would like to support Rams Program students, please direct your gifts to The Class of 1950 Endowed Scholarship at Central Catholic High School.
There’s No
Place Like
Home There’s no place like Central Catholic! Our Twenty Fourth Annual Presidents’ Dinner and Auction was a celebration of brains, courage, and heart. The excitement of the silent auction started “at home” this year with a small online auction, allowing everyone to participate. A stunning Emerald City bar with signature cocktails (served by the Wicked Witch of the West and Glenda the Good Witch) anchored the silent auction area in the memorial gym. Guests competed to place winning bids on great items—including beautiful student photography. At the dinner and live auction, a delicious spread by Reverend’s BBQ awaited guests. KGW meteorologist and Emcee Rod Hill interrupted the live auction with a breaking weather alert—setting into motion a hilarious skit written by David Hutson ’92. The skit featured Gyllian Mullen ’19 as Dorothy, David Hutson as the Scarecrow, Steve Pyne as the Cowardly Lion, Danyelle Ramsey as the Tinwoodswoman and was directed by Eleanor Ramsey ’21. The skits kept guests entertained throughout the evening and in suspense as they surmised who the Wizard of Oz might be. A video featuring current students, alumni, and Principal John Garrow ’76 brought to light how Central Catholic helps to foster brains, heart, and courage. Erin Smith ‘19 spoke about heart and tuition assistance, “Central Catholic has taught me a lot about expressing and having compassion for yourself and others. We want everyone to have this opportunity to have such incredible teachers and this amazing environment that welcomes ALL people.” Brennan Scarlett ‘11 shared some of his journey and successes. Scarlett used his brains to start a nonprofit, The Big Yard
Foundation, that helps to give confidence and empowerment to kids through literacy, creativity and physical wellness. He said that the support system he had at home and at Central Catholic was key to being the person he is today. Garrow, speaking about courage in regard to the Rams Program said, “I was so pleasantly surprised and blessed by students who took the courage and that leap to be peer mentors right away. Those kinds of things give you that boost and that lift and courage that you are on the right path.” Emma Ramsey ‘19 concurred about learning from being a peer mentor, “Something that everyone can take from a peer mentor is how to be a friend. Just being able to see outside and talking to them and being their friend. Kind and accepting.” With that, the paddle raise, which directly supports tuition assistance, was underway and bidders were on their feet making sure the journey continues. With the generosity of so many, the paddle raise was the most successful ever, raising over $232,000! At the end, we found out Oz was Garrow, our retiring principal! There was a little surprise for Mr. Garrow when we thanked him for his service and good sport Monsignor Murphy appeared as Glenda the good witch. The evening didn’t end there as guests moved to the Wicked After Party and danced into the evening with a DJ, more treats, and specialty cocktails. Next year, don’t miss closing out the night dancing with Monsignor Murphy! We are so thankful for the community’s generosity and for making There’s No Place Like Home a fun and successful evening.
Thank You Matching Gift Donors B.P., Lester and Regina John Foundation Elliott and Gina Hill Nigel Jaquiss and Meg Remsen The McCall Family
Diamond Sponsor Bill and Margaret Walsh
Platinum Sponsor Sause Bros.
Gold Sponsors Northwest Pump & Equipment Co. Joe Van Haverbeke ’58
Silver Sponsors Archdiocese of Portland Columbia Bank Corrado Family Dooney Family Billy ’58 and Kathy Ryan Samata Consulting Engineers Troutdale Sand and Gravel USI Insurance Services •••••••
Save the Date 2020 Presidents’ Dinner and Auction April 25, 2020 Summer 2019 | 17
Alumni Profile: Lara (Mack) Tennant ’84
With now decades of girls’ sports racking up conference and state championships and handfuls of successful female studentathletes heading off to college on athletic scholarships, it’s probably hard for today’s Central Catholic students to imagine being one of the first at either of these things. But for Lara (Mack) Tennant ’84, starting the girls’ golf team (yes, starting!) and earning a scholarship to continue playing the game at the University of Arizona are just two of the trailblazing accomplishments she realized as a Ram. Yet, it’s the intangibles— like vivid memories and the familial sense of community—that this humble Central Catholic alumna recounts when asked about her time as a Ram. Lara entered the doors at 24th and Stark in 1980, a member of the first co-ed freshman class. Aside from a couple dozen sophomore girls, including Tennant’s sister Renée (Mack) Baumgartner ’83, these 18 | Central Catholic Magazine
USGA/Fred Vuich
BY KATE BETHELL ’03
ladies walked the halls alongside all-male junior and senior classes.
sisters would be able to compete against other high school girls in the sport they loved.
Though there was a bit of resistance to going co-ed, Tennant said the atmosphere ushered in many new traditions—from simple things like celebrating birthdays in the cafeteria and bringing banners to football games—to the first Sadie Hawkins dance. Without a doubt, the girls brought school spirit, something Tennant said was needed.
“My sister and I went in to the athletic director, who at the time was Tom Welter, and we told him we wanted to have a girls’ golf team,” Tennant said. “And he said, ‘No, our plans are just to have volleyball, basketball, and softball.’”
“It was a very exciting time at Central,” she said, “I think we females brought a lot of enthusiasm and spirit to the school that probably wasn’t there when we first arrived. I don’t think the faculty and the staff and the older boys were actually ready for all that we wanted to do at the school.” One of the things Tennant and her sister wanted was a golf team. Born into a golf family, it seemed only natural that the Mack
The girls were adamant, and Welter told them they could form a golf team if they found a coach and three additional players. Tennant said they found a golf coach in their English teacher, Tim Ramstad, and three more girls to round out their required five. In their first year as a team, they finished sixth at state. The next year, they finished second, and during Tennant’s junior year, they won state. Three years into a program that wasn’t even in the plans, the girls’ golf team brought home the first state championship victory, across any sport, since 1958.
“I’ll never forget the assembly they had for us after we won the state title,” Tennant said. “Kids had skipped school to come watch us, and their photos were in the newspaper and they got in big trouble, but it was a big deal. And if we hadn’t walked into our athletic director’s office that freshman year and pretty much insisted we have a golf team, who knows when Central would have won another state title.” Tennant recalls moments of her time at Central with such vibrancy and descriptiveness it almost transports you back to the hallways in the 1980s. “Another memory is when our volleyball team was playing St. Mary’s—and back then St. Mary’s was dominant in volleyball. The football team left practice early and came in and cheered us on—and we took [St. Mary’s] to the third set and hardly lost. But I’ll never forget all the football players cheering ‘WE ARE C-C,’ and the St. Mary’s girls being very intimidated by that. Of course, it was in the Old Gym, and the gym was pretty much full for just a volleyball game. And the football team never would have [left practice] and cheered on the men’s soccer team. So just things like that brought so much enthusiasm. It was very fun.” Tennant graduated from Central Catholic as a decorated student and multi-sport athlete and continued to excel at University of Arizona where she was an Academic All-American on the golf team. She said she saw what the life of a professional golfer looked like and knew she had different desires and ambitions, including being a stay-at-home mom. However, before meeting her husband, Bob, (whose brother set them up on a blind date playing golf) and moving back to Portland to raise a family, Tennant served as the head women’s golf coach at the University of Oregon, another outstanding accomplishment on her résumé. Tennant said her desire to compete motivated her to keep playing golf, and her love of the game inspired her to dedicate countless volunteer hours to the Oregon Junior Golf Association, which she chairs. With support and encouragement from her husband, she entered tournaments here and there during the early years of raising their five children, R.J., Michelle, Matthew, and twins Caroline and Grace—now ranging in ages from 17 to 23. As a side note, and a testament to the unbiased heart of Msgr. Timothy Murphy ’58, when the Tennants’ oldest
child was debating where to attend high school, he chose Jesuit which is where Lara’s husband, Bob, went to school. But when the next Tennant in line wanted to attend Central Catholic, Lara called Msgr. Murphy for his advice, and he advised her not to split up their family. This was selfless and life-changing guidance according to the Tennants. Because of that urging, their children had a shared experience that wouldn’t have been possible while attending different schools. When all of Lara’s kids were either college or high school age, she found herself with the time for focused practice—and coincidentally, she turned 50, which classified her as a senior golfer. “I started practicing a lot more, and I actually improved and started competing more just to get prepared for senior golf, and it all kind of came together,” she said. “I think because of my ability to still compete every so often over the last 20 years while I was raising my kids, that kept me ‘good enough’ to take a hold of the game and get better, and become a good senior golfer.” Lara is more than just a good senior golfer. Last year alone, she won the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur title, as well as the Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship—and she made the first-ever hole-in-one at the US Senior Women’s Open pro tournament. For someone so dedicated to her family, it was fitting that at the USGA championship, Lara’s father, George Mack ‘57, caddied for her—giving him the best seat in the house to watch his daughter achieve a lifelong goal.
it’s my golf tournaments or how I raise my children or how I help with Junior Golf. I think that was a critical time to learn how to set goals. And even if you don’t reach them, we were taught just to keep working hard and that hard work will always pay off.” In addition to the lessons she learned on the links, Tennant said she’d be remiss if she didn’t mention the outstanding community that continues to characterize Central Catholic. Shortly after graduating and while Tennant was in college, her sister Missy died while a student at Central Catholic; an unthinkable loss that not only shook, but also united, those connected to the school. “It’s hard to describe how much the community really lifted our family up and wrapped their arms around us and helped us through the most horrible time in our lives,” she said. “And Msgr. Murphy was a critical piece of that puzzle and has always been such a great support to my family and extended family. I’ll always be indebted to Central Catholic and the community for really being there, and I think that really defines Central and the community. It’s just a place that people can return to, and feel comfortable, and can count on to be there for them.” Likewise, the Central Catholic community will always be indebted to pioneering female students like Lara Tennant who unknowingly created an energetic and inclusive community where you can be and do just about anything you set your mind to. No matter the outcome, an extended family of Rams will be cheering one another on from near and far.
“Winning a USGA championship was a dream come true,” she said. “Having my dad on the bag made it even more special. My dad is such a great competitor and golfer himself. It was a unique and special week for us.” When asked about what drives her, Lara said she can trace her ambition back to Central Catholic. “For one thing, as it relates to our golf team at Central, we had such a fabulous coach,” she said. “He really taught us how to set goals and how to work toward those goals incrementally—and have the vision to imagine winning a state championship. And I think he really taught us [how to] apply all of those skills to everyday life, whether
USGA/Fred Vuich
Summer 2019 |19
Alumni Updates
Damian Delaney ’79 made headlines this spring when a story about his selfless act of donating a portion of his liver to a stranger landed on the Today Show. When we asked him about this act of kindness he said, “My hope is that more people will step up and donate.” Eric Ueland ‘84 became White House Director of Legislative Affairs on June 17, 2019. Ueland previously served as chief of staff to former Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and was a senior adviser on the Senate Budget Committee.
Kent Cebula ’93 and wife Lisa welcomed a son, Bennett Jun Yin, on May 9, 2019.
Tiffany Weston ’96 and husband David Mork welcomed a son, Weston Oliver, on September 19, 2018.
Marriages
Marie (Payne) Lundahl ’03 and husband Mike welcomed a daughter, Margaret Frances, on December 17, 2018. Maggie joins brother, Peter (2).
Brad Morse ’06 and Aundria Hanset-Clark May 18, 2019 Portland, Oregon Michelle Litchman ’08 and Brendan Goodling March 23, 2019 Yale Union Portland, Oregon Callie Child ’09 and Joe August March 23, 2019 Los Angeles, California
Jason Kempster ’97 and wife Lisa welcomed a son, Austin Lee, on November 24, 2018.
Devon Clayton ‘09 and Benjamin Laufer June 6, 2018, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Meghan (Foley) Looney ’04 and husband Ben welcomed a daughter, Eleanor Rose, on November 27, 2018.
Amanda Litzinger ’09 and Eddie Horstman January 2019 Hawaii Trey Norris ’09 and Andrea Geubelle March 30, 2019 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Teton Village, Wyoming
Congratulations to Reegan (O’Donnell) Rae ’98 on being named one of Portland Business Journal’s 2019 Forty Under 40. She is the managing director of wealth management, senior investment advisor, and principal at Arnerich Massena Investment Firm.
Clare (Foley) Clancy ‘05 and her husband, Jon, welcomed a son, Jack, on March 16, 2019. He joins sister, June (2). In April, Mike McGowan ’97 was formally sworn in at Portland City Hall as a Captain for Portland Fire & Rescue. He previously served as a lieutenant for seven years.
Genevieve Leineweber ’09 and Jared Rollier April 6, 2019 St. Patrick Church Portland, Oregon Molly Jacobs ’10 and Chris Dickinson June 1, 2019 Minneapolis Event Centers
20 | Central Catholic Magazine
Emma (Pelett) Evans ‘06 and her husband, Dustin, welcomed twin daughters, Ivy Aspen and Everly Elle, on May 8, 2019.
In Memory
Tom Malone ‘08 and wife Nikki welcomed a daughter, Delaney Sue, on August 4, 2018.
Riley Ford ’15 wrote to tell us that she received the Outstanding Service Award at the Oregon State University Greek Awards. During her four years in Corvallis, Riley has worked for Court Appointed Special Advocates as a voice for abused and neglected children. She will graduate in June with a BA in Speech Communication.
Ellie (Trebelhorn) Kessler ’08 and husband Tim welcomed a son, Teddy George, on January 25, 2019.
Philip Gianopolous ’09 graduated from Logistic Officers Training with the United States Marine Corp in April and will now head to Okinawa, Japan for his service assignment.
Jean Baptiste Tooley ‘15 graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Environmental Studies. He has been offered a position in Uganda managing a team that helps young women gain financial independence through farming.
Former teacher and coach John Roche passed away April 11, 2019. Mr. Roche taught English, Speech, and PE/Health at Central Catholic and was Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach from 1975-1979.
Fr. Ted Weber passed away May 31, 2019. Fr. Weber was at Central Catholic from 19561967 and taught religion, biology, mechanical drawing, and physical science. He was also Prefect of Discipline and Vice Principal during the latter years of his tenure here.
Alumni: We Want You!
We are reviving the alumni board and are looking for new members who are enthusiastic about Central Catholic and our mission. In particular, we are looking for energetic professionals who can help strengthen the ties between the school, alumni, and the community. In the past, the alumni association helped with events and fundraising as a way to support the school, but there are so many ways we can help grow these connections and encourage involvement. A strong board would ideally be made of alumni from different decades who can attend six meetings a year, serve as an ambassador for the Central Catholic community, and foster lifelong support.
Please contact Sara Wright, Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement at swright@centralcatholichigh.org or at 503.230.1056 ext. 1243 if you are interested or if you have any questions.
Edward Thomas Fitzgerald ’42 February 4, 2019 William McGreal Keller ’43 March 19, 2019 Joseph Robert “Bob” O’Harrow ’45 January 20, 2019 James Lee Desinger ’47 June 12, 2019 Rev. Robert William Krueger ’47 April 27, 2019 Jerome Joseph Mazenko ’47 April 30, 2019 Waldemar “Mar” Seton ’48 April 30, 2019 William Marshall Reinhardt ’49 October 23, 2014 George Burke Mims ’50 April 9, 2019 Frank Patrick Davis ’52 February 13, 2019 Patrick Joseph Monaghan ’52 June 6, 2019 William Joseph Sheridan ’55 May 9, 2019 Richard Bert Vezzani ’56 August 29, 2018 John Charles Weston ’56 April 1, 2019 Jerry Anthony Gatto ’57 February 26, 2019 William Patrick Kelner ’57 January 2019 David Patrick Petersen ’57 January 31, 2019 Joseph Frank Johns ’58 April 19, 2019 Michael Kurt McCabe ’59 February 10, 2019 Dennis Deloid Herrick ’60 April 3, 2019 Patrick Lloyd Jones ’63 February 21, 2019 Jerrold Lynn Jensen ’65 December 29, 2018 Frank Edward Panowicz ’65 June 21, 2019 Bradley Alan Smith ’67 January 17, 2019 Jay Anthony Brunold ’69 June 23, 2014 James Jeffrey Madden ’69 January 1, 2019 Paul Dallas Marckx ’69 March 10, 2019 Dennis Patrick O’Meara ’69 February 16, 2019 Calvin Timothy Westhusing ’69 April 9, 2019 James Lawrence Spencer ’71 January 15, 2019 Nicholas James Vidan ’71 May 23, 2019 Melissa Jean Gray ’89 February 4, 2017 Jacob Edward Panowicz ’90 May 18, 2019 Jarrod Ross Nickoloff ’03 March 19, 2019 Mark Allen Miranda ’18 March 29, 2019 Gabby Mabel Rosenbach ’19 March 18, 2019 Kaylee Desiree Moreno ’22 May 22, 2019
Summer 2019 | 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 August 2
Ram Open Golf Tournament Noon Shotgun Start Glendoveer Golf Course
3
70-Year Reunion Class of 1949 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
3
60-Year Reunion Class of 1959 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
3
50-Year Reunion Class of 1969 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
3
40-Year Reunion Class of 1979 5:00 p.m., Cafeteria
26
First Day of School for Freshman
27
First Day of School
2
Giving Tuesday
18
Week of Giving Food, Coat, Blanket and Penny Drive
18
Music Production Concert 7:00 p.m., PAC
No School Veterans’ Day Holiday
19
Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m., PAC
Students 4 Students Fundraiser Ends
21
Central Catholic and Jesuit Joint Food Delivery
1
Grandparents Day 8:00 a.m., Cafeteria
October
1
All Saints’ Day Liturgy 9:30 a.m., East Gym
4
Football vs. Jesuit 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium
8-9
Fall Drama Production 7:30 p.m., PAC
11
Statewide Inservice No School
11
13
Open House 1:00-4:00 p.m.
14
17
Students 4 Students Fundraiser Begins
14-16 Fall Drama Production 7:30 p.m., PAC
19
Twenty-First Annual Women’s Wine Tour Check-in: 9:00 a.m.
17
Fall Drama Production Matinee 2:00 p.m., PAC
24
Fall Concert 7:00 p.m.
27
Digital Learning Day Campus Closed
25
Homecoming Football Game vs Barlow 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium
28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday
twitter.com/ccrams
December 3
Labor Day Holiday No School
instagram.com/cchsrams
November
September
centralcatholichigh.org
23-31 Christmas Holiday No School
facebook.com/centralcatholicportland