THE VOICE AND VISION OF CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS OF ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
CARDINAL GIBBONS CELEBRATES THE
YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE
DOMINICAN SISTERS OF NEWBURGH, NY
SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME OF CHARDON, OH
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF RALEIGH
FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN, NY
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY OF IMMACULATA, PA Spring 2015 | 1
voices | FROM THE PRINCIPAL
OUR FAITH-FILLED HOME
One of the highest compliments I receive is when I’m asked what year I graduated from Cardinal Gibbons. When I respond that I’m not actually lucky enough to be a graduate of this school, they ask me how I came to love this school so much, and my response always starts with my formational experiences with the consecrated men and women I’ve met at Gibbons. The physical signs and symbols on campus associated with the religious orders who have served and continue to serve at Cardinal Gibbons remind us of a remarkable legacy: the Dominican cross in our school’s crest, the statue of St. Julie Billiart and the San Damiano cross in Queen of All Saints Chapel are daily reminders of our history, and provide teachable moments about the culture of our school community. What really binds our hearts to Gibbons, however, are the touching, memorable and often humorous stories we share about the religious men and women who made it their life’s work to care for high school students and their teachers. I’m fortunate to be in frequent contact with former Cardinal Gibbons administrators from the Franciscan Brothers and the Sisters of Notre Dame,
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representing over 40 years of our school’s institutional memory, and am always amazed at their deep and continued commitment to our students’ growth and spiritual formation. Their mentorship and insight are a blessing, and their passion for outstanding Catholic education is simply inspirational. As an educator, and even more so as a parent at Gibbons, I’m grateful for the impact of religious men and women who have given the gift of Catholic education to our Diocese and our families. It is our turn to take this gift, and ensure that it remains vibrant, faith-filled and transformative for a new generation of students. Especially in this Year of Consecrated Life, this work is the best appreciation we can offer, and I join all of you in expressing our profound gratitude to the religious sisters, brothers and priests who have served at Cardinal Gibbons.
Jason Curtis Principal
Front Cover: Former CGHS principals Brother Michel Bettigole, OSF and Sister Mary Frances Taymans, SND returned for the dedication of the Building the Vision project.
OUR FAITH-FILLED HOME | voices
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voices | FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE
Where would you be without Cardinal Gibbons? It is always interesting to play the “what if” game when it comes to life. What if you did not attend Cardinal Gibbons High School? What if you didn’t have the wonderful faculty and staff members as mentors to help form you into who you are today? What if you chose to sit in a different seat during homeroom freshman year, never getting to know your to-this-day bestfriend? What if you were not allowed to talk about your faith in your classes? What if you never were part of our wonderful Crusader community? The blessing that all of us share in is that we do not have to ask “what if” when it comes to Cardinal Gibbons. We were blessed to have had wonderful administrators from the Dominican Sisters, the Sisters of Notre Dame and the Franciscan Brothers. We are blessed currently to have the leadership of Principal Curtis and all of the members of our excellent faculty and staff that truly care for each and every student. We were tested by a strong academic culture that expanded our educational opportunities, pushing each of us to reach our potential. We had mentors and role models like Sr. Teresita or Br. Gary, Mrs.
Jay or Br. Michele, Sr. Mary Frances or Mr. Curatolo. We were able to talk about God on retreats or in the classroom and how His love touches all aspects of our lives. Cardinal Gibbons has been and will continue to be a shining example of Catholic education in the Diocese of Raleigh and across the country, and we should all be proud to say that we are Crusaders. To help keep a Cardinal Gibbons education strong, we need the support from our alumni. We need you to stay connected with our school community in a variety of ways. We need you to come support our athletics or fine arts programs by coming to a play, basketball game or music concert. We need you to join us at Career Day, Homecoming or any of our other alumni events offered throughout the year. We need your financial support to allow us to continue to offer a wide variety of programs to enhance the educational experience at Gibbons. Lastly, we need you to help remind our current students how proud they should be of being a member of the Cardinal Gibbons community, as it truly is a blessing. Go Gibbons!
Joseph Hoying ‘99 Alumni Coordinator
2014-2015 Alumni Council
Cardinal Gibbons High School is fortunate to have such a dedicated Alumni Council working on behalf of the school. The Alumni Council assists throughout the year, including volunteering at Homecoming, voting on Alumni Hall of Fame nominations and helping guide the future of alumni relations.
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Adrian Dellinger ’00 – President
Joanne Butler ’81 – Vice-President
Leslie Bryant ’82 – Secretary
Anthony Palumbo ‘15 - Student Rep.
Frank Prevo ‘57
Nancy Whitten ‘72
Gene Davis ‘86
Elizabeth Yates Collini ‘92
Christina Hudson ‘96
Jenny Ferland Chapman ‘99
Danielle Bogner Larson ‘01
Dan Spuller ‘01
Matt Zaytoun ‘02
Lauren Cope Gentile ‘04
Amy Holsinger ‘08
Keith Brannum ‘09
Joey DeRusso ‘09
Adam Norris ‘10
Christina Sartori ‘10
Kristen DeMaria ‘12
Jerry Zinn ‘12
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FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE | voices
The Year of Consecrated Life,
November 2014 through February 2016, is being celebrated throughout the world calling us to join together in celebration, reflection, and appreciation of our Churches faithful ministers – bishops, priests, brothers, deacons, and religious women. Our school has been blessed with the strength and vision of faithful Religious from its founding in 1909. Through their dedication and tenacity, Cardinal Gibbons High School, has grown into a major Catholic presence and academic force, serving over 1,400 students on our 36-acre campus. Various Religious and lay personnel have played key roles in the formation of today’s dynamic school. Even though over 100 years have past, the same devotion to Catholic education is felt through the current Religious faculty and staff. Fr. Romen Acero, Assistant Principal for Spiritual Life, Sr. Janet Schimmel, SND, Academic Dean and Chair of the Science Department, Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo, SND, Business Office Assistant, Sr. Laura Downing, IHM, Theology instructor and Associate Director of Retreats; and Fr. Scott McCue, Theology instructor, continue to guide our faculty and staff, students and families, to awareness of the spirit and spirituality that moves us throughout our lives. As Alumni from varying graduating classes, there is a common thread among you, a thread of religious strength, due to the many dedicated Religious leaders that chose to serve you at this great school. During this Year of Consecrated Life, please say a prayer of “thanks” to all Religious that have touched your lives. If there is a special one that guided you, touched your life, or became a friend, please take a moment to write them a note of gratitude. They have dedicated their lives to Catholic education and the continuing mission of Cardinal Gibbons High School.
During the Annual Donor Appreciation Dinner, Gene Davis ‘86 (Pictured above with Principal Curtis) received the Alumni Legacy Award which is presented to an alumnus displaying dedication to CGHS by educating future generations at our school, along with demonstrating outstanding leadership and/or volunteer services. The recipients of the CGHS Heritage Award are John and Mary Ellen Toebes (pictured below with Principal Curtis). The Heritage Award recognizes an individual or family that displays commitment to Cardinal Gibbons High School by educating future generations at our school, along with demonstrating outstanding leadership and/or volunteer service.
Together for Gibbons,
Margie Clugston Director of Institutional Advancement
MARCH MADNESS CHALLENGE WINNER
Always a Crusader
For one week in March, our alumni community was challenged to show which college had the most Crusader Spirit. When making a contribution to Cardinal Gibbons, participants were asked which college they attended or would like to represent their contribution. The school with the most number of contributions at the end of the week would be named the 2015 March Madness Challenge Champions.
After graduating from Cardinal Gibbons, we all hold a special place in our hearts for our years as a Crusader. No matter the campus, no matter the graduation year, Cardinal Gibbons will always be your home. Plan to join for our Homecoming Weekend on October 2-4, 2015.
William & Mary 4% Wake Forest 4% UNC-W 4% Notre Dame 4% Wofford 4% Furman 4% UNC-G 4%
The University of North Carolina had the most contributions during our “March Madness Challenge”. ALUMNI
View this video produced by Josh Teder ’11 online at www.cghsnc.org/AlwaysACrusader. Spring 2015 |
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voices | HOMECOMING
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend: October 3-4, 2014 Reunion Weekend reunites classmates from 1957 through 2014
Over 75 alumni, ranging from the Classes of 1957 through 2014, joined in the Homecoming festivities.
Young Alumni return back for Homecoming.
The Crusader Room was full of Homecoming guests before the game.
Members of the Class of 1964.
Matt O’Neil ‘99 and his family enjoy the Homecoming events.
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HOMECOMING | voices
Maeve Mense ‘13 joined the chorus singing the National Anthem. Class of 1984 Reunion members.
Class of 1964 Reunion members.
Class of 2009 Reunion members join before the Homecoming football game.
Homecoming participants are recognized on the field before the game. Alumni proudly hold their graduting year while being recognized before the football game.
Would you like to be involved in planning, contributing and spreading the news about your Class Reunion? We encourage you to become a Class Agent that will assist the Homecoming & Reunion Committee Chair. Please contact Joey Hoying (JHoying@cghsnc.org) for more information. Members from the Classes of 1964 through 2014 joined in the Homecoming festivities.
Classes ending in a 5 or a 0 (ex: 1974 or 2010) are celebrating reunions this year. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 2-3, 2015 for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. We encourage ALL alumni to join us in this weekend celebration. Spring 2015 |
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voices |
John Ruocchio ’83 FROM VALEDICTORIAN TO FORMER CHAIR OF THE SCHOOL’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THIS ALUM IS A CRUSADER FOR LIFE.
Although we did not have the motto Faith Service and Leadership in the 80s, looking back it is clear that those were the goals…
All in the family is one way to describe John Ruocchio’s connection with Cardinal Gibbons. He and his two brothers are all alums, his son Thomas is a current junior, his daughter Lily is a prospective freshman, and his wife, Kay, is the coach of the JV women’s tennis team. He is also the former chair of the school’s board of trustees. You could also describe John, a partner with the law firm of Lewis & Roberts, PLLC in Raleigh and an active community supporter, as a Crusader for life. The story, however, didn’t start that way. As John tells it, he NEVER wanted to attend Gibbons. “I wanted to go to Sanderson High School for all the wrong reasons,” he says. “It was bigger and there were more girls and I thought it would be a more fun experience. My dad …said ‘son, give it one year.’ I am glad I took his advice.” So is Gibbons. From playing on the varsity baseball team and serving as junior and senior class vice president to being valedictorian, John’s time at Gibbons was rich and enriching. “Although we did not have the motto Faith Service and Leadership in the 80s, looking back it is clear that those were the goals…,” notes John. “Gibbons has changed greatly in the past 32 years, but its mission has remained the same.”
John lives out that mission. His interest in politics led him to UNC Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a degree in economics and political science. Next step? Campbell University Law School. After law school, John worked in sales at General Mills for five years before beginning his legal career as a general practitioner and later moving to the corporate side. Today, he represents employers and their insurance companies against workers’ compensation claims. He says Gibbons prepared him for his career by challenging him to work hard, which “taught me the necessary tools … to handle myriad situations, as well as good time management skills,” says John. To those contemplating a law career he advises, “Think and then think again.” While practicing law is rewarding, it is also challenging, he notes, adding there also is a glut of attorneys. What he learned from his two favorite Gibbons teachers was also invaluable. He says Toni Sutphin gave him an excellent background in English and Pam Hyle fueled his interest in politics. Service continues to be part of John’s life. Along with having chaired the school’s board of trustees as well as serving on it, John currently is involved with Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and myriad community groups. Among them are the nonprofit Note in the Pocket and the Knights of Columbus. What also continues, says John, is Gibbons impact. “My son has grown and thrived at Gibbons,” he notes. “Watching him receive an excellent education and knowing his teachers and coaches care deeply about him has impacted me and continues to impact me. I look forward to my daughter having those same experiences and am proud to have played a small part in this school.”
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Megan Casciere Herring ‘03 OPENING A PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO, WITH HER HUSBAND FUSES THE COUPLE’S GREATEST PASSIONS - EDUCATION, CHILDREN, AND FAITH. Most anywhere else, it would be a common scene: A student saying a prayer before the day’s lesson begins. In Puerto Escondido, Mexico, however, it is exceptional. The student is one of 30 who attend the private elementary school that Megan Casciere Herring ’03 and her husband, Casey Herring, opened through their non-profit Global Education Ministries or GEM. They started GEM, “to bring quality education to areas where the education is so incredibly poor, and to use the school as a ministry to share … the love of Jesus with the community,” says Megan, whose three siblings (Erin’03, her twin, Kaitlyn ’05, and Bryan ’08) also are Gibbons alumni. For the Herrings, who have three young children, it is a ministry that fuses their greatest passions - education, children, and faith. It also underscores their love story. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in elementary education and a minor in Spanish, Megan landed a job with the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) to teach in Brasilia, Brazil.
Wilmington, and recruiting teachers willing to raise their own funds to live overseas. The rewards, however, have been endless, says Megan. How did Gibbons prepare her for such work? “My time at Gibbons taught me that we are created to serve God and others with our lives,” says Megan. She also credits her love of teaching to Mr. Sandberg, her anatomy teacher at Gibbons. “He influenced me in such a positive way because he truly loved his job and loved his students, and teaching was so much more than just work for him,” she says.
My time at Gibbons taught me that we are created to serve God and others with our lives.
What’s next for the school, for GEM? The hope is for the school, which has a waiting list of over 80 families, to serve as many children and families in Puerto Escondido as possible. There is, however, a need for more teachers to fulfill that goal. Yet, that hasn’t dampened the couple’s dreams. “We would love to start schools with our same model all over Mexico and around the world,” says Megan. “We will see what doors God opens and what He has planned for the future of GEM.”
There, she met her husband, a fellow teacher. After they married, the couple taught in Lima, Peru, for two years, and in 2011 they returned to Wilmington. “…In Wilmington we felt God calling us to Mexico to start a school,” notes Megan. “Through a lot of prayer and God opening the doors, we started GEM and… in August of 2013, our baby elementary school began.” Casey is the school’s director while Megan helps with administrative duties and subbing. She also is GEM’s sponsorship coordinator. “The only way our school is able to function financially,” notes Megan, “is through sponsors in the States, who are matched with particular students, and help pay their education.” There have been challenges, including the language barrier, limited resources, and no experience in opening a school. Still, the couple persevered, renting space from the local church for the school, receiving donated materials from schools in Raleigh and
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voices |
Billy Atwell ’04 FOR THIS SURVIVOR, CANCER NOT ONLY HELPED HIM DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL SKILLS THAT SHAPED HIS CAREER PATH, BUT ALSO TAUGHT HIM ABOUT TOUGHNESS, GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE, AND THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE.
We have to stay focused on the true mission behind our efforts, which is to bring souls closer to Christ. It’s that simple.
Billy Atwell ’04 learned to speak in front of large crowds a long time ago. It is a skill that has helped to shape his career path and to prepare him for his job as director of communications for the Diocese of Raleigh. It is, Billy says, a skill he learned as a two-time cancer survivor. While a student at Gibbons, Billy was a football player, wrestler, and he played trumpet in the band. He also was a cancer patient, which forced him to miss school and graduate later than originally planned. He beat it then. The cancer returned when Billy was in college. He beat it again. After that, Billy spoke frequently to groups about his experience. “To clearly and concisely articulate important information in ways that the audience will understand is an essential skill set in my line of work,” notes Billy. “In the end, cancer was an enormous blessing for me; not just because of the professional skills I acquired, but because it taught me about toughness, God’s grace and love, and the fragility of life.” Accepting the job with the Diocese of Raleigh in April of 2014 was also a homecoming for Billy, who is married and the father of two young children. After
graduating from Eastern Carolina University with degrees in political science and philosophy, he moved to Washington D.C for several years and worked for a Christian non-profit. From there, he says, he “felt called to work directly for the Church,” and took a job as director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Venice in southwest Florida. Of returning to Raleigh, he says, “This is my home and I love being back around the people who I know and love so much.” Now, he is a familiar figure seen often with Michael F. Burbidge, the Bishop of Raleigh; or on the weekly news segment, “Raleigh to Rome,” or on the regular podcast, “A Catholic Life.” Both are among the innovations he launched since becoming communications director. “That God allows me to be an instrument of evangelization through the ministry of my bishop is an honor that I wake up each morning grateful to be a part of,” Billy says. He is also grateful to Gibbons, which he notes was instrumental in his professional development. He credits Michael Rogosich for helping him with his writing and describes Brother Gary Cregan, as an amazing teacher and an amazing friend during his battle with cancer. And he points to receiving the Bishop Waters Memorial Award as his favorite Gibbons memory. “Faith is the only thing that kept me sane through my battle with cancer, and receiving an award that recognized my faith was a blessing I certainly didn’t deserve,” he notes. He also calls the Billy Atwell award Gibbons created to recognize student athletes who show resilience and perseverance, “an enormous honor, and a humbling thought,” and hopes recipients “…find comfort in knowing that …. they are not alone.” When asked to share advice about working for the Church, Billy explains, “We have to stay focused on the true mission behind our efforts, which is to bring souls closer to Christ. It’s that simple.”
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Christina Gibbons ’13 HANDLING THE RIGORS OF SPORTS AND ACADEMICS IS A DELICATE BALANCING ACT THAT THIS STUDENT-ATHLETE MASTERED AT GIBBONS AND IS REPEATING AS A STUDENT AT DUKE.
Christina Gibbons ’13 is no stranger to hard work – in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the art studio. After leading the Lady Crusaders to their first NCHSAA 3A state championship in 2013, Christina (aka Gibby), graduated one day later in the top 10 percent of her class. Earlier, she captured a gold key award through North Carolina’s Scholastic Art Awards program. “It was quite an exciting way to top off my four years at Gibbons,” says Christina. That fall, she was off to Duke University to repeat the same delicate balancing act of academics and athletics all over again. That balancing act “is tough at times because … there is never enough time to get things done,” Christina says and adds, “It is a commitment to staying on top of schoolwork…” The results? During her freshman year alone at Duke, Christina started all 24 matches for the Lady Blue Devils and earned myriad accolades, including All-ACC Freshman Team honors; she was also named to the Duke Nike Classic All-Tournament team and to the U.S. U-20 National Team. (This year, she was named to the U.S. U-23 National Team.) Academically, Christina has been named to the “Dean’s List” and to the Atlantic Coast Conference Honor Roll.
Christina also credits Rebecca Dason, chair of the fine arts department at Gibbons, for helping her learn about herself, personally and artistically. “Mrs. Dason taught me how to bring together different aspects of my life in a positive way,” she notes. “I think she is one of the major reasons why I have been able to balance everything so well.” Everything also includes participating in several leadership projects at Duke and joining a sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. In her spare time, she also plays intramural basketball with her teammates every winter. After college, she says she hopes to continue to play soccer as long as possible, but she is still unsure about what career path to pursue. While she remains open to many options, she names product design or product management as possible ideal jobs.
Gibbon prepared me for the competitiveness both in sports and school that I find day in and day out here at Duke, and gave me a great foundation to be able to succeed in college, and hopefully in life.
As for her advice about handling college life, let’s just say she practices what she preaches: Stay true to yourself and work hard, she notes, and adds, “I often see people with such potential, yet they do not like to work hard. Effort is the only thing you can always control, and often is the key to success.”
Christina, who is majoring in Visual Media Studies, says challenges, like making sacrifices; and rewards, like amazing teammates and pride, come with being a college athlete. She says, however, she was up to the task, thanks to the classes she took and the leadership opportunities she was offered at Cardinal Gibbons. “I’ve found that it (leading) comes more naturally to me because of the environment I was in at Gibbons where that is the norm,” she says. “Gibbons prepared me for the competitiveness both in sports and school that I find day in and day out here at Duke, and gave me a great foundation to be able to succeed in college, and hopefully in life.”
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voices | A LIFE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE
From A Gibbons Education
TO A LIFE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE Four alumni talk about why they have dedicated themselves to God and to religious life and service. Pope Francis has declared 2015 the Year of Consecrated Life, a celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to God and to the Catholic Church. That dedication is on view at Cardinal Gibbons as soon as you enter the main lobby and take in the 170+ photos that make up the Mission Wall and chronicle our school’s history over the last 106 years. There on the Mission Wall you will catch a glimpse of Fr. Thomas F. Price, the “Tar Hill Apostle.” He built an orphanage, and established a seminary to train young missionaries on a property he named “Nazareth,” and on which once stood Cardinal Gibbons High School. That property is now the future site of the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus. On the Mission Wall, you will also see Bishop Vincent Waters and Bishop Joseph Gossman, who were instrumental in setting the foundation for and furthering the growth of Catholic education in Raleigh. Look closer still and you will spot the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York, the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon Ohio, and the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, NY. Each of the congregations served as administrators of the school over the years and, through their great work and great faith, moved us to where we are today. Finally, you will also see other sisters and brothers as well as diocesan priests who actively taught or worked at Gibbons at one time or another.
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Today, we are blessed to have three Sisters (Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo, SND, Sr. Janel Schemmel, SND, and Sr. Laura Downing, IHM) and two diocesan priests (Fr. Scott McCue and Fr. Romen Acero) at Gibbons, not to mention the Bishop of Raleigh, Michael F. Burbidge, who wholeheartedly support our school and its mission. Their words and actions help empower volunteers and school members around them to follow the word of God. We are equally blessed to have a group of alumni who have devoted themselves to God and to religious life: Sr. Mary Shea ’79, Sr. Ann Marie Teder ’79, SND; Fr. Daniel Pajerski ’89 LC, and Fr. Scott Hastings ’99. For these religious men and women their ministries are more than a line on a resume. They are world travelers, scholars, teachers, parish leaders and social workers. They are driven, accomplished, and courageous. Each has a story of what consecrated/religious life means to him or her. So, we asked them to tell us their stories, to tell us about their journey of discernment and discovery, about who encouraged them and the decisions they made to enter religious life, about their dreams and aspirations, their challenges and rewards. Their stories unfold on the following pages. Take the time to read each story, to connect with and honor a classmate or a schoolmate, to enrich your spirit, and to be inspired.
A LIFE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE | voices
SISTER MARY SHEA ’79
What does consecrated/religious life mean to you? As a person living the consecrated life I have the opportunity each day, despite my own limitations, to share God’s love especially with those I serve. They teach me so much by their example and love. I believe God gives inner peace to anyone who is faithful to whatever vocation he/she is called to. When I was in the 6th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes I had the opportunity to go with Sr. Nancy to deliver food our class had collected to two families who were in need. That experience touched me deeply. At Cardinal Gibbons the joy the Sisters of Notre Dame radiated made an impression on me. They really cared about all of us and encouraged us in whatever activities we happened to be in. Sr. Collette our principal introduced me to the Daughters of Charity whose Charism is service of Christ in the person of the poor. I joined the Daughters of Charity in 1985 and I am currently a missionary in Chepnyal, Kenya. St. Vincent de Paul who was one of our founders once said, “If God is the center of your life no words are necessary your mere presence will touch lives.” I pray for the grace to do this more fully.
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voices | A LIFE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE
SR. ANN MARIE TEDER ’79, SND What does consecrated/religious life mean to you?
My call to consecrated life came when I was 13. CGHS definitely played a role in that decision because, at that time, I was deciding what high school to attend. I had attended public school and loved being in the band, (which Gibbons didn’t have.) But my faith was important too, so I prayed about my decision. God gave the answer in a dream, and that dream contained my call. It was at Gibbons that I met the Sisters of Notre Dame. While I liked the sisters, particularly for their faith and fun-loving ways, that wasn’t enough for me to join this community. When I came to the provincial center in Chardon for the first time, it was at the bottom of the chapel stairs that I felt God was saying: “Yes! This is the place.” Above all, I see consecrated life as living in love for God. Mary is our model of listening attentively for God’s will in our lives and doing it in faith. This life is a gift; there are challenges, but also much joy. Consecrated life is a witness to the Church and the world that the goal of our lives is union with Christ.
FR. DANIEL PAJERSKI ’89, LC What does consecrated/religious life mean to you?
Pope Francis has dedicated this year in the Church as the “Year of Consecrated Life”. In his letter to all consecrated people, he thanks our heavenly Father for the special call “to follow Jesus by fully embracing the Gospel and serving the Church.” I can think of no better words to describe the life I have lived for the past 21 years. The vocation to follow Jesus by professing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience was nurtured first of all at home and cemented
through 12 years of Catholic education. I felt the “call”– what Pope Paul VI once referred to as “an inexpressible interior attraction”– while I was Gibbons. Although I kept it to myself, one junior religion class when we were told about the priest as “another Christ” really got me to think about it. I went on to major in chemical engineering at NC State and there had the choice of following the call to marriage or the priesthood. It was a difficult choice but I decided to pursue a life dedicated to Christ and his Church. After graduating from State in May of 1994, I joined the Legionaries of Christ. My studies took me to New York and Rome, a three-year period of work in Brazil, and the culmination of ordination to the priesthood in the basilica of St Mary Major in Rome on November 25, 2004. I currently work at Everest Collegiate High School and Academy in Clarkston, MI, spending my time serving young people and their families. In my free time I enjoy playing basketball and running. I thank God every day for the gift of the priesthood and consecrated life.
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A LIFE OF RELIGIOUS SERVICE | voices We asked members of our administration and faculty the question, How do you see God working through our students here at Cardinal Gibbons? Below are their answers. “I have found myself being ministered by Cardinal Gibbons students as they provide me with spiritual enrichment as well as witness to our faith and service to each other. They have giving me the opportunity to grow in faith as an individual and also as a priest.”
–Father Romen Acero, Assistant Principal for Spiritual Life and Theology instructor
FR. SCOTT HASTINGS ’99
What does consecrated/religious life mean to you? I was ordained a priest in 2008 where I grew up, in the Archdiocese of Omaha, having entered the seminary after graduating from college in 2003. By the end of college, I was certain that Our Lord was calling me to enter the seminary. I studied at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and then was assigned for four happy years in rural Nebraska. In the summer of 2015, I will finish a three-year assignment of studies in canon law in Rome, and will head home to Omaha in June. Cardinal Gibbons helped me in two big ways. First, the friends I made there, and with whom I studied at University of Dallas, have been and continue to be good friends. Second, the example of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn had a strong impact on me, and I found their counsel to be helpful when I was trying to figure out what Our Lord wanted me to do with my life. Today and forever, I can say that the priesthood is my identity, what the Gospel describes as the pearl of great price, the thing for which I give all that I own to live out. I love being a priest.
“God ‘reaches out’ from our students to the adults that come on campus in their smiles, their greeting, their opening of doors and offering to carry things for them. It always comes as an “unexpected” surprise.”
–Sister Mary Jean Korejwo, SND, Business Office Administrative Assistant “Every year, senior students ask their teachers to write them a college recommendation. I am amazed anew at the way God is working in and through our students; using their gifts and their ambitions to help others in so many ways. Let me give you one recent example out of the many I remember with pride. In 2013 I was asked by a student (Celia Victoria Burger) to write her college recommendation. Until I read her resume, I did not realize that she (Celia) had been creatively using her ability to dance and her interest in medicine to earn money for the Live STRONG foundation. Many dancers with her talent become self-centered. (Celia) is by far the opposite, being very other-centered. This makes me look forward to her becoming more and more one of the contributing members of society that our world needs. Her motivation is intrinsic and her goals lofty. She is a person of integrity and creativity.”
–Sister Janet Schemmel, SND, Science Department Chair and science instructor
“I have been blessed to work with Gibbons students as a teacher and associate retreat director. I am frequently humbled by my students’ search for truth in the classroom and by their earnest desire to grow as servant leaders on retreat teams. I have also been privileged to work with several former students on diocesan projects and I am touched by their enthusiasm, generosity and love for the Church. “
–Sister Laura Downing, IHM Associate Retreat Director and Theology instructor
“We experience so many signs of God’s presence in our school community, especially as students freely share their gifts from God with all of us, and in a vibrant Catholic school community where we experience the Sacraments, liturgies, works of mercy, and the daily presence of the signs and symbols of our faith. Some of the most powerful experiences for me have been in prayer with our students; attending students retreats, hearing student intentions during class prayer, and in community prayer at both difficult and joyous times, I have been inspired by how our students know that God loves them, and listens to them. I will never forget an experience of small group prayer at Kairos, which was a powerful reminder of how fortunate I am to work in a place where our student remind me daily of God’s goodness and provident care in my life.”
–Jason D. Curtis, Principal
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voices | ALUMNI GAMES
Alumni Games
For the past 16 years, alumni lacrosse players have returned over Thanksgiving break to gather together as one lacrosse community for a family-centered day of fellowship and fun. Traveling from across the United States, over 50 former student-athletes joined in the 2014 Alumni Lacrosse Game. We are looking to expand our Alumni Games to include more sports in future years. Please email alumni@cghsnc.org if you are interested in helping to start another sports alumni game.
Crusader Athletes playing at the next level Congratulations to the 33 Student-Athletes who signed letters of intent with their colleges to continue to compete in athletics next year after graduation from Cardinal Gibbons. Best of luck at your future schools, both in your sport and in the classroom. You will always be a Crusader!
FALL 2014 SIGNING
Over 50 former lacrosse players, representing Classes from 1999 through 2014, participated in this annual event.
Trip Auray ‘04 Brendan Bailey ‘07 Jon Binanay ‘99 Conor Buckley ‘05 Preston Butler ‘13 Nick Corolla ‘13 John Czuhai ‘13 Jack Daly ‘11 Mike DePersia ‘00 Danny Dorsett ‘13 Luke Enzweiler ‘12 Camden Feldman ‘10 Daryl Fothergill ‘99
Nick Geaslen ‘12 Matt Gromadzki ‘03 Stephen Hampton ‘09 Austin Hardy ‘10 Ryan Hauser ‘05 Brendan Hogan ‘09 Ben Huger ‘12 Patrick Kiernan ‘10 Adam Koenig ‘12 Lance Landvater ‘07 Matt Lwein ‘10 Zander Lim ‘13 Mike Lutz ‘10
Ryan McCarthy ‘14 Reid McCrea ‘07 Patrick McEvoy ‘04 Colin McKendry ‘13 Patrick Merkle ‘04 Gannon Morrison ‘14 Andrew Mueller ‘08 Joe Mueller ‘04 Garrett Nelli ‘10 Chris Nelson ‘08 Michael Parker ‘13 Michael Piccola ‘14 Fritz Pugsley ‘05
Cullen Raymond ‘11 Luke Raymond ‘13 Merrick Reiland ‘08 Colin Rom ‘07 Jordan Senter ‘08 Pete Shammas ‘12 Matt Skowron ‘12 Chad Snyder ‘14 George Soberanis ‘13 David Szilezy ‘09 Tyler Van Horn ‘12 Jeff Williams ‘13 Alex Zajdel ‘11
Noah Cairns
Devin Knors
Sarah Comstock
Christopher Lappin Samantha Stone
UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Swimming Delaware Women’s Lacrosse
Appalachian State Women’s Tennis Boston University Men’s Lacrosse
Cameron Delahunty Kevin McKendry Belmont Abbey Men’s Golf
Marist Men’s Lacrosse
Matthew Galush
Jessica Schmitz
Stephen Scott Vanderbilt Baseball
Vassar Women’s Swimming
Megan Vaughn
NC State Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field
UNC-Chapel Hil Women’s Rowing
Meghan Wilkinson
Stephen Albright
Earl Gill
Hunter Van Horn
Zoe Crabtree
Megan Goudy
Drew Whiteley
Ryan Day
Angela Hiltbrunner
Cooper Duplantis
David Smith
Penn State Men’s Tennis
Hamilton Volleyball
WINTER 2015 SIGNING
UNC-Chapel Hill Football
ECU Women’s Soccer UNC-Wilmington Men’s Soccer
Butler University Football Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer
University of Tampa Men’s Lacrosse Lehigh University Football
UNC-Charlotte Women’s Soccer
American University Davidson College Men’s Soccer Football Players on the sideline watch the action on the field.
Gannon Morrison ’14 and Michael Parker ‘13
SPRING 2015 SIGNING
William Brown
Nicholas Forbes
David Cairns
Justin Reid
NC State University Football
Siena College Men’s Lacrosse
Salisbury University Hampden-Sydney Men’s Swimming & College Diving Men’s Basketball
Sofia San Miguel Appalachian State University Women’s Track & Field
James Sriraman Wake Forest
Noah Constantine Hannah Sampson University Davidson College Men’s Tennis Jon Binanay ’99, along with his family, enjoy the family atmosphere of this event.
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The Class of 2013 had ten past players join the alumni game.
Bruce Dalton
Wingate University Football
Coastal Carolina University Equestrian
Meredith Sitze
Lehigh University Equestrian
Football
Louis Velasco Belmont Abbey College Men’s Tennis
YEAR IN REVIEW | voices
Athletics History Cardinal Gibbons, a current member of the N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), has a proud history of athletics in the state of North Carolina. Our athletic programs have earned 103 State Championships combined during our time in the NCHSAA and the NCISAA.
The Crusader teams continued their successes on the field, capturing six State Championships through the fall and winter sports seasons. The continued success of the Athletics Department is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches and families.
NCHSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Cheerleading: 2007, 2011 Men’s Cross Country: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2014
2014 State Champions–3-A Men’s Cross Country
2014 State Champions–3-A Men’s Soccer
2014 State Champions–3-A Women’s Volleyball
2014 State Champions–3-A Women’s Golf
2014 State Champions–3-A Women’s Tennis
2014 State Champions–3-A Women’s Cross Country
Women’s Cross Country: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Men’s Golf: 2008 Women’s Golf: 2014 Men’s Soccer: 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014 Women’s Soccer: 2007, 2013 Men’s Swimming & Diving: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Women’s Swimming & Diving: 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009
Men’s Tennis: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011,
2012, 2013, 2014
Women’s Tennis: 2011, 2013, 2014 Men’s Winter Track & Field: 2012 Women’s Winter Track & Field: 2011 Volleyball: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Lacrosse: Men’s – 2006, 2014, 2015
NCISAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Women’s Basketball: 1988, 1989 Men’s Cross Country: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Women’s Cross Country: 1999, 2000, 2001,
2002, 2004
Men’s Soccer: 2001 Softball: 2002, 2003, 2005 Men’s Swimming & Diving: 2004, 2005 Women’s Swimming & Diving: 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005
Men’s Outdoor Track & Field: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field: 2004, 2005 Volleyball: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Wrestling: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Cardinal Gibbons to become 4-A school next year (As seen on HighSchoolOT.com at time of announcement last fall) Cardinal Gibbons asked the N.C. High School Athletic Association to allow it to move to the 4-A classification next school year, and during the NCHSAA Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, that wish was granted. By a 12-5 vote, Cardinal Gibbons was moved into the PAC 6 4-A Conference, which means this will be the last year the school is a member of the Big Eight 3-A Conference. Both the PAC 6 and Big Eight backed Cardinal Gibbons in their decision to make the move. “I think [moving to 4-A] has always been on our minds and I think recent developments with, not only our numbers and enrollment here at the school, but our participation levels, it really started to make sense,” Cardinal Gibbons Principal Jason Curtis said. NCHSAA Commissioner Davis Whitfield agreed. “If you look at Cardinal Gibbons’ numbers, they have steadily increased,” Whitfield said. “They see that as a trend, and it’s very likely that they would be 4-A in the next realignment anyway. They’re surrounded by 4-A schools, they play 4-A schools out of
conference anyway, so this was a situation where they were fine moving up. I think the conference will enjoy having them.” Cardinal Gibbons does have a history with 4-A schools. Last year, the Crusaders played Cary and Green Hope in 14-of-18 possible sports. They have played other 4-A schools from Wake County, and they have played games with members of the PAC 6. “In our scheduling in recent years you’ve seen we’ve done a lot of scheduling with 4-A schools, especially our neighboring schools here,” Curtis said. Cardinal Gibbons has been a dominant schools in high school athletics. This fall, the Crusaders won state championships in cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball. Current members of the PAC 6 include East Chapel Hill, Hillside, Jordan, Northern Durham, Person and Riverside. The move to the PAC 6 will be effective for at least two more years. The NCHSAA’s next conference realignment will occur during the 20172018 school year. At that time, Cardinal Gibbons could see another change. Spring 2015 |
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voices | CLASSIC CLASS NOTES GIBBONS
Class Notes 1960s Jennifer Fulwiler, daughter of Pam Geraghty Bishop ’63 and niece of Kevin Geraghty ’64, has been voted one of the top 10 Catholics in 2014 by “Our Sunday Visitor”. She wrote her memoir about her conversion to Catholicism after her first son was born in her late twenties. Jennifer has published a book, has a highly followed blog as well as a weekly talk show on Catholic Channel 129 on SiriusXM.
1980s
Drew Rehwinkel ’98, a social studies teacher at Pensacola High School, was named a finalist for Teacher of the Year in Escambia County, FL.
Ted Gross ’89 is the owner of Bottle Revolution on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh. Since the opening of his first location, Bottle Revolution has expanded to a second store in Morrisville, NC and an upcoming store in North Raleigh. Ted invites you to stop by for some of the best draft and bottle beer selections in the Raleigh area.
1990s Billy Warden ’83, a member of our CGHS Alumni Hall of Fame, has joined the board of directors at the Raleigh Hall of Fame. You can visit RaleighHallOfFame.org for more information on this organization.
Gene Davis ’86, a member of the CGHS Alumni Council and past Alumni Council President, received the 2014 P.R. Latta Volunteer of the Year Award, which is given to recognize an individual for his commitment to the Democratic Party and progressive causes.
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Peter Ruocchio ’92, a member of the CGHS Alumni Hall of Fame, talks with AP Art students from Cardinal Gibbons at his shop Ruocchio Designs. Peter invited the students to visit his shop and to see his upcoming project for a children’s museum in Greensboro.
Michelle Pautz ’99, in addition to being granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Political Science in 2014 at the University of Dayton, is the co-author of the book “US Environmental Policy in Action: Practice and Implementation,” which provides a comprehensive look at the creation, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policy, which is of particular importance in an era of congressional gridlock. You can find this book for purchase on Amazon.com.
2000s After competing for two years with the Chicago area club team Wildfire, Casey Degnan ‘99 is one of the owners of the Raleigh Flyers, a new professional ultimate disc team in the American Ultimate Disc League South Division. Competing against teams in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charlotte, the Raleigh Flyers will play many of its home games at Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Some members of the Class of 1999 gather during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend to reminisce and talk about the Western Boulevard campus. Jeremy Barefoot ’99 was recently promoted to Assistant Principal at Princeton Middle/High School in Johnston County, NC.
David Eads, ‘00 and wife Kristen welcomed their daughter, Katrina Rose, in April 2014. Katrina weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 20.5” long. Chris Shields ’00, previously the head brewer at Mystery Brewing Company in Hillsborough, NC, has accepted a position as brewer at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, OH.
CLASSIC CLASS GIBBONS NOTES | voices
Andrew MacNair ‘00 was married to Jessica Mistric on October 2, 2010. They currently live in Apex, NC. The MacNairs welcomed their son, Andrew Philip “Phil” Gibbons MacNair, Jr. on June 20, 2013. Andrew recently obtained his real estate license and is now a Broker at RE/MAX United MacNair & Company alongside his brother, Drake MacNair ‘99, and father, Colin. Dean Thompson ’00 won the Fire in the Triangle Competition Dining Series in 2013 and 2014, becoming the first back-to-back champion. The Fire in the Triangle competition brought together many of the best in the culinary scene from across the Triangle area. Dean and his team at Flights moved on to the finals in the statewide Final Fire competition, which included the best of the best in chefs from Asheville, Wilmington, Charlotte, the Triad and the Triangle.
Emily Turgeon ’00 is the owner of Paladin Power and Speed, LLC, which offers premier speed, agility and strength training for athletes of all ages and sports backgrounds. Emily works with individuals of any age or gender to design unique programming to help gain speed and strength while becoming more resilient to injuries. Emily also has been training and will compete again in the North Carolina Strongest Man and Woman Competition.
Ian Cox ’01 , was announced the winner of the 2014 Eater Award for Bartender of the Year. The Eater Award is voted on by Eater’s local editors in 27 cities, recognizing the finest and most interesting chefs, operators and bartenders in the continent that have defined this year in dining.
Jason Hacker ‘02 received his BA in psychology from UNCW in 2006 and his masters in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago in 2008. He recently received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Jason has accepted a job offer at American University in Washington D.C. to be a staff clinician. Jason also received the “Dissertation Award for Professional Schools from the Council of Graduate Programs” from Loyola University for dissertation of the year. The dissertation title is: “Perceived Social Class, College Interest, and Post-Secondary Goals: An Application of the SCCT Interest and Choice Model.” Jason and his wife Amber are also excited to announce the birth of their son, Erik Daniel Hacker.
On November 10th at 11:56 AM, Trey Shannon ‘02 crossed the finish line at Victory Lane Karting in Charlotte, NC for the 1459th time, setting a new Guinness World Record of 455.8 miles, reclaiming a title he previously held in 2012 for distance traveled by a solo karting driver on an indoor circuit in 24 hours. Trey and his racing team help in raising funds and awareness for the national Tourette Syndrome Association.
Natalie Turgeon ’02 continued to shine on the stage, this year performing as Paulette in the Cary Players presentation of “Legally Blonde.” Since taking an acting class two years ago at Raleigh Little Theater, Natalie has appeared in “The Rainmaker”, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, “Cinderella” and “Divas”.
Spring 2015 |
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voices | CLASSIC CLASS NOTES GIBBONS
Kerri Dempsey Waller ’03 was awarded the 2013 Cobb County Schools Middle School art teacher of the year.
Nancy Boyce ‘07, holding the title of North Carolina Rose of Tralee, was elected during the Regional Rose of Tralee Festival as one of only 32 women to compete in the 2014 Rose of Tralee International Festival held annually in Kerry, Ireland.
2010s
Avery Ayres ’10 is a senior at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Avery is a current captain and a four year starter on the women’s soccer team. As a left back, she has helped lead this year’s team to a school record number of shutouts and tie the school record in number of wins. She is to be commissioned as an officer this spring.
Matthew Roberts ’07 and Andrea Booth ‘08 were married October 4, 2014.
Sally South Derr ’09 along with brother Isaac Derr ’15, make up the band The Commanderrs. The have recorded two albums, the 2014 release “Set Sail” and the 2015 release” Where Nobody Knows Me”, and play around the Triangle area and beyond. Sally also was a contestant on this year’s “American Idol”, being one of the artists asked to go to Hollywood.
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Becki DeLaRosa ‘10 graduated in December 2014 from East Carolina University’s College of Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences, earning both a BA in Philosophy (Medical Ethics) and a BSN. Both degrees were earned Cum Laude. She has accepted a RN position at WakeMed in their Oncology Unit.
Stephanie Miles ’10, Chloe Stapleton ’10 and Jen Shaeffer ’10 reunited while visiting Chloe at the US Naval Academy where she was a captain of the women’s basketball team.
Christina Dorismond ‘10 was named one of the top 30 honorees from 446 school nominees for the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year award while she played for the Furman Paladins volleyball team. She ranks third all-time in career hitting percentage for the Paladins and was named to the 2014 SoCon All-Conference Team, as well as the All-Tournament team.
Alex Place ’10 graduated from the College of Design at North Carolina State University and is employed at Design Dimension, Inc. Alex and Megan Barrett ’09 both helped complete an educational and interactive exhibit to tell the story of the first successful submarine in world history. Located in Charleston, SC at the Hunley Conservation Lab, this exhibit opened in March 2015.
Chloe Stapleton ’10, pictured with her mother Mimi, graduated from the US Naval Academy while serving as captain of the women’s basketball program during her senior year. Chloe will continue in the Navy on the USS Arlington. After graduating from Notre Dame, Rob Callus ’11 has committed to spend two years with the Jesuit Volunteers Corps and will be living and working in Tanzania as a high school English and Religion teacher. In addition, Rob will be in a clinic doing work with HIV research.
Al Drago ’11 has been named student photographer of the year by the most prominent organizations for photojournalists in the nation’s capital. The White House News Photographers Association honored Al as part of its 2015 “Eyes of History” student Still Photography contest.
CLASSIC CLASS GIBBONS NOTES | voices
During the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, Daniel O’Connell ’14 and Nick D’Andrea ’13, both members of the band at Duke and North Carolina State respectively, meet before their schools compete against each other.
Congratulations to the 302 graduates in the Class of 2015. Members of this class will represent Cardinal Gibbons at over 80 college campuses in the fall.
Hunter Smith ’12 enjoyed being a member of the Notre Dame football team this year.
Michael Parker ’13 and Haleigh Nelson ’13 reunite at a Wisconsin Badgers volleyball game, where Haleigh is a current member of the team. Haleigh helped lead the Badgers to the Final Four in her freshman year.
Morgan Reid ’14 and Christina Gibbons ’13 are both current members of the Duke University women’s soccer team. Both had stellar careers while at Cardinal Gibbons and continue to thrive in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Marissa Casson ’13, Maria DeRusso ’13, Elizabeth Rodriguez ’13 and Katie Sullivan ’13 all have been accepted into the College of Nursing at East Carolina University. Yanni Hachem ‘13, Ade Taiwo ‘14, Conor Donovan and Cameron Steele ‘14, joined by the Gibbons soccer coaches, all represented the NC State Wolfpack soccer program.
Michael Shulby ’13 has been elected as the 2015-2016 Residence Hall Association Executive Board President at the University of Arizona.
Submit your class note for next year’s Voices (maximum 100 words) and photograph if applicable to alumni@cghsnc.org.
Cameron Theobald ’13, who was a member of “Shady Sister” based out of Nashville, TN, has returned to the Raleigh area where he rejoins “The British Invaders” as lead guitarist and backup vocalist. You can find them on Facebook or ReverbNation to find show dates and times or audio clips of their music. Melissa Walsh ’13 has been accepted to the Middle Grades Education Program at the University of North Carolina School of Education.
Spring 2015 |
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voices |CAREER DAY
2014 Alumni Career Day The Eighth Annual Alumni Career Day was held Friday, February 6, 2015. During lunch periods, alumni spoke with our current students to explore different professional and educational experiences. Over 600 students participated in the day, asking questions, gathering information, and making networking connections. Mark your calendars to join us next year on Friday, February 12, 2016. Bishop Burbidge visited Career Day and spoke with Joe Ovies ’97 and Fred Moreno ’98.
Alanna Smith ’11 showcases a biomedical engineering model project.
Fr. John Forbes ’76 learns from our students about the professional foosball circuit.
Becki DeLaRosa ’10 participated in her first Career Day.
Raleigh Flyers owner Casey Degnan ’99 and sports talk radio host Joe Ovies ’97
Alumni joining us on campus were: Jordan Baskett ‘09 Student Pharmacist (UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy) Joanne Butler ‘81 Branch Sales Manager Business Banking (VantageSouth Bank) Cortney Ratz Cowan ‘95 Forensic Scientist (NC State Crime Labratory) Rosemary Czejkowski ‘82 Licensed Physical Therapist (Rex Rehabilitation & Nursing Care Center) R. Gene Davis ‘86 Attorney (Gene Davis Law) Casey Degnan ‘99 Owner/Entrepreneur/Athlete (Raleigh Flyers)
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Leslie Bryant ’82 and Rosemary Czejkowski ’82 are both Alumni Hall of Fame members.
Becki DeLaRosa ‘10 Registered Nurse (WakeMed Hospital) Very Rev. John J. Forbes ‘76 Pastor (Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church) Cynthia A. Frey ‘88 CPA / CGMA (American Institute of CPA’s) Ali Greiner ‘01 Director of Staff Operations (Pool Professionals) Paul Hammersley ‘04 Personal Banker (VantageSouth Bank) Bryan McGann ‘79 Senior Attorney (Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP.) and President (PPI Pet Products, Inc.) Fred Moreno ‘98 Associate Legal Counsel (NC Real Estate Commission)
William Sieredzki ’83, also a current parent, discusses computer application engineering professions.
Joe Ovies ‘97 Sports Talk Radio Host (99.9 The Fan/ ESPNRadio - The Adam and Joe Show) William Sieredzki ‘83 Application Engineer - ASIC Chip Design (Synopsys) Alanna Smith ‘11 Biomedical Engineer/Scientific Researcher (UNC-Chapel Hill Biomedical Engineer School) Kristen Sugg ‘07 Admissions Counselor (Meredith College) Mark Teder ‘80 Strategic Partners Manager (Ascom) Tyesha White ‘03 Human Resources Business Partner (GKN)
ALUMNI NEWS | voices
Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees The Cardinal Gibbons Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor outstanding alumni. This award recognizes alumni who have made distinguished contributions of time and talent to support the school and the spirit of its mission: to form men and women of faith, service and leadership in church and community. Alumni are nominated by their peers to the Hall of Fame for achievements made while in school and/or throughout their adult lives.
ADMINISTRATION
Cardinal Gibbons is proud to announce the members of the 2015 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees: Sr. Ann Marie Teder ’79, Rosemary Casey Czejkowski ’82, John Odenwelder ’86, Adam Hurley ‘99
Dr. Michael J. Fedewa Superintendent of Catholic Formation & Education, Diocese of Raleigh
Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge Bishop of Raleigh
Jason D. Curtis, Principal
THE OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Margie Clugston Director of The Office of Institutional Advancement Joseph Hoying ‘99 Alumni Coordinator Rachelle Garbarine Marketing & Publications Coordinator
ALUMNI THEATRE COMPANY The GASP (Gibbons Alumni Summer Project) Theatre Company will return this summer with more Gibbons Drama alumni driven theatrical productions. After the success of last summer’s inaugural effort, the GASP artistic team is currently in the process of selecting the summer 2015 offerings. GASP is committed to continuing the mission and experience of Gibbons Drama beyond graduation. GASP producers are Allison Driskill (09), local professional actor and director Jack Prather, and Gibbons Drama artistic director Kevin Ferguson. Auditions will be held in mid-May, but if you’re interested in being a part of GASP onstage or backstage, please contact Kevin Ferguson.
Shermanne Porter Database Coordinator Cover story and alumni spotlights written by Rachelle Garbarine Reporting/Writing/Editing/Photography Rachelle Garbarine, Annette Jay, Greg Mintel, Joseph Hoying ‘99, Diane Ripollone, the CGHS yearbook and newspaper photography staffs VOICES is published by The Office of Institutional Advancement of Cardinal Gibbons High School, 1401 Edwards Mill Road Raleigh, NC 27607 CONTACT US: If information has been omitted or incorrectly noted, please accept our apology. To notify us of the correction, to submit information for future issues of VOICES, or to request back issues of the magazine, please contact Joseph Hoying ‘99 at (919) 834-1625 x 278 or JHoying@cghsnc.org.
In Loving Memory James Frick ‘42 Dennis Murphy ‘62 Charles “Casey” Fischer ‘98 Michael Bria ‘00 Matthew Hollister ‘09 Gibbons Drama Alumni Ali Hammond, Matt Lyles, and Allison Driskill rehearsing last summer’s GASP production of The Actor’s Nightmare
“Lord, for your faithful people life is changed not ended.” Spring 2015 |
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit #2212 Raleigh, NC
Alumni Calendar 2015-2016 2015 May 22: Class of 2015 Senior Luncheon and Alumni Speaker
1401 Edwards Mill Road Raleigh, NC 27607
June 30: Last day to contribute to be included in the 2014-2015 Annual Report September 11: Family Football Night vs. Broughton @ CGHS – Tailgating October 2-3: SAVE THE DATE! HOMECOMING & REUNION WEEKEND – Events for ALL classes! Homecoming Football Game with tailgating, Alumni Appreciation Reception, Saturday events & more! Reunions held for classes ending in a “5” or “0”. Contact Alumni Coordinator Joseph Hoying ’99 @ JHoying@ cghsnc.org if you are interested in volunteering to help plan for this exciting weekend. October 5: CG Family Association Golf Tournament @ MacGregor Downs, Cary November 25-27: Alumni Games – Looking for participants for Lacrosse, Soccer, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball & more! Held us spread the word to your teammates.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION If this was addressed to your son or daughter who no longer live at this address, please send his/her updated contact information to our Alumni Coordinator at alumni@cghsnc.org so that we may update our database. Thank you.
Electronic Newsletter Beginning in January 2013, Cardinal Gibbons alumni have been receiving a monthly electronic newsletter. This is a quick and easy way to stay connected with the school and read about many of the different events happening throughout the year. If you have not been receiving this new monthly e-newsletter, please visit www.cghsnc.org/ContactInformation to update mailing and email addresses. Our goal is to reach each and every alumni.
2016 February 12: Alumni Career Day March 17: Stewardship Mass & Community Awards 2015 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction March 19: All Family Day of Service March 19: CG Family Association Spring Social April (TBA) Joey O’Bocce Classis for Cystic Fibrosis
Stay up to date with all our events at www. cghsnc.org/Alumni 24 | Cardinal Gibbons High School
Fr. Price Commemorative Plaque Bring home your own piece of Cardinal Gibbons history. Commemorative plaques with a piece of the floor from the Fr. Price Gymnasium are on sale now. Only 500 pieces will be produced. Information and order forms found online at www.cghsnc. org/Alumni or contact the Alumni Office at 919-834-1625 x 278.
Cardinal Gibbons Social Media Cardinal Gibbons embraces the web as well as the social media sites of Twitter and Facebook as tools to better communicate with our alumni and friends about the happenings on and around campus.
Search Joseph Hoying (GibbonsAlumni), Cardinal Gibbons High School and Cardinal Gibbons Alumni. Search Gibbons Alumni or @alumni_cghsnc
Web Pages: Stay up to date on life at Gibbons by bookmarking these useful sites: • Alumni ( www.cghsnc.org/alumni ) • News Center ( www.cghsnc.org/news ) • Athletics ( www.cghsnc.org/athletics ) • To Support Gibbons ( www.cghsnc.org/supportCGHS )
What would you like to see?
Do you know a graduate who would be an interesting Alumni Spotlight? Is there an alumni event that you feel would be a great addition to our alumni program? We want to hear from YOU, our graduates, on how we can better keep you informed or showcase all the wonderful successes of our alumni out in the community.
Email Alumni Coordinator at alumni@cghsnc.org to have your voice heard.