Connections
John Carroll Catholic High School Newsletter VOL XXV ISSUE IV JohnCarrollHigh.com l
Seniors in the school courtyard
Graduation at the Sunrise Theatre
“Blue and Gold” Award Winners
Table of Contents Best Wishes to the Class of 2009 Class of 2009........................Cover A Message From the President..2 School News.........................2 & 3 Office of IA Updates...................4 Alumni in Action.........................5 We Remember............................5 Alumni Engagements.................6 Alumni Marriages................6 & 7 Alumni Baby Announcements...8 Alumni Reunion Information.....9 2009 Award Winners......10 & 11 Alumni Update Form................12
Congratulations to the John Carroll High School Class of 2009! The group of talented students will be attending IRSC, state universities, state community colleges, and several private schools in Florida including Stetson, Palm Beach Atlantic, Jacksonville University, Flagler College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Full Sail University. Many graduates will be continuing their education at colleges and universities across the US including Penn State, University of Georgia, Clemson University, University of Mississippi, Troy University, St. Michael’s College, Elon University, Catholic University of America, and New York College. The majority of JCHS grads also received Bright Future Scholarships and thousands of dollars in additional scholarships ranging from full academic and athletic to various other merits. Many of these students will also be entering the Honors level classes in their collegiate studies and/or playing sports for their new schools. We wish the members of the Class of 2009 good luck in their studies and congratulate them on their graduation.
School News
A Message from the President
State Spanish Competition Team
Dear Friends and Alumni, This past year has been a challenge in many ways for our nation and community, but we have been blessed by our Lord abundantly here at JCHS and have much for which we can be thankful. Of course, to begin we congratulate the Class of 2009! We are proud of our history and look forward to the future. Because of our donors, supporters, and hard-working faculty and staff, our school remains in a strong position despite the state of the economy. Our students continue to demonstrate academic ability, talent, and a generosity of spirit in numerous community service projects. I am proud of what is going on at our school and of all of you, our John Carroll extended family. As we move into the summer months, I hope that you have a chance to relax and re-energize. Have a blessed summer, and we will see you again in the fall! Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Thomas E. Barrett President
Spring Musical a Success The school’s d r a m a department and instructor, Patti ZalnoskiMcGeown, selected
A n n i e Warbucks as
their Spring Musical and once again did an amazing job! The talented group of JC students was joined by a Lincoln Park Academy student and 11 St. Anastasia students! The cast of more than 30 was excited to present this musical, as it has not been performed in our local area in recent history! Congratulations on another wonderful performance by our theatre department! Please check our website for summer theatre camps for children offered in June.
Congratulations to John Carroll’s Spanish Competition Team, which competed in the FSSC in Orlando on April 2nd-4th. The group of twelve students performed exceptionally, bringing home awards from several categories. The students gave impromptu speeches, recited poetry, performed a play, and represented coutries with regional dress, entirely in Spanish. The team received fourteen out of eighteen “Sobresalientes”, which are the highest awards for each category. They also received two “Superiors” and one “Excelente.” The team received a perfect score on the its play as well.
County & Regional Envirothon Champions
Congratulations to the five JCHS Envirothon Teams that competed in the Regional Championship! The school won a combined total of three 1st places and three 2nd places and earned four of the top nine places! Special congratulations to new County and Regional Champions: Danny Irizarry, Victoria Delaporte, Mary Catherine Brown, Taylor Tench, and Brandon Paige! The group spent 5 hours taking written exams, performing hands-on demonstrations, and reciting oral presentations to prove to the judges they deserve 1st place and to move on to the State competition. Senior Danny Irizarry has been on a JCHS Envirothon team for the past three years and remarked, “Envirothon is a great competition because it teaches students the importance of taking care of the environment we live in. The research that we perform and the information we learn is applicable to everyday environment issues and rivals that of college level classes in the field. The judges at Nationals are current experts in the field and are always impressed with the cases that we study, especially because we have to prepare a presentation based on a current problem, and it is judged based on economic feasibility and site planning.”
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 2
School News
Third Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated
John Carroll High School was proud to dedicate its third Habitat for Humanity home on Saturday, March 21st! The home was built St. Lucie County Commisioner Chris Dzadovsky, in only 59 days, Principal Ben Hopper, Habitat home recipients, is larger than the sponsors Annette and Joey Miller, coordinator student-built home Dominick Scotto at the dedication ceremony. last year, and was completed for less money! Nearly every student participated in the construction of the home, and more than 2,700 volunteer hours were counted to complete the home. A very special thank you to the sponsor Joey Miller of St. Lucie Battery and Tire who has sponsored a home for the past three years. Thank you also to Dominick Scotto for being the John Carroll Coordinator and for facilitating the construction process. John Carroll High School looks forward to continuing its mission to make a positive impact in the community.
JCHS students and representatives at the 2009 home dedication.
J C Goes International
John Carroll’s Graphics Animation Advanced class taught by Mrs. Ronda Morse participated in the IMAG Project (International Music and Graphics) with former JC teacher Jason Bennett’s music tech class at theAmerican International School in Hong Kong. Mrs. Morse’s class created two minute animations in Adobe Flash CS3 and sent them to Hong Kong where Mr. Bennett’s class created electronic music to accompany the animations. All of the animations were combined into one video and shared overseas! The students also eagerly exchanged photographs and enjoyed working with their new foreign friends. The advanced Graphics Animation class with teacher Ronda Morse.
J C Wins Four Young Floridian Awards
John Carroll was privileged to have fourteen students compete in the St. Lucie County Young Floridian Program again this year with students from each county high school. One winner is selected per category whose record of achievement and service JCHS Young Floridian winners: Sara Matulonis (Art), Mark Daigle (Mathematics), Katie Ritter to school and community (Athletics), and Kim Ealeuthere (Music). best exemplifies the use of one’s abilities. The John Carroll nominees were Sabine Delouche (Academic Excellence), Sara Matulonis (Art), Katie Ritter (Athletics), Andrea Macon (Career & Technology), Anthony Stoffella (Computer Science/ Engineering & Architecture), Daniela Brao (Drama), Karina Livingston (Foreign Language), McKenzie Ivy (Human Services), Chelsea Walsh (Journalism/Communications), Chelsea Cutchens (Language Arts), Mark Daigle (Mathematics), Kim Ealeuthere (Music), James Lauriello (Science), and Alex Santiuste (Social Studies). These students were the recipients of a beautiful medallion and $150 book stipend. Four John Carroll students; Sara Matulonis, Katie Ritter, Mark Daigle, and Kim Ealeuthere; were winners in their categories and recipients of the twoyear tuition scholarship to Indian River State College, a $1,000 scholarship from the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and a Young Floridian trophy. John Carroll is proud of those students who won and of those who participated. Preparing their packets, acquiring recommendation letters, having lunch with distinguished judges, going through the interview process, and being a participant in the awards ceremony are all wonderful experiences for the students.
JCHS Young Floridian Nominees
JCHS Connections Summer 2009
Page 3
Updates from the...
Office of Institutional Advancement JENNIFER (MELVILLE) TREFELNER (1999) Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement Thank you for making the 2008-2009 JCHS fundraisers, special events, alumni reunions, and school programs successes! It is a true pleasure to see the spirit of our John Carroll family and communities come together in the spirit of giving. This summer the Office of Institutional Advancement looks forward to working on the school’s strategic plan, fine tuning fundraisers, planning new events, meeting with other professionals in the area, and planning for the coming year. On April 21st it was my honor to be awarded Florida Public Relations Association, Treasure Coast Chapter, Communicator of the Year Award for a non-profit organization. It was a pleasure to represent John Carroll at the elegant ceremony, and I look forward to continuing to educate our community on the amazing work of our school and students next year. Thank you again for your continued support and generosity. Best Regards, Joey and Jennifer Trefelner at the 2008-2009 Florida Public Relations Association Award Ceremony
J C Hosts 5K for 250 Supporters
Congratulations to the winners in the men’s 15-19 age category!
Jennifer (Melville) Trefelner (1999)
John Carroll High School was proud to host its first 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk on Saturday, March 21st! More than 250 enthusiastic runners and walkers braved the rainy weather to participate in the fun event. Each participant was treated to a delicious breakfast buffet featuring warm praline French toast, homemade casseroles, fruit platters, baked goods, a trendy tee shirt, and a packed goodie bag. Thank you to the event sponsors, participants, and to more than 70 supportive volunteers, and especially to Race Chairman Sue Ellen Sanders.
J C ’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament
John Carroll’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament, held on April 25th, was a huge success and fun for all who participated! Event Sponsors and Corporate Sponsors were treated to personalized coolers of beverages and snack bags when they arrived at their carts. Golfers enjoyed their goodie Jeff Shultz (third from left) bags, friendly volunteers, a sunny day of congratulates 3rd Place winners golf with friends, raffle items, and tasty Nick Rains, Hyman Rains, food and beverages throughout the day. Glenn Rains, and Billy Nipper. A very special thank you to Holy Cross Catholic Church and Zeta Technology for being Event Sponsors! Thank you also to our generous, corporate, tee/green, and in-kind sponsors and to the tournament chairman, Jeff Shultz. Congratulations to Mike DiFrancesco, Rod Kennedy, Jeff Sacco, and Mike Schramm on DiFrancesco Construction Team for winning the tournament two years in a row! Second place winners were Joey Trefelner, Brandon Campeau, Steve Cheyne, and Dave Keller, while third place winners were Glenn Rains, Nick Rains, Hyman Rains, and Billy Nipper on Rains Insurance Team.
Mark Swart is congratulated for winning the Men’s Overall Award by Jennifer Trefelner and Ben Hopper.
Proud winners of the boys’ 10 and under runners show off their big muscles!
Hank Fee, Joe Lott, Mark Stromak, and Frankie Lott represented Weinstein, Jones, & Associates, a Corporate Sponsor in the event.
Mike DiFrancesco, Jeff Sacco, Mike Schramm, and Rod Kennedy won the tournament!
alumni in action 1961 2005
John C. Davidek has received a study-grant from the Gilder Lehrman Foundation and Yale University to attend the “Middle Passage: A Shared History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. Ten American teachers were chosen to be joined by ten British educators, along with a like number of Ghanaian teachers. They will study collaboratively at an institute near Accra, Ghana, West Africa. “ One part of our study will be touring local slave forts, especially the largest, most infamous one, Elmiwa.” The institute program of study is from July 31st to August 10th.
1988
Paul Sokolowski and his wife Tamara are proud to announce the opening of their new business, Event Concepts. Paul is also a Sergeant with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. To learn more about their company please visit www.eventconcepts.org. Friends wishing to contact Paul and Tamara can find them on Facebook.
Caroline Blanton graduated spring 2009 from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Communications, an Interdisciplinary Studies minor, and a Public Relations concentration. Caroline was an active member of the Sign Language Club, Sigma Alpha Pi Leadership Society, and was the President of the Florida Public Relations Association at her school. Caroline plans to move to Stuart and pursue a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Friends can contact Caroline at sweetcaroline618@yahoo.com.
2005
Dennis McGuire graduated spring 2009 from Fordham University in Bronx, New York, with a Business Administration degree and an Entrepreneurial Studies concentration. Dennis has been hired by Ecosphere Technologies in Stuart and will begin working summer 2009. Friends can contact Dennis at dcmcguirejr@yahoo.com
We Remember...
1965
Mary Catherine Pommerville, 61, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by loving family members. After high school, she attended Indian River Junior College and the College of St. Scholastica earning a B.A. in Medical Records in 1970. On March 21, 1970, she marred Gerald A. Pommerville in Duluth. Mary was a very compassionate person known as a great listener. She served as a volunteer with the St. Mary’s Grief Support Center;
she was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Ridgeview Country Club, and a past member of the American Medical Record Association. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling,walking, and spending time outdoors, especially when it involved walleye fishing. “Grandma Mary” relished spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed shopping for them. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Eleanor Beckfelt; her daughter, Christine D. Pommerville; and her brother, Jerome Beckfelt. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Jerry; her daughter Renee (Aaron) Lange; her twin granddaughters, Piper and Anika; grandson, Deion; her brother, Rev. Fr. John W. Beckfelt; and her sister, Sr. Eleanor Ann Beckfelt, O.S.B.
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 5
1999
Engagements
Lauren Harrick is engaged to Brian Duncan of Kansas City, MO. Lauren graduated with her undergraduate degree from Samford University and the University of Alabama with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Lauren serves as the Client Services Coordinator for a transitional housing program in Washington, DC. Brian is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and Georgetown University Law. He is a fourth year Associate for Skadden, Arps in DC. The couple resides in Washington, DC and is planning a small ceremony and reception at the Jekyll Island Club in October of 2009.
2001
Holly Karlman is engaged to Paul Sinnott (’03), a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Special Forces. They were engaged on July 1, 2008, in London, England, and plan to wed on October 24, 2009, in Fort Pierce. Holly is an adjunct faculty member at Austin Peay State University and works in the wellness department at the Clarksville YMCA. Holly and Paul currently live in Clarksville, TN. Friends may contact them at hollyk1221@yahoo.com
1989
Marriages
Julianne Loree and Art Gagliardo were married on April 18, 2009, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. The reception was held at Tradition Town Hall.
1 9 9 6 Shaunesi Slay and Harry David Maxwell were married on November, 8, 2008,
in Fort Pierce. Alumni in the wedding included Stephanie (Meitner) Myers. Shaunesi is currently employed by Nurse on Call, Inc. as a scheduler while David is owner of Dave’s Live Baits and is also employed by the State of Florida as the nuisance alligator trapper. They are expecting their first child together in October. Shaunesi’s daughter Kaitlynne is 12 years old and attends Lincoln Park Academy, and David has a 4-year-old son named Landon.
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 6
2002
Jacob Concannon and Jaymie Wilson were married on March 13, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Hotel in Melbourne, FL. Alumni in the wedding party included Nicole Ciufo (’01), Amanda Concannon (’08), Chris Chibas (’02), Gerard Ciufo (’02), and Chase Steele (’03). After a honeymoon cruise to Nassau Bahamas and Coco Cay, the couple plans to reside in Port St. Lucie, FL.
2002
Dawn Alford graduated from Delaware State University on a full volleyball scholarship. She married Bryce Jones, son of Dr. Glenn Jones and step-son of JCHS teacher Becky Jones, on July 25, 2008. Alumni in the wedding party included Matron of Honor MyChau (Diggins) Birth (’02), Anna (Forget) Babcock (’02), and Jessica (Hamilton) Tedder (’02). This past year Dawn worked for St. Anastasia School as a 6th grade teacher and a volleyball coach at John Carroll. She received a Graduate Assistant position at Division 1 Butler University, in Indianapolis, as the assistant coach for the volleyball program starting in the summer of 2009. Bryce graduated from Florida Atlantic University with his Masters in Forensic Accounting and is a Special Agent for the Federal Government.
2003
Brandon Langel and Vanessa Allen were married on March 7, 2009, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church with a reception following at Quail Creek Plantation. The wedding party included Joy (Summerlin) Yancy (’90) (Matron of Honor), Amanda Dillon (Maid of Honor), Peggy Quandt, Esperanza Ortiz, Brittney Walker, Dina (McNeill) Hicks (’90), Jennifer (Langel) Grimes (’93), Becky (Langel) Blackwell (’94), Nikki (Langel) Blackwell (’99); Best Man Vince Randolph, Christopher Langel (’08), Robert Allen, Moon Crossman, John Robert Williams, Timmy Grimes, Chris Blackwell, Mark Blackwell, and flower girl Jensen Hicks. The ring bearers were Robbie Yancy, Brady and Kellen Blackwell, Jaxon and Cooper Grimes, and Ethan and John Mason Blackwell. The couple will reside in Fort Pierce.
2006
Kevin Cosgrove married Kristie Gunther on December 27, 2008, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. The reception followed at Historic City Hall. Kathleen Cosgrove, sister of the groom, served as a bridesmaid, Morgan Cosgrove was the flower girl, and David Lineburg (’06) was one of the groomsmen. Kristie is a graduate of IRSC and is attending FAU. She is currently in the last semester of her bachelor’s degree. Kevin is a Service Technician at St. Andrews Pointe and will be returning to school part-time shortly. “God has blessed us with the pregnancy of our second child shortly after the marriage, and the baby is due September 26th”.
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 7
Baby Announcements 1978 Congratulations to Bill Moulton and his wife Pam on the arrival of their baby daughter Emily. Emily was born on April 22nd 2009, weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces. The couple resideS in Port St. Lucie and can be contacted at TheMoultons0235@comcast.net.
1994 Katie (Camber) Lynn and her husband Dustin welcomed their third child Mackenzie Kathleen on December 18, 2008. She weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. Mackenzie joins her sister, Zoey (2 ½) and brother, Dylan (12). Katie is teaching 8th grade math, algebra, and geometry in North Port, FL. She can be contacted at figment2002@comcast.net.
2000 Molly (Emerick) Griffeth and her husband Corbin are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Leah Marie. She was born on January 25, 2009, weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces.
1995 Sharon (Wormser) Moylan and her husband Tom are proud to announce the birth of their son, Joseph Isaac. Joseph was born on February 7, 2009. He weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long.
1996 Rachel (Gerakaris) and Eric Tomko welcomed with love their second child Lyla Rose on February 20, 2009. “Yai-ya”, as her brother Isaac calls her, weighed 8 pounds 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. “Lyla was named for our grandmothers on both sides of the family. She loves smiling at her big brother, and he couldn’t be more protective or gentle with her. We are so thankful for the blessings of our children.”
1998 Natalie Webb and Ken Densmore welcomed their first child Sabrina Rose Densmore on January 11, 2009. She was 6 pounds 14 ounces and 20.5 inches long.
2002 Jayme (Kaminski) Reyes and her husband Ryan are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Rylie Anne born February 24th in Stuart. Rylie weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. Jamie is employed as an RN in the emergency room of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Jamie, Ryan, son Logan (17 months), and their new daughter Rylie reside in Port St. Lucie.
“Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.” - Psalm 127: 3
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 8
Reunion Information
Class of 1969
The Class of 1969 reunion was held Saturday, June 13th at the home of Mary Jo Tierney in Fort Pierce. Guests enjoyed dinner of prime rib and chicken. On Sunday, classmates enjoyed mass at St. Anastasia Church. Thank you to Mimi (Bolin) Ewan , Bob Sinnott, Lou Forget, Jr., Joanne (Curry) Hearn, Nancy (Frederick) Gollnick, Bernadette (Nelson) Emerick, and Liberta Scotto for planning the event.
Class of 1974
The class of 1974 is planning a 35-year reunion on Saturday, July 11th from 3:00-10:00, at the home of Guido & Deanna Chibas. Dinner will be served at 5:00. Dress is casual for the family friendly event, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit to enjoy the pool. We would like to invite any JCHS alumni who would like to attend, and as always we are including the classes of 1973 & 1975. Call Judi (Hazellief) Newell Seniors Mary Lee and Kenneth Gilmore at (772) 971-0005 or email were the class of 1974’s Homecoming her at gatorluver420@yahoo. king and queen. com for more information.
Class of 1979
The Class of 1979 had a very successful reunion June 12-14, 2009! The energetic group invited the classes of 1978 and 1980 to the Friday night mixer with live music and delicious food. Saturday classmates enjoyed a morning of golf and a causal yet elegant buffet dinner Saturday night. Sunday a picnic was held for all to enjoy. Thank you to committee members Sondra (Losko) Quatraro, Dorothy (Ford) O’Guin, Mary Enns, and John McAninley. A special thank you to Mary Enns and Lori (Denissen) Peed for opening their homes for the evening events and to Colleen Nash Becht for donating a original watercolor, which was auctioned off to help defray the cost of the events.
Classes of 1983 & 1984
Members of the Classes of 1983 and 1984 would like to invite classmates to a party on Saturday August 1st at Cobb’s Landing. There will be a charge at the door for appetizers, and a cash bar will be available. Please email Lisa (Crider) Brown at CoolBeadz@yahoo. com (1983) or Laura (Koblegard) Reilly at LauraKReilly@bellsouth. net (1984) for more information.
Class of 1984’s class couple senior superlative winners, Christine Callahan David Bracken
Class of 1989
The class of 1989 will be having its 20-year reunion the weekend of July 17-19 in Fort Pierce. Friday night there will be a social at Cobb’s Landing. Saturday there will be a lunch and golf outing during the day. Saturday night there will be a semiformal dinner and The class clowns of the class of 1989, dance at Gator Trace Country Dave Felix and Krissy Rhoden. Club from 6:30-11:30 pm. Sunday there will be a brunch at JCHS, followed by a tour of the school. We would like to open up our reunion to our friends in the classes of 1987, 1988, and 1990 as well. For more details please contact Ershela Sims at DrErsh@aol.com or Kirsten (Bancroft) Mills at ckmills@aol.com.
Class of 1999
The Class of 1999 will be having its reunion July 17-19, 2009, from 6:00-9:00 pm. Friday night there will be a party at Cobb’s Landing in Fort Pierce with light appetizers and a cash bar. Casual attire and spouses/dates are welcome. Cobb’s Landing is located at 200 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL (www.cobbs-landing.com). Saturday there will be a family picnic party at Jaycee Park Beach from 11:00 am-2:00 pm, with a catered lunch by Dale’s Bar-B-Q. Jaycee Park is located at the corner of South Ocean Drive & Melaleuca Drive South A1A, Hutchinson Island (http://onhutchinsonisland. com/florida/boating/jaycee-park-south-hutchinson-island/). Saturday night there is a formal dinner at Grand Harbor Beach Club in Vero Beach from 7:00-11:00 pm. Attire is dressy (no denim- club rules). Grand Harbor is located at 8500 Highway A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 (www. grandharbor.com). Sunday is a time to catch up with close high school friends at your leisure or take the day to travel home safely. The cost of the weekend is $55 per person (excludes alcoholic beverages only) or $110 per couple. For those bringing children to the picnic on Saturday, please include an additional $5/child. Children under 4, no charge. All payments must be collected by June 30, 2009. Your check will be the RSVP. Checks for the event should be made out to Brooke (Fyler) Maynard and sent to: Brooke Maynard, 3616 Arlington Oaks Ct., Tampa, FL 33618. Questions, please call Brooke Maynard at 813-299-3510 or email at BrookeEMaynard@yahoo.com
Senior Homecoming Court: Anthony Guettler, Erin Glaser, Ryan Johnson, Nicole Langel, Luke Wyvratt, Brooke Flyer, Bryan Hogan, Erin McDermid, Adam Vincent, Jennifer Melville, Samuel Hoeffner, and Sue Ellen Guettler.
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 9
Congratulations to...
Teacher of the Year: Karen Vercillo
Congratulations to the 2009 John Carroll High School Teacher of the Year, Karen (Stromak) Vercillo! Karen (1993) is married to fellow alumni Tony (1993), and they have two children Anthony (3) and Emma (10 months). Karen has a degree in Sociology from UCF and teaches Personal Fitness and Life Management. Karen has made numerous changes to the program and now runs a highintensity workout regime and focuses on improving the fitness of every student. The variety of her curriculum includes military personnel visiting campus and hosting “mini-bootcamps”, using the latest fitness equipment, popular music, and workout routines that will improve the student-athletes’ performances. Did you know that Karen is the third member of the Vercillo family to teach Personal Fitness at JC (her father-in-law, David and husband Tony both taught PE, too!) “Staying fit has always been a priority to me, and I love to see others get excited about improving their level of fitness,” Karen remarked.
Volunteers of the Year: Mike & Miriam Burns Mr. and Mrs. Burns have been married for 23 years and have three children (Michael (2008), Mitchell (2009), and Mark (13 years old). Mike is a certified financial planner with Wells Fargo Securities and is the interim Branch Manager. Miriam is a stay-at-home mom who loves to volunteer at St. Helen’s and JCHS. The duo served as Presidents of the Basketball Booster Club for 3 years, organized the basketball program for 2 years, and served as the Football Booster Club Presidents for 1 year. Miriam has also volunteered for the lunch program weekly and for the 300 Club Committee. The dedicated couple also supported the Annual Campaign Fund for five years and the Gym Fundraiser, where Mike served on the gymnasium fundraising committee. In the community Mr. Burns has coached soccer, basketball, and football, served as a board member chairman of the Abilities Resource Center, and on the board for the St. Helen Harvest Festival. Miriam has been active in Junior League, is on the United Way of Indian River County board, and is very active at St. Helen’s Catholic Church and School.
Parents’ Guild President: Diana Hanna Diane Hanna (1979) has proudly served the Parents’ Guild for seven years and has been the President for the past four years. She has also volunteered as the Parents’ Guild Baccalaureate Reception Chairman and Vice-President, as well as the cross country and track teams.
Diane is an alumna of JCHS as are two of her children Ian (2006) and Leeanne (2009). Her son, Kyle is a freshman at Jensen Beach High School. Diane has been a teacher with St. Lucie County for 23 years having mostly taught kindergarten and is also a volunteer with the State Park in Fort Pierce. “It has been a great ride and loads of fun to be heavily involved with the students of JC. They are truly a treasure to behold.”
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 10
Alumni of the Year: Derrick Gibson
Derrick (1989) and his wife Kola have three children: son Keenan Dixon-Gibson (JCHS student), Jasmine (12), and Derica (8). Derrick is a Probation Officer Specialist for the Florida Department of Corrections, where he has worked for the past 15 years. While attending JCHS, Derrick ran track and played on the varsity football team. Since 2005 he has been an assistant varsity football coach, an assistant track coach, and head track coach. Most recently, Derrick helped to coach JCHS Sophomore Justin Osking to a State Championship in the shot put. Derrick has proudly served as mentor at Garden City Elementary School & Samuel Gaines Academy, has spoken as a Probation Officer at Dan McCarty Middle School & Stuart Middle School, and has volunteered as Pop Warner Football Coach for 7 years. We agree with one of Derrick’s favorite quotes: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
Business Partner of the Year: Big Apple Pizza, Fort Pierce
Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza in Fort Pierce, continues his community support and philanthropy at John Carroll. His wife Dawn and three children, Scott (2008), Jordan (JCHS Senior), and Joe (incoming JCHS Freshman) reside in Port St. Lucie. Big Apple Pizza proudly provides lunch on a weekly basis for students, pre-game meals for athletes, donates meals for school events, and caters numerous functions on campus. Big Apple Pizza has been so generous to JCHS, and we are grateful for Scott’s support. He donates to all of our special events and fundraisers, is proactive in finding areas of need on campus, and is always enthusiastic to work with. “Even though I didn’t graduate from John Carroll, I feel like a member of the John Carroll family. Thank you for making me feel that way.” In 2008 he created the Van Duzer Foundation to help families in the community who are suffering through a personal tragedy or crisis. The goal of the foundation is to make life better for the community and to encourage volunteerism among members of the community – especially youth.
Coach of the Year: Brian Siringo
John Carroll teacher and coach Brian Siringo is married to a John Carroll teacher, Allison, and has two children Taylor (8) and Nicholas (6). Brian is a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School where he played football, golf, and was an All-Area and AllState soccer player. He continued playing soccer and golf at Wingate University in North Carolina on a full soccer scholarship. Mr. Siringo has been a teacher for a total of 11 years working in the Palm Beach County public school system, St. Joseph Catholic School, and JCHS. His coaching resume includes girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer and boys’ varsity golf. This outstanding coach also serves as a lector for St. Anastasia church and is a volunteer soccer and baseball coach for St. Anastasia School. “I love coaching and teaching. Any award I receive is because of my students and athletes. Without them, I am just a man sitting on the sideline watching a game.”
JCHS Connections Summer 2009 Page 11
JCHS Update Form
Blue and Gold Goes Green…
In order to keep our alumni database updated and maintain the success of the Alumni Newsletter, please complete the form below and return it to John Carroll High School. If you would like to include information regarding a new address, job, promotion, engagement, wedding, anniversary, birth, family news, reunion information, or an obituary, please do so. We also welcome your opinions, so please tell us your thoughts. Name: __________________________________________Year of Graduation: _____________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________
In an effort to decrease our mailing costs and increase communications, John Carroll is asking for your email address. We would like to add you to our Constant Contact email group and send you school updates, reunion information, special event bulletins, etc. The emails will be sent approximately twice a month. Please take the time to email Jennifer Trefelner at alumni@johncarrollhigh.com to be added to the email list or return this form.
Email Address: __________________________________________________________________ Home Telephone Number: (
)___________________Work: (
) ____________________
Place of Employment: ___________________________________________Job Title: ____________________________________________________ Spouse’s Name: ___________________________________________ Is he or she a John Carroll Graduate? __________If so, what year: __________ Spouse’s place of employment: ____________________________________Spouse’s Job Title: ___________________________________________ Children’s Names and ages: __________________________________________________________ News or comments:
Check here to receive our Constant Contact emails.
Label MUST cover this area. Label MUST be straight.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
John Carroll High School 3402 Delaware Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34947-6116
Non Profit Organ. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 555 Ft. Pierce, FL