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Summer 2014
David Lam P’08, ’09 Lasallian Volunteer of the Year
La Salle Fundraising Soars Thanks to 1,570 parents, alumni and friends, La Salle enjoyed its third record-setting year in a row, with just over $1,781,000 raised during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. This figure includes $650,630 raised for the ongoing Lancer Athletic Campaign, an initiative to renovate the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, bring air conditioning to the Duffy Lewis Gymnasium, and expand the strength and conditioning facilities. For all of you who played a role in these successes: THANK YOU!
10 Lancer Magazine is published three times a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement at La Salle High School of Pasadena, Inc. for alumni, parents and friends.
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Inquiries and/or correspondence should be directed to: John C. Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications La Salle High School 3880 East Sierra Madre Boulevard Pasadena, California 91107-1996 626.696.4316 jblackstock@lasallehs.org All pages are displayed on the La Salle website. www.lasallehs.org OFFICERS & ADMINISTRATIONS Board of Trustees: Ms. Tamara Flowers, Chair Sister Marilyn Bender, CSJ Mr. James Canny ’65 Mr. Tom Caulfield Mr. Peter Godfrey Mr. Michael Harper Mr. W. Robert Kohorst ’71
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Mr. Robert Nuccio ’71 Mr. Ray Pearl, Jr. ’99 Mr. Ryan Resurreccion Mr. Barry Schweiger ’60 Br. Kevin Slate, FSC Dr. Vera Vignes
Board of Regents: Dennis Jebbia, Esq. (Chair) Mr. Doug Campbell Mrs. Colleen Deziel, P’17 Mr. Raymond Ealy, P’13 Peter Godfrey, Esq., P’07,’08 Mr. Peter S. Griffith, P’00,’03 Scott Hancock, Esq., P’11,’11,’11 Mr. Brett Hardy, P’16 Mr. David Lam, P’08,’09 Mr. Joe Lumarda, P’14 Mr. Edward Malicdem ’88, P’16 Mr. Tom Radle, P’17 Mr. Brent Schoenbaum, P’16
Mr. David Skibinski Mr. Craig Sloane, P’09,’11,’13 Mr. Michael W. Stoddard, P’07,’10,’12,’15 Mrs. Lisa Urbina, P’09,’10,’16 Ms. Yolanda Valadez, P’08 Mrs. Sheri Wedeen, P’17,’17 Ms. Serena Flowers Williams, P’04,’06 Mr. Brad Wright ’73, P’07,’12 Joseph M. Zanetta, J.D., P’12
Alumni Board: Mr. Jeff Weigand ’67, P’02, ’05, ’08, Chair Ms. Susan Ehring ’97 Ms. Angie Gilliam ’02 Mr. Tony Messineo ’80 Ms. Stacie Torres Nyborg ’99
Mr. Steve Peterson ’85 Mr. Robin Quintanilla ’03 Mr. Mike Sullivan ’70, P’08, ’13 Mr. Jesse Toribio ’93, P’15 Mr. Phil Velasco ’07
Administration: Dr. Richard Gray, President Brother Christopher Brady, FSC, Principal Mr. Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission Mr. Brandon Birr ’03, Dean of Students Mr. Jon Keates, Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Robert Packard, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Edgar Salmingo, Jr., Associate Principal for Academic Life
FEATURES The Crystal Ball Honors David Lam P’08, ’09 .................................... 5 The 15th Annual Crystal Ball was a beautiful Black & White Affair The 55th Commencement Exercises ............................................... 10 Ninety percent of the Class of 2014 to attend four-year colleges and universities The Taming of the Shrew Goes West ............................................... 18 The Drama Department stages Shakespeare’s play with a western twist Lancers Set Records in Quest for League and CIF Success ............... 22 Track and tennis athletes lead Lancers into playoffs John Ring Goes on Sabbatical ........................................................ 28 After 41 years “Mr. History” heads east to study the west The Great “Blue” Mandala ............................................................. 34 A collaborative student-teacher project produces a unique sand masterwork
Editor: Mr. John C. Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications Publication and Production: KGB Studios, Los Angeles Editorial Contributors: Mr. Arthur Richards Ms. Jade Rogers ’01
Mrs. Kristen Schultz ’98
Photo Credits: Cover: Hoang Nguyen Inside Front and Back Covers: John Blackstock ’67 Pages: 5, 6, 7 Hoang Nguyen. Pages: 8, 9 courtesy Alex Plumb ’06. Pages: 1, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 19, 20, 21, left, 22, 28, 34, 35, 46 bottom, 51, 52 John Blackstock ’67. Pages: 14, 15, 16, 29, 38, Bain Photography, Pasadena. Page: 21, right, courtesy Megan Foley. Pages: 23, 24, 25 courtesy Athletic Department. Pages: 30, 31, 32, 33 courtesy of Eric Lilavois. Page: 36 California State Ambassadors. Page: 37 courtesy Malone Lumarda, Stephen Boyer. Page: 39 Elizabeth Mullin, Pages: 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, top, Kristen Schultz ’98. On the Cover: David Lam, Lasallian Volunteer of the Year with his wife Angelina.
DEPARTMENTS La Salle Matters ............................................................................. 2 Principal Ideas ............................................................................... 4 Making a Difference ........................................................................ 8 Alex Plumb ’06 Amazing Lancers .......................................................................... 26 Alumni Profile .............................................................................. 30 Eric Lilavois ’97 Faculty Update ............................................................................. 42 Staying Connected ........................................................................ 44
© 2014 La Salle High School of Pasadena, Inc.
SUMMER 2014
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
matters
La Salle I
recently received an email from a La Salle alum who is an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California, inviting me (and others) to follow his Blog he had created to chart his summer internship at the Hong Kong outpost of USC. On many levels, he’s a remarkable young man. As a high school student, Roque Valiente ’11 regularly achieved a 4.0 (or higher) GPA, was on our track and field team, involved in Student Life and was a Student Ambassador; oh, and he was a San Miguel Scholar as well. Most members of the La Salle community know that the School provides nine San Miguel (full tuition) scholarships to incoming freshmen from Catholic elementary schools who demonstrate financial need and academic potential. Over time, they have proved to be an impressive lot - earning an average GPA of 3.1 - similar to that of their tuition-paying counterparts at La Salle. Even within the talent pool of the San Miguel Scholars, Roque is unusual. His drive to achieve in and out of the classroom was evident from the first moment he stepped on campus. He embraced life at La Salle with a gusto that is rare among young adolescents. So, it was no surprise to me that Roque was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to attend USC’s Marshall School of Business. Having just completed his junior year at USC, Roque’s enthusiasm for learning opportunities didn’t begin with his journey to Hong Kong. He had already served as a Fellow at a marketing firm based in New Jersey and he was one of 90 students selected last summer to intern in Taipei for two months through the University-sponsored Global Fellows Internship Program. Now he’s in Hong Kong this summer assisting in the launch of the University’s international academy. This internship is highly competitive and Roque was one of two USC students selected to participate. All this while excelling in his course work and being selected as captain of the USC Trial Advocacy Team…and now he is blogging about the experience. As I thought about how much Roque has accomplished in three short years, it occurred to me that, in addition to his intellectual talent, intense commitment to the task at hand and amazing resolve, there is an additional factor, rooted in the culture of La Salle that, as the Marketing Committee of the Board of Regents likes to remind me from time-to-time, is often obscured by our tendency towards modesty in celebrating the accomplishments of our students. That factor - embracing diversity as an educational end in itself - pushes our students to become their best selves in the four short years they spend with us. Embracing diversity has been at the center of the philosophy of Lasallian schools across the globe since Saint John Baptist de La Salle founded them over 300 years ago. As one commentator once observed: “La Salle believed that, rather than undermining society, the education of the poor and working class would lift all of society.”
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Indeed, so successful were his schools that middle class and affluent families were soon attracted to them. Brother Gerard Rummery, FSC, a prolific educational philosopher on the unique value of Lasallian schools, framed their contribution this way: “The counter to this (schools segregated by wealth and class) was the school which “ran well” (a frequent expression of De La Salle), where all children could come irrespective of their social status, and where all could obtain the basic education which made them capable of obtaining useful steady employment, thereby enhancing their human dignity.” In short, Brother Gerard notes that “La Salle made it possible for the poor boy and the better off boy to sit on the same benches.” This was a key element of De La Salle’s educational genius and continues to characterize today’s Lasallian schools located in over 83 countries. By making it possible for wealth and class to become irrelevant in the school, De La Salle made it possible for teachers and students to learn from each other - “together and by association.” At La Salle, we celebrate the rich dynamic that is created when students from all walks of life gather together in the same space. We know that the bonds of friendship - of association - nurtured in an ethnically and economically diverse world benefits everyone and makes it possible for students to become their best selves. At La Salle, Roque’s story is impressive, but not unique. We expect every student, regardless of background, to seize opportunities as they present themselves, to stretch the limits of their imagination and to look to their peers for lessons that only a diverse student body is capable of producing. This issue of Lancer Magazine features a number of stories about the impact students, alums, parents of alums, administrators, teachers and coaches are making with respect to the “La Salle Difference.” After reading them, I think you’ll agree that La Salle High School is a Petri Dish when it comes to nurturing academic, artistic, athletic and spiritual talent.
Dr. Richard Gray President
* I asked Roque if I could share his Blog with the readers of this space. He was happy to give me permission:
https://roquehk2014.blogspot.com/
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Principalideas E
very few months, I receive a reminder from our Director of Communications, John Blackstock ’67 that the due date for my article submission for Lancer Magazine is quietly approaching. It’s great to get the reminder but more importantly for me, it causes me to ask that question, “What do I write this time?” What pearls of wisdom can I offer? Well, with this issue I’m going to take it in a different direction…my summer excursion. After my parents retired from their professional careers in the mid-1970s and fulfilled their responsibilities to nurture and guide my siblings (and God did THEY need it!), they decided it was time for them to finally do a bit of travel. The British Isles was first on their list followed by the 49th state in the Union – Alaska. Based on their recommendation, I made my way to England, Ireland and Scotland in 1992. I finally decided it was time to follow in their footsteps and see The Last Frontier. So, last October I booked a 10 day land/cruise trip to see Alaska. My traveling compatriot was my sister Terri who added to the adventure by taking my picture at every turn, providing wonderful conversation and laughing at my attempted humor. The 10 days disappeared far too quickly! Since I made the commitment to travel to Alaska last October, I had eight and a half months to get ready for the trip. Eight and a half months of anticipation! I recalled all the stories that others had shared with me over the years on their trips to the state. Their recounting of what they saw, and heard, and smelled and of the pure WOW factor they experienced! When I boarded the plane at LAX that June 25 morning, I realized that the “pure anticipation” of the trip was going to be difficult to top. Could my actual experience be better than what I had heard? Lesson #1: I have come to realize (again) that so much of the enjoyment of traveling and seeing the sights actually occurs before I even leave home. My imagination had painted the perfect picture and I was ready for it. My air flights took me to Seattle and then Fairbanks. The accommodations the first evening looked out on a beautiful flowing river. One needs to know that with Alaska being so far north the summer months never really experience total darkness. The sun set at about 10:30pm and remained on the horizon until about 4:00am We traveled to Denali National Park and then had a rare experience – an unobstructed view of the top of Mt. McKinley – the tallest mountain peak in North America at 20,000+ feet. We were told that the unobstructed view of Mt. McKinley only happens about five days a year because of cloud cover. Because of its sheer size, Mt. McKinley dwarfed every other mountain top. The magnificence of God’s creation was a wonder to behold! Although I captured an image of it on my iPhone, it just doesn’t do it justice. Lesson #2: Although we were told not to expect to see the top, you just have to let Mother Nature work her magical ways and enjoy the surprise. After a visit to a dog kennel (what an experience!) that trains the animals for the Iditarod, we hopped on board a train for a six hour journey to Whittier where we boarded our ship. The seven day cruise through the Inside Passage and to the ports of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan were marvelous. Of particular note and most stunning were the glaciers – Mendenhall and Hubbard. In trying to find words to describe them, I keep returning to “majestic”! The enormity and sheer magnitude of them could not be fully appreciated by me until I actually saw them. Yes, I had heard about them and seen pictures of them but like Mt. McKinley, until you see it in person, no description adequately suffices. One of the land excursions we embarked upon took us to a Bald Eagle Preserve. Our six mile rafting experience through this protected area had us counting over 50 adult eagles plus their young offspring. Having only seen eagles from afar, we now observed them, in the wild, as close as 15 yards away. They were totally in their natural element and we were the outsiders. Yet, they were not frightened nor did they flee to their nests. I now understood why we have chosen to have the bald eagle be the national symbol for our country. This trip to Alaska allowed me to make another checkmark on my “bucket list.” I was again reminded of the natural beauty of America and why we need to protect it. It again confirmed for me that God did a “wonderous” job in creating the world we live. Yes, I would go back and visit Alaska again! However, I have a student body awaiting my attention as classes have begun. Thanks for reading my travelogue and may you have the opportunity to explore a bit of the natural beauty that surrounds you!
Brother Christopher Brady, FSC Principal 4
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La Salle’s President, Dr. Richard Gray Opposite, Mr. David Lam with his wife Angelina and son Christopher ’08 received the Lasallian Volunteer of the Year Award.
Crystal Ball By Jade Rogers ’01
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rystal Ball Chairs Liz Kwong, P ’12, ’14 and Ellen Radle ’17, chose the theme “A Black and White Affair” for the 15th Annual Crystal Ball as a mix of the old and the new. Liz says the black and white color scheme represented a light elegance with formality. The Ball was held on May 2 at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena with decorations, table arrangements, and guests dressed in black and white attire. “It was very classic and reminiscent of days gone by,” she said. Guests enjoyed an evening of glamour and sophistication to celebrate those in the Lasallian community who help create the La Salle experience through their generosity. “A Black and White Affair” was completely surrounded by black and white draped tables, softly lit lamps, and flickering candles. But it was the whimsical fabric patterns, glimmering silver vases, and bursts of orange from the floral arrangements that gave the entire soiree a fresh kick. The night was filled with the thrill of pursuit with bidding on several items during the live, super silent, and silent auctions. Auction items at “A Black and White Affair” included orchestra seats to the American
Music Awards, Adventures to Sea World, Luxury Suite at the Staples Center to watch the Lakers, Clippers, or Kings play, tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live, a chauffeured wine country experience to Napa Valley or Sonoma County, and “Hawaii Heaven” for two to Bids are placed during the live auction.
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Emari McClellan ’16 dances with La Salle’s choreography teacher, Ashleigh Doede as part of the Performing Art presentation during the Crystal Ball.
stay at the Makena Beach Resort in Maui, just to name a few. Close to 300 guests came to congratulate David Lam P ’08, P ’09, the recipient of the 2014 Lasallian Volunteer Award. David is a graduate of La Salle College High School in Hong Kong and the University of Michigan where he earned an engineering degree. Crystal Ball Chair, Liz Kwong says, “I have known David for six years. He is a member of the Board of Regents and has always been a huge supporter of the Crystal Ball, as well as supported virtually every fundraising initiative at La Salle.” David, who is currently President of Mediverse International, Inc., believes that La Salle provides opportunities for its students to find and seize their passions. “I have volunteered at six Crystal Ball events and this year was the second Crystal Ball that I was a chairperson. I am truly thankful for all the support and generosity of the Lasallian community and local businesses that helped make the Crystal Ball a huge success once again. I’m especially thankful for my CoChair Ellen Radle P’17, Dr. Gray, and Irene Santucci. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support, guidance, and knowledge,” says Liz. The Crystal Ball is La Salle’s largest fundraiser of the year giving everyone an opportunity to come together and support the programs and activities that La Salle provides to its students. The proceeds from To view more the Crystal Ball help support La Salle’s photos, visit academic, athletic, student life, arts, and www.lasallehs.org financial aid programs.
Crystal Ball Co-Chairs, Ellen Radle P’17 and Liz Kwong P’12, ’14, received congratulatory flowers from Dr. Richard Gray.
Honorable Janet Frangie and Mr. Dennis Voltattorni P’02 were the Hawaiian Getaway winners. 6
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Mr. and Mrs. John Delaney, P’82, ’85, ’89.
Visual and Perfoming Arts dancers.
Mauricio and Jennifer Pavon.
Betty and Hazim Rabadi ’87
Kari and Kirk Helgeson P’17
Gary Barta and Jeanie Tacadena-Barta P’13 SUMMER 2014
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Kristen Schultz ’98 with Alex Plumb ’06
Alex Plumb ’06 , Scott Kroha ’06, and Patrick Driscoll ’06 gearing up for their ride in June 2014.
The Northrise Bike Team riding along the San Diego coast.
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n 2010, Alex Plumb ’06 was finishing up his senior year at the University of San Diego. His sister-in-law had taken a job with Northrise Initiative in Costa Mesa, the non-profit office for Northrise University, a Christ-centered university located in Ndola, Zambia dedicated to equipping men and women with the skills to contribute to the spiritual and economic transformation of their country. Alex was intrigued by the mission of Northrise University, especially given the lack of resources and opportunities that exist in Zambia, like education. There is no guarantee that every eligible graduating high school senior will have an opportunity to go onto college. Often they do not even graduate from high school. Northrise is only one of two nonprofit universities in Zambia. Their mission is to foster an environment of hope and improve educational opportunities for the average Zambian. Alex shared the story of Northrise University with his fellow fraternity brothers at USD and they agreed to approach the University’s Greek system as a whole about adopting Northrise University as the main non-profit for USD’s annual Greek Week which raised over $25,000 for Northrise. During this time, Alex 8
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became close with the President of Northrise University, Moffat Zimba, who invited Alex to come visit the University and help volunteer during the summer of 2010. Alex graduated from USD in May 2010 with a degree in Business Administration and that August he flew to Ndola, Zambia where he spent six weeks volunteering for Northrise University. Alex was able to interact with the children at the local elementary schools, teach classes to students at the University and work on the university farm harvesting bananas and selling them to the local markets. Alex worked side by side with the workers on the farm and saw firsthand, the trials and tribulations of their daily lives. He also ran across a few banana tree spiders and black mambas which gave him a new perspective on his life too! Northrise established both a working farm and a technology business to employ graduates and generate revenue to support university operations. On the farm, Alex realized that the farmers he was working alongside had to walk three hours each way to work because they could not afford the freeway bus system. Not only are these commutes long, they are often dangerous, with the
farmers leaving their homes after the two day ride, it was before sunrise and arriving such a thrill to ride along the home long after dark. Alex Southern California coastline. discovered that the students All the riders knew that this was and plantation workers alike something that we all wanted to aspired to own bicycles so do every year.” that they could reduce their That first ride raised $3,300 commute times by up to twoand allowed Northrise Bike thirds. Before his departure Team to purchase their first back to the United States, Alex bulk order of 23 bicycles for The first shipment of bicycles arrive at the sat down with President Moffat Northrise. An even greater Northrise University Farm in the fall of 2012. Zimba and told him that he way of giving back, there is wanted to help the university a non-profit called Zambike out by buying bicycles for their out of Lusaka, Zambia which students, faculty, and workers. helps build cost effective bikes “My thought was that the for people in need. Alex and greatest way to raise money Northrise Bike Team partnered for this cause was to have a with Zambike to keep business bike ride from Los Angeles within Zambia while benefitting to San Diego. This is a ride I Northrise students and farmers. had always wanted to do and Northrise Bike Team has now The Northrise Bike Team at their final destination in June 2013 at the La Jolla figured it would be a great way accomplished three rides. The Scripps Pier. From left to right, Chad Williams, Matthew Henderson ’01, to raise some money for a good last ride was June 22-23, 2014 Alex Plumb ’06, Patrick Driscoll ’06, and Charlie Williams. cause.” and was made up of 10 riders, Alex came home to Southern California and got to work including Alex, Scott Kroha ’06 and Patrick Driscoll ’06. To date, mapping out the best and safest bike route between the two the team has raised over $14,000 and another shipment of 35 cities. He founded the Northrise Bike Team in 2011 and put the bicycles which is on its way to the University. Alex is thrilled word out to family and friends. He and his team started training that the lives of the farm workers and students have improved about three months prior the ride. Their first ride was in June dramatically with the bicycles allowing them to get home safely 2012 and consisted of 5 riders including Alex’s step-brother Matt before dark to spend time helping their families and studying. Henderson ’01 and Patrick Driscoll ’06. It was a two day, 120 mile “La Salle was the catalyst to my enjoyment with volunteering and ride. They started in Altadena and took the San Gabriel Bike Trail giving back. From the various service projects La Salle offered to that parallels the 605 freeway and then connected to PCH and the volunteer work we did during our senior year religion class, rode all the way to San Clemente. They camped that first night La Salle showed me the impact people can make on a community.” in San Clemente State Park and the next day they rode along the Alex says that the Northrise Bike Team is growing each and bike trail that parallels San Onofre and then Camp Pendleton, every year and he is looking forward to their future rides. For reconnecting with PCH in Oceanside which they took all the more information about the team or how you can get involved way down to La Jolla. “Our first ride from Los Angeles to San contact Alex at northrisebiketeam@gmail.com. Diego was a great adventure. Even though we were exhausted
Northrise farm workers and Alex on one of his last days on the farm in August 2010.
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La Salle 55th Commencement, Church of the Nazarene.
168 Lancers Graduate th at 55 Commencement
By John Blackstock ’67
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a Salle High School graduated 168 seniors at its 55th Commencement on Friday evening, May 23. Commencement Exercises took place at the Church of the Nazarene, next door to the School. Marisol G. Dakan, Benjamin C. Dalgarn and Yurika L. Wantanabe, all summa cum laude graduates, received the La Salle High School General Excellence Award for the highest cumulative grade point average in the class. The three were within one one thousands of a grade point with each other after four years of school. Marisol also received the Excellence Award in Mathematics and Religious Studies, while Yurika received the Excellence Award for Science and French. This fall, Dakan will attend Brown University, Dalgarn will attend the University of Notre Dame and Wantanabe will attend Boston University. Hua Zhi (George) Situ, Summa Cum Laude, received the La Salle Scholar Award for Math and Science while Jamie A. Kwong, Summa Cum Laude, received the La Salle Scholar Award for 10
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Liberal Arts. Stephen A. Boyer, Cum Laude received the La Salle Scholar Award for Visual and Performing Arts. Olivia Kavanaugh, Summa Cum Laude, gave the Welcome Address and Danielle Pomeroy, Summa Cum Laude, was chosen by the Faculty Commencement Committee for the honor of delivering the Commencement Address. Christian T. Hochhausler and Brianna P. Rodriguez received the John Stygles ’64 Excellence in Academics and Athletics Award. Lauren Mary Borquez and Emma Marie Martinez received the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Christian Service Award. Caroline E. Knop and Jason A.Young received the Brother Celestine Excellence in Athletics Award. Jamie Kwong received the De La Salle Service Award and was selected by her senior peers to receive the Pro Deo et Patria Award. Ninety-eight percent of La Salle’s graduating class will attend college or post graduate academies next year and 90% of the class will matriculate to four-year institutions.
Olivia Kavanaugh delivers the Welcome Address.
Jared Akens, Bryce Harvey, Sean Cowell, Jordan Gray, Kenny Giles and Jordan Rodgers.
Caroline Knop (left) and Emma Martinez (right) were presented with the Alumni Association College Scholarship by Alumni Association President Jeff Weigand ’67 (center). Caroline & Emma were selected by the Alumni Board out of the 30+ seniors who applied for the $1,000 College Scholarship.
From left, Alex Corwin, Kelly Synold, Jaya Banks, Laura Bourquez and Erica Berge.
Seniors, from left, Brandon Busbee, Marisol Dakan, Ben Dalgarn, Jamie Kwong,Olivia, Kavanaugh, Brianna Rodriguez and Sabrina O’Reilly.
Danielle Pomeroy delivers the Commencement Address SUMMER 2014
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From left, Dean Brumm, Heather Casignia and Matthew Crabtree.
Jamie Kwong reads the opening prayer at Baccalaureate Mass.
Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary on May 21st.
To view more photos, visit www.lasallehs.org
Brianna Rodriguez
Meaghan Susank and Amanda Oliai. 12
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In the past four years, over 98% of our graduates entered college upon graduation, with 89% attending four-year universities and 35% attending out-of-state universities. Listed below are the four-year institutions that La Salle High School students were accepted to in 2014.
Academy of Art University Arizona State University Art Center College of Design Belmont University Boston University Brown University California Baptist University California Institute of the Arts California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic University, Pomona California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge Carnegie Mellon University Chapman University Citrus College College of Charleston Creighton University Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Fordham University
Far West
1
11 18
1 76 7 17
Fort Lewis College George Washington University Glendale Career College Golden West College Gonzaga University Grand Canyon University Hampton University Indiana University at Bloomington La Salle University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Marist College Marquette University Marymount California University Midland University New York University Ohio State University Oregon State University Pacific University Pasadena City College Paul Mitchell the School Pasadena Pepperdine University Pitzer College Purdue University Saint Mary’s College of California San Diego State University
0.6%
Midwest
11 5.6%
Northwest 14 6.8%
Southwest
17 12.4%
N. California 23 13.0%
Southeast 7 6.8%
S. California 76 46.3%
Northeast 18 7.3%
San Francisco State University Santa Barbara City College School of Visual Arts Seattle University Sonoma State University Southern Methodist University St. Edward’s University Stevens Institute of Technology United States Military Academy at West Point University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arizona University of California at Davis University of California at Irvine University of California at Los Angeles University of California at Riverside University of California at San Diego University of California at Santa Barbara University of California at Santa Cruz
University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Hawaii at Manoa University of La Verne University of Michigan University of Montana, Missoula University of Nevada, Reno University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Washington Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Washington State University Western New England University Western State Colorado University Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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Seniors’ Departing Notes Compiled by Jade Roger’01
MATTHEW ROLAN BEN DALGARN
DANI POMEROY Dani is an aspiring author, actress, and artist. “I definitely consider myself an artist. Artists create, and I have been creating and performing since before I could read. I know I was born to create and as I get older the thing that helps me to remain being an artist is by sustaining a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity.” During Dani’s four years at La Salle, she has performed in the fall and spring musicals. “If I had to pick one year as my favorite, I would have to pick my senior year. That was my most challenging but also my most enjoyable. I had to create my own character and write my own lines for The Taming of the Shrew. I was finally given the chance to challenge myself.” Dani was also a member of La Salle’s Dance team and was a CSF and NHS member. This fall, Dani will be attending Chapman University and plans on majoring in Creative Writing. She will also continue to pursue a career in acting for television and film.
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When Ben was a freshman and sophomore, he found himself so inspired by his class retreat experiences that he wanted to give back and be an inspiration to others as a retreat leader. “I was a retreat leader during my junior and senior years. I had learned a lot out of La Salle’s retreat program and I wanted to give that gift to future classes. It was humbling to see the younger students look up to me and realize that I had to step into that leadership role as an older student.” As a retreat leader, Ben had the opportunity to teach the younger classes all about the core principles of a Lasallian school, specifically on building and serving the community, and the importance of educating children in our community. Ben played volleyball for four years and was selected to numerous all-league and CIF teams. He was a member of the Student Senate, LEAP, Pi Alpha Chi, NHS, CSF, SNHS, Support Our Troops and President of Student Life. This fall, Ben will be attending the University of Notre Dame where he plans on majoring in Engineering.
KATIE DOVALE Katie had an unforgettable four-year experience on La Salle’s cheer squad. “I would have to say the most memorable moment was making Nationals this past year. Heading to the finals and placing 8th was proof that the past four years of hard work paid off. That weekend was the best ever because I also got to spend it with the people that make me laugh the most and who I consider to be my second family – my Cheer team.” Katie was also actively involved in the AdoptA-Family Christmas Party. She says that the Adopt-A-Family program has taught her that nothing in life should be taken for granted and that programs like Adopt-A-Family are needed for many more people around the world. “My senior quote was ’Have less. Do more. Be more.’ Having fewer meaningless objects is liberating. When I remember to ’do more’ I think in terms of doing more to help humanity and the environment. I need to be more than just another person in this world. I will make a difference and serve.” Katie was also a Student Ambassador, Retreat Leader, Pi Alpha Chi, and was a CSF and NHS member. Katie will be attending UC Santa Cruz and plans on majoring in Environmental Science. Katie is thankful for everything La Salle has given her and is thrilled to begin this new chapter in her life.
Matthew was an active member of the Jazz Band, Advanced Band, and Drumline. Throughout his career, Matthew had the opportunity to play a wide variety of instruments, ranging from guitar to vibraphone to bass drum to xylophone, timpani and triangle. “The thing I liked most about being a part of Advanced Band, Jazz, and Drumline was the variety. In a day, I could go from playing a classical piece in Advanced Band to playing a Duke Ellington piece in Jazz Band to playing pep band songs at a football game in the Drumline.” Matthew sees the best in every situation and tries his best in everything he does especially in his music. “Band music is a combination of different emotions, sounds, and dynamics, and is made possible by the dedication of everyone involved, whether they had the lead part or only a couple of notes.” Matthew was also involved in Theatre Tech for four years.
“As a person in Theatre Tech, I was responsible for building the sets for our plays as well as managing the stage props during the performances. My favorite play was Fiddler on the Roof. It was a musical that was done so well and filled with fun and laughter between the performers and the Tech group.” At La Salle, Matthew was involved in Science Outreach, NHS, CSF, and SNHS. Matthew plans on attending UC San Diego and will major in Engineering Physics.
BRIANNA RODRIGUEZ Being on La Salle’s basketball team is by far the best memory during her four years at La Salle. Two of the things she enjoyed most on the team were playing in the games and bonding with her teammates. “Everyday was a great day because the team was so close and there was never a dull moment. But out of all my memories on the basketball team, the best one I would have to choose would be Senior Night. We had a team dinner and played the best game of our season.” Brianna had a close bond with the team. Respect and care for each other came easily for Brianna and her teammates. And once basketball season was over, Brianna put all her athleticism into practicing the shot-put and discus throws for the Track and Field team. “I’ll always remember the overnight track meet in San Diego. It was filled with energy and laughter. That’s what I liked most about being on the team. The bond, respect and trust we all had for one another.” Brianna was also a retreat leader, Student Ambassador, member of NHS and CSF, Support Our Troops, Habitat for Humanity, Pi Alpha Chi and Student Life. Brianna, who describes herself as “one proud Lancer alumnus,” will be attending UCLA and has a strong interest in majoring in Psychology.
ANDREW TING
MICHAEL MARISCAL
Andrew’s involvement in the music program included playing an array of musical instruments: clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute in Advanced Band and tenor saxophone and trombone in Jazz Band. Between all the concerts, trips and performances, the one thing that Andrew walked away with was the development of his own musical aesthetics. He has been offered many venues for his arrangements and original compositions to be performed. “I have learned so much about compositional form and orchestration from Ms. Foley’s and Ms. Smith’s input. Things that can only be learned first-hand. I am grateful and appreciative for my growth as a musician, conductor and composer.” Andrew was also involved in Music for the Masses during his four years. Starting off as a singer and then moving on to playing the clarinet and flute, Andrew composed a duet for piano and clarinet from Ms.
Pam Wagner’s suggestion. “Ms. Wagner helped give me a fun and light-hearted approach for our role at the liturgies, but at the same time, keeping it reverent and serious.” Andrew was also active in the Theatre program. “The style of musical theatre is often what I strive to incorporate into my compositions, be it how a lyricist conveys strong emotion, or how a composer builds drama with rhythmic change or shifts through modulation.” Andrew was a member in NHS, CSF, LEAP, Adopt-A-Family, and the swim team. Andrew will be attending UC Santa Barbara where he will study Linguistics.
CARINA HENRY Carina is an old-fashioned girl with a passion for the arts and limitless opportunities. “Limitless” is the perfect word to describe her four years at La Salle. She never stopped herself from joining any activity. She was a member of the Class Council, Science Outreach, Theatre, Music for the Masses, Adopt-A-Family, and Hip-Hop all four years, but the club she liked the most was Thomas Aquinas. “I joined the Thomas Aquinas Club because I enjoyed the ideas and concepts in philosophy. The club gave me a new outlook on life and at the same time, influenced my Catholic faith.” She served as club president for the last three years. Carina also loved Dance. “I have an enormous passion for dancing. I never had any dance experience before La Salle, but Ms. Doede was very welcoming and I felt very comfortable in her class.” For Carina, dancing was a great outlet for expressing emotion with your body. “Dance requires a lot of thinking to be a beautiful work of art. Dance gave me another way to express my love for music. After dancing for four years, I can definitely say that I had an amazing experience in the arts.” In college, Carina hopes to maintain her love of the arts while majoring in Business and interning at Disneyland. “I love to entertain and make people smile, especially if it involves me doing something ’goofy.’ When it comes down to it, I’d love to do anything that involves helping others, particularly children.” Carina will attend California State University, Long Beach this fall.
Michael is a young man constantly striving to be successful, trying to be the best, but happy, all at the same time. “I have always striven for straight A’s because I know that good grades and dedication will get me far in life. Academics was my number one priority.” One of Michael’s priorities at La Salle was Lancer Television (LTV). In LTV, Michael would film and edit the videos that his teachers Mr. Rynerson and Ms. Lucas would assign. “The projects would vary from disposable films or recreating movie trailers to making a film on anything we wanted. They allowed us to let our creativity
flow instead of setting strict guidelines that we had to follow.” But between filming and editing, Michael enjoyed filming the best. “Filming can be fun, especially if you’re doing it with your friends.” With all his experience on LTV, Michael was selected to be on the Communications team for Student Life his senior year. Michael’s specific duties involved creating videos that promoted school events. “I liked being on Student Life because it gave me an opportunity to be involved in the decision making process of what events the student body would be able to participate in.” Michael was also a member of CSF, Pi Alpha Chi, Support Our Troops, and played on La Salle’s football and soccer teams. Michael will be attending Loyola Marymount University and he is interested in majoring in Business Management or Pharmacy. SUMMER SUMMER 2014 2014
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SABRINA O’REILLY
BRANDON BUSBEE Advanced Band and Drumline were both amazing groups and enormous parts of Brandon’s life during his four years at La Salle. “What I enjoyed the most were the people around me. Everybody in Advanced Band and Drumline were driven, motivated, and friendly. My favorite memory would have to be the New York trip we took this past spring. All the sights, combined with the bonding I did with the people made for an unforgettable experience.” Brandon was also active for three years on La Salle’s Track and Field team. “I competed in throwing the discus and shot put, and ran the 100 and 200 meter. Competing against teammates during practice and striving to improve my personal record were always an enjoyment. Trips to the track meets were always fun because I would always make a new friend and learn new things about people that I thought I already knew everything about.” Brandon was also involved in Adopt-A-Family, NHS, CSF, SNHS, LEAP, Senior Senate, Student Ambassadors, Pi Alpha Chi and Science Outreach. This fall, Brandon will be attending UCLA, majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
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It was not just Lights, Camera, Action, for Sabrina O’Reilly, but also Learn, Listen, Create. Sabrina is a talented actress and singer who has performed in all of La Salle’s spring musicals. Each musical was memorable in its own way, she believes. “For me, A Broadway Revue was memorable because that’s when I truly felt a part of the Theatre Community at La Salle. Guys and Dolls was also especially memorable because I was given my first lead role. Playing ’Sarah’ was a wonderful experience because I was able to develop vocally. And finally, The Taming of the Shrew was another memorable performance because it was the most challenging for me as an actress. Memorizing Shakespeare was something I thought I could never
JASON DALCOUR
accomplish, but I truly developed as an actress and now I can quote a three-minute Shakespeare monologue for the rest of my life.” Sabrina was also a member of Student Life for two years. First, as Assistant Commissioner for Spiritual Life and then as Assistant Commissioner for Spirit. Sabrina had a great experience being on Student Life because she helped give students a sense of belonging and being a part of creating important student events and activities that the student body really enjoyed. Sabrina was also a member of CSF, Chorus, Chamber Choir and served as a Retreat Leader. This fall, Sabrina will be attending Loyola Marymount University where she will be majoring in Theatre Arts with a minor in Music and Dance.
DEREK IWATA “What I loved most about Cross Country was being that person who not only wants to run long distances but also wants to run in 100 degree weather everyday during summer. We were a small, close-knit team who suffered the pain of long distance running together, but at the end were still able to put smiles on our faces.” Track and Field, on the other hand, was a different type of team. “I competed in all the distance races, but noticed the team draws all types of athletes; long distance runners, sprinters and throwers. We were one large, crazy family with many different personalities.” Derek enjoyed doing service for others. “I don’t believe service has to be boring. I think real service is when you love what you are doing by how you are giving back. This is why I joined Habitat for Humanity. The club moderator was Mrs. Kjersti (Hausman) Holyfield ’04, one of La Salle’s most fun, passionate, and friendly teachers, who also happened to be my Cross Country coach.” The best experience in Habitat for Humanity was Shanty Town. This event raises money and awareness for the homeless in the San Gabriel Valley. We built our own “shanty town” out of cardboard to sleep in for the night, so students could understand the life of a homeless person. Derek was also involved in Class Council, Pi Alpha Chi and was member of NHS, CSF, and Student Ambassadors. Derek will be a Pre-Med student at Revelle College at UC San Diego.
Jason Dalcour is a dependable person who spent his four years at La Salle as someone who listened, understood, and tried to help people out with anything they needed. He applied his dependability to the Basketball team and the Track and Field team. “What I liked about being on both teams was that I instantly became a part of a family unit. On the basketball team, we spent almost everyday together, from the summer months until February. I consider all of those players my brothers. On the Track and Field team, most of the practices and meets were spent bonding and having fun.” Jason’s favorite memory is the same for Basketball and Track and Field, and it involved going on various trips to games and meets. “For Track and Field we went to Carpinteria, San Diego and Arizona. For Basketball we went to Palm Springs. While on the trips we were able to get away from everything for a couple days and just spend time with teammates and a sport we all enjoyed playing.” Jason was also an active member in CSF, Chorus,
Chamber Choir, Hip Hop, Habitat for Humanity, and Adopt-A-Family. Between his extracurricular activities and his academics, Jason maintained a very high GPA. Jason feels he has been an inspiration to others and he wants to continue to be an inspiration, where others will look at him and say, “Because of you, I didn’t give up.” Jason will attend the University of Nevada, Reno this fall.
TWO LANCERS Appointed to West Point By John Blackstock ’67
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a Salle High School is proud to announce that two graduating seniors, Renaissance Forster and Elizabeth Lynch, have been admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Forster is an honors student and All-League volleyball player who helped lead the Lancers to their second consecutive CIF D1 Volleyball Championship. Forster says she looks forward to earning her commission as she comes from a long line of family members who have served their country in the military. “It was just a dream as a young girl to go to West Point, but La Salle challenged me and as I worked harder and got better grades, West Point became a possibility, then a reality. I love a challenge and I think it would be hard to find a bigger challenge than going to a military academy.” She was courted by both the Army and Naval Academy at Annapolis to attend on an athletic scholarship, yet she chose the Army because she was accepted on her academic achievement alone. “I still plan to “walk-on” the volleyball team and I think I have a good shot at playing for the Black Knights,” she says. Forster will study medicine at the Academy and most likely graduate as a medic. She hopes to earn her MD following her active duty. Elizabeth Lynch said, “It’s kind of corny, but I really want to serve my country. That’s why I applied to West Point. Plus I’ll get an education at one of the best schools in the country.” A member of CSF and the NHS, Lynch is also a four-year cheerleader who led the Lancers to a top ten finish in the 2014 National Cheer Championships. “I love the competition and the friendships you make in cheer,” she says. “I had an opportunity to practice with the Rabble Rousers, the Academy cheer team, during my overnight stay at West Point. I hope to make the team this summer and I’m really excited about that.” Lynch has yet to declare a major, but hopes to make the military her career. Prior to La Salle’s graduation on Friday, May 23 both girls received leather bound and engraved Certificates of Appointment to the United States Military Academy. The prospective members of the Class of 2018 reported for duty to West Point for the first time on July 2, 2014.
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Yahoo Buckeroo, They Tamed the Shrew!
By John Blackstock ’67
Sabrina O’Reilly and Duncan Breda
From left, Jack Freiberger, Jessica Messineo and Ryan Browne, Dani Pomeroy, Vanessa Boull’t and Emari McClellan 18
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From left, Aly Hartman, Lexi Dyer, Aliza Alcabasa, Amell Bishara, Dani Pomeroy, Precious Lacy, Vanessa Boull’t, Reilly Milton, Sinclair Daniel, Dionna Williams
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he La Salle Visual and Performing Arts Department took on a grand project – setting William Shakespeare’s comedy, “The Taming of the Shrew,” in the good ol’ American West. The cast boasted 40 plus student actors, technicians, musicians, dancers and artists all working to bring the Bard’s words to life. Incorporating western music into the mix was an exciting and fun addition. Utilizing bass, banjo, guitar and fiddle, the students danced, sang and had a good ole time creating the Shakespeare classic along side cowboys, saloon girls, ranchers and their gals. In addition to the usual love stories and comedic characters, students were involved in complex choreography and physical stunts. The production ran for nine performances in April at Porticos Arts Space at St. James United Methodist Church in Pasadena. Direction and design by Jude Lucas. Choreography by Ashleigh Doede. Musical direction by Chris Rolontz. Additional dialogue, Dani Pomeroy ’14, Stunts and Technical direction by Doug Rynerson.
Dani Pomeroy
Jessica Messineo and Ryan Browne, Dani Pomeroy, Vanessa Boull’t and Emari McClellan
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First row left to right, Siana Marquez, Kayla Rix, Purnima Stanek, Sebastain Beltran-Moeller, Emilio Garcia-Corona, Jack Goyette, Nathaly Ojeda-Vasquez, David Chambers, Jack Ratkovich. Second row, Lars Krystad, Tom Usle, Mare Crowley, Charmaine Ong, Catherine Dewar, Tommy Moreno, Jessica Messineo, Emari McClellan, Meghan Pelayo, Elizabeth Ayala, Katerina Sigur, Carina Koumrigian. Third row, Jack Freiberger, Spencer Raines, Thea McKay, Sabrina O’Reilly, Duncan Breda, Lani Nugent, Amell Bishara, Emily Wright. Fourth row, Jenna Gilb, Marissa Camerano, Joely Zuker, Kasha Wilson, Carina Henry, Matt Parra, Dani Pomeroy, Chris Dinkel, Precious Lacy, Vanessa Boull’t, Dionna Williams, Aly Hartman, Sinclair Daniel, Lexi Dyer, Reilton Milton, Sean Lee, Aliza Alcabasa, Ryan Browne, Minsha Ouyou. Not pictured, Sky Garciasodelavega
Precious Lacy
Christopher Dinkel is carried by, from left, Reilton Milton, Dionna Williams, Lexi Dye, Amell Bishara and Aliza Alcabasa
From left, Charmaine Ong, Dani Pomeroy, and Jenna Gilb
Duncan Breda, Sabrina O’Reilly, Aliza Alcabasa, Ryan Browne, Lexi Dyer, Reilly Milton 20
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2014 Educator of the Year By Brother Christopher Brady, FSC
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he Lasallian Educator of the Year Award, is given annually to a faculty member who exemplifies the qualities of St. La Salle…specifically as a dedicated and committed individual who is a qualified educator; who understands his or her own dignity as a child of God so that he or she can pass this on to their students; and is a person who cherishes and cares for the students; and, above all, someone who is committed to a life of faith and prayer so that he or she can teach their students in the spiritual life, inculcating living values. Without a doubt, Megan Foley, Director of our Instrumental Music Program, (shown above with Brother Christopher) exemplifies these criteria. Many of the teachers who nominated this year’s recipient described our honoree this way: Megan is supportive of the “whole” student and has an evident passion in working with students. She is a teacher dedicated to her students and is an excellent mentor in and out of the classroom. Megan is an individual who does not confine her work with students just to the classroom but also teaches nights, weekends and holidays. In every way, St. La Salle himself would have been proud of this 21st century educator. This educational leader is fulfilled when out of chaos a real harmony is evident in the students work. One of the qualities she exhibits in teaching is a real passion for developing the whole student. Megan spends a great deal of time teaching and tutoring students, yet always has a positive attitude about what can be accomplished by the band members. Our educator of the year teaches the values of cooperation, togetherness and trust, and she believes in and lives the principle of teaching the whole person (body, heart, mind and soul), and models what she teaches by hard work and dedication to this school community. Megan came to La Salle on a part time basis in 2003 when a member of our faculty was too ill to fulfill his responsibilities. Building on what he had done, she has since taken the program and musicians to new heights, sights and sounds!
Band Bites the BIG Apple T
his year, Advanced Band, String Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble traveled to the Big Apple on April 19-23, 2014. It was a very busy trip filled with much music and sightseeing. The Lancers performed at Rockefeller Center and aboard the USS Intrepid. They participated in band clinics with NYU at Church For All Nations, visited Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Coca Cola, met with special guest, John Faddis and had dessert with NY Philharmonic performers. They also attended the Broadway play, “Newsies”, which was followed by a Q&A session with the cast. The students were able to explore the many sites while in the city - attended Easter Mass at The Actor’s Chapel, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chelsea Market, visited the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center, walked over the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building for aerial night views of NY, Radio City Music Hall Tour, Ellis Island with lunch at The Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, and rode the subway. La Salle’s finest -- the students were great. SUMMER 2014
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LANCER ATHLETICS
The new stadium vista behind homeplate.
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a Salle Baseball began a new era on Monday, April 14, after the ceremonial “first pitch” was made by numerous city and School officials. The Lancers beat Cathedral High School 1-0 in extra innings. The new field at Arcadia County Park has been renovated by La Salle with the help of numerous donors and volunteers. La Salle baseball and softball will play at the park, just 10 minutes from campus, for the next 15 years.
Shortstop Jordan Gray, makes a play at second base during La Salle’s 1-0 win over Cathedral. 22
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Athletic Director, Anthony Harris receives a declaration from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, presented by Ms. Rita Hadjimanoukian.
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CIF ACADEMIC CHAMPIONS
he Girls Cross Country team was named the CIF Academic Team Champions for schools with an enrollment of 1400 or less. This title is achieved by having the highest GPA of any other school in the section, specifically for the sport of Girls Cross Country. Selection was based on their combined GPA of 3.91, which was in the top five of all 44 schools in our category.
The team was composed of, from left above, Hannah Howard ’16, Jacqueline Tooley ’16, Abigail Marich ’16, Bettina Lee ’16, Jane Zanteson ’16, Marilyn Crowley ’14, Alexandra Keysselitz ’14, and Olivia Kavanaugh ’14. Our Academic Champions were celebrated at an Angels baseball game in April where the CIF representatives presented them with their team banner.
THE GREAT MAK ATTACK S
enior Garret Mak advanced to the final round of 16 in the CIF Individual Tennis Championships in May. Mak became the first player in the history of the La Salle tennis program to advance to this round of the tournament. “It feels good,” the SMU-bound Mak said of making it to this stage of the draw. “It’s only been about five months since I’ve been playing hard again, but I feel like I should be here.” Lancers coach, Tim Pawley commented, “Coming off a year of injuries, to come back his senior year and set a record in the sense that no one has ever gone past the third round, that’s a pretty proud moment for the school, for him, his parents, and the community.”
By John Blackstock ’67
It has been a long road back to the top for La Salle’s Garrett. His emergence may have been unlikely coming out of a CIF-SS Division 5 program. It was made unthinkable when injuries set him back for an entire year. The senior sat out all of last season because of a back injury. In his final season, Mak continued to defy the odds with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Crean Lutheran’s Justin Zhang to advance to the round of 16 at the CIF-SS Boys Tennis Individuals at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center. Although Mak did not advance to the quarterfinals his showing was exceptional. The Boys Varsity Tennis team (8-2) ended with a strong finish against Cathedral High School with a 13-5 win at their home courts (Orange Grove Courts). La Salle doubles swept eight sets, while the singles claimed the five sets, totaling a number of 13 won sets. George Situ ’14 said “Closing the season with a big win, gives us a great feeling of accomplishment,” “We had a great season, but finishing second in League was bittersweet,” said team captain, Morgan Scofield ’14. SUMMER 2014
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a Salle had a great meet season for both boys and girls teams this year. The La Salle girls finished second in the Del Rey League, and the La Salle boys followed up last season with a back-to-back League Championship! The boys carried that momentum into CIF where we had 11 qualifiers in Division 3. We had some outstanding swims including Jackie Torrez’s two remarkable individual CIF finalist swims and Paul Gouw’s two individual CIF consolation swims. The boys 200
freestyle relay, comprised of Brady Jameson, Alex Cowin, Grant Way, and Justin Zumel, made it to finals as a consolation swim and was our highest scoring relay at 12th place in CIF. Our 400 Free Boys Relay moved from 27th to 21st at CIF, while our 200 Medley Relay moved from 30th to19th place at CIF. The Lancer boys and girls are already looking forward to next season.
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he boys golf program excelled at a very high level for the 2014 season. The team fashioned a 13-2 overall record and an 8-1 record in the Camino Real League. The boys were able to win the league title edging out rival Bishop Montgomery. Senior Tyler Zubchevich who was a first team AllLeague selection and earned Honorable Mention All-Area by the Pasadena Star-News led the club. Tyler shot a combined score of 150 at the league prelims and finals at Harding and Wilson Golf Courses in Griffith Park. At the finals he shot a 3-under par 69. Sophomores Tyler Anastasia and Sean Kelly both earned first team AllLeague honors as well. Ryan Konrad, Cosmo Konrad and
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We came into the season with really high hopes, led by our key players, captains Ben Dalgarn ’14, and Conor Williams ’14, both senior outsides. Other power players who stepped up included our big right side Will Pyburn ’15, who had a majority of the team’s blocks this year, our setter Jake Bragg ’15 and Libero Jack Smartian ’15, who improved their overall game and were huge contributors to the success of the team,” said Head Coach, Tiare Tuitama. The Lancers played in three major tournaments including the Providence Tournament where they took first place. Ben Dalgarn was awarded MVP and Jake Bragg was awarded selected to the all-tournament team. The Lancers finished second in the Bishop Garcia Diego tournament where Jack Smartian was awarded MVP. 24
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Jesse Toribio were also major contributors. Zubchevich and Anastasia both qualified for CIF Individuals that was held at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach. Due to winning the league crown the club qualified for the CIF team playoffs in the Southern Divisional at Talega Golf Course in San Clemente. The team had one of its finest seasons in recent years. The program bids goodbye to Tyler Zubchevich while welcoming back Tyler Anastasia, Sean Kelly, Jesse Toribio, Ryan Konrad and Cosmo Konrad in what promises to be another stellar campaign in 2015.
As league games began La Salle suffered a huge loss when Williams went down with a severe ankle injury against South Pasadena. The boys rallied to finish just steps behind their rival Bishop Montgomery in league to make the CIF playoffs. After wins in the first three rounds they went head-to-head again against Bishop Montgomery losing in a close semifinal match. “This 22 win season was one of my most memorable coaching experiences that I have ever had in my nine years of coaching boys,” said Tuitama. Ben Dalgarn and Conor Williams were named to the All-CIF first team in Division 4. Dalgarn was selected to the All-Area first team while Will Pyburn was selected to the second team and Williams received honorable mention.
Noelle Crowley ’14
TRACK RECORDS FALL IN SPRING T
his past season, the La Salle Track and Field team traveled to San Diego to compete in the Calvin Christian Small Schools Invitational at Escondido High School. Among many gold medals won by the team, two female Lancers were honored for their accomplishments. India Hines ’15 was named the Female Track Athlete of the Meet for winning three track gold medals, including both hurdle races (100m high hurdles, 300m intermediate hurdles, 1600m relay). Jaya Banks ’14 was named the meet’s “Female Field Athlete of the Meet” for her gold medal throws in both the shot put and discus events. In addition, this season, India set two school records in the women’s 100 meter high hurdles with a time of 15.89 seconds, and in the women’s 300 meter low hurdles with a time of 44.77 seconds. Noelle Crowley ’14 ran in the 4 by 100 meter relay, the open 100 and 200 meters, and competed in pole vault for the Lancers. Noelle broke her own women’s pole vault record this season with a vault of 10 feet 8 inches. Both Noelle and India participated in the CIF Southern Section Track & Field Finals.
India Hines ’15, left and above, with Jaya Banks ’14 in San Diego. SUMMER 2014
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Firefighters extricate the victim after using the “Jaws of Life,” to open the car and remove the roof.
Every 15 Minutes Program IMPRESSES STUDENTS By Ed O’Connor, Director of Student Life
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his past spring, the student body participated in the Every 15 Minutes program, produced by the Pasadena Police Department and sponsored by State Farm Insurance. This is the fourth time that La Salle has hosted this program, with the first one taking place in 2000. Every 15 Minutes is a very effective way of showing teenagers the horrific outcomes of drinking and driving. The good news is that if this program started today, they would call it Every 50 Minutes. Still, three teenagers are killed every day in the US by a drunk driver. Every 15 Minutes simulates a drunk driving accident in which a pedestrian is killed and the passenger of the vehicle dies at the hospital. The driver is given a field sobriety test
Alleged drunk driver is arrested by Pasadena Police officers. 26
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and then is arrested and booked at the station. This realistic accident scene had great impact on the “drunk driver” Missy McCreary ‘14, the passenger Conor Williams ‘14 who “died” at the hospital and had to listen to his mother cry as she identified his body. Brandon Busbee ‘14 was the pedestrian who was “killed” at the scene. He acknowledged that he was greatly moved as he thought about the role he was playing. La Salle thanks the 12 students and their parents who participated in the program. A special thanks to Officer Sam de Sylva, PPD, who coordinated the event
A first responder checks vital sign of accident victim.
Walking Dead represent teens killed by drunk drivers.
First responder calls for medical assistance.
Coroners Office investigators remove the body from the accident scene. SUMMER 2014
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THE WEST CALLS AS
DEPARTS ON SABBATICAL
By John Blackstock ’67
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ohn Ring, La Salle’s erstwhile Honors and US History teacher, recently announced that he has been granted a sabbatical from La Salle to travel the Western United States and study American History. As John begins his sabbatical, he describes ambitious plans to traverse The Great Plains, study the Westward Movement, and visit historical monuments and Native American places of interest before moving on to some of the great Civil War battlefields he has yet to see. “...while I’m still young,” John says. Following in the footsteps of his great grandfather and greatgreat grandfather, who were pioneers, Army Scouts, muleskinners, and frontiersmen, John plans to visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and of course, revisit The Little Big Horn, the site of Custer’s Last Stand. “In the last two decades, the Native American side of the story has just started to be told. It will be interesting to visit the battlefield with that prospective in mind.” As John rides the rails east, he expects to visit the Civil War Battlefields of Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Vicksburg. Then, traveling north to Gettysburg where he will trace the battle movements of his relative, Major General Stephen Dodson 28
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Ramseuer. John also plans to take a few classes at Gettysburg College. “You are never too young to learn,” he says with a smile. “I just hope I can remember my way to class.” Principal, Brother Christopher, observes “No one ever has, nor is it likely that anyone ever will, match John’s years of service to La Salle. He has held over the past 41 years the following titles or jobs: Director of Student Government; Athletic Director - at least three times; Vice Principal - now Associate Principal for Student Services; key master; coordinator of facilities use; calendar guru; unofficial holder of all the secrets of the school for the last 41 years; and teacher. I kept teacher for last because there is no position, title, or job that John has ever held more dearly than that of teacher and Big Brother to the students entrusted to his care. We look forward to his return in whatever capacity that will serve our school community. “For over the last 40 years, La Salle has been my home and you (the faculty) have been my family which is why, of course, my children, Christopher ’01 and Teresa ’03 now work here - so they can see their father!” John continues, “I may learn something this summer and maybe, I will pick up some culture in between. Who really knows what tomorrow or next year will bring?”
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Living, Loving,
Eric Lilavois ’97, center, with partners at London Bridge Studio. 30
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& Creating Music By Jade Rogers ’01
T
he philosophy of Eric Lilavois ’97 is simple…listen. Making music is complex. “Understanding the band, the sound, the intention, the scope of the project, those are the primary colors. Helping an artist fully realize their vision and not being afraid to mix it all together is what turns a blank canvas into a painting. The story, the textures, the layers, the movement, the feel, the process, turning the sonics into the visual and the tangible, that’s what excites me,” explains Eric. “Making records that live, breathe, speak, discover, change, bend, feel, as well as seeing an artist connect to their own songs in a different way, and helping the artist translate that vision to the listener means everything.”
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Eric realized he had a profound love for music at an early age and looking back it is hard to imagine any other path. “My story starts pretty far back in a dusty liquor cabinet where my dad kept the records he treasured, such as Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and the Beatles. I’ve always been fascinated by sound. The musician thing was the next step, evolved into spending a lot of time in studios which led to my love affair of analog recording gear, and exposed me to the realization that I was good at helping artists organize, revise, and grow ideas, or at the very least, create an environment that allowed them to do so.” As a musician, producer, engineer, and owner of Crown City Studios in Pasadena and co-owner of London Bridge Studios in Seattle, Eric was inspired to go into the music business with the thought of connecting with and positively influencing people in the same way that many of his musical heroes did. “I continue to
attending La Salle, I listened to a bunch of records that just so happened to have been recorded at London Bridge, such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Blind Melon, and so many more. I knew about London Bridge from reading the liner notes as a kid, and it was a little surreal to go there for the first time. London Bridge was more than just a recording studio. It was a creative space with an extensive storied history.” That same year, Eric and the band recorded a five song EP album at London Bridge and while working on the album, Eric developed a close working relationship with the owner Geoff Ott. Subsequently, they worked on many projects together over the years and that led to his involvement and co-ownership of London Bridge alongside Geoff and the other partner, Jonathan Plum in 2013. But earlier in 2006, just one year after starting to work with Geoff at London Bridge, Eric founded Crown City
Eric Lilavois ’97
be inspired by artists such as Neil Young and Pearl Jam, but as a musician and producer myself, I like to help the artists that I work with grow and magnify their own impact. As a studio owner, producer, and recording artist, I also understand the importance of a comfortable and creative recording environment. Spending hours upon hours in those stale recording studios compelled me to create an inviting and inspiring atmosphere within my own spaces: Crown City Studios and London Bridge Studios.” The environment in which an artist works has a huge influence. In 2005, Eric was on tour through the northwest on his way to Canada with his band, The Days In Between (of which La Salle alumnus Matt Herman ’97 was also a member) when he accidentally “stumbled” across London Bridge Studio. The band was forced to cancel the second leg of the tour and decided to take up residence in Seattle for a couple weeks. Eric slowly coaxed the band into stopping by London Bridge. “When I was 32
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Studios. During this time, Eric was making the transition from full-time musician to full-time producer. He took the leap, remodeled the studio space, and moved right in. For Eric, to become a great producer and engineer, you need to have resilience, endurance for long work hours, problem solving and quick thinking, and the ability to work with many different personalities. “You have to really study up, put your hours in, and realize your job is very different from others in the studio. Humility is another important quality to have. When you are first starting out, you have to understand that not everyone is looking for input from the engineer. However, as the producer, you have to be able to be the calm during the storm and the storm during the calm. It’s an interesting balance.” Eric has had the privilege of working with many artists and producers that include My Chemical Romance, Atlas Genius, Saint Motel, and many more. “Saint Motel was great. I produced
LA SALLE
Eric with London Bridge partners at the 56th Grammy Award Ceremony.
a good part of their debut album “Voyer” and I recently worked with them again on a cover of a Who song for a tribute record to Wes Anderson films. Another one that stands out is when I worked on the acoustic version of “Trojans” with Atlas Genius. Every artist that I’ve worked with is so incredibly creative and they never stop working.” As a musician, Eric reminisced about his very first performance at La Salle and how he had to talk his teacher, Ed O’Connor, into letting him put a band together to perform a few songs during Mass. He remembers that every teacher at La Salle
Eric at the control board.
inspired him towards his ERIC LILAVOIS ’97 career in some way. National Honors Society (NHS) “While at La Salle, it was Blue Ribbon Committee an important realization Liturgy Band that there are many types JV/Varsity Soccer of people, personalities, Member of CIF Championship paths, and choices. team 1997 Former La Salle teacher PERSONAL Tom Badzey ’90, gave me a lot of room to express Lives in Pasadena with his wife myself in my writing. Nikkell (Chiappetta) Lilavois ’99 Brian Miller ’79 provided and their two daughters, Madeline me with profound insight June (5) and Annabelle Rose (1) on science, evolution, and spirituality. Ed UNIVERSITY O’Connor definitely exercised my debate Art Institute of California, Los Angeles, muscles. I appreciated Mixed Media, 2001 that he understood and valued that we had beliefs CAREER and opinions and to feel comfortable voicing them. Founder/Owner/Producer/Engineer When I went to him to of Crown City Studios, tell him that we needed Pasadena, CA to change the music at Co-Owner/Producer/Engineer the School’s liturgies his of London Bridge Studio, response was simple, ’Do Seattle, WA something about it.’” Voting Member for the Grammy Currently, through Awards, Recording Academy, Los Angeles Chapter London Bridge and in collaboration with other music industry vets, Eric has started a record label called London Tone. The idea of London Tone takes a page from the Motown, Sun, and Chess Records play book, where the studio essentially was the record label. Eric has also launched an ambitious campaign to sign 52 artists to singles contracts in over 52 weeks.“We are over half way there and the experience has been really positive. It has given us the opportunity to expose people to a lot of different genres of music.” Eric has also recently finished recording his own full length album. The first single “The God In Our Glass” was released on iTunes. “This song is a tribute to Ryan Hoherd ’97 who left us all too soon. I had a very talented group of friends and musicians help me on this project, including La Salle alums Matt Herman ’97 and Joseph Olender ’08.” Throughout his career, the most gratifying thing for Eric is watching an artist he has worked with succeed. Seeing an artist grow and change throughout the process and ultimately achieve a high level of self-expression is the proudest moment and it makes it that much more exciting when you hear the song on the radio or see them perform on stage. But aside from all the memorable experiences and successes in his music career, Eric knows that his life wouldn’t be the same without La Salle. “Aside from the education and experiences that I value greatly from La Salle, what I’m most grateful for are the life-long friendships that started there. I remain close to many alums and I even married one, the very lovely Nikkell (Chiappetta) Lilavois ’99.” If there is one piece of advice that Eric would like to offer to the students at La Salle it is this: Pay Attention. Pay attention, not just in class, at work, or on a team, but also pay attention to the people, community, and experiences around you. Make them and yourself the absolute best they can be. Eric says, “At a time in your life where four years feels like an eternity, I’m sure everyone is telling you it goes by fast and in the blink of an eye. Well my friends, that is true. So be the highest expression of yourself and remember to learn, grow, challenge, debate, experience, and above all, live, love, and create.” SUMMER 2014
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The Great Mandala THROUGH THE POWER OF COMMUNITY - WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE By John Blackstock ’67 with Ashley Podrebarac ’14
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rue to its simple Sanskrit definition, a mandala is a “circle,” usually created with sand. Buddhists use the mandala as a means to depict a world achieved by flawless balance: a perfect world. To Tibetan Buddhists, the mandala is also a means for healing - whether healing of a person’s body or mind, or the healing of the world around us. Being made of sand, the mandala also expresses the fragility of the balance needed by both humans and the environment. Today, a mandala is also used symbolically in meaningful projects and works to bring awareness to community. The need to protect and repair the world from various kinds of pollution that have added to environmental changes. The Great Mandala project at La Salle was a collaborative effort, open to all students. It was directed by senior Ashley Podrebarac, who created a design club last year with the dedicated guidance of Ms. Ellen Slatkin in the Visual Arts Department. The
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Design Team decided to create a large floor mandala in sand representing: To Heal the World. The Mission was to increase awareness and implement ecological and socially regenerative practices of human beings, living in harmony with each other within their environment. “Thus, the meaning of our mandala is to heal the world,” explains Podrebarac. The reference material for this project came from the book Going Blue - a teens’ guide to saving our oceans, lakes, rivers and wetlands, by Philippe Cousteau and Cathryn Kaye. Water is life. It covers 73% of the world’s surface, but pollution, oil spills, climate change, overfishing and other threats loom over our planet’s water system. “Be water smart, go blue,” says Cousteau. The Design Team researched the environmental problems both locally in our community and in the world at large. They studied sustainable development – a pattern of resources that
aim to meet human needs while preserving the environment. Design Team captains were seniors Ashley Podrebarac, Alina Mullins, Graydon Manske and juniors Mariel LoGuercio, Aubin Schuler, Alicia Wilson and Melody Munson. This was a multi-departmental and cross-curricular project, with nearly 50 students participating. The central image was created by carefully pouring sand over an outline map to create the earth as seen from space. This was the essence of the mandala. Additional concentric circles were created around the earth in traditional mandala patterns. An outer circle of endangered species was created using recycled plastics, clay and origami. This circle included turtles, dolphins, whales, fish, reefs, birds and water foul. The clay animals were created after school by over 40 students. Ms. Lisa Shulman, from the Mathematics Department crocheted turtle shells from recycled plastic bags, as well as making origami animals with senior Andrew Ting. The various animals enhanced the meaning of the mandala. Yet another outer circle consisted of poetry and quotations from the Bible and world literature that seemed appropriate to the environmental issues presented. These were written on recycled brown paper bags and added to the circle. The quotes were
researched by students, Mr. Billy Williams and Ms. Monique Gougeon ’03 from the English and Religious Studies Departments. Additional environmental facts and research were presented on display boards. Librarian Ms. Delia Swanner created a wonderful environmental website accessible from the School website, a resource for all the participants. Science teacher, Mr. Brian Miller ’79 coordinated the scientific research. The entire project (from the first lunch meeting to the step-by-step sand creation in the library) was documented by LTV and filmed by sophomore Patrick Madden with producer Mrs. Jude Lucas, Chair of the V&PA Department. So, the mandala accomplished its end. Just think: It would have been very good if a speaker had given a workshop on ecological concerns. Students and faculty studying in a class would also have been impressive. But the Great Mandala led from speaking, to learning, to action. People from across departmental and student-body lines collaborated to send a message in words, plastic, paper, clay, sand and digital images To Heal the World.
Research display table with the inspirational source book, “Going Blue.” Student handcrafted animals populate the “earth.”
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AMAZING LANCERS
KWONG ’14 and MALICDEM ’16 are
California Youth Ambassadors By Jade Rogers ’01
The current California Youth Ambassadors with Jamie Kwong ’14 and Madeleine Malicdem ’16 are seated front row, second and third from left
A
distinguished group of California high school students representing 20 school districts and communities from San Diego to San Jose were selected by the Board of Governors to serve as California State Youth Ambassadors for the 2013-2014 school year. Among the 16 students that were selected to represent their community as a youth education liaison to local and state government agencies were La Salle alumnus Jamie Kwong ’14 and Madeleine Malicdem ’16. “I am very thankful and fortunate to have been selected as a California Youth Ambassador,” says Madeleine. Last summer, Madeleine attended California Youth Think Tank program (CYTT) where she spent five days at USC with other high school students across California and several other states. “During the five days, we discussed and debated key topics pertinent to youth. Last year’s topic was school vouchers,” says Madeleine. After finishing the CYTT program, Madeleine received a letter in the fall of her sophomore year stating that she had been nominated and chosen by the Young Centers Board of Governors to be a California Youth Ambassador. “From then on, I attended my first meeting with fellow CYTT alumnus and Lancer, Jamie Kwong, and began my journey as a Youth Ambassador,” says Madeleine. Youth Ambassadors are selected based on their demonstrated leadership abilities, academic achievement, character, and letters of recommendations from teachers, counselors, and program staff. “I have always believed that dreams do come true 36
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as long as you have the courage to pursue them. Becoming a California State Youth Ambassador is an accomplishment that is one more step closer to other dreams I have,” says Jamie. During their one-year term as Youth Ambassadors, Madeleine and Jamie worked in partnership with educators, parents, community groups, and government officials throughout the school year. They even got the opportunity to travel to Sacramento to meet with state lawmakers at the State Capitol and school officials at the Department of Education to discuss and propose solutions to challenge youth-related issues. Now that their term as Youth Ambassadors is over, Madeleine and Jamie have discovered new career interests for the future. “I have a dream to become an Ambassador for France. When I was on the 2014 Rose Court, I developed a love for public speaking. The mix of my oratory skills and my love for anything Parisian leads me to want to pursue a career in diplomacy for France,” says Jamie. The opportunity of Youth Ambassador also had Madeleine thinking about a career in political science or public policy. “It was through this program that I learned about the power of adolescence and the impact that youth can make. I want to continue to work on youth empowerment and youth involvement in issues now and in the future. The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but they are also the leaders of today,” says Madeleine.
FILM CLIPS:
Lumarda & Boyer By Jude Lucas, Visual & Performing Arts Chair
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eniors Malone Lumarda and Stephen Boyer have accumulated an astonishing amount of awards and accolades for their films during the last four years.
Malone Lumarda and Stephen Boyer holding their Arts Hall of Fame Awards.
the Best’ and ’Best US Narrative’ at the Lovett High School Film Festival in Atlanta, the Audience Award at the Santa Monica Teen Film Festival and the Best Live Action Film award at the Student Television Network Film Festival. In June, Boyer completed a 5-minute short film entitled Paradigm, which he also submitted to several festivals. Paradigm’s honest and simple story garnered it several awards, including: The Lizzie Award for Acting at the Harvard-Westlake Film Festival, the Finalist award at the Heartland Festival and the YoungArts Cinematic Competition, the Best High School Film award at the Reality Bytes Film Festival, the Juried High School Award at the Washington DC Independent Film Festival, the Best Teen Film Award at the YoungCuts Film Festival in Montreal, and, most significanltly, the Best Overall Film Award at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City.
Lumarda receives his Award Citation and scholarship check from soundtrack composer Emilio Kauderer at the 20th LA Film Festival.
Lumarda spent his junior and senior year in LTV writing and working on films that spoke to a 21st century teen. Whether his topics were about the challenges of technology or the mystical sense of the outdoors, he came away with professional products and industry praise. Lumarda’s recent film, Black Rock Creek, has been accepted into 11 festivals and won Best Youth Film (13-17) at the Albany Film Festival in Albany, California. Black Rock Creek won the Hot Shot Award in the Sun Valley Film Festival and was mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter. Black Rock Creek is an Official Selection at: Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema, Sun Valley Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, American Online Film Awards, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and Films for the Forest 2014, screening as part of South by Southwest. Another Lumarda film, The Farm was recently accepted into the Nashville Film Festival. The Farm has now been accepted into 35 festivals and Escaping the Island has been accepted into 13 festivals. Lumarda won a $1000 scholarship for best student film at the LA Film Festival in the summer 2013. In January 2013, Stephen Boyer completed his 11-minute short film, Opus. He proceeded to submit it to festivals across the country where it picked up several awards, most notably, ’Best of
Boyer with film producer, and All-American Film Festival creator, Andrew Jenks.
As a result of winning the Best Overall Film Award in New York, Stephen was hired to create a web pilot for Fandango as well as develop a cable show for Andrew Jenks; a notable television producer and the creator of the festival. Additionally, Boyer will be featured in Al Jazeera America’s documentary series, Edge of Eighteen, which is produced by Academy Award winning director Alex Gibney. Check out this link of the documentary. Lumarda will attend the University of Southern California film school in the fall and Boyer will be in the electronic media department at the California State University at Long Beach. Keep your eyes on these two as you may see their work on the big screen soon. SUMMER 2014
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FACULTY UPDATE
TEACHING in the
FUTURE NOW By Staff
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rian Miller ’79 is in his 30th year as a science educator, and in his 25th year at La Salle. In June 2014, SOPHIA, an innovative online learning program developed in conjunction with Capella University and “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” has chosen Brian as their “Featured Teacher” for his use of technology in the classroom. Miller has spent 20 years as the science department chair teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Environmental Science. He organizes his teaching based upon what he calls the “The Six C’s”: Think Critically, Communicate Clearly, Work Collaboratively, Embrace Culture, Develop Creativity, and Utilize Connectivity. “I adopted the SOPHIA website in January as a means of delivering content for my Honors Chemistry class. I create tutorials and playlists for students to view and complete their work at home,” Miller said. “Both my students and I have been very pleased with the SOPHIA site. I have completed professional development programs online through SOPHIA/Capella on the Flipped Classroom, iPads in the Classroom, and the Virtual Classroom. I have also shared SOPHIA in my department and have been a featured contributor to its “School of Thought” Blog,” he said. According to their website, Sophia and Capella have developed a host of college readiness resources including more than 30,000
tutorials focused on the gateway subjects of Math, English, and Science, as well as the broadest set of tools to help teachers innovate inside and outside the classroom, all in an ad-free environment. By making these resources free to students and teachers, more students will have the opportunity to learn the way they learn best, fill in gaps in their understanding of key concepts, and increase their chances of college success. Not surprisingly, Miller utilizes every avenue available, both in and out of the classroom, to get students to maximize their potential. As someone who looks up to the late UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, Miller agrees that, “Success is peace of mind which is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.” He is not only passionate about teaching and learning, but loves to share what he does in the classroom and has presented numerous times on how to integrate flipping the classroom while using best practices for science instruction. In his article, 7 Stepping Stones to a Flipped Classroom, he breaks down how he does it. For access to Brian Miller’s library of science lessons,interested readers may check out his online SOPHIA profile, Brian Miller. SOPHIA online learning is at www.sophia.org/capella.
COACH SHERIDAN
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istory teacher and soccer coach, Dan Sheridan ’98 notched his 100th win as coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team this past season. He has been coaching at La Salle since 1999 and has an overall record of 100-95-21 as head coach. Dan says he remembers a great game against Salesian High School where the Lancers beat the Mustangs 1-0 for the Santa Fe League Championship in 2005. It was the first time Salesian had been shut out in three years. Dan has four league championships under his belt. Dan will step down as the Lancers’ Head Coach this season to concentrate on his duties as History Department Chair. Dan has a Masters Degree in Curriculum Development from Concordia and University. 38
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Dan was the Lancer goalkeeper during the second half of a magnificent stretch of six straight league championships culminating with the CIF Division IV Championship in 1996 and the Finalist Medal in 1997. He was All-State and All-Western Region his senior year and was a three-time All-League and All-CIF goalkeeper at La Salle. Dan then led the Lions of LMU to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Soccer Tournament in 2001. Dan will continue as Associate Head Coach at Pomona College. “For the past fifteen years, I have given my heart and soul to La Salle Soccer. Although I will no longer be directly involved with the soccer program, I will continue to support the team as a faculty member and academic-athletic adviser, working directly with the student-athletes to ensure their academic success while excelling on the athletic field.”
The Lasallian World B
iology teacher, Elizabeth Mullen and librarian, Delia Swanner, spent a month this summer in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, through the Vandu Paaru Immersion Program. They taught English to the aspirants, at the La Salle Juniorate in Pwin Oo Lyin, Myanmar. The weekends allowed for sightseeing led by the aspirants, all with the purpose of increasing their English proficiency. Elizabeth said, “It was a fantastic opportunity to see what is happening in Lasallian institutions across the world. The commitment to the mission is lived out in the most amazing way. It was an incredible trip!” “It was an honor to live in community with the Brothers and students, commented Delia. “It was interesting to learn about a country in transition and its fascinating culture. This was a once in a lifetime experience that truly warmed my heart.”
Look for a more detailed account in the next edition of Lancer Magazine.
Delia and Elizabeth, foreground) with young girls who are entering the convent.
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Alumni National Month of Service
The Alumni National Month of Service is a unique opportunity to unite La Salle grads through community service during the month of May. This is an extension of the service La Salle students do throughout the year. With over 6,000 alumni living in nearly every state, the potential to have a positive and meaningful impact in the community is enormous.
During the month of May, Alumni were encouraged to: • Volunteer! Three projects were organized by the Alumni Association in Pasadena, Los Angeles and San Francisco. • Help set up a community service project in their area for fellow alums and community members to participate. • Get involved with an ongoing service project in their community. • Share their volunteer stories and pictures with the La Salle community.
Many thanks to the alums who got involved in this annual initiative and shared their community service stories with the Alumni Association! PASADENA
Alums volunteered their time on Saturday, May 17th to help the Salvation Army of Pasadena serve breakfast to the homeless and low income seniors in Memorial Park. Thank you Pat Riley ’75, Director of Social Services for the Salvation Army Pasadena, for making this project possible. Alumni who participated include, left to right: Susan Ehring ’97, Anjali Agrawal ’03, Pat Riley ’75, Chanel Buccola ’07, Giselle Figueroa ’07, Ken Keeler ’02, Angela Bruning ’07.
SAN FRANCISCO
Alumni living in San Francisco volunteered their time on Saturday, May 10th tutoring 4th-8th grade students at De Marillac Academy. De Marillac offers a tuition-free education to low-income students in the Tenderloin and other inner-city neighborhoods. Many thanks to Jenny Gosselin ’02, Bay Area Alumni Chapter Rep, for organizing this opportunity. Alumni who participated include, left to right: Larry Callaghan ’60, Elizabeth Motte ’10, Erin Wiley ’03, Justin Lucas ’05, Jenny Gosselin ’02.
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LOS ANGELES
Alumni volunteered at the St. Francis Center in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31st. The St. Francis Center provides relief and support to homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families. Alumni helped sort and hand out food to those the St. Francis center serves. Thank you Jill Trousdale ’01, Executive Director, for making this project possible. Those in attendance included, left to right: Jill Trousdale ’01, Gabriel Castillo ’96, Meghan O’Donnell ’01, Paul Lees ’75, Melanie Scott Green ’97. Not pictured: Ken Keeler ’02.
Dick Crawford ’75 has volunteered with Isaiah House of the Orange County Catholic Worker in Santa Ana for many years. Isaiah House offers formal meals for the homeless daily, shelter for homeless families and women, bags of food and clothing, showers, emergency assistance, a relaxing backyard, and always a friendly ear and kind words of support. Most recently Dick put the word out to friends, family, and clients that the shelter was in need of personal hygiene items. And The 2014 Great Pickup was launched. Dick’s intention was two-fold: collect a bunch of stuff for the shelter, yes. But more importantly, raise awareness that hundreds of people in the immediate community are in daily need of assistance with the basics of life. About 70 people responded with about 40 offering supplies and 30 offering financial assistance. Dick ended up with 16 cubic feet of deodorant, razors, toothpaste, shampoo, etc, and just over $900 in cash donations. Pictured with Dick is Dwight Smith, a long time homeless advocate and co-director of the shelter.
Michelle (Mouton) Shackelford ’95 has volunteered and served time over the past three years raising money for research for Type One Diabetes. Her son, Cooper, was diagnosed at 7 months old and requires constant insulin therapy 24/7. Michelle has raised thousands of dollars to help find a cure for Type One and has won the award for “Excellence in Fundraising” for the past two years with the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). In addition, Michelle is a certified mentor and works with parents of newly diagnosed children teaching them everything from how to work the medical equipment, giving insulin injections, and helping parents try to find a normal balance to their new lives. If you would like to learn more about Cooper’s diagnosis and journey, Michelle creates annual videos of his progress which you can find on her Facebook page or you can email her at moutyshack@gmail.com. If you would like more information on Type One, how to get involved or if you have a loved one that may need some guidance with a newly diagnosed child, feel free to reach out to her!
Felisa Hevey ’01 has been serving since 2012 as the president of Civil Vision International, a nonprofit focused on connecting, informing and inspiring citizens globally.
Tyler Varing ’09 organized a personal fundraiser to benefit City of Hope Hospital when he ran the Orange County Half Marathon on May 4th. Tyler raised over $3,700. Tyler is pictured at the Marathon with his dad Russell.
Theodore Zuniga ’05 encouraged his friends to join him in donating their gently used clothing that they no longer have use for to Orangewood Children’s Home in Orange County. Orangewood is an emergency shelter for neglected and abused children.
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END OF AN ERA R
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he Classes of 1980-1992 (the last of the all male classes at La Salle) celebrated a night of Reunion at La Salle on Saturday, June 7th. Over 150 alums and guests were in attendance on campus for an evening that included dinner, drinks, entertainment, class pictures, campus tours, and casino table action. Favorite faculty members were also in attendance. During dinner, Captain Leroy Cisneros ’89 was presented with the Brother Celestine Distinguished Alumni Award for his service to his country and fellow soliders, his commitment to social justice and
Patrick Henry (faculty), Al Marks (former faculty), Jay San-Martin ’85, Brother DeSales Benning (faculty)
Matt Venegas ’88, David Bell ’88, Eric Kalmus ’89, Ben Alvarado ’88 42
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his dedication to his Alma Mater. The Classes of 1980-1992 have established the Ian Blakeslee ’85 Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of their classmates who have passed before their time. To make your donation to the fund visit www.lancernetwork.com/IanFund.
To view more photos, visit www.lancernetwork.com
Former soccer players were honored to have the wife and son of late soccer coach, George Taylor, in attendance. George coached at La Salle from 1980-1987. Pictured are: Paul Taylor, Jim San-Martin ’88, Doreen Taylor.
Andy Law ’90, Eric Medina ’90, Tom Badzey ’90, Patrick Mahoney ’90
Vince Fortanasce ’91, Marvin Schober ’91, Chris Toothman ’91, Kim Toothman
Hector Ramos ’83, Robert Roth ’83, Matt Ewton ’83, Bill Houston ’83
Geoff Gause ’80, Larry Albinski ’80, Jim Hezlep ’80, Mike Lofy ’80, Pat Bonacci (Vice President for Mission)
Jim LeVeque ’80, Brother DeSales Benning, FSC (faculty), Bob Sjoberg ’80, Brother William Carriere, FSC (former faculty)
Dave Howells ’80, Brian Doerning ’81, Chung Suh ’80 SUMMER 2014
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Marty Higuera ’86, Rhonel Aquino ’86, Danny Mahoney ’86, Ed Ruano ’86, Gianni Galati ’86
Larry Perez ’84, Jay San-Martin ’85, Philip Clarke (former faculty), Jim San-Martin ’88
After dinner guests enjoyed the casino table action.
Ben Alvarado ’88, Alex Freitas ’85, Marco Dandon ’85, Johnny Lima ’85, Hector Hernandez ’85 44
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During dinner, Captain Leroy Cisneros ’89 (left) was presented with the Brother Celestine Distinguished Alumni Award by his fellow classmate Kevin Delaney ’89 (right).
CLASS of ’74
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The Class of 1974 celebrated their 40 Year Reunion on campus on Saturday, May 17th. The Class is working to raise $7,400 to benefit La Salle’s financial aid program in honor of their Reunion. To make your Reunion Class Gift visit www.lancernetwork.com/74Gift.
Top Row, left to right: Tony Exposito, Kelly O’Donnell, Victor Polek, Steve Ullman, Joseph McDonald, Jeffrey Prokop, John Foran, Chuck Adams, Vince Braun. Bottom Row, left to right: Pat Dwire, Oliver Ho, John White, John Ring, Associate Principal for Student Services, Greg Anicich, Brian Reid, Jim Armitage.
Lancer Legacy A special congratulations to the Class of 2014 Legacies including, left to right: John Buchan and his daughter Sabrina ’14 Stan Oliai ’88 and his daughter Amanda ’14 Peter Thompson ’71 and his son Michael ’14 Bernie Santos ’80 and his son Patrick ’14 David Beringer ’75 and his daughter Solina ’14 Armando Ramirez ’93 and his daughter Yahaira ’14 Not pictured: Michael Berge ’80 and his daughter Erica ’14, Steven Faber ’86 and his son Thomas ’14 Incoming Class of 2018 Legacies include: Travis Beringer, son of David ’75 Jordan Labbe, son of Guy ’86 Sebastian Martinez, son of Ruben ’92 Natalie Mirasol, daughter of Rafael ’80 Jason Oliai, son of Stan ’88 Riley Sansone, son of Sean ’87
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he Class of 1964 celebrated their 50 Year Reunion on May 22-23, 2014. The events on Thursday, May 22nd included participating in the School’s annual Senior Presentation with the Class of 2014 where they received their Golden Diplomas in front of the student body followed by the Golden Diploma Luncheon. The festivities continued on Friday with a tour of JPL and the official Reunion Dinner at The Derby in Arcadia. A fabulous time was had by all in attendance over the two days.
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The Class of 1964 set a Reunion Gift goal to raise $5,000 toward the purchase of new equipment for the outdoor weighttraining facility the School is constructing. To date, the Class has surpassed their goal, raising over $5,100. If you are interested in supporting their Class Gift initiative please contact the Alumni Office at 626.696.4362 or you can make a gift online at www.lancernetwork.com/64Gift.
Members of the Class of 1964 in attendance at their Reunion Dinner included, Back Row, l to r: Joe LeBeau, Jim Keese, Bob Chicoine, Nick Martin, Bob Quandt, Joe Marshall, John Seredich, Peter Van Kuran, Jerry Larson, Jim Jarvis, Michael McCarron. Bottom row, left to right: Mike Russell, Larry Nordstrom, David Murphy, Greg Palmer, Duke Banks, James Grivich, Petter Gettinger, Greg Bridgland.
Golden Diploma Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their graduation in 1964 the graduates in attendance for the Golden Diploma Presentation included, Back Row, left to right: Joe LeBeau, John Seredich, Larry Nordstrom, Peter Gettinger. Bottom Row, left to right: Peter Van Kuran, Joe Marshall, Duke Banks, Jim Jarvis, Greg Bridgland.
To view more photos, visit www.lancernetwork.com
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Alumni News, Weddings & Births
Class of 1965
Staying
FIFTY YEAR REUNION
Connected 1970
James Elwood is a senior vice president with Bank of America in Arizona where he lives with his wife Gail and their two daughters.
1973
Robert Burke is the principal owner for Greenheart Land Co., a real estate development company in Walnut Creek.
1980
Matt Kouba is the park superintendent for the Conejo Recreation and Park District. He manages the grounds, building maintenance fleet and Rangers for over 50 urban parks and 14,000 acres of open space. He and his wife Beth have been married since 1982, have three kids and live in Thousand Oaks. Jim Hezlep works in sales for Adler Western, Inc. He and his wife Julie have two sons and reside in Rolling Hills Estates. Larry Albinski is an orthopedic surgeon with Kaiser Permanente and resides in Monrovia. Peter Smith recently celebrated 32 years of marriage to his wife Seana (Roben) Smith. Peter is enjoying the good life in San Luis Obispo County and was recently named Teacher of the Year for San Luis Obispo County where he teaches social science at the high school level.
1981
James D’Andrea is a psychologist with the Department of Veteran Affairs in Reno, Nevada.
1982
Paul Badzey is an admissions and records technician for Cerritos College and lives in Long Beach.
Mike Anderson was recently appointed by the University of California, Los Angeles to the Board of Directors of ASUCLA. ASUCLA is the largest university student association in the U.S., serving over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students and operating a host of business entities including trademarks and licensing of the UCLA brand worldwide.
1983
Reunion Weekend including a private party for the Class of 1965 and the return of the Decade of the ’60s Reunion on
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015
www.lancernetwork.com/65fifty.
wife Charmaine have two kids, Tre (12) and Eva (8), and live in Los Alamitos.
1985
Brian Bird is a golf course architect with his own company, Bird Golf Design, where he specializes in designing golf courses, master plan communities and landscapes. He makes his home in Australia.
1986
David Smith is a physical therapist for Rehab Alliance and resides in Rancho Cucamonga. Danny Mahoney is a vice president with Transamerica. He has volunteered with several golf events over the years and has served on the Actuarial Exam Committee since 2002. He and his wife Maura have two children and reside in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ben Alvarado has worked for Wells Fargo for the last 23 years and is currently their regional president for Orange County. He serves on the board for three non profits including Bundle of Books, Miller Children’s Hospital and United Way Orange County. Ben and his
Jim Quandt ’67 addressed graduate students at Saint Mary’s College’s 2014 Graduate and Professional Programs commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 25th. Jim is the co-founder and managing partner of the California private equity firm Thomas James Capital. Jim graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1971, and has served on the College’s Board of Regents and Trustees for 16 years, including serving as the trustee board chair for two years.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015
More information online at
Gregory Dohlen is self-employed as an illustrator and caricaturist and lives with his wife Tori and their son Jackson in Sierra Madre.
1988
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Golden Diploma Presentation and Luncheon at La Salle
Rick Esquival is a national account manager for ImpreMedia and resides in Montebello with his wife Anabel and their three children, Ricky (16), Nicholas (15) and Elizabeth (13). Matt Venegas is the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Corporate Relations for Brandman University where he oversees the University’s outreach team in southern California and the state of Washington and creates scholarship programs with corporations and schools. He is also the chairman of AltaMed Health Services Orange County Advisory Board. Matt and his wife Claire have been married for eight years and have three children, Derek (5), Aaron (3) and Gabrielle (1). William Nicholas is an associate pastor for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is currently working at St. Rose of Lima in Simi Valley. He earned his MBA in Marketing from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2012 and published a book on biblical apocalyptic literature in 2007.
Stephan Zeeman ’69 Ph.D.,
professor in the University of New England Department of Marine Sciences, has been awarded a 2014-2015 Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant by the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Stephan received the prestigious award to teach at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) in Semarang, Indonesia, focusing on his expertise in marine science as well as remote sensing and geographic information systems.
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Keith Johnson retired as a social worker with the County of Santa Barbara and currently resides in Yachats, Oregon.
1989
Jeff Piering works in logistics for the Graphic Arts Center and lives in Portland. Eric Kalmus runs BT Media LLC, a mobile information technology company that runs IT departments for small companies throughout Los Angeles. He also runs two non-profits having to do with children’s rights throughout the world. Eric has three children, Amy (17), Sawyer (13) and Jonah (2), and resides in Culver City.
1990
Joe Mudnich moved to Portland, Oregon last October after living in San Francisco for the last 18 years for a position doing customer support at rental property management startup Cozy.co. David Soltis is an English teacher at La Salle and lives with his wife Lidia and four sons in Azusa.
1991
Trevor Caldwell is the vice president of investor relations and strategic for Marchex, Inc. and resides in Issaquah, Washington.
1992
Jeff Rogers works in business services for Western Federal Credit Union and lives in Los Angeles.
1995
Lara Davini ’95 and Erin (Davini) Trachy ’99 have started a new business venture providing non-medical homecare to the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. You can
Class of 1994 TWENTY YEAR REUNION
SAVE THE DATE! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH A celebration for alumni and families at the Homecoming Football Game on campus at 7pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH Reunion Cocktail Party at The Peppertree Grill in Sierra Madre For more information contact Kristen Schultz ’98, Director of Alumni Relations at 626.696.4362 or kschultz@lasallehs.org Check out your Reunion online at www.lancernetwork.com/94Twenty
learn more about the services of ANCHOR by visiting anchorhomesupport.com.
1999
Yasmin Schmalix is a visual impairment teacher within the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has her Master’s in Special Education and credentials in visual impairment and clinical rehabilitative services. Laura Kennedy earned her Doctor of Medicine from Ponce School of Medicine in 2013 and is a neurologist with the United States Army.
Rebecah Ericksen has returned to the states from Australia and makes her home in Los Angeles where she is working in artist relations for Gigroom.
2001
Amanda Gonzalez Richardson earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from National University in May 2014.
2002
Erin Healy graduated from UC Davis School of Medicine earlier this year and has started her residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
2003
Lesley Wake has returned to Southern California after living in Canada, England and Washington DC for the past 11 years. She has taken a new job with Hughes Associates, a leading fire engineering firm. She has already been hard at work on many projects, including the design of the new Harry Potter World at Universal Studios.
2004
Lorenzo Begay is a newly licensed RN after completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fresno State University this spring. Prior to Fresno State, he obtained a BA in Anthropology from UCLA in 2010. He is working as an RN in emergency medicine and is continuing on with graduate coursework and his project thesis which will be conducted at Children’s Hospital of Central California as a pilot project utilizing storyline to increase compliance with incentive spirometry in postoperative school age children and nurse perceptions of storyline utilization. Lorenzo plans to obtain his MSN
Michelle Brana ’10
Members of the Class of 1980 gathered at The Peppertree Grill in Sierra Madre on March 8, 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jon Pool’s band El KaBong. Those pictured include: Stan Wilcox ’80, Gary Jones ’80, Jon Pool ’80, Tony Messineo ’80, Matt Kouba ’80. Not pictured but in attendance: David Ebert ’80, Jim Eck ’80, John Slater ’80, Steve Peterson ’85.
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graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a double major in Political Science and Spanish on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Due to her remarkable grades and aptitude demonstrated in the presentation of her thesis, Michelle was selected by the Political Science Department to represent LMU in a bi-national exchange with Mexico. This past June, along with several professors and 14 other students, Michelle traveled to Mexico D.F where she participated in a number of events and conferences not only with the Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM), but also with the Mexican government. This exchange aims to create leaders capable of understanding and rationalizing the urbanization and governmental issues of both countries, and applying this knowledge in their future government jobs. Michelle is now back in the States preparing to continue on to graduate school to earn a doctorate in Spanish.
from Fresno State in May 2015 as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator and he is looking forward to new growth opportunities within the nursing field. Taleen Seropian worked as a development manager for the American Lung Association for two years after college and then moved into higher education where she found her career in student affairs/counseling. She was a program coordinator at Cal State Northridge for three years before she started this year at Pasadena City College as a student success advisor. Taleen graduated with her Master’s in Counseling from Cal State Long Beach in May 2014 and plans on taking a short break before she starts work on her doctorate. Ava Ghofranian has her Master’s in Communications from Cal State Northridge and is a talent coordinator for E! News. Elizabeth Kalmus Solebello has lived in Sonoma, CA; Portland, ME; and Washington, DC since graduating. She is now back in Pasadena and is working as a senior technical writer and editor for Parsons. Elizabeth has started a successful support group for adults with Type 1 Diabetes and has had her stories, articles and essays professionally published. Jeff Smith is the owner of The Crafty Smiths and he and his wife Kaitlin live in Phoenix.
dia. She and her husband Thomas were married in 2012 and live in Monrovia. Jeremy Jung earned his MS in Interactive Entertainment from the University of Central Florida in 2010. Mark Orcholski earned his Master’s from Dominican University in 2010 and works as a lab manager at Stanford University doing medical research. Mark still plays competitive soccer and volunteers with Science is Elementary to bring science into K-5 classrooms. Rose Swim has her MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University and works as an intake clinician for Rosemary Children’s Services in Pasadena.
Class of 2009 FIVE YEAR REUNION
SAVE THE DATE! WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014 7:30pm-10:00pm
For more information or to help with your reunion contact the Alumni Office at 626.696.4362 or alumni@lasallehs.org **Make sure your email and mailing address are up to date with the Alumni Office**
Carolyn Lee earned her second Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal State University, Bakersfield earlier this year. Her first degree was in Business from Cal Poly Pomona.
Check out your class reunion webpage at www.lancernetwork.com/09Five
Lindsay (Bistany) Weideman is an ultrasound technician for Dr. Ardeshir Karimi in San Gabriel. She and her husband Carl Weideman ’00 have been married for two years and live in Monrovia.
Restaurant as well as teaching marine science on Catalina island with the Long Beach Marine Institute.
Varoujan Movsesian completed his Masters of Architecture from Arizona State earlier this year and now works as a designer for StudioMA, Inc. in Calabasas.
Jacqueline Peters was a hematology/oncology nurse in Rochester, NY for the last two years and recently moved to Chicago to work in the pediatric ICU at Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital. Jackie also volunteers for the Rock for Kids Foundation in Chicago.
2010
Shannon Barger graduated from Humboldt State University with her BA in December 2013. She has been working on the training team at Islands
Danielle (Palazzolo) Levy is the director of admin and human resources for C.A.R.S in Arca-
Maureen Perry graduated Summa Cum Laude from USC on Saturday, May 16th with a degree in Graphic Design. Elizabeth Motte graduated from the University of San Francisco in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Elizabeth is taking a year off from nursing for service and has joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. In August, she moved to
RETTIG SIGNS WITH GREEN BAY PACKERS Chase Rettig ’10, a four-year starter at quarterback for Boston College, agreed to terms with the Green Bay Packers this summer. Rettig, 6 feet 3 inches and 206 pounds, said he also spoke with Miami, Detroit, Cleveland, San Diego, and Atlanta before deciding to join the Packers. “You try to figure out the best situation,” Rettig said. “I think I made a good decision and I’m honored to be a part of the Packers’ organization.” Rettig will be the fourth QB on the Packers’ roster. He’ll join veterans Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien in vying for a backup role to three-time Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers.
Rettig, who went 20-30 at BC, had his best season in 2013 when he directed the Eagles to a 7-6 record and a trip to the Independence Bowl, finishing with a passer rating of 93.9. He finished his BC career with 52 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. “He’s been through holy hell,” a personnel man for an NFC team told the JournalSentinel. “I want to say he had five offensive coordinators and four position coaches in four years. QB at BC was tough. But he is tough.” Rettig, 22, threw for 8,263 yards and 52 TDs with 39 INTs on 685-of-1,242 passing (55.2 percent) during his career, one of just four QBs in school history to eclipse the 8,000-yard passing mark. He finished his career ranked fourth in BC annals in passing yards, fourth in TD passes, third in completions and fourth in attempts. Rettig helmed the Lancers from 2007 to 2009.
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Washington D.C. to serve as a mental health specialist at the McClendon Center. Her role is to lead groups that will assist clients in establishing goals, developing self-esteem, communication skills, problem solving abilities and obtaining a reality based perspective. She is also responsible for aiding with psychosocial assessments and planning and implementing treatments. Mia Castro earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Magna Cum Laude with Dean’s List Honors from Saint Mary’s College of California in May. Mia was accepted into the 2014-2015 Class of Coro Fellows, which selects 64 candidates per year from thousands of applicants nationwide. This fall, she will begin a highly competitive leadership training program in public affairs in San Francisco. Upon completion of the program, plus additional coursework at the University of San Francisco, she will earn a Master of Arts in Public Affairs. Mia credits her many mentors and teachers at La Salle with fueling her drive and confidence to succeed. Michael Edwards graduated as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army from the United States Military Academy on May 28, 2014. Mickey Sumner graduated from the Integral Program at Saint Mary’s College in May.
2011
Itos Aikhionbare took first place in both the discus and shot put for the UC Irvine Anteaters at the Big West Conference Championships in May.
2012
Nick Sonnenburg is going into his junior year at Santa Clara University majoring in political science and history.
Engagements Emily Paniagua ’02 and Ryan Valentino met at a wedding on Coronado Island in January 2012. They dated for a year and took a trip to Brazil and Peru where Ryan proposed while looking over Machu Picchu. They are planning to marry in November 2015. Emily started nursing school this past May at Mount St. Mary’s College in the accelerated one year program.
Weddings Jose Rodriguez ’99 and Elsy Mukul were married on June 21, 2014 at St. Andrew Church in Pasadena accompanied by family and friends including Joanna Serrano ’06, Felicitas Serrano ’08, and Alexander Serrano ’11. Jose and Elsy are pictured with their daughter Leilani who was born in December 2013. Sam Lamb ’00 and Nicole Romano, daughter of Tom Romano ’68, were married on November 23, 2013 at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena with
a reception that followed at the California Club. They are currently working together at State Farm to open their own insurance agency and recently purchased a home in Pasadena. Michael Reed ’03 and Megan Shelton were mar-
ried on March 15, 2014. Mikie and Megan met in April 2011 at the wedding of Rick Reed ’00 & Jessica (Berry) Reed ’00. Mikie works for SC Solutions as Logistics Director. Megan is an ASL Interpreter at Granada Hills High School. Members of the Bridal Party included Rick Reed ’00, Peter Singer ’03 and Tim Reed ’10. Ashley Aloi ’04 and Paul Poulos were married on July 13, 2013 at the Huntington Harbour Bay Club in Huntington Beach on the sand with her Maid of Honor and sister Amber (Aloi) Martinez ’02 and Nick Martinez ’02 in attendance. Ashley works in the emergency room at Huntington Beach Hospital and will graduate with her second Bachelors degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington this December. Heather Prado ’05 married PJ Canterbury on February 8, 2014 in Pasadena. La Salle Alumni in their bridal party included Christy McCarty
LANCERS Take Midway
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n April 25th, Lancer Varsity Baseball took advantage of Easter Vacation to take a trip to San Diego to watch Alum Bowdien Derby ’12, now at San Diego State University, pitch against San Jose State University. This was not just vacation time, it was an educational trip. The Lancers learned firsthand the qualities of Division 1 Baseball. Before the game while in San Diego, the varsity team took a tour of the USS Midway. Here they learned about real teamwork and what it takes to win battles, learn responsibilities, and create brotherhood.
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’02, Sarah Gallegos ’05, Laura Hutton ’05, Fletcher Fasick ’05 and Brittany Thomas ’08. Heather works at City of Hope as an RN specializing in Bone Marrow Transplant & Hematologic Cancers. While Heather was attending La Salle, her little brother John was diagnosed with Leukemia and received years of chemotherapy and treatment at City of Hope. This experience inspired her to pursue nursing and join the very medical team that helped save her brother’s life. John is now 13 years old, cancer free, and hopes to attend La Salle in the fall of 2015. Catherine Cahill ’06 married Chris Copping on June 22, 2013 at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Burbank. Catherine’s sister, Jacqueline Cahill ’03, was her Maid of Honor and her brother, Marc Cahill ’09, was a groomsman. Catherine graduated from the University of California, Irvine with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology in 2010. She then received a Masters degree in Business Administration from Chapman University in May 2012. Catherine and Chris spent their honeymoon in Italy and now reside in New York City,
where Catherine is employed as the marketing coordinator for Supersmile.
Births & Adoptions Kimberly (Rodriguez) Arnold ’97 and her husband Robert, welcomed their first son, Asher Zane Arnold, on January 26, 2014. Kimberly is currently staying at home enjoying time with her little one while her husband works for the government. She and her family reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Vanessa Strouse-Kenney ’97 and her husband Kevin welcomed their first child, Mason James Kenney, on February 7, 2014. Mason was supposed to be born on Super Bowl Sunday but waited a week so his dad could enjoy the game. Vanessa and her family reside in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Kathrine Weir ’97 and her husband Alexander welcomed their daughter, Lara Marie Brandt, on March 10, 2014.
Jeff Rodriguez ’00 and his wife Hannah welcomed their first child, Lucas Jeffrey, on April 8, 2014 at 10:35am. He was 6lbs, 11oz. and 19 inches long. Dean Griffith ’00 and Kaytee (Canzoneri) Griffith ’02 are proud to announce the birth of their twin
baby boys, Logan Joseph and Dylan Scott, who were born on October 21, 2013 in Pasadena. Kaytee works as a hair stylist in Pasadena at Bravo Spa & Salon and Dean is a real estate broker & assistant manager at Coldwell Banker in Arcadia. Dean and Kaytee will celebrate 7 years of marriage in September. Jessica (Gordon) Miller ’05 and her husband Dan are thrilled to announce the arrival of their daughter, Kailey Rose, who was born on June 20, 2014 at 6:33pm weighing 7lbs., 9oz.
LA SALLE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENTS CALENDAR 2014-2015
Check out all the great things your Alumni Association has planned for the coming year! More information can be found online at www.lancernetwork.com. OCTOBER 3rd 13th 17th 17th -18th
Alumni Service Award Presentation 22nd Annual Lancer Golf Tournament Homecoming Football Game and 10th Batallion Award Honoring Kasey Johnson ’07 and Matt Kohorst ’07 Class of 1994 Twenty Year Reunion Weekend
NOVEMBER 2nd Open House 16th Alumni Memorial Mass & Family Communion Breakfast 22nd Alumni Matinee for the Fall Drama Production 26th Class of 2009 Five Year Reunion 27th - 29th Lancer Athletics Weekend Alumni Flag Football, Alumni Basketball, Alumni Soccer Tournament, Alumni Water Polo DECEMBER 6th Adopt-A-Family Gift Wrapping Party and Santa Visit Help wrap Christmas Gifts for needy children and have your photo taken with Santa. A great event for alumni and their families!
JANUARY 7th - 9th 10th
Take A Lancer To Lunch Week College-Age alums are invited back to campus to share their college experience with current students. Alumni Baseball Game
MARCH 10th & 12th 21st
Career Days Alumni are invited to share their career experiences with the sophomore class. Alumni Matinee for the Spring Theatre Production
MAY Alumni National Month of Service 21st Class of 2015 Alumni Induction and Presentation of Class of 2015 Alumni College Scholarships 21st Class of 1965 Golden Diploma Presentation JUNE 12th 13th
Class of 1965 Fifty Year Reunion Dinner Decade of the ’60s Reunion SUMMER 2014
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Yes, that was La Salle in the World Cup Kia Commercial By John Blackstock ’67
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Lancers with Adriana Lima, are class of 2014 members, from left, Kenndi Wittingham, Jared Akins, Beverlee Valerio, Alexis Marez, Christina Judson, Adriana, Kylie Salkin, Heather Casignia and Derek Iwata. 52
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ohorst Field was featured in a Kia automobile commercial during the summer World Cup matches in Brazil. Filmed over two days, the spot featured international super model Adriana Lima. In the commercial, she drives a new Kia onto the Lancer football field, disrupting football practice. She says, “In my country this is Futbal,” and kicks a soccer ball into the group of football players. Adriana Lima is the famous Brazilian model and actress that is best known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Her unique appearance, voluptuous shape and sultry eyes have made her famous. She started her modeling career at the age of 15 after she entered and finished in first place in Ford’s Supermodel of Brazil model search. According to Forbes Magazines, she is one of the top five highest paid supermodels in the world. Yet despite this lofty perch, she was delighted to visit with dozens of La Salle students during the commercial filming. If you are curious, here is the YouTube address http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OHhFGu4ZuTc (Adriana Lima Football vs. Futbol - FIFA World Cup).
Homecoming 2014
Friday, October 17th La Salle Lancers vs. Harvard-Westlake 7:00pm on Kohorst Field
Alumni are invited to check-in at the alumni tent in the upper parking lot for discounted tickets and giveaways. 2014 Tenth Battalion Alumni Athletic Award Honorees Kasey Johnson ’07 and Matt Kohorst ’07 will be recognized at half-time.
La Salle High School
3880 East Sierra Madre Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107-1996 www.lasallehs.org Address Service Requested
Transforming Lives Since 1680
22 Annual nd
Lancer Golf Tournament & Banquet Monday, October 13, 2014 At the Beautiful Glendora Country Club Four-Person Scramble | 11:00am Shotgun Start • $1,000,000 Shootout • $25,000 Hole-in-one • $5,000 Putt • Trip to St. Andrews Hole-in-one • Trip to 2015 Masters Hole-in-one For more information contact Irene Santucci at 626.696.4312 or san2c@lasallehs.org Special Young Alumni (’00 - ’14) Discount