Moreau Catholic High School is dedicated to the legacy and values of the Congregation of Holy Cross and its founder Blessed Basil Moreau. We are a college-preparatory school committed to outstanding achievement.
As a community of faith, we prepare our students through academic, social, and spiritual learning experiences that form and transform them as they become responsible citizens of our global community.
Valedictorian, Fern Mao, and Salutatorian, Jeffrey Chen, spoke to their classmates at graduation on May 26, 2024 at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland.
Cover Photo: Kalena Manansala
5 MARINER MOMENT
Moreau Catholic alumna, and 43rd Treasurer of the United States, Rosie Rios ’83 has always had a strong sense of pride for the city of Hayward, Moreau Catholic High School, and of course, her mother.
7 HE DID IT HIS WAY
Thank you, Mr. Newton, for enriching our lives over the last 39 years.
Comments or suggestions for The Vector are welcome. Email us at communications@moreaucatholic.org
EDITOR
Colleen Shively
DESIGN
Matthew Tominaga
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew Tominaga
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Elizabeth Berkes
Erica Escalante
Dr. Liz Guneratne
Heather Radovich ’09 CONTRIBUTING
Laura Charles ’24
Paul McKenna ’83
Zachary Vo ’24
24
COMMENCING WITH HARMONY
With many Moreau Catholic supporters in attendance, we officially blessed the ground where the Center for Music and Band will eventually stand.
30 A TRUE MARINER SPIRIT
A legend of Moreau, Bernie Puccini selflessly served our community, leaving behind a legacy that is sure to inspire Holy Cross students and educators for many years to come.
Dear Mariner Family and Friends,
With grateful hearts, we celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. I am in awe of all we have accomplished to continue to demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts here at Moreau Catholic High School, and we are excited to share some of our many highlights with you in this Vector. We commend our extraordinary Class of 2024, and we wish them many blessings as they head out into the world to continue their educational journeys, pursue their passions, and make the waves that our world needs. We thank all of our faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators who have dedicated their lives to the cultivation of the minds and hearts of our beloved students. The impact of our phenomenal Holy Cross educators- and the impact they empower our students to make - is transformational. Go Mariners!
Hope abounds on Mission Boulevard. Our Mariner family is growing, and our incredible incoming class is full again. We have added solar panels to our hillside to reduce our carbon emissions, create more clean energy, reduce our future electricity bills, and advance our environmental and financial sustainability efforts. We continue to carefully maintain, update, and steward all of the resources we have, and we are adding a new building to our campus for the first time in almost four decades! As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we pause with great gratitude for the gifts we have inherited and the legacy from our Brothers upon which we build.
I am thrilled to share that our Setting the Tone for the Future Capital Campaign, initiated this school year with the full and active support of our tenacious Board of Trustees, is off to a great start. The impact of this campaign is already evident as our students grow as leaders and find their voice through the programs that this new space will cultivate. Indeed, we are growing, as Fr. Moreau said, like a mighty tree. We are nourished from the same strong roots as our 14,000 alumni, and we are thriving with new possibilities and new life. We are so thankful to ALL OF YOU for your support of our beloved school. We welcome your engagement as we build our future together. Let’s stride forward together with great hope into our bright future! We are Mariners, after all, true and proud.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. Liz Guneratne President
Moreau Catholic High School stands proudly as a beacon of academic rigor and holistic student development in our community. Embracing our tradition of cultivating well-rounded individuals and advancing excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, we are thrilled to introduce a modern Center for Music and Band. This initiative reflects our dedication to innovation and surpassing standards, ensuring our students have the tools they need to thrive.
See our story on the Ground Blessing Ceremony of the new Center for Music and Band on page 24 of this magazine. To learn more about our Capital Campaign, visit: https://www.moreaucatholic.org/campaign
by Colleen Shively
Moreau Catholic alumna, and 43rd Treasurer of the United States, Rosie Rios ‘83 has always had a strong sense of pride for the city of Hayward, Moreau Catholic High School and, of course, her mother. This summer Rosie, and the entire Rios family, was back on Mission Boulevard to commemorate the one year anniversary of the passing of their matriarch, Guadalupe Rios. The Rios family, along with many Bay Area leaders, gathered at Saint Clement Catholic School for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Guadalupe Rios Learning Center.
As a tribute to the life that her mother built in Hayward and as an avid supporter of Catholic education, especially at Saint Clement and Moreau Catholic, Rosie shared this story with us, and gave us her blessing to share it with you, the greater Moreau Catholic community.
Top: The Rios family at the presentation of the Rios Learning Center. Bottom: The Rios Family cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony.
By the Rios Family
At the entrance to the gates of the football field of Moreau Catholic High School lie many fundraising pavers. One in particular stands out because of the sheer number of names inscribed upon it. The paver includes the names of our mother, Guadalupe Rios and all nine of us who graduated from Moreau (and beyond). Mom herself did not graduate from high school. She attended a Catholic convent school near Guadalajara, Mexico until approximately eighth grade. At that time, completing this level of education was considered a major accomplishment and luxury, especially for a woman.
In 1958, Mom married and in order to pursue a better life, she and her husband immigrated to the U.S. the following year. Because of her strong Catholic faith and her appreciation of higher education, she understood the value of a “strong parochial education”. Mom worked hard to send her children to Saint Clement Catholic School, and then on to Moreau Catholic High School right next door. Her challenge became even more difficult when she needed to divorce in 1975. She reentered the workforce and was employed as a social worker at Catholic Charities where she worked her way up to be a director of several social services programs which included the Fifty-Five Plus Senior Program and the Refugee Employment Program, among others. Her children also helped to make ends meet by working after school and summer jobs. Mom didn’t have a lot of treasure, but she volunteered her time and talent to prepare gourmet food for church fundraisers. She was also a founding member of the Saint Clement Parish Council where she was instrumental in establishing Spanish language masses. She accomplished and gave so much with such few resources. Her impact on her friends, family, parish, and community will forever be felt.
Mom passed away on June 27, 2023. By coincidence, her grave is located at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery adjacent to Moreau Catholic, approximately aligned with the football field’s 50-yard line. It’s appropriate and poetic, because her life centered around the church and schools which she loved. In her memory, Saint Clement Catholic School has dedicated a center in her name, now called the Guadalupe Rios Learning Center. In her honor, we established an endowment, the first of its kind, to provide scholarships at both St. Clement and Moreau Catholic High School. Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same and plant the seeds for future generations of leaders. Many corporations budget funds for philanthropic purposes such as this, and if you or your employer are in a position to possibly do something similar, it is worth the effort. If you are a student who is fortunate to be able to receive one of the scholarships in honor of Guadalupe Rios, we ask that you please do three things: do good work with this gift of education, pay it forward and, if you are able, say a prayer for our courageous mother who never gave up. She believed that America truly is the land of opportunity, and provided us the path to our own American Dream.
If you would like to learn more about establising endowedments and scholarships, or to give to the Guadalupe Rios Family endowment, please visit: https://www.moreaucatholic.org/giving/scholarships-and-endowments.
It is our pleasure to honor three amazing educators as the 2024 Holy Cross Educators of the Year.
Congratulations to Mr. Austin Reaker, Science, Mr. Amos Hodgson III, Mathematics, and Mr. Ted Newton, Band and Orchestra.
In April, at the annual Academic Assembly, we heard from three of the students whose hearts and minds have been positively impacted by our 2024 Educators of the Year. Here are some excerpts from each student’s speech about those who have meant so much to them:
Mr. Austin Reaker
by James Mira ’24
“This teacher is an absolute joy to be around, always open for conversation or a quick joke to pick you up in any situation. His positive energy is a trademark of his teaching style, and the Moreau Community as a whole.
In all honesty, [Mr. Reaker] is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He takes his time to meticulously explain every concept in a way that everyone can understand and ensures that all of his students get an equal level of education. If someone does not understand a topic, he goes out of his way to help them understand.
He is always down to have a good time. He has danced at several rallies, dressed up in goofy costumes for spirit checks, and even helped moderate last year’s Senior Council. He even split the Senior Class right down the middle while dressed as Moses.”
by Samantha Komrowski ’27
Supportive. Hardworking. Considerate. Passionate. Uplifting. A Great Mentor.
These are just a few ways that Mr. Hodgson’s students described him in their votes.
Samantha also added these kind words about Mr. Hodgson:
“[Mr. Hodgson] works hard to ensure that their class is a safe space, both for those who love the topic, and for those who struggle with it. Though they teach multiple classes in what some would call the most difficult subject to enjoy learning, on the days that I have their class, I, and many other students look forward to it. Even when I enter the class knowing that I will have received more homework by the end of it, I feel happy to be there, because that is the environment that this teacher has created.”
See next page for our dedicated article about
The final recipient of the 2024 Holy Cross Educator of the Year award is none other than Mr. Ted Newton! For over 39 years, Mr. Newton has dedicated his life to nurturing the Moreau Catholic Band and Orchestra program and shaping the confidence and character of every student fortunate enough to be in his classes. His profound passion for music and his unwavering commitment to his students have left an indelible mark on the Mariner Community. We are profoundly grateful that Ted chose Moreau Catholic nearly four decades ago. His influence will continue to resonate through the halls of Moreau and at every memorable band performance, from Teves Theatre to Yoshi’s Jazz Club and beyond. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on retirement and best wishes to Mr. Newton for many days of welldeserved rest and relaxation. Thank you, Mr. Newton, for enriching our lives over the last 39 years. We will miss you!
Fern Mao, 2024 Valedictorian, shared these thoughts about Mr. Newton:
“Whether he’s adorned in his infamous Hawaiian shirts at Friday night football games or in class conducting with his baton, [Mr. Newton] is a shining example of an educator who shapes his students through challenges and rewards them with success. Although some may describe him as strict, I would call it ‘tough love’. He is committed to helping students gain responsibility, confidence, and creativity. He sees his students’ potential and is determined to help them be the best they can be. By instilling a strong work ethic, this incredible band director promotes exponential growth not just on stage but in their personal lives.”
Ted, you’re more than just a conductor; you’re a mentor, a friend, a colleague. Your unwavering support for students extends beyond the band room, as you encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and find their own unique voices. Your dedication to fostering a sense of community and belonging has created a stronger sense of family—a family that transcends notes on a page and becomes a symphony of shared experiences.” -Patrick Landeza
Current and alumni band students have expressed a desire to name the classroom space in the new Center for Music and Band after Mr. Newton. If you are interested in donating to this project, visit: https://www.moreaucatholic.org/campaign
What is your fondest memory at Moreau Catholic High School?
After almost every pole vault practice, my teammates and I would lay on the football field and debrief about our lives, drama, how practice went, upcoming meets, advice, and literally anything else that came to mind. As we rolled around on the grass, laughing so hard that our chests hurt, the sun was warm on our back, and there was always a light cool breeze. The vibes were absolutely perfect, and I remember feeling truly content in those moments, knowing that I had found a little family within Moreau on which I could rely for anything. There was also one time at practice junior year where Coach Ben had empty pole containers and we all broke out into lightsaber battles. That was so much fun!
What are you most proud of from your four years at Moreau Catholic High School?
I’m most proud of my overall growth as a person, student, leader, musician, and athlete. I came to Moreau as a timid freshman who refused to participate in any activities and hid behind my screen during virtual learning. Even after I transitioned to in-person learning, I was still very hesitant to try new things and put myself out there. However, I began to try out for sports, making varsity volleyball and pole vault as a sophomore, and I began to solo for jazz as the lead tenor saxophone player. Over the years, I gained both skill, awareness, and confidence, allowing me to be a teamplayer, form meaningful friendships and connections with my teachers, and advocate for myself. If freshman Fern met senior Fern, I believe she would be both proud and fascinated.
What does it mean to you to be chosen to represent the Class of 2024 as their Valedictorian?
I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be chosen to represent the Class of 2024 as their Valedictorian. As a class, we didn’t have the ability to start high school in person due to the pandemic, but despite this limitation, we persevered and still made the most of our time together. It is a gift to be able to represent such a resilient class and speak on their behalf about how we can continue to rise into the future. I hope to be able to proudly represent all of my class’s hard work, determination, and dedication over the last four years, which has brought them to where they are now.
What will you miss most about Moreau Catholic High School?
As I start my new college journey, I will definitely miss the close-knit community at Moreau Catholic High School. Whenever I walked around campus, I would see a familiar face, whether it was a teacher, classmate, or friend, and I would wave and talk to them. Those simple warm greetings were such a comforting part of my day. I’ll also hold onto all the love, support, and vibrant energy that would emanate during spirit week, culture week, rallies, football games, and other school events.
What stood out about UCLA to make you choose to attend college there instead of the other schools you were accepted to?
I chose UCLA because its majors and minors, as well as its study abroad program, provide numerous opportunities to carve out a unique path that aligns with my many interests. Although I’m unsure of what I want to do in the future, I do
know that I want to pursue a creative career so I believe that UCLA’s location makes it an ideal place for internships and networking. I also enjoyed my visit to the campus and could picture myself as a student there.
What will you be studying at UCLA?
I was accepted into UCLA as a Marine Biology major, but my plan is to pursue something very different when I arrive in the fall. I hope to switch my major to Communication and minor in either art/design, film, or psychology. While that lineup might sound eclectic to some, it includes all of my interests, and my plan is to explore as many classes as I can to figure out what I want to do in the future.
What are you most looking forward to in college?
I’m most looking forward to the newfound freedom I will have. College is a time to explore who you are as a person, your interests, and find the people that will be your life-long friends. I’m definitely excited to experience campus-life, explore LA’s food scene, and hopefully, join the club track and field team so I have the ability to pole vault again!
What are some “Words of Wisdom/Advice” you would like to leave your fellow Mariners?
Advocate for yourself, make connections, embrace change. Throughout my life, I’ve been scared to put myself out there, but I truly believe that if you just try, a lot of good can come out of it. I’ve discovered many of my passions that way, and the worst that could happen is you realize you don’t enjoy something. But, if that “try” turns out to be something you want to continue to “do,” you’ve now unlocked a new level of yourself and an outlet to explore. Time flies as you get older, so just have fun and enjoy every second!
Clockwise from bottom right: Fern pole vaulting during the 2023 Track and Field season; Fern with Ms. Tovar; Fern at graduation during her valedictorian speech. Opposite page, bottom left: Fern performing her saxaphone solo at graduation.
What is your fondest memory at Moreau Catholic High School?
My fondest memory at Moreau is when Moreau baseball won the league championship during my sophomore season. As a freshman on JV, the goal has always been starting on varsity as a sophomore. It was an emotional moment when coach Cris told me I would be starting at second base when the season started. The season went really well. We played as a team, had great energy, and it was a pleasure to play with teammates such as Luis Beccerra and Xavior Rios who are playing D1 baseball in college right now. As a team, we went 16-8 overall, won the league, and made it into NCS. I truly enjoyed baseball during that season because as a sophomore, there wasn’t too much pressure being put on me. I was just enjoying baseball, playing at my best, and looking up to the upperclassmen. I still remember the moment we won the championship, and we started spraying apple ciders at everyone. It was the best day of my entire high school career!
What are you most proud of from your four years at Moreau Catholic High School?
My proudest moment was when I did my TEDx talk. I made everyone laugh and inspired a lot of people to get out of their comfort zone. A lot of people came up to me after the talk and told me how much the talk resonated with them and how they wanted to take action in things that they had been wanting to do but never had the guts to do. I felt like I made a positive impact on the community after the talk and the preparation was definitely worth it!
What does it mean to you to be chosen to represent the Class of 2024 as their Salutatorian?
When I was notified that I was chosen as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2024, my heart was filled with excitement and joy. I feel honored to be able to represent the class, and I was extremely excited to speak in front of the public. The experience from TEDx makes me want to talk and entertain the crowd again. The other reason why I was so excited when I was chosen as the Salutatorian was because Fern Mao, one of my best friends who’s always been there for me, was chosen as the Valedictorian. I feel so honored to be able to represent the class with one of my closest friends.
What will you miss most about Moreau Catholic High School?
I will definitely miss my friends the most. It sounds really corny but they’re the people who accepted me when I came all the way to a foreign country without knowing anything about California. It was them that taught me all the slang, the culture, and invited me to meet more people. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to fit into this new environment and be the person that I am today.
What are you most excited about attending Oberlin College?
Just like most people, I’m excited about meeting new people, exploring the new environment, and enjoying the parties at Oberlin College. But one thing that I’m most excited about is playing baseball at Oberlin College. I was recruited by Coach Johnathan Ray and when I visited, I was amazed by the campus and the athletic facilities. Baseball is the love of my life, and I will try my best to prolong my athletic career!
What will you be studying at Oberlin?
I will be majoring in Biology while being part of the Pre-Med pathway at Oberlin College. My dream is to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer to help athletes perform at their best, so I’m working towards my dream job!
What are some “Words of Wisdom/Advice” you would like to leave your fellow Mariners?
We are still young; a lot of things can change quickly. If you don’t have the confidence to give something you want a shot, you will never know what could’ve happened. During my junior year, I was in the seats watching the Class of 2023 athletes signing their NIL and announcing their commitment to their college athletic career. At that moment, I set myself a goal that I will be in one of those seats next year, signing and playing baseball in college. I started my recruiting journey extremely late, and at one point I wasn’t getting any offers and I was about to give up. But I kept reaching out to coaches and kept improving myself. In November 2023, my numbers went up dramatically, and that’s when I started getting offers from a couple different schools. This year I was able to reach my goal of being one of the signees because I gave it a shot, even though it seemed impossible.
If you need more words of wisdom, go watch my TEDx talk :)
Visit: https://youtu.be/ bdjskS8QvGk?feature=shared to watch Jeffrey’s TEDx Talk: What’s Outside of the Comfort Zone.
On an unusually cool May evening, the Class of 2024 stepped into their Mariner Green robes, marking a momentous milestone in their journey. As they gathered to celebrate, memories of their eighth-grade year, overshadowed by the onset of the pandemic, were acknowledged with grace by Dr. G. This evening was their chance to reclaim the pomp and circumstance they missed out on years ago, surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family.
As the procession of graduates commenced, the air was filled with the harmonious melodies of “Lean on Me,” sung by members of Music Ministry. With hearts full of joy and determination, the seniors danced down the aisle, united in celebration of their achievements and the bonds forged over the years. This evening was a testament to their strength, perseverance, and the bright futures awaiting them beyond the halls of Moreau Catholic High School.
Senior, Isabella Imura, the artist who drew the image on the cover of the Baccalaureate Mass program, described why she chose such an image to represent the Class of 2024.
“The symbolism behind the image on the cover is what I believe best represents the class or 2024’s growth over the years. The cross and anchor is to remind us of the four pillars of Holy Cross and the core values we have practiced. Our class started high school during a very dark time in the world. As we continue to persevere we have learned to thrive under the most challenging circumstances, the candle represents light and hope.
Blessed
Brother
Congratulations to our student-athletes who will be playing at the collegiate level!
Northern California
CSU East Bay
CSU Monterey Bay
Chabot College
College of San Mateo
Dominican University of California
Evergreen Valley College
Foothill College
Las Positas College
Menlo College
Ohlone College
Saint Mary’s College of California
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Skyline College
Solano Community College
Sonoma State University
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Merced
UC Santa Cruz
University of San Francisco
University of the Pacific
Nevada
University of Nevada - Las Vegas University of Nevada - Reno
Southern California
Cal Poly
Cal Poly - Pomona
California Institute of the Arts
CSU Fullerton
CSU Long Beach
CSU Los Angeles
CSU Northridge
Chapman University
Irvine Valley College
Loyola Marymount University
Occidental College
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego State University
Santa Monica College
UC Irvine
UC Los Angeles
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara
University of Redlands
University of San Diego
University of Southern California West Hills College - Lemoore
Washington
University of WashingtonSeattle Campus
Oregon State University
University of Oregon University of Portland
Arizona State University - Tempe University of Arizona
Kansas
University of Saint Mary
Illinois
University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
University of Illinois Chicago
Indiana
Indiana University - Bloomington
Purdue University - Main Campus
Ohio
Oberlin College
Ohio State University - Main Campus
Alabama
Auburn University
Texas
Baylor University
Texas Tech University
New York
Barnard College
New York University
Syracuse University
Massachusetts
Berklee College of MusicValencia, Spain Campus
University of MassachusettsAmherst
Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Pennsylvania State UniversityPenn State Main Campus
Washington, D.C.
Howard University
Virginia
Hampton University
Florida University of Miami
100% of the Class of 2024 graduated and are heading off to college.
Pressures of an A+ Student
Fiona Cai
The Catalysts to Happiness
Adrian Fellers
The “Tween Era” is Dying—What Does This Mean for Young Girls?
Jamila Mata
Find Happiness and Fulfillment in Helping Others
Laura Charles
Moreau Catholic is proud to be the first in the Bay Area and the only TEDx partner school in the Diocese of Oakland. We are celebrating our seventh year of empowering student speakers to share ideas worth spreading.
To watch this year’s talks, click here.
This is What You Get for Striving Towards the Unknown
Jeffrey Chen
Pick Your Hard
Natalia Guerrero
Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Language Barriers in Healthcare
Sharonjit Kaur
Control Your Future
Leila Dixon
A Guide to Looking Through the Artist’s Lens
Catalina Interiano
Rewriting Life’s Loop: A Summary of Solution
Kamsi Okonkwo
Finding Diversity in Data
Aishwari Sirur
From Awareness to Action: Catalyzing Change for Rare Diseases
Riya Patel
Bias Unmasked
Kendal Beasley
Even in the Media, There’s No LBG Without the T
Beth Santos
Drowning in Inequalities
Angelica Chavez
Remember Your Elders
Gabriella Yabut
Keynote
Vincent Vasquez (@thetastebud)
Lost in Translation
Viraaj Gupta
How to Be a Better Leader
Wyatt Reams
Confronting the Silent Agreement
Roquel Salomon
NFHS California State Coach of the Year
Earlier this school year, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) named the California Section nominees for the NFHS California State Coach of the Year award for the 2022-23 school year.
We congratulate Moreau Catholic’s Boys Volleyball Head Coach, Jerico Abanico, of for being named California North Coast Section Coach of the Year! Jerico was selected based on the positive work he has done with our student-athletes and our greater community. We are so grateful for Coach Abanico’s outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic activities.
Jerico Abanico has been the Head Coach for Moreau Catholic High School’s Boys Volleyball Varsity team since 2017. He and his team qualified for the North Coast Section Playoffs and have been in the section finals for the past two years placing in the Top 3 High School Boys’ Volleyball Programs in Northern California (based on the CIF rankings).
Go Mariners, and Go Coach Abanico!
• 5 Rally Squad members received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards.
• 13 Boys’ Basketball players received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards.
• 2 Varsity Boys’ Basketball Bay Area News Group “Players of the Week” this season.
• 16 Girls’ Basketball players received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards.
• 20 Boys’ Soccer players received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards.
• 22 Girls’ Soccer players received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards.
• Senior goaltender, Mia Toscano had an outstanding season. She is currently ranked #1 in North Coast Section, #8 in the CIF, #9 in California, and #23 in the entire nation.
• Varsity Girls’ Basketball took home 5 Mission Valley Athletic League All-League awards.
• Varsity Boys’ Basketball took home 4 Mission Valley Athletic League All-League awards.
• Varsity Girls’ Soccer took home 5 Mission Valley Athletic League All-League awards.
• Varsity Boys’ Soccer took home 6 Mission Valley Athletic League All-League awards.
TOTAL:
• 76 Winter Sport athletes received North Coast Section
• scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards
• 146 Spring Sport athletes received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards
• Boys’ Tennis, Boys’ Lacrosse, and Girls’ Lacrosse, continue to improve and develop. The sports have a strong core group that have allowed the teams to continue to build individually and as a program.
FAST FACTS 2023-2024:
• 496 student-athletes
• 222 female student-athletes
• 274 male student-athletes
• 129 Fall Sport athletes received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards
• 76 Winter Sport athletes received North Coast Section scholar-athletes/North Coast Section presidential scholar awards
WAY TO GO MARINER STUDENT-ATHLETES!
by Erica Escalante
In the realm of high school basketball, victories on the court are not merely statistics; they represent the culmination of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the game. Such is the case with Coach Knight, whose achievement of 400 coaching career wins marks a remarkable milestone in a coaching journey defined by passion, resilience, and a profound impact on players and communities alike.
January 13, 2024, marked Coach Knight’s 400th coaching career win as the Mariners defeated American High School 73-46.
Coach Knight’s journey began 14 years ago when he first stepped onto the hardwood as a young and ambitious coach. Armed with a deep love for the game and a desire to instill the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in the next generation of athletes, he embarked on a coaching career that would span over a decade and leave an indelible mark on the world of Bay Area high school basketball.
Throughout his tenure, Coach Knight has not only amassed an impressive tally of victories but has also cultivated a culture of excellence and integrity within his program. He has served as more than just a coach; he has been a mentor, role model, and a source of inspiration to generations of studentathletes. Under Coach Knight’s guidance, players have not only honed their skills on the court but have also developed into well-rounded individuals, equipped with the tools necessary to succeed both on and off the hardwood. Through countless hours of practice, strategic guidance, and unwavering support, he has empowered players to reach their full potential and achieve feats they once deemed unattainable.
Beyond the wins and losses, Coach Knight has been a pillar of the community, rallying support for his teams and fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among players, parents, and fans. His impact extends far beyond the basketball court, serving as a driving force for positive change and unity within the community. Coach Knight hosted the Bay Area Coaches Clinic back in October, collaborating with top college and high school basketball
coaches, speaking to athletes of all ages on how to become better athletes and better citizens in the community.
This incredible milestone of 400 career wins, serves as a testament to Coach Knight’s enduring legacy and the profound influence he has had on the lives of countless individuals. Whether measured by wins and losses or by the immeasurable impact on players’ lives, Coach Knight’s contributions to Moreau Catholic High School basketball are nothing short of extraordinary.
Looking ahead, Coach Knight shows no signs of slowing down. He will continue to inspire, motivate, and lead by example both on and off the court. As he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching journey and the road to 500 wins, his legacy of excellence and dedication will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly.
Congratulations, Coach Knight, on this incredible achievement. Here’s to many more victories, milestones, and memories in the storied career of a true basketball legend.
by Dr. Elizabeth Berkes
When Mariner baseball began in the late 1960s, the young school threatened few other teams in the league. But other teams in the league soon realized that Moreau baseball was a force to be reckoned with. The mastery of the coaching led Moreau to championship after championship. Throughout these early years of success, Moreau formed a tradition of excellence in baseball. Moreau baseball has left a great impression on many of its players. The school has sent multiple alumni to the major leagues, and in April, we welcomed one of our most storied student-athletes back to campus with his family and friends, Darren Lewis, Class of 1985.
During his career at Moreau Catholic, Darren played four years of varsity baseball and basketball and was inducted into the Inaugural Moreau Catholic Hall of Fame in 2001. Lewis played two baseball seasons at Chabot College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley. As a junior at Cal, Lewis was a member of the 1988 Golden Bear squad that advanced to the College World Series. He is also a member of Chabot College’s Hall of Fame.
Some of the Class of 1985 and Ms. Moran showed up in support of Darren Lewis.
Drafted in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft in 1988 by the Oakland Athletics, Lewis was an All-Star at every level in the minor leagues before making his professional debut on Aug. 21, 1990, going 2-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt for the A’s. Lewis was a member of Oakland’s 1990 World Series team before being traded to San Francisco in December 1990.
This event, founded by Moreau Catholic’s Athletic Department in collaboration with the Baseball Program and the Advancement & Alumni Departments, celebrated Darren Lewis, and his on-field accomplishments and contributions to further athletics. This day also celebrated and highlighted the rich history of baseball at Moreau Catholic High School and the continued growth of our program.
We hope that those who coached, played, officiated, and attended Darren Lewis Day left with a profound sense of pride in the Green and Gold of Mariner Nation. With the day’s celebration, we have created the Moreau Catholic High School Darren Lewis Athletics Community Award. The Darren Lewis Athletics Community Award recognizes outstanding contributions, achievements, or leadership within the athletics community. Moreau Catholic takes pride in its baseball program and remains committed to advancing the achievements of its student-athletes and coaches. As part of the Setting the Tone for the Future Capital Campaign, we are excited to announce plans for constructing new batting cages at the original Senior Park. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering excellence and providing top-notch facilities for our athletes. Together, we are shaping a bright future for Moreau Catholic baseball.
by Colleen Shively
May 6, 2024 was an exciting day on the Moreau Catholic High School campus. Although we have many exciting days on campus, this one was especially momentous. We celebrated the start of a new era for Moreau Catholic; an era even more dedicated to supporting the arts and educating the hearts and minds of our students. An era that will include the Center for Music and Band. With many Moreau Catholic supporters in attendance, we officially blessed the ground where this beautiful building will eventually stand.
The afternoon celebration started in the campus Chapel with a mass said by our own Fr. Bruce Cecil C.S.C. and included beautiful songs by Dr. Kaia Richards ’99 and the Moreau Catholic choir. After a short walk, we congregated at the site, formally known as Senior Park on the northside of campus, nestled among Garin Gym and the baseball field. Ms. Ann Khristine Tabora, Director of Campus Ministry, and the Campus Ministry team planned the most beautiful blessing of the grounds. In a very moving “blessing of all directions” the students spoke about the meaning behind each direction in which two students stood; one with incense filling the air, one with a cross marking the direction in which they stood while one held a flag that represented the four elements for each direction; White: the East & Air, Purple/ Blue: the South and Water, Green: West & Earth, Orange/Red: North & Fire. Fr. Bruce concluded the ceremony with a Catholic blessing of the grounds with Holy Water.
Throughout the event, the Jazz Ensemble, guided by Mr. Ted Newton, captivated the audience with their enchanting music. Their performance resonated deeply, underscoring the reason we were there: to create a state-of-the-art space where students can nurture their passion for music and dedication to the arts at Moreau Catholic High School.
The Members of the Corporation of our Brothers of Holy Cross traveled from Austin, Texas to join us for this momentous occasion. Brother Tom Dziekan, C.S.C, Provincial Superior, Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province spoke on behalf of the Brothers and extended their unwavering support to Moreau Catholic High School. Their constant support has consistently evoked gratitude, and the resonance of this backing for our new building is deeply cherished by the entire Moreau Catholic community.
Brother Tom Dziekan, C.S.C. Provincial Superior, Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province
In a poignant gesture of endorsement for the construction project, Dr. Liz Guneratne announced that the Brothers have graciously granted us the honor of naming the Center for Music and Band in tribute to our beloved confidant and cherished colleague, Brother Donald Blauvelt, C.S.C. Br. Donald was a friend to many but a best friend to Moreau Catholic High School. His passing last year struck our community hard, but in true Mariner spirit, we are turning our loss into love and we will remember Br. Donald every time we hear the sweet sounds of Mariner music coming from the beautiful building with his name on it.
Thank you to all who have supported this new building and the new era of Music and Band at Moreau Catholic. For more info, please visit the Capital Campaign website.
One of the guests in attendance for this sacred Ground Blessing was a local journalist, Nate Tinner-Williams, a cofounder and editor at Black Catholic Messenger, an online publication for Black Catholics. You can read Nate’s article on the Ground Blessing by clicking here
Fall Play: Dearly Departed
Band and Orchestra Awards Concert
Winter Dance Concert: You Should Be Dancing
Winter Band Concert: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Student Choreographers’ Showcase: Patchwork
Spring Dance Concert: Spring Fling
Spring Musical: Tuck Everlasting
2023-2024 Jazz Ensemble in Concert at Yoshi’s Oakland
On May 15, 2024, we were honored to host Dr. Richard Bautch, Executive Director of The Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University, at our campus. During his visit, Dr. Bautch enjoyed a guided tour led by James Mira ’24 and Jess Wang ’25, which included a visit to our serene grotto. He had the opportunity to meet with many members of our faculty, staff, and Campus Ministry team, all of whom are dedicated to nurturing the hearts and minds of every Moreau student.
At the conclusion of his visit, Dr. Bautch bestowed the prestigious Partner in Mission Award from the Holy Cross Institute upon Dr. G. which she shares with all the Holy Cross leaders who make Moreau Catholic High School the amazing school it is and has been since 1965.
During this year’s annual Holy Cross Convocation at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, our own Ms. Toni West and Mr. Peter Smith-Shelley were invited to speak and represent Moreau Catholic High School. They made us proud with their presentations to many other Holy Cross educators from across the country.
Ms. West’s presentation, “Christian Education: The Foundation of Bringing Hope When Hope is Fading,” taught attendees how to use Fr. Moreau’s Christian education in their formation of faculty and staff. The discussion leaned on the understanding of Holy Cross when frustration, fear or doubt creeps into campus life.
Mr. Smith-Shelley’s presentation, “WE are Holy Cross: The Walk to Chateau-Gontier” shared his thoughts about the moment, or more accurately, the beginning portion 15-yearold Basil Moreau’s 50 mile three-day walk with his father Louis, from the family home in Laigné-en-Belin to the college preparatory seminary in Château Gontier where Basil would eventually stay and formally begin his education for the priesthood.
A Mariner Alum, Narciso Bernardo ’13, who is currently a Religious Studies teacher at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, CA, also presented at the event, “Sacrament of Hope: How the Real Presence of Jesus Can Transform Holy Cross Schools”.
Well done, Toni, Peter, and Narciso!
Laura Charles, a member of Moreau Catholic’s Class of 2024, is “on a mission to change the world one tree (or plant) at a time!” In order to do so, Laura took it upon herself to teach students at Government High School in Chennai, India about the importance of healthy eating, having a balanced diet, and growing their own healthy and organic food.
During the Summer of 2023 Laura started a project that would ultimately earn her the GOLD award, which is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA. This project was also the topic for her Senior Capstone Project as well as her TEDx talk during Senior year at Moreau.
With guidance from her Moreau Catholic science teacher, Mr. Austin Reaker, Laura created the project, Kudumba Unavu Thittam (KUT). KUT educated the students about healthy eating, what it truly means to have a balanced diet, and how to grow their own gardens, using a technique called micro-gardening. Along with learning how to set up and care for a garden, students are also able to experience hands-on learning by combining what they learn in biology class about plants and the plant cycle (i.e. what a plant needs to survive, different parts of the plant, etc.) to what they learn when in the garden. By knowing how to care for a garden, and needing only a small area of space, students will be able to provide for themselves and their families. KUT hopes to install gardens in numerous
schools in the future, so that many students can learn this valuable skill for a lifetime of success.
Laura’s passion and commitment to educating the Government High School students the importance of a healthy diet and empowering them to build and maintain their own micro-gardens also earned her the 2024 Ronald Reagan Leadership Award. This award is presented to a student who embodies the qualities of drive, humility and service before self. It is these qualities that Laura exemplifies that make us Mariner proud!
Visit Laura’s project website here: https://sites.google.com/view/ kudumba-unavu-thittam/ home?authuser=0
The Sommer Family (A) is one of the first to have three generations attend Moreau! Brothers John ’70, Jim ’73, and Jeff ’79 started this family legacy that continued with Jim’s daughter, Angela ’00, and now with Angela’s daughter, Taylor ’27. We are so grateful that the Sommer family has chosen to be part of our Mariner family!
’72
The Moreau class of 1972 (B)—the last class of all boys—continues to keep the spirit of our 50th reunion alive and recently met for a get-together at the Oakland Coliseum for the A’s vs. Giants ballgame on March 25. The evening began with a pre-game tailgate party, courtesy of Brad Faria, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a BBQ pitmaster extraordinaire. The hot dogs were well received by those in attendance as well as the refreshments, courtesy of Greg Vieira. As you can see from the photo, team allegiances were evenly split between Oakland and San Francisco. The Giants went on to win, 4 -1, and all classmates in attendance went home with another great memory derived from our high school years half a century ago. Pictured back row: Pat Paich, Phil Noia, Phil Mummert, Steve Frost, Gary Mason and Mark Van Metre. Front row: Brad Faria, Brian Whitaker, Paul Isaacson, Greg Vieira and Rick Nagy.
’70
The Sommer Family (A) is one of the first to have three generations attend Moreau! Brothers John ’70, Jim ’73, and Jeff ’79 started this family legacy that continued with Jim’s daughter, Angela ’00, and now with Angela’s daughter, Taylor ’27. We are so grateful that the Sommer family has chosen to be part of our Mariner family!
’72
The Moreau class of 1972 (B)—the last class of all boys—continues to keep the spirit of our 50th reunion alive and recently met for a get-together at the Oakland Coliseum for the A’s vs. Giants ballgame on March 25. The evening began with a pre-game tailgate party, courtesy of Brad Faria, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a BBQ pitmaster extraordinaire. The hot dogs were well received by those in attendance as well as the refreshments, courtesy of Greg Vieira. As you can see from the photo, team allegiances were evenly split between Oakland and San Francisco. The Giants went on to win, 4 -1, and all classmates in attendance went home with another great memory derived from our high school years half a century ago. Pictured back row: Pat Paich, Phil Noia, Phil Mummert, Steve Frost, Gary Mason and Mark Van Metre. Front row: Brad Faria, Brian Whitaker, Paul Isaacson, Greg Vieira and Rick Nagy.
’74 Steve Schott (C): I recently published my first book, Choose to Forgive: Discovering the Life-Transforming Power of Forgiveness. The book, available on Amazon, explores the power of forgiveness and how to apply it in life. I only ask that my former English teachers forgive the typos; I promise to correct them! Currently residing in North Texas, I am still playing bass guitar in a rock and roll band.
’75 Barbara Schexnayder: I have recently retired. Like our high school graduation, it’s always just out of reach until the day finally arrives! I worked for Roche Molecular Systems in Pleasanton for 26 years. I was business support for the team of Scientists that produced the PCR tests for COVID. I saw the first automated blood tests for HIV produced, whirlwind production for both West Nile Virus and Zika among many more. It was a great job but time for this next chapter now.
’80 Kevin Dowling has been elected as Vice President of the Santa Clara University Alumni Board of Trustees.
’84
Erin (O’Reilly) Doeschot (D): I’ve been teaching for Fremont Unified School District for 30 years. Throughout my years in FUSD I have met so many great people who are also Moreau Alumni. Who are dedicating their careers to educating regular and special education students. There’s just something special about them…thoughtful, kindhearted, and dedicated to giving the kids they teach their best. Two of these people are Lillian Lui Kennedy ’96, who’s been teaching 20 years, and Stephanie Jay ’08, who’s been an educator for 12 years. We are all currently teaching at Tom Maloney Elementary School…home of the Bulldogs! Here’s to all Moreau Alumni who are working as educators.
’97
Jarrod Bordi (E): I am the 2023 recipient of the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and Dean’s Superintendents Advisory Group (DSAG) award. This was a competitive award for aspiring superintendents completing their doctorate at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. I am also a recipient of the University of Southern California Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) Rossier Scholar award. Dr. Jarrod Bordi #USC Rossier School of Education Dissertation: A Case Study of How Principals, Teachers and Parents Contribute to a Quality Comprehensive K–12 System of Support for ELL Student Academic Success Accomplishments USC Rossier School of Education: 2021 USC Rossier School of Education Scholar Award Recipient, 2023 USC Rossier Dean’s Superintendents Advisory Group (DSAG) Award Recipient
’13 Niba Nirmal: I hosted a show for PBS called Hungry Planet which showcases people’s work on understanding the science of the food on our plates and how scientists and communities are working to keep it there for future generations. You can watch the series here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uH2jWc9TEVM&list=PLnNZYWyBGJ1GLQf9_ XgIa1ibNZ1jMOPQj&pp
’23
Katherine Cava (F): I have published my second book, my first novel, called “Tag, You’re It.” This thriller novel talks about mental health and has an Alice-InWonderland-like twist to it. You can purchase “Tag, You’re It” on Amazon, the Barnes and Noble website, and the Archway Publishing Bookstore.
Would you like to advertise your business for all of Mission Boulevard to see?! Would you like your business to be featured at any, or all, of our sporting venues?
Sponsorships are available at any level that fits your budget! Please visit this site to learn more!
www.moreaucatholic.org/athletics/athletic-fieldand-gym-sponsorships
Alumni, get ready! As we ramp up for our 60th anniversary, we want to hear ALL your stories. More information to come! Look for this logo on social media, alumni newsletters, by email, and physical mail.
Your fellow Mariners are interested in reading about what you are doing. Please scan the code or copy the link to keep your classmates and other Moreau Catholic friends up-todate on the activities in your life. Send us news about career moves, publications, additions to your family, awards, etc. We especially welcome wedding, baby, and group gathering photos. You can upload your news and photos to:
www.moreaucatholic.org/alumni/vectorsubmit-a-wave
by Dr. Liz Guneratne
Bernie was a legend at Moreau Catholic, and her connection began when her son Howard was a freshman in 1968. In addition to seven Mariner children who she supported here, she was a Mom to all. She was beloved by the Brothers and enthusiastically took care of, and helped them, often. She joined our staff in the 70s and served in many critical roles, including working in the copy room, serving as Principal’s secretary for Mrs. Patricia Geister and Mr. Terry Lee, working in the ISC, supporting alumni and advancement, volunteering to help at all events, selling tickets to games, and doing whatever needed to be done to make Moreau successful.
Another way Bernie served Moreau Catholic was being chosen as one of the founding members of the Holy Cross Associates (HCA) in the first chapter of HCA created at Moreau Catholic. The Holy Cross Associates are lay people who are chosen to deepen their catholic formation and develop collaborative relationships, creating a family spirit of love and inclusiveness and sharing with the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Church and the world. They serve alongside Holy Cross priests, brothers and sisters to live out the vision of the founder of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau.
Moreau Catholic was the first Holy Cross High School to have a chapter and Bernie was proud of her position and served with the utmost respect. She helped build the chapter which is still going strong today! She was an extraordinary ambassador of the Holy Cross mission and unmatched in her dedication to our students. She was also honored with the John Raimondi award for her volunteerism and her love of the school is still celebrated annually when we award a scholarship in her name. For over four decades, Bernie selflessly served our community and has left behind a legacy that is sure to inspire Holy Cross students and educators for many years to come!
Mark Azzarito ’86
Christopher Borden ’73
James Celles ’96
Antoinette Cordeniz - Matriarch, mother of Mark Cordeniz ’72, Michael Cordeniz ’73, Elizabeth
(Cordeniz) Moore ’76, and Catherine (Cordeniz) Souza ’84, aunt of Donna Pimentel ’80 and Stephen Pimentel ’84, grandmother of Joseph Moore ’10 and Amy Moore ’12
Carol (Vigano) Lyons ’73
Virginia Magalhaes, mother of Danny ’79, Donny Magalhaes ’80 and grandmother of Jacki ’00, Stephanie ’01, and Amanda ’03
Roger Quezada ’80
Robert Schexnayder ’72
Tracy (Dallas) Umeda ’90
Seung Yoo ’84
James Zelinski ’76
