PRI RITIES A Magazine of Woodside Priory School
August 1995
Taking it to the
TOP Priory trustee Les DeWitt takes the Priory spirit to new heights: 20,320 feet on Alaska's Mt. McKinley Story on page 12
Values Centered Education for the Leaders of the New Century
From the Prior "...We will continue to empower the future world citizens entrusted to us with the ethical and spiritual strength to lead responsible lives of service"
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arm greetings! Our new school year is beginning and with it come exciting developments for the Priory. The most important, of course, is the person of our new headmaster, Dr. Frank Cody, who brings his plans for making Woodside Priory School a true leader among American educational institutions. As the only private school representative on the Carnegie Foundation’s Commission to Study the Restructuring of the American High School, Dr. Cody possesses a clear perspective on school administration and on development of excellent, relevant, traditional and cutting-edge curriculum. Although his leadership in Catholic school administration is highly respected, his commitment to secondary students is equally exemplary. Senior Gladys Martin, student representative on the national search committee which recommended Dr. Cody for the position of WPS headmaster, said this about him: “Dr. Cody is open to ideas and willing to listen to students and work with us. He is talkative and has lots of ideas. You can tell he’ll be there for students.” How fortunate we are to have Dr. Cody to guide us in this portion of the Priory’s evolution, where fiscal foundations and community support are at their highest levels in many years. What will transpire in this next phase — that is, how we reinforce the framework to prepare our students for leadership in this new century — can be the most stimulating and satisfying period in our school’s recent history. With the Hewletts’ technology grant, the
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Foothills Foundation grant, gifts from the Koret Foundation and the George T. Cameron Foundation, and the Annual Fund’s record contribution, we are poised for a major step forward on several levels. Faculty spirit is strong and the staff is looking forward to the new departmental organization and collaborative classroom assignments. Centering our major efforts on the structure of our academic program and tailoring it to the demands of university-level success are the tasks we face. Beyond that immediate goal, we will continue to empower the future world citizens entrusted to us with the ethical and spiritual strength to lead responsible lives of service. Let me use this opportunity to thank you for your past support and to welcome you in person to play an active role in Priory life. Your own life will be greatly enriched, as will ours. We look forward to a great year. Sincerely,
(Very Rev.) William Sullivan, O.S.B., Prior
From the Headmasteer
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he summer is progressing with almost uncharacteristic swiftness. But as I climb the hills or join the monks in prayer, I’ve had some very pleasant items to consider in my beginning days here at Woodside Priory. In my very first week on campus, I opened an envelope from the College Board to peruse test scores from this spring. There I found some very impressive results, including the best SAT test scores on the part of one Priory student that I have ever laid eyes on in some now almost twenty years of administrative involvement. I’ve had the opportunity to share the excitement of the administrative staff at the beginnings of our technology reformation. Dates early in August are marked in my calendar for participation in training sessions on the new equipment and software, the tangible results from a generous grant given us by the Hewletts. A number of meetings in my new office have been held with students and their families. Some have come with academic or behavioral concerns, and the sense of hope in a school that is small enough and caring enough to be able to work with students individually comes bursting through. There is the wonder, too, of people stepping forward to contribute to making sure that the financial wherewithal is present to keep Woodside Priory a school that is open to students from a variety of economic or class backgrounds. Their actions have given me further evidence that this is a community with a mission that is global. When I spoke to the students and staff at the chapel service after my selection, I emphasized the
need for listening for all of us. This is an important time for me to listen: To the monastic community, to the staff, to parents, to students, to board members and the broader community. Listening is essential for me to frame my own mission in consonance with the mission of the school. Certain elements are most important. This is a Catholic school in the Benedictine tradition dedicated to value-centered education — it promotes academic excellence, it respects the uniqueness of the individual student in his or her emotional and intellectual development, it promotes a community whose diversity is reflective of the diversity of the world community in which it is inserted. And once all these important elements have been enumerated, we still need to carefully translate these principles into day-by-day decisions. I eagerly look forward to the sounds of the Woodside Priory student body filling our spaces, but I hope by that time to have spoken to many of you about your dreams and goals. Being Headmaster is a humbling responsibility. Your help in the myriad forms it can take is very critical for me if I am to lead as I ought. Yours truly,
Frank J. Cody, PhD
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"This is a Catholic school in the Benedictine tradition dedicated to value-centered education — it promotes academic excellence, it respects the uniqueness of the individual student in his or her emotional and intellectual development, it promotes a community whose diversity is reflective of the diversity of the world community in which it is inserted".
A YEAR AT A GLANCE AUGUST
MS Barbecue and Swim Party • School Begins • Parent Orientation and Barbecue • Student Orientation • Parent Get Acquainted Coffee • Mass of the Holy Spirit • Family Picnic • New Student Orientation
SEPTEMBER
Field Day • Ashland Shakespeare Festival (seniors) • Ropes Course (Middle School) • Parent Luncheon (Middle School) • QSP Magazine Sale raised $12,000 • Back-To-School Night • 6th Grade to Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose • ASB Elections (grades 6-9) • Pep Rally • Instrumental Music and Choirs begin • Middle School Testing • HS Soccer and Volleyball begin • HS Parent Luncheon
OCTOBER
MICHAEL BOSKIN, (top) Former presidential cabinet member under George Bush, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, and currently senior fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Friedman Professor of Economics, member of the panel of advisors to the Congressional Budget Office and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Governor of California, spoke to an overflow crowd at the Board of Trustees’ annual Lecture Evening in April. Faculty, trustees and invited guests attended. His topic was “The Role of Education in America’s Economic Future."
First HS Dance • Field Trip to Vienna Boys Choir (8th grade) • Middle School Officers Election • Science Department Star Party • The Flood • Freshman and Sophomore Retreats at Marin Headlands • Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Pets • HS Testing • Panther Volleyball Tournament • MS Gift wrap Sale • Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences • MS Sports Fun Night • End of First Quarter • Book Drive (Sophomore Social Justice Class) donated more than 500 books • MS Halloween Dance • Halloween Costume Contest • Open House
DECEMBER
Open House • Laser Light Show • Caroling at Sharon Heights Nursing Home • Senior Retreat • Feast of the Immaculate Conception • Senior Parent Christmas Luncheon • Vespers • Christmas Festival of Music • Field Trip to Theatreworks • MS Gift Drive for Homeless Teen Shelter • Semester Break • HS Boys place 3rd in California School for the Deaf Basketball Tournament • HS Girls place 3rd in Kings Academy Tournament, Santa Clara • Christmas Evening Concert • Final Exams • End of Semester • Christmas vacation.
JANUARY
Alumni Reception • School Resumes • Computer Field Trip • Dorm Ski Trip • Basketball begins • Martin Luther King Service • Open House • Senior Lunch • MS Dance • Miki Oyler named SJ Mercury News Athlete of the Week • Assembly with Yolande Rhodes, E. Palo Alto storyteller • Jerome MayerCantu wins MS Spelling Bee • HS Dance • FatherStudent Brunch
FEBRUARY
Priory Appreciation Week • Sr. Servant Auction raises $500 for Kobe Earthquake Victims • Soph. Class Clothing Drive for Homeless • Ski Week at
NOVEMBER
Construction starts on Girls Locker Room • All Saints Day Mass • Exploratorium Field Trip (7th grade) • Annual Fund Appreciation Dinner • HS Dance • Priory Canned Food Drive collected 17,167 cans • David Foresti Memorial Service • Priory Players present “Murder by Natural Causes” • Junior Retreat • Thanksgiving Service
Former 8th Grade Class President, Kelly Immel (class of 1999), receives a congratulatory hug from Coach Kathy Dos Remedios at the Middle School Graduation ceremonies.
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An afternoon of friendly rivalry among faculty and students is capped off with the annual Tug-of-War competition at Priory Field Day.
1994 - 95 School was officially opened by San Francisco's Auxilliary Bishop, the Most Rev. Carlos Sevilla, S.J. Priory community members welcomed him: (left) Kevin Visconti ('95), Kathy Immel (faculty) and Miles Osborn ('99).
Heavenly • HS Formal Dance • Field Trip to “As You Like It” (7th & 9th grades) • Spring Sports Tryouts • Progress Reports • Valentine/Candy-gram Project by NHS • Dora Arredondo receives Sequoia Bay Area top teen award; Kevin Visconti, Honorable Mention • Soccer, Boys Volleyball, Baseball; MS & HS Tennis begin • Field Trip to SF Municipal Court (10th grade) • Mardi Gras Day
MARCH
MS Choir Pizza Supper • 8th Grade Boys win Menlo Rec League Basketball Tournament • Mission Collection Drive • Mother/Student Brunch • HS Dance • Storyteller Jim Cogan • Trivia Contests • Panther Boys Volleyball Classic • Crazy Spirit Week • MS Choir to “America Sings” Festival in Long Beach • Spring Play: “Perspectives"
APRIL
German Students visit • Trustees present Speaker’s Night • Earth Week Assembly • Trip to London and Theater • New Headmaster Dr. Frank Cody named • Yale Alley Cats Concert • Christmas in April Project • AIDS/HIV Assembly • MS Fine Arts Night • Shakespeare Bash and Performances • WPS Auction (raised more than $50,000)
MAY
ASB Elections • Priory Players Spring Production • Collection for Oklahoma City Children • Girls Locker Room opens • MS Dance • Jr/Sr Breakfast • Senior Lunch • Rabbit Bingo • Field Trip to Sacramento (7th grade) • Baccalaureate Mass • Senior Dinner • HS Graduation • Athletic Awards Ceremony • MS Musical • Senior Last Chapel • Used Book Drive • Fall Sports Sign-Up • Student Photography Exhibit • Literary Magazine Elementals • Priory Awards Ceremony • Class Elections
JUNE
Br. Joachim leaves Priory to become Loras College President • Pat and Hank Adams elected to lead Parents Association • Yearbook presentation • Academic and Athletic Awards presented • Finals • MS Graduation • MS swim parties • Year Ends • Camp Unique and Bridge Program on campus.
Parent Booster Club member, Harry Oyler, displays the new Panther sweatshirt, available first at the Priory Family Picnic and then at the Bookstore, a project of the Parents Association.
Brianne Baker, Nellie Moldonado, Naomi Moustakas and Anne Mecham collect books for their Sophomore Theololgy Community Service Project, which donated more than 500 books to a local nonprofit distributing agency.
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Athletics I
n its first year as a member of the Private Schools Athletic League, Woodside Priory hosted two tournaments and performed respectably in league play. Individual athletes won a number of awards.
Tom Alexander with Coach Chris Scott after WPS 8th grade boys won the Menlo Park Recreation League Basketball Championship.
Honors: Ramiro Arredondo ('97) named to US Olympic Development Soccer Team • Miki Oyler named SJ Mercury News Player of the Week • HS Boys place 3rd in California School of the Deaf Basketball Tournament • HS Girls place 3rd in Kings Academy Basketball Tournament • MS Girls (8th Grade) win tournament Menlo Park Rec. Volleyball
Soccer great Ramiro Arredondo heads a ball into the goal.
PSAL - All League Athletes 1st Team All League Soccer Ramiro Arredondo 2nd Team All League Volleyball Ramiro Arredondo Jerry Liu 1st Team All League Basketball Miki Oyler Player of the Year - Basketball Miki Oyler Hon. Mention
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Nick Vidinsky Gladys Martin Brianne Baker Vicky Groom Koh Nakajima Daniel Lee Tim Faulkner Jordon Sims Chris Nichols
Gladys Martin ('96) serves up a winning point.
Soccer Volleyball Basketball Basketball Volleyball Volleyball Baseball Baseball Baseball
Sister Gloria is called to Franciscan Leadership
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n their recent Chapter of Elections, the Sisters of St. Francis elected Sister Gloria as Provincial Minister of the Sacred Province Headquarters located in Denver, Colorado. The office began June 10 and continues for four years. Her new responsibilities include overseeing the missions of her community — teaching, nursing, care of the elderly, housekeeping, adult education — and taking care of 87 Franciscan sisters in North and South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, California and Nevada. She describes her new role as that of “the ultimate big sister”. Travel will make up 50% of her work life, as she visits hospitals, supervises various ministries (food banks, single mothers’ housing, daycare centers), supports elderly and retired sisters and runs the organization on a fiscal level. The other 50% will be spent in meetings with individual sisters, corporate boards, in workshops, “...and in occasional periods of sleep and prayer!” she adds hopefully. Her other great challenge will be overseeing a large housing complex called the Marycrest Project, which is a budding building project on the 27 acres of the Motherhouse in Denver. It will include two high-rise buildings designated as low income housing for the elderly, as well as facilities for patients with Alzheimers Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Architects and financial consultants have been hired, she says, but other management issues are just in the beginning stages. The complex currently
houses a day care center for adults with Multiple Sclerosis, a home for pregnant teens and a school for children with severe emotional problems. The Franciscan community, like most other orders in the Catholic Church, is facing the prospect of an aging population, Sister Gloria observes. New applicants are seeking membership on a variety of levels. “There are different ways of living out the Franciscan charism,” she declares. “ I believe we’ll always have some who are totally dedicated to the service of the church, but for others, service may be limited in time or commitment.” While in her office as Academic Dean at the Priory, Sister Gloria was responsible for converting schedules and coursework to a more current and innovative format (see following page). She expresses great hopes for the school’s continuing forward momentum into the 21st century. “Our goal should continue to be the development of strong, competent, caring leaders — to be the best Catholic private school in California.” “The values we teach at the Priory are the bedrock on which the rest of a student’s life is built,” she concludes. “We want future corporate leaders, doctors, lawyers, the movers and shakers of our world graduating from the Priory to be firmly grounded in the values of justice, charity and compassion. The Priory will continue to be a strong academic institution because it is rooted in the Benedictine tradition.” SJ Barry
“Our goal should continue to be the development of strong, competent, caring leaders — to be the best Catholic private school in California.”
Priory Staff Members in the News: Paul Trudelle participated in The Exploratorium’s National Science Foundation program for the California Science Framework: Scale, Structure and Energy (integrating biology, chemistry, physics and math with technology and learning to build exhibits). He was also in a Project Astro Workshop, which teams middle school teachers with professional astronomers; the Priory will now have a former NASA astronomer as guest teacher, and students will participate in a special field trip to Moffett Field as part of the partnership • Bill August headed the successful Priory math component of the Peninsula Bridge Project, which brought students from the Bay Area here this summer for special instruction in math. Assisting him were Steve Marsheck, Doug Sargent and Chris Scott (student assistant was Ramiro Arredondo) • Betty Riches received her Masters Degree in Education • Brett James received his MA in English from San Jose State and is directing the summer program for a local YMCA • Br. Edward Englund received his doctorate in Educational Administration from USF • Fr. Pius traveled in Austria and Hungary, visiting family and friends • Chris Miller was a coach at the National Scholar/Athlete Volleyball Camp in Rhode Island • Louie and Klara Kovacs and their family along with Fr. Maurus traveled to Grand Canyon and other areas of the southwest • Sue Barry is accompanying her husband, Bill, who received a one-year Fulbright journalism fellowship to teach in Nanjing, China. Sue will be teaching and tutoring English for 1995-6 • Doug Sargent is being married in August in Hawaii. Attending from the Priory are Fr. William, Marianne Stoner and Bill August • Rebecca Van Dalsem was an eight-week summer hire at Hewlett Packard in Palo Alto as On-line Publications Specialist, translating documents in the HTML computer language for publications on the World Wide Web • Denys Hennesey spent a month with Dr. Joachim Froehlich/Br. Joachim at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
New Academic Structure The Vision from the New Headmaster
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ast year the traditional departmental structure was replaced by a divisional one. The new organization will not only streamline administrative operations and create some economic savings, but should serve a school whose explicit mission is to integrate and not separate. Though there may be reasons for larger schools to have a department for every subject or discipline, we are better served by close communications of the faculty across subjects that will lead to a more holistic approach to education. The real world, past and present, doesn't come separated into ready-made subject divisions. Educational research is also unanimous in finding that students learn more and better when they are presented with content in an integrated and not an isolated context. A truly educated person is a person aware of integration and able to accomplish it in his or her own life. Dr. Cody
Academic and Personal Counseling Rebecca Van Dalsem* Br. Edward Englund, OSB Paula Durdach, MFCC Fr. Martin Mager (College Counseling) Science and Technology Fr. Maurus Nemeth, OSB*- Biology Steve Marsheck - Math Rod Mosh - Math Nancy Newman - Math Betty Riches - MS Math Doug Sargent - Math, Computer Science Marianne Stoner - Math Paul Trudelle - Science Rebecca Van Dalsem - Computer Science Language Arts Merrilyn Mecham* - French Tom Carter - Speech Tiffany Darrough - English Fr. Pius Horvath, OSB - German Brett James - English April Joseph - Spanish Sue Koppett - English Betty Riches - English Lesley Roberts-Mason - English Deborah Whalen- Spanish Social Studies Jim McVey* - Theology Kathy Immel - History John Lawlor - Humanities Martin Mayer - Psychology Betty Riches - Civics Fr. William Sullivan, OSB - History Fine and Performing Arts Fr. Martin Mager, OSB* - Photography Tom Carter - Drama Br. Thomas Laur, OSB - Art Dr. Martin Mayer - Instrumental Music Patricia Sharrow - Art Carla Sims - Choral Music
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Physical Education William August* Kathy Dos Remedios John McGarry Chris Miller Ron Maloney Doug Sargent Chris Scott *Division Chairs
New Academic Leaders Deborah Whalen Academic Dean
Br. Edward Englund, O.S.B., Director of Academic Services
The new Academic Dean is a young woman who is highly qualified to lead the Priory School’s academic program into the 21st century. Deborah Whalen, herself a product of a strong Catholic education including a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, has spent most of her entire teaching career at Bellarmine Preparatory, where in addition to teaching Spanish, she served in administrative internships and was the first female coach of boys’ sporting teams in the history of the school. Her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California State University (Hayward) was targeted to her career ambition of becoming an administrative leader in a Catholic secondary school. Since academic program development in curriculum and instruction is my own strongest suit, I expect that as a team with similar interests but diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, we will be placing an emphasis on raising academic standards, incorporating the best in recent educational theory and practice, and making sure the genius of the Priory School, its attention to individual student profiles, will be made even more prominent.
A familiar face with an unfamiliar title appears on the administrative marquee. You’ll be hearing much more about this as the year goes on. But for now.... Woodside Priory’s philosophical principles governing the mission of the school include “Learning as a personal process, which others can foster and facilitate.” “Personal” implies care for the individual learner. Many parents send their students to the Priory School precisely because of the expectation of careful attention to the individual’s academic growth. With the return of Brother Edward, OSB, Doctorate in Education in hand, we have the opportunity to use his extensive experience in service of this important goal. The new position has as its aim to make Woodside Priory more sensitive to individual needs whether these arise from special talents, learning disabilities, or enrichment opportunities off campus. Br. Edward will be “fostering and facilitating” the efforts of the counseling department, regular academic programs, and outside agencies to provide the best for each student. Dr. Cody
Technology
Deborah Whalen
Br. Edward Englund
Trustee List
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ith the generous $250,000 Hewlett Technology Grant, the Priory is poised to become a powerful center for technological and interactive education. The Development Committee, chaired by William Stewart and Patrick Yam of the Board of Trustees, has put into place a three-phase plan to bring the Priory on-line, so staff, students and faculty can network on campus and access worldwide communications. In the first phase, which already has begun, Founders Hall administrators are receiving training on new Windows software called SchoolNet, which will permit them to use a common database for accessing information about student grades, attendance, conduct, health, schedules, admissions and other documentation. Phase Two will involve wiring the campus with fiber optics and developing a curriculum review, with the input of faculty, staff and students, which will lay the groundwork for creating the classroom environments. Installation of the system for classroom and curriculum use will be the third phase.
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Carl Larson, Pres. Francesca Turbok, V.P. Fran Dempsey, Secy. Pat Adams Scott Carey Sharon Carlock Louise Davies, Emer. Les DeWitt J. Michael Gullard David Lewis Kathie Maxfield Sandra McCarthy Donald McMullen R. Bruce Mosbacher Art Shultz Willliam Stewart Kim Walters Patrick Yam
Priory Auction
The Grandest A
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s expected, the highlight of the Priory’s annual fundraising auction, held Saturday, April 29, at Los Altos Country Club, was Fr. Martin Mager’s handcrafted grandfather clock. Perhaps more accurately, it should be termed a “grand Father clock” since it is the result of hours upon hours of Father Martin’s creative efforts. Anyone who sees one of Fr. Martin’s horologic creations cannot help but be struck by its beauty, symmetry, and stateliness. This particular one, Number 11 in the Father Martin series, has its own set of unique characteristics. The case is made of three types of wood: Peruvian walnut, which is dark, even for walnut; American black walnut; and Carpathian elm burl, used for the trim. The actual clock works, imported from Germany, produce three different kinds of chimes, each based on tones from famous clocks around the world. The 1995 clock measures 7’6” tall, and is 17.5” wide, the widest clock Father Martin has ever built. The clock is finished with handrubbed “antique oil,” while the front and side windows are made of beveled and antique glass. The final
characteristic, and the one likely to be most pleasing in the Priory community’s eyes, was its final bid price at the auction - $13,000. This is the highest price any of Father Martin’s Tall Clocks has ever sold for. ”I was really pleased,” he said. The Tall Clocks’ evolution is a short, but dramatic one. Father Martin completed the first edition in 1984 using a simple Shaker design, but over the years, the clocks have become more involved, and Father Martin has adopted more sophisticated patterns. He explains that he continues to be “following colonial lines, but taking off on my own.” Each clock is signed and dated. Most have remained in the Bay Area, though a few are scattered around California, and one is in Arizona. Father Martin’s love and expertise for woodworking does not begin or end with the Tall Clocks. Since starting to work with wood in 1970, projects have included dulcimers, church pews, furniture and also this year, a cherrywood cradle. Father Martin’s design for the cradle was based directly on the design of William Shakespeare’s cradle, once again patterning his work on classical lines. Nonetheless, despite all his additional projects, Father Martin’s real masterpieces are his Tall Clocks. And they are probably his greatest loves, because how else could he spend “many, many
(top left) “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”Auction Chairperson Joanne Vidinsky accepts grateful thanks from Fr. William and an armload of flowers from appreciative associates as she once again sets a record for Auction Proceeds. This year’s total: $55,000 and still counting! (above) For the second year in a row, San Franciscan Lorry Lokey provided the winning bid. Shown here with his wife and Fr. Martin. (top right) Alice Herself (Kathy DosRemedios) (right) Tim Molak, auctioneer extraordinaire, even sold himself—a winning bid had him wearing his tux and mad hatter hat for a
Taking it to the
"The first learning is achieving the summit. Then, I thought: this is the highest I have ever been. It's a victory!"
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rustee Les DeWitt approaches with just the slightest tentative step, head at an inquisitive tilt, an apology or self-effacing remark forming. Once he is planted, a warmth springs from the eyes and the handshake is firm and gentle at the same time. What is clear is: I see you and I want to hear what you have to say. “That is Mr. DeWitt! That’s exactly what he is like!” says a student who has personally felt DeWitt’s interest and support in her life, so much so that she is now a student at the Priory. Having participated in the Peninsula Bridge Program, one of DeWitt’s most successful ideas for helping assure good educational experiences for students who want them, Luz Lopez, a WPS sophomore, credits the 47-year-old local businessman with helping her realize a dream of good education and college preparation. “He was my strength, until I felt strong myself,” she remembers. “It was very hard here at first. I had to learn a whole new language. Many of my friends couldn’t understand me and I was very lonely. But he kept saying: just stay with it, just try harder and you will succeed. And I did!” DeWitt’s champions are not all students. He is also credited with heading up an effort to secure scholarships for scholar-athletes at the Priory. Says Admissions Director, Al Zappelli: “Les sees potential in almost every student he comes across and works tirelessly to help that student achieve whatever he or she dreams of — getting into the right school or getting a scholarship — by providing the friendly support that’s needed. We have some great students here at the Priory as a result of his good work.” That WAS Les DeWitt. The new Les is far less tentative and much more comfortable with himself. What he has just achieved, you see, is what few people on earth ever experience. And of the very small number who tried this year, only 38% succeeded. Les DeWitt climbed 20,320 foot Mt. McKinley in Alaska, the highest summit in North America.
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On July 3 at 5 p.m., with what DeWitt describes as a “balmy two degrees on the thermometer”, he and three companions reached the summit. “After an 18-hour storm and spending the night in an ice cave while the wind roared at 50 miles per hour, the weather cleared,” he recalls with excitement. “We had gotten to the top, and there was no more mystery.” Mt. McKinley is the only high mountain that far north, reminds the now-bearded climber. “At 62 degrees north latitude, it’s the second most inhospitable climate on earth.” He and his colleagues experienced it with little comfort to spare; they carried enough food and supplies for 21 days and the journey consumed 18 days’ worth: 16 going up and 2 1/2 coming down. The adventure also contained a dangerous step into an abyss and countless close calls and falls. “But the hardest part of it may have been the preparation period. That’s when all the anxiety comes up,” he declares. “Once I was on the mountain, I didn’t waiver. I was determined and focused.” Thankfully, DeWitt does not claim that he sought the adventure “because it was there.” For the married father of three, the experience brought primarily a sense of achievement. “The first learning,” he says, “is achieving the summit. Then, I thought: this is the highest I have ever been. It’s a victory!” SJ Barry Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in oneʼs favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goetheʼs couplets: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Scottish Himalayan Expedition
Priory Students Take a Little Field Trip to
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LONDON
ighteen students and three chaperones spent their Easter vacation exploring a foreign land. Not too foreign, however, since they were participants in the Priory’s trip to Great Britain. Offered as a supplement to the curriculum in theater arts, English, humanities, and social studies classes, the trip was a tremendous learning experience, in addition to being a lot of fun. The tour was planned and organized by cultural Heritage Alliance, one of America’s oldest and largest educational tour companies, providing travel and learning experiences around the globe for students and their teachers. CHA not only booked all flights, tickets, and hotels, but also provided knowledgeable and friendly native tour guides to lead all the planned excursions. After the initial discomfort of jet-lag, combined with having to wait in the Heathrow terminal, the group finally boarded the bus, or “coach” in British. For the next eight days the Priory students (with chaperones Sue Barry, John Lawlor, and Ed Perrin) visited among other places: Hampton Court, the summer home of King Henry VIII; Runnymede, the historic meadow where King John signed the Magna Carta; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace and home of William Shakespeare; Coventry, whose paired cathedrals (one destroyed in WW2), the other new, are a memorial to the human spirit; Oxford, site of the world-famous ancient university with its numerous colleges; Easter Mass at Brompton Oratory in London; Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family spend their time when not at Buckingham Palace; Stonehenge; Westminster Abbey, where many prominent Britons are buried; Bath, site of ancient Roman baths fed by a hot spring; Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory and
where Greenwich Mean Time is calculated; Tower of London, where a 62-cannon salute was presented in honor of the Queen’s birthday that day; Imperial War Museum; the British Museum, where the famous Rosetta Stone is displayed, and of course, the city of London itself, with its Tube, shopping, and many other sights. Not only did the tour include all the above sights, two meals daily, and great lodging — in London the participants and chaperones stayed at The Strand Palace, just blocks from Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus — but the trip also included three nights at London’s theaters, too. The group enjoyed two musicals— Blood Brothers and Only the Lonely, the life story of Roy Orbison—and one drama, In Praise of Love, by Terence Ratigan. Additionally, the chaperones discovered a regional theater, in Richmond, a suburb of London, that was presenting Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s hysterical farce about a theater company. Nearly all the students opted to attend this additional, fourth performance. On the last day, as the group boarded the non-stop jet back to SFO, it was amazing to realize how many sights, events, and productions were experienced in such a short time, and consequently how many memories were realized. Said one ecstatic Priory parent; "My son had such a great experience, we're already campaigning for PARIS in '96!"
Ed Perrin
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, England
"My son had such a great experience, we're already campaigning for PARIS in '96!"
(above left) Scene from "Romeo and Juliet" at the Priory's own Shakespeare bash. (top left) Students and chaperones at the Tower Bridge after a trip to Stratford-on-Avon, Shakespeare's home.
CLASS OF
'95 *With girls!
Marching up the hill to Church Square for the graduation ceremonies.
Where have all the Seniors gone? (This year's senior class was accepted at 70 different colleges and universities across the U.S.)
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Maura Kathleen Ambron University of Oregon Dora Hidania Arredondo Santa Clara University Kathryn Ann Calvache University of California, Riverside Mark Chau University of Puget Sound Alejandro Chavez California State University Claudine Chow University of California, Berkeley Alexandra Ruth David Claremont McKenna College James Philip de Carion University of Arizona Michael Fariss San Jose State University Tinyee Hoang University of California, Davis Carrie Marie Immel Northern Arizona University Caitlin Kane Scripps University Diana Ellen Klob College of San Mateo Elaine Jacqueline Middleman University of California, San Diego Kevin William Murray University of San Diego Koh Nakajima Santa Clara University Shintaro Nakamura University of Colorado Nicholas Edward Osborn Claremont McKenna College Miklos Attila Oyler University of New England Brian Patten St. Anselm College Mark Anthony Popovich St. Mary’s College Sara Nicole Schmidt Occidental College Lina Thyge Sønderstrup Hansen Reed College Peter Matthew Stuth Foothill College York Taichi New York University Jen Cheng Tiao University of California, Berkeley Michael Tran University of Chicago Nicholas Todd Vidinsky Carleton College Kevin Charles Visconti Notre Dame University
Honors at Woodside Priory’s 35th Commencement VALEDICTORIAN
Kevin Visconti
The honor of Valedictorian is awarded to a member of the Senior Class who has attended the Priory for at least three years and has the highest cumulative grade point average in the class. SALUTATORIAN
Elaine Middleman
The Salutatorian is appointed by the Headmaster after consultation with the faculty. This distinction is awarded to a Senior Class member who has been at the Priory for at least two years, and who has made significant academic, social, and personal contributions to the Woodside Priory Community. This award is not automatically given to the student who has achieved the second highest cumulative grade point average in Grade 12. FATHER BENIGNUS BARAT, O.S.B., CITIZENSHIP AWARD
DEAN’S AWARD
Nicholas Vidinsky
The Dean’s Award is determined by the Academic Dean after consultation with the faculty and is presented to the Senior Class member who has manifested a joy of learning and demonstrated academic excellence. DEAN OF STUDENT’S AWARD
Dora Arredondo
The Dean of Students’ Award is given to the Senior Class member who has exemplified the highest participation in service to school and community. SIX YEAR CLUB
Michael Fariss
Membership in the Six Year Club is given to those students who have attended the Priory since the seventh grade.
Sara Schmidt
The Citizenship Award is determined by faculty vote and presented to a Senior Class member who exemplifies the moral and ethical standards of the school. The student must be an involved member of the community, demonstrating loyalty, leadership and service.
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"I truly believe in helping young people. I am a believer that anyone can be guided toward reaching their dreams." Dora Arredondo
Sequoia award winner, Honored as Redwood City's Outstanding Youth by the San Mateo Times and Sofitel Corporation
Speaking for the Graduates The Salutatorian’s Address Elaine Middleman
I
"I remember the first couple of weeks doors being opened for me, and lots of “Ladies first,” until the boys figured out we were human, too."
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remember the first day of school my freshman year at the Woodside Priory. Roughly ten girls were standing huddled next to that tree, keeping close together to protect themselves from the unknown. I remember Dr. Gray asking us if one of us would please read a petition. No one wanted to. I told him someone would, and took the piece of paper. When it came time to read the sixth petition, Dr. Gray looked right at me when no one said a word. I remember Dr. Gray saying, “Excuse us, ladies. We’ve had boys for thirty years and girls for only thirty minutes.” I remember the first couple of weeks doors being opened for me, and lots of “Ladies first,” until the boys figured out we were human, too. I remember our freshman retreat, sitting freezing on the beach at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz because none of the rides were open yet. I remember attending my first Woodside Priory Graduation at the end of my freshman year, and every one since. And now it is our turn. There are so many things to remember, and so little time. Faces rush into my mind. There are so many people who mean so much. Mr. Foresti. The man who showed us that Algebra II did not have to be torture. The man who was so outspoken, you knew how he felt about everything. The man who could be blunt in such a loving way. The man who preached the virtues of wealth, but taught out of love. The man who touched all our lives at the Priory. Fr. William, who taught us about Gustavus Vasa Fox, and who listened to me when I had something to say (even if it was just another complaint.) The man who helped Priory become co-educational, and thus shaped our lives. Br. Joachim. The economist who understood that economics is only for some. The man who was instrumental in keeping the school co-educational.
The man who made the experience of a co-ed Priory so enjoyable for the female half of our class. The man who has been so essential in the experience of the class of 1995. Mr. Molak. RIGHT NOW! The man who gave us tardies, detentions, dress code violations, and lots to laugh about. Mr. Miller. The man who always had faith in me. So much faith in me that I ended up succeeding where I did not think I could. The man who was quick with a one-liner, especially to shut Jim up. The teachers’ faces are not the only ones I see. The class of 1995 has made my time at Priory special, maybe because each of us is special. When asked for main characters of our class, the list is long. Each of us has been allowed to develop our own personal style and personality. Dora, as the woman with undying patience. I know you are human. Jim, as the class clown. Sara as the woman who gets it all together: our senior T-shirts; the gift for Brother Joachim; and so much more. I have full faith in her abilities to get us back together for our reunions. Caitlin, the woman with an unsurpassed ability to sentimentalize. Each of us has our own accomplishments, be they social, academic, musical, artistic, dramatic, or sports related. Every individual of the Class of 1995 was essential in our own development, even Mike Tran who never says a word. Besides the facts, ideas, and concepts I learned here, I acquired knowledge about life itself. Friendships, confrontations, the good times and bad, were all learning experiences. I learned how important it is to appreciate others, their abilities and personalities. I learned to see the beauty in the individual, and in different cultures. I learned from the Danish, Japanese, Mexicans, Canadians, Chinese, and Americans. I learned to express myself, who I am and what I think, not by the clothes I wear, but by my actions and words. I learned each person can teach me something new, a new way to look at life, a new custom, a new word, or a new idea or thought. I learned as much from my fellow students as I did from my teachers. My excellent academic education leaves me with confidence that no matter what the future holds, I
can handle it. A good education is the greatest gift one can receive. The intensity of the Woodside Priory School envelops, or overwhelms, anyone who goes here. Tests, papers, and projects that are all due now. My experience here has been go, go, go. It was not until recently that I looked at Windy Hill and remembered I’m in a world. Remembering this I wished I had slowed down. This school offers so many wonderful opportunities that I did not want to let a single one pass me by. But tomorrow, as I sit in my room to plan my day, I can look at Windy Hill, and pick up my hiking boots. Up on the ridge I can look down at the Woodside Priory School from a distance. How small it will look, yet it will always be a big part of my life. Thank you faculty, staff, classmates, parents, and friends. I will miss you all.
The Valedictory Address Kevin Visconti
I
am a procrastinator. So my mother always preached to me, “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” Sometimes she just shouted the first letters of all five words. The military, like my mother, says “The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” and the Boy Scout motto (as Nick Osborn would tell you) is, “Be prepared!” However, when I was given custody of the future, as one of the two graduation speakers, I figured the future was a long way off. As I said, I am a procrastinator. Fortunately, last night my mother reminded me of those five words. I am properly prepared. I attended a first-rate College Preparatory School. I have read college catalogues and the Norton Anthology of English Literature. I have memorized formulas, studied Brother Joachim’s economic graphs, and even found Dubuque, Iowa, on the map. I have taken SAT tests, Advanced Placement tests, essay and multiple choice tests. I have written essays, battled deadlines, and juggled schedules. I am properly prepared. And I am exhausted.
The other day, I went to the park and watched the children playing in the sand, building castles. The future, I thought, is similar to those castles, but it’s more like castles in the air, and not one of those lucky little children will ever have to think about it for a long time. As I sat watching their imaginations run wild, I thought to myself, “I wish I were a kid again.” I am prepared and preparing for college and I want to be a kid. I want to have nothing to do but throw sand at other kids and wonder what’s for dinner. I think the way to prepare for the future is to be a kid. The gospels say, “Except you become as a child again, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” I suspect that when I get to heaven, there will not be a form to fill out, two teacher recommendations required, a bunch of test scores and GPA’s. Heaven’s my destination — or so the Bible says — the rest are just pit stops along the way. What I did learn, you see, at this gospel-centered, value-structured, Benedictine school is the Christian message — All I have to do is walk with hope into the unknown future, asking questions all the way. We are all on our way now...to college, and to somewhere beyond. Wherever we are going we will still look back over our shoulders and remember where we have been and the lessons we learned. In that huge Norton Anthology I was forced to read for one of those Advanced Placement tests, I saw a couple of lines of poetry that struck me, like the children in the sandbox. My mind is scientific and I used to hate poetry, but the poet Robert Frost did have some words of wisdom:
"What I did learn, you see, at this gospel-centered, value-structured, Benedictine school is the Christian message — All I have to do is walk with hope into the unknown future, asking questions all the way."
I’d like to go climbing a birch tree, And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk, Toward Heaven, till the tree could bear no more, But dipped its top and set me down again. That would be good both going and coming back. One could do worse than be a swinger of birches Oh, wow! Not a bad idea to take with you to college, is it?
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Awards
Congratulations to our ASB officers for next year : ASB President Grant Rosenquist, Senior ASB Vice President Ben Hurlbut , Senior ASB Secretary Brooke Barry, Junior ASB Treasurer Gladys Martin, Senior Senior President Daniel Lee Senior Vice President Jerry Liu Junior President Vicky Groom Junior Vice President Young Lee Elections for the other classes will be held in the fall.
Academic Awards - Awards Ceremony May 30, 1995 I Dare You Leadership Grant Rosenquist Gladys Martin Xerox Award Gladys Martin Priory Spelling Bee Jerome Mayer-Cantu Scholar-Athlete Vicki Groom Headmaster’s Award Jeanine Yost Saint Anselm Prize Chris Pappas Harvard Book Award Peter Adams
Awards - High School Graduation - May 20, 1995 Valedictorian Kevin Visconti Salutatorian Elaine Middleman Fr. Benignus Barat,OSB Citizenship Award Sara Schmidt The Academic Dean’s Award Nick Vidinsky The Dean of Students' Award Dora Arredondo The Six Year Club Mike Fariss Saint Benedict Award Miki Oyler
Saint Benedict Award Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman 8th 7th 6th Saint Cecilia Music/Choir Award
Bank of America Awards Music Drama English Math Science Art Social Studies Liberal Arts Math/Science Tandy Technology Award
Maura Ambron Elaine Middleman Miki Oyler David Tiao Mike Tran Nick Vidinsky Caitlin Kane Dora Arredondo Kevin Visconti David Tiao
Department Awards AP Chemistry AP Physics Theology English Computer Government Math Humanities Psychology
David Tiao Kevin Visconti Maura Ambron Elaine Middleman Alex David Maura Ambron David Tiao Nick Vidinsky Diana Klob
Awards - Middle School Graduation - June 1, 1995 Valedictorian Kristine Kopp Fr. Benignus Barat, OSB Citizenship Award Darren Zulberti Saint Benedict Award Miles Osborn Scholar - Athlete Kristine Kopp Algebra Julie Kimball Computers Matt Wise English Kristine Kopp Fine Arts Jennifer Boldrey Geography Alex Lazarovici Latin II Kelly Immel Music Tara Belden Religion Darren Zulberti Science Kristine Kopp Theater Arts Julie Kimball
Miki Oyler Jeanine Yost Brooke Barry Suzi Kovacs Miles Osborn Jesse Dienner Devin Coats Devin Coats
Department Awards Computer Science Paul Hutchins, Brian Sullivan, Rutt Pongsurapipat, Jerome Mayer-Cantu, Tina Campbell English Ben Hurlbut, Brian Sullivan, Olivia Basegio, James Cirino, Devin Coats Writing and Research Lab Frank Chen, Laura Timpe, Mark Lewis, Vicky Groom Fine and Performing Arts Zoltan Kovacs, Eric Perret, Sarah Gundell, Ross Anderson Languages Linda Zhang, Kelly Immel, Gladys Martin, Mark Lewis, Lizza Li, Geoff Welliver, Phil Dauchy, Kayla Shaltz, Suzi Kovacs Mathematics Jeanine Yost, Mark Lewis, Bernadette Austin, Anne Mecham, Linda Zhang, Joe Daly, David Lando Theology Chris Pappas, Kayla Shaltz, Bernadette Austin, Alexandra De Martini, Erin Trish Science Peter Adams, Mark Lewis, Michael Bower, Joe Daly, Laura Nowell Social Studies Peter Adams, Grant Rosenquist, Kristin Hepper, Michael Bower, Jesse Dienner, Pernilla Schweitzer National Honor Society Brianne Baker Vicky Groom Kristin Hepper Ian Kotchian Mark Lewis Naomi Moustakas Chris Upjohn Dora Arredondo Lina Sonderstrup Nick Osborn Kevin Visconti Nick Vidinsky
Peter Adams Phil Dauchy Ben Hurlbut Daniel Lee Jerry Liu Gladys Martin Chris Pappas George Postich Nathan Williams Jeanine Yost Miki Oyler
Perfect Attendance Linda Zhang Mark Lewis Brook Compton Gloria Lando Michael Bower Nellie Maldonado Doug Kirkland Francis Byun Athletic Awards - High School Varsity Boys Soccer - MVP -Ramiro Arredondo, Nick Vidinsky; Most Improved - Phil Dauchy; Coaches Award - Jim de Carion, Mark Popovich JV Boys Soccer - MVP - Jordon Sims; Most Improved - Ryohei Akiyama; Coaches Award - Michael Bower. Varsity Girls Volleyball - MVP - Gladys Martin; Most Improved - Carrie Immel; Coaches Award - Elaine Middleman JV Girls Volleyball - MVP - Brianne Baker; Most Improved - Clare Van Dalsem; Coaches Award - Jeanine Yost Varsity Girls Basketball - MVP - Brianne Baker, Vicky Groom; Most Improved - Anne Mecham; Coaches Award - Sara Schmidt. Varsity Boys Basketball - MVP - Miki Oyler; Most Improved - Nick Vidinsky; Coaches Award Tim Gerrish; Best Defensive - Jim de Carion. JV Boys Basketball - MVP - Yoshi Fuse; Most Improved - George Sarkisov; Coaches Award - Robert Yeh. Varsity Baseball - MVP - Tim Faulkner; Most Improved - Chris Nichols; Coaches Award - Jordon Sims. Varsity Boys Volleyball - MVP - Ramiro Arredondo; Most Improved - Jeff Miller; Coaches Award - Koh Nakajima. Varsity Tennis - MVP - Chris Upjohn; Most Improved - Ray Lau; Coaches Award - Jim de Carion. Varsity Girls Soccer - MVP - Clare Van Dalsem, Brianne Baker; Most Improved - Anne Mecham; Coaches Award - Vicky Groom. Middle School Flag Football 7&8 - MVP - Miles Osborn; Most Improved - Andy Dafoe; Coaches Award - Brendan Kelly Flag Football 6&7 - MVP - David Lando; Most Improved - Jonathan Morgan; Coaches Award - Jesse Dienner Girls Volleyball 7&8 - MVP - Jenny Upjohn; Most Improved - Joan Lando; Coaches Award - Kelly Immel. Girls Volleyball 6&7 - MVP - Joanna Watkins; Most Improved - Erin Trish; Coaches Award - Linda Zhang Girls Basketball - 8th - MVP - Jenny Upjohn; Most Improved - Joan Lando, Jennifer Boldrey; Coaches Award - Teresa Falaschi. Girls Basketball - 6&7 - MVP - Brittany Ladrech; Most Improved - Devin Coats; Coaches Award - Katherine Alsop. Boys Basketball - 8th - MVP - Brendan Kelly; Most Improved - Miles Osborn, Ed Wilson; Coaches Award - Sebastian Zavala. Tennis - MVP - Brian Bechtel; Most Improved - Mike Alcheck; Coaches Award - Emily Cohen Soccer - MVP - Matt White; Most Improved - Ross Anderson; Coaches Award - James Cirino.
COME TO THE WOODSIDE PRIORY
PICNIC For the WHOLE FAMILY • Wonderful food • Great music
• Good chance to meet people in a relaxed setting • Activities for every age Sunday September 24th 12 Noon Gail Cohen Picnic Chairperson, Parents Association Pat Adams 1995-6 President of the Parents Association
Priorities
Editor: SJ Barry • Design: J. Ennis Kirkland • Photos: Fr. Martin Mager, SJ Barry, William Johnson • Contributing Writers: SJ Barry, Frank Cody, Ed Perrin
Priory song We are looking toward the light, Reaching for the glory — Hold us to the path we are dreaming of. Keep us strong, keep us joyful, We will write our own story — With the love of learning and the learning of love.
Woodside Priory, Woodside Priory Teach us love of learning and the learning of love.
We’re protectors of the past, Leaders of the future, Guardians of the earth, sea and sky above. Keep us free, keep us faithful, From your peace, let us borrow The love of learning and the learning of love.
Woodside Priory, Woodside Priory Teach us love of learning and the learning of love.
Woodside Priory School 302 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 (415) 851-8221 fax (415) 851-2839
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SJ Barry
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