19 minute read
Visual Arts
Wood and Metal Candlestick Holder Metalsmithing by Connor Schinski ‘22
Drawing in Pen and Ink Drawing and Painting by Eszter Horvath ‘21 Black and White Photo Digital Photography by Brooke Allison ‘21
“Music Inspired Imagery” Digital Photography by Manisha Khakoo ‘22 “Elements Garden Line” Digital Photography by Nora Krikorian ‘22
Twisted Tree Candleholder Metalsmithing by Ashton Axe ‘22
DEVELOPMENT
Happy Spring!
Our winter rains coalesce in January and February, painting Portola Valley and the 51 acres of Woodside Priory School a vibrant green. This oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley is indeed flourishing and accentuated as a place of healthy growth. The growth on the hills is a metaphor for the growth that happens in the classrooms, on the field, in the gym and the pool, in the studios and labs, in the Garden and the Dorms, on the court and the theatre, and in the casual interactions between teacher and student. Day in and day out, our incredibly dedicated faculty and staff assist our students in creating meaningful and balanced lives. That dedication and commitment was palpable during the candle ceremony at our recent Faculty and Staff retreat. “Priory: A Place Where Relationships Matter“ was organized by Campus Minister Molly Buccola and led by Father Matthew Leavy, O.S.B. Gratitude was the overwhelming theme during the candle ceremony, for the monks, for our students, for each other and for the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary community. Father Matthew emphasized our work is not just about information, but formation and ultimately, transformation. Your support of this transformational work through time, talent and treasure makes all the difference. We are exceedingly grateful to our parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends whose consistently generous support assists in our ability to provide each student with an exceptional educational experience. This year’s Annual Fund is evidence of this gratefulness with 87% of all parents participating so far, thanks in part to the devoted volunteers and leadership of our 14 Annual Fund Class Chairs pictured here. Devoted volunteerism is abundant at Priory–thanks to the leadership of PPA Co-Chairs Carolyn Putney and Kristi Patterson and Gala co-Chairs Lisa Putnam and Nicole Chambers, our parent community works to build community is support of every single student at Priory. Our alumni outreach continues to expand and engage 2,000 alumni around the globe. The increased number of college-aged alumni who visit campus has amazed and inspired our faculty. Alumni parents recently returned in large numbers as well to help pack special treats to be sent to college alumni for Valentine’s Day. Evidence of the impact the Priory community has made on all their lives. We are making a difference here in Portola Valley. With abundant generosity, commitment and dedication to our Benedictine values, we advance our mission of assisting students in creating meaningful and balanced lives, developing as lifelong learners and stewards, and productively serving a world in need of their gifts. We couldn’t do it without you.
With gratitude,
Suzanne Couch Director of Development
18-19 Annual Fund Class Chairs:
Left to right: Norma Alvarez, Mollie Hudner Thompson, Laurie Kacin, Mary Duling, Donna Chandra, Martha Deevy, Jill Malott, Helen Amick, Kristine Collins, Nancy Rosenthal, Susie Schinski, and Kelli Tomlinson.
Along with their financial support, parents included notes of support:
“Thank you for the wonderful, life-changing work you guys do with the kids, community, and frankly our world. Believe me, I know the difference it made in my life, and seeing our kid after just a few months at Priory, it has only gotten better with time. Priory Rocks!” – Jose Maria Zertuche ‘89 P ‘22
“There aren’t many schools like Priory. The teachers find strengths in their students; nurturing them in the best learning environment possible. Watching our sons grow into confident, knowledgeable, compassionate individuals encourages us to support their school in any way we can.” – Mary Duling P ‘19 ‘20
“Our family has enjoyed seven wonderful years at Priory, and as our son exits, we feel it is even better positioned for teaching the next generation than when we arrived. That should be our goal as parents: let our kids enjoy the gifts provided by parents that came before and leave gifts for the benefit of the many students that follow. Priory’s balance and care for our kids is why we donate. We encourage every family who has the capacity to give in accordance with their ability to do so–it is money well spent!” – Anne and Eric Harrison P ‘16 ‘19
Class Participation
6th grade: 92% 7th grade: 91% 8th grade: 87% 9th grade: 93% 10th grade: 88% 11th grade: 79% 12th grade: 77%
ALUMNI PARENTS
Once a Priory Parent... Always a Priory Parent!
When a student graduates from Priory, their relationship with the school doesn’t end and the same is for all Alumni Parents. Annually, this special group is invited back to campus for a pair of events to mix and mingle with old friends and meet new ones.
Kicking off the year, the Classes of 1984-2018 were represented at the Alumni Parent Social on September 27. On a warm fall evening in Church Square, past parents enjoyed the opportunity to see and hear about all that is new on campus, including officially meeting Father Matthew Leavy.
During Father Matthew’s remarks, he spoke about his deep connection to the Priory–where he began his monastic vocation–and how impressed he is that the school has flourished into the community it is today, with credit due to generations of Alumni Parents who paved the way for the current community.
A Happy Priory Valentine’s Day
A time-honored and cherished treat for all Priory graduates currently enrolled in college, each February the Alumni Office mails 200 dozen or more Priory cookies to dorm rooms across the country for Valentine’s Day. Adding to the surprise is the support of Alumni Parents, who come together to lovingly create the cookie packages.
ALUMNI
Upcoming Alumni Events
Alumni Reunion April 13, 2019
Palo Alto Social June 13, 2019
San Francisco Social August 8, 2019
Priory Golf Classic September 23, 2019
#Love4Priory October 22, 2019
Home for the Holidays December 19, 2019
Montero Alumni Game December 21, 2019
Social Rewind
Priory...coming to a town near you!
San Francisco Social
Bringing together alumni from the Classes of 1983 to 2016, the Priory spirit reverberated through the Coin-Op Game Room in San Francisco on July 20. Alumni and guests enjoyed socializing over drinks and appetizers with Head of School Tim Molak, Father Maurus Nemeth, Alumni Director Diana Chamorro, Faculty Alumni Liaison Todd Turner and Director of Strategic Initiatives Al Zappelli, while trying their hand at the many of vintage pinball machines.
New York Social
Gathering at the Empire Hotel rooftop in Midtown on August 2, alumni from Brooklyn, Manhattan and New Jersey convened with Diana Chamorro to reminisce about their time at Priory, reconnect with old friends and meet fellow alumni living in the area.
Left to right: John Wynne ’63, Thomas Wade ’63, Shoshana Levitt ’13, Rebecca Wilson ’11, Richard McCoy ’64 and Kristof Horompoly ’06
Nashville Meet-Up
While traveling for a conference, Assistant Head of School/Upper School Head Brian Schlaak invited former students to join him for dinner at Moto Cucina + Enoteca in downtown Nashville, Tenn. on November 28. First-year faculty members, Omar Brown and Sandra Kelly, also joined the alumni quartet and Schlaak for a lively dinner.
Left to right: Brian Schlaak, Katie Nachtsheim ’15, Alex Schreiner ’07, Omar Brown, Sandra Kelly, Jocie Schreiner ’10, Mitch Calbert ’15
Home for the Holidays
An annual tradition for Priory’s youngest alumni, the Classes of 2015-2018 kicked off their Christmas break at the Home for Holidays social in Founders Hall on December 21. The festivities featured Father Martin’s famous pizzas and the opportunity to reunite with friends, Tim Molak, Father Maurus, Todd Turner, Diana Chamorro and meet Father Matthew.
ALUMNI Alumni Games
Panthers Before Turkeys
Kicking off Thanksgiving break is always better with fellow Panthers!
Alumni Basketball Game
Each year, the night before Thanksgiving, the Priory community gathers for a fun and competitive battle between the current and former Panthers at the Alumni Basketball Game. This year’s game we welcomed more than 25 alumni and alumni parents to Gambetta Gym for a pregame reception and the game.
Alumnae Soccer Game
Led by alumnus and veteran girls’ soccer coach Henry Arredondo ’02 and assistant coach Kaitlin Bonfiglio ’12, former soccer players laced up their cleats on Thanksgiving morning to square off with the current team at the second annual Alumnae Soccer Game.
Left to right: Molly Simpson ’12, Erin Simpson ’14, Lexi Garrity ’14, Caitlin Teoman ’14, Alison Perna ’12, Lauren Allen ’10, Lena Bhagat ’18, Kaitlin Bonfiglio ’12, Mariana Galvan ’13
Remembering Coach
A year after the passing of beloved teacher, coach and alumnus Joe Montero ’76, alumni, the monks, faculty, staff, current soccer players and the Montero family celebrated his life in a most befitting way–the inaugural Joe Montero Coed Alumni Soccer Game on December 22.
Father Maurus Nemeth opened the morning with a tribute and prayer for Joe, before generations of Priory students, from the 1970s to present, enjoyed a spirited game.
Father Maurus Nemeth opens the inaugural Montero Alumni Game with a prayer and remarks. Left to right: Father Matthew Leavy, Erhard Wegman ’76, Tim Cain ’78 and Father Martin
Left to right: Lindsay Montero, Jeff Wise, Joe Montero III, Andrew Daniel, Reed Sullivan and
Eric Turnquist ’12 Mager
ALUMNI
November 27, 2018 was a historic day for the alumni community, as graduates from around the globe spanning the Classes of 1962 to 2018 came together over a 24-hour period to show their #Love4Priory! Priory’s inaugural giving day showcased the alumni community’s gratitude for their school and dedication to paying it forward to support the next generation of students.
Throughout the day, a #Love4Priory Leaderboard tracked superlatives.
12 A.M. Class Captains Emma Beriker ‘12 Kyle Berka ‘09 Kaitlin Bonfi glio ‘12 Kimberly Carlisle ‘11 Emily Chapman ‘00 Nathan Feldman ‘09 Riley Munks ‘13 Kathleen Ruiz ‘01 Caelum Shove ‘09 Emre Sonmez ‘13 Ed Sun ‘87 Humphrey Yang ‘05 3 A.M. First Gift Elizabeth Thomas ‘09 9-10 A.M. Youngest Alum Donor Max Fairon ‘18 New York City Represented Shoshanna Levitt ‘13 Rebecca Wilson ‘11 10-11 A.M. The Founders—The 1960s Patrick Dougherty ‘66 Michael McEntee ‘66 12-1 P.M. Showing Love Around the Globe Tarek Abu Zayyad ‘87—London Richard Lun ‘87—Hong Kong Johnny Yu ‘87—Hong Kong
GIVING DAY LEADERBOARD
Young Alum Class Leader— Class of 2017 Konstantin Larin Megan Love Manny Salas 1-2 P.M. The Founders Part 2—The 1960s George Ronay ‘67 2-3 P.M. Class of 1987 Leadership Gift of $4,800 Unlocked Tarek Abu Zayyad Paul Chang Peter Doyle John Harrington Christian Honeker Matthew Janopaul Richard Lun Martin Sullivan Ed Sun Brian Tang Johnny Yu 3-4 P.M. Largest Class Participation from the 2000s—Class of 2009 Kyle Berka Danielle Boross Constance (Hiller) Churchman Nathan Feldman Courtney Lee Shajee Rizvi Caelum Shove Mike Szabados Elizabeth Thomas Claire Dennis Alyssa Thunen
Showing Love Around the Globe Part 2 Guillermo Maafs ‘85—Mexico Mathias Nagy ‘03—Germany 4-5 P.M. The Founders Part 3—The 1960s András Csaplár ‘64 5-6 P.M. Making Their Gift in Honor of Their Grad Year Kayla Noguchi ‘12 7-8 P.M. Unlocking Al Zappelli’s $500 Match Brian Bevilacqua ‘11 Arshia Ehsanipour ‘09 William Harryman ‘07 Susan Lyon ‘05 Chasen Rapp ‘09 Ted Tabacco ‘05 8-9 P.M. Class of 2016 Represented Megan Buiocchi Mirthia Prince Figuereo 9-10 P.M. First Gift from Class of 2010 Lauren Allen 10-11 P.M. First Gift from Class of 1988 Jean Henri Lhuillier 11-11:59 P.M. Closing Strong Gregory Mohr ‘77 Anthony Shu ‘12
Class News & Notes
1967 + 1969 Left to right: Tim Molak, Myo Denis Lahey ‘69, Rev. Piers M. Lahey ’67 and Father Matthew. The Lahey brothers returned to campus this fall and spent time visiting with former teacher Father Matthew. 1998 Suzi Kovacs and her husband, Zsolt Komuves, traveled from the Southeast to celebrate 2018 Thanksgiving with the monastic community. 2003 Julie Melen (left) and Tara Scarioni reconnected with Father Martin during a visit to campus.
2011 While in Asia for an admissions trip, Director of Admissions Matt Lai reunited with former students, Mina Kim and Jennifer Suh. Mina currently is in law school in Korea and Jen is applying to Clinical Psychology PhD
programs in the United States.
During the fall semester, Connor Mather returned to campus to speak to the dorm residents about the different possibilities students have following graduation. He shared how he attended community college for two years, before earning a scholarship to UCLA. He is now on the cusp of graduating from Duke’s School of Nursing, a top-5 program in the nation.
CLASS NEWS & NOTES
2012 Jennie Christensen is in her second year of law school at the University of Notre Dame. She plans to work at a law firm this summer in Chicago.
On November 27, Anthony Shu reflected about his time at Priory and how it influences his work at Second Harvest Food Bank at Chapel. His talk officially kicked off the school’s annual holiday food drive. In addition to her day job as a Radiation Effects Engineer in the Hardware Engineering Center, Space and Airborne Systems at Raytheon Company, Krysten Pfau is a member of the Angel City Chorale. This past fall the choir competed in America’s Got Talent, reaching the semifinals. 2013 Recent Santa Clara University graduate, Jackson Larango rang in the Christmas season with former
teacher Christine Hemiup.
2015 Kimberly Ho will graduate from the University of San Diego with degrees in accounting and finance this spring. She has already been offered a job with Ernst and Young following graduation.
While on Christmas break from Colgate University, Ashley Jones and her a cappella group, the Swinging ’Gates, performed on campus on January 14.
Olivia Peek is a senior advertising major at the University of Oregon. Following graduation this spring, she plans to remain in the Pacific Northwest and get a job in Seattle or Portland.
Valentine’s Day was made a little sweeter for alumni currently in college from Los Angeles to Montreal and beyond, as they received their Priory cookie packages. With a touch of nostalgia and undoubted excitement, alumni shared photos of their packages on social media.
Are you following Priory Alumni on social media?
facebook.com/woodsideprioryalumni
instagram.com/prioryalumni
CLASS NEWS & NOTES
2016 Mike Fitzgerald is studying computer science, philosophy and cognitive science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He enjoys skiing with John Gregory ’16 every chance he gets.
John Gregory took the fall semester off from Colorado State University to hike the Pacific Crest Trail with his sister, Kat ’12. After hiking more than half of the trail, over 1,000 miles, he suffered a stress fracture and Priory classmates, Mike Fitzgerald ’16 and Gigi de Fort-Menares ’16, drove over eight hours to get him from the hospital. In addition to his studies, he currently is working as a farrier, packing guide and vet assistant in Colorado.
Scotty Harris is playing NCAA Division I men’s basketball at UC Santa Barbara.
Mirthia Prince-Figuereo is spending her spring semester at Barnard College studying abroad in Aixen-Provence, France.
Lindsey Schoenthaler is taking a gap year from Boise State and is pursuing ministry at a nondenominational Christian Church.
After discovering her calling to work in speech pathology, Avery Singson transferred to Boston University and enrolled in the 12th-ranked program in the United States. She is enjoying exploring Boston, interning at Massachusetts General, and connecting with classmates Jack Herrera ’16 (Northeastern) and Alejandra Sanchez’16 (Boston University).
Rachel Wolff spent the fall semester of her junior year studying abroad in Madrid, where she lived with a host family and all her classes were in Spanish.
Cris Yuan is studying at UCLA and conducting neuroscience and psychology research. 2017 Matthew Carusi returned to campus on January 17, to speak at an all-school assembly about how his work with the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that supports military, veterans and their families during a medical crisis. He first worked with the organization as part of his Senior Project and shared how he has continued to support it.
Christian Fotré is majoring in Environmental Design with a focus on Architecture at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is loving his experience there and was on the Dean’s List last semester.
Loving living in New York City, Sophia Lipp is studying at NYU and making films.
Eugene Miller is balancing working toward his mathematics degree at Trinity College (Conn.) and running marathons.
Manuel Salas is studying biology at the University of San Francisco and a member of Pre-Dental Society, Mecha, Raza Unida, Brother Connection, and PACT group.
Nicolas Tan is a sophomore Biomedical Engineering major at Northeastern University. Beginning in January 2019, he is participating in a six-month co-op job as a research assistant at the Harvard Samuel Labs, which is part of the Harvard University’s Department of Physics and Center for Brain Research.
2018 Derek Abarca was selected as the alumni speaker at the Peninsula Bridge fundraiser and was a recipient of a college scholarship on November 1.
Left to right: Derek Abarca ’16, teacher Omar Brown, Brandon Zelaya ’21, Community Engagement Director Gulliver LaValle Joseph Calderon is getting fully immersed in Spokane and studying at Gonzaga University. He is volunteering with a community program called the Walking School Bus; working with the AVID program, tutoring students to prepare them for college readiness; and recently won his first intramural soccer championship.
Lucas Harris is enjoying his freshman year at Pitzer College and is a member of Pomona-Pitzer men’s basketball team.
Miranda Prince-Figuereo is currently studying Film and New Media at Wheaton College (Mass.). In addition to her studies, she is a member of a step dance team and taking advantage of exploring the Northeast.
Vincent Cullinan had a great first semester at Loyola Marymount University. He’s having fun exploring extracurricular activities and the culture Los Angeles has to offer.
The Priory Golf Classic title went to the homegrown team of Rocky Chan ‘10, Daniel Hoffman ‘12, and Humphrey Yang ‘05 on October 22. It was a mini reunion at Los Altos Golf & Country Club, as fellow alums: Maxwell Barnes ’12, Conor Bonfiglio ’14, Jason Kado ’01 and Bryan Quinn ’01 were also in attendance.
CLASS NEWS & NOTES
Did you get your Priory sunglasses this year?
Thanks to all the alumni who came from near and far to visit campus this past year! Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Priory, catch up with the monks and former teachers, explore the new buildings on campus and see the Alumni Office for your Priory sunglasses!
If you know you’re going to be visiting campus and would like to arrange a tour or shadow a class, please email alumni@prioryca.org.
