TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
2
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
3
CLASS OF 2019
4
SCHOLARSHIPS
8
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
12
VALEDICTORIAN & TEACHER AWARDS
14
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
17
SEMESTER IN REVIEW
32
THE VOICE: STUDENT NEWSPAPER
34
ALUMNAE UPDATES
40
THE NANO NAGLE LEGACY SOCIETY
41
IN MEMORIAM
SUMMER 2019 DEAR FRIENDS OF PRESENTATION, Our summer magazine is traditionally a celebration of our graduation outcomes—specifically, who we want our students to be and what we want them to become as a result of their Presentation experience. In this edition, you will see some of the accomplishments of the Class of 2019, such as their awards and college acceptances, and also view pictures of them celebrating their last months as students at Presentation. The most important “outcomes,” however, are not simply measured by honors or by their attending prestigious universities. While we are very proud of these achievements, our greatest source of pride is who they have become as young women and what they have really learned as a result of their experiences at Presentation. We hope they feel empowered as women and competent intellectually to compete in any arena in which they will serve. We hope they are women of faith and recognize they are called to serve others, especially those less fortunate. We hope they embrace their freedom as humans to direct their lives and take responsibility for their actions. And we hope they are committed to lifelong learning as they develop into the person God wants them to be. Education at Presentation is education for life. I am proud of the education we provided in partnership with their parents and am confident the Class of 2019 will affect great good in their communities. We are also excited to welcome the Class of 2023 to Presentation in the fall and welcome back our returning sophomores, juniors and seniors. We enter into a new school year with the theme We Are The Light, which reminds us of why we exist as a school: to form young women who will carry the lantern of Nano Nagle in pursuit of personal growth and service, as women of faith and intelligence. This year is historic as we welcome our new school President, Holly Elkins, to our community. I am eager to introduce you to Holly and to partner with her as stewards of Nano Nagle’s mission. Thank you for your support and for being a member of our community. Pray for us as we plan for another school year and continue to carry on the ministry of Nano Nagle and the Sisters of the Presentation. May we light the lantern for generations to come. Blessings to you and your family.
Katherine Georgiev Principal
The Presentation magazine is published twice a year for parents, alumnae and friends of Presentation High School. For address changes or questions, contact Kristin Cooke ’90 Schneider at (408) 264-1664 ext. 2426, or email kschneider@presentationhs.org. Graphic Designer: Kimberly Walters | Photographers: Bacosa Photography, Karen Santos ’06 and Presentation Social Media Squad 2281 Plummer Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 www.presentationhs.org (408) 264-1664 Facebook: www.facebook.com/presentationhs Instagram: www.instagram.com/mylifeisplaid Twitter: www.twitter.com/prespanthers Summer 2019 | 1
DEAR FRIENDS OF PRESENTATION, I am energized to begin my role as President here at Pres! As I have started getting to know you and learn more about Presentation’s mission and plans for the future, I feel even more resolute in my decision to join Pres and lead this remarkable school. This fall, I have been charged to define a transformational vision for our future that is inspired by the life and charism of Nano Nagle, reflects our Catholic values, and drives forward our ambitious campus master plan. For this effort to be successful, it must reflect the collective voice of the Presentation family. To that end, there will be a variety of opportunities for you to share with me your Pres stories and provide input in this process. Please keep an eye out for more information about opportunities to get involved after the school year begins. As Katherine mentioned, this magazine is a large part a celebration of our Class of 2019, and the accomplishments of these young women is nothing short of spectacular. While I was not here for the 2018-19 school year, I had lunch with a group of students when I visited the campus for my interview, and it was at that moment that I truly felt called to serve this community. They stole my heart with their enthusiasm, friendliness, wit, candor and ambition. Each young woman proudly acclaimed her love for Pres and celebrated the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood they are forging here. It was easy to see that they intentionally chose this distinct learning environment, and it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t wait to see what the Class of 2023 and our upper classwomen bring to the 2019-20 school year! Inspired by our theme for the year, We Are the Light, I look forward to partnering with Katherine and working with everyone in the Pres family to create a future that builds on our shared values, rich traditions, and the legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters. I am grateful for your support and prayers during this transition and on-boarding period. With Gratitude,
Holly Elkins President
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NANO NAGLE AWARD The Nano Nagle Award, which is named for the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation, is the school’s highest honor. It is given to a student who exemplifies the best in a Presentation graduate: she is intellectually competent, dedicated to serving others, committed to personal growth, and a woman of faith. The Class of 2019 is exceptional, and so we could not arrive at just one recipient; there are two Nano Nagle Award recipients this year. Both of these young women will leave a permanent mark on Presentation: from student government to Campus Ministry to athletics, and community service—almost every major program has been blessed by their leadership and passion. While these two young women are unique, they possess much in common: they are insightful and curious about learning; they are servant leaders with bright personalities; they are filled with compassion and resolve to put their faith into action.
“Both of these young women will leave a permanent mark on Presentation [...] almost every major program has been blessed by their leadership and passion.”
JESSICA DAVIED
Jessica naturally brightens a room and radiates a joyous spirit that is infectious. On any given day and in any given interaction, she displays incredible heart and caring for others. Her strong sense of justice and mission blends powerfully with her talent and skills to create a force to be reckoned with, whether it be in competition as one of Presentation’s student-athletes or representing her classmates as one of their ASB officers. Presentation has been blessed by her humble and earnest leadership. Congratulations, Jessica Davied!
MARIANA ANTAYA
Mariana is faithful, focused and mature beyond her years. She is deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and is humble and innately good-natured. Though she serves publicly as an altar server, she rarely seeks the spotlight and is an outstanding teammate and role model to others. In and outside of the classroom, Mariana is always seeking richer insight and wisdom. An avid golfer, peer minister and mathematical guru—she exemplifies just how dynamic a Presentation graduate is. Congratulations, Mariana Antaya!
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & DONORS
Summer 2019 | 5
LAUREN CHIVERS Lindsay Parkinson Memorial Scholarship
BRIANA GALLO Presentation Leadership Award
MONTSE GASCA Carmel Vaudagna Memorial Scholarship
JACQUELINE GILL Alison E. Smith Memorial Scholarship
MIRANDA LONG Sister Thecla Memorial Scholarship
ALEXANDRA LUM Alyssa Messier Memorial Scholarship
DOROTHY NGUYEN Christina Asbury Memorial Scholarship
THERESA NGUYEN Affi Panahi Memorial Scholarship
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Top organizations where service hours were completed: Angels on Stage, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Sacred Heart Community Services, Walden West Outdoor Science School and various Catholic parishes (St. Julie's, Holy Family, Santa Teresa) Summer 2019 | 7
DEPARTMENT AWARDS Presentation High School salutes seniors who excel in a variety of subject areas. These students are selected for their outstanding work and dedication.
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NATASHA AJI Math, Science
MARIANA ANTAYA Campus Ministry and Modern Language
ANUSHREE ARI Community Involvement
SAMANTHA BARON Performing Arts
ANNIKA BHANOT Social Studies
AYUSHI BORTHAKUR Social Studies
HANNAH BROWNE Science
SAVANNAH BRUGGEMAN Visual Arts
STACY CAPPELLONI Modern Language
ISHA CHITRE English and Modern Language
LAUREN CHIVERS Campus Ministry
TENISHA CIBY Social Studies
ISABELL CUDDIE Modern Language and Dance
CHRISTINA DOBBEK Performing Arts
CLAIRE EDSON Modern Language
ALLISON ELMER Math
CHLOE FEHR Performing Arts
NATALIA FEINBERG Social Studies
DIANA FRIAS FRANCO English, Math, Modern Language and Science
MADELINE FUJIMOTO Math
BRIANA GALLO Modern Language
MONTSE GASCA Campus Ministry
JACQUELINE GILL Modern Language and Social Studies
LAUREN GOTSHALL Science
ISABELLA GRANQVIST English and Modern Language
Summer 2019 | 9
LILLY HIGGINS Campus Ministry and Academic Dean's Award
HALEY HURST Academic Dean's Award
MARIE HAYES English
JULIANNA KIHMM Modern Language
KAVYA LAKSHMI English
MIRANDA LONG English
KRISTEN LOK English
KAIA MCCAUL Modern Language, Seal of Biliteracy and Social Studies
PILAR MELLON-REYES Performing Arts
RILEY MILLIGAN Modern Language
PEBBLES MOOMAU PAC
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AUDREY JAMES Visual Arts and Perfect Attendance
TESSA JOHNSON Social Studies
POOJA LALWANI Community Involvement, Math, Modern Language and Social Studies
ANNIKA LANG English, Math and Modern Language
NATALIE LAUNDER English and Math
LAUREN LUCCA Visual Arts
GIULIA MANTOVANI Performing Arts and Seal of Biliteracy
FRANCESCA MENINGER ESMERALDA MENDOZA-CORRALES Community Involvement Modern Language
AUDREY NASHNER Math, Modern Language and Science
CATHERINE NGUYEN Visual Arts and PAC
ANGELINA MARTINO Religious Studies
JULIE MESITA Community Involvement
DEANNA NGUYEN Religious Studies
GABRIELA NGUYEN English, Modern Language, Religious Studies and Social Studies
JOLIE NGUYEN Modern Language and Perfect Attendance
HUYEN-VI PHUNG Modern Language
ISABELLA POST Visual Arts
LAURA POWERS Math and Science
ZOE PRIOR Performing Arts
NINA RAMCHANDANI Math, Modern Language, Science and Social Studies
ANISHA REIMERT Speech & Debate
ABIGAIL SCHULTZ Performing Arts
ANJALI SINHA Robotics
CAROLYN SKOTZ Scholar Athlete Award
SOPHIA STRASS Outstanding Student-Athlete
REGINA TA English, Math and Social Studies
THUY ANH TRAN English and Social Studies
ANNABELLE TZOU Social Studies
NIKHITA VASAN Science
MARLEY WAHLER Modern Language and Outstanding Student-Athlete
CAMILLE WARDLAW Math and Panther Pride
LAUREN WEGNER Performing Arts
VALERIE WU CI Service Award
SAMANTHA YANG Math and Robotics
CAROLYN YATCO CI Service Award and English
REBECCA ZANE Performing Arts Summer 2019 | 11
VALEDICTORIAN | CLASS OF 2019 Nina Ramchandani Nina has invested her years at Pres paving the way for future leaders. She will leave behind a strong legacy of leadership, academic excellence and female empowerment. Her portfolio consists of projects, speeches and poems that support the marginalized. Through her spoken word pieces, she’s able to address the topic of immigration policy and educational reform through a creative and powerful platform. Nina played an integral role in planning Presentation’s National Walkout Day to protest gun violence in schools and was a talented member of the Speech and Debate team during her time at Presentation. In her speech during the graduation ceremony, she left her fellow classmates with the message, “We’ll grow this one community into two-hundred and eleven stronger ones. And even though we may never be 18 and in high school again, we will find Pres in everything we do. We will find home in everything we do.” Nina will continue to inspire those around her at Stanford University where she will be attending in the fall.
“...we will find Pres in everything we do. We will find home in everything we do.”
FACULTY SPEAKER Siobhan Ippolito '91 O'Byrne Each year, the graduating class nominates a faculty member to send them off with words of wisdom at their graduation. This year, the Class of 2019 selected Social Studies teacher and Summer School principal Siobhan Ippolito '91 O'Byrne. Mrs. O'Byrne shares, “Your mind, heart and body are a sanctuary. You are made in the image of God, and She is beautiful. Do not allow yourself to “learn helplessness.” You are not now, nor will you ever be helpless. Why? Because... Non vox sed votum. It is instilled not only in our translation, Not Words, But Deeds, we have tattooed it on your heart. We tell you to not talk the talk but walk the walk because we know that you can. You can do those things that are hard. We know it. We have seen it.”
"Your mind, heart and body are a sanctuary. You are made in the image of God, and She is beautiful. Do not allow yourself to "learn helplessness." You are not now, nor will you ever be helpless."
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At the end of her speech, Mrs. O'Byrne gifted each member of the Class of 2019 with a kazoo. She goes on to say, “I wish to leave you with a gift for your sustained mental health: a kazoo. Think of the merits of the kazoo: • You can kazoo with friends or on your own. • You can make music with a kazoo even if you don’t have a musical bone in your body. • You can just plain talk into it. • And at the very least, you can make funny noises. • Kazooing when you are happy only makes you happier. But the real merits, mental health benefits, of the kazoo come when you are sad and struggling. It is physically impossible to frown after kazooing. This is an important finding! My final prescription is to kazoo. Even if you just talk your problems into the kazoo, they will sound so goofy that you will have to smile. And if you can smile in the face of grief, heartache, worry and stress, then these emotions will no longer have control over you and you will have just a little bit of control over them. [...] I also hope that the kazoo, the last communal gift you will receive together, will serve as a reminder of the friends you have made within these walls. As you look around you now, this is the last time you will all be together, but in the future, when you find yourself kazooing in happy times or hard times, remember your class. Call an old friend, because you don’t have to kazoo on your own.”
STUDENT-NOMINATED AWARDS LASTING IMPACT AWARD | Lisa Brunolli For the first time in our school's history, Presentation has decided to recognize a faculty member who makes a difference in the lives and experiences of students at Pres outside of the classroom through the Lasting Impact Award.
"[Mrs. Brunolli] is a column of strength for students who come to her with their problems and always keeps her door open to help those who need advice."
TEACHER OF THE YEAR | Sarah Thomas The Teacher of the Year is someone who is exceptionally dedicated to their subject area and to inspiring Pres students across all grade levels to learn in and out of the classroom.
"[Mrs. Thomas] is known for her impact outside of the classroom. She is actively involved on campus and helps with Student Council and brings a lot of spirit and excitement to school events.” Another student said, “I am always inspired by her passion and commitment to her students and the Pres community.”
Summer 2019 | 13
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Class of 2019 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Cal Poly, Pomona Chico Dominguez Hills Fullerton Long Beach Monterey Bay Humboldt San Diego San Francisco San Jose Sonoma PRIVATE COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA California Institute of Technology Chapman University Dominican University of California Loyola Marymount University Mills College Pepperdine University Saint Mary's College of California Santa Clara University Stanford University University of La Verne
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University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of the Pacific OUT-OF-STATE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Arizona State University Colorado State University Indiana University at Bloomington New Mexico State University Oregon State University Purdue University Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stony Brook University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Arizona University of Colorado at Boulder University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Michigan University of Nevada, Reno University of Northern Colorado University of Oregon University of Washington PRIVATE OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES American University Baylor University Boston University College of the Holy Cross Columbia University Creighton University Duke University Emerson College
Emory University Fairfield University Fordham University Gonzaga University Hamline University Kenyon College Long Island University, Post Loyola University Chicago Marymount Manhattan College Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Pacific University Rice University Saint Louis University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle University Skidmore College Texas Christian University The George Washington University University of Denver University of Portland Vassar College Yale University COMMUNITY COLLEGES Chabot College De Anza College Ohlone College Orange Coast College San Jose City College Santa Barbara City College West Valley College
GRADUATION
CLASS DAY LITURGY & ASSEMBLY
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SEMESTER IN REVIEW
Summer 2019 | 17
ATHLETICS BASKETBALL
The Varsity Basketball team had another great season, led by veteran Coach Wade Nakamura. The team earned a 16-8 overall record, finished in third place in the WCAL, and were named the #6 seed in the CCS Open Division tournament. The basketball team advanced to the NorCal tournament as the #13 seed in Division I. They lost to #4 seed Bishop O’Dowd, who went on to win the NorCal tournament. We are very proud of our basketball team and how they showed they are one of the best eight teams in CCS and for earning a spot in the very competitive Division I NorCal tournament. Basketball All-League Awards First Team: Kelly Heimburger ’20 Second Team: Carla Pelino ’19 Honorable Mention: Erin Tan ’21 and Julianne Ho ’20 Basketball All Bay Area News Group Teams Honorable Mention: Kelly Heimburger ’20
SOCCER
The Varsity Soccer team finished their season with an overall record of 9-7-3 and placed third in WCAL. They posted big wins over Mitty, St. Francis and Pioneer this season. The soccer team was anchored by WCAL Goalkeeper of the Year, WCAL Co-Player of the Year and Prep2Prep Sophomore of the Year, Lauren Zontos ’21, who recorded eight shutouts this season. Senior Amanda Avila ’19 led the team in goals and assists with eight goals and seven assists. The soccer team qualified for the CCS tournament as the #8 seed in Division I; they lost a very close match on a rainy night to Soquel High School. The soccer team once again coordinated an event to collect children’s books and children’s pajamas over the Christmas holiday to ensure that underprivileged kids in our community can feel the comfort, love and warmth that a nurturing bedtime environment can provide. Way to go soccer team! Soccer All-League Awards First Team: Amanda Avila ’19 and Lauren Zontos ’21 Second Team: Ciara Mahoney ’20 and Megan Lore ’21 Honorable Mention: Josefine Ackley ’20 Goalkeeper of the Year: Lauren Zontos ’21 Co-Player of the Year: Lauren Zontos ’21 Soccer All Prep2Prep Awards First Team: Amanda Avila ’19 and Lauren Zontos ’21 Honorable Mention: Ciara Mahoney ’20 and Megan Lore ’21 Sophomore of the Year: Lauren Zontos ’21
LACROSSE
The Lacrosse team completed its second season this spring and had a very successful season! They competed in the West Bay Athletic League, Skyline Division, earned an overall record of 9-3, and finished in second place in league. The lacrosse team had exciting wins over 18 | Presentation High School
Carlmont, Woodside Priory and Mercy Burlingame. Sophomore standouts Sophia Harvey ’21 and Audrey Cowell ’21 led the team in goals, with Harvey tallying 48 and Cowell netting 32. Sophomore goalkeeper, Grace Galy ’21, was impressive in the goal and recorded 112 saves this season! The lacrosse team showed tremendous improvement this season and played very impressive and fun-to-watch lacrosse! Lacrosse All-League Awards First team: Audrey Cowell ’21, Grace Galy ’21 and Sophia Harvey ’21 Second Team: Stephanie Gallis ’19 and Isabella Henderson ’19 Honorable Mention: Ashley Linthicum ’21 and Graciana Paxton ’20
SOFTBALL
Varsity Softball, led by first year head coach, Ernie Garcia, finished in second place in the WCAL and qualified for the CCS tournament as the #1 seed in the Open Division. The softball team earned big wins over Mitty, St. Francis and Carlmont. In the first round of the CCS tournament, they faced #8 seed Mitty and lost a tightly matched and very competitive game 4-5. The softball team once again earned an academic award and was named a CCS Scholastic Team with their impressive 3.57 team GPA. Congratulations to our softball team for their spectacular season! Softball All-League Awards First Team: Carolyn Skotz ’19, Lindsay Vives ’21 and Paige Maier ’21 Second Team: Jade Henry ’20 and Lauren Prior ’21 Honorable Mention: Madeline Luscher ’19 Co-Pitcher of the Year: Kaia McCaul ’19
SWIMMING & DIVING
Swimming and diving finished in fifth place in the highly competitive WCAL. They had quite a few swimmers and divers qualify for the CCS Championship meet, where Presentation finished 14th in CCS. The following swimmers qualified for the CCS meet: Daniela Fasan ’19, Rilie Krieg ’19, Jenna Latchford ’19, Isabelle McKenzie ’19, Audrey Nashner ’19, Laura Powers ’19, Annabelle Tzou ’19 and Josephine Tzou ’22. Congratulations to our divers who qualified for the CCS meet: Anabelle Morle ’21 and Maiya Nishime ’20. Daniela Fasan ’19 finished in fifth place in CCS in the 50 Free and qualified for the CIF State meet in the 50 Free and the 100 Breast Stroke. Congratulations to our 200 Free and 400 Free Relay teams, Daniela Fasan ’19, Annabelle Tzou ’19, Laura Powers ’19, Rilie Krieg ’19 and alternate Josephine Tzou ’22, for qualifying for the CIF State Meet. Way to go Swimming & Diving!
TRACK & FIELD
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
SPRING SIGNING DAY ANNOUNCEMENT
GAME OF THROWS
Varsity Track & Field finished in third place in the WCAL and earned two individual league champions in the 2019 season. Isabella Grant ’19 is the WCAL Pole Vault Champion (for the second consecutive year!) and Gianna Mendoza ’20 is the WCAL 3200 Meter Champion. Congratulations to the following student-athletes who qualified for the CCS meet: Isabella Grant ’19 (Pole Vault), Jaya Krishnan ’19 (Pole Vault), Gianna Mendoza ’20 (3200M), Jolie Slack ’21 (400M), Kylie Francisco ’21 (300 hurdles). The Track & Field team placed eighth in CCS and sent Gianna Mendoza ’20 and Isabella Grant ’19 to the CIF State Championships.
• Mariana Antaya ’19 Golf at Fairfield University • Jacqueline Cousineau ’19 Volleyball at Kenyon College • Juliana De Leon ’19 Golf at Long Island University • Isabella Henderson ’19 Field Hockey at Holy Cross College
The Athletic Department’s Volunteer of the Year recipient is Lori Skotz. Lori has been volunteering on the Booster Board for six years and has been very supportive of the Athletic Program during her time here. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s at the seasonal parent meetings, Booster Board meetings, the Athletic fundraiser, organizing events for her daughters’ teams, taking pictures and so much more. Lori is an avid sports fan and Presentation supporter—her kind and generous spirit was seen at every game and competition she could get to. A huge thank you to Lori Skotz for her years to service—she will be missed!
Our fifth annual athletic fundraiser, Game of Throws, was held in March. With the help of our amazing Presentation community, we raised $25,000 for our student-athletes! Thank you to everyone who attended the fundraiser and made it a night to remember! Game of Throws proceeds go directly to the Athletic Program—and directly impact the experience of our student-athletes. The Athletic fundraiser is a fun-filled night and a great reason to gather our amazing Presentation community—please plan on attending next year’s Game of Throws on March 21, 2020. We’ll see you there!
• Audrey James ’19 Cross Country and Track & Field at Chapman University • Rilie Krieg ’19 Swimming at University of the Pacific • Julie Mesita ’19 Swimming at Hamline University • Carla Pelino ’19 Basketball at Emerson College • Sakura Regan ’19 Volleyball at Emerson College
BAWSI
This spring, we volunteered with the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), which is a local organization that focuses on teaching elementary-aged girls about health, hope and wholeness; BAWSI provides a unique and fun way that Presentation studentathletes can directly impact young lives. Our student-athletes worked with elementary-aged girls, playing sports with them and teaching them about healthy lifestyles. It’s a really great partnership as our student-athletes get the opportunity to mentor and be role models for elementary-aged girls and get the chance to be active and exercise, too! Summer 2019 | 19
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IMMERSION TRIPS
Every spring semester Community Involvement (CI) is busy coordinating six of our eight yearly service immersion trips. During the February break, students traveled to both Los Angeles and Tacoma, Washington for our L.A. and L’arche Immersion trips. While in L.A., students worked with the Sisters of the Presentation from the Presentation Learning Center where they taught ESL and life skills classes. In the evenings they served at different food kitchens around L.A., but primarily on Skid Row. Meanwhile, in Tacoma, students on the L’arche immersion worked at Tahoma Hope, a community of people with developmental disabilities. They spent their time working alongside the community members on their farm and getting to know them through fun activities, such as games and crafts.
MISSION DRIVE
This year we experienced a change to our annual Mission Drive. In the past, the drive has benefited the Sisters’ missions in Nicaragua and Guatemala, but last year the Sisters living in those countries returned to the Motherhouse in San Francisco and officially retired. While we continue to pray for those communities, we were no longer able to send financial donations. This presented an opportunity to help support the local ministries of the Sisters of the Presentation. Our community, in collaboration with the Sisters, chose four different Bay Area non-profits that were founded by the Sisters. Recognizing that as members of this community it is our call to continue the mission of the Sisters of the Presentation and keep Nano’s lantern burning bright, we eagerly took on the challenge of supporting these new organizations.
Over spring break, CI hosted two additional service immersion trips, this time to West Virginia and the Arizona and Mexico border. In West Virginia, students traveled to the Appalachian region to work with Nazareth Farm, a religious community that focuses on prayer, simplicity and service. During the day, students worked alongside neighbors to assist in home repairs on substandard housing. At night, they played, cooked, prayed, reflected together and learned more about the Appalachian region and the root causes for the severe poverty in the area. Across the country, in Arizona, students were working with Kino Border Initiative to learn more about immigration and the humanitarian crisis along the border. Students spent their days working in the Comedor, a food kitchen that serves migrants who have recently been deported to Mexico, walking the desert to better understand the conditions migrants face, and attending deportation hearings at the Tucson Courthouse.
During the months of March and April, the students learned more about the organizations they were supporting. Each class level sponsored a different nonprofit and learned more about the social issue it is affecting. The freshmen supported the Lantern Center for Hospitality and Education located in San Francisco. Sophomores collected donations for the Day Laborers Breakfast Program in San Francisco. Juniors raised money for Safehouse in San Francisco, and the seniors supported the Learning and Loving Education Center in Morgan Hill. Together we were able to raise over $22,000, which split between all four agencies, was roughly $5,000 per agency. We are grateful for the generosity of our students, faculty and staff, parents and alumni who all worked together to ensure the mission of the Sisters of the Presentation continued.
Our final service immersion trip of the year took place in the Dominican Republic, in the small town of La Guama through Bridges to Community. While on this immersion, students worked alongside the community members to build a sanitary latrine and dignified housing for a local family. They also had the opportunity to learn about and experience the country’s rich culture and beautiful landscape. We are grateful for the communities that welcomed our students on their service immersion trips over this past year, and we will continue to hold their community members in our prayers. We look forward to continuing our relationships with these communities next year!
TOTAL SPRING SEMESTER SERVICE HOURS: 1,580 Top organizations include: Angels on Stage, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Sacred Heart Community Services, Walden West Outdoor Science School and various Catholic parishes (St. Julie's, Holy Family, Santa Teresa)
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE By Diane Suba '20
“We are not here to help, we are here to support.” These words were said by our International Volunteer Coordinator and biggest role model, Renee, when we arrived at La Guama, Dominican Republic. Truthfully, we couldn’t really comprehend the difference or truly understand the meaning of her words until the end of our trip. When arriving at La Guama, we were not sure what to expect. We went on this trip thinking that we were going to help the community build a house; however, our perspective changed when they ended up helping us find pure bliss—an experience beyond imaginable from the start. We spent four days in La Guama getting to know the community and Kelman, the man who was receiving the house. Slowly, we began to uncover Kelman’s story and how strong he was. Kelman was a happy man who went blind due to an accident while working in a nearby sweatshop. However, he didn’t let his loss of vision interfere with his work or happiness. He would spend his day gathering a three gallon jug and walking the treacherous path down to the river to get us water. He used his stick to guide him along the way and was able to do this seven times in one day. This truly shocked us, and in this moment we realized his determination and found inspiration in his strength. He refused to let his tragedy prevent him from working together with us, showing his dedication for helping. In addition to getting to know Kelman, we were able to build long-lasting relationships with the community members, especially the children. We were greeted by the children’s presence the minute we arrived in La Guama. They lined up outside our bus, ready to play. Jonathan, who we came to know as Pichu, was a young boy who stood out to us. Pichu is Kelman’s nephew. Although he has severe autism, he never let that phase him. Pichu spent the whole duration of the trip attached to us. Whether it was giving us slobbery arm kisses, or chomping on a new mango, he continued to smile and light our way. Whether it was building a cement bucket line, or listening to the children yell “caballitos” as they climbed on our backs, we truly felt connected to the community. One of the most important things that we took away from our time in La Guama was that we shouldn’t pity the people of La Guama. To us, they are poor and have little to nothing, but to them, they have the world and happiness. Serving in La Guama this week has taught us the definition of community and helped us understand its value. We had the opportunity to watch the town gather together and spend countless hours building a house not just for Kelman, but for the generations to come. At the end of the trip, we realized the true meaning of Renee’s words as we spent the week living out the Presentation motto: Not Words, But Deeds. No amount of words can truly describe what we experienced on our trip and the long-lasting relationships we built. This trip was truly life-changing for all of us. *This article has been updated with proper attribution (August 13, 2019) Summer 2019 | 21
INCOMING FROSH BBQ
PROM
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JUNIOR RING
MAY DAY
Summer 2019 | 23
WEST COAST ELITE
X-Small: First Place Small Lyrical: First Place Small Jazz: First Place Hip Hop: First Place Contemporary: First Place and Best Technique Jazz: First place and Best Execution Lyrical: Second Place
HOMESTEAD
Small Lyrical: First Place Hip Hop: First Place Small Jazz: First Place Jazz: First Place Contemporary: First Place Lyrical: First Place Character: First Place JV Hip Hop: First Place JV Jazz: First Place X-Small Dance: Second Place JV Lyrical: Second Place JV Character: Fourth Place
DANCE TEAM The Presentation Dance Team had another amazing competition season with the debut of the Presentation JV Dance Team winning numerous awards, as well as the Varsity Dance Team continuing their success. Lead by Isabell Cuddie ’19, Abigail Schultz ’19, Lauren Wegner ’19, Abbey Taylor ’20 and Mia Kanter ’20, the dance teams competed at five regional competitions before heading to Orlando, Florida for the Contest of Champions National Competition. There they brought home three National Champion trophies as well as multiple second and third place awards and a Best Choreography award. These dancers continue to shine on the dance floor and represent Presentation with talent and grace.
NATIONALS National Champions X-Small Contemporary Medium Character JV Character
Second Place Medium Hip Hop
Third Place Medium Jazz Medium Lyrical JV Jazz
BELLA VISTA
X-Small Dance: First Place Small Jazz: First Place Character: First Place Jazz: First Place JV Jazz: First Place JV Hip Hop: First Place Lyrical: First Place Small Lyrical: Second Place JV Lyrical: Second Place
MONTA VISTA
Small Lyrical: First Place Small Jazz: First Place, Highest Score Dance Jazz: First Place Lyrical: First Place, Highest Score Dance JV Jazz: First Place JV Hip Hop: First Place JV Lyrical: First Place X-Small Dance: Second Place Character: Third Place
CUPERTINO
X-Small Dance: First Place Small Jazz: First Place Jazz: First Place Lyrical: First Place Contemporary: First Place Hip Hop: First Place Character: First Place JV Hip Hop: First Place Small Lyrical: Second Place JV Character: Fourth Place 24 | Presentation High School
PRESENTATION DANCE COMPANY
The Presentation Dance Company is Presentation's non-audition, non-competitive dance company. The Company gives dancers of all technique levels an opportunity to take classes, as well as perform on campus their own original work. This year the Presentation Dance Company was lead by Pilar Mellon-Reyes ’19 and has grown to 18 dancers. These dancers had many opportunities to perform on campus and debut six original pieces performed at the Spring Dance Concert. These pieces were choreographed by the following students: Pilar Mellon-Reyes ’19, Maia Dau ’19, Autessa Anoosheh ’20, Theresa Tran ’21, Camille Fehr ’21, Carolyn Yatco ’19 and Arathi Ranga ’19. The success of the program comes from the hard work and dedication all the dancers put into Dance Company.
PERFORMING ARTS In January, a company fifty strong mounted an amazing production of the Ahrens/Flaherty musical Once On This Island. A talented sophomore, Franchesca Lazaro ’21, received a Rita Moreno Award for her portrayal of Erzule, the love goddess in this energetic production. In February, our drama club, I.T.S., presented their annual musical Snip-ITS. Highlights included performances from members of all class levels and showcased singing, dancing and acting talents. In March, senior Zoe Prior ’19 played Hamlet in a dark and edgy production. Soon after, our seniors took the stage for a senior showcase created, produced and starring the Class of 2019. Not to be outdone, our underclassmen created an evening of original writing, producing an evening of one-acts written by Presentation students. In April, our volunteer fundraising troupe, The Blue Plaid Players, performed Showtune, a Jerry Herman Revue to appreciative audiences. This year, alas, we say goodbye to an unusually large number of dedicated and talented performing artists in the Class of 2019, who we will not soon forget. This class has clearly left their mark on our program.
Summer 2019 | 25
VISUAL ARTS BOUNDLESS, is an Art & Literature magazine created by student jurors, editors and designers. From more than 240 student submissions, the following pieces of art, design, photography and writing were selected by their peers. Additionally, six alumnae, in various creative fields, selected pieces as the most outstanding from the categories. We are excited to present the results of these creative choices in the Presentation 2019 inaugural edition. You can view the entire magazine on the Presentation website by visiting www.presentationhs.org/arts.
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MY NAME By: Citlalli Bejarano '21
My name is my past, my history, my culture My name is proud and strong My name carries weight and tradition My name is a long pause before a teacher reads the attendance sheet It is the squiggly red line in a Word doc It is being mispronounced for semesters at a time My name is ashamed to correct itself My name is being spelled aloud for orders at restaurants or coffee places It has contemplated changing itself because it's "too hard to say" My name is being corrected by others who say it wrong But my name is not hard, it is uncommon And it leaps with joy As it hears a girl who shares the name be excited and proud to hear it My name may be different But my name is me
A Song Gabriella Escobar '19
SPEECH & DEBATE Here are the highlights of our ongoing spring semester:
• Anisha Reimert ’19: Dramatic Interpretation (Runner-up) • Niha Bozza ’22: Lincoln Douglas Debate (Champion)
COAST FORENSIC LEAGUE LOCAL TOURNAMENT
• Anisha Reimert ’19: Dramatic Interpretation (Champion) and Humorous Interpretation (Semifinalist) • Meghan Bedi ’21: Oratorical Interpretation (Champion) • Monica Schneck ’21: Lincoln Douglas debate (Undefeated Wildcard) • Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: International Extemp (3rd place) and Impromptu Speaking (3rd place) • Shannon Miranda ’20: Expository (Semifinalist) • Anagha Nair ’22: Humorous Interpretation (Semifinalist) • Aditi Purandare ’22: Oratorical Interpretation (Semifinalist) • Kathy Barajas ’20: Impromptu Speaking (Semifinalist) • Michelle Nguyen ’20: Congressional Debate (3rd place) • Caitlin Gorin ’21: Chamber of Congressional Debate (Top Speaker) • Gurmehr Klair ’20: Congressional Debate (Top Presiding Officer)
• Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: International Extemp (5th place) • Caitlin Gorin ’21: Congressional Debate (Semifinalist) • Harshini Manian ’21: Lincoln Douglas Debate (Double Octafinalist)
• Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: Extemporaneous Speaking (7th place - tie)
• Anisha Reimert ’19: Humorous Interpretation (3rd place), Dramatic Interpretation (Semifinalist) & Oratorical Interpretation (Semifinalist) • Meghana Nagendra ’22: Dramatic Interpretation (6th place) • Meghan Bedi ’21 & Shweta Arun ’22: Oratorical Interpretation (Semifinalists) • Shannon Miranda ’20 and Gabby Cortezano ’22: Expository Speaking (Semifinalists) • Aarni Kulkarni ’22: International Extemporaneous Speaking (Semifinalist) • Monica Schneck ’21: Lincoln Douglas Debate (Triple Octafinalist) • Poornima Dorairaj ’22 & Naina Panjwani ’22: Public Forum Debate (Triple Octafinalists)
• Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: International Extemp Speaking (8th place)
• Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: Impromptu Speaking (Champion) and Extemporaneous Speaking (4th place) • Anisha Remiert ’19: Dramatic Interpretation (7th place) and Humorous Interpretation (15th place) • Nidhi Gowda ’20: Public Forum Debate (3rd place) • Manvitha Pabbathi ’22: Public Forum Debate (15th place) • Michelle Nguyen ’20: Congressional Debate (Semifinalist) • Nidhi Gowda ’20 & Esha Kapoor ’20: Public Forum Debate (Double Octafinalists) • Manvitha Pabbathi ’22 & Naina Panjwani ’22: Public Forum Debate (Double Octafinalists) • Poornima Dorairaj ’22 & Isha Singhal ’22: Public Forum Debate (Double Octafinalists)
• Aarni Kulkarni ’22: International Extemp (2nd place) • Gabby Cortezano ’22: Expository Speaking (2nd place) • Noora Fayad ’22: Congressional Debate (7th place) 28 | Presentation High School
COAST FORENSIC LEAGUE STATE QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
• Anisha Reimert ’19: Dramatic Interpretation (3rd place) and qualifying to the CHSSA State Championships • Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: Impromptu (3rd place) and International Extemporaneous Speaking (4th place) and qualifying in both events to the CHSSA State Championships • Caitlin Gorin ’21: Congressional Debate (7th place) and qualifying for the CHSSA State tournament
COAST FORENSIC LEAGUE NSDA NATIONAL QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
• Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: International Extemp (2nd place) qualifying to NSDA Nationals • Hannah Ni ’20 & Tanaya Nawathe ’20: PF Debate (3rd place) & qualifying to NSDA Nationals • Caitlin Gorin ’21: Selected to attend Nationals as part of the CFL World Schools Debate team
FASHION SHOW
• Anisha Reimert ’19: Dramatic Interpretation (6th place) • Nikitha Kalahasti ’20: International Extemporaneous Speaking (11th place) ***Nidhi Gowda was selected to represent California at the Calvin Coolidge Debate Cup in Vermont this summer. ****Nikitha Kalahasti, Catlin Gorin and Hannah Ni & Tanaya Nawathe will compete at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament held in Dallas, TX this June 16-21.
NATIONALS
• Hannah Ni ’20 and Tanaya Nawathe ’20 went 7-5 and just barely missed advancing in Public Forum debate. • Caitlin Gorin ’21, a sophomore, was on our district World Schools team that dropped in Octafinals and finished the tournament in the TOP TEN in nation in World School's Debate. • Nikitha Kalahasti ’20 finished 7th in the nation in International Extemporaneous Speaking. This finish guarantees her a spot as an automatic qualifier to next year's NSDA National tournament. Summer 2019 | 29
ROBOTICS BUILD SEASON & COMPETITIONS
Starting the first weekend of January, the Pres Robotics team— Presentation Invasion—spent six weeks designing and building their robot “Nebula” for the 2019 FIRST FRC Destination: Deep Space challenge. This robot was completely designed, manufactured, assembled and programmed by the students on the team. It features a two-stage elevator that reaches up to eight feet high and an arm with two degrees of freedom that manipulates two very different game pieces. This was the most complicated robot that the team has ever created.
to increase awareness of FIRST’s mission. The two nominees were Zara Shariff ’20 and Sarah Ungerer ’20. The nominations for this prestigious award required a mentor-written essay and a nominee interview at a regional competition. The team was very proud of their two Dean’s List Semi-Finalists. At Central Valley Regional, Rithu Paramesh ’20 opened up the competition by singing the National Anthem alongside four other FIRST students. Neha Rachapudi ’21 was awarded with the title “Star of the Day” by Underwriters Laboratories at both regional events for her excellent work as Team Safety Captain.
In early March, the team competed with this robot at Central Valley Regional in Fresno, CA and advanced to the elimination rounds as a part of the sixth seeded alliance. The team not only finished the event as quarter-finalists, but their impressive enthusiasm also earned them the Team Spirit Award! In late March, they competed at Silicon Valley Regional in downtown San Jose. Participating in this local event allowed all the members to attend and families to come see them compete. Presentation Invasion finished with a solid 5-4 record with some exciting wins, but missed reaching the elimination round.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
This year the team submitted two student nominations for the FIRST Dean’s List Award, which recognizes outstanding sophomores and juniors who display exceptional leadership skills and work
COUNSELING & STUDENT WELLNESS The Counseling Department was proud to host New York Times bestselling author and speaker, Harlan Cohen, who visited campus and shared a framework that helped to ease anxiety and guide attendees through the high school years. He offered a fresh approach to help children become grittier, more resilient and stronger self-advocates, and parents and students were treated to an entertaining, informative and interactive event. In conjunction with our Student Wellness program, the Counseling Department joint-hosted a screening of the film, ANGST, a recent documentary designed to help raise awareness around anxiety, which was widely attended by both the Presentation and Diocesan middle school communities. The freshman class had a mandatory collaboration on February 28 covering the topic of "positive peer relations." In collaboration with the Office of the Prevention of Student Bullying, the freshman class had a training on positive peer relations defining good peer relationships, welcoming diversity, peer pressure and internet safety. 30 | Presentation High School
Senior Parents were invited to attend a screening of The Hunting Ground which discussed sexual assaults on college campuses. An informative discussion took place afterwards amongst the attendees, and the Counseling Department will once again bring this important discussion to campus in the Fall in partnership with Student Wellness for the Class of 2020.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
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Peer Ministry leaders will serve as faith leaders for the 20192020 school year (a new record!) by leading liturgies, retreats, small groups and prayer experiences in order to deepen the spiritual experience of its members the Presentation High School student body with respect to those of different faith traditions.
Core Team members (juniors and seniors) for 2019-2020. They will grow in their faith and leadership as they lead Angel Groups (small groups), retreats, liturgies and prayer services.
The Presentation community celebrated mass one last time together on Class Day. Savannah Bruggeman ’19 gave a reflection on the meaning of the poem “Footprints,” which was chosen by the senior class to represent their faith and their journey at Pres. Congratulations, Class of 2019!
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Students who served as Eucharistic ministers, lectors and altar servers at our school liturgies during the 2018-2019 school year.
Spring is “retreat season” in Campus Ministry, as the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors participated in their class level retreats. Each retreat has a particular focus, and retreatants come back from retreat feeling refreshed and having a rejuvenated spirit. A special thanks to all of the students, faculty and staff who donate their time to lead retreats and who are integral to making them a great success.
Montse Gasca ’19, Lauren Chivers ’19 and Jessica Davied ’19 honored Mary with flowers at our May Day prayer service. Mariana Antaya ’19 gave a reflection on the spirituality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her connection to Mary and to her mother.
MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY Shloka Janapaty ’20 was invited to compete at the Intel ISEF International Competition in Phoenix, AZ. She was flown to Arizona for a week-long competition and attended several special events. Shloka earned a second place award in the environmental engineering category and took home a $1,500 prize!
• Jadelyn Dao ’21 (Alternate): A Novel, Fast, Low-Cost Approach to Achieve Near 100% LDPE Degradation: Bioremedial Landfill Implementation (Biological Science and Engineering, Biochemistry/ Microbiology)
Three students competed in the Synopsys Science Fair and were invited to compete at the state level. Congratulations to the following students: • Caitlin Gorin ’21: A Multi-Faceted Material Strength Testing Machine for 3D Printed Plastics (Physical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) • Anusha Ghosh ’20: Detection and Translation of American Sign Language through Deep Learning (Physical Science and Engineering, Software Engineering) • Shloka Janapaty ’20: A Novel, Fast, Low-Cost Approach to Achieve Near 100% LDPE Degradation: Bioremedial Landfill Implementation (Biological Science and Engineering, Biochemistry/Microbiology) Summer 2019 | 31
CHOIR The spring semester was full of new opportunities and success for Presentation choirs. Bella Voce performed at the Santa Clara University Invitational Festival. Bella Voce and Cantabile both earned “Superior” (the highest rating) at the California Music Educators Association State Festival. Bella Voce and Cantabile performed at the Great America Festival; Bella Voce earned “Superior” and first place, and Cantabile earned “Excellent” and second place The choirs performed for school events, including the Talent Show and 7th Grade Day, as well as their own spring concert. This summer several students from the choirs traveled to Jamaica, where they met students from local schools, performed many concerts, sang on the “Television Jamaica” morning show, hiked a beautiful waterfall, and swam in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. When asked what was their favorite part about the trip, the students replied, “The people! The food! The music! The Bob Marley Museum! The beach!” Overall it was an experience they will never forget. “Jamaica Irie!”
SENIOR EXIT INTERVIEWS Here is a sample of answers given by the Class of 2019 in their senior exit interviews.
95% 99% 96% 96% 91% 99% 91% say that they have been encouraged to work hard and set high standards for themselves.
say that they are aware and informed of contemporary local, global and international issues.
say that they have a clear understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church. say that they are responsible for their intellectual, psychological and spiritual growth.
say that they developed study skills at Presentation that will help them as they go on to college and eventually to a career.
say that they feel that creativity and the arts are important.
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98% say that they feel empowered and take pride in being a woman.
say that experiences they had at Presentation (i.e. classes, clubs, special events, Student Development Days, etc.) strongly impacted their respect for human diversity and the dignity of all human beings.
THE DISHONEST "SIDE DOOR"
A Perspective on the College Admissions Scandal By Angie Leung '20, Reporter | March 18, 2019 Behind the overly-admired wealthy class’ extravagant parties and red carpet smiles, lie dark collusive practices causing their downfall… Haven’t they learned from Gatsby? Perhaps not, considering they were willing to bribe their way through school and forewent studying the classic demise of a fraudulent character. The true casualties of this sensationalizing scandal are not the ignorant children of the celebrities who tarnished their reputations, but rather the innocent students with much more qualified resumés who abided by moral conduct in the college admissions process, despite its apparent flaws. William Singer, the founder of the college preparatory business Edge College & Career Network that manipulated his clients’ college entrance exam scores, ordered his company’s proctors to either take the test in place of the student or rectify their answers afterwards in a way that would avoid suspicion, according to a Los Angeles Times article. During his testimony in a federal court in Boston, Singer referred to his conspiracy as a “side door” to the college admissions process. However, this “side door” welcomed pecuniary corruption, unethical dishonesty and dark collusion among the upper echelons of the wealthy class or “a catalogue of wealth and privilege” as one Massachusetts attorney asserted–and further disadvantaged the real “underprivileged” students who depended on the tests to equalize their chances alongside their more well-off counterparts.
Given that flaws existed in this process, affluent parents maliciously maintained the status quo by reaping the benefits of monetary privilege and upholding its corrupted structure. Instead of engaging in a collective effort to resolve existing problems, wealthy parents formed a racketeering cabal to boost their own students’ ranks, while further disadvantaging the victims. In a discussion last Friday with the College Counseling Department in the wake of the scandal, Department Chair Anya Ishida reminded that Presentation’s college counseling work, dedicated to students, is rooted in a code of ethics. In addition, Lindsay Fitzpatrick noted that many universities have positively responded to the incident by delaying acceptance decisions in order to amend administration policy or make college entrance exams optional in an effort to evaluate applicants more fairly. The college counselors also recognized larger systematic problems inherent in the college process, citing societal obsession over highly-selective schools and unethical marketing strategies of test preparation industries that “feast” off of students’ fear about not being accepted. The College Counseling Department strongly advises students to think deeply about their choice of college, especially the value of its education while keeping their goals in mind. Affirming that they aim to alleviate students’ anxiety about college, the college counselors encourage students and families who are struggling or have questions of the legitimacy of private college tutoring to seek their help. Summer 2019 | 33
ALUMNAE UPDATES
We are eager to hear about your families, careers, achievements and milestones! Email updates and photos to Alumnae Director, Kristin Cooke '90 Schneider at kschneider@presentationhs.org. We can't wait to hear from you!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM!
Instagram: @mylifeisplaid | Facebook: www.facebook.com/presentationhs 34 | Presentation High School
ALUMNAE UPDATES ’09
’78 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1978 RECONNECT
Alison Corral ’78 Kneeland, Judy Ford ’78 Davis, Paula Mulcahy ’78 Keane and Lisa Randazzo ’78 Bunnell
SERENA ARAGONES '09
Serena had baby number two (Levi) and graduated with her Masters in Child Development from San Jose State.
’09 MARIE SIMONI '09
ANNETTE MARCOCCIA COYNE '81
Annette is now the proud owner of a medical billing business based out of Lodi, CA.
KELLY LARSON '09
Kelly became a Writers Assistant for the CW’s new DC show Batwoman which will be airing in October.
DANIELLE NAJMEH '01 DENNISON
Danielle is expecting her second child in July...future Pres girl Class of 2037!
LAUREN CARECCIA '07
Lauren has been working as a game designer on the newly announced Minecraft Earth since September of 2018.
MICHELLE REUTER '08 CANETE Michelle and her high school (Bellarmine) sweetheart welcomed their baby boy on May 19, 2019. Michelle wrote, “We are so blessed and excited to be parents!”
’09 JENNIFER MILLER '09 HAMILTON
Jennifer was married on Oct. 7 to Daniel Hamilton. Catherine Bisson ‘09, Elise Fisher ‘09 and Marie Simoni '09 were Jennifer’s bridesmaids along with her sister Megan.
Marie won a Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Special Class Short Format Daytime Program category for The Truth About Opioids campaign her ad agency, 72 and Sunny, created in collaboration with their client truth initiative. The video was called Treatment Box, which followed a 26-year-old, Rebekkah, on her journey to recovery with opioid addiction. The main goal was to show that opioid addiction can happen to anyone after just five days, even if its prescribed by a doctor. She was the Brand Manager that spearheaded this project, but has made a career change since winning, and is now a Strategist at the same agency. She says that it was an honor to win since something like this doesn't happen often in advertising since the Emmys are reserved for television or online entertainment content.
’08 Summer 2019 | 35
ALUMNAE UPDATES MOLLY FULLER '15
Molly graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Molly is headed to Stanbridge University in Irvine, CA to pursue her Master's in Occupational Therapy!
’10
’15
ANDREA AVILA '10 SILVA
Andrea and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Jocelyn, on March 22, 2019.
HAYDEN GEIGER '15
Hayden graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is currently living in New York and working as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and founder of Bleecker Street Media, a wellknown independent film distribution company with titles such as Danny Collins, Leave No Trace, Arctic, and the upcoming movie The Art of Self Defense.
NATASHA SOSA '11
Natasha graduated from UCSF Medical School in May and started a five-year residency in Child Neurology at CHLA in June.
’15
’14 JULIANNA MOURA '14
Julianna graduated in May with her Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, where she interned with SJSU Record Clearance project. This gave Julianna the chance to help people change their lives while also getting experience in the legal field. Her completed petitions will be presented to the judge during her clients' hearings. Julianna shares “I recently got a job with Accenture as a copyright compliance agent and have been assigned to work with Google starting in July! Excited for this new adventure that is ahead and thankful for the path that has led me to where I am today!”
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’15 KRISTIN GILL '15
Kristin graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution.
ALUMNAE UPDATES SIERRA MAESTAS '15
Sierra graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education. After graduation, she was granted an assistantship with the School of Kinesiology at Auburn while she works towards her Master’s degree. She hopes to accept a teaching position at a local school in Auburn after completing her Master's program. Sierra says that she loved her four years of undergrad and is so excited to call Auburn home for the foreseeable future! War Eagle!
’15
MINNA NGUYEN '15
’15
Minna graduated from Case Western Reserve University. Following graduation, she will be working as a bone marrow transplant nurse at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center!
SONIA VARANDANI '15
Sonia finished her undergraduate last year and just completed her first year of medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine.
’15 MIRANDA VELASCO '15 Miranda graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Miranda works for Eide Bailly, LLP.
’15
UPCOMING ALUMNAE EVENTS Class of 1969: Saturday, Sept. 7 Class of 1979: Saturday, Sept. 14 Class of 2009: Saturday, Sept. 21
Class of 1989 and Class of 1999: Information coming soon! Did you miss hearing about your reunion, career day or a networking event? Be sure we have your updated information to get all the latest Presentation News! Update your information at www.presentationhs.org/alumnae-portal/keep-us-updated Summer 2019 | 37
CRAB FEED
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Summer 2018 | 32
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IN MEMORIAM Joy Bertolucci
Jeanette Machado
Mother of Linda Bertolucci ’82 Macleod and Grandmother of Jillian Macleod ’16
Mother of Terri Machado ’79 Boskovich* and Cheri Machado ’81 Knapp, and Grandmother of Samantha Knapp ’18
Clara Bruni
Lou Madrid
Mother of Linda Bruni ’67 Pfahnl and Ana Maria Bruni ’77 Russo, and Grandmother of Angelina Pfahnl ’97, Julia Pfahnl ’05 and Paula Russo ’05 Reardon
Grandfather of Chiara Mantovani ’15 and Bianca Mantovani ’19
Joseph Caruso Grandfather of Alyssa Kloczl ’17
Graham Chloupek
Theodore Maggi Grandfather of Kelli Knapp ’98 Rahn and Maggi Knapp ’03 Pfaff
Augusto Manalili Grandfather of Nicola Manalili ’21
Husband of Patrice Mullen ’69 Chloupek
Joyce Martin
Martha Colla
Grandmother of Melissa Mckeever ’01 Barrow, Kendra Martin ’02, Molly Mckeever ’06 and Rebecca Martin ’07
Mother of Anne Colla ’78 Anastasi and Mary Colla ’79 Helmers, and Grandmother of Katherine Bayless ’00
Kathleen Maloney ’79 Ormsby
John Jack Connors
Alumnae
Grandfather of Sofia Connors ’22
Domenica Perucca
Ann Cottingham
Grandmother of Kristin Kleinhofer ’92 and Lisa Kleinhofer ’98 Kesler
Mother of Judy Cottingham ’78 Sieber and Jackie Cottingham ’81 Courtney, and Grandmother of Mckenzie Courtney ’15
Steve Russell
Nora Curtis
Brother of Mary Russell ’91 Nuttall
Grandmother of Diane Fiock ’94 Rosenthal and Mary Fiock ’98 Saca
Ralph Torres
Juvencio Garcia
Alexander Trznadel
Grandfather of Adriana Garcia ’16, Daniela Garcia ’18 and Claudia Garcia ’22
Maryellen Murabito ’70 Grewer Alumnae
Ron Higgins Grandfather of Lilly Higgins ’19
Francis Jasinski Grandfather of Kathleen Carey ’00 Martin, Joanna Carey ’02 Helmer and Elizabeth Carey ’06 Sobolewski
Husband of Karen Larish ’89 Torres
Grandfather of Vicky Gregory ’01 Costa and Carolyn Gregory ’03 Beyer
Mark White Husband of Jennifer Hunt ’90
Horace Williams Grandfather of Ava Williams ’18
Kalene Zitting Grandmother of Alexa Grau ’17 and Kaley Grau ’19
Clyde Lebaron Father of Danielle Lebaron ’99, Adriana Lebaron ’02 and Francesca Lebaron ’06
* deceased Summer 2019 | 41
Presentation High School 2281 Plummer Avenue San Jose, CA 95125