WHAT’S INSIDE
The Sacred Heart, Atherton (SHS) community came together in celebration of the conclusion of our school's 125th milestone anniversary, with a Solemnity of Pentecost Mass on Conway Court, presided over by John Whitney, S.J., followed by Congé on Gator Nation Field (see page 7).
On the cover SHS Gators of all ages gathered August 23 for the fourth annual Gatorfest on Dollinger Field, in celebration of fun, friendship, and family, with live music from Northern California's premier country band, The Urban Outlaws. Pictured L-R: Siena Patel (SHS ’30), RSCJ Sisters Sheila Hammond and Nancy Morris, and Masha Sobieski (SHS ’30).
SHP's annual Cardboard Canoe Races. See the full story on page 15.
BETTER PATIENT CARE
WITH AI
SHP STUDENT CREATES DATA ANALYTIC MODELS TO HELP PATIENT DIAGNOSIS AND CARE
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) senior Arhaan GuptaRastogi and Harvard professor Dr. Susie Huang of the Martinos Center are helping pioneer a research project that could transform the way we use MRI data for patient care.
The pair aim to determine key factors in brain and knee MRI accuracy, and early results appear promising. They analyzed more than 100,000 data points using MATLAB’s predictive analytics, in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers.
This has led to MRI scans with faster transition times, reduced patient fatigue and movement, and clearer images. This could mean a more accurate and speedy diagnosis for patients.
Gupta-Rastogi's journey into computer science began at an incredibly young age—he was only in the third grade when he began learning programming languages like Scratch, Python, and Java. Since then, he’s also taught himself additional higher-level languages like MATLAB and R. Throughout high school, his interest in the field only deepened, thanks to mentorship from teachers at SHP, whose guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in nurturing his ambitions.
“I’ve always been a STEM kid,” he reflects. “I really latched onto computer science in my freshman year, having attended coding camps since elementary school. AP Computer Science with SHP Computer Science teacher Kevin Morris laid a strong foundation for me—I love the problem-solving aspect of it. There’s a unique satisfaction when a coding solution finally ‘clicks.’”
He’s also taken AP Computer Science Principles with SHP Computer Science/Math teacher Thomas Donahoe. Both courses helped him immensely when it came to spending time in the lab with his Martinos Center mentor, Huang.
"I learned a ton of foundational and advanced tools—Mr. Donohoe helped me reach out to [labs with] research areas of interest to me, and Mr. Morris helped me with data analysis models for my work with the Martinos Center. They helped me every step of the way," says Gupta-Rastogi.
SHP senior Arhaan Gupta-Rastogi L-R:
“The heart of our project is how using AI and machine learning, and programs like MATLAB, can scale groundbreaking scientific research and make it more impactful for solving real-world problems for real people,” says Gupta-Rastogi. “That is the most rewarding aspect to me—seeing how technology has the power to improve patient care. We’re isolating the factors that most contribute to accurate and quick diagnoses, which has significant effects on treatment speed, patient comfort, and overall healthcare costs.”
Huang is equally enthusiastic about the project's potential as a new applied research tool, which will help scientists better understand the brain. “We need aspiring computer scientists and biologists like Arhaan to continue to apply these learnings to next-generation findings. I am grateful that we have schools that also support students in pursuing such research initiatives,” says Huang.
Another key mentor, SHP Biology teacher Chris LaBonte, helped ignite Gupta-Rastogi’s interest in the intersection of biology and computer science. LaBonte introduced him to the practical applications of biology, which was furthered through the Design the Future program, a collaboration between DC Design and Stanford University that Gupta-Rastogi took part in during the summer of 2022. “I was able to work directly with patients, developing an app to track health metrics for a woman with cerebral palsy and diabetes,” says Gupta-Rastogi. “This experience really highlighted the tangible impact technology can have, and I’m grateful for the mentorship I received from Mr. LaBonte along the way.”
He also credits SHP English and Creative Inquiry teacher Jake Moffat with sharpening his logical writing skills. “He helped me understand how to break down complex information, which is crucial for both conducting research and publishing findings,” says Gupta-Rastogi. “It’s one of those activities where I lose track of time because I’m so immersed in it.”
Looking ahead, Gupta-Rastogi and Huang plan to continue their research, and will jointly publish findings. As he begins his final year at SHP, he’s excited to continue his study of biomedical engineering and computer science in college, all the while leveraging the power of technology for the greater good. His journey is truly a reflection of the Sacred Heart Goals, particularly Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action. Driven by a passion for helping others, Gupta-Rastogi is forging a path that will help transform lives.
L-R: SHP senior Arhaan Gupta-Rastogi with Harvard professor Dr. Susie Huang
ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE MASS
May 17th was a special day celebrating the feast day of our beloved foundress at the annual all-school St. Madeleine Sophie Mass. SHS also honored the dedicated faculty and staff who have reached milestone years of service.
The school celebrated SHP Math/Computer Science teacher Kevin Morris for his milestone 30-years of service to SHS.
Conge
The entire SHS community came together for Congé on Gator Nation Field this past May. Meaning "take leave" in French, it's a day of fun and games that has been a tradition of Sacred Heart schools worldwide since the early days of the network’s founding in 19th century France.
FIRST COMMUNION
Second graders received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in May in the historic Main Building Chapel, under the guidance of beloved Lower School Religious Studies & Sacramental Preparation teacher Chris Dyer (SHE ’63, CSH ’67) who has helped usher in this tradition for generations of SHS students. The ceremony was presided over by John Whitney, S.J.
CONFIRMATION
For several years, St. Raymond’s Catholic Parish has generously worked with Sacred Heart to allow our Catholic eighth-grade students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as part of their parish community. The group of confirmands is pictured here with St. Raymond’s clergy, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of the San Francisco Diocese (front row, third from right), P-8 Principal Francesca Brake (front left), and eighth grade Religious Studies teacher Chris Kanelopoulos (front right). The Confirmation Mass took place at St. Raymond’s on April 27.
PUBLISHING PARTY
The writing curriculum in kindergarten leads students through an authentic writing process of brainstorming, drafting, editing, and publishing, and covers several genres of writing, from observational writing and personal narrative to “all about” books, poetry, and more. They finish the year with persuasive writing marked by a fun and festive annual tradition—a publishing showcase held on the kindergarten front patio. During the event, each student has a chance to share their persuasive writing about a “world problem” that they know about, such as littering, air pollution, or an endangered animal, to name just a few. Students work for several weeks creating signs, songs, letters, petitions, and finally, a speech about their selected world problem. Parents, guardians, faculty and staff—and even visiting RSCJ—are invited to attend. Visitors cycle through the stations to meet with each child to hear their presentations. Pointer in hand, the children animatedly share their colorful, illustrated writing samples, like a conductor ushering in the crescendo with aplomb. Along with their persuasive writing unit work, the displays feature writing samples from throughout the year, August to May. The writerly bunch experience pride in sharing the progress they’ve made not just with their own parents, but with their friends’ parents, and many educators from across the Lower & Middle School campus. Among the feedback kindergarten teacher Whitney Infelise received included the remark that the event perfectly encapsulated Sacred Heart’s Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action. “I thought that was a nice way to think of it,” she said.
MAY CROWNING
Preschoolers through eighth graders laid flowers around the statue of the Blessed Virgin at the annual May Crowning Ceremony, a decades-long tradition at SHS. Students honored Mother Mary through music, reflection, and a prayer service.
TOP BOTS
Four students in the SHS fifth grade robotics team, Betabotz, received a total of seven robotics awards during the spring semester, under the guidance of SHS Middle School
Science teacher Sherie Lo Giudice and SHS Lower & Middle Schools' Creativity
Hub teacher Ben Howe, along with parent coaches.
The students, Anshi Agarwal, Luca Miraglia, Kaiya Narula, and Ella Valle are now sixth graders; together they showed great determination during the two-day 2024
VEX IQ World Championships competition in Dallas, TX, where a total of 840 teams representing 78 nations worldwide came together to compete.
Parent coach Nitin Agrawal spoke highly of the experience, noting the range of skills students were able to hone during the competition season.
"We are grateful for SHS's commitment to nurturing wellrounded students,” said Agrawal. “The Gators embraced every challenge, mastering all aspects of robotics—from design, documentation, and coding, to forging alliances with teams worldwide. Their dedication and tenacity coupled with communication skills were key factors to their success."
Betabotz received the following awards during the 2024 spring semester:
VEX IQ World Championship
Inspire Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation
Northern California Regional (States) Championship
Energy Award, for exceptional enthusiasm and passion
Amaze Award, for a high-performing robot in matches and skills challenges
Regional Competitions:
Excellence Award - Norcal Rookie Competition, overall excellence in all aspects
Teamwork Champion - Norcal Rookie Competition, as part of the winning alliance
Design Award - East Palo Alto, organized and professional design process
Amaze Award - Dublin
L-R: Ben Howe, Kaiya, Ella, Anshi, Luca, and Sherie Lo Giudice
FR. GREG BOYLE IN CONVERSATION WITH TOM VOZZO
After a day of student-led presentations, the SHP Social Justice Teach-In last April featured a conversation between Homeboy Industries Founder Fr. Greg Boyle and CEO Tom Vozzo. The pair shared ways in which radical kinship can guide businesses toward transformation. Founded in 1992, Homeboy Industries has grown to be the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program.
L-R: Fr. Greg Boyle, SHP Director of Campus Ministry Matt Carroll, and Tom Vozzo
GRANDPARENTS ’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS ’ DAY
Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Our P-8 students showed over 400 Grandparents & Special Friends their classrooms this past spring semester, introduced them to their teachers and friends, and had fun in the photo booths. Thank you to all our Grandparents and Special Friends who made our Gators’ day.
CARDBOARD CANOE RACES
After 23 years of teaching at SHP, Dr. Guy Letteer retired in June, just after participating in his last cardboard canoe race, a beloved tradition since 2005 that has occurred every May at the Dunlevie Aquatics Center at SHS (except during the pandemic). Letteer shared this reflection and history of the races.
SHS started the tradition as a fun way to tap into the community of the various physics classes that we teach here at Sacred Heart Prep. In some ways, it is an exciting and fun way to put an exclamation point on the entire year of physics. Although we don’t grade on any aspect of competition (winning is not required to get a good score), we have discovered that the students love to compete and express themselves in zany ways.
The winners of the race very often complete serious research and work diligently to build the best boat, according to the rules of competition. However, sometimes it is just random luck and a passionate desire to finish that drives the teams to succeed.
We ask the teams to do some planning about their boats and to be sure that they use the physics of buoyancy, but that doesn’t always translate to a great entry. It is usually a blend of a knowledge of physics, common sense, big pieces of cardboard, and extra-wide duct tape that leads to success.
The cardboard canoe races have become an institutionalized signal that classes are ending, the seniors are graduating, and summer is here.
With neon lights, electric energy, and a blast of nostalgia, many from the SHS community came together in March for the 44th Annual Auction, Forever Young...125 Years of Totally Awesome! This event was extra special, marking the school’s 125th anniversary. Guests donned in 80s-inspired outfits came out in droves, representing every grade from preschool through 12th grade. With many first-time attendees, including families, staff, and RSCJ, it was a night to remember!
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Each year, a group of SHP seniors presents their final senior honors independent study (SHIS) projects. Each has a faculty mentor and sponsoring department supporting their selfguided, in-depth research into an academic topic of their choosing. The following 15 seniors presented their findings in the 2023-24 school year.
Spring Semester 2024
Alexandra Barycza, Fine Arts, Don’t Stop the Music: The Revolutionary Fashion of the 1960s and 1970s
Nico Ficcaglia, ASC, Neurodivergence at SHP: An Autoethnography
Marat Misra, Science, Catching Up After a Slow Start: Connecting Studies Focused on Cognitive Development to Cellular Degeneration in Children with Neurological Deficiencies
Avery Noto, Fine Arts, Industry Close-Up: Exploring the Evolution of Women On and Off the Screen
Fall Semester 2023
Jillian Amaro, Science, Safety Is Not Equal: Sex-Based Outcome Disparities of Vehicle Safety Features
Will Avina, Social Sciences, The Social Stage: American Cultural Movements Through the Lens of Broadway Musicals'
Madelyn Brouchoud, Social Sciences, The United Nations and Its Potential for Preventing Future Conflict
Theo Parker, Computer Science, Function, Design, and Development of Modern Program Compilers
Samir Ravi, Social Sciences, Reformalizing Power, Repairing Form
Raina Singh, Social Sciences, The Opioid Crisis: Narcotics Trafficking at the U.S. - Mexico Border
Thalia Stavropoulos, Social Sciences, Standards and Stereotypes: Reforming the K-12 Classroom to Promote Gender Diversity in STEM
Sadie Taylor, Science, Maximizing Computational Power in Spacecraft Through Radiation Resistant Semiconductor Chip Design
Ainsley Thornborrow, Religious Studies, Justice is Not Blind: Investigating the Death Penalty and Life on Death Row
Makena Tom, Social Sciences, Christianity in China: Understanding China’s View of the West from The Taiping Rebellion to The CCP
Ellie Wheeler, Religious Studies, The Intersectionality of Judaism and Ecology as it Relates to the Climate Crisis
Alexandra Barycza (SHP ʼ24) gives her SHIS presentation
HONORABLE MENTION
TWO SHP STUDENTS’ MOVIE AND MUSIC REVIEWS RECOGNIZED IN NYT CONTEST
Last fall, SHP juniors wrote reviews of movies, music, TV, books, art, architecture, and several other categories in their English classes, with the option of submitting their compositions to The New York Times’ Learning Network Review Contest. Fewer than two percent of the 3,200 students nationwide who submitted reviews were recognized; two of those students were Paola Reinosa (SHP ’25) and Andrew Stamos (SHP ’25), who each received honorable mentions in the contest, Reinosa for “The Long-Awaited Resurrection: Bad Bunny’s Trap Return,” and Stamos for “Barbie (But Really Ken) and the Mirror Men Need.”
Reinosa and Stamos were in SHP English teacher Stephanie Bowe Ullman’s AP English Language and Composition class last fall. Bowe Ullman said both students displayed “an extraordinary amount of effort” writing multiple drafts to achieve succinct, compelling reviews that met all of NYT’s requirements, which included capping the length at only 450 words. “[They] were not only open to—but eager for—peer and teacher feedback to help them refine their work,” she said.
With each round of revisions, the students were honing argumentation skills they’d been practicing since the beginning of the school year, making the contest a worthy exercise that allowed their very best works to be published in a reputable and prestigious outlet with a wide audience, she added.
“Paola worked particularly hard to weave the motif of resurrection and renewal throughout her review of Bad Bunny's latest album. Andrew's review offers a thoughtful defense of Ken, from the Barbie movie, as a reflection of masculinity in contemporary America… Needless to say, I'm extremely proud of them,” said Bowe Ullman.
Reinosa said that choosing a topic she is passionate about “made the writing process fun and engaging,” and receiving an honorable mention was “a surprise” she never expected. Her review of Bad Bunny’s 2023 album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, commends the artist’s desire to reveal his authentic self through a return to his roots in trap music.
In an excerpt from her review, she writes:
“Bad Bunny’s long-time devoted fans will be excited to experience the rebirth of familiar songs that work together to create a transcendent compilation and Bad Bunny’s musical reawakening. Although the album’s release may decrease his mainstream popularity, he hopes his trap resurrection will please the fans who have supported his musical decisions from the start.”
“I am grateful I got to write about what I love, and that people enjoyed reading about it,” she said.
In an excerpt from his review of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which Stamos calls “the most controversial film of 2023,” he wrote:
“Ken is literally portrayed as ‘existing only in the warmth of her gaze,’ or not having any identity without Barbie. The problem is that Barbie doesn't want to be with Ken at all. Suffering from the pain of unrequited love, Ken institutes the patriarchy upon Barbieland, rebranding himself into a man who couldn’t be hurt by Barbie's rejection. However, once the Barbies destroy his new world order, Ken is powerless, alone, and still without Barbie.”
In recent years, several other SHP students have found success in Learning Network writing contests. Two years ago, three SHP students were recognized in a Narrative Contest, and the year prior, Kelly Shen (SHP ’23), was one of just 11 top winners of the NYT’s STEM Writing Contest with her piece, “From Babbling to Birdsong: What Finches Can Teach Us About Vocal Learning.”
Pursuing public contests where there is a chance of publication helps writing feel more authentic than assignments students feel they are just doing for a grade, said Bowe Ullman.
“Students typically get excited about writing assignments that extend beyond the walls of the classroom,” said Bowe Ullman. “With this assignment, they have a chance to put forth their very best and experience the thrill and gratification of recognition outside of school.”
CHANGING LIVES IN TANZANIA
In 2021, brothers Roshan Taneja (SHP ’25) and Yuvraj Taneja (SHP ’26) were inspired to join the passion project of a Maasai tribe member to help provide water for over 30,000 people in the Monduli district of Tanzania. Learn more about this project with purpose in our feature video, and find the whole story on page 12 of the SHS Magazine Spring ’24 issue.
THANK YOU FOR 125 YEARS: EDUCATING FOR A LIFETIME
This past school year honored Sacred Heart’s milestone anniversary celebration with our theme of 125 Years: Educating for a Lifetime – we hope this resonated with your own experiences, past and present, on this campus. Enjoy this video with a special message from SHS Director of Schools, Richard Dioli.
WHY WE’RE HERE
Check out the SHS "Why We’re Here" video series, which launched this past spring semester. These testimonials highlight educators from all divisions, spanning preschool to high school. SHS Montessori Preschool teacher Sorcha Buret discusses the most rewarding aspects of working with our youngest students. Hear from SHP educator Matt Carroll, who has been teaching campus ministry and religious studies at the Prep for over a decade. Carol DeZutti, a kindergarten teacher at SHS, reflects on her 40 years of teaching at Sacred Heart.
Finally, Fred Eiras, technical director of performing arts and wizard of set design, shares what he loves most about being an educator. These dedicated educators form the backbone of Sacred Heart, helping shape the community by educating for a lifetime.
ARTS
Something Rotten!, SHP's spring musical. See the full story on page 31.
BEELONGING MURAL COMPLETED
During the 2023-24 academic year, students from Preschool—Grade 8 at SHS, along with faculty and staff, participated in a school-wide art project that reflected the year’s theme of "belonging." The resulting collaboration, titled "Beelonging," was made by combining hundreds of artful hexagon-shaped tiles made by each community member.
Beelonging Mural
Once assembled, the tiles formed a colorful honeycomb that explored the concept of belonging and the importance of welcoming others into the Sacred Heart community. The mural was installed as a permanent indoor display in the Lower School cafeteria at the end of the spring semester. Read more about the project in our SHS Magazine Spring ’24 issue on page 28.
CENSORED STONE
The SHS Middle School spring play, Sally Cotter & the Censored Stone, saw a cast of 20 and crew of 11 sixth through eighth graders perform a loving parody of a beloved wizarding world, brought to life by a very talented and enthusiastic group of thespians and crew members. The show explored the power of friendship, how to play to your strengths, and cleverly touched on themes of censorship, reminding the audience of the transformative power of literature.
“Middle School theatre has a unique ability to captivate and empower young performers,” said Middle School Drama teacher Rachel Prouty. “It offers students the opportunity to step into different roles, immersing themselves in new worlds. Theatre keeps the magic of childhood alive for all involved, reminding us of the joy of imaginative play.”
This farcical frolic followed the adventures of Sally and her sorcerous friends as she navigated the challenges of “Frogbull Academy”—a whimsical adventure that proved how, with a bit of imagination and a good book, we can create a world worth dreaming about.
The adult mentors and teachers included director Rachel Prouty, SHS Technical Director of Performing Arts Fred Eiras heading up set design, hair and makeup by Lindsay Saier, and costumes by SHS Theatre Production Assistant Lisa Rozman.
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
Something Rotten!, SHP's spring musical, brought the audience back to the Renaissance, where creativity and innovation thrived, and theatre was at the heart of the entertainment industry.
With a cast of 27 actors, 15 student crew members, and seven student musicians, the story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, as they navigate the challenges, dreams, and comedic misfortunes of trying to find success in the shadow of the legendary William Shakespeare.
“This musical is a celebration of the pure joy and magic of theatre, and is a love letter to the power of performance and the world-changing potential of the arts,” said SHP Drama teacher Jeffrey Adams.
“SHP Drama is really a family,” he continued. “Students of all experience and backgrounds find their home in this community, and we strive to foster an environment of growth, leadership, and empathy—skills that serve the art form, certainly, but also create whole-child educational outcomes.”
Helping the cast and crew bring this colorful musical to life was a coalition of teachers and mentors who formed the backbone of “all things” behindthe-scenes: set design by SHS Technical Director of Performing Arts Fred Eiras; music direction by SHP Music teacher Stef Dubrowski; costumes by SHS Theatre Production Assistant Lisa Rozman; hair and makeup by Lindsay Saier; sound design by SHP Broadcast Studio Manager/Audio Engineer Forrest Jensen; vocal direction by Tony Eiras; lighting by Chris Gregory; and choreography by Caity Cattermole.
FESTIVAL VIVACE!
Begun in 2018, Festival Vivace! is a newer Middle School tradition on campus that allows students to experience performance adjudication and workshops led by professional musicians. The festival is brimming with listening opportunities, clinics from guest conductors, and performances by all sixth through eighth grade ensembles. Each discipline—chorus, band, and strings—performed one to two pieces that were adjudicated with a formal rubric, and then experienced a workshop led by one of the three visiting clinicians. Pictured, Atiba Starr, a Bay Area-based bassist and music educator, led a workshop for the Middle School string orchestra.
Atiba Starr leading a workshop
ONE ACTS
Over the course of the school year, eighth graders in Rachel Prouty's elective course One Act Plays studied all of the roles necessary for putting on a theatrical production (playwriting, directing, acting, designing, stage managing, and dramaturgy). For their final project, they each took responsibility for a job in creating an original One Act play written, directed, acted, and designed by the students: Phenomenal Investigators and The Classroom.
Phenomenal Investigators
The Classroom
SCHOLASTIC SCORES
TWO STUDENTS RECOGNIZED IN MOST PRESTIGIOUS BAY AREA YOUTH ART AWARD PROGRAM
SHS eighth graders Anna Perone and Sophie Xie (now ninth graders) have been awarded "Silver Key" prizes for their entries in this year's Scholastic Art Awards in the Bay Area region. “This is very exciting news, as this is a very competitive award,” said SHS Middle School Art teacher Lauren DiCioccio. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. This year, over 6,700 students from across the Bay Area region in middle and high school submitted entries.
Sophie Xie (L) and Anna Perone (R)
Both artworks were created in DiCioccio's Advanced Studio Art class, an elective available to eighth graders. Gold- and Silver Key-winning works were exhibited in San Francisco in April at The Nave Gallery at the California College of the Arts, and on the SHS campus in May at the P-8 Art Show.
Perone was acknowledged for her ceramic work, "A Shoe for the First Female Eagle Scouts," and Xie for her work titled, "Wish I'd Never Grown Up." Describing her creation, Perone said, "I made my work to represent the first female Eagle Scouts because I am also a scout, and they are role models that allow me to be successful in scouting today.” Her piece is a ceramic hiking shoe decorated with emblems for each of the ranks in scouting. Speaking about what inspired her piece, Xie said, “I wanted to draw a girl that was feeling nostalgic. I, myself, felt like I was growing up so fast, and I wanted to portray that element of melancholia.”
"AShoefortheFirstFemaleEagleScouts"byAnnaPerone
"Wish I'd Never Grown Up” by Sophie Xie
SPRING FINE ARTS EVENTS
ENJOY THIS ROUND-UP OF SPRING FINE ARTS EVENTS ACROSS CAMPUS.
During the SHP Social Justice Teach-In, a vibrant community mural came to life in the Campbell Center, led by Fabian Debora, co-founder and executive director of the Homeboy Art Academy.
1st and 2nd Grade Spring Sing
SHP Spring Music Concert
SHP Art Show: Sculpture by Emily Hallum (SHP ‘26)
P-8 Art Show | AJ Sweeney (SHS ’34)
Lower School Spring Music Showcase
SHP Spring
P-8 Art Show
Spring Dance Concert
Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert
Lower School Spring Music Showcase
Middle School Spring Choral Concert
SHP Senior Performing Arts Showcase
SPORTS
Annual Campbell Cup against neighboring rival, the Menlo Knights. See the full story on the next page.
CAMPBELL CUP
The eighth grade girls’ annual flag football game against Menlo School celebrated its 20th year. The event, which took place in May, is named after beloved community member and past parent Bill Campbell, who was the girls’ coach for the annual game as well as the head coach of the boys’ eighth grade flag football team. After his passing in 2016, the girls’ game was renamed the “Campbell Cup” in his honor.
After decades of dedication, symbolized by their commemorative jerseys, LMS Boys’ Athletics Director Jeff Reynolds (left) celebrated his retirement, wrapping up 42 years of coaching and teaching at SHS. Standing alongside him is Menlo School’s Middle School Athletic Director Joe McDonald, who also retired in June after 27 years of service.
OLYMPIC GOLD
US women’s national team (USWNT) center-back Tierna Davidson (SHP ’16) helped Team USA secure the gold medal at the Paris Olympics after a nail-biting 1-0 win over Brazil. With a scoreless, but brutal, first half of play, the game-winning goal came in the 57th minute, remaining unchallenged through the final whistle.
This marks the 25-year-old soccer star’s second time playing in the Olympics. Davidson played on the USWNT at the 2021 summer Tokyo Olympics where the team ultimately cinched bronze.
During her high school career at SHP, Davidson’s three seasons remain unparalleled for Gator girls' soccer: each year her team advanced to Central Coast Section Championship games, twice capturing section titles. She led her college alma mater Stanford University to the 2017 NCAA Championship and was the youngest player on the champion USA team at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Davidson was signed to NJ/ NY Gotham FC in January after playing for the Chicago Red Stars the prior five seasons.
“We are so excited and, of course, extremely proud of Tierna,” said her father, Greg Davidson, who is also a math teacher at SHP. “To fight back from her injuries and challenges during the past couple of years is quite impressive and says a lot about her.”
This is the second Olympic gold medal won by an SHP alumnae in eight years—water polo player KK Clark (SHP ’08) brought home the gold in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro summer Olympics.
Davidson joined at least six other Sacred Heart Network schools’ alumnae on Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics—Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland alumnae Katie Ledecky, Phoebe Bacon, and Erin Gemmell, all swimmers; Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Isabella Russekoff in equestrian and Beth Yeager in field hockey; and Daisy Mazzio-Manson of Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in rowing.
Tierna Davidson, No. 12 of Team USA, playing in the gold medal-winning match against Brazil during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Parc des Princes on August 10, 2024. Photo credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
For the spring 2024 SHP Gator competitive athletics season, the following student-athletes were recognized for their individual play and performance.
ALL-LEAGUE RECOGNITION
First Team
Logan Mills (SHP ’25) Boys’ Golf
Luca Suarez (SHP ’24) Boys’ Golf
Kat Dykes (SHP ’27) Girls’ Lacrosse
Maggie Goldstein (SHP ’27) Girls’ Lacrosse
Katie Pepper (SHP ’26) Girls’ Lacrosse
Skyler Schramm (SHP ’26) Girls’ Lacrosse
Lily Selcher (SHP ’26) Girls’ Lacrosse
Jack Barton (SHP ’25) Boys’ Lacrosse
James Dakin (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Ian Dykes (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Blake Hetherington (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Graham Kaestner (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Anthony Noto (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Alexander Shen (SHP ’24) Boys’ Lacrosse
Andrew Shen (SHP ’26) Boys’ Lacrosse
Margaret Brandin (SHP ’24) Girls’ Swimming
Katelyn Chan (SHP ’24) Girls’ Swimming
Casey Coleman (SHP ’26) Girls’ Swimming
Natalia Szczerba (SHP ’25) Girls’ Swimming
Charlie Baker (SHP ’26) Boys’ Swimming
Tyler Hogan (SHP ’24) Boys’ Swimming
Cameron Kazemipour (SHP ’25) Boys’ Swimming
Matthew Pistorino (SHP ’24) Boys’ Swimming
Justin Pyle (SHP ’24) Boys’ Swimming
Jad Azmeh (SHP ’26) Boys’ Tennis
Kyle Chai (SHP ’25) Boys’ Tennis
Evelini Mila (SHP ’24) Girls’ Track and Field
Logan Chang (SHP ’25) Boys’ Track and Field
Oscar Herlitz (SHP ’26) Boys’ Track and Field
Second Team
Tessa Espinosa (SHP ’24) Girls’ Lacrosse
Ellie Shen (SHP ’25) Girls’ Lacrosse
Ellison Brush (SHP ’26) Girls’ Swimming
Vivian Golub (SHP ’25) Girls’ Swimming
Zoe Kwok (SHP ’25) Girls’ Swimming
Cal McElhinney (SHP ’26) Girls’ Swimming
Claiborne Carrington (SHP ’26) Boys’ Swimming
Gates Gamble (SHP ’27) Boys’ Swimming
Luke Kirincich (SHP ’25) Boys’ Swimming
Theodore Parrett (SHP ’27) Boys’ Swimming
Ryan West (SHP ’24) Boys’ Swimming
Neal Chopra (SHP ’24) Boys’ Tennis
Blake Sinclair (SHP ’26) Boys’ Tennis
Sophie Cheung (SHP ’25) Girls’ Track and Field
Honorable Mention
Rallin Covey (SHP ’26) Baseball
Alex Feinstein (SHP ’24) Baseball
Nora Still (SHP ’27) Girls’ Lacrosse
John Barnds (SHP ’26) Boys’ Lacrosse
Cole Staley (SHP ’25) Boys’ Lacrosse
Megan Newby (SHP ’25) Girls’ Swimming
Samantha Pyle (SHP ’25) Girls’ Swimming
Julia Schmalzle (SHP ’27) Girls’ Swimming
Graham Keller (SHP ’27) Boys’ Swimming
Zade Azmeh (SHP ’27) Boys’ Tennis
Oliver Rogers (SHP ’27) Boys’ Tennis
"SHP Boys’ Golf had a smaller team than we've had in recent years, but the boys were committed to improving and supporting the development of their teammates. On the course, the team had a third-place finish in the Cowboy Classic tournament, a strong dual-match season finishing second in the league, and a second place finish in the league tournament that earned the team another trip to the CCS Championships. While the impact of losing four seniors will be felt, the remaining players form a strong backbone for seasons to come."
SPRING GATOR GLORY | SPRING
—SHP GOLF COACH MARK DOWDY
GATOR SPRING SPORTS
HIGHLIGHT REEL
The LMS Baseball Varsity team took 1st place in the WBAL Middle School League with an undefeated season, highlighted by a 3-1 victory over Menlo in the championship game. The team was led by then-8th graders Sully Fischbein, Kyle Reed, and Jack Martin. The Boys’ JV team finished at 5-1 and in 2nd place, led by then-6th graders Charlie Hourigan and Liam Lutczyk.
A year after claiming the PAL Ocean Division Championship and being elevated to the Bay Division, the SHP Baseball team tallied 7 wins in 2024, highlighted by a 2-0 shutout win over Menlo. Seven of the Gators’ losses were by a single run, and with SHP graduating only three seniors, the future is bright for Gator Baseball, who will run it back again in 2025 in the PAL’s top Division.
Few golf programs in the Central Coast Section have experienced as much success over the last three seasons as our SHP Boys’ Golf team. Since the 2022 season, the Gators have accumulated a record of 22-7-1. This season, their nine wins overall and eight league wins were both the highest in program history. The Gators finished 2nd at the WBAL Golf Championships and clinched a berth into the CCS Team Tournament, where the Gators finished 5th overall.
This is only the second year that Sacred Heart has had Middle School Boys’ Lacrosse and it’s starting to take off as a Middle School sport. The team had a successful season outscoring opponents 25-9, led by then-8th graders Brady Galligan (Defender), and Kingston Armstrong (Goalie), who together with the defense as a whole recorded a shut-out game against Menlo, and Thomas Rogers (Face-off Specialist) who had a winning percentage of 72% for the season.
Over the last three seasons, the SHP Girls’ Lacrosse team has compiled an overall record of 48-9 and 26-4 in league play. This year, despite graduating only five seniors (two of whom were playing lacrosse for the first time), the Gators went on to have a historic season, going 17-2 overall and 9-1 in WBAL play, capturing the program’s first league championship since 2021. The Gators advanced all the way to the CCS Division 1 Championship match and finished the season as MaxPreps’ 10th-ranked team in the nation and 3rd-ranked team in the state.
A model of consistency, the SHP Boys’ Lacrosse team went 6-1 in the WCAL for the 7th consecutive season, and again finished the season ranked in the Top 10 in the state. The Gators scheduled five nonleague games against the state’s top teams including 5th-ranked Bishop’s, 9th-ranked Loyola, 25th-ranked De La Salle, 12th ranked Torrey Pines, and 15thranked Redwood—plus one more against national powerhouse Haverford. The Gators finished the season 17-7 overall and became the first SHP Boys Lacrosse team to defeat an East Coast team, beating Germantown Academy 16-0 back on April 2nd.
The SHP Swim team continued its historic success, claiming the program’s 14th straight Boys and Girls League Championship. Both the Boys and the Girls qualified for the CCS Championships, where the Girls finished 19th overall and the Boys finished 10th.
The Boysʼ 200 Freestyle relay team, which broke the league meet record at the WBAL Championships, as well as the Boysʼ 400 Freestyle relay team, each qualified for the State Championships, as did USCbound Cole Ballard, who qualified in the Boysʼ 200 and 500 Freestyle.
SPRING
The LMS Boys’ Tennis Varsity A and Varsity B tennis teams played at a high level and competed in the WBAL Middle School League. The A team was led by No. 1 singles player Evan Wang and Team Captain Bruno Magats.
The SHP Boys’ Tennis team capped off one of its finest seasons in recent memory, finishing 16-6 overall and 6-4 in WBAL play. The Gators qualified for the CCS Playoffs where they upset Archbishop Mitty 5-2 in the opening round. Then-sophomore Jad Azmeh also qualified for the CCS Singles Tournament, the first Gator to do so in nearly a decade. The Gators will look to build on their success in 2025 as all but three of their players will be returning next spring.
In her second year on the Varsity LMS Girls’ Tennis team, Alexandra Weber (SHS ’29) led the squad through a season of fierce competition; the players improved on skills while persevering with grit.
Continuing its dominance, the LMS Girls’ Track and Field 4th/5th grade team won its meet with 192 points, over 100 points more than the next-placed team. The 6-8th grade team came in second, nearly missing first place behind Harker by 17.5 points. Some notable first place finishes included then-4th grader Kaia Reed (50m), then-5th grader Mackenzie Brush (100m), then-6th grader Zoe Roeder (200m) and then-7th grader Sam Prabhu (SBT).
In LMS Boys’ Track and Field, both the 4th/5th team and the Middle School team came away with victories in the WBAL LMS Track and Field Championships. The Lower School boys amassed 116.5 points beating 2nd-place Harker’s 109.5. The team was led by then-4th grader JJ Buckley who scored 28 points (1st in the 50, 100, 200, and 3rd in the 400). The Middle School boys achieved 180 points while 2nd place Harker tallied 172. The team was led by then-8th grader Gavin Shaw who scored 45 points (1st in the 50, 100, 200, 400, long jump, and 2nd in the softball throw).
The SHP Track and Field team had another strong season in 2024, highlighted by eight top 5 finishes in the WBAL Championships and four automatic qualifiers into the CCS Track and Field Championships. Then-junior Sophie Cheung finished 6th in the Girls 3200m finals, while senior Evelini Mila capped off her impressive career with a 6th place finish in the Girls Shot Put. Both Cheung and Mila’s performances in the CCS Finals were 2nd place marks in school history in those events. Additionally, Oscar Herlitz’s 21’ 8.5” in the Long Jump is also the 2nd best mark in school history.
LMS Girls’ Volleyball enjoyed a successful season; at the VA Gold level, the team was led by Brie Eisenberg (SHP ’28) and Sophie Verner (SHP ’28) and earned four wins, with two tough losses to Harker and Kings Academy teams. The VA Silver team was composed of all 7th graders but competed against seventh and eighth grade teams. Despite the challenging schedule, the VA Silver team finished with an impeccable 5-1 record. Finally, the 6th grade JVA Gold team had perhaps the most impressive season; the team went undefeated against all of its league opponents.
LMS Girls’ Water Polo VA team went undefeated in league play. Similarly, the JVA team competed against the strong Bret Harte, Castilleja, and Harker programs, earning multiple wins throughout the season.
Achieving the status of WBAL League Champions, the Middle School Boys’ Water Polo team were led to success by then-8th graders Wilkes Rohlen, Caspian Malek, Grayson Bishop, Torsten Herlitz, and Maximilian Mirsepahi.
"As a coach who has worked with our LMS Girls’ Volleyball program throughout the past few years, I have been blown away by our teams this past season. Our student athletes have competed at some of the highest levels and continue to raise the bar to new heights. From our undefeated 6th grade team, to our Varsity A team who hung in with some of the best players in the area, each and every single SHS student athlete had grit and tenacity. I can't help but thank our tremendous coaching staff, including Mr. Peterson, who has continued to bring new ideas and coaching tactics to our program."
—LMS ATHLETICS DIRECTOR LIZ HOGAN
SPRING
For the winter 2023-24 SHP Gator competitive athletics season, the following student-athletes were recognized for their individual play and performance.
WBAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Shannon Bennitt (SHP ’25) Girls’ Soccer, WBAL Goalkeeper of the Year
Nathan Fox (SHP ’26) Boys’ Soccer, WBAL Forward of the Year
T.J. O’Brien (SHP ’24) Boys’ Basketball, WBAL Most Valuable Player
McKenna Tanona (SHP ’24) Girls’ Soccer, WBAL Defender of the Year
Lewa White (SHP ’26) Girls’ Soccer, WBAL Midfielder of the Year
First Team
Kate Baron (SHP ’26) Girls’ Basketball
Bridget Selna (SHP ’24) Girls’ Basketball
JP Kerrigan (SHP ’24) Boys’ Basketball
Drew Wagner (SHP ’24) Boys’ Basketball
Marie Djacga (SHP ’27) Girls’ Soccer
Lauryn Masetti (SHP ’26) Girls’ Soccer
Megan Sweeney (SHP ’24) Girls’ Soccer
Molly Tinsley (SHP ’24) Girls’ Soccer
Miles Brush (SHP ’26) Boys’ Soccer
James Pyle (SHP ’26) Boys’ Soccer
WINTER GATOR GLORY | WINTER
Second Team
Eva Arceo (SHP ’25) Girls’ Basketball
Lauren Bassett (SHP ’25) Girls’ Soccer
Courtney Carpenter (SHP ’24) Girls’ Soccer
Leah Lynch (SHP ’25) Girls’ Soccer
Sebastian Deras (SHP ’25) Boys’ Soccer
Lucas Moretti (SHP ’26) Boys’ Soccer
Honorable Mention
Maggie Goldstein (SHP ’27) Girls’ Basketball
Anna Bassett (SHP ’24) Girls’ Soccer
Camryn Sheldon (SHP ’25) Girls’ Soccer
Emmanuel Orocio-Gonzalez (SHP ’26) Boys’ Soccer
Luis Torija (SHP ’27) Boys’ Soccer
GATOR WINTER SPORTS
HIGHLIGHT REEL
Over 120 students from grades 4-8 participated in the LMS Girls’ Basketball program this past winter season—the 6th grade saw its largest participation ever, with 39 student athletes. The Varsity A Gold team remained undefeated and won the league with an exciting last game over Menlo.
The SHP Girls’ Basketball team finished the season 16-9 overall and 2nd place in the WBAL - Skyline Division with a 8-2 record. The 16 wins are the most in a single season since the 2018 CCS Division IV Championship team. The Gators clinched a berth into the CCS Division IV playoffs, ultimately falling to Menlo in the Tournament semifinal. 10 of the 13 players on the roster will be returning for the Gators next season, as SHP will be returning to the Foothill Division for league play.
The SHP Boys’ Basketball team completed one of its finest seasons in program history, capturing its 3rd WBAL title in 4 seasons, and earning automatic berths into the CCS Open Division and NorCal Division I Tournaments for the 2nd straight season. The Gators, who went a perfect 10-0 in WBAL play, finished the regular season as MaxPreps’ top ranked Division 4 team in the state, thanks in part to nonleague wins over Granada, Bellarmine, St. Francis, Justin-Siena, and Menlo-Atherton.
The LMS Boys’ Soccer season was successful seeing three undefeated League Champions in the WBAL: Varsity A, JVA, and JVB. The Varsity A team capped off their season with a dominant performance against Menlo winning 4-0. The team was led by Kevin Jaffe (SHP ’28) and Jack Rowbotham (SHP ’28).
Despite graduating 15 seniors from the previous year's squad, the SHP Boys’ Soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 9-8-3 and an 8-4-2 record in WBAL play, which was good enough for sole possession of 3rd place. The Gators finished the season on a high note, which included a 1-0 win over league-champion Menlo on February 2nd. First-year head coach Bret Simon will have his entire roster returning next season and looks to build on this past season’s success.
The SHP Girls’ Soccer completed one of its finest seasons in the program's illustrious history, finishing the year 15-4-1 overall and claiming their first league championship since 2017. First year Head Coach Armando del Rio guided the Gators to significant non-league wins against Los Altos, Sequoia, and Menlo-Atherton, before sweeping league play with a perfect 10-0 record. SHP earned the No.7 overall seed in the CCS Division 1 Tournament, falling 3-2 to eventual CCS and NorCal Division 1 Champion Archbishop Mitty.
WINTER
100%
of each graduating class has applied, and been accepted to, four-year colleges and universities
CLASS OF 2024 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Graduates from the Class of 2024 were offered admission to the following institutions.
American University
Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Cal Poly State Univ (Pomona)
California Polytechnic State University (SLO)
CalTech
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Colorado College
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Cornell University
CSU East Bay
CSU Long Beach
CSU Sacramento
CSU San Marcos
Dartmouth College
Denison University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Emory University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Haverford College
Holy Cross College
Indiana University – Bloomington
Johns Hopkins University
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Macalester College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Parsons School of Design
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rice University
San Diego State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College Scripps College
Southern Methodist University
Stanford University
Syracuse University
Texas Christian University
Tufts University
Tulane University
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Merced
UC Riverside
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Cruz
UCLA
University of Arizona
University of Colorado-Boulder
University of Denver
University of IL-Urbana/Champaign
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Oxford
University of Pennsylvania
University of San Diego
University of Southern California
University of St. Andrews
University of Texas-Austin
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
William & Mary
Yale University
To learn more about where Gators go, check out the special edition digital Sacred Heart Graduation magazine or visit www.shschools.org/2024graduation
Special thanks to our community for making this issue possible!
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ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN
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FIRST COMMUNION
Second graders received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (see page 8).