Built on the Rock Magazine Feature

St. John Vianney School

Alumni Directory

Fall 2020

10499 Coloma Rd | Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 | (916) 363-4610 | www.sjvschool.org

Where Are They Now?

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SJV Alumni Directory Welcome to Built on the Rocks, St John Vianney School Alumni directory. SJV opened in 1960 and has been going strong for 60 years. The teachers and staff may have changed over the years but the students experiences have not. They have been educated and are prepared to carry on the Catholic principles they have learned at SJV. To learn more about, and offer you support please visit www. sjvschool.org.

The staff at Built on the Rock hopes you enjoy these profiles.

If you would like any changes to your profile contact Rich at richsjvrock@gmail.com. SJV Alumni will be added as they contact Rich.

On a road called Coloma There’s a place we know Called SJV, We love it So The Tigers are our mascots The colors are green and white, Let's sing a song in praise for St. John Vianney.

St. John Vianney Parish Magazine

Built on the Rock

A Publication of Rancho Cordova Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #5322 richsjvrock@gmail.com

A special thanks to Terry Behrens, Cordova High School Facebook administrator. Terry and her Facebook posting was instrumental in many of the alumni connecting with the SJV community. Rich Alden

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Carolyn Abrams Carolyn Abrams M. Ed. Class of 2003 After earning my Master’s in Public Policy at UCLA I went to work for UCD Center for Regional Change as a Policy Analyst.

SJV memories: open house with the cool science fair was a favorite, along with the leprechaun follies!

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Daniel Abrams Daniel Abrams Class of 2007 I’m a licensed locksmith for Swanson’s and Son. I’m enjoying marriage and our son Callahan born in December 2019. SJV memories: great lifelong friendships, the field trip to the Jelly Belly Factory and all the sports. I’ll never forget these great memories!

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Elizabeth Zenuk (Abrams) Elizabeth Zenuk M.Ed. (Abrams) Class of 2000 Adaptive Physical Education Teacher San Juan School District and Head Swim Coach and Adjunct Faculty at Consumnes River College. SJV memories: all the sports we got to play every semester... soccer, basketball, track and volleyball.

SJV 1991 to 2000, K to 8th Cordova High 2004 Sacramento State 2010, BS, 2 teaching credentials 1) K -12 Physical Education Teaching Credential and 2) Special Education Teaching Credential Leslie University, Masters in Education 2012.

Married Brandon Zenuk July 2016.

Career, Adaptive Physical Education Teacher San Juan School School District.

Head Swim Coach and Adjunct Faculty at CRC.

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William Abrams William Abrams Class of 2005 After graduating from Humbolt State where I majored in Environmental Science I lived in Ireland from 2014 to 2016. I’m currently employed in the construction industry and enjoy woodworking. My favorite SJV memory is the Sly Park and Sutter's Fort field trips.

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Amanda Alden Amanda Alden M. Ed. Class of 2003 1st grade teacher, Paso Verde Elementary I always remembered the international festival and being able to learn and dress up in cultural outfits. There was a big school potluck and fun carnival games. It was the kickoff to the end of the year activities. Mrs. Haag was my favorite teacher.

I have always loved being around kids. I was working as an accountant and decided that wasn’t what I wanted to do. The first time I knew I made the right decision to become a teacher is when I was working with some students who were nonverbal autistic. One of them tended to be stand-off-ish with new people, he came right up to me and we became buds. Even after both me and my sister graduated she still kept in touch.

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Michael Barber Most Rev. Michael C. Barber, S.J Class of 1968 Bishop of Oakland. My brothers Stephen, Kevin and I attended SJV school.

Stephen and I became Jesuit priests. My youngest brother is married with three children. Monsignor Dwyer and the Dominican Sisters had a very good influence on us. They and passed on to us a strong and healthy Catholic Faith.

After some years teaching in seminaries, I was appointed Bishop of Oakland by Pope Francis in 2013. All three of us are grateful for the Catholic education we received at SJV school. Yours in Christ.

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Stephen Barber Fr. Stephen A. Barber, S.J. Class of 1970 Director, Cura Personalis Program Minister, The Loyola Jesuit Community I'm glad this project is happening, for so many reasons.

I graduated from SJV School in 1970. I went on to attend Jesuit High School, in Sacramento, graduating in 1974.

I then attend Loyola Marymount University, earning my degree in Communications in 1979.

I entered the Society of Jesus in 1989, studying in various places, and reaching Ordination to the Priesthood in June, 1998. I offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at Saint John Vianney in that same month of June.

Perhaps my most significant 'accomplishment' as a Jesuit Priest was my time working at San Quentin State Prison, as full-time Catholic Chaplain.

I began as an assistant there in 1996, offered my first Mass of Thanksgiving there, at the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary, also in June 1998. I began full time work there in 2002, and then retired in 2012.

This time, at that most challenging of places, stands out for me as both a privilege and a confirmation of God's presence everywhere. I learned to offer Mass there, to hear Confessions there, to Anoint the Sick there: all inside the walls of a very complicated mix of custody staff and inmates.

I could go on here: it's a very significant period of my Jesuit Priesthood.

Recently I published an article on the website of the California Conference of Catholic Bishops, with regard to San Quentin and the execution chamber. March/April 2019.

I currently work at Loyola High School, Los Angeles, where I am priest chaplain and counselor.

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Jacob Beck Jacob Beck Class of 2007 Investment Performance Analyst Currently deployed with the Oregon Army National Guard (2-218 FA, 41st IBCT) - Field Artillery Officer, Battery Executive Officer (XO) Major life achievement: Commissioning as an Officer in the United States Army (ROTC, Oregon State University), Memories from SJV: International Day each year Message to the SJV students: Set your goals high and you will surprise yourself at what you are able to achieve.

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Rachel Beck Rachel Beck Class of 2009 Occupation: Geologist Memories from SJV: International day was the highlight of every school year. I also loved the Olympics day too. The all school events were the highlights of my time at SJV.

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Sarah Malim (Beck) Sarah Malim (Beck) Class of 2002 Occupation: Jeweler in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in Diamond Rings Favorite SJV memory is international day!! Such a fun way to celebrate diversity and appreciate good food from all over the world.

Message to the SJV students: Try as many sports or hobbies as you can! I wasn’t any good at basketball, track, or soccer but it was so fun to be part of a team! School doesn’t always have to be about grades, some of my best memories as a kid are playing soccer at Hagan park.

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Liz Habkirk (Boen) Liz Habkirk (Boen) Class of 1995 Deputy City Manager, City of Napa. SJV memories: So many memories! Pt. Reyes trip in 7th grade, International Day, girls varsity basketball team losing only one game during the season to name a few.

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Meredith Bragg Meredith Bragg Class of 2008 Senior Associate at The Siegfried Group is Los Angeles, CA. I am currently studying for my CPA license and when I am not traveling for work, I enjoy spending time at the beach and traveling with my friends.

While at LMU I was fortunate enough to participate in a study abroad program in London junior year and was bit by the travel bug. In addition to traveling throughout Europe during the abroad program and post college, I traveled to Thailand in December 2019 and have plans to visit Australia December 2020.

Memories of SJV: Mrs. Haag teaching PE and teaching us how to do crunches, learning to play volleyball at SJV (shout out to Coach Bonner!), serving the Crab Feed and St. Patty's Day dinners with all my friends (the tips helped too!), taco salad day for hot lunch, foursquare tournaments on the big-kid playground, singing for then Gov. Schwarzenegger with the SJV Choir, the 8th Grade trip to San Francisco, and SJV Youth Group.

Message to the SJV Community: The principles and values I learned at SJV and exemplified by the teachers and staff laid the foundation for the person I am today. The SJV Community taught me the importance of being a steward of kindness, friendship, and to always follow the golden rule. I look forward to going to Mass when I am in town and reconnecting with some many of you who have supported me along the way; Thank You!

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Chika Eke Chika Eke Class of 2007 I received a National Science Foundation fellowship to support my Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at MIT which was completed in 2017. I’m working as a User Experience Researcher Some of my favorite memories are the Halloween parades (My friend and I dressed up as milk and cookies one year) and Parish festivals, I especially remember one that included rats racing through mazes!

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Carol Elaine Ferreira-Pro Carol Elaine Ferreira-Pro Class of 1970 Carol Elaine Ferreira ( Elaine Ferreira-Pro ) Class of 1970, a member of the first first grade class at SJV 1st Occupation: Retired Elementary School Teacher at SSJV, 16 years 2nd & 4th grade) 2nd Occupation: Enjoying family, fixing up our 138 year old home, SJV Memory: I have many fond memories from attending St. John Vianney School : playing "Round the World" with multiplication flashcards, making up "sins" for practicing for First Confession, drawing the horses grazing in the fields behind the school for art, our class performance of The Music Man, and practicing skits in Spanish to learn the language are a few. One that had a lasting impression on me was the United Nations project led by Sister Lorraine. Students in the sixth grade researched and then represented countries requesting aid from the Food and Agriculture Organization, whose panel members were classmates. Learning.about the wider world, about challenges that people faced for basic necessities and about the work that could be done to aid them gave us an example of Faith in practice.

SJV Teacher 1979 through 1997: I had always enjoyed working with children. I babysat and volunteered in the SJV CCD Preschool program while I was in high school. While in college, I worked as an aide in three different schools in Rancho Cordova. While aiding at St. John Vianney School, I was impressed by the third grade teacher Katie Neville. She made learning fun at the same time as running a productive classroom. Participating in that environment led me to decide to become an elementary school teacher.

I was fortunate to be hired by Jim Adams after completing the credential program and always loved working with the community at St. John Vianney School: the Students, Teachers, Staff and Parents. Some of my fondest memories are of the Living History Programs in which we participated at Sutter's Fort, Gibson Ranch and Witter Ranch.

The students prepared for 7 weeks for their step back into the past. We needed six parent volunteers to qualify for the programs and usually had 18-20 parents helping students sew costumes, bake bread in a beehive oven, dip candles, build wooden tool boxes, cook stew over an open fire, weave cloth, churn butter and many other tasks. Watching the teamwork, the enthusiasm and learning by all involved was rewarding.and heart-warming.

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Joe Ferreira Class of 1972 Retired Department of Fish and Wildlife Joe Ferreira graduated from SJV school in in 1972. He ran track for SJV and then for Christian Brothers High School where he consistently ran the mile in under four and a half minutes (upper 4:20s). At CSUS he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in conservation biology.

In his 40 year career with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife he had opportunities to work with most classes of native birds, mammals and fish and in California. He and his wife have raised two

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fine sons who have earned university degrees and are working in their chosen fields. Joe retired in 2017. In his travels he has explored parts of all 50 states as well as twelve countries on five continents. He enjoys wildlife photography and artistic painting of wildlife and travel subjects. He gets his regular exercise on our local bike trails.

Principal Memories from SJV: 1. When the SJV church was being built, I remember the school principal asking all the classes to pray during the exact time that the rock was being drilled for the peg that would support the altar. Later the teachers praised

Joe Ferreira the students for the helping to ensure a successful procedure. If the rock had split they would have had to find and transport a new one from Monsignor Dwyer’s family ranch. Monsignor Dwyer selected the rock because Jesus said of Peter (Peter means “rock”) “on this rock I will build my church”.

2. I also remember a distressed principal rushing into our classroom with a radio and telling us that Martin Luther King had been assassinated.

Other memories: The school had two classes in each grade but in my final year the two eighth grades were combined into one because there were fewer nuns to go around. It made for expanded social opportunities. The year after my class graduated, the Dominican nuns had to withdraw from SJV. Our 1972 eighth grade class, with Sister Dunstan, was the last class to have nuns at school during their entire eight years. The parish rebounded and set up a school administration run entirely by lay teachers.

SJV students were offered after-school music lessons at SJV by Russ Kline of Kline Music on Sutterville Road in Sacramento. My father had a trumpet so I was able to participate. On a few weekends SJV students marched in regional parades with the “All Catholic School Band” alongside music students from St, Mary’s and other catholic schools.

boys worked to round up the insects to release them safely outside.

The Saint John Vianney library was run by a kind elderly nun named Sister Dymphna, In the back room of the library she had a large collection of National Geographic magazines where the students enjoyed exploring the world.

On the east side of the school grounds was a fence-lined walkway that connected with Georgetown Drive. The McCormick family lived on Georgetown and had many kids at SJV school. The family had built a passage walkway on the edge of their property so that SJV students in their neighborhood could walk to school without venturing out onto Coloma Road.

On the side of the front corner of the school was the “hot dog room” where students could buy lunch one day a week on “hot dog day”. Several volunteer mothers called “hot dog ladies” provided, for a few coins, a small milk carton and a hotdog that came with ketchup or mustard or neither. To request a ketchup dog, many of the boys would ask for a “bloody dog” and the “hot dog ladies” would kindly play along.

Saint John Vianney Parish once occupied a much larger piece of land than it does today, Behind the last row of classrooms were two side by side baseball diamonds, followed by one large ball diamond, and then some open fields. Beyond the fields were some horse stables which separated the property from the orchards that bordered the river. I remember when one of our teachers brought us on a nature hike out to the horse stables, which was further than we were allowed to go on our own. I remember that while I was petting one of the horses on the nose, he briefly nibbled on the sleeve of my green SJV sweater. To me that was a fun and exciting memory.

At recess, I remember many of the various wild plants and birds in the fields on the school grounds. One year some classmates found some praying mantis egg sacks attached to plant stems and they brought them into the classroom and glued them to the insides of their desks. Several weeks later the eggs hatched and there were many tiny, precocious mantis babies crawling around the classroom. They were small enough that the teacher didn’t seem to notice. After class, several of the

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Gloria Schmitz (Greil) Gloria Schmitz (Greil) Class of 1968 Retired, home maker and happily married for 43 years.

I was a duty aide at an elementary school for 18 years. I monitored the children at lunch and recess. My early training at SJV at lunch time came in handy. Favorite memories include hot dog Wednesday. We really looked forward to that since we didn't have a cafeteria. You got a steamed hot dog, a bag of chips and a homemade cupcake. I remember Father Dywer walking with his dogs through the playground and I always looked forward to the church carnival.

Pictures: 1- June 1966 last day of 6th grade, back row, left to right, Barb Forsberg, Colleen Krivanic, Celste Elskin, Karen Kessler, Jean Crissy front row Gloria Greil, Debbie Carlon, Pattie Barry 2- June 1967 last day of 7th grade, Laurie Delsman,Colleen Krivanic,Barb Forsberg, Linda Kee, Gail Bennett Gina Liverett 3-June 1967 last day of 7th grade, back row on right, Bob Bieneman Mike Aguilar, Jim Kitz, Joe Horyza, Steve Ramos,Cary Craft, Anthony Borrero Chris Hirschy 4- 1967-1968 8th grade, Gloria Greil 5-August 30, 1992, after our 20th reunion from Cordova Senior High, classmates from 1968 SJV, back row left to right, Nyls Nyman, Bob Bieneman, Mike Halloran, Karen ?

Marsha Silvas, Linda Preston Thacker, Gloria Greil Schmitz, Marie Silvas, Linda Kee, Bob Bajorin 6- Tigers pedant 7- post card of St. John Vianney Parish Church

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Laura Curry (Greil) Laura Curry (Greil) Class of 1965 Retire Department of Real Estate (CA), Forms design and records management.

I remember when I was on the volleyball team. Sister Walters was our coach. The volleyball team challenged the nuns to a game. We thought we were pretty good, but they took us to the cleaners. Even though we lost, we had a lot of fun.

I transferred to SJV mid-way through the 1961/62 school year (I was on a waiting list). I attended 5th (1961/62) through 8th (1964/65).

I worked for the Department of Real Estate (St. of California) for 32 years; primary job was business forms design and records management. I retired in 2005.

I played on the 7th and 8th grade softball and volleyball teams; Sister Walters was our coach. The volleyball team challenged the nuns to a game. We thought we were pretty good, but they took us to the cleaners. Even though we lost, we had a lot of fun.

When I attended SJV, there were softball fields behind the last row of classrooms. When I viewed the property on Google maps recently, I noticed that a housing subdivision has taken over the fields. I also noticed that the land between the school and the church has changed dramatically; when I attended and for many years after that the space was a convent.

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Michael Halloran Michael Halloran Class of 1968 Musician. My name is Michael Halloran and I attended from 61/62, the first 2nd grade, and graduated 1968. I was an alter boy, active in scouting and ran track in 6/7/8th grades.

I currently reside in Sunnyvale, CA withSylvia, my wife of 41 years and have two grown daughters. I still work an executive in the music industry after spending over forty years as a performer. In addition, I am a music director at two local churches.

Five of my brothers and sisters went to SJV though I’m the only one who graduated (we moved to San Jose in 1969). My parents, Tom and Barbara, were founding members of the Mr. and Mrs. Club.

I’m an executive in the music industry after spending forty years as a performer. I’ve been married 41 years and have two daughters.

I’ve been a journeyman musician and though I’ve been on big stages around the world, I’m not that well known. My folk band, Shanachie, was popular in Europe between 1988–2005. My main instruments were electric and upright bass, but I could play anything with strings.

I was the principal bassist for the Santa Clara Symphony for over ten years. Currently I’m the music director for two local churches. I write a lot, and also edit books now and then. Sister Killeen was my 8th grade English teacher and subconsciously, nothing is published or sent unless I think she would approve of the grammar. In 2009, I suffered a debilitating stroke that caused paralysis in the left side of my body. On the rare occasions I still perform live, it’s generally on an opera stage. Roderick from Gilbert & Sullivan's “Ruddigore" is one of my signature roles and can still be done with my current handicap as in the picture below.

Among my activities, I volunteer to help other stroke survivors overcome their physical limitations. I still play instruments with my right hand only (amazing things can be done with an iPad).

My banjos still get played but it takes many hours recording one chord at a time to get a 3-minute track. Fond memories of my SJV days include being an altar boy, scouting and running track. I remember that my parents were founding members of the Mr. & Mrs. Club. My classmate Bishop Michael Barber and I still stay in touch after all these years.

I write a lot, and also edit books now and then. Sister Killeen was my 8th grade English teacher and subconsciously, nothing is published or sent unless I think she would approve of the grammar.

I’ve been a journeyman musician and though I’ve been on big stages around the world, I’m not that well known. My folk band, Shanachie, was popular in Europe between 1988–2005. My main instruments were electric and upright bass but I could play anything with strings. I was the principal bassist for the Santa Clara Symphony for over ten years.

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Chris Hauth Chris Hauth Class of 1979 I own and operate Hauth’s Family Taekwondo Center. I remember playing Pig Pen in the Charlie Brown Christmas play. I wanted to be the best Pig Pen there ever was, so I used a whole bag of my mother’s flour in my pockets, socks, shirt, etc. everywhere I could put it. I was a mess, my mom’s kitchen was a mess, the car seat was a mess. It did not quite work out the way I had imagined. I got in a lot of trouble Current Profession: I own and operate Hauth’s Family Taekwondo Center. I have been self employed for 32 years.

Interesting things I have done: I have been on top of Chichen Itza Mayan Paramid ( one of the 7 wonders of the world) I have been on top of the North Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge I was ranked in the Top Ten 3rd Degree Black Belts in the Nation in 1991 with a TKD Organization Happily Married for 34 years. Two daughters and one grandson.

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Kevin Kelley Kevin Kelley Class of 1966 Radio Personality, K-ZAP 93.3FM. I started 3rd grade in September 1960 the year the school opened, my sister Patricia (Kelley) Henderson joined me, she graduated in 1965. I remember modeling the new school uniform with my sister for the local paper. We were joined for a time at school by our mother Peggy who worked in the office.

Memory lane, my teachers, Mrs. Welch, Sr. Jeanette, Mrs. Guheen, Mrs. Alberts, Sr. Lorraine and Sister Bede in that order. I remember so many people: George Everett, Gerry Ferra, Tony Ward, Dan Phipps, Greg Walsh, Bruce Alberts, Cynthia Scott, Colleen O'Conner, Erlene Oxtoby. Other grade friends: Dave and Mike Young, Laurie Gamboa, Loretta Everett, Jim Conroy, Ken Kerkes. I haven't seen anyone from SJV since the 60s.

I attended St. Pius X H.S.in Galt, Bishop Mike Barber was a couple years behind me. I graduated from Sacramento State and later earned a Master’s degree in Communications from the University of La Verne. I am currently on the air doing radio shows on Sacramento's K-ZAP. 93.3 FM and at k-zap.org. I host the Psychedelic Sunday show, as well as weekday mornings 6-9. Album recommendation for the 2020 graduates? I’ll stay in my era, The Rolling Stones: Green Grass and High Tides hits collection; The Mamas and Papas: If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Eras; The Beach Boys: Shut Down, Vol 2; Honorable Mention to: The Beatles: Meet The Beatles. Favorite singles artist include The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Animals. It would be great to have my fellow alumni tune in.

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Reanna Klanseck Lt. Reanna Klanseck Class of 2010 US Army Hi! Thank you for reaching out! I love SJV! Go Tigers! I graduated in 2010. I really don’t have any specific memories that I can recall because I have a horrible memory, but I made some great friends at SJV that I still keep in contact with. Current profession is an Adjutant General Officer in the US Army.

I’m currently stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, working in human resources.

I made some great friends at SJV that I keep in contact with.

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Michelle La Sala Michelle La Sala Class of 1994 Owner of Blistering Pace Race Management, a small business that specializes in putting on large scale road races. We work on quite a few half marathons and marathons in Northern CA, but also play small parts in the Chicago and NYC Marathons. I'm married, and I've run over 30 marathons including a sub 3-hour marathon and 9 Boston Marathons. I remember in 3rd grade, Ms. Chargin got a new red Cadillac and always promised us she would take each of for a ride in it.

I don't remember that happening, but it was a fun thought. She loved that car!

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Steve LaRosa Steve LaRosa Class of 1964 I make my living in Advertising, PR and Video Production, which followed a 15 year career at KCRA-TV as a feature reporter and producer.

I graduated in 1964, the first class to graduate in the new church.

I attended SJV from 4th grade (the first year the school opened) to the 8th. A handful of us were bussed over from our homes at Mather AFB. It was a superb education at SJV. Sister Mary Bede was the first principal and our teacher for 8th grade. I have a very clear recollection of her holding up a transistor radio that dreary Friday in November, monitoring reports from Dallas the day President Kennedy was shot. Later, some of the boys gathered outside the rectory with a young Irish priest whose name escapes me. I recall it was a gray day, and he provided some needed solace.

Though that time was six decades ago, I have fond memories and still remain friends and keep in touch with a few classmates.

Do they still hold Hot Dog Day with students’ mothers baking cupcakes? With gratitude, all the best to the teachers, administration and staff at SJV! And best of luck to the class of 2021!

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Linda Marie Hobbs (Madison) One lunch recess we played softball right until the bell rang and when I tried to jump the fence to get back to class on time, my skirt got caught!!! I didn’t want to rip my skirt, so stayed there until Sister Bede came out and helped me get uncaught from the fence.

I was on trash detail for a while because of that ... the silver lining was that Father Dwyer would come out and help me.

Just getting back to the hotel from spending a wonderful day with our four grandkids, daughter and son-in-law!!!

So now I have time to try to best answer your questions about me being a teacher!!!

I started thinking about being a teacher as far back as I can remember! My Grandma was a 1-Room School teacher back in Nebraska in the early 1900’s! I loved my Grandma and she told me I could do anything I wanted to and thought I’d make a good teacher! As all kids, I thought about other things, too!

When I first started 4th grade at SJV in September 1960, I was blessed to have the most wonderful teacher in the world ... Sister Loraine!!! She truly inspired me to really want to be a teacher!

She was so kind and caring and made learning interesting and exciting! I really looked forward to going to school for the first time! I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! I even thought about becoming a nun for a while ! I didn’t end up becoming a nun but I did become a teacher!

Linda Marie Hobbs (Madison) Class of 1965

I graduated from Sacramento State University in January 1974!

My husband, Craig, was in the Air Force which took us all over the country and some parts of the world! My credential was in Elementary Education! Most of my teaching was in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd! I did teach Conversational English to high school English Grammar teachers at the University of Seoul while we were stationed in Korea! It was really interesting but my heart was with teaching kids!

Retired Teacher Two memories stand out vividly. The day they set the altar rock, they let all of the classes go over to the church and watch the big crane bring the rock over and set it down where it is now!!!

I learned so much from my teaching experiences! I tried to really listen to my students and help motivate and inspire them as Sister Loraine had done for me! She always told us we were the best students she’d ever had which made us want to do our best!

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Somehow, all through the years, I had the best students I’d ever have! I also realized that all kids all over the country and world were so full of love, hope, potential and enthusiasm and if given a positive learning environment, they’d blossom!!! If only we could keep that childlike attitude, it would be a much better world and as a teacher, I’d strive to be more like my wonderful students!

One thing I remember Sister Loraine saying was “When you wake up in the morning, no matter how you feel, put on a smile and it’ll make your day better!” It worked as a student and as a teacher! She also said “Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!” My Grandma also said that! As you can see from these sayings, Sister Loraine was very positive!

Sister Loraine touched our lives in such a positive way and left her footprints on our hearts that will be there throughout our lives!!!

All these years later ...60 years... I can still see her smiling face, hear her kind voice and feel her love!!! I can only hope I made a fraction of the difference, Sister Loraine made in my and all her students lives!!!

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Adriana Milan Adrina Milan Class of 2018 Student, St. Francis High School.

SJV memory: 7th Grade trip to the Marin Headlands. We were on the beach and Mr. Royal read the ending of “Johnathan Livingston Seagull” and after that, all of us pretended to be seagulls. It was honestly really fun because I felt free in that moment and I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like that again lol.

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Blake Mori Blake Mori Class of 1998.

Farmers Insurance agent in Elk Grove My fondest memory of SJV was playing in the PAL basketball league and tournaments against other kids that are now lifelong friends as we attended Jesuit together.

After graduating from Jesuit H.S., I was a student athlete at Sacramento State, one of my fondest memories was playing in the Causeway Classic against UC Davis and throwing a touchdown pass with a minute left and 20,000 fans erupting. It was the most unreal feeling I’ve ever had as an athlete.

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Salvador Paolini Salvador Paolini Class of 2001 Substitute Teacher in the Sacramento Valley. I’ll never forget the sheriff’s helicopter and every police car in Rancho Cordova circling the church with sirens and lights pursuing a fugitive. Also, who could forget Mrs. Boens shrine to the SF 49ers on her desk.

With the grace of God, I know the future is bright. I enjoy mentoring the students I come across and role modeling for them and their generation Starting my own beautiful family and being a Father is my greatest achievement.

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Christy DeGaugh (Reali) Christy DeGaugh (Reali) CCD Class of 1991 SJV CCD Class of 1991 Year attended/graduated: I did not attend SJV, but attended St. Francis High School from 1992-1996.

Currently a 2nd grade teacher at Sandra J. Gallardo in Folsom (I also taught first grade for 10 years and taught a 2/3 combo class for a year). My first two years were spent at a Title I school in Rancho Cordova, Cordova Meadows.

I also have two sweet boys who mean the world to me: Brandon who turns 14 in two weeks and Lucas, 3 years old. My husband Tim is a Musician (drummer).

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I have always valued the connection I had with most of my teachers and how much they meant to me. I felt like that connection coupled with my love of learning really propelled me to want to become a teacher. I also always wanted to be a part of the educational experience that teaches character education, kindness, and care of ourselves and others. I knew that teaching could give me that platform.

I knew I made the right decision to become a teacher that first year of teaching when I would walk onto campus and I would be greeted with smiling and laughing faces who couldn’t wait to hug and share their day with me. I knew when I saw that I became an advocate for children who needed a voice, who had learning disabilities, and who faced challenges. I knew when I experienced the joy that came with seeing children grow and develop in their skills and have those special “aha” moments.

The last few years I have been the leader of our PBIS team (Positive Behavior intervention support). We focus on improving our school climate to promote community and kindness amongst students, staff, and families. We do monthly kindness challenges for our staff and students. We work on best practices to help students who need more interventions and connection and so much more. During this time of distance-learning, we created with

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PTA themed spirit weeks on Facebook through out PTA page. Most of the teachers in our school took part and made special guest videos to share with our families and students could respond. I also spearheaded a video from our teachers to our students and families with the positive message of how much we miss them.

From there, I spearheaded a picture collage from our support staff to our students with the same message. Two years ago, l was thrilled to be chosen as the teacher of the year for our school. I have also been the drama club advisor, the Read Across America advisor, the Play Day advisor, and the Character day advisor which is a day in which we invite guest readers dressed in character to come to campus to read to our K-2 students. For many years I also ran the school talent show. The last three years I have put together and hosted the Cupid shuffle family dance along with PTA and my husband who DJs the event. As you can see, I am a very involved teacher who has never looked back since that first year. :-) A memory from your time at SJV while I did not attend SJV school, I did attend church there. Father Moroney will always be a favorite memory for me. His kindness and compassion for me and my family will always be etched in my heart. He always lent an ear or gave wonderful advice.

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Elizabeth Reali Elizabeth Reali Class of 2007 Communications & Graphic Design Consultant Some of my best memories of SJV come from 8th grade English with Mr. Solander - to this day, one of the funniest, wittiest people I’ve met. He was so devoted to bringing humor into the classroom, he let us get away with all sorts of chicanery - as long as there was a good punchline. When he caught me passing notes during a lesson on Shakespeare, for instance, he said I could continue as long as the notes were written in Shakespearean English.

For the rest of the year, all my notes were peppered with “thou arts,” “hithers,” and “wherefores.”

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Karrie (Reali) & Cory Bays Karrie (Reali) (Reali) & Cory Bays Classes of 1995 and 1994 I teach 3rd grade and Cory is a general contractor. We're have three boys and live in Shingle Springs.

SJV Memories: loved the feeling of camaraderie from everyone at SJV. Favorite Staff...Dianne Haag. She was always cheerful and treated the students with respect. She always brought a smile to my face.

I'm 3rd grade teacher for the Buckeye Union School District Decided to become a teacher my senior year in high school. I knew I made the right decision when I had to say goodbye to my first class of students at the end of the school year and I didn't want to see them leave, but I knew they were all ready for whatever lay ahead.

Memory of SJV....either playing basketball or running track. I loved the feeling of camaraderie from everyone at SJV. Favorite Staff...Dianne Haag. She was always cheerful and treated the students with respect. She always brought a smile to my face.

I married Cory Bays who is also SJV Alumni - graduated 1994. He is now a General Contractor. They live in Shingle Springs and have three boys; ages 13, 11 and 8.

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Kellie Thompson (Reali) Kellie Thompson (Reali) Class of 2003. Administrative Officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. SJV Memories: P.E. classes with Mrs. Haag, Kings Skate Nights, International Day, end-of-year trips to Hagan Park Married almost 8 years with a dog and two kids: spunky and energetic 5 yr old daughter and a curious and mischievous 1yr old son. Both with infectious laughs and full of joy.

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Nicholas Reali Nicholas Reali Class of 2005.

Project Manager & Partner @ TI Builders / Firefighter. Loved my time there – all the teachers, basketball, field trips, student council, etc. My favorite memories were our pickup games during recess as well as the additional activities the school put on – International day, grandparents day, etc. My wife Christina and I live in Tennessee. We’re expecting our first baby, a son, in August 2020.

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Claire Martschinske (Rogel) Claire Martschinske (Rogel) 1964-1966 My most difficult subject at SJV was math. The teacher would laugh during conferences with my Mom about my “creative” answers to math problems. I ended up loving math in school, especially Algebra! I ended up working in electronics at Tektronix in Beaverton, OR. I’m married with 5 kids and 3 grandkids living in WA. I still love math puzzles!

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John Rogel John Rogel Class 1967 Retired, California Department of Corrections. Nothing spectacular, I’m just an ordinary guy. I spent time in the Seminary, Marine Corp and lived in Taiwan for a few years where I met my wife. We have two sons both married and two grandchildren.

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Darlene Gant (Schneider) Darlene Gant (Schneider) Class of 1969 Retired in 2015 after 35 years with the State of California. I reviewed medical records for CalPers, SSI, CDCR and other departments.

I have two children, a math teacher and healthcare administrator manager.

It was graduation day in 1969. We were in the big church and Monsieur Dwyer was talking and presenting a scholarship. Of course, I was talking to friends in the pew, they started nudging me because he had called my name.

Why would he be calling me, was I in trouble?, I had received the scholarship. It was a free ride to go to St Francis for a year. Believe me it was not because of grades because I struggled and only was a "C" average kid. I used to help the nuns out if I got to school early with Deb Schuck and after school as well. I’m sure they had some influence in the decision. Boy was I surprised.

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Kara Schunk Kara Schunk Class of 2001 Occupation: Editor Memories from SJV: Eating pizza every Friday, enjoying art class, and assisting younger students as a reading tutor.

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Kristen Schunk Kristen Schunk Class of 2000 Analyst for the State Treasurers Office.

My favorite memory of SJV was our trip to Point Reyes in the 7th grade. My dad drove us to the coast in our big old ‘82 Chevy van while a bunch of my classmates and I listened and sang to songs by NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.

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Amy Faist (Singer) Amy Faist (Singer) Class of 1997 I live in Ione, Ca with my family.

St. John Vianney was such a wonderful community to be a part of. Fr. Moroney’s constant love and encouragement, the teachers and staff who cared so much about us, the students who were my first friends, and the wonderful events we had that were staples in my life for so many years will always hold a special place in my heart.

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Katie Witheropp ( Singer) Katie Wisheropp (Singer) Class of 1999 I'm a full-time mom/homemaker and own my own Arbonne business. I have so many great memories of SJV - especially the wonderful teachers, faculty, and staff. Our International Festival and Spring musicals were always my favorite. My proudest achievement (aside from my family) is the non-profit support group that I founded in 2014, Sacramento Cleft Support, after the birth of my son. Over the last 6 years we have grown to over 100 members. I have partnered with Kaiser, Shriners, and UC Davis to support and connect families affected by cleft in the greater Sacramento area.

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Lincoln Snyder Lincoln Snyder Class of 1991.

Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools, Diocese of Sacramento.

I decided to become a teacher in 2002 – I had just moved back to Sacramento, decided to stop by my old Alma Mater, Christian Brothers, and they hired me for summer school on the spot!

I knew I made the right decision when teaching a lesson on the SpanishAmerican War, hoping to help students make connections to the war that was then raging in Iraq - and the kids proceeded to engage in a great conversation and I could literally see the growth and engagement happening in that moment – and I was hooked.

Memory from your time at SJV: I remember the kindness of so many teachers - Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Barboza, Mrs. Haag – who really believed in me and wanted me to succeed. They helped me believe in myself at a time in life that is confusing for most kids.

Funny memory: By 8th grade, we all felt pretty mature, the big kids on the block, and then one day at dropoff, the mom of the biggest guy in class called him “muffin.” So much for being tough! It’s a reminder to me that, as a parent, elementary school goes by in a blur, and it’s a joy for me to see my kids walking the same halls that I did. . I am the father to Kuba, SJV Class of 2022 & Cornel Class of 2026.

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Tosha Elizabeth Tillotson Tosha Elizabeth Tillotson Class of 1991 Associate Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Sacramento.

I knew I made the right choice to become a teacher the very first day I substitute taught 7th grade at St. John the Evangelist in Carmichael. I had just graduated from CSUS with a BA in Government and was substitute teaching at local Catholic schools while I figured out what I was going to do with my degree.

The principal offered me a long-term substitute position for 7th grade and I knew immediately that teaching was what I wanted to do for the rest of my career.

After my long-term substitute teaching position was over, the principal offered me a full-time teaching position for the following year. I continued to teach for the subsequent thirteen years, teaching junior high, high school and college students at St. John the Evangelist, Cristo Rey High School, St. Patrick Academy, Brandman University and UC Davis. I earned my administrative credential and returned to St. John the Evangelist as Principal. For the past four years, I have served as the Associate Superintendent of the Catholic School Department. I am proud to tell teachers, parents and students that I am a product of our Catholic school system.

The faculty and staff of St. John Vianney School and the Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish represented the incredible qualities of a what it means to receive a Catholic education. I remember attending Mass as a school. When my grandfather passed away, my entire class attended his funeral. I remember my teachers taking a genuine interest in me and my life. I have memories of Mrs. Barboza tap dancing in the front of the room and Mrs. Neubacher (? not sure of the spelling anymore) being brave enough to take a group of junior high school students on an overnight camping trip on the ocean. I enjoyed our international day celebrations and the yearly wax museum, lunch on the blacktop and PE with Mrs. Haag. St. John Vianney was a place where I built friendships that I maintain to this day, and I am thankful for the time I was able to attend

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Samuel Urrea Samuel Urrea Class of 2008 Federal Court Spanish Interpreter Life Achievement: My Journalism Degree from Sacramento State.

Memory from SJV: My first day of school in the US was at SJV. I will never forget how foreign everything was to me and how hard it was to adapt. Luckily, SJV was a great starting point because it made me learn English quickly and prepared me well for what was to come academically.

My message to the SJV community is that well, nobody ever forgets you guys. The school has a special place in everyone's hearts. Things get sweeter with time and as I remain in touch with a few of my classmates from the 2008 class, we never fail to reminisce about the times we experienced and the culture of the school.

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Bob Allan Wilson Bob Allan Wilson Class of 1971 I own a pest control business with my two sons in Sierra Vista, Arizona. I'm also a hunting guide. My favorite memory is of being designated as Msgr. Dwyer's travel altar boy after my brother Ken graduated and being pulled out of class to do so.

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Jacquie Broach (Wilson) Jacquie Broach (Wilson) Class of 1976

Brothers, Ken Wilson Class of 69 and Bob Wilson Class of 1971 I’ve been married 31 years to my husband who is the chief Nurse Anesthetist of Fresno VA Hospital, we have two daughters. I’ve had a great and rewarding 34-year operating room career ranging from level 1 trauma center to surgical centers. Currently I’m part of the COVID-19 screening team at two local hospitals. My husband, and oldest daughter and I have been part of military Honor Flights as part of the medical team taking veterans to visit the memorials in Washington DC. I’m active with my two daughters in the local musical and dramatic productions in the local theatres.

I have so many school memories, Msgr. Dwyer… kindest gentleman, all of us kids loved him and he knew all our names. Hot Dog Wednesday, my mon volunteered as one of the “Hot Dog Ladies”.

I remember the fun we had at the school carnival.

Also, my class was the first where girls were allowed to be altar servers… but only on Friday school Masses, NOT weekend Masses.

I’ve maintained a lifelong friendship with fellow classmates Linda Book, Lori Puleo, and Lynda Haag.

We still get together at least once a year. I’m also in touch with my best guy friend since kindergarten Tim Maybee, also class of 1976.

Lynda (Haag) Lamberding, Jacquie (Wilson) Broach, Mrs. Alberts

Jacquie & Sr. Edmond first communion 1970 at house

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Jacquie Wilson & family 1970, l-r Bob, Ken, Jac, Pat Wilson

Class of '76 members Michelle Alex, Linda Book, Jacquie Wilson, and Peggy Miller 2000 anniversary

Jacquie Wilson 8th grade cheerleader uniform wool and horribly HOT

Jacquie & Linda 76 grads

friends since 1st gradeJacquie Lori Puelo, Linda Book friens since grade 1

Jacquie Wilson & Linda Book 1st grade

Tim Maybee & Linda (Book) Johnston friends since kindergarten

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Kennth Duane Wilson Kenneth Duane Wilson class of 1969 I live in Tehachapi, CA. I retired this year from NASA, after a 38-year career as an Operations Engineer on many projects including the Space Shuttle, research projects, laminar flow airfoils, hyper-x vehicles, airborne launch platforms from B-52s, and infrared astronomy. My favorite teacher was Sister Jude. A favorite memory was being Msgr. Dwyer's travel altar boy.

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SJV Alumni Where Are You?

Give us a shout-out St. John Vianney Parish Magazine

Built on the Rock

A Publication of Rancho Cordova Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #5322 richsjvrock@gmail.com

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