Salesian Magazine 2022

Congratulations Class of 2022!

A Prayer for the Class of 2022

Gracious and caring God, we ask for your hand to be upon these graduates as we send them forward.

With their classes and grading now complete, may they strive toward excellence in all they do. With the applause quieted, may they celebrate and lift up those around them.

With the speeches concluded, may their voices rise up to pronounce peace and justice in the world. With the fanfare ceasing, may they find bliss in future endeavors and adventures. With diplomas in hand, may their achievements grow and enrich their communities. From this day onward, may they remember they are Salesian Forever. Amen.

“After finishing dead last in my first race as a member of the track team, I never expected I would be joining a collegiate cross country and track team this Fall. After hearing the horror stories of how torturous of a subject Chemistry is, I never expected I would score a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam and found the Salesian Chemsitry Club in the same year. Apuesto que nadie aca anticipa que pueda hablar Español. Gracias Señora Nightingale. And since it is a fallacy and impossible to expect the unexpected I will provide some better advice. Embrace the unexpected, take what the defense gives you, and go with the flow.”

— Gabriel Cutino, Salutatorian Johns Hopkins University

“Our graduation does not mark the end of our story. The end of high school is simply the conclusion of one, lengthy chapter of our lives—and even as I say this farewell speech to you, we are all simply just turning a page in our books. As this graduation ceremony comes to a close, a new chapter awaits us, unwritten, but filled with potential. I know that on these seats in front of me are soon-to-be artists, scientists, dentists, musicians, pioneers of our future, but it is up to you on how that story will unfold. And as we move on from one chapter to the next, I implore you all to pick up your pens and continue to write your story as you did these past four years.”

— Rika Nicole Canlas, Valedictorian University of California, Los Angeles

Salesian Forever

Paulina Acevedo

Camille Jade Agdinaoay

James Thomas Ahlenslager

Gabriela Maria Alas

Atallah Mary Emma Allen

Elizabeth Anaya

Ariel Nona Anderson

Sydney Renee Speech Anderson

Rick Lazo Andino

Nevaeh Asiasi

Natalie Garcia Atendido

Isaiah Anthony Bazal Gabrael Truth Bey

Aaron Serelle Bradford

Kehinde Oluwamisimi Busari

Taiwo Oluwatosin Busari

Brett Austin Butson Branden Luc-Jordan

Calagui

Rika Nicole Lumagbas Canlas

Laila Sanaa Cato Tzy-Harn Serena Chuang

Valeria Covarrubias

Logan Isaiah Coverson

Diore Renai Crowder

Gabriel Thomas Cutino Noah Jordan Del Sol April Diaz

Paige J Ebojo

Kaylie May Edge Russell Jonathan Castillo Estrada

Madison Lee Fajemirokun

Leonardo Nascente Fayad Silivia Fonongaloa Nicholas David Fontanilla

Satchel Paige Ford

Collin Jean Lim Freking

Shania Singh Garcha Jaelynn Kimari Garcia Naomi Tewolde Goitom

Layth Zeaad Handoush

Maximillian Granville Haro Antonio Johnel Hoang Harris

Christian Alexander Harris Jane Kelly Helfrich

King Henson

Dana Paola Hernandez

Viviana Graciela Hernandez

Faith Lynaya Herndon

Collin Hockridge

Carrington Rose-Margaret Holmes

Emily Corrinne Horn

Chi Wan (Evelyn) Huang

Milo Dash Jenkins

Kylie Kristine Jensen Sofia Jimenez

Austin Anthony Johnson Kaitlyn Opihi Kanazawa

Abiel Ogbagebriel Kidane Jozsef-Sandor Lee Kraynik

Carlos Diego Lara Mikayla Lavitoria Arsema Leoulekal

Jessica Kayla Lim

Alexis Jose Lopez Alianna Vianee Lopez

Natalie Ayanna Lopez Jayna Marie Tolentino Lorenzo

Madison Madayag Nicolas Alejandro McMaster

Ethan Matthew Roguel Mendoza

Christian Montuya Yadhira Muro

Sidney Tataum Nathaniel Arika Giselle Oña

Omoaire Michelle Orianele Luelle Paz

Angel Moises Pineda

Georgia Celeste Pournaras

Samuel Ryan Prieto

Andre A Prince

Alexander Quick

Devin M. Quinn

Elias Rosalino Ajamu Mabili Reed

Jake David Rogers

Daniella Monique Ruiz Rena Sakai

Fiorela Milagros Salas

Capizo

Miguel Sampedro, Jr.

Christopher Sanders

Malia True Satcher

Lazaro Emanuel Soberano

Gabrielle Alexis Stevenson

Jesse Fernandez Suratos

Annalyse Delatorre Tinio

Natalie Lizette Tobar

Nivaletti Leilani Toki Nathan G Tosoc

Maximo Orlando Valdes

Astrid Vallar

Natalia Briana Vargas

Kimberly Vera-Mejia

Dylan James Wang

Emma Lou Wruck

Jiayi (May) Xu

Donghao (Jerry) Zhong Kejie (Jason) Zhu

Rika Nicole Canlas Gabriel Cutino Kylie Jensen

Letters from Leadership

From the Office of the President

Dear Salesian Alumni, Family, and Friends,

We started the 2022-2023 school year with a completely full Freshman class and continue to grow our student population. I am thankful for all the support we receive from our Salesian Family: alumni, alumni parents, and friends of Salesian. Here at Salesian, we take great PRIDE in creating a place where everyone belongs and everyone is welcome, always.

We also take PRIDE in providing a rigorous and innovative academic program that prepares our students for college and a rich and varied offering of co-curriculars to improve social skills and relieve stress. As most of you know, a Salesian education is like no other and all of us are needed to keep Salesian Forever.

Although our tuition purposefully remains the lowest in the Oakland Diocese, the value of a Salesian education is unparalleled. We are the most diverse Catholic school in the East Bay. Our beautiful mosaic is represented by students from many different cultures, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. It goes without saying the latter comes with challenges.

We are able to meet these challenges through the generosity of our donors. Alumni, alumni parents, and friends of Salesian, you are keeping Salesian Forever. We need your faithful support now more than ever. If you believe in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as I do, then help us bridge the gap between what we ask in tuition and what our Salesian families are able to pay. Please help us stay true to the mission of St. John Bosco by supporting our Annual Fund. Together we make a difference.

In the meantime, I encourage you to stop by Salesian the next time you are driving along Highway 80 and visit. The sense of family is still alive and well. We are all proud of our students and all of their accomplishments.

I cannot say it enough, it is only through your generosity that we will remain Salesian Forever.

In Don Bosco, Stephen Pezzola ‘74 President

Dear Salesian Alumni, Alumni Parents and Friends,

Salesian red and black polos filled the newly painted first floor hallway as students scurried to their classes, just happy to be back home last August, 2021. Hand sanitizer dispensers were still visible; air purifiers were whizzing in the halls and classrooms; but plastic desk shields were gone and classroom furniture was arranged in a familiar format. Tuesday and Thursday Covid-19 testing was scheduled after school, a friendly reminder that this virus was still around, but not such an overwhelming monster as the previous year.

Our strenna for the school year, “A Matter of the Heart,” guided our students and faculty to display loving-kindness and concern for each other and to come together as a cohesive community. Our Director, Fr. John Itzaina, SDB, reminded everyone in daily prayer that ‘Jesus loves you’. Seniors modeled strength, resilience, creativity, and courage for the student body. The community never shied away from trying something new such as having Mass outside during Triduum, or organizing a Homecoming Dance outside under the stars.

Yet, many students struggled silently with the transition back to on campus learning and interacting in person. The faculty learned how to address the social and emotional needs of their students in their lesson plans. Through the help of an additional personal counselor, our Wellness Center, and a caring and loving Salesian staff, the community powered through the first semester.

Christmas break was extended by a week as the Delta variant consumed the county. Salesian again pivoted to support the health and wellness of the entire school community. Don Bosco Playday was organized completely outside with the senior versus faculty volleyball game on the football field instead of in the gym. Karaoke was on the Holy Grass, basketball in the parking lot, with plenty of hot dogs and chips for all- a different type of play day but still filled with abundant joy and laughter.

Salesian athletes persevered through practices, tournaments, and games that got canceled. The competitive spirit of the Pride inspired our athletes to victory as they went on to win two State Championships Varsity Football Division 6A, and Girls Varsity Basketball Division 1 - Absolutely Amazing!

The Class of 2022 walked down the aisle at St. Cornelius Church with smiling faces to receive their diplomas on June 4th- a year that concluded with many lifelong friendships, special memories, and much love for one another in spite of many detours along the way.

Sincerely, Marylou Flannery Principal

From the Office of the Principal

Donor Honor Roll

This is a list of donors who have contributed to Salesian College Preparatory between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Thank you for your support.

St. John Bosco Circle

$10,000

Anonymous (3) Bay Scholars

Family Aid-Catholic Education

Arthur M. Robinson Foundation Bay Scholars

Chevron Matching Employee Funds Cogent Solutions & Supplies David ‘80 & Julia Flaherty

East Bay Community Foundation Family Aid-Catholic Education

Gerald Fay

Joseph & Denise Reid

LaNasa + Kunzweiler Foundation

Marjorie Mosher Schmidt Foundation

Michael Oddo ‘76

Philip Rinaldi Charitable Trust Richard & Nancy Robinson Robert and Dana Emery Family Foundation

Robert T. and Tina Ing Yahng Foundation

Robert Welch

Salesian Booster Club

Stephen Pezzola ‘74 Twila Foster

The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation

Hank Delevati ‘66

Director’s Club

$5,000 - $9,999

Anonymous (4) Christine Monzon Christopher ‘80 & Nancy Kane

David ‘82 & Jill Kenney

Jerome ‘77 & Grace Paolini Kelly Robinson Anonymous (4)

Christine Monzon Christopher ‘80 & Nancy Kane David ‘82 & Jill Kenney Kelly Robinson

President’s Club

$2,500 - $4,999

Anne & Michael O’Neal

Joseph ‘83 & Elizabeth Silveira

Christ the King Catholic School Christ the King Parish

Dante & Lisa Robinson

Emmanuel ‘87 & Pamela Lugos

Greg & Jody Ginsburg

Anonymous Jeffrey ‘78 & Denette Accornero

James ‘77 & Diane Coward

Khadija A. Fredericks

Marc V. Colelli

Marylou & Brian Flannery

Michael DeOrian ‘70

National Philanthropic Trust Pete & Janet Muncie Rotary Club of Richmond, Inc.

Randy & Paula Sanchez

Serena Meyer & John Partridge The Guardsmen Bill Mellis & Christina Karabinis James K. Watts

Jessie Banuelos John W. Kluesener

Oaks Jewelers

Timothy & Kristi Chambers Salesian Society

$1,000 - $2,499

Adrienne & Thomas Pearse

American Chemical Society

Andy Oh & Maxine Bauzon

Anne Omura Armanino, LLP

Christine Mann Christopher Tolentino Claire McAuliffe

Cornelius ‘69 & Suzanne Doherty Daniel ‘02 & Jaime Hutson

David & Carla Hultman David Fontanilla & Teresa Hurley Douglas Friedman

Eddie Foster Emmanuel & Kate Njome Eunice Charles Francine & John Katsoudas Frank Lavin

French Brothers Flooring Robert & Maria Langbein Frederick Morris

Grip It Golf Repair

Harimandir Khalsa & Harjit Kullar

James ‘66 & Miriam Swanson

Joseph Abessinio

Joseph & Beverly Bacchus Kathleen Cosby Knowing Technologies, LLC Denzil & LaWandra Adams

Leon Worthy Louis ‘76 & Bonnie Paulson Louis G. Navellier

LSE Brands LLC & Contra Costa FC Lynnette Franks Mandeep Jhutti

Maritza & Larry Foster

Mark & Beth Reitdorf

Maurice ‘89 & Liza Atendido Mechanics Bank

Merrill & Deborah Chandler

Metro Express

Michael & Sandra Lee

Nataliya and Shmuel Arditi Foundation

Neil & JoEllen Baker

Rosauro ‘89 & Loredie Lugos

Robert Welch

Jupian Leung

Shing-Hwa Lai & Y-De Chuang

Millsaps Enterprises, Inc. DBA Speedee Oil Change & Tune Up William Heidenfeldt ‘94

Red & Black Club $500 - $999

Aaron Ilan

Airdri Stoddart & James Hockridge

Alfonso ‘84 & Joan Delgado

Aljoe & Lorena Mandoriao AmazonSmile Foundation

Amy Mullin & Mauro Martins

Barbara Sundahl

Bay Marine BoatWorks, Inc

Christie Rosete ‘93 Dana Perkins ‘03

Bradford McCullough

Damon & Kelley A. Curtis

Donald Hirabayashi

Gabriel Rhoades

Gary Macaluso

Gina Ryan Helen Nichols

HY Floor & Gameline Painting

Irma Perez

Jack & Kelly Stevens

Jamel Brinson ‘91

Janis Vega Jefferson Hilliard

Jeffrey Marks

Jens & Dorothy Gehrke

Jim & Laurel Morrison

John & Koren Bertolli

John Pinckney & Kathy Blackmon-Pinckney

John & Patricia Olivero

John Manrique ‘16

John ‘81 & Paula Martinucci

Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation

Kevin McHugh

Kevin & Katina Woodbury

La Strada Restaurant

Leroy & Felecia Johnson

Lina Chau & Edward Escueta

M.A. Hays Insurance Co., Inc.

Mark Forbes

Mark ‘80 & Lori Santi

Mark ‘67 & Cindi Scott

Michael & Carla Del Sol

Michael & Charisse Wan

Pam & Chuck Coleman

Pat Macchi

Patrick & Carmelina Conway

Paul Begley ‘68

Philip & Jean Foster

James & Sharon Casey

Stephen Hill

Teresa & John Lizarraga

The Blackbaud Giving Fund

United Way

Victoria Lewis

Waterbury Properties, Inc.

Wilada & Todd Thompson

William & Suzanne Lingo

William ‘73 & Marie Walton William & Janice Saner

Nardi Construction Company

Nicolas Thomas ‘78 & Cheryl Cober-Thomas

Olivero Plumbing Co., Inc.

Pamela & John Wolff

Pat Prendiville

Patrick Dodson

Ransome Company Engineering Construction

Randy DeMartini

Ray Jakubiak

Ricardo Gonzalez

Robert & Joyce Pimm

Robert & Audra Holland

Robert ‘67 & Regennia Kilmer

Sharon DiMaggio

Sharrell Michelotti

Stefanie Ali ‘08

Steven R. Frias

Steven & Kristin Stiles

Steven Hallock

Steven Mitchell ‘81 Susan & Ricardo Gonzalez

T. Richard & Marguerite Goyne

Terrance ‘64 & Marcia McDonough

Thomas ‘66 & Sue Wright

Thomas ‘64 & Carol Ozanich

Ted and Sandy Quintana

West Contra Costa Salesian Boys & Girls Club

William Van Dyk

William & Alice Thompson Yvonne Oberto

Zuleyma & Leonel Guardado

John Helfrich & Sheila Kelly- Helfrich James Watts

Eileen Borton

Tyler Hoffman Club -

Anonymous

Al & Marie Carrillo

Alicia Jackson

Andrew & Jewel Lojo

Armor Locksmith Services

Arnold Gray

Arlene Reside and Paolo Naguit

Brian Fay ‘89

Bryan Lynch

Carmelina & Patrick Conway

Christopher Read

Cynthia Chapman Scott

Debbie Barnaby

Diane A. Adams

Donald Fry

Doris E. Dasilva

Dorothy Lee

Dima & Zeaad Handoush

Donald Fry ‘69

Dorothy Lee

Doug Johnson

Ed & Jan Menosse

Edward ‘66 & Patricia McLaughlin

Eileen & John D. Howard

Gary Veran ‘86

Gerald ‘64 & Peggy Mascaro

Geraldo & Francisca Chua

Gina & Ovidio L. Portillo

Gonzalo & Carmela Madayag

Gregory Boudreau

Horace Green

James Ryken ‘64

Janice Reid

Jeannettee M. Inkabi

Jeff Hazel

Jessly Chicas ‘18

Joan Mancuso

John Gerletti

John ‘66 & Debbie Rensen

John & Mary Alexander

John Gerletti Jr.

John ‘80 & Elizabeth Nielsen-Gammon

John & Eduardina Perdigao

John & Debbie Rensen

Josephine R. Tamayo-Rocco

Jose Nestor & Maria Asuncion Pajuleras Judith O’Callaghan

Kenneth Kleier

Kenneth Jennings

Kinders Custom Meats

Kona Ice of San Pablo Laurie Fink

Lawrence Herbert ‘96

Lawrence Herbert Linda Hedstrom

Lisa Eitzel

Lois M. Rose

Louis Buty

Margaret Baker

Michael Price

Michael & Pat Corral

Michael & Veda Musto

Milagros C. Canoy

Monica M. De La Rosa ‘13

Aaron Sisk

Nakele Rechenauer

Nicole Ruiz

Andy Levine

Doug Johnson

David Lewis ‘86

David Jobe ‘01

Christopher Malixi Pamela Albaugh-Wolff

Patrick Dodson

Ralph & Carole L. Freeman

Rebecca Mangle

Reynaldo & Teresita Centeno

Ricardo Gonzalez

Robert Holland III & Audra Holland

Robert ’67 & Regennia Kilmer

Robert & Joyce Pimm

T. Richard and Marguerite Goyne

Sharrell Michelotti

Sheryl Granzella

Stefanie G. Ali ‘08

Henry Moe ‘89

Leonard Neal

William ‘84 & Kelly Driscoll William & Alice L. Thompson William A. Van Dyk Yvonne & Myles Oberto

$99 & Below

Anonymous (2)

Bruce & Donna Hartman

Charles & Margaret Miglia

Charles Levy

Charlene & Conrad Montuya Christopher ‘85 & Nicole Brady

Clayton Leche ‘74

Coca Cola Give

Craig Samuel Daniel & Sylvia B. Bartolomucci

Doug Hughes

Curtis Leung Dennis Simkin

Elizabeth Darr

Erica DeJesus

Esteban Cervantes

Francie Esparza

Frank R Lavin

Farayi C. Wiley

Gaina Lieu

Georgina Edwards

Humberto Merino

Gerald Hill

Janet Pires

Jennifer Benda

Jennifer Mills

John Scheffler

John Chiozza

John & Luz D. Camello

John & Maricel Schilt

John &d Nancy McDonough

Joseph ‘66 & Carolyn Lynds

Julie Alsing

Julie Sherman

Kwame & Carlene Reed

Lily Driscoll ‘16

Linda Stitch

Magdalena ‘02 & Adam Moreno

Margaret DeAlmeida

Margaret Rowan

Mary B. Kuhn

Mary Scavone

Mary Buscaglia

Michael Sedar

Mina Palacol-Villanueva & Francis Villanueva

Network for Good Naz Gaskin

Patricia Bauer

Patricia Fortier

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc

Rhodora Basas

Robert Addiego

Robert & Bernadette Antaki

Rosa Ore

Ross Mijares

Sarah Trott

Sergio Mora

Steen Madsen Sr. Tim Herring Nichole Lorensen

Christina McAfee ‘00

Janet O’Hair

William R. Weidinger & Robin McQueen

William McCombe Virginia Finlay

Xiomara Poblano

Together we make a difference

Salesian to Lincoln to San Jose

Salesian guides its students to be successful in their higher educational pursuits. But it is so much more. The success of Salesian’s alumni continues beyond as they start their careers. The lessons and opportunities offered by Salesian shape its students and stay with them for a lifetime, allowing them to continue to build community, educate, and bring joy into the lives of others.

A case in point is Kobi Calhoun, a graduate of Salesian’s class of 2017. Her interests, both academic and professional, were greatly influenced by her time at Salesian. Kobi was involved in the Association of African American Knowledge (AAAK) and was its president in her senior year. Kobi also was active in athletics at Salesian, playing Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer. She became a faith family leader during her senior year.

Kobi graduated Cum Laude in 2021 from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, one of the first historically black colleges in the United States, with a B.A. in Mass Communications. Kobi’s time at Salesian sparked an interest in history and a career choice. After graduation, she became the Manager of Events of History San Jose. In this new role, Kobi has organized several events, such as the most recent “Spirit of 45,” a celebration of the end of World War II. This activity brought together members of all 14 affiliate culture groups of the park to celebrate the history they shared together. Her experience at Salesian, with its rich mosaic of cultures, prepared her well.

Kobi’s work with these events brings awareness to “a lot of things that started in San Jose that most people aren’t aware of.” The hope is that it will connect the San Jose community together and encourage shared experiences across multiple generations.

Salesian encourages its students to be agents of change and facilitators of community building. Kobi’s work is an example of how to make the world a better place and extend the Salesian experience of learning, service, and community to others. “A lot of what I learned in school [at Salesian] really shaped me into who I am and what my interests are,” says Calhoun. Kobi serves as living proof that Salesian’s alumni carry the school’s oratory experience with them well beyond their time as students.

Salesian Alumni Kobi Calhoun

New Schedule More Flex Time

Beginning in Fall 2021, Salesian College Preparatory initiated a partnership with Challenge Success, providing rich growth from first contact. Our administration formed an insightful team of students, teachers, parents, and staff who have been examining successful practices and growth areas at Salesian, with clear and personalized guidance from the Challenge Success leaders. For instance, students, faculty, staff, and administrators participated in surveys in September 2021 that focused on the well being and social-emotional health of everyone on campus. Analyzed by the Challenge Success team with our administrative team, the transparent results opened up new, powerful discussions that guided all of Salesian’s work for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.

When asked what has been a significant takeaway from Salesian’s encounters with Challenge Success, a Salesian student team member immediately identified Challenge Success’s focus on inclusivity. The program is helping all members of the Salesian community to consider all different types of students and their individual learning and social-emotional needs, successes, and challenges. Specifically, we have been learning about the different stresses on students and teachers and their root causes. Challenge Success is helping us navigate our focus on those root causes that the school can address, especially in our self-identified areas of student workload, school schedules, and student time management.

All administrators, teachers, and staff reviewed the student data about their school experience, and were delighted to see that the first words that students offered to describe Salesian were “fun,” “welcoming and caring,” and “diverse,” characteristics that the adults at the school prioritize as well. In response to the student concerns over workload, assessments, and time management, the teachers began collaboratively using Challenge Success prompts to identify the amount and types of homework that they assign.

The final initiative in Fall 2021 invited students to participate in the “I Wish” campaign in our Faith Family meetings, during which students wrote about what they wished their teachers and/or their families knew about their high school experience.

In Spring 2022, Salesian achieved two remarkable, systemic changes. First, teachers conducted in-class homework observations using students’ direct input to understand how each student did homework and what their individual needs were. That understanding led many teachers to change if and how they assigned homework, shifting much of that work to class time. Second, using the initial survey results and the Challenge Success team’s ideas, a school committee drafted alternatives to the existing school bell schedule to prioritize more time for project-based learning, passing periods between classes, a later start to the day, and built-in flexibility for co-curricular activities and tutoring during the school day. The school piloted the new bell schedule in April 2022, surveyed students and staff, and then adapted it to début this Fall (see Sidebar). These two milestones center our students’ learning experiences and needs while inviting teachers to expand their instructional toolkits creatively and collaboratively.

As we move into the second year of our partnership with Challenge Success, Salesian is focusing on three new types of activities to support student learning. First, the Challenge Success team at school plans on conducting student “fishbowl” groups in which students respond to questions about their learning needs while observers silently take notes. These notes will drive discussions and recommendations by the team. Additionally, Salesian would like to try “no homework weekends” once a month so that students can truly take a break from school work and enjoy time with family and friends. In recognizing families as the primary educators of their children, during the 2022-2023 school year, the school will be building more family participation in the Challenge Success process through presentations, newsletters, and workshops.

Alumni News

A Homecoming for AAAK Founder Marini Lee ‘96

This pandemic has taught me to count my blessings. Returning “home” to Salesian for my 25th Class Reunion gave me a profound opportunity to practice just that.

Wow!!! Salesian is so blessed! I am still in awe of the many changes I saw on campus!!! Guess what??? Flandawg , I mean, Mrs. Flannery is now THE PRINCIPAL! I can’t tell you how I geeked out as I saw my former teacher as the fearless leader we always experienced in her history classes! Hearing about all of the curricular improvements and plans assured me that Salesian leads and will undoubtedly continue to lead the Bay Area in private college preparatory secondary education.

As I toured the main building, I couldn’t help but notice that the blue first-floor lockers are gone (THANKS COVID!). An awesome (College Hall of Fame) wall with all of the higher education institutions Salesian Seniors have gained admission to is a prominent feature on the first floor. The formerly creepy third floor now houses several state of the art science labs, complete with a 3-D Printer!! And guess how I got to the third floor???? THERE’S AN ELEVATOR YA’LL!!! Salesian also has a fleet of vans to assist families with transportation!!! The first floor even has gray carpet and the faded yellow tile walls are gone…painted all white! The hallways on all three floors just ‘Pop’ as they are so bright and welcoming…what a difference!

The more things change, the more they stay the same (in a good way!) I am extremely grateful for the academic foundation Salesian laid for me, as well as the ways in which I was provided many opportunities for personal growth. I am especially appreciative of the diverse student body that I was able to thrive in as a Salesian student. One of my fondest memories was being a founding member of The Association of African American Knowledge (AAAK). I am thankful Salesian supported our student activism by giving us an opportunity to share our cultural heritage while developing leadership skills. Founding AAAK encouraged me to further explore the connections between my cultural heritage and my student activism as an undergraduate at Stanford University. My participation within the Black Community Services Center was critical to my survival at a Predominantly White Institution. My AAAK experience later gave me the courage to help revitalize and better institutionalize the Black Graduate Student Association while I was in graduate school.

As an urban teacher educator focused on the needs of Black and Brown children, I was proud to see that AAAK is still going strong! I was given an opportunity to discuss the impact of the pandemic on the African American community with current AAAK members and my faith in our youth was restored!! These young people are on fire!!!! They are keenly aware of the world in which they live and, just as Salesian did for so many of us, and they are being prepared to make a difference!

An equally significant “full circle” moment for me during reunion weekend was being invited to join the Salesian College Preparatory Board of Directors. I am honored and humbled that my alma mater has asked me to contribute to the oversight and direction of the institution that had such a profound impact on my life and success. Learning how well the school is managed and seeing how thoughtful the Board is about its duties and commitments to students, the school and the community can assure parents that their children are well loved and well taken care of while in Salesian’s care. As such, I will do my very best to assist with alumni engagement and any other task I am asked to contribute toward.

Most people who are proud of their high school alma maters rely on their past experience to fuel their on-going allegiance. How blessed am I that my Pride (pun very much intended) is from my past, present, and future Salesian experiences?

Salesian Forever!!!

Marini C. Lee, PhD Class of 1996

These Class Notes reflect information we received by August 1. Please share your news with us for the next issue of Salesian Magazine by July 15, 2023! Submit your note to Alumni Relations Manager, Gabriella (Zaragoza) Carrillo ‘08 at gzaragoza@salesian.com. You can also submit a note by scanning here

Class

Lauren Tumbaga ‘19

is entering her final year at the University of Oregon and will graduate with a Major in Economics, Minor Legal Studies and Business Administration. Aside from managing rigorous academic courses, Lauren has served as the President of the International Student Association (ISA), a student group that represents domestic and international students. She also plans to take the LSAT and attend law school in the coming years.

Marc Huerta ‘19

has been accepted to the Stanford Electrical Engineering (EE) coterm program, which allows undergraduate students to pursue the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering while completing their undergraduate program. Marc will confer his undergraduate degree in June 2023 and is preemptively planning on completing his masters in June 2025.

Carlos Mendoza ‘08

is starring as Usnavi de la Vega in the Berkeley Playhouse production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s spirited Tony and Grammy Award-winning story, ‘In the Heights,’ this fall.

Mollin Helfrich ‘19

will begin her senior year of college at California State University, Monterey Bay. Mollin is also starting her fourth season as an Otter on the Women’s Volleyball Team.

Joseph Helfrich ‘17

Jane Helfrich ‘22

is the youngest of the Helfrich family, will be studying Media and Film at the University of California, Irvine this fall.

recently graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona with a Bachelor of Science In Aeronautical Science with Minors in Air Traffic Management and Aviation Safety. During his time at Embry Riddle, he received his Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and MultiEngine Rating. Joe is currently working toward receiving his certification to become a Flight Instructor for Embry Riddle before moving onto an airline.

Take Pride

Football:

The 2021 Salesian football team finished the season with a record of 11-2, winning the NCS Division 6 Championship, the NorCal Division 6A Championship, and the State CIF Division 6A Championship. The CIF title was the team’s second state championship in a row.

Cross Country:

The team had an outstanding year, with senior Gabe Cutino ‘22 leading the pack into the league championships and NCS meet held at Hayward High School.

Tennis:

Senior Georgia Pournaras ‘22 won the TCAL singles title, a first for a Salesian girls’ tennis player. The team finished second in league play.

Girls’ Volleyball:

The volleyball team made their way into the NCS playoffs where they fell to 6th seeded Urban High School, 3 games to 2 in a very hard fought match.

Boys’ Soccer:

The Pride qualified for the NCS playoffs where the team played Cardinal Newman High School, ending the team’s season.

Girls’ Soccer:

The girls’ soccer team was led by all-league performer Kamiryn Grimes ‘23 and all-league MVP Jane Helfrich ‘22. The team was young so they should make a splash this coming season.

Boys’ Basketball:

The team won the Division II NCS Championship beating number one seeded San Ramon Valley High School by the score of 49-47.

Girls’ Basketball:

The girls’ basketball team won the TCAL Championship, the NorCal Division I Championship, and the State CIF Division I Championship, a first for the Salesian Pride girls’ team! Congratulations.

Boys’ Tennis:

The team competed well placing third in league play. Swimming:

The swim team was led by Junior, Richie Timbang, Jr. ‘23.

Softball:

The softball team finished second in league, qualifying for the NCS playoffs. The team won their first round NCS game, beating St. Mary’s 11-9. The team fell to Del Norte High School in the second round.

Baseball:

The baseball team finished second in league, earning a berth in the NCS playoffs. Fi The team lost their first round game to Redwood Christian by the score of 3-1.

Track and Field:

Gabrael Bey ‘22, Kaiyah Foster ‘25, Ajamu Reed ‘22, Derek Simmons ‘23, Alex Quick ‘22, and Zander Jimenez ‘24 all qualified for NCS competition after the TCAL Meet. In the long jump, senior Ajamu Reed won the NCS Bay Shore Meet, won the NCS Meet of Champions, and placed 5th in the State CIF Meet with a leap of 23’11” which was a new school record.

Boys’ Volleyball:

The team was led by first year head coach Ceejay Callip. The team was composed of freshmen and sophomores, so next year should be exciting.

Golf:

The team competed well and placed third at the TCAL Championships. New to the green was Freshman Ernesto De Loa ‘25, who won the Golf Singles, Stone Division, TCAL Championship. Led by Coach Marcus Julian, several other spirited ninth graders joined the Golf Team this year, including Maya Drake and Juan Pablo Aceves-Cortez.

Students Talents

The Visual and Performing Arts build confidence, improve concentration, increase reading comprehension, strengthen communication, and hone math and science skills. Salesian offers rich avenues for the development of critical thinking and social action in young leaders. We value the arts and artistic expression as vital components to one’s development. Students use art to express themselves, flourish, and brighten the world with their creativity. Through artistic expression, students gain the courage and confidence to make the world around them a more just, equal, and loving place in which all belong.

First Annual Salesian Forever Luncheon

On a beautiful afternoon in early June, one of our distinguished Salesian graduates, Cecilia Vega Class of 1995, came home to visit our Salesian campus.

In the very same cafeteria where she recalled attending high school dances, Cecilia engaged her audience with anecdotes from her career as an Emmy Award-winning ABC News anchor and the network’s chief White House correspondent. Cecilia first joined ABC News in 2011. Her assignments have taken her around the world, reporting on major moments in history, including a papal conclave and the Olympics. She has taken a submarine to the bottom of the Arctic and suited up to go inside the radioactive power plant in the wake of the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan. After covering Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid, Cecilia ultimately moved into her current role leading ABC’s White House coverage since President Joe Biden’s election.

It all started as a young woman growing up in Rodeo and attending Salesian College Preparatory. She implored Salesian students in the audience to “dream big and follow your dreams”. Salesian blends the concepts of Home, School, Church, and Playground to provide an enriching experience. Cecilia recalled the welcoming environment at Salesian mentioning her fond memories of Marylou Flannery, her principal, and a French teacher who created a French IV class, so Cecilia could continue to pursue her interest in the language. She also admitted that she needs to find time to visit home more often (Cecilia’s mother, an avid volunteer at Salesian, was in the audience and smiled).

Distinguished Salesian Class of 1995 Cecilia Vega of ABC News

Cecilia also responded to questions from the audience --- including her expectations of the Presidential press secretaries she has worked with to “tell the truth and return her phone calls”. She also graciously took photos and talked with Salesian students in attendance. Prior to Ms. Vega speaking, Gabe Cutino, (Salesian Class of 2022), who will be attending Johns Hopkins in the Fall to study Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, spoke of all the success of Salesian students past and present. Along with the 2 football state championships and the women’s state basketball championship during Gabe’s years at Salesian, Gabe mentioned prominent Salesian alumni in the audience that day including Steve Pezzola, School President (Class of 1974), Mike Oddo (1976), successful owner of Metro Services and Joe Silveira (1983), Salesian Board member and principal of Christ the King School in Pleasant Hill. Steve Pezzola spoke near the end of the program about Salesian College Preparatory being a place in which our students know that they belong, like a home. Steve told the audience of a student who, when first introduced to him when applying for Salesian, was living in her mother’s car and is now on her college’s honor roll after graduating from Salesian. At Salesian, our challenge continues to be raising the funds to continue to educate students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and encourage our students to develop their unique gifts and abilities. Please consider a donation to help us accompany our students along their faith journey as they seek meaning and purpose in their lives through their experiences and in the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ (a church) and our traditions of St. John Bosco. Salesian is proud of our entire community and are proud that we were able to honor Cecilia Vega, Gabe Cutino, and all our Salesian graduates as part of Salesian Forever.

Alumni

Arif Patel ‘01, Brother to Majivel Solares ‘93

David Jimenez ‘86

James Duffy ‘65, Brother to William ‘72 and Gerard ‘73

James ‘Jim’ Selway ‘67, Brother to Bill ‘64, Pat ‘65, Chuck ‘70, Dan ‘71

Keith Tabayoyon ‘72

Kevin Gorman ‘74, Brother to Edward ‘71

Patrick Selway ‘65, Brother to Bill ‘64, Jim ‘67, Chuck ‘70, Dan ‘71

Ronald P Parenti ‘80, Brother to Greg ‘77 and Gary ‘84

Shaki Moore ‘92, Brother to Shakere (Rigsby) Dorton ‘99 and cousin of Marini Lee ‘96

Family & Friends

Al Carrillo, Grandfather to Ricky ‘09

James A. Casey, Father to Tim ‘82 and Mike ‘82

Juan Montenegro Sr., Father to Juan ‘84 and Paulo ‘87

Michael Herndon, Father to Faith ‘22

Nieves Fernandez, Grandmother to Jesse Suratos ‘22

Br. John Razor, SDB

Fr. Al Pestun, SDB

Fr. Arthur Lenti, SDB

Fr. Al Pestun, SDB

October 28, 1928- July 22, 2022

Rev. Fr. Aloysius J. Pestun, SDB, Parochial Vicar at Corpus Christi Church then later in residence at the same parish, died after a brief illness at San Francisco General Hospital, on July 22, 2022. “Fr. Al” as he was known, was appointed to Corpus Christi Church in May of 1996. At the parish he is affectionately remembered for his dedication and determined service. Fr. Al was born in Slovakia on October 28, 1928. He made his First Profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco on August 9, 1947. He was ordained priest on June 13, 1959. He enjoyed recalling his years of studies for priesthood at Aptos, near Santa Cruz, California. He also spoke often of his assignments after his ordination. Fr. Al served as the first librarian at Salesian College Preparatory. His legacy and commitment to students were honored on September 13, 2021 as his portrait was hung in the foyer of the library. While visiting, he vividly remembered the bookcases and shelves in which he helped build during his time on campus. Fr. Al’s loving-kindness towards everyone and his faithfulness towards his priestly duties will continue to be a lasting example of what it means to love God and neighbor until the last breath. Fr. Al will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

“Their lives are a testimony to the integrity of life, the search for excellence, the joy of living and the commitment to family, church and school.” John Izaina, SDB, Director