A U B U R N D A L E
S A I N T B E N E D I C T
S B A
Legacy Families Once an Eagle
ALWAYS an Eagle
A Unique History
est.
Tradition. Education. Balance. Spiritual Foundation. est.
These are the words our Alumni used when asked why they chose to send their children to SBA. What a wonderful testament to our school that we have so many students enrolled that are children of alumni. With our unique history, and our change from a 13-year school to a 4-year high school, we are just recently able to have large numbers of legacy students. Hopefully you will not only enjoy seeing where some of these alumni are in life now, but you will also feel the true joy they express in their reasons to send their own children back to their alma mater for high school. We are certainly glad to have them all home. Here are a few of their stories‌
Mr. Stanley Smith and Mrs. Mary Alice Smith founded The Auburndale School in 1966. The school was originally housed in a church in Midtown on Auburndale Street from which it took its name. By the 1974-75 school year, Auburndale had held school in a few different locations but was finally able to move all 480 students to it’s new campus in Cordova. By the fall of 1987, Mr. and Mrs. Smith were both in poor health and, being devout Catholics, discussed with Bishop Daniel Buechlein the possibility of selling the school to the Catholic Diocese. On January 14, 1988, Bishop Buechlein announced the Catholic Diocese of Memphis purchased the Auburndale School and we became St. Benedict at Auburndale that fall. As the demand for a quality Catholic high school education grew, SBA was receiving more applications than we could admit. In July 2004, after several years, of discussion, fund-raising, and construction, SBA moved next door into our new campus and underwent a transition into a high school-only setting serving grades 9 through 12. Simultaneously, Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. declared the elementary portion of the school to have a new governing structure. It became an official part of the neighboring St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, allowing one of the largest parishes in the Diocese to have a parish school. We are now neighbors with no official ties. A unique history indeed, but we are ALL EAGLES.
SBA LEGACIES
Brian Alexander, Auburndale Class of 1988
West Bond, SBA Class of 1994 Daughter, Jennifer Bond, SBA Class of 2017 West attended St. Benedict at Auburndale for six years and was a member of the SBA baseball and football teams. His favorite memories are of being quarterback for the Eagles from 1990-93. West operates Sunrise Builders Supply in Horn Lake, MS. He has three daughters, Jennifer, who is 14 and a freshman at SBA, Alex, 12 and Hailey, 8, who are both students at SFA. West chose SBA for his girls because he couldn’t imagine them being anywhere else. He and his high school best friend, John Mills, are still buddies and can usually be found on the Eagle sidelines at our home football games. West and his family have always been a big part of SBA.
Daughter, Cameryn Alexander, SBA Class of 2015 Brian attended Auburndale for 10 years before graduating in 1988 and going on to play golf at Arkansas State University. There, he met his long-time friend, John Daly, and was a caddy on the PGA Tour for John for seven years. Brian is now the General Manager at Quail Ridge Golf Course, where he has been since 2006. Brian’s favorite high school memories all surround Friday night sporting events! Brian has two girls, Cameryn Reed who is a Junior at SBA, and Chandler Grace, who is in the 7th grade at SFA. Brian’s wife, Paige is a sales rep for Terminix and they have been married for five years. He chose SBA for the girls because he knew they would get a great education.
SBA LEGACIES
Keith Brents, Auburndale Class of 1981
Liz Kersting, SBA Class of 1998 Daughter, Julia Kersting, SBA Class of 2017 Elizabeth attended SBA for four years and has many great memories of high school. The ProLife March and spending the week before graduation swimming, hanging out at Shelby Farms, and having prayer time with her very tight-knit group are among the top of her list. Elizabeth is now a hard-working single mom of two. Her daughter, Julia, is a freshman this year and her son, Jacob, attends Holy Rosary, but will be a member of the SBA Class of 2021.
Elizabeth chose SBA for her daughter last year because she is a proud EAGLE and couldn’t wait for Julia to experience SBA for herself. As a parent, she is exited about all of the various opportunities the school offers. “SBA really tries to help everyone feel welcome and find their niche. It's a great balance of academics, fun and extracurricular activities,” Elizabeth says.
Daughter, Kaitlin Brents, SBA Class of 2012 Son, Hunter Brents, SBA Class of 2014 Keith attended Auburndale for eight years and graduated with a class of 31 students in 1981. He said the small class size made it easy to know all of the students and it felt like a family. His favorite memory is of their senior class trip, which was a Caribbean Cruise! Keith attended Ole Miss and Memphis State, graduating from Memphis with a BS in Civil Engineering. He has worked at FedEx Express for 29 years in Aircraft Engineering focusing on program management, passenger-to-freighter modifications and other major aircraft modifications. Keith says that Kaitlin and Hunter made their own decisions to attend SBA after visiting other private schools. They both liked the overall atmosphere, the friendly students, faculty and the state-of-the-art facilities. Kaitlin is now a sophomore at University of Memphis, while Hunter is enjoying his senior year at SBA. They are both proud Eagles like their dad!
SBA LEGACIES
Danny Lipsey, Auburndale Class of 1980 Son, Brock Lipsey, SBA Class of 2016 Danny came to The Auburndale School when he was in the 5th grade. He still remembers his class motto, “We’re so great, We’re so crazy, We’re the Class of 1980.” His favorite memories all have to do with sports and hanging out after school waiting for soccer, baseball, cross country or golf practice. Danny is now a licensed realtor with Keller-Williams Realty in Memphis. Danny and his wife, Bridget, decided to send Brock to St. Benedict at Auburndale for a number of reasons and knew that it would be a great fit for high school. They were right. Brock plays sports just like his dad and has a love for lacrosse. They also have two older sons, Zach, 25 and Chase, 23.
Renae Adcock McElwain, Auburndale Class of 1988 Son, Patrick McElwain, SBA Class of 2017 Renae graduated in the LAST class of Auburndale, in 1988, after attending the school since 1st grade. She LOVED the Friday night football games and says there was just something awesome about getting together with your friends for a rowdy night of cheering for the Eagles. Renae earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English from the University of Memphis, then spent over 15 years in corporate communications with a local orthopedic company. Two years ago she left the corporate world to do communications work on the faith-based side -- and loves it! She has been married to Marlin McElwain, an I.T. Advisor at FedEx, for 17 years and they have three children. Patrick is a freshman at SBA this year and enjoys his involvement with the Theater Department. Claire is currently in the 7th grade and Matthew is in 6th. Both attend Immanuel Lutheran School and are SBA-bound for high school. Renae feels that aside from the obvious nostalgic appeal of SBA being her alma mater, the school offers students limitless . She says there is so much more to SBA than the curriculum and that our school beckons students to get involved, to “plug in" and to find something that fuels their passion. She and her husband love that SBA values quality experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
SBA LEGACIES
Jennifer Jones Milburn, SBA Class of 1989
Sherrie Overton Rojas, SBA Class of 1989 Daughter, Gaby Rojas, SBA Class of 2016 Sherrie attended Auburndale/SBA for 12 years and loved the small school environment. Her favorite memories are of cheering for six years for the Eagles. Sherrie graduated from the University of Memphis and is a teacher by profession, but chose to be a stay at home mom 15 years ago. Sherrie is married to Renzo Rojas and they have two children, Gaby, 15-year-old SBA dance team member, and Mason, 12-year-old SFA student. They chose SBA for Gaby because of the Catholic faith background and they knew that she would flourish here because there is something for everyone.
Son, Jordan Milburn, SBA Class of 2008 Daughter, Elle Milburn, SBA Class of 2014 Daughter, Hannah Milburn, SBA Class of 2017 Jennifer attended SBA for two years and her favorite high school memories are of the close-knit group of friends she had and their fun times surrounding the Friday night games. Jennifer went on to become a Registered Nurse and soon met her husband, Dr. Mark Milburn, who is with the Mid-South Ear, Nose and Throat group. They have four children, Jordan, age 23, Elle, age 17, Hannah, age 14 and Alex, age 2. Mark and Jennifer chose SBA for their children because of the smaller class sizes and the loving environment that they knew would nurture close friendships like the ones that Jennifer remembers.
SBA LEGACIES
Carrie Horsfall Ybos, SBA Class of 1994 Son, Nicholas Saulters, SBA Class of 2014 Carrie attended SBA for three years and says that St. Benedict provided her with an amazing education, great friends and a spiritual foundation that prepared her for independence and a higher level of learning. She decided to send Nicholas to SBA for those exact reasons. Carrie graduated from The University of Memphis with a BA in education and is married to Chris Ybos. She is now a fulltime 4k teacher at St. Louis Catholic School where her other two sons, Trey and Drew attend.
Check out the new SBA Sideline Store from LIDS! Visit our website at sbaeagles.org and then go to the LIDS Sideline Store under our Quicklinks box in the top right corner.
ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
Class Notes
Ed Nienaber is on the Christian Brothers University Men’s Basketball Team coaching staff. Ed is proud to say that while he has been on the staff, the Bucs have made it to three NCAA Division II national tournaments and have advanced to the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8.
1993 Katy Kull Martinez has two children, Riley (11) and Fiona (20 mos). She works in social service as a regional coordinator ombudsman. The family makes their home in Prairieville, LA.
Brian Weigel is an IT Analyst in Memphis.
2004
1998
Kristen Albonetti Spratlin and husband David reside in Collierville, TN with their almost two-year-old son Luke. Kristin works with Regency Homebuilders and David is in sales at Elliott Data.
Laura Bastedo Torchen is a Pediatric Endocrinologist and is married to Stephen Torchen and the mother of two, Grace (4) and Ryan (2). The family makes their home in Chicago, where Laura has recently accepted a faculty position at the Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital (affiliated with Northwestern University) of Chicago in pediatric endocrinology.
2005 Kyle Bailey recently had an EP released on ITunes. Check it out at \https://itunes. apple.com/us/album/kyle-bailey-ep/ id749709228.
2000 Nick Etheridge and Mary Beth Miller (’04) were married in October. Brandon is employed at Federal Express and Mary Beth is a teacher.
2006
2001
Tina Hernandez has been living in the Philippines since graduating from SBA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of the Philippines Diliman in April, 2013. While at the university she founded an organization for UP ROTC. Tina is currently working to complete a Philippine science fiction novel and getting her MA in Foreign Service through Philippine Women’s University. In this photo of her college graduation, Tina is wearing a “sablay” sash, the traditional Filipino attire for UP commencement. The embroidery on the sash is in Baybayin, a Filipino script which predates the Spanish colonization of the country. Tina tells is that she works with a group called Rescue Team 926, Inc. in their efforts after the recent Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. She encourages her SBA friends to check the group’s FaceBook page at https://www. facebook.com/Rescue926 to contribute to their efforts.
Joseph Barzizza is a Payroll and Tax Administrator at British Embassy-Washington, DC.
2002 Ethan Edwards was married to Traci Allen in April, 2012. The couple has a son, Thomas, born in February 2013. The family makes their home in Memphis. Ethan graduated from the University of Memphis and recently established his own business, Edwards Steel Solutions. Sarah Shiba married Brent Thompson on June 29, 2013 at Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis.
2003 Carla Anderson makes her home in Arlington, TN and is an echocardiographer at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Katie Burkle Bailey and husband Robert make their home in Jacksonville, FL, where Katie is an RN.
2008
Julie Bauer makes her home in Denver, CO.
Chad Martin recently sent a thank you to SBA. Chad is a teacher at St. John Jubilee School in Memphis. The SBA Admissions Team dropped off some coffee and donuts at the beginning of the school year for the staff and administration. Chad was so proud when he saw the SBA gift that he sent a note to Mrs. Morris, “Thank you so much for the card, On Eagles Wings and donut treat! It was a great surprise to come into the teacher’s lounge and have a gift from my St. Benedict Family! I hope that your first week back went well! This was my seventh
Bobby Benedetti is a maintenance manager with Sonoco Co. and he and wife Katye make their home in Memphis. Dennis Clay makes his home in Bartlett, TN and is a Parts Sales Manager for Clay’s Warford Autoparts of Memphis. Kevin Coll makes his home in Memphis and is a Brand Content Specialist in marketing with ServiceMaster. Cristina Fletes Boutté is married to Hal Boutté and is a photo/videojournalist in Durham, NC.
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On Eagles’ Wings
week back, and things have been going well so far. It took me a while to get my room organized how I wanted it, and then getting used to the textbooks/resources that we use. There is a St. Benedict poster up on the door to the teacher’s lounge and it is always comforting to see the school every day. I know I would never be at the place I am today without the skills and support I received from the St. Benedict staff while I was there and even years after. I will keep you all posted on any new developments at St. John and I hope you all will do the same! Thank you again for the card, donuts and everything else that you all have done for me over the years, and I hope to see you soon!”
Jes Schneider is a senior at Christian Brothers University and is treasurer of the Iota Xi Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. Adam Stiles recently graduated from Mississippi State University with a BBA in finance. He is a financial analyst for Baker Hughes Oilfield Services Company in Houston, TX. Abby Tompkins is a graduate of Mississippi State University and has recently affiliated with Keller Williams Realty in Memphis. She welcomes friends to contact her with any real estate needs. You can contact Abby at 901/849-0044, abby@kwrealty.com or visit her web site at abby.kwrealty.com.
2009 Erin Edwards is a senior at the University of TennesseeKnoxville, due to graduate in December with a major in public relations. Erin is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and has served as their Director of Publicity. She is a certified life guard and swimmer and is employed at the TRECS (Tenn Recreational Center for Students on Campus).
2010 Veronica Brown is a student of Middle Tennessee State University and is a member of the school’s Performing Arts Company.
Nuria Espin is graduating from the University of Memphis in December and is a content specialist with ALSAC. She is engaged to former classmate, Jake Gaskin, who graduated from college in May, 2013 and is a physical tech and therapist.
Mary-Kate Cooke is a senior at Christian Brothers University and a member of the Lady Bucs Soccer Team as a defender. Mary-Kate is the Ritual Chair for the Iota XI Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. (see Alumni Photo Album)
Mikki Ferguson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi State University Shackhouls Honors College in May, 2013 with a BS in Biological Sciences and a minor in Classical Studies. This past August, Mikki started classes as a member of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medicine Class of 2017 and has been elected class Historian.
Michael Hogan was selected Mr. MSU (Mississippi State University) this fall. Michael was also Co-Mr. SBA for the class of 2010. Katie Jarvis is a student at the University of Tennessee-Martin with a major in public relations and minor in marketing. Katie is the President of the school’s chapter of the Public Relations Society Student Association (PRSSA) and director of the UT-Martin’s “Up ‘til Dawn” program.
Jackie Gillespie is a senior at the University of Memphis and a Sigma Kappa alum and Kappa Alpha Sweetheart. She is student teaching this year.
Chelsea Orland is a senior at the University of Memphis and is a Word Wizard with The Selling Agency.
Kayla Kiernozek has been named to the spring 2013 Dean’s List at Maryville (TN) College.
Wen Powers held his first lead role as Andrew Jackson in the University of Alabama’s production of Bloody, Bloody, Andrew Jackson in November. Wen is a senior at Alabama.
James Macyauski has been commissioned as a 2 Lieutenant in the Air Force through the ROTC program. He earned his bachelor’s degree and commission from UT-Knoxville. nd
2011
Kelsey Miles has been recognized by the Division II Athletic Directors Association as a recipient of the 2012-13 Academic Achievement Award for academic accomplishments as a student-athlete at the Division II level. To receive the award, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year. Kelsey was a star volleyball player for the CBU Lady Bucs.
Alex Austin heard about SBA’s “pink week” in October from his younger brother, Sam Austin, current freshman. It brought back memories of pink weeks while he was at SBA and he wanted to do something to help. Therefore, he took donations to “Save and Shave” and people paid to have Alex’s head shaved. Alex brought in a little over a $100 to add to SBA’s total for the week. Jennie Burks has been named to the spring 2013 Dean’s List at Maryville (TN) College.
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
Julie Eckel was named the SEC Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week right out of the shoot in the early part of the season for the Lady Vols of the University of Tennessee. Julie played 180 outstanding minutes in goal for Tennessee and went 2-0-0. She notched six saves against UCF and stood her ground on numerous one-on-one attempts, allowing Tennessee to come back with a pair of second-half scores to win the game. Then in the next game she recorded her first shutout of the season and the 18th of her illustrious Tennessee career. Her 18 saves ranks third in Tennessee history. The two wins pushed Julie’s career total to 32 and moved her in third place in UT history.
Holly Black, Katelyn Frierott and Caitlin McCurdy received notice in July that they had their submissions selected for the Primavera 2013 edition of Albricias, the official magazine of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish Honor Society). The girls submitted their works while seniors at SBA, and they were selected for publication last summer. Holly and Caitlin submitted poems and Katelyn submitted an essay.
Alumni, make sure you join “The OFFICIAL St. Benedict at Auburndale Alumni Group” on Facebook to reunite with your classmates and to stay up to date with the latest SBA Alumni information!
Taylor Seaman has been recognized by the Division II Athletic Directors Association as a recipient of the 2012-13 Academic Achievement Award for academic accomplishments as a student-athlete at the Division II level. To receive the award, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year. Taylor, a junior, plays baseball for the CBU Bucs and has appeared on the Presidential Dean’s List with a 4.0 GPA for all semesters. Taylor is the Epsilon Psi Chapter President of Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity at CBU and was honored recently for receiving two fraternal scholarships. (see Alumni Photo Album)
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WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION!!!
2012
Any Auburndale and SBA alumni can update database information by Emailing Sharon Masterson, Director of Communications, at mastersons@sbaeagles.org or logging on to www.sbaeagles.org/alumni. We want to hear from you and help everyone stay connected! And, send us something about yourself, too.
Michael Robinson is a journalism major at the University of Memphis. He works as an interior design assistant for Robinson Restoration and Design. He is also shares his vocal talents throughout the Memphis area and at SBA. 2013 Katie Akin is in her first semester at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and submitted her first article for their on-line magazine zoufeed.com in early September. Check it out at this link http://thezoufeed.com/downton-abbey-grips-viewers-unrelatable-circumstances/
If you have pictures you would like to share on our ALUMNI PHOTO ALBUM PAGES, Please E-mail them in JPEG format to mastersons@sbaeagles.org.
Aleksandr Brown recently received the Jerry Pace Memorial Scholarship from the Mid-South Fair for academics and for his many years of participation in the Fair’s competitions for original Lego building, wood design, etc. and has won Best of Show during that time.
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
ALUMNI PHOTO ALBUM
Over the summer, Patrick Erstine ’12 (at right) worked for Coach Eric Wells in his carpentry and landscape business. In mid-July they got some “R and R” at Sardis Lake, where they caught a limit of crappie. Patrick is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas.
SBA’s golf team entry for the 2013 Bishop’s Open at Quail Ridge in September had a chance to visit with Auburndale alum and course general manager Brian Alexander (’88).
SBA grads make up a good part of this year’s CBU Lady Bucs winning soccer team –
Mary-Kate Cooke (‘10)
Alex Bickenbach (‘11)
Chelsea Casaccia (‘12)
Carly Downing (‘13)
Katelyn Graham (‘12)
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
The team of 2013 alums Andrew Nevle, Nick Gerard, Avery Black, Jay Stoll, Johnny Cordera, Chance Donohue and friend John McLaughlin finished third out of 20 teams in the amateur division of the 8th Annual Dodge This! Tournament for Youth Villages in August at Wellworx Sporting Club. Over $30,000 was raised in both the amateur and pro divisions. Another SBA alum, Channing Peeples (’07), who is a PR Specialist for Youth Villages, said, “We really appreciate the guys’ support and hope they had a good time.”
This is the Chattanooga gang at The Crust on Nov. 10 with Mr. Valadie, who is now living there and is President of Notre Dame High School. He joins Katelyn Anderson (’11), Bernie Smith (’11), Megan Van Eaton (‘10), Maria Pirani (‘09), Max Smith (‘11), Tim Barczak (‘11), Alex Ashlock (‘13), Kyle Anderson (‘13), Andrew Zazzara (‘11), Yusuf Egal (‘13), Mr. Valadie and Jacob Bosworth (‘13). Katelyn and Kyle helped to organize the gathering with Mr. Valadie.
Taylor Seaman (at left), SBA class of 2011, was recognized at the Delta Sigma Pi Grand Chapter Congress in Seattle, WA. Taylor, president of the Epsilon Psi Chapter at Christian Brothers University (CBU) received two different fraternal scholarships. With Taylor are Hayley Isaac, Associate Director of Graduate Business Programs at CBU, who was named District Director of the Year for the region and Chapter Advisor Dr. Robert Brittingham, CBU professor emeritus, who received three distinguished awards for Chapter Advisor of the Year at the regional, provincial and national levels.
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Madeline Marconi (’12) starred as Anne Frank in the “Diary of Anne Frank” produced by the Actors Bridge Ensemble and the Belmont University Department of Theatre and Dance this fall. Her performance received wonderful reviews, such as this one from the Nashville Tennessean, “...But the evening belongs to Madeline Marconi, who fully embodies the role of Anne by tempering moments of levity and wit with an unmistakable sense of dread. She — along with the rest of the cast — draws us into the story so completely that several members of the audience at Saturday’s matinee responded to the inevitable arrival of the Nazis with audible gasps.”
ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
Brothers Jordan (’13) and Trey Wilkins (’11) met up at the Ole Miss-Vanderbilt game in Nashville. Jordan is an Ole Miss Rebel and Trey plays for Vanderbilt.
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
2002 Alum Andrea Mason Ray, who was an “Alumni Spotlight” in the last issue of “On Eagles Wings,” spoke to current SBA students about her upcoming three-year mission trip to Zambia. The Rays have made it to their new home and Andrea gives us updates through her blog. http://www.raystozambia.com/ourblog.
Craig Carter (’00), wife Stacey and daughters Aubrie and Haley let us know about their move to their new home in Hernando, MS.
Friday night lights shine on SBA 1993 alum Dr. John Hyden (right) of Campbell Clinic as he now serves as the SBA team physician, working with Campbell Clinic Certified Trainer Troy Koerner.
UArk Razorback fans gather at a recent tailgate before a game. Andy and Chase Wise (at left) visit with daughter Jordan Wise, SBA class of 2013, (at right) and Arkansas alum Ann O’Leary (center).
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT Chris Masterson, SBA Class of 1997 Dedicated to Catholic Education SBA Class of 1997 alum Chris Masterson was recognized as one of North County (MO) Regional Development Association’s “30 Leaders in their Thirties.” He received his award at their luncheon in late September. Chris, who lives in Ferguson, MO (a suburb of St. Louis), is a teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic School. He recently received his master’s degree in Catholic Education Leadership from Saint Louis University. Before moving to the St. Louis area, Chris taught Economics/Government and coached football and basketball at SBA. While in Memphis, he completed the Catholic Schools Leadership Academy. In his more than four years at Sacred Heart, he has served on a number of faculty committees including the principal’s advisory committee and school climate committee and chaired the Sacred Heart Walk-a-thon. During the 2010-2011 school year, Chris completed the Archdiocese of St. Louis Potential Leader program for future school leaders. In 2012, he began serving as a member of the academic excellence committee for the Archdiocese Advancement Initiative for Catholic
Education and was a part of a contingent accepting an award at the National Catholic Education Association Conference in Boston that year. This past July, Chris was appointed by the principals of the Federation of Catholic Schools to be the Director of Professional Learning Communities Northeast Federation of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Chris is married to Jennifer Masterson. They have a daughter, Emma (15 mos), and are expecting their second child in April. They are active members of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Florissant, MO.
Congratulating Chris are (from left) Dr. Karen Tichy - Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Archdiocese of St. Louis, Chris, Monsignor Mark Ullrich - Pastor Sacred Heart Parish and School, Lois Vollmer - Principal Sacred Heart School, Ken Morr Principal St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish School, a member school of the Northeast Federation of Catholic Schools.
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ALUMNI NEWS
On Eagles’ Wings
ALUMNI
SBA alum and new husband receive blessing from Pope Francis
SPOTLIGHT Eric Edwards taking part in Post-Doctoral Research Eric Edwards (2005) is doing post-doctoral research at the University of Regensburg, Germany. Eric graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2009 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and a major in physics. At Alabama, Eric received a vast number of honors; Blount Scholar, Computer Based Honors Program, Goldwater Scholar 2008, Randall Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award 2009, Rhodes Scholarship Finalist 2008, Department of Physics and Astronomy Outstanding Senior Physics Major, University Presidential Scholarship 2005-09, Summer Cornell Research Program, Summers Columbia University Research Program and Rehovat, Israel Summer Research Program. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Münster, Germany in 2012 with a Ph.D in Physics. He is engaged to Melanda Szabo of Hungary.
Deanna Jones (’04) married Michael Johnston on October 5, 2013 at St. Ann Church in Bartlett. The couple honeymooned in Rome and were blessed with the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. Deanna is studying for her MA in Theology at Newman University and the couple makes their home in Dodge City, KS, where she is a pastoral minister at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Deanna says, “Meeting Pope Francis was an amazing experience.” She also sends greetings to all her SBA friends and says, “I am so grateful for my formation at SBA. I really can’t express enough how being part of the SBA family has shaped who I am today. Thank you for being a part of my journey. May God continue to bless you always.”
2013 grad still making news in research 2013 graduate Carley Johnson had a senior internship at the University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology Computational Neurodynamics lab. Her work consisted of processing electroencephalographs (EEG) through computer analysis. After graduation, this past August, Carly attended the IEEE International Joint Conference of Neural Networks (IJCNN) in Dallas, where she helped present her lab’s paper - “Spatial Alignment of Scalp EEG Activity During Cognitive Tasks.” It was a twenty-minute paper presentation in front of some major players in the Neural Science research field, like Walter Freeman III. Carly says she stuck out like a sore thumb, as she was the youngest person attending and presenting.
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2013 Young AlumNite
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SBA thanks Jonathan Sadler (1999) for this beautiful landscaping which fronts the sign on Chimneyrock.
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