alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
CLASS NOTES
1997 Erin Massey Everitt is an attorney and currently interning with the Attorney General in Memphis.
1986 Bill Courtney was a volunteer football coach for the Manassas Tigers in 2009 when the Oscar winning documentary Undefeated was filmed about the team and Bill’s impact on the players. It recently won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film was adapted from a Commercial Appeal article written by, then Prep Reporter, Jason Smith and is in the works for a full motion picture film in the future. Bill told his players, whom he became very close to, “Football doesn’t build character. It reveals it.” Bill and his wife have four children and live in Memphis, where Bill also has his business, Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. The company won the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year Award in 2007. Bill became familiar with Manassas because his business is located in the same neighborhood as the school.
Scott Mahr has join Running Pony Productions of Memphis as a Motion Graphic Artist/3D Animator.
1999 Andrea Watson Ball is married to Scooter Ball and has a two-year-old son, Easton. The family makes their home in Hendersonville, TN, where Andrea is an Occupational Therapist. The couple, who expects their second child this July, are proud owners of Play Ball Children’s Therapy, which employs contract therapists to work in-home in the Nashville area. Amanda Schadrack Beers and husband, Joshua, welcomed their son, Lucas James Beers, on February 29, 2012, weighing 7 lbs, and measuring 20” long. He joins sisters Elle, age 7 and Sophie, age 2.
2000 Morgan Hargraves is currently living in Memphis and is employed by Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
1988 Debbie DeMaria Barnes lives in Greenwood, AR and works in sales with Zales. She has two children Jessica, who is in college and Chris, a sophomore in high school.
2001 Lauren Massey Fuchs is a defense attorney with the Massey McClusky Law Office in Memphis. Lacey Pease is one of the founders of the Be Free Revolution (BFR), a nonprofit Christcentered organization established to sell handmade wares from poor countries in Africa, such as Kenya and Uganda. The organization sells the craft products made in these countries using the profits to provide counseling for victims of rape and violence, local mentors for children and to help support a savings and loan program. Lacey has traveled on several mission trips over the years and also studied photography in Italy. She serves as Creative & Commerce Director for BFR. For information on the Be Free Revolution and how you can help, go to befreerevolution.com or Facebook.com/befreerevolution.
1989 Eric Andrews and his wife Cynthia Moranville Andrews (’90) make their home in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. Their three children attend St. Henry School in Nashville. Cynthia has worked as a dental hygienist treating gum disease for 17 years following her graduation from UT-Memphis College of Dental Hygiene.
1994 Lisa Zimmer Smithmier and husband Shane make their home in Lakeland, TN with children Jake (14) and Kaley (12). Both Lisa and Shane are firefighters – Lisa with the Collierville Fire Department and Shane with the Shelby County Fire Department.
2002 Lindsey Himelright Hill and husband Daniel welcomed their daughter Julia Day Hill on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2012, weighing in at 5 lbs, 4 oz and measuring 19” long.
Lora Zimmer Strauss and husband Mike make their home in Bethel, MN with children Meghan (16), Abby (14) and Gretchen (10). Lora is with the DDA and husband, Mike, is a policeman.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Caleb Walker and wife Cindy welcomed their new daughter Paisley on October 12, 2011, weighing in at 8 lbs, 5 oz and measuring 20” long. Caleb is currently studying to become a personal trainer. His undergraduate degree is in Sports Management. He plans to train at the Smith Clinic for Physical Therapy in Cordova where he currently works as a Physical Therapy Tech. Cindy is working on her Master Degree in Counseling. (see Alumni Christmas Photo Album)
Mary Claire Massey Ortiz is married to Mat Ortiz and the couple makes their home in Lexington, KY where Mary Claire is a pharmacist with Walgreens.
Justin Wesche graduated from Southwest Tennessee Community College in May, 2006 with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design. He also graduated from Anthem Career College with a degree in Medical Billing and Coding in 2011. He currently works for AirServ and enjoys bowling in a league that meets at Cordova Bowling Center.
Their wedding in October of 2010 was featured as the “Best Rustic Chic” in the December “A Year in Review, A look at the year’s most notable local weddings” featured insert in the Commercial Appeal in December.
2003
Joanna Cleveland had her work exhibited in the Idaho State University John B. Davis Gallery MFA Thesis Exhibition from February 21-March 2. Joanna has been studying for her Master of Art Degree at the school since the fall of 2009.
Jennifer Oros has moved back to Germantown to take a job promotion with Target in Memphis.
2004 Melissa Falanga Burrus and husband, Hunter, have welcomed a new son, Knox Hunter Burrus on September 26, 2011, weighing in at 7 lbs, 6 oz.
Bobby Benedetti married Katye Graves of Millington on January 21, 2012 at Holy Rosary Church followed by the reception at the Teton Trek at the Memphis Zoo. Katye is a product development engineer for Medtronic in Memphis. Bobby graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He is maintenance manager for Sonoco in Memphis. (see Alumni Photo Album)
Cassie Mojica is an Account Planner for TV stations ABC24-CW30 in Memphis. Aaron Sims married Nayely Rendon on September 10, 2011 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wichita, KS. Included in the wedding party were fellow ’04 alumni Tyler McDaniel, Matt Dean, Mark Chando, Neil Gattas and Andrew Apple. Aaron and Nayely are both graduates of Wichita State University. They honeymooned on Anna Maria Island, FL and they make their home in Wichita, where Aaron is employed at Intrust Bank.
Bobby Lawrence was named Student D.O. for the month of January at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN. Bobby is a first-year osteopathic medical student. The D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) Student of the Month is a program sponsored by the school’s SGA and is designed to recognize an outstanding first and second-year student each month. Among the criteria for the honor are involvement in the school, leadership skills, community service, class attendance, initiative, attitude and professionalism. At LMU-DCOM, Bobby is active in the Pediatrics Club, the Internal Medicine Club and the Student American Academy of Osteopathy. He serves as the firstyear liaison for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association and helped organize the school’s participation in the 2011 Operation Christmas Child project. Bobby was a science teacher at SBA before entering DeBusk.
Emily Steffan was featured in an article in the Boca Beacon newspaper of Boca Grande, FL, her parents’ home. Emily, who lives in New Orleans, was on a panel that discussed the country’s educational system at the Friends of Boca Grande Community Center Film Forum in January following the viewing of the film “American Teacher.” Emily is a the Dean of Students for third to fifth grade students at Batiste Cultural Arts Academy charter school in New Orleans. Elizabeth Turnage is finishing up her fourth year in optometry school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, as well as her year as Executive Treasurer of the National American Optometric Student Association. While in school, Elizabeth has been an active member of the Lions’ Club, an officer in the International Gold Key Honor Society, taken several medical mission trips in the U.S. and abroad and written articles for optometric publications. She plans to practice in Tennessee once she graduates. She is engaged to be married to Andrew Reese in May.
John Paul Masterson (JP) ran in the New Orleans Half Marathon on March 4 and finished with a time of 1:39:04. (see Alumni Photo Album)
Jordan Wells appeared in the Chorus of the Opera Memphis production of Die Fledermaus in Janauary.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
2005
2008
Ryan Speakman performed as Bobby in Company, his most recent appearance as a professional actor, at the Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT in the fall.
Kristin Barnett married Adam Teague December 17, 2012 at Our lady of Perpetual Help Church in Germantown. Ashleigh Buyers is a Business and Studio Art Major at the University of Mary Washington. Ashleigh and her video group won third place in the school’s marketing video contest. She received the award from the university’s President Hurley. Ashleigh stays busy as a freelance photographer in Fredericksburg, VA. You can visit Ashleigh at ashleighbuyers.phanfare.com; smilesbyashleigh. blogspot.com.
2007 Brent Ariemma was named to the 2011 Fall Dean’s List at Christian Brothers University. Brent is a member of the Bucs Baseball Team. Matt Ariemma was named to the 2011 Fall Dean’s List at Christian Brothers University. Brent is a member of the Bucs Baseball Team. Colin Doyle is a Baseball/Stadium Operations Assistant with the Memphis Redbirds. He specifically manages The Boardwalk area of the stadium that has a variety of games for children. Colin also helps out in marketing and game-day preparation.
Andrew Greenop is one of five recipients of the Christian Brothers University Lasallian Fellows Award presented to outstanding members of the senior class for their excellence in scholarship, service and community involvement. Andrew has been a tutor and mentor for the Honors Program at CBU for which he serves on the advisory council. He is a double major in mechanical engineering and math and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. He is due to graduate this May and hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.
Cody Maxcy is a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual and he is living in Murfreesboro, TN. Cody and Kellie Hastings, also of the Class of 2007, are engaged to be married in September. Chelsea Robinson will graduate from the University of Memphis this May with a BA in Theatre. She is hoping to pursue a career as a professional stage manager and actress. Chelsea was one of the Assistant Stage Managers for the Phantom of the Opera production at the U of M. She is currently appearing as Poppy Norton-Taylor in Noises Off at Theatre Memphis.
Mary Beth Maier recently finished a six-month internship with the Philadelphia Inquirer in the multimedia department. She is preparing for graduation from Drexel University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor Degree in Digital Media with a focus in web design and development.
Andy Stiles graduated from Delta State University in December, 2010 with a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation Degree. Following graduation, Andy worked for six months as a flight instructor at Falcon Aviation Academy in Georgia instructing international students. He is currently employed as a pilot with AB Aviation, a local charter company, flying Lear jets.
2009
Rebecca McCarthy was named to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Dean’s List for the 2011 fall quarter. Kelsey Miles was named to the Gulf South Conference Academic All-GSC team for volleyball at CBU in February. She is one of six CBU athletes selected to the Academic teams. The Academic All-GSC Teams are selected in a joint vote by the GSC’s Sports Information Directors and Faculty Athletic Representatives. To be eligible, student-athletes must be a starter or significant contributor on the court or field and carry at least a 3.2 GPA.
Philip Valle married Katie Santos on March 3, 2012 at St. Louis Church in Memphis. Their reception followed also at St. Louis and they make their home in Memphis. Philip will graduate next December with a bachelor degree in Middle Grades Education and hopes to teach junior high English or History. He plans to continue his education to secure a Master Degree in Administration. Philip is an assistant varsity football coach at SBA and works with St. Francis of Assisi School Extended Care. Katie, a Katrina evacuee, came to SBA as a junior. She went back to the New Orleans area for her senior year. Following graduation from high school, Katie received her bachelor degree at the Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis and is currently a licensed Radiologic Technologist for Baptist Hospital. (see Alumni Photo Album)
Adam Stiles is currently a junior at Mississippi State and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Adam has earned membership in Alpha Lambda Delta National Honorary Society, the National Society of Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization, Beta Gamma Sigma (the highest honor a business student can receive from a school of business accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and the Kappa Phi Honor Society. He is a finance major and on track to graduate in May, 2013.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Shelby Wade is a full time student and in her second semester in the Loewenburg School of Nursing program at the University of Memphis. She has three more semesters to complete for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Anna Pallme was selected to the University of Alabama’s competitive Equestrian team. She is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Freshman Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Anna made the Dean’s list her first semester at Alabama and is currently serving as an Honors College Student Ambassador.
2010
Billy Payne served as Assistant Lighting Designer and Master Electrician for the University of Kentucky’s fall production of Romeo and Juliet.
Taylor Seaman was named to the 2011 Fall Dean’s List at Christian Brothers University. Taylor is a member of the Bucs Baseball Team.
Kaitlyn Stoddard was featured on the cover and in a six-page spread in the At Home in Arkansas magazine’s 2011 fall/winter wedding issue. Kaitlyn joined the SBA cross country team coaching staff this year.
Correction – In the last issue of “On Eagles’ Wings” we reported Auburndale/SBA alumni numbers for the Class of ’06 incorrectly – it should be 133. We are sorry for the error.
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! www.facebook.com.
2011
Jennie Burks is one of the starting catchers for the Maryville College Lady Scots softball team of the Great South Athletic Conference.
SBA CLASS OF 2002!!!
Your reunion is being planned by Brittany Gammell Pride. Please send her or the Alumni office your Email and home addresses to brittanygammell@yahoo.com; or regisl@sbaeagles.org.
WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION!!!
Kaitlyn Favorite was named to the Dean’s List at St. Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
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.
Luke James placed first at the Anderson Invitational and the Sewanee Invitational in Indoor Track this year. He also ran to a second place finish at the Tennessee State Invitational as seen in this photo. Luke (left in photo) runs track for Bethel University.
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.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Christmas Greetings from SBA Alums
The Mary Hermsdorfer Delgado (’99) family
The Laura Bond Cheseldine (’96) family
The Rachel McGehee Revelle (’03) family
David (’95) and Andrea Kronberg(’96) Gillespie family
The Melissa Ackerman & Justin Brownlee (’96) family
The Matt (’95) and Jenni Gillespie Helms (’03) family
The Caleb Walker (‘02) family The Rena Masterson Fay (’95) family
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Christmas Greetings from SBA Alums (continued)
The Chad Connolly (’02) family
The McGowan Family with Molly (’06) and Mims McGowan Pigg (’03)
Hagen (’03) and Mallory (’05) Schroder The Lindsey Tompkins McKinley (’04) Family
Chandler Williams (’11) with sister Paige (’13)
The Caitlin Doyle Motte (‘03) Family
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Class of 2010 Alums, (from left) Megan Van Eaton, Theresa Ong and Carly Pirani, met up at the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority District Leadership Conference in Ashville, North Carolina. Megan and Carly are both members of ADPi at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Theresa Ong is a member at the University of TennesseeMartin. Because of the executive positions they each hold in their ADPi Chapters, they were selected for this Conference.
Former SBA classmates (2008) and basketball stars, Kevin Doran and Zach Ricketts met up at the ArmyNavy game in Washington on Dec. 10. 4C Midshipman Kevin Doran is a student at the Naval Academy and 1st Sergeant Zach Ricketts is at West Point. To Kevin’s delight, Navy won, 27-21.
SBA alums gathered to celebrate the marriage of Bobby Benedetti-Katye Graves at the reception held at the Memphis Zoo’s Teton Trek. Members of the wedding party were (from second left) JP Masterson ’03; Nikki Benedetti ’10, sister of the groom; Joe Martini ’99, cousin of the groom; Sarah Benedetti Hammond ’06, sister of the groom and Dennis Clay ’03. Others on hand for the celebration were Jimmy Connor ’02 (left) and Alex Clay ‘08 (right).
Bret Bilbrey (’01) met up with Jennifer Taylor (’09) (left) and Natalie Smith (’10) (right) at the Memphis-Southern Mississippi Basketball game in January at the FedEx Forum. Jennifer and Natalie are members of the National Championship University of Memphis Pom Squad. As a special treat, Natalie presented Bret with a 2012 University of Memphis Spirit Squad Calendar signed by the squad members.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Alum Moms have “reunion” lunch
Moms of former SBA track & field athletes and Head Track Coach Dianna Cervetti got together for lunch at Bahama Breeze on the Martin Luther King Holiday. Pictured (clockwise) Donna Bolden (Paige ’10), Coach Dianna Cervetti, Dorice Favorite (Kaitlyn ’11), Christine Nichols (Meagan ’09), Linda Payne (Billy ’10), Kathy Schober (LeeAnn ’10).
Noah Shrader (’02) was a featured soloist at the John Angotti and Friends Christmas Concert. He performed along with the SBA Show Choir.
Ashley (right) and her brother John Schettler (second from right) (’03) met up with the Pro-Life trip travelers and chaperones (from left) Khira Albonetti Rotty (’99) and Stuart McCommon (’03) at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in January. Both Ashley and John live and work in Washington, D.C.
JP Masterson (’03) met up with Ashley Schettler (’02) at the Turkey Trot 5K at Shelby Farms on Thanksgiving. As mentioned in Class Notes, JP later ran in the New Orleans Half Marathon.
Fun was had by all at the Philip Valle (’07) and Katie Santos wedding in March.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
Midshipman 3rd Class Colin Schuhlein (’10), a student at the Naval Academy, visits with students interested in the Academy just before Thanksgiving break. SBA Class of 2004 alum Jordan Wells (left) was the Music Director for this year’s musical, “Anything Goes,” and Bret Bilbrey (’01) had a cameo role in the production in which he appeared back in 1998 in the old school.
Charlie Marczynski (center) met up with sisters (from left) Kate (’09) and Sarah (’06) in Chattanooga during a basketball trip in January. Charlie, who graduates this year, served as men’s team manager. Both sisters live in Chattanooga and came to the game to support their Alma Mater and younger brother.
Corporal Michael McCaffrey (‘07) stopped by SBA in the fall, on leave. He had a chance to visit SBA friends and former teachers like Laura Burke.
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alumni news
On Eagles’ Wings
As mentioned in our last issue of “On Eagles’ Wings,” Marissa Weiss (’11) was asked to join the UT-Chattanooga Row Team as coxswain. She says, “Learning to be coxswain Was kind of learning to drive. I have to steer, make sure rowers Are okay and safe, watch the stroke rating, watch for other boats, listen to my coach and officials and so much more.” In addition she helps with the cadence and calls out instructions. In her first two races in the Women’s Collegiate Novice 4, her boat captured second at the Chattanooga Head Race and third at the Hobbs Island Head Race in Alabama.
SBA alums Michael Allen (’08) and Chris Masterson (’97) had a chance to catch up on things during Christmas break at a Lady Eagles’ basketball game. Chris taught and coached Michael in basketball when he was at SBA and Michael currently serves as SBA Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.
Again, this year, our gifted musical alums came back for the AnnualSBA Alumni Concert benefitting our Food Bank Drive. Performing this year were (from left) Ian Miller (’10), Nick Lumpkin (’11), Alex Turner (’11), Aaron Vasquez (’11), Mark Chando (’04), Stuart McCommon (’03), Jared Walsh (’03), David White (’00), David Brocato (’00) and Adam Jennings, who was a student for some years.
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