On Eagles' Wings Summer/Fall 2018
Annual Report 2017-18
Mission
St. Benedict at Auburndale High School is a diocesan, coeducational, college preparatory school committed to academic excellence through a comprehensive and challenging multi-level curriculum presented in an atmosphere permeated with the aims, values and teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. Editor/Director of Communications & Sports Information Sharon Masterson Principal Sondra Morris Assistant Principal/Director of Academics Dr. Beth Fischer Assistant Principal for Faith & Mission Deacon Jeff Drzycimski Director of PLUS Program Terri Dickens Athletic Director Caleb Marcum Director of Admissions Terri Heath Director of Advancement Matt Stark Director of Digital Marketing Tonya Stark Director of Alumni Stacey Peeney Advisory Board 2018-2019 Jon Bascom Alicia Brown Msgr. Peter Buchignani Dr. Colleen Butterick Superintendent Janet Donato Chad Harrell Dr. John Hyden (’93), Vice Chair Adrienne LeBlanc Jim Marconi Erik Matheson Michael McCusker Renae McElwain (Auburndale ’88) Darren Mullis Patty Neuhoff, Chair Chris Newbern Rev. Johnnie Smith Steve Vescovo
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School
Table of Contents On the Cover A huge THANK YOU to alum Connor Ryan (SBA 2013) for allowing us to use the outstanding picture of SBA that he took. Connor has his own business, Connor Ryan Photo & Film. Check out his FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/connor.ryan.3958 for some great pics! Thanks for this, Connor!
4 FROM THE PRINCIPAL 5 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS 9 ABOUT OUR FAITH 12 HEADLINE NEWS 14 ACHIEVEMENTS
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FACULTY FOCUS ON AND OFF CAMPUS SPORTS ALUMNI NEWS
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ON EAGLES’ WINGS magazine is published by the St. Benedict at Auburndale High School Office of Communications. Change of address or correspondence: Please send all changes to: Editor - On Eagles’ Wings St. Benedict at Auburndale High School 8250 Varnavas Drive Cordova, TN 38016 mastersons@sbaeagles.org
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From The Principal
To all our SBA families and friends, This issue of our newsletter contains our Annual Report. This is our yearly opportunity to publicly thank those many, many people who have supported SBA this past year. We are most grateful for the gifts you’ve shared, but we are also very appreciative of the many gifts of your prayers, your sacrifice, your time, your kind words, your teacher treats, and most importantly, for the gift of allowing us to partner with your family in your child’s education. In this season of giving and thanks, many fond memories come to mind. One of my favorites is our Annual Food Drive. I think back to the many ways canned goods were brought in and for the many home pantries that were raided during the Food Drive. I have never claimed to be a good cook or even an average cook, but I do have a few specialties in my recipe book. And, for those few times I did plan for what I thought would be a nice, tasty, home-cooked meal for my family, then go to the pantry and find we were wiped out, my wish is that my own children participated from a sense of wanting to give and help others, although I’m sure extra credit (and having to go out to dinner instead of eating my cooking) played a part as well. The end result, is that our SBA family is one of service and gratitude . We thank you for that, for the many fond memories and for all the things our students, alums, families and friends do for our school. The Lord has surely blessed us over these years and we ask His blessings for you during this giving and Holy season! Sondra Morris Principal
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Honor Roll of Donors Eagle Club $5,000+
Jon and Catherine Bascom Community Foundation Ebert-LeBlanc Family Foundation William (Bill) and Julie England Elizabeth Fischer Chris Landers Agri Industrial Supply Jeffery and Natalie McCulley Renaissance Charitable Foundation, INC William and Sharon Ryan Paul and Shannon Schuhlein Dirk and Jennifer Smith Softwood Trade Publications Speer Charitable Trust
Benefactors $2,500 - $4,999
Nick and Suzy Huber Hugh and Kim Jackson Kroger Pfizer Jack and Joy Ross David and Kathleen Sharp
Donors $1,000 - $2,499
Paul Bryant Mattie Dolan & Dr. Beth McCarville Enernoc David and Constance Faasse Ed and Debbie Farler John and Jill Frierott Scott and Christine Giles George and Margaret Heath John Allen Herbers Scott and Barbara Hervey John and Courtney Hyden International Paper Foundation Michael and Anne Keeney Rev. Thomas D. Kirk Sharon Masterson Matthew and Kate McDonald Paul Miller Tom and Marie Newbern Frank and Teddi Niedzwiedz Parker Uniforms Michael Rossi Kathleen Schettler Paul and Anne Stoddard Truist Steve & Dr. Wanda Winnette Wells Fargo
Patrons $500 - $999
Michael and Christa Allen Anonymous AutoZone Community Relations Sam and Barbara Banks Mark and Laurie Beck Gerold and Barbara Blum Roslyn Bunch Roger Cicala John Cooley David and Rita Cremerius Bryan and Mary Crowe Leroy Dahler Tim and Michelle Dlabaj Theresa Kelley Kohl’s Francis J. Manion James and Suzanne Martin Erik and Audrey Matheson Tim and Natalie Moran Robert and Shelley Nelson Kent and Patty Neuhoff Carty & Company Thomas Shelton and Kay Jackson St. Thomas Moore Catholic Lawyers Guild Arlington Dance Arts Marjorie and Joe Vincent Orien Watson David and Michelle Ziebarth
Partners $200 - $499
Robert and Claudia Baker
John and Kay Barbieri Mark and Karen Barbieri Mary Lou Brown Mary Ann Capocaccia Richard and Maureen Carrasco Brenda Carter Michael and Kelly Childress Janet and Michael Donato Robert and Suzanne Dunham Michael and Lou Anne Falanga Richard and Debra Ferber Raul and Earline Fletes Paul and Theresa Frierott
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Jason and Laurel Fullen James and Gay Galbreath Matthew and Jenni Helms Janet Hinrichs Lee and Suzy Hunter Michael and Kathy Hurt Stephen and Amy Iovinelli Knights of Columbus Patrick and Lisa Lloyd Michael and Rima Logan Tim and Kate Marconi Mark and Nancy Miller Robert and Nancy Miller James and Hafife Montgomery John and Sondra Morris Terry and Robin Oldham Ann and Sean O’Leary Patricia Possel Richard Poynton Webster and Helen Riggs Gary and Pam Ripberger Billy Roberson Tim and Kate Schaffler Jamie Schneider Joseph and Debbie Smith Leann Speering David Thomas Keith and Lori Wade William and Julie Wallace Jennifer Wiggins
Friends Up to $199
John and Jane Alexander Pearson Allen Babette Antoniak John and Christine Armour Ed and Kim Avery Yasenis Ayers Ted and Rebecca Bacon Richard and Kareen Baird David and Alison Barczak Roberto and Debra Bautista Scott and Amy Beattie Laura Beck J. Benedict and Deanna Beer Arthur and Linda Benjamin Joan Best Kristin and Allen Black Charlotte Blassingame Marydeb and William Bleau Enrique and Jennifer Bougeois Dr. Causaundra Bradley Jennifer Brannon Nick Brashier Brian and Lynn Bray Denise Broughton Margaret Buchignani
Dr. Vanessa del Socorro Sepulveda Chuck and Tara Buckingham Laura Burke Rev. William Burke John and Karen Butler Dr. Colleen and Michael Butterick Eric and Peggy Butze Douglas and Donna Byrnes Parker and Jo Ann Card Murry and Charlene Card Juan Cardona and Sandra Leyva Roddy and Veronica Cardone Carol and Brian Carriveau Robert Chiles Nicole and Timothy Chrestman Jeff and Keeling Christiansen Matt Clark Julie Allison Clary Dennis and Barbara Cobb Lena Collins Edwin and Lena Collins Carol Collins-Carriveau Louis and Mindy Costabile Gary and Mary Cox Tommie Criswell Pat and Annette Dabaldo Warren and Tammy Davis Johnny and Michelle Dennis Marilyn DiNardo Mitzi Donato The Catholic Center Jimmy Doyle Nicholas Dressman Deacon Jeff Drzycimski Lisa Dufur Brian and Amy Ellis Brother Chris Englert, F.S.C. Jim Epley Jeremy and Laura Erspamer John Erspamer Elizabeth Ryan Farm Bradley and Hollie Federman David and Martha Finklestein John and Karen Focht Tammie Ford Tim and Nita Frassinelli
Heather Ann Freel Meghan Freeman-Medford and Dusty Medford Katelyn Ann Frierott Sandy Galtelli Chris and Jennifer Gammill Tom and Julie Gattas John and Patricia Gillenwater Lawrence and Janice Gilliland Dr. Mark Ginter Shawn and Jennifer Glemser George and Anita Goode Michael and Diane Goold Marcella Grokulsky Nancy Gronostaj Harry and Heidi Guinocor Stephen and Ann Maria Hall Andrew and Denise Hamann Rev. Russell Harbaugh Glenn and Donna Harckum Clifford and Cristi Harding Chad and Deidra Harrell Herman and Laura Harthcock Tom and Terri Heath Kenneth and Kimberly Heath Bill and Nanetta Hecht Amy Herbers Sarah Elizabeth Hervey-Wiles Amy Hester Rick and Lea Hetherington Sondra Hobson Lance and Gretchen Hollingsworth Laura Hollis Susan Holtwick Charles and Jennien Hubiak Will Hudgens Allen Hyatt Anthony and Rose Jamias Sharon Jasper Dr. Herman Jorgensen Richard and Christine Justin Kathy Kaufenberg Jim and Marsha Keller Sean and Doris Kennedy Timothy Andrew Kersting Dr. Robert Kraus Cliff and Angel Lafferty Nicholas and Pamela Lake George and Donna Lamar James Lenahan, III John and Mia Leoni Stephen and Celeste Lepp Marlene Light Luis and Zenia Lomas Jay and Lori Luther Denis and Monica Lynch Philip and Tamera Mabry George Madden Don and Susan Madeksho Caleb Marcum John McCarroll Rob and Jenny McCleary
Michael Meagher Richard and Susan Mellen Lloyd and Vicki Miller Lindsay Munn Michael and Darlene Nevle Liza Nolan Joan Oreilly Elizabeth Ann Packard Dr. Tim Pangonas Brandon Patton Brent and Brittany Patton Leon Peck and Cynthia Leon Michael and Stacey Peeney Bobby Pence Molly Pickering Jim and Joan Place Tammi Portanova Charles and Peggy Quinn Gloria Reynolds Ricardo Rodriguez and Bertha Carbajal de Rodriguez Thomas Rupkey Robert and Patsy Rush Matthew and Emily Ryan Rob Sabau Stephanie Scates Katherine Leigh Schuhlein Mark and Nancy Scruggs Don Sebren Roberto Sepulveda Blair Seymour Tim and Stacey Sheppard Russell and Jeanette Smith Stanley and Andrea Smith Spencer Farrell Smith Adam Smith Buz and Trish Sorce Phillip Sorette Kristen Spencer Matthew and Tonya Stark Leslie and Emily Stewart John and Ann-Katherine Stukenborg Jake Sudduth Mary Sutton Daniel and Michelle Taylor Joseph and Victoria Torres Claire Tracy Paul and Jean Trzil Keith and Linda Tune Chris and Karen Twele George and Nancy Valadie Julie Ellis Vaughan Vickie Veglio Sergio Vergara and Dawn Rapacki Robert and Kelley Vinton Marlon Walls Greg and Diane Waymon Mark and Donna Weber Nancy Margaret Wehby Lewis and Marta Weiss James Welch
Eric Wells Cheryl West David and Lauren Whittenberg Lindsay Wilemon Michael Williams Michael and Julie Winkler David and Donna Wolfanger Raymond and Rosemary Wynne David and Michelle Ybos Cathleen Zeanah
Businesses, Corporations, Foundations, Grants & Matching Gifts
Abbays Agri Industrial Supply Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Arlington Dance Arts Arlington Liquors AutoZone Community Relations Bed, Bath & Beyond BSN Sports Buster’s Liquors & Wines Carty & Company The Catholic Center Catholic University of America Cheddar’s Chick-fil-A Wolf Creek Coca-Cola Bottling Company College Station Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Crazy Italians Ebert-LeBlanc Family Foundation Eneroc Firehouse Subs Herff Jones Howards Donuts International Paper Jerry’s Sno Cones Kohl’s Knights of Columbus, Council 9317 Kroger MMI Hospitality Group Parker Uniforms Tracy L. Pearson Charitable Giving Fund Pei Wei Renaissance Charitable Foundation, INC Sam’s Club Softwood Trade Publications Sonic Speer Charitable Trust St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Guild Stellar Cellar Wine & Spirits Stepherson’s SuperLo Foods Target Anne C. Tonole Family Fund Truist
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Varsity Sports Wells Fargo
GIFTS IN HONOR Jack & Katy Brock (’18) Mr. Robert and Dr. Elizabeth Brock Fischer Anna Kate (’20) & Maria Cremerius David and Rita Cremerius Kennedy (’16) & Parker (’19) Dlabaj Tim and Michelle Dlabaj John Dunham (’94) Bob (deceased) and Suzanne Dunham Wyatt Keith Ellis (’19) Brian and Amy Ellis Noah Fullen (’21) Jason and Laurel Fullen Sarah Galbreath (’13) Joe and Gay Galbreath Kendyl Heath (’16) & Alex Heath (’16) Mr. and Mrs. George Heath Alex Heath (’16) Tom and Terri Heath Kendyl Heath (’16) Kenneth and Kimberly Grace (’18) & Isabelle (’21) Martin James and Suzanne Martin Mrs. Sharon Masterson Brother Chris Englert, F.S.C. Molly McDonald (’18) Matthew and Kate McDonald Katharine Scott Miller (’11) Robert and Nancy Miller Trey Pence (’09) Warren and Lynne Pence Vernon Frances Plass Roger Cicala SBA Faculty & Staff Scott and Christine Giles
Philip Speering (’20) Tommie Criswell
Garrett Helms Matthew Helms
Allison (’19) & Emma (’19) Sorette Philip Sorette and Heather Kiernan
Kay Kraus Dr. Robert Kraus
Alina Stark (’21) Matt and Tonya Stark Shelby Wade (’09) Keith and Lori Wade
Michael McGuire Nick Dressman Joe Merill Mattie Dolan and Dr. Beth McCarville Julie Vaughn
Gifts in Memory
Stan Miekicki Jr. Bob and Claudia Baker
Forrest Benskin Laura Burke Sharon Masterson
Gary L. Miller Jr. Paul Miller Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Garland Best Joan Best
Katharine Scott Miller Dr. Robert Miller II
Gerold Blum Gerold and Barbara Blum
Juanita Moore Sharon Masterson
Dr. Steve Buckingham Dr. Vanessa Sepulveda
Mary Faith Moser Laura Burke
Lt. Jim Bullard Jennifer Brannon Sharon Masterson Laura Burke Andrea Stanley Smith
Sean O’Leary, Jr. Sean and Ann O’Leary
Thomas Burke Paul Bryant Sean and Ann O’Leary Sharon Masterson Andrea Smith Lisa Dufur Charles Cahill Laura Burke David Cervetti John and Ann-Katherine Stukenborg Corky Crouch Sharon Masterson Pansy Day Sharon Masterson David Dunham Bob and Suzanne
Gifts In Kind & Special Donations
Band Erik and Audrey Matheson David and Kathleen Sharp Mark and Nancy Miller Football John and Robin Bratton Bill and Sue Erwin Mike Falanga Bruce Kronberg Dirk and Jennifer Smith General Hank Sampson Jennifer Wiggins Jamie Schneider Night at the Nest Abbay’s Arlington Liquors Buster’s Liquors & Wines MMI Hospitality Stellar Cellar Wine & Spirits Stepherson’s SuperLo Foods
Andrew Roberson Brenda Carter Bill Roberson James and Denise Lenahan Margaret Sebren Laura Burke Sharon Masterson
Photography Patricia Possel
James A. “Jimmy” Smith Michael and Lou Anne Falanga
Robotics Dr. James and Hafife Montgomery
Mary Alice Riggs Smith Dr. Webster and Helen Riggs Don Spears Kate Schuhlein Leon Splawn Barbara Hervey Raymond Lee Wynne Laura Burke Virginia Varney Sharon Masterson
Raul Fletes III Raul Fletes Margaret Reilly Frassinelli Tim and Nita Frassinelli
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Students for Life Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Kye Bargiachi Catholic University of America Mr. and Mrs. David Himelright Mr. and Mrs. Danny Huddleston
Sharon Masterson Stephanie Scates
Kathleen Schettler Jennifer Wiggins TRAP H&R Block, Theresa Kelley
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION President: Renae McElwain Co-President: Lori Luther Secretary: Lien Nguyen-Hoang Treasurer: Alison Barczak Special Committee Chairs Father/Daughter Dance: Renae McElwain, Lori Luther Honor Society Receptions:
Mary Chandler Junior Ring Ceremony: Lien Nguyen-Hoang Monthly Teacher Treats: Amy Jimmerson, Lori Luther Mother/Daughter Tea: Jennifer Bougeois, Lori Luther, Teresa Massie Project Graduation: Amy Iovinelli Spirit Shop: Charlotte Blassingame, Terri Heath, Teresa Massie Staff Appreciation Lunch: Jennifer Bougeois, Lori Luther Used Uniform Sale: Jo Ann Card
ATHLETIC COMMISSIONERS: Baseball Pat Sanford
Basketball (Boys) Stephanie Turner Basketball (Girls) Chris Ferris Bowling Sally Fillion Golf Gretchen Hollingsworth Football Dawn Komoroski Lacrosse (Boys) Grace Ann Gore Lacrosse (Girls) Sandy Brannon Nesto Rivas Soccer (Boys) Donna McGuire Soccer (Girls) Erik Matheson Natalie McCulley Softball Susan Sweat Swim Donna Wolfanger Tennis Dena Mullen Trap and Skeet Ann O’Leary Volleyball Donna Wolfanger Water Polo Deb Farler
PROJECT GRADUATION CONTRIBUTIONS
Project Graduation Platinum $1000+ LeBlanc Family Gold $500+ Chickfila WolfCreek
St. Benedict Advisory Board
Silver $250+ Bed Bath Beyond Dana Capocaccia Mary Ann Capocaccia Cheddar’s Crazy Italians Trivia Night/Project Graduation - Gifts in Kind/ Time Adams Family Anonymous Kareen Baird Jake Barrow Bed Bath Beyond Josh Beere Brother Ignatius Brown Sharon Brown Lorenz Cabe Ryan Casiple Carol Carriveau Cain Carson Clayton Cea Chickfila Wolf Creek College Station - Cordova Billie Coppedge Cordera Family Keegan Dolan Ferris Family Susan Fetz Firehouse Subs Gohil Family Rick Graziosi Howards Donuts Brayden Hultman Will Huber Amy, Gina, John and Steve Iovinelli Terry Jared Jerry’s Sno Cones Lisa Jones Cara King Kohl’s Lina’s Nails Teresa Massie Sharon Masterson Alex Miller Jacob Newbern PeiWei Luis Perez Gary Ripberger Jana Rittman Karen Rudolph Sam’s Club Southaven Schumann Family Sonic Emily Stewart Target Stores Parker Taylor Wolfanger Family Cat Wright
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Renae McElwain (’88), Alicia Brown, Sondra Morris, Patty Neuhoff-Chair, Jon Bascom, Michael McCusker, Steve Vescovo, Adrienne LeBlanc, Chad Harrell, Erik Matheson, Dr. Colleen Butterick, Deacon Jeff Drzycimski, Dr. John Hyden (’93)-Vice Chair, Darren Mullis, Jim Marconi. (not pictured – Msgr. Peter Buchignani, Superintendent Janet Donato, Chris Newbern, Rev. Johnnie Smith) Dear St. Benedict Families & Friends, Greetings from the Advancement office! I’d like to start by letting you know how thankful we are to have contributors like you who keep this school at the top of its game. So, this is a huge thank you for all that you do! In the past year, your donations enabled us to reach our goal of putting a new sound system in the gym! The #iGiveCatholic day of giving coupled with our yearly Annual Fund Drive, and our inaugural spring concert, “Night at the Nest” helped us to complete a big need � getting a new sound system! We hear you loud and clear – you support this amazing school. You may have noticed a new name for our Annual Fund, which we now call The Blessing Fund. It comes from the name Benedict, it’s a form of the Latin word Benedictus, which means Blessed. We feel that everyone who has walked through our doors over the years has been blessed in one way or another. We’re blessed for each benefactor listed in this report and for each of you who send, or sent your loved ones to us, helping us make St. Benedict the school that it is today. As we look to the future at SBA, we need your help to continue to reach our lofty goals in providing the very best education and spiritual home for our children. If you’ve helped us over the years, we thank you and humbly ask for your continued support. If you haven’t made a gift in the past, would you consider making one today? Every donation is a vote of confidence for our mission, and whether you are a past or present family in the Nest, you are the future of the Nest and we are blessed, beneditaire, to have you. God Bless, and Go Eagles! Matt Stark Director of Advancement
About Our Faith FROM THE DEACON’S DESK ministries at the school. I have learned so much in my short time working with the wonderful students, faculty and staff at SBA. I have learned that I love and need these good people, and I have realized that the Church, and indeed the world, has great promise. I have also learned that one of the sad realities of modern life is that so many families are stressed, broken or struggling. That means that many of these wonderful kids and these awesome teachers are constantly faced with the challenge of succeeding in life while living in and through so many difficulties. It’s hard to be a family today. But I have also learned through my time in the holy place of Lourdes, that God is loving, kind and merciful. He has given us ALL a Mother. When Jesus was dying on the Cross, he saw the Apostle John standing at the foot of the Cross with Mary. He said to Mary, “Woman, behold your son.” And to John he said, “Behold your mother.” The Church has always viewed this act as a gift of Mary to all of mankind. Jesus gave us his Mother. And, as we all hopefully know universally about mothers is that they love us and pray for us. I am certain that your mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, aunts and female guardians out there love the children that God has entrusted to your care. But I am also certain that all of us, especially in times of desperate need and brokenness, can use the love and prayers of a universal Mother, Mary. That’s why it’s so wonderful to have Mary as our Mother. (By the way, I am not trying to offend or exclude men from this love equation, but I think that there is something special and unique about maternal love. The love of a father for his child is important as well, but different, and the topic for another discussion.) All our children at SBA, and indeed all the children in all the world, need a mother’s love and her prayers. No matter the great, good, poor or terrible state of any child’s family situation, God has given us all a Mother who wants us in heaven with her Son, Jesus. We can turn to Mary who will love us into heaven. I remember the song from the 1960’s “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” That love comes to us from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, through Mary. All we need to do is ask for it. When I was in Lourdes at the Grotto, I prayed to Mary. I asked her for her intercession, for her prayers. I prayed for my wife and kids and all my family and friends. I prayed for the Church and for the world. I prayed for the students, faculty and staff here at St. Benedict, and for its mission to create scholars and saints. And I prayed for you. I prayed that Mary would lead us all to her Son and ultimately, through Jesus, into heaven. That’s what Mary does best. Thank God for our mothers. And thank God for Our Mother.
A Mother’s Prayers By Deacon Jeff Drzycimski Assistant Principal for Faith & Mission Last spring, I had the opportunity to go to Lourdes on a pilgrimage. It’s an amazing place if you haven’t been there. This sleepy little “nowhere” town in southwestern France sits in the foothills of the Pyrenees and has become one of the foremost pilgrimage sites in the world. Each year, millions of visitors come to spend time in prayer and wonder at the Grotto of the Apparitions, the holy site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young peasant girl named Bernadette. It’s mostly known for the many miracles of healing that have taken place in the 160 years since Mary’s appearance. Those miracles still take place today. I’ve actually spoken to a few of the most recent cases of miraculous, medically unexplainable healing. I believe. Lourdes is just one of the many reasons I love my Catholic faith. I especially love how so many seemingly unrelated aspects of Catholicism intersect in our lives. In this case, the teachings about our Mother Mary, sacred and holy places, God’s healing mercy and his use of the meek and humble to share his saving Gospel all come crashing together in a profound and life-giving cosmic reality. Plus, now that I have found a spiritual home at St. Benedict at Auburndale Catholic High School, my pilgrimage to Lourdes becomes divinely intertwined in mission and meaning to my teaching and mentoring
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About Our Faith Senior Alexa Pangonas gives up her July 4th to serve others! Rising senior Alexa Pangonas gave up her Fourth of July holiday weekend to travel with Catholic Charities of West Tennessee to the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in McAllen, Texas. The Diocese of Memphis offered the services of the local Catholic Charities to the Texas group providing shelter and services to immigrants at the border. Alexa volunteered to join them and was one of five Memphis-area high school students on the mission trip. We’re so proud of Alexa for her unselfishness and for reporting to us each night. Below is her daily blog that we shared on Social media. In her own words: July 5 “Today was our first day working at the Respite Center in McAllen, TX. What I did today was work in the kitchen and reorganize everything! I love organizing and I used my strength that God gave me and put it to work, and I loved every minute of it! We moved everything into cabinets and shelves! It was great to see how the food was prepared and to help behind the scenes! Today was a great day, and can’t wait for many more!” - Alexa Pangonas July 6 “On the second day working at the respite center, I helped finish some tasks from yesterday! Then we reorganized more of the snack room and made shelves. With us making the shelves, everything is easily accessible! Everyday, we are working, no matter how big or small, it will help a lot! At the end of the day, we also helped pass out pizza and juice for everyone and that was amazing to see smiles on everyone’s faces!” July 7 “The third day at the respite center was awesome! I started off with sorting the shoes and clothing, and then I moved back to the snack room to organize more! When I got to the snack room there were many new shelves to be assembled, that generous people donated! It was great to see so many people working together, for a common goal! So putting together the new shelves cleared up the room! I am so excited that the snack room is almost done, so I can take on a new task!” July 8 Thanks to senior Alexa Pangonas for being a part of this spiritual work of mercy! https://www.facebook. com/127252820653628/posts/1899980173380875/
July 9 “On the fourth day we started with Mass at The Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle! It was beautiful! There was a mariachi band and the scenery was awesome! One thing that the priest said during his homily, that caught my attention was, ‘From the words of Mother Teresa: We are not all called to be successful, but to be faithful!’ That definitely reached out to me today! The work we have done this week and more to come is the best that we can do, but we are all called to be faithful while working! Today was a really good day of learning and connecting!” Proud of Alexa Pangonas and all these Memphians! https://www.facebook.com/127252820653628/ posts/1901726786539547/ July 10 “The fifth day at the respite center was a great day of getting to know people! I bonded with many of the children and it was so much fun to play and get to know them! Also, we met Sister Norma Pimentel (Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley) who was a pleasure to meet! She was such a kind-hearted lady! During all this time my new friends and I are having a blast working hard together and getting to know each other’s stories!” July 11 “On the sixth day we did some sight-seeing before going to the respite center! It was a great time seeing the Rio Grande River! Today was our last full day, and I am very grateful for this opportunity! Helping people in need fills your heart in many different ways! I have learned many new things on this trip and have used my previous knowledge to get things done! See you tomorrow Memphis!” July 12 Alexa Pangonas winds up her mission trip with CCWTN at the Texas border! “Well it’s a wrap on the CCWTN Mission Trip to McAllen,TX! This was a trip of a lifetime and it sparked many interests I didn’t know I needed! I am excited to keep doing God’s work! Every day is a blessing and we all learn something new every day! We had a LONG travel day, with being delayed about 4 hours and not getting in until 12am, but that’s the fun of it! We had our last prayer together, for the last time as a group! I am very thankful for each and everyone of the members in the group! We definitely bonded over this trip! Thank ya’ll for everything! Love, Alexa Pangonas :)” We’re so proud of you, Alexa! You have sparked our interest in this work, as well. You have warmed our hearts and we thank you for representing us with your SBA heart! God bless you! Thank you, Alexa for your service, your generosity and your Eagle spirit! This Eagle will continue to soar with an SBA heart! #eaglepride
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Alexa’s Photo Album
†In Memoriam The faculty, staff and students of St. Benedict at Auburndale offer our most sincere condolences to all those families who have lost loved ones. We remember them and all our dearly beloved in our daily prayers and Masses. Doug Baker, 80, father of SBA English Teacher Betsy Baker, passed away on June 7, 2018. Al Bounds, 70, father of Tom (1998) and Shelby Bounds (2010), passed away on May 1, 2018. Mike Caraway, 71, father of Kevin Caraway (1998), passed away on July 28, 2018. Jeffrey DiVito, 64, father of Bianca Brown, (2023), passed away on September 6, 2018. Johnny Green, SBA Class of 2005, 31, passed away on September 16, 2018. Irene Higley, 78, former SBA science teacher and mother of Chris Crigler (1995), passed away on August 28, 2018. Stacey Jimmerson, 48, father of Allen Jimmerson (2019), passed away on September 15, 2018. Linda Liddell, 64, mother of Mary Liddell Marx (2002), passed away on July 26, 2018. Rachel Milliet, 39, mother of Madelyn Milliet (2022), passed away on April 7, 2018. Juanita Moore, 91, mother of former SBA PLUS director and teacher Robin Ciancioso, passed away on April 26, 2018. 11
Headline News St. Benedict is pilot high school launching drone course SBA has been tapped by WozU Education to launch and pilot a customized drone program for high students. WozU Education is a creation of Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-founder. In this program, students will gain experience in piloting small, aerial vehicles. The course will be taught by current SBA teachers from the STEM Department and Brandon Turk, President of Midsouth Aerials.
(1) Students will learn vocabulary surrounding use of personal drones. Every student will take turns piloting drones and acting as Visual Observers to develop good habits for safe flying. At the end of the course, students will verbalize important basic features of drones as well as vocabulary of movement in space. They will gain hands-on experience piloting and spotting for drone missions as part of a team. (2) In Intro to Soldering, students will experience working with the primary pieces of equipment that help run the technology. Upon finishing the program, students will have constructed an electronics board with LED lights and an FM radio. Completion of this program is a prerequisite for enrollment in the advanced level “Build Your Own Drone” program.
“WozU Education is proud to champion its most advanced drone course in the US with St. Benedict, here in Memphis,” says Turk. He says, “As careers in technology advance, WozU Education is excited to partner with excellent and educationally innovative schools to help prepare our youth for exciting careers.” The program has been developed with three components to be taught over one semester. It includes 36 hours of on-site instruction with comprehensive lesson plans and materials included.
(3) Building on the skills of the previous components, students will engage in all functions and aspects of a drone. Each will have the opportunity to build and solder an arm of a drone and student teams will build the drones, fly in obstacle course challenges and perform skills evaluations. 12
This course interest was generated by the school’s employment of a drone challenge studio in the library/media center last year. Students learned to program them and then held obstacle course competitions during their lunch periods. Turk saw media coverage about this and was so impressed that he contacted the school, ultimately formulating an agreement with WozU. Media attention is continuing with the launching of this course. After taking the semester’s course work, students who are 16 and over are eligible to sit for drone licenses. Assistant Principal and Dean of Academics Dr. Beth Fischer said, “We are exceptionally proud that SBA was chosen to launch this ‘first of a kind’ Drone Course. We give all the credit to our extraordinary faculty and students as they continue to achieve. We are grateful to Brandon Turk of Midsouth Aerials for noticing our accomplishments and contacting us. This program is just another feather in our caps for innovative education in the 21st Century.” Announcing the 2018-19 National Merit Scholars Abbie Verret and Wyatt Ellis Senior Abigail (Abbie) Verret has been selected a National Merit Semi-finalist from the class of 2018. She has the opportunity to advance in the competition for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Finalists will be named in the spring. Abbie has a score of 34 on the ACT and a GPA 4.76 and is an
AP (8-with scores of 4 & 5) and Honors (10) student in a rigorous course of study, excelling in math, science, drawing and creative writing. She is currently working on a novel. Abbie attended the Ole Miss Summer College for Intelligence Studies last summer. She has been selected for membership in the National HonorSociety, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She is a member of the Key Club and French Club. Abbie is a gifted artist with works appearing in art shows and has had a presence on the SBA stage, performing in multiple productions. As active and studious as she is, Abbie finds time to be on her school’s water polo team. She is the daughter of Debbie and Johann Verret and a side-note; Abbie’s sister Isabelle also received this same recognition at this time last year. Senior Wyatt Ellis has received Commended recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 students taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) have received Commended status for demonstrating outstanding potential for academic success and exceptionally represented themselves and their school. Wyatt is an Honors and AP student. He scored 35 on the ACT and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Science Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. He is also a member of the Key Club and the Swimming and Water Polo teams. Wyatt is scheduled to earn his Eagle Scout ranking in 2019 and has 10 plus years in martial arts with Tennessee Karate Institute. He is a Black belt, 1st Degree. Wyatt is the son of Brian and Amy Ellis.
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Achievements 2017-2018 SENIOR AWARDS The 2018 graduating class of 192 students was offered over 664 merit-based college scholarships from 118 colleges and universities valued in excess of $17 million. Valedictorian Isabelle Verret (at right) finished with the highest cumulative GPA from the class of 2018. She is the daughter of Debbie and Johann Verret and accepted admittance to Vanderbilt University. Catherine Crow & Isabelle Verret
Catherine Crowe (at left) is the Salutatorian from the class of 2018 for the second highest cumulative GPA. She is the daughter of Mary and Bryan Crowe and accepted admittance to Clemson University. Caroline Gillenwater received the Christian Witness Award, the highest honor presented to SBA students. The Christian Witness Award defines the student who lives his/her faith and witnesses to those around her. This award is decided by a vote of the SBA faculty.
John Iovinelli and Abby McGuire selected Mr. and Miss SBA by the faculty as the ideal SBA students.
Avent Blueitt received the Golden Eagle Award for soaring beyond the expectations that others set before him.
The Right Choice Award was presented to Jack Brannon and Erin Haff by a vote of the senior class for standing up for what is right in a society and culture that exert pressure to do otherwise.
PLUS Director Tammi Ford presents Chris Cheatham the Helen T. “Sandy� Riggs Scholarship Award to use at the college of his choice. The Riggs Award is given to the student who has shown outstanding accomplishment, exemplary behavior and a dedication to furthering his/her education. Sandy Riggs provided 46 years of service to Auburndale and SBA. SENIOR SUPERLATIVES, as selected by the senior class. Best All-Around: John Iovinelli, Alyssa Denegri Most Talented: Aris Federman, Somer Smith Most Dedicated: Victor Hoang, Catherine Crowe Wittiest: Ryan Gillespie, Phoebe Conine Contributed Most to the Class: Alex Miller, Elise Giles Most Likely to Succeed: Kyle Buckingham, Isabelle Verret Most Likely to be Remembered: Will Faulhaber, Anna Tonole Friendliest: Zach Crawford, Molly McDonald Most Spirited: Andrew Barczak, Abby McGuire Most Athletic: Cam Jones, Catalina Carrasco
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SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS! Andrew Williams accepted an internship at St. Jude last summer in their chemical compounding department.
Zenia Lomas was recognized for perfect attendance her senior year.
Bubba Erwin received a full Army ROTC Scholarship to use for his collegiate studies at Ole Miss. Bubba’s goal is to be an Officer in the United States Army to serve his country.
Graduating senior Caroline McClure received the Shelby County Mayor’s Award in the amount of $2,000 that she is using at Belmont University.
Madeline Matheson was awarded the 2018 Comcast Leaders $1,000 Scholarship for exemplifying leadership skills and abilities in community service and academic achievement during her high school career.
The Germantown Exchange Club honored Alex Miller and Isabelle Verret as their female and male “Youth of the Month” for April.
ACHIEVEMENTS Senior Emily Cea won a silver medal at the National Art and Writing Awards for her digital art. All regional gold key winners advance to the national competition and Emily is the first SBA student who has placed at the national level. Underclassmen Perfect Attendance Awards Freshmen: Julie Beach, Zander Card, Sophia-Grace Guinocor Sophomores: Gabriel Estipona, Joshua Lang, Jeffrey Li, Ashton Stanford Juniors: Quincy Card, Carlo Casama, Sarah Ignalig, Grady Jennings, Parker Money, Adrian Pabalate At last spring’s Honors Awards, Jessica Visagie received the Reginald Dalle Award for Achievement in French. The Award was presented by Teresa Dalle, President of the Alliance Francaise of Memphis and Dr. Reginald Dalle. 15
Achievements Emorie Ware won the Memphis Chapter of the Tennessee Right to Life Oratory Competition last March as a sophomore. She received a $100 prize and advanced to the State competition.
Emma Van Epps was accepted to the Governors School for Engineering.
2018 AP Scholars AP Scholars (granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams) Henry Ballard Jamie Brannon Quincy Card Christopher Chiong Alyssa Donato Hannah Fabian Bridgette Groben Micaela Hackney Ben Montgomery Finn Mullen Zoe Nunn Alexis Rexroat Lauren Williams
Abbie Verret AP Scholar with Distinction (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams) Andrew Barczak Erin Bargiachi Kyle Buckingham Lorenz Cabe Emily Cea Catherine Crowe Alyssa Denegri Hannah Ellis Javi Gault Rayanne Lelis Diane Madeksho Madeline Matheson Abby McGuire Sophia Scoggins Isabelle Verret Noelle Ybos AP National Scholars (granted to students who receive an average score of at least a 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams) Catherine Crowe Isabelle Verret
Almost 90% of our students passed an AP exam. 109 students took AP exams with 262 exams completed – 51 with a score of 5, 62 with a score of 4 and 5 with a score of 3. Class averages of at least a 3 were: Calculus BC, Calculus BC/subscore AB, Chemistry, English Literature, Macroeconomics, Capstone Seminar, Spanish Language, U.S. History, World History and AP Scholar with Honors (granted to students who re- US Government. Class averages of at least a 4: ceive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams English Language, Psychology, Statistics and taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams) Studio Art Kaitlyn Bartels Adam Cummings 100% pass rate: Capstone Seminar (1st year of Sophia Davis program), Chemistry, English Language, Psychology, Sarah Hovanec Statistics and Studio Art Grace Martin Abby Simpson All 4’s and 5’s: Psychology, Studio Art Chris Stepherson 16
SBA underclassmen receive annual scholarships for their senior years A memorial scholarship endowment fund to benefit rising juniors and seniors was established at the Catholic Diocese of Memphis to commemorate the lives of Herman Albert and Berenice Agnes Remmert for their longstanding commitment to Catholic education. Mr. and Mrs. Remmert’s connection to Catholic education in the Diocese dates to their arrival in Memphis in the 1950s. Over the next 25 years, they supported seven children through their completion of higher Catholic education. To honor their wishes of establishing a long-term legacy to Catholic education their family created this memorial endowment. It is Congratulating Lance (at center holding certificate of honor) for a reflection of their earlier commitment to Catholic education and helping students succeed in Diocese of receiving this prestigious honor and award are (from left) SBA Principal Sondra Morris, Steve Remmert, Assistant Principal Dr. Memphis Catholic Schools. Students with a 3.0 GPA Beth Fischer, Russ Remmert, Lance’s Mom Rose Michelle Jamias, or above competed for the scholarship by submitting SBA Campus Minister Deacon Jeff Drzycimski, Loretta Remmert applications, reference letters and essays to the Hardy and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Janet Donato. Superintendent of Catholic Schools. From these, prospective recipients were asked to highlight early For the 5th consecutive year, the Remmert Family career interests in a number of key areas. Other Memorial Scholarship has been presented to a relevant factors, such as faith and service, were also St. Benedict student. The 2018 recipient was considered in determination of award recipients. Lance Jamias. Lance was joined by members of the Remmert family, his Mom, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Janet Donato and SBA Principal Sondra Morris.
The annual Bobby Russell Scholarship was awarded to Isaiah Neal during the May Honors Day Program. The Russell Award is named after former parent Bobby Russell who was killed by a driver under the influence. The Russell family, holding SBA in high regard, established this scholarship to remember Bobby. They wished that it be awarded to a student who makes application by an essay on the importance of Catholic education, a resume and teacher recommendations.
(from left) Dell Russell-Wallace (Bobby’s wife), Isaiah Neal’s Mom Donna, Isaiah, SBA sophomore and Bobby’s grandson Andrew Culley, Bobby’s daughter Tracy Russell Culley, Bobby’s granddaughter Sara Culley (SBA’17) and Principal Sondra Morris.
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Faculty Focus SBA welcomes good friend Terri Dickens as new PLUS Director St. Benedict Principal Sondra Morris announces the appointment of Terri Dickens as the school’s Director of the PLUS Program. PLUS is Positive Learning Utilizing Strategies. It is a signature program, unique at the high school level, serving students having diagnosed learning differences with average to above average intelligence. This program is designed as a college preparation program and is comprised of a rigorous course of study requiring students’ academic diligence. The program is just one of the school’s offerings that include Traditional, Honors, Advanced Placement and Capstone. Mrs. Dickens is no stranger to the program or SBA, as she previously taught at the school from 1998-2001. Since leaving SBA, she has been a teacher at St. Ann School in Bartlett. Mrs. Dickens graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Arkansas, with some specialization in Special Education. She holds a Masters of Teaching and Learning, Specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. She will also be teaching in the Math Department. She has two children, Sarah Dickens Evans (‘01) and William (‘06) who are SBA graduates, and makes her home in Collierville. Upon the announcement of Mrs. Dickens as the Director of the PLUS Program, Mrs. Morris said, “We are extremely pleased to have Terri join our staff, once again. She has experience in the development of students in all areas of education, but this unique program, PLUS, is one that she is devoted to and knows so well.” Mrs. Dickens says, “Being a teacher is more than a job; it is a vocation and my passion. The PLUS Program at SBA provides students with the opportunity to excel in a specialized environment to advance to college and become productive citizens. The SBA PLUS Program holds an outstanding reputation and record for producing successful students. I am looking forward to this opportunity to impact the lives of these students through this wonderful program.”
Congratulations!
Paul Frierott (3rd from left) was joined by some of the coaching staff (Coach Caleb Marcum and baseball coaches Jacob Lawrence, Paul, Brent Patton, Adam Smith, Brandon Patton and Jesse Butler) at his wedding reception on June 23. He married SBA alum Theresa Ong. (see Alumni News). Leighton Grey Patton, daughter of Head Baseball Coach Brandon Patton, was born on July 6, 2018, at 5 lbs, 11 oz and 17 ½” long.
These faculty and staff attended the annual Aquinas College WISE Conference in July (from left) Darlene Nevle, Tonya Stark, Nick Brashier and Adam Smith. WISE is an educator formation initiative sponsored by the Aquinas College Center for Catholic Education. Participation in the WISE Conference provides an opportunity for Catholic school personnel to deepen their understanding of the unique nature and mission of the Catholic school. What educators learn and experience through WISE helps them to assess the depth and expressions of Catholic Identity in their own school communities and to understand how their mission as educators impacts the total school community. 18
SCHOOL IS READY TO START! Right? 2018 Faculty In-service Meeting Many may believe that school opens for the new year without much prep but ask any faculty or staff member and you learn that’s not the case. New school year in-service is where a majority of the year’s calendar gets set and faculty prepare classrooms for their students. The in-service includes Mass, meetings, prayer, meetings, checking and preparing rooms, meetings and Soar Day.
Welcome new faculty & staff (from left) Kenzie Newman, Will Hudgens, Lynsee Brinkerhoff, Kate Schaffler, DJ Boldin, Dr. Mark Ginter, Tim Vaziri, Kaitlyn Stoddard-Carter (SBA ’10), Ashley Segarra, Stacey Peeney, Terri Dickens, Veronica Espin. Also, joining SBA this year is Sister Paulina, O.P., unable to be present.
Officer Terry Donald, with the Shelby County Office of Preparedness (Homeland Security/Emergency Management), provided inservice on intruder and active shooter. Joing SBA faculty were faculty and staff from St. Francis of Assisi and St. Paul. 19
On and Off Campus Beautiful art gracing the SBA corridor compliments of talented SBA student artists at the end of the year! Hats off to these young musical thespians who participated in the Orpheum’s High School Musical Awards in May. Zach Crawford was a finalist for “Outstanding Supporting Actor.” Molly McDonald, Sydnei Sutton and Marc Anthony Marconi were all members of the evening’s cast. And, Teryco Bolden was a finalist for “Outstanding Featured Actor.” In May, SBA Band Director Naomi Ziegler visited with, then freshman, Austin DeVine backstage at Playhouse on the Square’s production of “Fun House.”
Last May, current sophomore Amber Frans was one of 10 artists, out of 33, invited, along with her family, to New York in recognition for her work (flowers in the vase) that is displayed at St. Jude. Amber participated in the Carnival Cruise Line naming ceremony for their newest ship, the Horizon. Carnival is a partner with St. Jude and they wanted the artists and their families to see how the drawings would be featured. Senior Jesse Hollingsworth checked in at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO for Engineering Camp in July. Jesse was in his element as he made a Hover Board powered by a leaf blower on day one!
Sophomore Sophie Matheson and her sister, 2018 graduate, Madeline, celebrated St. Benedict Memorial at Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on July 11. St. Benedict strong! On July 24, it was such a blessing for some of us to attend the Mass for Religious Profession and witness the Perpetual Profession of Vows (final vows) in Nashville for one of our student teachers from last year, Sister Ann Thomas, O.P. (4th from left) Following the beautiful Mass and profession, we celebrated with Sister at St. Cecilia Motherhouse and met our new sisters for this year. Sister Rita Marie (left) will be back, and will be joined by Sister Paulina (2nd left). Mrs. Morris is pictured next to Sister Ann Thomas, then Darlene Nevle of our Theology Department. Our student teachers this semester were Sister Maria Grace, Sister Margaret Joseph and Sister Alma Marie with Superintendent of Schools Janet Donato. SBA is blessed to have these women of God teach and witness the Faith! On July 30, we had a nice visit from Jim Jaggers, WREG-News Channel 3 meteorologist, who stopped by to present SBA with a plaque for the 2017-18 “Go Jim Go” effort for LeBonheur Hospital. SBA raised over $1,500 for the cause.
Victor Hoang (SBA 2018) and current junior Samantha Barton are assisting the VEX Robotics Team for Incarnation School. Samantha also wrote a grant for the team, much to the delight of ICS Robotics sponsor Michelle Mundy. 20
Sports 2017-18 ATHLETIC AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS The SBA Way Caleb Marcum, Athletic Director As we recognize these achievements, we also want to let you know how grateful we are for the volunteers, parents, families and alumni who make SBA a great home for our student/athletes and coaches. St. Benedict has been blessed with so many wonderful acts of kindness and generous gifts that have truly impacted our athletic Athletes of the Year Avent Blueitt and Catalina Carrasco programs. We want to wish everyone blessings at this holiday season. Merry Christmas, and please continue to keep SBA in your thoughts and prayers! You are most certainly in ours! Senior Special Awards Maddie Balton – Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award Avent Blueitt – SBA Athlete of Smith Excellence Award Scholar Athlete Award the Year, Iron Gauge Nesbitt and Madeline Matheson Eagle Three-Sport Award Emily McCulley and Ryan Casiple Catalina Carrasco – SBA Athlete of the Year, SBA Nominee for Best of the Preps Athlete & Scholar Catalina Carrasco and Lily Athlete of the Year (Top 5 Finalist) & Best of Preps Gleneck recognized by the Leadership Award Winner, Iron Eagle Three-Sport Commercial Appeal at their Award annual Prep Sports Awards Ryan Casiple – SBA Scholar Athlete of the Year Night at the Orpheum in June. Hannah Ellis – Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award Catalina received the Bubba Erwin – SBA Nominee for Memphis Leadership Award and Lily was Chapter-National Football Foundation and College given the “I am Sport” Award. Hall of Fame Award Tyler Erspamer – SBA Nominee for Best of the Preps Scholar Athlete of the Year Emily Haff – Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award Erin Haff – Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award Will Huber – SBA Nominee for Best of the Preps Athlete of the Year Madeline Matheson – SBA Scholar Athlete of the Year Emily McCulley – Smith Excellence Award, Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award Gauge Nesbitt – Smith Excellence Award Kat Vinton – Iron Eagle Three-Sport Award 21
Sports Captain Award – Bubba Erwin, Cam Jones Rookie of the Year – Elijah Mills, Jaylen Powell, Jackson Smith Golf: Most Improved – Jaylon Becton, Jesse Komoroski Rookie – Wyatt Messmer Lowest Average – Jesse Hollingsworth, Camron Tompkins Lacrosse: Most Improved & Attack Award – Andrea Chandler, Chris Stepherson Defensive Player – Trinity Lane, Henry Ballard Eagle – Katie Lafferty, AJ Von Bergen Soccer: Player of the Year – Kiko Martinez Offense MVP – Aliyah Williamson Defense MVP – Olivia Luther Most Improved – Jennifer Sosnowski Newcomer of the Year – Andrew Culley Curtis Scott Players Award – Camden Rogers Eagle Award – Catalina Carrasco, Jeankof Morales Softball: MVP – Josie Gex Offensive MVP – EC Taylor Defensive MVP – Gabi Ray Eagle – Alexie Griffin Rookie of the Year – Jade Howard Swim: MVP – Emily Haff, Jacob Nichols Eagle – Jenny Farler Most Improved – Alina Stark, Gauge Nesbitt Aaron Vasquez Team Spirit Award – Erin Haff Tennis: MVP – Sean Mullen Eagle – Kaitlyn Dabney, Grady Jennings Rookie of the Year – Jolie Taty, Cyrus Rector Most Improved – Maggie Alexander, Allie Baxter, Keegan Dolan Track and Field: Team Captain – Catalina Carrasco MVP – Caroline Bacon, Alexis Rittman, Sam Baker Eagle – Dante Carrasco Volleyball: Offensive MVP – Callie Stiles Defensive MVP – Emma Rae Adams Eagle – Alexa Pangonas Water Polo: MVP – Zach Ryan
Varsity Team Awards Baseball: Captain Award – Tyler Erspamer, Will Huber, Chase Phillips Offensive MVP – Jaylen Wilbon Defensive MVP – Chase Phillips MV Pitcher – Christian Presley Eagle Award – Patrick Maginn Christian Witness Award – Luke Ellis Scholar Athlete – Kyle Buckingham Basketball: MVP – Deja Pryor, Avent Blueitt Defensive POY – Catalina Carrasco, Kyree Davis Offensive POY – Kristina Ferris, Trey Davis Eagle – Lily Gleneck, Spencer Turner Newcomer of Year – Aliyah Williamson Bowling: MVP – Olivia Webb, Nick Agnew Eagle – Lauren Williams, Carlo Casama Most Improved – Alexa Pangonas, Nathan King Cheerleading: Iron Eagle – Abby McGuire Most Dedicated – Graycie Hogan Most Spirited – Miranda Morgan Most Improved – Savanna St. John Cross Country: MVP – Kaitlyn Butze, Sam Baker Eagle – Javi Gault, Jack Leoni G Team Captain: Jamie Brannon, Parker Dlabaj Dance: Determined to Soar – Bethany Grantham Iron Eagle – Katy Brock Football: MVP – Cam Jones Coach’s Award – Ryan Gillespie Eagle Award – Lincoln Caldwell, Bubba Erwin, Cam Jones, Eric McGlown Christian Witness Award – Bubba Erwin Defensive Lineman of Year – Eric McGlown Defensive Back of Year – Dante Carrasco Receiver of Year – Kyree Davis Offensive Back of Year – Avent Blueitt Offensive Lineman of Year – Brian O’Leary Hitman Award – Lincoln Caldwell Ironman Award – Lunden Clark Special Teams Player of the Year – Kyree Davis Scout Team Player of Year – Drew Hyatt, Kai Norris, Corey Wilhite 22
Coaches’ Award – Emily Haff, Gauge Nesbitt Eagle – Andrew Williams Most Improved – Brianna Ayers Captains’ Award – Jack Leoni Wrestling: MVP – Sebastian Bougeois All-Metro, All-Region, All-Tournament, All-State, Superior Ranking & Special Awards Emma-Rae Adams – 1st Team All-Region Volleyball Nick Agnew – 3rd Place State Individuals; Commercial Appeal Prep Sports Top 5 Finalist Bowling Austin Aguilar – State Qualifier Swimming Caroline Bacon – 3rd Place Region 300m Hurdles (PR) Track & Field Sam Baker – Tennessee Classic Top 10, 5th Place Region 300m Hurdles Track & Field Henry Ballard – TSLA All-Star Team/Game Lacrosse Jordan Balton – 6th Place Region Discus (PR) Track & Field Zion Beard – Honorable Mention All-Region DB Football Jaylen Becton – 2nd Team All-Region DB Football Avent Blueitt –2nd Team All-Region Defense & Honorable Mention WR Football; Millington Osteen All-Tournament, 2nd Team All-Region Basketball Myles Bonner – State Qualifier Swimming Sebastian Bougeois – 4th Place at Arlington & MUS, 3rd Place at Trojan Wars Wrestling Katy Brock – All-American Dance Kelsey Brooks – All-American Dance Kaitlyn Butze – 7th Place Region Cross Country, 5th Place Region 800m (PR) Track & Field Catalina Carrasco – All-Region Soccer; 1st Place Region (PR) & 7th State 100m Dash Track & Field, Commercial Appeal Prep Sports Leadership Award Winner Dante Carrasco – Honorable Mention All-Region DB Football Lincoln Caldwell – 1st Team All-Region LB Football Lunden Clark – 2nd Team All-Region OL Football; 3rd Place Region Discus Track & Field Mariah Clemons – State Qualifier Swimming Kyree Davis – 1st Team All-Region WR, Tennessee Football Coaches Association All-State Football; Millington Osteen All-Tournament Trey Davis – Commercial Appeal Player of the Week, Millington Osteen All-Tournament, 1st Team All-Region Basketball
Brianna Duhart – 6th Place Region Shot Put Track & Field Hannah Fabian – 1st Team All-Region Volleyball Jackson Ferber – 2nd Place at Kingsbury Wrestling Nic Ferrante – 2nd Team Commercial Appeal All-Metro Bowling Kristina Ferris – Millington Osteen All-Tournament, Honorable Mention All-Region Basketball Moses Fofana – 2nd Team All-Region Basketball Aubrey Greer – All-American Dance Josie Gex – Commercial Appeal Player of the Week, All-Region Co-MVP Softball James Gibson – 2nd Place at Kingsbury, 1st Place at Arlington Wrestling Lily Gleneck –I AM SPORT AWARD Winner, Commercial Appeal; Honorable Mention All-Region Basketball Brook Goodrich – 1st Place JV Alternate, 2nd & 3rd Place JV Trap
Lexie Griffin – All-Region Softball Taylor Hackney – 3rd Place in Ladies JV Alternate Div Competition Meet Trap Emily Haff – State Qualifier Swimming, Honorable Mention All-Region Volleyball Erin Haff – State Qualifier Swimming, Honorable Mention All-Region Volleyball, All-Sectional 2nd Team Water Polo Jesse Hollingsworth – 4th Place Region Golf Isabel Hoppal – State Qualifier Swimming Emma Hooper – State Qualifier Swimming Will Huber – AutoZone Shelby County All-Star Game Baseball Allison Hyatt – All-Region Softball Cam Jones – 1st Team All-Region WR & Special Teams, Tennessee Football Coaches Association All-State, TACA Toyota East-West All-Star Football Game, Gentry Stats Pre-Season All-Shelby Metro Offense Football Bryan Justin – 2nd Team All-Region Soccer Jesse Komorski – 2nd Team All-Region QB, Tennessee Football Coaches Association All-State Football Alec Lazarini – 94 score Trap Olivia Luther – All-Region Soccer Kiko Martinez – Gulf Coast Cup All-Tournament Team, 1st Team All-Region Soccer Catherine McCulley – All-Region Soccer 23
Sports Eric McGlown – 1st Team All-Region DT, Liberty Bowl All-Star Game Football
Wyatt Messmer – Region High Jump Runner-up Track & Field Jacob Nichols – State Qualifier Swimming, 2nd Team All-Metro-100 butterfly Brian O’Leary – Honorable Mention All-Region OL Football Alexa Pangonas – 5th Place State Individuals, 2nd Team Commercial Appeal All-Metro Bowling Chase Phillips – AutoZone Shelby County All-Star Game Baseball Deja Pryor – 1st Team All-Region Basketball Gabi Ray – Commercial Appeal Player of the Week Softball Alexis Rittman – 3rd Place Region Triple Jump (PR) Track & Field Christina Rochette – Commercial Appeal Prep Sports Top 5 Finalist Bowling Zach Ryan – State Qualifier Swimming, All-State 2nd Team & All-Sectional 2nd Team Water Polo Jaylan Sales – 2nd Place at Arlington & Kingsbury Wrestling Telly Slayton – 2nd Team All-Region Soccer Courtney Stephens – State Qualifier Swimming Chris Stepherson – TSLA All-Star Team/Game Lacrosse Caroline Stiefvater – 1st Place JV Trap Callie Stiles – 1st Team All-Region Volleyball Langston Suggs – 4th Place Region 100m Dash (PR) Track & Field EC Taylor – Commercial Appeal 1st Team All-Metro & Player of the Week, All-Region Co-MVP Softball Robbie Van Brott – 1st Team All-Region Soccer Joe Walsh – 95 score Trap Ashley Watters – 2nd Place JV Alternate Trap Jaylen Wilbon – AutoZone Shelby County All-Star Game, Commercial Appeal 2nd Team All-Metro, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association All-State Baseball Andrew Wilkins – 95 score Trap Andrew Williams – 1st Team All-State Goalie Water Polo Madison Wolfanger – State Qualifier Swimming Girls Basketball – State Quarterfinals 24
Boys Bowling – Region Runner-up, State Runner-up, Girls Bowling – Region Champion, State Runner-up, #1 in State ranking Boys Cross Country – 3rd Place Region, 8th Place State Girls Cross Country – 5th Place Region, 12th Place State Varsity Cheer – Won Varsity Traditions Award at Summer Camp Varsity Dance – 4th Place Regionals, 4th Place State, 10th Place Nationals Softball –Region Champion (23rd year) & State Tournament Final Four Swimming – 5th Combined Shelby County, 13th place girls (Mariah Clemons, Emily Haff, Erin Haff, Emma Hooper) 200 freestyle relay; 7 Personal Records @ State Boys Tennis – State Quarterfinals Girls Tennis – State Quarterfinals 4 x 100 Girls Track Relay Team – Region 2nd Place, State 8th Place Track & Field (Caroline Bacon, Catalina Carrasco, Halle Childers, Alexis Rittman) 4 x 200 Girls Track Relay Team – Region 3rd Place, State 7th Place Track & Field (Caroline Bacon, Catalina Carrasco, Halle Childers, Alexis Rittman) 4 x 400 Girls Track Relay Team – 2nd Place (PR) Region Track & Field (Caroline Bacon, Kaitlyn Butze, Catalina Carrasco, Alexis Rittman) 4 x 100 Boys Track Relay Team – 3rd Place (PR) Region & 6th Place State Track & Field (Kyree Davis, Elijah Mills, Jaylen Powell, Javien Vinson) 4 x 200 Boys Track Relay Team – 4th Place (PR) Region 7th Place State Track & Field (Avent Blueitt, Kyree Davis, Elijah Mills, Jaylen Powell 4 x 400 Boys Track Relay Team – 3rd Place Region (PR) Track & Field (Sam Baker, Dante Carrasco, Parker Dlabaj, Elijah Mills) 4 x 800 Boys Track Relay Team – 2nd Place Region (PR) & 7th Place State Track and Field (Sam Baker, Dante Carrasco, Parker Dlabaj, Jack Leoni) Trap – 3rd Place JV Squad Volleyball – State Quarterfinals Water Polo – 6th Place State Zach Ryan-Water Polo
Coaches Awards presented at annual end-of-year luncheon and golf outing
All-State 2nd Team & All-Sectional 2nd Team Andrew Williams-Water Polo 1st Team All-State Goalie Iron Eagles (three sport athletes) Freshmen Brianna Duhart – volleyball, basketball, track & field Elijah Mills – football, basketball, track & field Aliyah Williamson – soccer, basketball, track & field Sophomores Caroline Armour – cross country, soccer, track & field Dante Carrasco – football, basketball, track & field Andy Gleneck – football, basketball, lacrosse Corey Wilhite – football, basketball, lacrosse Colby Young – football, basketball, track & field Juniors Auston Aguilar – cross country, swim, water polo, track & field Caroline Bacon – cross country, soccer, track & field Jordan Balton – volleyball, bowling track & field Kyree Davis – football, basketball, track & field Wyatt Ellis – cross country, water polo, track & field Isabella Hughes – cross country, bowling, tennis Jack Leoni -cross country, swim, track & field, water polo Wyatt Messmer – golf, basketball, track & field Alexa Pangonas – volleyball, bowling, track & field Seniors Maddie Balton � bowling, cross country, track & field Avent Blueitt – football, basketball, track & field Catalina Carrasco – soccer, basketball, track & field Hannah Ellis – swimming, water polo, basketball Emily Haff – volleyball, swim, water polo Erin Haff – volleyball, swim, water polo Emily McCulley – soccer, tennis, track & field Kat Vinton – volleyball, bowling, track & field
Coach John Cooley – Coach of the Year For superior Football Program!
Coach Don Sebren – Legacy Award For Years of Service!
TSSAA Scholar Athletes and Teams Each year, St. Benedict and TSSAA recognizes those athletes who excel in the classroom by achieving a 3.5 GPA or above after the first semester of the year. In 2017-18, 282 Scholar Athletes achieved a 3.5 or better. In addition, the following teams collectively achieved a superior GPA to be named Scholar teams: Baseball, Boys/Girls Basketball, Boys/Girls Bowling, Cheer, Boys/Girls ‘ Cross Country, Dance, Football, Boys/Girls Lacrosse, Boys/Girls Soccer, Softball, Boys/ Girls Swim, Boys/Girls Tennis, Boys/Girls Track, Trap, Volleyball, Water Polo. 25
Coach Barbara Hervey – Jenny Award For Going Above & Beyond!
Eagle Award – Nick Brashier For Service to the Athletic Department!
SBA sports two TSLA All-Stars Seniors Chris Stepherson and Henry Ballard, again, represented SBA in the Tennessee State Lacrosse All-Star game in Nolensville, TN in May.
Sports It was steaming last summer, thanks to SBA athletes SBA Cheer Squad is named Camp Champs! The SBA Cheer Squad gave it their all at the UCA Cheer Camp at Ole Miss, so much so, that they brought home the gold. They were named Camp Champs in Small Varsity and received three superior ribbons, each for Side-line, Cheer Evaluations and Rally Routine. They also garnered three Spirit Sticks, one for each day at camp. The Squad is coached by Candace Nurse. Sponsor is Heather Freel. Squad members are – Avery Baker, Isabelle Baker, Maggie Bray, Zoe Cowell, Caroline Dorian, Grayson Ferber, Logan Ford, Co-Captain Graycie Hogan, Elise Horton, Mary Matthews, Kayla Reed, Delia Sevilla, Laney Skinner, Captain Savanna St. John and Simone Thompson.
A tip of the hat to senior Jesse Hollingsworth for his 3rd place finish at the SNEDS Tour at Quail Ridge in June. His sister Claire, a student at St Francis School, was there at the finish to congratulate him. Also, in June, Jesse teamed up with SBA alum golfers, Maribeth Peevy and Mitchell Bowlin to play in the D’Angelo Williams’ Charity Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Course. (see Alumni Photo Album)
In early June, rising sophomore Sean Mullen, finished 3rd in the Tennessee State JR Qualifying Championships 14 & under Tennis Tournament in Chattanooga.
Great job by senior tracksters Sam Baker and Caroline Bacon, who qualified for the AAU Jr. Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa in late July.
New Coaches on board! The SBA Volleyball program has added Sammie and Blaine Ruttan. Sammie serves as head coach.
Senior golfer Cameron Tompkins finished 3rd with an 82 at the SNEDS Tour at Stonebridge in June.
Congrats to senior EC Taylor and her summer softball team, the Birmingham Thunderbolts 01, who won the Colorado Fireworks Power Pool Championship in Aurora, CO against the Firecrackers from California.
The SBA Lacrosse program has added Nathan Booker for girls and Hampton Robinson for the boys.
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Alumni News CLASS NOTES
Chris Bucky has started a new position at Wright Medical as Vice President, Global Supply Chain Planning. Chris has over 18 years in Supply Chain Management. He and his family make their home in Collierville, TN
1995 Kerry Conroy has been tapped as the new associate Director of the District of Eastern North America (DENA) for the Brothers of the Christian Schools. She has an 18-year Lasallian Educator career, most recently as Principal and Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Salle Academy in New York City. Be sure to read about Kerry’s appointment at https://www.fscdena. org/2018/04/27/dena-welcomes-kerry-conroy-as-new-associate-director-of-office-for-mission-ministry/
Theresa Tindle is a Medical Esthetician and lives in Gallatin, TN
Meghan Freeman Medford was selected by the Memphis Business Journal as one of 23 2018 Super Women in Business. Meghan is the founder and president of Medford Roofing, a full-service commercial roofing contractor. Jina Hoback Harman is married to Matt Hoback and they make their home in Piperton, TN with their two children, Ansley & Jackson. Jina is a preschool teacher.
1998
1996 Laura Bond Hooper and husband Mark welcomed their twin daughters on August 26, 2018. Madyn West weighed 5.15 lbs and was 19” long, while Nola Mae was 4.8 lbs and 17.5” long. They join their big sister Ellie and twin brothers Bond and Carson. Laura’s husband, Mark, recently joined the SBA faculty and staff as Director of Campus Safety and Security.
Kristin Howes Stratton graduated from the University of Tennessee-Martin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Since graduation she has worked in the mental health field. She currently works as an Activity Therapist at the Unity Psychiatric Center in Martin, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Jennifer Montgomery Robinson is married to Marcus Robinson and the couple has three children; Trey-age 9, Logan-age 5 and McKenzi-age 2. Jennifer is a paramedic and homeschools her older children. Her husband is in the US Navy Reserves. Kristen Stokes Hensley was named the Director of Operations and Marketing for Bird-B-Gone headquartered in Irvine, CA last April. In this role, she is responsible for leading strategies and key business operations to sustain Bird-B-Gone’s continuing growth, while also managing and the company’s worldwide marketing program. Prior to joining Bird B-Gone, Kristen spent two years partnering with consumer service, process improvement and training companies. She spent five years at Terminix and has nearly 10 years of experience at TruGreen. Kristen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Christian Brothers University and her son, Owen, is a sophomore at SBA.
Ashley Harrison Moss is married to Franklin Moss and the couple have three children, Reilly (13), Brody (9) and Sloan (6). The family lives in Brentwood, TN, where Ashley is an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner.
1997
Theresa Ammons Harvey is married to David Harvey and they have a two-year old son, Nicholas. The family makes their home in St. Petersburg, FL, where Theresa is a Senior Construction Project Manager with Raymond James Home Office Corporate Real Estate Team.
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Alumni News 2000
2009
Ken McNamee is a Civil Engineer, having recently passed the Professional Engineer Exam. He makes his home in Castle Rock, CO with his wife Elizabeth and their two daughters Lillie (4) and Ava (2).
2003
Manuel Bernal, M.D. is an Emergency Medicine Physician in Chicago. Andrew Bridgers is an advertising copywriter living in Boulder, CO.
Kim Batt Howell married Dave Howell on April 20, 2018 at Heartwood Hall in Rossville, TN. Kim is a Business Development Specialist with Strategic Resource Management, Inc. in Memphis.
Kristen Brister graduated from the University of Alabama in 2013. She recently opened a dance studio in Tuscaloosa, AL. Mindy Brown is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist/ Manager in Chattanooga. Emily Campbell Ragle is married to Justin Ragle and is an Intervention Specialist in Cincinnati. Kate Caywood Boleware is in nursing and is married to Heath Boleware. The couple makes their home in Richmond KY.
Christian Nollner Range and husband Mike Range welcomed their first child, Charlee Grace Range, on April 9, 2018. She weighed 6 lbs, 7 oz and measured 18.5� long. The family makes their home in the Memphis area.
Regan Chandler Milton married John Milton at St. Louis Church in Memphis on July 7, 2018. They live in Denver where Regan is in her second year as a school psychologist in the Weld RE-3J School District. John is a graduate student at the University of Denver - Joseph Korbel School of International Relations.
2004
Jestein (Leigh) Lamey Gibson and husband Jonathan welcomed their third daughter, Rosalie Jane, born March 6, 2018, weighing 7 lb, 2 oz and measuring 19 ½ inches. She joins big sisters Abigail and Eleanor and the family makes their home in Cordova. Jestein has recently been promoted to Collections Developer at the Memphis Pink Palace.
Emily Clinard Whitehurst is married to Colby Whitehurst and she is an English teacher. The couple makes their home in Cordova. Natalie Lloyd Clynes is a Communications Manager and is married to Kevin Clynes. The couple makes their home in Germantown.
2006
Jason Smith is a teacher and is married to Caroline Smith. They make their home in Washington, DC.
Kendall Cozart Smith is married to Adam Smith and the couple has two children, Jakob (6) and Sophia (1). They make their home in Hartford, MI.
2008
Kim Obert McCutcheon is married to Casey McCutcheon and they have a new baby, Casey. Kim is a teacher with the Fayette County Public Schools and the family makes their home in Mason, TN.
Erika Ellis is and Occupational Therapist in Memphis.
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Katy Erstine Reabe received her Masters Degree from the University of Alabama in Speech Language Pathology and has been working as a Speech Pathologist with preschool aged students in the Public School system for the past three years. She was married in 2015 to Eric Reabe and they are currently living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Shay Garrett is a Marketing Associate in Memphis. Jake Gaskin and Nuria Espin Gaskin welcomed their first child, Tommy, in June 2017 and they are expecting their second baby in February. Jake works as a Physical Therapist at Baptist Medical Group and Nuria is a Social Media Strategist with Wunderman Memphis. The family lives in Bartlett.
Kayla Kiernozek is a Certified Child Life Specialist in Cincinnati. Kelly Latiolais is a graphic designer with Fanjoy and living in Los Angeles. Rebecca Long Bowen is married to Anthony Bowen. She is in Customer Service at Germantown Athletic Club. Waverly Maddox is a 5th grade teacher and living in Chattanooga. Deanna McCraw lives in Ft. Collins, CO and enjoys all that “the beautiful state has to offer.” She is currently the owner and teacher of Serene Hearts Yoga, where she teaches yoga to children aged 1-10 in the Northern Colorado Area. Currently, she teaches at over 20 day cares, preschools and elementary schools. Kelsey Miles Wright is married to Alan Wright and they have a son, Paxton, 10 months old. The family lives in Olive Branch and Kelsey is a Physical Therapist/Rehab Director.
Jackie Gillespie is a 5th grade teacher and is living in Oakland, TN. Caolinn Golden is manager at Muddy’s Custom Studio in Memphis. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts and BA in Art History. Lyndsay Harper is a Dispatcher in Memphis and has a daughter, Charlie.
Forrest Morton is a brewer and makes his home in Carbondale, IL. Lauren O’Connor Merriam is married to Tyler Merriam and they live in Indian Land, SC.
Kristen Howard is a Master at Arms with the U.S. Navy and stationed in California. Lydia Hyatt Mayo is married to Brooks Mayo and they live in Westminster, CO. Lydia is a biology and math teacher. Meredith West is an Assistant Vice President in Commercial and Private Banking in Memphis.
Katherine Nelson Pena is an Architectural Designer and lives in Collierville. She is married to Joel Pena.
Kathryn Jones Wilson is married to Adam Wilson and the couple have two children, Amelia (2) and Jack (1). The family makes their home in Memphis.
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Alumni News Lindsay Pratt is a Sales Representative living in Memphis.
Stephen Whitney is an Account Executive for FedEx, living in Memphis. He also produces concerts and is a member of the Beale Street Caravan Board of Directors.
Arkell Quarles Mokler graduated from Auburn 2011 University in 2013 with a Bachelor Dr. Angelo Bologna recently received of Science in Physical Activity and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Public Health with a Belmont University. Dr. Bologna is concentration in Kinesiology. She practicing in the Bartlett area with the married Mathew Mokler in Memphis Orthopaedic Group. October, 2015 in Charlottesville, VA surrounded by family and their closest friends. The couple moved from Auburn, Alabama to Austin, TX to Fort Lauderdale, FL in pursuit of their careers. Arkell is currently working for lululemon as an assistant manager in charge of community connections. The couple’s goals for the upcoming year are to start a non-profit for veterans, learn to scuba dive and purchase their first home in South Florida. Jennie Burks Lamon is married to David Lamon and the couple makes their home in Louisville, KY. Jennie Cady Reisman Flores is married to Andrès Flores and the graduated from Spalding University with a Masters Degree couple has a 1-year old daughter, Ariana. They make their in Occupational Therapy and has accepted a full time home in Memphis, where Cady is a General Manager for position as an occupational therapist at Kindred Hospital Brown Dog Lodge. in Louisville.
Jordan Runions runs an inner city
Jarrett Dohogne is married to Emily Dohogne and is a at-risk youth program in Nashville. She Branch Manager for Terminix in Memphis. is also enrolled at Trevecca, seeking a Master’s in teaching. She hopes to be in 2012 school administration in the future. Allison Fetz received her Master of Jordan makes her home in Murfreesboro. Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Memphis in May, 2018.
Garrett Shouse is in the military and is married to Rachel Shouse. They love in Southern Pines, NC. Peter Simon graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2013 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the UT College of Law in 2017. He is in the U.S. Air Force Jag Corps and based at Shaw Air Force Base (SC) as an Assistant Staff Jude Advocate. Sarah Speer is an ICU Nurse at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Cayley Turrin owns her own criminal defense law firm in Brentwood, TN. She makes her home in Franklin, TN and is engaged to be married. Catherine Waddell Dambrino is an Audit Senior with Deloitte in Nashville. She is married to Rob Dambrino.
Jeff Lamer recently joined DaVita Kidney Care in Tacoma, Washington as a Patient Care Technician. Branton Wierderholt graduated from Oklahoma State University in May, 2016 with a double major Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Management. In August 2016, he relocated to Addison, Texas and joined Hilton as a Revenue Specialist. This past July, he was promoted to Revenue Specialist-Onboarding. In addition, he recently completed three years of service with the Oklahoma National Guard.
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Amanda Neat Wilson is married to Ethan Wilson. The couple makes their home in Fredericksburg, VA, where Amanda is an Experiential Marketing Production Accountant.
2013 Alex Ashlock graduated from Ole Miss and has joined Strategic Financial Partners in their office in Memphis as a Financial Services Specialist. He helps people attain the most personal financial benefit from their careers and businesses.
Patrick Murphy graduated this May from the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) with a B.S. in Business and Management Systems. He is currently in graduate school working on an M.S. in Information Science & Technology at Missouri S&T. He is pictured here with Head Baseball Coach Todd DeGraffenreid at a graduation ceremony held during the 2018 Conference Baseball Tournament. Patrick worked with the team. Andrew Nevle is an Analyst with Home Depot in their Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta. His team aided victims of the hurricane in the Carolinas and was featured on CNBC.
Brittney Beckham graduated from Lyon College in Batesville, AR this past spring with a Political Science Degree. She is currently attending Law School at Southern University Law in Baton Rouge, LA. Brittney, who played volleyball at SBA, played two years at the University of Arkansas at Monticello before transferring to Lyon. She played at Lyon, as well, giving her 4 years of college volleyball.
Connor Ryan is a Credit Analyst for First Tennessee Bank. He graduated from the University of Memphis Magna Cum Laude in May of 2017 and interned with First Tennessee subsequently becoming full time in 2017. (See Front Cover) Ben Sell graduated from the University of Memphis in May 2018 with a degree in Computer Science.
Kathleen Bray graduated from the University of Memphis in the fall of 2016 with an Education Degree. She served as a substitute teacher for the Catholic Diocese, spending some time at SBA. She served as a long-term sub at De La Salle Elementary School in the spring of 2017, where she taught 6th, 7th, 8th grade Social Studies; 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grade Computer and assumed Librarian duties. During the summer of 2017 she began her graduate studies at CBU as a member of the Lasallian Association of New Catholic Educators (LANCE). As a member of LANCE, she has been able to pursue her graduate degree in Elementary Education and obtain a Tennessee teaching license, in addition to teaching 2nd grade at Resurrection Catholic School.
Alex Thompson started a new position as Clerical Support Specialist with Integrity Rehab Group in May. Jordan Wilkins (number 30) is the first SBA football player to sign a professional contract to play in the NFL. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts and is seeing success his rookie season, and is now wearing #20, scoring his first NFL TD on Nov. 18 vs Tennessee Titans.
Holly Fisher Reifers is a Counselor at Incarnation School in Collierville.
Andrew Holliday graduated Cum Laude from the University of Memphis in May, 2018, in Sports Management.
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Alumni News 2014
Teresa Ferrante is a Life Teacher at her elementary Alma Mater St. Ann School in Bartlett. Teresa received a Bachelors Degree in English from Christian Brothers University and is working on her Master’s in Education, also from CBU.
Kaitlin McFarland graduated from UT-Knoxville in May, 2018 and has accepted a position as a FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students) College Missionary with ministry at Southeastern Missouri State University. She lives in Cape Girardeau, MO. You can contribute to the FOCUS Ministry and help-out Kaitlin’s ministry at focus.org
2015 Nesto Rivas was awarded the Sexton Scholarship for his contributions to the University of Tennessee Rugby Program last April. The scholarship is awarded for character, effort, enthusiasm and commitment to UTK Rugby. Nesto is a senior majoring in Psychology. He is the current 2nd Vice President of the Rugby Club. This past season Rivas was a starting lock for the Volunteers. Matthew Smith has a accepted a new position as a Media and Marketing Executive with the University of Memphis Blue Crew. Matthew is doing something he loves and does so well.
2016
Kenzie Baird was inducted to the National Society of Leadership and Olivia Parsels has accepted a position Success at the University of with the Nashville Soccer Club as Ticket Tennessee-Knoxville last spring. She is Sales Account Executive. Olivia had pre- beginning her junior year and interned this viously interned with the AutoZone Lib- summer at Lucite International erty Bowl and worked in ticket sales with in Memphis. the Memphis Redbirds. She received her BBA in Sports Management from CBU. Nick Giles won the Windyke Club Championship in August. He won the final round in a Match Play Tournament, 4 & 3. Nick is a junior at the University of Memphis and a member of the Tigers Golf Team.
Grace Summers was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 5 team based on her academics and her strong performance on the court for Eastern Illinois University.
Nicole Wiederholt graduated from East Tennessee State University Honors College on May 5, 2018, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. The Psychology Department Faculty at ETSU awarded her The Roger Bailey-Otto Zinser Outstanding Senior Award. This past August, she started Grad School at Marymount University in Arlington, VA to work on a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Sarah Ryan is majoring in Accounting at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. During the summer she interned at International Paper Headquarters in Memphis.
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Vanessa Tejada is a Civil Engineering junior at Cornell University. She has been selected as the recipient for the 2018-2019 Clark Construction Scholarship. This prize is awarded annually to a top civil engineering junior who has shown an interest in and aptitude for construction. Vanessa is currently participating in the Cornell-Cantabria Exchange Program in Spain. Vanessa happily comments, “Two of my biggest dreams since I started Cornell was to study abroad and find a career that I am passionate about. This year I have been fortunate enough to not only accomplish my goals, but also be awarded for something I love and want to continue pursuing.” Vanessa was Valedictorian for the SBA Class of 2016.
Betsy Blumenfeld was a member of the 2018 Royal Court of Carnival Memphis, which had its celebration in June. She attends Spring Hill College, where she is a member of Tri Delta Sorority. She has served as treasurer of the Film and Production Club and co-chairman of Philanthropy for Tri Delta.
Lexie Graves is a Hostess at Flemings and lives in Memphis.
Meghan Wolfanger is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She recently received an appointment as a Biology Lab Teaching Assistant upon recommendation from her biology instructor. Meghan hopes to go into nursing.
Lauren Michele Harrell is a member of the All-Star Cheer Team, Cheer Athletics Cheetahs, who won their division to bring home the World Title. The USASF World competition in Orlando, FL is the pinnacle of competitive cheer. LaurenMichele’s team competes in the toughest division, the senior large co-ed division. Not only did they win their division to bring home the world title, they finished with the highest score in USASF World competition history. They were undefeated this season!
2017
Anna Armour served as an horticulture intern at the Memphis Botanic Gardens last summer. She is majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in horticulture at Mississippi State University. Botanic Gardens Executive Director Mike Allen is pictured here with Anna.
EC Johnson signed to continue his basketball career at Independence Community College.
Tylan Barr provided his testimony in the TN Achieves Blog about how his TNPromise Scholarship is helping him achieve his goal. Tylan is making full use of TNPromise at SouthwestTN. He will graduate in the spring and continue at the University of Memphis to study engineering technology. Check it out at https://tnachievesblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/student-spotlight-tylanbarr/
Molly McHughes is a Leasing Agent with the Morgan Group and makes her home in Houston.
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Alumni Photo Album Several alums and their families and friends recently traveled to Scotland and Ireland. They shared these pictures from their visit in Ireland at St. Brigid’s Well near the Cliffs of Moher and a mountain area near Dublin. Alums on the trip were Cara (2018), Mikey (2012) and Drew (2008) Bascom; Megan Brown (2017); Allie (2018) and Matthew Carr ( 2015)); Ashley Schettler (2002) and Lexis (2012) and rising sophomore Talan Lucus.
A great looking group of alums from the Auburndale classes of ‘87 and ‘88 and the first St. Benedict at Auburndale class-1989 celebrating a combined reunion in late June. Their festivities kicked off with an evening at the “new” SBA for some refreshments, fellowship and a tour. They also toured the old Auburndale and SBA, now St. Francis. Principal Sondra Taylor Morris, who was a teacher of these students, was on hand to welcome them! Hats off to 1994 alum Lisa Zimmer Smithmier (2nd row, 3rd from right), who was recently promoted to Lieutenant/ Paramedic for the City of Collierville Fire Department. Lisa makes her home with her family in Collierville. We’re excited to announce that two SBA alums have been appointed to the Administration of St. Francis of Assisi School. 1998 alum Antonia Tricoli Corzine (far right) has been named Assistant Principal and 1999 alum Beth Spence Odom (center left) has been named Religion Coordinator. They will be working for new Principal Alicia Brown (left), who formerly was with SBA when it was a K-12 school. They also join SFA PLUS Director Stephanie Jones, who has had two children graduate from SBA.
Class of 2006 grad Drew Thomas (center) received his Doctorate in History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland last summer. Traveling to Scotland for the occasion were ‘06 classmates and longtime friends Colby Taylor and William Dickens.
The 2018-19 SBA Dance Team welcomed home 2018 grad Kelsey Brooks at the Friday Night Lights pre-season event. Kelsey auditioned and was selected to the prestigious University of Memphis Dance Team. We’re all proud to call Kelsey one of our own.
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Alumni Director Stacey Peeney’s door is always open to alums coming back to The Nest. Be sure to stop by often, as did these two alums – Kaitlin McFarland and Santia McCraw. In July, 2014 alum Kaitlin McFarland (right) stopped by SBA. She shared with Alumnae Director Stacey Peeney (left) about her FOCUS formation at Ave Maria University and her new position as a FOCUS Missionary at SEMO.
This past June, 2009 SBA alum David Cervetti (deceased 2016) received his official Doctor of Veterinary Degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine. His brother Matt (SBA 2005) received the Diploma in his stead, while mom, Dianna Cervetti Robertson, was also there for the ceremony held in New York at the Lincoln Center to present the Dr. David Cervetti Veterinary Award to a worthy graduate. The SBA family extends God’s prayers and blessings at this bittersweet moment for the Cervetti family, as David’s memory lives on in so many ways!
2016 grad Santia McCraw visited during Homecoming Week. Ironically, Alumni Director Stacey Peeney and Santia are old friends from St. Ann-Bartlett days.
Having fun at this summer’s Evening at the Nest event was former SBA Principal George Valadie and several alums.
SBA 2017 alum golfers, Maribeth Peevy and Mitchell Bowlin teamed up with senior Jesse Hollingsworth (left) to play in the D’Angelo Williams’ Charity Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Course in June.
Trey Wilkins (SBA 2011) and wife Ashley Magnifico Wilkins (SBA 2011) were in “The Nest” recently. Joining Trey and Ashley was their 2 mos old daughter Zoe. Proud for this beautiful Eagle family!
Good to see 2015 alums and Memphis Tigers LaDarius Jordan and Joey Magnifico, who stopped by The Nest to catch some of the Eagles vs Overton football game. It was rare Friday night off for these Tigers.
SBA 2010 alums Theresa Ong and Paul Frierott were married on June 23, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Their reception was at Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis. Many SBA alums were part of the wedding party and many were on hand for the celebration. Paul is an AP History teacher at SBA.
So proud of these young seminarians, who are SBA alums, at the Seminarians Dinner at SBA Dining Hall in July. Andrew Raffanti (2014) at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Joseph Hastings (2005) at the Angelicum in Rome, Andy Madeksho (2015) and Alex Peyton (2016) at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas. SBA -on a mission from God!
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Alumni Spotlight
Still an Eagle, After All These Years… Reflections from SBA’s Home & School President Renae McElwain (Auburndale 1988) It’s hard to believe that May of 2018 marked 30 years since I graduated from Auburndale! Even harder to believe is that I now have three Eagles of my own who have been a part of the Saint Benedict at
Auburndale family; one graduated in 2017 and the others will depart “the nest” in 2019 and 2020. Somewhere along my journey as an SBA parent, I was encouraged to attend a Home & School Association
meeting. I must have raised my hand at the wrong time because, next thing I knew, I was the Home & School president! Or maybe it was just fate; my mother, Sheila Adcock, had served as SBA’s Home & School president 25 years earlier when my brothers and sister were students. When I attended Auburndale, she was always involved in volunteer efforts and fundraising at the school. I recall that one year she dressed as some outrageous character for our annual carnival and another year she headed up a cookbook fundraiser, assembling recipes from school families and faculty for Delectable Collectibles (still one of the most-used cookbooks in my kitchen). In our house, it was just understood that “Mama’s doing something at the school” pretty much all the time. Back then, volunteering for the school was no small task, either! A typewriter was the best technology around and accomplishing anything was a lot of work. Not only was volunteering much more laborious in my mother’s day, but it involved some pretty outrageous activities, too. For example, I remember packing the school gym for everyone’s favorite fundraiser: Donkey Basketball (people riding donkeys and playing basketball—who wouldn’t pay to see that?). And, the annual carnival I mentioned earlier traditionally included a “haunted house” that would rival the goriest of today’s scary movie scenes. As surprising as those activities may seem, they were executed with the same spirit that drives today’s (more tame) volunteer efforts: the passion of parents to support and advance their kids’ school. I’m so grateful for the example of service that my mother showed me. Not everyone has the ability to immerse themselves as a volunteer the way she did, but our wonderful Home & School organization makes it easy for parents to share their passion for SBA and get involved—in both big and small ways. For me, being involved in Home & School has provided an up-close look at all the best that SBA has to offer. To see what the school has become over the last 30 years gives me a great sense of pride and gratefulness that I can share this blessing with my own kids. It really is great to still be an Eagle, after all these years! 36
Major Jeff Mullins, Class of 2004
Marine Major Jeffrey Mullins, 2004 SBA grad, is an F/A-18 Hornet pilot currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006. He is a member of the 2018 Blue Angels Team. He recently was in the area and gave a shout out to his Alma Mater in the Angels fly-over. Thanks, Major, for your service and remembering the Eagles of SBA!
SBA grad reaches community for the University of Alabama Paige Bolden, SBA 2010, was promoted to the position of Assistant Director for the University of Alabama’s Crossroads Community Engagement Center in the Spring of 2018. In this role, she develops and implements training, workshops and programs which support the goals of UA’s Division of Community Affairs. Paige graduated from UA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies in December, 2013 and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication in May, 2016. She has been a member of the UA Crossroads team for the past four years, starting with her role as a Graduate Research Assistant in 2014. Upon completing her master’s degree, Paige joined the professional staff of UA Crossroads as its Intercultural Engagement Coordinator. 37
Alumni Spotlight
She has been a member of the UA Crossroads team for the past four years, starting with her role as a Graduate Research Assistant in 2014. Upon completing her master’s degree, Paige joined the professional staff of UA Crossroads as its Intercultural Engagement Coordinator.
Under Paige’s leadership, UA Crossroads is now facilitating Practicing Inclusive Engagement (P.I.E.) workshops for more than 3,000 students, faculty, staff and community members each year. In May, the Division of Student Life recognized Paige with the Sybil R. Todd Excellence in Partnerships Award for her important contributions to student development programming hosted by departments across campus. As its Assistant Director, Paige oversees undergraduate and graduate student staff development, as well as expand the P.I.E. workshop curriculum and other Crossroads programming for UA and communities and organizations throughout the state of Alabama as well as continues to teach undergraduate courses for the University’s Honors College.
The Eagle’s Eye got her started SBA 2015 alum Gabby Velasquez has been working at the Columbia Missourian and Vox Magazine toward her degree in journalism at the University of Missouri. She currently is a Digital Editor at Vox Magazine and recently received recognition from the Missouri Press Association for a story she wrote last summer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Loving Supreme Court decision. This is what the journalists who judged the Greater Newspaper Contest said: “This entry was a simple series of features, but it felt like it was written by a veteran reporter. Ms. Velasquez does an excellent job describing the relationships--some decades long, others just a year or so in--and briefly touching on the challenges and successes they face. Very human, very beautiful.” Gabby pays tribute to her days on the staff of “The Eagle’s Eye,”, “I got a lot of confidence in writing for news during my time at SBA’s newspaper. Coach Cervetti was an invaluable mentor for me. I’m still proud of what we accomplished as a staff.”
https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/interracial-couples-reflect-on-life-after-loving/article_a88011ca4ad6-11e7-b49c-a36da6ddb1a7.html https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/missourian-wins-missouri-press-association-awards/article_ d5902d74-b698-11e8-9b66-1f54ce37bc95.html
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Introducing SBA Alumni Director Stacey Peeney We are pleased to announce the appointment of Stacey Peeney as SBA Alumni Director. Stacey comes to us from St. Ann School in Bartlett, where she has been a classroom teacher, Religion Coordinator, yearbook advisor, honor society moderator and director of musical productions since 2004. In addition to her position as Director of Alumni, Stacey will be Yearbook/Newspaper Advisor and teach Computer, Movie Making and Web Design. Stacey graduated from St. Ann School and Immaculate Conception Cathedral High School. She has a BBA in Marketing from
the University of Notre Dame. Two of Ms. Peeney’s children graduated from SBA, Natalie (Class of 2018) and Matthew (Class of 2015). You can contact Stacey at peeneys@ sbaeagles.org or 901/260-2849
WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION!!! Any Auburndale and SBA alumni can update database information by logging on www.sbaeagles.org/ alumni. We want to hear from you and help everyone stay connected! Send us your Class Notes and pictures, too. Attention: Classes of ’90, ’91 & ’92 (combined) are planning a reunion this year. Contact: Jason Barrett jbarrett2swbell.net or SBA Alumni Director Stacey Peeney, peeneys@sbaeagles.org, 260-2849. Alumni, make sure you join “The OFFICIAL Saint Benedict at Auburndale Alumni Group” on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/254028967952539/ and reunite with your classmates and to stay up to date with the latest SBA Alumni information!
Follow us on eaglessba / Saint Benedict Alumni Group
@EaglesSBA / @sbaalumni
@sbaeagles / @sbaalumni
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St. Benedict at Auburndale Class of 2018 • 192 Graduates
• $17.4 million merit-based scholarships awarded
• 664 Scholarships from 118 colleges & universities
• 5 Orpheum High School Musical Award Nominations
• 1 National Merit Scholarship winner, 3 Finalists, 1 Commended
• 1 National Scholastic Art and Writing Medal
• 39 AP Scholars
• 15 members signed to play college sports
• 90% AP Pass Rate
• Thousands of hours/dollars/food/clothing in service
• 90% with scores of 3 or higher
• 16th State Bowling appearance
• 2 AP National Scholars
• 23rd State Softball appearance
(granted to students who receive an average score of at least a 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams)
• 151 (79%) Graduates received scholarships
• 2 Commercial Appeal Sports winners