A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication
March 2019
Communi-K LEARNING, FAITH, LEADERSHIP
Cover Story
DECA AT STATE
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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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ALUMNI UPDATES page 8 JO
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F. K E N
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IN THIS ISSUE President’s Letter Principal’s Letter FOUND Class of 2023 KATCH Auction Freshman Retreat Alumni News Easter Egg Hunt
IN THE NEWS News and Press Releases
ISLE Projects
Find all the latest news on our website or follow us on social media. Click below to listen to retreat playlists on our Spotify, connect with us on LinkedIn, or see our latest photos and recaps.
Mardi Gras Crowns
Check out our podcast here!
NW Catholic Student
International News Scholarship Totals DECA Student Profile
ON THE COVER
Scavenger Hunt
Twenty Kennedy Catholic students attended the State DECA Conference in Bellevue.
Paint with Bacteria
Read more on page 14.
Guest Speaker Teacher Profile Fine Arts News
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Kennedy Catholic is hiring! Open positions include, a Librarian, Math and English teachers; check the employment section of our website for the latest openings.
A Note from Mike Prato, President
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Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God. St. Ignatius of Loyola
When I was young, ‘give up’ were the words my cousin and I used when we wrestled at my grandparent’s house and one of us got the upper hand. Later, they were words directed to us by our parents when it was Lent. “What are you giving up for Lent?” (not so much a question, more of a suggestion) Later, as a dad, husband, and Catholic school administrator, giving up or surrendering has taken on a new meaning. I take these roles that God has entrusted to me seriously. When I face anxiety, the second part of St. Ignatius’ reminder to trust in the will of God to “take care of it,” is where I often fall short. My first Lenten goal is to work on surrendering any and all that causes me anxiety, fear, hopelessness and despair; placing it into the hands of the risen Christ.
on surrendering to my wife, Laura, to allow our marriage to be transformed. Just recently, a family enrolled their twins as freshmen at Kennedy Catholic. No easy task for a family with one student, let alone two. Yet, the surrendering of financial challenges to Jesus allowed for an amazing outcome. Here is part of that testimony: My wife and I are all still pretty overwhelmed with the fact that attending Kennedy Catholic is now a reality for my son and daughter, thanks to the generous offer extended at yesterday’s meeting. I must confess that as I have listened to their interest and desire in Kennedy Catholic High School grow over the past several years, I have been mostly doubtful in trying to envision how this kind of educational opportunity could be made possible. Today, I can hear God (along with my wife) laughing at my lack of faith and I am so joyfully laughing along. Thank you so much for your part in what I believe will be a life transforming blessing for us all.
At a recent wedding I attended, one of the readings was from Romans 12:1. The priest commented, “In marriage, one is surrendering to the greater good of the other. Dying to self, losing one’s identity, and in that intimacy, becoming one; transformed.” Mary said to the angel Gabriel, “be it done unto me according to your will.” This Lent, my second goal is to work Read More
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A Note from Nancy Bradish, Principal
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I am ever amazed by the depth of our students’ faith, how they have committed themselves to living a life of service to others.
In February, we held our 2019 Freshman Retreat. The Freshman Retreat is designed for our students to come together, now that they have acclimated to high school life, and forge new friendships as well as solidify their place in the Lancer Family community.
faith and amazed by the professionalism of the presentations.
Spring SEARCH is occurring the first week of March. This will be a wonderful way for our students to begin the Lenten season.
The Spring Musical, Oklahoma, will run from March 14-17 at the Highline Performing Arts Center. It will be an exciting show! The Festival of Choirs was rescheduled for March 28 due to a snow cancellation of the original date in February. The Festival is located at Benaroya Hall.
The last week of February was ISLE presentation week. I had the privilege of sitting on a panel to review and score the student presentations. I am ever amazed by the depth of our students’ faith, how they have committed themselves to living a life of service to others, and how deeply impactful their service was on their world view and how they view themselves. I am always so very grateful to be able to witness this growth in
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The Spring sports season has begun. We hope for beautiful weather for the duration and a successful season for all.
As we begin our Lenten season, we pray to return to and renew our faith.
FOUND FOUND is a youth group for Kennedy Catholic students. Every week, members write and share reflections from their daily lives. Senior Chloe D.’s March reflection: “And after the fire there was a tiny whispering sound” 1 Kgs 19:12 When I clocked in to work, I had an inescapable sense that something was missing, even though everything appeared to be normal. It took me several minutes to realize that what was missing was the music that typically filled the store -- that morning, everything was silent. It was unusual and awkward, and it got me thinking. It seems that we are always trying to fill the silence -- we turn to conversation, music, work, you name it. Our world teaches us that there is no time to pause and no room to be gentle. To succeed you must push forward with the masses, trudging onward even when exhaustion threatens to consume you. How often do we allow the silence? How
often do we pause to be still? It seems we have become so accustomed to persistent noise and activity that pausing to rest seems like a foreign, unattainable concept. Silence is awkward. We must remember, though, that sometimes God is in the awkward quiet; sometimes God is in the subtle; sometimes God is in the whisper. These things are easy to push aside, easy to lose in the mayhem of everyday life as louder, more pressing things close in, vying for attention. But there is power in the smallness, in the tiny whispering sound after the destructive fire. There is power in rest and reflection, even if it is just a minute of silence, because that silence is an invitation for God to quietly settle in our hearts. So this week, as you may feel yourself caught in an inescapable tide of work, classes, events, and deadlines, try to remember to take a minute or two of silence, just to be still. Make room for the tiny whisper, and embrace the peace that can be found in the silence. www.kennedyhs.org
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WELCOME CLASS OF 2023 This past fall, the Admissions Team met with hundreds of eighth grade students and families from schools all across the area to prepare to welcome the Class of 2023. There were many events and visit days throughout the fall, getting us extremely excited for the talented young individuals who will comprise our Freshman class. The class of 2023 is exceptional and will enter Kennedy Catholic with many unique talents and abilities. We are thrilled to welcome their diversity of interests and can’t wait for the great value they will bring to the Lancer Family! The next four years will be truly special for our community. Welcome to the stellar students of the Class of 2023!
2019 KATCH AUCTION Round up the posse and join us on Saturday, April 6 at the Kennedy Catholic corral for a rootin’ tootin’ good time. This year the Kennedy Catholic Auction theme “Boots and Bids” celebrates everything western. Registration is now open for the 2019 KATCH Gala Auction on Saturday, April 6. Register here. Grab your boots, chaps and cowboy hats! We can’t wait to see you there. Interested in making a donation? Contact Karen Cascio
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FRESHMAN RETREAT Every year, Kennedy Catholic holds the Freshman Retreat as a way for our newest class to feel affirmed, create memories and deepen their spiritual journey. This retreat includes service at a local non-profit, celebrating a community meal and mass, and many other bonding activities that help students connect with each other and the Lancer Family. Mr. Prociv, a retreat head, felt the day was a success saying, “The retreat was great! There was amazing feedback from freshman, leaders, and adults. Despite the setbacks of the snow, the heart of the retreat was fully intact. The retreat was summed up well with the closing where, after Mass, everyone joined in singing a full-voiced rendition of the retreat theme song, “Life is a Highway.” Fun was definitely had by all!” International student, Zoe, was nervous and excited to connect with classmates. “Freshman Retreat was a great activity for me. I’m a bit shy in communicating with American students, but everyone was super nice. I felt nervous in the group at first, but our leaders were helpful and I was able to make new friends. We played some games with other freshman groups. The games helped me relax and I felt lucky to be in our group.”
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ALUMNI NEWS &
ALUMNI PROFILE: LAUREN ASHER ‘03 In reflecting on their time at Kennedy Catholic, many Lancers point to the renowned band program as the most influential aspect of their experience. Lauren Asher ‘03 is one of those proud alums. Performing was a big part of her life, encompassing both drama and band, with leadership positions as Drum Major and secretary of the Drama Club. Being a part of the band was like having a second family within the community at Kennedy Catholic. Participating in retreats, performing as part of the summer band program, and forging relationships with her teachers expanded her sense of community, keeping Lauren busy. Mrs. Burns, former leadership teacher and current Dean of Students, was always someone Lauren and her friends could look to for support and was someone who felt like just one of the students. 8
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Sad to leave, but looking forward to her next adventure, Lauren graduated in 2003. As it turns out, her next step wasn’t quite so clear. With so many interests, Lauren spent time trying new jobs, and creating goals for each step. She earned certificates, took additional classes, and was always willing to try something that would challenge her, like earning her Associates degree just a year after her son, Conor, was born. Then, she took a chance on an internship configuring camera systems, which turned into a full-time job as a systems engineer for the new SR99 tunnel through downtown Seattle. The logistics include countless devices and monitoring of all traffic patterns through the tunnel, as well as alerting Lauren’s team to any potential issues or obstacles, like a box falling off the top of a car. Being a part of this small team has been so rewarding and has pushed her to develop new skills and work with programs she never would have had the opportunity to learn. With so much of her time focused on exact programming, Lauren looks forward to nights with her friends, tuning out their minds and tuning into whatever reality show they’re currently invested in. Returning to campus recently for the Alumni Band Night, Lauren was able to introduce her son Conor to her favorite former teachers and the Lancer Family and looks forward to seeing where life takes them next.
& EVENTS
SAVE the
DATE August 16, 2019
LANCER GOLF CLASSIC 2019
Washington National Golf Club
Save the date! On Friday, August 16, 2019, Kennedy Catholic will host the second annual Lancer Golf Classic at Washington National Golf Course. Take your turn on the course designed by award-winning architect John Fought.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer, or simply driven by your love of the game, this is the perfect opportunity to play on one of Washington’s premier courses while supporting student scholarships at Kennedy Catholic. Registration opens April 16. Questions? Contact Rebecca Nuffer.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to our March alumni! We wish you a wonderful year ahead! Click here for the full list. To make sure your name is included, head over to our Alumni Page and fill out the form under, “Help Us Update Our Records.”
LANCERS REUNITED Lancers are ready to be reunited! The classes of 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2009 have all gotten a jump start on planning. As soon as dates and locations have been confirmed, they will be posted here and on the alumni page of our website. If you’d like to help with planning, more hands are always helpful! Contact Rebecca Nuffer with any questions. For members of the Class of 1979, save the date for August 9-10! You’ll be receiving an official invitation in the mail, so be sure your information is updated. Contact Sue (Marsland) Hearron (hearrons3@comcast.net) for additional details.
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SAVE THE DATE: EASTER EGG HUNT Join us on Friday, April 12 for our annual community egg hunt! Join us in the Kennedy Catholic cafeteria for snacks, activities, and more starting at 3pm. The hunt will begin promptly at 3:30pm. Baskets are provided. Kids of all ages will search high and low for over 1,000 eggs filled with treasures. Everyone is welcome - invite your friends and neighbors. For more information, contact Rebecca Nuffer.
NW CATHOLIC STUDENT OF THE MONTH “Paisley’s humble servant leadership is an inspiration to her peers,” said nominator Sofia Lopez. She is president of the St. Vincent de Paul Club and a leader of Kids Offering Others Care and Support. She plays in the concert and jazz bands, cofounded the Hiking Club, and has led retreats. She carries a 4.0 GPA and is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at St. Philomena Parish in Des Moines.
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ISLE PROJECTS Kennedy Catholic students perform a combined total of over 17,000 service hours per year. Each student’s service work culminates in an Integrated Service Learning Experience (ISLE) project presentation during the second semester of senior year. This required presentation is focused on the impact on population served and how the work relates to the Seven Catholic Social Teachings; it is then presented to a panel of teacher judges. Every year, teachers are blown away by the time and dedication students put into their ISLE projects and presentations. It’s often a highlight of a Lancer student’s time while at Kennedy Catholic. From mission trips to Belize to serving in the Burien community, Kennedy Catholic students are faithfully living out the social teachings of the Catholic Church!
ANATOMY CLASSES DISSECT SHEEP HEARTS To learn more about the structure and function of the brain, Ms. Bacher’s Anatomy & Physiology classes dissected sheep brains last month. This lab gives Anatomy students a great hands-on experience for better understanding how the brain works.
MARDI GRAS CROWNS To prepare for Mardi Gras, Lancer French students created festive crowns!
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INTERNATIONAL EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE Ms. Suttell and Ms. Vilai visited the Family Fun Center with international students for an indoor escape from the winter weather. A game of bowling was a much needed break from the freezing temperatures. Erik X. says, “I like these activities because it gives me a chance to get together with my friends.”
BECOMING TRUE LANCERS The Freshmen Retreat is the one time during the year when faculty, freshman, student leaders, alumni and members of our parent community come together to reflect, serve, worship and bond as a class and as a community. This year, students in our international program took part in the retreat for the first time. A few of their reflections are below. Tanya L. “The Freshman Retreat was beyond my expectations. We volunteered for service in the morning and played games with teams in the afternoon. Although volunteering was hard work, “in unity is strength,” and I really enjoyed the feeling of the whole group working together.” Sean H. “At the Freshman Retreat, the group games were my favorite part because I joined in and talked with American friends. They are so fun and friendly, and we are like one family in our group.”
Office of International Education Website
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L NEWS HOMESTAY PROGRAM
Share American culture
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OPENING YOUR LIVES AND SHARING AMERICAN CULTURE WITH A STUDENT FROM ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD? Kennedy Catholic is looking for host families for our international students for the 2019-2020 school year. International students are excited to practice their English and share their culture and traditions with their homestay family. Basic host family requirements include: • a curiosity and excitement for having an international student live as part of your family A NOTE FROM LUCY LU, HOMESTAY STUDENT
• a private or semi-private room with bed, linens, desk, chair, lamp, dresser, closet and internet access • three well-balanced meals per day
I really appreciate what my homestay family has done for me, making me feel right at home. It is far beyond what they were asked to do, and I feel very close with them because of it. This is the best version of high school life that I could have ever dreamed of because of the amazing Lancer Family.
• all adults living in the home complete a background check and Safe Environment class OUR HOMESTAY PROGRAM OFFERS A GENEROUS FINANCIAL STIPEND. For inquiries, please visit our website www.kennedyhs.org/int or contact Ms. In Vilai at Housing@kennedyhs.org or 206.957.9628
LEARN MORE www.kennedyhs.org
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LANCER SCHOLARSHIP TOTALS Way to go Seniors! Our Senior Lancers have already been offered over $3.5 million dollars in scholarships from universities and outside parties. Offers will continue to come in until May. Congratulations on your awards and acceptances. You are making the Lancer family proud!
DECA STUDENTS TO COMPETE AT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA With over 60 students, Kennedy Catholic’s DECA chapter has grown tremendously in its third year. At the beginning of the school year, Lancer DECA students began preparing for competition through the study of marketing principles and their application to real-world business situations. This past weekend, twenty qualifying students competed at the DECA State Career Development Conference. Over 4,000 students from around Washington converged in Bellevue to compete. Five Kennedy Catholic students placed in the top 10 of their events, with two advancing to compete at the national level at the DECA International Career Development Conference. Seniors Erik E. and Chloe D. will travel to Orlando, FL in April to compete at the national level against 18,000 students from around the world. Congratulations to Chloe and Erik and to Kennedy Catholic DECA for such a successful year so far!
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STUDENT PROFILE: OLIVIA T. Why did you choose to attend Kennedy Catholic? I chose Kennedy Catholic because I wanted an education that centered around God and my beliefs. I grew up in a Catholic school and being a Lancer seemed like the best option to continue to strengthen my relationship with God. Has your involvement connected you to the Lancer Family? My involvement with the school has connected me to the Lancer Family by getting to know my classmates and bonding over a common interest. Getting to know my peers and building healthy relationships is important to me and helps me know the Lancer Family. What does the Lancer Family mean to you and how has it shaped your time here at Kennedy Catholic so far? The Lancer Family is people who are there for you. You don’t have to look hard to find someone who will be supportive, build you up, and have your back when you need it.
SCAVENGER HUNT This month, Mr. Barbarossa took his classes on a school wide scavenger hunt to unlock clues and solve math problems. This interactive learning experience was an exciting way to understand and practice the skills taught in class!
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BIOTECHNOLOGY PAINTS WITH BACTERIA Last month, Ms. Lazerte’s Biotechnology classes transformed bacteria by adding a small loop of DNA to the bacteria that carried genes for different colors (jellyfish and coral genes). The resulting bacteria glowed or expressed which ever color gene was added. Using these bacteria, they “painted” the bacteria on agar plates in different patterns and watched them grow.
GAIL BRODER, SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, VISITS KENNEDY CATHOLIC Gail Broder, a Senior Research Scientist from Fred Hutch came to speak to Biotechnology classes last month. Ms. Broder is a world class scientist on the cutting edge of HIV vaccine research. She discussed her work on HIV and AIDS, how biotechnology tools are used in her lab and the future of vaccine research at Fred Hutch. We are so grateful for Kennedy Catholic’s continues partnership with Fred Hutch!
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What is unique about teaching at Kennedy Catholic compared to your other experience(s)? The staff is close, caring, intelligent and helpful. I love hearing ideas from other teachers and feel motivated by their ideas. I love seeing my TEACHER PROFILE: colleagues every day. I feel lucky to work with PAMELA MEAD ‘90-’93 such enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. My coworkers have always offered to help me What do you do at Kennedy Catholic? either professionally or even on a personal level. I teach the writing lab class with the fabulous I feel our staff is supportive of each other and I Ms. Liu. I also teach (1) grammar, (2) reading love it. and communications and (3) literature for the intermediate level. Every year I also have How do you experience the Lancer Family in the chance to teach a few American students the class room? in the reading and communications class. My classes are exceptionally small, so my The American students take the class as an students get to know each other pretty quick, elective class called international whether they get along well or not. They truly communications liaison. are similar to a family in the sense that they argue, help and care about each other. What is your favorite part of working at Kennedy Catholic? How is the school different now then how it was I love working with the international when you attended? students. These brave kids travel from across I do not remember so much diversity when I the globe to live in a country they are not attended as a student. Another improvement is sure if they like or not. They have to be I see more acceptance of hobbies and submerged and conduct their day in a personalities. When I attended, it seemed that language that is not their native tongue. if a student chose to participate in a sport and When they arrive, they have no friends and performed well, he/she was labeled as a jock, may not know anyone. On top of that, these and other activities had similar labels that students live with people who are strangers to pigeon-holed students because of a single them, either in the dorm or a host family. interest or talent. Now, it seems the students They impress me. Many make me laugh. accept each other as multifaceted individuals without so many labels. Some even share with me what is going on in What aspects have stayed the same? their lives. Their courage, their perspective, The teachers are caring and the locker room their lives and their experiences are showers are not used. fascinating to me.
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FINE & PERFORM
OKLAHOMA! Kennedy Catholic Theatre is proud to present Oklahoma! First performed in 1943, Oklahoma! was a game changer. It redefined the American musical, using song and dance to reveal character and advance story in ways that audiences had not seen before. Its characters are alternately charming, funny, and a little bit dangerous. Its story is both funny and moving, and its music iconic. Oklahoma! launched a series of successful collaborations between Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, who went on to dominate the first golden age of American musicals with such hits as South Pacific, Carousel, The King And I, and The Sound of Music. Kennedy Catholic Theatre: Where Joyful noises are made. Show information: Highline Performing Arts Center March 14-17 at 7pm March 18 at 2pm Adults $15 Students/Seniors $10 Tickets available March 1: At the Kennedy Catholic main office At the door Online at brownpapertickets.com 18
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MING ARTS NEWS FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS Please join us for the 20th annual Archdiocese of Seattle Festival of Choirs concert at Benaroya Hall on Thursday, March 28 at 7pm. All ten area Catholic high schools will perform independently and then combine under the baton of Dr. Andrea Ramsey, composer and conductor. This evening is truly a feast for the senses! Tickets are $13 and are available at the door, from Mrs. Brown, or from any choir member. Tickets with the original February date will be honored for entrance at the door. For further information, contact Lindsay Brown brownl@kennedyhs.org
ALL-NORTHWEST TREBLE HONOR CHOIR Congratulations to senior Emily D. She represented Kennedy Catholic as a member of the All-Northwest Treble honor choir in Portland, OR on February 17. Over 2000 students apply and recordings are selected by a blind panel. This was her third year participating! Great work, Emily!
ELEMENTARY BAND PROGRAM March is Music in Our Schools Month. As the weather (hopefully) is transitioning into spring, so too our young fifth graders are rising to the task of full concert music. Spring melodies are heard throughout the halls at nine Catholic schools. Concert time is approaching!
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KENNEDY CATHOLIC ART ON DISPLAY Kennedy Catholic art students, Lydia C., Minh N. and Sara I. are showcased in a statewide exhibit at the Renton PSESD offices. The show is open for public viewing Monday-Friday from 7:00am-4:30pm until March 20, with an awards reception that evening. We hope you can visit these incredible pieces while on display!
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