A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication
May 2019
Communi-K LEARNING, FAITH, LEADERSHIP
Cover Story
GRANDPARENTS DAY
page 12
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
page 3
ALUMNI UPDATES page 8
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F. K E N
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IN THIS ISSUE President’s Letter Principal’s Letter JFK Day College and Career College Decision Day DECA Marketing New ASB Officers
IN THE NEWS News and Press Releases
History Day Winners
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.
ASL Guests
Check out our podcast here!
Alumni News
Jesuit Excellence Tour New Family BBQ Grandparents Day Holy Week
ON THE COVER
International News
Grandparents Day was a huge success.
NOLA
Read more on page 12.
FOUND Reflection Lancers Against Cancer Teacher Profile Fine Arts News 2
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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
“” I am excited to put on my
waders, stock my tacklebox with the Holy Spirit, and fish for Lancers who have a desire to make a greater impact on the world.
I distinctly remember the first time my dad took me fishing when I was only about four years old. The night before, we carefully laid out the fishing pole, the tackle, and the net. Along with the equipment to fish, we brought the necessary cooking utensils with the hope we would be eating the fruits of our labor Always curious, I asked lots of questions about how to catch fish. There were all kinds of lures, an assortment of salmon eggs, and of course, the nightcrawlers. I asked my dad what the net was for, not realizing that when the fish are caught, they try to wiggle free. He said, “The net is really important, because when you go through all the effort catching a fish, you don’t want it to get away!” It seems to me, with fish there are those who swim freely, those caught in the net and those who end up in the frying pan. As we begin forging forward and implementing our new strategic plan, Verso L’alto, Kennedy Catholic is going fishing. We are ‘fishing’ for Lancers domestically and internationally. We are using the right value proposition to, like a fishing net, ensure the return on investment. If this metaphor applies, what constitutes the “meal”?
The “meal” is the exchange of relationships, four years of interactions and experience that result in lifelong memories. Our vision is anchored by diversity reimagined – a commitment to embrace our diversity through five pillars: to offer a global educational experience for every student, innovation that prepares students with 21st century workplace skills, student-centered instructional practices developing the fullest potential for every student, academic excellence delivered by talented and faithfilled faculty and staff, in a community anchored by our Catholic faith. If we pursue a dream without the right inspiration or motivation, not understanding what makes us unique in God’s eyes, we would be laboring in ordinary waters, going through the motions. Why wouldn’t we seek more? I am excited to put on the waders, stock my tacklebox with the lure of the Holy Spirit, and fish for Lancers who have a desire to make a greater impact on the world. Verso L’alto, To the Heights www.kennedyhs.org
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A Note from Nancy Bradish, Principal
“” This is a testimony to the
caliber of education and faith formation the students receive at Kennedy Catholic.
“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” Alex Haley May has arrived, and while we are preparing for the end of the school year, and all of the celebrations that will ensue, we are also planning for the upcoming school year. It always feels a little strange to bridge two school years. On May 7, we welcomed our new families with our New Family BBQ and Orientation. We provided information to help prepare them for the high school world. The incoming students participated in a scavenger hunt, while their parents attended an informational session with brief presentations by all the administrative departments (from Campus Life to Academics). This is one of my favorite evenings of the year as the excitement of
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our new students and families is tangible. Our faculty and staff were able to mingle and meet, and our parent organizations were able to present their information as well. Parent Ambassadors were on hand to answer questions and provide support. We have another excellent class coming in next year. This is a testimony to the caliber of education and faith formation the students receive at Kennedy Catholic. The New Family BBQ is an opportunity to share details about programs and classes being offered and the service work being done by our students. Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence with us as we end our journey this school year, and embark on our journey for next. Amen
JFK DAY THANK YOU Thank you to our wonderful Lancer community for coming together on the inaugural #JFKDay to support our Student Needs Fund! First time donors: 38% Alumni donors: 28% Decades with the most donors: 1990-1999 and 2010-2018
COLLEGE AND CAREER On April 30, a group of Kennedy Catholic Lancer’s attended the city of Kent’s “Career Fair at Showare Center” for local school districts in south Seattle. Students who attended were able to learn about employment opportunities in our area and larger region from a myriad of professions. Over 90 vendors from in-state businesses were present, with over 1,500 students to interact with! Our Lancers took full advantage learning about these opportunities and even received professional development help from BECU! We are looking forward to attending again next year.
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NATIONAL COLLEGE DECISION DAY - MAY 1, 2019 Congratulations to the Class of 2019! We wish you the best in your future endeavors and are excited to welcome you into the Lancer alumni community.
DECA STUDENTS COMPETE AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL Two Kennedy Catholic DECA students, Chloe D. and Erik E., traveled to Orlando, FL to compete in the DECA International Career Development Conference. After qualifying in March’s state competition, they advanced to compete at the national level against more than 20,000 students from around the world. Congratulations to Chloe and Erik and to Kennedy Catholic DECA for such a successful year!
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MARKETING PRESENTATIONS Mr. Beall’s Marketing classes were tasked with the challenge to encourage their class to choose a career in a particular industry. Students performed extensive research in groups and then presented their findings on a specific company, such as Adidas or Andersen Construction. Presentations encompassed stability, diversity, culture, opportunity for growth and more. Twenty percent of the grade was based on a phone interview with an industry professional, giving students the opportunity to sharpen their networking skills.
NEW ASB OFFICERS Congratulations to the 2019-2020 ASB Officers: President: Angel J, Vice President: Maalik B, Secretary: Emiliano H, and Treasurer: Garrett B. Thank you to all candidates and thank you to all voters.
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ALUMNI NEWS &
ALUMNI PROFILE: MARIE SPIELDENNER ’16 Marie Spieldenner ’16 was always on a path to explore her own creativity and actively practice her talents both as part of her school day and on her own time. Whether through music or dance, she never had a shortage of ways to express herself. This has led her on what some may call an untraditional path but one she planned for and knew was right for her. She followed her dreams to the bustling city of Los Angeles, CA straight out of high school to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Before moving to LA, Marie was a dedicated student at Kennedy Catholic. Marie felt lucky to overlap with her brother Aaron for one year while she was a freshman and he was a senior. Both musically inclined, they spent time together in orchestra class, learning and growing from each other. This memory encapsulates what Marie thinks of when she thinks of Kennedy Catholic: family, love, support. This sense of family
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and support from the entire Lancer community, including all of her amazing teachers, led her to feel confident in her next step after graduation, moving to Los Angeles. Knowing some of the challenges she would likely face, Marie made a deal with herself to focus on making herself proud and worrying only about developing her own skills. This way, she wouldn’t get caught up in worrying about what everyone else thought she should be doing or being measured by someone else’s idea of success. Using versatility as one of her greatest strengths, she practices all forms of dance. She never has a favorite style, a set schedule, or a typical day. It helps her to be a better performer in any circumstance she’s placed into. In fact, you may have even seen her performing in your living room without knowing it; she’s currently competing in NBC’s World of Dance as a member of Unity LA! Her performances as part of this show have been some of her proudest moments, and with good reason. When she’s not sharing her talents with the world, Marie gives her time to her smallest supporters by teaching dance to kids. Her ongoing mission is to help them see dance as a way of personal expression, rather than creating an impression for someone else. With everything she has on her plate, it’s hard to know where her next step will lead her. But no matter what she is taking on, she always strives to make her family proud. Their support has helped get her to where she is today, and Marie takes it as her motivation. Along with seeing her on World of Dance, keep an eye out for her in an upcoming major motion picture! While she can’t share the name just yet, her dancing talents will be on full display.
& EVENTS HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday to our May 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.”
Kennedy Catholic
g o l f classic
JOIN US FOR LOCAL LANCERS Celebrate summer and meet up with the Lancer Family at Optimism Brewing in Capitol Hill on Friday, June 14 from 5-7pm. Spend time with old friends from all classes and enjoy your first drink on us! Plus, enter our raffle to see if you’re the lucky winner of Lancer alumni swag! Event is limited to those 21+. Entry is free for all Young Alumni (graduates from the past ten years), $5 fee for all others. Tickets include one drink ticket and are available here. Young alumni can RSVP to Rebecca Nuffer at nufferr@kennedyhs.org, or check in at the event!
LANCER GOLF CLASSIC Join us on Friday, August 16 for a day out on the links with the Lancers! Grab your clubs and some friends and sign up with a foursome. You’ll enjoy a memorable day at Washington National Golf Club, complete with on-course games and trivia, as well as breakfast and lunch. While you’re out enjoying the sun, you’ll also be golfing for a good cause and supporting student scholarships for a Lancer in need! For more information or to register today, visit our event website.
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HISTORY DAY WINNERS Congratulations to the 13 Kennedy Catholic freshmen in Mrs. Gurnard and Mr. Wright’s Interdisciplinary Honors English/World History classes who presented their work at the National History Day state competition in Ellensburg, Washington on May 4. National History Day is a program for students in grades 6-12 that encourages them to become historians by fostering research, analysis, and presentation skills. Students across Washington State selected a topic of interest related to the 2019 theme of ‘Triumph and Tragedy in History.’ The students worked in groups to conduct extensive historical research and create either a documentary or an exhibit. Ian B., Ave D., Sophia M., and Anjali M. presented “Stephen Hawking: Mind Over Dark Matter.” Lucy C., Sofia D., and Kailee M. presented “The Atomic Bomb: The Tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” Gabe D., Ysabella P., and Elliot S. presented “African American Civil Rights: Tragedy of Yesterday but Triumph of Tomorrow.” Sarah E., Ali G., and Sophia K. presented “From Bombs to Blossoms: The Rise of Postwar Japan.” Sarah, Ali, and Sophia’s group achieved second place in the senior exhibit category and will represent Kennedy Catholic as they compete at the national contest in College Park, Maryland in early June.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SYdP club makes bagged lunches for the Highline Food Bank after school on Tuesdays during May. The lunch includes a hand-made sandwich, chips, fruit, water and a treat. The bag is hand decorated with words of encouragement and love. Everyone is invited participate in room B-226. Money is raised during lent collections for the food. Congratulations to the new officers for next year: Gracie S., Bailey S., David B., Riley L., and Hope K.
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NATIONAL POETRY MONTH April is National Poetry Month. Ms. Staley’s Creative Writing Classes read Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey,” and celebrated themed days of poetry. Last week, students focused on food as a theme, incorporating all of the senses to help them write poetry.
GUESTS IN ASL
JESUIT EXCELLENCE TOUR
Ms. Holmberg’s American Sign Language (ASL) classes welcomed deaf guest Dennice Jordan last month. Dennice visits the Kennedy Catholic ASL classes to help students practice and prepare for attendance at deaf events throughout the school year. This is an outstanding way for Lancer students to truly immerse themselves in the language. We are grateful for the many individuals, like Dennice, who visit the school to offer students real-world experiences.
Representatives from numerous Jesuit colleges visited campus to help our junior class learn more about offerings at their different institutions. This gave Lancer students the opportunity to browse different faith-focused universities before entering into a busy senior year filled with college applications.
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NEW FAMILY BBQ The Admissions Team hosted the annual New Parent BBQ & Orientation for all incoming students with over 400 people attending. Parents heard presentations from different departments and new students participated in a school wide scavenger hunt. Parents appreciated meeting faculty and staff and learning a bit more about what the next four years at Kennedy Catholic will look like.
GRANDPARENTS DAY Kennedy Catholic hosted another exciting and memorable Grandparent’s Day on Friday, May 3. Students and their grandparents enjoyed a light breakfast in the cafeteria before touring the campus. The day concluded with a wonderful May Crowning Mass for our Blessed Mother, presided over by Fr. Jose. The Lancer choir and orchestra impressed our grandparent audience with amazing performances throughout mass.
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HOLY WEEK Holy Thursday Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jose, and included a special foot washing for students embarking on the New Orleans spring break service trip. Every year, Ms. Dodge’s Theology classes host a moving Stations of the Cross prayer service for the Lancer student body. Through this reenactment, we are reminded of the many difficulties and encounters Jesus had during his time before his final breath. This service helped us enter into Easter with reverence and prayerful hearts.
MASON R. High school students in grades 10-12 were challenged by FCA Vehicles to design the ultimate status car using any FCA brand. Mason R. won second place in this national competition. Mason will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the FCA US Product Design studios in Auburn Hills, Michigan, plus one-on-one time with leading automotive designers. He will also receive a scholarship to attend the Precollege Summer Experience Transportation Design program at College for Creative Studies. The summer program curriculum includes the fundamentals of gestural sketching, perspective for both interior and exterior automotive concepts and how to translate designs into 3D models. Read the full story here. www.kennedyhs.org
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INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN JAPAN Mariko Fujiwara traveled to Japan over spring break. While there, she visited Tokyo, Nagoya, Ichinomiya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, to screen perspective students, engage the Asian Support Office with the Inchinomiya City Council, visit with local service organizations and volunteers. She also visited with current parents of students attending Kennedy Catholic along with Miyu Miyashita ‘17 and Naru Kosugi ’17. Mariko’s goal in the Japanese market is to increase the visibility of Kennedy Catholic and build a strong Lancer network by working with schools, agents, and local organizations. She is confident people in Japan will be interested in learning more about the value of a Kennedy Catholic diploma.
Office of International Education Website
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L NEWS
EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE Students played a variety of arcade games including bowling, billiards, ping pong, basketball, dance revolution and karaoke at Round 1 in Tukwila during their Extraordinary Experience trip in April.
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI VISIT Shun Otaka ’08, visited with Kennedy Catholic staff and shared his story. Shun attended Boston University, earning his degree in Computer Science. After graduating in 2013, he returned to Japan where he works as an administrator at a Boy Scout Association of Japan.
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NOLA 2019 Students experienced another successful spring break NOLA trip this year. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for this service learning experience.
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FOUND REFLECTION - ROSARIO T. This is the day music started meaning something to me. Two years ago on Veteran’s day, while my friends were marching down the streets of Auburn in the name of Kennedy Catholic, I was participating in a competition of my own for piano at Central Washington University. The entire afternoon, I had been vacillating between intervals of crying and worrying about my upcoming performance. I was still in shock over the recent news my grandfather had passed away only days ago. Nevertheless, I already put in the months of preparation work and my parents already made the drive over to Ellensburg, so I walked onstage, placed fingers on keys, and started playing. The first piece of my four-part program went without a hitch. Prepared to give my all, I began my second piece. Just as I approached the music’s climax, I felt a sudden presence beside me. It wasn’t anything grand, no earthquake took place and no angelic choirs from heaven descended upon the audience. Instead, it was as if someone who had watched over me this entire time had carefully placed their hand on my shoulder. I was beside myself. In front of my parents, teacher, and the judge panel, I cried (I know, pretty embarrassing, right?). Throughout the entire last half of the program, the tears wet my cheeks. I didn’t go home with a first place title, but that performance defined my musicianship far more than any trophy ever could. In a couple of seconds, I learned a whole world of music I had never discovered in my previous ten years of taking lessons. This is because from that moment, I began playing for a purpose. Purpose which manifested itself in the faces of my grandfathers who had never heard me perform live, of my grandaunt who supported me all the way until the end of her battle with cancer, of my family friend Tita Lulu, who first sparked my passion for piano, and of my granduncle, the person who peered at my fingers mere hours after my birth and with a twinkle in his eye proclaimed “she has long fingers, she’ll be a pianist!” After that day, a constant search for that same purpose has driven all my music-related decisions. An abundance of caring, loving friends brought me through the turbulence of multiple shifts in the band program. People who had no qualms pushing me to my artistic limit, prime among them Chloe D. and Mr. Patulot, helped me overcome my hesitation to sing alongside the talents of the praise band. Most importantly my parents, aka my day-one supporters, comforted me in all my post-performance breakdowns and gave me the pep talks and comfort food needed to get back up and keep playing. I see God in the people I love, so in striving to make them proud, in my own way I’m glorifying God. So whatever we decide to do in life these upcoming years, we should all know why we’re doing it. Perhaps our choices will turn the universe on its head, or they might be steps in a personal journey of self-growth. Whatever the reason may be, always remember it. We must cling to it in the most turbulent storms and let it light up our darkest nights. As for me, I only hope I can grow the most I can, however many tearful performances that takes.
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STUDENT PROFILE HARRISON What inspired you to become a Lancer? Before attending Kennedy Catholic, I went to St. Francis. There, I was shown what it means to be a Lancer from numerous band performances. My first day here, I realized I was in a place where I would make new friends I’d have for the rest of my life. I truly felt Kennedy Catholic would give me the best education possible. What connections and similarities can you draw between Boy Scouts and the Lancer Family? A great deal of leadership is required for both. I’m given the opportunity to work with all different types of people, helping me become a stronger person. I was a Senior Patrol Leader with the Scouts, where I led 20 boys for six months, most of them under the
age of 13. This experience pushed me to be a true leader, gaining their trust and making sure everyone was working equitably. It also showed me how to strengthen bonds between people. I think this is something very similar to the Lancer Family – there are definitely very tight bonds between people! How has Boy Scouts helped you throughout High School? Scouts has stretched my abilities physically and mentally in order to get stuff done in a limited amount of time which benefited me in high school. It’s also taught me how to be a proper leader at Kennedy Catholic. What is your favorite part of Boys Scouts? Without Scouts, I never would have known how much I enjoyed being outside. 60-mile hikes and 70-mile canoe trips opened my eyes to the beauty of the outdoors. Working together with other people, you can achieve something much grander than working alone.
LANCERS AGAINST CANCER Last weekend, students gathered together to support cancer research at the annual Lancers Against Cancer overnight event. They raised over $6,000.
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students at Kennedy Catholic, I have erred on the side of being too nice! But... that’s because the most important lesson the Army taught me is to care for people, and to show my students that I care for them as complete people, not just as musicians.
TEACHER PROFILE: DAN RUITER Why do you find music so impactful? I love that music can express thoughts, emotions and ideas when words cannot. Music has a direct connection to the soul that is raw and visceral, it’s why we want to dance when we hear that catchy beat or we are moved emotionally when a piece of music reminds us of a good, or bad memory. I also love that as a musician and composer, I can create the soundtrack for my own story. Music to me is motivational, but also healing; it’s a universal language that transcends all languages, and therefore, has the power to reach anyone in the world. Because of this, it is really one of the most precious gifts that God has given us. How has the military benefited your teaching style? The Army has taught me how to be a great classroom manager, although, I sometimes struggle with exactly how regimented I should be in the classroom. I think with the
After a long tenure at O’Dea, what drew you to Kennedy Catholic? O’Dea High School is a great school doing many great things. I am proud to have taught there and am very proud of the goals that I was able to accomplish during my time there. Kennedy Catholic is a place where there is so much art and music happening! This is something I have admired about the school for a long time. I remember conversations I would have with Jim Paynton in years past where he would tell me what the band was up to and all that was going on at Kennedy Catholic. It made me want to be a part of it! Finally, Kennedy Catholic band has a long-standing tradition of excellence that I love. I look forward to keeping this tradition alive and well for years to come! What has been your favorite part of Kennedy Catholic? Well the commute is great! But actually, my favorite part of Kennedy Catholic is the students. Students are why I have chosen a career in education. I learn so much every day from my students who are always innovating and pushing me to be my best. Whether in orchestra or band, my students are challenging me to grow as a teacher, and that is my favorite thing: growing. I want to challenge all my students to join me in making a growth mindset a way of life!
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FINE & PERFORM
100TH APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE On Saturday, May 4, the band and color guard, along with several committed parent volunteers, trekked to Wenatchee to participate in the 100th Apple Blossom Parade. This parade is a competition for bands from all over Washington state. The band and color guard both competed in the AAAA category and both achieved second place! Congratulations to the band and color guard for displaying such excellence and representing Kennedy Catholic High School at such a high level!
FINE ARTS GALA On May 9, students from every section in the Fine and Performing Arts department showcased their talent in the courtyards, gym, and cafeteria.
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MING ARTS NEWS
THE ELEPHANT Touring company meets weekly throughout the school year working together to create an original show which is performed in the spring. This year, Kennedy Catholic Theatre’s touring company did something a little different. The Elephant was an ensemble-devised play about the stages of grief - think “the elephant in the room.” The Elephant is a metaphor for grief. The central character finds herself trapped in an “elephant” museum where there are wings with names like “Teapot” (anger) and like “Nothing to See Here” (denial). The cast creates interactive displays which the heroine must negotiate in order to come to terms with her elephant. This was an ambitious work involving more rehearsal than usual and the show was shared twice with Lancer students and later toured to Bishop Blanchet High School.
ELEMENTARY BAND PROGRAM Basketball has March Madness, musicians have MAY MADNESS! Yet, it is madness pertaining only with schedules. Concert season brings much joy and happiness. Honor Band Tour, Band Festival on May 15 and many, many individual school programs. Our 4th grade recruit concerts are an important part of this season too. It’s full court press time and we are loving it!
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