SEPTEMBER 2016
LEARNING, FAITH & LEADERSHIP A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication
COMMUNI-K PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Create Something New Labor Day is always a sign to me that summer is officially over. The neighborhood pool is closed, the leaves on the trees are changing and the sun is setting earlier and earlier. Similarly, families pack up and head for the state park of their choice for a last shot at tents, campfires and smores. I went for a run through Dash Point State Park Labor Day and watched the exodus of visitors, many with expressions of sadness as the freedoms and memories created during the summer months are replaced with the soon to come ordinary, predictable and uneventful.
Mike Prato - President
Jesus teaches us to counteract those fears replacing them with a desire to do something new, innovative, and extraordinary; to sustain us in the winter months to come. For my wife and me, that is a daily walk with conversation. For our two daughters, it is taking risks at school with leadership opportunities. For our school community, it is forming intentional prayer partners with focused mentoring and fellowship. Staff forming staff, students forming students; we know our work in Christ will be blessed with shared grace. In shared grace something extraordinary always occurs. Watch and see! My advice to those feeling forlorn? Do something new, innovative and extraordinary: rent snowshoes in the winter, take a hike with a picnic lunch, use a camera to document the adventure and always include a well-placed prayer for each other. Extraordinary events with God in your life will generate amazing memories that will sustain you.
Kennedy Catholic High School
140S 140th Street, Burien WA 98168
www.kennedyhs.org
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Welcome back to school! We are off to a great start. It is such a joy to have our classrooms filled with staff and students eager and ready to begin the new year. Our new students were welcomed into our Lancer family during orientation on Wednesday, August 24. By the end of the day, after participating in many activities with the Link Crew, the new students became members of our community!
Nancy Bradish - Principal
Upon beginning the school year, the students were able to enter the newly remodeled library. Our new library space has quickly become a center of learning and gathering. The new space is very busy during the day, with teachers utilizing the new computer lab space, as well as the learning space in the main library. The students are availing themselves of the opportunity to gather and study before and after school.
We are looking forward to the new school year and all the exciting opportunities it brings. In the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.”
IN THIS EDITION:
President’s Message Principal’s Message 50th Anniversary Lancer Loop 5K In The News Varsity Football Victorious Fr. Evoy Scholarship Banquet Lancers Cheer On Mariner’s World Youth Day Alumni Summer Reunions Alumna Profile: Janet Bland ‘83
50th Anniversary Lancer Loop 5k Thanks to runners and walkers spanning 50 years of Kennedy Catholic history, the Lancer Loop 5k fun run/walk on Saturday, August 27 was a great success. Over 200 Lancers arrived before sunrise to either line the streets north of campus to cheer on our athletes, or warm up on the athletic field prepping for a PR on the 3.1 mile course. Congrats to our first place male runner, Peter Grotz, with a time of 19:29, and our top female, Lily Grassley, who crossed the finish line at 21:29. Click to visit our Lancer Loop Photo Gallery
Alumni Contest Winner Band Alumni Event Cambodia Service Trip Welcome Class of 2020 Ireland Summer Immersion Foundation In Tech Library For The Future Building Improvements Paynton Scholarship Update Memorial Golf Tournament Homecoming 2016 New Faculty & Staff Advent Twilight Retreat Lancer For Life
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www.kennedyhs.org
IN THE NEWS: Assistant Coach, mentor, shows the way for homeless student-athletes Kennedy Catholic’s Maggie Gallagher named a MaxPreps 2016 softball All-American Kennedy Catholic Welcomes Additions to Football Coaching Staff The North Puget Sound League is ready for the fall season to begin Olympian Nathan Adrian to honor friend at weekend swim events In Focus: Volleyball ‘Road Warriors’ Welcome Fresh Faces This month in history: 50 Years Ago - A New High School for heady times
Varsity Football Victorious In Season Opener Coach Sheldon Cross and his staff opened a new era of Lancer football with a convincing 52-19 victory over visiting Lakewood in a non-league contest. Debuting a new “air-raid” attack, the Lancers scored early and often in the first half, picking up big chunks of offense through a diverse offense that saw senior quarterback Ben Gaoteote throw 6 touchdowns, with fellow senior Keannu Royster scoring 4 times. The Lancers took a 45-6 lead into the locker room at half. Coach Cross and the boys figure to be a main player throughout what will be a tough NPSL league schedule. 2016 Football Schedule
Fr. Evoy Scholarship Banquet - Sunday Sept 18 @ 4:30pm Fr. Gerard Evoy, S.J. was a devoted priest, gifted educator and administrator. Because of his love for quality education and the youth of greater Seattle, a scholarship fund has been established in his name at Kennedy Catholic High School. Proceeds from the fund support deserving young men and women attending the school. Since the inception of the Fr. Evoy Scholarship, over 30 students have received tuition assistance to attend Kennedy Catholic. The event is hosted at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Parish and includes a banquet and program. If you would like more information, or wish to attend the banquet, please contact Joe Faccone via email or at 206.246.0500. www.kennedyhs.org
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Lancers Cheer on the Mariners! On a sunny July afternoon, a sea of red, white and blue was seen in the upper deck of SAFECO Field as fans of all ages gathered for Lancer Day at the Mariners. A special big screen message celebrating the 50th anniversary of Kennedy Catholic was seen by Lancers cheering with pride! Although the Mariners lost, it was a fun and memorable event for all who attended. Go Mariners! Go Lancers!
2016 World Youth Day - Kraków, Poland Reflections on World Youth Day from Father Bryan: 1. It is a great blessing and energizing to being part of the Catholic Church community! Not only was it energizing to be with 2 million other young Catholics from around the world but to be with great people from the Archdiocese of Seattle and to see so many wonderful people working in and for the church that I know from other parts of the United States. Very energizing! All of our youth, young adults and seminarians had a great time! 2. WYD teaches us how to be uncomfortable in our faith. All too often I can approach my faith life as something that is all about ‘comfort’ but the pilgrimage of logistics, crowds, organizing a large group, etc. made for a fairly ‘uncomfortable’ time. I left thinking, maybe I need to make myself a little more ‘uncomfortable’ in my daily living of my faith, push the boundaries a little and see where Christ will meet me? 3. Get out and build the Kingdom! The Pope addressed the crowds very clearly and overall said: “don’t be couch potatoes, just living your life for your own entertainment such as video games, etc....instead be disciples of mercy in the world, give of yourself, be of service and help transform the world by entering into politics, business, education, etc....we need you!” Words to live by as a disciple of Jesus.
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www.kennedyhs.org
Alumni Summer Reunions The classes of 1976, 1986, 1996, and 2006 celebrated class reunions in August. From campus tours and beautiful masses in the chapel, to family picnics and dancing to live bands, memories were made and friendships rekindled. Thank you to all the volunteer committees who worked tirelessly throughout the year to plan and present events that won’t soon be forgotten! 2006: Jeffrey Moore, Jesika Medina Wells, Annie Coleman, Miki Hoglund, Nick Stuckey 1996: Erin Dacy, Michelle Unger, Megan Holecek, Joanna Florer, Chris Holecek, Suzanne Summer 1986: Kristen Hinthorn, Kristen Hinthorn, Philip Heier, Becky Durfee, Cristen Rankin, Gina De Anda Sims 1976: Eric Nelson, Ellen Wetstein Medley, Bernadette Hynes Rice, George Holland, Bill McCambridge, Marty Yellam Attention classes of 1977, 1987, 1997, and 2007! If you’d like to start planning your class reunion for next year, please contact Rebecca Nuffer, Alumni Relations Manager.
Alumna Profile: Janet Bland ‘83 Janet Bland ’83 has spent her life in the classroom. Her passion for education comes across as she recalls memories from her days at Kennedy Catholic. When friends groan about their high school years, she feels a little guilty because she really enjoyed that time in her life. Janet speaks affectionately about her time as a student, seeing Kennedy Catholic as a firm place to stand and move forward. Her time as a Lancer gave her the confidence to push forward with her goals. Coming from a family of educators, Janet was positive that would not be her path. However, after earning her PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Denver, she landed at Marietta College in Marietta, OH where she taught in the English Department. While teaching, Janet developed the creative writing program, working with freshman in the transition from high school to college. During this time, she helped teach students to articulate their positions to engage with their communities and families. “Writing allows them to craft a position and articulate their values, which they will do for their entire lives,” notes Janet.
Alumni Contest Winner Congratulations to Julie Baird-West, Class of 1984, for winning our Alumni Update contest! We invited all alumni to update their contact information through our new Alumni portal for a chance to win a $50 Starbucks gift card. Updated and current contact information helps us share details about events and programming and helps keep our Lancer community strong. Check out our new website and update your information today.
Janet was recently promoted to her current position as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Marietta College. In this role, she has taken a step back from the classroom, but is now able to work with and support her teachers and their goals for students. Her passion for learning has been a constant throughout her life, and thinking back on her time at Kennedy Catholic, she says “Education is a toolbox you never put down and it can never be taken away from you.” www.kennedyhs.org
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Band Alumni Event - Homecoming Game In years past, the band program held their annual Band Alumni Night during a home basketball game in the winter. This year we are changing the date of the alumni event to coincide with our Homecoming Football Game! ALL BAND ALUMNI are invited to come to our Band Alumni Event this year, which will be held on Saturday, October 8, kick-off at noon. It will be great to have as many alumni as possible playing in the stands and celebrating our 50th Anniversary. Click here for more details and information
Cambodia Service Immersion Trip - June 2016 This summer, sixteen Kennedy Catholic students embarked on a two-week experience of a lifetime to Cambodia. Led by Mrs. VanderPlas and Mr. Davis, the intrepid travelers bicycled through villages and rice fields outside of Siem Reap, watched the sun rise over the temples of Angkor Wat, joyously battled the tropical rain at an open-air market, worked with inspiring youth in progressive schools, toured the historic gems in Phnom Penh, learned about youth empowerment through educational and youth-leadership programs, competed in a dance-off at early morning aerobics in the Olympic Stadium, took a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, experienced the devastation of the Killing Fields and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, and witnessed the powerful use of the arts as a tool for human development and social change. Highlights for everyone included out homestays with beautiful, gracious families in a rural fishing village on Tonle Sap Lake and in the farming village of Chambok. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn, serve, and grow within this incomparable culture and people. Learn more about our incredible trip on our blog
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www.kennedyhs.org
Welcome Class of 2020! We welcomed an amazing group of freshman and new students during orientation week at Kennedy Catholic. It has been such a joy seeing all these fresh faces in the halls. Every new student was greeted on their first day by a friendly gauntlet of cheering Link Crew leaders, faculty and staff. In four years’ time that same gauntlet will usher out the seniors at their last school assembly. The gauntlet welcomes students into Kennedy Catholic and also gives closure to their final days; a full circle journey and experience. During orientation, new students and Link Crew leaders participated in a series of fun ice breakers and activities to get to know each other. These sessions were designed to welcome, acclimate and transition new students into a high school environment, helping everyone get off to a successful start. Link Crew goes well beyond the first day activities. These leaders mentor students throughout the school year. Link Crew ensures a smooth transition for all new students as they navigate Kennedy Catholic. Their Lancer Spirit is truly contagious! Please help us welcome all of our new students and their families into the Kennedy Catholic community.
Ireland Summer Immersion - June 2016 This past June, fourteen Kennedy Catholic students and three teachers ended a year-long course of study and service by traveling to Ireland for 13 days. The group traveled from Dublin, celebrating 100 years since the Easter Rising, across Ireland to the west coast, including Galway and the Aran Islands, and ended in Derry, Northern Ireland to recognize the Catholic Civil Rights Movement. Along the way students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the prayer, history, and culture about which they had learned in the classroom, with a special stop at St. Brigid’s Well near the Cliffs of Moher to honor family and friends who have passed. For more photos and details, you can read journal entries of each day on the group blog.
www.kennedyhs.org
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Building a Foundation for Tech in Education Over the summer our Technology Department was busy with a number of exciting projects paving the way for better access to technology resources, faster connectivity, and a roadmap for future growth. These projects included campuswide network cabling, expanded wireless, state-of-the-art data center, access to online collaboration with Office 365, and exciting classroom pilot programs. Our new network cabling provides access to the latest technology resources available and allows our students to use their devices in a collaborative way. We doubled our internet speeds and now provide the latest capabilities of Wave 2 wireless technology. In addition to faster internet and reliability, we now have access to a broader set of online collaborative resources. Some of our faculty joined a pilot program to explore latest technology trends in their classrooms using student devices, dedicated laptop/iPad carts, and interactive projectors and displays. Office 365 has been rolled out to all students, faculty, and staff. In addition to email, Office 365 provides full access to the entire suite of Microsoft Office online as well as 5 licenses for every student to download and use the latest version of Microsoft Office on their own devices at school and at home. As technology needs grow, so does the need for equipment, power, cooling, and security. We are fortunate to be completing a new data center this month that will be able to meet these needs as well as give us growing room for years to come. The primary mission of the Kennedy Catholic Technology Department is to ensure that classroom needs are met for all staff and students while striving to ensure reliability, security, support resources, and a robust multi-year technology plan that provides clear vision for the future.
Kennedy Catholic Library For The Future In 2013 we released our strategic roadmap for the future. Within that plan was the goal to transform the school library into an information and technology hub. We started planning in September of last year and with the incredible support of many, many people, this new space meets our goal and reflects the evolving nature of 21st century libraries. It’s now a flexible, dynamic and innovative learning space. It has high-tech elements and collaborative spaces for groups to work together in a variety of configurations. There is a cafÊ, soft seating, integrated technology spaces and so much more. View our photo gallery. After many months of planning, it was with the support of our generous donors that made this possible. In recognition of each and every member of our community who gave to the library project a permanent plaque was unveiled and now stands as testimony to that generosity. Many thanks to the professional team who helped us create this amazing transformation: LC Jergens Painting Elmecco Electrical Mclaughlin Flooring Workpoint Joe Simmons Construction Pacific Signs Bassetti Architects
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www.kennedyhs.org
Building Improvements Over the summer, several facility improvements and upgrades were completed, including the library renovation. In addition to the library, we completed the interior redesign started in the summer of 2015. This included painting all four floors of the main school building, replacing ceiling tiles and installing energy efficient LED lighting to replace outdated fluorescents. The parking lot and bus barn lights were also upgraded to LED. The school installed new outdoor and indoor signage to improve access and directional information for our school community and visitors. Ten electric Elkay filtered water fountains were installed to provide clean, cool and refreshing water to students, faculty, staff and visitors. New HVAC controls were installed in most classrooms making climate control more functional and finally, new mailboxes were installed for our growing teaching faculty and staff. Inside the gym building, the bleachers underwent a complete maintenance and upgrade to ensure safety and accessibility, several wall mounted basketball hoops were motorized and the cafeteria restroom facilities were remodeled with new tile, partitions and a fresh coat of paint. We hope you can visit us soon to see the new upgrades.
The Paynton Scholarship Update Last year, with the support of a generous donor, the Payton Scholarship was established. The scholarship honors the 36 years of service of Mr. Jim Payton who retired at the end of 2015. Jim led our band and orchestra programs for nearly four decades and impacted countless students, parents, and alumni. This year, BSHARP made a significant contribution to the scholarship which will ensure its sustainability long into the future. Through this scholarship, Jim’s legacy will continue for years to come and many current and future Lancers will benefit. Thank you BSHARP for this incredible gift to our community! We are also excited to unveil the new BSHARP Logo.
Derek R. Orozco Memorial Golf Tournament Derek Orozco graduated from Kennedy Catholic High School in 1987. During his time at the school, he was a talented athlete, excelling in football and baseball. Derek loved being part of the Lancer family. He went on to study at the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Finance and then earned a Masters of Business Administration from Seattle University. He had a successful career at Boeing and a large circle of friends. Derek passed away unexpectedly last February. He is remembered for his quiet and friendly demeanor, personal generosity and love for his parents. Derek’s family and friends have established the Derek R. Orozco Foundation in his memory and honor. Proceeds from the Derek R. Orozco golf tournament will help establish a scholarship fund in his name to benefit deserving future students of Kennedy Catholic. We are honored to partner with the foundation to support these efforts. This inaugural tournament will be held on Sunday, September 25, at 1:30pm at Auburn Municipal Golf Course, and is open to all. The tournament is a shotgun start and will include a banquet and silent auction following. To inquire about the tournament and tournament sponsorship opportunities, please contact the foundation by e-mail. REGISTER NOW www.kennedyhs.org
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Join Us For Homecoming Week 2016 - Oct 3-9 Mark your calendars and don’t miss these exciting and memorable 50th Anniversary festivities! Monday, October 3 Please join our faculty, staff, parents and students for a special Homecoming Mass celebrated by Father Bryan Dolejsi as we open our 50th Anniversary Homecoming week. Goodwin Gymnasium - 10:30am. Mass will be followed by a reception in the Dillman Center for all guests. Saturday, October 8 Come cheer for our Lancers at our Homecoming Lancer Football Game vs. Kent-Meridian High School at Highline Stadium. Kickoff at noon! Immediately after the game, please join us for our annual 5th Quarter Celebration hosted by the Kennedy Catholic Booster Club. The 5th Quarter Bite is here - calling all food lovers: Kennedy Catholic is proud to bring you the Bite of Kennedy Catholic! Gather, one and all, for an afternoon of feasting and fun for everyone, featuring some of Kennedy Catholic’s greatest alumni culinary talents. Stay and dance the afternoon away to live music. We are thrilled to present the band “Gear Driver”, whose members include Mark Ward ‘85 and Jeff Holsman’85. Gear Driver plays a fun mix of very popular cover tunes along with a very carefully selected handful of original songs. As a hard rock trio, Gear Driver brings a high-paced energy to every song. You don’t want to miss this! $5 per person. $20 per family. Kids under 5 free. HOMECOMING INFO
2016 - 2017 New Faculty and Staff We are excited to introduce our community to some new faces at Kennedy Catholic. Please join us in welcoming them to the Lancer Family! For more information, read their individual profiles. Rebecca Nuffer
Alumni Relations Manager
Tammy Domingo
Math Teacher
Violet Banks
Library Assistant
Jerome Palmeri
Digital Arts Teacher
Tracy Etzkorn
Campus Life Office Assistant
Tiffany Swalm
Latin Teacher
Erika Stephens
Accountant
Christopher Clifford
English/EFT Teacher
Christina Burnaby
Math Teacher
David Rosser
Science/English MTP Teacher
Derek Sparks
AVID Tutor
Sam Reed
Athletic Director
Tristan Roth
English Teacher
Kenneth Speer
Math Teacher
Kevin Cacabelos
Social Studies Teacher
Join us for an Advent Twilight Retreat On Thursday evening, December 1, we will honor 50 years of our faith tradition with a memorable evening retreat on campus. Alumni, parents, students, families and friends are welcome. The evening will begin at 6pm with a light supper followed by Advent themed stewardship and faith formation. Adults, teens, and children will gather in age-specific groups before reconvening at the end of the night for dessert and an Advent blessing by Father Dolejsi. Watch for registration details in the November Communi-K. There is no cost to attend but reservations will be requested.
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www.kennedyhs.org
Lancer for Life Magazine Check out the special 50th Anniversary edition of the Lancer for Life Magazine. The Lancer for Life magazine is an annual publication sent to the entire Kennedy Catholic community with the purpose of celebrating our school, honoring our alumni, inviting our community to events, and sharing the strategic direction of the school. www.kennedyhs.org
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