Big Picture
Parker Johnston '24 leaped to spike the ball during the boys varsity volleyball team's league championship this spring. The Pilots secured a 3-0 victory against The College Preparatory School, claiming the BCL-East League championship title for the second consecutive year.
Johnston earned the All-League BCL East MVP award and was named the team's MVP. The team concluded the season undefeated with a 10-0 record.
Photo by Tomas Pineda
Saint Joseph Notre Dame
Update
Principal
Fr. Steve Kim
Director, Development
Eileen Graybeal
Editor-in-Chief
Katherine Hanover '14
Designer Katherine Hanover '14
Writer Christopher McKittrick
Photographers
Joseph Golling
Wai Lee Michael Ho '24
Tomas Pineda
Mission Statement
Saint Joseph Notre Dame, a Catholic parish high school, provides a dynamic and rigorous college preparatory education. Our faith-filled, diverse, and welcoming community embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ. We develop confident, open-minded, and effective leaders who are ready to live joyful lives of faith, scholarship, and service.
Vision Statement
SJND will continue to expand innovative pathways that enable students to learn, engage, serve, and live confidently in pursuit of opportunities to become their best selves.
Class Notes
Submit notes to Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
Vicki Bargagliotti at vbargagliotti@sjnd.org.
Send story ideas, suggestions, and letters to the editor to: khanover@sjnd.org.
Saint Joseph Notre Dame Update Magazine 1011 Chestnut Street Alameda, CA 94501
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, SJND, or the Oakland Diocese.
Summer 2024, Vol. 41, No. 1 © Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School
COVER MORE THAN WORDS
Luisa Barrantes '24 and Carrie Truong '25 led the SJND Speech & Debate Team to the national tournament. Learn how this "small and mighty" team has succeeded one speech at a time.
6 Features
PILOT ISLAND
Students tell the ongoing story of SJND in a new online publication.
9
UNSUNG HEROES
Jeri Countryman troubleshoots tech issues and leads student groups as Director of Integration and Technology.
10
BEHIND THE LENS
Wai Lee Michael Ho '24 has helped tell the story of our school and our students through his photos.
18 COMMENCEMENT
Commencement returns to Chestnut Street to celebrate the extraordinary Class of 2024.
SJND Speech & Debate Team members Carrie Truong '25 (left) and Luisa Barrantes '24 (right) beam with SJND pride. ON THE COVER
From the Principal
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends,
As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I find myself in awe of the incredible achievements and personal growth displayed by our Class of 2024. Last summer, when they returned to design the senior mural, I knew this class possessed a special spirit.
Throughout the year, the graduates demonstrated an unwavering desire to learn and develop critical thinking skills that challenged the status quo in the classroom. On the fields and courts, the Class of 2024 showcased not only exceptional athletic abilities but also exemplary sportsmanship and teamwork. Through musicals, art shows, and festivals, they revealed the depths of their creativity, inspiring us all. In a world that is constantly evolving, I firmly believe they have developed the foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in life.
As we look ahead, it is essential to recognize that the most in-demand workforce skill for 2024 (according to LinkedIn) is adaptability. The Harvard Business Review highlights that while leadership was once about taking charge and setting direction, it has evolved into setting a vision and strategy to gain buy-in. Adaptive leadership is the need of the hour.
Adaptive leaders listen to all stakeholders and envision a shared future. They enlist others to reach common goals and build toward collaborative success. Moreover, they experiment creatively and take bold actions to generate wins. Being flexible and creative enables them to not only fulfill the job they were hired for but also to anticipate and address future needs.
“My prayer is that the graduates continue to grow, evolve, and adapt to whatever life brings their way, thriving in every endeavor.”
The Class of 2024 embodies the spirit of adaptive leadership. Navigating the transition from Zoom to hybrid classes and back to in-person learning, they demonstrated remarkable adaptability. They embraced opportunities to take on multiple roles, try new sports, create new clubs, and challenge themselves with new adventures. A sterling example has been set for all of our extraordinary students who will be returning in the fall and will be joining us in welcoming our new 9th grade class to SJND.
We are a loving community rooted in the charism of the Holy Family of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. It is my hope that all students have been supported by the holy family of SJND parents, guardians, mentors, friends, teachers, staff, and coaches who have loved and helped one another along the way.
My prayer is that the graduates continue to grow and adapt to whatever life brings their way, thriving in every endeavor. As G.K. Chesterton so eloquently stated, "Education is the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another." We are proud to entrust the Class of 2024, as adaptive leaders, with the responsibility of positively impacting the soul of our society. Congratulations, Class of 2024! May your journey ahead be filled with wisdom, resilience, and a spirit of adventure.
Always remember, once a Pilot ALWAYS a Pilot!
Father Steve Kim Principal
Immersion Trip to Japan
Over Easter break, SJND students, faculty, and staff embarked on a cultural immersion trip to Japan, including visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other well-known sites. During their visit, students encountered some of Japan's most famous and picturesque landmarks, including the Imperial Palace Plaza, Meiji Shinto Shrine, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. One of the most impactful experiences was when students were given the opportunity to pay respect to the lives lost at the site of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima.
Through this immersion trip, SJND students learned to openly embrace others' traditions and demonstrate leadership in unfamiliar situations.
Rowers Take the Gold
Recent SJND alumni Cosmo Hondrogen '24 and Jack Hume '24 won two gold medals each in the Southwest Rowing Regional Championships in May 2024.
Cosmo and Jack both row for the Oakland Strokes Rowing Club, a competitive rowing team, and won their first gold on the morning of Sunday, May 6 with the Men's Youth 8 crew. They raced again that afternoon with the Men's Youth 4 crew and won gold for the second time. Cosmo and Jack were the only two rowers to win two gold medals at the event and to also row 2k twice in a single day of competition.
Both Jack and Cosmo have committed to continue rowing in college at Princeton University and Dartmouth College, respectively.
SJND students and teachers in front of Taro Okamoto's Tower of the Sun in Osaka, Japan.
Jack Hume '24 (far left) and Cosmo Hondrogen '24 (far right) with teammates after competing in the Southwest Regional Championships.
(l to r) John Gunty, Paula Cekola, Benedicte Cambon-Ritter, Mark Ritter, Didi Kubicek, Andy McKee, and Fr. Steve Kim at the award ceremony in January.
St. Francis de Sales Teacher Award
Mark Ritter, who has served as an art teacher at SJND for over 30 years, was honored earlier this year by the Diocese of Oakland as one of the eight recipients of the St. Francis de Sales Teacher Award. The award is presented annually to teachers in the Diocese for outstanding contributions to Catholic education and student learning.
In a statement to the Diocese, Ritter said, "I am grateful that Catholic Education provides the opportunity to teach the whole person. Developing and nurturing loving relationships is the most important goal in life. My spiritual quest to know and experience the love of God led me to join the Society of the Precious Blood as a Pre-Theologate Seminary candidate for three years in my early 20s. This helped me to appreciate the blessings of living in a faith community and discover my vocation, as a husband, a father, an artist, and a teacher. Joining the Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School community over 30 years ago has connected me to an inspired, dedicated, talented, and playful group of teachers and students who encouraged me to be my best daily. I refer to the school as my professional playground because I feel free to explore and share my creativity and my faith with others openly and joyfully. Does it get any better than that?"
Recent Alums Achieve Eagle Scout Rank
Dillon McVeigh '24 and Kara Yeh '24 both recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in BSA Scouts. Dillon's service project, a requirement to become an Eagle Scout, was to assemble, paint, and install three Little Libraries for the Acta Non Verba Youth Urban Farm Project at City Slicker Farm in Oakland. Kara's service project was to rebuild the garden at Earhart Elementary School, where she attended in her younger years.
Dillon notes that Scouting has profoundly influenced his life by providing him with lifelong skills and fostering enduring friendships. "Since my start in Scouting, I have camped under the stars, crossed state borders, been rained out, bruised, laughed, cried, and so much more," shares Dillon. "I have so many fond memories of outings as a Scout.
From camping off the northern shore of Oahu to kayaking off Catalina Island and exploring Crater Lake, I have taken my skills all over. However, what I have enjoyed the most from my Scouting career is the comradery and connections I have made with other people. Kara has had a similar positive experience in Scouting. "It has turned me into someone who is ready to take charge and step up to lead," she explains. "Scouting isn't about being flashy and showing off badges. I think that it has helped me make an impact in my community by being someone who is prepared to be a role model or a guide, but to still be humble."
Kara will be starting at UC Santa Cruz in the fall, where she will be majoring in business. Dillon will also be pursuing a business degree, beginning his studies at Gonzaga University this fall.
A Sustainable Summer @ YALE
Saint Joseph Notre Dame students spend their summers off from school in many different ways — from volunteer work to summer studies to internships and more. Like many SJND students, Trigo De Jesus Rico-Salgado '25 will be pursuing his passion and goals over the summer months. As part of Sustainable Summer @ Yale, Trigo will participate in a two-week program held on the campus of Yale University that provides an opportunity for high school students to expand their knowledge of the interrelated challenges of sustainable development, climate change, and biodiversity loss through projectbased learning.
"My passion for both social justice and the environment led me to my interest in this program," shares Trigo. "I knew I wanted to do something this summer and thought this program was perfect for that. For me, never do I end my day without trying my best and making the world a better place. My ultimate goal in life is to serve others and the environment."
In addition to participating in Sustainable Summer @ Yale, Trigo helps promote sustainability among SJND students and the wider community daily in his role leading the SJND Environmental Club. "Personally, since rebuilding the SJND Environmental Club after COVID, I have made it my mission to advocate and start the conversation about our community waste," says Trigo. "Last year I began using less single-use plastic and have encouraged my friends to do the same."
Some of the initiatives of the SJND Environmental Club focus on creating new sustainability approaches for the newly opened Pilot Café. "Since the Pilot Café opened up this year, I have begun the conversation of promoting not only nutritious food for our student body but also the use of less waste," explains Trigo. "This will begin to change our student body’s lifestyle in a more environmentally conscious way. I keep in close touch with Chef Ashanti Jones and enjoy her style of work and values."
Another part of the Environmental Club's mission is to promote simple things that SJND students can do to be more sustainable. "Something that SJND students can do to lessen their carbon footprint is to either walk to places or use public transportation," notes Trigo.
"Looking at Alameda alone there are many ways this community emphasizes bikes and buses. Nowadays everywhere you look there are cars. One of the major perks that Alameda provides is that everything you need is within walking distance."
Trigo hopes that the Sustainable Summer @ Yale program will help him develop an even greater understanding of sustainability and then bring that knowledge back to share with fellow SJND students. "Relating to my favorite quote by Jane Goodall, 'The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves,'" says Trigo. "I hope to learn about ways I can do more for my community, such as teach and give back."
Trigo (right) on Earth Day with members of the SJND Environmental Club offering free lemonade during lunch in the Quad.
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Read All About It
By Christopher McKittrick
While SJND's social media platforms and website offer a fresh look at the school, students, educators, and administrators, a newperspective on the vibrant SJND community is being offered by the school’s newest publication – Pilot Island.
Illustration
by Miranda Massie '24
Pilot Island is overseen by Michael Sunderland, an English teacher at SJND, who was inspired to revive a student newspaper in his classroom based on his own affinity for reporting. "I have always loved newspapers, whether as a young person reading the sports page at my high school or in college reading about events on campus and opinion pieces," shares Sunderland.
"At SJND, there had been a newspaper in the past, but when I arrived in 2019 it was not running anymore. I talked with other colleagues in the English Department and the faculty about how reviving a student newspaper could bring about real-world publication skills instead of just writing for the teacher or a grade. So this year, I wanted to make this a part of my 9th grade English class and see where it went or how it developed. I am also inspired/motivated by the rise of artificial intelligence writing programs, like ChatGPT. As an English teacher, I still see the value of authentic human writing, voice, perspective, and interviewing, so I wanted to create a writing project that a computer program couldn't capture. No one can write about daily SJND life better than the current students, so I thought it was a perfect fit."
“As an English teacher, I still see the value of authentic human writing, voice, perspective, and interviewing, so I wanted to create a writing project that a computer program couldn't capture.”
The content for Pilot Island is split into several categories of interest: SJND News, Profiles, Features, Sports, Reviews, Opinions, and Bay Area. As a year-long, classwide project for Sunderland's class, Pilot Island has become a platform for authentic writing, interviewing, and reporting, with each student writing several articles for the online publication. While most of the content for Pilot Island comes from Sunderland's students, the wider SJND student body is invited to contribute to the online newspaper. Students from all four grade levels have contributed articles this year, including articles they wrote for fun or pieces of writing they developed in other classes, such as AP Research with Mallory Cornett or AP US Government with Michael Sandberg.
With that content as a starting point, Sunderland hopes to see Pilot Island grow beyond a class project. In other words, the stories written for Pilot Island would be broadcasted outside of the SJND community. "Hopefully in the next school year, we will make this an official club with leadership roles like editor or sports reporter," he says. After only a few months of its online presence, Pilot Island has already expanded in scope to incorporate other forms of media to accelerate its growth.
“Our ultimate goals with Pilot Island are to tell the ongoing story of SJND, provide students with real-world writing and multimedia experience, and create an archive of daily SJND life and the many facets of the school...”
"We realized we could supplement the articles not only with original photos but also videos. So we created a Pilot Island YouTube page as well with many playlists ranging from 'Holidays' to 'Basketball' to student-created podcasts," explains Sunderland. "Our ultimate goals with Pilot Island are to tell the ongoing story of SJND, provide students with real-world writing and multimedia experience, and create an archive of daily SJND life and the many facets of the school, from athletics and academics to service and the arts."
Michael Sunderland assists a student drafting a piece for Pilot Island
Sunderland also notes that he has observed student growth not just in their writing skills, but also their communication and critical thinking skills. "The highlights to me are the range of student topics and perspectives," he explains. "Hopefully, each day brings about a topic and story that is interesting and informative. A highlight to me is a student really immersing themselves in a topic and going beyond their normal comfort zone to talk to people they might not ordinarily talk to, like an older student, administrator, community member, or SJND alum."
Soar With Pilot Island
In just its first year, Pilot Island has already had countless highlights of student writing.
Scan the QR codes below to read a diverse range of student stories:
"Campus Ministry's Service Fair"
Victor P. '27
"Día de los Muertos at SJND and Fruitvale, Oakland"
Gethsemany R. '27 and Anamaria C. '27
"P2BAP '23: What It Means to Be a Pilot"
Jaslyn H. '26
"The History, Ideas, and Love Surrounding Blue Dot Cafe"
Sophie S. '27 and Emily R. '27
Like the many other student activities at SJND, Pilot Island offers students diverse opportunities to expand their education beyond traditional academics. "I hope they learn the value of real-world storytelling and reporting, interviewing and discussion, drafting and editing, of many ways of telling a story, such as through words, images, videos, and podcasts," remarks Sunderland. "I hope this project shows them that their voice and perspective matters and that there are a multitude of areas and passions they can pursue."
Writer Q&A
with Jeanette McClure '27
What do you enjoy most about writing for Pilot Island?
My favorite thing about writing for Pilot Island is the ability to create something with the potential to reach a wider audience. If you’re writing about something you care about or enjoy, the opportunity to spread information about it is a motivator that helps you get better at writing!
What is your favorite piece you have written and why?
"Econ Club: Changing the Future"
Jeanette McClure '27
It’s short, but I think investing is a skill that people need to learn as early as they can, and one of my ambitions has been to get as many people thinking about it as possible.
Connecting Our Community Through Technology
Activating phone-activated door locks. Enhancing the wi-fi network. Installing the point-of-sale technology in the new Pilot Café. These are just a few of the many recent major initiatives at SJND under the auspices of Jeri Countryman, our Director of Integration and Technology. Countryman, ably assisted by Technology Support Specialist Joe Golling, is responsible for all technology on SJND's campus, from software systems to training faculty and staff with new hardware. Much of her daily experience involves troubleshooting tech issues.
In addition to these responsibilities, Countryman also served as the co-coach of the SJND Robotics Team, which included students from all four class years. The team hit the ground running in their first competition of the school year being given the Judge's Choice Award. Countryman is also the moderator of the STEAM Society, a co-curricular which fosters discovery, research, and expression in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
"Working with the students has been awesome," says Countryman. "One of the things I notice about SJND students is their leadership qualities. They want to have ownership of things, take them further, and make things happen. When I meet with the STEAM Society students, they are the ones sending out the reminders and planning the sessions. They are passionate about leading and how they can help others on campus to experience or enhance this club."
Unsung Heroes
WAI LEE MICHAEL HO '24
BEHIND THE LENS
By Christopher McKittrick
Over the last few years, Wai Lee Michael Ho '24 has been a constant presence at SJND, devoting his advanced skills as a photographer and videographer to help tell the story of our school and students.
During the solar eclipse on April 8,
Michael skillfully captured a mesmerizing view of the phenomenon using a camera equipped with a 600mm telephoto lens and a UV filter.
Through his visually stunning work, Michael has played a vital role in elevating the image of the SJND community in our publications, on our website and social media platforms, and beyond.
Michael, who had an interest in photography at an early age, started a career as a professional photographer when he was 15 years old. Impressively, Michael became a photojournalist for news outlets RightNews and SOPA Images in his native Hong Kong. His first work as a professional came during the 2019 protests throughout Hong Kong caused by political issues, the largest series of demonstrations in the history of the country.
As a member of SJND's Ambassador Leadership Team, Michael has contributed significantly to SJND's international recruiting efforts. He has utilized his expertise in visual storytelling and his experience as an international student to create a walkthrough video of SJND for global marketing. His steadfast support of our recruitment programs has helped bring talented students from around the world to our community. Though Michael's contributions to SJND with his camera are many, visual storytelling is not his only interest. When he was not taking photos, Michael also served as the president of the SJND Chess Club and was a member of the Asian Student Association and the Yearbook Club.
After moving to the United States to pursue his education and photography, Michael began attending SJND. Since joining our community, he has lent his expertise behind the camera to SJND to help shoot admissions material, lunchtime events, athletics games, graduation ceremonies (which included using drone photography), and his favorite, school rallies. "I really like capturing the smiles when the whole school gathers in the gym and has fun together," says Michael. "They are very exciting."
Michael has also continued his burgeoning career as a photojournalist, shooting various newsworthy events nationwide from protests throughout California to New Year’s Eve in Times Square as well as working as the official photographer of the 2022 San Francisco Marathon and the 2022 Berkeley Half Marathon. Michael's eye-catching photography has been featured in influential online news publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reason, Los Angeles Magazine, Fortune, and many others, helping Michael develop a remarkable resume during his years at SJND.
Michael has committed to attend UC San Diego next year to major in Communications, and hopes to pursue a career as a full-time photojournalist for a news agency like the Associated Press or Reuters. "I want to go around the world and take amazing photos of important events," explains Michael. "If you want to make lots of money in photography you wouldn’t want to choose photojournalism, but I enjoy the experience."
For other students who might be interested in pursuing careers in photography, Michael notes that it can be very expensive to purchase a professional-level camera and suggests that they start with a device that they are already very familiar with -- their cell phone. "Some camera phones are better than most digital cameras," explains Michael. "They can use their phones to capture images and learn the settings, which are very important. Every profession starts as a hobby first."
Want to see more of Michael's work?
https://bit.ly/michael-ho-photo
AB5 Bill Protest at Port of Oakland, July 2022. • Blue angels performing during Fleet Week, Oct. 2022. • Times Square New Year's Eve, Dec. 2023.
Students and families of our new class were invited on campus for Pilot Welcome Night, April 2024.
Southeast Asian/Southeast Asian American (5)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Polynesian (2)
East Asian American (6)
South Asian American (2)
American Indian (1)
Filipino(a) (7)
Black/African American (17)
Latino(a) (x) (17)
Middle Eastern/Arab American (1)
Multi Ethnic (26)
White/Caucasian (17)
Other (8) Total number of students
MORE THAN WORDS
By Christopher McKittrick
Members of the SJND Speech & Debate Team developed a wide variety of lifelong skills in competition, reaching the national tournament this past June.
The SJND community received outstanding news at the end of the spring semester – students Luisa Barrantes '24 and Carrie Truong '25 of the school's Speech & Debate Team qualified for the 2024 National Speech & Debate Tournament. This championship competition this past June in Iowa included over 6,700 students from more than 1,500 schools nationwide.
It is an incredibly impressive accomplishment for our school's still–growing program–one that teaches students invaluable public speaking and communications skills for their college education and future careers. Both Luisa and Carrie competed at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in National Extemporaneous Speaking, an event that consisted of each student receiving 30 minutes of preparation to answer a provided current event question in a seven-minute speech.
While Speech & Debate programs have a long history at SJND, the program is currently experiencing unprecedented expansion and success under the guidance of Social Studies teacher Nicole Wong. "When I first started as coach, there weren't many students involved," shares Wong. "There were perhaps two students and I believe we were a more debate-orientated school."
In recent years, the program has expanded to 15 students. "For a school like SJND, that is a good size for a Speech & Debate Team," adds Wong. Currently, the team focuses more on speeches, but as the team has grown, more students have expressed interest in debate.
For students, the Speech & Debate Team offers opportunities to develop knowledge and skills beyond what they learn in the classroom. "What first interested me in getting involved in Speech & Debate was a combination of my passion for public speaking and my fascination with critical thinking," explains Carrie.
"I remember watching a high school debate competition and being in awe about how articulate and persuasive they all were. I recognized the power of effective communication and argumentation, and I hope to learn that with my coach through this process."
In other instances, students began to see the immense value of Speech & Debate after becoming involved in the program. "I actually did not want to do Speech & Debate," admits Luisa with a laugh. "My mom dabbled in it when she was in high school, and she very much emphasized the importance of being an eloquent speaker. When I was younger, I was very shy, and once I got through middle school my mom said that the one thing she wanted me to try in high school was Speech & Debate.
“I was really nervous when I first spoke, but after speaking a few times I would get excited to do it and the nerves were actually thrilling.” - Luisa Barrantes '24
"I got out of it my freshman year because of COVID, but in my sophomore year, I had to commit. I ended up really liking it. I was really nervous when I first spoke, but after speaking a few times I would get excited to do it and the nerves were actually thrilling. I ended up getting really, really into it. My mom was so right, and I will proudly admit it!"
With the growth of the Speech & Debate Team has come increased success in competition. Last year, SJND sent two sophomores to the State Championships. As the nation's most populous state, California students face some of the toughest competition in Speech & Debate programs. "California has one of the biggest State Championships in Speech & Debate in the country that is a closed tournament, meaning that you have to qualify to go," notes Wong. This year, SJND doubled its number of qualifiers from two to four, with one qualifier each in four distinct events: Congressional Debate, National Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and Dramatic Interpretation.
In addition to the challenges within Speech & Debate competitions themselves, students are also juggling other academic, extracurricular, and personal commitments. Wong endeavors to be available to coach team members whenever they can be available.
“Whenever we focus on tournaments, we help each other prep, and I really like the collaborative environment. I think this aspect of teamwork is very central to learning to work well with other people.”
- Carrie Truong '25
"Many of our Speech & Debate competitors are also very involved in other obligations, like being in student government, leadership teams, partcipiating in different clubs, taking a rigorous course load, having outside internships, doing musical theater, and so on," she explains. "We have a group chat and I tell them when I am available for practice or rehearsal, and they drop by during after-school, lunch, or office hours -- basically whenever I have free time!"
Of course, students do need to be prepared for the challenging competitions. Coaching and preparation for Speech & Debate competitions differ from student to student because each student has a different speech or debate discipline and a variety of material. There is no "one size fits all" training for the team members.
"Depending on what event or what kind of tournament is coming up, they may have to devote more time or less time, and some students may want to prep more," explains Wong. "It's completely up to them and how comfortable they are."
The students appreciate the flexible opportunities to work on their skills. "Ms. Wong has done so much for the entire team," says Carrie. "We would not be where we are without her. She's always been very dedicated, taking so much time to work with us and sacrificing so much of her own schedule."
The preparation and training are necessary because of the rigorous team schedule. "In January and March, they are competing every weekend," explains Wong. "March is exceptionally challenging because we have high-stakes qualifying tournaments. We are competing against big schools with program sizes of a hundred students."
"Speech & Debate is a very team-orientated event," notes Carrie. "Whenever we focus on tournaments, we help each other prep, and I really like the collaborative environment. I think this aspect of teamwork is very central to learning to work well with other people. It's definitely a skill that I will utilize later on in my life."
(l to r)
Jeanette McClure '27, Valerie Pham '24 , Carrie Truong '25 , Nicole Wong, Andrew Van Hespen '25 , Sylvie Karlstrand '25 , and Kieran Brown '27 at the Golden Gate Speech Association State Qualifiers tournament in Union City.
Wong encourages SJND students who are interested in competitive Speech & Debate to consider the advantages of being involved. "Speech & Debate is a very competitive world, but the benefits are astounding. I believe it is one of the only co-curricular activities that is nationally recognized. If you compete in Speech & Debate long enough you can earn an Honor Society degree with the National Speech & Debate Association, which is something that you can list on a college application because all institutions will recognize it. Or if you say that you are a California state qualifier, every institution will know what it means to compete at that level."
Notable individuals who participated in Speech & Debate programs in their youth include business leaders, actors, and even Supreme Court Justices. "Participants develop a wide variety of skills that they can apply to anything or anywhere," Wong points out. "When you're involved in Speech & Debate, you're pooling all the skills that you have been learning in all of your classes into a particular skill that not a lot of people have because a lot of people don't like talking in public or can't control the butterflies." Wong notes that the SJND Speech & Debate Team members range from students who want to conquer those butterflies to students who solely aspire to become great orators.
Luisa, who will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall, believes that Speech & Debate has enhanced her other academic skills and helped her stand out on her college applications. "I think it helps me with my research ability. Because of National Extemporaneous
Speaking, I've become really good at quickly finding key information that I need from resources. I think I've become a better speaker in general when it comes to in-class debates, Socratic seminars, or anything that involves thinking on the spot. I always have a stronger debate point because of the way Speech & Debate has trained me to look at data points, the way an argument is organized, and how to dissect other people's arguments. Furthermore, it has helped me become more involved in the news and understand current politics because I constantly have to know what's happening. Being able to discern what is important and what is filler information has carried on to all my classes, especially English and writing research papers."
"People will compare it to sports, and even though it's the closest comparison it's very different from Speech & Debate," remarks Wong. "I call our team a small and mighty team that likes to have fun and be competitive. They are really community-orientated and are great students and good role models, both for our school and the Speech & Debate community. I give all the credit to the students. I put them in the driver's seat, and I am here to facilitate."
If you are interested in supporting SJND's Speech & Debate Team, please visit www.sjnd.org/speech or scan the QR code.
Commencement Returns to Chestnut Street
The SJND community celebrated the 142nd Commencement exercises on June 1, the first ceremony to return to the Kelly Gymnasium since the pandemic. The celebration of our 98 graduates included stellar music from Mrs. Cekola and our school band as well as an incredible a cappella rendition of the National Anthem by Samantha Fong '24, Keiko Akima '25, and Kaedn Baquiran '25
This year's commencement speaker was Alameda Police Chief, Nishant Joshi, whose son, Jai Joshi '24, was among the graduating class. Chief Joshi delivered an engaging speech filled with heartfelt advice and poignant life stories. Valedictorian Joy Chang '24 spoke about the responsibility of her class to provide service to those in need. It was truly a blessed event and a beautiful morning on Chestnut Street.
For the full list of schools they will be attending in the fall, visit our website at www.sjnd.org/colleges2024 So, where are our Pilots off to next?
The Class of 2024 gained admission to a remarkable range of colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, schools in the UC system, and private universities.
Chang (left), Valedictorian
(l to r) Dr. Holly Joshi, Nishant Joshi, Jai Joshi '24 , Cameron Cruz '24 , Ernie Cruz, and Elena Cruz are all smiles following graduation.
Support
Farewell and Thank You, Lucy Lopez
SJND announces Eileen Graybeal as new Director of Development.
It is with mixed emotions that SJND says goodbye to our Director of Advancement, Lucy Lopez, who departs for an exciting new opportunity with the Hayward Chamber of Commerce after three years of exceptional leadership and service at SJND. During her tenure, Lucy played an invaluable role in strengthening our revenue initiatives, donor relationships, and community outreach efforts.
"Lucy has been an incredible asset to our advancement team," shares Principal Fr. Steve Kim. "Her strategic vision, passion for our mission, and tireless dedication to our Pilots have empowered us to think bigger and reach new heights. We are forever grateful for her contributions and wish her nothing but success."
As we bid a fond farewell, we are thrilled to welcome a familiar face as our new Director of Development, Mrs. Eileen Graybeal. Eileen has served as the Director of Admission with distinction for the past decade and is also a proud alum parent of two ( Matthew '16 and Haley '19). Eileen transitioned into this leadership role on July 1.
She has deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and relational expertise, and her commitment to our mission makes her exceptionally well-suited for this position. "I am honored and excited to step into this new role," says Eileen.
"Having witnessed our school's tremendous impact over the years, I am eager to collaborate with our incredible team and meet our valued donors and community partners to forge an even brighter future for SJND."
During Eileen's 10 years at SJND, she has been instrumental in establishing lasting relationships with students, parents, alumni, parent alumni, and colleagues, implementing innovative campaigns to drive enrollment and ensuring our resources are strategically allocated to drive maximum impact. Eileen's expertise and fresh perspective will be vital assets as we continue advancing our mission.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude to Lucy Lopez and a warm welcome to Eileen Graybeal as our new Director of Development. With this dynamic leadership transition, SJND remains poised to follow our mission to develop confident, open-minded, and effective leaders.
Spring Day of Giving
March 15 was another remarkable SJND day that resonated with the true spirit of giving back. Our annual Day of Giving has become a transformative way of impacting the lives of our students year after year. Alumni and donors located all over the country directly supported the SJND programs closest to their hearts, from VAPA to athletics, campus ministry, science, and more.
The overwhelming generous response was a testament to the Pilot community's unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation. More than 350 donors raised over $92,000 with their contributions. Each donation represents the belief in the power of education and a commitment to paving the way for a brighter future.
Lucy Lopez (left) and Eileen Graybeal (right) during Lucy's final week on campus.
Giving Wings to Athletes
In a tremendous show of support that will substantially benefit SJND's studentathletes, the Olympic Club Foundation and The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation have awarded SJND
grants to support the purchase of a transportation van. This generous partnership supports the transportation needs of SJND's 26 co-educational sports teams, including basketball, baseball, beach volleyball, sailing, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
SJND's current vans have been experiencing an abundance of wear and tear, high mileage, and increasing maintenance and fuel costs. The upgraded school van provides important benefits to the entire Pilot community because of substantial cost savings.
“When we travel as one, there is a sense of unity and confidence that extends to our performance on the field.”
With most of our teams practicing and competing off campus, the current school vans are utilized daily (including weekends) to serve over 315 student-athletes who participate in 2-3 sports throughout the school year. There are many days, especially in the spring, when every van is in use. When an older van is unexpectedly under repair, we often have to coordinate complicated carpool arrangements.
"We are incredibly and forever grateful to the Olympic Club Foundation for their belief and support of our school and athletic programs," said Jazmine Jackson, SJND's Athletic Director. "Having dedicated and reliable transportation will allow our students to focus their energy on competing and training rather than worrying about how they'll get to games and matches."
The Olympic Club Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that share their belief that participation in organized athletics enriches young lives and develops future community leaders. The 12passenger van, featuring the Olympic Club Foundation's branded support, is a point of pride for SJND. "We are committed to empowering young people through athletics and activities that build character, discipline, and integrity," says John Ring, Executive Director, of the Olympic Club Foundation. "We are proud to support Saint Joseph Notre Dame Pilots and their dedicated coaches who pour so much into shaping the next generation of leaders."
"We are driven to succeed," said Zachary Lopez '25, a senior, varsity baseball player. "When we travel as one, there is a sense of unity and confidence that extends to our performance on the field."
SJND has immense appreciation to the Olympic Club Foundation and The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation for making this transportation solution possible. Their generosity removes barriers and allows more students to pursue their goals as student-athletes.
Claws for a Cause
On February 3, 350 guests at SJND’s 42nd Annual Crab
Feed raised over $100,000 for the school's tuition assistance program and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, which
will help student voices be heard during every school production, gathering, and event.
The evening was a groovy spectacle with the theme "Peace, Love & Crab." Attendees arrived in costumes, competing for a cash prize and enjoying the vibrant 1960s counterculture theme in the spirit of our spring musical, Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Every contribution made an impact on the event's record-breaking success. This cherished annual tradition is a testament to the enduring spirit of giving back, fostered by the dedication of enthusiastic student, parent, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1, 2025, as we eagerly anticipate coming together for another unforgettable celebration!
The late Celia Berta Gellert (left) and Carl Gellert (right) of The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation.
Class Notes
1952
Ladies from the Class of 1952 gathered at Pier 29 in Alameda to celebrate 71 years of friendship.
1976
Ralph Clark was recognized by the University of the Pacific as a distinguished alum for his exceptional professional achievements.
1977
Pamela Sabbatini Killingsworth (center) earned her Master of Education in Languages / Multilingual Learners at the College of Charleston. Pamela is pictured with her son and daughter-in-law.
1979
Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packing, received the Manufacturer of the Year (mid-size) award by the San Francisco Bay Area's Manufacturing Trade Association.
1987
Paula Maria Marcheschi (second from right), creative director at KGO-TV ABC7, was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle. The Silver Circle recognizes journalists who have served with distinction in the television industry for at least 25 years. Pictured (left to right) is Linda MarcheschiTeplitz '78 , Agnes Marcheschi, Paula, and her husband, Kevin Smith.
1989
Sophia Gonzalez Duran received her Master of Science in Health Informatics from Boston University.
1992
Jason Kidd, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, extended his multi-year contract with the team. He also led the Mavs to an incredible victory in the Western Conference Finals where they advanced to the NBA Finals!
Marielle Heller directed a feature film, an adaptation of the novel Nightbitch, which will star Amy Adams. It is scheduled to debut in theaters December 2024. 1997
2011
Andy Cerio (right) has been busy working on his career in the film industry. He attended the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in support of the two films he worked on as a crew member. The films are Freaky Tales, filmed in Oakland, and Didi, filmed in Fremont.
2015
Taylor Griffith presented "Art and Science Collide: Ocean-Inspired Art" at the Next Generation of Exploration Speaker Showcase in San Francisco. Taylor is an award-winning artist, underwater photographer, and cinematographer dedicated to telling stories that examine human relationships with the ocean.
2017
Cooper Teare (right) ran the Olympic standard with a 12:54 5K and ran the 4th fastest time for an American Runner. In June he competed in the 2024 Olympic trials.
2020
Maia Chareonsuphiphat graduated from the University of San Diego and will continue her pre-med journey at Columbia University to pursue a Masters in Public Health.
2022
Elaine Truong (center) was selected as one of five students by the Dean of University of San Francisco's School of Nursing and Health Professions to participate in this year's American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)'s Student Policy Summit in Washington, DC.
REUNIONS
Class of 1974
50th Golden Reunion
June 8, 2024
Special guests included Mr. Tony Aiello, Phil Gravem, Bob Sickenger '54 , and Victor Gerson '67. Thank you to the reunion committee for their hard work and enthusiasm to make this event possible.
Read the June edition of the SJND Alumni E-Connect Newsletter for more reunion and alumni updates.
Questions? Contact Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Vicki Bargagliotti, vbargagliotti@sjnd.org.
Catalina Villegas '08 Shares the News and Gives Back
SJND alumni in Southern California may see a familiar face on their screens when they tune into Spectrum News 1 – Catalina Villegas '08 , award-winning news anchor and journalist.
Originally from Colombia, Catalina and her family came to the United States in 1999 under political asylum. After initially attending Alameda Science and Technology Institute for high school, Catalina eventually transfered and attended SJND. "I always wanted an environment where the academics were vigorous and would test me and push me, but at the same time where I had access to teachers, personalized attention, and could make long-lasting friendships with my fellow students," recalls Catalina. She had a friend who attended SJND who recommended the school to her, and Catalina soon realized it was the right place for her.
Though Catalina did not aspire to become a journalist while attending SJND, upon reflection she can see how SJND led her to that career path. "When I think back about the seeds that led me to journalism, they are rooted at SJND," she shares. "Specifically, Mr. Lippi's government class was one of my favorite classes at SJND, and in my senior year, I was also studying for my citizenship test and learning about the government. How Mr. Lippi taught us really resonated with me, and it sparked something within me and led me to look deeper into these topics. When I left SJND, I went to UC Berkeley, where I graduated with a degree in Political Science and had the opportunity to intern at CNN, which put me on this path."
In addition to her own professional success, Catalina has devoted her energy to supporting the next generation of journalists. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Press Club and a co-founder of Rolli, an award-winning and nationally recognized platform to help journalists address challenges in news professionalism throughout the industry. "I think it is rooted in that SJND belief and principles of giving back, building community, and helping folks who are just entering or struggling in the industry," Catalina says.
Despite the many obstacles that the media industry is currently facing, Catalina has only positive encouragement for SJND students who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism. "Right now, it's such an interesting time to go into journalism because the industry is facing a lot of different challenges. But sometimes with challenges come opportunities," she points out. "If anyone wanted to do it, I would say 'Just get started.' You don't need a newsroom with cameras, computers, and microphones to do this. All it takes is a passion to tell stories, doing your homework, and sticking to the facts. You can start right now with the phone you have and get out in the community, talk to people, and tell those stories."
IN MEMORIAM
Jim Barroca '51
William A. Bowdidge '48
Patrick Corder '98
Spouse of Emily Triplett Corder '00
Jason De'Ocampo '19
Son of Erika Lim '98 and Jason De'Ocampo '97, and nephew of Nicole Lim '03
Barbara Carroll Langham '71
Sister of Edward Daniel Carroll '64 and Linda Carroll '73
Sylvia Rovere Liedholm '72
James L. McKenna Jr. '53
Uncle of Ronald Baumgartner '65 (dec.), Gary Baumgartner '72, great uncle of James Lafollette'13 and Madelyn LaFollette '17
Stephen Routt '61
Mary Kinney Sims '82
Mother of Samatha Sims Flores '06 and Abigail Sims '13; long-time partner of Michael Ratto '82; sister of Susan Kinney '81 (dec.), Matthew Kinney '84 and Alison Kinney Agustin '89; and former spouse of Christopher Sims '66
Leontine “Tina” Soublet '75
Sister of Morris Soublet, Jr. '62, Richard C. Soublet '65, Prudence Soublet Killingsworth '66, Margie Soublet '67, Bruce Soublet, Bryon Soublet, and Brian Soublet; aunt of Robert Snowden '90, Vincent Killingsworth '97, Staci Dotson '02, Richard Soublet II '00, and Vanneasha Soublet '18
Mary Watty Stelzner '41
Mother of Janet Stelzner Rose '77 and Gregory Stelzner '79, and mother-in-law of Shelley Wood Stelzner '80
Catherine O'Connell Weygandt '78
FACULTY/STAFF
Chris Dempsey
Former SJND teacher and sister-inlaw to Jim Dempsey '60 (dec.) and John Dempsey '62 (dec.), and Martha Dempsey, former SJND teacher
Thomas Riley
Former SJND teacher, administrator and parent to Katherine Riley Mahany '10 and Meghan Riley '11
Pilots Fly High at Career Day
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SJND alumni and friends who generously shared their career journeys with our junior and senior classes on Career Day. Among them, Ari Warmerdam '02, Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor at Silicon Valley Bank, captivated our audience with his inspiring narrative as our keynote speaker.
Ari not only provided invaluable insights into his career trajectory but also shared personal anecdotes from his time as a student athlete at SJND. His closing words, "Pilots fly high," resonated deeply with our students, leaving them inspired and motivated. Thank you to Ari and all of our guest speakers representing Google, Tesla, Visa, and more, for their time, wisdom, and commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders at SJND.
Fowler '20 Competes in China
Andrew Fowler '20, recently graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, and was awarded the Third Prize in the 22nd Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, which was held in China in August and September 2023. The competition, which tested students on their knowledge of Chinese languages, culture, history, and literature, included an immersive three-week summer camp in Beijing and Guangxi exploring regional Chinese culture, and a "Chinese Culture Experience Day" at Guangxi University, which encompassed lectures and educational programs. He was one of 150 college students from 124 countries selected from over 55,000 contestants, and it was his first visit to China. Fowler, who graduated college with a double major in World Languages and Mathematics & Computer Science, plans to continue his studies of Mandarin and linguistics in China after winning a Chinese-language study scholarship from the Chinese government.
Source: China Daily, Lewis and Clark College
Looking Back
Let Every Student Soar
In 2007, the SJND community celebrated the successful Let Every Student Soar fundraising initiative, in which more than 900 generous donors raised over $9 million for the construction of Kelly Gymnasium and the Anthony V. Aiello Science Center, among other campus building improvements. It was SJND’s first capital campaign and the results have since helped deepen and broaden the learning opportunities for each student on the campus for nearly two decades.
Today, Kelly Gymnasium serves as the home court for SJND’s boys and girls basketball and volleyball teams, along with being the preferred location for assemblies, joint school masses, and spirit rallies. The Anthony V. Aiello Science Center remains the hub for our diverse range of innovative science courses, including those integral to our biomedical sciences pathway program.
The successful campaign was a reflection of our community’s commitment to the strength and values of Catholic education and dedication to create strong leaders.
Pictured is Kelly Gymnasium under construction in 2004.
