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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL This past year has been one characterized by change and challenge. Each day was filled with the need for new directions and decisions. It was the kind of school year with no road map; one in which each of us could have easily found ourselves lost in the minutia of every day’s seemingly endless meetings and planning. But, we, at St. Pius X High School, had one thing that was and has been our guiding force, faithfully showing us the way, our strong Dominican mission leading us to educate and form Veritas Men and Women. We, as a school community, were able to go beyond the change and challenge of a global pandemic, and realize that we were in the midst of a rare opportunity to learn and relearn about hope and relationships.
the Class of 2021. It had been months since a group of students had come together at St. Pius X High School. As I processed down the aisle and stepped on the riser to speak, an overwhelming sense of joy brought me to tears. Looking out at the faces that I had not seen in months, together as a community – albeit smaller than normal – made me realize just how much I had missed all of those students with their individual personalities and talents. I had missed seeing my Veritas Men and Women – I missed hearing their laughter, seeing their smiles, and simply interacting with them on a daily basis. And, I got the very real sense that our students not only missed all of us “old people,” but they missed one another and their community.
to re-think how we might deliver our events when we were unable to fill the gym, or auditorium; livestreaming to our classrooms and our public became our future. Mass, graduation, theatre productions and even school meetings took on a different form as we worked our way through bringing these events to the masses. It has been an arduous task, but we know it is worthwhile. For grandparents who are unable to attend graduation, or aunts and uncles who cannot attend a production, this new delivery method allows them to virtually participate rather than just hear about it. We found ways to revitalize and reconfigure events into something even better than what we had before.
Lesson 1: Kids Learn Better in Person Since the first days of distance learning, the School’s number one goal has been to get all students back on campus for in-person learning. We knew in our hearts that students learn best in the classroom but through this extended time of distance learning, we were able to see data underscoring what we as educators felt. Students truly learn best in person. The review of this year’s High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores, taken by eighth graders applying to high schools, gave us a snapshot of the impact of distance learning. Scores this year were an average of 11 points lower than in previous years, strongly indicating that students’ learning was negatively impacted by not being involved in face-to-face learning in the classroom. Having the ability to physically be in a classroom interacting with each other and their teachers is integral to good learning.
So often today, we think of young people as being isolated – on their devices, “ignoring” the people in the room. However, the pandemic taught us better. Young people need and crave human interaction. We saw the smiles that spread across their faces and heard the squeals of delight as they saw friends for the first time in months. We sat back in absolute joy as our students filled the halls with happy chatter and laughter once again. For far too many months preceding, the silence at SPX was deafening; without our kids, the campus had lost its life.
Lesson 4: We Are Panther Strong Perhaps it took keeping us apart to fully realize just how much we need each other. For a time, we were siloed in our own worlds – withdrawn from what was happening outside. But, as we came back together, we were reminded of what it means to be community. I believe that we have come to a greater sense of patience – developed from authentically trying to hear and meet people where they are. We met the challenges of teaching and learning; we improved upon how we delivered our messages. We gave new life to what it means to teach and preach justice for those who need our voice. We continued to educate and form strong, faithfilled Veritas Women and Men.
We re-learned that classroom teachers, without question, are the essence of learning. It is our teachers who create engaging, thought-provoking, creative, and dynamic lessons that challenge our students to learn. And, while they worked to keep their on-line lessons interesting and interactive, removing the all-important face-to-face interaction negatively impacted learning in ways no one could fully understand or predict.
So many events that happen on the SPX campus require close proximity It was important to host these events, but it became necessary to find ways to engage and interact with people appropriately physically distanced. That meant showing the big game on an inflatable screen in the senior courtyard rather than hosting the annual Alumni tailgate, and hosting five open houses rather than just one, but each time we came together, we learned how to re-imagine and re-new. We learned to do things better, we learned that change was good!
Lesson 2: Relationships are Vital On Sept. 13, we gathered as a community for the first time since the pandemic forced us to close the School’s doors this past March – to celebrate the Veritas Ring ceremony for
Lesson 3: Change Is Inevitable With health and safety protocols in place, we were forced to evaluate how SPX functioned on a daily basis. Whether it was teaching classes, moving through hallways or hosting events, we had to look at where and how each event happened.
As events were planned and measurements for physical distancing were taken, we began
While we lost sight of one another for a brief moment, we never lost sight of our Dominican mission. When we came together again as a school community, I believe that we came back stronger, wiser, braver, and simply better because we endured. I am so thankful for the lessons I have learned. I am thankful for the lessons that SPX has learned. I am thankful to be a part of a community that is thriving – that is Panther Strong. In Veritas,
Carmen Garrett Armistead Head of School
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Faculty, Staff Celebrate End of Semester It was a festive occasion for St. Pius X faculty and staff as they gathered for the annual Christmas celebration sponsored by the SPX Parent Association on Dec. 17! What a wonderful way to close the semester after a year like no other! A special thank you to all of the SPX parent volunteers and all SPX parents who made this party a success and contributed to the faculty and staff Christmas fund.
SPX CONTINUES TRADITION WITH REVAMPED FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE NIGHT On Sept. 2, SPX hosted the annual Follow the Schedule Night. This longstanding tradition received quite the revamp as teachers and parents turned to digital screens for a virtual edition. Nonetheless, our classroom teachers were delighted to meet with the parents and guardians!
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FISH PARADE 2020
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SPX OFFERS FIVE OPEN HOUSE EVENTS In response to protocols created to slow the spread of COVID-19, SPX offered five Open House dates and times for prospective Panthers to visit and learn more about the school. Families were taken on small group
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tours to see the many wonderful amenities SPX offers students before convenfinishing up at the newly rennovated Kubiak Stadium to discuss questions with current students, faculty and staff members. The new format
was a great success and SPX is looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2025 in the fall!
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SACRED HEART CHAPEL BLESSED ON FOUNDER'S DAY On Sept. 17, the 64th anniversary of when six Dominican Sisters opened the doors to a brand new St. Pius X High School, SPX commemorated Founder’s Day with the Blessing of the new Sacred Heart Chapel. Bishop George A. Sheltz, Auxillary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, dedicated and blessed the chapel. Also in attendance were Deacons John Adams '63 and Pat Hancock '73. The chapel's new tabernacle built by SPX Theater Director, John Magalhaes, used wood from the original school library.
SPX COMMUNITY DONATES TO PARTNER SCHOOL IN NEED AFTER HURRICANE LAURA In October, St. Pius X High School partnered with St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, La., to provide support as they recovered from the destruction caused by Hurricane Laura. Donations collected included gift cards, cleaning supplies, water and other important necessities. Many thanks to all who contributed to the Fill the Bus campaign. Head of School Carmen Garrett Armistead, Principal Rachel Ware, and Director of the Office for Campus Ministry Patrick Spedale, safely and successfully hand delivered the generous gifts to St. Louis Catholic High School. Their entire community was incredibly grateful for the Panther community's generosity. “In such a time of 'disconnectedness', being able to connect the prayerful generosity of our SPX Panthers with the resilient and faithful people of St. Louis Catholic High School was a phenomenal experience. The devastation was so much greater than the pictures. But, the indomitable spirit - the sheer grit coupled with a sense of inner joy that I witnessed in Mia Orgeron, Principal of St. Louis Catholic High School, was transformative. We went to give gifts, but we came away with a greater gift of renewed faith and hope,” said Armistead. STPIUSX.ORG
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Campus & Classes During COVID-19 The health and safety of the St. Pius X High School community is the top priority for SPX Leadership. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, SPX recognized that the traditional way of learning - while best - wasn't going to work. Leadership began preparing faculty for the 2020-2021 school year by providing each with an iPad and Swivl, which would allow them to teach from their classroom (and once students were back on campus) freely move around the classroom without distance learners missing anything. With physical distancing in mind, SPX put into place several policies and procedures that worked to keep appropriate physical distance from each other - rearranging classroom furniture, incorporating onedirectional hallways and splitting lunch are a few examples of ways Panthers adjusted to a new normal. Additional precautions included daily health questionnaires and thermal temperature scans required for every faculty, staff, student and visitor prior to entering the building. New cleaning procedures were implemented
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to ensure proper sanitization between classes and a deeper cleaning on a daily basis. After a short distance-learning period for all students, the student body was divided into two cohorts - Scholars and Leaders. Each cohort spent two days on campus and two days virtually in synchronous classes – or actively participating with the teacher and other students in real-time
learning. On Wednesdays, all students had an asynchronous day where teachers would upload assignments and students would finish them at their own pace. Families with health concerns were given the option of keeping students in a distance learning model if they were not comfortable allowing their student back on campus.
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2020 HOMECOMING COURT Homecoming King & Queen: Undra Ferrow & Yramsi Barcena
1st Runners Up:
Mason Jefferson & Layan Baba
2nd Runners Up:
Evan Narvaez & Sydney Shupak
Homecoming Nominees:
Adam Abuian, Ashley Brunnert, Chloe Botello, Chris Cano, Makenna Capitaine, Austin Hunter, Tregan Hyder, Carson Rodgers, Madison Smith, Liz Stidham
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LIV HONORS SPX SUPPORTERS Like most things this school year, fundraising had to find a new and creative path forward. After a little bit of brainstorming with SPX Fund Chairs Lisa and Steve Irvin (Sam ‘20, Nate ‘22) the idea of Leaders in Veritas (LIV) Drive-In Style was born. Because of increased need-based tuition assistance requests caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more important than ever to gather our most loyal group of benefactors, for LIV.
Sedita Reed ’95 and her husband Dustin. SPX Leadership including Head of School Carmen Garrett Armistead, Principal Rachel Ware, and Director of Advancement Monica Clem, also served tasty beverages car side.
With critical needs surrounding safely bringing students back to campus in addition to normal operating costs, this group of amazing donors stepped up in a big way to ensure St. Pius X High School continued with its good works.
On Oct. 21, this group gathered for a spirited night of food, fun, friends and of course fundraising in a safe and physically distant way, all under the lights of the senior parking lot. Guests enjoyed carhop-style deliveries of delicious charcuterie boxes prepared by Eji’s Catering, owned and operated by Gina
SPX WELCOMES FOUR NEW FACULTY & STAFF MEMBERS Transitioning into a new role at a new place naturally comes with an adjustment. Making that transition in the midst of COVID-19's upheaval of typical teaching protocols is an even steeper learning curve. We are grateful to our new teachers who came on board in early August and have not missed a beat! Welcome (left to right): Pat Burns, social studies; John Rezentes, physics; Angela Washenfelder, Technical Theatre Director; Patrick Triplett, Learning for Success Program Director
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Class of 2021 Veritas Ring Ceremony The class of 2021's originalVeritas Ring ceremony was delayed because of COVID19, however, the group was able to have a wonderful in-person celebration at the start
of their senior year on the SPX campus on Sept. 13. The class was split into two groups to allow
for physical distancing and guests were limited, but the students delighted in seeing each other and participating in this timehonored tradition.
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On Sept. 16, the Class of 2021 kicked off the school year with a physically distanced get-together at Kubiak Stadium. The group met together to eat breakfast, watch the sunrise and share summer stories. This event was a first in SPX history, and a new way for seniors to celebrate the start of their final year at SPX in a safe and memorable way.
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FOUR SENIORS RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC PROMISE Thomas Parlette
Gabriella Gibson National Hispanic Scholar and National African American Scholar
National Hispanic Scholar
Jack Sullo
Jacob Phillips National Merit Commended
National Merit Commended STPIUSX.ORG
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2 0 2 0 F A L L SOPHOMORE & FRESHMAN RETREATS
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2020 SPX GIVES DAY HUGE SUCCESS On Dec. 1, SPX held its biggest SPX Gives Day yet. With 430 of our most loyal donors rising to the challenge, we raised more than $250,000 - creating a ripple effect that will enhance our
school for years to come. Thank you for sharing your pride, passion and love in strengthening St. Pius X High School. Your dedication to SPX will bolster the academic experience that compels our students to become high-impact leaders; will advance the programs that inspire our Panthers outside of the classroom; and will strengthen the life-changing contributions of our renowned faculty and staff. Thank you, alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students for raising the bar, spreading the word and answering the call so generously to drive SPX forward.
SPX Begins Social Media Partnership Campaign with Catholic Middle Schools This fall, St. Pius X High School began a social media partnership with several middle schools to spotlight the lower schools and increase middle-schooler knowledge of SPX. Nearly 10 schools were featured in the inagural showcase campaign. Each week, SPX would share information about a lower school on Facebook. The first post would highlight which school was being featured and what made that school unique.
The second post would highlight alums from that school who currently attend SPX and are experiencing success while finding their perfect fit. The final post showcased middle schoolers spending time with SPX allstars - such as Principal Rachel Ware, Baseball Coach Mike Evans, Football Coach Greg Cranfill and Athletic Director Jeff Feller - learning more about school, having questions answered and receiving SPX swag.
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New Turf dedicated on Parsley Field On Sept. 25, St. Pius X High School dedicated one of its newest and brightest additions. Head of School Carmen Garrett Armistead walked onto Parsley Field in Kubiak Stadium and stepped onto the freshly laid artificial turf, painted with school colors to welcome the crowd to the dedication ceremony. A project that impacts several groups of students, the new turf will not only be the background for Panther football, but also rugby, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, the Panther band, the Pantherette drill and dance team, the cheerleaders, and even the school choir. “This field has been home to boisterous celebrations and silent disappointments. It has been the place of legend and legacy,
“I’m excited for the student athletes, the St. Pius X community and the amazing tradition that we are going to continue on this field,” added St. Pius X Athletic Director Jeff Feller. “This is truly a field fit for a Panther.” Deacons Pat Hancock '73 and Ed Herrera '69 blessed the new turf. The deacons, assisted by Armistead and Feller, concluded the ceremony by sprinkling holy water around
all formed by this Dominican school,” said Armistead. “This new field is more than just a field; it is a sign of hope. It is a sign that St. Pius X High School is a school on the move. It is a school with a vision. It is a school with a shining future.” “We at St. Pius X are always blessed, and we are blessed to have benefactors, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students who always step up and do the right thing, generously giving up their time, talent, and treasure,” Armistead remarked about the countless people who made the new turf field possible.
the field. The Panthers play at Parsley Field at Kubiak Stadium, named in honor of Robert H. Parsley and Georganna Strake Parsley and Texas High School Football Hall of Famer Gary Kubiak '79, who led the Panthers to three consecutive state championships as quarterback.
Veritas Theatre Presents:
Much Ado About Nothing How do you take a classic Shakespeare comedy and modernize it? Include wars fighting COVID19, masks and doctors of course! In the fall, Veritas Theatre (formerly Theatre SPX) took on Shakespeare's classic Much Ado About Nothing. Scandal runs rampant in Shakespeare’s hilarious, biting comedy about lies, courtship, and the chaos created in pursuit of love. Benedick and Beatrice trade barbs while matching wits (and hearts) in this celebrated romantic romp to determine what is truth and what is not.
NHS INDUCTS 64 NEW MEMBERS
The Del Sarto chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 64 new members, bringing the organizations total roster to 114. Below is a full list of Panthers in NHS; the newest members' names are orange. Adam Abuain '21 Leslie Ahuatzi '21 Sean Alexander '21 Piper Applewhite '22 Te’a Arvizu '21 Layan Baba '21 Chloe Beck '21 Dyllon Bedia '22 Aly Bijani '22
William Bollom '22 Chloe Botello '21 Maxim Bright ‘22 Ashley Brunnert '21 Makenna Capitaine '21 Claire Carbajal '22 Oluwakorede Cardozo '22 Austin Caudill '21 Mauro Cisneros '21 Colin Covington '22 Rebecca Crow '21 Nikita D'Souza '21 Sophie Darnell '22 Christine Dau '21 Miles Daughtry '22 James Davin '21 Emily Dear '21 Kristen Delarosa '21 Megan Domingo '22 Greer Drinnon '22 Louis Eagleton '21 Emily Edmondson '22 Nica Else '21 Mason Flaherty '22 Asimon Flores '22 Samantha Fox '22 Emely Fuentes '22 Nancy Gallegos '21 Yarian Garcia '21 Sophia Garza '22 Gabriella Gibson '21 Emily Godwin '21 Sarah Guckenburg '21 Isabela Guthrie '21 James Haddad '22
Tanner Hansen '22 John Herzog '21 Omar Holguin '22 Austin Hunter '21 Mason Jefferson '21 Elijah Johnson '21 Emily Kallus '21 Brendan Kelly '22 Ava Kirkpatrick '21 Abigail Konicki '22 Alexandra Konicki '22 Maryann Lamberson '21 Gabriela Martinez Botini '21 Macy Matula '21 Andrew Mazas '21 Kyle McCullum '22 Olivia McGee '22 Olivia McGuire '21 Katherine Mytchak '21 Nick Nguyen '21 Thai Nguyen '22 Avery Nick '22 Jefferson Page '22 Thomas Parlette '21 Hayden Payne '21 Matthew Pearsall '22 Ava Perez '22 Kayla Pesek '21 Jacob Phillips '21 Jaden Porter '21 Rafael Portillo '22 Kyra Purser '21 Emmanuel Renaud '21 Lailah Reyes '22 Giovana Rizzi '21
Carson Rodgers '21 Kylie Rogers '21 Roy Sanchez '21 Milina Santiago '22 Jennifer Schmalz '21 Abby Schubert '22 Hannah Sebesta '21 Madison Shindler '21 Sydney Shupak '21 McKenzie Slaid '21 Aidan Smith '22 Bernadette Smith '21 Madison Smith '21 Ryan Smith '21 Sydnee Smith '21 Alina Solice '22 Elizabeth Stidham '21 Alyssa Sutton '22 Christopher Todd '21 Taylor Todd '21 Lora Tresco '21 Sofia Tsertos '22 Ashlyn Urias '22 Madeline Vasquez '22 Isabella Vaughan '22 Emma Vitulli '22 Sean Wall '22 Isabelle Walton '22 Kaitlyn Weikel '21 Caleb Wendler '22 Rosita Winden '22 Kyle Winkler '22 Agnes Wirawan '21 Catalina Zapata '21
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ATHLETIC RECAPS CROSS COUNTRY Early in the season, long-time coach Erin Van Wassenhove was prepared to lead one of the youngest cross country teams St. Pius X has had in recent years. The challenge proved fruitful as both boys and girls junior varsity runners medaled in all three regular season meets. JV girls ventured as far as taking 1st place at the FPR Speed Hay Bale meet in early October. Panther Cross Country took to Spring Creek The season started off hot for the Panthers with three straight wins against Lutheran North (42-6), Concordia Lutheran (47-14), and St. John XXIII (49-0), outscoring said opponents 138-20. Two of these wins had SPX tied for 1st in district. With a playoff berth on the line, Panthers commanded a huge 48-6 victory over San Antonio Christan, earning them the 4th seed, before falling to Midland Christian in the first round of the TAPPS State Playoffs.
Park for the TAPPS 6A District 4 meet. Gabe Green '22 led the boys with a top 20 finisha fitting ending to his best season yet. Jacob Bollom '22 led the JV ranks finishing just shy of the top 20. Makenna Capitaine '21 and Sarie Goodweather '24 each crossed the finish line in the top 20 at district, proudly representing the Panthers' JV girls. FOOTBALL Entering the season on the tail of a 2-9 record and a wave of uncertainty, Panthers fought their way to a winning season. The team was led by outstanding young men and a coaching staff directed by first year head coach Greg Cranfill. Players approached every week with a high sense of integrity and a game plan for success, both on the football field - and in life. This was a group that understood that winning is a byproduct of doing things the right way, the Veritas way, and that is exactly what they did. 2020 FALL PIUS NEWS
First Team All-State: Undra Ferrow '21, Logan Tanner '22. Second Team All-District: Carson Hintz '22, Hayden Payne '21. Honorable Mention: Juan
Reyes '21, Ricky Thomas Jr '21. Academic All-State: Payne, Carson Rodgers '21. First Team All-District: Ferrow '21, Hintz '22, Payne '21, Tanner '22. Second Team AllDistrict: Aden Allen '23, Alec Balandran '21, Reyes '21, Rodgers '21, Cale Skinner '23, Thomas Jr. '21. Honorable Mention: Bre Citizen '21, Michael Fite '22, Caleb Fowler '21, Miguel Galacia '21, Alex Gutierrez '21, Nethaneel Loolo '23, Evan Narvaez '21. VOLLEYBALL Despite the adversity presented by the season, Panther Volleyball finished .667 (8-4) and 3rd in TAPPS 6A District 4. This marks the second straight winning year after their turnaround from a two-win season in 2018. Panthers started their season strong with
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four straight pre-season wins outside of tournament play. The momentum continued with a 3-0 district opener against St. John XXIII. A tough 1-3 bout against St. Agnes did not dismay them as they entered competition against Incarnate Word (3-0) and Duchesne (3-1). Next, the squad eagerly entered round one of playoffs, ultimately closing their season against Antonian. This season, the Panthers had a roster of
four sophomores and seven juniors. As six seniors graduate, second year head coach Clare Brockman looks to build upon the established foundations and improve their winning record. Academic All-State: Sydney Shupak '21. First Team All-District: Shupak '21. Second Team All-District: Kayleigh Schultea '22. Honorable Mention: Samantha Fox '21, Kylie Rogers '21, Madison Smith '21.
Decals with Dads & Muffins with Moms
FIVE PANTHERS COMMIT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Emily Dear, University of Texas-San Antonio - Softball Austin Hunter, Baylor University - Baseball
Tregan Hyder, Labette Community College - Baseball
Macy Matula, Texas A&M University - Soccer
Jennifer Schmalz, Univeristy of Dallas - Softball
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H O M E C O M I N G
4 Homecoming Queens of yesteryear came to celebrate the 2020 Homecoming Court and crown the newest queen. Alumni queens include (1) Samantha Wursteisen '10, (2) Selena Mireles Van Prooyen '95, (3) Abigail McGee '18, and (4) Angelina Espinoza '19.
Jack, son of Erin Smith Bennett '03 and Brent Panther babies are the cutest in these SPX onesies! If you are expecting, let us know; various sizes are available. Your onesie will be delivered right to your door. All we ask is that you share a picture with us of your baby wearing the SPX onesie. We will feature your adorable new Panther on social media as well as in the Pius News magazine. Please contact Katie Kubiak '07, Director of Alumni Relations, at kubiakk@ stpiusx.org, to request your custom future Panther onesie.
REUNION WEEKEND The entire SPX community is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and unprecedented time. Through planning, prayer and many discussions, Reunion Weekend 2020 was postponed to Sept. 11, 2021. This will include the classes of 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016. We encourage classes to reach out to your classmates and plan for individual celebrations, be it virtually or in person. Please contact Katie Kubiak '07, Director of Alumni Relations, at kubiakk@stpiusx.org for information regarding class lists.
ANNUAL HUTSON HUDDLE This year’s Hutson Huddle, an alumni-led initative, was held at SPX on Nov. 11, and honored the life of Coach Bob Hutson, who passed away in July. It was a day of great weather, good friends and love for the former athletic director and coach. The Baseball Wall of Honor was also dedicated and inducted the first member, Coach Ed Deffenbaugh, former baseball coach and faculty member. In 2020 style, Coach Deffenbaugh watched from his home in Oklahoma and was delighted to join in the festivities.
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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES // 1. Erin Smith Bennett '03 and husband Brent welcomed Jack William Bennett on February 3, 2020. The happy family resides in Austin.
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2. Rebecca Sasser Garcia '06, husband Matt, and big brother Emmett, welcomed Lillie Garcia in February 2020.
3. Jeremy Joseph ’06 and wife Janelle welcomed Thomas Keith Joseph on January 7, 2020.
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HAVE A NOTE? SEND IT HERE! Contact Katie Kubiak '07 @ 713.579.7573 or kubiakk@stpiusx.org
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1. Kenny Rodgers '68 gifted his grandson his 1968 class ring. Carson '21 was presented his grandfather's ring at the Veritas Ring ceremony and will wear it as his own.
2. Ashley Garcia '10 married Lorenzo Williams on November 21, 2020, in Houston. The couple celebrated with a drive-thru wedding. They currently live in Baltimore, Md., where Ashley is a nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Lorenzo is in the US Navy working with the NSA.
3. Jasmine Shafer '06 married Brandon Morris on April 18, 2020, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Houston.
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4. Allison Shely '13 married Adam Chaikof on August 29, 2020, in Arlington, Va.
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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES //
Katie Landry McCoy '11 received the Young Educator’s Award from the Delta Upsilon chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, an organization that benefits women in the education profession. This award is presented to an outstanding young teacher for their major accomplishments in the field of education.
Linda Flores Olson '84 joined Aldine ISD as Director of the Aldine Education Foundation.
Makell Moody '19 Author of Good Night, Sweet Dreams When she was in the fourth grade, Makell had nightmares every night and was afraid to fall asleep. While growing up, she loved learning about all kinds of mythology and came across the legend of the Baku. This creature, said to devour nightmares, helped Makell overcome her fear. She sewed together her own stuffed animal to match the Baku in the legend. She wrote this story in hopes that it would give other children something to help them overcome their nightmares and sleep peacefully. She is currently a sophomore, majoring in English, at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
25 Eli Pillaert (Elizabeth Hopmann '16) Eli organizes with the youth-led Sunrise Movement as an Art Lead in order to help visualize and create a livable future. She earned her BFA from Tulane University in 2020, focused in both painting and ceramics. Despite school and gallery closures caused by COVID19, Eli and three fellow BFA candidates successfully installed their thesis exhibition in accordance with social-distancing guidelines in the Carroll Gallery. Her latest work titled “Rise Up” can be seen at 3700 N. Main St. in Houston. “Rise Up” initially was painted in early October to say “Rise Up + VOTE”. The text has, since the election, been updated to say “Rise Up + LOVE” for the foreseeable future. “Rise Up” was created from images of the protests in June. The packed streets of Houston mirrored the images plastering the news and the internet. Minneapolis, New York, Portland, and beyond. The mass outcry on behalf of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others processed, not only in the streets, but in the hearts and minds of people all across the world. Connective lines run between figures, with little separation in where one body ends and another begins. The interplay of skin tones, colors, and individual presentations mirror the vibrancy of the Houston community. Sometimes awkward, and never perfect, the individuals that make up this mural are unmistakably human. “Rise Up” is a visual reminder of this moment of collective action, hope, and the power of the people.
Kenny Rodgers '68 Author of Special Crimes Special Crimes is the capstone of a lifetime career in law enforcement for Houstonnative Rodgers, and details not only the inner workings of the Harris County District Attorney Special Crimes Bureau, but the complete behind-the-scenes investigations and ultimate take-down of some of the most notorious criminals in the Lone Star State during the 1970s and 80s. From “The Black Widow” to “Yankee” (former Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Yarbrough) and Karla Faye Tucker, from murder-for-hire to lust, revenge, and greed, Special Crimes is a smorgasborg of citizens at their worst and good cops at their best, including those rare, insufferable, and hilarious moments when the gun misfires, the heel falls off the shoe, or the chase begins in earnest. Rodgers served 33 years as an investigator in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he advanced to the position of Chief of Investigators. During his tenure at the District Attorney’s Office, he was in charge of thousands of investigations and personally responsible for hundreds of felony arrests. He spent most of his years working the Special Crimes Bureau, whose cause was to investigate and prosecute members of groups who were involved in narcotics, pornography, gambling, and other organized crime activities. In 1983, Rodgers was recognized with the award and was proclaimed “Officer of the Year” by the “100 Club” of Houston for his outstanding work in law enforcement and was the first ever Harris County DA Investigator to be awarded such.
In Memoriam
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Linda Raymond Rowland '60, sister of Brenda Raymond Carew '60
Barbara Kubiak Walker '66, sister of Patricia Kubiak Croes '61 (+Sixto Croes '60), Daniel Kubiak '60, aunt of Cindy Kubiak Gonzales '89 (Joseph Gonzales '88), Bonnie Kubiak '93, Isaac Gonzales '14, Allyssa Gonzales '16
Curvis Knight '83
Marie D’Anna Herzog '63, wife of Virgil Herzog '61, grandmother of Jack Herzog '21
Janice Sobotik Watts '68, sister of Carolyn Sobotik Richmond '65, Sharon Sobotik Chude '66, +Eddie Sue Sobotik Gilbert '69
Anthony “AJ” Morono '05, brother of Joseph Morono '03, Alexander Morono '08
Karen Ressel Kerley '64
Peter Salvato '73, brother of Vickie Salvato Probst '70, Patsy Salvato '71, Pam Salvato Mistretta '73, Cynthia Salvato Keith '75, Mike Salvato '79
Courtney Provo '17
Melissa Baillet, mother of Braden Baillet '22 Amanda Cranfill, mother of Greg Cranfill, SPX Head football coach Kim Mitchell, fiancé of Rodney Smith, SPX football coach Mark New, brother-in-law of Jerry Nevlud '74, SPX Board Member, uncle of Nathan Nevlud '11
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Janel O’Rourke, sister of Kathy O’Rourke '72, Leslie O’Rourke '73, +Vernon O’Rourke '74, Eileen O’Rourke '76, Claudia O’Rourke Smith '77
Loyce Michel Van Hook, ministered at SPX as a math teacher, wife of Kyle Van Hook, former SPX baseball coach and teacher
Gina Ortiz, mother of Jamie Ortiz Questell '98, Nikki Ortiz Mahoney '03
Margaret Beam Vindetti, mother of Phyllis Beam Rector '60
Jack Rowland, husband of +Linda Raymond Rowland '60, brother-in-law of Brenda Raymond Carew '60
Karl E. Wolff, Sr., father of Karl E. Wolff, Jr. '69 (Regina Sivcoski Wolff '69), Karen Wolff McDonald '72, grandfather of Elisa Wolff Wiseman '96, Celeste Wolff DeMarino '03
Debbie Tant, wife of John E. Tant III '67
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Mary Jo Clinger, SPX faculty member from 1960-69, physical education
Victor “Vic” Virgadamo '60 was a member of the first four-year graduating class at SPX, an athlete, a dear friend to many, someone who truly embodied the spirit of SPX; “Papa” Vic was a Panther!
Rose Marie Schick, SPX faculty and staff member from 1973-81. She served as principal, as well as a theology, social studies and philosophy teacher. Rose is the mother of Susan Schick Hale '78, Debra Schick Dehart '81, Diana Schick '81, grandmother of Daniel Dehart '09 (Brianna Kaminski Dehart '09).
Coach Hutson and Coach Deffenbaugh were an integral part of the St. Pius X High School community and sports history for a total of 17 years. Their memories live on in so many alumni who not only were taught to excel in the sports they participated in, but more importantly, their life-long lessons of teamwork, discipline and caring for others.
Edwin “Ed” Deffenbaugh, SPX faculty member from 1959-76, baseball and basketball coach, physical education and history teacher
Robert “Bob” Hutson, SPX staff member from 1959-76, athletic director, football and basketball coach
STPIUSX.ORG
Parents of Alumni: If you are still receiving your SPX student's Pius News although he/she no longer lives with you, let us know so we can change our records and send the magazine directly to him/her. Please contact the Advancement office at yeagerj@stpiusx.org or at 713.579.7511.
Many of our alumni, parents, and friends have included St. Pius X High School in their wills or estate plans but haven’t had the opportunity to tell us. If your plans include a bequest to St. Pius X that will one day leave a legacy for our students, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to The Torchbearer Society.
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Future support from people like you ensures we continue to provide a strong Dominican, Catholic education for generations of students to come. And by sharing your intentions, we can keep you informed of our mission to uphold the high standards of education which you have come to know and cherish.
Torchbearer Society
A bequest is a simple way to support St. Pius X while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. We can be named as the beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy or financial accounts. So whether you are taking those first important steps towards planning your estate or updating your estate plan, contact us today.
You can light up their future.
They are your legacy.
If you will it.
Let us know.
Sharing your plans is easy and places you under no obligation. Contact us today: Mail: 811 W. Donovan St. | Houston, TX 77091 Phone: 713.579.7500 E-mail: clemm@stpiusx.org
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