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VOLUME X ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2014
Pius News 20
Lights. Camera. Action!
SPX Alumni share their experiences in the film industry
Black & PMS Cool Gray 6C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
We celebrate our SPX alumni, now over 7,000 strong, for their loyalty to and support of their Alma Mater. Their legacy reminds me of the words of Helen Keller,
‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’
Pius News 811 W. Donovan Street Houston, TX 77091 713.692.3581 | www.stpiusx.org
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From the Head | 03 of School
Featured Article: Alum Film Features Alumni | 16 News
04 |
Set the World Ablaze
Class | 24 Notes
06 |
Around Campus
26 |
In Memoriam
Panthers on | 12 the Prowl GET MORE OUT OF PIUS NEWS! Look for QR codes such as the one to the right for more information on articles and content in this issue. Scanning the codes is easy - just use your barcode reader on your smartphone to scan these images for access to videos, audio, additional photographs and more! Free barcode reader apps can be found in most marketplaces, accessible from your smartphone. Or, as always, you can visit St. Pius X online at stpiusx.org. Credits: Photography by Michael Martinez, Wayne Donnelly and St. Pius X High School. Printed by DiscPro Printing & Graphics, Houston, Texas.
St. Pius X High School Administrative Team Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School Diane Larsen Academic Dean Jeff Donaruma Dean of Students Allan Minar Director of Finance Mary Linda Portner Director of Advancement Joseph Noonan Director of Facilities Board of Directors Sister Antoinette Carter, O.P. Mrs. Gina Hamala Demny ‘76 Mr. Timothy A. Fjeldal Mr. Ray Gilliam Mr. Edward Herrera ‘69 Mrs. Andrea Johnson Mrs. Pamela Lolan Mrs. Anna Mateja, Vice-Chair Mr. Jerry Nevlud ‘74 Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P., Ex Officio Mr. Barrett Reasoner Ms. Kim Ruth Sister Lavergne Schwender, O.P. Ms. Terrie Sechrist, Chair Mr. John B. Shely Mr. Ray A. Vitulli, III Board of Trustees Carol Mayes, O.P., Prioress Antoinette Carter, O.P., Vicaress Patricia Casey, O.P., Councilor Julie Grieg, O.P., Councilor
In
our Jubilee year of 2006, the SPX student body revived the tradition of singing the School’s alma mater at the closing of every all-School gathering. Written as a collaboration of alumni and students in 1963, the opening verse of the anthem reflects much of the innocence associated with that period: “This our School we honor you, Ever-loyal, grand and true…” It is in the wording of the second stanza, however, that the writers touched on the relationship of alumni to their Alma Mater:
As St. Pius X High will grow, So our love you’ll always know. Alma Mater of thee we sing, To you all our thanks we bring. During the whirlwind that is the typical academic year—complete with lessons and exams, athletic contests, fine arts performances, food, toy and blood drives, assemblies, inductions and awards ceremonies— one is tempted to live in the moment and see St. Pius X High School through the lens of current students and families. But the School is much more than the activities of the moment; its life includes the traditions of earlier generations, as well as their history and memories. This legacy of tradition—of continuity, of generations of families building the SPX community—has helped to create a culture unique to St. Pius X.
As the words of the alma mater note, with this legacy comes responsibility: “to you all our thanks we bring.” Those early alums knew from the outset that, if SPX were to be a great school, it was the duty of the alumni to make it so. The Alumni Association was formed in the early 1960’s as a means of keeping Panthers connected with each other and their school. Over the years, generations of alums have pitched in for SPX. They have served as School Board members, helped to form the St. Pius X High School Foundation, founded the Booster Club, supported Career Day and fine arts performances, tutored, coached and cheered on baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, football and many of the other SPX teams and organizations. Today’s young alumni have the opportunity to share their college experiences with current seniors, network with each other at Young Alumni Professional gatherings, or serve as mentors to students at Lunch and Learns. Young alumni parents are continuing the tradition of legacy families by enrolling their children in their Alma Mater. And, there are alumni who have evolved from strictly volunteering their time to St. Pius X to committing their financial resources to making SPX a great school. As you read through this edition of Pius News, you will meet some of them: alums like Anna Marie and Harold Hidalgo ’59/’59, honorees of one of the most successful Galas ever;
and Bob Rekieta ’76, who with his wife Celeste, are impacting the future of the School through their gift to the Set the World Ablaze campaign. These are just a few of the many alumni who partner with us in our mission. While reflecting on this letter, I discovered that the etymology of the word alumni is derived from the Latin verb alere which means “to nourish” or “to nurture” – isn’t that what SPX is all about? The School’s core values of challenging students to realize their full potential in a caring and supportive learning environment build on that meaning. It is our hope that as our alumni realize their potential, they will embrace their responsibility to nurture the growth of St. Pius X by sharing their time, talent and treasure. This nurturing can take many forms, from providing financial support for the School, to mentoring our current students as they mature into Veritas men and women and become our newest Panther alumni! We celebrate our SPX alumni, now over 7,000 strong, for their loyalty to and support of their alma mater. Their legacy reminds me of the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Thank you to our SPX alumni for nurturing a tradition of Panther Pride! In Veritas, Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School
Editor Deanna M. Werner Director of Communications
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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IN THE NEWS
IN THE NEWS
THE LEGACY OF PANTHER PRIDE
St. Pius X High School is excited to announce the gift of $250,000 by Celeste and Bob Rekieta ’76 to the Set the World Ablaze campaign. The multi-year gift will be directed to the Science Building, where a lab will be named in the Rekietas’ honor.
their friends and classmates experienced their formative years at SPX.
Rekietas are keenly aware of the demands and sacrifices accompanying parenthood.
“St. Pius X is often in my thoughts as I live my life,” Bob said. “When I am out for a run, I can hear Coach (Renée) Hancock’s voice telling me to ‘suck it up’. Sister Bertrand is always in my ear telling me to do better than my best.
“With the rising cost of tuition, expenses, and time commitments to various activities, it is a testament to the quality of the education a student can receive at St. Pius X—and a tribute to the teachers and staff—that parents continue to make that sacrifice for their children,” Bob said.
“I was fortunate to be a member of such a close-knit class that will remain in my heart forever. When my father passed away a few years ago, I was truly humbled when 15 of my classmates showed up at his visitation. They will never know how their support helped me through a difficult time. St. Pius X helped instill that sense of honor and compassion.
As they considered the nature of their gift, the Rekietas wanted to be certain that as many students as possible would benefit. The Science Building, housing classes for generations of students, was a natural fit.
When asked why they were motivated to make such a transformative gift, Bob replied, “Our lives are driven by family, friends and faith. We were fortunate to be born “As we look to the future, we into loving, generous and supare confident that our finanportive families that shaped cial commitment will help St. our lives. We have been Pius X remain honored to a desirable We are confident that the students will maintain d e s t i nation relationships feel blessed by the sacrifices that others for a quality with long- are making on their behalf and will add C a t h olic time friends. to the legacy of Panther Pride. e d u c a t ion,” Our Catholic Bob said. “We faith guides “I don’t think I ever realized are confident that the students our lives and steers our hearts. the sacrifices my parents will feel blessed for the sacriWhen reflecting back upon made to send my brother Paul fices that others are making my high school days, St. Pius X ‘71, my sister Sharon ‘74 and on their behalf and will add reinforced the tenets of faith, me to St. Pius X. In addition to the legacy of Panther Pride. family and friendships.” to the financial commitment, We are thankful for the opThe Rekietas moved to the time and hassle of getting portunity we have been given Minnesota in 1991, so none us around also had an impact.” to help future generations of of their children attended St. As parents of grown children Panthers reach their dreams.” Pius X. However, they have watched as the children of and small grandchildren, the
SCIENCE BUILDING - EXTERIOR
READY. SET. LAUNCH! During early winter, St. Pius X launched a pair of microsites to spotlight two important and very different programs at the School— Learning for Success and Planned Giving. The Learning for Success site features profiles on current students enrolled in the Learning Center, as well as video of alumni and current parents. It also provides visitors with information as diverse as the admissions process and resources for parenting.
T
he first day of school this year saw a dramatic shift in a longstanding SPX tradition – the carpool line. With the completion of the West Campus expansion during the summer, an entrance opened on Brinkman Street. Carpools moved to the west and the Donovan entrance was reduced to student parking. The results: shorter lines, less traffic—happy parents and students. The completion of the West Campus expansion also laid the groundwork for the future construction of the Science Building. The 27,000-square foot structure, housing six lab-lecture rooms, a Media Center, and additional classroom and administrative spaces, will be sited to the southwest of the new entrance to the School building. Construction costs are estimated at $7.4 million. Funds will be raised through the Set the World Ablaze campaign. For additional information on the campaign, please contact Mary Linda Portner at portnerml@stpiusx.org or by phone at 713.579.7512.
“We are thrilled with the launch of the site,” said Dr. Charlis Powell, Director of the Learning Center. “It offer us a unique format in which to showcase our students and our program.” The planned giving site offers guidance in estate planning and resources for information as varied as tax implications and planned giving instruments. It also allows visitors to experiment with different donation options based on age, lifestyle and income expectations. “The site provides prospective donors with easy-to-understand information on a very complex – and sometimes intimidating – topic,” explained Director of Advancement Mary Linda Portner. “Anyone interested in having a lasting impact on St. Pius X should certainly look into it.”
Visit our microsites at spxlearningcenter.org and gftpln.org.
MEDIA CENTER - EXTERIOR
MEDIA CENTER - INTERIOR
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
TWO JUNIORS JOIN MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL
STUDENTS BUILD HOPE AT CASA DE ESPERANZA
Sarah Godwin and Andrew Sokulski became the newest members of 2013-2014 Mayor’s Youth Council when they took the oath of office during an inauguration ceremony held in Houston City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
St. Pius X seniors from the Social and Moral Issues theology course enjoyed a service day at Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos – House of Hope for Children in late October.
Godwin was selected as the Council District H Senior Aide and Sokulski as a Mayor’s Youth Service Corps Advisor. Established in 1998, the Mayor’s Youth Council provides Godwin and Sokulski with the opportunity to learn about city government, gain leadership skills and serve as a voice for Houston’s youth.
“I’m proud to welcome the new members of the Mayor’s Youth Council as they assume a vital role as the voice of
Structured like the Houston City Council, the Mayor’s Youth Council is composed of the following posts: Council
They are, after all, the young thinkers of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Houston’s youth in city government,” said Mayor Parker. “I look forward to hearing from them not only about the issues that concern young Houstonians, but also about their ideas and creative solutions to the many challenges our communities face. They are, after all, the young thinkers of today and the leaders of tomorrow.”
SELECTION PROCESS
Chair (Youth Mayor), City Secretary, Chief of Staff, Communications and Technology Director, Special Projects Director, Volunteer Director and 11 district and 5 at-large Council positions and their Senior Aides. Sokulski will provide support for the Council’s community service activities as one of six members of the Mayor’s Youth Service Corps Advisors.
Despite the rainy day, the service went very well, according to Claudia Somerville, assistant director of the Office for Campus Ministry. The students donated books, read to the children, cleaned the playground, and played with the children during their time at the facility. Casa de Esperanza is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. The shelter provides residential care, and coordinates medical and psychological services according to the needs of each child. The staff at Casa de Esperanza was very impressed with the work the sophomores did in making the books (35 in total) and was very grateful for the seniors’ service. “Our students enjoyed the time they spent with the kids,” said Somerville. “I hope the experience produced good fruits and greater understanding for the needs of others.”
The St. Pius X juniors were
2 of 40
high school students selected from a pool of over
200 applicants
city of houston The applicants consisted of students ages 14-18 who live and attend high school in Houston.
Final selections were based on written applications, interviews and community leadership experience.
SCIENCE CLUB HONORS FIRST RESPONDERS ON 9-11 In commemoration of 9-11, and in appreciation for first responders everywhere, 15 students from the St. Pius X Science Club visited Houston Fire and Police Stations in the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas on September 11, 2013. In its fifth year, Science Club members delivered cookies and personally thanked Houston firefighters and police officers for their service. The first responders in turn chatted with the students and gave them guided tours.
OVER $2,000 RAISED FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY In 2000, the St. Pius X Office for Campus Ministry initiated the Stewardship for Justice Campaign to foster the gospel practice of stewardship among the School faith community. The plan outlined that for each Mass at SPX there would be a campaign to raise awareness around a social justice need or cause and collect funds from members of the community to benefit a non-profit agency that was either local or international and that was endorsed by our larger Dominican family. At the liturgy for the Feast of All Saints this year, over $2,000 was collected and donated
to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, an organization that strikes home with current SPX student Eve Estella Brooks ‘15. Her battle with cancer began in 2000 at the age of 2, and she was in remission until she was 7 years old. “My mom sent in the idea of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help; she wanted to give back,” said Brooks. “I was excited that we raised so much money.” The $2,000 raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was the largest Stewardship for Justice Campaign since Hurricane Katrina Relief in 2005.
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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THEATRE
AROUND CAMPUS
STUDENTS WERE
Rockin’ thru the Decades
AROUND CAMPUS
FOR HOMECOMING
Homecoming 2013 was themed Rockin’ Thru the Decades and began Monday, Sept. 23, with Decades Day. Each class was assigned to dress in clothes that represented its decade: Freshmen – Swinging 50s, Sophomores – Hippie 60s, Juniors – Groovy 70s and Seniors – Totally 80s. The week continued with Class Color Day and Dress as a Character from your Decade. Thursday’s Spirit Day included a lively afternoon pep rally in preparation for the Homecoming football game televised by The Kube Channel 57 that evening. A 43-yard field goal by Sam Vitulli with 20 seconds remaining lifted the Panthers over Class 3A powerhouse La Marque, 17-14. At halftime, senior Kelly Stewart was crowned homecoming queen. For Friday’s Your Future Day, students wore t-shirts from the college they hope to attend. The week concluded with the homecoming dance on Saturday, Sept. 28, where senior Brian Newman was announced homecoming king.
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN The Theatre SPX production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown proved, once again, the timelessness of Charles Schultz’s beloved Peanuts characters. From Charlie’s (Gabriel Kearns) doomed efforts to fly his kite, to Lucy’s (Kathleen Blute) questionable help as a psychiatrist, to Snoopy ’s (Gwen Whitley) never-ending search for the Red Baron, the warmth and wisdom of Schultz’s eternally young characters charmed young and old alike as they have for more than 50 years. The production also starred Nathan Murphy as Linus, Graham Byrant as Schroeder and Sarah Leishner as Patty.
AS YOU LIKE IT November’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It showed that while you can’t take the Shakespeare out of the country, you can put the country into the Shakespeare! Hill Country that is. Set amid the bluebonnets of the Texas Hill Country, As You Like It was all boots and jeans, straw hats and sundresses, and nice people dancing to good country music. Through it all, the joy and laughter of Shakespeare’s immortal romantic comedy shined through the stars at night! (Which were big and bright!)
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
MUSIC
JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT SHARES MINISTRY WITH ST. PIUS X
BEPPO’S BELLS PERFORMS AT HEIGHTS HOLIDAY HOME TOUR The St. Pius X hand bell choir, Beppo’s Bells, performed at the 2013 Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour on Friday, Dec. 6. The SPX student club entertained attendees at the Tour headquarters – the historic Houston Heights City Hall and Fire Station at at the corner of 12th and Yale streets. The Tour provided a rare opportunity to look inside five unique spaces that reflect the rich Houston Heights architectural tradition of the charming neighborhood. The Tour homes were decorated for the holidays, and Beppos’ Bells added joyful music to the festivities.
MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD EARN TOP SCORE The St. Pius X marching band and color guard earned the highest score possible at the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) State Marching Contest on Saturday, Oct. 26. They received a Superior rating of 1.
In addition, the Panthers won the People’s Choice Award, which was voted on by the fans and spectators and given to the band who was the crowd favorite.
Christian music pioneer, best-selling author and motivational minister, John Michael Talbot, brought a message of faith, hope and love in Christ to the St. Pius X High School community Wednesday morning, Jan. 8. Talbot’s ministry to St. Pius X was part of the School’s Climate of Character initiative which continuously advises students of such issues as respect, honesty, anti-bullying, and much more. “John Michael Talbot allowed our students a glimpse of modern-day monastic life as he shared his conversion story from country folkrock to a contemporary Christian musician,” said Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard. “His story of his personal journey with Christ along with sharing his musical talent were an inspiration to our students. We were honored and blessed to have him on our campus.” John Michael Talbot is one of the most active motivational ministers traveling over nine months per year throughout the world inspiring and renewing the faith of Christians of all
denominations through sacred music, inspired teaching and motivational speaking. “God gave me a vision of itinerant ministry, going from parish to parish in a time of great need in our culture,” Talbot said. “I believe that our current ministry is fulfilling that vision. The Catholic Church has nearly died in recent years, but God is raising us to new life in Christ if we will but accept it. We are rebuilding the church one parish at a time, and renewing hearts one life at a time!” Talbot is one of the pioneering artists of what has become known as Contemporary Christian Music. He is recognized as Catholic music’s most popular artist with over 4 million sales and compositions published in hymnals throughout the world. John Michael Talbot’s
videos and DVDs take the viewer on a faith building journey through motivational speaking, inspired teaching, prayer and of course, the sacred music which has led millions of lives to the Lord. Talbot is a respected and prolific author with 24 books to his credit. He is also the founder and Minister General of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. St. Pius X High School is deeply grateful to John Michael Talbot for sharing his time and God-given talents with our community. Climate of Character leaders Gary West and Laurie Thompson are applauded for their commitment to bringing his ministry to St. Pius X.
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ON THE PROWL
ON THE PROWL
Prowl
PANTHERS ON THE
FOR A CURE
GET TO KNOW OUR NEW HEAD COACHES
VOLLEYBALL RAISES $1,500 IN DIG PINK GAME For the third straight season, the St. Pius X volleyball team raised money for breast cancer awareness during its Dig Pink match on Oct. 1 against Beaumont Kelly. The Lady Panthers raised $1,500 this year and a total of about $8,500 over the three-year span. St. Pius X Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. said the event was an important one for the school. “I think it’s a great event to
raise awareness for cancer,” Pollard said. “It’s a really good way to see and remember people who have been lost to cancer.” The impact of breast cancer on the team was apparent. Senior Kaylee Zarosky’s grandmother, Deanna Hepper, is battling breast cancer and was recognized before the match. Senior Kelly Stewart and freshman Katie Stewart lost their grandmother, Mary Hartigan, to breast cancer in 2011.
The proceeds from all donations to the SPX Dig Pink match benefited the Side-Out Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit which awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families.
2013 VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON HONORS Signed National Letter of Intent with Auburn University & 2013 Prep Volleyball All-American First Team Libero KELLY STEWART
TAPPS All-State 5A
TAPPS All-District 3-5A
SECOND TEAM Kelly Stewart
FIRST TEAM Natalie Nevlud, Kelly Stewart
HONORABLE MENTION Natalie Nevlud
SECOND TEAM Shelly Chapron, Victoria Griffin, Kaylee Zarosky, Katie Stewart HONORABLE MENTION Lauren Wilganowski, Anisa Flores
CROSS COUNTRY PRODUCES SEASON OF PERSONAL BEST The 2013 St. Pius X cross country season came to a successful end at the TAPPS State Meet on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Waco.
a personal-best time of 13:11 and finished 33rd in a field of 126 competitors on the 3,200meter course.
at state, which placed 14th, finishing 24th out of 112 runners with a personal-best time
performances at the end of the season,” added VanWassenhove.
This year was a very good year. As a coach, you want to see the girls improve and learn from their mistakes. They did that and more. We did a lot of amazing things on the field that many people didn’t think we were capable of doing. We got some great results against some very quality teams, and challenged teams that have been dominate in years past. The future is very bright for SPX soccer.
Sarah Bradshaw Girls Soccer Coach
BIRTHPLACE Sayre, Okla. EDUCATION University of Houston COACHING EXPERIENCE Class A PGA Professional Assistant Coach, Pope John XXIII High School, 2010-2013 Director of Golf Instruction, Hearthstone Country Club, 2005-present PLAYING EXPERIENCE STPGA - 20 years BIRTHPLACE Bay City, Texas I am so looking forward to coaching the SPX golf program. I know that we will compete at the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship, and our goal will be to win the state tournament in both boys and girls golf, while honoring God and setting the example of a student-athlete.
Elijah Barefield, III Track and Field Coach
of 17:48 on the 5,000-meter course.
Comprising the rest of the SPX team score were Jesse Following Priestly to compile Folk (70th, 20:00), Jacob Perez “We had a lot of improvement the Lady Panther team score (75th, 20:23), Gio Torres over the course of the cross were Sarah Walker (40th, Aponte (85th, 21:09) and Doug country season,” said head 13;30), Kathleen Blute (54th, Pechacek (86th, 21:11). Travis coach Erin VanWassenhove. 13:48), Carrie McIntyre (64th, Anderson (92nd, 21:39) was “I am proud of all the improve- 14:03) and Maggie Hirtz (87th, the sixth runner for the Panments, both in confidence and 15:09). thers and Eddie Borrego (93rd, time. Almost 21:56) was everyone ran eighth among The team worked so hard all season, the team. their best times at the district and it is gratifying to see their efforts “The team meet, and of the result in great performances at the end of w o r k e d kids who ran at so hard all state, almost all the season. season, and it had their best is gratifying to times also.” Sean Fagan led the boys team see their efforts result in great The girls team finished ninth overall at state and was led by Martha Priestly. She turned in
Jim Hardy Golf Coach
BIRTHPLACE Bay City, Texas EDUCATION B.S. Sam Houston State University, 2001 M.Ed. Sam Houston State University, 2009 COACHING EXPERIENCE Assistant Coach (Hurdles), St. Pius X, 2010-2013 USA Track and Field Level 1 Certified Coach PLAYING EXPERIENCE Sam Houston State University, 1997-2002 Hurdles and triple jump, 2 letters Bay City High School, 1995-1997 Three-year regional qualifier in hurdles and triple jump ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010-12 Hurdlers broke school record 2010-12 Sent at least one hurdler to state meet
BIRTHPLACE Greeley, Colo. EDUCATION B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2002 M.Ed. University of Houston, 2006 M.Ed. University of Houston, 2012 COACHING EXPERIENCE JV Coach, Episcopal High School, 2011-2012 Head Coach - Clear Creek High School, 1998-2010 JV Head Coach - Lamar High School, 2008 University of Houston, 2008 Infinity Soccer Club, 2003 Little Illini Soccer Club, 2002 NSCAA National Goalkeeper License NSCAA National “D” License PLAYING EXPERIENCE University of Illinois, Goalkeeper - 4 years ACCOMPLISHMENTS Two-time Academic All-Big Ten 1999 NCAA Tournament 2009 UIL Soccer Playoffs 2010 District 24-5A Coach of the Year
I am very excited for the opportunity to be the head track and field coach at SPX. I have been working with the program for five years now, and I want to continue the success that we have begun. My first year at SPX, we lost the state championship by 2 points. I have wanted to redeem that ever since. I love the athletes that we have and the rich athletic tradition here at Pius. I want us to continue improving and win a state championship in the near future.
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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ON THE PROWL
15
FOOTBALL St. Pius X may have been the best 6-5 team in TAPPS last season. The Panthers advanced to the TAPPS 5A Division I playoffs, were named the Allegiance Team of the Week (Oct. 5), and played seven games decided by a touchdown or less. They were competitive in every game, despite being plagued by injuries throughout the season. SPX won three games by a total of six points and lost four others by a total of just 16, including its playoff game, a 28-27 loss to Addison Trinity Christian. “As I told the kids after the (playoff) game, while it doesn’t appear they got a return on all of their investment, the return will come later, later on in life,” former Panther head coach Blake Ware said. “We had a lot of adversity with our injuries, and they kept battling. It says a lot about the kind of kids they are and the kind of men they’ll be when they’re adults.” St. Pius X’s veteran squad was comprised of 17 seniors, one of whom, wide receiver Brian Newman, earned Touchdown Club of Houston Private School Offensive Player of the Year honors. Newman finished with 1,119 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games. He was the second straight St. Pius X player to win Offensive POY. Newman, also a baseball standout for SPX, followed Kohl Stewart, the 2012 Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, four Panthers signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and football careers at the collegiate level: Deejay Johnson - Southwestern University, Brian Newman - Hillsdale College, Sam Pierce - Rice University, and Avery Sims - Quincy University.
You can light up their future. They are your legacy. If you will it. 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. Future support from people like you ensures we continue to provide a strong Dominican, Catholic education for generation 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. 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.
2014 TAPPS Division I All-State First Team - Brian Newman (WR), Sam Pierce (OL), Micah Massey (RB), Austin Hancock (DL)
Let us know.
Second Team - Sam Vitulli (WR), Marcus Evans (LB) Honorable Mention - Timmy Ware (QB), Avery Sims (DL), Chase Fontana (DB)
Touchdown Club of Houston Offensive Player of the Year Brian Newman
Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week – Oct. 17 Timmy Ware
The KUBE Channel 57 Play of the Year Sam Vitulli
Houston Chronicle Boys Athlete of the Week Finalists Brian Newman - Oct. 15 Timmy Ware - Sept. 16
Sharing your plans is easy and places you under no obligation. Contact us today: Mail: 811 W. Donovan St. | Houston, TX 77091 Phone: 713.579.7512 E-mail: portnerml@stpiusx.org Web: www.stpiusx.org
the
14
Torchbearer Society
Carry the Light. Leave a Legacy. PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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ALUMNI
SPX YOUNG ALUMNI PROFESSIONALS
ALUMNI
LAVERGNE SCHWENDER, O.P. SCHOLARSHIP CREATED
The SPX Young Alumni Professionals gathered at CRISP Wine, Beer & Eatery for the first of many socials on Thursday, Nov. 14. The young alums enjoyed plenty of Panther pride and St. Pius X giveaways.
ALUMNI CALENDAR
SPX Young Alumni Professionals formed to help members of the Classes of 2000-2009 stay connected with each other and the School.
5/13
We encourage you to remain an active member of our ever-growing young alumni community. Stay connected through our website at stpiusx.org/alumni and on Facebook at facebook.com/stpius.alum.
9-10:30
5/24 10:30
A.M.
A.M.
TAKE A LOOK TUESDAY
SOCCER ALUMNI SHOW THEY’VE STILL GOT IT St. Pius X hosted our annual alumni soccer games on Friday, Jan. 10, at Parsley Field. Over 30 SPX soccer alumni participated in the games. The men played first, and the alumni were victorious over the boys varsity team by a score of 5-3. The women’s game followed, and the Lady Panther alumni won, 3-2. The soccer alumni went on to celebrate their victories at the Wakefield Crowbar that evening. Join us next year at the alumni soccer games on Friday, January 9, 2015!
On Sunday, Aug. 18, over 60 alumni and friends gathered in the Lilly Conference Room at St. Pius X to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Lavergne Schwender, O.P. A favorite faculty member at SPX from the late 1960’s through the mid-1970’s, Sr. Lavergne is remembered for her engaging business law classes and as the firm, but fair sponsor of the 100-member Pantherettes.
GRAD
U
An opportunity for prospective parents to tour the School and see our teachers and students in action.
ATION
CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC CENTER 1949 Cullen Blvd, Houston TX 77023
“Sr. Lavergne was a lot of fun,” recalled former Pantherette Mary Moratto ’70. “We were about the same age, and the girls really related to her.” In honor of her Jubilee, alumni and friends donated funds to create the Lavergne Schwender, O.P. Scholarship. Their goal is to raise $25,000 to endow the fund. Donations in honor of Sr. Lavergne may be made through the SPX website or by contacting the Advancement Office. Sr. Lavergne, a native Houstonian and former member of St. Christopher Parish, graduated from St. Agnes Academy and began her ministry in education in Houston at Sacred Heart School and St. Pius X High School. She also served as the Administrator of Newman Hall in Austin. After completing law school, Sr. Lavergne served as Assistant Harris County Attorney and Attorney of Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network. She has served the Dominican Sisters of Houston as treasurer and legal coordinator. She is currently the Executive Director of Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network. In addition, Sr. Lavergne has served the SPX community for many years as a member of the School Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the SPX High School Foundation Board.
7/31 11:00
A.M. PASTA THURSDAY Join Panther alumni for lunch & fellowship at Whitney Oaks Hall. All classes welcome! Sacred Heart Society 816 E. Whitney St. Houston, TX 77022
9/20
4:30 P.M.
REUNION WEEKEND Individual Anniversary Class Reunions Off Campus - Visit stpiusx.org/ reunions for more information. PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
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An Evening of Latin Elegance On Saturday, Oct. 19, the 2013 St. Pius X High School Foundation Gala raised more than $450,000 and was honored to recognize Anna Marie Pulido Hidalgo and Harold G. Hidalgo, Sr. ’59/’59 as the recipients of the Del Sarto Humanitarian Award for their generosity and commitment to the community. Both Anna Marie and Harold are native Houstonians and members of the first graduating class of St. Pius X High School. They met as classmates and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Gala. Since graduating from SPX in 1959, Anna Marie and Harold have generously and often been involved with the School. St. Pius X and other charities in the Houston area have been the beneficiary of Anna Marie’s philanthropic efforts, including the CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare and the Good Shepherd Residential Treatment Centre. Harold was a founding member of the St. Pius X High School Foundation and has served as the Foundation’s President
and Treasurer. His commitment to Catholic education is evidenced by his being one of the founding members of the Catholic Endowment Foundation of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, where he has served as President and currently serves as Treasurer. Anna Marie and Harold are active members of St. Michael Catholic Church. The theme of this year’s gala was An Evening of Latin Elegance. It was held at The Westin Houston, Memorial City, where guests kicked off the evening with cocktails, a silent and a big-board auction, and followed with dinner and a live auction. Notable attendees included long time benefactors and friends of the
School Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, Bishop George Sheltz, Sister Carol Mayes, O.P., Mrs. Raye G. White, 2012 Gala Honoree Trini Mendenhall, members of both the Foundation Board and the School Board, and Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. This year’s festivities were organized by the Gala Committee, including Gala Chair Teri O’Connor, with support from the Foundation. Music and entertainment was provided by Yelba and Latin Fire. Funds raised from the Gala benefit the St. Pius X Foundation endowment and help to provide funds for financial aid, school operations and the Set the World Ablaze campaign.
The Hidalgos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the gala. Attendees enjoying a Night of Latin Elegance
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Three of a Kind: SPX Alumni Christopher, Rockefeller and Pawlowski Excel in Film Meet a trio of St. Pius X alumni with three similar, yet widely diverse careers in the film industry. From independent feature films to comedy-driven commercials to wedding cinematography, each St. Pius X grad utilized the knowledge and experience from his Dominican education to advance in comparable careers. an interest in film.),” he said. “But I grew up at the absolute best time of cinema - Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future - that’s when I started being interested in the stories and eventually wanting to tell them myself.” It wasn’t until he saw The Crow, however, that he felt like he might want to try to make a film.
JAMES CHRISTOPHER '94 or better known to St. Pius X alumni as James Dziedzic, comes from an SPX legacy family and is the president, director, and writer of the Austin-based film company Twitchy Dolphin Flix.
“I had gone to see The Crow the year after I graduated from high school. How that movie works with the combination of music and symbolism, and the colors they use – everything just fit together into this one awesome thing.” While Christopher attended St. Pius X, he was involved in theater, speech, football, baseball and track, and he felt film making was a natural extension of his activities and interests. He used acting as a medium to express himself.
Officially established in January 2008, Christopher and Twitchy Dolphin Flix have produced 10 independent feature films, seven of which have been released. His film festival appearance calendar is St. Pius X is such a small and tight solidly packed for the foreseeable community that you can try anything future and he you want to try... The opportunity to claims his fascina- figure out who you are is much more tion with movies prevalent (at a private school) than at began while he was still in his a larger public school. mother’s womb. “St. Pius X is such a small and “My mom likes to say that she was tight community that you can try pregnant with me when she saw anything you want to try,” he said. Jaws and that’s why (I have such “My wife was a graduate of public school and she wasn’t able to do all of the extracurriculars she wanted to do. The opportunity to figure out who you are is much more prevalent (at a private school) than at a larger public school.”
But before he entered college, Christopher served in the Army for seven years. During that time, he was deployed to Bosnia for a yearand-a-half and he met his wife, Jessica Bybee-Dziedzic. After serving, Christopher attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned bachelor’s degrees in radio, television and film, and history in 2007. While he was in college, he created a film class for a Catholic elementary school in Austin and still teaches there today. Following UT, Christopher established Twitchy Dolphin Flix along with fellow film student and friend, Chris Copple, his wife, Jessica, and her brother, Nathan Bybee. “For our model, we felt that being prolific was what was most important,” Christopher said. “What keeps me motivated on the project I’m working on now is thinking about the project I’m going to be working on next.” Subsequently, Christopher keeps the production costs at Twitchy Dolphin Flix super low and also directs shorts films. He allows aspiring actors to get experience writing or directing, if they so choose. “Texas has a lot of film talent, and we want to try to do our best to develop that as well as grow our own,” he said. Other members of the Dziedzic family that attended St. Pius X include James’ father, John ’73, and brothers, Dennis ’96 and Timothy ’01. He’s also worked with Daniel Cano ’94, Brandon Reynolds, husband of Tracy Gonzalez ’94, and Andy Tomczeszyn ’89, each in different capacities. > http://twitchydolphin.com
frequently to Houston. In addition, they recently hired their first editor, SPX alumnus Matt Pierson ’05.
intern at PBS-KLRU in Austin and worked for his dad’s audio visual business in Houston.
Rockefeller is trying to break into the commercial realm and enjoys working on comedy-driven content. His goal is to produce a feature within the next year or year-and-a-half. His thesis film at UT was called Sediments of Love and is a short, awkward comedy that follows the struggle of two young men to win the heart of their classmate during a geology class project. It premiered at the Austin Film Festival in 2010.
He credited St. Pius X for giving him the start he needed to go anywhere in life.
Before starting his own company, Rockefeller was a production
WILLIE ROCKEFELLER 'O4
At St. Pius X, Rockefeller played the trumpet in the band, was a member of Theatre SPX, choir, student council, football and baseball. His sister, Mariah Rockefeller ‘06, and step-sister, Christy Wise-Rockefeller ’06 also attended SPX. Rockefeller went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in radio, television and film from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. A few months later, Match Point Productions was born. “One of my classmates, Derek Gildersleeve, and I took a class together. I produced one of his features, and he shot my last film. We just kind of hit it off. We knew each other were hard workers, communicated well, etc.” Together, Rockefeller and Gildersleeve started the company out of their house and slowly started to build clients in Austin and Houston. Today, a concentration of their clients in Austin comes from the tech industry, and they travel
“Theatre kind of sparked my in- > matchpointpro.com/ terest in film, in terms of my interest in directing,” SPX gave me opportunities he said. “Being able to take the lead in projects to do a variety of things... That (in student council) made gave me the confidence to know running a set come natu- that I could do whatever I set rally. “SPX gave me opportunities to do a variety of things that I might not have been able to do in a
my mind to do, which became a start a company, and be able to produce and direct videos for a living.
they instill that in their students. The coaches gave me the sense that I was needed. They built me up. I didn’t even like football, didn’t know anything about it and senior year, I was a captain. It didn’t have anything to do with skill, because I was not the best player. I think the biggest role I had for the team was leadership.”
is a writer, director and producer of both commercials and creative projects. He is the co-owner of Match Point Productions which offers full-service, live-event recording, commercials and web content to fuel his passion for the art of film.
DANIEL PAWLOWSKI 'O6 is the founder/owner of The Wedding Show and Up in the Air Films. The Wedding Show offers cinematography, photography, DJ services and photo booths to the bride and groom on their special day. Up in the Air Films specializes in piloting unmanned aerial systems for aerial photography and cinematography. Pawlowski was a football player and member of student council at St. Pius X. By being involved, SPX allowed him to recognize and develop his potential beyond the classroom.
Pawlowski carried those skills with him to college at Sam Houston State where he was involved in theater, Sigma Chi fraternity, Greek Honor Society, and where he served as the president of the governing body of all 11 fraternities on campus and more. He was named homecoming king as a junior and emceed the annual Sammy Awards three years straight, winning the award for the Most Outstanding Student his senior year.
Playing football, I learned a lot about teamwork and pride. Pride is probably the biggest one; having pride in what you do. St. Pius X has so much pride in what it does and they instill that in their students.
“Playing football, I learned a lot about teamwork and pride,” he said. “Pride is probably the biggest one; having pride in what you do. St. Pius X has so much pride in what it does and
large public school. That gave me the confidence to know that I could do whatever I set my mind to do, which became to start a company, and be able produce and direct videos for living.”
Pawlowski graduated from Sam Houston with bachelor’s degrees in theater and political science, and
has aspirations of becoming a talk show host. He loved emceeing in college, and his talents were apparent to others as well. “Out of college, a director at Sam Houston was getting married and wanted me to do her wedding. I had emceed a lot of events for them and they knew I had a sound company at that time. That was the first event I ever deejayed.” After a successful initial run, Pawlowski’s interest in the wedding business grew and he decided to expand his sound company. “It was one thing that would allow me to actually make money, talking on a microphone, every weekend,” he said. “Emceeing in front of people is something you have to do a lot to be really good. The only way I’d constantly be able to train was by doing weddings, at least that was the easiest route.” Pawlowski has now worked at nearly every wedding venue in Houston, earning numerous awards, and he travels for destination weddings. He even made the first episode of a reality show titled Destination Wedding. His goal is to be the first national wedding company.
age when he flew remote control helicopters. Little did he know then that his hobby, along with his photography and cinematography skills, would lay the groundwork for Up in the Air Films. “I always wanted to fly my cameras, and started using RC helicopters, but I wanted to know a more professional way of doing it,” he said. “That’s how I got into UAV’s (unmanned aerial vehicles), also known as drones. They are much easier to fly.” You can view some of Pawlowski’s work on the St. Pius X website or by scanning the QR code to the right. He volunteers his time and talents to the School to help enhance its marketing and advertising campaign. In fact, Pawlowski’s contribution helped SPX win the 2013 American Marketing Association of Houston’s Marketer of the Year award for secondary/ elementary schools. Daniel also works as a professional actor and model. > http://theweddingshow.biz/ > http://upintheairfilms.com
The interest in Pawlowski’s second business started at a young
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ALUMNI
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CLASS OF
St. Pius X High School was happy to recognize our fifth Jubilee class, the Class of 1963, during Reunion Weekend, Sept. 20-21. The festivities commenced with the Head of School Reception on campus Friday night. The casual welcome included light refreshments, beverages and guided tours of the School.
On Saturday, the Class of ‘63 gathered for the Jubilee Mass and Golden Panther Celebration at the School. The class honored its deceased members during the Mass in the auditorium, at which several families of the deceased alumni were present. Members of the Jubilee Class received Golden Panther pins and posed for a class photo following the Mass.
REUNION
CLASS OF
Saturday evening, the Golden Panthers held their class reunion in the SPX Commons. Alumni enjoyed dinner and drinks, and reconnected, relived memories and reminisced on old times with classmates.
The Class of 1988 met at Cottonwood on N. Shepherd on Saturday evening. They enjoyed drinks and laughs at their 25th class reunion. Cathy Cano Darrell and Lisa Pereira Hadash organized the event.
Reunion committee members included Carolyn Boutte Peterson and Pat Fenn Koteras.
CLASS OF
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Alumni from the Class of 2008 also reunited Saturday evening at Cottonwood on N. Shepherd to celebrate their five-year reunion. Kristen Fjeldal was responsible for bringing the class together.
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CLASS NOTES
CLASS NOTES
CLASS NOTES // ALUMS, Luis Varela ‘96 and wife, Melissa, welcomed their eighth son, Benjamin Juan Diego, on July 21, 2013. Sr. Ann Huffstetter, O.P. ‘60 celebrated her 50th Jubilee in August 2013. She was a former SPX faculty member and is currently a physical therapist assistant in Elkhart, Texas, and also serves as music minister at Sacred Heart Parish in Palestine, Texas. Judge Judy Kaderka Warne ’77 was awarded the David A. Gibson Award for Excellence and Professionalism in the field of family law. The award is given annually to one practicing attorney or judge in the Gulf Coast area who exemplifies professionalism and excellence in the area of family law. Nancy Ryan Sanderlin ‘84 lives in Broomfield, Colo., with her husband, Steve and their 8-yearold son, Ryan. Nancy is a physical therapist in the home health setting.
Bethany DeVet Eastman ‘98 published a novel titled All’s Fair in Love & Lion. The novel was dedicated to Mrs. Mary Gagne, English teacher at St. Pius X. The novel can be purchased at amazon.com Brian Wisnoski ‘98 completed his medical residency with Baylor College of Medicine in combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He received the Clinic Resident of the Year award from the Medicine-Pediatrics program and now works as faculty at Baylor College of Medicine. Elaine Lebeuf Atherton ‘99 and husband John are the proud parents of Maggie Marie Atherton born on July 3, 2013.
Justin Doran ‘91 appeared as Max in Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing at Main Street Theater in September-October 2013. Jennifer Woods Kubenka ‘93 and husband, Darrell, welcomed their second daughter on March 3, 2013. In addition, Jennifer is working as a Realtor with Keller Williams Heritage in New Braunfels. James Christopher (James Dziedzic) ’94 president of Twitchy Dolphin Flix, premiered his feature film 3 References as part of the 2013 Austin Film Festival in October. 3 References was written and directed by Christopher.
Keeva Price ‘00 graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from California State University, Northridge, in May 2013, with a master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences (speech-language pathology) through an online distance learning program. Laura Rhea Palmquist ‘02 is now the Hearings Attorney at Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Ashley Flores McCarthy ‘04 and her husband, Brady, became the proud parents of Alexis Kristine on Dec. 4, 2013. Alexis weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz., was 19.5 in. long, and is the granddaughter of Cindy Flores ‘80, current SPX staff member. Adam V. Clay ‘05 founder of Houston New Arts Movement, took to the stage on Nov.16, 2013 at Dowling Music and premiered the second concert in his Transformation Trilogy series: “Surviving with Shostskovich.” He performed the viola sonata. More information on Houston New Arts Movement can be found at artsmove.net. Travis Flores ‘07 graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in occupational education in May 2012.
Thomas Moratto ‘99 and wife, Carly, are the proud parents of a 7 lb. 9 oz. boy, Calvin Anthony Moratto, who was born on June 20, 2013, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Grandparents, Tommy and Mary Moratto ’70, current SPX staff member, couldn’t be more proud.
Laura Beth Moore Hatem ’95 and husband, Kevin, welcomed their fourth child, a boy, on June 30, 2013, at 8:50 a.m. George Cooper Hatem weighed 7 lbs. 7oz.
Jordan Barnett ‘08 graduated from TCU with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in business. She is beginning a master’s program at Virginia Tech in student affairs in higher education. In 2012, she worked as a leadership consultant for Sigma Kappa based in Indianapolis. Joey D’Eramo ‘08, finished 40th overall with a time of 2:40:28 in the 2014 Chevron Houston Marathon. He was also the second American to finish in his age group (males 20-24). Anthony Fera ‘09 became the first consensus All-America place-kicker and Lou Groza Award finalist in University of Texas history. John Maldonado ’11, Matthew Maldonado ’13 and Jason Carranza ’15 were musicians in the musical You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown at UpStage Theater in the Heights in June 2013.
Calvin Anthony Moratto
CLASS NOTES // STUDENTS, FACULTY + STAFF John Johnson ‘14 and Lia Markantonis ‘15 had music reviews published in the Houston Press. To see their writings go to http://blogs. houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/12/houston_music_reviewed_by_hous. php
Julie Knutson, former SPX faculty member who taught history and left to pursue her Ph.D. at Rice University, and her husband, Jack, welcomed a son on May 19, 2013. Theo Waters Rudick weighed 8 lbs. and was 21 ¼ in. long.
Ryan Webb ‘14 edited Bitner Cousins, a genealogical book written by his late grandmother Una Ebb, for publishing purposes.
Susie Kramer, current SPX staff member, is the proud grandmother of Lola Irene Kramer, born July 25, 2013, (three weeks early) and weighing 6 lb. 9 oz.
Grant Gunter ‘15 was recognized as Eagle Scout during a ceremony held on Dec. 11, 2013, at Lewis Mattingly Scout House. Grant received the top honor for his Eagle project that benefited Change Happens, located in the Third Ward. Grant’s project consisted of removing and replanting shrubbery, planting sod in the courtyard area, and painting a gate.
LOLA IRENE KRAMER
Justin Matias, current SPX staff member, and his wife, Patience, welcomed Emory Elizabeth Matias on Oct. 23, 2013. Emory weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 18 in. long.
Sister Denise Bordages, O.P. former SPX science teacher, celebrated of her 75th Jubilee surrounded by family, friends and community on Sept. 15, 2013. She has five blood sisters who are also Dominican Sisters of Houston.
HAPPY 75TH SR. DENISE! Jennifer Boyles, current SPX staff member, and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of Patricia Rose Boyles, born on Dec. 20, 2013. Patricia weighed 5 lbs. 14 oz. and was 19 in. long.
PATRICIA ROSE BOYLES
Gillian Erdmann, current SPX faculty member at St. Pius X, was selected as a recipient of a 2012-2013 University of St. Thomas distinguished action research study award from the School of Education.
Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P., Head of School at St. Pius X High School since 1991, was honored on Oct. 6, 2013, by the administration and school board of St. Ambrose Catholic School for her dedication to Catholic education in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese at the annual St. Ambrose gala. She has been instrumental in shaping students in the Dominican Pillars of prayer, study, community and preaching. Sister Lavergne Schwender, O.P., former SPX faculty member, School Board member and trustee of the Foundation Board, celebrated her 50th Jubilee in August 2013. She is currently the Executive Director of Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network.
HAVE A NOTE? GIVE IT HERE! Contact Sherrie Webb, Alumni Coordinator @ 713.579.7513 or webbs@stpiusx.org.
George Cooper Hatem
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In Memoriam Mr. Lawrence Lyerly ‘60 Mr. James Jebbia ‘61
Mr. Sammy Orlando ‘61 Mr. Nicholas Sarao ‘62
Ms. Mary Suzanne Boyer Sechelski ‘63 Mr. Carl Bilsky ‘64 Mr. Clarence Kopeck ‘65 Ms. Mary Ann Lobland Price ‘65 Mr. John Tallent ‘69 Ms. Alice Dickel ‘80 Ms. Denise Lewandowski Turner ‘85 Bernadine “Boots” Bancrof mother of Bernard Bancroft ‘66, David Bancroft ‘70, Dale Bancroft ‘74 and Michael Bancroft ‘74, mother-in-law of Marilyn Russo Bancroft ‘66 and Mary Casserly Bancroft ‘70, former mother-inlaw of Glinda Derkowski Bancroft ‘74 Fritz C. Baumgarten grandfather of Dr. Janelle Baumgarten ‘02 and Kristin Baumgarten ‘03 Leonora “Nora” Beck mother of Patrick W. Spedale, SPX Director of the Office of Campus Ministry Loretta Marie “Nancy” Giamo Boss mother of Rosemary Boss Miculka and Stephen J. Boss, mother-in-law of Rudy Miculka ‘62 and Christine Fazio Boss ‘77, grandmother of Gina Boss ‘12 Steven Leroy Bush father of Stephanie Bush Majors ‘06 Christine Carrion grandmother of Gabriela Carrion ‘15 Diane Alaine (Sharp) Clark mother of Rose Clark ‘92, Kathryn, Robert and Kirsten Andrew William Clay nephew of Ida Clay ‘04, grandson of Laura and Bruce Clay Kari Cox former SPX faculty member Matthew Cusimano father of Matthew ‘09, Michelle ‘12, Sam ‘15 and Emily Louise Anie Bench Davenport sister of Virginia Bench Hoepfl
and sister-in-law of Eugene Hoepfl ‘59 Thelma Doris Dechiro mother of Charles J. Dechiro, Jr. ‘66 and Diane Dechiro Migl ‘67
Robert M. Detamore grandfather of Brett Detamore ‘03 Joseph Dubuc father of Joanna Dubuc ‘13 Kathleen Braden Eichelberger grandmother of John “Jack” Eichelberger ‘08 and preceded in death by her husband, Dean Eichelberger, original architect of St. Pius X High School Sister Jo Rita Fertitta, O.P. former SPX School Board member and former teacher at Seton Junior High and Assumption School John Cotter Flowers father of Mary Flowers Chawarria ‘00 and Monica Flowers ‘05 and Kevin (Lacey) Flowers Mary Lou Gentry mother of Janet Gentry Hebert ‘69 and Ronnie Gentry Rose Grizzaffi mother of Cecelia Grizzaffi Warth ‘68, Frank Grizzaffi ‘76 and Mary Ann Grizzaffi Vaculik, mother-in-law of the late Earl James Vaculik ‘65 and grandmother of Curt Vaculik ‘96 Barbara Sivcoski Grochett mother of William “Bill” Grochett ‘60, Michael Grochett ‘65, Rita Grochett Rogers ‘67, mother-inlaw of Roberta “Bobbie” Clements Grochett ‘65, grandmother of Brett Grochett ‘91 and Elizabeth “Beth” Rogers ‘01 Charles A. Gurrola father of Charles J. Gurrola ‘72, Diana Gurrola Jozwiak ‘74, Kenneth Gurrola ‘76, Sylvia Gurrola DeJohn ‘77 and husband Vincent DeJohn ‘76, Patricia Gurrola Osterhaus ‘78 and Debra Gurrola Simons ‘79, and grandfather of Pamela Simons Musselwhite ‘08 and Dustin DeJohn ‘11 Frankie Tannie Gusemano father of Toni Gusemano King ‘72, husband Michael King ‘73, and Tannie Gusemano ‘73, grandfather of Grace King ‘17 Jeanette G. Hargrave mother of Bobbie Bilnoski, mother-in-law of former School Board chair, George Bilnoski, grandmother
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of Kimberly Bilnoski ‘98, Stacy Bilnoski McEnaney ‘01 and Joseph Bilnoski ‘05
Estefana Perez mother-in-law of current SPX faculty member Noemy Perez
Major Lee Robert Hartman, Jr., USAF RET. father of Barbara Hartman Thompson ‘72, Annette Hartman Chiste ‘73, Carol Hartman Ward ‘75, Donna Hartman Kimich ‘77, Teresa Hartman Harris ‘79 and Patricia Hartman Robinson ‘81
Mary Ann Palermo mother of Darlene Palermo Dichero ‘70 and Anthony Palermo ‘72, grandmother of Vincent Romeo ‘93, Suzanne Romeo Massiatte ‘96 and Tiffani Palermo Gallatin ‘02
Andrew Jurick father of current SPX faculty member, Carolyn Jurick Taylor, and former SPX Theology teacher, Paul Jurick Rev. Joseph Konkel, O.P. Pastor Emeritus of Holy Rosary Church in Houston. Fr. Konkel collaborated in ministry with the Houston Dominican Sisters and in campus ministry at the University of Houston in the mid 1970’s. Cashmere “Kie” J. Kopczynski father of Frances Kopczynski Saunders ‘67 (deceased) Louise Kubiak mother of Dan Kubiak ‘60, Patricia Kubiak Croes ‘61 and Barbara Kubiak Walker ‘66, mother-in-law of Roque Croes ‘60, grandmother of Cindy Kubiak Gonzalez ‘89 and her husband Joseph Gonzalez ‘88, greatgrandmother of Isaac Gonzlez ‘14 and Alyssa Gonzalez ‘16 Pauline Opela Kutach greatgrandmother of Ryan Webb ‘14 and grandmother of current SPX staff member Sherrie Webb Sylvia McMullen greatgrandmother of Ciara Madigan ‘17 Andrew Macejewski father of Donna Macejewski Walters ‘85, Linda Macejewski Coffman ‘77, Sandra Macejewski Brawner ‘78 and father-in-law of Kenneth Brawner ‘79 Agnes Marie Malek Machacek, sister of Barbara Malek Pellizzari ‘60, Larry Malek ‘65, Bernadette Malek Pledger ‘69 and David Malek ‘74 Philip Brian Maddox brother of Lee Maddox ‘66, Michael Maddox ‘71, Tina Maddox ‘77 and David Maddox ‘77 Richard Mangum grandfather of Elaine Lebeuf Atherton ‘99 Mary Nunciato grandmother of Thomas Nunciato ‘06 and Catherine Nunciato ‘09
Give to the SPX Fund online at spiusx.org
Erwin Christopher Pohlmeyer, father of Larry Pohlmeyer ‘64, Colleen Pohlmeyer Harp ‘69, Kathleen Pohlmeyer Zievert ‘75, Danette Pohlmeyer LeBlanc ‘81, David Pohlmeyer ‘83 and Chris Pohlmeyer ‘85 Ruby Pradia grandmother of Alex Pradia ‘17 Maria G. Quintero mother of Penny Quintero Summers ‘59, Mario Quintero ‘61, Mattie Quintero Sturm ‘63 and Sally Quintero Price ‘68
Every Dollar of Your
Darrell Rodriguez father of Marissa Rodriguez ‘16 Patty Robinson mother of Ashley Robinson ‘07 Lawrence Salinas grandfather of current SPX staff member, Marc Martinez, and great-grandfather of Matthew Martinez ‘16 Lillian Schneider mother of Gilbert Schneider, Jr. ‘72, Nancy Schneider LeBlanc ‘73 and Thomas “Tom” Schneider ‘78, grandmother of Garret Dumoit ‘92 Georgiann Schulin mother of Dennis Schulin ‘73 and Celene Schulin Lincecum ‘75 and grandmother of Brooksie Schulin Estrada ‘93
Directly Benefits St. Pius X Students
Denny Shane father of Nina Shane ‘17 Shirley Shearer mother of Michael Shearer ‘75, Barry Shearer (deceased) ‘77 and aunt of Claire Whelan Coale (deceased) ‘80. Joseph Stavinoha father-in-law of Joseph Cuccia ‘82, grandfather of Chase Cuccia ‘10 and Peyton Cuccia ‘16 Catherine Trombatore wife of Frank Trombatore, mother of Linda Trombatore ‘70, Michael Trombatore ‘75 (deceased), Patricia Limon ‘73 and Ben Trombatore
PIUS NEWS | Spring 2014
Dominican Sisters | 1956
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 1966