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VOLUME XII ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2016
Pius News 20
Congratulations
to the Class of 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pius News 811 W. Donovan Street Houston, TX 77091 713.692.3581 | stpiusx.org
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St. Pius X High School Administrative Team Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School Diane Larsen Principal Allan Minar Director of Finance Mary Linda Portner Director of Advancement
Honoring Sister Donna's Legacy
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From the Head of School
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Alumni News
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In the News
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Class Notes
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Around Campus
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In Memoriam
Panthers on | 30 the Prowl Credits: Front cover photo courtesy of Michael Martinez Photography (martinezphoto.com). Photography by Martinez, Wayne Donnelly and St. Pius X High School. Printed by Southwest Precision Printers, Houston, Texas.
Board of Directors Sister Antoinette Carter, O.P. Mrs. Gina Hamala Demny '76 Mr. Ray Gilliam Mr. Edward Herrera '69 Mrs. Marisa Cruz Hurd '94 Mr. Gregory Sean Jez Mrs. Andrea Johnson Mrs. Anna Mateja, Chair Mrs. Debra Mouton Mr. Jerry Nevlud '74, Secretary Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P., Ex Officio Mr. Barrett Reasoner, Vice Chair Ms. Kim Ruth Sister Lavergne Schwender, O.P. Mr. Kirby Shanks Mr. John B. Shely Mr. Ramon A. Vitulli, III Board of Trustees Carol Mayes, O.P., Prioress Antoinette Carter, O.P., Vicaress Patricia Casey, O.P., Councilor Julie Greig, O.P., Councilor Editor Deanna M. Werner Director of Communications
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is THANK YOU, it will be enough. -Meister Eckhart, O.P.
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n September 17, 2016, St. Pius X High School celebrates the 60th anniversary of the day it opened its doors and became the Dominican high school to serve the children of the Northwest side of Houston. Six brave and determined Houston Dominican Sisters welcomed our first students that day to a building still under construction, with a history and traditions yet to be built. In the 60 years since our founding, our student population has grown and our Dominican Sisters faculty has swelled from six to 26 at its peak to only one—myself—today. Ten years ago I wrote, “You don’t have to be a Dominican Sister to be Dominican.” That observation became prediction over the ensuing years, as under the guidance of Sister Carol Mayes, O.P., the Dominican Family has been formed. In 2009 a small group of lay men and women began exploring a means to witness Dominican values in their daily lives and support each other in community. They walk side by side with the Houston Dominican Sisters in action and in mission. This small band of visionaries today comprises nearly 140 members. Our new head of school, Carmen Garrett Armistead, has been part of the Dominican Family since 2011; she has served three years on the Leadership Team. Principal Diane Larsen is also a member of the Dominican Family along with 10 of our faculty/
staff and numerous alumni and parents. This (commitment) clearly reflects how St. Pius X High School remains a Dominican school today and in the future. It is fitting that this August, during this 60th Jubilee year, A Year of Gratitude, we once again open our doors to a new building – The Raye G. and Edward P. White Family Center for the Sciences and Media! My years at St. Pius X High School serving as a teacher, coach, as a principal and head of school are among the most cherished in my ministry and in my life. I have been warmly embraced by the vast Panther family and I have been blessed to watch my students become parents with their own children following in their footsteps at St. Pius X High School. It is a constant joy to see the Dominican charism of community lived out daily on our campus. I have been privileged to educate and blessed to guide nearly 35 graduating classes during my tenure. What I have learned in this ministry is that it is not about the statistics – the number of diplomas signed or the number of academic awards or state and district championships earned, but most importantly, it is about people and relationships. As I gaze into the eyes of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, I have been humbled to share in a piece of their life journey and to walk with them in their life story. Whether it is the
celebration of a life achievement, the offer of a scholarship, an acceptance into college or it is being with a parent who grieves the loss of a child, a student who has lost a parent, a staff member who lost a child or spouse – these relationships have been transformational for me in a way that has forever shaped my own journey as a Dominican Sister. What a gift it has been to walk with the St. Pius X High School community in moments of joy, sorrow, achievement and celebration. The great Dominican preacher Meister Eckhart wrote, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” As so, allow me to thank you for enriching my life. What a great honor and blessing it has been ministering at St. Pius X High School and being in relationship with you, your children and your grandchildren. Please keep me in your prayers as I will remember you in mine. May God bless you and your families; may we be grateful for the wonderful work that God began here on that September day in 1956! With love, prayer and gratitude,
Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Head of School
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ON THE PROWL IN THE NEWS
THIS IS YOUR LIFE: SISTER DONNA MARIE POLLARD, O.P. As the Class of 2016 counted down its final minutes of high school on Monday, May 9, the St. Pius X High School community bid an emotional farewell to Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. Like the seniors, Sister Donna finds herself in new surroundings in the fall as she assumes the duties of Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Houston. The surprise celebration “This Is Your Life: Sister Donna Marie Pollard, O.P.” featured personal testimonies by family and friends, as well as faculty and staff whose lives have been impacted during Sister Donna’s 25-year tenure as principal, then head of school. The program also traced Sister Donna’s history from her birth in Queens, N.Y., to her arrival in Houston and her years at SPX.
Sister Donna with her mother Catherine, sister Cathy and brother Gerard.
stpiusx.org/sisterdonna View a highlight video, as well as the entire celebration, or make a gift in honor of Sister Donna's legacy at SPX.
Among notable guests were Sister Donna’s mother Catherine Pollard, her brother Gerard, and sister and nephew, Cathy and Thomas Nunciato '06. Also present to celebrate Sister Donna was the Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston, Sister Carol Mayes, O.P., Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Sister Heloise Cruzat, O.P., former SPX principal, and many other Dominican Sisters. Following the senior countdown and dismissal, guests gathered for a luncheon celebration in the Commons.
ON THE PROWL IN THE NEWS
ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL NAMES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
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he Board of Directors of St. Pius X High School and the Board of Trustees of the Dominican Sisters of Houston announce the unanimous selection of Carmen Garrett Armistead as the next Head of School for St. Pius X High School, effective June 1, 2016. Armistead succeeds longtime Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P., who was elected as the next Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Houston. Armistead becomes the second person to hold the Head of School title at St. Pius X and the 11th overall leader of the school. “It was important to find a Head of School who shares Dominican values and who provides spiritual leadership in the Catholic Tradition,” said Anna Mateja, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The board is pleased to have Mrs. Armistead, who has deep roots in the Dominican family and the Dominican charism, lead our school into the future.” “The Head of School Search Committee was comprised of 10 individuals with close ties to St. Pius X High School,” said Michael O’Connor, Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, “and we went through an extensive process reviewing more than 30 candidates for the Head of School role. We are thrilled to have found such a deserving leader as Mrs. Armistead to become the new Head of School at St. Pius X.”
Armistead comes to SPX after holding multiple administrative roles over a span of 11 years at The American School in England (TASIS) including Head of Upper School, Director of Development and Alumni Affairs and Counselor. Prior to moving to England with her husband, George, Armistead was a member of the administration at St. Agnes Academy in Houston as Guidance Counselor before succeeding Sister Donna as Dean of Students. “I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen as the next Head of School for St. Pius X High School,” Armistead said. “Sister Donna Pollard is a visionary who has led St. Pius X for the past 25 years to a place of honor as a Dominican Catholic school in Houston. Following her legacy is an absolute privilege. “I genuinely look forward to working with and for this dynamic community as together we continue to move forward strongly in a way that preserves the heart of SPX’s Dominican heritage and promotes its mission to
nurture young men and women to ‘embrace academic excellence and integrity, celebrate the community's diverse gifts and heritage, and embody social justice and service.’” Armistead began her career as an English, speech and theatre teacher in the Houston Independent School District. She served as the Director of Youth Ministry for St. Francis de Sales Catholic Community and Director of Religious Education for St. Cecilia Catholic Community in Houston. Armistead then became the Associate Director of Continuing Education for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Armistead is an active member of the Dominican Family in Houston and has served on the Leadership Team for the past three years. She previously worked in an interim administrative role at St. Pius X and is a parishioner of Holy Ghost Catholic Parish. She is active in the Charity Guild of Catholic Women and serves as a board member for Partners in Mission: Our Lady of Grace School Development Fund.
Carmen with her husband George, daughter-in-law Samantha, older son Joshua and younger son Joseph.
Armistead received her bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University and earned a master’s in education from the University of Houston. She has an older son, Joshua, who with his wife, Samantha, are expecting their first child, and a younger son, Joseph. PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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ON THE PROWL IN THE NEWS
In recognition of her lead gift to the Set the World Ablaze campaign, St. Pius X High School is excited to name the new science building, the Raye G. and Edward P. White Family Center for the Sciences and Media. A long-time benefactor to St. Pius X and member of the school community, Mrs. White was also instrumental in the success of Phase I of the campaign. The St. Pius X High School Foundation has also made an additional gift of $700,000 to the campaign. When combined with their previous gift of $1.2 million, the Foundation support places it among the most generous donors to the campaign. In appreciation of their generosity, the central lobby of the White Family Center for the Sciences and Media will be named in the Foundation’s honor. Construction of the $9.1 million, 27,000-square-foot building is proceeding according to schedule. If all continues as planned, the classrooms, media center and offices will be in use shortly after the start of school in August.
ALLAN MINAR SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED Oftentimes in academic environments, those staff members who toil behind the scenes are overlooked, as we focus our attention on teachers, counselors and coaches. Yet the work of those staff members often impacts a student’s education as meaningfully as a dynamic teacher or a charismatic coach. For nearly two decades, Allan Minar has made that impact on financial aid students and their families at St. Pius X High School. He has handled difficult, often painful, decisions with sensitivity and compassion and helped hundreds of students afford a St. Pius X education. In recognition of and appreciation for Minar’s dedication to SPX financial aid students and their families, Maike and Ronny George established the Allan Minar Scholarship Fund, which will benefit future families like those whom Allan has helped for so many years. The gift was announced at the end of school retirement luncheon on May 31, which honored those faculty and staff members concluding their careers at SPX this year. Allan retired on July 31. He is succeeded as Director of Finance by Ronny George, who joined the SPX administrative team in April.
ON THE PROWL IN THE NEWS
RETIREMENT AWARDS CEREMONY HELD FOR SEVEN SPX FACULTY & STAFF On May 31, seven members of the SPX community were honored for their years of service to St. Pius X at the first Guiseppe Awards. Archivist Susi West ‘69 (35 years), custodian Vic Virgadamo '60 (24 years), English teacher Judy Cusimano (24 years), Director of Finance Allan Minar (19 years), Computer Labs Administrator Linda Harding-Harvey (16 years), English/Fine Arts teacher Jeff Galligan (16 years) and Network Administrator/Computer Science teacher Dave Cusimano (10 years) retired at the end of the 2015-16 school year. The sounds of laughter roared and tears were shed as emcees – Director of the Office for Campus Ministry Patrick Spedale and Athletic Director Jason Kimball – hosted the Academy-Award-like celebration to honor the retirees.
The retirees were each nominated for and consequently won a Guiseppe Award, which looked strikingly similar to an Oscar. A fellow member of the SPX community then reflected on their accomplishments, both humorous and sincere, before each retiree accepted their award and were able to give their acceptance speech. Principal Diane Larsen was the modern-day Susan Lucci that afternoon, being nominated for every award, but unfortunately not winning a single one. The event was attended by SPX faculty and staff and family and friends of the retirees.
From L-R: Allan Minar, Dave Cusimano, Judy Cusimano, Linda Harding-Harvey, Vic Virgadamo '60, Susi West ‘69 and Jeff Galligan
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JUNIOR’S EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT BENEFITS SPX Coghlan combines faith, school and Boys Scouts for service project
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obert Coghlan IV, St. Pius X High School Class of 2017, entered the Boys Scouts of America in the first grade as a Cub Scout. He worked his way through the ranks to become a Life Scout by eighth grade and had all of his Eagle Scout merits complete before entering the ninth grade at St. Pius X. Robert’s father, Dr. Robert Coghlan III, recalls that he studied the Eagle Scout Rank requirements soon after becoming a Boy Scout. “When he transitioned from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, he sat down with the book and only wanted to do the merit badges that were Eagle ones,” the elder Coghlan said. “So he started knocking all those out and then he started trying to do some of the fun ones.” To date, Coghlan has earned 28 merit badges – seven more than are required for Eagle Rank. Another requirement to become an Eagle Scout is to complete a service project. Coghlan wanted his project to benefit SPX, so he turned to Director of the Office for Campus Ministry, Patrick Spedale for ideas. “We gave several suggestions to Robert and he was most interested in the outdoor Stations of the Cross,” Spedale said. “We wanted something that was not permanent, but sturdy, and could be displayed during Lent.” According to his father, the project seemed to tie together Robert’s faith, his school and Boys Scouts perfectly. And so it began. Coghlan proceeded to raise his own money for the project. Then, with some help from his grandfather and uncle, and in coordination with Spedale, Coghlan researched, designed, built and installed a 15-set
Stations of the Cross in the Mason Sebastian Ott Memorial Prayer Garden on campus. The Belgian ceramic tile and wood stations were displayed during Lent for members of the SPX community to make the journey of the stations each Friday. The project took about five months to complete. “My dad pushed me to get the project done before I turned 18, in order to earn the award,” Coghlan said. “I became a better leader and learned to finish something I started through this project.” “He wanted to do something that would last and that would leave a lasting legacy for the school,” Dr. Coghlan said. “St. Pius X has given us so much, we needed to give back something.” Coghlan hopes to have everything complete before the start of school in order to earn his Eagle Scout Rank. Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Scouting.
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SPX ROBOTICS WINS FIRST PLACE In just its fourth year since forming, the St. Pius X High School robotics club took top honors at this spring’s VEX Robotics Competition in Nevada, Texas. The club’s sponsor, science teacher Trisha Dunn, said the students spent all school year building and fine-tuning their innovative robot leading up to the competition. It was their second contest of the year. The VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is the ultimate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activity for middle school and high school students (ages 11-18).
I became a better leader and learned to finish something I started through this project.
– Robert Coghlan IV '17
Each year, an engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. This year was the Nothing But Net competition. SPX students, with guidance from Dunn, used the VEX Robotics Design System to build a robot designed to shoot and score balls in a basket. There was a high and a low goal in which to score. The team also earned points for low and high elevating one of their robots upon the other. The goal was to score the most points possible in qualification matches, elimination matches and skills challenges. There were more than 20 teams at the competition. “This competition is very real, as there are deadlines, teamwork, collaboration, communication skills, and innovative engineering challenges,” Dunn said. “Through the robotics club and this competition, our students have developed confidence in themselves that will help see them through many challenges they face.” Members of the winning 2015-16 robotics team include Donovan Curb (Sophomore, Programmer/Builder), Lorena Diaz (Junior, Team Captain/ Builder), Stuart Dobbie (Junior, Team Captain/Builder), Emanuel Flores (Junior, Team Captain/Builder), Sydney Said (Freshman, Programmer) and Connor Vise (Sophomore, Programmer/Builder).
From L-R: Sydney Said, Donovan Curb, Lorena Diaz, Stuart Dobbie, Emanuel Flores and Connor Vise
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TALENT SHOW REVITALIZED IN 2016 On a Friday night early in the second semester, the St. Pius X High School band revitalized a long-time tradition of SPX – the Talent Show. Known as the Talent Explosion of the ‘70s, to the Not Necessarily Talent show of the early ‘80s, the 2016 version showcased 11 performances in two acts, including many well-known and hidden talents of our brilliant students. Ten percent of the proceeds was donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
1st Place Gabrielle Tyler - Vocal performance "Pieta' Signore by Alessandro Stradella
2nd Place Elizabeth Hopmann - Aerial Silks Performance "Bang Bang" sung by Nancy Sinatra and composed by Sony Bono
3rd Place Lucy Bastell, Noah Dao, Grace King, Justin Nguyen and Sydney Said Orchestra Quintet "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
SPX STUDENTS SHINE AT FINE ARTS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to the St. Pius X students and who competed in the TAPPS 5A Fine Arts State Championship in the Spring of 2016.
Division I Superior Ratings
TAPPS Academic Team The TAPPS Academic Team earned 2nd place - Yearbook, 1st place - Social Studies (Max Foye) and 3rd place - Current Events & Issues (Max Foye). Members of the academic team include Chinwe Akuechiama, Max Foye, Marissa Garcia, Mariana Garza, Iyvor Hypolite, Monica Lampton, Katie Merricks, Amy Patronella, Courtney Pinto, JT Peavy, Nathalya Reyna, Nick Sanchez, Jairo Suarez, Linh Tran, Bracy Webb II, Nico Villasana and Al Zuniga.
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Seniors Matthew Goodrum & Gabrielle Tyler on Class I Solos Sophomore Marvin Deaver on a Class III Solo Senior Monica Lampton - Snare Solo Senior Nicolas Villasana - Keyboard Solo Senior Matt Goodrum - Bari Saxophone Solo Junior Zeus Castillo - Snare Solo Junior Robert Coghlan - Keyboard Solo Junior Grace King - Flute Solo Junior Sophia Lanza - Alto Saxophone Solo Sophomore Max Foye - Clarinet Solo Freshman Brian Ahuatzi - Snare Solo Freshman Raquel Haddad - Flute Solo Freshman Elena Quintero - Timpani Solo Freshman Sophie Rodarte - Flute Solo Freshman Jackson Suder - Oboe Solo SPX Band at state sight reading and ensemble competitions Beppo's Bells Handbell Choir including seniors Edith Escobar and Vanessa Keeling, juniors Munachiso Akuechiama and Yanethzy Lara, sophomores Chinwe Akuechiama, Alex Calderon and Nathalya Reyna, and freshmen Loc Duong, Elena Quintero and Sophie Rodarte
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LITERARY MAGAZINE RELEASES THIRD EDITION Over 40 St. Pius X students contributed artwork and/or writing to the third edition of the SPX Literary Magazine, Of Paws and Pens. Since its first edition in 2013-14, the magazine has nearly doubled in size. The editor-in-chief of the 100-page 2015-16 magazine was Monica Lampton. Editors included Emma Bradley, Munachiso Akuechiama, Madison Bush, Kathryn Garcia, Juan Lacey and Sydney Said. The faculty advisor was Michelle Broussard.
THEATRE
Editor-in-chief Monica Lampton with faculty advisor Michelle Broussard
HELLO OUT THERE Theatre SPX’s third and final production of the year, “Hello Out There!” was a simple and powerful one-act play by one of the most treasured American playwrights, William Saroyan. The play was set in a small Texas jail where the two major characters, played by David Warner and Kathleen Blute, meet. Warner portrayed a downon-his-luck gambler who ended up in jail and Blute was a cook in the jail. The two are attracted to each other and make plans to run away together, but not before Warner is killed in jail. The play closes with Blute’s character taking Warner’s position in the cell and saying, “Hello out there,” just as he had in the beginning of the play, thus coming full circle. Additional actors included Matthew Goodrum, Mercedes Barraza and Marvin Deaver. PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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2016 SPRING SHOW: LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES On Saturday, May 14, the SPX Concert Chorale and Campus Singers, along with our studio orchestra, entertained moviegoers with some of the top movie hits of the century. The 2016 edition of our annual spring show featured SPX’s student voices, professional musicians for outstanding live orchestration, and professional lighting, sound and staging to transform the Commons into a studio soundstage that thrilled and delighted our audiences and performers alike.
MUSIC
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2016 FASHION SHOW: LIFE’S A DANCE St. Pius X seniors took to the runway to showcase the latest collections from Dillard’s, Muzzies, Anything Bling and Emerson Rose at the 2016 Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Lakeside Country Club in early February. The event was chaired by Cara Wagart with support from Sheila Milner and Kim Cantrell-Chapman. Parent volunteers for the program included Lisa McMillian, Stacy Wood, Theresa Medina, Anna Mateja, Cherri Thomas. Programs were designed by Dawn Martinez. Hairstyling was made available by Mayolo Gomez and his team from Visible Changes in Memorial City Mall. Lighting, sound and music was contributed by Daniel Pawlowski ’06, owner of The Wedding Show. Photography was provided by Jose Pina.
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SPX STUDENTS FOCUS ON FUN FOR After a long year of hard work in the classroom, SPX students were excited to go outside and enjoy a fun, rewarding day of laughter and smiles. In its third consecutive year, field day is an afternoon in the spring semester when students participate in various games and activities led by faculty and staff, from an obstacle course to relay races, to a water balloon toss to a 50-yard dash. This year’s field day ended with an all-school pep rally at Parsley Field that celebrated springs sports.
Field Day
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You can light up their future. They are your legacy. If you will it. 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.
Let us know.
Torchbearer Society
Sharing your plans is easy and places you under no obligation. Contact us today. Mail: 811 W. Donovan Street | Houston, TX 77091 Phone: 713.579.7512 Email: portnerml@stpiusx.org Web: stpiusx.org
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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 generations of students to come. And by sharing your intentions,
Carry the Light. Leave a Legacy. PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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CLASS OF 2016 LEGACY FAMILIES The Class of 2016 added six legacy families to the SPX ranks on Saturday, May 21. Each of these new graduates are at least second-generation Panthers.
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[1] Graduate Leslie Chagolla with mother Andrea Morfin Chagolla '95 [2] Graduate Peyton Cuccia with father Joseph Cuccia '82 [3] Graduate Dominic Garcia with father Gerald Garcia '81 [4] Graduate Allyssa Gonzalez with grandfather Daniel Kubiak '60, brother Isaac Gonzalez '14, mother Cindy Kubiak Gonzalez '89 and father Joseph Gonzalez '88 [5] Graduate Kendall Westfall with mother Carrieann Wilson Westfall '86 and father Timothy Westfall '86 [6] Graduate Melanie Vicic with mother Sarhita Anderson Montalbano '82 and brother Michael Vicic '13 PIUS PIUS NEWS NEWS | Summer | Spring 2016
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SARAH LEISHNER - Valedictorian
ESTEFANIA GUTHRIE - Salutatorian
INTRODUCING THE VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN OF THE CLASS OF 2016
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arah Leishner will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall and plans to study computer science.
She has served the community as a Senior Ambassador of Best Buddies, the Service Hour Coordinator of St. Pius X High School’s Del Sarto Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), a counselor at MD Anderson’s Camp Star Trails, and as a former assistant catechist at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. At St. Pius X, Leishner was president of the Student Honor Board, president of the International Thespian Society and president of the science club. She was also involved in NHS, Theatre SPX, Best Buddies and varsity track as a hurdler.
Leishner played Gwendolyn Fairfax in Theatre SPX's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest."
In the future, Leishner plans to attain an MBA after completing her undergraduate studies and working several years in the technology industry. Then, she hopes to enter into management in a large technology firm.
Leishner was president of three SPX clubs.
Guthrie was selected to the Homecoming Court.
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stefania Guthrie will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall to study biological sciences with a pre-med track.
In the community, she has volunteered at Camp Blessing Texas for a week the past two summers. She has also served at several food pantries. Some of her favorite volunteer work was with Uplift in Kansas City, where she delivered food and other provisions to the homeless. She also served as a volunteer for St. Paul's Church breakfast program in Kansas City. At St. Pius X High School, Guthrie was involved with student council as class president for three years. She was secretary of the National Honor Society and a varsity cheerleader for three years, serving as captain her senior year. In addition, Guthrie was a member of the Student Honor Board, Raffle Promotions Committee, science club, photography club, and soccer and track teams. In the future, she plans to work in the medical field as a physician, become a mother and have several children.
Guthrie was class president for three years. PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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Class of 2016 College Acceptances & Scholarships The Dominican Sisters of Houston, the board of directors, administration, faculty and staff of St. Pius X High School are proud to recognize the 58th graduating class – the Class of 2016. This class numbers 149 students, including three international students, and consists of all-state athletes, vocalists, instrumentalists and International Thespians, academic all-state selections, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, retreat team members and a TASSP Commended Scholar. The class has been accepted to 120 colleges and universities in 33 states - 76 out of state schools and 44 in Texas. Four
Travis Anderson Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship University of Houston Kelechi Anumudu St. Monica Church Parish Service and Achievement Scholarship The Tayneshia Fine Arts Scholarship Madison Auerbach Baylor University President’s Gold Scholarship Louisiana State University Texas Tiger Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Founders Scholarship The University of Texas at Dallas Trinity University President’s Scholarship Nicholaus Balandran Black Hawk College Baseball Scholarship
members of this class have been recognized by the National Merit program, and the class has earned a scholarship value close to $7 million. Six members of the class have had one or both parents graduate from SPX. The class boasts eight Eagle Scouts and two silver Girl Scout award recipients. During the past year, the class has given more than 15,000 hours of community service for the cause of justice and to the needs of others. They have given much to the St. Pius X community and will bring even more to the world they are about to enter.
Mercedes Barraza Houston Baptist University Founder’s/Achievement 4 Award Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #151-Mary Adams Scholarship Louisiana State University Texas Tigers Scholarship Sam Houston State University St. Monica Church Parish Service and Achievement Scholarship Texas Lutheran University Presidential Scholarship Texas State University Texas Woman’s University University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of St. Thomas Basilian Distinguished Scholarship Joshua Barrow Louisiana State University Giorgina Batarse Texas A&M University
Bartholomew Bramanti Boston College Seton Hall University Merit Scholarship Villanova University University of Notre Dame Arianna Brogee Houston Baptist University Legacy Scholarship Sam Houston State University Anneliese Buenker Austin College Dean’s Scholarship Hendrix College Academic Scholarship Odyssey Distinction Award Hope College St. Edward’s University Dean’s Excellence Scholarship Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship The University of Texas at Dallas University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship
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Quinn Burhans Sam Houston State University Schreiner University Mountaineer Scholarship St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation-Robert L. Clark Scholarship Stephen F. Austin State University Ruaridh Byers University of Colorado Boulder The University of Texas at San Antonio Kaleb Cantrell University of Kentucky Victoria Cardenas Texas A&M University-Galveston Cameron Carlin Abilene Christian University John C. Stevens Award for Academic Excellence Bluebonnet Hills Alpaca Ranch Superior Service Scholarship Houston Baptist University President’s Achievement 4 Scholarship Lamar University Our Lady of the Lake University Presidential Excellence Scholarship Sam Houston State University St. Edward’s University President’s Merit Scholarship St. Mary’s University Presidential Scholarship Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A&M University Texas Lutheran University Presidential Scholarship Texas State University The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas at San Antonio Distinguished Presidential Scholarship Trinity University President’s Scholarship University of Dallas Provost Scholarship University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of the Incarnate Word Archbishop Gomez Catholic HS Scholarship Presidential Scholarship Aldo Casanova-Alvarez Houston Baptist University Legacy Scholarship Jose Castro Blinn College Lone Star College-University Park SPX Booster Club Scholarship Leslie Chagolla Lamar University Midwestern State University SPX Booster Club Scholarship University of Houston-Downtown Vivian Cameron Chagolla University of Houston-Downtown
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Shelley Chapron St. Mary’s University Madeleine Scholarship Volleyball Scholarship Robert Choate Baylor University Academic Scholarship Southern Methodist University Texas A&M University University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship Laura Cody Auburn University James Madison University Johnson & Wales University Presidential Academic Scholarship Kansas State University Purple & White Scholarship North Carolina State University University of Connecticut Kaya Coleman Cornell University Louisiana State University Texas Tiger Scholarship Tiger Excellence Scholarship Syracuse University Chancellor’s Scholarship University of Michigan University of Texas at Austin Presidential Scholar Award
PANTHERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL Sarah Colion Houston Police Officer Union Scholarship University of St. Thomas Celt Scholarship UST Award and New Student Award
The following student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic endeavors at the collegiate level:
Peyton Cuccia Baylor University Academic Scholarship Blinn College Texas A&M University University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Dallas Provost Scholarship University of Denver Pioneer Scholar Scholarship
Shelley Chapron St. Mary’s University - Volleyball
Jalen Curb Blinn College Louisiana Tech University Bulldog Scholarship Loyola Marymount University Achievement Scholarship Prairie View A&M University St. Mary’s University Honors Achievement Scholarship Madeleine Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Presidential Scholarship The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas at San Antonio University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship
Nick Balandran Black Hawk College - Baseball
Jonathan Ellison Cochise College - Baseball Khalid Farrakhan Baker University - Football Robert Ferguson Concordia University, Nebraska - Football Reese Forest West Texas A&M University - Football Donovan Garza Belmont Abbey College - Baseball Rachel Hardy Georgia Southern University - Golf Nick Minkoff Trinity University - Football Sabrina Salts East Texas Baptist University - Softball Claire Stringfellow Colorado School of Mines - Softball Elizabeth Watts Oklahoma Wesleyan - Cheerleading Kendall Westfall Northwestern State University - Cheerleading
AROUND CAMPUS
Marshall Davis Emory & Henry College Trustee Scholarship High Point University Academic Scholarship Lynn University Merit Scholarship St. Edward's University University of Denver Camila Dejesus University of Houston-Downtown Davith Diaz Blinn College Prairie View A&M University Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi University Award Undergraduate Resident Scholarship Mackenzie Dillard Louisiana State University Southwestern University Texas Tech University Victoria Duncan Loyola University New Orleans Magis Merit Scholarship University of Mississippi Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Texas Tech University
ReChaundre Dunigan Prairie View A&M University Luke Dutch Sam Houston State University The University of Texas at San Antonio University of Houston Mark Elizondo University of the Incarnate Word University Scholarship Jonathan Ellison Cochise College Baseball Scholarship Hunter Eriksson Louisiana State University Texas Tigers Scholarship Texas A&M University Edith Escobar Texas A&M University Sean Fagan Texas A&M University Seth Fagan Blinn College Texas A&M University Texas State University
Concordia University, Nebraska Academic/CU Award Scholarship Sterling College Robert Ferguson Concordia University, Nebraska Achievement Award Football Scholarship Anessa Fernandez Lamar University Sam Houston State University Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Stanley Finch Texas A&M University University of Texas at Austin Presidential Scholar Award Reese Forest West Texas A&M University Football Scholarship Terrell Franklin SPX Rugby Scholarship Terrence Franklin University of Central Arkansas Dominic Garcia Sam Houston State University SPX Booster Club Scholarship
Khalid Farrakhan Baker University Football Scholarship PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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AROUND CAMPUS Eagle Scouts Bart Bramanti Sean Fagan Seth Fagan Matthew Greenwood Reginald Lewis, Jr. Teodor Paneral Benjamin Przyborski Beau Trail
Girl Scout Silver Awards Victoria Duncan Kylie Stavinoha
Donovan Garza Belmont Abbey College Baseball Scholarship Hintemeyer Scholarship Felix Hintemeyer Catholic Scholarship JSW Steel Scholarship Allyssa Gonzalez University of Houston Matthew Goodrum Blinn College Blinn Band Scholarship Lone Star College South Texas Community College Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Texas Tech University University of North Texas University of the Incarnate Word Academic Scholarship Matthew Greenwood Texas A&M University Nickolaus Gradnigo Millsaps College Second Century Scholarship University of the Incarnate Word UIW Scholarship Justin Groth Baylor University Academic Scholarship Estefania Guthrie Kansas State University Engineering Initiative Scholarship Purple & White Scholarship Ms. Panther Award Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship
Texas A&M University Academic Scholarship Study Abroad Stipend College Board Recognition Award Lechner Scholarship Vanderbilt University University of Notre Dame Landon Family Scholarship University of Virginia
Iyvor Hypolite University of Mary Hardin-Baylor St. Edward’s University
Erica Haase Eastern Kentucky University Presidential Merit Scholarship Madonna University Felician Scholarship Rochester Institute of Technology President’s/Merit Scholarship
Juan Lacey, Jr. Louisiana State University The University of Texas at Tyler
Nicholas Halbert Blinn College Daeja Hall Louisiana State University Texas Tiger Scholarship Tiger Excellence Award Rachel Hardy Georgia Southern University Golf Scholarship Samuel Hernandez Houston Baptist University Louisiana College Sam Houston State University Elizabeth Hopmann Southern Methodist University Tulane University
Vanessa Keeling Iowa State University Raymond A. & Kathryn A. Engel Fund in Mechanical Engineering
Dylan Lambert American University Dean’s Scholarship Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Teagle Foundation Scholarship Monica Lampton Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Texas State University Achievement Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin Trinity University Trustee Scholarship University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Vice President’s Academic Scholarship Madison Lanclos Louisiana State University Texas A&M University Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Texas State University The University of Texas at San Antonio
AROUND CAMPUS
Hayley Lawton Dillard University Hampton University Room Scholarship Madeline Lee Colorado School of Mines Merit Scholarship Louisiana State University Academic Scholars Award Texas Tigers Scholarship Texas A&M University The University of Texas at Dallas Academic Achievement Scholarship Academic Distinction Scholarship Sarah Leishner Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Scholarship Highest Ranking High School Graduate Scholarship Texas Exes Houston Chapter Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin University of California, San Diego University of Oklahoma Excellence Scholar Award GCoE Freshman Engineering Scholarship University of Washington Purple and Gold Scholarship Christian Loutchaninoff Belhaven University Academic Achievement Scholarship Lynn University Merit Scholarship Marshall University Marymount California University Merit Scholarship West Virginia Wesleyan College Merit Scholarship
Whittier College Talent Scholarships University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Bradford Lynch Sam Houston State University Leonard Maruffo Franciscan University of Steubenville St. Elizabeth Award Harding University HU Scholarship Houston Baptist University Legacy Scholarship University of Houston-Downtown University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Honor Scholarship University of North Texas Sam Houston State University Texas Tech University Matthew Martinez St. Edward’s University Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre Scholarship University of Houston-Downtown Macie Mateja Baylor University Academic Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas State University University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Mississippi Academic Excellence/Non-Resident Scholarship University of South Carolina Sims Scholars Award
Sarah Medina Sam Houston State University Stephen F. Austin State University Texas State University University of North Texas Academic Scholarship Maxwell Milner Angelo State University TPE Award/University Award Nicholas Minkoff Trinity University President’s Scholarship Loryn Narvaez The University of Alabama University of Mississippi Darlene Nguyen Sam Houston State University University Award TEXASA Placeholder Award University of Houston-Downtown University of St. Thomas Sabrina Oquendo University of Houston-Downtown Teodor Paneral Stephen F. Austin State University Rita Robinson Mason Ott Scholarship The University of Iowa Texas Access Award
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AROUND CAMPUS
AROUND CAMPUS
Alexus Rodriguez Angelo State University Hofstra University Dean’s Scholarship Iona College Gael Scholarship Pace University Pace Incentive Award SPX Booster Club Scholarship St. John’s University-Queens Campus Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi The University of Texas at San Antonio Federal University Award University Award University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Marissa Rodriquez Fashion Institute of Technology Lindsie Rogers Auburn University SPX Parent Association Scholarship St. Edward’s University Dean’s Excellence Scholarship Hilltopper Award Texas A&M University The University of Texas at Austin Sabrina Salts East Texas Baptist University Achievement/Christian Leadership Scholarship Kameron Sampson Tyler Junior College
Olivia Selby Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Louisiana State University Academic Scholars Award Texas Tigers Scholarship Anthony Serna Sam Houston State University Texas Tech University The University of Alabama The University of Texas at San Antonio Jenna Shely Curry College Academic Scholarship Mount St. Joseph University Opportunity Award Private Education Award Schreiner University Mountaineer Scholarship
Oklahoma State University Joseph Fleming Memorial Freshman Scholarship Juanita M. Gravelle Scholarship Out-of-State Achievement Scholarship Southern Methodist University Discovery Scholarship Second Century Scholarship Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Dean’s Scholarship Texas State University The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin University of Missouri Mark Twain Non-Resident Scholarship University of Oklahoma Excellence Scholar Award
Emily Shoaff University of Mississippi St. Edward’s University
Kade Stewart Texas A&M University University of Tulsa Heritage/Merit Scholarship
Kylie Stavinoha Auburn University Baylor University Academic Scholarship Colorado State University Presidential Scholarship Kansas State University College of Agriculture Scholarship Purple & White Scholarship
Claire Stringfellow Colorado School of Mines Merit Scholarship Softball Scholarship Southwestern University Ruter Scholar Award Texas A&M University Texas Christian University Academic Scholarship
National Merit Commended Students Bart Bramanti Estefania Guthrie Sarah Leishner
National Hispanic Scholar Estefania Guthrie
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AROUND CAMPUS
Sophia Suico Stephen F. Austin State University Texas Woman’s University Outstanding New Student Scholarship The University of Texas at Austin University of Houston Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Honor Scholarship University of St. Thomas Basilian Distinguished Scholarship
Texas Christian University TCU Award Texas State University Texas Tech University Kent Hance IMPACT Scholarship University of North Texas
Thomas Sutherland Sam Houston State University Stephen F. Austin State University Wichita State University Music Scholarship
David Warner Austin College Dean’s Scholarship Baylor University Academic Scholarship Goucher College Global Citizen Award High Point University Academic Scholarship St. Edward’s University Dean’s Excellence Scholarship Texas Christian University Texas Tech University University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Victoria Tham University of Houston-Downtown Beau Trail George and Mary Josephine Hamman Scholarship Loyola University New Orleans Magis Merit Scholarship Talent Scholarship Texas A&M University-Commerce Texas Tech University The University of Texas at San Antonio University of North Texas University Award UNT Excellence Scholarship Melanie Vicente Loyola University New Orleans Magis Merit Scholarship Talent Scholarship Texas Christian University The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at San Antonio University of Houston University of North Texas Nicolas Villasana Baylor University NB Scholarship Houston Police Officer’s Union Scholarship New York University Tisch Scholarship
Jacob Wardwell Johnson & Wales University Campus Award The University of Arizona
Kaitlin Warner Texas A&M University The University of Texas at San Antonio Distinguished Presidential Scholarship Elizabeth Watts JA TITAN Business Simulation Program Award Lamar University Oklahoma Wesleyan University Academic/Merit Scholarship Cheer Scholarship OKWU Award Our Lady of the Lake University Presidential Excellence Scholarship Kendall Westfall Northwestern State University of Louisiana Out of State Tuition Exemption Presidential Leadership Award Purple Pizzazz Pom Line Scholarship Christina Wiltz Texas State University
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CLASS OF
2016
SENIOR AWARDS
3
[1] Mr. and Mrs. Panther Iyvor Hypolite and Estefania Guthrie and Del Sarto Award winners Olivia Selby and Kade Stewart with Michael Bell ’15, Kim Bell, Principal Diane Larsen, and Dean of Students Jeff Donaruma. Thanks to the generosity of Kim and Bob Bell, parents of previous Mr. Panthers Jeff ’11 and Michael ’15, Mr. and Ms. Panther each received a $500 scholarship this year. [2] Mason Ott Memorial Scholarship recipient Rita Robinson with Head of School Sister Donna M. Pollard, O.P. [3] John McMahon Teaching Chair Award recipient Paul Gagne with John McMahon, Principal Diane Larsen and 2015 recipient Chip Burgin [Not pictured] School Spirit Award winners Ben Przyborski and Katie Warner and Service Award recipients Stanley Finch and Christina Wiltz PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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ON THE PROWL
TRACK & FIELD
ALL-STATE HONORS WINTER & SPRING SPORTS First Team Matthew Greenwood Senior | Catcher | Baseball Claire Stringfellow Senior | Pitcher | Softball
Second Team Cody Graham Junior | Guard | Boys Basketball Matt Dillard Sophomore | Pitcher/Outfield | Baseball Aryton Payne Junior | 200m | Track & Field Sabrina Salts Senior | 1st Base/Catcher | Softball
Honorable Mention Ryan Buckley Senior | Defense | Boys Soccer The girls 4x100 relay team of Hunter Eriksson, Katelyn Moses, Chinwe Akuechiama and Anna LeBlanc established a new school record with a time of 49.79 seconds.
Jonathan Ellison Senior | Pitcher | Baseball Sam Hernandez Senior | Midfield | Boys Soccer Haley Parks, Fr. CF Freshman | Centerfield | Softball Samantha Saccomen Junior | Post | Girls Basketball Matthew Strange Junior | Guard | Boys Basketball Josh Murray, Perry Carter, Terrence Franklin, Aryton Payne 4x200 Relay | Track & Field
The boys 4x200 relay team of Josh Murray, Perry Carter, Terrence Franklin, Aryton Payne and won a bronze medal at the state meet earning them all-state honorable mention.
Aryton Payne won a silver medal at the state meet in the 200m earning him all-state second team.
Additional Highlights • Perry Carter won a bronze medal at the state meet in the 100m earning him all-state honorable mention. • Nick Wright set a new school record in the pole vault with a height of 9-foot-6. He beat his record from last year by a foot. • The girls 4x200 relay team of Kelsey Scott, Katelyn Moses, Chinwe Akuechiama and Hunter Eriksson set a new school record with a time of 1:45.99 seconds.
ON THE PROWL
SPX TENNIS PLAYER AMONG TOP IN TAPPS 5A
L
isette Matta has had an impact on the St. Pius X tennis team ever since her first season four years ago. She qualified for state as a freshman and continued to do so each year thereafter, giving her a lot to celebrate.
off two more wins to be eligible to advance to state. At the state tournament, she lost in the first round in a close match 7-6, 6-4.
When asked about her accomplishments at SPX, Matta humbly talked about how she simply learned to have fun with friends.
This spring, Matta celebrated her fourth straight trip to the TAPPS 5A state tennis tournament.
When asked about Matta’s contribution to SPX tennis, head coach Hernan Guevera spoke of Matta’s gift of leadership. “Lisette is a very talented tennis player and also a good teammate,” Guevera said. “Often, she took the time to help other members of the team with their technique and she would be very complementary of them. The team will miss her!”
“When I play tennis, it’s very competitive,” she said, “but by playing at SPX, I learned what it’s like to have teammates, play as a team and to have fun.”
She qualified for state with a fifth-place finish at districts. Matta won her first round match, then fell to the No. 1 player before rallying
Matta will continue her tennis career at the collegiate level at Concordia University Texas where she plans to study biology.
SOFTBALL The 2016 SPX tennis team with Lisette Matta in the center.
GOLF From L-R: 2016 District Champion and senior Kade Stewart, head coach Marilyn Hardy and senior Rachel Hardy who was the 2016 district champion, a regional top 10 finisher and a state qualifier. Stewart is a two-time all-state honoree, three-time state qualifier and two-time regional golf champion. Hardy earned all-state honors twice in her career, and all-district and all-region awards three times.
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ON THE PROWL
SOFTBALL The 2016 Panther softball team finished tied for second place in the district and defeated Argyll Liberty Christian in the first round of playoffs.
Senior all-state pitcher Claire Stringfellow
Senior all-state catcher Sabrina Salts
Freshman all-state centerfielder Haley Parks
SPX RUGBY MEETS USA MEN’S EAGLES
S
t. Pius X boys and girls rugby players gathered at Parsley Field in early February for a chance to meet the USA Men’s Eagles after their training session on the Panthers’ pitch. The Eagles trained on campus in preparation for their opening matches of the Americas Rugby Championship that took place at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston and Dell Diamond in Austin.
Several members of the Eagles team took time after their training to participate in the Panthers’ jersey ceremony and visit with the SPX players and coaches. Eagles’ head coach John Mitchell thanked the SPX community for their hospitality and their amazing facilities, including the 2,400 squarefoot weight room with state-of-the-art weightlifting equipment that opened at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year.
"St. Pius X has wonderful facilities and was accommodating with the morning and afternoon sessions,” Mitchell said. “I haven't seen high school gym equipment like that before in my life - it's wonderfully resourced in that area.” Former SPX rugby head coach Lowell Locke secured the training facilities at St. Pius X High School for the Eagles.
ON THE PROWL
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE WINTER & SPRING SPORTS
LACROSSE
Jenna Ashworth - Girls Soccer Giorgina Batarse - Girls Basketball Cody Graham - Boys Basketball Matthew Greenwood - Baseball William Gunnell - Boys Basketball Kalista Murillo - Softball Aryton Payne - Baseball Samantha Saccomen - Girls Basketball Rebecca Skouby - Softball Claire Stringfellow - Softball
St. Pius X boys lacrosse player Graham Nichols was honored by the coaches of the Texas High School Lacrosse League (TSHLL) Division II as the best face-off specialist. In its inaugural season, the SPX girls lacrosse team had a winning record of 9-4.
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ALUMNI
ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR AT HUNKY DORY On May 11, 2016, over 45 alumni gathered at Hunky Dory, a popular Heights-area restaurant owned by alumni Chris Cusack '00. The beautiful patio underneath the magnificent oak tree was a perfect setting for SPX alumni to catch up with old friends and enjoy delicious bites and craft cocktails.
PASTA THURSDAY, A TWICE A YEAR TREASURE Not only is Whitney Oaks Hall the best place in town to savor the most delicious spaghetti, lasagna and Italian cream cake but more importantly, it is a place where you can enjoy the company of members of the SPX community. The Pasta Thursday tradition continues to be one of St. Pius X’s most well-loved and well-attended alumni events. Panthers from all class years gather twice a year to enjoy a meal and catch up with old friends.
On January 28, 2016, more than 45 alumni came together and reminisced about their time at SPX while enjoying an authentic Italian meal. The summer Pasta Thursday was held on June 23, 2016, and more than 30 alumni gathered to enjoy a wonderful lunch filled with laughter and memories.
ALUMNI
NOMINATE A TORCHBEARER OF TRUTH Established in 2015, the Torchbearer of Truth distinguished alumni award is given to an SPX alumnus who serves as an outstanding example of the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism in both their chosen professions and their communities; who are leaders among their peers, exemplifying Veritas as well as Dominican social justice teachings; and who have given some measure of their time, talent or treasure to St. Pius X High School or their church. We are currently accepting nominations for 2016.
stpiusx.org/torchbeareroftruth To nominate or learn more!
ALUMNI CALENDAR REUNION WEEKEND Jubilee Mass at SPX Auditorium, followed by Head of School Reception. For more info on Individual Class Reunions visit stpiusx.org/reunion.
9/30
In June, Patrick Spedale, SPX’s Director of the Office for Campus Ministry, visited Los Angeles to catch up with several alumni. An event was held at the breathtaking Sky Lounge, located on the top floor of alum Daniel Fernandez's Sunset Strip apartment. Pictured L-R: David Elliott '12, Rebecca Hoffman '10, Daniel Fernandez '12 and George Su '99, center-Patrick Spedale
10/8 5:30 P.M.
9/17 4:30 P.M.
ALUMNI TAILGATE Joing the Alumni Association for a pregame party before our Homecoming football game. Tickets go on sale soon!
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #2917 CASINO NIGHT 607 E. Whitney Drive, Houston, TX 77022
10/22 6:00 P.M. SPX FOUNDATION GALA The Westin Galleria Houston Honoring Teri & Mike O'Connor
While in California, Mr. Spedale also had an opportunity to visit with SPX alumnae Dr. Jana Sadler '99. Dr. Sadler is a clinical psychologist at Reiss-Davis Child Study Center and Enki Youth and Family Services. She conducts psychological assessments and therapy for children who are victims of abuse and have experienced trauma.
6 p.m. Cocktails Start 8 p.m. Ceremony, Dinner & Live Auction For more info visit stpiusx.org/gala.
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CLASS NOTES
CLASS NOTES // David Pierce '81 was named head baseball coach at The University
of Texas at Austin on June 29, 2016. Pierce served as head coach at SPX from 1989-1990 before moving on to serve as assistant coach at University of Houston and Rice. He was the head coach at Sam Houston State University for three years (2012-2014) and spent the last two seasons at the helm of Tulane baseball.
ALUMNI
Jenna Barcelo '03 was recently accepted into Texas A&M Univer-
sity’s graduate school. She will receive a masters in health education and plans on educating others on diabetes and preventative cancers upon completion. Ida Clay '04 was hired as the Drama Therapist at The Next Step
Academy. The Next Step Academy is a day treatment program that is specially designed to meet the educational needs of individuals with developmental delays, specifically individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Taylor Waltmon '05 competed on the newest season of chef
Gordon Ramsey’s cooking show MasterChef.
Rodney Nathan '84 was reappointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner
and approved by City Council to the Board of Directors for Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. This is Rodney’s third fouryear term on the board of Miller. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the board. Nathan was also named president of the board of directors of The Heritage Society on June 1, 2016. For more than six decades, The Heritage Society has successfully preserved Houston’s fascinating and diverse history through its exhibits, programs and historic artifacts and buildings. Since joining the board in 2009, Nathan has served as vice president, treasurer and chairman of the development committee. Andy Tomczeszyn '89 was promoted to Vice President of Human
Resources for Moody National Companies in January. Moody National is a full-service commercial real estate firm. Andy and his team are responsible for the human resources and culture functions for 1,200 employees across 13 states. Andy’s son, Jake, will be joining the SPX family this fall as an incoming freshman. He will be a third generation Panther. In addition to Andy, Jake’s grandfather Jack Tomczeszyn '63, great aunt Dorothy Tomczeszyn Tiedt '68, great uncle Edgar Tiedt '64, uncle Martin Tomczeszyn '94 and a number of cousins have all attended SPX.
Jake '20 & Andy Tomczeszyn '89
Kellyn Gavin '06 married Randy Atkison Jr. in The Woodlands,
Texas, at St. Anthony of Padua on April 2, 2016. Many SPX alumni celebrated with them including Danielle Gavin '10, Shayna Saylor Cohen '06, Harrison Cohen '06, Cynde Bard '06, Olivia Shell Orlando '06, Robert May’ 06, Shawn Bahardoust '05 and current SPX staff member Valerie Landry. William Gould '08 graduated
with an MBA from Louisiana State University and is pursuing a career as a process controls analyst with Plexos Group – a national consulting and multi-district litigation firm specializing in disaster recovery claims. Veronica Renee Kloss '09 grad-
uated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with a Doctor of Physical Therapy on April 15, 2016.
CLASS NOTES
STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF Hilary Flores '09 married Brian Witte on April 9, 2016, at St. Anne
Catholic Church.
Ashley Renee Garcia '10 grad-
uated from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a microbiology concentration and a chemistry minor. In May 2016, she graduated from the University of Saint Mary with an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing. She is currently working in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center.
Taylor Marie Ashworth '13 was crowned Miss
Texas International 2016 and she represented Texas in the Miss International Pageant in Jacksonville, Fla., in July. She is presently a junior at the University of North Texas in Denton. Raquel Tello '14 was named to the 2016 All-ASC
(American Southwest Conference) First Team. As a pitcher, she led the East Texas Baptist Tigers to win the 2016 ASC Softball Championship.
Jarvis Thibodeaux '11 was selected to Who’s Who Among Stu-
dents in American Colleges and Universities. He was also named the Division of Business Outstanding Student-Athlete at Xavier University of Louisiana’s Division of Business awards ceremony in March 2016. Samantha Elizabeth Holt '12 graduated from University of Illinois
with a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering on May 15, 2016.
Danielle Gavin '10, current SPX staff member Valerie Landry and Kellyn Gavin '06
Raquel Tello '14
Ashley Holt '15 was selected as a 2016 Beckman Scholar at Texas
A&M University. The Beckman Scholarship program supports undergraduate research in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and genetics. Holt will begin research with her Beckman faculty mentor this summer and continue her research until graduation.
Ashley Holt '15 Leslie Nolley '15 made the dean’s list
for the fall 2015 semester at Belmont University.
HAVE A NOTE? GIVE IT HERE!
Visit STPIUSX.ORG/CLASSNOTES and submit your alumni update today! PIUS NEWS | Summer 2016
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In Memoriam JoAnn Mauro Luke '60
Linda Newsom Alikhami '61 Barbara Stash Gorski '63 Loretta Lemon Hagan '63 Doris Lake Havemann '63 Louis Butera Jr. '65
Bernice Januhowski Kmiec '67 Kenneth "Butch" Klotz '69 Kenny Barrow '12 Michael Neal Adams, brother of Andrew Adams '85 William W. Albers, father of Cynthia Albers Reyner '77, grandfather of William "Trey" Reyner '10 Kathryn Blackwell, stepmother of Aron Blackwell '07 Josephine Carbone, mother of Mary Grace Carbone Vance '67 and Charles Carbone '69, grandmother of Kenneth Halbert '85, Jody Halbert '86, Roseann Vance Bush '98 and Anthony Vance '99, grandmother-in law of Victoria Dames Halbert '85, great-grandmother of Christina Halbert '11, Katherine Halbert '12, Ashley Halbert '13 and Nicholas Halbert '16 Odin Castillo, brother of Zeus Castillo '17 Michael Dittoe, grandfather of Ryan Dittoe '18 Marjorie Dobmeyer, mother of Terry Dobmeyer '67
Charles Felchak, brother of Virginia Felchak Hill '61 and John Felchak '63 Dominick Ferraro, father of Carl Ferraro '65 and Joseph Ferraro '83 Alice Flores, mother of Loretta Flores Parise '80, mother-in-law of current SPX staff member Cindy Svatek Flores '80, grandmother of Ashley K. McCarty '04 and Travis Flores '07, great-aunt of Martha Jo Barrientez '84 and Theresa Kay Barrientez '90 Mario Garza Sr., father of Henrietta Garza Rottman '69, Linda Garza Hill '73 and Dr. Mario Garza Jr. '76, grandfather of Jameson M. Norman '99, Shanna L. Hill '02 and Evan A. Norman '05, uncle of Maria Reyna Lopez '84, great uncle of Martin Narendorf III '05 Daniel M. Guerrero, grandfather of Madeline Munoz '17 Willie Jimenez, grandfather of Megan Metcalf '17 Dora Ruth Johnson, grandmother of Parker Johnson '17 Clara Sue "Memaw" Kirk, mother of Walta Kirk '70 (deceased), Clarence "Robin" Kirk '72, Walter "Junior" Kirk '75 and Jimmy Kirk '76, grandmother of Brandon Kirk '02 and Kyle Kirk '12, stepgrandmother of Samantha Cuellar '10 Isabella “Izzy� Marie Kubiak, cousin of Katie Kubiak '07 Ellen Kurio, grandmother of Hayden White '19 Joseph C. McManus, father of current SPX faculty member Trudie Dattilo
Linda Lyles Meschwitz, sister-in-law of Denise Meschwitz Lloyd '84 and Diane Meschwitz Sebesta '88 Jimmie Miller, father of Jennifer Miller '12 Marjorie J. O'Connor, mother of past SPX board member and current SPX foundation board member Mike O'Conner, grandmother of Kelly O'Conner '06 and Kyle O'Connor '08 Louis Owen, SPX benefactor and father-
in-law of Bob Rekieta '76
Josephine Repal, mother of Mary Catherine Repal Polk '62 and Georgana Repal '64 Mary Talley Robinson, mother of Sharron Robinson Seymour '65 Sharon Harrison Rosales, wife of Mario Rosales '70, sister-in-law of Ted Wisnoski '64 and Mike Miller '67 Gladys Sanders, grandmother of current SPX staff member Jason Kimball Frances Marino Seeberger, mother of Suzanne Seeberger Grosch '77, grandmother of Michelle Ryza '00, Matthew Ryza '03 and Samantha Grosch '14 Barbara Ann Swick, grandmother of Haley Swick '14 Charles Thomas, husband of Phyllis Walker Thomas '68, father of Chuck Thomas '91 and Mark Thomas '98 Christine Swick Williams, grandmother of Laura-Beth Moore Hatem '95 and Alexandra Nicole Williams '15
ALUMNI JOIN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION AT THE
2016 GALA HO N O RIN G
Teri & Mike O’Connor SATU RDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016 SI X O ’ CLO CK COCKTAILS START EI GH T O ’ CLO CK CEREMONY | DINNER | AUCTION LO CATI O N THE WESTIN GALLERIA HOUSTON 5060 W. Alabama Street
INFORMATION REGARDING THE GALA WILL BE POSTED AT www.stpiusx.org/gala
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 1966
Reunion Weekend
September 16-17, 2016 Celebrating the Classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011
Your
Be on the lookout! class reunion invitation will arrive later this summer. Questions? Contact clemm@stpiusx.org.
Jubilee Mass 4 p.m. | September 17 St. Pius X High School Honoring the Class of 1966 All reunion classes invited to attend Head of School Reception immediately following
stpiusx.org/reunion