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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 2020 will be a year to remember! Who would have thought that any of us would be in the midst of a pandemic, wearing masks, staying home, and physically distancing ourselves from our friends and family – those special people who we most love? We, at St. Pius X High School, were looking forward to spring sports, prom, the Junior Ring Liturgy, the Senior Awards Assembly and so much more, but COVID-19 had other plans for us! And in true Panther spirit, we faced the challenges with courage, conviction, and steadfast hope! Our faculty proved their worth as professional educators embracing this new reality, pivoting to online teaching, and energetically creating new ways to enable our students to continue their St. Pius X education of excellence. Our students, who always make us proud, rose to the challenge of learning and communicating
through a new lens of technology with TEAMS and ZOOM becoming their daily norm. And then there were all of those “behind the scenes” administrators and staff who spent the days in online meetings and phone calls, continually and constantly working and creating to make SPX continue to be the school community that you chose for your sons and daughters. And, we did it! Instead of morning prayers being recited over the public announcement system, they were recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel. Instead of the traditional senior countdown in the courtyard, we did a virtual countdown with faculty, staff and students counting down the seniors’ final day. Instead of the underclass award ceremonies, the honors were recognized with a virtual send off on the final day of
school. And after three parking lot parades and two Senior class Zoom meetings, graduation happened – like it has never happened before! Never did I think I would experience graduation at a drive-in movie theater! The Class of 2020 graduation ceremony will not be forgotten! This edition of Pius News is not going to be like those in the past because this spring semester has not been like anything in our past. But one thing that has not wavered is the support of the entire SPX community for this incredibly special school. Whether it was pulling together to raise more than $30,000 to help those impacted by COVID-19 through our One Panther, One Purpose campaign, or the exuberant and heartwarming celebration at graduation of Mrs. Diane Larsen’s retirement and, after 34 years, seeing her finally earn a St Pius X diploma, the SPX community has once again come together to stand side-by-side and live our mission as Veritas Men and Women. We are – and forever will be – Panther strong! In Veritas,
Carmen Garrett Armistead Head of School
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JOHN T. MCMAHON RECIPIENT Armed with a genuine smile, a commanding presence, a quick “let's go – okay, okay” Diane Larsen’s success lies in her ability to authentically believe in and demonstrate each young person’s value and God-given worth. She is a force for good, not only in the lives of students, but in the lives of the entire St. Pius X community. Mrs. Larsen has the priceless gift of deeply engaging with students and ultimately enhancing their spirit of confidence knowing that she has their back. Sister Donna Pollard wrote this in an annual evaluation: Mrs. Larsen “has a gift for working well and closely with both “at risk” and students in crisis.” Mrs. Larsen’s innate ability to reflect upon her life, her goals -- and to look within herself critically and purposefully is the reason she is an exceptional educator.
In one of her self-evaluations, she stated:
It is important that I model prayer, and that I provide both support and kindness. I am student focused in my work – in all that I do. I believe that a leader should be a good model.” Mrs. Larsen has done it all during her long spanning career – she has been an elementary school language arts teacher, a learning center director, a Girl Scout leader, a speech and communications teacher, a librarian, an assistant principal and admissions director, an academic dean, and a principal. She has held more jobs than any other one person; she has loved more students than any other one person in her tenure at St. Pius X High School. She has been our heart and soul. Since 1986, Diane Larsen has been a
In honor of her years of service, Mrs. Diane Larsen was gifted a beautiful cross made from wood from the Bramanti Library. Working as the part-time librarian was Mrs. Larsen's first position at SPX.
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Diane Larsen
She views her work as ministry and her role at St. Pius X as that of a minister.
Panther. She has been that person who changed lives, who has held it all together for each of us. She has been that person, that teacher, who has made St. Pius X a better place because she has been one of us. Diane Larsen’s disarming laughter, really bad jokes, annoying Kansas State cheers, sound wisdom, steady guidance, supportive presence, and absolute faith in all of us will be profoundly missed as she wends her way into retirement -- hopefully remembering us fondly and visiting us often.
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Congrats!
TO OUR RETIREES Diane Larsen
Gloria Fant Dr. Charlis Powell
MRS. GLORIA FANT - Gloria has served as SPX's Theatre Director for four years; three of those along side her daughter, Ashley, who was the school's Technical Director. She has 35 years education experience. MRS. DIANE LARSEN - Diane has been with St. Pius X for 34 years and has served as librarian, assistant principal, admissions director, academic dean and principal. Overall, she has more than 40.5 years experience also serving as an elementary school language arts teacher and speech and communications teacher. DR. CHARLIS POWELL - Charlis has served SPX as the Director of the Paul A. Gillam Learning Center for 13 years. She has 29 years of education experience.
Best of luck in your next adventures!!!
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UNDERCLASS Scholarships
Tristan Acuna '23
Adam Anderson '21
Beth Black Memorial Scholarship
Zinni-Reed Family Scholarship
Korede Cardozo '22
Mauro Cisneros '21
Class of 1969 Scholarship
Palazzolo Memorial Scholarship
Macrini Scholarship
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Samantha Fox '22
Nancy Gallegos '21
Zinni-Reed Family Scholarship
Class of 1968 Scholarship
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Gabriella Gibson '21
Alex Mejia '23
Palazzolo Memorial Scholarship
Macrini Scholarship
Jaden Porter '21
Krista Reyes '22
Standing Ovation Scholarship
Macrini Scholarship
Jhoanna Sanchez '23
Xavier Smith '22
Macrini Scholarship
Donna Shay Rhine '77 “Sunshine Award” Scholarship
Alize Tamayo '23 Macrini Scholarship
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SENIOR Mason Ott Parent Association Memorial Scholarship Scholarship
Max Martel
Powell Learning for Success Scholarship
Maria Suarez
Gabriella Young
Kaylee Moses
Garrett Sutton
Booster Club Scholarship
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SCHOLARSHIPS Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Angelina Espinoza
Morgan Hicks
Andrew Requena
Anthony Acuna
Jacob Hernandez
Matt Cusimano Rugby Scholarship
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DEL SARTO AWARDS Jacob Tomczeszyn
Gia Cabacungan
MR. & MS. PANTHER AWARDS Zander Jez
Sullivan Grubbs
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Valedictorian GIA CABACUNGAN Involvement at SPX: Band, Key Club, Student Council, NHS, Honor Board Community Involvement: Altar server at St. Edwards Catholic Church; assisted with DECATS Attending Next: The University of Texas, Austin Major: Biology, with a focus on plant biology
“I want to continue my education and get a Master's in Botany. I either want to do research on crops or look into horticulture and take care of plants at a botanical garden.”
Salutatorian XIYA “VICTORIA” YU Involvement at SPX: President of International Club, Student World Affairs Council, NHS and Color Guard Community Involvement: Assisted with Harvey recovery, served as English teacher in China Attending Next: University of California--San Diego or Los Angeles Major: Economics or Business
“Because I am an international student from China, I wish I will be able to use what I have learned here to further bridge the cultural gap between China and foreign countries. I want to make other international students' lives easier.” STPIUSX.ORG
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NOW PLAYING
Graduation 2020
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2020 SPRING PIUS NEWS
CLASS OF 2020 BY THE NUMBERS
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Summa cum laude graduates
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Magna cum laude graduates
Cum laude graduates
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Different colleges the Class of 2020 was accepted to
189 37
Number of class members in the National Honor Society
129
Total number of graduates
15,582
Hours of community service from the Class of 2020
$13,600,000+ earned in scholarships
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Legacy
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FAMILIES
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The class of 2020 added 15 legacy families to the SPX ranks on Saturday, May 23. Each of these new graduates had at least one parent or grandparent graduate from SPX.
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Georgianne Beissner '87 (mother), Andrew Beissner '20, Julianne Beissner Medrano '88 (aunt), Karianne Beissner '06 (aunt)
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Steve Benys '85 (father), Braeden Benys '20, A.J. Benys '82 (uncle)
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Karen Colunga Burns '95 (mother), Thomas Burns '20
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Chloe Darnell '20, Steve Darnell '85 (father), Hana Darnell '20
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Coltan Evans '20, Kim Coufal Evans (mother) '90, Jonathan Kolmetz '98 (uncle), Kristi Coufal Kolmetz '98 (aunt)
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Zach Jez '18 (brother), Zander Jez '20, Beth Jez '89 (mother)
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Dennis Kallus '65 (grandfather), Eva Kallus '20, Daniel Kallus '89 (father)
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Michael Tomczak '88 (father), Olivia Tomczak '17 (sister), Jacob Tomczak '20, Debbie (Beyer) Tomczak '90 (mother)
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John Tomczeszyn '63 (grandfather), Martin Tomczeszyn '94 (uncle), Jake Tomczeszyn '20, Andy Tomczeszyn '89 (father)
Nicholas Woods '24 (brother), Lucas Woods '18 (brother), Jeremy Woods '93 (father), Abigail Woods '20, Lori Mummey Woods '92 (mother), Sarah Woods '23 (sister), Barbara Holik Woods '67 (grandmother)
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Not pictured: Andrew Bowman, Jeremiah Bugaj, Christopher “Hunter” Bull, Jacob Hernandez, Daniel “Mason” Massiatte
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES AND THEIR FAMILIES! STPIUSX.ORG
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Foundation Helps Give La Buena Vida to Students On Saturday, October 19, 2019 the SPX community came together to celebrate Del Sarto Humanitarian Award recipients, Ray and Randa Gilliam, have some fun and of course raise money to benefit the Foundation. The evening's theme, La Buena Vida (The Good Life) was chosen to reflect Ray and Randa’s commitment to St. Pius X students. Past parents to Paul '98 and Charlotte '99, one of Ray and Randa’s most special gifts to SPX was the Paul A. Gilliam '98 Learning Center. Their son Paul, who passed away in 2010, benefitted from the nurturing component of the challenging curriculum that has become the Learning for Success Program. The beautiful evening, orchestrated by event chairs Pam Roberts and her Foundation Board President Jim Black, Dominican Sisters of Houston daughter Kelsie Roberts, was a nod to old Havana, Cuba with soft colors, Prioress Donna Pollard, O.P., Gala Honorees Ray and Randa Gillam, SPX tropical greenery and a backdrop that featured the island’s architecture in Head of School Carmen Garrett Armistead gorgeous gold frames. Team Roberts along with the auction chair Beth Culver worked hard to make sure guests had unique and exciting items to bid on including an alligator hunt, a stay in an amazing home in historic San Miguel de Allende and rosaries hand-made by our very own SPX faculty member, Sr. Kelly Biddle, O.P. The party really got started when the evening’s entertainment, The Nailers, took the stage to play an array of crowd favorites that kept guests on the dance floor well past midnight. By the end of the night, the Panther community had raised more than $400,000 to benefit the St. Pius X Foundation. La Buena Vida indeed!
NEW FOOTBALL COACH NAMED St. Pius X High School is proud to announce that Greg Cranfill has been named as the new varsity head football coach. Cranfill brings more than 20 years of experience as a coach, athletic director and teacher, and a record of success on the field. “I am really looking forward to seeing what Coach Cranfill brings to the program,” said Jeff Feller, Athletic Director. “He is a gifted, hardworking, and dedicated coach; I am certain he will be a great addition to our coaching staff and help lead the Panthers to many victories on and off the field!” At his most recent post, Cranfill led Wills Point High School’s football team to four winning seasons in a row including two, back-to-back district championships and five playoff appearances. He was also named 2020 SPRING PIUS NEWS
“Football Coach of the Year” for the district three out of his six years at Wills Point. Previously, Cranfill coached at Commerce High School, Hillsboro High School, Marcus High School, Van Vleck High School and Itasca High School. In that time, he occupied a variety of roles including head baseball, head powerlifting, head boys basketball, and head girls basketball coach. He and his staffs have helped place numerous players into the college football and basketball ranks, as well as the NFL and the NBA, including Josh Carraway (Tennessee Titans), Kaden Smith (New York Giants), and former Rice University standout Michael Harris (Houston Rockets). “It is a privilege and joy for me to see young people excel in all areas of their lives,” said Cranfill. “It is truly a gift to work with St.
Pius X as we develop these young Veritas men on and off the field to be the best leaders and scholars they can be.”
Torchbearer of On January 28, the St. Pius X Alumni Board of Directors presented the fifth annual Torchbearer of Truth Award to Juliane “Juli” Phillips Crow '90. The award was presented to Crow during a school-wide liturgy for students to witness an example of an engaged and committed alumnus who has given back to SPX and the greater community. Previous Torchbearer of Truth recipients include Pat McKenna '64, Gerald Schattle '69, John S. Parsley '80 and Stan Jankowski '68.
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. Following her SPX graduation, Juli attended and graduated from Texas A&M University and went on to University of Houston Law Center earning her JD. She then worked as an attorney in the Harris County District Attorney's office for 10 years, specializing in child abuse cases. After leaving the DA's office in 2007, she continued her work in private practice. For the last 13 years Juli has worked in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency systems representing teenagers or young adults in State and Federal courts. In 2014, Juli was sworn in as a visiting judge in the Harris County Juvenile Courts. Most recently, Juli has spearheaded a policy research project with Texas A&M and the Bush Library's School of Public Policy with the purpose of creating positive change within the Child & Family Welfare systems in Texas.
In addition to her many professional achievements, Juli has been an active alumnus for St. Pius X, benefactor, and currently volunteers her time with Theatre SPX and the Parent Association. Juli also volunteers with the Music Ministry and ACTS Retreat team at St. Rose of Lima and has served in leadership roles with the St. Rose Education Board, Master Planning committee, and the Capital Campaign Committee. She is also an avid runner, having completed numerous half and full marathons over the past 15 years. Juli is married to Owen Crow and they have two daughters, Rebecca '21, and Lauren, a student at St. Rose.
Did you miss out on this year’s alumni giving campaign? It’s not too early to get a head start for the 2020-21 academic year and help your alma mater! Stay tuned for details on how to purchase SPX alumni goods online!
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ATHLETIC RECAPS BOYS BASKETBALL The Boys Basketball season was filled with many successes despite facing critical hurdles. This year offered the young men so much more than wins and losses; it offered them challenges that built character. The Panthers went on to finish the season 20-17, and ended district play with a record of 6-4 which earned them 3rd in TAPPS 6A District 4. Two big district wins came over Concordia Lutheran and SPX rival, St. Thomas. After district play, the squad competed in the state playoffs, facing the defending champions, the Antonian Apaches, during the second round of the tournament and lost a heart breaker 68-81. All State Honorable Mention and First Team All-District: Derrick Brown, III '20. First Team All-District: Jaylen Wysinger '21. Second Team All-District: Jamikah Chevis '20 and Jason Johnson '21. GIRLS BASKETBALL Girls Basketball proved to be a team of determination and grit. After finishing last season 3-25, they bounced back to finish 18-16 and 4th in district. Led by Farren Donald-Wright '22 and Abigail Woods '20, the team fell just short of a state playoff seeding after falling to a tough St. Agnes squad. Having four juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen returning next year, the future of girls basketball looks very bright. During the winter holiday, the squad brought home the hardware after taking 3rd at the Macy Chevert Patriot Holiday Classic. First Team All-District: Donald-Wright. Academic All-State: Woods. Honorable Mention: Alexis McGregor '21. BOYS SOCCER Boys Soccer was a battle of injuries and perseverance resulting in a tough 2-8 season. The boys battled night after night and never lost confidence in each other. Every week, they broke down the game and practice schedule, and looked forward to getting better together. 2020 SPRING PIUS NEWS
Four newcomers made the varsity roster, playing positions completely new to them, competing against players twice their size and still held their own: Alex Mejia '23, Santiago Hernandez '23, Austin Brown '23, Juan Tello '23. They had a huge impact on the season and the coaches could not have been prouder of their hard work.
be a true contender in 2020-21.
Coach Nick Merricks '09 loved watching how these young men rebounded and stuck together after every injury and curve ball that came their way.
SWIM
First Team All-District: David Yearwood '21. Second Team All-District and All-Academic: Andrew Beissner '20, Garrett Sutton '20. All-District Honorable Mention: Abraham Lopez '20, Sutton Pamuk '20. GIRLS SOCCER SPX Girls Soccer finished the season 13-4 overall, 5-2 in district for 4th place, a sweeping victory at St. Mary’s Hall Tournament, a state tournament appearance, district selections, state player of the week selection, 7-0 season start and compliments along the way from basically every opposing coach, not only on how they tried to play, but their conduct on and off the field. The team operated knowing wins were the result of them doing things in a positive manner in training, at school and at home. With majority of players remaining on the roster next season and a commitment to continue in that mindset, the team can again
First Team All-District, Second Team AllState and Academic All-State: Macy Matula '21. First Team All-District and All-State Honorable Mention: Margo Matula '23. Second Team All-District and Academic AllState: Lora Tresco '21.
This season, SPX Swim saw continued improvement and personal records from all members. Girls Swim made it to state for the first time in over five years in the 200 Medley Relay. On the relay was Maddie Davis '23, Daniella Young '20, Robin Griffin '23, Stephanie Birkelbach '23, and Victoria Robertson '23. In her debut on the Panther Swim Team, Birkelbach made it to state in the 200 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyle, in which she placed 3rd overall. This season, she also set a school record in each event. All-State Honorable Mention: Birkelbach. BASEBALL Baseball started on a strong note, but the year was cut short due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, in just five pre-season games and 11 conference and non-conference games, the Panthers had many highlights beginning with an 8-3 season record. Top offensive side performers included:
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GIRLS LACROSSE Girls Lacrosse witnessed four games, three of which were district foes, and concluded 1-3. Close losses came against Bellaire, Episcopal and Gulf Coast, with the win against Awty. The team played well at the pre-season Aggieland Tournament, winning two out of three of their pool play games. Leading goal scorers were Makenna Capitaine '21, Jackie Lesmeister '23, and Abby Konicki '22.
Tregan Hyder '21 led all hitters with a slash of .579/.667/1.211 with 3 HR, 12 RBI; Mason Massiatte '20 hit .474/.524/1.155 with 3 doubles, 5 RBI; Carson Rodgers '21 hit .444/.545/1.212 with 4 doubles, 7 RBI; and Kyle Winkler '22 hit .409/.567/1.248 with 1 HR, 9 RBI. Top pitchers for the Panthers were: Winkler with a 2-0 record boasting a 1.96 ERA and 14 strikeouts, Austin Hunter '21 carried a 2.69 ERA and 19 strikeouts, and Massiatte had a .724 ERA and 14 Strikeouts Defensively, SPX was anchored by shortstop Brandon Willey '20, centerfielder Brandon Davenport '20 and catcher Jack Johnson '21. SPX Baseball is poised to be a dominant team for years to come with top underclass players and a tremendous incoming group. Academic All-State: Andrew Beissner '20, Kevin Dittoe '21, Hunter, Massiatte, and Rodgers.
BOYS LACROSSE Boys Lacrosse opened the season with a convincing win over Concordia Lutheran, the team’s only district game. The following two games were against opponents in higher divisions in the Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) – each loss was decided by one goal. The team was ultimately poised to begin a serious run at the THSLL Division III Regional Championship prior to the abrupt end to the season. With six All-District performers returning and anchored by three outstanding players: Sam Irvin '20, Cam Collings '20 and Anthony Carr '20, the Panthers looked solid going into Spring Break. Given the shortness of the season, 2020 was a tantalizing preview of what this team was and is capable of achieving.
In Division 2 of the South Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League, there were four SPX players ranked in the top 20 of leading goal scorers: Capitaine ranked 4th, Lesmeister 6th, Konicki 11th and Maya Cortez '22 16th. Girls lacrosse fielded their very first junior varsity team in the program’s history. Combined, the teams yielded a roster of 27 players which highlighted the growth and popularity of the sport at SPX. Coach Caroline McLean looks to continue the rise of Girls Lacrosse at SPX next season. RUGBY The Rugby campaign started this year with many new faces. Although the team only had five returning seniors this year, three more seniors, who were also first-time rugby players, were added to the roster. Game one was against a very large and physical Brazoria team. Panthers stood up and faced the physical onslaughts and came away with a 24-12 win. Overall, the team finished the short season 1-5 – plagued by
GOLF Co-ed Golf had a three-stint season prior to COVID-19. The group took top place finishes as both individuals and a team at the Brenham High School Golf Tournament - boys team placed 3rd, Brandon Snader '21 earned 3rd, Matthew Jacobe '20 finished 4th, Kayla Crowley '20 took 3rd, and Gabriela Martinez Botini '21 earned 4th. Academic All-State: Jacobe and Martinez Botini. STPIUSX.ORG
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ATHLETIC RECAPS Sydney Shupak '21, Sofia Perches '23). The second and largest meet of the year was at St. Thomas High School where the team also brought home several medals. In field events, Ewing finished 2nd in discus. In running events, relays showed up; Girls 4x100 relay took 2nd (Bright, Moses, Akuechiama, Espinoza); Girls 4x200 relay earned 3rd (Akuechiama, Shupak, Caitlin Stein '23, Espinoza); Girls 4x400 relay placed 3rd (Shupak, Bright, Perches, Moses); Boys 4x100 relay took 2nd (Ewing, Davis, McKeon, Nethaneel Loolo '23); and in Girls 100m, Moses won 1st. ongoing injuries – but was poised to make a comeback when the season ended abruptly. The team grew stronger and more resilient, playing for honor and each other.
SOFTBALL Softball finished 3-1 in district play and with an overall record of 5-6. Some of the highlights this season included Emily Dear '21 finishing with one of the top batting averages of .636, along with Victoria Hunter '23 raking in a batting average of .550. In the circle, Dear pitched a perfect game against Duchesne Academy with 12 strikeouts. Samantha Fox '22 also performed well this season with an overall batting average of .435. During their last tournament together, the group faced three competitive teams in San Marcos defeating Kinkaid 3-1, including a stellar pitching performance by Hunter and an outstanding double play by Dear at shortstop. The squad defeated Lubbock Monterey 3-1, and battled against Argyle High school, falling 4-7. Academic All-State: Dear, Noelia Luna '21, Jennifer Schmalz '21, and Lora Tresco '21. TENNIS Tennis grew from one to ten players this season with several players playing the sport competitively for the first time. All worked hard, learned the game, and improved a great deal. Team leader Jefferson Paige '21 went undefeated this season and was a state hopeful.
Academic All-State: Chloe Botello '21, Madison Shindler '21. TRACK AND FIELD Track and Field was off to a successful season. They started competition at The Woodlands Christian School and came away with two medals in field events – Alex Ewing '20 earned 3rd in discus and Ricky Thomas '21 earned 3rd in the long jump. They then placed in several running events: Babette Bright '20 took 2nd in the 100m, Kaylee Moses '20 earned 2nd in the 200m, Boys 4x100 relay placed 3rd (Ewing, Jalen Davis '20, Cameron McKeon '20, and Thomas), Girls 4x100 relay earned 1st (Bright, Moses, Chinyere Akuechiama '20, and Brianna Espinoza '23), Girls 4x400 relay won 1st (Bright, Moses,
The Panthers ran against some tough competition at the Episcopal High School meet, yet girls (Bright, Espinoza, Stein, Moses) and boys (Ewing, Davis, Jamikah Chevis '20, Loolo) 4x200 relay both walked away with 2nd place finishes. The team’s last meet of the season was at St. John's. Stein finished 2nd in the long jump, Bright earned 3rd in the 200m and Moses took 3rd in the 400m. Even though the season was short, several athletes set personal records and times were dropping as needed preparing for district, regional and state meets. Academic All-State: Rushil Desai '20, Mason Jefferson '21, Zander Jez '20, McKeon, Stefan Weidmann '21, Akuechiama, Shupak.
SPX HONORS HALL OF FAME ATHLETES The most prestigious athletic honor for students presented by SPX, the Hall of Award recognizes one male and one female athlete who has maintained excellent academic standings and athletic performance. Players voted on by SPX coaches, athletic staff and administrators must have played at least two sports for four years to be considered. Playing three sports for four years, and maintaining excellent academic standings, Zander Jez '20 was named the 2019-20 Hall of Fame Award- male recipient. His athletic talents included cross country, track & field, and baseball. Abbey Woods '20 was named the 2019-20 Hall of Fame Award- female recipient. Through her years competing in basketball and volleyball, she boasted academic and athletic excellence. Congratulations to these fine Veritas athletes!
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Signing Class of 2019-2020
Damon Ayarzagoitia, CCBC Essex College - Baseball Andrew Beissner, Indian Hills Community College - Baseball Braden Benys, Colorado School of Mines - Football Anthony Carr, Texas State - Lacrosse Jamikah Chevis, Loyola University - Track & Field Camden Collings, Louisiana State University - Lacrosse Kayla Crowley, Park University-Gilbert - Golf Jalen Davis, Howard Payne University - Football Rushil Desai, Trinity University - Cross Country Alex Ewing, Tarleton State University - Track & Field
Brad Fleming, Millsaps College - Baseball Sam Irvin, Hanover College - Lacrosse Andrew McGuire, Benedictine College - Football Cameron McKeon, Southern Nazarene University - Football Thomas Meadough, Oklahoma Baptist University - Football Kaylee Moses, Lolyola University - Track & Field Jagger Pagano, University of San Diego - Football Ethan Sanni-Thomas, Howard University - Track & Field Ian Wall, Purdue University Northwest - Baseball Tony Ziegler, Wisconsin Lutheran College - Football
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One Panther. One Purpose.
ANNUAL HUTSON HUDDLE
On November 1, 2019, over 50 SPX alumni gathered for the Hutson Huddle. This annual event held in Grapeland, TX was started by SPX alumni athletes to celebrate, reminisce and visit with Coach Bob Hutson, longtime SPX football coach. This year’s Hutson Huddle, alumni celebrated Hutson’s 90th birthday, practiced timeclock drills, and shared their favorite memories and stories.
For one day, May 20, the St. Pius X community came together to help fellow panthers in need. When the COVID19 crisis hit in mid-March its effects were immediately felt. Many families in our community needed a little extra help to make it through the end of the school year. Lead by SPX Fund Chairs, Elizabeth and Brad Edwards (parents to Cooper ’20) One Panther, One Purpose was launched. The goal of the campaign was to get 129 gifts to honor our 129 graduating seniors. And, in true Panther fashion, the community responded in droves. More than 165 gifts were received in 24 hours raising more than $30,000 to directly benefit SPX families in need of tuition assistance. The incredible generosity and thoughtfulness shown during the campaign was truly remarkable. SPX students have tremendous grit and heart because of the many donors and supporters who are the lifeblood of St. Pius X High School and the reason SPX is able to develop leaders and scholars.
What's better than a beautiful new baby? A beautiful new baby wearing a custom, future Panther onesie, of course! If you are expecting please let us know at least one month prior to your baby's arrival and we will make sure you have a onesie to bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital. If you have already welcomed a baby, please contact us, various sizes are available. Your onesie will be delivered right to your door. All we ask is that you share a picture with us of your baby wearing the SPX onesie. We will share the adorable picture on social media as well as in the Pius News magazine. Please contact Katie Kubiak '07, Director of Alumni Relations, at kubiakk@stpiusx.org, to request your custom future Panther onesie.
Ware Named Principal of SPX We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Ware as St. Pius X High School’s principal beginning with the 2020-21 school year. As such, Ware will collaborate with Head of School, Carmen Garrett Armistead, to enrich the school’s academic program, continue to grow overall school enrollment and move SPX forward in a bold direction in line with the strategic plan put into place during the 2018-19 school year. The selection of Ware is the result of a comprehensive, nation-wide search that included members of the Dominican Sisters of Houston, teachers, support staff, administrators, and board members. “I am confident that Rachel will foster and cultivate the strengths of our school, building upon our history and taking us to the next level of excellence as Houston’s premier co-educational Catholic High School,” said Armistead. “She is a gifted, hardworking, creative, and dedicated educator; I genuinely look forward to working with her as she leads us into a new era!” Ware has been with SPX for the past four years, serving as a classroom teacher, dean and co-curricular advisor. Throughout her time as Dean of Students, Ware has had a significant impact; she co-created and implemented a behavior management system grounded in the school’s honor code
and restorative justice practices ensuring that infractions are teachable moments. She led a charge to digitize behavioral referrals and detention assignments, and carefully upgraded and managed the attendance reporting procedures. Ware’s professional influence is most obvious in her role as Advisory Coordinator where she has integrated a new advisory system into the
daily life of SPX -- assigning students to advisor groups, coordinating the schedule, creating developmentally appropriate sessions, and supporting advisors in their new and expanded roles with students. Previously, Ware was a language arts teacher at St. Ambrose Catholic School from 200916, where she also served as a level and curriculum leader and Student Council sponsor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Secondary Education from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2011. Ware, born and raised in the Oak Forest area, attended St. Ambrose and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. She and her husband, Jimmie, have two boys, Stetson and Stoney, who attend St. Ambrose.
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“It is with great excitement and gratitude that I accept this leadership opportunity,” said Ware. “This area is my home; my heart. Serving the SPX community is not only a professional honor, but seeing its success is an incredibly personal one. I look forward to working with Mrs. Armistead and our faculty, staff, and families. I am confident that together we will further develop a thriving community of leaders and scholars for today and tomorrow, right here at home.”
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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES // 1
Sean Killpatrick '15 was selected for The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame Hampshire Honor Society after his senior football season at the University of Oregon.
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Thomas Barrera '15 graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering.
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Andrew McLelland '10 married Margaret Lauckner '13 on November 16 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston.
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Phillip Resendez '05 and wife Ashley welcomed Presley Judith Resendez on December 30, 2019.
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Patricia Straub Defalco '62 and husband Terry celebrated their 52nd anniversary. They recently welcomed their first great grandchild in February 2020.
Senior District Judge Judy Kaderka Warne '77 was honored for her work helping victims of domestic violence by being named a 2020 Fierce Friend of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council at Crime Stoppers of Houston. She also received the Excellence in Judicial Education award from the Texas Center for the Judiciary at their annual conference during the fall.
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Crista Ramos '11 is a private strength and conditioning coach and currently on a team training 8 players for their Pro-days. She attended the Women’s Panel at NFL 2020 Combine and was able to share stories from top female coaches, analysts, and leadership in NFL.
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Angie Pacheco Turner '00 recently became a partner with Jonathan H. Lamb, an immigration attorney in Houston with over 30 years experience. Angie is the first partner Mr. Lamb has had since beginning his firm in 1985. The new firm's name will be Lamb and Turner PLLC.
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HAVE A NOTE? GIVE IT HERE! Contact Katie Kubiak '07 @ 713.579.7573 or kubiakk@stpiusx.org
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In Memoriam
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Sam Sarao '61, brother of Ann Marie Sarao Deason '64
Robert Haynes '63, father of Edward Haynes '90
Sandra Hill '71
Alphonse J. DeMarco '62
Sharon Smith Carter '65, wife of Gerald Carter '62
Danny Yanowski '71, brother of Dennis Yanowski '73, Brenda Yanowski '75, Kathy Yanowski Hetmaniak '85, cousin of Debbie Little Norcini '74, Darrel Little '77, Greg Little '83
John Anthony Klotz '62, brother of +Barnard Klotz '63, Patrick Klotz '65, +Kenneth Klotz '69, brother-in-law of +Shirley Descant Klotz '63, cousin of Jimmy Kubeczka '61 and Richard Klotz '62
Bernard Arthur Bancroft '66, husband of Marilyn Russo Bancroft '66, brother of David Bancroft '70 (Mary Casserly Bancroft '70), Dale Bancroft '71, Michael Bancroft '74
Russell Rightmire '78
Joe Santana '62, brother of Sammy Santana '66
Frances Smith Hees '66
John Breland '82
Renee Niemann Evans '63
Richard Mendel '68, brother of Calvin “Butch” Mendel, Jr. '66, cousin of Pam Mendel '68, Gary Mendel '69
Ralph Alvarez '83
2020 SPRING PIUS NEWS
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John Antell, grandfather of Caroline A. Peters '21 Alvin Babbit, husband of Joann Leggio Babbitt '59, brother-in-law of Frank Leggio '61, +Annette Leggio Dragna '68 Ted Bashinski, father of Diane Bashinski Amalfi '72, Ted Bashinski, Jr. '74, Debbie Bashinski Rekieta '76, Kathy Bashinski Czajkowski '77, grandfather of Angela Amalfi Solice '98, Chris Amalfi '99, great-grandfather of Alina Solice '22, Eva Solice '23, uncle of Ray Bashinski, Jr. '75
Wilton Hrncir, great grandfather of Kayla Pesek '21 and Travis Pesek '23 Eric Wayne King, former SPX football coach Dorothy Konieczny, mother of Patrick Konieczny '78 (+Diane Wagner Konieczny '78), Gerald Konieczny '80, grandmother of Kyle Konieczny '08, Adam Konieczny '12
Petry '23 Cora Rodarte, mother of Sophie Rodarte '19 Charles Seberger, father of Steve Seberger '79 and Dennis Seberger '81 Josephine Muller Shanks, grandmother of Olivia Shanks '16, mother of Kirby Shanks, SPX board member
Albert Mock, stepfather of John Indellicati '64, Joe Indellicati '67 and Karen Indellicati Rittinger '71
Aileen May Sparks, mother of Nancy May Hurst '70, Steven May '73
Barbara S. Baker, grandmother of Josh Beck '17, Noah Beck '19, Chloe Beck '21
Mayra Nussa, mother of Allison Milam Franklin '11, +Alex Milam '08
Mary Grace Cuccia, mother of Karen Cuccia Brown '73, Sharon Cuccia Lawrence '73, Tom Cuccia '80, Joey Cuccia '82, mother-in-law of Ronald Garney, Sr. '63, grandmother of Ronald Garney, Jr. '82, Chase Cuccia '10, Peyton Cuccia '16
Marie “Peaches” Owen, mother-in-law of Bob Rekieta '76 (Celeste) and founder of Louis and Peaches Owen Family Foundation, longtime benefactor of SPX
Helen Suter, mother of Stephen D. Suter '67, Richard W. Suter '69, Thomas I. Suter '70, John F. Suter '72, Paul A. Suter '73 (Susan Syzdek Suter '73), Philip L. Suter
Joyce Davis, mother of David Davis '81 and Lynnette Davis Sparks '84 Dottie Johnson Fleischer, sister of Chuck “William” Johnson '72, Becky Johnson Samie '73 Colette Grinstead, grandmother of Auden Griffiths '22
Sister Yvonne Wuensche, C.V.I., ministered at St. Pius X High School as a Biology teacher from 1989-91
Dorothy Zagst Partin, mother of +Karen Denise Partin Novakoski '64 (+James J. Novakoski '60), Julie Partin Roccaforte '66 (Nick Roccaforte '66), Diane Partin Giuffre '68, Patty Partin Vandever '70, grandmother of Jessica Novakoski Leone '98, Meg Lauckner McLelland '13 (Andrew McLelland '10), Nina Lauckner '16, sister of +Sr. Thomas Margaret Zagst, O.P., former teacher at St. Pius X
Margaret Ann Syzdek, mother of Michelle Syzdek Bartholomew '84, mother-in-law of Tina Marches Syzdek '82, aunt of Susan Syzdek Suter '73, Michael Syzdek '77 and Sally Syzdek Lewis '84 Joseph Tusa, father of +Joseph “Jody” Tusa '76, Anthony Tusa '76, David Tusa '78, Theresa Tusa '79 Dorothy Walkoviak, mother of Joe Walkoviak '65 (Donna Antosh Walkoviak '65), Eugene Walkoviak '66, grandmother of Laura Walkoviak Holthouser '89
Melvin John “Pete” Petry, Jr., grandfather of Anna
William Harlan Wallace, father of Susan Wallace, SPX faculty member
Sister Paula Enderle, O.P., ministered at St. Pius X High School as Dean of Students and Counselor from 1977-80
Sister Lou Ann Hill, O.P., ministered at St. Pius X High School as a Science teacher from 1966-81
Ralph S. Marek, Sr., father of Stan Marek '65 and Tom Marek '69.
beginnings will forever be intertwined with the love and generosity of the Marek family. Ralph once said, “It took a real dream to get a high school in an area that wasn't blessed with a lot of wealth, like other areas in the city.” Ralph was a part of the school's dream. His legacy has made an impact on thousands within our school community, and his desire to improve the lives of students and families at St. Pius X can be seen throughout many generations, and for this we are most thankful.
St. Pius X High School is blessed to have worked closely with Ralph and the Marek family over the decades. He will forever be remembered as a dedicated parent, past parent, a school board member and a generous benefactor. The memories of St. Pius X from its humble
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Parents of Alumni: If you are still receiving your SPX student's Pius News although he/she no longer lives with you, let us know so we can change our records and send the magazine directly to him/her. Please contact the Advancement office at yeagerj@stpiusx.org or at 713.579.7511.
Many of our alumni, parents, and friends have included St. Pius X High School in their wills or estate plans but haven’t had the opportunity to tell us. If your plans include a bequest to St. Pius X that will one day leave a legacy for our students, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generous commitment and welcome you to The Torchbearer Society.
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.
Future support from people like you ensures we continue to provide a strong Dominican, Catholic education for generations of students to come. And by sharing your intentions, we can keep you informed of our mission to uphold the high standards of education which you have come to know and cherish.
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Sharing your plans is easy and places you under no obligation. Contact us today: Mail: 811 W. Donovan St. | Houston, TX 77091 Phone: 713.579.7500 E-mail: clemm@stpiusx.org
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