A Classroom of Friends

Transcription

Spring 2008
the
CHRONICLE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
IN THIS ISSUE
A Classroom
of Friends
Reflections on Fr. Billac
and his many friends
Houston, Texas
The Most Reverend George Murry, SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, delivered the keynote address in the Lowman Theater at
the New Orleans Province Colloquium on Social Justice host by Strake Jesuit, February 21-23. Read more go to page 7.
Table of Contents
Features
My Friend
p. 4
Beyond the Classroom
to Real Solutions
p. 10
Joe Piazza ‘72 Named
Alumnus of the Year
p. 19
Departments
President’s Message - 2
Principal’s Perspective - 3
School News - 7 - 10
Development - 12 - 13
Spirituality - 15
Athletics - 16 - 18
Alumni News - 19 - 20
Class Notes - 21 - 23
Births - 23
In Memoriam - 23
By George - 24
Spring 2008
Vol. 39, No. 3
Editor
Rick Rivers, Director of Communications
Contributors
Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ
Richard Nevle
Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ
Tim Scalzitti ‘90
the
CHRONICLE
OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY
The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
(USPS 024165) Vol. 39, No. 3, Winter Edition,
is published quarterly by Strake Jesuit College
Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston,
TX 77036. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston,
TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory,
8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036-4699.
President
Principal
Richard Nevle
Director of Development
NJ Santarcangelo ‘67
ON THE COVER - Fr. Billac, SJ and some of his
friends from the Class of 2005 take a break from Latin class to celebrate his birthday. Photo by Tommy
Romano.
President’s Message
Earlier today I was leaving my office after meeting with a couple about their upcoming
wedding. It was Sunday morning, and Fr. Billac was sitting in his office. He told me he had
slept in, but had lots of work to do. He had been out late at the home of some parents and
friends celebrating mass for their family guild. He had caught up writing his birthday cards,
all his quizzes were graded, and he was now working on the Day of Recollection that he
was giving to Alumni Mothers.
It is unusual not to find Fr. Billac in his office on the weekend. If he’s not there, he’s
probably off saying mass, celebrating a wedding, a baptism, a funeral. Or he might be relaxing on his outdoor swing and saying his rosary. It is this dedication to his life’s work that
we celebrate on May 10th. He has touched the lives of thousands in his years at Strake
President
Jesuit. In the classroom, on retreat, at the altar, even sharing a cigar at a graduation party,
Fr. Billac loves what he does because he loves his Lord and the Lord’s people.
I hope you will be able to join us on May 10th.
All of us are fortunate at Strake Jesuit. Our faculty and staff are made up of dedicated
and caring individuals. For generations we have been served by devoted Jesuits and lay
men and women who engage in the work of secondary education, not for the money but for
the opportunity to touch the lives of the young. I am proud to work beside them.
After I finished my counseling of the young alum and fiancé this morning, we strolled
through the campus. He hadn’t been back since the athletic center was completed, and
he was anxious to see the progress on the Moran Dining Hall. Like so many of his fellow
alumni, he reminisced about the old weight room with barbells that stained your hands with
rust, about the heat in summer, and the crowds throughout the year. He was impressed
with the recent changes and excited about our current project. These are exciting times at
Strake Jesuit.
Having just passed the $26 million mark in The Greater Glory Capital Campaign – with
a recent anonymous gift of $1 million to our financial aid endowment – I am deeply grateful to all those who have helped make Vision 2008 a reality. By the end of 2008 we will
have completed all we set out to accomplish in that strategic plan we formulated in the fall
of 2002. The Moran Dining Hall, the Clay Student Activity Center, and the Chapel will be
tremendous additions to our campus and will set Strake Jesuit apart in the city of Houston.
The incredible support for our endowment has also been moving to me.
While so many have supported our plan, what people are supporting at the most important level is our mission and the people who implement it on a daily basis. Fr. Billac
will be a special honoree in May, but our progress is a testimony to so many others past
and present – Frs. Alchediak, Jenniskens, Bahlinger, Leininger, Bro. Casey, Messrs. Nevle,
Hosty, Santarcangelo to name just a few – who have lived their lives in service to others
for generations. Join me in thanking them in your prayers, or when you see those who still
cruise the breezeway today.
Know that I am grateful to the men and women who serve our students each day, and I
am grateful for your support which provides us the ability to provide that service to students
from all economic backgrounds. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family.
2
Spring 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t . o r g
This past February Strake Jesuit hosted the New Orleans Province Social Justice Colloquium. This gathering included teachers and
administrators from the Jesuit secondary schools of the New Orleans
province, as well as some faculty from the Collegio Belen in Miami, an
Antilles Provinces school. The Colloquium was jointly sponsored by
the New Orleans Province Assistant for Secondary Education and the
province Social Ministries Commission. So, in addition to teachers and
administrators, members of the New Orleans Province Social Ministries Office and the Jesuit Social Research Institute were part of the
Colloquium. Such gatherings of Jesuit teachers in the South are nothing new, but there had not been such a gathering for nearly a decade
and veterans of previous Colloquia were at a loss as to why we waited
so long to come together. The idea for a colloquium on social justice
came up at a meeting of the province Commission on Social Justice.
Just a few weeks before provincial high school administrators were
to begin working out the details of the Colloquium, Hurricane Katrina
struck. As both the high schools and the Provincial Office addressed
the more immediate issues that came with Katrina and its wake, Colloquium planning was postponed.
As the waters receded, teachers in the high schools and administrators in New Orleans began to put together a program that grew
more impressive with each exchange of emails. Bishop George G.
Murry, SJ of the Diocese of Youngstown delivered the keynote address. Like most Jesuits, Bishop Murry had done his time in “the high
schools.” Besides being a teacher he had been a dean of students
and a high school president. In addition to running his diocese, he
serves on the Domestic Policy and Education Committees of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. He also serves on the Board of
Catholic Relief Services. He understood the topic, Social Justice, as
well as his audience, and his audience understood him.
Besides hearing from sociologists and lawyers, the teachers also
heard from one another. In fact, most of the sessions were conducted
by teachers and people active in social work from around the province.
A team of English teachers from Dallas described how they used film
to connect the drug trade and the web of death it creates not just for
the users and the dealers, but for innocent bystanders as well. Tampa
Jesuit teachers detailed their international social justice program and
a Strake Jesuit teacher connected the theological and philosophical roots which underpin
Catholic teaching on social justice. A young
Jesuit priest-lawyer and veteran of numerous
immigration cases, made his own convincing
case on how to improve our immigration policy
and practices. As with past gatherings, the
power of the Social Justice Colloquium was in
the power of teachers teaching teachers.
Such presentations have a ring of truth
and utility that transcends any of the lectures
teaches hear at most conventions and lecture
halls. One of the reasons for the effectiveness
of such meetings of teachers is the power of
trust. Both the presenters and the audience
are very familiar with the class room experience. They know youngsters and they know what gets and keeps their attention. They know
what turns them off and when they hear about the success of a new
approach from someone they trust, they are far more likely to accept
and implement that approach.
The Jesuit teachers attending the conferences came from five different schools stretching from Dallas to Miami. They included priests,
brothers, nuns, scholastics and lay men and women. Some, like this
writer, were wizened veterans while others were new both to the profession of teaching and to “our way of proceeding –the Jesuit way of
doing things.” They understood terms like cura personalis, cura apostolica, and magis, and they had all heard the phrase Men for Others
and seen it put into practice in a myriad ways on a regular basis. So
when they listened and talked, and sometimes challenged one another, there were many voices and they came from many perspectives
– those of their disciplines, their regions, and their personal idiosyncracies - but the values, goals, and mission they shared came from
one heart.
Even better than teachers teaching teachers, the Colloquium provided the opportunity for students to teach teachers. For over a year
Strake Jesuit’s Drama Director, Michael Sullivan, had been searching
for a play that his charges, the Southwell Players, could present for
the Colloquium. About every three months he would stop me in the
hall and say something like, “I found this great dialog that will flesh out
ideas we will be discussing at the Colloquium.” A few months later I
would ask Mr. Sullivan how the dialog was coming and Mike would say
something like, “I don’t think that it works, so I’m looking at this other
script.”
Finally, Mike admitted that there was no script that would do what
he and his players wanted to accomplish. So they took cuttings from
the speeches of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador and plays
like the “Elephant Man” and the “Laramie Project,” not to mention
the Sermon on the Mount and a monologue from Studs Turkle. In the
endm, Mr. Sullivan and the Southwell Players and created their own
drama. When their performance was done the teachers spent over
a half an hour more applauding the actors and asking them about
how they had come to choose a particular reading or way of staging a reading. These were teachers who had
spent entire careers patiently and politely
watching student dramas, but in that powerful
common experience of a shared emotion that
only real theater can give, the students taught
their teachers and inspired them. They added
another dimension of reality that taught their
teachers in the audience a new way of looking
at things, but just as importantly, they let the
teachers know that what they were teaching
was being learned.
The Chronicle 3
My friend
by Tim Scalzitti ‘90
Tim Scalzitti ‘90 is the Alumni Director at Strake Jesuit. As such, he works and interacts with Fr. Chris Billac, SJ on a daily basis in
his role as Alumni Chaplain. However, their interaction extends well beyond that official capacity. Each morning and afternoon, as
Fr. Billac enters and leaves the Hamilton Building where he has his office, he passes Tim’s office and always stops in for a beginning of the day or end of the day visit. In addition, Tim drives his friend to his doctor’s appointments, makes sure his alumni birthday
cards get in the mail on time, and much more. On these pages, Tim provides his personal insight along with those of other Alumni,
into Fr. Billac’s role at Jesuit and the impact his has had on so many lives.
I
t usually starts with a little chuckle and I know a good story is coming.
Whether we are at school or in the car, that is how many conversations begin between
Fr.
r. Billac and me. I have learned the quotes of Fr. Harry Thompson, SJ and been regaled
with
ith many stories of students, Alumni and their parents, family, friends, and fellow Jesuits.
“You know my good friend…” or “My very good
The first line of the story always begins
b
friend…”
iend…” or some variation of that theme.
the
What has always struck me is that this is how he refers to so many people. It is obvious
what is important to him. Sean Hanratty ’81 put it best when he said of Fr. Billac, “It is what
he is first – a friend.”
Any story about Fr. Billac must be one about his personal relationships – his friendships.
At a recent lunch with Frank Rynd ’70 and Mark Davidson ’71, two of many of Fr. Billac’s
friends, Mark said that one of the things he admired most about Fr. Billac was his “dedication to mission.” By that he meant not just his dedication to his mission as a priest, but also
to his missions in life. In addition to the priesthood those include his mission to teaching
and to friendship.
The more I thought about Mark’s observation, the more I realized how intertwined his
individual missions are – how they all allow him to be the person he is. Mark also observed
that Fr. Billac “was a Man for Others before the term was coined.” (Being a person with a
great sense of humor and a great ability to laugh at himself, Fr. Billac would probably say
that’s because he was born in Jesus’ time.)
4
Spring 2008
When I asked him about the
W
list,
list I was amazed at his memory ffor the details, remembering
names
and places and dates
na
for so many of the services. It
was
wa a real gift to watch him recall
ca and listen to the stories –
evidence
of how much he apev
preciates
the gift he provides
pre
through
these sacraments to
th
his friends.
Like
a true friend, he has
L
also
given of himself to his
al
friends
in their times of need
fri
as well. Fr. Billac has been
called
on many times to perca
form
fo the sacrament of anointing
in of the sick and to perform
Over the years, Fr. Billac has officiated at over 170 Alumni
wake
services or funerals
w
weddings (such as the one for Matthew ‘91 and Lesley Clinton for deceased loved ones of
in 2003 pictured here) and the baptism of their children.
his friends. Like the calls to
perform weddings and baptisms, such occasions are evidence that his
The Priest
has been a member of the Soci- many friends call upon him for all the imporFr/. Billac ha
ety of Jesus now for more than 55 years. He tant events in their lives. Many times he is one
and Fr. Michael Alchediak both took their final of the first people they call after a loved one
vows together in the old Smith Gym on cam- passes, knowing immediately that they want
pus in early February 1971, just days after the his presence and need his friendship at that
school’s financial problems began. Fr. Billac difficult time.
Possibly the biggest gift he gives to his
recently recalled that by taking those vows
then, especially the vow of poverty, it held friends through his mission of the priesthood
extra significance for them during the difficult is the sacrament of reconciliation. Countless
times ahead for the Jesuit community and the Alumni have gone to confession to Fr. Billac
when they were students at Strake Jesuit. Paschool.
His mission of the priesthood is closely tied tiently, he has heard many confessions and,
to his mission as a friend. He has tirelessly while not judging, absolved their sins and
given of his services to the Strake Jesuit com- helped them to live better lives. l know that Fr.
munity through this mission, especially through Billac holds this sacrament in great reverence
the sacraments of marriage, baptism, anoint- understanding the gift that reconciliation is.
At a recent school function, I heard the wife
ing of the sick, and reconciliation.
Fr. Billac recently supplied me with a list of an alumnus who is also the mother of a curof all the people he performed weddings or rent student tell Fr. Billac that her son told her
baptisms for that were members of the Strake that recently he had heard her son’s confesJesuit community. He gave me 30 handwritten sion. She told him that her son understood the
pages of details of the many ceremonies he liturgical significance of this sacrament and he
has witnessed. When I counted them all up, understood the bond of friendship that comes
there were nearly 170 such ceremonies he has from it. She said her husband, the alum, also
been a part of. (That does not even count the had the sacrament of reconciliation from Fr.
ones he performed for his family or ones he did Billac as a student.
while at Tampa Jesuit.) Amazingly it was almost evenly split between weddings and bap- The Teacher
Fr. Billac’s teaching career began in 1959
tisms and I was not surprised to see that, for
many Alumni, he not only performed their wed- at his “alma mater,” Jesuit High New Orleans.
ding ceremony but also baptized their children. He began his tenure at Strake Jesuit in the fall
So many of the names were familiar to me of 1967 by teaching Theology and World Hisbecause many of them are people he spends tory. The next year he moved to teaching Latin
time with today, at dinner at their house, at holi- and Theology and he taught those subjects
until the summer of 1982. During this time he
day parties they have, as their friend.
also assisted the Debate Team and, among
other duties, moderated the Latin Club and
was the Chaplain for the J.V. football teams.
After moving to Jesuit High School in Tampa,
Florida, where he continued to teach Theology
and Latin, he returned to Strake Jesuit in the
fall of 1991. In addition to teaching Theology
and Latin, he had a new title of Alumni Director,
a position he held through the late 1990’s.
Those are the facts, but there is so much
more to the story.
The classroom is where Fr. Billac’s friendships begin to form. “The alumni he knows
now as friends, many of them were his students and being teenagers, were not always
well behaved,” recalled Davidson.
More recently, if Fr. Billac was frustrated
by the behavior of his students he would, in
his words, ‘pull a Toye,’ meaning that he yelled
at the students that day as Fr. Richard Toye,
SJ was known to do quite often. Even as frustrated as he might get with his students on a
particular day, when he stops by my office to
tell me the story, he’ll laugh at how funny it is,
knowing that they will outgrow this stage of
life. He certainly has the understanding of the
adolescent mind but, more importantly, knows
that many of the students he teaches today will
The Chronicle 5
Lessons learned in Fr. Billac’s Latin or
Theology class extend well beyond just the
curriculum of the subjects. The classroom is
where his friendships begin.
grow up to be his friends. Never one to simply
judge them upon the actions during their time
as students, he has the experience and insight
to see the good in them and forgive their misbehavior.
Without a doubt Fr. Billac is, in the best
Jesuit traditions, a well educated man and a
great teacher. I have heard over and over from
Alumni that many of the things they learned in
his class, while they may not have understood
them then, as they moved on in life they find
the true lesson in them. I have also heard many
stories from alumni who may not remember
the lessons of Latin class, but do remember
the life lessons from their time with Fr. Billac as
their teacher.
He is certainly also known for his storytelling and sense of fun he brings to class. “About
‘Fatha B’, as we called him, he once told us of
Rome’s birthday and so we brought cupcakes
to class,” recalled Nathan Ledesma ’05. “From
then on, anytime it was a holiday of any kind,
we would bring cupcakes or cake. Funny thing
is, as much as he did not want to take time
out of class to celebrate the Chinese New Year
or some other unrelated holiday, he could not
turn down a delicious slice of vanilla cake with
frosting. Of course, we always ate while we
discussed the day’s vocabulary.”
The Friend
“He’s the most genuine person I know,”
Frank Rynd ’70 said of Fr. Billac. “He does not
try to hide anything about himself and, when
you are with him, you know that he is being
himself and sharing himself with you.”
“It’s a lost art – writing a letter,” noted Marcel Frey ’74. “Today everyone e-mails or sends
text messages. I am always so touched when
I receive my yearly birthday card and letter
from him. He doesn’t just simply write ‘Happy
Birthday’ but writes two pages normally. It’s great to get
a personal letter from a friend
on your birthday.”
I have had the privilege of
assisting him over the last few
years with the Alumni Mothers’ Retreat held each Lent. It
is wonderful to see the alumni
mothers who come to the retreat and their love for him.
There are quite a few of them
that I just assume will attend,
without their having to call to
let me know. I know they will
be there to hear their friend, to
spend time with him in this retreat setting. I also know how
much he looks forward to this
event each year, his opportunity
y
to socialize with and be a spiri-tual guide to his friends.
Alumni Director Tim Scalzitti ‘90 (left) and Fr. Billac have
Then there are the friends
teamed-up for several years at the Annual Fantasy Auction
he does not yet know - the fuand their Alumni Dinners have become quite the hot item.
ture students of Strake Jesuit
who will benefit from the generosity of many Billac. They want to honor their friend – who
who honor Fr. Billac by giving to his scholar- again gives of himself – by giving his time actship endowment. The endowment is some- ing as the guest host for the dinner.
I recall a comment made by Roy Duff ‘81
thing that he holds dear because he knows its
significance both in the history of Strake Jesuit when he said how Fr. Billac has made friends
– many of his friends today were students who with so many Strake Jesuit Alumni who he did
attended because of the financial aid program not teach.
While I never had the privilege of having
– and the future of the school.
Fr. Billac and I have teamed up over the Fr. Billac as a teacher in the classroom, like so
last five years to offer a dinner to be sold at the many Alumni understand, he has taught me so
Auction. The proceeds from the Auction benefit much. He has taught me to reflect on my own
the financial aid program, so Fr. Billac is glad “dedication to mission” - husband, father, son,
to lend his name and his presence. As much brother, friend, Alumni director. To use a line
as my ego may want to believe that people buy from St. Ignatius’ Prayer of Generosity, “to give
this dinner because of the meal, I know very and to not count the cost.”
And for that, I want to thank my friend.
well that they buy the dinner because of Fr.
On Saturday, May 10, Strake Jesuit will host a gala dinner at the
Marriott Westchase to honor Fr. Chris Billac, SJ. The dinner will
celebrate his many years of service to Strake Jesuit in the classroom
as well as his dedication to the school’s alumni as Alumni Chaplain
- service and dedication that we hope and expect him to continue
into the future.
All of the proceeds from the evening, at his request, will raise funds
for the Christopher Billac, SJ Endowed Scholarship.
Table sponsorships and individual table and tickets are available
now and can be purchased online through the Jesuit web site.
Simply go to www.strakejesuit.org and click on Billac Gala in the
Quick Links box on the home page.
6
Spring 2008
school news
schoo
SCHOOL NEWS
Jesuit Hosts Provincial Colloquium on Social Justice
For the first time in 10 years, rep-
on their
the experience, engage in proper social analysis, rely
resentatives of all of the high schools in
upon their faith tradition for moral guidance and act to
the New Orleans Province of the Society
change
chan to the world.”
of Jesus came together for a colloquium
Over
the course of the next two days, attendees
O
and they came together at Strake Jesuit.
chose
chos among many break-out sessions with a range of
The focus of the colloquium, “Service,
topics
topic related to Social Justice. Among the topics was
Generosity, and Understanding,” was So-
“A G
Guide to Catholic Educators on Immigration,” “Faith
cial Justice.
and Reason: The Roots of Christian Service,” “Make a
Over three days, February 21-23,
Difference,
Reap the Rewards, Invest in Volunteerism,”
Diffe
more than 45 faculty and staff members
“A G
Guide for Catholic Educators on Racism” and many
from Dallas Jesuit, Jesuit High School in
more.
mor
New Orleans, Tampa Jesuit and Belen Je-
The event also included a presen-
suit in Miami joined with the Strake Jesuit
tation
by the Strake Jesuit Drama Departtat
ment
me which featured a collection of scenes
faculty for the gathering.
and readings with attention to issues of
The colloquium was officially opened
with a keynote address by Very Reverend
Social
Justice. The performance was folSo
George V. Murry, SJ, Ph.D., Bishop of the
lowed
low by a short talk-back discussion ses-
Diocese of Youngstown. In his remarks,
sion.
sio
Bishop Murry put the role of the teaching
Top left: Bishop George Murry, SJ
opened the colloquium with a keynote
address in the Lowman Theater.
Bottom Left: Fr. Tom Greene, SJ led one
of the many break-out sessions.
of Social Justice into perspective. He told
the gathering that including Social Justice
teaching would help them “to grow and
develop leaders who will constantly reflect
Crusaders Named to All-State Band, Orchestra, and Choir
When the Texas Private School Music Educators Association
(TPSMEA) announced their All-State Band, Orchestra, and Choir
members, Strake Jesuit was represented well in all three groups
by the following students:
Top to Bottom:
All-State Orchestra Members: (left to right) Grant Gordon,
Michael Ehrenkanz, Orchestra Director Guillermo HernandezChiang, and Simon Lee
All-State Band Members: (left to right) Sebastian Kawar,
Michael Elmer, Daniel Miller, Colin Roach, Kyle Cousino, John
Culbreteh, and Justin Chaney, Jr.
All-State Choir Members: Back row (left to right) - Andrew
Loperena, Stephen Janda, Sina Balogun, Andrew Schnieder
3rd row (left to right)- Luke Novick, Walker Smith, Rheme
Sloane, Justin Jones
2nd row (left to right) - Gukaren Singh, Matt Stubbs, Jack Vargas, Alexander Lach
1st row (left to right) - Jared Castillo, Matt Frazier, Jacob
Walker
w w w . s t r a k e j e sui t . o r g
The Chronicle 7
school news
SCHOOL NEWS
Jesuit Alumni, Parents Playing Key Roles
in Houston Cristo Rey School Development
For members of the Strake Je-
vein. Long committed to the cause
suit community, there was little ques-
of Catholic education, Nugent, a vice
tion about their desire to get involved
president at BMC Software, Inc., was
in the planning of the proposed Cristo
part of a group of parents whose ef-
Rey high school, which will provide a
forts led to the founding of John Paul
Jesuit, college preparatory educa-
II, an elementary school in West Hous-
tion to traditionally under served stu-
ton, in 1988.
dents in Houston. Whether parent
H
Her particular interest in the Cristo
or alum (and in many cases, both),
Rey school is to find corporate partners
the urge to do something has ev-
to ssponsor jobs for the students. “I hope
erything to do with fulfilling the Je-
it’s my legacy to say that I was involved
suit ideal of being Men and Women
in starting two phenomenal Catho-
for Others.
lic schools in Houston,” she said. “My
“Just the concept itself is so
gift is not really in academia or grant
powerful,” said Rob Dunn ’94, a
fou
foundation
work. I’m an executive at a
member of the Cristo Rey advisory
cor
corporation,
and I can hopefully attract
board whose father, Bob ’69, is also
oth corporations.”
other
an advisory board member. Dunn,
F
For
Susan Fernbach, whose son
a lawyer in Houston, saw a 60 Min-
An
Andre
Boudreaux will graduate from
St
Strake
Jesuit in 2009, it was her own
utes report a few years ago on the
founder of the Cristo Rey Network,
mostly low
low-income
income African
African-American
American and His
His-
experienc in another culture that made it so
experience
Fr. John Foley, SJ; the show piqued his inter-
panic students.
important to see the Cristo Rey school come to
est and touched his heart.
The school, which would open in the fall of
fruition. A nurse at Baylor College of Medicine
“To see the effect that the original Chica-
2009, combines class work with a work-study
who works with children with genetic diseases,
go school has had on these kids who never
program through which students finance the
Fernbach was on a medical mission trip to
thought past finishing high school, and now
majority of the cost of their education. Nine-
Guatemala several years ago when she met a
they’re talking about college,” Dunn said, mar-
teen other Cristo Rey model schools in urban
little boy in sixth grade.
veling at the change in those young lives. That
areas across the U.S. are already educating
Smart, with a “dazzling smile,” as she re-
was all he needed to hear.
students who could likely otherwise not be
called, he was a sad child nonetheless, “be-
able to afford to attend Catholic school.
cause he knew the rest of his life was essen-
Some of Strake Jesuit’s staff has been
involved in the early stages on behalf of the
Cristo Rey students – more than 4,000
tially going to be spent picking coffee beans.”
school. As Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ noted, “I’m
in 19 schools nationwide – come from fami-
His educational opportunities were at an end
very excited about a second Jesuit high school
lies with average yearly incomes of $33,700.
at the tender age of 11 or 12. Watching her
in Houston. While it will serve a different popu-
In 2007, 99% of graduates enrolled in two- or
own child and his friends, who some days had
lation and incorporate the Corporate Internship
four-year colleges. In the Houston area, only
to be prodded just to get out of bed and get
Program, it will be another way for the Society
20% of African-Americans have earned an as-
dressed for class, she remembered that little
of Jesus to serve the Church in Houston. This
sociates degree or higher and only 13% of His-
boy whose carefree school days were at an
is a perfect city for a Cristo Rey school. I am
panics have done the same. Cristo Rey hopes
end.
confident it will be a great success, and I am
to make a dent in the city’s educational divide.
“To see a child so unhappy that he couldn’t
Mary Nugent, whose sons Daniel ’04 and
go back to school,” she said, was deeply affect-
A feasibility study for the Houston school
John ’00 - now a Jesuit scholastic, studying for
ing. When the Cristo Rey project came around,
is nearly complete and an advisory board is re-
the priesthood - attended Strake Jesuit, said
“I jumped at the opportunity to be involved here
viewing everything from site selection to curric-
it was in part the positive impact of a Jesuit
with kids who might not have this opportunity.”
ulum development – not to mention recruiting
education on their lives that prompted her to
corporate partners to employ future students.
become involved.
committed to providing support to it.”
Hopes are high for the school, which will be
“And of course, I can’t say no to my sons,”
located in an urban area and will likely enroll
she joked, before continuing in a more serious
8
Spring 2008
To learn more about the Houston Cristo
Rey project and to find out how you or your
business can become involved, please visit
www.cristoreyhouston.org.
school news
schoo
SCHOOL NEWS
Senior Claims State Debate Title - Three Debaters in Top 10
As if battling the weather and delays weren’t
ship ability and skill as a teacher,” commented
enough, David Donatti ‘08 of Strake Jesuit
enou
Debate Coach Jerry Crist. “He is remarkably
also battled over 150 competitors from both
well read and has the ability to convey that
publ and private high schools from across
public
information to the rest of the students. Not
the state and emerged from a huge field to
only has he had tremendous success, he has
take the championship of the Lanier Law
played a significant role in the success of ev-
Firm Texas Forensic Association (TFA)
eryone else.”
Sta Tournament on Saturday, March 8 in
State
Overall, the Strake Jesuit team had seven
Co
Coppell,
Texas. Donatti won in the finals on
debaters advance to out rounds. That number
3 ballot.
a 3-0
was double the number of any other teams.
TFA State Tournament is the larg-
Individually Paul Tyger ‘09 and Todd Liipfert
est statewide championship in the United
‘08 tied for 5th and Phillip Wiggins ‘08 placed
Sta
States.
As such, its trophies and titles are
9th. This is the second state championship for
pa
particularly
coveted.
Jesuit in three years.
In the March National Rankings done
“I think that the difference in the teams per-
by Victory Briefs, the Jesuit Debate Team
formance for this year’s team is the amount of
cla
claimed
three spots in the top ten, the only
work they put in during the weeks leading up
sc
school
with more than one member in the
to the tournament,” noted Debate Coach Jerry
g
group.
Donatti was ranked fourth while
Crist. “They would stay each day until 5:00
te
teammates
Paul Tyger ‘09 ranked sixth
pm discussing positions and debating practice
a Todd Liipfert ‘08 ranked eighth.
and
rounds. All of the hard work was rewarded
“David is different than prior team
David Donatti ‘08, State Debate Chamnpion
with success.”
presidents because of his remarkable leader-
Jesuit Offers “Our Ignatian Foundation” Lecture Series
In response to the ex-
These lectures will be a
pressed need from current
way to share the Jesuit tradi-
“Ignatius of Loyola: A Brief Biography” -
parents, alumni parents,
tion with all and to bring in
tions
Presented by Richard Nevle, Strake Jesuit
and friends of the school
mor of our families to an unmore
Principal
to be “educated” in the Ig-
ders
derstanding
of what it means
A brief overview of the life of St. Ignatius
natian way, this spring Je-
to sshare in the Ignatian/Jesuit
and his transformation from a soldier to that
suit will begin a year-long
par
paradigm
and mission of the
of a spiritual director.
lecture series, “Our Igna-
Soc
Society
of Jesus. Particular-
tian Foundation.”
h
ly, here
at Strake Jesuit.
- April 1 - 7:00 pm - Lowman Theater
- May 13 - 7:00 pm - Lowman Theater
School Chaplain and
Additionally, the series
“The Spiritual Exercises: A Model of En-
Director of Pastoral Min-
can create a space and
countering God” - Presented by Michele
istry Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ
com
community
that meets reg-
Catanese, member of the Strake Jesuit
said, “So many of our fami-
ula
ularly
Theology faculty
lies come to our school and
bre
bread
and opens the word
A deeper review of the Spiritual Exercises,
hear the buzz words we use
tog
together.
This sharing and
which St. Ignatius developed to help us be-
so often like “Magis,” “Men
lea
learning
together will only
come in touch with God’s presence within
and
shares/breaks
for Others,” “Cura Personalis,” “AMDG,”
strengthen our bond as members of the
“Spiritual Exercises,” and so many others.
Strake Jesuit family, but more importantly,
Our goal in putting together this lecture se-
as members of the Church and Body of
ries is to invite families to learn and to reflect
Christ.
on our Ignatian Mission.”
The series will begin this spring with
two lectures:
us and the world.
For more information and to stay in-
formed about the lecture series as it begins
again next fall, use the Quick Links box on
the school web site and click on ‘Ignatian
Series.’
The Chronicle 9
school news
sch
SCHOOL NEWS
IN THE CLASSROOM
Beyond the Classroom to Real Solutions
Teacher to Present at National Conference on Projects in Computer Science Class
Computer Science Department Chair Trip Norkus, a 1995 gradu-
ate of Strake Jesuit, wanted to create a class for his more proficient
students. However, he wanted to develop something more than just
an upper level class in programming. He wanted to give them more
real-world, hands-on experience, to go through the process of visiting with a client, listening and understanding their needs, and then
creating a solution.
The result is his Projects in Computer Science class. Now in
its fifth year, by most any measure the class has been a big success.
“Before starting the class here four years ago,” he recalls, “I met
with the professor who had taught me during my senior year at
the University of Texas. She handed over a great deal of planning
materials and we discussed how to organize the course in a high
school setting.”
Norkus noticed almost immediately that the students in the
class gravitated to the hands-on aspects of the course rather than the
project-planning materials. He made the decision to let the students’
interest in technology guide things.
In terms of real projects and real solutions, the school itself has ben-
Trip Norkus ‘95 (above) returned to Strake Jesuit in 2003 as an
inaugural member of the Alumni Service Corps. He remained as a
full-time member of faculty. Prior to his return, he worked both as a
software engineer and as an IT consultant.
efited from the class and the students’ work. Last year, his class took
“When applying for the conference in the fall, I definitely did not think
on the task of building an online Test Board for the school. Since school
that I would be accepted,” he admits. “Most presentations focus on
policy limits the number of exams a student can have in a single day,
some aspect of the AP curriculum, while my presentation is geared for
teachers used to post their exam schedule on a dry erase board in the
teachers looking for an alternative to teaching the traditional multi-year
faculty workroom. Now, with the help of Norkus’ class, they can simply
AP curriculum.”
do it online. Teachers login, navigate to the day that they want to sched-
He added that he is looking forward to letting Computer Science
ule a test and, if a slot is available, they can put it on the calendar. The
teachers from other high schools hear about Jesuit’s curriculum and
Test Board can also be viewed by students and parents through the
the great software that his students have developed, so that they will
school web site to look at upcoming exams.
consider it as an alternative to the traditional model.
This is just one of the success stories of Norkus’ Projects class. This
Time will only tell, but success tends to breed success. The way that
overall success led him to submit a proposal to make a presentation on
Computer Science high school teachers look at their curriculum may be
the course at the College Board’s 2008 AP Annual Conference in July,
on the verge of seeing big changes. And who knows, they may someday
2008. Norkus was recently notified that the conference’s Steering Com-
point to Mr. Norkus’ class at Strake Jesuit as the place where that move-
mittee had accepted his proposal.
ment started.
Students Take Part in D.C. March
A group of 22 students and 6 chaperones from Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes
Academy attended the 35th Anniversary March for Life in Washington, DC
this past January. The group visited the Holocaust Museum, the John Paul
II museum, attended the Mass for Life at the Basilica of the Immaculate
Conception, participated in the Cardinal O’Connor Conference at Georgetown University and attended the Mass at Gonzaga College High School.
The visit culminated in the March along with a crowd of about 200,000
people.
10
Spring 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s ui t . o r g
Why We Choose to Give
W
When
it came time for us to revise our wills, since we
don’t have children, our plan was to distribute virtually
d
aall of our estate to a portfolio of faith-based causes. We
received advice to look at institutions which had estabre
lished an excellent track record of investing and achievli
ing superior returns, much they same way we would
in
eevaluate a money manager to manage our assets.
In our view, Strake Jesuit is the best ‘investment manageer’ in our group of faith-based causes. Not only is Jesuit
on that list, it is the foremost beneficiary of our estate, a
o
fact that we are both proud of.
fa
Rick ‘76 and Shana Walker
JJesuit’s track record of achieving good returns on invvestment is evident on two levels. Most obvious is the
tr
track record of shaping young men that are spiritually,
intellectually, socially and physically equipped to bring a positive impact
to our world. Equally as important as the product Jesuit produces is the
responsible manner in which it conducts its fiscal affairs.
We offer thanks to the many directors, faculty, staff, alumni and parents
whose collective wisdom, management and sacrifice have enabled Strake
Jesuit to evolve into one of the most admired secondary education institutions in our city and state.
More than the thanks we offer, we pledge our long term support to Jesuit
through our estate planning decision. We urge all of you in the Strake Jesuit community to consider a planned giving gift as you are able.
For more information on The Loyola Society and Planned Giving at Strake Jesuit,
contact N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67 in the Office of Development at 713.490.8152.
The Chronicle 11
devel
development
DEVELOPMENT
Benefactors Enjoy Night of Appreciation
at Annual President’s Dinner
Over 350 of Strake Jesuit’s major benefactors
gathered on Sunday, February 10 at The Houstonian
Hotel for the annual President’s Dinner. The event was
an opportunity for President Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ to
thank Jesuit’s supporters for their contributions and efforts on behalf of the school and its mission.
In his prepared remarks, Fr. Lahart emphasized the
importance of the work done at Strake Jesuit every day.
That it is during these critical years that the seeds are
planted in the young men at Jesuit to go on and become
the leaders of tomorrow in medicine, the law, and in every walk of life.
In conclusion he said, “Strake Jesuit has never been
stronger than it is today. Strong because of your support,
strong because of our mission, strong because we have
been blessed by God. For this I am filled with gratitude,
and I vow that we as an institution and as the Jesuit Community will continue to be generous in our own response.
We will continue to grow our financial aid, to improve ourr
retreat and service programs, to provide the facilities thatt
support our mission, to support our faculty in their classroom excellence
and support our students and families in their various needs.
“Tonight is a small way of saying ‘thank you’ for all that you, and
Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ expresses his gratitude to the many school benefactors who gathered at The Houstonian Hotel for the annual President’s
Dinner.
so many others, do to serve Strake Jesuit. With your time, your com-
Those who contribute at the President’s Club level and above are
mitment, your confidence, and your financial support, you make us the
invited to the annual event. Next year the dinner is scheduled to be on
excellent educational program that we are.”
campus in the new Clay Activity Center and Moran DIning Hall.
Markle Steel Field Gets Press Box, Additional Seating
12
Spring 2008
Thanks to the generosity of a Strake Jesuit supporter as well
as a group of current baseball parents, as of this spring, Markle
Steel Baseball Field now has a new press box and seating behind home plate.
When completed originally in 2004 as the first project under
The Greater Glory Capital Campaign, the new field had sets
of bleachers down both the first and third base lines. The new
bleachers directly behind home plate give the field almost continuous seating from dugout to dugout.
The new press box is a welcome addition as it will now be
home to the public address announcer as well as members of
the media.
development
DEVELOPMENT
THE GREATER GLORY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
New Dining Hall on Track for Completion by Summer
The final phase of The Greater Glory Capital
Once the new dining hall is complete, work
faculty, and staff. The most dominate feature of
Campaign is well on its way to completion. The
will begin almost immediately on the razing of
the new chapel, and highly visible, will be the
first part of this final phase, the conversion of
the existing cafeteria. It is on this site that the
distinctive bell tower. At the base of the tower,
the Smith Gymnasium into the W.T. and Louise
much-awaited Student Activity Center will be
a space will be created to house the Sanctuary
J. Moran Dining Hall should be complete by
built. With a targeted completion date of the
Light, proclaming the presence of the Blesses
early June.
end of the fall 2008 semester, this new facility
Sacrament. The light will be visible from the
will immediately become the centerpoint of the
outside. There will also be a Prayer Garden,
Jesuit campus.
which will provide a quiet space for contempla-
That conversion began the day after the
ground-breaking ceremony in mid-November,
2007. Since then, the three walls on the east-,
The Center will be a three-story building
west, and north side of the gym have come
with a window-enclosed atrium. It will house
By the spring of 2009, a year from now, the
down and the floor and goals have been re-
the Pastoral Ministry Center and Spirit Store
projects called for in The Greater Glory Capital
moved.
as well as new offices for the yearbook, stu-
Campaign will be complete. The result will be
dent newspaper, debate, the arts as well as
that, in just five years, the Jesuit campus will
SJET and SJET studios.
have gone through the most dramatic stage of
When students return for the start of the
2008-2009 school year, they will have lunch
in the new Moran Dining Hall with seating for
Attached to the Clay Center will be the new
600. In addition, they will see progress being
Chapel. With seating for 150, the new chapel
made on the construction of the new Clay Ac-
will provide a new space for daily Masses as
tivity Center.
well as personal reflection time for students,
tion.
new construction and physical improvement in
the school’s history.
Top: Soon after ground-breaking last November, the external walls, the gym floor,
and the basketball floor ofthe Smith Gym were removed.
Middle: By mid-March, the foundation for the servery (kitchen) part of the new
Dining Hall was in and the walls were beginning to go up.
Bottom: Once the Dining Hall is complete, work will begin to raze the cafeteria to
make room for the new Clay Student Activity Center and the Chapel.
The Chronicle 13
When you
Sponsor a
student,
your gift
comes with
a face
and
a name.
Whether you have been a longtime
contributor to Strake Jesuit, or you have just been
waiting for the right opportunity to get involved,
consider sponsoring a financial aid student.
As a Sponsor, you will be able to meet the student and
watch him grow throughout his Jesuit experience.
It is a very personal and rewarding way to reach out to
a deserving young man and impact his life
in a meaningful way.
For more information, contact NJ Santarcangelo ‘67 in
the Development Office at 713.490.8152.
14
Spring 2008
spirituality
SPIRITUALITY
How is my driving?
by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ
“He did not go by the direct route that leads to Barcelona, as he might have met those who knew him and
would honor him, but he took a byway that led him to a town called Manresa.”
From the autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Driving in Houston can be an ad-
in the church at Montserrat, near the
venture. Recently, I was on Beltway
a
altar of Our Lady. Narrow lanes, merg-
8 driving north of our campus and
in
ing lanes, no shoulder lanes: The pil-
found myself stuck in traffic right at
g
grim--on his way to greater union with
Beltway 8 and I-10.
G
God--took a turn for the better. Instead
o
of going through the roads that would
The blinking lights on top of work
find him shelter and honor, he decided
road signs ahead of me added to
to take a byway and found himself in
what was already a rather uneventful
M
Manresa. From then on, Iñigo’s life-
and boring drive. Road work ahead,
jo
journey became a path of faith and
narrowing lanes, merging lanes,
ccomplete surrendering to God’s will.
and no shoulder lanes, all at once!
It’s pretty amazing how we manage
Iñ
Iñigo took on the beggar’s cloak and
to get where we want to go around
re
remained on his knees before the altar
Houston.
o
of our Lady, with staff in hand, choosin
ing to serve and to honor, not his own
The radio, a myriad of sounds, was
w
will, but God’s greater glory.
dull. Some Tejano romantic ballad is
playing on one of the Spanish radio
L
Life may often feel as though we are
stations. Hit the seek button on the
sstuck in traffic. How is my driving? You
radio panel: accordion sounds, alter-
m
may ask yourself, again and again.
native rock, classic rock, and then the
D
Dead ends, speed bumps, merg-
voice of Mattress Mack, proclaiming his good news “Save you money,
ing traffic, and construction work can be overwhelming as we travel
Today!!!” The news on the war, over 2,000 U.S. casualties since the
through the highways and byways of our lives. In the life of St. Ignatius
war on terror began. Hillary, Obama, McCain, gas prices skyrocketed
of Loyola, we have an example of changing lanes that led to a fruitful
again. This is quite a traffic jam, I thought.
new way of living for God and for others.
Is there a shortcut to where I need to go? Should I take Memorial
Sometimes, the road that we take may not be the fastest route to our
Drive? It’s almost 5:00 pm; do I want to go through the messy roads
destination, but it may lead us to contemplate new avenues of living
around Memorial City Mall? Would that be a faster road? Gessner
and perhaps, a renewal of purpose in life.
seems impossible to get to, I am simply stuck, or am I?
How is the Lord inviting us to take the byways and new routes in our
Iñigo de Loyola, as he began his spiritual journey, one providential
lives?
night in 1522, decided to take on the life of a pilgrim, a beggar. After
making a general confession, he asked permission from his confes-
How is our driving, our journeying, and our pilgrimage these days?
sor to give up his horse, hang up his sword and dagger leaving them
The Chronicle 15
ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL
Hoopsters Claim First UIL District Title
The start of district
ers fell just short in the final
proved shaky as the
sec
seconds
in their quest for a
cornerstone of their program as the Crusad-
#1
district-ranked
stat appearance. Though
state
ers started their 2007-2008 campaign. Com-
Cy Spring Panthers
the wouldn’t attain their
they
ing into the season, the team would find high
got the best of the
ma
main
goal, Head Coach
expectations early on as the Crusaders found
Crusaders
Wa
Wayne
themselves ranked #8 in the state by the Tex-
1st match up. It was
the team of the foundation
as Association of Basketball Coaches and #6
from that point the
tha had been laid as he
that
by the Houston Chronicle.
ath
athletics
Trust, Intensity, Sacrifice, Unity. This would
be the motto for Jesuit basketball and the
in
their
Jones
reminded
Crusaders would go
bid farewell to his graduat-
Out of the gate, the Crusaders looked to
on a 14-2 run through-
ing seniors. “Getting young
live up to their billing with big tournament wins
out the rest of district
me
men
like Austin Claunch,
starting with the Magnolia Invitational where
that would give the
M
Mark
Reed, Trent Rogers,
they won the championship. Another visit to
program its first ever
Br
Brian
Tate, Ben Vuong,
the annual Texas Jamboree against #8 state
UIL District Title, as
Ja
James
Wiseman helped to
ranked Dallas Kimball would prove challeng-
they claimed the 17-5A
pu the program back on
put
ing right before the Crusaders participated in
district championship.
th road to success and
the
the Lee College Classic. They would be tested
The title also gave the
o focus from this point
our
again, facing off against the 2007 Louisiana
Crusaders a top seed
w be to continually get
will
5A State Champion Westgate. The Crusaders
for the first round of
closed out the Classic and became tourney
the playoffs.
champions with a win over ranked Louisiana
experience from last
St. Thomas More.
Their final tournament
year’s playoff appear-
would be the prestigious 50th anniversary
ance was put to good
Whataburger Classic, where the Crusaders
use as they defeated
would once again be matched against top
a strong fundamental team in Katy Taylor for
a #4 citywide ranking, and a #13 state rank-
ranked opponents including Texas #7 ranked
a big bi-district win. The win put them into a
ing while advancing 2 rounds into the playoffs.
Richland Hills, Louisiana #3 ranked Monroe
2nd round game at home against the touted
The program returns seven core members of
Carroll, and Texas #2 ranked Mansfield Sum-
Houston Chavez Lobos. The game and atmo-
the team next year when it will compete in Dis-
mit. All this would be in preparation for their
sphere was intense and the home crowd got a
trict 18-5A.
district run and a bid for the playoffs.
chance to root their team on, but the Crusad-
Jesuit’s
Junior Joey Brooks (above), an All-Region
and 1st Team All-District selection,
helped lead the Crusaders to their first
district title since beginning UIL play.
b
better,”
he said.
The
basketball
program posted its best
season since joining the
UIL with a 27-7 overall record, 14-2 district record,
Post-Season Honors Follow Successful Hoop Season
On the heels of their most successful basketball season since join-
ing the UIL five years ago, several Crusaders also brought home post-
Joey Brooks
season honors.
Tim Frazier
Leading the way was junior Joey Brooks who was named All-Region
and 1st Team All-District for 17-5A. This season Brooks led the team
in points per game averaging 20.1, steals with 79, and rebounds per
game with 8.
Junior Tim Frazier claimed Defensive Player-of-the-Year honors for
the district. He led the team with 98 steals for an average of 3 per
game.
Senior Austin Claunch was named 2nd Team All-District while leading the team with 108 assists and shooting 84% from the free throw
line.
Austin Claunch
Senior Trent Rogers was also named 2nd Team All-District while he
led the team by shooting 31% from three-point range.
16
Spring 2008
Trent Rogers
ATHLETICS
Athletics Hall of Honor Created
With almost 50 years of athletics
to be considered to be eligible. There
to draw upon, Strake Jesuit has an-
are not similar time restrictions on the
nounced the creation of an Athletics
other two categories.
Plans call for the first, inaugural
tee comprised of alumni and faculty/
class to be a large one. Then, in sub-
staff members has been selected and
sequent years, the number inducted
nominations for the inaugural class
will amount to a smaller annual class.
are now being accepted.
athletics
Hall of Honor. A Selection Commit-
All nominations, which are now
“The purpose of this venture is to
being accepted, are made using an
create a means to celebrate the ac-
online form on the Strake Jesuit web
complishments of so many that have
site. All nominations of those that
participated in sports at Strake Jesuit,”
are eligible will be collected. Multiple
stated Athletic Director Bill McDonald.
nominations of the same person or
“Stories recounting events abound at
team will be consolidated.
Reunions and other Alumni and com-
Plans call for the Selection Com-
munity gatherings. By creating this Hall of
enshrined are athletes, coaches, teams, and
mittee to meet in May to select the first class,
Honor, we can pull together the greatest per-
distinguished individuals. The fourth category
which will be announced soon thereafter. An
formances and share the accomplishments of
was created to allow for those who do not fall
induction ceremony and dinner will be planned
athletes, coaches, and others in a public area
under the other three but should be included,
for next fall to coincide with a football home
for all to witness.”
such as Booster Club members, trainers, etc.
game.
As a first step in the development process
Individual athletes are eligible for con-
To make a nomination, go to strakejesuit.
for the Hall of Honor, a set of by-laws was draft-
sideration for selection into the Hall ten years
org, scroll over Athletics in the top navigation
ed. Under those guidelines, categories under
after graduation. Coaches must be five years
bar, and click on Hall of Honor in the dropdown
which members of the Hall of Honor may be
removed from the position for which they are
menu.
SWIMMING
Crusaders Claim Two Big Titles, Reach Regionals
The Crusaders Swimmin
ming
Team
had
Denkler-3 Gold, Mark Strickland-3 Gold, 1 Silver, Chris Jennis-3 Gold,
not
noteworthy
individual suc-
1 Bronze, Khang Tran- 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze, and Tim Lyons-
ces
cesses
during the 2008
2 Gold, 2 Bronze. A month later, in January at the Houston Private
sea
season,
while as a team
Schools City Championships Meet, Jesuit claimed their fourth straight
the claimed a couple of
they
event title.
sig cant team titles.
signifi
In
Senior Phillip Denkler was named the
team’s MVP for the season.
event but one. Top medal winners were Kevin Mehrinfar-4 Gold, Phillip
some
early
At the District 17-5A Tournament, while the squad managed only
December,
a 7th place finish, Matt Kenny placed third in the diving to advance to
the team traveled to New
the Regional Meet. In addition, both the 400 free relay and the 200
Je
Jersey
to take part in the
freestyle relay teams also advanced to the regional meet by placing
St Peter’s College Jesuit
St.
4th and 6th respectively.
In
Invitational.
The Crusad-
At the Regional Meet, Kenny managed an 8th place finish, while the
er won that event with
ers
400 free relay finished 10th and the 200 freestyle relays came in 13th.
14 points while host
149
Individual recognition went to sophomore diver Kenny who finished
S Peter’s Prep came in
St.
8th in the UIL regional meet and was recognized as our most improved
2
2nd
with 60 points and
athlete. Meanwhile, senior Phillip Denkler was recognized as the
X
Xavier
finished 3rd with
team’s MVP.
41 points. On an individual basis, the Crusaders finished first in every
The Chronicle 17
ATHLETICS
WRESTLING
Three Wrestlers Make Regionals, One Goes on to State
tling team with
wrestlers. In addition to seeing the leaders of the team succeed, it saw
the most victo-
athletics
By all accounts it was a very successful season for Strake Jesuit
some of the younger team members step up and show promise for next
ries
in
school
season.
history and he
Senior Colin Day led the way most of the season. He got off to a
aspires to wres-
quick start by winning with Tournament Championship at 145 pounds
tle at the next
at the Klein Oak Gator Roll. He then won the Cy-Fair Invitational where
level for the Na-
40 teams were in attendance and was voted the tournament’s Most
val Academy.
“Sophomore
Outstanding Wrestler.
At the district meet, he was again claimed the title at 140 pounds to
Corey
Barrett
earn a berth in the Regionals. This time, however, he would have com-
placed third in
pany as junior teammates Brett Provenzano and Patrick Henning.
the
At the Regional meet, Patrick Henning won one match before losing
district,”
said
Head
two and was eliminated from the competition. However, he gained valu-
Coach Robert
able experience at a top level and is poised for next year. Brett Proven-
Buley in look-
zano made a statement by winning 3 matches. His toughest test came
ing to the fu-
in the semi-finals against the ranked state # 1 wrestler whom he had
ture.
“Junior
lost to twice before during the season. This time he battled hard but
Sami
Sultan
came up short 4-2. Day earned the right to represent Jesuit in Austin at
has great po-
the State Tournament as he was able to make it to the medal round and
tential
qualified for the state meet.
Juan Adams is
and
Senior Colin Day earned a berth into the State
Tournament. He leaves Jesuit with the school record
for victories.
At the state meet, Day won two matches and managed to survive to
the JV district champion. These young men are positioned to form a
the second day of competition. There he was matched up against the
strong nucleus of a winning team. I think that the program is definitely
eventual state champion and, although he put up a great effort, his oppo-
on the rise.”
nent was just too good and it was not to be. Day leaves the Jesuit wres-
Several Crusaders Look to Continue Athletics at Next Level
The Annual National Signing Day, when high school stu-
dent-athletes can formally commit colleges and universities to
play college athletics arrived on Wednesday, February 6. That
day, four Jesuit athletes from three different sports signed
their Letters of Intent. Committing to play college football were
Jeff McVaney - Texas State and David King - Oklahoma. Signing to play college golf was Ben Thorseth - Rice and signing
to play soccer was Christian Davidson - University of North
Carolina-Wilmington.
In addition to those four, two members of the successful
Jesuit basketball team made plans to play college basketball.
Trent Rogers committed to play at Tulane and Austin Claunch
committed to Emory University in Atlanta.
Top (left to right): Jeff McVaney, Ben Thorseth,
David King, and Christian Davidson.
Bottom: Trent Rogers
18
Spring 2008
w w w . s t r a k e j e s u i t. o r g
alumni news
alu
ALUMNI NEWS
Joe Mike Piazza ‘72 Named Recipient of
2008 Ignatian Award as Alumnus of the Year
Joe Mike Piazza ‘72 has been
He is on the board of the Academy of Den-
named the Strake Jesuit Alumnus of the
tistry. He has also served with the Greater
Year and recipient of the 2008 Ignatian
Houston Dental Society in various capaci-
Award. Each year, the Strake Jesuit Igna-
ties including on the Board of Directors, the
tian Award is presented to a distinguished
Nominating Committee, the Judicial Com-
alumnus whose life exemplifies the aca-
mittee, and the Peer Review Committee.
demic, religious, and social values of the
Aside from his community work as a den-
Jesuit tradition; outstanding generosity
tist, Joe has also kept Catholic Education as
to the community; professional achieve-
an important part of this life. As a member
ment contributing to the advancement of
of the Archdiocese Board of Education, he
his area of expertise, and he exemplifies a
is working to improve and increase access
Man for Others.
to Catholic Education for the youth in the
Upon graduation from Strake Jesu-
Galveston-Houston Archdiocese.
it, Dr. Piazza attended the University of
“The Strake Jesuit experience start-
Texas. A year and a half later, he returned
ed me on a journey to serve others,” Joe
home after the death of his father and
said upon receiving news of his selection
continued his studies at The University
as the Ignatian Award winner. “It is an hon-
of St. Thomas, where he graduated. He
or for me to have received that education
then went on to graduate from University
and now this prestigious award.”
of Texas Dental College in Houston where
Joe and his wife of 25 years, Ann,
he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in
have raised three children. Their daugh-
1979.
With the support of his wife, Ann, and
his family, he built a successful dental practice
ters, Julie Anne and Allison, each gradu-
Joe Mike Piazza ‘72, Strake Jesuit 2008
Alumnus of the Year
in the Bear Creek area on the west side of
Houston.
ated from St. Agnes. Their son, Joseph, is a
sophomore at Strake Jesuit.
Past recipients of the Ignatian Award inHouston. In that search he found Casa Juan
clude 1984 – Larry Mason ‘66; 1985 - Marcel
Over the years, Joe has developed a repu-
Diego, which serves immigrants and refugees
Frey ‘74; 1986 - Jim Stewart ‘67; 1987 -Charlie
tation for using his gifts as a doctor to help oth-
and the poor. He has served as the Dental Di-
Atchison ‘72; 1988 - Ray Albrecht ‘72; 1989 -
ers, especially the poor. As a young dentist, he
rector there for five years.
Pat Moran ’66; 1999 - Tom Adolph ‘75; 2000
frequently volunteered as the San Jose Dental
Joe has also served on a team of dentists
- NJ Santarcangelo ‘67; 2001 -Mike Koch ‘75;
Clinic in downtown Houston. After a medical
with The Texas Dental Society that services
2002 - Frank Rynd ‘70 and Steve LePore ‘75;
mission trip to Honduras where he felt the joy
the poor with the Texas Mission of Mercy.
2003 - Msgr. James Anderson ‘70; 2004 - Dr.
of treating those less fortunate, he began to
In addition to this sense of service to oth-
seek out a way to provide the same care in
ers, Joe has always been active professionally.
Annual Ignatian Award Dinner
Julius “Jay” DeBroeck ‘73; and 2006 – Dr. Brian Parsley ‘74.
On Tuesday, April 29 in the Parsley Center, the Ignatian Award Dinner will be held. At that time, Joe Piazza will be formally
honored and recognized as the recipient of this year’s award. Past recipients, alumni, and friends are welcome to attend the
evening to join in the awarding of the Ignatian Award to Joe. If you would like to attend, please contact Tim Scalzitti ‘90, Director
of Alumni Relations at 713.490.8153 or at tscalzitti@strakejesuit.org.
The Chronicle 19
alumni news
ALUMNI NEWS
Reunion Weekend 2008 Dates Set, Planning Underway
The dates for Reunion Weekend 2008
their own parties. These gatherings tradi-
have been set and the planning is well
tionally take place at some of Houston’s
underway. This year’s Reunion Celebra-
most popular restaurants and night spots.
tion will be held on Friday and Saturday,
If you did not receive a Reunion An-
September 19 and 20. This year’s Reunion
nouncement email from Alumni Director
Classes are from the years 1968, ‘73, ‘78,
Tim Scalzitti ‘90 in mid-March, contact him
‘83, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, and 2003.
at 713.490.8153 or at tscalzitti@strakeje-
A team of class representatives is work-
suit.org. As more details are made for the
ing with the Office of Alumni Relations at
big weekend, they will be posted on the
Jesuit in putting together the events of Re-
school web site at www.strakejesuit.org un-
union Weekend.
der the tab ‘Alumni.’ Reunion year alumni
The weekend will begin on Friday af-
interested in helping in the planning of the
ternoon, September 19 with a golf outing
weekend should contact Alumni Director
at Wildcat Golf Course, one of Houston’s
Tim Scalzitti.
more popular courses. An afternoon start
the Parsley Center. Aside from a chance to
will be arranged to allow for out-of-town alumni
visit with fellow classmates, alumni from oth-
to arrive in time to take part.
er classes and Jesuit faculty and staff, class
That evening, Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ will
host a President’s Reception on campus in
group pictures will be taken that evening.
That evening, individual classes will have
Members of ‘66 and ‘67 Classes Gather
A handful of members of the Class of 1966 held an impromptu
get together, prompted by the arrival of Louis Le Blanc in
Houston. The group met for lunch at Gourmet Pita Express, a
restaurant co-owned by Jesuit classmate Joe Polichino. Good
fellowship was the order of the day along with a lot of reminiscing. A guest, and member of the Texas High School Coaches
Hall Of Fame, was former coach Dick Janse.
Pictured left to right: Rusty Senac, Tom Taylor, Larry Mason,
Joe Polichino, Louis Le Blanc, Coach Janse.
Houston-area members of the Class of 1967
held their annual get-together luncheon in December. This year’s event, which featured one
of the largest turn-outs in many years, was held
at the Four Seasons. Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ was
in attendance as was classmate and current
Director of Development N.J. Santarcangelo
‘67.
20
Spring 2008
Pictured left to right: Gene Nettles, Mike Guarino, Bruce Dugey, Jim Gibson, Abner
Burnitt, Jim West, Jim Glenney, Frank Gullo, George Gaenslen, Roy Adamcik, Tom
Standish, N.J. Santarcangelo, Jim Booth, Mike Lallinger, Fr. Daniel Lahart, Jim Stewart, Johnny Webre. Seated: Glen Boudreaux. Not pictured: Rick Sindelar.
CLASS NOTES
Bill Everhart ’70 retired after 30
years in higher education administration. Most recently he was Senior
Vice President for Finance and Administration at Claremont Graduate
University in Claremont, California.
He and his wife, April, has moved
to their farm in eastern Tennessee
near Knoxville.
Jerry Smith ’70 is living in Houston
with his son, Anthony, and looking
for employment in the oil & gas exploration business.
Fr. Luke (Bob) Uhl ’70 and his wife,
Ruth, led their third annual pilgrimage to Greece last November. Their
youngest son, Stephen, is a Marine
currently serving in Iraq.
Dan Nix & Kyle Teas ’77, along
with Kyle’s wife, Clare, have opened
a new restaurant in Houston called
Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood
Kitchen. In addition to receiving
rave reviews, it was named one of
Houston’s best new restaurants by
both the Houston Chronicle and City
Search. Their web site is www.dantonsseafood.com.
‘80’s
‘80’s
Jeb Bashaw ’80 is CEO of James
E. Bashaw & Co. and has been
named to the Board of Directors of
Catholic Charities in Houston.
David Huff ’80 and his wife of 8
years, Anna, are living in Hawaii
where he works with Green Energy Solution, LLC. His son, David,
is a video game animator, and his
daughter, Monica, is a nursing student.
Bob Newhouse ’82 joined Noble
Corporation in February as Director
of Leadership Development.
Louis Fontenot, Jr. ’84 and wife,
Cindy, welcomed the birth of their
first child, Louis Fontenot III, On
February 28. Louis (the Dad) also
recently completed his first novel,
Shelters, which is available online.
James Lee ’84 was appointed by
Texas Governor Rick Perry to serve
as the Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the Teacher Retirement
System of Texas.
Andrew Mihalick ’89 is living in
Houston with his wife, Melissa, and
they welcomed the birth of their first
child, Lucy Ann Mihalick, on January
31, 2008.
Jack O’Brien ’90 and his wife, Kari,
welcomed their second child, Emma
Joy, on February 6, 2008. She joined
her 20-month old sister, Makenna
Grace, in the family.
Trey Moeller ’89 and his wife,
Leslie, welcomed the birth of their
daughter, Mallory Kathleen, on November 15, 2007.
Josh McMorrow ’91 and his wife,
Priya, welcomed the birth of their
son, Benjamin Singh, on January
10, 2008.
Robert Montoya ’89, his wife,
Roselina (SAA ‘89), and their
daughters, Alyssa and Gabriella,
welcomed the birth of daughter
number three, Adriana Isabel, on
July 22, 2007.
Richard Riccetti ’89 and his wife,
Chandra, welcomed the birth of their
first child, Luca Xavier, on December 7, 2008.
‘90’s
‘90’s
Nick Temple ’85 is happily married
and living in Christchurch, New Zealand where he works in the transport
industry.
John Uecker, M.D. ’85 is a general
and trauma surgeon in Austin with
Texas Surgical Group. He is also
Director of Shivers Breast Cancer
Group. He has two children, Michael
and Olivia.
Matias Adrogue ’90 has been practicing law since 1999. He handles
personal injury claims. In addition
he handles commercial litigation
matters. He and his wife, Leila ElHakam, have two children, Athena
Mariam and Matias Esteban.
Dan Coussirat ‘90 and his wife, Angie, had a Christmas surprise with
the birth of their daughter, Sofia
Carmen, on Christmas Day.
Greg George ’86 recently joined
Energy Finance Group in Houston
as Managing Director for the French
bank, BNP Paribas, after 13 years
with Scotia Capital.
Robert Meute ’87 is an account executive for Royal Travels and Rico
Tours in Austin. He recently spent
three week in India where he visited
and helped with many children’s orphanages.
Clayton Holy ’90 and his wife, Kristin (SAA ’90) recently welcomed their
third child, Madelyn, on October 31,
2007. Her older brothers, Brandon
and Cameron, are adjusting to the
new addition of a baby girl.
class notes
n
‘70’s
‘70’s
William Vaseliades ’83 ad his wife,
Rosemary, and their two children,
Joanna and Peter, have lived in
Corpus Christi for three years. He
is currently First Vice President and
Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley,
managing the Corpus Christi, Rockport, and McAllen offices.
Michael Mineo ’91 is in his 3rd year
of practice in Urology at the Houston Medical Center. He and his wife,
Jennifer, have two children – Evelyn
who is 6 and Michael who is 3.
Lewis Nix ’92 and his wife, Cristi,
welcomed the birth of his first child,
Carter Allen, on January 20, 2008.
The Chronicle 21
class notes
clas
CLASS NOTES
Ted Gorman ‘93 married Margeaux
LaFleur (SAA ‘01) in Houston on
January 19, 2008 at St. Anne’s
Catholic Church. The wedding party
included Jim Hyland ‘93, John Gorman II ‘87, Tim Collins ‘93, Mike Espinosa ‘93, Shane Hudson ‘93, and
P.J. Hennessy ‘93. They are now
living in Houston where he works
for Bell and McCoy Lighting and
Controls and Margeaux is a legal
assistant.
Jeremy Mouton ’93 graduated
from the University of Texas School
of Law in 2002. He then joined the
Houston office of Bracewell & Giuliani as a corporate attorney. In
December, 2006 he and his fiancé,
Elizabeth, moved to St. Louis where
he joined Anheuser-Busch as associate general counsel. In September, 2007 the two were married in
St. Louis.
Philip Wilhelm ’94 and his wife,
Kathryn, and their daughter Mary
Frances welcomed the birth of their
second child, Heidi Hansel, on December 6, 2007.
David Brown ’97 is living in Chicago with his wife, Beth. He graduated
from Jefferson Medical College in
May, 2006 and is a second-year
otolaryngology resident at the University of Chicago.
James Harris ’95
5 and Renee Sitz
(SAA ’95) were married on September 29, 2007 in Houston. The father
of the bride is David Stitz ’69 and
the wedding party included Beau
Harris ’87, Benchmark Harris ’91,
Christ Stitz ’91, Christ Knight ’95,
and Frank Simcik ’95. He is currently an Assistant Harris County
Attorney and Renee is the Director
of Marketing and Communications
for a Houston non-profit agency.
Spring 2008
Seth Flechsig ’98 and Becky Jackson were married in New Orleans
on January 26, 2008. The couple
met while attending Tulane University and now reside in Houston.
Dennis Stasio ’98 is a financial
advisor in Houston Galleria office
of Merrill Lynch. He has been with
Merrill Lynch for three years and
was previously Assistant Vice President with their commercial banking
group in New Jersey.
Rusty Ulrich ’93 and his wife, Julie,
welcomed the birth of their first child,
Eliza Rose, on Galveston Island on
September 20, 2007.
22
David Hoggatt ’96 graduated from
Texas A&M in Galveston with a
Masters of Marine Resource Management and is now an Environmental Scientist with ARCADIS in
the Houston Office.
Brian Bausano ’96 is in the last
year of residency as the Chief
Resident of Emergency Medicine
at Washington University Medical School - Barnes Hospital in St.
Louis. He was recently awarded
Resident of the Year in Emergency
Medicine at the Hospital.
Jason Ciminieri ’96 graduated
from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and moved to Kansas City where he opened his practice in January, 2007 and lives with
his wife, Lisa.
Rights.com, two years ago and has
exclusive rights with five professional teams.
James Jones ’01 married Kathy
Lynn Gates on January 5, 2008. He
is currently working on his MBA at
Rice University and recently accepted a position of Rotation Associate
at Calpine Corporation.
Tony Polichino ’01 is currently
managing the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Stafford, Texas. He
once again will be volunteering for
MDA Camp this summer.
Tim Szafran ’01 graduated from
Texas A&M in 2005 where he majored in Philosophy and minored
in English. After serving a year at
Strake Jesuit as a member of the
Alumni Service Corps, he is now
at Cypress Springs High School
where he teaches English, is Assistant Swim Coach, and Head Water
Polo Coach. He is currently working
on his Masters in Education Administration.
Brandon Dybala ’03 graduated
Summa Cum Laude from St. Louis
University in December, 2007 with
a BS in Computer Science. He and
his wife, Catherine, were married on
January 8, 2008 and they are now
living in Rosenberg, Texas where
he works as a Software Engineer
for Martin Company.
Matthew Simpson ’99 received his
J.D. degree with honors from Emory
University in Atlanta in May, 2007
and was admitted to the Georgia
Bar in November, 2007. He is now
an associate with Fisher & Phillips
in Atlanta, a labor/employment law
firm
‘00’s
‘00’s
Dan Skarbek ’00 lives in Austin
where he is managing Asleep at the
Wheel and Carolyn Wonderland.
Kyle Burks ’01 is engaged to Steffi
Hutto with a wedding in Hawaii
planned for the summer of 2009. He
started his company, SeasonTicket-
Drew
rew Maresh ’03
3 graduated Magna
Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical
Engineering in December, 2007. He
interned with Boeing in Seattle in
the summer of 2007 and, after graduation, accepted a position with Bell
Helicopter in Dallas.
- IN MEMORIAM -
classs notes
CLASS NOTES
Christopher Scott Carr ‘70
Strake Jesuit Alumni Director Tim Scalzitti ‘90 and his wife,
Lynn, welcomed Anthony Castenzio Scalzitti (Jesuit Class of
2026) into their family on February 13, 2008.
Anthony’s middle name, Castenzio, is given to him in honor
of Br. Castenzio Ferlita, SJ - more affectionately known as Br.
Casey. Pictured here with his Mom & Dad, Anthony makes his
first visit to Jesuit and meets Br. Casey.
Eleanor Callahan
Mother of Donald ‘68
and Laurence ‘71
Leona Deborah Haley
Mother of Anthony ‘80,
Sean ‘84, and Kyle ‘88
Luke A. Cash
Father of Lee ‘67
Marguerite C. Van Osselaer
Mother of Paul ‘68
Winston Chin
Father of Winston '94
Daniel Howard Reat
Father of Francis ‘78
and Daniel ’80
Dorothy Mae Grady Davies
Mother of Dick ‘68
James Dilger
Father of Jim ‘69 and David ‘72
Michael Louis Dina
Father of Todd ‘83, Tony ‘84,
and Michael ‘90
Eleanor Neeley Gribble
Mother of Jay '76
SAVE
THE
DATE
One Last ‘Lunch’ in the Cafeteria
- BIRTHS -
Rena Vitale
Mother of Steve ‘86
Michael Thomas Kutka
Father of Michael ‘74
Lou Anne Wells
Mother of Michael ‘84
Louis Fontenot III on February 28, 2007
Louis ‘84 and Cindy
Eliza Rose Ulrich on September 20, 2007
Rusty ‘93 and Julie
Madelyn Holy on October 31, 2007
Clayton ‘90 and Kristin
Mallory Kathleen Moeller on November 15, 2007
Trey ‘89 and Leslie
Luca Xavier on December 7, 2007
Richard ‘89 and Chandra
Mark your calendars now - Thursday, May 15
Demolition of the Cafeteria, which has served
Jesuit students since the early ‘60’s, will begin with
the completion of the new Dining Hall in early June.
Watch your mail box and e-mail inbox for details later
this spring.
Benjamin Singh McMorrow on January 10, 2008
Russell ‘89 and Kelly
Carter Allen Nix on January 20, 2008
Lewis ‘92 and Cristi
Lucy Ann Mihalick on January 31, 2008
Andrew ‘89 and Melissa
Emma Joy O’Brien on February 6, 2008
Jack ‘90 and Kari
Anthony Castenzio Scalzitti on February 13, 2008
Tim ‘90 and Lynn
The Chronicle 23
Fan Fare
Just the other day, I received an e-mail from John McVaney, father
of senior Jeff Mc Vaney. He thanked me for supporting Crusader sports.
“The boys keep me young,” I quipped in my reply. Later that day, I saw
Jeff at baseball practice and
I was reminded of his dad’s
email. The boys really do keep
me young – or so I like to think.
But as I watched the team
practice I began to reflect on
the ‘08 football season when
Jeff was asked to move from
the backfield and step in as
the Varsity quarterback. At the
last minute, the team needed
a quarterback but the position
change would be a huge challenge. In the end, Jeff accepted the challenge and with the
team’s backing, he led them to
a playoff berth. It was for me
just the latest Strake Jesuit
success story. A lot of years have gone by for this Olde Crusader and I
have been around this campus for a long time. I remember a lot of great
stories just like Jeff’s.
It’s been over four decades since my graduation. I was one of
those (many) students who loved this school from the very start. Looking around the campus today I realize that by comparison we had a
very humble beginning. At the time, there was only one small classroom
building and a gymnasium but no matter, both structures were brand
new and we needed little more. I was proud to be here.
I was a shy kid, but a get along kind of a guy so I made a lot of
friends. To be honest, I never really excelled at any one thing but I am
proud to say that I did make good grades. Eventually, I outgrew my
shyness and ventured in to a few extra-curricular, after school activities.
Again, I never really excelled at any one thing, but there were a lot of
kids who did and I admired them all. I was never jealous. I simply did
the best I could for myself and then cheered the others on. I loved just
being a part of it all. The sports were great fun. I enjoyed the plays, the
debates and even the intramurals. I went to all the games and I painted
spirit posters. Though never great art, my posters were large and they
were numerous. The team always knew that I was rooting for them. I
was handy with a hammer and nails so for the Southwell Players, I fashioned sets. I was proud to be a (small) part of their very first production.
I have always loved to read and I respect great writers. By senior year
I had made the staff of the student newspaper and there, I managed to
get my name in print for the first time. My efforts were overshadowed by
better writers whose talents I could only hope to emulate. But I tried my
best to be like them and I used to read that paper cover to cover.
That’s the key, I do believe: At Strake we all strive to do our best.
Some do better than others and I guess that’s just a part of life. The
common bond is that we are all committed to doing our best and we
24
Spring 2008
love to compete. I see that same need to succeed in the students today
just as I saw it 40 years ago.
”Magis” is a word that is often heard around these premises. The
students know that this Latin
word means “more” and they
also know that “more” is exactly what is expected of
them. Magis is the Jesuit call
to action. Here at SJCP, it is
a call that each of us, in accordance with his own abilities will surely answer. Magis
is not a final destination but
is instead a lifelong journey.
That’s because deep down
inside, each of us knows
that within us there is always
“more” that can done.
Lately a lot of folks have
begun to affectionately refer
to me as the # 1 Jesuit fan.
I appreciate the compliment but the truth is that my vote would have
to be for Brother Casey or Father Billac. These two Jesuit greats have
dedicated their lives to the betterment of thousands of our students and
alumni. We all love and respect them both. In my book they are both
#1.
I guess I have always been a fan. If in fact, I have now achieved
some elevated status, then I will say that I owe it all to longevity. OK,
maybe intensity and sincerity play a part, but if I admit to that, then I
may as well let you in on my little secret: I still love this school.
Forty two classes have graduated from this school. Each young
man has his own story and each has made his mark on the olde alma
mater. I remember them all – each and every one - with great fondness and affection. It would be an insurmountable task to attempt to
chronicle all their stories: great athletes, great thespians, great musicians, unequalled debaters, great giving, respectful and devout young
men. To have known so many of them has been a blessing and a joy
in my life. Today’s young men continue the tradition; the torch having been passed to capable and steady hands. I am inspired by these
young men. Simply stated, the boys are my personal source of pride
and inspiration.
If I really were the #1 fan, then at last I could claim that like all the
Crusaders past and present, I too have excelled! Best of all it would
surely be at the one thing I enjoy the most – Cheering on the Crusaders!
To the memory of those young men that I have cheered for, I pledge
my shield and my sword.
George
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April
5
Fantasy Auction
8-11 Kairos XXXI
13
Father-Son Breakfast
24
NHS Liturgy and Induction
3
Special Olympics at Jesuit
4
Junior Cross and Ring Liturgy
6
Blood Drive
7
Awards Assembly
9
Senior/Junior Prom
11
Mothers’ Day Mass
12
Take God to College
May
18-21 Senior Silent Retreat
24
Baccalaureate Mass
25
Graduation
2
Strake Jesuit Scramble
June
6-7
9
Summer School Registration
Summer School Begins
For up to date event information,
go to www.strakejesuit.org
PARENTS, if you are still receiving your
son’s Chronicle although he no longer
lives with you, let us know so we can
change our records and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading
the publication but do not receive a copy
of your own, let us know that too. We
would be glad to send a copy to your
son’s new address and continue to send
you one.
Contact the Alumni Office at
tscalzitti@strakejesuit.org or at
713.490.8153
Woman with Ball, by Pablo Huerta, is a bronze statute. It is located on the stairway landing on the east side of Moran Hall. and
is on loan from Frank Ribelin.
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
8900 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77036

A Classroom of Friends

Transcription

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