Summer 2016 - Carondelet High School

Carondeletter
Carondelet High school / SUMMER 2016
Carondeletter
Published for the alumnae,
parents and friends of
Carondelet High School
Table of Contents
Summer 2016
Senior Leadership Team
President
Bonnie Cotter
Principal
Kevin Cushing
4
Chief Technology Officer
Elizabeth Chaponot, Ph.D.
Director of Athletics
Caitlin Lawson ’05
Assistant Principal
Jessica Mix ’99
Mission Integration
Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea
Director of Communications
Jennifer Ortega
14
9
Director of Student Success
Liz Paz-Rumore, JD
Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Santos ’96
Director of Student Affairs
Joseph Silveira
Director of Development
Janet Wilks
Carondeletter Team
Jennifer Ortega
Director of Communications
Christina Ditzel ’97
Communications Manager
Natasha Davis
Communications Assistant
Rosanne Siino, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor
Monica Simmons
Development Services Manager
Susan Hough
Independent Graphic Designer
20
5
4 50th Anniversary Celebration
5 Honoring the Sisters
7 Baccalaureate Reflection
9 New Logo & Website Unveiled
10 Valedictorian & Salutatorian Reflections
14 Graduation 2016
16 Senior Award Recipients
20 Carondelet Athletics Complex
21 Launching our Capital Campaign
22 From One Alumna to Another
23 Alumnae News & In Memoriam
Carondeletter / 2
president’s
message
Dear Carondelet Community and Friends,
Not a day goes by in which I do not thank God for the foresight and
dedication of the Sisters of St. Joseph who have formed Carondelet High
School these past 50 years. Through them, we are shaping the lives of
the many talented young women who turn to us to prepare them for
their futures.
And what a future lies before them — one filled with incredible uncertainty,
realities and opportunities that are beyond imagination, and globalization
that has brought to our doorstep both the best and the worst of humanity.
Who could have envisioned, even a few short months ago, that a billionaire
businessman would be vying with a former first lady for the presidency of
the United States; that discontent with the status quo around economics and
immigration would result in a Brexit vote sending shockwaves around the
globe; or that drug-resistant diseases and new viruses, like Zika, would be
discovered with no known treatment or cure.
Each day, it seems, there is a new reality that changes the way we view or
relate to the people and events surrounding us. Imagine, then, what the
next 50 years will look like, and how we, as a school, can hope to prepare
our students for so much change, so much uncertainty, so much need in
the world.
Here, too, we take our lead from the dear Sisters, and borrow a bit from
the Star Trek theme, to “boldly go where no man — or woman — has gone
before.” It means that we are called to work together as a community to
continue strengthening our mission in preparing our young women, in spite
of this uncertainty. It means teaching our students HOW to think, not WHAT
to think. It means developing strong and intellectually nimble women who
have the heart, faith and courage to speak for themselves and act for the
good of others.
When I walk our hallways; when I watch and listen to our students; when
I experience the fruits of our labor at graduation, I am proud to say that
our students are prepared to lead and serve. And I thank God for the
Carondelet community — past, present and future — for building a tradition
that continues to focus on providing the best preparation and experience
for our young women to ensure that our future – and our world – is in very
capable hands.
God Bless,
Bonnie Cotter
Carondelet
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
Carondelet High School inspires excellence by preparing young women to live with heart, faith and
courage in the Catholic tradition and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Vision Statement
A Carondelet graduate is empowered by her Catholic, college-preparatory education and is known
as a woman who responds to the needs of the times and makes a positive difference.
SUMMER 2016 / 3
Celebrating 50 Years
of Sisterhood
Founding Sister Kathleen Kelly,
CSJ, opened Carondelet High
School in 1965 and returned
recently to celebrate the school’s
50th anniversary with hundreds of
community members who gathered
for a series of special events.
Alumnae, students, past principals,
board members, supporters, faculty,
parents, and dozens of Sisters of St.
Joseph of Carondelet, gathered on
May 5 and 6 to honor Carondelet’s
legacy and look toward the school’s
bright future.
“As Sisters of St. Joseph, we
emphasized that your education is not
just for you; it’s about what you can
give back to the world,” Sister Kathleen
said at the all-community reception.
“I am happy to say that is something
I have seen lived out by Carondelet’s
alumnae through the years, and that
is still very much alive in our current
students. I could not be prouder.”
The two-day celebration began
on May 5 with a mass and dinner
honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph,
whose vision of educating young
women for lives of leadership
and service continues to infuse
Carondelet’s curriculum and spirit.
Alumna of
the Year:
Debrenia
Madison-Smith ‘73
Our 50th celebration brought together all of Carondelet’s living principals and presidents.
From left: Bonnie Cotter, Nancy Libby ‘76, Sr. Kathleen Kelly, Sr. Ann Bernard O’Shea, Teri
Hurlbut, Sr. Kathy Lang, Sr. Ann Eugene Metcalf, Sr. James Marien Dyer and Kevin Cushing.
Reflecting on this intimate event,
Sister Anne Marie Gillet, CSJ, noted:
“The evening was filled with the
CSJ spirit... and ‘dear neighbor’
conversation.”
On May 6, events included a prayer
service for the student body, faculty,
and staff; a lunch for the graduating
class of 2016 with the Sisters and
special guests; and a festive evening
reception for alumnae, parents,
faculty, and the greater community.
Accomplished attorney and
community activist Debrenia MadisonSmith ‘73 says Carondelet changed her
life and prepared her to achieve some
of her life’s greatest accomplishments.
Honored as Carondelet’s 2016 Alumna
of the Year, Debrenia recalled her
first days at the then new school,
“Everybody embraced me, and it’s
because of all of you that I am who
I am today.”
“The Carondelet Golden Anniversary
Celebration was such a tribute to
all the CSJs and made me so proud
to see the seeds sown fifty years
ago flowering and I know that it will
continue to flower into the future,”
Sister Kathleen later wrote, reflecting
on the event.
Thank you to all who attended these
special events!
charitable work. She worked as
in-house counsel for the San Francisco
Housing Authority, served as Dean
for New College Law School, and she
sits on the advisory committee of the
nonprofit Alzheimer’s Services of the
East Bay.
During our 50th Anniversary
celebration, Debrenia expressed
her gratitude for her classmates, the
Sisters, and the faculty “who let us
know that women can do anything –
and we believed it and we live it.”
Since her time as Carondelet’s ASB
president, Debrenia has traveled the
world and spent her career advocating ”We need to do whatever we can
for social justice. After high school, she to let other people experience the
completed her undergraduate degree kind of support, the kind of faith, the
at UCLA and received her law degree
kind of love that we had when we
from Georgetown University.
were in high school and that’s what
I try to do.”
Debrenia then went on to become
an attorney and over the years she
has served in a variety of capacities
both professionally and through her
Carondeletter / 4
Congratulations on a well-deserved
honor, Debrenia!
Honoring the sisters
Our recent jubilee events were an
especially emotional and poignant
time as they provided a celebratory
backdrop for our school community
to say “thank you” and “God speed”
to Sr. Eleanor Eagan, CSJ and Sr.
Kathy Lang, CSJ who had recently
announced their decision to
move from the Carondelet convent
before summer.
For two cherished and valiant women
who never wanted the spotlight on
them and all that they have done
for this school, the 50th celebration
provided the perfect venue to
surround Sr. Eleanor and Sr. Kathy
with the love and respect we carry
for them in our hearts.
The glow of this celebration turned
into the reality of saying goodbye
to the last of the sisters to live, full
time, in a once thriving convent that
housed more than 30 sisters at one
time. This is more than a simple act
of two very special sisters moving. It
represents the end of an important
chapter in Carondelet’s history and
is another inevitable reminder of the
transition occurring in the religious
way of life.
It will take all of us in the Carondelet
community, working together – past,
present, and future – to support
From left, back row: Sr. Joann Heinritz, Sr. Barbara Dugan, Sr. Ann Bernard O’Shea,
Sr. Loraine Polacci, Sr. Noelle O’Shea, Sr. Eleanor Eagan, Sr. Kathy Lang, Sr. Kathleen Kelly
and Sr. Joan Goulden.
“Thank you” and “God
speed” to Sr. Eleanor
Eagan and Sr. Kathy Lang
each other as we leave the shores
we know and rely on our heart, faith
and courage to follow the sisters’
lead to new horizons. It is what the
sisters ask of us in order that we may
continue their work and respond to
the changing times so that we may
continue to serve young women as
we prepare them for lives of purpose
in an ever-changing world.
Left: The sisters enjoyed a good laugh
during mass.
Right: Sr. Rosheen Glennon receives
communion from Board of Trustees chair
Ann Magovern.
SUMMER 2016 / 5
Visual Arts Teacher Debra Miller Retires After 18 Years
Soon after coming to Carondelet in
1998 after working as a glassblower
for several years, Ms. Miller found
herself
drawn to the charism of the
And so it is difficult for the school to
Sisters
of
St. Joseph of Carondelet.
bid goodbye to Ms. Miller, who, with
She
eventually
decided to become
the end of the 2015-16 school year,
a
CSJ
Associate,
dedicating herself
has begun her well-earned retirement
to
helping
advance
the mission
in Boise, Idaho. There, she plans to
of
the
CSJs
in
her
own
life and
enjoy a more relaxed life and to spend
at
Carondelet
High
School.
In
more time once again on her own
her
classroom,
she
modeled
and
artistic endeavors.
emphasized service, respect and
“Debra is incredibly gifted at teaching
compassion, while inspiring students
students various two- and threeto take risks and try things they had
dimensional art forms, and in all of
never done before. “Students would
her 18 years she never shied away
hang out in her classroom even when
from taking on new classes, new
they did not have class,” noted Mrs.
approaches or new challenges,” said
Way. “She provided an inviting, safe
On any given day for the past 18 years, Amy Way, chair of Carondelet’s Visual
space for students to explore the
a visit to Visual Arts teacher Debra
and Performing Arts Department and
creative parts of themselves. We
Miller’s Carondelet classroom would
a Performing Arts teacher. “During
will miss her dynamic presence here
find students deeply absorbed in
her time as chair of the department,
but wish her well in this exciting new
designing, drawing, sculpting, carving Debra ensured that the Arts had their
phase of her life.”
and imagining. The creative energy
rightful place as a vital part of students’
in her classroom would be palpable,
education. She inspired all of us with
with students hard at work, uncovering her creative focus and spirit.”
talents they never knew they had or
pushing artistic abilities to heights they
never before realized.
Winton Arts Festival
Far Left: A couple
of future Cougars
taking a closer
look at some lovely
pottery.
Left: Sarah
Shaughnessy ‘18
treated everyone
to a snapshot of
her performance
as Cinderella.
Right: A vibrant
selection of our
students’ work
hanging in the
Inner Court.
Far Right:
Parents capturing
the moment and
admiring these
beautiful works
of art.
Carondeletter / 6
Gospel Reflection
Ciara O’Donoghue
“So do not be anxious about tomorrow.
God will take care of your tomorrow too.
Live one day at a time.”
I am sure we have all heard this message before. We
constantly say “everything will work out in the end,” “God
will take care of me,” and “what is meant to be is meant to
be.” I feel like we say these cliché statements especially
when things in life do not go our way. But we don’t really
take the time to step back and reflect on what it is God is
trying to say.
This time in our lives is very exciting for us as a graduating class.
It is bittersweet. We are leaving this remarkable place that has
taught us so many lessons, and we are prepared to share these
gifts as we start our new beginnings. But even though there is
so much excitement, there is a fear of the unknown. It can be
hard to consider that God has a plan for us.
diagnosed with type one diabetes, and not only did it
leave me devastated and heartbroken, but also fearful of
my entire future. I thought my next chapter in life would be
choosing a college, picking a career, graduating, ball, and
just enjoying the excitement of experiencing senior year.
But when I decided to turn toward God, instead of away
from Him, I was able to see that He will take care of me, and
will help me through even the hardest of times. Although
How can we believe that God has a plan for us and will take
this disease has added many challenges to my life, opening
care of us if we have free will? If I make the wrong decision,
my heart to God’s love has shown me the blessings that it
and go to the wrong college, am I now and forever off the
track God had set for me? No, sorry, God’s plan is not simply can bring as well.
black and white.
At the beginning of this year, I had no idea where I wanted
God’s plan is not a blueprint containing details of our lives
that we must follow strictly. The plan God has for us is to live
a life of love, and from there everything will fall into place.
If love is at the center of all that we do, we cannot make
a “wrong decision” about college or our careers. When
we decide to put love above all things, no matter what life
decisions we make, we cannot go wrong because “all God’s
ways are satisfying.” You will feel love and act with love no
matter where life takes you, and like it is said in Wisdom,
God will always “guide you down delightful paths.”
to go or what I wanted to be. But after becoming a patient,
my trust in God was tested at the beginning of my senior
year. During the first few weeks of this school year, I was
No matter what we choose in life, God will always take care
of us. We are a group of beautiful, talented, young women
on the cusp of many changes. Each of us will have our own
unique journey, but will always share in God’s love. We have
all grown in love and in wisdom during our time here at
Carondelet: whether it be on Kairos, by our teachers who
have cared for us as individuals, or through lifting each other
up as sisters. And now that we have felt how wonderful this
love is, we are better able to share this love with the world.
Through this experience I was able to look
at others with greater compassion
and trusting the people who were with me when I was most
vulnerable, I have decided to become a nurse. Through
this experience I was able to look at others with greater
compassion, and have discovered that I feel most fulfilled
It is because God loves each of us infinitely that He promises when I am directly helping others.
I was able to turn such a negative situation into a positive
to take care of us always. God is always present. He does
one and choose to love even through my darkness. I don’t
not watch over us when it is convenient, or fly away when
think God had a specific plan for me to develop diabetes
things get busy. God loves each and every one of us
immensely, and He is trying to tell us He will never desert us, to guide me in my decision to become a nurse. God does
not want bad things to happen to us. But through even the
no matter how hard we may try to shake Him off.
worst of situations, God will allow good to come out of it if
It can be difficult to believe that God takes care of us when
we let Him. That is how He takes care of us.
we experience unfortunate circumstances. Personally,
There might be challenges that come along, but when
love is at the center of everything we do, we will always
be guided in captivating directions. Even in the worst of
situations, God will always take care of us with love. Once
we choose to embrace love, everything will fall into place.
SUMMER 2016 / 7
Carondelet welcomes new board members
Sister Marilyn
Binder, CSJ
has been committed
to education since
1965 when she
became a teacher
at St. Lawrence
School in Redondo
Beach, California.
She has served on
12 boards for high
schools, universities
and charitable
organizations. As a
leader in education,
she has been a
teacher, principal, and
campus minister, among her many positions. She served
on the Carondelet board in 1980s, and we are excited to
welcome her back.
“I deeply believe in Catholic education and its gift to
the students. As a Sister of St. Joseph, I hope that our
presence on boards will continue to help promote quality
education in the spirit of the Sisters,” she said.
Janis Hoyt is the
Vice President of
Human Resources,
Organizational
Effectiveness at Blue
Shield of California.
She has worked
in various human
resources leadership
roles in healthcare,
CPG and retail for
over 35 years, and is
currently pursuing
work in executive
coaching and human
resources consulting.
She has also served
her community in various roles, one long term significant
role was the chair for the Human Relations Commission for
the City of Concord. Janis has three sons who graduated
from De La Salle, and her daughter, Kathryn Hoyt ‘16, just
graduated from Carondelet.
Sister Rosheen
Glennon, CSJ has
dedicated her life
to religious service.
For 55 years, she has
been an educator
and pastoral
minister. She has
served communities
throughout California
and Idaho, and she
has placed great
emphasis on creating
life-giving liturgies
and retreats through
her work with schools
and parishes. She
is enthusiastic about sharing her faith with others and
nurturing a sense of wonder in their lives.
“Catholic education is a strong priority for me. I was a
teacher for 32 years and continue to support this vital
ministry in any way I can,” she said.
Robert “Bo”
Radanovich
is a father of three
Carondelet graduates,
Amie Chase ‘07,
Alexandra Marie ‘09
and Erika Lynn ‘10.
Professionally, he
has worked as a CPA
and a real estate
developer. His life
has been guided by
strong Catholic values,
which began when he
attended St. Ignatius
College Prep in San
Francisco, and Loyola
Marymount University, where he meant his wife, Laurie. He
is very passionate about the education of the whole person,
which encompasses the mind, body and spirit. He believes
that the educational success of young women will
transform our world.
“I am very committed to providing service to the Carondelet “I believe in the mission, I believe in the power of young
community, and believe I have the experience, the faith and women, I believe in the school, I believe in the next phase,
and I would like to do my part to make sure that the
the will to help bring the strategy to life,” she said.
Carondelet experience continues to grow and evolve in
a meaningful way,” he said.
Carondeletter / 8
Symbolic New Logo
and Redesigned Website Unveiled
all about,” said Meredith Happy ’16,
president of the 2016 Senior Council.
“I love that it represents the strength
and innovation of our school as well
our Catholic traditions and values.
It’s a symbol I am proud of and am
proud to wear.”
Carondelet’s official school crest
has served as the traditional seal
since the late 1960s and will continue
to be used as the school symbol on
official documents, such as diplomas
and transcripts.
On the last day of our 50th
anniversary year, Carondelet unveiled
a brand new school logo and
redesigned website that reflects both
the forward-looking spirit and proud
legacy of the school.
The new logo has been a work in
progress for more than a year.
Prior to the 2015-16 school year,
Carondelet introduced the 50th
Anniversary logo that reflected the
nostalgia of the past in a fresh and
modern way. As the anniversary year
drew to a close, the 50th logo was
retired and a new school logo rich
with symbolism emerged.
“This iconic symbol reflects the
promise and innovative spirit as
well as the inspirational legacy
of Carondelet High School,” said
President Bonnie Cotter. “As we
move ahead into our next 50 years, I
am thrilled that we do so with a new
logo that beautifully captures our
tradition as a Sister of St. Joseph high
school and our continued aspirations
to deliver educational excellence for
young women.”
The new logo was developed through
a partnership with students, parents,
faculty, alumnae and board members,
who participated in an intensive
and inclusive
process to
provide input
and ideas
about what
the new icon
should convey.
“Sophisticated,”
“empowering,”
“feminine” and
“timeless” are
just a few of the
attributes that
the task force
identified as
important to
the new logo.
The new logo incorporates in its
forward-looking design symbolic
elements derived from the school’s 50year legacy. It includes, for example,
a “C” for Carondelet drawn from the
school’s crest, as well as an embedded
“CSJ,” which is the acronym for the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet,
the religious order that founded the
school. The logo is a cross, reflecting
the school’s Catholic traditions. The
three main arms correspond to the
school’s mission of inspiring young
women of heart, faith and courage,
as well as to Carondelet’s rich past,
present and future.
In addition to releasing a new
school logo, Carondelet debuted
a redesigned website. The mobilefriendly site has a fresh new look, is
easier to navigate, and features more
photos and video of student life. The
site now better reflects the vibrant
spirit of the school and provides a great
way for the school’s community to stay
up to date on all that is happening on
and around the campus.
“The new logo
captures what
Carondelet is
SUMMER 2016 / 9
An Immeasurable Experience
Salutatorian Speech by Kaylie Collins ‘16
On behalf of the class of 2016, I would like to welcome
you all to a day that will be held deep in our hearts
for the rest of our lives. Each person in this room has
truly impacted the life of at least one student sitting
before you. Whether you be a teacher, member of
administration, coach, current student, guardian or
relative, you have helped shape us into the women we
are today, and we thank you for this.
Four years ago I came to this school with a vague idea of
what it truly meant to attend Carondelet. We’ve heard it
a million times before, “Carondelet students are called
to be women of heart, faith and courage.” I did not truly
understand what this meant until my senior year, when
I finally began to put thought into why I felt so much
peace, yet so much despair at the idea of leaving this
place that has become home.
Carondelet students are called to be
women of heart, faith and courage
Each woman graduating today can tell you all about the
academic challenges she has faced at Carondelet that
have made her the intelligent woman she is. By glancing
at our class as a whole, one can easily find the truth in
this. This is because our academic success is usually
simply measured by GPAs, SAT scores, and college
acceptances. But as I reflect on what makes Carondelet
so special and why I feel so prepared, I realize that I
have gained a knowledge that is much deeper, more
powerful, and much harder to measure with a statistic.
It is here that I have learned how to love someone who
I thought I had absolutely nothing in common with. It is
here that I have been exposed to what my life can be like
when I truly accept God’s unconditional presence. It is
here that I have become a woman who sees the world as
a place in dire need of my vibrant beauty and grace.
How can I simply say that Carondelet has made me more
intelligent, when that does not even begin to encompass all
of how I feel? So as we begin this ceremony of celebration,
I ask that today, you see us not just for what we’ve worked
for on paper, but for the powerful women Carondelet
has helped us become. And to my fellow graduates, “go
confidently in the directions of your dreams.”
Throughout these past four years, you have shown me
more love and beauty than I thought ever possible. Now
it is our chance to show this to the rest of the world — to
take what we have learned and use it to change the way
people think, and the way they feel. You truly are an
extraordinary group of women, and I couldn’t be more
excited to see what you achieve.
Thank you all for believing in us.
Carondeletter / 10
Every Day is a Golden Jubilee
Valedictorian Speech by Micaela Camozzi ‘16
As you may know, this year marks Carondelet’s 50th
anniversary as an organization that molds its students
into women of heart, faith, and courage. But what
does 50 years mean? Looking back through my U.S.
History textbook, 50 years ago places us in a time of
black and white televisions depicting a surge of civil
rights advocacy, a hip-shaking, rock ‘n’ roll king from
Tennessee, and technological advances driven by our
quest into space. Today, much has changed yet much
has remained the same.
Flat screen, color televisions cover walls but still depict a
wave of civil rights advocacy, a pop-country queen from
Tennessee reminds us to “Shake It Off,” and our smart
phones have more computing power than the spacecraft
that brought man to the moon. During these same 50
years, a community – empowered by the spirit of the
Sisters of St. Joseph – has grown while remaining very
much the same, educating students through the core
Catholic values of love, respect, and compassion fused
with academic excellence.
Although this 50th year has been filled with festivities,
every day at Carondelet is a golden jubilee. We celebrate
our diversity as a learning community that embraces our
passions for the remarkable talents that make each of us
unique. Our individuality is our strength.
We are kind and curious – focused and
determined to make a positive change
Diverse curriculum choices, liturgies, talent shows, plays,
sporting events, and even personalizing our uniforms –
while still following most of the guidelines – are just some
of the ways Carondelet has given us the opportunity to
express ourselves. We are kind and curious – focused and
determined to make a positive change. Each student is
vital to our community’s intellectual, physical, emotional,
and spiritual growth as a distinct representation of
Carondelet’s mission.
Carondelet has inspired thousands of students over the
past 50 years, who in turn, have inspired the world. We are
confident, compassionate, brave, and ready to embrace
the adventures that await us. Thank you past and present
Sisters of St. Joseph for founding and maintaining this
enriching environment. Thank you to our incredible
administration and faculty for giving us opportunities to
challenge and explore ourselves.
And of course, seniors, thank you for sharing this precious
time together. I am proud of each one of you for your
efforts and successes. Through laughs, tears, and hugs;
Corazon, Shalom, and Kairos; “Break the Chain,” athletic
events, and Senior Ball, we have grown together as a
family, a sisterhood. You are all exceptional individuals
who have the ability to achieve whatever you envision –
so dream big.
Congratulations, Class of 2016! Here’s to the next
50 years and beyond.
SUMMER 2016 / 11
Graduating Class Carondelet High School
2015 — 2016
✝ AngelaChristine Carcueva Abarquez
Alyssa Nichole Acuna
✝ Emily Michelle Adamson
Jasmine Alyssa Alday
Adrianna Rhianne Allman
✝ Amanda Rose Alvarez
Nicole Stella Amberg
✝ Lanina Rose Argueza
✝ Siena Marie Armanino
Madison Nicole Atkinson
g✥ Avery Allison Avina
Chelsea Rose Bailey
✧✥✝ MacKenzie Maria Jin Baker
Jennifer Marie Barbanica
Brittany Nicole Bates
Gianna Marie Bellato
✥✝ Catherine Rose Berdiago
Andrea Garbo Berger
Madison Paige Bertorello
Elle Margaret Maria Biczo
✝ Sierra Winter Blair
✝
Isabella Marie Book
✝ Allyson Chantelle Bourque
Christina Dolores Bradley
Angelina Brianna Marie Brandt
Samantha Noel Brasher
9g✥✝ Sarah Grace Burnash
✥✝ Nicole Ann Bustamante
✝ Rachel Kathleen Buyer
✯✥✝ Micaela Angelita Camozzi
✥✝ Gillian Erin Nunez Carlos
Angela Lucia Carmazzi
Dominique Michelle Carpenello
Violet Anne Castle
✝ Anakalia Charise Castro
✝ Abigail Maureen Cattermole
Emily Louise Cavallero
Charlene Priya Chand
Rebecca Elena Chavez-Rodriguez
✝ Kendall Nicole Christiansen
Claire Nicole Ciabattari
Brooke Abigail Cilley
Kiara Kintrice Clark
✝ Madeline Rose Coke
❀ Kaylie Ann Collins
Samantha Isabel Coloma
Darian Marie Conte
Abbie Rose Cosso
✝ Kristiana Janean Crane Cozort
Danielle Victoria Crawford
Carondeletter / 12
Vanessa Isabella Cruz
g✝ Noreen Mary Curran
Jameson Ryan Maria De Almeida
Fiona Marie Dekker
Bianca Rose Delfabro
✝ Kellie Patricia DeMaria
g✝ Kayla Marie Dempsey
Lauren Ann Devine
Lauren Patricia Dickson
✝ Grace Marie Dille
9✥✝ Celina Mara Dioso
✝ Mackenzie Elizabeth Dondanville
✝
Sara Nicole Duckart
g✥✝ Madeline Reid Duncan
✥✝ Diana Rose Duque
Tiffany Rose Ebling
✝ Hanna Therese Eidson
Marissa Anastasia Evans
✝
Kalena Cachola Fernandez
Hannah Marie Volz Flitton
✝ Alexandra Marie Flores
Maria Georgina Flores
Hannah Joann Foust
Maria Danielle Freeman
Emma Christine Funderburk
Brianna Lisette Garate
✝ Madison Morgan Gardner
✧✝ Jillian Faye Garibaldi
✧✥✝ Marina Isabel Gee
Audrey Nicole Giacoletti
Olivia Kate Gieringer
✝ Anna Rebecca Gilbert
Izabella Gonzalez
Jane Elizabeth Goodwin
Jessica Paige Granucci
Delaney Elise Griffin
✥ Adriana Edelmira Guerrero
Anna Catherine Halsey
✝ Malorie Moore Sang Han
✝ Frances Elizabeth Haney
✝ Taryn Nicole Hannigan
✥✝ Meredith Phillips Happy
✝ Julia Taylor Harrison
✝ Meghan Elisabeth Hart
Amelia Rose Haynes
Jenna Marie Headley
Lauren Taylor Hill
✝ Nicole Takako Hitomi
9✥✝ Sarah Elizabeth Hodson
Glynnis Rose Houston
Graduating Class Carondelet High School
2015 — 2016
Kathryn Taylor Hoyt
Hazel Marie Pascual Ignacio
✝ Mikaila Aldana Imperio
Skylar Claire Jean
McKayla Victoria Johnson
✝ Samantha Maureen Jones
9✥✝ Hannah Kathleen Kenneally
✝ Katherine Marie Kern
Kyley Ruth Knudson
✝ Katherine Buckley Kuptz
✝ Erin Nicole Lantsberger
✝ Abigail Grace Lee
Peyton Michelle LeGate
✝ Annika Elisabeth Lessard
Danielle Louise Libbey
Gabriela Terese Loretto
✥✝ Lanvi Bach Lu
✝ Kristina Rana Macaluso
✥✝ Mikaela Alexandra Magwili
✝ Mia Stuart Maloney
✥✝ Shannon Adelina Narciza Manhoso
✥✝ Olivia Ruth Ann Marcotte
✥✝ Samantha Anne Martellaro
Alejandra Magaly Mayorga
Megan Leigh Struthers McBarton
Katherine Marx McClure
✥✝ Daniella Marie McDonagh
✝
Shaelyn Terese McHugh
Hannah Jane McNamee
Olivia Rose Mello
Sarah Leann Merletti
Katelin Royce Miles
Mychele Charlie Rose Miller
Samantha Claire Miller
Hansell Elue Miramontes
Sofia Morales
Madelyn Alexandra Murphy
Alexandra Faith Nielson
Abigail Jo-Ann O’Connor
Emily Nina O’Connor
✥✝ Ciara Anne O’Donoghue
✝
Nicole Angelee Octaviano
✧✝ Sarah Kathleen Willow Oshel
✥✝ Sarah Ann Padilla
✝ Amanda Catherine Parlog
Sarah Katherine Pastor
Megan Elyse Peirona
Charlemagne Algarne Pelican
Allison Marie Popovits
Nicole Joy Powers
❀ Salutatorian
Lauren Arzener Price
Jade Margaret Rafallo
Mckenzie Ann Reiland
Vanessa Nicole Reis
✝ Sienna Parker Rettig
✥✝ Alexandria Catherine Reynolds
Natalie Rose Richmond Dolan
✥✝ Adriana Lyn Richmond
Beena Catherine Robert
Kaitlyn Anne Robinson
✥ Emily Beatrice Roque Reinosa
Lauren Faith Rueb
✝ Julianna Rose Ruotolo
Sufi Sadati
✝ Summer Rhiana Salisbury
Taylor Marie Saxton
Olivia Ann Scheffler
Elise Rose Schiappacasse
Juliet Marie Schmidt
Madison Faith Schultz
Erin Noel Schwarz
Sophia Isabella Seeno
✥✝ Courtney Lynn Sheffield
✝ Calista Ann Silva
✥✝ Taylor Leigh Smallwood
✝ Sarah Rose Smith
Julia Marion Stark
✝ Paige Kathleen Susie
✝ Brianna Kathryn Swain
Camille Rae Tabones
Claire Renee Thompson
✝ Mikaela Josephine Torretta
✝ Alexandra Lily Trombettas
Sydney Ty Tshimbalanga
Ayleena Tianna Valmore
✝ Emily Eleanor Vargus
✥✝ Kaitlyn Renee Vella
Mireya Isabel Villagomez
✥✝ Vivian Thuy Vo
✝ Emma Rose Walsh
g✥✝ Giovannah Lizette Webb
✝ Alexandra Michele Will
✝ Lena Claire Wilson
✥✝ Kelsey Brooke Witkay
✝ Christina Whitney Wong
✝ Ashley Anne Woodyard
Gabrielle Anne Wright
✝ Maria Patricia Tanangco Yuzon
Makenna D’Nae Zimmerman
✯ Valedictorian 9 Valedictorian Finalist ✧ Valedictorian Candidate
g Salutatorian Finalist ✥ National Honor Society ✝ California Scholarship Federation
SUMMER 2016 / 13
First day of the rest of their lives
Photo credit: John Buyer Photography
On May 22, Carondelet celebrated its
48th annual commencement ceremony.
Donning huge smiles and flower leis,
our 199 seniors joyfully celebrated their
graduation day with family, friends and faculty.
Laughter, hugs and tears filled the gymnasium
and amphitheater as these young women
said goodbye to high school and hello
to the first day of the rest of their lives.
Congratulations, Class of 2016!
During her latest round of cancer
treatments, Camille Tabones ’16 made
a surprise appearance to accept her
diploma and received a standing
ovation from her classmates and
faculty who were so happy to see her.
Carondeletter / 14
Oh, the places they’ll go!
100% of our students will attend college in the fall. Here is an
impressive list of schools to which they were accepted.
*The University
of Alabama
American University
*Arizona State University
*The University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
Auburn University
Azusa Pacific University
Barrett, The Honors College
*Baylor University
*Belmont University
Bentley University
Biola University
*Boise State University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green
State University
Brandeis University
California State University
Maritime Academy
California Institute
of the Arts
California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona
*California Polytechnic State
University, San Luis Obispo
California State University,
Channel Islands - *Chico *East Bay - Fullerton *Long Beach - Monterey Bay *Sacramento - San Bernardino *San Diego - *San Jose - San
Marcos - *Sonoma
University of California,
*Berkeley - *Davis - *Irvine
- Los Angeles - Merced
- *Riverside - San Diego *Santa Barbara - *Santa Cruz
Carnegie Mellon University
Carroll College (Montana)
Case Western Reserve
University
The Catholic University of
America
Central Michigan University
Centre College
*Chapman University
College of Charleston
*University of Colorado at
Boulder
University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs
University of Colorado at
Denver
Colorado State University
Columbia College Chicago
University of Connecticut
Cornell University
Cornish College of the Arts
*Creighton University
*The Culinary Institute
of America at Napa
University of Dallas
University of Denver
*DePaul University
DeSales University
*Diablo Valley College
*Dominican University
of California
Drexel University
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Washington
University
Eckerd College
Elon University
*Fashion Institute of Design
and Merchandising,
Los Angeles
*Florida Atlantic University
Florida Southern College
University of Florida
*Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus/Rose Hill Campus
Georgia Institute
of Technology
The University of Georgia
*Gonzaga University
Goucher College
Hartwick College
University of Hawaii
at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
High Point University
Hiram College
Hofstra University
Holy Family University
Humboldt State University
*University of Idaho
*University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign
Indiana University
at Bloomington
*John Cabot University
*John Paul the Great
Catholic University
*Kansas State University
*University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Lewis & Clark College
*Lindenwood University
Linfield College
*Louisiana State University
*Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Maryland
*Marquette University
*University of Maryland,
College Park
*Marymount Manhattan
College
*University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
Miami University, Oxford
University of Miami
*Michigan State University
*University of Michigan
University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities
*Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
*University of Missouri
Columbia
Montana State University,
Bozeman
The University of Montana,
Missoula
Mount St. Mary’s University
(Chalon)
University of Nevada,
Las Vegas
*University of Nevada, Reno
*New York University
*University of North Dakota
Northeastern University
*Northern Arizona University
University of Northern
Colorado
*Northwestern University
*Notre Dame de Namur
University
*University of Notre Dame
Occidental College
Oklahoma State University
*Oregon State University
*University of Oregon
Pacific Lutheran University
*Pacific University
*University of the Pacific
Pennsylvania State
University - All Campuses
*University of Pennsylvania
Pepperdine University
*Point Loma Nazarene
University
*Point Park University
*Portland State University
*University of Portland
Pratt Institute
University of Puget Sound
*Purdue University
Regis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
University of Rhode Island
University of Rochester
Sacred Heart University
Saint Louis University
*Saint Mary’s College
of California
San Diego State University
*University of San Diego
San Francisco State University
*University of San Francisco
San Jose State University
*Santa Clara University
*Seattle University
Seton Hall University
Smith College
Sonoma State University
University of South Carolina
*University of Southern
California
Southern Methodist
University
*Southern Oregon University
St. Edward’s University
St. John’s University Queens Campus
*University of St Andrews,
Scotland
Stevens Institute of
Technology
Stonehill College
Syracuse University
The University of Tampa
*University of Tennessee,
Knoxville
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University,
Galveston
*Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas,
Austin
*The New School - All Divisions
*The Ohio State University
Trinity University
The University of the Arts
University of Utah
Valparaiso University
*Villanova University
Virginia Tech
*Wake Forest University
*Washington State University
*University of Washington
*Wellesley College
Western Michigan University
*Western Washington
University
Whittier College
Willamette University
*University of Wisconsin,
Stout
Xavier University
*Yale University
*Colleges where students
will be attending
SUMMER 2016 / 15
Senior
Award
recipients
share the
carondelet
spirit
These five young women
truly embody the spirit of
Carondelet. Over the last
four years, they have been
committed to serving our
community in a variety of
ways. Driven by selfless love,
they have also displayed
extraordinary leadership
abilities on Kairos retreats, on
the soccer field, in service to
local nonprofits, and in the
classroom. We know that they
will continue to have an impact
on the global community, and
we are so proud of all they
have accomplished!
The Principal’s Award
for Exemplifying
the Carondelet Mission
The Carondelet Award
for Academic Excellence,
Leadership, Service and Character
Madeline Duncan
Kaitlyn Vella
College: Purdue University
College: Gonzaga University
This award means a great deal to me.
In a way it shows that all my hard work
has paid off. From the beginning, I was
involved in the Carondelet community,
and my involvement only grew as
the years went on. I have a great
appreciation for this community and
my only wish is to see it prosper.
This award represents the values
that Carondelet instilled in me,
which I hope to continue to embody
throughout my life. Receiving the
Carondelet Award is such an honor
because it exemplifies the mission of
Carondelet, which I hope to live out.
What does this award mean to you?
What is your fondest memory
of Carondelet?
What is your fondest memory
of Carondelet?
My fondest memory was definitely
Kairos. Attending and leading the
senior retreat was so fulfilling and
rewarding. I grew as a person in all
aspects of my life. I grew in faith,
strengthened my relationships, and
learned to love myself more.
My fondest memory is freshman
orientation. I had an upstairs locker in
the sophomore hallway. The freshmen
who were upstairs had a difficult time
figuring out how to open the lockers.
We had to work together to solve it,
and I began making lasting friendships
that I hope to keep in the future.
I would tell my freshman self to take
advantage of the opportunities
Carondelet provided for us. Also, take
in every moment because you will be
a senior before you know it.
I would tell my freshman self to find her
passion and pursue it wholeheartedly.
Do not be afraid to be passionate
about something and enjoy every
moment, it goes by too quickly.
If you could go back in time, what
would you tell your freshman self?
What will you miss most
about Carondelet?
Definitely the people. Our class was
filled with nice, whole-hearted people
who cared about one another. The
family of about 200 will never be
forgotten in my heart. Not only will I
miss the people in my class, but also all
the rest of the Carondelet community.
The people in this community
genuinely want to see you thrive.
Describe Carondelet in three words.
Self-empowering community
Carondeletter / 16
What does this award mean to you?
If you could go back in time, what
would you tell your freshman self?
What will you miss most
about Carondelet?
I will miss the truly unique and caring
environment. Each teacher, counselor,
faculty member, and student I
encountered wanted to help foster
my success. I felt supported and I will
continue to support my sisters.
Describe Carondelet in three words
Joyful, challenging, inspiring
The Medaille Award
for Spirituality
and Service
The Fontbonne Award
for Ministry
and Leadership
The Senior Athlete Award
for Leadership
On and Off the Field
Emma Walsh
Sarah Burnash
Kaylie Collins
College: University of
St Andrews - Scotland
What does this award mean to you?
College: University of Alabama
What does this award mean to you?
This award was an honor to receive
and it will forever remind me of what
The Medaille Award centers on
Carondelet is all about: faith, love,
spirituality and service, which are two
ideals that I keep at the heart of my life. and service. I am reminded of the
It meant so much to be recognized by Carondelet mission and all the work
the Sisters of St. Joseph have done for
my school in this way.
our school.
What is your fondest memory
What is your fondest memory
of Carondelet?
of Carondelet?
Leading Kairos 60 was easily my
fondest memory. There was so much
love in my group of leaders, and
I made some of my best friends on that
retreat. The magic of Kairos never fails.
If you could go back in time, what
would you tell your freshman self?
Be myself and love who I am. Trust
that I am exactly the person I want to
be. Also enjoy the ride. We are under
so much pressure as high school
students, and we are always focused
on the next hurdle or deadline.
Surround yourself with people who
love and support who you are and
hold on to the years ahead — they
will fly by!
What will you miss most
about Carondelet?
Being a part of Spiritual Life Council!
I was a member during my junior
and senior year, and I loved every
minute. I have so much love for that
whole council, Mrs. Payne and Mrs.
Matthews. Also, I will miss eating lunch
in the same spot next to my friends
every day.
Describe Carondelet in three words.
Amazing loving sisters
My fondest memory at Carondelet
was leading Kairos 60 my senior year.
This retreat let me find myself and help
others do the same. I have never felt
more loved than when I was on
this retreat.
If you could go back in time, what
would you tell your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self to be
more open and to talk to more people,
even if I don’t know them. I was very
shy during my freshman year, and I
missed out on meeting people until
senior year.
What will you miss most
about Carondelet?
I will miss the close knit community
of students, teachers, administrators,
and sisters. Here, we form bonds with
each other that I know will be different
in college.
Describe Carondelet in three words.
Community, love, faith
College: University of
Southern California
What does this award mean to you?
Receiving this award was a huge
accomplishment for me because
I know that it’s not just simply awarded
to the best athlete, but to the athlete
that embodies Carondelet’s mission
throughout her failures and successes.
Representing a school that I love
through the sport that I love has been
an honor.
What is your fondest memory
of Carondelet?
Something I will always remember
is attending and leading my Kairos
retreats. Each soccer season will also
hold a special place in my heart, as
well as the girls who stood alongside
me on the field.
If you could go back in time, what
would you tell your freshman self?
I would absolutely make sure I got
more involved with the school. I didn’t
recognize how much I loved being a
part of masses, or going on retreats,
or being a leader until my senior year.
I would have loved to have been
in leadership and campus ministry
[throughout my four years].
What will you miss most
about Carondelet?
I will miss the support and love
I felt as I walked through the halls my
senior year. The comfort I felt at this
school came from the faculty and staff
and the young women who are fully
invested in the sisterhood.
Describe Carondelet in three words.
Vibrant, loving, spiritual
SUMMER 2016 / 17
2016 Winter & Spring Seasons
by the Numbers
90 Winter Athletes
• 12 seniors
• 23 sophomores
• 17 juniors • 38 freshmen
210 Spring Athletes
• 33 seniors
• 69 sophomores
• 48 juniors
• 60 freshmen
­ 10 North Coast Section (NCS) Scholar Athletes
2
(3.5 or above, unweighted GPA during the season of sport)
All 9 teams were NCS Distinguished Scholastic Teams
(3.0 or above combined GPA, unweighted, during
season of sport)
Top 3 Team GPAs
1. Junior Varsity Lacrosse 3.76
2. Junior Varsity Soccer 3.73
3. Varsity Soccer 3.65
Two East Bay Athletic League Champion Teams,
Seven Individual Champions
Basketball & Soccer both went undefeated in league
Avery Avina ‘16: 300 meter hurdles @ 44.77
Katie Kern ‘16: Pole Vault @ 11’2” *
Avery Avina ‘16, Julianna Ruotolo ‘16, Lauren Devine ’16,
Mia Avila ‘18: 4x100 meter relay @ 48.37
Keeley Murphy ‘18, Avery Avina ‘16, Elle Biczo ‘16,
Mikayla Scott ‘17: 4x400 meter relay @ 3:58.79
Madelyn Murphy ‘16: 200 free, 100 free*
Malorie Han ‘16: 50 free
Samantha Coloma ‘16: 100 backstroke*
Photo credit: Bob Santos
*Denotes league record
Congratulations to our senior athletes who
committed to competing in college!
Taylor Smallwood — Pacific University, Volleyball
Bianca Delfabro — Lindenwood University, Trap Shooting
Makenna Zimmerman — Long Beach State, Dance
Hanna Eidson — Point Park University, Dance
Kathryn Hoyt — Sonoma State, Soccer
Katherine Kuptz — St. Mary’s College, Lacrosse
Julianna Ruotolo — Cal Poly, Track & Field
Avery Avina — Point Loma Nazarene Univ., Track & Field
1 NCS Championship Team
Basketball defeated Acalanes 68-42 in the Division 2 Finals
6 NCS Individual Champions
Swimming
Madelyn Murphy ‘16 won the 50 free (22.49*)
and 100 fly (52.15*)
Samantha Coloma ‘16 won the 100 backstroke (54.14)
Allison Carr ‘17, Kelsey Witkay ‘16, Malorie Han ‘16, Madelyn
Murphy 16 won the 200 free relay (1:33.28*)
Madelyn Murphy ‘16, Kelsey Witkay ‘16, Malorie Han ‘16,
Samantha Coloma ‘16 won the 400 free relay (3:23.79)
*Denotes NCS record-breaking time
Track & Field
Mikayla Scott ‘17, Julianna Ruotolo ‘16, Keeley Murphy ‘18,
Avery Avina ‘16 won the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:47.00
All 7 CIF sanctioned Carondelet teams represented
in the North Coast Section playoffs
All League Selections: 37
Varsity basketball defeated Acalanes
on March 4 to become NCS champs.
Carondeletter / 18
SISTER ACT
Student athletes to play collegiate sports together
According to the NCAA, fewer than 5 percent of female
student athletes go on to compete in their sport at
the college level. This school year, 19 of our 77 senior
athletes and dancers committed to compete at the next
level, making Carondelet’s numbers close to 25 percent.
These numbers are a point of pride for our school, and a
testament to the courageous and committed students,
coaches and families we have here in our community.
This year, Carondelet witnessed another unique storyline
while celebrating our senior student athletes. Two of our
graduating senior student athletes will be joining their
sisters in college to once again play their respective sport
on the same team.
Last November, Sierra Blair ’16 signed a National Letter of
Intent to join her sister Taylor Blair ’15 in playing softball
at Arizona State University. Just a few months later, Katie
Kuptz ’16 sealed the deal with St. Mary’s College of
California to join her sister Molly Kuptz ’13 on the women’s
lacrosse team.
Both sets of sisters proved to be power duos at
Carondelet, and we look forward to seeing them in the
same uniform again as they compete for their Division I
teams next season!
We had a chance to catch up with both sets of sisters at
our Carondeletter cover shoot.
Who is your favorite female athlete/role model and why?
Sierra: One of my favorite female athletes is Pro Surfer
Bethany Hamilton. She lost an incredibly important
piece of her, yet she continued to remain dedicated
and committed to being the best she could be in her
sport. I think that her strength through hard times and
her perseverance for a sport she loves is what makes her
inspirational for female and male athletes.
Taylor: My favorite female athlete/role model would be
Mary Bonnie Baker. She was the first all-star catcher for
the All American Girls Baseball League in 1945. She may
not have been the same position as me, but she was such
an inspiring person because she played a sport that was
dominated by men. Not only was she a talented player, but
she was courageous and willing to break the boundaries
and be the catalyst that encouraged the beginning of the
sport I love.
Katie: My female
Try your best to always
role model is my
previous assistant
keep an open mind, get
lacrosse coach
involved, study hard,
Ashley Hemmen
stay positive, laugh a
‘05. Ashley coached
lot
and enjoy the time
me three of the
and even seemingly
four years I played
at Carondelet and
little moments you have
also played on the
while in high school.
team when she was
at the school. She
is a great example to all of us and became not only a coach
to us, but a friend as well.
Molly: Theresa Sherry played both soccer and lacrosse at
Princeton. She has coached girls’ lacrosse on both coasts,
at the club and college level, including Cal, and has helped
thousands of girls discover talents and opportunities they
never dreamed they would have.
What has been your favorite
Carondelet memory?
Taylor: One of the things I loved most about
Carondelet would be how powerful the
sisterhood actually was in times of despair, death,
or even joy. Whether it was for a parent or faculty
member we lost, celebrating an athletic team’s
success, or recognizing worldwide events; I
remember feeling that every person in that room
cared deeply about each other. If it was a moment
of silence or loud cheering, it was great to feel that
you were connected to so many other people.
What advice do you have for the class
of 2020?
Katie: I would advise the class of 2020 to make
the most of every opportunity they are given and
to branch out early and create friendships with a
broad group of people.
Sierra Blair ‘16 (L) and Katie Kuptz ‘16 are eager to join their older sisters
playing their respective sports in college. Sierra will join Taylor ‘15
at Arizona State University to play softball, and Katie will join Molly ‘13
at St. Mary’s College to play lacrosse.
Sierra: Try your best to always keep an open
mind, get involved, study hard, stay positive,
laugh a lot and enjoy the time and even
seemingly little moments you have while in
high school.
SUMMER 2016 / 19
This is our time
The Carondelet Athletics complex
Conceptual design, M ay 2016
For more than 50 years, Carondelet
student athletes have had to beg,
borrow and pay for access to practice
and compete on outdoor athletic
fields and pool facilities in every sport
other than volleyball and basketball.
Often, these outdoor facilities were
poorly maintained, available only at
inconvenient times, and more than
15 miles away from campus.
Not anymore!
Back in December, the school made
a bold move to change all that by
entering into a purchase agreement
for 6+ acres of land in Walnut Creek
located off Oak Grove Road, just
two-and-a-half miles from our main
campus at what has been the Club
Sport/Valley Vista Tennis Center.
Once the purchase is finalized –
hopefully early in 2017 – the school
will proceed with construction to
Carondeletter / 20
convert the tennis and swim club into
the Carondelet Athletics Complex,
complete with a soccer/lacrosse
field, softball field, 6 tennis courts,
competitive pool for swimming, diving
and water polo, and a 3,000-squarefoot Student Center for fitness,
training and academic support.
If all goes well, by the fall of 2017,
Carondelet students will have an
athletic home – a place to practice,
compete, and gather together to
socialize and build the bond of our
sisterhood through sharing Cougar
pride and spirit.
At the heart of this effort will be a
Capital Campaign to raise $10 million
to fund the acquisition and initial
development costs. This effort will
allow our Carondelet community
to come together to transform the
Carondelet experience for our
students for the next 50 years.
The Carondelet Athletics
Complex will become “home”
for Carondelet athletes and
the school community.
The Complex will feature:
Synthetic turf fields —
Soccer, Lacrosse, Softball
n
Aquatics complex —
10-lane competition pool
and diving well
n
n
If all goes well, by the
fall of 2017, Carondelet
students will have an
athletic home – a place
to practice, compete,
and gather together to
socialize and build the
bond of our sisterhood
through sharing Cougar
pride and spirit.
Needless to say, the world has changed
– and Carondelet must change, too, in
order to provide the best experience
for young women, empowering them to
succeed, lead and compete in college
and in life beyond.
Even without facilities for 11 out of 13
of our CIF-sanctioned teams, our girls
have won a host of championships:
3 state, 22 North Coast Section, and
40 league. Just imagine how many
more young women would become
champions with an actual home field.
And with 500 of our 800 students
This campaign is a chance for our 9,000 participating in athletics each year
alumnae and alum families to pay-itplus their friends, classmates and
forward in a meaningful way as they
families who support our Cougars,
know first-hand that the lack of facilities this new campus extension will impact
during their time at Carondelet
virtually every student and every
resulted in missed opportunities.
family today and for decades to come.
The campaign enables current
Over the coming weeks and months,
families to support an effort that will
you will be invited to support the
immediately benefit their child, and
campaign to make this new campus
her experience – whether she is a
and transformative Carondelet
student athlete or not. And it provides experience possible.
interested friends and community
Everyone who is interested in
partners with an opportunity to truly
learning more about the project and
make a difference in promoting
supporting the campaign is welcome
women-focused education.
to attend a tour. If you would like to
Back in 1962 when the Oakland
be among the first to see the new
Diocese was being formed, the Sisters property and to hear about the
of St. Joseph received less than
exciting plans, please contact Janet
9 acres to build a school for girls on
Wilks (see sidebar).
Winton Drive, while the Christian
Brothers received nearly double that
for the boys’ school. It was, after all,
before Title IX and girls were deemed
too lady-like to need athletics.
6 Tennis courts
State-of-the-art facilities
for training, pre-habilitation,
rehabilitation, strength
and conditioning
n
gifts and naming
opportunities
We need you on the team!
There are a wide range of naming
opportunities associated with the
land acquisition and development.
A donation or pledge at a level that
generates a naming opportunity can
be used to celebrate your family,
memorialize a loved one, or honor a
special person in your life. Naming
opportunities include the entire
Carondelet Athletics Complex,
the aquatics center, fields, training
facilities, community gathering
spaces and many others.
To discuss gifts and naming
opportunities, contact Janet Wilks
925-686-5353 ext 150 or
jwilks@carondeleths.org
SUMMER 2016 / 21
from one alumna to another
by noreen curran ‘16
My fellow
Carondelet alumnae,
For the past four years, my daily
routine has included waking up
early, putting on my uniform, and
going to Carondelet. And now, my
high school journey is done. I find
it difficult to express the countless
experiences I have had while at
Carondelet because words simply
cannot convey how much this school
has truly impacted my life. My time
at Carondelet has presented me with
the chance to meet unbelievably
intelligent friends and mentors,
watch young women become
empowered individuals, learn to live
authentically, and receive a rigorous
education in the tradition of the
Sisters of Saint Joseph.
While at Carondelet, I was able to
participate in clubs and activities
that allowed me to unite my passion
for both leadership and academics.
My senior year, I was president
of three clubs that I loved very
much. Being so active in my school
community taught me how much
I value leadership and, moreover,
how vital it is to teach young women
that they are powerful and capable
Having a connection
with Carondelet
alumnae is something
that I longed for as
a student, and now
I have the opportunity
to be the connection
that current and future
students desire.
we do. I have learned this firsthand
and understand how special and rare
a community like Carondelet is. I have
never felt more ready to start my life
-- largely due to what Carondelet
provided me over the past four years.
Carondelet helped me to find my
voice and gain a confidence that I
never thought possible.
to an end. Having a connection with
Carondelet alumnae is something
that I longed for as a student, and
now I have the opportunity to be the
connection that current and future
students desire as well. I want to
ensure that Carondelet students
experience what this school offers in
a way that is both unique to their own
lives and also in line with the bond of
our sisterhood. This includes finding
meaning in their own experiences
as well participating in Carondelet
events and taking ownership of their
role in the Carondelet community.
Being a Carondelet alumna is a
chance to help current students
and support them through their
high school journey. I know this is
something that I am very excited to
be able to do. As an alum, I plan to
be involved as much as possible.
I want to return to Carondelet for
campus events and see students
breaking barriers in their everyday
of being strong leaders. Carondelet
lives. I would love to mentor a future
encourages women to be leaders in
Carondelet student so that she has
their school, greater community, and a connection to an alum out in the
everyday lives. These lessons are only world. This is another way of living
a short summary of what Carondelet out our call to sisterhood.
High School has always offered to its
In the fall, I will be starting my first
students.
year at the University of San Francisco
While I am incredibly grateful for all
where I will be putting everything
that I have been blessed to receive
I learned at Carondelet into action.
from Carondelet, I am equally excited Carondelet empowers women to take
to be involved in the school now
on the world by demonstrating heart,
that my time as a student has come
faith, and courage in all things that
Carondeletter / 22
There have been so many ways
that I was able to find my voice at
Carondelet. From being active in
school leadership, leading a Kairos,
and creating beautiful bonds
with many people that I deeply
love, I experienced Carondelet
in a way that empowered me to
share my unique gifts. My love for
Carondelet is a reflection of the
love Carondelet provided me. I am
profoundly thankful and proud to be
a Carondelet alumna and I hope that
you are, too.
Carondelet helped
me to find my voice
and gain a confidence
that I never
thought possible.
How long has it been since you have
felt the strong sisterhood that runs
deep at Carondelet?
I strongly encourage you to
reconnect with our alma mater.
Visit the campus and meet current
students. So many amazing people
walk those halls everyday — and you
can go be one of them! Whether
it is just saying hi to students and
teachers in the halls or creating a
strong bond with a current student,
I promise you that you will gain
something positive from your
experience. I hope you still feel a
connection to the special community
that will always be there for you.
With love,
Noreen Curran
Class of 2016
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Oona (Jackson) Moore ‘83
I went from the junior class
president at Carondelet to
the president of my historic
neighborhood association in
downtown Jersey City. I have
now been pictured alongside
a couple a quotes in The New
York Times. You just never know
when the skills you learned in
high school will come in handy!
Valerie Saribalis Cole ‘71
I used my original teaching credentials for three years before
cutbacks caused me to lose my position. In the years that
followed, I explored many careers, but education was my life’s
mission. Since 2009, I have been teaching Special Day Classes
at Napa High School. Last fall, I began teaching at Napa
Community College in the Disabled Student Programs
& Services department.
Kerri (Bock-Willmes) Heusler ‘97
My husband, Dave, and I welcomed our
beautiful baby girl into the world.
Erin Marie Heusler was born on September
24, 2015 and we are so in love. I can’t wait
to teach Erin all of the empowering things
that I learned during my precious time
at Carondelet!
IN MEMORIAM
Eugene Bagnasco, father of Theresa ‘84 and grandfather
of Elliana Zapata ‘20
Ida Banyoczky, mother of Sandra ‘82
Carolyn Bartlett ‘82
James Batchelor and Sandra Batchelor, parents of
Kimberley ’97
Nancy Louise (Eaton) Baumgartner & Thomas E.
(Tom) Baumgartner, parents of Christine ‘90
Ben Benson, nephew of Sr. Eleanor Eagan
Corinne Bryan, mother of Connie Tuft, longtime
Carondelet teacher
Nanette Carillo, mother of Nannette ‘95, Trinnette ’89
and Monique ‘88
Valerie J. Conter, mother of Louann ‘72
Larry Del Santo, father of Catherine ‘07
Evelyn Nora Freeman, mother-in-law of Maria Anderson
Freeman ’72 and grandmother of Kaitlin Freeman ‘05
Cara Anzilotti ‘74
I am an associate professor of history at Loyola
Marymount University. I recently just published a
new book, She-Devil in the City of Angels: Gender,
Violence and the Hattie Woolsteen Murder Case
in Victorian Era Los Angeles.
Gina Minder-Maldonado ‘92
It is such an honor to be chosen as a finalist
for Contra Costa County Teacher of the
Year. I didn’t have the best experiences
in elementary school. But, when I got to
Carondelet, I truly felt like the teachers
actually cared. These teachers became my
champions and they inspired me to do the
same for others. Gina teaches at Oakley
Elementary School in Oakley, CA.
Katie Teixeira ‘10
Lindy Dallimonti Sullivan ‘02 and
Ryan Sullivan (DLS ‘02) welcomed their
first son, Davis Ryman, in February. Lindy
has enjoyed spending an extended
maternity leave at home with Davis and
is looking forward to returning to the
classroom at Carondelet this fall.
I recently finished my first year of
medical school at Rocky Vista University
College of Osteopathic Medicine in
Colorado. Now, I am participating in
a program called CACHAMSI, at the
Cacha Medical Spanish Institute, in
Riobamba, Ecuador. I am doing a
5 week rotation in gynecology at a
“subcentro” clinic on a street called
Baron de Carondelet.
Yelba Marie Freij, mother of Andrea ‘17
Monica Zuñiga Herrera ‘80, sister of Patricia ‘78,
Jamie-Marie ‘96 and Eric (DLS ‘83)
James Holmes, father of Miata ‘96
Lester “Skip” Ipsen, grandfather of Allison Ipsen ‘10,
Sophia Ipsen ‘12 and Lauren Ipsen ‘14
Louise Paulson Kaster ‘79
Christine Keller, mother of Holly ‘85
Richard Lucas, father of Debra ‘72, Denise ‘81 and
Kathleen ‘73, Dolores “Susie” ‘77, grandfather of
Leah Selig ‘07
Mark Medeiros, father of Megan Medeiros ‘14
Lupe Mendez, mother of Carol Ann ‘73
Sarah G. Moosman, mother of Nancy ‘71, Grace ‘73,
Diana ‘80, Mary ‘82
Charles “Chuck” S. O’Connor, father of Clare ‘76
Jose Preciado, father of Eva ‘78, Maria ‘80 and
grandfather of Camille Lumsden ‘07
John “Jack” Pyne, father of Frances ‘92
Robert Rezak, father of Sharon ‘79 and Allison ‘83
Fedele “Fred” Anthony Rossi, father of Lauren ‘00
Idonna Tryon, mother of Valletta ‘85 and Christine ‘87
Read more at carondeleths.org/alumnae
SUMMER 2016 / 23
1133 Winton Drive
Concord, California
94518-3598
925.686.5353
www.carondeleths.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Additional copies available in the school's main office
Please email any address corrections to:
msimmons@carondeleths.org
Attention: Class of 2011
5-Year Reunion!
It was just five short years ago that
you celebrated your graduation
from Carondelet, and now it’s time
to come back and reminisce!
On Saturday, Nov. 26, you’ll have
the chance to reconnect with
friends from Carondelet and
De La Salle at your 5-year reunion.
Check the Alumnae page on our
website for further updates.
We can’t wait to see you!
NON-Profit ORG. Presort STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CARONDELET HIGH SCHOOL