Bellarmine Preparatory School

BELLAR MINE
SUMMER 2 015
TODAY
BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER for the BELLARMINE COMMUNITY
What’s New
Craig Coovert | Director of Communication
Changes to Our Publications
We are excited to present to you our first edition of
the newly rebranded Bellarmine Today Newsletter.
As you can see, the format has changed
considerably from previous format. In this new
iteration, Bellarmine Today will focus on school
related news, student profiles, event updates –
Bellarmine related news. Our hope is to provide
the Bellarmine community with interesting and
informative news and updates. The Bellarmine
Today Newsletter will be published twice a year,
in summer and winter issues.
In addition to this new version for our
newsletter, this fall we will launch the first
edition of our new Bellarmine Magazine, which
will feature more in-depth feature articles on
our amazing alumni, students, and friends of
Bellarmine. This new magazine will also feature
writing from our talented Bellarmine students,
who will sit on the magazine’s editorial board.
These students will be assisting with the entire
process of putting together the content for the
magazine – story ideas, writing, and editing.
The new Bellarmine Magazine will be published
twice a year, in the fall and the spring, and
will continue to feature Class Notes, as well as
honor our deceased alumni through the
“In Memoriam” section.
New Bellarmine Logo Unveiled
Bellarmine is excited to unveil
its new logo – a crest within a
circle – that captures the essence
of the school, honoring both the
past and the present. The family
crests of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St.
Robert Bellarmine are represented in the top left
and right quadrants. In the bottom left quadrant
is AMDG, short for the Latin phrase and motto
of the Jesuits, “ad majorem Dei gloriam,” that
translates to “for the greater glory of God.” This
phrase is at the heart of Bellarmine’s mission
and is frequently used by students and faculty.
In the bottom right quadrant is a tribute to
Bellarmine’s Northwest location with an iconic
image of Mount Rainier.
Jon Lester B’02 and his dad John B’70, celebrate winning the World Series for the Boston Red Sox in 2007.
Jon Lester B’02 Headlines the
Booster Hall of Fame List of Inductees
Chicago Cubs ace Jon Lester B’02 leads an outstanding group of athletes who will be inducted into the
Bellarmine Booster Athletic Hall of Fame Thursday, October 22 in the Bellarmine Booster Gym.
For the first time, the Hall of Fame is also honoring achievements of athletes beyond their time at
Bellarmine. Joining Lester in being honored for his achievements as a Major League Baseball player are
former University of Washington and Philadelphia Eagles star Ron Medved B’62, and professional tennis
player Pat Galbraith B’85. All three will all be recognized for their outstanding careers.
Other individuals being inducted into the Hall of Fame are multi-sport athletes Pat O’Loughlin B’74 and
Mary Boerner Walsh B’96, cross country and track’s Joline Staeheli Andrzejewski B’91, football’s Jerry
Medved B’84, and soccer player Tanya Russ Reber B’88.
Two coaching contemporaries will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in October. This year Bellarmine will
honor long-time teacher and coach, Steve Anstett B’60 for his long tenure as the Boys Basketball Coach.
Anstett will be the first member of the Hall of Fame to be included as both a player and a coach. He was
first inducted as an athlete in 1986. Along with Anstett, John Balmer, who led the 1982 and 1983 football
teams on their great runs through the state bracket, will be among those honored at the event.
Teams being inducted are the 1962 city champion Boys Basketball team, the 1982 and 1983 state semifinal Football teams, and the 1987 state champion Girls Soccer team.
Bellarmine is also very proud to honor the Names Family for their continued dedication and financial
support of Bellarmine and the athletic program with the Father Jack Sneeringer Award.
Congratulations to all those being honored at this year’s Booster Athletic Hall of Fame. For more information
on the Hall of Fame, including information on how to attend this event, visit www.bellarmineprep.org/2015hof.
Finally, the image of the “cross on the hill,”
which has been used for the past 30 years as
the school logo, remains a part of Bellarmine’s
identity by tying everything together in the center.
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In this Issue:
Graduation......................2-3
School Updates...............3-8
Senior Profiles...............9-14
Bellarmine Events........15-19
Principal Letter................20
Congratulations to the Class of
On Sunday, May 30th, Bellarmine Preparatory
School held its 87th Annual Commencement
Ceremony at the Tacoma Dome Convention Center.
Senior Class President Alex Cranstoun welcomed
those in attendance to begin the program. The
Senior Class elected students Hailey Mayer and
Parker Durr, as well as history teacher James
Dempsey to address the graduates and guests
attending the ceremony.
The ceremony concluded with President Rob
Modarelli B’82 and Board Chair Greg Unruh
presenting the diplomas to all 216 graduates of
the class of 2015.
College Bound
99% of the 2015 graduating
class has been accepted to
colleges and universities
in the United States and
abroad. Among the leading
institutions by enrollment
are University of Washington,
Washington State University,
University of Portland, and
Gonzaga University.
Over
$6.6 Million in
Scholarships
and Grants
Awarded
Congratulations to the 175
Bellarmine seniors (about
71% of their graduating
class) who were awarded
211 college scholarships and
grants with a combined value
in excess of $6.6 million!
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2015 Senior Class Awards
2015 Valedictorians
Miristi Devereux, University of Southern California
Halley Egnew, Western Washington University
Zachary Golob, University of Washington
Christopher Harrison, University of Washington
Austin Hirsh, University of San Diego
Kiana Lindsay, University of San Diego
Adrianna Parent, Oregon State University
Miranda Ross, University of California Santa Barbara
Molly Turner, Rice University
2015 Salutatorians
Parker Durr, Whitworth University
Elise Kleine, College of William and Mary
Hailey Maher, Gonzaga University
Christen McKenzie, University of Washington
Katelyn Michael, University of Southern California
Julia Salazar, Gonzaga University
Washington
Central Washington University (5)
Eastern Washington University (4)
Gonzaga University (10)
Green River Community College (1)
Northwest University (2)
Olympic College (1)
Pierce College (1)
Saint Martin’s University (2)
Seattle Pacific University (2)
Seattle University (2)
Spokane Fall Community College (1)
Tacoma Community College (5)
University of Puget Sound (1
University of Washington (24)
Washington State University (21)
Western Washington University (7)
Whitworth University (3)
2015 Senior Class Awards
Senior Class Award
Alex Cranstoun, The Catholic University of America
Ms. Bellarmine Award
Hailey Maher, Gonzaga University
Mr. Bellarmine Award
Matt Philichi, United States Air Force Academy
110% Award
Molly Turner, Rice University
Gary Ruffo Award
Rex Bodoia, Pomona College
Bellarmine Blanket Award
Carson Grisaffi, Idaho State
JSEA Award
Kaylee Kebba, University of North Dakota
JSEA Award
Scott Lambert, St. Louis University
Midwest
Creighton University (2)
Dakota State University (1)
Franciscan University of Steubenville (1)
Kansas State University (1)
Loyola University Chicago (1)
Marquette University (2)
North Dakota University (3)
Notre Dame (2)
Oberlin College (1)
Saint Louis University (2)
University Of Missouri (1)
Oregon
Linfield University (1)
Oregon State University (4)
Southern Oregon University (1)
University of Oregon (1)
University of Portland (12)
Western Oregon (1)
California
Cabrillo College (1)
Cal Lutheran (1)
Cal Poly (3)
Cal State San Marcos (1)
California Maritime Academy (1)
Chapman University (2)
Occidental College (1)
Pomona College (1)
San Diego State University (2)
University of California Santa Barbara (1)
University of San Diego (3)
University Of Southern California (5)
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
West and Southwest
Boise State University (3)
Caroll College (1)
Colorado State (2)
Colorado University (1)
Grand Canyon University (1)
Idaho State (1)
Montana State University (5)
Northern Arizona University (1)
Northwest Nazarene University (1)
East
Emerson College (1)
Fordham University (1)
New York University (3)
Northeastern State University (1)
Rochester Institute of Technology (1)
The Catholic University of America (1)
Washington College (1)
William and Mary (1)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1)
International
Queens University (1)
Royal Military College
of Canada (1)
Simon Frasier University (1)
University of
British Columbia (1)
Regis University (2)
US Air Force Academy (1)
Universal Technical Institute (1)
University of Arizona (6)
University of Idaho (1)
University of Montana (1)
UNLV (2)
Utah State (1)
South
Alabama (1)
Rice (2)
Southern Methodist University (1)
Texas A&M (1)
Texas Christian University (1)
University of Louisiana (1)
(1)
(1)
)
Summer 2015
| 3
Jenny Phillips celebrates her award
with Becca Sorensen B’15, Kiana
Lindsay B’15 and Elyse Klein B’15
The award annually highlights a faculty member
who goes beyond the basic job description of
being a teacher at Bellarmine. The award winner
must exemplify the Jesuit ideals in his/her life
and teaching, exhibit quality instruction in the
classroom, a mastery of his/her subject area, and
contribute to bettering the Bellarmine community.
Ms. Phillips teaches several grade levels and is
“always prepared with a lesson plan that is both
interesting and informative…and values students’
understanding above all else,” said Cathryn.
She “lives out Jesuit ideals through the way she
acts” said one senior. “She is constantly looking out
for the kids here and making sure they perform to
their best ability,” added another.
Jenny Phillips Honored with the
Elizabeth Kelley Exemplary Teacher Award
Congratulations to longtime science teacher Jenny Phillips – recipient of the 2015 Exemplary Teacher Award. Below
are excerpts from the remarks given by Senior Cathryn Casey at the recent Academic Awards Assembly on May 19th.
The Elizabeth Kelley Exemplary Teacher Award
was started in 1986 with the goal of recognizing
annually the teachers who make Bellarmine not only
academically powerful, but also personally enriching.
The award is presented to teachers who foster
community building and exhibit religious, intellectual,
and professional behaviors in their attempts to grow
students capable of bettering the world.
Named after a former News Tribune publisher’s
daughter and grandmother of two Bellarmine alums,
Ms. Kelley donated the funding for the award as a
way to further excellence in education.
“Her passion and dedication toward serving our
community, continued professional development,
positive and contagious bright attitude, and
connection with students deserves to be
recognized,” said one of Jenny’s colleagues about
her professional demeanor.
Besides teaching, Jenny is an Assistant Varsity
Boys Basketball Coach and Director of the Senior
Pilgrimage.
“She is a favorite teacher of mine, and has instilled
in me, and many others in my class, the desire
to pursue nursing,” explained Cathryn. “She is a
positive role model for so many girls in this school,
I know, because she is a role model for me.”
De Thomas Award for Service and Dedication
Presented to Philomathea President
Joan Roberts
The De Thomas Memorial Award is presented
annually to a member of the Bellarmine community
who demonstrates outstanding service and honest
dedication beyond his or her assigned duties.
This year Bellarmine honors Joan Roberts, wife
to alum Mark B’82 and mother of both a current
student and graduate, who exemplifies the meaning
of service and dedication.
Pictured is Principal’s Assistant Judy Torgerson (left)
congratulating Joan Roberts, recipient of the De Thomas
Award at the Academic Awards Assembly on May 19th.
Joan has been involved in the many activities
and functions of Philomathea as well as serving
as its President. She has coordinated and served
in countless meetings and events, from football
concessions, wreath sales, staff appreciation, grad
breakfast, and the Lion’s Den, to name a few.
She has also participated on various school
committees such as the Campus Center project and
the Accreditation Committee, and has volunteered
in the main school office. Bellarmine is pleased
to present the 2015 De Thomas Award to Joan for
her selfless dedication and service to the school
throughout the years.
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4 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
Congratulations to
Claire Martin B’15,
the Tacoma News
Tribune Female Senior
Athlete of the Year
Claire Martin B’15 was recently honored as the
News Tribune’s 2014-15 Female Senior Athlete
of the Year. Claire took some time to answer a
few questions regarding the honor of winning this
award, as well as expanding on her experiences
during her four years at Bellarmine. Claire has
already begun practicing for her freshman Volleyball
season at Washington State University.
Winning the News Tribune Award.
It is such an honor to receive this award. It was
a nice ending to my high school sports career. I
played on great teams that were very successful and
this just added to my overall experience.
Athletic accomplishments during her senior year.
My senior year, I knew I wanted to finish strong
and be happy with the final results in both sports.
I wanted to be able to say that I did my best and
I gave it all that I had. That doesn’t mean that
I would always be successful, but that I could at
least say my effort was a success. I knew I wanted
to win, but I wanted to win for my team, not only
for myself. We won another state championship
in volleyball, and we made it to the Tacoma Dome
placing 6th in basketball.
Being a 3-time State Champion in Volleyball
Winning state three years in a row is an experience
that cannot be described in words. I will always
remember the journey to the titles and not just the
final result. They were so much fun, and sharing it
with my friends and coaches was awesome. I feel
honored to be a part of those teams.
What she is most proud of from her
Bellarmine career.
What she will miss most about Bellarmine.
I will miss everything about Bellarmine. I will miss
my friends, my coaches, my teachers, and all the
memories that happened at the school on the hill.
Bellarmine in her own words.
Bellarmine is like a family. The support that I
received from friends, their families, my teachers,
and my coaches helped me throughout my four
years. One example of this kindness was from
my peers, I would leave my home in Bremerton at
6:45 a.m. and not get back until 10:30 p.m. My
friends and their families would take me in and
provide me with a place to study, relax, and, on
many occasions, a good dinner prior to my night
practices. They were there with smiles and always
gave me positive encouragement.
Coaches and teammates from both the Bellarmine
Volleyball and Basketball teams.
Coach Meines and Coach Degroot are no doubt the
best coaches I could have ever asked for. They
always challenged me to be a better player, a team
leader, and a better person. They both helped
me during my recruiting process. I also played
for some great assistant coaches that constantly
encouraged me and made the season fun. My
teammates were the best. We had a lot fun times
over the years. Those are the memories I will
remember probably more than the results.
To read the Tacoma News Tribune’s story about
Claire, visit: http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/
high-school/
How Bellarmine prepared her for the next level for
both athletics and academics.
Bellarmine is a very competitive school when it
comes to sports and education. The coaches and
teachers are always challenging you to be better.
Your friends and teammates are striving to be
better and that encourages you to do the same.
You do not feel like you’re going through it alone
but as a group.
Her future goals.
Athletically, I am trying to help Washington State
Volleyball be the best team that we can be in
whatever way I can. I am not sure of what I plan
to do in the future. I hope to major in Mechanical
Engineering.
What will you miss most about playing basketball?
I am proud of who I have become through my
athletic career at Bellarmine. In each sport, I have
grown not only in my athletic skills, but also as a
person. You have to learn how to work with people.
It’s easy when things are going well, but no season
is always easy. You have to learn to get along with
your teammates and coaches when things are not
going so well, and hopefully I have grown from
these experiences.
I will always love the game of basketball. I have
been playing since I was very young. I will miss
everything about it; the players, the fast pace of
the game, the many skills that make basketball
difficult, and most importantly the feeling when
you hear the swish of the net. It will be very weird
next winter when I will be a spectator rather than
a participant.
Claire Martin tips off against Lynden Christian High School
on December 20th. The Lions won 55-44.
Summer 2015
| 5
Special Achievements by Bellarmine Athletes
Jed Klein Earns All-American
Status in Wrestling
Class of 2015 College Athletes
Last spring Jed Klein
B’16 earned AllAmerican honors at the
Reno World Wrestling
Championships in the 16
to 18 year old category’s
113 pound weight
class. Jed endured
three grueling days
of wrestling where he
competed against some
of the very best wrestlers in the United States.
These big wrestling tournaments are nothing new
to Jed, as he has spent most of his life traveling
to many of the national tournaments with his
dad Keith B’82. The Reno World Championship
tournament is a collegiate wrestling tournament
that uses National High School Federation rules
and is only open to school age wrestlers. Collegiate
is the style of wrestling found in high school and
college sanctioned competition. Klein is also
accomplished in Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles
of wrestling, which are the two styles that are found
in the Olympics and other world championship
tournaments.
Congratulations to the many Bellarmine athletes from the class of 2015 who are planning to take their
talents to the next level by participating in collegiate sports.
Jairus Richards
Baseball
Rex Bodoia
Cabrillo Community College
Basketball
Pomona College
Tyler Lee
Football
Pacific Lutheran University
Matt Ogard
Football
Pacific Lutheran University
James Pak
Football
Simon Fraser University
Matt Philichi
Football
Air Force Academy
Jared Richardson
Football
Dakota State University
Will Roberson
Football
Norfolk State University
Joe Stilnovich
Football
Pacific Lutheran University
Olvia Benzin
Golf
Oregon State University
Lilly Navarre
Golf
Montana State University
Ryan DeGroot
Soccer
University of Washington
Jacob Hillyer
Soccer
Northwest Nazaren
Kaylee Kebba
Soccer
University of North Dakota
Rebecca Sorensen
Softball
Pacific Lutheran University
Elliot Gardner
Tennis
Chapman University
Jack Yearian Named State Gatorade Boys
Track & Field Athlete of the Year
Parker Mitchell
Tennis
Washington College
Carson Grisaffi
Track and Field
Idaho State University
Congratulations to
Jack Yearian B’16 who
earned the Gatorade
Washington Boys Track &
Field Athlete of the Year.
His recent track and
field accomplishments
include winning 4A
state titles in both the
1,600 and 3,200 at
the state track and field
championships this
spring. He also had a
3.82 grade-point average, was an ASB officer, and
volunteered at a food bank and homeless shelter
and as a youth track coach.
Nate Gollterman-Doyle
Track and Field
Washington State University
Elise Kleine
Track and Field
The College of William and Mary
Jack Metcalfe
Track and Field
Creighton University
Jalen Robinson
Track and Field
Whitworth University
Natalie Root
Track and Field
University of Portland
Miranda Ross
Track and Field
UC Santa Barbara
Will Sherman
Track and Field
University of Arizona
Laura Staeheli
Track and Field
University of Portland
Natalie Jensen
Volleyball
University of Idaho
Claire Martin
Volleyball
Washington State University
Reghan Pukis
Volleyball
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Spring Sports Season Recap
2015 State Boys Championship team
Steve George B’85 and Mark Bender pose with their
teams’ State Golf Tournament 1st Place Trophies
Golf Teams Capture State Championships
Most schools are thrilled with a single state team championship. Bellarmine took not one, but two state
Golf team titles this spring – one for the girls and the other for the boys. For the girls team and coach Mark
Bender, their win is even more spectacular as it’s their 6th consecutive 4A state championship.
The Bellarmine Girls scored 154.5 points compared to second place winner Eastlake’s 76.5. A major
contributor to the win was Olivia Benzin B’15 who won the individual state title.
The Boys Golf team also took this year’s state title. The Boys team won its second title in three years beating
Issaquah by one stroke. RJ Manke B’17 was the top individual finisher for the boys, with a 5th place finish.
6 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
2015 State Girls Championship team
Spring Sports Season Recap, continued…
The Boys Soccer team traveled to
Ireland during Spring Break.
Soccer Reaches State Quarter Finals
The Boys Soccer team’s strong season came to end in the quarter finals of the state tournament with a
tough 3-1 loss to Snohomish. The Lions finished with an overall record of 12-2-2.
Girls Lacrosse Takes League Title
The Girls Lacrosse team captured the league title
this year, and made a deep run into the state
playoffs to make it all the way to the quarter finals.
They captured 5 out of the 12 spots on the AllConference team.
Doubles partners Elliot Gardner B’15 and Joe Lyon B’16.
Boys Track and Field Finishes 11th in State
The Boys Track and Field team had a strong
showing at state finishing 11th in an overall field
of 44 teams. Jack Yearian B’16 won two individual
state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 long distance
races. (See story, page 6)
Tennis Duo Captures 7th in State
Congratulations to Elliot Gardner B’15 and Joe Lyon
B’16 who placed 7th in the doubles competition at
the WIAA State Tennis Championships.
The Bellarmine Girls senior Lacrosse players
pose for a picture on a “Senior Night.”
Track and Field relay team: Cameron Wyman B’17, Jalen
Robinson B’15, Jack Yearian B’16, Jack Metcalfe B’15.
Bellarmine Drama Department Honored for
Outstanding Achievement by 5th Avenue Awards
On June 8th at the annual 5th Avenue Awards Program, Bellarmine’s spring 2015 production of Little
Women was recognized with nominations in 11 categories including Outstanding Direction (Gabriel
McPherson) and Outstanding Music Direction (Frank Lewis). A special congratulation goes to Jonah ThorpeKramp B’15 who was selected as the winner in the category of Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a
Supporting Role.
Bellarmine also came home with a win in the
category of Outstanding Performance by an
Ensemble Group. The girls in this ensemble
include: Sydney Lenoch B’18, Cecilia Lewis B’1`7,
Bethany McKenna B’15, and Miranda White B’17.
The 5th Avenue Awards program honors
outstanding achievement in high school musical
theater throughout the state of Washington and
celebrates the hard work and dedication students
and educators put forth to make their school
productions a success.
Each year, the 5th Avenue Theater holds a Tonystyle awards program in early June for Washington
state high school drama programs.
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, orchestra
and adult team who all played integral parts in
producing Little Women.
In April, the Bellarmine Drama Department held seven
performances of Little Women in front of
packed houses in the McAstocker Theater.
Summer 2015
| 7
Robotics Takes on Worlds
James Taylor B’15, Gracie Lane B’16, and Nick Thomas B’16 | Special Contributors to Bellarmine Today | The Bellarmine Robotics team had a very successful year,
culminating with a trip to the World Championships. Below is a first person account of “Team 360’s” experiences during their 2014-15 season.
This year was one of the finest for the Bellarmine
Robotics Team 360, “The Revolution.” We won
one of the two district events we competed at
and made it to our division playoffs at the World
Championships. Our team is part of FIRST
Robotics, an organization dedicated to inspiring
students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math) related careers. As a team,
we have competed in FIRST competitions for the
past 16 years, making 360 the oldest running team
in Washington. Our varsity team competes in an
event called FRC (First Robotics Challenge), where
we have only six weeks to build a 120 pound robot
capable of competing in a new game each year.
This year’s game, Recycle Rush, involved stacking
storage totes with recycling cans on top in an
attempt to outscore the opposing teams in two and
a half minutes of robotic frenzy. Each side game
consisted of two alliances of three robots each. We
designed our robot, Rainmaker 16, to be able to
grab a recycling can autonomously and place it on a
stack of totes making it one of the most competitive
robots in the field. All of our late nights, sleep
deprivation, and hard work put into creating our
robot paid off when we finally made it to the FIRST
World Championship.
At the championship, we were among 600 robotics
teams competing in eight divisions inside the
Edward Jones Dome, the home stadium of the
St. Louis Rams. Our team was in the Archimedes
Division with 75 other teams from all across North
America. For most of the competition, we hovered
around 14th place but ultimately finished
in 30th place. With the last qualifying
round finished, we thought our season was
over despite our phenomenal performance;
however, our fears were dispelled when
team 1538 “The Holy Cows” selected us to
compete with them as part of their alliance
for the playoffs. Our team was ecstatic
and we poured our heart and souls into
competing. Though we were eliminated in
the quarter finals, not one member of our
team left the arena with any regrets. The
only thoughts we had were how we will do
better next year.
Even after being eliminated, we had the
opportunity to see the best of the best from
around the world go head to head on the Einstein
field. These matches were fiercely competitive
with bots crashing into each other and parts flying
everywhere. Nonetheless, the robots competing on
Einstein were engineering marvels. The competition
was so close that a single point could be the
deciding factor. It was inspiring to watch such high
caliber teams compete, leaving us with a sense
of awe and aspiration. We realized the only thing
stopping us from performing at such a high level
was ourselves, and thus, we have set our sights to
create such a robot next year.
Overall, going to the FIRST World Championships
in St. Louis was an amazing opportunity. Seeing
and learning from other teams will help us to
better strategize, build, and most importantly,
work as a team. In addition, we got to meet many
inspiring people including the founding members
of First, Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers, along
with Grant Imahara, a former “Mythbuster.”
Along with the actual competition, there was an
Innovation Fair where we were able to see and
use new emerging technology. This entire year has
been quite the experience as we had to overcome
dozens of challenges, but we have persevered
through all of this allowing us to make it to the
world championship and emerge a stronger team.
This year would not have been possible without the
generous support of our sponsors and mentors and,
on behalf of 360, we would like to extend them a
special thanks. Go 360!
Student Raffle
Moved to the Fall
The Lions Share Raffle will kick-off on
September 9th.
Tickets will be sold from September 9th – October
16th at $10 each
Proceeds from every ticket sold at $10 each will
be split, with 90% going towards strengthening
Bellarmine’s financial aid program and the
remaining 10% going to support Bellarmine’s Adopta-Family program.
Campus Center Project Underway
The construction of a new Campus Center is the next crucial step in Bellarmine’s transformation in a
21st century learning environment rich in opportunities for leadership and learning outside traditional
classrooms. This project is the #1 capital priority for the school, designed to be the social and physical
heart our school, as well as its key gateway for connecting the broader community.
Building features in the new Campus Center include a state of the art 19,470 square foot central gathering
space for students as well as meeting spaces for community groups and student clubs. Offices for student
services and security will be consolidated here, including college counseling and expanded office space for our
diversity/inclusion program. The building itself will provide an informal meeting space for students before and
after school; a place for parents to feel at ease as a hub for early drop off and for late pick up of students.
There are five great prizes to be won, with the grand
prize being credit towards one-half of 2016-2017
tuition, or $5,000 cash. The winners of the raffle
will be announced at the Bellarmine Homecoming
Game on October 23rd. Winners do not need to be
present to win.
Raffle ticket prizes:
1st Prize�������� Credit for ½ of 2016-2017
School Year’s Tuition or
$5,000 Cash
2nd Prize������� $2,500 Cash
Students engaged in activities such as student government, club leadership and a variety of extracurricular
activities will now have a dedicated space to gather and connect — a point of integration for diverse groups
of students from all over campus. It will also provide a true gathering space for conducting educational
events for the broader Bellarmine community.
3rd Prize������� $500 Amazon Gift Card
By creating a space for our Bellarmine community to gather together and work collaboratively, united in a
common set of beliefs and principles, in the unique educational environment that Bellarmine provides, this
project and facility directly support our mission of educating and forming the young men and women who
will lead our future.
To purchase tickets, or for more information contact
Katey Ward Briere B’96, Annual Giving Manager, at
253-761-3522, or at brierek@bellarmineprep.org
Significant progress has been made during the Quiet Phase of the fundraising campaign, and the public
phase is scheduled for an early September launch. Construction is set to begin in late October. The new
Campus Center is currently scheduled to be open in the fall of 2016.
8 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
4th Prize������� $250 Target Gift Card
5th Prize������� $100 Costco Gift Card
“[Faith] has been a huge part of our family life,”
said Mia. “We were raised going to church every
Sunday and asking God for strength when we
needed it. Matt has taken [his faith] very seriously.”
Matt’s best friend, Zack Golob admires how Matt
shows his faith by example through his treatment of
others and his dedication to leading a faith-filled life.
Senior Profile | Matt Philichi
Matt Philichi B’15
readies himself for a
field goal attempt.
Air Force Bound Athlete
Lives Faith Filled Life
Sara Cho B’16 | Special Contributor to Bellarmine Today
Bright lights illuminate the football field on a warm
Friday night at Bellarmine. The stands begin to
cheer as the Lions take their positions and team
captain Matt Philichi prepares to execute the
opening kick-off. The fans chant “Matt! Matt!
Matt!” anticipating his performance. Matt Philichi
does not disappoint them. The crowd roars its
approval as Number 14 sprints forward and with a
practiced, powerful kick sends the ball into a perfect
arc which drops into the end zone for a touchback.
Matt Philichi made first team all-conference for
three consecutive years, first team all-state this
past year and is ranked 12th nationally for kicking.
Given the records and publicity associated with Matt
Philichi’s name, it would be easy to assume that
Matt is a stereotypical popular football player; one
whose only focus is his sport and
his achievements. Nothing could
be further from the truth. Matt is
undeniably a gifted athlete, but
those at Bellarmine who know him
realize that Matt’s talents extend
far beyond the football field. Matt
is an incredible leader whose
character and spirituality serve as
an inspiration for all students at
Bellarmine.
“We see too often with the sport
of football, people literally and
figuratively shoving others down
to get ahead,” said wide receiver
Zack Golob B’15. “Matt doesn’t
pick on the little guys. He picks
them up. He makes friends with
the underclassmen and doesn’t
treat anyone like a lesser player even though he’s
playing D-1 football. He’s completely humble. He
treats everyone like a brother.”
Matt Philichi’s unconditional kindness towards
others makes him stand out. His self-discipline
and work ethic are not only admirable, but also
inspirational. Vince Lombardi, one of the most
famous football coaches of all time said “Football
is like life- it requires perseverance, self-denial,
hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for
authority.” Whether from football or from life
experience, according to Matt’s coaches, friends,
and family, Matt learned these lessons well.
“He’s a person of integrity,” said former Bellarmine
football coach Tom Larsen who was Matt’s coach all
four years. “He obviously had a work ethic because
I know how hard he worked in the off season. I
know how hard he works in the classroom. He also
has a desire for those around him to be better, and
he knows how to encourage the others to try harder
mainly because of how hard he works.”
Matt’s work ethic has inspired many to strive
for their personal best including his sister Mia,
currently a junior at the University of Washington,
who was a cheerleader for Bellarmine and a
member of the class of 2013.
“He’s honest, he leads by example, and he puts
others first,” said Mia. “He also challenged me
when it came to academics since he always had
better grades than me. He inspired me to do better.”
Matt is the 11th person from his family to graduate
from Bellarmine. To the Philichi’s, Bellarmine is
like a second family.
“Both sides [of my family] went
to Bellarmine and it has been an
amazing community and school,”
said Mia. “Bellarmine has been
a crucial component of my life,
making me who I am today.”
Like his sister, Matt also feels that
Bellarmine has become his second
family, shaping him into the man
he is today.
“Family doesn’t need to be
someone you’re necessarily blood
related to,” said Matt. “It’s anyone
who has your back when you need
it, and that has been Bellarmine
for me. It’s been my home for the
last four years. I know there are so
many teachers here and friends I
have met that have influenced me to be the person I
am today, and I don’t know what I would do without
the faith, academic, athletic and family aspects of
Bellarmine.”
Matt also likes the brotherhood within the football
team which was strengthened by the bonds of faith.
“The family and spiritual aspect make Bellarmine
football stand out,” said Matt. “Our coaches bring
in the faith aspect and how Jesus endured so much
and how we are called to encourage each other and
stand up for each other. We are also encouraged
to be the best person we can be. It’s more than
football; it’s about building individuals to go out
into the world and make a difference.”
Religion has been an important aspect in Matt’s
life. He has been a leader for Encounter, on senior
pilgrimage and on Magis.
“He leads by example. Everyone wants to be like
Matt,” said Golob. “It’s not because he’s popular
or athletic, it’s because he’s such a good guy. He is
always trying to help others; putting other people
before himself. And he’s picking you up when
you are down. He’s asking you how your day was,
and he’s going out of his way to do nice things for
other people. And that’s what people admire the
most about him. He’s cool because of how good
of a person he is, and he really shows himself as a
Christian in the good things that he does for other
people and the way he puts others above himself.”
Golob also noted how Matt has shared his
experiences with his faith through the Magis retreat
and the senior pilgrimage.
“He showed himself as a leader [on both Magis and
Pilgrimage],” said Golob. “He had a talk on the
pilgrimage after a tough loss. He kept his composure
and was able to deliver a powerful message despite
the loss. At Magis, he completely humbled himself.
It was incredible. Plenty of people know he’s such a
great guy and he was able to accept and understand
his shortcomings and it really resonated with a lot
of people, because he was able to accept where he
had fallen short and discuss how he overcame those
things. It was really inspirational and motivational,
just like he always is.“
Matt believes challenges become present when
one is trying to find their way in life, but he also
believes that this is a sign that their faith is there.
“I think that a lot of people endure struggles with
faith and that’s a normal thing,” said Matt. “You
try to find yourself and you try to question things.
Questioning things is the biggest aspect in having
a faith life. I’ve questioned a lot and throughout
[my time at] Bellarmine I have found answers
through our campus ministry and learning through
our teachers.”
Matt’s faith has also been inspired by his personal
role model, Jesus.
“Having such an incredible role model in Jesus has
really helped me realize what I want to become,”
said Philichi. “Mr. Fish, on one of the retreats, said
that he wants people to look at him and not see
Jim Fish, but Jesus in all that he does. And I think
that’s something everyone should strive to be. “
Spiritual discernment played a huge part in Matt’s
decision to commit to the United States Air Force
Academy. Matt received offers to play for the United
States Military Academy, the University of Washington
and the United States Air Force Academy.
“I know Matt had a lot of choices,” said Larsen.
“He went back and forth with Army. And it was a
pleasure watching him discern, with part of that
choice was being closer to home. He has discerned
throughout his life and his parents taught him to
do that. He is such a good fit for an academy, but
especially for the Air Force Academy. The integrity
of each of the players and the cadets are so
involved with any activity, including football.”
Mia also knew that Matt made the right choice to
commit to Air Force after he visited the Academy in
Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I initially wanted him to go to University of
Washington,” said Mia. “When I saw him return
from Colorado, his eyes lit with excitement and
I knew he was at peace with his decision. I was
happy he made the right choice.”
Continued on page 10
Summer 2015
| 9
Senior Profile | Matt Philichi, continued from page 9…
“I hope I become a great leader and a great brother to all those
on my team and to all of those at the academy. I think it’s such
a cool aspect of life; being there for other people and loving
everyone and being a leader. And that’s where I think I can
learn those things the best.”
Matt’s decision to go to the Air Force Academy
seemed like the obvious choice to him; the
academy had structure which Matt was seeking
and also had the same strong sense of brotherhood
which Matt found on Bellarmine’s football team.
“I choose [the Air Force Academy] because it
allowed me to serve my country,” said Matt. “There
is a lot I can still learn from going to the Air Force
Academy that I would not be able to learn at a
regular college. I’m not interested in the whole party
scene at a regular college. I really need to find some
stuff out about myself and challenge myself every
day, so that’s why I choose the Air Force Academy.”
By playing for the Air Force Falcons, Matt hopes to
strengthen his bond with his fellow cadets and also
become a better leader.
“I hope I become a great leader and a great brother
to all those on my team and to all of those at the
academy,” said Matt. “I think it’s such a cool
aspect of life; being there for other people and
loving everyone and being a leader. And that’s
where I think I can learn those things the best.”
10 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
– Matt Philichi B’15
The traits that Matt hopes to learn are also the
traits his fellow students use to describe him.
“Matt’s a guy of integrity,” said Golob. “He’s a
good guy who puts others before him. He’s the
ultimate bro; he’ll put his friends and people
around him above himself 100 percent of the time.
And he’s always trying to make new friends. I aspire
to be like him every day.”
Matt hopes he led by example during his time
at Bellarmine. He also hopes that he broke the
stereotype of football players only caring about
sports. Matt believes that everyone should be
included and comfortable with each other just as
Jesus included all people during his time on Earth.
“I don’t expect anyone to remember me [at
Bellarmine] in 5 or 6 years,” said Matt. “But what
I hope people do understand is that everyone
deserves to be treated equally. A football player
doesn’t need to have the stereotype of not caring
about other people besides the athletic department.
It’s so much more than that. Just because you can
throw a football well, it doesn’t mean you’re above
everyone else. Hopefully, people can recognize
that football players can be in Dramafest, and
everyone in Dramafest can be friends with people
in athletics. I can guarantee you that Jesus never
segregated himself from people with different
ethnicities and diseases. Everyone should be
comfortable with each other.”
Matt’s selfless attitude and compassion show in
everything that he does.
“I strive to always be smiling and happy and to be
there for everyone who needs me, and everyone in
general,” said Matt. “Hopefully I’ve been someone
who is happy and there for others, someone to look
up too.”
Matt Philichi will no doubt be successful at the
Air Force Academy and an excellent Air Force
officer, but Bellarmine will always remember
him not only as a great football player, but as a
catalyst for Christianity.
Senior Profile | Kate Chandler
Hard Work Allows Dream of Dance to Become Reality
Ali Lo B’17 | Special Contributor to Bellarmine Today
A piano plays in the background of the Pacific
Northwest School of Ballet as the dancers
approach the barre to warm up. They perform an
adagio combination that highlights each dancer’s
strength and flexibility. This gives Kate Chandler
B’15 a chance to show off her legs and “bananafeet.” When she points her feet, her friends tell her
that they resemble a certain yellow fruit, which is
a compliment in the world of dancers. Fast-forward
a few hours and Kate now sits behind the wheel,
stuck in rush hour traffic. But, she is used to it.
She has been making this drive for the past five
years, six times a week.
Kate has always dreamed of being a dancer, even
drawing pictures of herself as a ballerina in a tutu
when she was just six years old.
One of Kate’s closest friends, classmate, and fellow
ballerina, Molly McVicker B’15 has had a chance to
witness her friend in action almost daily.
“Kate Chandler is such a hardworking person. She
has sacrificed going to social events for ballet. And
she has always been focused on her dreams of
being the best ballerina she can. She doesn’t let
anyone tell her she isn’t good enough, and that’s
what I love about her.” Molly said.
When Kate was thirteen, she gave up all of her
other extracurricular actives to pursue her passion
seriously. She said “goodbye” to tennis, ice
skating, and riding. All throughout high school, she
continuously has had to sacrifice friends, a social
life, and even television in order to stay on top of her
workload. However, Kate always made sure to give
back through service programs such as Operation
Keep ‘Em Warm and Fed and Eucharistic Ministry.
Nothing worth having comes easily.
High school was no breeze for Kate. Meltdowns
were just as common as they are in most other
households. She constantly struggled to keep up
with homework and projects while
studying for tests and quizzes.
Then, imagine a two and a half to
three hour commute to practice
and coming home to a full load
of homework. That is what Kate
endured most of her days.
But once Kate arrives at ballet,
everything else seems to melt
away. She does not have to worry
about her overwhelming amount
of school work or not being able to
attend her friend’s birthday party.
She only has to follow the rhythm
of the piano as she fouettes,
tenedues, and grande jetes across
the wood floor.
Her mother, Erin Chandler, said, “The lessons
that Kate has learned from this [experience]
are lifetime lessons: patience, hard work, time
management. She learned about applying critical
feedback, and working to perfect your passion
while pushing yourself to the limit of what’s
possible. These are all things she’s learned from
dance. For Kate to be able to balance these and
graduate on time is just incredible. Last month
she graduated from Bellarmine and the highest
level of the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. We
are so proud of her!”
Knowing that she was obtaining certain life lessons
did not always make her sacrifices easier. However,
there is always that moment when all that has been
given up comes back.
All of her teachers and friends
have high praise for her. Senior
Composition teacher, Melissa
Minjares, said, “Over the course
of first semester, I got to know
Kate first as a student and as
a writer, and then only later as
a dancer. Kate is passionate
about dance and committed
to being the best dancer she
can be, but she hasn’t let that
passion take over her entire life.
What’s really remarkable about
Kate is her sense of balance
and her disciplined approach to
her studies. With that kind of
perspective, she is already a success.”
For the past six years, Kate has danced at some
of the top ballet schools in the country: Kirov
Academy of Dance, Los Angeles Ballet, and the
Pacific Northwest School of Ballet, to name a few.
This summer she plans on spending five weeks out
of her summer dancing at Boston Ballet’s Summer
Program. If all goes well this summer, she will move
to Boston for two years and dance as a trainee
there. She will be able to be the ballerina in the
pink tutu from her six-year-old drawings.
As Kate grew up, her dreams grew as well. Her
current dreams also include double majoring in
medicine at the University of Washington.
“I hope to become a physical therapist who
helps athletes, specifically dancers, recover from
injuries,” Kate said.
“When I first got my acceptance letter to the
University of Washington, it was my epiphany
moment,” Kate said.
While attending UW, Kate plans on continuing
dance. She hopes to mix in a few modern dance
classes while continuing to focus on ballet.
That letter was her piece of solid, hold-in-one’s-hand
evidence that everything was worth it. Her hard work
and grit had paid off and not gone unnoticed.
Just as she did yesterday and the day before, Kate
lines up on the barre for warm-ups. A piano plays in
the background, accompanying her next journey.
“…What’s really remarkable about Kate is her sense of
balance and her disciplined approach to her studies.
With that kind of perspective, she is already a success.”
– Melissa Minjares, Senior Composition teacher
for anybody and everybody.
for any and every occasion.
Summer 2015
| 11
The college application essay is a common component of the university and college admissions process. Bellarmine students put
their heart and soul into these personal reflections, and we wanted to share a few essay excerpts from this year’s senior class.
Gymnastics Paves the Way for
New Chapter in Life
Julia Salazar | Excerpt from her College Essay
Two weeks after winning the all-around title at the
YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, I quit
gymnastics. It was the July following my junior year,
and my team had just travelled to Florida for the
national competition. That week, I experienced some
of the greatest emotional ups and downs of my life.
One day, I was standing on the first place podium
before hundreds of people and the next I was sitting
in seat 27A on my flight home, crying over my win.
I started gymnastics at age eight. It was love at first
cartwheel. After only a week of recreational classes,
I knew I had found something special and wanted
to try out for a competitive team. For the following
nine years, the art of flipping, stretching, and leaping
became my world. While other kids scheduled
playdates after school or caught up on Hannah
Montana episodes, I went to the gym. Each school
day was followed by a four hour practice, microwaved
dinner, shower, and frantic scramble to complete
homework before collapsing into bed. Day to day life
was a frenzy of chemistry labs, chalky hands, and car
rides all blended together, and I loved it.
The gym gave me a place to be young, to be a kid.
Inside its four walls, my only concern was the here
and now. And in the “now,” I was a gymnast. It
was what I did. Consumed with thoughts of how
to upgrade my routines or climb the competitive
hierarchy within my team, I rarely thought about my
future after gymnastics. In my mat jungle, I was free
to live with this narrow focus. No one, not even my
coaches or parents, rushed me to
expand in perspective. If anything,
they protected my sweet oblivion.
The ultimate goal of perfecting my
craft was to win competitions. My
young self wanted nothing more
than to capture a state, regional, or
national title. So, when I won the
national all-around competition that
summer following junior year, it was
satisfying to say the least. All the
hard work had finally paid off in a
tangible way, and I was proud. But
even though the victory spurred an emotional high,
it did not fulfill me in the way I imagined it would.
I eventually concluded that my years in the gym were
special because I had goals. I had goals that excited
me. And the challenge to accomplish these goals lit
a fire inside my heart. For this reason, the journey
of becoming a national champion was far more
fulfilling than actually winning the title. I realized
this bittersweet truth on the plan ride home from
nationals, and I cried. I cried because my victory
meant there was nothing more to reach for, and I
cried because the magic of my sport was fading.
Soon after these realizations, I ended my gymnastics
career. When I left, it felt like I had awoken from a
deep sleep. I realized I had the rest of my life to live,
and gymnastics would have no part in it. So much of
the world was unknown to me-no longer was I in my
sheltered environment. I tried, and am still trying to
not let this unfamiliarity intimidate me. I want it to
motivate me. It was time to broaden my horizons and
now I am doing just that.
Although my perspective has expanded, I will
forever hold on to part of my old, gymnast self.
I always want to be just as passionate about my
life as I was when I was in gymnastics. The sport
taught me that passion is what brings animation to
each day. It taught me that ordinary activities and
people can dazzle with excitement when you truly
care about what they stand for. For these reasons, I
cannot wait to attend college and fully pour myself
into my school. I am ready.
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12 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
Breathing a Breathless, Yet Colorful Life
Marc Estabrook | Excerpt from his College Essay
It would be most unusual to witness a performance
by a pianist being strapped to a machine and an
inflated vest while simultaneously playing his/
her feelings on the keys. Coincidentally, I am that
pianist. At eight months old, I was diagnosed
with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), which is a genetic
disorder that affects my lungs and my digestive
system. Daily, I perform respiratory therapies,
consume approximately 30 pills, maintain a high
calorie, high salt diet and attend monthly doctor
appointments to review my health status as a
patient. In addition to school and my extracurricular
activities, there are times where I have every reason
to collapse and let my world be occupied by a gray
mist of depression and sorrow. However, I don’t let
that mist suffocate me. Instead, music helps me
breathe. In and out. In and out.
The schedule for a normal teenager is something
like: Wake up, have breakfast, go to school,
come home, do homework, eat dinner, do more
homework, and eventually go to bed. The normal
schedule for a CF patient is wake up, do breathing
treatments for at least 45 minutes, eat a high
calorie breakfast, go to school, come home, do
afternoon breathing treatments, homework, eat
dinner, more homework, do night-time breathing
treatments, and go to bed with every muscle
collapsing to the ground. Living with Cystic Fibrosis
is at times equivalent to a bungee jump. There are
times when I’m soaring and there are times when
I’m hanging on the end of a rope, causing myself
to frantically gasp for normalcy. Will the air ever be
less thick? When will I catch up to my last breath?
What is the point of breathing if I don’t have
enough air to breath?
Music allows me to inhale the “can’t” and exhale
the “can” while living with Cystic Fibrosis. Starting
from the third grade, I have played the flute, guitar,
recorder and now I play the piano. Every evening
after dinner, I play the piano to release my feelings
while simultaneously performing my breathing
therapies. Before I play, I put on a inflatable black
vest that aggressively vibrates my chest and I inhale
antibiotic medications through a nebulizer, which is
driven by a air compressor. The second I touch the
first key, colors begin to form in my mind. As I am
pulled into my own multi-color fiesta, the colors set
as an illusion to distract me from everything that
I’m experiencing; the salty taste in my mouth as I
breath in the 7% saline, and the vibrations from the
vest that shake every bone in my hands. The colors
that I witness coordinate with certain chords or
keys I play. For instance, if I were to play a F major
chord, that reminds of the color, yellow. If I were to
play a G major chord, that reminds of purple. This
is just a glimpse of the full spectrum of colors that
I gain. Nothing can interrupt my piano, my colors,
and myself.
Without music, the air would be thicker and thicker,
making it harder for me to breathe. Music is more
than the capacity of expression, it is a state of
comfort that allows me to breathe all the colors of
living with Cystic Fibrosis. I am not defined by the
dominance of this disease; rather I am defined by
my determination to overcome and cough out the
darkest days. I have every reason to be happy and
Breathe. In and out. In and out. In and out.
If you need a break, check out a relaxing video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnXgR3aOYYc
Summer 2015
| 13
The Power of Your Desk
Hailey Maher | Excerpt from her College Essay
My desk squeaks when I move.
“Hemingway’s characters try, incessantly, to bring
order to their lives in a world of chaos. They yearn
for some semblance of control they will never
achieve,” Mr. Ploof tells my Honors American
Literature class. I stare at my battered, coffeestained copy of The Sun Also Rises and wonder
about my chaotic world, my tornados of adolescent
obligations and storms of teenage responsibilities.
I wonder about my means of control amidst the
swirling winds of high school and growing up. Then
I realize the answer is right under my behind, in the
very seat in which I sit: my desk.
I remember my first desk like most people
remember their first car. It had a Scooby Doo
sticker stuck to its leg. I liked that. First grade
was a tough transition for me. My parents had just
gotten a divorce, so each night I switched houses,
beds, and places at the dinner table. I sat and
learned, however, in the same desk every day. It
had my name on it. And though I rarely saw both
my parents in the same day, I saw Mrs. Jones. The
Scooby Doo desk and Mrs. Jones became my peace
amidst the chaos, my place to be content.
I began to love learning while sitting in my
familiar, little place practicing Roman numerals
and listening to Mrs. Jones sing songs from
The Sound of Music. As I grew up, my love of
learning blossomed. My desk became a vehicle
for intellectual growth. I sat, in third grade, and
absorbed Mrs. McCann’s every word as we read
the Phantom Tollbooth. I questioned each step of
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Gonzaga University
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Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
the process making flashlights from toilet paper
tubes. And this inquisitiveness was welcome, even
encouraged, in the desk world.
So I learned the basics in those elementary
desks: how to multiply 14 by 111, how to look up
“serendipitous” in the dictionary, how to mummify
a chicken and plan its funeral--complete with a
beautiful rendition of “And I Will Raise You Up on
Chicken Wings.” I loved this stuff.
It wasn’t until seventh grade, though, that I
realized why.
In Mr. Mohrbacher’s Language Arts classroom, we
had assigned seating, but even if I was assigned to
the back, I negotiated my way up to the front. We
analyzed Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt,” and I couldn’t
get enough. I stayed after school every day. Those
after-school conversations, just me in my desk and
Mr. Mohrbacher in his, transformed a short story into
a roaring passion for all things Ray, a passion which,
freshman year, inspired me to visit the 92 yearold’s Los Angeles home. They wouldn’t let me in (in
case you were wondering), but I did speak with his
daughter. She said Ray sent me his “best wishes.”
Those wishes meant the whole world to me. They
reminded me that the power of desks goes beyond
just homework and tests. The power lies in the
passion, both of teachers and students, and the
risks we learn to take for that passion. That’s what
motivated me to visit my hero.
2015 PRIDE Auction
On Saturday, March 21 more than 500 guests
attended Bellarmine’s 2015 PRIDE Auction, “Arts
on the Hill!” The event was held in the gym of the
St. Ignatius Loyola Center, and successfully grossed
over $400,000 for financial aid, scholarships, and
critical programs that are not necessarily supported
by the general budget.
The 2015 PRIDE Board would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of you who were instrumental
in the success of this year’s event by participating
as Bellarmine Business Partners, volunteers, donors,
and bidders. Your support was greatly appreciated.
Please join us Saturday, March 19, 2016, as we
celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bellarmine
PRIDE Auction.
Kristin Hogan, Terry B’84 and Julie Tebb
Margaret Treleven Murphy B’84
and Annie Treleven Weber B’86
Lindley Waters and Ashley Power
Scott and Vicky Selden
Thank you, Bellarmine Business Partners!
$15,000 Platinum “Premier” Partners
$10,000 Gold Partners
$5,000 Silver Partners
$2,500 Lion Partners
Are you interested in becoming a Bellarmine Business Partner? If you would like more information about the
Bellarmine Business Partners program please contact the Office of Advancement at 253-756-3520.
Summer 2015
| 15
Bellarmine Boosters Update
Booster Crab Feed Once Again a Great Success
The Annual Bellarmine Booster Crab Feed was a great success this year, with over 1,000 guests enjoying
great crab, drinks, and entertainment in the sold out Name Gym. The Boosters raised over $40,000
which will be used to support the athletic facilities and
programs at the school. Thank you to event co-chairs,
Jennifer Peterson B’87 and Gina McCarthy B’87, and
everyone who attended this great event. We look forward
to seeing you there again next year.
For more information, email holycrabfeed@gmail.com
Boosters Honor Dan Wombacher, this
year’s recipient of the Jeff Buhr Award for
outstanding volunteerism
This year marks the sixth consecutive year the Boosters
have awarded an outstanding volunteer. The Jeff Buhr Award, begun in 2010 and named in honor of
longtime Bellarmine Booster Volunteer Jeff Buhr (Jipper), is presented annually at the Crab Feed.
Dan, commonly known as “Wombo,” has been a very active member of the Boosters for nearly 40 years,
serving three terms as President, (1982-83, 1987-88, 2002-03), and countless years on the Booster
Board. Throughout the years, Dan has timed basketball games, taken football stats, and coached C Team
baseball. He and his wife, Bev, also served as Crab Feed chairs for seven years in the 1990’s.
A contractor by trade, Dan can often be seen on campus upgrading or adding to our athletic facilities. From
building dugouts to storage facilities, Dan has always been willing to lend a hand as well as his expertise
when needed.
Congratulations Dan, and thanks for all of your hard work. It is truly appreciated.
Dan “Wombo” Wombacher, 2015 recipient of the
Jeff Buhr Award
Booster Golf Tournament Scheduled for September 17
Golfers and Bellarmine supporters, mark your calendars for September 17th for the annual Bellarmine Booster
Golf Classic at Fircrest Golf Club. Join us for a round of golf and help raise funds for Lion athletic programs
through the Bellarmine Boosters. If you would like to sponsor or play in the tournament, please contact
Tom Bordeaux B’86 at 253-209-1234 or Greg Plancich at 253-404-0686.
Reunions
Class of 1950 Celebrates 65 Years
Class of 2005 Celebrates 10 Years
The Class of 1950 held their 65 Year Reunion in June in the Jack Peterson
Gathering Space in Fr. Weber Hall. They carry on a wonderful tradition of
holding a yearly reunion on Bellarmine’s campus.
The class of 2005 held their 10 Year Reunion on July 25th at the Landmark
Convention Center in Tacoma. Many attended the Bellarmine Bite & Brew on
campus before heading downtown for their formal reunion.
(Above) Maddie Barta,
Fr. Fred Mayovsky,
S.J., Megan Thompson,
Karen Majovski
(Left) Brie Felnagle,
Katie Tinsley, John
Tinsley, Greg Lawrence
(Top) Kathleen Cowan Sundquist A’50, Jean Kropf Anderson A’50;
(Above) Ron Johnson, Fr. Ken Baker, S.J.
16 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
2nd Annual Bite & Brew a Great Success!
On Saturday, July 25, 275 alumni, parents, and
friends of the Bellarmine community enjoyed
an evening of music, food, friends, and brew at
the 2nd Annual Bite & Brew. The evening was a
huge success and a great time was had by all who
attended. Alumni from the classes of 1985 and
1995 joined in on the Bite & Brew fun, as they
celebrated their 30- and 20-year reunions with
former classmates on campus during the event.
Each reunion was given special designated event
space where they enjoyed visiting and reminiscing
with their classmates.
The event would not have been possible without the
participation of our wonderful vendors and fantastic
volunteers. We thank them all for helping to make
this year’s event a fun-filled evening of music, food,
friends, and brew!
VENDORS
• El Toro
• Gallucci’s Catering
• Subway
• The X Group Mobile Food Command Center
• Marine View Beverages
• Two Unkles Beer
VOLUNTEERS:
• Bellarmine Alumni Board Members
• Bellarmine Football Team Players
• Bellarmine Football Team Parents
• Bellarmine Facilities Team
• Bellarmine Advancement Team
Alumni Basketball
Tournament
We hope you’ll consider joining us next summer for
this annual event.
Congratulation to the B’11 Team,
the champions of this year’s Alumni
Basketball Tournament. The event
preceeded the Bellarmine Bite & Brew.
For those of you who are celebrating a reunion
in 2016, and would like information on how
Bellarmine can help you with your reunion
planning, please contact Lynn Miller, Director of
Engagement, at 253-761-3542 or via email at
millerl@bellarmineprep.org
Special thanks to Tony Yarger B’96 who took over
the planning role of the tournament this year.
Next year’s tournament will once again be held in
conjunction with the Bite & Brew in late July. For
2016 tournament information, contact Tony at
tyarger3@hotmail.com.
John Fitzpatrick
and Dan Sully
Brendan and
Keri Demas
1985 classmates celebrated their 30-year reunion.
The class of 1995 held their 20-year reunion at the Bite & Brew on campus.
275 alumni, parents, and friends of
Bellarmine enjoyed this years’ Bite & Brew
Summer 2015
| 17
Texas Hold’em Tournament & Social
Our 1st Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament &
Social was held on May 29th and those who
attended had a great time.
Congratulations to our top 10 tournament finishers!
A very special thank you to our event sponsors:
• HOLMAN LAW, PLLC,
• Patriot Fire Protection
• Coldwell Banker Bain, Mike Politeo B’75
1st Place..................DJ Doughtery B’86
2nd Place.................Steve Coleman B’83
3rd Place..................Stan Bouchard
4th Place..................Michael Gintz
5th Place..................David Kampbell B’01
6th Place..................Brendan Kampbell B’98
7th Place..................Jessica Holman Duthie B’02
8th Place..................Anne Lockemy Farrens B’02
9th Place..................Brian Duthie
10th Place................Adam Farrens
11th Place................Tommy Johnson B’93
(Left) Tournament winners DJ Dougherty B’86
and Steve Coleman B’83 congratulate each on their
achievement. (Above) Guests “shuffle up and deal!”
Thank you to those who participated in this fun
event, and we hope you can join us again next year.
For additional photos from the night’s festivities visit:
www.bellarmineprep.org/poker-photos
Support the Future by Giving Today
Make your gift at
www.bellarmineprep.org/donate
Thank you, Propel Insurance,
for your generous support as a
Bellarmine Business Partner
18 |
Bellarmine Preparatory School BELLARMINE TODAY
UPCOMING
EVENTS
(Left to right) Erika Wilczek Titus B’06, Michael Titus B’05, Cat Pearson Rehberger B’02, Jessica Rehberger Achziger
B’02; Daniel Etcheto B’00, Evan Boulanger B’00
Blue & White Circle Party
Bellarmine Preparatory School and the Alumni Board would like to thank the Blue & White Circle members
for their generosity and support during the past fiscal year. Bellarmine’s Blue & White Circle is comprised of
tiered giving levels which honor and recognize alumni donors who graduated in the last 20 years.
In gratitude for their support, Bellarmine and its Alumni Board hosted the 2nd Annual Blue & White Party
on June 11th at the Hotel Murano.
For more information about the Blue & White Circle, please contact Katey Ward Briere B’96, Annual Giving
Manager, at 253-761-3522.
Saturday, September 5
Bellarmine Football Game Pre-function/
Tailgate at Husky Stadium
Come and cheer your Bellarmine Lions on
to victory at the 2015 Emerald City Kick-off
Tournament at Husky Stadium. We’ll start the
evening off at 5 p.m. with some pre-game
festivities at the Bellarmine tailgate tent in the
Husky Stadium parking lot. General admission
tickets for the 7 p.m. game vs. Bonney Lake
can be purchased at the gate on game day.
Adults $15; Students (with valid ASB card) and
Seniors (62+) $10; Children under 5 are free.
Thursday, September 17
Booster Golf Tournament
Join us for the Annual Booster
Golf Tournament at Ficrest Golf
and Country Club held in support
of Bellarmine athletics. (See page
16 for more information.)
Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m.
Bellarmine Booster Hall of Fame Dinner
(See cover story) For more
event information and tickets,
visit www.bellarmineprep.org/
2015hof or contact Lynn Miller
at millerl@bellarmineprep.org
or 253-756-3520.
Friday, October 23
Homecoming
Come cheer on the Bellarmine Lions Football
team beginning at 7 p.m. and those who are
21 and over are invited to an aftergame party
in the Bellarmine Student Center.
Wednesday, November 25
Thanksgiving Mass and Pie Social
Join us for Mass at 7 p.m.in the St. Aloysius
Gonzaga Chapel followed immediately by our
annual Thanksgiving Pie Social.
Legacy Luncheon
In May, Bellarmine successfully held its 1st Annual Legacy Luncheon at the Allenmore Golf & Events
Center. This event was held to honor those friends of Bellarmine who generously support the school’s
endowment. Our guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, while engaging in conversation with some of our
outstanding Bellarmine students. Once lunch was over, our guests had the unique opportunity and privilege
to hear from Fr. Stephen Sundborg, S.J., President of Seattle University, about his recent visit with Pope
Francis at the Vatican. Thank you to BNY Mellon who generously sponsored this event.
Wednesday, November 25
Alumni Night Out at Engine House No. 9
Join us at 8 p.m. at Engine House No. 9
off 6th Ave (611 N. Pine St., Tacoma) for
this annual alumni meet-up the night before
Thanksgiving.
Summer 2015
| 19
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Tacoma, WA
Permit #187
Volume 40 / Issue 1
Margie Boulanger O’Brien B’79
Chair, Board of Directors
Robert O. Modarelli III B’82
President
Cindy Davis
Principal
Office of Advancement
2300 S. Washington St.
Tacoma, WA 98405-1304
Dean Hanks
Vice President of Advancement
Al Hove, JD
Director of Philanthropy
Lynn Miller
Director of Engagement
Craig Coovert
Director of Communication
Bellarmine Today Editor
Jessica Rehberger Achziger B’02
Director of Operations
Rick Oldenburg
Gift Planning Specialist
Fr. Fred Mayovsky, S.J.
Donor Chaplain
Katey Ward Briere B’96
Annual Giving Manager
Amy de Guia
Advancement Coordinator
Margaret Treleven Murphy B’84
Treleven Design; Design & Layout
Bellarmine Today is published
twice yearly by the Office of
Advancement for alumni, parents
and friends of Aquinas Academy,
Bellarmine Preparatory School and
St. Leo’s High School. We welcome
comments about and contributions
to the newsletter. Please direct
correspondence to:
BELLAR MINE TODAY
S U MM E R 2 015
BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER for the BELLARMINE COMMUNITY
Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends,
Reflecting on the recent graduating class, my thoughts immediately go to the
realization that graduation begins long before our students arrive on our campus.
We are grateful to our families for partnering with Bellarmine and allowing us to be
a part of their children’s formation.
Bellarmine is a community that embraces students and assists them in finding
their potential and purpose. Students come to Bellarmine with varied experiences
and skills. However, all students are urged to find opportunities to lead and to
serve. Whether students are managing a club, serving as an ASB officer, working
with peers in the Robotics or Theater programs, or leading by example on the field
or court, all students are encouraged to do so with courage.
Bellarmine strives to graduate young men and women who
will go out into the world and lead, respond to injustices, love
one another, live life according to their religious values, and
seek new knowledge so they can have a positive impact on the
communities they will live in and serve. Our 2015 graduates are
ready to take on this challenge.
During the graduation season, we experience our seniors fluctuating between pushing us away and pulling us back into their world.
A world of a senior is a world filled with wonder, wonder about where time has gone and what lies ahead.
Bellarmine Today
Bellarmine Preparatory School
2300 S. Washington
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: 253-756-3857
www.bellarmineprep.org
alumni@bellarmineprep.org
MISSION: Bellarmine is a Catholic
college preparatory school in the
Jesuit tradition. Its mission is to
proclaim the Gospel message within
an educational community and to
graduate students who are leaders
in action, modeled on Christ, and
committed to the transformation He
envisions for the world.
Keep in Touch
Newly married, had a baby, changed
jobs, or have other news to share?
Go to www.bellarmineprep.org and
click on ALUMNI, or email Craig
Coovert at coovertc@bellarmineprep.
org. Photo submission guidelines:
For best results, please provide
high-resolution JPG photo files.
Stay informed and connected!
www.bellarmineprep.org
Follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/BellarminePreparatorySchool
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/BellarminePrep
While our seniors may be anticipating their future with some natural anxiety, wondering about what their
future holds, we have every reason to have hope for our future because our students are graduating with the
skills necessary to be leaders in the 21st century – skills grounded in faith, hope, and courage.
God Bless,
Cindy Davis
Principal