CARONDELETTER - Carondelet High School

Carondeletter
Carondelet High school / winter 2016
Carondeletter
Published for the alumnae,
parents and friends of
Carondelet High School
Senior Leadership Team
President
Bonnie Cotter
Principal
Kevin Cushing
Director of Technology,
Innovation and Information
Services
Elizabeth Chaponot, PhD
Assistant Principal
Jessica Mix ’99
Mission Integration
Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ
Director of
Communications
Jennifer Ortega
Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Santos ’96
Director of Development
Janet Wilks
Carondeletter Team
Jennifer Ortega
Director of Communications
Christina Ditzel ’97
Communications Manager
Rosanne Siino, PhD ‘80
Strategic Specialist
Monica Simmons
Database Manager
Faye Champlin
Independent Graphic Designer
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Carondelet High School, it is an
honor and a joy to have this opportunity to express the tremendous gratitude
of the Sisters of St. Joseph for all the good that continues to flourish at
Carondelet High School.
Over the years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have invested our lives and our
resources in the institutions we founded and sponsor. All of these institutions
are now in the hands of very capable lay leadership. This change has asked
of the sisters a certain amount of letting go of what we had known, and this
letting go has also made possible remarkable new energy, potential and
vitality in these ministries. It is a privilege to entrust what we hold dear to the
hands of these extraordinary leaders with whom we partner.
The administrative leadership and the governing board at Carondelet
are among these valued partners. They have committed themselves
to provide quality Catholic education in the spirit of the Sisters of St.
Joseph in order to prepare young women to be effective, principled and
compassionate participants in a rapidly changing environment. To this end,
the administration and board have put in place a new strategic plan that
reflects their commitment to provide an educational experience that equips
Carondelet graduates to be transformational agents in a 21st century world
and that makes clear their intention to deepen and strengthen the vitality
of the mission of Carondelet and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph
throughout all aspects of life at Carondelet.
Efforts to ensure a future for Carondelet that is viable and vibrant will
continue to require ongoing evaluation of the current reality and an openness
to change. Though change can be challenging, it is inevitable for any living
organism. Because of our experience thus far, we are confident that decisions
for change will continue to be made with an eye to the mission and vision of
Carondelet and in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. I want to recognize in
a particular way president Bonnie Cotter and principal Kevin Cushing. Their
vision, collaborative spirit and skilled leadership are invaluable assets to the
life and well being of Carondelet.
In this 50th jubilee year, on behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet,
I send congratulations to the entire Carondelet High School Community and
pray that you will continue to know God’s abundant blessing through all the
years to come. May the world, in turn, be blessed by you, women and men of
heart, faith and courage.
With great gratitude,
Sister Sandra Williams, CSJ
Province Leadership Team and Liaison to Sponsored Educational Institutions
Carondeletter / 2
president’s
message
Dear Families and Friends,
It is a remarkable time in the histor y of Carondelet High School! As
we carr y on the rich traditions given to us by the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Carondelet, we also continue to grow, develop and change to best
prepare our students to be women of hear t, faith and courage today
and in the future. We are excited to share with you, in the midst of our
50th anniversar y, the extraordinar y progress we are already making
toward the goals of the Five-Year Strategic Plan our Board of Trustees
approved just last year.
In this issue, you will discover how our mission, now as in 1965,
reflec ts the values of our CSJ founders and inspires us to deliver a
top-quality, holistic education for the young women entrusted to
our care. You will learn how, under the confident leadership of new
principal Kevin Cushing, we are expanding our academic programs
to meet the evolving needs of our students. You will read about the
ways we are ensuring, through the stewardship of new Direc tor of
Athletics Caitlin Lawson ‘05, that our athletic programs continue to
thrive, producing not only top athletes but women who exemplif y
Carondelet’s values and spirit. You will note our dedication to
renewing and strengthening our relationships with our amazing
students, alumnae, families, friends and community par tners. You will
see how ser vice to the community and to the world continues to be an
integral par t of the Carondelet spirit. And you will see our continual
commitment to building an ever-stronger Board of Trustees, who
protec t and promote our mission through their vision, policy-making
and fiduciar y responsibilities.
We hope you will enjoy these ar ticles and updates, and I invite you
to contac t me any time at 925.686.5353 with comments or questions,
or to arrange to visit our school to see the incredible progress for
yourself. Ever yday, we feel blessed and thankful for friends and family
like you, and for the honor of working with the young women who
make Carondelet the dynamic and spirit-filled learning environment
that it is.
Warmly,
Bonnie Cot ter
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, collegepreparatory education and is known as a woman who responds
to the needs of the times and makes a positive difference.
Strategic Plan
Nine Key
Initiatives
This issue of the Carondeletter
highlights some of the exciting
ways the strategic plan’s
initiatives are already unfolding,
positioning Carondelet
for another fifty years of
educational excellence.
With the Mission Initiative,
a renewed mission statement
is set as a guidepost for
Carondelet’s activities,
just as the mission guided
Carondelet’s founders back
in 1965. Under the Academic
Initiative, new programs aimed
at 21st century learning are
developed and expanded.
In Athletics, a strong focus
on supporting development
of athletes both in their
sports and in their lives is
set in motion.
As part of the Relationships
and Student Life Initiatives,
a deeper commitment to
parents, students, alumnae
and other Carondelet friends
and family nurtures the sense
of community that is a hallmark
of Carondelet.
A Board Initiative commits to
maintaining a strong, visionary
and effective Board of Trustees
for the school, and the Campus
Master Plan Initiative ensures
smart growth and development
to continue to best serve
Carondelet’s students. And
under the Philanthropy
Initiative, a culture of giving
is cultivated through caring
relationships and wonderful
and enjoyable events such as
Visions of Christmas.
These are just some of the
exciting developments
and activities underway at
Carondelet High School. Read
more about these initiatives
and some of the highlights of
our 50th Anniversary school
year in the pages ahead!
WINTER 2016 / 3
strategic initiative:
Mission integration
Mary Zertouk, CSJ, who served as
Carondelet’s first principal.
Carondelet
High School’s
Founding Sisters
of St. Joseph
Reflect on the
School’s Mission
Even as its founders taught the first
100-plus freshmen on an unfinished
campus off an unfinished Concord
road in 1965, Carondelet High
School’s mission was clear. “Our goal
was to help every student develop
her potential to the fullest,” recalled
Sr. Kathleen Kelly, CSJ, in a recent
interview — one of Carondelet’s three
founding Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet (CSJs), who all now live in
Southern California. “We emphasized
leadership and empowering the
students to take their place in the
world. Part of our mission was to teach
them that the education they received
was not just for them but for sharing
with others.”
We emphasized
leadership with
our students, and
empowering them to
take their place
in the world.
Fifty years later, with Carondelet’s
thousands of alumnae and 800
current students, the mission has and
continues to have a broad impact. It
is no wonder, then, that a key part of
the school’s new strategic plan is an
initiative to ensure that Carondelet’s
mission is not only as vital today as
it was in 1965 but that it remains
integrated in everything the school
Carondeletter / 4
does as it begins its next 50 years.
Last year, a group of faculty, staff,
alumnae and Board members crafted,
with broad input from the Carondelet
community, a renewed statement of
the mission that is easy to remember
and actionable (see page 3 for the
statement). The focus has since been
on setting the renewed mission as
the guidepost for current and future
plans and activities throughout the
school.“We do not want the mission
to be just words,” said Dr. Marcy
Fox, who is co-leading the Mission
Integration strategic initiative. “We
want it to continue to be the measure
of all we do: a way to ensure that
our decisions and actions now and
in the future reflect the core values
and vision of the CSJs, as set in those
earliest days.”
We do not want
the mission to be just
words. We want it
to continue to be the
measure of all we do.
According to the founding Sisters,
those early days, like today, were
full of challenges that required
reliance on the mission to guide
the way. “Usually you have older
students to help acculturate the
freshmen, but we didn’t have that,”
Sr. Kathleen noted. “There were no
traditions yet or anything that would
help them understand the school’s
mission, so we had to develop all
of that ourselves. We included the
students in creating it, including
the Alma Mater. Imagine — these
were 13- and 14-year-olds and we
were encouraging them to step up
and take on these projects!” “They
matured quickly,” laughed Sr. Edward
Sr. Margaret Callahan, CSJ, now is in
her 90s, remembers the importance
the CSJs saw in educating young
women. “We knew that in teaching
them, they could spread the values
and all they learned to their families
and communities,” she said. Sr.
Margaret was the eldest of the three
founding sisters and had previously
spent more than 20 years teaching
in and helping open CSJ elementary
schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sr. Edward Mary and Sr. Kathleen
also brought years of experience in
teaching and administrative roles at
CSJ schools.
We knew that in teaching
them, they could spread
the values and all they
learned to their families
and communities.
The founding Sisters each highlighted
service to others as a part of what they
hoped to instill in Carondelet High
School’s young women. “Service is
part of our CSJ charism, so we wanted
to pass that on to the students,” Sr.
Edward Mary said.
“You’ve probably heard from our
Sisters the idea of ‘service to
the dear neighbor,” Sr. Kathleen
added. “So from the beginning we
developed a culture of service at the
school. For example, we adopted St.
Sister Margaret Callahan fondly
recalls her time at Carondelet.
Patrick’s School [now St. Martin de Porres Elementary
School], which was in a troubled part of Oakland,
and we would take the girls to visit them and we even
began hosting a Halloween party for them every year.”
The Halloween party for St. Martin de Porres’ students
continues to this day.
Asked what they would want current and future
Carondelet students to take away from their experience,
the Sisters emphasize the desire to have them reach
their full potential. “We want the students to realize that
they, as women, have wonderful gifts to develop and
share with the world,” said Sr. Kathleen. “They can be
leaders for good in our society – as many of our alums
already are.” “Ditto,” said Sr. Edward Mary. “We love
hearing about our wonderful alums and all they are
doing in the world!”
We want the students to realize that
they, as women, have wonderful gifts
to develop and share with the world
The three CSJ founders express pride that the high
school’s mission they helped set in motion is going strong.
“We emphasized that the girls grow both in knowledge
and in their love of God, and it’s great to know that focus
and the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph is still very much
alive and well at Carondelet,” said Sr. Kathleen, with Sr.
Edward Mary echoing the sentiment. “I’d have to say, we
are very happy — and very proud!”
With Mission Integration a key initiative in Carondelet’s
Strategic Plan, there is no doubt that the founding mission
will continue to be alive and well into the future.
“Over my 34 years at Carondelet, I have had the
privilege of working with thousands of students
and families and watching the school grow and
evolve. Writing this book felt like an opportunity to
share our rich history, mission and vision with the
greater community.”
Sister Eleanor
valiant women
captures 50 years of progress,
faith & sisterhood
Sister Eleanor Eagan,
CSJ, founding editor
of the Carondeletter,
has dedicated her life
to her faith, educating
young women and
her love of journalism.
Using these talents
to bestow a beautiful
gift to the Carondelet
community, she has
spent several years
capturing the history of
the school, its students
and the traditions
that will live on in the
hearts and minds of
the young women who
spent their formative years on Winton Drive.
Officially published in December 2015, Valiant
Women: Carondelet High School—The First Fifty
Years features nearly 300 photos, shares the history
of Carondelet’s founding and captures stories of
sisterhood, faith and community. The book also
highlights the students, teachers and administrators
who have made Carondelet the vibrant learning
environment that it is.
Whether you are an alumna, current student, parent or
supporter, you’ll enjoy traveling back in time to learn
about Carondelet High School’s legacy of educating
young women for leadership and service. Books
are $15 each and can be purchased online at: www.
carondelet.net/valiantwomen. To support current
students, $5 from every purchase will go toward the
newly-created Sister Eleanor Scholarship Fund.
Through the sponsorship of an anonymous benefactor,
Sr. Kathleen Lang, CSJ, and math teacher Rita Huybrechts
took four of Carondelet’s seniors to meet Mother Teresa of
Calcutta in 1991 during a rare appearance in San Francisco.
The student leaders included Anne Hughes, Becky Martin,
Amy McQueen and Kate Russell, all 1991 graduates.
WINTER 2016 / 5
strategic initiative:
student life
Remembering
Our Early Years
On Sept. 7, 1965, Carondelet High
School opened its doors for the first
time, welcoming 115 young women
into its freshman class. Although
campus construction was not yet
finished, classes commenced and a
legacy was born.
Pat Brighton, Joan McNamee Baker,
and Kathleen O’Connell.
The three alumnae inspired laughter
all around as they recalled their days
as students at a brand new school
and the opportunities they had to
be “courageous explorers,” charged
with writing the alma mater, and even
designing the first class ring.
“Carondelet students and alumnae
give time in service and leadership
to make our city a better place, and
show us all what confident, caring,
strong women can do in the world,”
Grayson said.
Students received another special
surprise on Oct. 26 when faculty
– aided by the Parent Association –
“We weren’t only peers or classmates, celebrated the 50th day of school
with an impromptu assembly that
we were a sisterhood. We were very
featured a dance performance,
close,” said Kathleen O’Connell.
“Carondelet taught us to have dignity candy treats, and gift cards for
several students who are the “50th”
for each person, to respect each
in a number of categories – from
person. It gave us a strong attitude
Student body president Madeline
Duncan ’16 and Senior class president toward ourselves; we learned how to class order to locker and parking
learn and we could take on anything. assignments.
Meredith Happy ’16 emceed the
It gave us the courage to go on and
Other events throughout the year
event, which featured a prayer by
are incorporating Carondelet’s 50th
Sister Eleanor Eagan, CSJ, a tribute by live life. Life isn’t for sissies.”
anniversary as a significant theme
President Bonnie Cotter, a reflection
Special guest Concord Mayor Tim
and point of celebration. Students are
by Science Department Chair Merrilee Grayson also joined the festivities
Silveira ‘88 and a question-and-answer and surprised students by declaring not only excited to reflect on the past
50 years of progress, they are thrilled
session with three alumnae from the
Sept. 9, 2015 Carondelet High
to be a part of the school’s next 50!
class of 1969: current board member
School Day.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary
of the opening of our school, our
students, faculty, CSJs, alumnae from
the first graduating class and notable
members of our community gathered
on Sept. 9, 2015 to remember the
early years.
Carondeletter / 6
Honoring
Our First 50 Years
Please save the date for
our special end-of-the-year
celebration where we’ll honor
the first 50 years of Carondelet
education, community and
sisterhood.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Concord Mayor Tim Grayson, pictured here with Madeline (L) and
Meredith, proclaimed Sept. 9, 2015 Carondelet High School Day. Three alumnae
from the first graduating class described life at Carondelet in the late ‘60s;
students perform a special dance preview on the 50th day of school; students
are treated to sweet treats; lucky “50th” winners received surprise gift cards.
Join us for a mid-day prayer
service, lunch with our senior
class, and an evening reception
in the Inner Court.
Please RSVP to Terri Meehan at
tmeehan@carondeleths.org
Photo by Emily Groth ’17
Sharing
Memories
Do you have photos from your
days at Carondelet? Have you
saved your old uniforms, prom
invitations or other high school
mementos? We’d love to see
them! If you’d like to put your
memorable “artifacts” on display
for our May 6 event, please email
Christina Ditzel at
cditzel@carondeleths.org.
WINTER 2016 / 7
strategic initiative:
programs - academics
Innovative Programming
Remains Top Priority
By Kevin Cushing, Principal
Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Carondelet
has been dedicated to preparing young women to be
thoughtful leaders in an ever-changing world. Over the
years, the school has evolved, embracing technology,
adding new courses and offering a variety of activities
that allow students to explore leadership, service, the
arts, athletics and more.
From my perspective, one of the most important
strategic goals we have is to enhance 21st-century
educational programming with innovative teaching
practices and a unique focus on women-centeredness
and our CSJ mission.
To this end, we have recently made changes to how our
academic departments are structured, we continue to
explore innovative curricular ideas in all areas and are
already seeing the benefits of changes to our science
sequencing, and we have launched our first online
courses for college credit.
Department Chairs Empowered
Recognizing that our department leaders need time to
study best practices in their respective subject areas,
we reduced their class load and asked them to assume
new responsibilities that include developing innovative
curriculum, identifying ways to better incorporate the
Carondeletter / 8
use of technology in the classroom, creating contentspecific observation processes that will help with
professional growth opportunities, and using data
analysis to better inform instructional practices. Our
department chairs serve as a communication liaison
between the faculty and administration.
To see best practices in action, our department chairs are
encouraged to visit other schools. This model also inspires
our departments to develop new course offerings to better
serve students. Next year we will offer 18 new courses,
including: Biotechnology, 21st Century Women (English),
African-American Literature, Film Studies and Forensics.
Strengthening Science
In 2014-15, we decided to flip our science curriculum so
freshman students were introduced to Physics first to create
a more active classroom where experiments and inquiry
come before lectures. The purpose of this approach is to
provide students with a foundational science that will better
serve them in chemistry and biology.
As more 21st-century careers rely on science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) skills – and as many of these
fields continue to be male-dominated – we have increased
our efforts to provide our students with opportunities
to build science skill sets that will inspire and prepare
them for college and all career options. Scientific thinking
will help them in any field they choose. When students
see the real-world application of physics, it becomes
more interesting. With interest, they find confidence and
motivation to excel.
Half-way into year two of the re-sequenced curriculum, we can tell that
physics first has had an impact. Of the 200 sophomores who had physics as
freshmen, half enrolled in Honors Chemistry.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning
We recognize that learning happens in different ways. As technology became
more accessible and more mobile, we implemented a 1:1 iPad program. We
know that information is at our students’ fingertips, so a more student-centered
approach that allows easier access to that information is a key component in a
21st-century curriculum.
This year we introduced Schoology as our learning management system
(LMS) to make it easier for teachers to post assignments and provide
additional resources that create a virtual learning environment for our
students in support of the learning that takes place in the classroom.
While a couple of our courses have introduced the concept of “blended” classes,
which incorporate online lessons with face-to-face interaction with teachers and
classmates, perhaps the most exciting thing we’ve done recently is introduce
online courses that students take for college credit. The Early College Credit
program is offered via a partnership with College of the Siskiyous, and last
semester we had our first-ever online college students at Carondelet.
We introduced this as way for our students to attain college credit while still
in high school. These classes guide students through an introduction to a
college-level class that they can work through at their own pace, teaches
them to navigate the online education environment, and provides them with
skills that will carry over to their college experience. It also allows them to
save money down the road because there is no cost to students. Units are
directly transferrable to all UC and CSU schools and have been accepted by
the vast majority of other colleges, including out-of-state schools.
Twenty students have signed up for the spring semester offerings and classes
will be offered each semester, including summer. These are exciting times at
Carondelet and we are well positioned to support and expand these academic
innovations and provide more opportunities for our current and future students.
During the fall semester, six seniors took college-level Intro to
Sociology or General Psychology and here’s what they said:
Shaelyn McHugh ‘16
“Every week, as part of our assignment, my
classmates and I are given prompts to discuss
that relate with that week’s chapter. It is
extremely interesting to hear the perspectives
on sociological topics from such a diverse
group of people. I know I have benefited
greatly not only by challenging myself
academically, but also by opening my mind
to the opinions of the other students. This has
allowed me to grow exponentially as both an
informed student and a knowledgeable being.”
Fiona Dekker ‘16
“I have never taken a college course at
a community college or an online class
before, so for me it was a whole new
experience. Overall, I enjoyed learning
the material. It was helpful for me because
psychology is a class I had wanted to take
at Carondelet and couldn’t fit it into my
schedule. I would recommend it to anyone
who feels like they can take on one more
class that’s completed on their own time
before Sunday night.”
Summer School
2016 & Beyond
In an effort to provide year-round
opportunities for students and
prospective students, we are
eager to launch our second year
of summer school. While our
2015 summer session offered
fantastic classes for Carondelet
and De La Salle students who
needed extra help in core
classes, this year we’ll also
provide advancement courses,
bridge courses for middle
schoolers and sports camps.
Advancement/Enrichment
These classes will help
free up students’ fall and
spring schedules to provide
opportunities for other classes,
allowing students to earn more
credits toward graduation and
possibly early college credit.
Shorter bridge courses or
courses that will help students
transition to higher level course
work are also being explored.
Remediation
These courses help ensure that
students learn the concepts and
content in a class so they have
the proper scaffolding in place
to advance to the next level in a
subject area.
Middle School
Course work for middle school
students eases the transition to
high school and strengthens their
competence and confidence in
the areas of science, math and
writing. We are also exploring the
possibility of providing leadership
programs for young women on
campus this summer, with the help
of current Carondelet students.
Sports Camps
Athletics provide a wonderful
opportunity for girls to develop
their skill level in a variety
of sports and build their
confidence and teamwork. We
are exploring sports camps in
basketball, volleyball, running,
cheer and dance.
WINTER 2016 / 9
strategic initiative:
programs - the arts
Carondelet’s Visual and Performing Arts Department
challenges young women to think and look at the world
creatively and critically through an artistic lens. The
curriculum engages students to dynamically develop
and employ their artistic skills and talents in the
creation, presentation, and appreciation of art in realworld applications.
Last fall, several students were featured in our I Can & I
Will admissions campaign. Dancer Makenna Zimmerman
’16 was featured in one our postcard mailers. Some of our
choir students even voiced our radio ad, which aired on
local stations KKIQ and KKDV.
save the dates!
The Winton Arts Festival returns in April
April 7
Dance Showcase
April 29
Art Show
Choir and Band Concert
April 15-22Company presents Cinderella
(“steampunk” style!)
Carondeletter / 10
“I’ve been on Company for all of my time at
Carondelet and the experience never fails to
amaze me. I was on props crew for ‘You Can’t Take
It With You,’ and when you have to stay backstage
for as long as I do, you begin to really appreciate
the theater group for what it is. To me, Company is
like a big happy family.”
Jenica Garcia ‘17
“I love photography
because it allows
you to capture a
moment in time.
Every time you take
a photograph you
are creating
a memory you
can forever look
back on.”
Olivia Gieringer ‘16
strategic initiative:
programs - spiritual life
Our campus ministry program and Spiritual Life Council
are the foundation for many of the activities our students
do on and off campus. Each class has a retreat that is
geared specifically for them. These experiences deepen
the students’ bond with God and with each other,
strengthening the Carondelet sisterhood.
“The Shalom retreat gave me an opportunity to
connect with classmates I had never talked to
before, and reconnect with people I hadn’t talked
to in a while. I was able to relax for 24 hours and
learn that it’s ok to take a break. While on retreat,
I was able to get close to God, and understand
what my faith really means to me.”
“Kairos was an absolutely life changing experience
for me. Before I went on Kairos, I was struggling
to manage my crazy, busy life and I didn’t want to
admit I needed help. By going on Kairos, I found a
way to live in God’s time. I realized no matter what
is going on, I have a friend in God.”
Katie Vella ’16
Reilly Baker ‘17
“I needed Shalom in my life. I came back as a
more positive, relaxed, and faith-filled person. I
strengthened so many friendships and really felt
God’s presence during many of our activities. I
have noticed that after the retreat, I have been
happier despite all the stress that comes with
junior year. Thank you so much for this amazing
opportunity and I think every Junior should go!”
Anneliese Peterson ‘17
Mass of the Holy Spirit 2015
Spiritual Life Council students attended a worship hosted
by Catholic Charities of the East Bay called People
Organizing to Welcome Refugees (POWR).
WINTER 2016 / 11
strategic initiative:
campus master plan
New Vision
for Campus Design
Approved
Inspiring students to excellence
requires innovative teaching, exciting
extracurricular activities and a
positive learning environment that
goes beyond the classroom. Through
an all-new Campus Master Plan
approved in January by Carondelet’s
Board of Trustees, Carondelet aims
to create a truly inviting place for
students to gather, connect and build
community – even after the school
day has ended.
and meeting space that reflects
the moral and spiritual heart, which
guides the Carondelet community in
the Catholic faith.
3. STREAM Center: New hightech academic and arts classrooms
that promote hands-on teaching
and learning; allows for integrating
technologies, creativity, analytics and
design thinking.
The new Master Plan incorporates
priorities that were identified as
having the greatest impact and
transformative potential for inspiring,
educating and preparing the young
women of Carondelet throughout the
21st century – including the priority of
acquiring land to enable us to make
these enhancements possible.
RESOURCES
ADMIN
4
1A. Land acquisition for providing
an outdoor athletics complex
(see sidebar)
1B. Gymnasium renovation and
improvements that will positively
impact athletics and the
performing arts.
2. Chapel: To be built at the heart
of the campus as an active gathering
Carondeletter / 12
BLVD.
ADMIN
STUDENT
RESOURCES
ADMIN
FACULTY
ROOM
LIBRARY AND
MAKER SPACE
2
The key elements of the new Master
Plan include the following:
1. Athletics Facilities: To further
Carondelet’s excellent athletics
programs for developing student
athletes and supporting their
collegiate athletic aspirations. The
facilities would include:
With this comprehensive, thoughtful
and community- and expert-informed
Campus Master Plan, Carondelet is
re-imagining the infrastructure of
the campus while keeping its spirit
alive and vibrant as the school moves
into its next 50 years. The new and
renovated facilities will enhance
the educational experience, school
community, and the long-term future
of the school.
WINTON DR.
4. Student Commons and Welcome
Center: A renovation to the current
academic building aimed at creating
a safe and welcoming entrance to
the school; and bringing together
all student services, support, and
learning environments to enhance
student success and to strengthen
The current campus at 9 acres is
land-locked and less than half the size the student support community.
of other high school campuses. This
TREAT
has limited the school’s opportunity
to enhance and update Carondelet’s
educational environment in line with
the school’s mission, and hinders
delivering program excellence across
academics, athletics and the arts and
the spiritual and social connections
that strengthen the sense of
CLASSROOMS
ADMINISTRATION
& STUDENT
sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.
Each project associated with the
campaign will be prudently launched
as funding is secured and when
Carondelet has full confidence that
each component can be constructed
and completed in a timely fashion
with as little disruption as possible to
normal campus activities.
ART
CLASS
ROOM
CHAPEL
THEATER/
DANCE/
CHORAL
CLASSROOMS
1B
GYM
ATHLETIC
SUPPORT
ATHLETIC
SUPPORT
ART
CLASS
ROOM
3
LAB
LAB
1A. LAND ACQUISITION
Eureka!
cougars to
acquire land
Acquiring additional land for a
satellite campus has been a top
priority of our Campus Master Plan.
As most Bay Area residents know,
real estate is hot and properties
don’t stay on the market long.
When Carondelet learned in the fall
of 2015 that ClubSport Valley Vista
was up for sale, the administration
moved quickly to meet with the
sellers and ink a deal that would
provide the school with six more
acres of land.
Already home to the Cougars’
tennis team, the Walnut Creek club
is located off of Oak Grove Road,
just two-and-a-half miles away from
Carondelet. By making some modifications to the existing property,
we plan to provide outdoor athletics fields
and training facilities for
February 2016
our student athletes who compete
in outdoor sports - tennis, soccer,
softball, lacrosse and water sports.
Not to Scale
After 50 years, our students will
finally have their own “home turf”
and a place to compete, gather,
socialize and build upon our sisterhood. We are brainstorming a wide
range of possibilities for this new
site, including academic support
and tutoring, spiritual retreats, and
any number of other possibilities to
make this acquisition a true expansion of our school and the experience we offer our students.
Carondelet is eager to partner with
the surrounding community to enable local youth organizations and
current club members to continue
to use this facility. While our hope is
to close on this property as soon as
possible, there is a period of time,
currently being worked out with the
City of Walnut Creek, to proceed
through the City’s planning process
and to provide us the opportunity
to conduct our own due diligence
to ensure this property will truly
meet our school’s needs. We
anticipate broad support from the
community and we are hopeful that
we can finalize the acquisition in a
reasonable time period and complete the necessary modifications
to guarantee our young women
their own home turf.
WINTER 2016 / 13
strategic initiative:
programs - athletics
The Next Chapter
By Caitlin Lawson ’05,
Athletic Director
and Stanford University psychologist
Carol Dweck’s work on the growth
mindset – the idea that ability can
be developed through dedication
and hard work, not just innate talent.
When coaches and parents reward
Carondelet is no stranger to success. athletes’ industriousness, skill and
In our 50-year history, we have
confidence, our athletes are inspired
competed for more than 40 league
to work toward growth and success
championships, 22 North Coast
with a champion’s mindset.
Section championships, and two
Core Value 2: Excellence
state titles. In addition, all of our
Athletics is no longer “just” an
recognized North Coast Section
extra-curricular or after-school
programs have earned Distinguished
activity—it is another facet of our
Scholastic honors by earning a
college-preparatory education
combined 3.0 GPA or higher during
and the holistic Carondelet
their season of sport, proving that
experience. We see our coaches
our cougar athletes are as confident
as teachers, and we are working to
in the classroom as they are on the
provide meaningful professional
playing field. Since our founding,
development opportunities to help
the Carondelet athletics program
ensure coaching excellence. This
has created a tradition of excellence
spring, we are hosting our inaugural
unmatched by our competitors. We
Coaches Academy, where our
engage approximately 500 female
coaching staff will come together
student athletes who embody heart,
for a day-long workshop. The
faith and courage on the playing
day’s theme is “Making Excellence
field, on the sideline, and in the
a Habit,” and will be centered
classroom. With the support of 57
on a Positive Coaching Alliance
coaches who have a combined total
presentation that focuses on mastery
of more than 190 years of head
of the sport, filling emotional tanks
coaching experience, our programs
and honoring the game.
continue to reach new heights.
Core Value 3: Citizenship
From this solid foundation, we are
We see our student athletes and
now taking a strategic look at our
coaches as leaders within and
programs to ensure that our student
beyond the Carondelet community.
athletes and our shared pride and
Summer camps and seasonal clinics
sense of purpose continue to thrive.
With our four core values as a guide,
we are honoring our legacy while
taking Carondelet athletics into its
next 50 years.
Core Value 1: Character
Legendary basketball coach John
Wooden believed leadership is
a learned skill. Leadership is just
one of the many positive attributes
developed through sport, and
Carondelet’s coaches and parents
are working to make character
development a part of our daily
conversations with student athletes.
Through our redesigned Player of
the Week initiative, coaches are
praising athletes’ process, not the
outcome of their efforts. This small
but significant change lines up with
Coach Wooden’s work on success
Carondeletter / 14
for our own Cougar athletes as
well as for middle school girls in
our community sit at the top of our
priority list. The purpose of these
camps will be two-fold — to serve as
opportunities for our own athletes
to hone their athletic skills, and to
provide our athletes with hands-on
leadership opportunities as they
help organize and implement camps
and clinics for younger students.
Core Value 4: Pride
We know our personal and team
efforts and sense of purpose add
to the pride we share as a
community. This year, we are
celebrating athletes, past and
present, as we focus on continued
Cougar pride. The athletic
department is hosting several
alumnae receptions to
honor our rich legacy. In addition to
alumnae outreach, we are honoring
current athletes by hosting oncampus seasonal award nights
for our teams, congratulating our
college-bound athletes in schoolwide recognition ceremonies and
boosting our social media presence.
By celebrating our sisterhood, we
continue to foster pride and build
relationships within and beyond the
Carondelet community.
New Athletic Director Caitlin Lawson ’05 played volleyball for Carondelet and
went on to play Division 1 volleyball for Pepperdine University.
Carondelet Cougar
Roars to Life
with Fresh New Look
From conquistador to cougar,
Carondelet’s mascot has evolved
over the last 50 years, but one thing
remains constant – it’s strong, elegant,
courageous and proud.
Unveiled for the start of the 2015-16
school year, the new look of the cougar
mascot – a sleek, majestic, bounding
cat – also demonstrates the forward
movement, unlimited possibility, and
power of Carondelet’s incredible
community of students and alumnae.
The new cougar pays tribute to the hard
work and dedication of Carondelet’s
student athletes, coaches and fans, and
highlights the importance of women’s
sports, which can increase girls’
confidence, teamwork, leadership skills
and their commitment to academics.
Varsity Athletes
Commit to Collegiate Sports
Every year high school athletes who commit to playing collegiate sports for a particular university have the
option of signing a National Letter of Intent to play for that school. At Carondelet’s ceremonies in November
and February, 11 students signaled their intent to continue their athletic career in college.
Sierra Blair Arizona State University, Softball
Nicole Hitomi UC Riverside, Tennis
Giovannah Webb Yale University, Softball
Jade Rafallo Portland State, Soccer
Samantha Coloma University of Missouri, Swimming
Maddy Duncan Purdue, Soccer
Malorie Han Northwestern, Swimming
Kaylie Collins USC, Soccer
Madelyn Murphy UC Berkeley, Swimming
Brooke Cilley Michigan, Soccer
Kelsey Witkay Florida Atlantic University, Swimming
especially life after college. Third, I learned how to be
mentally tough and be successful when faced with adversity
or pressure. I had so much fun and it taught me so much
and prepared me for life in college as well as after college.
What’s been the best part about Holy Cross and/or
playing volleyball at Holy Cross?
My favorite thing about Holy Cross is the community. The
people here are awesome: hard-working, genuine, and
kind. As a student-athlete, I definitely feel supported by the
athletic department and other athletic teams. There is a lot
of school spirit and pride here, which made my transition to
college really easy.
Catching up
Alum Athlete, Allie Barry ‘15
What’s your favorite class that you’re taking?
My favorite class so far is a philosophy course called Beyond
the Obvious: Symbolism. Right now we are learning about
mythology and symbolism throughout history — it’s so
interesting! Also, everyone in my class lives on my dorm, so
it’s a great way to get to know the people in my building.
What advice would you give to Carondelet
student athletes who are working to play in college?
A California-native and Carondelet grad, Allie Barry ’15 is
Do what you love; love what you do. Work as hard as you
playing volleyball for College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, can in doing what you’re passionate about in order to
MA. We caught up with her recently to find out how she’s
achieve your goals. Getting recruited and preparing for
adjusting to life in college.
college athletics is no easy task. If it is what you truly want,
put your whole heart into it and work to the best of your
What did playing a high school sport teach you?
ability on and off the court. Your hard work and dedication
Playing a high school sport taught me a lot of things. First,
will most definitely pay off!
I definitely learned how to manage my time. At an
academically challenging and demanding school like
Who would you like to give a special shout-out to back
Carondelet, I had to be disciplined and utilize every
at Carondelet?
second in order to excel both in the classroom and on the
Hmm… this is such a tough question because I loved so
court. Second, it taught me how to work as a team. This
many of my teachers at Carondelet… but I especially miss
skill translates into the classroom and the workplace, and
Mr. Silveira and Sister Joann!
Alumnae Athletes Reunite
Cheer on Current Teams
To honor the legacy of Carondelet athletics and reconnect
with our alumnae who played sports in high school, our
Athletics Department has been hosting receptions for
former players to get together and, in some cases, cheer on
our current teams. Our cross country alumnae had a latesummer fun run Aug. 22 at Heather Farm Park in Walnut
Creek; our volleyball alum reunited on Oct. 22; our soccer
alum met up on Jan. 2 for a super-fun scrimmage and
brunch; and our basketball alum cheered on our current
team in a game against Amador Valley on Feb. 12. We can’t
wait to host more alum from other sports!
Carondeletter / 16
Fall 2015
Fall 2015
Carondelet Cougar North Coast
Award Winners
Section
Sportsmanship
These athletes embody the mission,
Award Winners
vision, and values of the Athletics
Department. They are confident and
accomplished young women who
consistently pursue the highest levels
of excellence. They are leaders on
and off the playing field, and their
clear sense of purpose has helped to
grow their program and the game.
Cross Country Nicole Amberg ‘16
Golf Angela Bagasbas ‘16
Tennis Courtney Sheffield ‘16
Volleyball Shaelyn McHugh ‘16
Water Polo Kate Madigan ‘17
Sportsmanship is generosity and
genuine concern for others and one
of the primary goals of educational
athletics. It is a measure of the
understanding and commitment to
fair play, ethical behavior, respect for
all spectators and participants present
at high school athletic activities, and,
above all, uncompromising integrity.
These young women proved to be
ambassadors of our school and
through their sportsmanship, they
are living out the mission of our
department and our school.
Tennis Alexandra Baldacci ‘17
Water Polo Hannah Burness ‘18
Volleyball Lauren Barry ‘17
Golf Angela Bagasbas ‘16
Cross Country Anna Raines ‘18
2015 Fall Season
by the numbers
128 Athletes
49 Freshmen
32 Sophomores
42 Juniors
13 Seniors
80 North Coast Section (NCS)
Scholar Athletes
(3.5 or above, unweighted during
season of sport)
All 5 teams were NCS
Distinguished Scholastic
Teams (3.0 or above combined
GPA, unweighted, during season
of sport)
Top 3 Team GPAs:
1. Varsity Cross Country - 3.72
2. Varsity Tennis - 3.57
3. Varsity Water Polo - 3.56
1 East Bay Athletic League
Champion Team
Golf and perfect league record
(14-0)
1 NCS Champion Team
Golf (394 18-hole combined
score)
1 Individual
NCS Champion
Golf, Angela Bagasbas ‘16
(Even Par 72)
All 5 Fall teams represented
by a team or individual in the
NCS playoffs.
Golf tied for 2nd in Nor Cal and
took 5th in the State overall.
1 League and Carondelet
School Record Broken
Golf with a 9-hole combined
score of 182 (broke the previous
record of 183)
We were proud to honor our fall athletes at a special sports awards ceremony.
11 All-League Selections
(2 Tennis, 2 Volleyball, 3 Water
Polo, 4 Golf)
WINTER 2016 / 17
strategic initiative:
programs - service
Serving
God’s Children
By Hanna Eidson ‘16
When we chose our community
service sites for Gospels in
Action, I signed up for a local
elementary school where we
work with children who have
extreme special needs. On
my first day I had no idea what to expect and I was a
bit scared. When I first walked into the classroom, I
was overwhelmed. There were about six kids, all in
wheelchairs and some with braces on their legs. Most
don’t know how to communicate verbally and only one
Students Receive
Jefferson Awards
for Community Service
Seven students received Jefferson Awards in
November for their outstanding community
service and commitment to volunteerism. The
Jefferson Awards Foundation is a national
organization that bestows the country’s most
prestigious and longest standing public service
award with a significant focus on young people.
Karina Rosselli ’18, Niquole Marquez ’18, Julia Stark
’16 and Sydney Tshimbalanga ’16 received the
Special Project Award.
Isabella Book ’16, Lillian Cheeks ’17 and Emma
Walsh ’16 received the Continuous Service Award.
These recipients have devoted their time and
energy to fulfilling the Carondelet mission of
inspiring excellence and living with heart, faith and
courage in the Catholic tradition and spirit of the
Sisters of St. Joseph. Congratulations, ladies!
can talk. None of them can move on their own and
some need breathing tubes to help them get enough
oxygen. I had no idea how to handle the kids as I had
never worked with special needs children before.
However, I kept an open mind and an open heart, and I
quickly became more comfortable with the children.
There was one student named David* and recently I
had a very special moment with him. David is a very
anxious boy and he doesn’t like a lot of noise. He
often plugs his ears, shakes his leg, continuously rubs
his hand over his head, and cries. One day when the
Carondelet volunteers arrived, the teachers told us
David had been having a bad day and asked us to
try to calm him down. We began playing with some
of the other children and I asked David if he wanted
to play. I handed him toys and blocks, but he kept
pushing them away and began crying. I remembered
that the day before we read a book during circle time
and he was very into it. I decided to read to David
in an attempt to calm him down. David immediately
stopped crying and looked at the book very intently.
He turned the pages with me and I could tell he really
enjoyed the book. The teacher came over and said,
“Wow! You really calmed him down. You must have
the magic touch.” I could feel God’s presence during
this moment. I felt like I had I really made a difference
in David’s day and I had finally realized my purpose at
the school, which is to become a stronger follower of
God and a more accepting person.
This was also the moment I realized my call to service.
I have always enjoyed helping others, but this situation
has really inspired me to do it more often. Through
working at this school I have learned to not judge
others based on their appearance or abilities. Everyone
is a child of God and God wants us to help others,
especially those in need. These moments truly open
our eyes and hearts to God and help us grow into
kinder individuals as well as help us to build a stronger
community among all of God’s children.
* The student’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
earth day
service opportunity
Carondelet High
School and the City of
Concord are partnering
for a unique service
opportunity on April 23
in honor of Earth Day.
Visit Carondelet’s website
for more information on
how you can get involved.
Carondeletter / 18
Calling to Service
Yields Rewarding
Career
When she graduated from Carondelet
in 1997, Kyle Cotter Fredrickson had
accumulated hundreds of services
hours at retirement homes in the East
Bay, but she had no idea that experience
would lead to a professional career in gerontology. Now the
executive director of Carlton Senior Living Plaza in Davis, Calif.,
Kyle said serving the aging population is her calling.
“This is what God wants me to do with my life. I didn’t
realize it at the time, but how could I not?” she said.
“Assisted living is where my heart is. People live here.
You’re a part of their lives and they’re a part of your family.”
Although her grandmother served as the director of
nurses for homes in Pleasant Hill and introduced Kyle
Peace Corps Day
Established in 1961, the Peace Corps sends American
volunteers abroad to “work at the grassroots level to
develop sustainable solutions that address challenges
in agriculture, community economic development,
education, environment, health, and youth development.”
On March 3, Carondelet students met with alumnae who have
served in the U.S. Peace Corps and learned about the Peace
Corps’ mission and goals, where volunteers serve in the world,
the various sectors volunteers work, and how to apply.
to this type of work, it was Sister Dorothy Stack’s, CSJ,
Gospels in Action class that enabled her to do the fun stuff.
“They trained me as an activities director and I had an
affinity for that,” she said, noting that many of the residents
had late stage dementia and Alzheimer’s. “We would run
sensory programs to try to connect with them through
music, crafts and hand massages.”
She was so fond of Gospels in Action that when Kyle
became the assistant executive director at Atria Walnut
Creek, she reached out to Carondelet to develop a
partnership that continues today. The student volunteers
visit with the residents, who often want to impart their
wisdom on younger generations. “Sometimes having a
friendly face to talk to makes all the difference,” Kyle said.
The aging population is growing rapidly in the United
States – a phenomenon known as the “silver tsunami”
– and, as a result, the field of gerontology will continue
growing. The career possibilities are plenty, Kyle said.
From nursing and social work to recreation and finance,
there are many avenues to working with elders.
As executive director at Carlton, Kyle is responsible for
maintaining the quality and service of the community in
addition to making sure the business is financially viable. “I
look at it as being the steward over not only the business,
but also over the residents’ and my staff’s lives – keeping
the quality of their life great.”
“It’s so rewarding,” she said. “Everybody is going to get
old. Working with our elderly today is going to set us up to
be better prepared for when our time comes.”
Alumnae, including current Carondelet English teacher
Pamela Erickson ’93, shared their personal experiences as
volunteers, what motivated them to join the organization,
what they learned from the experience and how their
service has shaped their personal and professional life.
Pamela, who served as a maternal/child health Peace
Corps volunteer in Morocco, is eager to help foster new
connections between alumnae and current students.
“I would really like to see more opportunities for our
amazing alumnae to share their educational, career, and
life experiences with current students who would greatly
benefit from their guidance and mentoring,” Pamela said.
If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer and would
like to add your name to our list of alumnae who have
served in the Peace Corps, please contact Pamela at
perickson@carondeleths.org.
Frosh Service Day
Earlier this year our entire freshman class was introduced
to the Carondelet tradition of “serving the dear neighbor.”
At our inaugural Frosh Service Day on Oct. 14
students had an opportunity to see what it’s like to
serve at many of the places our older students have
been helping for years and to reflect on how they can
be of service now and in the future.
Our Carondelet students have long been known for their
generous service to the wider community. Freshmen
had the chance to experience this first-hand by serving
local schools, senior homes and nonprofit organizations
including: Monument Crisis Center, Shelter Inc.,
St. Martin de Porres School, St. Elizabeth School,
Woodside Elementary, Fair Oaks Elementary, Grace
Healthcare/Oak Park, Chateau III and White Pony Express.
“It was inspirational to see so many people volunteering
at (Monument Crisis Center) and how far their efforts can
go to benefit the larger community,” said Taylor Rezek ‘19.
WINTER 2016 / 19
strategic initiative:
relationships
Parent Association
Hosts Educational Events
By Carolyn Rebuffel Flannery,
Parent Association President
The Parent Association has recently reorganized itself
and expanded its scope to engage more parents and
provide educational opportunities to benefit parents
of teens.
Here are some new things the Parent Association
Board is doing to bring the Carondelet community
closer together:
• Creating a parent class representative committee
• Revamping and expanding scholarship offerings
• Organizing events, like the annual crab feed, to raise
engagement and funds
• E xpanding welcoming events for new parents and
new students to continue creating a more inclusive
community
• O ffering parent education events and bringing
Carondelet parents together at monthly meetings
• Partnering with De La Salle on educational events and
speaker engagements for parents of both schools
• Working with the administration to find new
opportunities to bolster student programs
Since the beginning of the 2015-16 school year,
the Parent Association’s meetings have included a
variety of guest speakers to provide up-to-the-minute
information about what’s happening in each of these
facets of campus life. Speakers have included: new
principal Kevin Cushing, Director of Student Life Joseph
Silveira, Director of Student Success Liz Paz-Rumore, JD,
Athletic Director Caitlin Lawson ’05, Director of Campus
Ministry Lacy Matthews and the newest member of the
Carondelet administrative team, Director of Technology,
Innovation, and Information Services, Elizabeth
Chaponot, PhD.
This winter, the Association hosted a special workshop
about how parents can help their children safely
navigate social media and protect their online identity.
Carondelet High School’s
Annual Golf Tournament
Swing for
Science
Monday, April 25, 2016
Diablo Country Club, Diablo
www.carondelet.net/golf
Carondeletter / 20
strategic initiative:
philanthropy
Christmas Wish
Comes True
Carondelet’s Christmas wish came
true this year thanks to our Visions
of Christmas guests who raised their
paddles during the fund-a-need to
help raise funds for the purchase of
our first school vans! As a result of
your generosity, Carondelet will be
purchasing two vehicles.
With 800 busy students on the go,
involved in a myriad of activities, the
school needs transportation! The
vans will:
• Take students on field trips to
experience what we’re learning in
the classroom in the real world
• Get our extra-curricular clubs
like Model UN and Robotics to
competitions and outside events
• Allow students to participate in
community service opportunities
• Transport our athletes to games
and tournaments
There are so many options for how
we will use the vans throughout the
Designer
Visions
Seniors Nicole Bustamonte and
Emma Walsh debuted their beautiful
designs at the Visions of Christmas
fashion show. The two have been
interested in fashion design for many
years and are eager to pursue this
passion in college.
Visions
of Christmas
Drawing Trees
school year. They will be in constant
demand and directly impact our
student experience.
Having school-owned vans will
make these opportunities easier
for students to access, cut down on
vehicle rental expenses currently,
and relieve parents of transportation
burdens. The vans will be used by
many groups on campus including
- campus ministry, athletics,
leadership and more. And just for
an extra touch of school spirit…
the vans will sport our Carondelet
cougar logo!
Thank you to our many generous
Visions of Christmas donors who
made this possible.
“I have been designing with a
private studio since Freshman year.
I’ve always had a love for fashion
and art. I love the idea that I can
come up with anything and watch
it come to life! [As for a career,]
I’m thinking of pursuing journalism
and covering the fashion industry.”
We’d like to recognize and thank
the generosity and creativity of
our amazing Visions Tree donors.
The excitement and funds raised
by their participation is an
integral part of these Visions of
Christmas Events.
Congratulations to our lucky
winners — what an exciting time
it was when the winners were
finally drawn!
Christmas and Cabernet
Merrie Jo Campbell
Santa’s Grand Slam
Sarah Henry Walsh ‘80
Nutcracker Suite
Elizabeth Coyne Ringbom ‘79
A Few of Our Favorite Things
Caroline Edwards
Tech the Halls
Maybelline Dizon ‘92 and
Dr. Kevin Miller
Thank you
to our sponsors
for 2015 Visions
of christmas
Nicole Bustamonte ‘16
© Studio One Photography
WINTER 2016 / 21
strategic initiative:
board of trustees
Welcome
New Board Members!
In 2015 Carondelet welcomed three new members to its
Board of Trustees. The Board has been very active over
the last year, approving the school’s five-year strategic
plan, creating new committees, and finding new ways to
help Carondelet continue to thrive.
in Oakland. Barbara’s three daughters and two
granddaughters are all Carondelet alumnae.
“My daughters and granddaughters have all
greatly benefited, from the academic education
they received at Carondelet and from the Catholic
education in faith and service.”
{
Sister Barbara Anne
Stowasser, CSJ, has spent her
Michael McKeon currently serves
life of service in education and
as the Assistant Vice Provost and
health care. She was a teacher
Dean of Admissions at Saint Mary’s
and administrator in Southern
College of California. Mike has spent
California before moving to
his career managing enrollment for
Arizona, where she served as
colleges and universities on both
executive director of a freecoasts. Through his work at Saint
standing medical and dental
Mary’s and Seattle University, he has
clinic serving the uninsured.
worked closely with Carondelet and
She has also spent many years providing religious
has enjoyed his relationship with
leadership for the Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet’s
school’s college and career counselors.
Provincial Council.
“While the father of two sons, I admire that Carondelet
“The work of the Carondelet administration
provides women not only an intellectually rigorous faithand faculty has always impressed me, and the
based academic environment, but the opportunity for
presentations made to the Provincial Council during
them to develop strong self confidence in their identity
my time on the council were inspiring. The graduates
as women and to come to recognize their gifts, strengths
of Carondelet are certainly examples that the CSJ
and potential for leadership.”
mission is alive and well.”
{
Barbara Piepho has supported
Carondelet for decades with
her time, talent and treasure.
Barbara’s professional background
includes a 20-year career working
in finance and administration in
schools, including a position as
Vice President for Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial
Officer for Samuel Merritt University
In Memoriam
Jacquelin Lee Baggett, mother of Susan ‘77
Kathleen Brown ‘82
Jeanette Buscaglia, mother of Mary Jane ’75
John Cardoza, longtime Carondelet educator and
former assistant principal
James Edward Carey, father of Kate Carey,
Carondelet faculty
Adra Chizmar, mother of Lisay ‘94
Edward George Elste Jr, father of Donna Elste ’80
and Lea ‘85
Carondeletter / 22
Board of Directors
Tom Bobich
Patricia Brighton ‘69
John D’Amico
Robert Fahlman
Sr. Mina Gaskell, CSJ
Ann Magovern
Michael McKeon
Schon Messier
Brian Mulligan, Chair
Sr. Ann Patricia O’Connor, CSJ
Barbara Piepho
Sr. Barbara Anne Stowasser, CSJ
Olga Ferrando, mother of Tina ’74
Brenda Francis ’81, sister of Veronica ’75, Deirdre ’80,
Eleanor ’83, Mary ’84 and Teresa ‘85
Jeralyn Fuqua, sister-in-law of Karla Lesnjak ’89, aunt of
Lauren Hill ’16
Mary Candida Garaventa, Carondelet Benefactor,
mother of Marie (Cookie) ’69, Louisa ’73, Linda ’79;
grandmother of Nicole Adler ’99, Angelina Adler ’02,
Andrea Binswanger ’00, Daniella Colvis ‘04, Gianna
Colvis ’14 and Katherine (Katie) Garaventa ‘15
James Gerard, father of Mary Anne ‘87
Gary Glassford, stepfather of Bonnie Cotter,
Carondelet president
Alumnae Updates
Leslie Klinger ‘74
In December 2015, I celebrated my
60th birthday and decided to throw
myself a milestone party. Rather
than presents, I wanted to start my
celebration of The Jubilee Year of
Mercy by using the party to raise
money for the Stockton Animal
Shelter. I chose the shelter because it was through that
wonderful organization that I found my fur baby, Shaw’s
Rob Roy MacDuff - “Robbie the Rescue Scottie.” I asked
my friends to donate $10 toward the shelter, which
found a matching donor and said that all funds raised
would be put toward a new X-ray machine for the site.
My wonderful friends donated over $1,000 in my name
and in honor of Robbie! With the matching donor, the
shelter is now $2,000 closer to the goal of an on-site
X-ray machine for the animals who are brought there
injured and in need of forever homes.
Emily Bell ‘99
I recently began a new position with Morrison Child and
Family Services, the largest children’s mental health
provider in Portland, Oregon, as the Clinical Electronic
Health Records Trainer. I previously worked for 4 years
in Morrison’s psychiatric day treatment for children ages
3-9 as the Intake Coordinator and Family Therapist. My
husband Taylor and I are looking forward to welcoming
our first child in April 2016. It’s a girl!
Ashley Core ‘02
On Oct. 24, 2015, Ashley married
Sean Mosconi, at Vine Hill House in
Sebastopol. Standing alongside her
in her wedding party was Megan
Murphy ‘02, and Scott Smith (DLS
‘02) said grace prior to dinner.
Interestingly, she got the idea from
her Salesforce colleague Alison
Routh ‘04 for the venue site, as Alison got married there
in 2014. The couple lives and works in San Francisco with
their two cats, Waffles and Mr. Furley.
Rita Encarnacion-Malixi ’03
Rita and her husband Christopher
welcomed their first child, Elizabeth
Marianne, in September.
Lacey Lampe ‘98 and Regina
(Foster) Pron ‘85 worked together
for months before realizing they both
graduated from Carondelet! Lacey is
the Accounting Manager and Regina
the Media Director at advertising
agency The Delivery Agent in
Denver, Colorado.
Carondelet and De La Salle Celebrate Grand Reunion
In September 2015, eight classes celebrated their
reunion with three days of fun events on campus.
Featuring a lunch with students, a rally, a mass, a
family barbeque and a night of dinner, dancing and
reconnecting, the Grand Reunion was great fun. It
was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. Thank
you to the alum from the classes of 1970, 1975, 1980,
1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 for making this event
so special. To see more photos from the event, visit
Carondelet.net/alumnae.
Richard Kelley, father of Nancy ’76, Tricia ’81 and Maura
’97; grandfather of Katie Libby ’00, Rachel Libby Gensler
‘05 and Samantha Sherry ’15
Carol Martin ’82, sister of Terri ’75, Debbie ’77, Denise
‘79, Michelle ‘84 and Renee ‘86
Joan Palmer Mendes, mother of Elizabeth ‘78, (Sam and
Lance DLS); grandmother of Jenna ’09 and Madalyn ‘13
Patricia McLeod ’79, sister of Joan ‘85
Marilyn McNamee, mother of Joan ‘69
Robert Mimiaga, father of Carol ’79, Judith ’81, Ann ’84,
Jennifer ’88; grandfather of Allison Davis ‘12
John Mosunic, father of Joan ’84 and Karen ‘80
Walter Mozdean, father of Margaret ’94, Heather ’95 and
MaryBeth ’97
Joseph Pehanick, father of Alice ’77, Jamie ’84, Jennifer ’81
and Noel ‘78
Bruce Pekari, father of Lorraine ’83 and Corine ‘87
Linda Riniker ‘73
Mark Siekierski (DLS ‘97), brother of Barbara ‘94
Winifred Spurs, mother of Dr. Beverly ’75 and Gillian ’77
Jeffrey Stich, father of Brittany ‘06
Claire Sullivan, mother of Shannon ’04 and Jennifer ‘07
Larry Thompson, father of Carol ‘83
WINTER 2016 / 23
1133 Winton Drive
Concord, California
94518-3598
925.686.5353
www.carondelet.net
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Additional copies are also available in the
School's Main Office.
Please email any address corrections
to msimmons@carondeleths.org.
save the date
May 6
50th Anniversary Celebration
July 16
Classes of 1986 & 2006 Reunions
July 30
Classes of 1976 & 1996 Reunions
Nov 26
Class of 2011 Reunion
NON-Profit ORG. Presort STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CARONDELET HIGH SCHOOL